My Bathroom Project Is Done!

This summer has been almost completely void of adventure and there’s a good reason for that. You see, I have been staying home because of a remodeling project in my master bathroom.

My wonderful cousin did the work for me but he mostly could only work on Saturdays so all my day trip days were spent at home. Also, all my day trip money was spent on this project so that worked out nicely! Ha!

Normally by this time I would have at least five or six really good day trips under my belt and maybe some hikes. Instead, I have been doing household chores and reading while Nathan worked.

Now the work is done and I’m thrilled to have things put together and looking nice. He did a great job!

The project started because there was a leak at the shower. Repairing that leak was a good excuse to replace the flooring because carpet in a bathroom is an awful idea. As long as we were doing that, it made sense to replace the 23 year old toilet and stand alone tub and then there was the matter of the sink….

You get the idea.

It was a pyramid scheme, this bathroom of mine.

But it’s all done with fixtures and colors that I find timeless and calming. This wall is the focal point. There’s still some work to be done with rearranging things. I like the variety of old and new, farmhouse and polish, gold next to black metal and white fixtures.

I value the small details like this hook for my pjs. The swan reminds me of my stay at the Broadmoor where there are nods to the swans around the property.

The shower is a pure delight in the morning with vintage style knobs and a great shower head. I especially lIke the pretty doors but decided to frame them with some sheer curtains just to soften the room a bit. Unfortunately the glass is so shiny and nice that it’s impossible to get decent picture without lots of reflections with the lights on – and it looks really terrible with the lights out. But you get the idea.

And I’m really happy with the new sink and faucet too! I have always liked this style of sink. The pump style faucet is very low flow but it suits my needs just fine.

And, of course, the house panther has already chewed on the new house plant so much that I had no choice but to move it from this corner already. It was nice while it lasted!

By the way, the flower pot is McCoy and the little stand is an old smoking stand. Both pieces came from the Logan Antique Mall, one of my favorite places to find hidden treasure.

In all, it turned out well and I’m pleased to have a space that feels special even on a regular old workday. It’s comfortable and feels a little like it has always been this way. I am not a fancy person but do appreciate the quiet luxury of pretty pictures on the wall, a great soaker tub after a long day, and powerful shower heads to wake me up in the morning!

Friends, while we may enjoy our adventures, it’s important to have a happy place to come home to. While I’m sad for what I’ve missed out on the world this summer, I’m so grateful to have this sanctuary to call my own.

Ready For A Road Trip

Who here is ready for a road trip? I know I am.

There’s something exhilarating about watching the sun wake the day while you venture out to see what the world has to offer. When the weather is nice, I like to open the windows and I always have good tunes to set the tone.

One of my favorite things about a good road trip is actually ditching the car to explore on foot. There’s nothing better than finding a nice downtown, parking the car, and taking a walk.

That’s how you see the things the car window cannot show you. It’s surprising how many historic plaques, flower boxes, alleyway murals, and nice patches of shade you’ll find when beating the pavement. Of course, this doesn’t include the smells and sounds you miss with the windows rolled up.

Ah, I just reread that last sentence. I suppose I should change it to say “with the windows closed” but I’m a young Gen Xer and car windows in my vocabulary will always be rolled. And I’m ok with that.

On pavement, you’re more apt to wander into a nice shop or to say hello to a stranger. You may even find yourself enticed by the aromas of a bakery or cafe so that you go in to sit a while.

A good road trip always includes a good road trip snack and lunch. That’s part of the fun. I don’t make the rules. That’s just how it works.

Some towns reveal many secrets on these walks. Brick sidewalks and pocket parks, chalk drawings and cats in shop windows are some favorite things to discover.

I like to take pictures of things I see both to have a record of the journey and because it changes the way I perceive the world. Looking, not for the best picture, but the most honest one is my technique these days.

Depending on how far you go, a road trip could be just for the day or for many days. It could cost you some lunch and some gallons of gas or it could be an all out Thelma and Louise adventure. Just don’t end it the way they did!

By the way, I’ve been to Canyonlands National Park in Utah where they shot that movie. Now THAT was an epic road trip. If you ever get a chance, Utah is a wonderful road tripping state.

But there are things to explore all across this great nation. So exit the interstate and look for the interesting.

These little towns, city neighborhoods, and rural roads through forests and farmland are the beating heart of this country. It’s where life happens. So take the drive but remember the journey is the destination. Slow down to enjoy it. Slow down and make the journey fun.

PS- The dog pictured isn’t mine but I spotted him in a car parked next to me recently and he seemed like a good (if not judgmental) boy waiting to feel the wind in his ears.

Get Out

If you have today off, I hope you will find time to do something fun or at least outside your routine.

Walk around your yard and look for bees and flowers. Take a drive and go find some ice cream and yard sales. Head to the library and flip through magazines or see if there are any car shows or events happening nearby. Is there a local small business you’ve been meaning to check out? They would love to see you!

Go see what the world holds even if it is just in your own back yard. It will do you good.

A Nice Corner

This is a nice little corner of the world. The flag, bicycle and tub full of flowers make an inviting tableau. A bench in the shade invited me to escape the sun and rest my weary self for a bit. Unfortunately, I had places to be and a schedule to keep so I walked right past this downtown Chillicothe, Ohio antique shop with plans to come back another day.

It really is a lovely corner of the world.

Spotted

Look what I spotted yesterday. They just don’t make a Chevy truck like they used to. Plus, the pop of orange is pretty sweet. Who remembers the C10?

Happy Wednesday, friends. The weekend will be here before we know it!

Gaby et Jules

While paying for our treasures at Riverstone Books, we asked the nice employee who was ringing us up if there was a good bakery nearby. He referred us to Gaby et Jules, a patisserie specializing in French macarons and some other fancy little desserts. It was just steps down the street from the bookstore and a logical place to pause for nourishment after a strenuous morning of book browsing.

Before we proceed, I just want to point out that macarons and macaroons are not the same thing. They’re both little cookies made with basically the same base ingredients but a macaroon is a drop cookie and is relatively easy to make. The macaron is a more challenging frou-frou little sandwich cookie that is filled with buttercream or some other confection and are almost too pretty to eat.

Almost. But I digress.

Truth be told, I’ve never been a huge fan of either cookie but that clearly was because I’ve never had one of Chef David Piquard’s specialty.

Not only are they beautiful, they have been voted the best in the city. They taste positively heavenly and are worthy of the recognition.

Want to visit or learn more? Click here!