Happy high summer to you all. By high summer I mean the laziest part of the season. At this point I've given in to the heat and just go with it. Days are filled with watering the garden and lying low in the heat of the day.
I've taken to potting lots of ferns. It has been a fun experiment and I like the simple look of ferns in small terracotta pots.
I wear this beat up straw hat while outside. That hole lets in more cool air. I've also taken to bringing fallen branches into the house because they look ethereal to me.
Whenever I go to an estate sale I always look for white sheets and bedding.
Just a thin, worn top sheet works best during high summer nights.
Have any of you seen the H&M collaboration with GP & J Baker? OMG, it is gorgeous. See For Yourself. I picked up This Dress & This Blouse and egad this blouse below that seems to be sold out.
It's totally not like me to buy so many pieces from the same collection (I really want it all) but when do you come across beautiful and affordable chinoserie clothing? Never. I love the dress and blouse and the last blouse has not yet arrived so I can't really speak about it. But the other 2 pieces are well made and the dress is especially beautiful.
So that's how my summer is going. How about you? xo
Oh I so adore your home...it looks serene and cool.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of fallen branches coming indooer as well as the ferns but our naughty cats go for them everytime and they make such a mess of things.
Linen sheets and vintage bedding in white are sheer perfection IMO.
The new clothing looks wonderful and the patterns are pretty...hope you feel uplifted when you wear them.
XO
thanks leslie. xoxo
DeleteEverything looks so fresh, Janet. Love the hat.
ReplyDeletethank you so much. xo
DeleteOH the bedroom looks so cool! it's just a summer welcome!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing as little as possible. the heat and humidity are the boss now.
but just the thought of getting to change the calendar to an autumn month is thrilling!
whether it feels like fall or not! and of course it won't here until mid December! LOL!
and like the commenter above... I love the air conditioned hat! xo
i'm doing as little as possible too tammy. xo
DeleteI've been trying to track down the wallpaper you've got in your bedroom and cant't seem to find the source...could you share, please? Thanks - it's so beautiful!
ReplyDeletehi brenda. it's called Raphael and it's by Sandberg. mine is the light blue colorway. x
DeleteBeautiful clothes. Beautiful house. I have ferns outside galore; haven't had them inside for a long time. They seem sophisticated, don't they; so elegant. Your home in photos looks deliciously 'cool' as in 'please get us out of this neverending summer heat SOON'; aren't the worn sheets the best? So soft. Most lovely portrait of a lady; always glad to see her on your blog. Oh Janet, your gorgeous gleaming wood floors! Feels like we're visiting you today; thanks for letting us come in!
ReplyDeletehi vicki! my floors are too shiny. i wish i'd gone with a duller finish but everyone was against that at the time of application. lol xo
DeleteThat hat with the hole, the worn sheets, the lovely simplicity of your home...you're my kind of person! And making me feel better about how lazy I have been lately makes me like you all the more. I do so love this time of year. Thank you so much for checking in with us readers. Peace to you and your Larry.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for your well wishes. they are v much appreciated. xo
DeleteSo good to see your lovely home. White, well used bedding is the best!
ReplyDeleteNothing but hot and afternoon thunder storms here in SC. Wish I could send the rain to CA.
Can't wait for fall!
XOXO
yes please send it our way betty. xo
DeleteAh, a collaboration with GP & J Baker - that explains why I was looking at your photo of the dress thinking I had curtains in that pattern many moons ago! It was my first house and I got a great bargain from a market stall selling remnants. The background green was deeper, but it's a lovely print - enjoy :-)
ReplyDeleteoh i'd love to see those curtains. every piece in this project would be gorgeous on a chair or as drapes. i believe ea piece was picked from their archives. xo
DeleteI have never commented before although I am a long time reader from Canberra Australia. Imagine my surprise to see my daughter (the H&M model)on one of my favourite blogs! My daughter Zoe shot this look in Stockholm a few weeks ago. She's now travelling to New York where she's been based for most of the year. I'll have to show this to her.
ReplyDeleteyour daughter is prob the reason why the blouse is sold out. she's gorgeous! thank you for sharing that with me. it makes the blouse all the more special to me. xo
DeleteHi Janet! I don't know how you do it but every time I see your home it looks so fresh, elegant, cozy, and peaceful all at the same time! Love the table with tray, books, fern, portrait. You are a true inspiration to me and I can't thank you enough for sharing your talents with us. Wishing you so much peace, love, and comfort as summer winds down.
ReplyDeletethank you dana. what a lovely lovely comment. xo
DeleteMy tablet finally consented to let me commemt today.
ReplyDeleteAlways love to see your beautiful home and the small changes and unique toches you bring. So peaceful and welcoming.
Wishing you rain and cooler weather. We are hot but dry although I will be heading to heat and humidity of Texas next week !
You and Larry continue to be in my prayers .thanks for taking the time to check in and show us lovely items.
