summer bedroom - before it's too late




Hello dear friends.  While the temperatures are still nice and warm here I thought I'd slip in one last summer post of the house before it's too late.  Like everyone else on the planet I love fall but I'm still enjoying every last drop of summer.  So here is what my bedroom and bathroom are looking like right now.




I love these blue and white toile linens that I got from Ikea awhile back.  If you are on a budget, they are dirt cheap.  The duvet cover and 2 pillow shams are $19.







The tiny master bath, so fun to say that.  Impossibly hard to photograph.






Of course I cannot tell you enough what your kind comments and emails have meant to me.  I'm so blown away by your lovely words.  Life is hard and yet at the same time life can be so beautiful.  Lately my walk has not been the easiest but you have made it softer and lighter.  You say it's me that inspires you but really it is the other way around.   So I'm here and hopefully you are still hanging around too.  Much love and peace to you all today and everyday.  xo janet



89 comments

  1. Big question of the day - what's a sham?

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    1. Tabs don't you use that term for a pillow cover? Usually of the decorative sort, either standard size or euro-sized. It's funny the different terms we have for things!

      Janet I absolutely adore your bedroom and the toile is pretty and classic... very Janet. I hope you are well my friend. xox

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    2. Ah is that what it is, I thought it might be the name for a valance.

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  2. Your home looks lovely Janet. An oasis of calm and tranquility which must give you great pleasure.
    That sheet set was on the guest bed of our friends home when we stayed there and I thought it very French.
    All we can do in life is control the way we react to situations and I hope for you that you are able to find some joy in your daily round and that you are surrounded by supportive friends and family.
    If I lived closer I'd be dropping off some flowers and making you a cup of tea.
    Hugs,
    Hostess

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  3. cozy clean calm compact classic - you inspire me : )
    so glad to see you here today ♥

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  4. Janet,
    Sorry to hear things are not easy for you right now. As we look into your world, it all seems so lovely and perfect: you are both working, you have your health, a beautiful home, a trip to England and France this year. We (I) sratch our headand wonder what could be wrong? You are in my prayers........Hug:

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    1. Yes her life does look very good. So serene and like you say picture perfect!

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  5. Your bedroom and bath are so adorable. As beautiful as the all white is, the blue is so inviting.
    Feel better, Janet :)
    Betty

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  6. Hi Janet, I swear my blood pressure has gone down just looking at those photos! They, along with others from your home, are going right into my 'decor inspiration' folder.

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  7. It always amazes me how we can keep a semblance of calm and ordinary comings while our lives seem to be spinning out of our control. Those around us think all is wonderful but on the inside we are a churning mess. Be strong. We survive....things re-focus. Maybe not to what they were before, but a new normal does return. Though I don't know you, I know the feeling.
    Peace.

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  8. I LOVE your little bathroom, Janet. Great sink and tile floor! The details make it too -- the art, towels, blue/white planter, medicine cabinet. It's all great. Is that a curtain instead of a door? What an idea!
    Claudia

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    1. yes claudia, it's just an old drapery panel. the room is too small for a door.

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  9. "....still hanging around"? Of course we are. Always. Sending you love and best wishes.

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  10. Janet I love your little oasis of calm. It is such sweetness and serenity. Hope your heavier walk gets easier soon. Having had a similar heavy walk in the last year, I know it isn't easy! Lots of love!

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  11. Hurray, a post of Janet's beautiful home! As others have said before me, your home is so serene and calming. Of all the blog homes I have seen, your little cottage is my favorite. Hang in there, Janet.

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  12. I love when you post. This room ,like all your rooms ,is classic and beautiful.
    Life can be difficult. I have been half a person since losing my husband last summer. However, there are many blessings when you look for them. I am sure you know this. I pray things get better and your blessings are abundant.

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  13. Dearest Janet,
    Life can be so abundant with good and happy things and then when our walk does get hard, it throws us for a complete spin. I've spent so much energy on the current changes in my life and losing my father that last night I prayed for some clarity. And the strength to use that clarity wisely. While you're waiting for things to get better, or at least change in some way, know that you are on my mind and in my heart.
    Your room is beautiful. At least you have a peaceful place to lay your head. xo

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  14. Oh, Janet. So good to have you back. Your rooms certainly do not betray any turmoil in your life. They are calm, beautiful and so clutter-free. Wouldn't it be lovely if life could always be like that?

