Spring Forecast for Next Week

No matter what the weather might be like on the other side of the door; one week in the 80's with trees and flowers blooming, the next week lows in the upper teens ... it's Spring inside the cottage. I thought I'd share a few snaps of how Spring has Sprung this last week...

The Irish Cupboard

It's time to do a little celebrating the Irish way,

so I thought I'd try something a little different this year,

and share some decor inspiration with an iconic kitchen staple

...the Irish Cupboard.

"Blooming 'Brella" and Friends

I've been bringing out some "Spring" around here this last week. It will be "Spring" until the end of March and then I'll get together some Easter decor. I really prefer Easter being in April, otherwise it's just too chilly and I like being able to enjoy both early Spring and then Easter. I know there's a fine line, but rabbits and bunnies, chickens, eggs and nests can do double duty... do I sound like a crazy old woman who doesn't have anything else to do except chit chat about seasonal decor items? please don't answer that.

  

Starting on Spring...

Last week I mentioned a trip to my favorite local floral store. I guess they're sort of a local wholesale supply store for florists, designers, and shop owners. You never know for sure what they will have and if you're not an early seasonal shopper you just miss out. They're never sure if they'll get more in, so if you want it, you get it when you see it.

Out and About... and some fabulous old grain sacks and fabric

Hi Everyone, I wanted to do a quick post and share a few snaps from a day out this last week. It was my Birthday and my sis and I headed out for lunch and then a stroll through The Vintage Peddler, here in Springfield. LOVE this place!!! (yes, I actually dragged myself out of my stupor to go have a chicken salad sandwich and peach tea, then do some shopping) These are phone pics, so sorry for the lack in quality. Hopefully all the great vintage goods will make up for bad photos.

Blogging Therapy

Hi Friends...

I've been away from blogging for a few days, and the truth is I've needed a little break to try to get back up to speed; not just in blogging but life in general. I know we all feel this way from time to time. Sometimes we push through to try to keep our routine going, but this time I've not been able to do that, better to be honest I think. That's just my own opinion. 

(new old footstool for the bedroom)

Valentine Entry

I have a few vintage favorite pieces I've used for Valentine's for years.

I mix and match and move them around each year, and this year

I'm using my vintage ceramic mold here as an accent on the Dining Room Table.

Share the Love...

I don't go "all out" for Valentine's Day. I don't think many of us do unless we have kiddos that have fun with it, and expect to see decorations for every holiday that comes along. I enjoy bringing some reds and pinks and vintage items into the decor, especially here in the Kitchen Sitting Area. That's the place where I can indulge my holiday decorating gene to the fullest. 

Vintage Valentine "Love"

I'm getting a few things together for Valentine's Day here in the Kitchen Sitting Area,

 but it's taking me a little longer this last week to get things accomplished. 

So, I thought I'd share a little Valentine's Love while I'm getting the rest of it together.

Out of my Comfort(er) Zone

So far in the 2& 1/2 years of living here, I've managed to get away with not showing you our Master Bedroom. There are a few reasons why I've not shared it; here are my excuses...

Gathered #4

It's been a while since I shared one of these mishmashed posts, so

  Welcome to another edition of

Random Musings of a Wandering Mind...

Cozy Winter Living Room

January is all about warm and cozy for me. Find a comfy spot and snuggle up with a blanket and a  cup of hot tea or cocoa and a good book. Part of my January routine is to make things visually cozy and warm so that means I bring out the fuzzy stuff. Leopard print pillows and my leopard print throw for my chair and ottoman are basics. I like to focus on neutrals and textures here in the living room, and then using the leopard print as my little touch of fun.

Is "Mushroom" the New Gray in Wall Color Trends?

Have you checked out the February Issue of Country Living? They have a feature in their "Field Guide" section on decor trends called "Wild for Mushroom". Here's what they say: "Warmer than Gray but cooler than Taupe, this neutral, earthy shade is popping up everywhere."

Country Living Magazine

Paperwhites, Fresh or Faux?

I've had this little obsession with Paperwhites for about 10 years now. There is just something so pristine and snowy fresh about a grouping of them. In the past I would buy around a hundred bulbs each season close to Halloween and start the planting process. That was the fun part, I've planted bulbs in everything from Santa Mugs to Antique Ironstone Tureens to the re-purposed clear glass jars that candles come in from Bath and Body Works. I love them and never get tired of them.

A Winter Dining Room in Neutrals

Since packing up the Christmas decor I've been bringing out my light and neutral decor pieces. In the Dining Room that meant changing out the table runner and doing something a little different on the table.