Que Bella

Jess and I took a bit of an unconventional road trip last weekend to visit my best friend, DawnChere's, Louisiana hometown.  We had an amazing time eating her favorite foods, spoiling her beautiful niece, playing board games with her friends, having deep discussions with her parents and going out on the lake with her brothers.  The only thing that was missing was...well...DawnChere.  Which seems kind of crazy, right?  I mean...who does that?  (Apparently the answer is 'Jessie and I'.)  The only way I can explain it is to say that somewhere along the way we realized that her family isn't just nice or fun, they're absolute Godsends.  Luckily they're sweet enough to enjoy our company and DC is gracious enough to let us borrow them every so often because we adore spending time with every last one of them.  The only downside to the deal is that now, instead of just missing DawnChere like crazy, I miss all of them.  But the perks outweigh the bummers by far...speaking of perks- check out our weekend.

Que Bella

So I've decided to switch things up a bit in our editorial calendar.  Starting next week we'll have a brand new Friday column!  I can't wait for the big reveal...I really think you're gonna love it.  I'm not doing away with Que Bella altogether, however I am making a few changes.  But more on that later.  For now, let's talk about the wonderfulness of the last few weeks.  I think the pictures speak for themselves but in case they don't here are the highlights: a VIP invite to the greatest carnival-themed birthday party ever thrown, a legendary U2 concert (thanks again Nadineski & Mark) and an outrageously fun night making and eating the most delicious Greek food I've ever encountered.  Life is good and the people I get to share it with are the best.  Table for Twelve mania starts today so wish me luck...can't wait to share it with you guys!

Que Bella

Well, it's time to play Que Bella catch up!  The last few weeks have been out of control but so fantastic.  My trip to Miami was a step up from fun...in fact, I'd go as far as to say it was straight up medicinal (the sugar coated medicine that tastes awesome, even).  I can't remember the last time I felt this refreshed and downright happy- and not just in my body, in my spirit as well.  It was perfect for a million reasons but I can't imagine you're interested in sitting there whilst I list them all...so I'll just narrow it down to 1,000.  Kidding.  How's 3 (in no particular order)?

Reason #1 my vacation was the greatest week I've had in recent memory: I got some ever-so-valuable quality time in with my partner in crime, Jess.  Our road trip (yup, we drove.  15 hours, thanks for asking) was filled to the brim with everything from murder mysteries and scavenger hunts to progressive lunches and (in a temporary lapse of judgement) the shadiest motel Orlando had to offer.  We have way too much fun together.  Way, way too much.

Reason #2: Two words...Rendezvous Conference.  My goodness, it was amazing.  Not only was I so proud of my bestie, DawnChere (she and her husband worked their little tails off to make this thing happen), but I just couldn't get over how powerful the sessions were.  DC shared a message about "The moments we return to" that's been ringing in my ear ever since.  I honestly wish everyone I know could've come (including you)...since you missed it, you should check out this re-cap video.  It's legit.

Reason #3: Our cruise.  Where do I even start?  I'm telling you, when Jess and I were making our plans we had no idea how many wonderfully perfect twists and turns were ahead (isn't life fun like that?).  To make a looooooong story short, we ended up expanding our crew of 2 to a party of 7 when a few of our favorite people were able to score last minute tickets aboard.  Cruisecation turned into Duronpalooza and Gabby and Jessie turned into the happiest girls in the world.  Check out just a few of the things that went into making our weekend so perfect:

Que Bella

Those of you familiar with our editorial calendar know the Que Bella column highlights the most beautiful thing I came across all week.  Originally, my plan was use pictures of products, homes, editorial shoots and the like but nothing ever jumped out at me in an obvious "pick me" kind of way.  Until now.  I've been obsessing over this picture for days...I can't quite get over how much I love it.  It's the perfect storm of rustic and whimsy and I can't make myself stop staring at it.  So there you go.  The simplest Que Bella of them all and- aesthetically speaking- one of the most beautiful.  Go figure.

