A Cottage Muse

farmhouse fresh...

2012-01-26T19:05:00.000-05:00

Has this week flown by for you too?

I have been keeping so busy time is just flying by!

Thank you so much for all your compliments, inspiration and suggestions for my newly painted dry sink and mirror.

I have been trying new vignettes and am hoping to find the perfect one soon.

Not only have I been crossing off the projects on my winter to do list, I have also been working on lots of different pieces for the next At Home With White Show at the shop.

I have had this vintage hamper for a while...

It has made the move to and from my booth a few times.

So I thought a few coats of white would give it a fresh farmhouse look...

It is not in perfect condition...

It is in perfectly imperfect condition...

I like the way it looks in my downstairs bath that I just did over...

But I just bought this sweet old stool for this spot in the palest shade of blue. I thought it would give another nod to the sea for the subtle beach theme I have going...

I need to stay focused.

I need to fill my space in the tent with white treasures and make sure my booth is whitened for the show too.

But I love it now...

This is going to be a long few months before the show!

I am joining Farmhouse House Friday and Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Thanks for hosting ladies!

Thank you for visiting and enjoy your weekend!

suggestions please...

2012-01-24T19:04:00.001-05:00

Hello!

For White Wednesday this week, I thought I would share with you my second completed project of the year!

And it is still only January!!

First let me show you a before picture from last May...

This is in my living room and while I love the mirror over the chair I was not loving the vignette on the dry sink and was looking for another mirror to hang over it.

Treasure hunting late in the summer led me to this old beauty...

I knew I wanted to paint this mirror, but I procrastinated and before I knew it, the holiday rush was on.

This became new year project number two...

Did you notice that I painted the top of the dry sink too...

Here is the before again...

After I was done, I was mad that I waited so long to paint it!

Even the print on the chair does not seem to bug me as much anymore...

The dry sink was actually project two A.

I still need to put another coat on, distress it a bit then put a coat of wax on the top.

Makes me wonder why I did not paint the whole thing in the beginning!

Now I just need to find the perfect treasures to display here...

I am thinking something wooden or natural to tie in with similar pieces I have in the room like this...

Old photo from last Fall.

Any suggestions?

I would love to hear from you!

Oh, and by the way, Google Chrome solved my comment problems!

Thank you so much for stopping by ~ I am off to get inspired over at Faded Charm!

sweet stack...

2012-01-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

I went treasure hunting with Mary Ellen this past Monday.

We had a great time!

In addition to finding some new pieces for our booths, we are starting to gather pieces for the next At Home With White Show at the shop.

While we did not hit the vintage jackpot we did find a few things.

Of course I found something for myself too...

Vintage books are one of my weaknesses and the colors on the top book of this sweet stack are perfect for my studio.

They are beautifully worn...

I would like to untie this pretty package and browse through the pages.

If you look closely, the book behind the top one is "The Adventures of Pinocchio"...

I would like to untie this pretty package, but just can't yet...

It is just too cute!

I think I will admire it for a while just like this...

Blogger is still not letting me visit some of you or let me leave comments on some of your blogs.

I feel like I am missing out on so much and hope it will be fixed soon!

I am joining in on the fun at Vintage Inspiration Friday and Feathered Nest Friday.

wish list...

2012-01-15T08:36:00.000-05:00

I am sure all of you have a wish list just like I do.

Pinterest makes it so easy to take a peek at what makes my heart skip a beat whenever I want.

I would love a chippy old white table in my kitchen...

Source: decordeprovence.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Of course I would love to display a wonderful vintage treasure on it like an old bottle carrier...

Source: shabbyfrenchforme.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Or maybe an old birdcage...

Source: frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Of course a few of these bistro chairs would look great around the table...

Source: fionaandtwig.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

And while I am sitting at this table in my mind, I am wearing these of course...

Source: justasoutherngirl.tumblr.com via Sandra on Pinterest

The last thing today that I will share on my wish list is that I wish blogger would fix these problems!!!
I see I am not the only one that is frustrated!
So, while being blocked out of so many of my favorite places I decided to play around with my blog and give it a new look.
Yup, you guessed it...problems with blogger there too.
I am still trying to fix things today.
Let's hope this new week will find things back to normal!
Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day!

one and done...

2012-01-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

Could someone please note the date.

It is only January 11th and I have one project complete!

Perhaps you may remember this post where I shared my downstairs yellow bath (seriously, what was I thinking)...

In this post when I showed a new treasure I found for the room you could really see how ~~hideous~~ bright the walls actually were...

Chair now for sale in my booth at the shop!

I wanted this space to be a low budget makeover.

I fell in love with the color of a friends' wall in her bath and knew I wanted to use it in this room. It is Lyndhurst Gallery Beige by Valspar. I had Home Depot match the color in their Behr Premium Plus paint.

I love the way it came out...

Keeping my low budget in mind, I decided on a subtle beach theme knowing I had lots of items around the house that I could already use. I bought this beautiful old mirror at the shop from one of our new dealers Louise. I think the top hints to a seashell and love the way it looks...

I kept the small chest as is and topped it with one of my signs, filled a few vintage canning jars that I already had with the coral I brought home from Aruba and also used a few large shimmering starfish that were my Mom's...

My ~~blog stalking~~ good friend Sue made me a pretty drop cloth valance (thanks Sue)...

On one corner of the ledge I filled some jars with seashells and sea glass. The only thing I had to buy was the large jar, I already had everything else...

To the other corner I added the stack of lavender filled sachets I won in a giveaway from Jami at Freckled Laundry...

I found an old oar while treasure hunting this past weekend which is perfect for this corner. I already had the mirror...

I did need to buy a few new hand towels and chose a pretty blue as a nod to the sea...

I kept the hook outside the shower...

Using what I already had really did help keep the budget down and breaking out my seashells in the middle of winter was fun.

Having an ocean theme was appropriate since this is where my fisherman stores his fishing rods during the off season...

Total cost for the makeover:

paint ~ $39

mirror ~ $20

oar ~ $20

glass jar ~ $5

towels ~ $10

valance ~ gift from Sue

Total ~ $94!!

If you can believe it I am already almost done with project number two!! Stay tuned!

Thanks for visiting today and for sticking with this long post!

Joining Kathleen for White Wednesday.

couch traveling...

2012-01-10T07:16:00.000-05:00

Well the snow on Friday melted way before noon. This morning I awoke to more light flurries which will most likely be gone by noon as well!

The colder weather always makes me want to plan a winter escape.

Who knew that browsing Etsy would allow me to do some couch traveling!

Of course I chose to visit Paris first and enjoy the architecture...

Etsy shop EyePoetryPhotography

Etsy shop GeorgiannaLane

Etsy shop EyePoetryPhotography

Most likely I will not be traveling that far but there are beautiful sights to see on the main streets and back roads of our country...

Etsy shop RandyNyhofPhotos

Etsy shop CountryDreaming

Etsy shop RandyNyhofPhotos

Where have your couch travels taken you?

Speaking of Etsy...I still have my shop on sale so take a peek if you have time.

I finally ordered my postcards from Uprint for the giveaway I hosted months ago...

I am very happy with them!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today ~ have a wonderful day!

wandering and wondering...

2012-01-06T07:03:00.001-05:00

With a light dusting of snow on the ground this morning my thoughts are wandering and now I am wondering if an old toboggan might look nice in front of my house...

Mary Ellen's display in the window of The Wrentham Country Store

I wish I had a big ol' porch along the front of my house and be able to dress it up like this!

I finally downloaded Picasa to my computer and have been playing around a bit with my photos (oh no, not another distraction!).

I would love any tips you have to share!

Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful weekend!

Joining Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Thanks for hosting Debra!

pale and interesting...

2012-01-04T06:41:00.000-05:00

It turned very cold yesterday afternoon so I hunkered down with a few gifts from Christmas...

My new fluffy white slippers and a book that has been on my wish list for a while was the perfect way to keep warm. I am sure you have all seen "Pale & Interesting" before but just in case you haven't, I will give you a little peek...

There are knives with mother of pearl handles similar to these at the shop! Should I or shouldn't I...

It is even colder this morning, so this White Wednesday you will probably find me doing more of the same today...

Well, I will curl up with this book again, after I exercise, clean the house, put a few hours in on a house project as well as a few hours working on "stuff" for my booth.

I don't just sit around all day!

Are you reading this Jim? Hee Hee...

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

etsy sale...

2012-01-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful evening!

This morning my head is swirling with ideas...

for myself,

my home,

my blog,

my booth,

my etsy shop.

As for myself...the new year diet begins on Monday.

This old cottage nest has some projects already in progress, and thanks to all the wonderful inspiration here in blogland, more projects are being added to my list ~ daily.

I want a new look for my blog ~ a professional makeover.

As for my booth, it is going to get a makeover as well with some new shelving. I want to fill it with a mix of chippy whites, farmhouse treasures and a few industrial pieces and hope to make it all work together.

That means lots of road trips are on the horizon!

I think I will start by having a sale in my etsy shop.

I would like to stock it with the same style of items that I want to have in my booth.

All the roses and shabby items that left my nest and my booth are in my shop.

Enter code endofyearsale to receive 20% off...

Well I am off to take down the tree and put all my Christmas decorations away for another year.

What do you have planned for today?

Thanks for visiting!!

happy new year...

2011-12-31T08:04:00.000-05:00

Source: afieldjournal.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Thank you everyone for following along with me this past year.
Your kind comments encourage me to keep sharing and dreaming.
Your friendship has touched my heart through the good times and bad.
I thank those who invite me into their hearts, homes and shops. The inspiration I gather is wonderful!
I wish you all a Healthy, Happy New Year!!

favorite whites from this year...

2011-12-27T19:10:00.000-05:00

January...

February...

March...

April...

May...

June...

July...

August...

September...

October...

November...

December...

Happy White Wednesday!

merry christmas...

2011-12-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

It's time...

Source: rustyhinge.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

For me to sit and relax a bit...

Source: missmustardseed.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Maybe put on some Christmas music...

Source: mapleandmagnolia.com via Sandra on Pinterest

And perhaps treat myself to a few of these...

Source: itsy-bits-and-pieces.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

I will probably putter (don't you just love to putter) and maybe put together a few new holiday vignettes...

Source: meridianroad.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Source: mycountryroads.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

It doesn't look like we will have a white Christmas here...

Source: urbanfarmgirlandco.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Will your Christmas be white...

Source: warrengrovegarden.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Enjoy your day and thank you for stopping by, I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Oh, and one more thing ~ do you think this is Santa's other ride...

Source: mammabellarte.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Merry Christmas!!

enchanted village...

2011-12-21T17:23:00.000-05:00

Jim and I had a date the other night and he took me to see The Enchanted Village.

It was a wonderful collection of holiday scenes from the 1960s fully decorated with vintage pieces and even some beautiful antiques. Included in each scene were sweet old fashioned animated figures.

I didn't bring my camera but found these photos on Google to share with you...

It really was very sweet!

Every so often "White Christmas" would play and faux snow would fly!

We went for a quiet Italian dinner for two after.

It was a perfect evening ~ thank you Jim!

For a little history about The Enchanted Village go here.

Thanks for stopping by!

almost done...

2011-12-20T07:25:00.000-05:00

I am almost done...

Source: bellasrosecottage.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Are you...

Source: thesummerporch.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

I just need to get a few more stocking stuffers...

Source: 723plainandsimple.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Bake some cookies...

Source: delightblog.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

And wrap a few more gifts...

Source: bellasrosecottage.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Guess I better get going...

Source: redneckchic.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Have a great day!

pops of red...

2011-12-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

Thought I would pop in quick and show you where some of these treasures I found last weekend ended up...

Quite a few things sold from my booth last week during our week long Holiday Open House so I changed things up a bit, adding some more pops of red...

Thank you all for your kind words on my post the other day.

It is really nice to have someone listen and understand!

I know this is such a busy time so thanks so much for stopping by!

I am sharing my vintage Christmas vignettes with Debra over at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday.

Thank you Debra for being such a great hostess!!

Have a wonderful weekend...

i'll be home for christmas...

2011-12-14T06:01:00.000-05:00

I'll be home for Christmas...

We host Christmas every year so we do not have to travel...

I realized that this just might be the last time that all four of us will wake up together on Christmas morning as the princess is thinking about a nest of her own soon...

So, all the memories of Christmas past with my kids seem to be more precious to me this year...

Making me realize how time is passing so quickly...

I am looking forward to making new memories with them this season...

And am trying to feel the joy of the season and not let the sad thoughts get in the way...

So, when I see one of my favorite photos of them that I used for a Christmas card years ago under my little tree I smile...

But I can not promise that there won't be a happy tear too...

I wish they were this little again!

Joining Faded Charm for White Wednesday ~ thanks for hosting Kathleen!

Thank you for visiting!!

a little christmas...

2011-12-13T07:15:00.000-05:00

Brrr...it's chilly out this morning!

We have been so spoiled here in New England with mild weather lately. However, this morning as I head into the shop to bring my new treasures in...

I should probably put a warm sweater on...

Just wanted to share a little Christmas with you this morning!

Have a nice day!

vintage christmas vignettes...

2011-12-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share some vintage Christmas vignettes from Mary Ellen's booth at The Wrentham Country Store with you this evening...

Very inspiring vignettes, aren't they?!

Jim and I did a bit of treasure hunting today so I will be creating some new vintage Christmas vignettes in my space this week.

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and thank you for stopping by!

mr. wicke ltd...

2011-12-09T06:15:00.000-05:00

I am so glad I kept this old red sign...

It was the perfect starting piece to decorate the shelf over my computer in the den...

I am still enjoying keeping things simple...

I have a bigger Santa like this on the desk...

Yes, I am very glad I kept this old red sign...

I am joining Debra over at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday as well as LaurieAnna's Vintage Home for Farmhouse Fridays.

Thank you so much for visiting ~ have a wonderful weekend!

mirror, mirror on the wall...

2011-12-06T20:05:00.000-05:00

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

Who's the fairest one of all...

I have been enjoying looking at this gorgeous vintage mirror of Sandy's in a few different places in my home, like my Paris Hotel Suite...

I love how it compliments all my other vintage mirrors...

I know I showed you a sneak peek the other day of it over my mantel, and it is still there...

Of course I had to add a few holiday accessories like these sweet angel wings...

And after some fluffing I ended up with this...

As much as I love this wonderful white treasure and all it's heavenly details...

It will only be enjoyed here in this Muse's cottage for a few more days...

It will be for sale in my booth this weekend...

It has been nice enjoying it for a while but the vintage mirror I had there has been patiently waiting in the wings to get back to it's nesting place...

I am sharing with Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday.

Thank you for stopping by!!

pixie dust moment...

2011-12-04T15:39:00.000-05:00

Our Holiday Open House was a huge success on opening day!

A big Thank You to everyone who shopped with us!

We enjoyed seeing our regular customers as well as meeting some new ones, some who found us through our mention in Flea Market Style Magazine!

I hinted the other day that I had some exciting news to share.

Well...

Sandy from My Shabby Streamside Studio contacted me (yes, little old me!) and asked if I was interested in helping her sell one of her mirrors from her gorgeous studio...

photo from My Shabby Streamside Studio

*Sigh*

I was over the moon with excitement and I must say, nervous to meet her. The beauty she creates and captures in these photos is so inspiring to me.

And then the moment finally arrived...

Sandy and her sister Nicki at The Wrentham Country Store

It was so nice to meet both of them. They browsed around the shop for a while and then Nicki took some pictures for us (thank you Nicki!)...

me and Sandy

Mary Ellen, me and Sandy

It was fun to chat with her about her appearance on The Nate Berkus show, meeting Rachel Ashwell as well as being featured in Rachel's latest book.

Thank you Sandy for spending time with me and letting me get to know you a bit. It truly was a pixie dust moment for me to meet you!

Her gorgeous mirror might be available for sale in my booth sometime this week...

photo from ZuZu Foster Photography

I say "might" because I am enjoying it over my mantel right now...

Jim did say how pretty it looked there and I have been a good girl this year Santa...

Join me this week as I share more of my photo shoot from around my nest with this beautiful treasure!

Thank you for visiting ~ have a wonderful week!!

busier than santa's workshop...

2011-12-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

That is exactly how I felt all week!

I have been busy getting ready for our Holiday Open House this weekend at the shop.

This morning I was in bright and early putting some new vignettes in my booth...

I think I will regret letting that sweet, petite "Ave Maria" book go!

Remember that wonderful old bench Mary Ellen bought when we went on our NH road trip?

Well here it is in her space...

She found the most wonderful treasures to dress it up...

Looks fabulous, doesn't it?!!

So for all you locals don't forget ~ our Holiday Open House starts tomorrow December 3rd and runs for a whole week through December 11th!

We would love to see you!!

In addition to gathering new items for the Holiday Open House I have also been getting my nest ready for a Christmas Party I am hosting for my camping friends.

I put this little off-centerpiece together...

As you can see one of the pillars was missing when I picked this house up on clearance after Christmas one year. I just used a cigar band and filled it with tiny pine cones!

I am very excited for this weekend ~ the Holiday Open House, seeing my girlfriends (I guess the guys too) and I also am sitting on some exciting news that I promise I will share real soon!

Thanks so much for visiting today.

I am joining LaurieAnna's Vintage Home for Farmhouse Friday ~ thanks for hosting LaurieAnna!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

christmas in paris...

2011-11-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

I wish!

Sorry to tease you with the title ~ just thought I would share some Christmas touches I put in my Paris Hotel Suite.

I am getting ready to put the tree up in my den so I had to move my white farmhouse chair.

I put it in my bedroom and added the lavender sachets I won from Jami ~ I think they look like packages...

White linen packages tied up with string...

It is right next to my tree...

It is tall and skinny and I do not decorate it, but I just love the way it twinkles at night...

As I mentioned the other day, I am keeping it very simple this year...

Just adding a little sparkle with some of my favorite things...

I may tuck some greens in, I may not...

I will not be in Paris for Christmas, but there is a little Christmas in my Paris Hotel Suite here at home now!

Thank you for visiting today!

I am joining Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday.

After you enjoy some winter whites over there take a minute and visit Sandy over at My Shabby Streamside Studio.

She has put together another one of her wonderful videos celebrating the season!

it's beginning...

2011-11-27T16:30:00.000-05:00

...to look alot like Christmas

around here...

I spent some time this weekend decking the halls.

As I sit here relaxing and looking around, I notice that not much has changed from how it looked last year.

A few simple touches here and there just the way I like it.

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving.

Mine was spent here at home with family and it was a wonderful day!

A little calm before the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and party hopping.

Thank you for stopping in ~ I hope you have a great week!

road trip treasures...

2011-11-22T07:41:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Sit back, relax and take a break from holiday prepping and peek at my road trip treasures...

I have been drawn to vintage portraits lately. I could not pass by this little one ~ love the bow in her hair and just look at her eyes...

I am saving all these treasures for our Vintage Holiday Open House...

This vintage Bingo game is wonderful...

Chippy green shutter that was cut in half and chippy old farmhouse stool...

Love the color of these boots...

I thought this little carrier was so cute. Perfect to fit the glass jars that I already filled with some holiday sparkle...

Not sure if I can part with the glass door knobs!

I picked up a few treasures for myself that I will show you when I start sharing my holiday nest next week!

I am going to take a break from posting through the weekend.

I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this year, starting with my mended heart to seeing other broken hearts around me mend as well.

I am also thankful for all my wonderful blog friends ~ you add so much to my life!

See you next week!

road trip...

2011-11-20T17:36:00.000-05:00

I had a great weekend...hope you did too!

Not only was the weather just perfect it was filled with treasure hunting!

Mary Ellen and I took a road trip on Friday to New Hampshire to hit White Home Collections in Wilton.

Guess what...I forgot my camera!!

I am still upset.

Thank goodness Mary Ellen remembered hers...

Mary Ellen brought this beauty home...look for it at our Holiday Open House!

Mary Ellen has more photos to share over at the shop blog.

It was such a beautiful day...the ride was so pretty through the back roads of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Thanks for a fun day Mary Ellen!

Today Jim and I went to Boston and hit the SoWa Vintage Market.

It was very eclectic with lots of interesting pieces.

Um...again I forgot my camera!

But, don't worry...Jim and I had a wonderful day and he promised to take me back!

I promise to remember my camera!!

It was almost 70 degrees so we headed over to Fanueil Hall and grabbed a bite from the food court. We walked around a while then just sat and enjoyed the sunshine and people watched for a while.

We used to spend days like this when we were dating 30 years ago!

Thanks Jim...love you!

I will share my finds this week so come back and visit in between all your cooking and baking for Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful week!

new signs and recent finds...

2011-11-17T12:25:00.000-05:00

I popped in the shop bright and early this morning to add a few new things to my booth.

Remember the sign I shared last week...

It landed in my booth along with another one I did...

My other attempt at some free hand detail...

I browsed around and took a few photos of some new treasures to add to the Recent Finds page on the shop's website.

I am in love with this new cabinet...

Gorgeous right?!!

Can you keep a secret? I bought a new mirror...

Ssshhh...don't tell Jim, I am hoping he won't notice.

Besides, I am going to stick to the rule and bring the old one it is replacing to the shop.

If I can switch hats for a moment from Shop Girl to Proud Mama.

I just wanted to let my son Jake know how proud I am of him for all his accomplishments during his first and last season of high school Cross Country. We attended the end of year banquet last night and he was given the Coaches Award!

His senior year is going by so fast...

Congratulations Jake!!

Thanks for visiting today!

christmas in my booth...

2011-11-15T07:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally made it into my booth and added some Christmas items the other day.

Our Vintage Holiday Open House this year will be for a whole week beginning December 3rd.

I think I should have waited because quite a few of my items sold already...

I sold the advent calendar the day I put it in my space.

I am busy in Santa's workshop making another one though!

I trimmed the tree with some some vintage Italian frames as well as some ornaments that I made...

I found the sweet little bird picks at Michael's and have a few nesting in the tree.

I also have a few Santa ornaments left from last year...

I have the perfect mail box to receive all your Christmas cards this year...

My booth has been sprinkled with vintage books in red...

Sssshhh...can you hear that? My sleigh bells are ringing...

My mannequin angel got her wings...

Mary Ellen has plenty of these heavenly wings in stock for the holidays...

A pair will definitely be coming home with me this week.

I am also loving this pair...

Thank you for stopping by today and taking a peek at Christmas in my booth. As my fellow Shop Girls start sprinkling some holiday magic in their booths I will share some more photos with you.

I have just taken over maintaining the shop's website and will be popping in the shop more often so I can catch when they bring new finds in and share them with our customers.

I was wondering if anyone knows how to insert a custom photo over the stock photo that came with the template?

Thanks again and have a wonderful day!

free hand...

2011-11-10T12:45:00.000-05:00

What's a girl to do with an old set of old wooden stack tables that just won't sell in her space?

Even after she gave them a mini makeover?

You take the table top off and turn this...

into this...

I enlarged this wonderful image from The Graphics Fairy and traced it out. However, this time I actually free handed the detail...

When I saw the sign Jill shared with us last week here at French Inspiration Thursday I was truly inspired.

Thank you Jill.

I have three more new blank "canvases" to work with now!

And what's a girl to do when it is a dreary, rainy day?

She takes a little time out to browse through this...

So excited to have finally found a copy!

Thanks for stopping by!

old radio...

2011-11-09T06:24:00.000-05:00

When I went treasure hunting with Mary Ellen a few weeks ago down to New Bedford I found a really unique piece perfect to share at Faded Charm for White Wednesday...

Isn't it fabulous! Perfectly chippy...

With pretty details...

Can you hear the music...

I wish it still worked. Don't you think it would make a great, unique accent piece in the right home? It is in my booth just waiting for it's new owner...

I am planning on sprinkling some Christmas in my booth before the weekend...

Well, I am off to visit Kathleen where I know the Wednesday whites will be wonderful!

Have a nice day and thank you for visiting!

christmas rush...

2011-11-07T16:11:00.000-05:00

The Christmas rush is on...I guess.

November first I heard my first Christmas Carol ~ and it was Elvis.

Sorry, not a big fan.

Before that I had seen glimpses of holiday displays at a few stores and I avoided those aisles.

Don't get me started on the commercials.

I like to enjoy each holiday without rushing to the next.

However, being a shop girl I need my booth halls decked since customers have been asking for Christmas items for a few weeks now.

Thank goodness some of my fellow shop girls are on the ball while I have been stalling.

Our Christmas Open House this year starts on December 3rd and runs for a whole week.

Yesterday and today I started putting a few things together.

I am going to try and keep it subtle this year, more wintery than Christmasey (is that a word?).

I started by browsing through last years JDL...

I have a simple plan for the tree which I will share with you later this week.

I have a basket full of ornaments left over from last year...

A fabulous old winter photo...

Vintage sleigh bells (that I still don't know if I want to part with)...

I have been picking up wonderful old books with red covers...

I would also like to find more pieces like this to add some holiday color to my booth...

I did have this sign in the shop pile but I think I have to keep it a bit longer!

My nest will not see any holiday decorations until the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I received the nicest gifts the other day from my fellow shop girl and friend Jeanine...

I am looking forward to using them on my turkey day table...

But for now I have them in my living room...

I think they are the perfect touch for fall...

Which I would still like to enjoy for a few more weeks!

Thank you Jeanine...

She gave me a few other pretties too that will be perfect when I finally start my holiday decorating!

I want to thank you all for visiting me over at Meridian Road last Friday.

I am happy you stopped by, have a wonderful week!

guest posting over at meridian road...

2011-11-04T10:06:00.001-04:00

My friend Suzanne over at Meridian Road asked me to do a guest post for her today.

I would love it if you would stop by and say hello and visit with her for a while. Her blog and home are just beautiful!

I am sharing one of my stops on my recent treasure hunting adventure to New Bedford to a vintage clothing store called Circa...

Thank you Suzanne and thank you all for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

more progress...

2011-11-03T12:55:00.000-04:00

Who would have thought that an October snow storm could be so inconvenient!

We awoke to no power on Sunday morning but were lucky enough to have it back on by Sunday evening.

However, we had no phone, cable or internet until late yesterday.

So I am quite behind on my posting and my visits and hope to catch up with what you've all been up to very soon.

Want to know what I have been up to?

Nothing too exciting...just making more progress by crossing some projects off my old to do list!

First I can cross off painting the rest of the trim in the hallway since I applied the second coat!

Next, I put a coat of primer on my front door and ~~hope~~ will be putting a coat (or two) of the new color sometime within the next week. When I finish that project I will share some before, during and after photos.

Then, since I have been keeping my studio pretty neat and organized I decided to tackle the room right outside my door.

You might remember this mess from last January...

...and how I mentioned that my whole downstairs needed a makeover and some organizing. The space above has finally been finished. I gave it a fresh coat of paint before I had my surgery in February and Jim installed shelving to hide crafting supplies and items I have for sale in my Etsy shop. While everything was organized it looked a mess! Jim finally put up a pipe so I could hang a drop cloth curtain. I attached it by using curtain rod clips (no sewing!). Here is what it looks like now...

I know it needs to be ironed but I was waiting because I was wondering if I should run it through the washer and dryer first? Maybe it will make it a bit softer and maybe I wouldn't have to iron it! Let me know if you have any tips.

I was going to change out the rug but have decided to work with it for now...

I found this cute black table at a yard sale a few weeks ago and decided to keep it for myself (and why not for $5.00). It ended up being the perfect place for my fleur de lis shutter...

I added my cherished copies of JDL...

I can't wait for the Christmas issue!

I also changed my hutch a bit...

Now the area is neat and organized...

Well, this half anyway...the other half has all my pinks from my booth and some Christmas projects ready to be worked on!

Rome wasn't built in a day!

I have also been working on new items for my booth which I will share next week.

It feels so good to be getting things accomplished!

Jim and I also took Jake on his first college tour this week!

His senior year is going by very fast...too fast!

I am missing him already.

Thank you all for stopping by today...I've missed you too!

vintage with a view...

2011-10-29T08:04:00.000-04:00

I love Pinterest.

I also love when I find a photo that needs me to start a new board.

That is what happened when I found this beautiful picture a few weeks ago...

Source: wildrosevintage.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

I created the board "vintage with a view" once I saw this breath taking photo on Faye's blog, Wild Rose Vintage.

Shortly after, I pinned another fabulous shot from her...

Source: wildrosevintage.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Absolutely stunning, don't you agree?!

Faye is the winner of my Uprint giveaway ~ congratulations!!

Either of those photos would make wonderful postcards!!

Sorry I am a little late announcing the winner.

The princess and I went shopping for the day yesterday and she took me out for a belated birthday lunch ~ thanks Jaclyn!!

Thank you all for stopping by today!

It is still October and we are in for a snow storm this afternoon.

This is no treat...a trick for sure!!

merci michelle...

2011-10-26T07:35:00.000-04:00

When I asked Michelle to make one of her beautiful inspiration holders for my giveaway, I asked her to make one for me too...

Debbie's is hiding behind mine...hee hee!

I asked her for a glass knob since we grew up with them adorning all the doors in our house. I also asked her to surprise me with the rest and boy did she ever!

Voila...

Just look at how the glass knob sparkles!

I love how she repurposes the old cards ~ a tribute to my family of four...

And I adore what she put in the beautiful buckle...

How cute is the fleur de lis charm!

Did I ever tell you how I came up with the name for my blog?

cot-tage: a usually small frame one-family house

I have always lived in houses with small, cozy rooms and have always embraced cottage style, going from country to shabby to my current mix of shabby, french farmhouse.

muse: a state of deep thought or dreamy abstraction

In addition to fitting the definition (blogging and now pinning are definitely dreamy abstractions) my maiden name is Muise. It is pronounced a bit different, with a softer s but I just thought the similarity was perfect!

Again, thank you Michelle, I just love my new inspiration holder...

Debbie...you will LOVE yours too!

I am sharing today with Kathleen for White Wednesday.

Oh...and by the way...did you know I am having another giveaway?!

Click here to enter!

