Life in Progress

When my son was in first grade I quickly realized that May was going to be the busiest month of the year ~ December didn't have a fighting chance even with all the holiday hoopla and prep. Well, once again May hasn't let me down. I feel like my body and mind are being stretched as thin as possible and going  in all directions.

The weather here in Eastern Connecticut has been ... challenging. Yea, we'll go with that since it's a little nicer than what I'd really like to say. Soon I'll have to move into my own personal ark if this nonsense keeps up. Yes, it has rained that much AGAIN this year. I wish I were kidding but sadly I'm not. However, a sweet friend reminded me, when I had to take the morning off to pump water out of my basement, that I have a home to return to at the end of the day. Thank you for keeping my whining in perspective. With that said, I really have nothing to complain about!

The ground is SO wet that my poor plants have been living in a continuous spa treatment which is causing them to soak themselves into an unhealthy state. The weather is turning warmer this week {accompanied by showers} so I rescued them and began the laborious project of planting. Why does this step always take ten times longer than I anticipate?!

The window boxes are completed ~ one check off my list!

A little refresher after working hard in the yard and basement. My favorite ~ lemon and lime.

I have been waiting {not so patiently} for these to arrive. They are the reason I have not shared my kitchen remodel. It's a little naked without the back splash. Long ago I saved a picture of this tile in my inspiration binder. I was knew EXACTLY what I wanted when it came time to choose the tile for our kitchen. Done! Or not so fast ~ I didn't have a name or style and no tile place around here ~ from Greenwich to Providence ~ recognized the image in my picture. I knew I would have great regrets if I settled for something else knowing what I was looking for was out there ... somewhere.  After many hours of research on the web I finally found what I was looking for. They are all handmade which means extra turn around time. When they arrived one of the three boxes was damaged so I've had to unwrap each individually wrapped tile to make sure they aren't broken or chipped.

Source unknown

I'm hosting a garden party in a few weeks to celebrate a very dear friend. Keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that our wetlands will dry up and my yard will have a chance to bloom.

The other morning I had to laugh at myself as I was spreading mulch at 5 am before getting ready to head off to my classroom. Why ? Because it was the only window of time with no rain in the forecast!


I'm ready for summer break!

Leave A Comment

Brimfield ~ a true field trip!

This is an event I look forward to for months in advance. It's held 3 times a year but we always hit it in May. We leave bright and early for the all day adventure. This year my husband was home for a couple of days and was able to tag along for the fun. Fortunately, we both enjoy this trip so it's an opportunity to spend some time together {one of my goals for the year} as well as find a few new treasures for our home.


Brimfield goes on for miles and miles and miles! The fields are amazing with their showcases of treasures and trash ... you know the saying. By the end of the day I'm exhausted! You simply cannot view it all in one day. Sadly, I never have enough time to allow myself two days for this treasure hunt.



There is one way in and one way out of Brimfield. If your arrival timing is off just a tad, you wait in line and end up parking in the back 40. This is the hardest part ~ almost there, yet still so far away. Ugh!


I've been going to Brimfield for several years now. I always go with a list in mind and always come home with everything EXCEPT what I was looking for :) That's part of the fun.



How about a sweet little chair for my desk? There were SO many to choose from at this tent. I fell for the back on this little beauty and it's carved design.



Madhtr ~ love the name and oh so fitting!

This vender was amazing! It is a little {or big} girls dress up dream come true! The hats were gorgeous and his display was just beautiful. It really belongs in a high end boutique. He was quite the character with very charming qualities. I'm secretly keeping my fingers crossed that hats make a comeback ... love them so!

Over the years I've found dealers and vendors that I really like and make a point of going to their booths first to see what goodies they've brought to the show.
The displays are becoming more creative {selling point} and intriguing. There was more than one time I felt the "need" to have it all. Not to worry, my well grounded husband was there to bring me back to reality. **Note to self: leave husband home next time** :)



This is one of my favorite booths ~ always find a few must haves.

A nap would have been nice ;)





A few trinkets that made it home with me. I actually had this antique secretary on my list and much to my surprise I found one! I think this may be a first for me. These sweet little pictures will look great in our hall and I quickly grabbed the ice bucket when I saw the unique shape. It's a good thing I eyed it when I did since two other women were on my heels.  I'm going to use the silver in my picnic basket. I thought the butter knives would make perfect spreaders and can you see the serving spoons? They are monogrammed! :) I'll put these new lovelies to good use during the spring festival at Jonathan Edwards Winery in a few short weeks.

I have a few more fun finds to share with you but I'll save them for another day.

Leave A Comment

Spring Break

We had a very late break this year. With that said, we still don’t get out of school this year until late June. My social calendar was light with hopes of tackling a few home projects. After all, doesn’t the word project just scream rest and relaxation? Yep, thought so! I started off in the right direction. Day one was spent with these fine fellas. The family room was getting a much needed face lift.



