caffeine excuse

Out of milk and out of creamer. That's my excuse for driving to Starbucks this morning. Now I make a mean cup of coffee, not too strong & not too sweet, but it's glorious to have a steaming hot latte. Yes, it certainly got me off on the right foot. That and the Kentucky Derby is tomorrow. Unfortunately I won't be kicking back with a nice mint julep or two or three, but I love to watch the ponies run. So much preparation and time and money put into this two-minute race. And it's always such a thrill.

Last evening, hubs and I went to a small lecture at the Greenville Museum – part of their "Portrait of Greenville" exhibit. Three local architects and an urban planner gave their points of view on how the city has developed over time. At one point the moderator asked the native Greenvillians (is that right?) for a show of hands and only about 3 people raised theirs! It was all so interesting. If there are any local peeps out there I definitely recommend visiting the exhibit.

this is what I see when I look down…my big "moon" belly at 32 weeks today

And just one more little tidbit… my parents celebrated their 37th anniversary this week. Isn't that amazing? So many events and emotions you go through together. The person that really knows you the very best and loves ya just the same. Cheers to you momma & daddy-o… thanks for setting the bar mighty high.

sunny morning

I couldn't sleep at all last night. Ya know when your mind just won't stop racing? As much as I tried, I could not let my brain just relax off into slumber. It was whizzing around pondering work and life and some decisions I need to make. Darn this getting older thing where life just continues to get more complicated. Waking up to sunshine helps. A new day, a new start and having Cooper dog wagging his tail, ready for his morning jaunt. Poor fella got knocked down yesterday. The neighborhood bully dog came out of his yard and attacked him. Well his back legs are very very weak and he fell down. My instincts kicked in and I kicked that dog right on back. Scared me to death. And scared the bully too. He ran back under the fence mighty quick. My big buddy was shaking and rattled. He's no fighter, but back in the day he could've at least defended himself. It was sad, but he's a trooper and there were no serious injuries. He got some extra treats and maybe even a little pain pill out of it too. But like I said… today is a new day and we're both already off to a better start.

ode to hermes

Remember my post about the clever outdoor advertising? My love affair with Hermes continues. Their new mens catalog came in the mail and I just adore every single spread. So delightful and silly. Most of it's in French, but no matter. The quirky illustrations guided me through the story. Such a nice design. Hermes will remain my lifelong friend - just one I can't afford!

weekend at home

Sometimes it's just nice to stay put. And that's exactly what we did. We slept in, made sweet rolls and just did things around the house. Ahhh… no plans, no schedules, and no work. Yes, it was lovely. I did drag hubs to the dreaded Babies R Us, but it was quick and painless. I had a small list so we were in and out except for one section. Bottles. We stood staring at the endless wall of options. I swear there were hundreds. We're smart people. Surely we could figure this out. But, what brand, what size, what do the numbers mean? It was like a code we couldn't crack. Sigh. Back to the drawing board. I needed to do more research. By now, it was pouring down rain and the wind was howling around us and our enormous sack of goods. Time to hurry home and put my feet on up and relax. I love napping when it's raining. The cool air blowing in. We made one of our favorite meals, Tuscan Chickpea Soup and watched Crazy Heart. Oh my goodness, if you haven't seen this you gotta rent it. Jeff Bridges is outstanding and the music… well, let's just say I've already downloaded the soundtrack. Love, love, love the music.

Since my baby shower last weekend, I had haphazardly thrown everything into the crib. Fine for a few days, but it was starting to drive me crazy. So Sunday was the day. I washed all the little blankets and onesies and burp cloths. Hung them on miniature hangers and sorted through all the gear. The nursery is sort of still in disarray, but at least there is progress. And happy day… one of my first baby purchases arrived. A cute sling to hold the bambino by polkadot papoose. Isn't it just adorable? The fabric is by Anna Maria Horner (a nashville gal) and I think her work is so cool. To be honest I have no idea how to use it. I imagine trying it out with a stuffed animal isn't quite like the real thing. Hopefully baby will show me the ropes!

baby shower

Let the baby shower continue. I really didn't want it to end. My friends hosted such a fun afternoon. Just loads of sweet faces wanting to rub my belly. Currier did the food and totally outdid herself. Seriously, this chick is amazing. Mini "baby food" was all set up on a pretty table for folks to nibble on. The mimosas were flowing and the weather was crisp and sunny. I truly didn't want to leave. Lot's of soft, cuddly things to wrap up the bambino in and even a few items I'd never seen before. And I received three, yes three, little whale bathtubs! And now that I'm home and organizing all the little gifts, I'm trying to imagine this little baby inside. Trying to imagine how it will feel once it arrives. And thinking of all my friends and how good it felt to be embraced and supported during such a big phase in my life. Thank you to my sweet friends. I felt very loved.

