Well hello friends, it’s certainly been a while hasn’t it? Lots going on and while I can’t put it all in one post, here’s the lowdown of what we’ve been up to lately: we moved into our place on July 2, then four weeks later left for Croatia and Sicily for pretty much all of August, so naturally that kept the ‘nesting’ instinct at bay for longer than I had hoped, but it’s back with a vengeance. But none of our rooms are complete, or even close to complete.
We received our two sofas but decided to send them back (no penalty). They were pretty but just not right for the space. We ended up buying just one sofa (I’ve rethought the layout) which should arrive the end of the month. It’s a little less formal than what we had originally ordered (for a look at what we returned go here. It’s the white sofa in the mood boards).The new sofa is a seafoam slipcovered straight arm number which is super comfy and more in line with our aesthetic. Our dining table, which we ordered from Wayfair, should come this week and two nightstands from a local retailer should come in October. My sewing space is set up and our garage is organized (next up the laundry room) and now all the fun stuff can begin.
Well, not quite.
Right now the big news is Hurricane Florence. If you live in the States, or even if you don’t, you may have heard it’s heading straight toward Wilmington. We are not in a flood zone, but the wind is a huge concern and with tons of rain that may stick around for a few days who knows what can happen? We have decided to leave so by the time you get this in your inbox we should be outta Dodge.
So in lieu of house pics, here’s a quick recap of our trip. If you follow me on IG, you may have seen a couple of these. I took over a hundred shots but right now I just want to get this post out and reconnect with you all so this is all you’re getting now. Sorry not sorry.
Let me start out by saying I enjoy traveling. I love the memories traveling gives us, the experiences of seeing how other cultures live, tasting unique cuisines and simply being somewhere new. What I don’t like, and this is putting it mildly, is the ‘getting there’ part. There are few things I can say I hate, but truly I hate airports and more specifically, airplanes. Of course, if we flew first class I probably wouldn’t be whining right now, but that’s not gonna happen in this lifetime. So our flight over was the pits. I organized everything so that we would have everything we needed…snacks, earphones, books, etc., but our seats were so damn tight half the time I didn’t bother getting anything because it was too difficult to reach under the seat in front of us. Seriously, I don’t know what airlines are thinking. We’re getting bigger and their seats smaller! One thing I did reach for was a snack of trail mix, which happened to have some chocolate pieces in it, which happened to fall under my seatbelt (I was completely unaware) and which happened to melt all over my brand new WHITE top. Thennnnn…while we were at the Paris airport waiting for our connection to Dubrovnik, I decided my mouth could use some freshening up. So off I went to the ladies room, took out some mouthwash and rinsed. It tasted a bit ‘off’ but I tried again. This time I put my glasses on and saw it was hand sanitizer. Ewwwwwwww!
Ok, so we were off to a rocky start, but then we FINALLY got to Dubrovnik, took a walk into the Old Town and saw sights like this…
Dinners were heavenly. This shot was taken exactly where our dinner table was situated. Every night was like something out of a fairy tale.
Then we were off to Sicily, and this was our view from our hotel room.
And here I am rockin’ the fanny pack Sarissa got for me. Do you think she was playing a cruel joke on her mum when she said they’re back ‘in’?
This was taken just before we took off on a tour of the town where a great deal of The Godfather was filmed. I drove this vintage stick shift Fiat around narrow cobblestoned streets. What a hoot!
Here’s a shot of the yacht we were on. It was a smallish, 40 passenger number, which gave it the ability to get to the smaller islands between Dubrovnik and Split, something I would HIGHLY recommend rather than just exploring the cities.
Although you probably can’t book this exact yacht. This is what it looks like after a week with us. 😉
Now on that note I will bid you all adieu, and I will check in when I can.
Emily says
First, I’m happy you are leaving until the storm passes!!!! Staying safe is the most important thing and those hurricanes are so unpredictable. I thought the white sofa was gorgeous but I’m sure the new ordered one will be as well. The photos from your trip look amazing. Looking forward to watching your interior come together. Wow, what a summer you’ve had. Glad to see you are posting again…….Stay safe.
