Monday, May 9, 2011

RANDOM MONDAY & WHITE WEDNESDAY

I can't believe I haven't posted for a week. I've been busy and I had a few problems with my Reading List, so I wasn't blogging as much. Amazing how clean my house was. It was a good week though, a little bit of shopping, a few good naps. I threw a Cinco de Mayo dinner party on Thursday night and spent the whole day cooking. I tried not to get stressed out by having everything perfect, but I did anyway...that's just me. I had ribs in a Mexican barbecue sauce, beef and pork tenderloin, Spanish rice, refried beans. potatoes with poblano peppers and several appetizers before. It was a lot of fun, but it took me half the day Friday to clean up and put everything away. I need a maid.
My pictures look random but I thought I would join Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Our weekend was so full, it passed by in the blink of an eye. We went to a Communion party on Saturday for my niece and then yesterday morning I was in a 3 mile walk for breast cancer awareness. I wish I had brought my camera with but it would have weighed me down {I have a point and shoot ;-D}. It was a beautiful sight, thousands of participants, a sea of pink. Afterward, my sister in law had a brunch with great food, sweets and mimosas. It was a really nice day.
The Husband has a big trial coming up so he was working a bunch this week and weekend. My garden wasn't rototilled as a result. Oh well, vegetables in September. I hope to work on my pots and herb garden this week. Layla has taken to lying in the herb bed on the cool ground and where the sunshine hits. My little 4 year old niece noticed this and said, "Layla is lying in Aunt Jane's farm!" Layla also found a bunny nest in one of my garden beds, but I'll spare you the details. I put the babies back as best I could and I really hope the mommy comes back to take care of them.
People have asked if it is hard to keep open shelving clean. It is if you are fussy like me. Last week I took everything off as there was a thin layer of dust on the shelves. I do this once in awhile and it's always fun to rearrange pieces afterward, which I did. Since the lower cabinets are used for food, appliances, etc., I have almost all of my dishes on the shelves, so I can't really have a lot for display only. It is what it is. Okay, I do sneak a few things in there that I don't use on a regular basis, but a girl's got to have fun.
I wish I could say I made this, and it looks fairly easy to do so I may give it a try. I found this at the Shop The Shed party last year and fell in love. I just recently unpacked it and hung it up.
In spite of a busy week I managed to do a little shoe shopping. I LOVE shoes. The flats have a little bit of a wedge to them which is good because I am only 5'2. I feel stumpy in totally flat shoes. I love the peep toe. The brown shoes go with a lot of neutral colors that I seem to be buying for summer. Abby has already broken them in for me. Now I need to get a pedicure.

Vacation is creeping up and then there is the big Memorial Day weekend that kicks off summer at the lake. We already have company booked until August. I love it. I wish I could say that we got more done as far a painting and working on the guest rooms but every weekend has been so busy. It will happen. I have a busy week ahead, going through summer clothes, getting laundry done and winter clothes packed. I gave 2 big bags of clothes to my cleaning ladies, they are always so happy when I do that. It saves me a trip to the donation box and they have large families to share with.

I hope you have a wonderful week filled with sunshine and great weather. I will see you soon! :-)

82 comments:

Unknown said...

Woo-hoo! Vacation, nothing like planning ahead to relaxation, water & quiet.

Hope your Mother's Day was beautiful, Janie.

TTFN ~
Marydon

PS GIVEAWAY for 5 Days ~ enter now

Lynn said...

I was just thinking that we haven't heard from you Jane! Glad to hear you've been busy and that you had a nice Mother's Day! Had to laugh, I stopped at Wally World this morning and less than 8 hours after Mother's Day they had completely changed everything over to summer! Memorial Day here we come! Have a great vaca:@)

vintch said...

so happy to have you back on here:) those shelves are just divine! so pretty and white and fresh!

savvycityfarmer said...

oh, you have the cutest shoes!!

hope you enjoyed mother's day

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Sorry you have had reading problems. Glad you are back in blogland, always enjoy seeing your post, and love getting your comments.

Anonymous said...

Cute new shoes, Jane. I know you must really be getting excited to get your vacation started!:-)

Picket said...

