Hello, friend. Thanks for stopping by to see the modern address numbers that update our exterior, my new beach cruiser, a great clothing steamer (where were you all my life?) and more. Along with Annie and Cindy’s five faves this week.
1. This New Life Calls For A New Bicycle!
Look at what Howard got me for Mother’s Day! A Mango Cruiser bike designed in the Florida Keys. It is made for the beach life…wide tires and anti-rust materials. I can cruise around town on this. Now he needs one for Father’s Day!
2. Herb Garden Container
It’s nice to clip fresh herbs from this container (any planter should work). These basil, mint and thyme herbs were at our supermarket (Publix–I forgot how much I love that store).
Walking back from the beach with Chief I picked up palm fronds. Someone’s yard waste is someone else’s treasure. 🙂 We like the new Serena and Lily counter stools.
3. Coastal Italy Travel Outfit (or for closer to home)
In two weeks, we will be going to Italy and the color of this linen dress is called Amalfi Coast. I’ve been wearing my similar J. Jill rust linen dress here a lot.
The more wrinkles on the linen dress, the more compliments I get on it!
Note about the sunscreen: “Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 PA+++, 0.5 fl oz – Primer + Broad Spectrum Sunscreen That Helps Filter Blue Light – Adds Instant Glow & Hydration – Contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5 & Niacinamide.” The travel size is very small. I wish I would have ordered the regular size.
By the way, lots of people bought the Gap eyelet shirt dress that I was wearing last Sunday. I purchased another one for $35 with discounts in green.
You may also like The Best Shirt Dresses You Can Wear Anywhere.
4. A Great Clothing Steamer
I had never owned a steamer before. But while waiting for our iron to arrive, I bought this Black and Decker steamer from Target and I love it. I used it to refresh the J. Jill linen dress that I was talking about above and to smooth the bed curtains in our new guest room. I may never iron again.
5. Update A Home Exterior With Modern Address Numbers
The previous owners did a great job building this house. It has beautiful floors and many wonderful spaces. We are grateful.
But you couldn’t see our house numbers very well. So, we used 8″ Metal Floating Modern Address Numbers to “accessorize” and update the exterior. They come in smaller sizes, too, like four and six inches, from Wayfair.
Our handy person, devised a template so I could space the numbers how I wanted and they would know where to drill the holes for installation. Great idea!
“Highly visible, these numbers are easy to spot and read, no matter how long your driveway is. Thanks to their sturdy construction and weatherproofing – they’ll look great for years to come.”
I would like an uplight on the address numbers but I’m trying to decide what to do with the space under the windows in the middle of the roses. There was an ornate fountain there that we gave to our electrician (his wife and two small children came by to say thank you). Have any suggestions for us that doesn’t block the sunlight coming in the windows?
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Happy Mother’s Day!!! I’m missing my mother but excited that my mother-in-law is coming to visit when we get back from our trip.
If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Mary Ann so excited for you with the new cruiser! You’re going to have a lot of fun on that. The new house is beautiful love the color too. Your street yard clipping look fab! Love linen and like one man selling me the dress I bought at Isle sur la sorgue told me-never iron linen, just enjoy! xo
Hi – Best wishes on your new home!! From the photo, it seems like the rose bushes fill the space. How about adding 5 or so small decorative corbel brackets under the window in your trim color? You could also carry this look above the garage doors. https://www.nextdaymoulding.com/product/corbel-10/
Mary Ann, With all the wonderful artists around, how about a small sculpture, or perhaps an aged copper sphere or armillary? These items would be carefree and add some wonderful front yard interest. I will be 65 next year and I am beginning to consider this in my landscape choices, more and more, these days! I know you will choose just the perfect thing, Mary Ann. Happy hunting!
Great ideas, Terry!!
A small urn fountain or a drilled rock one would look great under the window, especially if it’s one with a disappearing water source (under a bed of rocks).
Sounds like a great idea!
Ah, beach cruiser life! We’ll done, Howard! Love the house numbers … and the house! So fun getting glimpses of it here and there. Can’t wait for more. Hope you had an amazing Mother’s Day! xo
I know. He bought himself one yesterday…he couldn’t wait for Father’s Day.
HI Mary Ann
I love reading your posts. The bicycle is awesome! I just bought the Target steamer. Its crazy that I was just telling my kids that we need one! It looks like you are loving Florida! So jealous. Hoping one day we’ll be there too!
Anne 🙂
Move here, Anne!!
I love the Soopergoop Glowscreen also. It goes on so smooth and silky and really makes my face glow! Everyone needs to try it.
I know, Jan! And 40 SPF.
How exciting to have a list of small home projects for you to work on. Considering you have roses around that window, I assume it’s a full sun area. What about a potted lemon tree , potted trees would not grow large enough to block light onto that window. I have a bay tree planted inside an olive jar and it’s doing very well.
That is a great idea, Li.
Maybe an updated fountain with other plants. It would be nice to open those windows and hear the water.
That’s true. I will keep that in mind.
Another good place for linen dresses and tops (also skirts and pants) is Etsy. I’ve bought a couple from makers in Lithuania. The quality is great, especially for the price, plus you can customize sizing/length and can often select from quite a few colors. The only issue is that they are made to order and with the shipping time, can take 6 weeks or so to receive.
