Notes from A Cottage Industry

Weekly Words To Live By.

Christmas is coming....

...and you sure can feel the Christmas spirit at my daughter and son-in-law's home! I took my camera with me one day earlier this week and snapped a few shots to share with you.
Looking back toward the front door, I love looking at these two giant flannel stockings (discovered at Monticello!)hung from the wall sconces... ...and you might remember this banner from Monticello's as well. It found it's way to the kitchen window, where it will welcome everyone through the season... Not my best photo, but the dining room is my favorite part of their home, with it's wonderful big windows and hardwood floors. The wreaths add such a festive touch! ...Oh! Did you notice the adorable "time out" chair? Not that any little man I know ever needs to be in time out, but it's a cute touch anyway. (Carter's Mama added the words to the vintage twin headboard turned-chair (found at Camas Antiques a while back) by using her Silhouette tool, 'natch!)

Oh yes, Christmas is most definitely on it's way.

Alfresco dining, townhouse style.

My cousin stopped by a couple nights ago for a quick dinner on her way home to the Seattle area from California. The weather was absolutely perfect and it was nice to have company. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed a glass of wine and Caesar Salads. Nice.

So nice in fact, that I decided I will be dining out on the balcony for more meals, (for as long as the Pacific Northwest weather cooperates) enjoying the view and getting back into doing my little table settings that make any meal feel special. Candle light, cloth napkins and a tablecloth; it doesn't take more than a minute to go from ordinary to extraordinary.  

 

Don't get me wrong, I adored my wonderful backyard entertaining space on Norman Drive, with the yard big enough for the pups to run around, and yet small enough for me to manage. (With the help of my Mow and Go guy, Rosindo) But still....

I continue to be amazed at how well Moose has adapted to townhome living, and at just how much I am enjoying having only a small outdoor living area. It turns out that alfresco dining is equally nice on a balcony of a town home, or a patio or deck of a single family home. I guess what I am trying to say here is that whatever size space you have, large or small, can be made into a retreat, a haven, a sanctuary.

Summer Garden Tour Reminder!!!

Just a lil' reminder for everyone....It's very nearly that time again. Mark July 16th on your calendars for the Annual Garden Tour. Let's all share our favorite outdoor entertaining spaces, and flowers and veggies, oh, my!
I for one, am quite anxious to share what I have done with my lower balcony...I am excited to say it's amazing what all can be done with not-so-much space!

Here's all you need to do to participate: Email me from my sidebar email button or type in my email address: ([email protected]) and send one photo and a link to your blog post and I will add you to the tour. Then, share the Garden Tour button on your blog along with a link to my blog here. The tour will be on Friday, July 16th....it will inspire us all, I am sure!

2009 Holiday Home Tour

Just as I have done for the past two Decembers, I will be hosting a holiday home tour! Send me your blog link and a picture (I realize it is only early November, so there is still plenty of time to prepare!) and I will include you on the tour.

The reason I am setting it up so early is that I will be moving from my temporary home to my permanent home in mid December (I know! Yipeee!!!) and I will be re-packing (yes, I know. How fun for me.) to move one last time.(Much more to share about my new place, very soon!) Luckily, the Sewing Queen of northern Nevada has volunteered to come up and help me. (Thank you, Mom!) To participate in this year's Holiday home tour, email me here.

I think this year will be the best holiday home tour yet!

More of the 2009 Summer Garden Tour... and a bit of this and that.

    The tour continues today. First stop is Miss Roeshel's fabulous garden area. Roeshel has two posts about things in her garden and I really enjoyed them both, so check them out now! (How fabulous is that arbor?!)
   Now, here is another view of the progress at my daughter's home up in fabulous Portland. (Try as I may to convince her, she won't do a blog!)

