Be Colorful Coastal

Latest Loves April 2023

 

It has been a while since I did a Latest Loves post here on Be Colorful Coastal, but to stay in the loop just scroll down to see a blast of my recent favorite things.

 

For starters, this is a fun read that you won't regret adding to your TBR stack.

Plus, this book is on sale this week in ebook form on Amazon for only $1.99!

 

 

What an unexpected delight. I was reading this novel on an airplane and found myself in that awkward moment of realizing I was gut laughing out loud and attracting a raised eyebrow or two from my fellow passengers. But as humorous as this book is, it also has a message about grief and moving forward. I was surprised by the layers in this book. It is more than just a funny story about a gay uncle whose young niece and nephew move in with him for the summer. At first glance, the guncle is hoping to help them move through their loss but as it turns out they are also able to help him finally find some closure and recovery too. In three words: I loved it.

Five stars.

available here

 

Next, I want to share (and brag) about the over-the-top clever idea my daughter came up with

 with to celebrate our granddaughter's third birthday...

Welcome to Mastering 3,

otherwise known as a Master's golf tournament birthday party.

 

 

The attention to detail is incredible and made this event so much fun.

She had the golf-inspired centerpiece shown above for the table and this one for the buffet island.

 

 

The Master's colors with a little pink and the number three thrown in on repeat were delightful.

I am so impressed by these adorable and delicious Master's themed cookies that she made herself. She didn't get that skill from her mama.

Our little three-year-old doesn't like cake but loves donuts so these green-sprinkled mini donuts were the perfect addition.

 

 

My daughter even researched the foods that are served at the tournament and incorporated them into the menu.

I love the green sandwich bags and the egg salad and pimento cheese labels. It was another one of those fun and something extra details that made this party so unique.

Click here for more of her incredible inspo.

 

 

What inspired me design-wise this month?

Two different images jumped out at me recently. This first one has the vibes and colors of our empty-nester home up north.

 

 

discovered here

I love that rug, the design colors, the black shiplap wall, the chandy, and that cocktail table/ottoman.

I am embracing that they didn't find the need to add books or a tray of tchotchkes to it. 

 

This next image inspires me for our Florida home. I already have a piece of art above our fireplace that was my jumping-off point for our living room but I am swooning over the green bases under the modern chinoiserie planters and the layered effect of those Asian-influenced sconces. The dashes of colors that were pulled from the artwork are design genius. I'm a total fangirl of this look.

discovered here

 

But what is a home without some accessories to trick it out?

This winter we received a couple of these eco-friendly Geometry brand kitchen towels from our daughter and son-in-law and although I loved the fun colorful designs, I didn't really appreciate them until we actually put the tea towels to use. They are super absorbent and dry quickly. All of the Geometry products are sustainable and made from recycled materials and according to the website, each kitchen towel is equal to 3.5 recycled water bottles.

 

 

Not only are they functional but their designs are contemporary and add an element of style to a humble product. How appropriate are these two patterns for our Florida home? 

 

You can purchase them here.

 

I have been struggling with how to add some additional ambient lighting to our lanai where we have a limited number of outlets. Recently these stunning rechargeable battery-powered lamps showed up in my Instagram feed. How DO they know? LOL.  I was hesitant to order them because I was worried they might have that hideous cool white glow but no, they add a wonderfully soft and adjustable warm-hued glow. I like them so much that I am thinking about adding two more in either gold or black to the inside of our home.

 

 

Solariko rechargeable cordless lamps. Available here.

 

Those of you that follow Be Colorful Coastal know my obsession with throw pillows. Etsy shops have become my go-to when I am looking for new pillow covers and that is where I found my latest little lovely.

 

This shop does such a nice job of finishing. I really like a corded edge like this one has.

available here

 

 

Then there were the style influences that inspired me.

This gold tote from Tom Ford made my Handbags That Take My Breath Away Pinterest board. 

 

available here

 

And this more down-to-earth option was an actual add-to-cart purchase.

I loved the color and the fact that they are a budget-friendly summer option.

find them here.

 

Another recent great find is this firming facial cleanser from boscia. I have used and liked other products from this company in the past but this is my newest fave.

 

 

It smells nice and has a cooling sensation. You can feel it firming but it isn't drying.

available here

 

My latest love nail color?

It has to be Zoya's Lola. It is a perfect happy shade for Spring.

 

available here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom Is Living Her Best Life; Independent Senior Living

 

 

 

 

Meet my mom.

 

Yesterday I wrote about the decision my mom made to move to an independent-living retirement community and showcased the stunning facility and all of the amenities and activities that it offered. Today I wanted to drill down further and feature my mom's individual unit. Retirement living sure isn't what it used to be: It is so much better!

 

 

Most facilities have several floor plans to choose from and my mom went with one of the larger apartment units.

