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Coffee Talk 12.02.18

Good morning! This weekend has flown by for me, how about you? In fact, this whole week has been a whirlwind. There’s a lot going on for the blog, as is always the case this time of year, and we’ve also been wrapping up some things around the house.

The new wood floors in the family room look amazing, and I’m so glad we went ahead and had them put in before the holidays. Of course, the irony of installing wood floors is that you end up covering them up with a rug. I always find that humorous, but I still love them, and continuing the wood floors makes our family room and kitchen area look more cohesive. I didn’t realize how much the wall-to-wall carpet in the family room chopped up the space.

Our area rug arrived about an hour after the floor installers left, which couldn’t have been more perfect… except I totally forgot to order a rug pad. You’d think I’d have this down to a science by now, with all of the area rugs I’ve ordered since moving into this house, but I guess I’ve had a lot going on.

I was willing to wait to lay the rug until we get the pad, but Paul got home from work and wanted to put it down right away, so we did, and ohmyword. It’s like a totally different room.

The ottoman makes complete sense now, the colors pull together the navy from the couch and the earth tones from the wood furniture and mantle, and it all works together beautifully. Here’s a peek from my Insta Story.

I also got a new chair and lamps, and that helps the room a lot, but now I want to get a matching chair and replace one of my end tables. I swear, this decorating stuff never ends!!!

Anyway, it’s really coming along, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ll do a full reveal on the blog in a few weeks.

We also got a table and mirror for the back of the foyer, and Paul and I hung that yesterday. The lampshade is too big (obvi) so we’re working on replacing that, but otherwise, I’m happy with it. I LOVE the mirror and table, and those vases coordinate beautifully with the rug in the entryway.

There’s also a little sneak peek of my office through that doorway. You can get a glimpse of my curtains and the chair and table we recently added.

I know I keep saying I’m going to post a reveal of each of these areas, but there’s still some tweaking I want to do in each space before I do a whole post on any of them, so it will probably be after the holidays at this point. That’s fine, though. We will probably all be ready for a break from fashion and shopping by then!

In other news, we hosted “Friendsgiving” last night for a group of close friends, and that was fun. I set the dining room table, and everyone brought a dish or two, and it we had a full sit-down dinner. I usually host more casual get-togethers, and everyone ends up hanging out around the kitchen island or outside on the deck, so this was nice for a change.

I have to say, though, I really missed my son last night — I think this was the first time that I really felt his absence. Even though he’s at college, he’s been around for most of our events and social gatherings this fall, so it seemed odd for him not to be here, and the other kids missed him too — especially the little ones.

I guess it’s all part of the process, and I have to get used to the fact that he won’t be here for everything anymore, but it definitely has me looking forward to having him home for Christmas break.

I’m also looking forward to having more events here this month… I have at least two big gatherings planned, and I have an idea for a 3rd, but I have to run that one by Paul first. He’s so good about helping me get ready for these things, and he almost always does the cleanup afterwards, so I need to make sure he’s on board, but all in all we’re really enjoying entertaining in our new house!

So today my plan is to relax! Ha! We’ll see how that goes.

We actually were planning to get our live Christmas tree this afternoon, but it’s supposed to rain off and on all day (shocker!!!) so I don’t know if that will work out. It will be muddy, and even if they shake out the tree, it will still be pretty wet to bring into the house… on my new wood floors and rug, no less.

Oh, by the way, speaking of rain. 2018 is now the 2nd most rainy year in Philadelphia history! Yep, in the past few weeks, we’ve moved up from 6th or 7th, where we were hovering for a while, to 2nd.

This year has been insane for rain. I’ve never seen the beat of it. For a girl who hates rain and gloomy weather and whose occupation and primary hobby both require being outside, it’s taken a toll. I’m surprised I’m not in more of a funk, to be honest. I guess I’ve had so much going on this year to keep my spirits up that it has worked out, but I’m hoping 2019 takes a turn for the better weather-wise.

Speaking of my primary hobby, I haven’t run all week. Either it’s been raining (see above) or I just couldn’t fit it in.

