Notes from A Cottage Industry

We went to Mother's

    I was in Portland this weekend. I haven't been there since last summer, and I had forgotten just how much I love it there.
    One of the many fabulous things about portland is it's restaurants. Sure, they have the chain establishments, but better than those are all the funky , unique, local ones. We went to the best (in my opinion)  breakfast place in all of P-town on Sunday; Mother's.
    The idea for this great place came from the owner, (and chef) Lisa Schroeder, who decided that the best food is not in restaurants, but from people's homes, so she created Mother's. The atmosphere is to die for. Brocade wall paper, huge chandeliers, and giant ornate mirrors on the brick walls. Absolutely charming, and chic. I had to do a walk through the entire place just to feast my eyes. Up in the front where you sit while waiting your turn for a table is a wonderful sigh that reads " Be nice or leave" and all the coffee cups say "Call your Mother".
    Each month they feature a Mother of the Month (M.O.M.) on the inside cover of the menu, and tell all about her and her cooking.
    The food is great, and my daughters both say it's the very best biscuits and gravy on the entire planet, so I'll take their word for it. As for myself, I had the legendary crunchy French toast, and it was amazing. Mmmm, de-lish.
    Do not miss this place if you're ever lucky enough to be in Portland Oregon.

Words to live by (week 14)

    Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired,and success achieved.
Helen Keller

finds of the day

    My gosh, I am posting quite late today. It has been one busy week.
    Today I went junkin' with the Bride-to-be. We were actually on the hunt for empty wine crates for the Maid-of-Honor's boyfriend, but instead, we found a vintage shopping cart, some compotes and a treasure trove of vintage suitcases. All of them in great condition too.
    You would think after a while I would have more suitcases than I would know what to do with, but so far, that has not happened. I just cannot seem to get enough.
    I keep some, sell some, give some of them to friends. I am planning to decoupage some of this latest group, and they will be showing up on my newly improved website very soon, so keep watching for my re-opening!

Inspiration Friday-Cherry Hill Cottage

    OK, I know I am supposed to share pictures of inspiration stuff, but...
The Bride-to-be called me just now and told me I had to see this site. It's called Cherry Hill Cottage.
    Oh, my! Only one word for this site. INSPIRATIONAL. I simply had to share.
    Look at this off the chart creative idea with a vintage screen door. Tooooo cute.
    Check out her Blog, and you'll be motivated to start nesting. *sigh*  Just charming.

Au Natural

   
Oh. My. Gosh.
     Have you gotten the May issue of Romantic Homes?! If not, you need to run to your nearest shop to grab a copy.
There is a terrific eight page article on French inspired spring cleaning. It's all about the timeless tradition of spring cleaning,the pure and organic way.
     The photographs alone are enough to motivate me to  want to clean absolutely every nook and cranny in my cottage, rearranging and fluffing as I go along my merry way.
The article stresses the use of natural products, like vinegar, olive oil, coarse salt....oh, and dried lavender of course.
     The Bride-to-be has been on board with all of this green thinking for a long time (those folks in Portland, and all of Oregon for that matter, are so far ahead of us in Nevada in the thinking green game) and she has gotten me to realize that if we don't all start thinking this way, there will be nothing much left for my future grand babies. I'm not gonna stand on this (organic) soap box all day, I am just saying, I see the light. I'm drinking the kool-aid. I get it. I am going to make the conscious effort to think environmentally smarter. 
    Of course, I already recycle my milk jugs and soda pop cans, and you know I decorate with thrifted items. It's about time I got on board with my cleaning products, and this fabulous article, with all the romance in each photo has totally motivated me to not start tomorrow. I am starting today.

