Pillowy

Remember in this post how I said this awesome Pier 1 yellow flower pillow would soon be mine?

Well, it is.

And

My Dad got it for me.

How sweet is that?

 

He got us the beautiful champagne colored ones too and a couple of the so soft it'shardtobelieveit'snotrealbunnyfur white pillows.

Oh and that's my handsome husband on the phone. 

He's a gift too.

Green Bar to Go WINNER!

Jennifer Lorenzetti!

Yoooooou WIN!

I used this random name picker to choose the winner.

Email me your shipping address at:

candisljones@yahoo.com

and Society Bodycare will send you your Green Bar to Go with a recycled plastic carry case!

They are running a sweet Mother's Day deal over there now, so if Mom is the type that appreciates some very well made vegan soap, go getcher motha hooked UP!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered to win :)

And thanks to Steve at Society Bodycare of course for being so very generous with his fabulous soap! I like to imagine him as a soap elf working in a big oak tree with a little green robin hood hat. Mixing ingredients and stirring lye and mint until he gets it juuuust right.

Imagining is the best.

Squirrel Gang

The squirrels did this.

I feed them.

Let them share the water in the bird bath.

Brake for them when they are crossing the street.

And

this 

is  the

THANKS

I get.

Consider yourselves grounded squirrels.

-lady.

One big check on the Jones Cottage list

Drew Jones and I received a piece of beautiful photography last week, and thus completed our bedroom makeover.

I shared a little bit about our room when we first started it here.

So before I take you on the tour, take a look at what the place looked like before we moved in. These are photos from when the previous homeowners lived here.

Before:

And now, welcome to the Joneses!

Inside the large frame is the fabulous photo that completed our room. Our friend Peter DeWitt gave it to us as a gift. He said that when he took it he knew it was for us. I am quite sure he was right.

This is a photo from when Drew Jones asked me to marry him. 

The moment the ring went on my finger.

I love framed words.

Whether it be handwritten or beautiful typography.

In this case, its a poem, inspired by God and written by Drew Jones for me.

A couple more views:

That capiz shell chandelier makes me so happy.

It's from Home Depot believe or not.

The gray quilt and shams are a gift from my Dad from West Elm.

The white down comforter is a clearance purchase my sister scored for like 12 bucks at Target and gifted to us.

The maize pillows are sooo soft and I got them buy one get one free at Kohls. Gotta love Kohls.

The dressing stools are from Amazon.com.

The round rug is a clearance purchase from Target as well.

The sheer mosquito net curtains are from Ikea, we got the hardware to hang them there as well.

Drew Jones painted the wall, which is the best part of it all.

The large and in charge floor mirror is from Ikea.

The glorious painting is a Drew Jones original.

From the left to right:

The antique books are gifts from my mom. The little wooden box on top is the box Drew Jones made to put my engagement ring in.

I made the lamp.

A couple favorite wedding photos by Keels Photography.

A very special framed photo.

An antique electric clock I purchased on a shopping trip with my mother-in-law.

A lovely blue jewelry tree given to me by my dear friend Ciara.

...........

So that's that!

I hope it inspires you to fluff the pillows in your room and put a special something on the wall. 

I'm telling you, when you have beautiful linens and a room that comforts you with pieces that are personal to you...it's GREAT inspiration to keep the bed made and laundry put away.

Spring Mix

If I were to make you a mix cd for spring here is what I would put on it. (I would also draw a sunshine and bunnies and maybe a rainbow on it with a sharpie.)

1. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

2. Lovers in Japan - Coldplay

3. What Ever Happened - The Strokes

4. Naturals Not In - Gang of Four

5. Sweetness - Jimmy Eat World

6. We Are Okay - Joshua Radin

7. You Are the Best Thing - Ray LaMontagne

8. A Murder of One - Counting Crows

9. Ceremony - New Order

10. The Travel Song - Pilate

11. You Only Live Once - The Strokes

12. Eyes on You - Simon Wilcox

13. Move Up - Patty Griffin

So go ahead, go to your iTunes store type in the titles and sample. Or just trust me and download them. They are full of spring energy and fun. You'll want to go on a sunny road trip with the windows down and the volume high.

And, don't forget to go here and enter to win my green giveaway :)

Enjoy.

Red Bird Bonus

I usually don't post on the weekend.

But my friend Robin took this photo of me on her iPhone yesterday

and

I find it hilarious.

Especially since I have this other one of me and a chicken a couple summers ago:

I'm wearing similar outfits and everything.

Some things never change.

If you ask me I'd probably tell you to paint it white.

I have a thing for white paint. I see a red door and I want to paint it white.

