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Marvelous Money: the cost of our first year with a baby

23 May 2018

Three years ago, I wrote a post about preparing financially for a baby (my most-requested Marvelous Money topic at the time!). I promised in that post to revisit the topic at some point in the future when I actually had children, and I’m so happy to do so today! My angle: what it actually cost us to add a baby to our family in the first year.

Several of you have shared that you think of me as a “big sister” going a few steps ahead of you, which is wonderfully sweet and a title I take seriously. I want to share these numbers not because you’ll be able to copy and paste them into your own life, but because if you’re thinking about having children and wondering how it will affect your finances (hand of my younger self raised high!), it is incredibly hard to find useful numbers.

I hope this post offers some hope, helpful perspective, and fodder for conversation with your spouse! :)

First, a few details about the parameters I chose:

— Our daughter was born in January, which is excellent for sharing numbers, since we budget every dollar on an annual basis. I’ve included all of the June-related costs from 2016 here (unless otherwise noted), as well as the June-related costs from 2015 that we incurred while preparing for her arrival.
— I have not included the retail price of gifts we received, items we borrowed, etc. here — just what we actually paid out of pocket. Obviously, there is a HUGE range of prices for everything baby-related, and it can make a big difference how much you buy used or buy at all. This is not meant to be a universal cost breakdown but just a glimpse at one family’s expenses based on our unique circumstances and priorities.
— I did not include any healthcare costs, as those were paid for by savings in our HSA and I don’t consider them “out of pocket.”
— I did not include “shelter” costs (i.e. our mortgage) or transportation, since we would have had those anyway. I also did not include any portion of our grocery budget, because it did not change in June’s first year with us.

That should cover the preliminaries! Here’s the breakdown, with explanation following…

cost of first year with a baby

Birth: This included our birth class and our doula.

Books: I bought four pregnancy and parenting books – my favorites are here!

Childcare: This is by far the largest portion of the total, but I have not even an iota of regret about spending this money! There is almost nothing I would rather spend on than making sure June is safe, loved, and well cared for when we’re not with her, and we were so happy with the school we sent her to for her first year. This covered about eight months of care post-leave.

Clothing: We were incredibly lucky to receive LOTS of hand-me-downs from Nancy and my sister. The majority of the rest of June’s clothing was purchased at my favorite twice-a-year consignment sale, with a few additional special items here and there. I think this is a category where we saved a lot of money, especially considering we had a girl – ha!

Diapers and wipes: We almost exclusively used Water Wipes and Up&Up diapers and were very happy with both.

Feeding: This included our Kiinde supplies and some formula. Thankfully, breastfeeding dropped this category wayyy down!

Gear: This category included everything that we didn’t borrow or receive as a gift, including our baby monitor, our bassinet, a console for our stroller, a convertible car seat, baby gates, and more. You can read about some of our favorite gear at different ages in these posts!

Nursery: This was the only category whose total surprised me a bit, but we did have several large expenses that added up! The good news is that these purchases were the LEAST important, so they could easily be forgone if you’re on a tight budget. Larger purchases included the light fixture ($120); the glider, fabric, and upholstery ($475); a quilt for the twin bed ($110); and the Liberty fabric for the crib skirt ($154 – that stuff ain’t cheap!).

Personal care: This category included diaper cream, Nose Frida supplies, burp cloths, a thermometer, body wash, toothbrushes, and other toiletry type things!

Toys, gifts, and fun: Thankfully, babies don’t need too much to have fun :) This category included her beloved action stackers, a few books (we received SO many as gifts!), cups and a ring stacker, and the ukulele we got her for her first Christmas.

If you’re a visual person, here’s the breakdown in pie chart form:

And one with the major categories besides childcare:

There you have it! If you’d like to share, I’d love to hear how our breakdown stacks up to your own spending, or where you were able to save if you also have a sweet baby! Thank you, as always, for being so kind and thoughtful, friends!

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Marvelous Money: Managing Money Together

24 April 2018

As I wrote the How We Do It series, there were many topics – big and small – that I knew I would want to revisit at some point in posts of their own. When I got a few questions about how we jointly manage our finances in this post, I knew it was a great one to start with!

Using this beautiful image from Cultivate What Matters of the new Finance Goal Guide, launching today! If you have money goals you’re working toward, I think you’ll love this product!!

Many of the questions centered around why John and I have separate checking accounts. The short answer is that there’s no good reason – ha! Here’s the longer answer:

John and I have separate checking and savings accounts because we opened them before we were married, and there didn’t seem to be any good reason to open a new joint one after saying “I do.” After all, our accounts are at the same bank (and linked, so that we can access each other’s through our own dashboards!), and we of course have each other’s passwords. All accounts opened since our wedding day have been joint ones.

I know many people have strong opinions on joint versus separate accounts. I think many of the opinions, though, stop short of what’s truly important: the state of your heads and hearts trumps the practicalities of how your accounts are set up any day. All of the joint accounts in the world can still lead you to a dead end if you’re not pulling in the same direction.

There is no “his money” and “her money” in our marriage. We have never valued each other or set individual spending levels based on what either of us make at our jobs. The idea of spouses effectively living at different income levels within a marriage is shocking and sad to me, as described in this recent Atlantic article:

They’ll help each other out?? Marriage means joining your financial future just as surely as it means joining your lives. I supported both of us while John searched for a job, and he put money toward my student loans for years without a peep of complaint. Were one of us to lose our job, we would not receive a “handout” from the other person – we would both adjust and bear the burden together.

On a practical note, the main reason there is no “his” or “her” money is that ALL money is fed into our family budget. At that point, we simply have one lump sum of money that we need to decide what to do with, together – it literally no longer matters who brought in how much. Because we’ve set the budget together, if it says we have a certain amount to spend, then that’s how much we have to spend. A budget is a great equalizer in this way, and if you need yet another reason to get on the budget bandwagon, there you go! :)

But back to the Atlantic article:

To that I would say, I don’t believe the money I bring home does or should “fully belong to me” — it’s shared with my husband, just as his money is shared with me.

Unsurprisingly, the arguments in the Atlantic article for why a couple wouldn’t merge their finances aren’t that compelling to me. There is one argument that I think does have validity, at least at the outset, but I don’t think it’s a situation that’s tenable longterm for a healthy marriage. If the two of you don’t have aligned beliefs on money, and aren’t consulting each other on where you’re hoping to go in life, then merging your finances absolutely will be a mess and will lead to arguments. The solution, though, is not to keep things separate — it’s to do the work to get on the same page.

John and I have a bit of an advantage here because we formed our thoughts on money alongside each other, but we also work actively to make sure we stay on the same page. (Hence our regular conversations and bimonthly net worth meetings!). Our friends Nancy and Will found themselves in the opposite situation: they came into marriage with VERY different ideas about how money should be managed. Financial Peace University helped them reach common ground, and they are some of the most inspiring financial stewards we know!

A final note, should you need more convincing: a joint budget not only determines your day to day spending on groceries, clothing, lawn care, and more, but it sets and guides your financial big picture, like how much you’re saving for retirement, how soon you’ll be able to get out of debt, when you’ll squirrel away the amount for a down payment goal, or how much you can give away each year.

And those big picture things? You want to work on them together, because then you will succeed together (and a lot more quickly than if you were working on your own!). There are few things more unifying in a marriage than reaching a major goal together, and if you’re not merging your finances, you’ll miss out on them.

Whew! Clearly this is a topic I’m passionate about, and that Atlantic article brought it all bubbling to the surface! To finish up, I’d love to hear: what goal are you working toward in your finances right now?

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How We Do It: Organizing Our Finances

16 January 2018

Wow, y’all! I figured you would like this series, but I’ve been blown away by the response – I LOVED reading your thoughts on last week’s post on time, so thank you SO much for sharing! Truly.

To catch up any new gals: Nancy Ray and I are writing an eight-part series every Tuesday in January and February covering “how we do it” in eight different areas: the rhythms, habits, and routines that help us get things done and make the space and time for what matters most. You can read more of the backstory here.

Today’s topic is finances! I’m particularly excited about this post for many reasons (obviously), but one is that it really drives home what I love about this series: that you’re hearing from two people with similar hearts but different ways of living them out, showing that there’s no one right way to do things. Anyone who knows Nancy or I knows that we are both extremely passionate about financial literacy and freedom, but the fascinating thing is that “how we do our finances” is in some cases very different.

How We Do It: Finances

Let’s dig in! I wanted to begin with a few of the principles that guide John’s and my thinking on money, because all the tools in the world won’t be much help if your thought patterns are constantly conspiring against you. Here they are:

1. Whenever possible, we take advantage of the power of compounding and the time value of money. We want to make our money work for us as hard and as often as possible, which means starting NOW, even if that means starting small. Time is so powerful, and it’s the only part of the wealth equation you can’t make up. More about this here.
2. We remember we can’t judge anyone else’s financial situation from the outside. We might see a coworker going on a European vacation and be tempted to think we should be able to do that, but not realize they carry credit card debt or rent a super-small apartment or never eat out or don’t save for retirement. We try not to make decisions based on comparisons, especially since they’re always incomplete.
3. We believe our money has been entrusted to us. By God, to be clear :) And because we believe that, we feel an extra measure of responsibility to spend, save, and shepherd that money wisely and for the greatest good.
4. We believe money is a tool. It’s not inherently good or evil. I’d liken it to a chainsaw. It is very powerful, and very effective at what it does, but it can’t hammer a nail. You can’t expect money to do things it was never meant to do, like make you happy.

So how do these principles play out on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis? For us, it all comes back to the budget. We live and die by our budget, because without it, I’m sure we would be in very sorry financial shape. We make an annual budget and track it in a Google Doc. (Note: our doc and how we use it have changed a bit since I wrote that post five years ago, but it’s still a good overview!) It’s a system that requires some upkeep, but we’ve found a few things that make it easier: we commit to updating it twice a month (generally on the 1st and 15th, the same day we pay our credit card bills), and we almost exclusively use cards, so transactions are easy to reference and record.

That’s right, we use credit cards! I wouldn’t recommend them for everyone, but we pay ours off in full twice a month and have never carried a balance. The rewards (2% cash back for us) and the ease of tracking our spending make them the right fit for us. We have three: one predominantly used by John for his expense categories, one predominantly used by me for my expense categories, and one used by both of us for joint expenses (which include most things, including gas, groceries, gifts, dining out, June expenses, vacations, etc.).

We also each have a checking account and savings account (which we both have access to, but our paychecks get deposited into our respective accounts). I pay most of the bills out of mine, so to keep things simple, John simply “levels our accounts” on the 1st and 15th by transferring the difference from his checking to mine, so that we each have the same amount.

