View Full Version : Two Households
iris lilies
3-13-18, 11:13pm
Here I will share triumphs and adversity in organizing two households. Anyone can chime in, two householder or not.
Tomorrow I am going to stay for the first time in the weekend house we purchased. DH took a load of stuff there once already but I haven't been there, too busy here in the city.
So, bedding—We had just enough sheet sets to cover all of the beds we own, those here and in Hermann. I bought an extra set today. I think we have enough blankets and comforters. I have been collecting those for some years because they serve us well as dog beds and etc. These havebeen easy to get in alleys and dumpsters. And funny, just today I picked ip a cheap blanket in perfect condition from our alley, the same blanket selling for $19.99 at Target.
A nice thing is that this second house is causing stuff to be cleared out of our city house.
Hey, cool! I'm in! Just got back from Vermont. I would have stayed longer but no bed and no plumbing was a little too much for more than a weekend. I brought up little things like cleaning agents. Didn't have to buy any--we have SO MANY duplicates in NJ. Also, I didn't have to buy paper towel and TP--I buy those at Costco and Who Needs A Crap respectively, in bulk, so I just grabbed a few rolls of each.
Brought up spare bedding also--had just gotten a comforter cleaned after my dog died, so that's the one I brought up--also a couple of blankets and extra pillows.
The little house has little single or double shelves running along the walls throughout that the previous owner built, so I brought up the Vermont snow globe my son bought us when he was pushing for us to buy up there. We also brought some tools and curtains.
Now for the adversity: I'm bummed about the curtains I bought, because I'm not sure they're going to work after all. We'll see, but I'm thinking I made a rash purchase when Country Curtains liquidated. Should have waited. Of the two different colors/styles I bought, one will probably get some use, but I'm not sure about the faux roman shades I bought.
It's a fun adventure, IL. I have a full time home, the second home ( future plans to be snowbirds) and a motor home. In the beginning, dividing and furnishing each was actually helping to reduce my stuff at home #1. Unfortunately, I found quickly that if *it* was part of my everyday life here, I needed one there too. For instance, I dragged the razzle dazzle vacuum back and forth since it worked so much better than the $50 jobby I had there. And the tools! Ended up buying a second. Not frugal!
I found it helpful to have a full closet at the vacation home. Most of the clothes there were things I've gotten bored with and thrift findings. Beats having to pack - we just grab meds and dog food and go, now!
I save glass jars and seal up nonperishable foods too. Helps for late night arrivals (who wants to make a grocery run after driving), the tea bags, etc stay fresher and no pests.
rosarugosa
3-14-18, 7:44am
Hey, all we declutterers can send stuff to IL and Catherine to stock their second homes! :laff:
I have china if you need it, Catherine and Iris Lilies! I think this is actually kind of cool idea--crowdsource your house furnishings!
iris lilies
3-14-18, 8:56am
Yes, Imerullo, that is my plan too, to just grab meds and Computers (always the dog meds, we dont take prescription stuff) and go.I can see that having the right tool at both places is essential.
dishes! We’ve got enough of them! But thank you all. We are using a set that DH brought to our marriage, it was part of his dowry. It has been stored for 30 years because he refuses to get rid of them and I refuse to use the, they are ugly. Now they will be used for a while. I am taking our big set of silverplate because I have no,
dishwasher there and it will be nice to use that, anyway. The cutlery will offset the ugly dishes.
Hey, all we declutterers can send stuff to IL and Catherine to stock their second homes! :laff:
Yeah, do it! I'll pay shipping!
As for dishes, tempting thought! But my son is giving me back some dishes that I bought him when he got his apartment. Also, because I have open shelving I'm going to be pretty strict about dishes and glassware. It's going to have to have a cohesive look.
Teacher Terry
3-14-18, 2:02pm
I know a lot of people have second homes but it sounds like too much work for me. I hope you love it IL:)) We do have a motorhome but that is pretty easy to pack when we are going on a trip. for the motorhome I bought a set of plastic dishes and some silverware at at garage sale that were brand new. The sellers of the RV also gave us stuff like plastic wine glasses, etc. So it is pretty easy and quick to pack to go.
I'm not sure I could handle two houses either but then I hope it works out for you two. We pretty much outfitted this house with thrift store/craigslist finds - that part has been creatively challenging and fun.
It's great fun. Relaxing. Simple. WE bought garage sale: sofa/love/a few cast iron skillets. bought a new mattress set for her and hauled our older one there. Dollar store for essentials. We started out carting stuff back/forth because when we bought it we drained our liquid savings for the biggest down payment possible. over time we have slowly duplicated and the kitchen is now fully stocked as is linen-I've been slowly converting to organic bed linens there.
We've kept it simple there (nearly 15y). "Decor" is minimal. 1250 sq is easy to clean in 15 minutes between the 2 of us. Dust/vacuum when we arrive if it's been more than 2w. Bathroom cleaned as needed.
Enjoy your new bliss!
So, I'm going through a bit of, not buyer's remorse necessarily, but more of buyer's "did I do the right thing?"
We are planning on spending very little decorating the VT house--with only 700 square feet, there's not much to buy. But we do need a bed, and a new couch. I'm buying the couch new because there are specific things I'm looking for--a smaller size, an ability to convert it into additional sleeping. Also, it's the one piece of furniture that will be a focal point. You walk in the door and that's the only thing you're going to see. There's no room for any armchairs or anything else. So I plan on one good piece of new furniture and then buy accent tables, etc. from flea markets/craigslist.
So on the way home from Burlington we stopped off at a furniture store. I don't know what happened, but DH and I walked directly over to one piece of furniture that seemed perfect. It checked all the boxes. It especially checked the box I have in my mind for "fun" and "whimsical" as the decorating tone I'm looking to achieve.
But now I look at it and I'm saying to myself "egad." Is it too much?? I'm going to keep everything else in the place understated to balance it out. The colors are bright, but the hues are slightly off--I was thinking red v orange-red and sage green v olive green. But I'm flexible on that.
You guys who are artists and who have a great visual sense--what do you think? I'm posting the link to the sofa as well as to pictures of my living room. Can you envision this sofa in a room with an artsy bohemian vibe, or do you think it's going to scream at people?
http://futonland.com/index/page/product/product_id/23043/product_name/Unfurl+Sofa+Bed+Wild+Flower+Tropical+by+Innovation ?affiliate_id=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-bLVBRBMEiwAmKSB8-OSeI-xTQ-iybKzuXF6zDB6_86lQII4mDZta_wp8mh4klPrlZNMlxoCQmMQA vD_BwE
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Here is a picture of the same room, different angle: it's one of the listing pictures, so the couch is a picture of the previous owner's.
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Not sure why one came out right-size up and the other's upside down.
No artistic sense here, but I love it!
rosarugosa
3-17-18, 8:43am
Catherine,
The sofa you are looking at is the "Unfurl Sofa Bed Wild Flower Tropical," is that correct? I must preface my opinion with the disclaimer that I am very much into subdued color schemes. I like a serene backdrop, and every room in my house is pretty much either blue and white or green and white. So that being said, I would not like to even be in the same building with that sofa; it would give me a headache.
ETA: I'm not one of the artists in our crew either, so you can take what I say with a grain of salt. I would be more likely to go with a more neutral sofa and colorful pillows and throws that could be more easily changed up.
I think you could make it work, depending on paint colors, etc. If not, it would be easy to slipcover.
I think I am like Rosa and tend to go with serene--lots of off white in my house, and when I get my new place am going to do Ektorp in a sleeper if I can find it, with off white slipcovers. So I am probably not the right person, either--I have trouble seeing this couch as a place to cuddle up and read a story to a grandchild, etc-- just that you are going to have family and lounging around going on; it looks uncomfortable to me?
But it is a smashing print, for sure, and does hit the whimsical note!
Or I might go with something like this one:
http://futonland.com/index/page/product/product_id/14726/category_id/1/product_name/Kobe+Santa+Glory+Cream+Convertible+Sofa+Bed+by+Sun set
but I know that is not the color palette your are looking at, but then I would be painting everything white, so it would work for me.
iris lilies
3-17-18, 11:37am
I love the floral of that sofa thingie. It is a statement piece and your instinct to decorate around it is sound. If you let it set the colors of yoir cottage, that will be good.
edited to add : probably I would paint walls the colorof the cream background of the soda. Maybe I would paint them sage green, but I think you want light and bright. I would paint one wall the red of the sofa. If doing cream, I might paint woodwork exactly the same color, it is simple. Add tiny blue accents, like blue canisters on the kitchen counter.
What material are floors and kitchen counter space?
I love it! I think white walls and then I personally would pick out the blue for accents because I am not that fond of reds. It will make you smile every time you walk in!
Teacher Terry
3-17-18, 12:06pm
I agree with IL's suggestions.
iris lilies
3-17-18, 12:13pm
Oh wait, catherine’s woodwork is natural. Then leave that, woodwork painting is nasty time consuming.
Catherine, the walls in that room are painted, right? But the trim is natural, and darker? Am I seeing the picture right? What color are the walls, and do you like that with the couch or were you painting the walls to go with the couch?
Catherine, the walls in that room are painted, right? But the trim is natural, and darker? Am I seeing the picture right? What color are the walls, and do you like that with the couch or were you painting the walls to go with the couch?
Thanks, everybody!
Rosa, your reaction was one of the reasons I'm nervous. I, too, am a subdued type of person (IRL as well as in my decorating style). My living room is all neutrals--white, beige, natural woods, with a touch of sage green. OTOH, my DH is a very outgoing, gregarious person, and he likes to make a statement IRL.. and I think that's why his excitement over this sofa was so contagious.
But I am going for happy look. I have a collection of Stephen Huneck dog prints that I've never framed or hung, so they'll be perfect on the VT walls, and the colors will go with the sofa.
Tybee, the woods in the home are pine (floor and open kitchen shelving), and some type of wood they the previous owner stained a dark espresso color (window trim & shelves). Then the doors and moldings are your regular construction-grade medium shade wood, closer to the pine than the dark window trim.
Here's the kitchen.
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IL, agree with you. I really like the idea of the cream from the sofa background. Rather than red, though, I was thinking of the accent wall being something like this:
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/2138-40/carolina-gull?color=2138-40
But I love the idea of the blue accents--pillows, canisters on shelving, etc. I think that would look nice.
Teacher Terry
3-17-18, 2:19pm
If the couch is bold use neutrals on the walls. I have neutral furniture but have an accent wall or 2 walls for color.
I think you could make it work, depending on paint colors, etc. If not, it would be easy to slipcover.
You know, I'm already thinking that solid color throw pillows and a knit throw would soften the impact. In fact, it's weird, but I recently found an afghan my mother knit for me in the 70s. It's in good shape except it needs a slight repair in one of the seams. But it's the same green color that's in the sofa, and it would be awesome to cuddle on that sofa wrapped up in my mother's handiwork.
That old afghan is just a reassurance that this bright sofa if the right choice! My friend who likes subdued colors just bought a bright chair for her bedroom and is thrilled with it.
rosarugosa
3-17-18, 4:32pm
I love your cottage, Catherine. And that's a neat idea about going with the solid throw and pillows. It's the flip of what I would have done, and would achieve a similar result.
My sister has had a dark brown couch for years and recently got a coral & white patterned chair with ottoman for companions. I never would have envisioned the two being compatible, but the chair complements the couch and the room marvelously. I'll see if I can find a picture.
I'll be excited to see how it all comes together in your cottage. Please do keep us looped in :)
rosarugosa
3-17-18, 4:41pm
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OK, this photo includes a family friend who might not love being on the forum, but I won't tell if you won't tell. This is sister's new condo/loft, and this friend actually has a great eye and helped arrange her furnishings in a much better way than we ever would have envisioned.
mschrisgo2
3-17-18, 6:06pm
I don't know if I am considered one of the "artists" or not, but I LOVE the couch And all the the things you mentioned to go with it. I think you are sort of second-guessing yourself because this is outside of your norm (up until now) but it sounds very right. And hey, if you get tired of it, you can easily cover it, even just for a season or so.
I like the print, but the sofa doesn't look comfy without arms. I'm thinking cottage = naps with blankets. Without an arm on the sofa, how will you prop up your pillows?
early morning
3-17-18, 6:59pm
I love the fabric. I don't know if I could live with it full time, but for a vacation/weekend place, I think it's perfect! It made me smile.
Teacher Terry
3-18-18, 12:39pm
Rosa, I love that chair.
iris lilies
3-18-18, 1:52pm
We have nothing “nice” in our Weekend house other than two brand new beds (super comfortable!) and silverplate cutlery. Everything else is crap because we will be tearing apart the house and I dont want nice stuff subject to plaster dust and the ravages of construction.
I hadnt seen DH’s dowry china for decades until last week. Ugh. It has a silver rim around each piece which disqualifies it for use in the microwave oven so not only is it hideous in looks it is not even practical.
We have nothing “nice” in our Weekend house other than two brand new beds (super comfortable!) and silverplate cutlery. Everything else is crap because we will be tearing apart the house and I dont want nice stuff subject to plaster dust and the ravages of construction.
I hadnt seen DH’s dowry china for decades until last week. Ugh. It has a silver rim around each piece which disqualifies it for use in the microwave oven so not only is it hideous in looks it is not even practical.
