Pretty much anything along the Ogunquit Beach is mesmerizing including the wooden bridges to the river off the beach. I captured this photo during my sunset walk.

Thank you for following my journey.
#MelissaINNMaine ...

The power of social media. I know it gets a bad wrap because some of what's shared is harsh and hurtful. But I thank social sharing for meeting people like Lisa.

She found me through my friend Jennifer @jenniferdimplesandtangles and started following my #MelissaINNMaine journey. She booked a stay at my Inn with her husband to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Imagine my joy when she checked in and said she was in Ogunquit because of me!

Everyday unveils new surprises, experiences and reflections. I love what I'm doing and so proud of myself for stepping into the unknown.

Thank you Lisa for making me the happiest innkeeper in the world. ...

Breakfast is served! Look at my adorable monogrammed #MelissaINNMaine apron from my former co-workers. I keep all my stuff in the pockets. It's fun to wear it while I serve our daily breakfasts at the Inn!

I'm still sending out batches of postcards from Maine. If you want to be added to the list click on the link in my bio.

Thank you for following my journey! ...

So much to celebrate this weekend. Twenty-five years ago I promised to love Doug and I thank God everyday He helped us find each other.

Time flies when you're having fun. Our life together has had its share of sorrows but there's always a rainbow guiding us to happy times and hopefully another 25!🌈 ...

𝗠𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲. Each day I learn or do something new as #MelissaINNMaine I say to myself, but mostly outloud, "I love this the best!"

Well, this morning as I strolled our beautiful gardens picking forsythia and daffodils to make posies for our dining tables I felt the peace of knowing this is good for me. Some days there are growing pains but there are more moments of joy and happiness.

Thank you for following my journey 🦞

Melissa INN Maine. ...

The flowers in the village are bursting with color. I love these Jonquils with their sunny orange centers. I picked this for a guest who checked in last night.

The New England spring lasts much longer than what we are used to in Texas. Many rainy days and milder temps will bring us a glorious garden. I can't wait to make bouquets for our guests to enjoy during their stay. ...

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁! I worked my first breakfast service today. It was so fun hosting our guests - a group of precious gals from the south! It made me feel all warm and fuzzy meeting them.

We served a new addition to our menu - chocolate biscuits with orange butter and fudge sauce. Isn't the presentation stunning!

Thanks for following my journey #MelissaINNMaine. ...

𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀. I feel my mother's spirit everywhere but especially here in Ogunquit.

When I was little I would accompany Mother on her early morning walks on the beach when we'd vacation in Galveston. Holding my hand in hers she'd say, "If you want to collect the finest shells you must get up very early each morning before they are all picked over by the shell seekers.”

I remembered her message as I walked the beach early one morning last week. I have a new blog post up sharing more memories of my parents and the lessons I'm learning now. Link in the bio to read.

Thank you for following my journey.

Melissa INN Maine🦞 ...

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁. I found this beautiful Japanese teacup yesterday in a thrift store while I was exploring my new neighborhood.

I decided to up-cycle my treasure into an Easter basket with a twist. I filled it with grass, chocolate covered eggs and adorable @lindt_usa chicks and sheep.

Gift someone by wrapping it in cellophane with a ribbon or place cups on the table as a treat for your guests.

Happy 🐣 Easter and to new beginnings. ...

𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲. It's been almost two weeks since I made Maine my seasonal home. This little spot is right outside my room. I brought my treasures to sprinkle the space with the familiar.

Everyday is a new adventure. I'm in a new season of my life leaning into the unfamiliar, recognizing the gifts of change, navigating relationships. It's scary somethings, but I'm stretching my wings.

Hop onto Insta LIVE tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern to chat and catch up. I can't wait to see you! ...

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. Who wouldn't want to sit here? I found the faux grass placemats @daiso_usa and added the little sheep from my Easter decor box. The finishing touch is always a pretty linen napkin from @amyhowardhome. Fill in with heirloom carrots from @traderjoes and Peter Rabbit will stop by for sure.

Link in my bio to shop my Instagram for the gingham melamine plates and napkin rings. ...

𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲!
Melissa INN Maine - episode one. Join me and my special guest, Mr. Twist on Facebook LIVE Thursday night at 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Bring your sip and we'll dish on all the exciting things we are planning for opening day on April 29 when you book your stay - a commemorative gift in your room, a special Texas-themed sip and a welcome party! Think girl friend, an anniversary surprise or a working vacation! Link in bio to book your stay.

See you Thursday! #melissainnmaine ...

𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝘆, 𝗜 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗷𝗼𝗯! I can't believe I'm in Ogunquit, Maine working with this awesome team @thetrellishouse.

We celebrated my first day with bubbly @coastal.wine for their opening of the new season. Hop over to my stories to see my walk into town and on the beach this chilly Saturday.

Come see me! Link in the bio to book a stay. I'm a Mainer y'all! #melissainmaine ...

𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮. Ogunquit, Maine is my happy place. I will be standing in front of this gorgeous property next week! Pinch me.

