My Bathroom Retreat

Do you have a refreshing retreat at the end of the day?  I sure do!  In fact I think it's so important for all of us to have a place to unwind at the end of a long hard day that thought I might share a few tips with all of you on how I created my own little sanctuary right in the comforts of my own bathroom.

First let me say my master bath is not large by any stretch of the imagination!  In fact I've never had a large master bath in any of my homes.   I have however been blessed to have one specific key ingredient in my master baths, and that is a Jacuzzi tub.  In our first home as a married couple we had a very standard Jacuzzi type tub that I rarely used and personally thought to be quite a bit of trouble to clean.  But then in our previous home that we built ourselves I was adamant about having an extra long Jacuzzi tub.  It was quite enjoyable to stretch out in that by myself at the end of the day, after pulling the boys out of it first of course! 

 Those were the days, and I have such great memories (and photos that they won't let me share) of them enjoying that tub! 

This house we bought, not built, came with a corner Jacuzzi tub.  At first, because we had been in a rental for several months in between moves without a Jacuzzi tub, I was ecstatic when we first moved in.  Then after the reality of how large this tub was to clean I quickly became a bit dissolutioned.  Since we had also installed an outdoor Hot tub I didn't give our master bath tub much thought until I also tired of cleaning the outdoor Hot tub.  It was then that I decided that the Jacuzzi inside would be enough and we got rid of the hot tub outside.

One of the first things I had to do was to learn how to fill the tub to the correct levels with just the right amount of water at the right temperature.  Hard to do when your tub is so large that you run out of hot water before it is filled.

It was actually the Mr. that advised me to set the knobs completely on Hot from the minute I turn it on and then by the time it runs cool it will cool down the scalding water.  Lot's of trial and error here!

One of the next things I did was repaint the bathroom in a color that felt like a spa to me.

I love green and thought it also went well the existing taupe colored tiles that surround the tub.

The Mr. bought this lucky bamboo shorty after we first moved in almost 9 years ago this May.  It's grown quite a bit and been transferred into a new container, but remained here in this corner ever since. 

The next thing I did was to add a green glass chandy over the tub for ambiance lighting.  

It was a fairly simple project (or so I say) because it went where we already had an existing pot light right over the tub.  Thankfully the Mr. know's how to change out lighting easily enough!  The hardest part was finding a suitable surround to cover the hole from the recessed light that was larger then the chandy's base.

My own artwork was a must in here!  I actually created this piece for our old home to go over my long master bath.  It represents what I think a dream Master bath should feel like, a bit of paradise!

But the biggest tip I wanted to share with you today is about finding the right bath additives.

It has taken me years to find just the right bath salts and I really want to share this product with you too.  If you have a Jacuzzi tub you know how annoying it can be to use bubble bath.  I'm sure I don't have to remind you that the minute you turn on the jet's it isn't long before your tub is overflowing with bubbles.  This is not a problem with bath salts though!

I have my sweet oldest son to thank for finding me this excellent product.  He purchased this for me only a few years ago for Christmas when he first moved out of town.  He knew how much I loved the smell of lavender and told me he bought it from a health food store.   I was so excited to try it out and I quickly went thought my first jar in record time.  After googling this product online I found a store across town that carried it and drove out one day to buy a replacement.  I was quite frustrated to find out they were down to only one jar and weren't planning on replacing this product.

So when I finished up that jar recently (with a little help from the Mr.) I decided to just save myself some miles and try ordering this product online.  I was able to order it on sale just recently from Vitacost and also got a second jar for what one jar cost me in the health food store.  Now that's what I call a bargain!

Since going back to work I have looked forward to retreating to my bathroom at then end of the day quite a bit.

The lavender aromatherapy is so therapeutic and the refreshing to my skin and my senses.

I highly recommend creating a retreat for yourself too!  As you can see it really doesn't take much to turn your little bath into a very welcoming spot and yes, you are worth it!

This isn't really a new project for me but I am linking this up with 

Metamorphosis Monday

for those of you who may be considering a few changes of your own.

Sometimes all we need is a little inspiration!

I hope you all have a great day!

I've got a new Roo!

Hey Friends!  It's been quite awhile since I've joined one of Marty's parties (hey that rhymed!) over at A Stroll Through Life.  But today, I've got just a little something to share with you that  I think a few of you might like to see.  What it is you say?

Do you see it? Nope! It's not the cookbook ladies!

Yep!  It's the new Roo of course!  See, didn't I tell you, you'd like it!  Now don't you worry, I am still not going to get caught up in all that Rooster collecting business, no NOT me! 

But... I do know a few good Roo's when I see them.   Especially since I have been looking at quite a few of them almost everyday for months.  We sell this collection and another set at Stein Mart.  So, after looking at this set everyday for over 3 months now I finally broke down and bought this decorative plate when it went on sale.  I love how the plate is in the shape of a rooster!  