Mother's Day Breakfast plans

      Sssssh! Don't tell my mother, but I'm beginning to start making my plans for a wonderfully cozy Mother's Day brunch or breakfast with my Mom. (It's May 13th you know, coming up here pretty quick!)
    I think it might be just the two of us and that gives me the opportunity to make it even more special. Plus, it's another opportunity to wear my newest apron.
     So, I am thinking about doing kind of a "Calico's and Quilting" theme (she is the Sewing Queen after all) and these are a few of the things I have gathered so far. She collects  little dress forms (this collection began by accident and has grown...) and I just found this darling wire dress form to add to her collection at...say it with me now people, TJ Maxx. (where else?)
    At the next couple of yard sale excursions I am hoping to come across some old sewing spools and maybe buttons on cards to add to the theme. I might also fill a pretty glass container with buttons. I still need to come up with a place card idea, (something with some buttons?) but I was thrilled at how well this darling calico looking frame (uh huh, TJ Maxx again) works with my china as a menu holder.I have lots of other ideas for the table scape. I will make a banner and  as a final touch, I just might make a Sewing Queen crown for the guest of honor.

     Here is the invitation I have come up with. If you click on the picture, it should enlarge so you can read the wording.(edited to add: I discovered that I have a typo on the year, and I will fix that later tonight) No, it's not the sewing theme, but I think it turned out pretty cute. (That's a picture of one of my cupcakes I shared with you a while back!) I am going to mail it this Saturday... she'll love it, I know.

another thrifted treasure

    The wedding cake topper and Christmas ornaments weren't the only things I got last Saturday. I also got a patio table and chair set (I have a naked patio sense the move, and I just can't pay, I won't pay retail for a new one, no matter how cute it may be) and the most adorable folding screen.
    It was a wheat-like yellow when I found it Saturday, and I had visions of it in my bedroom. The color seemed perfect, and I love the arched shape and appliqué details. Well, it didn't work out at all in the bedroom, and for a moment I panicked, feeling enormous buyers remorse.
    Then it struck me. It might be just the most perfect accent in the large dining room, behind my wonderful thrifted reading chair. I dragged it to the dining room and tried it out. Perfect. But the color...not so much.

     Then, I had an epiphany. Out to the garage, and some black spray primer. Then a coat of eggshell black paint. Now, the fabulous wheat colored screen is black. And perfect. I love it, I love it. I. Love. It. (remember the corner of the room without the screen?)
    *sigh* Oh, taking a discarded and thrifted item and creating something useful and beautiful out of it is such a satisfying thing.

Tying the knot

   

    We spent a good part of the Sunday making the "Save the Date" cards for the bride's upcoming wedding. Didn't they come out cute?
    The colors didn't photograph as well as I would have liked, but you can get the idea. (take my word for it, the colors coordinated just perfectly, even the postage stamps!)
    She chose the colors from one of her favorite flowers, hydrangeas.(a periwinkle blue and a kind of chartreuse green, which the Maid-of-Honor loves as well)
    These were so easy to assemble. We printed on the swirly chartreuse (although you cannot really see the pretty swirl pattern in my photo) patterned paper, then cut it out with pinking shears and glued a ribbon tied in a knot to the paper. (get it? They're tying the knot!) We then glued that paper to the shimmery periwinkle background paper.
    A second coordinating paper (one side argyle checks and the other a shimmery pale periwinkle that we printed on) was filled with additional information for the guests that are invited to stay at the Bed and Breakfast for the wedding weekend.
*sigh* Just perfect. Now, we must get these little babies addressed and in the mail.

words to live by (week 13)

       

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.Helen Keller
    It physically hurts my heart to look at this picture of my old cottage workshop, back in my old life, in my old house. (I refuse to call it a home now)
    With all that has gone on in my life the past  six and a half months, this week's quotation really made me stop and realize, once again, that its all in how you perceive things (oh my! We're back to that half full, half empty thing again...)
    I just closed my Cottage Industry business, at least temporarily, and I am not sure where it's going at this point. At the oddest moments, I will find myself feeling sad and angry at the same time for the huge change in my life that brought this all about. I was going ahead at lightning speed and then the door. slammed. on. me.
        Stumbling upon this quote was a 1,000 watt light bulb moment for me.  I see clearly now that the reason I am struggling with this is that I keep looking longingly backwards at that closed door. I hadn't really tried to look at the wonderful new possibilities that might lie ahead.
    Well, starting today, I am not looking back at that closed door any more. Nope. I don't want to miss a  single opportunity to find happiness, and I think that door is right around the corner. In fact, I know it is.

