THE COZY KETTLE

~ Merry Christmas & Home Tour~

2011-12-25T01:27:00.000-08:00

Hi y’all…..just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas….

Here are a few pictures from inside our home….

close up of the topiary~

Our teeny tiny living room tree…..we love it and think it’s the right size for us….

Top of mantle….

Dining table arrangement

A peek in the kitchen~

Lots of goodies in here ~

Christmas in the office

{I think this one ended up being my favorite tree }

Living room tree…once more.

Our Christmas mantle…..

That concludes the tour…

WISHING ALL OF YOU…..

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

{ us trying to get the dogs to smile, while Mister snaps the picture…ha-ha…. }

♥ Mister, Me, Cooper & Emma

2011

~ Back for the Holidays ~

2011-11-28T05:30:00.001-08:00

Howdy!

I can’t believe it’s been over 3 months since my last post. How is everyone? I hope y’all had a nice Thanksgiving. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our friends and family. There has been so much going on here, I don’t know where to start so…..let’s just peek inside and see a little Christmas décor.

Our front door wreath….this is my first time working with mesh….it needs a little tweaking but I wanted something that would withstand the weather. This also reflects what's in store inside. Loving fresh greenery & red polka dots this year. =)

Our living room…..so far. I removed our hounds tooth pillows, added polka dot ribbon to 2 Target pillows and made a swag to hang above the sofa.

Another view and you may notice the pretty lady in this photo….her name is Emma and I will introduce you to her soon. You can also see our new rug.

A cozy chair~

Have y’all started decorating? I know people who are done…completely finished decorating and shopping. I have not done any shopping and I will be decorating all the way up to Christmas Eve. =) So, what do y’all think?

More coming soon!

Have a beautiful day~ Jessica

~ Living Room Reveal ~

2011-08-22T05:51:00.001-07:00

Well…..our living room furniture finally arrived! I’ve been working to try and freshen up our space.

Here is how our living room before…..

We installed the wood floors and built the fireplace surround last year.

You can read about it here.

This is what our living room looks like today~

Another view…

I’m currently looking for a small table to put between the chair and sofa…

The fireplace surround…I still love it. ♥

This large chair now sits in the left corner of our living room. I put an old Singer sewing machine behind to act as a sofa table.

The plan was to make our living space feel more open…..I think we accomplished that…..the view outside to the deck and gardens is no longer blocked by a love seat…..by choosing the chair & ottoman….we didn’t loose any seating.

{ That’s Cooper, peeking in….he is very much an inside dog. I hid his bed for this photo shoot }

I plan on building a new coffee table and adding a rug, very soon….I’m thinking sea grass or something along that family….I think we need some texture in here. I would also love to add some add some curtains….maybe? But I’m not sure. Any opinions? =)

I’m linking to

BNOTP for Met Monday

Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday

Please let me know what y’all think. =)

Thanks so much for coming by!

Have a beautiful day~ Jessica

Fertilizer Friday 8.5.11

2011-08-05T05:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday…it’s time to flaunt our gardens Tootsie style. =)

Our garden is holding up pretty well despite our drought. It’s alive at least…but not blooming like usual.

Our pathway is starting to fill in nicely~

This photo was taken @ sunrise 7.23.11

The lantana and verbena love the heat

This photo was taken at dusk, last night…..I love our little windmill~

Our wisteria is in need of a trim….it looks like it is going eat our house. =)

Hope you enjoyed your visit @ The Cozy Kettle! Please visit Tootsie and all the Fertilizer Friday participants.

Have a beautiful weekend~ Jessica

Sneak Peek & A Question~

2011-08-03T06:50:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

As I explained in my last post….we are doing some projects on our home. As most of you know….a snow ball effect starts usually because of 1 thing.

This is how is ALL started. About 3 weeks ago Mister & I picked out this sofa and had it customized. It is a creamy chenille fabric w/hounds tooth accent pillows. We are also getting a chair and ottoman. Something we have always wanted. Our living furniture has had it….in fact it’s been had for about 2 years. But, we wanted to wait…..now that we are empty nesters…..we felt the time was right. We are also hoping it will help our little space feel more open.

( new sofa coming soon )

this is a picture of a picture…so it’s a bad pic…sorry

Then I kick in to gear and want to get several projects done before our new furniture gets here.

Here are a few before pictures of our kitchen. I guess you now know why you haven’t ever seen my kitchen on this blog…lol.

About 5 years ago we added the tumbled travertine backsplash and new countertops….I still love them very much!! But the cabinets ( yuck ) are 33 year old varnished orange colored wood with a weird wood grain. Not my style and no matter how much I scrubbed and cleaned…I never felt like they were clean.

Particularly this side….they always just felt ( to me ) like they were just dirty and had all those years of greasy goo. ewwww.

We are going to call this the “ almost complete stage “. I just started putting the hardware on this morning and I’m not finished…so please look beyond that and I was in a super big hurry this morning to get this posted. So the pics are not the best. =)

Much better right? After 4 hours of cleaning, sanding, using gloss off then priming. Add in the hours it took for 2 coats of oil base ( a day apart, each ) this is the SO FAR. =) A much brighter…cleaner…fresher kitchen. YAY.

Now for my question….

Please keep in mind… this is also the so far.

Here is our breakfast room. ( This table….will be stained this weekend & I plan to distress the chairs a bit….stay tuned for that )

The mirror was bought when we had that overly huge table and I plan to put it in our guest room. ( that’s another project in the works….yes….I’m crazy.

My Mister now calls this table the Barbie Jessica sized table….I’m not quite 5’3” but My Mister is all of 6’3”. hee hee. But, I like the shape and the legs….so it’s staying.

I’m getting to the question…please bear w/me. =)

See how close it is to the living area? Last year when we installed the wood floors throughout most of the house ( except, kitchen, breakfast & bathroom oh and the entry ) I really wanted to have them in the breakfast room and kitchen. It’s very obvious that we need new floors in the breakfast room and kitchen. My Mister said we should get ceramic tile….like the tumbled travertine we both adore. However, I wanted the wood floors to continue into these 2 rooms.

We all but decided on having them installed TOMORROW……until I panicked last night and said….will it be too dark? Am I making the right decision? There is no doubt in my mind that the wood floors will look great up against the cream cabinets but….will they look nice in the breakfast room?

