St. Helena Holiday Home Tour…

I am in California on business and plan to spend the weekend in Napa Valley with friends enjoying the St. Helena Holiday Home tour.

I plan to announce my giveaway winner in the next few days. Thanks to those who participated.

 

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

A thank you gift and a giveaway…

I received this beautiful fruit bouquet from my friend Karen. If you haven’t ever heard of Edible Arrangements…check them out. Of course I immediately gravitated towards the chocolate covered banana.

If you missed my giveaway announcement click here to check it out.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

AllModern.com giveaway…don’t miss out!

AllModern.com is hosting a giveaway here! You could win two of their spectacular iittala Origo Bowls. I selected these bowls due to their vibrant colors (I think it will appeal to all of you) and upon reading about iittala. Established in 1881 by legendary designers Kaj Franck (1911-1989) and Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), iittala has a long tradition of glass craftsmanship. Mouth-blown, non-leaded crystal in combination with vibrant colors has long been a staple of the brand. In addition to the art glass, iittala has proven successful with their supremely combinable lines of dinnerware. All products are compatible with one another to cater for every occasion as well as personal taste. Objects with a clear thought, created in order to achieve long lasting, everyday use and inspiration.

I must say AllModern.com has something for everyone. Looking for a dining table…their five piece dining sets are on sale. As I was perusing the site the Caroline Cottage Tavern Pub Table in antique red caught my eye for obvious reasons…if you aren’t into red check out their other pub tables.

An important Giveaway rule: This giveaway is only for US or Canadian residents.

Ways to enter: You can do one or more of the following…each counts towards an entry.

1) Leave a comment about anything here.

2) Visit AllModern.com and come back and share your favorite find.

3) Sign up to follow my blog.

4) Post the Cottage Lifestyle Giveaway graphic above (by copying the graphic or the HTML code below) on your blog either on the sidebar or in a post and let me know you have it on your blog. If you do a post and put it on the sidebar that will be worth two entries.

5) If you follow my blog you will be automatically entered.

6) Visit my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com and leave a comment.

Giveaway HTML code:

<p><a href="$clip_image004[5][3].gif"><img title="clip_image004[5]" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" height="240" alt="clip_image004[5]" src="$clip_image004[5]_thumb[1].gif" width="216" border="0" /></a></p>

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Roadkill Rescue…

Found in the neighbor’s garbage and dragged home. Took a slipcover class and using material my friend Anita had given me, I made a slipcover. I must say it was painful for me to sew this slipcover.

Blogged for Infarrantly Creative’s Roadkill Rescue party. 

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

My one year blogging anniversary…

I have been a junker for years…hitting garage sales, flea markets, occasional sales and antique stores at every opportunity and where ever I was travelling. In September of 08 I had time on my hands and started actively seeking out blogs that shared my junking and decorating interests. Some how I stumbled upon My Romantic Home and A Beach Cottage, and my blogger stalking days were in full tilt. I just surfed from one inspiring blog to another, ultimately becoming inspired to start my own. I didn’t know anything about blogging but thought it would be fun to learn something new. I am not sure why but the day I started -- I made a decision to blog every day for a year. About every four months during the past year I questioned why I made that decision, and wondered whether or not I would be able to do 365 posts in a row. I am surprised and happy I made it.

Thank you for visiting my blog and following along, and for the kind words along the way. I am not quite sure how often I will post going forward…I am guessing at least a few times a week, but not seven.

To celebrate my anniversary AllModern.com is sponsoring a giveaway…details to follow. In the meantime check out their website.

I thought I would share my favorite post and few others posts that capture my junking and decorating style.

My Best Garage Sale Find Ever

I am seeing Stars

Guest room of my dreams

Blue shutter headboards

Before and After

Screen Porch

Strings of Pearls

Repurposing Old Coffee Jars

Sit Long Talk Much Laugh Often

Trapezoid Quilt

Paddle Decorating

Pink Frames

Busy Baking Bread

Almost didn’t buy this

Things that make me smile

Firewood storage

Front Porch

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Downtown art…

These beautifully painted horses were on display in downtown Ocala, Florida. Many cities select an item to be painted by various artists and have them off to raise money. In the Minneapolis / St. Paul area we have had Charlie Brown and Lucy, and I have seen cows and other animals throughout my travels. What have they painted in your city?

