nest egg

Can you hold this up for me?

 

 

That last one really does trump all. Dave forgot to tell me he was a former trapeze artist. 

 

I'll be back soon. Apparently I've been busy being bossy.

 

Life...

has caught up with me. 

I tend to stay busy and caught up in my daily hectic routine- we all do. It takes a funeral, a wedding, the birth of a child, to put things in perspective. There have been several of these moments this past month--where I've had to put work on hold and be with loved ones. But it's good for all of us to to be reminded of what is really important. 

One of my best friends in the world lost her dad this past week. I went down to Birmingham to be with her at this huge turning point in her life... It was definitely a reality check. It reminded me of how each day with the people I love is truly a gift. God has bigger plans for us than checking emails all day and worrying about our haunting 'to do' lists. We should do our best to live FULLY as if each day is our last.

Around the same time back in Nashville another close friend gave birth to a perfect baby girl. Her name is Carolyn...

(If the sequence of these events doesn't make you want to hold up a lion cub and belt out Elton's Circle of Life I don't know what does.)

It was beautiful and sad all at the same time. 

A few days later Hoyt and I celebrated our fourth year of marriage. FOUR. It seems weird to say that out loud.. I feel like it was just yesterday I met him in a bar-he was wearing adidas flip flops WITH black socks and his hair was sticking straight up. (True story) Granted, it was after he raced his bike but that's a minor detail. Also the fact that I fell for him in that attire is another minor detail. 

Our wedding was the best day of my life.

And by far the most fun!

My face hurt for weeks after our wedding because I smiled and laughed so much. But more importantly, I married my best friend. 

(I am full of one-liners tonight... just roll with it.) 

 For our anniversary we went on a date and had dinner at Margot, one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. It reminded me that I need to spend more time doing just that. 

Considering you all are apparently dog lovers I think you need a puppy update.

Finn is growing up!! Y'all wouldn't believe it! (cue lion king, again)

I just looked at the pictures I posted of him a month ago and wanted to cry. 

Remember when I talked about this sad face? 

Same face, 2 months later...

Do kids grow up this fast? Because if so I'm in trouble. 

 Finn has turned out to be one sweet dog. Sure, he completely butchers our hands, feet, and any possession. And we've already had our share of ER vet visits that involved subcutaneous fluids..

(He's okay now.)

But after that vet visit I'm finding it even harder to turn down a face like this in the mornings...That floppy ear does me in. 

So without further ado I'd like to introduce you to RH Design's latest intern...

He is great with construction workers, answering the door, and testing the durability of fabric samples.

(check out the latest from Schumacher! Love.)

While we are on the subject of work...

I got lots of emails and comments asking the details of the last project I posted. I'm so glad you like how the house is turning out! Although I can't share everything (in fairness to my clients) I put alot of details on Pinterest. You can find info in the captions of each picture. Click here to follow "my work" on pinterest. 

I have a few blog posts lined up for this week so don't go too far.

Here's to life, lessons,... and lifting up lion cubs. 

France Answers (Franswers)

The title of this post explains a lot about me.

a) I think it's funny.

b) I talk really fast- so in real life it probably does sound like Franswers.

c) The thoughts in my head run together, often merging and creating NEW thoughts.

d) I entertain myself with these things and quickly deRAIL. 

Where was I?

France Answers:
Thank you so much for your kind comments! Keeping honest- When I share a lot on the blog I sometimes wake up feeling.. sheepish. Like- oh no, maybe I shouldn't have included my dad doing a JIG. But your comments remind me that y'all actually like reading my weird commentary… and that makes it all worth while. So thank you for your feedback- it means a lot. 

I thought I'd answer a few frequently asked questions. 

 I love your boots! Where did you get them?

Thanks. I love them too. And I'm about to give you an answer that is just as annoying as "I got them abroad."… They're vintage. 

But the good news is: they are from Imogene and Willie in Nashville.

If you've never been to their store, you need to go. They are friends of mine- (actually I've had a crush on them since the moment I walked in and then I just forced them into being our friends. It worked.) But seriously, it's one of the coolest stores in Nashville… and home of hundreds of vintage boots and jeans. A few months back I did a last minute photo shoot with them, sporting their Chambray dress. They put me in some of their vintage boots they had lying around and I would not. could not. take them off. 

