Nothing But Blue Skies HOME     ABOUT ME     HOUSE TOUR     RECIPES     FEATURED     MY CANCER STORY     PROJECTS

Monday, June 25, 2012

Summer's in France Book Review and Haven Blog Conference Photos

~ Hello Friends! ~

I am back from my short break, and the Haven conference in Atlanta. 

It was wonderful to meet so many of my favorite bloggers face to face!

I have spent my time away trying to determine what I want this blog to be, and how I want to proceed right now. While I am still searching my heart to make sure that I remain true to myself, I have decided to take my time, and go at a pace that is comfortable to me. 

I thought it would be fun to share with you, a book that I am reading right now. It is the epitome of what I long for in my everyday life. Real moments, home grown food and fun, family focus, and slower pace, all set in a rural area of southwest France, in a "once tumbledown farmhouse brought glamorously back to life". Who wouldn't love that?


This book is written by Kathryn M. Ireland, Interior and Textile Designer.
It shares her lovingly restored farm and french chateau, beautiful food and recipes, her approach to design in her summer home, her seemingly effortless approach to entertaining, and stunning photography. 





It is impossible for me to read this book, and not connect with the desire to live a more grounded life. It also further inspires my urge to live in, and restore an older home.

I highly recommend that you read "Summers in France", if for nothing other than the sheer beauty. I guarantee, however, that the take away will be much more than just pretty pictures. 

It was purchased on Amazon, by my husband. He definitely knows what inspires me.

And finally,
here are some of my Haven highlights...
Everyone chatting before one of the classes.
 The "I Like Big Blogs" class was taught by the fabulous five veteran bloggers, (Left to right) Myra from My Blessed Life, Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality, Traci from Beneath My Heart, and Beth from Home Stories A to Z.


 Sitting in the I Love Thrifting Class taught by Mr. Goodwill Hunting, Rashon Carroway.
This was by far, the most fun class I attended during the conference.

 Mr. Goodwill Hunting himself, Rashon Carroway! He is wonderful and FUNNY!! 

Me with the fabulous Karianne of Thistlewood Farm. She is SUCH a doll!! Her enthusiasm is completely contagious!

I wish that I had more photos to share, however, I did not lug my big Nikon with me to the conference, since I was trying to pack in carry on luggage only for my flight.

Thanks so much for visiting today! 
I hope you have a fantastic week! 

xo
-Lisa
Linking to the following...

Southern Hospitality: Haven High

16 comments:

  1. Lisa- it was a thrill to meet you at the conference!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The book sound delightful, I am sure I would love it. Great pics of Haven, so glad you had a great time. Hugs, marty

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've read, on so many blogs, that the thrifting class was the best. I would love to have seen it! Thanks for the review on that book. I haven't seen that one yet. It certainly looks good though. I really like Kathryn Ireland anyway. Your son is precious, btw! Love that picture of the two of y'all on your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So wish I'd known you were coming. I didn't make it to the conference this year as we just flew in from Texas late Wednesday. Looks like everyone had a fabulous time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It was so much fun to finally meet you, Lisa! I'm already pumped up for next year but would love to build in more time to just chat and hang out. :)
    I love Kathryn Ireland, so I HAVE to read this book -- thanks for sharing!
    Hope everything was fine on the home front -- I know you missed them. :)
    xo Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  6. I was so bad at taking pictures too, that one of your and Mr. GWH is so great, tho!!! And that book sounds awesome, I am a huge fan of Kathy Ireland ... might have to search it out.

    It was so wonderful to meet you in person!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. The conference looks like it was a blast! Thanks for the tip on the book... i have Kathryn Ireland's Classic Country book and I love her style!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Lisa! Didn't we have fun! I'm still "high as a kite", filled with ideas! I'll bet your hubby and Spencer were thrilled to have you home! I've just subscribed to your blog, somlet's stay in touch!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your submit bar won't take my entry. What am I doing wrong?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know. I have heard that from a couple of people. I am not sure... I thought maybe it was a Mac thing? I have a Mac, and so do a few people who have had the same issue.

      I have not heard it from anyone in a while. I will look into it, and I am going to be transitioning to Word Press when I do my new blog design, so hopefully all of the kinks will get worked out then. :-)

      Delete
  10. Looks like you had a wonderful time. That book IS beautiful! Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lisa...again...It was so great to meet you and spend great times with you!!..

    I contemplated buying Kathryn's book....I do have Mary McDonald's book...so I shall proceed to order it!...Great pic of you and Rashon...don't be surprised if he uses it to put in his book!!...I love that picture...then again, you are definitely "Miss Photogenic"
    Hugs to Spencer!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I loved meeting you! I was the dorky one-no doubt about that :)
    xo- Carmel

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi! I so enjoyed meeting you at Haven--wasn't it a blast. It seems like most of us are still on a Haven High--I know I'm pumped with ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lisa, I have this book too and it's one of my favorites. It actually prompted me to buy the others she's written. She has a very comfortable family style of decorating.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looks like a great book, Lisa. I'll have to look for it at the book store.

    ReplyDelete

I love reading all of your thoughtful comments!