It’s been so cold here that Piper has resorted to curling up next to Mabel.
I think we all know this isn’t Mabel’s preferred scenario. And that she’s been spending some nights by the fire writing her thoughts.
Big girl in my bed
Doesn’t she know I need room?
Why is this my fate?
On Sunday night I began to feel like my throat was scratchy and started to develop a cough due to cold and/or allergies. I’m not sure which. But the good news is I had nowhere I had to be on Monday unless you count working out at Smart Barre and I decided against it. No one really wants to listen to someone hack repeatedly while they’re trying to hold a plank position for an interminable amount of time.
So P took Caroline to school and I opted to stay in my pajamas in the warm house for most of the day because that seemed like the sensible thing to do and I have high hopes that maybe it will keep me from getting full on sick. Especially because I have an appointment to get my hair cut and colored tomorrow morning and, well, PRIORITIES.
If you could see all the gray hair that has suddenly sprouted from my head you would totally understand that I will not cancel that appointment even if I have to drag myself in and wear a surgical mask to keep from contaminating anyone.
Anyway, I was thinking about things I could write about since it was a totally uneventful day and I remembered I haven’t given any sort of update on Caroline’s bathroom remodel since this summer. And maybe some of you haven’t even been reading that long and you’re thinking you had no idea this was even a thing. This is why I could never be a home blogger. I lack follow through and my timelines are haphazard at best and it seems to always take me at least 60% longer than the average person to complete a project.
So as a refresher, we have been needing to remodel Caroline’s bathroom (which is also the guest bathroom) for years. The sink and toilet worked fine, but the pipes to the shower had gotten so old that it took a sweet forever for the water to get hot and, true story, the last time someone used it the shower handle broke off in their hand. We’ve essentially just all used our master bath for eleven years but it felt like it was time to change this since Caroline is on the verge of her teen years and everyone knows that a teen girl likes to spend hours a day in the bathroom.
Reason #243 I’ll never be a home blogger is because I apparently have virtually no “before” pictures of the bathroom except for this one I took while P was in the middle of demolition.
This gives you a basic overview. When we moved in this house almost seventeen years ago as poor newlyweds, I painted the tile in this bathroom white to cover up the sparkly gold striped tile that I would guess someone thought was awesome back in 1977. And then a couple of years later we wallpapered the rest of it with the black and white toile. I totally loved it for years but Caroline declared that it looked “like an old lady bathroom” and so we decided it was time for an update.
After we peeled back several layers of wallpaper and sheetrock, we found this treasure nailed to the wall in what I would assume was dreamy in the 1950’s.
And then this was a little further along in the demo process.
We basically got to this point and then it sat like that – just a big, open hole in our house – for about a month before our contractor could get started. Needless to say, we just shut and locked the bathroom door and tried not to think about it.
In the meantime, we tried to figure out exactly what we wanted both from a functional and style standpoint. The thing is – and I hate to think about this – Caroline is only going to be at home another six and a half years and we wanted the bathroom to be a little more timeless than the Hawaiian theme she originally proposed along with a sunset mural painted on the wall.
Ultimately, we designed the whole thing around the tile we all adored.
(Disclaimer: I don’t know that P adored it, but he went along with it. Also, he adored it less after we realized I’d calculated the cost wrong and it wasn’t quite as inexpensive as I originally told him. This was because I only quoted him the cost of having it shipped. The lesson? Don’t put me in charge of your home renovation projects.)
Here are some pictures of the finished project and I’ll list sources for the things I know at the bottom of this post in case you see something you like.
This is the view from the hallway. We stripped the walls down to the original shiplap and painted them a bright white.
Here’s a closer view.
The toilet is now hidden behind the open door which is nice.
Here’s the shower. The floor slopes toward the drain so there’s no door, just glass. I wasn’t entirely optimistic about this, but it actually works great. We opted for a regular showerhead and a rain showerhead. You can use them both or just one or the other. The best part is the controls are located on the far wall (not pictured) so you can adjust the water before you get in.
