Chaletmomma

i was thinking about this weeks post - thinking about what i wanted to say. sometimes the storyboards i've mapped out - don't get used the week i think they will. sometimes i'm not in the right mindset for a subject; either by my own doing or others. sometimes i write a piece and hold it.

this process - this place - this thing chaletmomma is about inspiration... it's my work.. it's my passion - i won't push it, rush it or half-ass it. so when the calendar changed last week i started thinking -

38 days in - how's it hanging 2018?!?

February came and it was no big deal. although for many of you out there - you were quite happy to say good riddance to January. i read much - on how January was dragging for many of you. for me the 31 days were delightful. maybe it's me now - in this season of my life? but i'm thankful to say i haven't been struggling with 2018. i haven't been struggling to manage the new date or the new tasks or the new leaf i have turned over... but, i feel it's important to pause and take stock - a mental check-in is vital.

let's review the goals.

using my calendar everyday. yes, I've been doing it! yay!!!
map out chaletmomma brand production: daily, weekly and monthly. working on it! i have been studying, meeting and making connections.
to plan meals and make less trips to the market. a resounding yes!!!
to use my crockpot more. yes! I've been using it allot!
to read more books. while i haven't been reading - i've listened to books through Hoopla. yay! listening allows multitasking. clean the house. work on a puzzle. sort through bits in the basement. sit at hockey practice. i'm loving Hoopla so much - even while the stack of books in the basket under my desk continues to grows.

as i said i haven't exactly been reading - the copy of A Royal Duty is still unfinished, but i listened to Mrs. Queen Takes The Train and Secrets of a Charmed Life. Both wonderful and i would recommend. i've already started another book on Hoopla from Susan Meissner Stars Over Sunset Boulevard and it's really good.!

take items to the consignment shops regularly. I have been to the consignment shop twice! and only bought 2 things... i think that's a win! right? hahaha! look at my charming Tiffany box - the pattern, the color and i do have a thing for boxes...
iron clothing weekly. yes!
travel. we've been skiing!
play more games. yes!!! my son just received a new game this week Despicable Me Labyrinth board game.
to go on more adventures with my boys. yes!
to always have cheese, humus and yummy crackers in the chalet and ready for friends - anytime they can pop over! yes yes yes!
drink more Prosecco! oh yes, my friends!

i'm feeling so good about the new year and i so very much hope this finds you in a happy place too!

if you need/want a push - start small with only the most important things. maybe you feel rushed in the morning - set your alarm 10 mins. earlier, set out clothing the night before. maybe your car is messy - take a bag to your car weekly and collect everything and get it out of there. maybe you want to cook more - start out with doing it once a week.

small steps will lead to big changes.

notice i did not say can lead to - i said will - life is about decisions. make a decision and stick to it. don't cheat on yourself or on this one life you have.

i wrote a note and stuck in on the inside of the medicine cabinet. i like to stick notes there. a gentle reminder for myself. this follower prays and hopes, but i've always visualized things - if i could see it in my minds eye than i knew it could be. golly i'm feeling philosophical today.

VISUALIZE THE JOY YOU WANT.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.

ALL THINGS ON GODS TIMETABLE.

til next time.

you all know of my love of architecture. i love all types of structures. i have volumes devoted to the building and decor, but if really pressed for a favorite besides - the chalet - it would be the english or gothic tudor.

the home of my youth was built in 1926. i met my husband at my infamous house party and he popped the question 3 months later in front of the fireplace. to say i have strong feelings about this house would be an understatement! this image is from the 1950's showing the original Gothic triple porch columns and the garage doors. golly i 🖤 this house.

i feel blessed to live in an area that has developed over a period of time. we have diverse architecture - there are colonials, stick style, queen annes, craftsman, shingle style, victorians, cape cods, ranches and tudors. the homes in my neighborhood date from the late 1800's to the 1950's. notably the construction for tudors is centered between 1890-1940 in the states.

i've posted pictures of the amazing Halloween decorations the current owners display on IG. in case you missed it...

i began really taking a look around during my walks and drives and here is just a spinet of the magnificent homes i found.

i could gawk at these beauties all day.

brick or stucco - covered in moss... it doesn't matter - they are all stunners to me!

i love history and architecture here are two volumes from my collection.

there's an amazing Instagram community that allows everyone to pursue their passions. i follow some exceptional feeds devoted to architecture. here are a handful of them.

if you aren't following you should be!

@andybatch1, @archi_ologie, @brickstory, @circa houses, @dayton_architecture, @housestories_. @thefrontdoorproject, @historic.homes, @jerkinhead , @northshorehome, @oldhouselove.

this beauty belongs to @ourtudorrevival. Laura has been rehabbing this beauty one room at a time.

Meadowbrook Hall is an exceptional example of tudor revival architecture. (image @chrisbdom)

more amazing homes from the @chrisbdom IG feed. chris includes all different architecture with exquisite images. (many thanks for allowing me to repost!)

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Tudor design: characterized by pitched gable roofs, elaborate masonry chimneys, embellished doorways, groupings of windows and decorative half-timbering, exposed wood framework with the spaces filled with masonry or stucco.