a walk in the park

Fall has arrived in Greenville and I sure do welcome it. Air conditioning off and all the windows open, make the breeze flowing through feel divine. So since the weather was so fabulous, me and big buddy went for a stroll. I say stroll because big buddy is getting older, stiffer and slower. He surprised me though and was very frisky on this occasion... or at least frisky for him!





We decided to try somewhere new and went to Cleveland Park . There were runners, children and bikers galore. So we found a spot to park and took off through the woods on a little path. It felt so good to be outside and take a few relaxing breaths. When Coop started to drag, we turned back and made our way over a bridge. There was a huge crane right in the water so we crept as close as we could for a pic. I love cranes and their tall, skinny, delicate legs. He watched us watching him and then daintily tip toed off into the brush.

one radical idea

I admit it's a weakness, but I am drawn to a few terrible reality shows out there. One is "The Real Housewives" & "The Rachel Zoe Project." Husband things they're repulsive and they are, but I can't seem to stop flipping to that darn Bravo channel. However, I've redeemed myself the last two evenings by watching PBS. If you haven't been watching, you're missing an incredible documentary by Ken Burns... The National Parks : America's Best Idea. The scenery alone is incredible, but the story behind all of these places in our country that came to be, is even more fascinating. It took one, very radical idea! Thank goodness we had some early conservation pioneers like John Muir, who was truly inspiring.

Maybe this tv trend will continue and I'll swear off the "housewives" forever. Umm, probably not, but at least I'm mixing it up!



"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir



"As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can." John Muir

the helmet

No matter where I put (hide) it, it keeps reappearing. The other day it was on the mantle, then in the hallway and this morning it was in my office bookshelf. I mean do we really need a miniature football helmet acting like it's an appropriate piece of decor in our house? I think not. I have my suspicions of who is up to this nonsense. Now I just need to fine a more "secure" spot for it - perhaps in the recycle bin.

henry's smokehouse

It seems like southern boys are always on the hunt for a good barbeque spot. And they each have an opinion on who serves up the best in town. Well, husband is one of those such boys. So, since Trevor doesn't have classes on Fridays, we decided to treat ourselves to a little lunch date. The place we'd heard the most about was actually right down the street - Henry's Smokehouse. It didn't look like much from the outside, but made up for it with it's old-school charm and mmmmmm… delicious food. We went for the basic sandwich since this was our first time and I ordered mine with pickles & slaw. We'll take you with us next time if you come for a visit!

i want a pair

My new favorite store I've never been to : imogene + willie. Someone please go for me and hurry back with a full report. I used to drive by this old gas station on my way to work at Buntin. It's been a couple of things since it's gas station days, but nothing has stuck… until now. Mmm, I can't wait to go with my shopping buddies when I return.




photos from : secretforts & imogene+willie

long live the donut den

I noticed a small change while driving down Hillsboro Road last week. A shopping strip was being renovated with a very average new facade. No big deal, except that there was something missing. The old Donut Den sign had been removed. Come to found out there's been a debate about putting up the original sign vs. some generic revised version. Ummm, why is there even a debate? Put up the ole' sign please. What's wrong with people? Don't answer that ...... I'm afraid I know.

Please vote to keep this fabulous, authentic sign lit up on a local institution!

sign B :
http://www.brooksideproperties.com/donutden/

itty bitty teeny weeny

Seriously, there must be something in the water back home. Or maybe it's just that I'm old enough now to have friends with babies. Either way, it's babies galore! So for my dear friend Amy, who's expecting, some friends and I are throwing a little shower. More to come on the party, but for now - here's a sneak peek at the invitation I designed.



The envelope-liner paper came from Michael's : such an easy way to make an invitation feel extra purrty!

And I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist using the Simpson stamps.

black tie & biscuits

Another reason I was back home for the weekend was for a dear friend's wedding. Katie and I go way back. I'm talking pre-first days at Ensworth School.

Trevor and I carpooled with the parentals to the big event. The bride was gorgeous with this asymmetrical bow on the back of her dress - stunning really. Belle Meade Country Club is an old institution in Nashville. It's like being in someone's really large, really fancy home, only it has waiters and a huge golf course outside. Now I wish I'd had my camera because we saw so many friends. Mom and I had our own little dance session with the band, doing something they called the "funky chicken." Yikes! I'm hopeful there's no evidence on a video camera out there.

I did manage to take some pics when we all got home - probably would have been prettier pre-dancing the night away, but you get the idea.



Mom's new purple heels I borrowed for the evening - if they go-a-missin' you know where to find them.



We awoke the next morning to momma making biscuits. Perfect for soaking up a little too much of a good time. Mmm, it's good to live in the South.





and after all this crazy rain......... we were given a beautiful rainbow

twang thang

I haven't had a wild night out in quite a while. Maybe that's why I was ready to hit the town in a big way last Thursday. We (Tenn Hens) have been working on this project for the last couple months and it was finally here - The 9th annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman.

So Currier (my biz partner), Lauren (my cuz) and I pulled on our boots and hit the town. We started at the Hutton Hotel's swanky new bar with some cocktails and nibbles. Apparently it's the place to be, because we ran into some soon-to-be-famous musicians - "urr-la-la" and a very notable former senator/doctor around town.







