Can anyone else believe that it is the last day of July?! It's so not July-ish here right now. Dark, gloomy, rainy for days now, and tonight's low is predicted to be 66. It's First Monday this weekend, so my beloved and I are headed to Canton tomorrow to stroll in the cool weather, visit friends, shop a little, and eat sausage on a stick. *the real reason Maurie loves to go to Canton*
Rainy days are sure good for one thing -- getting projects done! All summer these shelves have just been a hodge-podge of leftover pieces. I came upon the box holding these tole trays the other day, and this vignette came together in a matter of minutes. When the sun came out for about 3 minutes this morning I grabbed my camera and started snapping as fast as possible. It's a good thing, because it's already raining again and feels like nighttime outside!
The burlap-lined frame was on my desk being used as a bulletin board, but I love it even more here, adding another punch of the red that matches our newly painted cabinets. I didn't have any art to put in it, so I just tied some gingham ribbon around a plate holder and hung this sweet vintage tole tray.
Some greenery from the yard keeps this display so fresh-looking. And a bowl of lemons always brightens every room.
I still absolutely love to style these shelves. This wall can be seen all the way through our little cottage, so I like to keep them bright and cheerful. It's funny how I'm enjoying adding in a few darker accessories now that the cabinets aren't black. Before it always seemed to weigh the kitchen down too much.
This chippy table is a hard-working piece in our kitchen. It gives us a little extra storage, which is really useful since we don't really have a pantry. Sometimes it looks organized and pretty and other times it's piled high with produce and canned goods. I try to contain everything in baskets and on trays so it doesn't look too cluttered.
The vintage wood stool is everyone's favorite perch while I'm cooking, both humans and felines. Must have something to do with the treats that get handed out :) The grain sack striped towel is handy for wiping up drools spills.
I can't say thank you enough for all the sweet messages that you left, and encouragement that you all gave for our magazine debut! I owe so many of you a visit, or an email, to tell you how touched I am. I also hope that you are seeing a much-improved OC blog! A good housecleaning was loooong overdue for this blog of mine. I have plenty more to do to bring you new content also, so please forgive me if I'm behind on getting back to you! I did really love updating this site but I will admit it has taken many, many hours to make these improvements. There are so many new ideas floating around in this brain of mine, and I love sharing it all with you. Better get back to work :)
Thank you to each and every one of you for your visits!
xoxo, Andrea
I'm joining:
Nita's Mod Mix Monday.
Oh my goodness, I just love that little spot! You are so skilled at combining pretty things.
I'm at my dad's now near Austin. Guess what - 100 degrees! I'm missing out. :)
Posted by: Stacey | July 31, 2014 at 12:53 PM
love love love that whole area...so pretty!!
Posted by: martina | July 31, 2014 at 04:29 PM
I'd know your kitchen anywhere. And I love it. Even though your cottage is small, it is just perfect. And now in a magazine for all to enjoy.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | July 31, 2014 at 04:48 PM
Love you shelf vignette. I love all of the colors you use...
We had rain and gloom today and tomorrow it will be the same. But the garden can use the rain.
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home | July 31, 2014 at 06:18 PM
As always, you have such a talent of putting things together. I picked up Country Sampler yesterday and devoured it. Maybe our paths will cross tomorrow at Canton!
Posted by: Ann | July 31, 2014 at 07:35 PM
Love that spot. It looks so good! Love how you put everything together. Congrats on your home featured in Country Sampler.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | August 01, 2014 at 06:18 AM
Your vignettes and decorating give me the "ooomph" I need for this "stale" house of mine ;0) Love your blog and wish I was headed to Canton today too! A girlfriend and I will be headed there for the next First Saturday (but going either Thurs or Fri of course...less crowded!). Enjoy your day in Canton.
Posted by: Jane B | August 01, 2014 at 07:01 AM
Beautifully put together, as always!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Posted by: Marilyn | August 05, 2014 at 11:05 AM
I went to Hastings the other night, and found THE magazine....oh my how fun!!!
Everything looked beautiful and I am so proud that I "know" a famous person :^)
Blessings,
J
Posted by: Jaybird | August 05, 2014 at 01:54 PM
PS: AND a famous Kitty Cat :^)
Posted by: Jaybird | August 05, 2014 at 02:01 PM
I adore your style and your vignettes! I am so very happy for you and your magazine spread! How exciting. Cheers!
Posted by: debbiedoos | August 15, 2014 at 11:45 PM
This is my first visit to your blog. What a treat! I saw your home featured in Country Sampler and loved it! I was excited to see you have a blog and just had to stop by. I'll be back!
Posted by: yaya | August 24, 2014 at 02:52 PM
This is the sweet spot and I love your kitty! I will trade you my weather for yours. It's still in the mid 90's here.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susana and Bentley
Posted by: Susan Freeman | September 03, 2014 at 06:04 PM
Oh I am just crazy about a red and black color combo! Love a good tole plate too.
I also wanted to say thank you for your kind comments and friendship. You are a treasure.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | September 06, 2014 at 02:29 PM
Hello sweet friend!
Your kitchen helper is adorable. Love the black and red colors!
Have an awesome day!
karianne
Posted by: Thistle | September 30, 2014 at 12:24 PM
such a pretty set-up! loving it
styleandchocolates.blogspot.com
Posted by: celyn | October 05, 2014 at 01:54 PM