Atlanta Advice

O.K., friends, if you only had 24 hours in Atlanta, where would you go shopping?

Now I know Mrs. Howard is on the list, it's a must do, but where else would you go?

Budget friendly would be great too. Any favorite consignment shops?

Quick, quick. Let me know your thoughts!

Rest & Rejuvenation

thank you Cindy Rinfret

Have you ever noticed your bed seems to feel it's best in the morning,

when you have to get up?

That was certainly the case with me this morning.

I have had contractors in the house for two weeks now. I am so tired of it, but

I keep reminding myself that the more they are here, the more progress is made.

We have had electricians, plumbers, and landscapers this week. Sounds like a new house, doesn't it? It's not. It's old, just needing a little sprucing up.

The antiqued marble in the kitchen is wonderful. I adore the way it looks and feels. Unlike honed, "antiqued" has a bit of texture. I think I have finally found a countertop with warmth--even though it's rather light in shade. Once I can clear the tops of all the boxes and clutter, I'll have to show you a picture.

Until I can show you a picture of my kitchen, let me leave you with one amazing designer, Tammy Connor. She's definitely got calm, cool style.

Do you have big design plans for the weekend? Are you going to do any sprucing?

Have a restful and rejuvenating weekend everyone!

Marble and Mad Men-a good combo

We are getting closer!

Just a sneak peak.

Wear and tear update too: I left coffee and catsup on the stone for a week. Not a problem.

I'm so impressed. Now, I wonder what red wine and blueberries would do?

More later...

Oh, and what did you think of Mad Men last night? Dick Whitman, when will you learn?!

Isn't Joan the best.

No, no, Southern Accents!

I'm just sick over this!

Southern Accents is no longer going to be published.

The announcement was made yesterday that the September/October issue would be the last.

Scarry to think that I have copies that are almost this old. The magazine began in 1977.

Honestly, where will we turn now for great Southern interiors?

Really, I want to know.

Ideas, anyone?

Ugh. This just makes me sick.

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On a brighter note, the Consummate Hostess has given me a kind award:

She thinks I'm a "Great Read" and I'm flattered.

Thank you, Consummate Hostess, you a great read too!

The Lincoln Kitchen?

Well, not exactly the Lincoln kitchen, but I'm using the same marble.

Alabama White.

Isn't it lovely? After much debate, I decided that if I used anything else, I'd not be satisfied.

In a way, it's a "greener" kitchen because of the stone selection. By choosing a regional stone, not only am I supporting a local industry, but also reducing the consumption of fuels used in transportation. Don't you think we should all try buy local?

Here's the exact slab that we will have cut. It has an antiqued finish. It has a bit more tooth than honed and no shine at all.

We've had honed granite in another kitchen for almost 10 years. We've loved it. It shows nothing and truly seems indestructible. I say all of this because I've gotten used to basically not caring for it, other than routine cleaning. So, I was a bit concerned about selecting marble.

I did my research and decided to do an experiment on a honed sample slab. I sealed half of it with a stone impregnator. I put coffee, water, cooking oil, cranberry juice, and lemon juice on it.

On the unsealed side, the oil, cranberry and lemon were the worst.
The oil soaked in and appears deep. The cranberry and lemon etched
the surface, causing it to appear more matte than before.

On the sealed side, the lemon and cranberry were still problems. The lemon was the worst. Anything with acid will cause etching. It certainly appears that stains can be avoided by using a good impregnating sealer. Etching on the other hand, will happen with acids even on a honed marble--therefore, I chose the antiqued finish.

Any of you have experience with marble in a kitchen or bath? I'd like to hear about it. Even better, send me pictures!