Cottage Flair

2012-02-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs is having a fun giveaway ... stop by!!

An Artful Adventure

A Few New Things ...

2012-02-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

I found some lovely vintage china pieces at my favorite group shop in VT. (When there's no snow, what else is there to do but shop!!) If you want to take a peek, click here:
New Arrivals

Atlanta Gift Mart

2012-01-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

As we do every January and July, my mother and I spent four days shopping the Atlanta Gift Mart in search of fabulous new products to add to our shop and website. We had a very successful trip. I can't wait for every thing to start arriving!! I don't normally take pictures but this time I snapped a few in some of my favorite booths and showrooms. Enjoy!!

There is so much to see that it's impossible to do it all. But we walked and shopped for basically three days ( two half days and two full days) and did as much as we could. And like I said, we really found some great new merchandise.

These white distressed wire birdcages should be arriving soon ... they are great to fill with goodies every season!

These two pictures are a glimpse into the Bella Notte showroom. They have the most gorgeous bedding!!

LOVE HER!!!! And really wanted her but she was just for display.

Great hand painted wood signs

Thought this was a great display with the vintage lampshade frames. I actually have a few of my own that I embellished and made lights out of. They are headed to the shop soon.

I wish I had taken a few more pictures ... oh well, next time.

Thanks for visiting ...

Gift Ideas

2011-12-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

Cottage Flair just listed some fun new items that would be great gifts and stocking stuffers. Stop by if you have a free minute!!

New Arrivals

2011-12-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Join us tonight!!
Ladies Night Out

December 1st 5 pm - 8 pm

Check in at Cafe Alegre with 1/2 price wine from 5 - 6, then stroll down the street for our special sale

20% off sales of $20 or more
( 10% off antiques & painted furniture )

Nine rooms filled with festive decor, unique gifts, specialty candles, bath & body, cottage style furnishings & accessories and more!!

Sea ... Shop ... Save

25 stores participating with special sales and tasty treats!!

Plus ... drawings for great prizes!!!

The Nosey Goose
33 Wall Street
Madison, CT
203-245-3132

Holiday Events

2011-11-22T11:53:00.001-08:00

The Nosey Goose

We have two fun events we wanted to let you know about
that are going on at our shop ...

Small Business Saturday
November 26th

A day to enjoy shopping locally
and as an added bonus

American Express is offering a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer for Cardmembers who register their Card and spend $25 or more at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card.

Ladies Night Out

December 1st 5 pm - 8 pm

Check in at Cafe Alegre with 1/2 price wine from 5 - 6, then stroll down the street for our special sale

20% off sales of $20 or more
( 10% off antiques & painted furniture )

Nine rooms filled with festive decor, unique gifts, specialty candles, bath & body, cottage style furnishings & accessories and more!!

Sea ... Shop ... Save

25 stores participating with special sales and tasty treats!!

Plus ... drawings for great prizes!!!

The Nosey Goose
33 Wall Street
Madison, CT
203-245-3132

2011-11-08T04:36:00.000-08:00

The Nosey Goose
Annual Holiday Open House

20% off sales of $15 or more
( 10% off antiques & painted furniture )

November 11th & 12th ... 10:00 - 5:30

November 13th ... 11:00 - 5:00

Get a jump on your holiday shopping!!
The Nosey Goose is dressed for the holidays ... nine rooms filled with festive decor, unique gifts, specialty candles, bath & body, cottage style furnishings and accessories.

Holiday merchandise freshly stocked!

The Nosey Goose
33 Wall Street, Madison, CT
203-245-3132

www.thenoseygoose.com

2011-09-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to participate in Pink October with Make Mine Pink. Won't you please join us for this important fundraiser.
The shopping begins HERE on October 7th

Quick DIY Project

2011-09-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

A quick and easy project to dress up an old lamp: First step: check the wiring to make sure it's safe or you can always have the lamp rewired.

I found this lamp at my favorite junk shop. The wiring looked new and in good shape and the lamp worked so here we go:

The first step is to remove the lampshade. (Don't forget to paint the finial if there is one). Sometimes I use the one that is one the lamp, sometimes I replace it with a new one. This one will work fine for what I have planned.

Next you need to make sure the metal base and stand are clean so the paint will adhere. I wiped the whole piece down with ammonia.

Before I begin, I tape the cord to the ground for about 12" so the spray paint does not get on the cord. I start with one coat of Rustoleum clean metal primer. Spray lightly to avoid drips.

Here it is below with one coat of primer. I then use whatever color I want for the base. I spray two to three light coats of paint (waiting a few minutes between coats) until I feel the color is strong enough.

The final step is to embellish or replace the lampshade to match your decor and wallah ... you have a wonderful new lamp!!

I added a vintage inspired flower with a mix of vintage and new silk ribbons.

Thanks for visiting and have fun if you try this project!!

Treasure Hunting Success!!

2011-08-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

This Summer has been so crazy for us as I'm sure it's been for many of you. Time sure flies!! We just got back from our vacation ... we camped for five days 6 miles outside of Hershey, PA. The kids had a ball one day at Hershey Park and then we dragged them for a bit of history to Gettysburg and Amish country. We all enjoyed different parts of the trip but I have to admit, my favorite part was spending a bit of time in two amazing group shops right near the campground. I had a ball and so wished I had more time in them but, we were two families trying to get everything in that everyone wanted to do. I think I did well for the time I was there ... Stop by and check out some of the vintage pieces I came home with (and I still have more to list!). Some fun new merchandise we ordered in Atlanta has also arrived ...

Cottage Flair New Arrivals!

Tomorrow is Make Mine Pink Friday too!!

2011-07-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Once again it's time for some PINK ~ Christmas in July, fun! Please join us July 8th - July 28th.

This year we thought we'd celebrate Christmas in July a little differently. There are no shopping bags to find or riddles to solve. This year, many of our Boutique owners will be offering a beautiful product at a deeply discounted price. Each day of our Christmas in July event, one boutique will offer a special, first come- first served, specially priced item! The discounts will be 50% below retail or less! If you find an item on this list that excites you, stayed tuned to see which day it will be available at the deeply discounted price.

You'll need to be on your toes to get the discount! There will only be 1 (one) Boutique, and one special each day!

Cottage Flair day is July 13th at 6:00

Here is what we will be offering: Christmas in July item

Porch Addition Finished!!

2011-07-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

So ... here it is. I have to say I am very happy with the final results. The image above is looking across the kitchen into the new space. I am looking for a bigger kitchen table for now this will do.

I found these two small side chairs at my favorite junk shop and had new slipcovers made. (No boys allowed!!). I painted the table and distressed it along with another round one you will see later.

This bench has been kicking around for years waiting for the perfect home. I think I found it!

My neighbor made me the beautiful linen seat covers.

Looking to the front yard ...

I saved a picture of this lampshade years ago hoping to one day be able to make and use one. I really wish I knew where I got it so I could give credit. I still have to insert the bulb and cord but I hung it anyway.

I really splurged but I had to have these sconces ... sorry the picture isn't great.

Again, from my favorite junk shop, the mirror that was gold that I painted white.

And the finishing touch ... I put four of these rose plaques from So Shabby Pink,(love her stuff!!) spaced around, above the windows. The windows are quite low so window treatments of any kind would make the room shrink. I think this worked ... A few tweeks here and there ... I want a little more "stuff" ... and I should be done. Thanks for visiting ...

Porch Addition Part 3

2011-06-27T09:35:00.001-07:00

Remember the before pic of the kitchen cabinet ... below is the redo ... same cabinet but I changed the whole kitchen to a soft, cottagey blue with white walls. It's amazing what a little bit of paint and a bigger bit of time can do.

This is one wall in between the sink and the stove

This is the full view of the shelf that hangs over the stove

Here is the view from the new room into the kitchen. I really like the blue ... I liked the green too but it was time for a change and I love to paint!!

This is the fixture that hangs over the sink. Again, I really like it but it needs to change to fit the room better so ... I spray painted a chandelier I wasn't using with white and hand painted parts with the cabinet paint. It needs the crystals put back on and then we can hang it.

I have to run for now ... next post will be the new room all decorated (I'm almost finished!!)

Thanks for visiting ...

Porch Addition Part 2

2011-06-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here is installment number 2 of the addition ... All of the windows are in and the outside has been sided and painted.

Notice anything different? Years ago I took a photo of a porch in Newport that I loved. They had these extra decorative pieces put on and I thought it was the perfect touch. However, my husband, who has let me have full control over this project was not so sure about this part. Eventually, we painted them the same color as the house so they did not stand out so much and I actually like it better too.

