Monday, July 27, 2015

Feature Favorites: no. 2

Welcome to "Feature Favorites" a new bi-weekly post, where I will be featuring different blog posts, photos, and ideas that some of my favorite bloggers have recently shared. 

Beach Bonanza 
Sarah, at “Down, By The Sea”, describes how the weather in Bridport Harbour, on the  Dorset Coast, England, can vary, depending on where you are on the beach.
I agree with the quote she shared about weather:
"There is no such thing as bad weather -Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, and snow is exhilarating." John Ruskin.

Decor and Design
Melissah, at "Coastal Style" shared some living room decorating tips, including lighting, accents, textures, and style ideas.

 Foodie Finds
Sarah at "Sugar Apron" shared a yummy blueberry crisp recipe. I tried making this with fresh local blueberries and it was delicious and easy.

Fashion Frenzy
From the "Beautifully Seaside" blog, comes a showing of a classic cover-up and lovely bag, just in time for a day on the beach.

Lake and Cottage Lifestyle
At “My Secret Garden ” one will be taken on a tour of a quaint turn-of-the-century home and whimsical fairy garden, with a re-purposed bench, tons of English country flowers, and greenery.

Fantastic Photography     
“Top Inspired” shared gorgeous photos of the Top Ten Sunset Spots in Europe, 

Pet Portraits
Judy and Bailey over at “Bailey Unleashed” , shared an adorable picture and inspirational quote….

Teatime Treasures
For all you bookworms and tea lovers, this post is for you! Darlene at "The Tea Enthusiast's Scrapbook"shares her tea book collection...so pour yourself a cup and check it out!

Congrats to all these bloggers and internet sites!
Thanks for sharing your awesome posts! 
I hope my readers are as blessed by reading them as I have been! Feel free to use the button below to let your readers know that you were featured here!

Cairn Cottage

Wishing you
 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
Linking over to these blog parties:
No Rules Weekend Blog Party @ Life as We Know It by Paula
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Do Tell Tuesday @ Lil Mrs Tori
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Be Inspired Party @ Elizabeth & Co
A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market

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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

My Chai Just Got Dirty


You may be wondering, by the title of this post, whether or not I've gone off the deep end, or what!?

 No, I'm happy to say, I am not "drinking mud", per say! But, I have expanded my horizons! 

 A co-worker and friend of mine recently introduced me to something new....DIRTY CHAI.

If you are like me, you may be a bit leary to drink anything with coffee in it. I love the smell of brewing coffee, but really dislike the taste of it, even cappuccinos.  

Some of you hard core chai and/or coffee drinkers (especially if you enjoy Starbucks drinks) may already know about this sweet surprise. I, on the other hand, had no idea how delicious this liquid caffeine high would be!
Definition:    Dirty Chai is a popular coffee shop drink. It's an espresso drink made of a shot of espresso mixed into a 'chai tea'. It's usually made with a chai concentrate, steamed milk and a single shot of espresso.

DIRTY CHAI: A RECIPE THAT’S SO MUCH MORE THAN CHAI AND ESPRESSO

I'm not sure what my co-worker's recipe was that she concocted for me to try, but it appears there are tons of recipes on the internet.(This is truly a new craze!) So, I decided to share a few of them here, including baked goods.

Iced Dirty Chai Almond Milk Latte {Gluten-free and Vegan}-could be prepare hot or on ice.


Dirty Chai Pancakes

Dirty Chai Cupcakes

Dirty Chai Spiced Fudge
Dirty Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Dirty Chai Doughnut Muffins

Dirty Chai Cookies

Chocolate Dirty Chai Chip Protein Shake

Dirty Chai Ice Cream

Dirty Chai Oatmeal

Dirty Chai Latte No-Bake Cheesecake

Here are even more receipes:


Problem Solved....
Wishing you

 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
Linking over to these blog parties:
No Rules Weekend Blog Party @ Life as We Know It by Paula
Sharing His Beauty @ The Beauty in His Grip
Creativity Unleashed Link Party @ One Project Closer/The Better Half
Freedom Fridays @ My Turn For US 
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away from Home
Shabbilicious Friday Link Party @ Shabby Art Boutique
A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market
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Monday, July 13, 2015

New - Cairn Cottage "Feature Favorites"

Welcome to "Feature Favorites" a new bi-weekly post, where I will be featuring different blog posts, photos, and ideas that some of my favorite bloggers have recently shared. 
I am sharing favorites from a number of different categories, followed by a picture and the name and url of the site for you to visit. I hope you enjoy these "favorites" as much as I have!!
Beach Bonanza 
Some say Adirondack chairs are a destination of themselves and Maya at Beach Bliss Living agrees. Check out her informative post and many other pictures of these unique chairs

Decor and Design
Kelly shared her mom’s gorgeous Living Room Furniture at The Lilypad Cottage 

Foodie Finds
Fried Fish Tacos were on the menu at Paleo Diet Lifestyle blog. These look so yummy, especially substituting fried fish with the fresh catch of the day, from our own lake! If you have never tried fish tacos, you really must give them a chance. They really are delicious!

