Local Notes: Julianna’s Crepes

September 9, 2013

We heard through the grapevine that Julianna’s had the best crepes in Atlanta, so I felt it absolutely necessary to go and taste this rumor for myself. Tucked away in a side street in Inman Park, Atlanta, this quaint cafe is straight out of a movie. In fact, I had my “You’ve Got Mail” moment when I saw the ivy mailboxes, and could almost hear the soundtrack playing in the background. Top it off by a people watching red table in the front and you got me for good.

I loved that you could watch them make their famous crepes right behind the counter. I of course had to try “The Almighty”….nutella and strawberry filled crepes. Its as large as a slice of pizza for only $6, and it tastes better than gourmet. It’s definately a plus when an eatery shows friendly customer service as well. Such a nice crew that worked there. Add Julianna’s to your list of musts for your next Atlanta visit my friends!

I sat outside and decided I could easily sit there all morning, forget about the time, and get lost in the pre-fall air over a good book….maybe even a good novel.

Chelsey has been such a great comrade to explore Atlanta with and she captures the essence and feel of a place with perfection. We hope to continue this series and keep touring you around this great city!

Outfit details: Scarf: Deloom // Skirt: J. Crew (similar ones at ASOS)// Boots: (similar)//Watch: Aldo

No sew Open Back Sweater DIY

September 6, 2013

You know all those sweaters that aren’t doing much for you, or just sitting in your closet for months….maybe even years? I had one too many of them, so decided to change them up a bit. It’s an easy way to up-cycle those sweaters, and re-purpose with what is already in your closet.

I promise this is the easiest DIY you can attempt, and just about anyone can do it. All you really need to know how to do is cut a straight line more or less. Although if the letters DIY make you want to run and hide, just pass this post along to your bestie;)

Step 1: Cut a straight line down the back middle of your sweater.

Step 2: Cut 3 in. strips of sticky back velcro to the top ends of the collar of each half. It sticks really well to the sweater and have opened and closed several times with no budge. However, to secure longer you can sew on buttons or sew on the velcro!

Step 3: Line the edges of the cut sweater with Fray Check to prevent fraying. Wear by sliding arms in and attaching velcro in the back.

Pretty easy right?? Happy almost weekend!

P.S. More clothing DIYs.

An ode to Summer

September 5, 2013

I don’t think I can let summer go without a proper goodbye. Here’s a play on type, images, and gifs for a farewell salute to the season. Sprinkled with a little Mumford. All sources for the images can be found here.

It was a very full summer with many trials and many blessings. Don’t want it to end quite yet but looking forward to all that autumn has to bring. What was your favorite summer memory?

Here are a few of mine:

Nashvegas.

Having my sister Jana live with us for the summer.

American Blogger Documentary

Charleston Getaway

Max’s birth and first week of life.

Launching a new business.

Exploring the city.

P.S. I try to respond to most comments directly via email in case you ever have any questions know they will be answered!

Style Tours: Loose Waves + Loose Tee

September 3, 2013

Top: Kiki LaRue// Jeans: 7FAM via Twice // Sandals: c/o Shoemint // Necklace: similar // Watch : Aldo

How was your long weekend? We got one last lake visit in between some rainy days. Altanta has the most beautiful autumn season so I am finally willing to let go of summer to embrace the fall…but not until Sept. 21st mind you. Squeezing every. last. drop.

5 Things you may want to know:

1) It takes me ten pairs of jeans before ever finding the pair that fit you perfectly. Do you have this problem? That is why I am sticking to my 7’s lately. They always do me right. Found this pair on twice for a steal.

2) I have been doing my homework for the upcoming Brand Market workshops which lead to this discussion . Loved hearing your thoughts on social media!

3) Best recipe, best DIY, and best shop of the week.

4) I ALMOST booked a ticket to NYC next weekend, which is why when I saw this I almost cried a little. Someone go for me.

5) Gabe’s car wouldn’t start today which means we may become a one car family. Which also lead to another great discussion with readers who have survived and thrived on one car.

That’s all for now folks. Wishing you a bright week:)

*All photos by Chelsey Heidorn

Celebrating the End of the Week with a Drink Recipe

August 30, 2013

*Max’s shirt via Twiddle and Tweet, photos via Printic app

Fridays are our favorite days around here. Maybe because its the fact that a whole weekend of possibilities are in front of us. Its also the day we try to wind down and rest after a full week. Work deadlines, car pool pick ups, photoshoots, editing files, laundry piles, meal making, etc. You get the idea.

