Sissy's Southern Kitchen & simply splendid vintage

mom in '74  & me at Sissy's Southern Kitchen

Thank goodness my mom held onto this most cherished little dress of mine. Or hers, I should say. And is it weird that I've named her Ruby? Yes. Regardless, Ruby made her debut in the photo above at my dad's 10 year high school reunion. Fast forward 30 years to me...in her closet...hunting for treasure. Blammo! What a treasure, indeed! I love this dress. I look for excuses to wear it. But on Friday night, no excuse was necessary - it was the perfect dress for dressing "in my southern best" for Sissy's Southern Kitchen's Grand Opening Party. (And by the way, I think my mom wore it best!!)

On a side note, Dallas locals…I can't say enough about the mouth watering food served that night. I couldn't stop eating the crab cakes, deviled eggs, spare ribs…and perhaps the best fried chicken I've ever had. You must stop in at Sissy's…it's simply splendid.

chalk it up

The last time I saw my china was right before Mister and I got married. Almost 5 years ago. Poor china. Oh how I loved you, all simple and sweet with your delicate silver, paisley detailing and promises of grand dinner soirees. Me in heels, a stunning dress, no wrinkles on my face, no splattered tomato puree on my satin hostess apron. Oh and polished nails. My guests? In awe over the centerpiece, the delectable food, the gorgeous table settings...and the hostess. "How does she do it?" they all wonder.

Wait, hold on. I'm about to get to the point. 

Let's be honest... a. I don't prepare meals in heels  b. I need botox  c. I don't own a satin hostess apron  d. my nails look like they got attacked by a blender.  e. dinner soirees at our home look more like kabobs on the grill/beer in the fridge/and football on the tv. Oh and f. no one wonders how I do it...they wonder what that plastic Elmo magnet is doing in their coleslaw.

But hey...I'm okay with that. Fortunately for me, there's Chalkboard China. I was introduced to this Dallas based (and functionally fabulous) line of chalk-friendly tableware earlier this week. And I'm hooked. It meets me halfway in between exquisite china and chinet. My favorite is the carafe. How clever. And chic! I'd love to have a few of these out on display for my next get together at the house, each filled with a different wine and creatively labeled with the help of a little white chalk. And the wine glasses to go with them, of course. Forget putting a little charm around the stem...chalk is much cooler.

Whether you're like me (and have all your china in storage) or you're the hostess with the most-est, Chalkboard China works for occasions (and hostesses) of all sorts. Fancy-schmancy or board games and burgers. Which is my fancy-schmancy.

*available online and at select retailers nationwide

Southern Fried, simply stated

If only I could learn to speak man. Conversations in bullet point are as foreign to me as a wardrobe chock full of Stanley Korshak's finest. Unfortunately. That's why this Valentines day, I'm leaving the three paragraphed, mushy, pink and red card at the grocery store and opting for a simpler, chic and cheeky way to say "I love you" to my Mister. Dallas based Southern Fried Paper gives the old greeting card a witty spin, helping you say what's on your heart in fewer, funnier words than you might have come up with on your own. Check out more by visiting SFP's Etsy shop!

Little Mister

I realized yesterday that I haven't posted pics of Little Mister in a while! So I'll make up for it with the following 38 photos from our trip to the Arboretum this week. Just kidding. Although I don't think the number is all that far from 38.

Hey, Bert...

Four years ago tonight was the best night of my life...with the exception of the night Little Mister was born.

September 22, 2007 was the day I became the Mrs. to my Mr.

Happy Anniversary, Mr. We go together like Bert and Ernie.

No really.

You're Bert. I'm Ernie.

worth a thousand words...

...especially when the picture is of your loved ones. My dear friend, Emily, over at Recently, has, well...recently taken up the hobby of photography. And she's rocking it. I'm asking her to name her price for our next family photos. And since she's one of the best friends a girl could have, she might just tell me it's on the house. But I will insist. Her work has just as much quality (if not more) than a lot of the high dollar photographers in Dallas. And when you see her work below, don't let the handsome little smiles and sweet faces fool you. Sure she has good subjects to shoot - two little boys with smiles that could light up a room, let alone a photograph. But Emily has an artistic eye and captures life with her little ones exquisitely.

