Monday, June 2, 2014

SUMMER MANTELSCAPE & GETTING MY GROOVE ON AGAIN!


Saturday was spent unpacking...luggage everywhere.   The Husband ran out the last day of our trip to Target to pick up two small duffel bags to carry on the plane.  So that made six bags.  So I had them spread out on the floor once home, handing our souvenirs like Santa Claus on Christmas and trying to determine which clothes were clean and what needed to go in the hamper.  I got the house in order, made a quick trip to the grocery and then I shot out to the backyard to clean up the patio, fill my wee little bird feeder and plump the pillows.  Then I sat out there and had a glass of wine until I was forced to go make dinner.  Milo lives for this time of day.  He loves to lay in the cool grass and wait for squirrels.  Or just sniff the fresh air.  Now that he is getting up in the years, he occasionally nods off, just sitting up like this.  It puts a lump in my throat...I'm really eeking out every precious moment I can get with this boy of mine.






The coffee table got the smaller of the two trays.  I found these on a website that some of you may know of, Antique Farmhouse.  They have a new sale everyday (it pops up in my mail).  I have gotten some great things but my method is:  A)  Can I find it at Marshall's or Homegoods cheaper?, and B)  Is it worth the shipping cost?  So far I have scored some really cool, unique things that are totally worth it.  Very one of a kind.  I know I'll bring these to the lake, They would look so cute on the outdoor table with a lantern lit at night or some snacks on them during the day.  Can you tell I am missing going?  So much work but so much fun!





I was so looking forward to getting some flowers and veggies today and finally getting around to planting some pots and pretty little pops of color in my garden beds, and then I woke up to rain.  Actually we had a few windy storms come through.  I knew the day was shot, especially with planting anything in the mushy ground.  It cleared up a bit and I dragged Emily off with me to Home Depot.  I got my basics there...I like them more for their end of season perennials that go on sale...somehow, and maybe it's just my particular store, the plants look a little stunted and neglected.  You can't beat the prices though and I like to nurture the sad little guys back to health.  I'm also in a new phase of gardening vertically.  I have some old trellises as well as an iron headboard Emily saved from the neighbors curb (that I played no part in!), so I have two clematis, a honeysuckle and a trumpet vine.  I've set my alarm for the ungodly hour of 8:00 a.m. and I'm putting on those wellies and gardening gloves!  And you can be sure...my next post will be filled with you know what.  I might add though...ahem, I came home to thousands of weeds and overgrown hedges and bushes and I believe the Type A Wannabe in me will tend to that first. So, I might see you guys in mid June! :)

Joining The Scoop at Stone Gable!

XO,
Jane 

57 comments:

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I am glad to see that you are home and I have enjoyed the journey that you have taken me on. We had storms last night and if the radar is right we are in for some more storms tomorrow. It shows us maybe having severe weather. Who knows?? I just don't want storms for the weekend because I want to see the boys ride. I love watching kids ride regardless of who they belong to. Have a great day. Take care Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Melanie said...

Tomorrow's supposed to be a nice day - perfect for gardening! I had to laugh at you calling 8 a.m. an ungodly hour...now that the sun comes up so darn early, I'm pretty much up with it. I've been waking naturally between 5:30 - 6 a.m. though I try to go back to sleep. I usually toss and turn until about 7. Sounds like you're settling in nicely at home! When will you go to the lakehouse? I will write you an email tomorrow. Shutting down for the night. xoxo

NanaDiana said...

Glad to see you home. Hope you got your laundry sorted out! What fun to see those pictures of your girls when they were younger. We, too, had a raft out for years when our kids were younger...and finally let it go when we left that cottage. It was always so much fun for them.

Hope you have a really good week at home- xo Diana

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Jane:

Clearly you have had as much fun sorting out all the treasures which you brought home with you as actually being away. And how good is that.

It is rather a pity that gardens do not stand still in one's absence and we know ourselves from past experience how much there always needs to be done on one's return.

It's me said...

Have a nice week darling...love from me Ria...x !

Lynn said...

Lovin' your little Go Jump In The Lake sign Jane, it's so perfect for the lake house:@)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You sound happy to be home, Jane! Love your mantel look. Will those things make it to the lake house now? : ) I envy you to even sleep to 8. The past few months I've been waking up at 6 and it's that wide awake waking up so I just get up.

