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.

 

 

Monday morning miscellany

Something I don’t say often enough… thanks for reading and for your comments!  To answer a few of your questions…

Painting Cabinets and updates on my kitchen project:

How to paint your cabinets varies depending on your wood species, but in my case the cabinet doors are maple.  They are European (frameless, no face frame shows) meaning a majority of what you see in my kitchen is covered with door and drawer fronts.  I am having the doors and drawers sprayed (matte lacquer) by a cabinet shop.  The bodies/boxes of the cabinets will be brushed (and smooth foam roller rolled) by my favorite painters in the world, Bryan & Bobby.  They went back and forth on whether they would use an oil based or latex based paint, I guess I’ll know when they show up at my door.  (I’ll let you know.)  Half my kitchen had green stained maple cabinets and the other side had clear stained maple cabinets.  The kitchen is much too small for two different finishes and it has always driven me crazy.  I’ve never tired of the green, I just never liked the clear maple.  So, I’m going with green paint on all cabinets.  I like green.  I thought about gray, I thought about white, I thought about a gray-green, but really I just gotta stick with what I love… and that’s green.  My counters are 2cm Uba Tuba granite.  It isn’t what I would have picked.  Would I love to have something else?  Yes.  But I’m leaving it.  If I had a money tree I’d have new countertops.

I’ll do a full post once this little project is completed, but here’s a photo I took after some serious crowbar work yesterday.  We couldn’t get those false drawer fronts in front of the sink to come off, so they (cabinet shop) will spray lacquer those in place.  The taped up cardboard are my paint samples, I bought a quart of “Dried Thyme” & “Rosemary”, I liked the darker “Rosemary”.  This wall is where we removed two wall cabinets and ripped out the soffit and will be adding T&G (tongue and groove) vertical wall panel (it will be painted white) and open shelves.  We’ll add recessed lights (and under-cabinet lights beneath the lower shelf) and obviously patch the ceiling.  I wonder what my engineer was thinking about at this moment…

A couple of you asked about my watch:

Michael Kors Jet Set in “horn” I almost returned it, glad I didn’t.  (My husband thought it was a bit too fancy for me, but it’s growing on him.)  The ‘horn’ band looks kinda like onyx… I love.

Someone asked about my Toms:


Mine are Ash.  I love them.  Sloaney mentioned she’d like the pink sparkly (seen above)  Tiny Toms for her birthday.  {DaddyBoy, you asked.  There you have it, a hint.}  I really like these and these too.  Surely you all know by now, but for every pair you buy they give a pair to a child in need.  And they are comfortable.

Sambo Mockbee: (no one asked about this, but I want to tell you)

Carol (Sambo Mockbee’s daughter) graduated in Interior Design with me from Auburn University.  Her father, along with D.K. Ruth, started a program for Auburn Architecture students- Rural Studio.  It takes the students out of the classroom and into the field.  They design and then actually build their designs for very deserving people in desperate need of shelter in West Alabama.  It is a big deal.  Auburn University is very proud of Sambo Mockbee.  He passed away our junior of college but his legacy lives on.  Carol’s brother-in-law has been making a documentary “Citizen Architect” on Sambo and the Rural Studio of Auburn University.  It will air this evening on PBS, so if that video trailer above interests you be sure to tune in tonight!  I think you will all be encouraged by the compassion behind the Rural Studio.

August 23, 2010 - 8:44 am Darby - I love it all... especially that trailer. I wish I had PBS... we don't get a single channel and I'd rather do nothing but watch that show tonight! I love you, your kitchen, your watch, and your shoes... not sure how I'm the first commentor... but glad to be! xoxoxo

August 23, 2010 - 8:57 am Ashley - I love that your KWID fabric is still up with all the renovations taking place! I can't wait to see the after.

