Saturday, August 31, 2019

Ebb & Flow: August 2019

The highs and lows of the month.


I cannot believe I almost forgot to publish an Ebb and Flow. If that gives you any indication of the semi-frenetic past few days it is accurate. I just popped in from bringing in all the patio furniture and taking down all my wind chimes and bird feeders. I am sitting here sweating pools of saltwater into my sports bra and yoga pants but I wanted to get this out for my own peace of mind.

Perfume:
Solstice Scents Wolf Spirit.... I am always amazed anew when I spray this on just how damn good it is.

Perfume Oil:
Arcana Filthy Viking

Lotion:
Witch Baby Secret Order (sugared spruce scent)

Soap:
Bohemienne Life Shadow and Stache soap called CocoWood I think. I just ripped the label off and lathered with abandon so please excuse my lack of precise knowledge. It rocks.

Skincare:
Astrid Lotus Serum

Lip Balm:
PlantLife Lavender lip balm

Candle:
Sihaya and Company Peach and Ginger

Wax:
Handmade in Florida Lavender Ice

Eating:
Apples and Halloween candy

Drinking:
Starbucks Fall blend at home.

Watching:
The Good Place on and off

Reading:
Phantoms by Dean Koontz

Listening:
Leonard Cohen records

Awaiting:
Five Sisters Crafternoon next month.

Dreading:
The endless wait to see what Dorian decides to do.

Hit:
Nocturne Alchemy's Bastet Musk, it is freaking beautiful. Just like Serge Lutens Clair de Musc.

Miss:
La Abeja Herbs. Period. I placed an order for the Redwood Oil and the Pinon perfume. The Redwood Oil smelled of fast food grease soaked cardboard, going as far as to make me stink when I applied it. The Pinon perfume is about four times too expensive based on my pervious purchase from Kings Road Apothecary. La Abeja's perfume is $42 for a half ounce. It smells and feels almost to the exact match of King's Road Apothecary's Deep Woods oil. I actually prefer King's Road, and King's Road formula is just as great- natural, wild crafted and beautiful and also only $26 for 2 ounces which is about $7-8 a half ounce. Do that math. I am really almost pissed at that whole experience. Live and learn.

Low:
Trying to acclimate to my new job.

High:
Getting to know my students and having a great co-teacher. Plants. Reading. Exploring.

How was your August? Are you ready for fall?

Monday, August 26, 2019

Bohemienne Life: July Wax Crack Pre-Order


The past year or so I scaled way back on the wax tart purchases since I already had a butt-ton and I also knew I would be moving and the less wax to move, the better. After melting through a good chunk and then settling into the new place, I began to get the itch. The itch to try new scents. The itch to visit old favorites. The itch to buy wax again. 

So I did. 


I picked up a handful of Bohemienne Life Wax Crack when Kyme offered a pre-order back in July. I am finally getting around to showing them off and I am sitting on another bigger order I recently placed during her August pre-order. I love Kyme's blending, her unique wax brittle and her branding. That Outlander thistle shoots like an arrow to my heart. It doesn't help that I just got done shedding a few tears while watching the latest Outlander teaser where Jamie meets Brianna for the first time. >sigh<

A five ounce bakery bag of wax runs $6.25.


Haystacks & Bonfires- Notes: Hay, fires and toasted marshmallows.

I had not tried this one before, at least I don't recall trying it. After sniffing it from the bag I would remember laying my nose upon this perfectly autumnal fragrance. This is not your average marshmallow fireside with some dry leafy hay notes mixed in. This hay is rich alfalfa, with nuances of sweetgrass and airy chaff. It is complemented by woodsmoke that smells more distant than near and soft pillowy toasted marshmallows speared onto willowy green twigs. I love Haystack and Bonfires so much that I ordered a second bag at Kyme's August opening. 


Soul Sista- Notes: Black raspberries, creamy vanilla and pomegranate.

I had a feeling this would be incredible. And it is. Classic black raspberry vanilla goodness is elevated to new heights by technicolor pomegranates that smell of dark berries macerated in sweet red sangria. Soul Sista is vivid, tart, sugared and deliciously darkly fruity. This is also a new scent to me that I plan on repurchasing.


