Ready to Paint!

I start my 8 week acrylic painting class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center Monday and I cannot wait! I am so excited to have a creative outlet one day a week that doesn't involve running from meeting to meeting or working on a computer :) The class is taught in the carriage house on the grounds of Callanwolde so it sounds like a pretty and relaxing setting to retreat to after work.

Today I finally made my way to Sam Flax Art Supply to buy all my supplies (and boy does that stuff add up!) I absolutely love that store…I could browse for hrs if I had the time. I especially love all of their handmade paper and stationary. I want it all :)

I will try and do weekly updates of my class and progress. My hope is that I learn some basics so I can start painting on my own and continue to do it down the road. I would love to be able to do paintings for family, friends and myself. What a cool gift to give… We will see how it goes!


Some of the paint I bought...


You can see how confusing it is to buy exactly what is on the supply list...there are so many brands, consistencies and prices that I needed someone to help me!


Some of my brushes/paint...

The amazing handmade paper Sam Flax sells...there were rows and rows (didn't want to take too many pics, ha)



Callanwolde...

Delicious Recipe

Last night I made a delicious chicken recipe from Gena Knox. It's very easy and is sooo delicious. This would be great for a small dinner party or just a week night meal...It is called ARTICHOKE AND GOAT CHEESE STUFFED CHICKEN. Enjoy!

4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 shallot, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
3 ounces goat cheese, softened
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions
FIRST Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Sauté shallots until softened, about 3 minutes. Transfer shallots to a mixing bowl, add goat cheese, artichokes, and thyme and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

NEXT Make a horizontal slit in the side of each chicken breasts to form a pocket. Stuff each pocket with 2 rounded tablespoons of mixture. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

LAST In a large, oven proof skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes on each side or until brown. Transfer to oven and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes until meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast reads 165°F. Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Lunch Break Bliss

I have gotten into the habit over the last several months of visiting home interiors stores on my lunch break when the day is stressful. With my office being only blocks away of some of my favorite home stores in Atlanta, I find it very therapeutic to browse and get ideas rather than sitting at my desk all day, ha.

A few days ago, I did just that. I perused 3 of my most favorite stores on the West Side of town: Bungalow Classic, Savvy Snoot Design Group, and Terra Cottage.

All 3 of these stores encompass that chic, airy, rustic, eclectic and clean look and feel I love! I can't wait to have my own home and infuse my taste into everything. I think there is something very comforting about living in a space that is filled with things that make up who you are and that reflect your taste 100%. Right now, the only place I can somewhat do that in is my bedroom…and it's still hard to do when you are working with such a small area.

I wanted to share some pieces I stumbled upon that I loved at each of the 3 stores.

Store #1- Bungalow Classic

I love the contrast and print of these pillows against the clean/ivory couch:

Love Love Love this mirror and chairs

Love the clean look of this studded high backed couch...this would also look great in a kitchen against a wall for additional table seating! (the pillows are fab too)

Great tablescape...rustic wooden table + modern accessories/chairs = A+ in my book :)

Had to put this up for kicks...yes, that is me in the mirror :)












Bungalow has one of the best light fixture selections I have ever seen...





Store #2- Savvy Snoot

Love the contrast between the yellow lamps and the rustic frames with coral...


Amazing headboard...this would look great with a neutral or white colored duvet...too bad you can't see it too well!











Store # 3- Terra Cottage

Love this rustic frame...in a modern room