A Favorite Charleston Home

I love to get a closer look at homes I admire, and was excited to see this Charleston house Michelle featured recently. The historic home was decorated by homeowners Mark and Melissa Maresca, and I first fell for it in the pages of Southern Accents. It's classic and beautiful, yet interesting; a real grown-up house (the likes of which I will never own - but love to look at!).

Aqua + Linen + Rust

I'm always on the hunt for interesting color combinations, and lately I am taken with this one. It seems just right for late summer/early fall and even inspired me to pair an orange linen skirt with an aqua silk top for a wedding recently. Hopefully it was as cute in person as it was in my head. Anyway.

If I were turning it into a room, I would start with this smart sofa and add a nice, long lumbar pillow in Windsor Smith's Riad.


A pair of these cuties in Saffron Linen would sit opposite the sofa, with a sleek table in between.

* Top photo from the always-inspiring Purl Soho.

** Apologies for my recent prolonged absence(s). I have still been reading my favorite blogs, but the desire/inspiration to write my own has temporarily been lacking. I think I might be getting my groove back and look forward to reconnecting with you all.

Beautiful Messes

Some days, the bed doesn't get made until the middle of the day.


The sewing projects pile up in the dining room.


This stinker gets two baths (she is more interested in feeding herself than being fed - it is fun but messy!).


The colorful plastic toys take over my once calm living room.


The kitchen counter is lost under a pile of dishes (the dishwasher is broken ...).


But it will probably get worse because someone is dying to be on the move!

Morning Coffee

I am smitten with this charming, light-filled kitchen, spotted on Pinterest via Caitlin. I love the mix of dishes and art on the shelves over the white subway tile.


The wide-plank floors, island and french doors make for a dreamy spot to slowly sip a cup of coffee. (I seem to be talking coffee an awful lot lately. I promise I am getting sleep - Elliot has slept well from the beginning. But I did give it up while I was pregnant so I suppose I am just still happy to have it back. Ha.)

Photography is by Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful.

Ticking Stripe Sofas

I have a small hand-me-down settee in desperate need of a makeover. Right now I have a piece of fabric tossed over it to hide some of the heinous 90's burgundy, navy and hunter green postcard-print upholstery. Yeah. As usual, I won't have a ton of cash to spend on the project, so I'm thinking a simple ticking stripe might be the answer.


How cute are these two ticking stripe sofas? The welt on this one seems to have been cut on the bias. Fun!

Photos, from top: Traditional Home, Katy Elliott.

Playing Pretend

If I lived here ...


I would have breakfast and coffee here ...


While Elliot toddled around wearing this ...


And we would hang out with friends and family here ...


And I would wear this watch ...


With this scarf ...


And then I would tinker around in this garden ...


Before having sweet dreams here. Sounds nice, doesn't it?

(For image sources, see my Pinterest)

Summer is ...

Trips down a dirt road for farm-visiting ...


Blueberry-eating ...


Front-porch sitting ...


Peach cobbler making ...


New-swing swinging. What are you up to, these early summer days?

Dream House: Mudroom

The mudroom in the Tennessee farmhouse I grew up in was essential for shedding boots dirty from the barn and pastures, but here in suburbia, it would still be pretty nice to have one. Durable walls (board + batten, planks, or tongue-in-groove paneling painted semi-gloss) and floors, ample storage, and place to sit make for a perfect casual entry.




And a designated spot for the dog bed would be nice, too.

PS, I found all of these images on Pinterest. Follow me here!

Mothers' Day Wishes

Last year on Mother's Day we surprised our moms with cards from "Baby Bonds to-be." It was a joyful and exciting occasion, as they were both eagerly awaiting the day they would become grandmothers.


I know this Sunday will be so much sweeter because of this blue-eyed baby girl. Elliot brings so much joy and life to our family, and she gives my days purpose and meaning. I am honored to be her momma. To every mother, and mother-to-be, I hope you are blessed this day.

Not-So-Pretty Things

My heart is so heavy, I just couldn't bear to look at the last post any longer. You may know, I live in Birmingham, Alabama, just one of many communities devastated by tornadoes last week. Our home was spared by a few miles, Wes's parents' home was spared by a few city blocks, and for that we are thankful. But the need in our state (and others) is great, and goes far beyond the communities that have been covered well by the news stations. Thankfully, local response and compassion has also been great, and there are more ways to help than I can mention here (though please email me if you want some ideas!). If you do not live in the area and are moved to help, the American Red Cross is a good place to start. (Photo is of Pleasant Grove, just west of downtown Birmingham, by Butch Dill/AP, via MSNBC)