Everyday Living

From Sea To Snow

~ Travel

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the skies announce what his hands have made”
Psalm 19:1

The forecast shows near 100 degree temps here in the Deep South…so to say it is hot is an understatement!  And what better way to spend a summer day than at the beach or on a snow-capped mountain?!  You all have been such troopers on our visits to various places while we were in Seattle…making stops at Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden & Glass, and Butchart Gardens so far!

Today, we are continuing our trip down the coast…and as we travel you will see a little bit of a change of scenery.  And today, our tour guide will be none other than The Renaissance Man, Butch.  Let’s hop in the car and enjoy the ride…from sea to snow!


Driving south on Hwy 101 along Oregon’s north coast we found Ecola State Park to be an amazing detour that we were glad we chose. The road into the park meanders through Sitka Spruce and other lush greenery. This was our first stop. Not because this was a marked destination, but we were stopped in traffic. Yes, this is a popular place! If you are stopped for a few minutes in traffic and have this view there’s no complaining.

This view, of what is called sea stacks, awaited us at the end of the trail and the scenery from this vantage point was breathtaking in every direction!

 

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Tablescape Tuesday: A Slice Of Summer

~ Food & Entertaining, Tablescape Tuesday

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit”
2 Corinthians 3:18

I look out the kitchen window and guess what I see?  The faces of the happiest blooms…sunflowers!  We planted a couple of short rows last year, and I enjoyed them so much that they had to make a return appearance!  Last summer we planted them outside and to the left of the garden, this year we planted them behind the garden, so that means I have a good view from my kitchen window of their large blooms!  Today I am combining the smiling flowers and a favorite summer refreshment…ice-cold watermelon with coarse sea salt for the perfect summer table!  Join me and I will share a slice of summer with you!


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2016 Southern Living Idea House

~ Decorating

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭11:33‬ ‭

Here in the South, Southern Living isn’t just a magazine, it’s a way of life.  And even if you’re not from the South like me, chances are, you still probably know what I am talking about!  Through my years as a decorator, I have toured many Southern Living Idea Homes and always enjoy seeing the Southern architecture, an array of talented designers, and the latest innovative products on the market. The way the elements orchestrate together truly create a house full of ideas!

In celebration of the magazine’s 50th anniversary, it’s editors chose The Town of Mt Laurel, on the edge of Birmingham, for the 2016 Southern Living Idea House…and you guessed it…I had to check it out!  On Friday, Katy and I had a fun girls day, complete with good food, shopping, and of course…we made the tour!  I hope your eyes are ready to take in all of the colors, textures, and ideas!  Let’s take a walk through “Celebration Cottage”!


The house was designed by Birmingham architect Bill Ingram.  It is a fresh take on traditional Southern style without sacrificing any of the charm.  The wide porch just gives you a big welcome and invites you to “sit a spell”!

“Southerners typically have done a lot of their living and entertaining at home. We’re all about our house and all the things in it that we like and bringing in the things we’ve gotten from other places or things that we’ve had, reusing them”
Bill Ingram, Architect 


The siding is HardiePlank in Iron Gray.  I particularly like the color of the louvered shutters.  Notice the ceiling is painted in a sky blue color.  A pair of teak benches are by Ballard Designs.


As we step inside, we will begin our tour in the dining room which is to the right of the foyer.  This beautifully appointed space was designed by Margaret Kirkland from Atlanta, Georgia.  She is known for giving fresh style to traditional design.

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