tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50703183882331234792024-03-19T04:27:18.986-04:00Cynthia's Cottage DesignMiniature Design ~ Decorating~ My Cottage Lifestyle Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-55040753699694397422015-05-29T10:34:00.001-04:002015-05-29T12:12:51.646-04:00A new chapter is here...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bUsDuC1dX7M9t67YzIA7RgJX7ufZwZZ6YEX5Yj5Ac4KgQQ4fnrz-P4p4nSYdyAdf-WxNDha0ZuSrhOpKCC6CM3GmGjrBZoAkE1bc0DEhDMp9ExKzIH1U-mRNa6CO-QT12dthQ1ACOfU_/s1600/e132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bUsDuC1dX7M9t67YzIA7RgJX7ufZwZZ6YEX5Yj5Ac4KgQQ4fnrz-P4p4nSYdyAdf-WxNDha0ZuSrhOpKCC6CM3GmGjrBZoAkE1bc0DEhDMp9ExKzIH1U-mRNa6CO-QT12dthQ1ACOfU_/s400/e132.jpg" width="333"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b>Hello sweet friends!</b></span></span></span></i> It's certainly been a long time since I did a post! The last one I did was in September and I mentioned I was in a new chapter of my life. Well here it is.... My daughter whom many of you know (Melanie) has been working all year with her brothers and myself on a fashion accessory line of bracelets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For me, it's been wonderful helping with the designs. We have a private joke that I was "allowed" to design a few of them geared towards my love of vintage design and was given a "row" in the Etsy shop that would have a few bracelets I designed myself. While Melanie loves vintage styles too, and she approved, mine are more of a style that would be geared towards my girlfriends and would feature vintage images I love. I think my love of miniatures comes through in them too. Above in the photo is one of them, the pink vintage oven is something I've always adored and so I wanted to celebrate that era by making one wearable. Isn't that fun and unique?! And it's featured with white coral beads which to me, are somewhat like sweet little pearls. Perfect with Jeans and a T or a pretty pink vintage styled dress too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Melanie's designs are inspired by the preppy/classic style she has always loved. She has many different designs she features , so I've shared some photos below. Here are her collection of Sea colors and images that are surrounded by beautiful natural stones in colors that are just so beautiful!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbDwlxKeXXpDE9TSdGVcGZ5CAzBTXEAO4ZjatzFnuedxveWvxLA2UwW8cX7QMUf_-1tkICyS6b3E1zqDqD8B8xJloy9pT_nfC3bk8y_zOeHYlPu4_adHlMJPsL0Gs2kQQUapO0vaEKEgU/s1600/e135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbDwlxKeXXpDE9TSdGVcGZ5CAzBTXEAO4ZjatzFnuedxveWvxLA2UwW8cX7QMUf_-1tkICyS6b3E1zqDqD8B8xJloy9pT_nfC3bk8y_zOeHYlPu4_adHlMJPsL0Gs2kQQUapO0vaEKEgU/s320/e135.jpg" width="320"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She has also created beautiful patterns for cuffs and bangles too! I love this one below , it's appropriately named <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>"Summer <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">House"</span></b></span> because it reminds her of a pattern she would use in her summer home. The cuffs and bangles are 24K antiqued gold plated and the tone of the gold has a vintage look I happen to love!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wOPay5TWXAnmCEWQNlZgL7MBrfrBzkTpGffuUnPVLGY7ocfhA6dpt8copaGL6DXYktpDj53fessM9_p8dlzH9rsHC0eRqi6hfDJCChbncHH-sOXkB1DNLDyZplonzZYHTc6qMf7Q5znc/s1600/e145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wOPay5TWXAnmCEWQNlZgL7MBrfrBzkTpGffuUnPVLGY7ocfhA6dpt8copaGL6DXYktpDj53fessM9_p8dlzH9rsHC0eRqi6hfDJCChbncHH-sOXkB1DNLDyZplonzZYHTc6qMf7Q5znc/s400/e145.jpg" width="346"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are pretty white leather bracelets too with images that feature her brother Ryan's artwork and their love of nautical design... Wouldn't this be perfect for a <span style="color: #990000;"><i>summer clam bake</i></span>? The red and white striped fabric on the side is dipped in <i><span style="color: #45818e;">salt water</span></i> and it helps to have this unique distressed casual look!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBDGZcd0B4C70JmFhRIF1YPzg0DMr5ay6_utzYVe12NThJdPn-HZ-h41hUkF4A6z1cSq0mbMGJG9SkReqwbuDfbhb06f8K_-BpmeUf7m2FOdB9oaz1zYhV36Xfqv0HkmbHmZjZfeuUU4g/s1600/e143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBDGZcd0B4C70JmFhRIF1YPzg0DMr5ay6_utzYVe12NThJdPn-HZ-h41hUkF4A6z1cSq0mbMGJG9SkReqwbuDfbhb06f8K_-BpmeUf7m2FOdB9oaz1zYhV36Xfqv0HkmbHmZjZfeuUU4g/s400/e143.jpg" width="400"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>And..... Of course it wouldn't be summer with a little <span style="color: #660000;">red</span>/white <span style="color: #660000;">and</span> blue! </b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljDNHJBdTpE7j9PNkW4e7_zwjfkMuYD71KkSuMaAm-wnob0kBvUClo_p8JuNIKcblPcjH1xnuDudQFkmgsf3JkiMXIMd1TMct-IFvILzVQVYytkGBHfEGRfoJ-5YbssAKTNXCTARd0QxD/s1600/e110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljDNHJBdTpE7j9PNkW4e7_zwjfkMuYD71KkSuMaAm-wnob0kBvUClo_p8JuNIKcblPcjH1xnuDudQFkmgsf3JkiMXIMd1TMct-IFvILzVQVYytkGBHfEGRfoJ-5YbssAKTNXCTARd0QxD/s400/e110.jpg" width="330"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Melanie and her brothers have always been around horses and ridden since they were little. We've owned horses and I was a trainer and instructor for a long time when they were little. So their love of equestrian design is something they feature in the collections too. This snaffle bit bracelet below and gold polka dot combo is a favorite of mine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LRoyrhESKbYtHFn3XoQEFbMy7mm1P6AlGyhlQLx7b-Y_abot52N7mPy1G5vD2RdR5rqSY3_smOATHQnzOozThR71igDTifgNuPuyE4M0Fi4pDgFJRSxsSjRWxVIxQ2EaCHbL2M-jOLGG/s1600/e120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LRoyrhESKbYtHFn3XoQEFbMy7mm1P6AlGyhlQLx7b-Y_abot52N7mPy1G5vD2RdR5rqSY3_smOATHQnzOozThR71igDTifgNuPuyE4M0Fi4pDgFJRSxsSjRWxVIxQ2EaCHbL2M-jOLGG/s400/e120.jpg" width="265"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And of course.... <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><b>everyone loves pink!!! Right? And if it's floral and gingham, ever better!</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><b> </b></i></span>:) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichUb02jfVsCBKO1ryLxL2-DvUalyG215QiT7U2qVr05-JLAiCl8B32aqlT9pYLZaeQEOp4Dio_5gzxcA3ip2LVg1jFQQaTdUJ4c7VS8YVfHaJOyF8MeaEeWIPq2eQI2HCbu1TkL3mxpoV/s1600/e124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichUb02jfVsCBKO1ryLxL2-DvUalyG215QiT7U2qVr05-JLAiCl8B32aqlT9pYLZaeQEOp4Dio_5gzxcA3ip2LVg1jFQQaTdUJ4c7VS8YVfHaJOyF8MeaEeWIPq2eQI2HCbu1TkL3mxpoV/s400/e124.jpg" width="291"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A summer collection needs a little whimsy, so we both came up with the idea to do<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> "Picnic Bracelets"</span></b>. I've never seen anything on the market like these, and I just adore our idea. Both Melanie and I love picnics and that was always reflected in my miniature sculpting days, and now I'm so happy we came up with a way to enjoy that idea in a bracelet! The lobsters and pink gingham are adorable together and such a conversation piece. And our custom printed picnic design I was in love with! Again, another fun conversation piece!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaFovfZZAwJWNZhlUii1MZ1Oq1Az8Sl74Yue1nyKuyrrNC7yi0tufxtvORGwroDNLvg2q3nzIOZh-HJEbMsFAoVHN-emWrKcrlg-Lvz3huVtKSRH9X1u2UB9BayKX2sRiJIRL_SP-ZxQ6/s1600/e119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaFovfZZAwJWNZhlUii1MZ1Oq1Az8Sl74Yue1nyKuyrrNC7yi0tufxtvORGwroDNLvg2q3nzIOZh-HJEbMsFAoVHN-emWrKcrlg-Lvz3huVtKSRH9X1u2UB9BayKX2sRiJIRL_SP-ZxQ6/s400/e119.jpg" width="400"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boys and she helped create a beautiful <b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Men's collection</span></b> of bracelets also! These are so classic and simply styled but look perfect as a compliment to a watch or alone... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnJ3N2HNd6Nt9mwCevSX0c7Ak8ggdW17Z-ELo1E8jnuj-iz1EqxWl2hJ6R7bv5QBOQ6DYoTVus-VOmT2J6LxrYArWOotUy7TT9axbyl0Wl-i0u5y2bUYkJxfpbw5aJ2DDkm8Mv9HbMkdW/s1600/e97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnJ3N2HNd6Nt9mwCevSX0c7Ak8ggdW17Z-ELo1E8jnuj-iz1EqxWl2hJ6R7bv5QBOQ6DYoTVus-VOmT2J6LxrYArWOotUy7TT9axbyl0Wl-i0u5y2bUYkJxfpbw5aJ2DDkm8Mv9HbMkdW/s400/e97.jpg" width="400"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And anchors for summer, with navy blue and white wrapped cotton on the side...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcBG5xzHxPbm9vjSk4Qo1vY2HE_fX5xVV4R4oYyC7waTWYVARnh9YBuvOLxZ-lH_BTVXKsh_wxlIKEHKY1CX9MLf9ad3HwIu62DP0BPj4Wn6y5qHODnt1Cxp2LnMB1G1VraRkjMdSUn-c/s1600/e101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcBG5xzHxPbm9vjSk4Qo1vY2HE_fX5xVV4R4oYyC7waTWYVARnh9YBuvOLxZ-lH_BTVXKsh_wxlIKEHKY1CX9MLf9ad3HwIu62DP0BPj4Wn6y5qHODnt1Cxp2LnMB1G1VraRkjMdSUn-c/s400/e101.jpg" width="337"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They can be made in any color combination to coordinate with the perfect men's wear. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qZAmHHOKCDF7ZlJMT3h-LX1Pzr794V9bEX7L0IeJG80uZ75CQv8xx-7CVXpNxitOwa3FWuOlJpkUuEZvSn-rIrcUe4mvlXI8DL6XVavY03Cd75ceT8leXJSoEdPmZR3WsR_9kjPrRERk/s1600/e95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qZAmHHOKCDF7ZlJMT3h-LX1Pzr794V9bEX7L0IeJG80uZ75CQv8xx-7CVXpNxitOwa3FWuOlJpkUuEZvSn-rIrcUe4mvlXI8DL6XVavY03Cd75ceT8leXJSoEdPmZR3WsR_9kjPrRERk/s400/e95.jpg" width="275"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I happen to love this style on Men and think it's perfectly classic and preppy looking!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5FNYcBDnlS7xUpAMj5mO9IYZUE04yu2KRtJUR22jaRgftrii06KiirIcCTdqBjuSO0gIZWuEQonTeLgdKD0G5FQ9ksn539Ia02dM1TxyRjkhp1_9MjbqsN8z_nBKvo2-QiFpm9aBRi9u/s1600/e89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5FNYcBDnlS7xUpAMj5mO9IYZUE04yu2KRtJUR22jaRgftrii06KiirIcCTdqBjuSO0gIZWuEQonTeLgdKD0G5FQ9ksn539Ia02dM1TxyRjkhp1_9MjbqsN8z_nBKvo2-QiFpm9aBRi9u/s400/e89.jpg" width="265"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are many more designs and styles in <a href="http://www.hamptonivy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Hampton Ivy's Etsy shop</b></span></a>, and I hope you love them </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
all too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They will be listed for sale later today and I'm so excited to share this for Melanie and the guys. They have worked so hard and I've enjoyed this new aspect and dive into fashion and style myself! If I sound passionate about it all, it's the Momma in me of course. I couldn't be prouder and I have to say, this idea of a family business is new for me, but I'm loving every minute of it and I'm excited to help with the designs ahead too! That is, if Mel still allows me a "row" in the shop :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KAKwtHD5fYctcdNKXY6RuHu5x06jLkcyuJwrx1CiLe5FeRHua0Wu6GLQ3g_RdnO8EUgRjt16or57DjHcQl19_4PEtHU05ULL5KlUSaWFGUUG44FDL3BIBsXX8oE5GqcjW-P-0V5mKBsC/s1600/e140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KAKwtHD5fYctcdNKXY6RuHu5x06jLkcyuJwrx1CiLe5FeRHua0Wu6GLQ3g_RdnO8EUgRjt16or57DjHcQl19_4PEtHU05ULL5KlUSaWFGUUG44FDL3BIBsXX8oE5GqcjW-P-0V5mKBsC/s400/e140.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Thank you so much to my girlfriends and readers (one in the same) for always being so supportive and sweet to Mel and the boys and your support on facebook and instagram and the blog here has always been something I love about all of you!<br>
<br>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>I hope you have a great Summer and I hope to get back to blogging again more often! I always stop by everyone's blog and miss it, so it's a must do for me! <span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></i></span><br>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Summer!!</span></span></span></i></span><br>
<br>
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Hugs and love, Cynthia xo</span></i></b><br>
<br>Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com193tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-21003779309387999802014-09-17T12:38:00.000-04:002014-09-17T12:39:42.929-04:00A Season of Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEqzsYLul6z5QAcgJtgE3b2QWSNcVHMwvMqPqDXHz7sY9XGyN4TQ_i36s_UjL0fuMmN_mv57EE6224purmFePEsFlBAXmvCjb-fwoFSoorBJLZH8lbBUaek68br_sAQYfHZcI2kzaRz_J/s1600/Hampton+Ivy+for+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzEqzsYLul6z5QAcgJtgE3b2QWSNcVHMwvMqPqDXHz7sY9XGyN4TQ_i36s_UjL0fuMmN_mv57EE6224purmFePEsFlBAXmvCjb-fwoFSoorBJLZH8lbBUaek68br_sAQYfHZcI2kzaRz_J/s1600/Hampton+Ivy+for+blog.png" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello friends! I hope this last week of Summer is finding you all ready for a cozy change of seasons! It's been so beautiful here all Summer and now it's transitioning into the prettiest Fall. What a beautiful time of year. <br />
<br />
There are lots of changes going on here at the cottage too, all good ones. I first have to thank all my facebook friends , and followers here, for going to my daughters new facebook page and offering her words of encouragement and support! The kindness of friends is so appreciated and I love you all. <br />
If you aren't on facebook, I just wanted to let you know Melanie is starting an accessory and clothing company. It's in it's early stages and she just started some social media sites to connect with friends and future customers, so as a Mom I'm cheering from the bleachers and helping her along a little. Below I've added some links if you haven't followed her yet. Her sites will be fun if you love the classic and preppy styles of fashion, and enjoy tips, tutorials and being kept in the know of what's new. She has big plans along with her brothers and myself for making "Hampton Ivy" a great place to browse and connect to. She's currently working on creating beautiful accessories and designing classic clothing with a modern and yet vintage feel. I'm a proud Momma that her education at FIT is already being put towards her future. It's an exciting time for her! Oh to be young again :) <br />
<br />
I haven't had much time for minis this month as planned, but I'm hoping to fit that into my Fall also. I hope whatever you're doing this season it's bringing you lots of happy smiles and healthy blessings!<br />
<br />
If you would like to follow <span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Hampton Ivy</b></span> and Melanie , here are the links: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HamptonIvy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Facebook </b></span></a>, <b><a href="http://instagram.com/hamptonivy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Instagram </span></a></b>, <a href="http://www.hamptonivy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Blog</b></span></a> , <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hamptonivy/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Pinterest</b></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><i>Happy Fall sweeties!</i></span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i> Cynthia xox! </i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-45942411740226016282014-09-05T11:49:00.000-04:002014-09-05T11:49:37.549-04:00It was a classic ,beautiful Summer ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qk6x6oPEAvcFkO-QLiJYZpuuzk80c8zxw7svcW2QscGGxZZIvqwnwb_Lq9sJ2LdjyzjcdP7sEppyQecSidll-BxRtdyovQFkQC_nVqUvwleLRu2PGBztHY4MT0wAE_Hvei5PVbe4vA1P/s640/blogger-image--1279483733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qk6x6oPEAvcFkO-QLiJYZpuuzk80c8zxw7svcW2QscGGxZZIvqwnwb_Lq9sJ2LdjyzjcdP7sEppyQecSidll-BxRtdyovQFkQC_nVqUvwleLRu2PGBztHY4MT0wAE_Hvei5PVbe4vA1P/s400/blogger-image--1279483733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK6nz1eM8f0dZYGYS2G6s8qcNzkcdL0sR9IlyugX86FX9G-gDXfGFFSjHI_Pz6vRaVJugE6wkcLtukUnSKZfo8BJhNeMFcWckFgqknPfx7suujaJ3eZRZrMoykak2ieZmm0-VkR6i5-rb/s640/blogger-image--958881699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXK6nz1eM8f0dZYGYS2G6s8qcNzkcdL0sR9IlyugX86FX9G-gDXfGFFSjHI_Pz6vRaVJugE6wkcLtukUnSKZfo8BJhNeMFcWckFgqknPfx7suujaJ3eZRZrMoykak2ieZmm0-VkR6i5-rb/s400/blogger-image--958881699.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP0IoV3UNrmYnoFdWBdyE7EniMXuvTTE_aHHL3LlrkoGipq_QvMCmBeU28PKU-zNBddG403YcNrox3VdtqNR09TQ4cS4e50SEP9S0NzrcObOI42WRW7k4g-CNPZfwmuIpuo7KmRCvnPXR/s640/blogger-image-1104895670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP0IoV3UNrmYnoFdWBdyE7EniMXuvTTE_aHHL3LlrkoGipq_QvMCmBeU28PKU-zNBddG403YcNrox3VdtqNR09TQ4cS4e50SEP9S0NzrcObOI42WRW7k4g-CNPZfwmuIpuo7KmRCvnPXR/s400/blogger-image-1104895670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5naArg43Ov4xNqtdWclsMhljHpx_FXJgmh7KvlkJbLM8-fJrNsKzEd0WlQ0nLDq7L8DdIzp3RQsBBnMfUX47kDKmIg9ZUL2Mt6cwfssVyOVAwXU-wxmaGrQRloqtNmMnuR5_MUr9Bg0yI/s640/blogger-image--11307681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5naArg43Ov4xNqtdWclsMhljHpx_FXJgmh7KvlkJbLM8-fJrNsKzEd0WlQ0nLDq7L8DdIzp3RQsBBnMfUX47kDKmIg9ZUL2Mt6cwfssVyOVAwXU-wxmaGrQRloqtNmMnuR5_MUr9Bg0yI/s400/blogger-image--11307681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV6RTAUYZtodLp4vKaB82yfsLxTd79uKXjBQ-mZgMINnMUkGSqsH2Qk02cfgpWjbpXrJzIExwTaL8xN95AjqQyqaYub49rJG5TQf4QQ8JyJ3EtGKWOR6fkUnbesC6ombBHlGC2AD7xqaS/s640/blogger-image-1460092470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV6RTAUYZtodLp4vKaB82yfsLxTd79uKXjBQ-mZgMINnMUkGSqsH2Qk02cfgpWjbpXrJzIExwTaL8xN95AjqQyqaYub49rJG5TQf4QQ8JyJ3EtGKWOR6fkUnbesC6ombBHlGC2AD7xqaS/s400/blogger-image-1460092470.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_JlpVSnwJGmuHNLTC4Je9JwqTlq6leSncWhIvm7Pr8O-b7K_vLkPB2gzLwRqfxfCzG8Y5y5flAXz979SYM6hx2-GxtKx-z5laUbovy9MvDcxYISh-QL_peVRMJdxfgcp9V1kVvJ9JnWF/s640/blogger-image--1461396839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_JlpVSnwJGmuHNLTC4Je9JwqTlq6leSncWhIvm7Pr8O-b7K_vLkPB2gzLwRqfxfCzG8Y5y5flAXz979SYM6hx2-GxtKx-z5laUbovy9MvDcxYISh-QL_peVRMJdxfgcp9V1kVvJ9JnWF/s400/blogger-image--1461396839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hi everyone! Well my tech free Summer is coming to a close, it's time to get back to work and back to a schedule of some sort. I have to say, I recommend a break from technology once in a while because it gives you a chance to focus on your loved ones without interruption and it frees up so much time to get to your to-do list too! I still used the camera portion of my iphone all Summer though, so I popped into instagram a lot. :) It's the easiest place to save those memories!<br />
<br />
<br />