I went to drop off some stuff at Goodwill yesterday and walked through the store afterwards--I was so excited to see how many good choices for dinnerware and glassware they had! I promised my DH that I wasn't going to buy anything else until we got up to VT, but at $1.09 a plate, it killed me to pass up some of the bargains. Plus, I already have a plain white set of dinnerware I plan on using. Only drawback is it's a box of only 4 place settings, but I probably won't need more than that for a while.
But I did cheat. I could not pass up a really cool set of bowls that sit inside each other. There about 7 of them, ranging from a nice size mixing bowl down to the size of a condiment dish. It was $20, and because it looked cool in a Fiestaware kind of way, and it's so practical from a small space perspective I bought it.
I'm definitely going to put Goodwill on my list of placed to go to when we need things like that.
Rosa, that chair is really cool. Thanks for posting the picture. I'm still stressing about the wild colors, but you guys made me feel better.
iris lilies
3-18-18, 2:20pm
Those nesting bowls are cool. i always thought they were the perfect wedding present if one wanted to give inexpensive physical objects. I have seen the clear sets but not the colored bowls.
Teacher Terry
3-18-18, 7:57pm
I like the pink tile too. I enjoy seeing the pics and it will be fun to see your progress.
iris lilies
3-23-18, 7:38pm
This is week two in spending some days in one house, some days in another.
My Sense of Garlic Supply, usually infallible, was off kilter. I have no garlic in Hermann and
I skipped it twice in grocery stores because I could picture it in the fridge. How can I cook without garlic? i cant.
I am using up tons of paper bowls, a stack we have had for 3 years, purchased for an event that didnt take place.
I still have no dinner plates to use in the microwave and that is a severe limitation.
our Hermann kitchen is completely adequate in storage for two people in a weekend house, but the cabinets are deep and dirty, I think original paint from 1940’s. Maybe. The counter space is completely inadequate.
Our architect came over (he lives across the street) for the initial meet and greet and to get our overall ideas of what to do to this hoise. The upstairs bedrooms are cute garret type bedrooms BUT the headroom at the top of the stairs is practically non existant.
we found deer scat, fresh,in the yard today. I hate deer. Hate them.
iris lilies
3-23-18, 7:44pm
I continue to be amazed at the services in this little town of 2,400 people. There is a nursery half a mile from our house they will deliver wood chips next week.
Our Hermann house has scads and scads ofdaylilies coming ip, and I fear they are all the crappy orange kind. Only those things geow like weeds.
I am pulling oit landscaping logs from 20 years ago, most all of them rotten. Am digging out the rerod. I feel like Paul Bunyan when I get them out. We pile them on the truck and bring them to St. Louis for disposal because our garbage service is FABuLOUSin the city here.
iris lilies
3-29-18, 5:46pm
Dairy products—still figuring out how to manage them. When we spend 2-3 days in one house, the milk may spoil in another house. DH drinks full fat milk and his never spoils, but I drink skim milk and it sits around too long. Still working on that.
now here is something— the cheap SAve a Lot grocery store in
hermann sells reduced fat yogurt that I love. Love it! It is very sour. Now, will I have to buy my yogurt in Hermann and trek it to St. Louis? We shall see.
Already I keep a long narrow box to contain things to shlep back and forth.
Today the mayor of Hermann knocked on our door, paying a personal visit. Well, he is out campaiging in a hot mayorial race, but I can assure you that the mayor of St. Louis has never knocked on my door in 30 years.
We have a designated bin to store the things that are *here* and need to be *there* , so that follows along with your box, IL.
iris lilies
4-2-18, 12:37pm
We are planning our next trip to Hermann around the weather. It seems we will have 7 days in a row with no rain. Yowza!!!
This will be the first time we ride in the same car because DH has been hauling stuff in his truck and trailer. Since we took possession a month ago he has been there 4 times and I have been there 2 times.
I think the flexibility required to plan these 2-3day trips to Hermann is good for my brain. .....?...maybe. I have to plan around weather and committments to organizations in which I am active, amd DH’s committments in same.
It is cool that we have a welcoming friend in
Hermann in the daffodil society President. Funny that she took the
judge from New Zealand past our house in Hermann over the weekend. He was in Hermann to look at her extensive farm of daffodils.
iris lilies
4-2-18, 1:04pm
Also, little Hermann has a gym, a small room in the community center with exercise equipment. Monthly fee ranges feom $22 to $30, typical gym costs. It am a unclear about where this gym is, but I think it is in a building on the highway that is too far to walk safely, no sidewalks.
But still, gym! In a tiny town! I continually compare Hermann pop. 2,400 to the tiny town of my youth pop. 2,500. Not even remotely the same in services and activities. The latter doesnt even have a grocery store, just one of those hideous Get Gas ‘n Go places.
Also, little Hermann has a gym, a small room in the community center with exercise equipment. Monthly fee ranges feom $22 to $30, typical gym costs. It am a unclear about where this gym is, but I think it is in a building on the highway that is too far to walk safely, no sidewalks.
But still, gym! In a tiny town! I continually compare Hermann pop. 2,400 to the tiny town of my youth pop. 2,500. Not even remotely the same in services and activities. The latter doesnt even have a grocery store, just one of those hideous Get Gas ‘n Go places.
Should we all retire to Hermann? I'll admit that the vineyards appeal to me more than the gym, and real estate prices are more than reasonable by Boston standards!
I love small town living! Maybe we all should retire there. That might increase the pop. to 2430 or more!
And we could take over the gym.
OK. Reality is sinking in for me with this two households thing. DH will be going up in a week (receive furniture delivery--the big bright couch/bed I bought). I'm going up April 26 to help my son prepare for my DIL's co-ed baby shower. May 12th is our summer move-in date.
I'm surprisingly experiencing a lot of mixed emotions. Even though we haven't had to sell our primary residence (yet), I'm feeling loss along with the tremendous excitement as well as anticipation over a whole different lifestyle.
DH is pining over the fact that we can't afford a lot of things this year, but his list of things he thinks we "need" is a lot longer than mine. I just want to get up there with as few things as possible and work from there. He, on the other hand, has a long list of things that either need to be done or things that he thinks "need" to be bought. I've told him where we stand money-wise and he understands, but he likes to give me a hard time anyway. He's still like a kid with a long list to Santa. I don't want to be Santa. I have to admit that I'm concerned about our ability to carry two homes.
I know people move all the time, and I fully embraced this move, but now that it's becoming reality all of a sudden my NJ forsythia is so much more beautiful; my social life with my fellow Master Gardener interns is so fulfilling; my living room is so peaceful and "me"; and even the paint colors on my walls are wrapping around me whispering, "you love us, don't. you?"
Yes, I can't wait for the Vermont adventure, but boy, it's hard to break out of 33 years of habit and routine in a place you used to call home.
Teacher Terry
4-15-18, 6:18pm
Can you just bring stuff from home instead of buying it? I would start selling things in your big house that you won't be taking with you because this is getting to be the perfect time of year. You can use CL or have some moving sales. Too bad I don't live by you because I have helped many do this and love it. When we knew we were going to downsize I sold all the furniture I knew we would not be taking.
Wow, you are experiencing homesickness/nostalgia early on. I still pine for my old house but not as much as a year ago. I think "moving gets harder the older you get" has a lot of truth to it as it takes many years to make all those connections that bring familiarity. I wish we had brought some practical stuff from our TX house as having to go out and buy new has been a real pain.
Teacher Terry
4-17-18, 3:49pm
It is much harder to move to a new town then to move within your town. I have gotten attached to a few of the houses we have owned but we have moved a lot so never was in 1 place for 30 years.
Wow, you are experiencing homesickness/nostalgia early on. I still pine for my old house but not as much as a year ago. I think "moving gets harder the older you get" has a lot of truth to it as it takes many years to make all those connections that bring familiarity. I wish we had brought some practical stuff from our TX house as having to go out and buy new has been a real pain.
I know--I am getting "pre-nostalgia." But I see the writing on the wall. The smartest thing I can do is make sure I kind of like it up there and then pack up and move out of NJ asap.
Can you just bring stuff from home instead of buying it?
Yes, we are planning on doing some of that, but we probably should have done more. DH doesn't want to dismantle this house, but we are bringing stuff we don't really need here. But we still need some stuff.
iris lilies
4-19-18, 11:36am
We need a small coffee table by the upholstered chairs in our living room in Hermann. How does one sip the local wines by the fire without a table to set wine glass on?
I am trying desperately to keep the furniturer there 1) minimal in quantity 2) throwaway. So, I pulled a small shelf thingie out of the alley, not perfect, but will do for one chair. Then, today, I went to our basement and found another small table to place by the other chair. This problem now solved.
I am having fits in my bedroom because I have only one chest of drawers, a lingerie chest (nice, not theowaway) and the horrible closets have no shelves or drawers. All of my clothes there are roll up types, casual pants and tops. We cant spend any money on rebuilding this closet until we get a renovation plan in place. So I guess i will be hanging t shirts and pants on hangers. I dont like that but will have to do it.
Maybe something like this?
https://smile.amazon.com/Ziz-Home-Hanging-Shelving-Accessory/dp/B00R208DKU/ref=sr_1_13_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524159074&sr=8-13&keywords=hanging+clothes+bags+for+closet+storage
I'm facing a similar dilemma. We have two bedrooms and two closets, but neither closet would pass muster on an HGTV House Hunters show. They don't even have doors! I have to run a dowel through a curtain and use that as a door.
We are going to buy a dresser, cheap, but to be honest, I prefer to "steal" the Eastlake dresser that came from my great-aunt's cottage which is currently in the bedroom now occupied by BIL. It only has 3 drawers, though. Thankfully I don't have that many clothes, but still....
I was considering under-bed solutions. Eventually, like you, I think we'll build organization systems in the two closets. I laugh, though, at our expanding need for bigger closets. My MIL's house was 4 bedrooms. Each bedroom had very small closets--no bigger than the small ones in my lack house, and none of the 6 people who lived in that house seemed to require more.
I prefer to "steal" the Eastlake dresser that came from my great-aunt's cottage which is currently in the bedroom now occupied by BIL.
I don't want to hijack the thread, but did BIL move in with you? Wasn't he supposed to get his own place? What are you going to do when you sell the NJ house? Will he expect to move with you to Vermont?
iris lilies
4-19-18, 2:05pm
I don't want to hijack the thread, but did BIL move in with you? Wasn't he supposed to get his own place? What are you going to do when you sell the NJ house? Will he expect to move with you to Vermont?
Answering for fantasy catherine:
“ My BIL is getting ready to move to Florida. He has purchased a simple little mobile home in a nice mobile home park, and he has a job lined up at the nearby golf course. He has run his budget several times and he can afford this place with money to spare. Already his single lady neighbors have invited him for dinners and cards, and he made friends at his last visit there. He is hiring a moving truck and I wont have to help him load it or move. He will be gone next month.”
This is my wish for catherine. :~)
Yes, BIL moved in with us. We don't know what his grand plan is, but even though we told him repeatedly he needs to buy a small, cheap place in cash and a decent used car (his is 15 years old and falling part) before he fritters away his cash, he seems reluctant to put his money anywhere where it might actually do him some good.
For the time being he's staying here, and to be honest, I'm fine with that this summer. We'll be away, and we don't have to worry about leaving a vacant house. Plus we told him he has to pay us rent (he has been paying us a token amount for rent) and mow the lawn every week.
Once we decide to get rid of the house, we'll see what he decides to do.
Frankly, herbgeek, I worry about his outcome. Again, I have repeatedly warned him to read YMOYL and/or Dave Ramsey in order to understand exactly what his income is vs his outgo and to NOT SPEND BEYOND HIS MEANS. But that ain't happening. He goes out to a bar after work almost every night and orders appetizers and a few beers, he buys convenience store coffee in the morning, when he could get an 8 cent cup of coffee here at the house. He's looking to buy a gold chain--God only knows why. Right now he's in Las Vegas at a conference for a crazy multi-level marketing business he's joined, which he'll never earn a thing from. And I know he brings home maybe $1200 a month MAX, only 8 months of the year in a seasonal job.
My big concern is he blows through his proceeds from the house, and with his very checkered work history, he'll probably only get minimal social security. And he has no more safety nets. Obviously no one is PLANNING on his moving to Vermont, but I was just telling DH this morning that who knows.
ETA: Just saw iris lilies post: Great fantasy! I'll keep dreaming it and maybe it will come true!
ApatheticNoMore
4-20-18, 2:01am
Yes, BIL moved in with us. We don't know what his grand plan is, but even though we told him repeatedly he needs to buy a small, cheap place in cash and a decent used car (his is 15 years old and falling part) before he fritters away his cash, he seems reluctant to put his money anywhere where it might actually do him some good.
I laughed at this line "reluctant to spend money anywhere it might actually do him some good". So a sibling is bankrupting my mom spending all her money, and yet if I urge her to spend some money on her falling apart house no "there's no money" - well yes there is and it goes for the credit card debt my sibling runs up all the time ... until it's all gone I guess and the house is still falling apart. It's like for heavens sake if you are going to spend money then SPEND MONEY but do it for something that might do some long term good.
Oh well I know I can't save them, I can hardly save myself, and I can't find a small cheap place for cash except maybe in Florida so. >8) But since my car is almost new now, it's one concern I don't have.
