Pop the Cork

Thanks Kim for getting the gals together for bottles upon bottles of bubbly and entertaining conversation with good friends, Kim A., Julie and Lara at the fabulous Moose Lodge. What is more fun than pushing the envelope on political views, supporting each other through tough times and learning all those things about babies that people don't normally share! And, as I write this at 8:45 p.m., I'm still officially feeling the effects of all those beverages! Great times!

Reuse and Recycle Friday

I just love to find uses for random things. While at work today, I get a call from a co-worker who was at the Georgia Power Company loading dock and was curious if I might be in need of any wire spool...I mean who isn't, right? She texts me a photo and we're immediately thinking table for the patio. Well...heck yeah...load that thing up....and a new table was born! Thank you, Cecile for thinking of me!

A New Look for Smyrna Townie

Special thanks to Alan Brubaker for creating the Smyrna Townie header! I'm loving it! Thank you so much!

Something Chic at Michael's

One of my favorite sites, MadebyGirl, has pictures from her birthday dinner. I loved the pom poms and you can get them at Michael's. Super cute. Her blog has lots more photos from the dinner so you can check out the menu and see everything else.

Sunday Night Blues

It's back to the real world tomorrow...vacation is officially over. Man, oh man...the Sunday night blues are bad right now! Here are some photos from the annual Hilton Head vacay.

The Hackett Brothers

The Hackett Family

Patches

In this month's issue of Country Living, there was a gorgeous New York Farmhouse and I fell in love with a chair that was reupholstered with an old quilt. Doesn't seem like a new idea, but I really like it. So cozy! Wonder if we should have done this with our two chairs that are being reupholstered now (will share those hopefully next week!). Anyway, went Internet searching for one I might need to buy instead and found a ton of chairs with the same style.

Sources: First Board Left to Right: Fres Home, Baobab Tree, Egbert57 Flickr and the Minouette Flickr

Second Board Left to Right: Egg Chairs, SunshineSyrie's Flickr, Urban Outfitters and Tallulah Patchwork Chair

It's the 4th of July!

Have a fabulous day!

South Carolina Days

It's off to Hilton Head for the Annual Hackett Family Vacation! Brad and I are getting a head start today to stay in Beaufort, SC and explore some of the outer islands of SC we haven't been to before. Then, Saturday it's onto HHI for the week. Have a great 4th of July and next week!

First Visit to the River

Yesterday afternoon, our friends Brynee, Marc and Callan invited us to meet them at the River and let the dogs run around in the water. Wasn't sure how this one would go for us considering Riggs has never acted as though he likes water and he gets a bit over-excited around other dogs, but I really wanted to try it. Besides the fact we were too nervous to take him off the leash for fear he'd bolt like he's done a few times, I think he had fun. Hopefully next time, we'll be brave enough to let him go.

Brynee, Marc and water-loving Callan

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

With my favorite holiday just a few more days away, I'm getting excited for fireworks by the beach in Hilton Head. Not having an official party, but if I was, I really like these invitations.

Source: KMThomasDesigns, delightdesign ,

Stylish Coorespondence, Nichole Heady

Something New

Checking out new places is something I love to do. Last night for a co-workers 40th birthday, we ventured out to 30 Tables, the new Concentrics restaurant concept. 30 Tables is located downtown at The Glenn Hotel in the space that was once the horrible Maxim Prime and the even worse failure of BED. Other than the hot temperature of the inside of the place, the food was really good. I had the tuna and enjoyed the Mexican corn, fingerling potatoes and peas as sides. The prices are great and there isn't even a corkage fee when you bring in your own wine. Read here for an official critic review.

Then today, had lunch and toured around the new, hip Midtown spot: Hotel Palomar. Super chic and trendy boutique hotel and includes all the amenities you would expect except that the hotel is pet friendly. All pets of all sizes are welcome....birds, cats, dogs etc...no size limits. Might have to check this out sometime with Riggs!!! The highlight and I do want to go back drinks at Alto Rex....the rooftop bar with lots of glam.

Vote for Riggs

Help Riggs be a star in Atlanta Magazine! Vote for him as Pet of the Month by giving him a high rating here! Thanks!

