light, comfy and serene ~ and my car news

 Good morning from snowy Illinois! It started snowing late last night and we have a few inches on the ground right now. I am sitting on the couch in my living room and all I can see is a big tree with the snow gently falling. I have to admit, it's very peaceful looking. 

Ever since I took down my Christmas decorations and January rolled around, I knew I wanted my house to feel and look lighter. I guess it's the whole "clean start" feeling of January. I've even been cleaning out drawers, files, and a closet.

Lighter doesn't have to mean sterile and cold. You can still make a room feel warm and inviting with the use of texture, layers, throws, candles, and twinkle lights.

Last week, I had a lovely visit with a neighbor whom I'm getting to know better. We've known each other on a casual basis for many years, but lately through social media, we've gotten to know each other more. We decided to have tea and chat at her house. We were discussing our homes and decor. She said, "I get the feeling that your house is serene." I hope it's both comfy and serene!

 

Maybe I'm also craving a fresh feeling in my home as we go through these long, dark winter nights...but yet are now moving towards more light.

It doesn't matter what decorating trend or colors you like and incorporate into your home; what matters is that your home is your safe refuge from the world. Your nest. Your serene and comfortable place to relax and just be.

In other news...in my last post, I had written about my 2001 Honda Accord misfiring. I was waiting to hear from the mechanic and hoping it wasn't bad news; i.e., something expensive, like the engine. Turned out to be good news! It only needed some tune-up parts. The expenses were reasonable. However, last week the rear wheel locked up while Brian was driving the car into a tire place to get one of the tires looked at. Turned out to be the rear brakes. Since this was an emergency situation, we had to get the car fixed there. That wasn't pretty. These chain places are known to inflate their prices and try to upsell. Instead of getting upset about the bill, we let it go because we knew there wasn't anything we could do. We were just thankful that Brian didn't get into an accident, that he was right near a car shop when the wheel locked up, and that my car is fine now. Hooray - no car shopping just yet!

Have a blessed, light-filled, serene week.

weekend fulfillment

 Yesterday was about celebrating Dad.

My own father has been gone 14-1/2 years. He passed away at age 63 from

heart disease - artherosclerosis, to be exact. This picture of me and

my dad was taken around 1965. I showed the picture to Tim. He stared at it

for a minute and then said, "Dang, that's old!"

I wanted to celebrate my husband yesterday as a father. A lot of you know that

we have two boys - Phil and Tim. And that Phil passed away in Sept. 2009 at

the age of 21. Every day is hard, but I knew Father's Day would be especially

hard for Brian. It sounds cliche to say that he's "the most wonderful" husband

and father, but it's true. He is so devoted to his family and works incredibly hard

for us. He truly puts all our needs first and himself last.

 Since Brian had to work all day and we're not all into presents for Father's Day,

I thought I'd whip up a little feast. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, right?

Even Tim got a kick out of me posting the menu on the fridge. He said, "You're so cute,

mama." I set the table with a pretty tablecloth and a vase of peonies and daisies.

Sorry, forgot to take pictures of the table and food last night. 

 After filling our bellies, we relaxed on the patio with our reading material.

Brian said he had a really good day ~ and that's exactly what I wanted for him.

And that dang thrifting bug bit me again this weekend. Peskier than a mosquito, but

much more inviting. My usual Goodwill haunt had some good stuff ~ like these

Enzo Angiolini shoes. I only buy used shoes if they look like they're almost-new.

There must be something in my family blood...me, my mom, and my aunt all have

a plate addiction. I saw these gorgeous plates made by I. Godinger & Co.  

and had to snag a  couple of them. Where in the world I'm going to put them

 or how I'm going to use them, I don't know yet. The colors don't match my kitchen.

Now this sweet little blue and white pitcher goes perfectly in my kitchen. 

It's just a cheap one - made in Japan - but for 99 cents and matching my

 decor, I'm in!

Ooh...retro Mikasa Pastelle sugar and creamer! Love these.

Little vintage pressed flowers pictures that will be perfect in the fall...

 I love my coffee and have a few coffee pictures around my kitchen. Haven't decided

exactly where in the kitchen these will go yet, but I "play" with decor all the time, so

it will eventually be figured out.

I was thrilled to find this kitty doorstop! Our bedroom door hinges were squeaky so Brian

oiled them, but now the door closes on its own. I was grabbing a milk glass bowl that

holds some of my bracelets to hold the door open, but that didn't exactly look nice. 

The cat is purrfect. And, I can always use more terra cotta planters in my gardens.

Again, at 99 cents each, can't be beat.

 Hope your weekend was lovely and fulfilling.