That is my question and honestly I need some opinions today…please…please....as our floor guy is on stand by for tomorrow and materials will be purchased about 7:00pm tonight. If we decide to go w/ceramic….we can still get it done but the expense is greater so we will have to wait a bit.

I would so greatly appreciate any advise from anyone reading my blog. =)

Stay tuned….more coming soon.

Have a beautiful day~ Jessica

Where I’ve Been….

2011-07-25T05:49:00.001-07:00

I’ve been MIA I know…..it feels like we have been running around like crazy people. In fact, I think we have been running around like crazy people. =)

So. This is what has been going on.

This table….was staged @ the house we just remodeled & listed to sell.

I’m happy to report….is now in our breakfast room.

& this table….is now living at our friends house.

I loved this table and the chairs made me swoon but it was just to big for our space.

That also means { and I seriously do not want to jinx it}….but as of now the option period is over on this property and it’s scheduled to have new owners sometime around August 12th.

We accepted the 3rd offer after 25 days on the market. We feel truly blessed and super thankful.

Meanwhile, my Mister & I have been busy here @ The Cozy Kettle…..the new ( to us ) table will be getting a make over and our living room will be undergoing some changes very soon, too. He has also ~~forced me~~ encouraged me to start riding our bicycles again…..to the tune of about 6 miles a day…..my bones hurt. =)

Hope everyone is doing well!

Hugs~ J.

A Dog & His Bone

2011-07-12T05:30:00.001-07:00

Does he not look like the saddest dog ever? { He really is a happy dog, I promise }

Mister got Cooper a huge bone & he loves it.

He likes to chew on it….

& hold it…

& lay next to it….

Wishing y’all a beautiful day~

♥ Cooper & his Mommy =)

~ Happy 4th ~

2011-07-05T05:35:00.001-07:00

Happy { late } July 4th! I hope everyone had a nice relaxing weekend with family and friends.

I hung out w/Mister yesterday and joined him in our neighborhood parade. We road on top of the fire truck and threw candy for the kids. It was H-O-T but tons of fun.

Speaking of HOT….yeah I know. winks. =) lol.

Views from on top of the fire truck.

I spy a B-E-A-R do you?

Awe.

Bear is home on leave….he successfully went through boot camp and his training. He will be going to his duty station in New Mexico @ the end of next week. We’ve been able to spend some time with him….went for ice cream, talked on the patio etc.

Here is greeting Mister when he first arrived.

Doesn’t he look amazing in his dress blues?

We are so proud of our BEAR!

Saturday night our church had a patriotic performance and fireworks. The sunset was amazing.

Some of our family was there including Biscuit and our baby Jade, who just moved home from out of state.

They thought Mister was a climbing toy…lol.

While we waited for fireworks….they watched for turtles.

God bless America. The home of the FREE because of the BRAVE.

Have a beautiful week.

XO~ Jessica

Dining Set Before & After

2011-06-28T05:54:00.001-07:00

In order to stage the house we just renovated I needed a few things….like a dining room set. I had a vision.

I found the chairs @ Goodwill for $39.99 for all 4. Yippee!

This table was left behind months ago….and I claimed it immediately. Isn’t it gorgeous? It has a leaf too.

I decided they would go together nicely for the dining room @ the house. I painted the chairs….then recovered them with painters drop cloth. Sorry…super bad cell phone pic. The point is….I painted them and recovered the chairs @ my office…lol. Nothing like a little multi-tasking. =) Total spent. A few hours and about $52 bucks.

After: Staged in the house.

My hope this house will sell FAST. Then I can distress the chairs….stain the table and bring them home w/me! Last year I found our very overly large too big for our breakfast room table for $200. Its beautiful……but we were going to moving to a larger home then decided not to and well….it’s just too big. Although, I love the chairs….sigh.

old picture….not what our space looks like now…I was just playing that day. =)

This mirror now hangs in the breakfast room. I believe this other table will fit much nicer in here, don’t you? UGGGG….I’m getting the itch to paint this room again…..help!!!

Have a beautiful day~ J.

House Project: The Reveal~ Before & After Photos!

2011-06-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hi friends….

I’m sorry I have been so absent….after you see the following pictures….I think you will understand where I’ve been. =)

This is where we started.

Before: Front Exterior

After:

I sure wish we would get some rain…..still in a severe drought.

A little extra something @ the front door.

Come on in….

Formal living before:: { please remember the before photos were taken while still occupied. }

After:

Before: 2nd view formal living

After: we sheet rocked and covered the arch thingy.

Master bedroom before

after:

Master bath Before:

After: new marble walls, new lights, new fixtures

M. bath 2nd view Before:

After: I found the bath mirrors @ Marshalls for $39.99 and I love the light fixtures.

Guest bathroom Before

After:

Living room Before

Living room after

2nd view living Before

After

Kitchen before:

Kitchen After:

Kitchen Before:

After:

Kitchen Before:

After:

2nd view After

Dining room Before:

What do you think of my first wallpaper job?

2nd view Before

Dining Room After

Pretty view to the new fence. =)

Hallway Before

We added recessed lighting, removed a door that went into living room and added new doors on the closet.

Bedroom #2 Before

Bedroom #2 After

Bedroom #3 Before

Bedroom #3 After

Wood blinds were added in all the bedrooms and the formal living room. We chose not to cover the bay windows….we felt they were just too pretty. Every light fixture was replaced, every door knob, new doors, new sinks, new shower walls, new carpet, new ceramic tile in bathrooms, new outlets, new covers, new faucets, new hardware, new roof, new fascia and soffit, new appliances….new new new. =) A lot of work was put into this property.

So I’m anxious to hear what y’all think!

Have a beautiful day~

Jessica

p.s. We completed the interior renovation in 18 days….12 days under projected time frame and only slightly over budget. We didn’t think that was too bad for our first house project. winks.

~ Twenty ~

2011-06-14T20:34:00.001-07:00

Our baby….

is Twenty.

Unbelievable.

We Love You Beautiful Girl. Happy Birthday! Daddy & I are so proud of you!

Wishing You~

2011-06-10T04:48:00.001-07:00

A beautiful weekend~

♥ Jessica

~ House Project Update ~

2011-06-06T05:20:00.001-07:00

Hi friends.

