Hi I'm MARY, a floral designer, gardener and interior stylist based in Winter Park, Florida. My husband Tim (the city's Sustainability Officer) and I are currently working on our first major home renovation to our 1970's cottage in the heart of Winter Park. Sustainable living and simplicity are the driving forces behind our passions and design philosophies.
You can see my flower work at marymaslow.com and follow my renovation and gardening adventures on instagram, @marystonecypher.
February 5, 2011 ;)
Some of my favorite interior and architectural elements exist in these pictures:
;)
images from Skona Hem
January 30, 2011 ;)
Although some elements were a wee bit over the top, I love the fresh ideas from this wedding. Picnic weddings are beyond adorable to begin with, but throw in the affordability factor and it's almost a no brainer!
;)
Gather your favorite comfy white blankets and colorful oversized pillows, stop by the market (or meadow if one is near by) and get a few small pails of seasonal flowers, pack your favorite picnic foods and drinks in vintage baskets, craft a few favors the weekend before, like monogrammed colored kites (pictured here) and plop down on some wide open green space. Host the ceremony under a nearby tree and have guests stand or sit on blankets. Keep it all in your color scheme and you've got your self an incredibly memorable, personally themed affair!
images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings
January 8, 2011 
Wouldn't this be perfect for a birthday invitation? I have one coming up. If I decide to have a small party I think I might give it a shot.
Menu by Cynthia Warren
January 8, 2011 
There are a few things in particular that are making me happy this winter.
Clockwise from top left:
"Invisible Cities" by Italo Calvino. I've become quite obsessed with the planning, architecture and functionality of good cities & towns, lately. This promises to be a classic, I can't wait to get started on it.
Holiday Lilly Sweater. The subtle bell shape and mock neck give it such cute girlish charm.
Mid-Calf Leather Boots. The Roper Boot (pictured above) is darling, but I think I might end up giving into this pair from J. Crew (once marked down of course!).
Bewick Scarf. Angora wool fresh from a 200 year old British mill - what's not to love?
January 8, 2011 
So I'm a bit late on this post, but what's else is new. I'm happy to report that I saw my very first, snowfall (ever!) Christmas night, and, much to my delight, woke up to a blanketed landscape the morning after. Such pure, natural beauty, I can't believe I'd never witnessed. I think, one day, I will settled somewhere with seasons. Let's mark that decade resolution number one.
As for the new year, I rounded up a few solid resolutions for myself:
1. Travel. I will travel somewhere new - at least one weekend out of every month. Even if it's just a place here in Florida that I've yet to happen upon. It's important to see new places and meet new people, so I'll do my best not to compromise on this one.
2. Photo. Okay - I've had that SLR for almost a year now. It's time to learn how to take better photos. I've been thinking of taking this class, let me know if you have any other good suggestions!
3. Local Food. I've been a member of our local food Co-Op for quite a while, but haven't taken advantage of it enough. So, this year I'm making an effort to order from them each week, buying what's in season and in my budget - even if it means eating a lot less meat and a lot more veggies. It's better for me, the environment, the animals and the farmers.
4. Keep Blogging! Yes, I tend to fall on and off this wagon when life gets a little too hectic, but in all honesty I truly do enjoy blogging. So, while I've contemplated closing up shop, it surly won't happen this year!
5. Creative Projects. This one sort of ties in to #4. I'm making a goal to do and share at least one creative project per month - starting with January.
What are some of your goals this year? I'd love to hear them!
Photos taken by Me, more here.
December 21, 2010 
Well, it seems that 2010 has more or less come and gone. I've had a blur of a Fall, but enjoyed taking time to enjoy the simpler things in life. I will, hopefully, be back into the swing of things (or my new version of the swing of things) at the start of the new year. Thank you very much to all of those who sent thoughtful inquires and emails during my hiatus, and sorry if I haven't gotten a chance to get back to you yet!
- M
p.s. Enjoy the rest of your holiday season!
image by Emerson Merrick (love her blog!)
October 7, 2010 
Hello readers! If you have a moment, please join me in welcoming my newest sponsor, Poppy House Pottery. This delightful line of hand painted, handmade pottery is crafted with the finest earthenware clay and food safe glazes. All pieces are one of a kind and last a lifetime. I especially love the 'Just a Little Blush' bowl (pictured) and the 'Beatuy in Blue and White' bowl. See more pieces by visiting their shop, here or convo them on etsy for a custom request.