MISS MOOX: 
Search results for blue

It's Summertime at Chenille Cottage!

Make yourself at home...I hope you'll stay for a while.
My sister, Patti, made this lovely red, white and blue quilt for my birthday.
I just love it!

A Cuppa Spiced Tea...
One for You
And, One for Me!

Be a Lamb...and Stay For a While!
My Blue and Yellow Canisters were given to me as a gift in 1970.
I have always loved blueware of any kind.

"Summertime"
Red, White and Blue
Stars and Stripes
Bouquets of Daisies
Mouthwatering Watermelon
Beachcombing
Picnics
Fun!

My sweet husband brought this Gzhel Sugar Bowl back from a trip he took to Russia. He has a tradition of bringing something blue home to me when he travels overseas. I love this darling sugar bowl with it's lovely shape and rich blue hues.
The sweet little Dutch Girl was passed on to me by my Mother. It was given to her in the 1920s when she was a little girl. I have fond memories from my childhood of admiring it, but, never touching. It is a precious keepsake!

Milkglass from my friend & distant cousin, Laura
I love Chickens...
Any way, shape or form!

"This Little Piggy went to Market..."
I have had these little salt and pepper shakers for over 30 years.
Aren't they cute?!!

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt,
so that you will know how you should respond to each person."
Colossians 4:6 NASB

Sometimes I fall so short of this challenging passage of scripture!

"Blue sounds like the mighty Pacific.Blue smells like a blueberry on a bush.Blue tastes like a blueberry on my tongue.Blue feels like a turquoise puffer fish in the ocean.Blue looks like a shimmering sea.Blue feels like a shard of beach glass.Blue sounds like a whale singing."J. Bowers

Sweet cream comes from Contented Cows!My kitchen isn't complete without a few happy bovines!
Thank you for stopping by for a visit, my dear friends!I hope you'll come back again, soon!
Blessings and Friendship,Carolynn xoxo
"Kind words can be shortand easy to speak,but their echoesare truly endless."
Mother Teresa
Happy Rednesday! I added this post to Sue's lovely blog. I hope you will pop in and spend some time!www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com

It's "SHARE YOUR CUP THURSDAY" at Jann's blog. I hope you'll stop in and visit her lovely blog!
www.jannolson.blogspot.com

I posted at "VERY MERRY VINTAGE STYLE"...I hope you'll pop in and visit this darling cottagey blog!
www.verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com

My nephews are big on a few things right now: "How old are you?," "How are you related to my dad?" and "What is your favorite color?" I think they ask me these questions several times per visit. Cracks me up. My answer is always the same to all three. I am 24 (which is a lie). Your dad is my brother. And my favorite color is blue...always has been, probably because it is reminiscent of my love for the sea.

The shade of blue however, has varied over the years. As a child, I had a Williamsburg blue bedroom with a very traditional mahogany antique furniture as well as a floral comforter "set" complete with matching wall border (gag!). Then I went through a painful phase in high school where my entire wardrobe was navy (I blame The Gap because that was their signature color the few seasons I worked there). Next came the infamous royal blue LL Bean Pancho that I wore every day of college (whether it was raining or not) until my wise friend advised me to retire it...three years too late mind you. Now I would say that my favorite shade of blue is more of an aqua like the soothing Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue in my bedroom. Today I have an appreciation for all shades of blue and I am especially fond of the blues in the images above as well as the fresh, modern take on the classic blue and white color scheme!
~Images: 1) Unknown 2) Unknown but believe it is by Designer Mary McDonald 3) Deisgner Tom Scheerer 4) Ralph Lauren ad 5) Unknown 6) House Beautiful June 2001 7) House Beautiful 8) Designed by Amanda Nisbet 9) Designed by T. Keller Donovan

As you all know...
I LOVE COTTAGE STYLE!
There are so many ways to achieve this charming, vintage look. My Gramma is my inspiration. No matter where she lived her home was a haven...a place of love and a gentle sweetness. She was not a woman of means but her home was always enchanting...a little piece of heaven!


This charming shelf has been in my home for over twenty years. It was originally brown, then red and now creamy white. My Gramma crocheted the beautiful white lace. She lovingly stitched it to my wedding pillowcases many years ago. After the pillowcases wore thin I carefully removed the lace and saved her lovely handiwork.
Nearly all the items...dishes, cups, the candlestand, creamers and sugar bowl were thrifted.
The only things I purchased new were the three candles and the "Cottage" sign.