August 23, 2010 - 9:18 am Jeni Bailey - Ah I have the Toms in ash ... they are quite comfy, and my little man loves his mini me versions. They are a lot easier for him to walk in than his little converse... which in deed caused lots o' bumps on his head from falling.Can't wait to see finished kitchen - nothing like taking out a good ol' crowbar :)

August 23, 2010 - 9:19 am Jesslee - I almost commented on your last post that I had that watch but I wasn't 100% sure it was the Micheal Kors and didn't want to look like an idiot. LOL! I bought the horn and the tortoise I loved it so much. I love those snow leopard Toms and you'ved now convinced me to order a pair. I think Sloane def needs those sparkly princess pink toms they are too cute!

August 23, 2010 - 9:23 am paige - yay! finally an answer to the mystery watch question. i've debated whether or not to be a weirdo stalker and ask....glad i hung in there! my girls love their toms too can't wait to see the kitchen finale!ps, not that i'm saying whoever did ask the watch question is a weirdo stalker...i'm really not saying that at all :)

August 23, 2010 - 9:38 am katie - have the watch. LOVE it.have the uba tuba. not a fan.can't wait to see what you do with your kitchen!! :)

August 23, 2010 - 9:54 am Lindsey - Great post! As an Auburn girl myself I will be watching tonight! Can't wait to see the kitchen post!

August 23, 2010 - 9:56 am Annmarie Galvin - Wahoo!! Reminds me of my little spiff-up!! SO excited for you and MARLA, too!!! Good stuff!!

August 23, 2010 - 9:59 am Gretchen O - Know you are excited about the kitchen reno! Thanks for letting us know about the PBS special, looks awesome and inspirational. Will definitely be tuning in. --Gretchen O.

August 23, 2010 - 10:07 am Erin - Thanks for the tip about the Rural Studio documentary, Erika! I work in B'ham for a charitable foundation and we do a lot with Cheryl Morgan and the AU Urban Studio so I look forward to watching this tonight.Hope the Baloney sammich gets her Toms. Every little girl needs a pair of sparkle shoes. ;)

August 23, 2010 - 10:07 am Aimee@ the Functional Space - Thanks for the heads up about the documentary. I'd heard about this program before but didn't know a lot about it. Also, can't wait to see your finished kitchen (I'm sure you can't too!)

August 23, 2010 - 10:39 am Julie - I cannot wait to see the finished kitchen! Yay for budgets, too: bi love that this will be a realistic change.I also love my MK watch, got it for a steal at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.

August 23, 2010 - 10:49 am Erica B - Erika...I am new to your blog and love it! Just wanted to let you know that I have sage green kitchen cabinets as well and LOVE them. They are always a welcome to surprise to everyone who visits and I never get bored of them. :)

August 23, 2010 - 10:55 am Christen - I'm curious about the cabinet paint (latex vs. oil). We always specify oil based for millwork and latex for walls, so I didn't even know latex was an option for millwork. What's the deciding factor between the two?

August 23, 2010 - 11:33 am Tara - I will be watching PBS tonight! I have worn a MKors gold watch for 2 years and I get compliments on it every day, it's better than a bracelet.

August 23, 2010 - 11:52 am Desiree - Love it all!! We are starting a kitchen reno this month on a very tight budget so it will be a lot of fun following your posts. i can always learn a thing or two and be inspired from your expertise!

August 23, 2010 - 12:08 pm Ruth - love your blog, I happenned to noticed that all the Auburn women are so stylish! Must be an admittance requirement.....(I am sooo kidding about the requirement part..lol)I'm sure the MKH watch search will be hitting an all time high in google search - you are an amazing person (as well as Darcy). Awesome! Looking forward to seeing the finished kitchen.

August 23, 2010 - 12:22 pm julie - great minds think alike, i have that same watch!! sloaney will be stylin' in those sparky shoes. how is it true that she is almost going to be ONE!?? thinking about you and your sweet family.xo.

August 23, 2010 - 12:33 pm elizabeth - i love a good renovation and i can't wait to see how you transform your kitchen. i love open shelving so i'll probably be wishing i would've done some when i see yours!

August 23, 2010 - 12:33 pm Pamela @ Atmosphere ID - Can't wait to see the finished kitchen. I love the green. It's so fresh and cheerful.

