COTE DE TEXAS: Must Be Nice!

Must Be Nice!

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Unlike everyone else in the United States, my daughter’s high school is just now celebrating Spring Break.  We are always off schedule because our break comes during Passover week.  One bad thing about being on our own schedule is Passover always falls so close to the end of school and summer vacation, that the kids have a hard time getting back into the groove of school after their long break.    This year,  Ben and I got to spend Spring Break alone at home, while our soon to be graduated and just turned 19 year old daughter took off for a Spring Break to end all Spring Breaks.  One of her classmates invited three friends to tag along with her parents to Anguilla, staying in accommodations Elisabeth’s father and I only dream about.  Like I said, it Must Be Nice!  That’s Elisabeth with the hat on, of course.  

There’s no cell phone on the island unless you want to pay exorbitant international fees, so we are Skypeing each other.  I think I’ve talked to Lizzy more on Skype than I do when she’s in the same house.   Most of her conversations have been about how beautiful the house is that they are staying in.  Talk about rubbing it in!!!!    And speaking of Skype, why does everyone look so horrid in the video?  They need to do something about that!   

 

 

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Here is where the gang is staying.  Yeah.  OK.  I could probably get used to this.   They have the house on the left.  Another family from Chicago is staying in the house on the right.    Both sides are available for rent.  I get lustful feelings just looking at this picture!!  I hope Elisabeth is grateful and appreciative, especially vocally to her hosts.  She sent me the URL to the rental company so I could see how beautiful the beach house is – I think she is really just showing off a little.  Ever wonder what 19 year old girls think about?   She told me she would love to have her “destination wedding” at this beach house.  Trying to act like this is a reasonable topic for discussion, I replied that she might need to find a boyfriend first, then graduate college, then we’ll worry about her where she’ll have her “destination wedding.”  And why are those so popular today anyway?    My idea of a destination wedding is when the reception hall is across town from the church.

 

 

 

image The back of the house overlooking the ocean.

 

 

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The view of the ocean.  Anguilla is closest to the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten.  The stone steps divide the pool between the deep end and the baby pool.  There’s a hot tub too.  I wonder if the girls are swimming  here or in the ocean? 

 

 

image At dusk:   walking in through the front door, you can see all the way through the house, out to the ocean.

 

 

 

image There is a small pond in the front, which you walk over on the stepping stones to get in the front door.   The front pond mimics the footprint of the back swimming pool, which is also situated up against the glass windows.   Inside, rocks are placed at  the window to create the illusion the pond continues into the house.

 

 

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Looking out towards the entry court and front pond.   Elisabeth excitedly told me “ Mom, there are lanterns everywhere – you would love this!!”   Of course my dear, of that, I have no doubt.

 

 

image The middle section of the large living area.  On Skype, Elisabeth showed me the two garden stools  “just what you love, Mom.”  Aw, she noticed the interior design!  Maybe there’s hope yet for her to join me in my business.

 

 

 

imageThe main sitting area – white leather, which is so beach friendly.  I would like this better, though, with a blue and white striped rug ala Something’s Gotta Give, but you already knew that, I’m sure. 

 

 

 

image The dining area has large, comfortable gray tufted chairs.   The table is trendy limed wood, but – I’m not sure what to make of the white iron base??

 

 

 

image The view at night.  The kitchen is on the other side of the wood wall. 

 

 

imageThe kitchen has aqua countertops and stainless appliances.  I love that refrigerator.   

 

 

imageOne of the bedrooms with a white cowhide rug. 

 

 

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The media room upstairs.  I imagine the  girls are spending most of the time at night in this room.  Hopefully they aren’t bar hopping!!

 

REAL LIFE FOR ELISABETH WEBB:

image At dusk, the view from our rental on South Padre Island, Texas.