Here is a mobile home in Mt Dora, near Orlando, where he could caddy year round (Disneyworld, etc)
https://orlando.craigslist.org/tro/d/1982-skyl-56-mobile-home/6538085275.html
Here is one in Ft Myers:
https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/for/d/mobile-home-with-lanai/6542398366.html
(As you can probably tell, this is my back up plan, now that I am over sixty!)
Yes, BIL moved in with us. We don't know what his grand plan is, but even though we told him repeatedly he needs to buy a small, cheap place in cash and a decent used car (his is 15 years old and falling part) before he fritters away his cash, he seems reluctant to put his money anywhere where it might actually do him some good.
I've been trying to decide if I write this and I'm going to. Catherine, he doesn't have to save himself. You do it for him. He knows he will never be homeless or starving. What could possibly motivate him to save his money instead of spending it? To me his plan is obvious. You bailed him out yet again.
We watched my in-laws spend down their entire retirement bailing out his sister and 3 grandsons for 15 years. They had a fantastic time, with nice cars, a nice home and lots of groceries as well as travel. My in-laws are both still working at 77 and 78y old. They did it to themselves and the sister/grandsons? They've all moved away and offer NOTHING....no help..... no nothin'.
You reap what you sow.
I've been trying to decide if I write this and I'm going to. Catherine, he doesn't have to save himself. You do it for him. He knows he will never be homeless or starving. What could possibly motivate him to save his money instead of spending it? To me his plan is obvious. You bailed him out yet again.
We watched my in-laws spend down their entire retirement bailing out his sister and 3 grandsons for 15 years. They had a fantastic time, with nice cars, a nice home and lots of groceries as well as travel. My in-laws are both still working at 77 and 78y old. They did it to themselves and the sister/grandsons? They've all moved away and offer NOTHING....no help..... no nothin'.
You reap what you sow.
Gardr, I'll respond and then we can return the topic to the OP. I take no offense at what you said. I know that I'm very prone to enabling and have committed many sins in the past with regard to that. But in this case, since we sold the house, BIL is no longer costing me any money. In fact, he's paying us rent, and he'll be a warm body in the house this summer while we're away, which is a good thing for us. So, yeah, we bailed him out by offering him a place to stay, but it's not like he's living here scot-free.
Yet, do I need to work on my compulsion to save people? Yes, absolutely.
I'm very lucky, though. My family isn't like the one you described--an empty well kind of family. If I reap what I sow, I must have sown some wonderful "family" seeds, because my greatest source of fulfillment is not my bank account, but my close-knit family. I'm very blessed.
Teacher Terry
4-21-18, 1:19pm
My fear would be that he thinks he is going to live with you guys in Vermont. What if he has spent all his $ by then? Luckily the house isn't big enough:~)
iris lilies
4-22-18, 6:30pm
I am already trading up my dumpster finds for better dumpster finds.
I pitched the shelf thingie from post above when I found a nice little sturdy table in a dumpster. This table will work as planned by the armchair.
I also got an ottoman from the dumpster, exacrly what I had been wanting—big, soft, tan faux leather. Score!
Also, while in Hermann I went to the cute little wine bar and ordered sandwich and drink in order to use their wifi. Usually I go to the library to use wifi but it closes in early evening.
Now, I can sit outside the wine bar in my car when they are closed to access their wifi. But when they are open, I will go in to buy something, I promise! Besides, it is such a cute place!
We havent figured out internet service yet for our Hermann house.
iris lilies
4-22-18, 6:34pm
Maybe something like this?
https://smile.amazon.com/Ziz-Home-Hanging-Shelving-Accessory/dp/B00R208DKU/ref=sr_1_13_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1524159074&sr=8-13&keywords=hanging+clothes+bags+for+closet+storage
You are right, I need to invest in one of these. Ten bucks wont kill me and it will be around for a while.
will order today. thanks for this reminder,
I knew these thngs existed but didnt think to buy one.
So, I have two problems, which I may have just solved.
a) NO space to put silverware, until I get something that has a couple of drawers. So in the meantime, I thought I'd stand them up in Mason jars, but then they might get dusty if they're exposed--or they might tip over.
b) I have to buy flatware for up there, but I don't want to spend a lot. Want to thrift store the purchase.
SO, I was thinking about how I have my great-aunt's silver flatware just sitting in my sideboard in a little wicker basket. I know you're not supposed to put good stuff in the dishwasher, but I looked online, and they said that you can put sterling in the dishwasher as long as it doesn't touch any other metals and you use detergent that doesn't have certain stuff in it (can't remember what).
Do you think I should use silver for every day use?? Any downside other than having to educate people who might help me load the dishwasher? I could keep them covered with a napkin in the little wicker basket they're in now, and put them on the open shelving.
iris lilies
4-24-18, 10:00am
So, I have two problems, which I may have just solved.
a) NO space to put silverware, until I get something that has a couple of drawers. So in the meantime, I thought I'd stand them up in Mason jars, but then they might get dusty if they're exposed--or they might tip over.
b) I have to buy flatware for up there, but I don't want to spend a lot. Want to thrift store the purchase.
SO, I was thinking about how I have my great-aunt's silver flatware just sitting in my sideboard in a little wicker basket. I know you're not supposed to put good stuff in the dishwasher, but I looked online, and they said that you can put sterling in the dishwasher as long as it doesn't touch any other metals and you use detergent that doesn't have certain stuff in it (can't remember what).
Do you think I should use silver for every day use?? Any downside other than having to educate people who might help me load the dishwasher? I could keep them covered with a napkin in the little wicker basket they're in now, and put them on the open shelving.
Use the silver! My friend who runs a bed and breakfast inn uses her sterling daily, and puts it in the dishwasher.
In my Hermann house
I am using a set of silverplate since we do not have a dishwasher there.But it might be ok in a dishwasher, dont know.
seriously, we are too old to NOT use the sterling.
I use an eclectic mix of old sterling flatware and wash in the dishwasher. About once a month I'll do the aluminum foil baking soda hot water soak. When you leave for the week wrap some saran wrap around them and leave them in the mason jars. That'll keep dust off and keep them from tarnishing from exposure.
iris lilies
4-24-18, 10:44am
What do you all do for internet service in your weekend houses?
The rural places have fewer choices, slower service, in general.
catherine
4-24-18, 10:46am
I'm convinced. I'll use the silver, and it will make me happy every time I look at her monogram on it.
But it did present another problem. For some reason, I don't have any tablespoons. So, I think I'll just go with what I have and scout the flea markets and antique stores up there for 6-8 silver tablespoons. Shouldn't cost a lot. (I wish I knew if I really have those tablespoons SOMEWHERE amidst all the crap I have, but I truly don't remember.)
Re the internet: I'm all set up. Comcast is pretty reliable. I just set up my business phone up there, which is key, because I spend a large part of my workday on telephone interviews. It's a landline, but connected to the internet somehow.
What do you all do for internet service in your weekend houses?
The rural places have fewer choices, slower service, in general.
Dad used a hotspot through his cell phone plan for quite awhile until they got better service. If I remember right you don't have a cell contract do you? Dad had tracfone until he decided he wanted some internet and went with a cell provider specifically so he could have a hotspot. Just remember to turn it off when not in use.
The longest time we've been in residence has been two weeks. I actually utilize the time to be "unplugged", sort of a respite.
When necessary I either use the data on my phone or we visit a coffee shop or the library and use their Wi-Fi. Definitely not secure and also not something I would do if I needed to work all day long. I have taken the laptop for work but the stretch of time that I was online was less than one hour.
When we retire from full-time employment and become snowbirds I will activate and then put on standby the local provider service. I don't think that would be the way to go for just a weekend home, however.
Watching the thread with interest to see if there is a solution that would work for me as well.
iris lilies
4-24-18, 1:36pm
I'm convinced. I'll use the silver, and it will make me happy every time I look at her monogram on it.
But it did present another problem. For some reason, I don't have any tablespoons. So, I think I'll just go with what I have and scout the flea markets and antique stores up there for 6-8 silver tablespoons. Shouldn't cost a lot. (I wish I knew if I really have those tablespoons SOMEWHERE amidst all the crap I have, but I truly don't remember.)
Re the internet: I'm all set up. Comcast is pretty reliable. I just set up my business phone up there, which is key, because I spend a large part of my workday on telephone interviews. It's a landline, but connected to the internet somehow.
Sterling tablespoons are expensive. Just get plate.
Sterling tablespoons are expensive. Just get plate.
Just saw 6 silverplate tablespoons circa 1914, when my aunt built her cottage, on Ebay for $13. I'll wait until I see what I can find in thrift shops/antique shops up in VT.
What do you all do for internet service in your weekend houses? The rural places have fewer choices, slower service, in general.
for the very reason you list, we pay for cable internet monthly. Yes it's spendy for the little time we are there. But we both are accountable to our employers 24/7 via job description so connectivity is mandatory. Our hotspot is not as reliable as the cable.
iris lilies
4-24-18, 9:05pm
I am in line to get a hotspot device from the local piblic library. I want to try it out in Hermann.
Arggghhh.. I hate making paint/color palette decisions.
I am trying to pick ONE color as the main accent color in my house to keep it from looking too jumbled up. Not just on the walls, but in terms of pillows, rugs, etc.
For reference, here again is the sofa (https://www.blueprintfurniture.com/blog/tag/innovations-unfurl/), from which I am going to base my color scheme.
I'm also attaching a link that still happens to have the old listing (https://www.movoto.com/grand-isle-vt/41-whites-lane-north-grand-isle-vt-05458-890_4241382/)from the house.
Should I pick cerulean blue as a primary accent color, with some kind of orange as a secondary?
Or should I go with the greens: either a forest green or a warmer green like a sage? Orange as secondary.
I love red, but I don't know if it has a place in this color scheme.
If I paint all the walls a neutral color, should it be a cool beige-type (the color in the background of the print), or a green or yellow neutral color?
My house now is basically primary colors but cooled down with a lot of grey mixed in: i.e. terra cotta instead of red; "silver sage" instead of blue/green. I really love my main house colors, but in a way it would be fun to funk up my second house with brighter colors. I'd like to keep the previous owner's somewhat bohemian vibe.
HELP!
iris lilies
4-25-18, 8:47am
We will get this sorted out, never fear. But I am confused about your concept of primary and secondary accent colors. I thnk that is wrong.
My instinct, without seeing your place, is that it is way too small to be thinking of multiple “accent” colors. Pick one.
Everything in your small place needs to relate to your sofa. Pick one main color for walls. Pick one accent color. Use the accent color in pillows, throws, kitchen counter items, and perhaps a small wall in living area and/or bathroom.
Fortunately, there is a lot to work with in the colors of the sofa. I do kinda like the idea of sagey green from the sofa as a main wall color. Or use the cream as main color and sage as accent if you are overwhelmed by the sofa. Using quieter colors on the walls allows the sofa to stand pit but not overwhelm.
because I love red I would probably do cream as a main color and red as accent.
Just yesterday I was thinking about sage, and how quickly I tired of it several years ago when I used it in a bedroom. Yet I do like yellowy-greens, its just that sage has too much grey in it for my taste.
We will get this sorted out, never fear. But I am confused about your concept of primary and secondary accent colors. I thnk that is wrong.
My instinct, without seeing your place, is that it is way too small to be thinking of multiple “accent” colors. Pick one.
Everything in your small place needs to relate to your sofa. Pick one main color for walls. Pick one accent color. Use the accent color in pillows, throws, kitchen counter items, and perhaps a small wall in living area and/or bathroom.
Fortunately, there is a lot to work with in the colors of the sofa. I do kinda like the idea of sagey green from the sofa as a main wall color. Or use the cream as main color and sage as accent if you are overwhelmed by the sofa. Using quieter colors on the walls allows the sofa to stand pit but not overwhelm.
because I love red I would probably do cream as a main color and red as accent.
Just yesterday I was thinking about sage, and how quickly I tired of it several years ago when I used it in a bedroom. Yet I do like yellowy-greens, its just that sage has too much grey in it for my taste.
Thanks, IL. To your point, "pick one" is exactly my question. But they say that the rule of thumb for color proportion is 60-30-10: 60 being the primary color, 30 being the accent, and the 10% is just those little pops of color (like a red tea kettle on a stove). So unless I go completely monochromatic, I do have the opportunity to pull in a second accent color and use it very sparingly.
I agree about the cream/off-white on the walls, but I have to force my husband and son to trust me on that. They love the wacky walls already. I feel like I have to do a Joanna and Chip on this and don't let them in until I'm all done decorating.
ETA: I'm kind of entranced by this color scheme, (https://www.onekingslane.com/live-love-home/decorating-with-color-patrick-mele/) but I think it would take a TON of skill to balance it right, especially in a small house. But, beyond how wild it is, I could still just use that cerulean and orange for small accents. I wouldn't paint the walls that color (I might consider painting the bedroom walls that color.)
iris lilies
4-25-18, 9:11am
Thanks, IL. To your point, "pick one" is exactly my question. But they say that the rule of thumb for color proportion is 60-30-10: 60 being the primary color, 30 being the accent, and the 10% is just those little pops of color (like a red tea kettle on a stove). So unless I go completely monochromatic, I do have the opportunity to pull in a second accent color and use it very sparingly.
I agree about the cream/off-white on the walls, but I have to force my husband and son to trust me on that. They love the wacky walls already. I feel like I have to do a Joanna and Chip on this and don't let them in until I'm all done decorating.