    The duvet and shams are lovely. I never thought of Ikea for something like this.

    Prayers and thoughts still are coming your way.

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  15. It must be hard to say so long to your home dressed in summer toile. I know that whatever challenges you face or struggle you straddle that you'll be back entertaining us, welcoming us into your home and sharing your shams.
    It sure looks like a lovely spot to come home to in this often cruel world.
    pve

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  16. Lovely post, as always.
    Wishing you peace.

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  17. Janet, Your home is so beautiful! Sending love and peace to you.

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  18. Love the blue and white toile! Blessings.

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  19. What a cozy little retreat you have. I just love the scale of the rooms in your home. I think I'll hightail it to IKEA to purchase the toile duvet cover. Such a deal!

    Isabella

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  20. What a cozy little retreat you have. I just love the scale of the rooms in your home. I think I'll hightail it to IKEA to purchase the toile duvet cover. Such a deal!

    Isabella

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  21. What a cozy little retreat you have. I just love the scale of the rooms in your home. I think I'll hightail it to IKEA to purchase the toile duvet cover. Such a deal!

    Isabella

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  22. Hello Janet,

    Fall is finally arriving in Paso Robles, although the temps are still lovely. Your bedroom is gorgeous, so peaceful looking and very much my style and I adore your bathroom as well. Keep up the journey....Cheri

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  23. Love your Summer bedroom and can't wait to see your Autumn bedroom!
    So glad you are here today. I hope things resolve themselves.
    Thinking of you! Big hug!

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  24. Here in Australia we are heading into Summer, so this post of your lovely bedroom is not too late but right on time.

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    1. exactly claire!
      off to ikea next week to buy the cover!!
      jo in oz

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  25. Love the room....glad you could post again. Just a note to say thank you, especially for the posts on your big trip awhile back. My husband and I went to Europe this past week and your packing tips were great as the weather was much the same for us. (My trench was my best friend.) :)

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  26. Happy to see you're back! I love that red toile entering into your master bath. That is a fabulous idea for replacing a cramped door!

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  27. Love your honeycomb tiles on the bathroom floor. So refreshing to see real people's homes rather than ones which have been over-styled. Here's wishing you calm times and respite from what causes you anxiety

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  28. Hi Janet,

    Life has been tough for me as well lately. Hopefully we can appreciate the simple things more while everything around us seems so complicated.

    Love the freshness of your beautiful rooms.

    S
    xo

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  29. While you're feeling a bit off your game your home is a wonderful refuge. I hope it helps to calm your soul. I think you might be surprised how many of us are putting one foot in front of the other trying to do it with a bounce. Some days it's just too difficult to even feel like it. Blogs are difficult. When life's just peachy it's fine but when stuff happens and if your actually a private person it's awkward. There seems to be the very perfect worlds and then there's some rather depressing worlds in the blog universe. It's difficult to create a happy medium.

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  30. Janet--so good to see you posting again. We are all with you in spirit sending strength and prayers and hope your way.

    I can agree with so many comments above that mention the CALM of your home. I have your home in my head (thanks to your great photos) and it is my quiet refuge when I need to mentally relax.

    The toile is lovely!

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  31. I love your home, it's always so fresh and crisp.

    I really liked reading al the comments on your last post.

    No one gets it all and everyone faces challenges- and I think it's perfectly ok not to blog about them. I think a lot of people visit for a break from their own realities and to take their mind off work stress and stuff like that.

    Take care xxx

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  32. You have a lot of style and a lot of class! Your bed and bath look so fabulous.
    Victoria xx

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  33. I loved seeing your summer bedroom with the toile and the framed photos on the wall. It looks so well put together and calming. What you have accomplished in a small space and on a budget is no small thing. As others have said, I'm sure your lovely home gives you comfort. Of course we're hanging around!

    Take care, Janet.

    Jane

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  34. Janet,

    When I entered the world of blogging yours was the first blog I began to read on a regular basis. I felt like I was talking to a friend. Continue to take those periodic breaks as needed, but know that you are important to the blog readers, and truly missed.

    Bobbie Allgood---(Isn't it a great last name?)

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  35. So glad you're back. Love your bedroom and bathroom. I am coming so very close to copying your living room! Do you enjoy your white slipcovers all year round?

