Hello 2012!

Yes, I do realize that I've been extremely neglectful of the blog.

No, I am not proud of it.

The end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012 have brought on a list of things to do.
Or occupy my time.

As time unfolds, you will have a better understanding of what I'm talking about.

Until then, you need to stay tuned.

One thing that I can share with you 

is that we have a lot of plans for the cottage.

The kitchen continues to be at the forefront of our remodel

 and we finally have a fire under our

you know what's.

So hopefully you'll start seeing some work take place.

The carpenter completed the fireplace. 

We're very happy with how it turned out.

Lousy quality.  Early morning darkness, too!

My husband is going to kill me (not seriously!)

For Christmas Rob bought me an insanely amazing camera

that I have absolutely no clue how to operate.

I continue to use the old camera. HA!

Thus, him killing me.

I'll get there. 

Another new year resolution...better quality pictures on

{hookedonhickory}

woohoo!

The fireplace needs a good coat of paint. 

We haven't gotten around to that quite yet. 

But that too shall happen.

This year and move in particular have taught me one thing.

these things take time.

What are your plans for NYE?

This year the hubs and I plan on laying low.

That sounds nice for a change.

We were very blessed in 2011.

May 2012 be just as wonderful.

Wishing you joy, love, and prosperity in 2012!

* photo courtesy of live beautifully blogspot

To Grandmother's House We Go...

The last of the presents have been delivered...

we've wrapped them with love and care...

I feel like doing a bit of this right about now...

but it's to grandmother's house we must go!

wishing you and your family a very merry christmas!

*photos courtesy of holyhocksandtulips, tinywhitedaisies, unknown, tinywhitedaisies

Fireplace Progress

progress on the fireplace has been made.

hallelujah!

Before we laid a finger on it...

I may be the only person who actually admired the look of the fireplace.

But I knew what needed to be done if we were going to add our television.

Some progress but looking a little pathetic.

A little more progress!

and a few more pictures...

We need the top hole to be framed out with trim.

Then we need to give the fireplace a fresh coat of paint.

Despite needing to change the original look up,

 we are thrilled to have a mantel upstairs!

Christmas shopping is complete, whew!

I hope you are all set, too!

wow, the 21st...

We're almost there, folks!

Utility Sink Gone Vanity Chic...

holy cow...

enough said.

What do you think?

Too industrial or too good to be true?

I'm officially on Christmas vacay and intend to get my rear into gear.

The cottage needs TLC and we need to purchase gifts!

I'll be back shortly with some of my favorite vignettes.

That's my obsession lately!

take care!



*photo courtesy of desire to inspire

Let There Be Light (New Fixtures!)

We've been meaning to replace a number of light fixtures in the cottage.

I've been itching to remove the old globe flush mount lights and fans.

Can't stand em'.

We've been slowly attacking one at a time. 

I can officially check two more of my list!

The previous owners used the family room space differently than we are.

Half of the family room was used as their dining room. 

This light fixture hung on one side of the family room.

A nice light, but not the look we were going for.

Especially since we weren't using that space for dining.

Rob installed this beauty.  Isn't she cute?

Since we are using that side of the room as a sitting area,

a smaller light was in order.  I think this does the job.

Here's another shot.

Next, we replaced the fan with a chandelier in the master bedroom.

I apologize, the glare is pretty awful in this picture.

I snapped the picture at night before it came down.

My husband loves a fan above the bed.  I can't entirely blame him.

With two comforters and a quilt, if I were him, I may be toasty too!

I love to be warm.  So no complaints here.

But fans aesthetically, don't do the job {for me!}

Excuse the missing light bulbs.

We bought the wrong ones.  But you can get an idea!

Take two!

We like the way the chandy pops against the wood ceiling!

Both chandeliers were a steal from Lowes. 

They have a great selection. 

Check it out!

What a difference a little light can bring to your life!

Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

well, not quite... yet.

But, we're beginning to see progress!!!

After chatting with the carpenter, we realized that more work needed to be

done, other than cutting out a larger hole to recess the television.

Mantels and trim.  Music to my ears.  I'm a trim obsessed fanatic. 

My gut feeling was that a mantel was in order.

Who doesn't want a mantel in their main living area?

We have one in our basement, but I'd love to hang stockings where they

could be seen more often!

Again, more trim is always calling my name.  I can't refuse.

Ching, ching!

This mantel is an absolute stunner. 

We'd love to have something like this.

We like the idea of trimming out the television just as the above photo has done.

The carpenter has a vision and I'm going with it.

That's scary for me.  Letting go is something I need to work on.

I'll make sure to keep you all updated.

I'm still feeling under the weather,

but it's much to difficult to resist blog land.

chat soon!

*photos courtesy of tiek built homes, uknown

Please Forgive Me...

sick like a dog.

The cottage has taken a backseat since Thanksgiving.

I've taken some time to recuperate.

Loveliness to come...

Enjoy your weekend, stay well...

...and bundle up because

*photo courtesy of sea & skylark, mango watermelon love