Urban Grace Interiors {the blog} bio picture

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Erika and this is my blog.  You might have come here from my old blog- if so please update your feed or bookmark the new site... I promise it'll be much better than the old blog.  If you are new around here welcome!  I'm so glad you are here.  A little background on me: I am a new mom to a precious little girl, a designer, a wife, and the mother of two rescued dogs (Penelope & Paisley).  I am passionate about design, and I also enjoy gardening, good pens, art, photography, antiques, traveling, and rescued animals. 

If you are curious about my design business, Urban Grace Interiors, you can click that link above titled "Portfolio" that will take you to official website.  This blog is just my daily ramblings... some of which are design related, and some of which are not.  I hope you like what you find here... I aim to inspire.

 

 

fresh out

I am fresh out of blog material.  I’ve hit a wall.  I am creating blog posts and saving them as drafts and never going back to finish them.  Is it better to step away from the computer or blog on?  I haven’t the foggiest.

Let’s cover yesterday’s highs, shall we?

“Sandwich”.  That’s what I call my daughter.  As in “Bologna Sandwich”.  I know, it is totally absurd.  But she is edible.

Another item of interest: I brought home a rug.  On approval.   Which is a dangerous game to play.  Because of course I don’t need it.  And of course it is lovely.  And it was on sale. 

While rug shopping (I forgot to mention I wasn’t even shopping for me) I came across these ginormous Egyptian angel wings.  I will be hauling them to a project to see if they work.  I just need a school bus to transport them.  They are rock and roll.  And sometimes a house just needs a dash of rock and roll. 

After a long day on the town… we come back to the office to select paint colors for another new old project in Memphis.  While we solve world peace debate over Grant Beige or Old White, Belinda Carlisle plays on Pandora in the background.  LOUD.  (Go create your station. You will thank me later.) The FedEx woman drops by a pleasant surprise… an original (pencil on vellum) set of construction drawings… hand drawn.  A lost art form indeed.  Allison says “we should probably make copies”… I think she fears I’ll spill Diet Coke on them. 

February 2, 2010 - 9:16 am Dianne Rainer - You need to keep the rug - Where were you shopping?

February 2, 2010 - 9:17 am Ashley - On behalf of all blog stalkers I think we would all be just happy with a picture a day of your sweet "sandwich" and a glimplse of some of your work :) Happy Tuesday Erika

February 2, 2010 - 9:20 am Southern Exposure - Love that rug - the colors are great!And your daughter is adorable!Rachel

February 2, 2010 - 9:21 am Leecee - Erika - I just found your blog late last week and spent the better part of the weekend devouring every single one of your posts. My husband fears I'm obsessed! Please blog on!! I am not much for comments, but now that you are on my Bookmarks bar, I feel the need to urge you on! Thanks so much for the great blog.

February 2, 2010 - 9:22 am maria - I totally know what you mean about babies being edible!!! I threaten to eat mine all the time! Also, love that rug and dying over the wings...would love a pair myself!

February 2, 2010 - 9:29 am Teale - I do believe your *sandwich* looks very sweet and delicious. She is so cute!And pencil on vellum... don't see that every day! Ah, the memories. I believe we met over pencil on vellum. Good times!

February 2, 2010 - 9:29 am angela conklin - The best part of this post.......the sandwich. Holy Cow! She is beautiful!

February 2, 2010 - 9:31 am Laura Casey Interiors - E- I'll take that sandwich any day! love the rug and can't wait to see if you get the wings in! xoox

February 2, 2010 - 9:31 am Sherry Fagin - i want the angel wings!!!!! AND...she does look so edible. i bet she smells like heaven...my babies did.

February 2, 2010 - 9:36 am becky - erika, where did you score the rug? i need a lighter one & it would be a great fit.

February 2, 2010 - 9:36 am Jill Graham Cribb - Glimpses of your little "sandwich" are enough. The rug is awesome and just the perfect one for my living room! Oh How I love pencil drawings too and I am trying to create the perfect ones myself for my living room. I love your feature in Southern Living! It is awesome.

