love my simple home

The Joy Of Lilacs

May 25, 2015, in outside

For me, there is nothing more joyful than the simple pleasure of Lilacs. Our kitchen table is set with a bouquet of these fragrant blooms.

Once a year I get to experience the joy of their bountiful blooms

their sweet intoxicating fragrance.

Oh, how I love these delicate flowers with their varying shades of purple.

I just want to sit here all day and smell their heavenly scent!

Remember to check for insects before you bring in fresh cut flowers. Ants like to climb the bushes of lilacs in search of the flowers sweet nectar.

It's so sad they only bloom for a couple of weeks each spring.

Last year I had them in my entry and living room.

If you'd like you can read about that here & here.

I love all flowers but these bring me to my knees!

Kitchen lighting update

May 19, 2015,

About a month ago I started my search for a new light fixture for our kitchen. I wrote a post on how to shop on-line and searched many sites to find just the right one.

One way to update your kitchen without emptying your bank account is with lighting. Lighting sets the tone for any room especially in the kitchen and dining room. Because there are so many design options, it is a good idea to know what your design style is before you start to shop. I like to use Pinterest for this.

There were two factors I took into consideration before making my purchase. I needed a light that would light the entire space of my kitchen, so that excluded any that could not use a 100 watt light bulb or above. The second factor was the ceiling height. Most of the light fixtures I pinned were in kitchens with tall ceilings... which I love so much!!!... but in reality mine are the standard 8 foot kind. So sadly all those lovely pendents were crossed off my love list.

So lets talk style for a minute.... mine is coastal, industrial, farmhouse, modern. That is quite a mouth full, but it sums up everything I love and to me that's what style is all about....

{Living with what you love!!}

When I set out to purchase lighting I kept in mind our casual life style and wanted something to reflect that. After all the searching I narrowed down my choices.

Thanks to all who helped out with my decision making!

OKAY

ARE YOU READY TO SEE WHAT I CHOSE?

You are going to be surprised!!!.....

INTRODUCING
MY NEW KITCHEN BARN LIGHT

I purchased my light on-line at Menards.

I was able to get the same look for less by purchasing my light at a hardware store.

Here is a little tip I found out during my search...

Read the reviews that people write.
I am glad I did because I never would have looked at hardware stores for lighting.

My barn light arrived about a week after I made my on-line purchase.

The neat thing about this light is the versatility. It can be hung from the ceiling or on the wall. You can also customize the color to go with your decor.
I think this light fixture would look really cool in a bathroom above a vanity.

I customized mine by spray painting it black!
Any spray paint brand will do the trick.

The steel pipe that came with the light fixture was a bit long, so we purchased a shorter one at our local Lowes.

This was our original light fixture.

We temporarily swapped it out for this beauty

until I decided on just the right one.

This baby packs a 300 watt bulb!
My husband installed the light and changed the light switch to a dimmer.
By doing it ourselves we saved a ton of money.

Oops!
Disregard the fact that when we painted the ceiling we forgot to take the old fixture off. Hence the round circle of different paint color.

I am so happy with my new customized light and can you believe I spent under $30.00 for it!!

Enjoy Your Day!

A Visit To The Country & My Favorite Antique Store

May 06, 2015, in Thrifting

{HELLO FRIENDS}

Taking a ride to the country is one of my favorite things to do. I love to stop at my favorite antique and vintage stores. There is one in particular that is filled with amazing pieces and there is always something to love. The name of the store is NORTH FOUND & CO. it is located in Peconic a hamlet on the North Fork of Long Island.

Come on in and have a peek at these rare antiques that inspired my photos.

WELCOME

Are you in love with these Louis XV Arm Chairs as much as I am?.....

Oh, Happy Day!! Check out this large pine console...
GORGEOUS!

I am pretty much in love with all of the lights!!

Oh and those cute hats too!

Sunglasses anyone?

Check out the hat mold...how cool is that!!

I love all the details of the vignettes.

And the mix of textures in this blue and white collection

I hope you had fun peeking inside this lovely store with me. If you are on the hunt for rare antiques found from around the world, I highly recommend a visit to North Found & Co.

On my drive home I snapped a picture of this sweet horse grazing in the grass...

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

The Joy Of Lilacs

Kitchen lighting update