Brilliant White for the summer

Yeah!  Just had the whole exterior of our house painted!  Finally it is done...no more peeling paint!  My house feels so solid now.  I couldn't stand driving up to my home and seeing it look messy.  The painters were here for a week and I am so happy to see them go.  I really don't like having strangers around.  You know how it is.  You get up in the morning in your p.j.'s and there is someone right outside your window working and looking at you!  Ugh!  More work to be done though and it isn't so bright and sunny...we have some dry rot issues and water just came pouring inside from a rotted gutter.  We were running around yesterday cleaning up pools of water in our home.  Never ends does it.  Home ownership can be tough with all the maintenance and expense of repairs!  Looks pretty though!

Our shed in the backyard even got a face lift.  Looks so fresh and sparkly.  Now to tackle all the other jobs.  Landscaping, new driveway, rotting wooden gutters, interior painting, new appliances, and the list goes on and on.  Help!  I think I am ready to move into a condo!

I am loving this summer weather.  Nice and hot!  House paint is Brilliant White by Benjamin Moore Paints.  Shutter paint, Black Forest Green by Benjamin Moore.

Jamilyn

Photo's via me

Norfolk Island Pine-will have to replicate this

While shopping in Nesting On Main in Concord, Mass., I focused in on this charming houseplant.  There were several of them scattered around the store and I had to find out what they were.  Never heard of Norfolk Island Pine but new I had to replicate this arrangement.  I even love how the plant is potted in an urn.  I don't think the urn was even an expensive one.  Wasn't very heavy or anything (you know one of those fake ones).  I am just smitten with this plant.  Too bad they weren't for sale...just a decoration for the store.

I just love how feathery and whimsical it looks.   

I am on the look out now for a pot or urn to plant one in.

This is not a very good picture, but this pine was larger that the rest.  I would love to place one in my kitchen by my sliding glass doors.

The only problem with a houseplant is when you go away...  We are renting a house up in Maine on the ocean in a few weeks and I don't want to buy a houseplant before that.   I usually kill my plants and that combined with leaving it for a week without water would surely do it in.  If you would like more info. on the Norfolk Island Pine go here.  

xoxojamilyn

{Photo's via me}

Let There Be {Cute} Light

I am sure I am late joining in the blogosphere to do a post on this cute pendant lamp from Ikea.  Honestly? Better late than never and I needed something to write about!  You know those days! Saw this lamp while shopping at Ikea the other day and just had to do a little spot on it.  It is modern whimsy at its best.  It reminds me of a dandelion when it is all feathery and ready to spread its seeds to the wind.  My daughter loves dandelions when they pop up in our yard..."Honey, please don't blow on them!  You're spreading the weeds all over our lawn!"  This does not stop her and yes it is fun.  However, we now have plenty of weeds in our yard.  That's ok...more for the cute chubby bunnies.  

Ikea PS Maskros Pendant Lamp for $89.99

See what I mean?  They look exactly alike and ya know that is wonderful!

photo via my daughter

I do not have high ceilings for this pendant lamp because I live in a colonial!  Next house reminder...higher ceilings please!

photo via my daughter

via me

Other {cute} pendant lamps from Ikea.

Well, that is all for today.  It is rainy and glum here today and kinda chilly!  I am off to wrap up our summer plans.  We may be renting a house in Maine or on Martha's Vineyard...could I be more indecisive?  I am making my hubby nuts in that regard.  Also lining up some day camps for my daughter.  Once again...better late than never!  My new motto {well, maybe an old one}.

What are your summer plans?

Have fun~

jamilyn

{images via me, via Timothy Harteley via More Ways To Waste blog, via roomforrefinement.com}

Two Benches I Ordered and some Feng Shui

I really don't like waiting for furniture to be delivered.  Actually just learned from customer service that there will be more delays and would I like to still keep the order?  Mmmm...I was tempted to say, "No thanks!".  Well, I did start to kinda say that and the nice lady on the phone offered me another discount on top of the sale that was running for the two benches.  OK!  I reconsidered and decided that would make it worth waiting another month or so.  I may get them in July.  I have been searching and searching for a bench for our bedroom which seems like forever.  Finally decided to bite the bullet and go for the Louise bench from Restoration Hardware.  I may put it at the bottom of our bed.  However, our room looks nothing like this and I hope it works!  I really don't like matchy-matchy so I am hopping I will love it.  Bottom line...I feel like I don't know what the heck I am doing!

via Restoration Hardware

Another idea that I am kind of sticking with is to put the Louise bench along side this "lonely" wall we have in our bedroom.  {There is really nothing else that can be done there} Above it I want to hang a really unique mirror.  This useless area will then serve as a place to sit and put on your shoes or to just gaze at our lovely selves in the mirror.  Did you know if you have a mirror in the bedroom that you are supposed to cover it at night?  According to Feng Shui:

Remove or cover any mirrors in the bedroom during sleep.
A bedroom mirror that reflects the bed creates the most serious problems. A single person is less apt to attract a romantic partner -- in fact, the mirror doubles his or her solitude. A couple with a mirror reflecting the bed is more apt to attract a third person who may disrupt their relationship. People with depression -- and related stress and health issues -- also are affected by a mirror reflecting the bed because it disturbs sleep. In all these cases, cover the mirror at night ... during waking hours it's fine to uncover your bedroom mirrors.

