Bitten

I've been bitten, once again, by the design bug. Rather than explain away, I think I need to just post some of the pieces that I'm coveting right now. As I dream about a future home, these are some looks I love:

First, impractical but amazing from Pieces in Atlanta:

This would look beautiful bedside:


Something glamorous to work by:


A pop of color:


I read today that Coco Chanel hung all her necklaces from a bust. Fabulous.



Stepping away from this dream-like design utopia, one of my favorite inspirational blogs is called Elements of Style. The author's bedroom (located in Boston) looks like this:

Though it's not exactly the look I would be going for, her general style fits so well with mine. The only thing I don't love about this particular room are the two prints above the bed. But she does an amazing job of mixing modern and traditional, splashing in color with neutrals, and she isn't afraid to take chances.

Another new find by both my sisters is Nadeau, self-proclaimed "furniture with a soul." Now this is something I can get into. Easier on the wallet, but some of the pieces really have some personality. Each location has slightly different pieces, so I hope to get to the Atlanta store soon to check out some of the goodies for myself.

The Journey

I know. I've been MIA. Honestly, I haven't been inspired to write anything here. Hubby and I have been in a back-and-forth battle with ourselves this summer, mostly about our future(s). Where will we go from here? Hubby has been searching for the perfect job for months. We've been patient, but we have also been unable to live in the moment. Do you know what I mean? We have been so focused on what the future will hold that we have neglected our lives here and now. It's tiring.

That's why I love my blogs. The people I follow bring me inspiration when I'm down and when I feel like I have nothing to say or contribute. I've already told you about Christine Mason Miller. Today it is her beautiful wallpaper and her message that "The important parts of every journey are the moments we stay still."

Who brings you inspiration?

Dancing...

Many of you know that I grew up dancing, and here are two reasons why I still love it today:

1. When performed well, a dance has the ability to become a shared experience that goes deeper than words. This performance from Wednesday night's "So You Think You Can Dance" was one of the most moving I've ever seen.

(Dedicated to those touched by breast cancer).

2. Can you think of a better way to celebrate marrying the person you love? I love this processional:


I hope to see more of this... you know who you are! (P.S. I'm happy to choreograph...)

Patience and Practice

You may remember that last summer I took a few classes in calligraphy. High aspirations, right? Well, more than a few months later, I've put it to practice. What do you think? Should I keep it up?

Summertime Meals

Most of you know that hubby and I love cooking together, so I wanted to share some of our latest culinary adventures with you. Summer is one of the best times to try new recipes and new tastes. We love visiting the Dekalb Co. Farmers Market in Atlanta for their fresh fruits and veggies.

First we made a yummy spinach pesto-stuffed salmon, then we had sister over for pork tenderloin with mango salsa and blackberry syrup (the only part that didn't turn out was the "syrup," which was more of a crunchy burnt crisp).




Hubby made my fave cherry pie:




When I decided that I wanted to try and make some chicken salad, I looked no further than the lovely Southern ladies of Vestavia Hills.



I started with some fresh grapes and celery and roasted chicken breasts.



Add fresh tomatoes and it's a good summertime lunch!




By request, hubby also made his famous lasagna for a second time. Perfect, again!