Our upcoming Getaway to Tulum, Mexico

Leeman and I have been really busy with work and decided it was time for a quick little getaway! I had to complicate things by wanting something cool, not too cliche, close by and affordable while still being luxurious, but not too extravagant. We had a really difficult time narrowing down our selections, but decided to make it a new place. After some serious research, a very late night (3:45am), and a sore butt and neck from sitting weird on the couch while surfing the web it has been decided, we are going to Tulum, Mexico. Luckily when I started showing Leeman what I discovered, he agreed, phew! The beaches are crystal clear, it has a bohemian yoga community feel, the food scene pretty cool, and an ideal place to walk or ride your bike. We are deciding between a few places. This jungle beach house seems really cool and far cheaper then any hotels or this villa, which is a little pricier but has the feel of a small boutique hotel. Here are some places we are looking forward to eating:


This is the place I wanted to stay, but it was already booked. It is a perfumery, hotel and spa so I think we are visiting the spa one day.

in a nutshell this is what I hope our trip entails...

My one day, in the not too far off future, cliff side beach home (Click on Photos to make LARGER)

I have always dreamed of having this house, in a small beach town, on a cliff. It was never a primary residence rather a second home that I spend half my time. I am sure it came from a movie I saw or from a book I read, but regardless I have dreamed this as long as I can remember. I was perusing pinterest when I stumbled upon a pic that sparked my interest. I decided why not start dreaming about this house. Here is what I came up with:

Savage Beauty

I had the great pleasure of being in NYC this past week and visiting the Met to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit. I was very excited to see it and knew I would love it, but was not prepared to become obsessed with McQueen! First of all the exhibit was beautiful and alone worth a trip to NYC. Second it was so nice to be truly inspired! What I did not realize about McQueen was that he started with the shows and worked on his collection only after he had decided on the theme/feel of the show. He was truly a genius designer, but I now think of him as an artist. I encourage you to look over the videos from the Met site. If you know there is no chance of seeing the exhibit check at the objects section of the page where you can see and read all about each garment.

Tonights Dinner....

Tonight Leeman and I set out to the Dekalb Farmers Market to get some fresh produce for dinner. I had my heart set on using my pasta maker so we decided to make ravioli. We ended up with the above. We had Beet & Carrot Ravioli served over a bed of sauteed swiss chard topped with Beet and Chevre Sauce and Sage and Leek Gremolata. I was so amazed how well it turned out.

A few updated pictures of our home... Still a work in progress though. (Click on the images to enlarge)

The plant shown above is a 15+ year old Jade plant.
Regarding the artwork above the TV, we bought a 5' x 7' canvas that we plan to cover with cool graffiti art. Until we find the right artist, Leeman just squirted a bunch of acrylic paint on it in the meantime.




We scored this really nice Fiddle Leaf Fig plant for only 25 bucks at a health food store in Augusta.

Just a reminder, this is what our place looked like when we bought it. It's come a long way and there's still work to be done. Look at our older post to see the progress we've made over the past 9 months.

dreaming of a christmas party....

I love the idea of having a Christmas party this year, but it will have to wait till 2011. I am headed to Costa Rica on December 17-24 and I will not have the time. Instead I will do what I do best and plan the party in my head. A Wintery White Christmas is the theme. Outside of course there would be a blanket of snow, and inside it would be mimicked with the creative use of doilies. I would probably make it a Champagne & Desserts party because why not indulge. Tis the season for giving so I would have little favors for my guest all wrapped beautifully. In my dreams I knit up a storm, so homemade knitted treats for all. If you were hosting a holiday party what things would you make sure to include?

Could it be fall?

With fall approaching it is so hard not to think about chili cook offs, boots, warm cardigans & hot toddies. Although I am sure this is one of natures cruel pranks (it will get hot again), this cooler weather is making me giddy. I recently made a statement that I immediately wanted to retract, because I realize how bizarro I sounded. I said I hate the outdoors and "fresh air"- I can see everyone cringing and looking at one another in unison as I say this, but it isn't entirely true. What I meant to say was I frequently don't like being outside because of really hot, sweaty weather and mosquitos (I wish the feeling was mutual, but they love me). I know my clarification isn't much better but I am confident somewhere someone is shaking there head with me. Anyway after making that statement to my sisters utter shock and disappointment I had to call her and let her know that all I want today is to be outside and breathe in the fresh air. I guess I just live in the wrong climate. Anyway back to dreaming about all things fall. Here is a quick list of things I want to do before it gets too cold
1) make chili and snuggle up at a drive in movie
2) go to a pumpkin patch and take some photos
3) go to a haunted house
4) make a thanksgiving menu (even if I may not get to make it)
5) go to a UGA game (even if they suck)
6) get dressed up and go out in fall attire
So, my question for everyone is what do you look forward to this fall?

Plus, here is a recipe I use as a base for chili (I always have to change and add things as needed) and a recipe for cornbread