Saturday, December 30, 2017

December // What I Read


Emily of New Moon 
by L.M. Montgomery 

I began the month reading a L.M. Montgomery classic. Although Montgomery is widely known for her beloved Anne of Green Gables series, she wrote several other works including the Emily of New Moon books. 

Saturday, December 23, 2017

A New Christmas Tradition


I recently came across an Iceland Christmas tradition and right away asked Josh if we could incorporate it into our family traditions each year. He sweetly agreed. My parents have already been gifting a new book to each of their kids for a few Christmases now but I adore the idea of Josh and I exchanging a new (or old) book every Christmas Eve and passing that tradition along to our children one day. I am completely, ridiculously sentimental so adding special, unique holiday traditions brings my heart joy. 

Saturday, December 16, 2017

My Hearth & Hand Favorite Picks


Like every other Fixer Upper fan, I headed straight for my local Target as soon as the Chip and Joanna Gaines' new home decor line, Hearth and Hand, hit the shelves. I also browsed online for far too long, just soaking in all their beautiful home goods. I went ahead and splurged and picked up a few things, and then returned some of it to the store, and then later picked up a few more things.
Oh, the vicious cycle. 

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Holiday Gift Guide and Shopping Small 2017

One of my favorite things about Instagram is discovering small companies. A few of my absolute favorite shops are from stumbling across them while scrolling my feed. I love finding new unique and ethical places to shop. I thought it would be fun to include them in my holiday gift guide this year!


Saturday, December 2, 2017

November // What I Read


Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter 
by Kate Clifford Larson 

My first book for November was about an iconic Kennedy. I had never known much about Rosemary and after reading this book I now understand why. Rosemary was born with a mental defect and learning disability that left her limited in social situations and stunted her overall development. The story of her birth was very telling as the midwife did not feel comfortable delivering the baby until the doctor arrived. In so doing, she did her best to push the baby back into the womb prohibiting her natural birthing experience. It is believed that this aided in her mental deformity. 

Thursday, November 9, 2017

My Anniversary Shopping Trip Haul

Every year on our anniversary we try to get away to focus on each other and enjoy one another. This year we decided to spend the weekend at one of our favorite spots: Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville.We had so much fun spending the night at the same hotel we spent our wedding night, eating ice cream, enjoying a steak dinner at Connors, and of course, doing a little shopping.

I always love to see what other people find (I've discovered some favorite products and companies that way) and so I thought I would do a little show and tell!

Friday, November 3, 2017

October // What I Read


Murder on the Orient Express 
by Agatha Christie

I have wanted to read this book for awhile now and then when I found out that they were making a movie based on the book I added it to my October book list. 

This is a suspenseful read about a murder on a luxurious train filled with a group of very diverse passengers. Everyone is a suspect. It's up to the reader to search for the truth...and to discover if they are right.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Creating a Cozy Home

Recently in the early mornings I leave for work the weather has gradually become colder and colder. As soon as I step outside my front door into the chilly darkness I wish I was back inside again. Driving to work, I dream of when I can return home to the cozy comfort of burning candles, hot coffee, and chunky knitted blankets.

I think it's important to create an atmosphere for yourself, husband, and family where they long to come home and find those four walls to be a place of refuge and warmth. 

As I was thinking over what makes a house a home (besides the people of course) there were a few things I curated, particularly for this time of year:


Saturday, October 21, 2017

TEN


1 Almost every year I treat myself to one bag. The Madewell Transport Rucksack was the one I chose this year. It's even more beautiful in person. This is the perfect bag to carry a load of current reads, all the weekend essentials for a road trip, or as an everyday bag. All of my Felicity fantasies just came true....well, almost. I still need to visit Dean and DeLuca. Someday.

Friday, October 13, 2017

My Five Fall Wardrobe Essentials

Some of my favorite bloggers that I follow have posted their fall favorites recently and that is always something I love to read about! Autumn is my favorite season and I adore those classic "capsule wardrobe" pieces that you can wear over and over again every season when the weather turns chilly. 