Dewena says
Oh Doreen, I’m still laughing about the hand sanitizer gargle but I honestly think your fanny pack looks couture and you look like a beautiful Sicilian! Did you get your bottom pinched, or is that only in Rome?
I’m counting on more photos of your amazing holiday on the blog later, with tales to tell. And of course I’ll be waiting on step by step progress with your house for maybe the next decade? Because I know a house never gets done permanently, right?
Yes, get your tail outta Dodge! On the road, Mr. & Mrs. Fisherman, and patience to you for the traffic.
Many prayers for you and your beautiful new house and much love,
Dewena
Marilyn McLeod says
So glad you are leaving for now! I saw the news last night on the storm and could see that Wilmington is right spot on where it’s heading for! eeeekkkkk…. I was hoping you would be those people on the highway heading away from there. I pray you don’t have damage to your new home! Loved all your travel photos and hope for more. What a beautiful spot to be. I don’t fly at all… haven’t for about 23 years and just never will. I hate it and don’t want to be stuck in a plane so can only go places we can drive to (which is very few anymore!). Glad you’ll be blogging again once you start playing with all the rooms in your house. Yes.. let the fun start! Hugs to you…. Marilyn
Debbie - MountainMama says
Sending prayers your way that Florence will fizzle out and not cause too much damage in your area.
Looks like an amazing trip, wow, how gorgeous!!
xoxo
Cyn says
Love the pics, happy to hear an update , but even happier you’re heading out of dodge!! Stay safe, keep smiling, take a few deep breaths and keep us posted when you can! xoxo
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Doreen, I am relieved to hear that you are evacuating. Praying that somehow, the storm goes bust. I hope your home stays out of harm’s way, and that when you get home, you can concentrate only on fun things like furnishing and decorating.
Forgive me for laughing at your airport stories, but the mouthwash\not mouthwash story is priceless. I hate the “getting there” (and worse, “getting home”) part of travel, too. That yacht is AMAZING! Your pictures have me re-thinking the ordering of my bucket list – Croatia and Sicily have both moved significantly higher.
Be safe, Doreen! Keeping you and everyone in this hurricane’s path in my prayers.
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
LOL Doreen. I did that with hand sanitizer once and OMG it was awful. I thought I was going to puke until I could get that taste out of my mouth. Nothing seemed to work until I finally got real mouth wash to rinse the hand sanitizer out. Sorry it was a rough start but glad to see you had a fabulous time once you got there. I am glad to hear you are getting out of harms way. Stay safe on your travels and lets hope Florence changes her mind and goes back out to sea.
Hugs,
Kris
Vashti Q says
Hi Doreen! Boy did I miss you! I’m glad you’re getting out of dodge before the hurricane makes a landfall. Your Croatia/Sicily trip sounds dreamy. The pictures are great! I just got back from Japan myself. I hope the storm doesn’t do any harm to your house. Have fun and I wish you all the best! <3 xx
Jan Kibbe says
Hi Doreen,
I was so excited to see an email from foxdenrd in my mailbox this morning!
So happy you are in your new home!
Keep driving north because we have our annual fall campout coming up soon.
Be safe and so happy to read your blog again.
All the best!
Jan and Mark Kibbe
Joyce Olson says
Doreen!!!!!!!!
You have been on my mind SO much! I was even telling Dave how concerned I was about you. So thank you for this wonderful blog post. Of course you have made me smile and chuckle. You write so very well!
I so enjoyed following you along on IG, this trip was totally amazing. Fanny pack looks great on your cute little shape:)
Now you stay safe and I will be tracking your down to insure that you are on high and dry ground!
