Be Colorful Coastal

Modern Chinoiserie Table Top

 

I love the Palm Beach design vibe and I wanted to incorporate it into my tabletop theme for our progressive dinner last weekend, but I didn't want it to look dated or cliche. I was looking for more of an updated take on this classic theme and here is where my search took me...

 

 

It was time to change things up a bit. As you can see by the photo below, my choices are slightly challenged by my vibrantly patterned dining chairs but not as much as you would think.

 

 

I like to mix patterns and feel like a different scale of floral, a stripe, or a geometric print work beautifully with the chairs.  

 

 

That runner wasn't even meant to be a runner, I bought it to go across the bottom of a bed but it was one of those times when I didn't have time to do anything but shop my house and came up with that look. I liked it and have used it while entertaining for the last year. But now I was ready to switch things up for something lighter.

 

 

 

The table runner and napkins can be purchased here.

The place cards were something I created on the computer using PicMonkey

 

 

The white and gold bamboo chargers can be found here.

I added a gold vinyl placemat to the chargers to give some contrast with my white plates.

 

I also wanted to change up the centerpiece. With eight place settings and the large chargers, I wanted to keep it minimal and low so we wouldn't be talking through candles or flowers. I love these glass stem holders that I found at Horse Of A Different Color. I bought two of them and added a low bowl-style candleholder in the center of the table for a bit of evening glow.

 

 

The progressive dinner was so much fun. We will be doing it again in September. I'm already thinking ahead for what my design plan will be then.. (insert winking face).

 

Colorful Table Top Concepts

Colorful Tabletop Options For Our Florida Home

 

Last week I hosted a book group here at the house and realized that my linen choices were ready for a refresh. I love a banana leaf print, but I'm getting a little tired of this one. I want another option.

 

 

 

This is our dining room. As you can see, I am not afraid of color or mixing patterns.

 

 

This dining room set was left by the previous homeowner. It was well made but was too dark and traditional for my Florida vision.  I decided to have the table and chair frames painted and then reupholstered the chairs in two vibrant fabrics.

 

 

I love the unexpectedness that this set creates but it does require a bit more thought when pulling together table linens.

That said, every colorful design also needs a place for the eyes to rest. For me, it is white dishes. My mom told me that food always looks good on white and I listened to her. 

 

 

This home was purchased as our second residence so that required buying everything new. It was overwhelming. I only wanted to purchase one set of dishes so I needed something that could check a casual and slightly more formal box. 

The gray dining table, like the dishes, has the same calming effect and I typically go with a table runner instead of a full tablecloth. It lets the table shine through and makes the setting feel a bit more casual.

 

 

I bought these Jaye Studio chargers last year and I still haven't used them because my dishes are also white. To have a contrast between the dinner plate and the charger I need to either paint the centers of these or find another smaller charger or round placemat that will fit inside the gold bamboo-style rim. In my head, it looks amazing.

 

 

find them here

 

Now that I've started looking at new linens, I know I want to make a statement. 

Bring on the corals and bold floral prints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe a stripe combined with a modern twist on a damask...

 

 

 

 

I also love this classic trellis and pair it with a coastal shell pattern.

 

 

But why limit my choices to the only corals?

 

 

I love the contrast with the green.

 

 

 

Bringing in blue is another thought...

 

 

 

 

 

 But it isn't just about the color. I also like to consider different design vibes like this colorful casual look

 

 

or this eclectic combo that I like to call the Matisse Collection.

 

It is so hard to decide!

Do you have a favorite look?

 

The solid napkins can be found on Amazon- here and here.

The green and white bamboo print placemat and napkins are available on Etsy from 33YellowClouds

The jade-green solid runner is from House of Burlap and can be purchased here.

All other napkins and table runners can be purchased on Etsy from Spoonflower Home

Happy shopping!

As for me, I have some decisions to make before participating in a progressive dinner next month. 

 

 

A Fresh Look For This Beachy Guest Bath

 

It doesn't look like an eighteen-month project, but it was.

Primarily because of labor shortages, but also because of supply chain issues, this modest bathroom update became an extended lesson in patience.

When we purchased the home it still had the gold-framed sliding shower doors, brown tile, a contractor-grade synthetic countertop, and a ubiquitous big-box store light fixture.

This space was a yawn.

 

 

 

 

In 2017 we were tackling numerous projects throughout this new-to-us house and our budget was stretched thin, so we decided to only update the most glaring design misses in the bathrooms. 

We started by changing out the offending countertop with a remnant of Taj Mahal granite and giving the existing vanity a fresh coat of paint.

The tiled floor was replaced with a beachy-vibed engineered wood that was installed on the diagonal and an upgraded light fixture also helped to give this bathroom a fresher look.

But removing the metal-framed shower doors and replacing them with a glass enclosure was the changeup that seemed to elevate this space the most. It was surprising how much larger it made the room look.  

 

 

For some reason, probably a Pinterest-inspired moment, I decided to have the ceiling painted a soft coral. I don't know why, but about a year later I noticed that the paint was fading around the canned lights in the ceiling. And the reality of that color didn't match the vision that had been in my head. It didn't take me long to realize that the result looked rather kitschy.

 

 

 

Jumping forward three years, most of the other bigger projects in the house were complete and we decided it was time to revisit the guest bathrooms. It was the beginning of 2020 when we called our contractor. Our timing was impeccable. 

 

 

We were toying with the idea of a move to another home in our development so, again, we wanted to stay within a budget but get the most impact from the dollars spent.

This round of upgrades would involve changing out the tile in the shower. I was thinking of resale so I wanted to keep it very neutral. I also have a lot of color throughout the house and I wanted a more sophisticated and clean look here.

 

 

We started looking at tiles in July 2020 but we didn't get an installer here until February 2021.

 

 

 

The ceilings in this room are twelve feet high and although we weren't going to take the tile to the ceiling, we wanted it to go up higher than the old tile had gone. The higher tile dwarfed the mirror (one thing always leads to another), so we decided to replace it with a larger piece of glass that would also allow for sconces mounted on the mirror itself.

 

We opted to keep the existing vanity but rejuvenate it with new doors. 

 

 

As I saw the new tile going in, I knew I loved it. It is just so much brighter and it reminds me of water and the beach.

 

 

The new shower fixtures and glass were installed

 

 

 

 

 

and the new cabinet doors and hardware finally arrived too.

 

 

We went with a minimalist style for the sconces

 

 

and a simple lantern design for the chandelier.

 

 

 

Then it was finally time to bring back the towels and add some fun personal touches.

I wanted the white and sand colors to be dominant but my love of color couldn't resist bringing in some of the watery blues and greens.

 

 

The framed outgrown swimsuits from Crew and Greer's earlier visit are a fun twist and a memorable beachy addition to this room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It took eighteen months to complete and another ten months for me to write about it. 

 

From this...

 

 

to this...

 

 

I'm still looking for the right rug for this space and with the dramatic increases in home prices here in Florida, we have decided to stay right where we are for now. But check off another project as we work our way through this Florida home.

 

 

tiles:  back walls- Glaciar Wave Glossy 12x36

         side walls - HF Model 10 Glaciar solids 12x36 

 

countertop: Taj Mahal granite

 

flooring: Naturally Aged Wood Floors, The Medallion Collection in Speckled White

 

sconces: Crystorama Lena Collection available here

 

pendant chandelier: polished nickel cage pendant available here

 

framing source: my favorite framer here

 

monogram guest towels: available here

 

 

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. 

 

Ten Tips For The Most Organized Closet Ever!

 

 

I was very ready to right-size to a smaller home. I loved the idea of less maintenance and lower utility bills but I wasn't ready to downsize my wardrobe. This closet was significantly smaller than the closet I was leaving behind but after careful planning and incorporating the right organizational pieces, I am in love with this more compact space.

 

 

My previous closet was actually an extra bedroom that I converted into a large walk-in. It was great. The only problem is that the more space you have, the more things you hold on to and that is exactly what I did. So, like every closet organizer will tell you, I had to go through that whole ditch, donate, or keep routine. But then what? How did I make this smaller space work?

 

These are my ten tips for the most organized closet ever...

 

 

 

I was lucky enough to start with a blank canvas. From there I took my time to really evaluate my needs. What kinds of items did I want to have within easy reach?  What things did I use less frequently? Did I want more hanging space or more shelving? Taking this opportunity to evaluate my needs and to come up with a workable layout resulted in an extremely functional, organized, and attractive closet space. 

 

 

 

 

If you are fortunate, your existing closet setup works for you but if not, because you are renting or not ready to take on a complete closet overhaul, there are still some workable solutions for you here. If you are ready to invest in your closet space, this might be the time to consider changing out what is likely an old contractor-grade and usually bare minimum bar and shelf system for a more optimal and customizable closet solution. Perhaps you would want to hire a closet designer for that or you can take some of the ideas you discover here and head for a big box hardware store. Either way, just keep reading.

 

 

 

After editing out the clothes I no longer wear, I looked at what was remaining in my existing closet and measured out how many linear feet of bar space I was currently using and would need for those items. Then I drilled down further to determine how many feet of bar space I would need for longer things like dresses, long skirts, and pants (I prefer not to fold my pants over the hanger). Next, I figured out how many linear feet for shorter items would be required. These would be hung on upper and lower bars which of course doubles the amount of hanging space that the wall can accommodate.

 

 

 

 

 

Now, this is important. I hang the upper bar a bit higher than normal but not so high that I can't still store items on a shelf above the bar. I have two reasons for doing this:

 

1. If the top bar, on a wall with a top and bottom bar, is hung a bit higher than normal for shorter items like blouses, it prevents longer blouses and shirt tails on the top bar from getting caught in the hangers below. 
2. Dresses, long skirts, and pants hanging together on a single bar hung a bit higher than normal will leave room for storage below. But be sure to leave at least twelve inches above the top bar to allow for totes or shoe boxes.

 

Hanging the bar a bit high gave me room for this Ikea storage piece below.

 

 

 

 

Go vertical to make the most use of your space. Use the area above your top bar for items you use less frequently or for off-season pieces. I use this part of my closet for off-season shoes. 

 

 

 

I also created more room for storage on the adjoining wall by leaving enough room at the top of the shoe cabinet to accommodate these storage cubes. If there is room for a box, basket, or cube, invest in it and make every space work for you.

 

 

 

I'll be honest, I don't have room for all seasons in this closet. But I do have the luxury of a storage closet downstairs. So, the hanging things that have a definite season get changed out twice a year with that other closet.

I do, though, keep all of my shoes and accessories here in this one space. It makes the seasonal turnaround process just that much easier. To do that, I incorporate a few easy solutions. For example, I store my off-season shoes in clear boxes above hanging bars and I label the end of each box with a white marker describing the shoe it contains.

 

shoe boxes: here

 

Marker: here

 

 

The current season's shoes are in an open-shelved shoe case that allows for easy access. When it is time for the seasonal change, I simply bring down the shoes from the clear boxes.  Each box has two shoe descriptions, one on each end. One for Spring and Summer and one for Fall and Winter. I just turn them around with the seasons. This keeps the boxes to a minimum and both seasons are within reach for those years when you think Spring has arrived but oh wait, it's snowing again. If I decide to retire a pair of shoes, the description on the end of these plastic boxes can be scratched off with something like an old credit card and will then be ready to be used again.

 

 

 

 

So off-season shoes go here,

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the current season and everyday shoes are here within easy reach. While those totes up high corral felt fedoras and turtle necks one half of the year and ball caps and summer tees the second half of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

In a standard closet, you will run your closet system from one end to another but when designing a walk-in closet you will need to consider the corners. Oftentimes, closet companies will use curved shelving and bars to make use of the corner space because the width of a clothing hanger doesn't allow for two 45-degree walls to both have hanging space all the way into the same corner. In my closet, I wanted a more open look so I only put hanging bars on two adjoining walls but I still had one corner where these bars would meet. If I ran the bars all the way into that corner, either one bar or the other would have to sacrifice about two feet of hanging space to the other. That didn't work for me so this was my solution.

 

 

 

 

With this corner cabinet, I am using the entire corner from floor to ceiling. I also planned to have the shelves spaced far enough apart to accommodate 12" tote boxes that would hold smaller categories of clothing such as leggings, sleepwear, and hair accessories.

 

 

 

Now all I need are some labels on those totes.

 

 

Adjustable shelves, like these in this shoe case, allow for both high-heel and flat shoe heights.

I was also able to put two shelves at just the right distance from one another to accommodate these Ikea drawer inserts that hold belts and my fur cuffs (which are a great accessory to have for dressing up a plain dress or sweater).

 

 

 

 

 

Drawer inserts are currently only available in grey: here

 

 

Matching hangers create a clean and evenly spaced look that actually motivates me to keep things hung up and looking tidy.

 

 

 

 

I prefer wooden hangers but they do take up a bit more space. So if bar space is at a premium you might want to consider a thinner hanger like these from Mainstay.

The hangers I am using are from Topia and I really like the clean look of them in white. You can purchase them here

 

 

It started with The Home Edit book my daughter bought me several years ago and their concept of grouping things by color. This works especially well in a closet. I hang like items together like skorts, tees, and jackets but within those categories, I have subgroups of color. 

 

 

 

Not only does this system make things even easier to grab but it looks pretty too.

 

When maximizing a smaller closet you need to consider every space and how it can be used for organizing and storage. One of the easiest spaces to incorporate storage into your closet setup is behind your closet doors. With a walk-in closet, the door or doors will open into the closet. Use the wall space behind them and on the back of the doors themselves. I used clear acrylic hooks to hang long necklaces on the wall behind the door.

 

 

 

 

 

I like these clear acrylic hooks for an unobtrusive look.

 

necklace wall hooks: here

 

 

After that picture was taken, I decided to add hooks to the back of the door itself. I don't like the necklaces hung on the door because they bang against the door every time it is opened or closed. Instead, I use this area on the back side of the door to hang scarves and twillies.

 

 

hooks: here

 

If you have a standard wall closet and the doors open into the room, you can still use the inside side of the door for more storage. 

 

photo via Pinterest

 

 

 

As I said earlier, I hung the clothing bar that holds my longer items a bit higher than usual to allow for this Ikea Alex storage piece below.

 

 

 

 

I love this storage cabinet for costume jewelry. Yes, I might need an intervention.

 

 

But this cabinet works perfectly for these small pieces.

 

I measured the interior of the cabinet drawer and then ordered drawer inserts that would best fit the drawers and my storage needs.

Inserts: here

Ikea Alex: here

 

 

This is the fun part. Organizing your clothing by color, and matching hangers will definitely elevate the look of your closet but in this space, I also added an Ikea Lack. Not only does it serve to make use of a small blank wall but it is also a great way to display a few favorite pieces giving the area a curated look. It is a little unexpected and even though it is taking up closet real estate, it somehow makes the space feel more open and special.

 

 

Use it for fragrances or for those special party shoes, stylish hats, or favorite handbags. This is such a versatile, low-cost, and attractive option for additional storage. 

 

 

 

I have a window on one wall of this closet and I didn't want to build cabinetry around it or have hanging bars come up next to it. Instead, I left the area immediately around and below the window open and brought in a vanity table. 

 

 

 

This table is a low-cost addition that I found on the internet during Covid and at the peak of furniture supply-chain issues. It required assembly but it wasn't difficult. In full disclosure, this isn't a highly durable piece of furniture but I love the midcentury look and it is more than sturdy enough for how I am using it.  This is not where I apply my makeup. This is more of a spot to touch up a manicure, jot down a to-do list, or set down my purse when doing the handbag switch out.

Vanity desk: here

 

The fur stool, a Home Goods find, is a feminine touch of glam and the perfect place to sit while putting on those multi-strap shoes with little tiny buckles. You know what I'm talking about. It also makes for the perfect place to sit and admire my totally functional and perfectly organized down-sized closet. 

I hope you discovered something here to take with you as you design your own incredible closet. Take your time and consider how you want to use your space. I'm sure it will be amazing and every time you open that door you will get that ahhhh feeling that just makes us all happy.

 

 

A Big Bold Look For A Small Powder Room

A couple of years ago we rightsized down to a smaller home in the Midwest from our old home just blocks away.  We have never regretted it. This smaller house is a second home for us. After we became Florida residents we recognized that maintaining the large family home we had lived in for over twenty years was much more house than we needed for our visits to see family and friends. The area we were hoping to move to is in high demand and it took us several years to score this property. We were so excited to finally purchase it but when we did we knew we had a major undertaking ahead of us and it would be a take it back to the studs level of remodel.

 

 

When we purchased the home there was a hall bath/laundry room set up. That layout wasn't good or what we wanted. So, after the eventual tear down of the interior walls, we redesigned the floorplan and created two separate rooms; a designated laundry room and this powder room.