So they went home with me. 

They have plenty of vintage ones- all shapes and sizes. Give them a ring and they'll hook you up. 

Where did you get your green shirt?

Get ready…..

Target. 

Mossimo Military Tunic in "seaweed". Nothing special.. but it's super comfortable and I liked the color. (and yes I like that y'all notice my Target shirt while I'm on the coast of the Mediterranean) 

 

Is your brother single?

Yes, he is.

Will he kill you for sharing that?

Yes, he will.

Can you share more of your mom's sketches?

This one she did of Shakespeare and Co.- 

She's good.  I'm going to convince her to open at etsy shop.  If it follows through y'all will be the first to know!

In other news...

When we got back from France we had a lot going on with our own house, I was playing catch up from all the work I missed, and Hoyt had one week of freedom before starting his job. One morning he asks "How can I help?" To which I spout out a million things that are running through my head, things that I expect to be written down but not necessarily executed in the way I delivered them (girls at the office call it my "word vomit"--- it's a daily thing.) 

I actually didn't think he was listening… but I found his little working "to do" list later that day: 

  

Hmmm.. Not sure what to think about the fact that the two NOT crossed off are still pending completion. But really- it's the list listening that counts.

We didn't have plans for the 4th but ended up sitting in a field with some friends watching the U2 concert in the Vanderbilt stadium. We could hear it perfectly and practically see everything. It was great...

It was a pretty laid back weekend which we both enjoyed thoroughly. (And for the record, we did kill the house spiders… and somewhat clean.)

Last week highlights in design world:

Wallpaper was installed in a clients house...

Love. Phillip Jeffries grasscloth is always so handsome.

That little side table to the right I actually spotted in an antique store in Birmingham- for a steal!

I thought the top was interesting but the legs were a little too traditional. So I had my wood guy make a more modern base that fits the style of the room much better.

AND these amazing counter stools I ordered for my client finally came in last week: 

Casamidy's Varenne Counter Stools in Perennials Pygmy Stripe Fabric. 

I'm obsessed.

diary of a trucker… or something like that.

It's June, folks. JUNE.

I had every intention of sitting down tonight a week ago and blogging about Linville, Camp Cousins, some recent installs, other lovely things. (And I will- I promise.)  But you know I love to remind you that my job/life is extremely UNglamorous. And honestly, after 12 hour work days I can't help but want to sit in front of the computer and mash the keys like a toddler. These are the things that run through my head as I try to come up with a decent post. Some complaints, some praises, a few things I hate (excuse me- my grandmother taught me to use "strongly dislike"!), a few I love, and some good ole' random thoughts.

I've decided I...

Strongly Dislike: Uhauls.

Yes, I drove one by myself this past week to a clients house. Had to get a few things down south prior to an install and just made sense (at the time) to take matters into my own hands. So, I tried it. And now I think it's safe to say this trucker has retired. Every time I jumped {a good 4 ft} down out of the front seat I felt like I was in the traveling circus. And my leg was sore for days from pushing the accelerator. Who knew?

Love: Cruise control. Missed it.

Oh, and LOVE: what was INSIDE the Uhaul: Some pics of a few...

An antique french chaise lounge- love the legs on her. 

A new headboard- this fabric is so much prettier in person. Wool heather gray with soft pink… Yum.

OK, back to complaints.

I Strongly Dislike: Cicadas. Ever heard of the Cicada Swarm in middle Tennessee? Neither had I- until a few months ago. Every 13 years millions emerge from their underground nests and swarm the air. It's kind of like Leap Year but with bird-size loud flying red-eyed creatures that look like this. 

and sound like this. 

And they emerge from the ground by the millions. 

They latch on to you when you least expect it. Today I was on the phone with a client and had my phone sandwiched between my shoulder and chin. Reached up to pull my hair in a pony tail and BBBRRRRRRRRRZZZZ A giant cicada nested IN my hair, rattling behind my ear. I screamed, yelled a very enunciated curse word, threw my phone across the room and did what appeared to be an African tribal dance across my office. Luckily my client is a local Nashvillian and didn't think anything of it.  Rattle-Scream-Cuss-Stomp? Must be cicada.