XOO
Jemma
tammy j says
well. you have got the cleanest mouth in town. I’m thinking you should keep ‘poison control’ numbers in your purse.
couldn’t hurt!
these pictures are gorgeous. don’t know about the fanny/belly pack. it’s like it’s saying … here’s where the money is… GRAB ME!
oh wait. that’s for the muggers in NY. maybe in Sicily they’re more polite. oh stop Tammy. this is getting us no where.
I love that you love to travel. because I get to go with you when I read your blog and Instagram!
just please…
be careful in this hurricane. don’t blow away and don’t drown. you’re a favorite person now. we love you!
oh. and the thought just occurred to me… the major things being undelivered… could be a blessing in disguise if there’s any damage!
well. we WON’T EVEN go there! seriously. NO. XOXO
AnnMarie says
So happy to hear from you and to catch up! You are teasing us with no pictures of your place but I know it will be well worth the wait. I hope and pray it will be just as you left it after the storm. The fanny pack and that Fiat suit you just fine!!
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
I followed your trip on facebook and it seemed wonderful! I have been thinking about you and I am glad you are leaving ahead of the storm. Stay safe!
SharonFromMichigan says
Beautiful pics. Glad you and hubby decided to evacuate. Better safe than sorry! Your fanny pack looks cute, who cares if they’re in style or not, it probably was easier than carrying a purse all day. Stay safe my friend! XO
Cindy says
Doreen, I was laughing outloud with the hand sanitizer. I think I would have gagged to death. Chocolate in your new shirt must have been a bummer. Imagining you walking around with it on your shirt. Hey maybe it was a fashion statement.
Happy you are going somewhere safe. Was concerned about your safety.
Hope to hear from you soon
Cindy
Rita C at Panoply says
Glad you’ve left the area! My daughter’s inlaws are in Oak Island, my sister in Beaufort, SC, and neither plant o leave – arrrgggg! I’m totally with you on flying – pain in the a$$ – but glad you enjoyed the trip. Be safe, check back in once you can (after Florence).
denise says
So happy to read a new post! Hope Florence misses you guys. Looking forward to seeing your new digs get dressed up. Your trip looks amazing!! Stay safe! xxDenise
Poppy says
Ah, Signora DorEEna,
Sicily, she isA finito withoutE youE!
ThE sun, he no shinE, la luna disappEarE!
Italy, she isA cry, likE hungry bambino!
Mama Mia!
Per favore ritorna, bella donna!
Con amore,
PoppYno
(AndA no worry -molte vino forE youE ‘mouthEwashA’!;))
tammy j says
LOLOL!!! hilariousO! xoxo
Pat M. says
Happy to see you’re back on your blog – and look forward to seeing the new home come together.
I used to not mind flying, but as I’ve gotten older, the confinement and close quarters of the airline seats keeps me from traveling as much as I would like. When you can’t even reach to retrieve a bag on the floor due to the back of the seat in front of you being right in your face, or when your tray table barely has room to lower, things have gotten out of hand. I enjoy driving so will no doubt vacation this side of any ocean since 1st class travel is well out of my budget also.
Your vacation photos are amazing.
Please stay safe and hopefully your new home will come through unscathed.
Cecilia says
Prayers for your safety and for damage to be minimal. We get our share of hurricanes here in Texas but we’re way inland so the most we get is rain.
I’m with you on the getting there – our flight to Scotland wasn’t bad because the plane wasn’t full but still the seats are cramped and you can’t get comfortable at all. Coming back was just a nightmare – the poor woman in the seat next to us was large and overflowed her seat making mine very narrow. Sigh. I do wish the airlines would get with it and make the seats bigger and more comfortable.
Beautiful scenery! That sunset is just breathtaking! It is good to hear from you – stay safe and let us know how things are when the storm has passed.
Jane says
Thanks for the dreamy pictures! Having never been to Europe, I ate these up. And you look gorgeous as always! Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
I am so terrified of any natural disasters, i.e; tornadoes, fires, hurricanes…I would have been out of Dodge three weeks ago. I have always thought that if I lived anywhere that was prone to surging water or floods, I would have a boat in the attic and a cellar stocked with five years of food. Didn’t know I was that paranoid, did you?!