So ... here is the inside. My original plan was to wainscoat the ceiling and sheet rock the inside. My builder suggested we do the opposite because of all of the funny angles in the ceiling. I am thrilled with the results!! I love beadboard and I think it looks perfect on the walls in this space! I know you can't see it in the photo but the finished photos to come really show it off.

I have a whole lot of painting to do!!!

These are two pics of the kitchen in the "before" stage. The porch addition is part of the kitchen so it was perfect timing for a new paint job. (Excuse the mess ... we were in remodel mode!)

Thanks for visiting ... more to come

Porch Addition Part 1

2011-06-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

We started a small kitchen/porch addition project back when there was snow on the ground. It's something I have wanted to do for six years (and my dream photo of it has been on my vision board for three years!).
My intention was to blog as we went along but that did not happen. I have just put up the finishing touches so I thought I'd share the progress with a few posts:

On the side of the house where you can see bare wood used to stand a cute but non functional screened in porch. The one thing I did like that I will miss is that it was sitting on a fieldstone foundation that unfortunately had to be removed. As you can see, we had a ton of snow so the outside part of the building process took a while.

This is what our kitchen looked like prior to taking the wall down. We had a pretty window looking out but the space was very small for our family now that the boys are older.

The framing process:

Once the snow melted away I was shocked at how quickly things moved along. My intention was to put on a small addition that did not look like an addition at all. I wanted all windows so it didn't look like we added a big box to the side of our small cape. I think I accomplished that ... neighbors and friends and even strangers have complemented the space and tell me it looks like it's been there forever.

More to come ... Thanks for visiting ...

Nosey Goose Home & Garden Sale

2011-06-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Let me start with a follow up to the chicken post below. Sadly, the  outcome was not as expected. After the one little chick hatched, both  mamas decided to get up off the nest while we were away so none of the  chicks survived. The one little hatched chick must have been lonely  because it too did not make it. My kids were both upset but I guess it's  nature ... five of our six that we purchased are thriving and growing  (the sixth one escaped and met with peril). It's been a tough chick Spring for our coop!!

On a happier note:
We hosted our annual Home & Garden sale at our shop, The Nosey Goose, in Madison, CT. We had a spectacular weekend weather wise and lots of customers came out to shop. I thought I'd share a few photos ... Unfortunately, (or fortunately) it was busy first thing the first day so I was not able to snap pics when the lawn was full.

Thanks for visiting ...

New Additons to the Clutch

2011-05-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

Let me say first that I have been the worst blogger!! Too much time goes by in between posts. So here goes ... We have a little mini farm at our house (which I never, in my younger years, would have ever thought I would be saying!!). Each Spring my two boys and I have a tradition ... we go to "chick day" at one of the local farms or feed stores. This year we visited Brenda's Main Street Feed in Durham, CT. It was so fun because she had so many varieties of chicks, all of the 48 hours old. We went thinking we'd pick 3 or 4 and came home with 6. It was hard to choose and if we didn't have 15 at home already we would have come home with more. They spent a few weeks in the house and have since been moved out to the coop to join the others. I can't get over how fast they grow!!

Above are two of the six a few days after they came home with us ... Below is a photo of them in the coop, still separated, a few days ago. It's so cool to watch them grow and change and fill out with their beautiful feathers.

This is THE rooster, the king of the coop posing for a photo!

And a funny thing happened this year ... we had two hens decide to share a very small nesting box to sit on a clutch of eggs. Today one of the eggs hatched so we have a new baby chick. We'll see if there are more to come because there are an awful lot of eggs under them.

I think we may have a very full chicken coop!!

I'll post more photos as they grow. I never thought I'd be a "chicken person" but I have to say, I really enjoy them and the eggs are absolutely delicious!!

Thanks for visiting ...

2011-04-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

We've been very busy at Cottage Flair listing all of the fabulous new items that have arrived:

We are so excited to offer a new line of gorgeous, hand made jewelry ... we have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival since January and it is finally here!!

And to help celebrate the arrival of Spring:
Fun & Flowery Aprons and Dish Gloves ... great for you or to give as a gift: Mom, sister, hostess, friend ...

Stop by if you have a free minute. You'll be glad you did!

Cottage Flair

Spring is Coming!

2011-03-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

The flowers are starting to bloom!!
Please stop by Make Mine Pink and Cottage Flair for
" The Colors of Spring"
Friday March 18th

Sneak Peak!

2011-03-02T06:34:00.001-08:00

We spent the kid's February break skiing Magic Mountain in southern Vermont. We had a  great week of great skiing, good friends, too much food and so on. I snapped a quick photo of my family in front of Okemo. We stopped by there one day to take a ride on the Alpine Slide. 

I did  get a chance to sneak away a few times and visit my two favorite  antique shops ... here is a peek at a few of the fun vintage jewels and  vintage china that I found. And ...don't forget to stop by Friday for Make Mine Pink Friday.

There are LOTS of new items listed. Stop by if you get a minute! Thanks for visiting ...

More Snow!!

2011-01-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Well, with all of this snow and being stuck in the house I have found some time to get back to work. I absolutely love dress forms. I have six of them in my studio that have been waiting quite a while for a new look. The chic madame above was newly adorned with vintage ribbons and a vintage curtain tack. I will be dressing the others in the coming weeks.

It's a well known fact among my friends and family that I am a ribbon freak. I was so excited that my first order to arrive from the Atlanta Gift Mart was a box full of beautiful silk and satin ribbons. I love the way they look on the shabby tags.

I'm sure everyone is talking about the snow but I had to add to it. I do not ever remember this much snow on the ground or this many snow days, early dismissals and late openings for school! Waking up to another 14" after 24" two weeks ago with additional inches in between just about put me over the edge. It is really beautiful but I am so done!! We are a skiing family so you'd think I would like the snow. Yes I would, in VT!! (which by the way, is not getting as much as we are here in CT). So here are a few pics from yesterdays storm:The one below is looking out my upstairs bathroom window. Big icicles!!

Way out in the backyard. I thought it was cool with the flag.

Out my back door ... we need to shovel so the dog can actually get out!

A view out the front door. Where is my car and where is the stone wall???

Fed Ex just dropped off a huge box full of wonderful pink and white metal hooks, chandeliers, canisters ... gotta go unpack!

Thanks for visiting ...

Atlanta Gift Mart

2011-01-20T10:33:00.000-08:00

We are back from shopping the huge and inspiring Atlanta Gift Mart. I go once a year (hopefully twice this year) with my mother. We spend four days walking I can't imagine how many miles around three huge buildings full of amazing merchandise trying to find just the right things for our shops. It is a whole lot of fun and very exhausting. This year we did especially well finding lots of new and exciting merchandise. I am thrilled to be adding a line of handmade vintage looking gorgeous jewelry. The hard part will be waiting the five or so weeks for it to arrive!!

One really fun thing ... we happened to be at the Bethany Lowe booth at the perfect time. Bethany and some of her designers were all decked out in Halloween costumes signing and giving away fun little trinkets (I got the sweet little glitter pumpkin bucket shown above). The whole huge showroom was rocking with people, food, drinks, etc. I love her stuff so it was great to meet her. We also got to see Patience Brewster although we didn't talk to her. I flip over her stuff every time I see it!!

I did not bring my camera because you really aren't supposed to take pictures. I snapped a few with my phone but I have no idea how to get them from there to here.

I will be listing all of our fabulous new goodies as they arrive ...

Thanks for visiting ...

2010-12-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

I have been TERRIBLE about blogging lately ... I think keeping up with my blog will be one of my New Year's resolutions! I had to share quickly today that I have a featured item on Avalon Rose Market Square (which, by the way, is a WONDERFUL site).

Here is the link:
Avalon Rose Market Square

Happy New Year!!!

Holiday Open House

2010-11-25T05:12:00.000-08:00

WOW ... I did not realize how long it's been since I last posted! We hosted our holiday open house at our shop a few weeks ago and I'm just now getting around to blogging about it. It was a wonderful event ... here are a few photos. We have nine rooms full so this is just a small sampling.
And for those of you who live in CT, we are stocked and restocked with holiday goodies ... we would love for you to stop by The Nosey Goose in Madison during one of your shopping outings!

Thanks for visiting ...

