Finding "it" in 2009

Okay, so 2009 is almost here and many of you are making New Year's Resolutions. I'm trying to think of something that I can commit to that will last, yet have it be something that I can look forward to doing. I could exercise more or try to stick to a budget, and while I need to do both, those things feel a bit like chores. I'd like to take up a new hobby or activity, and perhaps this could involve exercise. But, something out of the ordinary. Fighting the hoards at the gym for a place on the tread mill does not appeal to me.

Not sure what to do. I know it's out there, just not sure what "it" is. I work full time, I'm a wife and mother of two little ones. So, I'm in great need of some me time. In the short period after finishing his masters a few weeks ago, Hubby has already taken up skeet shooting, which he hopes to make a Sunday afternoon ritual (we'll see about that). Mom needs an outlet, too. So, dear readers (I know there are a couple of you!), what do you do that's totally for you, that is fun, engaging and doesn't get old? Have you made a New Year's Resolution and what is it? I would love to hear what folks are doing out there. Drop me a line!

Come on in...

Don't you just love these doors? Fabulous.
Photo courtesy of Southern Accents.

New Year's Eve

So, readers, how are you ringing in 2009? Hubby and I have not made any plans due to our recent bouts with illnesses, so we're likely staying in and making it a low key New Year's Eve. In the past, we've done dinner with friends at a nice restaurant and then returned to someone's house for drinks and board games. Gone are the days of the big blow outs. Last year, we met family for breakfast at a local restaurant on New Year's Day. If you're not a big partier, this is a good alternative to ringing in the new year.
Photo courtesty of Martha Stewart Living.

Back among the living

Well, I've been a bad blogger lately, but I have a good excuse. Colds, stomach bugs and various other illnesses made their way through our household during the holidays. So, needless to say, I was either too sick to blog or caring for sick people and unable to make it to the computer. What a way to spend the holidays! Anyway, I hope to be more current with my entries in the coming days. And, I need to check in on the latest with the other blogs I read daily. I feel so out of the loop!

Are you ready?

Christmas is almost here...are you ready? I have just about everything in order. Keeping the gift giving to a minimum this year made it a little easier, as well as finding ways to be creative with our gift giving. Hubby has been making his grandmother's egg nog all season and giving it to friends and family (that stuff is potent, let me tell you) in decorative carafes. That's one way to bring a smile to someone's face!

Tonight we are attending a holiday party and a holiday open house tomorrow. Lots to do. I love Christmas time!
Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Living.

And the winner is...

...not me. Today, the winner of the kitchen contest was announced. While the kids and I were napping (it's been an exhausting week), Hubby ran over to the kitchen store to see who won the contest. It ended up being a very deserving mom with an autistic child. Hubby said she wasn't there in person, but they read her letter and then called her on speaker phone. He said she screamed with joy. Knowing that she won, made me appreciate the life I have. I have two healthy kids and a loving husband. So what if my kitchen is outdated? There are so many more important things in life. So, congrats to the winner.

Keep your fingers crossed...

A few weeks ago, I entered a contest to win a kitchen makeover. You had to submit an essay explaining why your kitchen deserves a makeover and include a photo. Yesterday was the deadline to enter and the top five finalists are supposed to be notified this week. Then, the grand prize winner will be announced on Saturday at the cabinetry store sponsoring the contest. I'm hoping to hear something today, but the later it gets in the day, the more I doubt I'll be chosen.

For inspiration, I included photos from the movie "Something's Gotta Give," which had one of the best film sets ever. I love this kitchen and dining room. Anyway, keep your fingers crossed that I hear something!
Photo courtesy of Archtectural Digest.

A Visit to 'The Nutcracker'

We attended "The Nutcracker" ballet yesterday and it was such a magical experience. This was my daughter's first time seeing it and her first exposure to a ballet performance. She sat on the edge of my lap, in complete of awe of the scene. Toward the end of the first act, while it was "snowing" on stage, it started to snow over the audience. It made for such a special day and a memory she'll carry with her always.

