Mayday on the Chesapeake Bay

Welcome back!

We had a lovely weekend getaway to Maryland's Eastern shore, even with a few unscheduled "events." Sadly, our lunch to Annapolis was thwarted... Let's get straight to the good stuff.

Those of you who leave near the water know that happy, peaceful, joyful feeling you get when you smell the salty spray of water and feel the wind in your hair.

It was a gorgeous day on the bay- lots of sailors and boaters out. Our foursome included Mr. Southern and I and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. We were powering along when all of a sudden, a loud beeping noise interrupted my feeling of utter content.

Loud calls of "check this" and "look at that" ensued. Being a boating novice, I knew enough to stay out of the way and sat down in the back clutching my bag. I quickly realized we were in serious trouble when my father-in-law announced, "we're going down." (Mr. Southern believes he said, "we're sinking" but regardless, it was not good news to me or my brand new Matt & Nat handbag). We donned our oh-so stylish but oh-so-important life preservers. As Mr. C called in a "Mayday" to the Coast Guard, we flagged down a passerby boat.

One of the first and most important things to learn about boaters- they look out for each other. This is not like having a flat tire on the side of the road and praying you're not struck by a passerby... it was amazing how many people heard our call on the radio or saw our stalled boat and came to check on us.

After a seemingly interminable amount of time, we (Mr. Southern and Mr. C) were able to stop the water flowing into the boat, thereby allowing the pump to catch up and get the existing sea water out of the boat. I madly texted Sarah, whom we were supposed to meet for lunch. (Turns out Mr. Southern had already informed her, "we are taking on water and will have to turn around. I'm sorry- we'll have to reschedule lunch." My text went something like- "I believe our boat is sinking and I hope to be alive later to see you but it will not be for lunch today.")

lovely fishing vessel on its way over to see if we needed help

A bit later, we I finally realized we were not I was not going to drown sink in the Bay. Which is a good thing, because as Mr. Southern and I later discussed, we likely would have had to drag his father kicking and screaming off of the sinking ship (in his defense, it is a beautiful boat).

An Anne Arundel County Police Officer was first on the scene and stayed with us to ensure our safety(?). Shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard arrived and actually boarded our boat. This was serious stuff. Fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. C have impeccable records and were not smuggling anything. These guys are the real deal- check out those guns!

The towboat finally arrived, hooked us up, and we were on our way back home. Crazy sea adventure over.

The only logical panacea (besides a few glasses of wine on the tow back home)-- steamed crabs and a pitcher of beer at The Crab Claw.

Yes, the boys at Vineyard Vines were right- this is the place to go for crabs, that is if you can't get a charter with Russell.

The rest of the weekend's activity fortunately paled in comparison, and with vistas like this, it was the perfect relaxing weekend.

Mr. Southern ventured out on a fishing expedition Saturday with his brother and prepared a fabulous grilled dinner and fish fry for Sunday breakfast. And amazing peach pancakes (you must try this- dice white peaches and gently fold in pancake batter. Cook as normal. Fabulous). Needless to say, my diet is back on in a big way.

Speaking of which, we paid a visit to Miss Piggsly, the pet pig down the street. She is quite friendly and actually rather cute.

No judgement here- we're currently the crazy house with four large dogs.

Hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!

-Emmie

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Another City by The Bay (trip to Maryland's Eastern Shore)

We're headed up to Maryland's Eastern Shore this weekend to visit Mr. Southern's parents. I love going up there- it is such a relaxing getaway. And having grown up for a good chunk of my life in Maryland- I definitely feel a sense of pride in the Chesapeake Bay.

Appropriately, my latest Vineyard Vines catalog arrived yesterday and the entire catalog, I believe, was shot along the Eastern shore.  One of their stops was St. Michaels- just over the bridge from Tilghman Island (where we'll be staying).  

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St. Michaels, in addition to beautiful bay views, offers lots of great shopping and dining options. I hope to offer you more photos over the weekend!  

Photo via Fine Art America- Brendan Reals

Meanwhile, this will be our view in the morning, out of the back of the house- with hopefully a brighter sky.  And minus the Shallop of course (boat on the left).  The Shallop and its crew stopped by 2 years ago to retrace Captain John Smith's 1608 expedition.

Have a beautiful day!

