Thursday, March 31, 2011

~A LITTLE DECORATING, A LITTLE GARDENING~

We have had sunny and warmer weather all week long and I have been loving it. I can't believe the week is almost over. It was a busy one with a lot of errands and shopping and a doctor's appointment. Not only is The Husband still sick, both girls caught it and everyone is feeling terrible. I have a few symptoms, but nothing like my family. I checked in with my doctor to make sure I had all the necessary asthma medicines should I come down with this head and chest cold. I have also been cleaning like crazy, running around with a bottle of Lysol to keep everything as sterile as possible. And since it has been in the 40's, I have had the windows thrown open periodically to blow some of the germs out.
The cafe curtains from Country Curtains arrived Monday and Emily and I got them up pronto. I love the ticking stripe and I also love the privacy they give me. This is my favorite place to sit and blog and sometimes when I can't sleep I like to sit here and catch up and it could feel eerie with just a valance at the top.
I think this picture came out a bit lighter. Can you see how the light fixture I bought with my win at CSN goes with the wrought iron legs of my table. I'm really pleased that I was able to match that up. Our old coffee table, which is now up at the lakehouse, was also from Pottery Barn and had the same legs. It was just too big for my living room here...someday I will have to take more pictures of inside the lakehouse.
Today is slow and sunny and the perfect time to get some seeds planted for the herb garden. Most of my plants can't survive the frost so I have to start with new ones. I buy most of them but I thought I would start some indoors this year and perhaps have some windowsill herbs handy to cook with. I especially love rosemary as I can pop it in vases alone or with flowers and it looks and smells so pretty. I hear that in the warmer climates, it can grow as large as a shrub. I am hoping that I will be successful bringing the pot in over the winter without killing it. I'm pretty good at that with indoor plants..
I started with these little pots that will disenegrate once they are popped into the ground... don't even have to remove the plant.
I planted some sweet peas that don't climb, they just trail over a pot...very pretty and then I have chives, basil and the rosemary. I spray them with water a couple of times a day to keep the seeds moist and once they have roots, I can pour water right into this tray and the pots and soil will suck it right up. Years ago when I was a real gardening fanatic, I used to start a lot of my vegetables indoors and the table in front of my sunniest window was covered with miniature plastic greenhouses of sort. It was like planting twice, so now I just sow my seeds right into the ground when it's warm...usually mid~May.
So that is what I have been up to today, playing in a little dirt and getting my hands messy. I will keep you up to date as to how my little babies do. I hope you are all having a great week and that it's sunny in your neck of the woods. See you soon! :-)

76 comments:

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Jane, I would love to sit at your table and dream... the country curtains are so pretty and add such a nice touch. It's so nice to see it's time to plant herbs, I have a way to go before that. Love the pictures you took, they are fabulous! Stay well...
Hugz,
Kim

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

How fun, Jane! I keep rosemary in my garden but have not tried planting the rest. That would be handy! Happy weekend!...hugs...Debbie

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

You have had pretty weather this week? I am glad someone has. Ours has been cold, wet, and dreary. Love your new chandy! Sorry about your family being sick, hope you don't come down with it. Loving the new cafe curtains too.

Anonymous said...

Your table is really lovely Jane. Like your home. I love the bottles you have the rosemary in. It's true what you say about how big rosemary can grow. We have one, I'll have to take a photo for you. I love that it's useful, and looks good too. I hope you and your family are back on all cylinders soon.

x

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Well, I'm glad one of us is having warmer weather, Jane! : ) I was just talking to my daughter about getting peat pots to start some seeds. While they live in an apartment they are on the first floor and she wants to do some pots outside their door. I know she's really eager to get started because she's been talking about it every time I see her! I'm ready to just give in and go get some pansies to plant in the front of the house and a couple of pots.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Now you've got me thinking of starting some seeds and making plans for my patio pots. The weather here on the coast has been warm but the past few days have been rainy and gloomy. I really can't complain because we mostly have great weather.

Here's to Spring!

hugs
Sissie

Fifi Flowers said...

How are YOU? LOVE fresh herbs!!!

Raine and Sage said...

