About Me

I’m a retail veteran of 20+ years, currently on hiatus. While I loved the merchandising and buying and constant change new inventory brings, after 20 years, the hours and the working every holiday began to wear me down. While all my retail years didn’t yield me any health benefits, it did give me a lot of experience, stories and a lot of STUFF.

Things I love…

1. My Husband & My Dogs~

2. Books- Fiction, Home Decor, Old Leather Bound Volumes, Cookbooks- preferably with beautiful photography

3. Cocktail Cruises at Sunset

4. A Weekend Nap

5. Chair-Sitting with a Dog in my Lap

6. A Wine Lunch, if possible, with my BFF (it’s cheaper than therapy :-)

7. Coffee in the Morning on the Porch

8. Christmas

9. Charleston, SC

10. Merchandising- I have to resist the urge to “rearrange” when shopping…

We have a house on Lake Norman, which we escape to on the weekends and somehow it feels more like home…hence

Home is Where the Boat Is.

At the Lake, we “Chair-Sit”, watch the Purple Martins, chase away a lot of Geese, and Boat~ usually at a speed that allows us to have a conversation, read a book and not spill our cocktails.

The fine art of “Chair-Sitting” involves: Stare at the water and clouds. Read a Little. Have a Drink. Listen to Music. Discuss Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness and just Sloooow Down.

This blog is a way for me to still be creative (without the inventory and the grueling hours of retail) and to share a little Lake Life with you.

Please stop by, see what trouble Chloe & Gracie are up to, and Chair-Sit with me…

I’ve decided to be Award and Tag Free~ but in the spirit of these awards, here are 7 very random things about me:

I am directionally IMPAIRED! Fortunately for me, I married Mr. Mapquest, who can drive somewhere one time, 10 years ago and find his way back.
No one can spell or pronounce my last name~ I would settle with either…*sigh*…
I believe everyone should have to work retail from Thanksgiving until December 26^th ONCE as a life requirement.
I need a 12 step program for HomeGoods.
My dogs keep me sane and drive me insane every day.
I was the victim of an armed robbery and tied up with electrical cord.
I have been flashed 3 times~ since I’m near-sighted and occasionally oblivious~ I didn’t notice the first two times :)

Thanks for your previous nominations & awards, I’m honored.

I’d love to hear your comments, feel free to drop me an email: marymc (at) carolina (dot) rr (dot) com

Thanks for visiting, I’ll have a chair waiting for you :-)

Mary

33 Responses to About Me

Linda Kemp | June 5, 2011 at 10:48 pm |

Love your photos and commentary.
shyllinski | June 6, 2011 at 10:18 pm |

I feel like I am on vacation looking at your wonderful photos!
Jennifer | June 15, 2011 at 5:06 pm |

Your settings are truly gorgeous! Love reading your blog!
Linda Lou Moore | June 18, 2011 at 12:10 am |

This is a lovely page. Somehow it turned up on my facebook page. i live in Texas, Ft. Worth. Hope you are cooler than we, are. 100 degree days here. i’ll put this page on bookmarks and check it again soon.
Donnalee aka Countryfeather | June 19, 2011 at 2:49 pm |

Thank you for sharing with me, I’ll be down to the dock with the wine, glasses and my book. We have a lot to talk about! Thank you……
Sandy B | June 21, 2011 at 11:38 am |

HI, Where did you find your red polka dot AND red checked flatware? I really LOVE them and would like to know your source. Thanks in advance for all your help!!
Sandy B
Mary | June 21, 2011 at 12:08 pm |

It came from HomeGoods about a year ago :-)
Vanessa | June 29, 2011 at 11:39 pm |

Mary, I just want to both “Thank you, & Congratulate” you for your beautiful Blog site as a whole! I have revisted you via the web, numerous times over the past three days. I am endeavoring to leave no stone unturned, because I don’t want to miss anything, In one sitting, I perused every detail for 2 hrs and 45 min, (something I just dont do – on the computer) In addition, I have advised all my sweet friends to check you out! I appreciate the lengths of creativity that you go to, it inspires me to give that extra effort as well. But most importantly, I have stopped by many other blogs for a “look-see” when looking for decor inspiration, and after a few frustrating attempts to navigate the pages- i usually leave quickly and never return ~ But You have executed the lay-out and flow of all the information, sources, recipes, links, and so on in such an “at-your-fingertips” manner, Well It was just refreshing! Thank You, Brilliant!!! I hope your inspiration will continue to flourish, as I suspect that many more people feel the same as I,
And perhaps 1000 times more people experience your gift here than in your former “retail” life. Many Blessings to you, the hubby and the pups!
Marilyn | July 1, 2011 at 9:13 am |

Just love everything about this blog. Keep entertaining us!!!!!!!!!
Babs | July 7, 2011 at 9:21 pm |

Mary… whoo hoo… I need a “latitude adjustment” and Key West is just the place. Our son was married there a few years ago and we had a great time in Key West.
Thanks for sharing the great photos, and now you’re making me wish for Key Lime Pie, Babs
Sheila | July 8, 2011 at 10:18 am |

Mary,
I’ve been trying to find a home for the remaining pieces of my grandmother’s Harvest Time by Johnson Brothers and came across your blog when I Googled. I would prefer that it go to a good home rather than end up in a yard sale (I could NEVER do that!). It’s nothing to do with price… it’s that I want to know it’s being cared for. If you are interested, please email me (sheiladiafATyahooDOTcom) and I will tell you what I have.
Your blog and photos are lovely by the way…
Many thanks!
Sheila
The French Tangerine | July 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm |

I am so thrilled to have found your beautiful blog! I’ve added you to my blogroll on The French Tangerine…
Miry Fini | July 20, 2011 at 7:50 am |

