1.29.2015

A Living Room Makeover: Texture, Color, and Pattern


You all may have seen a peek at this living room space over on my Instagram a few weeks ago. 
My friend Renee 'grammed it too, as I used one of her gorgeous paintings in the space as well. 
This living space was designed for a young couple in the Peachtree Hills neighborhood of Atlanta. I love the way it shaped up, and I'll be blogging about it soon too. 
But for now, here's the fun mood board to get you excited for the big reveal! 


A Living Room Makeover: Texture, Color, and Pattern


You all may have seen a peek at this living room space over on my Instagram a few weeks ago. 
My friend Renee 'grammed it too, as I used one of her gorgeous paintings in the space as well. 
This living space was designed for a young couple in the Peachtree Hills neighborhood of Atlanta. I love the way it shaped up, and I'll be blogging about it soon too. 
But for now, here's the fun mood board to get you excited for the big reveal! 


1.26.2015

How to Make a Statement in your Entry: My Monday Mood Board


Entry ways are so fun! They give you a chance to take risks in a smaller space, and to set a fun tone for the rest of one's home. This entry may be tiny, but with the punch it'll deliver with the adjoining rooms, one is left feeling happy and invigorated. A simple mini-pagoda lantern over a graphic rug are included in the entry space, with more graphic fabrics for the adjoining living and dining room. Add a touch of gold, a pair of abstract paintings, and a zebra hide - and BAM! It's all pulled together. 


How to Make a Statement in your Entry: My Monday Mood Board


Entry ways are so fun! They give you a chance to take risks in a smaller space, and to set a fun tone for the rest of one's home. This entry may be tiny, but with the punch it'll deliver with the adjoining rooms, one is left feeling happy and invigorated. A simple mini-pagoda lantern over a graphic rug are included in the entry space, with more graphic fabrics for the adjoining living and dining room. Add a touch of gold, a pair of abstract paintings, and a zebra hide - and BAM! It's all pulled together. 


1.23.2015

Have you tried: PINK BARRE???


Another recommendation this week to my readers: Pink Barre Lake Lanier

For those of you in Gainesville who haven't tried it yet, you are missing out! BIG TIME! 
I am totally addicted to the combo of yoga, ballet barre exercises, and Pilates; and am super pumped to have Pink Barre downtown Gainesville. 
Atlanta girls, there are several locations for you too! 

Since they opened last September, I was hooked immediately! The instructors are amazing and make class exciting. Don't get me wrong, its a tough workout but super fun too! 
You guys should for sure check it out! 
Make sure to "like" their Facebook page for updates and special classes offered.
https://www.facebook.com/PinkBarreLakeLanier

Head here to register for class and to see their locations:
http://www.pink-barre.com/




Have you tried: PINK BARRE???


Another recommendation this week to my readers: Pink Barre Lake Lanier

For those of you in Gainesville who haven't tried it yet, you are missing out! BIG TIME! 
I am totally addicted to the combo of yoga, ballet barre exercises, and Pilates; and am super pumped to have Pink Barre downtown Gainesville. 
Atlanta girls, there are several locations for you too! 

Since they opened last September, I was hooked immediately! The instructors are amazing and make class exciting. Don't get me wrong, its a tough workout but super fun too! 
You guys should for sure check it out! 
Make sure to "like" their Facebook page for updates and special classes offered.
https://www.facebook.com/PinkBarreLakeLanier

Head here to register for class and to see their locations:
http://www.pink-barre.com/




1.19.2015

My Recommendation: SERIAL



ok, so this does not have a bit to do with anything relevant to this blog, but it is something that I wanted to share with you guys. Have any of you been listening to the Serial Podcast online about Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee? It's a true story about a murder case in 1999 involving these two high school seniors, all narrated by the captivating Sarah Koenig. 

click here to listen: http://serialpodcast.org/

If you're in the car a lot, or listen to music while exercising, this would be great to tune in to! 

Let me know your thoughts if you do. One episode in, and you'll be hooked, promise! 

You can start here: http://serialpodcast.org/


My Recommendation: SERIAL



ok, so this does not have a bit to do with anything relevant to this blog, but it is something that I wanted to share with you guys. Have any of you been listening to the Serial Podcast online about Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee? It's a true story about a murder case in 1999 involving these two high school seniors, all narrated by the captivating Sarah Koenig. 

click here to listen: http://serialpodcast.org/

If you're in the car a lot, or listen to music while exercising, this would be great to tune in to! 

Let me know your thoughts if you do. One episode in, and you'll be hooked, promise! 

