Tuesday, September 27, 2016

FEELING FALL, BABY NEWS AND A HUGE GIVEAWAY



Wow...can you feel fall in the air?  Not many trees changing colors here but the leaves are falling and my resident squirrels are leaving chippy walnut shells all over.  We have not had a lot of rain at all and since we pay for our water, I really don't like to water the lawn.  Still I've given everything a good long drink a few times over the past few weeks.  Now that the air feels crispy and the humidity is gone, it's that time to start pulling the spent flowers that have lost their energy, rinse and store my pots and put away all of my cute pieces that I have hither and yon in the backyard and on the patio.  This is something I've put off before, thinking I'd like to have it around a bit longer and then it's early November and the wind is whipping and the days are short and gray and who wants to freeze their little pinkies off?  So I have work ahead and I'm not going to wait until the eleventh hour.  ;-D

I have been a good girl as far as jumping too soon on the fall wagon.  Just this mum plant and some pots of pansies.  Okay...I found 4 irresistible baby pumpkins. But that's it, I swear.  I hope to get some time to bring out some of the things I like from my fall bins, I simply can't use it all anymore.  I'm really starting to revolt against clutter.  Somewhat.  

Right now I want to thank everyone who made it through my previous post, as long and droning as it might have been.  I don't regret including the wise words of Leslie Harris, nor do I think I will avoid addressing issues in the future which I feel are important for women of our age and place in life.  I was more than happy to see so many of you weigh in and I know a lot of you were reading other's comments so it was a nice 'round table discussion'.  I hope you enjoyed the post.  




Sunday was such a wonderful day.  We had Emily's much anticipated and prepared for baby shower.  We had been planning this for weeks.  Thankfully her sister and sisters in law helped tremendously as did many of Mike's family.  I've been long time friends with Mike's mom, Maureen, actually going back to before I even had Emily.  

Isn't this a lovely banquet room?  It reminds me of a cathedral, or maybe a Swiss chalet.  We chose a country club in a suburb way out toward the once barren countryside I grew up in.  That's all changed now but the area around this golf course and country club is in the middle of land untouched.  




As I said, so many in the family pitched in.  They made vases out of canning jars, bought flowers from a farmer's market, simple gold votive cups from The Dollar Tree and filled them with lollipops from a party store (candles are banned in the banquet rooms).  For favors we found a lady nearby who is known by word of mouth.  She makes the cutest cookies decorated with fondant.  Man, I'm so sorry I didn't get a picture.  They were shaped like little baby bibs and I wrapped them in tissue and put them in little paper bags secured with washi tape.  

She received so many much needed items for the baby; a stroller, the crib mattress and bedding, a small bassinet...just so much and I loved to see her happy face and shining eyes as she was gifted by friends and family who can't wait to meet little Madelyn.  On that note I want to share some of the nursery Emily has been working on.  





What is really amazing is that this room did not have the chair rail or trim before but she knew it was something she wanted.  Most of the artwork on the walls was found on Etsy.  She loves the combination of the coral and minty green/blue but it's subtle and and makes all of the smaller pieces pick up the colors and stand out.  The big splurge was the Pottery Barn Kids crib.  It is beyond beautiful.  And then on the flip side, she found the pink bouncy chair at a garage sale for $5.00, washed the fabric and cleaned up the base and wow, it looks great.  




On this side of the room we have a peek at the closet.  She was given a lot of baby clothes from DIL Mary Clare, that were Elsie's, my first granddaughter.  Em also hit up a Carter's Outlet where everything is half price and then marked down even more.  The little drawers in the cubby were hand stenciled and embellished for pennies after she saw the idea on a high end store website.  

For the baby shower, instead of cards we asked guests to bring a children's book.  Emily found the 'book shelves' at iKea, they are supposed to be spice racks.  She IS good!  On the DIY painted quilt rack she had in her basement for years, she has some cozy blankets.  The one in front is actually part of the quilt and sheet set I had in her crib 29 years ago!  I do save everything but I don't know how or when she confiscated it.  Still, I love it.   Sweet memories.  



