Summer Decorating

I wish I "really" had a "Seaside Cottage"!  The starfish between the two words on the sign got knocked off a few days ago when one of my grandkids slammed the screen door just a tad to hard. I need to glue it back on. Even though I don't live at the beach, I do live a quick ten minute drive from it. I've had a lot of fun gardening and doing outdoor decorating this Summer. I just finished the little sitting area out front a week ago. One of the old motel chairs was a birthday gift from Bryce, and the other a gift from Katie. I love both of the chairs. I have a little courtyard kind of area right before you get to my front door. I've been into succulents this Summer along with outdoor decorating. I love to be outside  enjoying the sunshine. Below are a few pixs of what I've been working on this Summer. . .

 

And here's my old mermaid, a gift from my good friend Monica when she moved and didn't want to lug this heavy girl with her. I love how my sweet peas surround her and what a better mascot for my home! I hope you are all enjoying Summer as much as I am. . .I love it!

White Wednesday at Country Roads

On this warm, beautiful Summer day, I thought I would share some warm, beautiful "whites" from my favorite store, Country Roads. Of course, since CR is my store, I'm a bit prejudiced. But as you scroll through these photos, I'm sure you will see why I love CR so much. I not only have a group of extremely talented people, but they all of a great eye for the best of the best! 

It is so hard each and every day not to buy "something" from Country Roads, especially with the huge variety of things we have in the store. The above two photos are courtesy of the talented Betsy and Nicole. Their two spaces are right down from the counter. And I can always here those spaces calling my name! Seriously!! I went home with the little Seeds Foods bag yesterday. And currently I'm trying to think of a place and justify purchasing the sign above the Seed Foods photo. As Summer rolls along, I hope you are all finding a bit of down time here and there. I'm thinking about taking some time to head down to the beach today. Or at least sit out by my pool. I love Summer. Please be sure to stop by and visit Kathleen. Not only is her blog awesome, just like she is, but there are  many other blogs you can go visit as well. Make it a great day!

Under The Stairs

I love when we get new CR family at the store. Lori Graham and her sister, Cyndia,  just moved in. And everything looks SO good. Here are some pictures on move in day.

I fell in love with this industrial table. It has great blue paint on it, and some great looking rust to accompany the blue.  I hope you get a chance to come by and see our latest addition to our Country Roads family!  

The Vintage Lady

Before I even begin this post, let me explain the "green" tint to these pictures. Cathy has bright lime green/yellow umbrellas shading her area and I had some problems trying to edit the color. Anyway, as we all know, Cathy is the poster kid for positivity. Her store burns down, and does it stop her? Nope, she sent me an email and wanted to continue what she loved so much at Country Roads. And as many of you know, Country Roads very seldom has open space. But because of Cathy's positive thoughts and her strong faith as well, a space opened at the store, and everything worked out just like it was supposed to. After Cathy got her area just right, she then moved into a little area in the garden. And now, she has expanded to the old vintage arbor I have in the garden. I watched her as her head was spinning with thoughts and as she immediately went to work on it. I love this arbor. It use to be in my old Long Beach store for the short period of time it was open. And I've never seen it look so good until now, courtesy of Cathy!

Country Roads is indeed a magical place. Not because of just what it appears to be. The magic comes from all the people, my Country Roads family, that fill all the nooks and crannies with beautiful displays and vignettes. From time to time, I will take a minute or two and just stand someplace in "the store" (the name most of use rather than Country Roads) and I'm just blown away by the talent around me. It really is a magical place. And I never forget that magic comes from my CR family and people just like Cathy!

The Old Magnolia Tree

On this 4th of July I am reminded the memories of the old Magnolia tree I grew up with. My folks bought their house brand new back in the early 1950's.  My Dad planted a Magnolia tree in his front yard. I've watched that tree grow my entire life. That is me under the tree when it still was pretty small.

I can't tell you over the years how many pictures have been taken under that tree. My kids were sitting under that tree posing for a picture. I'm not sure "why" this photo is so goofed up though maybe a bad scan awhile back?

After my folks passed away, Katie and Vinnie bought their house, the one I grew up in. It warms my heart to still have the old Magnolia tree in our family. Every 4th of July, Katie's neighborhood has a 4th of July parade in the morning.  The kids decorate their bikes and wagons. I think this picture of Riley on the 4th was taken a couple of years ago as she got ready for the big 4th of July parade. 

The picture above was taken this 4th of July. Riley and Bodhi had just finished up the neighborhood parade. As you can see, Bodhi didn't let a possible broken ankle stop him. Nor did it keep him from striking a "pose"! I have a feeling that my little guy is going to always be a very busy little boy. Tonight we (the family) go to Katie's house to watch the fireworks from Vet's Stadium here in Long Beach. We usually gather at my house during the afternoon and the kids swim. But because of our little boy Bodhi, we changed up the plans a bit. I wish you all a Happy 4th of July. And I hope you are as lucky as me and get to spend it with those you love!

Summer Love

I'm one of these people that could easily be a beach bum.  In less than ten minutes I can get to the beach.  Sadly, I don't go nearly as much as I did when I was younger. My home is a mix of things. But one of my favorite ways to decorate "here & there" is to bring a bit of the beach inside of my home!

I've been collecting vintage "bathing suits" for years. I can't even IMAGINE how years ago anyone could wear a suit made from wool, seriously!! It's a bit overcast here at home this morning but I know the sun will be breaking through soon. Thanks to everyone that shopped with us yesterday. I really slept well last night because of it!  I can never say it enough. Our customers are the BEST! I hope to see many more of you today. Take care.