Reality Check

Hi. My name is Anna, and I'm addicted to home design. Specifically anything remodeled, refurbished, upholstered, or freshly painted. It's a problem. I am confident, that if left alone in Barnes & Noble, I could spend days looking at all of the Home magazines. I'm ashamed to say I've seen every episode of Sarah's House (every season). I'm a sucker for a magazine-worthy, staged room.

My addiction has taken on other forms as well, recently involving MLS (real estate) listings. It started when we were thinking about selling our home in Birmingham. I wanted to see what else was on the market in our area......and then I discovered that I could get a sneak peek into the most adorable craftsman homes in Homewood (= expensive, highly desired neighborhood). I was hooked.

And then one day I made another discovery. The homes featured in the pages of my last issue of Southern Living starting appearing in the MLS listings. Light bulb. It makes perfect sense that a struggling magazine company headquartered in Birmingham would find local houses to showcase. I'm ashamed to admit that one of my favorite things about seeing these homes was how they looked when they were really being 'lived in' and not just photographed.

Exhibit A: The bedroom below, skillfully photographed for the pages of Southern Living.

And now, the MLS photo. This is what life really looks like. Apparently they had a baby....

 

On the bright side.....

The second time they cut it, it was free. And shorter.

And I don't have an 'after' picture from the second cut - sorry.

I smell a bargain...

There's nothing better than a bargain. Our nest is chock full of Pottery Barn floor samples and Craigslist finds. Don't even get me started on my new favorite place (Nadeau). When I saw this ad, I really wished we still lived in Birmingham.....

Layla and her husband have done an unbelievable job renovating their builder-grade house into what they lovingly call "The Lettered Cottage". Her blog, by the same name, is a must-read. She's constantly posting before/after pictures and inspiration.


Birmingham friends. Please go and buy something. I'll be there in spirit, ha.

Chick Food

I've had my eye on a recipe from Annie's Eats for a long time. Chase would classify this as 'chick food', and it's definitely perfect for a baby or bridal shower. I tried explaining it to a few friends when we were at the beach (more on that trip later). I don't think my explanation came close to describing the deliciousness, so I'll let the picture do the talking.

Fruit Bruschetta

Someone please give me a reason to make this. Or just make this and invite me over.



*Photo Credit* Annie's Eats

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot

In case you haven't noticed, it has been one H-O-T summer here in Alabama. I kid you not. We've all been celebrating temperatures in the high 80's as "fall weather".

Chase and I have enjoyed our fair share of ice cream and limeades, but we were craving something a little spicy. One Saturday night we followed our craving to Cricket's, a hole-in-the-wall that has been voted 'Best Wings' in Madison for a few years now.

I'm not much of a wings girl (unless they're boneless), but I do like the flavor. That's where these little beauties come in. They're super easy -- and I can never have too many CrockPot recipes.


Slow Cooker Buffalo Sandwiches

• 4 whole Frozen Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves
• 1 bottle (15 Oz.) Frank's Red Hot Sauce, Divided
• ½ envelopes (1 Oz. Packet) Dry Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 10 pieces Sister Schubert Rolls

1. Place the frozen chicken breasts into a slow cooker, and pour in 3/4 of the wing sauce and the ranch dressing mix. Cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
2. Once the chicken has cooked, add the butter, and shred the meat finely with two forks. Pile the meat onto the rolls, and splash with the remaining Frank’s sauce to serve. 

You really can't go wrong with this recipe. The first time we made these, they were spicy H-O-T. I started using less sauce and adding some water to make sure there was plenty of liquid at the end of the day when I returned home. Adjust the sauce according to your taste.

We also like adding some shredded cheese to the sliders. I would definitely recommend using the small yeast rolls, but Hawaiian rolls are good too (just make sure to toast them first so the liquid doesn't make the sliders soggy).

Lastly, as if it were possible to make this easier, Frank's sells Wing Sauce (eliminating the extra ingredient Ranch Dressing powder).

These are great game-day food for a crowd! (Roll Tide)

Did Someone Say Party?

I can hardly believe that this little guy is turning ONE soon! One of Henry's favorite things is Elmo. We will pretend that it wasn't his first word. Since my Aunt Crissy and Uncle David also operate Open Gait, Henry has lots of animal friends on the farm. I think we have officially entered party planning mode, and of course I want to get in on the action. So....this post goes out to my sweet Aunt Crissy, who recently told me she was thinking of a 'Cowboy Elmo' theme.

Henry already has an adorable cowboy outfit thanks to his sweet cousin Rachel, but this little applique' is too cute.

Our family has recently developed a love for GiGi's cupcakes, thanks in no small part to G-Daddy's notorious sweet tooth. I think these cupcakes are pretty cute, but doubt I would give all the kids a chance to run around my house with red icing on their hands and faces....

This cake....well......just wow.

Clicking on any of the pictures should take you to the website they were featured on. I also have a mile long list of websites I regularly visit for inspiration. Happy planning!