Make Me A Bird, So I Can Fly Far, Far Away...

Ok. So. I'm back on the hunt for fabric to upholster the multiple amazing wingback chairs that I have (luckily!) inherited/bought/discovered from relatives + Goodwill. I think I'm up to 4 or 5 now, all of which are in desperate need of some fluffing, stuffing, and re-covering. I've seen so many examples of reupholstered chairs that it's a little overwhelming. Do I want traditional? Artistic? Preppy? Toile or houndstooth? Oh, the pressure... 

My first thought was to have at least one chair covered in some sort of blue and white stripe (duh). However, after seeing this photo, I'm loving the leaf-themed print and how cozy it looks next to that window.

Something about this fabric reminds my of my Aunt Margo--who was always super stylish--so maybe that's why I'm lovin' it.



I've always really liked the idea of having mismatched chairs at a big, chunky dining table. These wingys are cool, but I'm thinking you'd need a really tall table or a chair with no arms to accomplish the appropriate "scooted-in" feel. Also, I'd probably be rll stressed about spilling spaghetti sauce or lentils or red wine (winter only!) or some other tragically staining substance on them--my middle name is Grace, after all.

Mmmm...I don't know why the color yellow is always taking a bad rap. It's cheerful and bright and deliciously sunny! Look at it. So pretty... 

Ok. Obviously I was drawn to this like a squirrel to a bird feeder. However, I think it would be a bad call for me to spend (a lot) of time and money picking out swatches, figuring out the best panel placement, and mixing/matching the colors only to change my style in a year or two. Sigh. I will appreciate from a distance and harness my inner middle-school taste buds...

All right, all right. It's not exactly a wingback. But--everything about this print is pulling at my heart/purse strings.  I've always been a fan of chairs that are more long than wide. If that makes sense. Perfect leg-curling potential...

Anyway. Thursday!? Yes, it's true. Only a day left until I'm chillin' on a dirt road (kind of), stuffing my face with local seafood, jamming out to fresh playlists, gorging on Bailey's cake, and ridin' dirty (top down, chrome spinnin).

My hard-knock life...continues. 

xoxo, Hannah

Tricks Are for Kids.

So my cousin Jenny just had a baby last week (a boy named Sawyer...love it) and I think the whole infant arrival sent me on a whirlwind hunt for pastel pinks and blues. Not that I think I would ever decorate a kid's room in these colors, but I do love a sweet pastel palette, especially when it's chock full of lush flowers and crisp white backdrops.

Super into the idea of separating little makeup items with this "industrial"-looking tin thing.

I am willing to bet that no children live in this house with this staircase...way too white and perfectly unscuffed for any of that nonsense. Still...lookin' good....

Turquoise. Pink. White. Yes. Yes YES.

Would only look better with a little teal Pyrex peekin out.

Chunky coffee table legs ftw.

Light fixture + marble-ish counter tops + glass-faced cabinets + artichokes at the ready

Yoga tonight. Whining my way out of work on Friday. Cape Charles for the weekend (!?!). Leftover Rio Grande for dinner!!!! And it's not blazingly hot as balls out today. Score!

xxx,

Hann

Sweeter Song than the Birds in the Trees

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays, especially when it falls on a long weekend. Maybe it's because I remember all the fun we had at McIntire Park growing up, or the sonic-boom bombs my dad would set off from the fence, or the lying on pontoon boats at Lake Anna with fireworks reflecting off the water. Something about being together with the lightning bugs, the humidity, and the possibility for explosions always makes for a good time.

This year proved to be another great celebration,  packed to the brim with adventures, crafts, and new explorations. *PS. The Instagram app is starting to dominate all my picture-taking. It's too fun not to use...

Independence Day Slurpees with the top down--so American.

 

Road map to our lives for the next few weeks.

"Respect the bell?? What are you, running a marathon or something??"

Sooo sleepy. Sooo spoiled.

Lockin' it up.

Hi ho, hi ho...back to work we go.

