[living in] 375 square feet

[an era in time] Documentation of life in a small guesthouse in the downtown of a burgeoning Southern city.

[375squarefeet]

Designing Small: Country Club House

At one point during this project, I stood out front of the house and said, "Should we have just torn the whole thing down?" About three months in, completely torn up inside and out, and with the final grey chilly months of winter clinging on, the house looked forlorn to say the least. 

But we pressed on, honoring the previous owner's wishes not to raze the site, and knowing that the new owner's one-story needs neatly fit inside the existing footprint. Slowly but surely the little house came back to life and now I find a certain pride that we were able to carve out some pretty decent spaces out of home found hard on it's luck. Take a look at some of the before and afters:

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City Dwelling: Starry Nights

Sometimes when he brings me home after a date instead of getting out of the truck we lean back the seats instead. He opens the sunroof and we capture the edge of that urban sky. The other night was particularly beautiful as the clouds were gliding quickly across the indigo backdrop and were the wispy kind that were so low and cotton ball-like that you felt you could reach out and touch them. Early summer rolled in through the open window, balmy but breezy and full of the promise of the season.  In the part of town where I live if you get quiet enough you can hear the click clack of the trains running over the old tracks and the sound of the whistle as they cross the stops. There are lightning bugs too and the muffled stirring of the wind high in the trees, blowing those cotton balls along. It is the still, drowsy beginnings of one of my favorite times of the year. Makes me wish for a deep front porch and a good swing bed. Who wouldn't want to fall asleep outside when it feels that good?

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City Dwelling: Life Lately, According to my iPhone

^ Yes, my Dad and I still Breakfast Birmingham, but we've burned through all the options in our radius and are now on round 2

^ Beautiful pediment on a very old church.

^ One heck of an Oscar's party.

^ My little Escape got broken into...and my gym bag stolen. Yes, I am down one LuLu Lemon tank. Thankfully my outlet tennis shoes were left behind.

^ The best new restaurant in Auburn, Acre, did not disappoint for a little belated birthday celebration.

^ So in love with my cousin's little one--Hollis. 3 months at this point, absolutely gorgeous and oh so cuddly.

^ Custom mini cupcakes for a friend's lingerie shower. The Baking Bandits never disappoint!

^ The existing back wall of a project I'm working on was buckling, so it had to come down. We will pour a new footing and rebuild with 12" CMU.

^ The latest Bachelorette Party took us to Atlanta, where we had a fabulous dinner at RA Sushi, and caught the Lion King on Broadway at the Fox Theatre. My first time there and I am completely obsessed.

^ Spring has sprung here in Central Alabama, and I could not be more thankful!

^ I had never seen this method of stacking doors to prime/dry them and thought it was the coolest thing ever.

^ It's back! After the longest winter of all time, the Pepper Place Farmer's Market has finally returned to us.

^ Two for two on Old 280 Boogies with this guy. Always good people watching and always good music.

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Snow, Snow, and More Snow

Normally one of the annoyingly giddy ones who rushes outside at the sight of the first snowflake, by the time we had had our fourth snow "scare" I was over it. Give me some sun in my hair, water washing over my toes and warmth on my skin and I am one happy girl. This never ending winter thing has flat out worn me down. But I ran across some pictures from the first snow and thought I would share! 

The "Snowpocalypse" of 2014 was really an ice storm cloaked in a light dusting of snow. In less than ten minutes, streets went from normal black asphalt to frozen over and dangerous. Over the next 8 hours mayhem ensued as folks began abandoning their cars and walking home. Many people slept at work. Many kids slept at school. People who depended on daily medications were airlifted to hospitals. Babies were delivered at home. In a matter of 24 hours, the Birmingham metropolitan area had completely shut down, and the storm was well on its way to Atlanta. 

The reality was, we were grossly unprepared for this type of situation. I had actually had a stomach bug the two days previous and literally only had chicken broth and orange juice for provisions. And if my neighbors hadn't invited me over for dinner, that's exactly what I would have eaten.

The next day, after a slightly dangerous afternoon of sledding down the empty streets on baking pans, it occurred to us that we would need dinner soon. Thankfully one of the boys had 4 wheel drive and we pieced together a chicken chili from the only grocery store that was open in the downtown area. 

It was 2 days we will never forget. Hopefully the "worst" is behind us and it's full steam ahead to Spring!

