Our Mountain Home

I can't even begin to tell you how much our annual trip to North Carolina was exactly what I needed right now. This past week has been the first time in over three years that I've really been able to stop and rest for a minute. No projects have been hanging over my head, no homework is needing to be done after I put the kids in bed. Nothing has been on the schedule but to spend time with my favorite two people in the world. I'll be honest, the first few days we were here I found anxiety and stress trying to creep in and ruin my trip, but I refused to allow it. Inhaling the mountain air is just good for the soul. There is too much beauty to be seen to spend any time being negative. A day spent at Lake James soaking in the sun extinguished all my cares and worries, and we drove home tired but happy. So many new story ideas floated 'round in my head as I watched the sun set behind the mountains. This place is magic. It nourishes. It energizes. It heals. Happy first day of summer to all of you out there! I hope you enjoy the pictures!

xo

Nutmeg

Stone Door

Fall is officially here! I day-tripped up to the Stone Door to be able to hike and see all the beautiful trees. It was well worth the trip. Here are some pics. Enjoy! 

xo

Nutmeg

Time to get away...

Grandfather Mtn.

At some point I must've convinced myself that putting on cold weather clothes helps the seasons change more quickly. Cause for some reason, whenever the weather starts to change I immediately pull out the light sweaters and jeans, even if I can't really wear them without sweating. It never works, but does help me feel a bit better about the hot Tennessee summer finally coming to an end. I've been jonesin' for the mountains of NC this week, especially cause I've been editing through some of my old pictures. Trying to decide which of these I should blow up to majorly huge size and hang on the (no longer) new wall in my kitchen. Thought I'd share a few with y'all, since maybe other folks are ready for some cooler weather too.

xo

Nutmeg

Late Summer Rhododendron

Lake Lure

Grandfather Trail

Burnsville Field

Travels

Me and my kids are on vacation in North Carolina. It's become a summer tradition for us. Sometimes its just the three of us, other times friends or family come up to meet us and share in the beauty of the mountains. It never fails to be a much needed break from the summer heat back home. Here are a few pictures from the past few days. The lake you see is where they filmed the one and only Dirty Dancing. RIP Patrick Swayze. Anyways, hope you enjoy! 

xo Nutmeg

A little bit of Sweden for Christmas

"Sweden is the home of my ancestors, and I have reserved a special place [for it] in my heart."

-Carl D. Anderson

I have never been to Sweden, but I will someday. I am quite determined. I am only three generations removed from my Swedish immigrant ancestors. As I'm sure many people out there do, we have saved some amazing documentation of their transition to America: their name change from Soderbach to Soderbeck to Beck, their move from Sweden to Norway and then back again, their entrepreneurial endeavors in the small Michigan town they immigrated to. Ever since I was little and started hearing about this part of my heritage I have been fascinated by Swedish culture (don't even get me started on Ikea). 

Christmastime especially brings out my love of all things Swedish.  From the little woolen Tomtes that I collect, to the heirloom Swedish tablecloths that I pull out for special holiday dinners. There's a bit of seasonal comfort in pulling out things I've collected for myself that have a place in my family's history. 

Here are some of my favorite Swedish-y things that I've come across lately. This awesome tray is designed by Asta Barrington, and is available at gretelhome.com. The mug below is also available at gretelhome.com, and I want one real bad. And one last thing for Christmas, is this awesome Nordic inspired Santa stamp, found at Dwell Magazine's online shop. I can only imagine the hours of fun me and my kids would have with that.

Some new photos!

black leotard rebels' photostream on Flickr.

I just recently got back from a trip to North Carolina to go hiking. Here are some of my pics!