Christmas Thyme

Christmas in North Carolina was so fun, even though I got sick. My in-laws are so sweet, and I had a great time just lounging around with them, playing games, watching TV, and taking it easy. PLUS!! My lovely sister in law, Melissa, is pregnant! She hit three months this week so I'm now finally allowed to talk about it. I'm so excited to have a niece or a nephew.

Okay, time for pics!

Nathan's granddad does an amazing Christmas display in his yard...it's literally covered with lights, santas, singing elves, reindeer, it's quite a sight. Notice that I'm in a jacket and Nathan is in short-sleeves? It was about 70 degrees but it didn't feel right to me to not bundle up a little:

Melissa and Al on Christmas morning (sorry, Al, I didn't have many good pics!):



Everyone got together at Nathan's granddad's place on Christmas day for lunch, where Nathan and his little cousin got into a silly string fight. Apparently, Nathan has no mercy for a 7 year old girl.





It was a very jolly Christmas! Tonight is New Years eve. The Flaum's are coming over for dinner and then we're off to Trois. Happy New Year!

Updates, Updates

I have a million things to update you on, but I'll start from the beginning and work my way through the holidays.

First...Chicago!

We had an amazing time with Brian and Meghan in snowy Chicago. We got in relatively early on Friday night, went to a fun Mexican restaurant, then saw the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir at this very cool concert space. Brian is constantly sending us new music to check out- he is quite the music lover- and it's always fun to watch live music with him.

For some reason, we were all pretty hungover on Saturday. Hmm...I have no explanation for that.

But, there was more fun to be had: Carolina Basketball, of course. UNC was playing some random school that I've never heard of (Valparaiso?) and we just had to go, because really, when you get a chance to see UNC basketball, you do it!

Saturday night was a BLAST. Brian and Meghan had a joint birthday party, and Nathan and I must have earned some good karma because the party was at their home, meaning we didn't have to venture out into the SNOWY, ZERO degree weather.

Brian and Meghan's friends and family were all so nice, and we had a great time partying with everyone. What did we love the most? Finishing off the night playing Rock Band. I'm addicted. I'm also a very talented drummer, if you must know. My courageous, talented husband was the only one willing to do the singing, and did so happily until the wee hours of the morning. I fell asleep in the guest room listening to him sing in the other room: Baila bailaa la bamba!...

We love hanging out with the Dursts. We'll definitely be back to Chicago...in the summertime.

Chicago!

It's 70 degrees today in Atlanta. We are taking off for Chicago in a few hours, where it has been snowing, with a projected high today of 32 degrees. Fun! Nathan is already starting to shiver, I just know it.

We have a packed weekend...concert tonight, Carolina basketball game tomorrow, Brian and Meghan's birthday party tomorrow night. It's going to be non-stop and I am so excited. I have my camera battery charged up and will post pics on Sunday!

Have a good weekend!

P.S. This picture is a reflection of my mood for this weekend, not of what I'm actually packing. Although, leg warmers might be a good idea?

Week Before Christmas

I've been waiting to post until I got back some pictures from our weekend in NYC, but haven't received any yet. We had an amazing time...it was so nice to see the UVA girls at Elizabeth and Brett's engagement party, and then of course to catch up with the HBS crowd at Patty's party. We were out Saturday night until 4am, which is the craziest we've been in a long time. Pictures to come!

This last week of work before Christmas has been a bit frustrating, and slow. Mostly because I feel like I should be busy with work, but there isn't much to do. I sort of feel like a slacker.

So, to make up for that, I've decided to go through all of my home design magazines (collected for the past two years), and tear out what I love for my design book, and then throw the rest away. Like Spring cleaning, only earlier!

This weekend we are off to Chicago to see Brian and Meghan (and UNC basketball!), and then to North Carolina for Christmas. Exciting!

The Post in Which I Inundate You With Pictures of Flowers

Last night was Nathan's firm's Christmas Party. They always hold it at the Piedmont Driving Club, which is walking distance from our place, so Nathan invited all the younger guys over for drinks beforehand. Having guests is usually our motivation to gussy up our apartment, and for me to buy tons of flowers to decorate with. Here are a few pics of our masterpiece:

Still life with fruit and paper towels.

