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

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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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Saturday, May 11, 2013

Antique Shopping and "Pink Hope" Memories

(I'm linking this post a little late in some of the linky parties, as it has been another very busy week. So, to all you moms I may have missed, Happy Belated Mothers Day!)
Hello again! Hard to believe the weekend is here already! I've had such a busy week, too!

 The fish on our lake have started biting, so my hubby and I have spent a few evenings throwing a line off of our pier and hauling in fish. We also purchased a new pontoon boat. We had been on the search for one for several weeks, now, and are excited to try it out at the end of next week.

Between all the fishing and boat shopping, I did get a chance to stop at my favorite local antique mall!  (Check out their Facebook Page HERE!) I found several pieces, including a teapot and set of 2 teacups with matching plates and saucers.  Not sure who the manufacturer is, since there is nothing on the bottom of any of the pieces. Does anyone have an idea of who made these?


 
When I purchased these sets at the antique mall, they were wrapped adorably in a pink ribbon. I kept this one tied up for a picture. . . just thought it was so pretty.

I also found a teacup that I couldn't resist....it is a design I remember very well, as my mother owned the full china set and would only use them when special guests came for a meal. I discovered it was a Wedgewood (England), "Pink Hope" design.
 Do you remember what your mother's china looked like? (Maybe you were lucky enough to have it as a handed down family heirloom.)

This rose design silverware was a wedding gift from my grandparents 26 years ago.
 I also displayed some Mother's Day gifts from the past.
This rose candle and angel watching over a praying child were from my hubby.
 This angel with flowers was from a friend.
This Dreamcycles angel was a gift from my son.
Just love this simple rose-themed teatime tablescape!
This crocheted table runner was an item I purchased several years ago on a shopping trip to the antiuque mall.
 My two rose trees have several buds and this was one of just a few of the first blooms of the season.
Wishing all you moms out there
(And if possible, remember to tell your mother)
Happy Mothers Day

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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Friday, May 3, 2013

In the Gardening Mode!!

Hello

How are all my blogger-land friends doing, today? We have had some gorgeous weather, here in the Midwest! Perfect for getting out and planting flowers. And that's just what I've been doing. In fact, I got a bit of a sunburn on my shoulders, not realizing I was out in the sun so long the other day! 

 Our little lake cottage doesn't have a lot of land to plant on, so I've been planting in containers this year. So far, I think I have 13 containers with flowers (mostly annuals, some perennials) in them. I plan on planting even more, as the season continues.

 Thought I would share what I have, so far. 
My front porch and entrance area has been my main focus, lately.
(As you can see, my doggies are waiting at the door for me to come and let them out!)


I planted a long row of different flowers along my patio wall. Before long, they will be filling in the whole planters and spilling over the sides!!
  I also planted in several smaller pots, that will soon be overflowing. A mini 'welcome' flag invites guests to stop in.

 Along the side of the cottage is our small goldfish pond. I hope to be adding water lilies and more rocks to the setting around the pond. A birdbath is surrouded by hostas and some of my hubby's beloved rocks.

 
Some close-ups of some of the flowers I planted:
 Petunias (hubby's favorite)


 
 Violas (One of my favorites) - sorry, it's a little blurry. The wind kept moving them and it was difficult to get good picture.
 Verbena
 Dianthus
 Snapdragon
 Also, not shown, are Marigolds, Asian Lily, and Alyssum.

I love the colorful glass watering balls for plants. Have you seen them? I have 3 of them. They really don't hold much water, but thy are so pretty and come in lots of colors and designs.
My most recent creation is something I never thought I would get into. . . a fairy garden. When they were first popular, I thought they were kind of hokey! But, I saw a simple kit at our local greenhouse, where you just add the plants, and decided to try it. The moss and small plants should eventually grow and fill in the areas of dirt.


 It sits nicely on a stand by my front door.
 I got this lantern awhile back at Target. It has a battery operated candle inside that has a timer on it. It wouldn't show up in the daytime, so I'll have to take an evening picture of it sometime. It sits on a favorite mosaic table.

 Well, hope the weather is cooperating where you live. I heard that parts of Texas was getting some snow this week. Yikes!!

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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