SOCIAL MEDIA

April 17, 2020

Hello from NJ and Some Spring Decor

Hello friends! I have received many lovely messages asking for more blog posts and you all have convinced me to take the time to put some thoughts together here once again. Thank you for that encouragement and for checking in with me. I had been posting much more regularly on Instagram but have hit pause on that over last couple of weeks mainly because I don't want to minimize this difficult time in any way. So many are struggling in so many ways, whether it be with health, finances or emotional well-being. I have many conflicting emotions and thoughts every single day and posting pictures of our home feels a bit insensitive and frivolous compared to the work that our friends who are health care workers and first responders are doing. Here in Bergen County, NJ, just across the Hudson River from NYC, we are fighting a fire that is still raging with this pandemic. So far, thankfully, our family has remained well. My husband continues to go to work (he's a retired police officer who works in security for the state) and our son volunteers as a firefighter in 2 towns. We are being as careful as possible to limit any other exposure but these are stressful times indeed and it is overwhelming to think about how different out lives will remain for the foreseeable future.

With all that in mind, we are all spending more time in our homes than ever before. I had decorated and photographed our home for Spring before this all began so I have some pictures to share with you. I hope they add even a small amount of brightness to your day. Let's start in the kitchen today and then I will put together a few more posts that include the other spaces in our home.
Farmhouse sink in cottage style kitchen with spring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com



I used a green and white lattice print tablecloth to make a sink skirt. On our windows, I hung curtains made from napkins that I purchased at HomeGoods. I wonder if HomeGoods misses me as much as I miss them? When I took these pictures, I had a big bunch of tulips that I had purchased at Trader Joes on the stool. I miss Trader Joe's too. We have been doing our grocery shopping as infrequently as possible in large orders at one store and it seems like keeping 5 people fed for all their meals day after day has become my full time job. Along with the constant disinfecting of surfaces, our dishwasher has never worked so hard and neither has our vacuum. How have you been handling grocery shopping these days?
Farmhouse style kitchen with spring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
I brought up this runner that I had purchased last year on Amazon. I like the cheery colors and Dax enjoys lounging here when I cook. I think dogs everywhere are thrilled to have their people home with them so much.
Farmhouse style kitchen with spring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
I found this old chippy yellow stepladder in one of my favorite shops called Foothills in North Creek, NY in early March. I like the vintage style and pop of yellow that it brings to our kitchen. I found the vintage tablecloth I have displayed on it there too.
Farmhouse style kitchen with spring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
I picked up the little "Sunny Days Ahead" sign that is hanging on the rail (it's from Ikea and called Fintorp) at the end of our island at the Target Dollar Spot and I really had no idea how important hopeful sentiments like that would become as we moved through this spring. 
Ikea Fintorp rail on end of painted kitchen island - www.goldenboysandme.com
I received a new order of candles from Cultivated Candle Company a couple of weeks ago and I am enjoying their spring scents. This one is the Peachy Eucalyptus scent and it's poured into a vintage blue mason jar. I am enjoying the charm these candles add to our kitchen.
Cultivated Candle Company vintage mason jar candle in country kitchen with spring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
I had switched our dining and living spaces around over the winter and this arrangement has worked out well for our family, especially during quarantine. We have 3 students (2 college/1 high school) doing online learning at different spots in the house each day and our split level has turned out to be great for everybody having their own space to work. 
Farmhouse style kitchen with diy pot rack andspring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
I added a new indoor/outdoor rug from Target to the living room space for Spring.
Farmhouse style kitchen with diy pot rack andspring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
Farmhouse style kitchen with diy pot rack andspring decor - www.goldenboysandme.com
Thanks so much for the visit today. I hope your family is hanging in there and weathering this storm as well as possible. One thing is for sure, home has never mattered more as a place to provide safety and shelter.  

35 comments :

  1. Courtney, your home always makes me happy and I'm glad to hear you are all doing well! I know how you feel about being hesitant to post decorating photos when all this is going on. But over time, I've realized I love the escape of looking at pretty things. For just a few minutes, things can feel normal again. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for everyone to stay healthy. We can get through this! #jerseystrong
    xo
    Shelley

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you! So appreciate you sharing your cheery home with us!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I understand how you feel about sharing pics of your home, but your pictures bring so much joy and I think we can all use that right now. I also like to share your pics with the ladies in my FB group and they love them just as much! I think if we could we would all move into your home 🤣. So please keep on sharing! Xx Monique

    ReplyDelete
  4. Courtney,
    Thank you for posting!! I have missed you and your home always makes me feel happy. I'm glad your family is well. I am On Eastern Long Island, so I get it. The reality of what is going on in the city (and all of our suburbs) is real. My daughter lives in Manhattan and has been working from home there....I miss her but she stays safe.
    I think we all need a little happiness in our homes, so thank you for posting.
    Be well...Beth

