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04.05.14 / Made Me Smile

made me smile

I feel the need to apologize for being a lame blogger this week. I’m sorry. I had planned on posting more but recovering from The Plague, occupying my kids over their spring break and trying to keep up with everyday household stuff took almost everything out of me. Clearly, I am not Superwoman. Even so, lots to smile about this week.

*Whilst browsing black hexagon floors for grout inspiration, I came across this bathing beauty.

*I grew up in a red metal barn. Bring on the nostalgia you lil’ mini-barn.

*A hall closet-turned-kitchen. Say what?!

*Steve’s co-workers in New Zealand now have a quake-proof building in which to work safely. (I’m pushing for relocation.)

*Being left-handed has its perks.

*I’m dreaming of a cozy beach getaway.

*Clean sheets and open windows are right up there with red wine and chocolate.

*My favorite acoustic trio, Nickel Creek, is back together after a seven-year hiatus. I’ve had their new album on repeat all week. It makes for some good house music.

Fun fact #1: By far, the best concert I’ve ever attended was Nickel Creek featuring Fiona Apple.

Fun fact #2: Nickel Creek covered Britney Spears’s “Toxic” several years ago. It’s beautifully hilarious and definitely worth the listen if you’ve never heard it.

I hope your weekend is full of smiles and glimpses of spring. This winter is like the annoying houseguest who just won’t leave. Good thing I refilled my supply of vitamin D. Vitamin D-induced smiles count too!

image: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

32 Comments

05.April.2014

I also love me some Nickel Creek. I’ll have to check out the new album. Have you tried The Civil Wars yet? They are my very favorite. No one does harmony like John and Joy. Too bad they split up this last year…

05.April.2014

NICKEL CREEK! Oh my goodness, I love them! Their first album is one of my favorites of all times. My dad discovered it one day when I was in high school and brought it home, and we’ve pretty much worn out the CD, we’ve played it so much. I’d heard rumors they were coming back, but I haven’t heard their album yet! I must check this out.

05.April.2014

The beaches of South Walton are incredibly beautiful. I would be totally bummed to miss my annual trip to the sugar white sand and turquoise water. Rosemary Beach is a lovely development. The houses are top notch, and much more your design aesthetic than the ever popular Seaside. We stay in Sea Grove Beach, which is right next door. I hope you make it down that way this summer!

I love that remake of that song- too funny!

And that mini barn is so sweet. We lived in a hundred year old home [I’ll always be a sucker for creaky floors]. But next door was a red barn- it wasn’t ours, it was our neighbors. But it looked like it was ours which was good enough for me. A horse and a cow would always park it beside our driveway and accept snacks now and then. Good memories!

05.April.2014

I’ve been a huge nickle creek fan since high school! Do you like the stuff that Chris thiele has put out in the meantime?

05.April.2014

Thanks for introducing me to nickel creek…they’re fantastic! Aaaaand that remake of toxic was legendary.

05.April.2014

My soon to be 5 year old is a lefty…

05.April.2014

Cute pic! Are you waiting for the mailman?

05.April.2014

I will have to check ’em out!

05.April.2014

Same here with wearing out their previous albums. I’ve seen them live three times. They are SO GOOD live!

05.April.2014

I hope we make it down, too. It just might happen ;)

05.April.2014

I have one of his solo albums. I like it but, honestly, they are so much better together. I know they probably get sick of each other and I commend them for pursuing individual paths but I’m so happy they decided to celebrate their 25th anniversary with new material.

05.April.2014

Ruh-roh.

05.April.2014

Haha! More like the UPS man.

I thought about naming this self-portrait “wish I was there.” You know how people say “wish you were here” when they’re somewhere really beautiful and nice? Well, personally, I don’t know any Ohioan who is loving Ohio right now. I was actually watching a thunderstorm pass through. We went straight from snow storms to thunderstorms complete with lightning.

05.April.2014

Yeah, I like them better together too. I almost fell asleep at a Punch Brothers show. My super-fab husband got us tickets to see them in Cincy in May. Are you going? It has been so long…I’ll have to grab the album. Okay, back up to check the links. I’m not a crazy-longtime reader, so when I saw that you’re into Nickel Creek I got all bouncy and squeally and forgot what I was doing. Ha!

05.April.2014

Also, more on growing up in a barn please!

05.April.2014

I’m oddly proud right now to say I’m a lefty. ;)
Btw, the new mirror by the door looks great!

06.April.2014

Have you listened to Chris Thile (the mandolin player from Nickel Creek)’s other band, Punch Brothers? SOOOOOO GOOD. I was never into any genre of country-related music, and now I’m bluegrass obsessed. Give ’em a listen if you haven’t yet.

06.April.2014

I’m coming out of lurking land to say that I just loved this post so much! Great, new to me links and an intro to a new band, too?! Perfection. Living in Canada, I’m beginning to guzzle our remaining vitamin D. Longest winter, ever. On another note, your blog has really struck a chord with me: we’re downsizing for reasons like yours and I’m loving your journey…I’d love to hear more about your style evolution as I’m eager for a fresh, more minimilast start, myself. Cheers!

06.April.2014

One more thing: lived on the Gulf Coast for four years and dream of getting back. If you like Rosemary Beach, the designers built this new urban community called Carlton Landing in Oklahoma. Very cool. Check it out if you haven’t yet. Community chicken coop, charter school, now an official town. I’m in love.

06.April.2014

I too am coming out of lurker land to tell you how much I love your blog. I always look forward to Friday to see what has made you smile, this week I was so surprised to see you mention Christchurch New Zealand when I am visiting in Christchurch.
The city is still recovering from the earth quakes, houses half Sunk in the ground still waiting for demolition, huge sink holes in the middle of the motor way just fenced off houses hanging over a cliff that are too dangerous to demo. I have seen a new use for cargo retainers that are set up in several places as retaining walls, and are used all over the city as coffee shops, little corner stores etc. I could go on and on, the resilience of people is amazing many still living in sub standard conditions all the time rebuilding the beautiful city that they love.
Keep on doing what you do, now I am going to check out nickel creek!!!!

06.April.2014

Thank you for sharing your experience in Christchurch. My husband knows several people who lost their homes / places of business due to the earthquakes. He usually visits Christchurch once a year for a few weeks and brings back stories to share. I’m glad he and his fellow co-workers have a safe place to work now – earthquakes or not!

06.April.2014

Ahh! I can’t wait to check it out. Thanks for the info!

06.April.2014

Oh yes! (I’ve always been a fan of bluegrass.)

06.April.2014

We looked into tix but it looks like they’re sold out! Steve has a bunch of co-workers in from out of town that day so we probably couldn’t swing it anyway. :(

06.April.2014

I’m a reader from Christchurch and just wanted to say we’d love to have you if relocation is in your future!

07.April.2014

Love the new mirror. I cannot wait for your entry reveal!!

07.April.2014

Oh boo! Hope they stay together for a bit!

08.April.2014

Where is that beautiful blouse from? :)

09.April.2014

It was a gift from my sister a few years ago. It’s from Ann Taylor LOFT. I always ask my sister for clothing when she needs gift ideas for me. She has the best fashion sense!

[…] was inspired to start these thanks to Dana at HouseTweaking and her “Made Me Smile” posts, and by Jessica atHowSweetEats with her “Currently […]

I pretty much love Chris Thile in any configuration, but especially Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers. Looking forward to listening to NK’s new album! Thanks for the Toxic video – I love to watch Chris Thile’s awkward dances, and this video didn’t disappoint. :-)