Cali bound.....

where it all began! Our family is California bound to watch this cute soccer player {who turns 15 a month from TODAY}  play in 'the best of the best' San Diego Surf Cup soccer tournament.  As her mom, I am bursting with pride at her accomplishments on the soccer field, but more importantly, who my soon-to-be freshman in high school is as a person - her work ethic, tenacity and...

I hit the thrift store jackpot....[finally!]

I don't often visit thrift stores, I leave frustrated and underwhelmed.  But if, like me, you read many design blogs, you often hear about all the terrific finds that the dedicated  thrift shoppers score.....and think, "well if they can, so can I."  This summer, I had decided to do a little experiment, I would visit my local Goodwill on a regular basis.  Most visits...

Can you help a girl out?

Our family is traveling to California this upcoming week - We are mainly going to watch our favorite soccer goalkeeper and her team play in the Surf Cup soccer tournament in Del Mar. But momma also wants to shop.......I could use some  recommendations for 'must visit' home dec stores in the San Diego/Del Mar/Laguna Beach/Dana Point/La Jolla areas. I am always looking for new,...

Book Shelf Styling....

via  One of my favorite things to do for clients is to style book shelves - it is an area of design that I feel most confident and creative. It's even better when the client has unique collections and interests. The photo above and the one below are book shelves I love - they are well styled and have the 'collected' look I usually go for. I guess you would say, I am not a minimalist! via...

Life lately........

Dear Summer 2013, You are sorta kicking my ass, but I love all the fun you bring: * projects * sunsets * late night garden watering * theatre camp *ultra-marathons * national soccer championships * reunited sister-love * backyard puppy snuggles Your friend, Ji...

Sneak peek....and my opinion on bunk beds!

I spent the better part of the last week working on covering the very saturated dark pink walls in my  youngest daughter's bedroom with a coat of Benjamin Moore's Fresh Mint paint. Phew, I am NOT a patient painter - I'd rather hire a painter but with the help of a friend, we knocked it out in a few days. After many showers, I am still scrubbing paint off myself - I am seriously a messy...

My Tween's Room......

As I mentioned yesterday, my youngest daughter starts middle school this fall.  Although she will always  be my baby, she is definitely acting more like the  tween she is each and every day {in good ways!}. Abigail's favorite color has always been pink. And when we moved into our home two years ago, my moving guilt allowed ME to allow HER to paint her room a bright pink....

Too busy....

I know I am not alone when I say, "I am too busy"..... us mom-types tend to take on too much in an effort to not disappoint anyone but while everyone else is happy, happy, happy, we are MISERABLE. This quote, spotted on Pinterest, spoke loud and clear to me yesterday after yet another busy weekend where I did lots but not a lot of what I really wanted to do. That must stop. Summer...

Vintage art......

When I was in central Oregon last week for the 4th of July, I managed to get out and hit a few antiques stores with my mom. I was feeling in a bit of an antiquing slump - even my Farm Chicks finds didn't really excite me -  but hitting a few new places held some promise! Well, I really found some great things, including this beautiful vintage oil painting!  Can you believe it...

Cottages & Bungalows Photo Shoot!

I was contacted a few months ago by the magazine Cottages & Bungalows.  The editor, Jickie Torres asked if I was interested in having my home or  a client's home photographed for the magazine.   I have had the experience of a photo shoot in my home {and styling shoots}but I really felt my current home is 'unfinished' and I just didn't see it possible getting it magazine...

Sunday...

Wishing you a peaceful and  stylish {whatever you are on purpose} Sunda...

Happy FoUrTh of July!

source unknown God Bless America! Happy 4th of July to you all! ********** {*the winner of the Ramsign giveaway is comment #22 - which was the number chosen by my daughter} Courtney, email me at jillbeth@aol.co...

Enamel Sign Giveaway!

RAMSIGN is a small company that specializes in manufacturing and selling classic enamel signs (house signs and house numbers) based upon original designs and techniques.  They contacted me and asked if I would offer a giveaway to my readers. And I said, "heck yea". RAMSIGN is offering ONE enamel house number sign to a lucky Forever*Cottage reader.  In order to enter the...