Of course, I knew that the black on the rooster would also fit in quite well in my kitchen.  I knew exactly where I wanted to display it too, right here in this little nook in my kitchen.

It's over here tucked away with the bread box and cookbooks.

And the cute little clear jar that started out as a pecan jar after seeing you fabulous bloggers using these last year.  Then after the nuts were gone it turned into a hot drink packet jar, then quickly became a tervis tumbler "tops" jar.  This jar sure is versatile, isn't it?

Anywho, back to my new Roo!  Isn't he purrrrty!!!

I am really being so good because there is such a huge collection that goes with him.  There is a huge cookie jar, utensil holder, platter, salad plates, salt and pepper shakers, ect.  I am trying my best to not to add anything else but the coffee mugs are starting to call my name too.  Look out!

I thought he would look wonderful over here by a cookbook so I pulled out a nice comforting one for the winter.  Maybe this will give the Mr. a few hints too.  Ya think?  

Then, when I was trying to figure out what napkin or tea towel I wanted to add to this vignette I remembered my new plaid napkins. I purchased these from work on the day after Christmas sale.  They also have black in them so I thought it would look great.  What do you think?  Still, nice and wintry right?

And because I promised awhile back to show you these but got to busy to do so, here they are!

For those of you who do not know what I'm talking about I bought all of this at 75% off the day after Christmas from Stein Mart.  I was surprised they had not already sold but was quite pleased to be able to add them to my home.

I have a set of six placemats and six napkins.  I love the red,black,hunter,blue and white in the plaid.

I was also lucky enough to score two sets of silver and red beaded napkin rings at 75% off too for a total of eight each!  Can you believe that?  I know I can use those napkin rings year round! 

Well, that's it!  I just wanted to share a little vignette with you all today.

Thanks for stopping by! 

I hope you have a little more time to visit many more pretties over at 

Tabletop Tuesday.

Have a great day!

A Year of Tablescapes in 2011

Hey Everyone!  I have to admit I was feeling a bit down recently about having missed several opportunities to make a few fun and pretty tablescapes for the holidays.  Not having the time or energy to pull one together had me feeling a bit behind in blogland.  

With a little extra time this morning I was contemplating creating a tablescape but decided to visit a few of you instead.  I couldn't help but notice a few of you put together a year's worth of your tablescapes from 2011.  Since I try to keep these as a page on my blog I didn't think I really had many to share with you after looking at that.  

Well, I think I've missed a few to link on my tablescape page because after scrolling through my photos I realized I actually had quite a bit.  So in true copycat blogger style I decided to create a few collages for you of my tablescapes from last year.

Last year started out with a blast.  I made my traditional New Years dinner that was quickly followed by one very unusual snow storm.  Then I fell in love with Valentines and and my own King of Hearts.

Spring was soon to follow and I enjoyed St. Patricks day, celebrating the Royal wedding, fresh new spring colors and the rather quick arrival of warmer temperatures.

We had several opportunities for outdoor dining on the porch but it quickly became way too blazing hot.   I celebrated the fourth of July with a few tablescapes that I thoroughly enjoyed putting together.

Late summer brought the arrival of ladybugs and pool side dining throughout the process of building a new pool in our backyard.

After a long hot summer, I quickly embraced fall tablescaping with peacocks, pumpkins and a new turkey.  Oh, and let's not forget sitting for a spell with old Miss Abigail.

After going back to work the tablescapes slowed down rather abruptly. Before you know it Christmas was here and I only practiced one setting ahead of time.  I barely even managed to snap a few shots just before our guests arrived on day two.

 Wow!  What a wonderful year of tablescapes!

I will try to update my Tablescapes page as soon as possible for those of you who may wish to go back and see a few more details on any of the above.  I am linking up my year of tablescapes with BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday.

I hope you enjoyed your visit today!

Thank you so much for your visit.

  For those of you who have hung in there over the year I really do appreciate you.  I don't tell you often enough, or visit you often enough, but I do so appreciate each and everyone of you for all the joy and inspiration you bring to me.

Blogging friends are wonderful and always worth a second glance!

(wink-wink)

A New Year's Resolution

Happy New Year Everyone!  It's an absolutely beautiful Sunday here today and I am hoping to enjoy it as much a possible! 

Hard to believe it's the first day of a new year already!  What do you have on the calender for today?

Look closely, do you see what's on mine?  That's right friends it says; OFF!

God willing, that's exactly what I intend to do today.  Take off!   I hope to be out over the water soon enjoying the weather with good company.

Last night the Mr. and I went down to the boat to check on everything for today's sail.

And to watch the sunset on the last day of the year.  It was a wonderfully relaxing evening for us.  No big plans or commitments just a quiet evening alone.  Sounds good right?  Maybe....

