Best Small Towns in the South and More

Best Small Towns in the South for Retirement

– southern living

book - The Secret to Southern Charm — The Secret to Southern Charm

The Cover Reveal for My New Novel The Secret to Southern Charm

kristy woodson harvey

MORE ABOUT MY BOOK:

Leaving fans “practically [begging] for a sequel” (Bookpage), critically-acclaimed author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with the second novel in her beloved Peachtree Bluff series, featuring a trio of sisters and their mother who discover a truth that will change not only the way they see themselves, but also how they fit together as a family.

After finding out her military husband is missing in action, middle sister Sloane’s world crumbles as her worst nightmare comes true. She can barely climb out of bed, much less summon the strength to be the parent her children deserve.

Her mother, Ansley, provides a much-needed respite as she puts her personal life on hold to help Sloane and her grandchildren wade through their new grief-stricken lives. But between caring for her own aging mother, her daughters, and her grandchildren, Ansley’s private worry is that secrets from her past will come to light.

But when Sloane’s sisters, Caroline and Emerson, remind Sloane that no matter what, she promised her husband she would carry on for their young sons, Sloane finds the support and courage she needs to chase her biggest dreams—and face her deepest fears. Taking a cue from her middle daughter, Ansley takes her own leap of faith and realizes that, after all this time, she might finally be able to have it all.

Harvey’s signature warmth and wit make this a charming and poignant story of first loves, missed opportunities, and second chances that proves why she is the next major voice in Southern fiction” (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author).

Did you hear that book #2 is ready for PREORDER? To celebrate, we are giving away a $100 Amazon gift card! The winner will be announced September 18!

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White House, Big Charm

Good morning, chic readers! We hope you are having a wonderful day and that, if you are in the path of Irma, you are staying safe. And friends affected by Hurricane Harvey, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you rebuild.

All of this crazy weather really has us thinking lately about how important our homes are to us, how they protect us and give us a refuge from the stresses and pressures of the outside world. It’s something we don’t recognize as much as we probably should until they are threatened. Learn more about latent defects insurance.

These stunning white houses are full of charm and character. They are welcoming spaces that we are certain beckon their owners home each night. While we focus a lot on interiors, on how our favorite cozy chair and that painting we couldn’t take our eyes off of make us feel a certain way, the exteriors of our house can–and should–do that exact same thing.

White House with dormers — Patrick Ahearn Architect

If a home should be anything at all, we think it should be welcoming. Window boxes and a trellis covered in vines are two of the best ways we can think of to take a home’s exterior from plain to positively darling. It’s simple touches like this that make a home feel loved and lived in. And don’t our special spaces deserve to be cared for?

Rob Lowe's White House — Architectural Digest

We all know that bigger isn’t always better and good things can come in small packages, but this stunning facade is positively breathtaking. The symmetry is spectacular.

White House with hydrangeas — New England Homes Magazine

That being said, there’s something undeniably charming about a lack of symmetry. Maybe it’s because hydrangeas our are favorite flowers, but we think this giant display is breathtaking. We love them in any shade, but these pretty blues and lilacs top our list.

Landscaping is obviously one of the most important ways to make your home feel unique. While we love flowers and big blooms, there’s something stately about a classic cluster of Boxwoods flanking the front door. Well-maintained foliage always contributes something special to a home’s exterior and gives the sense that there is a staid, lovely interior beyond the front door.

White House with red door — Architectural Digest

We are suckers for black and white, but a splash of color is always welcome. A set of red front doors adds an undeniably farmhouse feel to this impeccably manicured lot.

There’s no doubt about it: Adding exterior color increases curb appeal. Plus, it’s easy to tell visitors that yours is the house with the red roof! Porches add character in droves and make for great porch sitting, especially during the cool fall months.

What are your favorite ways to add character to a home’s exterior? Do you have any home improvement projects on your wish list?

Thank you so much for stopping by today. We always love seeing you!

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9 Easy Home Improvements Under $100 and Weekend Sales

9 Easy Home Improvements Under $100

– real simple

The hotels, cities, and islands in Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards

– travel + leisure

Thank You For Making Slightly South of Simple a National Bestseller

– kristy woodson harvey

Now available in Audiobook – perfect for vacation traveling!

WEEKEND SALES

- - - Nordstrom Sale
    - EXTRA 25 % off Sale Merchandise at Milly
    - Shopbop Hot Summer Sale
    - J.Crew 30% off
    - Kate Spade New to Sale
    - Enjoy 20% off RUGS at Serena and Lily
    - One Kings Lane SALE
    - Neiman Marcus Up to 70% off
    - Last Week’s Favorites
    - First Ever Etsy Sale
    - DVF EXTRA 20% OFF Sale
    - Our Most Read Post in August

LOVING:

This cape sweater from Trina Turk
This is perfect with leggings for fall
Love this Milly dress
And this!