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  36. $19 for the three pieces; are you serious? I really like the color and pattern in the room. It seem like you've got this subtle Americana thing going on throughout the house now which I've always loved. Very RL but done in your own way.

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    1. I was in Ikea several weeks ago: The price is now $29.

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  37. I love your home. Thank you again for sharing. Seeing you in my mailbox always brightens my day. Take care. xx

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  38. I love your home. Thank you again for sharing. Seeing you in my mailbox always brightens my day. Take care. xx

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  39. Hi Janet, I love your blog and it's the first one I look to for new postings. Your home is so beautiful and you inspire me as I would love a little cottage that I could actually keep clean! My goal is to simplify and clear out the clutter. I so love your style!

    I hope you will feel better soon. It breaks my heart when friends are hurting. You are in my prayers....that rainbow is just around the corner

    Theresa

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  40. Hi Janet,

    You and your blog are great enjoyment for many, I hope you're feeling better very soon. Did you ever get the book I sent you? Finding Me in France? I hope you got a few laughs from reading it.

    Deidre

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    1. yes, yes, yes! thank you so much and it has since moved on to 2 different friends so far. it was great!

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  41. Dear Janet
    Obviously we hang on your every word (and photo!) :)
    Your rooms are so calm, clean and fresh, I aim to get my home looking like that some day!
    I hope things are going better for you. I'm suffering right now with the choices of a wayward young adult child. Its a heartache with no end in sight. Looking at beautiful blogs such as yours is one not- so-small, important way I try to take of myself. I need to keep strong. Thanks for sharing and making the world a little bit more comforting and beautiful.

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  42. You renovated the gardeners' cottage so thoughtfully with the perfect tile on the bathroom floor and it's a beautiful pedestal sink. I have some toile just like that for a valance; it was from the Martha Stewart line when Kmart was phasing out her stuff. Nice quality. You did indeed have a lot of nice compliments on the last post. I'm always heartened by how much normal people really want other people to feel good and not bad. It's a good side of human nature to want to give comfort, just like coming in from the cold to a hot cup of tomato soup.

    You know what made me feel cheery today? I went to the local hardware/garden store although I don't have one lick of time to be doing that sort of thing, nor do I have the xtra cash right now. But it was the first day some good seabreeze was blowing and the sun actually didn't feel so scorching. I walked the aisles of plants for sale...end of the veggies for the most part but lots of mums. I bought a bright yellow ceramic pot and got bright yellow mums for it. Instant happy face smile yellow. Also some little tiny succulents like hens&chickens and an equally-tiny terra cotta pot to put them in. Retail therapy, and I don't regret it one bit! Not to mention scored a very well-made Black&Decker garden shears at end-of-summer sale for $1.25. And with a coupon got a ball of sisal twine free. Feeling frugal and fab today; glad to hear you're hanging in there, m'dear.

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  43. Love to hear your words, as always.

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  44. Hi Janet,

    Yay - you are back! Hope you are feeling a lot better.
    Your house is sublime - very cosy, chic & comforting - you have great style.
    And never apologise for feeling "under the weather" - it comes to us all at times - the trick is to get beyond that & back out there again!

    Regards
    DeeJay from Whangarei, New Zealand

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  45. hi, hopefully the cottage is bringing you some comfort through the rough patch now. I wonder if anyone else did what I did....I wanted to see what soap/lotion was on your pedestal sink so I copied the pic and tried to magnify the bottle! Crazy right, didn't work, couldn't read the bottle. I imagine many of the readers were wondering the same thing. After typing this it sounds a bit creepy to check it out but you are in the know about all all things that make a house a home. If it is in your bathroom it must be great. I adore your last look at summer and wish you some better days ahead. I wouldn't mind a last look at fall roses that are blooming.xoxo

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    1. I had to chuckle. I did the same thing. Janet, we need to know the name of your lotion on the sink.
      Your home reminds me so much of my Grandmothers cottage in England. When she lost her husband early on, in order to support my Dad and Aunt, she became the cook for a landed gentry. They let her live in a cottage like yours. I remember hearing about it all my life. I wish I'd seen it.

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    2. the lotion is Neil George. i'd never heard of it but when we were staying at the Viceroy, our housekeeper gave me a bottle of it when we left. she was such a sweetheart. it's ok as lotions go but it's the pretty bottle that i liked so i totally understand you guys!

