Lately...

I feel like I'm still playing catch up from being out of town, so here are a few more of our recent happenings:

Happy 1st Father's Day to my WONDERFUL husband! You are an incredible father, and I love watching you and Sadie together. Thanks for all that you do for us!

Sadie has graduated from her Bumpo seat to a real highchair. It was mine, and it includes a belt. So far, she seems to like it. (Don't worry, we don't leave her unattended in the chair since it is so roomy at this time.)
Recently, it occurred to me that I've not told you guys about something VERY important and VERY near and dear to us.
And yes, I'm still chugging through the Harry Potter books. Back to the good stuff...
Our friends Jayme and Dan introduced us to the BEST bbq ever. We go there all the time, and really they should start to pay us a marketing commission. It's Backyard Bar-B-Que. The building is unassuming, and the people couldn't be friendlier. Pictured above is the pulled pork sandwich- Eastern Carolina style (which means the sauce is vinegar based- YUM), hush puppies, green beans, and mac 'n cheese. Not pictured, the BEST fried okra you've ever had. I'm not kidding. The sides are all down home favorites- yams, greens, cabbage, brunswick stew. If you live here, you must go. If you come visit us, you must go. Did I mention that the meal above is $4.99? Awesome. I should also note that they have been on the Food Network and the Travel Channel (Throwdown and Man vs. Food). Enjoy, please!

I'll be back soon with another little home reno and some design stuff and maybe some music suggestions. Peace.

Beach Baby!

We just spent a wonderful week at the beach- North Topsail Island, here in NC to be specific.

Sadie seemed to like feeling the sand between her toes and splashing in the water. It was so fun because we got to go with a bunch of family- my parents, my brother's family, and my dad's brother's family... I can't really even pin point the last time my brother and I got to stay in the same house. I think its been nearly 10 years, which is totally unbelievable. When we go home to Kentucky to visit, we just get lunches and dinners with family, so it was fun to have lots of concentrated time together. We sorely missed my cousin Katy and her husband, Brian. They were planning to come, but a last minute job offer kept them in Connecticut- Congrats on your great new job, Katy!

Here's a picture of the whole gang:
And I loved this picture of my parents with all of their grandkids...
The humidity wreaked havoc on Sadie's hair :)
If anyone is looking for a nice, quiet family beach, you should give Topsail a whirl. Our house was awesome for a big group (table easily sat 12+). Contact me if you want the address and info. We stayed in nearly every night and cooked dinner. It was very low key, which everybody needed. We spent most of the time on this GREAT deck...
There was also a little of this (I'm already out there in the blue kayak):
Too bad we didn't take a video of Stephen and I trying to come in for the first time. Hysterical wipe outs, and we contributed to the sunglasses graveyard that is the Atlantic Ocean.

Hooray for family! Hooray for the beach!

Today's Obsession

I know. I've been under a rock. Have you seen Sarah's House? It comes on weird times here, (8:30 Saturday night- and I'm so popular that I'm never home- just kidding) but I just started DVR-ing it. I'm obsessed/weirded out. I've watched two episodes, and I think we might share a design brain. I don't throw that around. This is serious business. Below are two pictures, each from the episodes that I've seen. The first one was this bedroom:

I know everyone loves the Celerie Kemble for Schumacher fabrics. But does everyone want to pair Hot House flowers with that Schumacher ikat? I want to. I have them together in my special "when I can really decorate our house" drawer. By the way, I'm talking about the floral pillows on the bed mixed with the multi-colored diamond patterned fabric that is the banding on the window treatments.

Next, wouldn't change a thing about this bathroom:
Even Stephen said he'd seen me bring that yellow and graphite floral fabric home. Bizarre, and yet fabulous. I'm glad my house dreams are unfolding for someone :)

Let's also talk about her logo. The name of my company is Foster House Interior Design. My logo idea has always been to incorporate a simple outline of a house. (I know. I don't have a logo yet. One day soon I hope.) Really because this is hers. I can't find a picture of it online that I can paste in here, but if you're curious about her logo or projects, you can go to HGTV.com. I know. I also try to avoid HGTV as a serious source, but this is an exception.

Can I also add something to my post about 9 by Design? Watch Sarah's House and then watch that show. Can you tell who's the professional? Like the real deal professional? Please say yes.

Happy Monday!

The Joys of Motherhood

Motherhood, for me, has lead to the disappearance of purses. I admit, I am kind of okay with that. However, there are days when I just don't feel cool, and I want to have a bag that remotely coordinates with my outfit. All this leads me to point out that my life is filled with dirty diapers. In my purse/bag. In my trunk. In the backseat. It's pretty gross that I'm so used to diapers that I am willing to just throw them into my bag and carry them around until I get home. I mean I WANT to have to push pass them to find my wallet when I'm paying for my lunch. Wouldn't you?

Stephen thinks this is disgusting, especially when I forget that I've stashed them somewhere. He can't believe that this neat-freak has resorted to toting around dirty diapers. He says (in a loving, teasing tone), "I just never thought you'd be that kind of person." Neither did I, but I am. Parenthood is filled with moments where I prove myself wrong. I'm quickly learning to never say never.

Well, need to run and clean out my bag and my car while Sadie's taking her nap. Happy Friday!

Aaahhh...That's Better

We've lived in this house for two years, and every time I pull into the driveway, I feel like somebody else must live here due to those '80's barn red shutters and doors.

Not anymore! Ta da!
This makes me so happy! I feel like this is starting to look like our house. Please excuse our landscaping- we're having an issue. We planted a ton of new things last year, and nearly a third of them have died. I have several more projects in mind for outside (new lights, railings, etc.), so I will keep you in the loop. I know you're all waiting to see how my house looks :)

A special thanks to my friends at Can Decorative Paint for accomplishing this for us! They are very talented decorative painters (think polished plaster and sophisticated architectural finishes). They could have painted our shutters and doors in their sleep with one arm tied behind their back, but they graciously came over and knocked it out in one day. Thank you Michelle, Davide, and Miguel!