August 23, 2010 - 12:55 pm Denise - LOVE the Toms and your watch....was at a friends wedding and all the guys had on Toms...just wondering, are they true to size? LOVE your blog and your sisters. Denise

August 23, 2010 - 1:04 pm Tessa - you do realize you are going to cause a design upheaval, right?! Seems everyone is painting everything grey these days. I have a feeling SW Rosemary green is going to become the new it color. I know you aren't trendy, which is probably why everyone loves what you do so much! Can't wait to see the end result! Oh, and a word about small kitchens...I prefer them, even mine with its limited counter and storage space..and I love to cook. Go figure!

August 23, 2010 - 1:20 pm Abby Maddox - My favorite thing about this post is the long-neck in the foreground of the picture of Chance (I just love throwing around first names of people I've only actual met in blog world :)). Both me and Jeremiah would need an arm-load of them if we'd been ripping out walls and cabinets with crow bars. I wish I wore watches...because I think I'd wear one like yours.

August 23, 2010 - 1:58 pm Sarah Winchester - Can't wait to see the finished kitchen and I wish I got that PBS show up here in New England. Will have to search for it online once aired.

August 23, 2010 - 3:15 pm Gramercy Home - Love all the detail you provided! Can't wait to see the finished project. And, the watch is very pretty indeed!

August 23, 2010 - 3:23 pm JLP - i can't wait to see your kitchen, erika! i love seeing snippets of your house and work - double exciting :)

August 23, 2010 - 3:59 pm Mrs. Blandings - There are so few things in the world that we really know for sure, so I like it when someone can come right out and say, "I like green." And why not? Green is great. Can't wait to see the finished product as you do kitchens oh-so-well.

August 23, 2010 - 5:08 pm Nichole@40daysof - I'm not usually a watch person, but yours is going to haunt me. And darn it, I don't have a birthday or an anniversary coming up! Can't wait to see how your kitchen turns out.

August 23, 2010 - 5:15 pm Michele - I love my TOMS. So comfy! I wore them all summer long. How cute are the little pink sparkly ones!?!

August 23, 2010 - 6:21 pm barG - Great post, looking forward to the progress of your kitchen. You are a #1 designer and shouldn't feel the watch is too fancy, it's a bit classic and bit glam. Best wishes, BarbaraG

August 23, 2010 - 7:01 pm Kelly - OK, I have been checking out your site for quite awhile now and love your esthetic but guess what made me write to you? That Michael Kors watch! I have been coveting that watch, was down in Fort Lauderdale for business last April and went and tried it on, hemmed and hawed, and didn't buy it. Now I know you have great taste!!! P.S. Your daughter is adorable. I had 3 in 4 years and they are all in their 20's. Savor every minute with your little pooky.

August 23, 2010 - 7:18 pm Mandi Smith T - I can't wait to see the afters on your kitchen. I have the same maple cabinets and I have been itching to paint them since we moved in our house (5 years ago). I did change the my countertops to honed black granite (looks like soapstone only more durable). But the hubby is NOT budging on the cabinets (the quotes we have gotten are just out of this world). I will be tuning it to see the finished product!!

August 23, 2010 - 7:40 pm doug @ tracery interiors - geez, I thought you were just getting some shelves! can't wait to see the result

August 23, 2010 - 8:42 pm Wholesale Hardwood Flooring Expert - Hi Erika: Just stumbled upon your blog and was interested by the renovation pic. Now that's what I call a kitchen renovation ;) hope your green cabinets turn out as you envision them, can't wait to see the finished product. I think they will look great, my kitchen paint is green and I wouldn't change it, I get so many compliments! I am sure you will too!

August 23, 2010 - 9:54 pm Aisha A. - hi,,just recently added u to my list of blogs on bloglovin.com....have to say this is a very graceful,inspirational and very nicely put together blog...congrats...hope to keep up to date w/ all the posts....thank you

August 23, 2010 - 10:43 pm nestegg - Yes!! Such a great program! The Hale County Animal Shelter is amaaaazing. (Almost as amazing as Peanut Robinson) My mom is really involved because she is from that area and has a huge heart for animals. As do I. I want to step outside my element and do something like that. Let's meet somewhere in Alabama and design another animal rescue center!! ! RH

August 23, 2010 - 11:18 pm Ashley Hill - Erika, thanks so much for posting the info about the Sambo Mockbee film. I hope I haven't missed it tonight. One of my high school friends, Ruard Veltman, studied under Sambo Mockbee and participated in a rural studio project.They built a chapel from recycled materials near Scottsboro, Alabama. Can't wait to see if they are featured in the film.