I thought I would share with you all my current favorite pieces that I believe are true classics and aren't just the the new fall trend that will be out next year. These five wardrobe essentials are timeless classics and are items that are at times easy to thrift and can be a guilt-free splurge. 

A Classic Handbag

Friday, October 6, 2017

Always make time for a little reading // JORD wood watches giveaway

As many of you know, I have taken on the challenge of reading a book a week this year. At times it has been difficult to stay on track but it's been fun setting aside designated time to read and I've experienced some really great books this year!

The older I get the more I realize how valuable time is and I don't want to waste it. Reading to me is a way to gain knowledge, broaden my interests and views about life, and enlighten my imagination. I never regret time I spend reading...that is, unless it's a dud of a book. In that case, I just toss it and go on to the next one on my list.

Saturday, September 30, 2017

September // What I Read


The Nightingale 
by Kristin Hannah 

Hands down, my favorite read this year. Paris, World War II, and the story of two very different sisters...what could be better? I adored the characters of this book and I experienced sheer joy and heartache to see their stories unfold. 

Friday, September 22, 2017

Words Fitly Spoken

This past week I received the most encouraging direct message on Instagram from a girl whom I had "met" on social media awhile back. To be completely honest, we had followed each other and admired one another's work but that was about it. Her message came completely out of the blue and totally took me by surprise.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Fall Favorite: Fossil Q Accomplice Watch


Fall is right around the corner and I am already dreaming of cozy knits, endless amounts of coffee, and accessories to compliment my wardrobe. One staple item I have already decided on is my Fossil Q Accomplice watch. It is a beautiful rose gold timepiece that partners beautifully with all the rust and green colors of autumn. Along with it's classic design, it is also a hybrid smartwatch so it keeps me connected to modern technology. I absolutely love that you would never know that though. 

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Some thoughts as summer comes to a close...



Summer is almost over and as it comes to an end there are moments that come to mind that I want to remember from favorite summers past...

Josh and I dining at Ellsworth in Paris and feasting on fried chicken (picture above) 
the summer my friend Lauren and I dressed up and walked along the boardwalk in Atlantic City 
flea marketing with my sister and parents in Charleston 
making raspberry cordial from my Anne of Green Gables cookbook 
picnics and swims at Lake Lanier 
my mom making homemade popsicles out of red plastic molds 
long afternoons getting lost in Paris art museums 
heavenly hash ice cream and charades in a Maine cabin on the lake 
Sunday afternoon coffee chats at Borders with my four best friends 
picnicking on pastries and wine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower 
back road drives to my brother's house for dinner and movies 
camping with the family on Prince Edward Island 
Saturdays in bed reading for hours 
Audrey Hepburn film hunting with my mom and sister 

There's something about one sentence igniting a world of emotion isn't there? How wonderful it is that at the mention of one memory it evokes the happiest of times. These are just a few of mine.


Saturday, September 2, 2017

August // What I Read


Miss Jane
by Brad Watson 

I do love a beautiful cover. When I first saw this book I wanted to own it just for the cover but then the description grabbed my attention and I thought it would be an interesting read. Inspired by the true story of his own great-aunt, Watson explores the life of Miss Jane Chisolm, born in twentieth-century Mississippi with a genital birth defect that would stand in the way of the central "uses" for a woman in that time and place - namely, sex and marriage.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer


If you are a Gilmore Girls fan then congratulations...I've just got that annoying song stuck in your head, haven't I? :) As much as I hate that song, it comes to mind when I think of summer days.

Friday, August 18, 2017

My Favorite Bookshops

Ever since I can remember, books have been a huge part of my life. Growing up, I recall my mom telling me the story of my grandmother always saying that the only thing my parents would ever own were babies and books. Coming from a family of six and owning a bookcase in about every room in our home, I'd say she was about right.

Some of my most cherished memories was my mom taking my brothers, sister, and myself, to the library every Saturday. Being as my dad was a traveling preacher, our family would accompany him on the road most of the time and one of our favorite ways to break up the monotony of a long road trip was to make visits to various bookstores along the way. The best ones were always in New England.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Inspiration Series: Basket Bags

One trend I have embraced and adored this season? Basket bags! I love all the different varieties I have seen and it takes some major self-control on my part not to swipe every one I find right up! Unfortunately, this one I purchased this summer from Free People is now out of stock but I've included some of my favorites below for you to browse!