Savvy Snoot

Small detour during lunch yesterday over to the Savvy Snoot, a high-end home consignment shop in the Westside Urban Market area of Atlanta (Howell Mill area). My boss worked with Savvy Snoot to design her home and it's gorgeous! These were some of the fun things I saw:


What I liked about this display of pictures was that the photos are actually square picture frames but turned. Why have I not thought of that? I saw a ton of these same pictures at Scott's this weekend and walked right by. The insides are like dried leaves or something like that. Had I seen this...then...I might have come home with some.

I love old buckets so this was fun. I'm thinking you could put some lights in each of them and have some a great display.

This metal shelf was cool also....only $350.

Found it!

After much searching for a black + white stripe rug, I've found it and it's on sale at Williams -Sonoma Home!!! Of course, I didn't go into any stores because of my love for shopping (sarcasm), but can't wait to put it all together. It will be a while for new pictures, but exciting update nevertheless!

Attention Mom's on Summer Vacation

For just $1 at participating AMC movie theaters nationwide, kids and adults can see G- and PG-rated movies every Wednesday at 10 a.m. from June 17 through August 5. First up: Horton Hears a Who. Proceeds benefit the Will Rogers Institute and the children’s charity Variety.

Staying on Top of Technology

Everyday it's some new technology from Twitter to Skype to Pandora to Lulu and today it's TuneUp....a way to figure out tracks that are listed as "unknown artist." Do you use this?

If figuring out who sings “Track 1” on your best friend’s Summertime Mix is driving you crazy, this downloadable software is for you. TuneUp uses iTunes and the Gracenote Global Media Database to figure out the “audio fingerprint” of mis- or unlabeled tunes in your MP3 music library. Then the program automatically fills it in and adds the corresponding album artwork. Try 100 song “cleans” and 50 album cover adds for free. If you’re hooked, upgrade to a $30 TuneUp Gold membership for unlimited cleans and covers.

Black and White Stripes

I'm really needing help finding a black and white striped rug for our master bedroom. Ikea has one, but it's too small....Ballard Designs has one, but it's a bit pricey......and the Nate Berkus rug that is all over all great design blogs is sold out. Help me please!!!

Fun in Downtown Decatur

Had a fun lunch today with 2 fabulous gals from the lovely Four Seasons. We went to downtown Decatur and had a great lunch outside at Parkers on Ponce. Then, had a few extra minutes on the parking meter and buzzed over to Heliotrope. Oh...so much fun! Here are a few highlights!

Inside the store, Night Owl Paper Goods, Sugarboo Antique Wooden Signs, Hedgehog Mobile

Then went over to Boogaloos...such a cute boutique. I walked out empty handed...a bit overwhelmed by so many things I wanted to take home with me!

Laughed Out Loud

I laughed out loud when I saw this today off of a Daily Candy Link to Pyscho Baby...just had to share....I don't know why except I'm feeling like I want to give this to some adults today!! Happy Friday!

Gorgeous, Gorgeous

We just hosted a party last week at this gorgeous home. It was a simple reception around the pool and this picture really captures how stunning the home truly is. Not too shabby, huh?!?!!?

Photo Source: Carroll Morgan with Buckhead On-Site Photography.

A Fun Invite

I got this invite in the mail last week and for some reason really loved the look. It reminds me a bit of those wordles I love so much. It's announcing summer holiday specials at a place that looks awesome in Tennessee: Blackberry Farm. There are beautiful homes, cottages and suites to rent and appears like there is lots to do such as horseback riding, clay shooting, fly fishing, hiking and the experiences list seems to really go on and on. This might be a fun place to check out some time. In my next life, I want to come back as Samantha Brown from The Travel Channel and just check out hotels all the time!

Back from The Keys

We are back from a very relaxing weekend in Duck Key and Hawks Cay. Our room was gorgeous and our porch which lead directly to the adult pool was huge (two pictures below). I'm not sure if I was happier reading on this porch Saturday afternoon while it rained or being in my pool chair! Although...we were in our pool chairs by 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with cold drinks shortly following so that was really fun.


