15 Gorgeous Formal Gardens: Charleston

A series of garden rooms at a lovely home in Charleston’s historic district conjures the charm of the Old South. This is the first of 15 photos. Click here for the rest.

Beautiful Bedroom

Beautiful in its simplicity. I love it all. I worked outside today so I'll be tucking in early. So happy about the birth of the Prince of Cambridge. via

A Sophisticated Loft

I adore this arrangement and everything in this room designed by Michael Penney. Photography by Donna Griffith; House and Home January 2010.

The weather at the cottage cooled down enough for me to open my bedroom windows before I went to sleep. I'm sitting in the living room with my first cup of coffee with fresh air and I'm so happy. See you later.

What is Your Royal Name?

Fun to play while we wait.

In the future, please refer to me as:
Baronetess Regina Olivia Scarlett Beatrice of Websterchild.

Bucolic Writer's Cottage between Two Ponds

What a place. It's called Duck Pond Farm and I know one of the previous owners. The main house is fabulous and so is the larger cottage, but this little jewel is my favorite. Click photo to enlarge. Sigh.

Something to make you feel cooler.

It's a tiny bit cooler today but not by much. We only got a few drops of rain overnight. I didn't actually see it but there are a few droplets dripping off the deck railing to prove it actually happened. It's overcast so maybe we'll get more later. I'll be so happy when I can turn my a/c off and throw open the windows! See you later. via

Office + Library above + below stairs

This is such a wonderful use for the space under the stairs and the approach to the landing above. Peter Zimmerman Architects Click on the first picture after the link opens and keep clicking for a tour of this wonderful Pennsylvania stone house.

Weekend Cabin Kitchen

I love the wooden countertop and shaped backsplash on the sink cabinetry and the hanging cupboard unit above. Have a wonderful weekend and let's hope the heat wave is on its last legs. via

Weekend at The Lake House

It's five o'clock. Let the weekend begin. What a great deck and seating arrangement -- teleport me there now. That lake looks so refreshing, doesn't it? via

Outdoor Living in Style

Pennsylvania stonework is the best, isn't it?

I've always heard stone houses are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Peter Zimmerman Architects.

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Madison NJ

I took these photos of this landmark building from my car with my iPhone on my way to Costco today.

 

 

 

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts ~ Madison NJ

The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts originally opened its doors as a library in 1900. The library is still housed upstairs in this beautifully restored building that features 56 stained glass windows, 8 chandeliers, 3 fireplaces and stenciled brick walls. Learn about New Jersey history and culture by visiting the museum on your own, or arrange for a guided tour conducted by the museum's friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Blue Chicory and Hot Sun

I have a whole field of these blue chicory weeds. The blooms close up and go to sleep at the end of the day and all you see is stalks. Today is supposed to be the hottest day of our heat wave so we will get in our longer walks early. Stay cool.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on Red Clover

Click photo to enlarge.

I had a super busy day running around taking care of business. Webster has recovered completely and he's now taking walks to the way back with me. I am so happy. We saw this butterfly feeding on red clover on a stroll in the late afternoon. It's still very hot but somehow it doesn't seem quite so smothery, if you know what I mean.

Outdoor Shower Ideas

Nothing says summer like an outdoor shower.

Do you have a favorite? There are more choices here. Stay cool and shower outside if you can. That's one of life's simple pleasures and dogs like them too.

Kangaroo Fun

I thought this photo looked hot too. I haven't spent much time outdoors since the heat wave began. I'm so thankful for central air. Oh, by the way, I loved Sunday's episode of ENDEAVOUR on Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. Did you watch? My friend in Massachusetts loved it too. I'm watching Pie In The Sky right now. I love the quirky characters. British TV is so great. It will soon be time to retire to my bedroom to watch the flat screen. Good night. See you tomorrow. via

Some Wonderful Summer Cabins

This cabin by San Francisco-based Nick Noyes Architecture sits on a 60-foot-wide ocean bluff in the Sonoma County coastal community of Sea Ranch. A copper-clad chimney connects two wings shielding an inner courtyard from the coastal winds.

This East Hampton residence by NYC-based Billinkoff Architecture is comprised of a string of small buildings connected by an indoor corridor, maximizing opportunities for indoor/outdoor living.

This beach cottage by Rohleder Borges Architecture with interiors by Bainbridge Island, Washington-based Michelle Burgess Design welcomes guests with a covered waterfront sitting porch.

This 1920s creekside cabin in Calistoga, California, was remodeled by Sonoma-based Amy A. Alper, Architect. The original layout of the weekend home occluded views of the seasonal creek, so Alper designed a double-height living room addition to wrap around the exterior. Photo by Eric Rorer.

Wonderful article from Remodelista with all of the links for the individual cabins above and more.

Gorgeous Tree Lined Drive

I love the way the sun is shining through the trees in this photo. It's simply lovely. It looks hot there just like it is here. We won't be out of mid-90° weather until Sunday. Texas stole my weather and sent theirs up here. I heard on the news last night that the high yesterday in Houston was only 72° which sounds more like San Francisco weather. It's crazy everywhere, isn't it? Webster is much, much better but he is still resting. Animals know what to do when they are feeling low and they don't rush getting up unless it's absolutely necessary. He's such a good dog. See you later. via

An Eclectic Country Kitchen

Yes.Yes.Yes. I love the wall of many drawers. I could fill them all up too.

So many interesting vintage items in this large country kitchen.

 via

Happy Monday

There's nothing like a cute puppy to start your day week, is there? via