 

 

 

I started with black walls using Benjamin Moore's Black Jack paint color.

The vessel sink and brushed gold, wall-mounted faucet were my splurge items. I indulged a bit here because these are impact elements that are not only seen but also functional.

 

 

 

To keep the costs within my budget I went with a quartz remnant for the countertop and a scaled-back version of my dream vanity cabinet.

And that mirror? It is a Hobby Lobby mirror purchased with a 40% off coupon. #winning

 

The black and white Kate Spade sconces were also less than you might expect.

 

 

The vanity, though, gave me a few sleepless nights. I thought I had found the perfect piece but when I priced it out, I was shocked to learn that just that one cabinet would consume twenty percent of my cabinet budget for the entire house!  I'll admit it, I like nice things. My husband says he is going to put that quote on my tombstone. LOL  But, obviously, I had to rethink that vanity choice. I am glad I did because I am very happy with the much more reasonably priced floating cabinet I found from Dura Supreme. My guess is that because it is a divided cabinet with two doors instead of drawers the cost was considerably less. I do think that the textured doors and metallic paint finish help to lend this vanity a more upscale look.

 

 

 

Adding the simple gold European-style bar hardware brought in just enough bling for this clean-lined vanity cabinet. 

 

Moving from a larger more traditional home to a smaller home with a more open floor plan and fewer walls left me with a bit of a good conundrum. Where to put all the art? Well, some of it ended up right here in the powder room. I think the black and white pieces and their gold frames are perfect here against the black walls.

Now we have a powder room/art gallery!

 

 

 

 

Add in a brushed gold towel bar, monogrammed towel, and a floral arrangement that gets changed out frequently and this room is complete. Anything more would start to look cluttered. Instead, it is dramatically distinctive. 

 

 

 

You can find most of my purchases linked below. 

 

 

 

Kate Spade Wall Sconce: here

 

Vanity: Dura Supreme / Urbana Door / Vertical Sea Salt Foil here

Mirror: Hobby Lobby - here

 

Countertop: Viaterra Rococco / Eased Edge 

Vessel sink: POP Rectangle Vessel Lavatory here

Faucet: Kohler Purist Wall Mount Faucet: here

Towel bar: here

Benjamin Moore Black Jack Paint Color: here

 

Top Ten Reads

 

January is the perfect month to put your feet up and immerse yourself in a great book.

 

 

 

 

At this same time last year, I set a reading goal for myself of twenty books and I ended up reading twenty-three! Of those twenty-three books, these are my ten best of the best.

This first book, Mrs. Wiggins, was remarkable in that it isn't like any book I have ever read before. I like to describe it as The Help meets Dexter. Yes, seriously! This isn't some tired retread. In the very first chapter of this depression-era deep south story you meet two of the main characters; Maggie and Hubert. Maggie is a seventeen-year-old girl who has been sexually abused as a child and Hubert Wiggins, her good friend, is a young black, closeted homosexual, and the son of a preacher. The narrative can read as rather simplistic at times, but I think this was the author's way of telling the story from the point of an uneducated Alabama girl in the 1930s. 

These two friends, Maggie and Hubert decide that getting married would be a social step up for Maggie and a way to hide Hubert's sexuality from the outside world. Hubert feels they should have one child to thwart any doubts about the validity of their marriage and Maggie hesitantly agrees. But who will father their child? And there the story begins.

 

 

 

This second book, The Personal Librarian, is a work of historical fiction and is the fascinating story of Belle da Costa Greene. Belle is hired by J.P. Morgan to be his personal librarian and to curate his extensive private collection of books, writings, and artwork in an era when males dominated this field. What makes this book so intriguing is not only that Belle in the early 1900's achieves such a high level of success in her career but that she does it while being forced to keep a deep secret about who she is. Belle, although light complected,  is actually black but passes herself off as a white woman of Portuguese descent. Instead of trying to hide her true identity and diminishing her gender by blending in, she dresses with a flamboyant and colorfully feminine flair that only draws attention to her sex. No one suspects her ethnicity because she is successfully hiding her background in plain sight. Her negotiating skills, her eye for masterpieces, and even her gender all contribute to her reputation as an asset to J.P. Morgan. The book highlights the many personal sacrifices she had to make to retain her position and her status in the art and literary world. This was an insightful and educational read. Definitely recommended.

 

 

This next book, I read by mistake. How do you read a book by mistake? Well, I am part of a book group and the selection one month was Anthem by Noah Hawley*. I erroneously downloaded this book by the same name and I am so glad I did. It is a short read that was written by Ayn Rand in 1938. It is a futuristic tale of a dystopian world that is eerily and frighteningly similar to our current times.  Pronouns are gender-neutral. Conformity and uniformity are the government's objectives. Free thinking, individuality, and the pursuit of comfort and happiness are eliminated in the interest of equity. Sound familiar?  I would encourage everyone to read this eye-opening book that was decades ahead of its time.

 

 

 

 

I loved this next book, A Man Called Ove. I might be the last person around who hadn't read it, but if you have also missed it, you've missed a funny, bittersweet story about an aging and recently widowed Swedish curmudgeon who wants nothing more in life now than to end it. His unsuccessful attempts at suicide and the intervening events and subsequent evolving relationships with his neighbors had me gut laughing more than once. This beautiful story is also being released this month as a movie starring Tom Hanks. Count me in. I can't wait to buy my ticket. 

 

 

 

Faithful, by Alice Hoffman, is based on survival and guilt. Shelby, the main character, is dealing with the aftermath of surviving a car accident that has left her best friend's life forever altered. The reader shares her journey from the depths of an intense masochistic and chronic depression as she evolves through the numerous small steps of recovery and acceptance. It would be a dark and depressing book if it weren't for the wonderfully developed characters and the back-and-forth tension between her fear of moving forward and forgiving herself and the perceived justice of guilt and self-punishment. Nothing here is black and white. The characters are human and flawed. You will find yourself rooting for the protagonist in one chapter and being frustrated with her in the next. Alice Hoffman's use of underlying psychology in creating her characters is one of my favorite things about her books.

 

 

 

The Midnight Library is another book I would not have picked up on my own if it hadn't been for the fact that it was a book group selection. I almost never read fantasy. I typically don't like it but this book had enough redeeming messages in it that I was able to still consider it a worthwhile and recommendable read. The premise is that everyone has their own Midnight Library which is magical and full of countless books. Every book holds a different possibility and a different version of that person's life. It is a really interesting and thought-provoking concept. If you had the opportunity, would you choose a different book for your life? What choices in your life would you repeat? What decisions, if any, do you regret? What would your life be like if you had made alternate decisions? This is a great book for inspiring discussion.

 

 

 

 

Every year I like to read or reread a classic. I had never read The Old Man And The Sea so this was the choice for this year. It is easy to see why this book is a time-honored tale. It is the story of an old man that catches the biggest fish of his life only to lose it. It is the story of old age and youth, perseverance and struggle, it is about losing and acceptance of defeat, wisdom, and luck. These themes and Hemingway's writing make this book truly timeless.

 

 

And then there was The Lake House by Kate Morton. This is one of those books that has a story within a story. The earlier story is of a family in Cornwell, England right before World War I. It is a love story between two people that come together, get married, move to the country, build a home, and start their family. They, are the Edevane family and they have three daughters and then a son. During a summer celebration at their home, the infant son goes missing from his crib and is never seen again. 

Move forward seventy years and a young female detective from London comes out to Cornwell from London to visit her grandfather. She discovers the old lake house where the wealthy Edevane's lived with their children and staff. She is consumed by the story and makes it her mission to try and solve this mystery. Just when you think you have this mystery figured out, there are new twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the last chapter. 

 

 

 

I had never read anything by Kristin Hannah but after reading The Great Alone, I am making it my goal to read everything she has ever written. This was my favorite book of 2022. The scene is 1970's Alaska. A POW from the Viet Nam war is suffering from PTSD, something that at that time was barely acknowledged and grossly underdiagnosed. He returns to his wife and daughter in the US with the deed to a small piece of land in Alaska that was bequeathed to him by a fellow POW that didn't survive. The story is told from the daughter's point of view and she describes the brutally harsh winters and the kindness of neighbors that help them survive their first winter. Through her, we see the horror of her father's demons and the tragedy of her mother's subservience. But we also see the hope of selfless love and an open heart.

The Alaskan land is another central element in this moving novel of perseverance and plays a significant role in this novel of survival, and resilience. This is an absolute best-of-the-best read.

 

And yes, I did find time to squeeze in another Kristin Hannah book. This one, Night Road, at first sounds a lot like Alice Hoffman's Faithful because both involve a tragic car accident. But that is where the similarity ends. The story is told from two points of view. The first is the mother, Jude Farraday. Jude is a forty-something upper middle-class helicopter mom who has invested herself in the lives of her twin children, Mia and Zach. Having raised three kids myself, I identified with Jude even though she was much more involved in her children's lives than I had been. But I could understand her intentions were good even if they were sometimes selfish.  She seemed to be considered by everyone as a "wonderful mother".

The second point of view is from Lexi, a young disadvantaged girl that has been in and out of foster homes but is now settled in comfortably with an elderly family member. She befriends Mia on the first day of high school then and falls in love with Mia's brother, Zach. Jude welcomes Lexi into their family with open arms and the world is perfect until one night during Lexi's senior year. On that night their world stops. Tragedy occurs, blame is cast, and relationships are severed. It is a story of self-destruction, acceptance, growth, and forgiveness. You can bet there will be more books from this author in my 2023 list.

 

 

What are you reading and recommending? You can message me or leave a comment in the comment section here on the blog. I'd love to hear from you.

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy, and productive New Year.

xoxo,

P

* The book Anthem by Noah Hawley is most likely the very worst book I have ever tried to read. I gave it about one hundred pages and threw in the towel. I put it on my "Pass On This One" shelf on Good Reads.

Florida Christmas Decor

 

 

 

I have never been in Florida for the entire month of December.

We usually head back to our Midwest family and the littles early in the month.

 

 

So I haven't decorated our Florida home for the season yet but suppose I could. It is fun to think about what I would do to bring some Florida-style Christmas to our home.

 

Recently, I've been drawn to the Palm Beach designs with a little chinoiserie thrown in.

 

 

Palm Beach Lately

 

 

I am currently obsessing over this tropical Christmas stocking. 

Who doesn't love a monogram?

Maybe for next year?

 

 

Palm Beach To Pawleys

 

 

Flamingos would be easy and I do love flamingos...

 

Ddardidesigns

 

 

Dime Store Chic

 

Sunshine Style

 

This more elegant West Indies-vibed Christmas theme intrigues me too.

 

Sunshine Style 

 

How fabulous are these palm and pineapples paired with silver ice buckets? Very!

 

Southern Living

 

 

Calmly Coastal? Yes, I like this look.

I'm obviously a conflicted woman.

 

 

Celebrate & Decorate

 

Goldfish Kiss

 

 

And I'm also open to adding a bit of a modern twist to our Christmas decor.

This artwork, very simply, makes me happy.

 

A Constellation

 

 

And I love a colorfully whimsical vibe like the one I discovered at Kelly Golightly.

 

 

Kelly Golightly

 

The glam of gold tinsel and the vibrant colors have me swooning.

 

Kelly Golightly

 

And a bedazzled nutcracker paired with a luxe traditional pineapple? I die!

 

But one of my favorite ideas was her holiday pool party!

 

 

Kelly Golightly

 

 

Yes, a holiday pool party...someday.

I think that idea deserves its own post, so more on that soon.

 

In the meantime, Cheers and wishes for a glorious holiday season to you and yours, and thank you for being a part of

Be Colorful Coastal.

 

A Florida Christmas?

Photo Credit: Lynn Neuman Shutterstock 

 

 

I was one of them, a northerner who smugly felt like Christmas could only happen above the Mason-Dixon line where the December temperatures hovered closer to thirty degrees than to eighty.

 

 

 

"I would miss the seasons," I said.

 

 

 

 

 

But while I was walking back to my car this week in a sleeveless dress and listening to Christmas music pealing from the outdoor speakers, I thought to myself, "No worries, Christmas is a real thing in Florida".

 

 

 

It doesn't hurt that poinsettias line the sidewalks instead of sandy dingy snow. 

 

photo credit: South Florida Reporter

 

 

I understand those that love the changing seasons and can't imagine a Christmas without snow but trust me when I say, it is definitely possible to equally embrace the holiday spirit here in Florida.  And honestly, it is undeniably more pleasant, to peruse the shops, and navigate the sidewalks without needing to dodge ice patches and melting snow puddles while wearing boots and gloves.

 

 

So yes, Florida, there is a Santa Claus and the Christmas spirit is alive and well here and I'm so glad to spend a part of our holiday season with you.

 

Designing For The Lazy Hazy Days Of Summer

 

 

 

August, depending on what life decade you are in, can be either the month of waning lazy hot summer nights or the chaotic countdown of days before school begins.

 

 

 

One thing I miss when living in Florida is decorating for the seasons, but when I am visiting our downsized home up north I still relish this quarterly routine. For me, it begins right here, at the front door.

 

 

 

August is when the hydrangeas are exploding with new blooms, blooms that when dried will create easy additions for Fall decor.

 

 

The nods to late summer continue inside. I am still incorporating the navy, but the wooly 

browns were replaced with lighter fabrics, coral shades, and seasonal accessories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the living room, it is more of an editing process and I take this space back to a clean 

black and white look with just a few splashes of summer color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dining table and the island are my best spots to bring some summer flavor

into the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

I also just like mixing things up and repurposing or "shopping the house"

to bring some fresh looks to my rooms like this Sticks wine cooler/planter that I am currently

using to corral frequently used utensils. 

 

 

 

Because we are back and forth between two homes,  I can't possibly use real plants. But I have discovered some very realistic faux options out there and now I sprinkle them shamelessly throughout the house.

 

 

I love the organic feel they bring to a room and they are an easy way to make seasonal changes. I even use them out here on the screened-in porch.

 

 

For Midwesterners, Autumn begins on September 1 or maybe the first day of school. Either way, the next time I am up north it will be time to embellish the house with Fall flair and I will be ready to shake things up again. But for now I will enjoy these final summer days and the way they are echoed throughout the house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Loves June 2022

 

With all the remodeling and refresh projects going on here in our Florida home I have been doing a lot of shopping locally and online and discovering some wonderful finds. 

 

 

I fell hard for this cabinet hardware to use in the powder room. The doors to the vanity cabinet arrived and they weren't exactly what I was expecting but I hope the hardware will still work because I love this chinoiserie style.

 

For one of the guest bathrooms, I was having a hard time deciding between installing a ceiling fan or a light fixture. But when I found this pretty chandy for less than $100 I knew my choice was made.

 

And while all of that construction has been going on, we've been spending more time away from the dust and out on the lanai. We've loved our comfy oversized furniture out there but these outdoor-rated -poofs give each of us a great place to put our feet up.

 

Do you ever wonder what to do with the extra pillows that you have for your guests? I had ours stored on closet shelves. Uncovered, I worried they would get dusty but the big black garbage bag look wasn't cutting it. Then I found these attractive and flexible storage covers. They work perfectly, even for king-size pillows and I feel all "Home Edit" or Marie Kondo when I open the closet doors and see everything all neat and organized. I like them so well that I am ordering another one for our seasonal comforter.

 

And my latest love this month is this fun camera card case that attaches to my camera strap so even if I am away from home and my camera card is still in the back of my computer, I will have the backup available right with my camera. I love it and it feels good to support small businesses.

 

 

Our projects here at the house are slowly winding down and I am anxious to share pics and videos of them with you.

I love your feedback and the photos you send me of your home updates too.

Thank you for your input and for following Be Colorful Coastal.

 

5 Dazzling Accent Pillows That Give Your Room Real Design Cred

 

I couldn't resist.

 

 

 

 

I was preparing to host an event here at the house and

there is something about sharing our home with

guests that jumpstarts my design impetus. 

 

 

I started by ordering this rug for the dining room

 

 

and then went a bit crazy for pillow covers.

In the beginning, I was only looking for

a new pillow to bring a bit more

green into our bedroom. 

When I discovered this option, it stole my heart.

 

1.

 

 

 

But while I was looking for the perfect green,

I also found this great black and white number

that adds a playful element to these

more traditional pillows on the bed.

 

2.

 

 

 

 

I didn't stop there. 

While I was looking for monogrammed covers

for the bedroom,

I also discovered this modern

Zip Code design.

Add to cart!

 

3.

 

 

 

 

 

and I knew this crisp blue and white

customizable pillow cover

 would be the perfect complement

to our blue and white trellis print chairs.

 

4.

 

 

 

This Katie Herman pillow

in the colors and chinoiserie design that I love

is an example of love at first sight.

