frenchie fridays.

{La Soupe fine art watercolor by Laura Condouris}

After a perfect honeymoon in Paris, I've been renewing my love of all things French.  While perusing one of my favorite blogs, Snippet & Ink, I noticed a cleverly named designer -- trial by cupcakes!  The link took me directly to her etsy store and was I ever glad I clicked!

{link}

I discovered not only immaculately done wedding maps, but also an almost Julie & Julia-esque print which made my Friday!  I'm hoping to convince the husband this needs to hang in our kitchen. 

The artist, a very talented Laura Condouris, will definitely keep me coming back for more.  Check out her full website here!  I'm certainly going to be passing her info along to any newly engaged friends.

lacy cake?

{House Beautiful}

With my husband's love of all things strawberry, I read the title of this recipe and knew it could be a winner in our apartment.  I read further and discovered the final product doesn't even require time in the oven!


Magnolia Bakery is famous for their cupcakes, but this simple cake recipe was presented by their "chief baking officer" Bobbie Lloyd. {Can you imagine having the title of "chief baking officer? Incredible!}  The best part about this recipe is that I can finally put my new KitchenAid Stand Mixer to work!


The recipe sounds straightforward...the only tough part would be having to wait 5 or 6 hours to eat this heavenly, lacy creation! 

perfect entry

The title of this blog post may sound boastful, but the beauty of this entryway makes me want to fast forward 10 or 15 years to the day when I can have a home this exceptional.

{photo credit - Joshua McHugh}

I found this exquisite photo while paging through House Beautiful as I waited in a doctor's office the other day.  Of course, I had to go buy the magazine so I could have it for myself.  This picture comes from an article entitled "A Classic Home in Blue."  I love the puzzle-like nature of the frames up the staircase.  

I about squealed in delight when I then found this perfect dining room cabinet...anyone who attended our wedding would understand why I love this cabinet's contents!

{photo credit - Joshua McHugh}

I also wanted this first entry to be my "perfect entry" into this world of blogging.  I don't know who will read this, but for those of you who do happen to stumble upon my blog, I hope I can brighten your day--with a little inspiration from this small town girl.