Friday, October 29, 2010

happy halloween!

wow, is it halloween already??!  my poor pumpkins haven't had a thing done to them...i had hopes of making them look like these charlie brown ones.  taylor decided they needed stickers, i decided one needed a mask...tonight, i am getting out the black paint...i mean it's time, they look pitiful!

i did put out some decorations...well, i bought a mum and i found the box w/ our halloween stuff....

before i decorate, i have to take advantage of my dad being here.....finally i'm doing something to poor taylor's room and making this headboard.  it's taken long enough!

halloween weekend is always a lot of fun....both sets of grandparents come to see the kids trick or treat...we eat a lot, have a beverage or two, and play games (have you played apples to apples- fun stuff...especially if you have a beverage or two)...this is what's we are having tomorrow night: oysters and ina's coconut cake but we are making them into cupcakes.

sunday night we are trick or treating....taylor's going as a garden fairy...we practiced yesterday by trick or treating downtown.

walker didn't practice but he is going as a skeleton that glows in the dark like the bad boys on karate kid....classy i know :)

and that pretty much sums up how we are going to spend our halloween....i hope y'all have a fabulous weekend and that you get lots of yummy candy (i like to "share" taylor's reese cups and anything that is sour and gummy)!!  see you next week!

Thursday, October 28, 2010





i am having a hard time focusing today....maybe b/c my baby is 4 months old and still doesn't sleep through the night or b/c taylor hopped in the bed w/ us at 4:00 this morning and thought it was time to get up or b/c my parents are in town and i would rather go and hangout w/ them :)
so i thought maybe some pretty pictures would work for a post or if you want a little more, go check out south of market's blog, they did a little Q & A w/ me (you should totally check out it out regardless....it rocks....as does their store if you haven't been to one!!)

*images courtesy of chloe warner, haute design, olivia and a, tartanscot

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

what's in common...






lately i feel like i have spotted several kitchens sporting the same thing.....
can you guess what seems to be a growing trend? i personally really like it :)

Monday, October 25, 2010


for some reason, i can never get too excited about this day of the week....
maybe this will help start it off on the right note!  happy monday!

*images courtesy of suzie beezie, the paris apartment

Friday, October 22, 2010





we took the kids to the state fair yesterday (there's some interesting people watching at that place if i do say so myself).  i wanted warren to ride some of those rides w/ me that spin you around and make you want to throw up when you get off of it....he said no way. we did ride the ferris wheel but that was about it.  taylor had a blast on the kiddie rides and warren won her a giant pig.  we all ate a foot long corn dog and called it a day. have y'all seen adventureland??  gosh, i love that movie....have a wonderful weekend!
*images courtesy of tea toast, domino

Wednesday, October 20, 2010


right around the time taylor reached 6 months, i decided i needed help.  i put an ad out at my old sorority house looking for a babysitter.  we found the best one around.  i miss katherine....she made me feel like i was still connected to college life.  she sported the latest fashion trends, made me giggle w/ her stories about roommates/boyfriends/ and going out, and was great at telling me what was "cool" these days to listen to.  she introduced me to the avett brothers.  i'm really happy she did.  some days i like to listen to this song on repeat (okay, this one too). i'm keeping my fingers crossed they play it tonight...


if i was real cool i would sport this to the concert.....
and then when it is over, i'd go home and crash in this amazing bed :)
happy hump day!


ps. i took this picture to my upholsterer to see how much they would charge to make this headboard for taylor's room- $475.  looks like i am going to have to do another DIY project!  yep, still undecided about taylor's room (she wants an adult bed aka. queen size) so i am thinking about using this.....

Tuesday, October 19, 2010





these pics seem good for a fall day.  i love how pretty those old letters look framed.  what a great idea.  that antique suzani on that settee is perfection.  and you can't get any better then an old charleston brick wall!

*images courtesy of nathan turner, the desk of annie, full house, urban electric

Monday, October 18, 2010

busted.



kirsten from 6th street design was so nice and asked me to participate in her week long series called good design, kids in mind.  i feel kind of bad- she asked several designers questions about how to have a beautiful home and have kids.  i was one of many who was suppose to give amazing answers.....
i feel like i have cheated.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Morgan Roadster 3.0 V6, 2004

Morgan Roadster 3.0 V6, 2004






Morgan Roadster 3.0 V6, 2004

The Morgan Roadster is a car produced by the Morgan Motor Company.
It was introduced in 2004.

