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Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Off to a good start . . .


Armed with paper, magazines and my ever present diet Snapple,


 I started an August To Do list  - projects both big a small.


I ran a few of my ideas by Steve - I have to move slowly with him especially when the changes involve "his" kitchen - and he likes all of my ideas.

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Pendant lights and open shelving are two of the items on my list, but the project is on hold until after a little San Francisco vacation we have planned.


Painting a few signs and decorating bottles (I wish I could credit the sources, but I don't remember) are also on the list, but today I wanted something quick and easy.


I don't know where I found this picture of teacups hanging in the garden - I love the whimsy of it all.


I gathered together teacups, keys and metal bits to hang in the garden.


A garland of teacups and tidbits is a totally silly thing to create, but I was feeling silly today.


No one actually sits on this bench in the garden, but it is our view when we sit around the fire pit and lately that has been a nightly occurrence.


So I am wondering just how long it will take Steve to notice that there are teacups hanging across the garden.


I wanted to get started on the signs, but Joshua and Aylin are staying just up the coast in a beautiful house and we couldn't pass up the chance to walk on the nearly deserted beach.


The sunset was spectacular 


and we're going to take Lulu to visit tomorrow.


But, before we hit the beach tomorrow, one of these scraps of wood will be transformed


into this cute sign - again, I don't recall the source.


And, I need to put together packages for the winners of a giveaway I did on Instagram.


July ended slowly in terms of my creativity, but it looks like August is off to a good start!

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Join me at Cozy Little House for Tweak It Tuesday

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One last thing

I have been meaning to mention this for quite some time.

I have always replied to comments from my email and a few months ago I noticed that there were comments on my post that I did not see in my emails.

I try to remember to check the post, but please forgive me if I don't see your comment and reply to it.
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62 comments:

  1. FlowerLady LorraineAugust 4, 2015 at 3:02 AM

    You've got some neat projects lined up and I love your teacups and other bits, especially the heart, hanging over the bench.

    Enjoy the rest of your summer ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  2. prince snow farmAugust 4, 2015 at 3:28 AM

    I would say august is off to a GREAT start!!

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  3. Castles Crowns and CottagesAugust 4, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    YOU are such a friend.

    What would I have done without you this summer? Not only were your IG tips remarkably helpful, your teaching sources will be a great addition to my bag of tricks in the classroom, and your beach life fills my lake life up with more inspiration. Carol, where do I begin?

    You are off to a great start. I do believe that when you come back from your lush trip (Lulu is going to love seeing your son!) that Steve will take his trust in your style and GO FOR IT! Oh that kitchen, please, DO IT! I love open shelving and we had it when we lived in a gorgeous, old brick apartment building right across from the beach in Beverly, Massachusetts, right over the cove from Salem. I loved that open shelving, but in this house, we can't have it. NO ROOM for the other pots and plates....at least that is what my husband thinks, but I believe differently! HAHAHAHAHHA

    YOU have yourself a great time out to see the kids. Come back, keep us posted and I just love your IG presence and support and most of all, friendship.

    Anita

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  4. LaurieAugust 4, 2015 at 4:58 AM

    Work it, Girl! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve. The tea cups are a cute idea. The kitchen ideas sound awesome, too.

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  5. ANNEAugust 4, 2015 at 5:44 AM

    I'm having trouble with the email comments, too. It's been happening since January.

    I adore that kitchen! Can't wait to see what you get up to. Enjoy your vacation! xo

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  6. Castles Crowns and CottagesAugust 4, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    Carol! Thank you for coming to my blog post....your comment means a great deal to me.

    OK, what's on the agenda today in the sun?

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  7. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 4, 2015 at 6:00 AM

    I love writing down fresh ideas and being creative. Have a wonderful vacation....have FUN! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  8. DawnAugust 4, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    Wow, I can't wait to see what you'll be doing in the kitchen I have a never ending list too:)

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  9. Kim August 4, 2015 at 7:08 AM

    Fun! I love the teacups...my hubby wouldn't notice...until he did and then would just shake his head and say, "Ok?" He gets it! ;-) Congrats to your winners!

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  10. Jasper's CottageAugust 4, 2015 at 7:08 AM

    You are always so creative, I can't wait to see your kitchen transformation! And, wow, that honeymoon house is all kinds of awesome! jonni

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    Replies
    1. Art and SandAugust 4, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      A friend of Aylin's offered them use of the house for a week. It is gorgeous and sits right on the water. The views are awesome.