Our savings and checking accounts are at Capital One 360. I LOVE CAPITAL ONE 360! I’ve considered writing a Marvelous Money post just about this bank because I love it so much :) Why? The interface is great, there are no fees, and most importantly, they let you open as many savings accounts as you want!! Over the years, we have opened accounts to save for vacations, for our backyard renovation, for a new car, for our wedding, and many other things. You can give each account a unique name and set up automatic transfers each month, making setting aside a pool of money and building it over time fun and mostly painless! Highly, highly recommended. (NOTE that that is a referral link – I get $20 if you sign up, but I would NOT share something we didn’t adore! We’ve been customers since 2006 :))

Another thing that has simplified our finances: our charitable giving account. If you give away money regularly, whether to your church or other organizations, I would highly recommend one. I went into much more detail here, but the reason it helps simplify things is that at tax time, you only have to look one place to itemize your deductions.

I’m not going to chat too much about debt in this post because aside from our mortgage it’s not a huge focus for us right now, but if it is for you, I’d recommend checking out this post which talks about how we paid off my student loans!

Retirement savings are a priority for us, and we both have 401ks we contribute to through work as well as IRAs. Most importantly, we always make sure to contribute at least enough to get the full match our companies offer. Here is my beginner’s guide to 401ks and beginner’s guide to IRAs, if you’re new to this arena! We also use an HSA (Health Savings Account) as an important part of our retirement savings plan, as they are highly tax-advantaged. Might be something to consider if you have a high-deductible health plan!

A number of readers have asked me about 529s and college savings for kiddos recently, so I will likely write a separate Marvelous Money post on that topic in the future. We do have an account for June that we have contributed to, but I wanted to mention here that it is not a priority for us right now, given that we are going so aggressively after our mortgage goal. We feel confident with the overall plan we have, and know that we can make more progress without dividing our focus unnecessarily! Just like when you’re tackling debt, I think it is often most effective to pick one area of focus and go hard after that one instead of trying to implement five different things at once.

Finally, I wanted to briefly share how we divide up the financial responsibilities in our family. I think it’s equally important for each partner to have a role, AND for those roles to be clear and defined. These are ours:

Emily: Bill payment and account maintenance (activating cards, calling customer service, etc.)
John: Taxes, investment strategy, and “R&D,” or bringing new ideas to the table (like our tweaked mortgage plan)
Together: Set yearly budget, record transactions in the budget, and participate in our every-other-month “net worth” meetings

We call them that not because our net worth is so high (ha), but because they are when we look at a global picture of our finances and our budget. We look at what’s in each account, talk about changes to our budget or financial situation, progress we’ve made toward our goals, and more. To be clear, we talk about our finances on a more regular basis than every other month, but this is dedicated time we’ve set apart to cover more in-depth topics.

Friends, I hope this post was helpful for you!! Don’t forget to read Nancy’s post here. I’d love to hear what tool or practice has been most helpful for you in organizing your personal finances! Or, if this post brings up a question for a future Marvelous Money topic, I’d love to hear that, too! :)

The rest of the series:
Time: Em’s post and Nancy’s post
Finances: Em’s post and Nancy’s post
Home: Em’s post and Nancy’s post
Personal Lives: Em’s post and Nancy’s post
Work: Em’s post and Nancy’s post
Relationships: Em’s post and Nancy’s post
Kids: Em’s post and Nancy’s post

27 Comments

Marvelous Money: 26 Ways to Save Money

26 October 2017

One of my pet peeves about personal finance is when experts make blanket suggestions on how to save money. I think the way you spend (and save!) should be based on what you value. If you do this, you’ll not only find it easier to stick to your budget, but you’ll get greater pleasure out of the money you DO spend.

Though I dislike one-size-fits-all suggestions, I love being inspired by how others are finding ways to save. I asked six of my savviest friends for their favorite ways they shave their budgets, and added in a few myself — I hope they get your wheels turning!

ways to save money

Saving money on food:

I don’t eat meat during the week. I have a pretty consistent rotation of small and inexpensive meals that I eat for weekday lunches and dinners. Not only does it save me money, but I don’t get decision fatigue over deciding “what’s for dinner?” — Jess Metcalf, Content Manager and newly-engaged gal

We shop almost exclusively at Aldi, which cuts our grocery bill almost in half (compared to name-brand grocery stores). I make a dinner plan based on their weekly specials, which helps us eat in for the majority of the week with plenty of leftovers for lunches. — Samantha Ray, hair and makeup artist and blogger

Food spending has been a challenge for us (to put it lightly) but we’ve made significant progress by switching to getting vegetables from a CSA box and buying meat from Costco (organic meat at normal prices). We get the box twice a month and plan our meals based on what vegetables we receive. This has challenged us to think outside our recipe box/cookbooks and has significantly cut down on the number of ingredients we buy per recipe. — Dave Kirk, finance guy and husband

I can’t even imagine how much we’ve saved over the years by almost never buying alcohol. We don’t hate drinking, but it’s just not something that’s important to us, and therefore doesn’t make sense for us to spend money on! – Em

I use cash and a calculator at the grocery store! It’s our foolproof way to not blow the grocery budget. — Valerie Keinsley, stay at home mama and online stationery shop owner

Saving money on entertainment:

I solely order water at restaurants, unless I’m celebrating something, in which case I’ll treat myself to a glass of wine or a cocktail. My mother used to own a restaurant, so I know the markup on sodas and my beloved sweet tea, and I consistently choose water instead. Unless I’m at Merritt’s, in which case, a glass bottle Cheerwine is calling my name! — Jess

We haven’t had cable for a few years after switching to an HD antenna (works for football and the Bachelor franchise) and Netflix. We recently cut Netflix as well, because you can only re-watch The Office so many times. We’ve replaced watching TV with porch date nights and reading before bed. — Dave

I stopped buying books on Amazon, and I wait for library books now. It’s an exercise in patience, especially for popular titles, but I’m saving money and learning my bookshelves. — Jess

Saving money in your relationships:

We have gotten creative with ideas on how to spend quality time together without dropping so much dough – things such as trying out a new recipe at home, sitting on the porch swing with a bottle of wine, or going out for a beer at a new brewery. These all cost around $10, which enables us to have more date nights since we aren’t dropping $50+ on a dinner out. — Elizabeth Burns, eCommerce gal and house flipper

My love language is gift giving, and I save a ton of money by shopping at the Dollar Tree for all my wrapping paper, tissue paper, and extra giftable goodies like candy, small personal care items, cards, and balloons. — Samantha

Since having our son, we’ve realized how expensive getting a babysitter AND going out to eat is, so now, most of our “date nights” are on our porch with a bottle of wine. It gets us out of the house (if only to the outside of our house), and the only thing we’re buying is a $6 bottle of Trader Joe’s wine, rather than spending $25-30 on a bottle at a restaurant. But, my city-loving wife would be crushed if that’s all we did, so we also plan out special monthly date nights when we do hire a babysitter and actually head out. Scheduling them once a month gives us something really fun to look forward to, and keeps us from being tempted to go out on a whim and spend more than we had planned. — Dave

Since having June, we’ve been very open to borrowing, buying secondhand, or accepting hand-me-downs whenever possible. I think sometimes, especially if folks plan to have multiple kids, they justify buying everything new, but we’ve found it’s just as easy to swap back and forth with friends. We’ve borrowed clothes, a crib, a bathtub, a hiking pack, and so much more! – Em

Saving money on your home:

Target is my budget Kryptonite. I go in for toothpaste and come out with a new duvet, kitchen canisters, boots, and no toothpaste. One thing that has helped me save money is that instead of going into a Target for basics like toiletries, cleaning supplies, pet products, and some food items, I signed up for Target subscriptions. I can have all of these everyday items delivered to my house regularly (free delivery!) and subscription items are discounted by an additional 5%. This way I can still get my favorite Target items without having to actually go into a store and potentially blow my budget on all of the cute stuff I don’t need. — Elizabeth

When our grocery store offers 4x the fuel points on gift cards, we buy gift cards for upcoming projects/gifts – i.e. if we’re planning a home project, we get a gift card to Lowe’s in the amount we budgeted for the project. That way we earn 4x the points, and often get up to $1 off per gallon of gas! It takes some planning, but is well worth it in the end. — Valerie

Many products come in a generic brand version, a refurbished version, or a lightly-used version that’s practically the same for a fraction of the cost. You can often buy floor models for a highly discounted price, too, which we’ve been doing a lot recently as we furnish our new home. And remember, almost everything in life is negotiable – you’ll never know if you don’t at least ask! :) — Robyn Van Dyke, photographer, blogger, and co-owner of a dental practice (with her husband!)

We utilize the Habitat Restore. Since flipping houses is one of our side hustles, we visit the Restore often for anything from exterior doors, shutters, furniture, lighting, and faucets. A lot of big box stores will give donations so you can buy new items for a fraction of the cost while contributing to a good cause. There are also neat antique finds like gorgeous vintage chandeliers and clawfoot tubs. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are sprucing up your home on a budget! – Elizabeth

Saving money on purchases:

Starting around the midpoint of the year, I begin hoarding planned purchases like a fevered squirrel until I unleash them all on Black Friday/Cyber Monday. I keep a list of things I’d like to buy and that might go sale (so far this year’s includes Winter Water Factory dresses for June, her Salt Water Sandals for next year, and Walk in Love tees for the family for next Valentine’s Day). I also, of course, include as many Christmas gifts as I can! To make so many purchases in one weekend is always a bit of a shock to my system, but it’s totally worth it for the savings. – Em

ReceiptPal! My husband found this app where you take photos of your receipts and earn cash back for them, redeemable as gift cards (including Amazon!). We’ve earned over $100 in Amazon gift cards, which we then use for household purchases to save money. He spends roughly 10 minutes a week putting in receipts. It’s slow going — you usually only earn a gift card every four months or so — but totally worth it. — Valerie

Whenever we need or want to buy anything, we wait. This does two things: it gives us time to consider if we really need or want it, and it gives us time to find the best deal. Almost everything has a sale or coupon — it’s just a matter of waiting until the sale, googling for coupons, or even buying a coupon on Ebay! Better yet, wait for the sale AND stack the coupon AND use Ebates! — Robyn

We use a credit card with 2% cash back for almost every purchase, and pay it off twice a month, every single month. I know this might be controversial to some, but for us it’s a no-brainer. We’ve earned hundreds of dollars over the years this way! – Em

Saving money on everything else:

This has been a hard lesson to come by this year, but we’ve learned there are no “sacred cows” in our budget. To accomplish our savings goals, we’ve had to take a hard look at every single budget line and readjust our perspective (and add a heaping dose of contentment and gratitude). We might not be traveling to an international destination every third year like we had hoped, for example, but we still get to spend a week with our beloved families on the beautiful Connecticut shoreline. – Em

We worked to get the “big three” — house, car, and education — right. If you choose to buy these three things below (or well below, or not at all) your means and be content, you’ll have so much more financial margin and freedom. Our first home was tiny and it was subsidized by a non-profit for $115K, and then we recently purchased our current fixer-upper home after lots of negotiation for $200K. Our first car was $5K, and we were a one-car family for a couple years until we bought two new Toyotas for a killer deal by negotiating in cash and utilizing the TrueCar App. Education is a bit harder since much of it is outside our control, but we both chose to go to an in-state university and applied for as many scholarships and grants as we could. — Robyn

I get my hair cut twice a year, and I just get it cut – no dyeing, no fancy treatments. I LOVE my stylist, but she is quite expensive, so I compromise by extending my cut as much as I can. – Em

We keep our recurring bills low and cut where possible. We’ve never had a car payment and we’ve also never had cable. We also have never had an individual phone plan, because it’s so much more cost effective to add lines to an existing plan with a sibling, parent, cousin, or friend. You all save, so it’s a win-win! — Robyn

One big way we save money is by make a monthly budget and using cash only for things like groceries, gas, and household items. It is totally worth the extra time, intentional conversation, and planning – I’d say it has improved our marriage as much as our savings! — Samantha

We intentionally fill our evenings and weekends with everyday adventures so that we’re not tempted to mindlessly browse – either in a brick and mortar or online. I only go to a mall with a specific mission, and being outdoors and together helps keep us grateful, content, and in awe of the world around us. – Em

Friends, please join the conversation: I would LOVE to hear your favorite ways to save money! And thanks to all of the folks above for sharing their wisdom! :)

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hi! my name is em.

