Saturday, June 8, 2013

Lots of "News" At My Cottage

 Hello everyone!!! Hope you all are doing well!
 What a beautiful weekend we are having, here in Indiana!!
I have been rearranging and adding a few "new" items to my porch decor, as well as primping and adding "new" plants to my garden area. Today, I'm sharing with you some of the "NEWS" I have added.

Cute Beach Decor: 
I LOVE my sun porch! So many windows that brighten the room and that give it that outdoor feel. I have rearranged items on my grandmother's old steamer trunk to make a summer/beach vignette. Some of the items are old, some are new.
 My small, but honest, wood sign says it all!
"Life is Good On The Lake!"
 I loved my display of assorted seashells and stones in the recently purchased blue bowl so much, that I have kept it on display, ever since my post a few months ago (See here)!   
Some old seahell and rock identification books also sit on the corner of the trunk, waiting to be opened. 
 The view out the window behind my display adds to the relaxed and beachy/nautical atmosphere.
 A few new items were also added to my display. 
I found a couple of inexpensive, cute beachy items at our local Dollar General Store recently, like this set of 4 coasters(stored in a cute holder). Perfect for my morning cup of tea.
 I also found this cute beach chair candle holder. 
  Being a bit of a history buff, I also have several photos of our cottage, (built in 1937, as a 1 bedroom summer cottage) displayed in my porch area. I have added just one of those old photos to my vignette.
I really love the colored glass floats that hang in the window behind the trunk.
 
 Being a flower-lover, I couldn't pass up this potted Asian lily. The color was so breathtaking and added to the beachy feel. They have so many blooms, with more ready to open, very soon!
 I just love all the "news" in my porch display.

Pillow Power:
I think I have a bit of an obsession, too . . . pillows!
 Especially beach/nautical/lake themed pillows!
I keep adding pillows to my blue futon on the porch. If I'm not careful, soon there won't be room to sit down!
 I recently added a couple of "new" pillows to my  assortment.
 
The blue and white striped pillow was actually a very simple DIY project. I had a white, uncovered pillow that I wanted to spruce up. I found the striped material on sale at WalMart and purchased a couple of yards. Since I am no seamstress, I found this easy no-sew pillow cover Youtube demonstration.  

 I also recently found this small nautical pillow, while shopping area antique/secondhand stores. Embroidered on the front is written, "Heaven is a bit closer in a home by the lake."

           Now, I'm ready for a summer in the sun porch!!

My Garden and Patio 
I also have been enjoying the results of all the spring containter planting I did a month ago. Check out the photos HERE from then and see how they have really grown and bloomed!
My little patio area has a cafe' table and a couple of chairs, ready for a light brunch or teatime. (Maybe, I'll do a future post there.)
 
 Between the patio and our driveway/garage entrance, there is a park bench, perfect for taking in the beautiful floral surroundings.
 Recently, I planted some potted vegetable plants in my garden patio. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumber have been planted and we await some fresh vegetable for our table.
 In the top right corner of the picture above, are some yellow Gerber Daisies that come up, even potted, every year.
 
 On the side of the cottage is our small goldfish pond. We had to put a wire cover over the top, as the neighbor's cat loved catching and eating our fish. :-(
 Around front (lakeside) is our other patio. We eventually plan on getting this patio removed and putting pavers in instead. 
For now, though, we still enjoy the view and, just as my little flag indicates, feel like it's "Just another day in paradise."
 Here's hoping you all have been enjoying your weekend, too!
New Outfite Link-Up
Just a little reminder to all of you who enjoy doing outfit posts:
You still have a few days (ends this Tuesday, June 11 at midnight.) if you want to post one or more of your outfit posts at my link-up (What's In My Closet?). They need to be posts from the past month and outfit posts only. I really need to know if this is something I could do regularly or should it just be a one-time link-up? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Also, if you have any ideas on how to get more people interested, let me know.

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb
Linking up at these blog hops:
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Monday, May 27, 2013

Lake Living is Grand

I had my hopes and preconceived ideas, but I never knew lake living could be so adventuresome and full!
Here are just a few things I've been enjoying, lately, about living on a lake.

 We see nature at its best. . .
 A wounded butterfly rests on some sand and rocks.
 Two sparrows visited me up close on my patio.

 Lake life is often seen as "laid back".
 Amish fishermen in front of our cottage.
 Mowing our grass, with lake in background.
 It's a dog's life.
 Catching fish off of the pier
 There is also adventure. . .
 Speedboats, flying by.
 Tubers, skiers, and jet-skiers filled the lake this Memorial Weekend.

 I'll have to admit, I love lake living! 
Beautiful sunsets and so much more!!!
 Full moon.

 Life has its ups and downs, but I'm so thankful to have the privilege of living on a lake!! To read about other things I've been thankful for, head on over to my other blog, 
Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

Linking up at these blog hops:

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Friday, May 17, 2013

What's In My Closet (Fashion Post and New Link-Up)

I decided to start a "once a month" post and my very first try at a Link-Up called, What's in My Closet? I'm a bit nervous, since this is a new thing for me, so I'm hoping that you all will join me and link up what's in your closet, too!!
(And maybe every now and then I'll do a "What's NOT in my Closet" post. In it I'll post some of the things that I've seen on the racks that I don't like or some outfits that I bought and decided to not keep ~ ever have that happen to you?).

But for today, these are a few outfits you would find there. . .
This casual outfit is one I've had for awhile. It's very comfortable and I love the colors and pattern in this top.
Top: Meijer (old)
Jeans:Unsure
Sandals: Target (old)


This black, gray, and purle top is made of stretch jersey material and came with the matching string belt. The skirt, I've had for a few years.
On cooler days, I can also wear this gray lace pull-over, too.
I found these purple flats several years back, after a LOT of searching. I couldn't believe how difficult it was to find purple dressy flats.
Top: Goodwill
Skirt: Goodwill
Gray top: Goodwill
Shoes: Unsure

My last outfit today is a new favorite! I bought this top and cropped pants on sale at JC Penney. I love the colors and a little bit of a nautical theme.
The scarf I got at an 80 percent off sale at a shop in the local mall, I think for $4. At the time, I had nothing in my closet to wear it with.

As you can see, when opened up, it also has a nautical theme, so it goes perfectly with this outfit.
Found these black sparkly flats at the Payless Shoe store the other day.
Hope you enjoyed viewing some of the outfits found in my closet. 

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb
  
Now, I'd love for you to share your outfits, too, by linking below!!

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Linking up at these blog hops:
What We Wore, Read, and Made @ Rae Gun Ramblings
I Feel Pretty @ Get Your Pretty On

Here is my link-up party button and code to share on your own blog.
Cairn Cottage

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