The photos above are just a few from my magical Summer. Clambakes, beach days, dinner's by the waters edge, a little canning, farm stands visits, bbq's, shopping, and spending those days with family and friends is what made it such a beautiful , classic Long Island Summer. I hope you all had a wonderful Summer too! I'm looking forward to Fall and a few new creative outlets that have me super excited for the upcoming months! I'd love to hear how your Summer went too! And Happy almost Fall :) xox!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>Hugs and Love, Cynthia </i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-28734991336462556172014-06-17T14:16:00.004-04:002014-06-17T14:19:39.162-04:00Simplify Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc2lfgZ47H2MbBrDWPG_LnZLhcf_SsXxPHhJ36unps0OPzMGlHxIXZlXWjn8I_U-eCj2BADRCnNW8JHnTqDUhk_R9HxqfaONQYau9pibIbo28duVaD7i_vXewEW1t1ju2-9WKtz20MDDg/s640/blogger-image-1341203720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc2lfgZ47H2MbBrDWPG_LnZLhcf_SsXxPHhJ36unps0OPzMGlHxIXZlXWjn8I_U-eCj2BADRCnNW8JHnTqDUhk_R9HxqfaONQYau9pibIbo28duVaD7i_vXewEW1t1ju2-9WKtz20MDDg/s400/blogger-image-1341203720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>Hi friends!</i></b></span> I'm simplifying my Summer .... but only with technology. Facebook, Blogging etc. are being put on the shelf to enjoy all that my favorite season has to offer. I'll be on Instagram though to keep all my memories in one place photo wise, so if you have an Instagram and would like to join me, head on over! I'm at: Cynthialaurensperin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
While technology will take a back seat, I'm hoping to fill my summer with a long list of goals and to-dos..... So here it is: I like to write things down so I'm more certain to fulfill each one. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
* Visit with friends as much as possible is first... {Family is a given because they are home from college or they hang around more lol} * long evenings with dinner at the beach * leisurely shopping at local farmers markets and antiquing * spending nights starring at the stars on the patio * sunset dates with cocktails * evening boat ride buffets * North Fork wine country Vineyards * long village lunches * dinner alfresco tuscan style * clam bakes * long walks in the shade * shopping in the Hamptons * collecting sea shells and creating a few crafts with them * find a few fabulous page turning books to read on the deck * create new grilling recipes * make lots of berry pies * make homemade Jams and canning * yoga at our local beach * tend the garden * picnics in the cool shade * attempt kayaking * Dinner under the Brooklyn Bridge * visit NYC * .... I think I've about covered it. Taking it slow, and lots of outdoor time is a must for everyone's spirit. I hope you enjoy yours and make memories that will last a lifetime! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next summer I'll aim for Italy or Greece. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>I wish you all a wonderful Summer filled with blessings and good health!! </i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>Love, Cynthia xo </i></span></div>
Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-78673213290735219222014-06-01T15:55:00.003-04:002014-06-01T15:56:56.691-04:00Healthy Summer Lovin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDQyZTmt5ekfY1w4HiuBDZHIXQ12vHANHn2oV2S_9N9an1zn__bzhaAxb-RAFtub5ne_Gt17HViINHJ2H3_vb0OgJN0o08rW1XU5SFk5y1QyqoVDzqfnymuvDATNqn3Cu2d_mCPSY2eea/s640/blogger-image-1508739887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDQyZTmt5ekfY1w4HiuBDZHIXQ12vHANHn2oV2S_9N9an1zn__bzhaAxb-RAFtub5ne_Gt17HViINHJ2H3_vb0OgJN0o08rW1XU5SFk5y1QyqoVDzqfnymuvDATNqn3Cu2d_mCPSY2eea/s400/blogger-image-1508739887.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new love....Chia pudding. So good you'll think it's dessert!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I have to start this post with a huge thank you!! Thank you to everyone who purchased our newest issue of Mini-ologie, it means the world to us that you share in the joy of our miniature decorating magazine! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Now I'm fulfilling a promise to post about my dive into new health. As I've said before , I really thought I ate pretty healthy. But, in truth, I was consuming way too many meals with added sugar, eating too many packaged and non organic items and definitely not eating enough vegetables. My vegetables would (in the past) consist of a salad at lunch , and maybe one side veggy a day (if I was being good) with a packaged side dish of some sort and what I considered a healthy chicken cutlet with panko bread crumbs. I've come soooo far ;) And as a side effect I've lost weight I wanted , but most importantly my doctors say all my numbers have went down hugely! And in a quick 2-3 months too! I didn't think I had bad numbers till I went to my doctor (at the time) and wasn't feeling well all winter, he said he wanted to lower my cholesterol with medication because it was higher than it should be, and that that should do it. Well, needless to say, after hearing about how medication is thrown around these days, I ran home, made an appointment with a new doctor, and went to google like a crazy woman looking for a natural cure , and enough fear if converted to energy that would have lit up a small planet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXQC5yjYAe8oY3dvH0_l7vefuV8-CFG69oJNupcVFXXRE9w29BMcIvDkJueu4nuSYSX9WDTgRaz3KR-cfqkdMF5oSMaatYwuo5-WQYqmEr6i6vhnmlH2L7aShkrpIhT0Cm-f6AQ43pJe9/s640/blogger-image--1684401278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXQC5yjYAe8oY3dvH0_l7vefuV8-CFG69oJNupcVFXXRE9w29BMcIvDkJueu4nuSYSX9WDTgRaz3KR-cfqkdMF5oSMaatYwuo5-WQYqmEr6i6vhnmlH2L7aShkrpIhT0Cm-f6AQ43pJe9/s400/blogger-image--1684401278.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying fresh flowers in the summer, right by the cooking area, remind me to stay natural and healthy while cooking. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The first thing I came across, sort of by accident, was when I actually googled something to the effect of "should I be scared?" .... Secretly hoping google would yell back and say "you're perfect, have no fear"!!!. Well, if you've done this before, you probably know what happened to me. Suddenly I had every disease known to man and didn't have much longer before I was in the hospital. So long story short, I felt I honestly had every symptom , of every thing. Ok , some of my symptoms WERE because I wasn't internally perfect, but others, were fears run rampet. So after seeing many new doctors and finally finding one that asked me to consider changing the way I go about my day with food and exercise, I felt that was number one: The right way , an easy way, and most importantly the healthy way. So, I began my little journey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfam9i4XcOhonc_Zv5P_ndBdHGrNWMcaBR9x_PvpKL4CnIoo5av2TosxOlpGHFhr69zOfDlgA3Bq8ULVfiCygYkdmh_PEtQQKc8wnOl-sDnwhEKanKL-n0r6Bt1NdTiQ0AskUSJHbuQEKB/s640/blogger-image--1269744156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfam9i4XcOhonc_Zv5P_ndBdHGrNWMcaBR9x_PvpKL4CnIoo5av2TosxOlpGHFhr69zOfDlgA3Bq8ULVfiCygYkdmh_PEtQQKc8wnOl-sDnwhEKanKL-n0r6Bt1NdTiQ0AskUSJHbuQEKB/s400/blogger-image--1269744156.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of berries, coconut flakes, seeds and nuts, and deliciousness make breakfast sweet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So back to google I went, but this time, with a new "entry" in that fabulous rectangle box that's replaced a library these days. What I came upon was actually a movie (documentary) that began my life changing habits. You might say it was there all the time , as most people I talked to have said "oh that movie?, yeah saw it years ago", but for me it was pretty new. Now this is very important to remember , I did not decide to convert everything in my life and join in some huge new movement (although lol, that's still a possible) but I took what I needed to hear and off I went to the organic vegetable isle with much more conviction and excited confidence. I'm talking about "Food Inc." I don't have time to tell you the whole movie, (you might have seen it, I think I'm the only one who didn't ) but if you need motivation or are looking to see something to help you change your ways, this is a good one. That one on Netflix, led me to a full rainy day of health and "food as medicine" documentaries. After that, it was Forks over Knives, Vegucated , and Food Matters. All amazing and eye opening. So I think it's proper to say that's where my change began. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDasTkhhj8rfNmk_s8n1lb5HvAyY-oPPLhDURciy8Qv__0u0IK6XSjl8nYpVE2QKzQ3eWwAxVGPS8RXfqfrkEvpy4itOGnX1JrE4YhOzu-lq-_VCmhTwDIwjNENcU-OMwa0Mdv-CL6HxNy/s640/blogger-image-79827162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDasTkhhj8rfNmk_s8n1lb5HvAyY-oPPLhDURciy8Qv__0u0IK6XSjl8nYpVE2QKzQ3eWwAxVGPS8RXfqfrkEvpy4itOGnX1JrE4YhOzu-lq-_VCmhTwDIwjNENcU-OMwa0Mdv-CL6HxNy/s400/blogger-image-79827162.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If someone had told me I could have pancakes every week or day for that matter, lol, I'd be right there! Now I can, just made a little differently :) Oat flour, banana, and almond flour does the trick. See my "Healthy Life" board on pinterest for the recipe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Important side note: This blog is usually about my creative side, but like all woman , I have lots of sides. And after a few mentions of my new love of healthy eating and mentioning it here, I received so many emails asking what I "do" or "did". And since I'm one of the women who love to know myself, I decided to make a post specifically about it. Most importantly, I think it took me an entire month of full time work to weed out the wacky food diets and fads, to find what worked for me. So I wanted a place where if you're looking for advice, you won't be yelled at , or felt poisoned by eating bread or something new they come up with to write about this year and lead you to so much confusion you give up. That had happened to me too many times to count. Having said this, there ARE people who are learning they cannot eat gluten (or have allergies to foods) and their journeys will have to be slightly different. Only your doctor and nutritionist can help guide you in that direction if you have food issues as such. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcF2T74QJ7i9fFX76V11ILtDc1o4S8wTaSkXcdMGOSO0X5kN2LDrR2re6MoPs2zlmJtVIc-GcAIZYSTOTXEuc2l8Do7yuX1yUC-iD-YKCvfHgCDzCUvdzEbHB5SjzIMxjzNZynenOjVd4/s640/blogger-image-1783796814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcF2T74QJ7i9fFX76V11ILtDc1o4S8wTaSkXcdMGOSO0X5kN2LDrR2re6MoPs2zlmJtVIc-GcAIZYSTOTXEuc2l8Do7yuX1yUC-iD-YKCvfHgCDzCUvdzEbHB5SjzIMxjzNZynenOjVd4/s400/blogger-image-1783796814.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planting my own vegetable garden was both rewarding and economically perfect for organic veggies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So basically , for me, a couple days of watching the documentaries, then researching online for a food plan and recipes that took some of that advice, turned into 3 months later and I'm finally here. My skin has never felt so good and glowly, I have never felt so healthy and had so much energy, my weight is where I'm happy, my doctor loves my numbers, so all is good. Finally, I get it :)!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's really simple after all. Eat healthy, not too much, lots of veggies a day, organic, not too much meat (for me) , get lots of vitamin D, (the real way. I was very low), add some nuts and replace high glycemic foods with lower ones, stick with a whole foods diet, add some "super foods", and try yoga and exercise that gets you moving every day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Because I'm not a nutritionist (yet lol), I am not going to do a verbatim diet of what anyone should have daily, but because you've asked and I want everyone to feel as good as they can, I've given links to the ones I live by and cook by now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidawCKfcjdzgTM0Nl1S9Uwa9uMRB2hjZQJPnzg0nzmDbSGlJwXBzb3xafGyutADtq9u7Q0YpaENk-vvMdUh9GMLSe-YRQOIdcgeBKuabwIeTO7_2JhplXsT10-Z-IpS5-52A5hc3H3kUu2/s640/blogger-image--1155512260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidawCKfcjdzgTM0Nl1S9Uwa9uMRB2hjZQJPnzg0nzmDbSGlJwXBzb3xafGyutADtq9u7Q0YpaENk-vvMdUh9GMLSe-YRQOIdcgeBKuabwIeTO7_2JhplXsT10-Z-IpS5-52A5hc3H3kUu2/s400/blogger-image--1155512260.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Italian Arugula and baby lettuce this week! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The way that I came to my basic eating plan is, I used a little common sense mixed with a lot of research and weeding out fads. For instance, because I'm not allergic to bread, or gluten, or anything for that matter, I knew better than to cut them out. After all, my ancestors in the Mediterranean have been eating bread (not wonderbread lol - enriched white flours overly processed) for centuries and living till a ripe old age, for a very long time! So I'm not giving up bread darn it lol. Unless of course, I had to. And I knew while I didn't eat a lot of meat, that I wouldn't say no to it forever either. So after all my research, it seemed the "Mediterranean way" was going to be it. It would also have to include a few new "super foods" too. Like flax seeds, chia seeds, and wonderful ways of using coconut oil etc. ;) But that's because I love how I feel when I eat them, and what they do for me. <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00361/anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid.html" target="_blank"><b>Dr. Weil</b></a> </span>seemed to have the easiest to follow plan and advice. His version of the food chart worked perfectly for me. I'll leave the link <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/ecs/pyramid/press-foodpyramid.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a></span> because even though I have the pyramid here (scroll down) , he goes into great detail about each section in the printable link... Then I've also studied <a href="http://www.bluezones.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Dan Buettner's Blue Zones</b></span></a>. Which are a collection of studies that showed the diets and habits of places where a large (the largest actually) of centenarians live and live healthfully. Which, the Mediterranean diet fell into also. So that's how I came up with my own plan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE67uH9OezhWkYx-GRrOo1GrdSrltf7x81KDtoI1XSeGbxyIlX_egbrh2LtCvO2lIiMPXABAbZuK7EFH2VyHblHuEyLMtjyiZO-nyVGLikiORAzOTPNEy1Ob8dt5JG8AcTHRISuA3m0cJK/s640/blogger-image--1676137414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE67uH9OezhWkYx-GRrOo1GrdSrltf7x81KDtoI1XSeGbxyIlX_egbrh2LtCvO2lIiMPXABAbZuK7EFH2VyHblHuEyLMtjyiZO-nyVGLikiORAzOTPNEy1Ob8dt5JG8AcTHRISuA3m0cJK/s400/blogger-image--1676137414.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All diets and food plans only work in conjunction with finding time to enjoy ourselves and take a little time each day to be at peace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What I found and researched that was most important to me, was the amount of cookbooks and recipes on Pinterest etc, that provided delicious (and I mean hugely delicious) food ideas that I could eat often and love too. So after I knew how I wanted to eat, I filled in the blanks with yummy ideas. And trust me, there are a ton! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeDVAbSo4bREwu8pKITdSGFkA4jwO53acpgootORRzrcknGchP5iJt27yTVg3PWLfDwPnEqab31ay8mAm66Xap996qt3EUt_NgoY1ApznhYvl0s_Saxwzu3a2aiyBLtZhrmRpYO_8kSiG/s640/blogger-image-1262681728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeDVAbSo4bREwu8pKITdSGFkA4jwO53acpgootORRzrcknGchP5iJt27yTVg3PWLfDwPnEqab31ay8mAm66Xap996qt3EUt_NgoY1ApznhYvl0s_Saxwzu3a2aiyBLtZhrmRpYO_8kSiG/s400/blogger-image-1262681728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes ice cream comes in many healthy forms! :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If you want to see a collection of some of my favorite recipes I live by now, head over to the link on my side bar for my Pinterest account. My <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>A</b></span></i> <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>Healthy Life</b></i></span></span> board has so many great recipes and perfect motivation and it's another go-to of mine when I'm looking for something to cook or bake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Even my miniatures lately have started reflecting my love of hearty breads, fruits and veggies! ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVelrXQQ-yhwpZu-OLlcGsAShfEW5Rklz71syFP2nAGzz_NaxdGKeaLM4ieGLvcHh93tU2Qm6QfdWr8Cm59cerY09tMUXFl9d5OCPgy8xoXbQNOzBOmD9nO2QpcaS222pmQTY6CkJJVCcb/s640/blogger-image-1260451151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVelrXQQ-yhwpZu-OLlcGsAShfEW5Rklz71syFP2nAGzz_NaxdGKeaLM4ieGLvcHh93tU2Qm6QfdWr8Cm59cerY09tMUXFl9d5OCPgy8xoXbQNOzBOmD9nO2QpcaS222pmQTY6CkJJVCcb/s400/blogger-image-1260451151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMeaMvKxndADG9O5-btV_lbi4IU19Iafbg3U15wcLr1y2lKhbre2sye2hyphenhyphenkY5Tqn0srw69H9LFz_pOc_CsOawVDTXDZsRRBn71ylfMDXHrjzeZT_qu8zyoojp7Rk440pf-Mm5vwgWqy-q/s640/blogger-image-1792900903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMeaMvKxndADG9O5-btV_lbi4IU19Iafbg3U15wcLr1y2lKhbre2sye2hyphenhyphenkY5Tqn0srw69H9LFz_pOc_CsOawVDTXDZsRRBn71ylfMDXHrjzeZT_qu8zyoojp7Rk440pf-Mm5vwgWqy-q/s400/blogger-image-1792900903.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I also take "regular" fabulous cookbooks, and just change a few ingredients if I have to... I love this cookbook below (and have adored the style of Ralph Lauren forever!) but I'll replace some white flours with hearty ones like sourdough, or seed and nutty flours. And because of all the new proven research that some of the healthy fats are good for us, I'll use those oils in place of some of the ones suggested in my older books. This book below is wonderful for many reasons, but I plan on some wonderful Clam Bakes this Summer, so it was just want I needed. Remember, "whole foods" made as much as possible from scratch and you'll be feeling so much healthier for it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr_jw-naG9is64goFsF7dkFK2zcK8gVFh3Ydvv1KxtaKtl9T9kYLk_K4WpkuHsT0RFMFQgoMcgf3IizZfMC4smrhmFq3Oq_GHvh1GuYr1kvbtxC1l61wV2sLbEEupwcnSgS44ZzbHyOQO/s640/blogger-image-430197068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKr_jw-naG9is64goFsF7dkFK2zcK8gVFh3Ydvv1KxtaKtl9T9kYLk_K4WpkuHsT0RFMFQgoMcgf3IizZfMC4smrhmFq3Oq_GHvh1GuYr1kvbtxC1l61wV2sLbEEupwcnSgS44ZzbHyOQO/s400/blogger-image-430197068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I bought a few vegan friendly cookbooks lately, I happen to love "Clean Eats" (below) and any cookbook with vegan choices. It's not because I'm a Vegan either, but because I want the "majority" of my choices to be plant based. So I need to keep up the interest with menus and learn fun and delicious ways to cook them. Having the organic garden right off the kitchen really helps, it's not huge, but you can pack a lot if greens into a small space when you want! Plus, that helps with organic prices too ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7kISsi6JkFZe8Os3oKCJFZhXbsh3wmCfCRfb0NcYVh46hDpVGNu0t1qXfFdM-JJVEUsrS7umGn_V4XTJHFiNA56OETSfPo2galsHywLyeNfq4AGcpJM7w-HsHJsTcLdujkC4F5m7SrIz/s640/blogger-image-4636502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7kISsi6JkFZe8Os3oKCJFZhXbsh3wmCfCRfb0NcYVh46hDpVGNu0t1qXfFdM-JJVEUsrS7umGn_V4XTJHFiNA56OETSfPo2galsHywLyeNfq4AGcpJM7w-HsHJsTcLdujkC4F5m7SrIz/s400/blogger-image-4636502.