Sarah + Matt: Engagement

I’m a bit hesitant to post these. It’s always difficult to put yourself out there, especially if you’re unsure of yourself or if you’re attempting something that’s uncharted territory. I can post things about design and home decor because I live and breathe it everyday. I know it may not be perfect, but at least I know I’m somewhat decent at it. Photography is a completely different story. I’ve been immersing myself in photography for a year or so now (blog stalking, studying, etc), but have yet to try my hand at actually shooting people. Enter Sarah and Matt.

Sarah and Matt are good friends and neighbors that recently got engaged. I soon as I heard this news, I put my fears aside and asked them if they would mind playing models for me in exchange for some free engagement pictures. Luckily for me they obliged and we headed out to some spots I had scoped out around Charlotte and played around for an hour. I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured you have to start somewhere, right?

My first attempt at a photo shoot worked out just about perfectly. It was an overcast day, so I wasn’t trying to figure out how to avoid blaring sunlight at 4:00 in the afternoon. I shot everything manually to really try and challenge myself, though (yay me!). That meant about 60 good images out of 200 something, but hey, I’m a newbie. Oh, and all of us were pretty nervous since we were in a totally new situation – but luckily, nervous laughter looks like real laughter. :)

I found this super sketchy abandoned storage/warehouse near my office that had some pretty fall leaves and just the right amount of rust to create some interest. Matt informed us that the pretty leaves were actually poison ivy. Whoops. They were troopers though and ran with it, despite the risk of itchy skin.

Aren’t they photogenic? I honestly don’t know how photographers get people  to look fantastic in pictures, since I am guilty of closing my eyes in 90% of pictures taken of me. Luckily, these two were naturals so I didn’t have to prompt them to look awesome. Score.

Some things I learned in my first photo shoot: posing people is hard, overcast days rule, I love my 50mm 1.8, and I really want a wide-angle lens to get some different perspectives. I also made them a little custom CD for all of the images I took. I’m such a nerd, but I love doing stuff like this, especially when it’s a little humourous with their butts on the back of the case.

Thoughts? Comments? I know I have a handful of photogs out there that read my blog, so I’d love some constructive criticism. You can keep comments like “Audrey, you stink. Quit trying to be like us” to a minimum, though, for my poor little ego’s sake. Gracias. :)

ATL Anniversary

Yep, two personal posts in a row. Read ‘em and weep. In honor of our actual anniversary tomorrow, I thought I’d share the little weekend getaway Scott and I took this weekend to celebrate two years of wedded-ness. Now, you might be curious as to why we decided to take a vacation to somewhere I’ve lived before. Actually, it’s genius. We got to experience Atlanta as tourists, but actually knew where we were and the shortcuts to scoot around town quickly. We got to enjoy a city we were both familiar with, but in a different light. Needless to say, we had a blast.

The highlight of our trip was eating at Woodfire Grill and getting a chance to meet the chef, Top Chef’s own Kevin. I’ve been known to clap and embarrass myself profusely in the presence of a celebrity, but I have to say I held my own this time around, thankyouverymuch. Although, I didn’t manage to keep my eyes open for the picture. If you know me at all, this is no surprise to you. :)

The food at Woodfire Grille was one word: incredible. Scott and I aren’t usually ones for fancy fare, but we realized this trip that that’s just because we’ve never had really really good fancy food before. We ate things like an amuse-bouche, chilled confit shrimp salad and an egg aioli sauce – all terms that I just looked up to see what they were and how to actually spell them. We had multiple courses, spent multiple dollars, and loved every minute of it.

We also made an after dinner stop at a favorite ATL spot, Cafe Intermezzo. This place is the perfect spot for delicious desserts and after dinner drinks/coffees, thanks to their overzealous menu of choices. We sat on the patio and stuffed our already full faces, in the true Hernandez spirit. A little google action actually told me that this restaurant is home to the world’s largest Espresso/cappuccino machine – who knew?

I fulfilled a little secret fantasy of mine when we stayed at the Westin in downtown. This John Portman structure has always had me drooling, so I was pleased as punch to actually be a guest here. The exterior glass elevator and revolving restaurant were closed for repairs (boo) but the soaring lobby had me at hello. ::close your ears now if you don’t want to hear a bit of gushing:: I had a wonderful time with my hubby and I just want to tell him how much I love and appreciate him everyday. Happy anniversary, Scottie. :) Here’s to many more years (and fun trips) in the future!

Happy Halloween!

