Hilton Head - Beach, Bikes and Beyond

Sorry for the delay in posts... was seriously sick last week and had to mad rush to get everything ready for vacation. Well we are here, and it could not be a more perfect vacation. Just wanted to share a few pictures... more to come.

New Bedding

I want new bedding. My husband and I treated ourselves to new mattresses for our three year, and now I want new bedding.

I am not a huge online shopper... like to try things on and feel the different materials. But a bed spread is probably something I could take the plunge on. I found these on Overstock.com:

Hilton Head Look No. 1 - Dinner with Husband

We leave for Hilton Head, South Carolina two weeks from today... yippee! It will be the three Dohns along with the three Davenports. The best part about going with another couple and child is that we will be able to trade up family members for special couples dinners, mommy shopping trips, and daddy golf excursions.

Now is the time to throw myself into the laundry I have been avoiding and begin the packing process. Pre-trip shopping is not in the budget this year, but if it were this is an outfit I would love to purchase for date-night with my husband.

Dinner in Hilton Head by Meg Marie featuring DKNY

Items in this set

DKNY Silk tank dress
$275 - net-a-porter.com

White Cardigan
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com

Dune Hobart Ball Detail Flat Sandals
$90 - johnlewis.com

Leather Metallic Bag
$41 - topshop.com

80's Cat Eye Sunglasses
$5.80 - forever21.com

Helena Elastic Bead Bracelet
$4.80 - forever21.com

Fashion Life Support

I have been very blah in my attire lately. I just haven't felt like putting the effort or the laundry hours into coming up with cute outfits... not to mention that my shopping is at an all time low now that I have a toddler. So, the time has come to visit my favorite blogs to revive me.

Here are some of the fashion blogs I turn to when I need some inspiration:

Fashion Fusion
Fashion Under $100
frugal fashionista
The Budget Babe

Pumpkins, Pumpkins and More Pumpkins

I really love pumpkins... and can't wait to try some of these decor ideas! Click on the pictures for How To's!

9-9-09

Today marks three years of marriage. Time flies, things change, but love remains the same. It is so easy to take your love for granted. So easy to focus on the small insignificance's of life, but evey time I flip through our wedding album tears glaze my eyes. All those emotions come rushing back and the reasons for our unity shouts loud and clear. We're not perfect. We're us.

No fancy plans this year. A picnic in the park as a family tonight and a viewing of our wedding video after putting Lizzie to bed. Oh, how things have changed, but I wouldn't change a thing.

I love you Eddie. I love the life we have.

Outdoor Dining

I want this to be my backyard. Via Belle Maison. One day.

Patio Update

We are updating our covered front porch this weekend. Our wicker rockers are going to be traded in for some new seating, but I cannot decide what just yet. I was drawn in by this indoor salvage made outdoor focal point on Coastal Living (here)... unfortunately this does not solve my seating issue. Who am I kidding my seating problem will be solved by whatever I find on sale. I will keep you posted, and just maybe I will find a fabulous old chest to reinvent along the way!

Striped Sweater Dress

I love this striped sweater dress from Old Navy, and at $34.50 I won't feel guilty about the purchase. It will also be a piece I can carry into winter with some leggings and boots.

After August

I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year.

I love the cool nights and sunny days. I love opening the windows and letting nature and the sounds of cars on the street and kids playing enter each room of the house. I love knowing football tailgating is right around the corner.

I hate that theses beautiful days mark the end of the summer. I hate that long days are becoming shorter and shorter. I hate kissing another summer good-bye.

This time of year always makes me feel a little panicky. Like I didn't take full advantage of my favorite season. I didn't have that picnic at My Old Kentucky Home. I didn't take Lizzie to play in the fountain at Tyler Park. I didn't read enough on the deck swing. We never had that summer party with bocce ball and grilled corn.

How come summer comes and goes so fast? I will have to take comfort in the few days we have left. Maybe I can swing a picnic with the family in Tyler Park? I will keep you posted.

Summer, I will miss you till next year.

(Summer Time Pleasures by Levi W. Prentice, this painting and other work can be found here)

Hydrangea Bouquet

Got to carry this beautiful bouquet in my friend Andrea's wedding this past Saturday.

I love weddings and this one did not disappoint.

La Maisonnette Obsession

Okay, so fellow blogger Stephmodo and her family are in Southwest France renovating this little gem, La Masionnette. I am obsessed and must rent this little cottage sometime in the near future. I have my mother and husband on board for the trip... any other takers?

See more about Stephanie's awesome life adventure at her blog.

Fine China

The Indian Tree, Late 19th Century - Maternal Grandmother

Opal Innocence, Lenox - My wedding china

I have a soft spot for china. It most likely steams for the many Easter, Birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners that were spent eating comfort foods off various patterns belonging to family members. I have been quite lucky to inherit two different sets, along with an almost complete set from my wedding registry... and one day I will be the host to family members scraping their forks over my china.

Beach Babes

How sweet are these pictures? I can't stop looking at them, it brings back so many memories of growing up with my sister Heather. This is why when people ask if I would like a boy or a girl next I always reply GIRL. Some people question why I don't want a boy... I would love a boy, but I would also love a sister for Lizzie. I love my sister.

Little girls playing together on a beach.
Location: Atlantic Beach, FL, US
Date taken: June 1954
Photographer: Lisa Larsen

More of these photos on google image search

Fall Must Have

REALLY love this Gap Sweater. This one is going on the list. It will also be perfect for early morning walks on the beach in October.

p.s. I am not trying to wish away summer. I love summer. I just really need a vacation and that is not going to happen until October. Plus, this cardigan has perfect little pockets for seashells.