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    3. so, you have a memento from the trip, I knew it was going to be something cool like that! Yes, the graphic type on the bottle is what caught my eye.

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  46. Best Beloved put his hand through my favourite doona cover, if I can't mend it unobtrusively, I'll be looking for something like your toile setting.

    So sorry to read that things are a bit rough. Take stock, breathe deep and slow, do what you can where you can and remember "this too shall pass". Thank you for being there.

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  47. The epitome of cool summer lining! I can imagine a day of toiling in a warm garden and then chilling out in that stunning bedroom! x

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  48. Ikea bed linen is great, we have several sets in different blue/white patterns, including that one. Love how your rooms always look so calm & fresh. From something you wrote in your last post I dare to guess what you have to go through right now and I can only say it's the thing I probably fear the most in my future. I wish you and your family all the strength you need.
    Take care
    Mireille

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  49. Your summer bedroom and bath are wonderful. I love your home. I am hanging on to the last days of summer, too. I have purchased a few pumpkins and fall pansies...they are hanging out in the garage. I am just not ready to embrace a new season just yet. Cheers to your new post! Best Wishes.

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  50. It is a little frustrating that you are not actually telling us what is so upsetting to you. As one reader has said, you seem to have your health, you and your husband have good jobs, enough money, travel, and a lovely home. Such blessings. What more could you possibly want?

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    1. i am sorry that it is frustrating for you but it involves the health of one of our sons and he's asked that i not talk about it here. you are right in that i have so much to be grateful for but when your child is ill, it can overwhelm everything.

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    3. Janet your home is so lovely. But you're right, when your child is sick or hurting, nothing else matters. Sending you hugs and love and wishes for a full and speedy recovery for him. xoxo

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  51. Hi Janet,

    So happy to see you back! :) Those linens are beautiful, can't believe you got them so cheap. I have a white garden stool I got at Target a few years ago, it's in my bedroom but I have thought of putting it in my bathroom.

    After reading one of your responses to a reader on your last post it appears that you are dealing with some of the same issues as my husband and I. And I know how hard it is. But now I just saw another comment from you that you posted a few minutes ago and I just want to say I am sorry that you are having to deal with a sick child as well. I can't imagine it.

    As the lyrics from the song by Fun go...."If your lost and alone and your sinking like a stone, carry on". It's on my playlist.

    Take care of yourself.

    Linda
    xo

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  52. P.S. Healing thoughts for your child being sent your way too!

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  53. I never tire of seeing your home, Janet. Louise

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  54. I read you blog very often but I never write here but I want you to kow that your simple peaceful lifestyle is an inspiration for me.Your blog has been my company in my lonely days and I hope everything will get well soon for your family.

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  55. Always glad to hear from you. Janet, you are and always will be a class act. My prayers for your son, I hope things improve.

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  56. Stay strong Janet, we love you! My prayers are with you and your family.
    Also love the blue toile!

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  57. It isn't anyone's business. You aren't trying to create mystery. You're being honest that you have a life problem going on. That's enough for the rest of us to provide encouragement and give support but also to back off. IMHO.

    Heartfelt thoughts to you, Janet. I'm not a mom. I can't imagine what you are going thru. I am so sorry you are having a rough time of it. I love the birdiebluesky blog (the blog owner is Molly). They had a horrendous year with the death of I believe three of the four grandparents and then her little girl developed auto-immune disease. She has tried to post here and there, but nothing for a long time. I think we sense when someone is overwhelmed with understandable priorities elsewhere. As readers, we have to shift gears and be less selfish. Again, IMHO. Off soapbox...

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    1. Agree Vicki, it is no ones business. Janet, I assume that like most of us you have a lot of not good things going on in your life. But I appreciate your calming and informative positive posts
      Janey

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  58. Hello

    Just one question from France:
    How come everybody in the US seems to love Fall?
    Here, we don't. Summer is THE season. :)
    But I really love the bedroom ! very classy and yet simple

    Pauline

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    1. Very interesting question! I don't know why, but, I think, in general, many of us do... (I don't know if there are any statistics on that?) Maybe it depends on what part of the US we are in... Summer in SOME parts of the US is just TOO hot to be enjoyed the way you may enjoy it in France. Fall brings more comfortable temperatures to those hot areas. Also, some parts of the US, like New England (and many other areas), are particularly known for the beauty of the fall trees--the colors are breathtaking. So many people look forward to the beauty of that season in those areas. Fall also brings a new school year, harvest time, as well as the anticipation of the holidays, our Thanksgiving holiday, Christmas, and New Years. I would be curious to know what others think, but that's what comes to mind for me.