Holiday Cards

I mailed my Christmas cards today - so glad to check that off my list. I really like the style we chose from Tiny Prints. They have a great selection. I ordered my son's birth announcements from there and was very happy with how they turned out. Above is the design we chose (minus the model kids in the photo). I also ordered return address labels with the same color scheme. Super cute.
Image courtesy of www.tinyprints.com.

Get your party shoes on

Wish I had a place to wear these. kate spade, you never fail to please.
Photo courtesy of katespade.com

Baby News

Congratulations to my brother-in-law and his wife on their news: a baby due in June! This is the first child for both of them and we're all just thrilled. Oh, how life is about to change in a big way!
Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living.

I ♥ John Krasinski

I am a huge fan of NBC’s “The Office.” I love the writing, the acting, everything about it. Knowing what a fan I am of the show, a friend sent me this You Tube clip today, featuring Aimee Mann and John Krasinski singing a duet of “Winter Wonderland.” Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of nbc.com

Candles

I’ve been looking for new candles for the dining room, so I think I may order some striped tapers from Ana Candles. There are a variety of holiday colors to choose from, but I really like the “Bamboo Mint” tapers, which I think would look great on my dining room table any time of year. We’re having family over for lunch on Christmas day, so maybe I’ll also order the Morris Green – Scarlet or the Mistletoe for a more festive setting. Besides tapers, they also have pillar candles, stationery and other good things.

Photo courtesy of anacandles.com

Raising Sand

I never grow tired of listening to my “Raising Sand” CD, the collaborative album between Robert Plant and Allison Kraus. I got it for Christmas last year, and then saw them in concert over the summer. It was amazing. I’m sure many of you have already purchased this album by now, but if you haven’t, I highly recommend it.

Photo courtesy of www.robertplantalisonkrauss.com

Boxwood Wreath

When purchasing our tree on Saturday, I noticed a lovely boxwood wreath for sale at the tree lot. I really liked it and I now wish I had bought it. But, it was snowing, freezing cold and it was enough just getting the tree.

In addition to boxwood wreaths, I also like magnolia wreaths, from The Magnolia Company. They have some beautiful wreaths and home décor. We currently have a faux pepper berry wreath hanging on our front door, but it has seen better days. Depending on how well it does this year, we may have to retire it soon.
Photo courtesy of The Magnolia Company.

Cookie Swap

I’ve never participated in a cookie swap or attended a cookie swap party during the holidays. It sounds like it would be fun, but with all of the other commitments in my life, it’s a little difficult to carve out time to host a party. So, I did the next best thing recently and watched the Food Network, as Paula Deen hosted a cookie swap in her lovely home. She collaborated with designer David Bromstad, who has a show on HGTV, to help gussy up the cookies with ribbons and other cute packaging.

So, if you are participating, or even hosting, a cookie swap this holiday season, check out Paula’s recipes. I’m always looking for something simple, so this recipe for Savannah Bow Tie cookies looks pretty easy. And, dear readers, if any of you have a cookie recipe you'd like to share, I'd love to see them. Perhaps when I take some time off over the holidays, I could attempt some of these recipes, and you could too!
Photo courtesy of Food Network

I'm dreaming of a white kitchen - part two

Isn’t this oak cabinet fabulous? It’s an antique that was originally made for a retail shop in France. Another entry for my kitchen wish list!
Photo courtesy of www.housebeautiful.com

Amsterdam Bikes

For the last few months, I’ve been thinking about getting a bicycle. Hubby and I have said we ought to bike more with the kids, possibly getting baby seats for the adult bikes. But, our kids are quickly outgrowing that option. Our daughter rides a hand-me-down bicycle, given to her by the sweetheart-of-a-girl down the street. It has training wheels and she’s getting pretty good at riding it (I think it helps that they ride tricycles around the playground at preschool/daycare).