So, without further adieu...

splendid all over again...

again & again could quite possibly be Dallas's most beloved, one-of-a-kind, vintage furniture and accessories shop. Owner, Leslie Pritchard, recently opened her new doors in the Dallas Design District, now giving upcycling junkies two options for shopping again & again's selection of timeless treasures.

I first met Pritchard several years ago after purchasing a mid-century coffee table from her shop on Bonita. The perfect size for a bench, I immediately knew I had finally found just the right addition for my entry way...with a few adjustments. That's where Pritchard and her highly skilled team swooped in to help. 

Me: I think I want to lacquer this a shiny, bright white. 

Them: We can do that for you!

Me: And I think I want a tufted, upholstered cushion with piping to go on top.

Them: We've got tons of fabric samples and can even place the order for you!

Me: This is awesome.

Turk's Pisces
Print in
Driftwood

What started out as a quick glance inside this quaint, little house (turned-marketplace for decades-old decor and more) had just morphed into my ideal afternoon. As I looked through dozens of upholstery books, I kept coming back to Trina Turk's indoor/outdoor line. Pritchard was delighted to provide some expert advice and steered me in the direction of Turk's Pisces print in Driftwood. After quoting a price for labor and paint (which was very reasonable), she took measurements of the bench and recommended dimensions for the cushion, which I loved. Based on those dimensions, she placed an order for two and a half yards of fabric. Side note: I think she was just as excited about my little design project as I was - which made the experience all the more splendid. Another side note: Upcycling furniture is addicting. 

All-a-flutter over my new purchase, my mind held me hostage, forcing me to scour my house and hunt down something else in desperate need of new life. It didn't take long. I knew just the place -  our guest bedroom closet. Bingo. Upon returning to pick up my light-brown coffee table (now a glossy, glam white), I brought a couple things with me - a pair of (barfy brown-colored) horse head bookends and a large, wooden pineapple (also a barfy shade of brown, but with an added coat of gold spray-paint just to take it that extra, ugly mile.) Just like the week before, Pritchard was happy to assist with color selection...white paint for the bookends and lemon yellow for the pineapple.  

Within one little month - my fabric arrived, the cushion was custom ordered and all of my dandies were painted shades of lovely and bright. Flash forward to today...they're still my very favorite accents in our home.  And if I were a betting woman (I play Texas Hold 'Em with coins but I don't think that counts) I would put money this: anything purchased at again & again will be your favorite piece in the home, too. Whether in excellent or gently-loved condition, all of Pritchard's pieces have great bone structure, stylish lines and will look fabulous in your home as-is or with a minor face-lift of paint, upholstery or new hardware. 

Make sure to check out their spacious new diggs in the Dallas Design District!  Want deals and steals? Check out their page on facebook and become a fan!

misSOni EXCITED about Missoni for Target

Little Ms. Marina at all the way up here brings us (or just me if I'm late on this info) some too-good-to-be-true news. Missoni is set to debut their new 400 piece line for Target on September 13th! Am I the only one out there giddy with glee, day dreaming of the glorious morning I show up 30 minutes early, eager for those red Target doors to open and clouds to part, revealing a completely in-stock and fantastically affordable Missoni selection????  I apologize for my excitement, but I've been in love with a certain Missoni throw for a while now. However, my spending habits have gone from splurging unnecessarily to spending almost all my "me" money on one handsome, little toddler. It may not be the one I've had my eye on, but getting my hands (and my funds) on any one of those iconic zig-zag throws will do just fine. 

See a sneak peak of the goodies coming our way next month!

blogger spotlight: Recently

Rise and shine! Oh, and welcome my dear friend and editor of Recently to the spotlight!  Enjoy!

Hello Along Came Splendor lovers!  You gals and guys are very lucky because you’re reading the blog of one gifted lady and my friend for life, Jenny.  This beautiful woman not only has a heart of gold, she has more talent in her left pinky than some have in their entire body.  I’ve been lucky enough to call her friend ever since our ridiculously fun college years and throughout this crazy journey we call adulthood.  Although, I’ll say I never feel like much of an adult when we get together.  We have too much fun!

