Every summer, Labor Day fast approaches and we try to squeeze in the last drops of summer fun. Usually, we have a barbecue with family and friends, but this year, The Man and I decided to sneak off to Carmel. We stopped in Tancedi & Morgen so I could get my antiquing fix and I was able to take some photos to share with you. Come along with me! You'll see how charming it is...

For many, this week marks the official start of back-to-school and with that, I thought it the perfect time to talk books. Not the required reading lists that we muddled through in school, but ones that peek your interest and keep your mind occupied during the day...pondering when you'll have time to dive back into the pages. I always have multiple books on my nightstand (and iPad) with slips of paper bookmarks tucked in, awaiting my return. I crave variety. Sometimes I want to hunker down with a warm blanket and read recipes like they were poetry. Other times, I have a quest for knowledge. Those thought provoking novels and biographies that will have me contemplating life and calling me to action. Here's a review of a few of my current reads. I'd love to get some of your recommendations in the comments! There's always room for more...

Hi there friends. It's been a while. Life has been keeping me extra busy lately. We've officially finished Grove House, although there are still a ton of things that need to be done. I'll continue to show our progress and happenings...we still don't have internet at the property, which explains the lack of posts. Although I certainly don't assume you're sitting around wondering what I'm doing. ;) But it's nice to reconnect here.

I've been on the hunt for furniture and rugs for the new place but haven't had much luck lately. I better get on it, or we're going to move in without a bed, sofa, or dining table, among others. Of course, all is not lost, seems I'm always able to find a little something. I picked up this mortar and pestle while out "poppin tags" with my sister. I loved the pale color and cracks in the bowl. You just can't beat patina.

This is the year my holiday crafting is a big bust. I've had practically zero free time to get my craft on...and I have to say, I'm missing it. I just returned from location scouting in Phoenix and I'm heading to Oregon this week to shoot a home for Christmas..to appear in print next year. So my fa-la-la-la-la is really lacking. I'm sure some of you can relate. There are just those years when it doesn't all come together. At least not how we envision it in our heads. ;)

To make up for it, I've found a few great crafters, bakers, and diy'ers creating lots of cheery holiday handmades. Here's a few of my favorites!

It's that "pumpkin spice" time of the year. It seems like everywhere you turn, they're adding it to something. I've never tried one of those famous Pumpkin Spice Lattes that are all the rage but I do have a fondness for Pumpkin Pie frozen yogurt. It's like having a frozen slice of pie without the crust....yum! I also enjoy a slice of pumpkin bread on occasion which got me to thinking, instead of making bread this year...what about mini baked donuts?