Saturday, August 5, 2017

July // What I Read


Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly 

I love studying World War II and the Holocaust so this book was right up my alley. Lilac Girls is the story of three women and their vastly different perspectives of the Holocaust. This book unfolds the stories of a New York socialite helping with the war efforts in France, a Polish teenager working for the underground resistance movement, and a German doctor assigned to Ravensbruck, one of the most notorious concentration camps for women in Germany. Based on real people and true events, this book revealed things that happened during that dark time in history that I never knew. I love when a book intertwines stories of characters and plot lines and this book does a wonderful job of that. Be sure to read the note by the author on what inspired her to write the book, and her efforts in penning what I believe is a modern day masterpiece. 

Friday, July 28, 2017

TEN


Ten things I am obsessing over at the moment....

1. Being an avid reader, I love to collect books and am always desiring to add to my library. Thrift Books is a very affordable way to do that. Most books you can pick up on there for under $4 and you only have to spend $10 or more to get free shipping!! It's been a life saver for my book obsession. If you use this link you can get 15% off your first order!

Friday, July 21, 2017

Feature Friday: Rebekah Murray of Virginia Dare Dress Co.





I remember seeing Rebekah's beautiful dresses for the first time and admiring the feminine design and whimsical fabric. After receiving a couple of her dresses to add to my wardrobe I knew I just had to include her in my Feature Friday series. It has been a pleasure getting to know her and I hope you enjoy our little chat.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Old Fashioned Girl // Virginia Dare Dress Co.


I have long admired the beautiful dresses that comprise the collection of Virginia Dare Dress Co.  I've gotten to know the designer, Rebekah, a little bit better over the past few weeks and I appreciate her heart and love for gorgeous clothing to adorn the old soul. 

Thursday, July 6, 2017

My Favorite Podcasts


Today I am sharing my absolute favorite podcasts to listen to. From true crime to book recommendations to gardening to travel...I am sure there is something here for everyone. Podcasts have become super popular over the past couple years and are a hobby of mine that I find myself listening to whenever I am in the car, folding laundry, washing dishes, gardening, or enjoying a bubble bath. They are a great outlet to broaden your knowledge, introduce you to something new, or just make your day a little brighter. I hope you find something here that you can enjoy!

Friday, June 30, 2017

June // What I Read


Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music by Charmian Carr

My favorite movie happens to be The Sound of Music and so when I discovered this gem of a book I was so excited to dive in! Written by Charmian Carr (Liesl) the book explores the making of the movie and gives an exclusive sneak peek of what it was like to act with the likes of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

Friday, June 23, 2017

Feature Friday: Esther Clark Illustration & Calligraphy

Today on the blog I am so excited to introduce you to one of my favorite artists and creatives. Esther and I met on Instagram a year or so ago. I came across her work and instantly became a huge fan. I reached out to her to design a custom botanical piece for a tattoo I want to get someday. I still need to fulfill that bucket list wish but for now, the drawing is hanging in my dining room. Since then, I have ordered a calendar of hers that is one of my favorite purchases ever. I have even used some of the calendar pages for framed artwork around my home. 

In addition to being drawn to her work, I quickly learned we have a lot in common such as a love for Downton Abbey, coffee, flowers (of course!) and most of all, Jesus. She has definitely become a kindred spirit and her account is one of my absolute favorites. Check her out on Instagram and give her a follow. 

Saturday, June 17, 2017

When Life Isn't What You Expected it to Be


This post has been a long time coming, but I thought it was time to share my heart with you...

At times I wonder, "Who cares about what's going on in my day-to-day life and the life of my husband, Josh?", but part of the reason I began this blog was as a means to record our journey and the places God takes us. Our life is pretty simple and mundane, but I know one day I will want to look back at old posts and see how far we have come and also I know that I have some family and friends who like to be kept in the loop so here I go...

