In today’s cosy cottage vlog, I’m finally tackling a few outdoor and finishing jobs that have been bothering me since the renovations. I start by giving the concrete steps outside a little makeover with paint, hoping to make them feel more finished and pulled together after all the building work. Then I move on to one of the messiest areas in the garden, a raised bulb bed that had become completely overgrown and untidy after spring. I clear everything out and replant the space with late-flowering summer perennials, transforming it from messy to pretty and hopefully setting myself up for lots of cut flowers from summer into early autumn. Back inside, I continue chipping away at some of the smaller DIY jobs around the cottage, including finishing floor trim and replacing transition strips, those little details that make such a difference once they’re done. I also squeeze in a quick visit to the garden centre for a little inspiration and a browse through the plants. If you enjoy cosy home and garden vlogs, satisfying transformations, cottage garden inspiration, and realistic renovation progress, I hope you enjoy spending the day with me. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcx0GWauE1_cQYSkk70y0YA/join 📚📚📚📚📚 Books 📚📚📚📚📚 I am delighted to announce that my second book, "Heart & Home" by Catherine Carton, is now available. The book is not just about home and garden projects; it's about creating a space that truly reflects you. From wall panelling to simple projects and growing your garden, I share my personal tips for putting your heart into your home. Order from Eason's with quick international shipping: https://www.easons.com/search?q=Catherine%20Carton&category=Books Order my first book now: Carving time out of our hectic, plugged-in lives to play and create can bring stillness and satisfaction. The projects in my book are for everyone, so take a break from the world, reignite your creative spark and make your home a little bit more beautiful! In my book, I share over fifty of my favourite projects, from upcycling, crafting, sewing, painting and gardening, many of which take unloved items and make them shine again. ** Signed copies: You can order a signed copy from my publisher ( while stock lasts ) here: https://obrien.ie/dainty-dress-diaries International shipping is available. If you are in the US and Canada, you can order from Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dain... For free creative project ideas, check out my blog: https://www.daintydressdiaries.com Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free furniture makeover guide: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/607c4f... Get to know me & FAQ: https://www.daintydressdiaries.com/2020/12/about-me.html Follow me: Blog: www.daintydressdiaries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daintydressdiaries/ Music: Epidemic Sound *affiliate links and ads. I use auto ADs on YouTube. Although ADs are annoying, they help pay for all the valuable free content I create for you. Members can watch AD-free videos and get a 1st look at weekly uploads. I really appreciate your support on my blog and Youtube channel at this time. I always read through the comments, and I really appreciate your kindness. I try to heart and reply to as many as I can. THANK YOU :) ** Your safety is my priority. Please take care when using power tools and machines. While I've made every effort to make sure this video contains accurate information, I'm not responsible for any direct or indirect damages that may occur in connection to the information contained here. Please complete the projects featured on my channel at your own risk and consult a professional if you have any questions. Get creative, but stay safe!
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Ha! When you are on and my husband wants to interrupt, I telll him, “Shhhh, you can’t see me, I’m not here right now, I’m in Ireland visiting with my Irish friend, Catherine. I’ll be home in about (fill in with time remaining) TeeHee, he’s wonderful and lets me watch. Most times I do wish I really was with you visiting all the cute little shops and bringing home lots of cute little things I really do not need, at age 74 I’ve already too much accumulated things I really do not need, but I was shopping with Catherine! and could not help myself! ❤
I loved how you moved that tin of paint with your foot. 😂
Catherine, The steps look good with the painting you just did.
I would leave the steps white, they look amazing!
I love the white steps. They make the brick garden wall pop. They look lovely as is with some potted flowers off to the side. Less is more sometimes. 😊
The steps look good white ,some nice pots with flowers on the edge would look lovely
Love the nifty move of the paint pot whilst sweeping at beginning of vlog 😂
I think wait to play around with the steps until after the party. If you don't like the brick painting, you may feel stressed to get it fixed up in a time crunch. It looks nice now and you can always play later. Also, sending love for that walk... felt all the feels with you on that.
You should see how folks go to the stores where I live lol! You look like high fashion in your cut off overalls!
I think that tree is a Kwanzaa cherry tree. They are gorgeous!
For perennials: The first year planting they sleep. The second year after, they creep. The third year - they LEAP! 😂
Catherine, you are such an inspiration! How about some pretty tiles on the vertical surfaces of the concrete steps? Or paint the entire steps in black and white checkerboard? Both are very classic looks. And I love the dead duck doorstop, LOL!
You could stencil a pretty pattern on your step ❤
The white steps look clean and bright. If you feel a time crunch, just get the gardens in order--your guests aren't going to take photos of the steps. If you have extra time, the painted bricks will look lovely as well. No extra stress. You need to have emotional room to enjoy your niece's party as well--don't overwhelm yourself. Creating a feeling of warmth and welcome is more important than anything else you can do. You feeling that peace will make the party memorable. You have done so much over the last couple months and years. Be proud of yourself and your beautiful home/garden. Enjoy your garden, enjoy your party. Blessings to you!
The garden is looking so beautiful. Be thankful your dad wore boxers. Mine walked around in speedos gardening all the time. Talk about trauma as a teen 😂😂😂
White steps are lovely . ❤
I’m impressed with the turnout for the charity walk. I’m a griever so I really appreciate what you did. Thank you Catherine. 😢
My only tip for Soring cleanup and keeping up with it is "When you see it, Clean it". Or, you know how you did your cleaning in the house using a timer? Set aside 1 hour a day for outside work.
I personally think the look you have now is very classy…I think the brick look would totally take the look very barn backward look….I personally think if you just painted the steps the correct grey color it would really shine and be very beautiful…Blessings
Such a memory. My dad was an absolutely amazing garden and as he only wore proper shirts he used to cut the sleeves off them.and also the legs from his trousers xx