 

5.

 

 

It was just what this sofa grouping needed to

pull the colors and patterns together.

I was SOLD!

 

 

I enjoy changing up my accent pillows throughout

the year so just ordering pillow covers,

instead of entire pillows, not only reduces

the cost but also dramatically helps

with the issue of where to store

currently unused pillows.

 

 

Still, I occasionally do need to order a new insert

but Amazon has a number of affordable options

for those times when nothing I have will work.

 

I would never leave you hanging. 

Below you can find the links to your own 

Dazzling Accent Pillows...

1. 

Snazzy Living

 

2.

Amazon

 

3.

Etsy

 

4.

SNeapillowsSNfabrics

 

5.

Katie Herman Art

 

 

 

This Colorful Dining Room Needed A Neutral Rug

 

 

 

This is a room full of bold choices.

A dining room of vibrant colors and ebullient patterns.

But it wasn't always that way.

 

 

This is how the dining room looked the year after we moved in. The furniture had a cherry finish, the cabinetry was painted black, the countertops were brown, and the chandelier was still bronze and hadn't been repurposed to the bathroom. You can read about that here.

 

 

I was thrilled when the furniture came back from the painter and then the chairs from the upholsterer but it left me with a new dilema.

What to do for a rug?

Because the dining room can be seen from both the foyer and the living room, I needed this rug to coordinate well with the rugs in those rooms. I knew I didn't want any more pattern here but a blue or coral rug just seemed to be too much.

So, the room remained sans rug for several years. It was easy to vacuum though. :D

Whenever I shared this room in a post, I typically took my photos at angles that didn't show the lower part of the table so you, dear reader, wouldn't question my bare floors. 

 

 

 

I thought about a jute or sisal style rug with a coral border but I couldn't find the right shade. They was either too rusty, too orange, or too pink. 

So in the end, I went with something totally neutral because even a color promoter like me knows that sometimes a room needs a visually restful point.

 

 

 

I'm happy with how it is coming together.

 

I like the contrast between the casual weave of the rug and the sparkle and subdued glam of the chandelier. I am also pleased that this rug doesn't compete with the playfully patterned chairs or other nearby rugs. But most of all I'm happy with how it flows so well with the beachy, plank- wood floors.

 

 

 

I'm currently looking for an old wardrobe or fretwork style cabinet that I can paint and use as a bar cabinet and eventually some artwork for this room, but at least I can cross a dining room rug off of my list of projects for 2022.

 

 

Bathroom Sconces That Look Spectacular When Hung Directly On The Mirror

Talon Wall Sconce

 

We are in the middle of updating two guest room baths.  This isn't our first round of remodeling. In fact, we are feeling like seasoned remodelers. Through our many projects we have learned that even in the best of times, projects like this invariably have their share of delays. But add in worker shortages, supply chain mayhem, and shipping issues, and every step becomes measurably more complicated. Our tile work in both bathrooms has been complete for over a month, but we have been at a standstill waiting for mirrors, cabinet fronts, shower doors, and workers to install them.

 

 

While I wait for some of the building products to come in, I have begun the hunt for the new lighting.

The new mirrors will still be large wall mirrors but they will have a wood frame and just like before, the lighting will be hung directly on the mirror. The difference is that this time I am planning on using sconces instead of a horizontal bar fixture. These options are a few of my faves...

Robert Abbey Drexel

 

I am not limiting my choices to just chrome or nickel, but I do like how those finishes look when hung directly on a mirror.

 

photo via harborallglass.com

 

 

I like the clean contemporary lines and the added illumination of this sconce with two lights.

 

Lighting First

 

 

 

This fixture is very versatile and could go with either a contemporary or more traditional space.

Lamps Plus

 

 

 

This one has a bit more of a coastal or nautical feel but how pretty is all that polished nickel?

Shades of Light

 

 

This fixture gives off adequate light but doesn't take up much space on the mirror; something to consider when laying out your lighting.

Hudson Valley Everett

 

Perhaps something with a more distinctive coastal feel would be a good design choice.

 

Lamps Plus

 

 

 

I like the bamboo theme of these next two sconces. It feels a bit tropical.

Lighting First

 

Visual Comfort

 

And I think white and silver would be very striking in an all-white bathroom.

 

Shades of Light

 

Well, stay tuned. The lights we ordered are in. Now I'm just waiting for all the other elements so we can finally pull our guest bathrooms together.

 

 

What A Difference Custom Framing Can Make

I just picked these up and I am beyond thrilled.

They are even more fun than I had ever imagined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bathrooms aren't completed yet but we have made some progress...

The tile work is finished,

 

 

but supply chain issues and worker shortages are a real thing.

 

As a result, we are still waiting on a different glass door for one of the showers,

paint,

cabinets,

mirrors,

and I am still trying to make a decision on lighting.

 

The last time they were here my two grandbabies wore these swimsuits and I thought framing them would be a fun way to remember their visit.

 

 

 

 

 

Originally, I considered going to a craft store and buying a white shadowbox frame. That would definitely have been more budget-friendly, but I wouldn't have gotten the same result. Because I plan on keeping these framed pieces for quite some time, I was willing to spend a bit more to get that custom look.

 

I work exclusively with Aldecor Custom Framing here in Naples, Florida. They have unexpected ideas and they know how to make the frame compliment the piece.

 

Here is a tea towel they framed for me a couple of years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love how this lacquered black frame becomes part of the piece by pulling out the black in the painting.

 

The textured mat here adds an organic feel to this oil pastel.

 

 

And who said frames need to be black, white, or metallic?  Bring on the color!

 

 

 

When it came to these swimsuits, the first thing the framer did was take measurements of both pieces to determine how much space would look right between the edges of the suits and the frames.

 

 

She asked if I intended to hang them side by side and if I visualized them at the same height or at varying heights. This was important because she was trying to calculate the symmetry of the two framed pieces.  This was tricky because of the different shapes we were dealing with. She wanted them to have similar distances from the edge of the fabric to the edge of the frame and compatible amounts of white space. I would never have thought about that.

 

 

 

 

 

We decided on a classic and clean-lined white frame, and Susan had the idea of covering the inside of the frame with a colored liner. I REALLY wouldn't have thought to do that but it took these wall hangings from ordinary to extraordinary!

 

 

 

 

 

I also knew that I didn't want the glare that you get off the glass in most mass-produced frames.

This was not the look I was going for.

 

 

The glass we went with is virtually invisible and you feel like you could just reach right in and touch the fabric. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you tell I'm a bit obsessed? I just ordered some monogrammed towels to coordinate with my wall art and now I'm off to look at lighting. I can hardly wait to see this room all pulled together.

*This is not a paid endorsement for Aldecor Custom Framing 

 

 

Designing A Family Room During Supply Chain Challenge

 

 

To say designing and furnishing a room in 2022 poses some significant challenges would be putting it mildly.

I expected to deal with longer lead, or wait, times because when the pandemic began there was a major uptick in demand while many factories were shut down or running at a fraction of their normal capacity. Even now, many of them still aren't back to their normal production. Then, add in the supply chain difficulties and most recently some serious increases in fuel surcharges, and you have a perfect shopping storm.

 

Photo source

 

This isn't the best time to take on this project. but last month we started taking a long hard look at our family room and some of the furniture that came with the house. It was okay back then and we've lived with it for seven years while we made other improvements to our home, but the time has come to update it.

 

It's looking dingy and droopy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The current arrangement isn't the best for entertaining. When it is too hot outside, it would be nice to be able to comfortably seat more people here. I always thought that the room was too narrow to allow for the sofa to be turned toward the window, but when I tried it with our current sofa, I was surprised and thrilled to see that it was a viable option. So the measuring and planning began.

 

 

This is the planned layout.

 

We are fortunate in Southwest Florida to have a multitude of furniture stores but when I didn't easily find what I was looking for at a price point that made sense, I started thinking about how happy I had been with the sofas I had purchased for our home up north.

 

 

 

 

 

Would it be crazy to purchase them again for our Florida home?

I've always loved that Louise sofa and it would pair nicely with this Wesley chair.

 

 

Again, Norwalk lets me choose the cushion firmness at no extra charge, nailhead, and welting options too. We have purchased numerous swivel chairs from this company over the past fifteen years and we have never had any issue with them. 

 

I thought I had this room all figured out. I knew that the lead time on orders would be long but I was surprised when I was quoted 28 to 35 weeks for delivery from a US manufacturer. That is actually better than a lot of overseas companies but, because there isn't a Norwalk dealer in our area, we would need to have the items drop-shipped to our southern Florida home resulting in a sizeable surcharge for freight and fuel. Since the cost of fuel is so volatile, we were advised that those surcharges could easily double by the time our furniture would be delivered.

Yikes! 

 

 

Usually, the furniture hunt is exciting but in this challenging environment, and with price increases coming again on March 1, 2022, it has become a lot more arduous.

But we ventured out again, this time locally. There are so many things to consider: comfort, style, scale, cost, lead time, and for us personally, after hearing from a friend and designer about the odor issue, we knew we wanted a product that was domestically manufactured.

 

 

We are still waiting to hear back on pricing and new upholstery options, but I keep pushing forward. The hunt continues. I realize I am fortunate to be able to take on this task but who would have guessed that pulling together a family room would be such a time-consuming and uphill effort?

I think I have earned a cocktail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Updates For Our Remarkably Boring Guest Bathrooms

 

We're at it again.

 

 

 

We bought our house a little over seven years ago and during that time we have made significant changes to every room here. Because of the number and scope of all these projects, we had to prioritize. We spent our first two years here tackling two big projects:  

 

 The pool

 

and the kitchen.

 

 

During that same time, we sprinkled in some smaller upgrades throughout the house.

 

Included in those early-day improvements were some changes to these two guest bathrooms. This season, we are revisiting them again. I'm calling it Round Two as we begin refreshing some of the elements that didn't make the priority cut last time around.

 

 

 

The first time we toured this house with our realtor, the first guest bathroom looked like this.

 

The other bathroom had the same vanity top, tile, and faucet. They were very similar and they were both dark and remarkably boring. 

 

 

Because the bulk of our remodeling dollars was being spent on our two larger projects we had to cut back here but there were a few things in these rooms that we thought required immediate attention.

 

1.

Countertops

 

The first thing we did was upgrade the synthetic contractor-grade countertops with their molded sinks to a Taj Mahal granite top.

 

At the same time, we added the under-mount sink and a faucet with less of a 90's vibe.

 

 

 

 

2.

Shower doors

During this first phase of updates, we also changed out the old sliding shower doors with new swing-style glass doors.

 

 

3.

Vanity Cabinet Paint

 

 

An easy update that I did in one of the bathrooms was to eliminate the weathered look finish on the vanity by painting it white. Will it stay white? I'm not sure.

 

 

I never did get to the second vanity, but that will happen too.

 

 

 

4.

Cabinet Doors

 

As we progress with this second round of updates, both vanities will be getting new door fronts that match what we put in the kitchen and master bath.

 

 

 

If I had given it more thought, I would have been a bit more creative with the guest cabinet doors. Something like this...

 

(image found on Pinterest. Original source unknown).

 

 

5.

 

Update the Hardware

 

I like the hardware on that previous cabinet too, but I'm also

 considering something like this.

 

 

 

 

6.

Raise the Shower Head

 

On the advice of our contractor, we had a plumber come out and raise the height

of the showerhead. 

 

7.

New flooring and tile

A few years ago we replaced the tile floors in our home with an engineered wood floor and we carried this into the first guest bath. 

 

 

In the other bathroom, we left the original tile floor. But that one is getting an update this time around. They began installing it last month but somewhere we got off on our figuring and we are two boxes short. Yikes. I'm hoping we can still get it, that the colors will be the same, and that it isn't on some cargo ship floating around in the Pacific. I'd hate to be torn up for months waiting on two boxes of tile.

 

The flooring here had been a 12x12 square brown tile.

We are changing it out for a brighter lighter tile option here and in the shower areas.

 

 

Since tile is so expensive to change out I always opt for something a bit more conservative.

Even a color evangelist like me has to have some neutral elements.

 

 

8. 

Paint

Next up will come the paint colors. The countertops we chose in 2015 read rather brown to me now. Especially the longer one. I wouldn't choose it today, but we are going to try and work with it and play up some of the cooler gray tones in the stone. Currently, the walls are Benjamin Moore White Down and they look a bit yellow to me. I think a whiter and slightly cooler shade is where I'm going this time. I am open to any suggestions but thinking perhaps

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

 

I'm not sure about the vanity cabinet. Does it stay white or perhaps something in a sand color? Or do I make my statement with the cabinet and do it in a dark grey or navy to detract from the countertop? Color me undecided.

 

9.

Mirrors

 

 

Because of the banjo countertops, we will keep the look of the large mirrors in both bathrooms but in the bathroom with the longer vanity, we will be replacing the mirror itself with a new piece of glass. The current mirror has a cutout in the glass to allow for the single bar type fixture above the sink. I'd like to do something different here. The plan is to have the new mirror cut to allow sconces to be hung on the mirror instead of a single fixture over the sink.  Both mirrors will have the mirrored framing replaced with a wood frame.

 

10. 

Lighting

 

Once the mirrors are in place the new lighting can be installed. We updated the light fixtures in our first round but that was nearly seven years ago and this is Florida. As a result, both lights are showing some corrosion and need to be replaced again.

This was our starting point.

circa 2014

 

 

circa 2015

 

 

Looking forward, I plan to work with sconces and two more can lights in one bathroom. In the second bath, I will work with a smaller lamp on the mirror and pair it with a chandelier.

 

I haven't made any decisions yet. This is where I can bring in some personal style. Do I make it more contemporary or bring in a bit of a chinoiserie feel? Beyond style, there are also other things to consider such as illumination, finish, and, of course, cost.

 

I hope you will stop by again to see how our projects look as they move forward. Better yet, sign up for Be Colorful Coastal updates here on the blog so you don't miss a post.

 

 

Lighting options:

Top Left             Top Right

 

Bottom Left         Bottom Right

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastest Loves: From January 2022

 

 

 

This year I'm going to do it.

I wanted a New Year's resolution that was realistic and attainable. This year I started small. I decided I'm going to drink more water and this pretty little number has dialed up the fun in achieving my daily goal. I feel encouraged every time I pick it up. You can find yours here.

 

 

 

And here is my second Latest Love-

Right before Covid, my daughter gifted me an LED/UV nail lamp so I could do my own gel nails at home. We didn't know it then but what a timely gift that was! I really liked the lamp and the freedom to do my own nails, but I struggled with the topcoat.  No matter what I did, short of wiping it with alcohol, even after multiple rounds under the lamp, it still felt sticky. Recently I found this amazing no-wipe top coat and I am a total fan-girl. Seriously, it is dry to the touch after one minute under the lamp.

 

 

 

 

 

 MAKARTT Top Coat

 

I seldom add anything foodie-leaning to my Latest Loves posts because I'm not a cook.  I do, though, like eating and I am always up for discovering easy ways to add some flavor and flair to my meals. This seasoning is one of my new favorites to add to rice, fish, and burgers. The Everglades website suggests adding it to grits. That sounds amazing!

We bought ours here.

 

Then there was this fun find...

Are you old enough to remember dickies? They were these turtle neck or sometimes button-down-looking numbers that you could tuck into a v-neck sweater, dress, or any top and they created the illusion that you were wearing another layer underneath but without all the bulk. I had them as a kid and I'd forgotten about them until these shirt extenders showed up in my Instagram feed and reminded me of those dickies from my past.

They are called shirt extenders. I call them #cheaters. My thighs look better because you can't see them. LOL

 

 

If you are anything like me, I'm guessing you have a few sweatshirts or sweaters that are just a wee bit too short to wear with some of your more revealing leggings. And sometimes a longer length just looks more flattering with those skinny jeans too. That's when these shirt extenders are a godsend. I was going to donate some of my shorter tops but now, after adding these extenders, they are back in regular rotation. The extenders come in both a button front and t-shirt hemline look. I found mine here.

 

I usually like to add a book to my Latest Loves too. 

So, what have I been reading? Well, true confession, I ordered the wrong book for book club. I had the right title but the wrong author and I erroneously downloaded Anthem by Ayn Rand.

The first chapter was so beyond weird I had some serious doubts about the woman that I thought had chosen this book for the group, but I kept reading.  For me, the book's only redeeming quality was that it was short. I was about to throw in the towel on this one but then, a couple of chapters in, I started to be intrigued

 

 

.