You can start here: http://serialpodcast.org/


1.17.2015

5 Nights of Healthy, Delicious Meals


I love to cook! And I especially love when I find make the time with our busy life. Afternoons and nighttime can be quite hectic, but with my amazing hub's help, I have been able to cook more lately. 

Here's the recipes of the healthy, fresh meals I cooked last week. 
Hope you all enjoy! 
I'd love to hear your thoughts too, if you guys fix any of them. 

Easy BLT Salad
 bacon, slices cooked and crumbled
EVOO Mayo with Salt and pepper to taste

** just mix it all together and enjoy! 


Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Kale and Tomatoes

I literally dumped a can of diced tomatoes, 
some chopped leeks, 
half a bag of kale, 
and some chicken broth 
over a pork tenderloin and cooked it on low for 6 hours. 
It fell apart it was so tender! 



Smoked Salmon Toastettes - MY FAVE!

I toasted some thin wheat bread
Mixed avocado with lemon juice and paprika
Spread that on the bread
Topped with romaine
Added Smoked Salmon to the top
and garnished with sliced red onion
It was SUPER easy, SUPER healthy and tasted AMAZING


Crustless Mushroom Quiche

I browned mixed mushrooms with red onion in some olive oil, flavored with bay leaves and rosemary in an iron skillet
I whisked 1/2 cup ricotta cheese with 6 eggs
Pour egg mixture over veggies in skillet 
Bake on 350 for about 20 minutes



Chicken Soup

Ingredients
2 lb. shredded chicken breasts - I used canned to save time
3 tablespoons of oil of your choice
2-3 teaspoons taco seasoning 
2 medium onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1 poblano peppers, diced
2 quarts (8 cups) chicken stock
1 28 ounce can regular canned tomatoes**)
Juice of 2 limes
1 cup cilantro, chopped
avocado and fresh cilantro for garnish


In a large dutch oven over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of oil, and when hot, add in the onions. Cook until onions are translucent, about 4-6 minutes.
Add in the garlic and peppers and saute for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken stock and tomatoes and bring to a medium boil.
Add the chicken, cilantro and lime juice to your bubbling cauldron of goodness. Taste to see what you’re in need of - salt? pepper?
Serve nice and hot with some fresh cilantro and chopped up avocado to go on top. 



Fish and Sausage Paella via James Farmer's A Time to Cook

For those of you with the cookbook, it was WONDERFUL! If you dont have the cookbook, order it here: JamesFarmer.com


5 Nights of Healthy, Delicious Meals


I love to cook! And I especially love when I find make the time with our busy life. Afternoons and nighttime can be quite hectic, but with my amazing hub's help, I have been able to cook more lately. 

Here's the recipes of the healthy, fresh meals I cooked last week. 
Hope you all enjoy! 
I'd love to hear your thoughts too, if you guys fix any of them. 

Easy BLT Salad
 bacon, slices cooked and crumbled
EVOO Mayo with Salt and pepper to taste

** just mix it all together and enjoy! 


Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Kale and Tomatoes

I literally dumped a can of diced tomatoes, 
some chopped leeks, 
half a bag of kale, 
and some chicken broth 
over a pork tenderloin and cooked it on low for 6 hours. 
It fell apart it was so tender! 



Smoked Salmon Toastettes - MY FAVE!

I toasted some thin wheat bread
Mixed avocado with lemon juice and paprika
Spread that on the bread
Topped with romaine
Added Smoked Salmon to the top
and garnished with sliced red onion
It was SUPER easy, SUPER healthy and tasted AMAZING


Crustless Mushroom Quiche

I browned mixed mushrooms with red onion in some olive oil, flavored with bay leaves and rosemary in an iron skillet
I whisked 1/2 cup ricotta cheese with 6 eggs
Pour egg mixture over veggies in skillet 
Bake on 350 for about 20 minutes



Chicken Soup

Ingredients
2 lb. shredded chicken breasts - I used canned to save time
3 tablespoons of oil of your choice
2-3 teaspoons taco seasoning 
2 medium onions, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
1 poblano peppers, diced
2 quarts (8 cups) chicken stock
1 28 ounce can regular canned tomatoes**)
Juice of 2 limes
1 cup cilantro, chopped
avocado and fresh cilantro for garnish


In a large dutch oven over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of oil, and when hot, add in the onions. Cook until onions are translucent, about 4-6 minutes.
Add in the garlic and peppers and saute for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken stock and tomatoes and bring to a medium boil.
Add the chicken, cilantro and lime juice to your bubbling cauldron of goodness. Taste to see what you’re in need of - salt? pepper?
Serve nice and hot with some fresh cilantro and chopped up avocado to go on top. 