I don’t think I have ever been so tired. It’s a good tired….but, my bones ached and creaked more than usual this morning when I un-willingly climbed out of bed. =)

Here is our progress.

Mister and I pulled all the carpet out this weekend.

The shower walls & bath counters were installed Friday. Hellooo beautiful marble~

What do you think?

Saturday, the plumbing fixtures were installed…pardon the dust….everything has dust on it.

I heart this faucet.

The granite in the kitchen was also installed Friday. I had to buy a different kitchen faucet because the one I purchased wouldn’t fit. But, that is OKAY because Mister loved the granite I wanted and the 50/40 sink….sigh. =) { sorry this pic is a little dark }

The granite is called St. Cecilia Classic

The painters prepped on Saturday, we fed everyone pizza and all worked very hard.

This is an exciting week….my guest room is beginning to look like a mini Home Depot. We have purchased all the interior lights, new { yummy } framed mirrors for the bathrooms, & hardware for the kitchen and bathrooms. We still have to buy ceiling fans, doorknobs, smoke alarms and wood blinds. We plan to do that one night this week since we will have a full crew there early Saturday { including us } to start finishing this project. Oh, our new appliances were delivered but they are in the garage so I didn’t get a pic.

Major cleaning this weekend, windows shined and a little staging.

I can’t wait!

Have a beautiful week~ J.

Fertilizer Friday 6.3.11

2011-06-03T04:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday! I’m joining Tootsie’s Party to Flaunt my Flowers.

We are still in a severe drought. No chance of rain in sight. So, I’ve been doing a lot of watering and sweet-talking. =)

For some reason the right 1/2 of my garden is always more full than the left side.

So, I normally share the right side =)

the left side takes awhile to fill in….as you can see in the next 2 photos.

Mister I enjoy sitting on our patio and watching the birds…..

Isn’t he pretty?

We both love red birds….this one posed for us~

Hope you enjoyed your visit….please visit all the Fertilizer Friday participants.

Thank you Tootsie for hosting!

Have a beautiful weekend~

Jessica

House Project: Flowers, Wall & Tile

2011-05-31T05:11:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

I hope everyone had a great Memorial day! We worked. But, it is worth it.

This is where we are, as of yesterday.

Rob the Builder installed sheetrock where the opening was. We decided to take it back to how it originally was….so it’s a solid wall again.

The hall bathroom now has pretty new tile and a new toilet~

The master bath is waiting for it’s new toilet and needed some drying time on the floor….but we already see much improvement.

& the front garden is now a garden…… =) I planted 4 knockout roses and vinca’s. Then we discovered that there were bricks laying flush on the ground and I started digging out all the grass that at grown over it. Mister started pulling the brick and is going to re-set them so they are nice and straight.

See how they aren’t even…..they will be…eventually =)

I love the black mulch. Once the flowers start growing it will look great against the white brick. { pressure washing coming soon } Rob the Builder has agreed to water my flowers every morning since we are STILL in a drought.

I plan to add a little garden art here & there. Y’all know I love my garden art.

Rob the builder will be finishing all his wood work this week. The new shower walls and bath countertops will be installed on Friday. YAY! Then a huge trash out and clean is planned for this weekend. The interior paint will begin on Monday June 6th…..then the wood blinds will be installed, hardware, plumbing fixtures, ceiling fans, light switch covers, appliances and carpet.

We are well on our way!

Now we have to go back to our REAL jobs…..sigh. =)

Have a beautiful day~ Jessica

~ Tearing It Up ~ House Project:

2011-05-29T06:55:00.001-07:00

So far we are on schedule….the house is empty and the interior reno has started. I was more than a little busy so I only snapped a few pics. I have spent the last 2 full days over there. Cleaning, dusting and bossing people around….I liked it. =)

Master bedroom

The light fixtures are giving me issues in here. Originally this was 2 rooms. It will stay this way but I think it’s strange with a ceiling fan on one side and a regular fixture on the other. I also think 2 c/fans would be weird. I have an idea but I really would like YOUR opinion.

So, please, please leave me a comment

New doors are being installed

My Mister had fun ripping out shower walls~

Our master carpenter friend….is having fun too. He is the one who built our fireplace and our deck ( years ago ). I call him Rob the Builder ( due to his first name…original, I know…lol. )

The kitchen is being re-worked…so everything had to removed on this side.

The ceramic tile & new toilets are being installed in the bathrooms, today. WOOT!

Here is a peak at the new tile. New on the right…original tile on left…..

Quite a difference.

It will look amazing in here. The tile be set @ a 45…not the way I laid them in this picture.

Small bathroom = big style! I can’t wait!

I also am trying my hand at hanging wallpaper. { cell phone pic } I know it isn’t even on top….it will be…and it will have new chair rail on top….if I ever get finished with it….

This is the breakfast room.

I have never done it before….and just so you know….wallpaper glue likes pony tails. =)

Have a wonderful Memorial day!

Stay tuned…. Jessica

~ House Project Interior { Before } ~

2011-05-25T05:09:00.001-07:00

‘

Hi friends….

First I want to thank y’all for visiting…we are so excited about our little project. Ok. It’s not little…it’s a house….and we are the bosses…so….it’s a little scary. =)

So, I decided I would go ahead and share pictures of the house. We took these back at the end of March….the home inspection is scheduled for Friday morning and has been a long time coming. We are just waiting to see what all Mr. Inspector has to say. Due to the utilities being off for so long and not really knowing the history of the house we decided an inspection was worth the $$$. I am SO ready to get this started!!

Please, keep in mind….these are the before photos….and before the renters moved out. You will see much more as we get things going.

This is the first room you see when you walk in the front door. The wall with the cut out is a load bearing wall…so we plan to just make it like a picture opening and add some pretty trim. New carpet will also be installed, border removed and two-tone paint ( throughout ).

Family room. { there are gorgeous bay windows on the right. } The vaulted ceiling is really beautiful, too.

