It happens every May. The summer illusion sets in, and I foolishly believe I'll be able to slow down and savor the season while using the longer days to catch up on every facet of my life. Big surprise--it ain't happening! Travel, house guests, kids out of school and the Charleston humidity have all made sticking to a writing and posting schedule more challenging than imagined. What can I[...]
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As mothers to two daughters each (including two in middle school), Farrah and I confess that we often feel like we're in the thick of it. Motherhood is a joyful blessing that seems to simultaneously reveal our strengths, as well as our weaknesses and shortcomings. We're reminded of a favorite passage below from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Thank you to our own mothers, Janice and Mari[...]
Party games, dressing up and acting ridiculous might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly is mine! My parents know this about me, and thoughtfully presented this murder mystery game from Talking Tables last Christmas. It took a while to finally pull it off, but my husband and I (a.k.a. Carey Baggs and Ali Abord) hosted a 1930's-themed get-together the other weekend, and I can't r[...]
I grew up in rural Pennsylvania surrounded by rolling hills and some of the most beautiful farmland imaginable. The prevalence of fresh produce meant that mealtimes often included fruits and vegetables from our local orchard or from one of many roadside farm stands. We also had the kindest neighbor, dear Mr. Trout, who could be counted on to drop by with a basket of surplus tomatoes or ca[...]
When I mentioned my plans to write about myrtle topiary for this post my husband quipped, "you mean how to kill them?" It's true that I've cycled through a few topiary over the years. But despite my brown thumb tendencies, these finicky plants remain a favorite of mine. Bunny Mellon's Estate via Erin Lane Vignette by Bunny Mellon via Elegant Country Style As a tradi[...]
Extended daylight hours, birds chirping happily and a layer of pollen coating every outdoor surface must mean that spring has officially arrived in Charleston! Apart from the allergies, I do love this time of year and am looking forward to consistently warm weather and all that the season has to offer. It's about this time that I also get the urge to lighten up our home by bringing in fre[...]
The Roost Finds
After stepping away for a bit, we're getting back to it at The Roost. Truth be told, Farrah and I have been wrestling with how to share content that may appear frivolous in light of these heavy times. In the span of a couple weeks, it seems the world has transitioned out of a global pandemic into a full-blown international conflict. It's heartbreaking to see so many innocent people, espe[...]
We often think that it's the really big things in life that bring the most happiness and satisfaction. A new job, a new house, a new relationship, a new trip...For sure, all of these do matter and they undoubtedly impact our emotional well being. However, the older I get, the more I'm realizing the power of "little things" to significantly enhance my mood and the quality of my days. In an[...]