February 2, 2010 - 9:38 am Karena - Beautiful rug, with a great color palette., and those wings, OMG. You should see what I just said about this time of year!! Karena

February 2, 2010 - 9:44 am kara - don't let the stalkers persuade you to stay of you need a break. (please don't stop...:) it makes my heart smile that you call the babe 'sandwich'. kamryn's nickname is Kamalama Bing Bang because it's SOOO much shorter :)

February 2, 2010 - 9:45 am Melissa - Love the Egyptian Angel Wings! I hope they work for your client.

February 2, 2010 - 9:50 am Ivy Smith - Those angel wings are super cool!!!

February 2, 2010 - 9:52 am jessica - You can never go wrong with pictures of sandwich. It reminds me of MJ and his blanket. Nice RUG!

February 2, 2010 - 9:54 am Michele - I'll be sad if you stop blogging.

February 2, 2010 - 9:58 am Jennifer - I call my daughter french fry so I completely get the sandwich name. Love the rug!

February 2, 2010 - 10:16 am Marija - I rarely comment (new to blogging) but I can so totally appreciate needing a break! But, for what it is worth, I have recently become a regular and I hope you'll at least blog weekly! Pics will do, of course. Especially ones that are that sweet...

February 2, 2010 - 10:17 am heather{dot}com - Blog on! I took a little break from mine to get real work done and now I'm having the hardest time finding the time to get back to it! Plus, I love your blog too much and would miss it. :)And yes, more pictures of Sloane will be just fine!

February 2, 2010 - 10:25 am Shar - You have never posted a word or a photo that I didn't love. And, now that you have Sandwich, please don't take that away. She is soooooooo beautiful and precious.Love the rug, too.

February 2, 2010 - 10:34 am julie - wow the days when we used pencil on vellum!

February 2, 2010 - 10:42 am Kwana - Love the rug, the wings are hot and your little sandwich is the cutest.

February 2, 2010 - 10:48 am Katie (Morris) Moore - Hey Erika- Katie Morris here! I love your blog and check it WAY too often and love feeling like I am getting to hang out with you a bit :) I am in Memphis with my family now. Where/ with whom are you working here? Do you ever visit? Would LOVE to see you! Let me know.

February 2, 2010 - 10:52 am Laura - Please blog on! The rug is beautiful and your little sandwich does indeed look sweet enough to eat!

February 2, 2010 - 10:53 am Jennifer - "On approval" changed my life. For the worse or better, I'm not sure exactly. Love the wings! Saw some at Scott's last year and spent a good 15 minutes trying to decide if I needed them or not. The verdict at the time was no but I still think they are AWESOME!

February 2, 2010 - 10:57 am Stephanie - I don't believe you meant for this to Be "a Vote WHETHER you can have a blogging break" haha!but I love anything and everything you post about whenever you feel less foggy. LOVE the angel wings! I could decorate a whole room around them!!!and sandwhich is just adorable. such a funny nickname for her!

February 2, 2010 - 11:02 am Blue Hydrangea - oh my...the wings, the rug, your little sandwich!!...they all make me happy! Can't wait to see the project where the wings are going!

February 2, 2010 - 11:14 am Mrs. Blandings - Perfectly happy with this and that. Just don't stop altogether as I would miss you dreadfully.We call our youngest son "Moo" and none of us can remember why.

February 2, 2010 - 11:18 am Katherine @ Grass Stains - So eerie ... just today I was thinking about posting a poll to ask my readers whether they'd rather I post a little something every day (even if it's not worth much) or go to posting a couple of times a week when I have *beautiful* pictures or a meaningful story to share. I just have a hard time believing that people would come by and APPRECIATE me writing about the taco salad we ate for supper and the most recent stomach bug that's working its way through every member of our family. But lots of people LOVE the minutia, and I'm one of the ones who'd prefer that you post regularly even if it's just a photo or a few sentences! Blog on, E!

February 2, 2010 - 11:41 am Elizabeth - YES! Please keep blogging. I love your posts. They can be short and sweet - pictures of your work or pictures you look at for inspiration. Whatever. You have such a wonderful talent that we readers love to witness.

February 2, 2010 - 11:43 am alison g. (brazil) - It's very understandable, your blogger's block. In light of what is going on in the world, the preciousness of your time and those who fill it (especially Bologna!), blog posts seem trivial - at best. I imagine I speak for all of us in saying we'll take whatever you choose to send our way, especially if it's as cute as your first pic!P.S. - Those rock 'n roll wings ARE amazing!