 

Truthfully, my daughter is really not used to such luxuries as the beach house in the Caribbean,  so I hope she is really appreciating her trip!   As most of you know, we don’t travel a lot and leaving Texas is not my husband’s favorite thing to do.   Consequently, we vacation at the beach on South Padre Island, at the very tip of the United States, where Mexico meets Texas.  In fact, the international border is only 3o minutes away by car and probably 5 minutes by boat.    We don’t own a condo there and nice hotels are pretty scarce on the island, so we rent.    The problem with renting condos is most available aren’t really fancy, to say the least.   The one we rent is about 25 years old and has seen better days;  it’s had very little remodeling or updating done to it over the years.   I know we could find one nicer, but it’s right next door to my friend’s condo, so the location is perfect.   

 

 

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Our rental last summer.  Ouch!

 

Do your eyes hurt?   We rented this unit last summer.   We chose this particular unit over the other ones available in the building because it has white tiled floors which means it would at least be cleaner than the carpeted rentals.   Last summer we stayed here a month so I did try to make it a little more homey.   Each summer I go through a little drill when we arrive at our rental:   I walk through the unit and hide all the pillows, accessories, paintings, fake plants, area rugs and assorted clutter  in the guest closet.   I can’t do anything about the paint job, so I just pretend it’s not there.   Over the years I have accumulated an assortment of ready made slipcovers for the rentals, along with throw pillows, drop cloths, and Indian bedspreads which make great cover ups for nasty condo furniture.   The picture above is off the rental web site – isn’t that couch a beauty?

 

 

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Here’s what it looked like after I cozied up our unit.   I used blue and white ticking ready made slipcovers for the sofa and love seat.   We bought the pillows on sale down in Padre at the best (and only) decor shop on the island:  Park 100.   I brought the Dash and Albert rug with me.   I’ll buy flowers at the grocery stores and add candles to atmosphere.  The books come from home to read while we are there.   I ruined by Saladino Villa on the beach and ended up having to replace it.   The wicker coffee table was actually kind of cute – about the only cute thing in the condo!

 

 

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I moved the blue and white lamp from a bedroom to make it look a little nicer, and came THIS CLOSE to buying a new shade for it.  Sad, I know.  The white tiled floor is a plus.   Whenever we are choosing a rental, we always opt for tiled floor over carpeting because at least you know it will be clean then.    I learned my lesson one summer when I had to personally have the carpets cleaned the day after we arrived.  Yuck!!!   We take a SUV down to the beach, so we have a little extra room to pack up all the decorating materials.   After doing this now for over 22 years, Ben is resigned to my summer condo redecorating.   It took a few years, but I finally broke him in.   Now, I think he actually appreciates the clean slipcovers over sitting on old upholstery. 

 

 

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In the dining area, I put a Dash and Albert blanket over the wood table to try to soften it up a little.   I added the cute Vagabond Vintage bucket bag from Olivine.  The “captains” chairs – well, there wasn’t much I could do about those and just had to forget they were there.   I don’t have pictures of the bedroom, but the Indian bedspreads sold at Urban Outfitters do wonders for quick makeovers.    You can actually use one for a make-do dust ruffle and layer another on top for a coverlet.    I also put down a few more cute throw rugs in the bedroom and bathroom, which really add a lot to the decor.

 

 

 

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Even beach towels and bags can become a decorative element. 

 

South Padre is home for us.   I’ve been going since I was a little girl and our entire family loves it.   It’s a laid back, very casual beach town, with not much night life, which is exactly how we like it.     But still, a Spring Break  holiday in a gorgeous contemporary  Caribbean beach house Must Be Nice!!!!  I just hope Elisabeth doesn’t get spoiled.   This summer, she’ll be back in the land of vintage tufted cream sofas and vivid blue painted walls.

Do you do summer rental decorating?   My sister-in-law does the same thing I do, she even brings her own  kitchenware and sheets – I’m not quite that sick – yet!   I would love to see pictures of your own summer rental decorating.  I need some new ideas!!!

 

P.S.  Check out the new Skirted Roundtable – San Francisco interior decorator Scott Wood is interviewed.  AND he even serenades us!!!  hehe – that is NOT to be missed.  HERE.

  

 

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And finally, here’s hoping everyone had a wonderful Easter Weekend!!!

78 comments :

  1. Joni - I spent many a spring break in South Padre growing up in Dallas.

    The only thing I would absolutely bring for a summer rental is my own sheets , blankets and pillows.

    I never want to use something that something "funky" happened. Yuk!

    Your daughter looks like she is having a ball!

    We spent Easter/Passover in Ct - http://colorandlightatelier.blogspot.com/

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  2. Joni Darlin',

    You absolutely kill me. I adore you about 1000 times more knowing that you redecorate your beach rental.

    xoxo,

    Raina
    If the Lamp Shade Fits

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  3. Wow that is a stunning place, thanks for sharing it with us! And I adore that arrangement at the end of our post!!
    Happy Easter Joni,
    Maria

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  4. I won't show this to my soon to be graduated son or he might just offer to be your daughter's boyfriend and join her there for a destination wedding! What a stunning rental!

    And only you could turn that TX rental into such a wonderful, welcoming place to stay!

    Kat :)

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  5. Great post as usual.
    I enjoy reading how you make your Padre Island rental into a palace
    and loved the pics on the beach palace your daughter is visiting.

    Best wishes,
    BarG

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  6. I adore this post! The first thing I thought was "sure beats my spring breaks in Destin!" (obviously, you were about to go there when you started discussing your South Padre condo) I hope your daughter is having a great time. Those first tastes of real freedom are so invigorating. Happy Spring Break!

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  7. Must REALLY be nice! That's a rental anyone could get into many repeat visits. Like the redecorating. We're going to a new (unknown) rental this year. I always bring my kitchen equipment, but the rest of the place will be a surprise.

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  8. I thought I was so clever and creative rearranging the furniture on vacations (or even overnight stays - I confess) but you put me to shame! LOVE that you make everywhere you go feel like home. Don't need a fancy villa for that - just the right people, a little love and maybe a slipcover or striped dhurrie :)

    Marija

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  9. Amazing rental redo! Joni, you have style that oozes out your pinkie! As much as I enjoyed the photos of the house your daughter stayed in, it would be even more fun to see what you would change...maybe you could trade your services to the owner for a stay in the house!
    :)Heidi

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  10. I was laughing out loud! You are hilarious redecorating your rental condo. You could offer a new design service... rental condo re-dos. I have been looking for vacation condos lately and think that many of them could benefit greatly from your touch.

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  11. Amazing - I rearrange furniture - but you're the Queen ! I am so impressed that you bring slipcovers....

    Kept an apt on Anguilla for awhile and did design work there - and am going next month to do one of those destination weddings - yup - life is good on the rock.

    Ask your daughter if she's been to Elvis' yet - that'll shock her.

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  12. I bring my own sheets, towel, bed pillows and a few other things such as candles, books etc., but never has it occurred to me to bring slip covers and rugs. You are truly a die hard slip girl. I get grossed out by thinking of who has slept on the bed and pillows now I will be worried about the sofas. Thanks alot Joni, my OCD just kicked up a notch. haha. Luv ya lots, MB

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  13. Wow - the Anguilla house looks amazing!

    Did you know there is a skype app on the iphone? It is great - no video to deal with - it is just like talking on your iphone via the AT&T network (well, maybe not quite as good of a connection). I use it to talk with my aunt in Scotland.

    You have to be on a wi-fi network to make it work because of contractual agreements, but that is easy enough when you are home - just connect your iphone to your wifi.

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  14. Forgot to wish you a Happy Passover. xo, MB

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  15. I too am now very jealous of your daughter! That house is insanely cool. But, I agree, that room with the beautiful blue throw pillow, would look better with the SGG blue and white striped rug. (I want those pillows though). I adore what you did with your own beach rental...truly a designer through and through!

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  16. What a hoot you are Joni! lol! I am with you on this one - I had rather just stay home than stay in some ugly condo somewhere. What a good idea! My brother and sister-in-law just bought a house in Nags Head, NC and I have told them how important it is to have decent decorating. It really can boost your rentals if it looks nice!

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  17. I don't know if I could be as accomadating as you....NEVER leave Texas for vacation?
    check out www.seasidefl.com
    You will enjoy looking at the rental homes...perfection.

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  18. Joni--after staying in dozen of skanky beach rentals over the years I had definite ideas about what to put in our Tybee Island house, The Breeze Inn., which we have in a rental program. All furniture is slipcovered and gets washed regularly. Sheets are high thread count, bedspreads are white matelasse and get washed regularly. Floors are hardwood. Dishes are Pottery Barn. No more skanky rentals for me--altho I love all your ideas.

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  19. Ooohh! I too am a bit envious of Elizabeth.

    Great job on the condo rental! I have been curious as to what you did since last summer. Love it!

    Sami G.

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  20. FANTASTIC idea about decorating the beach rental!

    Sharon

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  21. Joni:
    I read your blog every day. I love it, but I have never commented. I own an enclave of vacation rentals in Abilene! It is not such beach destination, but when people visit here, they have only modest hotel options, so I decided to given them a luxury, West Texas experience. I call it "Heritage Decor". We have high thread count sheets, Vera Wang mattresses, and just about Ralph Lauren everything, and my feelings would be very hurt if they redecorated, or even brought their own sheets! You can see my "John Wayne at Starbucks" properties at: www.saylesranch.com!--Terry Browder, Sayles Ranch Guesthouses

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  22. Elizabeth's vacation is totally DREAMY! Thank you for sharing pictures with us. I think someone would have to drag me out of that house and back to reality! WOW! :)

    I got a nice chuckle knowing that you redecorate when you go on vacation. {I never thought to do that....Now I will!!!} I must say, you did well with what you had to work with. It really looked quite cute once it got "Joni-ized!!!"

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  23. Laughing and feeling so vindicated!

    I come to every rental with containers of clorox wipes and wipe down EVERYTHING first. Then I put all the dishes in the dishwasher and run it. Next up all the sheets in the machine on the hotwater cycle.

    Then I do the "removal sequence" as my husband calls it. Like you, I remove all the hideous pillows, fake plants, etc...and into the the closet.

    But actually decorating....Joni, I think you get a prize!!!

    Lucky Elisabeth :)

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  24. Joni I love you!! I hope Elisabeth knows how lucky she is. And you even decoarte your beach rental You are a designer through and through!!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  25. You are hilarious bringin' your slips with you. Good idea and it does make a difference...much cozier. I haven't been to South Padre in years...it makes me think of those "I'd Rather be ON THE BEACH" bumper stickers. ha.

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  26. Hahaha...That is so cute!Redecorating on vacation. There is nothing like having a space that is visually uncomfortable to put a girl on edge.
    I think carpet is yucky and only have it in one room of my house. Its about 6 months old and I tell myself that such things are sterile when they arrive.

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  27. Redecorate on vacation? Your the greatest!

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  28. I have been to many beautiful beaches in the Carribean and Mexico, plus East and West coast US, but I still say South Padre has one of the best/most reliable profiles for great bodysurfing, wave after wave. Some of the eye candy beaches people ooh and aah over are just that; great to look at, but try to jump in and have some fun, forget it.

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  29. How fun! I love that you always make your space your own, even when it's TEMP space!

    Usually my alterations of a vacation rental focus on moving all the breakables and child-NON-safe items into a closet! But I would rather stay in the nicest place we can afford and economize on every other part of the vacation (eating in, staying farther from the beach , etc.).

    I'm a sucker for an attractive environment and I'll totally choose a rental just b/c of decor. Doesn't have to be expensive, just simple and soothing.

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  30. Brilliant! I have never thought to bring a slipcover for the sofa or bring a tablecloth. I love it. I am always a little weirded out by the "used" factor of a rental. We are going to Rosemary Beach this summer and will be staying in a beautiful carriage house with a view of the ocean. Even though it is already well decorated, I will be bringing some items to make it feel cleaner and more me. :-) Thanks for sharing!

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  31. Hey, I look at these two homes as the perfect blend of modern and vintage! LOL!! The Caribbean home looks like a dream house for me! We travel there each year on a ... crusise ship! If I got to stay in THAT house.. I would never want to come home!!!! :0

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  32. After you are done with the "rental"--that is where I would choose to stay. Happy, beachy, homey and full of life!!!! Hope your princess is having the time of her life!

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  33. I love the photos of the Anguilla house. What lucky girls to have such a great break.

    When my children were school age I used two well laundered twill drop cloths at beach rentals to cover ugly and unhygienic sofas and carpet. I also used quilts a lot as my children wanted to sit in the floor to play games or read. A Souleiado oilcloth on the table and flowers in sand pails for color and you are ready to have fun.

    Isolde

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  34. Now that cracks me up, you redecorating a vacation rental. I haven't resorted to that yet at the condos we stay in FL.

    And how fun for your daughter. We spent a week in St. Martin for our honeymoon almost 5 years ago. Didn't go to Anguilla, but did go over by boat to St. Barts. That was very memorable.

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  35. You and Miss Lizzy make quite a team (will skip the part about the nut not falling far from the tree). I see this as a future partnership, although you must make sure she can write so you can take your share of "travel and send back pictures" part of the deal.

    I love it that you decorate your beach house rental and it's such an improvement. Actually, it's probably a small investment to make sure that you can relax and enjoy your time in the space.

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  36. What a dream getaway for Elizabeth- wow!
    You are too funny with redecorating the summer unit but I do agree, your small changes make a BIG difference. Our unit in Florida was just remodeled last year and lucky for my hubby, I wouldn't be able to fit pillows and slipcovers in my carry on anyway. :)
    Happy Monday Joni~
    T

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  37. Oh my gosh...so glad to hear someone else does this.
    Take down the sad "art", get rid of the creepy fake plants, clear counters and tables of strange knick-knacks, bring in my own linens and pillows...one year I brought my own couch - theirs was just too creepy....a slipcover just didn't do it.

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  38. Joni,
    We have vacationed at condos that could use your decorating touch. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to remove the tacky pictures from the wall and just redecorate the whole place. We looked at buying a time share once. What stopped me from buying was the fact that I could not decorate it to my taste,

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  39. OF COURSE YOU WOULD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why would I expect anything else?!! Joni, you are definitely one of a kind, and that's why we love you so much. You made my entire week--I'll be chuckling about this until Friday!

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  40. Joni-I know Elisabeth is having a FABULOUS time and I hope you won't be too disappointed when you learn that she is not spending her nights in the media room :) I think there is great hope that she will join you--the hat and her interest in the house say it all! We rented the same condo in Destin for 15 years--complete with a blowfish lamp with a bulb in the belly :). We made a lot of fun of it, but my children still miss it! I DID buy a lamp for condo :)

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  41. SO Great. Also, where did you get the killer zebra needlepoint bag?

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  42. Joni, You do your magic and it becomes a charming place to stay. The owners should take some lessons from you. If you can do a quick fix they could too!! Loved the changes. Ticking is one of my favorite fabrics. I use to have a colbalt blue ticking sofa and I plan on getting another one, I miss it!! Great ideas, Kathysue

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  43. great post Joni-your daughter might prefer her new digs to her San Padre, but never never would she wish of a better mother. She is a lucky girl-but not because of the vacations or other great privileges she is fortunate to have. well done,pgt

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  44. I was laughing out loud...funny how all you could muster up about the kitchen was nice fridge! I am sure you appreciate the beauty of it - although not french! - LOVE how you do the rental redo...that is a new one and you know that is what will happen in the Cape this year!

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  45. OMG!!! I thought my best friend and I were a little crazy about our rental houses in Pawley's Island for the last 25 years but you take the whole cake!! We just wash the slipcovers at our rentals - we never thought to bring our own! AND, I would always want to stay at a Mary Kay Andrews rental at Tybee!
    Loved the post - sure the precious daughter is having fun and tucked safely away by 9 every night. (!!)

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  46. I love the rental fix up--its so important to make it your own. We used to do rentals in Southampton and I always brought in some fun pillows and throws as well as tons of candles. Your skype comment made me laugh--we just skyped with my parents over the weekend and everyone looked horrible (especially me!) xx Barbara

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  47. Soul Sister.....I KNOW. My daughters used to do horse shows and the hovels we have stayed in were ...well, words fail me. I would bring in euro shams and throw blankets, and candles, to try to ignore the obvious. I would ALWAYS sneak in my dog, Murphy, in a basket with "accessories" stuffed on top of him (and he was the size of a cocker spaniel, not mini anything), so this part was consistently challenging.(One time we even gave him a bit of a doggie tranquilizer,to insure getting him in the room, unnoticed.) Anyway,your Padre rental looks more appealing than most boutique hotels...so charming and cozy-way to go.

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  48. Sorry...anonymous is me...don't want to give credit to the crazy girl...obviously having problems with "choosing an identity".

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  49. This is just too funny -- and exactly why I love your blog.
    That Seventies Pornstar decor is a lot to contend with, but I think you've prettied it up admirably. And the most important thing is that it sounds like y'all have a great time there.
    I'll take that over lousy company in perfect surroundings any day ...

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  50. hehe - you caught the comment in the kitchen. well, it is hard. i am just so not contemporary. i would rather find a cute shack with white painted wood boards on the floor and walls than some concrete block mansion.

    the zebra bag - i actually bought that at so. padre the year before last at Park 100, the same place i got the pillows. it's a great place.

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  51. Oh so true, must be nice. If we only had a crystal ball to see into the future. I think your daughter may be a realtor after that stay. Mod Squad!!
    You my dear, are such a talent, the way you add pizazz and sizzle (or sisal) to your summer spot is so sweet. I can imagine it to be full of life, fun and comfort.
    We rent a winter place, and I bring sheets, towels, fondue pot, wine glasses, all the ski equipment, and we host an annual ski dinner - We clean like crazy before the season....what are we nuts.
    I now need to make slipcovers.
    pve
    pve

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  52. What a lucky girl! Ask her if she can pack you in her suitcase next time :)

    Next vacation you should do a mother/daughter trip- those are the best!!

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  53. It would never have occurred to me to bring my own rug an slip covers! It looked impressively better when you were through.

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  54. What a lucky gal! And she looks wonderful in her hat! And yes -- I agree with bringing along all of the "necessary" changes for any rental! I would bring along my own sheets and pillows -- and your slipcovers make a huge difference! (even when we drive from Dallas to Toronto we take along pillows, blankets and tea-making items for the road stops!) Love the story about nearly buying a fresh lampshade or two -- I probably would have given in! LOL!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  55. Wow! What can i say, "looking at the piles of snow outside my window"....do you want to change country with me?

    I hope you had a wonderful easter!

    Just me....from the cold scandinavia!!

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  56. You are too funny! I can only imagine renting and living with other peoples stuff!!! I would probably do the same thing, AND sheets, pillows and towels would be first on my list! I hate sleeping in other beds.

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  57. You ask that we show our summer rental redecorating - are you really serious? If the place is this crummy, why not opt for a nicer place rather than vacation on the cheap and bring your own decor. I would be embarrassed to even publish the fact that I am this stingy.

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  58. Oh goody, Anonymous is alive and well. I thought perhaps she'd died of terminal meanness.

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  59. Well, if I couldn't have Elizabeth's accommodations (how amazing is that house??), could I at least travel with you in my knapsack? My own house doesn't even look as good as your vacation rentals! What do you do with all the stuff after vacation?

