A big little secret about art galleries

One of my favorite things to do in college was to take an afternoon to explore local art galleries. I had a fascination with not only the art before me, but the story behind the artist and the piece. I loved meandering through the galleries and getting lost in the art. It was a therapeutic, quiet time that allowed me to sink into a different space in my head than my daily writing activities for my English major. It might have also allowed me to feel a little bit like Charlotte from Sex and the City, too. 

Since then, I've loved getting to know different artists through social media and beyond. It's amazing that things like Instagram and Etsy have allowed artists to jump from selling their own art online to having gallery representation. On Friday, we went to one of Atlanta's most well-known galleries, Gregg Irby, to celebrate an exhibit called "The Locals." The show featured some of the South's up-and-coming artists including my friend, Renee Bouchon, among some pretty awesome other women.

Let's be real: I don't know about y'all, but over the years, I always assumed that galleries were for genuine collectors with large, sometimes nonexistent budgets. However, as I walked through the show admiring the gorgeous pieces of art before me, I was kind of shocked. Want to know a bit little secret about art galleries? A lot of the pieces are affordable! And not just affordable, but attainable, too. In fact, I even found an artist featured in the show whose work I actually own. Mind. Blown. 

Galleries like Gregg Irby are making art attainable for young collectors, and there are a ton of other galleries both in person and online that are doing the same. Here are a few of my favorite places to look for art from aspiring artists and those who have "made it." Any places I'm missing? Would love to hear where you find your art, too! 

Well and Wonder

Atlanta Artist Collective 

ArtCloud

Gregg Irby 

Anne Irwin

Spotlight on Art 

Monday, My Day

It's been a while since we had a Monday, My Day post around here, so I thought a rainy Monday would be the perfect time for it. How was everyone's weekend? We spent ours with family and friends, and I have to say, it was the perfect balance of low key and upbeat. Plus we got some house things accomplished last week which means we're finally getting a little more settled. Hooray! Here are some of my favorite links, finds, and happenings:

We'll be basking in the sun at the beach one month from today which means my hunt for a bathing suit is ON. Leave it to Southern Living to round-up some great suits including this one from Lime Ricki. I also have this one headed my way this week. Adorable. 

As you know, I love a fun beauty find. Have y'all heard of Tulip? You can make a one-time purchase or sign-up for a subscription. I'm intrigued! 

Father's Day is just around the corner, and I'm dishing my favorite gifts over on Annette's blog today. 

The bane of my existence every week is meal planning, so when my SIL offered me a free Hello Fresh box, I jumped at the chance. We've had two boxes delivered (and one arriving today!), and I am hooked. Not having to go to the grocery store or talk about what to have for dinner has been life changing. 

I picked-up a few cans of Spiked Seltzer last week, and OMG they're so good for the summer! 

Shout-out to Rachel for sending me the fabulous recommendation for Crazy Love for a client meeting last week. If you're in the ATL area, this place is worth the trip OTP. 

Finally,  in addition to the great swimsuit hunt, I'm also on the great cover-up hunt. I can't find one that I like - 

any suggestions? 

PPD Renovates: The outside is DONE

I mentioned a few days ago that we finally moved into our house. Our official move-in date was April 22 which means that as of today, we've been in our house for about three weeks. We spent the first two weeks battling boxes, trying to figure out where furniture was going to live, and what we needed to wrap-up. That meant someone knocking on the door almost daily trying to finish the job.

Before

After

While the inside of our house is far from finished, the outside of our house is actually done! It's crazy to think that just five months ago, we had very different curb appeal (although it wasn't very appealing). Now we have grass (first time ever), gorgeous plants like hydrangeas, Boston ivy, and ferns, and a stoop that seriously makes me so happy. That pink brick is perfection against Farrow & Ball's Purbeck Stone. 

Our front door is custom, and while that sounds fancy pants/expensive, it was actually more cost effective to have our door custom-made than to buy it from the lumbar yard. Trust me, I was shocked, too. Since we have a door with glass, I won't get to have a fun door knocker, so we decided to make a statement with our hardware. I love the Baldwin Nashville more than I ever thought I would. It really partners well with our gas lanterns which are made by a company out of Fairhope, Alabama - just over the bay from Mobile which I think is so cool.

Of course, I had to add a cute doormat. I'm pretty sure I'll be swapping these out regularly, but I think this pineapple one was a great starting point. I've rounded-up a few of my other favorite welcome mats below! 

Stay tuned for even more house updates, and if you can't wait for a blog post, I'm giving lots of them on IG stories, so follow along there! 

That Time I Learned how to Make Lobster

Y'all. I can make LOBSTER. It's true. And it's all thanks to the Salud! Cooking School Alpharetta. Located in the upper corner of Avalon's Whole Foods, Salud! allows you to sharpen your knife skills, all while enjoying an evening with a top area chef and the best ingredients. Last week, I joined fellow blogger and friend, Lia from The Cardigan Kitchen for a night of digging into international street food recipes and bites. 

