Happy Anniversary To Me!

On November 14th I will celebrate my one-year blogger anniversary. I will buy myself roses and champagne and perhaps indulge in a massage. Actually, I probably won't do any of those things. More than likely, I'll be in bed by nine o'clock. But I have really enjoyed this past year of blogging. I like sharing my home. I LOVE looking at your homes. This all started because I Googled "pretty houses," and Savvy Southern Style showed up. I took one look at that house and was hooked.

With my new job, I rarely have time to comment and follow and post the way I'd like to, but on nights when I am exhausted and missing hearth and home, I find myself returning to your lovely spaces. There is so much beauty in the world, and often it's in the form of a warm casserole or a baby's nursery or a few fall decorations. I believe what we are all doing here is celebrating life.

In honor of that, I have organized a home tour post. I hope you enjoy. I also hope you know how much your kind and supportive comments have meant to me over this past year, especially given all my BIG transitions.

Our foyer is small. This wallpaper was my husband's idea, and I have to say this is one of my favorite parts of our home. It's bright and cheery, and welcoming. Our entry may be small, but it makes a strong first impression.

This fixture is from Schoolhouse Lighting. My advice to those trying to inject big style into a small home is to splurge now and then. The advantage of small spaces is that you can afford pricier things—great wall coverings or high quality accessories.

More lighting from Schoolhouse. Must be the teacher in me, but I love that place!

I also love a clean, functioning kitchen. When folks have too much stuff on their counters, I always wonder how they prepare food. It may look pretty, but I want to roll out some cookie dough!

Give me an Oriental rug any day! Classic and timeless and resistant to all things—muddy riding boots, spaghetti sauce, and yes, even dog vomit. And just think of all the labor that went into this work of art. And they just get prettier over time.

It's such a nice place to come home to. I treasure my home even more these days!

Years ago I remember feeling somewhat marginalized because I was a stay-at-home mom who loved decorating. Now I'm grateful for all those days I spent painting and fixing and fussing and combing the aisles of Home Goods. I come home every night to a house that makes me happy. There is no job more important than that of taking care of my family. Preaching to the choir here, I realize, which is why I love this blogger land so very much.

Linking up with the following:
http://debbie-debbiedoos.com/painting-furniture-makeovers.html
http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2012/11/tweak-it-tuesday-14/
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2012/11/140th-table-top-tuesday.html
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2012/11/wow-us-wednesdays-91.html
http://www.impartinggrace.com/2012/11/grace-at-home-no-35-welcome.html