Lopsided Christmas Mini-tree with Clementines.


A little bit of Shabby Chic.


Danny gave us this gorgeous vase. I love the stark contrast between the white, the dark wood, and the bright flowers.

Tonight we are headed up to NYC for a fun weekend. Elizabeth and Brett are having an engagement party at a gallery, and then we are going to Patty's place for an HBS get together. I'm so excited (and a little overwhelmed) to catch up with everyone.

Love to all from Atlanta.

Bust a Move

There is nothing more fun than an 80's party.

Last night we went to an 80's party to celebrate our friend Rhea's graduation, which was in a private club in the Virginia Highlands. We had way too much fun. The music was fantastic, the costumes were totally rad, and we stayed out dancing way too late. It was perfect!

Seriously, Everyone is Pregnant

Don't worry, not me!

Yesterday I got a phone call from my friend Alexandra, whom I've known since the 8th grade. She's pregnant! She's engaged to a nice guy named James, and the wedding was supposed to be in May, but has been moved to December. So, I'm not sure I'm going to make it (December 26th is a hard day to work around), but I'm so excited for them.

But really, at this point, I feel like I'm getting weekly phone calls from friends telling me that they are pregnant. I guess we are at that age. Weddings, babies, weddings, babies.

We have a fun weekend ahead of us. A dress up 80's party tomorrow night in the VA Highlands, Handel's Messiah at the Atlanta Symphony on Saturday, and Brooke's baby shower on Sunday. I need to figure out something to bake for that.

Pictures to come...

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend in DC...lots of food, lots of family, and lots of Wii. Wii is the most fun video game system I've ever played, and we spent a lot of time at Uncle Reza's place playing tennis, ski jump, yoga, baseball, bowling and more on the Wii. It really is addictive!

Now we are back in Atlanta relaxing and preparing for the long week ahead. Can't we stay on vacation a little longer?

Missing all of our friends and family that we didn't get to see this weekend. Can't wait to see you soon.

Here are a few pics from the weekend:

Almost Thanksgiving

Arya told me that I haven't been updating my blog often enough. I am shocked...shocked! I didn't think he read it! Aw, I have the cutest little brother.

We are heading up to DC tomorrow afternoon, and staying at Uncle Reza's house until Saturday. I'm thrilled. Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, mostly because it's stress free (no, of course I'm not cooking, why do you ask?), we get to eat delicious food (my auntie Lis's famous stuffing), lounge around all day, and then go to a movie. This is Nathan's first Thanksgiving with the Heidari/Emami family, and I hope he enjoys it as much as I clearly will.

More updates from DC, and Thanksgiving pics, to come!

Yeah, Baby!

On Saturday, Patricia and I spent most of the day (after a brunch at Food 101), shopping for cute items for Brooke's baby shower, which is in a few weeks. I have to say, that while looking at baby clothes and blankets and pacifiers was really adorable, it also emphasized to me that I'm not quite ready to embark on that big step just yet. I'm just thrilled to have friends who are having babies so that I can play with them instead.

How cute is the whale theme on this onesie?

Also, Carolyn just announced that she's pregnant with baby #2! So, little Hadley is going to have a younger brother or sister. I'm so excited to see her, as well as pregnant Jenny (and of course the other, not pregnant girls) in Charlottesville this February.

Short work week! I'm so excited for Thanksgiving.

Bonjour!

Yesterday I got my hair cut and lowlighted at Dragonfly, a gorgeous new salon in west midtown. Holly has cut my hair once before, and I just think she is amazing.

I feel so French with my shorter, darker hair. I keep saying that, too. tres chic, oui oui, ca va, mon cherie, bonjour!

Now I just need some red lipstick.

Water, Water, Everywhere...

I feel like I start every post with "we had such a busy week" but really, this past weekend was insane.

Friday Night: One Midtown Kitchen and the 'World Financial Crisis Party' at Patricia and Josh's place.

Saturday Morning: Brae and Seth were in town for Brae's Zooma Race (she developed this women's race series after quitting her law firm job). The race was on Sunday, and I volunteered to help out with packet pick-up on Saturday.

Saturday early afternoon: Call from Nathan. The apartment is partially flooded. My darling husband left a nalgene bottle to fill up on our fridge door, and quickly forgot about it. It overflowed for 45 minutes and left a huge wet patch in our dining room area.

