Introducing the Shore House

Hi there and happy Monday!  Today's post is one that I have been looking forward to writing for awhile but had been waiting until there was more to show and share.  You might remember me writing about going to the shore in New Jersey before.  Scott and I got married there and my brother and sister and I grew up going to the same shore house my mom spent summers in when she younger.  The house belonged to my great aunt and it was a great place spend lazy summer days, that was until our families started growing and the 1,200 sq. ft. house started to feel a little cramped - to say the least.   So when my aunt passed away in 2013 the house and adjoining lot were left to my mom and due to space limitations and other logistical issues the decision was made to sell the little shore house and build a larger one right next door.

The construction of the new house began at the end of August and is set to be completed in the next month and half.  My brother has been the liaison between the contractor and the rest of the family, no easy task, but he has made sure the house is everything we envisioned - and more.

Before this all started, I didn't realize just how many decisions would need to made, from the smallest (hinge finishes) to the largest (stain color for the hardwood floors throughout).  It has been a fairly easy process though since each decision is made on a "majority rules" basis so no one is left out.  And we all have had different jobs throughout the building process and one of mine has been creating design boards for each room/space so we can all see if the items we are considering using will work before purchasing them.  Over the next few weeks I'll share these along with sources and some interior shots.

We're all looking forward to this summer in a brand new house that we designed together!

Pin It

Tweet

Shore House Main Level



Hello!  I mentioned in my last post that we were heading to the New Jersey to check on the progress of the shore house.  A lot has been done since my last visit in October - walls, paint lighting all up and looking amazing! Over the next two weeks I'm hoping to share all the design boards I created for each space and the take real "afters" once the house is complete - hopefully by the second or third week in May.

Today's board is what we wanted the second floor color scheme and overall feel to be.  This is an upside down house so the kitchen and main living room are all on the second floor!

The idea was to keep things simple and the colors neutral because it is just one big open space with lots of natural light.  I'll do a complete source board when the after photos go up.  Below can  you can see the direction we are going in!

Shore House Main Level by happyhomedesign

 

Love how everything is turning out and working together! 

 

Pin It

Tweet

Found Friday - New Jersey Shore 2013

After Sandy hit the East coast last fall, everyone wondered if things would ever be back to normal.
My husband and I went to the shore soon after the storm ~ so many people's homes were devastated.  We were one of the lucky ones ~ only minor damage.

Yesterday, we took another trip to beach, and the view was incredible.  Yes, New Jersey's shores are ready for Summer 2013, and I am too!!

Have a wonderfully sunny weekend! ♥

Pin It

Tweet

Wishlist Wednesday - Summer on My Mind

The sporadic warm weather we've been having has me longing for lazy days at the shore.  There's just something about salty hair and sandy toes that just feels so good!  Here are my latest shore-inspired finds: )





A pallet flag.

Lemon Pillow.

Blue trim in an airy space.

Beachy Sheeting.



Yellow Ombre!

Happy Wednesday!!
xo!
Kendra Pin It

Tweet

Memorial Day Yard Sale Finds

Hello All!  Spending Memorial Day weekend at the Jersey Shore has always been a family tradition.  But my Dad and I started a new tradition there two summers ago - hitting the yard sales early Saturday morning.  So I thought I would share a few of my finds.

We actually went to four or five places but I only found things I liked at the last one we stopped at.  After a $50 mistake (a pair of antique chairs I have nowhere to put = huge regret) last summer I'm trying to be smarter and  buy only things I know I can use AND that I like.

An ornate brass mini pitcher, a wooden horse head and a glass dome with wooden stand.

I like all of the above for their price ($1 total) and for their potential.  I'm planning to turn the glass dome into a little terrarium like this and thinking about paint the base black.  The horse head and pitcher will probably get a coat of spray paint as soon as I figure out what room they will go in.




Set of laminated sailing maps.

I got these three maps at the same yard sale and was told by the seller that her dad laminated these maps onto wooden boards so that he could use them on his boat.  I really like the colors, the price ($.75) and that they were of Long Beach Island and surrounding areas.  These have already found a home on the dresser in our guest room which I have decided will have touches of the Hamptons (where Scott grew up) and LBI.

After a couple more trips to the shore this Summer I should (hopefully) have some more finds to share!

Pin It

Tweet

Barbara's Creative Crab Basket Art

When I saw a photo of my special friend Barbara's latest artistic creation, I had to ask if I could feature it.  I was delighted when she agreed.

I love the way Barb takes items that others may discard and makes them into unique piece of arts, which she paints or glues on the bottom of crab basket bottoms that she has collected from the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

The first two photos depict the scenery along the Bay.

Barbara also collects sea glass.  On this basket she has used the varying shades of color to create a heart.

The last basket features colorful buoys, which would make a perfect addition to a beach house or cottage.

Barbara and her husband Jack, both of whom are now retired, spend much of their leisure time on their artwork and crafts.  Perhaps new careers are in in their future....


Pin It

Tweet

Happy Weekend and a Few Other Things

This week completely got away from me!  Sorry for the lack of posts here but between getting ready for Layla's birthday on Saturday and hosting family this weekend I just didn't have time to get a proper post up yesterday.  So today (late today) I thought I's share that today we finally dyed eggs and made the flowers above with the egg carton and paint...I saw something on Pinterest about these awhile ago but didn't really follow a tutorial to make them...just cut, shape, paint and glue - pretty easy and cute!  Thinking about using these on the food tables this weekend!