      Delete
  11. bobbieAugust 4, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Love the teacup garland! Have fun up in the city; miss that town!

    ReplyDelete
  12. MelanieAugust 4, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    I can't wait to see your kitchen! When we re-do ours - hopefully, in the near future - tearing down some upper cabinets and installing open shelving is on my plan, too. We also need recessed lighting AND pendant lights. Currently, all we have is a ceiling fan light fixture in the middle of the room. I do love the fan aspect - it adds a nice breeze to the room - but the lighting is horrible.

    Your teacup garland is absolutely adorable! I would love to do something like that here, but we have too many thunderstorms. Those teacups would be broken in a heartbeat.

    ReplyDelete
  13. StaceyAugust 4, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    Your kitchen is already so darling, open shelves and wood on the ceiling would just be amazing!!

    Things are a little slower and easier here right now too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Art and SandAugust 4, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      We're not going with the wood on the ceiling although I really like the look. Mainly changing the lighting, painting and installing the shelves. I want to see if a couple of our cabinet doors can be switched to glass front.

      Delete
  14. Carla from The RiverAugust 4, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    Hi,
    I just love your To Do List notebook. Cute!
    The tea cups are great. I have some tea cups I have been saving to do a project with. This just might be what I decided to do. :-)
    Enjoy your week,
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  15. My Little Home and GardenAugust 4, 2015 at 11:12 AM

    I must make a To Do list! There are certainly plenty of things that need to go on one for me. Enjoy your trip to San Francisco, Carol. I'll look forward to seeing your little sign, once you have a chance to work on it.

    Karen

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  16. Vickie @ Ranger 911August 4, 2015 at 11:14 AM

    I'm in love with your kitchen inspiration photo, Carol! You've already got your cute shelves artistically arranged, so you're well on your way. Love the teacups dangling from the tree!

    Your photos of the beach and sunset are spectacular! I'd say you used up your July creativity on the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownAugust 4, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    I love whimsy! And I want to make signs like the ones you're going to make - can there be a tutorial? Please?! ;)

    Mary

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  18. Rita C at PanoplyAugust 4, 2015 at 1:57 PM

    It may be dry in CA, but at least you have nice weather to look forward to for months insofar as getting big and little projects completed. Around here (4 seasons), it's starting to feel like "we better get it done before the weather gets bad" - certainly for outdoor projects. Your scenery is beautiful, at you home and out & about. Have fun at the lake and SF.
    Rita

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  19. The Junque SeekerAugust 4, 2015 at 2:42 PM

    Looking forward to seeing all your projects when they're completed, especially the kitchen. We've been doing a few home projects, too. Not necessarily fun ones, but it's nice to get them done just the same.

    The e-mail issue is frustrating. When I comment on most every blog now, I get a message saying my e-mail didn't go through because of some new program to weed out unsolicited e-mail. I've tried and tried to figure out a way around it, but no luck!

    ReplyDelete
  20. JunkchiccottageAugust 4, 2015 at 2:52 PM

    Hi Carol,
    Love the tea cups and I cannot wait to see the kitchen changes. Open shelves are so great you will love it.
    Have a wonderful time enjoying the beach.
    Kris

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  21. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresAugust 4, 2015 at 3:54 PM

    I love your sweet teacups, I'm sure it won't take long for Steve to notice. Looking forward to seeing all your projects come to life. Love the little sign. Are those letters stamped in the wood? I did that before with some tiny signs, and some of them actually turned out!!!

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  22. MerlesworldAugust 4, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    I like changes too not big ones but little ones are always good.
    Merle............

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  23. Linda @ A La CarteAugust 4, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    I can't believe all the kids are heading back to school and so my babysitting duties are starting. I will enjoy this special time with my sweet Grandgirl but it does take a lot of time. I always figure there is time to be creative later! I love lists!!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  24. KellyAugust 4, 2015 at 6:17 PM

    That's a cute idea to hang tea cups from string like that. Your bench is so cute with the floral bench cushion in it. I love the ideas you have for your kitchen!

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  25. Vicky HuntAugust 4, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    Love it ALL! The beach pictures are beautiful as always. How nice that Joshua and Aylin are so close. Will they be staying in the area? And, you are never lacking in the creativity department. Hope you have a lovely day!

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  26. KathyAugust 4, 2015 at 8:57 PM

    That teacup garland is inspired - love it!