Office Makeover

2010-10-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Well ... I finally took the time and really dug in. My office/sewing room had gotten completely out of control! I don't know about you but once a room starts to get a little messy I seem to just keep dumping things there thinking eventually I will get it cleaned up. This one has been a long time coming!! It had gotten so bad I had stopped sewing and basically had a little space to sit at my computer. Now, I'm a bit embarrassed to show the before photos but in this case, I think I should. I was inspired by office photos Joyce of Make Mine Pink shared and how beautiful it all looked. I searched for some functional yet pretty display pieces and am happy to say I really like how it all came together. (of course, I still have stuff that was moved to another room awaiting a home but it will happen!!). The most exciting thing is that I can see the floor and pretty rug again!

So let's leave the old mess and move on to the new space:

Wow, there really was a sewing machine in there!

One new shelf and one I had.

New piece I picked up that was already white and distressed and only $40!!

I love to actually see my fabrics

Got rid of the dark desk and put the white one in it's place

Found this awesome hand painted and vintage wallpaper screen in Brimfield. It was supposed to go to the shop but it never made it!

Love this hand made slipcover ...
Thanks for visiting ...

Featured Business of the Week

2010-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited ... I am the featured business of the week on Avalon Rose Market Square. Cathy of Avalon Rose Design designed my website, which I think is beautiful, a few years ago. She does amazing work! She has now created this wonderful market place which is a free gathering of online businesses, many of which are using website designs by Avalon Rose Design. Stop by, you'll be glad you did!

Thank you Cathy!!

Scarecrows

2010-10-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

The events committee in our town (Madison, Ct) is putting together a Sea, Shop, Scare event. The first step was Saturday ... 60 plus scarecrows were put up all over town. These two are ours that sit in front of our shop: "Shabby Chick" for the shop and "The Plumber" for my husbands business. In a few weeks there will be a town wide costume party and scarecrow voting event that should be fun. I'll take a few more pics to share then.

2010-10-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

Please join us
October 11th – 16th
for our annual Pink October Shop Hop.
We have lots of great prizes to win. It's easy and fun to play. No purchase necessary! For details, click on the link below:
Shop Hop
Cottage Flair will be donating 10% of all sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure ... plus each purchase comes with a free gift!

Newly Listed

2010-09-23T08:03:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd post a few pictures of a new line I just listed ... I think it's all so pretty and would make wonderful holiday gifts. There are many more patterns and new items listed here: New Arrivals

Thanks for visiting ...

Sewing again ...

2010-09-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

. My sewing machine has been buried under "stuff" for way too long. I finally took the time to unbury it, clean it all off and get sewing again. I have been totally inspired since I received my order of Tanya Whelan fabric and have been itching to get to my machine and start making pillows. I have a bench that I painted a while back that has been waiting for just the right fabric. I'm very happy with how it turned out. It has such feminine lines so it needed soft, feminine fabric.

I was feeling creative this weekend so I got back to pillows that I used to make and seem to have taken a break from. They are linen neck and boudoir pillows embellished with vintage and vintage inspired ribbons and trimmings.

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-09-17T05:13:00.001-07:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
Cupcakes and Polka Dots

Stop by the boutiques at Make Mine Pink!

Just added to Cottage Flair: 12 different Tanya Whelan Darla Fabrics!!! I just love them all ... they mix and match beautifully for any project!

Tanya Whelan Aprons

2010-09-08T17:22:00.001-07:00

They're here!!! I am so excited about these aprons ... if you read my last post you know I kind of flipped out over the Tanya Whelan fabrics. I've always loved her Ava Rose collection and then I stumbled upon the Darla collection aprons at the Atlanta gift show. I just love these fabrics ...

Then to make it all come together, I was in Brimfield at the antique show yesterday and I found this great dress form. I was trying to figure out how I could photo them to do them justice. I think this works.

If you want to take a peek at all of them, here is the link: Aprons

And ... just FYI ... I ordered 13 (yes 13) bolts of the Tanya Whelan Darla collection to have pillows made and to offer on my site for all of you stitchers out there. Stay tuned!
Thanks for visiting ...

Fabric Crazy

2010-09-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

So ... I went a little fabric crazy last week. I had gotten an order of wonderful aprons in fabrics designed by Tanya Whelan. I thought I'd spend a few minutes on line locating some of the fabric for myself. WELL ... it was ALL so gorgeous I ended up ordering all of these beautiful prints from two different websites. They happened to arrive on the same day. I put the two piles together and here they still sit, on my counter. They are so pretty to look at that I can't bring myself to put them away nevermind cut them up to make pillows!! Oh what to do?

Now for my next confession ... after what was supposed to be a few minutes one day that turned into hours over several days ... I had a great time searching Tanya Whelan's lines of all of the fabrics she has designed. I have now set up an account to order the bolts wholesale. I have looked and looked at all of the patterns and I think I have it narrowed down to 11 or 12 prints I am going to order. I guess once they arrive I will have to make myself actually use them and maybe even offer the fabrics for sale. Only time will tell!!

Thanks for visiting ...

Shabby Cottage Canvas Prints

2010-08-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Some of the merchandise that we ordered in Atlanta has started arriving ... I have to say, these canvas prints are one of my favorites!! I just love the images and the soft colors... I wish the photos did them justice!! I already snagged a set for myself. They are great in a set or just one on a wall. I am thrilled they came so quickly! I already had to order more!

Click here to see them on my site!
Shabby Canvas

Magic Beach

2010-08-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of times a Summer we take our boat from the CT shore across Long Island Sound to the LI coastline to a gorgeous beach the "regulars" fondly refer to as Magic Beach. It is a beach that is only accessible by boat and not many people know about it. Someone dubbed it Magic beach because it is not covered in sand but in beautiful smooth rocks that when you throw a handful of them they bounce and spark like Magic.

The photo above is the rocks dry, below they are even prettier wet. I used to take handfuls home and put them in jars but now my boys and I make a point of finding one special one in the shape of a heart before we leave (and we always find one!)

The other great thing about this place is that the kids have to be imaginative and find things to do on their own. Last time we went they built this fort from debris and driftwood that has washed up on the shore.

Just a few photos of the beach ...

This is a salt pond where the kids (and dads) hand dig for clams and net blue crabs.

Just a view from Long Island across to Connecticut ... it's a 30 minute boat ride

A lovely sunset as we headed for home at 7:30 that evening ... an amazing day!!
Thanks for visiting ...

MMP Show and Tell Monday

2010-08-09T06:36:00.001-07:00

Vintage Redo:

I got this great dining table plus six chairs (which I forgot to photo in the before stage) from my favorite junk shop. I have been having fun with table and chair sets lately. This table had great legs and pretty details. There are six chairs (one arm chair) that match the table. The chairs had lovely needlepoint seats, all different, that I sent off to Sharon of Cest Chouette Home to work her magic and create beautiful tuffets ...

I painted, distressed and replaced seat covers ...

I LOVE the look of the linen chair covers but they are optional ...

Love the legs on the table!!

The table is off to the shop when I find some time and a helping hand!
Thanks for visiting ...

2010-08-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Please join us for Make Mine Pink Friday
August 6th
Colors of Summer

Make Mine Pink
Cottage Flair

Sanford and Son?

2010-07-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

On days that I have been working outside, my husband often comes home and jokes that he feels like he's coming home to Sanford and Son (I am probably dating myself but for those of you who don't know what that is, it's an old t.v. show about a father who is a junk dealer and his frustrated son). Yesterday it was a bit cooler so I hauled out lots of furniture that has been awaiting sanding. For the first time in 16 years I actually hired someone to do the work and it was totally worth it. I have been so busy with my children and visitors I haven't been able to get much done. I came home to all of these pieces prepped and ready for painting. So ... here are a few photos of what is awaiting transformation!!

I have gotten a few things primed and am trying to get them finished.This is a view into my work area . This dining room table has six pretty chairs, three of which had to be moved into my house for lack of space.

This is a pile of old painted boards, cabinet doors and trim pieces that someday will become fun signs.

I'll post again when some of the pieces are done. Thanks for visiting ...

2010-07-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a chance to join in the Make Mine Pink Shop Hop ... good luck on winning some great prizes!!

I am just back from the Atlanta Gift Mart. It was a great show ... in the next few weeks through the holidays we will be adding lots and lots of wonderful gifts and home decor items to the website. Sometimes we go and find just a few new things. This time the show was amazing! We ended up buying much more than we expected. I can't wait for it to arrive!! Unfortunately, they really don't like you to take pictures so I don't have anything to share. For anyone who has been there, you know what a huge show it is. We walked for three and a half days straight and still did not get to see all of the vendors. In fact this year, we ran out of time to do one whole building!! It is always so much fun to go!!

