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.

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)

Pretty Things: Black and White

For lack of a better description, this is nothing more than a random dump of inspiring images. Today, in black and white, with a little (unpolished!) brass thrown in for good measure.







Now this one is really random (and possibly slightly creepy?), but I like the combo of the tortoise shell glasses, gingham, and honey-colored wood of the guitar.



Photos: O so D, Ashley G, Elle Decor, unknown, La Maison Boheme, Katie Denham, Haskell Harris in Southern Living, Belle Decor at Garden & Gun (I think - wasn't planning to share this one), Donna Griffith for Style at Home, and unknown.

Dreamy Desk

Holly Mathis recently turned her breakfast space into a desk space. It's visible from the front door, so it's also pretty. A pair of spray-painted lamps (with new shades) from the thrift store, a linen skirt, file boxes from Wal-Mart, and a few pretty accessories do the trick.


Between the kitchen and dining room, the desk would also make a great buffet when cleared.

Day 1203's pretty

Fall has been coming and going around here, and for this weekend, it's here. We are in the middle of some projects around the house that desperately need attention, but here's to hoping we can get out and enjoy it at least a little bit!

Happy Weekend!

Photo: Peggy Wong via Ruby Press.

Day 1189's pretties

Last night was a real treat. Doug and Paige of Tracery Interiors hosted a lovely garden party at Doug's home. Not only did I get to hang with some lovely ladies (Brooke, Marianne, Paula, and Megan) and make some new friends, but I got an in-person look at Doug's adorable bungalow. I have oohed and ahhed over his renovation on Tracery's blog, but I have to say, it looks even better in person!






Thank you for having us Doug and Paige! And did you hear the great news about Tracery's second shop? I have yet to visit the Rosemary Beach location, so this is very exciting!

Day 1175's pretty

I'm head-over-heels for this pretty Atlanta keeping room (designed by Amy Morris). In part because the Tennessee farmhouse I grew up in had a "keeping room" (really just a sitting room off the kitchen) and I like the idea of them, but also because it looks like a delightful place to spend a fall weekend curled up next to a fire. But not here -- at least not this weekend -- where Indian Summer is in full swing. I hope it's turning fall-like where you are!

Happy Weekend!

Photo by Emily Followill for Traditional Home.

Inspired by: Familiar Landscapes

I believe that art should be personal, and am always drawn to landscapes that resemble familiar views. Particuarly those that look like the gentle rolling hills of middle Tennessee (which I claim as my home state) or the meandering marshes of the low country of Georgia and South Carolina (we honeymooned in Charleston, but also because I really, really like it there). John Boatright's (a native of Columbia, Tennessee) work certainly fits the bill. Not to mention, the soft colors would look great in my house!

The only thing I really know about art is that I know what I like when I see it, so excuse my lack of anything of substance to say.





Victoria Adams (immediately above and below) lives on an island on Puget Sound near Seattle and so is obviously no stranger to dramatic and sweeping vistas. I am, again, particularly drawn to the images that resemble the low country. See more of her lovely work (which is oil and wax on linen, by the way) here.

Late Summer Lovelies

Mother Nature is doing some serious teasing lately with cool(er) mornings interspersed between hot, hot afternoons.


It kind of makes me want to do like Lauren did, and spruce up the house a little to reflect the coming change.


I started last night by burning my favorite fall candle -- for $5 for the big jar, I can afford to burn it 24/7 until Christmas (Mulled Cider at Wal-Mart).


Not that I'm rushing out to buy pumpkins or anything, but you know ... some dalhias or sunflowers for the table sure wouldn't hurt.

Photos: Antonella Arismedni, Pure Style Home, Jodi Miller Photography, Saipua.

Day 1147's pretty

It's actually kind of dark and rainy here today, and I think we finally broke our streak of 90-degree days yesterday (the streak was 45 days long, in case you are wondering!). I kind of hate to be using the f-word already, but this quiet, foggy morning is making me ready for, you know, that other season. So I'll be indoors today (it is still 89 degrees, after all) wrapping up a few things to share with you next week!

Happy Weekend!

Photo via suziebeezie.

Day 1126's pretty

Whew, it's going to be another hot weekend. Good thing we have plenty of indoor projects to keep us busy and well, indoors. What are you up to this weekend?

Happy Weekend!

Photo: oh, hello friend via pink wallpaper.

Day 1097's pretty and a thank you

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend! The 4th of July is one of my favorites -- I need to decide how to use my little American flags on toothpicks! Cupcakes, perhaps? And of course Old Glory is flying from our front porch.


We also want to extend our deep, deep gratitude for all the kind words and encouragement about our news. We can't wait to share our journey with you!

Happy Weekend!

Photos: Country Living, Rifle Paper Co.

Day 1090's pretty

I love this summery composition from Red Door Antiques. I have one sea fan and two pieces of coral (one resin, one actually found on a beach) and I need to put them out before the season passes me by. My latest J.Crew catalog is already talking about transitioning to fall, sheesh!

Happy Weekend!

Day 1083's pretty

Living in the South, I do not consider June a spring month, but a summer one. It has definitely felt like summer for ... quite a while. And the Queen Anne's Lace are in full bloom, too. But after this weekend it's officially summer, hooray!

Happy Weekend!

Photo: New Farmhouse Style.

Day 1063's pretty

The gardenia is blooming all over the grounds of my office building and the scent is intoxicating! I haven't plucked any yet, but that is on my list of things to do very soon!

Happy {long} Weekend!

Photo: Jacob Termansen Photography.

Day 1056's pretty

This is pretty random, but one of my favorite times to be in my house is during an afternoon rain shower, with all of the lights turned off. The light is so quiet and pretty, and this photo reminded me of it when I saw it on Katy Elliott a few weeks ago. Just right for napping, which I'm hoping to do a little of this weekend!

Happy Weekend!

Picture of Perfection

A row of bell-jar lanterns, a blue porch ceiling, operable shutters, and an ocean view - what more can you ask for?? Maybe a steaming cup of coffee to help take it all in.

Photo.

Day 1049's pretty

There just isn't much that's prettier than old ironstone on a shelf, now is there?

Happy Weekend!

Photo: Lerkenfeldt Photography.