We have a mountain bike that once belonged to Hubby’s stepdad. It just needs a new tire and it should be good to go. But, I’m really drawn to Amsterdam and Townie bikes. I just think they look so cool. I love seeing those bikes with big wicker baskets on the front, although I don’t want to look like something out of the Wizard of Oz. Electra has some very cool offerings, but the prices are a bit steep. Schwinn has some sport and classic cruisers that a little more affordable.

So, here I am, in my mid-thirties, and I’m thinking of asking for a bike for Christmas. Some things never change.
Image courtesy of www.flee.com.

Gifts for the difficult to please

We all have at least one person in our lives who is difficult to shop for, so we agonize over what to get him or her for the holidays. And, perhaps now that the economy is in the toilet, it won’t be an issue for you this year! But, if you are in the market for a unique gift, the New York Times has a great list of items to buy that hard-to-please/person-who-has-everything in your life (some are reasonably priced, some fall in the "well, that's just crazy" category).

These Mariposa recycled, pearl salad servers are nice and aren’t too pricey - $47 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Or, perhaps these Ghost Tumblers from Impulse ($85 for a set of four), available at Nest Interior in NY City. Visit the New York Times Style section for the full list.
Photos courtesy of www.nytimes.com.

Banff - The Canadian Rockies

With recent snow flurries, I’ve been thinking back to when Hubby and I traveled to Banff, in Alberta, Canada. He was there for a conference and I flew up to meet him (this was before we had kids). It was right before Thanksgiving and the ski slopes had just opened. My husband is a good skier, but I had never skied in my life. So, we hit the slopes of Sunshine Village in Banff and I took my first lesson. Not too bad for a rookie. And, to think that my first skiing experience was in the Canadian Rockies, well, that’s something special.

Banff is a beautiful place. It’s a pristine village in the middle of a national park, so it’s not overrun with commercialism. We hope to one day return with the kids when they’re a little older.

Pretty Things

Ah, J Crew. Gotta love it. Even in this day and age of online shopping (which I do a lot of), I still like to sit down with my J Crew catalog and pour over the pages. I sat in bed last night, pining away over cashmere sweaters and gorgeous skirts with tulle peaking out from underneath. Such pretty things.
Photo courtesy of www.jcrew.com.

Lobster & Swan

One of the things I love about blogging is venturing into new worlds via the Web. It's like opening a beautiful door and seeing what's inside. I find some of these sites just fascinating. So many of you are witty and include such amazing imagery on your blogs. One recent discovery has been Lobster & Swan - love, love, love this site. Plus, the blogger lives in the U.K., which is oh-so-cool. You gotta love anyone who calls their mother "mum." And, she recently blogged about the extended version of the "Sex in the City" film, which I finally got to see the other night. Gawd, love that Vivienne Westwood gown on Carrie. Anyhoo, cheers to Lobster & Swan. Your blog is a delight!

Caswell-Massey

I’ve been a longtime fan of Caswell-Massey, one of the oldest apothecary companies in America. They’ve changed up their offerings a bit since opening their doors in 1752, but they still sell some of the most wonderful smelling lotions and perfumes. Elixir of Love #1 lotion is a favorite. It’s been a while since I’ve had a bottle sitting on my vanity, so I may need to plant a seed for Christmas, or just order it online myself.

If you're looking for a holiday gift, this is always a good choice.

Christmas is coming...

Okay, so I’m starting to get in the Christmas spirit. I’m seeing more twinkling lights in the neighborhood and I’ve been listening to my favorite holiday jazz CD a lot lately. And, our first official Christmas card came in the mail yesterday.

Keeping with the Christmas theme, I just had to share the cutest photo of my cousin and her hubby. They’re the sweetest people and so creative. I love what they’ve done with their home. If only I had that kind of talent!

Merry, merry!