View into the kitchen

Breakfast room view #1 { again…beautiful windows in here…just not visible in the photo } I’m thinking bead board wallpaper 3/4 of the way up the wall with beautiful trim to finish it out. I think it would add some much needed charm to this nook. I’m on the look out for a new light fixture, too.

breakfast room view #2

kitchen

Here is the plan. The refrigerator will go back in the kitchen. See the cubby where an oven used to be? The frig will go in there. All appliances will be replaced. An upper cabinet will be be built to go on the right. The cabinets will be cleaned ( by yours truly ) then painted Casa Blanca by Behr…it’s the creamy color that we painted our fireplace. yum. New hardware and I so want granite countertops. Yes. I do. Since the kitchen is very tiny….we need huge impact in here. We will see if we have the funds for that splurge. =)

Close up of where the refrigerator will be with an upper cabinet above….then a new stove/vent hood & a new upper cabinet on right.

Master bedroom. This house was originally a 4 bedroom….this room is huge.

Master bedroom view #2 Note: the sheetrock will be replaced on the ceiling…it has a huge dip in it from where the wall was removed. New paint, doors, light fixtures, carpet and faux wood blinds.

Master bath….oh the plans we I have….lol. We believe we are gutting this space.

m. bath view #2…yep….say buh-bye!

Hall bathroom: Plans include new toilets…new flooring…fixtures….framed mirrors.

Bedroom #2

Again 2 toned paint, wood blinds, it needs a closet door ( all the closet doors are missing ) & new carpet.

Bedroom #3 same scenario

Backyard….. my landscape budget is tight due to the replacement of appliances, the roof and the bathroom renovations. So, a new exterior light fixture….overall clean up and I’ll just find a way to add a little something out here. =)

We plan to stage the house before it goes on the market. I’m excited about that part too.

So, what do y’all think?

My camera will be with me through out this whole process.

The Kick off party starts this weekend!

Have a beautiful day~ J

House-Project Up-date~

2011-05-23T05:45:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

Many of you were asking our house project is going. For those of you who don’t know….we are investing in this property to get it ready to go on the market.

So far, we have replaced the roof, the fence & the fascia and soffit. New shutters were also installed and it now has a fresh coat of paint.

Here is the before…..

This is the so far…..

The paint color is Shady Willow by Behr. I love the sage grey color. I also chose black shutters.

The interior work will begin this coming weekend. I will show you all the before photos. The house has been without electricity and water for a few months. The utilities will be turned on Thursday and we are having a home inspection done Friday. Due to the age of the house and it’s present condition we decided an inspection was a good investment.

I also hope to begin the yard work this coming weekend. It needs a good edging, fertilizing and I have a plan for the beds that run along the entire front of the house. It will be full of color. We also purchased a beautiful piece of wrought iron to hang on the brick between the front 2 windows. The fun part is really about to begin = yay!

Well, what do y’all think of the paint colors?

Have a beautiful day~ J

~ Fertilizer Friday 5.20.11 ~

2011-05-20T05:50:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

It’s Friday….that means good things around here. It’s time to party @ Tootsie’s and it also means 8 more hours and I’m off for the weekend~ WOOT! =)

We are in what the weather people are calling an “extreme drought”…..

Watering morning and night.

Last years verbena is going crazy…..I planted 2 on this pathway last year…this one survived.

I planted 3 more this year. I would love the entire pathway to look like this next year.

This is one of my favorite planters~

& a favorite hanging basket~

We have Angelonia planted in containers and throughout our garden~

I love it.

Our climbing roses are also thriving….. { for now } =)

Despite the drought….the garden is continuing to thrive~

I love delphinium, too….

I hope you enjoyed seeing our garden this week.

Please be sure to visit Tootsie and all the fertilizer Friday participants.

Have a beautiful weekend~

~ Things in the Garden & a Project ~

2011-05-11T05:47:00.001-07:00

Howdy from your friend in very HOT Texas =)

Last week I planted delphiniums….I love them.

We also have a few miniature butterfly bushes ( max height 3 ft. ) that are starting to fill in.

I love them, too.

The prettiest yellow rose made an appearance this past week~

Some of you may remember me telling y’all about a upcoming project. Well, we are starting.

NOW!

We are the investors/contractors on this property.

Let the FUN begin! We have BIG plans. The new fence is already being installed and ALL the fascia and soffit are being replaced, today. Exterior paint begins Friday. That means I have to pick exterior paint colors and roof shingle colors TODAY. Any ideas??? The shutters are also being replaced and 2 will be added on the window closest to the front door. This property needs a lot of work to get ready to sell….I hope you will join me….as we will be very busy over the next 4-6 weeks getting it ready. I will take you with me. every. step. of. the. way.

Are you excited? I am!!

Have a beautiful day~

Jessica

A little note ~

2011-05-10T05:32:00.001-07:00

Hi friends…I hope everyone had a nice Mothers day~ We enjoyed our day very much and I received a sweet note from my baby. First ( of many I’m sure ) Mother’s day without her. sigh.

In other news we have been able to talk and see the genius and her boyfriend via Skype, quite often….this was the first time Mister met “him”…..lol.

I <3 it because it doesn’t feel like she is so far away.

She recently moved to her new duty station in Suwon, Korea. She has her own room now and will be able to decorate it however she wants….that will be fun for her. =)

In other news Bear graduated Air Force boot camp, last Friday. We have been able to text back & forth since then and he will have leave at the end of July. YAY! He is now in Mississippi for training. I received this pic of him via text….can you believe our babies are all grown up?

double sigh.

Have a beautiful day~

Jessica

~ Bittersweet~

2011-05-02T05:59:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

I don’t know where I’ve been for the last week….I’ve just been crazy, I think. =) I still have thank you visits to do and I also realized I haven’t shared our front gardens. This was taken about a month ago as you can see Gracie is in the picture. =( This was also taken with my cell phone….so not the greatest photo. The point of this post.

Is the sign in our front yard.

After last nights news…..I have bittersweet feelings. The thing about it is... I worry about our soldiers & families over seas and not just because our daughter is one of them. I also worry about us.

I pray for our country.

The home of the FREE…..because of the BRAVE.

MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA

I will be by for a visit soon, I also gained 2 new followers this past week…thank you so much~

I have much to share with all of you.

Have a beautiful day~

♥ Jessica

Happy Easter~

2011-04-23T19:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter!

We enjoyed a beautiful sunrise service this morning~

Then we had a wonderful breakfast. We’ve just spent the rest of the day hanging out at home. It's been nice.