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On the Road: War Eagle Forever

Yes I'm well aware that football season has officially ended. But with all of this snow and chilly temps I couldn't help but long for warmer weather. It seems like just the other day we were down on the Plains for the opening day of Auburn football. It always feels like the hottest day of the year, but the air is electric with excitement as everyone guesses at what kind of season lies ahead.

Little did we know that it would be the biggest comeback in not only Auburn's history but the history of football. After an autumn full of fast-paced, heart-stopping offense, the season climaxed at the Iron Bowl, a game most people say was the best game in athletic history. Wouldn't you know Daniel is a huge Alabama fan, which took the game to a whole other level. You can see before and after photographs at the end of this post. He is less than pleased. 

I couldn't be prouder of my tigers this year. Sure we missed an opportunity to be crowned National Champions, but who would have guessed we would make it that far? And they played with courage and heart, which is all that really matters anyways. I can't wait until next season! We're back.

(And naturally all of the men in my family received the t-shirt above for Christmas)

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The day we finished this project we all had a glass of wine at lunch. Truly a legacy project for our office, we could not be prouder to have a house atop Red Mountain. Since the advent of the iron ore days when the iron barons were gobbling up mountaintop sites, land with city views in Birmingham has been in high demand. So when we were awarded this new construction project, we could not have been more thrilled. Fast forward nearly three years later, the owners have settled in. Here are a few snapshots from their perch next to Vulcan:

Architecture and Interiors by Standard Creative. Furnishings by Tammy Connor Interior Design.

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Two Thousand and Fourteen

I love how completely out of focus this picture is. Amidst all of the commotion and people trying to leave the Alabama Theatre at the end of It's A Wonderful Life, we tried to sneak in a photo or two to commemorate the season. To me this picture is a memory of a meaningful night with my family celebrating the best Holiday of the year and sending 2013 out with flourish. The Season was a whirlwind, maybe a little out of focus at times. But beneath everything there was a certain Joy that made time spent with the ones I care about that much more special. Christmas teaches me that when life gets crazy, you have to choose Peace; when stress and expectations overwhelm, remember that it's all for one Purpose; when the days seem grey and the nights dark as ever, know that the Light of Love will never go out. Somehow it never seems sad to see another year turn into a new one. The opportunities for second chances, unknown blessings, new relationships, new milestones, or building on old ones, are endless. The Hope continues on and what ultimately makes Life worth living. I can't wait to see what 2014 holds!

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City Dwelling: Farm Shoot

Well, in case you haven't noticed, it's Christmas (or very very nearly!)! And if you've driven through Crestwood lately you might or might not have noticed a little urban farming going on. Some of my adventurous and beloved friends decided to order some eggs and have a go at raising laying hens. And just about a month ago the girls started laying! So there was no other way to have a Crestwood Acre Farms Christmas Card than to have a photo shoot with all of the girls. Here are some of my favorites:

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City Dwelling: Keith Urban Says Hello

Though not known for compelling lyrics or timeless melodies, Keith Urban can tear up a guitar better than most folks in the business. I've loved his music since high school, so when one of my friends offered me tickets, there was no question as to clearing my schedule. The concert landed on one of those quintessential late summer nights. The sunset was muggy but glorious and the evening electric with a high-energy performance and a varied setlist. The evening finale included Keith singing/playing on a mini-stage at the end of our row and I stood about two feet from him and gave him a high five. For all the years that I was not a screaming fanatic, for about 120 seconds I was totally that girl. Worth every second.

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City Dwelling: Birmingham Restaurant Week '13

Those of you reading in Birmingham will know how far behind this post is, but when I looked at these pictures again, it seemed like just yesterday. Ah yes, Birmingham Restaurant Week. Seven days of restaurants all over the city offering a once-a-year prix fixe menu at a great price. I wound up getting to participate at a number of restaurants this year (a great way to try a new eatery you've never been to before!) but one of my favorites was Bottega Cafe. I got to escape the work day for a moment and join up with my girlfriends for a champagne lunch (shhh). We began outside on the patio, but it started to drizzle, so they moved us to the Dining Room, which marked my first experience there as a patron. It was delicious. I'm already excited about next year!

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Designing Small: Classical Addition Wraps Up

This one was easy--easy to photograph, that is. It's all white and stands so stately that it looks good no matter how many mistakes I make trying to shoot it! We finished this project about 18 months ago and waited to let the landscaping grow in and install the furnishings before getting behind the camera. An addition to a federal style home in Forest Park, this little project could actually stand alone. It settles into the lot seamlessly and offers what was once an inaccessible backyard a new focus. Entering through the garden gate is surreal as the entire property now feels so private and peaceful. The interiors feature a fully paneled Den with built-in bookcases, custom limestone surrounds on the enormous fireplaces, and a delightful study nestled into the valleys of the roofline. The double portico offers lovely views of the pool and huge operable louvered doors seal it off when it's not in use. I definitely wouldn't mind a cold drink and a warm summer day on one of the chaises...

