And Happy, Happy July.
I hope you're having a good one, so far, filled with lots of lazy, hazy, enjoyable days.
And a few firefly lit nights.
I have been making my way through the month by trying to soak in as much summertime fun as I can.
That includes reading by the pool, walking on the beach, whipping up a few seasonal treats and, of course, crafting and decorating.
Oh good! I was hoping you might.
For starters, I have been knee deep in fabric. Big surprise.
My beloved floral, family room sofa is on its last leg.
The material is wearing on the seats and the welting has basically disintegrated in spots and no amount of patching will help those issues.
So. I've been shopping.
And dreaming and planning.
However, replacing it hasn't been easy. Floral sofas don't grow on trees. This will be a custom job.
And it's opened up a can of decorating worms that involve paint and new flooring.
At the moment I'm a bit stumped, but last night I had a eureka moment. So I think I'm getting closer!
Stay tuned.
Next up, I've been trying to make our covered porch a bit homier. That space has been neglected for far too long.
To that end, I finally framed and hung up a brand new paint by number kit completed by my daughter.
Believe it or not, I have very few odes to the coast in my tiny beach bungalow.
So, when she picked out this Waiting For You kit, I thought it would be a great way to add some of that salty flair to the place.
I also thought it would look perfect on the porch.
I wasn't wrong.
Even better, that single addition prompted me to reconsider my original plans for the room, which saved me a ton of dough.
But that's a tale for another day.
Ooh...a cliffhanger.
And that's not the only one. I have a few more surprises to share in the next few weeks, as well.
One of my favorites is a fashion creation.
And it all started with this. A pile of leftover yarn.
My daughter saw something she wanted to recreate online, but she doesn't read patterns and is a novice knitter at best.
However, she put her thinking cap on and whipped up the most darling garment. I can't wait to show this one to you.
I'm seriously thinking about putting this kid on the Exquisitely Unremarkable staff. She is outpacing her mama lately in the crafty creation department.
Ah youth...
She knits, paints, sings and bakes, while I dream and shop.
But that takes a lot of energy, too.
It's a good thing I fortify myself daily with loads of fresh fruit.
What?? The vitamins are still there when they're in a pie. 😉
So what else have I been shopping for? Well, besides a new sofa, I've also been buying clothes, new bathroom accessories and kitchen appliances.
I'm looking for a new toaster since I'm afraid Hello Kitty might kick any day. That girls gets quite a workout.
Right now, I'm smitten with this one, and love that it comes in red and white, but I'm still deciding.
The appliance hiding in that box, is much more exciting though. It's a KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker attachment.
My friend Carla recommended it, while sharing her delicious strawberry waffle cone ice cream recipe.
So I started looking for it and found it for a bargain price at QVC. Since I'd never purchased from them before in addition to the sale price, I was able to use the welcome coupon. Love that.
It's still wrapped up, but I'm looking forward to whipping up a batch of homemade vanilla - boring girl, I know - and sharing that soon.
I mean, I'll need some cooling off when I finally get around to sewing the living room curtains.
The lace is getting lonely.
Like I said, the pool, the garden, the beach and the books have all been limiting my time inside.
That means my beloved fabric has been sitting in on the bolt, in this bag, for months.
I really need to get moving and make the new ring clip panels. They shouldn't take long, they're so easy to create.
I just need to come inside.
Or move the machine out.
😉
What have you been up to this summer?
Kim, You are making me feel more guilty by the minute and that is OK, doesn't bother me!! I know I will be busy when I finally get to see all that you have planned, so you better get busy!!..I'm so glad that you are enjoying summer..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteJudy, I have a lot of plans, but not a lot of follow through lately! It all looks good on paper or when I'm floating in the pool. Unfortunately, when I go to carry out the tasks, I find myself drawn back outside to watch the fish and frogs in the pond, wander through the garden or sit on the warm sand at the beach. I guess that's what summer all about though, isn't it? xxoo
DeleteI love that you are enjoying summer and the couch and curtains can wait until summer is but a memory--which will be sooner than any of us will be ready to happen.
ReplyDeleteI always love your projects and seeing what you are up to at any given moment. That color green yarn really grabs me! I love it!
