White House Makeover

So what does it take to become the decorator for the most famous address in America? A client list featuring the who's who of the rich and famous plus impeccable style.

Domino Magazine announced earlier this month that Michael Smith has been selected to design the Obama's private quarters in The White House. Smith has remained tight lipped about his plans, but others say that he is expected to use furnishings from home-grown American retailers like Target and Restoration Hardware.

The installation is scheduled to begin next week. Perhaps we will be able to sneak a peek of the Obama's new digs soon!

On a similar note, InStyle Magazine featured three design proposals for President Elect Obama's Oval Office in the February issue. The blue walls featured in Jonathan Adler's design above are a bit over the top. There are probably federal laws prohibiting blue walls in The White House. If there isn't, then there should be:) To see more of these design proposals, click here.

Belinor Antiques and More

Every time I am in Arab, I always want to stop by Belinor Antiques and More. While I was in town for Christmas, I had to go in and take a look!

A family friend owns the store and she opened it a couple of years ago. Its one of those places that you have to scrounge around in to find your treasurers.

This visit, she had this early American side board that reminded me of one that my Granny Ham has in her breakfast room.

I have had my eye on this armiore for months now. At only $350, and in perfect condition, its a steal! Too bad I don't have a place to put it.

But then I spotted a set of brown and cream transferware dishes. The pattern is Staffordshire "Dickens Coaching Stages." Mrs. McKinney had four dinner plates and eight salad plates. My Christmas money was burning a hole in my pocket and I just couldn't resist! I walked away with the set for $45! Mrs. McKinney is always willing to strike a deal.

Of course, brown and cream transferware is a staple in French and English Country design - my favorite! Now I want a complete six or eight place setting! After a bit of research, I found more pieces at Replacements LTD - a single dinner plate was listed at $17.99. Did I get a deal or what?! Although, I did find other pieces on eBay at much more reasonable prices.

I couldn't wait to get home and set them out on our table. The pattern looks more like fall to me, but I wanted to go ahead and use them.

The pattern mixes perfectly with my Vietri.

Yesterday, I paid a visit to Micheal's and found a few hydrangea steams to add to the crab apples that I found during our Thanksgiving holiday in Highlands, NC.

And look mom...I was even able to reuse our wedding pew markers too! My mom, Granny Honey and Aunt Judy spent hours and hours making these!

Happy Birthday Trey!

During the holidays, my little brother Trey turned 17! Well, I really can't call him little. He towers over me these days!

Since I feel and often act like Trey's second mother, I can't believe he is 17! Happy Birthday Trey!

Christmas Unwrapped: Part Two

Well, folks the holidays are behind us and a brand new year is ahead! Brad and I have definitely enjoyed our Christmas vacation this year, but I am exhausted! After spending Christmas Day in Arab with my family, we headed South to Mobile to spend time with the Tew's.

And, look who was waiting on us! Walker and Kathryn kept us constantly entertained. Don't they look cute in their pj's? (I apologize for the less than stellar pics. With two year olds, you take what you can get!)
After we opened gifts we treated ourselves to peppermint ice cream in dark chocolate cups. Can you tell sugar is Walker's favorite food?

Then of course, here is Kathryn eating her dessert like such a big girl. I think she could possibly be the cleanest two year old there ever was. She loves to wash her hands and use her napkin!

Can you believe that Snow White even made a visit? Aren't we lucky?

Brad and I spent New Year's Eve with our friends Bradford & Anna and Nate & Maggie. We had a blast playing Taboo, Apples to Apples and Wii. Some how we have to find a way to get together more than once a year! We miss you guys!

That's a wrap! May your new year be filled with joy and blessings!