Leather & Lace

1. Michael Kors Leather Jacket, Bluefly
2. Kate Spade Georgina Quilted Bag, Neiman Marcus
3. Sam Edelman Zoe Boot, Nasty Gal
4. Pleather Pants, H&M
5. Ray Ban Aviators

1. Juicy Couture Skirt
2. Sheer Lilac Blouse, Bona Drag
3. Tan Wedges, Rag & Bone
4. Cole Haan Weave Clutch, Nordstrom
5. Kate Spade Gold Bangles

Whitney LeJeune

Whitney LeJeune and I have known each other since before we could even walk. We lived next door to each other on Yucca Drive here in Austin where we would have water balloon fights, play "house" in her fort, and run around the yard whilst her dad worked on his Volkswagen Rabbit with Lee Greenwood's "Proud to Be an American" blaring on his garage radio :) Whitney and her family ended up moving to South Carolina around 1993 or so, and that was the last I saw of her until 2005.

As fate would have it, we ended up choosing the same college to attend (Savannah College of Art and Design). It took us all of a couple of months to bond like sisters. In 2007, I ended up graduating and moving back to Austin, while Whitney stayed in Savannah to finish her final year of college.

Shortly thereafter, Whitney had a terrible car accident, and almost didn't make it. It was very traumatic, but something positive came out of it - her passion for painting. I am amazed by the work Whitney continues to produce; it is absolutely beautiful.

So what drives her to paint? “My work is painting and bringing passionate art into peoples' lives...capturing and sharing creative energy on canvas brings healthy pleasure, curiosity, and intellectual energy into our lives, homes, work and public places. It is what I love to do," says Whitney.

Visit Whitney's website HERE to view or purchase her pieces.

House Update

It's hard to believe I have already been in my house a year. I haven't accomplished half of the to-do's on my list, but I think I've accomplished quite a bit, considering how busy I have been.

Up next? Wood flooring upstairs (carpet is the bane of my existence), landscaping the backyard, and of course finishing the kitchen cabinets. I also want to look into making or purchasing more artwork for my walls.

Anyway - here are some shots from around the abode:

"Before" image and wall tutorial is HERE

"Before" image of kitchen is HERE.

A Few Simple Things