Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Grove Park Inn and Market

The idea of relaxing and going to market don't typically go together but this year, Gray had a conference at the Grove Park Inn about the same time that market started. Instead of not seeing each other for a solid week we decided to make full trip of it, sans kids, and spend a little uninterrupted time together. After all, things are going to get a little more exciting around here (that's what I tell myself when I start getting overwhelmed and so far so good!)

We started the trip by stopping in High Point so that I could go to the vintage and antique market. Most of the other showrooms were still setting up and not quite open but being there early I was able to score beautiful things for the store. 

I am constantly on the search for vintage oushak rugs and found beautiful rugs including one for a project I'm working on right now (not pictured). There were piles of over dyed rugs but these were tucked back in a corner folded up and to be quite honest, it was lucky Gray was there with me because he was happy to unfold them all for me. After about half an hour of going through these rugs, there were about a dozen other people around as Gray would flip each rug out. Luckily I got first dibs and scored these for the new store!



Buying for a store is so much harder than pulling things for clients and I can tell just by looking at the store right now what I'm really drawn to and it's unique tables because I have about 6 in my  little store. The last thing I needed to buy was a table but this one caught my eye and I couldn't leave without it. How great would this be in a more modern house with light walls and a set of pretty lamps? Y'all it is so pretty. Somebody come and get it before I take it home!

Gray couldn't get over these vintage dough bowls for some reason so they are came home with us too for the store. I wasn't quite sure about them but you'll see a little further down that apparently he wasn't the only one that loved them (they were all over market!) and I found just the right thing for them!

After I emptied my wallet at the antique part of market, we hoped back in the car and headed to Asheville. Gray was honored this past weekend at a continuing education retreat and I was lucky enough to spend the weekend at the Grove Park Inn with him. We ate and while he was in class I worked a little by the huge fireplace, hiked, went to yoga class, and then on Saturday spent 8 hours at the spa. I didn't know what to do with myself!

I packed so last minute for this weekend and just threw in what I thought I would need for market, a night or two out for dinner, but really didn't think about the days too much while I was at the Grove Park Inn. I went hiking every morning and afterwards had coffee on the back porch while I worked a little. Let me just tell you.... the more "mature" guest at the hotel were no joke. I took this photo because the guest check in was so beautiful, but really.... look at that dapper man. His hat had real feathers in it and those shoes were wing tipped with his monogram on the back. That was basically my motivation to go to yoga class.... to under dressed to stay on the veranda with my mac book and coffee!

Have any of you gone hiking solo before? This was just a few miles but it was so relaxing. With so much going on at home to think about,  I was able to just hike and relax and listen to everything going on around me. 

This sign was about half way through the hike. Thanks for the warning, right!?

The hike ends at an outdoor wind art gallery. It was so peaceful and beautiful and made me think that something like this would be so great when we move into our new house.

The view looking out of the main bar was so pretty! 

Gray and I don't get too much time one on one these days and it was nice to just sit and talk this weekend. 

Two of the three nights we went out to dinner around Asheville. If you aren't familiar with Asheville, it's known for it's food scene and there are so many great restaurants. My brother lives there and recommended a new spot called Curate. It's a tapas bar and when we called a few weeks ago to make a reservation, the only spot they had was at 10pm. We heard it was worth it so went and it didn't disappoint. The menu had about 100 different tapas on it so instead of spending an hour reading the menu, we just asked the waiter to pick out a few for us to try and they were all great.

On Saturday, Gray had classes all day and had booked a facial for me at the spa. My appointment wasn't until the afternoon but everyone told me to go for the day so after hiking that morning I went, I spent almost eight hours at the spa, I just lost track of time. It's that amazing. I didn't take a photo while I was there (no phones/cameras allowed!) but this is what one of the indoor mineral pools looks like. 

Saturday night we went to dinner at Gan Shan Station. Out of the all the meals we ate that weekend, it was by far my favorite. It reminds me a lot of the restaurant Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston. The atmosphere was just as great as the food and we sat at the bar so that we could see all the action in the kitchen. If you are ever in Asheville and love Asian food, check it out. 


