Planning

Somebody (actually, two somebodies - Elliot was born on her Daddy's birthday) has a birthday coming up! My mind and spare time are consumed with all things fun and girly. Here is what is inspiring me ...





Photos: Cake, Cake, Once Wed, Jones Design Company, Style Me Pretty.

Merry, Merry!

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of Righteousness


Light and life to all he brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings


Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die


Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth


Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King!

Giving Thanks

Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving!





Photos: via Style Me Pretty, Southern Accents, via Brunch at Saks, Everyday Occasions, David A. Land for Better Homes & Gardens.

Dark

A little charcoal grey is about as spooky as I get.





Happy Halloween!

Photos: House & Home, Pinterest, via Wit and Delight, via Preppie Bettie, m. elle design.

Goldenrod Yellow

It's that time of year - the goldenrod is blooming everywhere. I clipped some from an empty lot near our neighborhood (I sure the guys in the pizza parlor next door think I'm crazy), but it wasn't as photogenic as it has been in years past. And while I am not usually a big yellow lover, I was quite taken with the color in House & Homes' Princess Margaret Showhome. Isn't this the most cheerful kitchen? Pairing the hue with a dusty charcoal gray and light wood finishes was unexpected and chic.



Photos are by Michael Graydon for Canadian House & Home.

Skirting the Issue

I love the skirted table that Erika had made for her daughter's second birthday. The fabric is very inexpensive, and she chose red so that she could use it again on holidays (how festive will it be on the 4th of July?).


Our dining room table's surface takes a beating when we have guests and it would be nice to have a floor-length cloth to use when we pull the chairs away. Ana Spiro has a lovely ticking-stripe cloth on her desk.


A box pleat would be pretty, too, and that might be a little more in-line with my sewing abilities. Now, where's my measuring tape?

Mexican Sage

Fall must be near, because my Mexican Sage is beginning to bloom. I'm really not in the correct climate for it to flourish (or so the guy at the garden center tells me), but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about it spilling over a brick path and being all purple and soft and wonderful.

Happy Weekend!

* Photo info here.

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.