Back to blogging…with a lot to share…

Yikes, it has been a while since I have blogged. I was traveling for work and didn’t have an opportunity to post, then I was traveling with friends and having too much fun to post, and when I came home I seemed to either be too busy shoveling snow or too tired to blog. I got out of the habit after the first week of not blogging…reminded me of exercise…once you don’t exercise for a few days all of a sudden a week has gone by, then another week of no exercise.

I am recommitting to blogging. I have a giveaway winner to announce, my interview with Linda McDonald of Flea Market Style magazine, and a lot of photos of homes that I either spent time in or stalked while in California.

The photo above and the photos below are of the home of my friends Bill and Marie. I have known Marie since 1982 and almost always stay at with her and Bill when I am in the Bay Area. Bill’s uncle designed the home.

The jug below was used to hold sake.

Fresh fruit on the front porch make for a warm and colorful welcome.

The picture below is a tree from their yard, but I can’t for the life of me remember what these are…other than striking and messy when they hit the ground and you step on them.

The persimmons were spectacular and made for a beautiful display.

In one of the houses that we toured in St. Helena they cut a full branch of persimmons and set it on a buffet.

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

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

Memories…

Being the poor photographer that I am I truly appreciate books that capture the essence and history of a city, state or country. At least once a year, I browse through all my travel coffee table books and reminisce about my visit and about those that were with me.

PJ over at Seens from the back of my eyelids is hosting a giveaway. Just for stalking her and leaving a post before midnight on Friday 11/6/09 you will be entered for a chance to win a $75 Amazon e-gift certificate. Click on the picture below to jump over to PJ’s blog. She has one of my favorite headers.

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

The best place in the world to live…

One of my favorite places, Gibsons, British Columbia was just named the best place in the world to live. I have written about this area of the world several times in my blog…click here and here and here and more about British Columbia here.

The town of Gibsons, population about 4,000, was named the best place in the world to live, among communities with fewer than 20,000 residents, by the International Awards for Liveable Communities. Gibsons is the southernmost town on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride northwest of Vancouver, and was already well-known for more than its sea views and hillside homes.

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

 

 

Enjoy the view and the home tour…

This is the view of my friend Helen’s front yard in British Columbia. Helen is selling her home…click here to take a tour! I guarantee you won’t regret taking the time to tour her home! Helen is an fabulous artist….check out her art.

Blogged for A Southern Daydreamer’s Outdoor Wednesday!

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• 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

The city by the bay…

Three weeks ago I was in San Francisco giving my 14 year old niece a tour of the city and Bay Area where I once lived. I have always appreciated the diversity of the homes and the architectural details. I am not quite sure if this is a condo or a single family home…either way it is stunning. It is perched on a hill and has a stunning view from all windows and the roof deck.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• 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

Pull up a chair…

Stop by our A Southern Daydreamer and see what others are sharing for Outdoor Wednesday.

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• 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

More Chandeliers…

Ever since I got the garage sale buy of my life…I have been noticing chandeliers every where. Last week I was in Charleston, SC for business and stayed at a historic hotel, The Mills House. The chandeliers in the hotel lobby caught my eye. Wouldn’t this first chandy look fabulous in my dining room?

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• 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 of my favorite travel purchases…

Since I am extremely frustrated with photographing the item I wanted to show today and out of time to put any more energy into photographing it…I decided to pull a post from December 30, 2008…as I was only six weeks into blogging back then and didn’t have many visitors.

Fellow Minnesotans...check out the following upcoming occasional sales.
-How Quaint
-Vintage Treasures Market in St. Charles, MN

Check out my Thrifty Shopping articles on examiner.com.

• 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

It is all about the blues…

This picture was taken by my neighbor Bill and he was kind enough to share it with me. The blue in the building, the blue of the water, the blue of the sky and the blue in the sailboat in the window are spectacular.

Check out my articles on examiner.com.
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

To my fellow Minnesotans or anyone traveling to Minnesota this week…check out the following events taking place this week and weekend.
Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale (my hood in south Minneapolis…we usually have 45 – 80 homes participating)
May Antique Fair – A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair (Rosemount, MN)
Haupt Antiek Market (Rosemount, MN)
LeAnntiques (Hopkins, MN)
The French Flea (Anoka, MN)
Nic-Nac Paddywac’s (Osseo, MN)
Antique Alley (218 Central Avenue, Osseo, MN 55369; 763-420-3220)

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

The Season is Upon Us…

Yes, the golf season is on the horizon here in Minneapolis…so I thought it would be fun to share my treasure. Back in 2001 or 2002 (can’t remember a thing these days) my friend Kirsten and I drove all over France. The roads and freeway system are fabulous and the country side is breathtaking. However, the food for me was challenging (I prefer eating in Italy)…the only days I enjoyed the food were when I could get pasta and a local fish or when we hit a local farmer’s market and bought cheese, meat and wine.