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      • Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids and Grown-Ups
      • Our favorite Christmas and winter picture books
      • Favorite gift ideas for the ones you love
      • Gifts for Em
      • November 2023 goals
    • [+] October
      • A fall weekend trip to Boone, NC
      • 5 of My Takeaways from Hunt, Gather, Parent
      • 6 Favorite Soup Recipes
      • Christians in Public School: Em
      • Our 11th anniversary weekend in Charleston
      • Christians in Public School: Ginna
      • October 2023 goals
      • Christians in Public School: Krystal
    • [+] September
      • Christians in Public Schools: Amber
      • More movies for family movie night
      • Christians in Public Schools: Claire
      • A few things on my "decide once" list
      • Christians in Public Schools: Shelby
      • What I'll remember about summer 2023
      • Let's talk about Christians in public schools
      • September 2023 goals
    • [+] August
      • After school jobs for kids
      • Bulletin boards for kids
      • Simplifying kids' artwork
      • Simplifying kids' shoes
      • Ask Em: Moving Away From Family
      • Our master bedroom refresh
      • August 2023 goals
    • [+] July
      • My takeaways from Habits of the Household
      • June's Favorites at 7 Years
      • July 2023 goals
      • 2023 mid-year goals review
    • [+] June
      • A weekend trip with kids to Beaufort, NC
      • June's Favorite Books: Kindergarten and 1st Grade Series
      • Summer fun list
      • How to host a book swap
      • First year baby gear picks after 3 kids, part two
      • June 2023 goals
    • [+] May
      • Our Google Docs Family Packing List
      • Step inside our main room
      • Marvelous Money: The Financial Implications of Having a Third Child
      • How to find a family video song
      • A weekend trip to the Biltmore
      • May 2023 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our favorite family read alouds, part one
      • Our kitchen refresh
      • Celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary
      • Marvelous Money: Long-Awaited Splurges
      • 20 Hours in Serenbe
      • April 2023 goals
    • [+] March
      • Top Ten Favorite Board Books
      • 3 Friendship Case Studies
      • New 36
      • Easter Baskets + Persnickety Gifts Giveaway!
      • Family faith formation practices, part 1
      • March 2023 goals
    • [+] February
      • Love and light
      • Reading Harry Potter with our children
      • Our keys to marriage happiness
      • The first annual Articles Club weekend retreat
      • Tips for hosting large groups of houseguests
      • February 2023 goals
    • [+] January
      • A fall weekend in Highlands, NC
      • January 2023 goals
      • All about our family goals (right now)
      • My 2023 Reading List
      • 2023 Goals
  • [+]2022
    • [+] December
      • 2022: A year in review
      • Best of 2022
      • Our 2022 Minted Christmas cards
      • My Purl Soho Advent Calendar
      • Our 10th anniversary trip to Mexico + marriage summit
      • Working part-time as a mom, part four
      • Stocking Stuffers + Persnickety Gifts Giveaway!
      • December 2022 goals
    • [+] November
      • Gifts for Em
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • Working part-time as a mom, part three
      • Bats and Swallows
      • What to include in a college care package
      • Working part-time as a mom, part two
      • November 2022 goals
    • [+] October
      • Seven years of Articles Club
      • Working part-time as a mom, part one
      • Summer in New England
      • October 2022 goals
    • [+] September
      • Family movie night
      • Kitchen Refresh: The Background, Inspiration and Plan
      • What I'm packing for our anniversary trip to Bermuda
      • How we handled summer as two working parents
      • September 2022 goals
    • [+] August
      • First year baby gear picks after 3 kids, part one
      • Summer family reunion in Northern Michigan
      • Shep's camping fourth birthday party
      • August 2022 goals
    • [+] July
      • Day trip to Hammocks Beach State Park
      • July 2022 goals
      • 2022 mid-year goals review
    • [+] June
      • How we ended the school year well and kicked off summer
      • To the middle-of-the-night parent
      • Our tenth anniversary glamping trip at Gold River
      • How to be a more relational writer
      • June 2022 goals
    • [+] May
      • A train ride adventure
      • June's spring flower party
      • Favorite parts of my evening routine
      • Family spring break trip to Jekyll Island
      • May 2022 goals
    • [+] April
      • How to host a stuff swap
      • What I learned from my styling session with Lisa
      • What's going in our kids' Easter baskets this year
      • April 2022 goals
    • [+] March
      • The other names
      • Tips for eating at restaurants with young kids
      • Our weekend trip to Black Mountain, NC
      • March 2022 goals
    • [+] February
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • The best way I've found to regularly see my friends
      • Homemade classroom valentines
      • 13 Tips for the Fourth Trimester After 3 Babies
      • February 2022 goals
    • [+] January
      • Our weekend trip to Virginia-Highland in Atlanta
      • Our top ten meals of 2021
      • Sheptember: Volume 3
      • My 2022 Reading List
      • January 2022 goals
      • 2022 Goals
  • [+]2021
    • [+] December
      • 2021: A Year in Review
      • Extended family photos in WaterColor, Florida
      • 2021 Christmas Cards from Minted
      • Best of 2021
      • 2021 Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers
      • An extended family trip to WaterColor, Florida
      • Annie's Newborn Photos by Anagram Photo
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • December 2021 goals
    • [+] November
      • Gifts for Em
      • The story of Annie's birth
      • 2021 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • 2021 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kids
      • Our weekend trip to Decatur, Georgia
      • November 2021 goals
      • DIY Family Weather Costume
    • [+] October
      • Six years of Articles Club
      • Blogging Q&A, Part Three: Grab Bag
      • June in June: Volume 6
      • October 2021 goals
    • [+] September
      • Blogging Q&A, Part Two: Content
      • Blogging Q&A, Part One: Nuts and Bolts
      • Fall fun list 2021
      • Morning smoothies
      • Back-to-school dinner 2021
      • What I'll remember about summer 2021
      • September 2021 goals
    • [+] August
      • Fall outfit inspiration
      • Shep's favorites at three years
      • August 2021 goals
    • [+] July
      • How we're getting ready for kindergarten
      • The meaning of Susanna's name
      • Say hello to Susanna
      • 2021 mid-year goals review
      • Making a Big List and some to dos for baby girl
      • July 2021 goals
    • [+] June
      • Backyard garden party baby shower
      • All About Meal Trains
      • Our maternity family photos with Ally & Bobby
      • How to Make the Introduction of a New Sibling More Joyful
      • June 2021 goals
    • [+] May
      • Third trimester update
      • John's Instagram wardrobe
      • Life lately
      • Baking with June
      • Parenting resources I love to learn from
      • May 2021 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our plan for baby girl's nursery
      • Our spring break trip to Jekyll Island
      • Marvelous Money: Investing 101
      • Maternity Family Photo Planning
      • April 2021 goals
    • [+] March
      • How to organize kids clothing
      • Screen-free road trip tips with preschoolers
      • The third Baby Thomas is a...
      • Prepping for Easter baskets
      • Deciding to have a third child
      • Morning and evening skincare routine in my mid-30's
      • More happy news to share
      • March 2021 goals
    • [+] February
      • 34 questions for a 34th birthday, part two
      • 34 questions for a 34th birthday
      • Master bedroom refresh inspiration
      • Children and the passing of time
      • A bright and cheerful kids' bathroom
      • February 2021 goals
    • [+] January
      • Why we love participating in research studies
      • Our Valentine's Day mailbox
      • January 2021 goals
      • 2021 Goals
      • My 2021 reading list
  • [+]2020
    • [+] December
      • 2020: A year in review
      • 2020 Books Review
      • 2020 Christmas cards from Minted
      • Best of 2020 - with friends!
      • Family camping at Blue Bear Mountain Camp
      • 2020 Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers
      • December 2020 goals
    • [+] November
      • What we're actually giving our kids this Christmas
      • 2020 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • Gifts for Em
      • Sheptember: Volume Two
      • Our trip to Highlands, NC
      • Christmas accoutrements
      • November 2020 goals
    • [+] October
      • Our review of June's big-kid bike - the Priority Start 16"
      • Five years of Articles Club
      • Favorite Instant Pot recipes
      • Four-year-old favorites
      • October 2020 goals
    • [+] September
      • My favorite episodes from the Work & Play podcast
      • June in June: Volume 5
      • Marvelous Money: Our net worth meetings
      • Banned phrases in our marriage
      • Our summer trip to Mystic, CT
      • The best guacamole recipe
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part three: printed photo albums
      • September 2020 goals
    • [+] August
      • Upstairs bathroom renovation: the plans
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part two: digital photos
      • Quarantine reflections
      • Everyday magic, Octonauts edition
      • Island in a pandemic
      • Em's guide to photo organization, part one
      • August 2020 goals
    • [+] July
      • Our Berkshires vacation
      • Our favorite at-home, hands-off activities for kids
      • Our favorite summer recipes right now
      • Kitchen quick tip
      • Neely & Chloe wallet + new handbag
      • July 2020 goals
    • [+] June
      • Inspiration for a stay-at-home Fourth of July
      • 2020 mid-year goals review, part two
      • 2020 mid-year goals review, part one
      • Raising kids I like
      • Making the everyday magical: muffin tin snack trays
      • Diverse books to add to your family library
      • June 2020 goals
    • [+] May
      • How I meal plan
      • How to make a recipe binder
      • Our new front porch gate
      • What I've been reading lately
      • May 2020 goals
    • [+] April
      • An easy meal-planning hack
      • Earth-friendly swaps in our home
      • What's growing in our garden this year
      • Easter Weekend 2020
      • A recipe exchange!
      • April 2020 goals
      • This year's Easter baskets
    • [+] March
      • What's making me smile right now
      • The beauty of quiet time
      • My chalk paint desk and downstairs command center
      • Em's Marvelous North Carolina Bucket List
