Wednesday, December 24, 2014

An Upside Down Christmas

 It’s December 24th, Christmas Eve, and it’s just me and the hubs here at home.  We thought our son would possibly show up, as he had told us he would, sometime today. But, so far, no son. So, we may or may not see him.

This year has been what I can only describe as an “upside down” Christmas. Nothing has been “normal” this year. Because of our ongoing remodeling, we just never got the decorations out of storage. Instead, I decided to try something different...an upside down Christmas tree...how appropriate!! I also have always wanted a white tree to decorate all nautical. So, here is my nautical upside-down tree.

I thought I would also share our guest bedroom that is over the garage, as I had promised a few months ago. Here is the stairway from our garage door entrance.
 An antique life preserver and mermaid welcome guests.
At the top of the stairs is a desk and chair. It's also where the tree is hung, as well as a fishnet-covered wall, with my hubby's wonderful collection of lures, signs, and other nautical ityems.

Along another wall is my curio cabinet, where many of my tea collection is stored. I decided to decorate with some of my smaller Christms items that weren't in storage.
 On the opposite side of the room is the guest bed, with a cottage quilt hung on the wall, as well as two buoys...which we got on our trip to Maine last summer.
The hubby hung the handmade wooden buoys on some dock cleats (which are used to tie boats to). The pedestal table is an antique hand-carved family heirloom.
My hubby, who is a garage sale addict, got lots of nautical signs and decor last summer. 
The painted oar was another discount find and the map and boat bell (next picture down) were other items purchased in Maine.
Close-up of some of the nautical tree decor.
 Some of them I made myself, like the bobber snowman and the blue glass float (a glass ornament, covered with twine). I also made some fun signs, printed on wood and glass balls...
 The other room I always decorate for the season...my dining room.
 Mmmmm...chocolate!
 And, if there's time, a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa!
 This Christmas coaster is one of four that I've had for many years.
 And lots of candles! I love candles at Christmas!
May you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Joyful Christmas Day!!(We just got word that our son is on his way...so it will be a nice Christmas for us, as well!)

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

Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Show and Share Party @ Coastal Charm
Making The World Cuter @ Making The World Cuter 
The Scoop Link Party @ The Everyday Home
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time
The Inspiration Board Link Party @ Homework
Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
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Monday, November 24, 2014

What's In My Closet: Winter Style

Hello, all!!

I decided to share some new winter outfits, as it's been awhile since I've shared "What's In My Closet". I've seen posts that were more like "selfies" of the outfits and thought I would try this, instead of waiting to have my hubby take them or use a tripod. 

The weather in Indiana can be quite fickle! These were taken over the past month, and as you can see, I went from fall skirts and canvas shoes to sweaters, boots, and coats. 

 I got this blue fishnet sweater, as well as the plaid canvas shoes on sale at Meijer(yes one of my favorite stores.) All other items I already had in my closet for several years.

This blue cable knit sweater and red print blouse came from good ole Goodwill! A added an old pair of jeans and another pair of slip-on canvas shoes. (Yes, I love canvas shoes!)

This black and gray long sweater has been a staple in my closet for quite a while. I matched it with my gray stretch pants and a black scarf. I recently got a pair of black laced combat boots, which went well with this outfit.

Winter officially hit us pretty good last week. I got my flannel shirt, white turtleneck, and quilted/fur-lined vest out of storage. Black jeans also go with this combo. I wore this with my combat boots, as well. I love how I can wear them with so many different style outfits. 

 I also got some new "over the knee" boots on sale at a local shoe store (Shoe Sensation). After looking at this ensemble, I'm thinking it may not be my style, to put them with this sweater and stockings. I think I will wear black leggings, instead. But, since I took the picture, thought I would go ahead and post it. What do you think?

I hope you have been enjoying the November weather, wherever you live. 
May your Thanksgiving be full of joy, family togetherness, great food, and remembering all the blessings you have received through-out the year.
source

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

Linking up at these parties:
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Saturday, October 25, 2014

Autumn Decorating

 Hello again!
And...
to my cottage...
I finally got the motivation to take some pics of my Autumn decor and share them.

This year, I haven't been real creative. Most of what I used to decorate with I used last fall, as well. I did find a few "older" decor items up in storage that I decided to bring out and use again. It's amazing how an older item that I haven't used in a few years can seem like a new item, when I bring it out again.

Porch area
 My mums are so bright this year!I added a few of my decorative jack-o-lanterns(that light up at night) for the upcoming Halloween day. Of course, I always have some owl items on display this time of year...like my mini flag.
 I used the same wreath as last year, but added some orange burlap ribbon and found this small chalkboad in Walmart's craft section, where I can write different things for the different seasons on it.
Right inside the door sits another watchful owl, displayed on an old pedestal stand. 
 Another area that I love to decorate is my dining room...not that I'm expecting company anytime soon, but at least I'm prepared. Most of this decor is from last year, as well.
 One "new" item this year were 4 multi-colored mugs that I purchased at Meijer.
 My old pumpkin teapot is a regular on the table every fall.
 This year, I went with a candle centerpiece display. When my window shades are pulled and candles are lit, there is a quiet, relaxed ambiance.
 I'm reminded of what the season is about, when I see what is written on the four different plates set on the table.
Here are two of them. The other two say, "family" and "home".