Mary said...

Jane - I empathize with you regarding the garden work dear - imagine how ours will look after 3.5 weeks away - I'm trying not to even think of it! This morning I'll be out there watering everything - we've had no rain since your visit.
Glad you arrived home safely - wow you must have shopping all the way to Asheville, haha! We've had to buy extra bags when traveling more times than I care to remember - guess that's why we have a "luggage shop" in the attic!!
Off across the pond this evening - excited and ready for some relaxation once sailing on Thur. I'll be out on our balcony with my feet up and a glass of something good!
Again, lovely seeing you both - have a wonderful June - I may not be able to post/comment often but will try.

Hugs to you and A.
Mary (and of course Bob!) oxox

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

Well, welcome home! It's always the best place to be when your puppies are there waiting for you. I love your mantlescape, it sings of summertime. It sounds like you are running a mile a minute so, you go girl!

Primitive Stars said...

Welcome Home, bet the furry kids are happy. Always lots to do in the gardens, love it but finding harder to do the work. Love the mantle once again, Blessings Francine.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Welcome back! I love your new/old linens (of course I do!), and your mantle looks fun for summer. I do the same thing with Antique Farmhouse, and it takes so long to receive, I usually forget about what it was I ordered by the time it comes (really needed it though). That packing paper they use is the best - I save it for antiquing.

Have fun in the garden. My clematis is in full bloom right now, but I'm still nurturing my annual tropical vines. Going away is fun, isn't it, but there's truly no place like home!

SImple and Serene Living said...

Hi Jane. isn't it wonderful to get back home. Travelling is great, but as the old saying goes, there's no place like home. That raft sounds like it was a lot of fun. xo Laura

Debbiedoos said...

Welcome Home. Great pics going down memory lane too. Your mantel looks pretty too and all ready for summer.

Traci said...

Welcome home! What a cute story about how you became "Blondie"!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful vacation and shared so many lovely photos with us! I always try to leave my house spic 'n span when we go on a trip, because the mess of the return can be so overwhelming. Your mantel looks perfectly summery! I've never done the "beachy-type" decorating, but I'm toying with the idea this year. I actually picked up some beautiful shells at a Shell Shop in Morro Bay when we were doing our "California Cruisin'." I just haven't decided if I am going to use them only in our bathroom or use them in some other places around here. Oh, the challenges of decorating.....cough, cough!

I'm counting on you to give me my "fix" of summertime outdoor life while I cower inside with the air cranked way down!

Unknown said...

Yep, You're glad to be home, I hear it in your words!! Love, love your mantel, and the tray is adorable. Love the fan too! Aren't you glad your daughter didn't like it?!!

:)

Anonymous said...

oh your pups were so happy to see you, I know its so hard to see them get old, I wish they lived longer, I think every room can use some blue, even though I have never had a totally blue room, lol, blue means summer to me as well, its such a cool clean color, I like your summer mantle, it looks very summery!!! Your girls are such beauties,

Bluebird49 said...

How I wish I was able to garden again. I enjoyed it so much once, and it got me out in the sunlight--where I got that much needed Vitamin D, and it helped my "low days"!
I do enjoy your posting so much about your busy days..and although I used to have vegetable gardens, I loved having flowers stuck here and there. Our land is so sandy, I had to haul in much top soil and the "good, expensive" bags of "healthy soil."
Now I'm lucky if I can get a couple of tomato plants in some large pots, but oh, how I love picking our own tomatoes.
I know your fur-babies were so glad to see you, as well as your real grownup babies--- and although I know the trip was lovely--there's no place like home, is there! When you go beck, you'll know more about what to take--and maybe hubby won't try to hide his fly-fishing things in YOUR suitcase!. :)
Jane, while youall are healthy, do enjoy every minute of your trips, and your times at home--and of your time with your grown up kiddos, too. You never know when your healthy days will not be there anymore. It can go very quickly. :( <3 Blessings, Jane.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Glad you're back safe and sound. :) Laundry is the worst part of returning from vacation, isn't it? Your mantel looks great! Love the pic of the girls too. I bet that raft was fun, but I can understand how much trouble it would be setting it up and taking it down. I love your napkin tip of only buying 4 of the expensive ones and then mixing them in with white. Brilliant!! Have fun with all your gardening. I've tried (twice) to grow a trumpet vine and had no luck with it. I still cringe when I drive by them growing wild right by my house. :)

Susie said...

