Container Gardening

I saw this potted herb garden on Pink Wallpaper yesterday and loved it. Shannon pointed out how easy this would be... and it would be great to have when you only need a tablespoon of fresh herbs for a recipe. I agreed with her on how much I waste when I buy fresh herbs from the store.
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The husband and I always talk about how we would like to have a 'small' garden at our next home. But why not start one now? This is a great article on BHG showing how to have one--- just using containers. No need to dig up the yard just yet.
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Slightly Obsessed

It all started here with Lee Kleinhelter's 1930's Atlanta cottage. My wood roof obsession was born..
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I just love the look of cedar shakes (I know there are other types used- but cedar seems to be the most popular). It adds so much to a house. Here are a few that you can see the details of.
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*Mac- I know you read my blog from time to time and you are probably laughing at this post. But this is one battle that I'm willing to fight. I'll start saving my pennies for our next house now!

someone made my day...

I got home yesterday from running a few errands and found this in my mailbox.


A precious little nest wrapped with ivory tulle.... and inside... this absolutely adorable onesie:

My sweet friend, Abby, hand embroidered it for Baby C. It is the most precious thing ever. Abby- I can't thank you enough.

Here is a close-up of the design on the front that says mon coeur which means 'my heart'....

And the precious detail on the booty...

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Abby has an Etsy shop called The Flossy Finch.... I'm sure she would love to create something for you!

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And no... Baby C isn't here yet. He or she is due on Saturday but I'm hoping for one day this week!

make someone's day....

One of my favorite things is a simple surprise out of the blue. It's something so easy to do- but something that easily gets shifted to the bottom of my busy to-do list.
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I was thinking this morning of what I could do for a friend or two this week... just to let them know that I was thinking about them.
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Here are a few simple and inexpensive ideas:
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Cupcakes :: Who doesn't love a cupcake?

*and if you are in Birmingham, you must try Dreamcakes in Homewood.

**photos via my friend, Abby's blog

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Look at this cute and creative idea that Seleta shared with us that she created for her children's teachers... go here for instructions on how to assemble.
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Or how about a simple vase of flowers?

They always have these happy blooms at Whole Foods and Publix.

*photo via modGIRL

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Or how about a bottle of wine with a cute gift tag?

*via Drink Me Tags
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A happy that I received a few months ago---

a great magazine with a hand written note.

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Or from another friend,

a plate of homemade cookies....
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Will you take the time to surprise a friend this week and let them know that you are thinking about them?

keeping it simple

I love this Fire Island, NY beach cottage that belongs to Alex Bates- the creative director of West Elm. There are so many things I like about it- the contemporary mixed with old, all of the white (esp the high gloss white ceilings), the old-style cedar shingles, and even the blue kitchen floor!

Alex's house definitely makes me long for a beach cottage...

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*Country Living, June 2010

Thank you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the sweet comments that you left about Baby C's nursery. I really appreciate each and every one. Thank you!

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I've been busy around here trying to get last minute things done to prepare for his or her arrival which has left very little time for blogging. But I think I've caught up and now have some time to relax do some things that I enjoy. Problem is--- I just haven't been feeling very creative lately. I want to feel creative and have been reading all kinds of blogs--- it just hasn't hit me. But hopefully soon.

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My husband keeps telling me to rest... but it's hard for me. I am always finding something to do. He doesn't quite understand it. I loved this quote that I saw on It's Mary Ruffle and knew that many of you could relate:

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Have a great Wednesday!

Baby C's Nursery

Since Baby C is due in just two weeks... I thought it was time to share the nursery with you. Paula came by for a visit a couple of weeks ago and took some great photos of the nursery while she was here. Thanks, Paula.

I still have a few things to do--- but knew I should go ahead and have her photograph what was completed so far.
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On my to do list:
- more pillows for the twin bed
- nailhead trim for the panels behind the twin bed
- a few more accessories here and there
- changing pad cover
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Other than that--- here is our gender neutral nursery on a budget. I'm very pleased with the way things turned out. Now I'm just excited about Baby C's arrival. That will make the nursery complete.
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*photos by Paula

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About the items in the rooms:

- furniture: my childhood furniture from growing up

- chair and ottoman: from Good Will and had it reupholstered in a neutral linen

- accent pillows: Amy Butler's Coreopsis in Green from here

- all other fabric (white and linen used on bumpers, bedskirts, and chair): King Cotton

- walls: Monterey White (HC-27) by Benjamin Moore

- furniture: White Dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore

- Jenny Lind Crib: painted Behr's Timeless Tales DC4A-80-2 (mixed at 75%)

- lantern from here and painted the same color as the crib

- ABC print and Child of God print by me (inspired by some on Etsy) in Ikea Ribba frames

- You Are My Sunshine by Sugarboo Designs

- yellow lamp & white twin quilt from Homegoods

- grommet panels from Ikea

- basket (hung on it's side on the wall above the changing table) from Plant the Earth in Meridian, MS

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I think that's all... but please feel free to ask any other questions.

xx- Brooke

Light & Fresh

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