Friday's Five Favorite Things:

I have decided that everyone loves a good Friday and we all typically look forward to this day almost all week long.  In celebration of one of my favorite days of the week, I have decided to make it a weekly habit to share five of my favorite things with you guys.  Now, please know that I move on quite quickly from my obesessions, but, when I crush on a fave object I crush hard.  So, without much further ado, I present to you my five favorite things as of 12.28.2012:

1. My dog Geoff.  He is 110+ lbs of pure joy and love.  He speaks with a Jersey accent, his middle name pays homage to the great Robert DeNiro, he is smart enough to know that he should do as he is told, but still realizes he can make a decision whether or not to obey us, and he gets so excited to see me every day that you would think I had been away for 20-some-odd years.  While sometimes he is referred to as "Geoff-Monster" because of his clumsiness/dirtiness/shedding/gigantasism/strong-will; he is my little precious and I have been obsessed with him from day numero uno.  (Also, there was a puppy who visited us at work named Mickey and since he falls into the category of puppy/doggie/canine he is also posted on here...begin the surround sound of "aaaaawwwwwweeeeeeeeees")


Geoffrey DeNiro Sandlin



Geoff-Monster enjoying a little raw-hide snack.  He is destructive.



Mickey II was our visitor today.  He was added to the list by just being his adorable Welsh-Corgie self.  PRESH!

2.  My S-Mother's famously delicious banana pudding.  (This is a classic and will not be a fleeting obsession like some others on this list.)  Now, I'm sure if you become an avid reader of my posts you will hear a lot about my family and friends as I simply adore them.  With that, you will get to know my mother who I affectionately refer to as my S-Mother, Worst-Case-Scenario-Susan, Mama Sue, and My Mommy.  She comes by all of these nicknames honestly and is one of the coolest, sweetest, and most talented people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  With that said...the woman can COOK as well.  Now, one thing to please note about my mother is that she hates all things banana.  She hates the "odor" (as she calls it...most of us would downgrade it to a smell at least), the color, the idea, and the taste of them.  However, for someone who probably has at least one nightmare a week about said delicious fruit, she sure can make THE best 'nana puddin' you've ever had the pleasure of stuffing into your face.  When I asked for the recipe she sent me straight to the Nilla Wafers box; I have tried this recipe and she clearly does something different that she is not sharing with the rest of us.  It is mind-blowingly delicious.  But, since she insists that this is her only secret to this amazing treat, I have posted the recipe for all to see.  Happy cooking!

Mama Sue’s Famous “Labor of Love” Banana Pudding/Nabisco’s Nilla Wafer BP Recipe

Prep Time: 30 min

Total Time: 50 min

Makes:

12 servings, 2/3 cup each

Makes 12 servings, 2/3 cup each.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar, divided

1/3 cup flour

Dash salt

3 eggs, separated

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

45 NILLA Wafers, divided

5 bananas, sliced

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°F.

MIX 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water 10 to 12 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

RESERVE 12 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard onto bottom of 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Cover with layers of 1/3 each of the remaining wafers, bananas and remaining custard. Repeat layers 2 times.

BEAT egg whites on high speed of mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over custard, sealing well to edge of dish.

BAKE 15 to 20 min. or until lightly browned. Cool slightly. Top with reserved wafers just before serving.

3. Joss and Main online store.  Design Geeks: This. Will. Rock. Your. World.  Not only is their symbol a peacock (which there isn't enough time in the day for me to describe my love of peacocks and their amazing feathers) BUT they have amazing accessories, furniture, and cool "junk" at amazing prices.  If you are like me, you have a husband who likes to have his home looking good; however, he may not understand at what price this luxury comes.  When you shop at Joss and Main you will find throw pillows (all men's favorite accessory, ha!) that are originally 70+ bucks for  a set of two at the low-low price of 35.00!  Not only that, everything is sorted by style, theme, and description.  This website will make you see a little porcelain book-end shaped like a pug dog and make you ask yourself "where has that been my whole life?!?!?!?" as you click on the 'add to cart' button.  I almost bought a light turquoise beach cruiser bicycle for myself...impulsive much?  Check it out: https://www.jossandmain.com/ 



Thalia Sofa- $1225.95




Delta Pillow (set of 2)- $81.90



Ashbury Wall Mirror- $45.95

4.  AND, since this IS a design blog, and I have a lot to say about design and could go on and on an on for hours on end about some of my favorite aspects of design and yadda yadda yaadda yaaaaah (you will get enough of this as the posts continue), I want to share a snippet of some of my favorite paint colors.  If you are one of my faithful readers, you will remember that in the very first post I let you know that I am obsessed with paint colors.  Not just the actual samples, but also the way they look in a space, the names of the paint colors, the richness and intensity, and the quirkiness of how to predict whether or not a color will come off as originally expected.  It is almost like a game of rhoulette on some colors....and I am addicted to the rush of trying new ones.  Now, while my love for paint colors will never change, my tastes and preferences most certainly will.  I change my "favorites" list up quite frequently and become easily obsessed with new ones.  The theme of Friday is "five favorites" so sticking with that I will give you my five current favorite neutrals that are more-than-amazing in a home:
 

I.  Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter---this is the most amazing light warm gray you will ever lay your eyes on

II. Sherwin William's Urban Putty---a very light and warm cream with just a hint of beige to add color (goes with everything)

III. Sherwin William's Jogging Path---for the person who likes a little more color on their neutrals.  This is a lovely warm gray with a hint of sage.

IV. Benjamin Moore's Hot Springs Stone---this medium-toned taupe color can really dress up a dining room or bedroom.  While not dark, it does give off a soft and restful feeling.