Vintage finds of the day

   
I had a rough week, but Saturday's here and it's all good. I pretty much live for Saturday mornings this time of year. You see, it's my favorite season. No, not Spring. Yard sale season.
     Up at six, gone from the house by seven, Pam and I headed out and I got a couple of wonderful treasures. Vintage Christmas ornaments, (in the original boxes even!) ...and (insert drum roll here please) ...the find of the day...a vintage wedding cake topper.
     Oh, it's going to be a so beyond perfect decoration for the bride-to-be's wedding shower. She's totally a shabby chic girl and this will be a darling addition to the party. I paid fifty cents for this lovely couple. Wow. That is a steal. (I have looked at these on eBay, people..believe me, vintage cake toppers are not cheap.)
    The Christmas ornaments are for the Bride-to-be also. She is collecting them, and at a dollar a box, I grabbed all of them. (OK, I may keep a couple of the light teal ones for me to keep. They are just so sweet.)
*sigh* Oh, it's just amazing what a good gal -pal, four dollars and a box of Krispy Kreme donuts can do for your outlook on life.

Inspiration Friday (home office and storage)

     This week I shared with you that I currently am into spring cleaning and organizing, so that's what I am using for my inspirational pictures.
    I love, love, love the old vintage picture frame turned bulletin board fame in the first photo. (above) Fabulous.
     Oh, and take a look see at this room.

     While the decor is not necessarily my taste exactly, I like so many of the details, like the neatly organized bookcase. Oh! And the magazine boxes with charming oval hanging labels. This idea can be adapted to any decor.

     Another totally inspirational picture (just ignore that it's done at Christmastime) is the feel of this room.

I love the old trunk under the table desk, and the things on top of the desk for beautiful organization...so full of charm.

By the way, Kim shared office-y pictures last Friday, along with another favorite book of mine called "Where women create" This book is over the top with ideas for great home office/craft room space decor ideas! If you haven't seen the book yet, you must check it out.     Last but not least, how about this wonderful shelf above the table desk? It is perfect! (I think I can achieve the same effect with an old hutch top I have...) I really like the wide plank flooring and wish I had the nerve to put something like that in (Too afraid it's trendy now, and I would tire of it later...but I could be wrong)

The bulletin board over to the side, down kind of low...I like that too.
I am now inspired to get moving on completely organizing my home office space once and for all.
    Oh, I mean, after I finish painting and glazing those kitchen cupboards.

tidying up

   

Spring is here, or at least it is on the calendar. (We are expected to be in the 40's here today.) I am in full blown spring cleaning mode and I mean, all the way down to the smallest details.
    Last night I finished organizing my wardrobe closet. I don't have my vintage dresser painted yet, so I keep all my pajamas and undergarments in here. I am using old baskets I've had for several years to help organize. They used to hold things in my craft room, and they fit just perfectly in here on the shelves.
I really didn't plan to have a TV in my bedroom (You know, Alexandra Stoddard advises against it and for good reason; it's all about creating a haven with  peacefulness and tranquility.)
     I haven't had a television in the bedroom for the past seven and a half years.. but ... I inherited  an  extra TV from the Maid-of-Honor when I moved, and I have trouble dropping off to sleep these days. The TV has turned into a way for me to kind of unwind, and get relaxed, for now anyway. (It also now has gotten me hooked on the Food Network)
    Last but not least is my collection of Victoria magazines. *sigh* Oh, how they inspire me. I can look through an issue or two and become so excited and full of ideas for decorating, or entertaining, or whatever...I treasure this collection!
    I am thrilled to open the doors of the armoir and see total organization. They say creative minds are seldom tidy, but I am working on that. I think keeping things all neat and tidy is another part of nesting; a part that I am beginning to crave, and I am determined to accomplish. Now, if it would just stop snowing and warm up so I can open all the windows to air things out.

they say it's your birthday...

   

    The Bride-to-be is 27 today.  Twenty. Seven. When did that happen?! Wasn't it just last year she was turning three? I'm sure it was, 'coz I remember that I made that Cinderella cake with incredibly green frosting. I thought her little teeth would stay green forever.
    Now I need to wear my Costco readers to look at her pictures in the album, and she is up in the Cardiac Recovery Unit at St. V's in Portland, jump starting people's hearts, and running codes. Aaaa-mazing.
     She also can hop on your roof and hang outdoor Christmas lights, even though you're not sure you're up for it this year, because she knows how much you always have loved Christmas-time.
    She knows more at 27 than I think I knew at 40. Or 45 for that matter. She knows that mall therapy can cure just about any woe, at least temporarily, and people are so much more important than things. She knows you can still go 67 miles once that red gas light comes on in the car, and when you do run out of gas, some nice construction worker guy will give you some gas. She doesn't sweat the small stuff.
    She has always been my girly-girl, and has a heart twice the size of Texas. I am soo proud of you, Lindz. You are an inspiration and a blessing to so. many. people. Happy twenty seventh Birthday.

In my prayers

    The families, students and friends of those at Virginia Tech will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am stunned. So tragic, so horrifying and sad.
    How did we get to such a point that some of us are this lost?

Coming out of the closet (or, too much free time)

My closet. It's a good thing.
    I am extremely thankful for being blessed with such a beauty of a closet. My home was built in 1966. ( I know, lots of you were not even born yet.)  Most homes built back then did not have big closets. Quite the contrary, they usually had very tiny closets.
     Well, I struck gold in the closet department (at least compared to other for homes from the 60's) when I found my new-to-me cottage. (and since there is just me, it feels really spacious!)
    I am trying desperately as I have told you a million times before, to "live a Beautiful life" (apparently I feel I cannot repeat this enough) and this means making the most ordinary things and making all my spaces a joy to be around. That's why it's important to me for my closet to  look like this. I smile each and every time I open the closet doors and peek inside. Really. I do. It's something special just for me. (I clearly have far too much time on my hands at night after work..)
    I painted this verse on the wall, above the shelf. I love this quote. Not that you need designer clothes or fancy things, but the way we look says a lot about us. Life isn't a dress rehearsal, and we only get that one chance to make a first impression. (by the way, the vintage suitcase holds off season shoes, and the cute floral one holds some travel items...)
    In case you are wondering how I do the word painting, here it is, so, so easy- print the verse, banner style, on computer paper, rub colored chalk on the back of the paper, then tape the paper to the wall, chalk side touching the wall. Outline each letter with an old felt tip marker. Remove the paper and the chalk outline will have transferred to the wall. Then, paint it all in, let dry, and wipe off any chalk residue. Enjoy!!!
     I have a wicker cart that I have had for years, but this is the first time I have used it for laundry. Now, how fun is that?

I also have a framed sign above my shoe rack...

... (You know how I love shoes!)   
    My closet is right off of the master bath, (actually part of the master bath) and it even has a ceiling light. It makes it so easy to find my clothes for the day, my purses, my scarves, and my shoes.          Honestly, looking at this jem of a closet each morning helps start me the day off right.
    Aaaah,at last...the closet of my dreams. A thing that I am very truly thankful for. Yes, it is a very good thing.

Living with Lace

    Need a bit of inspiration to make your home more romantic? Try "living with Lace".
    Yup, it's another nice book that I heard about out here in Blogland. I saw this a charming book couple of weeks ago on Heather's blog (thanks for helping me remember who's blog Becca!) Heather shares lots more pictures from this book on her blog so be sure to check it out. Anyway...back to the contents of the book...
    This book is crammed full of ideas for home decor using lace. I admit I am a bit obsessed with the kitchen table/dining rooms in the book, since that is the room in my cottage that I have been focusing on right now.
   There are even pictures of patio and backyard scenario's done up with lacy crochet and vintage cut work. *sigh* It makes me want to dig out all of my lace pieces and find spots for them in each and every room of my home... and I think I will tonight after work.

Words to live by (week 12)

    This quotation comes from Jody Stevenson. She is going to be performing my daughter's wedding, and she was my counselor right after I became suddenly single. (She was a Godsend!)
    Jody is a remarkable woman with great insight and an uncanny ability to make anyone feel at ease, even if you are a hysterical fifty year old woman talking with her on the phone, some 550 miles away.
    Based in Portland, she works with people all over the country-- and what a gift she has!
    The other day at work, I was looking up Jody's phone number online for a friend, and I stumbled on to her website (why it never occurred to me that she had one I do not know)
     At any rate, I spent an hour reading things and feeling so inspired. That's why I chose this verse for this weeks "words to live by" from her website. I feel like it is talking to me. Me personally.
    I exist for a special reason. You do too.
So. true.

One thousand comments!

    Ring the bell, blow the whistle, honk your horns, and someone, please...throw some confetti!    
    Yes, we have now passed the one thousand mark of comments on my lil' ol' Blog!Wow! I really thought it would be much closer to the month's end. (It's only been one week since I started watching the numbers!)
    I cannot believe all the wonderful  comments, and friendships that have happened along the way since last April 30, 2006. I wish I could give each and everyone of you a prize, but Crystal landed right on number 1,000 at 9:24 a.m. She will get the "Fabulous" charm necklace. Crystal, your prize will be on it's way this morning!

    Thank you all again so very much, for reading, and sharing, and most of all, for your friendship. I really and truly do treasure this delightful Blogland part of my life.

Inspiration Friday (Kitchen) nooks and crannies...

   
    OK, last week I said I was joining the bandwagon, so here it is. My very first "Inspiration Friday". One problem, my scanner isn't hooked up, so, for today, I had to just take pictures of my inspirational magazine pages, and I am afraid they are not near as clear or easy to study as a scanned copy. (Sorry 'bout that. I'll get the scanner dialed in this week so I won't have this problem again!)
    You see, I am having "nook issues" and I am hoping there will be something in one of these pictures to spark my creativity and imagination....
   Yes, yes, I am working on my kitchen, still. (You are thinking "hurry up and finish it already")

Anyway.

I am not quite sure as to what I am actually going to do with the kitchen nook area. The hutch stays- for sure. I love it there in that old closet alcove. It could use a bit more tweaking though.. Now, the table area by the window...well... it's another story. It needs something. I am just not sure what.
     Thank goodness I have my "Inspiration pages" to look at for ideas and direction, huh?

This one I like because of the general cozy feel. I love pattern, and this one has plenty of different soft colors and prints..and I love the hutch looking counter!

Oh, now this one has the quaint shabby-ness I am drawn too...although my home is not really "shabby' I don't think...and I like the quilt as a table cloth.

The chocolate walls with transferware plates are wonderful!! And I adore the idea of a settee in a nook. I even have one in the garage, but I am afraid it might be too big for my space...hmmm...more food for thought...

Again, there is a bench effect. Maybe this is an idea I can use, maybe not...love the pillows and the cut work table topper!

Once I have my nook all done I will share pictures...I think these "Inspiration Fridays" really are a great idea.

Contentment

        I've got another new project to work on! I got this darling album in the mail yesterday from Amy's sweet shop!(It has one of my favorite words, front and center on it, did you notice? Ooh! I love it!) It came with photo corners and a gold pen too. All of the albums that Amy sells are one of a kind, and I think they'd make awfully nice gifts- for weddings, birthdays, or just because you think somebody's special.
    I think this dear little book is so charming.  I am going to fill it with only pictures of things that bring me that warm fuzzy feeling of contentment, and leave this adorable album out for all to see. My gosh, I think I'll even leave it out on my coffee table empty for now, so I can just enjoy the cover.

p.s.  Hey girls! I don't think we're even going to make it to my Blogiversary before we hit that 1000 comment! We're almost there and someone is going to win my prize!

Inspiring Blogs!

