5 Ways to Enjoy What’s Left of Summer

I’m one of those rare creatures that can’t get enough of Summer – even when it’s hot as Hades. Yes, I love Summer so much that it can be 110 degrees outside and humid and I’m happy as a clam (…I’m assuming clams are down with hot and humid).

So before we start pulling out the apple wreaths and chenille throws and our latest straw/burlap creations (hee hee) let’s savor just a little more Summer, okay? Because, lest you forget, it’s going to look like this outside before we know it. Brrrrr!!!

5 WAYS TO ENJOY WHAT’S LEFT OF SUMMER

1) Can You Say BBQ?: Ohhh, this is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. It’s not so much about the food (which is of course a bonus) as it is about hanging out on the deck with friends and family. Invite some friends over for a bring-your-own-meat potluck dinner, or just make it a special night for you and the family.

2) Savor Summer Foods: Eat a popsicle on the front porch; Top vanilla ice cream with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream; Drink lemonade; Get a real life ice cream cone from an honest to goodness ice cream shop.

Image: Martha Stewart

3) Swim: Now I’m as swimsuit averse as the next girl, but there’s nothing like a cool swim on a hot day. Sneak into your neighbor’s pool if you have to (totally kidding…no getting arrested and blaming it on me).

 

4) Stroll through a Farmer’s Market: Most cities have these. There’s nothing better than spending a sunny Saturday morning mingling with your community, looking at fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, and crafts.

 

5) Keep it Light: Don’t pack away the floral pillows, white cotton throws, and fresh accents just yet. Breathe in the moment just a smidge longer.

Image: Apartment Therapy

What special things do you look forward to in the Summer?

A Little Mental Cleaning

So over my little breakity-break from the bloggity-blog world I did a some mental cleaning. Part of the reason I stepped away (beyond stress at work) was that I knew my head wasn’t in the right place as far as the blog was concerned. I started this here blog just for the plain fun of it – just because I love decorating and love sharing my ideas and love of decor with you. But somewhere along the line my competitive nature took the wheel and I wasn’t happy anymore. I was constantly comparing myself to others and beating myself up for not being as creative, inventive, blah blah blah as others. Crazy, right?!

I only share this with you because I know if I felt this way, many of you out there have to be feeling the same thing. Let me share one of my favorite quotes with you:

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

from The Life and Work of Martha Graham

In a nutshell – we all have worth; We all have value; We all have something to contribute to this world that nobody else can ever contribute. That’s true whether it’s with your family, your friends, your career…or yes, even your blog. You don’t have to be “perfect” you just have to be 100% authentically you, and share the fabulousness that God blessed you with with others.

xoxo

Timeless Home Decor

Thanks so much for all of your comments on yesterday's post. Y'all were cracking me up. I'm not even kidding.

I truly hope I didn't offend anyone with my list of what may go out of style in the future. The last thing I want is for people to start looking around their houses and feeling like they need to replace everything because it maybe, might, could go out of style eventually.

PLEASE don't do that. Enjoy what you have. Keep things around that make you happy. I have no doubt that you'll know when there's a new hot trend and we're suddenly all making moss balls out of our birds...or something like that.

Okay, so in summary, y'all feel that the following things likely have a shelf life (by the way, I don't know why I keep saying y'all. I don't say that in real life. Anyway...):

• Tuscan decor
  
• Oil Rubbed Bronze (although I don't think black fixtures will go out of style...hopefully)
  
• Birds
  
• Burlap
  
• Vinyl decals/Wall sayings ("The family that picks hay together stays together"...or something)
  
• Distressing (maybe)
  
• Stenciling Letters or Numbers on Everything (say it ain't so...I really like this trend)
  
• Chalkboards (my fave comment "we'll all wonder what we needed all those chalkboards for"...ha!)

