This is the last week of school for the kids in the neighborhood and several of my “mom” friends have asked what books are good for their kids to read over the summer. Their questions got me thinking about summers long ago.
I was a voracious reader. I read every Judy Blume book I could get my hands on, and every book on the proverbial reading list for summer break. I was a sneaky kid too, I would trick my mother into letting me read just one more chapter, when I was just starting a new chapter so I would read two. I couldn’t get enough of the worlds and characters authors created. They were my escape.
There is nothing more valuable than a love of reading. It should be encouraged, and what better way to inspire a life long love of reading but with a cozy space dedicated to curling up with a good book, or a whimsical way to store favorite books.
I love the shelving in this room. It’s perfect for a little boy’s room. Every book faces out for better selection. A pillow to lean on adds a cozy element to the corner.
Reading Corner
For a unique approach to book storage this wagon serves the purpose nicely.
Wagon Bookshelf
Even the grown ups can have a cozy corner to display their books…..
Built In Book Shelves
For those of us on the Gulf Coast it’s time to reason with hurricane season. June 1st is the start of the season and all eyes along the coast turn to the tropics. Each new depression or low pressure system is warily tracked hoping it turns away from where ever one happens to be. This season is already off to a grand start. Tropical Storm Andrea formed off the coast of Tampa Bay yesterday. So far it’s dumped a lot of rain and it continues to come down. Tornadoes have been spotted, with a few small ones touching down in less populated areas. Locally, we expect it to just be a rain event.
If you should find yourself faced with hurricane season, it’s best to be prepared. Each May we prepare our hurricane kit for the upcoming season. A well stocked kit should include the following:
Flashlights with extra batteries, a battery operated radio, extra cell phone batteries
Enough water for everyone in your house for a week, about a gallon of water per person per day
A copy of both your home owners and auto insurance policies, and other important documents
At least a week’s supply of non perishable foods, such as canned tuna, breakfast bars, dried or canned fruits
Matches or propane, for a grill if you are fortunate enough to have one
A stash of cash as ATM’s won’t work in a power outage
Extra medications you may take on a regular basis
A good first aide kit, include in it bug spray, cortisone cream, ibuprofen,
Extra clothing, sturdy shoes and rain gear
Games and books for the kids
This by no means is a complete list, but it includes the basics to survive a few days without power.
Mirrors are wonderful tools for decorating, not only do they provide a useful function as we get dressed, do our make-up for the day, and document our OOTD (outfit of the day) selfies, but mirrors play a great role in enhancing any room. They add more light and depth while creating the illusion of a large room in a small space. A collection of small mirrors grouped together provide a unique art display instead of a print. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Vintage Mirrors via
These vintage mirrors framed in a similar finish to the wall color and then hung against the dark shelving create a unique sense of visual interest. I love how they take up the long wall and tie in well with the table and chair.
Mirrored entryway via
The floor to ceiling scale of this mirror paired with the contrasting black frame makes quite a statement in this elegant entryway. It takes a seemingly narrow hallway and creates the illusion of being larger than it is.
Artfully arranged mirrors via
The various sizes of round mirrors artfully arranged with sunburst frames make a delightful display against a tone on tone striped wall. The larger one hung over the table sets the stage for the rest of the collection. Together, they provide a great visual while adding more light to the small room.
After a long busy weekend all I could think about today was my bed. Curling up with a good book and a cup of tea with the chance to nap at any point during the day seemed like a great idea. Alas, that was not to be. Yet oddly enough, throughout the day I stumbled across stories about bedrooms, everything from neutral palettes to colors that actually let you sleep more soundly.
I have always appreciated a well put together neutral space, and the bedroom is the perfect place to use the design scheme. Neutral palettes create a soothing restful atmosphere in a bedroom. Using the same hue in different shades and tints while adding in pattern and texture give a room a very inviting feel.
via decorpad
I love the use of the quatrefoil wallpaper used on the accent wall. It provides just enough visual interest while not being overbearing. It gently picks up the gold from the flooring and ties in with the same darker hue used with the pillows. Add in the crystal chandelier, the dark wood armoire and the feminine lines of the bench and you have quite a romantic bedroom.
via rexohome
Floor to ceiling windows draped in a soft gray, paired with tone on tone wallpaper in a lighter hue sets the framework for this romantic room. Note the detailing on the wood pieces. The dresser painted in the same hues, but with prominent opposite colors. The side table features the cream with the gray as an accent, while the chest uses gray with the cream as an accent. It’s the small details that make this room.
via bhg
The abundance of pattern and green accents in this room give it that extra dimension that keeps a neutral palette from falling flat. The room has a lot of character. It’s the the animal print on the bench that plays off the mixed colorful pattern on the lamp and then ties it all together with the flowers in a similar hue that brings the room to life. Think how boring it would look without the accents the greens bring.
Which of the three would love to claim as your own? If I had to chose, it would be the first one. I am a sucker for the quatrefoil.
I had the pleasure of hanging out with a dear friend today. The goal was to just have fun and if we found cool stuff while hitting the antique shops, thrift stores or any of the boutiques all the better.
We started off at one of my favorite thrift stores- The Homeless Emergency Project. The proceeds go to serving the homeless population in Clearwater, a worthy cause to be sure. It seems their donations of furniture come from an older population as it’s very dated, and not always in great condition. As with most thrift stores the selection is hit or miss. Today was no different. I did spot this wonderful bench, and toyed with the idea of redoing the seating and refreshing the look with new paint. In the end I nixed the idea, but may end up back there this week…..
From there it was off to lunch and wandering a few small town main streets. If the day had been about shopping, it would have been a dismal failure, but our goal of just having fun was more than accomplished.
I was hoping to find a piece that would work as a bar or a fabulous entryway table. Sadly, I had no luck. But it was a great day!
