Show Off Your Cottage Monday

2012-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

and WELCOME TO SHOW OFF YOUR COTTAGE MONDAY!

(Decorating with comfort and beauty in mind)

"Show Off Your Cottage Monday" was created in celebration of our homes and the way we live. Simply, show the things you love in your home and about your home. It could be that especial room or piece of furniture you love, it could be a romantic vignette, that pretty centerpiece or Shabby Chic pillow you just made, it could be the flower-strewn entrance of your cozy cottage or a wrought-iron bed piled with soft blankets or the easy comfort achieved in a living room that mixes old-fashioned fabrics and patterns...

"Show Off Your Cottage Monday" simply means anything in your home that speaks to your heart, of peace, comfort, naturalness and relaxation—words inextricably linked with the romantic cottage country style we love so much, and perhaps explains why we continue doing this thing call "blogging". So I hope to see you all every Monday! I will have MckLinky ready for you to simply link to the permalink of your post and share it with all of us…. Please grab our logo and paste it in your blogs to let others know about "Show Off Your Cottage Monday", on every Monday!

Thank you all, and may you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.

2011-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Nature is the most amazing place for color inspiration, since each season offers different and amazing color combinations. During the winter months it helps to take some inspiration from the winter landscape- white on white. While browsing the Internet the other day I was inspired by this lovely blog and home; which to me resembles the beauty of a lovely winter landscape: Dreams come true. Enjoy!

Show Off Your Favorite Room

2011-05-02T08:58:00.001-07:00

Hi everybody! If you didn't know it, The house in the roses and friends are celebrating a party today to show off our favorite room in our house, so please do come in and make yourself comfortable as we have prepared a very special show for you to enjoy! Here they are! Enjoy!

Sandra's favorite room, at The Veranda House

Marydon's favorite room, at Blushing Rose

Lindy's favorite room, at Cottage Hill

Mary's favorite room, at Mary's Meanderings

Karie's favorite room, at Karies Chic Creations

Favorite room, at Oatmeal and Whimsy

From Marie, at Marie's Maison

From Emily at Crisp Interiors

From Nita at Mod Vintage Life

From Kathy, at A Delightsome Life

From Shannon, at North Dakota Kitchen

From Tracie, at Fishtail Cottage

And have I ever mentioned that my favorite room in my entire house is our grape covered back porch? Actually, it is my favorite room in the whole wide world... and you can see why!

A huge THANK YOU to all and every participant!

Show Off Your Cottage Kitchen Monday

2011-03-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends, and welcome to a special SHOW OFF YOUR COTTAGE MONDAY! Today, we're showing our kitchens! Yes yes, we're showing photographs of kitchens and favorite corners in kitchens and dining areas of readers and friends of “The house in the roses” who have all come together here to celebrate our favorite room in our homes. So here they are... enjoy!

Kitchen from Francesca from Italy... with all the lovely qualities of a lifestyle rooted in the countryside of the old world! Just charming!

Terry's kitchen... like out of a magazine gorgeous! Love every detail here!

Cathy's kitchen is a hub, family and friends end up there. She replaced the table (They have a bar they eat at and a formal dining room) with a love seat in front of a big bow window that looks out over our gardens and into the woods (doesn't this sound dreamy). They have a small TV and a fireplace, country blue cupboards that Cathy chose years ago and still love. Her back splash is recycled tin ceiling. She does not have granite counters or stainless appliances or fancy floors but, as Cathy herself puts it, she wouldn't change a thing!

Kathy's kitchen... This lovely hutch, now decorated for Christmas in blue, white and silver is remicent of the warmth and comfort of Kathy's family kitchen and of happy memories of her dear mother.

Sheila's kitchen... romantic, with a feeling of openness and all in all TRULY DREAMY!

Carol's kitchen! Yellow walls, white Shaker cabinets with latches and vintage pulls, farmhouse sink, subway tile, soapstone counters! What a delightful place to spend time!

Cozy and romantic and so homey kitchen/dinning area embraced by natural light, from Ricki.

A magnificent out of a magazine 'frenchy' kitchen, from Isa. Isn't this gorgeous!

A favorite cozy spot in Gayla's kitchen, now decorated for the holidays!

Lissette's kitchen... I can sense a little bit of childhood here, same sense of style, crisp, clean feeling! Maybe we could pass for sisters? ;)

Cowboys in the kitchen? I'm sure! Well, cowboys or not, I'm sure everyone loves this Texas kitchen diva and her food! Family gatherings around a table of great food has always been a tradition at BJ's home.

And of course, I had to join these kitchen divas and show you my own little world too! This is my favorite room of my house. This is where I spend hours engage in delightful things such as cooking, baking, talking, laughing, sharing, singing, dancing, praying, and cleaning much!! And guess what??? Blogging too!

One of the things I truly enjoy about my kitchen is the three windows overlooking the garden… They're not big or anything special, but while I cook or wash dishes or clean the floors, I always have to pause to just take a look outside and see what new treasure nature has in store for me… Nature never ceases to amaze me, to entice me with a regalia of symbols… like this morning's unpredictable moment when I paused to drink in the smell on the winter air. Truly wonderful!

Oh this was delightful! And you know what? I think we should do this more often! Don't you think so? I do I do! Let’s see, what can we show off next?—our pantry maybe, or our favorite bathroom in the house, or a guess room, or a favorite china???? You tell me!

I’d leave you this beautiful quote from Barbara Costikyan, which I think it perfectly depicts a collective sentiment of what our kitchens represent: “In the childhood memories of every good cook, there’s a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot and a mom.”

Remember, it is NOT necessary to talk about your kitchen on your “Show Off Your Cottage Monday” to link. You are welcome to celebrate whatever you want and link and participate in our weekly meme just as you’ve been doing every Monday! Just please remember to link back to The house in the roses as pure courtesy.

2011-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Little cottages, warm cottages, cozy cottages, country cottages… Just the suggestion evokes thoughts of a warm hearth, warm woolen sweaters and a mug of tea. Who can resist the charm of the cottage style? And you won’t be disappointed with this lovely cottage we’re featuring today! Its owner, my friend Annamarie doesn’t have a blog, but she enjoys looking at her lovely cottage from the house in the roses, and has invited everyone over. So go ahead and knock on her door - she knows that we are coming...

2011-02-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today I have a surprise I know you all are going to love... Theresa, from Time Worm Interiors has kindly opened the doors of her amazing studio to us--a beautiful inspirational space to create and just be. So, are you ready for the tour? I know you are. Come in, and stay a while, but be aware... you could get lost in there for hours! ;) Enjoy!

2011-02-13T16:48:00.001-08:00

Sisters are so special, and I thank the Lord for bringing my sister Lissette into my life… Last week while vacationing in Florida we got to stay at her house for a couple of days, and you can imagine our joy… What a blessing that was! Through the years as we were growing up Lissette and I shared so many things together and now as adults we still do… like the same decorating taste and style. Time can never change or destroy this special bond we share. I love my sister’s sense of style and I love her lovely home. So today, I’m sharing her home with you… come, and sit a spell!

Alas, today I'm celebrating my sister Lissette and her lovely home... what are you celebrating today? Please take us there by linking, and if you are linking, please be kind and link back to the house in the roses from your post. Thanks

Show Off Your Christmast Tree Monday

2010-12-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a very special "Show Off Your Cottage Monday" We're showing our Christmas tree today! So stick around for some fun!

“Thousands of lights were burning on the green branches, and gaily-colored pictures, such as she had seen in the shop-windows, looked down upon her. The little maiden stretched out her hands towards them when--the match went out. The lights of the Christmas tree rose higher and higher, she saw them now as stars in heaven . . .” Hans Christian Andersen".

Isn't that the most magical quote ever? Ah yes, excitement and joy are filling the air; the lights add special decor, and today we're showing off our Christmas trees! So sit, relax and enjoy!

Christmas tree from Kathy, at A Delightsome Life

Christmas tree from dear Gayla, at Oatmeal and Whimsy

Christmas tree from Wendy (doesn't have a blog).

Christmas tree from Kit, at A mountain life

Christmas tree from Paulette, at Summerland Cottage

Christmas tree from Ricki Jill

Christmas tree from Brenda, at Cozy little house

Christmas tree from Sandra, at The veranda house

Christmas tree from Sheila, at Note Songs

Christmas tree, from Cathy at Acorn hollow

And of course, I too had to show you around my house! We don't decorate much for Christmas and our tree is small, but we're never too grownup to feel a thrill as we light the Christmas tree!

The Christmas Gift of Knowing You

The Christmas season fills our hearts with joy;
Bright, happy days bring special kinds of pleasure.
We're wrapped in the excitement of it all,
The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes we treasure.

Yet when we have some quiet time to think
About our finest blessings all year through,
We focus on our family and our friends,
And appreciate the gift of knowing you!

(By Joanna Fuchs)

What are you celebrating? Take me to your cottage AND show me! Link, and take us there!

2010-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

The small house situated in a rural community in Northwest Netherlands had been uninhabited and neglected by previous owners, but for Elly it was love at first sight. The minute she walked on the property, she knew she would sacrifice anything for it... a careful and sympathetic renovation, plus an addition of a master bedroom and a bathroom turned this house into the lovely cottage of Elly’s dream. Walking into this light-filled turn-of-the-century cottage today, it’s hard to believe the place was once a dim warren of a tiny house. Ah yes, I'm sure you'll love this cottage as much as I do, so let’s take a peek inside, shall we?

Have I ever told you how blessed I am by having you in my life? Thank you... thank you for taking time out of your busy days to come here and read my ramblings.

May your day be filled with blessings
Like the sun that lights the sky,
And may you always have the courage
To spread your wings and fly!

2010-07-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's no secret to regular readers of this blog that I live in a fairytale world all of my own and I thought that beauty such as what I’ll be showing you today only existed in fairy tales, or in my dreams. But this is real... very real. Hidden from the world in the Catskills is a jewel, a fairytale in white cottage I wanted to share with you... I’m almost certain that by now most of you had already seen it, or are acquainted with Sandy’s blog, the owner of this lovely cottage, but I couldn’t resist myself... Dreamy, enchanted and totally amazing are my words to describe this 125 square foot fairytale cottage... so here it is. Enjoy!

This is what it looks on the outside... a 125 square foot fairy house!

Inside...

2010-07-07T06:55:00.001-07:00

Are you ready for another wonderful tour to another wonderful cottage? OK then. Welcome to La Maison Tiffany Bleu. Please remove your shoes and come in. The owner, Marie, is waiting for us!

Before we come in, let me tell you a little bit of history on this house... Two years after Marie and her husband got married, they purchased what they called a "McMansion" in the suburb of San Diego. The house they bought was in a private community, it was 3000 sq ft, brand new, and semi-custom. They saw it built from ground up and they were able to customize by choosing some of the materials of the house's interior. Unfortunately, shortly after living there, they realized this was not the house of their dream after all. The house was too big for two people and two dogs, it was too far from everything, meaning they had to drive everywhere, and they had a hard time asking for approval from the Homeowners Association every time they wanted to do something to the house. Additionally, it was quite expensive to maintain a large house. So after living in their McMansion for three years, they decided to downsize and bought a tiny cottage by the beach--La Maison Tiffany Bleu , their present lovely cottage.

This little cottage is 1/3 the size of their Mcmansion, and was built in 1940s, but although it was not perfect when they first saw it, they inmediately saw its potential and fell in love with it... The perfect nest of their true heart is only six blocks from the beach, and they can hear the train go by several times a day, they have shops and cafes within walking distance, and have lovely neighbors. I have a feeling they'll be staying there for a while. So, what are we waiting for, let's go in!

What are you celebrating about your home and life today? I love to hear about it!

2010-06-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

Today, “The house in the roses” is honored to present another charming cottage. The owner, Janet, at The decorating diaries, is so excited to have you over today! But before we knock on her door, let me tell you something about this lovely home and its owner. Janet loves to spend her free time decorating. Most of her decor comes from thrift stores and antique malls. If something isn't just right, she paint it or cover it with fabric. When she can't find something she want, she tries to make it or build it. She is a power tools woman who knows what she likes and what she is doing! As Janet herself puts it, she can’t decide yet what to call her decorating style, but I can tell you she knows for sure what inspires her! Janet enjoys a simpler way of life and decorates her home in a mixture of "French Country Farmhouse style”. She uses a lot of rustic and French country pieces, but also a lot of rose china and floral prints… for the most part, she puts together what she loves, and just hope it works! While there are many elements that contribute to Janet’s decorating style, the resulting look is always rustic, old-world, and welcoming. So go ahead and knock on her door - she knows that we are coming...

What are you celebrating about your home and life today? I love to hear about it!

2010-05-10T10:43:00.001-07:00

Today, “The house in the roses” is honored to present a lovely cottage nested in the beautiful Napa Valley. The owner, Sandra, is a dear friend. I met Sandra through blogging, and although I have never met her in person, I feel I've known her all my life. She has a sweet caring spirit, and is truly an inspiration to me. Her philosophy about her home and life is “live with what you love”. And you can surely see that in every corner and detail of her lovely home. Would you please visit Sandra after you're done here, and tell her I sent you! Enjoy!

What are you celebrating about your home and life today? I love to hear about it!

2010-04-26T07:35:00.001-07:00

Today the House in the roses is honored to present Lissette’s home (isn’t that a pretty name?), and I’m inviting you to come along with me for an abbreviated tour of her lovely home… but before we walk over to Lissette’s house, let me tell you a little bit about her…

She is a daughter, a wife, a mom of two beautiful boys; she is sensitive, caring, loving, and very beautiful inside and outside… Oh, and can I tell you something else? She is my little sister and my best friend!

Lissette doesn't have a blog, but she comes here all the time and reads all of your comments with me, so please direct your sweet compliments to her... she has a new digital camera and has been practicing with it daily, just so she can share some pictures with you. So, now that we're ready... go ahead and knock on her door - she knows that we are coming...

Thank you Lise!... I love your home and I LOVE YOU.

What are you celebrating about your home and life today? I love to hear about it!

2010-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to “Show Off Your Cottage Monday”, a blog party I host at the beginning of each week to celebrate the things we love about our homes and how we live.

I'm in love with textile, particularly floral textile. Today, I’m celebrating the joy that comes with decorating my home with flowers in its various forms. Mix prints, fabrics, upholstered furniture, pillows, colors, and textures, etc.

Are you ready for a bloom boom Monday? I am!

Want to bring eternal spring into your home? Start with flowers — on wallpaper, china, and fabric. Best of all, once in place, these blooms need no care other than your enjoyment!

What are you celebrating about your home and life today? I love to hear about it!

2010-03-17T07:10:00.001-07:00

White is the color of angels and brides, moonlight and lily of the valley. White is capable of endless subtleties; it’s fragile and strong, it can be as mystical as angel wings and as joyful as summer clouds, transparent as ice, opaque as marble, in love with light as a diamond, and white is also the color that weaves a spell in this peaceful sanctuary I’m about to show you. Today, the house in the roses is honored to reveal for the first time the gorgeous new sunroom at Aiken House and Gardens. Sheathed in white and free of clutter, this enclosed porch offers a peaceful setting for reading and reflection. White iron chairs suit the airy surroundings, while a round table adds charm. Nature becomes part of the decor, thanks to the abundance of windows and flowers... My thanks to its owner, Carolyn, for sharing these photographs at our Show Off Your Cottage Monday. Please grab a cup of tea and sit comfortably, for you are about to indulge yourself in endless bliss... Enjoy!

What are you celebrating today about your home or life? I'd love to hear about it.

2010-03-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Today I'm celebrating porches. Who can resist the charm of country porches? A porch offers spectator seating for summer. It's a place to reconnect with family and friends, and it's the perfect spot to watch fireflies come out at night. The owner of this lovely porch I'm about to show you doesn’t own a blog of her own, but from time to time Annamarie shares lovely pics with me of her darling cottage and gardens, and today I’m honored to share some of them with you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

2010-03-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it’s the little things, the daily and ordinary things, that which I need to notice and celebrate...

Today, I am celebrating my winter hideaway; a secret place to escape to...

A place I'm always decorating and re-decorating... somewhere to pause from a busy life...

...my private place to creep away to, to relax, to read, to dine...

Be cozy in your home, be happy among the charming and enduring, and most of all, be comfortable….

What are you celebrating today? I would love to hear it.