February 2, 2010 - 12:04 pm Sarah - I think you do a great job with your blog!! Keep it coming!

February 2, 2010 - 12:13 pm Kimberly - You can always borrow the Darby doll for some highly entertaining posts ;) That girl is cracking me up. Either way, we all have these moments. I post all the time and wonder what I'm doing...but if my blog is to serve as a journal (of sorts), then the disjointed posts are another reflective chapter in my life! Oh, and your daughter is GORGEOUS.

February 2, 2010 - 12:13 pm Bailey@ www.peppermintbliss.com - Sandwich is beautiful. I think I speak for most of your loyal readers when I say blog on. Even if it is just a singular picture of your nugget, or a rug on approval, it's a bright spot in my day!

February 2, 2010 - 12:13 pm GEORGE Interior Design - I too want to know where you shop! I love that rug and those wings are AMAZING! Keep on blogging please...

February 2, 2010 - 12:14 pm megan @ a life's design - i definitely have those days; you will be greatly missed if you stop. i agree that pencil on vellum is a lost art form, computer drawings don't give you the same feeling. And those angel wings are fabulous, the rug is great, and your little sandwich is adorable!

February 2, 2010 - 12:38 pm Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality - Congrats on your featured client in Southern Living. What a gorgeous home it is!

February 2, 2010 - 12:42 pm Emily Driscoll - Those wings are a really cool piece, great find!

February 2, 2010 - 12:42 pm Donna - LOVE LOVE LOVE those angel wings - can't wait to see what you do with them!

February 2, 2010 - 2:03 pm Melissa - What does it say about my life that I find this post fascinating (maybe that your everyday ho-hum is more fun than mine? Not surprising. I DIG those wings. Good luck getting them wherever they are going.

February 2, 2010 - 2:36 pm Kirsten - I know how it is when you just can't think of Blog material. Stepping away for awhile is dangerous because you might never come back. I love your blog and those angel wings are to die for. Wish I had those in my bedroom above my bed.

February 2, 2010 - 2:41 pm May - Erika, even when you run out of material your blog is still a joy to read. Love that "Sandwich" - the nickname, and her cute little face.

February 2, 2010 - 2:43 pm Sarah - What a coincidence!! I have those wings! They are not on stands but hang above my daughter's bed. Just this week I thought about taking them down because they are so big and take up so much space. Now, I think I may leave them there since you think they are cool. Thanks for the post!

February 2, 2010 - 2:49 pm Jennifer - Love your blog! I pretend like I live at the beach when I read. Such a precious baby girl too!

February 2, 2010 - 2:50 pm Claire - I hope you'll just add posts whenever you have the time, inclination. I'll keep checking.We had/have some very odd nicknames for our children. One of my sons was known as The Folk as a baby because his 4-year-old brother thought that if some people were called "folks", then one little person would be a "folk".The rug is beautiful. You should keep it.

February 2, 2010 - 2:57 pm Ashley - Congrats on Southern Living- I saw the link today and that house is a work of art. Maybe that can give you blog inspiration- sharing your published work!

February 2, 2010 - 3:26 pm mandy - Hey..I read Darby's blog and your blog some...your daughter is precious...we call mine Muffin b/c she would die laughing when we would name all the different muffins when she was little...lemon poppy seed muffin, blueberry muffin, orange cranberry muffin, "kendall gail" muffin...and it stuck...i found myself yesterday yelling down the isle in publix..."Muffin, come on...NOW!" Ha! She is 4 now...started when she was Sloane's age...watch out! Beautiful rug...Mandy

February 2, 2010 - 3:40 pm Sarah - Erika- Do you remember when Tom Cruise just sucks it up and hits the gas and drives through the smoke blindly in Days of Thunder well...thats what I'd like to ask you to do right now.Even if it's pics of what you shopped for and little Sloane.

February 2, 2010 - 3:40 pm Kathy - Oh, my goodness. Your baby daughter is so cute. Makes you want to reach in and hug that sweet little face. I bet you keep the rug. It's good, and has a bit of green! The wings are cool. My sister has said ginormous for years. I thought she made it up. Makes me laugh every time I hear it. And I would like to cast my vote for Grant Beige. It is such a great wall color. Have it in my home and love it! Whatever that worth!