Zsadist- Notes: Apple, incense, musk and pine.

Those notes. How have I not tried this scent before. Freshly packed pine shavings formed into hand rolled incense cones smolder among piles of verdant pine needles and yellow-green apple peels. The earthy tang and smoky musk turn this more into a primitive Yule celebration out in nature rather than a festive Christmas scent. And I love it.


Standing Stones- Notes: Citrusy bergamot, lavender, basil, amber, sage and oak moss.

Standing Stones is a beautiful herbal scent plush with cool foggy mornings, dew and moss dappled monoliths and the wild sage, lavender and watercress that carpet the feet of the granite gateways that lead to unknown realms. Bergamot radiates through the scent, bathing it in orange light like a sunrise. It plays off the oakmoss in a complimentary manner much like the duet they have danced in perfumery via chypres and fougeres for ages.


The Green Faerie- Notes: A magical forest blend of flowers, woods and anise.

I have melted all my Green Faerie and missed it so. This beauty was scooped up quickly when I saw it made a return. My only mistake was that I didn't order two bags. This one throws strong and smells of woodsy absinthe. I love the green wormwood and fern like herbs combined with the subtle spice of anise. I will buy this one every time it is offered. Very unique and gorgeous.


Aqua Bleu- Notes: Cool ozonic salty sea spray, grapefruit, bergamot, kelp, coconut and sun bleached driftwood.

Aqua Bleu is a crisp aquatic scent buffeted by creamy coconut. There is a sharpness to it like the bitter pith of a grapefruit that lends a bolt of lightening. Aqua Bleu is a brilliant summer scent and I am excited to melt it. I have a feel a little piece will go a long way.


Free samples:

Pacific Pine is an old favorite. It reminds me of a creamier and sweeter version of Citrus and Balsam. It is a beautiful holiday aroma that I highly recommend if you are an evergreen lover.

Lavender Pumpkin Spice is new to me. It is a very rich and thick pumpkin flesh aroma first and foremost with a robust clove and nutmeg spice and herbal lavender as well. 


Monet soap bar sliver is a cobalt dream that brims with soft musk and abundant beauty. Kyme's soaps are some of my very favorite. I am currently washing with Shadow and 'Stache that I purchased a while back so I am saving this sliver for next. 

Have you ordered from Bohemienne Life lately? Any recommendations for scent to try? How is your wax stash doing?

Friday, August 23, 2019

Arcana Wildcraft: Night-Tripping Fairies

These perfumes were sent as a gift from Julia. All opinions are my own.


Julia, the perfumer at Arcana Wildcraft, released a late summer collection of scents built around Midsummer fairies and it is as enchanting as it sounds. I am thrilled to not only announce this opening but also the fact that Julia is selling samples!!! A 1/3 dram is $6, a 5ml bottle is $26 and a 15ml bottle is $76. Orders over $40 ship for free. Are you ready to float down into A Midsummer Night's scented Dream?


Puck- Notes: An impish, confounding blend of cotton candy, green fig, coconut milk, cannabis bud, mugwort, Indian sandalwood, Omani frankincense, brown sugar and a sprinkle of fairy dust.

Puck is one mischievous and sexy scented sprite. Rays of sunshine spark off shimmering yellow drops of frankincense resins clinging to tree bark, or is that the glimmer of clever eyes from some spry fiend? Either way that frankincense is heady with sweetness and a touch of grassy hemp when sniffed from the bottle. Dancing on the wrists, the opulent resins lose some of their haughtiness, gamboling with creamy figs and earthen mugwort. These are the true treasures of the woods, guarded with zeal and zest. As the incense and dulcet figs twirl slower and slower, their cadence lulling into a waltz, a lock of sweet dark smoke curls delicately at the edges of the frolicsome forest scene. Molasses blackened sugar and incensed sandalwood are the final slow dance partners, smoldering in the darkness. Puck is sweetly saturnine. If you like dark incense with dusky figs and a touch of smoldering woods then this is a must. It is my new favorite fig fragrance.


