The Art of Paying a Call in the South

The Art of Paying a Call - Learn the etiquette at penderandpeony.com

In centuries past, women dressed up in their best day gowns and went visiting. They paid calls on friends and acquaintances within their social circle who were “at home” on such and such a day. Tea was served. Cakes eaten. Best manners displayed, and calling cards left. This was a great time for gossip, and…

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Cucumber Cooler with St-Germain and Mint

Cucumber Cooler with mint and St-Germain. Learn how to make it at penderandpeony.com

Looking for a refreshing weekend cocktail for the pool or insert closest body of water here? Look no farther than my cucumber cooler with St-Germain, gin, mint, and lemon. I promise it will be a go-to classic for the dog days of summer! Cucumber Cooler Recipe: Muddle lemon slice and a handful of mint leaves…

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Summer Reading: The Museum of Extraordinary Things

Summer Reading: The Museum of Extraordinary Things. Read the review at penderandpeony.com

The Museum of Extraordinary Things is a slow burn. You know almost from the beginning that the two main characters, Coralie and Eddie, are going to meet and fall in love. Hoffman follows their life paths through flashbacks and diary like entries as these characters mature and slowly, ever so slowly, draw closer and closer…

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Color Scheming: Why I Chose a Home Color Scheme

515 Vista Color Scheme. See more at penderandpeony.com

Choosing paint colors, as I’m sure you agree, is one of the most fun and difficult aspects of home decorating. You get to play around with color and use your imagination. Plus paint collections have such creative names, who doesn’t want their walls tradewind blue or sea salt gray or indigo batik? But this is…

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The Benefits of a Home Design Collage

A Home Design Collage is really useful. Learn more at penderandpeony.com

I ? Southern Living, and I know y’all to do! This month’s issue featured the Southern Living 50th Anniversary Idea House. Its gorgeous. Go check it out if you haven’t. Anyway the spread inspired me to do an actual home design collage or mood board instead of just a digital one for my whole house.…

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How Should We React to Hillary’s Nomination?

Quote from speech by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Click on through to penderandpeony.com

We could have a woman president in November! In watching the coverage of the DNC and reading reactions to Hillary’s nomination, I was struck by the number of comments from women who felt that her nomination was not a big deal. They felt it was not a historic moment for women and feminism, and they…

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Visiting the Mabry-Hazen House

Maby-Hazen House. Read about this historic house on penderandpeony.com

Gunfights, Civil War strategy, lawsuits, and scandal mark much of the history of the Mabry-Hazen House, but from its serene perch atop Mabry’s Hill with towering magnolia trees shading the wide veranda you could hardly imagine this notorious past. The Mabry-Hazen House was home to three generations of the same family and showcases their original…

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Mantle Decor: Summer to Fall

Mantle Style: Summer to Fall

I like the idea of multi-purpose, and I bet you do too. If one decoration can be used for two seasons, I am all for it. Cotton boll garland has this versatility, and it is perfect for fireplace mantle decor. See how to take this garland from summer to fall in just a few easy…

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Painter Check Sundress

Crown&Ivy Painter Check Sundress

Let me start by saying — MODELING IS HARD! I was reminded just how hard the other week when S. and I took some new photos of me to update my About page. Part of me totally felt silly parading around in my different outfits trying to get just the right shot. Don’t get me…

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