And may I say that I am so grateful that you all disagreed with me about beadboard going out of style. Truly! I've had a fear of committing to it in case it's passe in a few years, so I LOVE that you all feel it's classic. I believe you and I whole heartedly agree with you. Mwah! (I just gave you a big kiss)

Decor with Staying Power

So let's talk about things that have staying power. In my opinion the big items in your house (furniture, flooring, etc) should be like the equivalent of classic wardrobe staples; i.e. a simple black dress, chinos, a white t-shirt and jeans. As trends come and go you can switch out accessories, but the staples always look good.

For instance, remember Top Gun? It came out in 1986, and Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis would still look fashionable today.

Meg Ryan and Anthony Edwards....not so much.

How does that translate into decor? Here are a few ideas:

• Try not to buy furniture "sets". Let your furniture collection grow over time. I've personally broken this rule by having a matching sofa and loveseat...oh, and they're microfiber...but you know....whatever :-).
  
• Neutrals are always timeless. We may eventually get tired of beige walls, but tan, grey, black and white will always be classic.
  
• I'm going to say that pretty much any architectural element is timeless; i.e. wainscoting, moulding, etc. They've been around a very, very, very long time. It's hard to imagine them going anywhere.

What do you think? Do you have anything to add to this list?

Have a great weekend!

You Know We'll Laugh About This Someday

Remember the every so hot combination of mauve, hunter green and brass in the 80's? Oh...and floral wallpaper...lots of floral wallpaper.

Oh, and we can't forget the essential coordinating wallpaper border.

And remember the florescent lighting, bad linoleum and oak cabinets in the 90's?

Well, I've been looking around at this here decade and wondering what we'll look back at and laugh about someday. Here are my predictions:

(PLEASE Keep in mind, I LIKE ALL OF THESE THINGS. Don't be offended if you have them in your home right now...I do too! I'm just looking to the distant future.):

1) The Tuscan Craze

2) Oil Rubbed Bronze: We'll think it's hilarious that we were all in a mad dash to spray paint everything in sight ORB.

3) Birds: I love birds...I really do, but I can just imagine them being the equivalent of harvest colored sunflower patterns in the 1970's.

Photo: Art.com

4) Burlap, Sisal, Jute, etc.: Again, these are a decorating staple for me...but in 10 years we might wonder why on earth we thought it was a good idea to decorate with a potato sack.

5) Beadboard: I HATE to even include this one because of my undying love of the stuff, but I have a fear it will be the dark brown paneling of the future.



What do you think? Do you agree with my list? What do you think we'll look back and laugh about? Let's chat :-).

What Are You Thankful For?

I gave Christmas the spotlight Monday, so I thought I ought to give Thanksgiving its due time today. I like Thanksgiving. It's not as sexy as Christmas, what with all those sparkly decorations and so forth, but it does have great food (my son once asked if I was going to cook a "big chicken" for Thanksgiving...he meant "turkey"...oh, I miss those days).

Anyway, what I really love about Thanksgiving is that it's an entire holiday dedicated to remembering and acknowledging all of the things we're thankful for. I'm a big believer in always counting your blessings, but Thanksgiving provides a unique kick in the pants to give some thought to all of those things you're grateful for. Here are a few things on my list (I apologize for the sappyness of this post):

1) My Son: He's, hands down, the greatest blessing I've received in my entire 33 years. And he does his own laundry.

2) My Parents: They're always there for me. Always. Even though they're 1200 miles away.

3) Our Home: I'm grateful for the safe haven it is for us, and the decorating playground it is for me.

4) Friends/My Adopted Oklahoma Family: Those of you living away from "home" know what I mean. There's nothing like a friend who will watch your dog, share carpool duties, rescue you when your car breaks down, and laugh with you when it's all over.

(Um, I'm a tad chubby in this photo...but I think it was taken 2 months post divorce (and in the midst of my Oreo obsession). Oh, I'm grateful for weight loss...)

5) Choclate, flea markets, thrift stores, TJ Maxx, paint...oh yes, paint!, the internet to teach me how to fix a toilet, fabric sales, homemade lattes, good tv, the best poodle in the world, hot showers, diet pepsi, Mexican food, pedicures, micro fleece...and good music...and the fact that there are people out there who can sing better than I can.

