I can remember making kitchen curtains trimmed with ball fringe long ago. There was a house for sale near me last year that had crisp white ones like these in every window and they were so beautiful inside and especially from the street view. I still think they are charming, don't you? Will you stay up tonight to ring in the New Year? I will try but I'm usually not successful. Photo found here. Here is the link to order ready-made white ball fringe curtains from the Vermont Country Store. Thanks, Pam for mentioning this source in the comments.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Dream Cottage
The forever timeless center-chimney cottage of everyone's dreams. Not too big, not too small, just right. Image found on Tumblr.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Thursday, December 26, 2019
British Royal Christmas Card released Christmas Day
Happy holidays from the Cambridges!
On Christmas Day, Kensington Palace released a new photograph of the Cambridge family. Taken presumably on the grounds of their country estate, Anmer Hall — it shows Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all bundled up in coats and sweaters. A hat-clad Prince William kisses his youngest child on the cheek as Charlotte grabs her brother’s shoulder. The scene was shot in black and white — and by the Duchess of Cambridge, who frequently takes official photographs of her family and children.
“Merry Christmas to all our followers!” Kensington Palace wrote on Twitter. “This photograph of The Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis was taken by The Duchess of Cambridge in Norfolk earlier this year." Text and photo from Vogue Magazine. Read more.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Christmas Decor by Mother Nature
These holly leaves dusted and outlined with frost plus the blurred red berries in the background make a beautiful living Christmas card on this Christmas Eve morning. via
Monday, December 23, 2019
Flying Staircase at Shirley Plantation
The flying staircase at Shirley Plantation, Charles City County, Virginia. Shirley is one of Virginia's oldest plantations, founded in 1613, and construction of the current house began in 1723. Eleven generations of one family have lived in the mansion, and descendants still operate it as a farm. via
I never cease to be amazed at beautiful architecture created without the aid of power tools.
I never cease to be amazed at beautiful architecture created without the aid of power tools.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Bird Humor
This mother bird is not amused but just look at her little one's expression. This photo is priceless. via
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Icy Morning at My Cottage
It looks like another winter wonderland outside my windows this morning. Everything is encased in a layer of ice and a freezing rain is falling. Not at all good for my office Christmas Party tonight! Will update you later. This is a photo of my balcony railing at 8:45 am. xo
Monday, December 16, 2019
Open Shelves, Framed Botanicals, White Ironstone
This collection of ironstone and glass would not be very interesting were it not for the framed botanical prints in the background. I love the shape of the shelf supports and the wonderfully arranged collections. via Click photo to enlarge.
Sunday, December 15, 2019
#BringBirds Back - 7 Simple Actions
Doing even one of these things would be a wonderful Christmas present for the birds. Read more here.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Christmas Eve for Three Lucky Girls
Isn't this the sweetest bedroom for three little girls to share? The rustic beds with the flannel sheets and woolen blankets must be so cozy. I love the windows over the beds too with deep sills. Waking up on Christmas morning with filled stockings at the foot of your bed must be the happiest childhood memories ever for these girls. via
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Nut Pie Crusts - Who Knew?
I read an interesting article about last minute pies at Food and Wine magazine online.
I have never heard of these nut crusts that are shelf stable, have you? I always use frozen pie crusts but my freezer is jam packed right now and can't hold one more item. These prepared nut crusts might be the answer to my problem. I must look for them the next time I go food shopping. Both photos by Sarah Crowder.
Monday, December 9, 2019
Small Garden w/ Greenhouse + Washing Maching Update
This small but mighty garden is so special. There is something to oooh and ahhh over everywhere you rest your eyes. I cannot believe there is even a sizable greenhouse behind the dahlias. A tall wooden privacy fence, assorted picket fences, pea gravel paths, raised beds herbs, flowers, lawn brick patio, etc. Too many amenities to list! Swoon. Found here.
Washing Machine Update: I washed two woolen sweaters by hand in the kitchen sink this morning. It was quick work and I folded them somewhat and took them downstairs to my laundry room and put them soaking wet in my new Maytag washer. I set the dial to "drain and spin" and walked away. I was very pleased at how nearly dry they were. I always take my window screens out for the winter because they block so much light. I put a screen atop each of two wooden drying racks in my furnace room and put a terry towel atop each one. I took a while to arrange them and reblock them somewhat and to pat and shake out the wrinkles. I went back downstairs after a couple of hours and they had already begun to dry. I shook each one and turned them over. I was afraid to use the handwash cycle but am quite pleased with hand washing them myself. If you try this make sure you have two or more items for balance in the spin cycle rather than just one.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Nature's Christmas
How darling! via
Anne Anderson, “The Busy Bunny Book” illustration, 1916 (by Anne Anderson and Alan Wright)
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Happy Christmas by Beatrix Potter
A Happy Christmas to You
The greeting is very faint and Beatrix Potter signed this rare watercolor with her initials only HBP circa 1890. This rabbit family is getting ready to enjoy their Christmas Pudding! See the full-size image and read the provenance ©Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Radiator Tray for Brass Candlestick Collection
Notice the unintended self portrait reflected in the watercolor above the tray. I picked up this old tin tray in the garage at a nearby estate sale about a month ago. I intended to use it under potted plants being overwintered indoors but it turned out to be a perfect fit atop a living room radiator. So now it is the perfect container for brass candlesticks that were scattered here and there. The heat won't harm them either. I am so pleased with my $2.00 purchase! Smile.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Monday, December 2, 2019
Weeds in First Snow
Everything looks better with snow on top, even a field of weeds.
I have been clearing my field of weeds by hand and it has been easier than I thought. The first two days, I just used my hand clippers and it was slow going. The third day I employed my electric hedge clippers and it was brilliant as the Brits say. I went over what I had cleared with my mulching lawn mower too. I am determined to whack them all down if it takes all winter and it probably will. Unfortunately the first snow of the season has called this project to a screeching halt.
Now the weeds are bent over instead of standing tall. I will have to wait until everything melts before I can go back with an electric device but I can still do hand work. It looks like a real winter wonderland and the flakes won't be stopping until after midnight. My heart goes out to all the travelers trying to get home after the Thanksgiving holiday. My problem will wait until next week with temps in the 50s and rain. Be safe. Wishing you all snugness in your own homes. xo
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Hello, December
Last December I published a red copy of December page from The Procession of the Months by Walter Crane. It seems like yesterday. I worked outside chopping down tall weeds with my electric hedge trimmers and cleared quite a lot of lawn. It felt good to be outside. This was my third day in a row doing such. Today it's much colder and there is a freezing rain that could turn to snow later. I unearthed my snow shovels yesterday too. Enjoy what's left of the first day of December 2019. xo
Saturday, November 30, 2019
BBC: Celebration Chocolate Cake recipe
This recipe is by Mary Berry from The Great British Baking Show. It looks easy and delicious. It is even recommended to bake with and for children. I am not sure how to convert the flour to cups but you'll figure it out. I am a huge fan of cream cheese icing! recipe here
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Good Things come in Threes
I got this candy cane needlepoint pillow about a month ago in a charity shop and I love it. I put in a new feather stuffing insert salvaged from an old pillow I no longer liked. Isn't it lovely?
I could not believe my luck when I came upon this antique beauty shortly after the candy cane. This pictorial needlepoint with the reclining goat as the central theme was purchased at an estate sale full of quality antiques. The pillow is quite large, in perfect condition, and is stunning in person. I am thrilled with it.
I have had this one with Oak leaves and Acorns, Cherries and other leaves, for at least 12 years, maybe more. Now I can say I have a collection but I don't think I need any others. The seasonal one I shall put away with the Christmas decorations.
Happy Thanksgiving Day. Peace and prosperity to one and all. xo, Rosemary
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Happy Thanksgiving
This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving images from my blog.
Safe travels if you are on the road or in the air.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Dutch Door Love
This charming photo has so many things I like. A screen door, a Dutch door, a porch, stepping stones surrounded by grass, side lights, a brass "door" bell, river rocks under the bluestone porch floor, and a beautiful entrance hall. Found here.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Red Star on Barn
I stopped to snap this barn outside one of my favorite thrift shops recently (last Saturday) on a beautiful, cloudless day. Happy Monday. xo
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Bookcase, Staircase, Home Library Love
This photo gives new meaning to under the stairs storage. I have always loved a twisty curved staircase and this one is spectacular. That bentwood handrail ❤💓!
Friday, November 22, 2019
THIS BEAUTIFUL FANTASTIC movie
This exciting news deserves a blog post all of its own! My favorite movie, pictured above, is now streaming free "on demand" on PLUTO TV under the ROMANCE category. I know many of you were disappointed when I blogged about its being on Kanopy through my library card. Sadly, not all libraries offer this free streaming service but PLUTO TV is free to everyone with a WiFi connection.
Here is the movie trailer for this charming film. I have seen it three times but I just might watch it again tonight in bed on my iPad. You are welcome!!! So far, everyone on this blog has enjoyed it and I hope you will like it too.
xo, Rosemary
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Caterpillar Dance
This must be the world's most delicious leaf! I wish I knew the variety so I could plant some for the Monarch butterflies.
Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Yes, I have been very busy with real estate. Yes, I still am madly in love with my new washing machine. Yes, I am still thrilled with my decision to cut the cord with cable TV and Yes I am still glad I have no landline. Yes, I am happy with my new router and Yes, the WiFi is working beautifully. NO, I do not miss TV at all because I still have it with an air antenna in the attic but I hardly ever watch it. Pluto TV is my go-to TV on my iPad. I have been renting lots of DVDs again from the library. I have been sleeping much better too. The DVR I used to have in my bedroom made a noise that most people couldn't even hear but I have very acute hearing and can hear a pin drop in the next county so it disturbed my sleep. I am on Season 2 of JANET KING, an Australian legal drama from Acorn TV. The DVD is from the library. I still haven't decided what streaming device I should buy since I am so pleased without having anything. Yes, I do want to watch Season 3 of THE CROWN but will probably just get a free month of Netflix for that. No, I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week. Yes, I am invited to share it with friends. If I didn't answer all of your questions, leave a comment. xo, Rosemary
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Who Let The Dogs In?
via Badminton House UK
I love the casual pink and white ticking slipcovers. The books piled on the table reflect the real life living of these fortunate owners.
Beautiful gardens indeed. Be sure to click on the link under the first photo to see and read more.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Home Office with Murphy Bed: AWESOME!
It's a home office with storage for office supplies, right?
Wrong. It's a bedroom or guest room in disguise.
I couldn't love this more. I found it in my iPhone photos and I've been saving the photos for a long time and have no idea where I found them. Isn't this the best home office ever? xo
UPDATE: California Closets designed this room and there are other Murphy Bed Designs HERE.
UPDATE: California Closets designed this room and there are other Murphy Bed Designs HERE.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Cutting the Cord: I did it!
My two year contract was up with Verizon and I absolutely could not get my monthly bill down to a reasonable amount so I decided to get rid of my landline and cable and have WiFi only. A wonderful supervisor helped me. I decided to buy a new router from them because they will stand behind it should I have problems plus on new contracts they have started charging $12 per monthly rental fee. The new router came in 2 days and I hooked it up my self easily. With this new system, I can always add on services if I change my mind or feel deprived but I don't think I ever will.
I returned all of my old equipment for my three television sets and my multi room DVR to UPS with my order number and they boxed and returned everything. This was very painless. Last September I purchased a new in the box indoor HDTV antenna. The box is pictured above. I paid $1.00 for it and it works! At Walmart, it costs around $18.00. I moved my kitchen TV to the attic where I have a wonderful work space and so far, this is the only TV that works in my home. I stream everything else to my iPad(s). I get all of the networks including PBS and so much more. The only thing I have sacrificed is Turner Classic Movies but I can live without it. It took me a while to find the perfect way to position the ears and the circle and the direction (towards NYC) for bringing in PBS. I was able to get all the other stations easily but I guess PBS was the farthest away. Now I get several PBS stations and I won't miss anything on Sunday nights. I even found a local TV guide on "nocable.org".
I have found Pluto.TV to be much better than I ever imagined for streaming movies ON DEMAND. I honestly didn't ever explore anything on Pluto other than live TV. The on demand movies are awesome and the two or three commercials are extremely short. REALLY. I watched a 2006 movie with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson called "Last Chance Harvey" and it was wonderful. Pluto is a free streaming service for your computer, ipad, phone, and other devices too for android users. I don't have a password or anything. It's so easy. One of these days I will get a ROCU or other device so I can stream to my TV but for now I am fine. I actually love watching movies on my iPad in bed. You can pull up all the movies on your computer here. Look at the banner across the top to switch to "live tv". You will need to download the app from the APPLE APP STORE for iPhone or iPad. Or Google for android devices. If your devices are too old, you might not be able to get all the services available. On my iPad 3 I cannot get on demand movies, just live tv. On my new iPad 6th Generation I get everything and can use my Apple Pencil which is amazing. Later. Ask me questions. I shall try to answer. xo
This is a view from one of my attic windows this morning showing my beautiful geraniums. Sorry this is a little rushed. I haven't been present in your lives lately with all my tree work and more. Have a great weekend. I will try to fill in the details about cord cutting and let you know how it's working out for me. xo, Rosemary
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