Hope you have a beautiful day~

♥ Mister & Me.

{ ♥ Cooper, Molly & Sammy, too }

Fertilizer Friday~ Flaunt your Flowers 4.22.11

2011-04-22T05:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Good Friday~

I’m joining Tootsie’s party today. I can’t wait to share what’s going on in our garden~

I love to play in the garden and watch it grow

I call it ~~Soil~~ Soul therapy.

The roses have been making their appearance again this week so while they are shining,

here they are~

One of my climbers on the side garden~

The knock out roses are really blooming. See the rose along the back? That’s a carpet rose planted 2 years ago. It’s grown under the knockouts and started climbing the trellis~ much to my delight. =)

{ UGG…..every year I struggle with this arch, paint it? stain it? Leave it alone and let it look olden and mossy…haha } I think the olden-moss thing has won out since I haven’t touched it in 5 years…..besides, there are a pretty good amount of thorns around it, maybe that’s why?

Still when I see it in pictures I want to do something to it. What do you think?

Close up of the carpet rose. You can’t tell in this photo but they aren’t as pink as the knockouts….they have have a little more orange in them~ If I see any again this year I would like to plant some along the pathway.

One canna survived the winter and has grown very fast~

I’m waiting impatiently for the yellow bells and the sunflowers to bloom~

I love the variety blooming in this picture, plumbago, angelonia, salvia and pansies.

I added a chandelier above our outdoor sink area…..$20 @ Sears~ WOOT =)

Isn’t it cute?

Every morning I enjoy my favorite vanilla flavored coffee and watch the sunrise…..right here.

I kind of like the view. =)

Thank you so much for coming by, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Please visit Tootsie and all the Fertilizer Friday participants today.

You will be inspired.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

♥ Jessica

~ Rollercoaster Week~

2011-04-20T06:15:00.001-07:00

Hi friends,

This past week, since the genius left…has been a roller coaster…..y’all know I don’t like those!

We lost our Gracie Jane……she was struck by a car Thursday morning. She generally didn’t go in the street…..we were { still are } in shock to say the least.

She loved Mister. { this was late movie night~ Mister looks tired.. }

He loved her, too.

Now Sammy is all by himself.

You may remember that we lost our Simon in September.

Gracie is now buried by the roses….a few feet from Simon.

This is as close as Sam gets to outside. Poor baby. Our hearts are just broken.

For the BIG news….my Dad….is officially on the transplant list! YAHOO!!!

We found out Friday~

You can read why here. He has been so brave through all of this~ this is something we were told in the beginning of his cancer battle….was NOT an option.

{ me & my dad Christmas day @ a family members house }

But, he made it to the list. We are truly thankful for this opportunity….and new found hope. I love you, Daddy!

We also hope to share a big project with you~ If all goes well, we will be starting it in the next week or two. I will take you with us every step of the way.

Well, that’s all the news from The Cozy Kettle. See, I told you, a rollercoaster.

Have a beautiful day~

♥ Jessica

Flaunt Your Flowers~

2011-04-15T05:29:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone…happy Friday!

I’m participating in Tootsie’s Fertilizer Friday as I finally have a few things to share in our garden. =)

Our maple tree is just starting to fill in

The new honeysuckle is starting to bloom~

I’ve never had honeysuckle before and I think it is so pretty.

This is one of two bougainvillea’s that are on our patio~

Our passion vine survived the winter and is now starting to bloom.

Our roses were also survivors~

Here are a few of my favorite pictures { so far }

Night time picture of a portion of our deck~

Well, that’s it for today. I hope y’all enjoyed your visit.

Please make sure and visit other Fertilizer Friday participants by clicking here.

Thanks Tootsie for hosting.

Have a beautiful weekend~

Jessica

Home Visit Part 2

2011-04-14T06:28:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

This is the last of my posts regarding her trip home...be prepared....lots of photos.

We ran and played the whole time she was home. We went to the strand in Galveston and the beach twice.

Mister worked w/her on her frisbee throwing skills….

He “posed” for pics appropriately

while she did what she does best { shop }

He also tried on funny hats

We then took the dogs to the beach for the first time….

They loved it!

~Molly~

Daddy & Cooper

They were pretty tired afterwards.

Except cooper had to make sure we got home safely so he stood guard. =)

We also had a bbq on Saturday and a bunch of our family & friends came over.

Since she will be 20 in June ( 20- sigh. ) We got her an early birthday cake.

I have never put her first name on my blog before but I loved this picture.

This is her and her cousin and little cousin….who successfully assisted in blowing out her candles.

This one breaks my heart. her & my m-i-l

my m-i-l is the awesome-ist. I love this pic.

My M-I-L & F-I-L

{ note: that bandaid is from her smallpox shot }

Her and her favorite aunt~

My dad ( her pappy )

I found them……sitting on the patio like 2 peas in a pod

Then all of a sudden…..it was time for her to pack. All 258 pounds of her luggage…yep 258 pounds ( minus her Army gear…lol. )

Time to go….

saying ~~bye~~ see you soon…..to the dogs~

Cooper laying on her shoe…awe~

On the way to the airport….talking to her Pappy~

We did help her w/her luggage but this is how she looked when traveling from airport to airport….duffle bag on her back, backpack on front and 2 suitcases!

A few last minute photos just before the tears started to fall.

Then, Mister and I stood arm & arm….until we couldn’t see her anymore.

I am happy to report that she arrived early to her duty station this morning and we have already talked on Skype for a few minutes. Her daddy was at work so I put him on speaker phone so they could hear each other. It worked like a charm. Maybe we won’t feel so far away after all.

That’s wishful thinking, I think.

Home Visit Part 1~

2011-04-13T05:43:00.001-07:00

Mister and I arrived early at the airport last Wednesday to pick up the Genius….in a surprise move, she was approved for a six day leave before heading to her duty station. So, instead of going to see her graduate AIT ( training for her job ) we cancelled our flight, hotel and rental car and booked her flight H-O-M-E! HOOAH!

I didn’t get a picture of her walking toward us because when we saw her we ran and hugged her forever….she had the biggest smile on her face.

Then we snapped a few pictures.

While we were waiting for her, Mister and I were people watching. What else do you do while waiting at the airport?

See him pointing @ ~~something~~ someone in this pic?