Blondie, Glad you and your husband are back home safe and sound. I like the story of all the kids at the lake. Being a teen at the lake is the best time ever. Get yourselves some rest. xoxo,Susie

Gina said...

Welcome home, Jane! There's always so much work to be done when one comes home from vacation, but it looks like you've got it all under control.

I think you mantel looks lovely!

Olive said...

Welcome home Jane, love the mantle. I am tackling weeds on my patio in the early morning here. It really is never ending as far as weeds go. xo, olive

Beth said...

Hi Jane, Love that photo of your girls at the lake. They look like they are having so much fun. The raft sounded like fun, that is, except for the set-up! Your mantel looks great! My grandma and mother-in-law both had, and used, fans like yours. Happy gardening!
Hugs, Beth

bj said...

So glad you had fun and are home, safe and sound. We are just now beginning to plan our summer vacation and getting more excited by the minute.
I, too, think of blue in the summer. I am wanting to add more turquoise and blues to our Summer House...right now, I am about to plant some herbs in a new wall holder...
Take care and have a great rest of the week....
xo bj

Low Tide High Style said...

I know you are happy to be home and doing all of your nesting to get ready for warmer weather. I'm sure the pups missed you, and I bet they are looking forward to a trip to the lake house too! Happy planting tomorrow!

xo Kat

cathy@my1929charmer said...

It sounds like you had a really great trip! Glad you both are back safe and sound. We're supposed to heavy rains tonight or early am. What fun to do two weeks of laundry.. so many great treasures. Have fun in your garden tomorrow, I'll be doing the same!

Elaine said...

Oh look at your dog all comfy in the grass. I know what you mean about savoring every moment with your pet. Tomorrow I take Molly for an abdominal ultrasound. Not sure what they will find at her vet's.

Love the fan on the mantel. The shape mirrors the two spheres. Interesting and unexpected look.

I agree about the vintage hankies. I stopped collecting them too. I do love the tea towels and napkins at William Sonoma and I do the same thing. Alternate with the white. It looks good and a little less busy.

Have a great week!

Maggie said...

To quote Dorothy 'there's no place like home'. Love your spring mantle display, the little blue sign is smashing. Give Milo extra hugs, he's so happy to have you back!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

There's no place like home!..and the love of your dogs :-)

You need to have that sign! Don't you love when you see something like that?

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

As good as it is to get away, it's just as good (or better) to come home. I can tell from the tone of your post you agree :).

I know you missed your pups, and for sure they missed you. Our daughter won't be taking a honeymoon after the wedding. One reason is the demands of their work, but also they couldn't imagine leaving Charlie for a month! That would be torture!

(Love that 'Blondie' sign!)

Kathleen Grace said...

Yay, you're home! I sometimes think the sole purpose of being on vacation is to make us glad to step into our own front door :>) LOVE the mantel!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Welcome back Jane! I love reading about your adventures, but I'm sure it feels good to be back in your own home. Your summer mantel is terrific - makes me anxious for summer here, and I love that photo of your beautiful girls.
Hope you're having fun in that garden bed!

Linda said...

Welcome home....
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Jojo said...

Thank you for stopping by, reading, leaving a comment and following me. And a special thanks for the compliment too! I'm looking forward to following you too!

My Little Home and Garden said...

Life has been a bit full of late and I've missed your travel adventure, Jane. I trust you had a wonderful time and are making progress with those weeds!

Enjoy the rest of the week.

Karen

At Home in English Valley said...

Welcome home Jane, I see you have a little bit of a picker in you. Can't wait to see that burpee towel, and I know how you feel about napkins. Unfortunately, nine out of ten times I use Vanity Fair paper, the guys are not fabric napkin types;-). Are you sure you need another Penny friend? Hanging out with two other Penny's would be so cool...a Penny club of sorts. Anyway, great weather to get planting...enjoy! Love, Penny W.

