Thursday, May 4, 2017

DECORATING AT THE LAKEHOUSE



I've been downloading photos and writing this post in my head for days.  I keep thinking, "I'll have the time tonight", or, "I'll have the time tomorrow."  Well, it never happens unless I sit down and make it a priority.  So...here I am at 11:30 at night trying to put my words together in a sane way.  

Hello and goodbye to the the pretty tulips.  With the mild winter we had they really don't last long.  I was happy to have the beds cleaned out and now I'm ready for warmer temps, a few additional plants and bulbs, and a ton of shredded bark which has disintegrated over the past few years.  The Husband and son Kevin brought my patio furniture out of the shed Saturday and I just don't have the enthusiasm to get things spiffed up when the weather is hovering in the 40's and 50's along with non stop rain.  Go figure.  



I'm loving my Monday walks with Madelyn.  It's just more fun with a baby in a stroller (even if she snoozes most of the time).  People tend to smile warmly at me much more, as opposed to when I'm running/walking, sweating and panting.

The university campus is 3 blocks away on a whole 2 mile city block.  On the grounds is the all-girl Catholic high school my girls attended.  The all-boy Catholic high school is there as well, and my boys went there.  The grounds are beautiful; a large pond with a fountain, plenty of benches all around, beautiful trees and all sorts of flowers and plants.



Occasionally you meet the random goose, duck, turtle or chipmunk.  The kids going to and from class or the dorms look so much younger than I remember being at that age.  I love their care free ways, laughter and dedication to education.  I feel a little melancholy as well...what would I do, be, if I could do it all again?  Then I look down at this precious 5 month old baby and know I wouldn't change a thing.   



Lake time this past weekend.  It was rainy and cold but it wasn't that bad because I still have much to keep me busy indoors.  The Husband worked hard on the garage which isn't so horrible as it's heated.  We packed up a ton of stuff...mostly mine to bring up.  We hardly had room for Milo and Layla.  And speaking of the 2 monster-dogs, I've been walking them on leashes lately.  Milo is always off leash as he knows to stay close to me and can find his way home if he wanders, but Layla is as quick as a bunny and has to be caught and wrestled to the ground.  So we walk together and it's much like walking with Madelyn, a purpose instead of exercise.   

Now look at that water.  Hard to believe in a month there will be boats pulling water skiers, jet ski's, pontoons and sailboats.  



The color is a bit off here, it was night and I did my best to edit the photo.  I was up reading after The Husband had gone to bed and I could feel how vast the Great room is.  The ceiling is 19 feet high.  You can see the balcony off our bedroom on the far upper right.    I just enjoy the heck out of this house and often marvel that it's ours.  



I hope I'm not creating a mishmash in doing each room a bit differently after our flood.  I wanted a beach feel and I think I created that on the lower level.  Upstairs, the two guest room are a work in progress.  But as far as the master bedroom, I had a plan.  I wanted it very simple and laid back.  No frills.  Been there, done that.  I hope I don't bore you with these photos  

On this wall I really wanted to showcase an antique trestle table The Husband found.  He had wanted to use it as a desk but that never happened.  I decided it would be more spare than a dresser, so I keep a basket of my makeup and 'products' here as well as a wood framed mirror from HomeGoods.  The  lamp is from The Beekman collection at Target.  



Our home is a double A-frame so the ceilings are a little wonky.  We've had our bed on every single wall but I think we nailed it by placing it on an angle and leaving a lot of free space in the room.  The Husband found the headboard at the original Marshall Field's in downtown Chicago right before we moved in.  I was thinking of getting something upholstered and then sentimentality won out.  All of the Bedding is from Target.  The rug is from Wayfair.  I posted a picture of this on Instagram and the rug got the most compliments.  It's 80% wool so I would never use it in any space other than this...I know it would be impossible to clean.  In fact, that's a balcony you can see in the background.  I'm currently in the midst of teaching the dogs to wipe their paws before they come in.  ;-D


And the last bedroom pic I'll bore you with.  I stole these chairs from a little bistro set I had on the balcony.  Spur of the moment and I think I'm going to get a simple bench with a cushion at some point in time.  The Husband was really surprised with the details of the room when I let him come and look.  If you enlarge the picture you can see the canvas print of Lady Anne.  I found this at Joss and Main (gotta love that website!).  He really likes it as he had a horse when he was young.  