Now I want to share with you a great giveaway that my friend Lidy at French Garden House is collaborating on with me.  If you've never been to her shop or blog, you don't know what you are missing.  I tell everyone and anyone that Lidy unknowingly got me into blogging.  I recently did this interview and I mentioned it without naming Lidy (should have!).  

All of these beautiful treasures will be given to a lucky winner.   Pictured above, A pretty Bon Appetite Linen Towel...


...a French Market Tote...


...a gorgeous smelling Harvest Apple Soap, and...


...a fabulous Wine Bottle Cover!


Hmmmm...wondering if I can get in on this giveaway!

I am really indebted to Lidy for being a friend over all of these years and I'm super thrilled that she's letting me sponsor this giveaway.  As my way of thanking her for her inspiration I'm having this giveaway and asking only that you do these few things to get your name in the drawing:

Visit Lidy at French Garden House and have a look at her blog and shop.
Leave a comment telling Lidy what you love most about her blog/shop.
Subscribe to the French Garden House blog and her newsletter.

Easy!  She will determine who the winner is on Sunday, October 2.  Good luck. She will wrap everything up with a big bow and send it off to some lucky lady!  Thanks so much for playing along.  You are going to love her as much as I do!

That's all I have for now.  I hope you were able to put up with a whole lot of pictures in this post.  Off to the lake on Friday to open more boxes!!!

Jane x

60 comments:

Linda said...

Oh, Jane! What a lovely visit with you! I truly LOVE the colors of the nursery! You are going to have so much fun with this newest grandbaby!!!
What an elegant baby shower! Man, those showers have come a long way!
I have missed some posts of yours and am off now to play catch up!
Love you dearly!!!!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

The only thing missing from the baby's room is little Madelyn. Everything is so lovely. I like the idea of guests bringing books. No feeling of Fall here. Still hot but definitely not as hot which is nice. Going now to check out your previous post.

Sarah said...

Just spent the past two days shopping at the Round Top antique markets. Seeing all the wonderful pumpkin and fall vignettes make me want to go buy pumpkins and add them to my front porch.
Love the baby nursery. A new baby in the family is so exciting. I know you are eager.
Happy Fall!

Deb from frugal little bungalow said...

The spice rack as bookshelf idea is wonderful! Love the nursery...it's beautiful!! :)

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Jane, what a beautiful baby shower, looks so lovely. The nursery is so wonderful and cozy. Will pop in to look at the blog, yes,, I can feel Fall in the air,Yay'!!!! Blessings Francine.

Kathleen Grace said...

That multi color mum is so gorgeous! Your yard clean up is a good reminder for me. I always want to keep things until the last minute and then I HATE clean up in the bitter cold, grey wind. *sigh* Time to get crackin' on that clean up. I'll thank you again in November!

Emily's shower was beautiful, lovely setting and I'm sure it was fun :) I love the idea to use the spice racks for book shelves, I love displaying the covers of the books that way. They really become art in the room.

I'm heading over to leave a comment on Lidy's blog. I have read her for blog for years, she has such great taste and her shop is amazing! Thanks for collaborating in the give away

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, Happy Fall. We are beginning to cool down and I am certain we'll be cleaning up the garden in just a few weeks too. For now it is still going strong and the mums are blooming.

The banquet hall is gorgeous and what a nice setting for the shower. Love the nursery. the crib is beautiful and how fun to find the bouncy seat. It's so cute. The book shelves are amazing and look so fabulous displayed like artwork.

Thank you for sharing the blog link. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week.
Happy Fall! xoxo

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I have enjoyed catching up with you this morning seeing what you have been up to and I love you lake home. Two little girls for grandma and grandpa to spoil. They will be so much fun to watch grow up. It seems as though they just grow too fast. We are scheduled for another beautiful day. Cool this morning and warmed up in the afternoon. A wonderful shower and I love the nursery. I will be going back to the nursing home today. Take care and enjoy your family. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley

SImple and Serene Living said...