I also finally got around to creating a vintage shop on Etsy, Hadley Boo Vintage.  It only has a few listings (transferred from Layla Lou Studio) but I'm excited to start adding to it.  Having a shop exclusively for vintage items has been something I have wanted to for awhile since I love hunting for vintage pieces but don't always have a place to put them!

Well I hope you all have a great weekend, I'll be back here and there next week (Spring Break for the kids) since we'll be traveling up to NJ to see how the shore house is progressing - cannot wait!

Bye!



Pin It

Tweet

Nautical Decor

And once again the Northeast is being hit with a winter storm ~ this time it is an icy mix!  All of the rain (and puddles) made me think of the shore and lovely nautical decorating ideas ~ with a WISH that summer will be here soon!



How fun is this bathtub created to look like a rowboat...

...with rope used as a stairway accent... 

...add a wood carved anchor...



...and a headboard made of oars...

...and complete the look with a compass ceiling to "lead the way" 

And the perfect nautical look is complete!  ♥

Pin It

Tweet

Found Friday - Shop of Whimsy

For years we have stored our beach badges in a plastic bag in a drawer. This summer I decided that we needed a container where each of us could find (and return) the badges easily.  Surprisingly nothing was available the the shore, so I turned to Etsy, and I found the PERFECT decorative bowl.

I was so pleased with my purchase that I asked Kimberly if we could feature her and her Shop of Whimsy.  I was thrilled when she agreed, and even more so when she offered a discount of 10% to any reader of our blog (Just use the coupon code sweetmagnoliaway).

This set of stemless wine glasses is perfect for a party, and Kimberly offers customization  with a date, a last name or a monogram! You can even choose different colors!

wine glasses

A little about Kimberly:

"I am a stay at home mom with 2 little girls, Ruby is 4 and Violet will be 2 this summer. I "opened" Shop of Whimsy on Etsy last November. My friend convinced me to start up my site...I was so nervous that no one would like my creations! I had made some beach themed ornaments as gifts and had decided that they would be my first items for sale. They were a hit! I sold 60 ornaments in 6 weeks! I was hooked! I have expanded my shop selection and now sell beach themed stemless wine glasses, beach badge bowls, candle holders and more!

adirondack chair votive candle holder

 Everything in my shop is inspired by my family and our love for the beach! The Etsy community has been wonderful! Everyone I have had the pleasure of working with has been so nice and supportive! I feel very blessed to have found my little niche on Etsy! I add new items to my store often and will be starting my Christmas ornaments very soon!"

personalized pennant party bags ~ so cute!

I am sure that you will find something "just perfect" at the Shop of Whimsy!  Don't forget to use the 10% coupon "sweetmagnoliaway"!

Pin It

Tweet

Summer Beverages

Just one of the fun parts of our shore house gathering each year is the idea that each family takes an evening to cook.  This summer the requirements have increased to an appetizer, an entree, a dessert, and a "signature drink"! 
I have been doing some research and have found great ideas for our special beverage. 




Paula Deen's "Watermelon Cooler"

Rosemary peach lemonade ~ and I do LOVE rosemary!

a Strawberry Ginger Fizz ~ looks pretty too!

a fruit filled Sangria

 

blueberry lavender mojito ~ what's not to love??

 

a French martini ~ always a favorite

 

 



a rosemary citrus spritzer ~ looks so refreshing!

 With all of these ideas, I may have enough for next year too (: Pin It

Tweet

Outdoor Updates

Hello All! Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend...we had a chilly/rainy few days at the NJ shore followed by one 75 degree day filled with pool time, amusement park rides and ice cream!  

Before we left last week I was able to take a few shots of the ever-changing front porch.  I updated the wreath (finally), unexpectedly painted the floor (in two hours with both girls playing 10 ft from me the whole time) and make a little welcome sign (a leftover prop from Layla's bday party - this I'm not loving so much anymore) and we added two flowery hanging plants.  We still need to figure out what to do with the empty space left from removing the two huge bushes that flanked the porch - hostas? flowers? I'm just not sure - I need to do a little more research.

Our dogwood has lost most of it's petals to the mulch here looks super yucky!

Loving the hint of blue white on the floor of the porch.  I removed the rug since I didn't need to cover up anymore!

Switched out the coral yarn for bright white this time around and made the flower from leftover fabric from the curtains in Hadley's room.

Loving these!!

My little sign - the circle is the cutout from the sink counter in the girls' bathroom (that is taking me forever to finish) the yellow is the same as the door - the blue I'm just not feeling anymore - maybe the text should be black?
 

Have a lovely day!!
xo!
Kendra Pin It

Tweet

Wishlist Wednesday - Summery Daydream

Hello!  Being at the shore over the Memorial Day holiday really made me yearn for those yummy, hot (but not humid) sunny days sitting by the ocean breathing in the salt air - with warm sand between my toes. Since the weather did not cooperate (it rained or was chilly/freezing over most of the long weekend) I had time to day dream about those things that could make even the gloomiest summer day shine!



My sweet friend Jenny pinned this watermelon salad - it looks so good!!



Loving the maxi with cropped top look!

Planning ahead for good-for-you smoothies and other summery treats!



My sister-in-law was glowing with a gorgeous tan before the Memorial Day weekend even started.
I was so excited when I found out it was from these self tanning pads!
 

We've been doing a lot of gardening lately - hoping to have a mini veggie garden ready in a few weeks!



Have a great day!!

xo!

Kendra

Pin It

Tweet