February 2, 2010 - 4:20 pm bg - Hi Erika! Enjoy your blog. Got a boy for your girl. Born the same week. Smitten Kitchen is the blogger/home cook.(I am a reader only) Also, before those Egyptian wings take flight, do you have the background on them--artifact or artificial/decorative only? And, sorry to bother you, can I read the article about you online -- is it Southern Living? Keep blogging! B

February 2, 2010 - 4:45 pm Shelly - You can send those angel wings over to me please! I love them...no idea where I would even put them. And yes..every home needs that little "something" to shake up the scenery. Good find!

February 2, 2010 - 4:49 pm Sarah - Erika, I die for those wings! It would be the coolest item in the house. Your clients are very lucky to have you. Blog on about anything, it's always entertaining to read about what others are thinking.

February 2, 2010 - 4:53 pm Christie - That is the cutest "Sandwich" I ever did see!

February 2, 2010 - 4:54 pm Lorraine - Don't worry about lack of blog material, just post pictures, they are always beautiful! Sending sunshine from Australia and thanking you for the beautiful blog you have

February 2, 2010 - 5:17 pm Aja - Oh my, those angel wings are aMAZing! So much drama!And your little sandwich is a doll!

February 2, 2010 - 6:09 pm Annmarie - Delicious. I am lovin' all of these things! The sandwich, the rug (is SHE getting it??). the WINGS??, and the crunchy illustrations. Looks like a fun day to me?

February 2, 2010 - 6:21 pm Erin Vogel Mussler - I love the rug...looks like a sumac. I definitely think you should keep it! Liked your comment about the bologna...I always tell my Caroline that I could eat her face like a "hoagie" sandwich!

February 2, 2010 - 6:34 pm correypetty@yahoo.com - You were at one of the best spots in seagrove! oh how I wish I was there. All those shell boxes are to die for!!

February 2, 2010 - 6:47 pm stephanie - old drawings are the best. I feel like I am looking at pictures of my grandparents when I am going through a set...at the same time I imagine how teed-off I would be, if I were drawing the set, and my boss came by and told me to just "move a couple of walls around" as he does on a daily basis.

February 2, 2010 - 7:03 pm mandy - Love the sandwich! She is most definitely edible! I can't imagine in person!! Nice rug too! Whoa...those are some wings!

February 2, 2010 - 8:47 pm Nestegg - Your little sandwich is TOO cute!! I just had a headboard made out of angel wings like that! It was for a little girls room- definitely added some rock & roll! It turned out SO freakin Cool! I'll have to post pictures soon. Can't wait to see what you decide to do with them! xoRH

February 2, 2010 - 8:50 pm Rene Clark - I have been a voyeur of your site for several months but did not feel the need to comment until today. I LOVE your site. Your babies collection of BlahBlah dolls inspired my 10 mo. old daughters Christmas present(a BlahBlah doll). And all of your kitchen photos & advice have helped me find direction thru all my piles of samples and tear sheets for my kitchen redo. I am a big fan! Blog on!

February 2, 2010 - 9:49 pm Misc.alaina - Love your "sandwich"! I also love pencil on vellum line drawings! I totally agree this is a lost art. I spent many, many hours over 4.5 years in school creating these. Before we could do any AutoCAD drawing, we had to do it by hand first. With that said, the computer is a necessary evil and there aren't enough hours in the day not to use it! I vote to keep blogging - you will always have a captive audience here in the blogging world!

February 2, 2010 - 9:55 pm amanda - sandwhich...hahahhha! when we arent calling our #3, "#3" we call him..."dance-er-ella" because first he was "bella" b/c #2 would try to call him little "fella" but it would come out "bella", then #2 got a "bella, bella dance-er-ella' dance dvd from disney so...our sweet #3 (who is ALL BOY btw)is dance-erella" , got all that...?!nice, huh?!

February 2, 2010 - 11:57 pm Amanda - I know I am suppose to comment on the rug but I rather comment on your "Sandwich's" outfit. Where did you get that? LOVE IT & would like to get my son a similar one =) Love your Blog!