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Clean eating" fits right in there with all the things I love to read about too! And keeping a "Food Journal" has helped me be accountable to my eating habits. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here's a copy of the chart and link to Dr. Weil's site. I really love almost everything he has worked for and towards. And agree with 99% of it. But again, everything has to fit your own life ,like for me, I've found I can't eat too much Soy. (Without tmi, it messes with my estrogen in a negative way). So I have very little in my diet. Plus, I'm not not a tofu kinda girl either. So that worked out lol. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuifXJ_kBkxfuxTxd-UgGxtMLZTO0c4xLj89VDR53V8HMDbhgse9RC5hOqQN6jLJnHA_B9zC-tungDCP2ZNbrWNNUdXeUU1HlSrJWjUQBeo1VU04q-1TMWGCswsOqa7G6mm2SPzoAlTL0Q/s640/blogger-image--1999162188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuifXJ_kBkxfuxTxd-UgGxtMLZTO0c4xLj89VDR53V8HMDbhgse9RC5hOqQN6jLJnHA_B9zC-tungDCP2ZNbrWNNUdXeUU1HlSrJWjUQBeo1VU04q-1TMWGCswsOqa7G6mm2SPzoAlTL0Q/s400/blogger-image--1999162188.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drweil.com/">www.drweil.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here's another chart below that interestingly and simply , shows the habits of Dan Buettner's BlueZones and what the common factors (in the center of the circle) were that gave them longer lives that were lower in heart conditions and disease. If you get a chance, read about them with the link. I found it very interesting and fascinating! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCbSuW-sB3_Wq_JiYdAGUTCoWeYZ1iADRkbJ-g91uEJDSg30ATeol0W2PB0qLb_LvJQNPB7kGCq4q7zwFqpP_4eFVgfo6oD9Oumjuqy6eSlP2fQu8_6WC8aQ9fE6jX7yod208i1vivFep/s640/blogger-image-2046025095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCbSuW-sB3_Wq_JiYdAGUTCoWeYZ1iADRkbJ-g91uEJDSg30ATeol0W2PB0qLb_LvJQNPB7kGCq4q7zwFqpP_4eFVgfo6oD9Oumjuqy6eSlP2fQu8_6WC8aQ9fE6jX7yod208i1vivFep/s400/blogger-image-2046025095.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bluezones.com/">www.bluezones.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And finally last but not least, here (below) is a quickly put together chart of what I like to eat. I love cooking and preparing meals from scratch, so that was already on my side, but as you can see, sometimes the best thing for me is a "quick" healthy meal. I'm not a fan of eating a big lunch, so personally I want as little time spent as possible on that and my choices reflect that. I like to make my own bread from scratch, but certainly a local baker can make my favorite bread (sourdough) and I would buy it there too. Btw, I read a lot of "anti-grain" books, pro-carb, against-carb, pro-protien, etc books...and after a lot of research I found that sourdough bread was going to be my healthy bread of choice. Make sure any bread you buy is made from very few, all organic ingredients if you're buying it.<br />
<br />
I wish I could say that organic isn't important, but it really is. And thankfully, finally, big chain stores are starting to realize we want what goes into our bodies to help them flourish, and not work against us. So I hope and pray we are on the verge of a big food revolution and this will become a more affordable norm. In the meantime, I water my little garden, find local farmers markets, and cook like my Grandmother did way back when everything had 3-4 ingredients. And , I get my fanny up and moving as much as possible. And that my friends, is how I've decided it's best to roll. :) <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNPONqzF2rbyXIc98p3wpWy2CUu3gfIFzE-5twRZ1a3MjgNLEYvtyp6HA-tmcQMSJDEhPLqhkTWaWdZ75cyWEarBi8yscxgnw2L4Y0bMlMbkU2tx8Dod-zchMB0BFOZIYiy2ELJSUuU_S/s1600/diet+info+for+blog+and+pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNPONqzF2rbyXIc98p3wpWy2CUu3gfIFzE-5twRZ1a3MjgNLEYvtyp6HA-tmcQMSJDEhPLqhkTWaWdZ75cyWEarBi8yscxgnw2L4Y0bMlMbkU2tx8Dod-zchMB0BFOZIYiy2ELJSUuU_S/s1600/diet+info+for+blog+and+pinterest.png" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My printable , very simple , food chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One last note, my little chart above is again, put as simply as possible. Very basic. But one of the ways I vary things, and create interest is, I look up a fun way to make the "basics" when I have time. Meaning if it says: "Dinner: Chicken, veggies, and a new potato", I'll go to my Italian recipe box or Mediterranean cookbook, and look up a chicken and veggy dinner and cook it as they do in the book as long as it follows my way of eating. ** They say that people buy lots of clothes, and end up only wearing a few of those pieces in all different ways. It's what we become accustom to..... That's how I feel about food and cooking. Considering "time" , I tend to make the same basics. Or eat a common lunch or breakfast a lot. But I change it up (from the basics in my chart above) when I want and just keep the idea somewhat the same. That's easiest for me and hopefully less time consuming. I've also found that months ago when I wasn't feeling good (which started this journey) and I took this change on, that keeping a food journal really helped! That way, when I ate something that made me feel good, I could find it again and go back through my pages. That has been a wonderful way to keep everything in one place! Try it, I think you'll find it helps too!<br />
<br />
So there you have it.....I hope I've helped those who emailed and even friends I've seen in person who've asked. Now it's all in one place :) Now it's on to a wonderful healthy Summer, I hope you all are having a great week! Thank you again for always being such wonderful friends!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Hugs and love, Cynthia xo</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-62618377141286418142014-05-21T07:55:00.000-04:002014-05-21T07:57:53.828-04:00Mini-ologie is here and on sale today!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yahRLUXqBRKf4OnK-DJAIyZz8UWMX0dJGvcllqQ2uTCpAR-89K8gBKjlxZskVNkdbfLZQtzNEmCnNvltNOUq9nDgjevBd8glLMqQRwMNZocdU9Tf7i8O3QSuQKnf-q1-bXROzH0B3Z_d/s1600/Miniologie+SS+2014.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="310" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/">www.miniologie.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Mini-ologie is finally here!! </span></i></span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Yippee!!</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If you're looking for the perfect inspirational decorating issue, this is it! Maritza , Kim , and myself have been working so hard to bring you our prettiest magazine yet! We're so happy to get you in the mood for the beautiful season ahead... We are also so honored to have featured 3 gorgeous flower ladies with us this time also! Thank you Marie, Jeannette, and Martha!! Your work is amazing and we're so thrilled you could join us!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Visit us at<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>www.miniologie.com</b></span> </a>to get your copy today!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Thank you to our friends and supporters for being such amazing people and making our first year in the magazine world such a wonderful experience! We couldn't have done it without you! We look forward to our future issues and growing as we go along! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Love and appreciation</span></b><span style="color: #e06666;">, </span><i><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cynthia xo</span></b></i></div>
Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-89486479428700791752014-05-16T15:53:00.002-04:002014-05-16T15:54:12.026-04:00Spring fever with Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuXZXWxSm5zbKbeFQ53TPwyjPUkQc2aVUEzm6spDDgOGwx7R2ousNmZkvEIhUSJ17uZpF8Qbl7P9BPRM6VbSehPDQPXsZTQfWRWhKIGALuRXvdDkiYQvqPaVfETDVfR1DD6XRtrcUwcLW/s640/blogger-image-1915129288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuXZXWxSm5zbKbeFQ53TPwyjPUkQc2aVUEzm6spDDgOGwx7R2ousNmZkvEIhUSJ17uZpF8Qbl7P9BPRM6VbSehPDQPXsZTQfWRWhKIGALuRXvdDkiYQvqPaVfETDVfR1DD6XRtrcUwcLW/s640/blogger-image-1915129288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuXZXWxSm5zbKbeFQ53TPwyjPUkQc2aVUEzm6spDDgOGwx7R2ousNmZkvEIhUSJ17uZpF8Qbl7P9BPRM6VbSehPDQPXsZTQfWRWhKIGALuRXvdDkiYQvqPaVfETDVfR1DD6XRtrcUwcLW/s640/blogger-image-1915129288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuXZXWxSm5zbKbeFQ53TPwyjPUkQc2aVUEzm6spDDgOGwx7R2ousNmZkvEIhUSJ17uZpF8Qbl7P9BPRM6VbSehPDQPXsZTQfWRWhKIGALuRXvdDkiYQvqPaVfETDVfR1DD6XRtrcUwcLW/s400/blogger-image-1915129288.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Y</b>es, it's finally officially Spring!</i></span> Other than a few days of rain, it's been absolutely beautiful here and I couldn't be happier. We are busy finishing up our Spring/Summer issue of Mini-ologie so stay tuned, we are hoping it's just a matter of a few days now. It's coming along beautifully and we are so excited for you to see how inspiring and uber pretty it is! I'm short on time today, but here are a few photos of what I've been up to... and what's been inspiring me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A few photos from Pinterest and other home and garden magazines are the perfect places to get my creative juices flowing...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A sweet Spring picnic...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfpsmr4XON1fzxyVzldMJb5lxa5y8FTUMafS3O3ySEO3y10MxxWqdNQUmNeLnTue3yTlJvrQn6SDjq7DsUe-0Fhhs0Y-b25PBx1pZZjElRokS_2OM2b3YTrz4U3Hx7_b1rDjEzAvRO9pf/s640/blogger-image-1805951603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfpsmr4XON1fzxyVzldMJb5lxa5y8FTUMafS3O3ySEO3y10MxxWqdNQUmNeLnTue3yTlJvrQn6SDjq7DsUe-0Fhhs0Y-b25PBx1pZZjElRokS_2OM2b3YTrz4U3Hx7_b1rDjEzAvRO9pf/s400/blogger-image-1805951603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Create's a picnic in Mini...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7cRALiW4L61iIUmYgBffLdbCHhyphenhyphenvHp-tQdizwNWhjrWmX2I7H5za29p_xjCgIdTAfHp6Sf6RPHzTvK5_9foNVCtpbzN9Ospo-WSOuFFgfaTYflWSbk5z63qNpwQjW31L7tWbw3j-8yl0/s640/blogger-image-781788631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7cRALiW4L61iIUmYgBffLdbCHhyphenhyphenvHp-tQdizwNWhjrWmX2I7H5za29p_xjCgIdTAfHp6Sf6RPHzTvK5_9foNVCtpbzN9Ospo-WSOuFFgfaTYflWSbk5z63qNpwQjW31L7tWbw3j-8yl0/s400/blogger-image-781788631.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And makes me crave pie in real life too... :) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh4saOxnT1vHansIiHcadWi0mzknKM7WNssXZhWPAapW_WpCd90HXla4OyVx0syDbPK7IN1ZAaXwWMeQSd1vHN6gQuj2qJB-GzfJy_YS0kLL4EBx8G1fXzmQVtZXTmGeLqQkT7vM_E_AE/s640/blogger-image-331717584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh4saOxnT1vHansIiHcadWi0mzknKM7WNssXZhWPAapW_WpCd90HXla4OyVx0syDbPK7IN1ZAaXwWMeQSd1vHN6gQuj2qJB-GzfJy_YS0kLL4EBx8G1fXzmQVtZXTmGeLqQkT7vM_E_AE/s400/blogger-image-331717584.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seeing images of Spring and Summer...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SwZJyLvVy-vpvEEg_b6VU5JLLCYeANo0CJI0vulm1-ofqtC-4a1dAPdkXRoRw6-UGK6fLINq7XC8d3C31KDMnCJd1Z9kNDe9pHwcbon7oKbYTZtMuYoqAsp0rb3hJjRJ4ycVw3-hIjyJ/s640/blogger-image-1650371346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SwZJyLvVy-vpvEEg_b6VU5JLLCYeANo0CJI0vulm1-ofqtC-4a1dAPdkXRoRw6-UGK6fLINq7XC8d3C31KDMnCJd1Z9kNDe9pHwcbon7oKbYTZtMuYoqAsp0rb3hJjRJ4ycVw3-hIjyJ/s400/blogger-image-1650371346.jpg" width="339" /></a></div>
<br />
Makes me excited to create Miniature Spring/Summer sweets...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmEzjPKSubUXfczFgM7D-2gT0zCUkpqgo2fDyaU7b8T3nUUJxWAGTjdTfrV5hWETrVa-zt1YvdNpPzdFF0pAKiomQMDHxygjOVwYW4TtriAaUrVU-35XV1syp6Tfk1DVcgQpJUGX47ey2/s640/blogger-image--1826237912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmEzjPKSubUXfczFgM7D-2gT0zCUkpqgo2fDyaU7b8T3nUUJxWAGTjdTfrV5hWETrVa-zt1YvdNpPzdFF0pAKiomQMDHxygjOVwYW4TtriAaUrVU-35XV1syp6Tfk1DVcgQpJUGX47ey2/s400/blogger-image--1826237912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ_MyLPyDw2qKm88fqrCbXWMOhJ5uc7sSEFUb8l72OsgQPkp0Vnb8mojI-y-OyfNZ9Q4BAqz-ze6HYsOb8-PIk7oFEXIHrNP9A0m7PuYLeni04lMW8Q9aS3jZOE421t_VXLqYm0WR0LLt/s640/blogger-image-554163696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZ_MyLPyDw2qKm88fqrCbXWMOhJ5uc7sSEFUb8l72OsgQPkp0Vnb8mojI-y-OyfNZ9Q4BAqz-ze6HYsOb8-PIk7oFEXIHrNP9A0m7PuYLeni04lMW8Q9aS3jZOE421t_VXLqYm0WR0LLt/s640/blogger-image-554163696.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Seeing a real dresser used as a buffet...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg912vvtlJQKUsrhZEkThfmcWfQCcFgWEhrTDEeKEKZQdRUTZM6NAbZ3PmI0WTCAL0JFizEIViDzrN1FuHS3_xqKisOO3e4n5hG1lOBUkb4U9WbHRbaHndaK_Gc8MacdIdmJ1bDgsSShWS3/s640/blogger-image--1296700138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg912vvtlJQKUsrhZEkThfmcWfQCcFgWEhrTDEeKEKZQdRUTZM6NAbZ3PmI0WTCAL0JFizEIViDzrN1FuHS3_xqKisOO3e4n5hG1lOBUkb4U9WbHRbaHndaK_Gc8MacdIdmJ1bDgsSShWS3/s400/blogger-image--1296700138.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
<br />
Made me create one in my backyard for a brunch filled with delights..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwYCuolfXi7rDPCz0yDaZhTRBAba_olSvSGTP3Mj-zbvT9zR8I3jV2o2hhN1LqjIkLcHhnBNB-cMxdS8Xg2v_cz5GgjrBKfdI7xROlZ2A-30JQcC6iMJeGJ0XWjwyx3ykzORxAXxRw2en/s640/blogger-image-1150156647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwYCuolfXi7rDPCz0yDaZhTRBAba_olSvSGTP3Mj-zbvT9zR8I3jV2o2hhN1LqjIkLcHhnBNB-cMxdS8Xg2v_cz5GgjrBKfdI7xROlZ2A-30JQcC6iMJeGJ0XWjwyx3ykzORxAXxRw2en/s400/blogger-image-1150156647.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Visiting our NY bakeries...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqn48rc5UtT8yCptHFGqgLE2O_LLKmmR7xhYiClfEUkzKcf8lswf81ec7nB-cNWnK9Gg13eQ3B4IFZtNGTcDOAwYj5XRh4q7u4oPtesJziV5_SaADlyvXYmNZ5i1ZiUsLO0Mnf3DNwYL5/s640/blogger-image--1386866886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqn48rc5UtT8yCptHFGqgLE2O_LLKmmR7xhYiClfEUkzKcf8lswf81ec7nB-cNWnK9Gg13eQ3B4IFZtNGTcDOAwYj5XRh4q7u4oPtesJziV5_SaADlyvXYmNZ5i1ZiUsLO0Mnf3DNwYL5/s400/blogger-image--1386866886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Had me swooning over the basket of muffins...I had to make<br />
something similar in Miniature...Can you tell which is which?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT_9HAjxB7i8aBfnmWuJ-YEcMyV5d1h1k5RHGxcRAaisHQYr7qOBNp3fuuDJQi4KBGgnrfF1X4QZIwsYOFHgURj7zL-cwhPxqioHm1xqjnO-1yliyFwqko6bkY1C1r0VTf2IZPrPJPRXx/s640/blogger-image--747688775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT_9HAjxB7i8aBfnmWuJ-YEcMyV5d1h1k5RHGxcRAaisHQYr7qOBNp3fuuDJQi4KBGgnrfF1X4QZIwsYOFHgURj7zL-cwhPxqioHm1xqjnO-1yliyFwqko6bkY1C1r0VTf2IZPrPJPRXx/s400/blogger-image--747688775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Jennifer's Way Bakery is a vintage styled, your grandmother's kitchen inspired , dream come true for the actress Jennifer Espesito. It's located in NYC on the east side and is completely gluten-free, whole<br />
food based, all natural, made fresh all day long Bakery and just fabulous in every way! <br />
If you come to NY or live here, you must go!<br />
<br />
Here's my little version... :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv06L9EW8QwfoVaL8VDkUpkbPioAXtC7uSlqeKdoz_hjcqT4cGzNkPR60l9_s2i6jGiE0IgdxfTDBztR0gjIyOpb-nOTXh9fBsw6GELXYehsuQdMK43aJMHpeAwxWz_JYpDN48GM_LK3K/s640/blogger-image--2140784921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv06L9EW8QwfoVaL8VDkUpkbPioAXtC7uSlqeKdoz_hjcqT4cGzNkPR60l9_s2i6jGiE0IgdxfTDBztR0gjIyOpb-nOTXh9fBsw6GELXYehsuQdMK43aJMHpeAwxWz_JYpDN48GM_LK3K/s400/blogger-image--2140784921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of super healthy and delicious, besides working on Miniologie<br />
and my miniatures, I've been working (as I said it the previous post) full time<br />
on my own health.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say I'm very close to my goal weight , and the "numbers"<br />
I cared more about are all now perfect and I couldn't feel more blessed and happy<br />
about that. I feel like if I can do it, anyone can! I'm a food lover and I love the process<br />
of sitting down to a delicious meal with family and friends and not feeling deprived! <br />
That has never been easier than it is now. We have so much information out there and<br />
recipes, and books too. The trick was finding what worked for me. And I must say, more<br />
importantly, I wanted to weed out the "fad diets" and over the top extremists and just find<br />
something that was the most healthy way to eat.<br />
<br />
Basically, that's whole foods, less sugar, no processed foods and white flours,<br />
lots of plants and veggies and organic foods. I'll be sharing more about my life<br />
and health changing decisions and details, in upcoming posts, but if you'd like to<br />
follow along or start on your own journey, my Pinterest board is full of recipes and<br />
motivation: Just go to my Pinterest: Cynthia Lauren Sperin and the board is "A Healthy Life".<br />
In a couple weeks after our Miniologie is out , I will be posting much more about what<br />
I eat and how this has made everything in my life even more wonderful! <br />
<br />
Here's a little sneak peek at my board...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8cx-l2_GAtlCG6FvePB1UFV35GnxCbJeybMbFU_seI1AP29QKbQsR8C2UE9buwNGTghtCVJv91NiMzTtuu6mv8R6uIPHTwVB9MPO_p7lDA8QTfz8k-oVtgvMrWibfaJpUEbCx1ZesEvs/s640/blogger-image-1349797576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8cx-l2_GAtlCG6FvePB1UFV35GnxCbJeybMbFU_seI1AP29QKbQsR8C2UE9buwNGTghtCVJv91NiMzTtuu6mv8R6uIPHTwVB9MPO_p7lDA8QTfz8k-oVtgvMrWibfaJpUEbCx1ZesEvs/s640/blogger-image-1349797576.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM6oO-uZYNgCcFJR0EsCN63fIOfU7sU8MAgz4sDg854OuXYukXppPTilUfh5aijTbNzBSCxwmQW_DfZBkaBiDJaTdbEYT-Uypv0lOQBaanHhoYyImls8CLbWPkJWb5v9224u00WK8Ckcz/s640/blogger-image--732888643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM6oO-uZYNgCcFJR0EsCN63fIOfU7sU8MAgz4sDg854OuXYukXppPTilUfh5aijTbNzBSCxwmQW_DfZBkaBiDJaTdbEYT-Uypv0lOQBaanHhoYyImls8CLbWPkJWb5v9224u00WK8Ckcz/s640/blogger-image--732888643.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Taking care of yourself makes everything in life so much richer. Besides<br />
