Lovely Treasures

Not sure why it has taken me so long to discover the joys of Etsy, but it has.  I know it has always been there for me as a unique shopping option, but never fully discovered it's awesomeness until I really started looking and browsing.  Every now and then I would like to post up some lovely treasures and share to spread the wealth.  The Etsy link for each shop can be found in the caption of the photo or email me with any questions.  Enjoy!

Link here.

My husband's cousin makes wonderful soaps and soy candles and they are available through Etsy, please check them out, the soaps smell delightful and make your skin so soft.  They are also safe for babies! Check out these other lovelies! 

Link here.

Link here.

Link here.

C'mon 5 o'clock

 As of 5 o'clock my staycation begins and relaxed Carey arrives!  We are kicking off our Memorial Holiday Weekend with an afternoon wedding on Saturday.  I just love weddings, it makes me want to have another one (which makes my husband and father roll their eyes).  I will also be house/dog sitting for my parents while they drive away to NashVegas for the weekend, but oh well, I will be enjoying the pool and sun and project making.  And of course, spending time with the husband (when he is not at work) and the sweet Hudson. 

No matter what the husband says, he is a very good dog.

 It is also important to remember why we all get this upcoming Monday off of work, Memorial Day.  A day to remember all those brave souls who fought and died for us, so that we may be free and live our lives.  As a granddaughter of a passed away WWII veteran, it is unreal to think of all the sacrifices throughout our short history as a country.  Even though America is going through some tough times, we need to reflect on what we do have and just how blessed we are.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and be safe!

Hand over heart please.

Staycation 2011

The time has come to relax.....at home! Usually vacation to me involves traveling somewhere new or familiar, either way it is AWAY! But this year I have decided to take time off for the sake of taking time off.  As an interior designer one of the top comments one gets is, "I bet your home is gorgeous!"  Well no it usually is not because we spend so much time making sure everyone else's spaces are beautiful.  By the time we get to our homes we are tired and as long as laundry, dishes and home is clean then I am satisfied.  But lately the nesting newlywed in me has been stirring and I've had enough! I want my home to be special too!  So, a list of DIY'ing is in my very near future and I am getting very excited.  Here are some sneak peeks at some of my projects:
Silhouettes

Framing Fabric & Wallcovering

Mantel Art Piece

Window Treatment for Family Room

Food Themed Collage or Artwork for Kitchen

Here's to hoping I can accomplish all this while spending lots of time cooking, cleaning, working on my tan and of course time with my two men (hubby & hudson).  I will document all of my craftiness while on staycation.  Have a great kick-off to summer everyone!

Bella!

A co-worker of mine is currently on a two-week vacation in Italy.  Jealous yet?  Talking to her about her second trip to Italy brings back so many memories from my week visit with some of my girlfriends in 2006 on our way to our Berlin studio we left the states early to run through Italy before getting to Germany.  It was a fantastic time, we learned so much, saw everything and grew as women.  So I just wanted to share some images from the trip to spark inspiration and hope everyone gets to go on their dream vacation one day! Happy Wednesday!

Early morning Florence.

Stepping off the train in Roma.

Just pluck one off.

Nite Nite.

Yes please.

The Show of the Century, Part Duex

Since I just showed my story and idea behind our Save-The-Dates, I thought it would be appropriate to continue this by talking about my reception extras.  The ticket theme continued at the wedding once the guests arrived for the cocktail hour in the pre-function space. 

Backstage Pass, where all the action happens

I designed both the Save-The-Dates and the Access Passes on Adobe Illustrator.  I had the Save-The-Dates printed through a local supplier, but I decided to print the Access Passes myself using my at-home printer.  Using a hole punch at the top of the passes, my Maid Of Honor and I tied ribbon (0.69 cents a roll from Big Lots!) to each one of them!  One of the great things about these items was that they were black and white, saved a ton of money.  They had the look we wanted and gave guests all the information that they needed.  These clever little suckers told guests their assigned tables and where parking validations were available.  Not to mention a cute little souvenir if they are feeling sentimental.  A ton of the guests, including myself wore them around their necks like Backstage Passes.  The passes for the bridal party read their first name except for Bride, Groom, M.O.H. (for Maid of Honor) and Best Man to give these special people a special touch.