Hawks Cay is a very family friendly resort. I'm not sure if I would have loved that had we been on our honeymoon though. While there is an adult pool, all the restaurants and open areas are filled with families. If you have children and want to go to The Keys...head here. Not only are there a ton of activities listed for the kids, but there is a family pool as well as a small salt water pool and beach area. There is also a marina located on property and at 4 p.m. each day you can head there and see the fish the charters caught. From biking to tennis, this place really does have it all.



On Sunday, the forecast didn't look so great so we changed plans and headed back to Fort Lauderdale a bit early. Booked a room at the Ritz-Carlton and enjoyed some time on the 7th floor pool overlooking the beach. We didn't get much sun that day, but the view was to die for! Our room wasn't so bad either!

Duck Key

Finally....another site visit! The recession has slowed us down a bit on our fun explorations, but this weekend we are heading to Duck Key, FL to check out Hawks Cay. Look forward to reporting back on the trip next week!

Class of 2009 Time

Class of 2009 has some cute ways to celebrate!

Real Simple: Custom Candy, Invitations, Graduation Cap Hanging Lanterns

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

Event producer David Stark shows us what to do with the common grocery store bouquet.

Before: standard $10 bouquet's

After: various bottles, vases and bowls used for simple decor. Just separate same colors and same types of flowers make a great look.

Jon & Kate + 8

The new series of Jon & Kate + 8 premieres tonight. I don't even have children, but I do love watching the craziness of the show. But, with all the recent cheating scandals of both Jon and Kate, has it gone too far? Are the kids being neglected at this point by both Jon and Kate? I've been reading a couple articles talking about how much money they might make a year...$65,000 per episode + books + speaking engagements etc...estimates are about $30 million a year. My have the kids have become quite the meal ticket?!!! And, hearing how Aunt Jodi, Kevin and Beth have just been cut out of their lives is kind of sad. Interesting article here. Seriously though..she's a nightmare...who could really blame Jon for wanting out?!!???! But, all the media hype is working...I bet more people will tune in tonight than ever before. I still will!!

Memorial Day

Enjoy your Memorial Day!

Picture Source

Butterfly Gap Retreat

This gorgeous place was just featured in June's Southern Living: Butterfly Gap Retreat in Maryville, TN. What a unique spot for a wedding!

Incredibly Edible

Real Simple has some great ideas for edible favors.

Popcorn TinBride and Groom Biscotti:

Monogrammed Cookies:

Fortune Cookies:

Bride and Groom Chocolate-Covered Cherries:

Happy 90th Birthday Nana!

Today is my Nana's 90th birthday! She's such a special lady! This past weekend in Panama City Beach, we celebrated with her and captured some great pictures of our family.

My mom with her grandchildren:

Nana with almost all of her grandchildren (missing 1) and great-grandchildren: Me, My sister and our nieces:

The Gibson's:

Almost the entire family:

Nana--we look forward to celebrating many more!

Congratulations Mr. Townie's Tennis Team

Mr. Townie's Tennis Team just won the 4.0 Men's USTA State!! That is awesome!!! On to sectionals in Birmingham in July.

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

I've been out of touch for what seems like forever. Had a busy last week with a big event on Tuesday night that we hosted for our Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent who has won some national recognition for her work on school reform. Then, Thursday - Sunday, I was in PCB to celebrate my Nana's 90th birthday with my family. I got an entire day in the white sand and spent some good quality time with everyone!!! Then, yesterday, I drove home at 4 a.m. to play in my tennis team's City Finals. Sadly, after all the rushing back with a victory that was coming down to our last two teams to try and bring home the platter, it got rained out. Make-up matches are the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend...I mean who would plan that on Memorial Day weekend. We are praying for rain or else we are going to have to forfeit because of travel schedules and then we'll be stuck with second place. So sad...

Anyway, at our big event last Tuesday night on our rooftop, we did the Polaroid picture thing where each of the guests takes a photo and then writes a little note on the white space of the picture. It was a big hit...who doesn't like Polaroids!!! We ended up putting all the pictures in a simple 3 ring binder type box and the pictures in sleeves. I really liked the presentation. Definitely a professional way to display the Polaroids. It can be found on Archival USA.

