Outdoor Shower

As much as I loved the bathroom in the old cottage of my childhood with the pedestal sink and stand alone tub, there was one thing missing - where was the shower? I had well grown out of baths and Mr. Bubbles and was used to only taking showers and no matter how clean that tub was - I could not help but think of all the people that had been in that tub before me. So my Dad bought an inexpensive shower head attachment for the outdoor hose at the hardware store and rigged up a very rudimentary outdoor shower for me. I loved it - being able to rinse off the days sand and suntan lotion under a blue sky shaded and screened by trees and the landscape. It may not have been very luxurious but it was indeed a true luxury.

I would love to undertake an outdoor shower project at the lake to recapture the enjoyment of my youth and share it with my own boys. Below is some of my inspiration.

Photo by Bruce Buck

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Photo by Brian Vanden Brink

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Photo by Whitlaw Llewellyn

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I also love the outdoor shower that Erin from Just Grand and her husband built at their cottage on Lake Michigan - Check out the project here.

Hammocks

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Does anything say summer relaxation more than the hammock?!? The Mayans are believed to have developed the first hammock over 1,000 years ago and in South America the natives used to use sturdy fishing nets as hanging beds. The trend continued on to sailors and then onto to us lucky folks in the New World who to this day still indulge in lazy summer afternoon naps or in a good book on all styles of hammocks.

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 What style of hammock is your favorite?

Shadow Lakes

Although my family no longer has the cottage from my childhood, we do have a great place in Shadow Lakes that is only a 40 minute drive from our home. Shadow Lakes is a gated year-round resort community located 55 miles southwest of Chicago in Wilmington, Illinois. There are acres and acres of nature trails, pristine lakes and waterways to be enjoyed on golf carts and boats as well as a beach and even a pool.  We always have something to do at the lake whether it is riding our bikes out to the lighthouse, boating, basking at the beach or having a fierce friendly family badmitton game.  We also have lots of time to just do nothing at all but relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Backyard Blooms

I love the backyard in the summer when the flowers are in bloom and I can relax on the deck and enjoy it - when my nose is not buried in a book that is . I have always enjoyed gardening as it was something that I would do with my Dad when I was young. He really has a green thumb and a way with plants - I guess it is the Irish in him.

 

B & A - Garage Door

I absolutely love the look of carriage house doors and although I am not one to replace something just because - I made a quick and easy upgrade to the garage with a hardware kit to hold me over to the inevitable replacement of the garage door.

BEFORE

AFTER

Endless Summer

There are two things that I have decided today that I would like in life: Summer to be Endless and this little Cabot Cove Cottage named Endless Summer.

Photo by Rare Brick

Photo by Rare Brick

Photo by Rare Brick

Photo by Rare Brick

Photo by Rare Brick

It is casual, elegant and perfect!  Isn't it a dream?

Happy Summer Solstice!

Charming Little Cottages

As anyone who has read my blog knows - I love the idea of living or summering by the water. It can be a coastal beach home, quaint little cottage or even a stylish shed for all I care. As long as it is by the water and offers the tranquility and outdoor lifestyle - I am in! Oh and when I say shed - I really mean it. 

With a little creativity, I think sheds or tiny outdoor structures can make the best and affordable cottages. Can you imagine a little cottage community or even a beach club, a short drive from home, made up of stylish tiny shelters. A company called Summerwood makes the absolute greatest little outdoor structures that would be perfect by the water. 

   

By adding a large deck or patio you can create a beautiful outside living space that will provide the openess that you need and a great outside room can double your living space. Add a Pier and a Chandelier - Ahhhhhh Perfection!