Horse & Carriage During the Holidays

 

Vintage pieces round out the presentation and are quick to set up.

Vintage pieces round out the presentation and are quick to set up.

It isn’t unusual for me to answer the door with my old french apron on and dusted in flour during the Christmas Holidays.  I am usually baking either for guests that sporadically drop by, preparing the food gifts I give to neighbors or  if I time it just right, I bake for the throngs of visitors to our little town that ride by the house in the  horse and carriage.   I had to come up with a way to send people on their merry way with a pocket full of goodies on a chilly night.

Paper pouches using leftover Christmas wrapping paper seemed to be a good solution.  You start with an 8″ by 8″ piece of paper.  I mentioned that I am using leftover Christmas paper but it helps if it is a kraft paper base.  It just seems to hold treats better than typical wrapping paper.

 

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Horse & Carriage rides that pass the house enjoy this little hand out as do visiting friends.

Horse & Carriage rides that pass the house enjoy this little hand out as do visiting friends.

A simple holiday punch as a sweet accompaniment to home made toll house cookies.

A simple holiday punch as a sweet accompaniment to home made toll house cookies.

Vintage linens for the Christmas Holidays.

Vintage linens for the Christmas Holidays.

Nothing sets the mood for Christmas like tea lights flickering through mercury glass votive holders.

Nothing sets the mood for Christmas like tea lights flickering through mercury glass votive holders.

An antique candle holder adds to the ambiance.

An antique candle holder adds to the ambiance.

This one-of-a-kind piece was a wonderful find at a local antique store.

This one-of-a-kind piece was a wonderful find at a local antique store.

Vintage glass punch bowl acquired at the Round Top Antique show comes in really handy.

Vintage glass punch bowl acquired at the Round Top Antique show comes in really handy.

Freshsqueezed fruit juice with floating slices is the key to Holiday punch.

Fresh squeezed fruit juice with floating slices is the key to Holiday punch.

 

In the kitchen, baking by candle light with Christmas music playing feels very old fashioned.

In the kitchen, baking by candle light with Christmas music playing feels very old fashioned.

The kitchen gets the Christmas touch with a furring strip rustic star and Christmas stockings made from vintage grain sacks.

The kitchen gets the Christmas touch with a furring strip rustic star and Christmas stockings made from vintage grain sacks.

Vintage European towel with lovely embroidery.

Vintage European towel with lovely embroidery.

Christmas Craft – Faux Vintage Paper and Pipe Cleaner Candlesticks

 

This is the very first one I ever made. Sweet little petite pipe cleaner candle stick.

This is the very first one I ever made. Sweet little petite pipe cleaner candle stick.

 

Oh yes…it’s time (past time, probably) for us bloggers to start sharing Christmas ideas. The first down the pike is a faux vintage candle stick using vintage paper, pipe cleaners and hobby store embellishments.   I came up with these a few years ago when I was looking for a hand made way to decorate my small, table top feather Christmas Tree.  These are actually fairly simple and a great afternoon project that doesn’t require much in way of materials.  Here is what is needed:

  • 2 silver pipe cleaners per candle
  • glue
  • strips of paper approximately 2.5″ by 8″, preferably cut with scalloped scissors on the long edges
  • Christmas themed embellishments

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

xoxo

 

 

Pipe cleaners, hobby store holiday embellishments, glue or glue dots and strips of vintage paper

Pipe cleaners, hobby store holiday embellishments, glue or glue dots and strips of vintage paper.

 

These looks so pretty in a vintage container

These looks so pretty in a vintage container.

Here is the general progression. You will end up winding the coil up the corkscrew portion of the pipe cleaner. It acts as the bobeche.

 

The vintage paper adds a nice mellow touch.

The vintage paper adds a nice mellow touch.

 

Many different ways to decorate the finished product.

Many different ways to decorate the finished product.

 

Vibrant reds against the greens looks lovely.

