Heaven on earth?

I wanted to indulge in the beauty of the land this property affords. It is gorgeous. So green, so manicured...it is certainly a haven from the world.

This is my absolute favorite part---the gate, the gravel drive, and the front lawn. Glorious.

The search is on...

The Challenger: My mother...
The Challenge: To find bridesmaid dresses for my sister's wedding...
The Catch: For around $30.00 apiece. *Dun Dun Dun*

All right. So you see the challenge before me. We are talking INexpensive! This is mostly due to the fact that my parents are paying for the bridesmaid dresses along with everything else. So I have begun my search.

Firstly, I found a dress from Isaac Mizrahi's line at Target for only $39.99.

(http://www.target.com/)

This one is a bit more playful and would probably need really glam heels and a white shrug over it to make it more appropriate as a bridesmaid dress but I think it could work. It is on sale right now for $19.99.

(http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=47370&cmpid=21067S53810830&radid=21067S53810830)

This cutie is only $49.00 from Newport News but you can find it here .

Found here and here. These Mossimo dresses are on the casual side but again, the right shoes, shrug, and jewelry could dress them up and make them work. These I found on sale for $16.99 and $19.99, respectively.

Around the house

As important to me as my dream house is my dream estate. The land and other structures that make up the whole picture are vital. I included a few pictures of sights I could definately wake up to each day.

I love the fenced in little garden area which then opens up into a field. Fields. I have this...urge? impulse? something that pulls at me whenever I am near a huge grassy field. I want to run through the field. I want to run fast through the tall grass and just run until I can't anymore and then just lay in the sun. Kind of odd, right? Especially if you know me you know that I hate to run. Really, I hate it. When I run, I look like a mix between a gazelle and a fairy ballerina. I am told that when just trotting over to something I actually hold my arms straight to my sides with my wrists bent up and out. For what, wind speed? Or to balance myself in case I just spontaneously fall over? (probably the latter) Who knows. So, I run only if I have to...that is, unless there is a lush field beckoning to me and I just cannot resist!

Anyway......

(all from http://www.luxurylandandhomes.com/international-luxury-real-estate.html)

Serene in the south

This tiny little house is circa 1839.
The kitchen is one area of the house that would need some updating, but oh how much fun that would be! I already have ideas swirling in my head. The high ceilings and white cupboards are like a blank canvas!


The brick wall adds a nice touch to this family room.
(courtesy of http://www.luxurylandandhomes.com/historic_district.htm)

Open and airy...

This one was built in 1895 and has a very open floor plan. It looks very nicely renovated and very kept up, which is an absolute must if you are going to own a historic house.

This entryway is so adorable! It is filled with light from the many windows around the staircase. I do have a thing for windows along staircases...
I also have a thing for stairs, lots and lots of stairs! Not that I like walking up and down them (who does?) but they are such a dramatic element to a house.

(all pictures found via http://www.luxurylandandhomes.com/historic_district.htm)

S.C. beauties continued

This little lovely was built in 1859. The double decker porch is to die for!
It just screams "slow down and relax!

The windows are just gorgeous--big, long, and the moulding around them and along many of the walls echoes an earlier era.

Having been, I assume, cleared of most of its present owners stuff the rooms look incredibly bare but it allows us to see the gorgeous wood floors and intricate details each room affords. The possibilities for decor would be endless!

A sweet little sitting room.

(found via http://www.luxurylandandhomes.com/)

For the love of History

This house was built originally in 1784 and is located in Charleston, SC. It is simply adorable! I had to share! (found via http://www.luxurylandandhomes.com/historic_district.htm)

A back yard view and a street view.

Third floor balcony.

One of the guest rooms that leads out to the patio.
Family room.


Another back view and also a glimpse into the cute kitchen.

South Carolina

Here is a sweet little southern charmer down in South Carolina. I love the windows that let in so much natural light. As is custom down south, it has a nice porch (and rocking chairs!). I especially adore the study area! I have only found two of these designs that I like and this is one of them. It is so cozy and cute!