Image via We Heart It

Que Bella

I realized the other day that I'm sort of a serial celebrator...I honestly can't stop myself.  Perhaps I'll get it under control at some point, but today is not the day for that- today is a day for (you guessed it) more celebrating! :)  I mean honestly, I'm not even Irish and I threw a St. Patricks day party, nor am I Mexican and I organized a Cinco de Mayo fiesta- I pretty much have to celebrate the daylights out of my brother's birthday (which is today by the way)!  I wanted to make sure he got his day started right, so we had a breakfast party this morning, complete with party hats, funfetti cake batter pancakes and some brilliantly monogrammed party decor.  If he wasn't so opposed to people celebrating him, it would've been more outrageous but I tried to take it easy (I know...this is me taking it easy?  I told you, I have a problem).  As luck would have it, Joey's life long BFF Elijah was born the day after him, so we're celebrating both birthdays both days.  I love those boys like whoa- they're two of the funniest, kindest, most generous human beings I've ever met and a couple of my favorite people in the whole wide world.  I've got some serious work to do for their big party tomorrow (our very first co-ed Table for Twelve!  exciting, right?!), so I'm signing off for today.  Have an incredible weekend!  Oh and check out the pictures I snapped this morning...are we fun or what? :) 

Que Bella

It seems Blogger is having a few issues today (and to clarify- I'm not being cute and referring to myself in the third person, I mean the company that hosts this website)...issues that erased the last two days of posts and prevented anyone who operates a Blogger run site from posting for the last 20.5 hours.  I'll leave it to the rest of the blogging community to go bananas and flood their inbox with hate mail...I figure they're doing the best they can...I just wanted to keep you in the loop and explain why it looks like I haven't posted in a few days.  While I wait and see if our last couple posts are recovered or if I have to re-write them, I want to show you something awesome.  At least I think it's awesome.  Look!

Anyone have a guess as to what this is?  Okay, you wore me down- I'll tell you!  One of these (exhibit B) is a picture I posted as part of March's Breakfast at Tiffany's-themed Table for Twelve...the other (exhibit A) is a picture sent in by a Design-Muse reader who used our party as an inspiration for her own shindig!  This literally makes me so happy I want to scream.  One of my main objectives in creating Table for Twelve (and Design-Muse in general, for that matter) is to be an inspiration and a resource.  I'm just so thrilled that- in this case- that's exactly what we were.  That being said, if you see an idea on Design-Muse and want help implementing it, please let me know!  We offer a range of full design services and would love the opportunity to help you out.  If you've used one of our ideas successfully and have pictures or stories you want to share, please oh please send them to me!  I'd love to show off your good work!  Now pardon me while I happy-dance the night away.  Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!

Que Bella

Here's a few scenes from the last week (and what a fabulous week it's been)...there are puppies and tea and no shortage of shots of my parents back yard.  It's hard to explain just how special each picture is to me...probably because if a picture is worth a thousand words, then pictures of home must be worth at least 5,000 a piece.  Suffice to say this- life is so beautiful, isn't it?

Que Bella

Before this week even started, I was already 100% sure of what would take the Que Bella cake.  I can't really think of anything that could top it.  I flew into Philly this morning to spend a couple days with my family and get some work done.  I've made this trip about a thousand times, so here's what I knew: I knew my Dad would be waiting for me just outside the security checkpoint.  I knew he'd get in the self-checkout line in the parking garage despite the fact that it has some sort of major malfunction every time we try it.  I knew we'd go directly from the airport to one of my favorite little Mom and Pop restaraunts in the city, Mr. Joe's Cafe.  And I knew we'd sit and talk over heaping plates of pasta (Arrabiata for him, Spinach Ravioli for me) and just enjoy being together.  Cause the thing is...I have a really good Dad.  He's supportive and consistent and I've never- not for one moment- doubted the fact that he loves me a whole lot.  And the older I get, the more I realize what I always thought was normal-Dad-behavior is actually very rare.  I've bragged on him before and I guarantee you I'll brag on him again (probably sooner than later for that matter).  But it must be done...he is just that wonderful.  And I'm very, very thankful.

Que Bella

Not sure if you noticed, but I've got two weeks worth of Que Bella's to share today.  During that time I celebrated my grandfather's 80th birthday, put my feet in the ocean, visited Hogwarts, bought Thing 1 & Thing 2 sweatshirts w/ Jess, inexplicably beat my Dad in a shooting game, got a massage, accidentally wore the same outfit as Dawnchere whilst I visited with Dawnchere...twice, met my dear friends' sweet baby boy, made Rich's favorite meal, laughed, cried, and hugged many, many people.  And it was wonderful.

Que Bella

What a lovely couple days I've had!  At the risk of making you insanely jealous, I'll just give you a few bullet points from my Wednesday and Thursday.  

-Stayed at the beautiful Ritz Carlton

-Enjoyed an unreal One Republic concert

-Did a little window shopping

-Spent some fabulous quality time with my brother, cousins and a few friends

Since Que Bella has turned into the most autobiographical post of my week, I absolutely had to show you some of the fun photos.  It's impossible not to have a beautiful time when you get to do life with these folks!

