Rose Cottage

 A year ago this week, John and his backhoe were here, beginning to dig the footprint for Rose Cottage in my daughter's backyard! Rose Cottage footprint We spent much of August and September 2022, dethugging, curating and purging,  in preparation for the move ! I help so blessed to be able to live next to my daughter and her family, and for all their help on making that possible! We sorted (Mary and I) - my son- in law Matt made thrift store and dump runs, and stacked boxes, paintings and furniture in storage. Percy and I tucked in at 'the big house' (my little dog Gracie was with us through November - at 15, she had been a great companion and we miss her!), and over the next 6 months,  watched Rose Cottage emerge! View from my grandson's window - Feb By mid April, we passed all the inspections, and it was time to move in!! I'd ordered my first new bed since childhood, and we began getting things out of storage. I shopped a bit, Mary found several tall bookshelves o...

 Rose cottage is finished (mostly!) And Percy and I are moved in! It's a process! The storage unit is still full, and I'm working on bringing over the bits and bobs I had at my daughter's the last 6 months! Kitchen corner We plan on replacing the stove (too large for the space!) with a cooktop and air fryer.  We already ordered an electric teakettle - loving this cheery teal!  Electric teakettle and Red Hat 🍵  The Concrete countertops are so attractive and easy to clean! Jorge wanted to add these to his crew skill set, and we were happy to give them a try!  My Feng Shui consultant Gwynne recommended bringing in warmer colors - orange and yellow towels and fruit to help offset the grey. I found some peach and yellow pots for plants on the windowsill,  and took Amanda Gibby Peters' suggestion of frequent bringing in of fresh flowers - i added daffodils to this bouquet from Incahoots .  The Oxford all wood bed is all set up - with linen sheets and comfor...

 Over the years, my cleaning style has ebbed and flowed; my daughter tells me I could write a book on  feng shui , (she wonders why I don't just do what I know, lol!)  Last fall after numerous discussions and planning, my daughter, son-in law and I began sorting, clearing and downsizing for my big move into a smaller space!! She helped inside, while he did much of the heavy lifting and dispersal- storage,  donations, recycling and trash! Zander helping sort When I'm working solo, I am a fan of utilizing a  Body Double  -  listening to podcasts or YouTube, or calling a friend (and using Bluetoothor pitting them on speaker!). Melissa Maker's  Cleaning videos , and tips from Rachel Hoffman of  UFYH  were already favorites.  I joined a fortuitous Clutter Clearing submit, and found more: Cass - Clutterbug , Dana - A Slob Comes Clean ,  plus my friend Kira Rodenbush - What's Up with your Stuff ? And Feng Shui Maven Amanda Gibb...

 After 19 years in my little house across town, my daughter and son-in law are building me a Grannie Flat - Rose Cottage - in their back yard! Rose Cottage, facing West Last fall, we spent most available weekends downsizing and purging in preparation for and doing the move. During construction , I'm tucked in mere yards away, in a back nook in their home! Last summer I asked my new neighbor Jeff if he was intersted in buying my 100+ year old house - and his brother Jim  decided to be the next steward! He's already put on a new roof is upgrading it.! I'm borrowing a bed from my youngest grandson, which just fits in the space (that will become their laundry nook, after I'm in my new home).  My new room I washed the walls with a bit of salt and citrus Essential Oil in the water to clear predecessor Chi, and put cinnamon oil on the broom bristles when sweeping.  Both these tips come from Amanda Gibby Peters ( Simple Shui ).  I've long had an interest in Feng Shui , ...