 

I am two days away from my one year blog anniversary. I set a goal to do a post a day for a year and for a while I didn’t think I was going to make it.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Colorful bags…

Just a sampling of the multitude of colorful bags from the Markets of Marion in Ocala, Florida. There was every color combination and style imaginable.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Recycling makes holiday art…

These charming recycled parts turned holiday art greeted us at the Northwoods Boutique.

If you missed yesterday’s post you’ll regret it if you don’t click here or scroll down and check out the home tour of a friend of a friend’s home.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

A friend of a friend…

While in Ocala, Florida my friend Sue introduced me to her friend Susie, who recently decorated her home on a budget. Susie was kind enough to give me a tour and let me share it with you. Her decor is an amalgamation of treasured antiques collected over the years while living on the West Coast, consignments from her new home town of Ocala, spectacular buys from standard stomping grounds such as Michaels, and even freebies from the parents of the queen of junking, Ki Nassauer, Co-Editor, Flea Market Style magazine and much more.

The framed art below is a 99 cent poster. I wish I could have captured how vivid it is. The art paired with consignment couches and freebie tables, makes for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

A sturdy end table and conversational piece.

Another 99 cent framed poster posed with a treasure.

I haven’t ever seen a frame like the one below. It made my heart melt.

Clever use of towels as curtains…not only practical but colorful.

Thanks Susie for sharing your home.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Addicted to craisin and oatmeal cookies…

I have rationalized that because these cookies have craisins and oatmeal they are healthy to eat. I enjoy baking and have taken up baking cookies weekly. I must say they have made the ideal travel snack.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

So much to share and no time to do so…

I have a giveaway to announce, an interview with Linda MacDonald, Editor-at-Large of Flea Market Style to share, pictures of a friend of a friend’s house to show, a clever gift bag tutorial, and many Junk Bonanza vendor pics…but this thing called a job keeps getting in my way. Please stick with me as I promise to deliver soon.

 

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Relaxing weekend…

This is where I spent a relaxing weekend my friends Sue and Dave. Now as I am busy working long hours on the road it feels like a lifetime ago or as if it didn’t happen.

 

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

Any ideas…

Spotted these kid frames at the Markets of Marion Flea Market in Ocala, FL. They were $2 a box. I wish I would have stumbled on them prior to the baby shower I went to recently. They would have made cool gift tags…you could either put a picture of the recipient or just a simply to and from on decorative paper. My friend Sue and I were brainstorming ideas and come up with the following: Christmas tree ornaments,fun placeholders at a kid party or baby shower or an adult party, tie them to the end of a balloon for a kid’s party or a baby shower, and they would make interesting decorations on a kid’s cake or a baby shower cake.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee

One size fits all…

I know you have seen these tops that look like kid’s clothes until you put them on and they actually grow to fit your body. Well, while shopping at the Markets of Marion Flea Market in Ocala, Florida I gave in dropped $20 for two long sleeve versions. Just the day before I had seen one on a woman and it look fabulous. Given that I am traveling more these days I thought they would be perfect for travel…don’t take up much space, doesn’t matter if they get wrinkled and no ironing required. I don’t know how long they will last, but I thought I would give them a try.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• Inspirational decorating with thrifty finds
• Repurposing floral frogs
• Affordable watercolor art and frames
• Classic black and white purses
• 10 Chalkboard paint ideas
• Five Free Cell Phone Features
• Organizing with jars – Part I
• Organizing with jars – Part II
• Organizing with jars – Part III
• Dishes add color and whimsy to the garden
• Wallpaper Art
• Transforming a Goodwill table
• Repurposing flashcards
• Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards
• Hoops and fabric equal art
• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
• 10 uses for orphan sheets
• Organizing with Gladware
• Round robin clothing exchange and more

Thanks for stopping by Cottage Lifestyle and examiner.com.
Renee