Connie
thank you dear connie you are most welcome. xo
DeleteYour home looks so lovely Janet, the H&M collection is gorgeous can’t wait to buy me some dresses 😀
ReplyDeletethank you shilpa. you better hurry:) xo
DeleteHi there, I love the arrangement of the Willow pattern plates,I have a number of items I hope to display as we are decorating our kitchen /dining area, don't think my arranging will look as good as yours though. We have had an exceptionally hot summer here in Uk. and we have had to do a lot of sitting around doing nothing I don't really like it, love the sunshine but not the heat,but I suppose you have it every year but it is very tiring,.I hope all is going well with you.
ReplyDeleteoh polly thank you. neither of us are natural sitters either but we are learning. xo
DeleteYour house is so beautiful...if I put dead branches in a vase, they would never look like that; trust me. ;-)
ReplyDeleteoh i don't know about that melanie. give it a try! xo
DeleteI always love your calming, uncluttered and peaceful home. makes my want to get rid of half my stuff. Did a spot a copy of Sally Swift's Centered Riding in your book pile? I'v had this book for years, are you by chance an equestrian? or perhaps did you ride. I once looked her up and called her on the odd chance she might do a clinic for our group. she was not able but was most gracious and suggested perhaps one of her students could do it. anyway, seeing that book brought back memories. continued healing thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDarby
oh darby yes i used to ride. that book turned me into a decent rider. her theory on "soft eyes" is what did it for me. it changed everything! i would love to ride again some day. xoxo
DeleteEvery time I see your house, I wonder why on earth I bought mine.... I knew I had deep reservations about it as I signed the contract. And now it just won't sell. Send good selling vibes to me, Janet! I so want to move on with enhanced simplicity.
ReplyDeleteanna i'm sending you good vibes but i know for some reason you are supposed to be in the house you are in. you can enhance your simplicity wherever you are. and pls don't let the pretty pictures of my house bring you down in any way. i bet you have a lot of storage and that is something i dearly miss. xo
DeleteThose new pieces you purchased are stunning!!!! But I will confess... I scrolled back up to the pic of your bedroom,just so I could drool over that bedside lamp !!!! Beautiful !!!!
ReplyDeletethank you lisa. i adore that lamp too. it was my daughter in laws and she gave it to me. i always ask her if she wants it back but she says it belongs here. xo
DeleteWow what beautiful pieces! I want that blouse, sold out of my size. :o( I will be at the mall next week...hopefully they will have one in their store!
ReplyDeleteLinda xo
linda you must go and see the pieces in person. i hope you can find it. i just got shipping confirmation so i know i will be here soon. i was beginning to think they'd tell me it was sold out. xo
DeleteThis is summer at its purest... your home reminds me of Ivory Snow... the simplicity and freshness literally leap off the page, from your words to the photos... it is v. hot in FL and humid, but a/c makes it livable... I am always nostalgic for open windows, fluttering curtains, the smell of air dried sheets and summer in New England. My husband just brought me the last gardenia from our yard... a fragrant compensation : ) Thinking of you and sending all good wishes... Debbie
ReplyDeleteawww thank u debbie, you are so sweet. we wouldn't do well w/o air conditioning either. i've yet to get a gardenia flower from mine. xo
DeleteTAKE TWO ON COMMENTING as MY FIRST ONE DIDNOT TAKE!
ReplyDeleteTHAT blouse another blogger just bought think it was PINE CONES AND ACORNS.YOUR portrait reminded me of one I bought a few days ago which I have NO WALL SPACE FOR!The holy HAT is DIVINE!I want you to know I have finally smelled ORANGE BLOSSOM by JO and I AGREE ITS FANTASTIC!MAY NEED TO COPY YOU!SUmmer is passing by.........did you see my Blog Post Today!Sharing ALL MY VISITORS!!!!!PLUS TWO MORE WILL HERE IN AN HOUR FROM ITALY!!!!!!So off I DASH.......or rather JETE!!!!
XO
thank you elizabeth. glad you tried the jo malone orange blossom! i'll head over to your blog now. x
DeleteIt's lovely to get a glimpse of the languid days of high summer where you are. And so pretty and full of breathtaking simple earthiness are those ferns you repotted. Your photos and home all remind me now, for some reason, of the beautiful warmth of childhood summers where days stretch on we submit happily to less effortful but sustaining pursuits and leisure. Thanks for taking the time to touch base with your readers when you can. You and Larry are often held in thought.
ReplyDeleteIt's the end of winter here and there are promises of Spring afoot: sprouting jonquils and camellias have bloomed. I made asimple chantilly cream and jam filled sponge cake for my husband's birthday tomorrow. It's only going to be 11C but we'll rug up and enjoy the day whatever the weather.
Keep well Janet. xo
what a beautifully written comment lizzy. i feel relaxed just reading it. xo
DeleteHi Janet, I live in southwest France where I've found some wonderful handmade terracotta pots for my ferns. They add a lovely simplicity to a room. I would have posted a photo for you, but apparently not possible. Love your style. Thinking of you and Larry and hope that all goes well for him.
