The Cottage on Pine

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

May your holidays sparkle

and your New Year be shiny and bright

The happiest of holiday wishes from

My Cottage to Your Cottage,

Love,

Sandi

Holiday Open House

2011-11-24T23:09:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to let the pictures

speak for themselves.....

Our local main street association even provided carriage rides for the evening!

The champagne flowed,

goodies were served and

a good time was had by all.

A great big Thank You

to everyone who came out and

made this event a great success!

So much to share!!

2011-10-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year...

The colors, the textures, even the air smells wonderful..

Really loving these ceramic

pumpkins

Great primitive hutch filled

with all the best Halloween decor

Always have to have a few bed springs hanging around...need a hand??

Bethany Lowe at her best!

Loving all of our Grey...

It's the best neutral and goes with most everything...

So very Scandinavian...

We have an amazing four panel screen in the store. This size is hard to find and beautifully done by local artist,

Tamra Alexander Cook

check out more of her work at:

http://www.thegildedbarn.com/

Close up of hand painted detail.

Thanks for stopping by..

Happy Fall Friday!

Sandi

Where have I been?

2011-08-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well...I guess you could say I took a little self imposed technology break...just needed to refocus and evaluate how I spend my time or in my case... lack there of. So for the last month..very little TV, computer only when necessary (not even facebook! )....

So now I'm back feeling refreshed....creative juices flowing once again. I must say I did miss my blogger friends and all that creativity just flyin' around out there. My hat goes off to all of you that manage weekly or even daily posts. I seriously don't know how you do it!

So enough about me......

We have the most wonderful iron bed in the store right now

Original paint with wonderful patina.

It just doesn't get any better!

Floral motifs on both head and foot board

Love these repo subway signs..

New York and France

We are now carrying

The Junk Girls "Bling"

Jenny and Melissa do an amazing job.

They are the ultimate re-use, re-purpose queens!

Cuffs are re-purposed vintage leather belts

Brass initials to add to your

Sterling silver spoon pendants

Pendants are stamped with an assortment of sayings and words. My personal fav....

Junk Diva!

Well I will try not to be such a stranger in blogger land... :)

From my Cottage to Yours,

Have a glorious weekend,

Sandi

Happy 4th of July !!

2011-07-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

I am so very thankful for all of those who have volunteered to serve our country.....

It is because of you that we have the freedom to fly our beautiful flag and all that it represents.

And may none of us eat too many hotdogs,

or too much apple pie today....

Happy 4th of July everyone!

From my front porch to yours,

Sandi

Rainny Day Project

2011-06-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I had big plans to do some serious flea marketing this weekend, but I guess mother nature had other plans...most markets were rained out....

So on to plan "B"...

I had a pile of European grain sacks just sitting in my work room..

nothing like a little rain to inspire me !

Now these grain sacks

are on to their new life...

What do you suppose the farmers who filled these beauties with grain over 100 years ago would think of us making pillows out of them?

The linen fabric has been washed and is now wonderfully soft..it really amazes me how this fabric has stood the test of time.

Available now at The Cottage.

Have a glorious week,

Sandi

Change is in the air...

2011-05-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my own personal

style and that of the store as well...

My love of neutrals, and texture, imperfection that is perfect, calming and welcoming..

photo courtesy Veranda Magazine

And while I still love all of that...something has been missing...I have that itch for change.

Change..now that is a powerful word.

Do you notice something here ??

photo courtesy Veranda Magazine

How about here??

photo courtesy Veranda Magazine

I know...shocking right ??

photo courtesy Veranda Magazine

Yes...that's right...Color !!!

And blue, blue green, blue gray...

It's everywhere I look these days.

So.....back to that big word

Change...

I'm thinking Blue???

How about you??

From my (blue) Cottage to yours,

Have a wonderful weekend,
Sandi

After and ...almost before..

2011-04-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post today.....

A glimpse of what's new.....

Love, love, love these numbered

hooks and pitchers...

sold

This cane back sofa turned out so lovely....

if only I had remembered to take a BEFORE shot...

Oh, well.

I always have the best intentions of doing a

before and after.....

I guess I'm always so eager to rid the piece of it's ugliness that I forget to take a picture..Trust me it was reeeally baaad.

Love the side detail !!

Pretties for Mother's Day

Lots of fun garden stuff!!!