While I always love eating international street food (obvi), I've never tried my hand at making it. We delved into everything from samosas to curry from elote to lobster rolls (more on those later), all while learning some pretty neat tricks, too. For example, did you know you can use a spoon to peel ginger? It takes off less of the root and is easier than a peeler. And, did you know that the spice in peppers comes from oil within them, so the smaller you chop them, the spicier they'll be? I'm telling you, I learned life-changing information!

The class was led by owner and chef at Candler Park's The Mercantile, Chef Stephanie Adler. Chef Stephanie guided us through the basics of street food by demonstrating recipes and encouraging us to volunteer to get our hands dirty. There were a few not-so-stubtle invitations to pick up a spoon or knife, but in the end, I was grateful for the shove forward. 

One of my favorite parts of the evening was learning how to cook lobster tails. It turns out it's super easy to cook them, but a little harder to remove the shells. Once I learned how to snip up the bellies of the tails and break off the outer red shell, I felt like I was in business. I cooked and shelled 12 lobster tails while Lia and another student busily chopped them to prepare delicious lobster rolls. I must say, they were a hit. 

The class was super fun, and of course delicious, and I could see myself taking another one. In fact, it would be such a fun thing to do (or gift) for Valentine's Day! Find all the information you need about the school here. And a special thanks to Lia and Whole Foods Avalon for having me!

Atlanta Eats: Foxtrot Liquor Bar

In the midst of all of the holiday bustle, my sister and I took a few hours out of holiday parties to meet up with our future sister in law and celebrate her engagement to our brother. Rachel happens to be a sweet friend and a pretty awesome blogger, so we definitely feel like we hit the sister in law jackpot. We met up at one of Atlanta's newest watering holes, Foxtrot Liquor Bar to explore their menu, have a few beverages, and chat all things wedding. 

Foxtrot Liquor Bar is in Midtown and happens to be directly next door to one of my favorite Atlanta hidden gens, Pasta da Pulcinella (more on that another time). Decorated in layers of plaids, ginghams, and leathers, Foxtrot certainly packs gentlemanly appeal while keeping ladies entranced as well. We sipped through beverages like Life on Mars (a gin and champagne cocktail), and I even had my first eggnog ever...delicious. 

Pub grub eats included things like pierogies (small dumplings filled with mashed potatoes), pimento cheese fritters (don't miss them...), and housemade sliders. Perhaps my favorite discovery of the night (beyond the wedding details, obviously) was that Foxtrot created their own, signature tonic water. As a gin-loving gal, this was music to my ears. Sign me up for a gin and tonic next time! 

Needless to say, Foxtrot is a must-visit. Snuggle up to the bar, chat with the mixologists, take in the ambiance, and enjoy the food. Tell them I sent you! 

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

No, I'm not talking about a puppy...although mine has most definitely been the gift that keeps on giving. Instead, I'm talking about linens. Before you click away, hear me out: how often do you buy yourself new sheets, blankets, or towels? If you're like me, chances are you don't buy yourself these things often, and if we're spirit animals, you never buy yourself linens. Linens just get pushed way down on my priority list of things to buy. I always justify purchasing something else instead. But think about it: we use linens every single day which is why they make a great gift. I still remember the people who gifted us our first towels for our wedding (hey Lindsay & Erin), and I definitely know who gave us a set of sheets. 

The holidays are a great time to snap up linens for others. One of my favorite places to shop for linens is WestPoint Home. It might actually be the one place I consider myself as a lifetime shopper. When I was little, there was a WestPoint Home store near the Alabama/Georgia state line. It had a beautiful fountain outside of it which I referred to as the "dancing water." It was always a landmark for our trips to and from Mobile. 

WestPoint Home has recently opened a new store at the North Georgia Premium Outlets, and they're celebrating their grand opening tomorrow. During the grand opening event, you can receive free monogramming on personalizable items which make it a prime opportunity for shopping for gifts. I took a word of advice from myself and stepped-up the fun factor by getting our house number monogrammed on towels. These will be right at home in our new Jack and Jill bath. 

Let me know if you find yourself at the WestPoint Home opening tomorrow - and let me know what you get!

I received the towels seen here in exchange for this post. 

Quick Shop: Last Minute Gifts

I don't know if you saw my sentiments on Instagram, but I am feeling completely overwhelmed with the season. I am sure it has something to do with our renovation and things just being a little wacky in my life right now. However, the more that I try to Christmas shop, the less I can actually pull the trigger...which has gotten me into a bit of a last minute shopping predicament. Usually this week is covered by big box stores, but as I try more and more to give my support to small business, it's a little tougher. I've rounded up some of my favorite gifts for last minute shopping: gifts that you can still order (or pick up in person!) before shipping deadlines! Woo!

