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Monday, July 6, 2015

What Next?


All my wedding creations are complete-


the banner for the rehearsal dinner


and treat bags for each place setting at the rehearsal dinner were finished up last night.


Today we will buy Steve's clothes for the rehearsal dinner (I took care of mine in May)


after we drop off paintings in Carpinteria for an upcoming group show.


Steve asked me what I will do now that I'm done with the wedding - except for the actual event in 12 days.


I began this morning by removing all of the patriotic touches around the house.


And, I am working my way through the house changing vignettes here and there to make the house welcoming for family members who will arrive next week.


Books on my old sewing box in the entry


are held up by some fun little birdcage bookends I found at Michael's the other day.


I went to Michael's for a chalk pen to finish the last chalkboard and ended up spending $85 on "stuff" in the dollar bins - I couldn't pass up the bookends or the cute little striped bags and who doesn't need Scrabble bandaids?


A birdcage that will be used at the wedding left an empty space in the entry so I decided that a basket full of dishes would look cute - it's my house and I can showcase whatever I want - right?


And now it is time to go out to my little garden house to play.


I wasn't going to participate in Where Bloggers Create 


at My Desert Cottage this year because right now I don't have one organized creative space.


But, the link party is always fun and it's a good incentive to get things organized.


Be sure to check out Karen's blog on Friday, July 11 where everyone will be linking up their creative space.


Or better yet, show off your own space.

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65 comments:

  1. ConnieJuly 6, 2015 at 10:52 AM

    Carol, your posts always inspire me to do more and to do better. I cannot praise your blog enough:)

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  2. ~Lavender Dreamer~July 6, 2015 at 11:17 AM

    I love your home decorating books and always see pretty things throughout your house. I need to do some decorating too! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  3. Rita C at PanoplyJuly 6, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    Oh, your creative space is well worth showing, Carol - you simply must! I love your wedding touches, and I bet you're really looking forward to the event. And yes, indeed, we can create vignettes with whatever we want, wherever we want! I have beaded purses in the dining and living room, and dishes in the bathroom, lol. Love your dishes, and the new birdcage bookends. Your $85 chalkpen looks great! ;) I hope you thoroughly enjoy your son's wedding, and your family company.

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  4. Rita C at PanoplyJuly 6, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    Oh, your creative space is well worth showing, Carol - you simply must! I love your wedding touches, and I bet you're really looking forward to the event. And yes, indeed, we can create vignettes with whatever we want, wherever we want! I have beaded purses in the dining and living room, and dishes in the bathroom, lol. Love your dishes, and the new birdcage bookends. Your $85 chalkpen looks great! ;) I hope you thoroughly enjoy your son's wedding, and your family company.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rita C at PanoplyJuly 6, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    Oh, your creative space is well worth showing, Carol - you simply must! I love your wedding touches, and I bet you're really looking forward to the event. And yes, indeed, we can create vignettes with whatever we want, wherever we want! I have beaded purses in the dining and living room, and dishes in the bathroom, lol. Love your dishes, and the new birdcage bookends. Your $85 chalkpen looks great! ;) I hope you thoroughly enjoy your son's wedding, and your family company.

    ReplyDelete
  6. podsoJuly 6, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    I am sure you will find something to do after the wedding--after you rest a bit. Anticipation and preparation is a good part of the fun of a special event. And afterwards, the memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art and SandJuly 6, 2015 at 2:04 PM

      Actually, we are starting to plan a two week road trip for September and there is quite a bit of planning that.

      Delete
  7. ANNEJuly 6, 2015 at 11:39 AM

    I haven't participated in Karen's link party for a few years now, thanks for the reminder!! Enjoy the wedding!!!!!!!!

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  8. Julie's LifestyleJuly 6, 2015 at 11:52 AM

    Wow you are really busy! I know everything will be so beautiful with all of the wedding preparations you have been doing. I hope you had a lovely 4th of July. Have a nice day and week.
    Julie

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  9. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 6, 2015 at 11:53 AM

    I AM SO THRILLED FOR YOU and the wedding guests, the bride and groom and the atmosphere that is going to hug you all. The mist of the sea, the roar and song of the beach; I want to be there again!

    I LOVE THAT QUOTE about the ocean kissing the sea shore. How fabulous is that.....

    Carol, it's so fun to know you and share our love for creativity and nature!

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  10. BeachGypsyJuly 6, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    The wedding is almost here! Its going to be so lovely!!!!!

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  11. StaceyJuly 6, 2015 at 12:50 PM

    Have you told us before why the bride and groom have a book or library theme? I think that's so neat!! I'm sure you've told us and I just don't remember.

