This has been by far one of the best weekends of my life. It all happened by chance really.I happened to have a conference with my school newspaper on the weekend after my birthday and it just happened to be in Athens where my sister Elaina goes to school. So, I came down to see her on Friday and we had the most fun filled adventures. She was busy at her internship that afternoon so I got the privilege of getting to explore downtown in the blustery rain. Despite the bad weather, I enjoyed the wonders of Toula's, which houses beautiful pieces from all around the world, like their Moroccan chandelier and their 19th century French dress form. This is probably the best decorating shop destination in all of Athens and it's right in the heart of downtown.
Toula's Home, Garden, and Gift
So I scurried in the cold in my bright red trench coat and brown galoshes to a few other stops like McColly's and then met up with the sis for our dreamy 4 star dinner at the National. To die for. I had my first encounter with quail in a light butter sauce with cranberries and arugula. I felt like I should have been listening to the No Reservations soundtrack while eating to thoroughly appreciate it.
The National
Next was birthday present time! And what was my gift from my sister but the Vogue tome called "In Vogue". A splendid book, the most elaborate and special I have ever received. I am looking at it this very moment and am still giddy about it.
From there we got to explore Athens historic home district while listening to the tunes of the Kate Spade CD (you must listen to it). We got to see a really cool friend's house and all of her beautiful oil paintings. It was breathtaking! The house is lovely and Victorian with wooden beam ceilings and Bible verses taped all over the walls. It was the most life filled home I've even been in! This event was followed by an inspiring trip to the bookstore and a quick trip to the local market Krögure.
The center picture is called "Intercessor" by my friend who
is a senior at the University of Georgia.
The next morning, after my newspaper conference, Elaina took me to this lovely place for brunch called Mamma's Boy. I got the warm peach french toast which is my official favorite and Elaina got the omelet with smoked grits.
Last fall at Mamma's Boy receiving pointe shoes from the American Ballet Company (hence the face)
Then she quickly showed me her art building and all of the cool artwork in it. Very modern and sleek, needless to say, a well designed building is a happy building.
Univeristy of Georgia's Lamar
Dodd School of Art
Our last stop before we were forced to part ways was a little store called Blonde which was having a big sale. Here I found the icing on top of the cake of my already wonderful birthday weekend. A cheetah print Diane Von Furstenburg wrap dress perfect for a winterview and was a shocking 75% off. Unheard of. So as a kind birthday gesture to my already spoiled self, I splurged. That in a nutshell was my inspiring weekend. Now I am back at my small school typing in a slightly drab dorm room dreaming of all my happy thoughts.
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