Overwhelmed, Tired, and Need A Break So I Went To The Flea

I have been MIA in blog world due to taking care of my third child which is my mother.

I'm not being mean when I call her a child...it's what's happens at 84...or at least to my mother.

You see the last 10 years have been a test for me and I may be failing miserably. 

This job requires more patience than dealing with a room full of kindergarteners.

In fact I was in my wheel house when I worked full time as a nurse and had 2 small children with a husband that traveled frequently. I handled that like a rock star. This not so much.

We are at the cardiologist at least once a month with lab work once a week. Walking into CVS is like when Norm would walk into Cheers...everybody knows our name.

This woman is also high maintenance. When I say that I mean we don't leave the house till we have hair and makeup done with matching handbag and shoes...and  this process takes many hours.

And let's talk about Wednesdays. That is senior citizen discount day at Publix...need I say more.

I recently insisted that a walker is necessary and that has helped some because before she was hanging on to me for dear life so she wouldn't face plant.

If walkers came in lucite we would have had one sooner...there may be a career in this for me.

So I usually have a severe case of road rage after dropping her off, take out my frustrations on my family, and drink way to much wine at night.

Last Friday was flea market and I was determined to not miss it, even though we had to be at the hospital for 6 am for a procedure...

 If she could use the computer she would kill me.

She is so happy to have a cup of coffee.

I got her settled back in her apartment and then I headed to the flea:

This is what came home with me.

So if anybody else out there is in charge of taking care of an elderly parent, we should start a club.

Out meetings will take place in rubber rooms so we can beat the shit out of things and no one can hear us and we won't injure ourselves. There will be cocktails served, of course, and we can sit around and laugh and cry till we exhaust ourselves. Our families will probably thank us for this.

A Shopping Promise

I have decided that this Christmas I am going to shop ONLY local or Etsy for gifts.

For me this is not that hard because I hate the mall.

I would rather have a colonoscopy because at least you get some Michael Jackson juice.

So I thought I would occasionally feature really cool artisans/businesses that offer unique items.

First up...Batch Nashville

 

 

 

Every Rise & Shine Gift Batch includes:

• 13 oz. of Road Rage blend whole bean coffee from Garage Coffee Company
• 2 lbs. of Sunday Morning Pancake Mix from My Friend Who Loves to Cook
• 6 oz. of local honey from TruBee
• A double serving of Cinnamon Girl oatmeal from Haulin' Oats

Of course, we'll also include your short, hand-written message to the recipient (please note at checkout).
Rise & Shine Gift Batches are mailed within 48 hours of purchase in a heavyweight kraft box filled with gift crinkle paper for a unique look and added protection.
Applicable local and state taxes apply, as well as shipping and handling fees.
Some products may contain nuts or other allergens. 


I Love this idea and who doesn't like breakfast?

Really Great Real Estate

Welcome to 6112 Melbourne Dr. Nashville, Tn

$439,000

 
Bedrooms: 3
Full bathrooms: 2
Half bathrooms: 0
Total square feet: 2,200
Year built: 1960
Lot size: 272 X 217 (1.070 acres)
Garage: Carport/2
Basement: None
Outdoor spaces:

Patio

Driveway: Blacktop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So yes, these homeowners have a thing for salmon paint and what is up with the striped wallpaper in the master bath? 

But this house has great bones.

Love the slate floors in the foyer, the huge windows, and the lot is beautiful...I could totally see a pool thrown in there.

This place just needs a good coat inside of white paint throughout and it would be a great family home.

All Mixed Up

One of my best friends is putting her house on the market and hired a stager to make sure her home was showing in the best possible way.

Of course, and not surprising, her first suggestion was to paint everything white. This house is quite large and that would be a huge undertaking, however key areas, such as the foyer, dining room, and a window filled gallery hallway will be done.

This home has the most beautiful brick floors and the white walls are really highlighting them.

Her stager also suggested bringing in silver/chrome accents.

I however love gold/brass accessories.

So why not bring in both?

Mixed metals work in the fashion world...

 

So why not in the home?

 

 

I think actually this adds interest and looks a less matchy matchy... which is never a good thing.

Folding Screens

I recently found this folding screen at Goodwill and was instantly in love

The possibilities are endless. Folding screens aren't just for privacey, they can offer architectural interest to an architecturally absent room. Perfect for the bland apartment rental or if you don't have a designated home office, this will offer a way of hiding the clutter.

If you have a wide open space that needs definition, this is your solution.

Really Great Real Estate

I think if I hadn't become a nurse a million years ago, I would have been a real estate agent.

Who doesn't love going through other people's homes...physically or virtually?

I don't know if it is because I grew up in a mid century modern home with my grandmother's house next door built in the traditional Japanese architecture, but I am so curious when a house goes on the market that is architecturally interesting.

 

Don't get me wrong...there is something comforting about traditional architecture. I live in a very "traditional"style home now and have funked it up inside but when I see a good ranch from the 60's, I am immediately drawn to it.

Let's face it...they are rare and here are usually deemed a tear down.

 

So I am going to start a segment called Really Great Real Estate to honor these architectural gems and hopefully people will want to celebrate good design...not knock it down to build a McMansion.

Maybe these realtors will share their commission with me if it sells :)

Welcome to 612 Hillwood Blvd. Nashville, Tn

$489,850

Bedrooms: 4
Full bathrooms: 3
Half bathrooms: 1
Total square feet: 3,377
Year built: 1965
Lot size: 164 X 401 (1.420 acres)
Garage:
Basement: None
Outdoor spaces:

Patio

Driveway: Concrete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearly this is a time capsule. Do they even sell pink toilets in any more? Love the marble floors, beams, windows, and the red fireplace.

 

I hope someone will give 612 Hillwood some love and not a wrecking ball.