Sunday, July 27, 2014

My Favorite Spots to Relax -- Part 1 (Indoors)


I think I may have done a post on this subject before, but the spots around my house that I love to go relax are always changing, even if the changes are small. 
In this post, I want to share some pics from my favorite room I love to relax in, especially in the warmer months....

My Sun Porch!
This is where I love to bring my laptop and books and read and write, to my heart's content.(Of course, my canine friends follow me there.)
I love when the outside temps are not so hot and humid, so that I open the windows and feel a cool breeze and hear the sounds of lake activity and birds singing.

Some decorative items in this space I've shared before, but have since rearranged them into different "vignettes" around the room. Here is one with my fish plate, nautical teapot, and seahorse candle holder. I set them on a small table, covered with some beautiful blue and green patterned fabric I found at Walmart. 
There are also a few "new" items that I want to share. This small wicker fish basket was an item purchased at a flea market we visited. It's perfect for storing small items and adds to the room's lakehouse theme.
I also found this lamp, with a clear glass base, filled with seashells. The painted glass lampshade wasn't originally a part of this lamp (it's actually a candle cover made by Yankee Candles), but my hubby did some adjusting, so that it fit nicely on this lamp. I love how the lighthouse design matches our lighthouse border on our walls!
 Along another wall are a wicker chair with matching ottoman, a shelf of seashells, and a wood hook rack that says, "Lake Gear".
Here is a close-up of the shelf. Below it is a plaque with different nautical knots, a miniature ship, life preserver, and lighthouse.
 As you can imagine, on a warm summer day, this is where you will be sure to find me!

SIGNS
One thing you'll find a lot of around my house, including on my sunporch, are signs. Whether it's intentional or unintentional (I have several that are gifts from friends.) I seem to have lots of them. Check them out!
Then, there are the "silly" signs. I like to have a little sense of humor, here and there.
This is one of my favorite signs. It says it all!

 Hop on over to "Part 2 of "My Favorite Spots", for a view of my most cherished outside spots I love to relax.

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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Sunday, July 20, 2014

A Beautiful Day To Go Fishing

Summertime brings so many fun things at the lake!
Sounds:
-Boat motors, revving across the water
-Kid's squealing and laughing, as they are being pulled on tubes, behind boats.
-The girls, at the Girl Scout camp, singing songs.
-Birds, singing and chirping

Sights:
-Fisherman in their boats, poles in hand, pulling in their catch.
-Families,in their anchored boats, at the shallow, sandy beach spots.
-Our famous eagle, gliding across the blue sky.
-Beautiful sunsets and sunrises
-Amazing cloud formations, different ones every day.

Smells:
-Campfires burning and smoking
-Barbeques, grilling.
-The musty smell, at waters edge.

Sunshine:
-Brightly reflecting on the top of the water
-Warming my face and making me sweat

 Swimmers:
-Children, playing at the local Christian camp
-Splashing and soaking up the sun

(Water)skiers:
-Jumping and falling into the waves

 Ummmm....fishing:
(I know, that doesn't start with an "s", but it's all I can think of, as I want to share my next video.
It's aptly named,
"A Beautiful Day to Go Fishing" 

We've had some gorgeous weather, here at Cairn Cottage and on our little lake. And, when the weather is this nice, my hubs and I get the itch to go fishing.

Now, even though the weather was great, this was anything BUT a normal fishing trip. The fish were biting(we actually caught around 25 bluegill, which I did not mention in the video.), but our patience was definitely being tested, anyways. We hoped and prayed to get a big bass...we haven't caught a really nice-sized bass this year, as of yet. Unfortunately, as you will see, the bass didn't want to be caught. But, there are lots of other creatures in the lake. Even more unfortunate was the fact that those creatures were not what we wanted to catch. Sit back and enjoy my home video...you will also get to see a sweet sunset, my cute doggies, and so much more!
I hope you all are enjoying your summer, too!!
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Wednesday, July 9, 2014

"Beachy Blue" Tablescape


No, I'm not at the beach
But, I'm pretty doggone close.