August 24, 2010 - 7:50 am Kate from Party Resources - love love love the watch and baby toms!

August 24, 2010 - 2:12 pm Brandi Campbell - regarding Citizen Arch: Wow, now that's what I call interior design (design from the heart). ...LOVE this major Paradigm Shift and that man Sambo for what he is doing!also secretly love you and your twin sister.Looking forward to seeing how you 2 use your superpowers to maximize your impact:) Keep it up, brandi

August 24, 2010 - 5:07 pm Natalie - I too have the Toms in ash, they go with everything! Also caught the docu on PBS last night. I am from about 20 miles away from Rural Studio. Knew about some of the things they have done, but not to the extent they were shown last night. Also great to know about the man who started it all!

August 24, 2010 - 5:12 pm Bernie - Love your Blog/website. Totally OFF topic: Have you seen the site http://catalogliving.net/ ?????? Photos from real catalogs (West Elm, Pottery Barn etc.) are hilariously "re-captioned" about a couple "Gary & Elaine". Cracks me up. It helps to have a slightly off center sense of humor. Worth the time to go through the archives....and a good way to start each day.

August 24, 2010 - 6:38 pm hellolover - Cannot wait to check out this show and I cannot wait to see your kitchen with the newly painted cabinets! We are saving up to get new cabinets hopefully in the next year - I, too, am not in love with our granite but I can't fathom spending that kind of money when in terms of the value to our home it won't add anything to it, if only we all had our own little money tree!

August 24, 2010 - 8:47 pm Melanie - I love the watch. I noticed it in the previous post. I think I need one for my birthday.

August 24, 2010 - 10:05 pm Ginger - love the watch! i have it too and all but sleep in it :) this is so random but i'm re-doing our master bath...in a 1962 ranch style.... as i was digging deep into your archives i came across your pics of darbys disco to delightful bathroom and the ideas you had for it. do you have any after pictures? i would love to see pics of that paint color and tile up and finished!

August 24, 2010 - 11:48 pm Tara McClendon - EZ you and I are watch twins! I got mine several months ago and Jonathan has called me "TT from the Block" ever since! :) Don't you love it?! Hope you're all doing well...if you're ever up my way please drop in on a sista. You know where I live! PS Sloaney's glittery shoes are the cutest things ever!

August 25, 2010 - 10:32 am Jennifer - I have the same watch and looove it. Actually, the hubs got it for me for Mother's Day and left it on my pillow as a surprise. I slept on it all night not even knowing it was there. That is a sign of a tired mama :)

August 25, 2010 - 12:04 pm Jennifer Gambill - Can you tell me the name of the fabric in your kitchen...? Love the pattern and color... Also, is that a "workable" shade...? Thanks for your ideas and inspiration.. I love reading your blog...

August 25, 2010 - 12:48 pm teresa cline - I watched the PBS Citizen Architect last night,,,,what a wonderful program, Sambo Mockbee was a true visionary.

August 25, 2010 - 8:37 pm mary katharine davenport - Add me to the list of "looking forward to the reveal." I love green, too. Always have. When we lived in quarters at Fort Bragg, I painted our white cabinets green. LOVED them (however those in the housing office did not share my affection!!).So, looking forward to the finished product.Love your work. Love your style.

August 26, 2010 - 11:20 am Holly - Erika, I am currently in the process of redoing my nursery for the upcoming arrival of our baby girl. We already have 2 little boys and wanted a fresh start for our daughter. I have picked out the fabric I would like to use but the problem is finding the style bumper I want created. I remembered yours for Sloane and another client and it is exactly what I want. My mother does sew but I don't know where to start to tell her what to do other than showing her your pictures. I didn't know if you used a local semstress and if she allowed others to send her stuff? I am in Alabama - about 2 1/2 hours away and could try to make that work if there isn't a pattern or something to follow for the box style bumper. I know this is your job and how you make a living so if you would require a fee for referral we can make that work. Thank so much for any help or advice you can offer.