 

 

I did a little research and even though the book could easily have been written today, it was actually written in the 1930s by a Russian woman that had come to the United States after WWI.  The tale takes place at some unspecified time in the future but during a dark age. The theme is individualism vs. collectivism. The social system in the book is one that puts the public sector above all. The collective good over the individual. In this culture, there aren't names, only numbers. There is no I, no he, no she, only them and we. No relationships. No preferences.  For me, even though this book was written eighty-five years ago, it sounds eerily familiar to the woke agenda and much like a culture that the liberal elite of the twenty-first century appears to want us to achieve. If you consider yourself extremely woke, a far-left liberal, and a follower of AOC, this isn't the book for you. If you are a cheerleader for individual rights and freedoms then this book is incredibly timely and has some real potential for a group discussion. 

 

 

 

I purchased mine through Apple books but it is available in numerous formats.

The book I am supposed to be reading and just started is Anthem by Noah Hawley.

 

The jury is still out on this one. I will keep you posted.

 

Last, but not least, I can't do a Latest Loves post without featuring at least one design element, so I am sharing this barn door with you. I wish I had seen or thought of this look before we finished our downsized home up north. This door would have been perfect leading into our laundry room. As soon as we moved I regretted that I hadn't incorporated a barn door in that space. This week I saw this one, in black, and with the glass insert that would allow light into our hallway. It would have been spot-on-perfect (Insert sigh here).  I love it. Don't you? 

It is available here.

 

With January and the resets that come with it in the rearview mirror, I am looking forward to getting back to writing more frequently and with some fresh content as we begin some new projects here in our Florida home.

 

Personalized Art; My Very Own Spirit Woman

 

Isn't she lovely?

 

 

 

 

 

She is a Spirit Woman, created for me by a tremendously talented artist that I am proud to call my friend. She, has been making these Spirit Women, aka Warrior Women, for several years but recently she has started showcasing them in a shadowbox frame that elevated the whole design. I love that she painted the background of mine in my favorite shade of coral. She obviously knows me well.

 

 

 

 

Each custom piece is created with a lot of thought about the woman it represents. I think, Sally nailed this one with the colorful clothing and the feathered hat, which are perhaps a nod to my fondness for fashion. Then, always encouraging me in my own creative endeavors, she added the camera to my Spirit Woman to acknowledge my new-found love of photography.

#nailedit

 

 

 

 

 

The attention to detail is incredible.

It is perfect, right down to her signature.

 

 

 

You want one for yourself?

You can contact her here.

 

 

 

@Nazette Designs

 

 

These Spirit/Warrior Women would also make a cherished gift for a Mom, daughter, sister, or friend. They could be especially meaningful for someone who has achieved an important goal or has fought back against life's challenges. Whatever their story, Nazette Designs can create an artistic and personal gift that will be treasured for years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Subtle Approach to Fall Decor

There is something magical when fall leaves turn such vibrant shades of reds, oranges, and golds. I love fall in the Midwest, but I haven't embraced bringing those colors inside our home. Instead, I like to approach fall decor with a more subtle, softer nod.

I was up north this past week and enjoyed changing out our more vivid summer accents for some fresh and understated fall design elements.

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, pale green grasses and ivory candles say fall in the living room,

 

 

 

and cotton bolls in a twine-wrapped bottle make an easy nod to cooler days in any casual

corner of the house.

I put ours in the laundry room.

 

 

Textures and heavier fabrics are another quiet but effective way of embracing 

a fall feeling in your home.

I layer the chairs and sofas with blankets and

for the past two years, I have looked forward to pulling out these wonderfully cozy

brown nubby pillows.

It wasn't really intentional, but I like how they repeat the brown of the ottoman.

 

 

 

I have always thought it is fun to change up our Iowa home with small seasonal accents and I knew I could do more than garlands of fall leaves. Autumn's colors are much more varied than that. Think of softer shades of golds, greens, and reds. Don't want color? Bring on the neutrals and enjoy your personal style salute to fall. 

 

Florida Styled Pumpkins

 

Say hello to my tropically inspired hand-painted pumpkins.

 

 

 

 

I started with two white pumpkins from Hobby Lobby.  

They are out of stock online, but I was able to purchase them at our local store.

I scoured the internet for tropical prints and then began drawing my designs on the pumpkins with a pencil.

 

 

I used regular craft paint and then finished them with a top coat of glossy Mod Podge (actually only one had its top coat when I took these photos). I don't plan to leave my pumpkins outside so I used the indoor formula.

 

I like pairing them together and I am already planning on adding more next year, but even individually, they are a fun seasonal change-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating An Outdoor Oasis

 

I can hardly believe that it has been almost seven years since we made the decision to purchase a home in Florida.

 

 

 

We began our home search seven years ago this month and every home we considered had a  pool and a covered seating and dining area that is called a lanai. We are originally from Iowa and the only time I had ever heard that term before was on old episodes of The Golden Girls.   Most of the homes we were shown also had an attached screened-in area covering the pool that is referred to as a pool cage. We had never seen anything quite like them but now, after living in Florida, I wouldn't ever want to have a home without one.

 

 

This is how this part of our home looked when the previous owners were still here.

 

 

 

We had never had a pool before. Just the idea of having one and being able to swim in it whenever we wanted seemed to be enough. But, as it usually goes, once the newness wore off and we were able to look at things a bit closer, we started to see some cosmetic wear and tear. In reality, things looked tired. Some of it just needed a deep cleaning but other issues were going to require more attention.

 

For example, the glass block wall between the spa and the pool, which looked so cool in pictures, was aging quickly. The pool surface and tiles were also needing some TLC. We considered making temporary repairs but decided it was time for some design updates too.   

Some of the first changes we made to this part of our home were to resurface the pool with Pebble Tec, replace the glass block wall with a waterfall, and update the Mediterranean-styled ceramic tile with a more modern glass option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After upgrading the pool, we had the existing pool cage reinforced, re-screened, and repainted but in September of 2017 Hurricane Irma passed over our home and wiped out our improvements to the cage.

 

 

 

 

It wasn't money we wanted to spend and it took an entire year to get the pool cage rebuilt but the new building requirements called for stronger cage structures and allowed us to have larger openings between the supports. This new style is called picture window design and we like how much cleaner and open it looks.

 

This is how the pool cage looked before Irma 

 

 

and this is how it looks today.

 

 

 

Back when we were still looking at purchasing a home in southern Florida, we wondered if a pool cage was really necessary. It is!

 

 

 

The unobstructed view of a pool without a cage is beautiful but in this land of mosquitos, this more open-designed screening option is a great compromise.

 

 

While we were waiting for the pool cage to be replaced, we also upgraded the pavers around the pool. The original decking consisted of concrete pavers.

 

 

 

It was a laborious job but these professionals knew what they were doing. For someone like me, who hates math, this task would have been overwhelming.

For a few days, it looked like we had a beach right outside our kitchen window.

 

 

 

 

In the end, the new travertine tile deck looked great. Be forewarned, though, the tile is also more slippery than concrete pavers and something to think about if you are considering this for your own outdoor space.

 

 

 

With the new cage in place, we added a second set of bubble chairs to the far side of the pool and new rugs to the seating area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our most recent improvement to our outdoor oasis was the addition of a built-in grill and sink area.

 

 

 

It has taken seven years to pull together. Like most homes, our home is constantly evolving and now that I am finally sharing our outdoor space with you, I am already moving ahead with some changes to our furniture here. Stay tuned. Things are happening here at Be Colorful Coastal.

 

You might also find the following posts interesting if you would like to know more about the improvements we have made to this outdoor living part of our home.

 

  Angels and Gifts Along The Way (The one where we take a direct hit from Hurricane Irma).

One Year After Irma (The one where we rebuilt the cage and pool area)

Five Star Outdoor Grill Area ( The one where we add an outdoor kitchen)

Restoring A Pool ( The one where we updated and refurbished a fifteen-year-old pool).

 

Seasons In The South

Summer Accents For A Florida Home

 

 

 

 I haven't done anything drastic but last week I did make some small tweaks throughout the house to acknowledge summer.

Sometimes it is just moving existing pieces around to see what works but the beauty of designing with these bright tropical colors is that, just like in nature, they play so well together that the options seem limitless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individually, I liked all of the possible vignettes but when I stood back, there were too many florals in the room. Something had to be eliminated and switched out.

 

 

I already have a couple of vases and glass bowls sprinkled around the room so I didn't want to do that again. A sculpture of some sort would be great but until I find the right piece, these candlesticks are my stand in.

 

 

 

 

I did, though, find a new teapot and candle holder for the kitchen table.

Thank you, Home Goods.

 

 

 

 

A collection of coral vases gave this niche a fresh new look.

 

 

And nothing says summer like a basket of striped beach towels.

 

These new hand towels were an easy refresh in a guest bathroom.

 

 

I'm guessing it is my Midwest background, but the changing of the seasons will probably always be my call to tweak, shuffle, and embellish our home.

Follow me to over to these two inspiring blogs for more creative inspiration...

Inspire Me Tuesday

and

Paintings are the works of Brenda Belfield and Sharron Erbe. Both artist's pieces can be seen at the Sweet Art Gallery in Naples, Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Covid Year Review In Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can be said about last year that hasn't been said?  The pandemic slammed the entire world but we all pushed back. Some days are startlingly vivid and others are a gentle blur. But most importantly, we bore our way through the challenges, and in some ways, we thrived because of them.

 

 

 

Our year started off with exhilarating days.

 

On day one of 2020, we were focused on helping our son and his Korean wife make the move from South Korea to the United States. They had told us at Thanksgiving that they would be making this big move.

The word Coronavirus was, to us, something happening in faraway China at that time. The idea that it could impact Sumi, our daughter-in-law, who was scheduled to arrive from Seoul six weeks later, hadn't yet occurred to us.  But as every day ticked by we became more and more anxious about her arrival and the real fear that the border would be closed to her.

Those were stressful days!

 

She made it right under the wire. By the middle of February, they were both on US soil and we could finally exhale.

As long as our kids were all here we could handle what the world was throwing at us.

 

These were grateful days.

 

 

 The media was inundating us with mixed messages. We weren't sure what this invisible invader was or how dangerous it might be. Were we being overly cautious or too flippant? We didn't know. Erroring on the side of caution, our community closed its gates to any guests or visitors.

These were fear-filled days.

 

 

And, simultaneously, we had this story unfolding...

 

 

Our daughter was due to deliver in the middle of April, exactly when they were predicting what they thought would be the height of the pandemic.

The hospital told her that barring any complications, she would only be in the hospital for twenty-four hours. They still weren't sure if her husband would even be able to be with her in the delivery room.

The hormone levels were high and my daughter and I shared numerous teary-eyed phone conversations during late March and early April.

THOSE were our most difficult days.

 

 

 

We had always planned to be there when our granddaughter was born but as the country continued to close down and our flights to Iowa were repeatedly cancelled, we finally resigned ourselves to the realization that God had different plans for us and we were going to have to delay meeting our newest family member.

 

 

Maybe we wouldn't be able to actually be there when our first granddaughter was born but we still wanted to help in small ways even though we were seven states away.

It started with a diaper hunt. Newborn diapers had disappeared! They couldn't be found anywhere. Can you imagine?

 It took our whole family pulling together from three different cities to successfully find and ship newborn-

size diapers to Des Moines. In an upside-down world that was barely recognizable to us, this was one of those small things that we were able to eventually control and that felt good.

 

 

Ultimately, our son-in-law was told he would be able to be at the delivery and knowing that we knew everything was going to be okay.

On April 11th, the world welcomed Greer!

She was healthy and perfect in every way. 

 

 

 

That was an amazing day!

A once in a lifetime kind of day. 

 

 

That single day, when Greer came into our world, made all of those earlier tense, sad, and panicked days seem inconsequential. 

 

 

April became May and

we all continued to stay home and "stay safe". 

We learned to reprioritize what was really important.

Before the pandemic, I would schedule my life around my hair appointments but during these days I quickly discovered outgrown roots really weren't such a big deal.

 

At our house, we took a step back from a faster-paced life.

We Netflixed. We cooked. We read.

I painted, I took photos, and I think I drank my weight in wine.

Those were quiet but peaceful days.

 

They are probably days that I will look back on and maybe even miss. But, sitting around and looking at the same four walls makes a woman want to change things up. I started dreaming of remodeling and decorating projects. Around this time the Amazon Prime van was making daily stops at my front door but even that wasn't completely scratching my itch. I missed shopping in person.

When I saw this felt board on Instagram I was relieved to know I wasn't alone. Someone out there got me.

 

 

 

Thank God for the internet. Even though many of the stores were closed, It seemed that whatever we needed was

just a click away.

We even bought our groceries online.

But being a hermit can make you a little squirrelly. It got so bad that I would look forward to

trips to the post office!

 

 

 

 

We communicated with our friends and family via the internet.

My book club met on Zoom.

We had virtual cocktail hours with our friends up north.

Crew, our grandson, and I would FaceTime and read to each other,

and we played this crazy game of House On Fire.

It was all a bit challenging but 

these were staying-in-touch days and

they were memory-making days.

 

 

By May we were able to schedule a flight to see our Iowa family.

We still couldn't buy sanitizing wipes that I wanted to take on the airplane. So, our daughter spent four dollars to ship us a small travel

pack of them that she already had on hand.

That's love.

We were so ready to finally be there.

These were determined days.

 

 

 

 

Hugging our kids after four months was the best.

These were magical days.

 

As some of our fear of the transmission of COVID subsided, we started seeing more of all of our kids. We wanted to be careful but being together was paramount. It was the choice we made.

As soon as we got back to Florida we called our kids there and carved out some time to get together with them too.

James and Sumi were making improvements to their new home and we were anxious to see what they were working on and be a part of their excitement.

 

 

Two years ago I never would have believed that James and Sumi would be back in the states, but I REALLY would have found it hard to believe if you said that both of our boys would be living here in Florida and only about thirty minutes away from us.

It's true. Our youngest, working remotely after March of 2020, and probably coaxed on by his older brother, also made the move to Florida. 

Those were unbelievable days.

 

Even last summer, real estate was already hot. Home sales were up dramatically from the same time a year earlier and there weren't many deals to be had. But luck was with him and he found a great new place to call home.

 

 

 

He made some improvements to his new place including new countertops.  Getting them ordered and installed was much easier than I expected but buying furniture for his new home turned out to be an epic challenge.

The showrooms had plenty to see but the lead times for ordering and delivery were months long. The bedroom set he ordered over Labor Day weekend finally showed up six and a half months later. 

 

 

By fall things were continuing to inch back toward normal. We were, of course, still wearing masks in public and we avoided large groups or closed-in spaces, but when we gathered together for Thanksgiving and Christmas and it felt like 2019.

These were thankful days.

 

 

 

 

 

In January of this year, the kids even jumped on a plane and visited us in Florida.

Some things were still closed but we were able to go to parks, play golf, eat out, and visit the beach. Things are returning to normal. We aren't there yet, but every month elements of our old routines seem to be returning.

These are relieved days. 

It has been a year of highs and lows with a wide spectrum of emotions but in a crazy way, I am grateful for this year.

This year allowed me to take stock in the gifts I have been given, to sit back and appreciate the quiet times, and to reprioritize the people and things in my life. 

So, yes, I am thankful.  But, now, one year later, I am more than ready to get together with all of my friends, to throw a huge house party, and to feel comfortable going out in public again without a mask.

I think we can now say that these are the optimistic days and we are all more than ready for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Loves: March 2021

Decorating for Spring begins at the front door.

When I discovered this delightfully colorful and Easter-inspired door candy I knew I wanted to share it here on my Latest Loves post for March.

Love. It. #GOATSpringwreath

You can buy it here. 

 

And speaking of door candy, I use to have this "Why Hello" sign on the door from the garage into my art studio in our Linden home but I had to leave it behind when we sold the house. 

 

 

I bought the original sign at Hobby Lobby but couldn't find it again so I was thrilled to find this similar and downloadable version last week on Etsy. I can't wait to pull this greeting together and have it hanging on the back door of our new downsized home up north.

 

 

get it here.

 

Shifting now from home decor to manicures... 

I use to routinely go to the salon for manicures but then, somewhere along the way, it seemed that what had once been a pampering luxury became a have-to something that I needed to fit into my schedule. 

During COVID I was happy to just have my natural nails but I did sometimes miss the look of a pulled-together polished manicure.  I started painting my own nails using gel polishes and an LED light with mixed results. Sometimes I would get a great salon-looking manicure and then the next time the polish bubbled or it would only last for a few days. Recently I tried these sticker nail polish strips from Color Street and I have to say they are pretty incredible.

 

Color Street polish strips for nails

 

They can be rather tricky to work with the first time or two. There is a definite learning curve to applying them. I would recommend starting out with one of the glitter styles of polish strips because they seem to be more forgiving than the solid colors in case you mess up. There are some great YouTube videos with tips to help you learn how to apply them easier and I would suggest reviewing a couple of them before jumping in and going it alone.