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

The Blondie sign pic...priceless! :)

I have a trumpet vine..once it gets going it requires a lot of trimming but it is so lovely in the summer!

Tammy said...

Returning from a trip is always more work than preparing to leave. Sounds like you jumped right back in to the swing of things. 8 a.m. is late for me. I am usually up between 5 and 6 a.m., even on weekends. Can't seem to sleep late anymore. And don't want to waste any hours in the day. At least where you are, the sun stays out much longer. Here, it's dark by 7:00 p.m. Happy planting. Tammy

Ricki Treleaven said...

Could I borrow some of your groove???

;P

I really love your mantel. The fan and globe-shaped candleholders are perfect....Love the shape of them!

Unknown said...
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Balisha said...

Are you still out gardening? Love the viney things that you are planting. The Trumpet vine is quite rambunctious....be careful where you plant it.
Love the mantle.
Have a great weekend,
Balisha

Balisha said...

I see I spelled mantel wrong....oh you know what I meant.

Debbie said...

Love the way you did the mantel, Jane!! Cute!! Between Antique Farmhouse, and Joss and Main I will never be able to quit my job at the pharmacy!!! There notices come to my email daily...not good.
I hope you are able to get to your lake house soon. The weather has been good around here.
Enjoy the weekend.
Debbie
xo

Lori said...

You crack me up! Enjoy your gardening and thank you for the thoughtful note on my post this week. xoxo

Anwar Fazil said...
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Babs said...

Glad you're back home and getting ready for Summer. Your mantel looks really pretty. I should do something on mine, but I'm pretending less is more. :)
Hope you have a great weekend and you get your luggage.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Finally getting over here. Read your last two posts, all caught up!
Your trip really sounded quite amazing!
And gf, I love, love your new mantle!
Really you did a super amazing job on it. So many cool things there.
And so nice that you got to meet up with blogger friends as well.
We had two graduation parties yesterday and graduation today. Dan is required to attend...his last year. Looking forward to making a get away plan for the four of us too.
Big Hugs,
Cindy

June said...

It's good to have you home sweetie! I'm glad you made it safe and that you are getting back to a normal routine. I learn so much about you when I ready our awesome posts Jane. It's like sitting at a kitchen table with a dear friend just chatting away the morning.
Have a wonderful week!
hugs from here...

Kit said...

Glad you made it home okay! Have fun being home. And getting your flowers potted. I pot mine this week. Yay! Kit

Unknown said...
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Poppy said...

Jane, reading your blog, especially today's post, always feels like you've given us the privilege of peeking into your journal or diary, with detailed accounts of your travels, visits with friends and planned to-do lists! Love your personal comments on all of it and can't wait to see your rescued lovelies.

xx
Poppy
P.S. Laughed at the lake sign, and blue votives would look perfect on your mantel!

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... it's been fun catching up on all of your vacation posts... sounds like you had a wonderful time, and alot of fun meeting up with some of your blogger friends... always good to get back home though... Milo is beautiful!... I am sure he and Layla missed you so much... that photo of your girls is so cute... I picture you looking just like Emily does when you were a girl that age... hope you are enjoying Summer and your gardens... how are they doing?... xoxo Julie Marie

Julie Marie said...

PS How are you liking Miranda Lambert's book?... I think she is adorable...

sweetvintageofmine said...

Getting your groove on for gardening sounds wonderful to me.....you found some wonderful items which i adore! How ironic to come across that "Blondies" sign...too sweet! Make the most of your week~~~Blessings~~~Roxie

Sonia said...

Glad you had a good trip. Unpacking is always the chore after vacations. I love your fun little Lake sign! So funny! We live across the street from Lake Hefner so I should look for some fun lake signs! Hope you get out to do some gardening. I'm sore from cleaning out all the leaves in our flower beds but it's nice when it's done. I bet your doggies were so happy to see you!! Have a great week!
Miss Bloomers

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Welcome back home, I know that you had a great trip. I love how you change your mantel with the seasons…it looks great.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. It's always nice to get home again, isn't it? Even though there is a lot to deal with then. I think your mantel looks great with the touches of the beach. Your girls are so pretty and what fun to have all the memories of years ago to look over again..Happy Tuesday..Judy