August 26, 2010 - 1:09 pm Maria - these photos remind me of you Erika!http://www.kmldesign.dk/petit/

August 26, 2010 - 3:16 pm mary-kathryn - i watched it the other night on PBS. Carol lives in Oxford but I didn't realize she was his daughter until seeing this film! She is a neat person and hearing her father's story was so inspiring!

August 29, 2010 - 10:40 pm Jilly - LOVING this re-do. More pics of your kitchen, please! And of that sweet Bologna sandwich, too. She is precious beyond words :)

August 30, 2010 - 7:08 pm GRACE HAPPENS - Hi Erika! I am dying to see what you do with your kitchen! xo, grace

August 31, 2010 - 1:04 pm Elli D. - Great documentary that you shared. It is so nice to see young people helping those that need it the most. And they have the chance to gain new skills in the field. They all have my respect.

August 31, 2010 - 5:11 pm Chris - Really cool!

TGIF

Mornin’.  Have I mentioned that my photographer friend Marla Carter is building a house right down the road from where I live?  Well she is.  And her house is fantastic!  I went over last night to check out her concrete countertops and appliances.  (We’ll do a real post once the house is completed.)  She has this very large hallway full of windows, which allows awesome light to pour in… making for a pretty good place to take pictures.  I had my camera (which is way less sophisticated than her camera, but she managed) and Marla snapped this one of me and my Bologna Sandwich.  The little girl will be ONE in about two weeks and will be walking any day!

In other news… I decided a couple of days ago that my kitchen really needs a facelift.  So, I called a couple of my cabinet guys to discuss painting my cabinets and within 48 hours one of them called to tell me he was on his way to take down my doors and drawers.  I guess that means I’m redoing my kitchen.  Now, don’t get too excited… this is a low-budget spruce-up.  What we really need to do is win the lottery, then create an addition off the back of our house to triple the size of the kitchen.  I can reach the sink, the dishwasher, the oven, and the fridge all from one central point in the kitchen.  It’s small, y’all.  Real small.  So my cabinet guy came yesterday and now I’m left with a naked kitchen and a somewhat dangerous fun zone for a crawling baby.  I may have forgotten to discuss this idea with my husband, so when he came home for lunch he was a little shocked at the state of our kitchen. I’m painting all the cabinets Sherwin Williams “Rosemary”, which seemed fitting for a kitchen, and adding vertical T&G wall paneling and open shelves on one side of the kitchen.  I’d show you a progress picture, but really… it’s a disaster.  I’ll keep you in the loop on this one… hopefully I won’t end up in divorce court over it.

Happy weekend friends!

August 20, 2010 - 9:25 am Cat from iBlog - Ha! I was thinking the same thing....divorce court if that were me! ;-) she's so cute!

August 20, 2010 - 9:26 am Erica - Sloane is so cute, Erika! I cannot believe she is almost one! They grow up way too fast! Isn't it funny how an idea can turn into a home renovation so quickly. In our house these ideas have always had a domino effect. I will tell my husband, "Lets just change the wall color in the kitchen." And very quickly I decide that we need a new backsplash, new countertops, new light fixtures, a new sink and faucet, new flooring... I am looking forward to seeing pics of your friend's house and of your new kitchen. Have a great weekend!

August 20, 2010 - 9:30 am Allyson - Love that picture of Sloane!! We had a FABULOUS time yesterday morning. It was perfect! Sloane is an angel. Thank you sooooooooo much for having us and for the delicious bread!!

August 20, 2010 - 9:36 am Blair from Studio 13 - 1. You just convinced me that I need a pair of Toms. 2. You just convinced me that I need to have a baby. 3. You just convinced me that I need those wood floors.I have a lot to do today!

August 20, 2010 - 9:36 am Gramercy - Too cute for words! Good luck on the "facelift."