This year we decided to take a stab at dressing Charlie up in a friend’s scarecrow costume. He looked quite fetching, but the costume both paralyzed him and caused him to high step like a prize winning pony.

If anything, it made for a good photo op. Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween!

I’m Just Mad about Chevron…

Recently, I’ve been seriously digging some chevron patterns. I keep on seeing bold, chevron patterns popping up in catalogs and design glossies and they’re just begging me to jump on the chevron bandwagon. I recently added this ironing board cover to my “buy me this” list and I’m thinking that this little guy might just need to jump into my laundry closet. How great is this bold, yellow pattern?

And how about this fun chevron pillow? The stripes are nice and thick so the pattern isn’t too busy – a common complaint of my loveable chevron.

Even one of my favorite retailers has hopped on board with their own stab at a black and white chevron rug. Even though the black and white is such a strong contrast, I can’t help but love it. I’m thinking a rug and curtain combo in my future – I’m just living on the freaking edge, aren’t I?

There are even tutorials online to create your very own Chevron fabric (for upholstery, curtains, etc.)…

… or creating a chevron patterned top to your desk (or any other furniture piece – think sideboard or media cabinet!)

These bold patterns are popping up everywhere and making me itch for some zig zag pattern in my life. Any patterns or trends out there have you begging for more?

Real Simple Roundup: November 2009

Would you believe that my dog took out his anger on another issue of Real Simple? Well, you better believe it, baby. This dog has a personal vendetta on my favorite mag. Maybe he’s jealous of the time I spend pouring over every inch of printed prose – but watch out, December issue. You’re next on the doggie hit list.

Luckily for me (and you, of course) Charlie managed to only destroy the very beginnings and the back cover of this month’s Real Simple. So, without further ado, my favorite parts of this month’s issue (that are still intact) for your viewing pleasure:

1. Transform a Corner. First off, I have to address the new look to my beloved Real Simple. In the editor’s note, that I’ve featured in the past, she mentioned that they’ve hired a guru of sorts to make the great RS layouts even better. I don’t typically take well to change in something that I’ve become so accustomed to, but after completing this issue, I can’t help but give two cheers for the new look to RS. If it’s even possible, the issue is more organized and easier to navigate, with a cleaner and sleeker look to boot. Perfection.

One of my fav features this month was a little piece on transforming a corner in your home. I’m constantly trying to create interesting little vignettes in my house (and failing miserably, I might add) so this was right up my alley. RS layed out just the right way to dress up a corner in your living room, create a mini dressing area in your bedroom, or plop a perfect game spot in your den. Most of these ideas incorporate items that are already present in your house, but just developed in a different way. Easy, right?

2. Money Conversations Everyone Should Have. I lean more toward dunce than doyen when it comes to finances, but Real Simple is always there to lead me in the right direction. This article lists some awkward, but necessary, conversations that we should all think about having when it comes to our finances. Talking with your spouse about who pays what and where your investments are allocated are just some of the issues this article brings up. It also touches on approaching your parents on their nest eggs (and if it’s enough to keep them afloat in the future) and sharing the responsibility with your children on saving for college. Each scenario is broken out by why it’s important, when to talk about it and how – a perfect little list to guide me through the uncharted territory of financial land.

3. The Hectic Holiday Handbook. Nevermind the incredible Thanksgiving recipes that are in this issue (seriously, there is drool all over my issue; not a pretty site) RS also included this handy dandy guide to the holiday season. One of the things I love about Real Simple is their vast array of seemingly useless knowledge that they throw at you, and this article is no exception. Did you know that miniature quiches are one of the worst things you can eat at a buffet spread? And that an opened can of cranberry sauce is good for up to two weeks? Or that you should splurge on club soda and bourbon, and but can skimp on gin and vodka when stocking a bar? Now that RS has given me tons of knowledge like this, I can keep this in the bank and pull them out at any time to sound like a smarty. And what’s better than sounding like a smarty pants? Not much else in my book. Thanks Real Simple, for making me look good.

Honest Scrap

I have officially fallen off the face of the Earth. At least the world that is blogland – where the heck have I been? It’s been almost a week since my last post, which is downright unheard of around these parts. Alas, life has gotten in the way. I knew October would be our busy month (traveling or hosting guests every weekend, as well as celebrating our 2 year anniversary) but I didn’t think the blog would suffer as much. So, to make up for my absence, I’ve decided to take my part in the Honest Scrap “tell all” that has been bestowed on me from a fellow blogger, a la Freckles Chick. Get ready for a face full of honest crap scrap that is moi, the author of this artful abode.