Fish and Sausage Paella via James Farmer's A Time to Cook

For those of you with the cookbook, it was WONDERFUL! If you dont have the cookbook, order it here: JamesFarmer.com


1.15.2015

A Family Friendly Space


This client is just as bright and cheerful and fun as the mood board for her kids' basement play space. 
While the lower level, the space needed to be brightened, reflecting their young family of four's lively personalities. By pulling in some color via the artwork and pillows, we're transforming a dark basement family room into a light and chic space for the kids to play - and the adults too. :) 


A Family Friendly Space


This client is just as bright and cheerful and fun as the mood board for her kids' basement play space. 
While the lower level, the space needed to be brightened, reflecting their young family of four's lively personalities. By pulling in some color via the artwork and pillows, we're transforming a dark basement family room into a light and chic space for the kids to play - and the adults too. :) 


1.14.2015

A Chic Coral and Blue Living Space


Need some inspiration for a living room with traditional elements?
My fave color combo of aqua, coral, and neutrals is shown below in today's mood board! 
Happy Wednesday, everyone! 


A Chic Coral and Blue Living Space


Need some inspiration for a living room with traditional elements?
My fave color combo of aqua, coral, and neutrals is shown below in today's mood board! 
Happy Wednesday, everyone! 


1.12.2015

A Coral and Navy Sunporch


Anyone dreaming of sunnier skies and warmer days? 
I am not one to despise the cold, but this dreary weather has me wishing for more Spring-like days and a chance to play outside. 

I love sharing what I've got going on with you guys, but to be honest, blogging takes a lot of time. I love showing you the befores and afters of my clients' spaces, but taking the photos, editing, (sometimes re-taking photos), posting them, and coming up with something you guys may find interesting to say about them every time can take a lot of time. 
My blog is a fun place to share what I like, love, and a few new discoveries here and there. However, it also serves as my portfolio, showing my ideas, how they translate into a client's home, and the way things magically happen. 

My process with my clients involves a lot of steps. 
I wanted to share an {abbreviated} version of how everything works here at MGD. 
_______________________________________

Step One: Meeting - in-person (unless you're an e-design client)
Here, I listen to your wishes/desires/goals, and I share my initial thoughts on the project. I take measurements, photos, and notes.

Step Two: After our meeting, I make a big punchlist/outline for the project that provides links to things I think you need or can order yourself. I take a lot of time finding things for clients. A. Lot.
Ordering fabric samples, studying my paint chart, choosing proportionate pieces. 
Everything I suggest has a reason. 

Step Three: Upon approval of my mood boards and punch list, we make a fabric order, furniture order, and wait. And wait. For it all to come in, to be made, etc. 
This step can be the absolute longest ever. Sometimes fabrics aren't available anymore, or there's not enough yardage, or my workroom is backed up, or my upholster is super busy. This step can actually take up to 6 months if we keep getting curve balls. 
When everything is ready, or most of it, I will come and do a big install. Most of the time, it takes a couple of visits to wrap everything up. I love doing my own installs so as to make sure its all done the way it should be. And I like to see it all in person too. 

I rarely show the nitty gritty when it comes to my job, because truthfully, it overshadows all the great, fun things about what I do. But, there are a million trips to the upholsterer, equally as many deliveries from my workroom, a ton of emails, texts, and PayPal invoices sprinkled in there too. Sometimes my clients are patient and sometimes they aren't. 
Sometimes they do what I say and sometimes they don't.
:)))))

________________________________________

Either way, my job is amazing and I have a ton of fun, so that's really all I can ask for, right?

To finish this long explanation, I wanted to show the most fun first step in my job:

The Mood Board

This shows a client how a room will look and feel (for the most part) and how the pieces work together. I use a simple program on my iPad that beats the ever-living heck outta those big presentation boards we labored over in college. 

Back to the original purpose of this post: Showing you guys my plan for a client's bright and crisp, preppy sun porch. It will double as a home office and reading space. 
I am kinda crazy over the fun contrast of the classic navy and pretty coral, all balanced with stark white. 


A Coral and Navy Sunporch


Anyone dreaming of sunnier skies and warmer days? 
I am not one to despise the cold, but this dreary weather has me wishing for more Spring-like days and a chance to play outside. 

I love sharing what I've got going on with you guys, but to be honest, blogging takes a lot of time. I love showing you the befores and afters of my clients' spaces, but taking the photos, editing, (sometimes re-taking photos), posting them, and coming up with something you guys may find interesting to say about them every time can take a lot of time. 
My blog is a fun place to share what I like, love, and a few new discoveries here and there. However, it also serves as my portfolio, showing my ideas, how they translate into a client's home, and the way things magically happen. 

