We here at Southern Flourish love a good blog written by a Southern gal. So, we’ve started a new blog of the week feature! This week we’re showcasing Megan of Pink to Green.

Megan is a budding foodie and my stomach routinely growls when reading her blog. I love, love, love bloggers that style and photograph their own meals!

Megan and I were also both OBSESSED with the Vogue photo shoot featuring Gweneth Paltrow.

For the sake of brevity I won’t gush on Pink to Green too much longer, but suffice to say that the photos from her Michigan vacation made me super jealous!

5 Questions for Megan

1) Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
My inspiration for Pink to Green comes from wanting to celebrate the good things in life– a gorgeous wedding, a tasty recipe, beautiful decor or a family photo are all inspirational. I vividly remember buying my first Vogue magazine 15 years ago and being smitten with the written word paired with stunning images– and still am! Much to the chagrin of my husband I have a collection of magazines that I keep for inspiration and binders with pages pulled from the years gone by. I also find endless inspiration from other bloggers and feel lucky to be part of such a great community!

2) How does Southern culture influence your blog?
No offense to my Midwest roots, but I have a love affair with southern living that has undoubtedly influenced my blog. (I’m equally enamored with antebellum architecture, mason jars, a friendly drawl and a ubiquitous biscuits) Living in and discovering Charlotte has given me a lot to blog about and I love uncovering the best this southern charmer has to offer!

3) What is your favorite place in the South to visit?
Charleston is my favorite place to visit in the south. Upon visiting for the first time, I realized I missed my calling—how did I not go to College of Charleston?! I would have been right at home pedaling a cruiser to class and then hitting the beach afterward! Charleston has endless charm, incredible history and an ideal waterfront local. Moreover, I would go back just for the food. One of my all-time favorite dining experiences was at McCrady’s in Charleston; the farm-to-fork menu is the best way to enjoy some of the best the south has to offer.

4) Favorite Southern tradition?
Mother nature provides my most treasured southern tradition. My favorite time of year is when the magnolia trees bloom in the south; I’m in heaven in the springtime. There are few things more enjoyable than taking a walk when the air is heavy with the scent of jasmine and magnolia.

5) 3 blogs you can’t live without?

• My friend Meg writes a blog, LeSueur Interiors, and I love to read her adventures staring her own business and amazing travels. Her southern charm is paired with international flair so I enviously take notes on her style!
• The Neo-Traditionalist is another of my favorite blogs not only because of the wealth of eye candy but because Katie so endears herself to her readers.
• I’m constantly looking forward to posts from Camilla’s blog, Style Notes, where she shares the inspiration behind being an event planner and passionate foodie

Our issues are full of so much great content that we’ve decided to start posting our greatest hits to the website, too! Here’s a favorite from our Spring 2010 issue.

Photos by Bridgett Ezzard. Text by Kate Hash, Editorial Director.

“I HAVE A ROOM FOR EACH MOOD AND TIME OF DAY,” SAYS BETH HALEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND OWNER OF BETH HALEY DESIGN.

“First thing in the morning, it’s my white bathroom—everything feels fresh. Mid-mornings are best in the living room next to the east windows, and afternoons by the garage door, particularly in the spring and fall with the door open and kids playing outside. In the evenings, I love being in the den/media room/office with a good movie, a blanket and my family.”

When you take a tour of her home, it’s easy to see why she can’t pick just one: each room exudes a distinct personality.

Immediately upon entering the charming bungalow, you feel like you’ve taken in a breath of fresh air. The color palette in the LIVING ROOM—much like the rest of the house—balances fresh, organic colors with warm neutrals. The furniture includes a mix of high-end investment pieces and budget-friendly steals, like the armchairs from Ikea—“They’re so comfortable,” gushes Beth.

The living room is punctuated with gorgeous works of art, including photography, small sculptural pieces and paintings by Beth’s son.

“I love bowls, vases, art, books and lamps,” says Beth. “I scoured antique stores, yard sales, art galleries and festivals for pieces I loved.”

Beth’s clean, modern aesthetic means that every accessory and work of art is carefully selected and serves a distinct purpose— both functional and visual—in the room.

“Carefully selected pieces become functional works of art,” says Beth. “Most of our casegoods are sculptural storage pieces for dual function. I just love it when that happens!”

“I LOVE BOWLS, VASES, ART, BOOKS AND LAMPS. I SCOURED ANTIQUE STORES, YARD SALES, ART GALLERIES AND FESTIVALS FOR PIECES I LOVED.”

