New project

Brad has this goofy little courtyard in between the main house and garage. The area really needs help, but it definitely has potential. The garage has ivy covering a majority of it (which I love), and with a little more rain and sun, it should cover the whole thing. There is also a really cute walkway to the street. It would be great to use this as a place to eat or read.

The plan is to make a Provençal-style garden area. I want to gravel the entire area and definitely get rid of that bench/hoopah/arbor thing. Then I just need some garden furniture and some odds and ends like lanterns, candles and pots and it will be ready to go for Spring!

Next renovation: Garage becomes art studio. Stayed tuned in 2020.

See before pictures (in Brad's defense, this was before he renovated the house):

See idea photos:

Image via Classical Living, Beta Plus Publishing

Image via Country Living

Image via Veranda, September 2007

Image via Provence Interiors, Taschen

Image via Provence Style of Living, Maison Coté Sud

Not sure sources of last few pictures... sorry!

More 2nd home dreaming

I love this European style farmhouse in Toronto. Apparently the house is only 10 years old. Just goes to show that new houses don't have to look so... new.

Images via Robin Stubbert Photographer

If only...

I looked this cute in my winter garb; I wouldn't mind the impending blizzard.

via The Sartorialist

You must try this recipe

So, Katie's mom makes the best authentic cajun food. Tonight she gave us her "secret" easy recipe for pecan pralines. They are amazing (and I would say I've had a lot of pralines in my life). I have eaten so many pralines tonight, and I don't regret it for one second. Although this did bring up a debate over the pronunciation of praline: PRAY-leen or PRAW-leen. (I say PRAW-leen).

PECAN PRALINES:

1.5 c. sugar

1 small can Pet milk

1/2 stick butter

2 c. pecans

1.5 tsp. vanilla

In heavy pot, combine milk and sugar. Stir only to mix, and then do not stir again until mixture comes to a rolling boil. When the mixture begins to boil, set a timer for 4 minutes. Stir constantly until timer rings. Remove from heat and add butter, pecans and vanilla. Stir until mixture gets thicker. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let harden.

Lee's Sovereign Condo

I wasn't going to post this...but when it came down to it I couldn't resist. What your old boss, Lee, has done with her new home in the Sovereign (see article here) is absolutely amazing. I can't believe how she has transformed it... I also flipped (for the umpteenth time) through the Cottage Living pics of her old house in Garden Hills, and now I honestly can't say which one I like best. She really is just so talented - I'm jealous of her life!

All pics via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Wine diary:

My dearest,

You should try this wine - inexpensive and good.

Love always,

Moi.

SPRING 2010

Patterns +/- color are making me yearn for Spring (well, that and the mini snow storm we had this morning)....some looks I like:

Free People, Shopbop

Gucci, Dries Van Noten, Ohne Titel, Balenciaga via elle.com

Tibi, Shopbop

Adam, Shopbop

(love these)