SOCIAL MEDIA

March 28, 2017

This and That - Early Spring

Hello friends! Today, I thought I would put together a few odds and end that never quite made their way to the blog. First, I realized that I never shared the photos I took when we visited Vermont earlier this winter. Have you ever seen an image on Pinterest that you just had to see for yourself? This was one for me. It is the covered bridge in Arlington, VT.
Covered bridge in Arlington, VT
It didn't disappoint! I have an entire board full of places in Vermont that I would like to visit and hopefully we will get to check out more of them this year. We are doing research to narrow down the list of where we might like to live when Billy retires. The village of Dorset, VT is definitely on the list. There is a town green surrounded by a variety of charming white homes and businesses, including an Inn and Country Store. We visited on an overcast day but I can just imagine what it would look like on a sunny day. We will have to go back.
Village of Dorset, Vt
When we check out an area, our youngest son likes to see the local skatepark (his top priority in a place he might live someday). While Billy took him there (he approved), Kyle and I checked out the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester. Old bookstores are my happy place and this one was at the top of the list of memorable ones that I have visited. It has old creaky pine floors and handwritten book recommendations on the shelves. Just perfect!
Window display at Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT
Last week, Billy and I took a day trip to Calicoon, NY in the name of farmhouse research. Calicoon is in the western corner of the Catskill Mountains and only about an hour and a half from where we currently live. Yet it feels like a world away. I can't help but grab my camera when I see a red barn in the snow. This day was a brilliant sunny day. The calendar says it is spring, but it still looks like winter in these parts.
Reb barn in snow in Calicoon, NY
This yellow farmhouse is currently on the market and was calling our name. It is situated on 21 acres with a barn. The only thing wrong with it (for us) is it is already completely renovated and we want something we can work on ourselves.
Yellow farmhouse for sale in Calicoon, NY
Barn in snow in Calicoon, NY
Speaking of moving to the country, I have been enjoying the BBC tv show "Escape to the Country." Season One is currently on Netflix and I find the inside look at life in the English countryside fascinating. And it just goes to show that the lure of living in the country is widespread, in all parts of the world.
Back in NJ, we enjoyed some warm days in February that prematurely gave us spring fever. We even took the top off the Jeep on a warm day. I think we jinxed all chances of an early spring with that move.
Red Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
March arrived with lots of cold weather and even a blizzard. Dax literally had to leap through the snow to get around.
Golden Retriever leaping through the snow
At least I have been able to add a bit of spring to the inside of the house with store bought flowers. And I think this week is actually going to warm up. Fingers crossed.
Trader Joe's floral bouquet as spring decor
 I will leave you with an image of smiling Dax on this Tuesday morning. I am putting the finishing touches on our spring kitchen and I hope to share that soon. Hope your week is off to a great start!
Smiling golden retriever - www.goldenboysandme.com

March 16, 2017

Using Tiered Stands Around the House

Ideas for using tiered stands for organization all over the house
I use tiered stands all over the house to stay organized. When I diy-ed my first tiered stand a couple of years back, I thought it would mostly be a decorative item. However, I quickly learned that they are actually very useful. So when I spotted this painted wood stand at HomeGoods, I knew it would be coming home with me for our kitchen island. I have had my eye out for one just like this.

March 8, 2017

Spring Family Room

Spring gallery wall with Pottery Barn console
I was excited to change things up for spring in our family room this year. I started with the gallery wall, adding a few items that I already had in storage to create a botanical feel to the space.
Bookshelf styling in spring family room