more red

I'm taking a photography class to learn more about my Nikon and one of the homework assignments was to take 25 pics of something 'red' and submit one.  I've been embracing this color since I found my red and white body pitcher, so I bought red tulips for even more inspiration. 

My vintage French monogrammed ribbon tied around the vase helped me determine that I was focused!   The tulip wilted for lack of water but I thought it pretty enough to be photographed this way.

Truth be told, I've been telling myself for so long that 'I really don't like red' that I'm taken by surprise to be enjoying it so much and the tulips have actually made me quite happy! (It may be because we've been covered in so much snow lately!)

               Another lesson learned....to be open to possibilites, no matter how small!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Happy 'French Candlemas' or 'Jour des Crepes'!

     Candlemas as it is known in France,  is honored on the 2nd day of February by eating Crepes!!! 

The origination of this Catholic holy day was when Mary first presented her baby Jesus in the Temple 40 days after his birth.

And since it is otherwise known as 'jour des Crepes' and la Chandeleur, let's light our candles and chandeliers, and eat crepes on Febuary 2nd in celebration!

                    
                                                    I may even celebrate twice in one day!      
                                                                 (it sure beats ground hog day)
                                                        

Red Chair Antiques & The Red Pitcher

Last week, Carol and I received our post cards from Red Chair Antiques announcing their move to Hudson, NY.   We were restless as we planned for the three hour drive up to New Hampshire last Friday hoping to come away with a few treasures.   It's a trek we've taken a few times since discovering Josie's place a couple of years ago.  French grain sacks, monogrammed sheets, cafe a lait bowls, ironstone, Swedish furnishings....

You've probably seen her home and shop in a recent magazine.  She's been featured in a few of them.

She's a sweetheart!  Josie will be open until the end of January, so there's still a little time to score a treasure or two. Give her a shout and wish her luck!

I walked away with this beautiful enamel body pitcher that was hidden.  I almost missed it and luckily spotted it on my third pass around the shop. 

Now I'm not one for red, but it seems as though this color has been sneaking up on me lately.   This one stole my heart and has added a little color to my otherwise white and gray abode.  I may even add a little more of it soon with some red striped dish towels used as napkins for a table setting.

Josie sent us on our way with a hug and a set of petite lavender sachets as a thank you.

What color has snuck up on you lately?

Snowy Day Outdoor Fireplace

It's a snowy day.  A day to just Be.  To be happy to relax at home on such a beautiful day...to be thankful for heat...and plenty of food in the pantry.  just be...  One of my first winters at the cottage was spent bundled up in my big comfy chair directly in front of the fireplace trying to stay warm.  Of course that was after I brought the wood in and built the fire.  And of course it wasn't all winter.  Just the week of Christmas!! 

So today, I took advantage of the stillness and shot a few pics.  The Cardinals love to hang out in this bush but they were in hiding today.  Just this one first thing in the morning.

I thought my (faux) pink berry wreath would look pretty on the fireplace, so I banged a nail in the mortar and hung it for a little color.  The birds would have had a ball so I took it down right away as not to get their hopes up!

  It's been a perfect Snowy Day!  I hope your day was as good as mine!

       Happy New Year Girls!

Just back from a week with the little guys in NC and loved every minute of it!  Both are as sweet as can be.

Irie is 10 months and taking his first steps while Silas is a rough and tumble two, almost three year old talking up a storm.  Like me, he loves his time alone.  One morning I asked if I could sit with him in the big chair and he said very nicely, "I'd like to be alone Bella".  (okay guy, I understand)

                                                    

This little one reminds me of his Papa at this age.  Super sweet and he adores his big brother.

And this one?  Loads of energy, smart and fun!   Just like his Mama!

Anyhow, I came home to very little Christmas decor since I knew I wouldn't be home until the eleventh hour.  Literally. 

I recently framed three vintage French letters for the buffet wall in the kitchen and I love the look and feel they give the space.  Simple, serene and sophisticated.  I wonder what the letters are about in the beautiful script on handmade paper...

Lot's of glare going on but hope to remedy that with a course I'm taking to figure out what all the bells and whistles are for on my Nikon.

It's always good to get back home.  Thanks for stopping by and I hope this year is a happy, fulfilling one for you.

xoRoberta