The Real Picasso

He's still quite recognizable. via

Don't you wonder what he would think of this photo?

I think he would like it.

Really Gorgeous Kitchen Cabinets

Westport CT Island House. Read more here.

Photo by Shelter Interiors LLC 

Dark Paint Color in Entrance Hall

I found this photo on Instagram and added the text. I really like this entry with the shiplap siding painted a dark charcoal color. How about you?

My Set of Antique Copper Pots with Monogram

I discovered this matched, graduated set of old copper pots at an outdoor antiques show years ago. Each one has this monogram on the front opposite the handle. Somebody was really proud of them and so am I because they look wonderful on the top shelf of my pantry. The large dovetails are beautiful too. The bottom of the biggest one is marked on the bottom with an incised E. I don't know what that signifies but it's probably a maker's mark. I didn't look on the bottom of the others. They fit inside each other nicely in a nest for easy storage. I like them lined up better. At my former house, they were displayed on a standing pot rack. The insides need to be re-tinned so I don't use them. Plus they are really heavy! I have posted this photo on my blog in the past but in view of questions about them, I decided to post it again. This set must have belonged to a gentleman cook with the initials B.M. Jr. 

I shall enjoy this rainy Sunday. All of the snow has melted so I will be seeing more snowdrops soon and maybe some blossoms too. xo

Another Peek into My Pantry

I found a beautiful brown transferware pitcher on Thursday at a rummage sale.

Here it is on display in my pantry. There is a window to the left behind the geranium.

Here is the other side showing my little downstairs desk where I work on my blog with my laptop. This little room is a favorite place because it's small and has two windows. The one with the desk looks out to my front garden and the one behind looks out on my barn/garage in the back. When I bought my cottage, it was a tiny screened porch.

I have enjoyed a rainy Saturday baking muffins and just being generally busy doing inside chores and reading. More rain is predicted for tomorrow too. Have a great weekend. xo

Modern Farmhouse: Anne Decker Architects

I like it.

Love the interior too.

You are in for a treat, click on this link to see much more, inside and out. Enjoy. 

Gordon Beall Photography

Door Knob with Heart

I have always loved old brass door knobs in any shape. This one is especially beautiful because of the hand-carved wooden backplate. What a wonderful love token. via

The Snowdrop Fairy

The Snowdrop Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker

Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973) was an English illustrator best known for a series of fantasy illustrations depicting fairies and flowers. via

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!