Family Secrets

People who have a finger in every pie usually have messy houses. If you know someone like this who doesn't, they are an exception to this hard and fast rule. Crafters, moms, shop owners, creative types--they all collect stuff everywhere either out of habit or necessity. 

I like order. I hate looking at clutter. But I always have something working in a few places in the house. It just goes with the territory. I'm messy. I'm always messing with stuff. So when I have people coming to stay, I always have work to do.

I was working at my table all this week pricing and tinkering, so I took a few pictures of my cleared off table today as a reward to myself. It won't stay this way long. As soon as folks arrive, the action takes on a life of its own. Especially where children are concerned. 

Things at least start out nice. And I usually like to have fresh flowers on the table. Since I have managed to keep a few azaleas blooming, I don't have to pick up anything extra. 

I try to keep a few things right on the table. Place mats and napkins in a basket are at one end. A few glasses, bowls, and snack plates are set out. No one has to go searching. 

Since I like a tablecloth on the table at all times, there are layers of cloths underneath ready for a change when necessary. I like white on top, but if we have a sauce or berries to worry about then I whisk off a layer to my low risk cloth underneath. Seems like kids are eating all the time. (We only eat at the table at grandma's house.)

There are five layers here. We probably won't need them all. And as you can see, they're not all ironed! I'm only indulging myself here, nobody else cares in the least. But it actually makes for less work for me, not more, in the long run. More time to play!

The eye of the storm.

I love my 40's station on satellite radio (you subscribe), so that's also what you see at the end of the table. It keeps me singing and dancing all day when I'm working at home. And there's always a perfect jazz or classical station for dinner time.

But if you think I'm ever going to give any real secrets away . . . .

Well, I never say never either!

Springing forward!

(Set those clocks . . .)

It's back to work for me . . .

(Hope you're taking it easy.)

Jacqueline

Guest Room Linens

It's time for spring break! Doesn't that have a nice sound? That means it's time to freshen things up for visitors. And there's no better welcome than spring fresh and cozy vintage linens to lay your head down on!

Awesome lace insets on this pair of vintage pillow slips.

I'm using one of them on the boudoir pillow. . . . I just fold it over.

This night table linen topper is a more recent vintage from Lucca, Italy where beautiful linen is still a part of everyday life.

Busy weekend ahead!

I hope yours is great!

Jacqueline

A Few Spring Cottagey Things

Turns out everybody loves a little shop space! Thanks so much to all of you for the good wishes for my new little venture. For me it's a bit like raising a third child. A little easier and relaxed this time.

Or maybe I'm just influenced by a few darling baby things while putting on another layer in the place! I'm picking up on a distinct rose theme going on here. But what could be sweeter?

A few vintage soft and silky damask dinner napkins.

Crewel embroidered pillow sham. So cottage!

Left my sunglasses in the shot while fluffing, but check out that sun shining in here!

Pink stripes and rosebuds.

Egg basket in pink. (A pretty paper plate inside to carry the theme.)

Now I gotta go fluff at home!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jacqueline

My New Little Shop Space

Somewhat suddenly, and a year and a half after closing up shop, we have dusted off the signs and taken a little shop space once again. And I do mean little. During the break we visited all the children and grandchildren all over the country, twice! After years of shop keeping, being at leisure felt so long overdue.We have kept an "undressed" booth space in a large antiques mall all during that time, but now it's time for the fun again.

We are fortunate to be part of a primo vintage shop perfectly suited for us. A five by ten space is not much bigger than a window display, but is plenty of room for putting together some entertaining seasonal vignettes. Pure bliss for a compulsive arranger! 

We barely have our foot in the door so what you see here is bare bones. But I feel the old excitement again like when I started out nine years ago.

It's been fun to pull out some of the old store fixtures that were stored away like this beautiful vintage iron clothes rack. The decorative lattice overhead was a perfect fit too! The space was otherwise beautifully designed and ready to go.

A vintage Hartmann suitcase cradles a few shop lovelies inside.

I wanted to show you the space opening right off of mine so that you could see how compatible the styles are. 

These next two shots show basically the whole space. Pretty doable. Let the fun begin!

I also learned today that Kerryanne of Shabby Art Boutique gave a nice plug to Cabin & Cottage in her beautiful new online magazine Simply Shabbilicious. Thanks so much Kerryanne! Be sure to check it out! Many of our fav shabby blogs are in this gorgeous issue. You won't want to miss it!

Thanks so much for tuning in!

Jacqueline

Lilacs, Roses, and Sweet Peas

Three of my favorites! Too early for lilacs and roses here of course, but if I had already planted my sweet peas they would be coming up about now. The lilacs are a botanical print, and I found the sweet little rose painting in a sweet little shop that opened up recently.

My blue lidded jars are also a recent find, and add such a nice spring color all by themselves.

My Valentine roses have dried nicely in the pitcher, and I'm enjoying the lasting bloom of an indoor flowering plant. (The purple campanulas have spent their bloom. Do they bloom again? They will be planted in the garden.)

It won't be too long before we are looking at the real thing.

I hope you're enjoying a wonderful Sunday!

Jacqueline

Join me at

French Country Cottage