having something to keep passionate about such as hobbies with Mini's , or hobbies<br />
in basically anything, we all need to make sure we come from healthy places<br />
in our lives so we are the best we can be. I'm so happy I found a way to make<br />
that delicious and fun too! <br />
<br />
Here's one of many delicious green smoothie's I love... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtqEvonMuvNRoToVGqZSjIKXh6ZF0Nce6F4Zr520h7tffcqNhiidWDJufn9sweGBXMD0konBhrA8hAR9KNPXhNoR4tcIekmozaQ5mtAbgsUNtpj-HeXQSeC8tZKPO0jdbt7PJsTUcIKPR/s640/blogger-image--1148375202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtqEvonMuvNRoToVGqZSjIKXh6ZF0Nce6F4Zr520h7tffcqNhiidWDJufn9sweGBXMD0konBhrA8hAR9KNPXhNoR4tcIekmozaQ5mtAbgsUNtpj-HeXQSeC8tZKPO0jdbt7PJsTUcIKPR/s400/blogger-image--1148375202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just add to blender in this order: 1/4 cup water, 1 carrot, 1/2 cucumber, 2 tbs. Greek yogurt,<br />
1 cup fresh spinach, 1 apple. Delicious and so fresh! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
We'll be letting everyone know when Mini-ologie is out in a few days, so thank you for<br />
your patience everyone!<br />
<br />
Enjoy your weekend and I hope it's filled with beautiful weather and great health! <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hugs and kisses!! </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Cynthia xo</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-19274236238043700852014-03-10T18:21:00.001-04:002014-03-10T20:44:53.707-04:00Is it Spring yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIUoyyhyphenhyphenBLQNq7kRk02yXf15q2Ant68oAk-e4vdRe2PJZDaf8Vgq0jUFvWZLZ1EPeRiHFlOq_0h5Vg7VxYvBawzlrYekaXtzayodo95e8sqniJMYjaZ5_ltjcXKe-1GVjb2BgHZAWN9Kb/s640/blogger-image--2046929855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIUoyyhyphenhyphenBLQNq7kRk02yXf15q2Ant68oAk-e4vdRe2PJZDaf8Vgq0jUFvWZLZ1EPeRiHFlOq_0h5Vg7VxYvBawzlrYekaXtzayodo95e8sqniJMYjaZ5_ltjcXKe-1GVjb2BgHZAWN9Kb/s640/blogger-image--2046929855.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Hello friends!</b></i></span> Yes it's been awhile, that's for sure. Our winter has been way too long for my taste, but the last couple of weekends we've had some nice weather finally , and I can see Spring around the corner! It can't get here soon enough though. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The best thing to do while waiting for the lush green grass and buds to sprout , is keep busy preparing for it... That's exactly what I've been doing ;) Preparing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciSkLcCF4yESpU0NFvp7KHXAQ4trS3DwLOzbwn7_QpIV83S-UmpB49M2jsjBw9viRhY380vtNSjiJ58QYUQ56PZjz6coL60rk-n-wTbSd9PEgocY9FlFpvbCo2ydVJcpLL4OS5JPrDsxi/s640/blogger-image-176825929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciSkLcCF4yESpU0NFvp7KHXAQ4trS3DwLOzbwn7_QpIV83S-UmpB49M2jsjBw9viRhY380vtNSjiJ58QYUQ56PZjz6coL60rk-n-wTbSd9PEgocY9FlFpvbCo2ydVJcpLL4OS5JPrDsxi/s640/blogger-image-176825929.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've been busy in the mini kitchen baking up lots of sweets for a Bakery I'm working on for the Spring issue of Mini-ologie. And here's a little peek of some "fresh from the oven" cakes that will line the counters. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdSECE_UG3gNIWJgMOm8xATok8DemmQuIHTToqmolwXMkR5pQtnEJQ-u__ZXw1m7EWSS0B5CEpB0Xz8C4HJIiTle3DvkAE7VqosKP3I5NBF9kcvdo_zVJwji1tLcIe0R0adVyFltqkoXF/s640/blogger-image--153255045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdSECE_UG3gNIWJgMOm8xATok8DemmQuIHTToqmolwXMkR5pQtnEJQ-u__ZXw1m7EWSS0B5CEpB0Xz8C4HJIiTle3DvkAE7VqosKP3I5NBF9kcvdo_zVJwji1tLcIe0R0adVyFltqkoXF/s400/blogger-image--153255045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've also been working on a little kitchen with a laundry room. (ps: Thank you Diane Melcher!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxParnomUhsfl5TTsVUYNzYfMxRVVVQFU7MCe8vXKGhdGIL8-aLKhC3ZYt3Yztocd4LLE9ZOEsYuoB1ssZaQIl_6heV9n31OwNugdotPQ8xCW50Sx3VrxUAdiaVw3imA2I2WWi6C8gQtvA/s640/blogger-image--1928585023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxParnomUhsfl5TTsVUYNzYfMxRVVVQFU7MCe8vXKGhdGIL8-aLKhC3ZYt3Yztocd4LLE9ZOEsYuoB1ssZaQIl_6heV9n31OwNugdotPQ8xCW50Sx3VrxUAdiaVw3imA2I2WWi6C8gQtvA/s640/blogger-image--1928585023.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've been trying my hand at a few new techniques also. Some of my mini cakes will be a smooth dense surface and others will be flaky , deep with delicious buttery moistness like below. I call it the Duncan Hines look ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19GUhCTuhH4fBv8426MWuSCQ52KLEvHy7SoH-dm39664FSSSL7jv6ICim87iYt-MhNWK_EPqLxDHAYslV3acwxNspg4xxmO_jPmlqhOPlGeKHpHkgci_stIU54_LlgcQjJaKcSMCXQHDR/s640/blogger-image--315980680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19GUhCTuhH4fBv8426MWuSCQ52KLEvHy7SoH-dm39664FSSSL7jv6ICim87iYt-MhNWK_EPqLxDHAYslV3acwxNspg4xxmO_jPmlqhOPlGeKHpHkgci_stIU54_LlgcQjJaKcSMCXQHDR/s640/blogger-image--315980680.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is my little inspiration board for the Bakery below... It'll have some of the aspects of a favorite bakery of mine. Sweet Melissa's. Which closed it's doors in Brooklyn, but still has a website. I sure do miss walking in there! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFS_qY2Z8yFh3HoApGzZiTF58dRnEl_Ylm7aOC83GhNRfq-iJnCIL9SOm_hO-wfly8GSXIn7tyTMW2T_my3OKip6BNSDLMgbrLyuXgbYFoMrhEDczR5YRdDhE8UDcIt4SDT9p9-LfQBVp/s640/blogger-image-1989110771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFS_qY2Z8yFh3HoApGzZiTF58dRnEl_Ylm7aOC83GhNRfq-iJnCIL9SOm_hO-wfly8GSXIn7tyTMW2T_my3OKip6BNSDLMgbrLyuXgbYFoMrhEDczR5YRdDhE8UDcIt4SDT9p9-LfQBVp/s640/blogger-image-1989110771.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've also been playing with air-dry clay (below) and Copic and Distress markers. It's been so much fun learning new ways to design miniature food! I love experimenting and playing scientist. I never want to stop learning because to me, that's half the fun. I'm not sure I'd switch over from polymer to air dry clay, but it's fun for certain items. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIUDWlVgPlkjEcRAksMNA1ZDmNSs_048XAh9Uhg-a6_cmdAXpNmK_FiL-NSU_qZRzAgz_FcjGquXlvZ1YtAX3hdmhFzIITuwzlIe9yyDAl1tnVVYDS-wdbRlqEUQOUOm5VnxJAx0wMoM4/s640/blogger-image-518095591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIUDWlVgPlkjEcRAksMNA1ZDmNSs_048XAh9Uhg-a6_cmdAXpNmK_FiL-NSU_qZRzAgz_FcjGquXlvZ1YtAX3hdmhFzIITuwzlIe9yyDAl1tnVVYDS-wdbRlqEUQOUOm5VnxJAx0wMoM4/s640/blogger-image-518095591.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well the past month hasn't been all about minis. It's been about finding time to be good to myself and get as healthy for the new year as I can. I've always appreciated good wholesome food , with little processed food in my diet. But now, I've taken it a step further by switching over to <b>all</b> organic , very plant based , much less meat, etc way of eating. I love my pies /sweets as most of you know, lol, but there is room for everything if cooked and baked with my health in mind. I've grown to love a daily green shake, fresh whole organic milk, and so many amazing new foods. So far my body has thanked me by shedding 20 pounds (that I've wanted off for years lol) and it's like my insides are much happier. :) Which btw, over the winter, I was sick so often with one thing or another, that I did this diet/lifestyle turn-around just to finally get well! So it was sort of by default, lol, but however I got here it was worth it and I've never felt better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As a miniature artist, a lot of time is spent on creating and sculpting and I'm afraid I wasn't balancing that with enough exercise throughout the day, so now my running shoes have a lot more worn out treads on them and that's been a great change for me. It's great to love working on miniatures, but I've got to remember to make myself a priority too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Be good to you!! ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB4UoU8IXdJO4Ah6jSkvz16Qik_wPjk1plv7cFc1agD4gAVMDnYoPKdjTZfIXJDVhdw8VbEnvnOU5GSL6ANC3FIOGaQ2ul0PnPdqdcaeYzY_Yw7e6UactckKinkJUxnntDRw53EymS55a/s640/blogger-image-2057104546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB4UoU8IXdJO4Ah6jSkvz16Qik_wPjk1plv7cFc1agD4gAVMDnYoPKdjTZfIXJDVhdw8VbEnvnOU5GSL6ANC3FIOGaQ2ul0PnPdqdcaeYzY_Yw7e6UactckKinkJUxnntDRw53EymS55a/s640/blogger-image-2057104546.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here are a few photos of some delicious and healthy foods I've fallen in love with. I plan on starting a recipe collection and tips board on Pinterest, so stay tuned if you'd like some great ideas for meals, organic gardening, and easy life changing ideas. Who can refuse a chicken pot pie that is guilt free?! Or how great is it to learn that whole milk is allowed in a healthy diet? I was so used to skim milk, I actually didn't think I'd love "whole" again, or even want to drink it. I'm not even a big milk person, but it's just delicious! And of course, being a vintage style loving girl, who doesn't love an old fashioned milk bottle? ;) Honestly, milk tastes better by a mile when in glass! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU3QciVmr2GbrPAWnj63t_Lj5vBsBJ9t5GOKr8YUF9gJatXm4faBs6XNaNG3W9ML7abtOb9F004UAl9TacFpioNFwaxfyfIW5xEFMv0BrjcTdZhpzFgAfrsv-Q8OLv-o2uEuMX2eXBofE/s640/blogger-image--362873230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU3QciVmr2GbrPAWnj63t_Lj5vBsBJ9t5GOKr8YUF9gJatXm4faBs6XNaNG3W9ML7abtOb9F004UAl9TacFpioNFwaxfyfIW5xEFMv0BrjcTdZhpzFgAfrsv-Q8OLv-o2uEuMX2eXBofE/s640/blogger-image--362873230.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I spent a little time enjoying our local farm markets this weekend. I was actually out shopping for seeds for my garden this Spring, but I got very side tracked at a new farmers market on Long Island. I loved that I didn't have to drive out east on the island to get there either, it was practically right around the corner! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Thank you <i><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://kerbersfarm.com/" target="_blank"><b>Kerber's Farm</b></a></span> </i>, for having such a fabulous bakery filled with fresh baked beauties and the best apple crumb pie (and gluten free to boot) that I've ever eaten! (and that's including a regular flour based one!). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here's a little tour... I can only imagine how great it'll be when your garden vegetable shop is filled , and the flowers are blooming! I'll be back often! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygdd0tq6VifZoUxWB7LTg9vGVjVTQpTEwusrnMiHpJFwR-CYzYpBZhUaWyhL1sWYLPXh2giZaxFjrhXGaIvy1c6LM0wQhHTGkU5IAjFAAD6lKDPScT6ul5kVHt4OfW5NUjTPbQvWicWwg/s640/blogger-image-1916239778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygdd0tq6VifZoUxWB7LTg9vGVjVTQpTEwusrnMiHpJFwR-CYzYpBZhUaWyhL1sWYLPXh2giZaxFjrhXGaIvy1c6LM0wQhHTGkU5IAjFAAD6lKDPScT6ul5kVHt4OfW5NUjTPbQvWicWwg/s640/blogger-image-1916239778.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
They also sell wonderful kitchen accessories too!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDi_cLiZ6_znBF6hdAg92vxP3w3X_Nqw16rDcJnv4eOM0DjhoM8mOiPVqnY3kxF3t6BsCX2-bW04jbbCw6hq1w2fPy8qLfuw4LNFcZC6DPpjzu7ZpYUz31uBmITy8RRUYg676TW_uGSMe/s640/blogger-image--611760004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDi_cLiZ6_znBF6hdAg92vxP3w3X_Nqw16rDcJnv4eOM0DjhoM8mOiPVqnY3kxF3t6BsCX2-bW04jbbCw6hq1w2fPy8qLfuw4LNFcZC6DPpjzu7ZpYUz31uBmITy8RRUYg676TW_uGSMe/s640/blogger-image--611760004.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSap9_9Uo_kYIhtWfT0TLOqeAZPIJwJu0o8EWdoEMAtFMEqsusoECl5zPe9f-7Dye58oZEiZR5byIKjbIpzH4SlXT65z_f5eMb1Jg8Rz7fTDFEgz5jxbLVA7kkMYmNOZBw38Zo1svRfDGj/s640/blogger-image--967027841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSap9_9Uo_kYIhtWfT0TLOqeAZPIJwJu0o8EWdoEMAtFMEqsusoECl5zPe9f-7Dye58oZEiZR5byIKjbIpzH4SlXT65z_f5eMb1Jg8Rz7fTDFEgz5jxbLVA7kkMYmNOZBw38Zo1svRfDGj/s640/blogger-image--967027841.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And of course, I can't wait till your cases are filled with fresh eggs daily. I hope they start over flowing soon, or I might have to start raising chickens myself :). I say that with a giggle , but honestly, I've been researching chickens a lot this week. I found out my township allows up to 8 in our backyard, so I got all excited and I've been trying to convince Mr. Cottage that they will fit right in! If anyone has "raising chickens in suburbia" tips or thoughts, I'd love to hear! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6TVKK8m42cH_ncv7ntF5ExysRdg9Ow58JAKMYtG7AIGRjf6Zmoa7FvX2vgv3NA180Nv2RPZ8XNrNRbtlXUu1kWjczoW2Au5pXcSZwhTjuTjO-r8LEosehDFD2Kj4NHo_P0NPUaqt0J_0/s640/blogger-image-1669807647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6TVKK8m42cH_ncv7ntF5ExysRdg9Ow58JAKMYtG7AIGRjf6Zmoa7FvX2vgv3NA180Nv2RPZ8XNrNRbtlXUu1kWjczoW2Au5pXcSZwhTjuTjO-r8LEosehDFD2Kj4NHo_P0NPUaqt0J_0/s640/blogger-image-1669807647.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I wanted to bring home this salvaged door from Kerbers with me, perfect as a kitchen island or coffee table! ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NPId36B9rxtwp5DKmQAC8pbixy6o9EHf6eLgsOq9C98_Hx_YL54VmauL-tJ9yeFVo8RgXV-QPuZcpMeIIH0rNPKGnSj9WQxtSXg9ZnlJCfjMM7yoJTuiH_gMbd0ON1IwSw9zcQMpCNkb/s640/blogger-image-917517183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NPId36B9rxtwp5DKmQAC8pbixy6o9EHf6eLgsOq9C98_Hx_YL54VmauL-tJ9yeFVo8RgXV-QPuZcpMeIIH0rNPKGnSj9WQxtSXg9ZnlJCfjMM7yoJTuiH_gMbd0ON1IwSw9zcQMpCNkb/s640/blogger-image-917517183.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-39Ma5q7JafU93mFcVF9oEQakCeWWzp-XyKZKtCukpD3xN8NznVPBVWFgUtN2xGeYzNmzaWTye_-4TGSs33Btk7PFMwElyPsun1hyphenhyphenJqqMej78gJW9xQnEDck7HbO4HuJLzYOfIrcV7oc/s640/blogger-image-1429975785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-39Ma5q7JafU93mFcVF9oEQakCeWWzp-XyKZKtCukpD3xN8NznVPBVWFgUtN2xGeYzNmzaWTye_-4TGSs33Btk7PFMwElyPsun1hyphenhyphenJqqMej78gJW9xQnEDck7HbO4HuJLzYOfIrcV7oc/s640/blogger-image-1429975785.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mCVjvzPuDnmfAA1uXnc6PQwWPUjDFhnEjRbXQ6Fv-LxHN6dtq6L7XDb-G6PsCFD5V4KKz0CuPb8Q5QkBngQ97xyjfZ9fzjnKp4oev7n1TV29gggXgeu_Ia8rg1XWs7OyQWufN6ubUYnK/s640/blogger-image--200066572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_mCVjvzPuDnmfAA1uXnc6PQwWPUjDFhnEjRbXQ6Fv-LxHN6dtq6L7XDb-G6PsCFD5V4KKz0CuPb8Q5QkBngQ97xyjfZ9fzjnKp4oev7n1TV29gggXgeu_Ia8rg1XWs7OyQWufN6ubUYnK/s640/blogger-image--200066572.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I stocked up on some delicious Jams, homemade sweets , and just had such a nice time visiting this sweet little farm. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8VTnw9eo3JI0nKzRajy_qXVTS4ZC6parB6ZJsg_xzj9mXiWZ-gJ3apmdVZpsPxblYEPAiSJ_psnGsGAecLgRU1FLkx_9m2lKBJNg-jo4G3r9adK43HmwTM-q2cbApUhkgHottsXab48a/s640/blogger-image-37757929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8VTnw9eo3JI0nKzRajy_qXVTS4ZC6parB6ZJsg_xzj9mXiWZ-gJ3apmdVZpsPxblYEPAiSJ_psnGsGAecLgRU1FLkx_9m2lKBJNg-jo4G3r9adK43HmwTM-q2cbApUhkgHottsXab48a/s640/blogger-image-37757929.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36FLdFrKCXQeMcgYTjpNXdflr_h3Ub6n-lgy-TJ8HWJMIiLRQjek-az5vxcd4M5ht8cSiFKLb1ga5w7HTSWAhVOqZjWkX6IT6aYtLYpwonYWRcGhBN7VUgwXhRA55brbaa4XEqF27c-Sd/s640/blogger-image-1526523169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36FLdFrKCXQeMcgYTjpNXdflr_h3Ub6n-lgy-TJ8HWJMIiLRQjek-az5vxcd4M5ht8cSiFKLb1ga5w7HTSWAhVOqZjWkX6IT6aYtLYpwonYWRcGhBN7VUgwXhRA55brbaa4XEqF27c-Sd/s640/blogger-image-1526523169.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_g_CoRf50ZMasxxc2LnODqi_T2symLo7664CYnYBX8UMqRWNKAS8sTSxQpkLv6RAJw95YLuaDqvvt2cHVL5xVoDJZS-2LiDCNlZLCbPp-ipnUdnnWXE7tFpktwVt7HskWCMFrZLSoFYU/s640/blogger-image--964826175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_g_CoRf50ZMasxxc2LnODqi_T2symLo7664CYnYBX8UMqRWNKAS8sTSxQpkLv6RAJw95YLuaDqvvt2cHVL5xVoDJZS-2LiDCNlZLCbPp-ipnUdnnWXE7tFpktwVt7HskWCMFrZLSoFYU/s640/blogger-image--964826175.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After our visit, my girl gang (Mom and Melanie) and our driver (Mr. Cottage) were off to get what we came out for.... <i>Garden goodies: </i>Seeds, books, ideas, and fresh veggies from another local farm: Makinajian's. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I love this place too! And being that we've only had pockets of 50+ degree days here and there, when it's nice out, you've got to keep going lol! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit39FaEXcTS8P6yFKj8lw2tafmxdJ-_z1llS5RJlnOXocRQ1OIkTrRRb3K98S9QNH0Lxl-bnsk2uXG1S39jf7BfOXgbL17wQNiTohyphenhyphenQbkvbXok9bENZz8oaNNASKrK7jzcZihM5wLKpdtO/s640/blogger-image--530699633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit39FaEXcTS8P6yFKj8lw2tafmxdJ-_z1llS5RJlnOXocRQ1OIkTrRRb3K98S9QNH0Lxl-bnsk2uXG1S39jf7BfOXgbL17wQNiTohyphenhyphenQbkvbXok9bENZz8oaNNASKrK7jzcZihM5wLKpdtO/s640/blogger-image--530699633.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'm hoping when I'm all finished "preparing" for Spring/Summer, the end result will be something like this kitchen garden photo below. (<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.ellenogden.com/book/" target="_blank"><i><b>Ellen Ecker Ogden- The Complete Kitchen Garden book</b></i></a></span>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KJzFfXC1kypi10PVkxB800Bz17YvE7R7m2uAwJ8pyzhyjB4Rpx2z-8OFNi1W754Ooo3T9cOEtGaR9ieuFd1ec7qB7hwNnpRjyf96_nwuTPNzepdoDt0iWwzCWHp1yuBzDciAW_iwlINW/s640/blogger-image-146328754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KJzFfXC1kypi10PVkxB800Bz17YvE7R7m2uAwJ8pyzhyjB4Rpx2z-8OFNi1W754Ooo3T9cOEtGaR9ieuFd1ec7qB7hwNnpRjyf96_nwuTPNzepdoDt0iWwzCWHp1yuBzDciAW_iwlINW/s640/blogger-image-146328754.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One of each below....and more inside :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDdcufe_ZnA-NJBTb3NvGNN6B-f_inRW1P0EU_JhUlKWpWTENg-0rAYX3MSAjshuov9nDBXScMJEJOTJRzldnsa7eTKJu2BpAQ8dd5bOM_l6fa4volS9azFHRs8GJfqYfQBiJ1K_-kd7s/s640/blogger-image--791448876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDdcufe_ZnA-NJBTb3NvGNN6B-f_inRW1P0EU_JhUlKWpWTENg-0rAYX3MSAjshuov9nDBXScMJEJOTJRzldnsa7eTKJu2BpAQ8dd5bOM_l6fa4volS9azFHRs8GJfqYfQBiJ1K_-kd7s/s640/blogger-image--791448876.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
