tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46587200882496795312024-03-18T02:21:44.006-04:00My Cottage of BlissShari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-89951143109577712882023-08-05T14:23:00.000-04:002023-08-05T14:23:12.770-04:00TANGO <p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><br /><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4NduL7anflBWHRhni-5SP-95cJoaBrvR0lUoP42VwgNN2-Vf1gc0gGmczRpjsudwvcghiPd2ooNrCmsFaqEZNb8cPLonfToSRa42Ju7iZ88rtQRn272UplgX7rJn1bqRNlC6wMi7GaRahOd7ySw0c8XU0CjaPejwvtFmzSTiUS-HASGnDu4AufH9Kng/s551/Image007%20(C&E).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4NduL7anflBWHRhni-5SP-95cJoaBrvR0lUoP42VwgNN2-Vf1gc0gGmczRpjsudwvcghiPd2ooNrCmsFaqEZNb8cPLonfToSRa42Ju7iZ88rtQRn272UplgX7rJn1bqRNlC6wMi7GaRahOd7ySw0c8XU0CjaPejwvtFmzSTiUS-HASGnDu4AufH9Kng/s320/Image007%20(C&E).jpg" width="224" /></a></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iZpl5yxReEZdS7Q2mn4NXsTmn4zX4xfdCYuxfgPo2IibJ6VTEAV0Y5nh4Q2ERa1Xs-60WQ-lZ6Zzm7oEJuc0GeBIKZqm3pxrL9i6BafShKJkR-cCm8Pdqyb6Vo4H3sDv6lQ8GzJkI5lmdDb2aYMLqt95FLKYYfFq22Df4EgQsGChJkrVfsk4yS1m1Z4/s800/camp48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="857" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D614PFY-UCqFnziIJ5FyMaFaSJnM2E5mBaIyDnaNJGXm89pVAKlCHk_-AtHmNJ-hXhuZR9GSrY0NZ4u5GDEebiPvjhpzpgDz_kURqaH-p3Y6w40LPkpBzJVK9LhdvXbjoph8DBhbjNusZeS8Q5c_ZLMz8RiIi4WJo_dpcI0Vqi8D9UnaG3oH6r4gad0/w391-h332/5a%20(2).jpg" width="391" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iZpl5yxReEZdS7Q2mn4NXsTmn4zX4xfdCYuxfgPo2IibJ6VTEAV0Y5nh4Q2ERa1Xs-60WQ-lZ6Zzm7oEJuc0GeBIKZqm3pxrL9i6BafShKJkR-cCm8Pdqyb6Vo4H3sDv6lQ8GzJkI5lmdDb2aYMLqt95FLKYYfFq22Df4EgQsGChJkrVfsk4yS1m1Z4/w385-h288/camp48.jpg" width="385" /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the many little girls Tango taught to ride.</span></b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrPHQI63QoKK6TcYAcXyx_G_3LplGAwiKHMgYnvEWJLZZnM5ZgtVH3SG0jKdBk7yc9nUVqMWBUUEf0Z81vtNC5TTVGY5NxE8k-vd6g5nJSI5vFNtiwhwVZdLuKbbv18ZYRnROiI88MuvQ_OPAhG_llu8lGV_KZJeGXSDAL3oMls_GLgA1tyDbqKyZyIM/s3872/DSC_0348%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3872" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrPHQI63QoKK6TcYAcXyx_G_3LplGAwiKHMgYnvEWJLZZnM5ZgtVH3SG0jKdBk7yc9nUVqMWBUUEf0Z81vtNC5TTVGY5NxE8k-vd6g5nJSI5vFNtiwhwVZdLuKbbv18ZYRnROiI88MuvQ_OPAhG_llu8lGV_KZJeGXSDAL3oMls_GLgA1tyDbqKyZyIM/w425-h284/DSC_0348%5B1%5D.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MpTwR6rHzH3h9cZvw6MM7dCTGAdA6Q8QcIktnA4FLyyc-pSC9bSpaxFRa3qqCGRai2dxpNVVOrKYIWSgj9cP9X5LfyJs26oLzhT0DGKdzWLSuaxyu1T94NaA5fE-UR4-_pkajuqlEBRkRF1vr0Cw3ZuCWkc8rdYkXPBPAFD5D0UQV6EiTZjK1wbTbnY/s720/Fannin%20Hill%20Farm%20%209-25-11%20(5).jpg" style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cross country jumping</span></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MpTwR6rHzH3h9cZvw6MM7dCTGAdA6Q8QcIktnA4FLyyc-pSC9bSpaxFRa3qqCGRai2dxpNVVOrKYIWSgj9cP9X5LfyJs26oLzhT0DGKdzWLSuaxyu1T94NaA5fE-UR4-_pkajuqlEBRkRF1vr0Cw3ZuCWkc8rdYkXPBPAFD5D0UQV6EiTZjK1wbTbnY/w358-h238/Fannin%20Hill%20Farm%20%209-25-11%20(5).jpg" width="358" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_tr1jRSfCWc1KSw22mlD-p2AMxjTz0NuDjH7N7nsyVMXB_lpStZ6OWH9tsto6qdgzwXBK3ufv8pQMGn8qU5HVSAiGc4guwyGPntgKrex0XDTKi8izIKbMv_UlT1f4RjH5X5MI2cwTMDnaahZnwyz0Uym8-0RTJQnSTfsZvJy0RvT0E5Yp64RyP0KVic/s720/Fannin%20Hill%20Farm%20%209-25-11%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="720" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_tr1jRSfCWc1KSw22mlD-p2AMxjTz0NuDjH7N7nsyVMXB_lpStZ6OWH9tsto6qdgzwXBK3ufv8pQMGn8qU5HVSAiGc4guwyGPntgKrex0XDTKi8izIKbMv_UlT1f4RjH5X5MI2cwTMDnaahZnwyz0Uym8-0RTJQnSTfsZvJy0RvT0E5Yp64RyP0KVic/w368-h246/Fannin%20Hill%20Farm%20%209-25-11%20(3).jpg" width="368" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Hunter/Jumper Showing </span></b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCTePRHe4l2uA8Po_s_BZF85Uqy5oQlncaHu9sxUOl7P_GlnsdLUW8HwG-M6N-jjAhBy4uCQaCFT0pRYbpfCU9WTGiyJ3g-OHaUGrV5Z5N_Ek6xzMq-eTEv98kXZig_OpUPdXjKaSfqsblSMotvaLhrODkSfxEroh62NAKGxYv_uRw6LcqZt3x_qQQyE/s3872/Tango%2520resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3872" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCTePRHe4l2uA8Po_s_BZF85Uqy5oQlncaHu9sxUOl7P_GlnsdLUW8HwG-M6N-jjAhBy4uCQaCFT0pRYbpfCU9WTGiyJ3g-OHaUGrV5Z5N_Ek6xzMq-eTEv98kXZig_OpUPdXjKaSfqsblSMotvaLhrODkSfxEroh62NAKGxYv_uRw6LcqZt3x_qQQyE/w393-h263/Tango%2520resized.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Rearing on command</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB8bRX8Ub3b3fCXbLzaatThuuw9IfNifGAmrjUw1ol9IvIGDacuebGMtmNlptZ6RRA-KAMrvHO7BEWe09QzoAx4SaEXkVHFkGPAQPGPnuTck77zFJTyV2xRsyOBZ0O-741Ilx2Ae1_SalwzRMeb_QSwaMuqbrcxWbIpVW8wqXIQJ0uBQeRGwzXSUj_Ks/s765/!cid_IMG_7490-1%20(C&E).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="650" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLB8bRX8Ub3b3fCXbLzaatThuuw9IfNifGAmrjUw1ol9IvIGDacuebGMtmNlptZ6RRA-KAMrvHO7BEWe09QzoAx4SaEXkVHFkGPAQPGPnuTck77zFJTyV2xRsyOBZ0O-741Ilx2Ae1_SalwzRMeb_QSwaMuqbrcxWbIpVW8wqXIQJ0uBQeRGwzXSUj_Ks/w302-h355/!cid_IMG_7490-1%20(C&E).jpg" width="302" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Cutting cows</span></b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZJakac-29sYu0CdFJK2mJpeh5WMAHtYL9sg4VPLBoXLqy_GKl7x4RWl1sLJc8llXu-LwlFm3B_jfizfjs6G3AApUlueyWwGKoFZMPFWJXAQijUOqpwhH-rxyUVn8d6BdvNIyvcmxt_sV0byjuTKQG2ULVdzysuYaNruifGN6Rpj3iYNI_pKQeY32RoQ/s650/l_1fe849a73c8df76eee054849162a796a%20(C)%20enlarged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="650" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZJakac-29sYu0CdFJK2mJpeh5WMAHtYL9sg4VPLBoXLqy_GKl7x4RWl1sLJc8llXu-LwlFm3B_jfizfjs6G3AApUlueyWwGKoFZMPFWJXAQijUOqpwhH-rxyUVn8d6BdvNIyvcmxt_sV0byjuTKQG2ULVdzysuYaNruifGN6Rpj3iYNI_pKQeY32RoQ/w375-h262/l_1fe849a73c8df76eee054849162a796a%20(C)%20enlarged.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">On the set of the Bertie Higgins/Julian Higgins move, The Colombian Connection (2010)</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBh0KunkOfOgOJxP4-UJ1LHxiGuqhjEz4ysSrPDvVaO4mp9ZMBhGES45aHkhsUtSVPkBhbhgUqMAUVM7Hdu-rpgOe2hiFQnWDevMnHSoZYZhJTovnUfqIf0p3ywwZ20m5BTYMJM65CfXvPQJ0LkbvIloQo-OPyQnkvLHTulppNECIAdzWrUlet6aYH7wA/s800/IMG_2110%20(C&E)%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBh0KunkOfOgOJxP4-UJ1LHxiGuqhjEz4ysSrPDvVaO4mp9ZMBhGES45aHkhsUtSVPkBhbhgUqMAUVM7Hdu-rpgOe2hiFQnWDevMnHSoZYZhJTovnUfqIf0p3ywwZ20m5BTYMJM65CfXvPQJ0LkbvIloQo-OPyQnkvLHTulppNECIAdzWrUlet6aYH7wA/s320/IMG_2110%20(C&E)%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">With Kathy Bates and Melissa McCarthy on the set of the movie, The Boss (2015)</span></b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFEjM0V6EEbnTlQX5cEtDHlE2E0LKNHMKqBSCJCAunpEme0p2_bB-HK8nT2ZNTdg1clB8t0JogDU3aoPc9qDHd3HojFsYTDiKlAmyHQis0dNg-OQ88kCbPItB-p_rnAWj3aTrfkl8j18a2ATn_2w3PUmOqExEmkEeGZZ1MqsW5PMXpN_38bGZUc-K3cs/s2048/Tango%20with%20Kathy%20Bates%20and%20Melissa%20McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFEjM0V6EEbnTlQX5cEtDHlE2E0LKNHMKqBSCJCAunpEme0p2_bB-HK8nT2ZNTdg1clB8t0JogDU3aoPc9qDHd3HojFsYTDiKlAmyHQis0dNg-OQ88kCbPItB-p_rnAWj3aTrfkl8j18a2ATn_2w3PUmOqExEmkEeGZZ1MqsW5PMXpN_38bGZUc-K3cs/s320/Tango%20with%20Kathy%20Bates%20and%20Melissa%20McCarthy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Tango and Melissa McCarthy</span></b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1016" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouABZLxud_5l_HIz0MBSSu1opDo_wS-uofBy4KRZkfnHSO7O_LsAkaNIxkqd1S27x9lfJQhy-x7K_VcSxX9xqt1xF4v_JVgZiv-aoMA5gj7a0jB1w_1Pp-JmX8vyxyUexjqG1MZvmhfi8QsuHi2mnTQ8Wku3lLT6mwe54SYWV4S_t_aidHUEEvC37Qjo/s320/!cid_20150401_142735-0%20(2).jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">On the set of the movie, The Boss</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeLHMzl66QvD-Pj_CcDxCPPrvGOhVj2e6wBJBg5CxnsVuKX7jftfdW9TqmizyGV-uNoLKXnXUiO9V2dwhmb7zo-Bn0nL0c_YbXptvKfUFbfYfrKU10dvlgGnynmt359X330IhNTwRPQWBPvcLIwlisRN7OXoma8aLYnv1Xpm59VuqJSL4cZh1UE9DxI4/s1600/!cid_20150422_153138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeLHMzl66QvD-Pj_CcDxCPPrvGOhVj2e6wBJBg5CxnsVuKX7jftfdW9TqmizyGV-uNoLKXnXUiO9V2dwhmb7zo-Bn0nL0c_YbXptvKfUFbfYfrKU10dvlgGnynmt359X330IhNTwRPQWBPvcLIwlisRN7OXoma8aLYnv1Xpm59VuqJSL4cZh1UE9DxI4/w359-h202/!cid_20150422_153138.jpg" width="359" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">With Melissa McCarthy on the movie set of The Boss</span></b><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxPg5jwvjsc4uGJVilsA0w99xUdIcxEz7sb9Tt__ZzbR43yAvNMtGvE_GVLwbs1XrS4M9Jp9SowCFVtj9Rl29O-BN3MtQQUTd37xTDxLaax8PhtqczEXMidMmbdsmUyERfXlw6jXnW8gl894iJKWj09L4TocFJ6y5Ue4ZdwpCTi3_Tif0cAcxXW4nVw/s1600/!cid_20150401_172017-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxPg5jwvjsc4uGJVilsA0w99xUdIcxEz7sb9Tt__ZzbR43yAvNMtGvE_GVLwbs1XrS4M9Jp9SowCFVtj9Rl29O-BN3MtQQUTd37xTDxLaax8PhtqczEXMidMmbdsmUyERfXlw6jXnW8gl894iJKWj09L4TocFJ6y5Ue4ZdwpCTi3_Tif0cAcxXW4nVw/w231-h411/!cid_20150401_172017-0.jpg" width="231" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tango was loved by so many.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Tango and the girl who loved her best.</span></b><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkQTkI3Ks1ii6vtg5oHoGxEN0TEh639PIoRrJwtcsl01mMh3E6OL4so7ux4LsjLj1kLasT-05yia8qXvGaMlyXuqhYqDqb_E2xsrCzqMyOASbkdS7rL0DCjAuB8_dUvw3qIUiK7I738xDq0d33mAifTbZdifLvqVkl7eRtetsvICnOA4ScNJQJIFtUWc/s1382/kella%20photo%20enhanced%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1382" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkQTkI3Ks1ii6vtg5oHoGxEN0TEh639PIoRrJwtcsl01mMh3E6OL4so7ux4LsjLj1kLasT-05yia8qXvGaMlyXuqhYqDqb_E2xsrCzqMyOASbkdS7rL0DCjAuB8_dUvw3qIUiK7I738xDq0d33mAifTbZdifLvqVkl7eRtetsvICnOA4ScNJQJIFtUWc/w334-h267/kella%20photo%20enhanced%20(2).jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nO-Js4ISB6nJmfXLngrqtte4Lvm2sT8l7dghMSTH6y92L-vgS6oTEg1T4_qGAbnGqudq62bE0LYKgw2v-3uuYZfwlKHsBsthAmyBv3v8nv9UQ-9fGirKPJ4MEE65c22-_gdEeIbto1wcPp1_L2rQGPkOUJU2gqbVr7TQ6pQRq2-7wzBUsaZfKhHRzMo/s2804/DSC_0352%20(E).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2804" data-original-width="1864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nO-Js4ISB6nJmfXLngrqtte4Lvm2sT8l7dghMSTH6y92L-vgS6oTEg1T4_qGAbnGqudq62bE0LYKgw2v-3uuYZfwlKHsBsthAmyBv3v8nv9UQ-9fGirKPJ4MEE65c22-_gdEeIbto1wcPp1_L2rQGPkOUJU2gqbVr7TQ6pQRq2-7wzBUsaZfKhHRzMo/s320/DSC_0352%20(E).jpg" width="213" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>RIP TANGO</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" style="color: black;" target="_blank">January 31, 1995 - February 8, 2023</a></b></span></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px none;" /></p>Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-87948504293163884442016-01-27T17:27:00.000-05:002016-01-27T17:32:48.097-05:00Itty “Bitty” Kitty<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh235o5FICOq4YEI-J8YX3WfhGn3Zk9dKmOigqhxIDAmCG3MR5Cmvn8GQtrRpQswSUr0rn-jVY1179zdN3W209JnJK7_6OrF-fKg_NB6w52Xa9d-5_m_i_Hhz8mnOlKYytpslEja3amrlY/s1600/IMG_3106+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_1611705377"></span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Itty Bitty Kitty</span></span></i></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">“Bitty”</span></span></i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Spring 2000 – December 11, 2015</span></span></i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"> <span style="font-size: small;">You are missed. RIP.</span></span></span></i></span></h3>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0px none;" /></a>Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-82736454821049088362012-09-09T00:43:00.001-04:002012-09-09T00:43:42.476-04:00Boaz<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE-GbEDyeIKI9NffapE8Y0z99YZekQBJMQTi5lZmyXFe27a-i-3tJzTzzby-BlugElv3J6KHMjWGwM20si8Gj7ff51BSkRKfAYZFS9zU2bthIPrj4XPPehvP5T8nd30S1ODP6rCIjsaQ/s1600-h/IMG_0539%252520%252528E%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0539 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_0539 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CqEmrikZUE8/UEwefXmqRkI/AAAAAAAADgo/TeNlzuJaSOQ/IMG_0539%252520%252528E%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="574" /></a> </p> <h4 align="center">Boaz</h4> <h4 align="center">“Bo”</h4> <h4 align="center">August 24, 2003  -  September 6, 2012</h4> <h5 align="center">Your sweet and gentle spirit will be forever missed.</h5> <p> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-73254594208732859702011-12-05T09:33:00.001-05:002011-12-05T09:34:14.769-05:00Jasmin<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qGDlSI4mymE/TtzWKv4YhNI/AAAAAAAADfU/wqBVdUi1sHo/s1600-h/IMG_0640CE5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0640 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_0640 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8vARgE56FGg/TtzWLMRI1BI/AAAAAAAADfc/P2cEd1U6Zno/IMG_0640CE_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="550" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <h6><strong></strong></h6> <h5><strong></strong></h5> <h4 align="center"><strong></strong></h4> <h5 align="center"><strong><font size="3">Jasmin</font></strong></h5> <h5 align="center"><strong><font size="3">July 30, 1997  -  December 2, 2011</font></strong></h5> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">You were “The Best Girl”</font></strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-81107120896658839282011-09-25T23:05:00.001-04:002011-09-26T00:02:56.159-04:00Can We Talk?<p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B0CjnfyvsR8/Tn_sEl2aBiI/AAAAAAAADeQ/9lrRW_hR2MU/s1600-h/tea_for_two3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="tea_for_two" border="0" alt="tea_for_two" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qgyZGMPEH1o/Tn_sFLDMKFI/AAAAAAAADeU/sDIAl0NbEFs/tea_for_two_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="332" /></a></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>To be quite honest, I think I have been a bit out of sorts lately.   You might have sensed that because I feel like  it has shown in a couple of my recent blog posts.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Overall, I have a pretty sweet life.  In the scheme of things, I have few stresses and nothing major to complain about but these past six or seven months have been somewhat hard on me emotionally.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>During the past couple months that I have spent so much time caring for our sick and old pets, I have definitely been affected by the realization that there is a good likelihood  neither of our two dogs will be around much longer.    It has been difficult and extremely sad watching Bo’s body give out before his spirit.  I know 14 year old Jasmin is on borrowed time too.  It’s always hard losing <u>one</u> beloved pet but  I am reminded every single day that we are probably going to have to deal with losing both dogs very close together. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Even after more than six months of being a full-time resident of Hooterville, some days I still find myself feeling displaced out here in the country and very homesick for my previous home and the city I grew up in.  Despite my best efforts, the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong> still doesn’t feel like home to me yet.  It’s familiar but not “home,”   if that makes any sense.  Maybe that’s to be expected when you live in  one place *forever* and then move away.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The list of home improvement and decorating projects I want to do to this house is  still quite lengthy but,  for the most part, my motivation to do them  has become non-existent.    Every night, when I get into bed, I  think about those projects and tell myself, “Tomorrow I’m going to work on… __<u>insert 1 project from list here__</u>.”   However, when tomorrow comes, I find 101 excuses not to start  that chosen project.  Then, that night, I have the same mental conversation with myself again,   “Tomorrow I <u>WILL</u> work on…”   but usually I don’t.    </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>And not only do I not feel inspired to work on house projects, </strong><strong>I certainly don’t have the focus or motivation to blog right now either.  Currently,  writing posts for my  blog feels more like an  obligation rather than the fun hobby I want it to be.  I’ve seriously considered  just shutting my blog down but there is a part of me that isn’t ready to throw in the towel  quite yet.  I have really enjoyed the warm and friendly blogging community, as well as the creative process of blogging, so I hope my enthusiasm for blogging returns.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>In the <font size="3">2 +</font> years since I started this blog, I have never actually taken what I would consider a formal break.  I think now would be a good  time.  So, after much deliberation,  I’ve made the decision to step away from my blog for awhile.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’m not sure  how long it will take me to recharge and regroup but  I do hope you, my sweet, loyal readers,  will still be out there when I get back.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-45320675026332595802011-09-21T00:48:00.001-04:002011-09-21T00:48:45.728-04:00Some of This and Some of That (A Post of Randomness)<p align="justify"><strong>These first three weeks of September have been much like August for me.  I’m still  <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-i-spent-month-of-august.html" target="_blank">spending a lot of time in the veterinarian's office</a>, particularly with Bo.  We are really saddened by  the continued and rapid deterioration in his health.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lox-fnNzY7o/TnlseECu-kI/AAAAAAAADdY/1Gy-pCxmsmI/s1600-h/IMG_3590CE7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3590 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3590 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iJ0CURjFX7A/Tnlse57_LpI/AAAAAAAADdc/EdtiA5kVCOA/IMG_3590CE_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="522" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>In a previous post, I mentioned Bo had a  hematoma in his left ear flap we were dealing with.   We ultimately had a second opinion from another vet and he placed a small cannula in the inner ear flap.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0QHTguPgljo/TnlsfPg77FI/AAAAAAAADdg/MWoThQCt09M/s1600-h/cannula%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="cannula" border="0" alt="cannula" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5n9idWulSCI/TnlsfqOPjsI/AAAAAAAADdk/q5wFxKFuI8o/cannula_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="125" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>At least once a day for about 10 days, we had to unscrew the cap and drain the blood and serum that would accumulate  in the ear flap.   The very same day the cannula in the left ear came out, Bo developed a hematoma in the right ear so it was back to the vet to have a cannula  placed in the right  ear and our daily draining and bandaging ritual continued for another week.  The cannula was removed from the right ear a couple days ago and much to our dismay, that ear flap seems to be filling up again.  Darn hematomas!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Despite our hopes the acupuncture treatments Bo has  been getting might slow down the progression of his <a href="http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/dm_web/DMofGS.htm" target="_blank">degenerative myelopathy</a>, it doesn’t seem to be helping.   At least he doesn’t appear to be in any pain.  In fact, it’s probably just the opposite; he’s losing the feeling in his hind legs.  His  left rear leg is becoming particularly weak and pretty much useless a large percentage of the time.   The slippery laminate floors I have in part of the house are further contributing to his difficulties in walking so in an effort to try to give him a little stability, I bought some  throw rugs to put down in the traffic paths but they  have been only minimally helpful.  </strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>*******************************</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>While most of the bloggers I have been visiting  seem to be excitedly decorating for fall, I am sooo not ready to let summer go.  Inasmuch as my heart is longing to blow this country town and head off for  an extended  trip to the beach,  I guess it’s not so surprising that in my free time  I’m playing around with sea shells instead of pumpkins. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7x8Wx6tj0zE/TnlsgLwNJqI/AAAAAAAADdo/U2BOMz76JsE/s1600-h/IMG_3586CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3586 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3586 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZRxEkPaGG8U/TnlshJz6QYI/AAAAAAAADds/7tJm5i1E9OQ/IMG_3586CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="345" /></a>  </p> <p><strong>I piled some white shells on a glass cake pedestal.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kxCvVfRGVRA/TnlshmFujXI/AAAAAAAADdw/lx20Mi0ndAY/s1600-h/IMG_358423.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3584 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3584 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ln6WIyqnQcg/Tnlsh5Y8FKI/AAAAAAAADd0/4mNUmc44vHo/IMG_35842_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="393" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>After I hit a pair of old pitted brass candlesticks  with  some white spray paint, I placed the shells and candlesticks on my new-to-me  </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/09/craigslist-deal-for-dining-room.html" target="_blank"><strong>Craigslist dining room table</strong></a><strong>.    </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7ppqHm_gOes/TnlsifRVkaI/AAAAAAAADd4/i-Zjeq2xmNM/s1600-h/IMG_3595CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3595 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3595 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gX3T2BovBlc/TnlsirFYSBI/AAAAAAAADd8/aBipDKWko6U/IMG_3595CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="313" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If hanging a dream catcher is suppose to  protect against nightmares, will decorating with  shells slow down the exit of summer?  I can only hope.</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>*******************************</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Bertie Higgins is  hosting a  Florida premiere showing  of  “<a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/09/bertie-higgins-tango-movie-star.html" target="_blank">Tango’s movie</a></strong><strong></strong><strong>”    in Palm Harbor, Florida on  two nights,  October 5 and October 6.    Many of the movie’s scenes were filmed here on the west coast of Florida ( in Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey and Palm Harbor)  so if anyone in the Tampa Bay area is interested in seeing it, you can email me for the details of the premiere location and time.</strong></p> <p><img title="Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_e" border="0" alt="Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_e" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AiweRj6lzYs/Ti-TA7IIf5I/AAAAAAAADYs/nbE9Ge7aDcs/Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="518" /></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Of course, my daughter already saw the movie in July when she flew out for the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/07/tangos-movie-debut.html" target="_blank">California premiere</a>.  Just as I suspected, she said Tango’s scenes were really short but nevertheless,  I’m anxious to now have the opportunity to see the movie.  </strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>*******************************</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I have made some significant decorating progress in my family room that I would like to share but until  I have some free time to take photos, here are a couple teaser photos of my inspiration.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pdQgaqoEv9Q/TnlspwlC6pI/AAAAAAAADeA/RWFvzoLFzk0/s1600-h/IMG_3486%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3486" border="0" alt="IMG_3486" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VI8lAwk-D_Y/TnlsqUi61mI/AAAAAAAADeE/0szRUoH4qWo/IMG_3486_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l_Nevxpo0IQ/TnlsqvWL_KI/AAAAAAAADeI/u7pQBtcACrE/s1600-h/Pottery%252520Barn%252520seagrass%252520chair%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Pottery Barn seagrass chair" border="0" alt="Pottery Barn seagrass chair" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cgP3MLZRbYs/TnlsrC4y0XI/AAAAAAAADeM/sScyoN8EvWI/Pottery%252520Barn%252520seagrass%252520chair_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="471" /></a><font size="1">photo source:  Pottery Barn  </font></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-80540222719551462142011-09-07T01:15:00.001-04:002011-09-10T08:47:50.294-04:00A Craigslist Deal for the Dining Room<p align="justify"><strong>The formal dining room at the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong> has not been a priority for me to furnish, especially when we have so many other projects I deemed more important.  We have a breakfast room we use for our day-to-day meals so I couldn’t really justify spending a lot of time or money right now on a room we will likely only use at the holidays. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DR before" border="0" alt="DR before" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v7sY8lutcDU/Tmb9xGL45NI/AAAAAAAADcI/Duq5lQ7lpN0/DRbefore_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="297" /></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>That doesn’t mean I didn’t have a plan for the dining room though. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>About the time we were in the process of buying the house in Hooterville, the mega-talented <a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/bright-family-dining-room-consultation" target="_blank">Layla @ The Lettered Cottage</a> designed the dining room below for one of her clients and I was instantly smitten.      Layla’s design became my inspiration photo for the house in Hooterville dining room I would get finished “some day.”  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="1">(I took the liberty of flipping  Layla’s  photo so you can  better visualize how well my favorite elements from her design would work in my dining room.)</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pJQbtHlG3Hc/Tmb9xW7DmlI/AAAAAAAADcM/S7Ra4UvOP20/s1600-h/BRIGHT_DESIGN_PLANlaylaflipped3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="BRIGHT_DESIGN_PLAN-layla-flipped" border="0" alt="BRIGHT_DESIGN_PLAN-layla-flipped" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gwODzBcBMmw/Tmb9x2HecpI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Ucca0eYPF4U/BRIGHT_DESIGN_PLANlaylaflipped_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I loved the bead board in Layla’s design so when I painted my dining room, I added my favorite  <font color="#000000">Graham & Brown Super Fresco bead board wallpaper</font>, which is available for purchase <a href="http://southernhospitality.mybigcommerce.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.    Although I’m not a huge fan of fabric window treatments in my own home, I was  intrigued by the simple white panels used in conjunction with the bamboo roman shades.  I also liked the look of the dark table, dark buffet and mirror mixed with the different styles of chairs, particularly the slip-covered parson’s chairs. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Kate @ <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/" target="_blank">Censational Girl</a> has also mixed a classic style wood table with  4  parson’s chairs  with short, white, pleated slip-covers in her dining room.  </strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gAVme5HRuoM/Tmb9yVpzYrI/AAAAAAAADcU/PdGhDef7xHU/s1600-h/katesdiningroomfrenchdoors_thumb9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="kates-dining-room-french-doors_thumb" border="0" alt="kates-dining-room-french-doors_thumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fKX8Vmd8YD0/Tmb9ykkKKUI/AAAAAAAADcY/1tBxBd3xQ1s/katesdiningroomfrenchdoors_thumb_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="342" /></a> <strong><font size="1"><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/" target="_blank">photo source:  Censational Girl</a></font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I have actually swooned, drooled and lusted many times  over the same <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/upholstered-couture-chair/chairs/dining-chairs/12379" target="_blank">upholstered couture parson’s chairs</a> and <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/pleated-couture-slipcover---ballard-essential-fabrics/linens-fabrics/slipcovers/10129?isCrossSell=true" target="_blank">short pleated slip-covers</a>  on the <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/" target="_blank">Ballard Designs</a></strong><strong></strong><strong> website that Kate has.    When it comes to slip-covered parson’s chairs, I think Ballard’s  are the  crème de la crème.   </strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AO_6CUU1Ul8/Tmb9zGW48iI/AAAAAAAADcc/verz49uWMk0/s1600-h/CensationalGirlparsonschair25.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="CensationalGirl parsons chair (2)" border="0" alt="CensationalGirl parsons chair (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3xEpSgbomxMak6Bl4s23t6PF1QgyswkMH76ciF0NQL3WW1QY2mo7J2hxZsUko3TJebSlHuSfUKqGloa21if-9TF16jYlxopjdg4b43TNQLP9c9EgpFFRYKgCkhdGpLihjiVDRzmClRg/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="436" /></a> <strong><font size="1"><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/" target="_blank">photo source:  Censational Girl</a></font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>But four parson’s chairs and 4 slip-covers from Ballard’s seems a bit pricey for a seldom used dining room though so,  we’ll see…  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>About 5 weeks ago, I happened to be perusing my local Craigslist  and saw a classic style mahogany dining room set for sale.</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>The table…</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yXg4xOwy_ko/Tmb92_YrZrI/AAAAAAAADck/XUls43v1a4Y/s1600-h/craigslist%252520table%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="craigslist table" border="0" alt="craigslist table" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I3_Wxqs37Q8/Tmb93fGzedI/AAAAAAAADco/KZZAnGORNnY/craigslist%252520table_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="262" /></a> <font size="1">photo via the Craigslist seller</font></p> <p align="center"><strong>and EIGHT chairs—</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>2 arm chairs and 6 side chairs.</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XEAAX0BEge0/Tmb93u5CSFI/AAAAAAAADcs/0kGplhyQAFE/s1600-h/chair%252520collage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="chair collage" border="0" alt="chair collage" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JG3xPCLvCqA/Tmb94MCVIkI/AAAAAAAADcw/j_RSpijUzZo/chair%252520collage_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="297" /></a>   <font size="1">photos via the Craigslist seller</font></p> <p align="center"><strong>Price:  $675.00</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Me to Hubby:  “I wasn’t really planning to buy furniture for the dining room now but we’ve <u>GOT</u> to go see this set!”</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The set was in beautiful condition so it came home with us.  He was absolutely ecstatic over the deal we got.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B_njIRAIuXM/Tmb94c--fBI/AAAAAAAADc0/F5IHppclwTk/s1600-h/IMG_3529%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3529 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3529 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qP7hXK59MXw/Tmb94wICT4I/AAAAAAAADc4/MfqqVxQuDc4/IMG_3529%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="336" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The top of the table is almost flawless.  I need to check into getting a piece of glass cut for it to keep it that way.</strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3457" border="0" alt="IMG_3457" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xkrFkltKvbw/Tmb95O3AlqI/AAAAAAAADc8/cD2w1QOnzTo/IMG_3457_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="314" /><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>In keeping with my inspiration photo from Layla, I’m now I’m on the lookout for a deal on a mahogany buffet similar to this style.</strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hPI2Nd-On8k/Tmb95eE1qAI/AAAAAAAADdA/x-zjpPV_uGA/s1600-h/louis%252520philippe%252520style%252520credenza%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="louis philippe style credenza" border="0" alt="louis philippe style credenza" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc5axMnNAgEOk6exTzgGjyb-G7F_J5QZ6dQB99DsyhfpXHlFyaSWMgw24YFc0AW4jtJgNfXnu3esVWbQlgNjRwvsME0jr7lChSw3iD_W4eQ3QNaIZMIZn7TuAUNzC5QOS3L0yLdGXMPs/?imgmax=800" width="327" height="255" /></a><strong><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=252263&CategoryID=35566" target="_blank"><font size="1">source</font></a></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Or, I could move <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/06/another-craigslist-bargain.html" target="_blank">this buffet</a> to the dining room but I’d have to find a replacement for it as it is providing much needed storage in our home office.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Once I find a buffet, I think a buffet plus the  8 chairs that match the table is  too matchy-matchy and too much wood for the lighter look I’m going for.  My plan is to sell  the 2 arm chairs and 4 of the side chairs that came with the table.  I’ll keep 2 side chairs and replace the 4 I sell with 4  white slip-covered parson’s chairs.   (Maybe from Ballard’s, or perhaps I can find some  on Craigslist!)  If I need more than 6 chairs for a family get-together, I can always pull in the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/08/pair-of-chippendale-style-chairs-from.html" target="_blank">2 mahogany arm chairs</a> I bought off Craigslist for the living room.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-niAzzafKfbo/Tmb96Xi4qfI/AAAAAAAADdI/agtYfXfdlAg/s1600-h/IMG_3464%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3464 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3464 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qde4wuzObtQ/Tmb96hAcG1I/AAAAAAAADdM/Q40yy9aUT24/IMG_3464%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="315" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>So, although I wasn’t planning to buy furniture for the dining room right now…</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2oiJGDq4pp0/Tmb97MIo9oI/AAAAAAAADdQ/NsuDBAHKkVU/s1600-h/IMG_3575%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3575 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3575 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6YRf2IwXIFc/Tmb97VFyK4I/AAAAAAAADdU/ma9Afckgr9Y/IMG_3575%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="281" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>sometimes you just have to jump on a good deal when opportunity knocks.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Have you jumped on any good deals lately?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-4140284667025404842011-09-01T01:00:00.001-04:002011-09-01T11:30:55.186-04:00How I Spent the Month of August<p align="justify"><strong>Wow! I can’t believe it’s September already!  Can you?</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Almost a month ago I promised to show you my latest and greatest Craigslist purchase.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Well, that was before I started spending so much time during August  with the new veterinarian here in Hooterville.  I’ve been in the office  so much in recent weeks, they recognize me when I walk in the door and I’m on a first name basis with all of the staff.   I feel like the vet and I are BFF’s now.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>First, our cat, Bitty, was sick so off to the vet we went.   Bitty made a great first impression on the new vet.  (Not.)  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BsYMfjcMG3A/Tl8RMy6oGMI/AAAAAAAADbI/Fnh8UGcn68A/s1600-h/IMG_2480%252520%2525283%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2480 (3)" border="0" alt="IMG_2480 (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kx-gcGU-0C4/Tl8RNIhrKYI/AAAAAAAADbM/6XQTRHbyUCE/IMG_2480%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="473" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Don’t let her cute face fool you.  Miss Congeniality, this cat is  <u>not</u>!   I think they doubled my bill (just kidding… sort of) because she was such a pain to deal with, hissing and spitting and throwing her weight around like she was a several hundred pound wild tiger.  She was so uncooperative, they had to keep her overnight just to get a urine sample from her.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Jasmin, our old German Shepherd,  just turned 14  at the end of July.  </strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUxn0L0ZxCh80Zpys2H5fP9YPYT_T9KqQXwxRnW-Ea0Y8l_DxmZKYKL0rFeow6c8niasXnoQZXZi3LiVU4m846WQ5NXiIfjNPhxVwpawM9XX83n4VWiE1xYWeoCuyzIvKFThX3y4MHrk/s1600-h/IMG_0538%252520%2525285%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0538 (5)" border="0" alt="IMG_0538 (5)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WvAUFaULDiY/Tl8ROWzluxI/AAAAAAAADbU/Vq9d6Kbk47s/IMG_0538%252520%2525285%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="562" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>She’s been getting periodic acupuncture treatments for the past couple years to help with her arthritis.    I don’t think she would still be with us if it weren’t for the acupuncture treatments.  She loves getting acupunctured and it really does help her mobility.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Jasmin was long overdue for a treatment  because I hadn’t been able to  find a vet close to Hooterville that did acupuncture, until the new vet who treated the cat said she was trained in acupuncture   (yay! ) so  I’ve been taking Jasmin to the vet   1 to 2 times  a week this month for acupuncture .  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Here, (young) Dr. N. is inserting the acupuncture needles.  Unlike Bitty, sweet old Jasmin has quickly become one of Dr. N’s favorite patients!</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RUETTwDDBkU/Tl8RO0L77RI/AAAAAAAADbY/PFQP0ClozPo/s1600-h/IMG_3559%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3559 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3559 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qO3S2fwwq7g/Tl8RQJCwCiI/AAAAAAAADbc/7101NmnFgho/IMG_3559%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="399" /></a><strong></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Some of the needles are connected to a machine that delivers mild electrical pulses to stimulate the acupuncture points.</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GqJaM16baV4/Tl8RQSGg1eI/AAAAAAAADbg/ScoIzWUQ1nU/s1600-h/IMG_3564%252520%2525282%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3564 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3564 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DoeRVn7C0GQ/Tl8RQ-D7LQI/AAAAAAAADbk/yUmgcvOK8HQ/IMG_3564%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="263" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and often Jasmin will doze off during the treatment because she is so relaxed.