Archive for March, 2009

Posted on March 31, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Verse for the Week

I found this today in book that my Dad gave me a while ago, called I ‘m a Good Mother by Gigi Schweikert. It struck a cord with me and reminded me to be thankful for what I have, even if it does not always look the way I want it.

“I Laugh”

I take my job as a mom seriously. I want things to work out just as I imagine-the way mothers look and act on the pages of magazines and in movies. Sometimes when I watch a movie, it feels like those families have more fun, more laughter, more life than mine. It isn’t true. It’s just that their movie lives are set to music. The orchestration enhances their experience, and because I’m on the outside looking in, it just seems better. If I put my life on the big screen, complete with theme music, I’d see that it too is lively, fun, and full of laughter.

God is directing the movie of my life. All I have to do is live it with love, dignity, and laughter. There are little things to smile about even in the greatest of difficulties. It’s all in how I look at the picture.

Today, I will laugh at the funny things my child says, in conversations with my friends, and at the silly mistakes I make. I won’t take life too seriously.

God, create in my mind a different picture-the movie of my life, set to music and full of laughter.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25

Below are some of my favorite Hollywood moms. Who is your favorite small or big screen mom?

Posted on March 24, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Tea Party Play Date

Hearthstone House hosted a play date for The Bird and her friend Chase from school. The girls have been meeting up at the library for story time once a week and have become fast friends. The girls, by chance, had the same dress on and Chase’s mom bought white hats and matching gloves, so they were little twins for our party. We had a lot of fun using our manners and trying to act fancy. The girls really liked the “sugar” they put in their “tea”. I used sprinkles for sugar and white cran-strawberry for tea. They ate doll house shaped PB &J’s, teapot shaped strawberry cream cheese sandwiches, and Magic Wands. We also had an assortment of mini muffins, cookies and fresh fruit. The mommies had a mixed green salad with chicken, grapes, apples, pecans, and Gorgonzola cheese with  balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Yummy! Please e-mail the Estate Manager for  reservations open daily.

Posted on March 20, 2009 - by Estate Manager

A Food Week in Review

The past week at Hearthstone House has come and gone so quickly that I failed to post some photos and share some HH highlights with you. Last Saturday the Bird and I went out in celebration of my birthday and a well over do, just us girls or JUG day. I treated her to afternoon tea and a local elementary school’s production of High School Musical. Our afternoon was wonderful and The Bird was adorable.

That night Slade took me out to a romantic dinner at The Watershed and to a late night showing of He’s Not That In To You. We had an excellent dinner and I am not kidding when I say we ate everything on our plates.  The Watershed’s cuisine is all American favorites, made with the care and concern of a continental restaurant but with out all the fuss. I had been wanting to go there for a couple of weeks after trying a meatloaf recipe I found in Better Homes and Gardens by Scott Peacock.  Scott is the executive chef of Watershed and a contributing editor for BHG and shares a monthly American Classic recipe. He is a food genius. Slade and I enjoyed: Shrimp Grattan, Pimento Cheese and Celery and Blue Cheese & Bacon Salad. For our entree’s Slade had the Pork Chop and I had Beef Stroganoff. (Who ever is next to stay at Hearthstone House need only say the word and we will be there.)

Later in the week, on my actual birthday Slade surprised me with a Chocolate Ganache Cake from Publix, ridiculous. It is some of best cake I have had in while and we are still trying to finish it.

In other food related news Meebs is full on eating table food. She eats just about everything you put in front of her which makes mom happy. Her favorites include: grapes, ham, turkey, cheese, crackers, yogurt, raisins, cheerios, applesauce, pickles, hard boiled eggs, peas & green beans.

Is your mouth watering? Tell us about the last great meal you had.

Posted on March 18, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Verse for the Week

Isaiah 66:13

¹³ As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted

Posted on March 18, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Simple Pleasures

So it is a Wednesday, your at the kitchen sink for the 7th time today putting sippy cups in the dishwasher, rising off dried- up bits from a melamine monkey plate, and trying to figure out how to make dinner with a box of cheerios and ground turkey meat when The Bird comes in and demands a snack. I mean she just had a bowl of goldfish crackers 15 minutes ago. So I go to the fridge and suggest a myriad of options and clementines and kiwis win.  I tell her to give me a few minutes. I sigh and think, “Great she picked the two most labor intensive fruits to peel.” I went ahead and prepared the fruit for her, carefully removing the outer skins, slicing and arranging them neatly on a plate. The end result was gratifying. Who knew it would make her so

happy and put a grin on my face too? The colors on the table were so saturated and juicy that I couldn’t resit capturing the moment. I quickly took the pictures before I called her into the kitchen to eat.  It was a simple moment in my ordinary life as a mom but it give me pleasure none the less.

