Early Bird Gets the Duplex!

I am very sad to leave my beautiful home, it is by far my favorite dwelling ever and it is very hard to give it up.  My jaw literally dropped the first time I walked inside, I knew instantly I was home. It would also become my office, studio, show place and sanctuary.

A former parsonage, it was painstakingly restored. They just finished the exterior, a project that took well over a year because of repairs and lead paint removal. My landlords also don't believe in doing a job half way, it is this attention to detail that makes it so special. (Photo courtesy Rick Jones)

I am also more than happy to use my skills to help my wonderful landlords find a new tenant. They have taken great care of me this past 7+ years and are another big loss for me in this transition. I also looked at a lot of places before I found this one and nothing even came close. The vintage details, the three fireplaces, the moldings, the transom windows and the light, oh the beautiful light! 

 Next week they will be posting it online but I wanted to give y'all the first official look. I also included in the slide show some photos I took during my first walk through. If you can't see the window above then click this link. If you're interested then please contact my landlord via email to arrange a viewing. To see the full size flyer click here.

I also adore this neighborhood; walking distance to the park and very convenient to downtown, East Atlanta, midtown and the airport. I have made lifelong friends with many of my neighbors and there is nothing so glorious as Grant Park in the spring! 

 Update: It has been rented!

 

photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Save the Date!

Yes, June 4th, a week from tomorrow is my mega yard sale and I will be getting rid of tons of great stuff. All in an effort to lighten my load in preparations for my move west in the fall. I have also invited a couple of my neighbors to join in so there will be lots to choose from! 

Pretty much every thing you see (except the lamps, large painting and rug) here will be up for grabs, I love my entry way but don't anticipate having this extra space when I move. So if you live in or near Atlanta, I really hope to see some of you there and will post more info next week. 

For you true yard sale addicts, this book by Bruce Littlefield is a must!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, y'all! 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

feel free to repost poster on your blog or facebook and help spread the word!

Sweet May

 a cup of blue berries 

three princesses 

Free Pie day

history rediscovered: a favorite post from last May

the Mimi top by Lesley Evers

Lemon cake ala Martha a gift from Ai & Emma

 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

photo six: Styling: Christa Leveto, H&M: Faith Brooks. Model: Grace Boven from Factor Women

Get Connected

The Beignet Connection is a sweet little spot that just opened at the Pencil Factory Flats in my hood, Grant Park. I think it will be a welcome addition to this fast growing area and after reading about it on 285 Foodies, I decided to give it a go.

Beignets aside, they offer traditional Cajun cuisine and are open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. They have divided the space into two dining areas, have a bar and full table service. A little fancier than I expected but still comfortable and casual.

I really liked this lunch option; 1/2 a po' boy of your choice and soup. Sadly, they were out of oysters so I opted for the shrimp po' boy and gumbo, all for just under $10. It is a perfect lunch size option, the shrimp were huge and perfectly cooked and the bread was lightly toasted to a nice crunch. The gumbo had a lot of body to it, a little under seasoned but nothing a little salt & hot sauce couldn't fix. 

Of course, I had to try the beignets and you can order just one which is a nice option. It was only slightly "doughy" but still fairly light. I also ordered a traditional chicory cafe au lait which was very good. The staff was polite, attentive and very interested in feedback. I am no expert on this style of food but I enjoyed it and look forward trying more of their menu. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Dreaming of Dogwood

Last week, almost out of no where the dogwood came into full bloom. It is my favorite of the spring flowers and next month you might find me at Atlanta's annual Dogwood festival.

A lovely botanical by Donald W. Haytt, dogwood is indigenous to the South.

 Mostly you see it in white but sometimes a few pink blossoms show up.

Right now it is flowering in abundance all over my neighborhood.

Love this vintage postcard, dogwood is the state flower for Virginia.

I have mentioned this vintage bedspread I scored at an antique store is an all time favorite find. 

Here I used it as a backdrop for a shoot I did for Sandpiper a few summers back.

Groovy set of vintage Dixie Dogwood dishes I found on etsy.

Of course I love to have some in my house, stealing a branch or two before they disappear. 

I fell madly for this Whitney Smith sugar bowl topped with two dogwood blossoms.

The blooms are only around 2 or 3 weeks, if you blink you might miss them.

I found two interesting books by searching dogwood, the first; Dogwoods an actual study of the flower with a beautiful cover and reviews that suggest it would be worthwhile for serious gardeners or just to sit out on your coffee table. The other; Dogwood is an award winning novel. Though I had not heard of the author, I love southern based fiction and based on the many good reviews I downloaded the kindle sample.

all photos (except dishes) & content © Lara Rossignol

House Tour

My friend Pam lives in a sweet little bungalow within rolling distance of me. She has filled her space with wonderful touches and great vintage finds. Like these crafty pom pom stems fashioned from yarn then fixed to real branches.

