My Kind of CAMP.

OK, so the title of this post may be a little misleading because quite frankly I have yet to find a version of “camp” that’s not my kind. I loved summer camp, Girl Scout camp, still love weekend camping trips and am quite sure I’d even take fondly to glamping. Nonetheless, CAMP Workshops are truly my kind of camp.

Ginny Branch and a host of Atlanta creatives are behind this very special series of classes, perfect for the novice or master, and sure to spark your creative juices. The new Fall classes were just released, so I knew you’d want to be in the know! Hand lettering, market to table, botanical drawings – it’s hard to even begin to narrow down which to attend.

I had the very great privilege of collaborating with Ginny on a Stylist Apron by IceMIlk Aprons – exclusively for CAMP! This little number is perfect for staying neat & organized {and looking the part} for any stylist or designer – with plenty of pockets to stash pins, markers, and other objects of affection as well as twill tabs for holstering scissors, clips and the likes. Thought I’d share a sneak peak {image via}!

 

 

garnish & gather.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Emily of Garnish & Gather just yesterday for coffee and I couldn’t wait another moment to share this wonderful company with you!

I already knew I’d be a fan of Emily thanks to the mentions by talented friends Heidi & Ginny, and of course they were right. I love the simple and whimsical design treatments and packaging. And, even more, love the simple concept of G&G. They work with local area farms to source their ingredients, then team up with brilliant chefs to put together delicious recipes, making the most brilliant little meal kit you can imagine.

We’re a busy family and I’d say I have somewhat limited patience, so I much appreciated having everything handy, measured, fresh, local and ready to go without having to think for a minute “what’s for dinner tonight?” The meal we enjoyed last night was Grassfed Ribeye Steak with Muscadine Gastrique, Roasted Potato Wedges and Sauteed Squash. I love squash, my husband & son love steak, and I had never cooked with muscadines before {despite being from the south and having access to bucket loads of them at the farm}. The local farms that brought us our dish were Moore’s Farm, Heritage Farms and Geezers Garden.

The meal was so much fun to prepare, everyone enjoyed it, it was so simple! I will definitely be enjoying another meal again soon, and I think a kit or gift certificate would make a perfect gift to bring over to a new mom.

Have you tried Garnish & Gather yet? I’d love to know!

A Gilded Nest.

We are anxiously awaiting our baby girl’s arrival, and less than half way to go we are busy searching for the perfect name and nursery to welcome her into the world!

It’s been quite some time since I’ve put my girlie-girl hat on. Converting our “boys-boy” nursery into a special nook for a baby girl takes a total mindset shift. But, a challenge I’m up for any day. I love the classics, not overly frilly, but there is something so feminine about a truly vintage and glamorous setting. I decided the theme for our baby girls nursery will be gilded. With washes of worn white, touches of gold, a bit of whimsy and touches of blush.

And so, I hope you enjoy the style board of pieces I’ve collected for inspiration. Would love your input on favorite finds that might be a perfect fit in a golden and gilded newborn nursery!

Gilded styleboard finds :

Malibu Chandelier / ABC gilt wood letters / Vine carved oval mirror / Jellycat goat / Metallic gold brush pillow / Personalized crown rocking chair / Millbrook Iron Crib / Wild Things knit crown / Metallic suede & hemp rug

candy shop vintage.

The intent of my blog heirloomed is to celebrate things that are inspired by yesterday but chic for today. So, you’ll have no trouble understanding why I instantly fell for the sparkly goods at Candy Shop Vintage.

I had the pleasure of meeting the founder, jewelry designer Deirdre Zahl earlier this year at The Southern Coterie Summit. I loved her jewelry (of course) and her business card & logo were just as beautiful. Which of course translates quickly to her website filled with original collection, vintage-inspired jewelry as well as real vintage pieces that she has collected. Oh, and then there is the packaging.

I love the analogy of the name – Candy Shop – and the nod to childhood. Picking through the goods, whether sweet or sparkling, as a child or adult, in search of the perfect piece.

I pulled together just a tiny few of some of my favorite pieces from the site. I’d love to know what your favorites pieces are, too!

Camping in.

The secret is out of the bag and I’m so thrilled to share that we’re adding a new addition to our family this December, a baby girl! While this means I get to decorate another sweet little nursery soon, it also means my little guy Wyatt gets to move into a “big boy” room of his very own. I couldn’t be more excited about this new adventure, and that is the theme we’re going with.

Wyatt has a vintage paperback in his nursery now, “The American Red Cross : Life Saving & Water Safety,” that has set the stage of inspiration for his new room. A drab olive green with a simple red cross, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and rugged nature. I thought I’d share my working styleboard for Wyatt’s “camping” room, a special place he will have to play hard and create his own adventures.

I’d love to know what other fabulous finds you have discovered that might be a perfect fit for the room!

Camping in styleboard finds :

Bunk Bed / Metal Depot Pendant / Wool Army Blanket  / Compass Wall Clock / Wooden Stool / First Aid Kit / National Park Print / Canvas Tent / Metal Playroom Chair

in the studio … at IceMilk Aprons.

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the studio working on some fabulously creative projects lately. Designing new products, reviewing fabrics, planning a photoshoot, reworking our space for the gift show … the list goes on. So, I thought it might be fun to share a little behind-the-scenes look into the IceMilk Aprons studio! I hope you enjoy … more to come so stay tuned.

preserves jars.

If you know me by now, you know I have a thing for jars { just two examples here and here }. So, I just had to share these two new preserves jar finds that I found. The Luxe Canning Jars from Jayson Home have a great vintage appeal and I love the classic gold tops. And, I’m sure you’ve seen these blue Ball jars that have been popping up all over the place, in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the first perfect Mason jar. I know these will be a big hit for 4th of July parties this year.