Cobweb- Notes: Pistachio gelato and vanilla ice cream over soft forest mosses and wild-harvested fir tips.

Creamy pistachio ice cream, light on the sugar and heavy on the custardy texture, lies in a pine hewn bowl with a sprig of evergreen tucked into the side as a garnish. The evergreen aroma is very subdued with a gray mossy base. These impressions arise fresh from the bottle. Once on the skin the pistachio emits a feathery almond aroma wrapped in its papery seed coat. Desiccated vanilla bean husks infuse the gossamer-light pistachio ice cream while earthy bark supports those delicate strands of confection. This is a fragile beauty that dances the line between gourmand vanilla treat and dry darkling humus. How are these perfumes orchestrated so intricately? Cobweb is my new favorite pistachio scent. I am sensing a trend with this collection.


Titania- Notes: Freshly baked vanilla cakes, sweet honeysuckle blossoms and a soft, warm bed of summer grass.

Titania's fragrant dichotomy between living grass with a bouquet of lemony honeysuckle and caramel vanilla baked goods emerges from the bottle in a surprisingly festive aroma. A summer picnic with grass blades bending in pillowy hills under a white linen blanket come to mind. Honeysuckle vines twine with passion flowers and jasmine, out climbing each other up lemon trees. The citrus boughs hanging with bright coins of yellow fruit over a wicker basket stuffed with honeyed cakes. The perfume of festivity and romance on a sunny day. On the tender skin of the wrists Titania vacillates between those creamy vanilla fairy cake notes and lemongrass tartness. The heart of Titania holds loamy soil in its gingery roots along with the sweets and emerald grass. As it dries down a camphorous zing illuminates the vanilla and greenery, much like a spark of turpentine. Is is pine? Patchouli? Rosemary? Perhaps none of them, but it adds an element of mystery to the queen's sunlit domain. 


Quick Bright Things (new formula)- Notes: Sweet lavender absolute, French vanilla, wild orange, ruby grapefruit, sandalwood, amber resin, a dash of cognac, and a hint of green violet absolute.

Julia announced during this release that she had always desired to reformulate Quick Bright Things and this collection was the ideal opportunity for that to happen. I was gifted the original version of this scent by my friend Lizzie in a swap and instantly fell head over heels for it. I was curious as to what changes Julia wanted to make to it. Here is my previous review:

In the bottle lies a dreamy mixture perfect for summertime: melting vanilla and orange Dreamcicles and sugared lavender buds. Hyppo gourmet ice pops should make this a flavor- lavender and blood orange sorbet swirled with vanilla bean custard. Oh my. Dabbed onto the wrists the same scent lifts up then the lavender truly spouts into a field of purple spikes that sway under the beat of tiny fairy wings. Julia crafts magic with her lavender notes, this one is earthen, piney and a smidge smoky. The citrus glints in the aroma like sunset hued fireflies sparking above the lavender fields. A grounding of smooth woods and resins enrich the perfume and lend the Quick Bright Things that flutter within the scent a stillness and a quiet place to land. This is a beautiful perfume that wears easily in spring and summer time.

l find the new formula is just as lovely but with different nuances. Where the original opens with a strong creamy orange vanilla smack, the newer one actually leans more piney lavender and violet in its opening. Though the orange sherbet and vanilla treat still lingers in Quick Bright Things, the essence has shifted into something more tangibly magical and therapeutic. I love both versions and will keep and wear them but what tickles me is to have this experience of seeing a perfume's evolution through a perfumer's process like this. I think I will be very happy wearing one on my right arm and one on my left and truly feeling how they morph and twist as the day goes by. Ratios are cool.


Moth- Notes: Lilac-infused champagne, wild-harvested juniper berries and boughs, white iris, dry vanilla bean soda, silken wings and cool water.

Moth is beautiful. Bubbly juniper with gin-like aquatic dewdrops on full bodied iris petals flutters from the bottle. Dappled on the skin, the perfume of silvery iris and velvety lilac flit along the wind carried by fizzy aldehydes. As the breeze lightens the florals, a cottony juniper fluffs out the heart of the scent. Powdery light as the scales on a moth's wing and just as beautiful in the bargain. Paired with a leathery suppleness. As it dries down hints of vanillic yet hay-like coumarin seep into the base. Moth is simply gorgeous.