My, oh my! I've been tagged by Brenda at the Acorn Quilt Company to do the "Thinking Blogger" thing-ey. The idea is to list your 5 favorite - most inspirational & fun blogs that you visit.

There are so many great Blogs out there, and I hope I am not picking someone that was already tagged....gosh, this is hard!

Well, here goes...
Clarice, from Storybook Woods. She has some wonderful ideas and great recipes.

Jenny from Old Bag, New tricks. She's pretty new to Blogging, and she's got a way with words. I love her wit and creativity. (and her darling dog bowls!)

Carol, from Our Red Door. She's fairly new to Blogging too, and is another Thrifting Kindred spirit!

Deb, from Deco Diva Debi. She's the QUEEN of Creativity and design display!(Oh! and she actually has two blogs!)

Last, and certainly not least, I am tagging Teresa, from Teresa's Art & Life.    I love love love her stuff.

Whew! Get yourself a nice cuppa tea, or coffee, or cocoa, and do check out these blogs. I can't wait to see who all they will tag next!

Please don't hate me because my bag is beautiful...

   
    One of the bumps in the road that happened along the way when I became suddenly single was that I found myself without any luggage. (I'd share this story, but it's not pretty, and you wouldn't believe me if I told you. Really.)
    Not that I am all that big of a traveler these days anyhow, but I've got a free airline ticket and I am going to be heading to Portland some weekend soon.
    Anyway...
I was thrilled yesterday when I happened upon this fabulous Brocade style bag in Stein Mart. I was there with a friend getting new shoes (for her, not me. I am trying to control myself in the shoe area right now) and there this was.
    Well, as I have told you so many times before, I am trying to live a beautiful life here, and this little carry on weekender bag fills the bill. I mean, do you even realize how beautiful I will feel bustling through the Reno Tahoe International Airport with this bag in tow?! Pretty darned beautiful I think. 
    I can picture it now, heads snapping around to get a second glimpse of me with the fabulously trendy wheel-y bag, as I whisk through the terminal, seemingly unaware of the stir I am causing. (Ha!) I imagine women stopping me to ask me just where in the world I found such a mah-vel-ous bag. (Of course they will. Women know c-u-t-e when they see it.)
    You see, it's all about treating your self like someone special. We forget to do that. Oh, and you don't have to spend oodles and toodles of money to do it either. This bag was a steal. They had a giant one too, but I know I won't be going anywhere soon that requires two weeks worth of clothing and I would feel guilty having it just gather dust in the closet, so I just bought the small carry on.

    Then...I got these darling cosmetic and jewelry bags to coordinate. Found 'em by the scarves and such. I think they make a nice compliment, don't you? So cute I almost want to carry them outside the suitcase to show them off. But I won't. It will be my little "living a beautiful life" secret treat.
     *sigh* Now, I just need to book my airline ticket.

It's a wonderful life...

     Thanks for all of the well wishes on Easter. Oh my, Easter dinner at my little cottage was wonderful. (I hope yours was wonderful too!)
    My pictures didn't come out as good as I would have liked. I took these snapshots well before dinner, (as you can see, I didn't even have have all 8 chairs at the table yet)and then I promptly forgot to take any photos of the food on the table, or of the cupcakes we had for dessert..sorry 'bout that.
    Having all of my kids home, with their special someones, and my Mom, made it a perfect day.
    We ended up not cooking a pork roast, but had ham instead. (After all the online googling, measuring and peeking inside the oven cavity, the guys were not able to come up with a way to order, buy and easily install a new oven that would cooperate in time, so we just made the call to play it safe and not even try to use the oven for Easter.)

The table was set with all the little place cards I made, woven with ribbon, and nests full of chocolate truffle eggs. (they were so yummy!) Dinner was delicious, and went off without a hitch.  (it helped that we weren't using the demon oven) Oh, and I wore my fabulous Jessie Steele apron. ( I don't have to tell you that I looked mah-vel-ous.)

    The Easter bunny left the big kids (all 6 of them) a giant basket to share, filled with 3 bags (1 bag per couple) of Starbuck's breakfast blend (I...er..the Easter Bunny thought it had a charming springtime/Easter-y look to the packaging) and five dollar gift cards for everyone. They loved it all.
    Later, after everyone left I realized that the Easter Bunny left the annual Pez candies in her car...(Cut the bunny some slack, it's been a rough year)

    We all watched some old family videos before dinner. This was mainly because my kids were trying to out embarrass each other in front of wives, fiances and boyfriends, and it worked. Watching my son from years back, (before puberty hit and his voice changed) when he was an anchor on a local kids news TV show was hilarious. Seeing my daughter back in middle school doing her impersonation of Betty Davis for a school biography report, Priceless. 
    You know, I sooo miss those days, but spending time with all three of my grown up kids together,(and now, new additions of family members) well, it's pretty hard to beat too. *sigh* Complete contentment. It's the best feeling to see that my grown-up kids are just. plain. good. people. (and I'm not just saying that 'coz I'm their Mom. You can ask their Grandma.)

Words to live by (week 11)

There are only two ways to live . . . one is as though nothing is a miracle. . . the other is as if everything is.
- Albert Einstein

Happy Easter to those who celebrate, and happy spring to all!

Bloggiversary and 1000th comment

    Wow! I just realized that I am fast approaching my 1 year Bloggiversay at the end of April.  I also noticed there have been over 900 comments throughout this year. Now, that's something to celebrate!    
    First of all I want to thank all of you that read my Blog on a regualr basis, it really means so much to me. I am sure I sound more than a bit nutty when I repeatedly say that Blogging has been very theraputic for me these past few months, but honestly it has been. So, with this being said...

    I have decided, as so many other Bloggers have done before me, to give a prize to the 1000 Post-er on my lil' Blog (Comment-er...oh, gosh...whoever makes the 1000th comment on my Blog..there, that's what I meant.)
     Here's how it will work. As of today, I am sitting at 915+ comments. Hopefully the 1000 comment and my Bloggaversary will somewhat coincide..at least they should be close. I will give updates as we approach the big 1000 mark. I will let you know who was the 1000th comment author and then send them this sweet little handcrafted charm necklace (the photos show the front and back of the necklace)....Sound fun? I think so!

Inspiration at my fingertips

    KIm and Cindy have been sharing "Inspiration Fridays" for a bit now. (Thanks for sharing these, girls!) I love this idea! Such inspiration.
    I have millions of magazine pages, as I am guessing they do. Such great ideas to share, and what better way that each Friday. Fabulous food for thought for the upcoming weekend.
    I told you a short while back that I tear ideas out of magazines before I pitch them in the trash. Here is what I do with those pages once I tear them out.
Several years ago while garage saling, I found 2 old bicycle baskets. I snatched them up, and they have been my file system container ever since. I have manila folders labeled in each one alphabetically, sorted by room names, and things like Entertaining, Craft Ideas, Landscape, Fences, organization ides..you get the concept. Do you have a clever system you use? Share it with us!
    Now that I am getting my office organized and ready to be painted (yes, I do mean after I finish those kitchen cupboards) I find myself going through these filing folder quite a lot. Some of the pages are pretty old, but wow, are they inspirational! So many ideas to get my mind reeling, thinking of all the possibilities for each and every room of my cottage.
    I am thinking I just may join Kim and Cindy next Friday by sharing some of the pages of ideas I have gathered over time...now, doesn't that sound like a fun idea?

Every bunny needs some bunnies

   
    Someone asked me to share my little collection of bunnies, and this being Easter week, I felt it was the perfect time to do so! I have year round bunnies, as well as Easter type bunnies.
    Years ago, when my kids were younger, we actually had real bunnies. They lived out in our back yard, just hopping around freely. We started off with "Hunny Bunny", and then added "Hedda Lettuce", who was supposed to be another girl bunny. Hmmm, it's hard to tell on a bunny, you know... 3 baby bunnies later, we had to take Hedda Lettuce to be "altered" at the vet's office.
    Take a peek on the front porch...

in the entry way...

the living room (hey, did you notice that my slipcovers are done? I love the way they turned out, and the sewing queen even did a slipcovered thrifted ottoman to go with the chairs!)...

see the bunnies in the pictures on the wall, and on the book cover?...


and on an end table...

the dining room...

 
this vintage bunny came from the bride to be as an early Easter present (another thrifted find in Portland)

the kitchen...

and here...

and here...

