coats and boots and umbrellas...oh my

This weekend, which is the first weekend of October, is apparently bringing the fist cold wave of the season down from Canada. To all my Canadian friends: you know I love you, I grew up there, but really, couldn't you keep your cold weather up there somehow. :)


So last night I decided to open my coat closet and have a little peak at the chaos.  Ugh!!! there has to be a better way. I definitely need some inspiration. A mud room? A coat closet with style? Hmmmm!


An English country house with a very rustic feel.

via Light Locations

A ready made piece of furniture combined with walls covered in old maps and some great baskets.

via Mudroom Furniture

a comfy spot to sit while putting on your boots.

via ohdeedoh

a sweet cottage feel.

via Clean & Scentsible

A country aesthetic.

via Decor and You

Well, this has definitely given me some ideas and in the meantime I need to stuff everything back in the closet until I can figure out what to do.....where is that raincoat.........

happy coffee day

Today is National Coffee Day, so to all you coffee drinkers, and you know who you are, have a happy day. I love coffee, but as I have a big problem with caffeine, I only drink decaf. I know B-O-R-I-N-G.


To brighten up your day, here are some fun vintage images.

Wishing you a fun, wide awake kind of day.

autumn touches to your cottage home

I seem to be getting a late start today. I usually have my blog post written early in the morning, but it is such a beautiful day today, I just wanted to get outside and enjoy a little fresh air. A few of the trees are starting to show their fall colors, but overall there isn't much change. In a few weeks I will have to head up to the mountains and see if I can find some good fall photo ops. 


As my thoughts have turned to a new season, I've been thinking about how to cozy up cottage white homes for the coming cooler weather. 


A few accessories can make a big difference. A cozy throw, some new pillows, and a leafless tree give this space a new feel.

via centsationalgirl

How about some pumpkins, a bit of burlap, and a palette of brown and white plates.

via countryliving

One pretty accent piece filled with Autumn leaves can change the look of an entrance hall.

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A pretty vignette to add just the right amount of warmth to your cottage kitchen.

via kellishouse

Time for me to get started on my things to do list for today. It's a big one. Hope your day is pleasant and if your weather is as lovely as mine,that you are able to get out and enjoy it.


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overnight blueberry french toast

Fall is here, the holidays are on their way and now that it has cooled off, I am once again thinking about cooking in the oven. I found this old Amish recipe that sounds delicious for a special big family breakfast. I like the fact that you make it the night before and then pop it in the oven in the morning. I'm thinking my grandchildren will really like this one. 

Overnight Blueberry French Toast


12           thick slices of bread cut into 1" cubes
1            8-oz. pkg. cream cheese cut in 1/2" cubes
1 1/2      cups blueberries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
12          eggs
3            cups maple syrup
2            cups milk


Place half the bread cubes in a buttered 9" x 13" baking pan. Distribute all the cream cheese on top. Add remaining bread cubes and blueberries. Set aside. In a bowl, beat the eggs, syrup, and milk; pour evenly in the pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Then cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 to 30 minutes (longer if necessary) until golden brown. Serve immediately.


I'm picturing your family gathering around your farmhouse table this upcoming holiday season.

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Have a wonderful day.


Linking today with

 

etsy shopping on a monday

Here it is, Monday again. That means another day to do some Etsy shopping. Hope you enjoy these fabulous finds. I had a fun time Sunday afternoon finding them.

vintage leather medicine bag from Harmonica Jane

forager button and acorn earrings by luminoddities

happy with simply olive green dress by LadyTA

handmade advent doll by Rosies Armoire

tiny sparrow bird soft sculpture by Every Eskimo

primitive folk art cat doll by  Old World Primitives

wooden hang tag tree branch slices by Head Change

vintage kiwi figure in maple from Two String Jane

Enjoy your Monday.

 

clawfoot tubs

I love clawfoot bathtubs, although they are a bit difficult to get out of with cranky knees. When I was a child, I used to love to go to my grandparents home because they had such a cool clawfoot tub. My daughter's family has one in the 1800s farmhouse they recently purchased. They have been discussing ways to add a shower to it as it stands out in the room away from the walls.  I just love to see how other people incorporate them into their vintage bathroom decor.


I love that they have left this one with its vintage wear on the sides. 

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If you don't have to worry about peeking neighbors, this is a lovely way to go. 

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This looks like a great way to add a shower.

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or this one.

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Wow, this is kind of the ultimate isn't it?

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Just a nice old fashioned feel to this.

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as I'm sitting here dreaming about bathtubs, I am noticing the dust that seems to be accumulating on my furniture. Guess it is time to do something about that. Have a great day.


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my major award

It's here, it's here....my major award. Okay maybe I have watched "The Christmas Story" a bit too much, but when my sign arrived from Red Hen Home, that I won in her drawing, I felt like I had gotten a major award. I knew it was going to be fabulous, but it far outreached my expectations. I am so happy with it. 


So without further ado, here it is. 

It is so wonderful on its own and look how great it looks as a backdrop for photos for my shop.

Thanks so much, Korrie. I am so happy to be a proud owner of one of your artistic endeavors. If you haven't visited Red Hen Home, you can find it here.

 

the gloomy glooms

BLECH!!! I think I have the gloomy glooms. I love Autumn, but it came a little too quickly and it is supposed to be cloudy for the next five days. So, I am waiting to see if the sun pops out even for a minute, so I can photograph some of my great new finds for the shop. I am anxious to get them listed and I am being a bit impatient. 


So, since it is bound and determined to be fall out,whether I like it or not, I thought I would start thinking about some fall decor ideas. I thought I would check out what other people have done to give myself some ideas. 


I do love pumpkins and I am especially fond of white ones.


Here they are mixed with the more traditional orange as a centerpiece in a pinecone wreath.

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Fun white pumpkin candles.

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I love the idea of a single white pumpkin instead of a ring bearer pillow,on a rustic stool, or to give to your guests at a dinner party.

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Love this mantle.

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and of course, white pumpkins are perfect against a rustic background.

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So I think I feel the gloomy glooms melting away and a I see a trip to the pumpkin patch in my near future. 


Happy first day of fall.


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