But for now, it's veggies from the market.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnZd328Yla4SoeGedbNwJ18hgV0iKKSodwSFcDm7iDBzKUJE5dRAFBeRUa3JR0FPVDmGkZQ1y2PWiWkMPwdVAud5F3wOFi34505Fh_zhB92P2ON5gp_sdTqNCc8nXfTilhXwVKwqC7dN-/s640/blogger-image-1946583940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnZd328Yla4SoeGedbNwJ18hgV0iKKSodwSFcDm7iDBzKUJE5dRAFBeRUa3JR0FPVDmGkZQ1y2PWiWkMPwdVAud5F3wOFi34505Fh_zhB92P2ON5gp_sdTqNCc8nXfTilhXwVKwqC7dN-/s640/blogger-image-1946583940.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCEXdj3YyKVUkE_eQMQX656yWwpr_6Ce1fVkq49RRQ_FskUgy8fZ71BlibFLN78a3laTGIoYA6GTwkjM7IoP4if-gQ7cXBXM471VQSejQBRfUuy2BG1o-elyJcN7O6SBdeqX1KD4KYX-N/s640/blogger-image-1861450828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCEXdj3YyKVUkE_eQMQX656yWwpr_6Ce1fVkq49RRQ_FskUgy8fZ71BlibFLN78a3laTGIoYA6GTwkjM7IoP4if-gQ7cXBXM471VQSejQBRfUuy2BG1o-elyJcN7O6SBdeqX1KD4KYX-N/s640/blogger-image-1861450828.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So while the snow keeps melting..... <i>you'll find me reading garden books, researching backyard chickens, making miniatures and scenes for Spring Mini-ologie and .... last but not least.. Eating a tiny slice of healthy pie :) </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8jO0JAg7jbsGz9-oL6NvDmowhFnO3XxrDNW99_i78ZA4rE3l0Mspkwdre0AKNbJbH99QgN9-SuJaySCpGsQVfeOsvmpEqYPMVZFGdSvsqpVyZIcP-Lj2vuyEl4uBJv1tbjWnF8REsh2O/s640/blogger-image--1790405826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8jO0JAg7jbsGz9-oL6NvDmowhFnO3XxrDNW99_i78ZA4rE3l0Mspkwdre0AKNbJbH99QgN9-SuJaySCpGsQVfeOsvmpEqYPMVZFGdSvsqpVyZIcP-Lj2vuyEl4uBJv1tbjWnF8REsh2O/s640/blogger-image--1790405826.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I hope the beginning of Spring is coming your way too! </span></span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Oops, I almost forgot... I also got rid of my non-stick cookware this winter. I've cooked with both iron and non stick for as long as I've been cooking, but now I've decided to go to <b>all </b>Iron. Food just tastes so much better cooked the old fashioned way, not to mention how much healthier cooking in </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Cast iron is! If you haven't tried it yet, I highly reccomend it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEC3WAdbYP1fKV-TzSfBvXSAlJag19alfDg__VmTchldIrtasCObAej0RQbe361_RPyUVt7eoO-mS8rSJ4LwD0Fg5fCW5sI2aDuEq69OApe0CsbOU3mkEehnuXs0rAISbhHGtjzwrjYcR/s640/blogger-image--1438246888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEC3WAdbYP1fKV-TzSfBvXSAlJag19alfDg__VmTchldIrtasCObAej0RQbe361_RPyUVt7eoO-mS8rSJ4LwD0Fg5fCW5sI2aDuEq69OApe0CsbOU3mkEehnuXs0rAISbhHGtjzwrjYcR/s640/blogger-image--1438246888.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I couldn't resist a little lamb cookie cutter when I ordered my new pan set. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pbjh6IGuFPgLqSUYUVgnmyuvFbZ90QY0002w8CGnZVrJ6Fhld2LAZf8-znYgEZmmm-6RFBmFInDittR0hlOVrrEm2Z9Ar-YQq2ifv34_9fzDPMxhjMoqDm5coXr3fKiZZjqATDNfjrD8/s640/blogger-image-1487645179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pbjh6IGuFPgLqSUYUVgnmyuvFbZ90QY0002w8CGnZVrJ6Fhld2LAZf8-znYgEZmmm-6RFBmFInDittR0hlOVrrEm2Z9Ar-YQq2ifv34_9fzDPMxhjMoqDm5coXr3fKiZZjqATDNfjrD8/s640/blogger-image-1487645179.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>I wish you all ...a beautiful , charming , and healthy week ahead! </b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7piW5owK52ACKOzM6xv23uMzWXpoJb6QCzk5MVq9hTRdVmc5JSNkDgh9YyJWnq8G1ai-FODdC9qCcniAl66nl-dQoU5KPlPWiJRz-NSUT4Uv7oD0r1a2EwoQpUxB_FaZv6YNAisesSkV/s640/blogger-image-526501824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7piW5owK52ACKOzM6xv23uMzWXpoJb6QCzk5MVq9hTRdVmc5JSNkDgh9YyJWnq8G1ai-FODdC9qCcniAl66nl-dQoU5KPlPWiJRz-NSUT4Uv7oD0r1a2EwoQpUxB_FaZv6YNAisesSkV/s640/blogger-image-526501824.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><b>"Enjoy the simple things..... like the quiet time of day when the sun streams onto the kitchen counter, and the smell of Spring is in the morning air". </b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Hugs and love,</b></span></i></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cynthia x0 </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-80810457299184106332014-01-25T13:04:00.000-05:002014-01-25T13:05:35.953-05:00Staying warm in January<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ-6TBwpio5Jzhsbep_NuE_g53ojFEPsi_RnwzGxpiRKPaPJ1c2JrAEcSl5O9dfhq43MIsaubEYhsrH0-VBUaLpmLtKIvx8dja-vK-9uJHHai3k72Rl-gsz5AzcIMz-EeoZ-0SVEFr4V2/s640/blogger-image--1389644029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQ-6TBwpio5Jzhsbep_NuE_g53ojFEPsi_RnwzGxpiRKPaPJ1c2JrAEcSl5O9dfhq43MIsaubEYhsrH0-VBUaLpmLtKIvx8dja-vK-9uJHHai3k72Rl-gsz5AzcIMz-EeoZ-0SVEFr4V2/s400/blogger-image--1389644029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I know I'm not the only one with a case of cabin fever these days due to the record low temperatures this winter. So after being sick for a few weeks I'm doing my very best to keep warm and busy, it's a bit of a challenge with the "busy" part this winter because I'm more apt to want to read a good book under a cozy throw or find a movie with Melanie (home for winter break from college) and escape a bit. I have a feeling my sweet daughter would find more thrills back in her "home away from home" NYC dorm life than here for sure, but hopefully in a couple weeks I'll feel a hint of Spring and feel rejuvenated. I'm hopeful ;) I wish so hard for the first couple magical snowfalls and then admittedly, I am done. Onto the next breath of fresh air and season ahead. In the meantime, I did get a little bit accomplished this January. Very little though..... ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCNkGPrQk40RnpcKMO4kmwcHnrS4JmOL1IjiZzIm__2sRv_mXe-I7k68b2ECM5UYdjHg19ju8NJxBMw1uaMUJdrC3SBFzsYqa9Dp-fNgDsSubL1EwLI_HJG9DlP6k3ajFldR9Yn8k8P2t/s640/blogger-image-1038700777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCNkGPrQk40RnpcKMO4kmwcHnrS4JmOL1IjiZzIm__2sRv_mXe-I7k68b2ECM5UYdjHg19ju8NJxBMw1uaMUJdrC3SBFzsYqa9Dp-fNgDsSubL1EwLI_HJG9DlP6k3ajFldR9Yn8k8P2t/s400/blogger-image-1038700777.jpg" width="369" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A few sweet miniatures made for an upcoming bakery project....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NJ__WJRXz7hnlHL-UF5-fuZOHMRmZL8Pvx-d5YPsxs4tESGxYvNme4aCliPMWMW2Si2b7NJb-Tu_uu13zcY19hA0UMzY53Q6V60PBB5_ujgrF3gpQB9PFRqLI0LrXobPQLvz45vDJAxT/s640/blogger-image--531584361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NJ__WJRXz7hnlHL-UF5-fuZOHMRmZL8Pvx-d5YPsxs4tESGxYvNme4aCliPMWMW2Si2b7NJb-Tu_uu13zcY19hA0UMzY53Q6V60PBB5_ujgrF3gpQB9PFRqLI0LrXobPQLvz45vDJAxT/s400/blogger-image--531584361.jpg" width="341" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I decided to make curtain/shades (above) for the bakery windows from cotton burlap and they made me smile ;)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZVMvBID9ghBeIaROyHCHWAjZlpRt9y85JQTeKAP17GoEm3XqithlWk2s-pYfAgagHrAKxtXFbt-AFqXGLdmcnGhyMXX9Lpln_uK0pUVVPW7Xs9aXtcJ31pYHJ8eTuzHy6BLNR95hWYv-/s640/blogger-image-1081810567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZVMvBID9ghBeIaROyHCHWAjZlpRt9y85JQTeKAP17GoEm3XqithlWk2s-pYfAgagHrAKxtXFbt-AFqXGLdmcnGhyMXX9Lpln_uK0pUVVPW7Xs9aXtcJ31pYHJ8eTuzHy6BLNR95hWYv-/s400/blogger-image-1081810567.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">A few warm nights by a fire with movies on....and a couple days were spent making homemade soap with Mel. I loved this easy and rewarding craft project! Thanks to a Pinterest search: "Homemade goats milk soap" and we were off and running ;) I also enjoyed another great escape... A little retail therapy. Again, I didn't have to go too far on the snow packed roads, but instead, right to <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><a href="http://www.susanbranch.com/" target="_blank">Susan Branch's</a></i></span> online shop. I've wanted these sweet lambs below for awhile for the mantel and I finally treated myself to them. Aren't they wonderful? Every time I look at them, I think of the sweet Spring ahead! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCiBA13pw5Lkm3R0Fyckzx6eJYBtijKSrqgXfHmycud0T0ErU_yDGY0V_a5l7XLbUDLm0m2A66Wk94GwgSp4KMHrtqCIcgPoK6hPFAOO4j4FIYj7e5HdN8slJvKZoYJQImnEdha1E9Ar2/s640/blogger-image-934206936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCiBA13pw5Lkm3R0Fyckzx6eJYBtijKSrqgXfHmycud0T0ErU_yDGY0V_a5l7XLbUDLm0m2A66Wk94GwgSp4KMHrtqCIcgPoK6hPFAOO4j4FIYj7e5HdN8slJvKZoYJQImnEdha1E9Ar2/s400/blogger-image-934206936.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Because of all our snow lately and beyond freezing temps, it's harder getting motivated to get out and about. But I was ready with my new Hunter boots when they were called for... I love Hunter! And I was happy I had some nice shopping excursions to wear them out and about besides walking around the slushy town. Melanie and I love this antique and reproduction shop a few miles away and it was a nice escape for a day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHEa9HxFsvUlQHo4i361RQ1zgPnho4FTZVi1SCbUoMSYQrlAuWleNk0R3YmkbrwrRhbEkesLZooQ2tpUo6ObD7U6w3fe5QDF5Re56q327kHxj3mGSb0eSLZeGBO6eiaoUwc8PwR-OIN_1/s640/blogger-image-2029235228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHEa9HxFsvUlQHo4i361RQ1zgPnho4FTZVi1SCbUoMSYQrlAuWleNk0R3YmkbrwrRhbEkesLZooQ2tpUo6ObD7U6w3fe5QDF5Re56q327kHxj3mGSb0eSLZeGBO6eiaoUwc8PwR-OIN_1/s400/blogger-image-2029235228.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I would like one of everything! ;) I picked myself up some treats, but I also get so many ideas for minis when I'm out too.... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCVr-04u7f2VyQIXqY9Xr_A_cQoRHe8mPezvCP_K6uFwE23L0Hnq534az5xrCQNHqWaL6EOahz_8YbHI8lGkBwmjbBIO9iLx-W_IAMZZLPMxclGdY7pZ-2XWZETqQGIcLrKv-W3Q_p1sl/s640/blogger-image-2029005946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCVr-04u7f2VyQIXqY9Xr_A_cQoRHe8mPezvCP_K6uFwE23L0Hnq534az5xrCQNHqWaL6EOahz_8YbHI8lGkBwmjbBIO9iLx-W_IAMZZLPMxclGdY7pZ-2XWZETqQGIcLrKv-W3Q_p1sl/s400/blogger-image-2029005946.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Love this... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-8alIMBRoxdu1CYzmXgE7R5_6suKND1Aj26Sc4k3yDQXyCG05I53MU_i3nhWg36uNyBnLMIPHdB4PWJ6gT2nvBvUV0pTulIqPP88tC-OeY5X2rBTANbrrmvtzs6kD0RSJJQMxWoXPvfV/s640/blogger-image-1200303811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-8alIMBRoxdu1CYzmXgE7R5_6suKND1Aj26Sc4k3yDQXyCG05I53MU_i3nhWg36uNyBnLMIPHdB4PWJ6gT2nvBvUV0pTulIqPP88tC-OeY5X2rBTANbrrmvtzs6kD0RSJJQMxWoXPvfV/s400/blogger-image-1200303811.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I bought this candle too , it smells like the ocean and is perfect for a sensory vacation in the middle of winter. <i>This is how I'll get through the cold, pretend pretend pretend!! :)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvktmWCX6cbPwuEfzZ4fPIv57KoAcDBqbSHqJyqkdONWu3BwMugcnApLbnPgJMcCVfjqUP5EMfzjeDQkg4Sk4C9djtRZAPyB53eUZgRtNEQI398J7oDpMN9lGvP2sQWYyuBzcPLsA6rBY/s640/blogger-image--1140238280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvktmWCX6cbPwuEfzZ4fPIv57KoAcDBqbSHqJyqkdONWu3BwMugcnApLbnPgJMcCVfjqUP5EMfzjeDQkg4Sk4C9djtRZAPyB53eUZgRtNEQI398J7oDpMN9lGvP2sQWYyuBzcPLsA6rBY/s400/blogger-image--1140238280.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Green depression glass Celtic S&P shakers came home with me too... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgXWjYtjIgEJ71ON6o8VE6YnfFcpTpEoB2gasShZhFAbngFa2zg9kJ1KveHoHEIQBbP5tWBWgzUKEjsZz6A6qUc5GG6Q0ZTXm9NUPXjb4oLQ2FvMC9Jx1Y1DpS9p4NDdXXSP6bYXzCNqg/s640/blogger-image--1971483327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgXWjYtjIgEJ71ON6o8VE6YnfFcpTpEoB2gasShZhFAbngFa2zg9kJ1KveHoHEIQBbP5tWBWgzUKEjsZz6A6qUc5GG6Q0ZTXm9NUPXjb4oLQ2FvMC9Jx1Y1DpS9p4NDdXXSP6bYXzCNqg/s400/blogger-image--1971483327.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now it's time to focus on the beautiful season ahead for me... Hurry Spring! Hmmm, but it's not even February you say!?! Yes lol, I know, but because I do have to work on the Spring issue of Mini-ologie, I luckily will be living in that frame of mind. ;) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Dreaming of roses, Spring flowers, light colors, shabby loved pieces, delicious sweet bakeries, and magical beautiful things from real life into miniature forms for everyone to see! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXx-T89nB0kyk7IRmto_W4mAoh4gWv46Q0v7fnJZ9unf_B_7hsXc9a1VH3GJEMBqTZ8GwU9iAZ9QtTWFF0IY2bKbK-zftyUsk3r058ykEZyjj5GKCbLmfdu16Je1dmBcR8Ghyphenhyphenrcn0uicV/s640/blogger-image-543143303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXx-T89nB0kyk7IRmto_W4mAoh4gWv46Q0v7fnJZ9unf_B_7hsXc9a1VH3GJEMBqTZ8GwU9iAZ9QtTWFF0IY2bKbK-zftyUsk3r058ykEZyjj5GKCbLmfdu16Je1dmBcR8Ghyphenhyphenrcn0uicV/s400/blogger-image-543143303.jpg" width="325" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I hope your winter is finding you in less snow than we have, and warmer temperatures than here! If not, you're not alone, so let's hang in there together!! A little trip to the book store helps a bit too, I gathered up some Spring inspiration there and this one below was just the perfect one for me! I think you'll love it too! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclUUzUQBngij4Kgx6hzgV2Q6DWlaYMXIO68k-FKlSr714h7I87mNC31iLCpHhMdlrdqEeFs7jggRDfIlGeT1PN1XhXNOmPmTR8XNFFLwdDRQRxZgcvFFjFfEH-RlSmk1cMHSzP2unUVuz/s640/blogger-image-367657093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclUUzUQBngij4Kgx6hzgV2Q6DWlaYMXIO68k-FKlSr714h7I87mNC31iLCpHhMdlrdqEeFs7jggRDfIlGeT1PN1XhXNOmPmTR8XNFFLwdDRQRxZgcvFFjFfEH-RlSmk1cMHSzP2unUVuz/s400/blogger-image-367657093.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>Hugs and love sweet friends!! xox</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cynthia </span></b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-90174012225481599332013-12-31T09:49:00.001-05:002013-12-31T09:49:35.222-05:00Welcome 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBOViyr8VbR1sKzToD71uFZAu2rFK79VBH5wagKPvVvd6Ta6H2aZH6WXkpzY0t8W5H0DKC0W3P7Fi2Odh40dqtSFEioiSw2_SSDXpRrFZUOHfBh8pmI36PrwozGVUxPvWwZHK7zfP7gWp/s640/blogger-image-1681067093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBOViyr8VbR1sKzToD71uFZAu2rFK79VBH5wagKPvVvd6Ta6H2aZH6WXkpzY0t8W5H0DKC0W3P7Fi2Odh40dqtSFEioiSw2_SSDXpRrFZUOHfBh8pmI36PrwozGVUxPvWwZHK7zfP7gWp/s640/blogger-image-1681067093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a busy holiday season it's been! But , it's time to ring in the New Year! Welcome 2014! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've not been a big one on resolutions in the past, but I made a list for 2014 and I'm aiming to keep up on it ;). Do you make resolutions or yearly goal lists? Some of mine are: Try a new activity and teach myself something new each month, reach a higher fitness and healthy eating level, more outdoor activities, less technology (lol, except for blogging, FB check-ins, and Instagram) , oops, I can see I have to work on that one. But, I love keeping up so why take away a good thing? (Ok, scratch that!). Most of all, this coming year, I want to be the best person to my self, my family and my friends. There will also be lots of mini creating, magazine editing, and reaching out to a bigger world. As an artist, for me, sometimes focusing on your art all day leaves little time for the big giant world, so I plan on jumping into a few new ventures and fun things this year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wish you a beautiful, magical, healthy and blessed New Year ahead! xo! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hugs and Love, Cynthia </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-17869379742217149372013-12-11T14:27:00.002-05:002013-12-11T14:28:28.702-05:00A Cottage Style Kitchen <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnjl40PDd8zsT3NuoyoPwutF4-G2q90nuFHb7V8vhCU68x3LNAko3aFixwC1OX8X3x1_CV11YpRi_Z7HJah1O6naTR-9pO2SOGLKuoLDdDLtICUep-AZAK6iyIqFdTgl1FN1cVInId4RK/s1600/new16_edited-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnjl40PDd8zsT3NuoyoPwutF4-G2q90nuFHb7V8vhCU68x3LNAko3aFixwC1OX8X3x1_CV11YpRi_Z7HJah1O6naTR-9pO2SOGLKuoLDdDLtICUep-AZAK6iyIqFdTgl1FN1cVInId4RK/s400/new16_edited-1.png" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
This Cottage Style Kitchen is my "real" kitchen. I know , lol, its been a long time since I posted about a life size kitchen. But this blog is my little journal and this is what's new and happening this month. I get very "nesty" during the holidays and I'm on a couple week break from mini making because there will be lots of company coming, and entertaining to do in a week or so, so it was time for a little update in the real home :)<br />
<br />
As some of you know, I really loved my kitchen the other way too, but it was feeling a bit old or maybe I should say it was really time for an update. I had the floral rose cottage wallpaper in here for 15 years, and while I loved it and love the color blue, I wanted something very simple, very vintage and lots of white with natural wood tones for a change.<br />
<br />