Hi Maria!!I’m Miry from Italy and I love your blog!!You have so wonderful photos!!Have a good day!!Hugs,Miry
Jeanni | July 27, 2011 at 9:52 pm |

Mary, your pics are awesome! We should all add more chair-sitting to our hectic lives.
Jeanni
Carol Wilson | July 29, 2011 at 10:22 am |

Mary,
Hello!!! My brother sent me the link to your blog at the request of his finace, Sherri Woods. She lives on Lake Normann ( I thought that I read in one of your posts that you have a home there as well ). They both know that I have an interest in photography. Your pictures are absolutely stunning!!! May I ask if you have studied photography or is this just a hobby that you have developed over the years? I love to take pictures, however mine look nothing like yours !!! I would appreciate any photography tips that are willing to share. And, would you be willing to share what kind of camera and lens that you use to take most of your photos.
Carol Wilson | July 29, 2011 at 10:24 am |

Mary,
I’m not sure what happened, but I did not finish the above comment. Thank you for your blog and I’ve already added it to My favorites on my computer. Have a wonderful day !!!
Carol
Mary | July 29, 2011 at 4:38 pm |

Hi Carol~ Thanks for your kind comments! I took some classes in photography in college but really just picked up a camera again about 2 years ago. I have a Nikon D60 and use a Canon Power Shot SD1400IS if we’re out of town and I don’t want to carry my Nikon. Photo editing makes photos so much better, you can crop & enhance your images. I use Picasa, you can download it free :-)
Ana R Quintanilla | August 31, 2011 at 3:46 pm |

Wonderful!!!!! I love your dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bruno | September 18, 2011 at 6:12 pm |

Mary, I just want to both “Thank you, & Congratulate” you for your beautiful Blog site as a whole! I have revisted you via the web, numerous times over the past three days. I am endeavoring to leave no stone unturned, because I don’t want to miss anything, In one sitting, I perused every detail for 2 hrs and 45 min, (something I just dont do – on the computer) In addition, I have advised all my sweet friends to check you out! I appreciate the lengths of creativity that you go to, it inspires me to give that extra effort as well. But most importantly, I have stopped by many other blogs for a “look-see” when looking for decor inspiration, and after a few frustrating attempts to navigate the pages- i usually leave quickly and never return ~ But You have executed the lay-out and flow of all the information, sources, recipes, links, and so on in such an “at-your-fingertips” manner, Well It was just refreshing! Thank You, Brilliant!!! I hope your inspiration will continue to flourish, as I suspect that many more people feel the same as I,
And perhaps 1000 times more people experience your gift here than in your former “retail” life. Many Blessings to you, the hubby and the pups!
+1
Kathy | October 13, 2011 at 9:36 am |

HI,
I was in the doctor’s office waiting to see the MD. I noticed a recipe that I thought my husband would go “figs” about! I attempted to write it down but alas it was my turn. I looked up your name and came across your wonderful site AND the recipe!! I signed up right away. Thank you. Now we have to find figs….not so easy in our part of the country either.
P.S. Our son and his family have a log cabin near Lake Norman and go there weekends too! :)
Nann from At Nann's Table | November 18, 2011 at 3:30 am |

Mary I’m new to your blog and I just love it! I am so IMPRESSED with both your tablescape AND your pumpkin cheese ball. You are one very talented lady. I just found you on Foodie Friday today and here I am. And I’m so glad I came. I’m also going to join the same party groups that you are in. I lLOVE all those blogs and they have inspired me to finally start my own blog. Am so excited to check out all the wonderful things here on your blog. So far I just love what I see. N.
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Kathi Layfield | December 15, 2011 at 9:03 am |

I didn’t realize Nigella had a Christmas cookbook out either. I remember years ago when she had her cooking show on TV. She is not only very talented but very beautiful. I would love to add her to my cookbook collection. Thank you for putting up this beautiful book for a give-away.
Happy Hollidays
Kathi Layfield
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Cheryl | January 18, 2012 at 11:05 pm |

Hi Mary,
I have been following your blog for over a year now and am excited that you are reviving your book project. Please send me the 2012 book list – I have already requested The Night Circus and Chocolate Chocolate from my local library and am looking forward to the reviews!
Thanks,
Cheryl
UT

Than
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Mary Howell Cromer | March 20, 2012 at 11:42 am |

Your presentation is beautiful! I hope your week is just as lovely~
robin | March 28, 2012 at 9:01 am |

I just discovered you, and oh, my! What a gorgeous site! You belong in a Southern Living magazine, my dear. :-) I’ll visit often.
Hassie | May 4, 2012 at 4:36 pm |

Mary, what a beautiful Blog; so happy to have found you, but will have to bookmark this site so that I can come back to sit a spell, and take in all of your photos and writings. I, too, have a Blog; not as nice as your’s, but I hope you will visit me there at golfingal.wordpress.com. Take care!
Big Hungry Gnomes | May 6, 2012 at 2:23 pm |

Hi Mary
I absolutely love what you’re doing here so I’ve nominated you for the Kreative Blogger Award. Keep up the fantastic work
Fiona
http://bighungrygnomes.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/kreative-blogger-award/
tearoomdelights | May 22, 2012 at 1:38 pm |

Your blog is fabulous and your photographs fantastic! I found you via Lucinda at Crazy for Tea Time, on her Facebook page. I’m glad I did!
Patricia | May 23, 2012 at 9:23 am |

I’ve been with you for a long time, but don’t think I’ve ever commented…I really love how you put everything together – every tablescape you have ever done is beautiful. And I love being at the lake with you and the little furry ones.