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Future Baby Gap model?  If it means free clothes, count us in.

Final Countdown

After many months of searching and having our hopes dashed time and again, our new outdoor furniture finally arrived.  I greeted the delivery man with such excitement I think he left here wondering if I had one too many espresso shots.  With a little irony in his voice he wished me luck piecing the set together.  

If he only knew.  My enthusiasm for a completed deck kept me focused and unswayed.  Even the sounds of a toddler wide awake from her afternoon nap did not deter my plan.  Well, for about five minutes, then I recruited her to help.  After an hour and a half of laboring the deck went from this: 

To this: 

Our cozy backyard get away is very close to completion.  Now it is just a matter of finishing touches.  Candles, potted plants, mosquito nets. . . you know, normal stuff. 

Looks comfy, huh?  

Come on over for a game of bocce or redneck golf.  We'd love to have you join us!

The Perks of Biltmore

Last Sunday was an incredibly beautiful day in the mountains of western North Carolina.  We were inspired to be outside, but because of all the work in and onour yard and deck recently, we really needed to go someplace different.  Fresh.  Not covered in sawdust.  Or weeds.  

Thankfully, Chris works for a place that happens to offer some pretty nice perks.  Like free entry.  We packed up the presh head and made our way to the Biltmore Estate.  Not a bad way to spend a gorgeous Sunday afternoon.  The flower carpet is on display on the west terrace.  (It will be there through Sunday, September the 12th).  Captivating!

It is designed by a team of artists each year and then carefully crafted pretty much overnight.  It is mainly a mixture of mums and coleus.  Too bad our yard is so small.  I was really inspired. 

Ella Brooks says, "Go.  Now.  Seriously."

The view from the west terrace is breathtaking. 

After exploring the terrace, we took the presh head over to the Italian garden.  She couldn't get enough of the huge koi swimming in the first pond.  She kept saying, "ish! ish!" over and over again.  One day we'll work on the 'f' sound.  But for now, it's precious. 

If you have some time this weekend and are in the area, be sure to stop by the Biltmore Estate to see the Flower Carpet!

So Close

After making quilts for other kiddos, I decided it was high time for the Presh Head to have one of her own.  I was inspired by this quilt.  I found some wonderful fabrics at Asheville Cotton Co. and Fletcher Foam & Fabric and set to work.  Last spring.  Ok, February.  I am aware that it is September.  I know I shouldn't take this long on a project.  I just got sidetracked.  And lazy.  But here it is.  Waiting on the last steps- the application of the binding. 

This is the quilt top.

This is the quilt back.  I found this adorable gingham at Hancocks.  Could hardly believe it myself. 

This is the binding.  Pieced, ironed and ready to go.  

I'll post pics of the final product.  Hopefully in the next couple of days.  Or months.  Or years.  

Let me know what y'all think.  I appreciate the feedback!

Summer Fun in Folly

In August, Chris, EB and I packed our bags, loaded the car, found ol' Ez a place to reside and made the trek down to Charleston's finest beach.  The Dudley's had a great place near the pier and a little extra room for us to join in.  (Thanks y'all!)  

The Presh head kept saying "beach, wa wa, beach wa wa" pretty much the entire drive down.  We knew that the most important thing to do the moment we arrived was to march her antsy little legs on down to the water's edge.  The child loved everything about the beach.  

 Except for the waves.  And maybe the sand. 

Daddy was there to provide a little stability and TLC. 

By week's end we had a little beach girl on our hands.  Her inexplicably blond hair was blonder.  Her baby skin just a little more tanned. Her ears full of sand. 

And mommy and daddy were very relaxed.  And very well fed.  And very grateful for Folly Beach.