Teapot Shelf

The banners from Susan Branch are the most charming and they set the mood for sweetness and joy in our kitchen. And so does this fall teapot shelf. I'm constantly rearranging it and can't wait to see how it will look at Christmastime.  ❤ Scott built his shelf for me last Mother's Day 

A Summer Cozy Kitchen

Yesterday I started moving things around in my kitchen -- yes, still summer but I love to change things up! So of course it doesn't look exactly like this now but I have to show you the strawberry vintage coziness it was all summer long (so far!)  

Here is the view from the middle of the kitchen looking toward our laundry room. You can of course see the baking center that I love with my whole heart. 

This little jelly cupboard I found at an antique store a few years ago and I just love changing up each month -- I fill it with things that bring me joy! 

Abigail bought me the embroidery strawberry tea towel in Quebec last summer and it's so perfect hanging on the door. 

And look at that little ceramic pic! I love pies! I love baking them (I have a peach pie in the oven at this very minute!) I love collecting little vintage ones for decorations all over our house. Pies give it that cozy touch! 

That little peach pie is so cute! 

This little shelf is at the opposite side of the kitchen. Scott made it for me and I love to have my ironstone plates tucked underneath and stack cookbooks on top. Having my favorite ones out inspire me to take the time to enjoy baking seasonal treats! 

I spy another French tea towel! 

Here's a view from our kitchen table to some open shelving Scott built for me. In the picture it's filled with ironstone and a few tucks of red, white, and blue. I've since taken that down - I love this in all of the seasons! 

Oh how I wanted a peg board built in to the cabinet - of course Scott was able to build it for me. I think the tiny ironstone creamers (great for warm maple syrup) and a seasonal tea towel make it look charming. 

Here's a peek toward the laundry room with my cozy pie window. There will be a peach pie right there hot out of the oven in about 5 minutes... I can smell it! 

Since tucked away until I decorate for the fall, the beginning of the summer I had out my little general store all set for the 4th! 

A little peek toward our family table where more that food is served - hearts are filled, faith is discussed, and each person is nourished mind, body, and soul. Yes, I believe that meal after meal has that kind of power. 

My Mother's Day present this year was a teapot shelf that is above the molding. Oh how I love this so so much! It's an idea from the charming Red Lion Inn. 

Won't it be darling at Christmastime? 

And finally a look at the whole kitchen, my growing collection of wooden spoons, and our windowsill. 

Well that's it. Right now I've changed things up a bit and am enjoying it -- happy cozy summer! 

Little Christmas Scenes (part one)

Instead of posting one big long blog post of our home all dressed up for Christmas I thought I'd put little scenes here and there as I begin to take pictures.  Decorating our home for Christmas is one of my very favorite things to do. I love to change things around and I love the tradition of using what we love so much year after year. I always seem to find a new way I want to do things but use the things we love the best. So make yourself a cup of something warm and wonderful and join me on part one: 

~ I adore this peg shelf. It's the perfect spot to display tea towels and my Emma Bridgewater Christmas in the Country mug collection 

~ On top I have a silver tray I chalk painted white to give it a cheery look. I have two china Christmas cups, marshmallows for hot chocolate and little individual jars of honey 

~ On the other side of our kitchen is open shelving and this is one little peek into that

~ Susan Branch china mugs for Christmas and winter are on display

~ Ironstone pitchers are decorated too and look lovely in all seasons 

~ I took these pictures on a dark and cloudy day but I still love it

~ Scott and I added this brass curtain rod which really warms up the windows

~ I hung 'curtains' from napkins I found in a beautiful little shop on main street, Fairfield Connecticut 

~ In the middle of the windowsill is a Lore Pemberton print that is so cozy I want to live in it! 

~ I usually display my Christmas creamers collection across the windowsill but they look darling in their own little basket 

~ Easy to grab for warming syrup or adding cream to tea 

~ I collect these 'made in England' mugs and I love displaying the green and red ones during the holiday season 

~ The teapot shelf is all dressed up for Christmastime 

~ An antique hanging basket holds a beloved book given to me by a student back in 1997 with an adorable tea towel and lights to add in that sparkle 

~ Our mud room / laundry room just as cozy as can be with a candle always glowing inside 

~ Santa's sleigh bells are hanging and remind us of the magic of the season 

~ This little vignette makes me oh so happy - another little scene I want to live it 

~ On top of our washer and dryer is a mixture of supplies and a Christmas store filled with hot cinnamon buns, a real vintage child's play cash register, and homemade gingerbread men 

~ A peek from the living room into the family room 

~ This year, I kept it a country cozy look with quilts (not red and green) and lots of pillows (I'll have to take more pictures of this area soon) 

~ I always decorate with vintage books and my Christmas collection is my favorite 

~ So much more coming soon!