Sara Brown's Blog (13)

When it comes to home-design preference, we all have a different idea of the size and style of house that will perfectly suit our lifestyle. But no matter our tastes and needs, there's one thing we can all agree on: We all want to build a home that will go easy on our pocketbooks in the long run and maybe, just maybe, go easy on the planet as well.

Enter the…

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After Mike's post last week, we were lucky enough to have four straight days of GORGEOUS weather here in northern Virginia. Sure, it's back to 50 degrees and drizzle now, but if this past weekend was any indication of what we have to look forward to, something tells me Old Man Winter is on his way out. It's about time!



To celebrate the warm temps and beautiful sunshine, my husband and I spent… Continue

Well folks, in just five days we'll finally be able to say buh-bye to winter and officially welcome the spring season! But, here at Home Buyer Publications, we've already started working on our summer issues of the magazines, which means that we're spending our days writing about some of my favorite things: weekend cabins, beautiful back yards, gardening and landscaping, and summer vacations spent with family and friends. You know, all that great stuff that made you want to… Continue

How cool are these bowls from Loyal Loot Collective? I love the contrast of the modern, high-gloss centers and the reclaimed-bark exteriors (from fallen trees down due to infrastructure, re-landscaping, droughts or stormy weather). You can find the bowls online at Rose and Radish and… Continue

I've said it before and I'll say it again—you'll never find a more enthusiastic bunch than log home lovers!



Just wanted to send a quick "thank you" to everyone that's contributed to our new forum, From the Editors. Not only did we get some great responses about DIY projects, but many of you sent in ideas for other topics to be… Continue

As much as I hate to admit it, summer is officially over in just 13 days. But, with the changing of the seasons comes three of my favorite things: the brisk fall weather, college football and the beginning of a new year.



That's right, in the world of magazines, we start the new year in September. And a new year means an opportunity to add fresh ideas and stories to the pages of Log Home Design and… Continue

Sure, I've only been an editor at Log Home Design for four years, but I've been a log home lover for life—and it's easy to see why. Whether it's a mammoth lodge in the Rockies or a cozy cabin in the woods, there's an undeniable strength and warmth that radiates from log homes. Not to mention, the spectacular settings that seem to always go hand-in-hand with log home living....it all definitely makes you wonder why you'd ever build with… Continue

In the August issue of Log Home Design, we featured the new line of planet-friendly furniture from Groovy Stuff. The rustic-inspired collection is perfect for log homes, and what's even better: They've recently begun the process of complying with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standard, with the goal of achieving… Continue

As crazy as it sounds, one of the reasons I love my annual week at the beach is the five-hour drive down to North Carolina. Sure, I usually have to battle Washington's rush hour, but I really don't mind the traffic. By that point I'm in the car, iPod plugged in, air conditioning on—I'm on my way!



And once I get going, I simply cruise along and enjoy the scenery. I don't make phone calls or listen to books on tape. Instead, I simply watch the world go by. But this year was a little… Continue

Summer's right around the corner, which means my annual trip to my family's Montana cabin is quickly approaching and trust me, it can't get here fast enough. Nestled along the banks of East Rosebud Lake (this photo captures the view from our back porch), my grandparents' little log cabin has been the place where my family has made memories for the past twenty-five years. Sure, there was a time when it pained me to leave my friends to spend two weeks roughin' it in the… Continue

As I've told you before, I'm definitely a fan of all things small. Cozy abodes with little nooks and crannies, perfect for curling up on the couch with a big down comforter and a Meg Ryan movie—I can't think of anything better. Still, there is such thing as too small. Take my current apartment for example. At 490 square feet, the space feels cramped—and that's just when I'm there. Add my husband and 60-pound pup to the equation and it can be downright claustrophobic.



But… Continue

Ask anyone I know, and they'll tell you that it’s no secret that I’ve long been a fan of all things tiny. From miniature condiments to miniature ponies (I met some while on my trip to Texas), it’s true that great things really do come in small packages.



And one of my all-time favorite things in the whole wide wee world? Tiny houses. From cozy cottages to the Tumbleweed houses (some come as small as 70 square feet), I just love the… Continue

I'm not the best flyer.



Actually, that's an understatement. I hate everything about flying. From the moment I step foot in the airport to the time I grab my bags at my final destination, I'm basically a complete wreck. Sleeping on the plane? Not an option. Reading a book? Not possible. Even my go-to guilty pleasure (trash mags, packed with celebrity gossip) can't keep me occupied. In fact, the entire time on the plane I can only focus on one thing: Landing.



With that said,… Continue