August 20, 2010 - 9:37 am Erika - This post has got me super-excited! A few structural repairs to the staircase hiding above my kitchen ceiling has given me license for a pick-me-up in the kitchen also!Checked out Rosemary and it's wonderful! Can you remind us the current color of your cabinets? Do you recommend a spray gun for cabinet doors? What about the bases?Keep us updated. Seeing new posts from you (whether work, or Sloane, or that fabulous stationary) makes me smile.

August 20, 2010 - 9:38 am Kate from Party Resources - a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e.

August 20, 2010 - 9:40 am Deanna (Silly Goose Farm) - Sloane is so cute. That first birthday is such a milestone. Especially with the first one. I think it's more of a celebration for you than for her - like "Yay, I didn't kill myself OR my baby!"I can feel your pain. I mention an idea to my dad, and the next week he's out here with work trailer in tow, ripping down walls. At least he is kind enough to defer repayment until I can afford it. The Bank of Dad, it never gets old (being an only child doesn't hurt, either).

August 20, 2010 - 9:40 am Sarah - I had to get out my paint and check out Rosemary-LOVE IT! Can't wait to see pics! CUTE baby!!!!

August 20, 2010 - 9:49 am elizabeth - can't wait to see your kitchen and marla's house. i think the wall paneling will look great. sloane is so cute! I can't believe she is almost 1! have a great weekend

August 20, 2010 - 9:51 am Justine - Your little girl is so so cute. Can't wait to see photos of your kitchen!

August 20, 2010 - 9:52 am angela - Show us! Show us! Darby always shows us her mess!! :):)Your bologna sandwich is a doll! Hard to believe she is almost one!!!

August 20, 2010 - 10:01 am Emily - Do you do any designing for cubicles? Staring at my grey walls now makes me wish I was in a hallway filled with windows. Love Sloane's outfit!

August 20, 2010 - 10:06 am Ashley - I am loving the texture of Marla's floors. Can't wait to see pics of the kitchen facelift. Have a great weekend.

August 20, 2010 - 10:07 am doug @ tracery interiors - wow, I haven't even replied to your latest kitchen renovation email and it's already a go! exciting...keep me posted. dude's name I gave you is $$, get someone to rip them off (there's the reply I've been meaning to send you all week!)

August 20, 2010 - 10:22 am beth - she is just the cutest thing ever! Can't wait to see your friends house AND your kitchen!

August 20, 2010 - 10:25 am Tina - Cannot wait to see the concrete counter tops! My husband just finished making all of ours himself! We're almost done with the kitchen & its been so exciting & so frustrating-I'm glad its almost over! And babygirl is adorable!

August 20, 2010 - 10:29 am Julie - Eeeee! Cannot wait to see what my favorite kitchen designer does to her own kitchen!

August 20, 2010 - 10:38 am Morgan - Oh my...those floors may be all I think about today. I have been itching to rip up my carpet anyway, so seeing this really makes my eyes twitch!

August 20, 2010 - 11:00 am wanderluster - Little Sloane is one! That happened so fast. Will you be doing a party for her? I'm sure it would be stylish and sweet.And TWO renovations to look forward too...I can't wait!

August 20, 2010 - 11:12 am Katie M. - After getting an insane estimate on cabinet refacing, I've been toying with the idea of having my kitchen cabinets painted as well. Would love to get the blow-by-blow from your painter/cabinet guys on the whole process. Spray versus roller versus brush? Priming supplies? Paint finish? Can't wait to see how it turns out.As for Miss Sloane...feel like it was just yesterday you sent out your "New Client" post. Unbelievable how time flies when you have little ones around!

August 20, 2010 - 11:40 am Shelly - Oh boy does my french country of a kitchen need a facelift! I've wanted it redone since we bought the place a year ago. Can't wait to see your little redo!

August 20, 2010 - 11:45 am Mrs. Blandings - Love so much that you forgot to tell Chance. That's the best part of the story.

August 20, 2010 - 11:47 am karin - That is one beautiful little girl! And can't wait to see the kitchen!