You Just Gotta Keep Livin... L-I-V-I-N

Recently, I've been feeling so much better about my life. Things are lining up. Plans are in the making. My everyday going-ons are making me happy, full, creative, and sweet. Getting over my grass-is-always-greener syndrome couldn't be more fun--and what better day to realize it than the first day of summer! Slicing negativity...focusing on everything beautiful around me...and remembering exactly who I am...sounds like a brilliant plan to me. 

This morning, I rode my bike to work! Finally! It's something I've been talking and talking and talking about, but I woke up a little early, strapped on my helmet (you're welcome, Mom/Alex!), and took off (Landlady in tow, of course). It was so, so easy and I'm kicking myself for not doing it earlier. However, I did take a spinning class last night and my buns are feeling like steel/my seat bones have the serious ouchies. No fun, but (butt?) sacrifices must be made!!

Also, one of my newest obsessions is...basil water! I was on my cucumber water kick for a hot minute in Blacksburg, but I'm moving on to more...adult...choices. Well, not really. I'm just growing basil in my backyard so it's FREE and my cucumbers have yet to sprout. Can't wait for them to get here but in the meantime...yum!

Also...I'm in the midst of planning an amazing, life-changing, balls-to-the-wall road trip that will take me from DC to Pennsylvania to upstate New York to Massachusetts to Rhode Island to Nantucket and beyond! Getting seriously excited about convertible-driving, scarf-wearing, sunglass-sporting adventures in the sunshine with one of my favorite women out there.

So cheers to life, love, and happiness--keep it coming my way!

xxx, Hann

Recipe of the Day

Sometimes all you need is a pinch of lavender paint...

A dash of chance encounters...

Two heaving scoops from old-money pockets...

The zest from the wheels that take you places...

And a cup of pure attitude...

...to get you where you want to be.

What Will Come of All Our Pride?

There are few women who conjure up the feeling of pure, unadulterated, obsessive lust in me like the one-and-only Grace Potter. Jetting out at 3:00 to see all of Grace in her hair-whipping, leg-stomping, throat-moaning glory and I simply cannot wait! My summer concert list is lining up perfectly.

What better way to kick it off?

She gives the people what they want...

...while letting her crazies fly free.

Jefferson Theater won't know what hit it. YES!

I'm Goin' to Jackson(s), I'm Gonna Mess Around

Jackson's for happy hour tonight, thank god! Gonna get some lemon drop martinis, chat with some lovers, and ignore the fact that I will probably, maybe, possibly have to work this weekend. NoooooOOOoooo.

not thinking about it not thinking about it not thinking about it


Whatever. I've been channeling some serious domestic goddess waves recently--I am officially the creator of the world's best bread that consists of rosemary, olive oil, and garlic. Basically makes me want to die of happiness. Smear some homemade Pepper Jelly on a slice (or three) and you will get the sparkly feeling in your tingly place, guaranteed.

It's gorgeous outside--go forth and frolic!

I Can Feel You from the Inside--Prowling Like the Devil that I'm Trying to Hide...

Thursday and Friday off work = insanely productive time in my life. I came home to the wonderful world of Charlottesville/the Lou and accomplished the following:

- Wined and dined at Bonefish grill with my fancy-pants accountant who "advised" me on my "assets" and got me...stocks? Um, ok.

- Celebrated the $750 purchase by Carter Beauford at Cville Smokeshop. Celeb Sighting 101 at its finest.

- Found a million vintage dresses in my Grandpa's attic. They fit! They're awesome! And my Grandma made them, so they're perfect.
- Changed the title/insurance of Hondy over to my name. Officially released from all parental assistance, hip hip hooray.

- Stumbled across an amazing thrift store find--a $15 black, long-sleeved, skin-tight, glitter Betsey Johnson mini dress. Enter Valentine's Day Death outfit!

- Got a passport for St. Kitts.

- Ran into Wren in the post office as she was mailing a letter...to me (twilight zone?).