Dimensions
* Length : 4010 mm
* Width : 1610 mm (standard wheels)
* Height : 1220 mm

Fuel
* Fuel Tank Volume : 55 litres (12 imperial gallons)
* Fuel Consumption :
o Urban: 20.3 mpg imperial (13.91 l/100 k
o Extra Urban: 38.17 mpg imperial (7.40 l/100 km)
o Combined: 28.9 mpg imperial (9.77 l/100 km)
* CO2: 231.8

Engine
* Configuration: 3.0 litre V6 24 valve
* Bore x stroke, mm: 89 x 79.5
* Engine capacity, cm³: 2967
* Max output EEC: 166 kW (226 hp) at 6150 rpm
* Max torque EEC: 206 N·m 280 (lbf·ft) at 4900 rpm
* Power-to-weight ratio: 240 hp/t, kW/t
* Torque to weight ratio: 199 lbf·ft/short ton, 297 N·m/t

Performance
* 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 s
* Top speed 134 mph (215 km/h)

Mazel Identity i1, 2006

Mazel Identity i1, 2006






The Identity i1 has made concrete a proposal which is not only the answer to the challenge of a new model realization but also to the creation of a new brand, a goal which is not easy to reach today.

H2R Design Consulting have studied the concept of the car, developing the design completely in Virtual Reality, and MAZEL-GROUP have executed the physical model. Both companies, located in Barcelona, demonstrate with this project their high technological capacity in the execution of this kind of projects.

The chassis, studied in composite material will be developed with ATR, a prestigious Italian company with a great experience in this field. The development of the body in white (in RTM and composite material) is on its execution phase by Studio Linea 2 in Turin (Italy)

The engine, an aluminum eight cylinder in central position with rear wheel drive with an robotized six gear Gearbox guarantees high performances and an excellent road performance.

The exterior, following the best European tradition, is characterized by generous dimensions (4,43m long per 1,92m wide, is only 1,26 m high) combined with the remarkable tires size of 19" in the front and 20" in the rear, gives the car an exclusive and sporty image. Furthermore the strong character of its designs originates not only a "pure race" sports car but also a design able to characterize a whole new brand.

The front part, consisting of three main volumes, have a lower main air intake, clearly inspirited in aeronautical solutions, which is, beyond all doubt, its most important part. The remarkable intakes for the front brake refrigeration makes up a dynamic ensemble with a strong sports character. The upper air intake, refined and perfectly integrated in the bumpers volume and the head lights in vertical position, emphasize the important width of the vehicle.

The side part is characterized by a new treatment of the surfaces, bringing together new design trends and classic solutions, which permits to obtain a product really different in relation to the solutions actually on the market. The doors, which are opening vertically, reinforce its extremely personal presence. Here, the perfectly integrated external mirror has a new lighting system developed by FICOSA.

The rear part, characterized by its separated rear lights and its remarkable lower engine cover part which is used as an air outlet conductor with a ventury effect, is easily recognizable from afar. This contribute to reach the purpose to make a car with an own, strong character.

The interior, a two seats, has been developed against the traditional solutions searching a sporty elegance combined with a high sensation of space, using a new distribution of the internal mechanical components.

All the control components of the vehicle are situated in the central panel where the Shift by Wire and the Brake by Wire solutions have permitted a new distribution of the gear and hand brake in the interior of the vehicle. This solution gives a new drive sensation. These elements have been developed by FICOSA, who also cooperated with the realization of the design.

Loremo LS Concept, 2006

Loremo LS Concept, 2006






The Loremo is a lightweight vehicle whose development has taken a radical new direction: less is more and the most efficient use of energy is not to use it at all. From this motive new ideas sprang which gradually made it into the design. Even the name Loremo - Low Resistance Mobile - speaks of its streamlining and economy.

The Loremo's construction handbook would make an excellent diet recipe. Slim lines and no unnecessary ballast distinguishes the Loremo from all other cars. Its superior safety concept, excellent aerodynamic characteristics, revolutionary bodywork, the linear cell structure, and a radically new rear-axle keep it in form. It combines the economy of a compact car with the handling and feelings of a sports car. The Loremo LS - light and simple is a car which awakens emotions and yearns for sinuous roads.

Bodywork and chassis concept
The 95kg (209 lb) lightweight steel chassis - a patented linear cell structure - is one of Loremo's key elements. It performs well-above average in crash simulations and provides excellent handling characteristics with its low center of gravity and torsional stiffness. Longitudinal supports, extend at fender height along the length of the entire vehicle, increase stability and ensure that the linear cell structure remains practically undamaged in offset and side crash-tests. The centrally mounted cross-support, on which the roll bars are mounted, stiffens the longitudinal beams and houses the engine.