It’s because we thought we saw someone famous.

He looks like Sean Penn doesn’t he?

Then time for some fun!

Welcome to the boardwalk….Kemah Texas!

They road this roller coaster.

There they are in the very front of the roller coaster….yikes. See, I’m smart….I agree to stay behind and take pictures.

They also road this

Then this….that’s them….way up there~

see them?

Then I took about 50 pictures of just her….

I’m her Mom….I can do that right?

Then I started getting THE LOOK.

Then she tried to get me back….lol.

They also forced me to ride the ferris wheel. I’ve never ridden one in my LIFE~ Mister took pics but the look of horror on my face was far too scary to share on my blog.

More fun moments

Well, all this is just day one…..more coming soon. =)

She is on her way right now….she will be in Korea tomorrow morning. sigh.

Be safe, baby girl!

The Genius.

2011-04-12T04:47:00.001-07:00

She came home! We have had her for six glorious day ~ { the fastest days of my our life. }

We are truly thankful for this time with her.

She is leaving tonight to go to her duty station over seas….for a very long time.

We wish you the best baby girl. Stay strong. We will miss you like crazy.

We are more proud of you~ everyday.

We love you~

Mommy & Daddy

p.s. I will share more of her visit soon, I think I took 1,000 pictures =)

~ New Sign & Garden Photos ~

2011-03-28T06:05:00.001-07:00

Hi friends~

I wanted to show you this sign I found { ages ago } at goodwill for $2.99.

I knew it had potential.

Here it is all painted and pointing towards our climbing roses. Shortly after taking this photo I trimmed the loropetalum since it is no longer blooming….it needed a hair cut.

You might also notice our new cushions on our patio set. WOOHOO. Seriously, our other cushions weren’t really my/our style…..plus they were 5 years old and after a long happy life here….it was time for them to go.

Our wisteria has gone crazy…..once it stop’s blooming….it will also get a much needed hair cut. But for now, the wild look and their fragrance have me very happy.

We’ve been doing a lot of work in the backyard. All our free time has been spent back here. I’ve been rearranging a little here and there on the patio, bought a cute little candelabra to hang over the outdoor sink { will share when we get it hung up } and I think I may have finished planting. But, I’m not making any promises….sorry Mister.

Here’s a peek at a few things starting to bloom.

The sun didn’t cooperate so the pictures are reflecting a gloomy day…..

Plants in the garden include knockout roses, rose bushes { the roses were the only true survivors of our harsher than normal winter } plumbago, yellow bells= esperanza { 2 survived the winter } plus I planted 3 more, verbena, angelonia, lavender, rosemary, salvia, gaura, tickseed, 1 golden dew drop, sage, wallflower, pansies and lantana. There are a few more but I can’t remember their names. There is quite a bit of variety out there. Not to mention at least 500 seeds.

We will see what the summer brings.

See the little buds on the small rose, I counted 13 buds on our larger survivor rose. yay!

We put 10 solar lights along the garden…..it is beautiful at night.

Cooper has enjoyed being out here, too. Mister laughs at him because every time I walk out to the yard. He is right with me. I get down to start digging and he sits and watches.

He was a big help…lol.

Hope you enjoyed the peek into our garden.

Have a beautiful day~

♥ Jessica

39

2011-03-22T05:31:00.001-07:00

My Mister is 39, today.

There are so many reasons why I love him….still. After all this time.

You can safely say….I’m over the moon.

Here are 37 cute reasons why- { posted 2 years ago }.

Yesterday

and today

He is the love of my life.

Happy Birthday Mister. I love you.

~ The Patio & a Peek in the Garden~

2011-03-15T06:03:00.001-07:00

Hi friends…

This is where I’ve been.

This is the view from the sliding glass door…sorry the pic is a little dark.

Then looking to the right. There is our wisteria climbing on the arch, it’s just starting to bloom. A few more weeks I expect it will be gorgeous.

Then the view to the left.

Mister’s grill….{ his birthday present last year }

our little sink area

A peek into the yard….our little maple is starting to come to life.

A welcome guest…

Other than the roses….pretty much everything froze and had to be pulled out of the garden. After 3 weekends, countless hours and 30 bags of red mulch…it’s time to sit back and watch the garden grow. Pictures of our front garden and porch coming soon!

Have a beautiful day~

♥ Jessica

Hi From Me & Breaking News~

2011-03-08T05:27:00.001-08:00

Hi friends….

Remember me?

I’ve been playing in the dirt for weeks…..soul therapy? Definitely.

Lots of new changes going on here @ The Cozy Kettle.

The Genius is still in AIT training for her missile job…..and we recently found out she leaves for Korea in 4 weeks!

{ I’m trying not to freak out. }

Really. I am freaking out.

Did I also mention that she will be turning 20 in June....and she will be in Korea....we've always been together on her birthday =(

Doesn't she look tough in her battle rattle?

She has a new boyfriend……{ he is already in Korea. } sigh.

Then her best friend….leaves for the Air Force today.

We wish our Bear all the luck in the world!

We are so proud of them both.

I’ll be back with some garden pics soon. Hope everyone is doing well.

Have a beautiful day~

♥ Jessica

Would you like to have a seat? { new find }

2011-02-19T05:24:00.001-08:00

Lookie here at what my Mammaw bought me.

I’ve been on the hunt for a wing back chair for awhile & she found a real beauty.

I love the shape….very unique.

and the wood trim…..made me swoon.

She paid $10 dollars for it. That’s right a whole ten bucks. I think this chair is 1940’s-ish. What do you think?

I wish I had the talent, knowledge, will power, initiative and over all creativity to recover this chair myself…..but I don’t. So, off to the professionals she goes…..

I can’t wait.

Have a great weekend.

Your friend~

Jessica

~ Happy Valentines Day & A Historical Home Tour~

2011-02-14T05:43:00.001-08:00

Mister brought me a beautiful single rose yesterday…

Then, we spent all day Sunday together, went to brunch….visited my in-laws….and toured a beautiful historic home built in 1900.

The home was beautifully decorated. We were also told most of the light fixtures were original.

Some of the pictures are a little dark…..but the charm is still there.

We really enjoyed this house tour….

Here are a few houses in the same neighborhood….

I love this one….