For the ATL Foodie: Culinary Atlanta 

available now on Amazon Prime and Kindle(!)

For the Ladies: Dee 3 Bead Earrings

comes in 2 bead, too 

For the Health Nut: Golda Kombucha 

holiday brew for the whole crew

For the Hostess: Little Barn Apothecary Bath Salts 

to care for her twinkle toes

For the Cook: Beautiful Briny Sea Santa Salt 

festive with rosemary and peppercorn salt 

Custom Holiday Cards with Minted

If I know anything about myself, it's that I am a girl who likes routine. My morning starts the same way everyday, if I find a sweater I love, I buy it in three colors, and I always always always get my custom holiday cards from Minted. This is my third year getting our holiday cards at Minted (and yesterday happened to be my 3rd wedding anniversary!). Since we got married December 1st, and I knew I wanted to have a few wedding photos for our first holiday card, I started the tradition of sending New Years cards instead of Christmas cards. 

Even though that means our holiday cards come a little after the rush, I know that it also means that our friends and family get snail mail later in the holiday season. Gotta stretch the holiday spirit, right?! 

Minted offers tons of customization options. Every card usually offers several colorways, and you can always change the text. This year, I noticed more cards than ever before can be designed with sayings like "Happy Holidays" or "Happy New Year." It's great to see options that fit everyone's beliefs and traditions. 

The card I chose this year can be done in six different colors or six different foil options. It comes in postcard size, petite size (4.5 x 6), or classic size (5 x7). You can choose rounded corners or square, and there are several options for the back and for envelop colors. So. Many. Possibilities!  

Perhaps my favorite part of using Minted for custom holiday cards is that they print envelopes for you. Envelopes always stress me out, so it's a huge relief not to have to handwrite all of them. Instead, I can add a custom note to the back, or if I'm being totally honest, place a stamp on the coordinating envelope, pop it in the mail, and call it a day. If you're still in the market for holiday cards, be sure to check out Minted. They're often running sales and specials, and their gorgeous quality can't be beat. For now, enjoy a sneak peek at our 2017 New Year's cards.

P.S. If you're not quite sure how to write your name on your Christmas cards, this guide will answer all of your questions. Bottom line: no apostrophes catastrophes.

I received my holiday cards in exchange for this post, but all opinions about this brand are my own! 

Incorporating Christmas throughout Your Home: Home for the Holidays Showhouse

 
Since I can't decorate my own home this season, I'm eating up ideas for the future. One of the things that I've noticed being done more and more is scattering Christmas throughout the home, rather than just in the living spaces. I. Love. This. For one, it allows for you to really maximize your decor and spread it out in multiple places. For another, you're literally spreading the cheer for guests (and you!) to enjoy throughout your home. 

I'll admit this idea came to me while touring the Home for the Holidays Showhouse just before Thanksgiving. The holiday decor in the house was stunning and while somewhat understated, it was truly spaced throughout the home which incorporated the holiday spirit in nearly every room. Not only was the home sprinkled with wreaths, trees, and greenery, but small details like ornaments and other holiday trinkets also abounded.

Each designer incorporated holiday decor that fit with their spaces. Instead of one color of decor scheme being carried throughout the house, the decorations in each room matched the motif. So, while you might see pinks, reds, and greens in the main living space, the formal living areas might have shades of blue and the hallways various metallics. I thought this might feel choppy, but instead, the rooms felt cohesive and thoughtful.

I would be remiss not to mention the incredible, timeless, outdoor decor. The greenery is lush and the shapes are classic. It's inviting and fits with the style of the home. Plus, it provides a fantastic first impression for visitors. 

As you decorate your home this year, don't feel confined to the same colors you typically use. Instead, use your home's every day color scheme as a guide. Liven-up your decor and enjoy mixing metals, fabrics, and textures to create a seamless look.

If you want to see this stunning showhouse in person, it's open for visitors now through December 11th. 

photos via David Christensen

Friday Foodie: Tin Can Fish House & Oyster Bar

It's here! No, I don't mean the holidays, but rather, oyster season. I am, as some might say, an oyster snob. Before you judge my snobbery, hear me out: I can't help it. I was born in Mobile and was raised on quality seafood...including oysters, and that means only eating them when they're in season. According to folklore, you can eat oysters in months with an "R" which for those of you counting means: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December. Okay, so fine, oyster season has been around for a few months, but since it's been near 80 degrees here until just a few weeks ago, it finally feels safe. 

Of course there are many many exceptions to this rule, and I'd be lying if I said I only ate oysters during months with a "R," but I do maintain that the best oysters come from the highest quality producers and the coldest waters. Thankfully, there are people like Nik Panagopoulos who handle the difficult task of sourcing the best oysters around...who am I kidding? I'd freaking love that task, but I'm thankful he's more than willing to do the hard work for me. 