We were primed {pun intended} and ready to go until I felt a gurgle in my stomach. Oh joy, I was treated with the horrid stomach bug that ripped through my school. Trying to keep an upbeat outlook, I managed to get through my stack of magazine and drop 5 pounds in a matter of a couple of days. Talk about a diet plan that works!Once I was feeling better, I finished the family room and few other cleaning projects on my list.



One afternoon I treated myself to a much needed pedicure ~ raspberry fizz. A little pink always makes you feel better!  Love my monogrammed Eliza B's and so happy to have ditched the socks for the spring and summer season.



I enjoyed a few of these. I may have a slight addiction to ice coffee. Once I switch from hot to cold, I know that summer days aren't far behind and that always bring a smile to my face.





Spring doesn’t really begin until my visit to Eliza B. The choices were over the top and I came away with these lovelies. I love supporting family businesses. Yes, there really is an Eliza. I’ve met her on more than one occasion. Not only is she a brilliant business owner but she is as sweet as sweet can be ~ not to mention beautiful! Her mother and father are just as warm and kind. The shoes are made right here in Essex Connecticut not far from our home. They also make belts, bags and dog collars and leashes. Bentley and Bozley sport the USNA fighting rams collars. Funny enough, we bought them in Annapolis MD while attending my husband's Naval Academy reunion.




The highlight of my break was having my son home. I was armed and ready for his arrival. Can you see how excited he was to see me {and my camera} as he approached my SUV? :)


Let me just say that having a college student in your home is exhausting! I’ve forgotten the hectic schedules they keep not to mention their hours. Since Nicholas hasn’t been home in a while he tried to reconnect with as many friends as possible. This meant I didn’t get much sleep.



Nothing like multitasking while dying Easter eggs. It wasn't top on his list but he was a good sport and carried on the tradition. Deep down, I think he really enjoyed himself :)


I was able to get some work done in my yard. I planted these last fall and was SO excited to see them pop up this spring. They are a frilly tulip with layers to them ~ very pretty! I like them so much that I'm going to plant more this fall. That is if I can remember the name. I put a marker next to them but during the raking, it has disappeared. If you happen to know the name, please share.



Since we were all home on Saturday morning we had a pre-Easter breakfast. Growing up we called this monkey bread. For the life of me I have no idea where the name came from or why but it is a family favorite. We had a relaxing morning lingering around the breakfast table. One of my favorite treats is not having a time schedule that has to be met. It doesn't happen often but when It does, I enjoy every second of our time.



Before I know it, the week was over and I was back in school. Nicholas is in North Carolina where it is 85 degrees with perfect beach weather. I know this because he reminds each time we talk. Is it possible to ground your college age son for rude comments? :) I'll admit I'm VERY envious!

Leave A Comment

Easter blessings

Easter morning welcomed us bright and early with sunshine and warmth. What a perfect setting to a fabulous day! The morning festivities started early as we had plans and deadlines to meet all before noon.

It was a lovely start on a beautiful morning to praise Him!

The Easter bunny delivered {with help from mom :)} fun filled baskets loaded with goodies. We don’t often have candy or sweets in our home so on Easter and Christmas it’s a treat to receive your favorite sweets. There are many and they are meant to last awhile and they do ~ I just threw out candy from Christmas.

Mr. Easter bunny gifted me a pretty white and pink basket of Godiva chocolates {I’ll be hiding those in a safe place} and a lovely lily. Oh, the fragrant beauty!

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a few funny photos. Do little boys ever really grow up? I hope not, I still enjoy the silly side of Nicholas :)

Translated: seriously mom, stop taking pictures!

 {I was so excited to have Nicholas home for Easter! It's really hard on me having him so far away}

Due to a tight schedule this year, we decided to go out for brunch. At first I was a little disappointed that we weren’t going to have our traditional family meal but quickly rebounded when I realized how nice it was outside and I was going to get to spend my afternoon playing out in the sunshine rather than be stuck in the kitchen!

Nicholas helped me get my greenhouse up and in operation. I’m really off schedule with Easter and my spring break being so late this year. With the extra help, I even had time to get a few trays planted and tucked away in the greenhouse. With the nice weather on the horizen, I'm looking forward to planting my garden.


We also did some raking, cleaned and placed the screens in the windows, placed new cocoa liners in the window boxes, and prepped the herb garden.

Thanks for the help Nicholas; it’s greatly appreciated!

Our holiday ended perfectly with a little family time.  Hand and foot canasta is a card game that we have played for years. In fact, it may be the first card game Nicholas actually learned how to play when he was just a little guy.  We also enjoyed a few of our favorite snacks. I could eat brie with every meal!  Our treat tier was our last {gluttonous} over the top yummy treat. 

It’s back to healthy eating for all!

We had a glorious Easter. 

As I reflect, my heart reminds me that I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband and son.

His blessings are enormous and not to be taken for granted!