There is one thing I really dislike about the people who are determined to stay and hold down the fort. They will be the ones the first responders have to help and rescue later, putting their own lives at risk. I wish more folks would be educated on this factor. Anyway—be safe.
Jane x
Kim says
I followed you all over Europe via Instagram and drooled the whole way. It looked like a magical trip. The chocolate and hand sanitizer story had me laughing out loud, but I know I’d be crying if that happened to me. I really do hope that Flo goes away long before she hits land tomorrow and you are spared her wrath. Can’t wait to see the house once you get into nesting mode. Be safe. xoxo
Shirley @Housepitality Designs says
Beautiful photos of the trip….Thoughts and prayers are with you for your safety and the safety of your home…not a great “welcome to NC” !
Linda says
Doreen, what an amazing trip! The photos are breath- takingly beautiful, your airplane fiascos made me lol, and boy I hope your home does not suffer damage. So glad to hear you left the area, better safe than sorry. I’m watching the news now and so many rescues are underway. My daughter is in Florida and she leaves Sunday with a stop in NC. Hoping flights are on schedule. Stay safe and dry and sure hope we get an update. Take good care! Xx
Karen says
Oh, Doreen, I’m so glad to hear that you have evacuated! I’m late in commenting on your beautiful and funny post (Yuck on the hand sanitizer), and the storm has passed but the flooding is terrible. I pray that your new house is safe and that the damage to your neighborhood is minimal – the news footage is a little unsettling, to say the least. I thought of you as soon as I heard where the storm would land…..So glad you had a wonderful trip (besides the plane rides). The photos are stunning and you look beautiful. Fanny packs are the only way to go! I’ll be thinking of you. Stay safe. x K
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
HOpe you all stayed safe and fared well with Florence dearest Gal.
I adored following your trip on IG (as you well know). But I’m with you that the getting there part sucks. NO other word more perfect than that. But photos showed it was well worth it 😉
Can’t wait to see your beautiful home. It sounds like it’s going to be so lovely! Blessings to you Babes
xoxo
Mary says
Doreen I am so glad that you got to go on this wonderful trip. It was a nice respite from all the responsibilities of the new house. I have been keeping up to date with you on Insta so I got to see all these beautiful places. Now that you are back all renewed and refreshed you will be able to tackle the new home with joy and vigor!
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, your photos are wonderful. That sunset is beautiful. These storms are so scary, and I’m glad you got out before, and hopefully no damage will come to your home. I’m glad you like traveling, cause it’s not my favorite thing to do. I know what you mean about the airports and flying, but I wouldn’t mind taking a trip to New York! That will be awesome for you! It sounds like you’re a great traveler and come prepared with goodies, etc. This is a great picture of you standing next to the little red car. I tried to leave comments on your previous posts, but for some reason, it wouldn’t let me. So good to catch up with you today.
Take care and be safe with the storms, Doreen.
~Sheri
Red Rose Alley says
Oh, I just noticed that you just returned from New York, I thought you were going. I hope you show us some pictures. I’ve always dreamed of taking a girls’ trip to New York with my daughters. That must have been a fantastic trip. : )
handmade by amalia says
I’m a bit late with my visit and hope I find you safe and sound after the hurricane. Lovely photos of your travels and I’m sure you’re glad to be home to work on your decorations and find just the right place for everything.
Amalia
xo
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
So late to this post and hope that your home and neighborhood didn’t receive any damage. Living in Florida, I’m with you about leaving Dodge. Croatia and Sicily are on my bucket list and your photos make me want to visit even more. Can’t wait to read of your adventures there and photos of your new home when you are more settled in.
Benita says
Looks like you had a wonderful time! Hope you guys weathered the storm and are safe! Looking forward to seeing the new home! Love and hugs to you!
Shirley @Housepitality Designs says
Glad you had a great and beautiful getaway!!!