I sleep in fuzzy pjs, I have had the seat warmer on in my car almost every evening and I have not put even one toe in the pool yet this year.
Too cold.
I also haven't had time.
While many of you have been out of school, enjoying summer vacation for months or are empty nesters, I have be operating around the school calendar and the end of the year events.
Tests, award ceremonies, proms, the usual. It all wrapped up this weekend and I am thoroughly exhausted.
Throw in a mom in the nursing home with pneumonia (better now), a kid learning to drive (passed the road test today), a few DIYs around the house and a teeny tiny weekend getaway with the kids and a few of their friends ~ from which I now need a teeny tiny grown up getaway ~ I haven't been that active online.
Sometimes there are days...or months...like that, I guess.
Now that we are on the cusp of July, however, I am looking forward to some real summer fun. I am hoping Mother Nature is willing to cooperate.
Here's what I've been up to so far....
We hit the beach for that aforementioned getaway. Yup, I live at the beach, but I've said it before, a beach where I don't have to cook or make the beds is even better.
Especially at sunset.
I tamed my sewing machine ~ or rather it tamed me ~ and I finally hemmed my living room curtains. More on this room to follow, as I am still adding a few finishing touches.
This was true love.
My seeds are just poking through the ground now, so my trellis bare, but that's ok. Hopefully, they'll make an appearance soon and cover that ugly garage up.
The biggest challenge has been the patio set makeover. I'll share when it's finished, but when we couldn't find the perfect replacement, at a price we were willing to pay, we decided to spray this one and get new slings for it.
Not. An. Easy. Job.
A few years ago, my husband found two coordinating rockers in the trash and brought them home. We ordered the slings back then, but never got around to taking care of the chairs. He just made those over and I love them, but the fabric has been discontinued.
That stunk, since I wanted the pieces to look like a complete set.
Silver lining? I was ready to ditch the red outside. I know, gasp! After 15 years, I wanted a change and here was my chance! I have been drooling over blue lately...
Then I thought about all the pillows and umbrellas I would have to replace, some of which were new....and how I would miss that bright pop of color.
So I hesitated.
Then one day in the store I found these awesome pillows. And they were cheap. I was set. I was going to go with blue and green. Funny thing though. When I coupled them with the old red umbrella and pillows, they looked even better.
So I bought a few of them and ordered almost white slings to replace the old brown ones and I think I will have a fabulous brand new {red} look any day now.
Fingers crossed.
Back inside again, I have been looking for a kitchen rug, but after a full year, I still can't decide on a look. It's hard to commit without seeing it on the floor and shipping back an 8 foot rug is pricey.
So I wait.
I like that industrial farmhouse trend, but I don't think it's me. I also like the natural look, but again, I'm just not sure.
My kids think I'm boring, but I'd love another braided rug.
What can I say?
When it comes to decor, my heart is stuck in the country, on a cozy fall day.
Even if I do live at the beach.
And my heart belongs to summer.
If it ever decides to show up.
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Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog! I don't what part of the country your in but I have to say it's been hot and humid in Florida where I'm at. I'd love a cool summer but that's not gonna happen for us. Love the pictures in this posting. You have a lovely home and I enjoy seeing what you are up to. Thank you!
Wow! So many nice words, thank you so much! Hot and humid sounds delicious and tropical to me. The grass is always greener isn't it? ;)
DeleteGreat idea, plus saved a bunch of money to paint the chairs and purchase "new slings. "
ReplyDeleteLearn something new every day, I didn't even know that was possible until five minutes ago!
I hope your weather warms and those toes start dipping in the pool.
Wow, you have a long school year!
The sling replacement was all my husband's idea, Lynne. He can do anything. It wasn't an easy DIY, but I have to admit it looks great.
DeleteYou have been very busy for sure. I cannot wait to see the patio set done. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th.
Kris
Thanks Kris. I have to say, I love the new look!
DeleteLove your half pig! And if braided rugs are boring then I guess I'm a snooze fest too.... I adore them! Unfortunately, the way my yellow Labrador sheds a pretty braided rug would end up being a fur rug in no time flat.
ReplyDeleteI do love my braided rugs, Kim...and my pig! ;)
DeleteIt's time to unwind and relax Kim. Let's hope the temps rise a bit and you can enjoy your pool. I could always send you some of my heat from across the pond. I sure won't miss it.
ReplyDeleteWe've finally got some of that tropical warmth, Mary! Thanks!
DeleteHave fun this summer! Love your photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I hope you enjoy summer as well.
DeleteI love country/farmhouse; industrial leaves me cold. It's been unseasonably cool here, too, and rainy. I'm ready for it to warm up...just a bit!
ReplyDeleteI really like the look of those industrial farmhouse homes, but it's just not my style, either, Nancy.
DeleteYou are one busy and ambitious woman! I hope your warm weather arrives so you can so you can get all your gotta-dos accomplished in the sun :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathy! The sun came out on Friday and it's been glorious ever since. I am crossing my fingers that it lasts!
DeleteIt is so dark and rainy here today that I am not sure summer has arrived either! We are supposed to head up to Niagara Falls today but it doesn't sound fun to walk around in the rain. UGH!! Everything is green and lush though...even the weeds :-)
ReplyDeleteI went to Niagara Falls once when I was little and all I remember was the relentless rain. I hope your day turned out better than ours!
DeleteIts been an interesting summer. Mostly cooler, perfect weather here, but a few days of hot! Today we have humidity but it's only going to be in the low 80's. Definitely not hot enough to warm the water in my parents pool, nor hot enough to feel the need to get in the pool.
ReplyDeleteI like your pillows, saw what you've been up to on Instagram and am looking forward to seeing it all put together!
Happy Fourth!