August 20, 2010 - 12:01 pm Pamela @ Atmosphere ID - I've wanted to paint my kitchen since they day I saw the real estate photos but husband is completely against. I may just have to start while he's work so he has to choice but to let me do it.

August 20, 2010 - 1:06 pm kelly - Cute as always! I am in the process of picking out everything for my kitchen! FUN! But, probably will not get to actually redo until after Christmas:( Good luck with yours - can't wait to see!

August 20, 2010 - 1:19 pm kellykanedesigns.etsy - I just had to post again because your Rosemary made me think - and I was right. I used Dried Thyme, the one up on the color card with Sherwin Williams for my kitchen cabinets. We did it 8 years ago and I still love it! I could send you a pic. I am picking out for a new kitchen but - I have lived in this lil' kit. forever and we can finally improve. The kitchens you have designed are my new inspirations!

August 20, 2010 - 1:55 pm alison g. (brazil) - I think rosemary might be the fitting shade of green to describe my envy over a) Marla's house and b) Your kitchen mini-facelift. I know, I know, I'm jealous in the nicest kind of way! ;)

August 20, 2010 - 1:57 pm Kristen - Ahh, what a cute pictures! And I really like your watch! Gold looks so good on tanned skin :) Can't wait to see pics of the lil' kitchen, sure it will be gorgeous!

August 20, 2010 - 2:09 pm Angela - She's adorable. Time to start thinking about another sandwich?!!

August 20, 2010 - 2:26 pm LWB - Hey! I like your TOMS - I'm getting a pair very soon. What color are yours? Me likey.

August 20, 2010 - 3:48 pm Rachel - What a cutie! We just painted our cabinets (the painters used brushes) and it is chipping off! What did we do wrong?? Thank you. :)

August 20, 2010 - 4:48 pm hellolover - I cannot wait to see Marla's home or your newly painted cabinets!It's hard to believe she will already be turning a year!

August 20, 2010 - 5:57 pm Kathy - Sloane looks like a toddler! She is precious. Shane took family photo's for us and we love them. He is great. They are out being framed and I'm dying to get them up. Happy Friday!

August 20, 2010 - 8:32 pm Cameron - Nice watch :) Oh, and Sloanie is cute too! Excited about your kitchen update!!

August 20, 2010 - 10:27 pm Darby {MommaSissy} - Oh Lippers you are such an angel! I love seeing your smiling face and I can't wait to see more of Marla's house. And... I like what I can see of the floors! :)

August 21, 2010 - 1:11 pm Ariel - Looking forward to seeing your kitchen when it is done. I am a big fan of your blog - an even bigger fan when you took the time to respond to me when I was in the throes of picking out a color for my walls about 18 months ago.

August 21, 2010 - 2:16 pm paula - I can't believe how big she has gotten! such a doll. We too are painting our cabinets. Truly a budget friendly make over.

August 21, 2010 - 5:58 pm Laura - Sloane gets cuter with every picture if that's possible! Can't wait to see more of Marla's house and your kitchen!

August 21, 2010 - 6:58 pm my favorite and my best - curse you for that tease!!!!! a makeover in progress is tantamount to foreplay. but just talking about it will get you maybe taken advantage of behind the bleachers after gym class. yeah, i said it. and i'd do it.

August 21, 2010 - 6:59 pm my favorite and my best - oh, and i am totally stealing your baby.

August 21, 2010 - 7:38 pm Katie - ahh sloane is so cute! and i love your watch! and your toms! where's the watch from?

August 22, 2010 - 11:20 am Erin - HGTV is doing a house renovation giveaway... You should check it out and enter. Then do that addition so that we can read all about it!P.S. Love the pic!

August 22, 2010 - 1:01 pm lauren - Good luck with the renovation. Sloane outfit is soo cute. I am constantly searching for cute clothes for my little girl and cant ever seem to really find anything that isnt cheesey. Would love to know where you got her outfit??

August 24, 2010 - 12:44 pm Chantelle Miner - Is there anyway you could give us some detail on her floors in the picture? Those are awesome!

August 31, 2010 - 7:59 pm Samantha - So cute! I love the lighting in this photo.