Thank you for stopping by today!

another giveaway...

2011-10-25T06:42:00.000-04:00

That's right...I am having another giveaway!

Don't you just love it when it is my birthday month?!

Uprinting recently contacted me and is offering one of my readers a set of 100 postcards!

www.uprinting.com/postcards.html

Here are the details...

One winner will receive one set of 100 postcards

5" x 7"

14 pt Cardstock Gloss

No Folding

Front Only Printing

2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time with Free Shipping

Limited to US Residents 18 Years Old and Above Only

My friend Nicki over at The Vintage Farmhouse recently won a similar giveaway and had these great postcards printed...

I would love to have a set of my own to use in my booth at the shop or to tuck in with my Etsy orders.

Another great idea would be to order some Christmas Cards ~ leading online printing companies have so many ideas I am sure you will find a design that is perfect for you.

This giveaway is sponsored by Uprinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a postcard for hosting.

Ok...now that the technical stuff is out of the way here is what you need to do to enter...

Just leave me a comment on this post and let me know what kind of postcard you will order...it is that simple!

I will announce the winner this Friday the 28th.

Thank you so much for visiting and good luck!

waterfront and lakehouse...

2011-10-21T17:41:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day here in New England!

Mary Ellen and I had lots of fun treasure hunting in New Bedford today. It was so nice out we even had lunch by the waterfront (at the Waterfront Grille to be exact)...

New Bedford is nicknamed "The Whaling City" because during the 19th century it was one of the most important whaling ports in the world.

Jim and I have eaten at this restaurant a few times while treasure hunting. He loves looking at all these old fishing boats.

He has not named his own boat yet.

I took this photo to let him know this name is taken...

Well, I have covered the waterfront part from my title.

What does lakehouse have to do with this post you may be wondering?

Well Debbie from the Lakehouse is the winner of my giveaway!

Congrats Debbie ~ email me your address!

Thank you everyone for entering and for visiting today.

Enjoy your weekend!!

petite oiseau...

2011-10-20T13:15:00.000-04:00

I am joining Jill from Gypsy Brocante over at The French Cupboard for French Inspiration Thursday today.

My friend Mary Ellen gave me this beautiful tiered tray for my birthday...

It looks like an old french zinc piece to me and is topped with a little bird (or petite oiseau as my friend Michelle would say)...

I love the sweet little cowgal tag she attached to it...

It is perfect to hold all my price tags and business cards...

I bought the old match boxes from the shop...

I found a new mercury glass like bowl to hold my scissors, pens and pencils at Marshalls over the summer and love how it looks next to it...

The tray fits perfectly in the corner of my desk in my studio...

My desk has not looked this clean in a while!

Thanks so much Mary Ellen...I love it!

We are going treasure hunting together tomorrow...can't wait!

Thanks so much for stopping by today ~ it's the last day to enter my giveaway, don't forget!

pocket pillows...

2011-10-18T19:25:00.001-04:00

For White Wednesday over at Faded Charm this week, I would like to show you what my friend Sue made for me...

Two pocket pillows ~ aren't they beautiful!

I showed Sue photos of some from blogs and Etsy shops and thought since she liked to sew she could make them herself.

And she did ~ for me!

The pillow covers are made from an old skirt and the flowers are from an old afghan she found while treasure hunting...

I love the old cabinet card she tucked in with the sheet music (she even gave me the frame the photo came in).

Look how sweet the flowers are...

I hope to talk her into making more ~ I would love to buy some to sell in my booth!

Thank you again Sue...I love them!

Thanks Kathleen for hosting and thank you for stopping by today!

Don't forget the sale in my Etsy shop!

Oh ~ have you entered my giveaway yet?

You still have a few days left to enter!

progress break...

2011-10-17T13:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, I said progress.

You would all be so proud of me...it has been one month (ok, one month and a day) since I posted about my old house and the to do lists I made.

Well, today I finally tackled a project on the old to do list!

I finished painting the trim in the hallway that I started two years ago (not umpteen)!! Ok ~ it's only the first coat but it is still progress!

I did not take any before or after pictures.

It isn't really an exciting project.

However, while I am taking this progress break I thought I would show you what I found while treasure hunting yesterday in Plymouth...

I was looking for more pieces to add warmth to my booth for the fall...

Of course I am looking around my nest to see where I would put these pieces if I were keeping them. This old food warmer would look great holding mums right now or pines around the holidays..

Keeping this old sewing machine cover would be silly because I don't sew, but would like to learn how someday...

Now I want to keep this one...

Because the color is gorgeous and...

I thought I might look really chic while checking in if I mean when I stay here someday...

source

Rachel Ashwell's B&B, The Prairie.

It must be on your road trip wish list too!

I guess my progress break is over.

I am off to clean up my finds so I can bring them into my booth tomorrow.

Yes, all of them!

Before I go I wanted to remind you all of my giveaway that ends this Friday the 21st (not the 20th like I wrote originally).

Go to this post to enter!

Thanks for visiting today and have a great week!

end of market tour and giveaway...

2011-10-14T11:58:00.000-04:00

Thank you for taking the tour with me this week of all my fellow shop girls' beautiful spaces that they created for our Vintage Fall Market Weekend.

I know you have visited my friend Karen's blog before, A Shabby Moment in Time, now take a peek at her space...

Here is her other space...

Love that tiered table!

Now here is a peek in my booth...

Sold the chest!

All the shabby pink roses are gone from my booth and most are in my Etsy shop now.

Everything in my shop is 20% off through the end of the month!

This concludes the tour...thanks for sticking with me this week!!

Now on to the fun stuff!

I am having a giveaway to celebrate my birthday month, 500 followers and that the Wrentham Country Store was named one of the top 80 antique malls in Flea Market Style Magazine!!

Would you like to know what I am giving away?

First is a copy of Flea Market Style Magazine to celebrate the mention...

Second, to celebrate 500 followers my beautiful, talented blogging friends Michelle and Susan are making something special just for you!

I am sure you all know that Michelle's stunning Inspiration Holders made the cover of the Autumn issue of Somerset Life magazine...

Congratulations!!

Well, she is making one for the winner!

Thank you Michelle!