Saturday afternoon-evening: UNC crowd over for Football AND basketball games.

Saturday night: Dinner at Trois.

Sunday, 5:45am: Wake up and head out to Volunteer at the Zooma race! Here's what it looked like when we first got there:

Not only dark, but cold too!

Here we are after the sun came out at the finish line. It was a great time, and Brae did an amazing job. Almost 2,000 people ran!

Sunday afternoon: To the mall to finish up wedding registry stuff

Sunday evening: I cooked Zereshk Polo for Seth, Brae, Erica Buxton, and her sister. And guess what? It was good! Maybe the best I've ever made it (I'm proud of myself!).

Today I took the series 53 exam (passed, thankfully), and got my haircut (and dyed dark!), and just want to pass out now. More to come tomorrow.

Red Shoes

Despite having an extremely busy work day, I'm happy today, for several reasons (one of them is a secret, for now!). The other is my new red shoes. Really, I think patent leather red shoes were put on this earth to make you feel like a little girl again, or maybe a little girl's doll. Not to mention that I got them at J.Crew during some sort of freakish sale that allowed me to buy these $138 shoes for $40.

It was meant to be.

Sunday Morning

Nathan went to UNC for Homecoming this weekend, so I've had a few days to myself to study for my upcoming series 53 exam, catch up on reading, and have a girls night. Last night I watched TWO Romantic Comedies plus Good Will Hunting. It was wonderful.

This morning I took a walk to get some coffee...it's such a pretty Fall day, I had to take a few pictures.

How gorgeous is this little apartment building?



I think Firefighters live in this house.

Voting

What a big day!

The wait to vote was about an hour and a half, which wasn't too bad.



I am now a Georgia Voter...never thought I'd say that!

Arts and Crafts

Nathan and I had a very busy Sunday. First, we had our usual breakfast trip to Alon's (our favorite bakery) for a gruyere scone and a poppyseed danish, and iced coffees. Delicious!

Then, a slightly stressful trip to Macy's to return our entire wedding china set, which we found out was defective. I was so sad to return my Kate Spade pattern, and was not looking forward to picking out a new one. Of course, my wonderful husband convinced me to get over it, and our china search was underway. It only took a few hours to find a new china set, and I love it!

Our other big Sunday to-do was a little arts and crafts project. Our friends Abbey and Doug, with whom we went to the Halloween Party, accidentally left a part of Doug's costume at our place at the end of the night. So, rather than return the item to Doug (not fun), Nathan thought up the idea of creating a ransom note to slip under their door (Fun!).

The exchange is happening tonight. He'd better come alone, or the pants will get hurt!

Sick Week

Nathan and I both caught a cold this week. Actually, Nathan caught a cold and gave it to me. We are both so sniffly and congested.

Nathan stayed home from work on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Too bad I was too busy working to get to hang out with him on the couch.

Tonight we are out to dinner for Jase's birthday, and then tomorrow...Halloween!

Hopefully we'll feel good enough to go out and celebrate.

An Early Halloween

On Saturday night, we went to a totally fun Halloween party at Park Tavern. I'm not sure why it was held a week before the real Halloween, though. Nathan and I went as 'Cougar' and 'attacked by a Cougar', but people thought he was a zombie and that I was a kitty. It was more obvious when we did the signature move, seen here:

And it's hard to believe, but that is my real hair. Rrawwrr.

For the real Halloween this Friday, we are thinking of doing something more low-key. Perhaps going to the Virginia Highlands to watch little kids trick or treat, and then a dinner date?

Long Week

It's Saturday! Finally!

What a long week. I was in Birmingham, AL for work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Going to BHAM is always productive, but always exhausting. When I got home, Nathan surprised me with a newly cleaned apartment and flowers. He is the best.

On Wednesday night, we had dinner at Beleza with some new friends who were introduced to us by our friend Danny. Beleza is an amazing organic restaurant with the BEST drinks in Atlanta. We love Beleza.

Thursday night was my turn to host book club. I always enjoy catching up with the book club girls, and since this was my first time hosting, I put together quite a spread:

Only two girls showed up! BUT, it was actually very fun, as the more intimate group lent itself to a lot of great conversation (and more wine per person).