Although I do appreciate getting the experience of living through a natural insect phenomemon- who am I kidding- GO AWAY CICADAS.!!

Love: Home cooked dinners out on the porch with people I love. 

Cicada Enchiladas- dig in. I'm kidding, but some people aren't.

Love: little makeovers- making average things look fabulous.  

Tolias chair before. 

After a little custom fit mini-skirt in Donghia vinyl fabric (with a little sheen!) you get Sassy Tolias Chair! Form, Function, glam it up. Check.

That bird claw coming into the photograph would be MINE. I try to illustrate that the top slides off the barstool in an effortless, Vanna White way and my hand defaults to claw position., which I strongly dislike.

Love: Owning my own home.

Strongly Dislike: Construction on my own home. Especially when you don't have the time to manage it.  I deal with unreliable subcontractors and vendors ALL day long (everyone has their days)- and yes, it is difficult to manage at times. But now I fully understand the client's perspective. I become a raging bull when people are careless and forgetful with my home. We're having the roof replaced. Today I showed up at 7pm to a explosion of old rusty roof debris all over my kitchen. (A month ago I took down the microwave that goes above the stove and gave it to my electrician.) Exhaust fan/hole in the wall is still there- OOPS. Debris-everywhere! Sure wish I kept that microwave there. Minutes later I get a knock on my door- one of the roofers who doesn't speak English asking if he can use my microwave to heat up his dinner. I laughed. I communicated that actually I had ROOF on my stove and in fact, NO microwave. ROOF… ON THE STOVE.!! I think he thought I was speaking another language so I just gave him a fork and said I was sorry about his frozen dinner. I still feel bad about it. 

Love/Strongly Dislike: when my mom sends me text pictures of puppies down in Hale County, AL that need homes.

I'm on the market for a dog- a medium sized, rescue dog that desperately needs someone to love him or her. But I can't get one until July, so don't worry-Y'all have some time to help me.:) I would prefer puppy. I love labradors, golden retrievers, boxers, spaniels, any medium sized dog will do. However, I have found a love for a small little friend that lives with one of my clients named Cricket. She likes to show off when she just gets her haircut, so she runs up to me and snuggles everytime I come in the house.

Can't get much done with that face…

Love: The new Calypso Line at Target- I recommend their travel bags and their jewelry. Go getcha some.

I've been wearing these earrings non-stop lately….

 Confession: I buy too much crap at Target. Not enough groceries.

Love: this photo I saw in some coffee table book I was perusing through recently: 

Despise: Packing and Unpacking within 2 short days.

Love: when clients turn into good friends and ask you down to their beach house for the long weekend. 

Rosemary Beach of all places- heaven on water.
 

Loved: getting to relax, enjoy the ocean, sit on the beach at sunset and drink a Corona while the sun goes down. 

Strongly Disliked: Leaving.

Although we did fly back from Panama City Airport (took ONE hour to fly back to land-locked Nashville! Love.)  

Thanks for listening to the Trucker Diaries. 10-4, good buddies.

Pack. Move. Unpack.

This is what I've been doing.

The bulk of my days have been spent doing the following...

• Unnecessary trips to Target
• Necessary trips to Good Will
• Shifting around boxes instead of unpacking them
• Make a "fix it" list, that continues to grow
• Figuring out where switches are and stumbling across dark rooms
• Sweeping the floors (repeat)

• Getting to know my neighbors-  They are the type that bring you dinner and wine.. Oh yes, these neighborhoods still exist.
• Wine drinking (survival)
• Speaking of survival!: We have NO internet, phone or cable. (OK-we have our cell phones but it just sounded more dramatic) I know some of you might not need these things on a daily basis (if you are one of those people, I salute you. And please speak up.) It scares me how much I depend on these things... What's a girl to do when she's tired of unpacking and can't watch The Bachelor or read blogs????? 

Several things, actually: 

• act like a 10-year old and find ways to entertain myself. Numerous times I have popped out of big moving boxes and scared the bejesus out of Hoyt. 
• Then I draw pictures of the re-enactment:

• Then I sketch million-dollar renovation plans for our tiny new home and leave them on Hoyt's bedside table. Hint, Hint.? 
• Dreaming about all the things I would do if I had a bigger budget. 
• Thinking of all the things I need to do, and all the emails I need to respond to.
• Blogging at work.
• I'll be back soon with something more substantial
• .... Just wanted to say hey.  