A Beautiful Photographer

Check out W. Scott Chester's Photography. It's so beautiful! I've spent so much time on the blog today at work...not productive, I know...but every photo is so amazing.

Be sure and check out lindsay + tripp's wedding too. This is a co-worker's daughters wedding from last August at Serenbe. Are you kidding me with these gorgeous pictures?

I also love the e-session, as it's called, of kate + andy at a Carnival. So original.

Blog Birthday

Today is Smyrna Townie's 1st blog birthday! 171 posts since May 7, 2008!


Banner found at BekahJennings Etsy's shop.

Luxe Linens

Butterfly and Company has some beautiful linen napkins. A set includes six, but each one is different. I love not to match!

In need of some suggestions

I'm still not over losing my favorite magazines Cottage Living, Domino and Country Home. Does anyone read any magazines that can compare? I need some suggestions on something different. I subscribe to House Beautiful, BHG and Coastal Living, but I'm not feeling complete. I'm also getting Southern Living and Family Circle as substitutes to round out my cancelled subscriptions. Help me please!!!!

Buzz....Buzz

I love the Beehive Co-op. Last week, I needed gifts for a 40th birthday, a newly pregnant gal, a friend who has had a rough few months and a crafty blogger friend. Since I'm not a fan of shopping, I had to think of a place where I could find everything in one stop...it was easy....The Beehive Co-op. If you haven't been, be sure and check it out as the store is made up of vendors with everything hand made. It's like a live ETSY shop!

I found gifts from Mama, Bella Bee, and InkSpot.

You can also have craft parties at the Co-op. What a great idea!

Happy Earth Day

Earth Day Party in the Sky...this space at Nelson Mullins in Atlanta is very cool! The party for Earth Day sounds perfect!

EarthShare Georgia is celebrating Earth Day, April 22, 2009 at our Party in the Sky: The Air Up There at Nelson Mullins, 201 17th Street at Atlantic Station. Guests will celebrate Earth Day against the backdrop of the largest brownfield redevelopment in the country and a model for smart growth and sustainability.

Take in the skyline up in the air on the rooftop terrace, as you enjoy music and cocktails. Beverages generously provided by Coca-Cola, Fetzer Vineyards and SweetWater Brewing Company. Fresh fare from Whole Foods Market prepared by Avalon Catering. Guests are also invited to bid on the Eco-silent auction stocked with great deals on eco-friendly products, jewelry, unique getaways and outdoor gear.Proceeds from the evening support EarthShare Georgia, the state’s only dedicated environmental fund.

Event Details:
Party in the Sky: The Air Up There

Wednesday, April 22nd, 7 -10:00 p.m.

Admission:$50/person

Please call (404) 873-3173 for more information.
Location:Nelson Mullins, 201 17th Street - Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA

It's a Plum of a Party

Daily Candy is offering a 25% discount (Enter code DEALS at checkout) on this great site: Plum Party. Be sure and check it out as the products for parties are definitely not like the ones you find at Party City or Oriental Trading Company...these have some great style. Don't get me wrong...I do love Party City and Oriental Trading!!!! The tips and ideas section of the site makes it really easy to get some ideas. Be sure and check out the Plum Party Daily blog too. Here are some things I really liked.

Get Well Soon Gift Bag Lots of great coasters:

Placecard Holders:

Cake Stands and Platters:

Stick It

How about some cute decorative tape to spice things up from TapeSwell?

With TapeSwell you can:
· Recycle with style, old boxes go from frumpy to fabulous
· Redefine special delivery
· Create artful packages with multiple tape patterns
· Bond beautifully with label tape, think: bookplates, notebooks gift bags etc
· Evoke envelope envy; jazz up addresses with wraparound address label tape
· Frame children's artwork inexpensively with the unique Baroque Frame tape

Some of the great patterns you can choose from look like this:

Congratulations Dad!

After 45 years, my dad is officially retired. Congrats! Enjoy some much needed rest and get back to fishing! Here's my dad's career story printed in his ceremony program..I'm pretty impressed!

