Colorful Kinsale, Ireland

Wouldn't it be dreamy to spend St. Patrick's Day in colorful Kinsale, County Cork?

Source

Perhaps one day I'll get to spend St. Paddy's in the old country (yes, I've lots of Irish in me). There doesn't seem to be any big celebration planned 'round here, so this year I'll probably be spending a quiet night at home attempting to make Shepherd's Pie and drinking a couple of pints with Mr. Cheese. What festivities do you have planned for St. Patrick's Day?

Southern Flourish Magazine

The first issue of "Southern Flourish" was just published, and it's full of yummy food, travel destinations, fashion, gardening, art, and decor, all with a certain southern charm. Many thanks to cool chick blogger Natalie (aka Natty Michelle) for introducing me to this beautiful new online publication. And a big congrats to Natalie too - she's a contributing writer.

Real Estate Sampler: Great Deals in Cool Places

March's Real Estate Sampler features great deals on city, small town, and country homes, all in move-in condition. First up is a modern flat in downtown Billings, Montana, found via Realtor.com. This 1 Bedroom/1 Bath flat has 987 square feet and was built in 2005. The flat is offered with all appliances, including washer & dryer. $114,900.
Looking to relocate to the Blue Ridge Mountains? This 1955 Ranch home in the charming small city of Tazewell, Virginia is absolutely neat as a pin and priced at only $59,900. The home is a 3 Bedroom/1 Bath and has 936 square feet and includes a large kitchen that is open to the living area. There are beautiful hardwood floors throughout the living area and bedrooms and ceramic tile in the kitchen. The home has fresh paint inside and out, newer doors, and newer light fixtures. Virtual tour of the home and more pictures here.


This little cottage in Otter Creek, Florida is full of charming details, including original tongue and groove wood walls, ceilings, and hardwood floors, 5 panel doors (including pocket doors), antique light fixtures, and a footed tub. 2 Bedrooms/2 Baths with 1128 square feet on a large 1/2 acre lot. Otter Creek is quite rural, however is only about a 20 minutes drive from Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast and 40 minutes to Gainesville. Located within an hour drive of several of Florida's most beautiful state parks, this area is an outdoor adventurer's dream. Found via Realtor.com. $95,000.

Garden Party & Wedding Decor

Our weather is wonderfully springlike this week, inspiring thoughts of garden parties and weddings. I've collected lots of practical-yet-beautiful event decor ideas over the past few weeks, sharing but a few here.

Some call it bunting, some call it a banner, some call it a pennant. When I learn to sew, I'll be cranking these babies out like crazy. People will say I've gone mad. For now, I'll have to shop the many delightful banners that Etsy has to offer. Garden room found via Lisa Dawn Wedding Photography.
These pom-pom vines are great do-it-yourself project, even for the not-so-crafty like me. From Rifle Paper Co., instructions here.

This began as a decor post, but I just had to include the Peach Orchard Dress (also available in a longer version) from junejulyseptember. I want it.
Sweet little succulent plantings via Apartment Therapy. Pass them on to close friends and family members as favors after the occasion.
Lovely centerpiece via Apartment Therapy.
Looking for modern centerpieces for your event? Fill these tiny concrete planters from TortoiseLovesDonkey with succulents.
For quick, easy, and low maintenance centerpieces, try air plants. No soil, no mess, just rest the air plant in a little lotus bowl or your other favorite dish. These also make great wedding favors. Again, quite modern but also kind of prehistoric looking, yes? Plants shown are from TortoiseLovesDonkey.
Butterflies. Enough said. Via Martha Stewart.
Homemade jam! (yes, jam does deserve an exclamation point). These yummy wedding favors double as place cards.
Vibrantly colored glass bottles and vases allow for use of just one or two flower colors. So easy, and they make a stunning display! Found on photobucket.

Still here...

Just a quickie post to let everyone know I'm still here. I'm behind on everything right now (that's what happens when you take a few days off), and it doesn't help that I'm itching to be outside enjoying this beautiful spring-like weather. I'm working on some long posts full of pretty springtime design, will post them this week!

Isn't this dress just gorgeous? Found here.

Puli Adventures

Although he won't say it, Mr Cheese is a bit tired of all of my Florida talk. He gets a break from it for a few days, because in a couple of hours I'm headed up to the Cumberland Plateau to spend a few days with one of my best and oldest girlfriends at her Mom's cabin. No cell phone service, and internet access will be limited (dial-up, which I have no patience for), so forgive me if it takes a while to moderate comments or return e-mails.

Perhaps my travel jones has something to do with the decreased frequency of house and design posts and the increased frequency of photography posts. I'll try to get back on track next week. For now, enjoy this...








This dog leads a far more adventurous life than me, something I'm working on. Like these? This is only a few of a fantastic set.

New addiction: Vintage inspired fabrics

Next time I'm in Texas, I'm going to ask my Mom to give me sewing lessons. I'm completely inspired by these vintage reproduction fabrics from Reprodepot.








Can you believe it's already March 1? I'm trying to look past another chance of snow this week and believe that spring is in sight...