The house you see now didn’t come without a lot of hard work—and no shortage of patience. The work began in early 2003 and took almost 12 months to complete.

“At the time of the renovation, my office was at home and was piled with boxes,” says Beth. “I made phone calls with hammers and old classic rock blasting in the background.”

The final product, however, was well worth the wait and is a perfect showpiece for Beth’s talents.

“I designed the spaces to fit our lives perfectly,” says Beth. “Of course, the house has evolved and will continue to. I think this home is the perfect example of how thoughtful design can ‘live big’ and with a massage here and there, can change with your family and life.”

Learn more about Beth at www.bethhaleydesign.com

Day Dresses by Lilly Pulitzer

Who knew Lilly P. could be so sassy? I’ll even wear this tonight for the birthday dress

Rachel Henderson is our guest blogger today! She is from Jackson, Mississippi. She has a true heart for creativity and always a positive zeal for life!

“This is photography taken to a whole new level. The second I saw these, I fell in love. I can’t imagine what the photo shoots must be like with these furry, slithery, and feathery friends involved, but it sure is cute.”

The Animal Print Shop

This fall, I want to be bedecked and bejewled with all of the most lovely of feminine drippings. Give me some shiny chain woven with dainty strands of pearls and diamonds. And a glitzy bangle? Bring. it. on.

This southern gal is a natural. That is, she uses all natural materials and media to create her life-giving, life-celebrating, life-loving masterpieces.

Christy Henderson has her pieces in several galleries in Mississippi, as well as some other Southern states. She has a passion for art and enjoys using her creative mind to construct some of the most beautiful, colorful art.

ChendersonArt.com

I’m feeling the itch coming on for a creative project. What’s inspiring me these days? The basics. We’re talking pulling out the middle school craft box and see what goodness we can create.

(a little inspiration)

Can’t go wrong with some colorful tape and ribbon.

There was always something so intriguing about those lacy paper treats. Bringing ‘em back.

Buttons. So much you can do with them.

Pom poms are a must.

Alright, go. Got any ideas? What can we create?

Fall wardrobe picks up close and personal:

The perfect black dress

The day outfit

The dreamer (sometimes you must merely wish you owned this piece)

{visit JCrew.com }

There’s something exhilarating about making a fresh antique find. Hard to describe, but it’s almost comparable to the satisfaction of pulling a good weed out of the yard. A sense of accomplishment for sure. And these days, we’re loving anything that adds a nice pop of color…

Cool down with a little robin’s egg blue.

A pretty pink flamingo.

I bet these make your food taste better.

Hello, sunshine.

You won’t miss this lovely at baggage claim.

Do tell us, friends:  what are some of your favorite antiquing habits?

Silver mint julep cups are classic and simple accents that can give any home a little more Southern charm. According to Kentucky’s Derby Museum, the mint julep became Churchill Downs’ signature drink in 1938 when they started serving juleps in souvenir glasses for 75 cents apiece. Seventy years later julep cups will cost you anywhere from $6 to $30, to even hundreds of dollars for unique or antique silver varieties. You can pick them up for a number of places including online vendors like Save on Crafts or bigger box retailers such as Pottery Barn. If you’re like me and prefer to buy yours from a truly Southern shop, try the Historic Charleston Foundation where all profits go towards historic preservation of the Holy City.

Photo: Pottery Barn

Whether you need a beautiful vase for the dinner table, a small arrangement to welcome overnight guests, or something a little classier for your candle or even your toothbrush – julep cups will exceed your design expectations.

Photo: A Country Farm House

And if these photos only make you thirsty, you can always stick with the intended purpose. Enjoy!

Classic Mint Julep:

• Boil equal parts of water and sugar in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add a dozen fresh mint leaves. Let cool completely, storing in the refrigerator overnight.
• Place a couple more fresh mint leaves and a tablespoon of mint syrup in each chilled julep cup. Gently press the leaves to open up flavors, but do not fully muddle.
• Fill cup with crushed ice and pour an ounce of bourbon over the ice.
• Add a straw and serve COLD.

Photo: The Seattle Times

Guest Blogger: Amy writes an adorable and funny blog with her husband called Triangle Honeymoon. You can read her blog here: www.trianglehoneymoon.com

Interested in guest blogging on Southern Flourish? Click here to learn more!