Weekend View

Welcome to the weekend view.

This week it is all smoke and heat over here again. We are back to triple digits and the the skies are a brown and orange. Not good air quality for sure- but even worse are those directly dealing with and affected by the fires. We are all praying that everyone stays safe and the fires are out soon.

So we are tackling projects outdoors early and then working inside the house a bit to stay clear of the yuck.

Stucco

Have you ever done any stucco work? I did the stucco for our addition when we built it years ago- and this week, decided it was time to add stucco to the cottage fireplace.

Stucco is one of those jobs that my husband absolutely hates. And strangely, I actually enjoy. I told him doing stucco reminds me art class and working with clay and textures and it is very ‘zen’ like while I am working. Plus it is a great arm workout- and when doing a fireplace that requires up and down on the ladder- a great leg workout too. This snap is mid -project- while I was getting ready to smooth and shape.

Garden Roses

I was so excited to get a surprise delivery of roses from my sweet friend Grace at Grace Rose Farm. She has the most lovely roses that are ruffly and full and smell absolutely amazing. One of my favorite things about garden roses are that old traditional heavy scent that the roses in the grocery store don’t really have most of the time.

If you are looking for a few to enjoy in your home- use FrenchCountryCottage10 for 10% off.

Autumn cozy

I am working on autumn and wrapping up the cottage decor this week. And am doing a bit of shopping. I will be sharing some of what I am adding to my cart that is on sale this weekend -as well as some natural touches.

And don’t miss signing up for my FREE 7 Day Inspired Autumn Series for much more inspiration coming your way.

Adventure Planning

Seems 2020 is one of those years where the best laid plans of mice and men have gone all wacky.

I was thinking about what we were doing this time last year and when I last traveled anywhere recently. In September last year- I was almost done with the book. I was working on 3 shoots for it- one of which was in a vineyard at my brothers home in Calistoga.

I was also doing a bit of traveling for work and getting ready to relax a bit on vacation in October.

Things are quite a bit different this year of course, but we are still working on things and making plans for when we can do things again.

Travel and adventures are on the horizon- just don’t know when they will fall into place just yet.

But you know, it does my mental well being good to at least start dreaming and thinking about those things- as well as work on what I can to get going in that direction.

Shenanigans

For laughs- here is a quick compilation video of the family goats doing their thing.

Sharing

In this weeks spotlight- I am sharing my friend KariAnne from Thistlewood Farms. I am certain you already know and love her but if you don’t- you need to. She tells the best stories, is one of the sweetest friends and crazy talented designer and author. You might remember we did a book signing together at Round Top when my first book came out.

She recently moved back home to her childhood home in Texas- and she is sharing all the fun projects and decorating she is doing.

Happy Sunday all.