Hey girl...love the open shelves and cute shoes! Girl don't even get me started about baby bunnies..our cat has caught two from the field behind our property and you should see us chasing her to make her put them down!
Hope you have a fantastic week sweetie...Picket

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love open shelving like yours, especially in whites! However, I would not be as good as you at taking things off to dust.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Love your new shoes! Looking forward to seeing you.
Hugs,
Penny

Julie Marie said...

Sounds like you have had a busy week Jane... love your open shelves in your kitchen, that would be so much fun! And your Cinco de Mayo dinner sounds delish!!! I'll bet you are a fantastic cook!... love your new shoes too, they are adorable and will look so cute with the dresses you showed us a post or two back... I want May to linger a bit longer before we hit Memorial Day... love to enjoy my birthday month, and all of the Springtime pleasures before the hot summer gets here... I'll bet you are soo excited for your vacation!... hope you had a happy Mother's Day... love to you, xoxo Julie Marie

Anne Lorys said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend!
I absolutely love your open shelving!

Big hugs,
Anne

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I like when you do these posts, Jane. I feel like we are just catching up after the weekend! It sounds like you did a lot. I have to get in my attic and clear that out before Summer and the heat hits. I'm sure a lot will be going to Goodwill. Anytime you want to come help! : )

Anonymous said...

I love whit dishes and I collect white pottery, I love the clean simplistic look,, my painting I call upon for the pop of color.Your home is so cozy,, beautiful but cozy,,, not don't touch beauty,,cozy beauty

koralee said...

I do love your shelves...and those shoes..adorable.

Hugs for a great week. xoxox

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Glad you had a great Mother's Day! I like those open shelves and you've arranged them so beautifully! I love those little shoes too!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

shannon i olson said...

I love the open shelves, I am afraid I would clutter it up too much! As for a thin layer of dust, I already have that ....everywhere so I don't imagine the open shelf would matter so much. My grandma used to take every dish out of her cupboards about 2 or 3 times a year and bleach them all, clean the cupboards and back in they went. I wish I had her energy! wow. have a great opening weekend at the lake, we have no big plans for Memorial day...but will be planning on a graduation party for my son in June.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Love the shoes....so cute!

The party and cooking are always so fun...the clean-up...not so much ;)

Lori said...

What a full week you had Jane!! Love those brown peep toes ~ would love to find something like that myself. Your dinner sounds fabulous ~ congrats on your walk ~ love to see the sea of pink. Have a great week ~ it is cooler than normal here right now so all my winter clothes I moved to the spare closet this past week-end ~ well I was digging into it this morning! I hope you have a great week. xo

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Everything always looks so pretty at your home!
And I love your new shoes! I love the wedge like that and boy am I excited that we are getting 80 degree weather!
Things will finally really start to grow!
Summer here we come!
Hugs,
Cindy

Faded Plains said...

Yep...sounds like you've been busy. Cute shoes too!

Sarah said...

Jane, I'm finally digging in and getting some organization and cleaning out done in my closet. It's always such a chore for me. Sometimes I just want to toss everything and start a new wardrobe from scratch. I'm making progress though.
Your Cinco de Mayo party menu sounded delicious! ~ sarah

La said...

I was thinking you were on vacation this week. I like cupboard doors to hide my indiscretions. All's well until you open the door. :o)

Hearts Turned said...

Sounds like it was a delicious dinner, Jane--I'll bet everyone had a wonderful time!

I had a lovely Mother's Day, too...I'm always taken care of that day!

Love your kitchen--it's beautiful!

Julie

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Love those brown shoes!! Your open shelves look terrific! And that framed arrangement is a very cool idea! I always fight having too much to do, but no matter what, there are always those times that end up too crazy busy! So nice that you have a getaway in summer!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Sounds like you have been busy and productive. No wonder you didn't have time to blog. We missed you.

Fondly,
Glenda

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I really love the open shelving in your kitchen. It looks great!

Love your new shoes too.

thanks for the update on your busy life!!!

hugs
Sissie

NanaDiana said...

