the corson cottage

Simply Sunday ~ Mini Green Hydrangea

2012-02-26T22:43:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Simply Sunday at The Corson Cottage!

I thought I may never get to this post today....

Better late than never:)

Simply Sunday is a new series where we will be showing our appreciation for the simple things.

It's so important to note the small things in life that just make you happy.

Whether it be some part of nature, a gesture, entertaining family & friends, anything really.

Just take time out to make sure you stop & smell the roses so to speak.

What makes you stop & take a moment to appreciate life?

This week my Simply Special item is

{Mini Green Hydrangeas}

If you follow along on my blog you may already know I have a sweet spot for any Hydrangea.

I just simply love them all!

Such a lovely natural subtle pop of Spring these minis would be the

perfect addition to a table setting or vignette.

You also really don't have to break the bank to add a little natural touch to your spring decor.

I picked up three small stems for just $10.

{Tip}

Here's a tip.

If you simply cut your stems to the size of your container, then gently scrape about

an inch from the bottom of the stem almost like you were pealing off the

outer layer it will help them last longer.

Also remember to pull off some of the large green leaves before

placing your Hydrangeas in a container.

(I like to leave on a few for looks too even though you can't really see them in this container.)

This will help the nutrients and water go directly to the ball of the flower.

Hope you all have had a Simply wonderful Sunday!

Check back this week...it's moving week at The Corson's!!!

We will be doing a Farewell Tour of Our First Home!

Carrie

linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch

~ Hint of Spring ~

2012-02-22T14:18:00.004-06:00

It is that time of year again...

I can not wait for Spring to really get here.

I love when the trees start to bud. When you see the peaks of green start to

sprout from the ground and life begins to bloom again in the outdoors.

I added a few simple Spring touches to our house a couple weeks ago.

I just couldn't wait for it this year.

I snapped this shot from one of our shelves.

Be sure to check back next week too.

I think I will do a farewell tour of our first little cottage home.

I hope you will join us as we say our goodbyes.

Have a great day!

Carrie

linking up to
It's Overflowing
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Funky Junk Interiors

Photographing Fresh Flowers ~ Tip

2012-02-20T21:49:00.009-06:00

Yesterday, in honor of the first of our new series Simply Sunday,

my post was about the sweet simplicity of fresh tulips.

Simply Sunday is a new series where we will show our appreciation for the simple things in life.

If you missed our first post, I would love for you to check it out here.

Today, I thought it was a great opportunity to share a little photography tip with you all.

Do you photograph fresh flowers?

~Tip~

Well, a great idea is to make sure you have a small spray water bottle handy.

If you just spray a little water on the petals and the leaves

it will freshen up the look of the flowers instantly.

Can you see the beads of water on the petals and stems above?

What do you think, does it add to the photo?

I definitely think so.

~Another Tip~

If you are having your wedding photographed it is a great idea to have someone

spray your floral bouquets with a few drops of water just before the ceremony.

It will freshen up the bouquets before the big shots.

Follow the same strategy for the reception or any event using floral decor.

Have someone go through and freshen up your center pieces before they are photographed.

Be careful not to go crazy!!!

For goodness sakes you do not want to have a sopping wet bouquet.

Just a little spritz will do ya:)

Hope you all have a great week.

Carrie

Linking up to
Home Stories A to Z
Savvy Southern Style
A Bowl Full of Lemons
It's Overflowing
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Funky Junk Interiors

Simply Sunday ~ Tulips

2012-02-19T16:21:00.008-06:00

Welcome to Simply Sunday!

We are introducing our fresh new blog look today!

I hope you all like it. I was going for a very simple look that reflects my style.

It's a still a bit of a work in progress, as I have been DIYing the new blog look myself.

Who knew, I would attempt such a crazy thing?!

& Along with that...

On Sunday each week we will be celebrating the simple things in life here at The Corson Cottage.

Today is the first Simply Sunday here at the cottage.

I think it is so important to remember to take time to appreciate the simple treasures in life.

Each week we will have a different simple sweet treasure to share with you all.

With eveyone so busy living life and letting things pass us by in the blink of eye,

each of us must remember to always make time each day to appreciate the little things.

So, whether you are literally living the simple life on a farm somewhere in the Midwest.

Or enjoying the hustle and bustle of big city life in a major metropolitan area.

Or perhaps you have a great beach house on the coast.

Or maybe you just live on a ordinary block, on an ordinary street lined with cute bungalows.

Whether you are a woman or man.

Whether you are young & single.

Whether you are married, widowed or divorced.

Whether you are a busy Mom with three kids.

Whether you are still hoping to be that Mom.

Whether you are a Grandmother of 8.
If you are at a good place of happiness & content with life
or struggling through some up hill battle (it too will pass.)

We can all benefit from a simple moment filled with

the sweetest irresistible treasure life thows our way!

Just remember when this happens....STOP.

Take the time to enjoy that moment or treasure!

For life is short & you never know when you may be making a memory that lasts a lifetime.

It just may be the single best moment of your day or even your week....take it in.

This weeks simple treasure.

~Tulips~

This week I was at the market and came across these simple tulip bouquets.

I just had to treat myself & bring one home.

This simply sweet bouquet brightened up our home for a few days this week.

I don't buy fresh flowers often enough. I LOVE them.

Do you buy fresh flowers for your home?

Do you plant tulips in your yard?

What simple treasure did you come across this week???

Don't have one this week...

Make sure to come back next week after you soak in some of life's specialities please.

I hope you find something Simple & Special to enjoy on this Sunday!

Carrie

linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
A Bowl Full of Lemons
It's Overflowing
The Shabby Creek Cottage

My Vintage Grain Sack ~ Collection

2012-02-10T20:53:00.007-06:00

Over the last 2 years I have grown to have a bit of a thing for vintage grain sacks.

I'm not exactly sure what started it all.

There is just something about them that I really love.

Here in the heart of Iowa farmland,

I come across them from time to time at my junking stops.

I can never seem to resist when I see them.

Normally I don't find several at once.

It's just the occasional 1 or 2 here & there, but they always seem to come home with me.

It seems kind of silly sometimes.

Because, to be totally honest, I don't even hardly use them in my decor.

I have never really been one to collect anything.

I realized my little grain sack ~~obsession~~ stash has become a little collection.

I've made some pillows with them in the past to sell at Dwellings.

I even peddled my wares on the street corners once for LeClaire's Market Days.
You can see them here.

Lately, I have been thinking of making more pillows.

What do you think?

I am even considering starting an Etsy shop.

(The only thing for now is, our home renovation has to come first.)

It may not be perfect timing for an Etsy shop just yet.

They would also be a great addition to the booth at Junk Asylum

that I am sharing with my friend Cathy.

This option would be a little more flexible with my hectic schedule, for now.

Do any of you have an Etsy shop?

How demanding is it?

What are your thoughts?

I would love to hear your words of wisdom!

Do you like vintage grain sacks?

Do you have any collections you are a bit obsessed with?

I would love to hear about them.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Carrie

Linking up to
Funky Junk Interiors
Between Naps on the Porch
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Savvy Southern Style
A Bowl Full of Lemons

Thrifty Find ~ Vintage Chair

2012-02-07T21:55:00.013-06:00

So, I have a new confession to make....

I have become a wee bit of a junker.

Yep, I said it.

I really never pictured myself as a full fledged junk kinda girl.

Don't get me wrong. I love a great junk store as much as the next!

But me go searching for it? Now, that is another story.

Well....uh...I AM NOW!

Imagine my surprise last week when the hubby & were on a casual Sunday drive along

the Mississippi River heading down the Illinois side of the river to meet up with his family for lunch.

I just love the drive. We were on tree lined road with old homes with lots of character and

driving past the occasional farm then looking up the bluffs at the huge estates on the hilltops.

It really is simple Midwest living at its best.

And then....

Me: Uhh what the heck was that???

Hubby: What? Where? Why are you yelling?

You scared the heck outta me?

Me: Stop the CAR!!!

Hubby: WHY? Is something wrong?

Me: Did you see that?

Hubby: NO! What the HECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

Me: OMG! Go BACK!

Someone left these REALLY COOL chairs on the bottom of that lane!

Hubby: Are you serious....you want me to go back???

Me: HECK YES!

TURN AROUND NOW!

Hubby: Ughhhhh.....okay.........

Ha!!! Haa!!!

It was a ~~trainreck~~ trip!

So...yes we turned that car around and did a curbside junk & dash!

We hurried and grabbed these great vintage chairs!

Not just 1, not 2, but oh yeah...3 right there on the ol curb ripe for the picking.

What do you think???

Worth the embarrassment?

I say yes!

So, they are all definitely worn.

They will have to be recovered for sure like.

It really was the strangest thing to see these 3 chairs just sitting there all lonely

in need of someone to appreciate there inner beauty and bring them back to life.

Absolutely perfect timing too!

I actually had just taken a few of my older pieces to one of my favorite junk

shops Junk Asylum in Eldridge, Iowa to sell in my friend Cathy's booth just the day before.

She has been trying to get me to do it FOREVER!

This is the my year to follow through and do the things I always think about doing and never do.

Well, maybe someday.....NO MORE!

So, look for more to come on the ol junkin' booth stories!

So these great vintage freebie chairs were a total SCORE!

Hope you all are having a great week!

