A Seren-be-day

If you're on the hunt for a nice getaway, keep reading. I'm about to list some random words. If any of them turn you on, then you should get in your car and start driving. Okay, here we go...

the middle of nowhere

general store

farm animals

bed and breakfast

gorgeous houses

chocolate shop

in-ground trampoline

chic shopping

really good restaurants

socializing (maybe with celebrities?)

walking around, wine in hand

farmers market

art

live music

What's that...do I hear you cranking your car? Thought so.

Over the weekend, I turned the big "it's basically over now." Only kidding! Actually, it's just the beginning and thirty got a really good start when my rockstar husband and friends surprised me with a quick trip to SERENBE. If you haven't heard of this little treasure in the 'boonies' of Georgia, I hope this gives you a good picture of what it's like. 

photo credit: Cam Addison's camera ;)

My peeps know me well...and they may have similar interests, which means this gift was mostly selfless on their part. We got to tour my pinterest dream house board in real life. I mean...I'm ready. Done. I'll take it. For a cool 1.2 million (unfurnished), it can be your's and I can live with you. 

These chairs!

This kitchen...

And this gorgeous little space... 

The mix of brick, stone, wood and shingles...everything was spot on.

Moving along...what's more fun than live music, food trucks, good friends...and Michael Douglas? 

appetizers dinner entertainment 

You aren't seeing things. That's Michael Douglas. Kudos to the Kriegs for suggesting that we grab a drink and a snack, to Mac for his celeb spotting abilities and to that half a beer for the courage to say something. These days, Atlanta is less hot and more 'wood as more and more films are being produced with big budgets and even bigger movie stars. Apparently, lots of actors/actresses have made their way to Serenbe. I don't blame them. You should go! You might get lucky and see one of these superstars...

Christy Etheredge, Dinglewood Design & Press

Today, I'm happy to introduce you to a gal I recently cold-called (ha!). After hearing several folks mention her business, I had to find out who this chick was- so off I went, camera in tow. After driving in circles for what seemed like 20 minutes, I found Dinglewood Design & Press tucked away in an unassuming little corner of midtown.

This awesome little operation is run by Christy Etheredge, her two employees (Anna and Lauren) and their mascot, Mulligan, who they call head of security. Never mind the fact that he's the size of a coffee mug...he's vicious, ferocious, and completely adorable. The four of them were seemingly chill-maybe it's because I was there. Then again, I popped in without warning, so I think they're actually that cool under pressure. I appreciated the ten second tour, as they were busy answering e-mails, designing crazy cool designs on paper, and shipping them out all over the world. Before I left, they had carefully packed two boxes- one was off to Paris (France, not Texas) and the other was addressed to Australia. WHAT?! I know! If that doesn't encourage you to chase your dream, I don't know what will. Three ladies, a little over 250 sq. feet, two gorgeous (and old...like older than your great-grandmother) letterpress machines, one pup, and a glamorous list of repeat customers...making it work in Columbus, GA. Sounds good, right? Here's an example of what these girls are up to...isn't this great? I love it.

Here's a peek at their process. 

Aren't these coasters so cute?! The girls would like to offer you a free set of their pre-printed, packaged coasters with the purchase of any custom order, with coupon code HOUSEWIFE. This offer is good through October 31, 2014. Options include:

Cheers and Polka Dots coasters (available in gold, black, or pink)

Squirrel coasters

East-coasters

West-coasters

Anchor coasters (available in navy, teal, or tan)

If you place an order via Etsy, make sure to type the coupon code and indicate your coaster choice in the "notes to seller" box. (i.e. coupon code HOUSEWIFE - Anchor coasters in Teal)

Dinglewood Design & Press is by appointment only, but you can find them on Etsy or facebook. Tell them I sent you! Happy shopping and press on...pun intended. 

Bon Appetite

Some days are great, some are shatty...which is the worst kind. Today was the latter. It started out well...donuts, coffee, cartoons, pj's. By 5:30, I was on a hot date with my kids at the one place you go when you're feeling run down, sorry for yourself, or in need of grandmotherly comfort...

photo credit

My date(s) challenged me to an epic battle of the wills right off the bat (with a ratio of 3:1, theirs seemed to be winning). I felt like Julie in Julie and Julia in the middle of her boning the duck meltdown. As she put it, "I cried like an emotionally disturbed child." I wasn't on my kitchen floor, though. I was in the middle of a toddler food fight in the local Cracker Barrel. MC didn't like that her grilled chicken looked like "olio," Ford spilt his entire cup of iced water in his lap, the baby was trying her best to throw everything on the floor and they all forgot their listening ears. Completely overwhelmed and miserable, I shoved two buttermilk biscuits, one after the other, in my mouth and wiped the tears and the ketchup off my face with a mac n' cheese covered napkin. Pathetic.

I hope your dinner was calm and that you didn't fall apart in front of ten 4-tops and several waitresses...and a manager named Fred. I hope that your kid didn't pelt innocent bystanders with a stack of large plastic checkers. I hope you didn't find any crayons in your glass of tea. I hope your kid didn't tell you they wanted you to eat poison and get sick and die. Supermoms...I hope you remember that your kids are full of hormones just like you and that they don't mean what they say and that they usually just want you to catch them with they run or hug them when they push you away...and they don't really want you to eat poison or die. Just know this: You're not alone. I'm here...trying to get myself together over a watery iced latte and a trusty keyboard who never ever talks back. 

A Tour through Blogland

Hi there! This morning, I'm happy to take part in the tour of blogland. Last Monday my friend, Heidi Rew (you know her from this post), mentioned me on her blog. Now it's my turn to highlight three of my blogging buddies and inspirations. Between strep throat and soccer games, I didn't give these girls much notice. Please don't hold them to tagging three other bloggers...either way, I wanted to tell you about them. So! Everyone...meet these fun new friends:

First up is Laura Perkins. We weren't "joined at the hip besties," in college, but we did run in the same circles. I admired her style and kind personality. We moved to New York City about the same time. I moved to Georgia and got married and she stayed in the big city. Laura's rocking the fashion scene and her blog that documents her fashionable days. Your Sunday Best is a tribute to her dear friend who past a few years ago. Such a sweet thing to keep someone's passion for life alive in this way. Yay, Laura!

photo credit: Your Sunday's Best

This next lady, you may know. She's kind of a big deal (and she's probably already been featured in a million places), but she happens to be my parents' neighbor so I get to hear/see how awesome she is on a regular basis. You can find Layla Palmer over at The Lettered Cottage. Follow her and her hubby, Kevin, as they transform their home one square foot at a time. They're also in the middle of a beautiful adoption, which she keeps us updated on as well. You can help bring their little blessing and other precious babies home to their families by purchasing one of her cute tee-shirts! 

photo credit: The Lettered Cottage

Finally, I want to introduce you to this housewife I found through instagram. Her name is Tiffany and like me, she's a mom of three kids, a fashion grad, and has worked really hard to launch a line of clothes for children. She's the master of all trades when it comes to her company and since I know what that's like, I had to share her story with you! She was pregnant with twins, when one of them was born very early...miracles happen, people...twin brother is due to arrive in November. She's an inspiring lady with a trendy little collection to boot.  

photo credit: www.missdessa.com

You asked for it

School's back in session, which means grocery shopping alone and having time to shower without interruption and...answering the question, "Who Dat?" 

I'm excited to share a brand new series of how-to's with local (and maybe some not-so-local) experts! You've been asking for more of these stories and I'm so excited that you're excited!

Pour yourself a cup of joe or jack- whatever floats your boat and meet me in my studio...also referred to as the breakfast room table.

See you soon!