Thanks Deanna! Yes, I am excited to share our project. I love the look. Clean, fresh, new and a bit of blue!
DeleteHa ha you are so the opposite of me. We had a few cool days and I was in heaven! :)
ReplyDeleteWell, it's hot and humid here now, Deb. I need to be careful what I wish for! Ha!
DeleteAdorable little pig! I have a bunch of little pig platters that we use as dessert bowls. They are perfect for the occasion!
ReplyDeleteI have a thing for pigs and when I saw this one, I just had to have it. Your platters sound adorable!
DeleteSometimes reading your posts I just have to laugh! I love the way you think & I wish I could spend a day with you.
ReplyDeleteI've also changed from red to blues/grays but still have quite a bit of red outside. I like the way my house feels calmer on the inside but I still have the vibrant color outside. I just love color so I can't seem to stick with just one anyway.
Love the little half pig. I've seen a lot of those lately. I'm looking for a hedgehog. I want to make a cheese ball & serve it in a hedgehog dish for my daughter-in-law's woodland baby shower in August but can't seem to find what I want. I love this one. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/92464598582316634/
I started an instagram account finally, so I'll check yours out. Mine is very new but feel free to see my sweet dog & my garden pics. (Jenny Young)
I'm so loving our cool summer. I wish it could every summer could be this cool.
Oh Jenny, I think we’d have so much fun spending a day together and you just made my day with that comment! ❤️ Thank you. I hope you find your hedgehog. And a baby? How exciting!! I agree with the color thing, too. I love it too much to eliminate it. I have always favored greens and reds, but lately blue has become a favorite. I am excited to add it outside. It just fits.
DeleteI hope July brings you warmth and relaxation - you need both! Glad you had a beach getaway though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie. So far it’s starting out in that direction…
DeleteYour valance looks great. Sorry about your weather. We had a stretch of unusually warm weather but now it is back to a more normal temp for us. We have not had much rain. Not sure if it qualifies yet as a drought or not but it is dry. Schools around her were done late May or very early June. Great sunset photo and it is fun hearing about your projects.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lorri. There are always projects when you own a home, aren’t there? We’ve been muddling through them and the cooler temps have helped. I can’t imagine some of our DIYs in hotter weather…ugh.
DeleteWish I could send you our heat and humidity. :) I hope summer arrives soon and decides to stay awhile. I love your little half a pig. He's adorable! I know just how busy the end of the school year is and good for you for scheduling in a little getaway time. We all need to do that. Enjoy the long weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt’s arrived, Lisa…heat, humidity…it’s all here. I have actually been enjoying every hazy, hot minute of it. I’ll let you know how long that lasts! ha!
DeleteYour half pig is adorable and he's red after all. I've been wondering where you got yourself to. Sorry to hear about your mother's illness, but I hope things will slow down for you now. It's been a crazy year weather-wise. El Nino or the warm gulf or whatever it is. We've had a ton of rain & cooler temps...unusual for us here in Alabama. Maybe you'll get in some pool time soon. I cannot believe the "red girl" would consider blue & green for the patio! Are we gonna get a reveal? Hope so.
ReplyDeleteI will have a reveal, Florence and trust me, there's still more red than anything else!
DeleteSuch a savvy miss to schedule a little get-away! Did I read that you are going to add blue and green!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July!
Jemma
Yup! A little bit of blue and green...and I love it!
DeleteHere I was picturing it being hot summer where you are, simply because I knew you lived at the beach, forgetting that beaches are in all kinds of places. Darling little pig holding your lemons! I'm a fan of braided rugs too. I thought for sure there would be some for sale on Craig's List when we moved into this old house but can't find any. Not buying anything until I can buy those, preferably in soft greens. And I'm actually loving the ease of floor cleaning without rugs in the way so we'll see. I don't dare ask my kids what they think of my style. I can't put a label on it either, mine doesn't fit into any categories. It's just me and that's okay.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mom continues to get over that nasty pneumonia! That really makes a person feel sick.
A good 4th to you and yours,
Dewena
You know Dewena, I love the ease of cleaning the floor without the rug, too. I actually bought a rug last fall and didn't love it. So I'm still on the hunt. And yes, my beach is temperamental. Sometimes it's warm here from April to October. Not this summer. Boo! And thank you for the kind wishes for mom. xo
DeleteHi Kim. I really love the colors in your new pillows, but my favorite is that 1/2 of pig. Too cute. Sorry it has been cold at the beach but be careful what you wish for. I'm here to tell you! Happy Week to you..Judy
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I hit publish on this post, the temps skyrocketed, Judy! I have been in the pool for two days straight and it's been great! So far... 😉
DeleteI have missed visiting with you and catching up on what's happening in your sweet cottage, my friend! What can I say, wedding season really kicks my butt!!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine…busy days for you. Be well and Happy 4th!
DeleteI'm glad your summer weather has finally arrived. It finally came here too -and it is glorious. I'm looking forwards to seeing what you did with blue, green and red!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your warm weather, too. This season is too short, isn't it?
DeleteLove the pig. :-)
ReplyDeleteSending a HUG for your mom!
Our summer weather just arrived, 90 degrees and high humidity. The garden is smiling.
Carla
Thanks Carla...and it makes me smile when I think about your smiling garden! :)
DeleteGosh, for someone who was exhausted you sure got a lot done, Kim. I'm really curious about the outdoor furniture. Can't wait to see what you've done. It sounds wonderful. I plant a few annuals every year. They bring so much beautiful color all summer long to the garden. I'm thinking next year I'll start some from seed. The cost of garden center flowers has really skyrocketed the past few years. Love the half pig! (I wondered what in the world a "half pig" was. . .so glad it's a ceramic piece and not a. . .oh, never mind. :O)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Oh boy, what an image your words just conjured. ;)
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