12 Days of Southern Christmas

Source: classyincrew.tumblr.com via Bella on Pinterest

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

Retail Therapy Thursday: Target Riding on Lilly Inspiration



Lilly Pulitzer Pink Chum Bucket Cruiser

For years I have have lusted after one of Lilly Pulitzer's gorgeous bicycles!  "Bicycles, you say?"  Yes, I am known far and wide -maybe wide isn't a good choice of wording here - for my dislike of exercise but when I see these adorable Lilly bikes I have visions of my cute self peddling to and fro dressed, of course, in coordinating Lilly outfits. The reality is that I would probably never fork over the money to buy one of these dreams on two wheels...but a girl can dream in pink and green!

So, imagine my surprise when I walked into Target this morning and saw that one of their lines, Alice + Olivia as part of the Target/Neiman Marcus Holiday line, has a Lilly inspired bike...not to mention the price tag was even more than a Lilly bike at a whopping $499.00!  I know lots of people will say it isn't a Lilly "inspiration"... but really???

I will give it it kudos for cuteness, especially that basket with the belt around it and I like the white tires (which would coordinate perfectly with a Lilly bike...just in case any Lilly Bike designers read this!)

I did find it interesting that when I looked the bike up on Target's website it was half the in store cost at only $249.00.  That is quite a price difference online versus in store! At $249.00 I did think the cute factor increased. But at $499.00, I couldn't imagine forking over more for this bike at Target than I would have to for a Lilly. But, then again, I am prejudiced and only a Lilly bike makes me exert energy imaging myself exercising on it!!!

What about me?

My blog redecorating project is almost at an end! I have added some new tabs up top, new social networking buttons, a new signature and some prettiness all around (actually the very patient Christin at Designer Blogs has been the brains behind this redo!)  I also now have a very cute blog button on the right hand side with a share code that I would love for you to copy and share! 

My next step is building an "About Me" page and that is where I am stumped and I need your help!  What questions should I answer about me?  I am not sure what my dear readers want to know.  Please share any questions you have about bloggers you read and what you think I should include.

Decorating at Wallace House



Wallace House

One of the fun events my Garden Club participates in each year is Christmas decorating at Wallace House.  It is the home of the President of Francis Marion University and  Garden Clubs from the area gather early in December and decorate a room or area.  My club was fortunate enough to be able to work in the dining room. 

This year we used an inspiration photo from last year's White House Christmas Magazine for our centerpieces and we made two for each end of the large banquet sized table.

They turned out gorgeous and will serve wonderfully through out the Christmas season for all the festivities that go on at Wallace House.  We used only live greenery and fresh fruits to work with the atmosphere and period of the house.

We added a silver bowl of greenery and fruit on the sideboard.

It just reflects beautifully off the silver tea set and mirror. 

My favorite arrangement has to be this one! Actually we created 2 of these beauties to nestle on top of the corner china cabinets. This arrangement is so reflective of South Carolina with the use of the palm fronds (we are the Palmetto State!), magnolia leaves and blooms surrounding a pineapple (representing hospitality) and a liberal ring of Spanish Moss in a silver bowl.  It is speaks my South Carolina love language.

This is a gorgeous arrangement made by one of our talented members. She stacked cake plates and then used fruits, magnolia leaves, boxwood and cranberries to complete it. I just love the use of fresh fruits and greenery in decorating.  The greenery was all gathered from the campus of Francis Marion University. 

Christmas Cactus & Friendship

This year two of my friends gifted me with Christmas Cacti!  The one above is planted in a gorgeous footed, vintage, cranberry glass dish and literally overflowing with gorgeous pale pink blooms.  I love these crazy plants that bloom with abandon when the season is right because my Grandmother loved them.  I am still the guardian of one of her beloved Christmas Cactus (see it here). 

This one was given to me by my sweet friend, Susan, who is the most talented person I know.  She hand painted and monogrammed the pot herself (in between doing amazing things with refinished furniture.) I keep telling her she needs a blog to share all her finds and inspiration with the rest of us.   I look so forward to being able to cultivate these plants as a reminder of what a blessing friends can be!

I  like Christmas Cacti better than poinsettias mostly because the don't tend to die on me before Christmas actually comes around. 

Florence Symphony Guild's Holiday Homes Tour 2012

A couple of weeks ago the Florence Symphony Guild held its annual Holiday Homes Tour 2012.  This year's tour had 7 unique homes of varying size and design which made for a interesting tour full of Christmas decoration inspiration!

Please visit the full tour album on the

Florence Symphony Guild's Facebook Page!

Newtown, Connecticut...my prayers are with you.

On Friday our nation experienced one of those senseless, evil acts that cannot be explained away.  The tragic event in Newtown, Connecticut that took the lives of 27 people...20 of them children...is beyond my ability to wrap my mind around.  It has weighed heavily on my heart and mind this weekend.  I can't even begin to understand the fear and pain that the parents of children at Sandy Hook Elementary are feeling, especially those who will never take their children home. I can't imagine the pain that those who lost friends and loved ones are facing today, just 9 days before Christmas. 

Newtown, Connecticut my heart and prayers are with you...

your loved ones will not be forgotten.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28