The very first time I laid my eyes on Joni's blog I knew she was a force to be reckoned with. Her posts are always so well thought out and researched, full of beautiful images and of course a dose of Joni humor!
While I tend to be a bit shy on her blog. With most of her post reaching well over a 100 comments I never really feel like anything little old me has to say is too important I do enjoy devouring them.
So sit back relax and enjoy I day in the life of Cote de Texas. I think I pretty much figured out her secret to those posts of her...it's STARBUCKS! Read and you will see for yourself.
Wake up – hit up Starbucks for run #1 of the day!!! Then I swing by McDonald’s and get a sausage biscuit. Shhh – don’t tell my Rabbi! It’s a rainy day here in Houston, which sure makes you not want to work too hard.
Next it’s time to head to my office for the day. My “office” is actually my back patio where I blog on the computer. Except, oops – it’s raining, so I’ll have to spend the day at my other office.
OK, I’m all set up in the other office, my back porch. Let’s see, I’ve got my candle going, my laptop is plugged in, my books of fabric samples are out - I need to order some fabrics for clients today, I’ve got my new Kathryn Ireland book that I’m reading – I’m organized for the day. Except I end up taking a little morning nap for a while out here – it’s hard to stay awake when it rains.
Alright, up from my morning nap, time for Starbucks run #2 – where I order the “It’s Joni!” into the squawk box. They love me here – do you blame them?
And time for a little lunch. Creature of habit: Whataburger #6 with onion rings, no fries please. They love me here, too.
It’s still raining, so I’m back at my alternate office for some serious blogging time after I get those darned fabrics ordered already. Then, I’ll have my first appointment of the day, well, afternoon that is. You want to join me?
Let’s go. It’s going to be a hard commute to my appointment today. My client actually lives in the house directly across the street from me. See the house with the white truck in front of it? Instead of driving there, I’ll just walk over and worry about my frizzy hair later, Scarlett.
So, let’s see, I REALLY need to concentrate now and work hard. Hmmmm. I like paint sample #2. Done! My client is building new cabinets in the study and the painter is waiting on the color choice.
And I need to check on the progress of the kitchen remodeling, she is putting in a gorgeous matte black granite countertop and a creamy subway tile backsplash – nice and classic. But the best part – a Shaw’s sink is going in! Looking good so far.
Appointments are over for the day. Whew, I’m exhausted from all the hard work. I’ll just walk back across the street and go home, check in with my office and see what’s happening.
Still raining at the office. Think I’ll go to the store and buy some flowers, tomorrow’s a BIG day here at Cote de Texas. The Houston Chronicle is coming to photograph my dining room table for an article on holiday decorating. Me? Holiday decorating? Haven’t they listened to the new Skirted Roundtable this week (HERE)? Shameless plug. I better hurry, it’s starting to get dark.
I’m back – the mini roses look just “OK” I guess. I really needed another dozen. I can’t believe I have to go set my table for nothing! Well, I could always submit it to Tablescape Tuesday.
The Chronicle is doing a story on something you use each year for your Holiday table – I told them I always use my antique silver meat dome! Except I haven’t really even had it since last Christmas! But the editor liked the story, so I”ll just set the table with a few place settings. Where’s Eddie Ross when you REALLY need him??????????? You know, I’m kind of tired from my hard day, I think I’ll just set the table in the morning. They aren’t coming until 3:00 pm so I’ll have plenty of time before then. I hope the flowers still look good tomorrow.
Good dinner tonight! Usually I eat Wendy’s Caesar salad, but tonight my daughter Elisabeth was sweet enough to go pick up some Chinese and Sushi! Yum – I have real food tonight! One more quick run to Starbucks #3 today – that’s actually a light day for me. Then, I’ll go back to my office for some late night work.
It’s not raining anymore, so I’m back at my “real” office for the night. Until, it’s really late at night when I finally get to watch some TV news after Ben goes to bed.
Here I am all snuggly in my chair and ottoman for some serious late night blogging! This is where all the REAL work goes down.
OK, I REALLY need to go to bed – The Morning Joe is already on. I love this show – Joe and Mika, she’s so funny. They crack me up. And yes, I’m a liberal, I watch MSNBC! Don’t worry, I watch Fox too – just to be all fair and balanced out. In truth I’ve already been sleeping a few hours on top of my computer. Wish I had a shot of that pretty picture! I can see an impression of the keyboard imbedded in my forehead. Alright, I’m off to bed, I have another really busy day tomorrow with my big photoshoot!!!
A big thank you to Joni! So happy that she participated! It was fun seeing a glimpse of your life and I must say I'm very jealous over your lovely office space. I would take the outdoor cafe table, outdoor sofa or comfy chair any day of the week.
I hope you've all enjoyed a glimpse into the lives of the ladies that make up the The Skirted Round Table. You can catch Megan's day here and Linda is up next Friday!
loved it!
ReplyDeleteOk so I just can not stop smiling. She is just the best. Your post was wonderful . How many days has Joni brightened for us all! I have seen a lot of images of her living room but not of her kitchen. Thank you for showing some photo's from it. I really like her counters and the cabinet color.
ReplyDeletehahahah, i know i just love her!! (and that outdoor space!!)
ReplyDeleteyou & she have been some of the sweetest ppl in blogworld to me!!!
love yas!!
xoxoxo
This is just perfectly Joni! She acts so non chalant yet cranks out these 1000+ word posts.
ReplyDeleteand I love the night shot of the computer- I know the sound of those chairs scootching in the brick from our evenings at the skirted round table.
So much fun, I was smiling the whole time reading this! I wish I could be her best friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm cracking up that she just yells "It's Joni" into the Starbucks drivethru. And I'm dying that she put Whataburger on there! I miss it so! She is so cute and funny and I loved seeing the outside of her house. I know that neighborhood (being from Houston) but I don't think she's ever shown us the outside of her house. Great post Camila!
ReplyDeleteThis has to be one of my favorites yet! She is completely hilarious. All that Starbucks!! Joni's taste is impecable and I'm with the other commenters...I want her to be my friend too!
ReplyDeleteI love Joni she is just the best! She does always have the best posts and puts so much effort and time into them how can you not love her?!?
ReplyDeleteOn top of that I am jealous of her office and how her day went, looks like such a great job she has.
I don't think Joni really ever sleeps. A cat nap, some Starbucks and she's raring to go. I'd love to see the photo of her napping over her laptop, QWERTY embedded on her forehead. The blogger's life, no doubt. I'd love to have her outdoor office no question!
ReplyDeleteShe is hilarious! I can't believe this woman with such brilliant taste lives off of fast food and chain coffee - especially when H-town is soooo full of fabulous alternatives - oh well, it works for her!
ReplyDeleteSo glad she shared her day with us!
Thank you SO much for including me and my Skirted Roundtable cohorts!! This was so much fun. Sorry it was such a boring day, the next day was so much more exciting (yeah, sure.) Here is the correct link to the Holiday Decorating with Two Grinches and a Jew:
ReplyDeletehttp://skirtedroundtable.blogspot.com/2009/09/holiday-decorating-by-experts.html
Great post... but no shoes (my fav part)!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you all for your comments! You are all so sweet!!!
ReplyDeleteYes- I live off fast food unless Elisabeth brings home something wonderful - I am ashamed to admit it. And please, do NOT be jealous of my back yard - it is 20 x 50 - that's it!!! teeny tiny. a courtyard really. Elisabeth never even got to have a swingset or a trampoline or a jungle jim, poor thing!!!
I have said it before and I will say it again, she is so lucky she lives 1000's of miles away from me, otherwise I would be stalking her morning, noon and night. If a house comes up for sale right next door to her I am forcing my husband to move. I want to be her best friend, assistant, neighbor, sister, STALKER!! I just love that I finally got a daily run down of all the places I can kidnap her. xoxo, MB
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! Joni is wonderful and I love that she works outside. That is so me, oh and nap time, love it.
ReplyDeleteIf you really want to see a shot of Joni's shoes, check out her post on the Round Top Antique fair today. There's a picture of her with Brooke Gianetti and it looks like Joni has on turquoise cowboy boots under those white linen slacks. Would you expect anything else in Texas?
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing Joni into your a day in her shoes - loved it! So great that all she has to say is It's Joni into the Starbucks squakbox!
ReplyDeleteHysterical! Joni cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Joni is a HOOT! LOVE that girl! AND her turquoise boots and linen.;)
ReplyDeleteHahah...my word verification for the comment is "nonmonk".... that would be me alright!
I love this - she is so fun/funny and quirky! And I love her diet :) lol
ReplyDeletei'm loving this series! would you do a day with Erika from urban grace?
ReplyDeleteOh my! I was laughing! Joni is a wonderful lady and I think all of us love her a lot! To me it is as I know her for a long time. Wonderful post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreet
Yes, Joni makes it seem so easy - like all she does is nap and drink coffee ... but I think we all know how much work go into her great posts. Great story!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to do "a day in the life...". I often wondered how Joni cranks out those amazing posts that she does. I think all the Starbucks caffeine has a little something to do with it? lol.... She's an amazing blogger and I agree with many of you... her humor (even if it is self-deprecating) is wonderful and refreshing in a blogging world where most of us are afraid to REALLY voice our opinions about things because we are afraid we might offend someone. Joni usually lays it all out there (well... I'm sure she reserves some of her thoughts!). Fun post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! Thanks so very much! Yes - loved the photo shot of those turquoise darlings Joni was wearing. Just goes to confirm how unique and individual she really is!
ReplyDeletejoni, my neighbor is an exec at starbucks. i'll let her know that you play a major role in her kids going to college.