      • March 2020 goals
    • [+] February
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • Help us plan our trip to Watercolor, Atlanta, and Greenville!
      • How to unhurry your life
      • How I'm using Instagram right now
      • February 2020 goals
    • [+] January
      • 9 decisions that led to a life I love
      • Our most-loved kitchen items
      • Sheptember: Volume One
      • The birthday interview
      • January 2020 goals
      • 2020 Goals
      • My 2020 reading list
  • [+]2019
    • [+] December
      • 2019: A year in review
      • Our 2019 Christmas cards + mini session
      • Camping with 5 kids under 5
      • Best of 2019 - with friends!
      • What we're actually giving our kiddos this Christmas
      • All about our 70-mile bike ride
      • December 2019 goals
    • [+] November
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Kiddo Stocking Stuffers
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kiddos
      • 2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups
      • 6 things on my November holiday checklist
      • June in June: Volume 4
      • Gifts for the helpers
      • Kale, sausage, and chickpea pasta
      • November 2019 goals
    • [+] October
      • Words with friends: year four of Articles Club
      • Being a patron
      • October 2019 goals
    • [+] September
      • Shep's first birthday party
      • Simple toy storage in our family room
      • Dating after kids
      • Marriage Q&A, Part 2
      • Marriage Q&A, Part 1
      • September 2019 goals
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Money: Our new mortgage plan
      • No makeup days
      • Once more to Maine
      • The best book I ever read (as told by 17 book lovers)
      • How to host a book swap party
      • Family favorite: chocolate raspberry pavlova
      • August 2019 goals
    • [+] July
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part Three
      • Outer Banks family vacation in Corolla
      • July 2019 goals
    • [+] June
      • If you're going to give, give graciously
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part Two
      • Mid-year goals review
      • June 2019 Goals
    • [+] May
      • Transitioning from 1 to 2 Kiddos: Part One
      • How I Read
      • May 2019 Goals
    • [+] April
      • Marvelous Money: 10 of my favorite purchases
      • Our neighborhood meal swap
      • Tips for finding the right daycare
      • April 2019 goals
    • [+] March
      • An easy way to print and display Instagram photos
      • Easter basket picks
      • Favorite board games for two people
      • March 2019 goals
    • [+] February
      • The Years of Making Magic
      • On having family close by
      • Shep's New England-Inspired Nursery
      • Shep's newborn photos by Anagram Photo
      • The story of Shep's birth
      • February 2019 goals
    • [+] January
      • What John does
      • Those Winter Sundays
      • Three-year-old favorites
      • June takes ballet
      • January 2019 goals
      • 2019 goals
  • [+]2018
    • [+] December
      • 2018: A year in review
      • Our 2018 Christmas cards and newsletter!
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Husbands, Dads, and Brothers
      • December 2018 goals
    • [+] November
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
      • 2018 Gift Guide: Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
      • What to wear for large group family photos
      • Two house guest hacks
      • November 2018 goals
    • [+] October
      • Halloween charcuterie
      • Where there is vision
      • Mom jeans
      • Marvelous City Guide: Asheville
      • What we read this year in Articles Club
      • Marvelous Money: The Tax Benefits of an HSA
      • October 2018 goals
    • [+] September
      • A marvelous giveaway
      • Ten marvelous years
      • Fall fun list
      • Making a modern home movie using iMovie
      • Marvelous Money: Prioritizing Spending v. Saving
      • June in June: Volume 3
      • September 2018 goals
    • [+] August
      • Toddler favorites at two and a half years
      • Self-care for people who don't like self-care
      • 10 of our favorite quick and easy meals
      • The meaning of Shepherd's name
      • Say hello to John Shepherd Thomas!
      • August 2018 goals
    • [+] July
      • Midcoast Maine Summer
      • Our new backyard!
      • Camping with kiddos
      • My thoughts on Amazon Echo and technology in our home
      • Summertime in Connecticut
      • July 2018 goals
    • [+] June
      • A New England nursery for baby boy
      • My favorite parenting books
      • Indelible images of my parents
      • A new chapter
      • Third trimester update
      • What June eats - and my best toddler eating tips
      • June 2018 goals
    • [+] May
      • Our new bedside tables
      • Marvelous Money: the cost of our first year with a baby
      • 10 of our favorite cheap meals
      • Coastal New England style
      • I am the standard
      • My skincare routine
      • My simple fitness hack
      • May 2018 goals
    • [+] April
      • Marvelous Money: Managing Money Together
      • A weekend away in North Georgia
      • How to organize your own childhood memorabilia
      • Easter Weekend
      • April 2018 goals
    • [+] March
      • Spring fun list with a toddler
      • Confidence
      • Baby boy Thomas!
      • Our favorite board games
      • I'm so glad you're here! (Survey + giveaway!)
      • Easter baskets - to do or not to do?
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Kiddos
      • March 2018 goals
    • [+] February
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Spiritual Lives
      • A winter getaway to Anna Maria Island
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Relationships
      • A few things we did for Valentine's Day
      • Happy news to share
      • How We Do It: Organizing our Work
      • A vision for our refined home
      • February 2018 goals
    • [+] January
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Personal Lives
      • A simple way to make your relationship happier
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Homes
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Finances
      • A Life List Book
      • How We Do It: Organizing Our Time
      • Christmas in California
      • 2018 goals
  • [+]2017
    • [+] December
      • 2017: A year in review
      • Christmas Cards 2017
      • Gifts for Em
      • December 2017 goals
    • [+] November
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Your Favorite Kids
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Parents, Grandparents, and In-Laws
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Kind-Hearted Picks
      • Christmas Gift Guide: Sisters, Moms, and Best Friends
      • Toddler favorites at twenty one months
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Getting our home ready for guests
      • Our living room rug
      • November 2017 goals
    • [+] October
      • The fifth annual pumpkins and soup party
      • Marvelous Money: 26 Ways to Save Money
      • A surprising source for fall clothes
      • Great articles to read with friends
      • 10 great dinners for new parents
      • October 2017 goals
    • [+] September
      • What to send in a college care package
      • Jack
      • Five intentions for the next five years of marriage
      • Does your wedding look timeless?
      • The beauty of an imperfect home
      • September 2017 goals
    • [+] August
      • June in June: Volume 2
      • 30th birthday book
      • House contentment hack
      • Lake Life in Northern Michigan
      • August 2017 goals
    • [+] July
      • Marvelous Money: A review of Financial Peace University
      • Master camping packing list
      • Camping with toddlers
      • 7 Tips for 2017 Graduates
      • July 2017 goals
    • [+] June
      • Our secret birthday anniversary trips
      • Wisdom from my Dad
      • Mid-year goals review
      • How to make something a habit
      • Our five must-have baby registry items
      • June 2017 goals
    • [+] May
      • A month of meals: spring edition
      • Summer fun list (with a toddler!)
      • How to make friends in your neighborhood
      • Marvelous Mama Beth
      • Fun baby shower game
      • May 2017 goals
    • [+] April
      • Personal beauty consult with LULA Hair + Makeup
      • Marvelous City Guide: Durham, North Carolina
      • Fifteen month baby favorites
      • Our backyard project: the plan and inspiration
      • April 2017 goals
    • [+] March
      • Our backyard project: the before
      • Taking ballet again
      • Pretty athletic leggings
      • HGTV Home Town and our house portraits
      • 60 Before 30 Recap
      • How to host a favorite things party
      • Marvelous Money: Paying Off Our Mortgage Early
      • 10 hopes for my 30s
      • March 2017 Goals
    • [+] February
      • Month-by-month baby photos
      • How I am trying to love people well
      • June's first birthday
      • 2017 Survey Results: I'm still glad you're here!
      • Choosing my Warby Parker sunglasses
      • A month of meals: winter edition
      • I'm glad you're here! Survey + giveaway
      • February 2017 Goals
    • [+] January
      • 12 years together
      • June's favorite playlist
      • Baby favorites at one year
      • Marvelous Money: Making Trade-offs
      • June's buffalo check and Liberty print nursery
      • NC Museum of Art family photos
      • Day-in-the-Life Family Photos with Nancy Ray
      • Happy one year, June
      • June's first Christmas
      • 2017 Goals
  • [+]2016
    • [+] December
      • 2016: A Year in Review
      • Christmas Cards 2016
      • How we keep Christmas about Christ
      • My favorite Christmas recipes
      • Gifts for Em
      • December 2016 goals
    • [+] November
      • Our favorite Christmas traditions
      • Marvelous Money: Making a yearly budget
      • Gifts for husbands, dads, and brothers
      • Gifts for sisters, moms, and best friends
      • 14 great gifts for kids
      • Farmhouse Pottery
      • Minted Christmas Cards + A Giveaway!
      • November 2016 goals
    • [+] October
      • Camping with babies
      • The best cooking playlist
      • Planning multigenerational family photos
      • Calligraphy vows prints in our master bedroom
      • How to slow down time, part two
      • Rituals, traditions, and the perception of time
      • How to slow down time, part one
      • October 2016 goals
    • [+] September
      • Signature family dishes
      • Apple cider scones
      • Marvelous Mama Rachael
      • Four years of marriage
      • How to host an articles club
      • Eight month baby favorites
      • June in June: Volume 1
      • September 2016 goals
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Mama Margaret
      • Easy date idea: a dessert crawl
      • A week on the Connecticut shoreline
      • Lisa's all-white French-inspired baby shower
      • What's in our diaper bag
      • Baby shower ideas for Lisa
      • 15 Things I Love About North Carolina
      • August 2016 goals