Hi Jane! Sometimes it is amazing what we can get done given a computer break,isn't it? I am like you when it comes to having people over (well, except for my kids)..I want everything perfect! Food, house, me...lol

I am happy to think that you are going on vacation soon...and will get a break from this weather. Do you know that the only green we have here yet is grass and a few daffodils? Nothing is leafed out yet. I am still waiting for Spring...and am tired of all this rain!

Glad you had a great Mother's Day- I did too! Hugs- Diana

Unknown said...

All looks so wonderful, Jane. I love the white dishes. Your open shelving is great!!!

Big hugs
Tine

Deborah said...

Hi Blondie!
I love open shelving and yours is so pretty!
Your shoes are so pretty.
Vacation? What a lovely word that is!!!
You have been busy..that menu souns delicious!!
Any leftovers? :)

Deborah xoxo

Designs on 47th Street said...

I really enjoyed reading about all your happenings Jane. Your party sounded so fun with great food. Really fun to see all your white dishes on open shelves!

I too took a little bloggy break...sometimes life just happens, doesn't it?? :)

Donna

Vicki said...

Dinner sounds delicious for Cinco de Mayo. My bassets found a baby bunny too. Thank goodness that fast little bunny managed to find a way out of our backyard. Those dogs were relentless about flushing him out into the open. I think they were expecting me to shoot it! lol Hours of enjoyment for the dogs. Poor bunny.

Tricia said...

Sounds like you had a full week. I love your open shelves...I don't think I've seen them before :)

June said...

It sounds like a busy week for you Jane. I have been a slug lately and even reading your post made me tired. Do you think you could come and visit and bring me some of your energy girlfriend!?
I love your white shelving Jane. I know it might be a little tricky keeping it look great, but yours certainly does!
sending hugs...

FranE said...

It has been a while since I have been out reading my favorite blogs. The wonderful thing about stopping by here is it like visiting an old friend and catching up on her life. Love all your blog posts. Makes me smile. Hope you are having a great spring.

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Sounds like you had a feast on Cinco De Mayo. Yum! I've been wondering myself what I might accomplish if I weren't blogging. It's a thought..
How nice that you share your beautiful lake house with so many friends and family. But that's you, sweet and giving. Oh,and the shoes are adorable! Have a great week!

Suzann said...

Sounds like you've been having fun and quite busy. Shoes are wonderful, aren't they!?

Theresa said...

WOW, you HAVE been busy! The Fiesta sounds delicious! Love all of your pretties! So much to see, I am zooming in on each picture:)

Have a blessed day and don't stay gone sooooo long! HUGS!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Dear One, I did a Search on our miserable "Binder Vine" or "Binder Weed." Bad news. To rotill is to make millions of new "Binder Weed" babies.

Please read here..... Link.

Quote; "Rototilling the area just makes the situation worse, because you end up with hundreds of new plants."

So what am I doing, after paying $$$ to have garden cleaned up, weed killer laid, mulch laid on top of that, then soil on top of that and more mulch.

BUT! Weeds are still coming up!

So, I go out and spray 'em with weed killer!!!!!!!! A constant battle and I doubt we can grow veggies there, after all the $$$ and my work. Bleahhhhhhh...

He is growing tomatoes in those up-side-down things, which will hang on hooks.

Too bad they don't do that, with lettuce too. lol.

Keep me posted on your "Binder Weed Saga," of this season!!!

Gentle hugs,
~♥~

Lynne said...

Jane...I LOVE your open shelving!
I would like to do it my kitchen.
Your shoes are going to be perfect with the frocks you posted about a week ago! We have yet to plant our garden...Mr D has 'tilled it twice. We are working on our community Spring cleanup this week.
Have a great day!
~Lynne
{w/l}

Tricia said...

Hi Jane- I love all of your white on the open shelves!! Cute new shoes too. ;)

Thanks so much for the sweet bday wishes yesterday.
Hugs~
T

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Busy lady! Love your whites and those open shelves are beautiful. It would never work for me I'm afraid!

xinex said...

Everything looks so fresh with all the whites, Janie. Pretty shoes! Your Mexican dinner sound delicious....Christine

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Hi
I came to tell you hello because it seems that I see you on so many of the blogs I comment on. so we must have similiar likes. I know that I absoutely love the wall plaque with the plate and spoons and if you don't mind I just might have to copy it.(-: have a great day!