 

  

The In-Between Season...

has me cussing at the weathermen longing for spring. 

Here are a few pics to whet your appetite…(OR have you running to the nearest Walgreens to purchase a SAD lamp.) -hey, no judgement here.

 

  

(from Children's Letters to God- have you read it? It's priceless.)

 

 

 

 
 


 

 

Dear God,

I agree with the children- please don't forget! But thanks for making February the shortest month of the year. You know us well...

(1) via Dress, Design & Decor (2) Jeffrey Bilhuber (3) Atlanta Homes & Gardens (4) via little green notebook (5) source unknown (6) Ruthie Summers via Domino (7) via greige (8) source unknown (9) tracery interiors

 

Tops, Tunes, and Everything in between...

The following post is all over the place- clothes, music, shoes, and other randoms. Welcome to my scattered, bouncing brain. I'll start with a pretty room that has been in my thoughts lately...

 

 <Vogue Living/via greige>

Next topic: Clothes.

Since the Garden & Gun issue came out I have received a lot of emails/comments asking what I wore in the magazine spread. I'm flattered you asked! As I described before, this photo shoot was a not a big production- it was very laid back and casual, which I loved. (I'm acting like I have had a lot of photo shoots to compare them to.. Ha! Not.) The jeans and cowboy boots were a no-brainer so I dragged them out of the closet wore them like I do everyday. 

Thankfully, I had the help of a Nashville wardrobe stylist Tina Adams from Tina & Rebecca! (You've seen her kitchen renovation here.) I helped Tina renovate her kitchen while she helped me complete several 'looks' for the photo shoot. She was gracious enough to let me raid her closet and jewelry box- and thankfully I was able to walk away with the perfect options for this last minute photo shoot. She did a great job of picking the right tops and accessories that were a perfect mix of casual, professional, and "me." Don't you think?  {for a wardrobe consultation with Tina & Rebecca, click here!}

The Boots

 
  I went to college at The University of Georgia- did you know that? Anyway, I had been eyeing these boots in the window of a store called McColly's in downtown Athens. Hoyt and I had just started dating and he surprised me one day with this pair of cowboy boots. Swoon. Little did I know that my feet would be glued to them for the next 6+ years of my life. (And I'd be glued to Hoyt for the next 60+! He's a keeper.)

 These particular boots are Penny Loves Kenny. And after that long and pointless story I regret to inform you that I cannot find them anywhere. They are tan, a little pointier in the toe (which makes them feel more feminine), and they turn slightly green every year. Yikes. But I love them.

If you'd like a pair that are great quality and have the same look- go for Old Gringo. They're awesome and you'll have them For.ev.er. Go to (or call) The Perfect Pair in Nashville. My friends, Whitney and Casey, will hook you up with the best pair of cowboy boots you'll ever own. Last fall I decided that Kenny & Penny needed some friends in my closet, so I got a pair of these (in brown)... LOVE.

   

{from P.Pair- click here to contact}
 
 If you don't own a great pair of boots- go get some. You deserve it. 

The Jeans

I am wearing my old Seven jeans in the cover picture (they literally have a gaping hole in the knee), and Paige jeans in the inside picture. Both are bootcut. Another one of my favorite jean brands is J Brand. Good jeans come with a price tag but in my opinion it's definitely worth it.

   

The Shirts

On the cover I am wearing a henley tee from J Crew. I think this one is from a few years ago but J Crew carries so many versions of these tees year round. The main thing I love about this shirt is the color- it's a pretty blush/soft pink/peach. (I refuse to say salmon)

 Here are some J Crew lookalikes...(I would recommend going to the nearest store because there are many shades of this color- some are pinker than others.)

   

Also, Banana Republic is currently carrying some great shirts and sweaters in this same color.

The peasant top

I have had a LOT of inquiries about this lovely tunic below because let's be honest- it's comfortable and stylish. Winning combo! (Thanks to Tina:)

{photo taken by Hollis Bennett}

Tina said she bought it at a boutique in Nashville called Blush but unfortunately they don't carry it anymore. Being my stubborn self I decided to look around for something similar on the internet. I typed in some key words, and came upon the top on a random website.!!