I have been slacking off a bit in the painting department because of Summer and family visiting. I am trying to get back to work this week. Hopefully, I'll have some new pieces to share.

Thanks for visiting ...

2010-07-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

Please join us for some fun!!
Christmas in July Shop Hop
July 16th - 20th
Visit Make Mine Pink for details
All orders placed with Cottage Flair will include a free gift!!
Orders will ship July 22nd

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-07-09T05:01:00.000-07:00

It's been WAY too long since I last posted on my blog. Where does the time go?? Summer is always busy but this year has been especially so. I have been enjoying time with visiting family and trying to work in between. I made a promise to myself that I will get back to blogging on a regular basis next week. So for now ... today is Make Mine Pink Friday. If you have a minute, stop by Cottage Flair and the boutiques at Make Mine Pink. I hope you are all enjoying your Summer!!

Please join us for shopping with a twist on

Friday July 9th 2010 as we present

"Coastal and Casual Chic"

Casual coastal decor often gives us the opportunity to repurpose discarded furniture and decor that no longer fit into someone’s home decor. Items that have been well-loved because of the special memories they hold or just because of the way they catch your eye, will fit in perfectly in your casual coastal space.

Make Mine Pink

Cottage Flair

The "Farm" is growing

2010-05-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have been missing from blogland for a few weeks now. It seems like every fun thing I've done I've forgotten to bring my camera along. I spent yesterday taking a few photos of the "growings" around our house. Let me preface this post by telling a little about myself. I graduated from college with a degree in fashion merchandising and dreams of working in a big city. I interviewed in NY, Boston and Atlanta. I moved back to my smallish hometown temporarily (not so much) and ended up never leaving the area. In fact, I moved 20 minutes farther away from "the hub". I had always thought I'd be a city girl in the fashion world. Well, life and circumstances change but my friends and I never thought there would be a day when I would be thrilled that my Mother's day gifts would be a beautiful pot of flowers (see above) and four baby chicks!! Well, that day is has arrived and I have to say, I love the way my goals have changed.
So ... two days ago were a big day here on the farm (not really a farm but close). One of our hens hatched four little chicks. It was very exciting!! Then yesterday, one of the eggs we moved to an incubator hatched. My boys have had such a wonderful experience with all of these goings on.

Here are a few of the chicks

These are my "designer" chicks I got as a gift. I just love their feather "hats".

Our puppy is growing like a weed and has brought such joy to our house. She needs a few lessons in sleeping like a lady though!!

I have been working too ... in between all of the activity. I love the style of this dresser. Vintage pieces have such beautiful detailing.

Thanks for visiting ... I do have lots of new goodies listed on my site. Stop by and take a peek if you have a minute.

Mother's Day Shop Hop

2010-04-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's time for:

The Make Mine Pink Mother's Day Shop Hop

Please join us April 25th through May 1st for our annual MMP Mother's Day Shop Hop. We have lots of great prizes to win for yourself or that special mom on your shopping list. It's easy and fun to play. No purchase necessary! Click the link below for details and to sign up and join the fun!

Shop Hop

Special Delivery

2010-04-04T14:09:00.001-07:00

We got a puppy!!! We have never had a dog so this is BIG news at our house. The photo above is what we fell in love with on the Labs4rescue website. It is an amazing organization that is actually run out of our small town here in CT but caters to states all over. Our sweet little 11 week old girl arrived yesterday from Texas. I feel like I have a new baby (and slept like I had one too). Seriously, the last 24 hours have gone so much better than I expected. My boys are so excited for our new addition. We decided to call her Tali because our favorite ski trail at Magic Mountain is Talisman but because she is a girl, it's just Tali.

If you are looking for a lab of any kind, I highly recommend Labs4resuce. It was a wonderful experience ... everyone involved cares so much about the dogs. The transport company, Rescue Road Trips, was great to deal with as well. It was a smooth process and we are thrilled that she has arrived!

Here she is straight out of the transport crate into our care.

My younger son with Tali on the ride home.

She jumped on her new bed the minute she walked in the house. How did she know??

Welcome to your new home Tali!!

2010-04-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
April 2nd
"Romantic Re-do"

Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about a romantic re-do for your home. The world outside is changing color and bursting with new life. Let a new season begin in your décor as well. Giving my home a romantic re-do by changing just a few elements is something I look forward to every spring.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

funky belts

2010-03-22T08:52:00.001-07:00

This was a playing around a bit week. Along with my painting business, I have a home party business with my friend. At the last show we found these funky belt buckles. We had to order a few and see what we could do with them so ...

The one above had beautiful soft colors. I pulled out a few of those colors and combined ribbons to make the strap.

This one was really fun ... I made a strap with the solid black ribbon with a black gingham ribbon down the center. I then took bits and pieces of ribbons, buttons and trims and randomly attached them. It came out kind of wild but I think it's fun.

This one has the black and white floral ribbon with the black trim on the front. It is backed with the same ribbon but in orange and white.

I love this animal print ribbon ... I liked the way it looked with the buckle. I added a complimentary animal print for the loop and two suede flowers with pearl buttons.

I didn't forget about Cottage Flair this week. I found this very unusual piece a few weeks ago. Someone told me what it is called but I forgot. The front lifts down to a desk. I still need to add a nice knob ... It's hand painted and distressed. I love the detail on it and the beveled mirror. (Excuse the photos in my messy workshop. I haven't moved it to our store yet).

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-03-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist

Friday March 19th 2010

"Easter Memories"

At Cottage Flair and Make Mine Pink, you'll always find the perfect treasures to remind friends and family of their favorite Easter memories, and to create new ones they will savor.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Finally Finished!!

2010-03-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember this project I started back at the end of January. I had this lovely table and chair set that had so much potential to be pretty again. I had a vision for it and I am quite happy with how it turned out. (Of course, I had to paint it white!!)

A little how to: First you need to lightly sand and then clean the pieces. The second step is to apply a coat of primer (I use oil based primer and paint). Next I apply two coats of paint. Finally, I take a power sander and distress the piece wherever I feel it needs it. As for the chairs, I recovered the seats with batting and white denim. I purchased the gorgeous linen seat covers ... the customer has the option of purchasing the chairs with the denim or adding the seat covers. Personally, I think the linen covers add so much to the look.

Here it is all set up at the shop.

I love the lines and detail on the table and the chairs. I wish I had room in my house to keep it!!
This week, for the first time, I am participating in Metamorphis Monday on
Between Naps on the porch. Stop by!

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-03-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
March 12th
Office Chic
When I look around at all the beautiful and creative work spaces of my peers, I can’t help but notice that a new trend in office decorating has emerged. Office and studio spaces are no longer drab, monotonous and strictly functional. Instead, the utilitarian look we usually expect in work spaces is being replaced by chic and feminine décor. More and more, I'm seeing office spaces that are fashionable, fun and full of creativity – just like the women who use them. When you work in a space that is pretty as well as calming, your imagination and creativity will flourish.

Cottage Flair Make Mine Pink

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-03-04T05:11:00.000-08:00

Every now and then, it's fun to take a detour from the everyday by adding playful touches to our routines. It doesn't even need to be something outrageous. Sometimes, adding just a "touch o' whimsy" is all it takes to spice things up.

It can be fun to add whimsical touches to our homes too. Having a beautiful home doesn't mean you can't let your playful side shine through. In fact, I think it's just the opposite. If you find something that makes you smile or gives you a feeling of pleasure, you should joyfully include that piece in your décor. It's those special little touches that bring your unique personality into your home and make it truly special.

Celebrate your whimsical side and surround yourself with things that make you smile.

Shop Refresh

2010-02-24T04:53:00.000-08:00

It's about this time of year that I get very tired of Winter in CT but still want lots of snow in VT for skiing. At this same time, my mother often likes to do a complete "makeover" at our shop. This area is a little alcove that we thought would be perfectly framed by these beautiful new ruffled window panels. I just love the way it looks and thought I'd share a few shop photos! We are awaiting merchandise to fill the spaces in a bit more too!!

I wish I could arrange and decorate the way my mother does. I just love the way she puts things together!

A sneak peek at a few of the new bunnies I listed on my site yesterday.

Thanks for visiting ...

Back From Vacation ...

2010-02-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

We are home ... we spent nine days in Vt skiing. The beginning of the week there wasn't much snow but Tues we got 6 inches so most of the mountain was open. I love when the trees are covered with a new dusting of snow.

