Back From The Dead....With Pasta In Tow!

Hello friends!  

Long time, no speak...from my end, that is!

The Beauty of Smeg

If you're as staunchly a subscriber to the religion of 

retro-cool and vintage-chic as I,

then you've no doubt come across photos in all genres of glossy magazines,

featuring perfectly-styled kitchen photo spreads,

beautifully accented by Smeg appliances

11 Secrets to Successful Vintage Shopping on Craigslist

 Confession: I adore Craigslist.

 

Perhaps its the hunt, or the challenge of finding an incredible piece for an amazing price...

Whatever it is, I just can't get enough.

Obsession: Produce Candles



Over a glorious weekend with wonderful friends, while poking around a favorite local shopping spot in Austin, I came across the most fragrant and adorable candles I've found in a while.

Inspired: All White Bedrooms

 One of my favorite things about autumn

 is the excitement in decorating and prepping for the holiday season. 

I'm so inspired, in fact, that I've decided that my bedroom needs an overhaul, a pick-me-up, a new feel, a makeover, a breath of fresh air...And I think I'm going to do something drastic.....

Georgia On My Mind



I'm such a sucker for personality tests...so when I took this test some time ago
I was surprised to find that I'd fit in well if I decided to live in Georgia!

So when the opportunity recently presented itself to accompany my best friend, Kristie,
 on a weekend getaway to the Dogwood City, I was thrilled! 
Kristie's mission was to catch a Braves game at Turner field, before its 2017 closing,
and mine was to check a trip to the world's largest aquarium off of my bucket list. 
While we were certainly successful in executing both missions, even scoring an impromptu and complimentary behind the scenes tour of the world's largest fish tank at the Georgia Aquarium,
our time spent in Atlanta was so much more charming than either of us ever expected!

Inspired: Favorite International Chefs and Shows

I love watching cooking shows...cooking shows of all kinds!

But lately I've found that the majority of my favorite cooking shows are all international.

 

While I certainly have a few favorite recipes from Alton, and Ina, and Martha, I'm so inspired by the varied ingredients, farm-fresh options, and simple and delicious techniques adopted by international chefs. 

Celebrate Summer's Bounty

 Do you grow your own vegetables?

Obsession: Antique Military Cots

Originally designed with functionality, portability, and convenience in mind, camp beds and military cots are now the perfect accessory for any farmhouse chic abode!

 

While their original purpose certainly isn't lost on me,

 I simply can't get over how wonderfully chic these little cots are!  

The simplicity in their design lends itself to perfect inclusion into a variety of design styles, contemporary, traditional, southwestern, farmhouse and industrial.

Life Through The Instagram Lens

 While glossy photos with DSLR cameras are standard form for sharing moments captured and memories made during trips taken, when on vacation these days I find myself reaching for my trusty smart phone more and more.  My phone is often the perfect way to chronicle just about anything that strikes my fancy, and is certainly more portable and convenient than my bulky Canon.

"3 Things I Learned While My Plane Crashed"

I'm such a big fan of TED talks, they're immensely inspirational and always so thought provoking. 

 

So when I happened upon a brief 5 minute talk by Hudson River plane landing survivor Ric Elias, I marveled at the simple lessons he shared following his traumatic experience. 

With almost 5 million views, its no wonder Elias' message has resonated with so many.

Though the Hudson River plane landing is far from news, Elias' message about lessons learned is certainly timeless.

xo,
Britt

Old Glory In Design



As we brace ourselves for the unavoidable sweltering summer ahead,

I find myself so comforted in the pleasures that late spring brings...

the lagging pace of longer days, the sweet green perfume of newly-cut grass,

drippy ice cream cones, the rhythmic hum of cicadas at dusk,

and of course the familiar sight of Old Glory, herself!

Gift Guide: Father's Day

He's always there to make you laugh...

Always there to dispense advice...

Always the guy with your best interest in mind...

Basically the greatest guy around...

What would we do without dear ol' Dad?

And as the day to celebrate Dad is upon us,

I've put together a quick list of ideas of  last minute gift ideas

Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day (the PDF is Free)

Life has been hectic as of late with traveling and such,

(Don't worry, I fully intend to brief you on my travels in an upcoming post)

but in the interim, I am so excited to share an exciting project that

you and I can both be a part of..!

The capstone project for Leanne Brown's masters degree in Food Studies at NYU,
  Good and Cheap is a wonderfully delicious collection of recipes intended to inspire chefs of all incomes with beautifully designed and photographed recipes that fit into a $4/day budget — without seeming like it.

Oh Happy Day!

I hope you're enjoying your day with Mom!

 

Be sure to give her a great big 'ol hug, a wet juicy kiss
 and thank her for not only instilling life's lessons,
but also reminding of the importance of appreciating the little things in life
and never forgetting to dance in the rain!

 Kayden's first time experiencing rain

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible Moms out there... 

Especially mine!

 

xo,

Britt

Gift Guide: Mother's Day

via Terrain

Ralph Waldo Emerson once declared,

"men are what their mothers made them."

And while that truth certainly extends to the ladies as well, 

I couldn't provide a more resounding concurrence!

So in preparation for the day we set aside to celebrate one of the most important women in our lives, I've compiled a quick list of great gifts that will let Mom know

 how much she means to those who adore her!

Obsession: Antique Pickling Jars

I know you've seen them, I'm sure you've heard of them, and if you're like me, you can't possibly get enough of them!



via Pillo Vintage/Handmade

Pickling Jars are all the rage these days,

and I couldn't be happier!

Have You Seen This?!

I was stunned when I came across the latest ads for French coffee company

Arabica Carte Noire. 

 

Saturated with rich colors, beautifully highlighting impressive culinary techniques and encouraging any cook to slow down and appreciate the beauty in boiling water, these videos are absolutely captivating!



So if you love to cook as much as I do, you can truly count yourself as an artist, the proof is in the pudding, I say!

Oh and treat yourself to a little something sweet, we've almost made it through the week!

xo,
Britt

April Showers...

...Bring my favorite season of all...flower season! 



And if you're anything like me, you can't help but literally stop to smell the roses.  While the Texas heat usually makes our spring season swift, the abundance of natural beauty during this time of year always makes me yearn for lengthier seasons to enjoy the grandeur of spring renewal.

The Art Of Egg Painting

 

Happy Easter! 

I hope you all had a wonderful and celebratory day with family and friends, filled with marshmallow chicks, sweet treats, and eggs galore!

 

In honor of the festivities, I thought I'd share a remarkable video of the amazing egg painting traditions in rural Romania.