Hello! How are you, reader-friend?
We’ve been busy little bees since the last time I blogged. Or should I say busy little BUNNIES? Kevin and I discovered a family of them living in and around our metal barn, and they brought all of us so much joy this summer!
We named her Clover. 🍀
Isn’t she adorable? Her mama and siblings always high-tailed it the second they saw me, but Clover was always so curious. My mom said to watch for them just before dusk, because that’s when rabbits are usually the most active, and sure enough, I can’t tell you how many times I found them chasing each other around the trees that line up between the barn and the house right before the sun went down!
“Simply getting out of the house and seeing the blackthorns and lime tree opposite our cottage induces a response in me that I can only describe as a neuronal sigh of relief: an unseen, silent reaction in the brain that is simultaneously soothing and curative. – Emma Mitchell
Another summertime highlight was digging for quartz crystal, tourmaline, and aquamarine beryl at Hogg Mine in La Grange, Georgia. WOW! What a fun (non-tech related) way to spend the day! Let me know if you’d like to hear some tips and tricks in my next post—I’m happy to share them now that we’re professionals. 😉
Those cold water-soaked arctic air hats really saved the day!
Steevenson and I have also had a blast creating with since my last post. After seeing someone on YouTube create a Little Shop of Horrors-style Venus Flytrap, he decided he wanted to give it a go too and we were all so impressed with his first few creations:
We call them “modelonsters”. Get it? Modeling clay + monsters? 😉
In renovation news, we finished Katie’s countertops! Mr. Carson the Plumber also installed her , , disposal and .
Isn’t the sink beautiful? It also came with a cutting board that fits right in place so you can wash, chop and slide everything into the colander. SO handy dandy! We decided to go with a mix of different metals in her kitchen (aged brass, stainless, black, and copper) to give it a really homey feel and she is LOVING how it’s all coming together!
Still need to finish that top shelf and those cubbies
And to make matters even more functional, Brian the Carpenter was able to come by and help us install the too:
Katie’s microwave used to be tucked inside her pantry tower at the other end of the room, but after using it that way for a while, she decided she’d rather have it over the range. It was an easy-ish fix, and I designed the simple box and shelf above it to fill up that space and to create another place to decorate.
She’s also loving her and was inspired to upgrade her decades-old cookware with a new set of …
We’re going to hang the pots underneath the upper cabinets so they’re nice and easy access and the pans will go in one of the base cabinets. Here’s a close up of the curtain I altered for one of them:
I used the same curtains on the window above the sink and to skirt the desk on the opposite side of the kitchen.
Which reminds me to add, we had the window installed shortly after we moved in and BOY what a difference it makes in terms of natural light in this space! Seeing Katie stand there in front of the sink is so fun, and now that her is hung up, they’ve got a nice option at night when they don’t want all the overheads on.
And I’m happy to report the base cabinet my Uncle Kevin built arrived in one piece and fit like a glove when we slide it into place. We decided to keep it doorless because the open cubbies look so charming and a door would’ve just gotten in the way.
We’ve (obviously) still got some work to do (finish the top shelf, install the toe kick, install cabinetry & counters on the left side of the stove, install crown & base moulding, etc) but MAN have these recent additions made a HUGE difference!
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In other (more current) news, my book came out in November and I’m happy to report I wasn’t challenged by any mystery physical symptoms in the weeks leading up to the launch! 😅 (See my last post if you missed what that means. 😉)
I’ve been telling folks it was equal parts labor of love and labor of LAWD HAVE MERCY because—holy moly! Writing the essays and making so many (permanent!) decisions was definitely one of the most challenging things I’ve ever been encouraged to do. But what a gift to be able to grow in that way! And I’m so glad I finally found a place for all the quotes I’ve been collecting all these years! I’ll end with one that didn’t make it into the book, but that makes so much sense right here:
“One thing’s for sure, we were kindred spirits. Connected by the things we have in common, home, nature, art, books, curiosity, tenacity, humor, empathy, and I would add, sweetness of heart.” – Susan Branch
Happy weekend, friend. I look forward to catching up with you in the comment section!
Layla
Love seeing how Katies kitchen is coming together!
Me too, Jami! 😀
I’ve really missed your blog posts. The kitchen is adorable and your style shines through. Katie is one lucky lady to have such a beautiful space!
Thank you, Donna! Katie said she wanted a light and airy cottage-style kitchen and was she really excited about the open shelving and wallpaper, so we went for it!