We are renting a condo for the season at the base of Magic Mountain. This is the view from our window. We literally ski out the door which makes life very easy!!

Here are my two boys riding the chair ...

My almost 14 year old in his cool new gear

My younger son decided to take up snowboarding for the week. He picked it up quickly and had a great time.

We did take a few breaks to visit Manchester and Weston. The Orvis store in Manchester has a great pond area full of HUGE trout that the kids can feed.

My kids favorite place of all is the Vermont Country Store. They of course love the candy section and the vintage soda bottles (they actually sell TAB). If you have never been there, it's the most amazing place. You can pretty much find anything you have ever wanted or needed including vintage toys, old fashioned lotions & creams, clothing, housewares, everything!!

Thanks for visiting ...

Easter Comes Early

2010-02-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this photo of this sweet little bird who braved the storm to check out my gutters for a little treat (which he found).

Even with the arrival of Winter Storm Barbara, the Easter Bunny had time to make a quick trip to my house to drop off the first shipment of wonderful Easter bunnies and chicks. I just love them all (and will try not to keep each one for myself!!). I really enjoy all of the holidays but there is just something about Easter that makes it extra fun for me.

I think the pretty pastel colors, glitter, ribbons and fun trimmings make each one special. I will be listing them later this week.

I am hoping that as this storm comes through CT, Vermont will also get some. We spend all of February break in VT skiing and they really need some snow. Think snow for the northeast!!!!
Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-02-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Please Join Us:
Make Mine Pink Friday
February 5th
"One of a Kind Treasures"

One of a kind treasures give you an opportunity to celebrate your own unique style. Whether you prefer fun and whimsical designs or if you go for nostalgic pieces, these exclusive finds delight us like nothing else can because nothing else is exactly like them.
I find that when we decorate our homes and sprinkle our days with one of a kind treasures we discover our own distinctive sense of style. We are creating a space that reflects our unique personalities and make room for us to explore new ideas and try new things. Our one of a kind treasures remind us that each one of us is truly one of a kind.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Cleaning out

2010-01-27T05:23:00.001-08:00

I take a ride just about every Wednesday to my favorite junk spot with the hopes of filling my car. I then come home and load it all into my studio and storage space and pull pieces out all week to work on. The problem is that often things keep getting pushed aside and never end up being painted. As often happens in January, I get an attack of needing to clean. So that's what I did ... I cleaned up my studio (it really does look better ) and pulled out all of the forgotten pieces.

This beautiful dining table and five matching chairs needs a new paint job and new seats. I spent yesterday doing minor repairs and priming. I'm not sure what fabric to put on the seats yet but I'll be thinking about it as I paint ...

These frames have been piling up ( I have another pile too ) so I cleaned them up, will get them primed and remirrored and then off to the shop.

This lovely buffet has been hiding under stuff that I had just piled on the top. It's a great piece ...

I found this sweet little stool under the dining table ... I can't wait to give it a new paint job and pretty floral fabric ...

Here are a few more mirrors and frames I found ...

This vanity stool, already painted, has been moved from room to room waiting for a new cushion. I recovered the original seat with new batting and new fabric.

Here's a little hint: when you have a defect and don't feel like using wood fill ... add a pretty trim to hide the holes (see it peeking out from under the vintage trim?). Plus, the trim adds a lovely touch of detail ...

Well, it's Wednesday so I'm off ... my car may have to stay loaded until I move these pieces out but at least there will be room for my new treasures!!

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-01-21T05:06:00.000-08:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
January 22nd
"Winter Whites"

Decorating with whites can be very calming and serene. White is the color of new snow under sunny skies and fresh linens drying in the breeze. Winter whites represent everything that is clean, chic, and sparkling. They create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

But when decorating with this monochromatic tone, your design elements can easily blend into one another and become lost in a sea of white. It's almost essential to break up an all-white pallet by adding visually interesting pieces to your décor. These will draw the eye up and away from the all-white background, and make the winter whites all the more stunning in contrast.

Don't let the pristine coolness of winter whites keep you from decorating in this elegant tone. A few interesting accent pieces will help you create a white décor that refreshes the eye and the spirit.

Stop by to see all of the wonderful new pieces to add something new to your decor!!

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Make Mine Pink Friday

2010-01-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

Please join us as we present Make Mine Pink Friday
"In with the New"
January 15th

The New Year comes in, bringing with it permission to try new things that you hadn’t considered before. Or perhaps this is the year for something you’ve always wanted to try but hadn’t quite dared in decorating or with new craft projects. You can give your entire home a New Year makeover, make some changes in a favorite room, or just add new touches to a special corner.

Perhaps cottage chic is the look you wanted to try. You can combine floral patterns with checks and ticking, in colors ranging from bright hues to muted tones. Top comfortable overstuffed couches with beautifully handmade pillows and hang bright artwork on the walls. You can set an inviting table set with charming vintage plates, a vintage buffet in the corner to display your favorite collections.

Shabby chic celebrates the simple life and the comforts of home. Pastel greens, pale pinks, sky blues, muted grays, mixed together with all shades of white. Previously owned and well-loved items that have been handed down through generations are abound. Vintage china, hand painted furniture, beautiful mirrors, they all combine to create a feeling of home and the comfort of time. Give yourself permission to try something different, and celebrate the new year with a new décor. You’ll find everything that you need right here at the Boutiques of Make Mine Pink.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

New Year ...

2010-01-11T13:20:00.001-08:00

Wow ... it's been a long time since I posted on my blog. I hope everyone had a happy holiday season ... For me, like so many others, the holidays are so busy that time just gets away from me. I love the holiday season with family and friends but look forward to a quiet January and life getting back to normal. I added a few things to my site yesterday but I need to get back out to my favorite junk shops now too!! I am off to the NY Gift show at the end of the month. I can't wait!!! I LOVE going to the shows to see what's new. It is VERY cold here in CT but I try to get out and prep furniture when it's 20 or above. I did that over the weekend and did some indoor painting today. Hopefully those pieces will be done soon.

I have been having a ball making these great sterling silver hand stamped pendant necklaces. They seem to be the newest trend in custom jewelry. They have been selling like hotcakes!! Here is the link if you want to take a look ... PENDANTS

A mommy necklace with the children's initials.

A grandmother's necklace with the grandchildrens' initials.

Happy New Year ... 2010 is going to be a fabulous year!!

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-12-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist on

Friday December 11, 2009 as we present

"Last Minute Gifts"

Christmas is just around the corner, but there’s still time to find just the right gift for that someone special on your shopping list this year. Whatever her interests or tastes, here are some last minute gift ideas that will fill her holiday season with delight, and remind her that you think of her all through the year. A last minute Christmas gift can hold all the love and friendship you feel at this season and always.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Holiday Decorating * Shabby Chic Chandeliers

2009-12-07T05:12:00.001-08:00

We had our first snow of the season on Saturday night. We woke up to a beautiful, sunny winter wonderland. Early in the morning all of the trees were blanketed in snow but as the day wore on, as you can see, most of it melted. I was inspired to get out and decorate the front of our house. I am not only using pink inside this year, but outside as well. (We'll see what all of the neighbors think!!). I filled the window boxes with greens and added bows. I still need to paint a bunch of pinecones pink to add but they were all too wet. I picked up the skates at a junk shop and sprayed them pink. Someone gave me the toboggan with the suggestion to paint it white and add a wreath. I loved that idea!! I don't like how sparse it is under the boxes but I have yet to come up with any ideas on how to fix that. I need a landscaper to come in the Spring.

Since this photo, I changed the silver bow to pink.

This is by the back door. It still needs stuff but I ran out of daylight yesterday.

I got a big shipment of beautiful, inexpensive chandeliers last week. They are acrylic crystals, not glass, but you really don't notice. There are several styles, colors, and sizes. I will be adding them to my site later today.

This is a large size, the ones below are smaller. Stop by my site and check them out!! Great in a bathroom, girl's room, anywhere. These are the best acrylic chandeliers I have ever come across. They can be easily hardwired ...

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-12-03T05:18:00.000-08:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
"It's all about Christmas"
Friday, December 4th

Christmas is all about sharing the blessings of the season with family and friends and believing that everything about the Christmas season is magical.

click the links below:

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Don't forget ... the shop hop is still in full swing. If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time. Lots of great prizes to be had plus all of the fantastic specials from the boutiques! Cottage Flair has special free gifts with each purchase!!