    • [+] July
      • 12 Things I Miss About New England
      • 7 Tips for Road Tripping with an Infant
      • Pleased to make your acquaintance
      • July 2016 goals
    • [+] June
      • The great Southwest adventure
      • Five month favorites
      • Summer fun list (with an infant!)
      • June 2016 goals
    • [+] May
      • Life lately
      • June's newborn photos by Graham Terhune
      • The story of June's birth
      • Pregnancy book recommendations
      • May 2016 goals
    • [+] April
      • Our favorites from the first six weeks
      • Marvelous Mama MacKenzie
      • Charleston for the weekend (with a three-month-old)
      • Thanking our post-partum nurses
      • April 2016 goals
    • [+] March
      • My favorite natural deodorant
      • Notes from the first six weeks, part two
      • Marvelous Mama Allyson
      • Notes from the first six weeks, part one
      • A blueberry baby shower
      • Spring clothing favorites for baby girl
      • March 2016 goals
    • [+] February
      • Birthday weekend
      • Marvelous Mama Julia
      • Found: the most delicious banana bread
      • Notes from our hospital stay
      • Favorite new artist: Erin Gregory
      • Marvelous Mama Kate
      • February 2016 goals
    • [+] January
      • Marry the kind one
      • Marvelous Mama Amanda
      • Champagne bar with tinsel stirrers
      • The meaning of June's name
      • Marvelous Mama Samantha
      • Say hello to June Chen Thomas!
      • Introducing Marvelous Mama
      • My 2016 guideposts
      • My 2016 inspiration board
  • [+]2015
    • [+] December
      • 2015: A year in review
      • Goal setting for 2016 with PowerSheets
      • Our end-of-year celebration dinner
      • Christmas cards 2015
      • Gifts for Em
      • Planning our newborn photo session
      • Marvelous Money: A new way to watch TV
      • December 2015 Goals
    • [+] November
      • Our new dining room chairs
      • Tips for shopping kids consignment sales
      • Weekend trip to Nashville
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Our soup and pumpkins tradition
      • November 2015 Goals
    • [+] October
      • 12 favorite fall recipes
      • Third trimester update
      • Framed & Matted
      • An Articles Club
      • Blue buffalo check nursery plans
      • House Tour 2015: Upstairs
      • October 2015 Goals
    • [+] September
      • House Tour 2015: Downstairs
      • Baby Girl Thomas!
      • The best way to reheat pizza
      • Weekend trip to Greenville
      • Three years of marriage
      • Telling the families our baby news
      • Fall To Do List 2015
      • Baby registry input
      • September 2015 Goals
    • [+] August
      • Fall clothing favorites
      • Marvelous Money: Our car fund
      • Deciding to have children
      • Maine 2015
      • La Vie en Rose: the Côte d'Azur
      • Something to share...
      • La Vie en Rose: Cassis
      • August 2015 Goals
    • [+] July
      • La Vie en Rose: Provence
      • Strawberry baby shower picnic in the park
      • La Vie en Rose: Versailles
      • La Vie en Rose: Paris
      • Natural wood dresser
      • A spring woodland baby shower for Nancy
      • Inspiration Board No. 105: Spring Woodland Baby Shower
      • Marvelous summer playlist
      • July 2015 Goals
    • [+] June
      • Happy Father's Day
      • No. 45: Go to Europe
      • Wilmington and Bald Head Island
      • June 2015 Goals
    • [+] May
      • Packing for Provence
      • One Love Organics + new face wash routine
      • West Elm nautical collection
      • The drinking water game
      • Em's camping favorites
      • May 2015 Goals
    • [+] April
      • Thoughts on camping
      • Fruit of the spirit: peace
      • Natalie + Joe's summer wedding at the Branford House
      • Marvelous Money: Start Rich
      • Help me choose my new glasses!
      • Our wedding album from Milk Books
      • Weekend in Beaufort, SC
      • Weekend in Savannah
      • April 2015 Goals
    • [+] March
      • Camping 2015 + Texas road trip
      • Spring trip to NYC
      • Marvelous spring playlist
      • Packing for Paris
      • March 2015 Goals
    • [+] February
      • Replacing paper towels
      • Cafe curtain inspiration for the dining room
      • Fruit of the spirit: joy
      • We are going to France!!
      • Marvelous Money: Preparing financially for a baby
      • Ten year dativersary
      • February 2015 Goals
    • [+] January
      • No. 54: Learn some flower arranging skills
      • A family treasure
      • Our new rug + foyer plans
      • Tips for travel planning
      • Fruit of the spirit: love
      • Why iPhone notes are genius
      • 2015 Goals
      • New year, new topics!
  • [+]2014
    • [+] December
      • 2014: A year in review
      • Tinsel stirrers in the limelight!
      • Christmas Cards 2014
      • Gifts for Em
      • Our new red front door!
      • Marvelous Money: Charitable Giving Accounts
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Littles
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • December 2014 Goals
      • 2014 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Colorful Gifts
    • [+] November
      • Happiest Thanksgiving + Inspiration Board No. 104
      • Featured in Emily Ley's Simplicity Series!
      • Rethinking our wall of art
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • Minted does fabric
      • November 2014 goals
    • [+] October
      • H&M home for the holidays
      • My ultimate dream home and other magazine memories
      • Marvelous Money: Why do we spend so much?
      • Porch party
      • October 2014 goals
    • [+] September
      • Fall to do list
      • Caitlin Wilson Designs giveaway!
      • 2014 reading list so far
      • Top 25 favorite chapter books
      • Top 25 favorite picture books
      • Six years of blogging
      • The houses of Serenbe
      • Two years of marriage
      • Jackie + George's Wedding
      • Puffin in Bloom
      • September Goals
    • [+] August
      • Sailing in Maine
      • Replacing my Toms
      • August in Maine
      • House Tour 2014: Upstairs
      • House Tour 2014: Downstairs
      • August Goals
    • [+] July
      • Little adventurer baby shower
      • California Dreaming: San Francisco
      • Natalie and Joe are married!
      • California Dreaming: Yosemite
      • California Dreaming: Monterey and Carmel
      • July Goals
    • [+] June
      • California Dreaming: Cambria, San Simeon, Big Sur
      • Watercolor house portraits
      • California Dreaming: Santa Barbara, Montana de Oro, Cayucos
      • California Dreaming: Malibu, Ojai, Montecito
      • Planning a point-to-point trip
      • June Goals
    • [+] May
      • Summer fun with friends
      • Buckwheat and banana pancakes
      • Shark Tank
      • Front porch inspiration
      • May goals
    • [+] April
      • What we eat, part two
      • What we eat, part one
      • Pysanky eggs
      • Weekend in Charleston
      • Our house's colors
      • April goals
    • [+] March
      • Five favorite abstract artists
      • Marvelous Money: A Beginner's Guide to IRAs
      • No. 49: Canoe down the Haw River
      • Dining room table lighting options
      • The Well's End and other thoughts on reading
      • March 2014 Goals
    • [+] February
      • 60 Before 30
      • Teal and emerald bridesmaid dresses
      • Cuyana
      • A marvelous love story
      • Garlands of love
      • Birthday presents on the hour
      • February 2014 Goals
    • [+] January
      • Finding your team after a move
      • The cure for homesickness
      • New kitchen pendant lights!
      • California dreaming
      • Classic and romantic
      • DIY gold dot stationery
      • Marvelous Money: Paying off debt
      • 2014 Goals
  • [+]2013
    • [+] December
      • 2013: A year in review
      • Christmas cards 2013
      • Gifts for Em
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Littles
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Gents
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Bright Gifts
      • 2013 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • Blessed to be a Blessing: Giving at Christmas
      • December Goals
    • [+] November
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • How we plan our meals
      • Weekend adventures
      • How I organize my blogging
      • How I use my Simplified Planner
      • Face first
      • Our kitchen chalkboard wall!
      • Minted Christmas cards + a giveaway!
      • November Goals
    • [+] October
      • Slightly nautical nursery
      • Cozy fall playlist
      • Inspiration Board No. 103: State Fair Celebration
      • Colorful gallery wall
      • Homemade chicken nuggets
      • Marvelous Money: A Beginner's Guide to 401ks
      • Easy Raised Garden Bed
      • Living with kids
      • October Goals
    • [+] September
      • Inspiration board no. 102: Peacock, shale, teal, and emerald
      • Fall to do list
      • Sperry Tent Layout
      • Observations from one year of marriage
      • Traveling wedding friends
      • A visit to the cobbler
      • On longtime friends and weddings
    • [+] August
      • Marvelous Money: Why save for retirement?
      • The great area rug search
      • Tips for hosting an adventure dinner party
      • Life lately
      • August Goals
    • [+] July
      • Marvelous Mondays: Gallery wall inspiration
      • Two useful things
      • An ode to golf course strolls
      • Our first apartment
      • Camping with friends
      • Stepping into the Great Gatsby
      • Summertime in Northern Michigan
      • Happy Fourth!
      • July Goals
    • [+] June
      • Summer to do list
      • Honeymoon in Nevis, Part 2
      • Guest post on Snippet & Ink!
      • Honeymoon in Nevis, Part 1
      • Tried and true recipes, no. 2
      • Day one
      • June Goals
    • [+] May
      • Tips for everyday adventures
      • House search update no. 3: The conclusion
      • Home
      • Happy Mother's Day
      • Tinsel stirrers at a baby shower!
      • May Goals
    • [+] April
      • Inspiration Board No. 101: A Nevis Wedding
      • Pet Nicknames
      • Marvelous Monday: Small Backyards
      • Marvelous Money: Tracking your budget with the envelope system
      • Packing for Nevis!
      • Marvelous Money: Tracking your budget with Google Docs
      • April Goals
    • [+] March
      • Inspiration Board No. 100: Anne of Green Gables
      • Picks for spring
      • House search update no. 2
      • Making Things Happen
      • Marvelous Mondays: Easter Eggs
      • Marvelous Money: How to spend money
      • Beyond the Sea: The budget
      • March Goals
    • [+] February
      • The Birthday Party Project
      • Inspiration Board No. 99: Beyond the Sea
      • Beyond the sea: Reception
      • Beyond the sea: Cocktail hour
      • Beyond the sea: Our ceremony
      • Beyond the sea: First look
      • Beyond the sea: Wedding morning
      • Beyond the sea: Rehearsal dinner
      • Beyond the sea: Final preparations
      • February Goals
    • [+] January
      • House search update