Another detail we added to give our love of music to the mix were the party favors, sunglasses!  Once the guests had received their backstage pass, enjoyed the cocktail hour they still were not allowed into the grand ballroom.  Once the doors opened and the guests matched their passes to their table, tucked into their dinner napkins were a pair of wayfarer sunglasses (not Ray Ban's, we are not made of money).  

Shady Surprise.

All the guest donned their shades with an attitude and helped us dance the night away.  Needless to say, they were a great hit.

My future is so bright, I gotta wear shades.

And as the ballroom grew darker and the drinks were going down smoother we started knocking out the lenses so we could see what we were doing.  Not to mention pulling off some fantastic hipster looks!  

My good friend K, who doubles as a nerd.

 It really ended up being such a personal touch for us and the guests!  We could not have asked for a more perfect celebration!

The Show of the Century, Part Un

One very special thing that my husband and I share is our love of music.  Some might call us "music snobs", but I just would say we have more taste than others.  I'm only joking! Calm down people!  But in all seriousness we do love it, I used to be the concert queen and Keith loves to play the guitar (although the busier life gets the less time he gets to play).  I have talked before about my custom designed invitations by moi, but we also designed our own Save-The-Dates.  Playing on our love of music our Save-The-Dates emulated concert tickets! 

We really are rock stars.

At first we wanted to send a ticket to each individual person who was invited versus one to each party.  Then we thought...that is a lot of tickets. So we opted to send one ticket to each party we invited.  The tickets contained the date, venue and our website so guests could learn more about the wedding and the couple.  I was really happy with the result of the tickets.  We also continued this rock-n-roll theme in other ways through details in our reception which I will share very soon!  Happy Monday!

My invitations, yum.

A Gaggle of Fine Dining

Last night in celebration of dear friends in town my friends and I made it downtown Lexington for a nice evening to catch up, enjoy some good drinks and food, and revel in the wonderful weather (until the torrential downpour began as we were getting our checks) .  We made our way to Grey Goose located on Jefferson Street and ate out on their patio.  One of the features I love about this restaurant is the atmosphere, when I am sitting on the patio I feel like I am at a friends house in their backyard hanging out (and they happen to have their own chef and waitresses to continuously wait on me). 

Outdoor Bar & Patio.

Cuisine wise, they are known for their oven grilled pizzas and they are wonderful!  I mean even their cheese pizza is delightful, though it's previous reputation might blind people as boring (do not be afraid).  All of their cheeses are fresh from up north and you can seriously taste the difference.

The husband and I had the Greek Pizza, it has become a favorite.

Full bar and yummy beer options are available.  In the summer their original cocktails, such as the strawberry mojito, are creative as they are refreshing and satisfying.  And for you bourbon lovers, Grey Goose has Pappy Van Winkle, a deliciously aged bourbon that is smooth and hard to find.  So even though the atmosphere is casual and intimate, it certainly doesn't mean that the food is. The creative nature of their dishes combine wonderful tastes that just make you want to vocalize it (and I did with a big YUM!).  I highly recommend this joint and hope you go and try it out!

Ay Caramba!

I have made these white cheese chicken enchiladas for the husband and I, and these quickly have become one of our favorites when dining in.  I shared the tale of this delicious meal with my parents and since then they have continued to harass us about when are they coming over to dinner to be able to try these enchiladas of delight.  So, I set a date for them to come over to enjoy.  My mother brought her delectable homemade guacamole and margaritas ingredients (oh and paper towels and other items for the strapped for cash newlyweds, Lord love 'em).   

I had to borrow Pioneer Woman's picture, since I neglected to take one.

I found the recipe for the enchiladas from the always fantastic Pioneer Woman!  With any recipe I try I adapt it to fit my needs and lifestyle.  For instance if you read the official recipe, she cooks her tortillas in oil, I just nuke them in the microwave.  And other little details like that, that don't effect the taste too much but work better with my schedule.  The result however was still faint worthy.  Check out the link here for the recipe.  It would be so awesome to get to go the her ranch and cook with her!  But anyways, this meal pleased all.  We serve it with a little mexican rice and refried beans, and of course sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole! 