Carrie

Linking up to
Its' Overflowing
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Savvy City Farmer
Common Ground
Miss Mustard Seed
The Shabby Nest
Whipper Berry
Funky Junk Interiors
Between Naps on the Porch

BIG NEWS!!!

2012-02-06T20:12:00.013-06:00

GOOD NEWS!!!

After 6 long months....

WE FINALLY SOLD OUR HOME!!!

Today we accepted an offer on our home.

We still have a few steps to get through before it is all finalized.

{Home Inspection & Appraisal}

Crossing our fingers.....that all goes well!!!

It has been a while since I last posted.

Sorry for my absence.

We have just been really busy!

Lots of showings on our house (thank goodness).

For those of you who have been reading our story, you may recall

several months ago when we started the whole process of putting our home on the market.
Read about the week that started it all here.

Lots of updates, tons of DIY, paint, paint & more paint, curb appeal & staging.

You can read about some of our best projects below.

1. Bathroom Before & After
2. Back Porch Before & After
3. How to White Wash Wood Floors
4. Home Staging Tips
5. Living Room Before & After
6. Front Porch Before & After

Travis & I can not wait to start the next chapter of our lives!

If you are new here, my husband & I are moving back to

the charming small town where we both grew up in LeClaire, Iowa.

We have a great deal in store for the coming year!

Here is a peak at the next chapter of our lives!

We will be taking this little diamond in the rough from drab to fab!

This little beauty will be completely gutted from the inside out.

It will no doubt be one of the biggest challenges we have ever done!

But we are sooo up for the challenge.

Travis is a contractor so this is right up his alley

& I get to live out one of my biggest dreams to help design my own home!

WIN! WIN!

We will not be living in the home during the remodel.

My Mother has graciously offered up her home to be our crash pad.

Thanks Mom!

So, I hope you will join us on our journey!

We are so excited to share it with you!

Carrie

linking up to
Thrifty Decor Chick
It's Overflowing
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Common Ground
Whipper Berry
Remodelaholic
Funky Junk Interiors
Between Naps on the Porch

Looks I Love ~ Chic Modern Country

2012-01-24T22:17:00.003-06:00

As I head into a new year.

I have done a lot of soul searching.

For me my home decor really has to speak to me, to my soul.

That is why it is ever evolving.....right along with me as I grow.

source

This year I really want to make sure that vision comes through in my designs.

You know that feeling when you walk into a space and it

can nearly take your breath away for just a moment?

You soak in all the scents, all the texture & your senses are nearly on overload.

You nestle into that perfect serene escape and know it is perfectly "YOU".

You just want to stay there and never leave.

I want THAT feeling in my home.

Source

So, I thought I would do a few posts showcasing some of the

inspirations that really speak to my soul.

There are so many looks I Love.

I have a tendency to get a little lost, or stuck on one look for a while & back to another.

Do you do that too?

At times it can be really challenging for me to achieve that perfect balance.

I'm going to work really hard to try to achieve it from now on.

source

I'm not sure what it is exactly....

I will always have to have a touch of country in my home decor.

I didn't grow up on a farm or anything.

I did however, grow up in small town surrounded by the lush corn fields of Iowa.

I just love the natural simplicity of a fresh country look.

My husband grew up on a farm so, it also brings a touch of him into our look.

I think for us Country is Comfort.

The comfort of our roots.

source

Tip:

Do you have trouble finding balance in your decor style?

I have started making pin boards on Pinterest by Style Type category.

I encourage you to set up your boards by the styles you love.

Then Pin until your hearts desire.

After you have pinned each of your looks.

Make a combined Pin Board with your favorites from each.

Next, do a post of how to you plan to merry your styles.

Let me know if you try this!

I would love to see your Pins!

source

Carrie

linking up to
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Savvy Southern Style
Home Stories A to Z

Snowed In ~ In Iowa

2012-01-20T18:10:00.000-06:00

Well old man winter struck Iowa a little late this year.

He finally showed up last week though.

And has not stopped rearing his ugly head since.

We are snowed in!

Wa...Wah..Wah....

What to do???

Why not???

I will go ahead & kick some hubby booty in Scrabble!

I don't know why Travis always wants to play Scrabble with me.

I beat him every single time.

It never gets old:)

There is absolutely no chance of the Trivial Pursuit getting in this mix.

Because he is just unstoppable.

Have a Great Weekend!

Carrie

Our Next Project ~ Master Bedroom

2012-01-18T22:11:00.001-06:00

I am getting ready to work on our bedroom a bit more.

It is one of the rooms in our home that never really was totally finished.

When we were crazy working to finish our projects and put our home on the market,

It got the it's good enough seal of approval.

Well, I think it's time I give the bedroom a little more of the TLC it deserves.

I don't plan to go overboard.
Just some finishing touches here and there, and well maybe a new quilt, some pillows, nightstands.

Please stop me anytime;)

Okay, so it's a bit of a sickness I KNOW!

But the room does not need any painting trim or major updates.

Just a few simple decor swaps.

our bedroom as it is now

And besides...any finishing touches we do, can all be taken with us to the new house.

(Reality Check. Okay, so knowing me I will totally be on to the next thing by then.)

This is the speech I will give to the hubby when he wants to know why in the world

I am working on this house any more before we move.

Truth be told I am not the only one in the Corson household itching for a project...

Travis actually came to me and asked if I needed anything built.

Did I have any small projects in mind he could work on.

Yes, you read that right.

WHAT The Heck???

Who are you & what have you done with my husband???

Do you have a pen & paper and a couple hours???

This will work out just perfect...I hope.

He can help me finish the bedroom!

I will dream something up for him to build.

It also gives me more reason to work on my decor updates!

Win Win!

Hope you are having a great week!

Carrie

Linking up to

The Shabby Creek Cottage

{Grow} An Inspirational Blogging Series Part 3 ~ Blogging Goals

2012-01-15T20:57:00.002-06:00

I have been gabbing all week about all the big changes I plan to make in 2012.

Check out the first posts in the {Grow} series here.

Today I am going to share my plans for Growing my Blog in 2012.

~ Blogging Goals ~

1. I would love for my blog to continue to flourish in 2012.

My goal is to reach 500 followers by the end of the year.

Okay ~ So I'm trying to be realistic.

But on the chance that we get to start working on our new home,

I really hope that number may be a little higher:)

Why not set your goals HIGH!

So, I have another number in mind, but I don't want to come across to greedy.

2. I want to continue to {Grow} my content.

More in depth posts. Share a little more of who I am and where I hope to go.

(Hence, the {Grow} Series)

3. I would love to say I plan to blog everyday.

But, I am gonna go ahead and give myself a break on that one;)

Frankly, with my full-time job, family obligations, life, helping my brother out at Dwellings part-time.

Well...there are only so many hours in a day & for now I still like to sleep some.

So, I will do my best to give it the old college try when life allows.

I will vow to continue to try & post more often.

Reality is that when week's like last week happen just know to not count on it.

But please know that I have not forgotten.

I have not lost interest.

Life has just consumed my time.

And I will return!

4. Continue to try to focus on the quality of my projects.

I really want my projects to be a true reflection of my taste level.

Sometimes I feel like the finished project in my home currentlyis not a true reflection of me.

It is the vision I had for this home & also what the budget allowed in this home.

I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and really try to

pull off a more upscale look and feel that I hope to carry through my decor in the future.

Fresh.Casual.Elegant.Modern.Cottage.Living

While still remaining on a budget.

I truly believe you can pull of sophisticated casual elegant looks for less.

5. I would love to continue to grow my blogging friendships &

the sense of community here at The Corson Cottage.

6. Get a fresh look for my blog in 2012.

Reality ~ It may have to wait until budget allows.

I want to make sure that the look is something I will want to keep

a little more long term. While I love my imperial trellis header design.

I have never really liked the yellow.

I want to make sure that the look I choose for the blog is a true representation of

the casual modern cottage look of our home and also of me.

I'm thinking something a little more on the neutral pallet.

7. Start a weekly link party.

Not sure of the name yet or which day.

Working on this one!

Keep on the look out.

Hopefully it will be coming soon.

8. Improve the quality of my photos.

Work on staging my photos more.

After all, the photos I share here represent me.

Step it up!

Work on having magazine quality images.

I have been known to be credited with a great eye for photography.

Prove it!

Learn more about photography.

Maybe even take a class.

(I have done this, but it has been years...)

I really would love to get a better camera...but this is just a pipe dream for now.

9. Work on offering a service on my blog.

My own website??? Perhaps...

An Etsy shop??? Maybe...

E-Design??? Possibly....

We will just have to wait and see where my creativity leads me!

10. I know it's early and my blog is still small.

But, I would love if someday my blog would have an income.

I did not start blogging with the hopes that it would make a dime.

But, after reading so many success stories.

I figure heck, why not?

Maybe one day that could be me?

I am not reaching for the moon & stars here.

It would just be really nice if someday this turned into a nice little added income

for the Corson household.

11. Add sponsorships.

This is again, really a more long term goal.

But, why not be optimistic and keep your goals in site.

12. Attend a blogging conference.

I would love love love to meet some of those bloggers that inspire me daily!

Okay, so this may not be the year.

This could be a little costly...

But, remember be optimistic and keep your goals in site:)

If you are interested in checking out the rest of the {Grow} Series go here.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Monday is just around the corner....

Carrie

Linking Up

Between Naps on The Porch
The Shabby Creek Cottage

{Grow} Inspirational Blogging Series Part 2 ~ Grow Within Myself

2012-01-14T21:50:00.003-06:00

This week I have been focusing on our Blogging Series

{Grow}

I have been sharing my plans for Growing in 2012 with you all.