Cocktail Rings

I don’t know why, but cocktail rings with big, shiny baubles make me smile. They’re fun, stylish and are begging for a fun party to go to, paired with a fabulous dress, of course. You can score some great buys at local vintage shops or on ebay. If you have the cash to spend, kate spade and J Crew have some cool costume jewelry. It’s a fabulous accessory that can really make an outfit.

Image courtesy of www.katespade.com

Christmas Tree - Real or Faux?

I'm a purist when it comes to decorating for the holidays. I gotta have a real tree. We always had real trees growing up and for many years, my family traveled to a nearby farm to cut our own white pine. Since I've been married, Hubby and I always get Fraser firs. They're so beautiful and smell wonderful. Unfortunately, we can't cut them here - most are shipped in from North Carolina. So, we go to the the tree lot and purchase one. Some may think that cutting down trees is a wasteful practice, and I can see your point. I do admire the folks who buy live trees and then plant them after the holidays. But, since we don't have a plantation home on 40 + acres, we'll continue our tradition. We do hang a faux wreath on the door, so I guess I do bend the rules a bit there.

So, dear readers, please share your Christmas tree preferences with me - faux or real? I'd love to hear from you. (And, thanks to my cousin, P., for the suggested topic.)
Photo courtesy of Southernliving.com

Cyber Monday

Sorry I've been a bad blogger, but the Thanksgiving holidays had me in a tizzy. I didn't hit the stores on Friday, but in an effort to get the kids out of the house on Saturday morning while Hubby studied for grad school comps, I managed to score some deals at the Gap. First, we got hot chocolate at Starbucks and then went to story time at Barnes & Noble. Afterward, we walked around the shopping area to look at decorations and ducked into the Gap to avoid the cold (American commercialism as it's best, huh?). Of course they were having a buy one, get one 50 percent off sale, so I got this fabulous sweater, a turtleneck and flats. We were attending a casual dinner party that night, so I managed to justify the purchase. Of course, Hubby just gave me that "Stop the spending, for the love of God" look.

Anyway, today is considered "Cyber Monday" in the retail world, since so many people return to work and get online to take advantage of sales. Not sure if I plan to shop online today, although I really need to get moving on my gift buying. Due to the economy, we are going to downsize the gift-giving this year (which means I should probably stop shopping for myself at this point, huh?). Let me know if you find any great deals today. I may check it out.

Jane Pope Jewelry

In a recent issue of Garden & Gun magazine (don't be put off by the title - it's a fabulous magazine), southern jewelry designer Jane Pope was featured in a photo spread (pics above). I really like her designs - cool, modern shapes, yet they appear to be inspired by nature. For the longest time, I've been into silver, but when I saw some of her gold work, especially the rings, I was quite drawn to it. Not that I expect any Jane Pope jewelry under the tree this year, but it's lovely to look at nonetheless.

Photos courtesy of www.gardenandgun.com

Black Friday

Does anyone plan to hit the stores on Friday morning? I try to avoid shopping the Friday after Thanksgiving like the plague. But, I do know several brave souls (that's one term for it), who wake at the crack of dawn to score holiday discounts. Not me. I plan to be in bed, under the warm covers, hoping the kids don't get up early. So glad online shopping was invented!

Over the river and through the woods...

Safe travels to all of you hitting the roads or skys this Thanksgiving holiday! We're packing into the wagon and heading to my aunt's house, but just for the day. That reminds me, better take the travel DVD player for the kids (and my sanity).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sundance – Friends & Family Sale

I love the Sundance catalogue. The clothes, furniture, house wares, jewelry and accessories - it all evokes a certain "coolness" that is the American West. But, sometimes their prices are out of this world. Heck, if I’m going to pay that much for a table, Sundance founder Robert Redford better deliver it to my door himself!

Fortunately, they do have sales. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, you can receive up to 20 percent off your entire order. Just enter the word “Friend” when checking out. Looking for a fun, funky holiday gift? Visit Sundance online.

