Why Don't You...

...take something insanely perfect, like a geranium petal, and have one of those paint companies match the color? The color of this geranium petal absolutely blows my mind. It has the perfect pitch of hot pink, but in an act of nature's own ikat, there is a fizzle of red.
I love finding inspiration in something small, especially in nature when these little details are so easily overlooked. It reminds me that everything has its place, purpose, and time. These insights and appreciations are all we can hope for on any given day. Let something like an inspired paint color in your home remind you of the details; none too small to be forgotten.
Happy Earth Day!

Why Don't You...

Plan a proper first tailgate of summer? I love when a tailgate brings all the luxe elements of the inside, outside. A little creative improvisation adds the chic disheveled look of this incredible spread not being all-too-important on your list. As if you live like this everyday and tossed it all together! A stir-fry of picnic chic... Don't forget the French Soda.

Why don't you...

...dust off your vintage Lilly Pulitzer frocks a few weeks early in honor of the Queen of Pink and Green, herself, Lilly Pulitzer.

Why don't you...

Take some time, this Sunday afternoon, to really treat yourself to something lovely? For me it is relaxing in the idyllic setting of Palmetto Bluff, watching the colors waive, the few puffs of clouds fizzle into the blue... If you're in a climate not so en plein air friendly, may I suggest a cozy fire and bottle of orange label while reclining on a bear skin rug?

Why Don't You...

Take a cue from Matisse and decorate an envelope of a thoughtfully written note to a friend? It would certainly brighten the day of the recipient - and all of the little carriers along the way who move that little bit of paper from one spot to the next.
My friend, AHN, is a huge inspiration to me in every way of Good Living. She is an avid envelope decorator with a collection of paper and stickers and witty sayings that makes me laugh. Just the idea of sending a note these days is almost obsolete! Handwriting is a lost art! Put down that flat machine and pick up a pen. So it takes a few days to arrive and you may even have to engage your friend for a mailing address via the flat machine. The time and effort will be worth it on all sides.
Bring back the letter.

Betwixt Inspiration, Part One...

I love designing the Betwixt jewelry using intense color combinations, texture, and imagery. What I imagine is who would wear each piece, where, and with what blank canvas of clothing. I picture friends in stripey dresses going to casual dinner parties in summer, Atlantic Oceanside dwelling women wearing drapey pieces and bright earrings with chunky rings...
Right now I am working on my summer collection for New England. When I say summer, it really just refers to the time I will be selling these pieces. I decided a while ago to stop even trying to work on fall and winter colors because even though I love a chunky knit and a zippy corduroy, I am really only inspired by color and the idea of my designs being worn in sunshine, or helping someone bring in a little sunshine on a cloudy day.
Here's a little sample of what's to come! I will be posting more pieces in The Boxwood Cottage Etsy shop (see link at the right) by the end of the week, or you can pop in to our store in Beaufort and visit everything in person before it all makes its way to the Northeast.