Friday, June 9, 2017

Planters For Days

One of the most enjoyable things to shop for when buying plants is the perfect home for them! Although it is fun to search for the perfect planter for the perfect plant, it can be a bit challenging as well! I rounded up some of my favorite planters for you guys so if anyone is interested...
look no further.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

May // What I Read


The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 

I had heard a lot of things about this particular book and then when I saw that Hulu was making it into a television series I just had to read it. 

Set in a futuristic world that at one time was the United States, women have been diminished to nothing more than domesticated servants, prison guards, and child-bearers. With the rapid-decline of fertility, especially among the women of the higher government officials, a select few have become "handmaidens" and are used only for the purpose to provide the population with offspring.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Visiting The Hiding Place / The Corrie ten Boom House

Last May, Josh and I had the privilege of visiting the ten Boom house in Haarlem, about a 15 minute train ride outside of Amsterdam. One of my main reasons for wanting to visit The Netherlands was to see the home and city that Corrie ten Boom originated from. The Hiding Place is one of my favorite books of all time and if you haven't read it then by all means do so! It will leave you inspired, uplifted, and in awe of God's grace.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the story, Corrie, along with her father and sister, created a safe haven for Jews during the Nazi occupation in Holland during World War II.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Readings from The Blue Castle


For those of you who don't know, I gathered inspiration for my blog (along with it's name) from L.M. Montgomery's The Blue Castle. The book holds a special place in my heart. I remember reading it as a young girl and becoming enchanted with the story of Valancy, a young woman who lives a very drab existence but after a doctor's diagnosis she finally begins to truly and passionately live. 

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Inspiration Series: White Dresses

I've decided to begin doing an inspiration series occasionally as a way to share my inspirational finds. I've always been one to LOVE to show others what gets me excited and makes me happy, for I've found part of my happiness is seeing others partake in it too. :)

First up: White Dresses!

In the past couple years my love for dresses has grown and I feel most beautiful when wearing one. As much as I love a nice floral frock, there is just something about a white dress that makes my heart skip a beat.

Here are some of my favorites images that I have collected. They are just so fun to look at you know?

Saturday, April 29, 2017

April // What I Read


The Prodigal's Sister by John Piper 

Piper did an amazing job with this narrative of the prodigal son's sister. I felt deeply sympathetic toward the sister and how she must have felt torn between her two brothers. The book provided me with a new perspective on the story of the prodigal son and how his journey affected his loved ones. 

Friday, April 21, 2017

A Room of Their Own

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” 
~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice 


Anyone that knows me well understands that books are very precious to me. Josh still reminds me of something I told him when we were dating: "Books are my dear friends." 

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

A Spring-Inspired DIY

I think with each passing year my love for flowers grows and grows. I will more than likely be one of those little old ladies that has a ridiculous flower garden all around her house and can be seen out watering it and caring for it every day.

I'm excited to be going bloom shopping with my dear friend and fellow-obsessed flower lady, Heather, this coming weekend. This girl knows her stuff and has an AMAZING flower garden that hopefully one day I can share with you all! She is always giving me tips and pointers about what to plant and how to care for it.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Scents with a Story // Fictions Beauty



I am a huge fan of perfume. Anything that evokes memories of days gone by and calls to mind that trip abroad, the day I walked down the aisle to him, that first kiss, or first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. When I got married I purchased some perfume and saved it to wear on our wedding day. I also adorned it's scent throughout our honeymoon in Hawaii. When I returned home, whenever I wore it it recalled those precious days that I never wanted to forget. I did the same thing when we traveled to Europe last spring. Now whenever I smell those two specific perfumes, those unforgettable moments come rushing back to me. I love that. 

Friday, April 7, 2017

A Touch of Whimsy // Michelle Starbuck Designs


I came across Michelle Starbuck Designs a couple months ago and instantly fell in love with the vintage-inspired and geometric designed jewelry. Each piece is handmade and beautifully crafted from vintage findings. I absolutely adore the fact that each item is re-purposed and created into something unique, lovely, and one-of-a-kind. 

