Hidden Magnolias

Glen Mary holds a special place in my heart. My 2nd great grand uncle, Flavius J. Pearson, eloped with the daughter, Ella L Smith, of this house about 1860. He was 22 and she was 16. The family story is that he rode across the fields on horseback and swooped her away. Not sure if that was true, but I like the story. Flavius and Ella remained married until his death in 1903. They are buried side by side in the Sparta City Cemetery. Several years ago, right when Glen Mary was beginning the restoration, my mother and I visited. The picture above is what it looked like then. The roof was leaking, various pillars were totally hollow on the inside, but with the determination of one woman,  Marilyn Meyers and  donor money , it is beginning to look like a house again. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151959291520608&set=pb.249246320607.-2207520000.1378410376.&type=3&theater http://www. glenmaryplantation.o rg/ Glen Mary from the U...

When we went to Destin last year, one of the best things we discovered was Dewey Destin - a great seafood restaurant right on the harbor. After trekking along the harbor we found it up on the hill. A quaint old wooden building, it was exactly what I was hoping for. One of the guys on the fishing boat we had taken earlier said that Dewey’s was one of the few places that he knew of that sold Trigger fish. We had just discovered this wonderful fish and were anxious to have more. As the name implies, this is one of the "old Destin" families and from the moment you arrive you feel right at home. Southern hospitality combined with local seafood and old family recipes makes for a perfect place to get that seafood fix.   They also have wonderful crab claws. There is some interesting history about Destin, tied to the restaurant. You can read all about it here . I think I need a beach trip. Hint.

Nothing makes my heart go pitter patter faster than a crumbling mansion, unless it is a preserved, well loved, and maintained mansion. Check out this baby in Washington, GA. Built in 1800, it is a breathtaking beauty. The Campbell House, located on  208 East Liberty Street, Washington, GA.  Come on, let's peek inside. All photos are from the  Atlanta Fine Homes   websi te. Don't you agree, this old gal is spectacular? It is true Southern love for me.

A co-worker of mine is getting married in California on the beach and wanted some ideas for centerpieces for her outdoor tables. As things go during most work discussions, I mentioned that several years ago, I saw the cutest centerpieces made out of daisys in Mason jars with simple raffia tied around the neck. She loved the idea, so, as most of us do, we started the Internet hunt. Ah, Pinterest, how I love you...... Pinterest Perfect daisies in jars with lime slices...looks cool and inviting. Pinterest This is a perfect fall centerpiece. Love the additon of the smaller jars with candles. Pinterest Just love this one. Grab some wild flowers and sticks from the woods and you are good to go. Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest And this one I will do for my fall table. Pinterest For more inspiration, visit Jenifer at her blog,  http://beautyandbedlam.com/ideas-for-mason-jars/ . 

I am an avid blog reader. I love blogs, I really do. Where else can you travel the world and see things you don't see in your own daily life? Through a blog. One of my favorites is The Daily Prep by Muffy Aldrich. I love her tag line: Coastal New England Living Stewardship • Authenticity • Graciousness While she often talking about the traditional preppy items such as khakis, LL Bean totes, and yachting, she has wonderful photos about a part of the world I haven't spent that much time in - New England. Morris Farm  Wiscasset Maine Granite Hall Store, Round Pond, Maine So, I stole some from her today to share with you. Actually, her husband, Mr Muffy Aldrich takes the pictures. Edgartown Yacht Club Eastern Yacht Club, Marblehead, MA   The sea, sailing, and fishing is such a way of life in the coastal towns of New England.   Fish House,  Pemaquid Point, Maine Fish House,  Pemaquid Point, Maine Fish House,  ...

If you have never been to Lake Toxaway, I encourage you to go. Look at this view. http://www.laketoxaway.com Opened in 1903, Lake Toxaway was, and still is, the largest privately held lake in North Carolina. At the turn of the previous centruy, after the lake was built, the inn was built to overlook the lake. The hotel was  framed by a wide veranda and outfitted with the most elegant furnishings and modern conveniences available.   http://www.laketoxaway.com A brochure from 1905 states that the Inn had “more than one hundred rooms en suite.” Some reports claim the Inn had as many as five hundred rooms. When it opened in 1903, the Toxaway Inn offered the most modern conveniences, including central heat and private indoor plumbing, long-distance telephones, elevators, a billiard parlor and bowling alley, and a gazebo for outdoor concerts. http://www.laketoxaway.com Beautiful lobby.   Love these old postcards. http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/ref/coll...