New Village Homes: Tornagrain Inverness Scotland

I adore this new planned village in Scotland. See more here. Their Instagram account is named @tornagrain_newtown and the photos there capture the charm of this village. Be sure to check it out.

Hand Decorated Chest of Drawers

Dibs. I saw it first! I photographed this lovely paint decorated chest at a broker open house recently. I would love to have this in my cottage. Swoon.

Blue Beets Textile Design

I adore this fabric. I can think of a thousand places I could use these blue beets in my cottage. Have a great weekend! via 

Guest Dog in my Living Room

Meet Harper. She was quite interested in a nature program about alligators. I had her for a few days while her owners enjoyed an out of town trip. 

Our Vines Have Tender Grapes: Movie Review

An endearing and quietly rhapsodic slice of Americana about a single year among the Norwegian immigrants in a Wisconsin farm town, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes enthralled 1945 audiences and critics with its timeless joys. Told from the viewpoint of little Selma (Margaret O’Brien), the film explores grand childhood adventures: making friends, a pet calf, Christmas, a terrifying trip down a flood-swollen river, a barn fire and a ride on a circus elephant’s trunk. In a change-of-pace role, Edward G. Robinson is a revelation of wisdom and compassion as Selma’s father, leading a fine cast that illuminates the profound power of everyday triumphs and sorrows.

I have watched this movie twice on TCM and love it. It follows the life of a close Norwegian family in a Wisconsin settlement. The family values of the whole village are wonderful and Margaret O'Brien is a treasure. I love her telling of the Nativity in the church Christmas pageant.

Maybe you can find the DVD at your library. You can stream it on Amazon and iTunes. This is a must-see movie. I have never read the book but it must be wonderful too.

Daffodil Cottage

Garden Goals. via

Scrimshaw Double Heart Mourning Pendant

Scrimshaw double heart mourning pendant, 1807

“Beauty and youth in vain to these you trust

For youth and beauty shall be laid in dust.“

This quote is so true. Growing old gracefully rather than trying to turn back the clock is quite a challenge at times. 

Mushroom Studio: At The Toronto Sculpture Garden

Art Studio of Katie Bethune-Leaman commissioned by The Toronto Sculpture Garden. See another photo and read more about this delightful fairy-tale structure here.