-Emmie

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Game*Set*Match: Dressing for the Courts

High School Gym Class... for some of us, that brings back fond memories of when organized sports were part of our daily routines. For others, perhaps those with hand-eye coordination challenges (like yours truly), it brings back memories of... feeling less than. To be honest, I've put those days far behind me. I actually feel pretty sporto-jocky, given the various races I've run and activities I do. I'm planning hikes and kayaking adventures for our honeymoon for goodness sakes! Still, that hand-eye coordination piece remains a challenge.

Like any other woman (or most of the ones that I know) I'm accepting my lack of coordination and still forging forward, by enrolling in this Tennis in No Time Class. And, like many other women I know, I'm turning to shopping to boost my spirit/self-esteem. Have a look at these finds.

Love the ruffles on this one!

Nike Women's Tennis Grass Dress

A little old school, but I love it.

Nike Tennis Day Dress.

How about this Court Couture bag?

Women's tennis World

A cute little duet pairing the fresh green and white.

Stella McCartney for Addidas

More ruffles-- this time, placed on the diagonal, which I think would be so figure-friendly.

adilibria Wibledon Dress

The tennis take on the "little black dress."

Adidas Little Black Dress

LOVE the orange on this one... just worry about the empire-ish waist.

KSwiss

No way this would one work for me as I run around on the court, but it is so cute! Like a sundress.

Reebok Tennis Laser Cut Dress

For separates, a few kicky skirts.

Bolle Moody Blues, Nike Dri Fit Pleated Skirt, Reebok Pleated Skirt

And some tops....

Adidas Response Tee, Lejay Cotton Candy Tee, Nike In Bound

And, we'll end with one that's a little more simple, but one I think I actually will be buying. The word "compression" in the title is oh-so-promising.

Tail Dress with Compression

(note that it is similar to the Tail top Jill won in the infamous Real Housewives of New York tennis match. Simon and I could probably play together).

Even with all those great options, may I admit that I'd rather be shopping for this?

Lululemon Yoga and Running Gear (and please note that the F stands for Fun, Fit, and Flattering). Thanks, Jean, for the NYMag article. I have been a Lulu supporter for a few years now, thanks to trend-setting Lindsay.

-Emmie

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Brick by Brick

In the South, we have a lot of brick (ok, yes I know, there is a lot of brick up north too...).  Mr. Southern and I joke that our backyard is really a brick-making factory and those who try to garden in clay soil know just what I'm talking about.  But the brick that I love is the interior wall brick.  One of my favorite experiences is entering a restaurant, for example, seeing great windows along the left side of the wall, but walking deep into the building with a warm brick wall along the right (or vice versa).  

 Wisteria in Atlanta

I love the versatility of brick, too.  Brick can be....

Romantic

Isn't that chandalier amazing!!!??

Country Living - designer Hillary Wallace

European Country

Ramona Design Studio

Transitional Contemporary

via Cococozy

via HGTV

Modern

Genuine Style

Momoy

Painted

via Life in a Venti Cup (via Desire to Inspire)

Young House Love

White-washed

Apartment Therapy

or even Faux

Designer Showhose, St. Petersburg Times

I tried not to select too many blatant loft pictures simply because that is so obvious with brick! But I have to share a few... beginning with my old loft (need to scan some better pictures!) and its "upgrade."

Here it is when I lived there.

Pardon the terrible photos.  I was trying to capture the velvet drapes I had just sewn. They are really a deep purple/brown.  

And here it is redone (below).  Sadly, it has been repainted and no longer houses that bright orange accents (not my selection... but I loved it) or the pale green painted brick (that was my selection, and I like it much better than the burgandy). 

But the upgraded appliances would have been nice!!

A quickie look at a few other lofts... I can't end with the redo of my own.

 

Carolina Realty Guide

Nashville Lofts Central

Ian Marshall Atlanta Real Estate

Real Estate listing- South Carolina

Birmingham News- Living

-Emmie

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Coccooning

Is it wrong to want a rainy day... and perhaps a mental health day?  

The skies are very overcast here today and after tossing and turning for much of the night (dreaming about planning our honeymoon, no less!) I could use a day of cocooning in one of these delightful beds.  

Hands down, one of my all-time favorites...Tom Scheerer

second two from Phoebe Howard

Carrier and Co

last two from Sarah Kaye Represents

Admittedly, a little cruel to post such inviting beds on a Monday morning... for a different kind of Monday morning cruelty, check out Fine Art Daily's painting of one of our Signature Wedding Cocktails, the Oceanrita!

-Emmie

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