Even with 30 years on the east coast, I never visited Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. Nantucket is an island about 30 miles from the coast of Cape Cod. The name “Nantucket” is adapted from an Algonquian name meaning “faraway land or island”. Recently, our entire family took a trip to Nantucket.

Nantucket is a tourist destination and summer colony. Due to tourists and seasonal residents, the population of the island increases to at least 50,000 during the summer months (from 10,000 during the rest of the year). Very affluent, the average sale price for a single-family home is approximately $2.3 million.

Why Nantucket?

We won a charitable auction item to spend a week here, only to find out that the accommodations belong to our friends. What a pleasant surprise as not only are they lovely people, but they did happily share everything we need to know about Nantucket….and allowed us to extend our visit to 10 days.

With the children growing up and heading in different directions, my goal is to create an annual fun family vacation somewhere in the world where we can all gather. Naturally I am delighted that all three children could make time in their schedule. Also joining us on this trip is my son’s girlfriend, Delaney and Julianna’s dog, Hemingway.

How to Get There

Being an island, you can fly or take a ferry. Nantucket is served by Nantucket Municipal Airport (ACK), a three-runway airport on the south side of the island. The airport is one of the busiest in Massachusetts and often logs more take-offs and landings on a summer day than Boston’s Logan Airport. This is due in part to the large number of private planes used by wealthy summer inhabitants, and in part to the 10-seat Cessna used by several commercial air carriers to serve the island community.

Once we landed in Newark, we traveled to the Essex airport where our hosts flew us on their private plane to Nantucket. And then they spent the next few days showing us all the wonderful island spots. Lucky us!

The Ambiance

Cobblestone streets, window boxes filled with colorful flowers, and the classic shake siding are abundant here. The Nantucket rose is frequently seen climbing up a trellis, adding shades of pink to the rather gray exteriors.

Everyone’s home is uniquely named and properties range from sweet cottages to sweeping estates.

Lots of shops and interesting restaurants are common, but depending on the time of year, it may be difficult to get reservations.

Beaches and the Water

Being an island, there are many places to enjoy the water, either by boat, car or on foot. You can even drive on the beach with the proper permit!

My brother and his wife brought their boat from Rhode Island to the harbor for a few days~an extra bonus is being able to spend time with them too!

The Weather

Coastal fog is typical this time of year~similar to the June gloom on the west coast. Perfect for quiet mornings on the deck with a cup of coffee. We are surprised to find that different parts of the island have their own unique weather patterns, in spite of the small geographic area.

Things to Do

Besides boating, beaching, exploring, and eating, you can rent bicycles (which I highly recommend). There are numerous bike paths throughout the island. In addition a visit the Whaling Museum, Shipwreck Museum or the display of Nantucket baskets sheds light on the history of this island.

There are 3 lighthouses on the island, which are also fun to see. After biking 12 miles in the morning, we did a 3.5 mile hike in very soft sand to the Great Point lighthouse. My calves are still aching.

Our 10 day Nantucket adventure was made extra special by our hosts and having our entire family together once again. I can honestly say that traveling by air is a bit challenging as the airports are packed and the flights full. But just seeing these beautiful pictures and creating new family memories made the journey worthwhile.

I am back home only to discover a failed air conditioning unit in the kitchen/mudroom/library area that will need complete replacement. Cha-ching. As I am writing this it is 90 degrees in my workspace, but better than the 107.5 degrees outside. It’s hard not to desire for those chilly mornings in Nantucket right now.

Happy Tuesday! Hope you are either on vacation or planning to take one soon.

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Like every first impression, the entrance to your home says alot about you. Is it welcoming? Warm? Impressive? Easy to find? Often we take the entries of our homes for granted, because we are in and out of them frequently. So it’s time to step back and ask yourself the question, how can I create an impressive entrance?

Front Entry Update

Sometimes your entry needs a major facelift. This photo is our house prior to the extensive restoration. It is the only picture I found of the front door that shows the bare light bulb on the front porch. And back then, there were security bars on all the windows and doors.

