I'm sure many of you know that here in the Northeast it has been raining almost nonstop for weeks. I have never seen so much rain in my life!! Yesterday after a severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, about 6:00 the sun came out and there was a beautiful rainbow. It actually got brighter as we watched and then a second one appeared. It was hard to photo the second one but if you look closely, it's there. It was honestly the most gorgeous rainbow I have ever seen! And of course, the pictures don't do it justice. At least there is a bit of beauty in this horrible weather! Now today was a gorgeous day until about 5:30 when out of the blue, the sky opened up and poured inches of rain like I have never seen before. What is going on?!

Every year a day or two after my children get out of school their cousins arrive from Colorado. It is a year long much awaited event for all. The first family arrived on Tuesday night and of course we were at my in-laws when they got there. Both of my kids slept over so they wouldn't miss a minute yesterday. Despite the off and on rain, they played hard all day ... bike riding, fishing, catching frogs and turtles, etc. It is such a beautiful thing to watch them fall right back into things like they have never been apart. The second family should arrive next week. There are four adults and six kids visiting. We will spend just about every minute of the next four weeks with all of them. (work and everything for me pretty much gets put on hold but that's okay). As the time goes on, I will post some pictures. It's 8:00 a.m and my son is already bugging me to get in the car to go down there so ... I'm off to get ready for my day and head out. Happy Thursday.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for Pink Friday ...
"A Rose By Any Other Name"

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Today is the first day of summer for my kids and surprise, surprise ... it's raining and cold again. This has been the worst spring weather I can ever remember. Fortunately it only rained a little off and on yesterday. We had a whole bunch of friends and family over for a Father's Day cookout. It ended up being 17 adults and 12 kids. Lots of good food and good fun. The firepit is a favorite place for everyone to hang out. And when it rains, we all move to the barn. It was really great spending the afternoon and evening with everyone.

Please join us for shopping with a twist
Friday June 19, 2009
as we present "Favorite Finds"

You know that sudden flutter you feel when you discover a long sought after treasure?

Favorite finds of all shapes and sizes, to fill each corner and to suit every whim, wait for you to discover at

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Please join us for Pink Friday
"Along the Garden Path"

Delights and pleasures that make your heart beat a little faster await you along the garden path. Sights and sounds and smells that excite your senses and inspire your imagination.

Cottage Flair
Make Mine Pink

I know I have talked about these wonderful OKA b. Madison slides before but I wanted to post about them again. They are so incredibly comfortable and too cute. I just got new colors in and had to show them. The platinum with the navy satin bow are just gorgeous ... they can be dressy or for casual. The black with the striped ribbon is also new and black is a must for any wardrobe. The navy and the copper I just restocked because they are so popular. And, don't forget, each pair comes with a free set of ribbons if you want to change the look. You can also get your own favorite ribbons ... each shoe ribbon is 22" long.









































This is the Isabella style slide. It is due in early next week. I love this because it has a little heel and again, can be dressy or casual. I am a heels girl myself so I can't wait for these to arrive. I wear the Madison style almost every day and people always comment on them. I can't wait to see what the ladies have to say about the Isabella!!

Thanks for visiting.

One of the ladies at Make Mine Pink asked if anyone is a gardener so that gave me the idea for my post today.I'm not much of a gardener. I wish I was better at it. But I do love to plant flowers in the Spring. I spent most of yesterday doing pots around the house and my window boxes. I love to put old architectural pieces in for show. I found a cool old chippy paint iron chair with not seat that I used in my flowers next to our porch. The porch still needs to be cleaned and the furniture put out but you have to remember, we just started with the warm weather. I also put the table on one side of my back door and the iron chair with the flowers on the other side. Everything is just beginining to flower and grow.
My husband and kids plant a veggie garden every year. I love having fresh veggies. We've been getting asparagus for weeks now. Soon the others will start. We're a little late here in CT but mid summer we have more fresh veggies than we know what to do with. Sometimes the kids set up a stand on the road and sell them. They love it. Thanks for visiting ...

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday June 5, 2009 as we present "Something Old, Something New - A Perfect Time for a Summer Wedding!"

Something old, something new. something borrowed, something blue. The age old timeless phrase describes the perfect ingredients for a beautiful summer wedding.

Something old symbolizes continuity with the past. Perhaps the bride will wear a piece of heirloom jewelry passed from mother to daughter. A necklace your mother wore to her wedding and your grandmother to hers. A vintage piece of delicate lace stitched into a veil or the edge of a wedding dress, or tucked into an embroidered sleeve, a vintage wedding hankie passed down from a great-grandmother.

Something new, to show hope for the new life ahead. Whether it be the traditional strand of pearls a new bride wears or rose patterned wedding invitations embossed with the initials of the special couple. A scrapbook uniquely designed to hold the memories of this day. A rose photo frame to hold your memories. A vintage cake topper - new to you - a bride and groom surrounded by vintage daisies and lily of the valley buds. A quilt lovingly hand-stitched for the new couple to treasure forever.

Something borrowed, reminding the bride that she can depend on their friends and family in the years to come. Stepping away from the wedding attire, today's bride and groom often choose blend the old with the new as they plan a more intimate reception using vintage silverware borrowed from grandmother's silverware drawer to serve the reception dinner. The crystal candle holders that sit on the dresser of a good friend. A vintage beaded clutch, borrowed from a mother's closet. A round hanging mirror framed by lavender vintage flowers and ribbon, to lend the bride when she checks her veil is sitting just right.

And something blue represents a love that remains true. Robin's egg blue thank you notes. Blue forget-me-nots on vintage china to serve the bridal tea. Unique wedding centerpieces that combine the old and the new, with a touch of blue for good luck.

The past, the future, friendship, family, and forever love, joined together to create one perfect day.

Click on the links below to begin shopping!!!

Cottage Flair
Make Mine Pink

When I originally started my website a little over a year ago, my plan was to focus on my hand painted furniture. I wanted to be able to ship pieces all over the US. Well, I soon found out that wasn't so easy. There is a lot involved in doing that and I couldn't find an affordable way to do it. But now, I am very excited, because I have found a great shipping source and have purchased an industrial sized scale. I just listed these pieces you see here and will be able to begin shipping as soon as my scale arrives. I love the cottage decor and vintage china that my wonderful customers have been purchasing and now I am also able to offer furniture. I have been painting furniture for over 15 years and selling it through my mother's shop in Madison, CT. I am thrilled to now be able to take the next step to shipping. Stay tuned, my scale should arrive any day now!!!!