Be kind. Be fierce. Be brave.
I think this is all that needs to be said today.Kindness goes a long way, a fierce mind is something to be reckoned with, and a brave spirit is undeniable.xo,Barb
Pork Tenderloin with Raspberry Cranberry Sauce
I have been trying lots of new recipes lately and it has been fun to challenge myself in this new venture. Cooking and I have never been great friends....I tend to cook things to death, get stuck in ruts, and lack any kind of flavor in my dishes. Those times are a changing though.....and I can honestly say there is something so satisfying in working a long hard day at the shop and then coming home and creating a meal for the family that is delicious, tasty and intentional.The other great thing about these recipes that I have been trying.....is that they all can be made pretty quickly. So, the food stays moist, is flavorful, and doesn't take hours of slaving away in the kitchen to prepare. I love that it looks like it would take forever, and sounds fancy....but it actually is quite easy to prepare. Win!I am so thankful for Pinterest, and for all of the amazing chefs out there who not only experiment and prepare food well {understatement!} but also photograph their food well. Just like with most things for me...I am very visual...and good food styling and photography make all the difference in the world. I choose recipes sometimes based on the photo alone......no joke.I made this pork recipe last night for dinner, and it comes from the Delicious Shots blog {which I am now a follower of} and the photograph is from there as well. {I am not a food stylist or photographer of food...so I defer to the experts here.} I followed the recipe to a tee...and I used fresh raspberries and cranberries. It was really, really tasty and a hit with the entire family.My score is four for five....we are on a roll.xo,Barb
Paint color project
I have begun the crazy process of "retiring" certain paint colors, choosing new colors for the year, and creating custom colors. I am way behind on having all of the colors painted on the sample balusters... so that they can be seen clearly by both myself and customers when choosing a color palette......but that process is now well under way and I hope to be finished with it by the end of the week.Yesterday, when I was cutting the balusters down to create more ....I loved the way they all looked stacked together...and so I snapped a couple pictures. This is precisely why I feel like this is important for me.....seeing these colors all together {plus many more to come} just inspires and creates movement for my mind.xo,Barb
Eucharisteo
163 Design Company is a new to me Etsy shop that I have fallen in love with. I will own a "eucharisteo" necklace one day soon. The word "eucharisteo" means thanksgiving, praise, & joy through everything. I can't think of a better word to remember every day.....and for me, one of the shop owners....Jennifer Murray.....has been a personal source of blessing and encouragement. I knew her, before I knew of her shop......both are gems.Check out this sweet shop over the weekend......and I will see you back here on Monday!Cheers!xo,Barb Blair
I made filet mignon....for real
photo by in sock monkey slippers
You all know that I am quickly and steadfastly becoming the chef of my dreams....right? {cough, cough, wink, wink}Seriously though.....I made some quality filet mignon this week! Filet mignon with cabernet cremini sauce to be exact...and it was so delicious! I think I surprised my entire family...and most certainly myself.....when this dish turned out. I was a nervous wreck because...well...filets are not exactly cheap, and ruining them meant no dinner and a waste of valuable dollars. I wanted so badly for everything to work, and thankfully it did. I followed this recipe by In sock monkey slippers. I can't say enough about how delicious this recipe is...so if you like a good steak.....don't just take my word for it.....try it!I of course used my new pot, and I served asparagus, rolls, salad, and garlic mashed "potatoes" {cauliflower.....I thought it was not possible...but it is!}.....and I got my filets at Trader Joes. I love Trader Joes.Bon apetite!p.s. I did leave out the mushrooms again....:}xo,Barb
Sing
Sometimes it is hard to sing...and other times it is easy. Singing always makes me feel better though.....how bout you?....I have to admit....I had a little praise and worship session in my studio yesterday. I was mentally bogged down....and a song I love came on. It was amazing how stopping and singing...and raising my hands and face to the heavens changed my whole day. {I pity the person who walked by and peered in at that moment. I hope my gut wasn't showing!}Sing my friends....sing.xo,Barb
The good, the bad, and the .....UGLY
My goal this week is to get the back work space in the best shape it's been in since I moved in. I like to think that I am pretty organized....but these photos will tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I am organized compared to some.....but right now....my "organization" looks more like a whole slew of rock stars threw a party and trashed the space. Granted, I took these photos at the height of emptying out drawers and bins....so it kind of elevates the "piles" mess....but regardless....It.is. a. mess.I have some exciting projects on the horizon that I will share with you over the next several weeks, and two new interns starting next week...{yay!}...so it is crucial that I get everything organized. It is time to focus and produce quality creativity. I have been so busy with year end stuff, and the business side of Knack that I have not painted in weeks. I think if I don't paint soon.....I will shrivel and die.I have had plenty of time to dream and paint in my mind though....and I am really excited about all of the new ideas I have up my sleeve. New finishes that I want to get out of my brain, new colors, a little mixology action, a look book, a lifestyle brand development.......It's going to be good, so hang with me....and we'll have us a good time.xo,Barb
New Things
images via Sir | Madam
Yesterday, was a busy busy day of market in Atlanta. I always have such mixed emotions about heading to the market. In one way I dread it, because of all of the crazy nonsense you have to dig through to hopefully find a gem......but then in another way, when you find that gem...that shining gem... in the midst of all the ribbons, monograms and polka dots......it is completely worth the trip.I believe I found my two gems this trip, and am very excited about carrying these new lines at Knack this year: Peg and Awl & Sir | Madam.I love this excerpt from the mission statement of Sir | Madam which states: "The products are designed to be timeless, and to marry well with a range of styles in today’s eclectic and collected interiors." You see, they speak my language.
Then you have Peg and Awl....a husband and wife team who make beautiful things from found objects that are beautifully crafted and useful in the home: "Our work is made from olde things, treasures found and recovered from misfortune and neglect, relics of the unusual, the confused and the macabre, cut and pulled and built into wearable curiosities, inscribable keepsakes and useable, longlasting treasures". Perfect.Both of these are spot on, and in line with the Knack way of life.Coming Soon.xo,Barb