Our Kitchen is just about finished!

I'm super excited that our kitchen is really just about finished!  Below are a few quick sneak peeks before everything is finished up!  The cabinets still need their hardware.  Fridge, stove and hood need to be installed.  Cabinets are still missing a few details, but we're definitely getting closer to the finish line.  The biggest difference is the addition of the French doors.  They've added so much light, and they have such a better view vs. the old single door. 

Next time you see the kitchen everything should be done and in place!  Wish I could have everyone over for dinner and a glass of wine in the new kitchen.  JD's requested Ina's Parmesan Chicken over salad for the first dinner in the new kitchen.  I can't wait to make that, plus all of our other warm weather favorites, this August since July was full of takeout and cereal!

~Mary Keller

Starting a Collection: Demilune Table

A few months back, I did a post on starting a collection featuring artist Teil Duncan.  I love the idea of being really intentional about certain things that you purchase and bring into your home.  Not every piece of art can be a real piece of art, and not every piece of furniture can be expensive, but I think it's important to be intentional, think long term, and try to be smart about certain pieces you buy.  (Otherwise, every decade or time that you move you'll be starting from scratch.  It's better to over time collect quality pieces that you love!)

One furniture piece that I think is worthy of an "investment" is a demilune table.  If you save and decide to splurge on one piece of furniture to begin building your collection, I think a demilune table is a safe purchase.  You can use a beautiful demilune table in a million ways.  They can be used in a tight entry hall, in a den, in a narrow hallway, or even as a bedside table.  Take a look at all of these examples below:

Love this image!  This demilune table is clearly a gorgeous piece that is timeless and will never go out of style, but it still manages to look youthful and hip when paired with quirky accessories.

This image is from the same apartment as the first image.  This demilune table is in a completely different finish and works so well in this tight hallway.

Again, same shape table, but a completely different look.  The iron base and stone top have a more French look, but the table is equally timeless and could be used anywhere.  (LOVE this paint color too, and love how the door in the background is painted the same color as the hallway, trim and all.)

Beautiful wood demilune used as a beside table in this bedroom. 

Another demilune (with a dropleaf that is propped against the wall) that certainly doesn't feel granny or stuffy when paired with the convex mirror and awesome coral orange lantern.  (Notice the amazing tortoise shell trim at the ceiling?!)

Love this entry, with an understated little demilune console.

Another nice thing about a demilune table is that you don't have to spend a million dollars to get a quality piece that you'll keep forever.  (It cost a lot of money to purchase a chest, dining table, or buffet table that is a high enough quality that you'd actually want to keep it forever.)  But, for a few hundred dollars you should be able to find a demilune table at an antique store in a beautiful finish that I promise you'll use forever.  To find one, take a look at Craiglist, online auctions, ebay and local antique shops.  Look for classic lines and a wood finish that is good shape.  I think you will actually spend less on ebay and in an antique store than you would at any major big box store, and you'll have a piece with history which always gives a space a better feel.

So, moral of the story, instead of buying 2 mediocre furniture pieces with the money you've saved, purchase one quality furniture piece (maybe a demilune if you like these looks!) and then turn to Craiglist, buy something inexpensive and add a fresh coat a paint for your second piece.  I promise 20 years from now you'll be happy to at least still be using this one quality piece that you added to your collection!

~Mary Keller

Images: First image via Lonny magazine January/February 2013; Second image via Lonny magazine January/February 2013; Third image via Lonny magazine; Fourth image unknown (if you know the source for this image, please let us know and we will credit asap); Fifth image via House Beautiful;  Sixth image via Canadian House and Home

My Look, Her Look, Mom's Look

When I saw this dress at Anthropologie I knew I had to pick it for this month's My Look, Her Look, Mom's Look. The knit fabric and classic cut keep this dress from being too trendy while the black and white pattern keeps it current. I love the fun mix! The price point of this dress makes it even more appealing as well as the fact that I could throw on a conservative blazer or cardigan for work or add some fun accessories (below) for after work. 