So there you have it. And I have to say it feels like a game changer for Caroline to have her own bathroom where she can actually shower and use her own towels instead of using my dry one since she forgot to hang hers up the night before. Speaking of, I opted for two robe hooks on the back of the door because she is much more likely to throw her towel over a hook than to actually take the time to hang it on a towel bar.
And even though it took longer than we planned and I thought at one point in November that it would never be finished, I’m so happy with the end result. It’s the perfect blend of the timeless look I wanted that goes with our old house and the fun look Caroline had in mind, which was basically anything that didn’t involve toile.
Here are my sources for the things I know:
Cement Tile: Granada Tile in Fez
Wire baskets with wheels: World Market (bought in store, but this basket is similar)
Concrete countertop and vanity was made by our contractor.
Blackboard crates in vanity: Magnolia Home
Lead glass window: Old Is Better Than New in San Antonio (I totally owe this find to Holly Mathis because I emailed her asking if she had a good source for old leaded glass and she told me to google “architectural salvage”. If you live in San Antonio, you have to check this place out. Tons of great old windows and doors and other treasures.)
Mirror and Sconces: Pottery Barn
Before I say anything else today, let us begin with a prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Please let this be the week that my child manages to go to school all five days of the week and does not get any sort of virus and/or other type of illness that causes her to lie on the couch as she repeatedly blows her nose and leaves used tissue all over my coffee table while continuously asking, “What else do we have to eat in the house besides all twenty-six of those things you just named?”
Amen.
So by day three of Caroline’s mystery flu-like virus, I was starting to feel a little bit stir crazy. And by a little bit stir crazy, I mean I felt more like I was being held hostage in my own home than having any sort of vacation. The worst part was she wasn’t really showing any signs of feeling much better which meant we couldn’t even make a run to the grocery store just to get out of the house.
Thankfully, Gulley called me about 4:30 and said she could run by for a quick glass of wine before they headed to the rodeo later. I told her that would be great and just to come in the back door when she got here because I might be out front getting Scout out of the mobile pet grooming van. She didn’t respond to this at the time but when she got here she asked, “Why did you have the mobile pet groomers come to the house?”
“Well, I decided Scout’s nails were in desperate need of a trim and that they might as well give him a bath and a blow dry while they were here.”
She said, “It’s time for you to get out of the house” and then we laughed until we cried at the absurdity of Scout getting a beauty treatment.
And she’s right. If I’ve reached a point where I’ve had enough time to contemplate the length of my seventeen-year-old dog’s toenails…well…that’s a low.
Unfortunately for Piper and Mabel, they didn’t get to participate in the mobile grooming because, first of all, they had already left with P for the ranch. And, secondly, I don’t think they have the manners or disposition required to be taken into a van and have a stranger bathe you. Of course this clearly makes them smarter than Scout, but Scout is also at a point where he takes at least one breath a day that sounds like it might be his last. He has nothing to lose.
On Saturday morning Caroline and I slept in and I knew the minute she woke up that she was much better. She still had her cough and was congested, but the light was back in her eyes and her cheeks no longer had the feverish flush to them. We celebrated by staying in our pjs until about noon and then heading to our favorite Mexican restaurant for a late breakfast. After that we ran by HEB to pick up random things we both wanted and then came home so she could do some make up work for school. Later that afternoon we ventured back out to get pedicures because I honestly just couldn’t get enough of being out of the house. Plus, it was the kind of warm, gorgeous day that just requires being outside.
P got home late Saturday night and we decided on a lazy Sunday morning. Caroline had a soccer game at 4:00 and we knew there was a cold front on the way, but when we left our house it was still about 70 degrees and Caroline was not happy that I insisted she wear her Under Armor leggings and long sleeve shirt under her uniform. I told her she could take them off if she got to the fields and didn’t need them but she insisted, “MOM, that’s not the way it works. You can’t just take stuff off!” Because apparently running to the bathroom for a quick change is not something legitimate soccer players do and moms who want to ensure their child’s comfort are THE WORST.
But when we arrived at the fields and got out of the car, it was immediately clear the cold weather had arrived. P looked right at Caroline and said, “You need to apologize to your mother.” Which brought me more satisfaction than it really should because I am very mature.
