7 Things About Me You Don't Know

I recently learned 7 new things about Tina Steele Lindsey when she was given the Versatile Blogger Award (from Renee Finberg.) Part of accepting the award is one must write seven things people don't know about them before passing along the award. Tina's 7 Things were great! I think she should write a book about #6. Tina is a contemporary artist. Her abstract paintings are amazing. Tina is both extremely talented and exceptionally kind. I was so honored when she passed the award along to me.

7 Things About Me You Don't Know

My freshman year of college I had a roommate who came from a very different culture and upbringing than my own. Living with her taught me invaluable lessons (although realized later) about how to communicate with others and relate to people with different life experiences. I would not call our co-habitation a great success. However, time has allowed us to develop a lovely friendship. I am so grateful we were paired up.

I think it is the best thing you can do for your children is to put your marriage ahead of them.

There are days I get really homesick for Nashville. I lived there for four years in college and I sometimes feel more of a connection to Nashville than I do my hometown.

The words “attitude of gratitude” have changed my life.

I breastfed and cloth diapered my son. I also let him eat McDonald’s. And I do not feel guilty about it.

I had a life changing experience that taught me if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn't. That feeling in your gut is there for a reason. Mine has NEVER been wrong.

I love gospel music, read only non-fiction, and aspire to be more like Chelsea Handler. Yes, Chelsea Handler.

I'd like to pass this award on to two lovely blogging ladies:

Cristi Holcombe - Charm Home

Claire Watkins - High Gloss Blue

If you choose to accept this award:
1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to recently discovered and often visited blogs you enjoy reading.
4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.

Setting the Table

Ready to set your Thanksgiving table? Here are some designs to inspire...

Ina Garten for House Beautiful

via Design Cocktail

unknown

via Apples and Onions

Country Living

How will you be decorating your table?

Turkey with Truffle Butter

I know there are some die-hard Thanksgiving lovers out there... I've just never been one of them. It's not that I hate turkey, but if it's so delicious, why isn't it on any restaurant menu? See my point?

I think turkeys are difficult to cook, annoying to carve, and I do not like to eat anything with a waddle. That being said, I have recently changed my tune. I made turkey with only four ingredients. I was inspired by Ina Garten's truffle butter turkey recipe (here) but I thought I'd give a test run on a little turkey breast. So here's how to make magic:

I purchased my turkey breast from Kroger.

They are available at most supermarkets in the frozen meat section.

Truffle butter is available at specialty food markets such as Fresh Market

Salt and pepper

(and FYI if you google for images of "salt and pepper" you get a lot of images of Salt-n-Pepa)

Don't use this on your turkey

After a few attempts, I recommend the following:

1. Wash turkey breast and pat dry.

Leave the turkey in it's mesh bag; it's in there for a reason.

2. Give your turkey a good rub down with a few tablespoons of room temperature truffle butter.

3. Sprinkle turkey LIGHTLY with salt and pepper.

4. Cook according to the package directions. Mine was in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

5. Serve with more room temperature truffle butter.

ENJOY!

Congratulations EKL Designs!

Congratulations to EKL Designs who won the pillows featured in our Windows On Design display.

(We do not have your contact info so please be in touch with me or Cristi.)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Our Window Revealed!

Windows on Design has come to a close. Thanks to all who visited our window in person! Cristi (of Charm Home Design, Carol and William (of Regalo Anitques), Greg and April (of John G. Moncrief & Associates), and I had a great time with this project. For more information about WOD click here.

Graffiti artists Greg & April Moncrief

We were honored to win the "People's Choice Award"!

Tony the Turtle will be proudly displayed at Regalo Antiques in 2012!

Stay tuned to see who wins

the pillows featured in the display!

Our Sister Company

Check out the new Web site of our sister company, Carole Bruce Workroom. Carole has been serving the greater Boston area design community for over 20 years. We are so honored to work with her. Her lovely Web site truly represents the quality of her work.

Carole Bruce Workroom

Learn more about how we work with Carole Bruce Workroom here.

Artist Spotlight: John G. Moncrief & Associates

Windows on Design has begun! All the windows are up and available for viewing. Don't forget your passport when you visit. If you visit all 7 windows you can enter to win an Atlanta stay-cation. Details here.

After choosing our theme of "graffiti" we were fortunate to connect with Greg and April Moncrief of John G. Moncrief & Associates. Greg was kind enough to offer paint he backdrop panels for our display. Greg and his wife, April, researched different displays of graffiti around the city. They created their interpretation of Atlanta street art. The artwork nothing short of amazing.

Below are some photographs of the two 8 X 10 ft panels.

A bit about Greg's company: John G. Moncrief & Associates is a high end faux finish company, specializing in faux bois and custom aged mirrors. Their services range from simple wall glazes to multi-layer Venetian plasters. They offer finishes for walls, cabinetry, and furniture. They have recently expanded and are now offering residential repaints. Check out some of their work below. Find them on Facebook here.

Aged silverleaf

Hotel lobby project in Connecticut

Special thanks to Greg and April

who were instrumental in creating our design.

Please come see our window display this Saturday from 5-7pm. Meet Greg and April, Cristi Holcombe of Charm Home, and the folks of Regalo Antiques. (I'll be attending as well.) Invite with details below.