Well, not really. I like red doors too. But you know what I mean.

White paint can make anything fancy and fresh.

We bought a set of antique chairs months ago and I am in the process for turning the set of gloomy befores into vibrant afters.

So far, I have one down three to go.

Here is the before:

Drumroll on your computer desk.

AFTER!

My mom was given the fabulous fabric. Her friend's mother had it in her house for decades as drapes and was going to just throw it away! Thank goodness my mom was there to rescue it.

My mom washed them and gave me a panel.

I can't get over it.

I want to re-upholster everything in my house with it. 

But, I'll practice restraint.

Have a great sunshiney Friday. And don't forget to get in on my EARTH DAY GIVEAWAY! 

Earth Day GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of Earth Day Society Bodycare is giving away a bar of their brand spankin' new GREEN BAR to one of you Lady Lee readers!

It's called the Society Green Bar to Go! A medley of spearment,lime and tea tree. AND it comes with a recycled plastic carry case.

Holy Earth Day Wonderment.

You can enter to win up to 3 times by:

1. Entering your name in a comment on this post.

2. Following my blog and letting me know by commenting on this post "Following" And if you are already following, tell me that too.

3. Sharing this giveaway by linking it on your facebook, or blog, or whatever social networking you are into. You could even lean over to your coworker and slip them a post it with the url on it. I'm not picky. Oh yes, and then make sure to tell me via a comment on this post how you shared. Honors system of course.

VOTING CLOSES WEDNESDAY APRIL 28 at 10 p.m. 

Winner will be announced Thursday the 29th.

And so you can get to know the lovely new soap you are inviting into shower time, I asked Steve Rumbaugh (founder and creator), a few questions about Society.

What is unique about Society Soap? 

Soap has been around for a very long time: some sources claim the use of soap-like substances over 4000 years ago. With a history like that, it is difficult to be unique. Instead, I would say that I’m proud of my soap because of its simplicity. It has a nice scent that doesn’t overpower, I make it with natural, vegan ingredients, and I use food grade lye, which costs more (many soap makers use technical grade lye, which can contain byproducts that may not be good for your body). I have trouble skin myself, especially in the winter, and since I have started using only Society, I’ve noticed a big difference. It’s gentle, lathers well, and rinses clean. I think it’s a really good product, but perhaps I’m biased.

Where did the idea to make soap come from?
Last year, I lost my job and decided to get my masters degree full time. I had always wanted to make my own soap, and figured it might be a source of some extra money. So I read a bunch of books, bought the right tools, and dedicated myself to producing a really good bar. I botched the first several loaves (a loaf is 85 fluid ounces of soap stock, which cures to about 25 bars), but it’s not rocket science, and I eventually got it. I set up the web site, and before I knew it, I was selling soap to people as far away as Hawaii! So far, I’ve been able to pay for my tuition and books with proceeds from Society. It’s working out really well, really.

Which bar is your favorite?
I make them all after scents that I like myself, which tend to be more masculine, like anise, pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, spearmint, those types of smells. I was hired to private label some soap for a woman who offers it to new clients, and she asked me to make a lavender bar, which turned out really well. I am going to tailor the formula to include in the regular Society line, so that will be my one feminine scent! My favorite always seems to be my latest addition, so right now, I’ll say Society Green Bar. It is a delightful spring green, colored with dried parsley, and is scented with spearmint, lime and tea tree. And it’s wrapped in pages from an old design magazine.

If you could have a famous person endorse your soap, whom would you choose?
How about Gordon Ramsay?

Save the Earth, wash your bum with Society Soap.

No nagging necessary

I have a husband who takes out the trash without ever being asked.

He fixes things without me even realizing they were broken.

When roman shades arrive in a box and need to be put up. He does it. Not tomorrow, not a week from now. No, as soon as they arrive. 

He gets up early so he can unload the dishwasher.

He strips the bed and washes the sheets.

When we are out of milk he stops at the store on his way home.

Every Monday morning the recycling in on the curb, because he put it there the night before.

When I fall asleep with my arms tangled in his and my cold feet pressed against his warm ones I think about how very very blessed I am.

Drew Jones, what a catch.

Le Mantle de Spring

It's been awhile since I've shared the Jones Cottage Mantle with you.

Right now it's in spring mode.

 Lots of white and a tin map container I scored at a chic thrift store.

A tulip from the garden and a tin globe bank my Mother-in-Law bought for me on an antiquing trip.

A framed Valentine Drew Jones made for me a couple years ago from hand-cut stamps. I couldn't resist including this lion cookie cutter my Mom sent for Drew Jones in a care package. 

Lion love. 

Mom love. 