After the holidays I plan on adding lots of fresh pink roses and greenery from a beautiful set of topiary's I've ordered, but for now , this will do till I finish the final details after the holidays.... If you haven't toured a real kitchen from me in a long time, hold on to your hats, lol, there's a lot of pics. I hope you enjoy! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Before: </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDc6y-ODFKrljgrtSNz2QG8uKUI_wswp8eIp7nbkKq8iDqu1qPM8eAwKltbKj-bbtc4dFrZLWkYCbBaXDYeLeZu0P7n9E3NlydKV8iFJmy1Y_k9A2JAzF6yk-SLGP4Ly1TgqGHd4F8pe4/s1600/old+kitchen+befores_edited-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDc6y-ODFKrljgrtSNz2QG8uKUI_wswp8eIp7nbkKq8iDqu1qPM8eAwKltbKj-bbtc4dFrZLWkYCbBaXDYeLeZu0P7n9E3NlydKV8iFJmy1Y_k9A2JAzF6yk-SLGP4Ly1TgqGHd4F8pe4/s400/old+kitchen+befores_edited-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>After's: </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EFztfPcQIpSGep45QeJW-UDWvdHakV0jBzTs70MIxWcrbQnA2q58Clya-4LJYQjHNACJweWAkJYghEB0WmQ6feotK-QhsvfEg7Forsu6ZLUcpCb96O8zbMCLe2Xcm_QLDgn-rTNjemTT/s1600/new17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EFztfPcQIpSGep45QeJW-UDWvdHakV0jBzTs70MIxWcrbQnA2q58Clya-4LJYQjHNACJweWAkJYghEB0WmQ6feotK-QhsvfEg7Forsu6ZLUcpCb96O8zbMCLe2Xcm_QLDgn-rTNjemTT/s400/new17.png" width="246" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything received a wash of Crisp Linen White and soft Cookie Creams...And a new pair of curtains in a beige burlap fabric was just what it needed :) I also stripped the kitchen farm table and brought it back to it's natural wood tone, leaving the base white as I wasn't about to tackle that one :) Luckily that was the look I wanted anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintUX0hwuYly2JnCCM3_W4jckNhlC2_HB-OTLHm-Uj1vc9-O8J32Tp_xTrCY12edNN9FfJjt5CCaurqNMRIgDbe5qJmWXkadcJKnqMpwdbNJU2KhJjNRANQ_d_1zmr56NbcSc7HSxIWayr/s1600/new28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintUX0hwuYly2JnCCM3_W4jckNhlC2_HB-OTLHm-Uj1vc9-O8J32Tp_xTrCY12edNN9FfJjt5CCaurqNMRIgDbe5qJmWXkadcJKnqMpwdbNJU2KhJjNRANQ_d_1zmr56NbcSc7HSxIWayr/s400/new28.png" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkWLZJmNBgqsolzVDUwXqSl5ebHuNABq_KeY_qeTG_LxemmvP_sck-4k5RuiemvWb3_9zTUVRCzDVFeKCdDC-QAJ3DHjDjL55xSs2wA91L5IEPihL19enoXAcy3ZH3PVMjXLfd5swzsUt/s1600/new27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkWLZJmNBgqsolzVDUwXqSl5ebHuNABq_KeY_qeTG_LxemmvP_sck-4k5RuiemvWb3_9zTUVRCzDVFeKCdDC-QAJ3DHjDjL55xSs2wA91L5IEPihL19enoXAcy3ZH3PVMjXLfd5swzsUt/s400/new27.png" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ae3dIft5OsBHGA-_yMlXDN62vfyVYb2QwZp_ZMNI_tm2m1DufTqfUICNuTs7ZYMsU923dnNJtvUIAH3hVSaWKBmq8ExLt7nDTxm9RWhw6Xp9o7kJKtf2qU-EedFnR1kb3Nf5fh-HdUtd/s1600/new26_edited-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ae3dIft5OsBHGA-_yMlXDN62vfyVYb2QwZp_ZMNI_tm2m1DufTqfUICNuTs7ZYMsU923dnNJtvUIAH3hVSaWKBmq8ExLt7nDTxm9RWhw6Xp9o7kJKtf2qU-EedFnR1kb3Nf5fh-HdUtd/s400/new26_edited-1.png" width="381" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted everything in different versions of cream and white, and I re-used all my vintage inspired pieces and favorite things..A new bakery light fixture was a must have. A perfect companion to my "Every Day is a Holiday" cupcake sign. Jenny is fabulous! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pTBNxwYKN3AoDBee8xup8cVzC8DunjWku0SbnTDIA6wu_pM17Yxnln3flEkP-vPLWngcqfpnxcRtArJGjzsdHOuqJtjePg7qP06o3wbSL3wWlK0lhamzFBuHMgbvb_JPbXWVQq5ZQmx5/s1600/new19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pTBNxwYKN3AoDBee8xup8cVzC8DunjWku0SbnTDIA6wu_pM17Yxnln3flEkP-vPLWngcqfpnxcRtArJGjzsdHOuqJtjePg7qP06o3wbSL3wWlK0lhamzFBuHMgbvb_JPbXWVQq5ZQmx5/s400/new19.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
These little mini Christmas trees are here for the holidays, I love scent they have, it's a strong pine and perfect for time by the sink..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1CbW6wAG3siTW_lzNxERLz5kYAMplAJ1ueeq55otPf5RJCth5g_tOcy6P3j5b7ZZqsiRfXMpzxM9ff1wVXUmCm1_boNXHlsy11aJAoKjbeHQ6fVNTvAJJ-ttGMdGc3u4u9Sl9gUsYm5C/s1600/new20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1CbW6wAG3siTW_lzNxERLz5kYAMplAJ1ueeq55otPf5RJCth5g_tOcy6P3j5b7ZZqsiRfXMpzxM9ff1wVXUmCm1_boNXHlsy11aJAoKjbeHQ6fVNTvAJJ-ttGMdGc3u4u9Sl9gUsYm5C/s400/new20.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
I did pick up a few new accessories , I needed to fulfill my love of cutting boards and this sweet little (but very heavy) blackboard was perfect for my other love: cheese :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS_3N7Ect3GHH4qBNP-4YA4rMq9ivdNw3icX3JV5LwyvSdb2q_3bIO1PLWkGj4GtbYDgohebP8JSruPOsikHUDgfVfZzt9_yZs0dUYJEuVjz-5HM2UcrBL0YsANcwLiyxXKo39q1YUrAD/s1600/new21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS_3N7Ect3GHH4qBNP-4YA4rMq9ivdNw3icX3JV5LwyvSdb2q_3bIO1PLWkGj4GtbYDgohebP8JSruPOsikHUDgfVfZzt9_yZs0dUYJEuVjz-5HM2UcrBL0YsANcwLiyxXKo39q1YUrAD/s400/new21.png" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the simple curtains from France, they have always been a favorite of mine...So I decided this time to use them on the dutch door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd502mbE1YDlsyXr2dSWtpXXVpH2KQwoCQjo1gza_WbxTt7BLpUCc4eweGFj9fM91qtMkGfZ2Yck8NrZRDC4P7IUc8DardpZRmUcOBnlyIbRt8P1_XzIaweLvQrZpC3P2q9dn5DD9oWIQj/s1600/new22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd502mbE1YDlsyXr2dSWtpXXVpH2KQwoCQjo1gza_WbxTt7BLpUCc4eweGFj9fM91qtMkGfZ2Yck8NrZRDC4P7IUc8DardpZRmUcOBnlyIbRt8P1_XzIaweLvQrZpC3P2q9dn5DD9oWIQj/s400/new22.png" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
I spy.... a reflection of my Christmas tree :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s37pQPPXE8j2-RbT8Sa0q5yT3Y8Hf1Z1EjfZhpUXR6an3gI5ldvlprCetSMWPDH5QrPExdHtRnfhMr4Hvk1irYR_YZ9TWglGOlnM0mCEeiUWxrj4_JMJ3FxC6Tn4dyqnsFmyfV9XkC5d/s1600/new23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s37pQPPXE8j2-RbT8Sa0q5yT3Y8Hf1Z1EjfZhpUXR6an3gI5ldvlprCetSMWPDH5QrPExdHtRnfhMr4Hvk1irYR_YZ9TWglGOlnM0mCEeiUWxrj4_JMJ3FxC6Tn4dyqnsFmyfV9XkC5d/s400/new23.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've had these handmade plates from Italy for years now, and now they get front in center in the hutch because they were a wonderful soft cream...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjjrTAxVOKXFWfI8TgDEViwBtM09lq4ukH4zG6uHlSOnp48IKRvnjtGQA2VpnKeqwpjAdnj-Z38fuJcYCgxsq3vvnJTafwWMXIOUEJTZJZ9M1kNky0Y9ACS3Au2KW7LgasQ2MRlcTAhyphenhyphenm/s1600/new8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjjrTAxVOKXFWfI8TgDEViwBtM09lq4ukH4zG6uHlSOnp48IKRvnjtGQA2VpnKeqwpjAdnj-Z38fuJcYCgxsq3vvnJTafwWMXIOUEJTZJZ9M1kNky0Y9ACS3Au2KW7LgasQ2MRlcTAhyphenhyphenm/s400/new8.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEz_GN6R1ISLGcp-edA2kaDDRQGf2ZRSV2oYMp32CrjRr-CxRYjpnoHmlrE9E2wsZLL7uCVW5UvnI_3e-yhrfTBUGuSOhh1LlGAdQd1ojU2O5ddUMQUEm2SIMoONt3506zm2FCOI60Uhy/s1600/new9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEz_GN6R1ISLGcp-edA2kaDDRQGf2ZRSV2oYMp32CrjRr-CxRYjpnoHmlrE9E2wsZLL7uCVW5UvnI_3e-yhrfTBUGuSOhh1LlGAdQd1ojU2O5ddUMQUEm2SIMoONt3506zm2FCOI60Uhy/s400/new9.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This wall was painted too and I a put a few Aprons from my collection away, so it's a bit less cluttered.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFII2-Eh-YHP6or18rPI2AQ_tTZa-3X32pxw2pQxMeBMWdWWkNwcsfOHehPLGTsfjSj4a_kLniBTpr14Jn9jlYlmf0gJpSZEmT8MAPOv1EDf3aRiqI3_eI38g-zte7iis7Wqm2dwtFbb_b/s1600/new1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFII2-Eh-YHP6or18rPI2AQ_tTZa-3X32pxw2pQxMeBMWdWWkNwcsfOHehPLGTsfjSj4a_kLniBTpr14Jn9jlYlmf0gJpSZEmT8MAPOv1EDf3aRiqI3_eI38g-zte7iis7Wqm2dwtFbb_b/s400/new1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWjIyIYCb42n0uNgxR-RClZC7GVUjrhaty7ulHX_gLvHdXpBoj4fkpVpjz9ftXiHzA0MuBxknLVo2YM3aEZVFfuXw_p4o60m4S8iHQOPVKZVnkjlrGKbPGaNwNGq7ueznY0wvaWAYBZn6/s1600/new2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWjIyIYCb42n0uNgxR-RClZC7GVUjrhaty7ulHX_gLvHdXpBoj4fkpVpjz9ftXiHzA0MuBxknLVo2YM3aEZVFfuXw_p4o60m4S8iHQOPVKZVnkjlrGKbPGaNwNGq7ueznY0wvaWAYBZn6/s400/new2.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The antique hutch on the other wall was filled with colorful pottery and such , but now it's holding a few cookbooks and mostly white pottery and some great new cutting boards. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs_4MeMxOzQg-jsZ0RZxZrX29w4v-Jz52GokOyrMho3r-G48A1CKu-30qY0qX9NpBy5qLpjZWpCJOslb0TLe0xQGKL1kGyTzZm8Ical0rYiAGg4v3JbgC3L5yOn_TzDUcvMKpDkwnsgGK/s1600/new29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs_4MeMxOzQg-jsZ0RZxZrX29w4v-Jz52GokOyrMho3r-G48A1CKu-30qY0qX9NpBy5qLpjZWpCJOslb0TLe0xQGKL1kGyTzZm8Ical0rYiAGg4v3JbgC3L5yOn_TzDUcvMKpDkwnsgGK/s400/new29.png" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-puZQNp6k2Lf8QRgf5r_6cXPnVS-YL-C00k3nCXnpWpy-d77oLcoCqccfKGfyKP-L6Fhxo-erqS4liiSXZkkm2-YrxF-E7DdMiLbTDKdb70DEmy4dxF9Xltc1fj_HAatnstXV62cGr1Y/s1600/new4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-puZQNp6k2Lf8QRgf5r_6cXPnVS-YL-C00k3nCXnpWpy-d77oLcoCqccfKGfyKP-L6Fhxo-erqS4liiSXZkkm2-YrxF-E7DdMiLbTDKdb70DEmy4dxF9Xltc1fj_HAatnstXV62cGr1Y/s400/new4.png" width="288" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtoIDEfkZdikRjXOKlr35GKjiGNdJlKqyzKH79tlIi3zrtl0qAc-1N0xOsqPdzflmDCkorytgKHsUS3no2_78tLzs3sV3g5L0Cla3QhKoJE5bko8ZVPh48LrVetLxw_sFecKVXcOdzjcH/s1600/new6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtoIDEfkZdikRjXOKlr35GKjiGNdJlKqyzKH79tlIi3zrtl0qAc-1N0xOsqPdzflmDCkorytgKHsUS3no2_78tLzs3sV3g5L0Cla3QhKoJE5bko8ZVPh48LrVetLxw_sFecKVXcOdzjcH/s400/new6.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This cutting board below is a favorite of mine, it's from a tree in Vermont and cut to order, so it holds front and center :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIqfU0dh2D8mMqXSYoybbDxT_AHj3ejH-sf5cuw2ULNkgaX4z82OOYUIwU8lTanzwnnQPrj3Jdhs-1g9fIlipYp_R9dWR4Z96xqUgNoe0yXgo4O1KQNfmGvcE7qV5K8mifQukHlqQpvob/s1600/new5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIqfU0dh2D8mMqXSYoybbDxT_AHj3ejH-sf5cuw2ULNkgaX4z82OOYUIwU8lTanzwnnQPrj3Jdhs-1g9fIlipYp_R9dWR4Z96xqUgNoe0yXgo4O1KQNfmGvcE7qV5K8mifQukHlqQpvob/s400/new5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Little peek at the tree , I'm working on finishing a Christmas post so for now this will do :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I added white barn doors to a wall that hides an AC, so that most of the time I get to look at pretty doors instead :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrCQCbA49D1GdV0pHWalle6_5nHfIEirpnUosFLDxg-sce9tR_ybf8JJdvZ75ssXwyyz0kKrBlTWQbZKsJClunLmKVCRTIe7U1z3Qi2DLVNq0BluPYlz3ZG3Ty617UEFgjAHOE1iVWKI4/s1600/new14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrCQCbA49D1GdV0pHWalle6_5nHfIEirpnUosFLDxg-sce9tR_ybf8JJdvZ75ssXwyyz0kKrBlTWQbZKsJClunLmKVCRTIe7U1z3Qi2DLVNq0BluPYlz3ZG3Ty617UEFgjAHOE1iVWKI4/s400/new14.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7fGYnUE5o5YT0GbeA6puXLPlG_In658_xrbJLC56wtZX8J1DIZOMN-mGA0trwd_AHi9HM6GzTOzAf1OIqnqevx0zKamdfEyoEh6jPGrJp787hrhWtv_BCUEG_NmtR06JV-7BO3RsJ8gC/s1600/new15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7fGYnUE5o5YT0GbeA6puXLPlG_In658_xrbJLC56wtZX8J1DIZOMN-mGA0trwd_AHi9HM6GzTOzAf1OIqnqevx0zKamdfEyoEh6jPGrJp787hrhWtv_BCUEG_NmtR06JV-7BO3RsJ8gC/s400/new15.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was my big project and it's still not finished. We replaced the faux fireplace with a Bio-fuel one and I cannot tell you how lovely it is to sit by a real fire! It crackles, has gorgeous real flames, and gives off perfect heat. And yet, best of all it's vent-less! I wanted the fireplace to go on this wall and it would be impossible to have a chimney here, so this is just what I needed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46wrevspHRo8f3DMOSxFjFyJGuFjzLnOGPvB1DV6K9rBXJop7HRkpjeY5UCRS_n1eFGW3H3EI6otV1NesoFfyUSImBqk8iNBpgNmgwZTQ1EiDbQrAqChZ_SFWyvvNKg6D_b5zdoVRjZyR/s1600/new11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46wrevspHRo8f3DMOSxFjFyJGuFjzLnOGPvB1DV6K9rBXJop7HRkpjeY5UCRS_n1eFGW3H3EI6otV1NesoFfyUSImBqk8iNBpgNmgwZTQ1EiDbQrAqChZ_SFWyvvNKg6D_b5zdoVRjZyR/s400/new11.png" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I've got to finish decorating the hearth for Christmas (with a birch log set I'm waiting for) but this is it so far..<br />
I've also ordered a few "mossy" things for the mantel, and a pair of amazing cast iron Sheep from Susan Branch , and then it will me complete.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eEpJy1i5DgpHZHRSV-TtxEmnCVtXpHmYMT0aXHkVziUKyYiuw8wKixXnnoFxBM7w2AJkTbcrwlPcCY12zehEPvAc0dmibGChlA3hqE2RibuemzbuiGxQdHRqERfJ-gXr5jWhyphenhyphencKDRQ5B/s1600/new12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eEpJy1i5DgpHZHRSV-TtxEmnCVtXpHmYMT0aXHkVziUKyYiuw8wKixXnnoFxBM7w2AJkTbcrwlPcCY12zehEPvAc0dmibGChlA3hqE2RibuemzbuiGxQdHRqERfJ-gXr5jWhyphenhyphencKDRQ5B/s400/new12.png" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
The above photo is a picture of 2 of my favorite photographs from my childhood. The bottom one is a picture my Father took of my Mother and I on the beach, she's kissing me :) I adore this so much! Having his photos around is so soothing to me. We miss him so much , but all his photos surround me and knowing he's watching over us, makes me happy. The one above it always hung in my house growing up, it's of my Dad as a boy , with his first dog Rex. I adore it. I'm a lover of black and white photography so I was so happy to use these again and over the mantel is the best place to see them every day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03lA8nsVEOoE0-MWiKlnnh62Le2EU-3q_nW5dNdx-DzA1bRzAOmJa3OWwSUBSXKNH7lUcV1Hxeb0dCnzbMPyWTHA68ulQlQIpfyOAmJmakGH4yCOQweZxY-w0u0X5ylGv5vZ6z1tJs4JJ/s1600/new13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03lA8nsVEOoE0-MWiKlnnh62Le2EU-3q_nW5dNdx-DzA1bRzAOmJa3OWwSUBSXKNH7lUcV1Hxeb0dCnzbMPyWTHA68ulQlQIpfyOAmJmakGH4yCOQweZxY-w0u0X5ylGv5vZ6z1tJs4JJ/s400/new13.png" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This lamp needed a little pick me up, so I found a fabulous burlap shade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7pbaqpFqY0vix5IT_91JXvjEei3IrvaZ-HZbbjA1sQ4RzBq4d9ixPYvCLwNrKqrUfow2xe7m8N0-kbWA9cL9RgqaDZWC7V2VuYkL3z01sGqcKBG48m4VMQyzCTmhx7rUEf3-bpz74n1_/s1600/new30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7pbaqpFqY0vix5IT_91JXvjEei3IrvaZ-HZbbjA1sQ4RzBq4d9ixPYvCLwNrKqrUfow2xe7m8N0-kbWA9cL9RgqaDZWC7V2VuYkL3z01sGqcKBG48m4VMQyzCTmhx7rUEf3-bpz74n1_/s400/new30.png" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you enjoyed my little tour. I'm working on the family room that is attached to this kitchen, so as soon as that's complete I'll post pics :) Now it's off to get some Christmas shopping done, and catch up on the day!<br />
<br />
Opps, btw, one more thing: If you haven't noticed, I've taken the "less is more" approach to just about everything in my life lol, the blog got a little make-over last week too,and I've added a <b>Pinterest</b> side button , so if you have one or would like to follow me there, come on over! That's about the <i>only </i>thing I've "added" to my less is more life :) But oh my word, it's fun!<br />
<br />
<i>Well, from my kitchen to yours, have a happy day friends!! </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx9zULcxkPastPEIPMLlMOHZGcavQt6T6keus7ManAzNbJY1LVTl_OOh6klSRwqv7JfG1wRSnpvxb3Wv0BlU4uHUjwdHwk7IiafbfSXFAEI3GUP6HWkq_XDPzm-gy4VKL6rdcr89e9Q02/s1600/new+glow16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx9zULcxkPastPEIPMLlMOHZGcavQt6T6keus7ManAzNbJY1LVTl_OOh6klSRwqv7JfG1wRSnpvxb3Wv0BlU4uHUjwdHwk7IiafbfSXFAEI3GUP6HWkq_XDPzm-gy4VKL6rdcr89e9Q02/s400/new+glow16.png" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Big hugs, love and blessings to you through out this Holiday Season!! xox</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Cynthia xo</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-54101100495506931642013-12-04T12:46:00.001-05:002013-12-04T12:46:54.744-05:00Time for a little change...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxe9ac8qtNOvtXwzx_QOXCyWLD-FvDBI78T5Utmvh0ZD7OflkL13NILaLUO6LQUbHB_8kV9iFIsxhkshba9fXLk92m-cuv2YrVqo8xlqPMCzMh4dCdCUnrBIjhbbAw148P0AVstRTMmnP/s1600/PM+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxe9ac8qtNOvtXwzx_QOXCyWLD-FvDBI78T5Utmvh0ZD7OflkL13NILaLUO6LQUbHB_8kV9iFIsxhkshba9fXLk92m-cuv2YrVqo8xlqPMCzMh4dCdCUnrBIjhbbAw148P0AVstRTMmnP/s320/PM+cake.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Hello friends!</b></span> </i>Lets have some cake to celebrate :) Mini cake of course :) I made a little change I want to tell you about.<br />
<br />
Remember a few weeks ago I had expressed wanting to possibly streamline my "online" time to devote more time to creating and blogging etc?? Well if you're just popping in now, that was weighing a bit on me. I used to blog about once a week, sometimes 2, and then I added to my online life by opening an Instagram (super neat ) , the Mini-ologie sites, a pinterest for Mini-ologie, and my own Cynthia's Cottage Miniatures ( FB ) etc. Well needless to say , while I do appreciate and love online connections, it was all getting a bit much. I had a fan page for you all to see my daily updates on miniature making and then started updating in what felt like 5 places lol. So, I want one place for it all instead. That way, I could give it real quality, visit you all, and keep connected to all my wonderful friends! Since that would be impossible to connect together, I did the next best thing.<br />
<br />
I am taking away my Cynthia's Cottage Miniature Fan page on Facebook. The link on the blog here (on the right) will now direct you to my <b>personal</b> facebook page. That way, I can have you all there if you want to come join me , in one place for updates and connections! I'm still keeping the blog, and my instagram. I'm actually hoping for more blogging time now because I've simplified things :) <br />
<br />
So if you'd like to keep updated on my Miniature work, ( and Etsy listings ) I'd love to have you send me a friend request there! It's:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cynthialaurensperin" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #990000;">www.facebook.com/cynthialaurensperin </span></a> of course, that's IF you have a facebook. And if not, I will be blogging a bit more so I can see you here too :) I am probably going to open a pinterest account also, as I've always wanted one and have been working on the one for Mini-ologie. But honestly, it was just having the 2 places to post to that became a bit much. So I hope you understand!<br />
<br />
Do you find yourself wanting to simplify and yet stay connected at the same time?<br />
I'd love to hear your thoughts!<br />
<br />
<i>In the meantime, I hope you're all having a fabulous holiday season and staying healthy and blessed!! </i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Love, Cynthia xox</b></i></span><br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-41107047816394780402013-11-25T22:17:00.001-05:002013-11-25T22:18:22.355-05:00A Beautiful Mini-ologie Keepsake: Our Winter/Holiday issue is ready! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDipkceCbNjh583HrPO6Ufd4LTcFDv7VeHmbXWb8hG0JMMpmoWSTsfQN10cqvk9oHlNP-wKqtbbDY1W6IUru8zUTLmIpQZkFHkfK2OXUrWzjB7n1zVz3YVpZzxsqkfz4wcVLxzLLXmC-p/s1600/Xmas+miniologie+cover+2013+for+pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDipkceCbNjh583HrPO6Ufd4LTcFDv7VeHmbXWb8hG0JMMpmoWSTsfQN10cqvk9oHlNP-wKqtbbDY1W6IUru8zUTLmIpQZkFHkfK2OXUrWzjB7n1zVz3YVpZzxsqkfz4wcVLxzLLXmC-p/s320/Xmas+miniologie+cover+2013+for+pages.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hello sweet friends! </span></i></span>The holidays are here! I hope you all have your Turkey and Thanksgiving plans, and are ready to enjoy the Season ahead!<br />
<br />
Our newest issue of Mini-ologie is ready and available! As always it's been a labor of love and this one makes us so happy and excited for the holidays. It's a beautiful treasury/keepsake issue that is filled with inspiration, beautiful nostalgic quotes and memories, and just a must have for the dollhouse miniature lovers like us! So many times we've been told that it also is loved by non-miniature collectors too , and wonderful for ideas on decorating your real home, and nothing makes us happier than to hear that! <br />
<br />
With the busy baking and cooking days ahead, I just want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope the coming Holidays find you healthy, happy and blessed! I'm so looking forward to a good breather after all the work involved in the magazine and I can't wait to spend part of my days being a better blogger and stopping in and visiting you all again! <br />
