Cottage Touch

A sunny afternoon, spent biking in a quaint neighborhood is one of my favorite things to do.  I can't help but notice special details added to these otherwise modest homes.  I hope you find them inspiring! 
I adore the moon & star cut into the shutters above.

This home would be rather boring without the shutters and window boxes.  They elevate it to a cottage look quite easily.

I've always considered myself a handy girl and am tempted to try a simple stone column as seen above.  The bulk of the stone, coupled with the delicate fencing make for a unique look. 

OK, not the best picture by any means but I do want one of these added to the top of my garage door!  Not exactly sure if there is a name for these but it's a simple wooden structure that adds some visual interest to that boring garage front.  I bet these come in kits...hmm 

LOL! No, I don't want goats for my roof!  I came across these guys on the roof of a metal barn.  They were extremely sure footed and cute as can be.  Farm girl at heart, I couldn't resist stopping to watch and take some pics.

I built up an appetite after hours of biking so I stopped to enjoy a picnic on the lake shore.  The sun was shining and waves gently rolling over the rocks.  Nothing is more lovely or glorious than nature.  The best things in life really are free!

What is your favorite way to spend a sunny afternoon?

Cat keeper & feather collector

Now that it's nice out, Lester begs (very loudly I might add) to be let outside.  We live on a busy street and can't bear the thought of him getting hit by a car should he venture from the yard.  So I take him out for supervised visits to the garden and pond.

Like a flash, he's out and rounding the corner to where all the interesting stuff is.

He's a good mouser and would make an excellent farm cat. Too bad for him, we make him come back into the house after five minutes or so.  He will voice his displeasure most of the time but will accept a piece of fresh cat mint from the garden as a consolation prize.

Anyhow, I love finding feathers and decided to display some of my natural treasures in these cute little bud vases.   They add a perfect touch to my living room window.  The times that I do find feathers are few and far between so I get pretty excited when I come across one!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone!

This morning initially found me thinking of all the things I need to accomplish this spring and summer.  Odd jobs like like organizing closets, washing nick knacks, painting old pieces of furniture and dreaming of custom fit, cotton slip covers for my furniture.  It's funny how I can happily ignore these things all winter but once spring hits, I'm chomping at the bit to fluff and freshen my nest. 

For today anyhow, I will relax and reflect on something that is much more important than stuff for a house.  Something that money can't buy...It's love.  It is my hope that regardless of our religion (or lack thereof) we strive to ensure that all our actions and words are rooted in love. 

 Blessings

Daffodils

The daffodils are starting to bloom in my garden!  I find that even on gloomy days, their yellow color is cheerful.  They are after all, a start to all the flowers that will follow.  Lets take a peak at what we have to look forward, shall we? 

Annabelle Hydrangea

Hosta Bloom

Sorry I don't remember names for two of these varieties.  I am happy to find out and respond back if you require these additions to your garden.
Enjoy your day everyone!

Bonnie Blue Bell

Today I'd like to share a picture of a little doll that my mother once played with.  It was hand made by either my grandmother or great grandmother in the 1940's.  I think it would technically be considered folk art today.   I really admire the handy needle work that was put into it.  I'm not sure how they colored her jacket and skirt flowers but they appear to be some sort of dye that was painted on. 
I think she is really sweet and like the fact that whoever created her added a ball in her hand.

If I were more talented with a needle, I'd entertain the thought of recreating her...I can picture other dolls with ringlets and holding kittens, puppies or flowers...

Bike Ride Scenery

My husband & I went on our first bike ride of the season.  We biked ten miles around Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun & Lake Harriet.  There are some really beautiful houses along the lake. We both agree that the scenery keeps us going because we're always waiting to get a glimpse of the next spectacular thing.  I stopped along the way to take a few pics. Here they are.  Enjoy!

This house even has a gargoyle to keep watch over the yard.  I do love gargoyles!

Oh yeah, let's not forget the lakes.  I can't say they were too stunning today because it was so cloudy...I'll share some pics of the lakes when we go back later this summer.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to collapse on the couch for some much needed rest!  

Focal Point

I once read that the focal point of any bedroom should be the bed.  So go all out and make that bed amazing.  Add some great pillows.  Layer the bedding using different textures.  Hang a beautiful blanket at the head or curtains as this creative person did.
This room is from a model home we toured recently. The bedroom was VERY small but the amazing decorating made it feel cozy. 

They used coarse burlap for the bed skirt.  The texture of it gave the room a fresh, spring like feeling.

This last picture is of the master bedroom in the same house.  It would be very easy to put this grouping together.  This picture doesn't do them justice but I fell in love with the plaster casts hanging above the bed.  I have no idea where to even find something like that...