One month from today...

McKinney, my home for the last 5 years, will be in the premiere episode of a new reality show, The Pitch.

Tune in April 30 9 p.m. EST on AMC.

Go watch preview here.

XO,

Whit

PS- This won't be my big break -- may only catch a glimpse of me walking by.

Blog Book Love

My very favorite blogger has written a book.  If you've met me in the real world, chances are good you've heard me talk about my love for NieNie.  I saw her family on the Today Show in August of 2008, right after she and her handsome Mr. Nielson were in a terrible plane crash (she was burned over 80% of her body).  I followed along daily with her family's postings during her long road to recovery (many nights Josh would wonder why I was crying on the couch!) and then rejoiced when she was finally well enough to continue telling her story.  I guarantee you too will be smitten.  For 3.5 years I've smiled, laughed, cried and loved her and her darling family (4 kids and her miracle, "little peanut," due any day).  In fact, I even sport my "For the love of Nie" t-shirt on my "bad days" to keep things in perspective (dork, I know!).

Stephanie is incredible and so inspiring.      

Can't wait to read her book on our upcoming va-cay.  Pick it up in bookstores nationwide April 3.

Here was the spread in People last week!

    

XO,

Whit

Furbish - Sale & obsessions

One of my favorite stores to browse in person and virtually is having a sale!

Here are some things I'd love to snag (it was hard to narrow down!):

I've been thinking a zebra rug might be nice in our formal living room in the new house -- look at all the fantastic varieties!

What do you think of the beige & metallic gold one in my living room inspiration board?  I am in love with that rug! (Notice the colorful dragon pillows made it in here too!)

Pics of Louise's bachelorette to come once I receive from the girls!

So sad the Heels just lost :(

XO,

Whit

Pink Chiavari Chair Obsession

For those who follow on Pinterest...sorry for hitting you with these twice, but I am in love.

Love the mix of modern and traditional and of course the pops of turquoise.

I think I'll probably opt for more versatile high gloss white for our own porch and add color through the accessories.  What color would you pick?

XO,

Whit

1 year of blogging and misc. March recipes

As of this week I've been blogging for 1 year.  It has been fun and such a nice creative outlet and stress reliever. Not to mention, a nice reminder of what I've been up to for myself, family & friends.  I've even met some new friends through the experience.  Hope you've enjoyed at least a little.

I've been trying some new recipes over the last week and wanted to share a few of the winners.

1. Roasted Garlic & Parsley Potatoes

Ingredients

3 lbs. baby potatoes

1/4 c. EVOO

6 cloves of garlic, minced

2 T of fresh parsley

Salt

Pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  I cut the small potatoes (mix of red & white) into quarters then placed in large bowl.  Toss with salt, pepper, minced garlic and olive oil.  Spread out onto cookie sheet so potatoes are in one layer.  Flip with spatula every 15 minutes.  They will need to cook 45 min - 1 hour.  Add parsley and season prior to serving.

They were a great side to our March Madness grill out night on Friday.

2. Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

This was an experiment that Jean and I did a few weekends ago.

Ingredients:

Baby bell peppers (mixed bag)

Block of cream cheese (each of the below is about 3/4 of the block)

Shredded cheese of your choice (Left below= shredded Colby & Monterrey Jack, Angus Barn cheddar spread and shredded sharp cheddar; Right below= Parmesan)

Mix the cheeses together well

Cut the tops off the peppers.  Roll the cream cheese & shredded cheese mixture so you can stuff far down into the peppers.  Fill to top of peppers -- get as much cheese in there as possible.

Bake on 350 until peppers are tender (about 30 minutes I think...).

3. Hot Corn Dip

Ingredients:

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. shredded Monterrey Jack

1/4 t. garlic powder

2 T chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced (these were in the International section in my HT)

1 4 oz. can diced green chilies, undrained (I used HOT)

1/2 c. lite mayo

1 11 oz can of corn, drained

1 small tomato

2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

2 T green onions, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Mix cheeses, mayo, peppers, garlic powder and corn together in bowl.  Put into oven save dish.  Bake 20-30 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbling.  Top with diced tomatoes, cilantro  & green peppers.  Serve with tortilla chips.

**Supper club girls -- I made it again on Friday and it tasted totally different when I actually remembered to put the chipotle peppers in!!**

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

XO,

Whit

Jumped the gun!

On my earlier post today and apparently the internet doesn't believe in deleting (good lesson / reminder!).

We still have a few more weeks of details to work out, but hopefully one way or another we will be in a new house by fall. One year after this journey began... We are blessed and will remain patient.

Stay tuned for updates soon.

XO,
Whit

No, we aren't expecting!!

...but we are going to be purchasing a new home.  It looks a little like a dungeon right now, but I think we have a vision!

Scary interior pics to come tonight.

XO,

Whit

A little color can go a long way

I've been wanting to paint or wallpaper the back of the armoire in our bedroom for quite some time.  I knew it would be a quick and easy project.

Inspiration stemmed from pieces like the Lilly Pulitzer Ocean TV cabinet that was featured in House Beautiful last March.

Then I stumbled across this wrapping paper in Salutations in Chapel Hill and decide to buy a few rolls to try it as "wallpaper."

It took about an hour and although it's a subtle change, it's one that I am really liking.

What do you think?  I love a $16 project!

Yesterday, Bailey, Josh and I watched the UNC v. NCSU ACC tourney game...seemed we had some divided cockers!

We have some big news -- check back tomorrow to find out what it is!

XO,

Whit

Slate Goods

I popped in Slate last week when I was in Charlotte for a quick visit.  Here are some of my current faves they have gracing their spaces right now (well, some probably sold since then, but I know they have more goodies!):

I really, really, really wanted this daybed to come home with me.  Isn't it fabulous and unique?!

WISHING A VERY HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AUNT LEIGH!  LOVE YOU!

Such a fun and cool space.  Wish it was in Raleigh!  Can't wait to go back again soon!

XO,

Whit

For sale by owners, episode 2

A 4 1/2-year-old naughty cocker spaniel.

Remember this?  Well, the leather addict struck again!

The suspect

The crime

I ran out for a lunch meeting today and came home to a cowering little guilty dog.  I knew immediately something was up...just wasn't expecting a scene quite this bad -- was hoping for some shredded TP in the power room!  

Josh left his Cole Haan's in the den, so she considered them fair game.  She is an addict, she can't help herself.

XO,

Whit

Louise & Cullen's Engagement Party

The happy couple!

College roomies (Notice I'm rocking my Express Aztec skirt...I haven't gotten this many compliments on a piece of clothing in quite some time -- recommend purchasing it!  Very comfy too.)

The groom-to-be and his sister

Cullen, Steve & Louise

Matthews and Ottos

Josh & Todd; Cullen & Charlie

Little photo bombing during Caroline & Lathan photo shoot!

Intently cheering the Heels to victory over Dook

Spying on La & Bean on the dance floor at Spy Bar

Can't wait for the big day (Cinco de Mayo!!).  Love you guys!!

XO,

Whit