I think I'm done with this room and I feel so comfy and relaxed when I crawl in bed at night.  



There always seems to be so sort of adventure or happening during our time away that would never occur at home.  Here we have Layla nearly being drowned in the kitchen sink after rolling on a dead bird.  What is it about dogs that they seem to find the stinkiest ever and have to roll and saturate themselves in it?  And then they want to snuggle in your bed with you.  I scrubbed her, threw her collar in the washing machine and she proceeded to run around the house like a maniac.  Now, why do they do that?



Milo is super healthy for being 14 years old.  He's pretty deaf and sleeps a lot but so do I.  The other day I saw him go after a rabbit on our backyard and he was as fast and agile as a Greyhound.  I'm treasuring moments with him more and more and I find myself taking a lot of pictures of him doing everyday things like this.  It may sound crazy but when we lost our first dog, Shadow, I really regretted not brushing his beautiful black coat more.  As useless it is to blame myself for something like that, I want to relish every minute with my dogs; hug them more, bury my head in their fur, shower them with love and attention.  I think all of you animal lovers understand this.  

Okay...I need to wrap this up.  I want to end with the latest randomlings in Blondieville.

~Latest Good Movies I Rented/Bought On Demand Out Of Sheer Boredom:

When Harry Met Sally (I know, I'm terribly late for the party and I totally loved it).
Cousins (I've seen this about 5 times but how can you resist Isabella Rossellini?)
My Brooklyn Bakery (Fun, bittersweet and lovable characters)
Mothers and Daughters (Lots of great actors and makes you examine your own relationships with your mother/daughter)


Finally, I couldn't help but bring this up as it's been nagging at me.  You know I love to watch the Chicago themes shows;  Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, etc.  I love that it is true to my city but sometimes it's a bit off.  I recently saw an episode that really got me.  Two of the characters were sitting in a restaurant and I happened to look at the water glasses on the table.  I was aghast.  No ice.  No ice!!!  That is not how we do it.  First of all, we don't have to ask for ice water.  It is the first thing brought to your table.  And with ice (did I mention that?).  I remember that at many of our meals in restaurants as we travelled in the South, we were given water with no ice.  In fact, when we were at a restaurant in Tennessee, we saw on the menu under the listing of beverages, room temperature water.  I found that odd.  So I ask that you guys weigh in on that.  Ice?  No ice?  Room temp water?

That's it for now.

Jane

55 comments:

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

This house is amazing and so are the surrounding areas. So glad you are getting to walk with the baby, how fun is that. Enjoy every single moment.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What a nice place for you to be able to walk. The lakehouse is looking lovely and relaxing. I had a wire haired fox terrier that used to always roll in cat poop. Ugh! Awful to clean him up after that. I need cold water for sure. But some people here are very weird about it -- they think drinking cold things, especially during the winter, will make you sick. Always makes me crazy because it is germs that make you sick, not the temperature of your water. My husband drinks it at room temperature, but to me, room temperature water does nothing for my thirst.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

LOVE YOUR HOUSE!! love what you did with it, easy on the eyes, soft colors, warm yet not dark in any way.

NO ICE??? bleh.

Susie said...

Blondie, I know walking with your little grandgirl has to be such fun. I know what you mean about the old school grounds , that feeling...and wondering how if could have been different...but we never want to change the fact of our children and grands. I always liked walking dogs on leashes...no chasing. :) I laughed about the wallowing in stinky smells.. those pets. LOL Your home is so very nice. I am loving the décor. Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Stacey said...

Your lakehouse is wonderful! I don't remember seeing that view of the high ceilings before.

Mondays with Madeline sound so special and I love that you can walk the campuses. There's just something about school campuses. Right?