Mustardseed- Notes: Jasmine sambac, amber resin, woody amber accord, abmre blanc, dragon's blood resin and a curl of smoke.

Based on scent notes alone I knew this one would go straight to my heart. Boozy amber, woody dragon's blood and the smallest exhale of jasmine lift its spore from the glass bottle. Jasmine blooms in profusion as the gilded perfume oil trails down the skin, wet and shimmering. The narcotic and creamy bursts of jasmine are quickly joined by rusty hued dragon's blood incense and slivers of kindling. Amber with leather and wood tones act as the fecund and nourishing bed that the other notes sprout out of. Mustardseed is the scent of Radagast the Brown's warm sepia heart where all flora and fauna are nurtured with magic and love. 


Oberon- Notes: Wild-harvested pine needles, wild sweet orange, Atlas cedarwood, cypress leaf, fir branch, pink pepper, wet stone, honeywood, and shimmering salt crystals. 

Pine, cedar and wet dewy green leaves germinate from the vial. On the flesh the pine and cedar truly come to life. Julia is a master perfumer but her work with woods and mosses, specifically pine and evergreens, is iconic. This fragrance illustrates why. Pliant pine needles rustle against balsamic cedars, their papery barks peppering the air. One of my favorite Serge Lutens perfumes, Fille en Aiguilles actually comes to mind. Julia is incredible. The natural spice and nuances of these trees comes across beautifully while the rounded and gilded tang of orange serves to only highlight their complexity. Oberon is the coniferous soul of the woods, aromatic and benevolent.


Peaseblossom- Notes: Blushing sakura blossoms entwine with delicate orchids, pink patchouli, wild raspberries and gold pomelo.

Peaseblossom tips fruity-floral on its ear by adding a darkly delicious wildness to the genre. Sticky sweet raspberries and sugared ruby grapefruits bob up from the vial in an intoxicating elixir infused with magenta blooms. The merest whiff of minty patchouli lurks in the feral places within. On the skin the raspberry and robust pomelo take on a juicy tartness that grafts effortlessly with the musk of pink cherry blossoms. The sakura swell into drifts of snowy petals in the heart of the scent. Soft downy patchouli, more clean than earthen, tucks the petals in for the evening to rest amid the spent leaves. 

I appreciate perfume and fragrance. That is known. I also want to acknowledge that being able to sit and mellow in these scents was highly therapeutic for me this week. I needed this time to focus only on my senses and the beauty I was experiencing. Julia has crafted an extremely cohesive yet beguiling line with this. I am infatuated with many of these. My very dear favorites are: Oberon (pine and cedar lovers please get it), Cobweb, Moth, Mustardseed and Puck with Quick Bright Things right there in the oldie but goodie spot. Are you a Shakespeare fan? What perfume notes are you gravitating towards right now?

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Melting Basket 142


Wax from the last basket I enjoyed and would buy again: Three Ravens Myrkwood, Handmade in Florida Moroccan Mint Tea, TSGS Patchouli Vanilla Teakwood Rose and CFTKR Celtic Moonspice and Creamy Peppermint Serendipity. 

Speaking of Creamy Peppermint Serendipity:
It melted with a medium-strong throw in the kitchen area. I loved the creamy coconut and cheerful cherry aspects of the Serendipity. The vanilla peppermint made the scent even more enjoyable by lending a touch of cool creaminess to the aroma. I think if Minnie Mouse's home had a scent it would be this. 

Current Melting Basket Scents:
The Bathing Garden- Iced Peppermint Cordial <3 gift
TSGS- Embers, Blue Sugar, Marshmallow Fireside <3 gift
Handmade in Florida- Lavender Ice
CFTKR- Strawberry Cotton Candy
CFTKR- Fresh Picked Strawberry
CFTKR- Strawberry Cotton Candy Sugar Cookie
CFTKR- Grapefruit and Mint
CFTKR- Tonka and Vetiver
CFTKR- Silver Birch and Vetiver
CFTKR- Green Goddess
CFTKR- Day Tripper
CFTKR- Cucumber and Oakmoss

I wanted to melt several fruity scents to transition myself into some fall apple melting soon. I love how rich and full bodied the strawberry scents are and figured it would make a nice sweet segue into those ruby red apples. If you are curious about how any of these perform just comment and I will do I melted review for you.


