Sunday, June 14, 2015

RAIN AND MORE RAIN & A GUEST ROOM PEEK

 
Million Bells and White Petunias
 
It's hard not to let the rain get you down, the gray skies and downpours that come out of nowhere just seem like the new norm.  Since I get a little stir crazy being indoors day after day, I dash out to the backyard with the dogs in between the storms and find a dry place to sit either under the eaves or the big table umbrella.  Add a lot of humidity and you have one desperate girl here.  Where I once used to move my pots around to catch the rain, I now move them to shelter so they can dry out and breathe a bit. 
 
 
 
Moss Roses
 
My routine every day is constant but varied.  After lunch I get in the car and find somewhere to go, even if it's to the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner.  And dinners have gotten elaborate because I enjoy cooking and since I'm stuck inside...well, I turn into a mad scientist and we usually don't eat until about 7:30 p.m.
 
I'm plugging away with finishing up the guest room (a picture to follow) and I go from one store to the next trying to get the best deal on things I need.  Marshall's for a comforter and pillows, Target for sheets and a lamp.  Home Depot employees and I are now on a first name basis.  No 'one stop' shopping for me, just getting in my car and singing along to the radio is a bright spot in my day.  ;-)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Better Boy Tomatoes and Marigolds
 
It's a sure thing that I won't have tomatoes until mid August.  Our nights have been very cool up until this week so I didn't dare plant them.  And when I went to my nursery on Tuesday the only variety they had left was Better Boy.  Early Girl would have been my choice and I had also wanted plum tomatoes.  Next year maybe I'll just bite the bullet and plant them in May even with the possibility of having to cover them up at night. 
 
In the background you can see a funky sort of palm I found a few weeks ago.  It looks like it's just sitting randomly in the middle of my yard but actually, it's on a stepping stone.  It needs a ton of sun and rain so this is it's delegated spot for the summer.  I'll get a close up picture of it for you, it's really unique.
 
 
 
Guest Room Peek
 
I need just a few things before this room is finished.  Closet doors (Abby had been using a curtain) and knobs for the dresser I painted.  I'm looking for something vintage-like for the dresser, ring pulls actually  I fell in love with some that I saw at Restoration Hardware but the price exceeded the worth of the old dresser itself.  So I keep looking.  I painted over the little wicker dresser that I had done in a soft green, it just didn't look right with the gray wall paint so I gave it a white wash.  Still not happy so I think I'll try something else.  And this is the vanity seat I had downstairs, I gave it a coat of white paint and placed it at the end of the bed with a basket and throw (nice for little afternoon naps). 
 
 
 
I found a sheet set on clearance at Target and I am so happy with it.  I think it has sort of a vintage floral vibe and then I stumbled upon this little pillow downstairs (I really have a treasure trove down there), I think this was Emily's yet it looks hand embroidered and I don't know where she would have found it.  But it's perfect.  And I found an old oil painting on Etsy that came from an estate sale.  It was a steal and I can't wait for it to arrive.  I'll keep you posted.
 
 
 
Updated Bathroom
 
When I was at Target I couldn't help but look at the shower curtains.  I think all of you know that I'm sort of obsessed with changing them out every few months.  These little yellow flowers sort of popped out at me, a very unusual color for me to choose but they seemed to shout, "Summer!!"  I added two yellow hand towels and that was that.  Love quick updates like this. 
 
We had tickets to a Cub's game last night and you'll never guess.  It got rained out.  The Chicago Blues Festival didn't fare much better.  We're looking forward to a nice night out with the kids on Tuesday to celebrate Emily and Kevin's birthdays, and then Sunday is little Elsie's baptism.  Before you know the 4th of July will be here and although The Husband and I won't be hosting the usual 3 day bash at the lake, we are having a backyard barbeque.  We live three blocks from a big university and we can watch the fireworks right from our own house.  It all makes me feel a bit nostalgic-- the first time not spending the 4th at the lake in 25 years. 
 
I hope all of you are enjoying your weekend.  I caught up on some movie watching last night.  It's Complicated for a record third time, and then Cake with Jennifer Aniston.  I can see why she was nominated for several awards.  She is good. 
 