Yes, we drink water with ice here in Texas and Oklahoma. When we lived in Oklahoma a show came on that had Holly Hunter...can't remember what it was called. Anyway, she was supposed to be an Oklahoma City police officer I think. It drove me crazy because they would show mountains in the background!! OKC is on the flat out prairie with no mountains in sight. You have to be local to know these things. :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

I've never understood dogs and their stinky habits. I love that bed angled!
Brenda

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You lake home is looking wonderful. I like room temp water. To hard to drink it when it is so cold with ice.

Unknown said...

Beautiful home! I love the high ceiling. I have them in my family area, and the only problem is cleaning the ceiling fan, and God forbid should a light go out. We're too old and don't like to climb.

Gotta have ice in my water. A previous co-worker drank hers without ice. She said it helped the metabolism work faster. Who knows, but she had her PhD! (Lol). She was a weird one alright skinny as a rail.She knew everything, if you didn'† believe that, just ask. oddly enough, we go† along fine. I was her admin assistant, in addition to the Director, program manager, and clinical director. I was busy!

Keep showing up pix of your lovely homes! Take care.

Susan said...

I love my ice water! I live in Minnesota and the water in restaurants always has ice in it.

CJ said...

Your lake house is utterly gorgeous, and what an amazing place it is in. You've made a beautiful job of the master bedroom, I'm a big fan of simple and natural colours. I love what you said about your dogs. We're thinking of getting a dog. I'm a bit scared because I've never had one before and I'm imagining it's going to be really hard work. But at the same time I'm looking forward to it too - a little dog to love! I don't like really cold things, so no ice for me. I drink warm or hot water at home in fact. And I put my ice-cream in the microwave for 30 seconds so that it's a bit melty! CJ xx

Courtney@Golden Boys and Me said...

The lake house is looking just fabulous, Jane. That house would be a dream come true for me. I have been following along on Instagram but always prefer reading a blog post that brings it all together. :) And, I agree, always ice in the water here in NJ/NY. I always appreciate your movie, tv, and book recommendations. Have a great weekend!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

You are so fortunate to have such a beautiful place to retreat. I love the high ceilings and the stairway. You have done a great job decorating.
Have a wonderful weekend.

hugs,
Sissie

JoAnne said...

Your lake house is so pretty. That ceiling and those beams in your great room are gorgeous. I love your pretty bed too. I hope to have a grandchild someday to walk in a stroller. It sounds heavenly, especially in such a pretty park. And I must have ice in my water!

Melanie said...

I love your lake house. That vaulted wooden ceiling is amazing. You did a great job with the master bedroom. It is so serene looking with a clean, no-fuss look. I like how you put the bed on an angle. Milo...he reminds me of my oldest cat, Zippo. Zippo will be 18 on Sunday. His right eye is clouded with a cataract and glaucoma, he's partially deaf, and he's rather senile and follows me around the house on my heels all morning, howling all the time. When he's more relaxed and sleepy in the late afternoon, if Tim is home, he cuddles with him a lot. Like you said, you realize that they don't have much time left, so you try to give them extra love and cuddles.

Of course, with living here in the Chicago area most of my life, definitely have to have ice in my water! My mom is from the south and still likes room-temp water.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, au contraire - you do not bore me at ALL with photos of the lakehouse! In fact, I'd like a blow by blow, room by room tour. Until then, thanks for sharing what you have - your bedroom is so invitingly cozy, and those ceilings! Oh my goodness, if you don't already have one of those extension thingies you better get one, lol!
Walks with babies and furbabies - the best way to meet and greet people in your neighborhood! (and btw, have you seen that video on FB, demonstrating how easily kids can be abducted by a man with a dog? With parents' permission, the guy shows just how easy it is to snatch kids, even when the parents say the kids won't go, they've been taught about strangers.)
Furbaby love - cherish their days.
Baby love - even better to cherish, knowing you are a part of the kind of person they will become by being with them as you are.
Water with ice - always.
Have a great weekend!
XO,
Rita

Kit said...

I love all your pics! You're doing a great job with the house. And I loved your part about your old dog, I reached up over my head immediately and petted my 17 year old cat. :) Out here in the Old West, we drink water with ice. No room temp for us, and no cucumbers or lemons...LOL Kit

Vee said...