Mr. Philip Gibson is the Chief of the Human Resources Division, Mission Support Directorate, Headquarters Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. He is responsible for providing technical, regulatory, and advisory services to AFCESA and civil engineers worldwide on personnel matters, National Labor Union consultation, organization and manpower requirements.

Mr. Gibson was born in Boston, Mass. Being an Air Force military brat, he enjoyed the many moves all our military members incur. His father retired with the rank of Colonel after 30 years of military service, electing to stay in the Northern Virgina area. As a result of his Air Force upbringing, Mr. Gibson would pursue a civilian career with the Air Force after working for a period of time with Dunn & Bradstreet.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who was in the DP Personnel Career Field, Mr. Gibson began his personnel career in August 1966 as a civilian personnel intern in the Pentagon's HQ AirStaff Civilian Personnel Office as a Staffing Specialist. He was responsible for hiring positions having positive education requirements, such as scientists and engineers, operations research analysts, mathematicians, accounts and auditors. After rising to Senior Staffing Specialist, he was selected in 1972 for a position as an employee relations and classification specialist He broadened his personnel background by resolving employee/management federal employee relation issues, working with employee benefits and entitlements and handling special Employee Assistance Programs. Coupled with position management and classification, he was ready to take on greater responsibility.

In August 1973, Mr. Gibson was selected for a Senior Personnel Management Specialist position with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Civilian Personnel Office. In addition to holding other team chief positions within the office, his primary responsibility was to serve as personnel representative for hiring employees for the U.S. Mission to NATO in Germany, the Air Force portion of NATO/SHAPE Headquarters in Brussels, Department of State. During his last year at OSD, he also serviced the direct office of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense.

In August of 1977, Mr. Gibson accepted a position at Tyndall Air Force Base with a special group of 10 people to begin the process of forming a major tenant organization. This would grow to be a 1000+ employee work force named the Air Force Engineering and Services Center, later name the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency. At that time, he provided civilian personnel advisory services through the AFESC Commander to over 100,000 military and civilian civil engineers worldwide. Over the years, he has continued to provide authoritative guidance and leadership during major reorganizations, organization dis-establishments and mandated military/civilian manpower losses.

Mr. Gibson is a member of several human resource organizations and societies. He married his college sweetheart, Lyn and they have four children - Dawn, David, Kelly and Kari - and five grandchildren.

YAY DAD!!!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Townie!

37 years ago today he was born! Happy Birthday Mr. Townie!

It's Business Time!

This past weekend we went to see Flight of the Conchords at the Fox in Atlanta. It was very funny! Not sure if you are a Conchords fan, but I am a big fan now. Here's a clip from the Atlanta Show! Mr. Townie...put on those business socks!

Hopping Garland

Something from Martha I might even be able to do since they give you a clip art pattern on the website.


Martha's Craft Blog had these great eggs.

Know any great Bachelors?

A colleague of mine received this press release yesterday. Know anyone?

THE SEARCH IS ON FOR THE NEXT BACHELOR!
ABC’s popular series "The Bachelor" is searching for America's most eligible man, as Warner Horizon and Next Entertainment head into the 14th season of the popular reality romance show! The producers are looking for a bachelor who is ambitious, charming, in his late 20s/early 30s, successful, and ready to settle down. It's a tall order to fill, so if someone you know is accomplished in his career and wants to find love, contact us NOW! In order to apply or nominate someone, please contact:

John Perez
Casting Producer
323.297.7127
john@kasstinginc.com

Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelor” is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are the show’s executive
producers.

THERE IS A $5000 FINDERS FEE FOR THE PERSON WHO PUTS US IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE BACHELOR!

Egg-ceptional!!!

Some unique ways to decorate your eggs. A bit different then the basic plain pastels I used to make.

Easter Week

Even though there won't be any Easter Egg hunts at the Hackett's, it's still fun to look at pretty things for the holiday. Let me know if anyone needs me to dress Riggs up as a bunny and bring him over!!! All these are inspirations from Martha for your Easter decor.

Masters Week is almost here

Time for $1.00 Egg Salad Sandwiches, birds chirping and azaleas. Working on tix for the weekend...done the practice rounds before...now it's time for the real thing.

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

Love this stylish baby shower!