After doing this three times now, I think I finally have the application process mastered and I have to say that this polish really does last an easy ten days to two weeks. Plus, they are so much easier to remove than gel polish. With a little extra effort, you can get two manicures out of each package so that brings them down to about $5.00 a manicure!

 

 

This sports bra is another latest love for me.

I bought it in white to layer under low-cut tank tops and loved it so much that I ordered it again in two other colors. Order your usual size. They run true to size and I ordered the one with the built-in bra. Is it designed for a high-intensity workout? Well, I wear a D cup so for me, probably not. But for everyday wear, it is amazingly comfortable and supportive.

 

 

 

Then I ordered this air-fryer.

The kids were coming for a visit and I thought it would be perfect for Crew's chicken nuggets and fish sticks. It was. But surprise! Now we are using it too. Fries, turkey breast, fish, and bacon; they all cook up beautifully and healthier in this little wonder.

 

 

 

What have I been watching lately?

I've been watching and loving this.

 

 

I wasn't a fan right away. In the first episode Georgia, the mom, was just too extra and frankly annoying and appeared to be a southern belle cliche. But as I am winding my way through the season, I am realizing that the initial portrayal of her is just a facade she puts up to hide her fears, frustrations, and sadness. Her character is definitely multi-dimensional and intriguing.

The show is almost always compared to Gilmore Girls and there are some obvious similarities but this show is definitely saucier and saltier than its predecessor and is seemingly unfiltered.  Ginny and Georgia isn't some cheap clone. The writing here is sharp and the characters are charismatic. Max, Ginny's BFF, is one of my faves along with her brother Marcus. If you watched Schitt's Creek you will recognize Jennifer Robinson, who played Jocelyn as Ellen, the wine-guzzling, sometimes pot-smoking,  stressed-out mom, neighbor, and close friend of Georgia. 

Pay attention when you watch this one! It is full of constant rapid-fire dialog. There are so many great one-liners and you don't want to miss them.

I'm not going to be white and bougie even if you put me in a cable-knit sweater.

~Ginny Miller in Ginny & Georgia, Season 1 Episode 1 

 

And I just finished reading this.

 

 

This novel consists of several stories told by different women throughout the book; women that don't have much in common other than where they live and the time in which they are living. But their individual narratives and events merge to bring the central story full circle.

The setting of this book, Western Texas, and the time period, 1976, are both so key that they feel like two more integral characters in this story about rape, justice, injustice, bigotry, feminism, marriage, and loss.

This isn't a feel-good book, probably because it is more reflective of real life, and real-life isn't easy. But it is extremely well written and one that you will remember long after you have turned its last page.

 

 

 

So there you have it. My Latest Loves, the things that inspired me, made my life easier, made me feel prettier, made me laugh, made me cry, and entertained and enlightened me. Enjoy!

Wishing you a Happy Holy Week,

 

Must Reads, Entertaining Reads, or Shelve This

 

 

 

What have I been reading lately? Well, it's been a while since I have highlighted any book recommendations so I have quite a few to share this time. Everything from thrilling suspense novels to relevant current events.

It seems that during the holidays and earlier this year, several of my book choices featured central characters that were socially awkward and seriously flawed females. This first one, Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, was a uniquely original read from this first-time author.

 

 

Eleanor is a thirty-something woman that works in a graphic design department, but oddly, doesn't own her own computer. She is a loner and a creature of habit. Her weekends invariably involve heavy drinking by herself at home and whatever weird non-fiction book she has chosen. Early in the book, we learn that Eleanor has a disfiguring scar on half of her face and a toxically dysfunctional relationship with her mother, a mother she receives a belittling phone call from every week. Eleanor also has a fantasy relationship with a lounge singer that she has never actually met. Like I said, seriously flawed. The book would be intensely dark if it weren't for the pathos of Eleanor's quirky, and unintentionally funny personality. Because of her captivating nature, the reader is left rooting for Eleanor and wondering how she got her scar and if her mother is the reason for her eccentricity. 

I have often noticed that people who routinely wear sportswear are the least likely sort to participate in athletic activity. ~ Eleanor Oliphant

Eleanor Oliphant is absolutely fine - #mustread

 

 

 

The Cactus is similarly narrated by an odd female protagonist. Her name is Susan Green and to describe her as "prickly" falls in line with the title of the book. Susan is a woman that likes her routine and everything in order. The book begins with a phone call from her brother telling her that their mother is dead. She takes this announcement very matter-of-factly. The news that she just lost her mother at about the same time she discovers that she is going to unexpectedly become a mom herself does not fit into Susan's well-planned world. What makes this book such a fun read is the evolution of Susan from a detached and predictable character that has a fierce fear of losing control to a woman that gradually learns to open up and take a risk. But is also the humorous way that the author leads us through this story that makes it so special and fresh. 

Two of my favorite quotes from this book are:

But these days, fairy-tale endings come in all shapes and sizes. It's okay for the princess to end up with the prince, it's okay for her to end up with the footman, it's okay for her to end up on her own. It's also okay for her to end up with another princess, or with six cats, or to decide she wants to be a prince. None of these make her any more or less a feminist.

~ Sarah Haywood, The Cactus

 

"Dealing with members of the opposite sex isn't that dissimilar from training a dog; you need to be firm and persistent" ~ Susan Green from The Cactus

The Cactus - #entertainingread

 

There were also some suspenseful reads in my stack of books. The Secrets She Keeps kept me guessing until the very last pages.

Two women. Two totally different backgrounds. Agatha works stocking shelves in a local market and the other, Meghan, is a blogger with a privileged lifestyle. Agatha has observed Meghan and her two small children whenever they are in the grocery store but it isn't until she eventually helps Meghan at the store that they actually meet and share that they are both expecting babies about the same time. A "friendship" evolves but both women have their own dark secrets, secrets that are the driving force behind the plot of this book. This book took over my life for a few days and the result was unfinished emails, unanswered phone calls, and a mountain of laundry. They could wait. This book was that good.

 

 The Secrets She Keeps - #entertainingread

 

 

 

It's Always The Husband is an interesting twist on the whodunnit.

It highlights the thin lines between love and hate and loyalty and betrayal.

 

 

This is the story of three young women with diverse backgrounds that are brought together as college roommates. One is at the school on a scholarship, one is exceptionally focused and driven, and one is the wealthy daughter of one of the college's trustees. During their freshman year, a tragedy occurs that will leave a mark on all of their lives but it isn't until twenty or more years later, when all three of the women are now married, that the ultimate end result of that event comes full circle and the result is fatal. 

 

Somebody dies, and it changes the lives of those left behind forever ~ Michele Campbell

It's Always The Husband  #entertainingread

 

Natchez Burning,  written by Greg Iles.

This man shares a plot with poetic sentences. Here are just two examples:

 

" The evil prosper, and the innocent pay the bills for them" ~ Greg Iles

 

" The faith of children is an awesome thing to behold. If only we could all be worthy of it." ~ Greg Iles, Natchez Burning

 

 

This compelling novel is part of a trilogy. I didn't realize that when I started reading all 865 pages of it. It is an intriguing read of a lawyer in Natchez, Mississippi that is called upon to defend his father, a well-respected physician, who has been charged with murder. The plot of this story takes us from the 1960s with hideous tales of the KKK and its regional offshoots to the racism that continues today. It is an eye-opener that is eloquently told and so relevant today. I found the parts of the book from the earlier times more convincing and imperative than the more current parts of the book and that is why I rated this book the way I did.

 Natchez Burning - #entertainingread

 

 

Black Out by Candace Owens

I don't read a lot of non-fiction but when I see this woman interviewed I am always impressed with her brilliant mind, her ability to form her thoughts so succinctly and logically, and her courage to speak out against a political party that has been detrimental to black progress and success.  I had a good idea of what I was going to read in this book but to have it laid out so clearly makes this one a must-read for anyone. By the time I finished her book, there were more sentences highlighted than not. It is full of facts to support her narrative and to make those that disagree with her recognize some uncomfortable truths.

 

Here are a few of my favorite excerpts of wisdom from Candace Owens:

People tell me I am a fighter, so here is my call to arms: black America, break free, and do not look back. More and more are crossing into the Promised Land; join them. Once you discover the incredible power of realizing that you are answerable only to yourself and God and that no politician owns you, no politically correct agenda dictates to you, no ideology subjugated you, no history binds you, and yes, no one political party controls your vote--then you have found freedom. 

~Candace Owens

 

on family...

It is true that blacks are twice as likely to fall below the poverty line as whites. But people fail to account for the fact that, across all races, single women (24.9 percent) and single men (12. 7 percent) are far more likely to live in poverty than married couples (4.7 percent) Marriage rates have dropped dramatically in recent years, and the crisis of the unwed mother has had a dramatic effect on blacks. It's worth noting that only 6.9 percent of black married couples lived in poverty in 2006, while the poverty rate for non-married black families was a staggering 35.3 percent.

~Candace Owens

 

On School Choice...

Today in California, arguably the most liberal state in the United States, 75 percent of black boys cannot pass the state literacy exam. With literacy being used once again as a means of social control

My rating for Black Out - #mustread

 

 

 

Evvie Drake Starts Over

 

Queue up the first chapter. Evvie is sitting in her car contemplating her next move. She has packed up and is ready to leave her physician husband. The thing is, he doesn't know it yet. The bigger thing is that before she can pull away her cell phone rings and she learns that her husband has been killed in an accident. 

 

Evvie isn't your typical widow. Evvie should be sad. She is sad. The world thinks she is grieving and she is grieving but not the way you might think. This is a story of recovery, change, starting over, and relationships. It is a study of how those relationships change over time and how change isn't necessarily a bad thing. It also asks the universal question we all have; what are we supposed to be doing and what happens next?

The storyline easily pulled me through this book because I was intrigued by these characters and wanted to know where they were going with their lives. But it was also Linda Holmes' insightfulness into the human psyche that was key for me.

This was one of my favorite passages from this novel:

 

"And if you've been somebody's first call, it's hard not to be there first call anymore. She says it's one of the reasons why parents sometimes feel sad when their kids are getting married. It's not just the empty nest. They're not the first call anymore. I'm not Andy's first call anymore. It doesn't mean I want to be his girlfriend and it doesn't mean I don't like her. But it was different. It was sad." ~ Evvie Drake Starts Over

 

 

 

Jonathan Tropper's 

How To Talk To A Widower

 

 

I am a huge fan of Jonathan Tropper. Last year I read And This Is Where I Leave You. I loved, loved, loved, that book because of the author's irreverent and hysterically funny writing style.

This book was similar but didn't quite measure up for me. That said, I did still enjoy it and I will continue to work my way through all of his books. I just hope I didn't read the best one first.

How To Talk To A Widower is based on a man in his late twenties. His wife, a slightly older woman, was recently killed in a commercial plane crash and he is lost in his grief.  But along with his overwhelming sadness, he is facing the added challenges of raising her troubled and also grieving teenage son. A book about a widower, what could be uplifting about that? The writer's wit and ability to see the sublime humor and the strength of the human heart to persevere even during the darkest corners and chapters of our lives, that's what. Did I tell you I am crazy about this author? 

 

Jonathan Tropper on grief...

"In my defense, I was young and there was an open bar" ~ How To Talk To A Widower

"Pity, I've learned, is like a fart. You can tolerate your own, but simply can't stand anyone else's"

~How To Talk To A Widower

 How To Talk To A Widower #entertainingread

 

 

 

It seems to me that I have been seeing Jojo Moyes' books on bestseller's lists and lining the shelves at Barnes and Noble forever, but until recently I never read any of her books. Then this title, Me Before You, showed up in a Bookbub's email and I figured that for less than three dollars, it was worth adding to my iTunes book library. It is part of a trilogy. They probably knew they would hook me with this one and I will soon be buying the other two.

 

 

 

Very simply, this is a love story first. A love story between two very different people with two very different backgrounds and approaches to life. It begins when a young woman is terminated from her job and takes a new temporary position as a caregiver to a man that will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. It seems like an unlikely pairing because it is but as the story unwinds the virtual wall this man has built around himself begins to have fissures and he reluctantly lets her zest for life and her determination to save him from himself seep in. 

 

But there is more to this book than just the love story. There are some great food-for-thought and inspirational quotes to be found here as well...

 

"I will never, ever regret the things I've done. Because most days all you have are the places in your memory that you can go to" ~ Jojo Moyes, Me Before You

 Me Before You #entertainingread

 

 

 

Other People's Houses

aka

The 2020 version of Desperate Housewives but much funnier.

Think of it as four families, one carpool and one affair. Their lives are so intertwined that when an affair happens in one house, it affects the other three. They know so much about each other and yet so little. Curbside, all of their homes and lives look picture perfect but as the story unwinds the secrets unravel with the perfect mix of insight and humor. 

 

 

I found this passage on carpool drop-off so relatable...

 

"Behind her in the line of cars, someone tapped their horn. OK, the brief honk said, we waited while you dealt with whatever mini crisis was caused by your piss-poor parenting, because we're nice like that, but now you can get a move on because we, like everyone else in this line, have Shit to Do. Amazing how much a second of blaring horn can communicate".

Alli Waxman, Other People's Houses

 

 

 

Some Luck by Jane Smiley

 

Jane Smiley is an award-winning author and even won a Pulitzer prize for one of her other books but for me, this story about a family struggle on an Iowa farm from the early 1900s to about 1950 had me constantly flipping ahead to see how many more pages until the end of the chapter and how many more chapters until the end of the book. None of the characters were charismatic enough for me to care about and it lacked any real suspense or even plot. It was just the story of everyday life where not much happened. That was not what I was looking for. Even though I grew up in Iowa and was familiar with some of the towns and places mentioned in the book, I still struggled to get to the merciful end.

 

Some Luck - #shelveit

 

 

Such A Fun Age

 

This book has received all kinds of accolades and I was anxious to read it. I think I was expecting more of a suspense novel having read there is a suspected kidnapping in the first chapter but that was not what this book was about.  Because of the issues of race and racism in the news so much in the past year, I was more aware of the theme of unintentional and often unrecognized racism in all of us. The story goes back and forth in each chapter between two women as they tell their viewpoint of the events that are unfolding. The first is Emira, a black twenty-five-year-old fledgling college graduate striving to find some career direction. While she is working as a typist, she takes a second job as a part-time nanny for Alex,  a white, thirty-something internet influencer. In the first chapter of the book, Emira is called late in the evening to Alex's home because of a family emergency. Emira takes Alex's three-year-old daughter to a late-night market and is accused of kidnapping her. She is held by the shopkeeper until Alex's husband comes to set everybody straight. This was a blatant episode of racism but there are many more subtle examples, on both sides, throughout the book. This is one that will have you thinking and rethinking your own perceptions.  What makes this book work is there aren't any absolutes. Neither character is all good or all bad and neither is right or wrong. They are both compelling and you realize that is how life often works.

Such A Fun Age - #entertainingread

 

I just discovered as I am writing this post that the book I am currently reading, The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill is written by the same author as Other People's Houses. It has a bit of a slow start but I'm pushing through thinking it will pick up soon. Has anyone else read it or any of these? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

 

 

Looking for some new blogs to follow? Join me today here for some fun finds.

The Empty Nester Home Reveal: The Great Room

 

 

 

 

There were days I wondered if I would ever write this post. It seems like we have been at this forever.

 

 

 

It's true that we moved in almost eighteen months ago, but we actually started remodeling this home fifteen months before that! The house needed a lot more than a refresh and although it wasn't our original plan, we ultimately ended up tearing everything out and taking it back to the studs.

 

 

Here is a before view and a during-the-process pic of the TV side of the great room to show where we started and what we did with it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we eventually sold the large family home that we had been living in during this project and for over twenty years before that, the buyer surprised us and purchased most of the furniture in our old house. It made for a very easy move for us but it also meant that the new place felt rather naked. All we had were these plastic lawn chairs in the great room.

 

 

Our buyers had requested a quick possession and the fact that they kept our furniture meant that we moved in without any beds, sofas, or dressers. So, I had a lot of decisions to make and I had to make them quickly. Even though we were fortunate to have our Florida home to go to while we waited for furniture, I wanted to get things ordered immediately.  As a result, I made a number of hasty choices and although there were some lucky hits, I also had a couple of design misses.

One hit was actually a repurchase.  Seven years ago, in the big old family home, I had ordered this Norwalk ottoman in a Sunbrella fabric for our family room.

 

 

It stayed with the house but I always loved the size of it and the storage it offered so I ordered it again in faux leather which is perfect for putting up our feet.