      • Marvelous Money: Building a budget
      • Tinsel stirrers in the shop!
      • Super foods
      • Marvelous Money: Managing Joint Finances
      • Friends of Em + Graham Terhune Photography
      • Board No. 98: Backyard Garden Party Wedding
      • Marvelous Money: The emergency fund
      • Marget and Seth's Wedding
      • Marvelous Mondays: Bedrooms with wood plank walls
      • Marvelous Money: What's your story?
      • Target Threshold Spring Collection
      • Welcome back to the Bachelor
      • January Goals
      • Daily Goals 2013
  • [+]2012
    • [+] December
      • 2012: A year in review
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Christmas cards 2012
      • Board No. 97: Blue and White Christmas
      • Em loves you: A Christmas giveaway
      • Gifts for Em
      • Em for Marvelous Christmas playlist 2012
      • 2012 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Neutral Gifts
      • 2012 Em for Marvelous Gift Guide: Bright Gifts
    • [+] November
      • Blessed to be a blessing: acts of kindness for Christmas
      • Felt mistletoe
      • Christmas cupcake flags in the shop!
      • Marvelous mondays: wreaths
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Gold party outfit
      • Crafting our ceremony: serving communion
      • Our wedding film from Inkspot Crow
      • Marvelous mondays: kitchen banquettes
      • Crafting our ceremony: our vows
      • Modern Christmas newsletter
      • Minted Christmas Cards
      • Crafting our ceremony: music
    • [+] October
      • Inspiration Board No. 96: Falling for Dahlias
      • Christmas trees in baskets
      • Hiking in Asheville
      • Antiquing in Asheville
      • Eating in Asheville
      • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
      • Gilded pumpkins!
      • Crafting our ceremony: readings
      • Marvelous mondays: caramel apples
      • Pure Barre
      • Advice for first time home buyers
      • Marvelous mondays: gilded pumpkins
      • The hunt is over: Nitsa's
      • On the hunt: David's Bridal
      • On the hunt: The White Dress by the Shore
      • Marvelous mondays: black stair railings
    • [+] September
      • On the hunt: Maddison Row
      • On the hunt: inspiration
      • Fall to do list
      • Marvelous mondays: built-in bunks for four
      • New beginnings
      • Wedding road trip!
      • Wedding planning update: 9 days to go
      • Our wedding registry
      • A good weekend
    • [+] August
      • Wedding planning update: 16 days to go
      • Wedding planning update: 24 days to go
      • A picnic bridal shower
      • Rehearsal dinner outfit
      • Wedding planning update: 1 month to go
      • Favorite group portraits
      • Our wedding invitations, part two
      • Our wedding invitations, part one
      • Invitations out of the house!
      • Matt & Claudia are married!
      • Invitations in the house!
    • [+] July
      • Dreams do come true
      • Paloma's Nest Ring Bearer Bowl
      • Ann Taylor tops
      • Seasonal Home of Gales Ferry
      • Wedding planning update: 2 months to go
      • Mike & Antonia are married!
      • Seth and Marget are getting married!
      • Oilcloth project possibilities
      • Wedding day emergency kit
      • Happy Fourth of July!
      • June Instagram
    • [+] June
      • Accessories Week: Comb + Veil
      • Accessories Week: Earrings + Clutch
      • Accessories Week: Bracelet + Necklace
      • Classic Groom Essentials
      • Summer to do list
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower
      • Wedding planning update: 3 months to go
      • Paper Picks 2012: One Canoe Two
      • Paper Picks 2012: Belle & Union
      • Paper Picks 2012: Alee & Press
      • Paper Picks 2012: Figs & Ginger
      • Paper Picks 2012: Mr. Boddington's Studio
      • Our engagement photos!
      • Cupcake flags + donuts!
    • [+] May
      • Lot 190 + blue doors
      • Wedding weekend welcome packs
      • Wedding planning update: 3+ months to go
      • Busy week ahead!
      • Quaker marriage certificate
      • Inn at Palmetto Bluff: Treehouse
      • Accessorizing
      • Backyard bridal shower
      • Lowcountry Produce
      • Hunting Island State Park
      • 101 in 1001: May 2012
      • City Loft Hotel in Beaufort, SC
    • [+] April
      • Old Sheldon Church Ruins
      • Bridesmaid dress recap
      • Wedding planning update: 4+ months to go
      • Engagement photos!
      • The wedding morning, part three
      • Get yo' cocktails on
      • Vintage silver at the reception
      • Sweet peas in weddings
      • Drink more water
      • Tried and true recipes
      • Ways to Personalize a Groom's Formal Look
      • Tuxedo junction
      • Flea market find: floral frogs
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower: The Invitations!
      • A Kate Spade Bridal Shower: Inspiration
      • Tips for hiring destination wedding vendors
    • [+] March
      • Black and white dance floors
      • Inspiration Board No. 95: Pastel Spring
      • Wedding planning update: 5+ months to go!
      • Method spring soaps
      • Spring to do list
      • A dress for the mother of the bride!
      • Registering for china
      • Sweet watercolor paintings
      • (Almost) Spring weekend
      • Black and White Cheesecake Brownies
      • Adorably Small Houses
      • Kate Spade Sample Sale
      • Valentine's Day Party Invitations
      • 101 in 1001: March 2012
      • Spring Fling
    • [+] February
      • Here's to 25
      • Colorful Cocktail Napkins
      • Wedding planning update: 6+ months to go!
      • Mini desserts
      • Julie & Julia Dinner Party
      • How to Make a Wedding Website Using Blogger
      • Happy Valentine's Day!
      • Flea Market Finds
      • A creative groomsman "proposal"
      • Bells will be ringing
      • Our videographer + budget realities
      • Easy Valentine's Day DIY
      • A slightly military wedding ceremony
      • Our save the dates!
      • 101 in 1001: February 2012
    • [+] January
      • Wedding shoes: update!
      • The wedding morning, part two
      • Gowns with netted straps
      • Wedding planning update: 7+ months to go!
      • Yard sale chairs remade!
      • Recycled art!
      • Garden bouquet inspiration
      • Bouquet wrap inspiration
      • A Trip to M&J Trimming
      • Bridesmaid Dresses!
      • Our wedding photographer: Tanja Lippert!
      • Player piano
      • Inspiration Board No. 94: Mulberries in Hawaii
      • Wedding shoes!
      • Em for Gems
      • Old Lucketts Store + silver update
      • 2012 Goals
      • Scenes from the holidays
  • [+]2011
    • [+] December
      • Merry Christmas!
      • Christmas in the apartment
      • Our Christmas cards!
      • Gift Wrapping Inspiration
      • Inspiration Board No. 93: New Tartan
      • Em for Minted: Giveaway winner!
      • Inspiration Board No. 92: Candy-Colored Christmas
      • Gifts for Em
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Neutrals + Metallics
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Colorful
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Cool Tones
      • EFM Gift Guide 2011: Brights
      • Giveaway: Em for Minted!
      • Welcome to Em for Marvelous!
      • Christmas tartan
      • Wreaths
    • [+] November
      • Watercolor letterpress calendar
      • Vintage state towels
      • Peppermint drink stirrers in the shop!
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • The perfect cardigan
      • Thanksgiving dinner inspiration
      • More silver for the reception!
      • Cayman Islands
      • The wedding morning
      • Inspiring menus
      • Sperry tents
      • Faux fur fuzzies
      • Eno River fall foliage
      • 101 in 1001: November 2011
    • [+] October
      • Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
      • Steve Madden flats
      • Candlelit
      • Wedding planning update: 10+ months to go
      • Hostess gift idea!
      • Minted save the date options
      • Rainbow bookshelf
      • Ringing the bell
      • Makeup bags
      • charleston: angel oak & middleton plantation
      • charleston: folly beach & kayaking
      • Donuts at weddings
      • Haw River rock hop
      • Green Knob Trail
      • Edward Hopper stamps
      • Pink in the park
      • 101 in 1001: October 2011
    • [+] September
      • Camping this weekend!
      • Bacon + avocado grilled cheese
      • Embroidering
      • Kendra Scott earrings
      • Wedding planning update: 11+ months to go
      • Fall to do list
      • Summer to do list: update!
      • Venue reveal: our reception site!
      • Venue reveal: our ceremony site!
      • Wedding prep extravaganza!
      • The great venue search (part two)
      • The great venue search (part one)
      • Berry wedding ideas
      • Polka dot gift bags
      • Treehouse Point
      • Pretty hellebores
      • Mini food at weddings, part II
      • Amy Merrick
      • Rope bracelets
      • Charleston: Video!
      • Charleston: French Quarter + Battery
      • Charleston: Eats
    • [+] August
      • Charleston: Folly Beach + Kayaking
      • Charleston: Angel Oak + Middleton Plantation
      • Back Porch Music at the American Tobacco Campus
      • Wedding planning update: 12+ months out
      • Minted business cards!
      • Book baby shower
      • Flea market success!
      • Flag escort cards in action!
      • Back from Charleston!
      • Charleston
      • Black Bean Mexican Pizza
      • Backyard wedding with string lights
      • Summer wedding dress
      • 101 in 1001: August 2011
    • [+] July
      • All time favorites: M and C
      • All time favorites: Lauren and Joe
      • Wedding planning update: 12+ months out
      • All time favorites: Caroline and Clark
      • All time favorites: Liz and Chris
      • All time favorites: Dabney and Rob
      • All time favorites: Erin and Paul
      • All time favorites: Lily and John
      • Mini food at weddings
      • White bouquet with dusty miller
      • My engagement ring!
      • Weekend in Beaufort
      • You will probably want to watch this video...
      • Happy Fourth!
      • 101 in 1001: July 2011
    • [+] June
      • Drink stirrers in action!
      • Marget + Seth engaged!
      • Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad
      • Deep dish chocolate chip cookies
      • Maine Squeeze: We Toast
      • Poppers
      • Board No. 91: Green and Cafe Au Lait
      • Guest bedroom style
      • Fourth of July drink stirrers!
      • Apartment garden: June
      • Flea market find: faux bamboo table
      • Maine Squeeze: More Decor
      • Bathroom plans!
      • Bow-quet
      • 101 in 1001: June 2011
      • Veronica Sheaffer swiss dot gowns
      • Market Imports in Raleigh
    • [+] May
      • Outdoor summer movies
      • BHG winners!
      • Happy Memorial Day!
      • BHG giveaway reminder + recipes
      • Seersucker bikinis
      • Pedestal sink bathroom
      • Apartment garden: baby plants
      • Maine Squeeze: We play!
      • Better Homes & Gardens site redesign + giveaway!
      • National Stationery Show
      • Festive brunch ideas
      • Cheerful ribbon boutonniere
