You Will Truly Be Inspired by Tradition With Norman Askins’ New Book

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.



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.



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!



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