Ok, I can see that, the three prong approach to color makes for a richer environment. There is more room for confusion, though, I suppose.
if you are doing three color, I would then make one of them a lighter shade of the other. Such as
1) cream/light sage/dark sage
2) sage/yellow/light yellow
3) cream/dark blue/ light blue
red doesnt “lighten up” very well, in my opinion.
...
because I love red I would probably do cream as a main color and red as accent.
....
I like red too--it's cheerful and versatile.
I like red too--it's cheerful and versatile.
I can't remember what zodiac signs you red-lovers are, but I'm Aries, and red has long been my favorite color.
Looking at the photos of the pictures you liked, and I really liked the denim grasscloth! what about picking up the lighter denim blue from the flower sofa and making that a wall color? Pop color could be red from the sofa. Orangey red pops really well against the denim sky blue.
But I know me--I would paint everything a creamy white, because that is what I like. But I can see the appeal of the blue, looking at the pictures you shared.
Since the background of the sofa fabric is white, a wall color deeper than cream might work better.
I am always looking for a deeper cream and find those colors entrancing but difficult to pin down--I once painted a room with something close to a color called Sugared Almond
and liked it a lot.
Do you have a sample of the sofa fabric to take to paint stores if you want to go the cream or deeper route?
For some reason not liking the sagey green as background with that sofa, although I know it is in there. Like the blues and reds and creams.
Okay, having relooked at the pictures you linked, the first one in the entry way with the blue walls and white trim really strikes me. My vote is that, with your couch providing the popping accent. Blue and white also classic for a beach cottage.
catherine
4-25-18, 10:18am
Okay, having relooked at the pictures you linked, the first one in the entry way with the blue walls and white trim really strikes me. My vote is that, with your couch providing the popping accent. Blue and white also classic for a beach cottage.
Thanks! Yeah, I've always liked blue and white in decorating, but never used it myself (actually, now that I think about it, I did paint an accent wall almost that same deep blue in the first house we owned).
I like sage green, and I like sea foam green, but the problem is, the green in the couch is actually more of an olive green. So if I were to paint the walls a complementary green neutral, I'd be tempted to do something with more yellow undertones, like wasabi.
But I think I'll try the blue and white.
mschrisgo2
4-25-18, 12:05pm
It seems to me that in a small house oriented to the water, it would be good to bring some of the outside colors in. It will feel bigger and more integrated. I would go with a blue or sand color for walls.
rosarugosa
4-25-18, 4:50pm
I will be the first to say that my color schemes probably err on the side of boring, but I do dearly love blue and white. Blue and white with that sofa though, now that could really be the best of both worlds. Serene backdrop of blue and white with the POP of that bright and cheerful bouquet of a sofa! :)
Gardenarian
5-1-18, 3:17am
IL re: closets. We have those inexpensive metal "Metro" shelving units in our closets. Works great, they come in all sizes.
Paint palettes: my house is all cream/white inside, which I love. I recently developed a desire for lots of blue in my bedroom, but I'm just using it for the bedcover (a flannel sheet - actually looks quite nice) and in the artwork, and I'm think maybe curtains. I am completely over changing wall colors.
We're painting the (to me) depressing blue-grey exterior white. Plain old classic white.
iris lilies
5-1-18, 9:19am
IL re: closets. We have those inexpensive metal "Metro" shelving units in our closets. Works great, they come in all sizes.
Paint palettes: my house is all cream/white inside, which I love. I recently developed a desire for lots of blue in my bedroom, but I'm just using it for the bedcover (a flannel sheet - actually looks quite nice) and in the artwork, and I'm think maybe curtains. I am completely over changing wall colors.
We're painting the (to me) depressing blue-grey exterior white. Plain old classic white.
We ended up buying one of those $10 hanging shelf units made of fabric. That will do me for a while.
So here's another "two household" problem I'm facing.
We are moving to VT in 2 days. My gardens are a mess. A lot of perennials are coming up, which will help because they don't need much maintenance, but on the whole, I am very worried that the yard is going to look very ramshackle. We have charged my BIL with maintaining the lawn because he is living there for a very reasonable rent, but how do we make him accountable? When he was living next door, the weeds between his pavers were nearly as tall as he is.
Plus he doesn't know the first thing about gardens. I could ask him to deadhead my balloon flowers, but he'll probably roll his eyes and go about his business, which is sitting at the fire pit, using fire starter as logs because he's too lazy to actually build a real fire, listening to music outside (loudly) and drinking beer and vodka.
1st world problems, I know. But I am not about to hire a landscaper when I have an able bodied person living here. Still, my yard used to be so pretty, and this year there will be no cheerful pots of zinnias and petunias, no burgeoning vegetables, no running water through my deer chaser.
You guys will be wondering why I decided to buy this second house with all my anxious posts about leaving New Jersey behind, but it's all part of the process I guess.
And I guess I just would love advice on how to avoid being a bad neighbor in absentia. My yard is highly visible to anyone who walks through the park.
iris lilies
5-9-18, 8:45pm
Well, ya know, if BIL wont do the work and you wont hire the work done, I got nuttin.
You could hire someone to come in 1x every month or every two weeks to at least control it. Say, have them give you 4 hours of work and whatever they can get done is what they can get done.
Also, have BIL or whoever concentrate on the parts of the yard closest to public areas so that if there are high weeds, they are behind the house where neighbors dont have to look at them.
If you've not set clear expectations before now with BIL, I don't think there's much you can do. If you'd set it up in advance ( not two days before you leave) that in exchange for lesser rent, these are some things I will expect of you : mow grass (sounds like that's covered), weed these beds, these flowers over here grow best when deadheaded (wave arms above beds), these require daily watering (point), during the season this plant will grow very tall - stakes or trellis are needed...Tie with this string. In other words, it's just too late. In all honesty, if you've not trained him it's just not going to be done because he has neither the education nor the desire to do it properly. Unfortunately, that may be true of outside help as well. Without clear direction and expectations laid out, I don't think anyone will meet your standard. Perhaps the best you can hope for is a notch above "abandoned homestead" upon your return.
Thanks, IL and lmerullo. I feel better today. I spent a couple of hours weeding the front and pulling out saplings that have sprung up all over--oak, maple.. I would have come back to a forest! I laid down mulch around my perennials which really instilled a sense of order. I guess it's a good thing that the gooseneck loosestrife is a bit of a "thug" in the garden because it's not much work to maintain. Unfortunately it took over my echinacea a couple of years ago, but it's pretty and it's dense. So I'm cool with that for now. (Not sure if I want to bring it up to VT though).
BIL is outside right now mowing the lawn. Saturday morning I'll tidy up the back and then just let it be.
I'm ONLY sad because my peonies are about to bloom and I'm going to miss them this year, probably.
iris lilies
5-10-18, 5:56pm
Oh dear god, gooseneck loosestrife.
You know loosestrife is on the invasive list of many states, right?
I planted it some years ago against the advice of a couple of people. lived to regret that. Do not take it to Vermont.
i had another kind of loosetrife, woody stemmed that ws beloved by Japanese beetles, but it was bery well behaved.
Oh dear god, gooseneck loosestrife.
You know loosestrife is on the invasive list of many states, right?
I planted it some years ago against the advice of a couple of people. lived to regret that. Do not take it to Vermont.
i had another kind of loosetrife, woody stemmed that ws beloved by Japanese beetles, but it was bery well behaved.
I've heard that purple loosestrife is the invasive one in our area. Gooseneck is borderline. According to my Master Gardener teacher:
"...the gooseneck loosestrife, Lysimachia clethroides vs. the purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria.
- SO this is where knowing the specific epithet comes in handy! It turns out that gooseneck loosestrife and purple loosestrife are in different families, purple loosestrife being in the loosestrife family and gooseneck being in the Ranunculus family. While not considered an invasive species, the gooseneck loosestrife is still aggressive and will naturalize/take over an area if grown in moist, hummusy soil as it spreads by rhizomes.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e100
Ironically, I was given the loosestrife by a Master Gardener at an inn we stayed at in VT one year. He never warned me. His gardens were amazing. Just amazing.
iris lilies
5-10-18, 9:31pm
I've heard that purple loosestrife is the invasive one in our area. Gooseneck is borderline. According to my Master Gardener teacher:
"...the gooseneck loosestrife, Lysimachia clethroides vs. the purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria.
- SO this is where knowing the specific epithet comes in handy! It turns out that gooseneck loosestrife and purple loosestrife are in different families, purple loosestrife being in the loosestrife family and gooseneck being in the Ranunculus family. While not considered an invasive species, the gooseneck loosestrife is still aggressive and will naturalize/take over an area if grown in moist, hummusy soil as it spreads by rhizomes.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e100
Ironically, I was given the loosestrife by a Master Gardener at an inn we stayed at in VT one year. He never warned me. His gardens were amazing. Just amazing.
I think you are right that purple woody-type loosestrife is the invasive kind, bit it was always very well behaved in my garden but for attracting those beetles. Now that I think about it, I dont see it offered in nurseries any more. .??? So maybe they got with the program. But like
I said, it was always nice.
I didnt know that Gooseneck and Lytheum are not related.
I learned the hard way that most of the plants for sale in high supply at local garden club sales are aggressive- that's why there are so many. Every spring for the last 6-7 years I'm ripping out gooseneck loosestrive. I obviously don't get it all because out keeps coming back.
I may resort to round up which I have used once in 45 years on a rental property on poison ivy...but for the gooseneck that is starting around the new AC unit. It has to go. Not sure if round up will do it.
iris lilies
5-11-18, 10:46am
I may resort to round up which I have used once in 45 years on a rental property on poison ivy...but for the gooseneck that is starting around the new AC unit. It has to go. Not sure if round up will do it.
Roundup will kill it eventually, but you may have to make several applications and at a strong strength. Gooseneck loosestrife reminds me if mint the way it pushes its roots underground.
I have an ongoing invasion of mint in my community garden but am not “allowed” (social pressure) to use Roundup there. sadz. >:(
plants are funny. I moved a bunch of Iris when the weed situation was so bad in one bed I could no longer control it. That bed is full of Johnson grass, nasty nasty stuff.
Anyway, I moved all of the iris then hit that bed with Round up then hit that bed with Round Up again and we have been mowing it. This spring, about a dozen Iris popped up in this decimated bed. Iris have a waxy coating on their leaves and they are mostly resistant to Round Up. That is good and bad I guess.
Catherine, is there anyone from your master gardener class you could ask to come in once a week and keep up with the garden? I would pay for a certain number of hours, and they would know what to do.
I would look into that for my peace of mind, as I would not want to depend on BIL to do this.
It's really hard to have two places, in some ways, even when you have someone staying there.
mschrisgo2
5-11-18, 1:23pm
nswef, do you know anone who has a goat or two? they would love to eat all of that right down into the dirt. Problem solved, without dangerous herbicides.
Thanks mschrisgo...It's only one flower bed that I will probably end up digging as I have bought poison before and just cannot put the sprayer on it. My husband is less leery, but even he debates it.
The best part of 2 homes? Achieving NO mortgage! Our goal was age 50 and we beat it by more than a year. AND our 2018 expense tracking analysis of $1200/month costs all-in: insurance, taxes, utilities which includes our cell phones/Dish/internet cable/power/gas/snow removal and maintenance. :cool: We keep an 18m large emergency fund-paid for a new AC/Furnace last year and 15y ago so that is not included. We are saving monthly right now for new flooring this fall and exterior paint. No intention of pulling emergency fund $ for these-they are want to do not yet disgusting/mandatory. We'll do it when the $ is sitting in our checking account.
There is such freedom and relaxation in having our 2nd place.....we thoroughly enjoy our time in the mountains be it a quick 40h weekend or a leisurely week.
Teacher Terry
5-12-18, 3:15pm
I am glad you guys are enjoying your 2 homes. Sounds like too much work to me:)) I do enjoy reading about them.
rosarugosa
5-12-18, 4:49pm
I am glad you guys are enjoying your 2 homes. Sounds like too much work to me:)) I do enjoy reading about them.
Yes, also deriving vicarious enjoyment here, but finding one is enough to keep up with for me personally. :)
I am glad you guys are enjoying your 2 homes. Sounds like too much work to me:)) I do enjoy reading about them.
We are very low maintenance. We are minimalist at the cabin-very little on the floor-wall mount table iDH made is in the tiny hallway. When we arrive we spend 15min cleaning-dust/vacuum/sweep floors. Poof. All done:cool: Landscape? none. Snow removal is the one thing we pay to have done for us- one cannot arrive at 8PM on Friday night and remove 3 feet of snow.
Our primary home isn't high maintenance IMO either. The garden is work because I choose to garden instead of the 20 minute/week lawnmowing we used to do.
I'm curious what you do for maintenance on a regular or annual basis that it is so much work in your opinion? We've owned homes since 1983 and have never considered it a lot of work.
catherine
5-12-18, 10:28pm
Catherine, is there anyone from your master gardener class you could ask to come in once a week and keep up with the garden? I would pay for a certain number of hours, and they would know what to do.
I would look into that for my peace of mind, as I would not want to depend on BIL to do this.
It's really hard to have two places, in some ways, even when you have someone staying there.
Good suggestion, Tybee. I did think about that. Because I made such great progress with the set-up, and my perennials aren't THAT much work, I'm going to just let it be for now. I will probably have to go to the NY metro area once a month for various projects so that will give me a chance to check in.