Nashville

Had a great time tonight. It was one of my closest friends, Andrea's bachelorette party. We had a really great time. Brought back memories of my own bachelorette party. I had seven bridesmaids and only 4 made the Nashville treck... but we had a blast. Thanks for the memories!

Camping

Now, this is my kind of camping. I absolutely adore everything French... even majored in it just for fun. Check out more on this beautiful French countryside camp ground on Belle Maison's fabulous post.

Great Project

Check out this great post from Design*Sponge for these trash to treasure wine bottle torches! Absolutely love this idea.

Eddie's Trip

Beautiful girl who visited the clinic.

Kenya hut.

Home visit.

Eddie has returned from his medical mission in Kenya. Here are a few of his pictures... what a rewarding trip. It is so easy to get caught up in life that we forget how lucky we truly are, and how much we have that we don't really need.

Shower Curtian Love

Kinda in love with this Anthropology shower curtain. I don't think I could use it in our bathroom now, but I do have a daughter who would love it... maybe for her one day bathroom. Yes, said daughter is only 19 months old, but I already know how she feels about home decor.

Checkout other cool shower curtains at Anthropology.

Where is this kid?

So, I just finished mowing the lawn at 9:30pm. After running out of gas, semi-breaking the mower, and having to recruit my best friend's husband over to trouble shoot the backyard is mowed. I am a little embarrassed that I know so little about lawnmowers and yard cutting, but it has been one of those chores I have simply boycotted. We shall see how the front yard does tomorrow... can't be any worse. I am sure I left plenty of mohawks in the back that will need touched up, too. I think I need a lawn boy for when Eddie is away. Do kids even do stuff like that anymore?

picture from here

Baby Shower

I am having a baby shower at my house this Saturday. Lindsay the mom-to-be and I have been friends since the 6th grade. I am so excited for her and John. Look at these beautiful settings I will be stealing... I mean borrowing from!

Sweet Baby Room

I have an antique baby bed that I purchased when living in LaGrange, KY right after college. I have wanted to turn it into a settee... but this is calling Lizzie! It will be the perfect toddler bed.

Kenya

Eddie is on a medical mission in Kenya, Africa for the next couple of weeks. Miss him already, but to pass the weekend I am visiting with my sister and her family. While I don't know exactly what the village Eddie is camping in looks like... I hope he gets to see some of Africa's beauty that surrounds the poor and destitute he will be treating.

Bess Eddie and all those he meets.

Bike

To be in this moment. Doesn't she look carefree beautiful and so completely uncomplicated?

One day this will be me again... via

Farmers Market Flowers

Got this pretty little arrangement for $2.50 at the Farmers Market. I bought one to take to my friend Andrea's bridal shower that would match her wedding colors, too. They are so cute in their little paper cups and really brighten up any space.

On My Mind

Things I love right now...
Summer nights on the deck
Potted boxwoods
Sangria
Lizzie's pink Mary Jane style jellies
Visits to the park
Sundresses
So You Think You Can Dance
Carnival Rides

Henry Clarke

I purchased this print from the Musée de la Mode et du Costume de la Ville de Paris when studying abroad. I adore this print. My husband thinks it is a bit girly but lets it hang proudly in our living room. Henry Clarke's work for Vogue and the fashion world can be describe by one word...magic. The way some people can see things seems so out of this world.

Wharton, TX

"Joseph A. Hamilton purchased this home in 1885 from R. E. Vineyard and moved his family into the existing one-story frame house. In 1907 the home was enlarged by raising the original structure and building a new addition underneath. The home has been continuously occupied by five generations of Hamilton descendants.

Some of the exquisite features this home possesses are: arched front entrance with beveled glass detail, grand stairway with Victorian beveled glass windows in lattice style overlooking the second floor, two gas log fireplaces with intricate detail, fourteen foot ceilings, wood trim with unusual beading and forty three feet of glorious porch space both top and bottom. Over 1.6 acres with pecan, oak and fruit trees. Sense the past; see your future!!"

I love old homes, and I love projects. I have dreams of picking everything up one day and moving to a place I have never heard of before just for a beautiful house like the one above. I have no idea where Wharton, Texas is but I just might be willing to go. I could sit on that porch all weekend long watching Lizzie run around the yard... oh, dreams how they can change so quickly. I'll see how I feel about Wharton in the morning.

http://www.historicproperties.com/detail.asp?detail_key=scwha001

LeBluet

Check out this Mod child size coat. Lizzie would look tres chic! Not quite winter yet, but just couldn't resist posting it. Check it out here.

Daybed Dreaming

I am a sucker for a daybed... this probably stems from having one my entire adolescence. I have been dreaming up Little Lizzie's youth room for when we move and loved this room on "Before and After" from Design*Sponge. I don't think I could go as rustic as two pallets, but The over all charm is really beautiful. I really love the overhead decor and art grouping.

Blue Ceiling

via

Love this room. I really wanted a blue ceiling for my kitchen... isn't it beautiful?

Hilton Head

Well, I am way over due for a vaca. Really, really, really way over due. But I will have to settle for a free stay in Hilton Head during early October (and a couple of long weekend trips to the lake before). So to get me through this I will dream of this, the beautiful Hilton Head beach, a house two blocks away, and a bike with a child's seat ready for the daily trip!

Thanks Aaron and Amanda! We can't wait.

Really love this idea. If you know me I love a project, and this one would be a lot of fun. It would be great for a kids room or a small office. I have no need for this anywhere in my house, but I will have to keep it in mind. Click the picture for the original post on apartment therapy.