6) Finally, I'm thankful for YOU. Honestly...I'm not sucking up to the crowd here. I am truly, humbly, deeply grateful for all of you and the joy you bring into my life.

What are you thankful for? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I would challenge you to write out your own list.

Have a great weekend!

I'm Really Smart...Uh, Except When I'm Not

So, I'm a fairly intelligent girl...most of the time. I'm moderately handy around the house. I can use a drill, I've changed light fixtures, and I've painted...a.lot. So shouldn't it occur to a somewhat intelligent girl who knows her way around painting a bathroom that...um, I don't know...using the toilet TANK as a step stool to reach that really high ceiling is a bad idea?!

Nope...didn't even think about it. I just stood there, perched awkwardly on the toilet tank, wet paint brush extended, stretching like a yoga goddess to reach that impossible corner between the wall and the ceiling. And as I heard the gentle sound of water trickling, I thought (as the blonde I was meant to be) "Boy, that toilet sure is loud from up here."

Ha! Yes, Ms. AnNicole it is loud...that's because water's leaking onto your floor! Yep, my weight on the toilet tank broke the seal beneath the toilet. Hee, hee...oops?

So now this fairly intelligent, moderately handy girl is going to learn how to replace a wax toilet seal. Good times....

I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!

Live in Your Dream HOME Right Now

One of the things I try to do on this little blog is to give you hope that you can improve your surroundings and create a place that feels like home. Whether you live in a dated house or an apartment where you can't touch the walls (with paint...that would be weird if you could never actually touch the walls), you can step out of the box and create an environment that makes you happy.


I haven't always had a house of my own. Back when I was a young single mom with a toddler (as opposed to the ancient 33 year old I am now...joking) I dreamed, and begged, and prayed every day that someday my son and I would have our own home. That dream wouldn't be realized for years, but I made the most out of what I had - which for a while was 2 bedrooms in my parent's house (sorry...I hope that isn't an overshare...just keeping it real here).


Even with those two little bedrooms I made an effort to create a home for us. My son's bedroom had a little loveseat in it where we could read together, or watch movies and munch on popcorn on our Friday night "date night". I would dim the lights and we would pretend it was a movie theater. I chose cute curtains and bedding for both rooms, and I even put up a Christmas tree in my bedroom each year that my son and I would decorate...sometimes with "ornaments" made from pine cones we collected in the backyard.



My point in sharing this is, we all dream of granite countertops, farmhouse sinks, and shiny hardwood floors....but don't get so wrapped up in looking to the future that you neglect the home you have right here, right now.

Guests Coming? Let's Have a Reality Check

You know that old saying “There’s nothing like the impending arrival of guests to make you get your butt in gear and clean/organize your house.” Okay, perhaps that’s not an actual a “saying”, but it’s true nonetheless (can I get an “Amen”?).

I am out-of-my-mind excited that my Dad and Step-Mom are coming to visit this weekend!



…and I was initially in deer-in-the-headlights-panic-mode over the list of procrastinated projects and cleaning that need to be done before they arrive.



I created a to-do list that would rival the list of to-do items for the 100+ staff members of Buckingham Palace to tackle before the Queen of England arrives.....And then I came to my senses.


There's a difference between cleaning up a bit, and going out of your mind - tearing your hair out like a loony person to make things "perfect". And honestly...who's really comfortable in a "perfect house". Personally, I'm most comfortable in homes that don't take themselves too seriously...where it's more about making the guests feel at home than obsessing about what's "imperfect".



Most people are relieved and most comfortable in a home that doesn't take itself too seriously...in a home that is lived in and filled with love....a home that has a personality and reflects the family that lives there. There's nothing worse than a host that's nervous the entire time you're there...worried and apologizing about everything that's "wrong" with the house.


In a nutshell...relax and focus on what's important....like spending quality time with your guests. Reality checks are a wonderful thing :).

