Old family photos, rose gardens and garden roses & gray eyeshadow … welcome to the weekend view.
Garden Roses
I mentioned last week that I had an abundance of pretty in the house with flowers from the SF Flower Mart. It was for a project I was working on and when it was wrapped up- those blooms went all over the house to be enjoyed. This particular garden rose in the arrangement above was one that was an unexpected treasure. In bold, rich pink and with all those ruffles- it was instantly the star of the show in the arrangements I was working on. It is not a David Austin Garden Rose- but is a Japanese Garden Rose called Wabara Miyabi – so gorgeous!
Old Family Photos
With the family tree project continuing yesterday- I sorted through several albums of old family photos to find some of grandparents to share with them and bumped into some treasures that I am planning to frame. I love this one of my grandmother. She looks so happy and is holding a camera- maybe my love of photography came from her. If you remember the story of when we bought this house- it was my grandmother who gave me her camera and insisted that I take photos of the before so that I could look back at where we started.
And these photos – in the top that is my dad, my little brother and I (with the blond hair) and my two step sisters (at the time- my dad has since divorced and remarried again) We were fishing on the dock at Lake Tahoe. I remember that dock so well- it was at a house we rented every summer for 2 weeks for vacation- Tahoe in summer is a most favorite place to be.
The other photos- I love the snap of my grandfather in the water so much. He was so handsome and looked so happy. He literally wore that same outfit- the plaid shirt and khaki trousers- even in his 80’s. The next is my mom- she looks just the same I swear – other than the hair haha- she has blond hair and less ‘pouf’ now. My brother joked recently that my mom seems to never age- that she has looked the same forever. The next is my great-grandmother ‘Nana’ -I remember that she was always smiling – just like she is holding one of her grandkids here- and from the stories I have heard about when she was young- she was a feisty one.
Of course- I also bumped into an older photo of my husband and I- maybe around 12-15 years ago on the beach in Santa Cruz, CA. You can see our tiny pup Bella in the corner as well. This family tree project is so much fun with my nieces- and it is such a treat to be able to have a bit of FaceTime with the girls every week.
Planning a Rose Garden
We are pausing the cottage renovations and starting on a rose garden project next week- mainly because those roses should have already been in the ground and we need to get them started. This is an expansion on what we started planting last year- I added a couple rows of various garden roses and herbs – so this will basically create a whole new area for more. Since I use so many cut flowers in my designs and home all year- I figured why not add even more to the property. Already the hellebores are blooming and we have a few tulips and other bulbs – and the camellia tree just started popping out alllllll those blooms. You might remember how it is absolutely covered in flowers in spring- it is incredible.
Makeup & Outfits
I don’t talk a lot about beauty and fashion here. Okay- I don’t talk about beauty and fashion At All here is probably a more accurate statement. To be honest, I am not a fashion fashion girl. I am fairly easy and basic when it comes to clothes. Most days you will find me wearing a very similar look. I love my everyday bootcut jeans and boots (skinny jeans and my hips have a love hate relationship) I love my girly dresses and- favorites all year long – my long winter coats. Random- I know. But honestly, I wear the same colors- mostly black and denim on repeat. When I am traveling (anyone remember traveling? ) of course, I love to dress up a bit and do have some favorite things for that too though.
And with makeup- the funny thing is my daughter (above) is a queen when it comes to makeup and glamming herself up and she always looks incredible. She is what I would say is ‘Goals’ with eyebrows, cheekbones- you name it. And she always says it is partly because she knows how to contour and do makeup and all that jazz- and really play up her beautiful features. Me on the other hand? Let’s just say that I have been wearing the same lipstick shade for as long as I can remember. And pretty much the same brown eyeshadow as well. Well this week, I used the gray that was in the eyeshadow palette and felt like a new woman. It doesn’t take much folks. haha. But it really made the color of my eyes look a lot different- which is something I would expect from a bold change of color- but not so much in a slightly different change. But it just shows that even if you aren’t a make up guru- you can make simple changes on occasion and enjoy it.
Really though- I have been asked to add a touch of fashion here- and so, even as basic as I am with things- I may start sharing some of my favorite date night outfits, or even everyday outfits-and the little tweaks to things like makeup that I am trying and the skin care products that I love. And maybe I can get my daughter to give some makeup tips too
Wandering
Oh how I love to wander the internet and find things that inspire me to share with you each week.
Create: I Love these paper daffodils- and they are so easy to make
Inspire: These spring centerpiece ideas are giving me all the floral filled feelings.
AND My book Inspired Gatherings is ON SALEhttps://amzn.to/3uYXOfS big time right now- regular $35 – it is just $22 right now– a perfect time to grab a few copies for gifts.
