Content in a Cottage

Monday, March 18, 2013

Irish Wolfhound Doorstop Displayed

I have more doorstops than I have doors. This one is very heavy and I never got around to putting felt on the bottom so I display it up high where I can enjoy it at eye level. It's on top of an old lingerie chest with clean lines that is covered in sheet music that I got years ago at a tag sale. I love the way this painted dog looks with the lamplight shining on it.

Waiting for Spring

It won't be long now before the roses are climbing up the trellis of this lovely shingle-style home on Martha's Vineyard. The front door is open so let's go inside. via

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Irish Wolfhound Doorstop

This wonderful doorstop is in my collection. Photographed on St. Patrick's Day on one of my antique chairs. Today is the day for all things Irish. My iPhone photo.

Another Irish Blessing for Today

via

An Irish Blessing for St. Patrick's Day

My wish for you on St. Patrick's Day

Green Tea Latte for St. Paddy's Day

Matcha green tea and milk, lightly sweetened, served over ice. A mint sprig is a nice touch to carry out the green theme. Doesn't this look refreshing? Matcha is a finely ground, powdered, high quality green tea. A little goes a long way too, since it's very concentrated. This would be good to serve today if you live in a hot place. It's hard for me to realize everyone isn't having cold weather. via

Today's the Day for a Shamrock Float

McDonald’s® Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe

3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
(I would use Breyers)
1-3/4 cups milk (or soy milk)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring if desired

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth.

2. Pour into tall glasses, top with whipped cream and green sprinkles. I prefer iced tea spoons over straws with drinks like this or you could use both. Happy St. Paddy's Day! via

Dog on a Bed of Shamrocks

I scanned the dog from my antiquarian book on Royal Crests. After inserting the Irish proverb and putting it on a bed of shamrocks it became perfect for St. Patrick's Day. via

St. Patrick's Day Flower

Bells of Ireland.

The Perfect Flower for St. Patrick's Day.

via

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Goodnight (from Finland)

Finland must be the perfect place to really enjoy winter. This beautiful night on a lake was photographed by Mikko Lagerstedt.

Stealing Webster's Bed

This bed is mine now, says Piggy. Webster doesn't even care. This sheepskin is near a radiator and under a window so it's a perfect guest bed.

Unique Kitchen in An Old Southern House

The hub of the house is also its dressiest room. Over the FiveStar stove is a silver-leaf Napoleon III mirror. The chandelier was fashioned from a pair of antique bronze sconces

The owners wanted the kitchen to have the feel of a traditional dining room — which it was, before the renovation. The sink resembles a buffet; the nine-foot-long oval island, a dining table.

The kitchen's light-filled bay window opens onto a patio and garden. More Photos: House Beautiful

Weekend Retreat

Wouldn't you love to wake up here? This Mayne Island retreat in British Columbia was designed by Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants. via

Friday, March 15, 2013

Goodnight from Piggy

Piggy is fast asleep in his crate and I can hear him snoring across the room. He's exhausted, having been on three long walks since I picked him up after lunch. Webster is happy to see his little friend. Tabitha tolerates him and he ignores her and that's just perfect. His humans are on spring break. See you tomorrow.

Have a Great Weekend

Be sure to take your dog along if you plan on doing anything really exciting. via

Amazing Cottage Transformation

Before

After

All I can say is WOW! See more photos here.

Overslept this Morning

I know exactly how Maddie the Coonhound feels. I got up at my her regular time to let the cat out and went back to bed. It was almost 9 o'clock when I got up again. I'm still adjusting to "fast" time.