February 3, 2010 - 1:39 am Sharne - Hi Erika -love your blog - would love you to continue:) I am all the way over in Australia - how can I see your Southern Living feature? Thanks for sharing a little of your life - love to see your gorgeous girl and see little bits of projects you are working on. Thanks for your inspiration Sharne xx

February 3, 2010 - 2:41 am Katharina - ... love your blog. It is so nice to get a little glance of your work and every day life. pencil on vellum... well in German architect offices we still get drawings like that quite often. Which is horrable because "somebody" has to "transform" them into a CAD drawing :( I started studying architecture 10 years ago - and for the first two years in collage we were not allowed to draw with the computer, we had to draw by hand and with ink on vellum.Dont really miss scratching off the ink with a razor blade!

February 3, 2010 - 8:05 am Abby Maddox - My sister has those Egyptian angel wings hanging on a wall in her house! I LOVE THEM

February 3, 2010 - 8:16 am Mary Ann - Baby love...so powerful!Anyway, seeing the drawings gave me an idea. My dining room has a very bold floral pattern that has been impervious to my attempts to hang art over it. But what about "landscape" drawings in black/brown/sepia? Know of any sources?

February 3, 2010 - 8:32 am Chelsea - Erika--PLEASE for the love of God DO NOT STOP BLOGGING! My mom, sister, and I have just found your blog and I don't know what we'll do if you stop blogging now! I know how you feel--there are days when it seems there just isnt' anything to say--but hang in there for us! Post a pic of "sandwhich," tell us what boring things you did, and we'll still love it!

February 3, 2010 - 9:36 am Elizabeth - Erika, I always look forward to your posts even if you think they are boring. We would never tire of pictures of your "sandwich" or cool finds that you come across for projects. Maybe you should get an Erika doll :)

February 3, 2010 - 9:43 am kelly@TearingUpHouses - love the rug. i actually worked at an office in college where we did all of our design documents by hand. I LOVED IT. we also did photo books -- like the kind where you take the pictures and tape them together by hand. insanity. and i'm only 30.kelly

February 3, 2010 - 9:53 am skinnythighs - I'd love to hear about your new mommy discoveries, like "things I wish I'd figured out sooner," or favorite baby products.

February 3, 2010 - 10:56 am Sarah - I have a blog topic: Could you talk about your decision making process to add sweet doggie number 2? I have a dog and have been trying to get thoughts on getting a second. I would love to hear yours. And your dogs are so cute, it is practically design related anyway...right?

February 3, 2010 - 11:40 am Kristen - OK, I hope this doesn't sound creepy but -- I think we like the same kind of shoes!! I have the exact same Puma sneaks you're wearing in the rug picture AND I swear I have those blue and white striped heels you are wearing in the "about me" section, the Michael Kors ones (they're my favorite summer shoe). Anyway, had to share, thought that was pretty funny! I love your design and fashion sense :)

February 3, 2010 - 12:30 pm Cousin - Sandwich is absolutely edible. I love that little face. Miss you!

February 3, 2010 - 7:54 pm Emily - Don't worry - I'm dry this week too... I love anything about your work... I want every room on your website in my house! Your little sandwich is perfect - you can always post more about mommy-hood!

February 3, 2010 - 8:31 pm the domestic fringe - Those are some ginormous wings! Your baby is beautiful.-FringeGirl

February 3, 2010 - 9:13 pm Laurie - I'll take that stack of stripe rugs behind the wings please!

February 3, 2010 - 9:40 pm Juliet - Hey, I live in Memphis! You'll have to blog about it when you are here! And bonus, there's a post you don't have to come up with.

February 3, 2010 - 10:28 pm Sarah - Love the rock n roll wings.

February 4, 2010 - 12:50 am Interior decoration wallpaper - That seems a busy day for you. I like the concept of angel wings adding touches of antiquity to the living room. Contrast it with modern upholstery and wallpapers. Sandwich must say is an angel!

February 4, 2010 - 7:58 am Deanna - E! By chance, who makes the fabulous awning stripe rugs piled up in the photo??

February 4, 2010 - 9:23 am The Zhush - Those wings do in fact ROCK! And, since this is now the second time is as many days that I have heard about Pandora, that's where I am now heading...thanks!

February 4, 2010 - 10:17 am JTH - Those wings are either rock and roll (good), or Ed Hardy (bad). We'll find you a school bus and take a look. You are too funny.

February 4, 2010 - 11:25 am Jessie P. - can we see more of your home?!