 

 

That was a win. On the other hand, I was unhappy with my sofa choice. I ordered two of them from a national furniture chain. We had seen this same style sofa in the store done in leather and it looked amazing but I chose to go with them in fabric. Sadly, they didn't translate well in the fabric. The large single cushion design always looked wrinkled and seemed to slide forward after someone had sat on it. I was also disappointed in the welting which wasn't straight and crisp like I had expected. 

 

 

 

 

But things just have a way of working out.

Our twenty-something-year-old son decided to make a move to Florida too and those cushions and welting were not an issue to him at all. He was thrilled to have these sofas to not only sit on but sofas that were long enough for his 6'5" frame to stretch out on.

Win-Win.

As for us?  Things were looking a bit bare again.

 

 

 

 

I had learned my lesson. I wanted to buy locally this time and I wanted to purchase furniture that was made in the U.S.  I went back to my favorite furniture source,  Phelan's Interiors where I had also purchased the ottoman and leather swivel chairs. 

Ordering furniture during Covid is a challenge and we did have a bit of a wait, but just last week the new sofas arrived, and I LOVE THEM. 

 

Created in a seemingly indestructible Crypton fabric in the color Prohibition, and finished with a silver leg, they are not only pretty, but functional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is still snow on the ground in Iowa so it still seemed a bit early for Easter and tulips but I did tweak the room with a few new additions and fresh nods of color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been a long time coming but maybe there is something to that old saying that good things come to those who wait.

 

 

I'm glad you stopped by and hope you will consider signing up for email updates or following me on Instagram or Bloglovin'.  

or if you are looking for more blogs to follow for design ideas, recipes, and lifestyle posts join me here.

 

You can see these additional posts showcasing our downsized empty-nester home here...

Empty Nester Reveal: The Foyer

Empty Nester Reveal: The Exterior

 

shop the house-

 

table lamp - one-of-a-kind but close match here

 

rug 

 

Norwalk Sparta Swivel Chair in Leather- customizable

 

Norwalk Baxter Storage Ottoman - Customizable

 

Decorative Telescope - Home Goods. Similar here.

 

Navy West Elm Basket Weave Throw, discontinued. Similar here.

Hermes Avalon III blanket

 

Customizable Norwalk Louise Sofa

Fabric - Crypton. Color- Prohibition

 

 

 

Brown textured accent pillows

also available through Phelan's Interiors

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Loves February 2021

 

 

After working at pulling together our downsized home up north for the past year, I decided that it was time to bring in some fresh touches to our Florida home. I haven't done anything major...yet, but that might be coming soon. For now, I have just added some accessories like these fabulous monogrammed towels from The Happy Crabbers.

 

 

 

 

Apparently, I've been a bit monogram obsessed lately because I also purchased, from Three Threads SC, two of these monogrammed bath mats for our master bath.

 

 

This time I went with grey to tie in with our bath towels.

 

 

During my web shopping, I stumbled upon this fun site and fell in love with this colorful chinoiserie pillow.

 

As for the bigger projects, this might be the year that we remodel the two guest bathrooms and update the powder room. So, among my latest loves is 

This blue wallpaper for our powder room.

 

 

and I am embracing the movement and pearl look of this tile 

for the shower walls in the guest bathrooms. I think, though, that I would like to do this in a rectangular tile going vertically.

 

 

Shifting gears, after a bit of a scare that turned out to be nothing, I have vowed to be more vigilant about applying sunscreen. I have used this one for the past year and really like how it goes on and doesn't feel greasy or cause breakouts. Caring is sharing.

 

 

 

Another recent win was this bamboo stroller blanket I purchased for our little Greer. It is so soft and lightweight but the double layer makes it just a bit more substantial and the 47" square size makes it very versatile.

 

 

And it looked so sweet paired with this crib sheet and this one too.

I hope you found something here to love or to be inspired by. Have a happy weekend.

 

The Home Organization Hacks That Have Worked Best For Me

 

 

 

Lately, I've been pouring over my Home Edit bibles and scratching out lists for Target, Amazon, and The Container Store. While I was straightening and rethinking some of my storage options  I began reevaluating what is working for me and what isn't, and during this whole process, I decided to share a few of the tricks that have been, for me, winning organizational hacks.

 

 

 

 

For years I have used an acrylic clear cube organizer to corral my makeup.

 

And since then, I have added to my system. I stay with clear acrylic products to have a uniform look that makes everything look prettier and coordinated.

Like these acrylic drawers that categorize, separate, and make it easy to see the lipgloss I am looking for. I like that they can be stacked vertically or horizontally.

 

 

I have all of my skincare products and makeup on the left side of the sink and hair products, supplements, and pampering items like face masks and peels on the right.

This is another area of the house where I incorporate small turntables.

 

 

But really? How much nicer would it look if I took the stickers off of the turntables? Sometimes I don't see things until I photograph them!

 

 

 

I had outlets put in the cabinets so a toothbrush and the Clarisonic could be charging while out of sight.

 

 

and this might look like a stack of drawers, but ...

 

 

it is actually one big drawer with built-in outlets for hairstyling tools.

 

 

 

 

Moving into the closet is where some of the best organizing hacks come together and I owe a lot of my storage solution successes to Ikea.

 

I have used these Ikea Lacks in multiple homes. They are beyond functional. You can set them horizontally on the floor as a bench and add baskets between the shelves or you can stand them vertically or even hang them on a wall as a storage option. Their clean modern lines allow them to easily double as an attractive display piece for some of your favorite items.

 

 

I also like to incorporate the Ikea Alex into my closet organization. I made sure to have the bar that accommodates my longer pieces raised a bit higher so that this storage unit would easily fit underneath and maximize this side of my closet. The Alex is usually featured as a staple in home offices but this little beauty is an all-around workhorse and I especially like it for jewelry organization. Check out my list of inserts at the bottom of this post for where to find some of the divided trays I have used here.

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite ways to store long necklaces is with these wall-mounted, clear acrylic pegs.

They disappear into the wall and the jewelry takes center stage.

 

 

 

 

I was fortunate to be able to design the layout of the closet and one of the best features is the adjustable shelving that can be spaced appropriately for various shoe heights or even further apart to accommodate baskets or totes.

 

 

This allowed me to use these canvas Ikea drawer organizers to contain belts and small accessories. They don't just work in drawers. Here they ARE the drawer. 

 

 

Finally, onto the kitchen. We remodeled this space about four years ago and we had enough cabinets and drawers to designate one of them as an extra utensil drawer.

 

 

 I also started rethinking the cabinetry. Obviously, pretty dishes and glassware just make sense in the glass front upper cabinets,

 

 

but this time around I also put dishes in some of the deep drawers that are within easy reach of the dishwasher.

 

 

I haven't done it yet, but I am hoping to add one of these peg style inserts so these lighter weight melamine dishes stay exactly where I want them.

 

This insert would work for dishes and for the pots and pans drawers as well.

I also like the adjustable bamboo drawer organizers for flatware. This drawer is particularly wide so it took two units but I like the finished look when I pull open this drawer.

 

 

I had hoped to share my laundry room organization hints as well but I am still waiting for some of my containers are taking longer than usual to arrive. So look for another organizing post soon. In the meantime, I have linked up some of the products I have used.

You're welcome. 

Happy Organizing! Apparently, it is what the whole world is doing these days.

 

 

 

shop this post:

Lipgloss organizer

 

Clear Cube Make Up Drawer System

 

The hairstyling tool drawer insert is custom made but a similar version can be found here.

Ikea Lack 

 

Acrylic Jewelry Hangers

 

Ikea Alex

 

 

Canvas shelf or drawer inserts

 

Currently, this item is only available in grey.

 

 

I combined several types of drawer inserts in my Ikea Alex 

 

you can find them here, here, and here.

 

In the kitchen, I used this

Flatware drawer adjustable insert

 

Deep Drawer Utensil Organizer

Ours was a custom made insert but here is a DIY option I found for you.

 

 

 

Looking for more home organization, Valentine decor ideas, or home decor inspiration? Be sure and join me over at the 578th Inspire Me Tuesday 

and a new blog find for me, A Stylish Fit.

 

Hang On! Yes I'm Still Blogging

I am full of post ideas and after taking a blogging break, I am refreshed and anxious to share more design, organization, and lifestyle hits and misses with you. See you tomorrow.

xoxo,

p

Christmas Decor After Downsizing

 

 

 

 

Last year, when we sold our home we sold most of the furniture to our buyer. So, when we moved into this house there was barely a place to sit, let alone decorate. As a result, this is my first round of dressing up our empty-nester home up north for the holidays.

 

 

 

This is also a part-time home house for us so in the interest of storage space and making the decorating process simpler, I have had to rethink our Christmas decorations and come up with easier and less time-consuming ways to decorate for the holiday season.

 

 

Our old home was quite large and I loved pulling out all the stops at Christmas but this home is MUCH smaller which meant I had to do some major Christmas editing and bring just a few of my favorite pieces with us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of the ornaments from those more formal front rooms are very special to me. I enjoy seeing them from one year to the next. Some of the ornaments had belonged to my mom and dad so I wanted to incorporate them in this house too.

 

I had sold or donated all of our trees before we moved and I didn't want to buy another tree and then have to find a place to store it the other eleven months of the year. Plus, some years we are only up north for a few short weeks. I didn't want to spend those precious few days decorating and then taking it all down and putting it away again. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pieces of our past are what make a house a home and

this Sticks Company sculpture was another favorite that I knew I wanted to have in our new home too.

 

He looked great in our coral walled family room...

 

maybe a little less perfect here but with a little greenery and some mini lights, I think he is still quite charming.

 

 

Some of the quirky finds from over the years along with the simpler flair that just whispers Christmas came along with us too.

 

 

 

The only thing I bought this year? This greenery ball from Hobby Lobby. I'm thinking it was less than six dollars.

The 2015 me would never believe that 2020 me would be spending less than ten dollars on Christmas decorations!

Is it the pandemic or am I really that old? 

 

 

And only in a pandemic year would you think to decorate the hand-sanitizer...

 

 

 and prominently place it in the kitchen along with this felt board. 

 

 

From our home to yours,

A Merry and Healthy Christmas Season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Office Themed Birthday Party

 

Even during a pandemic special birthdays deserve a little something extra. We kept the guest list to just family but this was a birthday we wanted to recognize.

 

 

 

 

 

I started with the banner and balloons. 

 

For the table I began with an over-sized tub of cheese balls from Costco and embellished it with a computer-printed Michael Scott Paper Company logo. Then I created some other Office themed snacks with free printable labels that I found here. 

 

The Dwight Schrute figurine and a book covered in a photo of Michael Scott's book rounded out the centerpiece. 

 

 

I also found some free printables on the internet and either framed them or hung them around the house.

 

Even the dessert, ice cream cake AND cupcakes, had their own Office touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be Colorful Coastal Color Of The Week: Brilliant Amber

source unknown

 

At first glance, this warm golden orange makes me think of Fall in the Midwest. I can easily see it with grey flannel chairs, deep aubergine pillows, or a jewel tone rug. But, this is a color that also says Florida sunshine and could be equally beautiful in a coastal or tropically styled home.

 

 

Brilliant Amber from Benjamin Moore

 

 

                               

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The Empty Nester Home Reveal : The Foyer

*This post has been republished for Bloglovin'

Welcome to our new downsized home for empty-nester living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we looked at this home the first time, we were greeted by a foyer that was dark, narrow, and closed off. The flooring was done in a narrow oak plank and the ceiling was peppered with several odd dome-like skylights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I opted for sconces in this hallway instead of overhead lighting but if you go this route you need to consider how far the sconces project from the wall. Some of them extend out quite a bit and will be at risk of being bumped or just make the hallway feel narrow.

 

 

 

 

This fixture also had some prerequisites to consider. I wanted it to be large enough to make a statement but I needed it to not drop down too far or I would have a real issue with opening the front door. 

 

 

 

 

My darling daughter-in-law was visiting from South Korea about the time we moved in and she was a sport and helped me put this entry cabinet together. Now, every time I look at it, I think of her.

 

 

I will be sharing my downsizing post with the readers at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

 

BLACK AND IVORY FOYER RUGS: here

some of my other options here, here, and here.

 

SCONCES: here

other options here, here, and here.

 

CEILING FIXTURE: here

other options here and here

 

FLOORING: here

CABINET: here

other options here, here, and here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Downsized House Reveal: The Foyer

 

Welcome to our new downsized home for empty-nester living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we looked at this home the first time, we were greeted by a foyer that was dark, narrow, and closed off. The flooring was done in a narrow oak plank and the ceiling was peppered with several odd dome-like skylights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I opted for sconces in this hallway instead of overhead lighting but if you go this route you need to consider how far the sconces project from the wall. Some of them extend out quite a bit and will be at risk of being bumped or just make the hallway feel narrow.

 

 

 

 

This fixture also had some prerequisites to consider. I wanted it to be large enough to make a statement but I needed it to not drop down too far or I would have a real issue with opening the front door. 

 

 

 

 

My darling daughter-in-law was visiting from South Korea about the time we moved in and she was a sport and helped me put this entry cabinet together. Now, every time I look at it, I think of her.

 

 

 

Please join me and gather some inspiration as I share my  Foyer Reveal post at A Stroll Thru Life 

BLACK AND IVORY FOYER RUGS: here

some of my other options here, here, and here.

 

SCONCES: here

other options here, here, and here.

 

CEILING FIXTURE: here

other options here and here

 

FLOORING: here

CABINET: here

other options here, here, and here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be Colorful Coastal Color Of The Week: Classic Blue

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Has blue been overdone? It is the number one design color of all time. So you may think it has been overdone but these images will make you want to reconsider this classic shade for your own home.

 

 

 

 

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A Hurricane Hit Iowa!

 

 

This was a photo I shared in my last post of our new empty-nester home up north. I took this photo a few days before Iowa was hit with a derecho. I had never even heard the word derecho before August 10th.  It is often described as an inland hurricane but, unlike a hurricane, it doesn't swirl and unlike a tornado, this storm was forty miles wide and stuck around for nearly an hour.

Add in the fact that unlike regular hurricanes, with days to prepare, these straight-line winds came with little warning. We had about fifteen minutes notice for what we thought was going to be a thunderstorm with gusty winds. We had no idea what was headed our way.

 

Photo credit: The Weather Channel

 

 

 

 

So that was then.

Today the house looks like this.

 

 

Look at all of those trees that are now missing!

But, the house is still standing and for that I am grateful. 

 

And we were not alone. The damage at the home where we raised our family and just recently sold brought me to tears. The wall of pine trees to the west of the house consisted of trees that were probably 80-100 years old. You can't put that back.

 

 

 

 

 

In 2017 we evacuated from our Florida home back up here to Iowa because of hurricane Irma and people have asked me how this damage in Iowa compares to what we saw in Florida. Although our own home had more damage in the 2017 Florida hurricane, I feel that overall, this derecho has left much more long-term devastation in its wake than what we saw after Irma.

This storm didn't hit just a couple blocks in the city, it battered every single quadrant, street, and property. Every one. It severely damaged cell towers, cable infrastructure, and left 95% of the residents without electricity - many of them for nearly three weeks.

 

 

Yes, that is an airplane wing stuck into the side of a house in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Photo credit: KGAN

 

Photo credit: KWWL

The National Weather Service described this derecho as a straight-line wind storm that had winds as high as 140 mph, or the equivalent of a category 4 hurricane when it hit this part of the state and then continued its forty-mile wide march across Iowa and other Midwest states. 

 

 

We were incredibly lucky. I like to think there were angels watching over our home. Trees fell on every side of the house but nothing penetrated the roof.

 

 

 

This one came uncomfortably close.

 

 

A number of our neighbors were not as lucky.

 

 

 

 

 

We, of course, lost power. 

Over 100,000 people in this small city were without power, many of them for well over two weeks.

 

We were down for NINE DAYS. Nine very long days.

No air-conditioning, no fans, and no refrigeration.

We were also without internet or cable for NINETEEN DAYS!

I'm not sure which one was worse.

 

Now imagine all the spoiled food from tens of thousands of homes without power for weeks!

 

 

Yes, a whole house generator is our next scheduled home improvement! 

My last post said I would be back soon with some reveals of the inside of our new downsized home but without the internet that just wasn't possible and a post about home design seemed pretty damn trivial when so many in our area were without walls or roofs. 

It's too soon for that but I will be back with a reveal post in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Downsized House Reveal - The Exterior

 

 

We had been thinking about downsizing for several years. Our main home is now in Florida but we still have family and friends here in the Midwest and we wanted to have a place to come back to. What we didn't want was all of the expense and upkeep of the large, century-old home that we had lived in for the past twenty years.