I am going to engage in some thanksgiving to reset my thinking patterns and step out of the briars for a minute here. I just got finished reading that Barbara Kingsolver book about eating locally and getting back into the soil and small farming and it really hit a nerve with me. She expounded the benefits of eating locally: local produce, meats (if you partake) and various commodities. These reasons mostly revolved around reducing our carbon footprint by consuming less global goods but there were other significant reasons as well. I won't go into all of them (read the book!) but it did spur me on to explore my new local area more thoroughly. 


Turns out Orlando has a strong Slow Food chapter. Turns out Lake Meadow Naturals farm is only five minutes down the road where I have picked up eggs directly from the hens, steaks from grass fed cows raised right there 1/2 mile down the road and fruits and veggies abound. Turns out Winter Garden has a great farmer's market on Saturdays where Savanna and I pick up rainbow carrots grown in Gainesville and artisan cheeses made down the road. 


Turns out there are a lot of perks to our new home area.


Good places for food. Mom and Pop garden nurseries. Fresh water springs to swim. Places to hike trails.


 So today I am going to make some lists. Some places I would like to explore. 

You know how I like my lists.


And flowers. I like my flowers too. 

What are you thankful for right now?

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Sniff My Tarts: June Opening Custom Order


Even though this past year or so I have been cutting back on my wax tart orders (boy has that turned around this past month, but more about that later) I still always make a point to place a Sniff My Tarts custom order when that semi-annual event transpires. Funny story. I knew June 22nd was the slated opening that Amy and Donna Haslam announced in their Facebook group. For some reason I thought it was at 7am rather than pm so when I woke up that morning I popped right on and placed my order. Turns out it was supposed to be 7pm but I guess I caught the website open during a testing phase or something. Amy messaged me laughing saying that I wasn't the only one who placed an order during that brief moment, apparently a few of us were up and at 'em. The up side was that my small order came pretty quickly.

This time around the smallest blending shape was a mini decorated loaf so I opted to get the limit on those. 

Blue Sugar/Fireside/Marshmallow Fireside/Campfire Marshmallows ($7.50) is one of my favorite blends in the bunch. I have really come around to loving Blue Sugar blends, especially when they are highlighted with subtle smoky woods and loads of gooey toasted marshmallows. 

Celtic Moonspice/Cinnamon Sugar/Old Fashioned Christmas/Twigs 'n Berries was my shot at a cozy spiced Christmas scent. I like the sweet cinnamon pairing with the evergreens but I think the punchy fruity scents from Twig 'n Berries wasn't my best call. I will still happily melt it though. I really love how cute these mini loaves turned out. The trees on this one are too cute.


I did spring for one bakery bag of chunks ($11.20) in a blend of Apple Cinnamon/Celtic Moonspice/Country Christmas/Pink Noel and I love how it turned out. The apples have a cider richness with extra caramel sweetness that must be coming from the Pink Noel. The cinnamon spice is not fiery but cozy and warm. A winner for sure.


More adorable loaves in:

Peppermint Swizzle Sticks/Marshmallow Noel & Candy/Pink Sugar which couldn't come at a better time since I just melted through my SMT Pink Peppermint stash. Peppermint Swizzle Sticks is icy fine and just perfect for minty melting.

Peppermint/Blue Sugar/Creamy Coconut/Marshmallow Noel & Candy ended up being a great blend for my liking as well. I love for the coconut cream softens the Blue Sugar. Add peppermint and it sends it over the top into stratosphere love for me. 


The final mini loaf was a random blending of Cotton Candy Frosting/Elderberry/Elderflower & Spritz Poptail/Fizzy Pop. I don't know what made me blend all these together but I am happy I did. It is like if there was a jasmine and strawberry craft soda out there with a tuft of cotton candy garnish and I want to drink it. But I get to melt it instead. 