With new house paint, removal of the security door and bars, new front door paint color, new light fixtures we transform the scary front of our home into something much more welcoming. Adding plants and a bench do add to the notion that we actually want you to enter the house and stay awhile.

To read a detailed version of the restoration of the front of our home, click here.

I must be attracted to home with security doors as the same appears at the 1922 home I restored in downtown Phoenix. Even with missing light fixtures and significant deterioration, this is still an impressive entry. Plus the front door does have wonderful opening sidelights for ventilation.

After all the white aluminum siding was removed, we found the original clapboard in good condition. The columns need significant work as does the under roof of the terrace.

Front Door Color

Sometimes a simple can of paint can really change up the look of your front door. Previously painted white, the double front doors look fabulous in this color red. For a more in-depth review of the historic Willetta restoration, click here.

Numbers

Here is the before and after of a remodel I did on a small ranch house. In addition to changing the front door, the house siding and removing the brick planter, note the old house numbers.

Here is the after with lots of changes. But the personal touch I love on this house is the custom made gold plated number 32. Made by an artisan in Connecticut, this is a unique look in Phoenix.

In lieu of a screen door, the shuttered door allows in light and ventilation to a rather dark entrance.

A Front Walkway

This is one of my first “for sale” remodels. There is a lot wrong with the entrance to this house. It needs a new door as the hollow core closet one makes no sense. The mixture of brick and stone confuse me. But because the house is so flat and linear, it desperately needs a welcoming walkway.

With a winding path of tumbled pavers, your eye goes directly to the front door (sorry for the quality of this old photo). The solar lights enhance the path at night.

Front Entry Decor

Each season I change up the decor on my front porch. A new wreath, pillows, a throw, new plants~anything to freshen it up for that time of year. To see more about this front porch re-do, click here.

Adding Pretty Elements

It doesn’t take much to freshen up your front entry. Recently, I painted the exterior fixtures and mailbox to our guest cottage. A simple project like this produces big results. To learn more about painting both these items, click here.

Know Your Home’s Architecture

In a small gated community here in town, I found this sweet patio home. However, the entrance does not fit with the style of the house. Between the dated French provincial front doors and the alpine-like peaked roof, I felt like yodeling every time I entered. The light fixture is 1980s. Structurally it looks wonky.

The wooden spindles and beams are removed. Columns are added and receive a coat of stucco. New fascia board gives the roof some beef.

With a new front door with sidelights, an appropriate scaled light fixtures and new paint the front door becomes the focal point in this entrance.

Here are some pretty entry pictures I did find on the internet. I just love all the window panes around this door.

In each photo, your eye is drawn to the front door…which is exactly what you want to achieve.

I hope this inspires you to spruce up the entrances of your home! Happy Wednesday!

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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #648

Sunday is the official first day of summer, but school is out, gardens are growing and the weather here says otherwise. Even though it is a bit too warm to eat outside, that doesn’t stop me from wanting to create a cheerful summer breakfast table.

The Tablecloth

I am so fortunate to have this brightly colored vintage tablecloth from my Aunt Gail’s belongings. Since it didn’t appear to have been laundered for quite some time, I did wash it in cold water on a delicate cycle and then hung it on the line to dry. I love how the fabric matches the foliage! With a quick iron, the table cloth is clean, fresh and ready to go.

Vintage linens can be found in many thrift stores. The patterns and colors are so rich and beautiful. Even though there are many online, I personally like to see them in person so I can handle the fabric and view the colors. And they are so affordable. A few are for sale and can be found in my Store tab above.

The Dishes

Layering dishes gives the table setting some substance and I start with a buttercup yellow charger. These handpainted Italian chargers are from Pier 1 Imports many years ago. You can find similar ones here.

Next, of course is a blue and white plate. These are again, an old purchase from Horchow and each plate is a different pattern. You can find a similar plate from this incredible selection here.

For the smaller plate, I select a pretty gold rimmed clear glass on from Leslie Roy (no longer in business).

