Yesterday, a bunch of girlfriends and I got to take a much needed, and albeit rare, break from life and mommyhood to do a girls’ day. It has been hard to get together lately, so I was completely overjoyed when I was able to pull a few of them away from their busy lives just to hang out. Me with my farm wife & blogging life, some being mommas to little ones 5 and under, full-time working moms, my sister in graduate school, etc. It’s no wonder I haven’t seen any of them!

Of course, I see many of my girlies every Sunday and some throughout the week but there’s just nothing like a girls’ day, amen? It’s those moments of over-sharing, laughter, and encouragement that can lift a girl’s spirits without much effort.

Every year, Southern Living creates a masterpiece showcase home. In years past, it has been in every southern state except my own. So, you can image how elated I was to learn the 2015 house would be in my home state of beautiful Virginia. It was a no brainer that I would be planning a trip.

With our day trip planned and adventures on the horizon, we set out for beautiful North Garden, VA to visit and tour the Southern Living Idea House on Bundoran Farm. It was gorgeous and, um… completely my style. It’s set on a working farm amongst rolling hills and beautiful pastures.

I’ve included the link to SL’s website above but these were a few of my favorite spots throughout the home.

You guys know my love of porches. I have my very own here at the farm, complete with my porch swing. The SL home had several throughout nearly every side of the house but this one was extra pleasant to me.

It was built right off of the living room or, as they call it, the “family hall” and there was a stone fireplace.

Brooks and I have been thinking about building a patio ourselves off of our deck so this got the creative juices flowing. And now I want to get crack-a-lackn’ on mine… Brooks if you’re reading this, consider yourself warned. 

There is only one word for these floors… Awe-Inspiring… The wood was salvaged from a barn built-in the 1800’s and was established throughout the ENTIRE house. I was beside myself with excitement over this.

I LOVE when old character is the mission in a home. Everybody is so focused on new and latest, greatest these days. When I run across a home where old is cherished, I stand in admiration.

On to the kitchen, dining combo room. Oh. My. Stars! It was the perfect set up and I loved so much of the detail.

First off, those windows… I once went on a house tour where someone had restored an old school-house into a guest cottage. The window set in this kitchen reminded me so much of the fantastic windows in that school-house.

Another detail I loved, was the large counter and workspace right under those windows. The views it would lend and the loveliness of the workspace would inspire anyone to cook. Fabulous. 

There were so many beautiful spaces in the home. I am so happy I was able to finally attend one of these house tours.

After leaving there, we went to Citizen Burger for lunch in downtown Charlottesville. They serve grass-fed, local beef amongst other local products like breads, etc. So, delish. If you’re ever in the C-ville area, be sure to stop by there.

We then ended our day at Carter Mountain orchard for some apple cider donuts, wine & hard cider tastings, and apples, of course.

A simple but filled day with friends. A day I’ll be basking in for weeks.