What’s the Tea: Fall Update
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyHappy Almost-November, my friends! I don’t know about you, but I have NO idea where September and October went. It’s as if I blinked, and they were gone. Anyone else feeling the same?
It’s been a hot minute since I last checked in and chatted so I thought I’d do that today. And while I’m thinking about it, I’m also curious if you like these occasional personal posts, or if I should just stick to content. I’m always on the fence about writing these, so if you have a feeling either way, please let me know in the comments below.
And while you’re in the comments, I would LOVE to know if there is any specific thing you’d like me to blog about during the upcoming holiday season. I know it might seem a tad early, but my wheels are already turning. If you have any Christmas blog post requests, now is the time to let me know!
The “New” House
I think after this post I’m going to stop referring to Bayberry House as my “new” house. Lol. I’ve been here a little over four months now, and it’s been great. I still have moments when it doesn’t seem as if it’s “official” or actually my house, but I suppose that’s natural and that the house will feel more like mine as I continue to settle in and put my stamp on it.
Making progress with the decor has been much slower than I expected. I’m not sure why – fear of screwing something up, not being settled on a design direction, or my lack of inspiration? Nonetheless, I have pulled the trigger on a few things, including the purchase of new living room furniture and family room/den furniture. My hope is that the furniture will kick-start progress. With the holidays quickly approaching, I want things to begin feeling more like home.
In other news, I did have a larger electrical box installed. While the electricians were here, they also put in boxes for sconces in the family room and ran the cable line through the wall. (It had been strung across the floor near the baseboard.) I’ll probably write a separate post about that in the coming weeks.
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I also had a bit of landscaping done in front of the house. It was a rather frustrating adventure so I haven’t shared much, but I’ll be working on a post about it ASAP.
This past weekend I had my first indoor fire in the big fireplace. It was magical but smokier than I thought it should be. I’m having a chimney sweep come by next week to clean everything, make sure the fireplace is functioning properly, and give me a lesson on operating it correctly. I am so excited to have a wood-burning fireplace and will definitely be taking advantage of it on chilly evenings.
I’m still filled with great excitement and joy about this new home and what it will become. It’s just coming together a bit differently than I anticipated.
Kitchen Remodel
Since purchasing the house I have talked about wanting to start work on the kitchen, and in some ways I have. Because I have limited experience in kitchen planning, l decided to consult a designer. She has been fabulous, and I will be sharing more details about all of that soon. The new kitchen layout is designed, and we found a cabinet maker so progress is being made.
However, finding a general contractor has been more challenging. There is someone I’d like to work with, but he’s been very busy with another project. (I’m also not sure I can afford him since I’m still waiting on his bid.) My hope is that I’ll know more in a couple weeks. Once things are close to being finalized, I’ll share the process and details here on the blog. My guess is that if things do work out, nothing will start until December or January.
Watercolor Class
I also decided to sign up for a Watercolor Class this fall through my neighborhood’s adult education series. The class has met twice so far, and it’s been such fun. I took art and drawing classes in high school and college, but I haven’t done very much in that arena since then. It’s been great to flex those muscles again.
(The images above are just practice pieces, so please don’t judge me two harshly. And yes, the martini glass was inspired by my Halloween Recipe Card Printable!)
I’m not sure how or if it will translate to the blog. Maybe I’ll create a few printables for the blog. We’ll see! I’ve also signed up to take a general painting technique class at a local studio shortly after the watercolor class ends. Painting is definitely something I would like to continue to do.
How to Start a Blog
Every now and then folks ask me questions about how to start a blog, how to earn money from a blog, and so on. These are tough questions to answer as there is a lot involved. However, I finally have what I think is a good answer. My friend and fellow blogger Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone recently launched a blog course. In it, she starts a new blog and walks you through the process step-by-step. Lisa is an incredibly hard worker and dedicated blogger so I’m confident this course will rock. There is an initial investment, but if you are serious about starting a blog as a business and want to put in the time, this course may be for you. You can read more about the course here.
Current Favorites:
That wraps up the major updates, although I’m sure I’m missing something. I recently did a Q&A on my Instagram stories. You can follow along here. I’ll add the Q&A to my Instagram Highlights. Just in case you missed it, you’ll be able to find them there.
Before I go, here are a few of my current favorite things:
So excited to welcome these books to my collection:
Cook Like a Pro by Ina Garten
Make Something Good Today by Erin and Ben Napier
Living the Simply Luxurious Life – Shannon Ables
Cozy Minimalist Home – Myquillyn Smith (aka The Nester)
I’m also a big fan of new Christmas music. I’ve ordered Martina McBride and Ingrid Michaelson’s new Holiday albums.