See ya soon!
 
Jane x

40 comments:

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Rain can get depressing day after day, that is for sure. Your bedroom peak looks great! Is any work being done on your lake home or are you waiting for insurance?

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I had several days on my own this week, Jane, and I also took advantage of the time to catch some movies. Pride and Prejudice - with Keira Knightley - has become a favorite and I watched it for the third time this week. Also caught up on my DVR'd shows.

We've had it hot and humid this week and there is also a chance of thunderstorms along with that. Mostly they are hitting at night, which is fine by me. I hope you get a chance to dry out. I start to get a little stir crazy after the third day of rain. Can't wait to see your guest room. Those sheets you found at Target sound really nice.

SImple and Serene Living said...

We have hit a dry very hot spell here in Kentucky, but I understand about the rain. I hate it when it is non stop. Love what you have done with your guest room. Can't wait to see it all finished. xo Laura

Linda said...

I so enjoyed what I consider our 'afternoon chat' catching up with what you have been up to lately! All the cool rainy weather has given way to Texas Summer Heat although we have yet to hit the triple digits! The last year we had NO 100 degree days was 1976!
You remind me of my sweet neighbor, Stephanie. Every morning after she got her kids off to school or work or wherever - she would dress and get in the car and go SOMEWHERE!! Even if it was just to the 7-11 for a coke! I, on the other hand, love NOT getting out of the house and could easily be a hermit if left to myself!!
Looking forward to seeing the full guest room reveal!
Have a great week and I wish for you WARM weather and SUNNY skies!!

Kathleen Grace said...

I know! This rain! It has poured off and on all day and the forecast makes me think we will all start sprouting mildew before it ends. Lol. Ah well, as the saying goes, it's good for the garden. The guest room is looking pretty and cozy, I know you'll have it looking beautiful when you are finished. Stay dry!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

The thing about looking for something in Restoration Hardware is you will always find something you love, it will always be too expensive, but it is hard afterwards to find something you like as much. I just window shop and try not to go through the door. Sometimes I am successful. My go-to store for shower curtains is Home Goods. They always have something I love at reasonable prices.

Melanie said...

I am so tired of all this rain - and the the relentless humidity in-between, too! It's bad enough we're housebound here in the winter because of our weather, and now we can't even enjoy the month of June! You should see the mosquitoes around my house now. Wow. You can't even go out the front door without being eaten alive.

Tomatoes...next year, don't worry about sticking them in the ground in May. We only have two tomato plants this year so they're in a big pot, but we planted and put them out about 4-5 weeks ago in a sunny spot. I never covered them up, not even when we had a few of those nights in the 30's. They're huge now and have yellow blossoms all over them.

Cute, summery shower curtain...and I love that embroidered pillow on the guest bed. Can't wait to see the entire room!

Doreen@househoneys said...

I know the Midwest has gotten tons of rain,me hike it seems the coastal areas like California and here in the northeast, not so much. I'm glad you're bale to keep busy in spite of it all. When it rains for more than two days straight,mint starts to effect my mood, and not for the better. I just want to be lazy and do pretty much nothing.

What little you showed of the guest room looks luscious! That blankie at the foot of the bed is so cozy looking. When can I come over?

podso said...

I think you are enjoying the guest room project. The peek looks good! Sorry about all the rain. We could use some but not that much.

Scribbler said...

It is supposedly a good thing to get out of the house everyday. I however, am such a homebody, it really doesn't bother me if I don't -- till it does! Then I get dolled up and off I go. Your guest room is looking good. That is a really cool pillow (the embroidered one).

20 North Ora said...

We've had a lot of rain and when it's not raining it's been close to 100 so the humidity is awful. I promised in the depth of winter that I would not complain about the heat this year. So.....

Your guest room is looking good. Anxious to see more pics. The new shower curtain is very Spring/Summer like. A tad of yellow always brightens things up.

Have a good and hopefully dry week.

Judy

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
The guest room peak is looking good. I am so tired of this rain too. My pour flowers are drowning of late. Hopefully this rain will move out and we will see more sunny days. Have a great start to the new week.
Kris

Something Nice and Pretty said...