The Centerpiece

Since I love my tulipiere, it is the perfect blue and white vessel for the centerpiece. Filled with yellow bells from the yard, it is set off to the side in order to allow visibility between the place settings.

Not familiar with tulipieres? Click here.

I also add some daisies in small glasses for added color.

The Meal

Since this is breakfast, a gorgeous juicy Ruby red grapefruit is a great way to start. The mint garnish adds a bit of contrast.

Fresh lemon slices on the edge of the water goblet add just a bit more yellow to the table. The large size coffee mugs are a gift from my friend, Anne.

My homemade granola is sooooo good and you can find the recipe here. You can make it as is or add other ingredients…but it’s another recipe I can guarantee you will love.

Isn’t this just a summery setting?

Other small items complete the table. The mini pitcher is for milk for the granola and I like to have regular milk and oat or almond milk as alternatives. If you haven’t made your own nut milk (super easy), here is my recipe. And here’s a cute blue and white creamer on Amazon.

The sweet vintage place card holder is a gift from my friend, Janie. I didn’t use a place card as I think it is perfect just as it is.

This table is set in our living room corner near the east and south windows. Perfect light in the morning to have our breakfast and celebrate the summer season.

Do you have breakfast on the run? Often, that is the case with me. It is nice to sit down at a lovely table and actually take the time to enjoy this meal.

Have a wonderful day, my friends!

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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday #664

There is something very special about coming home. After another trip back east to manage my Aunt Gail’s affairs, coming home is well…so satisfying. My own bed, getting back into a routine and the dogs are always so happy to see me. And now I am at my desk writing my Saturday Meanderings so all is well with the world. Thank you for joining me today!

Weather

Being away is also making me realize how much I take the sunny weather in Phoenix for granted. Out of the 7 days we were back east, 1.5 days were sunny. The Memorial Day weekend had frigid temperatures and lots of rain. I am such a weenie when it comes to cold weather now that my blood has obviously thinned with the 299 days of sunshine we see here in the Valley of the Sun.

Even our higher temperatures I am enjoying! I am so thankful that I did put shade cloth over the tomato plants while we were out of town. If you missed this post which is part of a fun monthly gardening blog hop, click here.

My Stylish French Box

This box has a new name called My French Country Home Box. I do have a quarterly subscription, which is a complete treat. If you are looking for the very best French brands delivered to your door, then I cannot recommend this enough.

The theme this quarter is “Time for Moi-Même”~ which is all about taking some much-needed time for yourself. From the high quality floral pillow case above to Mademoiselle Saint Germain facial serum, the box is full of sumptuous indulgences.

Not only is this the perfect gift for yourself, but for others. You can order it only once or subscribe quarterly. My French Country Home also has a shop where you can buy some of the individual items in the box. And the fabulous news is that I am an Ambassador for them and will earn a small stipend if you order it through my blog site to their link here.

A New Friend from New Zealand

I admit that I am not a Facebook user. It just so happens I did look at my Facebook page and found a new sweet friend, Carol Karl from New Zealand. She generously shared my stenciled bathroom floor project with her subscribers. If you missed that post, here it is.

Carol’s blog is Living My Real Life and her interests are similar to mine~food, gardening, house renovation and she makes jewelry (I do not). It is hard to believe that someone so far away found my blog~ it is small world, isn’t it?

Apple Season

Being born and raised in Connecticut, I associate apple picking with cold weather, cute sweaters and autumn leaves. However, my Anna apple tree is full of apples that we pick in June…..in triple digit weather. Something is just not right about that. But I have a big crop this year so pie baking will commence soon!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Connecticut will always be my first home. Though most of my adult life has been on the opposite coast, I love going back to my hometown of Norwich. Looking at it through more mature eyes, I have an appreciation now of those childhood gems.

High school at the Norwich Free Academy is filled with fond memories. During this recent visit, I tried walking the athletic field at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) to capitalize on the good weather, but it was closed to the public (probably a post-COVID thing). Instead I walked the campus (several times) noticing things I took for granted when I was a teenager.

Incorporated 1854, it is the only remaining privately governed, independently endowed academy in the state of Connecticut. Blending the very best of private and public education, NFA offered me a truly unparalleled four year student experience.