A Cottage by Tammy Connor Designs

Summer may be coming to an end, but we think the fall is one of the absolute best times to enjoy a seaside cottage, like this beautiful one from Tammy Connor Designs.

If you’ve ever seen a winter sunset at the beach, you know what we mean.

And there’s something really special and unique about curling up with a cozy throw and a good book inside a beautiful home and watch the water go by.

This is the kind of place where we would love to do just that!

We think the best beach cottages have a little bit of history, the feeling that generation after generation has loved them and made them feel like home. A gallery wall of family photos and treasured memories adds that exact feeling to this charming spot.

When we think of beach cottages, we think of simplicity, especially because they are generally closed up for at least a part of the year. These built in nightstands are a great touch.

A distressed wood headboard adds to the coastal feel.

Twin bedrooms are practically a requirement for a cozy beach cottage.

Unexpected three-dimesional objects can become art when used correctly!

A single leaf makes for a perfect, simple accessory!

Chunky baskets are the perfect place to store those cozy throws and stacks of books we were talking about curling up with!

If a twin bedroom is good, a built-in bunk room is so, so much better.

Curtains and storage make these spots cozy and private for guests of all ages.

We love using a desk as an end table for sending postcards home.

As perfectly coastal as the interior of this home is, the outside is even more incredible. There’s no better place than a swing to watch the waves crash to the shore.

And a screened porch is perfect for keeping the mosquitoes at bay.

This picture-perfect cottage is the right mix of old and new, modern and rustic for relaxing all year long. What’s your favorite part?

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

What People are Saying about Slightly South of Simple:

Thank you for the wonderful review of Slightly South of Simple Books-a-Million!

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In Good Taste: Melissa Ervin Interiors

We hope you had an amazing long Labor Day weekend, chic readers, and that you found some time for fun and a little time to relax as well! I got my first taste of being a plane commuter, flying to Atlanta to speak at the Atlanta Journal Constitution‘s Decatur Book Festival and then flying back home that night so that I could spend two long, lazy beach days with my boys. I’m glad I don’t have to do it every day and have a new respect for people whose daily commute involves a flight, but it wasn’t so bad just this once–and totally worth the down time after!

The “No Lifeguard on Duty” signs are going up, the September Vogues are in mailboxes and on newsstands, and there is that unmistakable crisp in the air that can only mean one thing: It’s fall! We think this gorgeous living room by Melissa Ervin Interior Design looks every bit of this wonderful season.

No place is perfect, but one of the things we love the most about North Carolina is that we get to anticipate, feel and savor each and every season.

Right now, we’re so excited for boots and tailgating, fall leaves and pumpkin patches, all of those things that have such incredible staying power. Speaking of staying power, we first featured this fabulous kitchen on Design Chic several years ago, and we love it as much today as we did those years ago!

We know that there’s probably no such thing as “timeless,” but there’s no doubt that Melissa Ervin’s designs have major staying power.

From gorgeous custom architectural details,

To well-placed antiques,

Always-chic color palettes,

To the ultimate in luxurious details,

Melissa Ervin’s work is always in good taste. And, speaking of fall, this is the perfect place to savor this, our favorite season (we always say that when a new one comes!), while watching fall’s crops come up. What could be better than that?

We hope your fall is off to a fabulous start. Thank you so much for making Design Chic a part of your day!

Thank You For Making Slightly South of Simple a National Bestseller

Now available in Audiobook

And we are thrilled to have been nominated by Amara as a Best Luxury Blog and would so appreciate you for voting for us here!

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Magnificent Home on the Shore of Lake Michigan

When it comes to stunning design, mastering that particular combination of timeless charm and modern appeal is a delicate balancing act. Robert A.M. Stern’s team of architects, landscape architects and interior designers makes it look effortless, as evidenced by this fabulous Lake Michigan home. We think you’ll agree that, from floor to ceiling and everything in between, this home is picture perfect.

For another of our favorites from this talented team take a look at this Hamptons shingled house. Whether you’re relaxing with loved ones or shopping your favorite sales, we hope it’s a wonderful Labor Day! And if you’re looking for a little reading material, we think we have just the one!

LABOR DAY SALES

- Nordstrom Sale
- Shopbop Hot Summer Sale
- J.Crew 30% off
- Enjoy 20% off RUGS at Serena and Lily
- One Kings Lane Save 20% SITEWIDE
- Neiman Marcus take $110 OFF to Celebrate 110 Years

Thank You For Making Slightly South of Simple a National Bestseller

– kristy woodson harvey

Now available in Audiobook