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  27. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!August 5, 2015 at 1:54 AM

    Good Morning Carol, I love your touch of whimsy... a garden can be whatever we want it to be, as it is our sanctury. I really must take a leaf out of your book and make a 'To Do' list as I find I mean to start a project, but get waylaid by one thing or another.
    Your kitchen project sounds fun and I cannot wait to see the results. I know it will be fabulous.
    I have to tell you Carol, I love visiting you as your blog is so full of sunshine. Here in England I think Mother Nature has forgotten that it is supposed to be the summer season, as here in the North the weather has been dreadful.
    That's the English weather for you.
    Enjoy your sunshine and have a lovely day.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
  28. karen@somewhatquirkyAugust 5, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    This is such a good idea! I have a dogwood tree that needs to have the branches weighted. This would be a lot cuter than hanging rocks from it!

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  29. francisAugust 5, 2015 at 6:26 AM

    It's a good day . What's more to wish for . Reading your posts always makes my day a good day . I feel inspired and I love to hang things too ! Happy August Carol

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  30. Helen PhilippsAugust 5, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    Love the teacups garland! And I love all your signs painted with words.....one of my favourite decorating things :) Have a great time at the beach.
    Helen xox

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  31. Jackie and Joel SmithAugust 5, 2015 at 7:46 AM

    You always bring a smile as your enthusiasm for each day is contagious! My to do list is always daunting, but you somehow make your list seem like a joyous getaway into a creative realm! hugs, J.

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  32. Jake's a GirlAugust 5, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    I wish I could remember who I found your blog through. I would love to give them credit for how much fun I've had the last week exploring it from your very first post. I love how your style hadn't really changed but your flair has grown in leaps and bounds. I love it. I love your cottage and how you've decorated each room. Such clever vignettes. Lovely table settings, too.
    So much of your hubby's art work says home and you can tell how much you both love your life. You can't beat that!

    ReplyDelete
  33. LynneAugust 5, 2015 at 8:03 AM

    Carol! That kitchen!
    Perfect for your beach cottage! My Mr D is not big with change. Having retail and merchandising in my past, I tend to move and refresh! As always, you bring us inspiration. You are one of my "just two and one half years from retirement", mentors.
    Have fun in SFO!
    ~Lynne
    w/L

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  34. Cathy, 1929 Charmer CottageAugust 5, 2015 at 10:08 AM

    Love your inspiration photo so much, I would love having open shelving but since I cook so much it would not be practical for me! I did take two cabinet doors off, so I guess it kind of open shelving. I need to make a sign or too, don't know what it is but I am intimidated by it? Enjoy your trip! This weekend we are taking out our vintage trailer for our first trip!

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  35. SusieAugust 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Carol, I love visiting you at your house. Your garden's new things look so sweet. Love the signs. Please take us along when you walk the beach again. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  36. Pamela GordonAugust 5, 2015 at 11:39 AM

    I love your garden whimsy! It is really sweet. It looks so beautiful there, as always. I also get comments on my blogs that don't come in emails anymore which is annoying as I often forget to check the comments at the blog and respond. Have a beautiful August!

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  37. Little FarmsteadAugust 5, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    I love the joy you found in creating your teacup garland... It is cute and does give that space even more of a whimsical, day-dreamy touch (and now I'm just making up words ;). Enjoy your beautiful beach! ~julie

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  38. SueAugust 5, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    Your August is off to the best start with those teacups hanging in the garden- they are my cup of tea. Love the new kitchen you're planning to do later this year too. Wonderful photos of the other beach so far. Have a nice visit there again.

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  39. NanaDianaAugust 5, 2015 at 2:17 PM

    Just popping in to say Hi and catch up a bit! Love your kitchen and glad hubby "approves" of your ideas for "his" kitchen. lol Sure is fun to see all your photos and see what you have been up to. You mentioned signs-I posted a bunch of signs on my blog today that my son made. He and his buddy do a great job -pop by to see them if you have a moment. xo Diana

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  40. DOGCAugust 5, 2015 at 2:22 PM

    Might have to copy your tea cup idea. When it is so hot in north Texas I always look for something fun to add to the garden because it's just too cruel tor plants to try and add them to the garden this time of year.

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  41. DewenaAugust 5, 2015 at 3:02 PM

    Beautiful sunsets don't wait for anyone and I'm sure your other creative projects will all get done. The teacup garden is charming!

