Dinner Invitation

{come on in, the gate's always open}

{have a seat, put your feet up, and feel free to ogle the surroundings}

{I love the flowers, really you shouldn't have...but I'm glad you did}

{just a few finishing touches and dinner's almost ready}




{I know, I know, the red...you can say it, I'm a genius}

{honey, it's okay, sometimes I eat too much too...go, nap, rest}

{don't you just love my take on vintage modern?}

{well now that your up, why don't we take a tour of the summerhouse}

{phew, I think I'm spent myself}

{cocktails on the patio, anyone?}

Today I've got a little something cooking at g.'s place. {please ignore the hee haw of my husband, laughing through his nose in the background at the prospect of me cooking ;0)} Why don't you stop by and sit a spell. Can't you just smell the delicious savory scents wafting through the air. If I had my way about it, I'd be enjoying my meal here. Won't you join me?

{images of my cottage fantasy kindly provided by Martha}

DIY

This charming Catskills cottage was purchased and renovated on a shoestring budget. Granted the place was in a rather sad state, hence the $95,000 price tag. But considering it came with 8 and a half wooded acres and a barn to boot, I'd say that was a pretty. darn. good. deal. Throw in a pair of novice, but handy twenty-something New Yorkers with big dreams and you've got yourself a sweet DIY retreat. When I say this was done on a shoestring budget, I'm not exaggerating. The couple did virtually all repairs and fix-ups on their own and spent $12,352 on the renovations and decorating combined. Amazing what a little confidence, some really good sleuthing skills and a touch of elbow grease can accomplish. I'm duly impressed. Read the entire story here.

{all images via NY Times}

The Great Outdoors

Lush and verdant, minimal or exotic, I want them all! Best of all these appear so private and reclusive. No nosey next door neighbors peering through your windows...only the birds and the bees and the sound of the crashing surf. Aaahhhhh...

{images via the most excellent outsideoutside}