Happy Tuesday !!

Sandi

Drying Out.....

2011-03-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

We have been soaked with rain for the past few weeks here in California.....

And I think most of us are

sooo glad to see a little sunshine...

We (ok, me) are getting a little grumpy for lack of sunshine....not something we are used to doing without here in sunny California.

But today I looked out my back window and I saw this...

All those rainy days.....

Sooo worth it!!

From my really green back yard to yours,

(and I'm not even thinkin' of all the weeding I'll have to do)

Hugs,

Sandi

Easter Goodies

2011-03-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh....finally, the weather is starting to feel like Spring, although it did snow a couple of weeks ago. Who woulda thought, snow (ok, so maybe snow may be an exaggeration, there was white stuff on the ground for maybe an hour) in Feb. on the central coast of Calif.

Easter falls really late this year, April 24th to be exact......

So the Easter bunnies are out....

Nicole Sayer designs are here...

Glass glitter....great for making Easter pretties!!

This is a wonderful old iron vase (very heavy), I can really see this in my house, but I can't keep it all ya know !!!

Nice little twin iron bed

Cute fabric bags and totes for spring, love the floral prints!

Locally
grown lavender

I hope wherever you are,
Spring is on it's way...

And don't forget to set your
clocks ahead on Sunday!!!
(Yeah! Extra daylight !!)

Thanks!!
Sandi

Join Us on The City to City Junkin" Trail !!

2011-02-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday Feb.26th !

We will be participating along with these other amazing stores up and down our own central coast:

Anthology, Ruby Rose, SLO Antique Treasures, Brooks woodcraft, Village Antique Mart,

The Green Vase, Villa Rossa Antiques and Sorenson Farms.

Most are offering great incentives to come by this weekend. Please pickup a flyer at any of these locations for details.

The Cottage will be offering 10% off that day when you mention the flyer.

Please take this opportunity to support these local businesses.
This is a great opportunity to visit some local talent. Their styles range from fabulous funkiness to rustic elegance, and everything in between.

A great chance to make a girl friends day of it !

New goods at The Cottage.....

2011-02-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

This sign reminds me of the Charlie Brown "Happiness is......." craze, remember??

(guess I'm dating myself a bit)

I guess you could say this is a new take on that phrase..

a little more industrial looking

and maybe not so warm and fuzzy as Charlie's version....

but we love this sign !!

We just received a shipment of

lamps with custom made shades

in some wonderful fabrics

Dash and Albert rugs

and pillows just arrived !!

(you see their rugs in all the magazines)

I guess by now if you have ever been in the store

you may have noticed my

fascination with branches

and what can be hung on them....

Sooooo, I said to myself why not gloves....

What do you think ??

(actually these were for a

holiday project that I never got around to)

Thanks for stopping by, Sandi

Did you see it ????

2011-01-27T22:33:00.000-08:00

Wow, my home town on Oprah !!

On Wednesday's show Oprah featured my home town , San Luis Obispo, CA. as

"The Happiest City in America"

Although I now live 30 minutes north of there,

I still consider it my town...my birth place.

Or as we locals call it

"SLO Town"

I guess we can add Happy to that title now....mmmm

To see the episode go to:

www.http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Happiest-City-in-America-San-Luis-Obispo-Video
Now remember...it's still my town...but you're welcome to visit anytime!!

Oh, and by the way, while you are out, be sure

to come on up and see all of the new goodies arriving at

The Cottage

Thanks for stopping by,

Sandi

Ham, Turkey or Prime Rib ???

2010-12-21T23:06:00.000-08:00

Are You Ready ??

3 Days and Counting......

Is your tinsel hung?

Stockings?

Presents wrapped and under the tree?

Silver polished ? (does anyone really do that ?)

Cookies baked?

Well I can say yes to most of of that......

So do I really have to clean my house too?

I have been hosting Christmas dinner for the last 30 plus years at my house.

Now mind you, for the most part I really do enjoy it.....

But this year I'm having a tough time deciding what to fix for dinner.

Ham, Turkey, or Prime Rib ??

What do you think, does your family have a favorite ?

Let me know, I could really use some inspiration this year !

Merry Christmas from My Cottage to Your Cottage !!!

XOXO Sandi

Have you started your shopping yet ??

2010-12-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

New this week...

You know those grain sack pillows we all love ??