Que Bella

This week's Que Bella (my weekly post on the most beautiful thing I saw all week) is slightly unconventional and not at all design-focused.  Even still, it was lovely beyond words.  In fact, it's an absolute miracle!  The picture below is of a four month old baby girl who was inexplicably discovered in the rubble three days after Japan's devastating natural disaster.  You've gotta read the full story- it's just amazing...& you can do that here.  And please, keep Japan in your prayers!

Que Bella

If you've read my tweets, conversed with me, or really just been in my general vicinity over the last week, then chances are good you've heard me talk about Savant Vintage Couture.  I took my maiden voyage to Savant last Wednesday and yesterday marks my third visit since.  In a perfect world, it would be part of my daily routine...as it would be my closet.  It's like a drug, folks.  Can't...get...enough.  While I've only purchased a handful of items thus far, I've made sure to make 'em count.  The dress I wore for this month's Table for Twelve (which goes up in just a few short hours!!) came straight from the racks below.  It is, perhaps, my new favorite thing.  It's obvious Savant's lovely owner, Bev, knows quality and style, but what's really great is that she also knows a little bit of each item's story (and I love a good story).  I just couldn't possibly say enough wonderful things about this store- if you're in Nashville you have to go.  In fact, I'll meet you there.  2302 12th Ave S...last one there's buying. :)

Que Bella

A few weeks ago my cousin Jessica uttered the six magic words that have an 100% success rate of making me happy..."I have a surprise for you".  The big unveiling went down yesterday and it was all I dreamed it would be and more- a cake decorating class!  Now be warned...this did not qualify for Que Bella based on it's good looks, ha.  We had a blast, but I wouldn't exactly say we rose to the top of the class (seriously- you're about to crack up when you see our cakes...let's just say I won't be quitting my day job).  The experience was so beautiful and special and downright fun that it pushed it into the Que Bella zone.  I'm so thankful for such a wonderful cousin and such a fantastic memory.  Now check out our hilarious cakes. :)

Que Bella

When you're a single gal with a good number of single friends, the girl in 'girls night' can seem somewhat superfluous.  It's just...regular night.  Nonetheless, last night's girls night was so much fun that it's totally claimed the week's Que Bella.  A lot of my favorite things were involved...good friends, quality time, delicious food and killer atmosphere.  We started off the evening at a scrumptious little french bistro called Miel.  MmmmmMmmm, was it good!  Since I'm a sucker for presentation, my favorite part was the Creme Brulee.  Amazing, right?! 

{Photo Via Creme-bru-log}

From there, we ventured over to The Patterson House...one of my favorite places in Nashville and long time resident of my 'things I must feature on Design-Muse' list.  There's arguably no place in the greater Nashville area with a cooler vibe.  You know what they categorize it as?  A 'speakeasy'.  If a more awesome term for a bar or lounge exists, I've certainly never heard of it.  They don't do any advertising, nor do they have so much as a sign out front, so it's hard not to feel like you're in on some fantastic secret from the moment you walk in.  But it's not a secret at all- in fact, Patterson House received coverage in the New York Times and was even named one of the top 10 bars in the nation by Bon Appetit magazine.  The interior is a pre-prohibition dream with an imprinted tin ceiling, rich textures, metallic wallpaper and dimly lit chandeliers I'd love to Oceans 11 right out of there.  It makes me want to hug the interior designer, Landy Gardner...and believe me...I'm not a hugger.  To top it off, they even have posted rules like "no fighting, no play fighting, no talking about fighting...no name dropping, no shenanigans...men must refrain from introducing themselves to women unless invited or introduced by a friendly party" and the like.  I just...love it.  It's hard to do it justice in explanation, or even in pictures, but here's my best attempt.

{Photos Via Style Blueprint, MetroMix Nashville,

  softarchitecture's Flickr photostream & my iPhone :)}

Que Bella

My cousin Jessica and I took an unplanned trip to Florida over the weekend, and believe me when I tell you no one was more surprised about it than me.  I like to plan things...I like to make lists and meticulously check them off...but apparently I like warm, sunny weather more than either of those.  And I'm glad, cause our trip was an absolute blast.  Did we drive through the night, rely on a GPS that took us on 35mph backroads throughout the entirety of Georgia and ultimately get a flat tire 30 minutes from our destination?  Sure we did.  But it worked itself out, we made it, and within five minutes of our arrival we'd already consumed our own weight in my Grandmother's ravioli, sausage, and meatballs- making even the worst parts of the trip totally worth it.  Getting to spend time with my grandparents was, by far, the best part of the trip...getting spoiled with awesome food wasn't too shabby either :).  I can't pick a favorite or most beautiful part, so here's a few pictures from the trip (including some time at the beach!).  