If you missed the first posts you can check them out here and here.

Today I thought I would give you a little insight as to how I plan to change within myself.

Afterall, I can not possibly get all the things accomplished this year,

If I do not take the time to take a long hard look at myself.

What do I want?

Who do I want to be?

Where do I want to go?

What is stopping me?

How will I fix it?

I mentioned before that I think there is this truly fantastic inspiring

creative girl inside of me who is just dying to get out!

Truth be told....I ~~think~~ know she has always been there.

Sometimes she gets a little more close to the surface than others.

But...for some reason....she always seems to be stifled.

Put on the back burner.

I'm not sure if she is scared of not making it?

Afraid of failure?

Afterall she is the one who holds all the hopes and dreams close to her heart.

Sometimes she even feels there may just not be time for her.

With priorities and life and budgets....Ughhh those darn budgets (She really hates those!)

Will people take her seriously?

Is she to whimsical?

I can talk her back inside so deep it takes something pretty inspiring for

her to resurface.. to really want to show up to the party ~ ya know?

Heck she should be the life of the party!

(And the party planner of course;)

Well, I am vowing in 2012 this is her year!

No more excuses!

This girl is part of me! This girl IS ME!

The REAL ME!

Do you hold yourself back from your creative dreams???

Do you talk yourself out of being the real you?

If you said yes, maybe, sometimes.

Well, STOP!

Why would you possibly want to hold back the best part of you?

And another thing...

When it comes to finishing what I start...

It is time to finish all my Lofty, (Yes~sometimes whimisical) Goals, and Projects!

I can be totally gung ho...ALL IN to some project

or learning something new, or just an all out great idea.

Completely engrossed and motivated.

Then it happens.

I hit the roadblock.

It's never just a little pot hole, it always seems to turn into a brick wall.

I know I am my own biggest obstacle.

If I hit the roadblock.

I sit idling for a while.

I don't know how to do something, I don't know who to ask for help,

I become indecisive, I become inpatient, I second guess myself, then I have doubts, then it turns into full blown fear, before you know it....

Then I get bored and turn around and go in another direction completely.

WHY???

Why can't I ever push through the darn wall?

Do you do this?

Well, I am also vowing that I will not do this anymore.

In 2012 I will charge full speed ahead.

(Well, maybe proceed with caution.)

But, I will not stop, or take alternative routes.

I will stick to my plan!

I will accomplish the things I set out to!

Here are a few of my Goals for 2012.

These are just personal goals, not necessarily blogging goals.

(I will share those in the next part of the series.)

I have a lot on my plate for 2012.

But, I know I CAN DO IT.

Some of these things.....are totally the kinds of projects

that as soon as I get going and don't know how to finish...in the past I would stop.

NOT this year!

1. SELL OUR HOUSE!

Okay, so I do not have much control over this.

But, god willing IT WILL HAPPEN ~ & the sooner the better!

2. Work hard to make sure our new home fulfills all our hopes, dreams and aspirations.

And looks absolutely darn right fantastic.

Pull the finished product we are looking for.

Fresh.Casual.Modern.Cottage.Living.

3. I will make a website for my brother's store Dwellings.

He has been in business for 8 years and it is past due to be online.

He sells home decor and accessories.

Now, my brother is extremely talented, creative and business savvy.

But techinical he is not.

That is where I come in.

I can totally see his vision.

We can pretty much finish each other's interior design sentences.

So, I know the look he will want.

This will be a huge challenge for me.

But it could also be extremely rewarding.

This may require a class or two.

But, I will get it launched.

4. Push myself to fulfill my creative goals.

PERIOD!

DO NOT STOP!

I would love to hear some of your goals for 2012.

Carrie
Linking up to
Home Stories A to Z

{Grow} - Inspirational Blogging Series Part 1 - My Word For 2012

2012-01-11T22:28:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Part 1 of our Inspirational Blogging Series.

If you missed our intro click here to find out more about what inspired this series.

Today I would like to share our

2012 Word of the Year

{GROW}

(perhaps you had already guessed it from our series title;)

Grow:

to increase by natural development, increase in size or substance

For me the word {Grow} encompasses so many meanings for my hopes & dreams for 2012.

Last year was a tough year for my husband & I.

I had to overcome a huge obstacle when faced with health issues with my back.

I had to undergoe a spinal surgery and many, many months of recovery.

Well...we were able to PERSERVERE in 2011.

After a struggle to get through the first half of the year, last year we really came so far.

I was shocked & so proud of what we were able to accomplish considering our obstacles.

All we hoped for last year was to get by, to make it through,

to survive, to do our best to PERSERVERE.

Well, for 2012 I have many more aspirations.

For that reason I chose the word {Grow}

I'm focusing on 3 areas that I hope to {Grow} in 2012.

~Family, Self, & Blog~

~ Family ~

I hope to be able to continue to {Grow} & nurture our young marriage of only 2 years.

Most of all.

My husband & I would love more than anything in the world for our family to {Grow} in 2012.

We do not currently have any children.

Faced with many uphill battles, we know that this too, will be yet another hill to climb.

We also know that it could be the biggest and best reward of all:)

~ Self ~

Do you ever have that problem that just when you feel like you're on right at the tip of

something...maybe something you've never done before, or something you don't know how to

do, or something that you think you could be great at, but you're just not sure how to start it,

how to complete it, how to finish it.

Maybe it's something you have wanted to do for your whole life, but never have.

Maybe you don't know who to go to for help.

Or it's just to whimisical and not practical?

Perhaps it is just a task that seems to daunting...

A unfinished project that you don't know where to go next...

Have you even failed at it in the past...

What do you do in times like this???

Do you run for this hills?

Do you slowly back away & leave it for another day?

Do you turn your efforts elsewhere as a distraction?

Do you stifle your creativity?

Do you go for it?

Do you charge full speed ahead?

Do you nuture your creative side?

Do you figure it out?

Do you ask for help?

Well, this is my year to {Grow} the self.

I have so many challenging things on my plate this year.

So many things that I'm not even sure if I can get them all done.

I'm not sure if I know how to do them.

I'm not sure that I know the right place to go to for help.

Is that going to stop me?

Not this time!!!

Because I am going to {Grow}

{Grow} my ambition.

{Grow} my follow through.

{Grow} my understanding.

{Grow} my knowledge.

{Grow} my creativity.

There is an extremely talented and creative girl inside me & I'm tired of

pushing her to the back burner. I want her to {Grow} in 2012.

~ Blog ~

I would love for my blog to continue to {Grow} in 2012.

Because of our tough 2011 in the beginning of the year I didn't really focus my efforts on this at all.

It wasn't until Fall 2011 that I really started to focus more on developing my blog.

So, for this year I want to set my goals high!

Heck, I just want to set goals for my blog this year period.

I would love to continue to {Grow} new friendships through blogging.

I would love for my posts content to {Grow}.

I want my projects to {Grow}.

I want to {Grow} my consistancy.

I want to {Grow} the frequency of my posts.

I want my discipline, routine & planning to {Grow}.

I want the quality of my photos to {Grow}.

I want to open up more & share more & {Grow} as a blogger.

Maybe even {Grow} some extra income, any income from blogging.

As you can see I have a lot to {Grow} in 2012.

Wish me luck.

What is your word?

What do you plan to do with 2012?

If you are interested in hearing more of our plans to {Grow} in 2012 visit here.

Carrie

I will be linking up

The Shabby Creek Cottage

{ Grow } a blogging inspiration series ~ intro

2012-01-08T22:54:00.003-06:00

Hey there!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

In my last post I shared with you all that I was at a bit a blogging roadblock.

You can read that here.

I'm sure you have all been there at one point or another.

So...after a week of bloggers block.

I found that with the busy blogging holiday season &

all the great link parties I could hardly keep up.

After all that was over....I was a bit lost.

I had lost my mojo.

No new projects to share.

Nothing witty to write.

Nothing....blank....blank....blank....

So...

I put on my big girl boots and decided to do something about it!

I decided to turn to the blogs that started it all for me, for some much needed inspiration.

I realized something while I was searching for my inspiration.

I had been so busy, that I hadn't taken the time to refuel my inspiration tank.

Yeah, I had been all over visiting all kinds of blogs & commenting.

But I hadn't really taken the time to soak it all in.

Do you do that?

Let me tell ya those girls did not disappoint.

No they certainly did not!

Here is how I got my inspiration!

I started off the last week following along with a few super talented ladies.

Let me tell ya...this is a great candid series with GREAT tips

from some really seasoned talented bloggers.

Each blogger provided their input on each day of the series.

The Nester started off the series with Authenticity & Blogging

Thrifty Decor Chick blogged about How to Make Money Blogging.

Tatertots & Jello blogged about Building a Community & Social Media.

Miss Mustard Seed shared some fabulous tips about Photography & Styling.

Centsational Girl shared tips on The Juggling Act & Balancing Time.

Next I found this fantastic series at Funky Junk Interiors.

Donna is a trip.

She will just step all over your toes & kick your butt right outta that funk.

Lastly, I visited The Lettered Cottage.

Layla had a great suggestion to pick a Word of the Year for 2012.

Pick one word that has the ability to inspire you for 2012.

I had never done this before.

Have you done this?

If I had to think of one for our lives in 2011 it would definitely be PERSERVERE.