Well, these pillows have that great look

without that great big price tag !!

We love these!!

French inspired basket with a great label...
Wouldn't this look great on a front door with fresh Christmas greens ??

Carolyn Westbrook's newest book

The rooms featured in this book are amazing..

We have lots of new jewelry stock

for all of your gift giving

These collage necklaces are the so fun!!

Grandmothers Buttons necklaces..always a good choice.

Most have buttons from the late 1800's in the design.

More great fun jewelry at very affordable prices ...

I would like to apologize for the not so great photos..for some reason my camera wouldn't take a photo without the auto flash. Personally I am not a fan of flash photography....but apparently my camera is....go figure...

Thanks for stopping by,

Sandi

Open House part II

2010-11-15T21:54:00.001-08:00

As promised, more of our Open House Photos...

Vintage swans in one of our front windows

Dress form angel in front window

(sorry for the not so great pic, my windows are really hard to photograph !)

Altered books, great little works of art in themselves!

I happened to mention to a friend that I was looking for a dress form to use for a display in our front window. I had been looking for one for sometime without any luck.

I have a couple that I use in the store for jewelry, but I needed a spare for the window.

Patti gladly offered to loan her "girl" for my display

( with promises not to sell "her" of course)

Soooo, with the addition of sheet music wings and paper wreath...viola !! An angel was born....

Special thanks to my friend Patti...she has "saved " me more than once and she is one very talented lady. Check out her blog :

http://www.artfuldesign.blogspot.com/

Have a great week !!

Sandi

Open House Photos

2010-11-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

The doors flew open Saturday morning....Lots of oohs and aahs,

A lot of very long days and nights....

preparing for our open house...

all the hard work has paid off...

To see the smiles of delight on our
customers faces makes it all worth it....

Great black china cabinet with curved glass doors

Lots of bling !!

Sweet silver tea pot lamp with embellished shade

One of our front window displays...Love these vintage swan decoys !!

Carved angel wings..great architectural piece!

More of that great cabinet !!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

to all those who came out and made our open house a huge success.

I still have a few more pictures to go through and I will post them in the next few days.

Hugs to all you!!

Sandi

Save The Date !!

2010-10-31T12:51:00.000-07:00

You are invited to our annual Holiday Open House ....

Saturday Nov. 6th 10 till 5

Please come join us in celebrating the

start of the

Holiday Season !!

Sips and nibbles will be provided..

Getting Ready....

2010-09-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see, I've been a bit busy....

Getting ready for one of my favorite times of the year...

Love these vintage inspired bottle brush trees in the best Halloween orange..

Of course one can never have too many skeletons on their
bed springs.....

Trick or Treat Stars hung in one
of our many trees of course !

I hope this helps get everyone in the Fall mood, I know I sure am !!

We still have lots more coming in so check back...

Have a great week !!

Lazy Blogger ??

2010-08-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Wow....August already!!!

It's funny, being a retailer I am always living a season or two ahead of the rest of the world it seems....Christmas boxes (please don't hate me for mentioning it already) will be arriving soon...along with fall and Halloween....

But I made a promise to myself this summer... to really enjoy THIS season as it happens to be one of my favorites...

Which may explain why I haven't been blogging...guess I have been enjoying it a bit too much...soooo here's a peek at what's new in the store..enjoy !!

Great little glass front cabinet...was once a built in

Great set of vintages dishes

locally grown lavender bunches

Loving all the grey tones and aqua blues....

very relaxing....mmmm.

Have a great weekend !!!

Sandi

Smells like Summer !!

2010-06-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's finally starting to really feel like Summer...warmer temperatures, longer days, and just...the smell of summer.

Somehow the air just smells different in Summer...I don't know what it is, but I can defiantly smell it. (maybe it's really those favorite sandals from 3 summers ago that I just can't let go of...?)

Lots of fun red, white and blue to make your 4th of July party a hit !!

Great aqua table waiting for a new home

Just the right size buffet..

Only 42" long..love the glass knobs!!

I hope you have a great, relaxing, lazy weekend!!

What's New ????

2010-06-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't know what's up with blogger today..it won't let me put a caption under the pictures....and well,I have completely run out of patience.... So I guess you will just have to use Your imagination and just guess what clever (or not so clever..ha,ha) description I may have written for each photo.