 Y'all. This is SO weird.

 

Please LOOK at the name of the shirt!!!...
 

Seriously??? !!

So weird. But great price. {from Ruche}

The Swing

It makes me SO happy that you all love porch swings as much as I do. I am currently working on pricing and details for different size swings so that they can be available to you. If you have emailed me already I apologize for the delay but more info is coming soon.

The Tunes

I love good design (that's a given), but I equally love good music.

Garden and Gun asked me to be part of their Tastes & Tunes newsletter for the month-  an email newsletter for club members where they feature a recipe from one of their favorite chefs followed by a playlist from one of their favorite tastemakers. They chose ME for the playlist portion. <insert squeal!>

"Just send us 12 of your favorite songs!" they requested. 

I was like a giddy schoolgirl making a mix tape for her new boyfriend. I immediately started to make my list and realized at song #36: Hmm...this is going to be extremely difficult. I love way too many genres of music to narrow it down to 12. I admit- I bust a move to Beyonce just as often as I blare Neil Young on road trips. So I chose to narrow it down and choose some appropriate tunes for the setting... 

Please enjoy my "Porch Swingin' Playlist"... (and a cocktail)

Click here to see (and download) my Porch Swingin' Playlist on iTunes!

 

For more information on the G&G Club (and to sign up for the Tastes & Tunes monthly newsletter!), visit www.gardenandgunclub.com.  
 

 
 
 
 

Lately...

 

• There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day. I had a friend one time say "If I had ONE wish right now it would be that the world would just STOP for a few hours- so I could GET STUFF DONE!" It makes me laugh because.... seriously??? THAT would be your one wish?? But let's admit- we've all felt that way at one point. For me? It's been lately.
• Working Hard. Playing Hard. 
• And trying my best not to melt in this HEAT!

Lately.... 

• I've spent time on a plane. 
• Meaning... time to sketch up ideas and rooms. Something I love to do. 

  And YES the people sitting next to me usually inquire:

"Is that your bedroom, honey?" -woman in window seat

"No ma'am. It's just a room I sort of designed." -me

"Mmm-hmmm....For a SCHOOL PROJECT ??"

(Can't blame her. I look like I'm 18 and travel with my pillow for crying out loud.)

 Before I can answer the gruff man from the aisle seat chimes in-  "My wife just bought a bed like that.... cost me a freakin' FORTUNE!"

Hmmmm....Well, highschool is a dream. Excuse me while I pull out my neon pink chewing gum and turn up my ipod. 

• Time in the plane also means: time to look through all my catalogs.!! Seriously guys- they're some great stuff out right now.  Here is what I've found:

Slipcovered sofas for DAYS...

Love this! From none other than.... Z Gallerie? Oh yes. Rock ON, Z!!

The Ikea slipcovered sofa (click HERE to read Joni's post on this at Cote de Texas- it's a good one)

 

The Wisteria

 
from West Elm.

 

West Elm is looking masculine lately.. and I like it! Especially the rug-

And I can't decide if I like these pillows or not... very Nashville, I must say. 

 

I actually like them better in this picture:

And these martini tables are awesome!! You can tuck them in anywhere.

 

Garnet Hill is now carrying Brahms Mount throws! These chevron cotton ones are SO soft and great... Trust me. You want one.

This rustic headboard from Sundance Catalog caught my eye...

    

So did this one from Anthropologie...

 

Some cool barstools from Wisteria...

 
 
And I'm loving this Darth Vater alarm clock from Urban Outfitters...

Kidding!! 

Wake UP, everybody! 

It's Tuesday....And it's HOT. again!

Be back soon. 

 

Opinion Game

Sometimes I accompany Hoyt to his business school functions. And find myself standing in a circle with a bunch of people talking about equity markets. I smile and nod hoping someone will bring up a topic I can remotely relate to. ... or just hand me a drink.
Hoyt always assures me that if he were standing among several designers he would feel like an idiot too.