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yay! So glad to see this! I just love your style of decorating and love to look closely at the pictures for ideas for my home.I would much rather look and read something like this than to always be bombarded with pandemic news. Here in SE Tennessee, the eastern side of the city I live in, was hit by 4 different tornadoes on Easter late night. It's almost too much to deal with. As for how I'm personally dealing with grocery shopping, either Wal Mart pick up, Instacart or I just go get my own groceries. I do my best to stay out of stores, but sometimes I have to go. My husband is considered an essential worker, but he's not in contact with many people in a day, which is good. Life is stressful right now, but things will get better and warmer weather is coming.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for posting! I love your blog, your colors, your decor - everything! It brings so much joy to me to see your family is okay and to have you connect with us once again. And for the 500th time, I love your kitchen!!! Sending prayers for the safety of your family. Meanwhile, we order our groceries and pick them up curbside at Kroger. I did go into the store recently wearing my mask and gloves. Nearly everyone there wore the same. And we kept our 6' distance. The hardest thing for me is not seeing my friends at church and my high school friends from back in the day. But I'm thankful for Facebook where we connect daily. Thanks again for this post!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Courtney,
    Thank you for sharing, seeing your email in my inbox is just what I needed today. Great to see you back and as always your home is just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Seeing your post bings a smile to my face. I was wondering last week why your posts had stopped. Please continue with your cheery posts.
    Xx
    Mikki

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm glad you and your family are doing well, Courtney! Your home is so lovely and welcoming! Our homes are even more important right now...our safe places. The hardest part for us has been not seeing our family. Wishing you continued good health in the days ahead! xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for sharing. I needed this pop of beauty today. Please keep sharing your beauty. We need it right now more than ever!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love seeing a post today Courtney. Your home is always so cheerful. With the Shelter in Place it is always wonderful to have a pretty and comfy home to be in. I have been thinking about you with being in NJ. Wow the numbers coming out of NY too. So scary. I have three in this family of nurses and first responders on the front lines so I pray this is over soon and they continue to stay safe. Hope Billy stays safe with going to work and also your son being a first responder. Stay safe and well sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for sharing. I missed all of your beautiful posts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am so happy to see this post! I look forward to the pictures of your beautiful home....I wish I was as good at blending all these beautiful colors as you! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Much love

    ReplyDelete
  14. Pictures of your home make me smile. I love how you decorate.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey Courtney to think just the other day I was thinking about you and hoping all was well in your corner of the world, because I/we haven't heard from you in sometime! And this morn there you are! =) Yes, I too, love your decorating style and can picture me in your home ha. Last week I found a green stool, like your yellow, a neighbor was tossing on garbage day and brought it home to clean it up and make it my own! I understand what you share because I've thought the same re people's situations, and yet we do what we can to help and pray. Hopefully we will hear from you again sooner, than later! Stay healthy/well~

    ReplyDelete
  16. It was so nice to see your lovely post. I've missed your posts over the past few months. Stay well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love Foothills in North Creek as well and have purchased some lovely things there. Thanks for putting some sunshine in our stressful days.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh my goodness..... Im smiling !! Allll the spring colors ... Just gorgeous !!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love your Spring 2020 decor. Very beautiful. This post really did brighten up my day. You always do an outstanding job. I've enjoyed seeing your home featured in various home decor magazines. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you for sharing your home and a touch of spring. What a wonderful treat to see so many pretty colors hanging out together. I'm not a fan of instagram myself, so I'm disappointed so many blogs are moving more to that platform. But it's always fun to see your creativity whenever you have time to share. Happy Spring!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. As a fellow home decorator on Instagram, I have always enjoyed seeing your posts. I understand what you mean by pausing from posting pictures, but I use it as an escape from this world’s chaos and use Instagram as a tool to share the word of God and help bring a sense of peace and positive energy to the viewers since most of us are at home in quarantine.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I understand how you feel about sharing pics of your home, but your pictures bring so much joy and I think we can all use that right now. if you want to save your all data with great antivirus software so visit our website and choose one of the best according to your choice.
    Latest Technology News
    Upcoming Tech Gadgets

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello, I found your kitchen on pinterest and love your cozy, colorful kitchen! Do you know what paint color your island is?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! The island is painted Oval Room Blue by Farrow and Ball.

      Delete
  24. I like this article.I was searching over search engines and found your blog and its really helps thank you so much @ Packers and Movers mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a beautiful space! I love that cozy seating area right by the kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Every single piece you share with us is definitely clear, beautiful, well-created and nice! I like your wonderful decorations!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I have just discovered you and am enjoying so much looking at your beautiful pictures...I am positive others have seen your posts as a refreshing breath of fresh air!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello I love love the black rail and hooks in your kitchen. Did you order the longer hooks, 11cm or the shorter hooks 7cm from Ikea? I am going to get the 22.5 inch rail. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi! From Texas! I love your kitchen! Please tell what color are your cabinets! I am having trouble making up my mind on colors! Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello Courtney! I absolutely love your kitchen paint colours, I'm putting in a new kitchen and im having such a hard time finding the look I want, but this is it! You've nailed it! Absolutely gorgeous. If you don't mind, what are the cabinet and wall colours you've chosen?

    ReplyDelete
  31. LOVE your kitchen. Just found this on Pinterest and can't wait to see more of your posts. I grew up in Bergen County and visit my family

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love it! It's bright and cheerful, just what the world needs!

    ReplyDelete