Source: Southern Accents

For Kristi and Kim

Kristi and Kim....I saw this on my friends blog, Wingfields in Brussels and thought of you girls since you blog about your little ones...it's from Love September Etsy's shop.

One Kings Lane

Found One Kings Lane today...very similar to the designer clothes sale sites like Rue La La and Ideeli with daily emails on designer brands, but for the home instead of clothes. Right now there are discounts on Dwell and Serena and Lily. Sales will be around 50-70% off. Sign up here.

Spotted Celebration

My friend, Jami, an experienced New Orleans party planner, now lives in PCB and has her hands full with her 2 year-old son. Check out Sullivan's super cool dalmatian birthday party! It never hurts to have a cute house to throw a party either!! I love the flags, the cupcakes, the tablecloths and the little Happy Birthday banner! Great job, Jami!!

Seeing Clearly

Love these tables from Girari Sustainable Events. What a great way to not have to use ugly linens. Wonder how I can afford to get these shipped from Cali to ATL...hmmm.. :)

Savor the Taste

Popped in a neat little store today in Peachtree Battle in Atlanta...Savor Gourmet. It's a gourmet shop for great spices, kitchen gifts, lunch and fabulous cheeses. Found out about the shop from the best catering company...Endive. Chef Drew gets a lot of cheese from there and I didn't realize how much local cheese was available. Very cool!

What time is it?

You're traveling around the world and never know what time zone you in, but now you can. Thought this is pretty fun for the world traveler. Just point the external dial to the city you’re in, and the digital reading changes. The Hand-Held All-World Timepiece retails for $30.

Still loving letterpress

Pistachio Hill is an Atlanta letterpress studio. A gal in my office just used Sunny to create gorgeous invitations for her St. Simons wedding next month. Here is her masterpiece:

I liked these 3 too.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Apron Love

When I was home last weekend, my mom gave me these aprons that she knew I would love. They were handmade by my great grandmother and I would probably flip over them if I saw them in the store today.

Adding to the Collection

Last year I shared my obsession for appetizer plates. I've added a few more since then!!!

Source: Pottery Barn (1 and 2), Mom (butterfly) and Ebay (4 together).

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

Little birdies are chirping everywhere this spring.

Be a Wallflower

When arranged on one wall, these plastic flowers will bring drama to an event space. They attach magnetically to thumbtacks stuck in the wall, and they come in white, black, green or pink. A package of 25 costs $37; for wholesale prices or to find a store, call (800) 387-5122.

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

My tulips are starting to sprout in the backyard...I just love them! I definitely don't grow enough to fill pretty vases so I'll just look here and dream instead.

Weekend Report

Our weekend explained -- exhausted!!! Riggs and Lucy were too!

Spring Break 2009

So, I forgot it's Spring Break in PCB. Turned on the radio and the first two songs I hear are Tootsie Roll and Def Leopard Hysteria. Then, the commercial for the wet T-shirt contest at Club La Vela. You've got to love this place!!!! Mr. Townie and I will be headed out to the beach this afternoon. I'll do my best to get him to cruise the strip one time...hahaha!!

Homeward Bound

Have a nice weekend! Let me know if you need any t-shirts...3 for $5 everywhere!!!

TOWNIE THOUGHTS

Rehabilitated Dishware is an exercise in sustainability, that reincarnates existing products. Sarah Cihat finds used or unwanted ceramics and redesigns and resurfaces them to present as a new collection. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. I might need one of these for my plate collection!!!

Running in Heels

I think I found a new show last night that I'm going to love...Running in Heels on the Style Network. It's about 3 girls who are interning at Marie Claire in NYC. Of course, the girls being caddy comes out immediately, but I am going to love watching it because I have such a young staff in my office. It's funny how these girls all think they should be at the top immediately. Check it out...should be full of glam, gossip and some pretty parties. I'm hoping to get some new fashion tips because I'm in need.

SNOW!!!

The deep south snow was so gorgeous yesterday. Riggs and Mr. Townie enjoyed a brisk walk around the block. Riggs jumped in every one's yard to test out the snow. We wouldn't let him go free in the snow too much because he had just gotten groomed. You can waste that money!!!