 

This floor plan has a nice foyer with a wall niche and a coat closet. Having this designated entry space makes it feel that much more like a traditional home. 

 

 

 

The great room, with its multiple windows, is carpeted at one end and is large enough to allow for modest entertaining.

 

 

 

 

My mom has some great design elements that showcase her flair and style. One of my favorite pieces is this lifesize dog.

 

 

 

The fireplace is a nice upgrade and we have had fun accessorizing it. The piece to the left of the fireplace is the baptismal font that was used to baptize my brother and our youngest son. When the decision was made to rebuild their church, my parents were able to bring this little piece of history into their home. I'm so glad she still has it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The kitchen area has wood floors and features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a small dishwasher, an oven, and a microwave.

 

 

This little corner of the kitchen was the perfect spot for a small cabinet. Not only does it make for a pretty vignette area, but the extra storage it provides for wine glasses and corkscrews for those happy hours down the hall, is perfect.

 

 

 

This apartment has a small den area that my mom uses as an office and a landing area for her bookcases and books.

 

 

 

 

Mom went with the two-bedroom floor plan but she uses the second bedroom as a den and a place to watch television.

 

 

 

Her bedroom features a spacious attached bath and a walk-in closet.

It has been almost two years since my mom made the choice to sell her condo and opt for an independent-living retirement community. As you would expect, there are days when she misses her condo but the friends she has made, the worry-free lifestyle and all of the amenities that this option offers far outweigh any negatives. I'm so glad she found this beautiful place she calls home.

Senior Living Isn't What It Used To Be

 

It has been almost two years since my mom decided to sell her condo and move into an independent senior living community. It was totally her decision and I know how lucky that makes me and that it made this transition easier for both of us. 

 

Still, I had mixed thoughts about this move. For starters, when we started thinking about a move it was 2021 and although my mom had been vaccinated for Covid I was still wary of a resurgence and lockdowns. She was also still active and driving. Was this move happening too soon?

 

But Mom was anxious to visit this Grand Living facility and so, in March of 2021, we took our first tour.

 

 

I had already looked at a couple of independent senior options near our home in Florida and I knew from that experience to expect impressive entrances.

Grand Living did not disappoint. In fact, it surpassed everything I had seen in Florida.

The towering stone fireplace is a head-turner and the casual decor reflects a homey Midwest style that feels comfortable and familiar.

 

 

 

What I didn't expect were so many other amenities.  The design and attention to detail at Grand Living, which was strongly influenced by the Ritz Carlton style concept, took the idea of senior living and elevated it to a whole new standard.

 

Across the hall from the living room is this stunning library. 

 

 

Another fireplace, tasteful seating, a puzzle table, and that ceiling... Wow! The ceiling treatment was created to reinforce the concept that books are windows to the world. Lovely.

 

 

 

 

If you turn left off of the main lobby you will pass the mail area. You would think this would be a mundane space but even the mail room is pretty! It reminds me of an elegant and high-end apartment building in the city.

 

 

 

Go further down this wing and you will find physical therapy rooms, massage rooms, telehealth rooms, a fitness center, and even a hair and nail salon!

 

 

 

 

Cardio classes, yoga, balance classes, and even virtual pedaling classes are available for residents interested in keeping fit.

 

 

 

 

Outdoors there is a terrific patio area with pastoral views and a walking trail.

 

 

 

But it doesn't end there.

Grand Living also boasts three different dining room options; a casual dining area, a more formal venue, and the Bistro which is a great place to grab a salad, soup, or sandwich and watch the game                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

The idea was that the residents would have choices of where and what they felt like eating. But, like so many other businesses, staffing has been a major issue, and serving the residents in multiple dining rooms has proven to be a challenge. The Bistro is currently only available on certain evenings and by reservation only. Still, when available, it is a great option. Hopefully, the staffing issues will soon be resolved.

 

Cafe Linn

 

formal dining

 

 

 

There are multiple meeting rooms, a large event room, and a chapel but one of my favorite spots is the Legends Lounge on the top floor. This is where some of the real fun begins with Happy Hours, movies, and smaller group celebrations.

 

 

 

The residents can even have their own liquor locker!

 

 

 

This is all so totally different from the assisted living setup that my grandma experienced and at the time we thought that was incredible. But, the concept of having so many amenities right on campus is definitely appealing and much more common now.  There is a shuttle van available to transport residents to numerous outings such as grocery stores, Target, the mall, and cultural events. Plus, Grand Living offers the free option to reserve a town car for personal appointments.

 

Are you amazed? Wait until you see my mom's apartment. It is gorgeous! This is a sneak peek but sign up for Be Colorful Coastal emails or follow Be Colorful Coastal on Instagram to see the second part of this post featuring my mom's apartment.