Wonder Woman's Got Nothing on Us

Some of you may have seen a post I published yesterday evening in which I outlined a mountain of projects I was considering thinking of possibly trying to attempt over the weekend. Well..I deleted the post because I felt like I published it before really thinking it through fully.

I felt like it left the impression that I really am some sort of crazy Wonder Woman wannabe that repairs toilets, paints rooms, and hold garage sales (while juggling chainsaws…on fire) every weekend. That is soooo not the case, and I definitely don’t want anyone feeling like I’m a super go getter and they’re not “doing enough” because the chainsaws they juggle aren’t on fire.

In reality, I have a huge list I hope to accomplish every weekend…and then I usually get home after grocery shopping Saturday morning and say… “Whew I’m tuckered out. I think I’ll flop down on the couch and watch HGTV and Bravo. And maybe feed my son a PB&J sandwich….maybe.”

Wonder Woman was really cute, she had a great outfit (and figure) and she could jump really high (I always thought that was cool), but she didn’t have to deal with half of the responsibilities we have in real life….and I never once saw her juggle chainsaws while grocery shopping, cooking dinner, and creating a beautiful, loving home for her family :) .

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Martha and Her Vineyard

I have a friend who's visiting Martha's Vineyard right now....can you say jealous? Seriously, I would give my left pinky finger to spend a week in "The Vineyard" right now. You know, with its charming little villages, adorable shingled cottages, and salty ocean breeze. Ahhh, that's my idea of heaven.

Well...since we can't all join my friend in "The Vineyard" I thought I'd give us a little eyecandy so we can pretend.

Source: MV Vacation Home
Flickr: PeaceLoveVineyard
Source: Country Living


Source: Completely Coastal

Source: Completely Coastal

Source: Completely Coastal

Souce: Coastal Living

Let's Play Pretend Shall We?

If you could do anything this weekend, what would you do? Yes, spending time with our families is wonderful, and I'm grateful for everything I have....but let's just play pretend today shall we?

If I could do anything this weekend, it was a toss up for me as to whether I'd rather lay by the pool at a posh resort in Hawaii, or go to France...but I chose France (like any of this is real anyway...lol). The reason I chose France is because I would love, love, love(!) to go to a Parisian Flea Market. Maybe it wouldn't be as wonderful in real life as I imagine it would be, but again, we're pretending.

Image: Flickr - Extranoise

Image: Flickr - Bob Blah Blah

Image: Flickr - Ellebee Studio

Image: Flickr - Moufle

Image: Flickr - Ellebee Studio

Image: Flickr - Ellebee Studio

Then I would have a lovely cwah-sont (aka croissant) and one of those fancy European coffees and I'd be set...seriously.

Thanks for playing pretend with me. Have a great weekend!

You Say it's Your Birthday? It's My Birthday Too Yeah!

Yep, it's my birthday. I LOVE birthdays...even though I'll be working most of the day and then packing like a crazy person tonight, I still love a day where you can have whatever you want for dinner (Mexican food in my case) and eat chocolate cake without remorse.

I just had to share what my sweet son did for me this morning. I walked out of my bedroom and he had taped notes all over the house wishing me a Happy Birthday. Some of them are pretty funny (oh, and please disregard the penmanship).

"Happy Birthday Mom! 33"

I think this one's my personal fave. It made made me laugh out loud. It's like a birthday wish and a glimpse at my tombstone at the same time!

"Today is AnNicole's Birthday (or the best mom in the world)." I swear I didn't secretly write these myself.

"Happy Birthday to the lady that always makes awesome breakfast on Sunday." Which is nice considering the whole blue cheese omelette fiasco last Sunday.

"Happy Birthday for the woman that is always more than eager to watch tv with me." Hmmm...is that a good thing?

He even did one from the dog. Which is also a friendly reminder to fill her food and water dishes before I leave.

"I hope you have a great birthday! Love, Matthew" Ok - that makes my heart melt!

I hope you all have a great Memorial Weekend (in the U.S.), and remember to tune in next week for some great guest posts. I'll see you in a week!