Going: New Orleans, LA

I am headed for 'Nawlins [for those of you not versed in the Southern drawl, that translates to New Orleans]. My hubby and I are going to be holed up in the French Quarter for our annivarsary, and we're coming home Wednesday. I can't wait for local food, jazz music and nerdy architectural walking tours! I will have my camera at the ready and will post when I get home. Cheers!


Image credit: MoNoGRAMS Travel

Learning: LEED

With the exception of Saturday's cupcakes, studying for the LEED exam has caused all creative efforts to grind to a halt. Just a quick post to say I'm still breathing, but you probably won't hear from me in a while. I take the LEED exam Saturday, then we are going on vacation through Wednesday. Hopefully I will have lots to post when we get back.

Photo credits (clockwise from top left): appromedia, squ1, Sustainable Design Update, Green Building Technology Database

Baking: Shower Cupcakes

As you know my step-sister Chelsea is getting married this June. I co-hosted a shower for her yesterday and my contribution was cupcakes, with help from my baking partner Brettany. We made vanilla mini-cupcakes frosted with vanilla buttercream in bright, fresh colors for spring. As a surprise for the bride we made 2 full-sized cupcakes decorated as a bride and groom - complete with veil and boutonniere. They turned out too cute to eat!

Watching: Shall We Kiss?

"Before a kiss has been given, no-one knows if it'll be big or small"

I saw this film last night and I highly recommend it. Quintessentially French. Not to mention the main character's beautiful all white and khaki Parisian flat. Get out of the house for a night of art-house fun!

Coveting: T-Strap Sandals

clockwise from top-left: banana republic, old navy, piperlime, banana republic, piperlime, gap, old navy

Learning: Lampwork

Several weeks ago the hubby took a class on glass lampwork through the City of Raleigh. He enjoyed it so much he bought some equipment and kept up the creative effort at home. Lately he has been experimenting with different shapes and techniques - he is such a problem-solver!

When I got home from running errands Wednesday night, he surprised me with a glass pendant he had made for me. It is such a lovely emerald color, in an abstract leaf shape. I love you honey!

Wearing: Wardrobe Re-Fashioning Pledge

I have taken the pledge for Wardrobe Re-Fashioning, starting tomorrow. The rules are simple:

- I won't buy new items of clothing for 4 months (certain items, like shoes and undies, are exempt)

- If I need new clothing I will repurpose something existing, purpose a vintage or handmade garment (so I can still shop on Etsy!) or create something myself.

So my first project is my new (to me) trench coat I found at Revolver. I wasn't even planning on buying anything, but when I saw this powder-blue Anne Klein beauty for only $34 I couldn't resist! The sleeves are a little long and it's boxy - it could use a few darts - but that's nothing a sewing session with my fellow pledgees can't fix. Granted this is the before picture, more to come!