September 10, 2014

My Disconnected Summer

Have you ever looked up from your phone and realized your nose has been buried in it for so long that you’re late to carpool, you’ve forgotten where you are or missed your daughter’s living room dance performance? I am as guilty as anyone of letting life pass me by while I’m reading about my long lost fourth cousin’s daughter’s potty training accomplishments. While I love keeping in touch with friends and building my business through social media, I think a good break was in order. As I mentioned in my Meet Addison’s Wonderland blog entry, I decided to take the summer off… off of work, off of designing and off of social media. So, during the last week of May when my daughter got out for summer break I said goodbye to facebook and instagram. At first I just logged out of them, but after a couple of peeks the first week, I decided to completely take the apps off my phone.

With the exception of missing a couple of birthday notices, being super behind on news stories and feeling a little out of the loop socially, I can honestly say I didn’t miss it one bit. I read numerous books, spent much needed time with my girls and even kept my house clean. Well, somewhat clean. My phone battery lasted all day and I even forgot where it was for hours upon end. I got up and going and enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee all during the time I would normally be staring at the latest and greatest fashion statements on facebook and lusting over a rug on instagram. Of course, I wouldn’t give those up forever. I mean in all honesty, these avenues have driven my business and continue to help me pursue my dreams in ways thought impossible just ten years ago. I simply learned moderation and to live in the moment. To look around me, watch my girls laugh and play, and make phone calls rather than “likes” and “comments”. Lessons I will keep with me forever.

So what did we do this summer??? Well, first things first, I got a new camera! My hubby and I have gone through one too many cameras in the last decade and it was finally time to invest in something somewhat good. Being that I would start blogging in the fall and my husband’s company could use some new photography, it was the perfect time to start snapping with a real camera instead of my trusty iPhone. Meet my new camera…

It is a Cannon EOS 70D. I’ve been asked several times what I use, so here you go! I am a super duper beginner at using it so bare with me. All of the images on my blog are taken by me unless noted otherwise. Most of the “Before” images are iPhone images taken during our renovations. I basically spent my summer playing photographer. And when I say playing, I really mean playing. Disclaimer: Don’t worry, I have no intentions of ever being a photographer. I think I’ll stick with design.

Here’s a recap of our summer from my iPhone and my swanky new camera…

SAVANNAH, GA

Savannah, GA is a beautiful historic city on the situated on the Savannah River. It has immense history and enough Southern Charm to make you fall in love with grits and make you start saying “y’all” instead of whatever else y’all say. I still haven’t figured that one out yet.

P.S. If you are ever in Savannah, you have to take a carriage ride for a great historical tour of the city. Oh and request my sweet, adorable cousin Janna!

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA

St. Simons is a quaint, charming little island off the coast of Southern Georgia. It is a short 5 1/2 hour drive from Metro Atlanta and the perfect little getaway. The moss covered trees and Southern Living style homes will have you looking at real estate books from the moment you drive onto the island.

Of course, what’s a trip without doing a little shopping? I fell in LOVE with this cute little interiors store in Downtown St. Simons called Dutchman’s. I think I could find a place in my home for every single piece they carry! The colors are to die for, huh?!? They have three locations: St. Simons, GA; Nighlands, NC; Cornelius, NC

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

Just over the bridge from Destin, Florida on Okaloosa Island is a less “touristy” little beach town called Ft. Walton Beach. The water is clear and the sand is white. My definition of a perfect summer beach getaway.