As we approach the closing of another year, I was just reflecting back to when I left New Jersey, the only place I’ve ever known as home, and headed to make a new life in South Carolina.  Scared, lonely, happy and relieved were my first emotions that flooded me.  Scared of the unknown, lonely because I knew no-one except my husband, children and hubby’s 81 year old grandmother, happy because we were moving into our first single family home, and relieved to leave the hustle and bustle of northern living.  I wish I had started my blog back then-but I had not even heard of the word “blog” chuckles. Things may have been different had I known about Urban Compass, because maybe then I would have headed more north. Urban Compass is newer company that looks to connect those looking for NYC Apartments to their perfect place and neighborhood based on their personality and they’re starting a new project called Starter Stories.  At one point in my life I was definitely in a New York state of mind.  But truthfully speaking, I’ve grown accustomed to the southern lifestyle and  totally acclimated to small town living.  Whitmire, SC may not be among the best place list, but it’s the best “kept secret” little town and a place we call home. Over the years, I’ve taken this  100 years old home on  the Wallace Journey of making this starter house our permanent home.  In Jersey, we didn’t have a backyard with grass, so I couldn’t wait to get started and take the empty backyard from this:

To this:

Oh-the countless hours I spent making flower beds around the house.  I had no clue about gardening or making landscapes.  I was a brick-city girl and closest thing I was to gardening was having a few houseplants.  I amazed myself on how I blossomed into a gardener with “some skills”.  Another project that I enjoyed was taking that clutter closet from dead space to a valuable “Office” space was truly a rewarding moment.  I always wanted an office and this was perfect.

After 2 attempts of getting the right color and look for our dining room, I finally found the look I love and was so proud of it that I entered it in a contest.

I could go on about the home’s makeover history  (you can click the link) but you all know how I like to keep things short and simple.  Opening the boutique was definitely a highlight that made this year a little more special.  Moving here not only changed my address, but it also changed my life.  So making country home has actually been a pretty good life.

So you see, our house is small, no mansion for a millionaire, but there is room for love and there is room for friends… That’s all I care.

But, if I ever decide to “break bad” and move back up north I’ll definitely contact Urban Compass to let them help me find the right place.  Here’s wishing you wonderful happiness in your home..