This time of year is always this way, though. Even without the rain, I have too much on my plate, so my exercise routine suffers. When I do have a few minutes take a breath and do something for me, I’d rather be with my family enjoying the holiday season, so that’s what I do.

I’m sure everyone reading along can relate. We all have to pick and choose because no one can “do it all.” I usually try to make exercise one of those non-negotiables, but sometimes it just ain’t happening, so I try to give myself some grace and get back to it as soon as I can.

If you’re reading along and feeling overwhelmed today with all of the things you want to do or feel like you have to do, I hope you’ll choose to let something go — just say no to that “one more thing” or hire it out or just don’t go to that event you’re dreading. And most importantly, don’t guilt yourself about it. Life is too short!

With that said, I’m going to post this and go sit by the Christmas tree with my 2nd cup of coffee and enjoy the lights for a little bit before I have to get ready for church.

While we don’t have our live tree yet, we did set up the artificial one in the living room last weekend, and my daughter put the lights on. I tell ya, having teenagers can be very handy at times! It almost makes up for the attitude. Ha!

I still haven’t bought ribbon (one more thing I said “no” to this week) so it just has the lights on right now, but it’s still pretty that way, and I love to sit in there with my coffee and devotions.

By the way, if you’re a fellow believer, She Reads Truth has a 4-week reading plan for Advent. I’ve been taking a break from their devotions for a while, but I always enjoy their Advent series, so I’m going to do this one. It starts today, if you’re interested, and you can sign up to get them in your email every day or just go to their website and read online.

Let me know if you decide to try it, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Join The Conversation

44 Responses

  1. What a lovely home you have made!
    I agree the rug really pulls the navy together!
    Just signed up for the devotions …another way to
    put our focus on God!
    Enjoy your Sunday!

  2. Your note about the tree was so funny. We were supposed to cut live tree yesterday. But….rain lots of rain . I said no…..we also had new flooring put in this week. No way was I bringing in a wet tree! Nor did I want their muddy feet anywhere near the floors. Lol

  3. Wow the family room looks great… I love the area rug and those colors really tie everything together.  The mirror in the foyer is quite the conversation piece.. really nice:) it is  a busy time of year and yes the extras like exercise take a back seat… plus the running around for all the errands count for something right? Lol… well off to get ready for church. Have a great day.

  4. Your home looks lovely and thank you for sharing the prayer reading.  I’m looking forward to reading it!  Have a blessed Sunday!

  5. I noticed you got the mirror put up over the fireplace.  You are blessed to have a husband that is so helpful around the house, especially on a Friday night, after working all week.  I’m glad you brought up the humor of putting down rugs over hardwood floors because that humors me as well.  There are advantages to having carpeted floors, just like having wood floors,  so we have to decide which we dislike the least, sweeping & mopping or vacuuming.  It is so beneficial for us to slow down, especially this time of year, remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas, and savor every moment.  Have a restful Sunday afternoon and evening!

    1. We did most of it yesterday, and the mirror is just propped for now, but yes, he is a good sport!

      I actually enjoy vacuuming carpets, but I prefer the look of the wood. We have carpet upstairs, so the best of both worlds. 🙂

  6. I enjoy these so much! This year my son, wife and baby want us to come to them for Christmas gifts. Totally understandable! But it’s the first time in 37 years I won’t open gifts with all my kids at home! Transitions are hard. But trying to look ahead to the good in the new patterns. Seeing our granddaughter open gifts in her own house will be a blessing!

  7. Thank you for sharing She Reads Truth!! I just signed up 🙂 I want to be more purposeful in devoting myself to Christ this Christmas. This definitely inspires me.

  8. Your home is really looking gorgeous. Love that rug–so rich looking. Cannot wait to see the whole reveal. Also love the hall mirror/table/vases. You and your decorator are a great team!

  9. Love your new rug and the wood floors. The foyer table and mirror are fabulous, too. Thank you for all you do on your blog.

  10. Oh your room is so beautiful! I love your rug and how the colors and prints all work together! I’m going to look into the Advent devotional. Have a blessed Sunday!