The non-load-bearing, self-supporting, thermoplastic body panels mould to the linear cell structure and help the Loremo to achieve its aerodynamic shape. This material has a number of advantages: it is light weight, weatherproof, scratch-resistant and it is economical. It substitutes the classical paint by a thin film, in the color of the car, during the manufacturing process. In this way the Loremo receives a high-quality, paint-like surface without environmental- damaging paints.

The intelligent, chassis air-guiding system is perfected with the help of lower tire fins and by the air stream optimized chassis design. The Loremo achieves its optimum driving characteristics with its minimized wind resistance and reduced buoyancy.

Design
Not only is the energy efficiency reflected in the dynamic, elegant lines of the Loremo but also in its sporting nature. The distinctive, powerful front stretches softly into the extended rear. There is no B-pillar as the panorama roof has no load-bearing function and is simply bolted to the roll-bar. The nose close to the street does away with a monstrous radiator grill and instead an opening provides access to the aerodynamic underside. The LED headlamps give the vehicle both a distinctive look as well as exhibiting tomorrow's display technology.

Unusually the car is entered from the front for which the entire hood of the car including the windshield is tipped forwards, allowing for upright boarding to the interior. The opened front shows the trunk, which also provides additional 600 mm (24 in) of crumple zone. The vertically- opening tailgate provides the entry to the back seats.

Interior
The Janusseater - two seats are in front of the pyramidal cross-support and two rear-facing behind it - is equipped with super-light ergonomic seats. The seats, embedded in the linear cell structure, create a feeling of sporty security and comfort. There is plenty of room for sporting equipment or for additional suitcases, if the rear-facing seats are not with passengers.

The spartan, sporty interior design does away with unnecessary fittings and its two-ply plastic construction doesn't need any additional finishing. High-quality interior furnishing in alcantara and high-tech fabrics provides spacious luxury and comfort.

If required the Loremo LS can be equipped with a simple air-conditioning system, an on-board PC with navigation system, an mp3 player, and a driver information system.

Technology
Of particular note is the rear differential-link axle, specially-developed for the Loremo, which combines the advantages of longitudinal- and semi-trailing link axles. With maximum load, the axle is indifferent to toe and camber at full suspension compression. In curves, however, the wheel leans inwards to achieve better lateral traction. An optimal load distribution of 50:50 is achieved by placing the motor centrally and 105/70 R14 low-profile tires give good road holding and perfect straight-line driving.

The 20 PS (15 kw) two-cylinder turbo-diesel motor powers the 450 kg (204 lb) light Loremo LS to up to 160 km/h (100 mph). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (63 mph) in 20 s and its aerodynamic form achieves a Cw value of 0.20. Fuel consumption: tiny 1.5 liters for 100 km (157 mpg)! Thus the Loremo can travel from Munich to Rome (over 800 miles) on only one 20 liter (5 gallon) tank of fuel.

Lincoln C Concept, 2009

Lincoln C Concept, 2009






Lincoln is breaking new ground with the Lincoln C Concept, a new big idea for a small luxury car. Designed with today's upscale, urban consumer in mind, the Lincoln C Concept brings the presence and elegance of a large Lincoln to a smaller, more efficient C-sized car.

Featuring a 1.6-liter Eco Boost engine and Ford's all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, the Lincoln C Concept achieves 43 mpg on the highway, while offering up an impressive 180 horsepower and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque. PowerShift and outstanding driving dynamics make the Lincoln C Concept fun for the driver.

Sporty, Elegant Exterior Design
When designers developed the Lincoln C Concept, their goal was to create a C-sized automobile with both presence and elegance. Their vision: a smaller, more fuel-efficient car that could maneuver easily in congested urban areas and compact parking spaces, yet still provide driver and passengers with levels of luxury and comfort usually reserved for larger sedans.

One of the most distinctive features of the Lincoln C is its unique silhouette. The visual mass of the car is very low to the road. A low-slung shoulder line with a wheel-at-each-corner stance supports a dynamic, slightly formal cabin. The aim was "go kart" visual stability combined with elegant lines and surfaces.

The modern appearance of the Lincoln C reflects the timeless, iconic elements of the Lincoln DNA: sheer surfaces bounded by defined creases; a cantilevered roof extending from a strong C-pillar; a confident double-wing chrome grille; full-width tail lamps and rocker brightwork.

The front end of the concept is unmistakably Lincoln. The signature grille encapsulates LED headlamps that - like the taillights - are made with prismatic optical elements that create depth and visual sophistication. A sculpted groove in the top of the front hood - which derives its shape from the Lincoln badge - adds a finishing touch to the grille of the car.

