My Interior Design Website

I am so excited to share my brand new website with you!  As most of you know, I left my staging company here in Birmingham this past Spring to start my own interior design firm.  At the time, I decided to do a complete makeover of my blog and also had the talented Shari Miller of Little Blue Deer come up with a logo for my interior design business.  I wanted the two logos to compliment each other.

Since then, I have been busy working on lots of fun design projects for clients and just have not had the time to put together my design website.  So, last month, I decided I needed to pull it all together.  I found I was getting lots of emails and questions from potential clients on my rates and services.  So, now all this information is online for you to see.  As my business continues to grow and I find time to have my spaces photographed, I will continue to add to my portfolio.  I want to thank each and every one of you for continuing to support my business by reading my blog, sponsoring my blog and hiring me for design jobs.  I have met so many people, both design clients and bloggers in the virtual world, who have made my year one of the most interesting to date.  So from the heart, thank you!

If you have been thinking about interior design help, I hope you will take a look at my design services to see if we could be a fit for a project in your home!  Right now, I am scheduling work about two weeks out, so let me know if you are interested, and I will put you on the calendar! M.

My Weekend - Riddle Solved

Sorry for the tease on Friday!  I just couldn't resist.  We attended the 27th annual Steeplechase (get it "steeple + chase = steeplechase") at Callaway Gardens on Saturday.  

My very generous Mother-in-law treated us to a day at the races!  This was my first Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, and it was absolutely delightful!  This event is hosted each year to benefit the arts in Columbus, Georgia to include the Museum, Symphony Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and the Springer Opera House.

 We were lucky enough to have a tent right next to the 2011 Race Director, Charlotte Hare, and her family.  It was a stunning vantage point with lots of space in front for the children to play between races and a couple of strategic jumps just beyond for an exciting afternoon.   

The weather could not have been better, and I must say, the people were incredibly kind and gracious.  

 The day started with the Midland Fox Hounds' parade. 

Then the bagpipers kicked off the ceremony for the day. 

 Those are our tents in the background.

 Each race was announced with a bugle blast from this fellow . . 

and the first race we saw was a pony race for children (no jumps). 

I thought the boy on this tiny pony was the cutest thing ever!! 

My daughter who rides here in Birmingham was completely smitten after the very first race.  I could not pull her away for a single moment of looking at hats, flowers or anything in between.  She stood on the rail all afternoon! 

I did talk my nieces into going with me to see the sites.  I have to say this event was the closest thing I've seen in awhile to tailgating in the grove at Ole Miss where I went to school.  Just look at this gorgeous arrangement in a pierced silver basket, no less! 

 Then it was time for the real races.  I took these pictures in front of our tent as they made the jump.

The entire event was at a very relaxed pace - lots of socializing along with refreshments and yummy treats between races.  

This dapper fellow relaxed at the tent next to us!  

 I happened to snap this picture at the very moment this jockey made the jump and bobbled out of her saddle.  Up until this point, I actually thought it looked really fun.  I quickly realized it's very dangerous!  She did, in fact, fall straight on her head and rolled a few feet.  Luckily, she got up and walked away from this fall unscathed, but her horse never stopped.  

I loved the look of this arrangement in this old copper basin.  It was stunning in person. 

This amazing arrangement was in the main tent located right in front of the finish line.  

 Close to the end of the day, we were treated to a special tour of the stables (this was a highlight for my daughter).  This beautiful horse had just finished a race and had won!  They were in the process of cooling him down.  Based on the looks of these stables, the horses are treated like royalty! 

This cute girl (did you see that bird on her hat!) actually helped organize the event and was in charge of the hat contest.  So, with my nieces in tow, we made our way to the judges table for a look at the contestants!  

Look at some of these hats!

I think this hat actually won the overall category!   This lady was so sweet.  One of my nieces just flat out asked her if she could try on her hat and she, without any hesitation, popped the hat on her head!

Needless to say, she created a monster and both of them preceded to ask every lady in the crowd if they could try on their hats!

One other thing I thought was fun, this milliner and his wife were selling hats at the event.  So, if you did not come in a hat and were feeling left out, you could make it right!! 

 My nieces saw it as just one more opportunity to try on a few hats.  I've never seen such posing in all my life!

 Check out the hand on the hip.

 Overall, it was a very special day.  This event is held annually each Fall.   We had such a marvelous time I am sure it will not be our last time to attend.  If you are interested in a fun fall day, click here for more information on next year's Steeplechase.  I saw one tent called "Girl's Weekend" and it really made my wheels start turning!  M. 

Clues to my Weekend

Just a few clues as to what I'm going to be up to this weekend . . . 

I'll fill you in on Monday!  Have a great weekend. M.

My Weekend & Other Randomness

I had a fun weekend and thought I would share a few pictures with you.  My kids were out of school on Monday for a teacher workday, so we decided to visit my family in Mississippi.

My parents live outside the city on a large piece of beautiful wooded property.  Every Fall for as long as I can remember, my Dad hosts an annual Dove Shoot and my husband and son are elated about the whole thing.  This year, we were not able to attend as it was the same weekend of the first Auburn football game, but lucky enough (maybe not for the doves), the season reopened this weekend and my son got to shoot with my Dad.  

For those who are sad (right about now) about shooting the birds, just know these birds do not lose their lives just for sport.  My Mom is an amazing cook, and wild game is one of her specialties. 

The Menu

Bacon Wrapped Grilled Dove

Grilled Italian Sausage

Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

Wild Rice salad

Parker House Rolls

My children love going to see my family and they are always treated with some very interesting activities.  This trip they milked a cow, played some variation of dodge ball in the Church youth center for a relative's birthday party, swam (I thought they were crazy, but it was in the 80's that day) in my cousin's pool, played war at my brother's house (he has built the most unbelievable tree house that I promise to post about at some point), got to see a raccoon up close.

I love to see the looks on their faces when some of these experiences present themselves.  So, I know your wondering, "Did I milk the cow?"  No, you have to get up waay to early in the morning, but I did relax and enjoy my mini vacation to the country.  I read, and chatted with my parents and other relatives the entire trip.  I also had time to study my Mom's cookbooks for recipes for the Fall.  I love to do that since I always feel like my books become boring.

I also picked some wild flowers that are everywhere you turn down there.

I grew up calling these are Black Eyed Susans, but they may be some form of a Shasta daisy.  Just love.  They look as though they're trying to jump out of the vase!

I also managed to snag some fresh eggs from my uncles chicken coop, and my brother gave me some beer he made.  It's a hobby of his!  What can I say, he's a doctor in our small town, but I guess a chemist (with benefits) is one of his many talents!

When we got home, I had a package waiting for me!  I order this sweater for the winter from Boden and I love it!! The color is so yummy and cozy for winter.

source

I'm going to wear my with tights and riding boots and one of those great long necklaces.

PS: My children have half days all the rest of the week, so posting my be spotty.  I'm planning on taking advantage of this time with them!  Have a marvelous day! M.

What do you get when . . .

You have one of these . . . 

That drops lots of these . . . 

Then you add in a pair of these . . . [picture is from the summer]

Armed with these (and a little cashola, to sweeten the deal) . . .

  

You get this . . .

It gets expensive to fill this orchid bowl with fresh orchids.  So, I opted for a Fall flare for the season!  

How about you?  Have you gotten your Fall Decor up and out! 

 Even just a hint of the season is fun!  Have a great day. M.