Ten Incredible Books

Life lately has been work, work, and more work. Sigh. 

But in between I have managed to read some really good books!! 

Awesome Summer Reads

Believe it or not, during my busiest season at work, every year we take some time to go up to the lake to our favorite resort and relax for a few days. 

It's never long enough, and it seems that just as I'm getting into the hang of just doing nothing, it's time to pack up and come home. 

Of course, when I get back to work I pay for it dearly...but it sure is wonderful at the time and I look forward to it every year.

Books, Books, and More Books!

I have been reading some really amazing books lately. You know the kind....the ones you just can't put down. You read late into the night, because you just can't stop.
 
One more chapter. And then another.

Oh My Gosh, These Books!!!!

I have always been an avid reader. There's just something about slipping into bed, propping up the pillows, and opening a good book. The chores of the day are complete, and the rest of the evening is just for me.

Last Day of Voting....and a GIVEAWAY!

Remember a while back I told you my little blog was nominated for an Amara Award? 

I still can't believe it, yet it's true!

What's On My Nightstand

When life gets stressful, as it has been for me lately, I need to be more conscious of what I do in the evenings to wind down before bed. 

I shared some of my evening routine with you in this post. 

What I'm Loving

The Robins are back! The Robins are back! I'm so excited!

Spring Reading

I love to read. It's one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon....when I have time to do so. 

A good book, a cup of tea, a roaring fire, a pup on my lap. Perfect winter's afternoon. 

What's On My Book Pile

I have always been an avid reader. I absolutely love books. One of my favorite places to while away a rainy afternoon would be either in a bookstore....or sitting in my favorite chair, next to the fire, reading a good book. Aside from novels, my favorite books are usually about cooking, gardening, or decorating. Love, love, and LOVE. 

I've been so busy lately that I never seem to get to all the books I want to read. They tend to pile up next to my chair, waiting for that quiet and peaceful day off that never comes. 

It's ok....I get through them a little at a time. There's no rush, I'm not going anywhere. 

In the mornings I love to sit with a cup of coffee before work and either browse around visiting all my blog friends or enjoy a good book. 

Here's what's on my ever-growing book pile right  now, awaiting my attention:

The one on top just arrived yesterday and I can't wait to have a peaceful hour to just enjoy each and every page!

My Tiny Garden on Amazon

I was first made aware of this book by a blogger I have long admired, Marie Viljoen of 66 Square Feet - the cover photo is actually of her last garden, on a rooftop in Harlem, NY.

Boho Style

I definitely don't think I have any one particular style of decorating but rather an eclectic mix of things that make me smile. However, I know that one of the styles I am most drawn to is Bohemian style - I always have been and it never gets old for me. 

I was reading Courtney's blog recently, Golden Boys & Me, and she mentioned a book that piqued my interest right away - of course I had to hit up Amazon immediately and get it shipped to me asap! 

Via

The book is written by Justina Blakeney, who has a blog called The Jungalow - such a cool style aesthetic Justina has! 

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Her living room has such color and life and happiness scattered about - it just makes me smile to see it. 

The book has a mix of many different homes with varying boho styles - I can't identify with just one style but rather with elements of each. 

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Just check out that gorgeous Suzani coverlet - what gorgeous colors that brings into an otherwise sparse room. 

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This loft spoke to me in so many ways - a NYC apartment always feels like home to me, of course, but this one in particular is just so warm and cozy with all the layers and textures and color. 

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I think what draws me to the Boho style is the fact that anything goes. You fill your home with things that you love and somehow it all works together. You aren't trying to fit a particular style or trend...not trying to match everything just so....not trying to live up to someone else's ideal. 

VIa

It's just you, just home. Just your collections, your books, your plants, your life. 

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There's no mold to fit into, no right or wrong. It's just whatever makes you happy and it can certainly be a mix of styles. This dining room is most definitely a mix of boho and farmhouse - and it works. 

VIa

It doesn't have to be over the top, full on hippie style. It can be elements of boho in a more neutral backdrop to keep it lively, like this living room. 

VIa

This living room is so tastefully done and yet absolutely feels boho chic. It's cozy, warm, welcoming, colorful - all the things that never go out of style. 

VIa

This room is definitely a little more dramatic with the green walls, layered mismatched rugs, and hanging rattan swing but isn't it fun?  I would feel very comfortable visiting a friend here and sitting in that swing for ages with a glass of wine. 

Via

The Boho in me definitely requires a ton of plants, a supply of candles and incense, and books, books, books!  

The blend of styles, of new and old, of warmth and color is a design aesthetic that stands the test of time. If your home is well kept and well loved, it will show, and your guests will feel comfortable among your collected decor. 

Do you have a little Boho in your home?