When my son-in-law was beginning to revamp and level the back yard, he unearthed an old patio, all jack hammered up. There was so much concrete!! He asked me if I had any ideas of what he could do and I shared with him that many years ago, an old friend had made a wonderful patio out of exactly the same thing by re-laying the old concrete as though it were flagstone. He hopped on the internet and researched it. (there was actually quite a lot of info on how to do this there!) and he began the project the very next day. Isn't it great?!  
    That concludes the 2009 Summer Garden Tour, except for my outdoor pictures. I still couldn't photograph my vignette, as it rained here again, nearly all day, which is so unusual for us that I cannot even remember the last time we had this kind of a week's worth of weather!Hopefully later today I will be capture my outdoor decor in pictures, so check back.
    Now for the this and that part of my post. The oh, so amazing Deb gave me an award last week and I have been meaning to share it. I met Deb in person at the Willow's Nest event a couple years ago, after having known her online for many years through the internet (the old Victoria Magazine and the Bliss Sisters, and Women Take Wing....all such wonderful groups!)
I was so flattered to receive this award from Deb and to be is such good company as many of my friends she also named!
       Thanks so much Deb. You know I never nominate specific people, because there are just too many great blogs out there, so consider yourself nominated, by me, right now!
     I also want to thank Melissa for doing a post on my Robins egg blue paint color! Thanks so much Melissa. (I hadn't really noticed just how much I use that blue, but I sure do love it!)
    Finally, a little update on the progress with the new business adventure the other Tracey and I are working on here in the biggest little city, over on Taylor Street. Well, we've hit a wee bit of a road bump...mmm hmmm, with our lovely city permits department. It seems they have decided they need to come out and make sure we actually have enough parking spaces and such. We decided to not spend another penny until we get the green light, which will be this Friday morning between 7:30 and 8:30, when they come out to have a look-see in person.
   Of course, we are chomping at the bit to explode with our plans, and rest assured, the minute we are sure it's all okay, I'll be sharing some incredible ideas, pictures and plans! 

The 2009 Summer Garden Tour begins...

It's been thunder storming all the past week here in the biggest little city, so it's hard for me to think "Summer" today. Let's take look at some summertime gardens and creative outdoor ideas and I bet summer returns here soon..We'll begin at the Country nest, where we'll see our first Donna's wonderful garden!

Next, it's on over to our second Donna's charming little back porch and see her set up!

How wonderful was that?! We've got to meander on over to Joanna's yard and see what is in store to inspire us all....It makes me want to get out there and start planting!

And now, on to Mandy, the herbgirl's blog, for some exciting and unique ideas! Look at what she has done with shells...I love it!!! (And just you wait till you see her use of plates in planters and the garden!)

How cool is that?!
Here is a little sneak peek of things to come in the next post...

It's my son-in-law's handiwork and re-using an old chopped up patio he unearthed in their backyard re-do...(pretty spectacular, don't you agree?) Oh, and I'll be taking the photos of my summer time display today (and I am hoping for sunshine!) and I'll be sharing that next post as well!

An early summer (late spring?) tour to inspire us all!

     Remember last summer when we got tour everyone's gardens online? It was so much fun and it really inspired all of us. I was thinking it might be fun to...take it up a notch this year. I was thinking that it would be fun to focus on one specific idea, or spot, or project in your outdoor area, and share it. (Of course, you are still welcome to share your entire garden or yard as well!) You know, wow us with large (or small) projects, or outdoor vignettes that you have done to make your outside living space fabulous and special.

     Here's an example of what I am thinking: I have this old hutch-y thing on my patio. (Do your remember it from the last tour?) It had the weathered look when I got it at a yard sale and I left it as it was...but now I am ready for a change!The past two summers it has been used as a potting hutch on my patio (which is a total lie, because I use my patio table to pot my plants in reality) but I am going to re-invent it this weekend, and I was thinking it would be such fun to see what you have repuprosed, or done creatively in your yards as well...
       Ideas, like creative bird feeders  or birdbaths, unusual furniture used in an outdoor setting, tablescapes, lighting, or outside-the-box garden ideas...sound fun?

      If you're interested in participating, please email me by Tuesday, June 2nd, and include a photo and a link to your blog post  about your fabulous outdoor idea.(Oh! And, feel free to use my little tour logo!) I'll start the tour on Wednesday, June 3rd, and we can all be inspired!

I hope you'll join me in this!

The 2008 Summer Garden Tour continues!

I am so inspired by the many ideas we saw yesterday! I am also anxious to see what we will discover today. Let's start right here at Kelly's garden, shall we? (Love the BLISS stone!)

Now, on to anotherKelli's garden and patio (with a pond!) And then on to Sue's patriotic garden!

Once we're done there, let's go on over to kris' wonderful outdoor space.

Then, let's go find Erin's home...and then on to Kay's yard.

 

Wow! now, on to Yvette's charming spot! Let's have an iced tea over at Debra's place. Then, we'll bee bop on over to Rhoda's yard! Oh! and we can't miss Sharon's spot, with her cute chairs!
When we get to Donna's you just won't believe all the blooms and butterflies and..oh, everything is lovely! Let's go see Claudia's place next....such nice rock work!

 

Ok, now we will head over and see Angie's wonderful stuff....wait till you see her trees.

 

Then we will run over to Sondra's . Now, this girl has got it going on, with all her creative planters and such!

We now arrive at Karen's place. Have you ever seen a more welcome sight?!

 

I don't really care if I did just have some sweet tea a few homes back. I need to sit a spell here! Then...
Let's go take a peek at Sherri's adorable garden areas as we approach the end of our little tour of gardens and outdoor spaces.

How cute is that? Oh, I love ivy! One last stop at Yvette's. Whew!

I think that wraps up the tour.( If by chance I missed your place, it might have been because I needed your blog link. If so, email me and I'll add you!)

Now, let's all get out there and enjoy the fabulous beauty right in our own back yards.....

Update! Deborah  and Inis and Tammy have joined the tour!

The 2008 Summer garden Tour begins now!!

It's here, it's here! The garden tour has finally arrived!

Well, here we are, in my cottage backyard. It's been in the low 90's here this week (yippie!!) and I am so beyond ready to be lounging around on the chaise, but none of that until after the Tumbleweed Cotillion. 

The pups love summertime too! I'll share more shots of my yard tomorrow (yes, the tour is that big!!!)...we'd better get moving!

How adorable is this typewriter over in Emilie's garden?! Let's pop on over there to see what else she has "growing" on.....

Next, on to Debbie's garden !

This is great! Let's see what's happening over here at Sue's place ...

And look what we have here at Kathi's home!

Then, we'll stop for some nice ice cold lemonade at Cindy's cozy outdoor space , which you just know is gonna be fabulous!

 

Steph's cottage is on the tour's next stop...let's see what she's got growing...Oh! Look! She's got a real creek!

Onward to Brenda's  place..and then let's go to Theresa's charming garden .

Janae's home is next on the tour... and then Rosie's sweet place. Oh, look at that!

Due to the overwhelming response for this tour, we will be continuing the tour tomorrow!! (There's oh, so much more to see!)

2008 Summer Garden tour count down

     That's a very old picture of a vignette I did in my old backyard up in the woods...how charming is that, to have an old farm table and mix matched chairs for dining alfresco on a balmy summer evening?

Feeling inspired? Well, wait until tomorrow, because....

It's almost here. The 2008 Summer Garden Tour, that is.

If you're participating, get your post about your outdoor living spaces ready. Tomorrow morning I'll share my outdoor spaces and link to all of you that sent me links (and I'll include the picture you sent me as well) and then we can all go, yard to yard, enjoying the view, and get inspired to add more charming touches to our outdoor spaces.

Oh, I can hardly wait!

An early morning short post

      I'll be posting later today, 'coz this week has been so busy that I haven't had time to even charge the batteries for my camera. In the meantime here's a little reminder...
     The 2008 Summer Garden Tour is coming up on June 18th. With Memorial Day weekend nearly here, it's time to get outside and start making it a special living space to enjoy all summer long.

Summer Garden Tour!

     Last week we had a heat wave hit the biggest little city. We went from the high 60's to 95 degrees within a matter of a few days. We've cooled back off a bit to more normal temperatures now, but it got everyone in the mood for gardening, and then it occurred to me...
     Remember the holiday home tour last Christmas? It was so inspiring to see each other's homes and holiday decor ideas! Why not have a garden home tour in June like we had a holiday home tour last December? Sound fun? Here's what I am thinking...
     If you'd like to share pictures and a post about your garden, your summer porch, backyard or patio, whether it be big or small, you know, all of your outdoor living spaces, which is my favorite part of outside...bringing the inside out!

(you can use photos from this year or a past year- the idea is to inspire us all with your outdoor decor and blooms!) send me your blog link before June 17th (and one photo if you like) and I'll compile them all into one big post on my blog, linking your blog to mine. Then, I'll publish the post on Wednesday, June 18th. (This gives us all a few weeks to get motivated to finish getting our gardens and outdoor living spaces prettied up!)
     Feel free to take my little logo picture at the top of this post to post on your blog on the sidebar or whatever. (See what I mean? This will work exactly like the holiday tour did last December!)
     Does this sound fun? I hope so!

I'm off to water my flowers now.

A cottage Christmas on Norman drive

    Hmmm, it's supposed to be Inspiration Friday, but I think the home tour will count as all we needed for inspiration this entire week, don't you?
     Here's the final little bit of the 2007 virtual holiday home tour of my little piece of heaven. I was so wrapped up in  doing the posts on the other tours, and browsing through all of the wonderful homes, that I didn't get all of my pictures taken of my own home. I'll have to add a shot later when the sun comes up of the cottage from outside....but for now,
....please, do come in!Can I take your coat? Yes, this is on my entry hall table...

And here is my bunny buggy, behind the chair, facing the entry...all full of ivy and stars...

and to the left is the kitchen, which you've seen oh, so many times before, but let's walk through anyway...

You've seen the dining room already, so here's just one quick peek in there...

 

oh, and let's get a cookie or two....

The living room, where the Christmas tree and my wonderful angel are placed...here is a shot of her in the daylight, but before I added very much of the garland and such to Christmas her up....

Here's my thrifted backyard bird feeder, all covered with snow from the last snowfall...

*sigh* I think that finishes up the first annual virtual holiday home tour. Thanks ever so much for joining me and following along. This has all been so very fun and I can't wait to do it all again next year!

 

The 2007 Virtual Holiday Home tour continues....

    My, oh my. This has been absolutely the best time, peeking into so many charming homes! (and there are so many more to come as you will see!)
   Let's see if I can get this uploaded more smoothly today, shall we? I  had a few hiccups with Typepad yesterday (I am going to blame typepad anyhow...)There are more pictures of my home at the end of this tour, but let's start off with Sheryl's darling home...

Wonderful, wonderful blog! Now, let's get on over to Rhoda's house and take a peek...after that, we simply must swing over to Monica's home.

Ooh! Nice. Look at Deb's place. Always so beautiful.

Let's see Cathy's sweet home. I love her outdoor picture!

Now, on to Lorrie's place. (ooh! I am a big fan of hers too!)

Now, on to dear, dear sweet Becky's home. Look at the darling bird in her Christmas tree!I just love it.

So, when we finish up at Becky's we'll have to head over to Christi's and check out her holiday decorating too.

All of this is so pretty!Have you all been to Karla's Cottage? She did a home tour as well, and it is wonderful!

After we finish at Karla's we must pop on over Kim's to and take a look see...She has two sites, you know!Busy, busy girl!

Next stop, Janet's home. Her photo is one of my favorites....just lovely!

Hmmmmm, maybe we need to take a break to go re-fill our cocoa.
     OK, back to touring! Let's see Amy's house next. (great pictures Amy!)

*sigh* So much to see. Now, Mary's home...darling blog for sure.
Oh, look! Cielo's   house now... lot's of table setting ideas here!

Katy's new to blogging. It's too cute for words.

Let's see, do we have time for another? Oh yes we do. Let's see Crystal's home.

Oh, you know I love birdhouses!Now on to my sweet friend Carol's house.She has the table set for us!

Oh, this is so inspiring. Onward we go, to Meredith's place.

Great ideas with fruit for the season... We simply must stop by Gail's home as well...

I have these ornaments also, and I love them. Oh, let's not forget to go by Jen R's home. Looks like she's been cleaning...

adorable idea with the scarf on the towel bar!