We stopped in Limoges, France so I could visit a porcelain ceramics studio, as Limoges is famous for their porcelain. I purchased this beautiful golf bag. I have golfed on and off for many years and for whatever reason I was drawn to this particular piece. Little did I know in 2001/2002 that in 2004 I would join a golf company and spend 4 years working there.

I gathered the following off the internet in case you are interested in knowing more about Limoges porcelain. Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating raw materials, generally including clay in the form of kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 °C (2,192 °F) and 1,400 °C (2,552 °F). The toughness, strength, and translucence of porcelain arise mainly from the formation of glass and the mineral mullite within the fired body at these high temperatures. Limoges porcelain became famous during the 19th century. However, Limoges porcelain is a generic term for porcelain produced in Limoges rather than at a specific factory. More than 50% of all porcelain made in France comes from Limoges.

Thanks for stopping by…
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

The fog has rolled in...

This is a picture of the fog rolling through San Francisco. I selected this picture to share because I am missing the Bay Area and my friends, and I am struggling to find the energy and creativity to find something to write about...my mind is foggy. My neighbor took the photo above and the one directly below...if I didn't know he took these I would think they were photoshopped.

In years gone by I played golf regularly in San Francisco and from one of the holes you could view the Golden Gate Bridge. I lived in SF (by the way don't call it San Fran) and in various other cities in the Bay Area. I never grew tired of the views. When I lived in SF I would walk/jog the Lyon Street steps (all 288) for the view. I made this trek several times a week.

Remember, what goes up must come down...especially when your flat is at the bottom of the steps.

The view below is from the top of the Lyon Street steps.

A spectacular view of the bay!

Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

Let's Go On Vacation!

Are you planning your next vacation? My recommendation is a trip to the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia. If you have been following my blog you know that for a gal that lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota I reference the Sunshine Coast a lot. I have been fortunate to travel to other countries and continents and love a lot of places (especially Italy). However, the Sunshine Coast holds a special place in my heart...because the mountains and ocean are part of the same view. The picture above and the one directly below are shots of my friend Jayne's charming cottage rental in Hopkins Landing. I had the good fortune to help Jayne remodel this coastal cottage. For those that read my paddle decorating post you can see where I got the idea.

Take the ferry over from Vancouver, BC or fly in to Sechelt if you wish.

Below is the view from the hill I like to walk each morning.

Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

Yes, it is me...

Yes, it is me climbing the ladder.

Yes, it is me getting ready to fly through the air.

Yesterday I said I would show you a close up of the picture on my stove. Many years ago (let's say 20 something years ago) I had an opportunity to go up on a flying trapeze. I had to try it...after all how often does an opportunity like this come along...probaby only once for me. The trapeze was on the island of St. Lucia in the West Indies. It was a hoot. Standing on the platform trying to hold onto the stand and hang on to the bar was challenging. I couldn't figure out how I was going to let go of the stand and grab the bar with my other hand. But some how when they said "HEP" I did it. Somewhere there are pictures of me doing a somersault and a catch with a professional trapeze artist. The drop and landing on the net was a piece of cake. I wish I had a video of it.

Since my days on the trapeze I have been up in a hot air balloon twice and jumped (tandem) out of a plane twice. Besides the incredible view when you are in a hot air balloon, I enjoyed going up through the clouds and skimming the water in rivers. I went hot air ballooning outside St. Louis, Missouri and in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The 50 second free fall and the 360 degree view from 14,000 feet while parachuting is all worth it. Parachuting took place in Hollister, California (south of the Bay Area) and Baldwin, Wisconsin (east of the Twin Cities). I always waffled on bungee jumping and regret that I didn't do it while in New Zealand. I highly recommend the trapeze, hot air balloon and parachuting.

When I spotted the frame at TJ Maxx a while back I thought it was time I framed my trapeze experience. The words on the frame were appropriate to the event and to me.

Thanks for stopping by...
Renee @ Cottage Lifestyle

Here's to 2009...

This photo was taken by me at the base of Chatterbox Falls at the end of the Princess Louise Inlet in British Columbia in May, 2008. Below is the view of the mountains as you head up the inlet.

Below you can see the waterfall coming down the mountain.

Here is the base of Chatterbox Falls.