Virgins No More! Property Virigins That Is...

I am very excited to say that DH and I are closing on our first place in two weeks from yesterday!! After a year of living in Atlanta, GA we have decided to call it home! Our house is located in Roswell, about 20 minutes north of Atlanta. The neighborhood is so wonderful - family friendly, safe and quiet. In fact, it was actually voted one of the best places to live by CNN.

Interesting facts about Roswell:

• Named One of the Top Three Cities in the Nation to Raise Your Family. Roswell was listed third in the book, Best Places to Raise Your Family, released by Frommer's.
• In October 2006, the City of Roswell was named the 18th Safest City in the United States by City Crime Rankings

After growing up in an apartment for virtually my entire life, and especially after DH and I shared a 600 square foot studio in Manhattan for some years, it feels great to know we have a quiet (and HUGE!) home to come home to after a long days work.

Although the picture doesn't do it justice - this is our place! 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath at around 2,700 square feet. We purchased the house from the bank, so it came "as-is." Neither DH or I are the most handy, so we have hired a contractor to come in and help us spruce the place up.

Check out this chocolate brown paint - this is the color of nearly the whole house!! The plan is to re-paint all walls in Behr's Raffia Cream. I think the dark railings are gorgeous and will especially "pop" against the lighter wall color.

I've always wanted an island! The anitqued cabinets don't suit my style, so I'm having the contractor re-stain them a rice magohany to match the chair rail in the eat in kitchen. I can't wait to post the "after" pictures! 

I am in love with these ultra modern glass bowl sinks. The previous owner installed two in the master bath and another in the upstairs guest bath. Love these!

While the excitment of first time homeownership has been very exciting, I am beginning to feel a little overwhelmed when I think about decorating! Where do you all go for inspiration?? Any helpful hints on approaching furnishing our first home?

Cassis Le Cruset Has Arrived!!

Sur La Table is now carrying Le Cruset in a fabulous new color! Cassis is so rich and gorgeous, I think i'm going to have to replace my blue Le Cruset dutch oven with this! Aside from being oven, microwave, grill, freezer AND dishwasher safe, it comes with a 5-year guarantee. I have two dutch ovens from this line (although not in the new fab color!) and love them - I use them for everything from soups and stews to braising brisket. I know the prices can leave a little sticker shock - but trust me, they are a great investment and will last you a lifetime.


The following pieces are available only from Sur La Table (online or in the store)
• Stoneware Pitchers in Cassis, $24.95
• Stoneware Rectangular Bakers in Cassis, $29.95-35.95
• Square Grill Pan in Cassis, $89.95
• Oval French Oven in Cassis, $259.95

Serenity at the Boca Raton Resort

For my 26th birthday, I flew down to South Florida and enjoyed a spa day with my mom. We spent the day at the Boca Raton Resort - one of the most gorgeous hotels and spas I have ever seen.

We began the day with a light lunch at Morimoto - the sushi bar had an awesome futuristic design.

After lunch we walked the hotel grounds - what a beautiful resort situated right on the water.

We then made our way to the Palazzo Spa for our appointments. We each had a Swedish Massage and mom treated me to a customized facial. Amazing!!

I loved the products they used - all from a line Kerstin Florian. I have normal to dry skin so they used some really great products including a hydrating cleansing milk, raspberry extract serum, a cooling masque and a really hydrating liposome creme. All in all, it was a gorgeous spa and two exceptional treatments. If you live in or planning a trip to South Florida, go to the Boca Raton Resort for some true pampering!

Bye bye Boca Raton Resort!!

Supporting Breast Cancer

First off, I feel like I owe everyone an apology! Life has been crazy hectic and I let blogging fall completely by the wayside. I have truly missed posting and vow to get back to my weekly commitment!

Now on to the good stuff.

I recently signed my company up for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 5K here in Atlanta. I am so excited that more than 50 of my co-workers have registered to run with me and my husband (I encouraged everyone to recruit friends and family!)

In the spirit of charity, I have found some cute products that are not only quite fashionable, but give back. And what a better cause to support than Breast Cancer. Unfortunately in today's society everyone knows someone who has been touched by the disease. About one month prior to my June 2008 wedding, my mother-in-law passed away from a 15+ year battle with the disease. The statistics are frightening.

Did you know:

1. Breast Cancer occurs in every 1 out of 8 women
2. A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
3. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

For more information, please go to http://www.breastcancer.org/

Check out these great products which donate proceeds to Susan G. Komen and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation:

NEW BALANCE LACE UP FOR THE CURE SNEAKER, $149.99. 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of New Balance's partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. In honor of this milestone, New Balance will donate up to $1 million (with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000) to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® from the proceeds of the Lace Up for the Cure® Collection. Available at newbalance.com.

BELKIN SPORT ARMBAND, $24.99. This slim, lightweight, and stretchable neoprene Belkin armband holds your iPod Nano and includes a pocket for keys or earbuds. $2.50 from each sale benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Available at http://www.belkin.com/.

AVEDA HAND RELIEF, $20. A rich hand creme that helps soften and smooth hands while diminishing the visible signs of aging, Hand Relief has remained an Aveda top seller since its launch in 1998. $4 from each sale benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available at http://www.aveda.com/.