Between the history, gorgeous architecture of 12 unique buildings and stunning landscaping, this a-typical high school is more like a small college campus. I’ve never seen another high school campus like this one and I am grateful for the experience.

If I could only go back into my teenage body with my 65-year old eyes and see it all again….

Informative Posts

Andrea from Design Morsels is such a wealth of information. If you are wondering how high to hang pictures or how to do a gallery wall, check out her blog post here.

Kim from Shiplap and Shells is an incredible gardener and her sweet home in the Pacific Northwest is in nearly every magazine. If you want to covet her spectacular greenhouse, check it out here.

An Oldie but Goodie

This recipe is one of my husband’s favorites. Who doesn’t like Apple Cider donuts? Typically I make them in the fall, but since I did have some of the apple cider reduction in the freezer, they are easy to whip up.

Here is the original post. Not sure how easy it is to find apple cider now, but they are really good (and baked, not fried).

Thanks for Sharing

I just LOVE it when you send me pictures of something that inspired you through my blog. Thanks to my friend, Barb who made the coffee cake with blueberries for Memorial Day weekend and sending me this photo. Here’s the recipe again if you want something easy and delicious!

Well that’s a wrap! Have a wonderful weekend!

Everyone probably already does this, but I am just recently discovering the flexibility one has with combining both real and artificial flowers in floral arrangements.

When I think of all those years of being a purist on fresh flower arrangements, combining fresh and artificial really makes sense. Faux flower quality is significantly better than ever. Artificial flowers last forever and over time, can be the more affordable choice. Access to a wide variety of faux flowers is now available on the internet. When real flowers are pricey, filing in with artificial ones gives you an abundant arrangement at less cost.

For our Easter table centerpiece this year, can you tell which flowers are real and which aren’t? The blue hyacinths and the white peonies are the artificial flowers. The pops of blue and white help complement the blue Indian block tablecloth and china. Faux blue hyacinths here and beautiful faux peonies in many colors can be found here.

These faux peonies are found in many of my photos as I always have a good looking arrangement available to enhance my shots.

Here is another arrangement in a pedestal bowl. Can you tell which flowers are real? Actually in this one, only the creamy white roses are fresh.

Even the sprigs of greens and the alstroemeria are faux.

Once the white roses are past their prime, it was easy to fill in with new fresh pink ones.

Using the same base of faux flowers, it is fun to branch out using more vibrant and vivid colors. Isn’t it interesting how different this brightly colored one looks compared to the previous two?

The red geraniums and tulips are not real. If you don’t have an attractive pedestal bowl, there is a wide assortment here.

Even for my recent Valentine dinner party where I tend to go all out with fresh flowers, in the areas that need beefing up, you can spot a faux peony or two. To see more about this Valentine dinner party, click here.

Recently I did spend a bit much on box of 26″ long faux lilacs from The Enchanted Home. I LOVE real lilacs but they do not grow here.

The quality of these branches is very good and I actually did spray the faux flowers with a French Lilac micro-batch perfume by Pacifica.

My friend, Karen says this is the closest fragrance to the real lilac scent so I bought some here. Since these lilacs are a close replica, it is fun to watch our guests walk over and sniff them.

My first choice is to create beautiful arrangements with real flowers, if for nothing else, the scent. But if you are like me, my home looks better with multiple flower arrangements. Like the pedestal bowl ideas above, faux flowers can be the framework and each week you can add a variety of fresh ones.

Have you tried combining and artificial flowers? If so, share your experience.

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.” – Luther Burbank

Happy arranging!

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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday #622

Last month, I introduced a new series, Room by Room, where I can share a room in our home each month. In April, the Room by Room feature is the Living Room (see post here), and this month, I will focus on the master bedroom.

What I am enjoying about this Room by Room series, is that it gives me the opportunity to really scrutinize each room, what I like about it and what I don’t like (or may change). Since the master bedroom is only used after the end of a long day, I am eyeballing my comfortable bed and not necessarily assessing the elements of the room.