He usually doesn't care about house stuff and patiently plays along when I rearrange our rooms every 3 weeks. He pretty much keeps his opinions to himself and lets me do my thing.. which I am very grateful for! But he has to have an opinion- everyone has an opinion, right? So one night I tested him.  (I'm in PINK) (Hoyt's in BLUE) 

Want to play a game??  - me

... Not really. 

You sure?

Okay, what game...?

(I hold up my computer screen with this picture on it)

 What do you think about this room?

Love it. Except- I hate zebra rugs...

 But I like that- ya know-headboard thing.....And I like those little lamps that stick to the wall.

Sconces?

.. yeeaah. 

Ok. What about this room?...

 I like the simple frame. It's not ornate..

You can be really honest in this game. It's your personal preference.

(He glances at my expression, making sure it's truly safe)

 The dog looks weird and the chandelier is ugly.

 

What about this?

LOVE that.

I like wood. Wood's good.

I pretty much love anything with tons of wood and metal.

Hmm.. Shocking! 

And did you seriously just say 'wood's good' ? 

 

That's cool. I like red lamp shades.. I mean, who has those?? Can WE get red lamp shades? We can put it on that lamp-? (points to our floor lamp)

No, we can't do that.

Well whatever- OR we could get a green one to go with the-

No babe- let's stick with the lamp shade we have.

Fine.

 It looks like Grandma's Pottery Factory. 

And what's so bad about that?

(silence)

Not practical.

Fair enough. But I like it.

 Nothing about that photo I like. I mean... not at all. 

You know it's Chris Martin's dining room. 

Well his dining room must be from 1972- from the TV show Dallas.

Uhh... it's okay.?.... I like it.

Really? I thought you wouldn't.

Well, the chairs are the same as the---I need more contrast!!

(looks at me with a smirk as he proudly uses his new design word)

The bed needs to be darker too. Contrast. YOu know how I love contrast..

I think you just like to say your new design word.

That too.

Last one-

I love that.

Me too. Glad we can agree on something. :)

 
 Does your significant other have an opinion about design?

 

(1) via elle decor (2) via veranda (3) via house beautiful (4) designer William Waldron, via Southern Accents (5) Designer Kathryn Ireland, via Veranda (6) via urban grace (7) designer Suzanne Kasler, via House Beautiful, photo credit: Frances Janisch (8) Badgley Mischka's kitchen, via Elle Decor, photo credit: Roger Davies

Good Things

1. A Face

Unpacking Christmas stuff and finding this dude:

 

2. A Candle

I had heard about it several places- Style Blueprint and Blueprint Bliss to name a few- and was intrigued... "the best christmas tree candle out there"??? I wonder...

 Then I walked into a client's house last week and immediately said "Oh my gosh-WHAT is that amazing smell?!!" Thyme's Frasier Fir, ofcourse!!

Let me tell you something-the rumors are true... this candle is amazing. 

 

Go get one.

3. A Great Movie

I saw The Blind Side this weekend... SO GOOD! I absolutely loved it. Hoyt did too. It was such an encouraging, beautiful story that will have you walking out of the theater ready to change the world (and totally forgetting about the fact that going to a movie now costs $10/person) !! 

4. An Ornament 

Three years ago my mom gave us a few ornaments for our Christmas tree. One of the ornaments was a little orange cat that resembled Hobbes. 

Hobbes ignored all the other dangling ornaments... except this one. His mini-me. He literally HATES his mini-me and freaks out every time he sees him.  

 
 The ornament will disappear for months and every now and then Hoyt and I will see him-- or what's left of him...

  

Poor guy... never saw it comin'.

 5. A Bookcase

My new office has been a complete MESS.. until now. I got the BIG expedit bookcase from Ikea! Hoyt was sweet enough to put it together tonight and it has already made the biggest difference. As soon as I clean my office I'll post a picture... promise. But if you're needing something inexpensive to help you get organized- get this bookcase.

 5. NestElf

 
This year I have been moonlighting as  Santa's helper- finding gifts for kids, wives, the whole family. (I love it!)  I have done quite a lot of online shopping, looking around stores, frequent trips to the North Pole, and flipping through magazines and have found that almost every store is featuring gifts under $50. I've picked some of my favorites and am working on a 50 under $50 post for last minute gifts. Stay tuned!!