The rules:
* Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
* Share “10 Honest Things” about myself.
* Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have inspired me.
* Tell those 7 people they’ve been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

1. What I lack in chin, I make up for in big toe length. Painting a pretty picture of myself, aren’t I?

2. I love self-deprecating humor (see above). Making a joke about myself just makes me feel right for some reason. And, I mercifully make fun of the ones I love. If I constantly rag on you during any misspoken moment, I love you to bits. If you’re getting by without my wrath, well, you need to work your way up in the ranks. :)

3. This commercial makes me super happy inside. Everything about it – the concept, the music selection, the fact that it has a loveable dog – I just can’t get enough of it. It makes me weepy and giddy all at once – love it!

4. I am a stutterer. Not so much that most people I know even notice, but enough to bother me to no end. I can’t count the number of times someone has questioned my intelligence or even my sanity because of my inability to fluently pronounce a word. Over 3 million Americans stutter, along with some famous peeps, so I consider it an interesting personality anecdote. :)

5. I love my dog, which is no surprise to you lovely readers. I don’t love him in an inappropriate, treat-him-like-a-human kinda way, but like a real family member. Becoming a mother may be one of my biggest fears, but the fact that I’ve kept this little pup alive gives me a little glimmer of hope. And who wouldn’t love that face?!

6. I never in a thousand years thought I would be a designer. I always enjoyed crafts and such, but I was a big time math and science geek. I actually enjoyed calculus class, for goodness sake. That’s until I took a drafting class my junior year of high school and fell in love with drafting. I’ve even won an award for my impeccable drafting skills (shared too much? you betcha). That love of drafting, my history of drawing floorplans in sidewalk chalk as a little girl, and the yearn the do something different from my doctor filled family led me to design.

7. I’m afraid of bees and frogs. There, I said it. You are now allowed to laugh.

8. I’m a worrier to the nth degree. Every time my husband flies somewhere or a friend is driving to see me, I’m on pins and needles. It’s obnoxious.

9. I have a great uncle that holds the world record for sailing across the Atlantic ocean in the smallest boat. Hey, it’s not exactly about me, but it’s pretty freaking interesting. And a little bit crazy. Which leads back to me – a little bit crazy.

10. I recently developed an allergy to my wedding rings, after wearing them for almost 2 years. I immediately thought, “is this a sign?”

Now that you’ve had to suffer through a plethora of Audrey facts, take a minute to check out these other lovely blogs I’m passing the proverbial torch to. Each of them are great reads and deserve a quick look if you’ve never visited them before. Enjoy!

Entertaining by Evie

Smitten Design

Andrea’s Cakes

Little Green Notebook

Sutton Grace

OhBrooke

Make Under my Life

Master Henry

Oh baby! Scott and I spent last weekend in Florida (yet again) to celebrate my brother’s 30th birthday. Unfortunately for my brother, he’s not an adorable 3 month old, so I didn’t happen to get any pictures of him. But I did get some of my new little nephew, Henry, that I will of COURSE post all over the web while I make gooshy baby noises. Let me forewarn you – this post has absolutely nothing to do with home improvement or creative junk. I’m not even going to try to tie this into something home related – I’m just putting that out there. :) This is purely for the joy of sharing a cute baby for you nice readers to feast your eyes on!

As you know, I’m wild about all things photography, so I tried my best to get some good pictures of the babe with my 50mm 1.8 lens. I almost managed a sun flair in this one, which I was super excited about! Nerdy? You betcha.

Since my nephew was 6 weeks early, he’s just starting to get the hang of holding his head up and cracking a smile. It’s so fun to see how much a little person can change over the matter of months. Next time I see him, he’ll be writing prose and smoking a distinguished pipe or something. Stay tuned for the next round of Henry pictures in the future!

Lovin’ Lonny

So, I may be the last person in the blogosphere to write about this new online magazine, but I felt it was my due diligence to share the love with my readers that aren’t seasoned blog stalkers like myself. In the absence of such great magazines like Domino, etc., a little bud has emerged on the internet that almost makes everything better. Lonny is an online magazine that is the brain child of a former Domino employee and her photographer friend who decided to fill the shelter magazine void that’s missing in today’s rocky economy. They compiled this first issue in their spare time and with the help of friends, and it’s pretty darn fantastic.

Shelter magazines prove as such a great resource for ideas and inspiration, and I can’t get over the loads of great interiors in this inaugural issue. Can we get an amen for this office above (with the cute pooch, of course)?