Crocheted cotton lace made by my Gramma. Hasn't it made
a perfect edging on this pretty white shelf?

This darling cream and sugar is one of my favorite thrift shop treasures.
I paid a total of five dollars for them.

My sweet Mom-in-Love gave me this feminine little rocking chair
when we left Tennessee to move to Oregon.
I recovered the seat and fashioned a new cushion
out of discounted home decorating fabrics.
The country french scene is a fabric sample that I purchased for two dollars.
I added soft pink pompoms to add a bit of whimsy.

Not very pretty with books and baskets in view...

"SOLUTION"
A soft and pretty skirt. I made a waist band and added a skirt...
Just like I was making a wrap skirt for myself.

Would you believe I found this beautiful lamp at my local thrift shop?
It was on sale for sixteen dollars.
It had no shade and a very tattered cloth electric cord.
My hubby rewired it for me and I purchased a new shade.
I found the crystal trim on clearance and added it to give it a touch of elegance.

Oh, the things one can do with a can of spray paint!
The little chair and powder blue tray are items that I repainted.
They were originally brown.
The linens...
clock...
candle votif
and
baby shoes
were all thrifted finds.

My sweet little Zoey loves sitting by the fire. She is one of my three housekitties.
The blue and white nine patch quilt is something I made to disguise the large opening above the fireplace.
There are various items stored discreetly behind the quilt.
I made the white wicker chair cushions from discounted home decorator fabric.
I shopped at Joanns and waited to use my 50% coupon to purchase the fabric.

Yes...I spray painted the little thrifted blue basket.
It provided the perfect place to display some of my handmade pillows.
I perched it atop a trio of hatboxes that provide storage for odds and ends.
My cats love napping in this chair in the late afternoon.

I love having special quiet times in my blue plaid chair.
The big chair and the matching loveseat used to be in our living room.
The ottoman is cushy and my kitties love curling up at my feet.
The quilt lying on the ottoman is one that I found thrifting . I only paid ten dollars for it.
It is snuggly, soft and in perfect condition.

Thank you, my dear friends, for your kind visit to my Cottage Nest.
I hope you'll come back...
I have more to share...
and, lots of helpful and inexpensive tips.

Blessings,
Carolynn xoxo

"The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22

Hello Ladies...
During the summer months I like squirreling myself away in the air conditioning to beat the heat. I've been busily stitching away. Hand Embroidery is such a "Sweet Retreat"! 

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

"Sewing Seeds of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience..."

"Cotton Candy Pinks"

"A Hare Raising Tale"

"Spinach, Turnip greens, Brocolli, Brussel Sprouts"

"A Happy Harvest of Bunny's Favorites...
Crunchy Carrotts and Bright Red Beets"

"Blue Skies smilin' at me
Nothin' but blue skies do I see
Bluebirds singin' a song
Nothin' but blue skies from now on..."

Plant Seeds of Kindness

Somebunny Loves You!

Red...Red...Red
Every project I stitch has to have a tiny touch of my favorite color!

I'm so glad you popped in for a visit, my sweet friends!
Blessings,
Carolynn xoxo

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control." Galatians 5:22-23

I posted on Jann's blog www.jannolson.blogspot.com I hope you will take a minute and pop in to visit her delightful blog!

I posted on Sue's Blog on REDNESDAY www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com
Be sure to stop by and visit her delightful blog!

Many, many thanks to Sherry at "The Charm of Home"! It has been a blessing to be able to post some of my photos on her lovely blog www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com

I am so excited to tell y'all about a friend of mine and her ridiculously ADORABLE company, BLUE CHICKADEE! Way Way Allen is highly creative and has always had a passion for painting. But it wasn't until the birth of her son, that she was inspired to start her own line of hand painted children's themed art, pillows, canvas bags and more. As you can see, her line is constantly expanding as she is inspired to make new things. Please visit BLUE CHICKADEE'S blog to stay up to date on Way Way's latest creations or stop by her etsy shop where you can order merchandise directly or make a request for a one-of-a-kind piece.