      • Board No. 90: Daybreak
      • Ann Taylor Loft Petites
      • One-piece swimsuit round up
      • 101 in 1001: May 2011
      • Summer to do list
    • [+] April
      • Blue bedrooms
      • Maine Squeeze: We eat!
      • Better Homes & Gardens May Issue
      • Board No. 89: Royal Wedding Sapphire
      • Easter weekend!
      • Formal accessories on a budget
      • Ombre cakes
      • Vintage Village
      • Maine Squeeze: Lemonade and Cookies
      • Swiss dot wedding fashion
      • Nautical bags
      • En plein air piano
      • Maine Squeeze: They make their vows
      • Keds
      • Cherry blossom weekend!
      • 101 in 1001: April 2011
    • [+] March
      • Maine Squeeze: The girls get ready
      • Swell towels
      • Cherry blossom wedding ideas
      • Board No. 88: Soft cherry blossoms
      • H&M pillows
      • Maine Squeeze: We wake up very early
      • On being green
      • Board No. 87: Plum and evergreen for Caroline
      • I stop writing the poem
      • Happy St. Patrick's Day!
      • Maine Squeeze: We eat lobster!
      • P&P packaging
      • Making an inspiration board
      • Chebeague Island wedding
      • Maine Squeeze: Wharf jump!
      • Bridal shower tin cans
      • Board No. 86: Beyond the sky blue sea
      • Anthro headbands
      • Pierrepont Hicks Spring
      • My whole heart
      • 101 in 1001: March 2011
    • [+] February
      • Happy birthday to me!
      • Maine Squeeze: Rehearsal and wiffle ball!
      • Janet Hill Studio
      • Bridesmaid dresses
      • Long distance maps
      • Maine Squeeze: We raise the tent!
      • Apartment garden: the seedlings!
      • Winter travels: the Old Edwards Inn
      • Board No. 85: My Summer Valentine
      • Happy Valentine's Day weekend!
      • From Song of the Open Road
      • Polka dot dress, version two!
      • Maine Squeeze: More preparations
      • Bow-Bedecked Car
      • Anthro Color-Dipped Dress
      • Tulle tables
      • Maine Squeeze: It begins
      • Creative escort card ideas
      • 101 in 1001: February 2011
    • [+] January
      • Board No. 84: Bold Yellow
      • Casual wedding portraits
      • To paint or not to paint?
      • Shower curtain update
      • Happy Monday!
      • Polka dot dress
      • TOMS update
      • P&P valentines!
      • Board No. 83: The Most Delicate of Delicates
      • Colorful dresses
      • Robert Allen Khandar fabric for sale!
      • Better Homes and Gardens January issue
      • John Robshaw Textiles
      • New York, New York!
      • Pink + gold wedding invitations
      • New favorite wedding dress!
      • 101 in 1001: January 2011
      • 101 in 1001, Vol. II
  • [+]2010
    • [+] December
      • Happy New Year's Eve!
      • A very merry Christmas to you!
      • Black Bean Soup with Cumin and Jalapeno
      • Board No. 82: Pinecones and Sage
      • Nutcracker tonight + 101 reminder!
      • Christmas CD Swap Wrap Up!
      • Modern Christmas from JL Designs
      • Black and white Christmas
      • Comfy winter bedroom
      • Christmas cards!
      • Board No. 81: Softly Shining Christmas
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Metallic
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Neutrals
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Cool
      • P&P Gift Guide 2010: Warm
      • Board No. 80: All that Glitters is Gold
      • Modcloth for New Year's Eve
      • 20x200 on One Kings Lane
      • Happy December!
    • [+] November
      • Colorful blocks
      • Thanksgiving Recap
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Sycamore Street Press Announcement
      • Recent project
      • Board No. 79: Jewel Tone Thanksgiving
      • Christmas CD Swap!
      • Toms shoes
      • Four weddings...
      • Possible Curtain Fabric
      • Shutterfly Holiday Cards
      • Thanksgiving table inspiration
      • Inspiration Board No. 78: Fall Figs
      • In which I consider buying a leopard jacket
      • Out to Dinner: The Grove Park Inn
      • Gifted Magazine
      • Happy November!
    • [+] October
      • The Middle Daughter
      • Blues + natural texture
      • Cherry wedding
      • Minted Holiday Cards
      • Tree trunk side tables
      • Frye Boots
      • Applique wedding dress
      • Someone please have a baby so I can buy you one of these
      • Toast & Laurel
      • 101 in 1001: Favorites!
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part III
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part II
      • 101 in 1001: Recap, Part I
      • Board No. 77: Rich Fall
      • Weekend Project: Closet Cleanup
      • Nate Berkus
      • Cool and classic cocktail party
      • Kitchen ferns
      • Basil centerpiece
      • Sweet Potato Harvest
    • [+] September
      • My china pattern
      • Navy and Yellow Bunting
      • More relaxed portraits
      • Gorgeous recipe styling
      • Fall Fashion Week: J. Crew
      • Fall Fashion Week: Old Navy
      • Fall Fashion Week: LOFT
      • Fall Fashion Week: Land's End Canvas
      • K + C Get Married: The Film
      • Dark August
      • Breakfast Jewelry
      • The Ribbonerie
      • Out to Dinner: Vin Rouge
      • Monday, Monday
      • Inspiration Board No. 76: Black and White Summer
      • Happy weekend!
      • Happy September!
    • [+] August
      • Kate + Cormac DIY: Ribbon Drink Stirrers
      • Shower curtains
      • Blue and white decor
      • Peach and Pearl in Brides!
      • What I learned
      • The bunting is up!
      • Loading the truck
      • Addison's Vision
      • Allow me to introduce...
      • Paper wedding bells
      • Classically elegant Stephanie Williams wedding
      • Peony pave posts
      • Retro getaway car
      • Relaxed family portraits
      • Rubber lace coasters
      • Cookie reception
      • Classically elegant Cooper Carras wedding
    • [+] July
      • Neiman picks under $100
      • Max & Margaux
      • New in the shop!
      • Front Door Decoration
      • Board No. 75: Spring Green Garden Party
      • Summer
      • Casual Interiors
      • Welcome to Maine!
      • Edible centerpieces
      • One Month Out
      • Summer camp
      • Lewis & Sheron Fabrics
      • Weekend Project: Handmade Wedding Signs
      • Bright gingham shorts
      • Board No. 74: Bold Blue and Red Picnic
      • Happy Fourth!
      • Happy July!
    • [+] June
      • Buttermilk and friends
      • Dream Home: Hideaways + Nooks
      • K + C wedding invitation
      • Figueroa Mountain Wedding
      • Whoopie!
      • Emersonmade Sneak Peak
      • Board No. 73: Daisy Blue
      • Happy weekend!
      • Les petites douceurs
      • Good Bones Great Pieces
      • How to find fun things to do!
      • i love you much(most beautiful darling)
      • Oriental rugs in interesting places
      • Kate's alphabet bridal shower
      • Friend ship
      • Board No. 72: Pomegranate + Plum
      • Gilded wood blocks
      • Alligator stationery
      • 101 in 1001: June 2010
      • Today I love...
    • [+] May
      • Alphabet poster round-up
      • Dream Home: Outdoor living spaces
      • Miyuki Sakai
      • Favorite fabric sources
      • Honeysuckle perfume
      • Board No. 71: Hamptons Pool Party
      • Happy weekend!
      • Daybreak
      • Summer dresses
      • Lobster welcome dinner
      • Dream Home: Exposed beams, open feel
      • Sailor's knot bracelet, v. 2
      • Board No. 70: Red and orange ranunculus
      • On Turning Ten
      • The non-toss ceremony exit
      • Netflix queue
      • Zebra shorts
      • Porcelain farmer's market containers
      • Bulletin board wall
    • [+] April
      • A Blessing
      • Vintage beach engagement session + style board
      • Dream Home: Snuggly Beds
      • My new favorite...
      • Timeless glamour
      • Lobstah
      • Blackberries for Amelia
      • Alphabet bridal shower invitations
      • New in the shop!
      • Striped paper straws
      • Striped paper straws
      • Board No. 69: Fruit and Flowers
      • Coda
      • New bike
      • Bunting invite + bunting cake
      • Dream Home: Kitchen Island
      • Indian Summer at Lands End
      • DIY: Paper Dogwood Flowers
      • Dream Home: Walls of Books
      • Bunting Portraits
      • Board No. 68: Black and Red Gingham
      • Box of sunshine
      • Hummingbird
      • 101 in 1001: April, 2010
    • [+] March
      • Dream Home: Filled with light
      • Mini bunting
      • Dream Home: Deep Window Seats
      • Save that date!
      • Board No. 67: How Does Your Garden Green?
      • New looks from old standbys
      • Board No. 66: Zinc and Deep Royal
      • My new favorite...
      • Orange you glad
      • Bunting 101: Help!
      • Vintage silverware garden markers
      • And my Oscar goes to...
      • Oscar Party Prep
      • Bamboo for you (and me)
      • 101 in 1001: March, 2010
    • [+] February
      • DIY Calligraphy
      • Bunting cards
      • Spring dresses
      • K + C: Google Docs
      • Persimmon & Pink
      • Valentines: A Recap
      • Campfire votive
      • Board No. 65: Stone Fruits, Baking Tarts
      • Valentines: Hearts in nature
      • Task lamps
      • Valentines: Knottedrush
      • Dinghy Driving
      • John Takes a Hike!
      • Board No. 64: Cassie's Sunburnt October
      • Valentines: Catbird
      • Valentines: Rifle Paper Co
      • Valentines: Bird & Banner
      • Valentines: Woven paper hearts
      • 101 in 1001: February, 2010
      • Board No. 63: Woodsy Lodge
    • [+] January
      • Bright + cheery childrens' bedroom
      • P&P Valentines on Etsy!
      • Pie bar
      • I'm headed to New York!
      • Quilled marriage certificate
      • Go Jane
      • Enter Maribel
      • Fourth&Folded
      • J. Crew complaints no more?
      • Bold and Happy
      • Ikea tent
      • Heart print
      • Short, puffy ones
      • Board No. 62: Pink and Blue and Gold Tinsel
      • Pottery Barn to the rescue!
      • Recipe storage
      • Bedroom Inspiration, v. 341
      • Dress like a cupcake
      • 101 in 1001: January, 2010
  • [+]2009
    • [+] December
      • Merry, Merry Christmas... one day early!
      • P&P Christmas, Day 7: Movies
      • StillMotion
      • Monday, Monday + Winter
      • P&P Christmas, Day 6: Our decor!
      • Lovely Love Shoot
      • P&P Christmas, Day 5: My favorite things
      • High-Boys
      • Board No. 61: Cherry and Sky Holidays
      • Monday, Monday + One Horse Open Sleigh
      • P&P Christmas, Day 4: My Cards, Part I
      • Holly Farrell
      • P&P Christmas, Day 3: Gift Wrap Inspiration
      • More Modcloth
      • The hunt for the bridesmaid dress is on!
      • Board No. 60: Aqua and Green Holidays
      • P&P Christmas, Day 2: Wreaths
      • Wedding by the Sea
      • Board No. 59: Eucalyptus, Cream, and Coral
    • [+] November
      • P&P Christmas: Playlists
      • The 12 Days of Peach & Pearl Christmas!
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Amy Atlas Thanksgiving
      • NieNie
      • Board No. 5: Blue and Orange Thanksgiving
      • Board No. 58: Hello Navy and Yellow!
      • Board No. 57: Pumped Up Sherbet
      • Board No. 56: Primary Picnic