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  42. ConnieAugust 5, 2015 at 3:18 PM

    Hi Carol, I have noticed that I have been wasting time lately . . . getting things done, but not really in a timely manner. I too need a "to do list'. They always keep me on track and when I follow a list, it seems like I have more hours in my day. Thank you for this encouragement. Oh, and I like seeing your fun side come out in the garden. Let us know how many hours or days it takes your Steve to notice, LOL.
    Have a lovely day.
    Connie :)

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  43. BeachGypsyAugust 6, 2015 at 12:15 AM

    Love the hanging teacups.....very "secret garden-ish"

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  44. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryAugust 6, 2015 at 10:31 AM

    I so enjoy your posts Carol. They give me motivation - love your lists. I seem to put mine on little pieces of paper and then misplace them LOL I will get a book and list them and cross off when completed. Like your kitchen designs - I know you will love it. Love your hanging teacup garland.
    Have a great weekend,
    Mary

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  45. Down by the seaAugust 6, 2015 at 2:15 PM

    That kitchen idea looks lovely and you tea cups in the garden made me smile. Did Steve notice where the cups had gone? The beach walk and sunset are fantastic. Sarah x

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  46. Lowcarb team memberAugust 6, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    Love your kitchen idea ...

    Yes that sunset was spectacular - nature provides such wonderful colours.

    All the best Jan

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  47. Lowcarb team memberAugust 6, 2015 at 4:16 PM

    Love your kitchen idea ...

    Yes that sunset was spectacular - nature provides such wonderful colours.

    All the best Jan

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  48. ReneeAugust 6, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    Sounds like you have a lot of plans :) I love the bench with the tea cups.

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  49. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageAugust 7, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    Your little bench with the hanging teacups is adorable! Your projects have endless charm.

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  50. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageAugust 7, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    Your little bench with the hanging teacups is adorable! Your projects have endless charm.

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  51. SarahAugust 7, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    Carol, your kitchen inspiration image is perfection. Good luck with the project. Though, I agree with Jacqueline above - your projects have endless charm. Enjoy the day. A walk on the beach sounds wonderful!

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  52. RueAugust 7, 2015 at 2:22 PM

    Hi Carol :)

    I have the same problems with comments. Instead of emails, because there's so many non-reply bloggers and readers, I just respond by visiting blogs, and commenting back to the ones that don't have one on my blog. I wish I knew an easier way.

    I'm wondering how long it will take Steve to notice the teacups too (giggle). They're very cute. In fact all your upcoming projects look cute. It puts me in a creative mood ;)

    The beach is gorgeous!

    xo,
    rue

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  53. FABBY'S LIVINGAugust 7, 2015 at 5:50 PM

    Yeah, I know what you mean...my hubby's got 'his kitchen too!' I'm glad your hubby likes your projects and gives you 'thumbs up' on it.
    The teacups are adorable. Sometimes 'they' don't notice things. Love that romantic bench.
    Have a nice weekend
    FABBY
    PS: I like to comment on posts so I can see what my friends create too. That's what blogging is about.

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  54. handmade by amaliaAugust 7, 2015 at 7:43 PM

    What a happy post, full of eye candy. That teacup corner in the garden is so cute.
    Amalia
    xo

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  55. Ricki TreleavenAugust 8, 2015 at 6:58 AM

    Has Steve noticed the teacups yet? They are so cute. I hope you have a great weekend!

    xo,
    RJ

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  56. Leslie HarrisAugust 9, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    It's always such a treat to see your blog post pop up in my feed Carol. I had to smile at your Diet Snapple comment, I'm a fan too. Thank goodness for the little pleasures in life right? Let's see. I love your kitchen inspiration photo. And I can't wait to see what you've got planned. And those hanging teacups are too charming. I might have to try that. Is your sister coming soon? I've got my parents coming down shortly and I'm so excited...
    I'm off to finish painting my door.
    xo
    Leslie

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  57. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleAugust 9, 2015 at 2:42 PM

    Love that kitchen. Your teacup garland is just too cute and lucky you to vacation in SanFran. Haven't been in years and would love to go back.

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  58. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseAugust 11, 2015 at 9:06 AM

    I love the idea of the teacups hanging in the air, very Alice In Wonderland!

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  59. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonAugust 11, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    Carol, love the whimsy as well! I ran to Michaels the other day to snag some goodies, but none to be found. It's fine, I can live without them. lol! I love my open shelving in my basement kitchen and they really don't get very dirty. Of course, we don't cook down there regularly. Can't wait to see what you do!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  60. CarlaAugust 25, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    Love all your ideas. The tea cups are cute but they'd be smashed as much as the wind blows around her. Then it probably wouldn't fly with our rustic theme but it's cute. You definitely live in a beautiful area.

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