Have a wonderful week. xo Diana
Thanks Diana! I really do enjoy crafting and DIYing in the summer, but lately the call of sun and the waves has been too loud to ignore. And you’re right, pretty soon, we’ll be stuck inside again, curled up by the fireplace looking for things to do! I agree about the green is so pretty. I’m excited to share what she made!! xxoo
DeleteSo happy you are enjoying the summer months. Winter will be here before we know it and then you can do all those inside things you have not gotten done. I cannot wait to see what you have been doing? Have a great rest of the week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris!! I can’t believe we’re so far through the month of July already. The kids will be going back to college soon, it happened so quickly. Just trying to soak as much of summer in as I can, I guess.
DeleteI am with you Kim... I've got all sorts of ideas for things to do inside, but... the outside calls me, and it will be winter before any of it gets done, ha! Summer is so fleeting here, and winter stays so long, that while it is summer, we just get outside as much as possible. I enjoyed hearing all your decorating ideas and dilemmas, and will look forward to what you come up with, you always inspire me with your creativity! Have a blessed and wonderful week :)
ReplyDeleteWinter is long here, too, Marilyn. I think that’s why I get lost outside so much in the summer. Something about that warm air and my bare feet on the earth just feeds my soul. There’s none of that from October to May in my neck of the woods, so the indoor stuff goes on hold. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone!! Have a lovely week my friend! xxoo
DeleteGlad to hear you have been enjoying all that summer has to offer. Looking forward to seeing what you are working on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny! I love the doing, I just want to do it all outside right now! Enjoy the week!
DeleteI love that you are taking time to enjoy the summer. Something I told myself I was going to do and haven't. Mind you if I had a lovely pool like that, you may not seen me until September. LOL Great choice of reading materials - I've read them both. Looking forward to seeing all your ideas come together. Enjoy every second left of summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marie!! The pool is definitely a magnet, and when the kids were younger we were out there all the time...for obvious reasons. Now that they're older, I have to force myself to make time for it. But choosing between dishes and swimming? Not too difficult!!
DeleteCan't wait to see what you're up to! Your coneflowers are beautiful. I have planted them various times here but they never make it through the winter.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda!! I don't have a green thumb, so those coneflowers must just like where they're planted! One of my students have me a small plant almost 20 years ago and all the coneflowers in the yard are from that one plant. It's been a lovely keepsake!!
DeleteI love seeing what is happening at your beach cottage home! It's going to be beautiful! What a great idea to frame that painting for your covered porch! Your curtains will be lovely! and so will your new couch.
ReplyDeleteWhen we get building the addition for my parents, we are making a whole new kitchen so I am dreaming, too!
I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the new build, Deanna!! I love your cozy decorating style, so this will be super fun to watch you dream and then make it a reality!!
DeleteI vote you move your sewing machine outside, Kim. Onto the almost new porch with that lovely painting maybe? Oh what the heck, beautiful summers days are meant to be enjoyed anyway you can and it does sound like you guys are having a beautiful time. It's been freezing this side of the planet. Our temps have dropped below 0 degree Celsius, which is almost unheard of here. I'm definitely not built for the cold. I look like the Michelin man with all the layers I'm wearing :D So if you get a gap, blow a little of your warmth this way, please
ReplyDeleteThat's crazy, Michelle. I never think of it being cold in your neck of the woods. I hope you get toasty soon. If I could send you some warmth, I would...bottle it up and airmail it your way! In the meantime, I'll consider moving the machine on the porch. I'm sure my neighbors will think I'm crazy, but at least my curtains will be done!! 😉
DeleteIt all sounds perfect to me, but yes the red curtain fabric looks lone!Y!!! Outside here is nearly 100 degrees, a million percent humidity, and besieged by mosquitos, chiggers and gnats!!! I go out to water and feed my family of stray cats!! Most of the remainder of the summer will be spent working at my job, or working in the house :-)
ReplyDeleteI am jealous of your beach time, but I can't wait to see allllllllll of what you are doing :-) Blessings, J
All I heard was "family of stray cats"...I miss my kitties and my allergies don't allow to me to have more. However, that sounds super charming...Stay cool!! Blessings to you, J!!
DeleteLooks like you have been busy. Beautiful summer are times to enjoy. Looking forward to seeing your new projects.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% Linda...beautiful summers are to enjoy!! I hope you're enjoying yours!!
