I believe we are on day 46 of over 100 degree temperatures in Austin. That sets a record for high temperatures set back in the 1920’s. That’s 46 days friends. Over 100 degrees. Hot.
So with that brings very few outdoor activities. As the lake level continues to drop and boat docks are now sitting on dry land, we hibernate inside. The air conditioner seems to be pumping all of the time. No rest for the weary.

I’m a window girl. Not the I stand in a window in Amsterdam type, but the I like big windows in my house type. The entire backside of our house is sliding glass doors. The good heavy ones built in the 80’s. In the morning, as the sun comes up, the curtains are closed. The scorching Texas sun heats up my house like a greenhouse. Our bedroom has the same window. Although we like to sleep by starlight, the first glimpse of sunlight wakes both of us up in a race to close the curtains.

There is another window opposite the big wall of windows in our living room that has stood bare for quite some time. The previous owners had installed shades, but that space has always felt empty. Like they were never quite properly dressed for the occasion. The occasion being blocking out the sun in the late afternoon. The sun comes up over the lake and sets in the hills.

Lucky me, I found these silk curtains at the thrift store this weekend. And yes friends, that thrift store is in Dripping Springs run by a retirement community. Shoot, I hate giving away a secret. And yes, they were only $6 for the pair. They are the good old pleated curtains that your grandmother had hanging in her dining room. Actually, mine had lace curtains that are still hanging there. Sorry the picture is dark, it’s about impossible to take a picture of a window with this sunlight.

The bench I picked up at an antique store in Georgetown right before we moved into our house this time last year. It’s made from all repurposed wood. From doors and a vintage bed. It has been living on our front porch but I’m the queen of moving things around instead of buying new. So now it has a new home under the window. Now I need some rocking chairs for the front porch in time for fall and the cool weather.

We are home from our weekend girl’s trip and I feel refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated.

As promised, we spent time by the pool.

Then made our way to the beach.

I returned home to kids that had a fabulous time with their daddy. I think it was a great getaway for all of us! As I returned home yesterday, I found out that my in-laws were on their way for a visit and we were going to Ikea. I always need an excuse to go to Ikea! And of course, loaded my cart with all kinds of random things. Plastic ware, chip clips, a swing for the backyard, a new kitchen rug (above), hangers… the list goes on and on. Oh how I love Ikea.

And since we seem to be on a black and white kind of day, here’s the new piano bench. Adds a little rock-n-roll to our living space!