My process with my clients involves a lot of steps. 
I wanted to share an {abbreviated} version of how everything works here at MGD. 
_______________________________________

Step One: Meeting - in-person (unless you're an e-design client)
Here, I listen to your wishes/desires/goals, and I share my initial thoughts on the project. I take measurements, photos, and notes.

Step Two: After our meeting, I make a big punchlist/outline for the project that provides links to things I think you need or can order yourself. I take a lot of time finding things for clients. A. Lot.
Ordering fabric samples, studying my paint chart, choosing proportionate pieces. 
Everything I suggest has a reason. 

Step Three: Upon approval of my mood boards and punch list, we make a fabric order, furniture order, and wait. And wait. For it all to come in, to be made, etc. 
This step can be the absolute longest ever. Sometimes fabrics aren't available anymore, or there's not enough yardage, or my workroom is backed up, or my upholster is super busy. This step can actually take up to 6 months if we keep getting curve balls. 
When everything is ready, or most of it, I will come and do a big install. Most of the time, it takes a couple of visits to wrap everything up. I love doing my own installs so as to make sure its all done the way it should be. And I like to see it all in person too. 

I rarely show the nitty gritty when it comes to my job, because truthfully, it overshadows all the great, fun things about what I do. But, there are a million trips to the upholsterer, equally as many deliveries from my workroom, a ton of emails, texts, and PayPal invoices sprinkled in there too. Sometimes my clients are patient and sometimes they aren't. 
Sometimes they do what I say and sometimes they don't.
:)))))

________________________________________

Either way, my job is amazing and I have a ton of fun, so that's really all I can ask for, right?

To finish this long explanation, I wanted to show the most fun first step in my job:

The Mood Board

This shows a client how a room will look and feel (for the most part) and how the pieces work together. I use a simple program on my iPad that beats the ever-living heck outta those big presentation boards we labored over in college. 

Back to the original purpose of this post: Showing you guys my plan for a client's bright and crisp, preppy sun porch. It will double as a home office and reading space. 
I am kinda crazy over the fun contrast of the classic navy and pretty coral, all balanced with stark white. 


1.07.2015

A Fabulous Farewell to the {Roaring 20's} - my brother's 30th birthday party!


Over the Christmas week, my brother Brince turned 30, and his wife, Laura Lyn hosted the most fabulous party to honor his big milestone birthday! 
Bidding farewell to Brince's {Roaring 20's}, we all gathered at their new home, transformed into a fun speak-easy, swathed in gold, white, black, and silver. It was so fun to help her pull off the big surprise, and of course to dress up too! 
Minks were worn, furs were draped, and suspenders galore. 
'Twas a fantastic night and I wanted to share a few peeks around the party with you all! 

The mantel looked so festive! 
It was a gorgeous focal point when you entered their house


Mercury glass votive holders, white hydrangea, and strands of pearls were gathered for a small vignette inside the entrance


My talented friend Linsey from Two Crazy Cookies made these amazing monogram nibbles. The reverse monogram mimicked the one found atop the invitation


Strands of pearls, cigarette extenders, boas, and garters were among the fun accessories around the party for those impromptu photo ops. 


Cookies were on every surface for a little shot of sweet here and there


Bouquets of white hydrangea and white roses in silver julep cups were tucked around the party 


A fabulous buffet of pick-up foods were displayed for guests. Sausage bites, phillo cups, brie bites, eclairs, cake pops by Candace, and an incredible white chocolate butter cream birthday cake 



The cake was beautiful, and delicious too! 
Quite the excuse for messing up one's red lipstick





Laura Lyn painted the chic black backdrop banners for the bar area - they'll be great to use for parties to come! 



An intimate speakeasy was created under paper lanterns, with stoles, furs, and more to aid one's costume. 






And now a peek at the fabulously attired party guests - everyone showed up and showed out! 
I loved it! 

Here's the amazing party host and the birthday boy
They looked so authentic! 


Friends Jesse, Mallory, and Amy 


Lots of our friends came to celebrate Brince!


My sister Abbye and Chris


Me and my hot date


Brince and our grandfather 



Laura Lyn, Brince and her fam - Anna Grace, Mrs. Lyn, and Mr. Bob


My parents with their big crew - Abbye and Chris, my brother Asa and Kennedy, Brince and Laura Lyn, and David and me 


Happy birthday to Brince! 
Loved celebrating those {Roaring 20's} of yours, and am excited for all that your 30's will bring too! 
Love you!