house sitting – April Coker, Author

Meaningless Drivel Monday: An inspiration house

A couple of weeks ago I found myself house- and dog-sitting for my son Matt and his wife Taylor. They have two adorable dogs–a little black pug named Brodie, and a spunky little black miniature Schnauzer named Bailey. I love my “granddogs,” as I call them, and they love me! They were excited when I arrived to stay with them for a few days, but they were ecstatic when I returned a couple of weeks later to stay with them a few more days!

Bailey and Brodie in the backyard on a hot day. I did water those wilted plants!

“Wake up, Grandma!” says Bailey on a late morning sleep-in.

“Whut?’ says Brodie, just waking up.

I didn’t have a lot to do since they have a yard guy and a housekeeper so I spent my time reading, writing a little, eating, and watching TV on their giant flat screen, when I wasn’t out thrift store shopping! Their decor is minimal and very Restoration Hardware, which of course made me want to declutter as soon as I got home. Of course, after I talked to my mom, she said,

“April, you can’t get rid of all your stuff. It’s you!”

Which, of course, is true. The longer I am back at home, the more truly I am at home, in my own what-some-would-call-cluttered little nest.

Matt and Taylor’s home is a sprawling 1960’s ranchstyle home with updated everything, and they are still looking for the perfect home decor items. I just had to take some photos and share. Taylor has impeccable taste, in my opinion! Like I said, staying in their home made me want to declutter, paint, and redecorate my own home, which I plan to start doing very soon, no matter what Mom said. As soon as I can figure out what to do with all my stuff. . .

The dining area with mason jar chandelier from Etsy.

The Craigslist leather sectional in the front room, or Matt’s man cave, as he calls it!

Don’t you love those shutters? Every window in the house has those!

Front entry metal art from First Monday Trade Days in Canton. Custom paint job by Matt.

Elegant master bedroom.

Even the vintage built-in at the end of the hallway looks stylish and serves as a great place for photos.

China cabinet in breakfast nook with French art. Love the shade of green on the walls!

The bar in the man cave. Taylor made the chalkboards herself!

New metal and wood console cabinet in man cave hides the electronics under the giant flat screen.
Photo does not do it justice–I must get a good camera!
(Of course, I didn’t notice the Botox ad on the screen until I posted this!)

Are you inspired by someone’s home you visit?Please share!
XOXO

Wedded Life Wednesday: If Once is Good, Twice Must Be Better?

If you have been keeping up with my blog, you may remember that I did some house and dog sitting for my son and daughter-in-law recently. Each time they left town, they had evening flights to their destinations on Thursday, which is the day that I work at the flag shop, selling flags and wrapping gifts. I decided to work all day, come home to grab my stuff and feed the dogs, and then make the 90-minute drive to my son’s house.

I told my husband, “I’m going to work Thursday, come home and feed the dogs, get my bags, and go to Matt’s.”

Tuesday of that week Jimmy said, “So, what are you going to do, take off work?”

“No,” I explained, patiently. “I’m going to go to work, come home, feed the dogs, get my bags, and then go.”

Wednesday the same conversation: “So, what’s your plan on Thursday? Are you going straight to Dallas from work?”

“No, I’m coming home, feeding the dogs, getting my bags, and then going.”

Thursday morning before I left for work, I kissed him goodbye and told him to call me when he got home that night. He works nights and when he drives his motorcycle I always like to know that he made it home okay. “Don’t worry about the dogs. I will feed them before I go,” I told him.

Late Thursday evening I am sitting in my son’s front room, or the “man cave,” watching his expansive TV, and my phone rings. It’s Jimmy the hubs checking in.

During the course of our conversation he mentions that he is feeding the dogs.
“What? I already fed them!” I cry.
“Well, they are eating. They acted like they were hungry!”

Those little posers. Just put the old sad eyes on Dad and he will feed you again, they conspired. AND, who didn’t hear me not once but at least THREE times say that I would feed the dogs before driving to Dallas?

But, I’m not complaining. That’s just how it is here in married land. I fought it for at least twenty years but hey, who’s counting? At least it wasn’t medication, and it keeps life entertaining. And my dogs a little on the plump side. Like Mommy and Daddy.

Look at those innocent faces!

XOXO