Jen and Lola in the City

While M was in class - she's a smarty pants working on a PhD in Parmaceutical Economics - Lola and I enjoyed a little quality time together.

We napped...

Then we went for a walk...Lola was all smiles!

Now she's relaxing...

Ahh...this is the life. Tomorrow I'll be in meetings all day. Oh well, gotta pay the bills and get home to Mr. Southern!

From the Beach to Baltimore

I'm back from the beach but now I'm in Baltimore. I've been here visiting my good friend M since Friday night. Later today I'm headed to Arlington, VA to a meeting through Friday and then home in time to see the Gamecocks take on LSU.

Depsite a few rude people, I've been charmed by the Charm City during my first visit. There are a lot of statues and monuments here including this large one in honor of George Washington.

The Harbor area is quite lovely. It is peppered with restaurants, shops, and lots of NICE boats.

She made a yummy French Toast Casserole with turkey bacon for breakfast.

Taking full advantage of our girly weekend, we attended a Sunday matinee showing of Legally Blonde the Musical. It was very entertaining. I highly recommend it for an outing with the girls.

In our down time we played dress-up with Lola who is a bulldog mix. Here she is being festive in a Halloween collar.

My Birthday!

My birthday was on Wednesday and I turned 27.

Mr. Southern and Sally, our yellow lab, got my birthday off to a great start by singing Happy Birthday to me and having me blow out a candle in a mini-molten chocolate cake from the Fresh Market.

For my birthday gift he got me the Vineyard Vines Gamecock tote I had been wanting...isn't it a beauty? He even stuck a little shopping money in the pocket!

It was a great birthday and truth is....I'm still celebrating. I'm typing this from a beachhouse in Surfside Beach where we've been since Thursday night celebrating with close friends and family.

I'm very blessed!

2006 HGTV Dream House

Here are some pictures that I took of the 2006 HGTV Dream House.

The house is beautifully decorated. Even though it is 5,450 square feet it felt very homey and inviting.

When you drive up to the gated neighborhood you see this guard's post. It sets the tone for the elegant, yet relaxing decor of the house.

Outdoor Living Area and Firepit:

Kitchen with Sitting Area and Pantry:

Living Room/Dining Room/Entry/Guest Bath:

Guest Half-Bathroom:

Main Floor Laundry Room:

Master Bedroom and Bathroom:

(SW-Creamy)

Main Stairway:

Upstairs Study:

(SW-Amazing Grey)

Sky Bedroom:

(SW-Blissful Blue)

Bridge Room:

(SW-Sassy Green)

Kid's Room and Bathroom:

(SW-Cherry Tomato on bunkbeds)

Attic Bedroom:

(bedroom walls and trim, SW-Creamy; bathroom walls, SW-Latte)

Sleeping Porch with Murphy Bed:

Garage Entry:

Guest Laundry/Kitchenette:

Family Room:

(SW-Svelte Sage)

Craft Room:

(SW-Autumnal)

Wine Cellar:

Exercise Studio/Sauna/Bathroom with Outdoor Shower:

(SW-Svelte Sage)