Happy first Sunday in February.
This week- the weekend view is all about gardening, renovations and ideas for Valentine’s Day date night at home.
Garden Ideas
We had crazy amounts of rain and storms last week- and this weekend we are warming up. Sunshine and 60’s is making me itch to get out into the garden and start getting some things ready for this year. We put in a larger garden area last year with the fenced garden area around the greenhouse- and this year, we have already planted some new rows of garden roses and bulbs- some of which should be blooming very soon.
I have a few more plans for expanding the garden and also for sorting through some of which has gotten a tad unruly. Plus, I have the guest cottage private patio area that needs to be wrapped up this spring- so am thinking it might be a weekend full of dirt and garden clean up over here. I will put together a post with some ideas and what I am planning (hint: think English cottage garden) in case you are dreaming of spring blooms and gardening too.
Guest Cottage Bathroom
I mentioned last week that we are making a lot of big messes out in the cottage at the moment. It is a good thing that no one is living there or staying out there currently – because- it is really beyond a mess at this point. But one room that has had some big progress is the bathroom. This was a room that has not been touched in probably 10 years- and it is getting an updated look while keeping the vintage.
I do like creative work with my hands- so even though this tile job is a chunky one- it is actually a fun job. The not so fun part is the plumbing. This bathroom is a bit of an interesting one. It has a very thick concrete foundation that makes it hard to tinker too much with plumbing -so before this tile job is wrapped up- the plumbing issues have to be solved. I am hoping to share the After with you soon.
Date Night Ideas
Can you believe that I first started sharing date night at home ideas almost a year ago? I know. It has literally felt like the movie Groundhog Day this year and I don’t know when things will get back to regular living- if they ever do at this point. Feeling a tad weary as I know all of you are- but trying to keep the inspiration on repeat while dreaming about travel and regular everyday things.
So with Valentine’s Day coming in just another week- I am doing a little planning for a romantic dinner at home. It has been a little bit since I set the table for two complete with candles, flowers and ambiance- so- it is on the agenda for this week. I will be sharing a few ideas and tips next week- along with some of my favorites for the table. And of course- if you don’t have a copy of my book- Inspired Gatherings– you can find some ideas included in those pages as well. (affiliate)
Goat Shenanigans & Rain Shelter areas
The shenanigans are always on repeat over here with these two- and when it rains- they decide to hide out in the barn all day. We have found them playing (aka head-butting and jumping) inside when it is raining. And with the crazy amount of rain we had last week for several days- decided between the soaking wet silkies and crazy goats- they needed another covered area outside to be able to stretch their wings so to speak.
My husband built a ‘porch’ on each side of the barn- just an overhang basically that extends out probably 6-8′ and gives them a place to get out for a bit without getting drenched.
Hiking & Exploring
Our oldest son and his family moved back to California recently- and their house has hands down the most incredible view. We actually toured it for them before they moved and I wanted to move in. We went over to see them yesterday and walked down to the bottom of their property to this river area to hike for a bit. It was so beautiful.
Coming your way
Inspiration: Valentine’s Date Night at Home Ideas
Design: Details & Mood Board for those kitchen renovation plan in the guest cottage
Cozy: Winter Bedroom Elements to give your bedroom a warm feeling even when it is chilly out
Yum: Zucchini noodle vegetarian manicotti – Perfect for low carb, no meat diets – and it is So. Good.
And for browsing this weekend:
Learn: Love these tips about organizing
Create: Love these ideas for furniture makeovers
Bake: Ideas for this weekends Super Bowl festivities (even a small get-together just with your own family)
For the Road
And one for the road…Quick and Easy & Delicious nibbles are my favorite- here are 21 things to use to create a delicious cheese board for snacking for Super Bowl Celebrations or anytime.
Happy Sunday all.
Sandra 🌻 says
Love the open country where you son moved…. Gorgeous…. amuch peace and happiness to you all …. BTW….. Yum!!!!! Your bread board goodies look sooo good!
Courtney says
It is SUCH a beautiful area. I am in love with their view – and they have 5 acres to roam around on. Perfection!
Susan says
I tOtally love those beautiful peoNies!! 😍they Are screaming take me! The baby goat is adorable and that view is absolutely breathtaking! Sunny California
Courtney says
Thank you!
Michele m. says
Wow- you sure are right – your sons view is stunning. congrats to their move back, and their new home.
can’t wait to see all the changes in your world as you attain their completion.
thank you for always providing stimulating inspiration, courtney.
stay well
Diana says
I think we need to name the goats, what say you? So cute…… Thank you for always making me smile, and giving me loads of ideas!
Courtney says
They have names!! This one is Clover – the other is Kevin (my sister actually named him- after Kevin in Home Alone because he is a bit of a rascal lol) We joked we couldn’t call a goat ‘Kevin’ and yet- it stuck. haha.
aussie jo says
A bloody great post
Gail bButler says
Did Your son move to Coloma/lotus? Looks mighty familiar!
Courtney says
No, not as far over to that side of the state where Coloma is- he asked me not to share exact location for privacy. But I have heard that Coloma is a beautiful area! Might have to check it out- I don’t know that I have ever been over there!
Valerie Rose Trahanovsky says
i love your blog. it always puts a smile on my face and a peacefulness in my day!
(Sorry for all capitals but for some reason my keyboard won’t shift:()
you have been an inspiration in my decorating.
Just like you my husband and i bought the very same console for our bathroom and had a sink made for it.
we love the look and now that we’re redoing our kitchen, we just might do it again with the larger console.
you are an inspiration and such a creative decorator.
I love all you do and can’t wait to see what you have in store for future posts.
thank you so much for your blog!