Hope y’all have a wonderful day~

♥ Jessica

Ice & A Change~

2011-02-04T05:12:00.001-08:00

We woke up to ice this morning…..

poor roses.

I also went back to Kirklands and found this….

Much better. =)

Due to the crazy weather this week….work has been insane so I haven’t been able to get my planned post ready.

Have a beautiful & safe day~

♥ Jessica

A Little Peak~

2011-02-02T05:24:00.000-08:00

How it all started…..

A new to us, dining room table was purchased for a new house we didn’t buy, last September. We decided to stay here at The Cozy Kettle. =)

( a really good decision )

The table is quite large for our little space…..maybe one day we will get another table a round-ular one. Round-ular is a word isn’t it?

So Sunday after church, I drug Mister to Kirklands and bribed him with food afterwards….the way to get my mister to shop is his stomach.

Then, I saw this…..and fell in ♥

and then, I saw this….

They both came home with us.

I’m still working on the 2 walls that lead into the kitchen. As you well know, when you change one thing…the snow ball effect starts happening. =)

Have a beautiful day~

♥ Jessica

Sunrise & My Dad~

2011-01-31T05:44:00.000-08:00

Hi friends~

I hope everyone had a great weekend. =)

Saturday morning, I watched a beautiful sunrise…. I was so thankful.

My dad had chemo Friday and he is doing really well. He doesn’t get the regular chemo treatments…he gets medicine directly injected on his liver { he had 4 tumors. } They also treated the arteries that were feeding the tumors to try and slow down the aggressiveness of his cancer.

I don’t think I ever shared these pictures….we took family pictures in October { just before the genius ran off and joined the army }.

We were very pleased how they turned out.

I have some new things to share this week, new treasures and a dining room update.

{ again! lol. }

Have a beautiful day!

♥ Jessica

Spoiled….Rotten

2011-01-26T04:04:00.000-08:00

Ya’ll know our dog Cooper….

Well, he is not supposed to get on the furniture…..

or mommy’s lap...

while she is sitting on the furniture. =)

Hope you smile!

♥ Jessica

Thank You & What I’ve Been Up To~

2011-01-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you ladies….your comments yesterday meant the world to me….and brought tears to my eyes. I am going to continue writing my little blog….enjoy my little blog….and enjoy my dear friends.

Thank you. You mean more to me than you will ever know.

What I’ve been up to:

Some of you may know this by day I am an apartment manager. I’ve worked on my property 11 years. This is almost unheard of in my business as many managers go where the big bucks are…newer properties etc. Me, I love my little apartment community. I have many long term residents….I’ve seen some come. go. then come back. We have a sense of community….most of our residents feel this way. I’ve watched their children grow up, given them a hug on a bad day….sent them balloons on their birthday. That kind of environment is what makes my 200 unit property…special.

I have one lady in her mid 50’s who has lived there 7 years. She would wave when she walked by but we were never able to build a report with her like we have with some of the others. She came in my office late December….in tears. She was depressed and said her apartment was out of control. Note: I have two maintenance men, on site. One has been with me 6 years the other one 10 years. These 2 guys will go to the end of the earth for me or anyone else on the property. They are in & out of apartments all day repairing leaking faucets, ac’s/heaters…you name it. They fix it. Neither one of my guys had been called to this particular apartment in over a year.

So, I walked over to her apartment and went inside.

before: living room

before: breakfast room

{ I apologize for the poor photo’s. These were taken w/my cell phone. }

Now, I had heard she was a hoarder….but I really had no idea. Most of us, have seen the tv shows, but I’ve never seen it in person. I told her I felt confident that we could her apartment in order. She said “do you really think you can do something with this?” I said “of course”. This lady has family, but after several e-mails between myself and her daughter….no one else was willing to help. At least not to the degree she needed help. My resident told me that her daughter would come in and just “throw her stuff away. “ Well, we know you can’t do that….each item had to be thoroughly cleaned ( we’re talking 300 or so cookbooks and at least 500 little plastic food containers~ in addition to many other items.), she had to decide if she would “keep, donate or toss “. I suggested to her daughter that she bring storage bins ( clear ) so we can see inside of them & that all the cardboard boxes had to go….the apartment was in dire need of deep, deep cleaning and much needed organization. No one in her family would help her....my staff & I spent one day in there....the other day and 1/2 was just me. I have spent 20 hours in there so far. I didn’t realize what I had in store for me…..{it has been worth it.} I emptied her pantry ( tossed 2008, 2009 and some 2010 canned goods ) cleaned inside & out all of the cabinets. Unfortunately, I do not have a before picture of the kitchen but by seeing the before of the living room and breakfast room….you probably get the idea. I’ve only completed the living space, breakfast room and kitchen. Her bedroom and bathroom are next.

after: living room ( ignore the vacuum and cups on coffee table…we were still working at this point. )

after: breakfast room

I’m not decorating her apartment, just cleaning and organizing, trying to give her tips on keeping things stored neatly…etc. The daughter is bringing some new furniture next week. My resident told me she is very excited about her apartment getting organized. She will be signing an addendum to her lease that states she will be having weekly inspections due to past housekeeping issues. Overall…..we have bonded….she calls me a tornado and said she has never seen someone work the way I do. =) She also says that I treated her differently than others who have tried to come in and help her in the past. I was positive and didn’t degrade her. She is a charming lady and we even found time to dance in her living room! I will be spending some evenings over there this week , I figure 8-10 hours and we’ll be done. This has also been good for my soul…a new friendship and understanding with a super special lady. She knows she has a friend in me.

♥ Jessica

A Little Note~

2011-01-24T05:21:00.001-08:00

Hi friends…..I’ve missed y’all This past week, I have been very busy. I’ll show you one reason why tomorrow.

This weekend, I was browsing through my blog and I’ve been very uninspired for about the last year. I just can’t get in the swing of blogging how I used to. I was pretty good about posting 5x a week. Now it’s more like 5 x a month. My blog isn’t fancy, I have a few faithful readers~ who I adore. Thanks for always being there. You know who you are. ♥

I’m sorry I haven’t been by lately.

I won ’t ever have 1000 followers…..or a major decorating blog. This blog started as an outlet for me….to share my life…my family & a little decorating and gardening.

Note: I can not wait until March…..I’m ready for some much needed dirt therapy.