Shop Hop

Holiday Decorating

2009-12-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

I just love the holidays like so many others. I am not a traditional holiday decorator though. My house comes alive with pinks, whites and turquoises every december. Now I can appreciate the traditional colors and sometimes wish my little cape had an extra room for red and green but I am shabby chic to the core. As it gets done, I will post some photos. For some reason, maybe because I have been in our shop alot and have also been adding so many fun things to my site, I am totally in the holiday spirit today. I had my boys pull the pumpkins and mums from the window boxes and I hope to start filling them with greens tomorrow. Instead of my ususal silver or blue bows, this year I am going to do pink outside too. ( Don't tell my family ... they already put up with the pinks inside, not so sure what they'll say about outside). I wish it didn't get dark so early ... guess I'll have to catch the spirit again tomorrow!!

12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop

2009-11-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

It's time for ...
The 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop!!!

November 27th through December 8th

The 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop just got bigger and better than ever before! This year, Make Mine Pink will be joined by the shops at Shabby Lane, Shabby Cottage, and Victorian Heart. Join in on the fun and compete for amazing prizes.
The grand prize is our amazing Ultimate Gift Basket worth over $1,000!!

If you've never participated in one of our shop hops, now's the time! Visit our 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop page to learn more about this amazing event.

Cottage Flair will be offering free gifts with every purchase ... a new gift every day. Would you like a few gifts? Make purchases on different days and just ask us to hold the order until the end of the event. (all shipping overcharges will be refunded). New items will be added throughout the event!!

Don't like to wrap the small stuff?? We would love to wrap for you, just let us know in the comments box when you check out.

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-11-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist on

Friday November 27, 2009 as we present

"Dreaming of a White Christmas"

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Hand Painted Dresser, Hand Stamped Pendants

2009-11-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

I had a pretty productive weekend this weekend, both with work and family/friends time. This pink and white dresser is an antique dresser I picked up this summer. It had been in a landmark inn in town that was demolished so I rescued it and gave it a new life. (It's raining out so I had to take the photos in my messy studio). I love the lines on this piece and had fun with the colors.

These are some other pieces, all in different stages of being finished. It was a gorgeous, relatively warm weekend so I got quite a bit of sanding done outside.

Now, these have been so much fun and so popular. They are blowing out of our home parties and I do have them available on my website. Notice the center one above ... lots of customers have been ordering three discs on one chain and it really stacks up and looks neat.

These all need chains, some on their own, some in groupings.

I loved this idea ... a 13 year old ordered these as a Christmas gift for her best friend ... each of their initials on each necklace. It's along the idea of a best friend necklace that comes in two pieces but how cute is this?

Finally, some fun vintage earrings I picked up that I will be listing later today.
Thanks for visiting ...

Velvet Bookmarks in Somerset Life

2009-11-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that I LOVE this publication!! If you haven't seen it yet, it is a must have. Stampington has many different publications, all beautiful and geared toward specific topics. Somerset Life and Where Women Create are my favorite. In this latest issue, Andrea Singarella showed how to make these beautiful velvet ribbon bookmarks with vintage trimmings. I have lots of bits and pieces of vintage jewelry so I promptly ordered some beautiful ribbon and the metal ends needed for the project. These are a few I created. I ended up making a bunch of them. They were so much fun!!

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-11-19T04:54:00.001-08:00

Want to have some fun?!! Join us Saturday, November 21st from
6:00 p.m. - 1200 a.m eastern time

Pink Twilight Sale

Please join us for unbelievable buys from the Make Mine Pink boutique owners! 6 Hours and 6 hours only - once a month where you'll see buys like never before on make Mine Pink. Mark your calendars so that you don't miss this new, monthly event.

* Please Note - each boutique is individually owned and will charge shipping for their products. In the event that you purchase multiple items from one boutique, they will promptly refund you for any excess shipping charges at the end of the event.

Make Mine Pink Pink Friday, November 2oth

Please join us for shopping with a twist on
Friday November 20, 2009 as we present
"All About Family"

When our family gathers for the holidays, Grandma's dishes always come out of the china cabinet. From favorite serving dishes that held many a turkey, to silverware passed down through generations. Crisp, starched tablecloths, reminiscent of many holidays past, grace the family dining table. These simple pieces are as much a part of the annual celebration as is the family gathered around the table. Each of us thankful for those memories and for each other.

The Nosey Goose Holiday Open House

2009-11-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

We had our annual Holiday Open House at our shop this weekend. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera the first day so the pics are after a day of shopping. My mother does most of the decorating and I have to say, the shop looked beautiful.

The shop is in an old house so this is what you see as you enter. Below is the front window. It looked so much better in person, decked in silver, glittery green and touches of red.

Day two I took the quilt down so the tree really popped. It's all decorated in Bethany Lowe frosted white and silver ornaments with a few white glitter stars mixed in.

Candylights!!
Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-11-12T04:56:00.000-08:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist on

Friday November 13, 2009 as we present

"Comforts of Home"

The comforts of home reach out from the past and wind their way into those of the present. Our homes, stamped with our own distinct style, with just a touch of nostalgia mixed in. It’s the little touches from generations past that help to make our house a home. Each item is so different from the others, yet nothing feels out of place. It just feels like home.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-11-05T06:40:00.001-08:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist
on Friday November 6, 2009 as we present
"Cupcakes and Fairytales"

Remember the simple delights of childhood? How a cupcake could make you giggle and a fairy story would stir your dreams? The smallest things, done just right, could bring out the biggest smiles of all.
It's the simple things like cupcakes that bring us so much pleasure.
All things whimsical have a place in our lives. Each brings about smiles and wisps of childhood memories. Whether it is a fanciful collection or a whimsical element added to your decor, the hint of fun is a welcoming greeting to all.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Don't forget to check out the Holiday Decorating Guide ... link is on the top right. It is really beautiful!

Makeover Project

2009-11-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

I did this project a while back with the intention of sharing a kind of how to makeover project (but then I forgot) so here it is now. I found these chairs at my favorite junk shop. The canning was in perfect condition and the cushions were clean and in good shape.

I loved their shape and size and had a vision in my head of what they could look like.

I started by sanding lightly, being very careful of the canning. I washed them throughly and let them dry. I then applied a good primer coat to the arms, legs, etc. with a brush. I sprayed the canning with a can of primer. Next I applied two coats of paint with a brush all over, again, being very gentle on the canning. I had the cushions recovered in a pretty white fabric with pink and green stripes. I topped the project off with a floral pillow I made. Quite a transformation, don't you think?

Thanks for visiting ...

Shabby Chic Furniture

2009-11-02T04:44:00.000-08:00

It was another beautiful and productive weekend here in CT. Like I mentioned in the post below, I've had some nice chunks of time to get some painting done and this weekend was the same. I finished up several pieces and got them off to the shop. (a few will be listed on my site). I did have a bit of lost time Saturday. I went to do a furniture pickup 35 minutes away. It ended up I needed to make two trips ... no big deal. But on the second trip, when I arrived at their house, I locked the keys in the car. My excuse ... it was my mother's car that I wasn't used to. Oh well, AAA came out within an hour but how dumb of me!!
The signs above are something I really enjoy doing ... I usually use new wood but sometimes I find great old architectural pieces to paint on. I found these great pieces in Brimfield.

This piece I showed in an earlier post before it was all done. I added the embellishments and glass knobs, hand painted it white and distressed it to totally change the look.

I also need to mention Halloween ... it was a great time as usual. Every year we go to my friend's house in a very fun neighborhood. Everyone comes to her house for food and drinks and then the kids go off trick or treating for a few hours, usually we go but this year they didn't want the parents (I hate that they are growing up so fast). My kids are almost too old ... the year we stop this tradition will be so sad!! We are so lucky to be able to do this every year.

And, a fun thing happened last night. My neighbor had given me an article from the New York times about Rachel Ashwell coming back. I put it aside then but finally got around to reading it last night. I'm reading along about how she has such a huge blog following by names such as Shabby Chick and Cottage Flair. I jumped up ... hey, that's me!! I love her and to be mentioned in an article about her!! How cool is that??!!
Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-10-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

Please join us for Make Mine Pink Friday "Colors of Autumn"
The changing fall foliage provides inspiration for our indoor and outdoor decorating. We add accents from an autumn palette of copper, rust, green, gold and pink to highlight forgotten nooks and crannies. We warm up your our homes with the colors of falling leaves… orange, brown and yellow.
Perhaps an attempt at keeping the autumn colors just a little longer.