Melissa: Write it in Lipstick said...

you do have a lot of white items I love that. Sometimes it's nice to step away from blogging for naps hehehe

Debbiedoos said...

Hi Jane..looks like you had a great Mothers day. THose shoes are way too cute. Glad to see you back!

Rubyred said...

Oh my, that was a busy weekend!Love your open shelving and your pretty shoes!
Rachel x

Anonymous said...

I just love your open shelving!! It looks gorgeous with all your white.

Kathy

Anonymous said...

Jane,

We were MIA together :) I just love stopping by here. Your posts are so sweet. I don't believe I've ever seen your open shelving. Be still my heart. Beautiful! Reminds me of a French or Cottage style kitchen.
The painting will come in time. At least, I keep telling myself that, haha. We have yet to pick a color for the master. Ugh!
Hope you had a Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your week!
Hugs,
~Michelle

Honey at 2805 said...

The open shelves and whites are stunning, and of course I like the shoes!

Low Tide High Style said...

Your party sounded yummy and fun, and I'm with you, I need a maid after I entertain. Right now I have serving dishes from last night's event sitting on the counter waiting to be put away! I love that your niece calls it your farm, too cute. Your shelves are so pretty, I love all of your white! And your shoes will be perfect for your vacation and all summer long!

Kat :)

Olive said...

Hi Jane, I have not blogged in five days myself. Your party sounds like so much fun. I want open shelves in my kitchen at the vacation house and I love yours. I think I would keep things straight and edited. Love your brown shoes too! hugs♥O

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi dear Jane....sound like Cinco de Mayo was a hit at your house. Summer is here so soon ..... and looks like you have great plans at your lake house.

BTW.....LOVE THE SHOES.

xo

Jo

Gypsy Heart said...

Wish I had been there for the Cinco de Mayo dinner...sounds like a ton of wonderful food!

I don't know how you do open shelving. It's so pretty but I couldn't do it...would drive me crazy. :-)

Hope you have a wonderful week!
xoxo
Pat

These Simple Minutes said...

Oooh! I love that octagonal tray!

bj said...

Have fun!!
I love all your whites and I would have open shelving in my kitchen in a New York Minute if I didn't live in the Dust Bowl. Your's look awesome.
I am glad you are back..I've been really busy, too, staying with 3 grands. Lots of fun..
xoxo bj

Blue Creek Home said...

You might as well be running a bed and breakfast with all of the parties and company coming! I know it's great fun.
I love your open shelves. Everything looks so pretty.
Great shoes!
Rhonda

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Sounds like fun, busy times. Love the shoes...very summery!
Hope your Mom's day was happy:)

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Hi Jane:)
Love your open shelves with all of your whites. So pretty. Those brown shoes are darling:)Thanks for stopping by to say hello. Have a wonderful week:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Miss Maddie and I came upon your beautiful blog. I noticed the lovely decor, she saw your pups.
Glad we found you.
Susan

KTW said...

Love your photos! :) Your dinner party menu sounds amazing. Sounds like you've been having a pretty busy springtime! Sorry about not getting the garden tilled. We've had so much rain here that we can't even get near our garden. :( Water comes up around your ankles when you actually do make your way to it. Hopefully we'll both get those areas tilled and ready to go before time runs out! Have a great rest of the week! :)

PS: LOVE the shoes! :)

Sue said...

I'm so glad you had a nice Mother's Day. You sound very busy. This is my busy company time, then we will have the summer "off" until we travel in the fall. The shoes are cute...I'm 5'7"...I love flats! Besides, I can't walk in heels anymore for longer than 30 minutes or so. I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hey Miss Jane, I had no idea until I read your other blog posts that you were a tiny 5'2...where have *I been? And those dresses and shoes for your vacation are just adorable. I love it. I went shopping before our son's graduation and found some great buys. I was very happy with myself indeed! hahahaha...sounds like your schedule will involve some sweet days ahead. I am very happy for you!
Blessings,
debbie

The Charm of Home said...