"aunt" fifi, momma & chef currier

cutest baby food ever : baby bump sliders, heavenly little deviled eggs, prosciutto bundles of joy, sweet pea and spinach bassinets, cucumber & wasabi sammies, and petit tommies (tomato sandwiches)

the cousins - bumpin' bellies

Auburn roomates - one who came all the way from Charleston!

oh and of course cousin Lauren & I had the same necklace on. so typical!

bun in the oven

Way on back, when I was in middle school, I was given a nickname by my friends: Bonnie Buns. I don't even remember how it started, but let me tell ya… it stuck. And sure enough, it's continued. Though it's been shortened to just "Buns," to this day there are a few friends who still use this on a regular basis. Needless to say, a "bun in the oven" recently became very fitting. And so the theme of my baby shower was born. Miss Currier, my biz partner, illustrated the whole design and did such a nice job. I have to brag on her just a little. You could say it has a little spunk in the copy.





We mixed old stamps I'd collected with the cool new abstract art ones that just came out. The art ones are great because they're oversize. And I just love the mix. Adds some flair to the envelope.

back to blogging

I know, I know, slacking on the blog. I didn't mean to. It just happened. I've been running around like a wild chicken. Work, family, life, and just a slew of things popping up. I was in Nashville for a week and so enjoyed my time at home, but felt like I was being pulled in a million directions. My body practically collapsed into the bed I was so tired. Now things are slowing down just a smidge.



Anyway, since I've been m.i.a lately, I've got lots of stuff to share. Mainly my baby shower and I can't wait to download all the pics. It was really amazing. In the mean time, here's some pics from my walk around the farm with my furry family back home. Watching three little white puffs bouncing along in the tall grass is mighty fun.





And we have two new additions to the farm. Pearl & Early the donkeys arrived while I was home. Their owner was moving so of course momma kindly offered to take them in. Mother and son. A friend's daughter came out and worked on Early. Cleaned and polished him right up, then lead him around and practiced jumping him over polls. He's going to be the hit of future kids parties. I'm sure of it. Pearl on the other hand wanted nothing to do with it and would not be caught. Typical stubborn, cranky lady, but hopefully with a little love she'll come around too. It's just your standard old funny farm.

knack studios

Just when I start missing home, I discover another little piece of Greenville that I love. I talked about this before here, but there's a studio here in town called knack studios. The woman behind it takes old furniture and refinishes it with an artistic flair. Every little detail like the knobs + drawer liners are thoughtfully updated. And not that we're friends, but I admire her blog a lot and she seems like one cool chick. May just have to mosey over and introduce myself one of these days. Anyway, there was a great read about her studio in this online mag called Southern Flourish. Not sure how I got an email about it, but it's cute and worth a browse.

images via knack

waiting lists

I've had an eye opening week. Apparently I didn't get the memo about daycare/mothers day out or whatever you want to call it. When you're expecting there should be a handbook given out. Maybe there is such a handbook, but I didn't get my copy. It's kind of like when your friends start getting engaged. I knew people that reserved the church before they had the ring on the finger. Well, let me just tell ya… daycare is the same way. The all important "waiting lists" for the best day cares fill up fast. I'm talking as soon as people get preggo. Guess we're a little bit behind here since I'm due in June. Darn.

So I started asking away. Neighbors, new friends, friends of friends – anyone I could think of that had a baby since I had no idea where people sent their children. Then I started dialing. I visited two really nice places. While walking into the first program I squeezed hubs hand and said, "I'm feeling very grownup all of a sudden." Umm, yes we're having a baby and yes that makes us grownups. Whoa. At this point she was saying things I'd never heard of. Sleep methods & baby curriculum. I felt my feet dragging and my head nodding as the woman spoke. This is a whole new can of worms and I'm having moments of "am I really ready for this?". Probably not, but every time I feel a little kicker in my belly I get a little smile on my face. Oh, and one place said we could get on the waiting list now, for enrollment in January, for the Fall of 2011 class. Nice. Thank goodness for my husband. He puts it all in perspective and loves me. A lot. Plus my prenatal yoga is coming into good use. Just a few deep Om's. Relax. And all will work out as it should.