My, my, my!Look what's happening at Brookside Cottage. Let's stop and see Joyce..

That Santa is one Cutie Patootie!Let's hit just one more fabulous bloggy home...Linda has some darling ideas to share! Aah! I want one of these! (Really, I do...so adorable.)

OK then, last stop on the tour bus people, we're back at my humble abode.

     I feel like you've already seen all of my cottage, but I have more pictures of it to share with you tomorrow, but please forgive me if I am repeating items you have seen in past posts...
I was actually going for a "Less is More" Christmas look, but when you scale back from 15 rubber made tubs (and a 4.500 square foot house) to a more appropriate sized cottage for one inspired middle aged woman and her two dogs, well...it's hard to do. I still have a holly jolly Christmas happenin' everywhere in the cottage it seems.
Perfect example? The first two photos I just shared...uh... we are still in the dining room, people!I promise you, it doesn't look like Christmas overkill though...subtle, but abundant (is there  really such a thing?!)

I will share the other rooms in my cottage, "Christmas style" tomorrow. (I fear we are on Christmas overload here in Blogland right this minute and we need to rest and regroup...anyway, I know I do.)
   *sigh* I don't know about you, but this has been a very special part of my Christmas holiday season this year...visiting  with old friends, meeting new friends and looking forward to a very blessed year ahead.

Welcome to the 2007 Virtual Holiday Home Tour

     Merry Christmas and welcome to the 2007 Virtual Holiday Home Tour. There are so many wonderful homes to see that this could take a while. In fact, it will take us at least two full days to actually browse through this many holiday homes! We'll see twenty homes (!!!) today to inspire us.(Ladies, please bear with me, if I have somehow mixed up your photo, or deleted it...this was a bigger challenge than I estimated...)**edited to add** After checking the post this morning, the pictures are not matching up at all with the links, and I have no idea why not! Please click on the highlighted words to go to the home tour blogs...I think it has to do with the varying sizes of the different pictures maybe...hmmm...
     You'll want to put on some good Christmas music and get yourself a cuppa something warm and toasty to drink while you're looking...
   The first home on the tour is my own humble abode,(photo above) right here on dear little Norman Drive in Reno.    
     The top photo is looking into the dining room from the living room. I love my cottage, and I love it even more with all of the Christmas decorations about...the photo below is one of the two chairs in the far end of my dining room.

    These chairs are usually in the living room, on either side of the hutch, but since I wanted the tree where I could enjoy it from both rooms, I swapped the chairs with the one I had in the dining room. This is the big advantage in going with neutral colors and having all your rooms coordinate- you can move things around any time, and it will work!

Anyway.

This is my favorite spot for curling up in, late in the evening, with a fire going, and my pups, and a cup of cocoa. *sigh* Heaven on earth.
I love it so much, that I want to share a photo of it from the other angle...

And here is a shot from just last night at the dining room table, where I had friends over for dinner.(If you look really hard, you can see part of both cozy chairs down there at the end of the room by the French doors...) Aah, Christmas cozy.

Here is the tree, looking from my favorite spot in the cozy chair, looking towards the living room. See? It's the perfect spot for my tree.

I'll share more of my Christmas cottage tomorrow, but for now, let's move this tour along!
     It's time to tour the rest of the homes!

Stop in and see Nancy's home...

and make to see Donna's home too...

followed by Holley and Roxy's home...and then, of course, go see Emilie's home...

and don't forget to see Jessica's home....
Oh! And Theresa's home...

and make sure to see Angela's home too...

followed by Cathymac's home...

And Kelly's   home...

Then head on over to Rhondi's home...and you must see Andrea's house....

Are you getting tired? Well, there's more! Go on over to Kari and kijsa's house next...

Now, go see Poppett's home...Oh, and Kaylyn's as well...

then there is Mrs. Poppins house, which is all the way in Sweden!

Oh my! That's all I think we can fit in for today. I surely had no idea there would be so very many wonderful homes all over to see, did you? Tomorrow I will share the rest, along with a few more of my home.