Que Bella

I had a moment this week that was less tangibly beautiful than…say…Nina and Anthony’s Wedding, my first pair of Manolos, or any of the other things I’ve featured in a Que Bella post to date.  It was special and lovely for a whole different set of reasons, and because I was lucky enough to identify it as a moment while I was still in it, it’s a time I was really able to soak in.

As I mentioned the other day, my brother (and cousin and friend) just came back from recording a new album and Wednesday night was the first time I got to hear it.  I realize I’m a tad bit biased, but wow.  It’s really good folks.  Like…exceptionally good.  So good that, while we were listening I knew that I knew that I knew it’s gonna open some doors for them.  So I took note of the smell of sugar cookies baking and the little imprints on my hands from leaning back in the carpet and the fact that I was biting the inside of my lip to keep from tearing up.  Because when those doors do open- and I believe they’ll open wide- I fully expect to look back on this past Wednesday night and smile.   

Since the new CD isn’t quite ready for release, I figured I’d share a few Dinner and a Suit videos.  One is an update with my brother about the new album, the other is a cover that was just featured on Paramore’s website and Hayley Williams’ blog.  I can't think of anything more beautiful than watching someone you love pursue their dream, and that's just what these guys are doing.  If that's not worthy of a spot on Que Bella, I don't know what is.

Que Bella

Today's Que Bella is a precursor to our very first (drumroll please...) Table for Twelve.  In a just a few short hours I'll be posting pictures from this fabulous event and I've got a pretty strong feeling you're gonna love them.  I sure do a whole lot.  I'm excited to tell you about the food, the activities and the ambiance of our Valentine's Day party, but first I want to say a few, quick words about what really made the night special- the company.  At the risk of being tempted to brag on these ladies for hours (as I very easily could do) I condensed their "bios" into bite sized portions.  My dream for Table for Twelve is to not only introduce you to innovative party planning ideas, menu suggestions and the like- but to give you just a glimpse into the lives of these amazing, gorgeous ladies.  They're as entertaining as it gets and impossible not to love.  So, without further adieu, the lovely ladies of Table for Twelve:

Lillian: Creative – Unafraid – Motivator

Does more in one hour than most people accomplish all day.  A model wife and mother.  I suspect she’s an actual Superhero for the following reasons:

1) She never runs out of energy

2) She doesn’t age

Thankful I can call her crying, laughing, sick, annoyed, excited or bored.  Especially grateful I can call her Mom.

Sandi: Joyful – Welcoming - Resilient

So hardworking she wins an actual teacher of the year award on a regular basis.  So humble we don’t usually find out about it until we see her on the news.  Between her children by birth and her “adopted” children by choice, there’s a small army of people that think of her as Mom- which works out well cause she’s a reeeaaaally good one.

Nikki: Generous – Honest – Loyal

A Northern girl at heart who never met a Reality TV show she didn’t like.  The best hair stylist in Nashville…nay, the world.  Tender hearted and loveable.  Would move mountains for her friends. 

Natalie: Talented – Competitive – Dependable

Proud mom to the most amazing 3 year old the world has ever seen.  Sets high standards and meets them.  Beats us in competitions we didn’t know we were a part of.  Labels her label maker.  Makes learning fun for her students.  Makes life fun for us.

Jessie: Witty – Loyal – Cuddly

Balances her job as an Emergency Room Nurse with her duties as a full time Disney Princess.  Textbook youngest child.  Will make you laugh ‘til you cry.  Not afraid to take charge.  Fiercely loyal.  Has perfect hair.  My partner in crime.

Nadine: Calm – Patient – Smart

The anchor that keeps us grounded.  Deep, well read, and logical.  Great listener and a natural born caretaker.  Pulls off red lipstick like it was invented for her.

Denise: Unique – Fun – Independent

Our little (and I mean that literally) free spirit.  Open to new things in all areas of life.  Rocks the Bohemian look better than anyone I know.  Doesn’t match her socks on purpose.

Danielle: Classy – Strong – Hard-Worker

The Hispanic Audrey Hepburn.  Total beauty guru with a heart as big as her perfume collection.  Goal-oriented, dependable and not afraid of a challenge.  Seriously sweet on candy.

Courtney: Reliable – Encouraging – Refreshing

Goes the extra mile for everyone.  Finds a solution no matter what.  Breathes positivity and life into her family, friends and ELL Kindergarten students.  Doesn’t complain.  Sends handwritten thank you notes (with perfect penmanship) in the mail.