This is our first weekend in Atlanta in three weeks, and it's so nice to be home.

Happy Tears

I think Charlottesville might be the most perfect place to visit in the Fall. It really is so beautiful.

I had not been back to UVA since the last time they played UNC two years ago- one of the first trips Nathan and I took together. Sadly for Nathan, the UNC losing streak to UVA continued this weekend, but it didn't prevent us from having a fabulous time regardless. I told Nathan that from the moment we arrived to town, I felt constantly on the verge of tears. That is how happyI was to be back.

We stayed at Jenny and Matthews lovely new home, they were so sweet to have us.

Saturday Morning always means a visit to the Farmer's Market. I think Charlottesville's Market is AMAZING. I found this flower stand, full of gorgeous Dahlias.

Followed by brunch with Melissa, but I was so excited to catch up, I forgot to take pictures!

Of course we took pics on the Lawn!

After the game, a delicious dinner at The Local...lots of wine and good conversation with the Sachs' and the future Barrys.

I feel so lucky to have gone to such a wonderful school.

Wedding Pictures

I just received proofs for about 1,000 pictures from our wedding weekend.

I love them, but I have no idea where to start! Selecting pictures and organizing them into albums is going to be a HUGE project.

Also, it's about 85 degrees today in Atlanta...just crazy!

A Carolina Weekend

This is how a Carolina weekend works:

A Long drive, Friday night dinner at Crooks Corner, then relaxing in preparation for Saturday. Saturday morning breakfast on Franklin Street, then tailgating with friends.

UNC v. Notre Dame. Carolina wins big...the crowd goes wild.

Drinks at the Franklin, off to bed, and then breakfast at Foster's Market, my favorite.

Another long drive. Home again.

Getting ready for Charlottesville next weekend!

Working from Home

I have a love/hate relationship with my work setup. Some days I feel so lucky to be able to work from home, and here's why:

1. I don't have to wear a business suit, business casual, or any of that nonsense. My work from home 'uniform' usually involves jeans, a tank top, and a cardigan. More recently, I hate to admit that I have been wearing my juicy sweatpants for work. Don't worry, you will never see me in them outside of the house.

2. Eating at home. I actually love being able to drink my own coffee, in one of my gorgeous new coffee cups (with saucers, always), while I go over the morning news. I love being able to make healthy lunches at home, which is so much cheaper and more delicious than eating out.

3. No commuting! Atlanta is just the WORST when it comes to driving. Traffic, traffic, everywhere. I'm still stubbornly holding out on ever having to buy a car, and working from home makes that much easier.

Why working from home is not so fun:

1. Do you ever have one those days when you look at the clock and realize that half the work day is over and you haven't interacted with anyone at all? I have those often. Sometimes Nathan comes home and I realize that he's the first person I've spoken to all day...and that is a scary feeling.

2. Distractions, distractions. People wonder if working from home results in me just watching TV all day, but actually, I rarely watch TV. If the TV is on, its usually on CNBC for some background noise. One thing I learned pretty quickly in my new set up is that daytime television is the WORST. Ugh. It's just awful. Mostly, my distractions come in the form of little things to do around the house. Why not organize my closet? Why not go for a quick run outside? Why not throw in a quick load of laundry? Distracting!

Really, I can't complain. Working from home is great.

Rainy Day

This is what it looks like outside today:

There is no sun, good thing we have Sunflowers inside!

Today, for me, it's all about staying cozy inside and getting a lot of work done.

So sad that Nathan has to work late every night this week.

Lazy Sunday

Lazy Sunday started off in a very delicious way:

Nathan's homemade blueberry pancakes...yummy.

Last night the UNC crowd came over to watch their team demolish UConn...there was pizza and wine, and a lot of cheering.

Our friends David and Jenny brought us these lovely flowers, which reminded them of the color of our wedding flowers. So sweet of them to think of us!

How lucky am I to live in a home filled with flowers?

Farmer's Market

I love the Farmer's Market on Saturday Mornings.

Today we bought: Tomatoes, Cilantro, Arugula, Blueberries, one Eggplant, and of course, Fleurs.


Now it's time for some college football...ah, Fall.