We had a tough year but we made it through in great style.

You can also share your word at her link party on January 16th.

Well I chose my word.

My word for 2012 is GROW.

I have been inspired!!!

I have refueled my blogging fire!

I can't wait to share it with all of you!

I thought it would be a great idea to start a short inspirational series

to share my plan to{GROW} in 2012.

Now, I do mean {GROW} in a literal sense, as in grow my blog.

But I also have so many other aspects of life and blogging that I need to {GROW} in as well.

I hope that you all may find something useful and inspiring in this series too.

Who knows maybe we can {GROW} together:)

So, I hope you'll join us this week for the {GROW} series here at The Corson Cottage.

Stay tuned for the next part of the series to find out
more of what the word {GROW} really means for me.

Okay, so still not starting to get inspired?

Scroll back up there and click on those links and soak up some inspirations.

If that isn't enough you can check out some inspiring words here.

Find something, find anything, that one place, that one blog, that one book,

one magazine that gets your juices going.

Get your mojo back!

Want to read the entire {Grow} Blog Series go here.

Carrie

Getting Inspired to Blog

2012-01-07T09:35:00.001-06:00

source

If you wondered where I've been this week....

to be totally honest, I've been at a blogging roadblock.

I have sat down at the computer nearly every single day with the intentions

on writing my next post. And every single day...

nothing...

nada...

zero....

I got nothing to give ya!

Has this ever happened to you???

Well, it happened to me.

It's not the first time I have felt like that.

(It is the first time I decided to open up & share it with my readers.)

I'm sure it probably won't be the last either.

But, it did certainly make me sit up & take notice.

I wasn't really sure what happened?

The holidays were over.

I had a little down time to relax & refresh myself.

And still nothing....

It wasn't that I didn't feel like it,

nor that I wasn't motivated.

Or that I don't love blogging.

I LOVE blogging!

I just plain old didn't feel as though I had

anything to say, write about, or new projects to share.

What do you do when you are struggling to find your next inspiration?

Where do you find your inspirations?

Who do you turn to?

I know we all talk about all our "friends" on our blogs.

But truth be told.

I haven't hit that point with blogging, yet where I feel as though I have really developed a

"real" friendship or blogging buddy to turn to. I can't exactly turn to my family & friends

during those times. They don't completely get it. Don't get me wrong my family & friends

are great supporters of my blog. But they don't blog themselves.

And I love and appreciate all of your generous and kind comments...paalease keep them coming:)

But I feel a little alone at this at times.

So, what did I do?

I put on my girl boots.

And I did what any uninspired blogger would do.

I turned to those girls, those bloggers, that first inspired me to start my blog to begin with.

And...Guess What???

Those girls did not disapoint!

No they certainly did not!

So, starting tomorrow look for an introduction to a new short little series I came up with!

Carrie

Take Time to Reflect...Transform Yourself

2012-01-02T10:15:00.001-06:00

It is that time of year.

Do you take time to reflect on last year & look towards the future with eyes bright open?

I do.

source

source unknown

source

source unknown

source

Use the wisdom you gained in 2011 to help transform yourself in 2012.

Perhaps these words will help you along the way to:

Learn

Grow

Adapt

Give Yourself

Give It All You Got

Perservere

Create

Be Excellent

Do Your Best

Laugh

Laugh Louder

Laugh More Often

Love

Love Deeper

Love Forever

Here is to surrounding yourself with the things you truly love in 2012

Being the you, you wish to be.

Carrie

linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T17:34:00.000-06:00

source

Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2012!

I just want to thank all of our readers and growing community here

at The Corson Cottage. We truly appreciate all of you so much.

Thank you for all of your support in 2011.

May you all continue finding & following your passions in 2012.

Always remember to take time to reflect & enjoy life's simple treasures along the way.

Carrie

{Home for the Holidays} Link Party #5

2011-12-29T21:02:00.001-06:00

Thanks so much for all of you who participated in our
{Home for the Holidays}

Link Party!

We made lots of great new friends through the party!

Tonight is the last {Home for the Holidays} party of the 2011 Holiday Season!

Also ~ We are thinking of starting a weekly party for you all to
share all your great projects, not just for the holidays.
Leave a comment & let us know if you would be interested in partying here!

Party Rules:

1. You must be a follower of {The Corson Cottage},

if not please be so kind as to become one! The more the merrier!
2. This week please feel free to link up your year end review posts as well!

3. Link up your holiday related posts!

Home, Decor, DIY,Craft, Inspiration, Recipe it's all good.

4. Link back to the party and visit other party guests!

It's that time again...

Get your party on!

Our Best Before & Afters of 2011

2011-12-29T13:26:00.011-06:00

Long time...no posting.
I have been a little under the weather this week.

We had an absolutely fantastic Christmas!
We are so blessed to have spent great times with our families that we can cherish.
I hope you all did too.
I hope you all have a great New Years Weekend!

Looking back at 2011.
We did A WHOLE LOT of work around here this past year.

I thought I would recap a few of our biggest and best projects of 2011.

We started outside and worked on our curb appeal a bit.

To see more of our curb appeal go here.

Here is the before shot.

I would still LOVE to change the front door.
But the handy hub says no for now (too big of a job & we want to move out....)
Okay....ok....I will let him have this one for now......

Then we moved inside and worked on our front & back porches.
And let me tell ya....they were in some serious need of some TLC!!!

front porch before

front porch after

You can see more of our front porch here.

back porch before
(well...really somewhere in the middle this project got a wee bit outta control)

awhhh...much better back porch after

To check out more of how we transformed our back porch go here.
The porches are definitely some of my favorite rooms in our home.
I love the crispness of the white.

Next we moved on to the dining room.

dining room before
Early Fall 2010

dining room before
Late Fall 2010

As you can see we went with a lighter color on the wall to help
brighten up what always seemed like such a dark space.
When we first moved in I painted the walls that navy color and I never liked it for that room.

dining room after

And....FINALLY we (well...mostly Travis) refinished our hardwood floors!!!
YEAH!!!
This project made such a difference in our home.
I just love how it brightened up the room and made it look much more finished.
To see more go here.
We also refinished the hardwoods in our two bedrooms upstairs.
Check them out here.
We did not stop there....

We moved on to the living room that still needed a little love.

living room before

living room after

We spruced up the living room with some new carpet.
We also swapped out an old dingy sofa for one my little brother had in storage.
To see more of our living room transformation go here.
This is another room that if I had my way the paint color would so be gone!
It was another oops too dark.
It will do for now.

We also updated our bathrooms this year.

bathroom before

bathroom after

To check out more of this bathroom update go here.

upstairs bath before

upstairs bath after

You can see more of this update here.

Well......I say not to shabby of a year here at the ol Corson Cottage.
Cosidering the obstacles we faced with my health in early 2011.
We certainly accomplished a lot around here in the later part of the year.
We managed to take what once was our fixer upper & turn it into a home.

Now...if we could just find that perfect buyer for our home!
.........
We would be in business!!!
And moving on to our next project.

Hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year!

Don't forget to stop by for our last
{Home for the Holidays}
Link Party of the season tonight!

Carrie

linking up to

It's Overflowing

Savvy Southern Style

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Remodelaholic

French Country Cottage

The Shabby Nest

Funky Junk Interiors

Between Naps on the Porch

A Blonde's DIY Life

{Home for the Holidays} Link Party #4

2011-12-22T21:27:00.000-06:00

So glad you could join us for the party!

I'm sure that you are all busy busy preparing all the last minute details for Christmas!

Here's to wishing you & yours a safe and wonderous holiday!

May your hearts be filled with the spirit and cheer of the season.

I just want to thank everyone who participated in last week's party!

I picked a few features that I didn't want you to miss!

The mantel and advent calendar is from Thistlewood Farm a new blog on the scene.

If you all have been introduced to the Thistlewood Farm blog yet,

be sure you stop by & let her know what a wonderful community that blogland is.

She has an absolutely beautiful home that is all decked out for the holiday season!

Aimee from Its Overflowing showed us how to make these whimsical Anthrpologie

knock off snow globes. Aimee is super sweet and has a really cute blog stop by to check it out.

There is lots of eye candy going on over there!

Two Thirty-Five Designs shared how to make this super cute unique advent calendar.

Be sure to check out her blog....love the modern mix.

{Happy Holidays}

Time to get your party on!

~ Red Gingham Pillow ~

2011-12-20T21:51:00.004-06:00

When I was decorating throughout our home for the holiday season,

I needed a quick and easy pop of red for our bedroom.

{Red Gingham Pillow}

Now, it's been a little while since I had the sewing machine out....

But, I picked up this red & white gingham fabric at Hobby Lobby for $4.99/yd.

I only needed 1 yard and I managed to whip up 2 lumbar pillow covers in no time.

I think they added that simple touch of holiday to our bedroom.

I've always wanted to make pillows and maybe even sell my pillows someday.

Well...I have sold a few at Market Days in LeClaire before....see them here.

I think this little project has motivated me to get back to making some more pillows.
I intended on working on these last year.
But my health took a lead role with my back issues and surgery.

Now that I am finally past all that!
Time to get back to business!

Hopefully you will be able to see some more pillows this Spring here on the ol blog.

If you would like to see more of our Holiday Decor go here.

Carrie

Linking up to
The 36th Avenue
The Shabby Creek Cottage
The Shabby Nest

Sensational Stocking Stuffers Under $15

2011-12-18T22:44:00.003-06:00

Santa.....

