The Exterminator

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">You know you've found a great man when he agrees to drive across town to set mouse traps in your garage late at night!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">That's right!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I've been busting my chops getting the house clean and organized so you can see it but laundry is a big part of getting that done and I can't because there's a mouse in the garage.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">That's where we keep them, the washer and dryer that is.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Darn mice, it gets cold outside and in they come through the cracks of the garage door.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">EEEWWWWWWW GR GR OSSSSSSS!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Being the animal lover that I am I can't  imagine having to kill these things but on the other hand I haven't been able to do laundry in a week because of those darn mice.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Laundry must get done to finish up the house.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Decorations must return to the garage to finish up the house.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie must not faint from seeing a mouse to finish up the house.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">See where I'm going with this?</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I'm keeping my promise though and the cottage will be seen this next week. Come one come all but no mice allowed.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">See you soon!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">XOXOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">P.S. I'll tell you more about the new man soon. He's pretty darn cute and as kind as ever.</span></div>

The Exterminator

You know you've found a great man when he agrees to drive across town to set mouse traps in your garage late at night! That's rig...

Merry Christmas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <img height="585px" src="http://rescuer74.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/waiting_for_the_miracle_by_vladstudio.jpg" width="780px"><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Just popping in to say I wish you all the very Merriest Christmas. I didn't get anything done this holiday season but that's OK. Like I've said before BIG changes are coming.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I've decided to blog my way.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">If anything this year I've been juggling and learning that things can't always be the same.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">You are going to see lots of decorating projects and fabulous make-ahead recipes in the upcoming months.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">2012 is going to be awesome.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">So go snuggle and cuddle and cook and love on your families and friends and come back and see me in 2012.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Lots of hugs and blessings to you.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Remember in 2012, LIVE BIG, LOVE BIG, AND DO BIG !!!!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

Merry Christmas

Just popping in to say I wish you all the very Merriest Christmas. I didn't get anything done this holiday season but that's OK. ...

Sick Again

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jthfGHcn8es/TbrwO_3D3yI/AAAAAAAACes/udzrKM_QyIw/s320/sick_girl.jpg"><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Blah, Blah, Blah, Cough, Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze, Wheeze. For the last few weeks I've had this tightening in my chest and throat. Excessive headaches and haven't been able to breathe through my nose. All I do is work, come home , let out dogs, and watch out for a sick mom and grandma. All that workin and caretakin has made me one sick doggie mom and just in time for Christmas.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">No shopping has been done, no presents have been wrapped, no cooking has been done, the decorations aren't complete and I'm still at work today and tomorrow.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This chick is one tired lady and wants nothing more than to slip on some warm fuzzy socks, fuzzy pajama pants, and a warm sweater and crawl in my bed and stay there until I'm much better.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">What a great weekend for this and it's not like my mom or grandma can take care of me.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Big changes are coming in 2012 aka better prepartions for sickness, better hours at work, and more multi holiday decorations.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So I still have an hour and a half of work to go and then I'm feeding the munchkins and hitting the hay.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Maybe I'll catch up next weekend. I'll stop in tomorrow to wish you a Merry Christmas.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Stay Well and Bundle Up.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

Sick Again

Blah, Blah, Blah, Cough, Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze, Wheeze. For the last few weeks I've had this tightening in my chest and throat...