Posted on March 9, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Verse For The Week

Here is a truth about God that gives me hope. Maybe it will encourage you as well.

2 Timothy 2:13

If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Remember we are His creation and we have Him in us. So He can’t disown us or leave us. He won’t give up!

Posted on March 8, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Slade Takes Julie to Nascar

Some of you may know that Slade was raised to have a love for art, design and photography. But he also has another passion that started as a youth, racing. If it has an engine and goes he will watch it. And I really have no reason to watch other than handsome men in racing suits and that the racing season unfolds much like a soap opera. (hehehe) Yesterday we went to the Atlanta Motor Speedway to watch, stare and marvel at people, machines and marketing. I loved it! We did not have seats in the grand stand or in the box but what we did have was pit passes. We were able to get an up close look of how the teams prepare, the opening ceremonies and pit stops. (Basically imagine standing on the sidelines at a football game, next to the head coach, and then being able to go in the locker room at half time) Some notable drivers I met were Ryan Newman, Robby Gordon, and my secret crush Carl Edwards. He is incredibly sweet, wholesome and philanthropic; whats not to love? We also had photo opps with Rick Hendrick and Chip Ganassi both team owners and sports caster Chris Meyers of Fox Sports. There were some drivers that were completely untouchable like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Jimmy Johnson and Juan Pablo Montoya but we were able to snap a photos and see their cars. Here are some images of my first Nascar experience. Click on our Flickr off to the right to see more. Thanks Slade!

Posted on March 5, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Design Friday- Jonathan’s Patio

Jonathan is a wonderful friend of Slade and myself. We met him through a close friend when we lived in San Diego a few years back. Jonathan’s bachelor pad (hint, hint  ladies) is a new construction town home that has cozy patio. Jonathan asked me if I could offer some suggestions in the design of his space. After looking at the photos and shopping around I came up with some ideas. I need to just say I am not an expert in gardening, but do enjoy to dabble in it. Some of the issues he needed addressed were privacy and limited space for seating.

One concept for the design is hanging outdoor drapery on either side of the railing and having one or two low maintenance hanging plants in the center to help give a sense privacy. (I am not sure if this will fly with his Home Owner’s Assoc. but it was my initial thought.) Another concept is that the furniture he has should be multi-functional/portable. Jonathan loves the beach and outdoor activities so I thought that teak folding chairs would be great for the patio and for the beach or desert. Also a simple Chinese garden stool can act as seating or side table for a drink. The easiest way to create ambiance is by lighting, I would suggest a simple candle chandelier and a votive holder for the side table. And finally texture, a sea grass or sisal rug will give the space a more room like appearance and add dimension. As for plants, the patio needs a focal point on farthest wall, I would suggest a rectangular planter with a trellis so we can create some height and dimension to the wall.  Below are some images of the types furniture and accessories that would work.

1. Cherry Cross Folding Chairs from Amazon

2. Milano Folding Chairs from Walmart.com

3. Wood Folding Cafe Table and Chairs from Urban Outfitters

4. Vista 5-Position Reclining Chair from OverStock.com

5. Oxblood Chinese Garden Stool from Legend of Asia

6. Hip Haven Retro Bullet Planter from Velocity Art and Design

7. Lerdal Ceiling Light from Ikea

8. Gallery Tall Rectangler Metal Planter from Plantcontainers.com

9. Narrow Metal Trellis from Smith and Hawken

10. All Weather Mat from Potterybarn

11. Global Pillow from CB2

12. Smart Candle Light from CB2

13. & 14. Succulent plantings for planter boxes

Posted on March 3, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Pinky’s Up..Its Tea Time

It was 4 o’clock, the dress-up box was nearby, and tasty treats were calling our names.  It was only natural that we had a tea party. The Bird set the table and I poured the tea. We even had a special guest Sir Tiki Drake!

Posted on March 3, 2009 - by Estate Manager

Easter Preview

Okay, so Spring is taking a little longer than we hoped but it hasn’t discouraged Hearthstone House from preparing for Easter. I am a complete sucker for putting the girls in matching outfits. And these dresses are so cheery and cute I could not resist. They remind me of green jelly beans! And just so you know our family has a love for all things in green, so they were the logical choice. The dresses are from Children’s Place and are $19.50 each.