By Sunday we were anxious to get back home but I needed to spend another day at market so we stopped by High Point on our way back home. The store is opening in a little over two weeks (hope you will come and visit!) and I have a few design clients that I needed to shop for.

This cabinet was so pretty. Wouldn't that be great in a bedroom?

Remember that dough bowl Gray talked me into? Saw them about fifty times on Sunday at market. 

This vintage truck was already taken when I saw it but it was in almost perfect condition and just the right size. 

Went to visit one of my favorite showrooms who had great artwork from Zoe Bios Creative

It was SUCH a good weekend but I was so happy to be home. We didn't get home until late Sunday night and I just wanted to snuggle up with Tilley-Gray and Maines. This week has been great prepping for the opening, working on a fun project on Figure 8 Island, and today I turn 33. Yikes! As I write this, my early bird little girl and (not so early bird husband) are making pancakes for me. Hope you all have a great day too! 
xx



Sunday, October 11, 2015

In My Camera

Another perk of having a weekend at home is sitting down and cleaning out my camera roll. Here are a few favorites that never made out...

A heaping plate of french fries at Zuni Cafe. I ate the whole plate before the roast chicken came out and let me tell you.... this was the best dinner I've ever had. 


We don't get a lot of one on one time but a few days in San Francisco this summer were pretty perfect. 

Accessories to fill up a few bookshelves at a project in California. 

Hiking in Lake Tahoe 


This bedroom scheme didn't get chosen (the one they picked is a beauty though!) but I think this belongs somewhere. Can't stop thinking about these fabrics together!

Before we had to strap Maines in his high chair, he would just sit there patiently until I got him out. Then one day he discovered that he could shimmy his way out. Once he figured that out, meal time has gone down hill for all of us. He is WILD but he sure is sweet.  

Redemption Salad

Our first weekend at home after a string of weekends traveling has me in the organizing, cleaning, and cooking mode. I have been slack about cooking lately but certainly redeemed myself after making this salad. Yes, redemption after making a salad.... it's THAT good! 


Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Bacon Salad 



For dressing:
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs dijon mustard
1 tsp shallot, finely minced
1 small clove garlic, finely minced
1/8 tsp kosher salt
Pinch black pepper
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
For salad:
2-3 c thinly sliced kale (approx 1/2 a bunch)
1 lb brussels sprouts, finely shredded using a mandolin or sharp knife
3-4 slices bacon, baked and chopped
1/4 c roasted almonds, chopped
1/2 c Pecorino cheese, finely grated
DIRECTIONS:
Cook the bacon in a frying pan until it's nice and crispy. While it's frying, chop brussels sprouts. Once the bacon is done, pour out grease and add chopped brussels sprouts, stirring continuously until they are slightly browned (5 - 8 minutes.) Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix. Add in olive oil, whisking  until combined.Mix sliced kale and shaved roasted brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Throw in bacon, almonds, and cheese. Pour dressing over the top and toss salad until all ingredients are distributed throughout.
Hope y'all had a fantastic weekend! I have a FULL week ahead including a visit from one of my most favorite people on the planet who is coming tomorrow to help me set up Gathered. This week is also the kick off of two of my favorite things.... my birthday and High Point market! 
xx

Monday, October 5, 2015

Welcome to Gathered




I am so so thrilled to introduce you all to Gathered, my new design studio and store here in Wilmington. It has been a labor of love for the last six months and I can't wait to finally open the doors in a few weeks and invite everyone to come in! If you don't live in town, you can still follow the store on Instagram @gatheredbylindseycheek where I will be posting new arrivals almost daily.

 Original artwork, favorite home accessories, custom headboards, bedding,  throw blankets, vintage rugs, lighting, linens, and fabric and wallpaper by the yard will be a few things that we have at Gathered.  I also want to hear what you all would love to see so don't be shy in telling me! Here are a few things that have come in so far! 















I'm also carrying a few of Tilley-Gray and Maine's favorite things and will of course have snacks and plenty of things to keep your little ones happy if you bring them in too!  While a part of me is totally freaked out on the inside that this is actually happening and praying that you all love it, the majority of me is just so excited to open the doors and welcome everyone in because I love it so much. We are still nailing all the details down, but please mark your calendars for Thursday, November 5th for an opening party! I hope to see you there!

xx