I am sure you also know that Susan has recently opened up a wonderful shop on Etsy.

She will be embroidering the initial of the winner on one of these lovely vintage white linen towels...

Thank you Susan!

Finally, to celebrate my birthday month there will be a few surprises from me and something from Karen's fabulous space at the shop as well!

Don't you just love surprises?!

Thank you Karen!

I have some pretty special friends...thank you all!!

Want to know how to win...it's easy...just leave one comment on this post!

I will announce the winner next Friday, October 20th!

Good Luck!

Thanks for visiting today and enjoy your weekend!!

still more from the market...

2011-10-13T11:33:00.000-04:00

I still have more from the market to show you so grab a snack and let's go!

Pam has two spaces that she has named...

See that crate under the table....I want it!!

Next we have Nancy D's space. Love her new sign...

Nancy J's space...

Martha's booth is called...

Love the burlap banner sign!

She also made a few for sale in her space...

Don't you just love this dresser in Sue's space...

See the sold tag...another one that got away!!

Mary of Chanel's Shabby Rose has a new sign for her space...

Jackie of...

A bit blurry ~ sorry!

...always has some wonderful pieces...

Wasn't this used by Dr. Mike on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman?

Well, thanks for taking part three of the Vintage Fall Market Weekend tour with me. The final leg is tomorrow and I will also share the details of my giveaway too!

Hope the sun is shining where you are...it's drab and dreary here today.

Thanks for stopping by!

more from the market...

2011-10-12T11:25:00.000-04:00

As promised yesterday here are some more pictures from our Vintage Fall Market Weekend. I'll start in Maureen's booth which she has named..

You can always count on a touch of whimsy in her space...

Next we can take a peek into Jeannie's two booths...

Nothing really lasts too long in her spaces...

Harvest table ~ sold!

A few of the shop girls have more than one space.

Karen K.'s two booths have completely different looks.

One space is called...

She has a great black and white theme going on...

I love this...

Don't you?!!

Her other space is called...

Love this creative sign!!

There's a little something for everyone here...

Karen C. (yes, lots of Karens at the shop!) gave her booth a new look...

The drum table and bench ~ sold!!

That's it for today!

More to come tomorrow as well as my giveaway on Friday!

Thanks for stopping by!

vintage fall market weekend...

2011-10-11T07:58:00.000-04:00

Well, it was a beautiful Indian Summer weekend here in New England! As the temps hovered around 80, the shop was full to the brim with vintage treasures and shoppers.

All the shop girls did a wonderful job giving their spaces a new look.

This is what greeted our customers when they pulled in...

Then Jeanine and Susan had this great display to welcome our customers in to the shop...

Mary Ellen, whose space is now called "The Vintage Shopkeeper", created a fabulous display full of creative vignettes...

See the wonderful arbor in the middle...

It was the perfect place to hang her new sign...

She held on to a lot of finds from Brimfield and flea markets just for the show...

All her spaces looked amazing...

I want to thank you all for the nice birthday wishes.

I have been sick all weekend, even yesterday on my birthday.

Not feeling the best today either but I am off to the shop to work, hoping I will feel better as I get going.

I have so many more photos to share of the other shop girl's booths this week! Hope you come back to see!

Oh, and make sure you come back on Friday as I am having a giveaway!!

sneak peek...

2011-10-06T19:10:00.000-04:00

Today I am joining Debra (thanks for hosting Deb!) over at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday and thought I would give you all a sneak peek at one of the beautiful displays that is at The Wrentham Country Store for our Vintage Fall Market Weekend...

Lee's Booth

I am in love with this whole display and think it sums up the feel we wanted for this show. I actually added this beautiful trunk to my wish list (are you reading this Jim, it is my birthday month)...

Just look at the patina of this old beauty...

This piece looks like something you would see in Restoration Hardware...

Lee and Bill did an amazing job on their space!

They kept the accessories simple yet perfect...

They brought in some other amazing pieces but like I said this is just a sneak peek!!

Our show starts Saturday and runs right through to Monday.

If you live nearby and plan to visit us, please introduce yourself to any of the shop girls...we would love to meet you!

We are all very excited for the show and hope our customers enjoy it as much as they did our At Home With White Event back in April!

The Flea Market Style Magazine blog is looking for their reader's favorite sales. Did you happen to shop the White Event and enjoy it?

We would love it if you would let them know!

(The deadline for submissions is Friday the 7th!)

Well I am off to pack up the last of my treasures so I can finish filling my booth tomorrow.

In addition to the show this weekend we are closing up our trailer for the season...sniff, sniff (need a tissue Sue?).

Yes...it is going to be a busy one.

Monday will be the busiest day as I need to clean the trailer from top to bottom and pack everything up to bring home.

Sounds like a fun way to celebrate my birthday...not!!

Monday is my birthday and I plan on celebrating with all of you by having a giveaway next week!

It will be a birthday/500 follower/our shop is in Flea Market Style magazine giveaway!!

That means lots of goodies so make sure you come back!

Thanks for visiting today!

all hallows eve...

2011-10-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

I got side tracked the other day from getting ready for the show and had some fun making a few fall vignettes around my nest. I like that I have changed to shades of blacks, creams and whites with some warm wood tones for my fall palette. Now that my kids are grown I don't need all the pumpkins to be orange...

I love the new banner I picked up at the shop for the mirror over the mantel...

I also bought the ghost at the shop ~ thought it would add a bit of whimsy...

When I first saw it I thought it was made of burlap but it is made of wire mesh...

Pretty clever don't you think?!

I kept it simple...

Love my new clocks...

Do you like my headless cabinet cards...

I found them on the Pottery Barn website!

As you can see there are still little hints of orange.

Like this wonderful old song book I found, it is by a Perkins (my Mom's maiden name) just like the one that I have that was hers...

My ledge didn't change too much...

Just added a few baby boos...

I am sharing today at Faded Charm for White Wednesday...

Thanks Kathleen!

Thank you all for stopping by!

getting ready...

2011-10-02T20:07:00.000-04:00

We are getting ready...

Our latest finds...

Are being made into new displays...

For our Vintage Fall Market Weekend...

Not only are we getting ready with fresh stock for our customers, each shop girl is giving their space a new look.

