ABC Carpet & Home

I have heard people sing the praises of ABC Carpet & Home for years, but never had a chance to see it for myself. While we were in NYC, Heather and I spent an entire afternoon drooling over the 6 floors (!!!) of goodies. Here's a little peek of what we saw...

And that's just a glimpse of it. I have never seen such a fantastic selection in so many different styles, it was truly a visual overload. If you ever get a chance to visit ABC Carpet & Home yourself, do it!

NYC Glimpse

Here's a few photos from our trip last week! We went to NYC with Cory's agent, Matt Silver, his wife + my BFF, Heather, and their most adorable baby, Elsa.

First up, the whole reason for the trip: the premiere of The Last Flight of Petr Ginz. Here's the gang looking unintentionally cool outside the Walter Reade Theater at the Lincoln Center. The premiere was completely exhilarating. I am so proud of my hubby, and it was wonderful to see him recognized for his amazing work. I just about cried when the theater went dark and the huge screen lit up with his art. This was a dream project for him, and I can't wait to see where it's going to take us.

Cory and I at Rockefeller Center, this was the only really cold day.

At the Martha Stewart show! As soon as I knew we were going to NYC, I secured tickets for Heather and I to attend. It was sooooo much fun! The set is gorgeous, Martha is completely fantastic, and the experience is a blast. If you watched the show last Wednesday, March 15th, it was a live taping and I was in the audience.

Lovely cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.....mmmmm.

We stayed on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, and there was a H&M right around the corner. We girls spent an afternoon there, and brought home some goodies.

Elsa and I in Union Square... we stumbled on a little market there, and had some delicious treats.

Heather and I on the Staten Island Ferry... this was so relaxing and enjoyable, and free! What a great view we had, and even in the early evening it was incredibly warm.

Gorgeous sunset view of Lady Liberty.

Cold and windy on the way back, but so fun to see the city lit up!

*****

So all in all, a marvelous trip. Not much sleep, but lots of good food, wonderful friends, and memorable times. I'd love to visit again soon.

Check out the full photo album on Facebook!

Happy Weekend!

photography by Oliver Schwarzwald, image via blue pool road

Unfortunately, I won't be returning from NYC laden down with lovely packages such as these, but I'll share some photos of our little trip next week. 

Have a happy weekend! 

Food on Sticks

We're probably all familiar with craze of cake pops, but here's some other foods that look adorable on a stick!

Cinnamon Rolls by Zoe Bakes

Cookie Sandwiches by Pen n' Papers

Pie Pops by Luxirare

Mini Cupcakes by Sweet Paul

White on White

While I'm too much in love with color to ever decorate solely with white, I can certainly appreciate how serene the effect is. Check out these fabulous white on white living spaces that I've discovered on Pinterest.

Source: houseofbliss.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: followstudio.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: hookedonhouses.net via Erin on Pinterest

Source: ginger-ella.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

The Last Flight of Petr Ginz

By the time you read this, I will on a plane headed to NYC. I am so ridiculously excited to be there, it's been over a decade since my last visit. The shops, the food, the buildings, the're all calling to me, and I am going to soak up every experience I can.

However, the real reason for this trip is to attend the premiere of an independent documentary, The Last Flight of Petr Ginz. This story told is that of Petr Ginz, a boy growing up in Prague during World War II. My oh-so-talented husband served at the Art Director for the animated portions of the film, and he also prepared many of Petr's original drawings and paintings for animation. Cory created some of the most beautiful pieces for this documentary, including a stunning outer space sequence. His artwork was brilliantly brought to life by animator Danny McNight. The film will be premiering at the Lincoln Center in NYC, and I am so delighted to be there.

A bit about Petr Ginz: By 14 he had written five novels and penned a diary about the Nazi occupation of Prague. By 16 he had produced more than 170 drawings and paintings, edited an underground magazine in the Theresienstadt Ghetto, written numerous short stories and had walked to the gas chamber at Auschwitz.

