Cottage8 Turns Three!

I just looked at the calendar today and realized it was nearly 3 years ago to the date that we moved into this house. 3 years. Really? It feels like yesterday and then it feels like 30 years, all at the same time. Know that feeling?

We put a bamboo roller shade up in our living room window, which remains there all summer long. The hot afternoon sun drives the heat straight in, and with no air conditioning in the house, this place heats up like a furnace in no time.

I’ve been super focused on working on the house this summer. I’ve been regularly combing my favorite antique stores for interesting finds for our home. I’m sorta hooked on the feeling of waking up in the morning and seeing something new in the house. It seriously makes me wanna kick the covers off the bed and run down the hallway barefoot, like a kid looking for Christmas.

 

 

A few days ago I found this rusty old tray caddy at a flea market. I love switching things out and trying new things. I especially like it when the look is really unexpected, rustic, and a bit quirky…

 

 

This tray caddy looks like it’s seen decades of outdoor exposure. A patina such as this simply cannot be replicated. Forgotten and re-found treasure…

 

 

The old rusty metal basket I recently purchased from Agoura Antique Mart, one of my favorite places to shop with some of the best dealers around…

 

 

I love these old piano player scrolls. I have dozens and dozens of them. I plan on listing a bunch of them on my website soon, but if you want to get your hands on them before then, I’m selling them at $10 a piece, with free shipping. Just email me with how many you want. 

 

 

Have you read Sibella Court’s Etcetera book yet? I pick it up and thumb through it every couple days for some good doses of inspiration…

 

 

Some good news! We just recently finished our Guest Bathroom, which I’m super excited to share with you. Only problem is, our bathroom is the size of a phone booth. You think I’m joking? My camera is wide angle challenged I guess you can say, because it’s impossible to shoot with my standard lens. If you have any recommendations for a Canon lens that can shoot indoors, in super tiny, tight spaces, I’m all ears.

I also finished our Guest Bedroom and our Media Room this summer, but I’m having the same camera issue with these small rooms…I need a lens that can take in the whole tiny space without feeling like I’m being pressed against the wall.

 

 

Besides being super focused on home decorating this summer, I’ve also been highly motivated to continue in my weight loss journey. I’ve lost another 12 lbs, making my total weight loss so far: 32 lbs. I must admit, I cringe when I hear people say “the weight just fell off”. Every single pound I have lost has taken work and incredible determination. Eating right, daily exercise and family/friend support have been instrumental, but there is so much more to it. I would love to share some of the things that have worked for me, if you are interested. The last thing I want is to turn this into is a weight loss blog…boring! (Nothing against weight loss blogs, but I know you come here primarily for home decor-related eye candy). So if you want to hear more, from time to time I’d love to share with you some honest to goodness tips and what’s made it work for me.

 

Lastly, I’ve been carrying around this list of lovely bloggers who I want to thank for sharing some link love on their blogs: BJ, Kristin, Stacy, Melaine, Grace, Mia & Jilly, and Patty. Thank you ladies!

Have a great weekend everyone, and Happy Friday!