    Your guests are going to adore your cottage. All of us sure do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art and SandJuly 6, 2015 at 2:02 PM

      I don't know if I have ever explained the theme.

      On January 14, when the photographer made the 2 hour drive to take engagement photos, it was pouring down rain. It rarely rains yet that day it rained for 24 hours straight. Aylin had just come from having her hair done and they knew any outdoor photos would not turn out as they had planned. The original plan was to take pictures of them on the beach where they both grew up, but instead they headed downtown to the charming shops. They popped into Calico Cat Book Shop and immediately started grabbing books. Both Aylin and Joshua majored in English at UC Berkeley. ALL of the photos in the book shop turned out so cute that they took the idea and ran with it. The tables for dinner do not have numbers - they are named for some of their favorite books. It has turned out to be such a fun theme for decorating. And it definitely fits these two avid readers.

      Delete
  12. Brenda PruittJuly 6, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    I was going to say: Well, when the wedding is over, she'll find comfort and peace out in back.
    Brenda

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  13. 20 North OraJuly 6, 2015 at 1:04 PM

    I bet you do have some extra time now that you've finished all of the wedding stuff. How fun! Love your Coke carrier. So cute. Everything you do is darling. Always enjoy reading your cheerful blog.

    Try to rest up before it becomes crazy!!

    Judy

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  14. chateau chicJuly 6, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    I love seeing all your creativity for the wedding!! I know it's going to be so so lovely!
    Mary Alice

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  15. Miss MerryJuly 6, 2015 at 2:15 PM

    All your wedding pretties are just wonderful! You are so creative. Can't wait to see pictures of the event!

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  16. FlowerLady LorraineJuly 6, 2015 at 2:39 PM

    As always, another color filled and inspirational post. You have such a wonderful talent!

    The wedding is going to be fabulous and I look forward to seeing pics of the happy event. You have done a fantastic job with all of the decorations, etc.

    Enjoy your road trip in Sept. ~ FlowerLady

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  17. White Lace and PromisesJuly 6, 2015 at 3:07 PM

    I'm sure the wedding is going to be glorious as welh as your home is charming. Don't we always spend more when there's a dollar bin? I mean, really! I went to Hobby Lobby and did well today to not spend but $25. The grocery store, not so well!

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  18. bobbieJuly 6, 2015 at 3:39 PM

    I had to laugh ~ I've been caught in the maelstrom of Michael's dollar bins myself... "Honey, I have NO idea how that got in my bag!!"

    I think I've mentioned this before, but I'd like to LIVE at Calico Cat Book Shop!!! ;)

    All the stuff for the wedding looks wonderful ~

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  19. Lowcarb team memberJuly 6, 2015 at 3:58 PM

    Lovely post and under 12 days to go now for the wedding.

    It's so lovely, a happy time.

    All the best Jan.

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  20. Linda @ A La CarteJuly 6, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    So glad all the preparations are done and maybe you can relax and enjoy all that goes along with a wedding! I need to do some work in my creative space for sure and change out some vignettes also. I am in LOVE with those cute bird cage bookends!! Wishing you a great week.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  21. RueJuly 6, 2015 at 4:10 PM

    Hi Carol :)

    The little mice are so cute. Of course everything is, but I loved that especially. And yes, you can decorate with anything you want and anywhere you want and you do it so well :)

    I just know the wedding is going to be wonderful. I hope you have a great time, which I'm sure you will.

    I hope you had a wonderful Fourth :)

    xo,
    rue

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  22. JeannaJuly 6, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    The wedding goodies look great! How fun to use your creativity for such a special event. Your son and soon-to-be daughter in-law must be over the moon excited.

    And, Carol...only you can make a basket of dishes look good! I love all of your decorating.

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  23. Kim July 6, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    So it's the calm before the storm now, huh? Well, I hope you enjoy your "unstructured" creative time and each day until the wedding! So exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  24. KathyJuly 6, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    I can't imagine you being at a loss for what to do next!
    Thank you for the reminder about Where Bloggers Create. I am not participating this year, either, but I always look forward to visiting.

    ReplyDelete
  25. JunkchiccottageJuly 6, 2015 at 6:24 PM

    So fun Carol all the wedding stuff is done and you can relax until the big day. Enjoy this time and getting ready.
    Woooo Hooooo so excited for all of you.
    Kris

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  26. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerJuly 6, 2015 at 6:40 PM

    Wow, everything done for the wedding, and what creative ideas you came up with. At the moment I'm not to creative because there's so much work going on around the Charmer. Sometimes I think it will never be done or be like last year and the summer was over? I'd love to show my new craftroom but I think I'll be passed out on that day? Love you basket of dishes!