If you find any hidden gems I’m missing, I’d love to see any other fabulous jars that you find, too!

IceMilk Aprons Giveaway with Best Friends for Frosting.

Our friends at Best Friends for Frosting are hosting a fun giveaway for IceMilk Aprons this week, along with the help of some of the sweetest bloggers around – Anders Ruff, Kara’s Party Ideas, SugarBelles, & Creative Juice! 

We’re giving away one of our best-sellers, the Morning Bun Moments Full Apron, along with our Baked Confections Burlap Market Tote!

I hope you’ll take a minute to click over and enter the giveaway today!

#southernchat: Southern Gardens.

Since Spring has sprung and we’re in the midst of showers and sunshine, what better time to chat about Southern Gardens than now. I have extensive photos of my Great-Grandmother {Nana} and her rose gardens in our family collection, and have been so inspired by the beautiful, white climbing roses at Serenbe where we got married. That will be the next garden I tackle, however this year I decided to replant my herbs and go a little further with my vegetables this year in the tiny, square container garden my husband built for me a few years back. I’ve been busy posting photo updates on my Instagram, and pinning some of my favorite garden inspiration as well for ideas!

Southern Living has long been a staple for our Southern home {as I know it has for yours} and Senior Gardens Editor, Steve Bender {aka The Grumpy Gardener} is joining us to chat all about the essentials for growing a Southern Garden today!

As I planned for and planted my own herb & vegetable garden this year, with little thriving success over the past few, I got the chance to ask Steve a few questions, tips & pointers. Here is what he had to share …

 

What are your favorite plants & flowers to grow in the South?

Native azaleas, angelonia, coleus, oakleaf hydrangea, clivia, Japanese maple,  Lenten rose, daffodils, crepe myrtle.

What are your favorite fruits & vegetables to grow in the South?

Blueberries, figs, Japanese persimmon, sweet peppers, lettuce, okra, basil, rosemary.
What epitomizes a truly Southern garden?

A garden with plants well-adapted to the region that expresses the personality of the owner as well as Southern gardening history.
Tell us your top tips for a successful garden in the South?

Give plants what they like — sun or shade, dry soil or wet soil, mild winters or cold winters. Don’t mix plants that have different likes.

What is your favorite thing about gardening?

My favorite thing is it helps you relax and forget about everything else going on in the world. Your garden is your refuge.
What are some of the most creative garden containers or elements that you’ve seen?

There are so many old junky things that make really cool containers — like boots, colanders, bathtubs, suitcases, coffee pots, etc. Last year at P. Allen Smith’s place in Arkansas, I made a beautiful mixed planter out of a bedpan.
When is the best time to plant your garden?

The best time to plant is when it’s right for the plants and right for you.
What is the best way to prepare your plot for planting?

Good soil is everything. Before planting, loosen the soil to a foot deep and mix in lots and lots of organic matter, such as chopped leaves, ground bark, composted manure, garden compost, and sphagnum peat moss.
Who inspired your love of gardening?

My Dad. He was a big gardener and I followed in his footsteps.
How are you carrying on the tradition of gardening?

My garden has lots of pass-along plants given to me by family, friends, and complete strangers. Every time I see one of those plants, I remember the time I got it and the person who gave it. I share my plants too.

 

#southernchat:  Southern Gardens (Monday, 4/29/13, 9:00 pm edt.)

Q1: What elements truly epitomize a Southern garden?

Q2: What are your favorite plants, flowers, fruits & veggies to grow in your Southern garden?

Q3. Who or what inspires your Southern garden?

Q4: What are some of your favorite pots & creative containers for growing a Southern garden?

Q5: What tips & tricks have been passed down to you for growing the best garden?

 

Images via Shabbiness to Fabulous, KaraRosaLund, Pinterest, Flora & Fauna, Garden Artistry, Williams-Sonoma, Crush Cul de Sac

#southernchat: The Southern C Summit.

Like many of you, I am gearing up to head to beautiful Jekyll Island for The Southern Coterie Summit on May 1st thru 3rd. I have been trying to decide which conferences I would attend this year, and many of them just don’t make sense for me, but when I learned of The Southern C, I knew it was a perfect fit. And, some of my favorite friends will be there too to enjoy the gathering, mixing & mingling.

The ladies behind Summit, Cheri Leavy & Whitney Long, are also the founders of The Southern Coterie, an online Southern social community. And, I am thrilled they agreed to join us this week for our #southernchat to give us a little preview as to what’s to come at the Southern C Summit!

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the line-up for the Summit, take a peek at the presenters which range from Southern authors, writers, designers, small business owners to bloggers and beyond. And, you know the hospitality will be top-notch coming from the South!

#southernchat:  The Southern C Summit (Monday, 4/22/13, 9:00 pm edt.)

Q1: What do you find most exciting about the idea of a “Southern” conference?

Q2: Are you attending The Southern C Summit this year?

Q3. Who are some of your favorite Southern bloggers or friends on Twitter?

Q4: Which presenters do you find the most interesting on this year’s agenda?

Q5: What Southern speakers or topics would you most love to hear from beyond this year’s agenda?

Chat Perk this Week: Our special guests Cheri & Whitney have a special treat for you this week! You can be their guest at this year’s Southern C Summit for just $300 when you enter #southernchat in the “Where Did You Hear About the Summit?” question during checkout anytime today (4/22/13 by 12 PM EDT)  to sign up! Click here to snag your ticket and we’ll see you there!