ReplyDeletethank you kerrie. how lucky to call the south of france home. i would love to see a photo! you can email me? xo
DeleteI loved your comment, "a thin, worn top sheet". That is how my husband and I get through the summer nights too. Our bed looks very similar. You just can't beat very soft, well used cotton. The photos of your house are lovely- very serene and inviting.
ReplyDeletethank you and you are so right. that old cotton is the best whether it is sheets or an old blouse or dress. i live for that softness. xo
DeleteDear Janet: 'm catching up with you / often thinking of you and Larry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing inspiration : yes, I shall pot ferns and am considering a GP & J Baker splurge for fall . . . Summer, while I do love you, admit to have grown weary of your rain, heat, humidity, success with growing mosquitoes. Janet, you brought me back to summer . . . I had forgotten how to be patient with her. Seems you should publish a collection of your well practiced "routines" and prescriptions for the seasons, holidays, events which push us thru cycles of life. You never resist and always make the most of these by being in harmony with them.
big cross-country thank you embrace
oh linda i wish i never resisted. my goal is always always acceptance of absolutely everything but some things are harder than others. this has been a doozy. xo
DeleteThose dried leaf branches casually displayed in a glass cylinder....casual elegance: You do it so well.
ReplyDeleteIt has been pleasant here in Kentucky. Enough rain that everything remains green and all-enveloping. We are outside as much as possible. Soaking up the beauty before the cold comes.
thank you mom. i would love to take a trip and visit each of the states of these comments. what a lovely trip that would make. xo
DeleteSo enjoyed your beautiful post
ReplyDeleteFilled with cool white sheets..branches from your garden ..and your peaceful home.
I stop and think of you and your Larry and pray.
My husband was in hospital for a week due to not being able to catch breath. After tests he has a paralyzed diaphragm...and a nerve in voice box and neck that has been affected. A new normal we now have with oxygen..and time to heal. Take care. Your blog is so encouraging.
oh nancy i'm so so sorry to hear of your husband's week in the hospital. i know the pain and fear that goes with that. thank you for your prayers. they are v v much appreciated. wishing you and your husband healing. xo
DeleteI love everything about this post! Your home, your fashion, your way of living. Thank you for continuing to share your special kind of inspiration in spite of all the challenges you and Larry are facing. Thinking of you both. xo
ReplyDeletethank you kathy for your lovely thoughts. xo
DeleteHello, lovely lady! I came upon your blog a few months ago and was stopped in my tracks by the simple gracious language of your posts and the accompanying simple, gracious photos of your home and yourself. I was so sad to hear of your husband's illness and then blessed by the outpouring of love and prayers from your followers. I realized you must be a one of a kind woman to receive such kindness so I recently took some time to read back from the earlier days of your blog. I was brought to tears by your tribute to your Larry on father's day a few years back and to know that you guys have been subjected to such nasty circumstances with his health. I wanted to tell you that I am joining the great constellation of people who are sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. I am a great believer in miracles and I am in earnest regularly requesting one for you. Stay strong, Janet. XO
ReplyDeletehello lovely karen. i had to go back and find that fathers day post. so happy you mentioned it as i had forgotten about it. i read it and cried too bc every single word is still true. thank you so much. xo
DeleteHi Janet, I finally got down to the mall today and snagged that H&M blouse! (the black one) I am not usually one to wear much patterned clothing, but this one actually looked good. :) Thanks for telling your readers about it! We are having a little cooler weather in SD, hope you are too!
ReplyDeleteLinda
xoxo
oh thanks for mentioning that linda. i have the black blouse too and wore it tied at the waist with white linen trousers. i think i will get tons of wear out of that blouse. it's a forever piece for me. xo
DeleteBeautiful Janet. Love the photos- wish H&M had this collection in Bella Italia!! Hope all is well- sending good wishes- to you and Larry. We are squeezing out the last of summer, and the garden.
ReplyDeleteXXXXo, Robin
I had to laugh because when I first saw the picture of your bed I thought, "oh what a nice light, simple bedspread." only to read it's a sheet. I do the same thing in summer (Florida) for the same reason. Sometimes I use a duvet cover, sans the duvet, as a very light cover.
ReplyDeleteLove the H & M chinoiserie. I must run down and see what they have. Would like to see the fabric in person. Wish me luck. I love your use of dried branches. Too bad I threw mine out. Rats. I've been collaborating with my landscape designer over our replanting after our trees fell down. Planting beautiful grasses. Really magical. Because of the new planting I've been doing some gardening also. Nothing major, just what I can handle. But it is a treat to see all the bees, butterflies and birds all over our garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI think it's been a year or two since I have followed any of the blogs that I used to read religiously. Like yours. Today -probably because it is too hot to be outside - I decided to spend an hour (it's now been 2 or so) checking in with you.
I am so sorry to hear about Larry, and I will be keeping you both in my thoughts and in my heart.
Hopefully I will be checking in a little more often form here on out. I've missed your garden and your lovely way of writing about it. Do take care. xo
I check on you every morning. Hope all is well. Praying for you and Larry.
ReplyDelete