For dessert, just some simple sorbet in these absolutely precious sorbet dishes and spoons I recently received from Crate & Barrel as a belated wedding present.  Since the weather was so nice, the sorbet was a great way to cleanse the palet and cool off before the weekend ahead of us.  Aaaahhh!

Find here to buy.

Before My Eyes

Happy 4 month birthday to our Hudson!  We haven't had him that long and he has already gained 8 pounds, can handle a leash, go potty by himself and come to me when called.  He has grown so much, but he is still so small.  I wish puppies could stay puppies forever, but he is a great companion and member of our family (no matter what the husband says).  Who can honestly resist these baby browns?

b-a-n-a-n-a-s

Whenever my bunch of bananas are not eaten in time, I delight about the banana bread to come.  I follow my mother's recipe, except I do not put nuts in my banana bread.  That's right, nut free!  But add if it is your preference.  I always loved when my mother would make it for me and the top center of the bread was still mushy from the banana and oh so delicious.  I look forward to the day when I can make it for my children.  Enjoy!

Nom Nom.

Family B-Bread
(1) cup of sugar
(0.5) cup of butter
(2) eggs beaten
(2.5) cup of flour
(0.5) teaspoon salt
(1) teaspoon baking soda
(3) nanners

Preheat oven to 350 & grease baking pan.
Cream sugar & butter in medium mixing bowl.
Add beaten eggs, flour, salt & baking soda to the bowl and mix away.
In a separate bowl, peel nanners and mash.  Add to other ingredients and mix until all combined.
Next you would add walnuts or any other nut of your choice, but I'm not down with that.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until that yummy aroma fills your house and yummy taste fills your tummy!

Triple D

No I am not referring to someone's chest size.  This is my acronym for the Designer vs. Decorator Debate.  I am here to educate the public, as are my fellow designers.  I am a graduate of University of Kentucky's College of Design: School of Interior Design.  This consisted of a four year program, endless studio hours and lots of craziness.  For a person to call themselves an Interior Designer, they must achieve a college degree first.  Most collegiate programs in this matter focus on the commercial design world (hotels, corporate offices, hospitals, etc.).  As designers we are taught fire codes, public handicapped accessibility and commercial finish attributes in order to create beautiful and functional spaces for all.  

Following the wonderful achievement of graduation: one hopes to either start their career with a design firm or continue on with getting their masters.  I chose to go down that career path and once a designer has worked in the field for a minimum of two years they are then eligible to take the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification).  I will not bore you with details, but this test is for real HARD! It is a two-day, 16 hour exam that causes many a sleepless night for us young designers.  Once this is achieved, we are assigned an official designer number and can legitimately design across the country.  This exam tests our knowledge, problem solving skills and  health.  This job really is more than picking out paint colors and fabrics (although that is one small part of our job). And don't ask us, most of us do not watch HGTV all the time. HaHa.

An interior decorator can be absolutely anyone.  Whether you are an actual interior designer, a former psychologist or a carnival employee.  These are individuals usually who have the innate talent in the decor department.  This is a talent that I do not fully possess.  I can decorate/design my house how I prefer, but as far as helping someone else....Nope.  Home decor is far too personal for me, everyone has their own tastes.  A decorator needs to no degree, accreditation or knowledge of building/fire codes.

So I will come down off of my soap box and hope you found this egg of knowledge useful and interesting.  If not, sorry but I cannot give you the three minutes it took you to read this back.

Busy at my office.

Eargasm

There once was a time when I was obsessed with going to concerts, thoughts of the next show consumed my social schedule.  Then the real world took over my time and the last concert I went to was Kings of Leon in October 09! I have just been trying to get my ears exposed to as much as possible, I have definitely fallen out of the loop.  In college I was into male lead bands, these past few years raspy female voices have empowered me and seduced my ear drums.  Now most people have heard of these groups, but if you haven't please lend an ear. 

Artist: Company of Thieves
Album: Ordinary Riches

Photo: link here.

Artist: Adele
Album: 21

Photo: link here

Artist: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Album: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

Photo: link here.