One of my favorite things lately is putting on some good music while I work on a creative project with a drink in hand. Its a great way to relax for me. Gabe has been making these killer drinks lately that are really simple to make, so I thought would be fun to share…

Fruit Medley Refresher:
Deer Park® Brand Nature’s Blends in Mango Peach or Lemon Mint (1/2 bottle)
1 -2 Tbls. Lemon Juice (adds a little tarte)
Couple slices of chopped peaches
2 Chopped strawberries
Ice

Go ahead and sip your way to happiness.

How do you end a long week? Head on over to the Deer Park facebook page to see how others are celebrating and you can share your own story. (If you are a blogger, leave your blog link!)

Thanks to Deer Park® Brand Nature’s Blends™ Fruit Flavored Beverages for sponsoring today’s post. All words are 100% my own opinion.

5 Minute Make Up

August 29, 2013

You may or may not know I used to do special occasions makeup for brides and bridesmaids (it was a brief stint)….which is ironic because I actually don’t like to wear much makeup. I did learn a few tricks however on how with minimal here and there you can get a nice wake me up look.

On most days, its just mascara and a little liner to make me feel like I got it together that day. However, this is my less than five minute routine that I use most weekends or if I am going out…P.S. Totally wearing faux lashes for the photos above. Lets be clear;)

The 5 Minute Routine:

Smashbox Tinted Moisturizer – Amazing how light this applies and how light it looks. Its a great alternative to foundation, giving you some coverage and glow without the make up look. Also includes SPF which I find so important. The whole rave on BB creams…my take is they are kind of just glorified tinted moisturizers. Unless you are getting the good Japanese stuff you are better sticking with a tinted moisturizer.
E.L.F Face Whip – $1 hat trick that gives your face some good light reflection and a healthy glow.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Liner – I have tried many and some liners are too oily, too hard, smudge easily, etc. This one stayed hours in place. Also heard good things about Stila. I love a good deal on make up, but sometimes it pays to pay a little more for a good item that will last three times as long. It all comes out in the wash.
Revlon Eyelash Curler – My trusty rusty that has lasted me years.
Benefit’s They’re Real & L’Oreal Double Extend – I switch up my mascara every few months because just like your hair can get shampoo buildup from using the same type, so can your eyelashes. Sometimes layering your mascaras can give your lashes some extra volume as well.
Burts Bees tinted lip balm – easy, no fuss, and healthy!

In that order! If I am going out on the weekends, I may go the extra mile;)..

A few additionals for special occasions:

Bare Minerals Eye Powder in Drama – Simple and quick over the whole lid (before you apply liner)
Nars Blush or Maybelline Cream Blush – Both fantastic options. Nars lasts longer and is a light powder while Maybelline has a great glow and blending factor.
Lips – I never wear dramatic eyes and a dramatic lip color together. Focus on one or the other if you want to keep a more natural look. The key to glam is wearing the right things in the right places:) I don’t wear lipstick often but its fun on occassion and I really like these.

So what about you friends? Fave products? Do’s and dont’s?

Local Notes: Yarn bombed Museum of Art

August 28, 2013

This new Local Notes series has been a fun challenge to get out in this huge city I live in and explore those spots I have never been to.

We headed down to Marietta square and had originally intention of visiting a different spot. I drove past this museum and immediately pulled over into the closes lot. (We paid for this later since one of our cars got towed…yikes.) Currently, this museum of art is yarn bombed, and its spectacular. Every pillar is wrapped in a colorful assessment of crochet art which was a joint collaboration among many individuals who donated time to this project. Part of the inside is yarn bombed as well. Check out their gallery for additional photos!

It just takes a moment in a place like this that leaves you feeling completely refreshed creatively. Thank you Chelsey Heidorn for taking these amazing photos and being my partner in crime (literally;)).

Outfit details: (An accidental outfit due to a change of clothes and a forgotten shirt…) *Denim shirt: HM (similar), Jeans: 7FAM, Monogram necklace: (gift from Tiffany!) via this etsy shop, Layered Necklace: F21, Bracelet: Mes 2 Petites Etoiles

P.s. Just added a press/sponsor page where you can now purchase ad spots directly from the site!