I have water in the background, seashells in the foreground, and colorful flora and a lighthouse somewhere in the middle.

I found bits and pieces of the beach around my house and came up with this "beachy blue" tablescape. What do you think of it?

A few "new" items were thrown into the mix, as well.
Like this starfish teacup and saucer, purchased at TJ Maxx. 
They only had one, but I'd love to find 3 more to make a set.

I also got this scalloped shell plate at TJ Maxx. It did come in a set of 4...each in different shimmering pastel colors. Here is the white one.

And here is the blue one. (There is also a pink and a green plate)

  A beautiful red rose, given to me by my hubby, "pops" in the sea of blues, tans, and browns.

...as well as this gorgeous pink orchid.

Some of my favorite seashells, I've collected over the years, fills my centerpiece blue bowl, as well as being scattered over this swirling tablecloth I made out of fabric, purchased at WalMart's sewing center. The lighthouse teapot was an item I purchased at a local antique store a few years back.

Even though we don't live at a "beach", per say, living on a lake makes me feel pretty close to it, especially when I sit at my "beachy blue" table.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer, as I have been!
source

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

Linking up at these parties:
A Beach Cottage - Good Life Wednesday
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Thursday, July 3, 2014

What's In my Closet? {Summer Haul}


It's been awhile, since I've posted a "What's In My Closet" Outfit post. So, I decided, there's no time like the present.

I absolutely LOVE summer!! It's my favorite time of the year. And I LOVE wearing summer outfits! I recently found some great deals at our local retail stores and wanted to share them. Since I live on a lake, I thought, what better setting to model my new outfits than right here! (With the help of my hubby!)
Outfit #1
My first outfit starts out with a pair of black and white "Palazzo pants" that I found at Meijer. They are lightweight and so comfortable, perfect for summer days at the lake! My white crocheted sweater(purchased last year at Kohl's) keeps me covered and warm on those cooler mornings.
As the day warms up, I peel off my sweater and soak up the sun in a black tank and white spaghetti-strap camisole. My matching straw hat(from Dollar Tree) and purse(WalMart) keep things light and airy, also.

Outfit #2
The contrasty black and white combo seems draw my attention, as seen in this next outfit, as well. My black peasant-style top is one I've had for several years, so I don't exactly remember where I got it, but it's been a favorite of mine. I love "stretchy" skirts and this striped knee-length skirt (from TJ Maxx) doesn't disappoint. It's comfortable, but adds a bit of classy to my outfit.
Worn here, with my black and white canvas shoes, I'm ready for a day by the lake.

Outfit #3
If I'm not wearing a black and white combo, you'll probably find me in navy! This navy striped hi-lo skirt (TJ Maxx)keeps things interesting. The attached stretch belt adds length to my waist, which I need, as I'm quite short-waisted. Worn with a navy tank and (if needed) a lightweight white button-up cotton blouse...
I'm perfectly ready for a boat ride.
...But first, a little lake breeze to cool me off!!

Outfit #4
For my "patriotic, July 4th" look, I got this summery red, white, and blue ensemble. The white linen pants, with matching jacket (both purchased from Kohl's), are perfect for those cooler summer days by the water. 
(I love my hubby's giant rocks to pose on! :)
Combined here with a knit striped "Tommy Hilfiger" sleeveless top (a steal I found at Goodwill), all I need to do is shed the jacket, once the sun heats things up. I also have had these white cargo shorts for several years and am not sure where they were purchased.
Checking the nets to see what's for dinner. Looks like I may need to do some fishing, first.
 I love these new "patriotic" slip-on deck shoes, purchased recently at Meijers.
Ready for a boat ride!
Perfect weather for a day on the lake!

Well, that's all I have for today.
Hope you all have a

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish 
Any Link Goes Party @ Bacon Time With The Hungry Hypo 
Serenity Saturday @ Serenity You
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Get Schooled Saturday @ Too Much Time On My Hands
Share It One More Time @ One More Time Events
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