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Sunday Funday

I need a clone. No doubt about it. I spend my days off puttering around doing this and that....but the more I do, the more I see that needs to be done. 

Either a clone or I need to hit Lotto. This way I can retire right now and have all the time in the world to stay on top of everything that needs my attention. 

For now, it's a bit of this and a bit of that. I'm so very grateful to have time off this weekend to get a few little things done. Next weekend will be an entirely different story and I'll be one cranky lady!

After the breakfast dishes were cleared away this morning I got to business. The stove was taken apart and given a good scrub, the dishwasher was humming along happily, and it was time to get to a few things that had been on my to-do list for a while now. 

The first was to nourish and polish my dining room table. 

I bought the table and chairs with the house because I fell in love with them during my tour. I didn't know at the time all the damage that was hiding underneath the tablecloth and chair cushions, but the scale of the table was just perfect for the space. 

I had to get most of the chairs re-caned when I moved in, and the table has most definitely seen better days. It doesn't matter - I love it regardless.

It's an antique set and I have no idea how old it is. The tabletop is dried out and scarred and burned in spots...it needs regular TLC to keep it looking it's best. 

Since there's so much sun in the dining room I make sure I use a product that not only polishes the wood but also soaks in and nourishes it. 

Doesn't that look great? I'll let it soak in for most of the day and then buff it with a soft cloth to remove any excess beeswax. 

There's nothing quite like the beauty of old wood when it's gleaming in the sun!

Another little project I've been putting off is treating my butcher block counter. 

I adore this counter, I think it adds a lot of character to the kitchen, but it's been abused through the years. 

I use cutting boards on top of the counter and never cut directly on it but that has most definitely not always been the case. The counter is scratched and cut and stained. It's pretty sad looking.  

I had been treating it with orange oil when I first moved in but then I did some more research and read about Tung Oil. 

I wanted something that was natural and food safe since I prepare meals on this counter. 

After a good cleaning I let the counter dry and then applied a fairly heavy coat of Tung Oil with some paper towels. 

Again, I'll let it soak in for most of the day and then buff off the excess this evening.

I have to do this on a day when I know I won't be cooking because I use this counter constantly when preparing meals. It's my primary food prep area. 

Doesn't it look wonderful? I wish I could get it to stay shiny. I might have to bite the bullet and try a different treatment on it in the future because the look I love really is a bit more polished than the raw butcher block. Any ideas? I'm open to all suggestions!

For now, the Tung Oil will at least make it look a little better. And it helps protect the wood from stains. 

Moving on to other little projects around the house....I have some extra knobs from when I ordered the new kitchen cabinet knobs way back when. 

They were the very first thing I bought for my new house, the day  my offer was accepted. Pottery Barn had them on clearance and I took a guess at how many I'd need and placed an order. I have a few extra, after all, but that's no harm. 

Aren't they lovely? And on clearance they were so cheap - I think I paid $2.99 each for them - and they are real glass, not acrylic. Love, love, love these knobs!!

One was going on the drawer of my little wine cabinet. The knob that was there is just dull.....boring!

It's the little things, you know? They really do make a difference. 

You may not notice a huge change but when the sun hits these knobs they absolutely glow - and that makes my heart sing just a little bit!

The other two were slated for the dry sink that serves as my bar. I picked this piece up at a garage sale when the girls were little, for $40. It's been with me a long time, through 4 different homes. 

And I never liked those little dinky knobs. 

Well, they shall bother me no longer! Again, just a small change....but it makes me happy. 

I need to water my many houseplants today and I have a stack of books calling  my name....

...and there are a couple of episodes of Downton Abbey vying for my attention. 

But first and foremost I am going to find some time to spend outside on this glorious day. 

There's a cold spell heading our way this week....Spring's not here just yet. 

Although you'd never know it today. 

Enjoy your Sunday, friends!

One of My Favorite Books of All Time!

As you can tell by my last few posts I'm getting a little itchy for spring. I'm excited to see what plants survived the winter and to put some more work into my new garden. 

However, I still have a long way to go until it's time. 

One of the things that will tide me over until I can get my fingers in the dirt is reading my gardening magazines and getting ideas. And, of course, browsing around online. 

I just renewed my subscription to Garden Gate Magazine for 2 more years and I can't wait until the next issue arrives!

But as it gets closer and closer to spring the thing that really gets me in the mood to get out there and play in the dirt is reading my favorite book. 

I have to tell you outright, this is not a sponsored post, nor is it an affiliated post. I just truly love this book. 

Out in the Garden - Growing a Beautiful Life

I found Dean Riddle's book quite by accident the first year I moved up to the country from New York City. I was browsing around in a little village called Phoenicia and wandered into a super cute home store called The Tender Land Home.  The book was on display and I snatched up a copy to give it a read. 