Michael Kors watch, Louis et Cie via Nordstrom booties, Urban Outfitters scarf, Iosselliani necklace, Rachel Zoe bracelet and Clare Vivier clutch

For my look I really played up the unique pattern on this dress. I love this necklace so much i've added it to my wish list. I love long pedant necklaces and this one is unique and has a little color which I like too. As usual I threw in a scarf and watch because I never really leave home without those items.  I keep this camel foldover Clare Vivier clutch packed in a larger bag I carry everyday. It makes for easy transition from day to night. 

Maison Boinet belt, Gorjana necklace, Kate Spade bag, Coach shoes and Elizabeth Cole earrings

For MK's look I added a big pop of color in this Kate Spade handbag. The shoes may be a stretch right now since she's 7 months pregnant but the wedge helps ease the heigh of the heel and the bow on them is such a cute contrast with the pattern on the dress. The colors on these earrings are girly but the spikes make them a little edgier than typical MK. And of course, I think she may just need to own that little delicate "V" necklace to carry her little girl with her everyday! 

Gorjana necklace, Elliott Lucca bag, Topshop blazer, Enzo Angiolini shoes, and Bauble Bar earrings

This dress is definitely a little out of my mom's comfort zone but I think paired with a cute pair of red peep toe pumps and a white blazer she'd be surprised how pleased she was with the result. Throw in some thick gold hoops, a classic gold necklace and her go to crossover bag and she's all set. 

I thought this dress could be a little tricky to style in three completely different ways(especially for mom!) but it proved to be a pretty neutral canvas just waiting for accessories and color to spice it up even more. On Friday I mentioned the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, but you guys should really check it out. All the shoes above are on sale for great prices right now. 

How would you style this dress?

- Heath

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday guys! My week has been pretty quiet but in the best way. I had my first King of Pops raspberry lime popsicle and I'm hooked. Now I'm wanting to try the cantaloupe lime summer flavor next. Andy officially mastered a homemade tomato sauce. Those little cherry tomatoes from our garden turned into a yummy pizza. Pair that with some red wine in our new wine glasses and you have one happy lady! We've been trying to find similar glasses for a while now and just couldn't seem to find anything that quite fit. I highly recommend these, they're a great size and seem super durable!

I don't have much planned for this weekend, but i'm pretty excited about it. I may try to stop by this and this sale though. Here are a few things I bookmarked this week…

Still loving the pictures of Prince George of Cambridge!

Jordan has me dreaming of a tiny rugged country house, which is absurd seeing as we're currently renting. Details!

Thinking these shorts are perfect to transition from summer to fall. (via I Suwannee)

Perfect timing for Jenny to publish this because I have an upcoming easy peasy DIY in need of gold paint - stay tuned.

In a not so distant past life MK was quite the artist (she's going to kill me for saying that) and this tutorial has me thinking I may put some pressure on her to get back into things.

I got a Boden catalogue in the mail this week and was pleasantly surprised, check it out.

And last but certainly not least, 33 days until college football!

Hope you guys have a nice weekend!

- Heath

Peter Rabbit Baby Shower

You may remember last Friday I mentioned that I had family coming in town this past weekend.  Saturday was both my cousin and grandmother's birthday.  We had a full girls weekend planned with lunch at Heath's, lots of shopping, dinner out and a movie, just us girls allowed.  My mom, aunt, cousin and grandmother were all coming up, and we knew we'd have a fun weekend.  When I got to Heath's for our casual lunch plans on Saturday, I was totally shocked to see that my friends here in Charlotte had planned a surprise baby shower for me.  It was seriously the sweetest thing, and I was completely shocked when I walked in her house!