Love the look of that rosemary in the little bottles. Curtains look so pretty. Those herbs and the smell of spring will have everyone feeling better in no time. :)

Anonymous said...

This is on my to-do list! And some decorating too, as always.:-)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I am lucky here in NC. The rosemary grow year round, as long as they are planted in the ground and not in a pot. They do get big, like a shrub.

Have fun planting!
Hugs,
Penny

Sylvia said...

Dear Jane , I love your table and this flower arrangement is So lovely ! Thank you for your kind words and support .I am so happy to 'meet" you !

Sonny G said...

pretty table- love the basket of flowers.. I need to start some seeds too.. I am so looking forward to spring and planting..

xoxoxoxoxo
Sonny

Debbiedoos said...

Looking good Jane. Love those country curtains, they look perfect on your windows. So glad the weather is cheering up there.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
Your house looks so pretty! I am thinking of growing some herbs, too! I am itching to dig some dirt!!!
Hope your babies get better soon!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, sounds like you have had a really nice week!... love that it is Springtime there for you... today it was actually in the 60's here and sunny! I even worked in my garden... love, love love your new Country Curtains!... they look perfect in your nook!... and I love your pretty basket on the table and runner... of course I also love all the little plants you are planting... those little peat pots are the greatest thing ever!... hope your family starts feeling better soon!... oh yes, your chandelier is just stunning!... xoxo Julie Marie

Stacey said...

Your kitchen looks so cozy and welcoming. Love the cafe curtains. I love that pots that you can just pop in the ground since they disintegrate. I've planted a couple of them in the past. I was very sad to leave my rosemary bush at the other house that we recently sold(it's amazing how big the rosemary can get too!) Great pics btw:-)

savvycityfarmer said...

a beautiful day here in the burbs ... to say the least .
I can't wait to play in the dirt.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

It is fun, Jane, to see your favorite spot to sit in your beautiful room. So glad you love your new curtains.

I have to do some studying to find out when you can plant in the ground here in Chicago. In Seattle, it was any time after Mother's Day. Can't wait.

Fondly,
Glenda

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Hi Blondie...thanks for visiting my blog. I have followed you back to yours. Your house is wonderful...I especially love your table and chairs. I plant herbs in containers on my deck but I've never started them from seeds. Please keep us updated on the progress! Nice to meet you...~Ann

Faded Plains said...

It's been cold and rainy here...but I just know that some sunny warm weather is on the way...at least that's what I keep telling myself.

Unknown said...

Such a lovely centerpiece, and the lighting in these photographs is beautiful. We had a teaser of nice weather and then....it's snowing as I write this. We are getting a NorEaster tonight. Somebody pinch me, isn't is April tomorrow?

Enjoy your beautiful table and weather. Wish I was there.
Karen

Sarah said...

Jane, your kitchen table is a lovely spot to sit and dream about gardens and other sweet thoughts. We have an herb garden. The "chef" loves to just walk outside and snip what he needs for the evening meal. ;-)
Happy planting! ~ Sarah

Pondside said...

No sun here yet, but I have high hopes for the weekend!
I love your new curtains - they are perfect for that cosy spot. We all need privacy, but it's nice that yours still give you some light.

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

Everything is looking good. Spring is right around the corner!

Rosemary does grow as big as a shrub. It is quite a sight to see. When I walk by one I will grab a few branches in my hand and give a gentle squeeze. It is such a fresh scent.
Hugs
P.S. Love the curtains. They are perfect for your windows.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane! I am glad you are having good weather because we sure haven't been! Sorry everyone is sick at your house...I feel like I am getting a head cold myself. The cafe curtains look great and I love the chandelier!~Hugs, Patti

NanaDiana said...

I like the curtains, Jane. I have a window that I don't like sititng in front of at night either...and I don't know why because it is on the bay side of the house so no one can see in...it just feels a bit creepy...or I feel a bit exposed.

It is still snow covered here and we have big piles of snow all around the yard yet. I am anxious for Spring. You are a bit further ahead of us..we drove through your area on our way South and your lawns, etc. have a bit of green in them. Coming back was disappointing because once we got North of Milwaukee the snow was all around again...and it was cold..24º by the time we got home at midnight!

Enjoy the rest of your week and I hope your family recovers quickly and I hope YOU don't get it to the extent that they have it.

Hugs, Diana

Kathleen said...

Hope your family gets better and that you don't get it. Very cold and rainy here, they are saying snow for tomorrow here in NY. Crazy weather!
Jane, I use Ina Garten's recipe for the popovers, and make sure you heat the pan first. :)

Kerry said...

I'm very envious of your gardening activity Jane...the weather is on the turn here although I might have some good weekends yet! And rosemary certainly grows into very big bushes in my part of the world :)

GardenOfDaisies said...

love your new curtains! I have to start my herbs new every year too, for the most part. Every once in a while I am able to overwinter something. I did not know that you could get rosemary to root like that!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, it looks like you are having a fun time with your plantings! Love the new curtains and that cute basket and flowers on the table.

Mr. M. came home tonight now feeling well, and I hope I don't catch it. I wonder if it's the same bug you DH has. Let's both hope we stay free and clear of it. We had a tree go down in the storms that hit Florida today, and it missed the house thankfully. But I have to go find tree men, etc. I'm just doing the happy dance that it didn't hit the house. Whew!

Hugs, Janie...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Martha said...

Nice curtains -- love your eating area!

Tricia said...

A little gardening sounds so nice and relaxing. I would love to plant a few things too. I'm thinking like you, that some herbs would be nice....maybe some sunflowers too, the kids always like those.

Your curtains look very good, it does make the table area seem cozier doesn't it?

Have a good weekend :)

~Tricia

Fishtail Cottage said...

I spy a "gardening post"? What a pretty kitchen you have & so glad you have been enjoying sunshine! Thanks for always coming by my blog and leaving such sweet comments - makes my day! xoox, Tracie

Unknown said...

Hi Jane, Your new curtains are darling!!! The whole eating area looks terrific. :) I love herbs to. They are the easiest thing to grow. I try to keep them around all year. Don't mix your mint in with your regular garden though... UGH! It takes over everything. I learned that the hard way!!

~Liz

Anonymous said...

Hellooooo Jane :)

Love the new chandi and curtains! You have such a cozy and beautiful breakfast area. I can see why it's your favorite spot to work on the computer. I'm inspired to get our herb garden going, too. The weather has been a bit indifferent. It looks as though it's going to be warm and then it cools off mid day. I'm not able to plant seeds until mid April or after.
I hope your family starts feeling better! That's no fun at all! We had it here. It took forever to clear the house. You take care of yourself, too. Drink lots of water!
Hugs!!!
Michelle

The Moerks said...

Good luck with the gardening. We are heading into winter so we only really have veges to plant. I do love rosemary with a lamb roast.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Your photos are lovely!... we've had grey days and rain all week, you need to stop hogging the sunshine :-)

Hope your family is feeling better and you don't catch the crud. No fun when you have asthma.

Rettabug said...

You & I have much the same weather, Jane...I can't wait for some warm sunshine to return. We had SNOW yesterday!!! YUCK!

DH has his tomato seeds sprouting in the sunroom already. He just saves the seeds from last year's crop so he can get an early jump. I loved the shot of your rosemary in the jars...beautiful.

Sending ~~healing vibes~~for your whole family. Mega doses of pineapple juice are my recommendation. Its a rich source of Bromelain and Vitamin C. Helps me, anyway.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
It's been nice to have a little bit of spring weather hasn't it!
I love your new curtains and I love your kitchen/dining area!
It's so cozy and so pretty!
Sorry about the illness going around your family. Here's to you staying well, I am sure they need their Mommy/wife right now.
Any big plans this weekend?
Big Hugs,
Cindy

Theresa said...

No sunshine here but they say it is coming:) Love your new curtains! Happy that you love them too! Good luck on the herb garden, can't wait to get my hands in the dirt! Have a blessed day and hope all are well soon! HUGS!

Sonia said...

Hi Jane!

Well the sunshine is finally back here in OK..love it!! I know you are enjoy the good weather too. It's amazing what the sun does for my mood!! Love the cafe curtains you put up and the cute centerpiece on your table! Rosemary is one of my favorites too! I did have one that got as large as a shrub and then we had a hard winter and it went to garden heaven..I've got some small ones planted again! Happy weekend!!