When we restored and remodeled the house in 1999, the only access to the master bedroom was by actually walking through a long and narrow closet. It was a great opportunity to completely revamp the master bedroom, bath and closet footprint to create an oasis just for us.

The Privacy

Currently the entrance to the master suite is at the end of the upstairs hallway through separate French doors. A small foyer showcases a unique piece of art floating from a curved wall. Years ago I wrote about our “quote door” (see post here). This is one of my cherished pieces as it contains our family’s favorite quotes. Illuminated from behind, it is focal point as you enter our master bedroom.

Behind these French doors is access to my art studio, my husband’s office and our master suite.

Here is your first view past the entry doors into our bedroom. This antique sofa is a Round Top, Texas find several years ago. Re-upholstered in a houndstooth print, it is a new look to a very old sofa. To see the before and after, click here.

Overall, the bedroom measures 23 feet by 15 feet. There is a set of doors leading to the master bathroom and French doors with sidelights that open to the second story outdoor terrace.

Where is the television?

Above a chest of drawers is an oil painting of San Gimignano, a medieval village in Tuscany, Italy. Not only have we been there, but the art work rolls up to reveal a television beneath.

To the left of the hidden television, is a charming kidney-shape make-up table and mirror from Horchow. It appears that Horchow no longer carries this, but there are several make up tables at Amazon here. The fabric skirt is custom made and I do have one for winter/fall and spring/summer.

I would love to tell you that I use this table all the time. I like the romantic notion of having a table for glamour, but it seems to be a place where I store my perfume and pretty jars. Because at the end of the day, I’m not a very glamorous person!

Another romantic notion in this room is the crystal decanters on the silver tray on the painted chest of drawers. I can recall on perhaps two fingers where we poured a nightcap from this area! But I do love the shapes of the bottles and the silver tags.

The View

Perhaps one of the best features of this room (besides the bed), is the view. All we can see through the French doors and windows are tree tops. No neighbors, no other homes, just the mature tree canopy of our property. During the cooler months, we leave the doors open and awaken to bird song. Just lovely.

The Bed

In retrospect I am so happy we did purchase a high quality mattress. When you spend 1/3 of your life in bed, a good, supportive bed is important. Ours is a Chattam & Wells and every night I so appreciate this bed.

Quality linens and fine pillows are the icing on the cake. Since I have an ongoing neck issue, making an investment into this pillow system from Pandora de Balthazar is worth every penny.

The actual bed is upholstered in a short sage green velvet. Purchased from European Traditions in Scottsdale, I believe this store has since closed. We add picture frame lights behind our pillows for nighttime reading.

Night Stands

Though I do not like matching bedroom furniture, I did purchase identical Louis XV commodes imported from France (years ago)….back when darker finish was popular. These European cherry night stands are stained walnut and are the perfect height for our rather tall bed.

The Artwork

In addition to the oil painting of San Gimignano, there is a set of vintage botanical prints over the sofa.

I am not sure this piece is even my style anymore, but I do consider it a piece of art. Hand painted many years ago by a local artist, this commode goes extremely well with the painting above it.

Lydia and her sparrow is one of my favorite paintings.

Flooring

Like the living room, the hardwood flooring is Canadian Beech. A richly colored silk Oriental rug measuring 10′ x 12′ anchors the sleeping area.

What I Love or Would Change

The master bedroom space is perfect. With a southern and western exposure, we do not need any curtains on the windows/doors. No one can see in from the outside. The room feels spacious and welcoming.

However, in writing this post, I would probably use more subdued colors. The duvet cover doesn’t really go with the rest of the room, but I like its soft colors. Some of the furniture seems dark to me, but perhaps not enough to replace it.

There are areas that we don’t use much~the vanity, the television and the sofa, but those pieces do fill the space. I’m not unhappy enough with it to change it. However, the master bath DOES need to be completely re-done and maybe that will inspire me to re-think the master bedroom.

I hope you enjoy this segment of Room by Room. Happy Tuesday, my sweet friends!

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This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday #643