Putting Around for Memorial Day

Happy belated Memorial Day. 
Our Connecticut weekend originally appeared like it would be a cold chilly wash out.  Thankfully Monday resurrected the holiday and we were able to get out for some old fashioned fun.  EG *strongly dislikes* when I get all personal and share family photos so I *may or may not* have borrowed these photos from getty images and I may be pretending that these are my kiddos...or they may just be stock photography that I pulled from getty.  You'll never know.   

We were thrilled to see the sun in good ole Connecticut on Monday.  What better way to spend the day then go to put put! 

 (Oh ignore that thermometer...it reads forty degrees!  Kidding) 

This getty image kid looks an awful lot like my own little Vivster...

And this little guy swings his golf clubs exactly like a hockey stick.  In fact, we kept having to retrieve his ball from three or four tees over...We had a blast.  After a few arm shots, we had hot dogs and ice cream at the miniature golf course.  Then headed over to our local pool, which opened this weekend.  The water was as cold as icicles but the kids didn't seem to mind!    A great weekend kick-off to the summer (we still have another month left of school here--yikes!) 

How was your Memorial Day?  Did you brave the roads and traffic or airports and getaway to the beaches?  Or did you stay local? 

Weekend in Essex, CT

 

Last weekend was a nice long weekend so we decided to take a day trip to Essex, Connecticut.  I love Essex because it's such a quaint New England town with historic houses that line a beautiful main street.  There is a main strip of antique shops, retail stores, coffee houses and restaurants that makes for a fun stroll on a sunny day.  And of course, "The Griswold Inn" adds such wonderful character right in the middle of town.  We ate brunch in the Tavern room on Sunday and there was a little band playing. 

 

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. 

 

 

We call this "The Birdhouse" House.  This is one of my favorite houses along main street- and it's actually for sale.  (Interested parties can view more photos here). 

The yard is always so manicured!

 

Courtesy William Pitt Realty

 

 

 Yes, the sun is glaring into my iPhone but I love this house as well-- The bright red door and black lacquer shutters, love! 

Courtesy of Historic Buildings of CT

 The houses are still decorated with New England Christmas flair.  Fresh greenery and wreaths adorn the doorways and gates. 

 

 

 

 

 

The 'boys' outside of The Griswold Inn just as we're getting ready to go in for brunch. 

 

 

Courtesy of The American Public House

 

 

 

And the "after" photo of the Vivster and and me relaxing after we have stuffed our tummies with wonderful comfort food. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Strolling along Main Street doing some "window" shopping. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The kids get some exercise by the water. 

 

 

We continue on to look at more of the houses.  Some have very nautical themes.  Essex is right on the water!  A beautiful place to visit in the spring and summer time. 

 

 

The kids stop to reflect the day's events. 



It's nice to visit other New England towns outside of my own.   

It makes for a fun day trip away with the family. 

 

  I know I've been off to a slow start this year in blogging.  I've been taking some time off to enjoy the family.  We've been so busy during the weekends and the weeks seem to fly by.  You know the drill.  Before we know it, spring will be here.  Once I get my act together and get myself more organized, I'll be back on track with blogging more regularly again!  Promise, ya'll! 

xoxo

Heather | Vivid Hue Home

Roots Keep You Grounded

I love mixing vintage family photos

with modern decor. The effect is quirky, nostalgic and fun.

I love purchasing artwork, too, but there's something special about using family photos around your home.
Roots remind you where you've come from.

Here are some family photos I've used in my own home:

 

This is my mamma (left) and Aunt Lorsie (right), sunbathing:

My Aunt Lorsie had Chanel-couture style and exuded great southern charm. People wanted to be around her
because she just made them smile.

My mama taught me to roll my hair with orange juice cans growing up to get a "natural" curl... This picture is hanging in my daughter's room and reminds me to keep a witty sense of humor.

This is Vivian Louise Norwood, my grandmother.

I never knew her but I know the 7 little ducklings she produced (including my mother).



She was a strong German woman. My mom remembers

baking cookies with her in the kitchen and she would say,

"We're making a memory."

Growing up, my mom said that to me.

Now, I say that to my kids.

I have all of these photos arranged in my
little girl, Vivi's room.

 

 

 

Just because a photo is old doesn't mean you have to treat it as such.  Here are two family photos I framed with fun modern mats.  These are hanging in my guest room and are guaranteed conversation starters.   

 

Can you believe this is a legitimate family photo? 
I couldn't recreate this if I tried!  I want to go back in time to this day.  My Aunt Jan is dressed to the nines while side straddling a horse in her front yard on the farm. 
To this day, my Aunt Jan has unbeatable class.

This is my Uncle Ralph. He had a tour in Japan when he was in the military. I love this picture because, to me, it

looks like he's a movie star on a movie set.

 

This is in my son's room.  My kids at the pool when they were smaller. It doesn't quite count as a vintage photo--yet--but I love how Jack is sitting on Vivi and she seems to care less. It's fun and reminds me of their personalities.

And lastly, this is a sketch of my husband's childhood home in

Upstate New York. On etsy, there are artists that can do this from a photograph. My sister gave this to us as a gift one

Christmas and it is still one of the best gifts ever.
It reminds me of warm, cozy holidays.

 

 

My mom and her sisters are headed back 'home' this week.

They're going to visit their brother, my Uncle Bubby,

who is sick and has cancer.

It's so important to hold onto your roots.

To remember family and enjoy each moment.

Tell me how you've added nostalgia to your home!

Email me here