(The San Marcos River. Can you spot the kayakers?)
My sister’s in-laws own a beautiful piece of land along the San Marcos River. Over the past few years, they worked to create a gorgeous retreat there, and last weekend, we were fortunate to visit for the first time. I’ll admit that I was nervous to visit, only because I am not what you’d call “outdoorsy,” unlike the rest of my family. While everyone else is thrilled to spend the day kayaking and exploring the river, I’m most comfortable indoors.
(The boys on the river’s beach. They could do this all day long.)
Little did I know, I was in for a treat as soon as we approached the house. My sister’s mother-in-law is an expert thrifter and garage sale shopper, and her weekend home is filled with well-loved pieces that reflect both her talent for decorating and the beauty of the area. I ventured down to the river exactly once, and then spent the rest of the day admiring the lovely house. It was just my cup of tea, and I selected a few pictures (from the hundreds we took) to share with you, with the permission of my sister’s family.
(The front door at the river house.)
(The living room is cottage chic.)
(My sister’s father-in-law built this gorgeous, floor-to-ceiling media stand.)
(Vintage wall decor.)
(A chippy cabinet makes a perfect TV stand in the master bedroom.)
(Pretty pillows in the guest room.)
(A view of the kitchen, with lovely cottage touches. Notice that the curtains match the couch pillows!)
(Baskets and wood add interest near the front door.)
This is truly country living at its finest, and I was thrilled to spend the day there! The family is hoping to create a website soon in preparation to rent the home for weekends and vacations, and I want to add my name to that list. I’ll be sure to share the site with you when it is available.
Lately, when I water my plants on the patio each morning, I can just begin to feel fall creeping in. Sure, it’s mid-August and the temperature hovers in the 90s by afternoon, but there are subtle changes beginning to take place in central Texas. This time of year, I begin to long for the shorter days and cooler evenings that come with autumn, even if we won’t see them until late October or early November. I like to mix things up a little inside my house each season as my way of celebrating the changes happening outside.
West Elm had a sale recently, and I took advantage of my Design Dollars to feather my nest for fall.
(Soft, earthy colors for late summer.)
I threw off the summer slipcovers in favor of warmer, cozier colors for the coming months, and I added some pillows in different colors and textures, too. As the temperature drops, I’ll switch the pillow covers to darker colors, but for late summer, I’m craving soft blues and natural hues.
(Late summer pillows.)
My favorite Studded Velvet Pillow Covers in Dusty Blue look interesting paired with the Solid Silk Hand Loomed Covers in Natural, which are ethically-made in India by a women’s cooperative.
(My late summer table.)
I also traded my coral placemats for the softer, more natural tones of the Branch Print Placemats, which work well with my curtains and small chandelier shades, too.
(Branch Print Placemats from West Elm.)
After using navy or pink mats all year, the quiet colors are a welcome change.
(West Elm’s Hill Block-Printed Cotton Dhurrie.)
And, for a bit of subtle color, I chose the smallest size of West Elm’s Hill Block-Printed Cotton Dhurrie, a beautiful rug made by Indian artisans. I originally planned to put it on the floor in front of the kitchen sink, but since it can transfer color when wet, I thought it might work better under the boys’ play table. They love it, and I like the contrasting shades of blue.
My living room feels warm and cozy as we wait for fall to officially arrive. Are you making any changes with the seasons?
Today marks the final post in my collaboration with Shayla, at least for the rest of the year. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I had a fabulous time discussing blogging and other topics with her! While Shayla renovates her new house and prepares for the arrival of her first baby this fall, we are taking a break from our weekly questions, but we plan to return early next year.
Today’s question is: What Does the Future Hold?
Shayla’s answer is obviously more exciting than mine, but while I’m wistful as we end this collaboration, I’m excited to challenge myself to write another day each week. I’ve come to rely on this series and my Friday links as blogging mainstays, which means I really only write three original posts each week. Now, I’ve got to up my game and get to work, and I’m looking forward to the task.
(Pretty pens and Rifle Paper Co. notebooks. A thoughtful gift from my sister.)
In the past few weeks, I’ve completed my first assignments as a freelance writer, and I’m working on a regular feature that I hope to share with you soon. My boys will return to school in a few days, and I’ll have more time to network, blog, and write. It will be great to get back to a routine for the school year, and I’ve found that, the more I write, the more inspiration I find.
My goal for the year is to keep plugging along, and, armed with a year’s experience and a new part-time job, I’m so excited to see where things lead.
Be sure to check out Shayla’s blog for her final answer, and to follow her adventures this fall. I’m thrilled for her and love getting a glimpse of her life way up north.
Congratulations, Shayla! I’m gonna miss you!