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Designing Small: Carrigan's Pub Open for Business

This post could go up with the hashtag: "reasonsilovemyjob."Obviously I love the residential work that fills up the majority of our job board, but getting to do a building that the general public can experience and enjoy is really something. This project--Carrigan's Pub--was a year in the making. Tucked at the end of one of Birmingham's most historic cobblestone-clad streets, it was conceived as an upscale bar and gastropub. After months of grinding through permit documents and health department paperwork, the space was finally ready for a soft opening. Birminghamians flooded the place, which glowed like a soft yellow beacon at the corner of the city grid that night. The interiors are strung together with groups of cozy seating areas. The original load-bearing brick is exposed, and along one wall an original hand painted ad is still intact. A private booth is nestled in the old freight elevator shaft; huge boulders act as tables and benches in the courtyard. We were honored to get to partner with an owner who had a great concept and help him bring it to reality. And that's exactly what makes us love what we do!

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Breakfasting B*ham: Demetri's {again}

Somehow we've managed to end up back at Demetri's 3 or 4 times! This time my dad and I both ordered omelets. And though he turned his nose up at my bbq version, let me just tell you, it was fabulously delicious--wow! I might just have to get this every time I go. I've also heard recommendations for the french toast, so somehow that is going to have to slide into the rotation as well. Bet we'll see you again soon, Demetri's!

Demetri's BBQ  1901 28th Avenue South, Homewood, AL 35209  Hours: 6:30am-8:00pm Monday--Saturday

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On the Road: Sunflowers to Sunsets

Saturday dawned warm and sunny as we got on the road to head to Huntsville. It was the kind of day that every girl hopes to wake to for their wedding. On this particular summer weekend we were en route to attend the marriage ceremony of one of my very favorite people and roommate from Urban Studio. It seemed so natural that she would be getting married, but then I found myself thinking as I always do at the moment when they are actually walking down the aisle--oh my gosh she's getting married! Tears! But she was so lovely and oh so happy and she and her husband are obviously perfect for each other. Their wedding was incredibly perfect for celebrating their relationship and I was honored to be a part of it.

Afterwards, we visited with some friends and got on the road back to Birmingham just as the sun was setting over the river. So of course we pulled over to watch. There is nothing quite like a gorgeous sunset over water on a happy day.

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Breakfasting B*ham: Crestline Bagel Company

Obsessed. Freshfully is only a few doors down 41st Street from my office and we are completely obsessed with the chocolate chip cookies they carry from Crestline Bagel Company. When dad suggested we have one of our breakfasts there, I was thrilled! So ensued a very lovely morning over bagel sandwiches and fresh coffee. People watching at its best, the place bustled as the regulars hustled in and out. But we sat and watched the heat rise from our mugs and enjoyed our morning together. 

Crestline Bagel Company  66B Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213  Hours: Monday-Friday 6am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-2pm

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City Dwelling: Tis the {Baseball} Season

Months overdue, and yet, it's still baseball season. Baseball is a sport that never seems to end--anyone else? Anyways, I couldn't be more thrilled to have our Birmingham Barons back in downtown at our new stadium. I've now been to a couple games there and can honestly report how much fun it is! We scored these awesome seats right behind home base from some generous friends and enjoyed trying to make more accurate calls than the umpire. Trying. It's pretty beautiful to watch the sun go down on the city skyline and the lights warm up over the baseball field. Again and again so thankful to call this city my home.

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On the Road: Celebrating Baby

You may remember the trip to Nashville several months ago to visit parents-to-be Scott and Casey and wish them well. Fast forward to June and we are hosting a baby shower in Montgomery to celebrate the impending arrival of their little girl and outfit them for this new phase of life. Inspired by stationery from Rifle Paper Company, we had a blast planning this little shower. Lydia hand painted both the invite and the alphabet that served as the backdrop for the food table. My sister made lovely little light pink macaroons. I handled the flowers and ordered some pink striped straws online. One of the girls had a set of gold flatware that was absolutely stunning with the china, so we used that to serve, and everything else fell into place. Despite the downpour, we had a wonderful group of women gathered, and most of all, got to love on Casey. Can't wait to meet little miss!