Thankfully, I have finally learned my lesson about not being prepared for sitting out at cold soccer games and came fully prepared.
You’ll never know how grateful I was to have that fur-lined hood to ward off the fifty degree chill. I’ll also have you know it started to rain while we were out there. And I just tried to remember that I’d had on shorts and flip-flops not even twenty-four hours earlier.
But we managed to survive and ended up at home with a fire in the fireplace and dinner that I’d actually had the foresight to put in the Crockpot earlier that morning. It felt like my finest hour.
And right now I’d like to say we’re watching The Academy Awards like most normal people, but the truth is P has turned it to Point Break instead. Yes. Point Break. Starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves. We’ve seen it no less than 103 times over the course of our marriage.
I guess I could go in the other room and turn it on, but that would require moving and I just don’t know that I’m that motivated. Plus, you know, no one puts baby in the corner or messes with Johnny Utah.
Well I had high hopes that Caroline would feel significantly better today and be ready to head back to school, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. She still had fever all day and continuous mentions of how bad her throat hurts.
So it looks like we will be resuming our position on the couch for at least one more day. I have a vague memory of what it feels like to breathe fresh air and feel the sun on your face. Those were good times.
But our time hasn’t been all for naught since we did finally watch The Great British Baking Show. One of my editors, Carol, had mentioned it to me a while back and I kept forgetting to record it. It comes on PBS after Downton Abbey on Sunday nights. Fortunately, I remembered to record it this past Sunday and I have to admit I found it strangely compelling. Caroline and I were both caught up in the drama that naturally occurs when you’re trying to proof a proper fruit loaf, which is odd considering I had no idea any of that was a real thing before today.
This may be a sign that I need to get out of the house sooner rather than later.
Here are some cute things I found this week that make me long for the days when I used to get dressed and leave my home.
Noonday Collection’s spring line released this week and there are so many great pieces. I’m particularly in love with these horn bangles, but you really should take a good look at all of it. There are some fabulous earrings, too.
2. three quarter sleeve pleat front dress
I like the simplicity of this dress. It’s a great blank palette that can look totally different depending on the accessories you choose. It comes in black, coral and royal blue.
I realize some of you have been buried in ice and may not have swimsuit coverups first and foremost in your mind. However, I also think this has potential as just a cute top with white jeans.
4. toni pons lloret-5 espadrille wedge sandal
It appears the espadrille is going to be a hot item this spring and summer. I really like these and they also come in red and taupe.
I would love this skirt even if it didn’t have the word “presh” in its name.
I eyed these sandals all last summer but never ordered them because I already had the wedge version. However, I think these flat ones are so versatile and would be so cute with skirts, cuffed jeans, and shorts.
7. new look crochet insert top
Well, this is just so pretty.
8. j.crew printed embroidered placket top
I love the colors in this and that it will look equally great with shorts or jeans. I’d totally wear it with white shorts and those minnetonka sandals.
9. lata tee
This tee is super cute and comes in a bunch of colors. I love the detail on the arms because it gives it a little lift from just your ordinary t-shirt. It’s on sale for $39.95 plus Anthropologie is offering an additional 25% off with code EXTRAEXTRA at checkout on all sale items.
I really like this. Easy to throw on all summer long with flip-flops or tennis shoes.
And that’s it for this week. If you need me I’ll just be here dispensing cough drops and Advil.
Have a good Friday.
I think it was Monday evening when Caroline mentioned that her throat felt a little scratchy and I gave her mom response option B which is “You’re fine. It’s just allergies.” But then she woke up Tuesday morning and it did seem like her voice was a little scratchy. However, she tends to play up any symptoms to their fullest and I felt like there was a little dramatic effect thrown in for good measure, mainly because she sounded less like someone with laryngitis and more like Kermit the Frog.
By the time I picked her up from school on Tuesday she had lapsed into full-blown, hack up a lung coughing, but insisted she still wanted to go watch the high school girls play soccer that evening with P. And, other than the cough, she seemed to be feeling fine so I agreed.