Miss Bloomers

Bettie from Southern Thresholds said...

Love your new curtains; they say "welcome" - come sit a while. I LOVE rosemary also and did have quite the HUGE shrub years ago, but it became way too evasive and had to be removed. It was over 8' wide and 5-6'tall. I miss it but have smaller ones to enjoy. I plan to have a herb garden this year. Can't cook without them. Enjoy the weekend.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Oh my Dear!!!! PLEASE do not come down with this chest/head cold!!!! -sigh- You well know that I've had it and had it. First time had to take 2 bouts of Z-Pac. This time I am staying away from the 'big stuff,' in case I really need it, some time.

But the ding-dang thing is still not alllllllllllll gone. It hangs on so! Same with people around here. -sigh-

I love your curtains!!!!! Country Curtains has pretty things.

Good luck with after planting the seeds. We are facing the same binder vine issue here again. El Yucko.

But everything looks bright and springy around your place and that's so nice!!!!!!!

La said...

Hi Jane!

I hope everyone starts feeling better and that you don't come down with the same bug.

Good luck with your herbs! My thumb is pretty brown, but we are going to plant a small garden this year. I will fill the pots on the patio with herbs. Back by the garage we are going to plant strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes and probably cukes. I'd like to plant some wildflowers at the side of the house. We may observe a moment of silence on my blog if they don't do well. ;o}

Have a great weekend! La

Divine Theatre said...

While the family is recuperating...Please come visit my post on my most recent shelter pet in need and enter my GIVEAWAY!

xoxo

April said...

So sorry to hear that your hubby is still sick and your girls are under the weather, too. Hope they all feel better real soon! Your kitchen area looks so bright and cheerful! Enjoy your weekend, Jane!

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Jane!
So pretty!! Love your flowers on your table :)

Sun all week???? I'm so jealous! We had sun for about 1/2 hour yesterday & that's literally it for the whole month of March.....:}

Sorry to hear you guys are sick though....get well soon. Airborne...it's the best supplement out there for avoiding colds or getting rid of them.

xo,
Shellagh

Erika . . . with a K said...

I love the cafe curtains, so pretty!

Anonymous said...

You make me want to open my windows and plant some herbs :)
Thanks for the well wishes and I hope ya'll get to feeling better soon too (((hugs)))

xinex said...

Your kitchen is so pretty, Janie. I love the basket of flowers. The curtains looks so pretty and airy and love the hanging light, just the perfect choice! Come see my veggie garden if you have a chance but it is one post down...Christine

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I LOVE the basket on your table! Just perfect for Spring! Enjoy your weekend! ♥

Donna said...

You'll make it spring one way or another...inside or out!! Your flowers will be wonderful!!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Now I hope you don't catch the bug...hope the rest of your family starts feeling better. Looks like everybody is planting...Mr.CC planted his tomatoes yesterday and I got plants for my flower garden this week. Maybe I should try a herb garden too.

Blessings,
Linda

Carolyn said...

Hi Jane!

Thank you so much for your sweet comments!! I love this post...makes me want to pull out my gardening stuff and run and buy some seeds!! I love spring...it is always a fresh start! :D One year several years ago, I too, started a bunch of tiny little pots of seeds before it was safe to plant anything outdoors. Ended up being my most beautiful garden ever that year!!

Love your curtains!! I just received in the mail a catalog from Country Curtain!

Hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Jane, I am so sorry you have a bad bug biting everyone in your house!!! I hope you are all healthy very soon.
And you have been such a busy girl! YOur curtains look so fresh and breezy. I just love cafe curtains!
Planting herbs... that should make anyone feel better!
Stay well!
Yvonne

Lori said...

Sorry to hear that everyone is still ill at your place! Take care of them and yourself and maybe by the time the week-end comes to a close everyone will be feeling better.

Lori said...

Oh yeah ~ love your new curtains!!

Anita Diaz said...

Sounds like a great day! Love the cafe curtains...I love ticking too. I would like to do something lighter like muslin or something for my windows, but new is not in the budget these days! Hoping to start some seeds soon too. Nice the see you again:-)

Shirl said...

