Two design divas headed for Atlanta last week.
Remember my peep, Jennifer, the interior designer of this amazing house? That's her on the left. Months and months ago, she and I planned a "girl trip" for last week. I had no idea that our world was going to come crashing down in our house last Sunday....so I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to make our trip. But once I made certain our little one was recovered, safe and sound and in the good hands of husband, I decided that maybe this short trip wasn't such a bad thing for me to do. I really really wanted to go. But the "mom guilt" kept getting in the way. After some prodding from my husband, I took the plunge.
Last time I had a girl trip? Ommmmm, let me think. Summer of 1998. I was pregnant with my first child. So that's FOUR offspring ago. I'm thinking this trip was l-o-n-g overdue.
So how about a phone photo tour? Here we go.
I'll give you three guesses where Jennifer is sitting. Yes, it had to be our first stop as soon as we hit the city. We both suffer from the same sickness.
After fixing our addiction, we cruised around some other stores but really didn't score anything.
Even though we arrived around dinner time, we chose shopping first. Wouldn't any reasonable person? By 8:30pm we were ready for a feast. And I it was time to introduce my friend to an evil addiction. Blue chips from Buckhead Diner. Have you tried these? They're homemade potato chips with a special blue cheese cream sauce drizzled on top. Or maybe I should say it's a mound of pure deliciousness that forces you to eat like a pig and consider licking the plate when the chips are all gone. If you haven't tried them yet, I insist you do. But I'll warn you....you'll be hooked for life.
The two of us demolished the goods.
Next day we planned for ADAC [Atlanta Decorative Arts Center]. Couldn't wait. It had been a long time since my last visit. But once I got there, it was like not a day had gone by. Felt like I was home.
There was lots and lots of pretty there.
Nailhead inspiration...
There was the prettiest green dining room display in Lee Jofa. I wanted to stay in there forever [they had little chocolates on a tray so we almost did]. Look at that navy and green wallcovering. Always been a sucker for bright color combos in toile. Still am.
And speaking of bright color combos, we had a fit in Ernest Gaspard, where they carry China Seas [a huge fav of mine]. I found it necessary to make a fool of myself sit in their display to double check my memo list. Even borrowed their white sunglasses. The chairs were quite comfy. If I weren't an honest-kind-of-girl, I'd possibly consider stealing them for my place.
Loved this chocolate velvet sofa over at Ainsworth Noah. Do you spot a sassy diva my friend in the mirror's reflection?
We found gobs and gobs of beautiful fabric, like this classic Victoria Hagan print, that had to come home with us.
***** meanwhile back at the ranch *****
I kept getting these random emails from husband, who shared a play-by-play pictorial of his day with the offspring. It was actually hilarious. He submitted evidence that the offspring were eating their veggies [the man cooked nitrate free hot dogs and steamed broccoli!] and even showed them helping with household duties such as washing dishes.
But the one that kept Jennifer and me laughing was the early morning "check-in" showing how my seven year old was attempting to outfit herself for school. Poor husband knew it was bad, but didn't know how to fix it. I received this email picture with the title, "OUTFIT???"
I think what made it funny was picturing my husband trying to negotiate with a seven year old on how NOT to dress like a hooka'.
The outfits got progressively worse [thank God it was only two days]. The next day, this one had us in stitches. Husband's title to this picture was "FIRST ATTEMPT TO DRESS FOR HER DAY IN THE HOOD."
I had to call and talk him through repairing this one. It was bad. Definitely a fashion emergency. What possessed her to dress like this? Did she just find every old piece of clothing in her closet and go for the homeless look? If nothing else, it kept me laughing all day.
*****okay, so back from the Offspring Commercial Break *****
After ADAC, the same day Jennifer and I hit Phipps [didn't buy a thing] followed by IKEA. Shopping Warriors. We stayed until they closed. No, we're not crazy, she's working on a cool house and had quite a list. Can't wait to show you some of it this summer. And I had a list of my own. Well, I did but lost it. Typical.
I have to hand it to IKEA. They sure know how to create a space that's cozy yet efficient. And totally affordable. This whole kitchen was something crazy cheap like $950.
The car was getting packed. Uh oh.
At this point we were worn out. So we went back to the hotel and crashed.
The trip was fab. And must be done more often [unless you ask my husband]. Retail therapy is the best superficial quick-fix medicine I know of for mommy burnout any kind of burnout. And it has no side effects. Other than sore feet. Even though I only bought a couple of things, just hangin' with my fellow Mississippi sista' was great [Jennifer and I were both born and bred in small towns in Mississippi but I defected and moved to Atlanta by age 10. She hung in there until 21].
There's something to be said for relaxing and just doing girl stuff for a solid two days. This won't be the last time you see these two chicks up to no good.
P.S. Husband in case you're reading this, thank you so much for letting me have a fun break. You're the coolest cat in town, one amazing daddy, and the best husband ever. I'm one lucky girl to have you!!!