Teacher Terry
5-13-18, 12:29pm
When we retired and downsized our yard was totally dead. Since we live in the high desert with a water shortage we put in astro-turf. We have plants on automatic watering. Still flower beds have to be weeded, our 2 patios swept and washed, all the furniture washed down after winter. Our trees and our neighbor trees drop flowers etc like crazy so we are always sweeping the patios and cleaning off the furniture. Then the flowers get stuck to the astro-turf so twice a year I use a leaf blower to blow up the debris while my husband rakes it until it is gone. So yes our maintenance free yard is still work. However, when we take our 6 week trip this summer we can just lock up and go with no worries. If you have 2 homes you have to buy stuff for both homes and clean both of them. If I want to go on vacation I will either take the RV which cleans up quick and stay in a motel. However, I love hearing about other's stories. Just glad it is not me:))
Around here, lots of folks are doing wall to wall rocks. Makes me sad...but I guess you don't have to think too much about keeping it up. Roundup is the drug of choice.
Roundup is the drug of choice.
Hate it. And DH and I always fight about it. I prefer weed-wacking my brick patio, and I have grown fond of the moss that is growing between the bricks. However. since BIL is very, very unlikely to weed-whack the patio this summer, I relented and very grudgingly consented to Round-Up on the patio. As long as we actually don't have to BUY it and put more pennies in Monsanto's coffers. We have some left in the garage, so we'll use that.
Teacher Terry
5-13-18, 1:57pm
PT: lots of people here use all rocks too which I hate. Plus the dogs need to be able to run and play in our yard. If you buy good quality astro-turf it is expensive but then you never need to water or mow.
PT: lots of people here use all rocks too which I hate. Plus the dogs need to be able to run and play in our yard. If you buy good quality astro-turf it is expensive but then you never need to water or mow.
And leafy ground covers work well to replace grass. What passes for my front yard is pretty well filled in with a variety of them. I whack the grass near the street periodically, and use mulch and barrier cloth. I hate glyphosate.
I kid you not, every weekend the retirees on my street are out with containers of Roundup spraying their rocks. Such a different mindset. Was really frowned on back in Austin but here it is as common as can be.
I kid you not, every weekend the retirees on my street are out with containers of Roundup spraying their rocks. Such a different mindset. Was really frowned on back in Austin but here it is as common as can be.
The amount of chemicals sprayed and peed into our waterways and ground waters is appalling.
Teacher Terry
5-13-18, 5:47pm
Jane, Maltese are princes/princesses and won't step foot on ground cover so they need grass:))
iris lilies
5-13-18, 7:12pm
Jane’s climate is way different fromTerry’s anyway, so I wonder of there is even a green ground covernd that works well for scrubby,dusty, hot dry western places. Of course ivy growns in the Pacific NW, most things do.
I'm curious what you do for maintenance on a regular or annual basis that it is so much work in your opinion?
Here's a partial list: outside- lots of weeding, blow the driveway off (dirt road), cut grass at least once a week, cut invasive brush at least yearly, prune bushes, clean out birdhouses, organize the shed and greenhouse, clean the inside of the greenhouse, weekly sweeping/blowing off of patio, deep clean of patio furniture, did I mention weeding? then there is the 700 square feet of vegetable garden and several perennial beds to care for, plant, harvest, composting. inside- clean 2 bathrooms, clean floors (dust/vacuum regularly, wash occasionally) in all rooms (3 floors), wash windows/screens, keep inventory and buy necessesities, dusting, painting, cleaning rugs, organizing/putting away of seasonal goods, going through clothes and belongings regularly for discards, and then there's the occasional maintenance project. That's on top of dishes, cooking, laundry, bill paying and keeping things running.
I like to think of having a second place, but doing all of this in 2 places makes me pause.
Here's a partial list: outside- lots of weeding, blow the driveway off (dirt road), cut grass at least once a week, cut invasive brush at least yearly, prune bushes, clean out birdhouses, organize the shed and greenhouse, clean the inside of the greenhouse, weekly sweeping/blowing off of patio, deep clean of patio furniture, did I mention weeding? then there is the 700 square feet of vegetable garden and several perennial beds to care for, plant, harvest, composting. inside- clean 2 bathrooms, clean floors (dust/vacuum regularly, wash occasionally) in all rooms (3 floors), wash windows/screens, keep inventory and buy necessesities, dusting, painting, cleaning rugs, , and then there's the occasional maintenance project. That's on top of dishes, cooking, laundry, bill paying and keeping things running.
I like to think of having a second place, but doing all of this in 2 places makes me pause.
WOW. You do make it sound like a boatload of work.
Let's see: Primary home is 1 level and 1800sf. Home 2 is 1 level and 1250 sf. We spend about 1h/week each on primary house chores. My gardens are my sanity so I don't perceive them as work but rather, my solice.
NONE of these: cut grass at least once a week, cut invasive brush at least yearly, prune bushes, clean out birdhouses, organize the shed and greenhouse, clean the inside of the greenhouse, , deep clean of patio furniture.
weekly sweeping/blowing off of patio-takes me 2 minutes to sweep our large patio. Did it today.
did I mention weeding? I spend about 5 minutes per night when I get home from work-very therapeutic to be outside in the sunshine after a long day at work.
plant, harvest, composting. Again my therapy. And composting? We keep a big pile behind the hottub. We don't work at it in the least. When I need compost we scrape off the top and dig some out.
Bills: 100% automated except insurance because they won't.
organizing/putting away of seasonal goods-we don't separate anything. Everything has a home. When we're done using it, it's put away...every time.
going through clothes and belongings regularly for discards-once a year if that.
As for our 2nd place: we spend 15m cleaning when we arrive: dust/sweep/vacuum/done! We have just enough clothing there for a week's stay.
Landscape: NONE. Patios: take 5m to sweep
We have our windows/screens done for us at both homes 1-2X/year.
Your home life sounds super complicated and laborious to me. I'll keep my 2 homes and lifestyle:cool:
rosarugosa
5-14-18, 5:38am
Our house is small, but it's also an older wooden structure, so it needs to be painted and stained and requires repairs on occasion. We have 28 windows ans screens that need to be washed once or twice a year, also curtains. We have seasonal leaves to rake and snow to shovel. Weeding, pruning, lawn mowing and garden upkeep need to be done in the warmer seasons. Housework and laundry probably take me 4 - 5 hours per week.
Your home life sounds super complicated and laborious to me.
It is. I am impressed with how you have streamlined things to take so little time. I hate housework. I feel its a waste of life energy so I tend to put it off, until I absolutely can't. I like to /think/ I am organized, but clearly not enough. Some days I'm pretty good with putting things back regularly, and other times life takes over, and stuff accumulates and then its hours to get it all in order because I wasn't disciplined. I've gotten rid of lots over the years, so it is easier to clean when you aren't cleaning around a bunch of things. I don't spend time looking for things (which is a time saver) because I do have systems where everything belongs. But when I do buckle down and clean, it seems to take so much time.
I wish I had your ninja skills- do you have any recommended books/websites that helped you streamline things to the degree that you have? Are there other tips you've used that have helped?
iris lilies
5-14-18, 7:49am
I think home maintenance takes up a lot of our time. The thng is, we LIKE it. DH is very domestic. He likes caretaking our gardens and our house even though he has to be, um, urged, to fix many things around here. But when he goes at it he is damn good, he can do ANYTHING.
Yesterday he sent out a photo on Facebook of a rhubarb pie he had baked while in Hermann in honor of his mother. He used her recipe. later that day he went out and chopped down a tree, a 25 footer. He truly is the most skilled person I know.
rosarugosa
5-14-18, 9:47am
Gardnr: I will echo Herbgeek as I too am impressed with your streamlined routine. What part of the country are you in?
I enjoy domestic routines up to a point. I like having a clean and tidy house, and I'm willing to do what it takes to keep it that way. But I don't like it when it feels all-consuming.
Jane, Maltese are princes/princesses and won't step foot on ground cover so they need grass:))
These are soft and leafy ( https://www.stepables.com/ ) but I fully support accommodating the little nippers.
Teacher Terry
5-14-18, 1:54pm
Maltese are very fussy by nature. They don't like rain, water of any type, snow, cold, etc. Good thing they are also pad trained. So when you open the slider if the weather is not agreeable to them they put on the brakes and give you a weird look. As we spent a small fortune on good quality astro-turf we won't ever be changing it. Plus DH loves the maintenance free it presents.
Teacher Terry
5-14-18, 1:58pm
Once a year I wash all the windows and curtains, etc. We have 2 patios with furniture on them so need to be cleaned regularly so we can use it. We have 3 fruit trees which drop flowers like crazy, a neighbor's tree does the same and it blows into our yard and our front yard is full of the neighbor's leaves. In fact this is the only house I have ever lived in where I spend a ton of time picking up the neighbor's leaves, etc.
I wish I had your ninja skills- do you have any recommended books/websites that helped you streamline things to the degree that you have? Are there other tips you've used that have helped?
I think the key is not tons of stuff.
Dusting:
Family Room has: 1 coffee table, 2 bookcases, old-fashioned high sterio stand with our flat screen on top. Bistro table/2 chairs in the corner by the big window that we eat most of our meals at. Leather sofa and love seat. Takes 2-3 minutes?
Dining Room: inherited Mahogany set-table/6chairs, china hutch, and buffet. Again 2-3 minutes.
"Living Room": holds my upright mahogany grand piano, computer table/chair, and my mid-arm quilting machine. Another 2-3 minutes.
Master Bedroom; sleigh bed, 2 nightstands, armoire, sitting chair w/side table. Maybe 5m if I dust every slat in the bed.
Quilt studio/guest room: My sewing table is a 4x8 sheet of melamine. There's a small side table and an old fashioned hope chest. Again maybe 2 minutes.
Vacuuming: nothing else is on the floor except what's described above except cat toys.
Kitchen cleanup: I cook and often rinse/load DW. DH does any needed handwashing, generally EO night. Maybe 10m/night unless I've cooked elaborately, then maybe it takes him 20m. Our counters are mostly empty: utensil jar, Cuisinart, pepper grinder, coffee maker and a platter that holds fruit on the island counter.
Bathrooms: Counters are clear except lotion/small pewter clock that was a gift from a Chief Nurse years ago, and DH's beardtrimmer. I clean main bath in 5m and DH cleans master in 15". (He tends to scrub down the shower and then take his shower right away:~)
Laundry: over 12-14d I do 4-5 loads. We have a medium sized front load set so they hold a lot. And of course, working OR I don't use clothes much. I'll wear the same pant/shirt to work all week. I'm wearing it about 30m/day and then the weekend if we leave the house.
We have NO curtains/drapes. 6 windows/doors have interior shades. 9 windows have double cell shades that may or may not get vacuumed once/year.
I use the same cleaning solution for everything. Glass/mirrors is vinegar/water and all cleaning is vinegar/baking soda/water in a spray bottle. Dusting I just use a damp soft cloth.
By no means is our house white-glove ready. it's almost as dusty day 3 as day 14 so I don't dust even weekly. Same with vacuuming. We take off shoes at the door so we don't track stuff in. We'll go 3w sometimes.
I do this stuff in small bites.
other than being highly organized I really don't have hints. I've always been organized naturally I guess.
Gardnr: I will echo Herbgeek as I too am impressed with your streamlined routine. What part of the country are you in?
I enjoy domestic routines up to a point. I like having a clean and tidy house, and I'm willing to do what it takes to keep it that way. But I don't like it when it feels all-consuming.
Idaho-2nd home is in the central mountains. It's 2h 20m door to door and a world apart :cool:
rosarugosa
5-15-18, 5:45am
Gardnr: My two takeaways from your routine are less stuff and not too rigid standards. Thanks for taking the time to share details.
Gardnr: My two takeaways from your routine are less stuff and not too rigid standards. Thanks for taking the time to share details.
perfect analysis:cool:
iris lilies
5-27-18, 11:44am
This holiday weekend was our first one in hosting people in Hermann other than a trial run with one person a few weeks ago.
We had three guests. Technically we have four bedrooms but cooling systems are problematic for the upstairs and it is hot and muggy already here. Anyway, it all worked out. And one of our guests brought his blow up mattress, so that proved handy and I think we will get one. It is difficult to wrestle real beds to the upstairs rooms. We got a donation of a futon and that works well in one bedroom.
I was a little stressed in shopping for food ( new grocery store, where is everything?) and cooking for a small crowd in a new-to-me kitchen. But that all went fine as I only had to make two breakfasts, a small lunch, and a big lunch.
For this cooking gig I had an instance or two in trying to remember where prodcts were stored and IF I even had that product I could picture in my head at that specific house. Yes, the two house problem.
Teacher Terry
5-27-18, 3:17pm
How are you liking having 2 houses?
iris lilies
5-27-18, 4:07pm
How are you liking having 2 houses?
So far it is fine. A bonus I didnt really think about is an ability for each of us to be in one house alone.
I spent two nights in Hermann last week, all in complete silence. I could have turned on a radio although I dont know which channels I would get. But I didn't invite noise and it was nice.
As of today there isnt a whole lot for me to do As far as gardening goes in Hermann. i have to wait for DH to build terraced beds. He has hpurs and days and weeks of work. So far, none of it has been outsourced. That will soon be a problem.