<br />
Thank you always for your kind words, friendship and support. It means the world to myself, Kim and Maritza! Mini-ologie has been and continues to be a wonderful adventure and we look forward to growing and bringing you things that make you happy.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Happy Holidays everyone! xox</span><br />
<br />
To order your copy, go to:<span style="color: #660000;"> <span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/"><b>www.miniologie.com</b></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Hugs and love, </span><span style="color: #e06666;"><i> </i></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b><i>Cynthia xo</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-12612236358246920062013-10-14T15:24:00.001-04:002013-10-14T15:24:30.190-04:00A little Autumn magic ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48E3SiNHbYrr-VEYBwj1d35Uo0htgyjYBUTm7udOhJYnUmbHIbGSnTfKeRjk1g9Pj3EVxEefR3iU7FnDnOL_hSnqa3D805o5kjiEUcy1GoKGJzYp8rwHzPHATg3k_MMvAK3hcnlumBnSA/s640/blogger-image-1842977661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48E3SiNHbYrr-VEYBwj1d35Uo0htgyjYBUTm7udOhJYnUmbHIbGSnTfKeRjk1g9Pj3EVxEefR3iU7FnDnOL_hSnqa3D805o5kjiEUcy1GoKGJzYp8rwHzPHATg3k_MMvAK3hcnlumBnSA/s400/blogger-image-1842977661.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hello friends!</span></span></span></i> I know it's been awhile since I did a post, with all the busy things going on I'm surprised I have a free morning today , but I do, so here I am. ;) With all the wonderful ways to share our creations and lives these days, like Facebook, Instagram and websites, I find myself going to whatever is easiest for the day. But blogging is actually where it all began for me. So I always feel a pull to be here too. But as you probably noticed, I'm not honoring that very well. I've even thought of closing the blog , but it's hard to imagine not having a document or online type of journal for my memories. And sometimes you just can't get as much space or room from the smaller / easier to post sites to say and share everything you want to. Do any of you find yourselves feeling the same? Conflicted between the amount of places to share and downsizing online time? I'd love to hear your thoughts! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well now that I'm here, here's a little of what's new..... ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Creating miniatures and designing them , has over the last few years been my passion as most of you know. I honestly love my job so much, and never imagined it could even get better. But, it continues to get more and more magical. After adding our magazine <span style="color: #7f6000;"><i><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/" target="_blank">Mini-ologie</a></i></span> to my list of passions, I feel like the entire design side of my life has come to the point it was always meant to be. First being an interior designer of real homes for 20 years, to beginner sculptor of miniatures and falling in love with minis, to opening my shop, to now creating Mini-ologie every season, it all makes me feel like I've landed where I'm supposed to be. Sharing my passion of creating miniatures is what it's really all about. Sharing the magic they make me feel is too. And after being a part of the miniature creators and collectors world for a couple years now, <i>I know that magic is everywhere! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu08wNLHYkZOSkSXv6pIcrW2e_nFR_efrl3nQ8V412zfqFdWXU4BkyIWveXtcL8gbvxpc0ZYYY_R-O26K3rnljQppLUklv5FRTJpO12uloaxek3mWzky8Ce_wa5HUEJI4z72FNbi7LwLsE/s640/blogger-image-409033045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu08wNLHYkZOSkSXv6pIcrW2e_nFR_efrl3nQ8V412zfqFdWXU4BkyIWveXtcL8gbvxpc0ZYYY_R-O26K3rnljQppLUklv5FRTJpO12uloaxek3mWzky8Ce_wa5HUEJI4z72FNbi7LwLsE/s400/blogger-image-409033045.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've been making miniatures again for my Etsy shop, (after the busy Summer) and also creating foods for each issue of Mini-ologie, and that's a perfect balance for me. Here are some new items that were in my shop and some that were made for the Fall issue too.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-78FdXGzA4e-1W4yEMERZGa4a5rBdUyXAsghplkbuDCHogyxLmg8xJyBctJGZbVvEYKNEMCiWz7KoJs5ghIHDZdQ2MRHGGv0iltOgzKudmi8pQV2MmKS0pg1dv3Kx7MG0392wFXjFtxTH/s640/blogger-image-1546729318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-78FdXGzA4e-1W4yEMERZGa4a5rBdUyXAsghplkbuDCHogyxLmg8xJyBctJGZbVvEYKNEMCiWz7KoJs5ghIHDZdQ2MRHGGv0iltOgzKudmi8pQV2MmKS0pg1dv3Kx7MG0392wFXjFtxTH/s400/blogger-image-1546729318.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I think one of my favorite things to create are cupcakes, so after weeks of making Fall breads, cheeses, and Autumn inspired foods, I was dying to make them again. So here's a couple shots (above and below) of my new cupcakes ~n~ sweets ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xMPeknMM5cyLnZd2_a3D3kJF-FisU9beOEOR9HNbMWXCDasQr6YqT1beo1ghbTm2iufhDfbedxcEBxeRAo7pt9jmQCpv0SEsr4iC9bPX140uDKxW9n41jWNogy3LC-sVgwJrarUT4bRJ/s640/blogger-image--1304309881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xMPeknMM5cyLnZd2_a3D3kJF-FisU9beOEOR9HNbMWXCDasQr6YqT1beo1ghbTm2iufhDfbedxcEBxeRAo7pt9jmQCpv0SEsr4iC9bPX140uDKxW9n41jWNogy3LC-sVgwJrarUT4bRJ/s400/blogger-image--1304309881.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My Autumn season has been filled with creating, but I'm also enjoying the gorgeous weather, and family and friend time too! And we've made (Maritza, Kim and I) so many new friends and such wonderful fans from our magazine so I just want to say a huge THANK YOU, to all of you who are our friends and supporters of this new venture. You all mean so much to us!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9KghJ1kPsMrpm6ebDSC5MRKKzFoZtICmPTNvksWWf3ZWeXCSxNgqZjnU6GAB8mXkfH_DGe82IYNReugQb_I0VefDWv1pZMt_NX5tviqmhcybC_osBdCOxbPM6KwN3iNowcwbIN9TNvtJ/s640/blogger-image--1555111987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9KghJ1kPsMrpm6ebDSC5MRKKzFoZtICmPTNvksWWf3ZWeXCSxNgqZjnU6GAB8mXkfH_DGe82IYNReugQb_I0VefDWv1pZMt_NX5tviqmhcybC_osBdCOxbPM6KwN3iNowcwbIN9TNvtJ/s400/blogger-image--1555111987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Having the magazine has opened our worlds , and shown us that everyone that shares in the magic of loving miniatures, are the best bunch of people around! Crafters, creators and collectors together, we all feel so overwhelmed by being able to share your talents and friendship with ours too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF3KzG_hcnqsKxKoyuzCSZMysKJLZh7hf2LQp2IXw6cTHIcpLaTTdYqWJZzvZxXsEz524iwtbCMKxWnFeB_9VYehS_UYwXwrAHOs_iDCwIFscHt67zuv5TQuxZ70yVEGhrYwkA3p6lFBj/s640/blogger-image--1039353720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxF3KzG_hcnqsKxKoyuzCSZMysKJLZh7hf2LQp2IXw6cTHIcpLaTTdYqWJZzvZxXsEz524iwtbCMKxWnFeB_9VYehS_UYwXwrAHOs_iDCwIFscHt67zuv5TQuxZ70yVEGhrYwkA3p6lFBj/s400/blogger-image--1039353720.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As fabulous and amazing as everything that has happened over the last year has been , sitting at my studio table sculpting little kitchen sweets is were the magic is for me. I love the quiet mornings with needle and clay in hand. The music on in the background, the thought of the food in my head, the feel of the clay before I start to create, and then cutting and sculpting begin and I'm so happy.<i> Taken over by a magical feeling.</i> If you've up to now been an admirer or collector and never tried sculpting, I highly recommend it. It's funny how a little piece of clay can change your life, and put magic right into your hands. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaGRIzvxT-4ffW9TqwkF9K9u_8fHXI-AmabCgy-znMFOG6d7hEt9Txw39U8z6xdxg8fzv-u7zDl2BBqOr-iJeEQBdp6cFnnKC7A99nBCihZbOk56Csf-gOoHUojmlR6_CzURbSKkmNWcR/s640/blogger-image-677760893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaGRIzvxT-4ffW9TqwkF9K9u_8fHXI-AmabCgy-znMFOG6d7hEt9Txw39U8z6xdxg8fzv-u7zDl2BBqOr-iJeEQBdp6cFnnKC7A99nBCihZbOk56Csf-gOoHUojmlR6_CzURbSKkmNWcR/s400/blogger-image-677760893.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I've been asked a couple times how long things take to make or how hard it is, and all I can say is, it takes lots of patience and lots of mistakes first before you can feel like you've got something you love. But once you get it , it'll be with you always! It also helps to write your own recipe down too. ;) I fear forgetting things between projects, so I keep a little recipe/technique book on hand. I've never really had to use it too much, but, I feel more secure having it around ;) The brownies above took me an hour or so, which sounds like a lot, but I like to work in every detail I can, and I really love going slowly. The process itself, mixing clay, needle working the texture in, shading, baking, adding more highlights, adding details to the complete piece, are all the things I love so much. Then getting out the camera, capturing them in a scene, is the icing on the cake for me. I often think if I didn't have a place to share my work, I'd just photograph them and line the kitchen walls with photos of miniature food lol. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-9MVGnpS6HtwWcbx744GkJb5Rvw3c6yuzXSjvi0dn2wVGBAWdDTzPcayWA5jQ7eMRfZVk_nC_e7Kjh_GaxKx1U9PiqohwSRONLIYgNlbeMD9s_a6sWlG4Fr04O4X7KsnqhNPVLW5kxd4/s640/blogger-image-858050025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-9MVGnpS6HtwWcbx744GkJb5Rvw3c6yuzXSjvi0dn2wVGBAWdDTzPcayWA5jQ7eMRfZVk_nC_e7Kjh_GaxKx1U9PiqohwSRONLIYgNlbeMD9s_a6sWlG4Fr04O4X7KsnqhNPVLW5kxd4/s400/blogger-image-858050025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Fall is my favorite season, so all the foods that are needed for that time of year are so comforting to create! If I'm in the mood for pie and on a diet, I just light an apple pie candle and get busy creating one in mini ;). It's amazing how keeping my fingers busy in a mini pie will keep them out of the real pie ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3LEjgF-rCEnz6POxirqV8-APf1pB4lNvboWzl6bGEjRytKM0FkZ2PkgKeva8jq6hAHxT95vZfhol-08lufA5KUKNVsMaqmdWdQ1eLWbHvOeA8BGHt-_VVgD_8LlghYhQXL9QVQSW86GD/s640/blogger-image--1715592173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3LEjgF-rCEnz6POxirqV8-APf1pB4lNvboWzl6bGEjRytKM0FkZ2PkgKeva8jq6hAHxT95vZfhol-08lufA5KUKNVsMaqmdWdQ1eLWbHvOeA8BGHt-_VVgD_8LlghYhQXL9QVQSW86GD/s400/blogger-image--1715592173.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
There's so many reasons I love working with and collecting miniatures, but most if all , the ventures I chose to share them in and creating them for collectors, is the magic for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As I close this post, my preperation for Christmas and the winter months ahead are on my mind for my shop, and for Mini-ologie, but I'm going to squeeze in a kitchen inspired by the photos below too. Thanks to Pinterest , I'm thinking of putting together a small 2 room house like the one below, and a similar kitchen. I can picture it all decorated for fall, and also have a vision of the perfect first snow fall too! My mind never stops creating, thankfully ;) A blessing for sure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0C6Vrz8SsaFaqwAEWvp1sDoxbDDYs9CU8DuCd5SQhenb-rBZLtNKQtnST9QmGZN2_9XdGttAyi74a1-KzJAnqAfBmTphbKz6jIREqGWVy4gRmIP47lBnFrJBvUa2GZGyFfftUo_oq59E/s640/blogger-image--839340934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0C6Vrz8SsaFaqwAEWvp1sDoxbDDYs9CU8DuCd5SQhenb-rBZLtNKQtnST9QmGZN2_9XdGttAyi74a1-KzJAnqAfBmTphbKz6jIREqGWVy4gRmIP47lBnFrJBvUa2GZGyFfftUo_oq59E/s400/blogger-image--839340934.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>I hope your passions bring you the same magic during the season, and whatever you love to do, gives you back 10 fold what you put into it. If you haven't found it yet, you will. And then you'll fall in love with your creative outlet like I have. Thank you for being a part of my journey thoughout the years sweet friends!! </i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Wishing you a happy Fall week ahead!! </span></i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Love ~n~ Hugs, </span></b></i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cynthia xo </span></b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-36901892789228381972013-09-22T07:50:00.001-04:002013-09-22T07:57:38.962-04:00Mini-ologie Fall is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtoGeKdypozens5sjG68MH3-ZIybfJrGOmmTYTgVE8CmD0qnahAMjYJwqGty1fA0aWdKm0d01I-hrQ3AAq_mxm4tVJkWEPP0VKUoJL2HVpAutEnKBEsIEWN0NUGpK6ZCaMD-1nUypQ10b/s640/blogger-image-1042535979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtoGeKdypozens5sjG68MH3-ZIybfJrGOmmTYTgVE8CmD0qnahAMjYJwqGty1fA0aWdKm0d01I-hrQ3AAq_mxm4tVJkWEPP0VKUoJL2HVpAutEnKBEsIEWN0NUGpK6ZCaMD-1nUypQ10b/s400/blogger-image-1042535979.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Happy first day of Fall!! </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After all our hard work and preparation , our Fall issue of Mini-ologie is available today! Perfect timing for the season too!! Kim Saulter, Maritza Moran and I have worked so hard on this labor of love! This issue is packed with gorgeous Autumnal inspiration cover to cover. There's a fabulous tutorial by Maritza, beautiful new finds for mini fall decorating, and chapter after chapter of ideas and tips! We know you'll just adore it!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Get your copy at<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/" target="_blank"> www.miniologie.com </a>,</span></b> and if you loved our Summer issue, you'll love this even more! And if you're new to Mini-ologie, this will be a keepsake treasure for sure! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As you can imagine, life here has been so busy with this fun and incredible adventure, that I've barely had time to blog, but now that our issue is wrapped up I plan on getting back into being a better blogger :). I'm excited to go visit you all today with a cup of hot chocolate and some free time on my hands!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I hope this new season ahead is a blessed one for all of you!! I know I feel very blessed to work with such great friends, and I just want to say working with Kim and M is such an amazing experience, there's nothing as great as working with your best girlfriends on something you all love so much!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>Wishing you a fabulous week ahead!! And a gorgeous , happy, and blessed Autumn!! ❤</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Hugs n love, Cynthia xo </b></i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-37389836557989218912013-09-01T11:29:00.001-04:002013-09-01T11:39:18.793-04:00Playing mini catch up...<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Hello dear friends!</b> </span></i>Sorry it's been so long since I posted! This Summer has been the busiest one yet in that I sent my youngest child off to college, and have been working like crazy on creating new miniatures and scenes for the Fall issue of<a href="http://www.miniologie.com/" target="_blank"> <b><span style="color: #783f04;">Mini-ologie</span>.</b> </a>Magazine work and development is at both hard hard work and wonderful bliss all wrapped up into one. I want to , along with Kim and Maritza, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for becoming part of our Mini-ologie family!! To say we are excited for the Fall issue, is by far an understatement! We are jumping for joy, into all the colorful "to come" fall leaves! :) It's going to be much bigger and packed with tons more photos too! We're hoping for the release in a few weeks, and will keep you updated when it's ready. In the meantime, other wonderful things happened over the past month, I was honored to be featured on the cover, and inside, this beautiful publication: <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=947" target="_blank">The Doll's House magazine.</a></span> It's the September issue. What a wonderful job they did and I'm so happy with how it came out. Thank you Christiane!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5UQ0Rp3ett5PmYrZa_kyuHSMzGTcfLaHSL0uev6ljQmNCRyFc61yESQVjrSYqtd8A2lZSEjhx6-AcIHMXTXT1gn2spDGJc4jHArJe2nVOyvGGpzXOyel1WF85HX_oltGAX-r1C2W7WO2/s640/blogger-image--1029737199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5UQ0Rp3ett5PmYrZa_kyuHSMzGTcfLaHSL0uev6ljQmNCRyFc61yESQVjrSYqtd8A2lZSEjhx6-AcIHMXTXT1gn2spDGJc4jHArJe2nVOyvGGpzXOyel1WF85HX_oltGAX-r1C2W7WO2/s640/blogger-image--1029737199.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I hope you'll all get a copy to see the article and all the other lovely artists featured too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Well I just wanted to pop in a say a quick hello and let you know why I've been an absent blogger, but I'll be posting some sneak peeks of Mini-ologie over the next few days and weeks, so I do hope you're all getting as excited as we are!! ;) Happy September 1st! I hope the last few days of Summer are finding you all happy , healthy and filled with blessings!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I'll leave you with a tiny peek of some Fall inspiration from Pinterest and my home, to yours! Isn't fall just delicious?! My favorite season by far! ❤</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUq3izP3xkqqpw7HyvCaiUnr0r2zw5s38fOwOcMLdJ8VuizfrK6yFroQrzxg99uemwYeV1DHm5qJlwIn-j_x2cSM4TOAP90fTCE5o71FZJR1E4rBRu_HLYc1uxTzUQZv1m48YtU2tTKRbB/s640/blogger-image--681271156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUq3izP3xkqqpw7HyvCaiUnr0r2zw5s38fOwOcMLdJ8VuizfrK6yFroQrzxg99uemwYeV1DHm5qJlwIn-j_x2cSM4TOAP90fTCE5o71FZJR1E4rBRu_HLYc1uxTzUQZv1m48YtU2tTKRbB/s400/blogger-image--681271156.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Wishing you a beautiful Labor Day weekend!! Hugs n kisses! </i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Cynthia xo </span></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-7941538197759379652013-07-10T15:01:00.001-04:002013-07-11T07:11:17.715-04:00Mini-ologie is HERE! Yippee!<i><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">I'm so happy to be able to announce the arrival of our sweet little magazine!</span></b></i> <a href="http://www.miniologie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Mini-ologie</b></span></a> is finally ready!! It's been such a wonderful experience in every way! Working with such good friends and talented ladies such as Kim Saulter and Maritza Moran is a pure joy , and for me, a dream come true! I think we've worked really hard to make sure our love of miniatures as creators and collectors comes through and I couldn't be more excited! Click on the link below to be brought to our website and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did creating it! Happy Summer to all my sweet friends and thank you always for your friendship and support! xox<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3aYv6g_p3nXJjm9mrqU37LBp2duksB3qU7A4vwywSEvaK7rJNbg5Ce3LSKcVgSuYbV4o1R2pOBqwMMoFz756K7gyKXsNcZZbL287BFyOpaM8qR0tzY9ZGl83dvMJ5kVt2agC285jDSXQ/s400/FB+pic+for+miniologie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/">http://www.miniologie.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><i>Wishing you all a great and magical week ahead!!</i></b></span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Hugs and love, </b></span><br>