Leave A Comment

Egg~cellent Idea

I'm really late in posting these ideas but life seems to get in the way and take away from my blogging time. It also doesn't help that my picture files are having issues and I can't find all of them that I wanted to show you.

Last year a clever friend of mine created the most adorable Easter egg trees. I knew then and there that I was going to borrow her idea this Easter. She spray painted her tree in a soft pink. As much as I love the color, I went with creme with the theory that it will go with all my other Easter decor. I created two of these egg topiaries for my home. One for the living room and one for the dinning room.

This was not only an easy project but it turn out so darn adorable! I'm going to keep my eyes open for an egg wreath on the after Easter sale table next.





Once the egg trees were dry, I hot glued spanish moss into the crevices around the eggs. This too was very easily done and adds so much to the finished project.



The smaller egg tree came in an urn. The larger one needed a little something to dress it up so I placed him in a pewter serving piece that was just waiting for something special.



With the crafty bug in my system, I moved on to an Easter egg tree. Once again, oh so easy with a fabulous turn out!



I found the pink gilded eggs at HomeGoods and the paper mache eggs at Michael's. I already had a healthy stash of Martha Stewart glitter in my art room.



The "tree" is a branch from my yard that {yep, you guessed it} I spray painted then mounted in a larger urn that I had on hand.

To create the glittered eggs, I coated them in craft glue, sprinkled on the glitter, and let them dry. For the hangers, I used narrow satin ribbon which I adhered with a dab of hot glue.




 I must admit that I'm really enjoying the new additions to my Easter decor this year. There is just something about a homemade item that brings a little welcomed warmth to a home.

Leave A Comment

I have proof ...

by the blooms, if not the weather, that spring has sprung.





I'm really really ready to be outdoors after our marathon winter. With some luck, I hope to have my green house up by the weekend so I can start some of my seeds and pick up plants when I find them at the local garden shops.






It's been chilly and rainy here but my blooming beauties aren't letting a little weather hold them back. Each day I see a little more green and a little brown in our yard ~ yea!






This week I received the nicest email from a sweet woman that follows my blog. Not only does she read my posts, but her husband peeks in to see photos of our bullies, Bozley and Bentley. So here you go Jon, these are for you :)



We hired a gardener this year. He's awfully cute but not all that productive. However, does do a good job of supervising and picking out a nice sunny spot in the yard during his break time  ~ which seems to be most of the time he is outdoors!





Bentley decided  to take some time and smell the flowers ... and walk on them, chew on them and lay in them. Now if only we could get him to pick up a rake and get to work!

Leave A Comment

What a Week

It's been an eventful week here in my little life. Each day provided a new entry for the Winner of the Week Award.


The entries ...


** my cold that won't go away ~ it's been lingering for the past couple of weeks
** sneezed on, coughed on, sneezed on, coughed on, for the past few weeks by sick students
** vomited on by very sick child at school {almost the winner}
** Bentley went lame with yet another round of tick borne disease ~ trip to Vet before school
** field mouse moved into the wall of master bedroom ~I'm in denial, there are probably more than one.
** husband is away; of course
** house is in total disarray from on going projects 
** family room is half primed because I can only work on it in the evenings


In true Hollywood style, the best was saved for last ...


After a  L   O   N    G  week I was so glad to finally have Friday behind me with the promise of a relaxing weekend on the horizon. I had plans to meet friends for dinner and the rest of the weekend was for finishing up my painting project and getting the rest of our home back in order ~ it's all been affected by our home projects.




Well, that's not exactly what LIFE had planned for Friday evening.


I arrived home to a beeping noise. The kind that a dying battery in a smoke alarm makes. After letting the dogs out of their kennels, I went upstairs to access the situation. The smoke alarm was fine. The Carbon Monoxide Detector however wasn't. Yep, it was beeping and flashing. Great, just what I needed for the final entry into my Winner of the Week contest.


Ladies and gentlemen, we have a WINNER!


After grabbing the phone, getting Bentley and Bozley, I called 911 and let them know the situation.

They arrived in style and promptly went to work. Due to the potential seriousness of the situation, they donned all their protective gear and meters.

Just before setting off to assess my home, I felt compelled to apologize for the condition of our home. Yes, I AM that neurotic! After a quick low down of our projects which have caused such havoc in our home, I felt better. Seriously, I didn't want them to think we were such slobs.



My neighbor was politely laughing at me during this "prep" time.




Bringing the detectors out from our home to have them tested.

Reviewing the equipment from our home ~ me standing numb.

 

The whole time they were in my home, I was trying to come up with a plan ... where does one go with 2 dogs, a husband away? We have a plan for just about everything but not this type of situation. I do not like being unprepared or surprised by the unknown.

In the end, all this commotion was caused by a faulty carbon monoxide detector.



Thankfully, all is well and life is back to {chaotic} normal.


I was very grateful and relieved with the news. I'll be adding a new detector to my list of things to buy this weekend.

Leave A Comment