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.
March 26, 2011 
Erdem's super sweet, ballet inspired 2011 s/s collection is full of floral and lace. I'm especially loving the dresses in the top left corner and all those Swedish braids! See the runway shots, here.
March 21, 2011 
Ever long for fresh, organic herbs but don't have the money to buy new ones each week from the supermarket? Alas, I've got a solution. Grow your own herbs, your favorite herbs and clip what you need, when you need it. No more $5 herbs that wilt in 3 days!
STEP 1: Examine Your Space, Pick your Supplies
Before heading off to the farmers market or nursery, examine your space. How's the weather? Is there much sunlight? Once you've got an idea of the climate visit your local organic herb grower and select your favorite herbs. Stick with 3 - 5 different plants (depending on the size of your container) and choose herbs that grow well together. For example, we chose Oregano, Rosemary and Thyme because they all have similar watering needs, shorter roots and can tolerate hot summer weather. Another group that grows well together - Basil, Cilantro and Parsley - are all moisture-loving herbs with longer roots.
Based on the amount and/or type of herbs you've selected, choose your pot. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole and a tray for catching water. Since our pot was shallow, we purchased a few terra cotta feet to prop it up off the ground.
STEP 2: Add the Soil, then the Herbs
Fill your pot about 3/4's of the way, leaving room room for extra coverage after you add your plants. (Note: If you are planting moisture loving herbs, add a little water to your soil now). Dig a hole for your first herb, remove it from the container and place in the hole. Repeat for the rest of your herbs.
STEP 3: Cover the Root Balls with Soil + Add Organic Fertilizer
Once all herbs have been potted, add about an inch of soil to the tops of the root balls, filling the remain 1/4 of your pot. We also added some organic fertilizer beads to support growth. You should be able to find these at your local nursery when you get your plants.
STEP 4: Water
Be sure and water at least once a day, maybe more depending on your climate and your herbs.
Have any questions? Feel free to ask!
Photos by Mary Stonecypher
March 21, 2011 
Makr is one of those great shops that makes you do a double take when you find out they operate right in your back yard. Winter Park is lucky to have a company with such an authentic style and pure philosophy.
p.s. I'm convinced this rucksack of theirs, would perfect for summer travels.
photo by Jason Gregory of Makr Carry Goods
March 5, 2011 
This year I turned 25, and decided to treat myself to an intimate beach-side dinner party!
I used an old white sheet for the table cloth and a mix of red geraniums and pink roses for centerpieces. The napkins and table runner were both sewn by me with fabric from here. My mom was kind enough to bring the table, plates + silver!
Our menu included caesar salad with fresh locally-grown romaine and homemade dressing, paired with locally raised grilled chicken and shrimp. It was healthy, easy to pack and delicious.
CREDITS: Styling, Photos + Concept by Me (Mary Stonecypher), fabric for linens and runner from Ikea, geraniums from the Winter Park Farmers Market, roses generously + coincidentally a birthday gift from my co-workers, sparkling apple juice from Whole Foods, local chicken from the Co-Op, local romaine from the Audubon Park Community Market
See the inspiration for this project here and more images on my flickr
March 5, 2011 
Just did a little apartment shopping and got this handy catach-all basket for my bedroom.
Basket hunt inspired by Chelsea
March 5, 2011 
Can't get over the packaging. So simple, so sweet. For purchase, here.
;)