{Pay attention!  You may want to listen to this if you are having issues in your life!  Hee!}  Go here to read more.

OK, that doesn't inspire me to hang a mirror.  I guess I will have to cover it at night.  My husband will think I am wacky!  This mirror below is really pretty and I think it would look great above the bench.

Plus...

The bench...I have been waiting for forever!

via Restoration Hardware

Valorie from Visual Vamp blog uses a similar arrangement in her dinning room.  I really love how the mirror and bench look together.  To see more of her fabulous transformation in her dinning room, go here.  This is really the look I am going for in my bedroom.  Don't you just love it?

via Visual Vamp

Here is another arrangement but with artwork above it.  My foyer isn't big enough for this set up so I have to recreate it somewhere in my house!

via Visual Vamp

The other infamous bench I ordered from Restoration Hardware... the linen Toscane nail head bench.  I am not really sure where I am going to put this yet.  It may just serve as extra seating somewhere in my house.  Or just use it as an ottoman by a chair.  This bench was also on sale making it hard to resist!

via Restoration Hardware

Don't you just love how it looks at the foot of this bed?

Anyway, I am off to "try" and make more decisions for our home.  It gives me a brain ache!  Wish me luck!

xojamilyn

{Images via Restoration Hardware, Visual Vamp}

Amazing Nature

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.  ~Lao Tzu

I have been literally stalking these baby birds.  Every year the same family of Robins come to nest outside our back door in our fire-bush.  I am continually fascinated by what they accomplish in such a short period of time.  Everything from building the nest to sitting on the eggs is done with such skill and patience.  I was there when the babies hatched and observed the parents being so attentive just like we are with our little ones.  The parents then have to feed them with a variety from worms to berries every 15 to 20 minutes.   The nestlings were so fragile and helpless but within 2 weeks they were healthy and strong and ready to leave the nest.  It took some coaxing but the mom managed to get all out safely (there were 3).   

They will stay together as a family for about 3 more weeks and continue to be fed by the parents.  At some point the dad will spend some time teaching them how to fend for themselves.  Nature is just so fascinating to me.  Especially when it happens everyday right out side your door.  You just have to stop and pay attention.  It really is a wonder.  In the end, it is all about survival for them.  To find out more about Robins go here.

Now, if I can just keep this nature puppy away from the family as they teach their young how to find worms.  She loves to chase Robins!  She looks very innocent and cute here.  Don't fall for it!

Spend a day this weekend observing something wonderful!  

xojamilyn

{Photo's via me}

A Dose Of Charm

Do you live in close proximity to a charming town?  If you do, and you can spare some time, take the drive or train or whatever to rejuvenate yourself.  Get a dose of some charm!  I highly recommend it.  I am so happy that a seaside town like Rockport, Mass. is under an hour drive for us.  Another coastal town amongst many that exudes New England charm.  It is so charming that I can't stand it!  I keep using the word charm and you will probably be tired of it by the end of this post.  Do you see that house below to the left of the photo with the amazing setting and views?  Well, I am in love with it!  I really just wanted to knock on the front door and start asking questions...How did you come to live here?  Who are you and what is it like to wake up to this everyday?  It makes my heart go pitter pat just to look at it.  I seriously think I need several lives just so I can live and experience all the different locations and beautiful homes.  I would hope in all these lifetimes that I would be able to manage one of these glorious homes!  Well, if I do, you will be the first to know and see first hand pictures!

Quaint shopping out on Bear Skin Neck in Rockport.  Too much touristy shopping for me though.  Walked up and down once and kept on moving.  Just not into that stuff and don't want it in my house!  I have too much I am trying to get rid of right now (finding that hard to stick with).

Explanation of why it is called Bear Skin Neck.  I love reading the history of these towns.

We sat on this porch for a while trying to get out of the sun.  It was lovely to people watch and take it all in.

One thing that my daughter loved is the peek-a-boo views of the water through the buildings.  It invited a beautiful breeze while walking.

The photo I took below is one of the most famous buildings in the world (fishing shack) on Bearskin Neck.  It is instantly recognizable to any art student of art or art history.

How Motif No. 1 Got Its Name
"ROCKPORT'S trade mark is the dark red shack on a Bearskin Neck wharf. Motif No. 1 is recognized in far-away places, thanks not only to visitors who spread its fame, but to the innumerable paintings and prints that have carried its likeness abroad.
One story says that a Yankee traveling in South America found a picture of the house: it had been painted in Czechoslovakia. He brought it to his home in New Hampshire.
As we have noted, America's most-painted building received its name in an impulsive exclamation by Lester Hornby. This illustrator and etcher taught in Paris in the winter; his pupils, in the French manner, drew certain standard subjects or motifs.
During his summer seasons in Rockport, Hornby noted that many pupils chose the venerable, dilapidated shed on the edge of the inner harbor. Its prominence and its simple but interesting proportions made it a natural model for sketches and paintings, good and bad. One day when a student brought for criticism a pencil drawing of the house, Hornby exclaimed, "What-Motif No 1 again!" It has been that ever since."
—Rockport Sketch Book, by John L. Cooley

This was another home that was just so charming it was not fair!  It was also on the water and had spectacular views.  Knock...knock...who are you and how did you get to live here?  My daughter would have been mortified if I did that!