Images courtesy of Sundancecatalog.com

Spain - On the Road Again

I recently signed up for Gwyneth Paltrow’s e-newsletter “Goop.” It’s a mix of fashion, food, travel, and lifestyle commentary. I’ve been an on-again, off-again fan of Ms. Paltrow. But, recently I got hooked on her PBS series Spain – On the Road Again, featuring Paltrow, chef Mario Batali, food writer Mark Bittman, and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols. After watching this wonderful program and hearing her speak flawless Spanish, I found Ms. Paltrow engaging. There were times during the program where she seemed a little ill at ease. The other three seemed to have so much more energy. But, the food and the scenery were amazing. There’s also a cookbook to accompany the series. So, I offer this as another recommendation for the foodie and/or traveler in your life.
Photo courtesy of spainontheroadagain.com

The Downside of Facebook

I recently joined Facebook at the urging of family and friends. It's been fun catching up with old friends from high school and college. But, I've found there's a creepy side to Facebook. Within the last week, I've received "Friend Requests" from two random men, neither of whom I know. One was an Indian graduate student who added a note stating "Nice smile...", the other a married, middle-aged Frenchman, with no note. Ew. Needless to say, I hit the "Ignore" button on the requests and then blocked both from my profile. Has this happened to anyone else? I value my privacy and if this continues, I may shut down my Facebook page. You can avoid being hit on by creepy men by not frequenting bars or other places like that. But with the Web, they can end up in your living room! Scary.

I'm dreaming of a white kitchen...

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm not crazy (to put it lightly) about my kitchen. We moved into our current house five years ago and while it's a great house, the kitchen is outdated and lacking in space. We did take down the sad, old wallpaper a few years ago and painted the walls apple green with bright white trim, giving it a much happier look. And, we relocated a chandelier over the kitchen table to spruce it up a bit. We have some original artwork on the walls too, in an effort to modernize. But, until we come up with the funds to take a sledge hammer to it, it will continue to annoy me. So, I continue to add images to my kitchen binder in hopes that some day we can renovate.

The first two photos above I spotted on Camilla at Home, a great blog for home design ideas. The third one is a divine kitchen I found on Marley & Lockyer's blog - another fabulous blog for home design inspiration. If anyone has seen the film, "Something's Gotta Give," with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, that's the kitchen I want. I've read that that movie inspired many-a-kitchen, and it's easy to see why.

Cake Flour

There's a fabulous new little bakery in town with a focus on organic and natural ingredients: Cake Flour. Tasty little treats with an environmental focus. They're located in an up-and-coming area downtown that's earning a reputation for cool art galleries, shops and sustainable building practices. So, if you live in the 'Ville (Louisville, that is), check out Cake Flour.

Vera

I love handbags - can't get enough of them. From high end (my wonderful kate spade) to craftsy deals on etsy, a new purse always puts a smile on my face. Unfortunately, with the huge leather bags that are the style right now, they do a number on my back. I already have to lug kids and their gear around, so to add a bag that weighs 10 lbs. before you put anything into it, well, I just can't do it. Which brings me to one of my favorites, Vera Bradley. I love Vera purses, luggage, etc. Some may consider her items too preppy or matronly, but not me. The quilted fabric is light enough so that I can stuff all of my necessities in there, including an extra diaper or two. Plus, Vera's newer designs offer some updates to the traditional styles. I received the new catalogue the other day and I'm really taken with the Cafe Latte pattern. I made sure Hubby saw it, too. While I do need a large tote to fit my stuff and the kids', it's not nearly as cumbersome as other purses out there. And, I can just use one big bag now, rather than a purse and diaper bag. Yea!

Photo courtesy of the Vera Bradley Web site.

Gilligan & O'Malley PJs

I went to Target last Friday to get the kids some socks and tights to wear to my brother's wedding. But, I can never go to Target for just one thing. And, I made the mistake of passing the women's sleepwear section. So, now I'm loving my new Gilligan & O'Malley flannel lounge pants. They are soooo comfy! And, perfect as the holidays approach. I paired them with a soft white long-sleeve shirt. It was a great deal and I'm tempted to head back to buy another pair. Or, perhaps I should ask Santa. We'll see what happens!

