I gave in...

to BIRCHBOX that is!  I can't wait to see what my first little package holds :)  Every girl should treat herself to something fun so this will be my little monthly surprise!

Interior Design...and Advertising?

They announced at work yesterday that my office (JWT Atlanta) was featured in this month's issue of Interior Design.  Check out the article HERE!

Below is an excerpt from the write-up that I thought was interesting regarding where the designer got his inspiration:

A journey, in fact, is the key metaphor. As White explains, "Today's ad world is no longer just a 30-second TV commercial. A commercial spawns a Google search-the Web and branding give us the ability to take people places." To facilitate the storytelling crucial for this process, Braga designed a blankslate setting that he calls "a background for folks to bring together their creativity." Nothing embodies this combination as well as the service core. He wrapped it in floating panels of quiet bamboo plywood, then embedded them with all sorts of lively narrative mediums: video monitors, projection screens, LED displays, whiteboards. He adds that the approach is the antithesis of agencies that are "funky and filled with stuff," something he encountered frequently during preliminary investigations.

Glass, metal, polished concrete, and exposed ceilings give a loftlike hipness to JWT's open plan. Braga sprinkled it with ample meeting places, 22 rooms and 40 informal areas, rather than creating banks of enclosures. The result? No dead ends or lifeless hallways. Circulation of the vertical variety comes via an asymmetrical stairway, its treads expanding from 7 to 14 feet wide. Double-functioning as amphitheater seating for staff meetings, this massive centerpiece has a balustrade of clear glass on one side and of oxidized steel on the other.

Where you can find me 5 (sometimes 6) days a week:

So Very Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving everyone :) As I was driving home to Charlotte today, I had 4 hrs in the car to ponder everything I am thankful for in my life.  I know it's easy to get caught up in the delicious food and treats that come with the Thanksgiving holiday but this year I really wanted to focus on all the blessings in my life and beyond.  Below are just a few of them.

*my loving and amazing family*

*fabulous friends, near and far*

*my good health*

*troops over sees who protect our freedom every day*

*wonderful job*

*food on the table*

*roof over my head*

and the list goes on...

What are you thankful for?

The Big 2-7

Last Thursday (11/17) was my 27th birthday...boy is it crazy how fast time flies.  Even though it was a full day of meetings, it turned out to be a pretty good day.  I had a client work dinner at Restaurant Eugene on Thursday night which was delicious and of course they were sure to sing and bring out some sweet treats with candles!  I highly recommend it if you have never been...the decor and food are fabulous.  I was SO sad to have had to cancel dinner with friends at the last minute; however, luckily some of them were able to meet on Friday instead :)  We enjoyed a fun dinner at Rosebud in the Highlands followed by some drinks at The Family Dog... it was a perfect evening full of laughing and catching up.  I'm so excited to celebrate at home with my family this weekend...I miss them so much! 

So very thankful for such wonderful family and friends

    

Some Tory Burch love from my parents :)

A Lovely DIY: Fabric Pinwheels

I was browsing the Brunch at Saks blog and stumbled upon this adorable DIY project.  I'm all about rustic chic wrapping, especially around the holidays, and thought this was such a cute way to spruce up any gift.  I think they would look gorgeous added to gift boxes, gift bags and anything/everything in between.  Now I just need to find some down time to make some of my own in preparation of Christmas present wrapping!

Step One: Sew around the edges of the circle.This creates a pull or a “rouche” on the edges.

Step Two: Continue to sew around the edges.. making the flower start to take shape by allowing a half circle to form.

Step Three: Continue sewing to finish the radius of the circle.

Step Four: Knot the thread and cut the excess thread.

Step Five: Create various different sizes.

San Francisco Sunshine

I wanted to post a little recap of my quick trip to San Fran this past weekend!  I went to visit Katharine and since our birthdays are 2 days apart, we did some celebrating as well.  I guess you could say this trip was a little birthday present to myself and such a fun escape I was able to fit in before the year was over.  I love traveling to visit friends who are all over the country and what better time to do it then now! 

The weather was beautiful the entire time I was there so we enjoyed fun brunches during the day and delicious dinners at night. Thought I would share some pictures :)

Beautiful view from a Cali Alumni tailgate we went to right on the water

Watching the many football games that were on inside - including the Dawgs!

Cool shot I snapped while cruising around the city

Weather was PERFECT!

Sunday brunch at Cafe Flore in the Castro with some of Katharine and Luke's friends...so much fun!

Best host and hostess ever

 

Words

So I know Pinterest has become a slight obsession for many of us and is a fabulous way to fill our down time.  It always makes me so happy to just browse and see what people are passionate about from food to fashion and everything in between. 

One of the categories that has particularly stuck out to me lately is the "prints" or "words" pin boards that some people have.  Many of them contain inspiring phrases or happy thoughts so wanted to share some of my favorites I have stumbled upon.

 

Change in Scenery

...scenery on the road that is.  I have been looking for a new car for a few months now and finally purchased one.  I got the new 2012 Volvo and couldn't be more excited! 

I'm Back!

Hi Everyone- I know I have taken quite the hiatus on this thing but I want to get back into it.  Just sending out a big "Hello!"  I have enjoyed keeping up with every one's activities and I look forward to getting back into sharing as well :) 

Below are a few pictures from my good friend Keeley's wedding that took place last weekend.  It was in Wilmington, NC and the weather could not have been more perfect.

Beautiful church

The glowing bride

Having fun at the cocktail hour

bride and groom :)  Love them

Giving my speech :)

Bound for San Fran!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week.  I know I have been so bad about posting recently, but life has been crazy with traveling and work.  I promise I will get better!  

I'm currently in route and flying to San Fran!!!  I CAN NOT WAIT.  I have about 2 hours left and just want to be there :)  I'm looking forward to exploring the city and surrounding areas along with a day full of winery hopping in NAPA!  See everyone when i get back.

The Perfect Jeans

I don’t know about you but I have the hardest time finding jeans that fit me perfectly.  With all the amazing brands and fits out there, you would think it would be easier.  I have practically tried them all…from Seven to Paper, Denim & Cloth.  Still, none seem to fit me the way I would like.  Well, I finally found them…my favorite fitting jeans!  I have read a lot about the brand, Earnest Sewn, but had never tried their jeans…until now.  I gave in and bought a pair and could not be happier!  I of course had to get them hemmed but they fit perfectly.  Mission accomplished.  Since I wear the jean/blazer look to work so much, I know these will quickly become a staple :)  I wanted to share in case you had the same problem as I did...perhaps you can given them a try too!

It looks like the celebrities are in love with Earnest Sewn too!