Shoe Envy

Last Friday morning, I was in Starbucks getting a cup of coffee when I saw something that made my heart go pitter patter.  Yes, that's right...it was a pair of Tory Burch sandals.  I was walking out of the door when I glanced down at this lady's sandals.  I know the picture below doesn't look that exciting but the shoes pulled together the outfit with her white capris and a green blouse.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to stop thinking about these sandals, especially after reading all of the reviews on Nordstrom about how comfortable they are and how the nude color goes with everything. 

New Bedding Ensemble

I'm planning on redecorating my bedroom thanks to Pinterest.  I shouldn't say redecorated because we've been in our new house for 5 years now and it's the one room that's never been decorated.  So, I got a little inspiration when I saw this Barbara Barry beauty on Pinterest.

I loved the Barbara Barry duvet but didn't care for the matching blue cover.  It was too shiny in person.  So I found a silk channel quilt at Pottery Barn that I liked so much better.  I later stumbled across Centsational Girl's blog and loved how she incorporated these Z. Gallerie "Kenya" pillows.

My bedding ensemble is complete but there's still so much to do...need curtains, new paint color and maybe even a new headboard.  More to come later...

Date Night!!

Hubbie and I stayed at the St. Regis Atlanta a few years ago when it first opened up and I think it is the most beautiful hotel in Atlanta.  Everything about it is my style or rather, my dream style.  I also love the location in a relaxed Buckhead neighborhood close to fabulous restuarants.  When we learned we were getting the opportunity to have a night away, I immediately started searching the internet for deals at the St. Regis (and unfortunately, there aren't really).  The best rate we could find was the prepaid room deal.  Oh well, it was worth every penny for our night away.  It was relaxing and best of all...quiet!! 

After we checked in, we headed straight for the pool to enjoy some cocktails.

It wasn't this empty when we went, I took this photo the next day.  Here is a photo of the cabana area below.

Here's a shot of our room.

You can't see it from the photo but there is a TV in the bathroom mirror.

Just a few shots of the lobby area because it's the prettiest part of the hotel.

Lunch in Atlanta's Design District

Last weekend, my folks came down and Hubbie and I got a much needed night away.  We spent the afternoon on the west side of Atlanta in the "Design District" and then spent the night at the St. Regis in Buckhead, Atlanta.  Even though we missed the kids, it was really great to have some alone time.

Here are some photos of our lunch at Ornsby's.  My co-worker calls it the Chuck E. Cheese's for adults and it's so true.

We started off with $3 cajun boiled peanuts that were delish!

  

Hubbie was the winner for lunch with his roast beef sandwich with pot roast gravy and horseradish cream...wow!

See, he knows he ordered a better dish than me.

JCT. is a restaurant and the menu looked incredible.  Next time, we're eating there.

 

More on St. Regis later...

I'm addicted to lip balm

If you know me, then you know I have an addiction to lip balm.  Chapstick Medicated Lip Balm is my favorite because of the scent, price and consistency of its application.  I keep a stick of lip balm...in my car, my office desk, my husband's car, my kitchen junk drawer, by my bed, in my bathroom, etc.  I have a hard time sleeping at night if, for some reason, I am without it.  I have been in that situation before and it's awful. I usually resort to lotion or lipstick whatever I can find that's similar. 

My coworker gave me the best gift ever a few year's ago.  She told me not to be too disappointed in my gift as it was small but let me tell ya, it has been the gift that keeps on giving two years later.  This lip balm has been my favorite night time ritual and I've had to hide because my kids like to raid it too.  It smells like oranges and the consistency is heavenly...it's smooth and doesn't cake not matter how much you slather on.  My co-worker says it's only available on-line or in Nashville.

Source:  Therapy Systems 

Easiest Recipe Ever!

Easy Braised Brisket

Source: Cooking Light

I'm making this brisket for dinner tonight and it's probably the fifth time I've made it.  It's always a hit with hubbie and the leftovers are even better a few days later.  I'm always drawn to recipes with few ingredients that cook themselves.  The only thing I do differently is add a couple of cloves of minced garlic and extra olives...because I love the salty bite of the olives.  Best served with mashed pototoes!

Amy Meier Design Love

I saw this photo in the February 2011 issue of Better Homes and Gardens and I carefully study it all the time because I love it so much.  I was excited to find it again on Pinterest so I could look at it from different angles.  I love the Expedit book case and the brass swing arm sconces.  I must have them! 

Source: Amy Meier Design