Photo courtesy of Target.com

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to my dear brother and his lovely bride on their nuptuals yesterday. I'm so thrilled for them. It was a big family affair, so when I get photos, I'll be sure to post. Now they're off on their honeymoon and things are calming down a bit. Our daughter was a flower girl and she's so in love with the dress that she wore that she's playing in it right now.

Cheers to the happy couple!

House Stalkers?

One of my favorite shows on HGTV is “House Hunters,” which follows real people as they tour potential homes to buy. But have you ever been enamored with a house – other than your own – that you find yourself, well, stalking? This show could be called “House Stalkers.”

We’ve all been there. You go out of your way to drive by that enchanting house, slowing down to take in all aspects of the structure. You may drive around the block so you can catch a second look. If you’ve done this, you may be a house stalker. Hey, it’s cool. In fact, the New York Times wrote an article about it over the summer. After reading it, I was glad to know it’s very common. Have any house stalker experiences to share?

Turducken

After a long day and the kids finally in bed, Hubby and I caught part of the Paula Deen Thanksgiving special on the Food Network last night. I love me some Paula! I can’t decide what I like better: watching her prepare the food or watching her prepare the food in her fabulous kitchen. I covet her kitchen, and her entire home, for that matter. Last night, she prepared Turducken, which is a turkey stuffed with a duck, stuffed with a chicken. A bit much, you think? Not at all! I’d love to attempt it, along with her recipe for sweet potato balls. They looked heavenly. Maybe I’ll try making the sweet potatoes before diving into a turducken. Given that I managed to burn my arm while making a simple apple pie a few weeks ago (don’t ask), that’s probably a good place to start.

Turducken - Gobble 'til you wobble!

Photo courtesy of http://www.pauladeen.com/

Fine Things - Part 2

If anyone has seen the film or the play "Six Degrees of Separation," you're familiar with the scene that discusses "a pot of jam." If you haven't seen the film, it's about a hussler/con man who poses as the son of Sidney Poitier, inserting himself in the lives of select wealthy families on the upper east side of Manhattan. Stockard Channing is wonderful as Ouisa Kitteridge. Anyway, one of the characters states that when rich people do something nice for you, you give them a pot of jam in return. That concept cracks me up. But when the young man sends the Kitteridges a "fancy pot of jam," they're in awe of the little item in its fancy, shiny wrapping. Not that I have wealthy Manhattanites on my Christmas list this year, but a pot of jam always makes for a nice gift. So, when your Harry & David or Williams-Sonoma catalogues arrive this year, consider a pot of jam or preserves. It's tasty on a scone or biscuit with a cup of tea. And it's so darn pretty!

Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Daphne Du Maurier

Has anyone read the works of Daphne Du Maurier? She was recently recommended to me by a reader and I'm planning to delve into some of her work after I finish David Sedaris's When You Are Engulfed in Flames (which, by the way, is a scream - check it out). Of course, she wrote Rebecca and The House on the Strand, as well as Jamaica Inn. I'm embarrassed to say that, even though I was an English major, I have not read her work. In fact, I didn't realize that her short story, The Birds, was the basis for the famous Hitchcock film. So, I really need to get to know Ms. Du Maurier. With all of the new options available in the literary world today, I often like to seek out older works that I haven't read yet. On vacation a few years ago, I purchased W. Somerset Maugham's The Moon and Sixpence and I recently finished his novel, The Razor's Edge. Love his work. I also saw the film adaptation of his novel The Painted Veil, starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton. Magnificent.

So, if you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for the book lover in your life, consider returning to the classics. You won't be sorry.