- Found awesome fabric to reupholster my $5 thrift store wingback chair.

- Stocked up at Yoders on flax seed, oatmeal, lentils, spices, sunflower seeds, and organic milk in a reusable glass jar--yay domesticity. 

- Made homemade granola that is magically delicious.

- Discovered my dad's old bread maker.

- Strolled downtown and got a ring from my Granny sized/reset/made even more legit.

- Visited Caspari--where my ashes shall be scattered--and sufficiently drooled.

- Bought the MOST badass addition to my bookshelf...ever (see below).

*Most of my photos are still on my camera--here are some teeny ones from the ol' iPhone*

Ahh, Caspari...

Lights, colors, glass, paper, I die.

Barware heaven.

Mmm, copper lights

It's only proper to match your invitations with your napkins. 

Yes.

The most manly candelabra/Thanksgiving centerpiece evah.

Yes! Yes!

Yes x infinity. 
I will own one of these orchid pots--just gotta decide on the color. Decisions, decisions...

And finally, probably my most amazing purchase and the most defining item to be added to my bookshelf/future library...

a ZEBRA LEG!!!!!!!!!!

Yes. I bought this. It is fucking awesome and I want to die of happiness. At first, I didn't even notice this thing. I was too distracted by the bright swirly colors of the painting behind it, when suddenly I looked over and my heart strings panged and jumped and shuddered and sighed and screamed and died and said Hallelujah!! So yes, I am the owner of a zebra leg. Why you ask? Why the fuck not, I say. 

Must I point out...it's only Friday. Still to come:

1. Black tie gala/date a la Keswick country club tomorrow night

2. Rugby match with some of my best loves

3. Hanging in Richmond with the one and only WrenMo

4. Fredvegas Big Flea? Possibly.

5. Rocking out in my car to new Grace Potter on my iPod thanks to a new (free!) car projector thingy (merci, Stephen)

It's the age of Aquarius.

And I'm on my A game. 

xxx

Golden Slumbers + More

All this gloomy blah blah weather has got me in my usual January funk...I'm craving warm, delicious colors and bright yellows...golden hues and hints of glittery goodness. I guess the good thing is I'm not in the beloved (but frigid) Blacksburg, where I truly would be freezing my arse off.

This weekend I have the following (potential) plans:

- Go to Eastern Market and snoop around their thrifty/flea things

- Pop my RCC cherry and take a dip at the indoor pool

- Sand  my little pink table that I picked up at the Y last year and paint it some sort of tealy, greenish, seafomy color.

Sounds good to me! In the meantime, I will continue to stare at these cozy photos...summoning the sun one blog post at a time.

An upholstered desk chair = butt heaven.

This bed is so super cute I can't stand it. It started out an old blah boring white, and now look how fab it is! Perfect for lounging on weekends and snuggling with a cat. Or three cats. Meow.

My favorite part about this room is that it's teeny tiny but still fabulous. Literally a bed room. Holla to the matching bedside tables and sweet-as-punch polka dot headboard.

This house reminds me of a luxe country cottage/mansion somewhere where I should probs be living. Wallpaper, armoire, Burberry-eque jacket, green ploppy chair, hardwoods--done and done.

Introducing the most terrifyingly awesome wine cellar that ever existed!!! It's like walking into wine hell/heaven! Mega creepy, but pretty much to die for.

And finally....ready for Spring already. So. Ready. 

Freezing,

Hannah

Yes to the Yes

Feeling le tired. Probably because I got up to watch the creepy awesome solar (lunar?) eclipse. Go me! 

Wanting some blue, grey, tan, white, gold, shimmery lovin. Here is some to keep your ticker ticking. Your motor running. Your brain twitching. Ok bye.

Grey sky eyes.

Closet doors as headboard = genius love

Obvi the fairest of them all.



Sigh, wallpaper.

Tub heaven.

Sigh, sky light.

Sparkle tile...all the rage.

Nook + cranny.

Want to touch the silkiness...



...and we're done.
au revoir