We have got

Sensantional Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Great deals too!

1. Ikat Bowl ~ $8 CWonder

2. Capri Blue Candle Tin ~ $12 Anthropologie

3. Homegrown Monogram Mug ~ $4 Anthropologie

3. Alphabet Scented Candle ~ $7 West Elm

4. Alphabet Letter Paperweights ~ $7 West Elm

Do you ever secretly want to be your own Santa?

If I were Santa I would most certainly bring me

the Ikat bowl & Homegrown Monogram Mug.

Hopefully you all are putting the finishing touches on your
shopping if you are not already done.

Carrie

DIY White Washed Wood Floors For Less ~ Being Featured

2011-12-16T20:54:00.001-06:00

Here is what our back porch looks like today for the holiday season.

A while back I did a post about how to white wash wood floors for less.

Well, Cassity from Remodelaholic has been so kind to feature our

DIY White Washed Wood Floor Project.

Thanks so much Cassity for the feature!

Head on over to Remodelaholic to check it out.

To see our original post go here.

This porch is still one my favorite rooms in our home.

I love the rustic white washed floor.

Nothing says cottage to me like a rustic painted wood floor.

And I just adore the crispness of white...white walls, white trim, white floors.

I think my Dash & Albert striped rug from Dwellings

really warms the space up nicely too.

It is one of my favorite projects we completed in our home.

Also ~ for anyone who is interested it is still holding up great!

Carrie

~ Just a reminder ~

Our {Home for the Holidays} Link Party is Still Going On!
If you haven't linked up be sure to stop by and see the great projects this week.

{Home for the Holidays} Link Party #3

2011-12-15T22:40:00.002-06:00

Time flies when you having fun at all these holiday parties!

I can't believe it is almost Friday again and time for...

{Home for the Holidays}

Link Party

Thanks again to everyone for linking up last week & sharing your great holiday decor!

Here are a few features from last week's link party that will just warm your hearts!

Jen from At Home in the Northwest showed us how to make

a great looking personalized gift for under $10. I love the simple cottage look of this doormat.

Christie from Three Pixie Lane showed off her Ski Lodge Christmas.

Love how warm & cozy it feels.

Jane from Modern Jane shared her festive Christmas Tree.

I'm loving the white, silver & blue ornaments!

What is a party without a tour of one's home???

Don't forget to take our Home for the Holidays 2011 Tour before you leave the party!

Party Rules:

1. You must be a follower of {The Corson Cottage},

if not please be so kind as to become one! The more the merrier!

2. Link up your holiday related posts!

Home, Decor, DIY,Craft, Inspiration, Recipe it's all good.

3. Link back to the party and visit other party guests!

I guess it is time to get to the party!

So what are you waiting for?

Get your party on!

Holiday Home Tour 2011

2011-12-15T00:37:00.023-06:00

Welcome

{Home for the Holidays}

With The Corson Cottage

We have Decked the Halls

(I do mean literally.....my maiden name is Hall...(chuckle:)

this holiday with all kinds of Christmas Cheer!

So, as a guest here at The Corson Cottage

I would love to invite you in for a cup of hot cocoa

with whipped cream & marshmallows...of course!

(Hey nobody said we had to watch what we eat this time of year)

I hope we will warm your hearts this holiday season!

Our Front Porch....come on inside.....burrr....it's chilly out there!

I have been very fortunate to have been blessed with wonderful memories

of the holiday season. As I was decorating my home this year it made

me think of all the great times we had decorating our home

when I was a kid. I actually think decorating for the holidays was my first decorating

memory ever. I can remember my Mom would turn on the Christmas music and make Dad turn

off the TV and it was a family affair. She would make hot cocoa and we would all decorate the tree.

There were always holiday touches all throughout our home.

Won't you join us in our warm & cozy living room?

I can remember stringing cranberries and real popcorn making homemade garland

for our trees as a kid. I could not believe my Mom was having us put food on the tree?

Really???

This year for the holidays I have been inspired by the warm heartfelt memories of my past.

So I made my own garland and hung it on our gallery wall you can see it here.

If you would like to hang in the living room a little longer feel free to visit here and here.

Hmm are you getting a little hungry? I think I smell Christmas cookies baking in the kitchen.

As I get older it has become more and more important for me to

recreate the spirit of the Holiday season in our home for Travis & I.

Hopefully someday maybe a little Corson too.

So this year I went all out!

I made sure there were simple holiday touches in every room.

Our tiny cottage kitchen gets a little crowded maybe we should move on into

the dining room it's much more comfortable.

I really ~~think,~~ who am I kidding, I KNOW the dining room is my favorite room on our tour.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

I love all of the natural elements, the fresh greens, the poinsettia, my new lanterns!

We always spent most of our time at the dining table on holidays.

We could spend hours talking, laughing, eating, just being merry & bright!

For me it was important to create that feel in this room.

All the comforts of holiday you can sit down & stay a while and enjoy yourself in.

To sit and stay for a while in our dining room visit here, here & here.

Need an extra seat? Let me show you our back porch.

This is our reindeer.....I haven't name him yet.

Any suggestions?

Our back porch is directly off the kitchen and the dining room.

It works perfect for extra seating.

Let me show you the upstairs....

Our office even has been touched by the little Christmas elfs.

I even got a little crafty and made this ribbon Christmas tree art you can see more here.

Our bedroom

I don't know about you but the holidays wear me out!

I hope you can see your way out.

I am going to curl up with my cozy cable knit throw.

I hope I have warmed your hearts with all the best of holiday spirit this holiday season.

I am so thankful and blessed to be able to make memories for my family

just like the loving memories my Mom made for our family.

I feel like I have finally created a

{Home for the Holidays}

Wishing you & yours a very safe and

Happy Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

The Corsons

linking up to

Don't forget to join us on the rest of the Fridays in December!

{Home for the Holidays}
Link Party

also linking up
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Somewhat Simple
The 36th Avenue
Saved by Suzy
Hooked on Houses
The Shabby Nest
Chic on a Shoestring
Simple Home Life
Whipper Berry
Funky Junk Interiors
Coastal Charm
Between Naps on the Porch
Cottage & Vine
Savvy Southern Style
It's Overflowing
Space 46

Cute Little Cottage Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T20:53:00.009-06:00

Oh Christmas Tree...

Here is our Christmas Tree.

To be totally honest, while I love the way my tree turned out,

I was a little sad this year about this little guy.

Don't get me wrong this tree will do just fine and by no means am I ungreatful.

It's just....

Travis & I have had a tradition each year that we've been in our home.

We normally head on out to a local tree farm on the day after Thanksgiving.

and cut down a fresh tree. A big ol 9 foot pleasantly plump classic tree!

Well.....needless to say that tradition didn't happen this year:(

Our home is still.......on the market to be sold as some of you know.

So, we didn't know if having a real tree on our new carpet was such a great idea.

And, I really didn't want to move my big wooden table and try to find another place

for it in our home right now, nor did I want to store it.

That is when I came up with this idea.

Why not by a fairly small artificial tree and set it on top of the table?

So, that's just what I did.
We have 10 foot ceilings so even though the tree is still 6.5 ft tall it looks pretty small in the room.

I didn't invest a lot of money into a large artifical tree because frankly,

I want to go back to our old tradition someday.

(And I totally miss that fresh Christmas Tree smell when I walk in the door every night!)

I wrapped a few votives in ribbon and placed them at the

base of the treeto add some ambiance at night.

And, I told you..I am all about red ribbon this year.

I added small touches in each room to help tie our overall look together.

It was really simple and inexpensive and I think it helped add that festive cottage touch

I was looking for this holiday season!

My ornaments I have collected over the last few years.

Most are from Dwellings.

A few of the wooden snowflakes are from Target last year.

I also added some gingham ribbon bows to the tree.

I think this poor little guy is starting to feel a little lonely.

It's time a started wrapping presents to put under the tree!

Stop back tomorrow.

I will be posting our Holiday Tour of our Home!

Carrie

also linking up

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Frugal Friday

Whipper Berry

Funky Junk Interiors

Between Naps on the Porch

Savvy Southern Style

Naturally Simple DIY Garland

2011-12-11T22:39:00.009-06:00

I posted earlier about our holiday gallery wall.

I thought I would show you just how simple it was to make the garland.

Our gallery wall needed just that little touch of holiday.

So I tried to figure out a quick and simple solution and came up with

a naturally simple jute garland with wooden ornaments with sprigs of fresh greens.

All of which I already had left over.

What you need to get started.

Supplies

Jute String

(You could use plain white string or a thin ribbon even a thin piece of fabric.)

Wooden Snowflake Ornaments

( I choose wooden snowflakes because it coordinated with my natural holiday decor,

but you could use silver balls or any ornament really.)

Fresh Green Stems

(I love the fresh greens, but again you could mix it up and a little sparkle by using any glittered stem.)

Steps

1. Cut a piece of the jute string long enough for the space you will be hanging it.

Remember to allow for a little extra to get the swag in your garland.

2. Tie on your first snowflake.

3. Leave about 10-12 inches and apply your stem.

4. Repeat these steps until you filled your garland.

I didn't want mine to be perfectly symetrical so I mixed it up a little.

Here I tied the green sprig then added a snowflake ornament.

You can add pieces directly on the long jute swag to add more interest if you want.

I also did not hang the garland on the wall perfectly symetrical.

I liked that it added that slight touch of whimsy.

Which for me is what the holidays are all about.....spreading cheer.

What do you think of the garland?

I would love to know if you try making this yourself. Let me know if you do.

To see more of our holiday gallery wall go here.

And don't forget to stop by on Friday for our
{Home for the Holidays}
Link Party

grab a button

Carrie

also linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
Funky Junk Interiors
The Shabby Creek Cottage
The Shabby Nest
Funky Junk

Holiday ~ Gallery Wall

2011-12-10T23:33:00.009-06:00

Here is our simple naturally festive gallery wall for the holidays.

Our gallery wall is in the living room of our home.

It is one of the first things you see upon entering our house.

So, I wanted the wall to reflect some of our holiday look

throughout the rest of the other areas.

I made a simple jute garland using some wooden ornaments and fresh greens.

I wanted to add a little holiday touch to my gallery wall without changing all the photos.

I didn't even have to rehang anything.

I added my jute & wooden snowflake garland with fresh greens.

All of these natural elements you will see carried out in our decor elsewhere in the home.

It was so simple and quick to make.

To see our quick tutorial on our naturally simple holiday garland go here.

This birch tree is one of my favorite holiday decor pieces.

I got it at Dwellings a couple years ago.

You will see that I have also incorporated natural birch in other rooms too.

I added a simple red hydrangea stem for a pop of red which also

coordinates with our holiday decor throughout the house.

What do you think?

Have you dressed up your gallery wall for the holidays?

I would love to hear about it.

Hope you area all having a great weekend & getting lots of shopping done!

Carrie

linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
The Shabby Nest
Chic on a Shoestring
Whipper Berry
Remodelaholic
The 36th Avenue

{Home for the Holidays} Link Party & Features

2011-12-08T22:06:00.002-06:00

Hey All!

Welcome to

{Home for the Holidays}

With The Corson Cottage

I just want to thank all of our party participants and visitors for all of your support

for our first party last Friday! We had a great turn out for our first link party ever!

We had some wonderfully talented projects link up!

Here are a few features that just warmed my heart with holiday happiness!

Annie from Lovely Things made this stunning advent calendar.

WOW Annie! This is honestly one of my favorite projects I have seen so far this season!

Stop by Annie's blog to see her simple elegant style. She is a fabulous photographer too.

Here is one of the other fabulous features.

Heather from The Lovely Cupboard linked up her Metallic Mantel.

Her art work is really one of kind! What a terrifically creative idea.

Stop by Heather's blog I love how she incorporates traditional looks with modern touches.

Thanks for stopping by the party!

Party Rules:

1. You must be a follower of {The Corson Cottage},

if not please be so kind as to become one! The more the merrier!

2. Link up your holiday related posts!

Home, Decor, DIY,Craft, Inspiration, Recipe it's all good.

3. Link back to the party and visit other party guests!

That's it! What are you waiting for???

Get your party on!

Ribbon Christmas Tree ~ Being Featured

2011-12-06T19:59:00.001-06:00

~ Feature Project ~

Remember our Ribbon Christmas Tree Art I made last week?

Well Kim from Savvy Southern Style has been so kind

to feature it at her Wow Us Wednesday Party tonight!

Thanks so much for the feature Kim!

So head on over and check it out and see what all her party guests are up to this week.

Dining Hutch ~ my alternative mantel

2011-12-05T22:31:00.013-06:00

Unfortunately I do not have a festive holiday mantel to share with you all.

I know everyone is partying with mantels this week:(

But I do have this hutch in my dining room that I freshen up for the holidays.

~ Naturally cottage chic if I do say so myself ~

On the top I added a pop of red with these festive poinsettias.

Tip ~ Instead of buying one large poinsetta that could cost $25-$50

I purchased 2 smaller ones that were $5 each they filled in my galvanized bucket perfectly.

I always try to coordinate my dining hutch with my dining table decor.

You can see more of my dining room for the holidays here and here.

I used fresh greens on the hutch and on my dining table to pull the look together in the room.

I thought these greenery sprigs were organically fresh & simple.

Here I used some artificial berry filler with greenery sprigs.

I also used arificial snow filler and added just a single pinecone to finish the container.

I really love to mix natural elements in all of my decor for any season.

I think that is my favorite part of my holiday decor this year.

You will see fresh simple natural elements with pops of red in nearly every room.

For me it is important to make sure that the overall vibe

of my home has a cohesive feel from room to room both at the Holidays and everyday.

Be sure to come back & check out more of our

{Home for the Holidays} at The Corson Cottage

So here are the holiday parties I am joining!

I'll be heading over to Rhoda's on Wednesday.

And Ten June on Tuesday

~ Don't forget ~

You are all invited to party here every Friday in December!!!

Come join us for our {Home for the Holidays} Link Party.

Happy Holidays!

Carrie
also linking up to
Thrifty Decor Chick
Home Stories A to Z
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Saved by Suzy
Remodelaholic
French Country Cottage
Funky Junk Interiors

Holiday Dining Table Decor ~ Part 2

2011-12-05T06:14:00.018-06:00

Welcome {Home for the Holidays} with The Corson Cottage.

As I said before, I will be partying with these amazing bloggers the next two weeks.

If you haven't read Part 1 of our Holiday Dining Table Decor

you can check that out here.

I got a little photo happy ~~out of control~~.

Here is our Holiday Dining Tablescape.

To be able to set the table, I removed one of the lanterns that sit on the table everyday.

It made a little more room to ensure that guests will be comfortable.

Okay so, if you are a Corson Cottage reader you know how I feel about burlap.

Casual.Simple.Cheap.Natural.Elegant.

I added burlap squares instead of chargers or placemats.

Saved some $ on the ol budget, because I always keep a stash of burlap handy.

I love to use classic white dishes year round.

We have a casual lifestyle, so for us they are perfect.

You can make them work for any season just by making a few simple changes.
They are very versatile you can dress them up a little or keep it simple just the way I like it.

I picked up the plaid napkins at Target for $3.19 for a package of 2 and I needed 3 packs.
I'm really loving the plaid trend that is everywhere lately.
For me it was a perfect Cottage Christmas classic touch.
And it reminded me of home, my Mom always had a red & green paid table cloth for the holidays.

I also tied a simple piece of jute instead of using napkin rings, again saving money.

As you can see I placed my table setting for 6.

When we do have guests it's usually a full house.

I thought this is a great look for a holiday brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Here I thought I would show you just how simple it can be to change it up a little.

This look is just a bit more quick & simple.

Perhaps you need two coordinating looks because you'll be hosting guests for more than one meal.

Or if you do not need an entire table setting & you're just having a couple guests this works well too.

I switched out my centerpiece for a bowl of fresh Red Delicious apples with a few green sprigs.

I already had this bowl premade and it was sitting on a small

table that sits on our back porch right off the kitchen.

So it was an easy peasy swap.

I just moved my lanterns to the floor behind the dining table.

I thought this was a great way of mixing it up & being efficient.

I don't have to worry about making a new centerpiece on the day of hosting guests.

There you have it.

This is our Holiday Dining at The Corson's for 2011.

I'm partying with my all time favorite blogger today!

So head on over and check out Layla at The Lettered Cottage.

If you still haven't checked out Part 1 of our dining post you can still see it here.

Oh Yeah!

Don't forget to come back to The Corson Cottage to see the rest of our Holiday Decor 2011.

You are invited to party with us every Friday in December!!!

We will be warming your hearts for the holidays at our

{Home for the Holidays} link party.

Come join us!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

Carrie & Travis
also linking up
Home Stories A to Z
Thrifty Decor Chick
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Between Naps on the Porch
No Minimalist Here
The Shabby Nest
Remodelaholic
Funky Junk Interiors
It's Overflowing
The 36th Avenue

Holiday Dining Table Decor ~ Part 1

2011-12-04T22:48:00.016-06:00

It's been busy busy here at The Corson Cottage.

I've been putting all the finishing touches on our Holiday Decor.

I'm super exicted to share it with you all!!!

We will be partying with some of my favorite blogs this week.

Holiday decorating has always had a special place in my heart.

I think it is truly one of my earliest decorating memories from my childhood.

My Mom always took the time to make sure we were always

making memories while cherising each special moment of the holiday season.

This year as I decorated for the holidays it just reminded me of those special times.

I suppose now it is my turn to create those special memories while

creating a {Home for the Holidays} here at The Corson Cottage.

So, here is our Holiday Dining Table reveal.

Welcome {Home for the Holidays} with the Corson Cottage.

I found these lanterns at my brother's store Dwellings and absolutely fell in love.

I knew I had to have them for my dining table.

I added some fresh greens to the table and the lanterns to complete the look.

A few red ribbons layered in and done.

Inside the lanterns I used three white candles and some green moss to finish it off.

I hung a fresh wreath in the window and tied it with a simple red ribbon.

It kind of started a trend for me with the red ribbons this year.

Normally I do not use much red in my decor.

But I totally went for this year!

I mean we are just screaming Holidays around here!

This is the everyday look of our dining table.

For now it is just Travis & I, no kiddos yet.

So, we honestly don't eat at our dining table daily.

But, I did decide to do a seperate post to show our Holiday dining tablescape options.

Okay...so maybe I got a little camera happy:)

But heck.... I guess I just got in that good ol holly jolly holiday spirit!

To see more you can check it our here.

This is the view from our back porch that is attached to our kitchen.

So, I'm gonna be partying with my all time favorite blogger tomorrow!

Head on over to Layla's at The Lettered Cottage for the party!

Layla's blog was the first blog I totally came across accidentally in a google search.

I swear I litterally read every post......all the old archives.....

if she said hey go here...I went.....if she said I'm following these blogs.....I followed......

I mean cover to cover just like a great book you can't put down.

I had NO idea there were all these crazy people out there JUST LIKE ME

Decorating ~~Obsessed~~ Enthusiasts. Who knew???

So, thanks Layla! You are still my #1 daily read.

Oh yeah....I almost forgot

YOU ARE ALL INVITED!!!

{Home for the Holidays}

With The Corson Cottage Every Friday in December!

I hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays!

Carrie & Travis
also linking up
Between Naps on the Porch
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
No Minimalist Here
Saved by Suzy
Remodelaholic
French Country Cottage
Funky Junk Interiors
It's So Very Cheri
It's Overflowing

Christmas in LeClaire

2011-12-03T23:26:00.000-06:00

This weekend was our annual Christmas in LeClaire event.

As you can see unfortunately the weather was a bit crummy here today.

But it didn't stop the hustle and bustle of the holiday shoppers.

The town event brings lots of shoppers to town for the holiday

shopping, baking, crafts, wine sampling & carriage rides.

Outside Dwellings all dressed up for the holidays.

You can read more about LeClaire here.

You can read more about Dwelllings here.

Hope you are all having a great weekend.

Carrie

{Home for the Holidays} Link Party

2011-12-01T20:58:00.001-06:00

Welcome

{Home for the Holidays}

with The Corson Cottage

We are so excited to be hosting our very first

{Home for the Holidays}

Link Party!!!

We will be partying every Friday in December you are welcome to join us.

Tell your friends!

So here are our guidelines.

1. If you are not already a follower, please be so kind as to become one,
the more the merrier!

2. Link up your holiday related posts!

Home, Decor, DIY,Craft, Inspiration, Recipe it's all good.

3. Link back to the party and visit other party guests!

That's it! What are you waiting for???

Get your party on!

Natural Holiday Decor Ideas

2011-11-30T21:35:00.000-06:00

I love being inspired by nature.

I also love to bring touches of nature into the home.

Here are a few nature inspired holiday decor ideas from West Elm.

Carrie

DIY ~ Ribbon Christmas Tree Art

2011-11-28T21:31:00.018-06:00

This simple Ribbon Christmas Tree art turned out really cute.

Best part was I didn't have to break the bank on a new piece of artwork for the holidays.

What I used:

1. An Ikea frame I had and wasn't using.

2. 3 rolls of $1.99 ribbon I plan to use on my tree also.

3. And just a girl and her hot glue gun (whatch out:)

3 rolls of coordinating red ribbon

You could use any color combo to match your decor.

You could also use different width ribbon for different effects.

I think it would be cute to have several frames grouped

with various frames, colors and ribbon size.

Hmmm maybe I'll have to get on that.

There is definitely more room on the shelf I put this on.....

Starting at the bottom working to the top.

Lay your ribbons out horizontally across the page.

I spaced my ribbons just barely an inch a part.

I also stacked each ribbon on top of the next just a bit shorter on each side.

I'm not super picky, so I didn't measure. But you certainly could.

I also made sure my angles were cut closely and

lined up on the edges of the tree all the way up the tree.

I cut all of my ribbon and laid it out before the hot glue.

Once you have it laid out the way you like it, get our your hot glue gun

and glue each piece a few times.

before

after

What do you think?

Let me know if you try your own. I'd love to see how it turned out.

Happy Holiday Decorating.

I have to get back to mine.....

There are boxes and bags laying all around my poor house still.

How come it always must get worse before it gets better????

Don't forget!!!

You are all invited to our very first

{Home for the Holidays}

Link Party

Please join us every Friday in December!!!

Carrie

linking up to

Home Stories A to Z

Todays Creative Blog

Savvy Southern Style

The Shabby Creek Cottage

~ Holiday Wreaths ~

2011-11-27T09:13:00.002-06:00

Here are few inspirational holiday wreaths I came across this morning.

I just love the natural greenery touches at holiday.

I also love how many of these have used multiples to add to the effect.

Don't forget to join our
{Home for the Holidays}
Link Party
Every Friday in December!!!

Carrie

You're Invited ~ Home for the Holidays

2011-11-25T10:07:00.009-06:00

I'm so excited to announce that we will be hosting our very first

{Home for the Holidays}

Link Party

Please Join Us Every Friday in December

While We Warm Your Hearts for Holiday 2011!

Mark your calendars & grab a button
above to join us for the festivities.

Also if you haven't done so already head on over to

Centsational Girl to see a list of other Holiday Link Parties.

Carrie

linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T22:39:00.000-06:00

Here's to wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Carrie

Pillow Talk Tuesday ~ Classic Holiday

2011-11-22T21:52:00.001-06:00

{Classic Holiday}

~Here are a few pillows that will just warm your hearts for the holidays~

Annalie Embroidered Boudoir Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn

Painted Bird Pillow Covers from Pottery Barn

Red Plaid Pillow Cover from Pottery Barn

If you all are anything like me your homes will soon be putting on their holiday layers.

I thought you may need a little more inspiration to get you going.

Carrie

linking up to
Between Naps on the Porch

Dwellings Holiday 2011

2011-11-19T07:23:00.003-06:00

Grab a cup of hot cocoa or some hot apple cider

and get ready to get your holiday inspiration on!

Here are the photos from Dwellings Holiday 2011.

For those of you who don't know my older brother owns a

home decor and accessories store in LeClaire, Iowa.

You can see more here and here.

Also great news we will be starting an online shop in Spring 2012

so you all can have all this goodness at your fingertips.

He completely changes the store for Christmas each year.

It is so fun to see the latest holiday inspiration.

I love this whimsy nod to vintage holidays.

This is my single favorite piece of all......

and to heres all wishing you and yours happy holidays and happy holiday decorating!

Carrie

linking up to
Remodelaholic
Between Naps on the Porch

Sarah Richardson Design

2011-11-12T22:26:00.001-06:00

Sarah Richardson

Is my ALL TIME FAVORITE DESIGNER!

I simply love her design esthetic.

She does casual, cottage, elegant & sophisitication better than anyone in my opinion.

She has a personality apparently made for TV.

She always seems like such a kindred spirit.

She is totally the kind of girl I could hang with!!!

(Okay, so I totally want to be her friend! No, for real I totally wish!)

Sarah always seems so light hearted, witty, genuine and extremely talented.

And who doesn't just ABsolutely LOVE her sidekick Tommy???

I love the way she mixes

casual & modern

old &new

Sarah & Theo Richardson

(siblings & super talented duo)

apparently joined forces at the 2011 Interior Design Show

Sarah played up designs showcasing brother Theo's

Rich, Brilliant, Willing pieces and color.

My goodness....can we say super talented siblings!

These designs are stunning!

Have you all seen these designs?

What do you think?

All photos via Sarah Richardson Design.
Click here to see more.

Carrie

Rustic Wood Table / Modern Mix

2011-11-11T22:11:00.000-06:00

I know I've shared my living room photos with you all before.

But, today I thought I would focus in on one of my favorite "junk" finds.

The "Big Ass Table" as it was labled when I picked it up

at one of my local junk shops, Junk Asylum.

I just love the rustic worn old table top.

And those legs....the legs are what got me.

I love the detailing and the graphic shapes a little different than what you would

expect to see with a table top like this.

I currently have an assortment of modern white vases on my table.

You know I love to mix old and new.

That is actually why I'm posting about this table.

I'm considering painting the table legs.

What do you think???

I'm hoping to add an unexpected pop color and to mix it up a little more.

Do you think it will help make the table appear more vintage and modern mixed?

What about a bright yellow?

Things to consider - it will eventually be in a white room.

So don't get carried away about the paint color on the wall currently.

Carrie

Linking up to

Funky Junk Interiors

Frugal Find

2011-11-10T21:22:00.004-06:00

Check out this frugal find pillow I came across this week.

I picked up my bargain find pillow at Dwellings this week for only $6.99!

I think it may have been left over from summer clearance,

but I'm pretty sure I can work it in my holiday decor perfectly!

It's an Annie Selke fabric.

Carrie

Linking up to

The Shabby Nest
Chic on a Shoestring
Remodelaholic

Jill Rosenwald on Etsy

2011-11-09T22:10:00.002-06:00

This makes my heart go pitter patter....

In my blog search for the perfect chevron striped bowl

in navy I came across this little beauty.

It is Buckley Chevron Berry Bowl by Jill Rosenwald on Etsy.

These are the kind of inspirational pieces I can center a whole room design around.

Cylinder vases by Jill Rosenwald.

These are the perfect pop of modern color and definitely going on my wish list.

What do you think?

Carrie

Linking up to

Remodelaholic

{Dream Pillow} Giveaway Winner

2011-11-09T21:41:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to our {Dream Pillow} Winner!!!

Congrats Kat from Maple Leaves & Sycamore Trees who won the {Dream} Pillow!
I will send you an email too Kat.

P.S. - Sorry it took me a little while to announce the winner.
Did I mention this was my first giveaway?
I can not figure out how to get the random # generator to save the darn # to post it.
Oh well, I promise ladies 4 was our winner and that was Kat:)

Carrie

Pillow Talk Tuesdays - New Series

2011-11-07T21:34:00.004-06:00

You all know how I have been on the hunt for modern touches for my decor.

What easier way to update a space and add a {Pop of Modern} than pillows???

I thought I would start a new series to compliment my hunt

for the perfect casual modern pillows to update our home.

{Pillow Talk Tuesdays}

source

This is one of my favorite combinations.
I love the bold geometric shapes with pops of color.
And who doesn't love the Hot House Flowers fabric from Schumacher?

source

I also think it is important when forming a group of pillows to make sure that you mix the
sizes and shapes up a bit. Adding at least one lumbar size pillow is a perfect touch.
Just as they did here with the Imperial Trellis fabric lumbar pillow.

source

Mixing either a solid pillow or small print then complimenting
with large more graphic pattern is a great idea too.
I'm really loving nearly anything Ikat right now.

What do you look for in a pillow?
What is your fav fab fabric right now?
Where do you pillow shop?
Are you interested in featuring your modern pillows here?
Please do tell...
I'd love to hear your thoughts:)

Carrie

Also - I will be announcing the winner of the {Dream Pillow} Giveaway tomorrow.
Sorry for the delay!

linking up to

Home Stories A to Z

Remodelaholic

Warm Cozy Throws

2011-11-06T07:10:00.001-06:00

Well the Iowa Autumn is slowly dwindling...

Some of the trees have shedded all their beautiful color.

It has been absolutely perfect Fall Weather here but it is starting to

get that hint of chill in the air.

It got me thinking how I would love to curl up with the

perfect throw and nestle in for my Sunday.

Here are a few throws on my wish list.

Chevron Throw

source

Houndstooth Throw

source

Chunky Tassel Throw

source

Here's to a relaxing Sunday to you all.

I'm heading off to work at Dwellings.

Carrie

Burlap Pennant & Chicken Wire Frame

2011-11-03T22:12:00.008-05:00

Another Witches Walk project to share with you today.

You can read more about Witches Walk here.

I had so much fun taking all my blogland inspiration and creating
thrifty decor for our event last weekend.

Here are my

{Burlap Pennants}

I made the burlap pennants for the {Train Rides} entrance.

They were super easy and inexpensive.

At home I simply drew a template to use and cut all of my burlap pennants.

It didn't matter to me at all if they were a little imperfect and rustic.

I printed the {Train Rides} out on the computer.

Then I used a little round pencil cup (you could use anything round) to trace around the letter.

I cut out my letters and then made a little larger round circle with the book page paper.

I hot glued each piece and layered them on the burlap.

I wanted to make sure they would be sturdy as they were going to be outdoors for the event.

They held up great all day.

Another quick tip I did was instead of taking the time to sew a hem to feed my string through,

I simply feed the string right through the burlap.

It worked great when we set up at the event I had my pennants ready to hang

and could quickly adjust the pennants on the string to make sure they were evenly spaced.

{Chicken Wire Frames}

Another fun idea was the chicken wire frames.

You just frame out a large chicken wire piece on both sides and

create the perfect country chic frame or fence piece.

Carrie

Linking up to
The Shabby Nest
Simple Home Life
504 Main
Whipper Berry
Remodelaholic
Funky Junk Interiors
Pennants at Funky Junk Interiors

Canvas Painters Cloth Event Draperies

2011-11-02T22:57:00.008-05:00

Here is a quick and easy solution to adding draperies to an event or party decor.

Why not try a canvas painters cloth?

Often times in a large space you need to help ground the area or soften the look.

A great solution is painters cloth.

It also helps add antoher textural element to this outdoor event.

You can usually pick them up at your local hardware store for between $12-$20 bucks.

We actually have four here.

As you can see we created pleats at the top to help finish the look.

To hang the cloth simply use a staple gun and staple the pleats as you go.

Another tip...don't worry to much about the wrinkles.

Once you hang them and they have hung for a few hours the wrinkles will mostly come out.

If wrinkles persist I would suggest using a steamer, much quicker than ironing.

We didn't even bother sewing the cloths together.

We used simple jute to tie the drapes back.

It created a simple casual look and didn't break the bank.

It is also an easy fabric to dress up or down.
To see more of our {Witches Walk} event click here.

Carrie

Linking up to
Shabby Creek Cottage
Happy Hour Projects
The Shabby Nest
504 Main
Remodelaholic
Funky Junk Interiors

Corn Husk Pom Poms

2011-11-01T22:44:00.010-05:00

I thought I would give you a little DIY tutorial on some of the projects

I worked on for Witches Walk this week. Many of them could be used for any event.

One of my favorite things I worked on was the

Corn Husk Pom Poms

I was first inspired to make these during the It's Fall Y'all party over at Centsational Girl.

Kate made them to hang over a Fall dining table setting.

Check out inspiration Corn Husk Pom Poms here.

I knew right away they would definitely be on my to do list when I had the perfect reason.

That perfect project turned out to be Witches Walk.

We needed something of impact to hang from the ceiling.

The natural element worked perfect with our Fall Harvest decor.

Thanks Centsational Girl for a great idea!

To make your own

1. 1 pack of dried corn husks (the ones in the grocery store used for tamales.)

I found that one pack can make between 4-5 pom poms. I used 3 total packs @ $5.99 ea.

2. I seperated the husks and stacked 12-15 together layering the small narrow ends

together stacking one on top of the other.

3. I left the large fan like pieces facing outwards on opposite ends from each other.

4. Once I had a good bundle I pushed my ends in to strenghthen the middle.

5. Use some floral wire to wrap around the mid section several times.

6. Next I carefully began to seperate or shred the corn husks.

Be careful not to shred it completely apart you may lose a few pieces.

7. Lastly carefully shape yoru pom pom

Witches Walk

2011-10-31T23:03:00.019-05:00

Happy Halloween!

This is what I was up to this weekend!

{LeClaire Witches Walk}

My hometown sponsors the annual Witches Walk.

It's a super fun time for the kiddos.

Costume Contests, Petting Zoo, Train Rides, Story Telling, Cackle Contest... lots for them to do.

{The Crew}

My family

My little bro Matt & his fiance Katie, my Mom, Michael big bro, myself and Travis

There were many other family, friends and community members who helped too.

Michael made the wooden pallet welcome sign.

{Pavilion}

Michael and I did all the decorations.

We used corn stalks to wrap the posts.

I made the corn husk pom poms to hang from the ceiling.

Mini haybails, pumpkins and gourds were used for the table tops.

Michael wrapped the corner posts in fabric to soften the look a bit.

To help soften the pavilion Michael wrapped the corner posts in fabric.

Here is a great tip - we used canvas painters drop cloths.

You can pick these up at your local hardware store for $12-$20 bucks.

It is a perfect inexpensive way to help soften an area like this.

We just used a little twine to tie them back.

It would also be a great fabric to use for a casual outdoor wedding.

{Train Rides}

I made the Train Rides burlap pennants.

{Petting Zoo}

{Our Witches Walkers}

All of the kids and parents line up for the big costume parade.

The kids get to walk through our downtown area showing off their costumes

and all the businesses pass out candy.

{Thanks for Coming}

Carrie

Linking up to

Between Naps on the Porch

Home Stories A to Z

The Girl Creative
Not Just a Housewife
Savvy Southern Style
Blue Cricket Design
Shabby Creek Cottage
The 36th Avenue
Somewhat Simple
Simple Home Life
Common Ground
Remodelaholic
Funky Junk Interiors

We are Being Featured at Remodelaholic

2011-10-31T21:20:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited to let you all know that we are being featured today!!!

We are being featured at Remodelaholic!

Thank you so much to Cassity and Justin!

They are so sweet to feature our project.

I just love their blog.

We posted about our bathroom redo a few weeks ago. You can read more here.

So head on over and check out Remodelaholic to see our mod cottage bathroom transformation feature.

Carrie

Fall Festival in LeClaire This Weekend

2011-10-26T22:19:00.005-05:00

I thought I would share a little bit about what I'm up to this week.

Planning....Procrastinating....Scrambling

This Saturday is the Annual Witches Walk in LeClaire, Iowa.

It's a free Halloween event the town puts on for the kids

and a great opportunity to give back to the community.

There is a costume contest, activities and the kids get to parade down main street

collecting candy and showing off their get ups. It's a great time for everyone!

My brother Michael, my Mom and I are the event coordinators.

We have done it for the last few years.

This year my little brother, Matt and his fiance Katie are coming to town to help out.

We've recruited a few other friends and family members to help out for the big event too.

It should be a fun time!

I have lots to do still!!!

{My to do list}

1. Make Corn Husk Pom Poms

2. Make Burlap Witches Walk Pennant

(can you say procastination)

3. Make Sponsor Signs - check

4. Make Activity Flyers - check

If you are in the Midwest or anywhere near

LeClaire, Iowa bring the little ones!

We would love to have you!

Also - Only 3 Days Left to Register for the {Dream} Pillow Giveaway!
You can still register here.

Carrie

Linking up to
Savvy Southern Style
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Remodelaholic

Caitlin Wilson Textiles

2011-10-24T12:38:00.000-05:00

Have you all seen these yet???

You know I feel about Navy!

Oh my goodness these are so lovely!

Caitlin Wilson

Has launched Caitlin Wilson Textiles!

You can see more here.

You can also check out her blog here.

all photos via Caitlin Wilson Textiles

These fabrics are simply beautiful.

So modern and fresh and easily mixed and matched.

I can't wait to go shopping!

Carrie