Turkey Brine

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ-iP1GRoiQ/TvLESksEWQI/AAAAAAAABL4/bnsGqzIyqT4/s1600/DSCN1562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQ-iP1GRoiQ/TvLESksEWQI/AAAAAAAABL4/bnsGqzIyqT4/s320/DSCN1562.JPG" width="320px"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So it's almost Christmas and many of you are cooking a turkey again. Now for me and my family we like to mix it up a bit. If you aren't soakin your turkey in brine your aren't livin, period.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now most turkey brine recipes ingredients cost a fortune.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A few years ago on recommendation from a friend of my mom's, we took a trip to Williams Sonoma and bought their turkey brine.  Scrumpscious, delicious, never knew a turkey could taste that good are all thoughts that have come to mind when eating this.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">For $18.50 it soaks two turkeys. You can't beat that! Cha-Ching!!!</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I'm saving my 2nd half for Easter!</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLEYeR0Sy8s/TvLE0nknIHI/AAAAAAAABMA/zkLem8i-lro/s1600/DSCN1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLEYeR0Sy8s/TvLE0nknIHI/AAAAAAAABMA/zkLem8i-lro/s320/DSCN1581.JPG" width="320px"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">It's really quite simple how this works. Boil the ingredients in some apple juice and water pour it over your turkey that's sitting in a mega-sized bowl, add more water, and cover.</span></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQuHoNLYrHU/TvLFQdu-RrI/AAAAAAAABMI/drT8YJ2dbWw/s1600/DSCN1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQuHoNLYrHU/TvLFQdu-RrI/AAAAAAAABMI/drT8YJ2dbWw/s320/DSCN1582.JPG" width="320px"></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Stick it in your fridge for at least three days... for Mega flavor and voila the best turkey ever for minimal effort.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">They also have it on sale after Christmas.... hint... hint!</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Cooking,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">The Cute Couponer</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red;">Linking to <a href="http://www.tidymom.net/"><span style="color: red;">Tidy Mom</span></a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2099641610"><span style="color: red;">French Country Cottage</span></a> <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">Shabby Nest</span></a> <a href="http://www.chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">Chic On A Shoestring</span></a></span><br /> <span style="color: red;"><br /></span> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Turkey Brine

So it's almost Christmas and many of you are cooking a turkey again. Now for me and my family we like to mix it up a bit. If you a...

The best of Shabby Chic

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-480FjCtJ4JE/Tsh1Y3rZz2I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/PfAIbkfEt1E/s1600/curtai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_sr3wlq="19" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-480FjCtJ4JE/Tsh1Y3rZz2I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/PfAIbkfEt1E/s400/curtai.jpg" width="300px"></a><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Isn't this the prettiest shower curtain ever. I think after my move I might try to make one just  like it. Then I may go in the bathroom and choose to never leave and just chill in there.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I love it!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">P.S. I found a picture of it on the net and no links on where to buy it. I've googled ruffled shower curtains to no avail. If anyone knows where I might be able to buy one or knows a seamstress who would be great at making one, please let me know.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red;">Linking to : </span><a href="http://www.tidymom.net/"><span style="color: red;">Tidy Mom</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">Shabby Nest</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">Chic On A Shoestring</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span><a href="http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">French Country Cottage</span></a></div>

The best of Shabby Chic

Isn't this the prettiest shower curtain ever. I think after my move I might try to make one just  like it. Then I may go in the bathro...

Last Minute Christmas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.glitter-graphics.com/"><img border="0" height="330px" src="http://dl6.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1643/1643546hcfvbtvsbb.gif" width="330px"></a><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This is my life this week plugging away at work, sipping on a hot drink trying to get rid of my cold and sinus infection and staring at the yucky weather outside.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I see big changes coming this next year so we have more family time and prepartion time for the holidays like in years past.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Christmas may be last minute in my house but I'm determined to make it beautiful.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">To check out some killer last minute holiday ideas go </span><a href="http://www.thecutecouponer.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">here.</span></a><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div>

Last Minute Christmas

This is my life this week plugging away at work, sipping on a hot drink trying to get rid of my cold and sinus infection and staring at th...

What's Going on at the Cottage Now

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glitter-graphics.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" src="http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/585/585704vohzfiasuy.gif" width="280px"></a>     </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy December 17th. Where is December going? I haven't gotten a thing done.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This year has been a trying year with a new job. Not having two days off in a row is taking it's toll on me, the family, and the holidays. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I can't get near done what I normally do just due to my schedule and sheer exhaustion.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Here Christmas is next weekend and I still haven't finished decorating, buying gifts, or cooked a single Christmas goodie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I'm not liking this!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So the plan is this weekend to break out the last of the Christmas decor, clean house, and make many goodies.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This next week I'm going to finish up the shopping and call it a day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Not the Christmas or holiday season I was hoping for but hey sometimes simple is better.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Makes you appreciate the great years.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I do have a few projects I'm wrapping up just need to get some pic.'s for ya.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I hope you are all doing well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I'm thinking I'm going to focus on projects that can be used for multiple holidays so I get more use out of them and don't have to redecorate as often.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong I still like the changes but my lifestyle doesn't seem to be keeping up to my ole way of doing things so I will adapt to something new.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Preparing for the holidays!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valerie</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div></div>

What's Going on at the Cottage Now

     Happy December 17th. Where is December going? I haven't gotten a thing done. This year has been a trying year with a new job. N...

Organize It

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-Full imagefield-field_finishedphoto imagecache imagecache-field_finishedphoto imagecache-Full imagecache-field_finishedphoto-Full lightbox-processed" href="http://ana-white.com/sites/default/files/laundry-basket-dresser-2.jpg" jquery1323529283768="12" rel="lightbox[530][Laundry Basket Dresser<br /><br /><a href="http://ana-white.com/sites/default/files/laundry-basket-dresser-2.jpg" target="_blank" id="lightbox2-download-link-text">Download Original</a>]"><img alt="Laundry Basket Dresser" height="349px" src="http://ana-white.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/Full/laundry-basket-dresser-2.jpg" title="" width="450px"></a><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now I don't know how many of you haven't heard about Ana-White but I absolutely love her site. She offers alot of affordable do it yourself projects.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">In other words, affordable solutions to household issues.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now you've heard me talk about my Mt. Neverest ( the laundry pile) before. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">It seems I have mountains of laundry everywhere. With my clothes, dog towels, kids clothes, and household towels there isn't enough space to put it all in the cottage.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I found this clever little gadget on her site and it would fill a serious need for me.</span><br /> <br /> <img src="http://ana-white.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser-8.jpg"><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">You can also stack it vertical and put wheels on it so it's portable. How freakin cool is that. My laundry on wheels. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I've also considered doing two side by side and vertically.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">It would permanetly solve my issues with laundry. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I might be a wee bit ambitious but hey, I'm tired of excessive amounts of laundry.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">If you wanna see the tutorial go </span><a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I'm debating if I have time before the holidays.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">If not certainly come Jan. 1st.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Next up I have to find a way to store lots of dog food. These little plastic storage things aren't near big enough for what I have. </span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Next to putting it in a trash can or popcorn tin  I haven't  quite  figured  it  out.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Any suggestions would be welcomed.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">In the meantime I have to clean house so I can finish decorating this weekend. I'm thinking of using more of my decor that can stay up through Winter, like snowmen.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Weekend!</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Linking to </span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/"><span style="color: red;">Weekend Wrap Up Party</span></a> <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/"> <span style="color: red;">Funky Junk Interiors</span></a> <a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/2011/12/show-and-tell-saturday-121011.html"><span style="color: red;">Show and Tell Saturdays</span></a> <a href="http://maleviksrosentradgard.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">The Rosegarden</span></a></span></div>

Organize It

Now I don't know how many of you haven't heard about Ana-White but I absolutely love her site. She offers alot of affordable do it...

It's Showtime

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C5jFqAR1wt0/S5bJ7vUbSVI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/TtCkzFbhkfc/s1600-h/Scan17_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_877ib1="37" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C5jFqAR1wt0/S5bJ7vUbSVI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/TtCkzFbhkfc/s320/Scan17_0017.jpg"></a><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So I've been thinking alot the last few days about why my little cottage isn't complete. Is it that the landlord needs to replace several things? Do I not want to finish it because I'm moving soon? Am I too tired? Is it because I don't have enough storage?</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">The answer is simple..... I don't have enough storage. I have piles everywhere!!!  I do mean everywhere. It's hard to make things pretty and complete projects when you have stuff absolutely everywhere. Now how am I going to fix this problem so I can enjoy my home vs. feel exhausted and overwhelmed at times? I've been thinking about the concept of </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">S - sort</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">P - pitch</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A - assign</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">C - contain</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">E - eliminate</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This idea in organization has been around for years. I  have no idea who came up with it but whoever you are... you are brilliant!!!!!!!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I have many useful pieces of furniture in the garage that are either not being used because they need to be painted or they don't fit in  the house.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">What I never considered  was using them while they are in the garage. Extra clothes can still go in the dresser while in the garage.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">My baker's rack can function as a laundry room holding all my soap and goodies. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I had to really think outside of the box. Use it or lose it.... my brain and all this great furniture... that is.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">So that's what I'm starting to do. It clears the piles to finish the decorating and projects to ultimately enjoy the house...t</span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">hen I get to show it off .... and  it is about time now.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy Organizing,</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">P.S. The landlord does need to put new flooring in all the rooms, replace the bathtub, put on new countertops and many other little things but he's not gonna do it.</span></div></div>

It's Showtime

So I've been thinking alot the last few days about why my little cottage isn't complete. Is it that the landlord needs to replace se...

The Case of the Little Missing Christmas Tree

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfwfTKSrQnk/Tt5XUBA__mI/AAAAAAAABJQ/CWnJELlY9YU/s1600/DSCN0698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfwfTKSrQnk/Tt5XUBA__mI/AAAAAAAABJQ/CWnJELlY9YU/s320/DSCN0698.JPG" width="320"></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the end of every season I buy a bunch of decorations and put them away for the following year. It makes for an insane amount of decorations but I love it!  Anywhooo............ I've saved this Christmas tree from way back at my gift shop and I can't find the silly thing anywhere.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where oh where have you gone little tree? I need to find you! </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've looked high and low and you don't seem to be anywhere.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Silly Christmas tree.</span></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBO2L2ugJCc/Tt5dETb9XyI/AAAAAAAABJY/9XD-33uJNlE/s1600/DSCN0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBO2L2ugJCc/Tt5dETb9XyI/AAAAAAAABJY/9XD-33uJNlE/s320/DSCN0642.JPG" width="320"></a></div><br /> <div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">So now that I'm tired of looking for the tree I've decided this is similar to what I want to do with the outside of my mom's door. This photo was taken outside one of my favorite gift shops here in town. I love the tulle wrapped around the lights with grapevine and greenery. The rest is a little blah now but she is spiffing it up in a jiffy.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Back to Work.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> </div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Valerie</span></div></div>

The Case of the Little Missing Christmas Tree

At the end of every season I buy a bunch of decorations and put them away for the following year. It makes for an insane amount of decorati...

A Dream Christmas Cabin

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcHH9npDgU/VIUfgNBi9yI/AAAAAAAAEjs/54VT-zIDAJQ/s1600/My%2BDream%2BChristmas%2BCabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YcHH9npDgU/VIUfgNBi9yI/AAAAAAAAEjs/54VT-zIDAJQ/s1600/My%2BDream%2BChristmas%2BCabin.jpg" width="320"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9axVsgYD90/TtQ4Zro_6MI/AAAAAAAABFc/1PUyrjLGljo/s1600/christmas+cabin.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9axVsgYD90/TtQ4Zro_6MI/AAAAAAAABFc/1PUyrjLGljo/s320/christmas+cabin.bmp" width="211px"></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">If I were to have the perfect Christmas cabin this is what it would be. Small... this would be the front....</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iTj71XofOE/TtQ4okrkzmI/AAAAAAAABFk/33l79htp970/s1600/pink+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6iTj71XofOE/TtQ4okrkzmI/AAAAAAAABFk/33l79htp970/s320/pink+door.jpg" width="240px"></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">This would be the front door but I think I would paint it red.</span><br /> <br />                                                     <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbVszLOjmDQ/TtQ42e7PXrI/AAAAAAAABFs/W6ufEMDg0ng/s1600/SuperStock_803-962A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="213px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbVszLOjmDQ/TtQ42e7PXrI/AAAAAAAABFs/W6ufEMDg0ng/s320/SuperStock_803-962A.jpg" width="320px"></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">This would be the view from the back.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--a8WlQZYbRw/TtQ5YE8lWBI/AAAAAAAABF0/mtcNdjdcdso/s1600/tumblr_ktxkm42p4I1qapxs2o1_500_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--a8WlQZYbRw/TtQ5YE8lWBI/AAAAAAAABF0/mtcNdjdcdso/s1600/tumblr_ktxkm42p4I1qapxs2o1_500_thumb.jpg"></a></div> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">This is the perfect back porch with rockers to look out at the evergreens.</span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_SLjjcn-lM/TtQ5li_h4zI/AAAAAAAABF8/YkBc-drX-bg/s1600/xmas+porch+mysweetheartmoments[1].jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_SLjjcn-lM/TtQ5li_h4zI/AAAAAAAABF8/YkBc-drX-bg/s320/xmas+porch+mysweetheartmoments%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320px"></a></div>                                                      <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Every log cabin needs a side door and this would be mine.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P79MEhSioTM/TtQ52ORvZLI/AAAAAAAABGE/WkN6jt7033M/s1600/1-Decorative-full-candle-christmas-light-effect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P79MEhSioTM/TtQ52ORvZLI/AAAAAAAABGE/WkN6jt7033M/s320/1-Decorative-full-candle-christmas-light-effect.jpg" width="240px"></a></div>                                          <br />                                                           <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Now I don't want many stairs in my cabin at all, think simple, so just a few stairs down into the living room that look like this. Perfectly simple.</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Don't you love daydreaming around Christmas time?</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays,</span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Valerie</span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Linking to</span>     <a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feature Yourself Friday</span></a> <a href="http://laurieannas.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Farmhouse Friday</span></a> <span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feathered Nest Friday</span></a> <a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Weekend Wrap Up Party</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">    <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pink Saturday</span></a>   <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Charm of Home</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;">   <span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://keepingthechristmasspiritalive365.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-days-of-christmas-traditionscandy.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20keepingTheChristmasSpiritAlive365%20(*Keeping%20the%20Christmas%20Spirit%20Alive,%20365*)"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Keeping the Spirit Alive</span></a>  <a href="http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Potpourri Party</span></a>  <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Inspiration Friday</span></a></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">  <a href="http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fridays Unfolded</span></a>  <a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Vintage Inspiration </span></a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">  <a href="http://www.thevintagefarmhouse.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Vintage Farmhouse</span></a></span><span style="color: #cc0000;">  <span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://thecorsoncottage.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Home For the Holidays</span></a>        <a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.net/">Met Monday</a> <a href="http://lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com/2014/12/whoa-its-december-time-for-simple.html">Simple Saturdays</a> <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/">Pink Saturday</a> <a href="http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/">No Place Like Home</a></span><br /> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /> </span></div>

A Dream Christmas Cabin

If I were to have the perfect Christmas cabin this is what it would be. Small... this would be the front.... This w...

Sneak Peek of My Cottage

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F90qWhUym3c/TtVZzJz8T-I/AAAAAAAABHk/k6q2IL2WlMI/s1600/DSCN0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F90qWhUym3c/TtVZzJz8T-I/AAAAAAAABHk/k6q2IL2WlMI/s320/DSCN0595.JPG" width="320px"></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm just now getting started at my house.</span></span><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ym-CZliipw/TtVaeb7eN2I/AAAAAAAABHs/a9BkFPe1I-g/s1600/DSCN0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ym-CZliipw/TtVaeb7eN2I/AAAAAAAABHs/a9BkFPe1I-g/s320/DSCN0600.JPG" width="320px"></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Any type of wooden or tin painted sign definitely belongs at my house especially if it has red in it.               </span></span><br />                             <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II6q_mz1dV4/TtVa8e--reI/AAAAAAAABH0/wdvFZ3kyfqM/s1600/DSCN0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II6q_mz1dV4/TtVa8e--reI/AAAAAAAABH0/wdvFZ3kyfqM/s320/DSCN0599.JPG" width="320px"></a></div>                                          <br /> <div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm starting a hot mug of Spiced Apple Cider and getting at it.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Decorating.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check back soon.</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">XOXOXO,</span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Valerie</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Linking to</span><br /> <br /> <a href="http://laurieannas.blogspot.com/">Farmhouse Friday</a></div>

Sneak Peek of My Cottage

I'm just now getting started at my house. Any type of wooden or tin painted sign definitely belongs at my house especially if it has...