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  60. Joni~I would love to talk with you...can you email me, when you get a chance?

    Thanks, Meme


    www.thescreamingmeme.blogspot.com
    screamingmemedesigns@gmail.com

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  61. Well...

    Must be Nice.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting
    http://g-w-hunting.blogspot.com

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  62. You're a miracle worker with that condo Joni! And the spring break beach shack is unbelievable...

    What a special vacation for Elisabeth! Very Nice!

    Jessica~

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  63. I love the condo redecorating - you are too much, in a good way! :-) I do the same thing - slips, duvet covers, throw rugs in the lake house we own and rent out to others during the summer. That way I can wash everything before we use it! I swear, the way some renters leave things is shocking! Thank God for bleach and OxyClean. How do we find more renters like you?

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  64. Here are my recommendations for food and fun in Anguilla:

    Picante's for Mexican roasted corn

    Straw Hat for the fries and the Tomato Tart

    Go to George's for Lunch and see Cap Julca.

    Barrel Stay restaurant in Sandy Ground...Briliant!

    Drinks for sunset cocktails at the Viceroy.

    Blanchard's is a must!

    Trattoria Tramonti for Lunch - Shoal Bay WEST, not Shoal Bay EAST

    and for bar's ... baby it's Elvis'

    xxx

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  65. Oh my gosh I didn't know that anyone else was like me....I have never re-decorated but think of it and when I even make the slightest comment about changing something my Hubs goes wild, he thinks I'm OCD or something, it is so nice to know I'm not the only one!

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  66. Lucky Elizabeth! Wow! What a place! Elizabeth looks so cute in her hat. I am laughing out loud about redecorating the condo. I have done that every time we go anywhere. I take kitchen pots, pans, etc. with me, and I pack things in baskets that I can scatter around the condo. It is a huge joke with our family. "Mom can't go down to the beach until she redecorates-bye Mom!" I have even rearranged chairs in hotel rooms. I KNOW I'm OC about nesting in places where I'm only staying for a little while. It's all I can do to keep from rearranging the bedroom when I am staying in a friend's home!! laurie

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  67. I love it. Redecorating your rental. Too great.

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  68. Your summer redeocrating is uhm.. hmmm.. let me think.. BRILLIANT! I don't rent because i never really feel that comfortable, but now I am thinking i could have a little more fun with this.. Tossing blankets over the sofa isn't so appealing. I honestly never thought of the slipcovers.. what a ding-ding I am?

    Vie

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  69. i thot i was the only one who re-did as soon as i get there!! wow!
    the condo-- and we thot Ft. Meyers
    was classy!!!!!

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  70. I LOVE what you did to your rental. You transformed it!! If the owners saw it, they'd want it to remain as you had it here. Good thoughts with rentals! Lucky E!

    -s

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  71. you are hysterical! I dream of doing this, but never knew people actually do!!!!! I suppose if you are there for a month it really is worth it. again, HYSTERICAL!

    and I can't even bring myself to comment on Elizabeth's dream vacation. first the beautiful bedroom, and now this!

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  72. I cannot even believe that you bring your own slipcovers and pillows. OK, actually I can. You crack me up! Hope Elisabeth is having a fabulous time... and for the future... Destination Weddings are the way to go! (though as a DW bride, I'm a little biased. But seriously! They're great!)

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  73. I bet she had a great trip. That house is awesome! Love your work to the rental.

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  74. wow...what an amAZing place your daughter went to! the pool is gorgeous.

    and the redecorating your rental had me in smiles :) your touches were so cute....i have never thought of packing my own slip! what a great idea! even in the most gorgeous rentals the couches kind of gross me out.

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  76. Joni I must have missed this many moons ago , so came over from Linda's. This is just the smartest thing anyone could do.
    Your touches make all the difference in the world!
    After all these years can't you get the landlord to paint out those neon blue walls!?

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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