Below are pictures from the event if you'd like to see.  Everything was really just so so sweet and beautiful.  The theme of the shower was a Peter Rabbit Baby Book Shower!  Other than family, most of the guests were part of our book club so I thought the theme was particularly fitting.  The table was full of delicious food, fresh crepe myrtle blooms were spread around the house, and little touches of Peter Rabbit were sprinkled throughout.

The beautiful table with a centerpiece and bud vases of crepe myrtle blooms. 

Below the centerpieces were the most adorable cabbage leaf placemats with Peter Rabbit books fanned out. 

The full menu included pimento cheese and chicken salad finger sandwiches, a beautiful bowl of fresh fruit, adorable mini muffins, old fashioned deviled eggs, yummy dip plus sliced veggies, bite size country ham biscuits, and the most adorable bunny and carrot decorated sugar cookies.  And of course they had old fashioned cheese pennies, a favorite!  I never get tired of a traditional southern baby (or bridal) shower menu.  I could eat lunch like this every day!

Pretty veggies, I love all the bright colors, and love the cabbage dip bowl! 

Our family doesn't like to celebrate any occasion without ham biscuits!

How adorable are these Peter Rabbit cookies!  So so cute, and even one cookie personalized for the baby!

The bar was full of bright crystal goblets, mimosas and a yummy raspberry lemonade.

 The fireplace looked ready for a party.  Guests were asked to bring books for the baby, and we were gifted everything from the classics to more recent popular picks.  Our little one now has quite the library!  In addition to books, my grandmother gave us cute little book ends.  Bookends that she of course had to tell the group were on sale because the boutique "couldn't give them away." :)  The hostesses gave us a full set of Peter Rabbit books, all 20+ books.  I didn't even know a set that large existed, and I thought it was the perfect gift for me to remember the day.

 The mantel decorated with fresh magnolia and crepe myrtle blooms.

Books, books and more books!

I hope our sweet baby girl meets a group of friends as wonderful as the group we've found here Charlotte.  If anyone is looking to plan a baby shower anytime soon, these hostesses did the work for you!  You could copy every little bit!  I loved this sweet shower.  Perfect food, beautiful setting, sweet gifts, and the best time with sweet girl friends!  Thank you Amanda, Missy, Heath, and all of the sweet guests.  You're too good to us!

~Mary Keller

All images via Heath! :)

 

A Blue and White Table

It's probably no surprise that I'm obsessed with all things blue and white.  My 30th birthday is coming up next month and I'm wishing J.D. would surprise me with one or two of these new Brushstroke Dinner Plates.  I absolutely do not need to get started on another china pattern, but I'm obsessed with these!  I think they work mixed with traditional china (think the classic Blue Canton pattern) but they also work well with more modern table settings.  This pattern looks good with funky linens and traditional white embroidered linens for something a little more formal.  I've always loved blue china paired with bright pink, yellow, and mint green, but I think I'm liking it paired with this pastel purple too.  To keep it from getting to feminine, I'd like to add something more earthy and masculine like this flatware.

~Mary Keller

Images:  1) Purple Tumbler via Anthropologie; 2) Brushstroke Dinner Plate by Oscar De La Renta; 3) Blue Hobnail Pitcher via Anthropologie; 4) Blue Canton china via Ebay; 5) Cocktail napkins via Furbish; 6) Flatware via Anthropologie

Dream Vacation - Nanuku Island

Check out Nanuku island, a private island in Fiji available on Airbnb. You and 9 guests would have the entire island to yourself, surrounded by nothing other than clear blue water and coconut trees. The island includes two homes, a local guide and housekeeper, snorkel gear and 180 degree views of the amazing sunsets. How amazing does that sound?

Steak and Tomatoes

Friday night we went to a friend's house for Steak Club and it was the perfect relaxing evening.  We had really yummy sweet tea mojito cocktails and bruschetta for starters out on the patio, and then headed inside for dinner.

I love walking into a party and seeing a bar set up.  Sure sign of a fun evening!