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  27. cynthia lee designsJuly 6, 2015 at 7:01 PM

    Love those little mice...so cute!! How wonderful to have everything done for the wedding. I haven't shared my creative space in several years on where bloggers create...just might do that this year.
    ~Cindy

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    Replies
    1. Art and SandJuly 6, 2015 at 7:43 PM

      Oh, I hope you share. I am going to do some organizing in my little garden house tomorrow and then I will take pics.

      Delete
  28. LaurieJuly 6, 2015 at 7:12 PM

    I know you must feel relief on having everything finished for the wedding. Now's the time to enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Blondie's JournalJuly 6, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    You have so much on your plate right now, Carol, but I know you are having a ball. And you are so creative, you are making that couple so happy. My son and fiancé are not doing anything 'homespun' as my other two children did. It's sort of formal and the bride-to-be does most of the planning with her mother and sister. I guess that's okay---looking for dresses for the wedding and rehearsal is about enough stress for mw right now during this busy summer.

    Keep you head above water and continue to give me inspiration and good karma! :)

    Jane x

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  30. SarahJuly 6, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    Congratulations of finishing all the wedding projects. Wow! I find this all amazing, Carol. Your home is always welcoming. Enjoy all the festivities and your house guests. Happy Wedding, Aylin and Joshua!

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  31. Row homes and CobblestonesJuly 6, 2015 at 7:40 PM

    Sweet Carol I feel your excitement and wish you joy and now that all prep is done some relaxation!
    xoxo

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  32. Joy JunktionJuly 6, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    Isn't is crazy how quickly the total adds up when we just need a couple of items from the $1 bin? You must be getting SO excited for the big event! I've never joined in with Karen, but actually just posted and mentioned that I was going to try and link in this time - hope I get my office clean :) Many blessings to you over the next 12 days!! Cindy

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  33. Daytona DamselJuly 6, 2015 at 8:24 PM

    I love those bird cage book ends. The wedding theme is unique and I am sure will be a day to remember.

    Debbie

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  34. ReneeJuly 6, 2015 at 8:33 PM

    You have been so busy. Everything looks great. Have a great time with family during the wedding. Your creations for the wedding look so nice.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Ricki TreleavenJuly 7, 2015 at 5:29 AM

    You must be getting very excited! What a fun time for you and your family. Your little cottage looks great! I'm not participating in the Where Bloggers Create Party this year because I have a conflict with the Mad Tea Party.

    BTW your wedding decorations are so cute!

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  36. SueJuly 7, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    Your guests will be enchanted as soon as they set foot inside. I just love the birdcage bookends that will greet them.

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  37. Celestina MarieJuly 7, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    Hi Carol, you are so caught up and organized. Love everything for the rehearsal dinner. Love that sweet birdcage bookends and the goodies you found at Michael's dollar bins. I need to stop over there and stock up too. I am trying to pull off getting things ready for WBC. I missed last year for the first time since the beginning. Life is just getting so busy and even more so since my hubs retired. Love the basket of dishes. Your ocean side cottage is always an inspiration. Have a fun and creative day. cm

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  38. DawnJuly 7, 2015 at 6:15 AM

    Congrats on getting everything done for the wedding and with time to spare, good for you, I bet that's a weight off your shoulders? I think you should relax a little now.

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  39. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresJuly 7, 2015 at 6:48 AM

    Those goodie bags are so creative, what a treat they'll be. Haha, I guess I'm not the only one who goes into a store for one thing and comes out with half the store. Now it's time to enjoy some quiet time before the special event.

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  40. Vicky HuntJuly 7, 2015 at 7:22 AM

    You have been one busy bee! Congratulations on completing all the wedding things early! Way to go! Your home is looking great as always. Love the bucket collection...so fun! Enjoy your down time and your house guests. I am hoping to link up to the party as well...we'll see! Have a blessed week!

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  41. Jackie and Joel SmithJuly 7, 2015 at 7:27 AM

    Okay, so now I am off to Michael's today - love those bookends. Waiting for reports (and photos) from that wedding!! Enjoy~

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  42. CynthiaJuly 7, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    It's exciting the wedding is so close and you've done a great job on your end. Can't wait to see the tour

    Cindy

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  43. AnonymousJuly 7, 2015 at 10:32 AM

    Love all your vignettes! Your guests will love them. I love the bags you bought. They are so cute.