 

 

There is a development of detached condos (which are actually houses) in our city that gave us the opportunity to still live in a house but not have to be concerned with lawn care or snow removal when we weren't here. This is a community that we had been trying to get into for over a year but homes in this development are often sold before they even hit the market. So when a friend called to tell me that she had heard of a home that might be coming on the market we jumped on it.

 

 

 

Although this is a very desirable area, the homes in this development are all thirty to forty years old and most of them are in need of some serious updating. Ours was one of those homes that were in need of more than a little love. 

 

 

 

 

 

One thing led to another and before you knew it we had taken the entire home down to the studs.

 

We moved windows and walls,

 

 

 

replaced the old screened-in porch with a larger one,

 

 

 

and replaced the roof which allowed us to get rid of all those hideous tubular skylights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We considered a light grey with white trim but ultimately chose this darker shade with black and white accents.

 

 

 

 

We were fortunate that we weren't living in the house while all of this construction was going on because it took roughly a year and a half but it was worth it. We had a great architect and contractor so the end result was even better than I had imagined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So please sign up for email updates or stop back soon to see all of the changes we made to the interior of this home...

 

 

sources: front door

                  porch rug,  porch rug

planters

faux greens

door color

house body color

shutter color

 

Twelve Steps To Downsizing Your Home

 

 

 You are thinking about downsizing or maybe you have already committed to the move. Yay, you! How exciting! 

Last fall my husband and I sold the house that we had lived in for the past twenty years. We are empty nesters now and that big old rambling house was much too big. I thought it would be difficult to leave. I loved that house, I did. It's true, I did have some tears and doubts that last week before the move and I must have had a dozen "just one more walkthrough" moments as I walked from room to room for the umpteenth time, trying to relive every memory but now, eight months later, I am thrilled to be in this smaller and more efficient home.

Looking back I am amazed at how much stuff I held on to for years and never used. I won't sugarcoat it. Moving isn't for the faint-of-heart and downsizing is moving on a whole different level but done right and methodically, it can be a lot easier than you think.

I've learned a lot on this journey and now I'd like to share the twelve steps to moving that worked for me and made the whole process more manageable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Start Early

I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I started preparing to move two years before we took the plunge and put our house on the market. Our move wasn't imminent but I knew that a downsizing move was in our future and it was obvious that moving from our cavernous home and its two decades of accumulation was going to be a monumental event.  In a bigger house, it was easy to hold on to things and still not feel crowded. There were plenty of closets and dresser drawers and cupboards. There were tubs of children's books and more tubs of Christmas, Valentine, and Fourth of July decorations. I wouldn't call myself a hoarder but every once in a while, I would look around and feel like I needed an intervention.

Even if you haven't listed your house yet, but you are thinking of downsizing, start now. I can not stress this enough. This is going to be bigger, harder, and more time-consuming than you think. I don't say that to discourage you but to motivate you to start early so you can spread the effort out over a longer period of time. Do not underestimate the effort that a downsizing move will require because by the time we get to this stage of our lives, we have accumulated boatloads of crap ( yes, crap), and the more time you can give yourself to work through it, the easier the whole process will be. Even if you can give yourself two years to prepare as we did, that last week you will still be panic pitching,  wondering where all this stuff came from and wishing you could have all the money back for these "treasures" you are now trying to get rid of.

 

 

2.  Pitch. Pitch. Pitch.

On your first few rounds through your house concentrate on simply pitching. We all have our junk, things like broken rakes, one lone roller skate, yellowed T-shirts, and tax returns from fifteen years ago. But now, as you are preparing to downsize, it is time to shred, pitch, and ditch. Go room by room, drawer by drawer, and cupboard by cupboard. You might consider renting a dumpster. It sounds drastic but depending on how long you have lived in your home and how much of a packrat you are, it might be easier than taking countless bags of garbage to the curb. As you go through your house this time look for the obvious items that aren't going to be of use to anyone and then... go back and do it all one more time.

 

 

3.  Sell Seasonal Items Throughout the Year

 

 

 

Again, if you are looking ahead to downsizing and have the gift of time, this is one of the best suggestions. Selling items at the right time of the year will get you top dollar. Think about it. Nobody is going to want your cute Easter decor in October.

After my first intense swath of purging and pitching items from every room of our house, I moved on to selling some of the things I knew wouldn't be going with us. I did NOT want to sell furniture at this time because I wanted the house to show well when we put it on the market and statistics prove that a staged or furnished house will sell faster and for more money. I did, though, have a lot of accessories, dishes, and retired pieces of furniture tucked away in various parts of the house that I could start moving out. Again, because I had the luxury of time, I sold seasonal items when they were in the most demand. For example, I would post Halloween decor in early September and as a result, things moved quickly and easily. When it came to Christmas items, rather than selling each item individually, I would group them according to color or theme and sell them as a package.

 

 

It was easy and hugely successful. I sold a few pieces on eBay but some things were too heavy or quite fragile and the easiest way for me to sell those items was through Facebook Marketplace. This also seemed to be a relatively safe option since most of my items went to various Facebook friends.

 

 

4. Make Monthly Drop Offs to Goodwill A Habit

 I made it a monthly priority to drop off a carload of gently worn items to Goodwill. These were things that were too useful to pitch but were either not worth the trouble to try and sell or I had already tried but wasn't able to sell them.

Start in the attic, garage, or basement. These are the places where house "baggage" goes to die. Really, what are you holding onto it for?  I can almost promise you your kids WILL NOT WANT IT. Let it go. It is not going to be back in style in your lifetime, and if you spent more on it than you should have, holding onto it is not going to make you eventually love it more.

You might tell yourself that you have already gone through your home and pulled the things you are ready to part with but trust me, every time you make the effort to edit and edit once again, you will continue to discover even more things that you no longer need. It sometimes takes a while to get into this mindset but once you are in it the whole process becomes easier.  I probably took at least two dozen carloads to the Goodwill over an eighteen-month period and in that final week before the move, I was grateful for every single load and item that was out of the house.

 

 

5.  Scout Your Look

So far you have been doing a lot of the heavy lifting so give yourself a break and start thinking about your new home. What look are you going for? Get inspired by scouting out design and decor ideas on Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram. Save some of your favorites so you can go back and look at them again. Usually, a pattern will begin to emerge. You might discover that your style lean is changing, that you really do like a more minimalist or maybe Boho look. Maybe the downsizing that you are looking forward to is a reflection of the lifestyle changes you have made or are getting ready to make. Will you even need a formal dining room set? Maybe just a large but more casual kitchen table and chairs will suffice. If it is something you can afford to do, this could be the time to embrace that new direction and let go of even more of the things that don't fit into the vision for your new space. This is a new beginning, that fresh start you've been waiting for. Think about it. Maybe you live without a coffee table or floor lamp for a couple of months. Why pay to move something that you will undoubtedly be letting go anyway? Now is the time to shed these less inspiring items. Somebody will love them and you will have the fun and excitement of looking for and creating a new home with things that reflect who you are today.

 

 

Photo by Dura Supreme Cabinetry - Search kitchen design ideas

 

 

 

6. Thirty Day Edit

Two of our kids were doing this in their homes last year and I was having a bit of FOMO, so I joined in this exercise too. The idea is that you do a bit of decluttering of your home every day for a month. On the first day of the month, you get rid of one item. On day two, you get rid of two items, and so on, and so on as you work your way through the month. The first week will be easy. That last week will push you out of your comfort zone. Thirty things on Day 30 can be challenging. There were days I was desperate and would have to get creative to come up with enough objects. One day I had to consider a set of eight napkins as eight things. I put things in piles of Pitch, Donate, and Sell. I threw out the things that were stained or broken that I had missed in earlier sweeps through the house and I donated some items. Then I created a photo album of downsizing items from my Thirty Day Edit that I wanted to sell and then I shared the album on my Facebook page. I would post the album and direct people to tag themselves in the photos of items they wanted.  I asked everyone to pick up their items within the next day or two which worked quite well.

 

 

 

 

7.  Plan For Storage

As you are thinking about which pieces to keep, plan for storage. What do I mean by that? Obviously, consider how much storage space will you have in your next home. Will you have a basement? A garage? Maybe you will still have a dedicated storage room but also think about furniture as storage. I made a conscientious effort to keep or look for end tables, night tables, buffets, and cabinets that had drawers or shelves. I knew that I would have less garage and closet space so using furniture to nest away things like light bulbs, extension cords, and off-season accessories just made sense. For example, in our bedroom, I opted for a small dresser on each side of the bed to handle more clothing storage along with the usual hand creams, books, and reading glasses.

 

 

 

 

8.  Be Realistic - The 95/2 Rule

The closer you get to your move the harsher you will probably have to become when it comes to editing out furniture and miscellaneous items. the fairy tale seems to be visions of the whole family gathered together and the kids coming home at the same time for the holidays.  The reality is they have jobs and in-laws. Realistically, how often will this getting-together really be happening? Our realtor gave us a good formula to consider that he referred to as the 95/2 rule. Simply put, ninety-five percent of the time it is usually just the two of us. I reflected back on that rule when we were trying to efficiently design our new space. The same rule can also work for you. Will you need a dining room? Maybe going forward, most of your dinner parties will be buffet-style. How often will you be entertaining? Maybe that space would serve you better as a home office. What about guest bedrooms? You might need them for grandchildren or maybe using one of them as a workout room or sewing room would better suit your new lifestyle. Instead of dedicated rooms, a downsized house will often have multi-purpose spaces such as a Murphy bed in the home office.

Also, look at the items in your kitchen. How often do you use that panini maker or rice cooker? Will you have the same amount of cupboard space in your new home? Probably not.

Think about that exercise equipment and be honest with yourself. What about all those scrapbook supplies you bought ten or twelve years ago? Are you still scrapbooking? It might still be important to you, but if not, now is the time to pass these things on to someone who will embrace them and put them to good use. Editing is an emotional process but it does get easier and a year from now these are things you will most likely not even miss.

 

 

9. Edit Closets

 

 

This is where I had to get serious. I was spoiled. I'm still spoiled, but in our big house, I had converted a small bedroom into my walk-in closet, an entire room! It was great but having that much space made me a bit of a hoarder.  Looking forward, though, chances are that when you are downsizing in square footage, you might also be downsizing your closet space. 

The concepts for this part of the move aren't new. You have probably heard them all before but it is true if you don't love something in your closet or you are holding onto an outfit only because of what you paid for it, then it is time to let it go.

Be harsh. Unless you are currently on a new lifestyle eating plan and have already seen success with it, those sweaters, dresses, and shorts that are too small need to be moved on out.

What about party clothes? The pandemic can't last forever. There will, someday, be parties again but how much of this kind of stuff do you need in your wardrobe? I don't know about you, but my lifestyle has become much more casual and I have fewer places to wear these dressier pieces. There is also something about formal occasions that makes us think we need to wear something new. So when the next party comes along will you even want to wear that cocktail dress or sequined top again? If not, then donate or sell these types of clothing now. You will be grateful for the extra hanging space. 

Beyond considering your lifestyle needs and editing out things that don't fit, are showing wear, or you don't care for anymore, the third and what was for me the most challenging part of paring down is just the cut-throat act of eliminating excess. I still have too many black pants, black jackets, and Lilly Pulitzer dresses but I did eliminate maybe twenty-five percent of my wardrobe. Now, when I look in my closet I like what's in there and I am getting my money's worth from the pieces I have. 

 

10. Deal With Sentimentality

This is another area of downsizing that can be challenging. I saved this chapter of editing for later in the process. As I was getting closer and closer to the move date I could see that I still had too much stuff. That one carload a month to Goodwill hadn't been aggressive enough. I was noticing a definite correlation between the days until the move and the number of items I was deciding to part with. By the time the move was less than thirty days away, I had some brutal choices to make regarding things I had inherited from my grandma, things my dad had given me, baby items that had belonged to my kids, and volumes of photo albums. 

I had some great pieces from my grandma including dishes and a high chair that had been my grandpa's. These were things that I had been thrilled to receive at the time but now I had to consider how they would fit into my life going forward. As for the high chair, it would never meet today's safety regulations, my kids didn't want it, and I wasn't willing to give it the storage space it would require. Ultimately, it was donated.

The dishes were something I had coveted for years but in the fifteen years that they occupied an entire drawer in my kitchen, I never used them once. It was time to get them to a better home. I sold them on Marketplace.

As for the boxes upon boxes of photos, it was like ripping off a bandaid. Fortunately, I had them pretty well organized by year so I would sit down to a couple of years of photos at a time, and without giving myself the time to rethink my choices I started discarding some that were faded or over-exposed. How many pictures of our two-year-old daughter coloring Easter eggs did I need? Certainly not a dozen. I would pick out the best, scan them into my computer for a backup, and pitched the rest. 

It is almost a year later and I'm a little bit surprised but I don't have any regrets parting with any of those sentimental treasures.

 

 

11.  Plan. Plan. Plan.

 Planning ahead and thinking of how you anticipate placing your furniture in your new home will help you avoid spending the time and money to move any items that will not fit the space or the look you are going for. Make drawings of each room and measure each wall. You might discover before you move it that your desk doesn't fit or that you will be needing different counter stools. Think about what you are going to put on the walls and floor. Will your current rugs work? If not, now is the time to sell or donate them. But don't stop with the furniture. One of the areas where I found this planning ahead exercise especially helpful was in the kitchen. I drew out a diagram of the new kitchen and then I looked at our current kitchen and made a categorical list of my kitchen items such as Pyrex, wine glasses, and serving trays. Then I would label each cupboard on my drawing with the type of items that I thought would work best in that space. I took it all a step further and while standing in the new kitchen, I put post-it notes on each cupboard door and drawer with the type of items that I was planning to put in them. Actually looking at the cupboard would either confirm that I was on the right track or make me aware that I was going to have to rethink my kitchen organization. This planned layout made moving the kitchen so much faster and easier.

Some things, like our china, didn't make the cut. I couldn't even remember the last time we had used it. I still have a couple of sets of casual dishes so this was an easy thing to part with. I put it on Facebook and sold it that day.

 

'

 

 

12. Finish The Purge And Replace 

As I mentioned before, the closer you get to the big move-in day the more manic you and your pitching arm will become. If you are fortunate like we were and you have access to the new house before closing on the old one, then you will be able to slowly move in the things that have made the cut and you will be able to judge how you are doing for space. Maybe you add a few more things back into the move pile or perhaps you will see you are going to have to circle back and edit some more. Regardless, after the move is behind you or even right before, is when the real fun begins. Now you get to replace some of the things you decided to part with. Maybe it is a new set of kitchen glasses or bedroom lamps. We had an unusual experience in that the people that purchased our old home also purchased most of the furniture and accessories that were in it. I was starting almost entirely fresh. I needed everything. I felt like a new bride. But as my husband likes to remind me, " It doesn't have to be done this week. This isn't a sprint. It's a marathon". I hate it when he's right. LOL. But this is the exciting part. You've downsized and life is simpler and now that you aren't bogged down with all the excess you can really relax and appreciate how much easier your life has become.

Enjoy and Happy Downsizing.

I will be sharing my post today with the readers over at The Dedicated House. Please check out more inspiring influencers over there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Loves April 2020

 

 

Cheers to the end of April 2020 because that can only mean that we are four weeks closer to being on the other side of this whole pandemic thing. 

 

 

The boredom does set in from time to time but being at home has had its upsides.  I've found more time to read and absolutely LOVED this book.

 

 

I gut laughed so many times. It is sharp, witty, and was a great distraction. In fact, I loved it so much that I put everything this author has written on my Want To Read shelf at Good Reads.

 

Staying home has meant more time for television.  My husband and I are both obsessed with this show.

 

 

And more time at home also equals more time to be inspired. I discovered and swooned over this colorful coastal home while scrolling through my Instagram feed. 

 

 

 I also ran across this site and realized that my blog, which I write and typically view from my desktop, wasn't formatting well on a mobile device.  I was embarrassed when I saw that it was actually really hard to read. Shame on me for not looking into this sooner. I apologize to all of you readers that were trying to navigate my posts on your phone. I'll try harder.

 

 

 

I also found things for the littles in my world like this printable Summer Reading Chart that would be great for Crew. You can find and print out your own here.

 

Then there has been the whole re-evaluating my wardrobe lately.  Quarantining has been all about feeling relaxed and embracing my sports bras.  I added this one to my cart recently and I'm so glad I did. Not only is it comfortable but I love the colors and the crisscrossed back.

 

 

This budget-friendly maxi dress also showed up on my porch.