 Our host mixing up delicious sweet tea mojitos, plus one non-alcoholic version. :)  Sweet tea mojitos-- muddled mint and sugar, sweet tea, rum, sparkling water and splash of lime juice.  (really good!)

For anyone looking to shake up a traditional steak dinner, everyone loved their menu.  Instead of "Steak and Potatoes" (which I love and are always good!) we had "Steak and Tomatoes."  They sliced tomatoes, topped them with parmesan, a few cheeses, spices and hot pepper flakes and they popped them in the oven to cook.  We also had roasted asparagus and realllly yummy homemade roasted garlic butter to top our steaks.  Steaks plus too much wine (sparkling water + lime for me!) and friends is always a good combo. 

Really delicious almond cake plus fresh strawberries.  This was sooo good.  If you're local, this is from Nova's Bakery and we all loved it.  Our hosts used one of my favorite Ina entertaining rules, always pick up something store bought for one course of dinner! :)

What I didn't know was that our hostess for Friday's dinner party was also preparing for a surprise baby shower that she and a few others were throwing for me the next day.  How we made it through dinner (and the wine) without someone spoiling the surprise I don't know!  I surely would have gone home a little earlier had I known she had to get up early the next day to throw another party.

~Mary Keller

Happy Friday!



Happy Friday everyone!  I just walked in the door from being out of town for a work meeting, and it feels good to be home.  Scenes from my week above primarily include Milliken's beautiful grounds and charming red pagoda.  Other than work, it was a quite week.  JD and I enjoyed more junk food out since we still have no working kitchen, and our house was "wheeled" (with the cute pinwheel surprise in our yard!) to show support for the LibStrong Team supporting Libby Jones in the upcoming 24 Hours of Booty race.  (Click to make a donation to their team!)

Tonight I'm super excited because we're going to a friend's house for Steak Club.  Tomorrow we have family coming in town to celebrate my cousin's and grandmother's birthdays.  (My grandmother will be turning 80!)  We have a fun girls day and evening planned to celebrate!

A few things that caught my eye this week...

I'm obsessed with this Bookcase of the Day from I Suwanee.  (Really like this dress too!)

I really want to have a dinner party that look this inspiration from Note to Self.

Tessa from Nine + Sixteen makes me want to give homemade bread a try.  She makes it sound easy. 

I'm in love with these ceramics Heath posted about yesterday.  (May add to my bday list!)

Have a wonderful weekend!
~Mary Keller

Caroline's Ceramics

  

A few weeks ago I came across an image on Instagram that made me super happy. I love finding interesting new people and that is exactly what this image lead me to. Wish I could find the original image but it was similar to that above. That day I discovered Caroline Reehl's art.

Have you guys seen or heard of Caroline Reehl's work? She is a very talented ceramics artist out of Raleigh, NC. Check out her work here in her etsy shop. It's simple and sophisticated, a little southern and a lot ladylike! I'm not usually overly feminine with my choices and definitely don't favor roses but something about the soft flowers agains the simple ceramics is just the right mix.

"Applying flowers in her work. Caroline uses them as a metaphor for strong Southern women. Each piece is at the peak of the bloom and represents internal strength and external beauty. She intends for each piece to have its own vivid personality and to bring joy to each home"

Take a look at some of her amazing work below. I'm particularly loving her use of on the front porch. Such a great idea to soften the entryway of a home!

Isn't her work beautiful? I just love that wild fern(is that a fern?) in the first photo against the classic flowers on the vase?

- Heath

All photos and information via Leavie Rose, Caroline's blog

Ideas for the baby's nursery!

Most of you probably know that J.D. and I are expecting a sweet baby girl in early October.  We are both counting down the days until we get to meet her!  I've sloowly been making progress on her nursery.  I thought I was ahead of the game, but this summer is flying by and I look at her little (it's actually huge) room and wonder why it's still fairly empty.  But, I've got a game plan and I'm really excited to see it complete. 