Sooo good to hear from you! Always a delight – love your musings, creations, and life updates! 🙂
Well, thank you, Cynthia! It felt fun to share in this way again too!
So fun to read your words again, you’ve been missed!
Happy Holidays to all the Palmers
Aw, thank you Mary! Happy holidays to you and yours too!
SO happy to see a new blog post from you, and especially love seeing Katie’s kitchen coming together!
Thank you, Deborah! It’s been a slow go, but that hasn’t stopped Katie and Steevenson from whipping things up in there along the way! 🙂
It’s so good to see a post from you – I don’t get on Instagram much, so I have missed you. I love Katie’s kitchen! Wishing your family the Merriest Christmas and New Year!
Merry Christmas to you and yours too, Molly! 😀
What a wonderful treat! Love seeing how Katie’s Kitchen is coming along. And what a holiday gift, reading and re reading your book. Its truly a heartfelt book. A classic in the making.
Aw, thank you so much Trisha Ann! I’m so glad you’re enjoying Coming Home and it’s always fun to hear from you too!
Thank you for sharing Katie’a kitchen. I love it. It is so pretty and efficient looking. Katie is so sweet, as are you.
Merry Christmas to all of you.
Love seeing your new blog post!!! Katie is a doll and her new kitchen is just darling!!!
Your new book, can’t wait to continue to dive in alittle more!!! Congratulations ❤️
Looking forward to seeing your renovations happen!
Merry Christmas Layla to you and your family!
Lisa
Well, I made a mess of my first comment. Spelled my name wrong and made a typo in the message. Sorry
There’s just something about a blog post that I love! Thanks for sharing an update on Katie’s kitchen! I’ve been reading your book and like to think I’m the Cat you named in the thanks at the beginning. 🙂
Merry Christmas to all the Palmers!
catgrasso from Instagram
Always so happy when you post, Miss Layla! Katie must be thrilled…what a wonderful space to create her amazing dishes. Now off to get your book!
Hello! I have missed your blog also. Instagram is fun but I have always loved reading the blogs, especially yours, one of the first I ever read many years ago. Katie’s kitchen is wonderful, so homey and cozy. I ordered your book as a Christmas present for myself. I cannot wait to get it. Take care.
Layla! Your book was beyond relatable, it was as if you put my thoughts and physical experiences, that go alongside anxiety, into print…I feel seen and heard! All the extra goodies you included, the recipes, Kevin’s notes, your family roots, etc, were all icing on the cake. Bravo 👏
I asked my husband to read it so he can better understand the reality of anxiety.
Many thanks and Merry Christmas!
So nice to “hear from you” via your blog. I’ve been following along since 2011 ish.
I’d love to hear more about how you handle multigenerational living. My mother lives with my husband & me. I also grew up with my mom’s parents living in an in law apartment with us. I love how Stevenson gets to spend lots of time with your in-laws. Such special moments. We had dinner every night with my grandparents.
Oh, Layla! I’ve missed your posts so so much. Almost as much as I’ve missed YOU! I love everything about Katie’s adorable kitchen and can’t wait to see it’s next chapter (see what I did there? You wrote a book….. I said chapter…). I received your lovely book on the first available day and I’m about half way through. You are very talented, my friend. Sure hope you keep up the writing and sharing. I just love it all so.
Well, thank you, sweet Barbara! (And, yes, I got your “chapter” joke- ha!) I’m so thankful for your kind comment about my book and hope you’re still enjoying it. It was quite the task to put it together but I’m so glad I did it!
Love seeing you all make your house into a home where memories are being made! Every post makes me feel a part of a family. Thanks for being a ray of sunshine. ❤️
Aw, thank you for that super kind comment, Glenwyn! I’m so glad you’re here!
LOVE reading your blog posts!! Have been an OG follower for many years! Any updates with Meme? Miss seeing her pop in and out of your stories!!
Hi Rhonda!
Thanks for following along all these years! 😀
Meme is still living with roommates and working at a bakery, but we talk almost every day and we’re hoping she’ll be able to visit again this Christmas!
I miss reading blogs so much!! It is a cozy space ❤️
I miss reading so many blogs too, Heather! I just rediscovered Aura from Aura Joon on Instagram and it was so fun to reconnect with her after ALL these years!
Hi darling Layla,
I’m feeling a small lamp in the
countertop corner?
Xo
Ooh! That would be so cute!! Katie likes her toaster oven there, and now that she’s filled that area with a few additional things, I don’t think there’s any room left to squeeze one in, but MAN do I love that idea! 😀