This week, I had the chance to dine at the newly opened Tin Can Fish House & Oyster Bar in Town Brookhaven, and it did not disappoint. The oysters were briny and plentiful, the menu was well-priced, and the ambiance was intimate. As my friend Lia said, the restaurant "knows itself." It's such a great observation to make because it's true. Tin Can knows its audience. It knows it's first and foremost responsible for bringing delicious, quality seafood to the table. It knows it provides fantastic service. It knows good wine and beer, so it skips cocktails. It was refreshing and wonderful. 

We dined on everything from raw oysters to oysters Rockefeller, from lobster rolls to tuna toasts. Everything I had made me more excited to see what was coming next. If you're looking for your next date night in Atlanta and could use a good seafood fix, give Tin Can Fish House & Oyster Bar a try. And order the oysters...any of them or all of them! 

Friday Foodie: Taco Cowboy Lassos Virginia Highland

Dining out around Atlanta has long been one of my favorite things to do. I pretty much pride myself on my restaurant recommendations, and the only reason I've been able to build such an arsenal is by continuing to get outside of my neighborhood and try something new. Recently, a few of my favorite foodies and I had a chance to give Taco Cowboy in Virginia Highland a go. 

Taco Cowboy is Chef Tom Catherall's latest concept. You might remember Chef Tom from his well-known Here to Serve restaurant group, and while that ship has sailed, Chef Tom is back to the Atlanta food scene and better than ever. Taco Cowboy marries creative Mexican street food with the freshest ingredients. Items include things like ceviche, calamari, smokey salsa, a variety of tacos, small plates, and entrees. Innovative selections abound on the menu, but one of my personal favorites was the Nashville taco. Hot fried chicken with pickles, ranch, and lettuce served on white bread (not a tortilla)? My kind of taco right there. Tacos range from $4 - $8 with the priciest selection being the lobster taco. 

The main entrees are not to be glossed over. The Mexican skirt steak (aka. fajitas) came perfectly medium rare and the chipotle mashed potatoes paired with the Springer Mountain Farms chicken were spicy, fluffy, and flavorful. Those might have been my favorite item of the entire night. And the pumpkin bread pudding dessert?! Gooey, moist, and comforting. It's not to be missed, y'all. Of course no trip to a Mexican restaurant is complete without margaritas. Taco Cowboy's are made with award-winning and Georgia based Karma Tequila. Arriving in personal pitchers with a striped paper straw, these were a nice touch with an added bit of charm and a huge hit.

Overall, Taco Cowboy has a lively atmosphere and quaint outdoor seating that left me wanting to return again and again; I'm already looking forward to my next visit. Margarita pitcher for one, please! 

Why Westside Provisions Rocks my Socks

If you've been around my blog in recent history, you pretty much know how deep my love for Westside Provisions runs. Not only does it house some of my favorite restaurants like Bacchanalia and Taqueria del Sol, but also happens to be the location of my wedding. I've been hanging out over in Westside Provisions before it was cool. In fact, I think I first went to Taqueria del Sol there while I was still in college...circa 2006. It was definitely before any of the fun places across the bridge existed. Essentially, it's one of the OG cool spots in Atlanta, and I like to think I'm one of its OG visitors. And that's exactly why when I was asked to takeover the Westside Provisions Instagram account, I jumped at the chance. 

A few weeks ago, I meet-up with my friend and photographer, Amber Corbi, and we explored everything that Westside Provisions has to offer. In photo form, here are the five reasons why Westside Provisions rocks my socks:

1. They've got some pretty awesome spots for photos. Okay fine, this might only apply to bloggers or Instagram aficionados, but if you need a cool wall to lean on or pose with your Jeni's ice cream near, WSPD has you covered. 

2. The croissants at Star Provisions can't be beat. They're flakey. They're buttery. They're perfect. 

3. Le Jardin Francais is basically a trip to Paris without leaving Atlanta. The ladies at this adorable flower shop offer guests an opportunity to hand select stems for bouquets and centerpieces. They also offer floral arranging classes and often do so paired with wine from Perrine's (more on them in a sec). 

4. Preserving Place's Mama's Strawberry Jam is quite literally the jam. My friend and fellow jam-lover, Erin insists that this jam is fantastic on a southern biscuit, but is also surprisingly delightful over vanilla bean ice cream. Two scoops, please!

5. Maddie the wine-loving dog. Maddie captured my heart at Perrine's, and I'm sure she'll capture yours too. Don't miss Perrine's mascot roaming around the store keeping a watchful eye on the wine bounty...and perhaps napping in the corner from time to time.

Photos via Amber Corbi