Atlanta architect Norman Askins finally has a book, and it was worth the wait. Aptly entitled Inspired by Tradition, the volume is filled with beautiful architecture and (bonus!) terrific interior design.
Home & Garden
Postcard From Italy No. 3–A Cathedral and a Nap in Siena
You may recall that my dear husband is happy to travel in Italy #aslongaswedon’thavetogotoanychurches. Nothing against churches, he is just more interested in wars and things. But I was determined to go to Siena and by dern see that cathedral. I would find a way…
Invasive Plants–Just Don’t Do It
It’s all fun and games, people, until some planet loses a species. You know what I’m sayin? I’m talking about invasive plants–you know, the pretty ones that are easy to grow and spread, and then take over the world? As we plan for fall gardening, let’s do our part to stop these botanical bad guys before they start…
Bees and Thank You
Dear Readers,
Your response to A Book Deal for Bee Cottage has gob-smacked me, and I am so grateful to you I could bust. If you were wondering, I absolutely do read every single-dingle comment and treasure every word. Yessiree Bob I do. And I really appreciate your feedback on the book’s subtitle (to be continued). I’m not always able to respond individually, but trust me, hun, you are forever on my Love List. These simple bees and bouquets are for you especially. From my house, my garden, and my heart, thank you.
Summer Supper in the Garden at Bee Cottage
At least once a summer I like to have dinner in the garden where we do it up. So we did it up last weekend.
Perfect Summertime Hostess Gifts – Great Paper Placemats, Napkins, Plastic Tumblers
When I came across this image, I sighed, from the Adams Calyx ware, to the Kirk Repoussé silver, to the precious hot-pink Chinoiserie placemats. It was a long sigh. Let’s start with the placemats. Turns out the placemats come in paper pads–brilliant summer hostess gifts! (One for them, one for me, hee-hee.) Not just for… Continue reading Perfect Summertime Hostess Gifts – Great Paper Placemats, Napkins, Plastic Tumblers
Postcard From Provence No. 2 – A-Painting We Will Go
Plein-air painting is not for sissies, let’s just get that straight right now. Why sit in a comfortable, climate-controlled studio, with actual furniture and an actual bathroom, when you can freeze, burn-up, blow away, be swarmed by Japanese tourists, trip on a tree root trying to get away, sprain your ankle, and drop your painting… Continue reading Postcard From Provence No. 2 – A-Painting We Will Go
Postcard From Provence No. 1 – Bonjour!
Bonjour from Aix-en-Provence, also known as Aix-and-Pains, though I don’t know why – maybe because it is hard to find a parking place. But that could be many places, non? I did once park here years ago only to return to the car to find it imprisoned by these scary iron posts that come up… Continue reading Postcard From Provence No. 1 – Bonjour!
Summer Reading to Catch Up on From Spring
I try not to read (or eat) more than I can lift, but sometimes it’s a challenge, particularly with the tons of great spring books that will take me the summer to get through. Here are a handful of my faves. Something here for everyone. Everyone like us, I mean. You know what I mean. Linens… Continue reading Summer Reading to Catch Up on From Spring
Sharing the Love From Design Chic Blog – Re-capping NC Luncheon – Pretty Table Settings
What a great–as in really good–surprise to wake up Monday morning to the blog My Design Chic post about my recent visit to Greenville, NC, where I spoke to a room full of wonderful women. It was an honor to be in MDC and a privilege to be back to where my roots are. No not… Continue reading Sharing the Love From Design Chic Blog – Re-capping NC Luncheon – Pretty Table Settings
The Best Looking Outdoor Furniture
He coined the term “exterior decorator,” appropriately enough, because that is what he is. And a darned brilliant one. John Danzer, creator of Munder-Skiles Outdoor Furniture, is brilliant, period.
Book Browse: The Pretty and Proper Living Room
Whether you are to the manor–or the bungalow–born, there is much useful information in “The Pretty and Proper Living Room,” especially for new homemakers.