V. Sherwin William's Taupe Tone---again, this is a medium toned taupe color (neither distinctly grey nor dinstinctly tan) which changes color in each space you put it in.  It can run a little darker, so be careful putting this in task-oriented spaces without proper lighting.

***If you do not own your very own paint fan deck I highly recommend asking for one for your next Birthday/Christmas/Anniversary.  You do not understand the power it gives you until you own one of your own :)*



5. AND lastly, but definitely not least;  I found a necklace that I requested and recieved from my beau for Christmas and I am pretty obsessed with it.  It is the Karma necklace and it is a simple reminder that what goes around always comes around.  It is so beautiful and petite and goes with everything I wear.  It is always nice to have a peice of every day jewelry that you love;  and  to know that it is such a cool symbol of such a simple belief and way of thinking....I just love it. 



Always be kind to others; people are so much more attractive when they are smiling



That is it for me today.  I hope you enjoy your Friday night and that it lives up to your expectations you placed upon it on Monday.  May you have a blessed and joyous New Year and safe and happy travels!

Where there is a birthday, there is fire...

"Where is she going with this?" you may find yourself asking.  Remember the aforementioned "voices" in my head?  Well, I've been listening to them again and today the two voices actually merged into one thought which began one inspiration.  Today I will be sharing with you thoughts and pictures on my recent birthday celebration and of course, fire (or fireplaces to be more exact.)  Here is how the whole thing started. 

This morning was extremely cold (if you are from the North then 36 probably sounded like a day at the beach, but, here in the South we frown upon climates of this nature) HOWEVER, it was quickly warmed up with a sweet (both literally and figuratively speaking) birthday surprise from my co-worker and friend, AyBe.  She surprised me with a delicious and beautiful homemade lemon-zest-buttercream-delicacy which she  cruelly placed 29+1 candles on and smugly smiled at me while she lit them all on fire.  (I thanked her by creating her new nickname, AyBe.)  After the fire extinguishers were put away I began to think about all of my amazing friends and my most wonderful birthday soiree that was held just a few days prior.  I was completely spoiled by love and friendship and all things amazing and I truly felt blessed.  With that said, 30 still feels a little like the beginning of the "winter" of my life.  *yes, that is a little dramatic, but, work with me people!*  So, with the first cold snap this week, it seems like it is only fitting that it is also the beginning of the winter season this new year.  

Both the cake and the cold bring us to  the subject of FIRE and how it inspires cozy and toasty thoughts and feelings and is typically a focal point for any party...or home.  Think about it; we go to "field parties" (as they called it back in my homeland of Albertvegas) where we all huddle around giant bonfires, we always run straight for the birthday cake at parties which is typically set ablaze by thirty or so candles, and we are constantly finding new ways to revive the old fireplace in our personal place of peace and calm (a.k.a. HOME).   Fireplaces have been around in homes since the beginning of domestic dwelling.  It is a very important and significant part of our lives.  So, I'm going to show you some photos of my cake, my presents, my joy and excitement over 29+1 candles on my cake...and of course, FIREPLACE DESIGNS!!!!!! (alright, simmer down now)

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Birthday Fire

AyBe's confection a-blazing (need sunglasses)

Some of my presents from my wonderful friends: a delish candle, a fab scarf, a fun and pretty box, and some Rammer Jammer beer (happy b'day girl indeed)

Yummy lemon zest buttercream icing with the smug candles

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 Interior Fire inspirations

This little interior "fire bucket" is pretty cool.  It really warms up the more minimalistic "cold" space and adds a little bit of theatrics to the room

This twist on a classic space can be achieved by choosing monochromatic, earthy paint colors on both trim and walls and letting your accessories add the drama.  This room looks a lot like one of my favorite paint colors "Warm Stone" by Sherwin Williams

I love that this early American style room is painted an unexpected color.  Also, another unexpected treat is that they filled the interior of the fireplace with books!  

Such clean lines in this modern-style space.  The natural beauty of the slate tile running on the fireplace wall adds a natural element to a home that may otherwise look more industrial with the finishes.

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Before and After (a little snippet of my work)

Here is a fairly typical fireplace, hearth, and surround which my sweet Mother-in-law wanted to jazz up.  So, she gave me free reign on creativity and we have a really spectacular "after" (see below)

Here is the final product, a new mantle, surround, paint color, and built-in shelves with a tongue and groove wall make for a fabulous space.  The work was done by Drake Homes in Birmingham, Alabama.  They really made her home a beautiful and serene space.  (sorry for the picture quality...I will have to brush up on my skills)

***check out my brother-in-law's facebook page to see more of his amazing craftsmanship: http://www.facebook.com/DrakeHomesAlabama

You are my first....

If you are reading this, then you are one of (if not the VERY) first one of my readers.  Congratulations....check is in the mail!

I have the urge to treat this like a first date:
My name is Mae Beth; I love nail polish, good food, long walks on the beach, pina coladas....wait....that isn't right.  

Here's the real deal:
I am writing this blog to scratch my creative itch that never seems to be satisfied.  I am obsessed with the smell of laundry, paint colors (I know...right?!?!?!?), and my dog Geoff.  When I was younger I always imagined taking Martha Stewart's place on the throne of all things "homemaker" and still think there is room for me somewhere in that realm.  I cook, I clean, I make little crafty things (even if I lose interest half-way through...the idea is what matters, right?) and I have a helluvalot better sense of humor than she does.  I also think I probably dress slightly better.  I firmly believe that a younger, hipper (I hope I fit that category), funnier and quirkier person needs to step in and take over.  BUT, for now, I hope to entertain a few folks with a glimpse inside my head.  It is a crowded space and there are lots of voices ;)

Hope to see you around! I will be posting lots of pictures on inspiring interiors complete with tips...and a few family photos and recipes thrown in for good measure Consider me the Wal-Mart of the blogosphere.