But this is a story of celebration as well as tragedy, a testament to how a boy’s wonder and creative expression represent the best of what makes us human.

And here's a little peek!


The Last Flight of Petr Ginz from Cindy Hill on Vimeo.

Update: I am so sorry about the wrong video being shown here for the past few days! Blogger must have messed something up, since the embedded tagline was still correct. I didn't notice it until just now, as I didn't have internet access while we were traveling. I've corrected the code and got the right video showing now!

Weekend Glimpse

We had some amazing weather this weekend! I hope it was equally lovely where you are.

New tablecloth + forsythia blooms

(the tablecloth is Dwell Studio for Target)

Cupcake papers are so pretty, I decided to put some on display.

Sweet, fluffy, babies! I love them.

My dear neighbor has some chickens, and just got these tiny ones.

Not pictured:

- talking paint colors for Annie's new house

- Seinfield re-runs

- grilled cheese sandwhiches

- massive ordering of supplies for an upcoming craft show

- planning new jewelery designs

- lots of dishes to wash

- red shoes

Happy Weekend!

source unknown, please comment if you know it

Just a quick post to stay hello before I dash out the door... I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead filled with happy things and baby elephants!

Before & After: Stool

 It's always amazing what a little spray paint can do... this is not a complicated project by any means, but the final product made me quite happy. I've had this little wooden stool from Ikea for several years, and never quite found the right place for it. My tastes have changed a bit since then, and the whitewashed finish felt too rustic in my home now. Now that my walk-in closet is organized with new shelving, this little stool is perfect to reach the top shelves. I decided to glam it up with some metallic gold.

Ta-da! Now this little guy is sleek and elegant. As always, patience is the key for a good spray paint finish. I did about 12 very light coats, and it turned out perfect.

Ceiling Medallions

from Do It Yourself, via Apartment Therapy

I love the look of these ornate ceiling medallions used as wall art! Ceiling medallions used to be made of plaster, but are now most commonly formed of urethane, so they are extremely lightweight and easy to hang. Most come already primed, and will take a coat of paint quite well. I'd love to see a grouping in various shades of pink! It would also be great to use one with a large center opening and have a mirror cut to fit. You can find these medallions at your local big-box hardware store, though their selection may be limited. I've discovered a fantastic online retailer, The Architectural Depot. They have a huge variety of ceiling medallions, ranging in size from 4 inches to over 70 inches, and prices start at around $8! You can check out their selection here. I really can't wait to have an excuse to try these out!

Creative Food Presentations

I am always looking for interesting ways to serve or present food... it's little details like these that make parties look fabulous. Here's a few great ideas I've run across, I can't wait to try them!

Crudites, via Martha Stewart

A thick slice of baguette, with a little well hollowed out on the diagonal side. Fill with fresh veggies and a dollop of dip.

Salad Cups and Dessert in a Jar, via Martha Stewart (includes sources)

A fresh salad becomes a cool hors d'oeuvre presented in a paper cup with a mini wooden fork.

A sticky dessert is sweet and sophisticated when served in a glass jar with a little spoon (this would be a great favor idea!)

Sprinkled Milk, source unknown 

What an adorable way to serve milk at a child's party! Dip the rim of a glass in water, then dip the rim into a dish of sprinkles, turning gently to coat. When filling the decorated glasses with milk, use a funnel to avoid disturbing the sprinkles.

Edible Plants, via Martha Stewart (includes sources)

These darling dessert cups are a grown-up take on the popular "dirt" kid's cake. Glass votives are filled with chocolate pudding, then topped with crushed chocolate wafers. Tuck in a lavender bloom or lemon verbena, and serve with a wooden spoon (doubles as a plant marker).

Mini Grilled Cheese, via fresh tart

Mini food is so adorable! These baby grilled cheese sandwiches are made with baguette slices, and served atop a steaming espresso cup filled with tomato soup.

