Dream Design Friday

I'm back with design Fridays! Not much to report this week on the reconstruction/renovation front, I guess things are progressing just slowly. Actually decorating and painting seems like a really long ways off but thinking about the end result helps give me patience with this boring and slow part. Here are some beautiful interiors that I just love...

I love how bright and airy the two rooms above seem, even with the bright pops of color. This is truely dream design for me since there's pretty much no chance of my husband ever agreeing to buy pink furniture! A girl can dream....

Now this may be more reasonable - I just wish that view could be found in Atlanta!

This is gorgeous as well for a more formal living area.

Although this room is much larger than any of ours, I love the overall concept. I think it's such an art to create a room like this that looks put together over time and "goes" without matching exactly.

That's all for today - hope everyone has a fab weekend!

House Update

Sadly this process is slow and frustrating! We met with a fabulous architect several times and have nailed down a design for the house. Now we're working with the contractor on budget, the insurance company on payment and the bank on a loan. If you can't tell, this is the boring part. However, I do have a fun drawing to share of what the front of the house will look like!

It's showing up a little small in blogger. But from the front, it's not all that different. Just a steeper roof and the upper windows will be actual windows that open instead of the glass faux windows up there before. I hope that actual construction will start in August or September and our contractor estimates 8 months until it's finished. sigh

Happy 4th!!

Happy Independence Day! I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!
I'd also like to wish my grandparents a very happy 66th anniversary! I'm so sad to not be with them today but I know they are enjoying the day with the rest of my family.

Summer Cocktails

For a twist on the traditional mint julep, try this blackberry mint julep (courtesy of Martha Stewart, of course!) You'll need:

1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 pint blackberries
6 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup bourbon
4 cups small ice cubes
4 sprigs of mint for garnish

Chop the mint leaves then puree the mint, blackberries and sugar in a blender. Press through a fine sieve into a bowl, discard seeds.
Return puree to blender and add the bourbon and ice; blend until smooth. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint and enjoy!

Sweet dreams

Since we'll need more bedroom furniture for our new house, I've been thinking it may be time for us to upgrade to a king-sized bed. (Plus I really want a Golden Retriever so 2 adults + Pug + Golden = we need a bigger bed!) Some bedroom pieces and design that I really like....

The Stratford Mahogany Sleigh Bed from Charles P Rogers. CPR has beautiful, if somewhat pricey beds, and they also have gorgeous bedding that is more reasonably priced and often on sale. I have a red linen duvet and shams that I bought several years ago. They been moved more times that I care to count and have been washed several times and still look vibrant so it's worth the money.

The Marston Sleigh bed from Restoration Hardware is similar and it's on sale right now.

This upholstered bed from Restoration Hardware is nice too - it looks so cozy!

Happy Birthday Jackson!!!

Jackson turns 3 years old today, which is like 18 in dog years. I can't believe he used to be this tiny (sorry the picture is so small, I have no idea how to fix that!)

Happy Birthday Jackson! You may be getting a nice big carrot tonight to celebrate ;)

4 quick years....

Four years ago today, we were saying our vows...

And celebrating with family and friends here

We both freely admit to dealing with our fair share of challenges these past four years, including the recent tree drama, but those challenges have definitely brought us closer and made our relationship stronger. I can't imagine a better man to spend the rest of my life with! Happy Anniversary to us!!