Artist: The Pierces
Album: Love You More

Photo: link here.

Artist: Best Coast
Album: Crazy for You

Photo: link here.

What's in a name...

First and foremost I am of Christian belief and I don't believe that I am literally controlling or designing my fate.  I was raised believing that if you have a problem/stressed/worried you turn to Him and let him steer the wheel.  I just thought, how appropriate that I am an interior designer and I am blogging about life that this title makes sense for me.  Hopefully I can begin logo designing sometime soon so my title header isn't the sad one it is now.  So as far as my blog title, I hope no one is offended or puzzled. 

Photo: Designing Fate Original, Tokyo March 07

Cocoa Love

One of my favorite blogs/websites is The Pioneer Woman.  You must check her out right now if you haven't already, it will change your life, link here.  I have tried a ton of recipes and thanks to her step-by-step instructions and comedic relief each one has turned into a success! The chocolate valentine cookie recipe can be found here.  I made these to tell my husband in a "sweet" way how much I loved him.  However, I did not have store-bought letter stencils so I just made my own out of paper.  The recipe has nutmeg as an option, I used it and wished that I hadn't.  These cookies stand great on there own! They were chocolately, moist and delish.

The way to a man is seriously through is stomach.

Homemade Hallmark, Part Deux

Just sharing yet another custom made card for a friend's birthday.  I love that fact that they don't take an absorbent amount of time, money or energy.  I, and admit most do, can spend tons of time in front of the card display trying to find THE perfect card.  I don't know why I haven't been doing this for years already, I can personalize everyone's event and who doesn't like a handwritten note?  Nowadays it's nostalgic and cozy, I mean compared to text or email. Enjoy!

Front Cover: together we made duct tape dresses, they were fab.

Front Cover: I always yell her name very obnoxiously.

Homemade Hallmark, Part Un

Most of my friends I have come to realize, do not live in the same state or town as me.  This is a crazy notion! But I am working on my keeping in touch skills more and more everyday, it really is hard work.  One of my best friends lives in Nashville and for her birthday I decided to make her a personal card for her birthday to send my love and birthday wishes.  I included inside jokes that only her and I share and this created a birthday card frenzy and I just had to continue it with more of my friends.

They are fun to make and great to show your care and bring back memories to one another.  I just used scrap paper, paint pens and black drawing pen. 

Front Cover. Cheese Moon, inside joke.

Inside. Harry Caray, inside joke.

Derby Date

This year the husband had the wonderful idea to have a Derby party for just the two of us.  We had hoped to throw a Derby party for our close friends, but unfortunately due to the tumultuous rain this spring our deck patio still isn't complete. So we opted to just have a get together for the two of us.  Running by the local market for fresh cheeses, salami, fruits and veggies.  We also found Sweet Onion Hawaiian Chips that we fell in love with on our honeymoon, score! 

Nice spread, extremely filling.

The actual Derby was such a surprise! Congratulations to Animal Kingdom along with his jockey, trainer and twenty partnered owners. We watched one gentlemen place his $100,000 bet on Mucho Macho Man, but you've got to be willing to loose big if you want to win big.  I hope that was the case.  It always is exciting every year and the entire country is focused on Kentucky!  Until next year, or the fall meet at the Keeneland track that is.

The Gift of....Life

So, what do you get the woman you gave you the greatest gift....your life?!?  That's tricky, I'm sure the fact that I am safe, happy, healthy and relatively normal is enough of a gift that she has succeeded as a mother.  But today is Mother's Day and is a great way to show that woman you love her and are extremely grateful for putting up with you for all these years.  I have posted a few ideas, but the whole shipping time can come into play for a girl that is without an Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware or Crate & Barrel. The husband and I just compiled items that our mother's love and appreciate. 

For my mom: cabernet, candles, loofa and The King's Speech

For Hubby's mother: white zin, chocolates, candle and coffee.

Sticking with color to tie the gift's theme together help the gift look complete and we paid attention to colors our mothers love.  I handmade cards for them to complete the personal touch.  I wrapped them in clear bags with ribbon curls on top.  They turned out really cute and I know they will enjoy them!