They got back home around 8:00 and she showered and got in bed but couldn’t quit coughing. When I went in to give her some cough medicine I pushed her hair back out of her face and that’s when I felt it. Fever.
Dang.
At some point in the last two months we have clearly angered all the germs and they have set up camp in our home to seek their vengeance. This might be payback for my mockery of essential oils.
(I know, I know. Essential oils are the greatest thing since Mr. Hall invented the cough drop and are the key to world peace and inner serenity. I’m not opposed to oils. I even have some peppermint oil and lavender oil in my home. I just forget to use them.)
(I need you to keep in mind that I also used to mock email and fax machines. My track record for recognizing innovation is poor at best.)
Anyway, Caroline woke up during the night with a cough that sounded like someone was trying to wrestle a cougar and – I’m no doctor – but I know that’s not how the human lungs are supposed to sound. And so it was clear by 7:00 a.m. that she wouldn’t be going to school but would absolutely be going to the doctor, especially when I took her temperature and realized it was 102 which is super high for her because she rarely has fever.
The doctor visit confirmed that she doesn’t have the flu or strep but rather some mystery virus that apparently comes with fever, a cough and a throat that feels like it’s on fire. So we picked up her favorite sweet tea from Raising Cane’s and came home and spent the day on the couch with Advil, a blanket, a hacking cough and some tears. I think the lowest point came about an hour ago when she sneezed all over me and then said, “Don’t worry, Mom. I didn’t get it on my blanket.”
Perfect. I’m so glad the blanket won’t catch her virus.
It has not been my favorite of the days.
And so that’s what’s going on around here.
Needless to say, I’m back in the Thin Mints. And the wine.
Just a couple or four quick things today.
1. Red beans and rice recipe
Several of you asked for my recipe yesterday but there are a couple of things you need to know.
First, I don’t actually use red beans. Second, I don’t really have a recipe. It’s all a little of this and a little of that.
1 pound pinto beans (you have to soak overnight or quick soak and bring to a boil and let simmer for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours)
2 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 lbs smoked link sausage
Tony Chachere’s cajun seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
Cover beans with water and soak overnight or quick soak. Add water as needed. Drain water and then cover soaked beans with fresh water. Add cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce along with cajun seasoning, salt & pepper to taste. Let simmer for about thirty minutes and then cut sausage into quartered slices and add to beans. (If you want to get fancy you can cut up an onion and sauté with sausage before adding but I’m usually not fancy) Let simmer another 45 minutes and then serve over rice, preferably with some cornbread.
2. Mabel & Piper
The girls ride with me almost every day to pick Caroline up from school and they are always on high alert. This is no time for wagging tails or shenanigans. In fact, Mabel has (naturally) written a couple of haikus about it to add to her book of poetry.
Carpool means trouble
Kids running backpacks flying
I am on the case
Riding in the car
Isn’t for the faint of heart
Danger all around
Not to be left out, Piper also tried her hand at writing. Here’s what she came up with.
FOOD. WHEN WILL I GET MORE FOOD?
3. The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica Turner
I think one of the hardest things about being a mom – especially a mom of little kids – is looking up and realizing you can’t remember the last time you did something for yourself or by yourself, including going to the bathroom. That’s why I thought you might want to know about Jessica Turner’s new book. It’s all about the importance of carving out a little time even in the midst of raising a family.
It’s available here on Amazon and here on Barnes & Noble.
4. 25:40 Love
I recently discovered the 25:40 Love shop online and fell in love with all their cute products. The best part is they feature a new charity each month and donate 15% of all profits to that charity. This month happens to be Show Hope which works to help orphans.
Just look at some of the great things they sell.
This great barn wood chalkboard
And this Have faith pillow cover
I love when you can buy cute things for your home and give money toward a good cause all at the same time. And today the sweet people behind 25:40 are giving away a Have Faith pillow cover to one of you!
All you have to do for a chance to win is leave a comment on this post – maybe you can tell me what your favorite thing is from their store. You can find all their great products here. I’ll leave comments open until this Sunday and then pick a winner using Random.org.
Hope you have a great day.
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