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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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
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