It's been raining here too for like ever! One good thing is I don't have to water the plants but if it keeps up like this I'll have to do like you and put them under the eaves and on the porch so the y can dry out!
I've wanted to email you but can't seem to find it on your blog, let me know okay?
I love the vanity chair that you painted white, looks so nice by the bed!

Rondell♥

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Hi Jane - my daughter and I were shopping at Gurnee Mills last Monday and it was raining so hard we couldn't hear ourselves talk when we were in the atrium. We were able to get to our car during a break in the rain, but within a few minutes there was marble size hail coming down in buckets and we had to pull over. We were glad to head back over the border to Wisconsin, as the storms stayed just south of us. We have not had the heavy rains you have seen this summer. Just enough to keep things lush and green. Hope things dry out a bit for you soon! Your guest room is really shaping up and is going to be so pretty. Jane

Jenny S. said...

Girl you are a busy bee. I have somehow gotten in a habit of staying in the house way too much for a while now. Life has gotten me down. But I am determined to get back to my old fun loving self somehow. Always love reading your blog. Have no fear..before this summer is over we will probably be wishing for rain...but right now...enough is enough. Lol.Can't wait to see your finished guest bedroom. Where I live, It is just a given to have to go to several stores before getting what you need. Not only to get the best prices but no store ever has alll the items I need. Stores just do not stock as many items as they used too. Sorry.:-( I didn't mean to complain so much. Good lord! So I will hush for now. Hahahaha..Wishing you a good week.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Jane, I really like your guest bedroom and it looks very nice. Sorry that you are getting so much rain. Be thankful, we are in a serious drought here. I feel like a farmer carrying water from the creek. I am saving every drop I can get my hands on for for pots. Sounds like you kept busy while the boys were camping.
I am getting lots of tomatoes from the garden and they are so good. If you lived close I would give you some. in fact I just came in from the garden, picking tomatoes and cutting sunflowers for a bouquet. My Feverfew herbs are blooming (good for tea) and I always add a few to my bouquets to fill in and they look so pretty.
Well my dear, so glad that everything is coming along well and before you know it the Lake House will be all finished. Do a Remodeling Party and invite everyone that you do for the 4th to that party. That sounds like it would be fun.
Take lots of pictures of the Elsie's christening.
Have a wonderful week. dear friend.
Mary

SmilingSally said...

Hi Jane,

I like the way you're spending your time. Wish I could come along.

Your guest room looks fresh and inviting.

Have a great week.

chateau chic said...

It seems like it's feast or famine when it comes to summertime rains. We're dry for this time of year, so could use some of that rain. I tend to walk around the local mall when I'm in need of sunlight. Anxious to see your guest room reveal. Love how easy it is to change up a bathroom.
Fun to catch up...I've been delinquent visiting blogs I enjoy because of other life things!
Mary Alice

Kim said...

It's raining here today and it is depressing for sure. I like the sunshine and bright skies. I like to shop on rainy days, though and I too am a shower curtain junkie. Even if I am just swapping out one white curtain for another, it's still a thrill! I'm glad someone else gets my obsession!

Barb said...

Hi Janie,

The rains make me a bit nuts...they are not so bad as long as they don't drive across our lake and drown our porch! That is the pits.

Your flowers are lovely. I also go from one store to another to find 'just the right thing.' Takes lots of energy, huh?

I love the wicker bench...so gorgeous and the bedroom looks great so far.

Sending you a big hug!

xoxo
Barb

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Dear sweet Jane,
I can hear you walking around saying Rain, rain, please go away. Today and tomorrow is raining in Philly. I had hopes of taking a few more interior photos for my post this week but will have to wait till Wednesday when the sun reappears. Looks like a cave in our house today!
You really have been having way too much rain!
Love the Million Bells and White Petunias in your bucket, so rustic amd pretty. Jane did you under plant the tomato plant with Marigolds? I know Marigolds will keep bugs away so if that's what you did you are brilliant.
Looking forward to the guestroom reveal. It always takes longer than you plan to finish everything and find the right compliments in bedding and paints. I love your refound in your home sweet embroidered pillow. Perfect on the bed. The shower curtain is perky pretty for the Summer.
Sending love and hugs your way,
xoxo,
Vera


Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow / Sacred Eclectic said...

you must be having so much fun with the guest room :)

We had downpours and non stop lightning and thunder last night...