Or this lovely gray dining room with those insane Chippendale style chairs? I’m not a huge red fan, but I’d down those suckers in a hot minute. As of now, Lonny is free for the lookin’, so go check it out! It’s a great source of pretty pictures and interesting articles that are sure to get the gears turning in your decorating head. Enjoy and happy weekend!

All images courtesy of Lonny mag.

Fall Decor Dunce

My mom and I were chatting the other day about the blog (naturally) and she asked “why don’t you do a post on fall decor”?  to which I simply replied “I don’t think that’s my thing”. But that got me to thinking: how could I, queen of home decor and lover of arts and crafts, not be into kitschy home accents? For some reason, I can’t seem to get on board with tablescapes and vases filled with candy corn and fall chotchkies. Don’t get me wrong, they look fabulous and I admire anyone who can throw together a smattering of objects and make it look like a masterpiece. So what can I add to the fall decor world, if I don’t have anything to draw from?

Enter, my wedding. It’s the one (awesome) event that I actually had a part in planning and luckily for you, it was a fall extravaganza. My mom (along with my somewhat helpful suggestions) pulled together this rocking fall centerpiece that can easily be whipped up for your fall tablescape in an afternoon. Maybe I’ll even pull a Martha and make some seasonal centerpieces for my home after this post. Just maybe.

These wheat and ribbon centerpieces were the perfect addition to our wedding reception, but they could easily be incorporated into your own home. Heck, my aunt-in-law swiped the leftovers from our wedding and still uses them as decoration to this day. My mom whipped these up with a few simple items: a woven charger, a small terra cotta pot, a dowel, some floral wire, dried wheat, hot glue and some ribbon. Basically, we knew the wheat would need a good base to stand up to the elements during our outdoor reception, so we used the terra cotta pot (turned upside down) with a dowel through the middle and attached these with floral wire to the center of the woven charger (getting the picture?). This essentially created a triangle shape (smaller at the top and larger at the bottom) for our wheat to be attached to. We (meaning my uber creative Mom) then arranged the wheat in a cluster around the pot/dowel base, and used some hot glue to attached the bottoms of the wheat stalks to the terra cotta pot. After those were set, she tied a simple ribbon around the middle, and boom! a centerpiece was made.

Now, I’m sure most of you don’t have 25 dining tables to adorn with these little lovelies, but if you do happen to throw a holiday party, a few of these centerpieces will really dress up your card tables to give the whole room some fall goodness. Plus, this centerpiece is simple and understated, and will leave lots of room on your table for the most important part of entertaining – food. Yumm. Any easy fall decorations you’re dying to share? Obviously I need some ideas!

Money for Nothing

In honor of my husband’s birthday tomorrow (Happy birthday, Scottie!) I thought I’d delve into Scottland for a bit and share with you a new way that the hubs has been keeping our money in check. One thing I love about Scott is his insane organizability (yeah, it’s not a word… just run with it) when it comes to our finances, but it’s also the thing that drives me nuts about him. Our finances are so in check that it’s sick, but that came at the price of me always having to hold onto receipts and log them into Quicken in a matter of minutes after a transaction occurred. Well, thanks to this new site that my dear husband found, our days of saving receipts are long gone. Score!

Mint.com is a website that serves as a financial organizer for your moola – and so much more. You basically set up the website with all of your money items (credit cards, mortgage, savings, loans, etc.) and it picks up on when a purchase or transaction happens and updates it in the website. Now, this is cool enough in my eyes because we no longer have to log every receipt in order to keep on top of what we’re spending – the site does it for you! I could be sold on that fact alone, but this site has tons of other features that are super useful.

Take for instance, figuring out how much money you spend where. Mint.com takes all of the legwork out of it, and creates nice little visuals like these (taken from the front page.. you don’t think I’d share my big money info with you nice folks, did you?) that give you an idea of where your precious dough is being spent. I know that if I see a visual like a pie graph, it helps me remember how much I’ve spent on fun stuff and when we need to cut back. They also have a great budget tool where you can set up how much you think you should be spending on each category in your life, and the bar graph will let you know when you’re getting close to your limit each month. The site also hosts a great interface that’s easy to read (and nice to look at), as well as a homepage that lists all of your accounts, stocks, etc. in one easy place to follow. It’s really super simple to use – if you want a methodical way to keep track of your money but don’t have an eager husband like myself, then hop on over to this site and see what they’re all about. Any money saving/sanity saving tips out there you’d like to share?

Images courtesy of mint.com … who did not endorse this post. Pinkie swear.