My husband and I are seriously considering moving near the water.  There is such a pull to be close to the ocean and see it all the time.  It is so peaceful and soothing.  Also good for allergies!  The pollen in Massachusetts has been a killer!

Hope you enjoyed my little tour of Rockport.  I of course will be returning.  Make sure you go find your self some charming little town and go explore!  We all need a dose of charm!  For more information of Rockport go here.

Have fun!

xojamilyn

Photo's taken by Living It At Home

My New England-y Flowers-so pretty

Well, my flowers are not really indigenous to New England and I am sure you can find them anywhere...but, they make me so happy and make my house look New England-y.  I guess it is the cat mint that does it for me.  It is just starting to bloom its signature long purple spikes in glorious masses.  I really cannot get enough of this whimsical plant!  I keep running out to buy more!  For me this evokes summer and the charm of New England.  My house already has that look as it is a garrison colonial with shutters and wood siding.  I just love my flowers!  {My house has to be painted...it is not the brilliant white it should be!}  The area below is my side entrance with blue stone patio.  To enhance our curb appeal, we will be adding a rock wall to frame off this area with bench seating.  We may plant a little flowering tree behind the wall.  I really want a lush setting with flowers overflowing everywhere.  I want to pull up to my house and "sigh".

This arrangement makes me so happy to see everyday when I come home.  I purchased the planter when In Home Furniture store was closing down.  So pretty!

My little black urns, that are aging nicely, are one of my favorite decorations for this area.  I needed a hardy plant for them so I planted Geraniums.  Never use red but liked the way that color stands out against all the white of my house.

Don't you just love cat mint?  This is the walkers low variety.  I guess the only problem is if you have cats.  I hear they go cookoo over this plant and roll in it.  We don't have a cat and were I live you can't have cats outdoors because the coyotes and foxes will get them!  MeOw!

Close up of all my happy little flowers

My new addition to my yard.  I found this stone swan planter at Home Goods the other day.  It is actually made from real stone and is very heavy.  It was a steal at $19.99 considering what stone planters go for.  I wanted to give it a french look so I planted french lavender in it.  I was actually thinking of aging the swan by encouraging moss to grow on it.  I think this will be a project for next year as it takes several weeks in a shady spot.  I really like how this arrangement came out and I am so excited about it.  Lavender is one of my favorite plants, next to cat mint.  Do you like?

More french lavender for me...yeah!  My mom said that this plant is so me. Well, I am off to sit out on my patio and have breakfast.  I will be planting more flowers and will post soon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!  We are staying local.  I am relieved that we will not be in all that traffic!  We may just take a day trip up the coast...thinking of Maine?  If I could have my dream scenario, I would just move up there for the summer months!

Have fun!

xojamilyn

Photo's taken by Living It At Home

Creativity Spotlight-Studio B Vintage Paper Jewelry

What happens when you combine talent, creativity and vintage paper that is over 100 years old?  Well, you get charming and unique hand made art jewelry that you just want to wear!  I had the pleasure of visiting Beth Hylan's Studio B vintage paper boutique located in the historic town of Concord, Mass.  I had actually learned of this shop from Yvonne from Design Vignettes blog {go here to read more}.  Yvonne actually is a very talented interior decorator and a graphic designer who designed the shops adorable logo {image below}.  

"I do as I'm told" pin.  I wanted to get this for my daughter!  

Concord is one of my favorite towns here in Massachusetts for its historical charm and best of all shopping!  

Studio B logo designed by Yvonne Blacker at Design Vignettes blog.  

I was enchanted by how lovely the shop was arranged.  It is a little treasure trove!  I was also very impressed by Beth's work and how she turned it into a business.  To be able to harness your artistic side that way and make it into a livelihood is the ultimate!

"Each piece is created out of hand-cut layers of vintage paper that is over 100 years old.  The face of each piece is a collage of steel plate prints and antique type.  These layers are then sealed in jeweler's resin and finished with pearls and sterling.  Each piece is an original work of art." (Information via Studio B)

I am including some photo's of my favorites.  It was hard to choose!

Small dragon fly frame. 

My Mom bought a charm for my daughter that simply just said, "fly".

A beautifully framed work of art about rain..."I like the rain, I like every drop, I wish the rain would never stop".

Another whimsical frame with a bird theme.

I love the creativity of this piece made from vintage paper.

Here is the shop window.  How charming is that?  I love the little wicker handbags.

Studio B

44 Main Street

Second Floor

Concord, MA

781-246-8552

www.bethhylan.com

I highly recommend visiting Concord and this wonderful shop!

xojamilyn

{Photo's taken by Living It At Home}