Hello Blondie, Love your post this week. Your new curtains are really cute and I love your comb back chairs. Are they old? Very nice! Love your daisies in the pot also, it's been too cold here to do any gardening, next week looks good on the weather charts for us. Yeah! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment!
Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, what a pretty post! Love the sunshine pictures. I'm sorry your family is ill. Prayers for a fast recovery.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Stacey said...

Hi girl! A little playing in the dirt here too. It has been beautiful and warm outside. Wonderful! I hope your seeds work. It's so much fun to get ready for a new season.

for the love of a house said...

ahhh, signs of Spring! love it!
hope you and your family feel better soon!
happy weekend!
joan

Penny said...

Looking good Jane. The curtains make such a difference. I'm thinking of making a long valance for the Lake Lure kitchen window. What do you think? I actually have a rosemary bush in Florida. I planted a small plant two years ago and it in now 3 feet tall and bushy.

Monica said...

Mmmmm! Fresh herbs! Perfect for everyday cooking and last minute baking ideas. Such as rosemary/salt or basil/cheese focaccia ;))
Enjoy!
Monica x

Unknown said...

In my kitchen, I have a small corner where I prefer herbs. Some from seeds, others from cuttings. It's so easy to have always fresh herbs in the house, isn't it? ;)

It was good that I have stayed at home. Shortly afterwards there was a powerful thunderstorm... and my car has no roof :)

Enjoy this evening
Tine

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane,
hope you all feel totally better soon, look forward how your little plants will grow and I hope you will have a good start of the week! (loved that rambling post, so really you, great).
Maureen xx

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Love your curtains and the sweet basked of flowers on your table! Hope all your planting yields you bunches!
Cindy

Charlene said...

You look like you will be busy in the garden for a LONG time. It is sunny here & I have spent over $200 in plants yesterday & today. Saturday we went to Farmers Market after dropping Karen at the airport to go home (the last of the peeps from the visit to Round Top). And today... I was just going to run into Walmart for a new hose for out front... Yeah right! $111 later we have MORE FLOWERS! I am so far behind from being gone 2 & a half weeks! What was I thinking? WHEN will I have time to plant these? HUGS!
Charlene

Kathy said...

Decided to stop in to visit some old friends tonight! I haven't blogged since our new granddaughter was born and we lost her mother in December...just too much for a Mimi to do! Now that Amelia's 3 months old I have a little more free time. Isn't it a wonderful thought that Spring is just around the corner? This has been a hideous and endless Michigan winter! Hope your family is recovered from the virus that everyone in the country seems to have!
xoxo...Kathy, Mimi's Garden

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Very pretty cutains Jane! I started more seeds this weekend too, seems once I get started and have some sprouting~ then I want more:)
Hope everyone is feeling better!
hugs,
paula:)

Knitty said...

Your table looks so inviting! I am not a gardener but am happy to see the daffodils almost ready to blossom and crocus in bloom that Bill has planted.

Easter and spring decor indoors has been rearranged a bit due to a toddling, curious one year old visitor, but I don't mind that a bit. :)

Sue said...

The curtains look great...aren't you thrilled with them? We haven't started planting anything yet. I love having fresh herbs all summer. I don't have a good place to grow them in the house. I grow lots of basil...love the smell!

The weather was great all weekend here...hit 81 yesterday! BUT...we've had storms this morning and are supposed to be 30 tonight. It was 71 when I got up and 44 now!

Debra Hall said...

YOu are so sweet to drop by and leave encouraging words.....I have missed blogging and want to make time! Your blog is so charming, I forgot how inspirational it is and so much fun to connect with friends:)

Kathleen Grace said...

The curtains are beautiful Jane. Sorry everyone has been sick, seems to be so much of that going around in the past few weeks. Hope everyone is feeling better soon!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi girlfriend,
I just saw you left a comment on Diana's blog and they we were up about the same time! Imagine that! hehe.
I find that about the only time I have to blog right now is in the middle of the night. But yesterday was such a nice spring day that I actually have hope! The snow is almost all gone and I am a happy camper!
Hugs girl,
Comdu

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Geez, I can't type or spell in the middle of the night though.
Cindy