Our books speak volumes about us, pun intended. What do yours say about you? Surprise, mine are houses, gardens, flowers, food, travel, spirituality, and… self-help. When a friend pointed out how many self help books I’d read, and tied it to my recently completed 9 months training as a life coach, I was stunned. I guess I was headed that way all along. At this point in my life I just want to bring light to the world and I want to help YOU bring YOURS. See my latest blog post via link in my profile. Photography by Harlowe James

The climbing ivy and the architecture of this old English house caught my eye. Built in light Cotswold stone, the former rectory was built in the late eighteenth century, and extended in the centuries since, including the addition of a Gothic Revival-style oratory was added. Visit my stories for the full tour… Interior Design @emma_sims_hilditch Photography Alexander James

Bacon! One of my favorite old family recipes (thank you cousin Boush, or was it Bouche, I was never sure) and fave go-to hors d’oeuvres, are the Bacon Crackers in California Cooking and Southern Style. 2 ingredients and 30 minutes to bake. You will die. But not of nitrates 😉 Head to my stories for the recipe and let’s get cookin’, good lookin’! They also freeze beautifully. #CaliforniaCookingandSouthernStyle

The time has come to pop the bubbly…Happy #NewYearsEve, everyone! Wishing you a fun, festive {and safe} celebration Photography @lclaurenconrad

Atlanta architect Norman Askins (whom I LOVE) designs houses that are elegant without pretense, ranging from Italian Renaissance to English Country, to American Federal. Though Norman himself claims to be “a cottage person.” His book is a brilliant reference for anyone considering building, renovating, or adding on. The livability, handsomeness, charm, and accessibility of Askins’ designs grace every page…and every corner of his personal home, Villa Vecchia. Take a tour through my link in bio. Susan Sully, photographer. Courtesy of The Monacelli Press

Doth two sunset posts a theme maketh? My daughter in law gave me a hilarious calendar of Shakespeare put downs and it has infiltrated my speech… Anyway the sky was soooo pink and lavender pretty last night that I had to stop and take it in. This is the drive into our neighbors, the Kohlers, and their beautiful vineyard and property. . . #losilivos #santabarbaracounty #santabarbarawinecountry #vineyard #vineyardviews #vineyardsunset #kohlerwinery #santaynezvalley #foxencanyon #instagood

As the sun sets on 2020, and hallelujah, let us open our hearts to possibility and walk the new road with kindness. This little oil of the ranch I painted a few weeks ago is inspiring me for the New Year and reminding me always to see new horizons.

Will be missing my sister ‘n ‘dem this year and also these incredibly becoming pajamas… This was last year in Atlanta, with last year’s hair… LOVE YOU ALL @duvallfuqua and missing you!

Merry Quiet Christmas Breakfast and love to all from Rancho La Zaca. . . Gingerbread house beauty from @solvangbakery Good ol’ @spodeus Christmas china

Christmas Eve sunset promises a beautiful Christmas morn. Merry Christmas.

Ahhh, just taking a breather to hear the calming sound of the waves and imagine the freshness of the salty air. Being close to nature always brings me closer to God. And then the serenity settles in…what is your favorite way to escape the busy-ness of the world for a moment of peace?