Robin with Snowdrops

It's snowing again at my house and is supposed to turn to rain later. I love this photo by Warren Photographic of an English robin sitting on some snow covered moss with snowdrops nearby. via

I found a large clump of snowdrops near the foundation of my cottage yesterday, very close to my front door. They were newly planted last spring when I found them growing wild in the woods. I think it will be a while before they bloom but it's still exciting to see the spring green shoots. They are right on time too, because it's February. 

Queen Elizabeth's Eating Habits

She's not a foodie. She's pretty indifferent to food. She only cares about horses and dogs. Read more about her eating habits in an interesting article in Food and Wine Magazine. She HATES garlic and it has been banned from all her residences. Queen Victoria's pots and pans from the 1800s are still in active use. 

Tiny Black and White Kitchen

This would be a tight squeeze when the oven door is open but what a beautiful tiny kitchen! I love the marble shelves with a marble backsplash too. And the black and white marble floor in a diamond pattern is spectacular. Love it all. See this renovated apartment in NYC's Gramercy Park featured in Architectural Digest here. Sorry, there are no more photos of this awesome kitchen.

Live Fully

I like this quote because there is no sense wishing for spring while it's still so cold outside. You might as well embrace the season you're in, right? via

A Dusting of Snow

This is the perfect amount of snow. Just a dusting is my favorite. The vines and topiaries look beautiful out side this mansion, almost as if they are covered in powdered sugar. via The groundhog saw his shadow this week so we can expect more winter weather and probably more snow in the next six weeks.

Beautiful Oregon Forest

Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint (Oregon)

via

Library with Open Fire

No TV over the fireplace. Hooray.

Just stretch out on the sofa and read books.

Or talk to each other.

Adorable Red Fox Cub

Mom, wait for me. Don't leave me. I'm holding on as hard as I can. Don't lose me. Google Images.

Art Lover's Bathroom

This art gallery in the bath is charming. A true art and antique lover obviously lives here. The chintz draperies and the antique chest make this long, narrow room with the high ceilings very homey. What a place to take a nice long soak. via

Spectacular New Home in Illinois

I really love this contemporary house with a colonial flair. It was built for a newly wed couple and there is much more to see here. Use the arrows to go back and forth. You will love the tour, inside and out. Searl Lamaster Howe Architects - Chicago, IL

A Favorite Lamp in My Cottage

One of a pair of lamps made for me by a friend as a housewarming gift for my cottage when I first moved in. Reverse decoupage worked from the inside of the glass hurricane and the glass was painted last. 

Long Porch in Winter

This long covered open porch is the perfect place for firewood and string lights, isn't it? via

Wonderful Staircase in Antique House

I love this staircase with twisty stairs and an interesting pattern on the flat spindles. The handrail appears to be bentwood. This appears to be a new renovation and I like it. via

Cottage Renovation using Photoshop

This is the cottage virtually renovated using Photoshop.

Here is the real thing. It is still cute but just needs a little imagination to make it look loved again. I can see the benefit of showing the Photoshopped version to a builder to get a price. If the siding is real clapboard, I would keep it rather than replacing it with cedar shakes. Read the article at This Old House website.

Foggy Sunday Photo Edited w/ Snapseed

I took this photo from inside looking outside and I liked the reflection of the lamp. It's been a very long time since I've played around with Snapseed on my phone and it was fun making the morning fog in the woods resemble a vintage photo. When I first downloaded the app ages ago, it was expensive ($20) and I could use it on my computer. Google bought it and now Snapseed is free and can only be used on a mobile phone or iPad. Try it, you'll like it! The app can be downloaded on android phones too. xo

Secret Door in A Home Library

I wonder where this book door leads? There was one in a local 1920s house that I viewed last year that led to a back staircase. via

Really Good Advice

I like this quote. Too often we think we have to move to a new place or buy something new before we can start over or start a new project. Trying it this way is a really good idea. via

Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Do what you can. 

New House Looks Old Birmingham, AL

That old world charm coupled with fantastic traditional interiors and a nice balance of masculine and feminine qualities, this Birmingham, Alabama abode is an absolute stunner. Built for the architect himself, this was constructed by James F. Carter with interior design by Jane Hawkins Hoke. Image courtesy of James F. Carter. More views here at his website. Click on the word VIEW in the logo to see all of his work. I think most of the interior photos in the slideshow are of this amazing house. Swoon!

Garden Desserts

These edible garden desserts are so charming, aren't they? The sand on the bottom layer must be crushed shortbread or other white cookies, chocolate pudding for the middle, topped by crushed chocolate cookies. I spy Oreo cookies in the background. How fun! The mint sprouts with the garden markers complete the gardening theme with potting shed items scattered around.

Grieving Angel

This weeping angel grave sculpture personifies grief to all who see it. via

Otterly Adorable

No words. This has to be the sweetest and most content baby otter ever. via

William with George and Charlotte

The Duke of Cambridge with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Soon there will be another baby. This photo is so charming. via

Snow Bunny

Gorgeous Snow Bunny.

via

I wonder where my summer rabbits go in the winter? This must be a special breed that likes cold weather. I love him, don't you?

My Living Room at Dusk

I took this photo at dusk last night of a portion of my living room that opens to my balcony and overlooks the rear of my property. The sun rises back there and sets in the front. It feels very warm outside today at 45° and you only need a light jacket. It will be a nice change all week and I'm glad. My furnace needs a rest! xo

Gorgeous Sweater Girl

Photo by American photographer William Wegman, best known for his portraits of Weimaraners. This puppy face is very sweet, isn't it. Have a great weekend! It almost feels like spring at my house and my driveway is almost melted. Hooray. xo

Alastair Matchett: Rectory and Garden Renovation Cotswolds UK

After half a century of decline, a Cotswolds house was crying out for salvation.

Be still my heart.

When Alastair Matchett bought the Gloucestershire rectory, one wing was not in use; the roof needed replacing; the flagstones needed re-laying or replacing; re-plumbing, re-wiring, and replastering were needed throughout. But he did it all with designer charm. Photo: SIMON BROWN

Read the article in The Telegraph and see one more photo here.