Emergency Preparations

Even though we're likely to just get some wind and rain from Hurricane Earl this weekend, the storm has gotten me thinking about how we can be more prepared for emergencies. Other than water, food, flashlights, and candles, I think that this radio would make a great addition. Plus, with its compact size and solar panels, it would also be the perfect addition to picnics and meals on the patio!

Backyard Camping

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While I love the idea of camping in the midst of beautiful surroundings (see above), right now I'm smitten with the idea of sleeping in a tent a bit closer to home (courtesy of this article on Apartment Therapy. Now I'm dreaming of having a patch of land bigger than our little concrete patio...

Whirlled

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I'm majorly crushing on this lampshade. Can you believe that they made it themselves... out of yarn? I'm beyond impressed (and wondering if our diy skills could handle this project).

Simply Succulent

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Confession: I wish I had a green thumb. Sadly, I'm not sure this is the case, especially when it comes to indoor plants. I absolutely love succulents, but each of ones that I've owned have gotten awkwardly tall with spaced out leaves. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, but I'm thinking I may just need to admire these beauties from afar for the foreseeable future.

What about you- what are your favorite house plants? Any tips on indoor gardening?

Pink + Gray = Love

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I'm so inspired by these photos from Design*Sponge's Sneak Peek of Marijke Hukema's home.

Although it's all stunning, I'm particularly fond of the beautiful combination of light pink and gray (oh, and those gorgeous floors). Definitely filing these away in case K ever lets me decorate completely on my own...

Smitten (with) Kitchens

If I could do anything I wanted to our kitchen, I'm pretty sure it would land somewhere in a combination between these two rooms.

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I'm thinking these stripes would be a much less drastic option, but would still add some much-needed color. (Have I mentioned that our cabinets are approximately the color of my skin at present?)

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Although this is probably more drastic than anything I'd actually do, I just. love. pink. so. much.

Perhaps I'll just have to break out a sander and some pink paint and see what K and our roommate have to say? ;)

p.s. The title is a reference to one of my most favorite cooking blogs.

Pretty Mugs Get an A+

Lately, I've had tea cups and mugs on the brain. Perhaps it's because of the sweltering heat I've come home to in NC (after a blissful vacation in Oregon- photos to come!), but I can't wait to be sipping warm cups of tea in cooler autumn weather. Although I've loved my continuous glasses of iced tea, I'm ready to have a nice warm cup of tea in my hands.

I'm also loving the idea of having a cabinet shelf filled with mismatched tea cups and mugs. The ones below are all so cheerful that I think they'd add a nice little jolt of happiness to each day.

 

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Mapping the Course

One of my favorite internet searches recently has been of vintage maps on Etsy.

It turns out that there are tons of great options on there for well under $20. I think a single map would be nice on it's own, but currently I'm imagining a wall filled with all sorts of framed maps.

Here are some that I'd include...

My current home. I love the Carolina blue accents and how the Western part of the state gets its own box.

The home state. This one is from 1898 and has such beautiful colors.

My ancestral home.

Where I dream of living one day. (Plus, it's only $1.00!)

In my searches I also came across this gem, which is just so funny. From the not-drawn-to-scale guns to the fact that it came from a book on heredity and genetics, I think it'd make quite the conversation piece.

So, what do you think? Would decorating with maps work in your space? Are there any places you'd want to include?

Beach Cottages Get an A+

K and I are still away, camping at the beach, but we'll be returning later today (thank goodness for scheduled posts)!

In the meantime, I present this lovely cottage:

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Although I really have no idea whether this house is actually near the beach, but it reminds me of all the cottages on Cape Cod that I coveted growing up during our annual family vacations. When I was little, I was also fascinated by mansions (of the Vanderbilt, not modern-day, variety), but now I think this size is a bit more my style. One of my not-so-secret dreams is to have a little cottage by the beach, perfect for impromptu getaways. I think this one would work nicely.