Elbows deep in dirt = a happy girl!

I’m trying to find my way back to the cozy kettle…..I miss my friends. I miss our visits. I miss this outlet….of blogging my little heart out. I’m coming back and very soon we will have a PARTY……I’m working towards my 350th post!

Tomorrow, I will share where I have been for the last week…..in addition to my real job….I took on a project with a special lady…..who needed a little help….and a whole lot of encouragement.

♥ Jessica

Basic Training Graduation~ Ft Leonard Wood, MO

2011-01-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

Howdy friends….

Today I’m going to share our trip to Missouri.

Last Wednesday morning we flew to St. Luis….our ~~baby~~ soldier was graduating boot camp.

We watched the sunrise from the airplane….it was beautiful.

I am not a fan of flying…but there was no way I could miss her graduation.

It was a good flight and having my Mister beside me….I felt brave and even looked out the airplane windows.

We were shocked when we landed….we couldn’t believe all the snow and ice!

We don’t see this kind of stuff living so close to the gulf coast.

Here we are waiting for the the shuttle….Mister had already gulped his Starbucks….

I nursed mine….the windchill was –15degrees! WOOT!

( note we were wearing shorts just a few days earlier…lol. )

We rented a 4 wheel drive suv ( amen ) because we had a 2 hour drive and there was snow & ice on the ground and snow flurries…..the remainder of the day.

That’s me in the rearview mirror taking a picture of the ice on the truck.

The drive was beautiful~

We made it!

Did I tell you, the genius did not know I was coming? Nope, she didn’t. She was only expecting her daddy. She knows I do not fly….but she had her suspicions. I think she knows I would go to the ends of the earth for her….

I loved this house…..

Getting close to her barracks. At this point she was on the phone with Mister giving him directions and asked him 25 times. Where is Mom? She even called, my dad, my mother in law and bear. No one would tell her anything….lol.

I crouched down in the floorboard of the suv and I could hear her voice through Mister’s phone….she was looking out the window and then I jumped out blew her a kiss and took a bow. I heard her scream and then her friends ( battle buddies ) giggled and ~~she~~ cried. Don’t tell her I told you. Soldiers don’t cry either. lol.

Then they had to get in formation….

Being silly in formation

Day pass!

We toured the base and she showed us where she did some of her training.

Such an incredible day.

I loved this church~

This is what they call a cattle car….they load 150+ soldiers including ours in here….

I loved seeing the snow covering everything in sight.

The temperature. 9 degrees!!

Thursday morning….the view outside our hotel.

Time to graduate!! HOOAH! ( that’s what the Army says )

Soldiers creed ( you can click to enlarge any picture )

Here she is!

We have never been so proud~

They played a slideshow of their 10 week training.

This is her on the big screen

She also got the sharpshooter badge! Isn’t that awesome? HOOAH!

Me & My girl

She is Daddy’s girl, too

I loved this picture.

After graduation we got to take her off base. We had lunch at Cracker Barrel and went bowling. We had a wonderful time! We were so fortunate to have this time with her. We came home early Friday morning and she left for her next adventure. Training for her job = missiles. sigh.

♥ Jessica

Rainy Sunday = Playing with Dishes~

2011-01-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

Howdy friends~

Sunday started with a cold front and lots of rain…..

After the rain the sky stayed gray and gloomy.

It’s hard to believe there used to be a garden back here.

The storm beat up the last of our blooms.

So, I bought some pretty white tulips….

I just ♥ white…..

Then I decided to work on the dining room wall….

here is the so far….

I definitely need more plates on the wall…maybe a pop of color, I have more plates ( of course ) but only had 5 plate hangers at the house & it was too cold to venture out, again.

Hope you have a beautiful week!

♥ Jessica

Fertilizer Friday~

2011-01-07T06:03:00.001-08:00

Hi friends….

This is my first fertilizer Friday in quite some time. I wanted to share our surprise guest. A hawk…..right here in our back yard. Just sitting on our fence……but definitely in search of something. ( he didn’t find it here. )

I liked this picture…..the wind was blowing and it ruffled his feathers.

I haven’t spent any time in the garden lately and was surprised to see a few roses in full bloom.

You can still see their morning dew…..

Thank you Tootsie for hosting. Please visit the queen of gardening and the other FF participants here.

Have a beautiful weekend~

♥ Jessica

2011 and the genius~

2011-01-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

First, we wanted to wish all of you a happy new year!

We feel extremely blessed and thankful for so many reasons.

It was so great to have our baby home!

I know, I know….she’s 19 but will always be….our baby.

At the beginning of a brand new year, our list making begins. Generally our list of projects is so long it is impossible to get it all done in just one year so it rolls over from the previous year.

Like the living room/fireplace project…..that was worth the 2 year wait. ( it rolled over twice )

Just before Christmas….I started working in our guest room.

Here is the before. ( Jan 2009 )

This is what I have so far….lol. I’m going back to my tans, cream and hint green…..

My comfort colors.

Mister ( he doesn’t get as excited as me….but he usually agrees ) & I

have begun making our list for 2011

replace exterior trim w/hardi plank. ( un-fun )

paint exterior = FUN

I’ve decided to paint the kitchen cabinets.

I’m scared to do it….but it is my mission!

install ceramic floor tile in bathroom ( note tile has already been purchased. )

add a little charm to the bathroom new faucets etc. and paint.

2 bedrooms are still awaiting crown molding but

I would like to add rope molding to the crown molding in our living and dining room.

build a custom book case in guest room w/gorgeous trim. This will replace the very non-functional closet in there. We really need the space for books, photo albums etc. ( note: this has been on my list for 1 year so far. HA! )

I’m also looking so forward to digging in our garden ( = therapy for the soul )

That’s all we have~ for now

Meanwhile, the genius left Monday…. I had to work so our family came by my office and had

Starbucks ( YUM ) and we visited for awhile.

Here is she walking out of my office…..note the dog tags…..she gave her pappy ( my dad ) a set for Christmas engraved specifically for him…..he wears them proudly all the time now.

@ this point the tears had already started….

Airport parking garage….( awesome lighting huh )

Is she not the ~~cutest~~ bravest soldier you ever saw?

Stay tuned there is much more coming here @ The Cozy Kettle.

Have a beautiful day~