Thursday, April 6, 2017

When Life Gives You Lemons...


Last night we attended our weekly community home group with our church and the topic we discussed was that on suffering. Our pastor preached about this weighty subject on Sunday and it was both convicting and encouraging.

I find it no coincidence that yesterday I also came across two different articles on suffering. As you may remember if you follow my blog, I posted a couple weeks ago that God has given Josh and I some trials lately and I feel like although it has been very difficult, God is doing something good through it all and He has given us a renewed hope in His promises and in His faithfulness.

Friday, March 31, 2017

March // What I Read


Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty 

I had heard a lot about this book from friends and on social media and also saw that they were airing a show about it so I decided to give it a try. This one was a bit different meaning that I would classify it as a comedic dramatic (underline dramatic) thriller. The three women the story centers around are mysterious but petty and I found them to be rather annoying after awhile. I had actually figured out one of the main revealings of the book a little over half-way through and nothing really shocked me in the way that I like to be shocked while diving into a good mystery. Overall, I was just pretty underwhelmed. 

Friday, March 24, 2017

An Open Window

I'm honestly at a loss for words this afternoon. Since the beginning of the year I've made a goal for myself to write at least one blog post a week and usually post on Friday or Saturday. I sat down to think this afternoon and just feel blank. I'm hoping the longer I type the more words will come to me.


Josh and I received some news yesterday that left us pretty stunned, shocked, and deeply saddened. I can't go into a lot of detail yet but I am hoping to share more with you all in the days ahead. I cried a lot. I felt broken. I saw Josh shed some tears and it just broke my heart even more. It takes a lot for that man to cry.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

When in Amsterdam...

Last summer I had the privilege to travel with my husband, Josh, to The Netherlands. We had just spent the week before in Paris and had crammed so many things we wanted to see/do into that week that by the time we arrived in Amsterdam we were ready just to kick back and relax. Amsterdam was the PERFECT city to do just that.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Some of My Favorite Ladies



In honor of the world recognizing "International Women's Day" yesterday, I would like to pay tribute to some of my favorite ladies. I am so thankful to have been born a woman. I embrace my femininity wholeheartedly and realize that it is a gift from God that can be used in unique ways different from that of a man yet compliment him beautifully. I also salute my father and husband along with other very special men in my life who have always shown me value and worth. So here's to some of my favorite ladies and their unique gifts they bring to this world...

Friday, March 3, 2017

My Top Ten Audrey Hepburn Movies of All Time


I love Audrey Hepburn. Obsessed. Read all the books about her that I could get my hands on, viewed all the movies I could watch, and used to mimic her expressions in the mirror as a young girl. I remember choosing to do a research paper on her life in high school and one summer driving 
all over Atlanta searching video stores high and low for any film she appeared in. 

Back in the day, I saw a lot of her films that many people have never even heard of. There are still many that I want to see and have yet to watch but of the films I have viewed I thought it would be fun to rate them and share why I love them so much, beginning from my tenth favorite to my absolute #1 pick to pull out and re-watch again and again. 

Saturday, February 25, 2017

February // What I Read

Looking back over this past month I realize I've read a lot of dark material. I am not sure how that happened. I reckon bad planning on my part. This month definitely had a couple duds in my opinion, but I am glad I got the chance to finally check them off my reading list. Read on to hear my thoughts on the books I read that were thrilling, earned several yawns, wanted me to slap the main character silly, and broke my heart...


Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

I was super excited to read this book since two of my best friends had recommended it to me and they themselves had given it a five-star rating. But I must say, I was extremely disappointed and found myself, especially closer to the last third of the book, bored to tears. I appreciate the concept of the story and that was what drew me in to begin reading it in the first place. I had seen the movie several years before and although it was extremely sad I came away from the film very reflective on the characters and the intense love they had for one another. In all fairness, maybe if I hadn't of seen the movie first I would have a different opinion of the book but I would definitely have to say I enjoyed the movie immensely more.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Creating a Book Nook



Coming from this book lover, I believe that anyone who enjoys reading at all 
needs their own special spot to get lost in a story.