Glad that people are still smiling at people with babies. That's nice to know. Your poor dog...glad that you knew what she'd been rolling in. Yikes! I really like your calm bedroom. It's perfectly comfortable and pleasant. Who needs frills at the lake?

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your lakehome is so lovely..beautiful beams, wood, and stonework...and the bedroom is lovely!
Your pups are so cute! I remember having to give our Sophie a good bath after a roll on a dead bird...yuk. We miss our Bailey so much...I understand you savoring your time with your fur babies.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Your bedroom looks like a wonderful retreat, Jane! We've been having some chilly weather here in NJ, too. I'm wondering if it will ever really warm up. I've done nothing to fix up my outdoor spaces yet. Maybe this weekend. Maybe not. I've never waited this long, but we've only had random warm days here and there. I totally relate about your feelings about your dogs - I adore my Sadie, and cherish every minute with her!

Lynne said...

What is it about a five month old smile . . .
Scrumptious she is . . . sweet, sweet Madelyn . . .

Doggie touches . . . makes me think of our twelve year old.
I savor those moments when she is cuddled near . . .
and she is enjoying me rubbing her ears and legs . . .
She can't tell us about her aches and pains but
her contentment when I rub her legs speaks volunes!

Show as many pictures possible . . .
I love seeing the touches you bring to your rooms
The Lake House and your city home too.
You make every thing look cozy and comfortablet

Unknown said...

Strolling along with your Granddaughter, taking in the sights of nature sounds wonderful. Our dear pets are family, they like us, need love and affirmation. Your Lake House is looking like a home made in Heaven, a beautiful retreat to enjoy and reflect. I hope you're doing well, Kathleen in Az

Jill said...

Your home is beautiful and looks so relaxing. I hope you are feeling better and having more energy!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Jane, the Lake House really looks good and I love your bedroom - so comfortable.

I had to laugh at your dog rolling on something dead. Fred, God rest his soul was in the middle of the street rolling on his back over a dead stinking frog. Can you believe that. He immediately went to the tub for a bath. And yes they go crazy after a bath.

So glad that you enjoy walking with your little girl, i am sure she love walking with grandma.

We always seem to get ice water here in SoCa. I love those Chicago shows, they are my favorite and love the new one Chicago Justice. I see so many things when I watch them as I used to travel there 3 to 4 times a year and sometimes I was there for a month setting up big Trade Show. So went to a lot of restaurants and did a lot of walking too. I love Rose Buds on Rush and Mortons. Have you every been to Gene and Georgette's down by the Merchandising Mart? They have to be one of the best restaurant. I would fly there just to have their food.

Your pets are so cute and I know you love them dearly, just like I love mine. But they are getting old.

Well my dear have to get ready to go see Chicago Med's and the Blacklist.

Have a wonderful weekend and if you go to the Lake house, enjoy ....

Hugs,
Mary

A Joyful Cottage said...

I always ask for my water with no ice. My teeth are sensitive and the ice water is murder on them. Every restaurant here automatically brings ice water, so I always have to ask. Your lakehouse is gorgeous. The stairway is swoonworthy. I would never want to leave that place! Hugs, Nancy

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane you have one beautiful lake retreat to reward your soul and relax your mind. It turned out lovely and I like seeing the simplistic neutral tones and décor that does not fight with the amazing architecture and gorgeous lake view. Enjoy your weekends and good luck teaching the fur kids to wipe their feet!
xoxo,
Vera

Marie Rayner said...

What a lovely home you have Jane! How on earth do you clean ceilings that high? The mind boggles! Your pups are so cute! xoxo

Theresa said...

Oh Honey, your home is really looking beautiful! I know you are enjoying being back in there, decorating and dreaming! Oh Layla and Milo, too cute! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Your house is lovely and I can se what love you have put into it.

We are having cool, windy, and rainy days here also. It is giving me little incentive to set up our patio and deck,

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

That ceiling is calling my name! So pretty, and I love the stair placement and design too. Much prefer that to a straight run.

