Tresor Trouve

International Family and a '73' Bernina

2012-01-21T19:11:00.006-05:00

Hello ~

It's a beautiful gray and white snowy day at the cottage. The sea is out there...somewhere beyond the many layers of the marsh...in the mist and fog.

Today I'd like to introduce you to an old and faithful friend.
My vintage Bernina. We go way back. She's not pretty or fancy anymore but she has good bones and comes from a good family in Switzerland. Bernina.

She was a big purchase when first married and has sewn many curtains, pillows, little girl dresses and now quilts for those little girl's (and boy's) babies!

Still in her original red case with a Bekins sticker. She's well traveled too. From coast to coast ~ California to Massachusetts.

and original red sewing box.

I'll think she'll be around for a long, long time!

Happy Weekend ~

Thanks for stopping by!

Roberta

Jeanne d'Arc February

2012-01-18T19:10:00.002-05:00

Pre-order now for some Spring and Easter inspiration!

Sunday Comfort

2012-01-16T10:38:00.011-05:00

A beautiful sunny and really cold Sunday makes for good picture taking inside. (I'll bet you thought I was going to say cooking.) Finally, an entire day to stay warm and comfy with no place to rush off to.

Feels good to putter around...take some photos and putter some more. See how the red keeps creeping
in? I can't resist a vintage French towel with some red. Especially a monogrammed one with my initials! This one is a favorite and Christmas gift from a good friend.

Took the time to set up the tripod for these photos.

This one was taken later when the sun had gone down so I needed the chandelier for light. It's tough to take pictures with the glare from the window or lights on my beautiful framed French letters. I still don't know how to remedy that. (Open to suggestions please:)

The crock came out of an old family barn. Uncle Joe was a milkman and as kids we were lucky to have the best of both worlds, the beach and the farm. I love the rustic milk crate because my daughter's name is Bethany and Rosehurst is such a pretty name for a dairy.

I made the awning in stripes for a French Cafe vibe in the kitchen.

Ikea has some pretty fabric by the yard! (yup, that's a spring rod!)

Thinking about some Sunday comfort food ~ whole wheat pasta with plenty of garlic, olive oil and parmigiano cheese. hmmm

I really love curtains hung like this in the kitchen! So homey and spring rods are the best invention! This is where I keep the trash can hidden. I can't do much else with this space since I have to be able to open the cabinet door.

And, my new favorite Portuguese cookbook. It has stunning pictures, a little history and some great recipes which I have not yet tried. I bought it for the beautiful cover and I love it. Tessa Kiros has other cookbooks which look wonderful too!

Well, that's my idea of a comfy winter's day. So glad you've stopped by!

YUM!
XO

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T21:31:00.001-05:00

Let's hope it's a good one my friends!

xoRoberta

the new babe and a peaceful christmas

2011-12-27T22:32:00.012-05:00

She is the sweetest babe and such a joy and blessing at 10 weeks. The most wonderful Christmas present of all and visiting from Oregon with my youngest daughter and son-in-law..

PEACE ON EARTH

a yearly visit from Jack Frost,

a French Champagne basket which is my favorite 2011 flea market find for only $5.00 ~

and a vintage ornament chandelier.

So much to be thankful for.

So many blessings in 2011.

Hurricane Hydrangeas

2011-08-27T17:36:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone! Just waiting out Irene at a friend's home after boarding up windows on the waterside of the cottage.

While the guys were doing their thing I picked up around the yard and cut hydrangea blooms that would surely not have been intact after the winds and rains.

The trick is to cut them when they are firm to the touch and I always have great success with them drying beautifully.

Since I didn't have much choice, they were picked at different stages and are spread around the house in glasses with a little water hoping for the best!

Wishing you all the best of luck with your hydrangeas!! (and with Irene)

xoRoberta

Love & Hidden Treasures in Topanga Canyon

2011-08-20T09:56:00.003-04:00

It was great to be with the kiddos and grandkiddos on their turf for a change. While in Los Angeles visiting my sweet new Russi*n granddaughter, we drove to Topanga Canyon to a horse farm where Ali and Beth joined a homeschooling group to ride horses and get to know them for their gentle and healing qualities. I loved it in the Canyon. So peaceful and beautiful! The 'Love' sign and vibe here brought me back to the 70's!

Her bonding with Mommy and Papa has gone extremely well in the first month and such a blessing to see such love among the three of them already. Ali recently told one of her Russi*n teachers that

'she has a mommy and daddy now'. She's one lucky little girl and so are her parents.

While in Topanga Canyon we passed the cutest place and couldn't resist turning around!

It went on forever with a lot of outdoor space. The beauty of southern California!

'Petticoat Junction!'

The stone wave sculpture at the bottom of pic would have come home with me had it not been so heavy!

It looked like Hidden Treasures has been around since the 70's and had EVERYTHING from Victorian to Early Cowboy to Elvis and Marilyn and of course the fabulous Hippie era!

Ali had a blast with the vintage sunglasses. Too bad we left those heart ones behind!

If you ever find yourself on the twisting canyon roads of Topanga, look for Hidden Treasures. It was delightful!

baby beach bums

2011-07-16T16:57:00.004-04:00

I'm in NC with the boys!

tatooed babies

what does this one remind you of?

love the motion in this one

the cling-on child. has been since he was born and of course I don't mind a bit.

the super, duper imaginitive child and the perfect dog

cherub

love these sugar sandy beaches, clear warm waters and beach baby bums

The Beach Cottage Rental and Missing Home

2011-07-13T01:07:00.013-04:00

Hello Everyone! Just catching up after the photo shoot. Hope your summer is going well! Mine is.

well sort of....

You see, I had the idea to rent the cottage for the summer since I'd be gone most of it while visiting the kiddos. Before I knew it, the first couple to look, snapped it up for three months!

As soon as Fifi and Mark drove away at around six p.m. there I was like a wild woman with four days to prepare for the renters! With countless trips up to the attic, (probably a hundred) it is now filled to the brim with half of my belongings and I am staying with a friend. It's been nearly a month and I've finally recuperated long enough to write this post.

I really thought I'd miss it more, and have handled it pretty well...until now.

Yes, I miss my comfy, newly slipcovered chair in this fabulous gray and white cotton that looks like linen! At less than eight dollars a yard, the body of the chair is the same fabric but reversed which I love the look of. I first saw this fabric, or very similar, on a slipper chair here and was lucky to find it! I stuck a pretty pin in the center of this sweet pillow that I found at TJ Maxx and now it looks like a happy daisy!

And my bottle collection. I had these scattered about the house on ledges and window sills but it wasn't until I saw a pic in a book and my friend suggested that I display them all together that I really fell in love with them!

Oh, and morning coffee while watching the tide come up and hearing the seagulls isn't a shabby way to start the day either.

Somehow, more red snuck in the kitchen with the little awning made the day before the shoot. I also hung a curtain under the shelf to hide a bare space. Pretty but not practical since I couldn't open the cupboard door holding the pots and pans! It only lasted for one day but on second thought...hmm.