I also decorate my "Hoosier cupboard" every season, as well. 
 I love the red, orange, green and purple shades in my decor.
My teapot from TJ Maxx sits among a bouquet of fall flowers and leaves.
 My "sunflower" pitcher is one of my "old" items that I decided to bring out and use in my decor this year. I added my Autumn scarecrow and angel, usually used in my outdoor decor. An old wax burner sits next to it, giving the room the scent of pumpkins and spice.
 I hope you all are enjoying the Autumn season!

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

Linking up at these parties:
Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Show and Share Party @ Coastal Charm
Making The World Cuter @ Making The World Cuter 
The Scoop Link Party @ The Everyday Home
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time
The Inspiration Board Link Party @ Homework
Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home



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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

My Favorite Spots to Relax -- Part 2 (Outdoors)

Wow! Once again, I honestly do not know where the time has gone! Here, it is the end of September (please, don't end yet, summer!!) and I still have to post Part 2 of my "Favorite Spots to Relax" series. My friend and fellow-blogger, Joan Davis, reminded me of this fact in the comments section of my last post. Thank you, Joan!! I had completely forgotten that I even had a "Part 2", just sitting in my drafts, waiting for me to hit "publish". 

The spots I photographed and share in this post were taken back in July, so those areas have started to look more "fall-ish" now than how they looked when I photographed them.

I love creating outdoor spaces! We have such a short window of time in Indiana(about 4-5 months) to actually enjoy the warm weather - though, that depends on how long winter lingers and if we have an short autumn season, which is usually the case.

There are a few different "outdoor spots" I find myself drawn to, though. And you would definitely find me there at least 2-3 days every week in the summer, just relaxing or entertaining in these areas.

For example, my front (lakeside) yard:
Now, this area is currently a "work-in-progress". When we purchased the property, the cement patio was cracked and uneven. We did smooth out the cracks and eventually plan on laying decorative stone on top of the cement. But, 'alas, the summer seems to be flying by so fast, that this might have to wait till spring to get completed. Until then, we still enjoy our outdoor dining area, 
 as well as our fire pit/gathering area.
If you have followed my blog for very long, you know that I am a big fan of growing flowers. Since our lake property has limited space, I have adjusted my flower gardening to mostly container plants.

We recently purchased a hibiscus flower for our patio.  
As you can see, it flourishes here. (Once the frost starts to form on the ground, though, I'll be bringing this tropical plant inside.)
Of course, another favorite spot for me is my swing, out by the lakeside. I love sitting here to read a good book or pray.
My potted marigolds(and Spike Plant) also thrive in our Mid-western climate.
One of my potted marigolds sits on the corner of our seawall.
 Here is one of the few lilies I own. I also have a bright yellow one, but it blooms early and is currently done blooming.
Another favorite hangout for me is my back patio/porch. This is where I love to come to have a tea break, as well as where we grill our burgers/chops/fresh-caught fish.
My "flower wall" has done well, also, with my mix of Violets, Allysm, and a few returning Petunias from last year.
In another planter, I have a pretty pink Dahlia.
For some reason, one of Ken's favorite plants is this Coleus, with  multi-colored leaves and purple flower
Near my entrance are more potted plants...another Marigold (Can you tell that they are a favorite flower of mine?) with a Spike Plant in the center. In smaller planters there are a Trailing Lobelia and my other Lily (the one that has already bloomed.) 
Here is a close-up of my Trailing Lobelia. I have one potted on each side of my patio.
To the left of my entrance, I've turned my previous miniature "fairy garden" into a fishing lodge!
This bear is friendly and welcomes visitors to stay and sit awhile, and maybe even have some tea and freshly grilled fish.
My hubby, Ken, is definitely the rock collector/landscaper for most of our property, but I even have collected a few decorative "fake" rocks that have some of my favorite verses from the Bible engraved on them.


Last year, we had a small goldfish pond in this area. We didn't get that set up this year, but instead, I set my silly frog and a small homemade(from old Terracotta pots) water fountain that Ken made a few years back in among the rocks and the Hosta plants that line the side of the house.
My hostas look pretty happy in this area, as well. I love the dainty light pink flowers that bloom on them throughout the summer months.

Ahhh....I never get tired of watching the boaters, skiers, and fisherman that keep the lake all abuzz! 
Before I know it, though, the boats will start to dwindle down. (Already, it is starting to get quieter here.) The leaves will start to turn their multi-colored hues and warm breezes will turn into chilly winds. 
Goodbye sweet summer. Hello, Autumn!!
To see Part 1: Go Here


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

Linking up at these parties:
Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Show and Share Party @ Coastal Charm
Making The World Cuter @ Making The World Cuter 
The Scoop Link Party @ The Everyday Home
Knick of Time Tuesday @ Knick of Time
The Inspiration Board Link Party @ Homework
Tweak It Tuesday @ Cozy Little House
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life 
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home
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