Mantle love. 

Love love.

Have a great Tuesday.

The way to a lady's heart is through art.

On Saturday afternoon Drew Jones and decided to wander over to the CCAD Art Sale. We've gone a couple times before together in the past and it always makes for an inspiring afternoon.

Students and alumni line the walls of a three story art building selling their art. And it's priced to sell!

I ended up buying a print!

That pretty one up there of the flowers.

Except mine has a yellow background.

I came home and put it in a frame right away.

The artist's name is Maggy and her work is so clever!

Check it:

From dogs to dinosaurs, they're playful and beautifully illustrated.

And only 12 bucks a pop.

So you know me, when I find something good I'll be sure to tell you.

See more and buy one for your own wall:

www.oreillyink.com

Long Lost Lady

I haven't abandoned post.

I've just been busy.

Well, one night I watched American Idol with Drew Jones when I could have been writing.

But my mind was blank.

So American Idol filled it with a green glowing Adam Lambert and KFC commercials where the chicken IS the bun. (good god)

Last night I went to Cocktails at the Conservatory with friends. My friend Christina used to work there so I sipped my pink cocktail while she gave us a tour of the place. We saw the coco tree and the palm room and the rare pastel Chihuly glass sculpture. We also watched a butterfly emerge from it's chrysalis. Its wings were all smooshed together and Christina (who was the butterfly expert there) said it's like when you take your laundry from the washer, and that they would air out (I was relieved). We saw a lot of beautiful butterflys including this type:

It's called Ulysses.

So I roused myself out of bed before my normal 8:30 to say hello, shoot the breeze and let you know that I am still here.

Love hugs and happy Friday to you.

Love & Pizza

Drew Jones loves sports of all kinds. He plays different ones throughout the year depending on the season. He can just play and play and play and not get tired.  Last year they did a health test on him at his school and the nurse asked him if he played sports professionally. I'm telling you, this guy has the health and endurance of an Olympian.

Tonight was a soccer scrimmage. I made it home from work in time to accompany him. He loaded up my light blue lounge chair and I brought a blanket, my sunnies and the hot off the press Country Living Magazine I got in the mail today. 

There I sat for two hours, hood up, blanket wrapped around my legs reading Country Living from cover to cover. I looked up every once in awhile to catch Drew Jones eye and give him a wave. It was nice.

Afterward we went to a little pizza place Drew Jones had been to once before awhile ago.

We ordered side salads and a pizza with pepperoni and mushroom.

Our waitress was nice, but seemed very busy. She had a friendly face, probably late 40's, long hair loosely pulled back. She asked the necessary server questions without making eye contact because she was anticipating her next action with every movement. She didn't chat much or make small talk with anyone.

Slowly the 2 other parties there left and we sat finishing our dinner, laughing at stories about the hilarious students Drew Jones teaches.

Our waitress whisked back into the room to clear the table behind us and said, "Are you two brother and sister?". We weren't sure she was talking to us because she wasn't looking at us. But we were the only ones there.

I turned to face her and giggled, "No we're married."

She smiled, "Ohh, okay...Well you're just the perfect couple."

We thanked her.

She flitted from the room saying something over her shoulder about us having cute kids.

Later she was back to clear our plates and give us our bill. She stopped moving, rested her hands on the table, smiled, looked us in the eyes and asked us how long we had been married.

Drew Jones told her it was two years in March. She said that was just great and Drew Jones said, "yeah it's good stuff." She paused awhile longer looking at us. Then she was off again to take care of some other pizza business.

Drew Jones said, "I think she likes us." 

Then we noticed that our salads had been deeply discounted.

As we were leaving we said goodbye and she wished us 50 more years. 

I'm hoping for 70.

She may have just felt bad for saying we looked like brother and sister. But I'm gonna go with love. Because love is always inspiring right? Love gives hope. Love is beautiful and invites you to stop and and give it a second look.

Yeah, I'm gonna go with love.

Fun fun fun

My weekend was tres busy.

Lovely dinner guests on Friday night

House projects all day Saturday.

A superfuncookoutbonfirebirthdayparty for Laura on Saturday night.

A quick trip to Toledo and back on Sunday.

All very good stuff.

But today, Monday, I am having a hard time getting myself going. Then I remembered this video a friend emailed me a couple weeks ago. It is hilarious and slightly disturbing. Sure to erase any case of the Mondays.

Enjoy it, it is the video gift that just keeps on giving.

Bad gas.

Apparently the gas meter in our house wasn't being read correctly for months. We've gotten bills every month with normal expected amounts so I didn't even know until they sent us a letter. 

So last week a guy from the gas company came and checked it out.

