Hi there....

2014 was a year of change.  I haven't really blogged since the beginning of last year, and a LOT has happened since then. I had a baby, moved into a new home, and made major transitions in my business. 

Maines just turned one and he could not be more of a joy. People told me how much it changes going from one child to two but he fits so perfectly, is so laid back, and luckily, Tilley-Gray is pretty obsessed with her little brother. 

Tilley-Gray is just about the most darling little girl I could ask for. She certainly has her moments, but in between playing dress up and telling us stories about princesses, she's casting a pink fishing rod sitting on the coffee table in our living room. She's a daddy girl, that's a given, but she sure does love her momma. 

Our new home, like most, is a constant work in progress. It was built in 1997 and has a great floor plan, is in a great neighborhood at the end of a  cul-de-sac,  in the best school district.... it just needs some cosmetic changes to bring it up to date. That is an entirely different post, but we are ticking away little by little. I can't wait to show you around the house, what we are working on, and what I'm dreaming up as our next projects. 

The design company that I co-founded, Poplin & Queen Interiors, dissolved  at the end of last year and I have transitioned into my own design firm, Lindsey Cheek Interiors. What I thought would be a slow and steady process of growth has actually been greeted with many new projects and clients. The homes I am designing right now are all in the beginning stages and I am excited to share the progress as they come along. 

In addition to designing, I am in the process of opening an etsy shop! I've always wanted a little shop and with fabric inventory piling up and little treasures I've collected along the way not quite all fitting into my own home, it was time to finally do it.  Think dozens of custom pillows, small accessories, art work, and a few of my favorite hostess gifts.  We are finishing up all the photography next week and as soon as the shop goes live, I will let y'all know!

  In all of this transition I have moved into a new studio space that I share with 2 other designers. We have a revolving inventory of items in the studio and  are open by chance or by appointment to shop out of. We are planning a big summer party and as soon as those details are wrapped up, I will let you all know that too!  

With all of these changes, what it comes back to is that I sure do miss blogging. I miss the network of people that I met through Fifi Cheek, I miss being able to look back at the weeks and months of inspiration, and more than anything, I miss the interaction that I had with all of my sweet readers.

I'm back and I'm refreshed and I can't wait to share with y'all again! 

xoxo

photos by Amanda Holloman

Friday Favorites: Twine & Twig

Twine & Twig... these two sisters from Charlotte are killing it. I am beyond obsessed with their new Spring collection. The leather and suede straps and all of the natural shells and glass beads are so gorgeous. Hopefully one of these will be arriving in the mail to me for Valentine's day (hint hint Gray!) and can perk up my daily uniform of a denim shirt and jeans. 

Twine & Twig is having a flash sale just in time for Valentine's Day. 

Enter CUPID20 to receive 20% off! 

Currently Crushing

Currently crushing lots of black and white, graphic details, and as always, adorable kids. 

images via my pinterest page

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Hello there...

Y'all....this is Maines. 

He's almost five months old and I am so excited to finally introduce him to you all. He is the sweetest, most darling little boy and I can't wait to share his birth story and his newborn photos. 

But first I wanted to just say hi.

It has been months since I've blogged. We have moved, had intensive design work, and OH! I had a baby too!  So many new exciting things with life and with Poplin & Queen Interiors coming up in the next few weeks and months. With so much going on, something had to give, but I have missed this little blog and all of you so much. So no promises or scheduled post, but when I have something that I think is just too good not to share, I'll be back to share it with you all. 

xoxo

thanks Millie Holloman for the sweet photo of Maines

Currently Craving: Crispy Autumn Kale Salad

I looked at my instagram profile yesterday and was embarrassed by how much food I've been posting. The hazards of being 7 months pregnant I guess. This salad is too good not to share, especially because it's right on par for all of you that are trying to get back into the healthy swing of things for the New Year. I can't remember where I found it (pinterest is my best bet) but I traced it back to a new favorite blog, How Sweet It Is. 

This salad is seriously good.

Crispy Autumn Kale Salad

1 Bunch of Kale, torn from stems and torn into pieces

2 teaspoons of olive oil

2 teaspoons of apple cider

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 shallot, diced

1 clove of garlic, minced

1 sweet potato, diced

1 Honeycrisp apple, diced

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup pomegranate arils

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place kale in a large bowl and massage olive oil, apple cider, 1/8 teaspoon salt, nutmeg and pepper into for 1-2 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 10 minutes. Toss well and roast for 5-10 minutes more, until slightly crispy but not golden.

While kale is roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until crispy and fat is rendered (about 2 minutes), then remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on a paper towel. Add the shallot, garlic, sweet potatoes and apples to the skillet, tossing with remaining salt and cinnamon. You want the sweet potato and apple finely diced, about the same size as the bacon bits and only slightly larger than the pom arils and pine nuts. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.

In a small saucepan, add pine nuts and toast over low heat for 5-6 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Set aside.

Combine kale with apples and sweet potatoes, pine nuts, goat cheese and pom arils. I don't find this needs any sort of additional dressing (the kale will not stay crispy) but feel free to add some if you'd like.

• • Recipe and Photo Via How Sweet It Is Blog
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Wanting

These Charlotte D'orsay shoes from Loeffler Randall may

 just be the most perfect shoe for Spring. 

Less than three months until this little boy arrives and I think these would be the most perfect shoes to break out after I have him. 

Don't you agree?

New Year's Eve

There is nothing more that I love then getting dolled up and going out on New Year's Eve, having a delicious meal and great cocktails with Grayson and a few great friends. This year is a little different with being pregnant and having a two year old. We are going for an early dinner with a few favorite friends that have kiddos too, then coming home to have a cozy late night together.  It can be just as fun, and a lot less stressful doing it at home. Here’s the plan:

Cozy Up:

You can still get dolled up, but tonight is the perfect excuse to splurge on darling silk pajamas and slippers. I love Equipment shirts so much, and they now have gorgeous pajamas. They are pricey, but I've heard they will last for the long haul. 

Equipment Lillian Polka-dot Pajama Set / Elizabeth Cole Starburst Earrings 

Charlotte Olympia Cat Nap Silk Satin Slippers and Eye Mask

Fancy Foods and a Movie

Break out the china and crystal, even if it’s just for you and your better half or best girlfriend. Since we are doing dinner out, I've picked up a few sweet treats and Grayson's favorite wine for later. We are going to watch a movie and hopefully make it until the ball drops at midnight. 

2013 has been an incredible years with blessings, struggles, and lots and lots of laughs. I know 2014 will do the same. I hope you all have an incredible last day of 2013 and a very happy New Year!