And I was completely and totally hooked. 

The author, at the time of writing, was splitting his time between an apartment in NYC and a small rental cottage near Phoenicia. Despite not owning the cottage he put in the most lovely garden that has been featured in many, many publications through the years. 

Dean Riddle's Garden

I was fortunate enough to visit Dean's garden during a garden tour that first summer I lived in the Catskills and I fell instantly in love. I could very easily spend every waking moment in that garden and never grow tired of it. 

Dean's book is about so much more than just gardening. It's very much about the connection between yourself and the environment around you. He has been living simply and mindfully for many years, and inspires me greatly to do the same. He embraces the beauty around him and the quiet simplicity of a country life. 

Dean Riddle's Garden When Dormant

Dean's garden is equally beautiful when at rest, which is the hallmark of a truly talented gardener. 

Dean Riddle's Garden When Flowering

When it's in flower the garden is beyond beautiful. It's a riot of color and texture - I could spend hours examining every plant, every combination of color and form. 

Dean Riddle's Garden

Dean's writing is beautiful and poetic and he weaves stories of his life among stories of his garden and humble home in the Catskills. 

I hope to be able to incorporate even a small portion of Dean's incredible garden style into my new garden. 

And I hope that you give Dean's book a read. 

And that when you turn that final page you put the book down with a sigh and the urge to read it all again from page one. 

I'm very much looking forward to my pre-spring ritual. 

What's yours?

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Dealing with Holiday Stress

My daughter wrote an amazing post that came out today on Be Your Own Muse that talks about mental health. Her post really got me thinking about all the stress we go through during the holidays. 

I shared a little about how I was feeling totally overwhelmed last week here and how I caught up a bit here.  

I know, for me, I start feeling overwhelmed when there are a million things I feel I need to do and not enough hours in the day...or energy....to get them all done. 

I really, really like things very organized and tidy in my house. When they get messy or disorganized that brings on feelings of stress for me, and my heart starts racing a little. I don't know if this happens to other people, but I do know it happens to me. And it makes me cranky. I know this about myself. 

One of the things I try to do to keep that in check is take time each and every morning before work to accomplish at least one chore. By that, I mean one chore in addition to the normal daily morning routine of unloading the dishwasher, showering, making the bed, making my lunch, etc. If I take 15 minutes each morning to accomplish one additional thing it helps keep the chores from piling up and keeps me on track. Less stress = less crankiness. 

Via

I also know that I require quiet time. Regular bouts of quality quiet time. I am not one of those people who can just go, go, go and never take a second to breathe. That would flat out drive me over the edge - you'd find me sitting on the floor in a corner of my walk in closet whimpering and talking to myself. 

I make sure not to take on more than I can handle. If we have too many invites pouring in I do not feel one bit guilty turning some down - I know my own self and there's no way I can be out more than a few nights per week at social engagements. Our social calendar is quite full as it is and sometimes I just have to put the brakes on so I can have a peaceful night at home. There's nothing wrong with that. 

One of my happiest places in my home is my kitchen. I love preparing a nice meal with the music playing in the background and the candles burning while I'm sipping on a glass of wine. That's a good place to be and it tends to calm my soul. Making sure I have a few nights each week just like that keeps me grounded and sane. Relatively speaking, of course!

I also love to read. There's nothing like a good book to take me out of my own mind and shut off all the daily turmoil inside my head. Right now I'm reading a fabulous book by Debbie Macomber called Starry Night. 

I just started it on Sunday and I read over half the book that night - I just couldn't put it down. Don't you just love a great book like that? I've been making a point to read Christmas books all month which helps me keep the holiday spirit alive in my heart. 

One of the other things that really relaxes me is having a nice hot bath with some aromatic bath salts and a couple of candles flickering nearby. I love the mineral bath salts from Aura Cacia - they have wonderful naturally derived fragrances that really release their scent with the steam and the mineral salts help with sore, aching muscles. Win, win!! 

I'm a big fan of aromatherapy and always have been. In addition to the routines I practice to keep my stress in check I will often have a candle burning in the house when I'm puttering around. The scent will change with the seasons or my mood but either way, having something fragrant burning in the house just calms me. If not a candle there may be a stick of incense or some scented oils. 

I also use cleaning products during my daily routines that have wonderful scents like lavender, orange clove, or natural pine - I truly believe it makes the daily chores just a little bit easier when there's a bit of aromatherapy involved. 

Add some peaceful music and the pups dozing by the fire and all's right in my world. 

These are things that help me in my daily world. You have to find your own sweet spot, your own things that help you calm your soul. 

And when you find those things, make sure to take the time daily to give your soul what it needs. 

It's as important as breathing.