Chocolate Cups, via Bakerella, via simple song

Edible chocolate cups can be used to serve ice cream, pudding, sorbet, or cold fruit soups. See Bakerella's post for the full instructions.

Weekend Glimpse

Cory surprised me with these hilarious old owls. They're vintage salt and pepper shakers, and they're just creepy enough to make me laugh.

Nintendo-inspired drawings, Cory's new series. I edited the photos and did all the Etsy listings for him (that's true love right there). He did a set of 50, and nearly half have sold already. 

See the collection here, and buy here.

Snickerdoodles! I was really craving these old-fashioned cookies on Sunday afternoon... I have no idea why, I haven't had them since high school.
So I made some, and they were scrumptious.

Not pictured:

- piles of laundry

- sleeping in

- Beatles Rock Band!

- awesome midnight thunderstorms

- pizza and movie night

- Sunday breakfast out

- discovering "Say Yes to the Dress" on Netflix

Collections: Pretty Packages

I adore pretty packages. In fact, I've got a whole inspiration board full of nothing but gorgeous gifts. Here's a few of my current favorites...

Elegant packages with DIY tutorials by Style Me Pretty

Silhouettes and Feathers by Kitchsy Digitals

Fabric-wrapped favors by Handmade Weddings, via the haystack needle

Advent packages in white by uruguay white life

Wall calendar wrapping paper by Real Simple

Confetti-dipped packages by Tokketok

Sweet Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. I love to serve the meatballs alone for a hearty appetizer, or on hoagie rolls for a meal. If I'm in a hurry, I'll use pre-cooked frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch, though if you have the time, definitely make them from scratch, they're way better. I also love to serve the sauce over meatloaf.

Sweet Garlic Meatballs

For Meatballs:
1 egg
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
2 T. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 lb. lean ground beef
 
For Sauce:
1 c. ketchup
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
dash liquid smoke, optional

For Sandwiches:
6 sandwich rolls, split

Directions:
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients, mix well. Roll into 1 inch balls. Place meatballs in an ungreased 1 quart baking dish.

In a separate bowl, combine all sauce ingredients, mix well.

Pour sauce over meatballs. Cover and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serve on sandwich rolls, if desired.

Notes:
You can substitute 1 lb. of pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Combine the frozen meatballs and sauce. Either heat through in a large saucepan, bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or in a crockpot on high for 2 hours.

It's important that the sauce be heated along with the meatballs, so that the meatballs stay moist and the sugar in the sauce can dissolve. 

The sauce freezes great, I often make up large batches and freeze it in quart bags.

Doily DIY

I've rounded up a few great craft tutorials using doilies... I want to try each and every one!

This glorious table runner uses vintage doilies
and was designed by under the sycamore. 

DIY instructions here!

These sweet drink parasols use paper doilies,
thanks to a tutorial by {papermash}.

DIY instructions here!

Ok, so this darling lace tape isn't made from a doily,
but it's so cute I let it slide. 

DIY instructions here!

 I love this light fixture made from doilies, and can't wait until I have the prefect spot for this project from Dos Family.

DIY instructions here!

How gorgeous is this little bowl? It's perfect for on a nightstand or in the bathroom to catch stray earrings or hairpins.
Tutorial by Sodapop Design, via Creature Comforts.

DIY instructions here, with English run-down here!

New Video from Art & Light

I'm thrilled to share this little video with you. It was put together by Teresa Roche of Art & Light Gallery, and highlights two of my favorite local artists, Kent Ambler and Annie Koelle.

The video is all about what it is to be a full-time artist. I love the shots of Kent and Annie working in their studios, and it's refreshing to hear them talk about the hard work and dedication that it takes to excel in this field.

Art & Light is a gallery here in Greenville, SC that showcases the best art in town. The gallery is a favorite stop for me because the work is approachable and affordable. Teresa curates a fantastic mix of fine art, jewelry, and vintage furniture. If you've haven't been to Art & Light before, the gallery is located in the Pendleton Street Arts District and is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5. There's always something new to see, so stop back often!