Art and Sand said...

You have been busy!

See you at the Cottage Garden Party on Thursday!

Primitive Stars said...

Love the million bells, so so pretty. I do love the moss roses, one of my favs Jane. Such fun decorating the guest.bedroom, sweet pillow. Blessings Francine.

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
I love your plants, they look just wonderful. :-) I really love your style with your home and garden.
Carla

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I'm loving the sneak peek, especially the sheet! It reminds me of curtains in our den growing up, love it!!

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh you tease, love the sneak peek! I do agree with you, we have the same decor style! Okay, if it continues to rain, it's in the forecast for next several days here in our part of Texas, I'll have to get my flippers out! You do have a green thumb, me, not so much!
Have a great week!
Nancy

Bluebird49 said...

Oh my! Look at all I've missed in just a day! I love the little container your roses are in--and oh, do I wish I had gotten a couple of tomato plants this year. I usually do, but I've been so tired all the time, it seems.

I can't wait to see more of the guest room. It looks so peaceful, and I'm sure that's what you were shooting for.

One day, can you record a bit of your singing in the car for us?? Pretty please! (I have a feeling I'm going to get a big "NO!" for this one! I'd never do it for anyone, I know!)

You should have an e-mail from me in your inbox!

xx Trudy

Elaine said...

Sorry about all the rain. That would make me stir crazy too! We have not had much rain but it ruined my plans to go to Maine today.

Unknown said...

Sorry for all the rain. I know how tiring that is. We're currently having very hot temps, 99, etc. Definitely summer time in GA. Take care, and try not to get too depressed!! Love the changes you've made in the guest room and bath!!

Linda said...

Hi Jane...
Same here.....but gardens are lush!
Enjoy your week...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Barbara F. said...

I love to go out every single day, to run out to a store or three! lol Guest room looks lovely so far, as does your bathroom. I loved the movie It's Complicated. I must have watched in 6 or 7 times. Love Alec Baldwin. You have lots of happy celebrations coming up, good for you. Enjoy.

ann said...

Thanks for stopping by the Garden Spot. I have been to Chicago once. My brother lived in Naperville, transfered there from Houston for a couple of years. Our girls were young and fell in love with the big city, determined to live there when they grew up. We have had a lot rain here, too; in fact, it is raining now--again. Your bedroom will be a lovely retreat for guests. Its fun redecorating isn't it.? Hope to see you again.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, your garden and your guest room looks great! I hope that all that rain will stop soon. Here in California we are practically dying for rain, go figure! Always a treat to stop and visit you Jane…xoxo

Traci said...

What's with all the rain? I swear today is the first day in almost 2 weeks that it hasn't rained. Of course the day's not over. It's a shame we can't send some of it to California. I really want to go to a Cubs game one day. Hopefully, I'll make it there one day.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I love that cute little shower curtain! I think that's a great idea to have a backyard bbq for the 4th. I'm sure y'all will have a great time and how neat that you can see the fireworks from there!

Kit said...

Oh I am so sorry you are getting all that rain! I saw on TV that your area was under a tornado threat too yesterday. I hope it eases up on you guys a bit. Sending you good weather vibes. Hugs, Kit

Ricki Treleaven said...

I hope your weather is better this week! I love million bells….they do really well around here. BTW I like your shower curtain! Too cute

xo,
RJ

June said...

I love what I can see of your guest room redo Jane. I already know it will be beautiful.
You really have been getting the rain there lately. Sure wish we would get some here, but it's haying season, so I guess I better wait another week to wish it.
Isn't it neat how a new shower curtain does wonders for the room. I've been looking lately, but yet to actually find one I like, so on I go :)))
hugs from here...

Rue said...

Send your rain here! We need it. It's 100 degrees today... yuck!

I can't wait to see the full bedroom reveal. It looks lovely so far. Love the new shower curtain too :)

xoxo,
rue