A low shoulder line combines with a strong, high belt line to create a sense of safety and privacy inside and outside of the vehicle.

An aluminum cantrail adds elegance to the concept by extending the beltline to the rear glass and breaking up the otherwise tall C-pillar. Aluminum is also visible inside the door apertures.

The Lincoln C is absent of a B-pillar or center post. The center-opening doors - a classic Lincoln trait that rekindles memories of the 1961 Continental - allow effortless access to first- and second-row bench seats and give the vehicle a limousine-like quality.

Sleek side mirrors house both advanced rear-view camera and blind spot detection technologies. Slit-like LED turn signal indicators are integrated into the mirrors, allowing slim, efficient light.

LED taillamps span the full-width of the Lincoln C's rear, featuring turn signal indicators that fade toward the center of the car stretch from side to side.

An all-glass roof provides a modern, futuristic look. The expansive opening illuminates the cabin and enhances the sense of spaciousness inside the car.

Designers reinterpreted the presentation of the Lincoln badge throughout the exterior of the Lincoln C in a subtle way, giving it a contemporary "race track" theme. The Lincoln star sits proudly at the center of the front end, and the rear badge is slightly morphed to suit its placement above the taillights.

A more in-depth look at various details of the Lincoln C reveals that the badge motif is repeated in discreet ways in the design of the front lower intake mesh; the shape of the glass roof and structure; the implied illuminated keyholes on the door handles; the shape of the rear-view camera that sits on the back of the roof; the design of the wheels and the pattern in the tire treads.

The exterior of the Lincoln C is bathed in a light, exterior clear coat that hints of yellow metallic.

Modern, Timeless Interior Design

Inside, the Lincoln C Concept welcomes driver and passengers to a space that looks more like the living room of a contemporary urban loft than the inside of a car.

Elements of classic Lincoln DNA permeate the cabin, including: a bright, clean, light color palette; authentic materials such as wood and metal; ambient lighting; jewel-like chrome details; bench seating; and the symmetrical design of the instrument panel, which thoughtfully serves both driver and passengers.

The interior's all-white color palette -- from roof to seats to floor -- is stunning. Subtle chrome accents on the seats, instrument panel, door panels and floor glimmer like fine jewelry. A light gray wood veneer - made from recycled wood - provides a striking contrast against the white leather on the instrument panel and door panels. The headliner is white Alcantara suede.

Because the Lincoln C Concept is two inches wider than conventional C-class vehicles, it offers the roominess of a 1961 Continental at almost half the length. In modern terms, the vehicle has the overall length of a Ford Focus and the overall width of a Lincoln MKZ.

Designers took full advantage of the extra space in the interior of the Lincoln C by incorporating luxurious bench seating in the front and back rows. They are crafted from luxurious, chromium-free leather and filled with soy foam. The seats are thin and lightweight, but because they were designed to an ergonomic comfort curve, they are extremely comfortable.

There is a single headrest on the left and a double headrest on the right for passengers in both rows. All the headrests automatically retract without occupants for optimized driver vision. Convenience trays are housed compactly behind the front bench. In the closed position, they are flush with the leather and feature chrome release handles.

One of the most eye-catching elements of the seating is the laser-engraved floral etching on the passenger side seats and floor and on the back of the driver's seat. It is a light, airy pattern that gives the interior a refined, sophisticated look.

The steering wheel is hubless, lending the driver an unobstructed view of the instrument panel. The glossy white rim rotates around a stationary chrome ring with chrome shifter paddles on both sides. Simple toggles embedded into the left and right sides of the wheel control the vehicle's navigation system and menu selection.

The instrument panel is leather-wrapped with a chrome bezel. The light, gray wood veneer forms a symmetrical shape that surrounds the center-mounted touch screen and extends out to the right and left sides. Above the center screen is the Lincoln nomenclature and badge, finished tastefully in chrome.

The panoramic instrument panel is divided into three sections and designed with a mixture of digital and analog components. The left side contains Lincoln's signature HMI menus and driver-related information. The center portion displays a multi-functional screen displaying navigation, SYNC details and a life-like custom avatar to help make everyday journeys more seamless and other helpful, driver-oriented options.

Soft, white ambient lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere inside the cabin. The lighting is integrated into the C-pillar with a front face that displays the Lincoln badge.

The roof also features an integrated rearview mirror and a chrome-trimmed Web camera that rotates to the right or left, depending on whether the driver or the passenger is communicating via the Internet. A chrome air vent follows the shape of the glass roof.