Vibrant reds against the greens looks lovely.

 

 

Make each one a little different.  That is the fun part!

Make each one a little different. That is the fun part!

 

A pretty little Christmas poinsettia as a holiday flourish.

A pretty little Christmas poinsettia as a holiday flourish.

 

A tableside vignette that includes holiday blooms in a vintage ironstone pot.

A tableside vignette that includes holiday blooms in a vintage ironstone pot.

Found at Round Top several years ago, each one of the hand blown ornaments is shaped differently.  Kind of like these little pipe cleaner candle sticks!

Found at Round Top several years ago, each one of the hand blown ornaments is shaped differently. Kind of like these little pipe cleaner candle sticks!

Another great use for a vintage candy dish.

Another great use for a vintage candy dish.

Strewn about effortlessly makes decorating easy instead of stressful

Strewn about effortlessly makes decorating easy instead of stressful

Hand blown vintage Christmas ornaments.

Hand blown vintage Christmas ornaments.

 

 

Finds from the Prairie

Two pieces, one a towel and the other a table runner.  I see feather filled pillows in their future.

Two pieces, one a towel and the other a table runner. I see feather filled pillows in their future.

I just can’t restrain my enthusiasm for the Round Top Antique Show held twice a year in the Hill Country of Texas.

The sights and sounds give me true joy.  Endless tents of treasures.  The seasons transitioning from one to the next. Walking through fields softened with a layer of hay.

I would trade ten exotic vacations for just one trip to Round Top.  My Shangri-La indeed.

My treasure hunt started out with one list, but I came home with an entirely different set of finds: vintage glass, ironstone, vintage textiles, Christmas Stockings, European Sinks and wall fountains.

It was a happy trip indeed.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

Cindy

xoxo

Found these from a lovely dealer who hailed from Bucks County Pennsylvania.  Since that is where I grew up...it was only right that I buy them.

Found these from a lovely dealer who hailed from Bucks County Pennsylvania. Since that is where I grew up…it was only right that I buy them.

Again...not sure what I am going to do with this, but at $15...I'll figure out something.

Again…not sure what I am going to do with this, but at $15…I’ll figure out something.

Right now, holding my candles...but they will be filled with guest soaps and sea sponges in the new cottage bathroom as part of my renovation.

Right now, holding my candles…but they will be filled with guest soaps and sea sponges in the new cottage bathroom as part of my renovation.

Maybe a home for my vintage ornaments?

Maybe a home for my vintage ornaments?

Footed Ironstone Bowl

Not sure what I will use this for, but I will figure out something.  Most likely a table centerpiece.

Not sure what I will use this for, but I will figure out something. Most likely a table centerpiece.

A lovely footed bowl, it has a great profile.

A lovely footed bowl, it has a great profile.

A rare find a few months ago was an ironstone punch bowl.  I was in the market for a companion ladle and found a lovely one at Marburger Farms.

A rare find a few months ago was an ironstone punch bowl. I was in the market for a companion ladle and found a lovely one at Marburger Farms.

A full twelve came with the set which only cost 32.50.

A full twelve came with the set which only cost 32.50.

I am on the hunt for another plastic ladle (this came from another vintage punch bowl that I have) but the hunt is half the fun!

I am on the hunt for another plastic ladle (this came from another vintage punch bowl that I have) but the hunt is half the fun!

At just over 6 inches tall, the diminutive size of this gem is what I was attracted to.

At just over 6 inches tall, the diminutive size of this gem is what I was attracted to.

Another vintage kitchen helper, I am using it to hold my vintage spreaders.

Another vintage kitchen helper, I am using it to hold my vintage spreaders.

One of my surprise finds, love the vintage pattern.

One of my surprise finds, love the vintage pattern.

Lovely for the upcoming Holiday.

Lovely for the upcoming Holiday.

One is cast iron, the other is porcelain.  Not sure what I am going to do with them...but the price was so good, I couldn't pass them up.