I worked Saturday and Sunday and some new treasures and new spaces have already appeared!!

I know I showed you my new sign for my booth the other day...

I thought you might like to see the burlap I added and the falling leaves...

I let the burlap drape down the sides...

I made the leaves out of old dictionary pages.

I know the pictures aren't the best...Jim was in a hurry that night.

I promise I will take better ones after everything is all done.

I will share some photos of the other shop girl's spaces too.

Each booth is going to have a name now...I can't wait to see what the girls come up with!

Thanks for stopping by...have a wonderful week!!!

inspiration origination...

2011-09-29T21:12:00.000-04:00

I waited quite a while to start pinning...

Source: waysidetreasures-sandi.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

And now that I finally do ~ I am hooked...

Source: justfollowingjesus.com via Sandra on Pinterest

But tell me...

Source: tickingandtoile.blogspot.com via Sandra on Pinterest

Do you "pin" from where you find something fabulous or do you wait and search and then "pin" from where the inspiration originated from...

I would love to know!

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Lots of fun stuff coming up in ~~my birthday month~~ October so stay tuned!!

chocolat...

2011-09-28T07:40:00.001-04:00

Thanks for your great comments on my last post.

It sure is good to know that I keep great company when I am a bit forgetful!

A few weeks ago I brought home a wonderful old wooden crate.

I forgot to take a before photo...oops!

I white washed it and used a vintage french inspired advertisement from The Graphics Fairy and ended up with this...

I put a light coat of stain over it before a few coats of wax.

It ended up in my studio...

Making lots of goodies like this for the Vintage Fall Market Weekend at the shop!

Joining Kathleen for White Wednesday ~ thank you for hosting!

I am also going to link up to Brag Monday over at The Graphics Fairy...thanks Karen!

Thank you all for stopping by today!

Chocolat for breakfast anyone?

forgetful...

2011-09-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

Have you ever bought something for yourself (or win a fabulous giveaway) and totally forget about it?

I have...a few times.

If I buy something for myself and ~~don't want Jim to find out~~ don't need to use it right away I will put it in a bag in the closet.

And forget about it.

I know a few of you out there have done the same thing!

However, after a while when I am in an organizing mode and stumble across the bag, it is like I just bought something new for myself again!

And didn't spend any money!!

In the beginning of June I won a giveaway from Glitterfest!
June is always so busy with school ending and summer beginning that this little bag got covered up in my studio as the lazy days of summer flew by...

Just look what is inside...

This beautiful Marie Antoinette soldered journal was created by the very talented Rita Reade of Mammabellarte.

I found a nesting place for it in my studio...

Thank you Rita...I love it!
Thank you for stopping by today...I hope you all have a wonderful week!!

getting ready for the market...

2011-09-23T11:52:00.000-04:00

What a busy week I have had getting ready for the Vintage Fall Market Weekend at our shop.

I am hoping to talk Jim into heading to the shop tonight to give my space a little makeover. I already put my new sign up fromPaula...

Thank you Paula!!!

I have some burlap I want draped up and over the sign and I also want Jim to hang these crates up...

I have been having fun playing with different vignettes inside them and have decided to give them a farmhouse look. I made over a few old baskets with the help from Laurie's post...

Thank you Laurie!!

I have some treasures in my booth already to make some vignettes but for now I used my Flora Dora to help fill in the space for these pictures...

Love my Flora Doora...thanks Jane!!

I added one of The Graphic Fairy's images to the side of the crate...

Unfortunately I rubbed a bit too hard...

Thanks Karen!

But I still like it!

Hoping to join everyone at Farmhouse Friday ~ thank you for hosting LaurieAnna! I say "hoping" because I have been having a few problems with blogger...has anyone else?

Thank you all for stopping by today...enjoy your weekend!

estate sale treasures...

2011-09-19T13:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend?

We enjoyed some beautiful Fall weather here and my Saturday started out at a local estate sale right around the corner! I spied four pairs of sweet baby shoes...

Isn't the box cute! I think I will be saving these for our next White Event at the shop...

Then I brought home a box lot of old clocks...

I think I might keep a few of the black ones to add to my own collection. They will look great in my Halloween displays...

I also bought this beautiful mirror...

I just love the detail...

While I should be buying for my booth I thought this one would look great painted white for me...

Don't you agree...

My next find was this wonderful old bureau...

I would love to keep this old beauty too but it is heading to my booth next week after Jim does some minor repair to the drawers...

I did bring home one other pretty painted piece that I am bringing to my booth tomorrow...

Love the shabby pale pink color...

Well, I am off to clean up my treasures and gather my other goodies to bring to my booth tomorrow.

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful week!!

my old house...

2011-09-16T07:21:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Fall weather has greeted me this morning and will be staying through the weekend!

The chill in the air has brought my thoughts to my long "to do" list.

I have a lot of projects that I want to tackle around my nest this fall and winter like...

1. Finish painting the trim in my hallway from umpteen years ago.

Can't believe I admitted that.

2. Paint my front door.

I bought the paint two years ago.

3. Paint my downstairs bathroom.

I am so over the yellow.

These are just a few of the "old" projects I want to complete.

Don't get me started on my "new" project wish list like...

1. Get Jim to remove a few kitchen cabinet doors for open shelving.

He has vetoed it once but I won't give up!

2. Have our hardwood floors refinished.

In a beautiful dark finish.

100. Makeover the Princess Suite.

Notice it's low priority number...once it is kept neat I will consider bumping it up.

I know I will always have a "to do" list for this old house.

Even though this old house is not an old farmhouse, romantic prairie style is quickly becoming my style.

You are right LaurieAnna, it is what is on the inside that matters!

As I look around my home at my recent changes I can't help but smile. I know some of you have seen these photos before but I thought I would share them again for Farmhouse Friday over at LaurieAnna's Vintage Home for some that may not have...

Thank you LaurieAnna for hosting and thank you all for stopping by today!

I also wanted to thank you for the all the great suggestions on the lamp I showed you the other day. I must add "paint the lamp white and get a burlap shade" to my new to do list!

Enjoy your day ~ off I go to Farmhouse Friday for more inspiration!