Ya know one thing I have done though… purchase some baby bedding. Oh yea, we're making some progress over here. Hooray!

It's from the most adorable baby store called Nest in Greenville.

the spades

Well, I'll be. I've talked about her before, but I had no idea Kate Spade wasn't Kate Spade anymore. She and her husband Andy sold their interest in the company in 2006. I just read this article in NY mag and it's more about her husband, but it's really interesting. College sweethearts that always had preppy, cool taste. And now he has this very creative business called Partners + Spade which is part gallery, part branding studio.

Kate + Andy article



the liquor store - for j crew, designed by andy spade


via partners + spade

a yellow haze

It's a yellow haze around here. My computer, books, car, porch, the kitchen counter, and even the dog. They're all covered in a light yellow pollen dust. Eww. That explains all my sneezin', but I insist on keeping the windows open because this weather is just too wonderful to miss. Poor buddy just got a bath yesterday and now he's rocking a yellow tint to the black fur. I guess that's why all the jumbo bumble bees are out too. Big suckers are swirling constantly around my house with the pollen, but I don't mind a bit. Now that I know how important bees are they can keep on a buzzin'. Did you know local honey can help with allergies? It has to be local, but supposedly it's a natural combatant. Oh, and honey in your coffee… delish. I promise.

a not happy buddy pre-yeller pollen tint…

craving for the sea

A little pat on the back… I made the best dinner last night. Half good for ya and half not. That seems to be my mantra lately as I try and eat well and yet always end up treating myself to something sweet at night.

The recipe was in the latest House Beautiful mag and though I spilled my entire coffee on the page, it was super easy to follow. I was a bit suspicious of canned salmon, but it was no big deal. Just like tuna fish. And hey, anything fried? Well, it's gotta be good. I served the salmon cakes with a salad and hot darn, even made my own dressing. I tell ya, that is about the easiest thing to do. Little lemon juice, garlic, salt + pepper, red wine vinegar, olive oil and there ya go. Hubs made a little remoulade and that really added some pizazz to the whole dish. Seriously good.

Crispy Salmon Cakes via Dollars to Donuts cookbook
{fyi: I added a little Old Bay + little lemon juice to my mix}

easter weekend

Along with the nice weather, brought a packed weekend around here. One of my dearest friends, Andrea, came in town from Charleston which was such a treat. We're old college friends and I don't get to see her nearly as much as I'd like. And I loved showing her around my little world here in Greenville. We went to Pomegranate for dinner and got to sit outside and enjoy all the activity of North Main on a Friday night. There were people, children and dogs in every cranny of downtown. Hubs joined us for dinner and we had the best time catching up, telling funny stories and talking babies. I loved hearing all the "real" details from a friend on what it's like. So much better than what you can read in a book. Anyway, I didn't get to throw back any pomegranate martinis like Ange, but I loved every second of having a good friend around.



Hubs and I got invited to a little cookout Saturday and were pretty excited to be included. We sat out on this wonderful porch, had a delicious meal and met some nice new folks. I tried really hard not to talk baby all night. I swore I would not be that person, yet every thought that enters my mind lately concerns this butter bean in my belly. So I tried to ask questions, talk work and tell stories. It's a funny thing getting to know new people in a new town, but when all was said and done… I think we did fine and had a really nice time. Then I curled up in the bed, listening to the breeze outside my window and the next thing I knew, it was Easter morning. We barely made it to church on time and squeezed into a pew as the sanctuary was completely full. Everyone in their Sunday best: seersucker, bow ties, hats, and smocked dresses. Just lovely. We then toasted our families, friends, and life over plates piled high with brunch at our neighborhood spot, The Bohemian Cafe. Feeling mighty full all over, we rolled back home and onto the bed for an afternoon nap with the birds chirping and Cooper dog snoring.

good friday

Good grief! This Spring weather could not be any nicer. Busy day ahead and I'm trying to make my house look half way presentable for a friend coming in town today. I'm so excited to have a house guest and can't wait to do a little exploring around town with her. Hope you have a very Happy Easter weekend.

And in the spirit of Easter… a fun invitation Tenn Hens designed last year for a client. Sure wish someone would have an egg hunt for grown-ups!

we're seeing double

{ april fools }