Hidden Magnolias

Yesterday was a day filled with tornado sirens, bad weather, and potential severe weather threats.  The possibility that the power may go off made me think about hurricane lamps. I love a hurricane glass shade with a classic brass candlestick. So very Williamsburg, don’t you think? While I was waiting for the storms to pass, I did a little digging around on the Internet. The old tradition of placing a glass over a burning flame has a new modern twist. I wanted to share some with you today. Classic. Simple brass candlesticks housed inside a glass hurricane shade. Hurricane lamps do not have to be stuffy or traditional.  This pair has strong, clean lines that echo a fresh modern feel. mydesignsecrets.com Another variation with strong contemporary feel. Globalviews.com Hurricane lamps are beautifully incorporated into a floral arrangement for the bride and groom table at a wedding reception.

This past weekend, we did our soil prep for the coming growing season. You have to do this..... In order to have this.... First thing we do is till the soil to get rid of weeds that have moved in over the last few months.  Then mix in some compost made of this... We compost all our vegetable matter, egg shells, coffee grounds. We do not use a special composting machine or barrel -- instead we do it the old fashion way. We pile it into the dirt in the designated compost area and turn the soil.  And turn, and turn, and turn, and add more, and turn, and turn.   For months. Until we get this... Rich black dirt, chocked full of nutrients. Mix it in with the Georgia red clay. Then cover, and let marinate until planting time. Once planted, we use natural pest control methods -- no pesticides here. We favor marigolds. Just plant them randomly around the edges. Bugs and other garden nastys just hate them. And then, when th

One of my husband’s favorite sayings that “paint is cheap.” And for decorating updates and changes, I have to agree. I thought I would share with you our guest bath update. We live in a turn of the century Edwardian and the guest bathroom is located at the end of the hall on the second floor.  This is what you see when you get to the top of the steps and turn around. Ugly, isn’t it? Just plain white, with a nasty old shower door, a shelf over the counter that really didn't add anything. Something had to be done. Something bright and fun. My husband suggested red. Red? For this miniscule bath? Won’t it close it up and make it smaller? I chose Benjamin Moore’s Caliente. I wanted a bluish red instead of an orangey red.  After the first coat, I was almost giddy with the results. Once all the paint had dried and the mirror installed, the room was really coming together.  Clean and fresh. The result, a strong true r