Quintessentially British

Welcome to The Olde Bell. Steeped in history, this boutique hotel first opened its doors in 1135. I think they've done a little bit of renovating since and I love how the old and new manage to commingle beautifully.

My favorite detail has to be those cleverly draped restaurant booths.

Gorgeous woven blankets in traditional prints, held snugly in place by what appears to be a leather strap. Like I said, a perfect marriage of the old and the new.

{images courtesy of Welcome Beyond}

**p.s.- for those of you who took the day off yesterday, be sure to visit yesterday's beautiful home tour**

Virtual Vacation

Happy weekend, ya'll!

{images via BLDGSPACE}

Wanna go in on a beach house?

The only caveat, it's in India. But, it does come with it's own coconut grove, and perhaps a lily pond might interest you or a snooze in a hammock under the palms. Any takers?

{see more images at saffronart}

Be Back Soon

We're off to dip our toes in the ocean, dig in the sand, and do a whole lot of nothing. Have a wonderful week, I plan to do the same.

Tropical

After the hints of spring in the air this weekend-think warm temps, cool breezes, and buds on the brink of bloom- I'm in the mood for a little something tropical. These images, with their riot of color, verdant foliage, and furnishings calling out for putting your feet up and laying low, certainly fit the bill. In fact, the pitter patter of rain on a hot tin roof sounds like all the entertainment I would need.

{Images via Hotze Eisma}

Retreat

I want to go here. Badly. Like yesterday.

{stunning images via Pia Jane Bijkerk, read and see more here}

Phew. January who?

{warning: longest post ever}

2011 started off with a bang and has not let up since. Busy must be the word of the year, at least if January is any indication.

{dj granny}

And then it snowed (and snowed and snowed...you get the picture)

Yes, that is the saddest little snowman ever. Remember, we are in the deep south and have little experience with such matters.

8 plus inches!!! (remember, we are in the deep south and have little experience with such matters)

After a week's worth of the white stuff enough was enough. We headed further south. To Hogwarts. Bet you didn't know it's in the sunny state of Florida.

Mmm, their first butterbeer. Yes, they're of age.

Yes, that's my son, a bra, and a dog. Sounds like the punchline to a risque joke. No, he's not of age.

Yes, that's an orangutan. Long story.

Scared outta his pants? Uh huh.

A fairytale ending.

So that was January. February, be kind. Mama's tired.