Design Consultation

I saw this kitchen sink over at the Newlywed Diaries and just had to “borrow” the image. How fab is this sink from Kohler? This will definitely be filed in my kitchen idea book.

Speaking of ideas, for Mother’s Day, Hubby gave me a consultation with an interior decorator. This is something I’ve wanted for some time – a decorator to come into my home, provide her input on what could be done, offer tips, suggestions, etc. I just need to call her to schedule a time – I’m soooo looking forward to this!

But, I’m a little nervous, too, because I have this fear that she’ll judge my home, thus in a way, judge my taste. I know, irrational, huh? It’s just that we’re not wealthy people and therefore I’ve tried the best I can with what we have, but our home is far from a design showcase. I have the vision, it’s just hard to put it into place when the resources aren’t always available. I know, I shouldn’t complain, but I think we all have felt this way one time or another. So, rather than look at the glass half empty, I need to look at it half full and just be excited about this great gift that Hubby has given me. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

Happy Wednesday everyone! (And, for any fellow “Lost” fans, tonight is the season finale. Enjoy!)
Photo courtesy of Kohler

'Awesome' Award

The oh-so-lovely Queen Bee Swain has honored me with the “Awesome Award.” You’re such a doll! So, I’ve been tagged to name seven awesome things about myself. Hmm, let’s dig a bit here.

1. I’m a mom to two amazing kids, ages four and two. There was a time that I never thought I could have children. I went through medical treatments, a miscarriage and we were even preparing for an adoption. Then, miraculously, I got pregnant. A couple of years later, it happened again. That’s pretty awesome.

2. I am married to the man of my dreams. A funny, intelligent and driven Southern Gent, Hubby is an incredible father, a great debater and can grill a mean hamburger! Don’t tell him this, but I even like the fact that he likes to enjoy a good stogie on the back porch now and then.

3. I write for a living. As an English major who ate my share of Ramin noodles and worked at a non-paid internship at the local PBS affiliate during college, who would have dreamed that I would now be working as a business writer and making a comfortable living at it?

4. When I worked for a performing arts organization years ago, I once had to drive actor Bruce McGill (best known as D-Day from “Animal House”) to a radio interview. He told me I had the straightest teeth he had ever seen. This coming from a Hollywood actor! I called my parents and thanked them for my years of orthodontics.

5. I spent a glorious 10 days in Ireland on my honeymoon – one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth. Going to the Aran Islands and standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean is a religious experience.

6. I have a skill for mimicking accents and impersonating people. It tends to bring a smile to someone’s face, and I like making people laugh.

7. I’m a Kentucky girl with a degree from the University of Kentucky – enough said.

I think if we can find the “awesomeness” in our everyday lives, that’s something special. So, I now bestow the “Awesome Award” to these fabulous bloggers:

A Bloomsbury Life

A Savannah Redtop

Fly Through My Window

Halfway House

Life with Lulu

Kentucky Mama

Sugar City Journal

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Happy 2nd birthday to my little man! Lots to celebrate this evening with presents, cake and family - can't wait!

The 'Lost' Cake

I’m a huge fan of “Lost.” I watch it every Wednesday and spend every Thursday deciphering episodes with my friends. Next week is the two-hour finale, so needless to say, I won’t be answering the phone that night and the kids will be in bed early.

Anyway, a friend of mine who is also a fan of Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” sent me a link to a blog hosted by Jorge Garcia, the actor who plays Hurley on “Lost.” On it he features photos of a special cake created by the Ace of Cakes team for the cast and crew of “Lost.” Love it!

The Branding of a Family

Check out this article in today’s New York Times Style section about the Novogratz family of New York. They’re the focus of Bravo’s next reality series to launch in early 2010, and from what little I’ve learned so far, it could make for some interesting TV. Mom and Dad have model-good looks and renovate spaces throughout the city with fabulous modern décor, all-the-while raising seven kids (including two sets of twins). You know, a version of your own life, but on crack.

Anyway, like the “Real Housewives” series – which I’m ashamed to admit that I watch here and there, like a bad train wreck – I’ll likely tune in to the Novogratz’s show. Yes, there’s something a little creepy about turning your family into a brand of sorts, which the NY Times article addresses. Hey, then again, maybe my family should get in on the act – pitch a reality series, film our every move, with hopes of schlepping Coca-Cola, Pampers and other products to willing consumers. Ah, the American dream. Nah, I’ll stay away from that train wreck, thank you.
Photo courtesy of The New York Times

Dash & Albert

Has anyone ever purchased a rug from Dash & Albert? If so, would love to hear about it. They look super-cool online, but I’m just wondering about the quality. Apparently only one store in Louisville carries them, so I'd need to trot over there to see them in person. Would love to have one for my kitchen (to cover that awful green linoleum until we can put down different flooring).
Photo courtesy of www.dashandalbert.com

Kentucky Oaks 2009

Guy Fieri of the Food Network and I at the Oaks Day Brunch.

Visiting with my friend, Tiff, in the paddock area.

Hubby looking sharp at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day

Well, we had quite the weekend, starting Friday morning at the Kentucky Oaks Brunch. It was a fun event, featuring celebrity chef and Food Network star Guy Fieri (who was kind enough to pose for a photo with me), along with pastry chef Gale Gand and master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, who made some tasty cocktails to get the festivities started.

The brunch featured food demonstrations by the chefs. Guy made an incredible cream cheese French toast and bourbon glazed pork chops. So, needless to say, we were stuffed to the gills with French toast, pork chops, omelets and cheese grits. And that was all at 9:30 a.m.! They closed the brunch with an auction, raising money for the Home of the Innocents, a great Louisville organization.

Then, we were off to the track to the Jockey Club Suites, where our host, and good friend of Hubby’s, treated us to a great day in style. Complimentary drinks, more food, and plenty of betting where on the agenda. Hubby hit a trifecta and a couple of exacta bets to make it a somewhat profitable day. After the Oaks, we met up with friends for dinner and then went home to see the kids (thanks Mom for babysitting!).

Derby Day was spent recuperating from Oaks, enjoying the races from the comfort of our home. We certainly didn’t have the winner – 50 to 1 odds, who saw that coming? If you bet on Mine That Bird, I’m sure your wallet is a little thicker today.

So, another Oaks and Derby have passed and the city is recovering from its hangover. Hope everyone had a great weekend!