I spent two days tearing out magic lilies and tree roots and some shrubbery, and I am now convinced that i want to hire a bobcat to get out all of the plants. It is too damned hard fo dig this crap out by hand. And,
I have already completed all of the hand digging that is necessary to save the few plants I want saved.
This holiday weekend was our first one in hosting people in Hermann other than a trial run with one person a few weeks ago.
We had three guests. Technically we have four bedrooms but cooling systems are problematic for the upstairs and it is hot and muggy already here. Anyway, it all worked out. And one of our guests brought his blow up mattress, so that proved handy and I think we will get one. It is difficult to wrestle real beds to the upstairs rooms. We got a donation of a futon and that works well in one bedroom.
I was a little stressed in shopping for food ( new grocery store, where is everything?) and cooking for a small crowd in a new-to-me kitchen. But that all went fine as I only had to make two breakfasts, a small lunch, and a big lunch.
For this cooking gig I had an instance or two in trying to remember where prodcts were stored and IF I even had that product I could picture in my head at that specific house. Yes, the two house problem.
I hear ya. I brought from NJ my grains. I remember when I went for my six week hiatus to Ocean Grove several years ago I brought practically nothing, but I did bring my grains--rice, quinoa, barley, lentils. My DD thought that was so weird. But doesn't one always need grains? I know I do.
So, here in VT, I put them in cute containers on my open shelving. I also brought just a few things from NJ because the pantry is so small. But I hear ya about needing to know what you have in one house vs the other. But so far, so good. We've managed to have some good meals even though the kitchen allows for very few things.
Catherine, please post interior photo of the couch en place when you get the chance--can't wait to see the new digs!
catherine
5-29-18, 10:18pm
Catherine, please post interior photo of the couch en place when you get the chance--can't wait to see the new digs!
These are VERY PRELIMINARY photos.. we have a lot of work to do, but here are a couple of pictures of the interior--and I couldn't resist including one with tonight's sunset as well
Here is the couch! You can also see the tin birds that my DIL gave me, and the Vermont moose picture my DD's bf gave me for Christmas, and the painting my alcoholic brother painted, which I love, and the binoculars to bird-watch out back. And I found that floor lamp with a matching table lamp for $30 at a used furniture store.
Frankly, I've kept the couch covered in a blanket because I don't want it to get too dirty too fast.
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Here's a picture that I finally had framed--it's a limited edition print by my favorite folk artist Stephen Huneck--I love it because the yellow dog looks like my first dog and the black dog looks like the dog that just died in February. I had it matted and framed, and I'm pleased with the results.
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And, in conclusion, here is tonight's sunset.
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rosarugosa
5-30-18, 5:40am
It's looking good, Catherine!
Wow! It is perfect-, and I love the dog painting. And the lake--well, that makes it incredible, and I would be there year round. You have a woodstove, right? You will be warm enough! We insulate with straw bales, and then use them in the garden in the spring. I think we saved a whole load of propane from the second year when we started insulating--it really makes an incredible difference.
And when we moved in, we had a guy stop by and say, "you won't last six months--one winter and you will be out of here." Not the friendliest of welcomes, but it made me stubbornly invested in staying.
Teacher Terry
5-30-18, 11:05am
Really beautiful!
catherine
5-30-18, 11:24am
Thank you, guys.
I just love this house. It is SO me. I feel so lucky, and I can't believe I have it all for a (to me) very reasonable price!! (15 year monthly mortgage payment=the price of a very moderate one-bedroom apartment). I couldn't buy a million dollar home that would make me one bit happier.
Thank you, guys.
I just love this house. It is SO me. I feel so lucky, and I can't believe I have it all for a (to me) very reasonable price!! (15 year monthly mortgage payment=the price of a very moderate one-bedroom apartment). I couldn't buy a million dollar home that would make me one bit happier.
It makes me so happy to read this; glad everything worked out so well!
iris lilies
5-30-18, 6:49pm
It makes me so happy to read this; glad everything worked out so well!
I know! Really nice!
I know! Really nice!
IL, can we get some updated interior photos AND/OR a yard-in-progress photo?
iris lilies
5-31-18, 8:29am
IL, can we get some updated interior photos AND/OR a yard-in-progress photo?
Well, we havent “decorated” ”because we obtained free or nrearly free furniture to get us by until we renovate the house.So, I dont have anything in this house to show that I am proud of, we really just tossed a few chairs and tables into the space.
But we ARE working hard on “deforestation” as I call it. Tons of dead and junk treesand annoying shrubs are coming out. I could post a photos of those soon.
Well, we havent “decorated” ”because we obtained free or nrearly free furniture to get us by until we renovate the house.So, I dont have anything in this house to show that I am proud of, we really just tossed a few chairs and tables into the space.
But we ARE working hard on “deforestation” as I call it. Tons of dead and junk treesand annoying shrubs are coming out. I could post a photos of those soon.
That would be great!
iris lilies
5-31-18, 12:00pm
TodaY at the grocery store
I bought a sack of potatoes. As it turns out, they were unneeded. I was picturing the pantry in Hermann, not here at home.
#notmanagingtwohouseholdseffectively
TodaY at the grocery store
I bought a sack of potatoes. As it turns out, they were unneeded. I was picturing the pantry in Hermann, not here at home.
#notmanagingtwohouseholdseffectively
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/summer-potato-recipes/ If you don't do vegan just toss in some bacon with each recipe.
iris lilies
5-31-18, 4:30pm
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/summer-potato-recipes/ If you don't do vegan just toss in some bacon with each recipe.
Potatoes with tomatoes looks good. Fortunately,
i am not a huge gan of bacon because it is full o’calories.
Potatoes with tomatoes looks good. Fortunately,
i am not a huge gan of bacon because it is full o’calories.
I think it's about 60 calories a rasher--toss with abandon!
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/summer-potato-recipes/ If you don't do vegan just toss in some bacon with each recipe.
Thanks for the link! I'll be over there, checking out all the recipes should someone need me.
iris lilies
6-1-18, 3:48pm
We need more bedding. Good lord, used sheets are godawful expensive on ebay. I will have to go back to the thrifts to shop for them but
i found sheets high there, too.
I dont need matching sets!
I think we need about 4 flat queen sheets to flexibly cover futon, air matress, and backups.
We need more bedding. Good lord, used sheets are godawful expensive on ebay. I will have to go back to the thrifts to shop for them but
i found sheets high there, too.
I dont need matching sets!
I think we need about 4 flat queen sheets to flexibly cover futon, air matress, and backups.
Can you sew a straight seam? Go get 6 yards of flannel. Fold in half and sew a 1" seam. Trim the top at the edge. Cut the selveges off the center seam. Press 1/2 Fold all the way around. Then fold in raw edge to 1/4" and press again. top stitch all the way around.
New flannel sheet.
This is cheaper by far; $13.29 https://www.target.com/s/queen+size+sheets?facetedValue=5va1y&Nao=0
iris lilies
6-2-18, 9:12am
Can you sew a straight seam? Go get 6 yards of flannel. Fold in half and sew a 1" seam. Trim the top at the edge. Cut the selveges off the center seam. Press 1/2 Fold all the way around. Then fold in raw edge to 1/4" and press again. top stitch all the way around.
New flannel sheet.
This is cheaper by far; $13.29 https://www.target.com/s/queen+size+sheets?facetedValue=5va1y&Nao=0
I can sew, but I am not gonna. Haha. Or maybe I will consider that. I dont understand the first “fold in half” instruction. Dont
I want one giant square or rectangle of fabric, and
I just hem it all the way around?
I can sew, but I am not gonna. Haha. Or maybe I will consider that. I dont understand the first “fold in half” instruction. Dont
I want one giant square or rectangle of fabric, and I just hem it all the way around?
Flannel will only be about 40" wide. Hence fold the 6y in half (easier to sew first then cut apart.)
We arrived last night at 7PM. !5 minutes to clean. Brought in the few things we brought and we're "on vacation" from the rat race. It's always so relaxing when we're here. love it!
iris lilies
6-6-18, 9:29am
I over-bought at the thrift store.
After having a house full of guests I was feeling a little needy of bedding, so
I bought two flat sheets, 5 pillow cases, and a big ass comforter. Sure they werent expensive, but the comforter is unnecessarily big, not sure I can stuff it into the washing machIne.
I havent dealt with futons before, so
i didnt understand until I looked carefully at it that it has a cover that is washable. The pillows are removable covers. But these pillow are square so none of the excess pillow cases work on them.
I will still have to purchase two pillows.
we will need one of those quality blow up mattresses.
i think the flat sheets will come in handy in any scenario of dust covers or furniture covers-from-dogs, but the excess comforter and pillow cases are bugging me.
Teacher Terry
6-6-18, 10:59am
When I end up in a situation like that I just donate it back to the thrift store.
iris lilies
6-6-18, 12:08pm
When I end up in a situation like that I just donate it back to the thrift store.
You may be right here. This giant comforter is clean. If I let it lie around for months, it will get dusty. As
I said I am not sure I can squeeze it into the washer.
returning it is probably the best solution.
I do also return thngs to the thrifts, donating them of course. But this was expensive. $12.50! Tell me it is ok to lose this money! Haha, just kidding.
Well, I'm so excited! DH dug me a sunflower garden today! The faux log cabin exterior is bland and even a little tacky, but we're not doing anything with it for a while. So I decided to give it a little attitude by lining the back of the house (south-facing) with short and tall sunflowers.
Front of the house is getting new window trim (from white to sea foam) with matching window boxes. DH bought heather because he's always wanted a "wee hoose mang the heather".
I've planted tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, kale, lettuce, basil, rosemary, mint, parsley, and marigolds and morning glories.
So it's all coming together!
iris lilies
6-6-18, 6:13pm
Well, I'm so excited! DH dug me a sunflower garden today! The faux log cabin exterior is bland and even a little tacky, but we're not doing anything with it for a while. So I decided to give it a little attitude by lining the back of the house (south-facing) with short and tall sunflowers.
Front of the house is getting new window trim (from white to sea foam) with matching window boxes. DH bought heather because he's always wanted a "wee hoose mang the heather".
I've planted tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, kale, lettuce, basil, rosemary, mint, parsley, and marigolds and morning glories.
So it's all coming together!
sounds very cute! Och, the number of times I planted heather in the past! It doesnt take.
here is DH’s sunflower-and-zinnia bed:
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sounds very cute! Och, the number of times I planted heather in the past! It doesnt take.
here is DH’s sunflower-and-zinnia bed:
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Re the heather: Yeah, I know, but DH is adamant. Apparently you need acidic soil and full sun. DH insists I plant it in an area with quite a bit of shade. I don't argue, I do it. I'll let you know what happens.
Re the sunflowers and zinnia: OMG, that is DH/my marriage made in heaven. DH adores zinnias. They are so wild in their different heights and colors. Beautiful garden!
Teacher Terry
6-7-18, 2:50pm
IL: I love your husband’s �� flowers
iris lilies
6-7-18, 3:11pm
Another two house problem:
Apoarently DH’s underwear is migrating to Hermann. He barely had enough underwear to take him five days out of town.
This seems strange, and needs further investigation.
Another two house problem:
Apoarently DH’s underwear is migrating to Hermann. He barely had enough underwear to take him five days out of town.
This seems strange, and needs further investigation.
Hahaha! I hear ya! We (I should say DH--I am fine in the underwear department) have the same problem! Haven't resolved it yet, either!
iris lilies
6-19-18, 9:48am
Organizational challanges:
In Hermann do I keep a set of sheets in each bedroom, or do I keep sheets for the house all in one place? Neds are on two floors. So the choices are centralized or distributed storage. Hmmm? See, at home I only have two beds, both on the same floor, so it isnt such a dilemma, I keep sheets in the linen closet in the bathroom.
I may have found the answer to DH’s underwear problem. He appears to be packing clothing for every trip to Hermann. You may say “wait, you JUSt noticed this?” But cut me slack, people! I pack for dogs and kitchen and gardens, i do not notice what my husband puts in his backback.
anyways—-
He may be taking more underwear to Hermann than he brings back. He seemed surprised that I never take clothing to Hermann (because I have a stock of clothing there) and he needs to learn thatbconcept.
catherine
6-19-18, 11:21am
I have battled that question for years--all linens in the linen closet, or an extra set in individual bedrooms? (First world problem for sure) The verdict for me is, extra set in each bedroom. That also makes it easier to ensure you have the right size sheets if you have different size beds in the bedrooms, and it's so much easier to just reach into a closet and drawer and re-make the bed right after you've stripped it.
I am not a big fan of more sheets than you need, however. Here in VT, I have one extra set of sheets, and I'm using that one extra for the convertible sofa as well.
When I figure out what to do in my office/guest room in terms of type of bed, I'll most likely have only one set of sheets for that bed--But I might change my mind if my son continues to come up EVERY weekend as he's been doing, just in case I get backed up in laundry.
But the beauty of this tiny house is the stacked W/D is only steps away at any given time, so no excuse for not staying on top of it.
Latest update on the loud couch. I have officially deemed it a decorating mistake.
First, my husband finds it VERY uncomfortable. Even though he sat it in for a while before we bought it and gave it a thumbs up. My son comes up on his days off and he finds it uncomfortable to sleep on. So I got for free (with credit points) a mattress topper. That helps.
