Wednesday, March 6, 2013

favorite things | wedding quilt

When we got married, I wanted to add a lot of homemade touches to our wedding. I crocheted a heart for everyone at the wedding.  I made placecards in the shape of pennants with paper flowers my mother painstakingly quilled.  I bought a ridiculous amount of Heather Bailey fabric which my friends helped me sew into pennants and napkins. 

After the wedding (which was all I could have hoped for and more), we were left with over 100 napkins and yards of leftover fabric.  A novice seamstress at best, I had no idea what to do with the fabric.  My best friend asked for it and I gave it to her.  On our first wedding anniversary, she delivered this amazing wedding quilt, created by my talented friend Missy at blustitch.


The pictures do not do it justice.  The colors are so vibrant and the stitching is impeccable.  It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever owned - and all the more special knowing it came from a part of the most important day of my life. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

teacher of the year / husband of the century

My husband was just named Teacher of the Year at his school, for his work with the STEM (Science / Technology / Engineering / Math) program.  I am super proud.  This coming weekend he and the other STEM teachers are presenting at a conference in Raleigh.  A good friend of ours, Sol Horner, created an amazing video for the presentation - a look at the STEM kids creating a solar station.  Take a look...

shows to start watching now

I love TV binge-watching.  Sometimes it's the best way to get into a new show because you don't have to wait another week to see what happens next.  My husband and I have spent many a lazy Sunday plowing through episodes of recommended "must-see" shows that we missed the first time around. 

Some of my favorite shows are off the air now and I'm anxiously awaiting their return.  If you're in the market for a weekend of TV relaxation, I recommend catching up on these shows before their new season begins:

1.  Sherlock (BBC)

Before Elementary on ABC, there was Sherlock on BBC. A new take on the Sherlock / Watson relationship set in present-day London, the episodes play like short movies, each at around 90 minutes. Each series (there have been 2) consists of three episodes.  I recommend watching on a cold, rainy day with a cup of tea and a fire in the fireplace.


2.  Homeland (Showtime)

I kind of can't believe that there are still people who haven't seen this show.  Filmed in my hometown of Charlotte, NC (what what!), Claire Danes stars as a CIA agent with a complex relationship with former marine/possible traitor Nicolas Brody, played impeccably by my TV boyfriend Damien Lewis.  With two seasons under it's belt, I dare you not to love this twisty-turny thriller and its complex characters.


3.  Luther (BBC)
I don't remember who recommended this fantastic BBC series, but I am forever grateful.  Idris Elba stars as the title character, John Luther, a Detective Chief Inspector in London's Serioius Crime Unit.  The show is dark and fast-paced with a lot of moral ambiguity to keep things interesting. 

4. Game of Thrones (HBO)

I didn't want to like this show.  I thought, "Oh yay, Lord of the Rings, only longer."  But my goodness, is it addictive.  It's another one of those anomoly shows where I like/care about very few characters (see:  The Walking Dead), but I can't. stop. watching.  It's a fun ride, but if you want to start watching, start soon.  Season 3 begins on March 31st.

Monday, March 4, 2013

daydream getaway | bora bora

I often think - if I were independently wealthy, what would I be doing today?  I think that today I'd really like to be relaxing on a beach, soaking in some sun, eating some fruit, and reading a good book.

If you need me, I'll be in Bora Bora in my mind...

Source: google.com via Jennefer on Pinterest

music monday :: make it known 2.2013

my husband is one of those people who always knows the best places to find the latest in music, movies, and tv.  if i hear an entertainment news tidbit that i want to share, the conversation pretty much goes like this...

me:  did you know that ben stiller is...
him:  ...going to be in arrested development season 4?  yah.
me:  oh.  hey, did you hear that boardwalk empire...
him:  ...hired ron livingston as a regular!
me:  yah.  sigh.

that's pretty much how it goes around here and i've become comfortable with it.  it means that i have less work to do, really.  he is my entertainment news source.  he's also my perpetual dj.  and as of late, he's become one to our friends as well.

he's started a weekly email of music recommendations that he's calling "make it known." it's a mix of brand new music and old favorites and i thought i'd share them with all of you here.  i'll compile his selections into a monthly mix and post them here.  here's the mix from february - hope you find some new artists you like...



01. Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside :: Party Kids
02. Alabama Shakes :: Always Alright
03. Solange :: Losing You
04. The Babies :: Alligator
05. Thao & The Get Down Stay Down :: We the Common
06. Matt Pond PA :: Love to Get Used
07. The Strokes :: All the Time
08. Lady Lamb the Beekeeper :: Bird Balloons

Friday, March 1, 2013

i spy

links to fun and interesting things i've spied on the internet this week...

Purl Soho is having a sale.
Pretty (and free) March desktop download.
Jordan Ferney gives a tour of her party closet.
Michelle Obama on criticism over her Oscar appearance.
Mae Whitman (love her) talks TMNT, Arrested Development, and Parenthood.
I will be purchasing this adorable children's book for all of my upcoming baby showers.
This episode of Fresh Air was fascinating.
Stream David Bowie's new album.
This TEDTalk about the link between happiness and success was captivating and inspiring.

Friday, February 1, 2013

~friday faves~

some favorite pinterest pins from this week...


Source:  miluccia.net
Source:  thedesignfiles.net