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZMKkza8JyDs/Tl8RRWz0a4I/AAAAAAAADbo/NeYJxjFdmjQ/s1600-h/IMG_3565%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3565 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3565 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wdkWFIQIzoI/Tl8RRyB-YMI/AAAAAAAADbs/qJYU7ySAE24/IMG_3565%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="339" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Then there’s our problem boy, Bo.  I wrote about some of the trouble he has gotten himself into  <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/09/face-of-trouble.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/05/face-of-troublepart-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KXEgtYjeo_g/Tl8RSZ2p57I/AAAAAAAADbw/dkxiL2MFuM4/s1600-h/IMG_0016%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0016 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_0016 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ynupT1dudkg/Tl8RS5M62NI/AAAAAAAADb0/KAiU8W6BDYU/IMG_0016%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="574" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>He’s now developed a condition called </strong><a href="http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/dm_web/DMofGS.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Degenerative Myelopathy</strong></a><strong>, an autoimmune disease German Shepherds are prone to.  With DM, the dog’s immune system attacks the central nervous system, particularly the white matter pathways of the spinal cord.  DM has been likened to Multiple Sclerosis in humans.   DM is progressive and there is no cure.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Due to DM, Bo is  losing the use of his back legs.  Eventually he will be paralyzed.  Sadly, in his case, the disease is progressing so rapidly we can almost see deterioration from one day to the next in his ability to walk.   Acupuncture won’t stop the disease or reverse the damage that has already been done but we are trying it to see if it will slow the progression.  He will be getting acupuncture treatments at least 1 time per week for the foreseeable future.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Then, if that isn’t enough, poor Bo developed a hematoma in the tip of his left ear last week from shaking his head too hard.  The gnats here in Hooterville have been awful and I suspect he broke a blood vessel in the tip of his ear trying to shake  gnats, or perhaps some other type of insect,  that was in or around his ears.</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A254nui6ZVM/Tl8RTYT3NFI/AAAAAAAADb4/TvEQvd5oiz0/s1600-h/IMG_3556%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3556 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3556 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-90zH701gblw/Tl8RT6TX9bI/AAAAAAAADb8/KLsyBf8Ex8Y/IMG_3556%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="313" /></a><font size="1"><strong>Bo with a few of his acupuncture needles and his floppy ear with the hematoma. </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Apparently, ear hematomas are common but difficult to fix without surgery.  Given his diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy, I’m hesitant to have him operated on.  I don’t care if his ear never stands up again—that’s really the least of his problems--so I was looking for a  treatment for the hematoma that was less invasive (and less costly) than surgery.  With the estimated $500-$800 hematoma surgery would cost, we could provide him with a whole lot of acupuncture to hopefully slow the DM and prolong his life.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The vet just got a new laser machine she decided to try using on his  hematoma.  The laser treatment protocol called for using the laser every other day for 4 treatments but unfortunately, it didn’t seem to work in Bo’s case.  The hematoma was getting larger instead of better so on the third visit the decision was made to drain the hematoma during the office visit and then use the laser on his ear.   </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>After the hematoma was drained and lasered, Dr. N. folded his ear back over his head and bandaged it up.   He was <u>not</u> happy about the bandage at. all.  Within 24 hours he had his ear shaken loose from the bandage and the hematoma started filling up again.  ::sigh::  We will be trying the draining procedure again (and a different bandaging technique)  Friday.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xLMxvXrnVIY/Tl8RUFxAMFI/AAAAAAAADcA/qEMN8XnGYaU/s1600-h/IMG_3554%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3554 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3554 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x8uQ3to6mWI/Tl8RUmmRlDI/AAAAAAAADcE/L4wc1a0QPq0/IMG_3554%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="290" /></a>  </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Needless to say, with all the trips to the vet’s office, I didn’t really get any decorating (or blogging) done in August.   Hopefully, I’ll be back soon to reveal that great Craigslist deal.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-3560965918301074052011-08-09T16:32:00.001-04:002011-08-09T16:32:50.493-04:00A Pair of Chippendale Style Chairs From Craigslist<p align="justify"><strong>There are still several pieces of furniture I could use to fill in  some of the rooms in the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>.   Depending on what I want, one of my favorite methods of shopping for furniture is Craigslist.    Sometimes finding good stuff on Craigslist can feel a lot like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack but if I’m patient enough, I can usually find what I’m looking for.  I’ve scored some really good deals on Craigslist over the past few years.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>While working on getting the furniture arranged in the formal living room, it occurred to me the only seating I had in here was the  <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/09/easy-breezy-cottage-white-slipcovers.html" target="_blank">white matelasse slip covered sofa and loveseat from our old house</a>.   </strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8OUO7NBEvkU/TkGZW10WDmI/AAAAAAAADac/ONOyIQEt-PE/s1600-h/IMG_3505CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3505 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3505 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-59czlAwq6F4/TkGZXan2hFI/AAAAAAAADag/ucWkCmypo8o/IMG_3505CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="293" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>However, the living room here at the house in Hooterville really isn’t big enough  to accommodate  any more upholstered furniture so I decided perhaps one or two dining side chairs would provide  extra seating without taking up too much physical or visual space.  The problem:  I didn’t  have any dining room  furniture  yet to borrow chairs  from, and had no plans to buy dining room furniture anytime soon,  so I turned to Craigslist  in hopes of finding a couple orphaned chairs.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>About two days after I started perusing Craigslist, I saw  a listing for two mahogany, Chippendale style arm chairs with spotless, off-white, tone-on-tone damask seats.   I looked this style up online to see what they typically cost retail and they can run $300 or $400 (or more) for just one chair.  I thought the $125.00 the seller was asking for the pair was a pretty good deal so they came home with me.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-braAPFp_E/TkGZXrPnMoI/AAAAAAAADak/ZM5ZqjZ8_Do/s1600-h/IMG_3458E150.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3458 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3458 (E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rH0RcxKaaJY/TkGZYToOtGI/AAAAAAAADao/By2ufIoB8I4/IMG_3458E_thumb150.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Those ball and claw feet creep me out just a little bit  but otherwise, I love the style of these chairs …the shape, the detail… and they are small enough to easily move around to  different places in the living room.   It will also be no problem to pull them up to the formal dining room table if I need a couple extra chairs for family gatherings.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hGALGOVjgDXu6qvoN0DVtRr-y2GZsrYp9KO8PUhhpJtjhTqLeFVWo1iUIR9omNz3LVnf0hdLVwKdv2J4PBlcAldtYzJPp-_6AVekn7JFtZPwD_QPnvFrcKhLZa4Ke3UKbh241Qs0d6E/s1600-h/IMG_3469%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3469 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3469 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lb0BeaUCE0g/TkGZZIJOuYI/AAAAAAAADaw/vZyn3hpvhU0/IMG_3469%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="275" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>In the photos, the chairs seem to look pretty good with the dark wood of my curio cabinet and flooring in the foyer, but in person,  the chairs’ dark finish seems to disrupt the serenity of  the mostly white living room I desired so, at some point, the chairs may get a coat of white paint.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VRXW47NLWe8/TkGZZYJDb6I/AAAAAAAADa0/ziT27om2_0o/s1600-h/IMG_3508%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3508 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3508 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-otIe24KfvnE/TkGZZ_77vbI/AAAAAAAADa4/UQIg1clP6iw/IMG_3508%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="633" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>However, before I decide whether to paint them,  there’s a few things that need to be finished. I want to get the brass on the crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room painted white.   Window treatments are still on the “To Do” list too.  I know what I want but just haven’t had a chance to implement it yet.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3511 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3511 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wkrAaqNOj4c/TkGZaZtZaoI/AAAAAAAADa8/MMs_BH8dHBk/IMG_3511E_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I also recently found a new crystal lamp for the formal living room at HomeGoods.  Boy, the HomeGoods stores in my area have had a big selection of beautiful and very reasonably priced crystal lamps lately.  I had a hard time deciding which one to buy so I brought a couple home to try and this one with silver satin ribbon on the shade won out.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QfP9rYaYVCk/TkGZagkDF-I/AAAAAAAADbA/oHRxPoMYzGo/s1600-h/IMG_3470CE10.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3470 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3470 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AZEao4xswsg/TkGZbSW25yI/AAAAAAAADbE/PgRiJlvE2xQ/IMG_3470CE_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="574" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Next time, I’ll show you what’s happening on the other end of the room, which is the formal dining room.  I scored BIG TIME on Craigslist again!  Even my hubby was giddy with excitement over that deal.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Yes, giddy.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-57338025904825079592011-07-31T22:10:00.001-04:002011-08-04T21:22:33.050-04:00A Special Keepsake Made With Wedding Gown Lace<p align="justify"><strong>Earlier this year, while I was purging stuff in preparation for our move to the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>, I mentioned in </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/01/living-lighter-without-so-muchstuff.html" target="_blank"><strong>this post</strong></a><strong> how I had made the decision to part with the wedding gown I wore when I married my hubby in 1972.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DWKbZIRSm_0/TjYLAZeCG1I/AAAAAAAADaM/Jiq4_LRANM8/s1600-h/laceCFinal640%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="laceCFinal640" border="0" alt="laceCFinal640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TJXqy9T1wfo/TjYLAnSucjI/AAAAAAAADaQ/ARIwcvDUfxk/laceCFinal640_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="261" /></a> <strong>Before I let the dress go though, I cut off a small piece of lace and asked  <a href="http://cupidscharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joy of Cupid’s Charm</a> to incorporate it into a special keepsake.  Joy turns vintage jewelry, broken china, old silver spoons, vintage photos, papers, lace, crystals, pearls and sterling beads into the most beautiful and romantic pieces of jewelry you have ever seen.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>When Joy was done working her creative magic, the charm bracelet below was the result.    </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x-2YAO1TWbc/TjYLBDXvpDI/AAAAAAAADaU/HDH_qxIKWzQ/s1600-h/My%252520bridal%252520gown%252520lace%252520bracelet-Cupid%252527s%252520Charm%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="My bridal gown lace bracelet-Cupid's Charm" border="0" alt="My bridal gown lace bracelet-Cupid's Charm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T8QSuVIx8WQ/TjYLBbUqEHI/AAAAAAAADaY/ow9Q9FKN4GY/My%252520bridal%252520gown%252520lace%252520bracelet-Cupid%252527s%252520Charm_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="306" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>In addition to Swarovski crystals, pearls and sterling beads, she combined 3 heart-shaped charms made with broken china pieces and 4 charms containing lace from my wedding dress. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Let me tell you, the bracelet  is absolutely exquisite in person!  I am sure this gorgeous bracelet is destined to become a family heirloom.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Originally, I had planned to gift my daughter with this special bracelet on her 30th birthday next June.  However, I decided to give  it to her early so she could wear it to the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/07/tangos-movie-debut.html" target="_blank"><strong>special premiere event</strong></a><strong> she attended last week in California.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If you pop over to <a href="http://www.cupidscharm.com/" target="_blank">Joy’s on-line shop</a> to browse, don’t blame me if you want one of everything!  :)</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Linking up to:</p> <p><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/07/bath-restoration-and-renovation-for.html" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday #132 @ Between Naps on the Porch</a></p> <p><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/08/wow-us-wednesdays-25.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays #25 @ Savvy Southern Style</a></p> <p><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/08/show-and-tell-friday.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home</a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-6885140108310635652011-07-27T00:24:00.001-04:002011-07-28T21:16:43.497-04:00Tango’s Movie Debut<p align="justify"><strong>Last September, my daughter’s horse, Tango, was used  in some scenes for a movie that was being produced by singer/songwriter, Bertie Higgins, and directed by Bertie’s son, Julian.  </strong></p> <h6 align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TKHkTaOkshI/AAAAAAAACpI/eYbmf11QEO0/s1600-h/IMG_2110CE2.jpg"><img title="IMG_2110 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2110 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TKHkTsJ50bI/AAAAAAAACpM/0DroHnlAVDc/IMG_2110CE_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="251" /></a>L to R :  Bertie Higgins, Bianca (who plays “Elena” in the movie),  Tango,  my daughter, Bertie’s son, Julian (the director), and Robert (who plays “Jack Hooks”) </h6> <p> <strong>If you are new to my blog and would like to read the details of how Tango got the part in the movie and see some of the photos from her first day of filming,  you can click   <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/09/bertie-higgins-tango-movie-star.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>It would seem movie making is a long process.  After all these months, the movie is finally finished and I am now able to share more information about it, as well as a couple video clips.   </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><strong>The name of the movie is THROUGH THE EYE and a synopsis of the storyline can be found  </strong><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1742682/" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>This short video clip was from Tango’s second day of filming.  The movie character, “Elena,” riding Tango, is being chased by a dune buggy driven by the actor playing  “Carlos Huerta,” the head of the Colombian drug ring.   </strong></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:fadafea5-4b4d-4a0c-88ea-c1e93b511b6b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="c4a7c6af-304e-4ab4-a74e-cbacb6ba927f" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl41EMTNNXM" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1NFDMNaHwAxLDKXjMRZKS3yMUNrvekftX0dVDneJhCQXPsYjuETaGROQ5d1fuYkqmA4JBJ3R228Vm2XPnHJnihLzdrVEzPT0nHnVkW-6tn97gzYrQFCCiHHBuG1ofz-sUVJhOXPX93c/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('c4a7c6af-304e-4ab4-a74e-cbacb6ba927f'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Zl41EMTNNXM&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Zl41EMTNNXM&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p align="justify"><strong>If you know anything about horses, you know they can  sometimes come completely unglued and spook over the smallest and stupidest little thing so there was some uncertainty about how  Tango was going to react when  she was left standing alone after the actress dismounted and that very loud and fast-moving dune buggy came roaring up behind her.  Would she freak out and take off running?  As you can see in the video, she just did a little side hop  out of the way and meandered out of camera range.  Way to go, Tango!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The premiere screening of THROUGH THE EYE  was held in Pasadena, California Tuesday night, July 26, 2011.   </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>My daughter was invited  to the premiere screening and i</strong><strong>magine our excitement when we saw Tango’s picture  on the premiere  invitation!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4j73lNAdBTo/Ti-TAs4AhMI/AAAAAAAADYo/KNRIkJYZRJI/s1600-h/Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_e" border="0" alt="Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_e" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AiweRj6lzYs/Ti-TA7IIf5I/AAAAAAAADYs/nbE9Ge7aDcs/Through_the_Eye_Premiere_Invitation_%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="518" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Tango is also seen briefly in the movie trailer below.</strong></p> <p></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:91f9a45f-0be4-424b-aa69-0d8f192c67d7" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="9bdf474a-0fb1-4634-af0a-1c5b8f20355b" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtqbwCoUH6E" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N2-oL_Hlo-8/Ti-TBUIU7BI/AAAAAAAADaI/3sAUu3TB_Io/video7506f32ecd1c%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9bdf474a-0fb1-4634-af0a-1c5b8f20355b'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"409\" height=\"341\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/CtqbwCoUH6E&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/CtqbwCoUH6E&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"409\" height=\"341\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>There was <font color="#000000">no way</font> my daughter  was going to miss this momentous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend this premiere event so she flew out to California Monday afternoon.  