Opulent Cottage

Gotta Love Freecycle

Do you Freecycle? I have realized lately that a surprising number of people haven't heard of Freecycle. Started in 2003, the network promotes reuse and "keeping good stuff out of landfills." Over 9 million members are a part of over 5,000 groups worldwide. There's a great article about the history of the organization here. 

Wanna see what I got this weekend?

This armoire. Yep, an armoire. For Free! Don't you just love it?!!! The couple who gave this away just got a big flat screen TV, so they didn't need the armoire any more. 

You may remember me rambling at the beginning of the year about being so over the armoire that we have in the living room. Well, this pretty red beauty will now take its place, and I'll have an extra armoire to use in the new studio/Abby's bedroom when she heads to college in a few weeks. For Free.

And it's RED! My favorite color! It might not stay this exact shade of red, because it needs a little touch up, so I might as well repaint it. My new wash boiler (thank you Sally for being the first person to tell me what it is!) will look great on top of here. 

These knobs might need to be replaced with something awesome from Hobby Lobby. They are all half off this week. Although I kind of like these tassels, too --

And these. Both sets are napkin rings.

 

 

I can tell that I'm going to have so much fun restyling this again and again. Tonight we begin the task of switching everything out, and rewiring the TV, DVR and stereo. That sounds like Not Fun, doesn't it.

I could have furnished several homes with the items that were offered in the 6 months that I have been a Freecycle member. Just this past week,  two bookcases, two more entertainment units, a twin bed with a white iron frame, a sofa, numerous lots of clothing, sports equipment, lamps, canned goods and body products were offered to Freecyclers. It feels good to offer something you can't use, and find someone who can. Right before Christmas I was able to give a cute coat and umbrella to a girl whose home had just burned down. She had lost everything, it was cold and rainy, and thanks to Freecycle, the coat was one more thing that she didn't have to try to replace. And now that I have gotten the armoire, I have a whole stash of things to give away, to keep the good energy going!

It's easy to sign up; just go to Freecycle.org to become a member. If a group doesn't exist in your area, you can start one. I hope you'll be inspired to give it a try, and see what you can get, and what you can give.

Thanks for stopping by to see my new armoire! I'm joining Brenda at Cozy Little House for her first Tweak It Tuesday. Congratulations, Brenda!

I'm also joining Kim's Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, and Yvonne's Tutorials Tips and Tidbits at StoneGable.

Some of My Favorite Farmhouse Blogs

I have a new addiction -- farmhouse blogs!! My inner farmgirl became drawn to several new (to me), charming blogs over the last few weeks, and I'll share them with you today. Each one is unique, and they are all fantastic in their own, individual way.

While I would love soooo much to have my own little farmhouse, it's certain that we will be here in the city for several more years to come. So while I have been reflecting, and searching, on how I will pass the time, I have come to the realization that my only choice is to create my own tiny urban farm! It will be a struggle, trying to find a way to create what I dream of on a mostly shaded, 50 by 145 foot lot. I'll show you my vegetable garden soon -- it's only 6 feet by 10 feet! It's the only spot where we have a good amount of sunlight.

We have finally decided though, that this little house, while cute as a potting shed, could be put to such much better use  -- 

 

We're taking the plunge, and converting it into a chicken coop! (You can read more about the previous transformation of our little shed here.) We're searching for materials now, repurposed of course, and have found a family to purchase our hens from. It's an exciting new adventure that we really look forward to!!

But until then, I'll be reading these blogs and enjoying their farm adventures. Click on the blog names to link directly to their sites!

 

Red Farmhouse

This adorable family does it all:  homeschool, raise animals, participate in their community, even enter their crafts in the county fair! The live on a beautiful property that they share with their kids' grandparents, and are learning about farming as they go. You'll find wonderful farm house style along with everyday peeks into what it's like for Kim as she transforms from suburban girl to farm girl. 

 

Tales From the Coopkeeper

The only problem with Jayme's  blog is that you could almost die laughing while reading it! But equally as engaging is her soul-baring, honest story about her journey to improve her health and lose weight. It will inspire you to set out on a course of self-improvement, no matter what subject you choose to tackle. I want to be her.

 

French Hen Farm

If you need inspiration to gitter done, visit Linda and see her charming farm on 100 acres in Ohio. She accomplishes more than anyone I know, creating the setting for her twice-yearly Barn Sales. Imagine fantastic styling, amazing vintage finds, beautifully redone furniture, and added touches such as home-grown heirloom pumpkins and gorgeous seasonal flowers. I just can't say beautiful enough times to describe the inspiration you'll see when you visit. Anyone up for a road trip?

 

Meadowbrook Farm

This blog has it all: stunning photography, breathtaking scenery, and Teresa's hilarious wit. While she claims that she doesn't do any of the actual farming herself, she totally makes up for it with mad gardening skills. Any of you who have lived through the hot, dry summer we've had here in the south will keel over when you see her massive displays of petunias, zinnias, and every other flower that she waves her magic wand over. And seriously, the scenery -- amazing.

 

Chickens in the Road

If there's anything -- and I mean anything -- that you need to know how to do, run straight to Suzanne's blog. I would just about sell my firstborn to be able to attend her retreat on her beautiful West Virginia farm this weekend. She's a renowned writer of Harlequin Romance novels, and her creative writing adds a comic spice to her twice- and thrice-daily blog posts. Her blog sections are organized by category, making it super-easy to choose the content that interests you most. If you're like me, you won't know what you want to do first. 

 

Georgia Farm Woman

This hard working couple not only laid their own wood floors, they milled the wood themselves, right off of their property. Oh, and they built their entire home. Themselves! Something interesting is always in the works, like their recently renovated 1957 tractor --that they call  their NEW tractor. Precious animal photos and scenic countryside are another treat from this southern Georgia farm. Lovely people, they are, with a lovely story of dedication and hard work to go along.

 

Boho Farm and Home

Caroline's urban farm is an oasis in the middle of Phoenix. She defies the obstacles that living in a city could pose, and is creating a purposeful, sustainable life for her family. Their French inspired home and well planned gardens provide inspiration for anyone seeking beauty, whether urban or rural. If only I had all of that wonderful sunlight, I would copy her to a T.

 

I hope you enjoy visiting these ladies!

Today I'm joining Laurie Anna's Farmhouse Friday. Wish I could visit you in Canton, Laurie Anna, but we'll be busy working on our coop! Thank you for hosting us today.

Snail Show and Tell

For Cindy’s Show and Tell Friday this week, I have to show my most recent find … a darling garden snail!

 

I know, snails are not usually that cute, but how adorable is this?

 

Mosaic with dragonflies, frogs and ladybugs.

 

Early happy birthday to me! Found at Ross. Run, quick, before they sell out!

 

Please visit Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday, and have great weekend!

Apple Pie for Two

My friend Evie Knodel sent me this great recipe the other day, sweetie that she is. It’s called Apple Pie for Two, and she found it in P. Allen Smith’s newsletter.

 

I’m a pretty inexperienced baker, so mine don’t look exactly like P. Allen Smith’s. OK, they don’t look anything like his! But trust me, a hungry teenager has dug in so fast, that they’re halfway done and then say, is this apple pie? And anything I bake anything in this house, I have one pretty happy family.

 

I couldn’t resist adding a sprinkle of sugar on top. (Trying to camouflage my crumbly crust.) Since almost anything looks better in a cute little ramekin, I think they’re still acceptable.

 

The other nice thing about Evie’s email was that she introduced me to the P. Allen Smith website, which is fantastic. I have seen his show on occasion, but had not found the website before.

 

Photo from P. Allen Smith website

 

And do you think folks really call him P. Allen? Or just Allen? Maybe “The P.”

 

Photo from P. Allen Smith website 

 

He has a weekly newsletter that you can sign up for here. It’s full a great organic gardening tips, recipes, and holiday and entertaining ideas.

 

Today is Foodie Friday! I’m headed there now. And thank you Evie, for the lovely recipe!

 

StyleScope Quiz

Today I took the HomeGoods StyleScope quiz, which I found on Rhoda’s Southern Hospitality blog. How they could nail my style sense from just a few simple questions, I don’t know. Here are my results:

 

Andrea, you are a Bohemian Classic

You have a refined sensibility and bring a sense of history and tradition into your decor. You appreciate how symmetrical arrangements and beautiful, well-crafted pieces create a solid foundation to a room. But you like to shake up this restraint with objects and accessories that express your personality and your love of other cultures. When traveling, you seek out unique objects that reflect what you love, and you use them in a sophisticated way. You want people to feel comfortable in your home, and cozy chairs, ethnic fabrics, unique pieces, and even a little touch of quirk or humor give your house a laid-back, Bohemian flair.

You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.

 

That really describes my style perfectly – especially the part about layering different fabrics and mixing patterns. I just counted, and I have 18 different fabrics in my living room alone. Oops, make that 19 – I forgot to count the leopard ties on the bamboo blinds!

I love to do the same thing in the garden. Layering plantings and mixing fabrics brings a warmth and coziness, even outside.

 

I’m feeling the pull of fall now, and craving a few richer, darker fabrics for inside and out. Now if we could just get some cool weather to go along with that sentiment!

Try the StlyeScope quiz, just for fun. And let me know what your results are! I love hearing about everyone's decorating style.

 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

 

xo, Andrea

 

Favorite Things

Just a few favorite things to share this morning….

 

These sunflowers are the prettiest I’ve seen in a long time. They’re from the grocery store!!

 

 

My new (old) plates, Mikasa “Cache Pots”

 

 

This magazine is so fantastic. Every page is an inspiration. I signed up on the website, and received an offer for a $10 subscription.

 

 

These strawberry muffins are healthy and delicious. Easy, too.  Recipe found on page 40 of the August issue.

 

 

And I wish I could swath every inch of my kitchen in that cheerful calico print you see in the background. Alas, only fat quarters could be found …

 

Do you have any favorites right now?

 

My Version of Feng Shui (or not)

Saturday’s paper had an article about feng shui, and how rearranging the decorative elements in your home can release new energy. That’s all the convincing I needed! I’ve had a few ideas brewing to incorporate my First Monday vintage finds, but had not found just the right items to make it all come together. Now you all know that I love to buy vintage and handcrafted first, but with a super-exciting photography deadline looming, I needed to get movin’! So what’s a girl to do?.... why, head to the local discount stores, of course! I splurged on a few items that will help my projects come together and a couple others that I just couldn’t resist.

Bordallo ceramics have been a favorite collectible of mine for years. Their items have always appealed to me because of their reverence for Mother Nature. The pieces have been made in the same factory in Portugal for over 120 years! I love collecting pieces that have such a rich history. This may be my favorite ever, a sweet bunny and carrot-laden egg tray. It came from Ross.

This plaque was made by a company call America Retold. It was bearing a tag that says all of their items are handcrafted! Love that, and the sweet message. A T.J. Maxx find.

A classic, Johnson Bros. Great Britain Castles coffee mug. The pattern is a little fuzzy, but I sure don't mind giving these imperfect items a home! Also from TJs.

And two bread and butter dishes – thank you Marshall’s.

I wish you could see these in person – they are just gorgeous. Royal Stafford cereal (I think) bowls, also from Marshall’s.

And this sweet birdie. I am loving this turquoise color, and hope to add something in this color to each room in our home. It looks old too, doesn’t it? This was also found at T.J. Maxx.

 

Plus, while I was out, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in awhile, and we schemed up a fun new business opportunity for the two of us. Wow, I really like this kind of energy!

 

What do you think about how I’ve glossed over the general concept of feng shui and turned it into a shopping opportunity? But maybe I should take another look at that article, because I might remember a little something about paring down, decluttering, and actually cleaning…. oops! Not sure that’s my style, though! Could be that I’m not such a feng shui girl after all.

 

Have a happy day, everyone!

xoxo, Andrea

Love That Junk

Have you been to the Junkmarket Style website? If you haven’t then go on over for some really unique, clever, and fresh junking ideas! I have been inspired by these creative folks to look at some of my junk treasures in a whole new way. The member junk section is hours of entertainment in itself, and the contributors projects will really get you in creative mode. Here’s what I’ll be posting over there today -

 

Here’s a simple (and maybe silly) junk project, but one that I thought you all might enjoy. Did anyone see Angelina Jolie’s earrings at the Oscars? And were you thinking what I was, that her gazillion-dollar emerald earrings kind of looked like plastic… and kind of like chandelier crystals? Well, look what I found in Canton yesterday!! The vendor and I had a good laugh about how, for $3, I’ll have earrings that look like Hollywood royalty!! And nothing against emeralds, but I like this color even more.

These faceted plastic chandelier “crystals” pair really well with some turquoise beads that I saved from an old necklace.

 

This morning I ran over to a new restaurant that’s going in down the street from us and took these pics. Look at this interesting railing they are putting in -

How refreshing to see something in Dallas that isn’t a glittering high rise! I’m crazy about the kitschy look of these mismatched gate pieces, all harmonizing together.

They’re a little hard to make out because of the construction debris, but I could not wait to share this with you all.

Speaking of Canton, I came away with several great new projects to share with you here in the near future! Rusted iron, vintage quilts and embroidery, and… I don’t want to give it all away! Have a good weekend, everyone!

Happy Feet…

 

Is what I’ll have when I’m wearing my new rain boots at First Monday in Canton next weekend!

 

And that darling rose tray is going in my Etsy shop tomorrow. Isn't it so perfect for Valentine's Day, and spring?