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  59. Your home is so charming and fresh looking. I love how you've decorated and styled it. My previous comment was deleted because I'm trying to be as nice as you. Sending best wishes for your entire family. Being a mom, trumps all else for me. Always has, always will. Take care of yourself too Janet!

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  60. Dear Janet, lovely to see you here...thank you for posting and for letting us know something of what upsets you. of course it is private and no-one should need to know any more than what you are willing to share. your photos and words have given me such a view into your life that it's hard not to feel that i know you as a friend...but of course i don't. i can still hold you and your family in my thoughts and add my hopes and wishes to yours and to those of us on here. in the weeks since you have been posting less frequently i have realised what an inspiration you are, even though we are so different and lead such different lives - i have missed you and wondered how you are. so even though we are strangers, please accept my warmest thoughts for you and your family. i will always be happy to see your posts, whatever/whenever/if you choose to post, and always grateful to have been allowed to share a little of your world. hold tight, Suzie xxx

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  61. Very joyful and warm is your home! I love your photos of it and fashion, garden and travel. Hope you will keep blogging when you feel like you want to, but no pressure eh? (Canadian here)

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  62. i love your bedroom.
    i hope things improve with your son.
    all the best,
    jo in oz

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  63. Sorry to hear of your worries... of course, life has priorities, and a blog may not be high on the list!! But you should be encouraged to know how much your words encourage and uplift others--the positive words, as well as those expressing your trials and "growth" periods. Personally, your blog has been very inspiring for me. I don't recall how I stumbled upon it... but I spent HOURS reading all the way back from the beginning, and analyzing every picture and every change (particularly the cottage remodeling, design and decor). And I thoroughly enjoyed every minute... better than reading a design mag!! (I have mentally catalogued many of the things you've done in the cottage, and if I'm remodeling again in the future, will likely be consulting that mental catalog!) So, thank you!! And you should know you are missed when you aren't posting--but, you need to do what feels right for you. We can only hope it means a new post from time to time! ;-)

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  64. Dear Janet
    So sorry to hear about your son. It's truly dreadful to have a sick child. Hopefully, with so much love and support his illness will pass and he'll soon be well and strong again. Your rooms are so beautiful and with such tranquil ambience - I hope they help to bring you some peace at such a troubling time. I pray for you all. With warmest wishes, Pamela xxx

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  65. Dear Janet. My heart goes out to you and your family... I'm glad that you have such a lovely place to lay your head, and hopefully get some needed rest and comfort. Prayers to you and yours.
    Hugs, Colleen

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  66. This is a fabulous post....love, love, love M's style. I have similar collections but tend to be more conservative with how much I put out....but now I intend to shop my house and see if I can come up with an M inspired vignette.

    Love this post very much - well, love all your posts....more vegan recipes please.

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  67. Hello, my name is Gen at www.eweniquetreasures.com I publish a Free Online Magazine that features bloggers such as yourself who contribute posts about decor, recipes, crafting, etc. I would love to feature your beautiful summer bedroom post in the upcoming Summer Issue to be published in June, if you are interested in having your post featured in the online magazine, a live link will be included along with your blog post so our readers can visit your blog as a thank you. If this is something you'd be interested in please email me at eweniquetreasures@gmail.com. Thank you for your consideration.

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  68. Oh, Janet, love what done here for your fans and decor folks. I am honestly confused with what elements I should praise first at the startup. Yeah, life is very hard sometimes but it tremendously true that we can make out life beautiful and peaceful engaging with some of our favorite and loving things. Summer is the time that can start our day with new hope and warm both mind and health and of course Fall can ensure everything colorful, cozy and vigorous. Anyway, I was charmed with the innovative decoration of your bedroom and master bathroom especially duvet covers. The great combination of blue and white brought the items brighter and eye-catching. Of course, love to drop my decor loving thanks before leaving your amazing zone.

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kindness is never out of style.

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