independence day

Happy 4th of July!

I hope you all had beautiful weather like we did here in Minnesota (for the first time all year, it seems). I spent the majority of the three-day weekend either working on house and garden projects or lounging by the lake like a good Minnesotan. So I have all sorts of sunburns and bug bites, but a very happy and clean house. Look for more updates soon!

xoxo LG

what shade of blue?

It's a great question. I started painting the second guest bedroom (aka blue bedroom) this past weekend. What shades did I pick? Well, since it took me six months to buy the paint after deciding on colors, I figure I can keep the secret a few days longer.

In the meanwhile, enjoy these gratuitous pictures of my blooming bulbs. Aren't they purty? And how about some Easter brunch action? Yeah, I know that's what you're all here for...

Thanks to my friend Lindsay for bringing the strawberry and cream scones, clotted cream and carrot muffins! Between those and my brother's french toast (and, it's true, my usual obsession with hash browns and sausage, which of course made an appearance) we had a lovely Easter brunch.

And then I painted some more. If all goes well, I'll have a new before/after post for you in a few days!

Happy spring, dear friends. Isn't this just a wonderful time of year?

merry and bright

We spent the Saturday after Thanksgiving decorating the house for Christmas... just like we used to do growing up. With everyone here to help me, it didn't take long at all. The tree came from a lot in a nearby park, and we decorated it with the ornaments that I brought out from California this summer - angels, nutcrackers, and my favorite silver beauties from James Avery. The finishing touch is two sheepskin rugs from IKEA (credit for the idea goes to the ever-inspiring John and Sherry at Young House Love). Needless to say, there's all sorts of holiday cheer over here :)

all hallow's eve

freedom from weeds

It was a thoroughly American Fourth of July around here, let me tell you.

Aside from the fact that I forgot to buy a flag (picture me devastated when I realized this at 3 pm).

I mean, I'm sure you're dying to hear about the sunnies I caught at the lake...

Or the firecracker shaped like a tank that we set off by the pool at my aunt and uncle's...

Or the impressive fireworks show at the park down the street.

But I know the truth. What you're really all here to read about is how I rescued my patio from the tyranny of the weeds on the day after Independence Day.

Good. Because I have pictures.

~ before ~

~ middle ~

~ after! ~

All clean and purty and ready for the family BBQ on Monday night... except that we ended up eating indoors anyway because of the rain. Oh well. Now, at least, I can say I'm winning the battle somewhere in the yard.

PS: I don't actually believe any of you care as much as I do about my patio's current lack of weeds.

You might, however, care if you come over for dinner and I make you eat out on the patio with me because I think it's a) fun, b) going to make for a good picture or c) because I haven't turned on the a/c inside. All of which are possible.

Because then you might care to not be standing up to your knees in weeds. Don't worry. I've got you covered.

Love,

LG