Second, I don't like the print. It feels "off" in here. I like it better when it's covered with a solid grey, purple or beige blanket. I'm not sure if it would make a big difference once I paint the green walls behind it a more neutral or complementary color, but I just think I didn't listen hard enough to my own preferences. I think I was overthinking it all--trying to turn the cottage into a funky "mid-century modern" cottage, when what I really want is a warm, cozy, muslin cottage.
So I'm thinking of sitting out this year, but next year using the crazy sofa in the second bedroom/office and buying two wing chairs to replace the sofa. My DH sits in an old Ethan Allen wing chair at home in NJ and he's very comfortable in it. He likes to be able to rest his head and sit up straight.
Oh, well. I'm bummed, but that's what I get for being a little over-anxious.
Teacher Terry
8-6-18, 6:07pm
That's a bummer Catherine but we all make decorating mistakes. It sucks that it is not very comfortable. Hard to tell from trying it out in a store.
You have to make discoveries to learn. You have discovered your priorities for your new abode. There will be more, for sure.
Latest update on the loud couch. I have officially deemed it a decorating mistake.
First, my husband finds it VERY uncomfortable. Even though he sat it in for a while before we bought it and gave it a thumbs up. My son comes up on his days off and he finds it uncomfortable to sleep on. So I got for free (with credit points) a mattress topper. That helps.
Second, I don't like the print. It feels "off" in here. I like it better when it's covered with a solid grey, purple or beige blanket. I'm not sure if it would make a big difference once I paint the green walls behind it a more neutral or complementary color, but I just think I didn't listen hard enough to my own preferences. I think I was overthinking it all--trying to turn the cottage into a funky "mid-century modern" cottage, when what I really want is a warm, cozy, muslin cottage.
So I'm thinking of sitting out this year, but next year using the crazy sofa in the second bedroom/office and buying two wing chairs to replace the sofa. My DH sits in an old Ethan Allen wing chair at home in NJ and he's very comfortable in it. He likes to be able to rest his head and sit up straight.
Oh, well. I'm bummed, but that's what I get for being a little over-anxious.
We bought a new sofa/loveseat combo last year. We hated it after the first week. The firmness went soft and the cushions moved. Sold it 3 weeks ago and just using a miss match of chairs- wing chairs, leather recliners, mid-century, a settee, 2 occasional chairs. Quite the mess and I'm ok with that. I hate how much room sofas take up (unless I'm napping), you never see 3 people sit on one anyway so what's the point?
I hate how much room sofas take up (unless I'm napping), you never see 3 people sit on one anyway so what's the point?
When I moved into my present beloved little house, I was determined that I would never have a chesterfield. I have two easy chairs and two occasional chairs that slide under the dining table if needed. I have the four dining chairs as well as extra card table chairs. Add in two comfy counter stools and no one is missing a seat.
When I moved into my present beloved little house, I was determined that I would never have a chesterfield. I have two easy chairs and two occasional chairs that slide under the dining table if needed. I have the four dining chairs as well as extra card table chairs. Add in two comfy counter stools and no one is missing a seat.
That's what I'm thinking.. When I lived at my aunt's beloved cottage in CT, my aunt had an unusual arrangement of 3 mission armchairs, and one wing chair. No sofas. I will probably go that route... next year.
FloatOn, thanks for the encouragement that a mishmash can work. Your point that you rarely have 3 people stuffing themselves onto a sofa is well-taken.
Now what you really need is the mission armchairs and maybe a wicker rocker and a sleeping porch with a day bed, so the guests can sleep out there. . .
I sort of regret buying a sofa too but at least it is apartment size. I just figured it would be an additional sleeping spot with cushions removed if needed. I am at a point in life that if I buy something that does not work, I switch it out for something else as funds allow. The swirl of stuff in our lives amazes me.
I'm sorry it isn't working out, Catherine. It's kind of funny, but you had shown a picture not too long ago of the sofa in your house, and I liked it better than I would have expected.
I am not great at visualizing things that are not yet in place, and that is definitely a disadvantage when it come to design.
I LOVE this picture that my DD's best friend took of my "living room" and posted on Instagram. Because it's not downloadable, the quality isn't great, but I love the overall vibe. I posted a comment, "Gee, I'd love to live there."
2468
Is that a Lopi stove? Looks just like one we had in upstate NY and it was great.
Is that a Lopi stove? Looks just like one we had in upstate NY and it was great.
I had to find the box the previous owners left. Apparently it's an Avalon which means nothing to me, although it might when I try to stay warm this fall!
Teacher Terry
8-29-18, 7:23pm
How long will you stay there? Is it insulated?
How long will you stay there? Is it insulated?
The house is insulated. The homeowners (young couple with small child) stayed here year round, but one the neighbors told me they "froze their a$$es off."
Teacher Terry
8-29-18, 7:35pm
Does it have a heat source other than a wood stove? Are you missing your other home?
Apparently they are made by same company and are branded differently for diff. Market share!
iris lilies
10-15-18, 2:15pm
I planted the last of my intentionally moved iris yesterday. Some of these irises have resided now at 5 locations. Every time I move a big garden of iris, I lose some. I have 300 cultivars listed in my database but probably have lost 1/3 of them. We shall see.
Next spring when iris are in bloom, I will take a few more surveys of the old iris grounds, dig any that are special or perhaps missing, and relocate them. Then I will open it all up to iris society folks and neighbors to come and dig whatever they want.
iris lilies
10-15-18, 4:09pm
You all may remember that we have, in our Hermann house, a mural covering 4 walls of our entry way. The mural was painted decades ago by one of Hermann’s leading citizens and artists. She is long dead.
yesterday we went to a craft show event put on by the local art club. It is the same art club that was started by Anna who who painted my mural. I walked up to the woman at the entry gate and said hey there,I live in Anna’s house. She immediately asked if the mural was still there.
So we talked about the Mural and it was as I intended it to be, she is very interested in taking that mural off my hands.
i wrote down my contact info for her and listed my address incorrectly. She immediately gave me the correct address! She knew it off the top of her head. She had visited my hoise many times in the past.
These Hermann people are crazy abpit their history.:)
Here are poor images of the mural
25272528
sweetana3
10-15-18, 4:46pm
We toured a house here in Indy that had very old murals on the plaster all along the picture rail. It was a wonderful house that was moved and well restored. Just not the right neighborhood then for us. The murals were a selling point (they did not need to move the walls. So glad someone is interested in them.
Teacher Terry
10-15-18, 6:18pm
Do they cut walls to take the mural out?
iris lilies
10-15-18, 6:55pm
Do they cut walls to take the mural out?
It is on canvas. Fortunately, we are probably going ro move SOME of the walls of the mural, and as for the rest will probably remove the old wallboard that isnt up to modern standards, so as I told her, we are more concerned about preserving the mural than the walls.
Really interesting to know that murals can be moved. They are not usually on canvas though, are they? Where could they be moved to to preserve them?
Teacher Terry
10-15-18, 9:06pm
That’s great IL! So how is the Hermann house coming?
iris lilies
11-3-18, 5:46pm
At my weekend house I have socks in the top drawer of my dresser, and underwear in drawer two. At home this is reversed. Confusing!
Lately I have been carrying food back and forth, never my intent. In Hermann we have two jars of jalepeno peppers and none at home, so will take one home. I took a large container of green salad Hermann because it woild just get old at home over the few days we are gone.
We continue with the practice of taking a plastic tub back and forth to both places, each time moving things back and forth as one time moves. This is separate from the container of dog medication that always travels with us, that and my IPAD.
iris lilies
11-3-18, 8:57pm
That’s great IL! So how is the Hermann house coming?
Other than felling trees ( three yesterday) no progress on the house itself.
iris lilies
11-3-18, 9:03pm
Two parties of Hermann’s leading citizens came by our house to assess the mural in our entryway. They conferred, and believe that they can remove it without damage. They have a tentative place to put it, on one big wall at the county records building. The artist is well known around here.
I called a Hermann antique dealer to look at a big walnut cabinet that goes from floor to Ceiling. It is in nice condition. We are giving it to him for free if he hauls it away.
Teacher Terry
11-4-18, 11:29am
I love that the mural can be saved and that you found a home for the cabinet.
iris lilies
11-4-18, 12:44pm
That’s great IL! So how is the Hermann house coming?
Also, DH announced yesterday that he will be installing a deer-proof fence around a 25’ garden area in Hermann. He is making a lily bed for me. Yayyay!
I am in the middle of moving hundreds of lilies from my big garden in the city (which we will be giving up) and am trying to cram them into exisitng spaces in my own yard and in the community garden.
This Hermann option opens up a whole new work routine, so now I can dig bulbs, store them in the giant refrigerator in our Hermann basement ( free from friends who moved) and put them in the ground next year, in Hermann.
See, the deer in Hermann are out of control and they eat lilies.
Teacher Terry
11-4-18, 1:04pm
Wow, you do have a big garden. You must spend a ton of time tending to it. The I have heard that the deer can devastate gardens. Have you had plans drawn up for the inside of the house?
iris lilies
11-4-18, 1:11pm
Wow, you do have a big garden. You must spend a ton of time tending to it. The I have heard that the deer can devastate gardens. Have you had plans drawn up for the inside of the house?
No plans yet. When I have a moment i will take photos of the floorplans drawn by our architect. I know you like to look at this stuff.
I am overwhelmed with the choices we have to make, and am pretty much ready to turn it over to DH to make all decisions.
Yesterday i told him:why dont we just build a double garage and leave the rest t of this house as is, with us just switching out finishes to modernize it. As if that isnt enough. iT IS!!!
Teacher Terry
11-4-18, 7:02pm
Yes I do love that stuff. I love to do the planning and make all those kinds of decisions. So fun! I can see not so much for you:))
No plans yet. When I have a moment i will take photos of the floorplans drawn by our architect. I know you like to look at this stuff.
I am overwhelmed with the choices we have to make, and am pretty much ready to turn it over to DH to make all decisions.
Yesterday i told him:why dont we just build a double garage and leave the rest t of this house as is, with us just switching out finishes to modernize it. As if that isnt enough. iT IS!!!
I hear ya! I think the overwhelm accounts for my inertia this summer. Today I started thinking about re-staining the whole house with a solid stain, and I'm wondering, keep the brown, or go to a nice grey? I'm leaning toward the grey, but I definitely want an organic color.. like the color of driftwood.
And we're not even doing all the extensive renovations you are! I feel for you, truly. How do these TV show designers make it look so easy??
I am surprised, IL, I thought that you had bought other little houses around you and fixed them up . What changed with the Hermanus house?
iris lilies
11-4-18, 11:15pm
I am surprised, IL, I thought that you had bought other little houses around you and fixed them up . What changed with the Hermanus house?
We only fix up the exterior of the small hoises and make them look as though they are habitable. They are not, in fact, habitable. We have not done floor plans with ese little houses although that would not be hard because they are so small, there really isnt a lot of choice.
Our Hermann house is complicated to renovate. It hurts my head to think about it.
iris lilies
11-10-18, 10:04am
This house is cheap to live in. Taxes are $1000 a year. All utilities total $1500 a year. That does not include any cable or online connectivity.
This house is easily livable the way it currently stands without rennovations. If we lost all of our money and pension, we could live here fairly easily on Social Security income. The one big downside here is yard care—it is big, on a hill, and requires time and equipment for maintenance.
This house is cheap to live in. Taxes are $1000 a year. All utilities total $1500 a year. That does not include any cable or online connectivity.
This house is easily livable the way it currently stands without rennovations. If we lost all of our money and pension, we could live here fairly easily on Social Security income. The one big downside here is yard care—it is big, on a hill, and requires time and equipment for maintenance.
You'll have plenty of extra for yard care, then. I'd plant ground cover, personally. And hire staff...
[QUOTE=iris lilies;314295]This house is cheap to live in. Taxes are $1000 a year. All utilities total $1500 a year. That does not include any cable or online connectivity.
This house is easily livable the way it currently stands without rennovations. If we lost all of our money and pension, we could live here fairly easily on Social Security income. The one big downside here is yard care—It is big, on a hill, and requires time and equipment for maintenance.[/QUOTE
As a noted passionate tree lover, you could simply reforest the whole yard and enjoy nature:devil:
Teacher Terry
11-11-18, 1:31am
So got curious and our same utilities are 3600/year but our property taxes only 700/year. We have baseboard electric heat which is more expensive.
iris lilies
11-11-18, 10:40am
[QUOTE=iris lilies;314295]This house is cheap to live in. Taxes are $1000 a year. All utilities total $1500 a year. That does not include any cable or online connectivity.
This house is easily livable the way it currently stands without rennovations. If we lost all of our money and pension, we could live here fairly easily on Social Security income. The one big downside here is yard care—It is big, on a hill, and requires time and equipment for maintenance.[/QUOTE
As a noted passionate tree lover, you could simply reforest the whole yard and enjoy nature:devil:
haha. Nope.
iris lilies
11-11-18, 8:53pm
Still having trouble with remembeing which house has which kitchen supplies. Grated parm cheese? Hermann has it, city house does not. Garlic? Any more than one garlic head gets old in Hermann, so I have to schlep garlic and onions back and forth. We have to,eatbup our onion supply because we grew them and they go,soft, so buying them when in Hermann isnt a good thing. Eventually we will have an onion field in Hermann.