That sounds like fun to explore.
I love my steamer! It is great for sweaters and any fabric with nap that you don’t want to crush under the iron.
BTW, I like the looks of your house and enjoy seeing all your new decorating.
Thanks, Cathy!
I love the outside of your house. What about planting iceberg roses. They are easy, disease resistant and bloom continuously. You can keep them low as well. Check out Ashley’s (modern glam) shingled house. They look fabulous! Can’t wait to see more! Love your cruiser. That Howard is so thoughtful!
I had iceberg roses in Newport but I don’t think they grow here. Might be too moist.
Highly recommend Little Limelight Hydrangeas for your front bed which are the shorter version that may be planted in ground or planters! They can take full sun and will bloom from April through October with the flowers turning pink in autumn. The dried blooms are perfect bouquets to extend their beauty indoors, too.
I’ve seen hydrangeas elsewhere in the yard…no blooms yet on them but an interesting idea. I love those.
I would love a bird bath in the spot below your windows. The space is not obvious in the photo – are your roses just going to grow to fill that spot?
No…there is definitely an empty spot there.
I went straight to the J Jill site and ordered the dress. I’m a little concerned about the length but may have it hemmed if I like it well enough. Your home looks charming and not long ago, you showed your beautiful tree-lined street. What a fun new adventure, so different than SF city living! What about a sundial in front of the house? I have a pretty one on a pedestal in my yard. Your outdoor kitchen looks so inviting and I’m sure your husband, the cook, will love being out there. Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for a chock-full post of good stuff.
Howard and I were commenting walking back from the beach yesterday about how the temperature lowered in the shade of all those trees on our street.
Happy Mother’s Day Mary Ann! I love how you picked up those palm fronds for your outdoor bar! Love those Riveria bar stools! Perfect for Florida! Love the house numbers too!
xx
Thanks, Annie!
Love that sunscreen! Bought it for my 6 weeks in Italy (currently in Positano). Also, put my iron away about 10 years ago and only use a steamer!
Enjoy!
I wish I new about the steamer before. Have fun in Positano, Amy!!
Love your new bike! I have the same bike in purple that I’ve had for over 10 years and it just gets better each year. Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day!
I love a purple bike!!
Hello Mary Ann! Thanks so much for your wonderful posts. I definitely enjoy reading them. You mentioned that you are looking for something for the front of your house in the roses. One thing that I have been using is a garden obelisk – a tower that can be ornamental or used as a support in a garden. An obelisk can be simple with clean lines or ornate & fancy. Some are made of wood; some of metal. The light will pass through without blocking your windows. I have a metal one on my front porch that I put lights on for the holidays. I also made wooden ones for my mother’s patio borders. Hope this idea sparks a new vision for your rose garden!
What a fun idea, Sandra!!! I will have to research them!
Happy Mother’s Day! I’ve never planted herbs before and was wondering if your planter is compartmentalized or open? Can herbs be planted together?
Great tip on the house number template!
Well, Linda…I just plopped them in the planter as is…so I will probably have to replace them…but we are using the herbs a lot.
Welcome to Florida! I live in Sarasota and it is fun to follow along you adapting to the Florida lifestyle. Cruiser bike, linen dresses, wide brimmed hats, palms in vases. You will love living here. Glad you’re here. So much more to discover too!
Thank so much, Kandace…I’m glad to be here. 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day Mary Ann! So enjoy your posts, can’t wait to see your photos of Italy, I will also be going to Italy/Greece next month celebrating our 50th…thank you for sharing your adventures.
That is so awesome about your trip celebrating your 50th…wow!
Do you own that bag from J Jill? There is only one review, size looks great, I’m concerned about the drawstring closure. Love this post, the new house numbers are a good idea.
I don’t have the bag but I notice that it’s an extra 30% off! I did buy the dress and sandals.
Wonderful post! If I can find. the herb planter will be buying and same for the Target steamer. Your house numbers and your new bike are all great additions as you go forward with your new life
Thanks, Carolina..I think so too. I’m glad I spent a little more on the steamer…it’s worth it.
Hello Mary Ann, Have a blessed Mother’s Day!
I love your bike. I was bought a lime green bike with a big basket, for Morhers Day, at my SC house about six years ago and still love cruising around the community.
you are giving us great ideas today. I desperately need the steamer to linen summer clothes. So, I anticipate a Target trip soon.
Have a wonderful day. Patty
Have fun at Target, Patty. Happy Mother’s Day!
Mary Ann,
It sounds like Paradise, your home is so charming and the perfect style for a beach community. I wonder how this home and location compare to your former Lido home? Love the house numbers and the linen dress. Thank you for these informative posts every Sunday.
Happy Mother’s Day.
xo,
Karen B.
Happy Mother’s Day, Karen. This feels similar to Lido but here we are closer to the ocean. Still, I loved driving over the Lido bridge and that island surrounded by water.
Do you have a link for the herb planter?
No, sorry Sandy. I bought it several years ago at a flower shop in SF.
Bird bath with a solar water fountain added(Amazon)
Another great idea…we have lots of birds around here…I can hear them chirping now.