Hi Everyone…thought I would share a little August update today! Baldy and I have been at Bald Head Island since Monday and it’s been hot, hot, hot! My daughter Rebecca and her family…including my precious little granddaughter Stella, have been here with us and we’ve had such a nice week so far. I’ve had a bit of a cold and that’s so weird because I really never get sick, but I’m feeling much better today. I’ve been taking a little time off to rest and spend time with my family and it’s been nice, but tomorrow I’ll be back to work, although still here at BHI for another week.

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When we get home, I’ll be jumping in with both feet to make things happen with the damage to the house. The insurance company has been a huge hold up and it’s been very frustrating because I want to get started with the cleanup so badly. It’s been almost a month and we’re still waiting.

In the meantime, I do have a few projects going on that I’m so excited to share. We’re finally getting our bed frame and headboard…it’s been such a process. I wasn’t sure what kind of fabric I wanted, but when we put the wallpaper up in the bedroom behind the bed, it became clear that it had to be something bold to complement the wallpaper. I looked and looked for a picture that I took but never found it so the picture below is all I have!

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I’m hoping to have everything in place soon. I’m looking for new bedding and really feel that getting the bedroom completed will make me feel so much better. This whole project has been hanging over my head for quite a while now. When the wallpaper was hung, we had to change the paint color in the sitting area of the bedroom, but that’s all finished now and I know when it’s all in place, it will have been worth the wait.

I have also decided to take down the towel warmers in the bathroom. They were expensive but don’t work that well, so that’s disappointing, but rather than leave them up, I’ve decided to get a portable towel warmer and replace the ones on the wall with fabulous art. We’re also painting the new bathroom one more time…honestly, when I found the bedroom wallpaper, it changed my whole vision for the space and I’m loving it! I firmly believe that rooms evolve over time, as we do and that’s what makes our homes alive and reflections of who we are…

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This year has flown by and I really do have a hard time believing it’s August 21. I’m planning to make the most of the last few weeks of summer as much as possible given the extra responsibilities that have been added to my plate.

As you know, we had been planning a kitchen renovation that is suddenly getting ready to be started because of that tree. We had planned to wait until spring, but here we are. As soon as the debris is cleaned up, we’ll be getting started, but the whole project seems very daunting at this point. I’ll keep you posted as it all unfolds.

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One of the things this summer that has been so much fun for me has been going every Thursday afternoon to our local farmer’s market. I’ve gotten to know some of the local farmers and look forward to seeing them each week. I always get an iced coffee and walk around visiting with people I know and getting goodies to take home with me.

I’ve loved being able to get fresh crab meat to make crab cakes and finally was early enough to get okra last week (it sells out fast). I roasted the okra but swore I would fry it next time in honor of my mom. She made the absolute best fried okra and always served it with squash and tomatoes. I made squash last night and it tasted just like hers…if you cook it slowly and long enough with just a tablespoon of salted butter, it has a delicious nutty taste that takes me back to childhood.

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Since I’ve been here at Bald Head, I’ve purchased a few things (of course) that I’m loving. I found a new brand called Karlie and bought a pair of drawstring chocolate brown denim pants that are so fabulous and they have a brown and white striped blouse that goes with them. It’s the perfect outfit for early fall…and I can’t wait to wear it.

I also purchased a dress from Livero for half price that’s just so cute. But…my favorite thing is probably a new book by India Hicks — Entertaining With a Side of Chaos. I really have a thing for beautiful coffee table books and just can’t stop buying them. It’s so much fun to revisit them each time we come to the beach!

We’ve had lots of sun, so today we’re planning to do a little island touring…we’ll go climb the lighthouse (Old Baldy), take a long golf cart ride, try to spot an alligator at the lookout down from our house, head to the pool one last time in the late afternoon and have an early dinner.

Sadly, my sweet little Stelly is leaving in the morning and things will be very quiet. I’ve loved being able to spend time with her one-on-one and she’ll be coming to stay with me for a few days in September.

While we have a busy September at home, we may be back to the island for a short week and then summer will officially be over. Birthday season starts in September with two birthdays on the 14th, Stella’s on the 24th, then one on October 1, another on October 30 and then Halloween!

October is going to be busy and I’m really looking forward to my 45th class reunion (OMG)…I’m wearing this dress because the whole thing is very casual. We also have a wedding in Beaufort, NC the next weekend. I’m already planning outfits…definitely wearing this dress to the oyster roast, wearing this dress to the wedding, shopping for the rest and I’m making a few filler and Botox appointments! I’m including a boutique below filled with great options for an early fall destination wedding.

Since this wedding is on the coast of North Carolina, I know it will still be warm and there are casual and dressy events. I really tried to find options at every price point along with shoes to match and a few bags!

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The really scary part is that in a couple of months…it’ll be the holiday season. The older I get, the more quickly life flies by! This is your reminder to enjoy every moment you possibly can and to let go of the little things that don’t matter! Life’s too short!

I’m taking a course right now from Melanie Ann Layer and it’s been the best thing ever. I’m contemplating self respect and dignity in a new light and what it all means as far as quality of life.

I will say that having her as my mentor for the last five years has been one of the best things I could have done for myself. Right now, I truly feel that life is only getting better by the minute. I’m learning more and more about energetics, mindset and alignment, and trusting that everything that happens in life is leading me just where I need to be. I’m so very grateful for this wisdom in my life.

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Thank you so much for reading today!

~XOXO Suzanne