Fall in Florida

Fall comes late to Florida.

It's late December and the leaves are now turning red and falling from the trees.

With all the reds and greens, it's like nature decorated for Christmas.

Sunny Florida My Ass!

Seriously, it's been raining on and off for about a month and a half

Getting really OLD!

Since I was taking a photo of the rainy back yard, I though I'd shoot a couple of my messy work table. It's a pretty big table, but there's so much stuff on here that I end up working in one tiny area. I occasionally clean it off, but the stuff just keeps coming back.

Letter Holder

Lately, I've been obsessed with chalk paint. It's a bit expensive to buy at about $35 per quart, so I've been making my own. This led me to search all over the house for things to paint. I've found this cutie on a bottom shelf in my studio. Instead of chalk paint, I used a beautiful spray paint blue called "Exotic Sea" by Valspar. After it dried, I added a piece of vintage wallpaper. I think it turned out pretty well. Now, what else can I paint...

Rainy Friday

I like rainy days. It's a nice break from the intense Florida sunshine.

Long time, no see...

I can't believe it's been over a year since I've posted anything on here! Time has been moving waaaaay too fast! In early February, I got laid off from my Graphic Design job of 19 years. I was a mess for about two weeks and it took about 6 weeks for everything to sort itself out. Now I'm feeling better about everything and am trying to make a go of my business. Along those lines, I've decided to do something I've wanted to do for a very long time - paint furniture. I've painted and decoupaged a few pieces before so I'm not entirely a newbie. But making over pieces to sell if a bit different. Customers won't be very forgiving about little mistakes so I intend to be very conscientious of making quality pieces. Below are some photos of my first attempt at chalk painting. I'm pretty happy with it and will try selling it for $75. Next up is a lingerie chest that my husband has been using for storage for about a million years. I'll be trying milk paint on that piece.

Jasmine

We planted the jasmine about 2 years ago and it just started looking good this spring. We've had an early spring here in Florida, so the the jasmine started blooming about a month earlier than usual.

The Power Of Social Networking

Occasionally, I help rescue dogs. Co-workers know this. My friend Dale asked me if I knew of a Chihuahua rescue, as his son brought home a dog someone was going to abandon. Don't get me starting on that...

Long story short - I told him I was post it on Facebook and little Pepe was adopted before midnight.
All I did was post seeing if anyone would like a small dog and requested that people repost. Then I added photos. Fortunately, a former co-worker is a chihuahua fan and wanted him. It's as simple as getting the word out. Any these type of sites do just that. There's no way I could have reached so many people so fast. I don't want the world to be taken over by computers, but some of this stuff can change the world. For the better.

Paris Map Coasters

Paris 1, a photo by CarolinaCottage on Flickr.

Custom order, using a map of popular sightseeing spots in Paris.

GreenCraft feature

Apparently, my work will be seen on Page 58. Can't wait to see it! Feel weird about having people read my writing though.

Vacation!!

Well, we're off the St. Augustine on Saturday. We've been many times and still love it!

If you've never been and will be in northeast Florida, you must go. It is the oldest continually-occupied city in the U.S. It has such a wonderful feeling, especially early on Sunday morning. So quiet and peaceful. I like to sit on the balcony of the St. George Inn and watch the early-morning joggers and walkers moving about.




There are tons of shops, restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts in the old restored town. Bring your walking shoes - tons of walking. Or you can take the trolley on a tour of the city and get one and off anywhere you like. Highly recommend doing this. Especially if your staying a few days.




Need something to do at night? There are several ghost tours - both riding and walking. I've done both and they're both fun; as long as you get a good guide. See all the orbs I caught on film. Spooky!



If you get tired of all that history, you can always go to the beach - about 15 minutes away.

GreenCraft Article

I was asked to submit an 800-word article on my vintage map items for the August issue of GreenCraft magazine. As you can see from my blog, I'm not much of a writer. I would much prefer to take photos than try to write something. I love reading though. Constantly reading - magazines, books, blogs...

Anyway, I wrote what I could and the hubby edited and tweaked it. Turned out pretty well. We'll see how much is included. The good thing about the short notice is that I don't have long to wait. NOT a patient persona at all.

If the blurb below is any indication, it looks like my map items will make it in!

I'm Neutral

I have been searching for my decorating personality for years. I'd try different styles, colors, etc. but nothing seemed to work. I was never happy with the result for very long. I FINALLY figured it out. I hope.

The problem is, I think, is that I was trying to take the advice of all the decorating experts yelling: "Color. Use color. Everywhere!" After seeing something by
Atlanta Bartlett on neutrals it finally clicked – I want neutrals. Not just neutrals, but a base of tan (I won't say beige) with muted colors as accents.

So here's the beginning - finding the perfect shade of tan. The green colors currently on the walls was throwing me off, but I did find the right color. I hope to paint the downstairs when I'm on vacation soon.

Max

Max, a photo by CarolinaCottage on Flickr.

dog or seal?

He can flatten his ears so close to his head you'd think he doesn't have ears!

Such a sweetie and quite the character. He came to us 2 months after we lost Shiya. And while he can't replace her, he does make me smile.

Lovely...

Beautiful house on the island of Majorca. See the full post
here

Dreamy Chateau

Happy Friday, everyone!

I was checking out my favorite blog "Desire To Inspire" and came across the most perfect house; a chateau actually. In Provence, France It's very simply decorated, letting the architecture shine and the light is divine!

Here's the link:
Chateau de Moissac and a teaser photo.




Truly a dream house... sigh...

Beetles and The Beatles

Beetles



or The Beatles....



both are available in my Etsy shop right now.

Kids say the darndest things

Last night, at dinner, I asked the kids where they wanted to go on vacation:

Me: "We're thinking of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. What do you guys think?"

Gage: "Ewww. That's all country there! I hate country music!"

Me: "No it's not! Besides, you don't have to listen to the music."

Gage: "How about California?"

Me: "What are you going to do in California?"

Gage: "They have lots of roller coasters there."

Me: "Oh. Ok."

Gage: "Italy! Let's go to Italy!"

Me: "What?! What are you going to do in Italy?"

Gage: "It's Italy, Mom!"

Well, yeah. Wandering around Italy sounds great to me, but to a 13-year old boy? His sister agreed that Italy sounded like fun, too. Who knew?

The holidays are officially over...

Christmas Wreath
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

You know the holidays are over when the decorations start falling off the wall...

Moody

I'm in a very weird place today. Kinda emotional and quiet.

What concerns me the most is that I don't want to work on my art. I have so much stuff that I can do, but I'd rather play poppit. Thing is, we could really use the money; so I should be gettin' busy.

Oooh, maybe I'm feeling rebellious after HAVING TO make all those coasters. Hmmmm...

Contentment

Game night
Originally uploaded by CarolinaCottage

That lovely feeling that everything is right with the world. It's the itty, bitty moments that catch you off guard.

Like going to tell your son dinner is ready and seeing him playing in his room and knowing that he'll actually like dinner.

Like playing a board game with the hubby and kids and no one is fighting. At the moment.

Like being happy with what you have, even though it isn't perfect.