What a beautiful nursery, Jane. She has done an amazing job. Love your pretty mums. I am using very minimal fall decor this year. xo Laura

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That nursery is so sweet! I have not bought mums yet, but did get a few pumpkins for indoors. It is still hot here in SC.

Leslie Harris said...

Jane I'm so glad you shared the photos of the shower and Emily's beautiful nursery. What a great job you all did at the shower, all those little touches add up to such loveliness. I'm sure Emily had a shower she'll never forget. And the nursery turned out so well!!! What a room. And what an incredibly sweet gesture that she included her old baby bedding on the quilt rack. Wow. It makes me wish I had a daughter. I don't think a son would ever think about that. Love the idea of asking for books and how clever to use spice racks from Ikea to display them! She's quite the designer isn't she? A new baby in the family is such a blessing, I'm so excited for you.
I'm headed over to Lidy's blog...
xo
Leslie

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

The baby room looks beautiful! Love the colors - I"ve already decorated the house for fall... and I also have begun to declutter, including not pulling out every single piece I've accumulated over the years for holiday decor.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Looks like a beautiful shower and an equally beautiful baby room, too! The mum is gorgeous. It's a wee bit cooler, so I think I'm about ready to bring a few mums and pumpkins home and get out the fall tote and put a few things out. I haven't "met" Lidy yet, so I'm heading over to see her blog now. Have a nice time at the lake this weekend!

Vel Criste said...

Madelyn's nursery is gorgeous!!!!!! Fit for a little princess! I'm getting as excited as you meeting your newest family member! That baby shower is just perfect too, the venue alone is exquisite! I'm heading to check out Lidy, thanks for the intro!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Jane... what a beautiful place for a shower. Love the table setting. Little Madalyn is one lucky little baby - what a gorgeous nursery. Love her name by the way. Bet you can't wait to meet her! Have a great week.

Melanie said...

Your pot of mums is so pretty - they are very lush and I love how they're a mixture of colors. I bought several mini pots of mums a couple of weeks ago and planted them in a planter and they all faded and dried up within a short time. So I deadheaded them and the flowers still haven't come back! I wonder what's up with that?!

How exciting to have Emily's baby shower in such a pretty place. The nursery is delightful! Love how she has it decorated. My friend's daughter had people bring books instead of cards, too. Great idea.

I will check out Lidy's blog and giveaway...

Lidy@FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, thank you so much! I will add this to the post for tomorrow. I wanted your blog visitors to know that they can leave a comment on my blog today, along with the commenters for the $250. bHome gift card giveaway...:) That way they will be entered in both give aways at the same time!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Lidy is a real sweetheart. I've known her for years. Great baby stuff received!
Brenda

Linda said...

HI Jane....
WOW! The setting for the shower is awesome....what a beautiful event that must have been!
The Nursery is adorable....just waiting for Miss Madelyn to arrive...
Enjoy the Lake House!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Curtains in My Tree said...


It is so fun to get ready for the arrival of a new baby. The nursery is wonderful.There is no baby girls in my family and I would just love to see all the baby girl gifts at her shower. I have 7 grandsons

I have read the blog of French Garden House ,she has the most beautiful items

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Sounds like what you're experiencing weather wise is exactly what we are. Leaves aren't very colorful and they're falling at the drop of a hat. I've been pretty good this week about bringing things in early. It's really getting nippy out, but it's perfect for working outside.

I said it before and I'll say it again...that crib is beautiful! A real showstopper! Baby Madelyn is going to be one lucky little girl. And you're right. That table is beautiful.

Lovely giveaway Jane. Thank you for the opportunity!

xxx

Scribbler said...

Beautiful nursery, although I am not sure I could see all the photos. (I only saw one) I love reading about your extended family and all their doings. As one who comes from a small family and has no grandchildren, it is fun to imagine what it would be like with a big family who gets involved in everything. Lady is so sweet, and it is so fun to peruse her site and her blog.

Stacey said...

Madelyn's baby room is beyond adorable! That crib is stunning! I love the color of the walls and the accents. She will be a much loved little one.