Today I get a bill in the mail.

$524.60

Awesome.

Happy Friday, excuse me while I go grab another kleenex.

Saying a whole heck of a lot.

I was ordering photos from our mother/daughter shoot for my Mom.

I sized this one and was just struck.

To me, it says 1000 things with no words at all.

Chris Keels strikes again.

He's a regular Annie Leibovitz.

Excuse me while I go grab a kleenex.

www.christopherkeels.com

One of my favorite subjects.

Last weekend Drew Jones and I went over to his Grandpa's to clear leaves and debris from his yard and tidy up the landscaping. His two young cousins came as well and were on back yard stick duty. There is a small creek behind Grandpa's house and after stick duty was complete they wandered around the creek finding things. One of the things was a faucet filter.

Lauren, who is 10 (i think) said she thought it was a time machine.

I love this. 

So I ask her if it were a time machine and she could use it to time travel, where would she go?

Her answer?

Without skipping a beat, "Florida"

Love.

If I could time travel I would go be a sophomore in high school again. Not long, because I imagine it would get old fast and I would miss Drew Jones terribly. But you know, 16. It's such an alive age. You feel. it. all. Plus it would be neat to be in my old house again. To pile into Joel's Sebring Convertible again and go to a concert in Detroit. To cheer at a football game.

I would go to our wedding and sit in a pew and watch. I'd have to wear a big hat and sunnies so that people wouldn't notice the look alike bride in the audience. But it would be okay because we got married the day before Easter so big hats would be expected.

I would go visit adult Jesus and stay for His crucifixion and resurrection.

I would not go to the future though. I don't want to know, I hate ruining surprises. I never want to open my gifts early and have no desire to figure out the end of a movie. If there is pain I don't want to anticipate it. I know there will be joy and I don't want to spoil it. So, I wouldn't go to the future.


Where would you go? Talk to me.

Aromatherapy

Anthropologie sells this soap:

 

Mistral makes it. 

It's called Wild Blackberry

and

Momma 

like.

I just stand in the shower and smeeeeeeeelll it.

It triggers something in my brain.

The smell of this soap literally releases some sort of chemical that makes me relax.

I feel sooooo good and happy like all is right in the world. Everything else just goes away and it's just me, Wild Blackberry Soap and a dreamy peaceful sense of calm.

I got to thinking,

if only they made this in perfume form...

or 

even better

candle.

The thought of being able to actually wear this scent on me all day long...well...my goodness. 

I really think it would make me a better person.

And, if my home smelled like Wild Blackberry Mistral concocted goodness?!

haha

ha

I'm laughing because I can hardly contain myself.

So I went googling...

I found the perfume,it exists.

!

And when I have 52 dollars I will promptly add a bottle to my virtual cart and ask for gift wrap.

Also,
 No candle yet, but I'll send a friendly consumer email requesting that they consider making one.

I'll try not to make it as creepy as this blog post.

You should make friends with artists.

Because you may just end up getting original artwork that you totally love.

Like I did.

ISN'T IT JUST TERRIFIC!?

Ashley Reale painted it 

just 

for 

me.

Which of course makes me feel so special.

She knows how much I love those red birds.

Drew Jones hung it up in our studio downstairs.
(Which is still coming along by the way)

It looks great.

Thank you Ashley!!

Anniversary TOMS

Drew Jones and I gifted ourselves TOMS for our Anniversary.

Mine are called Glitter TOMS. They are fab.

For every pair you buy a child in need also receives a new pair of shoes.

Which is also fab.

I like to think that they give the same type of shoe you buy to the child. I'm hoping that somewhere right now a little girl is feeling like the princess she is in her new sparkling Glitter TOMS.

Hello, Goodmorning.

Last night as we watched the American Idol results show, Ryan Seacrest announced the guest performer "PiddlePatSkiddleBoo"...and we were like "Who in the world is that?"

Then, like an angel of hip hop, light streaming behind him silhouetting his frame, P. Diddy swaggered down the center stairs.

We were like "OHHH it's Diddy!"

So I guess he has a new name. It's actually not PiddlePatSkiddleBoo, but I couldn't remember what they said (but it sounded like that), and it's too early to google it, so there you have it.

Towards the end of his song P.Diddy said something like "Hey America, I want you to turn your T.V.'s up and turn the lights down and rock with us."

So without a word, Drew Jones leaned over and turned off the lamp on the end table. The strobe lights on their stage flickered in our living room. There we were, sitting on the couch, obeying P. Diddy's every word. We put our hands in the air and rocked with him.

(*Spoiler alert on the next sentence...)

And then weren't surprised at all when Didi Benami went home.