So, when Jen came to me with this perfect idea for a series, of course I jumped at the chance to share.  I hope you enjoy!

on your playlist:  The Avett Brothers, Bon Iver,  old school rap that shall remain nameless, Mumford & Sons, David Gray, Dave Matthews, Kings of Leon, Radiohead, Need to Breathe, Ray Lamontagne, Adelle, STP, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Diamond

beside your bed: a stack of books that I want to read but haven’t had time

in your purse: wallet, lip gloss, diapers, wipes, Cheerios, bottles, baby toys (did I mention my purse is a diaper bag?) 

on your nails: a dark pink by OPI, don’t remember the name but it’s very summery!

in your fridge: sparkling water, whole wheat tortillas, rice milk, skim milk, yogurt, organic fruit and veggies (not enough though!), shredded cheese, olives, spinach, salad dressing, and chocolate chips (I always have them on hand for cookies and I have a weird thing about keeping them cold!) 

on your to-do list: Laundry. Always.

       current state of mind:  content and fearless

what do you hope to pass onto your children: I want my

children to know that God is the only source for true 

contentment and that their attitude about life will shape their happiness.

spot for a steal: Ebay baby!

window-shopping: First Dibs

most marked characteristic: Physical- my freckles. Personality- I wear my heart on my sleeve (too much in my opinion.)

1 thing few people know about you: I’ve perfected the art of the Riverdance.  Not really, but I like to pretend.

  

your "it" design color of the moment:   PINK!  I’ve never been much of a pink girl, but man is it growing on me.

nicknames for kids: boo bear, bubba, buzz buzz, sweet pea, goober, buddy, tough guy

favorite tv mom: Right now- Gloria from Modern Family.  In the past- She-Ra Princess of Power (I’m sure she became a mom at some point!)

 dreaming of:  becoming a published writer

your de-stress recipe: wine, popcorn and a chick flick.  Preferably the original Twilight (ugh, I know) or Pride and Prejudice.  And, when I can, Yoga.

your ideal evening: Dinner and drinks with my husband and close friends, followed by an intimate gathering on a patio somewhere, sharing stories until the wee hours.  When we’re home my ideal evening consists of a movie and popcorn with my boys.

beverage of choice:  Coffee, iced tea (unsweetened) or, at the moment, greyhounds (vodka and grapefruit juice.)

most overused word or phrase: Love it! and Fabulous

biggest source of inspiration:  My girlfriends and sisters.  They are all amazing women and mothers who inspire me to chase my dreams and create a home of love for my husband and children.

5 words that describe you: compassionate, emotional, dreamer, feisty, loyal.

favorite design blog: Tough one!  I absolutely love Caitlin Wilson’s design style and her blog  is definitely on my blog crush list.

   

 coffee table book: I have a vintage Cezanne art book that I love, but don’t have it on my coffee table for fear of a baby mauling!

  

favorite quote:  “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”  It reminds me that happiness is not something we strive for, but something that’s available every day.  It’s up to us to find it.

Jen, thank you so much for having me.  This is such a great idea for a series and I can’t wait to see all the answers from lots of talented ladies!

PS- If you ever get the chance, request that Jenny do her “lounge singer” act for you.  You can thank me later!

happy color

i love typography.  and i love happy color.  don't you think this is a splendid combination of both?  they're on sale through zulilly today and i might just have to order them for max's room.  love love love. an ode to helvetica by modern pop is on my list!

Get creative

Creative Connections USA is a new social meet-up for fabulous female creatives... just like your sweet selves.  Although they meet once a month in LA to join forces/support/encourage/learn from one another - you and I can be there in spirit! Join me in joining them and let's see if we can persuade the powers that be to expand into more cities!  (Dallas, please!!!)  

Now, after you visit their facebook page (and "like" them, of course) watch this video they so kindly provided for our encouragement!  Thanks Creative Connections USA!

care to join me on the bandwagon?

i love discovering new blogs.  it's truly like finding jewelry you've misplaced, tucked away in that clutch you haven't carried since september.  but once you explore said-newfound-blog and you discover it's pure, delightful loveliness?  well, that my friends, is like finding a $20 alongside the jewelry you misplaced in the clutch that you haven't carried since last september.


my gift to you today is (yes, you guessed it) the $20, the jewelry and a reminder to carry that clutch more often.


i knew i would adore this blog from the moment i read the title, abode love: a man's home is his wife's castle.

below is a sample of photos from a recent post that gets me all sorts of inspired to search pinterest and polyvore by color!  care to join me on the green/teal bandwagon? 


do Do DO visit this new favorite daily read of mine.