JO Blog

  As my time in the south of France was coming to a close I tried to breath in the details that I was afraid of forgetting. Would I remember…really remember…what it was like? Would I remember the people, architecture, foods?  Would I be able to close my eyes and be transported to this place […]

Most of us live such a busy life. I feel like our schedule is slower and easier because we homeschool but I wish I could slow it down even more. I admire many of my friends that also have the joy and privilege of owning land, animals and growing so much of what their family […]

I have to stay away from Target. I go in for hand wash and leave poor. I don't know how this happens. Seriously! I plead the fifth. I don't even know why I go through the clothes because that dang Converse line gets me every time. How can you turn this down for $29.99?? How??? […]

I love the magazine section at Barnes and Noble. I love bringing home a big pile of new mags and curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and drooling over the pages. Unfortunately, so many of the magazines I used to adore have closed their doors this past year. Like so many […]

    I love this title because believe me….after France my wallet is ANYTHING but full! Now..I can't let a little thing like money keep me from fall fashion:-) OK..I can. If you are anything like me you don't go and buy a whole new fall wardrobe..you just want a few UNIQUE and DIFFERENT pieces to […]

Day Five was a bit overcast and rainy for most of the morning. I loved the cooler air and even though the rain changed our plans I loved seeing France through the rain. The afternoon sun came out and gave me the opportunity to head back out and take some photos of the countryside. I […]

It had rained all night. At times hard and at other times a soft, consistent rain that is so soothing. The day was supposed to start with a 90 minute walk into the next town through sunflower fields and the French countryside. The rain changed our plans.     We ended up driving to the […]

I have been a little MIA this past week or so because we have had family in town. I will share photos soon…so much fun and wonderful to catch up with everyone. It is almost time for my Winter Collection and before I reveal it at the end of September I wanted to offer FREE […]

I love the details. It is the details in life that I love and it is in the details that I believe you find the true beauty. Not perfection…details. The dimples on my son's cheeks. The sound of my husband's breathing next to me at night. How Benjamin's breath still smells sweet. How Madolyn talks […]

After our morning woading vintage and new linens we were greeted with a beautiful tea. Luckily my new friend Alexis and I were the first to notice the table and all the gorgeous china and we were quickly taking photos before anyone else arrived. Even as I look at all the photos now it is […]

I had to show you a few of the goodies I brought home from France and how I have incorporated them into our home. Don’t you love pretty things from a trip that add to your home and you get to look at them everyday…..and remember your amazing time????

Day four was full of fun at the chateau. Our previous days were packed full of gorgeous villages and brocantes. It was nice to stay put the whole day on this magical property. I may never get to say again that I stayed in a chateau…might as well talk about it a lot now:-) The […]

Day three began with an omelet with hollandaise sauce and fresh herbs. (I may be missing the food more than anything else) After breakfast we headed to Cordes-sur-Ciel. It is a medieval village built on a hill. It was incredible to walk these cobblestone streets and look through so many shops. I was surprised my […]

Day two began with creating in the art barn. This is in a beautiful building only 30 yards away from the chateau.   The barn has been completely renovated and I love that they kept the original beams. We were able to make bracelets and necklaces with Kaari's kits and extra baubles she brought. I have […]

(My friend Alexis with her dreamy hat from Paris.  I was hoping the whole trip to find one just like it) You have already seen the beautiful chateau and morning I was excited to capture that first morning in Auty.  After an amazing breakfast served in the dinning room we headed out for an early […]

I put my head on my pillow at 12:30 am and fell asleep instantly.  To my surprise I was WIDE awake at 3:15 am. I tried and tried to get back to sleep but truth be told I was too excited. I was anxious for the sun to rise so I could step outside and […]

(The amazing view that first night as the sun was beginning to set) Here I am back at home and slowly getting used to the time change. As I am unpacking my suitcases, unwrapping all my vintage treasures, kissing my children, doing laundry and catching up with friends and family….I can't believe that must a […]

  (image found HERE) Well, it is finally here! I leave for France on Friday. There were so many things I was going to do and learn before the trip. Do you do that? I swore I was going to truly learn French….that did not happen. I know a few things but where did the […]

"Today I begin a journey. I awake, put one foot in front of the other. Uncertain of what lies beyond the doorway, I take a step of faith and I walk out my life… step by step, day by day, until I build a collection of days that add up to a life well lived. […]

Saturday morning was flea market day. If you remember last month you will know that I woke up to pouring rain. The sound of birds chirping at 5 am was a pleasant change this time. My husband and I packed up the truck. He thought I would need to make two trips but I reassured […]

Good morning girls! I seriously feel like I am in overdrive. There are so many things going on. I have the flea market tomorrow and I need to pack the truck up EARLY! After the flea market I will only have SIX MORE DAYS UNTIL I LEAVE FOR FRANCE. I still have things to get, […]

It has been crazy busy around here lately. On Friday I drove with the kids to Ft. Collins to meet up with my friend Courtney. Courtney was on a house hunting trip with her mom and her beautiful daughter. I have known Courtney since I was little.  We both grew up in Illinois and attended […]