Fabric Paintings

Burlap Mobiles

Tote Bags

Notecards

Bloomers

I am wearing a pair of these bloomers right now. Seriously, how stinkin' cute!!! You must go purchase from her immediately! And if you are coveting her adorableness as much as I am, you are in luck! Way Way has been gracious enough to give away one of her creations to the reader who has the best response to the following question...

"What was your biggest decorating mistake?
(What did you do? Why did you do it? What went wrong? What did you learn from it? Etc.)

If you want to win this super cute red pig pillow cover size 12x16 (a $28 value) then leave me a comment with your response! Or email it to me at sidney@eclectic-idg.com. Contest deadline is this Friday, February 5th!

Blessings...to each one of you. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The holiday season is in full swing and I can't wait to join in. I've been itching to get my decorating started.

An elderly friend of my Mom gave her this vintage 1930s Bakelite Church. It winds up and plays a tinnie but sweet sounding tune.
Several years ago my Mom gave it to me.
It is a treasured keepsake.
I display it every year for Christmas.

Meet my beautiful Russian Blue , Abbie.
She is very sweet and extremely shy.
When I found her at the Humane Society
she was terribly traumatized.
It took me five years to win her trust and woo her into my lap.
Having, finally, conquered her fears
she has become my forever lap kitty!

,
Just a little nine patch quilt that I made a few years ago.
I always use cotton batting and unwashed fabric when I make my quilts.
After I have totally finished making the quilt I toss it into the washer...
(adding a cup of vinegar to set the color)
and, then, after washing on warm I, promptly, place it in the dryer.
All the cotton shrinks just a tad bit creating a soft, cuddly old fashioned looking and feeling quilt.

Now here's one laid back, Dude.
Schlomo is as mellow and easy going as can be.
You may ask, "Why the name, Schlomo?"
My husband is a violinist and a huge fan of the accomplished violinist...Schlomo Mintz.
It just happens to be that our last name is Mintz.
What can I say...It was my husband's turn
to name our newest pet.

It looks like I got my wish!
We've had several snowfalls in the past month.
The elevation here is 3,623 above sea level.
The ski resort at Mt. Bachelor is just 22 miles up the road.
At 5,700 ft. two feet of snow fell in just one day last week.

Thank you, my blogging pals,for your friendship and kind words.When I started blogging I had no idea how many treasured friends I would have the privilege of adding to my life.I am grateful for each one of you! Have a great week! Blessings,Carolynn xoxo

In case you're looking for my Tweak of the Week...
Here it is:

Originally, these HOME votifs were a rustic dark brown.
I spray painted them a soft blue and then gave them a coat of spray adhesive.
For a wintry touch I sprinkled them with glittery snow.
I love tweaking things to match the season
and for just a few dollars worth of paint and glitter!

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name;
worship the Lord
in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:2

Linking To

Sunny Simple Life
www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
Beyond the Picket Fence
www.deb4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com
Little Red House
www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
The Dedicated House
www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
Boogie Board Cottage
www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Cozy Little House
www.cozylittlehouse.com
Coastal Charm
www.linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
Knick of Time
www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com
Rose Chintz Cottage
www.rosechintzcottage.blogspot.com
Cedar Hill Ranch
www.cedarhillranch.blogspot.com
A Delightsome Life
www.blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com
Lavender Garden Cottage
www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Sue Loves Cherries
www.suelovescherries.blogspot.com
Timewashed
www.timewashed.com
Vintage On A Dime
www.vintageonadime.blogspot.com
Have A Daily Cup of Mrs Olson
www.jannolson.blogspot.com
Brambleberry Cottage
www.thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com
At the Picket Fence
www.atthepicketfence.com
Common Ground
www.commonground-do.com
French Country Cottage
www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com
Mockingbird Hill Cottage
www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com

So yesterday I gave some hints on selecting a paint color for one room. Today I am going to give some advice when choosing paint colors for an entire home. Try to select a color palette-three colors that you want to use throughout your home. Ideally pick these colors from something that you already have like a rug or the fabric in a pillow. These are colors that you are going to use throughout your home in fabrics, furniture, art, accessories, etc. I am not saying these are the only colors you can use but they should be predominant colors and they should be used, in some way, in each room so that your house has "flow." No, not your monthly visitor. And not Flo the saucy waitress from Alice.

But flow as in having a rhythm so that the colors easily transition from one room to the next. Flow is something that you don't necessarily notice when it is done correctly but you definitely notice when it is not done in a home. Have you ever been in a house where each room is painted an entirely different and totally random color? It is wacky. And it chops up the place. You need some sort of congruity. I am going to use the same fabric from yesterday to illustrate my point.

You can see that some paint colors are repeated in different rooms throughout the home. You will also notice that variations of the color (or different values of the same hue) are used in different rooms to give some interest. This is an easy design trick. Try to remember this instead of using four different colors of blue, use four different values of the same blue hue. I used Sherwin Williams to illustrate this point because their paint decks show the different values of a hue on the paint strip so it makes it super easy. But you can always ask your paint store to add black or white to get a different version of the hue.

Again, this is best case scenario but it gives you an idea of how the process should work. And to continue my point on making the house flow, I would carry some of these colors to other areas of the house. For example, let's say that the inspiration fabric is on pillows in the living room on the first floor. Then you could have orange linen Parson's chairs in your dining room and/or paint the vanity in your powder room the same orange as your mud room and/or use a blue and orange mosaic tile in the master bathroom. So it doesn't always have to be through paint color alone. Get it? Well, that my friend, is what you call FLOW.

Hi to all my dear family and friends,
Today I have three special people that I want to THANK.

Cindy from "OLD TIME FARMHOUSE" BLOG surprised me by choosing my name to win her vintage apron Giveaway.
I love aprons...and, especially, gingham ones!

Paula from "SUGAR SWEET AND PINK" BLOG created and lovingly stitched such sweet gifts for me. I'd like to share a few of them with you.
I love each one!

Mark...my hubby
Thank you, Honey, for the cute as pie polka dot tea pot
and the matching polka dot plates.
You know just what I like.
You are such a sweetheart 

Polka Dots...
Whiskers on Kittens...
My favorite color...Red
These are a few of my favorite things!



Paula, My darling adopted daughter created this adorable kitty cat.
She designed the pattern and the hand stitched touches.
Paula added the crowning touch...the tiny blue and white creamer and saucer.
I adore it, Paula!

You guessed it...
A few more of my favorite things!
Gifts from my hubby...

More RED...
and
More pretty Polka Dots!

"My Little RED shoe Pincushion"
It sits proudly in my sewing room.

"Raggedy Ann"
Do you see the light blue gingham apron draped over the chair back?
Can you guess WHO gave it to me?

Heart Shaped Pockets...
Oh...How cute, Cindy!
I love your darling giveaway!

Cindy sent me this sweet vintage apron.
I don't have the heart or wear it and get it dirty...
I think it will hang proudly in my kitchen.

My RED vintage kitchen chair
with country tole painting.
I found this at a Craft Faire in Tennessee.
It has been used as a high chair for little visitors
and has sat in my kitchen for many years.

Sweet Paula gave me this beautiful vintage linen table cloth.
I love the fine stitching and RED crocheted edging.
Thank you, dear.

Gifts from my sweet Paula
Play Pals...
Patti, Penny & Kitty

"When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do.

Fate is kind
She brings to those to love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing.

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
Your dreams come true."

(Disney Theme Song)

Special thanks to:
Paula at www.sugarsweetandpink.blogspot.com
and
Cindy at www.oldtimefarmouse.blogspot.com

Each week I love joining in my favorite blog parties. I'm linking with:
Boogie Board Cottage
www.boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com
Mockingbird Hill Cottage
www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com
Sunny Simple Life
www.sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com
The Dedicate House
www.thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com
The Little Red House
www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com
Etsy Cottage Style
www.etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com
Cozy Little House
www.cozylittlehouse.com
Knick Of Time
www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com
Lavender Cottage Dreams
www.lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com
Have A Daily Cup of Mrs Olson
www.jannolson.blogspot.com
My Rose Chintz
www.sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com
Common Ground
www.debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop
www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com
I Gotta Create
www.igottacreate.blogspot.com
Rooted In Thyme
www.rootedinthyme.blogspot.com
The Charm of Home
www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com
Meet and Greet Blog Hop by Laurie
www.createdbylaurie.blogspot.com
Show-Licious Saturday's
www.sew-licious.blogspot.com

Peacock, oil on panel, 20" x 30", $1,600

Tortoise on Green, oil on panel, 18" x 14", $900

One White Dinghy, oil on panel, 6" x 6", $125

Two White Dinghies, oil on panel, 6"x 6", $125

Blue Coral I, unframed, 7" x 5", watercolor on paper, $50

Red Coral I, unframed, 7" x 5", watercolor on paper, $50

Red Coral II, framed, 11 1/2" x 9 1/2", watercolor on paper, $125

Red Coral III, framed, 11 1/2" x 9 1/2", watercolor on paper, $125

Blue Coral II, framed, 11 1/2" x 9 1/2", watercolor on paper, $125

Blue Coral III, framed, 11 1/2" x 9 1/2", watercolor on paper, $125

Paper Coral

pencil on paper, 25.5"x33 framed $1,400

Branch Coral

pencil on on paper, 16" x 13" framed $400

If you are interested in purchasing any of Whitney's art please stop by Eclectic, call us at 843.388.7002 or email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com. Remember, these will only be available during the month of May and yes we will ship for an additional charge!

Eclectic is a Charleston, South Carolina based full-service boutique interior design firm in specializing in the design of residential projects including entire homes and the styling of individual rooms. We also offer virtual e-design services. Please email sidney@eclecticcharleston.com for additional information.

Eclectic is a retail shop/design studio located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina (just over the bridge from downtown Charleston) selling an array of vintage mid-century pieces, repurposed items, new products and locally made creations with a fresh Modern meets Coastal aesthetic.

Sometimes I am reminded and amazed by the beauty of this place that has become my home, and I remember that I don't see it often enough, buried as I am in other concerns.

I went for a run tonight to the bridge across the river which forms part of the border between New Hampshire and Maine, the tongue-twistingly-named Piscataqua. Once there, I slowed to a walk to cross the bridge on the wooden-boarded pedestrian walkway that edges both sides. Halfway across, a siren wailed warningly and bells began to ting. "Everybody off!" barked the bridge operator, a gray-haired sea-captain sort in a blue uniform. "I don't care which way you go, but go forward or back!"

I briskly walked back the way that I'd came, to the Maine side, and watched as the enormous iron counterweights, strung up in their tracks jutting high above both ends of the bridge, slowly lowered and the middle section of the bridge levitated. Candy-striped gates with flashing red lights lowered and a long line of patient traffic idled as the bridge crept up. A tall ship slid majestically through and prowed its way slowly down the river.

The low sun sat benevolently over the harbor and the water was blue as blue's dream. Slick boats with painted reflections and names like "Crime Pays" and "Utopia" sat moored at line in the docks. On the water's edge, high catwalks stacked with lobster traps and propped up with wooden strutting jutted out from wooden shacks, waiting for the fishing boats.

At Warren's Lobster House, built on a wharf over the water, long lines waited under the awning for a seat. A crisp smell of fried seafood emanated. Tourists and locals alike leisurely walked, delighting in the setting sun and the beauty. Everything smelled of sea and fish.

I drank it in for a few moments, then walked briskly on and began my run back.

It reminded me that I don't appreciate where I live enough. It's more picturesque than a box full of cats. And thousands of tourists pay to spend time here every summer. If it's not permanent home, I sure want to appreciate it while I'm here.

Domino

Domino

via Blue Hydrangea

Unknown

via Blue Hydrangea

Unknown

via rearrangedesign

Remember magazines? They were these amazing things that came in the mail once a month. They were filled with beautiful and colorful images that made your pulse quicken with excitement. They made you want to stop whatever it was you were doing and re-do your entire home. Or jump in the car and go shopping for an entirely new wardrobe. Yeah, I miss them too. And can't seem to throw them out like I use to. I fear I will hold on to magazines like my dad likes to hold on to empty boxes. Seriously, he has an entire closet full of empty boxes. WTF? Hopefully, you won't see me on an episode of Hoarders for my obscene magazine collection. Anyhoo, here are some stylish ways to incorporate these oh-so valuable gems into your decor.

I love how every weekend I say I'm going to paint my front door yet I never get around to it. I've been saying that for almost a year now. It's not the painting, it is the taping of the window on my front door that is holding me up. How lame is that? I have the paint and everything. Maybe this weekend...

If you are wondering what color I'm going to paint it I will tell you...Peacock Blue.

What do you think?

Pink, lilac, sky blue, sunny yellow & minty green...
Yes...Spring is almost here!

Eggs are everyday reminders of new life.
Little Baby Chicks
Even our gardens are showing new signs of life...
Sunny yellow daffodils
Purple Crocus
Golden Forsythia

The sweet little girl is my husband's Mother, Anne . The photo was taken in the 1930s.
She is such a loving and wonderful Mother-in-love.
My bedroom is a peaceful respite decorated in powder blue, soft pink and buttery yellow.


I love sewing.
One of my favorite things to make are Heirloom baby garments.
I, especially, love Christening Gowns.
Soft white batiste, dainty pin tucks and embroidery.
What treasured keepsakes they make.

"Desert Rose" from my sweet Gramma.
I have many fond memories of family gathered around Gramma and Grampa's table on Easter Sunday.
She always served us on her beautiful Franciscan Ware.




A pretty little Rose teacup and saucer from my Mother.

Vintage touches...
Lace that my Gramma crocheted
Vintage plates from my thrifting adventures.

This pretty little cream and sugar are thrifted.
I love the feminine touch they give my cottage shelf.

A tiny little tea cup
Yes...Another thrifted treasure!

And now for a
SNEAK PEEK!

I've been having fun working on something special
for the Easter Swap.
Can you guess what I'm making?

Welcome to my hometown...

The Pioneers named it "Farewell Bend" in the 1800s.

Many had traveled across the plains in the covered wagons. Upon reaching Central Oregon some stayed put.
Others decided to go further west. Some went north to what is now Washington State and others went south to California.
It was here along the Deschutes River that many said good bye to family and friends.
Thus, it became known as "Farewell Bend". .



Throughout the city there are fields of colorful wildflowers.

One of my favorites...
Blue Button Flowers

BLACK EYED SUSAN, BLUE BUTTON FLOWERS and COSMOS
All the way up the hill!

"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."
Isaiah 35:1


Indigo...Powerful and dignified...
Indigo conveys integrity and deep sincerity.
Yellow...the color of sunshine.
It's associated with joy, happiness and energy.

"Consider the lilies of the fields, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin;
And, yet I say unto you, that even King Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Matthew 6:28-29

Heading home...by way of the "Old Mill District".

ROUND ABOUTS ABOUND
Each one is a year round show piece of seasonal splendor.
Not only are they beautiful, but they are a much safer alternative to four way stop signs.
They add a certain charm and personality to my home town.

Thank you for visiting me, my sweet friends.I hope you enjoyed strolling through the wildflowers. Have A wonderful day! Blessings,Carolynn xoxo

Remember the post I did on my friend Way Way of Blue Chickadee a while back...she makes all the amazing totes, wall canvases, onseies, aprons, notecards, diaper covers, etc.? Well she bought these frames made of salvaged wood from me on my site Objects...

And look at what she did with them!!!

So cute!!!

.

It's been a while since I posted a music mix here and as I was going through songs this week I realised how many lady vocalists I adore. The list seemed endless and I thought it might be a bit much to include them all in one mix, so I've had to split them into two, this being part 1! Growing up I had such a strong female role model (hi Mum! ha!) and find that nearly all my heros are actually, heroines.

I hope you enjoy this mix - it's a mix of chilled and upbeat which has thankfully got me through the last few days of illness and work! I think there'll be a lot more classics in Part 2, but for now, the listings...
1. Florence + The Machine > Dog Days Are over
2. Alela Diane > Age Old Blue
3. Joni Mitchell > California
4. Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves Of Destiny > Atlas
5. Jesca Hoop > Peacemaker
6. First Aid Kit > Blue
7. Erykah Badu > Cleva
8. Cat Power > (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
9. Joan As Policewoman > The Ride
10. Francoise Hardy > Le Temps De L'Amour

LADIES PT. 1 from heyjo on 8tracks.

Look out neighbors...I am painting my front door...wait for it, wait for it...peacock blue! Wake up the neighborhood...(does anyone else remember that song from Girls Just Want to Have Fun? If not, click here.). My sweet friend told me that the outside of my house didn't showcase any of my personality. So this weekend (provided it doesn't rain) I am painting my black door peacock blue. Should I just paint the outside or the inside too? (FYI, the inside is currently chocolate brown.)

Like My Mother Does
By Lauren Aliana

People always say I have a laugh like my mother does Guess that makes sense She taught me how to smile when things get rough I’ve got her spirit, she’s always got my back When I look at her I think I want to be just like that

When I love I give it all I’ve got Like my mother does When I’m scared I bow my head and pray Like my mother does

She’s an angel, she’s my heart and soul She does it all

When I love, I give it all I’ve got Like my mother does When I’m scared I bow my head and pray Like my mother does

When I’m weak and unpretty I know I’m beautiful and strong Because I see myself Like my mother does

That's a great song. Country fan or not.

When I was at Fripp with my family, my mom asked me what color toe nail polish I had on because she really liked it. I responded Yucatan If You Want To by OPI. I have worn this color for as long as I can remember. It is my signature. I realized one day while at the nail salon when the young girl giving me a pedicure was trying to convince me to go for royal blue (or whatever the latest trend was) that I have always liked this color because it reminded me of the color my mom always wore! I told her this and she teared up. When she could contain herself, she told me that she wore that color because it was what her mother wore. Now I was tearing up! So I'm third generation Yucantan If You Want To! Oh my. Wonder if I ever have a daughter if she will Yucatan If You Want To or opt for the royal blue?

While I am talking nails...my hair salon, Canvas Hair, located at 436 King Street, opened their new addition upstairs and now they do nails, as well as waxing and make-up application. You should go to there (to quote Tina Fey). I have been going to Turner (one of the owners) for 11 years...and now so do the majority of my friends...she is amazing! Here is their website and facebook link.

Come sit with me on my porch...my dear blogging friends!

Make yourself comfortable while I step inside and pour you an ice cold glass of lemonade
I'll be right back...
Summertime and the Livin is Easy...

Hat's off to the good old USA!

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue!!

Sit a Spell...Take your shoes off!

Patriotic Little Perches...

A special place for my feathered friends...

May God continue to Bless the Land that I Love!

I'm so glad you were able to spend a little time with me on this beautiful summer day!
Do come back, my sweet friends!
Blessings,Carolynn xoxo
"If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

I absolutely love red, white and blue! Thank you, Debra, for hosting a "Vintage Patriotic Party"!Please pop in and visit www.commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com

Carrie's Apartment (the TV show)

Carrie's Apartment (the movie)

I realize this isn't a timely post but I am fascinated with set design and came across this interesting article from the San Francisco Chronicle about the set decorator for the movie Sex and The City, Lydia Marks. She explains how her biggest challenge was recreating the character's apartments using key pieces from the TV show while updating the spaces in a way to show evolved time. Furthermore, she wanted each character's home to be a true reflection of their current place in life. Lydia also had to keep in mind that this was for film, not television which required more detailing of the set for viewing on the large screen. Want to read more of the article, click here.

Charlotte's Pre-War Park Avenue Apartment
reflects her new role as stay at home mom.

Miranda's Brooklyn Brownstone
reflects her new life as a wife and mother in which comfort and practicality are key!

Here are some tips Lydia Marks provides to give your space more of a Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha vibe!

-- Lighting is one of the most important things to consider. Great lamps are sculpture and can change the feel of an entire room.

-- Color is an easy and inexpensive way to change the feel of a space. Look at the difference going from a pale blue to the intense electric blue made in Carrie's apartment.

-- Another way to change the color and feel of a room, without doing anything permanent, is with fabric. Recover a chair, make a beautiful new bed with a mixture of patterns and colors, make new curtains, make new throw pillows. All this can be done without investing a tremendous amount of money or time.

-- With accessories, often editing things out makes more of a statement than displaying a collection of things.

-- Most importantly to a set or a residential interior, keep it personal. The space should reflect the person who lives there. It should be filled with things you love, both newly designed and family heirlooms. That will give it the warmth and style that make it special and your own. (Amen to that!)

~Images: 1) Traditional Home July 2008 2) San Francisco Chronicle article June 14, 2008 and LATimesblogspot.com