Well, this evening while I was enjoying taking a well deserved break from the chaos that has become my life lately, I sat thinking about New Years resolutions.  I am not one to get too caught up in them as they are generally very hard to keep.  To me, resolutions also seem to be only a very small glimpse into one's idea of living life that year and I am a big picture kinda gal.  But there it was, the nagging purpose of a resolution that I just could not escape.  

The unexamined life is not worth living. - Socrates

  

I saw this quote recently posted on a friends FB page.  How timely!

As if that was not enough of a push towards making resolutions, I couldn't escape noticing the similarity in several quotes that were piling up in my quotes board on pinterest.

This last one has always been one of my favorite verses!  The reminder that yes we were all created with a purpose.

When life becomes hectic it can be hard to remember what that purpose is.  Our days become just one more day towards another until finally we reach the end of our days.  I have never wanted to live that way.  Unfortunately, so often due to our circumstances that is exactly what we allow to happen.  But, we don't have too.  We can take the time to reflect and change our course.

I came up with a few resolutions that I've thought would be wonderful to accomplish this year.  They are listed here in no particular order.

Career

1. Allow myself  more time to get ready in the morning

2. Listen better to others and not take everything so personally

3. Learn to eat healthier lunches while on break

4. Smile more!

Home

1. Let go of (donate) clothes that I no longer wear.

2. Juggle the housework better with working

3. Plan a better meal schedule with the Mr.

4.  Enjoy and appreciate every moment that I have to spend in my beautiful home.

Personal

1. Strengthen my spiritual life.

2. Learn how to use my new smart phone

3. Learn how to use my camera (read my new camera book!)

4. Focus on healthier living habits.

5. Enjoy my family and the company of others more!

All of these are great and definitely something to strive for but didn't I tell you I was a big picture kind of a gal.  Yes I did!  I told you that because for me a resolution has to be something bigger then that list above.  It has to be a summary of sorts.  So, I've come up with one that I really want to reach for.

My number one New Years resolution for this year is...

" To Live like you were dying!"

I certainly hope I am not offending anyone by saying this but honestly I just cannot get this thought out of my head.  I want to live everyday "knowing" I will not get the chance to live this day again.  I am hoping if I ingrain that in my memory, I will truly start to make the most of every day under every given circumstance.  I know I will not be going sky diving (like the song goes) or rocky mountain climbing literally but I think I can strive for that metaphorically.

To my knowledge I am not ill or leaving this world anytime soon, God willing again!  That is not where this is coming from.  It is coming from living a life that too often get's bogged down by circumstances.  It is coming from hearing myself and too many others say; "If I could do that, or if I had your talent, or if I knew how too....."

Well, what's stopping us?  I think we all can!  We just have to try!

I am joining The Tablescaper for a Seasonal Sunday and to

wish all of you a very Happy New Year!

Thank you for this new day and for this New Year Lord!

Christmas Day Tablescapes

We had quite a busy Christmas this year hosting both my family on Christmas Eve and then my husbands family on Christmas Day.  It is a lot of work but, Oh, so wonderful getting together with family to celebrate!  

I only remembered to snap a few quick photos of the tables just seconds before the guests arrived on Christmas Day so there aren't many here to see but thought I'd share them with you anyway.

At the kitchen table I only needed to set the table for five this year.  My kitchen table has two large leaves that we insert during the holidays.  Usually we have to extend this table when my husbands family comes and even then still need a folding table in addition to the dining room table.  Not this year though, as a portion of the family did not make the trip up for the holidays.  So I only needed the kitchen table without sleeves and the dining room to accommodate everyone.  It was a wonderful afternoon but they were truly missed!

 I used my old Christmas china called Holiday Ribbon from Belks in the kitchen combined with my darker green glasses.  I think the green goblets are Libby.  The Christopher Radko cookie jar served as my centerpiece paired with candles and Santa salt and pepper shakers.

In the dining room I used the new plaid tablecloth that I purchased from last years after clearance sales at Walmart.

I kept the centerpieces simple in both of these rooms.  Since I had to move them in order to clean the linens after the first nights use and because I like to keep the table less cluttered when family is sitting around the table, I decided less is best.  

In my dining room I used the Butler's Pantry china combined with the Holiday Gatherings salad plates, both are from Lenox.  My lighter green goblets are from the Better Homes and Garden collection sold at Walmart.  My cloche filled with sparkly white, gold and silver balls served as our centerpiece.  Very simple and casual just the way we like it!  

I realized while setting these tablescapes this year how limited I was on holiday linens, specifically napkins.  Having to work first thing on Monday morning for our after Christmas sales at SteinMart has it's advantages!  I was able to snag a few bargains for myself to help resolve my limited amount of Christmas linens.  I'll be sharing a sneak peek of those with you soon.  But already, I am dreaming of next year's tablescapes!

I am joining BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday.  Please be sure and visit this link to check out many more beautiful settings. I bet there will be plenty to enjoy from the holidays!

Here's wishing you all many blessings for a Happy New Year!