  11. I am enjoying watching your lovely home come together, we moved recently and it’s exciting. I signed up for the advent reading as well. Thanks for the great fashion tips- please keep them coming!

  12. That rug looks great Jo-Lynne!  It really pulls the furniture together,  and even ties in the color of the fireplace!  I love that stone btw! 
    I’m so glad to hear what you said about letting go that one thing that is stressing you out!  So simple but profound!  I think we all need to hear that,  especially here at the holidays!
    Also I’m glad to hear your devotion recommendation,  I always like to find one that is Christmas themed,  so I’ll be sure to check it out!  I recently found a series of devotional books called “10 minutes in the word”.  They are short but very thought provoking,  I’d definitely recommend to anyone on the go.

  13. Your room looks so nice with the wood floors!  I enjoyed your Insta Story on it. I can feel for you, missing your son at gatherings.  Mine is finally going to be “home” for Christmas this year for the first time since moving out of the country 3 years ago!   Thanks for the advent devotional link.  I’m going to check it out.  Have a nice relaxing day!

  14. I always enjoy your Sunday morning coffee talk email. It’s like having a visit with a friend. You do a phenomenal job of engaging with your readers.
    Your home is absolutely gorgeous. I love seeing the photos and stories on Instagram.
    And thanks for the tip on some Advent Reading. Last year I was in a book club that read a book by Ann Voskamp but this time around I hadn’t found anything to keep me engaged. I am excited to start the She Reads Truth plan.
    Hope you are having a restful and relaxing day!

  15. Your house is coming together nicely. I really like your mirror. It’s a bit different and so makes a statement as you enter your home. The table is the perfect width for behind my sofa. Will you share where you bought it? 
    I’ve never heard of Friendsgiving but it sounds fun and a pot luck is a great way to enjoy other’s company and good food without all the hard work. I bet they all loved your new home. It’s beautiful! 

  16. Good morning!
    I am interested in receiving the Advent lessons in my email. Thank you so much. I had surgery on Friday and I won’t be getting out much so anything I can do to improve my walk with God would be greatly appreciated!
    God Bless you!

      1. Oh yes. Going to gym tomorrow. 😊 I think that will speed up healing.
        PS I love all the stuff you have done to your house. 😍 🏠

  17. Your new home looks beautiful and it looks like you are enjoying decorating it!  I think it’s funny how much we share a dislike for rain. It has rained so much here in South Carolina and it profoundly affects my mood… and I have 4 dogs to take outside so that doesn’t help😂

  18. Love seeing all the home updates!  Your home is truly beautiful! It’s inspiring to get going on a few projects myself. I just signed up for SRT- have wanted to be a part of one for a long time.  Thanks for adding that to your coffee talk . 

  19. I agree with you about teenagers being handy to help with Christmas decorating!! I still put the lights on the tree, but they do almost everything else. My younger daughter especially enjoys decorating her room with lights and whatever other miscellaneous decor that I don’t use in other parts of the house. I’m really going to miss them in a couple of years if they’re off at college when it’s time to decorate!

    1. Oh, I am going to miss them SO much. Having my son move on makes me realize how fast the next few years will go and how much I will miss my girls when the house is empty. Also, since we moved, this house doesn’t hold a ton of memories with him here, but it will with them. And even though he has only lived here off-and-on, I still walk by his room sometimes and stand for a moment and feel nostalgic. So I know it will be 10x harder the next time when there are more memories attached.

  20. The rug is perfect and really does pull the whole room together!! I have a hard time visioning rooms until they are all put together so that goodness for decorators. Heard about the She Reads Truth last week on a pod castand signed up for it so looking forward to that also. Hope you had a restful day!

  21. I’ve enjoyed your home posts. Decorating a new home is fun and I bet your love making it your own. I can relate about having a child away at college. My daughter is a freshman as well and it has been hard not having her home for events this fall. Although she is less than 2 hours away we won’t see her again until just before Christmas. I am looking forward to having her back in the nest for a month!

  22. Thanks for the suggestion of She Reads Truth. I had not heard of them. I was looking for an Advent devotional and signed up for their e-mails.

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