One of the more "bold" design decisions for Grove House is to do polished concrete flooring throughout the entire house and studio. We debated on doing reclaimed wood, travertine (which is in our current home), wood tile and even marble but eventually decided to take a risk and do what we've always wanted to do, polished concrete. If in the years to come, we ever tire of it, we can always lay wood or tile over the concrete.

Garden parties are at the top of my list for entertaining. Everyone is more relaxed and outdoor dining tends to make even simple fare seem sumptuous. In this months July/August issue of Country Living, I had the chance to style a whimsical garden party filled with botanical inspirations. It was a great collaboration with the team in NY, and is filled with easy to do, affordable decorations and menu ideas.

Let me start by saying, these won't be pretty pics, but I thought I'd share what's been happening over at Grove House. My brother-in-law and The Man were masters at recycling the trees that needed to be removed. They were first picked clean, (fruit juiced, frozen or eaten, more donated to friends, family, food banks and shelters), then the small branches and leaves were put through a chipper to make mulch for our future vegetable gardens....

I had the privilege of styling a home feature for the June issue of Country Living Magazine. The Ojai, California home of Greg and Kelley Motschenbacher has been lovingly updated and restored since the couple purchased it in 2008. It's inspiring to see how they enhanced the charm of their 1950's ranch home and property with true DIY spirit...and a lot of elbow grease.

After my incredible afternoon touring the farm, I was invited by the Southern Food Writing Conference to attend a champagne reception in the garden, followed by a lavish dinner in the barn. It was in conjunction with the International Biscuit Festival, and the guests were there to celebrate, and dine on, authentic and inspired Southern cuisine.

To get to Blackberry Farm, you'll drive down a quiet paved road, dotted with farmhouses and lush green pastures. You'll pass a small white church that I'm sure has seen many potluck suppers, community gatherings, and country weddings. I believe it's the drive that prepares your senses for the beauty that awaits. Beckoning you to a part of our country that is, undoubtedly, at it's finest. Preserved by those who tend it for the pure enjoyment of it's guests.