Here’s another (bittersweet) discovery I made while shoveling out my office this weekend. An essay I wrote for the December 2007 issue of @atlantamagazine about my late sister Susie and the vintage milk glass cake plate we found one snowy January day about fifteen years ago. That’s us, ages four and six, in the photo. And I still use the cake plate, always, when I serve the lemon pound cake. #bittersweet #sisteract #southernsweets #milkglassmemories
She’s dog tired. Literally. Also me. #dogtired #settersofinstagram #englishsetter
Sometimes cleaning your office turns up pleasant memories—like the time our Tybee Island cottage, #thebreezeinn was featured in the August/September issue of @fleamarketdecor. Did you know you can rent both our beach cottages? Yup! Give the folks at @vacationontybee a call or book online. #fleamarketfinds #beachcottagechic #cottagecuteness #visittybee #beachcottagestyle #coastaldecor #coastalcottage #vintagebeachhouse
Because nature abhors a vacuum and I abhor an empty space... this pretty little rug was languishing where nobody could appreciate it. And then that space above the door was so cold and blank. And what about that side table? Didn’t it deserve at least one book and a sweet seashell? Whew! I feel waaaay better now. (But my office still hasn’t been cleaned.) #squirrelsnest #blueandwhitedecor #accessorizationiswhatseparatesusfromanimals #carriagehouse #fleamarkettreasures
Our girl is already mapping her future! #ladyboss #goodgollyitsmolly #girlgoals #catholicschools
I had a 16-item long to-do list today. Checked off lots of boxes—dentist appointment, hair appointment (my hair currently has one-inch gray roots and has acquired its own zip code) travel arrangements, working on new book idea, ect. On the plus side I found this fabric for the Squirrel’s Nest window seat at the new location of @lsfabrics. On the minus side I did not clean my office. Again. #messydeskclub #workavoidance #authorsofinstagram
New week, new to-do list, new book. #authorsofinstagram #amwriting #beachbooks #stufftodo
As I may have mentioned, I am “somewhat” sewing impaired. But, inspired by Mr. MKA’s can-do spirit, I sewed this lumbar pillow today! True, there’s no piping or zipper, just a Velcro closing, but I did it! The Velcro actually cost more than the fabric, which I nabbed at a designer’s estate sale. In other news, Mr. MKA hung the bamboo blinds in the Squirrel’s Nest today. So I’m sitting here, sipping a mug of tea and enjoying the gorgeous afternoon light spilling on my vintage toffee tin, which @kkpwantiques spotted at the antique market in England on the last buying trip I took with her. Sure am glad she made me buy it. #chinoiseriechic #sewingproject #carriagehouse #garagemahal #homecreject #squirrelsnest
One last photo. Busy day, house full of company, chilly and rainy night in Georgia . So I dug the Christmas hambone out of the freezer, pulled some cans of black beans and @roteltomatoes from the pantry and made a pot of black bean soup. So yummy with a splash of sherry and a dollop of sour cream. Recipe is in #thebeachhousecookbook. #soupson #blackbeansoup #soupforsupper #rainynightingeorgia
Came upstairs to find Ivy asleep on our bed with the new issue of @gardenandgun. I think she’s crushing on the cover dog. #settersofinstagram #llewellinsetter #gundogsofinstagram #letsleepingdogslie #rainynightingeorgia
A lesson learned from mumble mumble years of junking. If it’s one of a kind & makes your eyes light up—and the price is right—you’ll never regret buying it. This huge Black Forest I bought from @geneseerivertrading is headed for The Squirrel’s Nest. Never seen one this size with this detail. #hadtohaveit #hoarderissues #americanantiques #squirrelsnest #appalaichanantiques #pictureframes
Love this signed painting of a mother and daughter on the veranda. Beautiful perspective and play of light and shadows. Come see for yourself today at @kkpwantiques booth D-22 at @americasmartatl. Last day! #artforall #frenchandenglishantiques
May I introduce you to Jacob et Jaquette? This desperately dour duo of 19th century French faience pitchers would make an amazing pair of lamps. Maybe if we stage an intervention they’d perk up? Today’s the last day to meet them at @kkpwantiques booth at @americasmartatl. Booth D-22. #frenchfaience #porcelain #blueandwhiteforever #blueandwhitedecor #frenchandenglishantiques
@kkpwantiques and I named this haughty French gentleman Jean-Francois. He served somewhat honorably in the French foreign legion. He regards the Staffordshire dogs with complete contempt. “You English!” (Uttered in best Kevin Kline sneer.) If you’re shopping at @americasmartatl today or tomorrow, please come liberate Jean-Francois. We’re in Bldg. 1, 2nd floor, D-22. #frenchandenglishantiques #vintageportrait #afishcalledwanda #staffordshiredogs
Star-stalking continued today when I spotted @fullerfarmer (Farmhouse Rules on @foodnetwork) when she stopped to shop @kkpwantiques. She and daughter Nita were so much fun to chat with. #celebritychefs #starstalking @kitchenantiques #farmhouserules
Who says you have to serve asparagus on asparagus plates? @kkpwantiques is rocking the @krispykreme at @americasmartatl. #antiqueshow #asparagusplates #keepinitklassy
When your new shoes match the booth at @americasmartatl.
Just met @milastaufferr and her twin @emmilastauffer at @americasmartatl and now I’m shook. #celebrikids #fangirl
The boss made me go to @americasmartatl to “help” @kkpwantiques sell her treasures. This 19th century French ticket booth is my fave! Wouldn’t it be amazing as a home bar, or a restaurant host stand? Come see us in Bldg 1, 2nd floor, D-22. frenchantiques #funstuff #french&English antiques
💥BARGAIN ALERT!💥 The @amazonkindle edition of my very first Callahan Garrity mystery EVERY CROOKED NANNY is now just $1.99! And would you look at that bestseller ranking?! Go and download it now while this discount lasts!