The award-winning Trellis House is where I first stayed many years ago. Sophisticated flair, Maine charm, laid back garden-meets-beach luxury and named by Trip Advisor as the ninth best B&B/Inn in the USA. 

Next door is their newest property The Blue Shutters Inn & Studios. That's where I will live until November - steps away from the ocean.

I'll share more soon. In the meantime visit @thetrellishouse to book your stay so I can give you a hug. I'm a Mainer y'all! ...

"𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔; 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅." 𝑬.𝑽.

As the sun sets today so does the end of my 25-year career at TCU. I'm the luckiest girl to have worked with the best team and met so many wonderful alumni along the way.

These gorgeous flowers graced the table at my retirement party. Designed by @twigandpistil they are a work of art. I'm humbled, blessed and content. Thank you TCU. ...

𝗠𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲. In less than a week I'm starting my new adventure as an Innkeeper in Ogunquit, Maine.

The gorgeous living area and welcoming fireplace is just one of the exquisite features of the 120-year old Blue Shutters Inn. Newly renovated and under new ownership, I can't wait to share this place and the people who fill my heart with joy! Be sure to follow me and @thetrellishouse for the fun!

Book your stay for opening day April 29 with a special welcome gift and party planned just for our inaugural guests. @thetrellishouse #melissainmaine ...

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗣. Are you a fan of these boluses of extreme sugar?

They sure make for a fun addition to a springtime flower centerpiece. Happy first week of spring! ...

𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗹𝘆! Nothing says welcome to my home like a fun doormat. Our springtime weather has me giddy.

I can't wait to see all the pretty blooms of spring. I loved putting together these small posies of yellow and blue.

I'll be heading to Maine soon and I can't wait to share the gardens surrounding @thetrellishouse.

Link in my bio to shop my Instagram. ...

𝗧𝗲𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀. I started collecting Franciscan Desert Rose last year when I shopped estate sales. I was drawn to the vintage pattern, but more so because I like to imagine the women who loved setting their tables, serving Sunday suppers and making memories.

I gathered some goodies from @hurleyhouse and made a pot of Earl Gray tea. My girlfriends gathered by the fire and we talked for hours about life, children, joys and sorrows.

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea.” – Bernard-Paul Heroux ...

My gorgeous #chinoiseriechic Easter Eggs handpainted by my dear artist friend @catherinewhite.art. The colors pop in my milk glass pedestal bowl.

Catherine is offering a limited supply of her collectible eggs in time for Easter. Hop over to her feed to connect. ...

𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲! Pinch me, I'm heading to Maine for a seasonal gig as an Innkeeper in Ogunquit, Maine at the award-winning Trellis House Properties @thetrellishouse.

I'll be helping to manage The Blue Shutters Inn & Studios - a historical 100-year old Inn newly renovated, with all the charm included, and our modern studios perfect for the independent traveler. Stunning views of the ocean, steps away from The Marginal Way, and walking distance to a quaint town full of shopping, art galleries, history and lobster! You must book a stay!

The next seven months I will share a behind-the-scenes view of running an Inn, making new friends and gorgeous snaps of this gorgeous state.  Home with a Twist will go with me as I share my first season of Melissa Inn Maine.

Please stay and follow the fun here and @thetrellishouse. I'm a Mainer y'all! 🦞 ...

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. I can't wait to share it with you on March 2. I keep pinching myself that I get to start a new adventure made just for me!

I'd love for you to join me in celebrating the new launch of my third act. There's a few ways you can follow me here, sign up to receive weekly joyfilled news on my blog or subscribe to my You Tube channel. All these links are in my bio.

Thank you to my treasured and talented photographer @rebekahbyrnephotography. We had so much fun shooting new photos @stircrazybakedgoods.

Necklace @designsbylaurelleigh
Ring @keepingupwith.thejoneses
Jacket @elizabethwilsondesigns ...

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 is THE recipe you must have in your brunch lineup. I've been baking this Pioneer Woman recipe for years. It's my daughter's request for every holiday and her birthday. We like to serve it with fresh blueberries.🫐

Filled with butter, cream, and cinnamon and a crumbly topping it's to die for. Head to my bio for the recipe. ...

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿. I'm a cool weather gal. It fills my heart with glee when I hear, "snow day!"

I style my late winter decor with touches of soft greens in anticipation of spring's arrival. But, I love color, too. Piles of coffee table books on a stool from @fortworththewait, a mug of coffee and a fire are my delights today.

Curate what makes you the happiest! ...

I can't wait for the snow headed our way tonight. While I sit cozy by the fire I'm elated I am in the company of lovely, talented women who have invited me as their guest host celebrating tablescapes, home decor and art #homedecorandart.

Please take a moment to visit the hosts and their stunning accounts filled with creativity, southern hospitality and gracious living:

@diga_linda
@natashaloveslilly
@thefrenchcountryfarmhouse
@nancysemptynest
@tartanandtable
@grandmillennialmama
@thevintagepagoda
@ondewingcourt
@popofcolorbylindsey
@decorwhimsybyleslie

And follow the #homedecorandart for wonderful inspiration. ...