Graham: Relaxed – Sincere – Lovable

Our token blonde.  Listens intently and gives great advice.  Quick to help anyone she can.  Stands up for the underdog.  Owns a few dresses I would consider killing for.

Someday I hope my sweet cousin, Angela, can join us at the 'ol Table for Twelve...same goes for my cousins Santina and Patricia, my aunts Evelyn, Nancy and Dina, my bestie DawnChere, and a host of other ladies that are so special to me I can scarcely put it into words.  If you do a headcount, you'll notice we left a seat open for just such an occasion...but I'll talk more about those ladies as they "guest star". :) 

The truth is, no one ever had a better group of friends.  If I can share them with you in any capacity, that's what I'm going to try to do.  If all this post ends up being is a way to publicly honor them, than that's okay with me too.  They make every day beautiful, so it's quite fitting that this picture of our little crew would be this week's Que Bella.

Que Bella

Nina and Anthony aren’t your average couple…they’ve already been a “we” for nearly a third of their lives, dating all throughout their high school and college years.  They chose to be a “we” through times of transition, in periods of difficulty, and though they were often separated by many miles.  And last October, they stood in front of family and friends and vowed to be a “we” for as long as they both shall live.  And I believe they will. 

I had the privilege of attending their intimate destination wedding just outside Jacksonville, North Carolina a few months ago and I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting to see the professional pictures ever since.  Turns out, this was my lucky week.  I knew these pictures couldn’t help but be special because I’ve never been to a wedding quite like Nina and Ant’s.  It was a total fairytale day, complete with rarities like a calm and delightful bride, perfect weather, and the most breathtaking sunset I’ve ever seen in my life.  I’m so thankful I got to be a part of their special day, and thrilled that Nina would allow me to share a few glimpses of it with all of you.  Beautiful people, beautiful journey, beautiful day…nothing could be more perfect for this week’s Que Bella.

Que Bella

Well…there was absolutely no competition for this week’s Que Bella.  In fact, in terms of how excited I am, it will be a hard one for all future Que Bellas to compete with.  As of this week I am the proud owner of the most iconic, heart-stoppingly-gorgeous shoes I’ve ever seen.  Yes…I was given my very first pair of Manolos…and quite special Manolos at that.  You may have seen them first here.

Now check them out here!  On my kitchen floor!  In my house!  Seriously, someone get me an inhaler!

I think I’m still pretty much in shock about the whole thing, really.  The thought of snow getting near them makes me want to faint so until the weather calms down a bit I won’t be taking them outside.  They have, however, accessorized my pajamas beautifully for the past few days in a row.  I’m on the hunt for the perfect outfit to don for their inaugural trip outdoors…I’ll let you guys know what I come up with.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Que Bella

Until I moved to Tennessee, I thought all trash TV was the same.  Come to find out, there’s a total hierarchy.  While I don’t imagine I’ll ever be able to handle the likes of Teen Mom, Jersey Shore, or Real Housewives of any variety I have discovered a few less horrific programs I can stomach if need be (code for: if my cousins are watching it and I don't feel like moving).  In order to determine whether the new show ‘Off the Map’ was unwatchable or not, I gave the program a look-see tonight.  I’ve gotta say…I’m glad I did.  I didn’t like the show itself it in the slightest, of course, but it did have one redeeming factor.  One of the last scenes had the coolest shot that- against all odds- inspired is this week’s Que Bella.  In case you’re out of the loop, Que Bella is our weekly column that highlights the most beautiful thing I saw all week.  I’m super excited about this series because we haven’t imposed any limits on content whatsoever.  Some weeks we might cover a beautiful home, others might showcase a piece of jewelry…whatever it is that gets the biggest reaction from me all week is crowned the victor.  This week, the winner was algae (curve ball, eh?).  Not just any algae- bioluminescent algae.  I’d heard of this before, but when I saw it on the show I knew further investigation was in order.  Bioluminescent is just a fancy way of saying “a living organism that lights up”- in the case of the algae in question, it lights up only when the water it lives in is disturbed.  I was recently bit by the travel bug, so I’m really hoping to see this little wonder in person someday...especially since it’s mostly found throughout the world’s coastlines in temperate and subtropical regions.  To watch a nifty little video of bioluminescent algae in action, click here.  To check out pictures, just a-keep on scrolling.

Photo Credit: lozinskitom Flickr

Photo Credit: tehbieber Flickr

Photo Credit: Ink'n'Image Flickr

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Ink'n'Image Flickr