I can’t wait to get her assessment of the movie and hear how Tango looked on the big screen.  <strong>In relation to the length of the movie, I’m sure Tango’s scenes will most likely be very, very, VERY short but we are as excited as if Tango had the starring role! </strong></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Even though I’m not an avid movie-goer and typically I avoid action movies because they tend to be violent, this is one movie I’m obviously anxious to see.  <strong>I don’t have any information yet on how/when/where THROUGH THE EYE  will be available for the general public to see but I’ll keep you posted,  just in case you’d like to see it too .  Then you can  say, “Hey, I *know* that horse from Blogland!”   ;)  </strong></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> <p>Linking up to:</p> <p> <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/07/wow-us-wednesdays-24.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays #24 @ Savvy Southern Style</a></p> <p><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/07/show-and-tell-friday_28.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home</a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-23537111752455079672011-07-25T16:50:00.001-04:002011-07-25T16:50:03.099-04:00My Camera<p align="justify"><strong>This afternoon, my little pocket-sized blogging camera is on a plane headed for California.</strong></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aBQo-56cJp4/Ti3W2AqL1HI/AAAAAAAADYc/PDE_Q_3HGP0/s1600-h/my%252520camera%25255B22%25255D.gif"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="my camera" border="0" alt="my camera" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7de_I1G-Nv4/Ti3W2oz9aRI/AAAAAAAADYg/aWBHhyr2K88/my%252520camera_thumb%25255B20%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>No, it’s not going to a repair shop; it’s actually working well.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’m not really at liberty to reveal WHY my camera is going to California just yet but I can tell you the reason is quite exciting (at least to us).   I can also tease you a little bit and say it has something to do with <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/09/bertie-higgins-tango-movie-star.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’ll be able to share the details  later this week, probably Wednesday.  :)  And hopefully, sometime after that, I will have some fun photos to share of the California trip.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Oh, and in case you were wondering…</strong><strong>I am <u>NOT</u> on that plane with my camera!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> <p align="justify"></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-29032166970827179102011-07-20T20:59:00.001-04:002011-07-20T21:57:24.839-04:00Oh No… Here We Go Again!<p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If you were reading my blog about a  year ago, you probably remember the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/08/samsung-washerdryer-from-hhgregg-ordeal.html" target="_blank">hhGregg/Samsung front load washer ordeal</a></strong><strong> and the months and months of consumer’s hell I went through to return the defective washer.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>After hhGregg finally took  the washer (and dryer) back in August 2010,  I replaced the Samsung set with a Whirlpool Duet front-loading steam washer and dryer.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’ve been very pleased with the new machines’ performance…</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>…until today.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I walked into my laundry room this afternoon to find water pouring out from underneath the washer.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>What the heck?!   </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-574f5CgUfDw/Tid5-fsLDGI/AAAAAAAADYU/AboZmaAEbls/s1600-h/sad%252520face%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sad face" border="0" alt="sad face" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4e0OHFnYOU8/Tid5-uL3uCI/AAAAAAAADYY/uSjqJKdH6D8/sad%252520face_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="200" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>It was all I could do not to sit down and cry.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>And, wouldn’t you know,  the 12-month interest free promotion on the </strong><a href="http://www.lowes.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Lowe’s</strong></a><strong> credit card is almost up.  In order to avoid a year’s worth of interest, the washer and dryer balance had to be paid off  by July 26th.  As my luck would have it,  I just mailed the payoff check two days ago.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>TWO DAYS AGO!  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Of course the washer is still under warranty, but if it turns out I have another washer with a <u>chronic</u> defect, I won’t have any consumer leverage for return and/or replacement this time since the washer and dryer balance has been paid off.</strong></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The repairman is coming tomorrow afternoon.   I’m going to think positive and hope  the leak  was just caused by a small problem that requires an easy, one-time  fix.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-44288863202434841402011-07-07T17:07:00.001-04:002011-07-28T11:44:21.335-04:00Sewing a Faux Roman Shade<p align="justify"><strong>This week, I attempted to get reacquainted with this old gal.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gVG6zcIfavg/ThYf9Q-J2CI/AAAAAAAADXk/YkpKbELsDOw/s1600-h/IMG_33193.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3319" border="0" alt="IMG_3319" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8zu5nZPoOb4/ThYf9mfOMWI/AAAAAAAADXo/cbQm7RG8I2M/IMG_3319_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>It’s been a  long time since we spent any time together.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>A very, very long time.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’ve mentioned before that my mother was a very talented seamstress and loved to sew but I didn’t get passed the sewing gene.  I am more than capable of sewing if it is a necessity, but  it’s not something I enjoy so I have always made it my mission to avoid  it whenever possible.  In past years, any time I could get my mom to sew for me, I would.  However, since she passed away six years ago, if I need/want any sewing done now, I’m on my own.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>A couple months ago, I saw a really simple <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2011/04/no-sew-faux-roman-shade-by-richella-at-imparting-grace/" target="_blank">tutorial for a  faux Roman shade</a>.  It was so ingenious, I wanted to try it for my kitchen window so I bookmarked it.   I won’t repeat the tutorial here.  Just click the above link and scroll down to the middle of that post for the instructions.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Even with the 50% off sale Joann's Fabrics was having on the special order home decorating fabrics, the </strong><strong>fabric I chose (P. Kaufmann Sea <strong>Breeze</strong> <strong>Patriot</strong>) was $19.99/yd.   I wasn’t even sure I was going to like this faux Roman shade once I got it  done so I only ordered a yard of material but that meant I wouldn’t have enough length to double the fabric over the top rod per the tutorial instructions.  I planned to compensate for this by sewing a pocket to slip the top tension rod through.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Yes, I was actually going to SEW!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I dug out my (almost 40 year old) sewing machine.  After dusting her off, I reviewed the owner’s manual to refresh my memory on how to fill the bobbin.  Like riding a bike, it came right back to me.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oPOJbiCYjJM/ThYf-W-3C4I/AAAAAAAADXs/eUp7POowWm4/s1600-h/IMG_33183.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3318" border="0" alt="IMG_3318" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nYmAvD9K_rU/ThYf-jpdSgI/AAAAAAAADXw/g0CbUCBupQg/IMG_3318_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>I threaded her up, slipped my fabric under the presser foot, hit the foot pedal and……</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>NOTHING.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>She hummed a little but the needle wouldn’t move and upon closer inspection, all the parts seemed to be a bit rusted and bound up.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t sew.   (Insert sarcastic tone.)   The last time I can really remember using this sewing machine, my now 29-year-old daughter was in the fourth grade.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Yeah, I guess if you store a sewing machine in the backyard  shed where it gets exposed to the intense heat and humidity of Florida’s  summers  for 20+ years, things are bound to be a bit rusty and bound up.  The light bulb  still worked after all these years though!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="3">Plan B:</font>  Make this a no-sew project (like the tutorial) by using hem tape.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Unfortunately, that was a fail for me too as my fabric was a bit too heavy and nubby for the hem tape to hold  well.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font size="3">Plan C:</font>  Buy a new sewing machine.   Ugh. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I actually have a couple other simple sewing projects I want to do in the coming weeks so I got on the Internet to check out some inexpensive, basic machines.   I didn’t want or need a bunch of bells and whistles, just something to do some straight stitching.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Most of the machines I looked at under $100 didn’t get very good reviews.  </strong><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-50-Stitch-Sewing-Machine/14237605" target="_blank"><strong>This machine</strong></a><strong> did more than I would ever need but it had a very high number of positive ratings.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y5h41GRtHf4/TjGDdlMluJI/AAAAAAAADZ0/lNNdIbb6MWA/s1600-h/Brother%252520cE5500PRW%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Brother cE5500PRW" border="0" alt="Brother cE5500PRW" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oYU2NaxuZsA/TjGDeKLb4nI/AAAAAAAADZ4/jIap5mPVCpg/Brother%252520cE5500PRW_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a> </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I  decided to jump  in the car and go to the nearest Walmart to see if they (hopefully) had it in the store.  I didn’t want to order anything online.  I was ready to do this Roman shade project now!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>It must have REALLY been my lucky day.  Not </strong><strong>only did Walmart have it, but it was on sale for <font size="3">$109.00</font>!  A savings of almost FORTY-ONE DOLLARS!  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Finally, I was off and running.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y_03v5zgX-0/ThYf_JaHD_I/AAAAAAAADX0/vVWImMHgQKQ/s1600-h/IMG_3322%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3322 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3322 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4wBWC3ZbfiE/ThYf_nqTVXI/AAAAAAAADX4/tNRDQO7VTI0/IMG_3322%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="372" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>My kitchen window is small, only 36 inches by 36 inches, and I found that for my liking, too much of the light and view were obstructed by fabric when I inserted the tension rods into the window frame.    (I tested this before I did any cutting or sewing.)</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>By using the cabinets on either side of the window to support the tension rods, I was able to  raise the rod higher to give the illusion of  a larger window and then only  the top 1/3 of the window was covered.  Although, after looking at these photos, I think the top rod could be raised even a bit more.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dMyLuacIBak/ThYgANIzVAI/AAAAAAAADX8/3MhzvEbnOTs/s1600-h/IMG_3342%252520%252528E%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3342 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3342 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0i2yZaoyPvA/ThYgBKaA8hI/AAAAAAAADYA/JgLvQSeqhnA/IMG_3342%252520%252528E%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="547" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>My fabric was wider than the width between the cabinets so I added 2 inches to that measurement so I could sew a one inch hem down each vertical side of the fabric.  For the length, I used the whole yard of fabric and  put a one inch hem in the bottom.  As mentioned above, I sewed a pocket across the top for the top tension rod to slip through. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WLEGTltdwV0/ThYgBTkkNII/AAAAAAAADYE/j07ClcJUWMg/s1600-h/IMG_3356%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3356 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3356 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ks-FoTbqLmc/ThYgCC0YaNI/AAAAAAAADYI/gEMU15GPzO0/IMG_3356%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="405" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"> <strong>I was  quite happy the way this turned out.  It was easy and would have been quick…had I not had to stop to research sewing machines, run out to buy one, set it up and learn how to use it.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If I decide to ever make another faux Roman shade using this tension rod technique, I would probably do it this way again.  The single length of fabric and the rod pocket worked  fine, thus cutting the expense of fabric in half.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwlBDLMnepkU8Mnd429ww3fIG4XRcNj5f7azqTW8x0GQUmit_ZCj0UJHbHp_lZN6HYYbAr3AVX-OKT26abiQeZcgtvc3hV3hTv_IoEe0SyyVCQIBinj7PbkojxDci3Z5hsdREIgbwfTs/s1600-h/IMG_3335%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3335 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3335 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJdiZzckIgtzZGy3CmSpJakXvs08jsh0Wxtb4A1G16PRVIuMoqA7W7ioPa-cvD9acnDouJpIBs9am8Fl7T7EdYn_2OKUN9nMG-IoTevL4dF4tc0GqR96B3DKwfA0Ur-8rqVbrsr9x3F8/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="620" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-71752440075368014452011-06-29T23:44:00.001-04:002011-06-29T23:46:57.407-04:00New Bookcases For the Living Room<p align="justify"><strong>When I started the conversion to cottage style decor in 2008, I was on  a painting frenzy to change all my dark furniture to white.  One of the pieces I painted was an old </strong><strong>3 piece wall unit</strong><strong> we had purchased many, MANY years before, back in the late 70’s!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ioSz5ZzO1yE/TgvxH1QqjAI/AAAAAAAADW0/ZcmS75h5yd8/s1600-h/IMG_0394CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0394 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_0394 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AWiIL45ClrwvfDPD-XpnvYZrgE9NiJA5DWGkDS5HBdDXaXFpvT8X1hnSKAWEOXVuBt7KZhbyOWbWlf6vaJi1byap_VOQ1CAGDRm5uZQ_Onf1LW_exTI6woYMWgbU_I3QoMB-EkrDuiM/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="372" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0I_zExPabx0/TgvxJXxxMDI/AAAAAAAADW8/2xoZx2YuuX0/s1600-h/IMG_0534CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0534 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_0534 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-erXMmimcWP0/TgvxJ3acanI/AAAAAAAADXA/JlJTf6MzgJw/IMG_0534CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="358" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Although the wall unit was way out-dated, it did afford me lots of storage and display space but after moving to the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>, it didn’t take me long to realize that wall unit just wasn’t going to work well in this new house.  In addition, the 3 pieces really needed a fresh coat of paint.  It was a HUGE  job to paint this beast the first time around so I was not up for the challenge of painting it  again now, especially when I wasn’t happy with it in this house and I have so many other projects on my “To Do” list.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I decided it was (past) time to let the wall unit go so recently my hubby and I hauled all three pieces up to the main road and left them there, hoping a passing motorist or neighbor would come along and adopt them.  Before we had even gotten out of sight, someone was stopping to check them out!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>With no wall unit anymore, I needed someplace to display my <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/11/one-chore-leads-to-another.html" target="_blank">late grandmother’s milk glass pieces</a>, as well as some of the trinkets and treasures I kept when I </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/01/living-lighter-without-so-muchstuff.html" target="_blank"><strong>purged stuff</strong></a><strong>  before our move to the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong> so I started looking for something that would work in the new living room.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I found </strong><a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Louis_Philippe_Open_Bookcase/410/#BVRRWidgetID" target="_blank"><strong>this</strong></a><strong> and based on all the positive reviews, I decided to order two  of the 36 inch size in white.   My hubby was able to get them assembled this past weekend.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Well….I suppose for the price, they aren’t bad but there were a few things I didn’t like about them.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The back piece was folded in half for shipping, which is typical for this kind of furniture, but when it was opened up and attached to the bookcase, there was a large and very noticeable vertical gap. </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kJRBA7N7hHg/TgvxKBKhM5I/AAAAAAAADXE/CVtvgsLuimg/s1600-h/IMG_3283CE7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3283 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3283 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z85jfgWNmJw/TgvxKmrsBJI/AAAAAAAADXI/Y7EP1pPw83Q/IMG_3283CE_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="721" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I ended up filling the gap with white caulk but it still shows more than I would like.  Eventually, I may end up covering the backs with bead board wallpaper.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>There were also some gaps where pieces were joined. </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LJ88eOiQvDQ/TgvxLAT0JuI/AAAAAAAADXM/VbgrJN1FjRY/s1600-h/IMG_3284E5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3284 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3284 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CwQ9PSArM_8/TgvxL7QkbWI/AAAAAAAADXQ/fG5fG31gO6k/IMG_3284E_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I filled them with white caulk too and it looks better.  More seamless.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-utfXvTz_xFo/TgvxMCJnEhI/AAAAAAAADXU/H5bkyv9K3hM/s1600-h/IMG_3306CE7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3306 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3306 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KOawUV5eYgI/TgvxM6wngPI/AAAAAAAADXY/Cv_MUIr6jyE/IMG_3306CE_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="699" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Once I got the bookcases caulked and all my nick-nacks arranged, I was pleased with the way they look flanking my sofa.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LeFWO1ESsoY/TgvxNYJIyOI/AAAAAAAADXc/jkXpjw1AjQ0/s1600-h/IMG_33094.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3309" border="0" alt="IMG_3309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-30PB7C4YxuI/TgvxOADSZHI/AAAAAAAADXg/nQn9blboH-Q/IMG_3309_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>That picture (temporarily) propped on the back of  the sofa was in the living room in  my previous home and the green mat looked really nice on my light sage green walls there.  Obviously though,  it’s not working with the pale gray I painted the walls here.   I plan to keep the big, chunky white frame (it cost me an arm and a leg!) but I am debating whether to keep the print and have just the green mat replaced, or have  both  the  mat and print replaced.  I haven’t decided yet.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>And I’m still working on the area directly across from the sofa.    There’s <u>lots</u> left to do on that side of the room!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-6392762158354311082011-06-27T23:16:00.001-04:002011-06-28T12:00:52.077-04:00I Love Flip-Flops<p><strong>Ever since I retired from the business world in 2007, I have pretty much lived in flip-flops.  </strong><strong>Here in Florida, we can almost wear them year-round.</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I SERIOUSLY love flip-flops!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Why do I love flip-flops so much?  Well, that's an easy question to answer! </strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>They are easy to slip on and off.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>They are cool and comfortable.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p align="justify"><strong>One of my guilty pleasures is regular pedicures and flip- flops allow me to show off whatever pretty color  polish I have on my toes.  </strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The styles and colors are endless.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p align="justify"><strong>They’re cheap.  Most of the time I pay far less than $15.00 a pair so a <font size="3">shoe-a-holic</font>, like me, can have a pair of cute flip-flops in every color to match every outfit, without breaking the bank.</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p align="center"><strong></strong><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="flip flops on a clothesline" border="0" alt="flip flops on a clothesline" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Zl_kPAilLM/TglHYmOMADI/AAAAAAAADWY/UkcCOsj52JE/flipflopsonaclothesline_thumb2.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="265" /></strong><strong><font size="3">Did I mention, I think they are really comfortable???</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><strong>Now, if you are like me and love flip-flops, you probably have at least a few (and possibly way too many) pairs.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MPVDpqPA3M4/TglHZJ5Mx4I/AAAAAAAADWc/yjL6LMih3LA/s1600-h/flipflopqueen%25255B1%25255D.gif"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="flipflopqueen" alt="flipflopqueen" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ELC7CyLPF_U/TglHaArj3cI/AAAAAAAADWg/WdlB-DtdiGg/flipflopqueen_thumb%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="244" height="156" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>And maybe if you have a *few* pairs of flip-flops, the bottom of your closet just might look like mine.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AVcLRdTRR5g/TglHas1HsrI/AAAAAAAADWk/iUO6UsTx0zg/s1600-h/IMG_3289%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3289" border="0" alt="IMG_3289" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ySRbplyuVZg/TglHbBEODkI/AAAAAAAADWo/NISZrqnozUg/IMG_3289_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>(YIKES!  It’s a wonder I can even find a matching pair in that mess!  Believe it or not, I’m such a neat freak in most all other areas of my life.)</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The other day, I was blog hopping and <strong>on the blog, </strong><a href="http://www.epbot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>EPBOT</strong></a>,  I ran across the most ingenious idea for keeping flip-flops neatly organized</strong><strong>.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5WboQBLElBVcTCyx7pnz05u_eBFDrfD7XagyMCPrRxuAazhQNFOr-yD5x8kbeUYiItOdoGf5cNDgfVudNq2g_f9NUv4lIJxva0lnAXKMHYVeeAoXv-f8bXYjxhDwWbI1zNrDMhDq0sM/s1600-h/4.bp.blogspot1.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="4.bp.blogspot" border="0" alt="4.bp.blogspot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bHCl8DqgnQE/TglHfXgDLBI/AAAAAAAADWw/jBKeEETGVao/4.bp.blogspot_thumb1.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="563" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Isn’t that fabulous?!  This is definitely one of those ideas that makes you say, “Why didn’t I think of THAT?”</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I am SO going to put this on my list of projects!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If the bottom of your closet is covered with a messy mound of flip-flops like mine, go check out her easy  </strong><a href="http://www.epbot.com/2011/04/hows-it-hangin-flop-tutorial.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+epbot%2FfOpU+%28EPBOT%29" target="_blank"><strong>tutorial</strong></a> <strong>on how to make these flip-flop hangers.  (She also shows how the hangers work for ballet flats too, if those are more your thing).</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-35916455316558587732011-06-22T11:52:00.001-04:002011-06-22T11:53:11.133-04:00I’m Calling This Bathroom *DONE* ! (For Now)<p align="justify"><strong>The (drywall) dust was flying again this past weekend at the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you might remember one of the first rooms I fixed up in this house was a bathroom right off the breakfast room.  This was the way it looked the day we looked at the house.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rSNlJBQ-0n4/TgIPkZc0mXI/AAAAAAAADVQ/pEf_K-G_z1s/s1600-h/IMG_0588%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0588" border="0" alt="IMG_0588" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gtsBqybRNpk/TgIPk6xjpII/AAAAAAAADVU/iKziKnWexbU/IMG_0588_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Now, if money were no object, I would have gutted it and started from scratch but there were other rooms that offended me more so I just decided to replace the toilet and do a cosmetic makeover with paint, fabrics and a few accessories.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MJLMqW7Zfro/TgIPlNWdKUI/AAAAAAAADVY/xVEBnrHixmY/s1600-h/IMG_1482%252520%252528E%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1482 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_1482 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9tymXz-EN9s/TgIPloYGo0I/AAAAAAAADVc/U2-8kBaDLX4/IMG_1482%252520%252528E%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="510" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>But this is what it looked like this weekend!  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ANgcF87P64Y/TgIPl7p614I/AAAAAAAADVg/xEJSGu4f_V0/s1600-h/IMG_3270%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3270 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3270 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Nw2OPmWy40/TgIPmxdnLfI/AAAAAAAADVk/UfwLFpKBfVc/IMG_3270%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="635" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>When we gutted <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/01/from-ugly-duckling-to-beautiful-swan.html" target="_blank">this bathroom</a>, we took the old light fixture from there to replace the “Hollywood” light that was in here.  The existing electrical box for the light over the sink was too low and the *new* light fixture had to be hung upside down in order to be able to open the doors of the medicine chest/mirror.  It’s been precariously hanging upside down for six months.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>This weekend my hubby moved the electrical box up and dry-walled over the old hole.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QVJoKlW-xws/TgIPnbLXojI/AAAAAAAADVo/H5Q86MCDsOg/s1600-h/IMG_3272%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3272" border="0" alt="IMG_3272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rROsqGoJ0Ys/TgIPng4ZMZI/AAAAAAAADVs/G4LWPsagwLA/IMG_3272_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If you’ve ever had any drywall work done in your home, you know it’s a messy proposition.  Every surface ends up looking like this.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P5W5yWIf2VY/TgIPoLzNLrI/AAAAAAAADVw/ZX5JlUQBHek/s1600-h/IMG_3273%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3273" border="0" alt="IMG_3273" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m097oo8t5_U/TgIPoZIlolI/AAAAAAAADV0/j5NUzoNkGek/IMG_3273_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="322" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Fortunately, everything is now cleaned up and the light is hanging the right way.  (Scratch one more project off the “To Do” list!)</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_PsswoOI_98/TgIPo-6Xa7I/AAAAAAAADV4/xqVpqV0Tfoc/s1600-h/IMG_3277%252520%252528E%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3277 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3277 (E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T7KI6-56yps/TgIPpY41LEI/AAAAAAAADV8/38CD64TTYFs/IMG_3277%252520%252528E%252529_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="558" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>And since I no longer have a slew of workmen using this bathroom and leaving the toilet seat up, I removed this *lovely* piece of “artwork” which was hanging over the toilet…</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fvChe93GfAo/TgIPp2uWFjI/AAAAAAAADWA/lMyTnDsdRvo/s1600-h/IMG_1112%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1112" border="0" alt="IMG_1112" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4OYBLtvqU2E/TgIPqGC-whI/AAAAAAAADWE/BFfBS3pAYCE/IMG_1112_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="494" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>…and replaced it with something a little prettier.</strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7V3dVblKRDY/TgIPqUUXaaI/AAAAAAAADWI/5BpiwSiN41k/s1600-h/IMG_3275%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3275 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3275 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mcT4-kKfwUM/TgIPqxppK5I/AAAAAAAADWM/RSO6okthAkE/IMG_3275%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="392" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Rg5OkA29TDs/TgIPrB0TStI/AAAAAAAADWQ/TYxhFciawQw/s1600-h/IMG_3279%252520%252528E%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3279 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3279 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zCbzGseN6U4/TgIPrlG24mI/AAAAAAAADWU/HDEcPwOFWQQ/IMG_3279%252520%252528E%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a>  </p> <p align="justify"><strong>I do believe this bathroom is *DONE*.    Well, at least done until I feel like we can afford the time and money to replace the tub, shower tile,  vanity, medicine chest/mirror and install new flooring.  </strong></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-89477943374291895852011-06-14T10:06:00.001-04:002011-06-14T10:07:13.699-04:0016 Reasons Why I’ve Been a Bad Blogger<p align="justify"><strong>I’ll readily admit I have really been a bad blogger lately and I do apologize to those of you who come here looking for updates on the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Here’s a small sampling of why I haven’t been blogging much.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #1:</font>  </strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyHBdZ-i4xJu0YzAUAY4DK99uyzzsiY2_NEaC6LYqMrnOoxMxtXexYWtzh1-k9CwDgPhzrWvapb7nBLYLCk-fE6DRNFQpEjsfpUFF_Xryt56t6kf4X0UWyQvi27gaAcAMy5BBSpv1qYU/s1600-h/IMG_3089CE7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3089 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3089 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y9zHpZKzLS0/TfdqkVMyG0I/AAAAAAAADTs/IQ31YClKfLI/IMG_3089CE_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="627" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I tweaked and then repainted a rack I purchased at HomeGoods, making it into a combination towel rack and small shelf for the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/01/from-ugly-duckling-to-beautiful-swan.html" target="_blank">new bathroom</a>.  (Towel rack functions beautifully, and is unique and unexpected but not sure I’m happy with the accessories yet.)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #2:  </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zi9c0gZ1cNQ/Tfdqk_CwOmI/AAAAAAAADTw/XoJRY0cN6no/s1600-h/IMG_321612.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3216" border="0" alt="IMG_3216" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JpS7ooTe-i8/TfdqlpP-06I/AAAAAAAADT0/3X0JrklMRtI/IMG_3216_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong>Finally, 7 months after the kitchen re-do, I spent 2 days emptying drawers in the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/10/metamorphosis-of-kitchen-from-heartburn.html" target="_blank">new kitchen</a> and lining them with pretty shelf paper.  In all fairness though, it did take me that long to locate this Contact paper I had seen many months before the kitchen was even started.   I was hesitant to buy it then, not knowing how much I was going to need and then afterwards, nobody seemed to have it anymore.  I recently found it at Target.  (One of these days I’ll get around to taking updated kitchen pictures with the backsplash, lighting and the few accessories I’ve found so far.)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #3:  </font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZfSPdpzt9hU/TfdqmH19lXI/AAAAAAAADT4/YJGdg9o4t8s/s1600-h/IMG_3248CE6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3248 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3248 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xsaYvidVJmo/TfdqmoZlbHI/AAAAAAAADT8/X3xX2nH2FBw/IMG_3248CE_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="574" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I’ve been trying to do a little accessorizing here and there. </strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #4:  </font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qzaCjaWZvzc/Tfdqm-UYsSI/AAAAAAAADUA/Uamxrwqn7Bw/s1600-h/IMG_3247CE6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3247 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3247 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-27VttsopdtA/TfdqngHzkHI/AAAAAAAADUE/OOIYZ3v5J18/IMG_3247CE_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="744" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>Some of my walls are no longer bare.  We’ve been able to get some pictures hung so it actually looks like somebody lives here!</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #5: </font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CPDgWn6dhkg/TfdqoJXHIWI/AAAAAAAADUI/OLrO9-9BM0A/s1600-h/IMG_3215E3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3215 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3215 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZWBd9-23bh8/Tfdqo05toLI/AAAAAAAADUM/l9fw_ID1BcA/IMG_3215E_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I repainted a picture mat (and the frame) on a piece of artwork I had used in the other house so it would better fit in with the paint colors in this house.  </strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #6:  </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mEUHppembNs/TfdqpRsDJ8I/AAAAAAAADUQ/xpS0GSpDsjU/s1600-h/IMG_3264%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3264 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3264 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jMhI32BEdys/Tfdqp136SsI/AAAAAAAADUU/5Mgjr28V_-A/IMG_3264%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <strong>Seven months ago, when we tried to get the new refrigerator in the house, it was just a wee bit too wide to fit through the door so Hubby had to pop off the molding around the door jamb.   I just recently got around to re-caulking and repainting the trim around that door.   The door also got another fresh coat of paint because it’s a heavily used entrance/exit.</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>Reasons #7, 8 & 9:  </strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HZ_NNIaIKc0/TfdqrMNMcJI/AAAAAAAADUY/sdym7DLF7u0/s1600-h/IMG_3257E6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3257 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3257 (E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_YjqYZkCpx4/TfdqrrhQBaI/AAAAAAAADUc/xfg8K4gO99A/IMG_3257E_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I’ve worked on the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-mission-pretty-southern-front-porch.html" target="_blank">front porch</a>…</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>the ceiling has been painted a light blue,  I painted the shutters black, and got 2 lanterns hung. (Need to make a decision on furniture and cushions SOON…before summer is over!)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reasons #10 & 11: </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-drfnZbnnlbs/TfdqsCSvVcI/AAAAAAAADUg/FAE_90TFaYc/s1600-h/IMG_3224CE1.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3224 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3224 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ro4UZXmipHg/Tfdqsg1xcvI/AAAAAAAADUk/B5dYUOIywNk/IMG_3224CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="699" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I painted a cute (formally white) petite chandelier black and hung it over the sink in the laundry room.</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #12:  </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I was Hubby’s assistant while  he did some electrical work to accommodate the chandelier.  Sorry, no photo available.  ;)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reasons 13 & 14:  </font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fPMLV6iKm14/Tfdqt_QgFjI/AAAAAAAADUo/DsGr1OqpLX4/s1600-h/IMG_3260CE11.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3260 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3260 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2kUN6ehAkWs/TfdquFli4xI/AAAAAAAADUs/9zFClOmMyU0/IMG_3260CE_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="311" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>It only took about 8 months after installing the bottom cabinets, but we FINALLY got the upper cabinets assembled and hung on the sink wall in the laundry room, and I applied wall words,  </strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>“Self Serve Laundry Open 24 Hours.”</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>(Still much work/accessorizing to do in here.)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #15:</font>  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SSUEGHPCnJE/TfdqvaikjZI/AAAAAAAADUw/Ui8NsjPKJbU/s1600-h/IMG_3255CE2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3255 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3255 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_6AGKwhIqeo/Tfdqv0CF1wI/AAAAAAAADU0/skXqvGQVlFQ/IMG_3255CE_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="272" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>Got the valance (that I’ve had for MONTHS) hung over laundry room window.</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3"></font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="3">Reason #16: </font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TTyT9pY04K0/TfdqwcBOn3I/AAAAAAAADU4/DFkpCO7xvoY/s1600-h/IMG_3235E2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3235 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3235 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vJAtOyr29QA/Tfdqw4bcd8I/AAAAAAAADU8/cieuk4hYGPo/IMG_3235E_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>I decided I definitely needed to repaint the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/01/flood.html" target="_blank">formal living  and dining rooms</a>.  I felt like the original bluish- gray color (Valspar “Winter in Paris” ) was just a little too dreary (and too blue)  for my liking in these north facing rooms.</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Now that the repainting of the formal living room is done, maybe I can finally get my furniture arranged so it doesn’t look like this anymore…</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-njahrVILA7E/TfdqxApabUI/AAAAAAAADVA/V-zwGADE2Dw/s1600-h/IMG_32536.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3253" border="0" alt="IMG_3253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iph6465qPsQ/TfdqyXeA_hI/AAAAAAAADVE/AnR_3EyuWgM/IMG_3253_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>And maybe I can get the rest of the boxes unpacked so my formal dining room doesn’t look like this…</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KPLsMNh0Erw/Tfdqy0R6DPI/AAAAAAAADVI/7Bg8BkqcY6U/s1600-h/IMG_32522.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3252" border="0" alt="IMG_3252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GeyCB-AjfRo/Tfdqz-NbwmI/AAAAAAAADVM/CEK-B4-aFrQ/IMG_3252_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Good grief!  Three months after moving and there is still no rest for the weary.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-7070643084780324202011-06-07T00:53:00.001-04:002011-06-07T00:53:22.850-04:00Tea For Two at Camellia Rose Tea Cottage<p align="justify"><strong>Recently, when my friend, <a href="http://pinkrosesandteacups.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Debbie</a>, came from New Jersey to visit me for a week, we spent one  afternoon having tea at a lovely tea cottage not too far from the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>.     Although I had heard about the </strong><a href="http://camelliarose.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Camellia Rose Tea Cottage</strong></a><strong> and seen it featured by several bloggers, this was my first time there.  It did not disappoint!</strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RWS-HMW3Wb8lECI-sOFjaTH9ct7Jj9REXfwc9mOQU5Vmvafg1ozfeGbbti4as4Se9ljqrrByS0E2XBEWD9lDerdKZ4Z2ytBoR3t3nWdMgpLriFsU5yCnT5_XhJwmiqglCFtHXZmnd3E/s1600-h/IMG_3175CE14.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3175 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3175 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ULKCMrtE9hA/Te2uLwrlPoI/AAAAAAAADPw/9usVfRvXEeA/IMG_3175CE_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="238" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Our table was by one of the windows and the window sill was filled to the brim with crystal candlesticks, silver pieces, tea pots and tea cups.  So pretty!</strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3131 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3131 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HDdV9d3WY_Q/Te2uMtN5dbI/AAAAAAAADP0/OIqY4uGfb3k/IMG_3131CE_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Debbie and I both have a mutual love of pink roses so I guess it was quite fitting there was a bud vase of  pink roses on our table.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4WCu6h59tsk/Te2uNLmFl4I/AAAAAAAADP4/eEdhjZg13Go/s1600-h/IMG_3145CE9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3145 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3145 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gOgV9RJ9x6UKvKRFLxyUToVgBFhBUoDDFgsrPlH6AXghY98XQDZlH6doMOp9Ejx64E-CUt18Fa9DVyo8HlUv3uH_aIRfWn6hZxCnu1TIr7NUGPEopF1W2U6CpvyzUppyUUeGcdvjMjQ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="540" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The table setting was lovely…old silver, pretty rose patterned china, pressed glass water goblets, and  a beautiful crocheted piece was layered over the tablecloth.   An old photograph placed under the glass added  vintage charm.</strong> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3129 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3129 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-noZD0QRhPec/Te2uOPnaLKI/AAAAAAAADQA/WizN_EEo0VA/IMG_3129E_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The selection of fresh brewed loose leaf teas at Camellia Rose is so extensive, Debbie and I had a difficult time deciding which teas we wanted to try.   In the end, we sampled three different pots of tea and loved them all! </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d0EMUf2jjmo/Te2uOmkx_DI/AAAAAAAADQE/BXpxnB9w1nQ/s1600-h/IMG_3132CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3132 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3132 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9J6gfiBg9Vv7K6UXpyPTS6T0CglLxPOcc5RtEwl61jvsf1WGiKZY5M8NvFigHIcYoNn-0e7pvvF-lUxV6u5wDfkZSvxxzM_g2b81sTGrBD3IKP24KTCriEu2mG5BHdfcktPCyvqb28U/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="351" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The  broccoli cheddar soup, served in a tea cup,  was to die for;  the BEST I have EVER had!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TEPs_H8mZx4/Te2uPQTCu2I/AAAAAAAADQM/Zs19LviFIzU/s1600-h/IMG_3136CE6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3136 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3136 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9eFuDztK-r4/Te2uP7altBI/AAAAAAAADQQ/umqSWVHnGxw/IMG_3136CE_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="322" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>We were served a three tier curate with tea sandwiches (on the middle tier), fresh baked blueberry scones  and southern style Devon cream (on the bottom tier) and a sampling of three types of yummy little desserts (on the top tier).</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1JAupV1D_vM/Te2uQRbw2ZI/AAAAAAAADQU/BpSvBC5nAv0/s1600-h/IMG_3137CE9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3137 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3137 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kx4BI4l6_ME/Te2uQxJOIYI/AAAAAAAADQY/OmMNeJUOQQw/IMG_3137CE_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="607" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VP8p58qnfPU/Te2uRSquf7I/AAAAAAAADQc/xigSoQYkhTc/s1600-h/Debbie14.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Debbie 1" border="0" alt="Debbie 1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P_srr2LcZNuRM6me5EAEvN1t_dRGAXevNakCKv0po8TghEvMUwDAWSFwlqMApbWsB4AjBDtCxphnJWPvXobi3qyUtuV9f9NSzS7HD5QYq4Q1_hIVpVFBJPL9ntNHh7dTW32Fx5eT7tg/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Every corner of the Camellia Rose Tea Cottage is just oozing with charm.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5AF7NQbco9k/Te2uZp4b9NI/AAAAAAAADQo/AYR6ZJQYmHc/s1600-h/IMG_3143CE58.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3143 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3143 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jFhOvfKLQxU/Te2uaB6CakI/AAAAAAAADQs/bCJzpd5PQM0/IMG_3143CE_thumb56.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="623" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WyLRzax5i18/Te2ua4opwyI/AAAAAAAADQw/bqVJYxxOPwQ/s1600-h/IMG_3141CE31.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3141 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3141 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E_dtam53reo/Te2ubGm9TPI/AAAAAAAADQ0/cbTqoa2QaNo/IMG_3141CE_thumb29.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="382" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w-1RMyV7NvQ/Te2ubnnbKzI/AAAAAAAADQ4/1gqMm8jn-9k/s1600-h/IMG_3142E68.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3142 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3142 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EKVzEdDzi5Q/Te2ucPlBR6I/AAAAAAAADQ8/3ImYLHZT-vo/IMG_3142E_thumb66.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="534" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Notice the high ceilings and gorgeous, thick crown moldings!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y8_QaY22uxY/Te2ucZSH7TI/AAAAAAAADRA/0qL2vX3vGWU/s1600-h/IMG_3135E25.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3135 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3135 (E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlL6GDyeP4T6_E1eHuX7Gd16ovW-ctR-3d2WUAH6eTMTtIAhg78c4ibYGoJ8Ro2o80tUYAQnns9qN8eqjy_GmKOMJcLrE0LJGr-NMkhU1mmjxEBcNcK5vOzQ3a32L-IbVVRMDAWUpppI/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>This  feminine vintage  dress was displayed in one of the windows.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2GvNe7nsY8Y/Te2udVRdagI/AAAAAAAADRI/v7OYTEOvHzQ/s1600-h/IMG_3170CE57.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3170 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3170 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zoNjwGJzYEg/Te2ueE4fL-I/AAAAAAAADRM/LVE7icjSmXQ/IMG_3170CE_thumb55.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="627" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Whimsical fairies hung in another window.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8o44FUZjeA4/Te2ueTboGII/AAAAAAAADRQ/XDgVev3d82E/s1600-h/IMG_3173CE7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3173 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3173 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh80c_DNd5Decjw8p8exHkaQRh7cRZjkkgGWMPaLubgbSmsVLvqWs-bHxnRMLeZS0rr_zWrtZegwTdoTrDVF39UeUMywxQONSPF2VTDwDMNVE3MddsadYuuKOACoFX-pIMJ6IAyXQO9bA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="563" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K4sZA8q2YkM/Te2ufh4Vy1I/AAAAAAAADRY/AgL7zbFRf0o/s1600-h/IMG_3172CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3172 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3172 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ipv-9JWsLDs/Te2ugHCI2eI/AAAAAAAADRc/2TLllSicPsM/IMG_3172CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="440" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ag7ZoEVnAAA/Te2ugnRsSbI/AAAAAAAADRg/qLYqNJCj2B4/s1600-h/IMG_3174%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3174 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3174 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9wKhn8DvT6Y/Te2uhWupTiI/AAAAAAAADRk/19b20QRpGMw/IMG_3174%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ShSOCcD7qlI/Te2uhnyYCrI/AAAAAAAADRo/uDVcVQrZdqM/s1600-h/IMG_3171%252520%252528C%252526E%252529.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3171 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3171 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HV1YO1aT60k/Te2uiHgaybI/AAAAAAAADRs/v0vcezuDDq0/IMG_3171%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="402" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-suKGPCGOGkE/Te2uiihyJtI/AAAAAAAADRw/MWmkxgAaPNk/s1600-h/IMG_3168CE8.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3168 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3168 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eaTTXdwdn7-3iMuqrxsQoRJLSkBKgwk_8KscvqpiTLUmq87BMZ_J3zoKEgfIw_Xe2l5UB_wP-DKwHXgMBRsNLvxcvC_X0fEm5hA2m2uWqIqV481CkzkadRGY83vv9hvlTNCCNckYFvI/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="462" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iygFdAxqxUc/Te2ujou99kI/AAAAAAAADR4/GvdL4HPFqf0/s1600-h/IMG_3157CE5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3157 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3157 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4NxGppFDxwA/Te2ukAG6ldI/AAAAAAAADR8/rJkipGsesEo/IMG_3157CE_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="348" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The gift shop/boutique offers an assortment of tea-related items for sale.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mnqv1uMetUc/Te2uktYMyUI/AAAAAAAADSA/MvwE4nZUGHw/s1600-h/IMG_3163CE5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3163 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3163 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-djnae_TfKX8/Te2ulM2RmKI/AAAAAAAADSE/_rrcm3DIZ3Y/IMG_3163CE_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="363" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W_xEvx-TOVE/Te2ulmVJBJI/AAAAAAAADSI/pri2Wm5zlDk/s1600-h/IMG_3150%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3150 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3150 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KGT_cmL2mec/Te2ul19w9TI/AAAAAAAADSM/r8HuH9HYoks/IMG_3150%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="265" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_eBBeecc3HQ/Te2umZtehiI/AAAAAAAADSQ/m2JEBZj70UA/s1600-h/IMG_3152%252520%252528C%252526E%252529.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3152 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3152 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W5g-zygQLYU/Te2um_ruwyI/AAAAAAAADSU/26GxNPHOns4/IMG_3152%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="453" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>They also sell some beautiful candles, hand-made soaps and toiletries.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o5rgiAoeQtw/Te2unTeq6gI/AAAAAAAADSY/QtDT7ucEMo8/s1600-h/IMG_3155%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3155 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3155 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qgn3_vGzqlo/Te2un4LaXaI/AAAAAAAADSc/EQAFp2Ps2OY/IMG_3155%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_AScR-y-0Pg/Te2uocxfBrI/AAAAAAAADSg/Uf90wlLKP7U/s1600-h/IMG_3156%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3156 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3156 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUsFnR1NOH8/Te2uo_n3g3I/AAAAAAAADSk/gx8ZRCz_yKs/IMG_3156%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="608" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2hl1EwSzw5k/Te2upJ9VRiI/AAAAAAAADSo/Ps6OfMCJZ94/s1600-h/IMG_3159CE4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3159 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3159 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fJXFbo9IzsY/Te2upjTrjDI/AAAAAAAADSs/rDiT7xb3IUY/IMG_3159CE_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p><strong>This  crystal and silver powder duster caught my eye.   It was so elegant!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pKh7a_DD6Bo/Te2uqFuxpsI/AAAAAAAADSw/Od3RmDk2EiQ/s1600-h/IMG_3159CE28.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3159 (C&E) 2" border="0" alt="IMG_3159 (C&E) 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-geAdql0DjXg/Te2uqyNs8NI/AAAAAAAADS0/62miMjFuZok/IMG_3159CE2_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="574" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x8lOKWaAh10/Te2ureHfqwI/AAAAAAAADS4/pzJnfX8ACdg/s1600-h/IMG_316029.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3160 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3160 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XFPNzWqvvwE/Te2urkbuwRI/AAAAAAAADS8/wkZM5SBKL0w/IMG_31602_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="478" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Oh, hello!  (Thought I’d try my hand at a self-portrait in the gift shop mirror.)  </strong><strong>Camellia Rose is located in the historic Bank of Plant City building and in this photo you can see the original tile floors that date back to 1919.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TkY0HvFKgkQ/Te2usCDbHZI/AAAAAAAADTA/oigNgnNC-pw/s1600-h/IMG_3158CE100.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3158 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3158 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zn9FAAYVuFk/Te2us6bk48I/AAAAAAAADTE/rSa7ufEis4o/IMG_3158CE_thumb98.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="734" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Even the Powder Room at Camellia Rose is pretty!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gBWShG59MC4/Te2utFtM_TI/AAAAAAAADTI/WJquPjadDio/s1600-h/IMG_3164CE10.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3164 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3164 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fgTva9AxLpI/Te2utpnlu_I/AAAAAAAADTM/tPD5WyzsBdE/IMG_3164CE_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="318" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VLRr7ncjkTo/Te2uuJrmcuI/AAAAAAAADTQ/EXKGhAWS9AU/s1600-h/IMG_3165%252520%252528C%252526E%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3165 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3165 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BZylLHRBtn4/Te2uudsdG6I/AAAAAAAADTU/3ISruSbhL3g/IMG_3165%252520%252528C%252526E%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="574" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FuoO2Zw0Dbs/Te2uu8nHXOI/AAAAAAAADTY/DKUOOG99a-4/s1600-h/IMG_3166CE26.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3166 (C&E) 2" border="0" alt="IMG_3166 (C&E) 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oeiMT16w81I/Te2uvLODeXI/AAAAAAAADTc/WE-uDi6us2g/IMG_3166CE2_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="428" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Afternoon tea at Camellia Rose Tea Cottage was so special.  There is nothing like a good cup of tea shared between good friends!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LCfv13tE8Ls/Te2uvrQhmzI/AAAAAAAADTg/HugMy0SDFT0/s1600-h/IMG_3148CE156.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3148 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3148 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pse2nwSYze4/Te2uwYcjjPI/AAAAAAAADTk/jkfQTVQGIxY/IMG_3148CE_thumb154.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="337" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <h6><strong>The Camellia Rose Tea Cottage is located in historic downtown Plant City, Florida which is approximately 30 minutes east of Tampa.  </strong></h6> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-70717161923441315512011-05-24T16:03:00.001-04:002011-05-25T10:17:09.345-04:00Sweet Tomatoes' Broccoli Salad<p align="justify"><strong>According to my blog stats, one of the most frequent searches that lead people to my blog is the  <font color="#000000">Sweet Tomatoes’ broccoli salad</font> recipe I posted right before Memorial Day two years ago  so I thought I would post the recipe again and participate in the </strong><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/strawberry-pineapple-shortcake/" target="_blank"><strong>Home May’d Recipe party</strong></a><strong> going on over at </strong><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Southern Hospitality</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>In the past year, I have made this recipe many times.  It’s quick, easy and it <u>always</u> gets rave reviews.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Here’s my original post from May 2009…</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I have a delicious recipe to share with you this week.  If you are going to, or hosting,  a Memorial Day get-together this weekend, it would make a wonderful side dish to add to the menu!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>First, a little history about this recipe …</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Here in Florida, we have a restaurant chain called </strong><a href="http://www.sweettomatoes.com/"><strong>Sweet Tomatoes</strong></a><strong>.  These restaurants  are also in approximately 14 other states so some of you may have eaten at one.  (You can go  <a href="http://www.sweettomatoes.com/locations/">here</a></strong><strong></strong><strong> and type in your zip code to see if there is one close to you. )</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>For those of you who have never been to a  Sweet Tomatoes restaurant, it is an all-you-can-eat salad buffet featuring fresh vegetables, salads, made-from-scratch soups, muffins and breads, and hot pastas.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>One of my favorite salads is their broccoli salad, which I am told is called “Joan’s Broccoli Madness,” so recently  I went searching the web for a copycat recipe.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The list of ingredients is fairly simple:  fresh uncooked  broccoli, red onion, bacon, cashews, raisins, mayonnaise</strong><strong>, apple cider vinegar and sugar.</strong></p> <h6><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/ShYmiRurZwI/AAAAAAAAAY4/lE0M6Ddu0sQ/s1600-h/IMG_1877broccolisalad14.jpg"><img title="IMG_1877 broccoli salad #1" border="0" alt="IMG_1877 broccoli salad #1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/ShYmigTcTDI/AAAAAAAAAY8/eOrFeSUi9GY/IMG_1877broccolisalad1_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="526" /></a></h6> <h6></h6> <p align="justify"><strong>Because it was more economical than buying a box of raisins and a can of cashews, I elected to use a pre-mixed Trail Mix instead.  It contained the cashews and raisins  the recipe called for but there was also a variety other nuts and seeds in it, which I liked.  When I make this salad in the future, I will definitely use the Trail Mix again but I also want to add some golden raisins.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Chopped broccoli, red onions, crispy crumbled bacon and the trail mix…</strong></p> <h6><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/ShYmjCEsfHI/AAAAAAAAAZA/HX_C3JhWszA/s1600-h/IMG_1889broccolisalad22.jpg"><img title="IMG_1889 broccoli salad #2" border="0" alt="IMG_1889 broccoli salad #2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7lqm3n39K8tpF8NEMWl50MD6_az9zJQCxlODP118zxrxEgQ0AKjOA5xTwNgSrzoqEeEOx1vPwHLBFcjh_O78s2y4BqkBZRL2QmEtB0npdUYGBBsyMq7_KHX3Q0YazBnDz3V7Rn9OaMQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></h6> <h6></h6> <p><strong>Mix in the dressing, chill and enjoy.  </strong></p> <p><strong>Mmmmmm…..</strong></p> <h6><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TdwSft6CFlI/AAAAAAAADPc/gphjRHP7wFY/s1600-h/IMG_1895%20broccoli%20salad%20%233%5B31%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_1895 broccoli salad #3" border="0" alt="IMG_1895 broccoli salad #3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TdwSgD-QeEI/AAAAAAAADPg/dtcVCZ0TuEE/IMG_1895%20broccoli%20salad%20%233_thumb%5B42%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="392" /></a> </h6> <h6></h6> <p align="justify"><strong>At first, I thought this recipe might be rather labor intensive with all the chopping.  However,  I had everything all chopped up in minutes…even before my bacon was done cooking in the microwave.   It truly took minimal effort to make this broccoli salad and it was just as yummy as what Sweet Tomatoes serves.  It has definitely earned a spot in my file of favorite recipes!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’ll be making it this weekend.    Be sure to let me know if you try it!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>JOAN'S BROCCOLI MADNESS SALAD</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Serves 6 to 8 </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>FOR THE SALAD:</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1 bunch fresh, raw broccoli, washed and cut into bite-size pieces</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1/2 cup (4 to 5 strips) cooked bacon, crumbled</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1/2 cup dry roasted cashews **</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1/3 cup raisins **</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1/4 cup fresh red onion, finely chopped</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>FOR THE DRESSING:</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1 cup mayonnaise</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>1/3 cup granulated sugar</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Place the salad ingredients into a large bowl and gently toss till mixed.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>In a smaller bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Add dressing to salad, mix well, and chill.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>**Note:  in place of  cashews and raisins, I substituted  about 1/2 package of “Nuts, Seeds & Raisins”  Trail Mix by </strong><strong>Planters.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-22861761709178510132011-05-13T13:10:00.001-04:002011-05-17T11:04:24.320-04:00Resuscitation of an Ancient Ironing Board<p align="justify"><strong>Even though I’ve still got  painting,  furniture arranging and accessorizing to do, pictures to hang, a partially done <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-mission-pretty-southern-front-porch.html" target="_blank">front porch</a>,  another bathroom that needs remodeling, and more than a couple boxes to unpack from the move to the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>, I recently decided to take a break from all those bigger projects do a little makeover on my ironing board.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I got married eons ago…waaaaay back in 1972 when avocado green, harvest gold  and burnt orange were the popular colors.  One of the wedding presents I received was an ironing board with orange legs.   </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Over the years, I’ve changed the cover several times but it was in dire need of being replaced again.   <strong>(</strong><strong>Tell me, how does the cover manage to get scorched but not the fabric that’s being ironed???)</strong>  In fact, with scratched legs, and 2 missing rubber caps on the feet, the whole ironing board was actually looking more than a bit  rough and ragged.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l8v6hWpI/AAAAAAAADOU/Pjmy4MQaj9g/s1600-h/IMG_3108CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3108 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3108 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l9CpFtjI/AAAAAAAADOY/3j5ELFnYU_k/IMG_3108CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="326" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>For quite a while, I’ve been thinking about  buying a  whole new ironing board…one with pretty white legs…but after all these years, the frame of this one is, believe it or not, still structurally sturdy and stable  so my <strike>penny-pinching</strike> <font color="#000000">thrifty</font> self just hadn’t parted with the money yet.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>While browsing in  TJMaxx recently, an ironing board cover jumped right into my shopping cart.   </strong><strong>It’s  predominately shades of aqua, teal and hot pink.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l9aLuOfI/AAAAAAAADOc/r4SOj-Nhfyo/s1600-h/IMG_3112CE8.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3112 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3112 (C&E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l-K3Y6nI/AAAAAAAADOg/fI0ys9Kq3uw/IMG_3112CE_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="574" /></a> </strong></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>As soon as I put the  new cover on the old frame, it became immediately apparent how badly those orange legs clashed with the cover.  <strong>Now in reality, nobody sees my ironing board but me  and I guess it’s not the end of the world if the colors of your ironing board frame and cover don’t compliment each other  but </strong>I wasn’t willing to look at those ugly orange legs another day.  Thirty-eight + years was more than enough for me!  ;)</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I turned to the ultimate, CHEAP  fix-all…spray paint…in a lovely shade of pink called “Watermelon.”</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l-iv-xZI/AAAAAAAADOk/sPlKt0cek1c/s1600-h/IMG_31118.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3111" border="0" alt="IMG_3111" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l-7IK9DI/AAAAAAAADOo/lCCsYd3W6UA/IMG_3111_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="574" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l_P9AbwI/AAAAAAAADOs/B_SCqredfFY/s1600-h/IMG_3117CE2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3117 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3117 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1l_suNZhI/AAAAAAAADOw/PFlHG--dJeI/IMG_3117CE_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>This was a quick, easy, fun, and inexpensive  little project.  For the nominal cost of the cover, 4 new rubber feet and some spray paint, I’ve now got an ironing board that is both pretty AND basically good as new.  It should last me another 38 years… give or take  a few.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1mAJ23U_I/AAAAAAAADO0/IXukprlszHA/s1600-h/IMG_3116CE6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3116 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3116 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/Tc1mAnHhFSI/AAAAAAAADO4/72bdgrYpSgo/IMG_3116CE_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>I’m probably going to be away from the computer for the rest  of the month.  Next week the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-my-guest.html" target="_blank">“pink and girly” guest room</a> is having its first guest…a very </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/06/blogland-it-really-is-small-world-after.html" target="_blank"><strong>special guest</strong></a><strong>!  She arrives Tuesday and will be visiting me for a week.    We’re going to have so much fun!  After that, my hubby is taking a couple weeks off from work so we can accomplish some of the projects that still need to be done around the house and barns.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>See you soon!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> <p>Linked to:</p> <p><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/05/spray-paint-party.html" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="[image[7].png]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TdHa8DuEZdI/AAAAAAAANWo/7x56MPTkr-g/s1600/image%5B7%5D.png" width="150" height="179" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-32005756655650466302011-05-06T12:10:00.001-04:002011-05-07T15:10:29.509-04:00Sometimes It Pays To Be Indecisive<p align="justify"><strong>Earlier this week, while I was checking out the HomeGoods store closest to the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>,  I spotted a cute wooden bench.  I’m still working on decorating <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2011/03/struggling.html" target="_blank">our bedroom</a> and I’ve actually been considering putting  a small scaled bench on  the  short wall next to one side of the bed.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQdcSpPsFI/AAAAAAAADNU/mS7koTQhgm0/s1600-h/IMG_30986.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3098" border="0" alt="IMG_3098" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQdc5O9b7I/AAAAAAAADNY/z4fpe5O78F8/IMG_3098_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="400" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The price tag was <font size="3">$149.99</font>…not a bad price by any means, but still a little more than I wanted to pay, particularly since the dark wood finish was going to require painting to fit in with the light and airy beachy look I’m going for in the bedroom.   The  finish on the bench also had some cosmetic “boo-boos,” which didn’t concern me in the least because  I was planning to paint it anyway, but inasmuch as it wasn’t perfect,  I considered asking if they could do any better on the price.  At best, I just <u>assumed</u> they would probably only knock 5 or 10% off the price so I didn’t even bother to ask.  I just decided to pass on it.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Well, as I’ve so often done when there is something I am indecisive about, once I was home I continued to think about the bench and how perfect it would be for where I want to use it, so yesterday I decided to make a trip back to HomeGoods.  I had made up my mind I definitely wanted it and was prepared to pay full price for it… if it was still there.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I made a beeline straight for the spot where it had been sitting a couple days before and my heart sank when it wasn’t there.   I scanned the furniture area and spotted it several aisles over.   As I got closer, I realized it now had a big red CLEARANCE tag on it…</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="5">$99.99  </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>SOLD…to me!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Sometimes I get so aggravated with myself when I can’t make a quick decision but hey, I’m a Virgo…through and through to my very core.  Before a Virgo plunges into anything and makes a decision, they need to take their time to analyze, analyze and REanalyze all the facts, know all the details,  consider all the pros and cons.   As a rule, we Virgos are NOT impulsive people.  Fortunately for me, this is one time this frustrating Virgo trait  really paid off,  saving me $50.00!</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQddJtlRzI/AAAAAAAADN8/PkbQzs9RSSY/s1600-h/IMG_3103%20%28C%26E%29%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3103 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3103 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQddty49pI/AAAAAAAADOA/oCnF_G7vwa8/IMG_3103%20%28C%26E%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="431" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The bench really is  the “purfect” size for where I wanted to use it and it will be the “purfect” place to toss the decorative bed pillows at night.  (I don’t like  throwing them on the floor.)    Interestingly, Bitty, our calico kitty,  didn’t have any problems deciding she liked it.  She has given it her seal of approval!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQdeTI3ZaI/AAAAAAAADOE/9Wx3eUXViO0/s1600-h/IMG_3105%20%28C%26E%29.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3105 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3105 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQdegsdh2I/AAAAAAAADOI/icQ8MtYgyew/IMG_3105%20%28C%26E%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="444" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Now that I’ve made the decision to buy the bench,  I just need to make a decision on  what color I want to paint it.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Bitty suggested lime green…like her eyes.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQeEuO3A1I/AAAAAAAADOM/JDNRtndvdL8/s1600-h/IMG_3106%20%282%29%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3106 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_3106 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TcQeE9IzcAI/AAAAAAAADOQ/y1Pt79j3Z58/IMG_3106%20%282%29_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="353" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-21604436044738301332011-04-28T16:14:00.001-04:002011-04-28T16:19:35.887-04:00A Creative Slump… And Birds Do the Craziest Things!<p align="justify"><strong>I think I’m definitely going through a creative slump and it is spilling over into my blogging, as evidenced by my lack of posts lately.   All of the endless remodeling/decorating decisions and DIY projects in the past year and a half on the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank">house in Hooterville</a>, not to mention the packing, moving and unpacking,  have left me feeling like I’ve hit the wall.  Hard.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I have been working on a few little things but nothing that seems creative, pretty  or significantly worthy enough to share.   Posting about getting 2 new cabinets and a ceiling fan hung in the still unfinished laundry room or the new dust ruffle I bought for the bed seems so lame…and boring.  I can’t even seem to muster up enough creativity to  coax my camera into taking any pretty pictures.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Sooooo…what’s a blogger to do?  I thought I’d share an interesting little discovery I made this week.  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><font color="#ff0000">Warning:  </font></strong><strong><font color="#808080">no pretty pictures or decorating inspiration below.  :(</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>When we bought the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong>, the garage did not have a door.  Actually, it still doesn’t.  We have bought one but with all the other projects and renovations going on, my hubby hasn’t had a chance to install it yet.  In the city, this would pose a security risk but out here in the country…apparently not so much, so the garage is open 24/7.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKqxOQ5zI/AAAAAAAADM0/H8tfh6S98BQ/s1600-h/IMG_3083%20%28C%26E%29.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3083 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3083 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKrTewV1I/AAAAAAAADM4/4kaJNK5m1To/IMG_3083%20%28C%26E%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="530" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>In the back left corner  of the garage is an entrance to the house  (with the door that I haven’t had a chance to paint yet).  Just a few feet from the door is an old refrigerator we use mostly for chilling extra drinks.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKr4awt2I/AAAAAAAADM8/CZZzoBrgIco/s1600-h/IMG_3084%20%28C%26E%29%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3084 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3084 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKsCgtC9I/AAAAAAAADNA/RdQqa4mIh0c/IMG_3084%20%28C%26E%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="424" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong> <strong>Whenever bottled water is on sale for dirt cheap, we usually stock up.  We go through a lot of water during the hot summer months (plus it’s always good to have extra bottled water on hand  through hurricane season), so n</strong>ext to the refrigerator sits multiple cases of bottled water (and a case of Dr. Pepper).  </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Stay with me here.  I’m actually going someplace  with this.  ;)</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>On top of the stacked cases of bottled water is an open case.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKsVzAKJI/AAAAAAAADNE/8sBmEi5eVH4/s1600-h/IMG_3085%20%28C%26E%29%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3085 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3085 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKtNQ-CNI/AAAAAAAADNI/LnA_AanZGfg/IMG_3085%20%28C%26E%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="768" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Much to my surprise, I discovered a bird’s nest in the open case a few days ago.  I thought this was such an odd place for a bird to build a nest.  But maybe not.  At least it’s out of the elements.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKtrDzD5I/AAAAAAAADNM/Lx27PV7aGog/s1600-h/IMG_3088%20%28E%29.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3088 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3088 (E)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TbnKuwh1keI/AAAAAAAADNQ/uSGWPgfUR84/IMG_3088%20%28E%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>There are no eggs in it yet but it is definitely an active nest because if there is too much activity around the back door or refrigerator,  Mrs. Bird (a small sparrow-like bird) flies out and startles the bezeebers out of me.  I’ve been trying to get a picture of her but every time I think to go out with my camera, she’s not in there.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Needless to say, in an effort not to disturb her too much, I guess we won’t be drinking much bottled water during the next month or two while we wait to see if she raises a family in there.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>Have you ever found a nest in an odd place?</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-24086663042038213012011-04-13T15:22:00.001-04:002011-04-20T10:39:09.696-04:00My Mission: A Pretty Southern Front Porch<p align="justify"><strong>Other than <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/03/painting-again.html" target="_blank">painting the exterior doors</a>, sprucing up the outside of the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong> has taken a backseat to other, more pressing projects.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4BOIXMVI/AAAAAAAADL0/8yce2aYzm_I/s1600-h/IMG_3043%20%28C%26E%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3043 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3043 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4Bt9QPRI/AAAAAAAADL4/NwIEiQtTFek/IMG_3043%20%28C%26E%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="233" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Across the front of the house is a nice size covered porch.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4CI8ZNnI/AAAAAAAADL8/LAyG0FlfsVA/s1600-h/IMG_3039%20%28C%26E%29%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3039 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3039 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4CZl5EiI/AAAAAAAADMA/h27koWCDp4E/IMG_3039%20%28C%26E%29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="318" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Although I still have a million and one projects left to do <u>inside</u> the house and there are still more moving boxes that need to be unpacked, I’ve got a bee in my bonnet to start fixing up the front of the house, especially the porch area.</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong>This is my inspiration photo.  Love this!</strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4C6svU2I/AAAAAAAADME/51JoHvUGUE4/s1600-h/source%20unknown%20via%20savvysouthernstyle.blogspot%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="source unknown via savvysouthernstyle.blogspot" border="0" alt="source unknown via savvysouthernstyle.blogspot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4DR_zWEI/AAAAAAAADMI/kOckOZZoK8I/source%20unknown%20via%20savvysouthernstyle.blogspot_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> <font size="1">original photo source unknown</font></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I see<em>  several definite similarities between my porch and the one in my inspiration photo....long and narrow, brick house,  shutters, and columns… so I think it would be relatively easily achieve the same type of look.  </em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4Dt6rNjI/AAAAAAAADMM/_0eg_cpcnxU/s1600-h/IMG_3038%20%28C%26E%29%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3038 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3038 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TaX4EJrtiFI/AAAAAAAADMQ/PUZBaO4EL5U/IMG_3038%20%28C%26E%29_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="457" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The heck with all the unfinished inside projects.  I’m a woman on a mission!   I’ve decided that starting this weekend, my current projects include:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>a whole lot of pressure washing</strong></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>painting the porch ceiling a pretty shade of light blue  </strong><em>(Did you know blue porch ceilings are an old Southern tradition?  There are numerous theories as to why...  fooling spiders and wasps into thinking the ceiling is the sky, to blue being a color of good luck, to the color extending daylight, to scaring away evil spirits.)</em></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>painting the shutters black </strong></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>a fresh coat of white paint on the columns</strong></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>stain or paint the concrete floor</strong></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>find pretty wicker furniture and cushions</strong></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>a new outdoor ceiling fan</strong></div> </li> <li> <div align="justify"><strong>plants and flowers</strong></div> </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><strong>Hopefully, we will be enjoying our hot summer evenings with a cool drink on a pretty, Southern-inspired front porch.  What is your favorite way to spend a summer evening?</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4658720088249679531.post-27932436171698677002011-03-31T00:22:00.001-04:002011-04-05T20:05:49.684-04:00Be My Guest<p align="justify"><strong>Aside from some tweaking of accessories, the “pink and girly” guest room at the </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/10/hooterville-here-we-come.html" target="_blank"><strong>house in Hooterville</strong></a><strong> is finished.  Actually, I’m not sure if a room is ever *finished* but at least it is now  ready for its reveal and  to receive visitors.   </strong> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>My inspiration for this room started with the many pink and rose-printed items I had in my other home and wanted to re-use in some way here in this house.  The photo below, which I saw some time ago on <a href="http://avintagewhite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this blog</a>, also inspired me. <font size="1">(I do not know the original photo source.)  </font><font size="2">I loved the combination of pretty pink walls, black iron headboard and simple white bed linens.</font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBKRZOgMI/AAAAAAAADJM/a5mt4gdGcHo/s1600-h/avintagewhite.blogspot11.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="avintagewhite.blogspot" border="0" alt="avintagewhite.blogspot" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBKwpefDI/AAAAAAAADJQ/IaghpV80iM0/avintagewhite.blogspot_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="561" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>My “pink and girly” guest  room is rather small… just barely big enough to hold a queen size bed and still have a couple feet to walk around 3 sides of the bed.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBLdclWSI/AAAAAAAADJU/Cb-9No9ISR0/s1600-h/IMG_2972E17.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2972 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2972 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBLt30xEI/AAAAAAAADJY/5pGtPJKRy5M/IMG_2972E_thumb15.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Just inside the doorway on the right is a short wall created by the closet.  It seemed the perfect place to hang  two cottage window prints  that I’ve had for many years.  If I recall correctly, I  got these at Kirkland’s and have often wished I had bought the other two prints that coordinated with these two.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBMH2BpTI/AAAAAAAADJc/tdjyT3KgYqU/s1600-h/IMG_3014CE7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3014 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3014 (C&E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHArKeqMfet2hL_2KHrAvbVPxasDnUvCPJCXWnEqtv2SJh2MMWlPsQqEMnroR_Y5S0zBgKFjLcQPlTIe55bJx2itjrQaUG-0JCoSeh5VMCMNIYD7C8iBrgy_ufpMWSvaKyPlMRP5QkwJE/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="466" /></a> </strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The black iron headboard was one of the few purchases I made for this room.  It was a Craigslist score for just $50.00.</strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBNJBP6UI/AAAAAAAADJk/I89-TKgt7vs/s1600-h/IMG_2953E27.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2953 (E) 2" border="0" alt="IMG_2953 (E) 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBNri2Y4I/AAAAAAAADJo/B4zq-RseUvY/IMG_2953E2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>I already had the bed skirt and white matelasse coverlet but I  purchased the pink ShabbyChic brand quilt (eBay) and the beautiful white laced-edged pillow cases (Marshall’s) specifically for this room about 6 months ago.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBN2drMtI/AAAAAAAADJs/j5ykvS5eVmI/s1600-h/IMG_2946E2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2946 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2946 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBOWmiO2I/AAAAAAAADJw/I02cJ1YyKy8/IMG_2946E_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The throw pillows on the bed were bought on eBay approximately 4 years ago.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBOv7qNyI/AAAAAAAADJ0/1eNNnQk_dh0/s1600-h/IMG_2951E4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2951 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2951 (E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBPLtE6YI/AAAAAAAADJ4/y-EpxLbhjfk/IMG_2951E_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-best-thrifting-find-ever.html" target="_blank">“My Best Thrifting Find. Ever!”</a>  found a place on the bedside table.  Since the bed is on risers, it needed a little boost from a couple thrift store books.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBPbWasDI/AAAAAAAADJ8/2jwBm8CUR-w/s1600-h/IMG_295527.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2955 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_2955 (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBPxXJvEI/AAAAAAAADKA/8wFcfrSrC1c/IMG_29552_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="459" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Even with its chipped and missing roses, I  still consider it to be one of my favorite and best thrifting finds of all time.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBQOAqbNI/AAAAAAAADKE/2CX3IxnfqPc/s1600-h/IMG_29965.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2996" border="0" alt="IMG_2996" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBQU9Oj6I/AAAAAAAADKI/qVs40IuCZl4/IMG_2996_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="400" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBQ_RnqhI/AAAAAAAADKM/U9Lwrq3JrdM/s1600-h/IMG_2956E.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2956 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2956 (E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBRo6ed1I/AAAAAAAADKQ/_Ve1codkLfU/IMG_2956E_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The “Sunnybrook” rug was used  in the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/09/easy-breezy-cottage-white-slipcovers.html" target="_blank">living room  at my other house</a>.   For anyone interested, this rug is still available <a href="http://www.buyarearugs.com/rugs-16212-xgx.html?16212c" target="_blank">here</a>.  Although I can’t vouch for the merchant selling it because I did not buy my rug through this site,  I <u>can</u> say the rug is gorgeous in person!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBR5aeunI/AAAAAAAADKU/ZjlpYQUZcoU/s1600-h/IMG_29423.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2942" border="0" alt="IMG_2942" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBSdSBWaI/AAAAAAAADKY/RaE37_TIWP8/IMG_2942_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The wingback chair, slip-covered by  <a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Calico Corners</strong></a> in a floral fabric</strong><strong>, was also from my living room at the other house.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBSqt1wyI/AAAAAAAADKc/rgqLCVDLzPM/s1600-h/IMG_2968E4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2968 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2968 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBTOarViI/AAAAAAAADKg/izksgq9Nj9o/IMG_2968E_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>The larger chenille pillow in the chair was purchased from eBay several years ago (I used to do <u>a lot</u> of shopping via eBay!)  and I blogged about <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/05/happy-birthday-to-me.html" target="_blank">the smaller pillow here</a>.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBTUWJTtI/AAAAAAAADKk/9JUmKIaiUsU/s1600-h/IMG_2948E2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2948 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2948 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBUNVLamI/AAAAAAAADKo/Pc0TkhqziBk/IMG_2948E_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>I also blogged about the <a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2009/06/inspiration-from-blogs-and-another.html" target="_blank">inspiration for this hydrangea and rose arrangement in the basket here</a>.   The hand-painted tray was an eBay purchase several years ago too,  and the water carafe and glass were purchased more recently from HomeGoods.</strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBURzIWUI/AAAAAAAADKs/p2XeetrS51Y/s1600-h/IMG_2943E2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2943 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2943 (E)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-D_Ztai7MXx9S3WvrwDwwM-_ihYkeir-1Vaa8h6Fu_RjjQFIVivdxgx_gwfD1P4Ulxb16bVDz0rwjAWKkUgscf1JmGKOeK-ijk8Qwu_-y79PFuqzP4CHelwjPU-TyoWAmn83jK3QVj8/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The glass fits down into the neck of the carafe to create a cover.  Cute, huh?  Just the perfect thing to hold a little water in case a guest needs a sip during the night.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBVo89AoI/AAAAAAAADK0/E3iJEAN1xjk/s1600-h/IMG_2976CE14.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2976 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2976 (C&E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBV7J49eI/AAAAAAAADK4/S-OnESuoKzI/IMG_2976CE_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBTUWJTtI/AAAAAAAADKk/9JUmKIaiUsU/s1600-h/IMG_2948E2.jpg"></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The old Craigslist dresser with the lovely details  I </strong><a href="http://mycottageofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/03/painting-again.html" target="_blank"><strong>blogged about here a year ago</strong></a><strong>, has been patiently waiting for this room to come to life.  </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBWTSLa4I/AAAAAAAADK8/yrHctJv5spI/s1600-h/IMG_3006E2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3006 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3006 (E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBW5x5VAI/AAAAAAAADLA/5M1Na5O0rkk/IMG_3006E_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>One of my favorite rose prints hangs over the dresser.</strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBXO5yhqI/AAAAAAAADLE/9_B8NxBkz3g/s1600-h/IMG_2979CE6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2979 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2979 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBX_hDCvI/AAAAAAAADLI/zR7fb-lLu9U/IMG_2979CE_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="574" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>I still have many boxes to unpack and put away so whenever  I  find the box  my craft supplies are packed in,  I plan to apply a little gold <a href="http://www.amaco.com/shop/product-437-rub-39-n-buff-metallic-finishes.html" target="_blank">Rub ‘n Buff</a> to the vintage pair of  white painted  Syroco sconces that flank the rose print.  The gold should highlight some of the sconces’ details and coordinate better with the picture’s gold frame.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong></strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBYKHkizI/AAAAAAAADLM/QZh5DLnqaHU/s1600-h/IMG_2978E6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2978 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2978 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBYl-w--I/AAAAAAAADLQ/9SPykcVsSoY/IMG_2978E_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBZsjcVXI/AAAAAAAADLU/Tdil3NPT8nE/s1600-h/IMG_2970CE3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2970 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2970 (C&E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBZ7P_SKI/AAAAAAAADLY/wg1gPzfknig/IMG_2970CE_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="319" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Some of my favorite tea cups hang on the wall over the chair.  For the life of me, I cannot remember where I got the hanger.  I actually had two but didn’t use the second one so I decided to sell it on eBay several years ago.  (Now I could use it!)</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBaSuOalI/AAAAAAAADLc/HzPdUC4g8-Y/s1600-h/IMG_2950E9.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2950 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2950 (E)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBayQUxxI/AAAAAAAADLg/vH-E1oAlNKE/IMG_2950E_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a></p> <p></p> <p align="justify"><strong>The crystal chandelier came with the house but was actually hanging  in the formal dining room.  Since I am planning to hang my mom’s crystal chandelier in the formal dining room, I decided to put this one to use in the guest room.    I sprayed the brass finish Heirloom White and my hubby installed a dimmer switch for it.  I think it makes the whole room seem so much more romantic and special.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBbfeaDpI/AAAAAAAADLk/KbOTJCnW1PI/s1600-h/IMG_3023CE2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3023 (C&E)" border="0" alt="IMG_3023 (C&E)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBbp9CuAI/AAAAAAAADLo/dwTxkUUHwac/IMG_3023CE_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="289" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><strong>You may have noticed there is no TV.  Since there is not really  a good place to put one in this small room, I am considering  making the even smaller bedroom directly across the hall into a “sitting room” where guests can sit and watch TV, read a book  or magazine, or just enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in the morning.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBcDKP4DI/AAAAAAAADLs/fne70kQKtrI/s1600-h/IMG_2992E41.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_2992 (E)" border="0" alt="IMG_2992 (E)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CKBuVYqo2Sw/TZQBcnhwxbI/AAAAAAAADLw/kH3JcNPNOx4/IMG_2992E_thumb39.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="533" /></a> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>So there you have it…the “pink and girly” guest room at the house in Hooterville.  My hope is that my guests feel it’s cheerful, cozy and comfortable.</strong></p> <p align="justify"><strong>If you are ever passing through Hooterville, won’t you be my guest?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/198/4E7613A673EBE98432D03D00E2E79E7A.png" /></a></p> <p></p> <h6></h6> <h5 align="center">Linking up to:</h5> <h5 align="justify"><a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/04/pink-saturday-april-2-2011.html" target="_blank">Pink Saturday</a> @ How Sweet the Sound</h5> <h5 align="justify"><a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/04/some-little-updates-around-here-welcome.html" target="_blank">115th Metamorphosis Monday</a> @ Between Naps on the Porch</h5> <h5><a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2011/04/chalk-paint-love-and-wow-us-wednesdays.html" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesdays #9</a> @ Southern Savvy Style</h5> Shari @ My Cottage of Blisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438747359748779374noreply@blogger.com33