This leaf blower is my favorite new tool. It’s light and powerful. I’ve used it almost every day this fall.
I’m obsessed with this collaboration between Brandi Carlile and Sam Smith. It’s so good! She’s one of my favorites.
You have to check out these adorable pillow decorations. What a fun way to change your throw pillows for the seasons!
Fellow Wicked fans, there is a TV special airing on Monday, October 29th on NBC celebrating the 15th anniversary of the musical. You can read more about it here.
Well, that’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed this short update. Have a fabulous week, everyone!
Yes, I lost September and October, too! Back-to-school just goes faster than summer days. Please continue your What’s the Tea posts – I love them.
Please keep these up! Its great to know about the person behind the posts. You are always so honest and transparent and I feel like that is great framework for the rest of your work.
I love your “new” home…and really love your side porch decorating ideas. I live in a similar style home with a smaller side porch side entry area, so I like seeing your ideas!
That’s awesome! Thanks so much!!
xo Michael
I enjoy everything about your blog, especially the personal ones. My husband stayed at your B&B several times. We visited the area to see the elk. Your B&B was like a home away from home. It’s great seeing you evolve from an inn owner to where you are today. Best wishes for a bright future!
Thank you so much! It’s so great to hear that!!
xo Michael
I so enjoy your personal posts … please continue. Your new home is becoming yours … right before our eyes.
Thank you!! <3
Love the personal posts. A good mix of design inspiration and personal posts is always good in my book. It’s nice to feel like we (your readers/followers) get to know the person behind the design. 🙂
Have a great day!
Love to hear that! Thank you, Amy!
xo Michael
I think it’s great that you share personal perspectives, Keep it up.
Might I Also suggest Vivian Howard’s Deep Run Roots for your book collection as well as either of Deb Pearlmans offerings.
I will check those out! Thank you!!
I love the personal posts and thanks for taking us on this journey through creating your home. Ideas… I love your food posts. This year I’m struggling for some gift ideas. I feel like I always make and give the same treats. Also need Christmas ideas to give to the businesses we work with that aren’t too much since I have several to give/do/make. Always look forward to your ideas!
I sooooooo appreciate this! These ideas are great. Thank you!!
xo Michael
I love these posts and I hope you continue them. I always enjoy the tree trimming, holiday decorating and of course food and entertaining. I’m enjoying seeing everything you do with your beautiful home and it is still “new”
I started listening to Christmas music today, enjoy the oldies and was listening to The Rat Pack. I love taking art classes and thought your pumpkins were incredible and the salt effect is really beautiful. I have Ina’s new cookbook in my cart just need to hit the button, you can’t go wrong with Ina.
I love your personal posts, Michael. And your watercolours are amazing! You’re really, really talented.
Hi Michael – I love your blog, I’ve been following it for awhile and it’s one of my favorites. I always enjoy reading about your decor projects and really love seeing how your new house is coming together. You have such good taste and everything you have done so far has turned out great. I think whatever you decide to do with the rest of your house will also be terrific. I agree that it’s good to take your time and also go with a contractor that you really want to work with, even if you may have to wait awhile for them to become available. I really like the occasional personal posts, so keep them coming !
About the fireplace smoke issue – it may be that a draft is coming down the chimney causing the smoke to come back into the room. If that’s the case, slightly open a window or a door that’s opposite your fireplace when you light the fire and the smoke will be redirected up the chimney. For your house I think it might be the kitchen door or window that is opposite the fireplace ? We do this every time we light a fire. Just need to keep the window or door open for a little bit.
Yes, more tea please — thanks!
I love your watercolors! You may have inspired me to try to learn.
These Tea posts are my favorite! Keep me coming!
Love your watercolors.Looking forward to seeing more of them. You are multitalented.
… and I forgot to mention the watercolors- gorgeous! Would you consider some type of printable note card?
I always read your What’s the Tea posts – keep them coming. My advice about your new home is don’t rush it. I inevitability make purchases I regret later when I try to hold myself to my timeline expectations instead letting inspiration come organically. You definitely have your own style and it feels real so let it happen when it does. It’s not like you don’t have anywhere to sit :).
I also love the personal post, and I am happy I am not the only one with decorating paralysis.
Hi Michael! I love these personal posts so much. It’s always fun to learn more about the person behind the beautiful design posts. I love everything you do and I can’t wait to see all you do in your new home!
Those watercolors are awesome!! Great work!
Thanks also for the leaf blower rec. My husband was just mentioning we should look into getting a leaf blower. I’ll show him this one!
I love your personal posts–I enjoy them the most! Keep up the great work!