But I bet you can guess that we have a great new bed and dresser along with a great new buffet in the store!!

(My personal favorite are the bed springs!!)

Have a great week !!

Simple Things....

2010-05-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

I don't know about any of you, but as I have gotten older it seems that sometimes the simplest things make me smile.

I could hardly wait for my lilacs to bloom this year, because, well.... they make me smile.

I know, cheesy, but I love flowers.

I especially love it when my favorite color of rose blooms the same time as my lilacs, which doesn't happen too often, but this year they are spectacular!!!

My only wish is that they bloomed longer, but maybe that is part of the appeal, to know that they will only be around a short while....

I hope you can find the beauty in the simple things in life....

To find that "something simple" that makes you smile!!

Have a great week!

Remnants of The Past Photos

2010-04-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

As I promised, pictures of my booth at Remnants of The Past show this last weekend...

We set up an iron gazebo, well technically, half a gazebo. Just couldn't squeeze the whole thing in the space, but you get the idea. Thanks to two very patient friends for helping with the set up, who knew you could set up and take down a gazebo 5 times in less than an hour.... pretty hysterical, it would have made a great U-Tube video !!

I only had a couple of minutes to snap a few shots before the bell rang and all the fun began. In fact I was only able to get pictures of about half of the booth. Thanks to everyone who came out to the show and stopped by to say hello. All in all, the show was a great success and I think everyone had a wonderful time!! (Just to let you in on a little secret...Country Living Magazine was at the show all day shooting for a future article...how cool is that?? )

Four Days and Counting.....

2010-04-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Till...Remants of the Past Vintage Show !!

I thought I would give you a peek at what you might see....

Now I know it doesn't look like much here and I know cardboard is not my usual mode of display, but by Saturday it should all come together...I have hunted and gathered some really great finds. When I agreed to do this show, I really only had 6 weeks to pull it together, but boy I had a great time getting it all done, and who needs sleep anyway? I've decided I can get so much more accomplished

at 2:00 AM.....mmmm.

I hope you are planning on coming by to say hello and enjoy the show..and it's supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees.

(I guess by now you all know that I am a bit weather obsessed)

I will post pictures of the show after set up and the dust settles. There are going to be some really talented venders that I am really excited to see.

See you soon,

Sandi

Never Enough Time !!

2010-04-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I bought a hankie box filled with wonderful vintage hankies. I put the box in the store and figured someday I would have time to launder and iron the hankies. Well,I sold the box sometime ago, but I still hadn't had the time to wash the hankeys, in fact I really hadn't taken the time to really look at the hankeys !! I had no idea how beautiful and old these hankeys were. Most of them are silk wih embroidery and lace. Some have tatting on the edges, others are more simple. I love that most of them are that perfect not so white white too.
They really made a nice Mother's Day display. Our customers say the Hankie Tree makes them smile !!

2010-04-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

Exciting News !!!!

The Cottage has been asked to participate in
The Remnants of the Past Vintage Show !!

Many of you may know Judy Watkins, founder of the show, from her days as a shopkeeper here on the central coast,her most recent being Cala Antiques. Well, she gave up shopkeeping and started a twice annual show located in Nipomo at The Dana Powers House. (www.danapowershouse.com) Judy has gathered an amazing variety of venders to participate in this show which has been featured in several national magazines.

The Cottage will have a booth just outside of the barn door, so please be sure to stop by and say hello!

Check out Judys website for more info:
http://remnantsofthepast.com/

Wednesday

2010-03-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today...

Great dresser, and I left it Au Natural!!

It has some wonderful inlay on the front

that I just couldn't cover up.....

And I'm kinda liking the dark wood...

And guess what?

This one didn't get a paint job either!

It has some burled wood on the drawer

fronts that was just to nice to cover up,

and the top is marble, great drawer pulls too!

Nice little drop front desk

in the best shade of green with

some had painted details.

The front opens up to lots of cubbies

to hide all of those nasty bills.

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Toodles......Sandi

Enjoying Spring..finally!!

2010-03-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess all my whining about the weather around here was heard (and just so ya know, I'm not usually a whinnier) It's finally starting to really feel like spring!! And my paint is drying without resorting to drastic measures.

We have been getting some great things for spring, this is a great little enamel top table with pull out leaves, check out the great patina on the legs!

It's time to start thinking about planting your garden and we have the perfect thing for that, a Garden Organizer! It's great for keeping track of what plants did well, when to fertilize, when to plant etc. It's spiral bound with lots pockets. Also just in, Citronella candles in a terra cotta urns. Now you can stylishly keep the bugs away! New totes, tablecloths and runners all great for that garden party you may be planning.

Well, I hope to get some Junking in this weekend, I'll let you know what I find....

Have a great weekend...and may the sun keep shining!

Rain, Rain, go away....Pleeease!

2010-03-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Wellll......I don't know about any of you, but I am sooooo tired of the RAIN !!!

I know I don't have much to complain about,

because some of you are waist high in snow,

and I feel for ya, really I do,

but there is a reason I live in California,

simply put......I NEED sunshine, yes there I said it.

And I really need a flea market fix!!!

Not only that, it has really put a damper on my projects.

Today I seriously considered using my hairdryer to get some paint to dry,

not wanting to wait three days for it to dry.

So as I seem to be spending my time watching paint dry,

I thought I would share what's new in the store.....

Believe it or not, this wonderful bed sat in my storage for about 8 years.

Now mind you, it didn't look like this then,

in fact it looked so bad neither myself or Mr. Cottage wanted to tackle it.

But after some re-doing,

and uncovering the original painting on the head board

(yes, someone actually painted over it !)
I think it turned out okay...don't you?

Love this old school photo !!

I found a new jewelry artist who makes really
amazing pieces of jewelry out of vintage
pieces reworked into wonderful designs, and very affordable too.

Lots of new cute kitchen stuff in, some great cookbooks too.

Well, I hope the sun is shining on your part of the world today,

Thanks for stopping by, Sandi

Please forgive me !!!!!

2009-12-10T23:08:00.001-08:00

I know........I've been bad....really bad....

I wouldn't be surprised if I were thrown out of bloggerville forever.

I confess, it's been nearly 6 weeks since my last post,

that's right, 6 WEEKS !!!

I hope you all can forgive me,

I hope the pictures below will make up for lost time......

Sweet paper fancies from Emily Morris for your special Valentine

And more Valentine goodies for your special someone..

Lots, and I mean lots of new jewelry..

Some made with vintage keys..

Spring is rolling in as well...

Isn't this just the cutest vanity and night stand..

all original paint too!!!

Well I hope I am forgiven for being a neglectful blogger..

I promise to do better..really

Thanks for stopping by,

Sandi

P.S. This is really wierd, when I did this post,

blogger refused to let me change the date.

it still reads Decmeber....okay it's Jan. 27, 2010 .

I guess that's payback for not posting for long.....mmmmm

Christmas Part II

2009-12-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Welllll...I know that I promised more pictures

of our Christmas displays, and I do thank you for being so very patient......

We always have to include a little silver and snow,

and of course a bird cage or two....

We still have a great selection of the best holiday goodies for your home,

but they are selling fast so hurry in...

We also have loads of wonderful gifts for

all those really "special" people on your list.

See you soon !

Holiday Open House

2009-11-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

I know it doesn't seem possible that Christmas is just around the corner,

but we are ready ! We are really excited about this years holiday decor,

or as we are calling it..

Red , Black and White Christmas

The Urn below is actually an old silver plate coffee pot,

but I love the red bakelite handles and it

makes the best vase for red berries, don't you think?

The dust has settled, or I mean the glitter has settled, and the elves are exhausted, but a good time was had by all who attended. A big Thank You to all of you who came by on Saturday and made our Open House a huge success!!

I do have more pictures to share and will add another post in the next few days

when I have recovered from the 12 hour days that we have been putting in getting ready...stay tuned!!

2009-10-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

My first award !! I am so very humbled ......

And a very gracious Thank You goes out to one very talented lady...Emilie http://emiliempaperfancies.blogspot.com/

So here's how it works...I need to share ten honest things about myself....and

Present the award to seven other people who's blogs I think are wonderful in content and or design..... and tell these people that they have received the Honest Scrap award.....

So here goes:

1. I am a night owl....drives my husband nuts. I'd rather stay up late than get up early, unless of course it's to go to a flea market!

2. I love anything covered with cheese..will eat most anything if it involves cheese.

3. I am most comfortable in my old ratty blue jeans, the ones covered with paint.

4. Secretly I've always wanted to be a race car driver, the faster the better. In a porshe, even better.

5. I can wiggle my nose just like bewitched, really..., not kidding. My family thinks I am a freak of nature.

6. I hate to wrap presents, I'm not good at it and it shows. Gift bags are the next best thing to sliced bread as far as I am concerned.

7. Am not computer, technical savvy at all..just ask my husband.

8. I love music of all kinds. I always have music playing, at home, in the store, in the car...you name it (except rap)...but have not a clue how to get it on my Ipod. (See # 7)

9. My idea of a great vacation involves a book, a chair, and a cold beverage...and maybe a flea market or two.

10. It does not qualify as desert unless it has chocolate in it, or on it, or all of the above.

Now for hard part, because their are so many wonderful blogs out there, in no particular order, the chosen ones are:

1. Patti @ http://artfuldesign.blogspot.com/

2.Lori @ http://katiesrosecottage.blogspot.com/

3. Janna @http://artsyfartsyfinds.blogspot.com/

4. Tamra @http://talexandercook.blogspot.com/

5. Sherri @ http://punkrosejournal.blogspot.com/

6. Marlene @ http://jujubescoastal.blogspot.com/

7. Jennifer and Kristin @ http://signssalvage.blogspot.com/

I hope I haven't bored ya all to death, I want to say thanks to all of my fellow bloggers out there that make blogland such a great place to visit. Be sure to check out the sites above, they are all full of great inspiration. Thanks!!

The Pittock Mansion

2009-10-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

I was recently in the Portland, Oregon area and had the opportunity to visit a beautiful estate known as The Pittock Mansion. It 's an amazing place!! The interior of the house it's self is just as as if the family who lived here in the early 1900's had just stepped out for the day, beautifully preserved with all the original fixtures, marble staircases and all. No inside photography was allowed so I will just be able to share the outside with you. The house is stone and is surrounded by amazing gardens.

Even the window boxes are beautifully planted!

View of the front entrance

The back side of the property

In the early 1960's, this amazing property was to be torn down because it had fallen in such disrepair, but the citizens of Portland organized and saved and restored this wonderful place.

If you ever find yourself in this beautiful part of the country,

you will have to tour the estate, I could have moved right in!!

Yeah! It's working...finally!!

2009-09-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we were finally able to

cure my computer of it's sudden case of Alzheimer's,

so here are the rest of the fall pictures

that I have been promising to share.

The weather is not cooperating with my fall look, it was a whopping 106 here today..not exactly pumpkin weather!! I really love this time of year,

but the last few days I have felt like the wicked witch of the west, "Help, I'm melting" and I probably look like her too!! But as I always say,

Eat, Drink, and be Scary!!

A Peek at Fall

2009-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I've been getting calls at the store.....

Where's the fall stuff?

We want Halloween. Where is it? We want pictures!!

And I would gladly post pictures for all of you.....

If I could just get them OUT of my camera.
You see, my computer no longer recognises my camera.
Strange, hugh? It seems just days ago

they were the best of friends.
I wonder if my computer is suffering from some type of techno Alzheimer's?

Sooo......for now, this is all I've got. I promise I have lots more to share...really.
Now I'm off to figure all of this mess out...sorta.
Wish me luck........

Where does It go?

2009-08-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

I just don't know where it goes anymore,

it seems that I blinked and it was gone,

Time that is.

I realized that Summer was over, and that I hadn't done the Back to School

shopping that all the newspaper adds say I should be doing.

and then I realized that since my Children are adults now,
I don't need to Back to School shop....but somehow I feel I'm still missing out,
you know finding the perfect new shoes and the perfect First Day outfit,
all those new binders
and pens and pencils and papers........

It's funny the things that we associate with the change of seasons..........
the leaves turning, cooler temperatures, shorter days......

I may have to go and buy an eraser or two just so I Know that Fall is really coming!

What is it about White?

2009-08-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Decorating trends come and go,

but I have noticed that the color white

is one that doesn't seem fade. Sure there are different

takes on what is white

and how it's used. I love pairing it with black

or in this case silver.

This is probably one of my favorite window displays. Lots of texture and of course shine!

Maybe it's the purity and simplicity it can represent.

Add a little sparkle and it totally changes how we view it .

Add texture and an oragnic element

and it gives it a whole new feel.

At Home With White,

a great new book in the store filled with great ways

to update our take on the wonder of white.

I'd love to hear your opinions and ideas on how

you use white in your decorating projects. Do you think white is here to stay ?

The Outside

2009-07-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since my last post!! It's been such a busy summer here,
I really don't know where the time goes. I really do need to see about getting that 8th day added to my week...... ha,ha!!

Well it occurred to me that I have shared much of the inside of The Cottage with you, but not the outside, so here it is. I am always curious about what the outsides of the shops I encounter in blogland look like, I guess I'm kind of a building junkie anyway. I've been known to drive around in a new town just checking out the old buildings really not caring if I go in...just love looking at the outsides......silly hugh??

Here's a little project that I finished up not to long ago. Nice little music cabinet in dire need of some.......well....let's just call it personality. It was a little boring..... and very brown.

And the After....

Lots more personality, don't ya think???

What's New ??

2009-07-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Great vintage bed with wonderful carving,

Charming little desk and Vintage Cottage window,

Great dresser to store all of your treasures,

Yup, it's pink, original paint and I might add, the Perfect shade of pink!!

Great papers and embellishments for all your paper projects.

Especially when it's it's too hot to be outside!!

Remember everything shown on this blog is for sale

and can be purchased by calling the store

805-237-8533 or emailing us !!
Thanks for looking!

The Ol' Red, White, and Blue

2009-07-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

We live in the best place on earth....

Even when times are tough, and worries are many,

We Americans will always celebrate our Freedom !!

My family and friends (12 of us at last count) are headed out to a local winery this 4th of July for a wonderful evening of live music, great food , and the BEST fireworks that I have ever seen (even better than Disneyland!!)
I hope everyone has a spectacular July 4th !!!!
Stay Safe!!

The One That Got Away......

2009-06-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

You may remember in my last post I mentioned a dress form that I had recently sold.

Well, here she is...I know this is not the best picture but it was the only one I had as she was sold a day later. This was probably one of the best dress forms that I have ever had. You can't see in the picture but she has the wire cage bottom and her body had the best "patina " ever!!! I was told that she was from the late 1800's.

In the 10 years that I have been buying and selling, I could probably count one on hand the things that I have truly regretted selling and she ranks right up there. I know in my heart that I can't possibly keep everything, and I do enjoy seeing someone discover something that makes their heart beat a little faster...

Well off to find my next "hate to let it go", I know I can't keep it all.........

(Lucky for You !!)

Vacation 101

2009-06-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Been gone for awhile...thought I'd share what I've been up to........

You see, I've been on vacation. I know it doesn't look like I visited
some exotic location...

Or stayed in some fancy resort .......

It just doesn't seem to matter where I go, I just find "stuff",

I had planned to share with you pictures of the charming towns,

and the wonderful Inn just steps from the beach that we stayed in,

but you see, I FORGOT the camera....oh well.

You'd probably rather look at all of the really cool stuff

we picked along the way anyway.

This dress form is probably one of my favorite finds,

she will replace the one sold last week, that well, I'm still regretting selling.

(I will share that in a future post)

Well believe it or not, we managed to get it most of it in the store

last night (finished at midnight)...

Vacation is officially over on Sunday....

I think in order to really have a vacation I will have to leave the country...

Hmmmm....maybe France? I'm sure I won't find any "stuff' there!!

If you are off on your summer vacation, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed mine

and don't forget your camera!!

True Love

2009-05-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week here at the store. Furniture coming and going and coming and going, I'm really glad it's Friday. I don't really know why though, I work harder at home on my days "off"

than I do at the store!! I don't think I have mentioned on the blog, but for those of you that don't already know, I do most of the furniture painting myself and Prince Charming (aka-husband) does all of the repairing and rebuilding.

So a day off usually entails the usual laundry, clean the bathrooms, vacuum, dust (Yea , right!), pay bills, sand furniture, paint said furniture, sand said furniture again, stain or wax, and maybe sand said furniture again...you get the idea!!

Well this hutch is the latest project to be completed.

She needed a little TLC and and some minor repairs, but now She is ready to go to a good home. She boasts a gorgeous beveled mirror on top, and beautiful carving on her drawers and cupboards below. She vows to take good care of your precious linens and tarnished silver. She will be especially kind to your grandmothers china and would love to hold your cherished flatware. She had led a long rough life until now, but she would be soooo happy to go to new loving home!

A person truly has to Love this business to be in this business....and I am truly grateful to be doing something that I truly Love....I hope you are all as lucky, and have found your True Love.

Sharing

2009-05-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Door to our store room...

I brought this door back from Texas and really had no idea what I was going to do with it. So it sat in storage for a time just patiently waiting for a purpose. One morning (about 2:00 a.m. as I recall ) I had an idea! When we moved to our new location I was going to have a store room (Yeah!) but the building came with a standard issue not so wonderful door. My DOOR would finally have a HOME!! So complete with a new chalkboard She is very happy in her new home.

Looking toward the front of the store and my beloved barn wood wall. I had no idea this wood was on the wall when I rented the building as it was covered in leopard print fabric. It was a very good day when I ripped down the fabric and discovered....barn wood!

Soy candles, lotions, bubble baths and more...

Great little writing desk....

One of our many Ladies modeling a darling apron.....

Vintage combs and brushes displayed in an urn....

Just in this week, vintage dresser with original crackle paint!!
Have a memorable weekend every one!!

A Project

2009-05-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

I've had this small cupboard door laying around for quite sometime. I stumbled across it the other day while looking in my "pile" for a quick project. I actually think it maybe one of the last things left from my Round Top trip a couple of years ago. This week it seems that anything I hang up, goes out the door, not that I'm complaining mind you, but it sometimes is a challenge keeping up with affordable, interesting wall art.

Sooooo.....with some rusty hooks, french postcard paper, and my trusty decoupage glue, away I went! I really enjoy creating things like this and I just don't have the time to do it as often as I would like. My gosh I don't think I've decoupaged anything since maybe, mmmm.. the eight grade? This was so much fun and quick. I maybe on a roll...more gluing to come I think!!!
Next time I will try and remember to take a before picture, I just got so excited I forgot!

So it's hung and ready to go home with someone.

(By the way, the postcard paper is available here at The Cottage as well )

Charmed

2009-05-16T14:01:00.001-07:00

I always knew life at The Cottage was charmed, now I have proof!!

We just received a shipment of darling charms!

Some come with their own chains, some can be added to your own chain or we have chains in the store for sale.

These are Beveled Letter Charms made by Pan Johnson. She does an amazing job as these are made with beveled glass and hand soldered, she then prints the initials on vintage sheet music with fun sayings printed on the backside. Very popular!

Also just in ball charms. Because the glass is rounded, it gives the image inside a 3D effect. Fun!! These are on 36' chain.

These monogram charms are cast off of a vintage watch fob, and reproduced is sterling plate and come already engraved with your initial.

More Charms! These come with initials, fun images and the newest styles are large flowers . These all come two sided so you get two for the price of one. Gotta love that !

So as you can see The Cottage is charming!!
(ok, enough is enough, I couldn't resist)

Have a wonderful weekend, Thanks for stopping by.

Birdies

2009-05-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

I don't quite understand what the appeal is...

but there is just something about.....

one of natures smallest creatures.

Unassuming, timid by nature, awe inspiring,

though I could never imagine putting one in a cage......

Be free little birds, be free!!

Happy Friday, my feathered friends !

Feelin' Spring

2009-04-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

Umm, just loving the new spring colors in the store. Aqua and white with a touch of black. The dreamy wicker sofa is the work of Patti Erwin of Patti's Artful Design. She made wonderful new cushions with removable covers . She is seamstress extraordinaire along with being a wonderful artist. Look for future posts of her original art work for sale in the store. So very talented!! Give the store a call with any questions 805.237.8533 .

The Hunt

2009-04-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

People often ask me where I find things for the store, and I wish I had just one place, it sure would make my life a lot easier, but the truth is I am always on the look out for unique treasures for my customers. Sometimes I come home with a full load (see photo), and sometimes I come home empty handed, but it's always the thrill of the hunt that keeps me going!!

Note: the funny green thing in the back of my car is a wonderful, to die for (really), wicker table with the best color of green paint. It's on it's way to the store this week, so stop by and take a peek.

Happy Monday,

Sandi

Mothers Day

2009-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

The Cottage is overflowing with wonderful gifts for Mom!

A shipment of Mom inspired books have just arrived along with french inspired paper goods, and a new line of jewelry with vintage buttons. Great gifts ideas!