Still having trouble with remembering which house has which kitchen supplies. Grated parm cheese? Hermann has it, city house does not. Garlic? Any more than one garlic head gets old in Hermann, so I have to schlep garlic and onions back and forth. We have to,eatbup our onion supply because we grew them and they go,soft, so buying them when in Hermann isn't a good thing. Eventually we will have an onion field in Hermann.
We take perishables back and forth. When we're at the cabin, we never know if we can truly go back the next weekend or 2. We learned the hard way. We just bring it home if not completely consumed. I have a wicker basket nonrefridgerated items travel in. So not used items, go right back into it when packing up for departure.
Teacher Terry
11-11-18, 10:12pm
IL, I would just hire the work done in Hermann and move in when done. With all the crime I would sell St Louis house. Problem of what is where is solved:))
iris lilies
2-10-19, 6:38pm
I am now struggling with perishables between our two households.
I am beginning to think I need to toss fresh vegetables into our “back and forth” tote so as to avoid grocery shopping. I bought a small bag of fresh veg that I used as salad for 2 meals. But I had cabbage and green lettuce at home, could hsve brought them. milk— just need to haul it from one place to another.
our refridgerator here in Hermann is running too cold and it freezes the carrots! Ugh.
oh, Gardnr, I see that you already said you take perishables back-and-forth. Yes! I am thinking that is what needs to happen here with us.
When do you think that you will get too tired of living between two households and shut one down? I would be exhausted trying to what you are doing plus all the physical efforts in renovating as well.
iris lilies
2-10-19, 8:26pm
When do you think that you will get too tired of living between two households and shut one down? I would be exhausted trying to what you are doing plus all the physical efforts in renovating as well.
It doesnt make me tired, the two places —country vs city— are interesting.
Despite our plan to completely renovate this Hermann house, and that means pull off the old drywall down to the studs because the drywall is awful —like cardboard, this Hermann house is easy to live in. I really marvel at how easy it is to have everything on one floor, and this time of year things are very clean because we are inside no dog hair shedding or mud.
But then, I think about our city house and I am happy with our first floor and I live on the first floor and barely use part of the second floor. The third-floor I do not venture into. The basement storage in my flower show stuff that is the place that is overwhelming
Teacher Terry
2-10-19, 9:19pm
So you are around the one year mark of 2 houses.
When do you think that you will get too tired of living between two households and shut one down? I would be exhausted trying to what you are doing plus all the physical efforts in renovating as well.
Believe it or not it's NOT exhausting. we've done our rehab of 1250 sf cabin over 15 years. A bit at a time (and all cash). We should finish this summer. We have minimal furniture and stuff. Our city home is just 1850 sf so that helps too.
Our cabin is super relaxing and we are rejuvinated by the time we leave even when we're there just 40 hours.
iris lilies
3-12-19, 7:40am
Our Hermann house now looks like crap because we donated the mural covering all four walls in the entry way, and the result is ugly yellowing/brown wallboard. Too bad, because I found this house peaceful even if shabby. Now it is ugly, not just shabby.
It was funny what our friend said: “So you guys are now making your Herman house look like your city house looked not too long ago.” That is true! I guess we don’t know how to live for very long in a house that is finished, we have to start tearing it apart.
Teacher Terry
3-12-19, 11:44am
At this age I would just get it done so you can enjoy having a finished house but then I hate to live in chaos. Had to when young because we couldn’t afford to do everything at once. If you are still waiting on the architect I would find a new one. You started this thread a year ago.
iris lilies
3-12-19, 12:07pm
At this age I would just get it done so you can enjoy having a finished house but then I hate to live in chaos. Had to when young because we couldn’t afford to do everything at once. If you are still waiting on the architect I would find a new one. You started this thread a year ago.
We havent even given the architect a list of things we want. He did general drawings for us, but nothing real. Not his failt. We had to work through just how much we want to do. Anywhere from “tear it all down” to “just build garage and move kitchen” .
But because I am fond of the funny little old house, I cant bring myself to build new. I just do not like new construction.
Teacher Terry
3-12-19, 12:23pm
I wouldn’t tear it down either. I love old homes. I didn’t realize it was your indecision’s holding it up. My husband was good at envisioning and planning the changes to this house when we bought it. Within 4 months of closing him and a helper did all the work before we moved in. We moved some walls and a bathroom. We relocated the laundry from the kitchen to the garage. We were lucky enough to be able to match the kitchen cabinets since we needed more. They were one of the few things worth keeping. The people had pergo over the hardwood floors. We removed it and refinished the floors. It was fun to make it the way we wanted it. We didn’t worry about the yard until the next summer. I know you guys have been working on the yard. It also sounds like your property has a much bigger yard.
I'm with IL in terms of grappling with direction to take and how much of the old to keep and how much to get rid of. I'm going through the same thing. We did NOTHING to the house in VT last year except some minor landscape maintenance--I grew my gardens and added some perennials and laid down a mulch pathway.
I didn't do anything I said I wanted to do, because of indecision. I used the excuse "I want to have enough time in the house to "feel" what I want" which is true, but still, it's a great reason to procrastinate.
I thought I had a GREAT color palette down. My preference is nice neutral on all the walls but I'm getting serious pushback. Family and a few friends like the funky, wacky bohemian every-wall-a-different-color thing. So I've been searching high and low for a way to make the Color Intensity people happy and Beige-Is-Best me happy, too. After much searching, I chose the walls a light khaki, the slanted, beamed ceiling a nice mid-tone blue with hint of green undertones, and then the doors and the two entrance doors a bold teal (I think I picked the color Blueprint by Behr). Yellow accents and even one yellow accent wall.
So I was so happy. I did one of those color visualizer things on line so I could show DH what it would look like in our house and he shot it down "I hate turquoise. It looks tacky--like flamingos" (Blueprint isn't turquoise per se, it's teal, but he certainly wouldn't know the difference).
Back to the drawing board. Meanwhile we have on our to-do list an outdoor shower, hand rails for the porch (safety issue), paint the exterior so that it's cohesive, fix or replace a screen door, fix a broken wall and buy a 2 x 2 base cabinet from ReStore, move the electrical around so it doesn't look jerry-rigged, repair a leaky roof, install a new sink faucet, install subway tile backsplash.
That's for starters. But I definitely don't want to HGTV our little quirky place.
iris lilies
3-12-19, 1:21pm
I hate teal. Hate it. I am with your hubby.
I hate teal. Hate it. I am with your hubby.
haha!!! OK.
Come on... don't you love these?
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291584357/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291280061/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291596190/
I LOVE this combo, but it's probably too soft for my funky friends
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291154014/
This is. my palette inspiration
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291098482/
I hate teal. Hate it. I am with your hubby.
Teal must be a difficult hue. I love most color, but have trouble appreciating that one, unless it's used as an accent in really small quantities. But I really have no room to talk, as I'm contemplating a rosy coral, puce, and chartreuse color scheme.
And what's wrong with flamingos?
"for a way to make the Color Intensity people happy and Beige-Is-Best me happy, too"
Why are you trying to make family and friends happy in the home you and husband have to live in everyday? Do they live with you full time?
"for a way to make the Color Intensity people happy and Beige-Is-Best me happy, too"
Why are you trying to make family and friends happy in the home you and husband have to live in everyday? Do they live with you full time?
You're right! DH is the only one with a real say. It would definitely make things simple if I do what I want and then give only DH veto power. It's hard for me to trust my instincts.
Beige is a color, white is a color and you can add accents in the things you surround yourself with. Besides paint is cheap.
iris lilies
3-12-19, 4:33pm
haha!!! OK.
Come on... don't you love these?
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291584357/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291280061/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291596190/
I LOVE this combo, but it's probably too soft for my funky friends
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291154014/
This is. my palette inspiration
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/228979962291098482/
I like your palette inspiration!
I actually like all of those rooms but I will tell you in the third example, your house isn’t big enough to have one giant teal wall. My friend, the one I’m talking about who has a big house and all the stuff, she has one teal wall in her dining room and while I do not like that color I don’t mind it in her house because she has a big house.
Imho of course. Color is so subjective.
I like your palette inspiration!
I actually like all of those rooms but I will tell you in the third example, your house isn’t big enough to have one giant teal wall. My friend, the one I’m talking about who has a big house and all the stuff, she has one teal wall in her dining room and while I do not like that color I don’t mind it in her house because she has a big house.
Imho of course. Color is so subjective.
I totally agree about using the bold teal color on a whole wall. That's why I was thinking just the door. There are so many colors I love, which makes it so hard to decide. I love soft blue-green, I love yellow-green, sage, navy, hunter green, pepper red, terra-cotta, yellow. Colors I don't like are mainly in the pink family--yuck. I do like purple as long as it's "royal" purple and not lavender.
That's why I think keeping walls neutral is the best plan. Then I can be like the Food Network woman who changes the kitchen color to match her outfit--she just swaps out towels, pots and other accessories. If I go beige, I can change pillows, throws and vases any time I want!
I totally agree about using the bold teal color on a whole wall. That's why I was thinking just the door. There are so many colors I love, which makes it so hard to decide. I love soft blue-green, I love yellow-green, sage, navy, hunter green, pepper red, terra-cotta, yellow. Colors I don't like are mainly in the pink family--yuck. I do like purple as long as it's "royal" purple and not lavender.
That's why I think keeping walls neutral is the best plan. Then I can be like the Food Network woman who changes the kitchen color to match her outfit--she just swaps out towels, pots and other accessories. If I go beige, I can change pillows, throws and vases any time I want!
I always love getting the "yuk" vote...:D I tend to like warm colors like coral, magenta, red...
I love the print fabric in the chiang mai photos, and the soothing kitchen with the yellow chairs.
ToomuchStuff
3-12-19, 5:08pm
I found a blue green/teal that I really liked, but it was WAY to dark/bold for the size of rooms/lighting and I generally don't do good with blue rooms (depressing color). However, I saw that color on shutter of a house on the way to my credit union, and the main color looks grey in one light, and pale green in another. (with white trim). It was a color combination that makes me think waterfront property house. (stood out while not outshowing the colors/etc of the natural plants/flowers, etc)
I've always loved lots of color and have always had every room different. But last year I painted over some yellow walls with this color and I really love it. It's so clean and bright. Sometimes it looks bluish, sometimes greenish, depending on the natural light:https://i.pinimg.com/originals/33/3a/d8/333ad8e551d99ddb932b50f3088912e7.jpg
My living room was sunny yellow with a bright blue door and I painted the door to match the walls and now it looks so much better. On my brown couch I have lots of turquoise, teal and yellow pillows and throws and it all looks cheerful but relaxed at the same time. Now my plan is to paint the whole interior this color. It makes the rooms feel so much more spacious. I guess I'm entering a new season.
Thats so nice, Geila! It's actually very similar to the color I have in my family room which is RH Silver Sage: https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1161246
I also love the way the light plays with the color. And my complementary colors are shades of red/orange. I was thinking that the EASIEST thing to do would be just transport the colors that worked for me in NJ to VT! Why not? (But I do want to add yellow to the. mix.)
Hey, that Silver Sage does look a lot like it! And why not use what worked before? One of my favorite authors is Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes and she says this about wisdom: "Wisdom is what works." So there you have it! :)
Are you thinking a yellow wall or accents? I have this Ikea dresser which I love - it's painted pine so you see the wood grain through the color stain. The drawers are lined with yellow & white paper, and the dimensions are perfect - roomy and deep and they extend all the way (I bet it would be fab as living room storage): https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20360421/#/30360411 https://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/0395086_PE563705_S5.JPG
Here's a teal accent for you...
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I'm afraid to get too far into picking out wallpaper... :~)
I don't know if attaching photos works but will give this a try. I painted the wall teal-ish behind my desk. It is a small attic room. There is only one window so mirrors reflect more light. My art table is across the room.
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I don't know if attaching photos works but will give this a try. I painted the wall teal-ish behind my desk. It is a small attic room. There is only one window so mirrors reflect more light. My art table is across the room.
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I really like this! I like how you painted the table legs as well and I love the table top. What a gorgeous little corner.
rosarugosa
3-12-19, 9:13pm
Here's a teal accent for you...
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I'm afraid to get too far into picking out wallpaper... :~)
Jane: the attachment cannot be viewed.
Teacher Terry
3-12-19, 11:00pm
PT, I love it!
Geila, I LOVE that yellow dresser! It's like modern, fun Shaker. One piece of furniture I'm reluctant to give up is my great-aunt's desk. It's not really my furniture style, but it looks exactly like the one in the following link, so if I did this to it (http://www.lilyfieldfurniture.com/2017/02/navy-copper-metallic-secretary-desk.html/), I'd love it and keep it! It's not yellow, but I like that navy color with the clay color inside.
pinkytoe, yes, I think the use of the teal the way you have it is really nice. It makes the nook cozy yet bright at the same time. Love it!
Jane: the attachment cannot be viewed.
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Just in case it disappears again:
http://www.qygjxz.com/flamingo-wallpaper/5703573.html
I had no idea there were so many variations of flamingo wallpaper! I would seriously consider this one:
http://www.qygjxz.com/flamingo-wallpaper/3804639.html
Catherine - that painted desk looks great! I really like painted furniture because it gives the piece personality and really shows off the beautiful lines on the good pieces. The desk looks so different with the navy paint and copper bling - classy, feminine, and a jolt of fun when you open the top.
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