Cottage Flair Make Mine Pink

Bethany Lowe & More arriving ...

2009-10-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

What is all this you say?? Why it is boxes and boxes of new Holiday merchandise that has been arriving daily. I just love this time of year!! I can't wait to get everything unpacked, photoed, and uploaded to my site. Here is a sneak peak of a few Bethany Lowe designs ...

Also, I have been getting quite a bit of quality time to get back to my studio and painting. This piece was very plain so I added embellishments to the top, bottom and drawers. It is hand painted in white dove and still needs distressing and glass knobs.

A friend gave me this cute vintage hamper ... I will be painting the top ... just haven't decided what color yet.

I had a pastel attack last week and decided to change things up a bit. I did my usual white on the coffee table, then pink on the cute stool and turquoise on the two tables.

This piece has been in my studio for way too long. I'm glad it's finally done and moving on to the shop this week.

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-10-22T05:23:00.000-07:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist
on Friday October 23, 2009
as we present "Pumpkins and Spice"
With the return of autumn come the familiar feelings of comfort, happy childhood memories and hope for what the future will bring. Comfortable fires and cozy kitchens surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. Crunching leaves and laughing voices. A brisk walk in the cool air. With crackling leaves under foot, the sights and smells mingle and wrap you in memory like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Also, be sure to check out the new Make Mine Pink Holiday Shopping & Decorating Guide. The link is on the right sidebar ... it is beautiful!!

Snow

2009-10-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

It's October in the Northeast and we had SNOW yesterday. I think the newscaster said the last time that happened was in the 80"s. My son was right out in the middle of it. It stuck for a while but was gone in the morning. It is so cold today ... I wonder if this is an indication of a snowy, cold winter?! Guess we'll know soon enough.

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-10-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

Please join us for Make Mine Pink Friday "Girly Girls"
October 9th Women everywhere are no longer afraid to show their girly sides, but instead celebrate it. We are now seeking out pieces that make a statement about who we are. Instead of downplaying our femininity, we accessorize and decorate with items that celebrate being a girl. Not only is it OK to show our feminine and flirty side, it's easy too! Everywhere you look, there's something fun and interesting and available at a great price. The smallest touches in just the right places are all it takes to become a girly girl.

This week all sales include a free pink ribbon breast cancer awareness bracelet. Also, 10% of sales are being donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

AND ... don't forget Pink October shop hop is going on until the 11th!! Join the fun and enter to win a great prize. Click here for more details: Shop Hop

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

2009-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink Shop Hop
October 5th - 11th

Please join us for our annual Make Mine Pink October Shop Hop. Pink October is always an exciting time for all of us at Make Mine Pink. It's the month that we try to give back even a little more than usual, while at the same time honoring our friends, family and customers that have had their lives touched by breast cancer. Please come and have some fun and take a chance at winning some fabulous prizes. Also check out the participating boutiques to see what they are doing in honor of Breast cancer awareness and PINK OCTOBER.

MMP Shop Hops are a type of contest where you try to find as many MMP "shopping bags" as you can. Each of our participating boutiques (click on the link below to see the list ) has hidden a shopping bag image on its website that says, "You Found It!" on the tag . Click that image to return to Make Mine Pink and get credit for finding it. The more bags you find, the better your chances of winning great prizes.

Cottage Flair will be giving the bracelet pictured above as a free gift for any sale of $15 or more. We will also be donating 10% of sales to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
The bracelet is also available for purchase with all proceeds being donated.

Make Mine Pink

Cottage Flair

2009-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Please join us for
Make Mine Pink Friday
October 2nd
"Simply Pink"

Shades of pink are popping up everywhere. Pink, once reserved for women's boudoirs and little girl's dresses is now being incorporated into the décor of homes everywhere. Pink makes a statement that is impossible to ignore.
Over the past few years, pink has been proclaimed the new black. It's the color that fits in with any theme - from girly to chic, from romantic to modern. Store windows are filled with eye popping pink accessories and furnishings. Designers are using extravagant pink fabrics for whole pieces or to create just a few pink touches. Websites are celebrating pink by selling pink products and giving us ideas for decorating in pink. Make Mine Pink represents so much more than just the color pink. It symbolizes women, femininity, strength and calm. Whether you surround yourself with pink or just keep a special pink reminder nearby, pink celebrates life - everything you already are and all your hope for the future.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Also ... please join us for
.The Make Mine Pink Shop Hop
October 5th and ends October 11th.
Cottage Flair will be donating 10% of sales to
the Susan G. Komen foundation
Cottage Flair has a beautiful Pink Ribbon bracelet that will be free with every purchase or can be purchased with all proceeds being donated. Stop by again to get a sneak peek at the bracelet!

Shabby Chic Chair

2009-09-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

This was a week of finishing up projects ... the last step in the assembly line. I showed some photos a few weeks ago of pieces I was working on. The chair above was brown with a very ugly seat. It got a whole new look with paint & fabric.

I just love this piece. If I had room for it in my house, I would keep it! It is a very unusual server with the top attached shelf and drop leaves. The huge drawer is great storage. I painted and distressed it for that great shabby chic look. It will be listed on my site but as pick up only or blanket shipped.

I showed this chair a few weeks ago too. It actually started out wood color. I cleaned it up, pulled off the old trim and primed it.

I then painted and distressed it and tacked on the new fabric.

It was finished off with a pretty pink trim to hide the edges and add a lovely detail.

Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-09-24T05:01:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
September 25th
"Timeless Textiles"

There are some fabrics that never go out of fashion. As the years pass, they grow more beautiful by adding the threads of history to their own. The original colors might fade, but these timeless textiles stay bright with the memory of the hands that created and cared for them. The stories they know are never truly forgotten when we make room for them in our lives and in our homes.

Whether hand crafted, hand created, or stitched by modern machines, timeless textiles mix our stories with those they already know, and will pass them down to generations to come.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-09-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink Friday
September 18th
Office Chic

I don't know when it happened, but office spaces for women have become so much more personalized and chic! Whether you spend your working hours in a casual home office or go out for the workday, work spaces are being all gussied up. Women are putting their own stamp on their office space making it more feminine and a lot more fun. Even everyday office accessories get a feminine makeover as well!

Working in a space that is pretty and calming is a great stress reliever. By adding a few embellishments and feminine touches, you can create a chic office space where your office hours will become more fun and less tedious.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Hand painted furniture

2009-09-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I worked on sanding & washing some furniture. I also painted a few pieces. At the end of the day I put everything away and just had to take a photo. I think I'm turning into a bit of a pack rat or maybe I'm nesting ... with Winter looming ahead I always try to stock pile furniture so I have enough to get through the season. Well, as you can see, I'm busting at the seams. And the scary part is, I'll still be out this week buying more!!!

I'm in the process of redoing this chair. I love fabrics and am always thrilled to find a neat looking piece that could use some paint and new fabric.

I work on an "assembly line" as I paint ... sand a bunch of pieces, paint them, distress them ... These are all works in progress waiting to be distressed.

LOVE this piece ... a server with a built in shelf and drop leaves on both sides. It has a huge drawer with neat detail and great hardware.

Finally ... a little decorating tip. Everyone is using unusual pieces in unusual places ... I bought this window grate to "decorate" my fireplace during the Spring & Summer. Unfortunately, it kind of got lost in there and I didn't like the way it looked so to plan B ... I hung it outside next to my navy blue back door. I think it works.
Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-09-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Please join us
Friday September 11th
"Scented Delights ... Bath & Home"

As you're settling back into your regular routine, and making sure everyone around you sticks to their schedules, remember to take care of yourself too. Scented delights can help you fit in a few minutes of "you time" no matter how hectic your day
gets.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Brimfield Antique Show

2009-09-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

I spent the day in Brimfield, Ma yesterday at the antique show. It is always so much fun!! I wish I could spend the week there. I came home with some great stuff (or at least I think so!). It's funny how sometimes when you get home and unload the car, you realize you had kind of a theme going and you didn't even realize it. I guess I was in the creating mood yesterday ...
We found an awesome booth full of architectural salvage. Above are chippy paint large molding pieces. I think I am going to make hook racks or paint signs on them, or both.

These are two chippy paint, neat looking boards for signs.

Cute, small shutters. I'll use them as backdrops for displays and maybe one for an appointment card holder.
How cool are these? Metal door pieces. What to do? Not sure yet but I couldn't pass them up.

This is an old tin ceiling panel made into a frame. They are made by two guys who have a huge booth full of them. We sell these along with their wood salvage frames at our shop. (I'm keeping this one!)

What are these? I have no idea but I had to have them. They'll find a use someday.

I only bought one pretty piece of china. I usually buy tons but I didn't really find any great pieces.
Three vintage pieces ... fabric & tablecloths

Love this (and keeping it). A vintage spread with a pink ruffle. With a good wash and iron it will be beautiful!

I found some great buttons!

This is only half of one of the bags of buttons. Great variety. I bought the pretty silver dish yesterday too.
Vintage velvet, satin and seam binding.

A whole bag of vintage ribbons and bindings.

Great hat covered in perfect soft velvet flowers.

I LOVE this hat. It is bright pink with green velvet ribbon and covered in bright pink & white flowers.

View from the top.

Lastly, these are not vintage but some velvets I just got in. They will be available on my site later in the week. They are 3/8" wide in straight or ric rac and come in 3 yd. pieces wrapped on an antiqued tag.
Thanks for visiting. ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-09-03T05:19:00.001-07:00

Please join us:
Friday September 4th

With the arrival of September, our nesting instincts return. With the kids back in school, there is more time for yourself and to care for your living spaces. It's time to create a cozy fall home in preparation for cooler days and more time spent indoors.
The possibilities are endless as we happily work around our homes. Somehow, we never seem to mind. Instead, we settle back into our routines and enjoy the first hints of excitement of upcoming family gatherings and holidays not far off.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Shabby Chic Decorating 2

2009-08-31T11:20:00.001-07:00

I have to admit that I have a "thing" for vintage frames. I buy them constantly and find a use for them later. I thought I'd share a few today. Most of you know I hand paint and distress furniture and mirrors. I love to take an old frame, paint it white and add a new mirror like above. My favorites are original chippy paint frames that are great as is. I love to layer them on the wall with other things ... (old chippy paint doors work too).

This is actually soft green shades that all match but it's hard to see in the photo.

I bought this as is ... a vintage frame, hand painted, with a piece of gorgeous vintage fabric.

This last photo is hanging in my bathroom. I've had this pink window frame forever but I just love that it's pink. So, next time you drive by an old frame out by the trash, stop and pick it up. So many possibilities .
Thanks for visiting ...

Make Mine Pink Friday

2009-08-27T05:11:00.000-07:00

Please join us
Friday August 28th

Getting Organized has taken on a new look! From being strictly functional to being functional and stylish has become the latest and greatest way of getting and staying organized. Pretty and stylish organization means that you no longer have to hide everything away in back room closets and filing cabinets. Instead, old locker baskets painted pink and stylishly chic organizers help you get organized in creative ways.
By using decorative boxes, vintage baskets and embellished magazine organizers, you can carry your decorating theme throughout your home, office, and even your laundry room!
When you need to organize, forget about boring boxes and folders that will keep everything out of sight. Instead, look around you for creative ways to accent your décor and store everything you need within arm's reach.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Shabby Chic Decorating

2009-08-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Throughout the year I always pick up pieces I like at shops, flea markets, etc. I hold onto them until the mood to decorate strikes me. That usually happens a few times a year. (meanwhile my kids are saying, "here she goes again") while I'm running around with hammer, nails and stuff! Anyway, the past few weeks I've been at it again and thought I would share a few photos. My house is a small cape so there really aren't a whole lot of spaces to decorate but I try ...

This picture is one of my favorites that I've had forever. I found the wood valence at Brimfield, loved it, but had no idea where I would put it. I think this works.

I love original, chippy paint. To me it's the ultimate in shabby chic. This was a great find a while back. I added the mirror the other day behind the chandelier to dress it up a little and make it all pop.

My mantel has been boring for a long time. I added a few more pieces I picked up at our shop to add to it. I had hung the garland for a photo then decided to leave it there. I think it needs a little more ... I'm sure I'll find a few more things in my travels.

This is a little built in bookshelf area that I just needed a few more pieces for ... I added the garland and the two architectural pieces.

I got a flat screen t.v. for my birthday to replace the outdated monster that used to be there. Eventhough the black is still a big eyesore in the room, I was able to use a daintier piece of furniture to display it. I still need to find a way to hide the outlet and black cord. I added the oval mirror above to take your eye away from it a bit.

A little "vignette" in my room by the window.

This is a chippy paint frame in pink that I found in Brimfield. I love it! Ironically, it is the same pink as the chippy paint frame I had hanging in this spot already. It really finished the whole thing I had going on there.

This is the area next to my bed. Love the frame!
I have been pouring over books and blogs looking for (and drooling over ) wonderful shabby chic decorating ideas. One day I'll get there!
Thanks for visiting ...

2009-08-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Please join us for Make Mine Pink Friday:
The Secrets of Mother's Jewelry Box

Mother's jewelry box is a treasure trove for little girls and grownup daughters. No matter our age, our imaginations become colorful and childlike when we open her box of secrets.. As a child, we're convinced that somewhere in the magnificent box lives a fairy who can tell all the secrets that lie amongst these treasures, and if we listen hard enough, we'll hear the stories it can tell.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Vintage Bauble & Blue Crabs

2009-08-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

How about these blue crabs? I took my boys and their friend crabbing today and they caught a dozen keepers and another dozen or so that had to go back. It is a super hot day but being by the water helped and it kept them busy. Blue crabs are my favorite summer seafood!!!

Now more my style ... a few new vintage baubles I came across that I will be listing sometime this week. Don't you just love vintage glitz???

Block Island, Rhode Island

2009-08-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

This past Wed. my hubby, two boys and I spent the day riding bikes on Block Island, R.I. For those who don't know, it is a very small island about 13 miles off of the coast of R.I. We took the high speed ferry so it's a quick trip. It was an overcast day which was great for bike riding but not so great for photos! The island has so many old buildings and hotels. One of the coolest things as you ride the road that goes around the whole island, is all of the old stone walls, still in great shape, all over. Years ago people farmed and divided their fields and pastures with these walls. I didn't get a photo of them but I have a few others to share:

Very inviting seating as we started our ride! I LOVE pink!!

A funny sign at one of the docks.

Almost all of the houses are are naturally weathered shingles. They can paint the trim and doors any color. This one had green trim and beautiful flowers. The hydrangeas grow like mad out there in all shades.

I love the look of this house with the turquoise door

This is a new house being built with new, unweathered shingles

We stopped on one of the lookout spots on a cliff. The beach below is filled with people. They had to walk down a very long stairway, which you can see part of in the photo below, to get there.

This is my youngest on the stairway and no, he did not walk the whole thing. The bike riding was hard enough!

LOVE this cute little house. It sits on a curve right across from the ocean.

Relaxing on the beach before taking the ferry home.
Great day ... good food ... but I really felt the 8 mile plus bike ride (I'm not one to exercise too much!)
Thanks for visiting ...

Cozy Seaside Cottage ... Vintage Mirrors

2009-08-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

Please join us
Friday August 14th as we present
Cozy Seaside Cottage

Cozy seaside cottage decor provides an opportunity to repurpose discarded furniture and decor that no longer fits in your home or day to day lifestyle. Items that have been well-loved because of the special memories they hold or just because of the way they catch your eye will fit in perfectly in your home away from home.

Cozy seaside cottage style conjures up visions of pure white with accents of blues, greens and painted white furniture.

Each corner of a seaside cottage is filled with the beauty of the sea and favorite memories.

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink

Hand Stamped Pendants

2009-08-10T07:02:00.001-07:00

Mother/Grandmother necklaces ... Personalized Pendants
This is an early preview of a new line I have added to our home party business. They will also be available on my website once I get organized and have all of the materials needed. They are custom sterling silver pendants, hand stamped and brushed, meant to look a little rough. They are available in different size discs with different color swarovski crystals (or not). They are all the rage right now. Very cool piece of jewelry. Perfect gifts! I personally love the tiny discs with just my childrens' initials on them. You can add more than one bead, several discs, whatever you want. All pieces are custom made. They come on either a ball chain or a snake chain. Great for Mom & Grandma or your daughter to wear her own name.

2009-08-05T14:06:00.001-07:00

Please join us Friday August 7th

Teas can be used to celebrate many occasions. Whether it's a mother and daughter tea party, a bridal tea, a special time with friends or some quiet time by yourself, it's always the right time for a tea party.

Whether at your home or at a formal tea service, a cup of tea adds a sophisticated and soothing touch to your everyday routine.

Enjoy special pricing on Pink Friday items!!

Cottage Flair

Make Mine Pink