I love how she seamlessly mixes old and new through out her home. She found this great Danish couch on Craig's List, it pops against a fantastic wallpaper she found online. The floral designs above and below on the right are from Osborne & Little. 

 While the drool worthy pink polka dot paper is from Danish company Ferm Living. She is a dedicated yard sale hunter and attributes most of her vintage finds to these.

Regarding her attraction to mid-century design Pam says, "I think it's the care for design, it's not just about function. I like that certain pieces are iconic and classic and can be just as fetching in the 60's as they are in 2010." Which may be why her 60's inspired Room & Board couch fits so well with all her actual vintage finds.

She inherited this vintage german record player from a friend who bought it at a "trailer park" estate sale. (Sign me up!) I also love the whimsey of the owl decals she found on etsy.

Because she has enclosed porches on both the back and front window light is at premium. She chose sheerish curtain panels from iKea that still allow in plenty of light. She also collects flower pots and vases, both old and new.

She just recently completed the addition of a sleeping porch to the back of her house with a full size bed swing.

With a dining area on one side it makes a wonderful space for entertaining. The renovation stretched from two to six weeks but was well worth the effort. 

Always on the lookout for great stuff, here are some of her most recent favorite finds to shop, bake and dine. Pam, a freelance TV producer & writer, shares this retreat with her one eyed rescue pug, Gorilla and her camera shy yellow lab, Sid. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Just Add Salt

Though it is not far from me, I did not think to tryMorelli's Gourmet Ice Cream till I read about it on the285 Foodies board. They create some very unique flavors using ingredients like bacon, jalapeños and plantains. I tried a killer guava cheesecake gelato that was ridiculously good. However, it was the salted caramel above that won my heart. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Going Home Grown in the Atl

Keeping it simple and doing it really well, is the basic philosophy behind a new Reynoldstown restaurant Home Grown. Everything done in house from the pies to the biscuits. All while using locally grown produce and a conscious effort to make traditional southern fare that will not kill you or your wallet.

Owners Lisa Spooner and Kevin Clark took over a space once occupied by Mammies Kitchen, on old school Atlanta staple that had seen better days. They have given new life to the space and are slowly bringing the kitchen into the 21st century.

Home Grown is all about three things; breakfast, lunch and being crazy affordable. My pancakes with an extra side came to just $7 and they have a great blue collar lunch deal that includes a choice of any entree, any side, cornbread and a drink for just $8. The pancakes were light & fluffy, perfectly cooked and the cheese grits are addictive. The trout was tasty and well seasoned and the fried green tomatoes, a-Mazing! 

 I also really like the easy, breezy atmosphere and excellent service. Spacious with plenty of seating & parking, even for a busy brunch weekend crowd. There is even an art gallery.

They also feature homemade popsicles, rice crispy treats and of course, pies. For just $2, I recommend a slice of the sweet grits pie, a southern twist on a traditional custard pie. So good!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Knock Knock

This is a tale of two amazing homes, together but separate, converted from an old retail body shop and garage. Two free standing buildings now two amazing houses. My neighbors, Jean-Philippe Saldana an antique dealer and his wife, clothing designer,Amy Parrish bought this unlikely residential property with a clear vision.

The beauty is in the preservation of the original brick exterior and all its character with modern loft style additions. This is also reflected in the interior design choices that walk the same graceful line between old and new. Jean-Philippe oversaw the design and construction himself; from the reclaimed pine wood floors to the galvanized recycled steel roof.

The 19th century spiral staircase, like its owner, was imported from France, Jean-Philippe has traveled all over his homeland searching out his unique finds. According to Amy, "He is an outstanding appraiser and can identify an 18th century commode from a mile away!" 

The upstairs has a clean, bright, open feel that leaves lots of options for creative use. Including clever built in nooks for either storage or display. There are also front and back terraces and two full baths.

The two houses share a communal driveway and there is also a beautifully crafted two-tiered outdoor space. This french barbecue includes a wood burning oven.

They lived in the smaller house that was once a store front,  while working on the larger garage conversion. Still zoned for both commercial and residential they now use the smaller space for Amy's design business,Ruby & Regis.

Amy told me about the most difficult part of the renovation..."The weather was the biggest challenge and possibly lifting over 3000 blocks and bricks onto the second level - there is no wood in the construction - all steel framing. We are the house to come to in a tornado!"

 

Both properties have just been put on themarket as the couple starts looking for another reno challenge. They can be purchased together, giving the new owner the option of an income property or commercial work space. They will also consider separate offers.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Mama Mia

I received many lovely gifts over the holidays and one of my favorites came from my neighbor and good friend Ai. She gave a lovely soap from Mama. A local, Atlanta based company making handmade beauty products. They have done a unique neighborhood series and Ai appropriately gifted me with ours, Grant Park. A fantastic blend of lemongrass and ginger that smells wonderful.

ありがとうございます。

{Thank you!} 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol