Nice CountryTouches in Modern Bathroom and Kitchen

Contemporary bathroom with country-style touches.

Displaying kitchen accessories in a creative way not only solves the problem of storage, but also creates a feature that is a guaranteed talking point. From the peg rail and boards to the tableware, the use of wood creates a soft contrast against the more obviously modern tableware. Using a pale yellow paint and wood harks back to the traditional, but the blend of accessories brings this kitchen into the modern day. Read more and view more photos here.

Tabitha in Her Cat Basket

Your wish is my command. I just went into my bedroom to snap this photo of Tabitha in her cat basket on my unmade bed. She has been outside already and has had breakfast. Now she's down for a morning nap. She has such a good life, doesn't she? Old woolen sweaters are her favorite bedding material. I have a blanket on top of my bedspread that is the color of her fur in case she gets out of the basket to sleep in another spot. Have a great day. xo

Sleep Time Comes Earlier and Earlier

I can't believe I'm already dressed for bed and it's not even 8:00. In the summer I stay up much later. There's just something about the dark that makes me want to go to bed. I have a few recorded programs to watch and I'll get an early start tonight. Isn't this basket of sleeping puppies the best? Tabitha is curled up in her basket and it's on my bed. That's how she likes to sleep these days. Enjoy your evening and I'll see you in the morning. via

Painted Stairs

This is such a clever idea. Painted steps to look like those old feed sacks that usually have red stripes instead of blue.  I like the grab bar too. via

Don't Forget to Bring Your Plants Inside Tonight

It's supposed to get cold tonight and I must bring two geraniums inside for the winter. Did you bring in the things you want to overwinter yet? It's time! Aren't these topiaries pretty on this antique wire plant stand? It's in the perfect spot too. xo

Great Sewing and Craft Work Room

Isn't this wonderful? I'm well on my way to putting my third floor in order so I can work up there again. For a long time, it has been a repository for things that didn't have a home. I'm almost finished and I'm so happy. Below you will see the small, long section of my attic where I had a window installed last year when I had my house painted. It is now a packing and wrapping room for gifts and my ebay endeavors. I'm back on track again and it feels so good. 

There is no heat or airconditioning in this part of my attic that has the lowest roofline and no dormers. The airconditioning unit is behind the doors to the right and I could always have a vent put in this area but so far it hasn't been necessary. I have to move my table when I have the unit serviced. There is a door where I was standing to take this photo so I can close this area off completely. When I was remodeling my cottage, I never imagined I would outfit the room like this but I'm glad I have it. It's deeper than it looks in this photo and I can stand up straight in the middle. The doorway is low and I still bump my head on a regular basis. Enjoy your Sunday and I'll see you later. xo

Double Walk-in Shower

WOW. This is spectacular. Love the river rock floor and the tub in the shower. What a view. via

Black and White Mud/Laundry Room

This is wonderful, isn't it. Take off your dirty work clothes the minute you come inside. I actually have a dust buster in my closet so I can vacuum up the leaves and debris that get trapped in my rolled up pant legs when I walk Webster. I love this room! via

I need to cut my grass so it will be nice and short for the leaves that have started to fall. It is going to be a chilly weekend so maybe I'll buy a can of gas when I go out this morning. Have a great weekend.

xo

Another Beautiful Pie

This one is Rhubarb. For some reason, I have pie on the brain today.

Save the recipe for the filling for next spring. Use the recipe for the crust now. For both, click here.

This Pie is Too Pretty To Eat

This lovely lattice and leaf crust is a true work of art. It looks like an apple pie. Yum. via

So Much Garden, So Little Lawn

Burford in Oxfordshire. This is the perfect amount of grass to have to cut, isn't it? The rest is wild and wonderful. Only in England, sigh! via

Gulfstream Florida Porch

Our porch days in New Jersey are numbered but it would be nice to have a front porch like this in any weather. I love the Chippendale railing. It makes such nice shadows, doesn't it. It rained all night but the sun just came out at my cottage so I'm happy. xo

Fairfax and Sammons Architecture 

Nice Arrangement

It's so nice, isn't it? The perfect piece for the perfect spot. via

Big White Kitchen, But Cozy

This family room/kitchen and a bedroom is all you need, isn't it? via

Beautiful Feathers on A Guinea Hen

They look like Herringbone Tweed, don't they? Mother Nature really is the best designer. The sitter appears to be in a fowl mood. The eyes say, "Don't mess with me." I've always loved these birds. via

Indian Peafowl

Indian Peafowl by Milan Zygmunt via So gorgeous!

Pumpkins Galore

I love seeing all the pumpkins used for fall decorating. If you bring them inside in time, you can eat them too. What could be more perfect? You certainly can't say that about mums! via

Impossible Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes - recipe here.

Apple Pie Scones

Yum! These look so good and after all, it's apple season.

More photos and recipe here.

I just put clean sheets on my bed and I'm ready to jump in it and watch Inspector Lewis and Scorpion. See you tomorrow. xo

Great Kitchen Sink

I love this kitchen sink with drainboards on either side. I can't tell if it's a genuine old one or a newly-manufactured retro model. I like the whole room, don't you? I watched Madam Secretary and The Good Wife last night but didn't watch Inspector Lewis. I'm looking forward to that show tonight. Happy Monday. via

Such beautiful detail

This architectural detail is too beautiful for words. via

I'm so happy there were no games tonight so my programs on CBS started right on time. I'm waiting until 8:30 to start watching Madam Secretary and The Good Wife so I can skip the commercials. I might watch Inspector Lewis too if I can stay awake that late. Enjoy your evening too. xo

Beautiful Entrance

I love a house that's all lit up inside. So nice. via

Farmhouse with Attached Barn

It's hard to believe this is all new construction, isn't it? 

Want to see more plus the building plans? It's called The Rebecca Leland Farmhouse -- click here.

I woke up to a dark and dreary rainy Saturday morning. It's a steady soft rain and it sounds nice hitting my copper gutters that aren't clogged with leaves quite yet. Enjoy your weekend. xo

Gorgeous View

Wow. What a view. Have a great Fall weekend. via

Nice Family Photo Wall

I love this idea for displaying family photos, all the same size, in the same frames, and all in black and white. It's a very pleasing, well thought out wall, agreed? via

BBC Music Video - God Only Knows

Old song by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys to launch BBC Music.

Click here if you can't see the video below.

This is so wonderful. This song has been stuck in my head all day. It was featured on the ABC evening news last night. View it full screen on your computer for the full effect. Enjoy!


This shows how the video was made. Click here if you can't see video above.

Thomas Jefferson's Tea Room at Monticello

Yes, please. I love this small, beautifully appointed nook with a wonderful view for having tea. via

Small Vintage Bathroom

It's small but mighty. I love every inch. Amazing vintage bathroom with frosted glass door panel, penny tiles floor, glossy white pedestal sink, brushed nickel faucet, vintage scale, gray walls paint color, subway tiles shower surround and vintage glass pendants. It's all you really need, isn't it? via

So Many Acorns This Year

I have bumper crops of acorns and chestnuts this year. The squirrels and chipmunks are overjoyed. Please tell me this is not a prediction for another winter like last year. I certainly hope not. via

Saw An Amazing Bathroom Today

The bathroom is very private. No window treatments needed.

The whole house was very nice. It was a total restoration and everything was perfect. I'm still working on closets trying to make my cottage perfect once again too. It's a daunting task but I'm making real headway. I'm almost ready to jump into my bed and turn on the flat screen for some TV viewing. See you tomorrow. xo

Lovely Mountain Cottage

I love the starkness here. When I see secluded cottages like this I always think about the building process and the challenges involved for the original owners. This one was definitely worth those obstacles. xo

Are you watching SCORPION on CBS?

Scorpion is my favorite new show and airs on Mondays. This week was the third episode of Season One. You can catch up online or on demand if you hurry. It's about a group of young geniuses and it's based on a true story. Here is the link for the website. It's very exciting and wholesome too, which is a very rare combination. The people I've told to watch this show like it too.

SCORPION, inspired by a true story, is a high-octane drama about eccentric genius Walter O'Brien (Elyes Gabel) and his team of brilliant misfits who comprise the last line of defense against high-tech, complex threats of the modern age. Life outside their circle confounds them, so they rely on Paige Dineen, who has a young gifted son, to translate the world for them. She thought her son was mentally challenged until Walter noticed the boy's odd behavior as something only another genius could detect. At last, these nerdy masterminds have found the perfect job: a place where they can apply their exceptional brainpower to solve the nation's crises, while also helping each other learn how to fit in. SCORPION will air Monday nights at 9 PM. Pictured left to right: Elyes Gabel as Walter O'Brien and Katharine McPhee as Paige Dineen.

Cutest Dachshund

So cute. I've always loved these little dogs. via

The dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog breed belonging to the hound family. The standard size dachshund was bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.

Origin: Germany

Temperament: Lively, Playful, Devoted, Clever, Stubborn, Courageous

Tabitha and Webster

Tabitha is on my bed on top of an old sweater waiting for Inspector Lewis to start in less than an hour. Photo hot off the press for Karen in VA.

I took this photo of Webster yesterday out on the balcony after the rain stopped. It's not a very good likeness but it's the newest one I have. He's up on the third floor in his attic bed because it's nice and warm up there. I'm too lazy to go up there for a fresh one like Tabitha's. Have a great evening. xo

White Kitchen w/ No Overhead Cabinets

I like this movable island and the artwork in the otherwise all white palate. via

Inspector Lewis TONIGHT on PBS, Season 7 Premier

They're Back! Lewis and Hathaway and the City of Oxford, my favorite UK trio. The new season starts tonight with a 90-minute premier of Season 7 on PBS Masterpiece Mystery. Check your local listings. For me, it's on from 9:00 - 10:30 pm. The new season is only three episodes long, so don't miss the first episode entitled ENTRY WOUNDS: Faced with a crime that bridges the worlds of neurosurgery, blood sports and animal rights, Hathaway works his first case as DI with the help of his new partner, DS Lizzie Maddox. Lewis, struggling to adapt to retired life, jumps at the chance to rejoin the force when Chief Superintendent Innocent seeks his help. Very short preview here. Can't wait! 

Cabin with A Sod Roof

Well, this is just wonderful. I wonder where it is? I think the sod roof keeps it cool. The outside is fabulous and I'm sure the inside is too. It's raining here today and I have every intention of staying in my pajamas and catching up on all the TV shows that have piled up in my recorder. Doesn't that sound like a great idea? The animals have been fed, let out, and are both sleeping. It's dark and dreary and just what we all need. xo

via Rafael Mantesso on Instagram

Matthews Alabama Lakehouse

Very nice, agreed? Matthews, Alabama by Bill Ingram Architect

Historic House - Toured on Tuesday

Tuesday was a beautiful day for realtor open house tours as you can see from my iPhone photos.

The Holt Mansion circa 1855 on 2+ acres in historic Morris Township NJ.

Built by Dr. William Kitchell, a geologist and professor at Newark Institute.

It was later the residence of the American author and novelist, Frank R. Stockton. Stockton renamed the house "The Holt". He and A. B. Frost were neighbors and fast friends.

Theodore Roosevelt spent several summers here in the early 1870s. I could feel the history all around me. What a treat.