As for water, I learned when in Asia room temperature water is better for your body. Do I listen? Nooooooooo....

xxx

Linda said...

Your Lake House is gorgeous!!!
You guys gonna retire there???
Cheers!
Linda :o)

It's me said...

You have a beautiful home......!!...love your doggies love happy weekend Ria x ❤️

Kim said...

Dogs and kids always seem to find the biggest messes they can, don't they? ;) There's nothing like walking a baby, everything seems so much nicer, even the neighbors! When Harry Met Sally is one of my all time favorites. Nora Ephron was a genius. And ice is a staple where I live. You have to ask for water without it...and I ask for hot water. You should see the looks!! ;)

Scribbler said...

I am stumped, I will admit, about that business of no ice in the water. I have never encountered that practice anywhere, no matter where in the US. In Europe, yes. During periods of drought like the one we are coming out of, and in California some years ago when I visited my son when he lived there, one did have to ask for water as they were not bringing it automatically so as to help conserve. My father used to drink a glass of warm water with lemon as he shaved everyday, but no one in our house liked it but him. I have heard that ice water following a heavy meal is bad because any fat in the food clogs up the arteries faster. Not a medical person, don't really know.

Your bedroom looks calm and conducive to good sleep. One little thing I was taught in design school was "If you want to find room within a room, turn the bed or sofa (or other large piece) on the diagonal. It sometimes is the only answer. In my last house, I had two huge bedrooms upstairs, but each wall was interrupted by a sloping ceiling, a gable alcove or a door! So the diagonal placement is the only way to go sometimes.

That baby gets cuter all the time -- which passes in the blink of an eye, doesn't it. It will seem like no time at all before she will be a student at that beautiful campus where you walked her as a baby.

Thanks for sharing your peaceful bakehouse with us.



Scribbler said...

Well that was supposed to the Lake House, obviously! 😄

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I'm in the south and I've never had water without ice at a restaurant. But then again, we put loads of sugar in our tea. Lol! Your lake house is coming along beautifully! And Marshall Fields...haven't heard that name in awhile. My grandmother used to work for them in Chicago. I bet that campus is gorgeous. Lucky you to have such interesting places to take walks. And by the way, I've never seen a chipmunk in my life. Squirrels yes, but never a chipmunk. Now I want to see one. :)

baili said...

I live in Asian country but never saw tulips around but i really love these flowers they are so pretty and delicate .
I am glad that you are finally done with your arrangements of lake house.
i loved the insidious look of your new habitat .

loved the rooms colour more ,they are peace to sight .
horse painting is beautiful .i found chairs little an uneasy look for bedroom [hope you don't mind]

today i read about your sister at sidebar which made my eyes teary, i too lost my brother though i was too young then[9] but his extra ordinary maturity and love for his family ,creativity and intelligence is unforgettable till today.
blessings to you my friend

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Your lake house is darling, Jane. Love the ceiling in the great room. The bedroom looks so warm and cozy. The chairs look great in there. Sounds like Mondays are your favorite day of the week and I don't blame you. I like my water with lots of ice. The Mister is a room temperature kind of guy. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Maria Elena said...

You guys are so blessed to own this beautiful home. It looks so beautiful and cozy inside. Enjoy it as much as you can! xxx Maria

Art and Sand said...

With drought issues in California, water is not an automatic. We always ask for sparkling and have to ask for ice. I am always the only one at the table who wants ice.

oldgreymareprimitives said...

Without seeing the show I cannot be sure but often a simple scene can take hours to shoot so is it possible the ice had simply melted. My kids tell me so many tales of issues in filming.

The house is so welcoming and calm. Great job you!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Its always ice water here in PA! :)

The lakehouse looks awesome! :)

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh ice for sure, and lots of it! You would think it would be the other way around, that those warmer states would want ice and us northern girls would want it warm.
I love what you have done in the lake house. It looks so serene and beautiful, just what a getaway spot should be. I think you'll find that wool rug will wear like iron and last really well.

Rue said...