I also grabbed two single macaron scents ($3.50) in Candy Cane and Butter Mints. Candy Cane is a lighter mint with stronger fruity tones than a traditional peppermint. The Butter Mints is also a softer mint as far as chill factor. The creamy airy aorma of after dinner mints is present. Both are nice minty blending options for those who like a more mellow chill. I can see myself mixing the Butter Mints with spearmint and evergreens.


Free samples came in my order! Whoo hoo!! 

Blue Sugar/ Marshmallow Fireside/Caramel Tobacco seemed tailor made just for me. I love it. The caramel tobacco and blue sugar go really well together and the addition of my favorite Bath & Body Works scents makes it all the better. Whom ever created this. I bow down to your blending prowess.

Watermelon/Peach Nectar/Coconut Cream Pie is a nice last ditch summer scent to have on hand. The watermelon and peach actually meld beautifully and the coconut sends it from a midwestern summer sprinkler romp to a tropical frozen concoction by the beach. 

Two cute scones in Vanilla Pumpkin Marshmallow are creamy and yummy and poised for accidental snacking. The pumpkin is not spiced and more bakery than pie but oh so delish. 

I am very happy with my Sniff My Tarts order as usual. I do wish I was more prepared as far as blending. I actually threw all these together while ordering extemporaneously. Most turned out fabulous since I did stick with my favorite notes. 

So back to wax confessional time. I was a good girl for a very long time. Stress has made me a bad girl once again. But heck. I need that aromatherapy. I ordered twice from Bohemienne Life (orders to be featured soon!) and once from Vintage Chic Scents and once from Rosegirls. Here I am hitting up all my old stomping grounds. I missed my annual fall Dessa order but I made up for it at VCS and RG. 

Have you placed your fall wax order yet? Where are you getting yours from? What fall scents are you most looking forward to melting?

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Ready for Fall


Back-to-school has officially commenced around here and it has brought some smiles and some tears. Between navigating the delicate nature of adolescent loneliness and my own classroom challenges, my heart feels extra tender and my mind exhausted. 


I know fall is just around the corner and I am more than ready for it. I am ready for the tiny pleasures of pumpkin spice, humidity free breezes and apple pie baking. I crave mosquito-less bonfires and farmers' markets. I want to make squash soup and take evening walks around the neighborhood. I want these things because I am needing some comforts I think.


It's strange to me. There was once a point in my life where I was newly married, hugely pregnant, working full time as a middle school teacher at a Title One school while also putting myself through a rigorous Master's program where I even gave birth 3 months before I graduated and while doing my research. Sure I had moments of stress and doubt but I banged on. Got through. I am not sure if it is my older age or what, but the idea of going back to school for Montessori certification, taking ESOL courses, Gifted endorsements and teaching full time while trying to settle into a new community and home really has thrown me. I am finding it difficult to reconcile. To breathe. I am finding myself tired just thinking about it.


As a teacher I know learning is forever. It is a road that weaves and bends but never quite reaches the end. But this old gal just wants a downhill trot for a little bit longer. 


And a pumpkin spice coffee every now and again.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Silver Run Ceramics: Curio Mug


Michelle at Silver Run Ceramics is a seriously talented artist. She not only shows her passion and creativity through her art but also in the way she runs her business. When I had initially purchased this mug it had a minute hairline crack in the rim. Normally I don't mind imperfections but I was afraid it would compromise the mug and eventually lead to breakage. I shipped the mug back to her and she readily made me a replacement.  


I truly appreciated it. This curiosity mug features a handful of bluebird specimens, cicadas, teeth and eggs, nests and snakes and fish among other natural fascinations.


The detail is impressive. The colors are vibrant.


I happily drink from this piece as often as possible.



If you haven't followed Michelle on Instagram you are missing out. Watching her creative process is inspiring. 


I have been behaving reasonably well as far mug purchases. I have one custom from CBe Ceramics on its way eventually but that is it. I believe my collection is in its final stages. When I get my display completed I will feature it all. 

