Ben and I finally started planning some vacations for this summer and fall, and I couldn’t be more excited! For our big trip, we were debating between going to Europe or visiting the South. I definitely want to see both of those places (and then some) within the next few years, but this year we decided on the South. A big reason why we want to go there sooner than later is that I’ve always wondered if I might like to live in the South. It seems so romantic and charming to me--and so different from what we’re used to up here in Seattle. The sun is almost always out, people are friendly, and I'm obsessed with the antebellum style houses! I love the big oaks and Spanish moss too. And of course, there's Southern food...

I’ve never been there and I’m sure there are plenty of downsides (bugs, sweltering heat and humidity, to name a few). But I’d like to see it for myself! I would have loved to go this spring when all the magnolias and dogwoods are in bloom, but it’s a little too late for us to get everything planned and the time off from work...so we’re thinking October. I’ve heard that’s also a beautiful time to visit! We’ll definitely go to Savannah and Charleston, hang out on some of the Carolina beaches, and do some antiquing along the way. I’d love to hear your suggestions as well--we’re still in the very beginning stages of planning this trip! Any states, cities, or specific attractions that we should not miss??

I think my tastebuds are Southern...pecan pie, hummingbird cake, lemonade, chicken and waffles...oh my goodness, I love it all! What are your favorite Southern dishes?

We'll definitely rent a car so we can see things at our own pace. This drive looks breath-taking, doesn't it??

Rainbow Row in Charleston is so cheery!

Okay...is it October yet?? Just kidding. But I do want to hear all your suggestions, for reals! I know some of you must be from the South, or have taken a trip there before...so give me the scoop :)

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Can you guys believe it’s April already?? It actually finally started to feel like spring this weekend...and what a great weekend it was! We went for walks every day in the sun, with no coat...glorious. We also watched the Hobbit with Ben’s family, had people over for dinner (I made pot roast for the first time), and saw a bunch of bald eagles and sea lions down at Edmonds Beach, where we live. It was lovely! And the best part is, our weekend isn’t even over (we’re taking today off of work)! I think I’ve convinced Ben to take me to Ikea...and after that, hopefully we’ll just be relaxing in the sun some more, getting recharged for the week. But enough about my weekend...today I wanted to share some of my Instagrams from the month of March. What have you guys been up to lately?

Our sunny weekend also included me painting my nails, drinking ginger ale on the porch, and wearing shorts!! Exciting stuff / Our mantel in progress / Bright and cheerful purchases / The Goodwill Outlet near my work (since Goodwill is obviously not cheap enough) / Froyo! Ben always gets fruit on top and it looks so healthy. Me, I like chocolate...peanut butter cups, crushed Oreo, and toffee bits...so mine always looks kind of gross.

Tulips on the table / Matching five finger shoes (Ben tried to convince me to get these for years--I finally caved this past summer) / The view out of our front door as we leave for work / Pretty flowers at the grocery store (anemones are one of my favorites--I’ll probably do a post about them soon!) / Fog at Whidbey Island, where we served in the kitchen at a high school retreat / My stack of decorating books.

By the way, y’all know today is April Fool’s Day, right? Any tricks up your sleeve? What are some of the best tricks that you’ve ever played on someone (or been played on you)?

Lately I’ve been so busy, I haven't had time for reading blogs--and I missed it! So over the weekend I did a little catch-up reading...and found two house tours that I just had to share here. Better still, they’re the homes of two of my favorite bloggers! I mean, house tours are always great, but it’s even more fun to get a peek into the home of someone who you “know” through their blog. First up, Bri of Designlovefest’s colorful living room (designed by Emily Henderson).

Bri mentioned that in the past, she would get about 75% done with decorating a room and then just stop...but this place feels really finished and grown-up. I know just what she means--I have a lot of energy for getting the first part done; then when it gets pretty comfortable and livable, I lose steam and the room just stays unfinished forever. We moved about a month ago, and I feel like our progress has been so slow! I want to make sure we don’t just say “good enough” but that we keep adding all the layers to make this home feel complete. I’m inspired by Bri's space! It truly does look pulled together and all grown up, from the plants to the cheerful furniture, cozy rug, and decorative accents.

I’m obsessed with that leather pouf above. Now I must have one of my own! The layered rugs below are pretty sweet too.

Next, let’s check out Jordan of Oh Happy Day’s super stylish apartment (as seen on A Cup of Jo).

I love this graphic black and white rug! Below, decorating books (which one can never have enough of) on the World Market industrial cart I mentioned in this post. Jordan says that a small apartment actually feels more spacious and homey once you add books and art. It’s kind of counter-intuitive--you might think they would make it more cluttered--but see how great their place looks! And it’s only 500 square feet.

One thing I really like about both of these places is that they are beautifully designed, yet they feel decidedly like a home. You can tell that people actually live here. There are meaningful objects and artwork, injections of humor and personality. There’s depth, character, and layers of interest...and a sense that the more you explore, the more you’d find. I really like that! A home, with all it’s charming imperfections, is ever so much better than a showroom or an impersonal catalog spread. What do you guys think? Do you have a favorite between these two homes?

See more of Bri’s living room here and Jordan’s apartment here.

Now that February is over, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Instagrams from this short-but-sweet month! I also realized I never posted any from January, so I sprinkled a few of those in here too. Are you guys on Instagram? If you are, you should follow me or leave a comment with your user name! I’d love to connect with you there. I always think it’s fun to get a peek into people’s lives...plus everything is prettier in squares!

In February, I...got new Converse, moved to a new place, attended the sweetest little one-year birthday party for my niece, and got cupcakes (multiple times).

I also...went out to coffee (a lot...I live in Seattle!), saw Safe Haven and loved it, held my nephew for the first time, and attended two baby showers. I wrapped the gifts with DIY yarn pom poms both times--it’s so easy and cheap, you guys have to try it. The first shower was a darling tea party, including lavender shortbread cookies. Yum!

I hope you guys had a fabulous February as well! This month, I’ll be Instagramming lots of photos as we decorate our new place. I’m also planning to share a tour on here eventually...but it may take a little more time before I’m ready for that!