I adore Lidy and her blog. She allowed me to feature her home for First Friday Home Tour and I was honored. My husband bought some things from her shop for me a few years ago. Everything she has is gorgeous. What I like best though is her. She's always so sweet and kind.

Unknown said...

Lovely shower! You are going to be covered up with little sweeties before long. The holidays will be so much fun. I know you are excited. Emily has done a fabulous job on the nursery. I'm going to visit Lidy and get in on this giveaway! Thanks for sponsoring the giveaway! Take care!

Unknown said...

Madelyn's nursery is dreamy! I love how Emily use the spice racks for her books. So excited and happy for all of you!
Getting your yard in order for winter and nesting your home for Fall, cozy time:).
Baby pumpkins are adorable too!
Have a good evening, Kathleen in Az

Barbara F. said...

Shower looked lovely. I adore the baby's room, the colors are so pretty. I love the idea of spice racks for books. I may have to copy that.

Kim said...

Baby showers are such fun occasions and what a pretty venue. The nursery is precious. I love the colors and the wall monogram. Looks like it's all ready for baby!!

Theresa said...

Oh what a gorgeous place for a shower:) Little one's room looks ready! Have a blessed Fall day dear friend, enjoy your weekend at the lake! HUGS!

Unknown said...

Everything is so exquisite!

It's me said...

What a beautiful room she make for the new comming baby.......so exciting.......live love love Ria x ❤️

Scribbler said...

I took another look as you suggested, and there are more photos than I saw the first time around. Blogger may be having one it's "spells". That nursery is precious, and I think I need to look at those spice racks at Ikea. It is such a trek to visit the little Swedish Boutique from here that I don't get to look there as much as I would like. The auto spell correct turned "Lidy" into "Lady" on my last comment -- but you know what I meant!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, what a beautiful baby's nursery in the coral and mint! The bed, the cubbies, the bookshelves (brilliant). I love the idea of books in lieu of cards too, and that's what we've been doing with nieces of mine the past few years. In fact, I'm hosting a Skyped shower this weekend for my niece in TX who's due in Nov, and we suggested the same. Your shower venue was beautiful (so were the tablescapes!).

How sweet that Lidy got you into blogging! I have no idea where I first met her years ago - maybe published in a magazine and then visited her, idk, but I love her wares, her home, and her voice in blogging. This is a great package for one lucky reader, that's for certain.

XO
Rita

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such an exciting and happy time for your families with the new baby, soon to arrive! (I know that giddy feeling, lately) The baby shower was just so lovely in that fabulous venue - love all the special touches, like the lollipops - too cute! The nursery is wonderful and such a soft and pretty color palate. I love the idea of the books instead of cards, and didn't your sweet daughter display them so beautifully in the spice racks?! Who would have guessed that is what they were! So sweet to see the little clothes hanging in the closet, too. I hope you have fun decorating the lake house this weekend and that you reward yourself with a little treat. Such a fun giveaway, too. xx Karen

Meghan said...

I love all the pieces together, very pretty items and super different from a traditional shower.

Jen Kershner said...

The shower looked amazing and how fun it must be for her to get everything set up for the baby! Such an exciting time. It feels like I just did it for my girls. The room looks amazing. She did a great job!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

The baby shower looks amazing and I know it was so much fun. Love the baby's room, it is so pretty, for a beautiful baby.

Please enter me into the drawing. I went to Lidy's blog and it was refused. I don't know what the problem was, but I will keep trying. It looks like a really good one.

Great post as usual - really enjoy them.

Have a wonderful weekend, Jane.

Hugs,
Mary

Deborah Montgomery said...

What a beautiful nursery! I love the spice racks used as book shelves. What a great idea! Such a beautiful name for the baby, too.

Bluebird49 said...

