Household Secrets Part II. . . . . . . . . .

Way back in January I posted Household Secrets, Part 1 and promised

 a second part with more odds and ends from around the cottage. 

Here it is, better late than never, if you're interested in what some call bric-a-brac,

 knick knacks or just plain old junk!

bric-a-brac

noun, ( used with a singular or plural verb)

miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.

I'm now in the throes of doing a little Spring/Easter decorating so some of this

 has already changed, not a lot though because I've really pared down on

 seasonal decorating. Too much stuff to store (we are limited by uneasy to access

 storage, most being in the attic, and we are finding it impossible very hard to

 crawl around dragging out bulky, heavy boxes.

Later you'll be re-introduced to the things I love to display for this new season,

 my white rabbits, they will always be around come Springtime.

What's happening at your house regarding Spring/Easter decor?

Will you be going over the top or keeping it simple?

Seeing these empty French antique drinking vessels above I'm suddenly visualizing

nice brown farm eggs sitting in them!

If you have youngsters at home I'm sure there will be colorful displays, chocolate

eggs, even bunting and cut out characters stuck on the windows - all part of being 

a child who will grow up with happy memories. 

Go for it say I - before it sometimes becomes a little bit more of a chore than a fun thing!

Anyway, let's think Spring - it's almost here.

Spring Equinox 2017 in the Northern Hemisphere will be at 6:28 AM

Eastern Daylight Time on

Monday, 

March 20, 2017

Household Secrets Part I. . . . . . . . . . .

This week I've felt something stirring in the air. 

Perhaps it was the lovely sight of bright green daffodil leaves poking up through the piles of brown leaves cloaking the garden - a sign of Spring to come and the need to run to the garden center today to buy a bag of fertilizer.

Maybe it was the early morning sun shining through the dining room windows and highlighting the dust on the furniture!

Even more likely, and my favorite, was the tiny chickadee already checking the nest box hanging on the front porch, popping in the entrance and probably thinking about the cleanup required before raising a family there again - it will be the third year if this happens come Spring.

So I did some housework. However I also took a lot of photos around the cottage with my new camera because I still need to learn more about its operation and capabilities. Looking at items I love, and captured up close in the lens, I realized that I'm finding it difficult to become a minimalist when it comes to decor. Yes, downsizing is not something a collector of the past finds easy. The clean, crisp, contemporary look is often exquisite in the right place, but it is not my look. Even my daughter made a comment under her breath recently - something about my home being a museum. I said nothing. Funny thing is that I when recall that comment I really like it. Just as I like the bits and pieces I've gathered about me in this little space. Many are from places on the seven continents I've visited, others from local much-loved places such as SuzAnna's Antiques. Whether a century old linen tablecloth from the South of France, or a pile of chandelier crystals rescued from an old North Carolina antebellum mansion, I love them all and the fond memories they hold. 

Here are a few - more coming later - along with news of the big leap of faith I've

 just taken regarding a change in the living room decor. I think I have my

 decorating mojo back. . . . . these January days are not so bad after all.

Enjoy your weekend.

A pale palette and Jeanne d'Arc Living . . . . . . . . . .

One of the most beautiful magazines published for several years in Denmark, is Jeanne d'Arc Living. When I started reading/drooling over the photography - I don't speak Danish so was unable to actually read it - seeing all those amazing Scandinavian homes decorated in French/Nordic and Euro Farmhouse style, I knew I'd found the simple, clean-looking bright style for my own small cottage home!

It wasn't too long before they started publishing the magazine in English which of course made me love it even more. I was then able to read crafting instructions, recipes, and the lovely descriptions of the interiors of homes scattered about the Scandinavian countryside, written by Vivian, Lonnie, and their staff working from the magazine's beautiful farmhouse location in Denmark.

When I say "magazine" don't expect a flashy, shiny, flimsy type of publication - and with only a minimal amount of advertising at the back, turning each page is a pleasure. Instead, you will hold a large format beautiful almost book - a quality, heavy matte paper printed in soft colored inks, well-worth its price. You may share with friends, but only with a promise they will return it. You won't toss it or recycle it ever! You will enjoy a stack used as a decoration as I do, white spines looking elegant on a shelf alongside, or even supporting, your cherished collectibles and treasures.

All photos from my cottage this week.

Please know these are my own thoughts on the magazine - I am not being

reimbursed in any way. 

As neutral as all this seems, the latest news from Jeanne d'Arc Living - read 

their blog HERE - is that they are adding a little color to life!  

They are starting a line of paints in exquisite vintage colors - hopefully available

 here in the USA later. 

In their current blog post you can read the reasons for stepping back a wee bit

 from all 'white and weathered' but still focusing on the French/Nordic theme they 

are known for of course. 

Personally, I'm ready to perhaps add a little more turquoise or green when

 springtime arrives later. I've just ordered a copy of the

 January 2016 Jeanne d'Arc Living which is on its way, can't wait to see it.