      • Board No. 55: Nautical Knots
      • Birch bark chivaris
      • Driftwood Ceremony
      • Reader Mail: Sweater Dresses
      • Thanksgiving table
      • Cabbage bouquets
      • Board No. 54: Blooming Navy
      • Monday, Monday + Heart
      • Party time! My dream look
      • Party time! The Menswear Look
      • Party time! The Runner-Up
      • Apple crate side table
      • Love never fails
      • Board No. 53: Gilded Halloween
      • Monday, Monday + Pumpkins
    • [+] October
      • Happy Halloween!
      • DIY Friday: Dictionary Art
      • Alterna-Bedding
      • Dreamy
      • Veggie Week
      • Pinwheels
      • Balsa wood bouquet
      • Falling for fall
      • Wedding weekend brunch: the recipes
      • Wedding weekend brunch
      • Board No. 52: Bond + Baby's Breath
      • Monday, Monday + Leaf Portrait
      • City Guides + Weekend Plans
      • DIY Friday: Painted Furniture
      • Moving Announcements
      • Sources
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 51: Blue and Orange for Catherine
      • Monday, Monday + A Writing Desk
      • Mulled Cider
      • Brunch Inspirations
      • My new favorite...
      • Joy + Amy at home
      • Board No. 50: Prizewinning Party
      • Monday, Monday + Vintage Fall
      • DIY Friday: Brunch invitations!
      • Fall Travels: Blue Ridge Parkway
      • My new favorite...
    • [+] September
      • Fall Travels: Serenbe
      • Fall Wreaths
      • Board No. 49: Wild Roses
      • Monday, Monday + White
      • My new favorite...
      • Inkwells
      • Red carpet style
      • Monday, Monday + Hydrangeas
      • DIY Saturday: Upholstered Headboard
      • Flea Market Finds
      • Flea Market
      • Catherine's Blue and Orange Palettes
      • Tips for the newly engaged
      • Sister Peach & Pearl: Engaged!
      • Board No. 48: Bluebell and Buttercream
      • Monday, Monday + A Swing
      • DIY Friday: Monogrammed Tote Bag
      • Haven in Paris
      • Upcycled Birthday Card
      • Anthropologie for a Wedding
      • Tuesday, Tuesday + The Beach
      • DIY Friday: Nautical Porch Garland
      • Audrey
      • Riding boots
      • crewcuts
      • Driftwood Hearts
    • [+] August
      • Board No. 47: A Formal Affair
      • Monday, Monday + RH in Paris
      • Happy Weekend + Chalkboard Paint
      • Summer Travels: Seaside, FL
      • My NEW new favorite...
      • Back to school II
      • Back to school
      • Board No. 46: Alice in Wonderland
      • Happy Weekend + Handmade Soap
      • Bake It Pretty
      • My new favorite...
      • Latte Bowls
      • Paint Chip Placecards
      • Be My Guest
      • Board No. 45: Teal Appeal
      • Monday, Monday + Porches
      • Happy Weekend + Confetti
      • Boston Photographers
      • My new favorite...
      • Julie & Julia
      • Board No. 44: Orange Sherbet
      • Monday, Monday + Flags
      • Happy Weekend + A Tree Party
      • We've Moved!
      • My new favorite...
      • Summer Travels: Island Shower
      • Stars in Residence
      • Summer Travels: Wildflowers
      • Summer Travels: Cherry Republic
      • Board No. 43: White Elephant
      • Monday, Monday + A Castle
    • [+] July
      • Happy Weekend + Cotton Candy
      • Summer Travels: Amish Country, Ohio
      • Board No. 42: Amber in Connecticut
      • Board No. 41: Amber on the Vineyard
      • Board No. 40: Amber in the Caribbean
      • Thursday, Thursday + A Survey
      • Happy Weekend + Sunflowers
      • Uniqlo Neutrals
      • Two Projects
      • Bear with me...
      • Happy Weekend + Bouquet
      • Ikea + victory
      • J. Press
      • Happy Tape
      • Kris + Matt: A Jack + Jill Shower
      • Board No. 39: Hand in Hand at the Edge of the Sand
      • Monday, Monday + I'm Back!
      • Hans & Catherine
      • Monday, Monday + Parents
      • Rubie Green
      • Praia Piquinia
    • [+] June
      • Board No. 38: Cherries Jubilee
      • Monday, Monday + Road Trip
      • Happy Weekend + Polas
      • Have to have Hable
      • My new favorite...
      • Venue Scout: Kirkwood Gardens
      • Board No. 37: One Morning in Maine
      • Monday, Monday + Hats
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Paperwink
      • Kristin & Carter
      • Venue Scout: Church Landing at Mill Falls
      • Board No. 36: Lemon Drop Martini
      • Monday, Monday + Head in the Clouds
      • Happy Weekend + Kitchens
      • Peonies
      • My new favorite...
      • Brea & Tom
      • Felix Doolittle
      • Board No. 35: Romance in the Garden
      • Monday, Monday + Roses
      • Happy Weekend + Wedding Season
      • Currently Coveting...
      • Through Her Eyes
      • Announcements
      • Swayspace
      • Board No. 34: Roman Holiday
    • [+] May
      • Happy Weekend + Retro Glam
      • The Last Emperor
      • Lizzie's Bridal Shower
      • Alice Temperley Camps
      • Board No. 33: Old Glory
      • Monday, Monday + Memorial Day
      • Happy Weekend + 2009
      • My new favorite...
      • Alissa & Ryan
      • Interview Outfit
      • Vintage Engagement Shoot
      • Rosecliff: The Party!
      • Board No. 32: Fiesta Afternoon
      • Monday, Monday + Teacups
      • Happy Weekend + Adirondack Chairs
      • My new favorite...
      • J. Crew Inspiration
      • Rosecliff: The Accessories
      • Board No. 31: Lilacs in Spring
      • Monday, Monday + Lilacs
      • Happy Weekend + Cousins!
      • Plastic
      • Schooled
      • Board No. 30: Bread and Olive Oil
      • The Island
      • Technical Difficulties
      • Happy Weekend + Bookshelves
    • [+] April
      • DIY Swizzle Sticks
      • House Stalking No. 3
      • Rosecliff: The Face
      • Skinny Minnie, v. 2
      • Board No. 29: Cowboy Take Me Away
      • Monday, Monday + the Seashore
      • Happy Weekend + Buds
      • Reader Mail: Rugs + Curtains
      • Framed
      • Ceara & Nate
      • Rosecliff: The Jewelry
      • Board No. 28: Build Me Up, Buttercup
      • Monday, Monday + Bicycles
      • Happy Weekend + Golf
      • Egg Press Sample Sale
      • Today I love...
      • Rosecliff: The Hair
      • Board No. 27: Kid Gloves
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + Smooch
      • Porsche & Larry
      • DIY Embellished Cards + Lined Envelopes
      • Reader Mail: Leather & Metallic Sandals
      • Rosecliff: The Dress
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 26: Opulent Pink and Navy
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + Radishes
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In My Hand)
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In Action)
      • Today I Love Silhouettes (In Print)
    • [+] March
      • Rosecliff: Location
      • Guest post on Rock 'n Roll Bride
      • Board No. 25: Gold Rush
      • Monday, Monday + The Sun
      • Potting Puttering
      • Mine!
      • M & C
      • Down on the farm
      • Board No. 24: Spring Fling
      • Poster print winner!
      • Monday, Monday + Vanities
      • Giveaway Reminder: Win a poster print!
      • Happy Weekend + Cumberland Island
      • My new favorite...
      • Well Wed Cape Cod: Amelia Rose
      • Well Wed Cape Cod
      • Board No. 23: Luck of the Irish
      • Poster Print Giveaway!
      • Monday, Monday + Georgia
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Board No. 22: Sweet Cream
      • Board No. 21: Orange Pop
      • Board No. 20: Rainbow Sherbet
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • A Banner Day
      • Sedona Bride
      • See Sea Lorraine Dress
      • Custom Inspiration Boards!
      • Board No. 19: Tuscany in Texas
      • Monday, Monday
    • [+] February
      • Happy Weekend!
      • A Shower By Any Other Name...
      • Handle & Spout
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 18: Classic Summer Navy
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Please, Mr. Postman
      • Today I Love...
      • From Me to Yoo
      • Short Dress Brides
      • Board No. 17: St. Valentine's
      • Monday, Monday
      • Bow Wow
      • Olive You
      • My new favorite...
      • DIY Daisy Wreath
      • Allison & Mark
      • Board No. 16: Blackberry Black Tie
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend + A Truck Portrait
      • Skinny Minnie
      • Valentine's Day Chocolate DIY
      • Chocolate Raspberry Tea Cakes
      • Megan & Randy
      • Board No. 15: Cream and Sugar, Please
    • [+] January
      • Happy Weekend!
      • My new favorite...
      • DIY Hair Flower
      • Casablanca
      • Vote For Me!
      • Board No. 14: Style Me Pretty Vineyard
      • Monday, Monday
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Vines, Light Bulbs, and Cardboard: Oh My!
      • DIY Wine Charms
      • Mr. and Mrs. Coconut
      • Board No. 13: Dainty Brunch
      • Happy Weekend + Lemonade
      • House of Telsa
      • Soft Neutrals
      • Organizing Bathroom Drawers
      • Board No. 12: Daisy Chain
      • Happy Weekend!
      • My new favorite...
      • Creativity Headquarters
      • My new favorite...
      • Board No. 11: Willow Ware
      • Happy Weekend + Ruffles
      • The 101 in 1001 Book
      • 101 in 1001
  • [+]2008
    • [+] December
      • A Night at the Ball
      • Martha's Butterscotch-Pecan Cake
      • DIY Bell Chandelier
      • Board No. 10: Pop the Bubbly!
      • Happy Christmas Eve!
      • Board #9: Merry, Merry Christmas
      • Happy Weekend!
      • Last Minute Gift Idea!
      • Molten Chocolate Babycakes
      • Going to the Ballet
      • Board #8: Elegant Evergreens
      • Happy Friday!
      • Put your stamp on it
      • Inspiration Board #7: Blue Christmas
      • Happy Friday!
      • Beach Dwelling
      • Ruffle Cake Stand
      • This Just In...
      • Displaying Holiday Cards
      • Inspiration Board #6: Pinecones and Chocolate
    • [+] November
      • Happy Thanksgiving!
      • My new favorite...
      • A Little Southern Wedding Love
      • Inspiration Board #5: Blue and Orange Thanksgiving
      • Have a sweet Friday!
      • S'mores Y'all
      • A Dreamy 99 Cents
      • It's almost 2009!
      • Happy Friday!
      • My new favorite...
      • Etiquette Dinner
      • Stone Wall Votives
      • Happy Weekend + A French Tree House
      • Inspiration Board #4: Teal, Yellow, and Black
      • Inspiration Board #3: Punch, Blush, and Green
      • Blue Hill Reserve
      • Vote!
      • Patrick Dougherty
    • [+] October
      • Going, Going, Gone
      • My new favorite...
      • Jenna Lyons House Tour
      • Inspiration Board #2: Green Apples
      • Pink and green Bird Ornament Set in the shop!
      • New Garland Cards in the shop!
      • Oh, My Deer!
      • Just Peachy
      • Just married?
      • Lazy Sunday
      • New Cupcake Cards in the shop!
      • Butterfly Weekend
      • House Stalking #2
      • The Duchess = Eye Candy
      • Have a lovely weekend!
      • Fall Fashion: Current J. Crew Favorites
      • I'm a finalist!
    • [+] September
      • Fall Fashion: J. Crew
      • Cool Hand Luke
      • Have a relaxing weekend!
      • That's what she said...

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