February 4, 2010 - 12:11 pm Holly Mathis - i've been the same way about blogging..i think it is the haiti thing and having a baby...and working...just blog when you feel like it..dont feel any pressure.that is what i am trying to do

February 4, 2010 - 1:50 pm Emily A. Clark - It's good to know even the pros hit walls with their blogging, too. I have to say, I will know when I've arrived in the blogging world when I can post on having nothing to post about and still receive 85+ comments :)Your blog is beautiful, and so is your little sandwich.Oh, and PLEASE show us after pictures of the room where you put those wings.

February 4, 2010 - 2:26 pm Kate - Ohhhh wings!! PLEASE say you'll share a photo of how they're used! Pretty please?

February 4, 2010 - 2:39 pm Louise - Erika - thank you! I enjoy your blog so much. First time saying anything and I feel guilty I enjoy looking through your posts, I like seeing what you share with everyone - your ideas, aesthetic and your experiences as a Mom are so touching. Thank you for sharing. If you need to take a break then do it - know this you will be misssed by many. I am also a working Mom of daughter (6) and son (4) and life is very challenging juggling all of it. Balance is what we all strive for and every now and then we need to pat ourselves on the back look at what we do and have done - what beautiful little people we have made and know that it is all going to be good :) ps You will always be in my favorites so I will continue to check in.

February 4, 2010 - 4:21 pm Tshepo - I am so torn. My selfish side says blog on. Blog for me and all the other readers. But my other (perhaps more objective self) says stop if you must. Integrating the two sides, I think you need to stop and think about why you originally started blogging in the first place. What was your goal (way back when)? Have you accomplished it? If so, stop. If you need more prodding...why do you still blog? What benefits does it actually bring you? I believe that once you answer those questions, you will have a solution. Of course, my hope is that you keep blogging for my sanity but you should do what's best for you. If you chose to leave--all the best. Tshepo

February 4, 2010 - 4:37 pm Grace - You could write about paint drying and I'm sure we'd all still eat it up! Speaking of eating things up, your little sandwich is just adorable. I have an 8 week old baby girl and just want to eat her up all day long, too (p.s. bought that book you recommended on baby sleep - starting bootcamp next week - wish me luck!).As for blog posts - we'd read anything! But if you're stuck for topics, how about which is your favorite room in your house and why? What are your top 10 items in your house that you couldn't live without (minus your hubby, sandwich and those 2 adorable woofies)? What's your favorite project you've worked on? I'd love to know the answer to all these questions!

February 4, 2010 - 5:17 pm ardith - The wings are from Pottery Barn and came in the big size pictured and a little size. They are the coolest!

February 5, 2010 - 3:06 pm Amanda (Casa Brasi) - Or, you could talk about how the home you designed was featured in Southern Living. Congrats by the way! You don't happen to have any more of those lanterns used in their breakfast room laying around, huh? Gorgeous!

February 8, 2010 - 12:20 pm Amy - I painted our bathroom with Comfort Gray this weekend and I love it! I love your blog too and I think Sloane is adorable. :)

February 9, 2010 - 12:39 am Heather - Erika: First of all, your little "sandwich" is beyond adorable!!! And, it is always within a Mom's perogative to create charming (and thoroughly unique) baby nicknames.Second, the rug is beautiful! (You should keep it. After all, it was on sale.)Third. Those Egyptian Angel Wings are *AMAZING* I don't know where you're shopping, but I want to go there! Doesn't every household need a pair of giant gold Egyptian angel wings? :)

February 9, 2010 - 7:15 pm Beth Anne - I have a post idea for you; Both you and Darby are so creative- where does this come from? Mom? Daddy Boy? Your grandparents? We know you're professionally trained as an interior designer, but there's also some innate sense of talent there, too. Was this cultivated by someone in the family?

February 12, 2010 - 11:13 pm brooke g - love it all. are you working on a clients house in memphis- wish I could afford for you to come to my house here.. it needs you!

March 7, 2010 - 2:04 am Jill - Idea post- My kitchen has been featured on www.designwithchristine.com I love your recent featured kitchens in Coastal living of which I am a subscriber. Wondering if u could hop over & suggest paint color for Jills Kitchen to bring it into that wonderful coastal kitchen feel that you are so expert at. I would be so grateful:)

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