DeleteI'm glad you're enjoying your summer. Sounds like you have a lot of fun plans ahead! But that pool is so enticing. I think I would want to be around it all summer, too! Happy Wednesday, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim!! It’s been hot here for sure and it makes the pool a lot more fun. Nothing’s more depressing than a pool in the cold and rain!! Happy Wednesday!!
DeleteYou have been a busy little bee, Kim! I am completely enamored with ALL the fabrics I'm seeing on this post, and the paint by number is really cute on your porch with the bright yellow pillow. I can't wait to see some of your projects you've hinted about on this post. I will definitely stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ricki Jill! I LOVE fabric shopping and I’ve found so many beautiful patterns lately. Of course the ones I adore are about $200 a yard and I’ll need about 30 yards for a sofa…so…I need to keep looking! Haha!!
DeleteLoving the rose pattern! It got me pretty excited and I cannot wait to see what you choose. Sofas are so hard... and it seems traditional is not really "in". I love a sofa with a skirt and wingback, but I doubt I ever find it. Looking forward to seeing what you share with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cara!! I love that rose fabric, too. That one is a Kate Foreman pattern from London. It’s very pricey though…might have to use it as an accent only! You are right though, the choices off the shelf are not very creative!!
DeleteWow! You've been busy and your daughter too. Now you're leaving me hanging. I want to hear more!
ReplyDeleteShe has been the busy one, she has so much energy! She reminds me of you!!
DeleteWell you sound like you've been having a fun summer. My husband and I sold our big house and have purchased a 1920's bungalow. It's a total fixer upper. So I have been seriously downsizing. But now for inspiration I have turned to you and your fabulous cottage. So I will be scrolling through all of your fabulous posts old and new. So thank you in advance!😊❤️
ReplyDeleteSO exciting, Dena!! There's nothing better than a 1920's bungalow!! Thank you for all the kind words, you just made me smile!! And I cannot wait to hear more about your cottage. I hope you'll share the progress with us!! 🥰
DeleteI too love going to the beach in the summer and it's nice you have the pool to enjoy Kim. I'm glad you are enjoying summer fun. The fall is the perfect time for home projects and I look forward to seeing them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I hope you're enjoying your summer, too!! Happy weekend!!
DeleteWelcome to the Ice Cream Makers Club. ;-) LOL... you will enjoy your homemade ice cream, I know we sure can tell a difference with our homemade.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to see and learn from all your projects in the making. :-)
Thanks for the recommendation, my friend! I can’t wait to whip up a batch. We’ve become very used to home baked goods, now that my daughter is in charge. No more boxed baked goods around here. The taste so much better and we feel better after eating them. I am sure it will be the same with the fresh homemade ice cream. I’ll keep you posted!!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your plans and choices. So exciting.
Happy you're enjoying summer. It's been too humid and hot for me.
Hopefully August is kinder with over temperatures and humidity
It has been humid around here, Cindy. Some days I go out only in the morning for a quick walk or swim and then hide in the AC for the rest of the day. I can't tolerate it the way I used to. Here's to August!!
DeleteNot sure meandering is the right word. Looks like you have been pretty busy. Can's wait to see it all. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteHaha...I guess I've just been meandering from project to project...no real direction around here, lately. Well, except for that daily pull to the beach. Happy Weekend!!
DeleteFirst of all, thank you for visiting my blog, and it’s nice to meet you. I see that you love red and fabrics! You have a lot of projects to keep you busy, but enjoying summertime takes priority. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming over to say hello, Kitty!! That’s my daughter’s nickname. ♥️ And yes, I’m a bit red obsessed. I think it’s the house since before we moved here, I was a pastel kind of girl! Hope you’ll visit again and I’m sure I’ll be back at your charming spot soon! Happy weekend!
DeleteReading, reading, reading! I joined the library book club and I'm on my 6th book! I just finished Beneath the Scarlet Sky and The Nightingale. Both were about WW2 and I loved them! What are you reading?!
ReplyDeleteOh...sounds good. I heard The Nightingale got great reviews and I do love WWII tales. I've been reading classics with my daughter. We read and then compare notes...we just finished Jane Eyre. SO good!
Delete