To have a space for dreaming and solitude...

You know how some people get all of their energy from being around other people, and how other people need "alone time" to energize? Well, I'm definitely one of the later. I grew up on an almost 200 acre farm on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, so being alone and outside was a part of my daily life and something I really took for granted. Obviously, living in NYC for 3 years I never experienced that, and though I loved it - I never truly felt unwound. I have found a happy in between where I am now, but looking at these gorgeous retreats makes me long for a hidden spot in nature where I can go and decompress.

What do you do or where do you go when you need to decompress and unwind?

so, so, so pretty

perfect

heaven

a retreat in Sri Lanka...

and in France
1 -3 via Pinterest  4-5 via Richard Powers

A month by month plan to get your home storage organized: May is the garage

Yuck. The garage. Not a very fun one to organize is it? Unfortunately it's one of those chores that must be done, and being that it's a long weekend you might have more time to get it done. Here is BHG's plan for organizing your storage in the garage.

Create Task Kits. Create kits for various outdoors projects by filling 5- and 10-gallon plastic buckets with all the tools, products, and accessories you need to complete specific tasks such as car-washing, weeding, bicycle repair, and more.

Stash Sporting Gear. Fill tall kitchen trash cans with large and odd-shaped sporting gear. Drill holes in the bottom of bins if drainage is important. Stabilize containers by securing to a wall with short bungee cords.

Organize the Trunk. Clean out your vehicle's trunk. Toss every item that is expired or damaged. Place all trunk gear in a canvas bin or box. Make sure the container doesn't slip by adding rubber or hook-and-loop tape to the bottom.

Tidy Up the Tools. Hang hand tools on a wall near your workbench from hooks on pegboard, magnetic board, or a wall-mount strip system. Label each tool's spot. Put extra tools in a tool box or clear plastic boxes and store on floor underneath workbench.


I've rounded up a bunch of images that I hope you find inspiring and help you rally the motivation to organize the garage.

The chalkboard cabinet and drawer fronts is a great idea.  You could always paint yours with chalkboard paint.

A magnetic kitchen knife strip works great for holding drill bits too

Use magnetic spice containers to hold small hardware in the garage

This space has to be the prettiest garage I've ever seen

In the garage, bins and hooks and boxes are our friends

A rolling cart with most used cleaning supplies and tools is a great idea!
images above via BHG

Take a cue from Julia Child's kitchen and do the same for your tools!
via Martha Stewart

A prelude to Spring

I feel like every year I'm ready for spring a little bit sooner. This year is no exception. I can't remember the last time the sky was blue. Hopefully these pictures can help us remember what spring looks like.


Beautiful photos from the talented Lara Rossignol. Check out her blog, Piewacket

via House Doctor


So beautiful - green!

via Nikreations


Isn't that chandelier with the greenery great? It'd be a great idea for a wedding outdoors in a tent or barn.


via Elle Decor

A charming country home with style north of Copenhagen

One place we didn't visit on my travels, but is still very much on my travel wish list, is Copenhagen. I'm sure the architecture and shops would be right up my alley. Has anyone been to Copenhagen? What did you think?

The natural light in this home is great - also the architectural details like the radiator cover and top window pane.




I'm a sucker for detail shots :)




The look of all those books in the bedroom is really nice - but I'd be afraid I'd stay up too late each night reading.









This little spot in the yard is wonderfully wabi sabi no?

What do you think of this home? Close to your style?
via Indenfor and Udenfor

A charming Graden/Lawn in Denmark

It's Wednesday - half way through the work week and being able to spend a lazy - or productive - day out in the yard.






I would love to have a hammock like this.



via Indenfor

Tuscan Inspired Spaces

Have a great weekend everyone - enjoy!


The color of this bedroom is just sublime...
via Restoring Italy

I would love the space for a round table in my entryway.
Italian Country Living


via Tuscan Elements

What a beautiful color on the side of that building.
via Apartment Therapy

via Tuscan Plan

via Interiors by Details

via Inspired Interiors


These bedrooms are so effortlessly cozy
Grand Designs Live

Vittorino Designs