Happy weekend everyone. This weekend the view is all about behind the scenes. From a quiet dinner table for two- to working on a video project for next month.
Valentine’s
Last year for Valentine’s Day- my husband was at work. Which means, we planned a quiet dinner and dessert date several days later when he was home. He retired from law enforcement almost a year ago now- so we will be enjoying a Valentine’s date on the actual day. I am planning on making zucchini noodle manicotti – will I mentioned last weekend and will be sharing the recipe and a bit of the behind the scenes on how easy it is to make this next week. We aren’t necessarily low carb- but we are vegetarians and when it comes to ‘pasta’ & breads – my husband would literally eat them everyday (he is half Sicilian) and while I think that might be fun- my jeans would probably protest. haha. So, low carb versions are on repeat over here each week.
This is a snap from a styled shoot I worked on recently- love the flowers and the pretty bottles (and vino) you might recognize these Sofia bottles from a setting in my book.
Winter Garden
I mentioned last week that I was doing a bit of yard work – and yard work we did. We raked most of the oak leaves that had basically taken over the garden and lawn areas and it looks instantly more like spring already.
Though my husband did ask if I wanted him to leaved all of the leaves on the patio for another ‘autumn’ inspired shoot. The winter garden and greenhouse are mostly inside the greenhouse focused- though we do have some beets and cabbage out in the beds yet.
I go out walking
I used to run almost daily- before my joints have gotten pretty iffy and before I took that tumble & twisted (or broke?) my ankle while running downhill on the gravel. Obviously not a smart move- and my ankle reminds me of that stupidity almost daily. So now, while I on occasion will take off and go for a quick run- I spend most days walking. We do about 5 miles + a day including up hills and and back down to get our heart rates up.
Something I haven’t really talked about before too much- anxiety. It is something that can become a bit overwhelming sometimes and is kind of a part of ‘me’ that I have had to learn to understand and work on for as long as I can remember. A lot of folks take an anti anxiety medicine to help- and I was going to try that years ago- but had anxiety about taking the anxiety medicine. I kid you not. haha. So, instead – I move. I get out and move my body and burn off that extra energy that builds up. I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger and then switched to running- which is the biggest stress and anxiety reliever for me. Now I walk and hike and bike. I have heard from so many of you that especially this past year that anxiety has become a problem for you as well- which is absolutely understandable. I have thought about delving into it a bit more here and sharing some of what I have learned over the years if that might be helpful.
Rainy day blues
It has been raining cats and dogs here this week. Not necessarily a lot of the days- they have been mostly warm and beautiful. But when it did rain? It was a huge amount at one time each time. And of course, we found a decent leak in the bathroom ceiling one night. We have repaired the bathroom roof and ceiling probably 3 times- the most recent being a complete rip off and re-do. Those ceiling leaks then affect the floor and then we have a floor issue along with a ceiling issue. There is some weird angle at the top of the roofline that seems to be the problem consistently. And it affects just one of the bathrooms- which we believe was originally a ‘porch’ that they enclosed and turned into a bathroom- so maybe that is why. Though it has been re-done and repaired – somehow it always manages to let the water in and leak. My husband spent the day up on the roof yesterday- sealing, tarring and re-shingling again in the hopes that it will fix it. And I am keeping fingers crossed that the floor hasn’t already been damaged again.
Workshops
Yes. FINALLY. The workshops are finally coming together. I am working on a couple for spring sign ups- and will be sharing the first one in the next month hopefully. Please do let me know if there are any specific things you would love to know so we can jot down for future ideas. I am really hoping this will be another way we can connect and maybe I am able to help you to learn how to do something you would like to even more.
Coming up
Potager garden plan details
Zucchini noodle manicotti recipe & Video
Sofa vs chairs in the living room issue- and what I am planning.
And your favorite- Get the Look for Less: Bathroom Sink Vanity Console
All about Bucket- and what we have learned about having silkies so far
For last minute sweet treat ideas- you can find my favorite Cheesecake recipes HERE or create a sweets charcuterie board HERE
Happy Saturday all.
Carlene says
Love your newsletter and recipes. Really loved the table amOngst the leaves. Gave mE a great idea for next year.
Have a HaPpy Weekend also…
Michelle says
Hi Courtney!
I loved your post as always! I have a random question from Christmas if you don’t mind? I would like to re create your pink and white vintage TREE ( #1 of the 12/ I think?). Did you use the small 10″ or large 14″ Capriz star topper? My tree is 8ft.
I am making your PEAnut BUTTER CHEESECAKE for my valentine sweetheart! 💓
Happy SATURDAY!
Courtney says
Hi Michelle!
I believe it is the regular smaller sized Capiz star- but the frosted Fraser tree it was on is also smaller than an 8ft tree- so I think you would be okay with either one. I hope that helps! And I hope you love the peanut butter cheesecake too- it is soo good!
Teddee Grace says
GOOD LUCK WITH THAT LEAK. mY MOTHER, AND THEN MY SISTER AND HER HUSBAND WHO BOUGHT THE HOUSE WE GREW UP IN, HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN. mY DAD HAD ADDED A WONDERFUL SUN PORCH ONTO THE EAST SIDE OF THE HOUSE AND A LEAK DEVELOPED IN THE CEILING OF THE PORCH THAT NO ONE SOLVED AND NO REPAIR SUCCEEDED AS FAR AS I KNOW. MY SISTER AND HER HUSBAND SOLD THE FARM, INCLUDING THE HOUSE, “AS IS” AND I DON’T KNOW IF THE NEW OWNERS HAVE HAD BETTER LUCK DETERMINING THE SOURCE. SUCH LEAKS CAN BE TRULY PESKY.
Courtney says
It is so crazy! And interesting to know your family had a similar issues- old houses are full of crazy quirks! That leak seems to alway manage to find a way in. I really think it is because the roofline is different with it originally being a porch and so there must be some random 1940’s thing that is causing it. Hopefully the latest repairs fixed it -it didn’t leak when it rained again the other day- so keeping fingers crossed.
Karen says
Thank you so much for your post. I truly ENJOY each of them. THANK you for taking the time to share with us. I love French country and antiques. God bl you and your family.
Barbara Chapman says
Happy Saturday to you, Courtney! Long time no see… I hope your leak is fixed ~ what a pain… Our new house here in North Texas had a new roof put on in 2018, just before we bought it so it made it through Snow-Mageddon (this past week since Valentine’s)well.
I haven’t been over for a visit in a long while, sorry! Your sweet chickens are adorable!! Friends up in Auburn, CA area have had chickens for years and I always enjoy visiting them when I get the chance. <3
Hope all is well and yes I think everyone has anxiety these days. Ugh! If it's not one thing, it's another.
Hugs to you and glad your hubby retired, <3
Barb 🙂