Preppy Plates

So, I know my taste are somewhat eclectic at times.

I really love the preppy look that is all the rage right now.

Remember, I am searching for those touches of modern

to add some pops to our rustic cottage decor.

Check out these preppy plates from LA Plates.

You can actually personalize your own!

Super cute!!!

What a great idea for a wedding shower gift for a girlfriend! 

Maybe a baby gift.  Or like I'm going to do.........just treat yourself! 

You deserve it!  A great price too, only $22 for one plate.

  I'm thinking of doing a group of three.

What do you think??? 

Aren't they great?  Check them out at LA Plates.

Which one is your favorite?

I'm not much for having collections, but what a cute gift idea

someone could give a gift year after year.

Happy Preppy Wednesday!

Carrie

Sunday Summer Drives

Interested in a Summer Roadtrip?

The Corson Cottage will be featuring

Sunday Summer Drives

for the rest of the season.

We will fill you in on some of the best of the Midwest.

To me there is nothing better than a relaxing drive

along a scenic windy road in the Summer sunshine.

Stopping at the local farmer's markets, finding an old shabby barn flea markets full of junk in the middle of no where, or maybe if your lucky, even running into a historic charming downtown area with quaint shops to pop into.  Ahh, that is the life!

First on our list...

Red Arrow Highway in Harbor Country

I must admit it's been a little while since I've taken this drive,

but it is definitely one that I can't wait to do again!  

It's a lil farther than just a Sunday drive for me,

but still made #1 on my list of Midwest must sees! 

 Red Arrow Highway runs right along Lake Michigan. 

It is about an hour and half outside of Chicago.

There is super quaint shopping all along Red Arrow. 

Great flea market finds, antiques , and upscale home decor. 

Seriously one of the best Industrial Anitque shops I have seen.

Oh no I can't remember the name, but you get the point.

If you get a chance check out our friends at Freckle Farm in Lakeside, MI.

Lakeside is home to many of Chicagoan's lake home retreats and

 escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.



photos by Freckle Farm

Has anyone out there visited Red Arrow?  Let us know!

We love to here your stories!  If your planning to go we'd love to know!

Happy Travels!

Carrie

If you're looking for a place to stay I've been thinking of checking out the Lakeside Inn. 

recycled sails

I could totally be a big ol beach bum!

I love all things that say sandy beaches and relaxation.

Perhaps I lived on the coast in a previous life or maybe I will one day.

Who knows.........probably not, but I can at least hope to vacation there!

I totally have a summer crush on these recylced sails.

BeeHive Design's Shop on Etsy







Reiter 8 on Etsy


Add a touch of beach to your home for some summer fun.



Happy Father's Day

In loving memory of my Dad, Michael J. Hall

 I would like to wish you all a Happy Father's Day!

What matters is how we live love and spend our dash.

from the Dash by Linda Ellis

Not a day goes by that we do not miss and love you

and all the memories you have left to fill our hearts Dad.

Love Carrie.

Visit Historic LeClaire Iowa June 4th & 5th

June 4th & 5th

Come visit historic LeClaire, Iowa this weekend!

It's the American Pickers Weekend in LeClaire!

Sponsored by the History Channel

photos from http://www.visitleclaire.com/index.html

My big brother, Michael from Dwellings is one of the even coordinators

who help make this weekend happen! 

For the second year in a row we will be supporting the Pickers for the weekend as event volunteers!

There is a flea market and lots of activities come join us!

10a-10p Saturday and 10:30a-3p Saturday!

Carrie

cottage take me away.........

As you know we've been really busy here at the Corson Cottage.

We have been working on fixing up our house to sell.

Last weekend we began refinishing our hard wood floors.

Lots of work!

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to share yet....

I actually just got the computer hooked back up temporarily in our office,

I thought I should take this opportunity to blog before

Travis is ready to work on this room again.

So, Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Here is some cottage bliss to take you away........

As close to breathtaking as I am going to be this weekend.

Carrie

whirlwind week

Well, this week has been a whirlwind to say the least.

It started out much like any other.  We spent Mother's Day with our Mom's.

On last Sunday I came across this little beauty full of hidden potential and charm.

That said.  We did a drive by of this little house on Sunday afternoon.

Empty???  Yes!  So, we went ahead and peaked in her windows.

Wow, still interested?  We could see it had tons of opportunity!

This has all of the features we are looking for. 

It is in our home town of LeClaire, Iowa, it is a total fixer uppper,

it sits on two charming lots that are landscaped with flowering trees,

it's in a quaint part of town surrounded by other charming
older homes that have been fixed up. 

It has a two car detached garage with a studio area above (perfect for Travis' workshop.)

This is the worst house in the best neighborhood scenario!  Perfect!

So, we decided to have my uncle, who is a realtor, take us through the house on Monday.

Once inside.....well, let's just say it is a total gut job on the inside. 

So it hasn't scared us away yet becuase we can totally see the opportunities in this place.

Can't you just see a new front porch, cedar shakes in the gables, I could go on and on...

Did I mention she has 10 foot ceilings???

I can't stop thinking about how perfect it would be! 

To be back in LeClaire, near our family and friends!

So, now fast forward to the present day! 

Well, we need to finish this all the updates to our current home before we can

even think about putting it on the market. 

So, we are going to be busy, busy, busy trying to beat the clock!

We have to sell this house before we can purchase our new dream fixer upper.

Hopefully it is still sitting waiting for us!!!

If not, well then at least it has totally motivated us to finish our house and fast! 

We have decided we are selling no matter what to try to get back to LeClaire! 

Yeah!!!

So hopefully time is on our side!  Wish us luck, we are going to need it!

Gotta go!  Lot's to do!!!  I hear a paint brush calling my name!

Carrie