I was sorry that I didn't use my ironstone pitcher collection on the shelf with the cafe au lait bowls but it was too late by the time I remembered that it was displayed in the china cabinet in the dining room. (can't find the pic)

Well, I'll be leaving in a couple of days to see the little guys in NC and my daughter in OR to help her set up the nursery for a baby girl so I don't think I'll missing home too much!!

I'll be gone for a few weeks but will post from the road.

Hope you have a happy and safe summer.

So glad you stopped by!!

xoRoberta

shoot! the pink peonies were left out of the shoot!

2011-06-11T23:31:00.006-04:00

Hello Everyone ~ I finally met sweet Fifi and had such a great day with her and Mark as they shared interesting stories about their ramblings across the USA together shooting for various magazines and Fifi's new book.

As Mark invited me to examine the 'captures' on the computer screen after each shot, I learned a few tricks while shadowing him! Fifi is a living doll with her charming French accent as she humbly goes about her styling and I so enjoyed sitting and chatting with her while Mark honed in on the vignettes.

We were off to a late start as they encountered horrible weather the day before but when they arrived, it was beautiful! Too bad we didn't start outside on the deck because as time wore on, the sun hid behind the clouds and when it began to rain, we hurriedly brought the curtains, linens and vintage wine basket with my garden peonies in to the bedroom. And there it sat as we continued on with the day....

At one point Fifi was looking for something tall for the desktop as the perfect vintage wine basket with the beautiful pink peonies sat forgotten on the bedroom floor.

Of course I shot dozens of pics soon after they drove away and more again today. Preparing for a photo shoot is hard work and as much as one prepares there is always something you would have done differently. Oh well. What I'm looking forward to is seeing Fifi and Mark's work in print. I know it will be fabulous and I'll have no regrets!

Thanks so much Fifi! I enjoyed every minute of it!

xoRoberta

Lilacs and the photo shoot

2011-05-23T23:05:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone!
My lilacs have finally bloomed! I planted this bush outside the kitchen window three years ago and I can finally see the starburst blooms while washing dishes! Why did I wait so long? It's been so cool and rainy lately that I haven't been tempted to open the window for a whiff of their lovely scent though.

Instead, I'm very happy to cut my first blooms for the coffee table. What a difference fresh flowers make!

The sparkling crushed shells make a nice base to place some pretty things on. Very beachy and I love the texture. I found it at JoAnne's Fabrics.

I need to find a bigger candle for the glass holder before the photo shoot with Fifi & Mark in June. Just working on some last minute things now. One more piece of furniture to paint, a chandelier to hang and the search is on for the perfect pair of panels for the bedroom door. A great opportunity to get some things done that I've been wanting to accomplish for a while now!

Tracey from French Larkspur just had her photo shoot with Fifi. Can't wait to see her beautiful home in an upcoming Jeanne d'Arc magazine! AND, I'll be featuring Tracey's mantel for June so be sure to stop by for that next week.

Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend! I'll post some pics of my trip to Bountiful in Venice, CA soon.

Roberta

The guest May Mantel

2011-05-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

Hello Everybody! I've been creating and posting monthly mantels on my website for nearly six years so I've decided to change it up and invite some guests! I was getting tired of changing my mantel so often, but each time I considered 'retiring' the 'Mantel of the Month' feature I'd have a few gals email and say how they loved it!
So, my guest this month is Jo-Anne Coletti from Vintage Rose Collection. Hop over to the website and check it out. She is one talented cookie!

Have a great week!

Roberta

Jeanne d'Arc 'French Atmospheres' to be released in English!

2011-04-21T02:39:00.002-04:00

Good news followers of the French/Nordic style of decorating. The original 2007 Danish book has been translated to English

and is available for pre-order now to be released mid August.

I am always striving to blend this gorgeous French/Nordic style of decorating with my favorite seaside items! A work in progress stepped up a bit since Fifi will be coming to photograph my home in June! I'm almost done painting and the 'spring cleaning' is just about finished!

We'll see how my bleached seashells and vintage faded turquoise and purple bottles play with the French cafe au lait bowls and farmhouse linens! Add lots of flowers, a chandelier here and there and I think it will be beautiful! Wish me luck!!

So Glad

2011-03-04T20:37:00.003-05:00

So glad it's Friday ~ .

Just a glimpse of the tidy side of the kitchen. ha. I use my French press for coffee every morning so that stays out. The 'favored' bowls are stacked in my Belgium crate from French Larkspur which I love, love, love and I soooo lucked out on the Ironstone pitchers which I found at a yard sale!

I'm in the process of painting the last piece of 'ivory' furniture here at the beach cottage. It's the very pale gray that I used on the cabinets in the kitchen but I'll have to wait for morning light to put the second coat on. I'll show you when it's done.

Have a great weekend everybody! Roberta ~

'Sea Glass' Vintage French Ribbon

2011-02-23T20:53:00.001-05:00

Picked up some beautiful vintage French Ribbon in my travels this weekend and the color and swirly patterns are so current! ~from beachy to bohemian ~

The turquoise feels like summer to me and plays well with my beach bottle collection.

These would be great for trimming curtains ~

Or for wrapping a special gift with ~

What would you do with a roll of this beautiful French Ribbon?

With Love from Mother Nature

2011-02-13T05:53:00.005-05:00

"The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. It is the heart which perceives God and not the reason. That is what faith is: God perceived by the heart, not by the reason." Pascal

Julie's Waterside Shanty Makeover

2011-02-07T17:37:00.007-05:00

Evening Gals. I did a post on this makeover when I was blogging on Typepad but that's gone forever so here goes. Welcome to Julie's Waterside Shanty.

Very New England and cute right?

She told us that she was bringing things in to the Shanty with no rhyme or reason and was getting frustrated not having the time to organize since this was her second home. She was coming down from Boston on weekends but not enjoying her coastal gem.

Of course we talked about the budget and what was to stay and what had to go. This was a one day re-do with not much dough for thrills or frills. Her husband was promising to paint and refinish the floors but she had waited long enough!

Can't miss the orange life ring. I would have tossed it out the galley kitchen window into the water but Julie wanted us to use it.... somehow.

Good thing Carol was with me.

This life ring actually saved the day don't you think? It's so much fun!

I had the chandelier in my car at the ready, never expecting it to look this darned cute! The white wicker desk lamp was the perfect thrifty score for this corner and we found the matchstick blinds in the closet!

We placed the two wicker hampers for recycling bins right by the kitchen door. Love that idea!

And did you notice the piles of fabric in the before pics? We wrapped the chairs at the last moment to unify the dining area and to give Julie some ideas when she was ready to recover them.

before: okay, there's the dining table before on the right. Now keep your eye on the green dresser on the left.

Party central, a pretty place to store linens and a pinup light to create ambiance! (the frig is to the left).

The rooms all have a purpose now and flow nicely.

A nice gathering spot for guests while Julie is preparing dinner.

before: note the bookcase to the right side of pic

after: the nice painted cabinet that was in the working pantry resides in the dining room now showing off some of Julie's favorite things.

and the bookcase was moved into the waterside room to create a comfy reading nook

Julie loved it all but we all thought that the new life we gave to the life ring saved the day!

more red

2011-01-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a photography class to learn more about my Nikon and one of the homework assignments was to take 25 pics of something 'red' and submit one. I've been embracing this color since I found my red and white body pitcher, so I bought red tulips for even more inspiration.

My vintage French monogrammed ribbon tied around the vase helped me determine that I was focused! The tulip wilted for lack of water but I thought it pretty enough to be photographed this way.

Truth be told, I've been telling myself for so long that 'I really don't like red' that I'm taken by surprise to be enjoying it so much and the tulips have actually made me quite happy! (It may be because we've been covered in so much snow lately!)

Another lesson learned....to be open to possibilites, no matter how small!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Happy 'French Candlemas' or 'Jour des Crepes'!

2011-01-25T22:43:00.007-05:00

Candlemas as it is known in France, is honored on the 2nd day of February by eating Crepes!!!

The origination of this Catholic holy day was when Mary first presented her baby Jesus in the Temple 40 days after his birth.

And since it is otherwise known as 'jour des Crepes' and la Chandeleur, let's light our candles and chandeliers, and eat crepes on Febuary 2nd in celebration!

                                                    I may even celebrate twice in one day!
                                                                 (it sure beats ground hog day)

Red Chair Antiques & The Red Pitcher

2011-01-21T17:46:00.006-05:00

Last week, Carol and I received our post cards from Red Chair Antiques announcing their move to Hudson, NY. We were restless as we planned for the three hour drive up to New Hampshire last Friday hoping to come away with a few treasures. It's a trek we've taken a few times since discovering Josie's place a couple of years ago. French grain sacks, monogrammed sheets, cafe a lait bowls, ironstone, Swedish furnishings....

You've probably seen her home and shop in a recent magazine. She's been featured in a few of them.

She's a sweetheart! Josie will be open until the end of January, so there's still a little time to score a treasure or two. Give her a shout and wish her luck!

I walked away with this beautiful enamel body pitcher that was hidden. I almost missed it and luckily spotted it on my third pass around the shop.

Now I'm not one for red, but it seems as though this color has been sneaking up on me lately. This one stole my heart and has added a little color to my otherwise white and gray abode. I may even add a little more of it soon with some red striped dish towels used as napkins for a table setting.

Josie sent us on our way with a hug and a set of petite lavender sachets as a thank you.

What color has snuck up on you lately?

Snowy Day Outdoor Fireplace

2011-01-12T18:02:00.004-05:00

It's a snowy day. A day to just Be. To be happy to relax at home on such a beautiful day...to be thankful for heat...and plenty of food in the pantry. just be... One of my first winters at the cottage was spent bundled up in my big comfy chair directly in front of the fireplace trying to stay warm. Of course that was after I brought the wood in and built the fire. And of course it wasn't all winter. Just the week of Christmas!!

So today, I took advantage of the stillness and shot a few pics. The Cardinals love to hang out in this bush but they were in hiding today. Just this one first thing in the morning.

I thought my (faux) pink berry wreath would look pretty on the fireplace, so I banged a nail in the mortar and hung it for a little color. The birds would have had a ball so I took it down right away as not to get their hopes up!

It's been a perfect Snowy Day! I hope your day was as good as mine!

2011-01-06T19:39:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year Girls!

Just back from a week with the little guys in NC and loved every minute of it! Both are as sweet as can be.

Irie is 10 months and taking his first steps while Silas is a rough and tumble two, almost three year old talking up a storm. Like me, he loves his time alone. One morning I asked if I could sit with him in the big chair and he said very nicely, "I'd like to be alone Bella". (okay guy, I understand)

This little one reminds me of his Papa at this age. Super sweet and he adores his big brother.

And this one? Loads of energy, smart and fun! Just like his Mama!

Anyhow, I came home to very little Christmas decor since I knew I wouldn't be home until the eleventh hour. Literally.

I recently framed three vintage French letters for the buffet wall in the kitchen and I love the look and feel they give the space. Simple, serene and sophisticated. I wonder what the letters are about in the beautiful script on handmade paper...

Lot's of glare going on but hope to remedy that with a course I'm taking to figure out what all the bells and whistles are for on my Nikon.

It's always good to get back home. Thanks for stopping by and I hope this year is a happy, fulfilling one for you.

xoRoberta

Vintage Dom 1973

2010-12-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

Hello! Greetings from snowy southeastern Massachusetts!

I've been wanting to show you my 'vintage' 1973 Dom Perignon bottle for a while now.

A real beauty, bringing an air of dignity

and celebration

to my holiday table

but wait! what's this?

ahha! an edible champagne bottle ~ clever!!

have you ever???

I just had to show you this one before I eat it... (tomorrow:)

Made by Carol, and the label is edible too!

December Mantel ~ two styles

2010-12-03T09:25:00.003-05:00

Good Evening Curly Q's...Playing around with my holiday mantel this fine evening and the star of the show (besides Madonna of course) is my new/old Belguim crate shelf! The postman just dropped it off and up it went! In the knick of time too because I was desperately needing some inspiration for that Jeanne d'Arc French Nordic style that I adore.

Shall we go serene or add a bit of whimsy? I like them both!

Look at my snippet of vintage French monogrammed ribbon ~

As I was tying it on the pitcher, the lollipop that was reserved for a special little boy's package worked it's way up there! His mama & papa will be happier this way.

So what do you think? I'm leaning toward the lollipop look...

Hope all your days are merry & bright!

xo Roberta

Portuguese Farmhouse Handwoven Rug LOVE

2010-11-13T12:12:00.005-05:00

Two days ago, this gorgeous handwoven rug was sitting at the bottom of a friend's hope chest filled with the most beautiful handmade linens. When she got to this piece she told me that she would not use it since it wasn't her style and that she had another still in the old farmhouse in Lisbon. Her grandparents were sheep farmers.
I could see it in my mind as she told the story.

At that point I was so grateful when she told me that she would part with it! I would have loved it if I found it anywhere else but to know the history of it and that it is from her family makes it even more special to me. A connection. A blessing. Something that I will surely treasure.

I adore the colors in it, as if it were made just for me and it looks perfect under my new beachy coffee table.
( A Restoration Hardware acquisition from their summer sale at a drastically low price!)

A beautiful textile handwoven by a Portuguese woman possibly used as a horse blanket, a coverlet or a floor covering now sits contentedly as a rug in my beach house. It's pieced and faded and I couldn't love it more!

Would the Winner Please Step Forward...

2010-11-11T20:06:00.003-05:00

Hi Gals,
It's been so great reading all of your comments and visiting your blogs! Thanks to all of you who stopped by for the Jeanne d'Arc giveaway!

The winner of the Autumn and Christmas issues giveaway is.....
Marsha from Chandelier Magic!

Congratulations Marsha. Just send me your address!

xoRoberta

TWO for YOU and TWO for ME! Jeanne d'Arc Giveaway ~

2010-10-22T22:29:00.007-04:00

Two issues of Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine for one lucky winner!

The Special Edition Christmas Issue

and the Autumn Issue

This publication is timeless and beautiful ~

All YOU have to do is keep your fingers crossed and leave me a comment! The winner will be picked on the 11th of November. Can't wait another minute? Order your copies on the sidebar.

And now on to my win. Lucky girl that I am, Janet from Shabbyfufu gifted me with a sponsorship spot on her blog for two months and a six month spot from Cathy in her Avalon Rose Marketsquare! Cathy is a crackerjack at website designs. While you're there, look for new supercool shopping digs for the holidays and my new 'button'. Janet is a pioneer in romantic decorating and I love reading her Paris posts. Look for tresors from her jaunts to France. She is a doll and as sweet as her creations!

                                                        Thank you Girls!
                                                 xo

Barn Sale Discovery Part II

2010-10-21T06:37:00.002-04:00

Carol has a knack for finding, fixing, decorating and baking. And she makes it all look so darned easy!

Well, as the story goes, she had been pining away for months for an industrial shelving unit for the dining room to display her ironstone. She was even considering having one made when along comes her BFF (yes, that would be moi) and spots some at a barn sale!

And at this point my dears, I'll let her tell you the rest of the story. Hop over to Lori's blog at White Flower Farmhouse where she interviewed Carol about this diamond in the rough.

We are all so envious Carol!

Stay tuned for a Jeanne d'Arc Giveaway!

The Autumn and Christmas issues!

A Booth at the Antique Mart

2010-10-13T21:37:00.003-04:00

Hello! First off, I have to tell you that it takes me a full month to get back into the swing of things after going back to work (school) in September so that's why I've been MIA. With that said, I've decided to make my life just a little busier by renting a space at the antique mart. I've missed the shop over the last two years and I just kept coming across all this great stuff. The old schoolhouse chalkboard got me going and since I don't have a wall big enough for it, I had to grab it for someone else! Very 'restoration hardware' at a fraction of the price.

I chose this space because of the brick wall, but in between the walls was a boring section of drywall.
An easy and inexpensive fix was two dropcloths ($10) sewn together, and three large clamp worklights. The dropcloths washed up so soft and drapey that I was totally amazed! I was going for an industrial sort of look, nothing fussy, so these lights did the trick and for under fifty dollars I was able to get the look I was going for!

BOHEMIAN POUF!

2010-08-24T07:10:00.002-04:00

Look what's keeping me entertained while a summer nor'easter blows through tonight. My new pouf ~ (picked that word up from my British son-in-law). Pouf!

Intense colors to brighten up an otherwise white and 'greige' room. I was in need of some depth and interest and here it is. It looks and feels like I'm well traveled...London, Paris, Marrakesh.

I've inspected each patch...

And here is my favorite. The faded teal with fancy purple stitches and gold sequins. Look at the batiking too. Oh, to have some serious yardage to drape my windows with!! Majestic~

Black accents have always been a favorite in my decor and it reminds me that it's what has been missing around here lately.

Bohemian Chic

To see more of this style, check out maisonboheme.blogspot.com

Love this!

xoRoberta

Rose Bowl 'ROSES'

2010-08-19T08:02:00.004-04:00

I'm back from a wonderful holiday, (CA and NC) to see the kiddos. My final stop on this planet just may be as far west as I am east presently and still remain in the USA, with it's perfect weather and beautiful sandy coastline! Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and Santa Monica surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the 'hills', farmer's markets and a major flea market every weekend! Heck yeah! Bethany and I scoured the Rose Bowl Flea for three hours and I was happy to bring back these pink 'ROSES' letters with the perfect patina from Kathy at Chateau et Jardin. It was so nice to meet her and to our surprise we both had pics in the same Romantic Country magazine on facing pages.

Lovely inside or outside and what a statement! Think I'll use these pics for the next mantel of the month since they don't quite fit on my mantel.

Look at this sweet apartment building that I fell in love with around the corner from my daughter. Mission style with loads of character on Driftwood Street. Yup, I could live here. Give up my beach house to be with the kids? As soon as the last one moves to the west coast! I stalked this place every chance I could get and there was one apartment available!

This place had great privacy from the street with a wall of greens with the exception of this opening....see the yards of billowy muslin with tiny lights strung on the patio and chandelier? Dreamy and so pretty at night. She had a wire going from the house to the tree to create a canopy. One of the many times I discreetly slowed down to peek, (stuck my nose in the opening) the nice lady waved. ha

On the other hand... NC has gorgeous beaches and the surf is warm! The best part? The boys of course!

Now to get everybody on the same coast....I can see it happening!

I also visited the new Pom Pom, Rachel Ashwell's new store and Vintage Weave. More on those soon...

Beach House Bathing Suit

2010-07-22T15:11:00.003-04:00

The sweet scent of lilies wafted over as I lounged on my beach chair taking a break from painting the kitchen. Naturally I walked over to take it all in and when I saw Olga's bathing suit hanging on the house to dry I smiled and went back to get my camera.

This is what it's really all about...living by the beach. She has a knack for these kinds of surprises.

Look at the stone cast leaves she made...tucked away in the garden.

and the birdhouse blending with the purple butterfly bush.

and the pretty awning I hadn't noticed until walking the beach one day and glancing back toward the cottages.

Gentle reminders to be aware and take notice of the small surprises that each day brings.

I'm grateful for having summer to do things I love...paint my little kitchen beachy white and grey...hang laundry out to dry...have lunch alfresco ~ and take a break to capture these images in my mind and through the lens!

xoR

August Jeanne d'Arc Magazine

2010-07-16T20:10:00.010-04:00

This Danish magazine is crazy good and full of inspiration!

Such a knack for simple and elegant styling! I love the idea of a mirror outside, (on my list of things to do) and of course this aged garden wall is a beautiful backdrop.

I can't say enough about it!

Pretty vintage ribbons found at the flea market ~ perfect for wrapping my magazine orders!

I am a true blue dyed-in-the-wool fan of Jeanne d'Arc ~ are you?

Summer Cottage Model Home ~ Pinehills ~ Plymouth, MA

2010-06-20T21:43:00.002-04:00

Lucky for me, my brother and his wife build a new house about every two years. Crazy for them, good for me since I get to visit fab model homes every so often. Most of the models in New England are traditionally decorated and are less than exiting but THIS one is stunning inside and out! (It's located right beside the 2010 HGTV's Green Home Giveaway)

Welcome to 15 Shutter Latch...how sweet is that?

With a beautiful wraparound porch and noteworthy light fixtures!

It was my second visit and this time I came back with a camera.

I wish I could have captured the feeling upon walking into the house. Talk about atmosphere! The designer is Lisa Weekes from Brook House Design on Cape Cod and I loved everything about this place. She used Farrow & Ball's Elephant's Breath in the living room and let's just say that I left here planning to come directly home to RE-paint my white walls! I've been seeing this color referred to a lot lately and now I know what the fuss is all about. It feels like beach stone mixed with driftwood mixed with a dash of sea heather for good measure. Can you feel it now?

Check out the whitewashed wood ceiling. I've never been a big fan of beams and recessed lighting but they sure look good here! I am now and wouldn't change a thing.
All of the soft furnishings in this room have a touch of lavender in them and she used some great vintage pieces. See the bench with the white orchids on it? Yeah, that could have come home with me. I've always preferred this kind of front door too. Just enough glass. Not too much or too little.

Here's a closeup of the driftwood lamp in the living room and a chandelier in the stairway.

(as much as I love driftwood, these are a little too busy for me...)

Here's the study with Coco Malt on the walls. Great mercury lamp with burlap shade. What contrast! (Leave it to Pottery Barn)

The open floor plan was perfect in every way with the kitchen across from the dining area! Very casual and inviting.

(Many of the other models had a separate dining room and an eat in kitchen. I prefer it open.)

There are three mercury hobnail pendants over the island which I adore and the subway tiles are cream with a shimmery border for interest. Are these counters marble? They are more restful on the eyes than granite.

Oh, and there's a pantry in an alcove with open shelving! hello..was this placed designed just for me??

The copper grasscloth wallpaper shimmered in this small powder room! Divine. I like the rustic mirror and wider boards used below it for a change from beadboard too.

I didn't get a good picture of the master suite since there were people mulling around but did manage a quick shot of the very cool tiles in the shower. Like tiny shimmering mermaid scales! I liked this shower because it wasn't totally surrounded by glass. Though that look is impressive, call me prudish but I feel too exposed in those type of showers. This one is just right!

Are you ready for a quick glance upstairs now? A restful sunny loft to sit with the latest copies of House Beautiful and Jeanne d'Arc Living while the kiddos are doing their homework!

BM Sanctuary and Collingwood on these walls

And Revere Pewter on the walls in this sweet guest bedroom

From the layout to the decor, I love the way this designer used color, contrast and texture to create my perfect dream house!

Thanks Jeff for sharing part of your Father's Day doing something that you know I love to do!

xoRoberta

Happy Father's Day Son

2010-06-20T07:54:00.001-04:00

Favorite pics of my boys. So proud of you Jacob! You have a beautiful family.

PB White Linen Duvet on Sale!

2010-06-11T12:54:00.042-04:00

Hi Girls! I love my Pure White Linen Duvet cover (from Pottery Barn) soooo much that I have to let you all know that it's on SALE! Remember the post I did here about my newly painted bedroom?

Pure and Simple; Comfy and Casual; Linen and White; A combo that cannot be beat! A great base on which to build a beautiful bed. Lovely heirloom pillowcases and a vintage coverlet at the foot of the bed would make a wonderful addition to this beauty.

(When I love something this much I like to have a backup...now would be a good time to order another)

I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of pure white linen!

Happy Summer Breezes,
Roberta

My favorite cafe au lait bowls for every day use

2010-05-31T20:11:00.009-04:00

Ahhh, what's not to love about 'the' perfect cafe au lait bowl filled with fresh fruit on a beautiful holiday morning...

My good friend Carol found these French Pillivuyt bowls on Amazon here if you'd like some for yourself.

She was kind enough to gift these to me and I use them everyday to serve my fruit or oatmeal and sometime ice cream! I've even once or twice sipped my morning latte from these feeling very European!

They are pracital, pretty and look wonderful stacked up with my treasured vintage ones!

Do you have a collection of cafe au lait bowls? Please let us know, we'd love to see them!

An Inspiring Danforth Anchor

2010-05-14T21:09:00.021-04:00

We're coming upon my favorite time of year and I'm getting ready. Went to the co-op this week and picked up this old Danforth anchor. I love it! The patina and shape caught my attention weeks ago and I had my fingers crossed that it would still be there. Sure enough, in the same spot! There's something about the old heavy chain...wonderful for a beach cottage mantel eh?

Now all I need is an old wooden boat to row around the bay in. Of course I'll bring my trusty anchor to hold me steady as I enjoy a cool drink and lazily soak up some rays.

I know where there's a little white boat that's perfect.... but.....it's filled with roses!

Carol's Rose Filled Dinghy

Have you ever? Down by the seaside, anything goes!

2010-05-12T21:31:00.002-04:00

Preorder your May issue of Jeanne d'Arc magazine here

A New Fave Beachy Find and an Old Fave Blog Giveaway

2010-04-29T12:47:00.118-04:00

Beach House Living

Okay, so every once in a while you stumble upon a really cool find.

One worthy of a SHOUT! Rita's vintage beachy spoons and French inspired ribbon on Etsy are right up my alley. I already have a special order in for one of her seahorse spoons.

Surf over to Beach House Living and tell her I sent you!

AND, one of my very favorite bloggers, Julie from Being Ruby, is having a fabulous giveaway! What I wouldn't do to win one of her beautiful photos! She creates magic with two of her favorite subjects, the moon and Italy and what a combo it is! When you see her pics you'll understand why she booked a tiny attic room to have roof access! I love her work and she's a sweetie!

(contest ended 5/7)

bumblebees and ice cream kisses ~

2010-04-26T22:31:00.009-04:00

a bumblebee ~

look Bella!

a brand new baby brother to love ~

itty bitty little feet..

a father's bundle of joy

a savored ice cream cone ~

sweet ice cream kisses ~

dodging raindrops and looking for puddles ~

dashing toddler!

My Papa is leaving to work on the tugboat soon...

a quiet sunny morning ~ just waiting for a boat to pass by

and a Bella's delight

Just couldn't pass up the opportunity to show you the precious boys in my life ~ my beautiful daughter-in-law was busy nursing the little one and cooking up wonderful dinners while I snapped away. The three of us did manage to get caught up on laundry and do a bathroom makeover though! Thanks Sarah ~ you are the best Mom to my baby boys!

All my Love, xoBella

Jeanne d'Arc Lilacs and Rhubarb!

2010-04-18T07:28:00.001-04:00

another lovely issue available now

vintage infant

2010-04-16T21:33:00.002-04:00

I'm off to see the baby grandboys!

French Lavender Gray Walls...check

2010-04-11T15:21:00.013-04:00

A glimpse into my newly painted bedroom. In search for the perfect French lavender/gray, I found a lovely color for my east facing bedroom. After four tries Martha Stewart's 'Phlox' is the winner. Gotta love her colors and I'm a lovin' this one! Fresh, soothing and crisp with all white linens and trim.
The bolster was found at Ikea for a song along with the beautiful Orchid! As for the vintage crystal light fixture, she has been patiently awaiting her debut in the attic for a while now.

Look at the teeny bottle with coral I bartered with Jackie for at Bliss Farm Antiques. She is having a fab giveaway on her blog so hurry over there! Still working on artwork in here. Although I love my mirrors, I think this room could stand a fabulous pic of the Eiffel tower to aide me in my dreams to this faraway romantic land. The dresser and armoir need painting so I'll show you that later. Actually, I 'should' be painting right now but needed a break. It'll have to wait until I come back from seeing my boys next week.

My favorite pillowcases are made from vintage sheets and monogrammed. If you are interested in a set, let me know.

Ahh, the gorgeous cloudy purple bottles ~ picked up in NH on the way up to Red Chair Antiques in Petersboro! Pay Josie a visit too. You'll recognize her from recent articles in Country Living and Romantic Homes. Her place loaded with grain sacks, ironstone and monogrammed sheets, is worth the three hour drive.

Beachy Bedroom at it's Best ~

You've seen this curtain that I made from a vintage French sheet. Easy as pie. Just flipped the decorative edge over and stitched a tunnel. It's been hanging in here for years and don't think I'll be changing it any time soon even though it's a little threadbare and has some tiny holes in it. I love to wake up naturally to the sun rising!

And lastly, the linen duvet cover...new at Pottery Barn and I couldn't love it more. I've been wanting one for a while now but I do have my limitations! This one is well worth it. The weight, workmanship, size and comfy casualness that only comes with linen. Pure and simple. As soon as it arrived, I washed it on gentle cycle, dried it and dressed the bed! The very pretty voile bedskirt is from PB as well.

Sweet Dreams of Joy ~

Thanks for stopping by ~ xo Roberta

Easter Blessings

2010-04-03T17:24:00.001-04:00

April Mantel

Doing lots of organizing this weekend but taking a moment to relish in the Joy of Easter!

Vintage Wire Dish Rack on the Mantel?

2010-03-19T22:33:00.001-04:00

Why not? It's the Mantel of the Month.

New Little Prince and some Olde Market Finds!

2010-03-14T20:50:00.008-04:00

Sweeter than pie and I can't wait to snuggle with my new Little Prince!

Here's two year old brother 'the tattoed chef' mixing up a batch of something good..

I'll be seeing my little guys in April but meanwhile...the markets are calling.

How could I even pass this one up? A large cuppa Grandma...

....with Coffee on the other side. Either way, can't go wrong!

Lately I've been clearing up the clutter and adding to my ironstone (old & new) collection.

I just love the way it looks so crisp and clean and most of it has been pretty inexpensive. The stack of bowls upper right are some of my favorites and found at ssshhhh (walmart) of all places. Just last week I spotted the olde ironstone bowl (on the top shelf) in an antique booth. It has some cracks but doesn't matter, I love the size and shape. The two pitchers and rectangle plates were a steal at a summer yard sale and are the real deal! A score and thus began the ironstone addiction! I picked up the cafe au lait bowl today for a few dollars. It doesn't appear to be old and it's a little misshapen but none of that matters! It is beautiful in my eyes! The remainder of the collection is new from Macy's or HomeGoods. Good deals are still out there and it helps me to know exactly what I'm looking for yet always leaving room for a wonderful suprise, like this wire dish strainer! It tugged at my heart strings...

I think it looks great with vintage monogrammed silverware, linen napkins and 50 cent plates!

What are you lovin that you've found recently?

Hope you all have a happy week! xo Roberta

The Beach House Makeover at the Cove

2010-02-25T06:26:00.008-05:00

Well, as I promised in my last post, this is the beachhouse makeover from last spring. If it looks familiar, it's because I had previously posted about it on typepad. When I switched over to blogger, there wasn't an option (that I could find) to save it so that post is gone forever.

In these three pics you can see how we tried different placement with pillows and a throw.

When all was said and done, I liked the symmetry of the two striped pillows on the sofa and the throw on the chair. The house remained staged for a few months until it sold. Not too bad in this economy. Funny, everybody wanted the fabulous round table!

Overall, the project took about six weeks to clean out, paint, repair, and stage with a three person crew at all times. At one point we worked around the clawfoot tub as it sat in the middle of the floor.

Amazing transformation!

By the time the wood floors were refinished we could finally see the light!

The key to this successful project was one really good handman who performed just about every duty while we painted away. He was originally hired as a painter but as the project got underway, that was the least of our worries and we did all the painting. All interior doors and hardware were replaced as well. The most important change was reversing the direction of the bathroom door. It now opens out.

Dan, we love you and can't wait to work with you again!

(Wish I had a pic of him, he was so cute and patient with me!)

We placed a mirrored window in the odd cubby in the bedroom which really worked out well.

As rocky as this cove is at low tide, it was a pleasure to work by the sea! All this little beachhouse needed was some tender loving care and a breath of fresh air!

Waterside Wednesday features ME!

2010-02-24T12:41:00.003-05:00

(I will tell all about this makeover in my next post...)

TOOT TOOT!! Check out Barbara's Waterside Wednesday post! Thanks Barbara!! It was a blast!

From a fan of Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine ~

2010-02-22T20:02:00.011-05:00

This email was sent to me from a sweet fan of Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine.

"I received the latest Jeanne d'Arc Living issue today, earlier than expected ... what a beautiful surprise! And all wrapped up in a pretty ribbon, yet. So I've spent the past several hours waiting for just the right time to savor it (for the first time, that is), and am about to do that now with a cup of tea, as a wonderful rain is falling outside. How I love this magazine...
Hope all's well with you. Just give a "heads up" when you're ready for prepayment for the next issue!"

Infinite blessings,
Juli

This collage is for you Juli! Thanks for expressing it so well for all of us!
xo Roberta

PORCH Magazine ~ The Romantic French Issue

2010-02-20T10:20:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love, love, love this? I know I do!

You'll want to see more in this Romantic French issue of PORCH available now.

Italian Kisses

2010-02-14T09:27:00.001-05:00

I'm sending you a kiss...Ti mando un bacio

Happy Valentine's Day Dear Friends!
xxx Roberta

Announcing Jeanne d'Arc and Porch Magazines

2010-02-06T15:38:00.006-05:00

So looking forward to the next issue which is due soon. I'm sure it'll be a breath of fresh air with lots of inspiration for tidying up and decorating for spring. You can order this wonderful Danish magazine w/ a French twist here.

For now, I'm creating my own sweet vignettes to hurry spring along.

And, announcing 'Porch' Magazine with Carol's Vintage French Chandelier and more of her fab home! You won't want to miss it.

stay tuned to find out how, when and where you can get your copy of this fab publication...

Carol's Kitchen ~ Sunny Side Up!

2010-01-29T21:28:00.012-05:00

It may be minus 8 degrees outside but it's toasty and sunny in Carol's kitchen! She emailed and asked if I'd like to go by, adding that something was soon coming out of the oven. Well, when it comes to an invitation to savor something wonderful baked with love from her country French kitchen, she doesn't have to ask twice...I'm there, no matter what the temp outside is.

She brewed a pot of her delicious 'Mariage Fereres' French tea and served it in a generous ironstone mug along with a 'Sunny Side Up' ~ made from scratch puff pastry with poached apricots, pastry cream (yum) and a delicious glaze; a Julia Child recipe. So pretty, so tasty!

There were three more on this 'cool' vintage cooling rack but let's just say that the three of us really enjoyed our mid-day 'tea'. (her hubby joined us)

And..if that wasn't enough...she sent me on my merry way with a beautifully wrapped box (yes girlies, those are her initials) with strict instructions that "they must be eaten before the day is done" and a warning that "they will not be good tomorrow!"

As French music played I felt as though I was whisked away to a little bistro in Paris!

Delicieux!

"I hope you ate yours tonight too Carol!"

Thanks a bunch Dearie!

the attic

2010-01-24T13:01:00.002-05:00

heading up to the attic for some fresh bounty

I had to smile when I found this pic since this is what I do at least once a week!

Exactly what my attic steps look like in the beach cottage. However, you won't find me going up there in a white frock.

image souce: evalindh.se

atmosphere and vibe

2010-01-22T16:51:00.013-05:00

atmosphere...vibe....it's all about it, no? look at these pics, can you feel it?
oh, if I could only get this in my decor. the soul of decorating. the vibe. it's like magic...the balance of color, age, texture, lighting...

sometimes it's as simple as a rumpled slipcover with lots of pillows

sometimes it's raw and textured ~ combined with over the top luxe ~ grounded with

smooth utilitarian and peppered with a speck of color.

just enough to make your heart sing

sometimes it's gray and white, no fuss, only muss.

sometimes chalky, moody, organic...

sometimes a story...

and sometimes weepy...

There are so many moods that we can translate through our styling..stay tuned for more.

images #1 ?shabby chic #2 house beautiful #3 mikkel vang #4 voor haven #5? #6 sibella court

White outside, white inside...

2010-01-16T23:40:00.054-05:00

C'mon in and see what's going on since the walls have been painted white.

There were white slipcovers on the Ikea loveseats, but when I discovered these on sale for 20 dollars, Carol and I flew to Ikea and literally ran through the store to get the last two before they were gone forever! I called every other day for two weeks and it was worth it. They're soft and comfy with white roses on a tan background and subtle enough to go with everything. Love these for winter and I'll switch back to white for summer.

As much as I ADORE the Scandinavian all white homes such as Annette's, my place beckons for a blast of color in winter and this vintage pillow was happy to oblige. There is a magenta orchid on the t.v. which doesn't show in this pic. Window candles are welcoming and charming all winter long.

The tree is still in place, sans Christmas decor, and I'm loving that too! The tall vintage window with frosted and etched panes was a happy find for 10 dollars at a church thrift shop. A little scrubbing and it provides perfect height in the corner.

This is the living room before the walls were painted, new curtains and slipcovers added. Sand dune. See the pinkish tone? Oh, and I've replaced the mirror with Ruth Orkin's 'American Girl in Italy' which doesn't show up in the bottom pic because of the glare.

Favorite mercury lamp with etching was the third try before I found the best one for this corner. The painted round wicker table has a pretty sheer netted cover which graces the floor for a touch of softness, while still allowing the texture and beauty of the table to show.

Here's a close up of the 'London Stripe' curtains, which are perfect for the casual beach cottage look that I was going for. Nubby linen and pale stripes ceiling to floor disguise the small cottage windows.

Now I'm searching for a vintage French clock (bigger) to replace the one here or a Mora clock for the corner where the tree is. I'm open for suggestions...

Well, it's always a work in progress and that's the fun of it. Thanks for visiting.

It was so nice having you!

xo Roberta xo

candle of hope

2010-01-16T21:54:00.008-05:00

for the orphaned in haiti...

(read more in my daughter's blog, Positively Orphaned)

update 1/19; 53 orphans were rescued and brought to the USA.

A Most Wonderful Day!

2010-01-03T20:23:00.013-05:00

I've just spent the entire last day of my vacation,
decorating the 'January' mantel...
blogging...
editing pics...
and listening to a mixed bag of tunes....
Oh joy, a full day in comfy clothes with not a thought of going out into the windy, snowy outdoors! A perfectly happy day in my world. Hope you've had your favorite kind of day!
xo Roberta

(click on the pic to be taken to the mantel)

Timely Dreams

2009-12-29T19:42:00.036-05:00

Where will your dreams take you in this brand New Year?

Will you stay close to home or venture to a new land and culture?

Tell me...will you be searching for something special or wait for it to find you?

I prefer to be surprised...

Get ready for the time of your life!

It's never too late...

Dream big for 2010! May all your wishes for health, happiness and pleasant journeys come true for you and your loved ones!

Godspeed,

Roberta

Christmas Tidings

2009-12-20T17:52:00.028-05:00

Didn't feel like a whole lot of decorating this year since I'm leaving on Christmas eve morn to see the grandboy and kids, but how could I resist a handmade stocking...

Peace on earth...

And a backyard tree unearthed for a very special occasion...

Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men~

Holiday Mantel ~ All is Calm, All is Bright

2009-12-05T00:13:00.010-05:00

Read about my holiday mantel here

Saintly Decor

2009-11-04T07:33:00.003-05:00

Click on the pic to be taken to 'Saintly Decor'.

small pleasures

2009-10-27T06:40:00.011-04:00

found this little treasure for 50 cents at the flea this weekend. oh joy! a perfect onion basket.

and this little gem float in Bethany's lot up in the attic. what a shame to have it hidden away and exactly what I've been looking for.

look at this candle holder with lace between the glass on all four sides. another flea market treasure that I couldn't resist and when I picked it up to clean it, I found a Pottery Barn sticker on the bottom. it has the look of something I'd covet in one of the Jeanne d'Arc magazines!
be still my heart...

Sorry girls....I've been out of commission getting adjusted to a new job and dealing with the stress level of being out there in the real world. Nothing about it is fun for me. I truly miss the friendships and peaceful dealings with the women from the days of Enchanted Treasures. I usually keep these things to myself but I think about Rachel Ashwell and how she opened up her broken heart from a failed business and everything that goes along with it. Surely, the comparison is on a much smaller scale but the feelings are still there. The lack of time for creativity, rushing around...not my style for sure but I hope to pop in now and then!

feeling better already...thanks for listening.

Mimosa and Waterside Wednesday

2009-09-23T18:46:00.013-04:00

7 pm and it's been bugging me all day that I didn't get a chance to post earlier for
Waterside Wednesday. So here goes. It's dark already and I have my Tatine 'woodsmoke' candle lit. I actually got a first 'whiff' of woodsmoke while out on a walk earlier. It's not really cool enough for an indoor fire yet but somebody couldn't wait! Anyhow, I picked up this book for a buck at a thrift shop because I loved the title 'London' and the spark of color. (just this once) A nice place to rest some coral.
Pantone picked 'Mimosa' for their color for 2009! Peel back the jackets and check the bindings for some great and inexpensive decorating tools!

I think I mentioned that I was painting the walls white. Well, this is where everything ended up while I painted the living room. Lots of shells and white candles waiting to be re-vignetted! (?)

I love the soft natural shades and shapes of shells. This is what calms me.

Here's the little pink rose plate from Vintage Lizzie on the Cape. Looks like I've been adding some bits of other little treasures in there too. I see rhinestone pins and some blue beads from a bobeche that I cannot part with.

This simple stack of bleached white shells says it all for me. Be sure to stop by and visit the kindred spirits over at Barbara's Waterside Wednesday! That's where I'm headed now!

For the love of PeeGee Hydrangeas

2009-09-19T21:43:00.038-04:00

This is a dresser in Carol's dining room that has a stunning display of PeeGees, blue eggs and conch shells from a local beach under a cloche! (I'll be beachcombing there after the next storm) Her collection of ironstone and vintage lighting is well, okay.... to die for.

Carol bought this vintage chandelier in pieces (yes, hundreds) and restored it. Very early one morning she awoke to a vision of it embellished with stunning cone shaped PeeGees! It's wildly beautiful! Breathtaking!!!

I have to tell you. We had been planning it for weeks; waiting for the perfect time to don our dark clothing on a rainy night and go sleuthing around the neighborhood pruning bushes for unknowing homeowners. It was for their own good! And how else would we manage to obtain the necessary goods for the perfect autumn decor accessory? We would have had to plant a tree 10 years ago when we first moved in to our neighborhoods to have what we needed now! I wish I'd known then. I vow to plant one this autumn. Mom had a beauty that 'brother dear' dug up and burned in the spring!!!! arrgg! I was so mad/sad to see it gone.

The one bush that we had been eyeing for a while was an 'oakleaf peegee hydrangea' with bigger heads, leaves and blossoms! Fortunately for us, these grow wonderfully in the northeast with cold winters and hot summers.

It was such a (guilty) pleasure placing stems with heavy blooms here and there, and filling pitchers. The house came to life. Just the perfect colors too!

some in the Ikea pitcher on the quilt chest....

some on the mantel in the large ironstone pitcher...

a few in another ironstone pitcher on the china closet, saving the biggest and prettiest one for my new favorite wicker jug.

I hope we've inspired you to plant a 'peegee' of your very own for spectacular blooms in the future!

Beach Bum Baby on Waterside Wednesday

2009-09-15T22:47:00.018-04:00

Good 'sand'wich!

Where's my surfboard?

me & my shadow ~

hmm.. I see some 'Babes'

C'mon! What are you waiting for?

Whoa! It's deep over here.

Have a great Waterside Wednesday Girls! xo BBB

Jeanne d'Arc Living in English!

2009-09-11T18:56:00.019-04:00

Have you seen this magazine yet? No, I mean really immersed yourself in this oversized, 160+ page, much more than a magazine, devoid of advertisements, (except for two or three pages in the back and even these are gorgeous ads) book? They call it a 'magasinet', but it's a real keeper. Not the kind that you tear a page out and get rid of. It's one that you'll display for its sheer beauty. Not a book that has a couple or at best 'few' pics kind of book that you stack with the others. No. These deserve a very special place to be enjoyed for inspiration time and time again.

I'm not merely trying to sell a magazine here girls, but rather turn you on to something new that I look forward to receiving every other month. I run to greet the UPS guy for this box. Okay, so he's kinda cute, but besides that.

This I savor in peace and quiet. It's an indulgence!

The sheer simplicity of how the Scandi girls decorate their homes and embellish their gardens is beyond words. Heck, the translation to English is the buttercreme frosting! Well, it's just beyond words...you'll have to see for yourself.

The newest is the 5th edition. They will arrive at the end of September. I have a few of the 4th edition available now. Does anyone have the 1st edition that you know of? I'd love to have it!

xo Roberta

Carol's Lovely Seaside Entry

2009-09-08T21:19:00.033-04:00

Carol has invited us in for a treat and to see her front entry, but I want you to see her birdhouse first. Let's go around to the back and peek into her three season porch... Being the perfect hostess that she is, she's all ready for us. Looks like a scrumptious summertime brunch girls!

Here it is. This seashell birdhouse is a real beauty and labor of love. A wraparound deck on both levels for these lucky birds too! Willy doesn't know we're here yet so let's go to the front door. He's a French Poodle who loves the ladies and will shower us with kisses!

A rose boat sitting in the front yard. Charming! I've shown it to you here flourishing at it's peak.

One step into Carol's house and you will be mesmerized. She has beautiful vintage French chandeliers and sconces everywhere! Look how she placed two different sconces on each side of this fab mirror!

I don't know if I'd be smiling with this much woolen attire on at the beach but the scarfed updo's are fun!

This is where the magic is. She searched a while before she found the perfect 'ghost' mirror and then applied a 'secret' gray wash to the frame.

Dreamy...ethereal...the mirror is the real star here. The stage for the performing shells and candlelight.

Doesn't this starfish look like it's dancing? ha!

And, working our way to the table we pass a cloche' piled high with bleached conch shells.

As always Carol, it was delightful, delicious and a pleasure! Thanks so much for having us.

Blogged for Barbara's Waterside Wednesday

Walk with me along the path...

2009-09-01T19:13:00.050-04:00

Let's go this way for a change...John's boardwalk/putting range toward the shore.

Look over to your left and see the beautiful marsh behind the beach cottage.

I awoke early one morning after a stormy night and this little white boat was floating here. At first I thought it was my imagination! I think John claimed it as his own as it's been resting here ever since.

Let's climb over these rocks to the clearing.

Keep your eyes open for shells..darn, I forgot the bags. One for trash, one for treasures. This conch shell is a little battered but I'll claim it for my collection.

There's a patch of pebbly sand just ahead where I sit and daydream sometimes.

Aha, something else for my wishlist. Two weathered Adirondack chairs! Let's see, an outdoor shower, picket fence and two of these chairs. That should do it for now....

Thank goodness for pockets even though these don't hold much!

At home I spread out my treasures. hmm, a rare peice of driftwood and a very pretty shell with wavy edges in the perfect color. I've never seen one of these before...perhaps it has travelled far.

Blogged for Barbara's Waterside Wednesday. I hope you have enjoyed one of the last walks of summer. For now, I'm back to whitewashing the cottage walls. Stay tuned...

Pick a Mantel....any mantel

2009-09-01T10:41:00.009-04:00

I've been creating a 'Mantel of the Month' on my website for about five years now. This monthly feature encourages me to change my mantel out every month that's for sure... (whether I'm ready or not)! This morning, this new month, I was really ready. You see, I've been painting the living and dining rooms at the cottage 'Simply White' (more on that coming soon) and I'm finally at the decorating stage! So, I have a question for you all....a survey if you please...
Do you like Mantel #1. Pure & Simple or Mantel #2 with a Little More Fluff?
I'd love to hear your thoughts...
To see more mantels and the decor changes over the years check out Mantels and scroll down to the archives.

Happy September Mantel Decorating!

Signs of Love from Mother Nature

2009-08-28T23:33:00.006-04:00

Sometimes we needn't look far for signs of love from Mother Nature... A perfectly beautiful seaweed heart washed upon a heart rock!
Happy Weekend Blogging Friends,
xo Roberta

Waterside Wednesday and a Conch Fence

2009-08-26T09:06:00.030-04:00

This makes me smile...

You've gotta love this conch fence! It's delightful! I've been meaning to take pics of this place for a while now so I'm glad that it's Wednesday! I drove down to the very end of the island early this morning and out at the tip of Wilbur's Point sits this charming cottage with a pretty seaside garden, a 'conch fence' and a stunning view! What's not to love?

This appears to be a studio....I would love a peek in here. It's so peaceful and beautiful here with warm sunshiney breezes, old sea dogs roaming and an occasional seagull calling.

At one time conch shells were plentiful...not so much anymore even though there's a tiny island called 'Conch Island' just off of 'my' beach. They are just fragments now, just as beautiful though.

I can't think of a better way to use sun bleached seashells such as these. I must add a picket fence to my wish list...

Can you see the beautifully adorned statue among the flowers? She appears to have a necklace on! Another tresor found... I would love to meet the creative caretaker of this property and snoop around...

Thank you Barbara for hosting Waterside Wednesday. If you are not yet participating, jump on board where it's fun in the sun, surf and sand!