ReplyDeletecamila, so happy you stopped by pixelimpress the other day! pam
What a great feature! Thank you for your comment--it has led me to your blog and I love it!!
ReplyDeleteI love Joni and I would go to Whataburger with her any day of the year! : )
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sue
I hope you will now start commenting on her posts, it totally makes my day (week, month...) when you write me little words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI am drooling over Joni's kitchen counters (under the delish take-out!)....thanks again for a fun post!
Thanks for the great post! Fun to see pics of Joni's day.
ReplyDelete...now we now her secret, I shall now call Joni -
ReplyDeleteCote de Starbucks...! That must be how she get's it all done!!
pve
I love Joni! She's so talented and such sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteI love this feature on your blog. Lots of Starbucks runs - what's wrong with homemade? Love my Cuisinart...
ReplyDeleteJoni wears the cutest cowboy-style boots, by the way. cheers! -susan
ReplyDeleteHaha! I love this post. Great personality... and I love her 'office' too!! I'm now officially craving a Starbucks latte.xoRH
ReplyDeleteShe's such a crack up. "Don't tell my Rabbi." Priceless.
ReplyDeleteThis was great. I do love her. And teeny tiny backyard- who cares. It looks gorgeous! And who would have guessed the fast food? Not I!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the day in Houston Joni...I miss it and you have filled my craving for the day.
ReplyDeletelove it.she is awesome! hail the great cote de texas!
ReplyDeleteok so what is it about midnight!! I so agree!!
ReplyDeleteI am a newbie to your blog, and what a fun read it is! I love Cote de Texas and The Skirted Roundtable, which is how I linked to you. Joni cracks me up! Still awake at 6 am for Morning Joe!!! Let me just quickly mention how adorable Harold Ford Jr is....;)Well, clearly I need to go get a Starbucks card. Thanks for following her for the day!
ReplyDeleteLOVE JONI-
ReplyDeleteSuch a witty and insightful post.
Hmm...3 Starbucks (she did not say what she custom-ordered) and a burger and Caesar salad. Now we know she does not cook. No wonderful she has so much time to write her great blog, for the pleasure of everyone.
High-Heeled: I love the energy and wit of your blog and I'm adding it to my blog roll of favorites.
cheers, www.thestylesaloniste.com
* Am sure everyone ELSE is smiling at the very ludicrous THOUGHT of "our Ms. Joni" EVER having such an easy, relaxing, "do-nothing" kind of day day as she made THIS SOUND!!!
ReplyDeleteNope!!! ~~~ Magnificent & thorough research, terriffic writing along w/ a fabulous sense of humor AND sheer dedication to meeting her OWN, demanding & self-imposed timetables does NOT get done by computer alone~~~~ SOMEBODY'S gotta push the buttons!!! And, PUSH THEM WELL YOU DO, dearest Joni!!!
Suuuuch a delightful, fun, funny & lighthearted read this evening~~~ SOOOO MANY THANKS!!! WE LUV YOU TO PIECES, kiddo!
XOXO,
Linda in AZ *
Joni, my hat is off to you...this is the first "real" Day in the Life Of, that I think I've read. Usually they sound a bit "dream" like or shall I say it, "fake." This sounded like a real day...and I love ya for it! :-)
ReplyDeleteOk, now I'm gonna go read Megans and see if she kept it real. LOL
Susan
P.S. Love your office!
Copy chic but pretty well done. Can Joni cook? I mean really all that take out food. Pretty kitchens but obviously not cooks' kitchens. Just another princess who reveres labels & knows how to make reservations.
ReplyDeleteI just couldnt leave your website before saying that I really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors...
ReplyDeleteTexas
LOVE this day in the life of the amazing Joni..how very real can you get..starbucks, MacDo's ... I just feel like I am tagging along with my best friend, brilliant!
ReplyDeletebisous!
Kit
Great taste, love your information, I always learn something even in your personal peregrinations.
ReplyDeleteThanks love it.
decogirlmontreal
This is meant to be a complete compliment. OK?? Understood?
ReplyDeleteThere are very few people who can thrive (not "exist"; but THRIVE" on 5 hours sleep a night.
Joni is one. Martha Stewart is one. Bill Clinton is one!
Congratulations, Joni! You are truly "uber" productive!
And we, your readers, are the beneficiaries!!
Bravo!!!
I stay up too late.....(I have ADD and, just cannot blog with the phone ringing and clients, and business!) but, I cannot do with 5 hours a night!
We are a lucky bunch of readers!!!
Penelope
Hi Joni,
ReplyDeleteCould you share with me the paint color of your outside trim? My home is a very faded pinkish, tan and gray brick. After years of wishing it was all white with black shutters I am learning to love the color of my brick. However the current cream house trim and dark gray shutters looks very dated and hodge podge. Your exterior trim color looks like it may be just perfect for all my outside trim, doors and shutters. Thank you, I am new to your blog and just loving it!!! Had a few rooms measured for seagrass just today :-)