Life

The Inn at Middleton Place

The Inn at Middleton Place | Good BonesThe Inn at Middleton Place | Good Bones

It took just one stay at The Inn at Middleton Place on our 7th wedding anniversary trip to Charleston for us to fall in love with its elegance and charm. Two years later and we’re still singing its praises. The Inn is a graceful blend of modern architecture and the natural landscape and in every way the ultimate getaway for us. It’s situated along the Ashley River, surrounded by lush greenery. We love the possibility of gathering in the common room to sit and read with cocktails on quiet nights, hiking the trails, visiting the stunning and massive landscaped garden (America’s oldest!) and the rest of what Middleton Place has to offer, taking a swim in the pool, going on a guided tour, renting a kayak, lounging in one of the hammocks scattered about the grounds, and never even thinking of leaving to do anything else. I dream of the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the most glorious light, the calming marble and wood tones, the enormous jade plants, the soaking tubs. Outside, the dramatic concrete and vine covered walls are the perfect backdrop for a shoot. The entire place is truly my ideal design. Even when you have to stay in a room with two twin beds like we did on this trip (ha!), it’s an incredible experience. I’m grateful to have one more stay here in the books. Click through to see more of this lovely spot!

The Inn at Middleton Place | Good Bones The Inn at Middleton Place | Good Bones The Inn at Middleton Place | Good BonesThe Inn at Middleton Place | Good Bones The Inn at Middleton Place | Good Bones

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Life

A Short Trip to Charleston

A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones

A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones

A couple of weeks ago David and I slipped away for three days and two nights in one of our favorite cities. We’ve been so busy lately and David has had so little time off from the store that the need for a break, even a short one, was felt deep in our bones. I’m grateful we had the opportunity to take a trip and that my father-in-law is always willing to take care of our dogs while we’re away. We stayed outside the city at the most beautiful inn (which will get its own post on Wednesday) for the second time and drove in to Charleston for a little fun. I always love exploring Charleston, stopping in our favorite shops, the incredible food and beautiful scenery, the comforting and quiet pace of the community. It’s nice to visit someplace once or twice a year and still feel like a regular–to have your go-spots, to be remembered by shop owners who are happy to have conversations that make you feel warm and welcome, to simply sit and read while sipping a cocktail or coffee without that pressure to do anything more. It feels just like home. Next summer we hope to stay longer and make it to the beach. Though it’s a long way off, with fall just around the corner, I’m excited by the thought of another sunny, relaxing trip. I didn’t take as many photos as I wanted to, but here are a few snaps from our wanderings.

A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones A Short Trip to Charleston | Good Bones

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Life

Virginia Vacation

Good Bones | Virginia Vacation

Good Bones | Virginia Vacation

David and I got back from our quick trip to Virginia on Friday. The family squeezed into a cabin in Gordonsville, plus we took a day trip to Charlottesville and stopped through Richmond on the way home. The consensus on Virginia is that we definitely want to go back soon. Family and friends live so close by which makes it the ideal getaway. The vacation wasn’t as restful as we imagined–that’s what we get for trying to cram in so many fun things–and pretty far from actual mountains, but we’re thankful nonetheless.

It’s been years since we were all under the same roof and it was so good to spend time together (though, I admit, stressful at times for an introvert like me)–talking and goofing off or just sitting together reading. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you miss people until they’re right in front of you, reminding you why you love them in the first place.

I spent Saturday back at home cuddling my dogs and cleaning up the mounds of dog hair that accumulated while we were away, and in the evening we jumped right back into things by going to see a friend in a play at the local university. I can’t believe August and summer are nearly over and we’re already approaching my favorite time of the year. There’s been a hint of crisp coolness in the air and it’s getting me excited about fall, festivals, and warm fires. I’m hoping fall brings with it a slower pace and more opportunities to do what I love simply because I love it–for myself.

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Life

North Carolina Bound

Good Bones | North Carolina Bound

Good Bones | North Carolina Bound

Another week gone, filled with ups and downs and events left and right. It all sort of blurred together, but we made sure to slow down a bit for a date night and walks around the neighborhood. I enjoyed myself, though at times it was a challenge. As an introvert I often wish for more alone time to recharge than I’m able to get. I gave in to a lot of my negative emotions last week and failed to do the things I know to be helpful. This week has been just as chaotic but I’m doing my best to get through it all feeling less overwhelmed.

Today we’re headed to my brother-in-law’s graduation and then off on a four day vacation! We haven’t been out of town overnight in a year and I’m so thrilled to get the chance to relax with my love in Raleigh, Durham, and Asheville. We’ll be going to a wedding, visiting family, and celebrating our eighth anniversary. Is it silly to talk about how quickly time flies? Because it really, really does. Yet somehow I can barely remember what I was like 8 years ago. Always moving forward, always changing.

A few nights ago we watched The Last of the Mohicans and between my sighing over Daniel Day-Lewis David pointed out places we’d been on our second anniversary trip to North Carolina (where this photo was taken). I’ll be happy to breathe the mountain air again, even if just briefly.

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  • These lilac pillow slips were my last purchase of 2019 before starting 6 months (at least) of no spending (wardrobe + household decor). I hope to better understand my spending patterns/triggers and find healthier, less expensive ways to manage negative emotions. Committing to it wasn’t easy which makes me all the more glad I did. Thank you to @insearchofcozy_ for being my inspiration and giving me the push I needed to start!
  • Last weekend I popped into a couple of my favorite Cincinnati shops, including @fernshopcincinnati where some of my original collages are for sale amongst stunning plants and the best ceramics. If you’re in the area, stop by and see Megan’s gorgeous shop for yourself! She’s been a supporter of my work for years and I’m so grateful. Also grateful that my little sister moved to Cincinnati for college almost 14 years ago and never left so I get to keep visiting 🤗🤎✨
  • Had a slow, ordinary, wonderful, much needed vacation where I barely took any photos. Missing family but happy to be home ✨
  • A few days after Apollo died, I opened a package from @charlotteswans and inside was a portrait she had drawn of him. Immediately I began sobbing, missing my sweet boy, but also so grateful to see his face which she captured perfectly and beautifully. My husband and I got it framed as our Christmas present to ourselves. It’s a gift we will always cherish. Thank you, my dear Charlotte.
  • Yesterday I posted this photo in stories but deleted it shortly after because I was embarrassed. I look angry but in truth this is my face at rest, albeit tired. Most days I look at my post-menopausal face and body and don’t recognize them, but in this moment the anger, sadness, and loathing I normally experience (which is a complicated topic) was more subdued. I liked the picture so I’m not sure I know how to articulate why posting it felt so unacceptable. Here it is again, acting as a reminder to just post the damn thing. Lately the need to be more open about menopause, something I’ve shared with very, very few people, is one I’ve felt strongly. I don’t know exactly what that looks like in such a public space, but I think it’s worth exploring.

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