As you can see, I do love bunnies ever so much, and I have them in nearly every room of my cottage.

I am still painting the kitchen...really I am...

Yes I am, I promise. I am working on the cupboards by the stove area now... priming, sanding, painting...painting...painting some more...glazing. It's turning out just like I imagined, and I am oh so happy with the results. (And for next to nothing, cost wise.) It will be worth it in the end, that much I am sure of, but....
I am just so over this project. *groan* And I still have so far to go.
    So...
I took another little...er..break, from painting the kitchen with the never ending cupboard doors... and look what I found!
Monday night I took a few things to donate to my local Savers store. When I was dropping off my things, I saw this most fabulous old high chair.

    Now, I know I don't need a high chair. My little ones are grown,(pul-ease don't keep reminding me) and my kids haven't given me any grandbabies (not yet!) And still, I could not pass up this dear little chair. I had to have it.
    The problem was, however, that the chair had just been donated right before I arrived with my little box of donations, and had not been "processed" through to be on the sales floor, so the guy at the drop off said I would have to come back the next day. (which was Tuesday) I begged and pleaded and finally told him I would be back tomorrow to rescue the little chair.
    So, at 10:00 sharp, I ran over to Savers (Thank goodness they are only a few blocks away from my grown up job) looking for my high chair. I looked everywhere.Good God, was it already sold?!No! Say it ain't so! A girl working the counter went into the back and after what seemed like an hour (OK, 4 minutes) returned. With. my. chair. I scored, big time! I proudly loaded this gem into the back of my car.

I brought it home after work and primed, painted and antiqued it, then I added a couple of appliqués...so charming, so perfectly meant.to.be.   
    This little beauty is now sitting front and center in my dining room, ready and waiting for little dinner guests...and those grandbabies, whenever that may be.

Home Sweet Home

   I just had to share another great book. I've had this one for a while, but I saw it on another Blog last week, and I was reminded how much I adore looking through it, and simply had to share.
    It's a walk through Mary Engelbreit's "dream home" as she calls it. Talk about inspiration! Every inch, inside and out is full of wonderful touches and details.
    The picture of the outside of her home (which isn't as old as it looks!) says it all. Warm, cozy, charming, right out of a storybook. Not only are the photographs inspiring, but it tells the story of how she and her husband Phil came to be the owners of the home, and why they love it so.
    The book isn't so much the old Mary Engelbreit decor look, with busy bright prints and cherries everywhere (although her signature cherries can be found sprinkled in throughout the home, but oh so subtlety- like on the shutters on the home )
    This is the kind of book that motivates me to spruce up every nook and cranny, and long for it to be long enough past snow season to be planting oodles and toodles of flowers in pots for every window and porch corner. Aah, perfect reading for an early Tuesday morning with my cuppa cocoa.

To have and to hold

    We had a reception for the newlyweds yesterday. It. was. perfect. It was the kind of day you don't ever want to end. *sigh*
    All the kids and their favorite people were there. Our family. Our friends.
    The room was lovely, and we had wedding and honeymoon photos, candlelight and flowers all around the room.
    I got choked up all through my toast and cut it short because I started crying. (I knew that was gonna happen.) Then everyone was crying. *another sigh*
Oh, It really was just a beautiful day. Start. to. finish.

    p.s. Besides the sea shell cookie favors we had little mini cupcakes in tiny Chinese take out boxes for the grandma's to take home..but with all the excitement we forgot to give them out!

Words to live by (week 10)

Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: It's good to be silly at the right moment. - Horace (65 BC - 8 BC)

Good advice. Let's all remember to just. be. silly. every once in a while.

Oh, and happy April Fools Day!