Jane,
Your open shelving is wonderful! My hubby says no way when I mention it. LOL I love your shoes too. Have a great vacation. Everybody needs a break.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, your weekend sounds like so much fun and busy. Jas said your temps. were really high yesterday and today after all the cold. Love those adorable shoes. I love shoes so much. I want some really cute new flats for summer but haven't seen anything I just have to have yet. Loved all your random thoughts on the post. Always fun to read. xoxo

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Hi Jane! You've been busy for sure. The cinco de mayo party sounded great despite the cleanup part. I love your open shelves in the kitchen. Wish I could try that some day...
Your shoes are too cute! Happy spring!
- Susan

Elaine said...

I love both pairs of those shoes. I think I need a cute pair of Summer shoes too!

I thought Summer would never get here but now I think it's just around the corner.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Sounds like a great Cindo de Mayo menu.

Shellbelle said...

Aunt Jane's farm, that is so cute, I think you should make a sign that says that!

I know I've told you before that I love your open shelving and I still do. I think the look is definitely worth the added maintenance.

Sounds like you've been enjoying time with friends and family and there's nothing better than that!

Hugs

Privet and Holly said...

Can't believe
that summer is
right around the
corner...especially
today; it's chilly
and grey! I think
we are at least two
weeks behind, flower-
wise. Love the low-
down on your open
shelving : ) and the
cute plate from Joy's
sale!
xx Suzanne

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Love the open shelving....nice to see everything. Cute shoes....I'm vertically challenged, too, so I know what you mean about a little wedge - good for the calves! Linda

Jan Hennings said...

Hope you have a beautiful vacation! Great blog, too :)

Kathleen said...

Have fun, Jane! Dinner sounded good!

Melanie said...

Hi Jane,
I love your open shelves. Has your kitchen always been like this, or did you tear down some cabinets & put shelving up instead? I've been wanting to do that - but I'm scared!

And, as usual, the food dishes you prepared sounded SO good. I'm sure everyone enjoyed Cinco de Mayo at your house!

Ann-Marie ~ Brambly said...

I LOVE your open shelving.

ann-marie

Charlene said...

Your party sound divine! I know everyone had a blast! I have been cleaning a bit too but, I need to do A LOT MORE! Have a cousin coming to spend a few days & I need to put away some of the girly foo foo in the guestroom. And that closet is next... so I know what you mean about attacking/cleaning. It is a good feeling when you are done! Love the story about the puppy in your garden. Have a great weekend. HUGS!
Charlene

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Hi Jane! We've been on a blog vacation this week as well! Hope your Mother's Day was fabulous as well! Love your open shelves! I wouldn't mind a couple of shelves when we redo our kitchen - I would think that open shelves would stay more organzied than ones that have doors over them :) Anyway - wishing you a lovely weekend!

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Hi Jane! It sounds like you had a productive and busy week! Next year I'm coming over to your place for Cinco! Sounds yummy!
Kelly

Jacqueline said...

I agree, shoe shopping is the best! Both of these are wonderful. I love your open shelving and everything is so neat and organized!

I know, my house hasn't been completely clean since I started blogging!!

My granddaughter who is 6 loves your blog, she is sitting by me and says your music is beautiful! She was surprised to hear music as yours is the first that she has looked at that has music.

Have a great weekend.

Jacqueline said...

I agree, shoe shopping is the best! Both of these are wonderful. I love your open shelving and everything is so neat and organized!

I know, my house hasn't been completely clean since I started blogging!!

My granddaughter who is 6 loves your blog, she is sitting by me and says your music is beautiful! She was surprised to hear music as yours is the first that she has looked at that has music.

Have a great weekend.

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Hi Sweetie~ ~
I loved your statement about how clean your house was because of trouble with Blogger. How true for me tool.
Love the opened shelves in your kitchen. It makes so much sense to me saving all that opening and closing of cabinets. If I do my kitchen over I'll be planning opened shelves. Have a great week.

Unknown said...

I was just catching up on your posts. Your lake house is so gorgeous, I just love that fireplace.

It must be busy getting ready to go the lake house. Do you stay there only on weekends or the whole summer? You are going to have so much fun.

Karen

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Hi lovely,

Yes, isn't it surprising how much gets done when Blogger is playing up?!!! I'm amazed at how much spare time I have!!

Oooh, and I LOOOOOVE your shoes. SO pretty!

Sarahx