    Kathy

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  44. PalomaseaJuly 7, 2015 at 10:39 AM

    Hello there dear Carol!
    It's wonderful to be visiting blog friends again. :)
    Your creativity is always an inspiration to me. And how exciting to have a family wedding...absolutely thrilling!
    The dish vignette is so lovely, actually...brings those creamy sunny colors in...
    It took me a very long time to realize that I really should do what I want in my home...it's not there to please anyone but me and my family, of course...I do allow them to have their own elements... :)
    So absolutely...do what brings YOU bliss...
    Hugs,
    - Irina

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  45. Algodão Tão DoceJuly 7, 2015 at 4:11 PM


    "Ontem foi embora.Amanhã ainda não veio. Temos somente hoje, comecemos!!!Qualquer ato
    de amor, por menor que seja, é um trabalho pela paz" (Madre Teresa de Calcutá)
    Linda postagem, amei a gaiola!

    Um grande abraço, Marie.
    __________________________

    ReplyDelete
  46. KellyJuly 7, 2015 at 4:14 PM

    I know you must be so happy to have everything ready for the wedding now. Now, you can sit back and enjoy all the festivities to come! I'm a huge Michaels fan too. Love the cute stuff you found there.

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  47. The Junque SeekerJuly 7, 2015 at 8:52 PM

    I love all your new touches, but especially that basket of dishes - so cheerful! All good wishes to the nearly-weds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art and SandJuly 8, 2015 at 12:05 AM

      I am glad that people didn't think the basket of dishes is weird. I love those dishes and am glad that I can see them throughout the day.

      Delete
  48. AnaJuly 8, 2015 at 8:32 AM

    Oh Carol,
    I can immagine how excited everyone must be for the wedding. Everything looks wonderful. And loving your new entry vignette. The birdcage bookends are adorable. Think I too will be participating in Karen's party this year. I've been wanting to for a while but I really didn't have a space to show but now I do...Yay! Can't wait.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  49. Helen PhilippsJuly 8, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    Your decorations for the wedding are beautiful and so clever, Carol. I can just imagine how exciting it is there now as the day gets closer! Love all your pictures and sweet vignettes.
    Happy week!
    Helen xox

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  50. Pamela GordonJuly 8, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    You must be excited with the wedding coming up so fast. I'm glad you're all prepared and I'm sure it will be beautiful and everyone will enjoy it. Your home looks sweet as always with all the vignettes you create. Enjoy!

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  51. Patricia @ 9th and DenverJuly 8, 2015 at 8:24 PM

    Doesn't it all looks wonderful?
    I hope the next 12 days goes smoothly for you!
    Your house always seems ready for guests... well, I always feel welcomed. ;)
    Love those scrabble band aids! FUN!
    I've got the party book marked...but don't have one organized creative space to show!
    I'll just hop around and check on everyone else's creative spaces. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sherry @ Thrift My HouseJuly 9, 2015 at 4:43 AM

    Hello Carol, I enjoyed the peeks around your home. Now I have this craving to go to Michael's...
    I love looking at all the little details you have going on. Very inspired here! Enjoy the little bit of extra time before the big day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJuly 9, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    Enjoy the big day...after all of your hard work ! :)

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  54. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowJuly 9, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    Enjoy the big day...after all of your hard work ! :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. gayleJuly 9, 2015 at 2:47 PM

    I love all of your pics. Please tell me the name of the floral dishes in the basket? Darling decor by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Carla from The RiverJuly 9, 2015 at 3:04 PM

    Beautiful...I love looking at all your fun work, creative ideas and your fun way of living. :-))
    Inspiration! I Love It!
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  57. Maria ElenaJuly 10, 2015 at 6:07 AM

    Sounds like you have been very busy. Love all your Michaels finds. You are so creative, I know you will put everything to good use. Your guest will enjoy your beautiful home. Have a great week! Maria

    ReplyDelete
  58. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJuly 10, 2015 at 8:25 PM

    Carol, love the bags and the bookends! I never go to Michaels, but might need to now and then. Your basket of dishes is just perfect! I'm sure the wedding will be fabulous!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  59. Down by the seaJuly 12, 2015 at 1:12 PM

    Oh all your wedding preparations look so wonderful and completed well before the day too! Sarah x

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  60. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseJuly 15, 2015 at 2:59 AM

    I'm amazed at your organisation, being all ready for the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  61. CarlaAugust 2, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    Aren't you glad that you're retired now. You've been one busy girl!
    And I love the bird cage book ends

    ReplyDelete