Fashion Frenzy
On the Fringe: Lace kimono, Boyfriend jeans & Stiletto sandals were the casual and cool outfit combination shared at "Megan's Moda"

Lake and Cottage Lifestyle
At 'HEART AND HEARTH" blogger, Lucy Martin, shared a few small summery vignettes, including this relic of a bike that received a wash of white paint recently

Fantastic Photogaphy 
This amazing aerial view of a rain storm got my attention, as we have had several severe storms over the past few weeks. It reminded me of how small we really are. Hop on over to ViralNova to see some more spectacular views, out of the window of an airplane.

Pet Portraits
This is "Jax". He was a rescue  dog from a special Foundation. Photographer, Jess, over at Mocha Fox, shared some fun and sweet pet photos she took of a few rescued dogs. 

Teatime Treasures

Melissa at Songbird Cottage shared some lovely, inspirational teacups, coffee mugs, and bottles that are sold at Dayspring! I liked them all, but especially the one above!!

Congrats to all these bloggers and internet sites!
Thanks for sharing your awesome posts! 
I hope my readers are as blessed by reading them as I have been! Feel free to use the button below to let your readers know that you were featured here!
Cairn Cottage

Wishing you
 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
Linking over to these blog parties:
No Rules Weekend Blog Party @ Life as We Know It by Paula
Sharing His Beauty @ The Beauty in His Grip
Creativity Unleashed Link Party @ One Project Closer/The Better Half
Freedom Fridays @ My Turn For US 
Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away from Home
Shabbilicious Friday Link Party @ Shabby Art Boutique
A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market

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Sunday, July 5, 2015

LIVE.LOVE.LAKE...and July 4th

I love summertime!! 

 From flowers to flotillas, 
and landscapes to tablescapes,
summer has always been full of fun activies and exciting events. 
This summer has been no exception, so far!
Just like in years past, my flowers are blooming and bursting with color!
My flower wall boxes have excelled, especially since getting so much rain in the month of June.

My front porch is pretty basic, with a few upgrades, including two flower hangers with purple mini-pansies(a Mother's Day gift from my hubby.), a sign "LIVE, LOVE, LAKE", on my door, and...
...my original "fairy garden"
 turned "fishing lodge",
 is now a beach scene! 
On the lakeside, we put up a low fence to keep our little doggies from taking off when they want to spend time outside.

 Inside
My dining room table got a new "summery" feel, as well. Fish and anchors take the floor as themes in this blue and white setting. 
I used some old and some newly purchased decorative wares. The fish plates and blue-rimmed cups were purchased at Kohl's. I also got the blue-handled silverware set and napkin rings on sale at Walmart.

The anchor tablecloth, fish dish, and multi-colored "sea-glass" were found at Meijer.
My table is ready for summer guests!
Just in time for the July 4th holiday!
A lake bbq lunch...
...followed by a flotilla parade...costumes and all!
Taking the grandkids tubing on the lake...
...followed by roasting marshmallows on the campfire!
Even our littlest family member is enjoying this day of outrdoor fun and relaxation!

As summer moves ahead, may you find time to...

and may you have


 Ann 
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb
Linking over to these blog parties:
21 Rosemary Lane
No Rules Weekend Blog Party @ Life as We Know It by Paula
Sharing His Beauty @ The Beauty in His Grip
Creativity Unleashed Link Party @ One Project Closer/The Better Half
Freedom Fridays @ My Turn For US 
The Inspiration Gallery @ Craftberry Bush
Shabbilicious Friday Link Party @ Shabby Art Boutique
A Morning Cup of Joe @ The Cottage Market
Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life
What to Do Weekends @ Crafts A La Mode
Creative Collection Link Party @ Classy Clutter, and Blooming Homestead
Clever Chicks Blog Hop @ The Chicken Chick
Aloha Friday @ What Jean Likes


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