One is cast iron, the other is porcelain. Not sure what I am going to do with them…but the price was so good, I couldn’t pass them up.

Wash stand with an ironstone bowl for my new cottage bathroom

Wash stand with an ironstone bowl for my new cottage bathroom

Wooden Christmas Stars from Leftovers in Brenham.

Wooden Christmas Stars from Leftovers in Brenham.

 

 

Boo-ti-ful Fall

The white linen pillows from summer still work with a slight change.  This fall throw from Home Goods is a simple change with a lot of impact.

The white linen pillows from summer still work with a slight change. This fall throw from Home Goods is a simple change with a lot of impact.

Finally.  It feels like Fall this weekend.  Halloween decorations have been up for a couple of weeks…but it is kinda hard to get excited about it when we were still pushing in the upper 90’s temperature wise.

I wanted my fall décor to be a bit more refined this year. I am not sure I achieved that…but maybe next year.  My favorite element are the brown, black and grey paisley pillows with the ivory throw blanket with grey, black and brown accents.  Not a set, they contrast beautifully to reflect the change of the season without being too obvious.

My second favorite element are the vintage enamel buckets with the twig arrangements.  Naturals such as twigs and cotton branches against glittered black bats and black feathers with a flickering candle in the center flank the porch nicely.  My old fall back favorite of pairing the rustic with the refined.

I hope you see something that inspires you.  Thanks for stopping by!

 

xoxo

Cindy

The perfect place for holiday candy on the spookiest of nights!

The perfect place for holiday candy on the spookiest of nights!

Old vines from summer still there.

Old vines from summer still there.

A comfortable corner to sit and read a book or watch the world go by as  Summer transitions to Fall.

A comfortable corner to sit and read a book or watch the world go by as Summer transitions to Fall.

The white linen pillows from summer still work with a slight change.  This fall throw from Home Goods is a simple change with a lot of impact.

The white linen pillows from summer still work with a slight change. This fall throw from Home Goods is a simple change with a lot of impact.

The other crow sits atop the sea grass pouf and keeps another creepy light company.

The other crow sits atop the sea grass pouf and keeps another creepy light company.

More tolerable weather brings people out after the August hibernation.  So comfortable seating with seasonal colors is still a must.

More tolerable weather brings people out after the August hibernation. So comfortable seating with seasonal colors is still a must.

He keeps an eye on us....

He keeps an eye on us….

Sitting atop an old cast iron urn with some gauze and purple holiday lights.

Sitting atop an old cast iron urn with some gauze and purple holiday lights.

Just a little something to get everyone in the mood.

Just a little something to get everyone in the mood.

An old vintage, enamel bucket with window clings topped off with a flickering candle in the middle of this holiday centerpiece.

An old vintage, enamel bucket with window clings topped off with a flickering candle in the middle of this holiday centerpiece.

Natural and artificial embellishments feature in this outdoor centerpiece.

Natural and artificial embellishments feature in this outdoor centerpiece.

Some small white pumpkins act as filler to hide power cords and white gauze mutes the bright orange holiday string lights.

Some small white pumpkins act as filler to hide power cords and white gauze mutes the bright orange holiday string lights.

 

 

 

The Cottage Bathroom

 

I love the idea of the curtain divider....very ethereal.

I love the idea of the curtain divider….very ethereal.

Forgive me.  This week’s posting was to have been of my Halloween/Fall outdoor decorations.  But I am feeling a bit under the weather and I wasn’t able to take pictures, so I thought I would share my cottage bathroom look book with you for my upcoming renovations.

The bathroom is not an existing bathroom, but rather an existing space. Upstairs, I have a large stair landing area.  Not large enough to be a bedroom, but plenty large enough to fit a small bathroom with room leftover to serve as a pass through to the upstairs bedroom.

The bathroom will have a walk-in shower, a vanity and toilet.  The vanity will be an antique table I acquired months ago and will be modified to fit a bowl sink.  Simple white subway tiles for the shower, white octagonal tiles for the floor and wood planking every where else.  The rule of thumb as throughout the rest of the house will be the same for the bathroom: simple, unpretentious and soft white tones and natural textures.

One finishing touch will be a pair of French, ornate cream and green wall sconces I found in an antique store years ago.  I fell in love with them and bought them without a clue as to where I was going to put them.  I think they will look perfect flanking an old, white painted mirror that I am sure I will find at some point in my weekly antiquing haunts.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always.

xoxo.

Cindy

Love these old photos.

Love these old photos.

A lovely footed bath.

A lovely footed bath.

Love the antique pine table with the crisp white bowl sinks.

Love the antique pine table with the crisp white bowl sinks.

I always thing being able to see the pitch in a roof makes a room feel tucked away and cozy.

I always think being able to see the pitch in a roof makes a room feel tucked away and cozy.

I won't have room for this in my new cottage bathroom...but I love it anyway.

I won’t have room for this in my new cottage bathroom…but I love it anyway.

It's doubtful I will have room for double vanities...but I love this look.

It’s doubtful I will have room for double vanities…but I love this look.

This bathroom probably best emulates the size, shape and space of my bathroom...down to the pitch in the roof.

This bathroom probably best emulates the size, shape and space of my bathroom…down to the pitch in the roof.

Although doubtful, I will have room for a full sized armoire...but this is lovely.

Although doubtful, I will have room for a full sized armoire…but this is lovely.

More contemporary than is my style, but I think this room blends old and new very well.

More contemporary than is my style, but I think this room blends old and new very well.

I like the neutrality of this bathroom.  The décor is probably more ornate than is my own style.

I like the neutrality of this bathroom. The décor is probably more ornate than is my own style.

I love the old fixtures in an old home.  Doors, floors and windows.  Nothing opens like an old window with weights in the wall or swings like an old wood door.  Just perfect!

I love the old fixtures in an old home. Doors, floors and windows. Nothing opens like an old window with weights in the wall or swings like an old wood door. Just perfect!

 

 

 

The Little Cottage That Could

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In the new year, I am embarking on a major renovation of my little cottage.  The goal is to work with the existing foot print but make the cottage everything that it should be.  After living in the house for ten years, I have come to know it like I know a good friend and have come to understand how I can live better within it.  It can be The Little Cottage That Could while continuing to pay homage to the wonderful old home that was built some 80 years ago.

Certain foundational items will be on the punch list like updating the electrical, insulating the exterior walls and replacing all the sheetrock with horizontal wood planking.

Upgrades will include an additional bathroom upstairs to create a master bedroom en suite, creating an additional bedroom in existing space and adding closets and built in storage.  Special touches will be exposing the rafters upstairs and tucking a sleeping loft above them and a fire place in the den.  If historic guidelines will allow, we’ll do a bump out in the kitchen to give it a little more space.

Several years ago, I was mining the internet and I somehow ended up on a real estate site that had the most wonderful Hamptons Cottage for sale at the whopping price of 1.9 million  dollars.  Location, location, location right?  Of course.  But what really struck me about the cottage was its staggering simplicity.  I fell in love with it and it will be part of my look book that I present to the contractor when I finally get started on the renovation.

I saved the pictures for future reference so I’ll share them with you:

21 22 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12

 

Summer’s Last Hurrah.

 

Some end of summer Hydrangeas add the personal touch for the end of summer visit.

Some end of summer Hydrangeas add the personal touch for the end of summer visit.

Mother Nature had the last word this weekend.  The warmest days of the summer were upon us.  My hope is that it will segue into a fine, fine fall.  I am already thinking about my fall décor and the Round Top Antique Show…two things that bring me an incredible amount of joy this time of year.

Just one last summer post before we all move on.  My house re-design that I have blogged about previously included completely changing my guest room.  As I transition my home to a lighter, coastal feel…this room was a great opportunity to showcase the simplicity of my style.

I’ll be the first to say the room isn’t particularly refined…but that is what I like about it.  It sort of feels like a room you would find in a beach cottage.

Here are the before and after photos.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always.

Cindy

Before.

A collection of architectural objects.

A collection of architectural objects.

Guest Room.

Guest Room.

Guest Room.

Guest Room.

Guest Room.

Guest Room.

After.

Late summer guests are greeted by lavender infused water, ocean scented candles and simple surroundings.

Late summer guests are greeted by lavender infused water, ocean scented candles and simple surroundings.

With an antique table, heirloom cotton towels and a vintage enamel pitcher and basin, why not create a modern day wash stand?  Still every bit as beautiful and useful as it would have been when my old cottage was built.

With an antique table, heirloom cotton towels and a vintage enamel pitcher and basin, why not create a modern day wash stand? Still every bit as beautiful and useful as it would have been when my old cottage was built.

IMG_7565 (2)

Simple white is my philosophy when it comes to dressing beds. Seasonal quilts, pillows and lampshades are the opportunity for color and change when you want something new and different. These light weight quilts were a steal from Kohl’s at $32 each.

A mostly soothing, white room, I can't resist well placed doses of my favorite color, red.

A mostly soothing, white room, I can’t resist well placed doses of my favorite color, red.

The room formerly had a single queen bed.  Now using two twin beds with white cotton sheets and a light, summer quilt for when the ceiling fan makes the room a little chilled, this room has a simple and quiet countenance.

The room formerly had a single queen bed. Now using two twin beds with white cotton sheets and a light, summer quilt for when the ceiling fan makes the room a little chilled, this room has a simple and quiet countenance.

Direct from local lavender farms, this essential oil is a treat for my guests.

Direct from local lavender farms, this essential oil is a treat for my guests.

Lavender pods along with Lavender essential oil in a vintage basin ready for summer time guests.

Lavender pods along with Lavender essential oil in a vintage basin ready for summer time guests.

My grandmother's vintage towels, lavender infused water with thick terry washcloths for a soothing sleep time compress on a warm summer night.

My grandmother’s vintage towels, lavender infused water with thick terry washcloths for a soothing sleep time compress on a warm summer night.

What used to house a television in another room, now stores quilts for cold winter nights and a small flat screen for guests who wish to squire themselves away to relax and watch Pride and Prejudice.

What used to house a television in another room, now stores quilts for cold winter nights and a small flat screen for guests who wish to squire themselves away to relax and watch Pride and Prejudice.

 

Imported Soap, Burt's Bees Balm and a lovely Ocean scented candle for pampered guests.

Imported Soap, Burt’s Bees Balm and a lovely Ocean scented candle for pampered guests.

Bedside refreshments for overnite guests. A glass and carafe are left bedside for guests and refreshed every evening.

Bedside refreshments for overnite guests. A glass and carafe are left bedside for guests and refreshed every evening.

 

Living Large In a Small Home

 

Simplicity.

Simplicity.

 

Someone shared this blog article on my Facebook page and I am very drawn to this lovely little home.  I find simplicity a very noble attribute and this seems worth sharing.

I hope you find some inspiration. (I know I did:))

Always,

Cindy

http://simplemom.net/our-home-the-big-idea-of-small/

 

The Renewed Home

 

A reproduction vintage alarm clock perched on my coastal design books make for great bedside reading!

A reproduction vintage alarm clock perched on my coastal design books make for great bedside reading!

Post before last, I blogged about having to re-design my downstairs in order to accommodate being able to care for my special needs dog.  I had to move the master bedroom downstairs so that I wouldn’t have to physically carry her up and down stairs during the night as she weighs 47 pounds.  The truth is that I love the new downstairs.  Creating a bedroom that has adequate clothing storage on any day is a good day in an old house.  After living out of plastic storage containers in a small guest room, the day I completed the re-design was an over-the-top good day.  It is the little things, some times, that mean the most.

True to my word, here are the “after” photos.  What used to be a television room, is now my master bedroom.  All-in-all, a great improvement.  If I were forced to critique one thing, it would be that this room is a pass through to two other parts of the house.  But, we who love old houses, learn to accept the quirks in exchange for a time worn interior.  A more than fair trade in my book.

I hope you find some inspiration.

Always,

xoxo

Cindy

Before

You will see a number of navigational markers with the decorative items that are given new life in the new Master Bedroom.

Den.

Den.

Den.

Den.

Den.

Den.

AFTER

A reading nook with a comfortable old wicker chair and lamp is perfect for curling up with a good book.

A reading nook with a comfortable old wicker chair and lamp is perfect for curling up with a good book.

An old quilt, pillows made from vintage fabric and a ambient lighting make this one cozy bedroom.

An old quilt, pillows made from vintage fabric and a ambient lighting make this one cozy bedroom.

This, believe it or not...is the only closet in the house and I don't even use it for storing clothing!

This, believe it or not…is the only closet in the house and I don’t even use it for storing clothing!

A basket in the corner with a vintage basket cover is a great place to keep extra blankets and quilts.

A basket in the corner with a vintage basket cover is a great place to keep extra blankets and quilts.

I formerly used this cabinet to house a television, it now is used for clothing storage in lieu of a dresser.

I formerly used this cabinet to house a television, it now is used for clothing storage in lieu of a dresser.

This lovely white, weathered armoire doubles as my closet.

This lovely white, weathered armoire doubles as my closet.

Can you pick out the two Pottery Barn market items?  The poet's lantern on the left is vintage PB and the mercury glass task lamp is a new item.

Can you pick out the two Pottery Barn market items? The poet’s lantern on the left is vintage PB and the mercury glass task lamp is a new item.

A small table is the perfect fit for this little space.

A small table is the perfect fit for this little space.

Things as they ought to be…

 

A vintage enamel bucket next to my garden hydrangeas in a milk glass vase.  Classic combo.

A vintage enamel bucket next to my garden hydrangeas in a milk glass vase. Classic combo.

 

I try to make life a little easier these days.  Without time enough in the day to do all the things I want to do requires me to prioritize that which is most important.

As such, I try to find furnishings for my home that need not be changed in order for me to like it.  I want things that I love in their “as found” condition.  I’d be a happy girl if I never picked up a block sander and paintbrush again.  I’d rather spend time admiring something’s prettiness than trying to cajole it into something else.

A couple of months ago, I found a rusty, vintage nine piece wrought iron patio set.  My first order of business was to get it powder coated to pretty up the finish.  But then I thought “no”…let’s not worry about perfection.  Let’s just let it be.

A new outdoor rug, some custom cushions, a few market items from Pottery Barn and we are good to go.

So here you have it.  A summer porch with rusty furniture.  And frankly, I couldn’t be happier.

I hope you find some inspiration.

xoxo.

Always,

Cindy

Rusty and the refined.  Linen pillows, custom cushion make these some very comfortable vintage rocking chairs.

Rusty and the refined. Linen pillows, custom cushion make these some very comfortable vintage rocking chairs.

 

Big blue striped pillows, a lantern filled with sand, shells and citronella and an antique pewter mailbox all feel very coastal.

Big blue striped pillows, a lantern filled with sand, shells and citronella and an antique pewter mailbox all feel very coastal.

 

The stripes in the rug play against the flag stripes, the blue in the pillows play against the blue in the flag.

The stripes in the rug play against the flag stripes, the blue in the pillows play against the blue in the flag.

An vintage camp chair covered with a vintage grain sack that can be used for extra seating and folded up when not in use.

An vintage camp chair covered with a vintage grain sack that can be used for extra seating and folded up when not in use.