Ice and lots of it. Especially in my cocktails ;)

The lake house looks beachy and serene, but warm and cozy at the same time. I really love it. I'm glad you're finally able to enjoy it :)

xoxo,
rue

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your decorating style in the lake house. It looks so warm and inviting! You got me a little teary eyed when you spoke about your pup. I wholeheartedly understand how you feel. I love my fur babies so much that the thought of losing them brings tears to my eyes. I've never been to Chicago so can't comment on the ice situation but if I had to choose I prefer no ice :-)

La Table De Nana said...

Could have sworn I posted!
Love your lake house!

Helen Philipps said...

Love seeing the pictures of your Lakehouse and your sweet dogs too. Your bedroom looks so peaceful and comfortable. It is lovely to walk with a stroller and a dear little baby to talk to, or to walk with a dog or two.....seems much nicer to me than just walking! Enjoy your weekend Jane.
Helen xox

Dewena said...

You have done a fantastic job at the lake house, Jane! I do love bedrooms up under the eaves. I think you sleep better in one. Your neighborhood in the city seems like such a congenial place to live though. I always love photos from there too.

Every time I see one of my boys rolling in the pen I think oh no, what now? And yes a bath is often required. I understand what you're feeling about spending as much time as possible with your fur babies. Adopting ours when they were already 9 has meant that I know we don't have years and years with them and I want to make the most of every day with them.

And hours with a grandchild are pure gold!

So surprised you didn't get ice in your water here in TN. I much prefer ice in my water but find myself skipping it here at home except for supper because I drink so much of it during the day and it's just easier to push only the water button. But I would think it strange not to get it in a restaurant.

Anonymous said...

Well I have been told that room temperature water is better for your digestion. Logically (here I go) think about it...your body temp is 98ish, so putting ice cold water in it...drastic temp difference, right? Of course, sipping would limit the amount ingested. Enough about the darn water and ice...now tell me about that narrow high table next to the club chair...I LOVE it!!!!...:)JP

Linda said...

I love hearing about your time with your seeet grand baby! I know you enjoy her just as I enjoy my grand quads!
I can understand why you are taking a different approach to decorating your lake house- you have grown and changed in what pleases your eye! Good for you embracing this 'opportunity' to redo the lake house the way you want to do it! We change over the years and our tastes and styles change right along with us.
I'm in Texas and we put ice in everything from water to tea to sodas and Kool Aid! Heck, we even put a cube or two in our white wine if it's not been chilled and we want to have a glass!

bj said...

Hi, Blondie...I love your pretty lake house. I like simple, too, and not have too much to dust or take care of when you're there.
Our daughter and her family have a beautiful home on Possum Kingdom lake, near Dallas...they ust did new painting and flooring and it is like something out of a magazine (or off Pinterest)....

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I would love to see the movie Cousins, love that actress! She's SO gorgeous! And you really have a beautiful home decorated in a style that I love. Room temp water but LOTS of ice in my tea! Hugs!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

So nice to get out with the baby for walks this time of year, Jane. It's nice that you have the beautiful college and school campus to enjoy, too. Babies grow so fast- I know you are enjoying every moment. Your lake house is so pretty. Love how you have it decorated in neutral tones and kept things minimal. Who wants to fuss with 'stuff' when you are trying to enjoy a relaxing weekend! I had to laugh at the dog rolling in the dead thing....and thanks for the reminder to cherish the time with them. Good movie selection and I'm a room temp water drinker, unless it is hot, then give me ice! Enjoy those sweet walks....xx Karen

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. I never get bored with your pics of the lake house. It is so beautiful and it must be wonderful to spend your time there. How fun to walk with the baby and looks like a lovely place to do it. If I had a baby to walk I would do it all the time. When my back is hurting, holding onto a shopping cart is such a relief. I don't know why that is but I think a stroller would do the same. Guess I will have to teach Kai to be a baby. That is probably never going to happen!!..Have a wonderful weekend..Judy

Decor To Adore said...

Oh Jane your house is just full of wonder and beauty. I love all the textures you have selected to work together. It's truly warm and welcoming.

Shane Bond said...

Nice selection and decoration. Dream place to live and you made more beautiful with decoration. Assignments On Web