Do you collect anything? How do you know it is complete? 

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Sawdust & Embers: Gray Willow

 This candle was sent free from Sawdust & Embers. All opinions are my own.


It has been a little while since I had a nice crackly woodwick. Lately I have been burning candles left and right and this one spoke back. I love my woodwicks and Sawdust & Ember is a great place to get artisan woodwick candles. 

I have found that I do love their tin candles the best. They burn evenly and throw amazingly. This one is the smaller travel version.

Gray Willow- Notes: Green tea, willow and moss.
Gray Willow throws medium-strong in a large area and paints the room with feathered gray and green brushstrokes. Billowing oakmoss is softened by ferns and weeping willow boughs that bend and trail their fingers through the dense river fog. This scent is beautiful and graceful, making for a serene and relaxing home atmosphere.


Sawdust & Embers is currently under some maintenance but the owner assured me it would be open very soon. 

Yesterday was my first day back at work. It was nice to see all the teachers smiling and hugging, greeting one another with genuine enthusiasm at the start of the year. I still have some jitters over getting started but I know once I get to know my kiddos it will all fall into place. 

Do you have a teacher you will never forget? What about them stuck in your heart?

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Welcome To My Home!


Good morning! Welcome to my new home! Things are definitely settling down but there remains some work and organizing to do as you will see. But first, this is the small patch by the front door where I am building a butterfly garden. The previous owner left these cute medallions on the wall with a butterfly, dragonfly and honey bee. You can see them in the upper right corner. 


I am planning on adding more pentas and mulching with pine needles soon. I also think I want to add some herbs here and there too since it is by the front door so I can pop out and snip some for dinner. 



Walking in the front door leads to the living room. I am beyond thrilled to have my very first fireplace. Even if I have to turn on the A/C to use it, it will happen. I am tinkering with the idea of painting the bookshelves a dark gray but not sure it will stick. Eventually there will be a new couch and chair and coffee table but not anytime in the near future. I am most thrilled to have extra space on my bookshelves for more books. 


To the right is the kitchen and girls' rooms, guest room and guest bathroom. To the left is the master bedroom and bathroom.


I kept my old bookshelf but not sure what I will put on it yet. The photos aren't staying there, I have just yet to find their spots.


In the living room by the couch is a super cool mountain shelf from Achy Joint Creations that my friend Deb's husband Kurth made. I bought it to hold plants and rocks and things. We have four skylights in the house so plants are going everywhere.


The kitchen is heaven. The previous owners put a ton of work into this home that was built in 1981: new flooring, new windows, new roof, new molding, new kitchen pretty much. There isn't a lot of updating for me to do but small stuff. I am going to add a piece of lumber to the back of the floating shelves so that the mugs will be tiered like steps and better able to be viewed. 



The kitchen flows into the dining room. Adam and I went to Renniger's in Mt. Dora and picked up this table. I found some chairs on clearance at Marshalls. The previous owners left the IKEA mirror above the built-in buffet. 


There is also a sunroom. It was painted yellow but I repainted it to Behr paints Flora. It is a light minty green. I also used that color in the guest bathroom and I plan on using it in the guest bedroom too. 



I plan on putting a butcher block on top of the two IKEA shelves Scarlette and I assembled to use as a large desk for my sewing machine and our laptop. As you can see I have a ton of work in this room. It is where my crafting and odds and ends items live for now.


But I am finding places for things to go here and there. 


I have to say the big back yard is everything I dreamed and more. Toddles even likes going out on the patio now. The view from the kitchen table is pretty nice. 


The pool is pretty handy after a day of digging up old landscaping and putting in new plantlings. Scarlette and I tend to be in it the most. I guess we got the lion's share of mermaid in our blood.


The sunny area of the backyard will be where my raised beds are going to go once I get those underway. I have a huge itch to garden. So I think once my paychecks start rolling in that is what I will spend my resources first. There is the cutest little nursery close by called Green Acres and I adore it. I foresee many trips back and forth. 

As I continue to flesh out the living quarters and garden I will update here and there.

Thanks for joining me on a brief house tour! It was nice having you over. <3