Coming your way- more about mood boards and furniture arranging- you Loved seeing different ideas and design ideas for spaces last week and so- I am going to start sharing a bit more of those with you. Stay tuned for some of the Rose Garden inspirations & ideas and also, another 1 room several ways post.
The finished bathroom? We are so close folks. The sink plumbing is FINALLY hooked up and working properly – I will just say vintage sinks are not the easiest to work with- but they are incredible. I am hoping to get the tiling completely wrapped and get that finished room shared soon.
That simple floral and greens arrangement from the living room, a coop tour and that first workshop- and more. All coming your way in March.
Happy Weekend all.
EG Edelson says
I Like the new ideas for your posts. Daughters seem to be current with make Up skills and trends. If possible consider more on Gardens and gardening in your posts. Would love to see more of your property and how you have Added garden areas and roses to enhance it. Your Roses are always sO stunning. When installing your new roses if Possible can you share the names of your choices. I know i will love them. Lastly, please show us your Hellebores !! I would love to see them among your garden beds. Can wait To see more of your spring posts. Thanks for sharing
Courtney says
Daughters definitely are more current! She does a lot of online modeling work as well so knows a few secrets of the trade so to speak. I will be sharing all the details and the garden once we get it going- and will grab some photos of the hellebores too- I haven’t cut any just yet- I am letting them grow in a bit but will trim some soon.
Jenny says
What a joy all around. Good questions and answers. Love it all CourtNEYand hubbs.
kim says
I love todays blog. Everything in it is of interest to me. I love your new look, please tell me you used other products also you look great. I really dont use much makeup either but thats probably because i really dont know how to apply it. Ask your daughter to please share her secreats. have a great weekend.
kim
Courtney says
That is great to hear- I will let my daughter know. And yes- I definitely do use other make-up to try and help the look- plus with lighting and everything- oftentimes it makes you look better in a photo.
Cathy Guess says
I am a new blog FOLLOWER, and look forward to yOur future blog posts! Happy Weekend!
Cathy
Courtney says
Welcome Cathy!! Have a great weekend too!
Aussie Jo says
Another “WOW” post
Michelle says
Wow! You and your daughter are both beautiful! Like you, I love to DECORATE and shop for my my home, but I’m very simple and classic when it COMEs to my wardrobe and make up. Love how your eye shadow softens and brightens your eyes. Like your lip color too, would you SHARE your brand and color? By the way, I found two champaign pillows at TJMax yesterday AND thank you! Love them. I am also in the process of duplicating your new living room floral. CAN’T wait to see more of your Little Cottage too. Love your blogs Courtney!
Courtney says
My go -to is Loreal Bronze Coin lipstick.:)
Michele M. says
I so can see the resemblance you have with your grandmother. Love her old pic with camera – so you. it’s priceless.
That is your daughter? holy smokes, wow, she is a stunning beauty. is she a model? should be – i thought it was an ad till i read it. WOW.
Hope you are having a fabulous weekend.
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
I love seeing your old photos, what a fun project. I cannot wait to tsee the roses and the bathroom. As for your fashion posts, you are a beautiful woman and whatever you chose to share you will look fabulous.
PAM says
dear Precious Courtney 🙂 I have been following you for quite some time & always enjoy your forever delightfully precious French style & love your heart! I always keep close in heart your wonderful Quote from Winnie the Pooh ~about stepping out of the forest to Find your way. 🙂 & Adore roses~ France 🙂 & Photography ~ of which yours are all stunning! what moved me to write was the most darling picture of you & your husband ~as you look just like the Actress Bridget Moynahan ~ it’s amazing! You & your sweet daughter look just like your mom ~& your daughter looks just like you! thank you for you & all the sweet beauty & love you give~ & lil precious sweet Pea is adorable! With love ~ PAM 🙂 HOWIE 🙂 & PRECIOUS LIL COCO JOY 🙂 ~ OUR SWEET PET!
Kathryn says
Your posts just make my day. I love it all. The old photos are so heartwarming. My favorite is youR grandmother with the gorgeous vintage camera. Love all the garden pics and tips. Im still waiting for spring tO arrive here.
Karen B. says
I find something useful in every post so I know I’ll enjoy any new ideas you incorporate. I have been wanting to start a family tree and your post certainly gave me a gentle push. 😊
Most of all, as an avid gardener I love your information about flowers and plants.
xo,
Karen
Janine Waite says
Courtney,
Oh my goodness, thanks so much for the share! I feel so honored! I’m always inspired by all that you create!