Fine Things - Part 1

There are some things in life that, I'm not sure why, I'm just drawn to, such as stationery. I love writing on good card stock with a lovely emblem sitting atop the page. It makes me smile. Years ago, I ordered stationery from Smythson of Bond Street. It was a gorgeous blue paper with a gold leaf symbol at the top. A bit expensive, so I used the cards sparingly. There are so many stationery options these days, but sometimes it's nice to return to an old favorite.

I'm also a fan of Southern Proper and their men's ties. I bought one for Hubby (red background with black lab, in honor of our dog King and our late pup, Chance). I adore the "beau" ties as well. Having attended many-a-Kentucky Derby, I can't tell you how much I like seeing the men donning their finest duds, including a festive bow tie and a seersucker suit. In the words of one of my favorite bloggers, Bunny Tomerlin, "That's good, shug." SP also has a great Web site and I like the story behind the "belles" of the business. Whether your're a guy or a gal, stop by for a browse. You'll be glad you did.
Image courtesy of Smythson of Bond Street .

The Nutcracker Ballet

My daughter is three, so she's ready to experience her first performance of "The Nutcracker." I'm planning to order tickets in the next couple of days and will invite my mother and mother-in-law to join in the festivities. This is a great program to get you in the holiday spirit, so if you have a professional ballet company in your town (or live near a city that does) and they are performing this timeless classic, be sure to go. I'd love to hear from others on what holiday performances, concerts, etc. are taking place in your area of the world and if you plan to attend. Please send details.

UK vs. UNC

Well, my Cats lost to UNC last night...at least it wasn't the butt-whoopin' I thought it was going to be. I have hope for a better season. If I can just get past the VMI loss (What the?), I'll be okay.

You have to understand, I was at UK during the Pitino years: the Unforgetables, the NCAA champs. It was a beautiful time. So, to have a semi-winning football program and a struggling basketball program, well, in the words of a former classmate from Bardstown, "That ain't right."

Billy G., I have faith in you. Work 'em hard. I'll see you in Rupp in the near future.

Photo courtesy of University of Kentucky Web site

Silas House

If you're looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend the works of Kentucky author Silas House. Over the summer, I read three of his novels: Clay's Quilt, A Parchment of Leaves and The Coal Tattoo. These novels follow the lives of the same eastern Kentucky family over several generations. His work is beautiful, tragic and eloquent. So often people who tell stories about this region of our country tend to look down upon its residents. But House shows the strength and grace of these people and while they face great adversity, there is great beauty in their lives as well.

I know it's hard to find time to read (Believe me, I'm a mother of a three-year old and 18-month old), but I'm glad I carved out time for these books. You come away feeling grateful you read them.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

Holly Hill Inn

If you live in Kentucky or are planning a visit to our fine state, I encourage you to dine at the Holly Hill Inn in Midway. It's not too far from Lexington and a little less than an hour from Louisville. The setting is lovely and the food is to die for. Ouita and Chris Michel are the owners, as well as chef and sommilier, respectively. Not only is it a wonderful dining experience, but the Michels support local farmers, so you're helping the local economy in many ways when dining here. Hubby and I ate here during the summer with friends and I'm hoping to return during the holidays. Perhaps for a celebratory dinner when he finishes grad school in December? I'll toast to that!

Photo courtesy of Holly Hill Inn Web site

A Room of One's Own

In college I read Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own," and I think I've been searching for that space ever since. An antique writing table, in a quiet room in an old home, with a window overlooking a lovely garden. I don't have that right now, but perhaps someday. I currently have my cubicle at work and an office I share with my husband at home, which also serves as a guest room. And the computer set-up at home couldn't be more user un-friendly. So, someday, I hope to have a place that will serve as a creative dwelling place, thus the inspiration for my blog title. We could all use a place to dwell. A place to sit quietly and dream.

By the way, this is a photo of Ina Garten's office in her renovated barn. Love, love, love Ina. A word to my hubby - her new cookbook would make a great Christmas gift!

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful