Bewitched~

The Princess was watching Nicole Kidman's remake of "Bewitched" the other day. I had watched it a few times before, and I remembered that I thought the cottage in the movie was quite charming, so I made a point of stopping and watching with the Princess for a minute.

And, oh yes! I just adore that cottage. So I looked on-line for some images to share with you. Luckily, the amazing Julia at Hooked on Houses had featured the "Bewitched" remake on her site, so I was able to steal borrow some images from her.

I was slightly disappointed, although not at all surprised, to learn that the interior of the sweet cottage had been built as a set for the movie. It is Hollywood, after all. But for the sake of my infatuation with the house, I'm going to pretend it exists as you see it. You'll all pretend with me right?

Here is a photo of the home's exterior. It's perfect, no? Even complete with a white picket fence.

But it's the interior that I really fell in love with (again, pretending it's not just a set.) I love the vaulted ceilings and the arches and columns. And that huge chandy over the table? Swoon.

But the kitchen? All those windows? And the french doors? Exactly what I want someday. Check out the sweet little shelf above the window on the left with that collection of white pottery. mmmmm. (I guess I'll have to build my own, huh?...Okay so I'm not doing a very good job at pretending it's not a set.) ;-)

And, of course, those perfect french doors lead out to a perfect little patio/courtyard complete with a fountain (that can be seen in the previous photo) and a pergola. Oh and don't forget the perfect little shabby chic bistro set. I could certainly spend many a leisurely brunch on a patio like that.

Someday I might find my own perfect little Bewitched cottage, and when I do, I'll snap it up. Now if I could just learn to wiggle my nose. ;-)

Have a great day~

Monday Lovely...and a winner~

Hello Monday. How did you get here so soon? I hope all of my American readers had a wonderful 4th of July weekend! We had tons of fun around these here parts...the kids loved lighting sparklers and fireworks...and then going to see a great fireworks display at our local golf course. (Now, so I don't get tons of emails about letting my kids light fireworks...I'm sure you all realize the kiddos didn't do any of the lighting...the grown-ups did...okay 'nuff said.) The weather was perfection. Summer at its finest!


Picture from NY Times

Last week, a dear friend of mine emailed me this link to a NY Times slide show of a sweet little cottage in the Catskills and told me it really made her think of me. I was very flattered. This little 9x10 foot cottage is the work of Sandra Forster and is simply amazing. I'm gonna have to create one of these for myself. Make sure and check out the rest of the pictures at this link.

And finally, the winner of the Burlap and Blue $25 gift certificate is Kristi of Creative Kristi. Congratulations Kristi! Please send me an email and we'll get you hooked up with your prize.

Have a great Monday~

Tablescapes and Modern Art~

I received a package in the mail from Sarah at A Beach Cottage containing some lovely place mats and napkins that I won in a giveaway. They were so pretty that I felt inspired to set the table for a festive fall dinner.

The mix of patterns and textures gave interest to the neutral color scheme.

The place mats rolled and tied with a bit of twine created a casual feel.

Mismatched silverware is perfect for casual entertaining (of course, at my house, I'm lucky to have enough silverware to go around with two little boys that love to stuff it down heating vents....I have to clean them out every week or so...)


And one of my favorite place card ideas...this is just a piece of kraft paper torn against a straight edge and nestled in the prongs of a fork. So simple....casually elegant.

And on the menu...a perfect fall meal...beef stew and muffins with cinnamon streusel topping. One of my sharp eyed readers is going to mention the fact that there are no bowls on the table. I prefer to bring bowls to the table already filled...prevents spills from messing up the pretty linens.

Bon appetit!!

And finally, as I was trying to get mounds of laundry folded yesterday, I noticed that it was quiet. Too quiet. Because I have the toddler demolition team still at home during the days, I knew that a quiet house couldn't be good. So I hurried to the kitchen and found a very proud Mr. Two (4 years old) who showed me his latest "sculpture". Yes, he did call it a sculpture. I had to immortalize it here on the old blog. (Although I am now out of tin foil.) That little kid is going to be famous one day!

EDITED TO ADD: Apartment Therapy featured The Shabby Nest and The Frugal Friday Linky Party yesterday. Here's the link!

Have a great Wednesday~

The Little Details~

It is in the little details that the character of home comes through. These details create the personality and uniqueness of a space. One of my favorite parts of looking through pictures of designer rooms, is checking out the small touches that make a space different and inviting. While perusing the photos in Cottage Style, I noticed this little side table. Now, look closely at the drawer pull. How cute is that?

Photo from Cottage Style

I just so happen to have a side table in my Master bedroom that has been lacking hardware for about a year. The drawer pull that came on the table was so dated that it made the whole piece look dated. The table actually has classic lines, so I took off the hardware. Some of you may have run into the same problem I did... NOTHING FIT! I looked high and low for a drawer pull that would fit this little table but with no luck. I tried putting two knobs on it...it just didn't look right. But when I saw this photo, I knew I had my solution ...

This little trick could be applied to so many pieces...and so many styles. Think burlap, grosgrain, twine, or even fancy ribbons for fancier pieces. The possibilities are endless...and unique...and they would create a home with personality and character. And isn't that the best part of a space...making it your own?

And now, I'd like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my l'il sis and best friend!!!! Today is Holly's birthday. I think it would be loads of fun if we all pop over to her blog and leave her a comment wishing her a Happy Birthday! If you think so too, here's the link! (She's going to be pretty embarrassed when she sees this...ha ha ha! That's what big sisters are for, right?)

EDITED TO ADD: Always glad when I have another happy customer. Lulu over at Lulu & Co. posted about my No.6 pillow she purchased. Pop over and check it out.

Have a lovely Wednesday!

Inspire-me Tuesday~

The other day while I was at the grocery store, I grabbed me a copy of Cottage Style by Better Homes and Gardens. I've been pouring over it ever since, and soaking it in! So today I just wanted to share with you some of the wonderful spaces featured in that lovely publication...

This porch is divine! How I would love a french settee upholstered all in white. ( Maybe in another ten years or so.)

I love this headboard made from a salvaged fireplace mantle. I also adore the letters on top...the monograms of the home's owners.

This lovely hutch was previously a display piece for a Ralph Lauren store...I've got to find me a way to get some old display pieces like this one...what a find!


There are so many things I love about this breakfast room that I don't know where to begin! The french chairs upholstered in white - again - love them! I love the way they play off the burlap skirt on the table. And of course, the numbered placecards are perfect!

I'm loving this headboard...it is similar to what I have in mind for my Master Bedroom. And the touches of toile are perfection!

Love this bedroom! The transferware plates look lovely...I've filed away that idea for my Master as well. This room is by Holly Mathis (love her blog...)

All pictures from Cottage Style

So now my dear readers, you know the drill...go forth, inspire, and be inspired~