Hello dear friend. Another beautiful post--drawing us into fall. Not with pumpkins and hay, but a beautiful tub of "fall" flowers. Thank you for showing and sharing Emily's shower venue and tables--I love the way the simple decorating turned into something with a lot of flare. :) And the babies room---Emily really shows her decorating skills with that. It's what separates the amateurs from the pros, isn't it? The colors are soothing and pretty.
I know there are some things I needed to mention--but when I got away from the main page, I had forgotten some! This PT isn't helping my brain one bit, but it is improving my posture and I think the people that work there -- and other patients -- lift my spirits. Some have so much to overcome.
I hope you and the Husband have a wonderful weekend at the lake house. I hope you can share pictures of that when it's ready to show. It is Lake House 2.0, after all!! :)

Maria Elena said...

Oh, Jane, I just love the nursery! Mom is doing a beautiful job getting Madelyn's room ready. Looks like you had a wonderful baby shower. Guess what? We just found out we are going to be grandparents again.:) Can't wait!!!! Have a great weekend! Maria

Mereknits said...

Hi Jane, no Fall here except the small acorns on the ground I keep stepping on with my bare feet. The baby shower looks fantastic, the books were a great idea.
Hugs,
Meredith

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love seeing the baby's room and peeking inside the closet. Everything for babies is so pretty and I love the colors mommys use now. I know you are excited! Love the idea of bringing a book too! Hugs, Diane

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I entered the giveaway...I hope. The site was slow and my connection wasn't good so I was on and off. Not sure I got everything done but I love the beautiful vintage things in her shop! Thanks!

Wehaf said...

I love the chair rail - it really makes the room special.

Fox and Finch Antiques said...

Jane, I realized that I've missed a lot of posts when you dropped me a line today. The nursery is calming and serene and happy! Loved to hear how everyone pitched in to help with the baby shower and the tables were lovely. I can't think of a better welcome for Madelyn than to have stories ready to be told, a sweet room and people lined up to love her. So many things for her to see and wear and new toys all ready to have fun with. First laughter, first music, first pink (or coral dress) and it is so much fun being a girl.
Ginene

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What an adorable nursery! Just a really lovely space for a baby! The book holders are such a cute idea!

prince snow farm said...

Jane, so nice to pop by your blog! You seem busy )in a good way) this season! I am also trying to stay ahead of things as the seasons change! I have a big garden clean out ahead of me…but it's been raining (much needed) all weekend! And ah that nursery! I miss those days! Everything is positively charming!

Traci said...

I love the nursery. That bed is gorgeous!!!! It looks like the shower was just beautiful.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Sorry I missed the wonderful giveaway - and I truly wish I could have been at theat gorgeous baby shower!

Art and Sand said...

I love the idea of baby books instead of cards.

Now that I have commented, I need to read your previous post - trying to catch up here.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. Your mums are gorgeous and that baby room is so adorable..Have a wonderful week..Judy

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! The baby books sound like a great idea! Don't you just love fall? I hope you're doing well and I always love it when you pop in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kit said...

Oh how I loved that baby shower! And oh my, what a fabulous nursery. So lovely, her baby is going to thrive in there. :) Happy Fall! Kit

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Hi Jane, thank you for your sweet comment. The shower and that baby's room is so adorable. Love the soft calm colors. A special room for a baby are so fun to decorate. The book idea is fabulous. My Granddaughter did the very same thing. Love those yellow mums. I must get some soon for our porch. Thanks again for your visit. Have a lovely weekend. xo

bj said...

Hi, Blondie girl...love the baby's room color...and that crib is adorable. I LOVE the book idea...I would never have thought to use spice racks...and it looks so cute.
It is finally feeling like fall here...days are still warm but mornings and evenings...pretty chilly. Happy Fall....xoxo

Anonymous said...

Oh you must be working away and enjoying the lake, Jane...I hope so! The shower and the baby's room look wonderful...:)JP

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! I love the babies' room and I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Poppy said...

So much to enjoy! The baby's room is delightful.

Happy Autumn, Jane!

Poppy

Summer said...

Baby's room looks so cozy and pretty ♥

Helen Philipps said...

Just enjoying a catch up here:) How gorgeous the baby's room looks...one of the nicest I have seen! Your daughter is so talented, and I love all the little touches and that beautiful cot.
Happy autumn, Jane!
Helen xox

designchic said...

What a wonderful baby shower and your nursery is precious! Happy Tuesday!