Of course the performance at the "mother church" did not disappoint. I fell in love with Justin Townes Earle in his cranberry red 3-piece corduroy suit. Maybe I should get Trevor one to sport around G-ville. Then we might really make some new friends quick!





The party train continued into the evening. A friend was kind enough to get us all home safely, but not before spinning us around town with the top down and tunes turned up.

a worthy feast

We got married a little over a year ago and had been living in my condo. I loved the townhouse, but it really lacked in space. I mean, we were very cozy in there. My point is, because of our lack in space we never really unpacked wedding gifts. I left everything in boxes at my parents, awaiting the day we moved somewhere bigger and could unload all of the beautiful things.

Well, we don't have any more space in the new casa, but it was time to break out the new Match plates the other night. I think they're really fabulous, even though husband complains you can't microwave them. Yes, they have a metal rim so that would not be good, but hey, we probably shouldn't be nuking our food very often anyway. At least they're dishwasher friendly. Love, love, love them.



I was feeling pretty confident after watching a little Food Network so I attempted cooking flank steak and oh my goodness, it was so good. I'll probably never repeat this good fortune, but it was divine. And check out big buddy below my feet - waiting for any little morsel to drop!

curb side

I always heard Austin was cool. Trevor and I visited my little brother there during his last year in school. I fell in LOVE with the vibe. We crammed into his college apartment, with beer bottles, music posters and friends during our stay, but next time we'll be staying across the street. There's a little gem called Hotel San Jose and it looked very chic and modern behind it's ivy entrance.



Anyway.... the real point of this post was to share what I saw today on designsponge : Adelante Austin, a locally owned boutique offering "curbside service" in their 1976 airstream. They'll be hosting trunk shows and shopping parties inside. I so wish this would cruise by my front door - very cool indeed!

green home

Normally, I would call up my cuz or a friend, but not so much now. So, like a big girl, I went solo. I drove about 15 min over to Furman University for a look see. It's a beautiful campus with big old trees, brick buildings and walking trails. Southern Living was having an auction on the interiors of a "green" house they'd built. Everything was for sale, down to the tub, and very eco friendly so I went to check out the goods. Nothing I needed, but I did think the kitchen was interesting. There were these hanging shelves that I'd never seen before and I kind of dig the color of the cabinets below.




Next time, I'm bring the big buddy dog and husband for a good walk around.

take me out

Peanuts, hot dogs and cold beer was our dinner Friday night at the ball game. We went to see the Drive in the playoffs at their new stadium which is super nice. There are condos and a restaurant overlooking the field and it's within walking distance from downtown. I'm not really a baseball fan, but it was fun and such a nice night. The mascot almost took husbands toe off when he sat in front of us, but no worries, crisis avoided. We hit up the Bohemian on our way home and though the acoustics weren't great, the company and pomegranate beers sure were.

vinyl & a blt

My wrist may be aching and my eyes a strainin', but no complaining from moi. I've been busy, busy working on one of my favorite projects of the year - The Americana Music festival & conference. To get in the mood yesterday and while waiting on my computer to finally save some files, I turned up some tunes. Americana tunes of course. I'm obsessed with the new Avett Brothers song "I and love and you" a must download if you ask me.



Speaking of music, Trevor and I have a new favorite spot in North Main. The Bohemian Cafe and Horizon Records ("a fiercely independent music retailer"). We ate a yummy lunch and then wandered into the connecting record shop next door. I loved looking at all the different album covers and wanted to buy a huge stack. Minor detail is we don't have a record player. Hmmm, maybe for Christmas.





Open for dinner and live music at night - I think we'll be back often.
ULTIMATE BLT : INCLUDED AVACADO + FRIED EGG

southern living

Nashville has gotten pretty chic lately. Two girls I know, raising the "style" bar of this town, were featured in Southern Living this month. Their store Petit Chateau is amazing and I was so proud to see them in print. Plus their logo is tres bon...... some cool hens must be responsible for that!

cooking joy

Last week, momma and I went to see Julie & Julia. I rarely seem to make it to the theater, but this one was well worth it. You see, I like cooking, but I'm totally still learning . Not that I wasn't raised on fabulous cooking... because I was, but because I was always more interested in baking box cakes as a child. Now that I'm married to "big-un" (a name he was once called by a complete stranger) who loves cooking and now that I work with a total foodie (check out her cooking blog for some excellent tips: eats to enjoy) my food "awareness" has really risen.

Anyway, back to the movie. I loved Julia (Meryl Street) and wish there had been even more of her story. I may not be mastering the art of French cooking any time soon, but I adored her. She loved life - all the little things in a day and most of all she loved Paris and of course her cute husband.



That night, momma and I got out her copy of The Joy of Cooking AND my grandmother Mimi's copy to compare. Mimi's had scotch tape on the spine, spills & stains, and little handwritten recipes tucked inside. I could almost picture her in their old house on Ensworth Avenue - fixing up something sweet to fill up our bellies. It made me miss her so much.

little bro

I wish you a belated, but very happy 26th birthday. May it be filled with health, wealth and cheer this year. Oh brother Wilbur: you are making us proud in the big apple. Enjoy and take it all in, because one day we hope you join us back home! xo