 

 

A big thank you to my UPS driver.  Again, it is easy, laid back, and comfy but has a bit of retro glam going for it too. #winner #latestlove

 

 

Don't get me wrong. I'm ready for this to pass but I wonder if someday I will be craving just one of these slower, closer-to-home days and the time I had to do almost nothing at all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For The Boy That Loved Skyscrapers

 

 

 

I was in San Francisco that year and looking out of my hotel window one night and I thought about our boy back home who loved skyscrapers.  I so wished he could see the night time cityscape that I was looking at right then. That view gave me the idea to paint something similar on his bedroom wall. It could be a project we worked on together. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what made me think to write about this painted window all of these years later? 

 

 

 

 

Isn't that so cool? I don't remember where it came from but if anyone knows or recognizes it please let me know so I can give credit to the source.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sharing today's post with the readers at The Dedicated House. Please join me there for more creative inspiration.

A Luxurious At Home Korean Facial

This past fall my adorable daughter-in-law, Sumi, came to visit from Seoul. South Korea has long been considered the mecca of all things skincare and she has worked in this industry for several years. While she was visiting, she treated me to one of her facials and shared some of her favorite tips and products.

Since all of us are currently sheltering at home I thought that now would be the perfect time to pass along some of what I learned from her and the products she used.

 

 

After initially washing my face well and removing all traces of make-up, she applied this calming serum. She told me this would help my skin from being irritated when she removed the mask that she was getting ready to apply. This product has a wonderful citrus and sage smell to it and I have used it for other minor skin irritations and blemishes with amazing results. Artemisia has become a must-have item for me. 

 

 

 

 

 

She wanted to apply it with a stiff makeup brush but I really didn't have what she needed. I have since added these brushes to my collection

 

 

 

 

 

You can find the  Cledbel mask at here, the Peter Thomas Roth mask here and

the brushes here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other options include Dr. Jart+ Brightening Lover Mask

Dr. Jart+ Hydrating Lover Mask,

and Dr. Jart+ Clear Lover mask.

 

These masks are a Korean product but I was able to purchase them here 

and here.

 

 

 

 

 

Merbe-OEM Skin Care System

 

Vanav UP5 Skin Care System

 

 

available here.

 

 

 

 

Lavera Eye Cream available here.

 

Sharing this DIY Korean facial with the readers at Make It Pretty Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family: Apart Together

How this family is staying apart but together during Covid-19

Sharing this post with the readers at  The Dedicated House.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

baby toy photo via 29th and Delight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coral Themed Table Top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palm Fronds

similar here

 

Faux Coral Branch

 

Coral placemats

also here

 

napkin rings

 

coral napkins were from Pier1 but unavailable now. Find similar here.

 

 

Latest Loves From January 2020

 

 

modern brass towel bar

 

 

 

The BEST Rug Grippers Ever

 

 

 

Chic make-up table or computer desk

 

 

Thoughtful Reading

 

Florida  Vibes Handbag

 

What I've Been Reading

 

What I've Been Reading And Where I Find My Next Read

2019 was an incredibly busy year but even so, I was able to squeeze in some reading time for myself and reading.

One quirk of mine is that I like to read wintery books when we are up north for the holidays and beach reads when we are back in Florida. That said, last December I read the first two books in Erin Hilderbrand's Christmas series. They are light and easy reads that put me in the holiday spirit with the perfect dash of humor and just enough drama and meat to have me hooked. I enjoyed them so much that this past Christmas I read the second two books of this quadrilogy. 

 

 

The holidays can be stressful so I like to keep my reading light in December and these two final books in the series were the perfect elixir as I bounced between wrapping gifts, planning food, and making time for friends and family. I would recommend reading all four books. They would make a great mini-series. Are you listening Netflix? The setting for this series is a serene and idyllic Inn in Nantucket. The setting contrasts greatly with this book's drama-filled family of characters that are transversing through life and the holidays while dealing with an affair, resurfacing ex's, a son convicted of insider trading, a daughter-in-law that has a drug issue, another son missing in Afganistan, and a daughter with a very conflicted love life. The first book was probably my favorite and while the final installment left me less enamored, I still enjoyed it and it was the closure I needed. 

 

Because I liked this series so well and because I was returning to Florida and looking for a warm-weather book, I decided to move right on to Winter in Paradise.

This may be one of my favorite books from this same author. 

This book begins in Iowa City, Iowa where I am sure the author was part of the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Because I am so familiar with this corner of the world it was fun to see her mention so many of the restaurants, streets, and stores that I have also frequented. This is the story of a fifty-something woman, wife, and mother.  She has just recently been "promoted" which she realizes is, in reality, a slow nudge to push her out the career door. It is New Year's Eve and since her sons live out-of-state and her husband is on an extended business trip ( she can't remember exactly where) she is having dinner with a close friend. She receives a call on her cell phone from a number she doesn't recognize so she ignores it. Later, she returns to her upscale Victorian-style home and the house phone is ringing. She answers the call and is told that her husband was killed in a small plane crash in the Virgin Islands with two other people; the pilot and an unidentified woman. When she flies to the islands she discovers that her husband had a whole other life that didn't include her or their sons. 

This is a good one and it also has a sequel. Yay!

 

 

I subscribe to Bookbub for affordable books. Their offerings are sometimes recent best sellers but often they are less well-known ebooks that I love to read on my iPad. Bookbub sends an email daily letting me know what the book deals are for the day along with a brief synopsis. Because their prices are so reasonable I have added more books to my queue than I have read. As a result, I have an extensive unread library. Hmmm. I hope my husband did not just read that. LOL.

 Bastard Out of North Carolina is just one of the many books that I discovered on Bookbub and one I would definitely recommend. It is the true story of a young illegitimate girl born into a white trash corner of a 1950's world of abuse and prejudice. It is a story of an extended family and the choices they make, and of a girl who will endure almost anything to feel her mother's love, a mother that repeatedly chooses an abusive husband over the daughter that so desperately needs her protection. 

This book is written with a compelling voice and was made into a movie in 1996 starring Jennifer Jason Leigh.

The Last House Guest is another book I discovered on Bookbub. A twisting suspense novel that had me guessing and second-guessing until the end. Avery, the main character, lives in the tourist town of Littleport, Maine. It is a year since her best friend, the privileged daughter of Avery's boss, supposedly committed suicide but Avery has never believed that her friend's death was a suicide. A year later and her grief has morphed into anger and a determination to clear the name of her friend by discovering what really happened last summer. What gives this novel more depth than so many mysteries is the study of social hierarchy and how it impacts these characters. It is a contrast between the upper class and the working-class, the townies and the summer islanders and how their social designation determines how they are perceived by other islanders.

 

 

 

The Au Pair is another psychological thriller I discovered on Bookbub.

This book begins with the birth of twins, Seraphine and Danny Mayes, at the family's summer home, Summerborne. Within a few hours of the twin's birth, their mother jumps off a nearby cliff to her death. Was it suicide? And if so, why? The story moves back and forth between the time of the twin's birth and the Au Pair that was in the home that day and present-day when the twins are now young adults and curious about events around the time of their mother's death.

 

 

 The Two-Family House is a haunting read that I would pass along to a friend. The modest house, in a closely connected Jewish neighborhood in the 1950s, plays a key role in this story. The upstairs houses an outgoing younger brother, his wife and their three sons. The first floor is home to the older and much more introverted brother, his wife and their two daughters. The two wives are both struggling with the idea of their children growing up and the subsequent empty nests they will leave behind. Interestingly enough, both wives become pregnant at about the same time and deliver their babies at home on the very same night and in the middle of an incredible snowstorm. With the help of a midwife, a baby girl and a baby boy are born that night. A night that is a turning point and involves a choice and the consequences that will alter all of their lives forever. The decision is central to the book but the author also explores extended family relationships, parenting roles, marriage, honesty, loyalty, the lengths we will go to protect others, and the price we will pay for happiness. 

A lot here for discussion.

 

 

The Stylist

I had been reading a lot of heavier themed books and sometimes I just need to escape into some light Chick-lit. This was one of those times. This is a fun read if you love fashion and witty one-liners. If you like Sophie Kinsella and escaping, this could be the book for you.

 

 

Not all of the books I've downloaded from Bookbub have been winners. 

I read this one, The People We Hate At The Wedding earlier in 2019 and if I'm being honest, I couldn't even remember what it was about and that is never a good sign. I think I was pulled in by the title but that is where the good part ended.

 

 

 

I downloaded this book several years ago. I really knew nothing about but I can say that it was nothing like what I was expecting. The title and the summary were intriguing so I went with it. Bully reads like young adult literature. The characters are all in high school so I was more than a little surprised to read its VERY GRAFFIC sex scenes (think 50 Shades). The scenes were compellingly written but even though the idea of sex and teenagers isn't a shock to anyone it was stunning to see how explicitly detailed these physical acts were described and the expertise the characters seemed to possess. I always thought that most first sexual experiences were typically much more awkward and tentative than the erotic first encounters portrayed in this book.  What bothered me about this book, and I am probably showing my age, but the story is really more of a high school read and as a parent, I feel that this isn't a book I would have been thrilled to see my high schooler's backpack but then again, it might be a good jumping-off point for a frank discussion.

Be Aware!

 

 

Another place I find book titles is on Good Reads. Last summer I was looking for a good beach book and specifically something that had something to do with sea turtles (I'm kind of obsessed). A number of books by Alice Monroe popped up and I chose this one.

 

Like Erin Hilderbrand, Alice Monroe also has a series of summer reads and this one came highly recommended. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was informative, had evolving and memorable characters, and a storyline that left me wanting more. Which is great because this book has a sequel...

This second book in Alice Monroe's series was a bit of let down after The Beach House. Many of the characters are the same with a few new ones added in but somehow this book, even though sea turtles were a significant subject in the story, left me less enthused to continue reading the other titles in this series but I will probably revisit this series later this summer.

 

 

Sometimes I will go back and search for my next read by authors of books that I enjoyed in the past. Several years ago I read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and loved it. So I decided to read something else of her's. I started with Nine Perfect Strangers. 

This story takes place in a  remote luxury spa/resort. I found it and the characters unrelatable and outlandish. The entire plot seemed far-fetched and inconceivable. I'd say pass.

Even though I didn't especially care for that book, I thought I would give Ms. Moriarty one more chance and I followed it up with The Hypnotist's Love Story.

This one was more compelling. It is based on a hypnotherapist, Ellen, who if finally dating someone she thinks could be "the one" only to find out he has a stalker ex-girlfriend that is currently following both he and Ellen. Ellen becomes intrigued with the ex but is unaware that they have already met several times and that is where the story gets interesting.

 

 

So yes, I find books through Bookbub, on Good Reads, or by googling authors that I like. But when all else fails I fall back on the best seller's lists and after reading a book that ranks highly,  I can see why they are so well received. One of my favorites this year was An American Marriage.

 

This book has been in my queue for a while but I just recently picked it up. I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I used to read a lot of books that were Oprah book club selections but they all seemed to have the same theme of a downtrodden character dealing with poverty, bigotry, and or dysfunctional families. It all felt redundant. So I stepped away from her selections for a while until this book. This isn't a book about the old south this is a book for today and reflects the issues of racial profiling and incarceration that we are seeing so frequently in our current headlines. What makes these characters different from so many of the Oprah books I have read is that these characters are successful and upwardly mobile. They are residents of Atlanta, Georgia. A husband and wife and a third character, a man that grew up next to and has been friends with and in love with the wife his entire life. The future is promising for all of them until one night the husband is mistaken for someone else and erroneously accused of rape.

This book is a study of what it means to be a black male in the US. It is about marriage and how, or if, a marriage endures in times of crisis. The author explores loyalty, commitment, and profiling.  The author makes music with her sentences and one of my favorite quotes from this book is "...home isn't where you land; home is where you launch". That spoke to me and so did this book.

A definite recommended read. You're welcome.

 

 

The Mothers was another bestseller that I had spied at Barnes and Noble and on a lot of reading lists. 

This is a book about making choices and questioning them later. 

The story is about a young girl who has recently lost her mother to suicide. The relationship with her father is stilted and nearly non-existent and as a result, the girl, in her grief, becomes increasingly rebellious. She and the preacher's son begin seeing each other covertly and she soon discovers she is pregnant. The pregnancy is hidden and terminated but it is a secret that will haunt both of their lives for years to come. 

This book would make a great book club selection.

 

 

I have only read four books from Reese Witherspoon's book club selections and I gave three of them five stars, something I rarely do, on my Goodreads review and the fourth book was worth four stars in my world. The book I read this year from this book club list was Next Year in Havana. The story goes between 1958 Havana where Elisa, the nineteen-year-old daughter of a sugar baron and 2017 where Elisa's granddaughter, Marisol, a freelance journalist that decides to return to Havana to discover the city her grandmother had loved so deeply. 

This book seems timely with all of the current campaign debates of communism, socialism, and democracies. The characters in the book were both likable and believable and the subject matter was informative and thought-provoking. Add this one to your "want to read" list.

 

So what's next up? Well, I just opened up one that I downloaded months ago,

Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

 

You can find it here.

I always find it a little hard to start a new book. I hope that it won't disappoint or I fear it can't possibly be as good as the last one. I don't rely on the first sentence but it can be a pretty good indicator. 

"If A Man is forced to choose between the truth and his father, only a fool chooses the truth."

I think it is going to be a good one.

 

Eight Words I Never Thought I Would Say

 

I have a Seed To Table Obsession.

 

Never mind that I'm not a foodie except to say that it takes a lot for a grocery store to grab my attention, especially to make such an impression that I want to write about it. So whether you are a non-foodie like me or a consummate gourmet, this store will definitely leave you gobstruck. 

Even from the road, this recently opened and nearly 75,000 square foot farmer's market meets 

megamarket venue is beyond impressive.

 

 

 

 

 

But, Seed To Table is more than just an amazing shopping experience, it is also a food value. As we entered the store for the first time, I saw what seemed like a mile of colorful fresh produce.

 

 

 

 

 

Then we turned the corner and discovered one of several sports bar/casual dining options in the store where we could grab a glass of wine and walk around sipping and shopping. Now this is how I like to grocery shop. My only suggestion is that the grocery carts need a cup holder that will accommodate a wine glass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feel like cooking out? Just visit the cookout section or better yet, visit their meat market and they will even cook the steak for you. Seriously.

 

 

 

 

 

but there is also an ice cream shop,

sushi bar,

juice/smoothie bar,

coffee bar,

deli,

and an amazing bakery.

 

 

 

Seed To Table is the newest Oakes Farm addition to Naples, Florida. You can read more about them and their story here. This is the total grocery experience. If you are in the Naples area you really need to add this to your places to stop. But if you can't make it in, I hear delivery services are coming soon.

napleslife #seedtotable #lovingflorida

 

 

 

 

Twenty-Two Months To Move In - First Peeks At Our New Downsizing House

Welcome to our downsizing home up north.

It took us twenty-two months to move in.

If you are a follower of Be Colorful Coastal you already know our story, but if you are new here let me quickly bring you up to speed.

For over twenty years we lived in this large century-old home up north. 

 

Five years ago we purchased our forever home in Florida. 

But, because of family and friends up north, we weren't ready to commit to being here full time. So, we continued to hold on to our big old rambling house in the Midwest.

Three years ago we made the decision that since it was just the two of us now that the time had come to say goodbye to the old family ponderosa and downsize to something smaller and more efficient. Let the house hunting begin!

Then, two years ago we purchased this fixer-upper and the transition began.

 We knew that the renovations to this house would be extensive.  We ended up taking the interior down to the studs. We moved walls, stairs, windows, and doors. From the walls in it was an entirely new house.

The remodel on this downsizing property took a year and a half - much longer than we had planned but then it took another six months, after its completion, for us to finally sell our old home. 

But sell it we did.

 

What made this chapter interesting is that not only did we sell our older home, but the buyer also wanted the furniture and decor. 

We were starting fresh. We needed everything - furniture, lamps, accessories, bedding, and rugs. Everything! 

 

 

It has been two months now since we made our move. We had hoped that our buyer would be interested in some of our furniture because so much of it would not fit in this smaller space and because we were still living in and showing the old house nothing had been moved over to the new place. It was a gift when they decided to buy everything but it also created a few hiccups. The biggest hiccup was that the new owners wanted a quick possession and most of the furniture we selected for the new house needed to be ordered. As a result,  things have been pretty sparse around here. We were back to the days of a mattress on the floor and carrying a  single lamp from room to room. 

Case in point, because I am still waiting for a dresser, it has been Ikea drawer inserts to the rescue.

 

But now, two months later, the furniture is beginning to filter in. Yay!

 

The new living room ( I got to keep the dog).

Here are a few glimpses of how it looks today. Enjoy the peeks but I hope you will consider signing up for emails of new blog posts or follow Be Colorful Coastal on Facebook as I share our latest home updates in this house and also in our Florida home.

 

 

The kitchen table and chairs

The master bedroom

 

 

artwork

 

Lighting

 

Fans

 

The newly configured entry