For some reason I always knew I wanted her nursery to be bright and colorful, full of art and life.  I love sophisticated, neutral nurseries but they never felt right for our girl.  I fell in LOVE with this blue splatter paint "Jamie" pattern from Biscuit Bedding and knew it was the perfect starting point.  We're actually using our home's master bedroom for the baby's nursery.  (We sleep in a smaller room next door.)  The master bedroom is huge, we don't really do much in our room besides sleep, and we think that giving the baby the big room will give her lots of room to play, and we can maybe even fit another baby in there with her down the road. :)

So, in the baby's room we're using two twin beds with simple white inexpensive matelasse bedspreads, and then I splurged on two blue splatter paint shams to give the beds some color.  (This is a good tip if you fall in love with bedding over your budget.  I LOVE the look of simple white bedspreads, you can toss them in the wash, and then save your budget for beautiful shams.)  We bought a big antique chest at auction to use between the twin beds, and on top of the chest we will have cute accessories, picture frames and two Mint green Triple Gourd Lamps, similar to these.  Above the chest, in between the beds, we are using a bright colorful Michelle Armas piece.  (LOVE her work and wish we could spring for the real thing, but I have to remember she's a baby a print will be just fine. :)   I needed a huge rug and got this Serena and Lily Deco rug on super sale and even through it really isn't big enough, we will make it work.

The room also includes her crib and changing table.  Her crib is a simple, old fashioned white crib with the same adorable Biscuit blue splatter paint crib sheet.  Above the crib we're using a 2008 Spoleto Arts Festival poster.  (Spoleto is a huge arts festival in Charleston.  J.D. and I purchased this poster when we married in Charleston in 2008, but it's been in the closet ever since.  Happy to have a reason to put it to use!)  For her changing table we're actually using an antique sideboard we bought at auction pre-baby.  (Before finding out we were expecting, I was planning on opening an cute accessories/antique's booth.  Once we found out our baby news, we decided it was too much to take on.  So, as a result of my shopping for the booth, we're using the pieces we purchased for random other uses in our home...such as a changing table :)  I'm keeping my eye out for an old colorful floral tole lamp to use on the changing table with a bright mirror above. 

If anyone has ideas for a fun mirror, please let me know.  I haven't fallen in love with anything so I'm leaning toward painting a thrift store mirror a bright cherry color similar to a color in the Michelle Armas painting!  I'd love any suggestions.

~Mary Keller

Images 1) Jamie Sham via Biscuit Bedding; 2) Sabrina print by Michelle Armas; 3) Robert Abbey Gourd lamp via Neenas; 4) Serena and Lily Bone Deco Frame Rug; 5) Poppy Mosaic Mirror via Serena and Lily; 6) 2008 Spoleto Arts Festival poster via Post and Courier; 7) Jenny Lind crib via Amazon; 8) Jamie Crib sheet via Biscuit Bedding; 9) Sideboard via 1st Dibs

Kitchen Cabinets Are In!

The kitchen cabinets are in!  We still have major work to do, but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!  With the cabinets in, it's so much easier to see how the space will really feel.  This week the countertops will be cut and the French doors will go in.  I'm really excited about seeing the French doors.  The space will have so much more light!  A few progress shots are below.  I'm sure you're all sick of seeing these shots, but we only have a little over two weeks to go! :) 

 The view from where you will enter the room.  The little cabinet peninsula is where the wall used to be.

View on the other side.  The French doors will be located in the same location as the temporary door.

The original butler's pantry is still in good shape, but we will add a fresh coat a paint and matching hardware.

Sink will be located under this window, with the dishwasher to the left.

Pantry door on the far left, then the little desk with shelves above, space for the refrigerator, and then the oven/storage area on the far right.

 View standing in the middle of the kitchen.  The boarded up door leads to the dining room.  I'd like a little loveseat and chair in the former breakfast nook.  JD can then sit and talk to me while I cook dinner. :)