<br>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cynthia xo</b></span></i></span><br>
<br>
<br>Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-45402488434176537432013-06-29T10:22:00.002-04:002013-06-29T10:22:29.106-04:00Mini-ologie is coming! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJkVGEwIT3NtyLRvdWl2y8BMI0pvLkt3ekJasUTaoEfWCIPcsd3emagRt0HdFWEBKCO962F1yMWthecBpoQgxCAE_otPrGN2KmnSDZW8N9VGKfgxWoOF8k8nJqemBKeeJopoBRwlsmAJq/s512/Miniologie+Cover+2013+Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJkVGEwIT3NtyLRvdWl2y8BMI0pvLkt3ekJasUTaoEfWCIPcsd3emagRt0HdFWEBKCO962F1yMWthecBpoQgxCAE_otPrGN2KmnSDZW8N9VGKfgxWoOF8k8nJqemBKeeJopoBRwlsmAJq/s400/Miniologie+Cover+2013+Summer.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Hello sweet friends!</b></span> </span>I know it's been awhile since my last post but the above picture is the reason why... I am <b>SO</b> <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: black;">happy</span> </b></span>and <b>excited</b> to tell you what I've been so busy with over the past few months!<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kim Marshall Saulter, Maritza Moran and I</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>, have all been working on a fabulous new seasonal publication for miniature collectors, creators and enthusiasts! And it's finally almost ready for print!!! We are hoping for an early July release and so far we're right on schedule! This has been a real <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>dream come true</b></span></span> for the 3 of us, and something we've worked so hard on with every detail. The hard work has been a labor of love all along the way and I couldn't be more proud and happy to call these girls friends and now co-creators! We hope you all come on over to our facebook page for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/miniologiemagazine?ref=stream" target="_blank"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Mini-ologie</b></span></span></a> so you can be up to date on all the new happenings and when it's release date is!! Please come join us! We'd love for you to pass the word on too, so here's a pretty image from inside for you to share on your wall, do a post about , or pinterest too! This is a beautiful, fun, and unique decorating publication and I think you will love it as much as we do!! It's filled with inspiring and dreamy photos and ideas! I'll post here when we have the actual date ready. It will be available as a digital publication and a beautiful print publication to be shipped worldwide! Can you tell how excited I am? :) And...... if you're curious as to what Mini-ologie means? Well this is our perfect and simple description.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_kOmJY9V_CaJEJfNr_X2et2WwKzq1eNv3rnp1XzlexmUwFX3Nk_M3c0npruJ-MXPgxJzXWTPWLUrYGxo4GiOVQ6iFI7f7MqnMkBtTsFDt-zyyTWP-1v3uPNtEiZahCPFCxrFfKIALWIk/s514/Minologie+Poster+2013+Summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_kOmJY9V_CaJEJfNr_X2et2WwKzq1eNv3rnp1XzlexmUwFX3Nk_M3c0npruJ-MXPgxJzXWTPWLUrYGxo4GiOVQ6iFI7f7MqnMkBtTsFDt-zyyTWP-1v3uPNtEiZahCPFCxrFfKIALWIk/s400/Minologie+Poster+2013+Summer.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>We love that :) </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEmYK9a2WfeXUt5m7GuNuBv1WQZmeuMk7JoumWP8Xkb5uTSLLanCkpaTYcLLF582563st157JuoAPyLgSGbBPNRCd1EaXkjKmwKzk66Qi4K2tIzpUySUfLXZ8dxR47k8FP81SJKaqn6b4/s1600/FB+title+page+mo_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEmYK9a2WfeXUt5m7GuNuBv1WQZmeuMk7JoumWP8Xkb5uTSLLanCkpaTYcLLF582563st157JuoAPyLgSGbBPNRCd1EaXkjKmwKzk66Qi4K2tIzpUySUfLXZ8dxR47k8FP81SJKaqn6b4/s400/FB+title+page+mo_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/miniologiemagazine?ref=stream" target="_blank">Mini-ologie Facebook</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here's a link to our future website too: <span style="color: #bf9000;"><a href="http://www.miniologie.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Mini-ologie. com</b></span></a></span> .....that's where our first issue will be available! But excuse the site, it's not complete yet, just a "coming soon" ... :) <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thank you so much to all my friends here and everywhere and to everyone for always being so supportive and helpful during this mini journey! I'm so excited about bringing you this publication and we really feel like this was all meant to be and we couldn't be happier! Stay tuned for dates and further details and in the meantime , <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I hope you're having a fabulous and beautiful Summer!! </span></b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Hugs and love, </b></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Cynthia xox</b></span></span></span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-8267328044729358922013-05-25T09:55:00.002-04:002013-05-25T09:56:13.928-04:00Summer Porch love...and Miniature Collector<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>HI friends! </b></i></span>I'm so honored and thrilled to be featured in the July issue of Miniature Collector magazine! There's 2 articles in this issue that I did and I'm so happy with how they came out, <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>thank you</i></span></span> to everyone at MC! I remember when I first started working on miniatures, Miniature Collector was something I'd get so excited to read and look through , and if I knew then that I'd have my own miniatures featured in their magazine eventually, I wouldn't have believed it!. But little dreams do come true :) I hope you'll all go get a copy and let me know what you think! Thank you again MC! <br />
<br />
On another note, Maritza's Vintage Vineyard's Collection was a huge success and I'm just so happy to have been a part of it! Thank you to everyone who stopped in and added to your collection, we so appreciated it and it was such a labor of love to share with you all! After that project was complete, I began work on something that I had wanted to do for awhile now... Summer is my favorite season , so naturally since I have my mini cottage Summer Rose, I knew eventually I'd want to add a porch to the side of the house. So I have been playing with layouts and construction ideas and it's been so much fun! I'm still in the layout/idea phase but I uploaded some pictures of my "play time" :). I like the layout so far, but this weekend I'll be building railings for the porch and working on the ceiling. But I'm happy so far :). And since I've been in a such a "Summer Porch" mood, I also started to work on a little collection for my Etsy shop. I'll show a few preview pictures here, but I'm still working on lots more to make available to you by hopefully the beginning of next week. The collection will be appropriately named "Summer Porch" series. So that's where my mini life is right now :)<br />
<br />
I also have a busy summer ahead, my youngest daughter Melanie graduates high-school this year and will be moving into NYC this fall to enter college and I couldn't be happier for her! My middle son Kyle has another semester of college left and the oldest is enjoying life as a bachelor in his own apartment and having fun traveling with friends. Oh to be 20 something again :) All in all, life is good and I feel so blessed, and I'm so happy Summer is almost here! Now onto a few pictures of whats new.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWbob1U04VruFy24OXlu-EkXa1PjTUH72IsCI76h2aHCB0bSzhwWrY9uencUNhKJ1KjEhfAYt9VjOIIWTAMER0hZIV2So7Sa2ZynR9EwQUAubvacl8RHrVgKn-emIV_PwFy23KJxAcgNP/s1600/MCMAG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWbob1U04VruFy24OXlu-EkXa1PjTUH72IsCI76h2aHCB0bSzhwWrY9uencUNhKJ1KjEhfAYt9VjOIIWTAMER0hZIV2So7Sa2ZynR9EwQUAubvacl8RHrVgKn-emIV_PwFy23KJxAcgNP/s400/MCMAG.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Thank you Miniature Collector! July 2013 </b> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQOpvD6vuAFXz4ujvEZDyvnu2svqrLC9qwrQcS3OV7XC49HH7qz90vJxEmgbeC9vd-GSmfW48HRZ9xzvZ-CGzgJKUqGyeTiK1_63wJ3IL4vVppBs_v1lsDoxvt0LSklSONPZOqyAGvlGH/s1600/p27_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQOpvD6vuAFXz4ujvEZDyvnu2svqrLC9qwrQcS3OV7XC49HH7qz90vJxEmgbeC9vd-GSmfW48HRZ9xzvZ-CGzgJKUqGyeTiK1_63wJ3IL4vVppBs_v1lsDoxvt0LSklSONPZOqyAGvlGH/s400/p27_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are a few of the "Summer Porch" series of miniature foods and accessories.... hopefully to be listed in my Etsy shop on Monday! <b>.... Blueberry bars and butter twists , all ready for a picnic on the porch :) </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCei7ylOJacAPAH8HuhxYf0jkjEZilc794NzyBAfdK8s80iE21iZrhcd2zB7LZn-NId9KwpsORHHYAkONJAVUSSRmHASAl_lmoba-VYJmuPxZVtoIHlCEvMWKP8-pqqxPGcEcyyVnG6v8/s1600/p10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCei7ylOJacAPAH8HuhxYf0jkjEZilc794NzyBAfdK8s80iE21iZrhcd2zB7LZn-NId9KwpsORHHYAkONJAVUSSRmHASAl_lmoba-VYJmuPxZVtoIHlCEvMWKP8-pqqxPGcEcyyVnG6v8/s400/p10.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHgY-uYCEt8gtEG_HoM7TMu8f8LT8hj7qYadqMfqdhH-1dBvOzJ0FHDP-r3O9NaI_R8jXbH4le-RkBv76oxh3NaUi_VWZozgDy_shMDCRsvU8VfuIrQCQbbNRPowrYbRElAC032ONVXTZ/s1600/p13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHgY-uYCEt8gtEG_HoM7TMu8f8LT8hj7qYadqMfqdhH-1dBvOzJ0FHDP-r3O9NaI_R8jXbH4le-RkBv76oxh3NaUi_VWZozgDy_shMDCRsvU8VfuIrQCQbbNRPowrYbRElAC032ONVXTZ/s400/p13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Sweet sweet Summer time....</span></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yy-m9fdyTTwXd4s5jMDVDfj4tSQBSorWUH38i76jtybDXK1HkjV_jXG9k08EQy6PgaqhspfrdJy-QvfNQENRCc5kMYWkJ8NQsplRYnt_IhLZx-H15vw35OCfCRl-0tfJ-I-2tyjh56QX/s1600/p19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Yy-m9fdyTTwXd4s5jMDVDfj4tSQBSorWUH38i76jtybDXK1HkjV_jXG9k08EQy6PgaqhspfrdJy-QvfNQENRCc5kMYWkJ8NQsplRYnt_IhLZx-H15vw35OCfCRl-0tfJ-I-2tyjh56QX/s400/p19.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauB0IWZPez0UgnC89AQfn82AJauXYefhHd7GmPdn-7dM18-Z2wDlcZpdnLvRbIaTNDAmf0QAt5F2iXaSLl8_QV4uF4tBOAcqokcOlTGuMcDaGOeKBVPs7vRi-nrAU22XzpuOrRb40skfn/s1600/p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauB0IWZPez0UgnC89AQfn82AJauXYefhHd7GmPdn-7dM18-Z2wDlcZpdnLvRbIaTNDAmf0QAt5F2iXaSLl8_QV4uF4tBOAcqokcOlTGuMcDaGOeKBVPs7vRi-nrAU22XzpuOrRb40skfn/s400/p2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up-close :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDvng5Wo55xMo0ANlWmuBDJdfVU6_p0f1DwDMn_En6dbynZ0vYCRlrYmDD4Jnz7gOZCIv16Zab7IccCpGJMdYnGiwPbAR5LgVbSYbIhoGMeL0JwxjfiyC3vdAxSrf0JuNaZccHc5DCUDY/s1600/p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDvng5Wo55xMo0ANlWmuBDJdfVU6_p0f1DwDMn_En6dbynZ0vYCRlrYmDD4Jnz7gOZCIv16Zab7IccCpGJMdYnGiwPbAR5LgVbSYbIhoGMeL0JwxjfiyC3vdAxSrf0JuNaZccHc5DCUDY/s400/p4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I heart Summer foods! </b></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW3EfBD3PP5Uth7ErfEVexDHqPz64s2deLIcx4E_MGKZ2tK65Mf3BLwnlcZlRWbGCT2p8dolJAuLt73oTPX3Px9nB0hEskzSUMiTDhNDQma0L7Mb5g-bKMRzx3eIni2Bu2VSkMaPCa4iq/s1600/peach+4+upclose+jams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW3EfBD3PP5Uth7ErfEVexDHqPz64s2deLIcx4E_MGKZ2tK65Mf3BLwnlcZlRWbGCT2p8dolJAuLt73oTPX3Px9nB0hEskzSUMiTDhNDQma0L7Mb5g-bKMRzx3eIni2Bu2VSkMaPCa4iq/s400/peach+4+upclose+jams.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>And anything <i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">peachy</span></i> makes me happy too! :) </b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmiH26Mp4lnDfapGri6tyJ2ppTBhJAh5m7ZoVDFnArj9yH-pkD10692f21Vvyw2ejM8MBD4bAaDXUyMfq4YdyT3DOZZAT5ismxKk3XRK_n60xPVLdkfswmyoyXdMG8LpdgNqjHTZLY1MG/s1600/peach1_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmiH26Mp4lnDfapGri6tyJ2ppTBhJAh5m7ZoVDFnArj9yH-pkD10692f21Vvyw2ejM8MBD4bAaDXUyMfq4YdyT3DOZZAT5ismxKk3XRK_n60xPVLdkfswmyoyXdMG8LpdgNqjHTZLY1MG/s400/peach1_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Canned Peaches are perfect for Summer! </span></span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8AimWDG9Z8bbIN2WGrJatCIWFQqj0L34Fx9o2iMZxckyKo0K01B-n9LdhSVldFyQPbvZijHfBLeSIN3YD0dqhDrDKdUFlG4DNmVVnRswACoNmA-aDKB4Lq8FPi8VqQf9jJE30pZ4DycE/s1600/peach+3+up+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8AimWDG9Z8bbIN2WGrJatCIWFQqj0L34Fx9o2iMZxckyKo0K01B-n9LdhSVldFyQPbvZijHfBLeSIN3YD0dqhDrDKdUFlG4DNmVVnRswACoNmA-aDKB4Lq8FPi8VqQf9jJE30pZ4DycE/s400/peach+3+up+close.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Peach pie in a skillet! </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So those are just a couple hints of the new series of minis I'm getting ready for you :)<br />
<br />
Before I go , here's a sample of the pre-work on the Porch. I lay out everything first, to make sure the size is right and everything I love can fit. I'm not sure how the end result will look yet. I started this awhile back, but yesterday I took a wall down and re-worked some things, so who knows, but of course it's fun playing! I'm doing a porch swing today and finishing some railings on the front side. But when it's complete and added on to Summer Rose, you'll be the first to know :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm-iQ5CPhZ2lo1H7iPL7suon1gX_Soudrq7t9Ab8Oasw0l6AS05sbGt1GZtf92zN3EOORls51Vgz9rqLhVBDRlRcFhgozX2YbAMFFszjrakQKI6zrnuh2j5jin672litj529wUStrdOi0/s1600/sp7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm-iQ5CPhZ2lo1H7iPL7suon1gX_Soudrq7t9Ab8Oasw0l6AS05sbGt1GZtf92zN3EOORls51Vgz9rqLhVBDRlRcFhgozX2YbAMFFszjrakQKI6zrnuh2j5jin672litj529wUStrdOi0/s400/sp7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to see because the sun is coming down right on the table, but that is the sweet and beautiful <span style="color: #ea9999;">PINK</span> clothed picnic table that Maritza made me :)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i> I love it so much! </i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ml2kr9XUmjWfRjZiJ1WkHkxAH-Iust2FIkb8nDkaj11YsEekMVh0jwKUNUn3Wz6EHg0BgtIq9oKeaszO2wMVuQLCu1qYsaWxGA-_f5H_LxiDOk2zonMdId3QGZRmX7WgAvYpwjGCOdxP/s1600/sp5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ml2kr9XUmjWfRjZiJ1WkHkxAH-Iust2FIkb8nDkaj11YsEekMVh0jwKUNUn3Wz6EHg0BgtIq9oKeaszO2wMVuQLCu1qYsaWxGA-_f5H_LxiDOk2zonMdId3QGZRmX7WgAvYpwjGCOdxP/s400/sp5.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Come on by for some iced tea and fresh from the oven sweetness! You're all welcome! :)</span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Thank you so much for stopping in! I hope you have a beautiful weekend friends and many many blessings!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Hugs and love, </b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cynthia xo</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-54420882932074423052013-05-17T08:57:00.001-04:002013-05-17T08:57:36.270-04:00The Vintage Vineyards Collection<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><i>Hello sweet friends! </i></b></span>I'm happy and thrilled to let you know the <a href="http://www.maritzaminiatures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Vintage Vineyards Collection</span></i></span></a> by <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Maritza Moran</i></span> and I , is going up on her website this <b>Sunday, 9am</b> (pacific standard time-usa) <b>May 19th.</b> I do hope you'll all stop in and see this gorgeous collection that's been months in the process and completion. Maritza is a dear friend of mine and we had wanted to collaborate on something for the longest time, so when this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it! Maritza is one of the most talented miniature designers I know of, and her love of her work comes through in every piece. She is a true artist and not to mention a beautiful person with a heart of gold too!<br />
<br />
I was honored to create and design foods and room accessories for this collection. It's been such a joy working with her and I look forward to many projects in the future that we can dream up :) I'll let the preview pictures do the talking now (this is just a tiny hint of the large collection)... I hope you enjoy the magical little journey into her miniature world...<br />
<br />
Here's the link to the sale, hope to see you there online Sunday! <br />
<a href="http://www.maritzaminiatures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The Vintage Vineyards Collection </span></b></span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2Fy7P5t6z0WM5AoBHJrgYsnvYPtChKIx5Fd_yi0MtHgTcdwXQjBX3E2G8TME-LarTcjUH_UkoO0Osry0ZCQWaYdJqdKGdPz0bmNXh6X7AKwhJOTyUFAbKui4Zmfe7lo8IyVjDIKrPAry/s1600/vv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2Fy7P5t6z0WM5AoBHJrgYsnvYPtChKIx5Fd_yi0MtHgTcdwXQjBX3E2G8TME-LarTcjUH_UkoO0Osry0ZCQWaYdJqdKGdPz0bmNXh6X7AKwhJOTyUFAbKui4Zmfe7lo8IyVjDIKrPAry/s400/vv2.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4IfGqzVl8lIYx6m6lKVi39GuqkAmZ65-opDZtB1f7hM3-bHmiPuaD4T5tWLptJMDZHrqAuTjziKgWwToGVK6T6VPffXACD5nZC0Ikyp4jFNZLVTuxycYRVj4X2XOdFyzAkoHROkIx2p0/s1600/vv10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4IfGqzVl8lIYx6m6lKVi39GuqkAmZ65-opDZtB1f7hM3-bHmiPuaD4T5tWLptJMDZHrqAuTjziKgWwToGVK6T6VPffXACD5nZC0Ikyp4jFNZLVTuxycYRVj4X2XOdFyzAkoHROkIx2p0/s400/vv10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KnIRmdFyAgfRMuAf_ev9X4AJ9zrF3RUP0HrzhV6KwtjgR2i3LyMvYhhdd8_vn1WI8umFCTayWAyBrIE0sIXZkGwQQZT_kIOQYEQu2AUh6MBXL24kjjQCXkSCTNYj6ddalEM5aXfA07A-/s1600/vv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KnIRmdFyAgfRMuAf_ev9X4AJ9zrF3RUP0HrzhV6KwtjgR2i3LyMvYhhdd8_vn1WI8umFCTayWAyBrIE0sIXZkGwQQZT_kIOQYEQu2AUh6MBXL24kjjQCXkSCTNYj6ddalEM5aXfA07A-/s400/vv3.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO5XGR2Cn4UUFOKhG7y0ADqzKQ4L3nm5Bnt5yX6q_35PXNXwMBo3I6z5wYuTJa0A7Ttu2KzcYO6KnAnETnZ3PaaKfDkyL2_Hk_zL3HrGjEUYS_D-zkAFQwHiVs8LnsbfkT5QdxXLZBfhi/s1600/vv4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO5XGR2Cn4UUFOKhG7y0ADqzKQ4L3nm5Bnt5yX6q_35PXNXwMBo3I6z5wYuTJa0A7Ttu2KzcYO6KnAnETnZ3PaaKfDkyL2_Hk_zL3HrGjEUYS_D-zkAFQwHiVs8LnsbfkT5QdxXLZBfhi/s400/vv4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jidAqWjZFmdeJJIhraLteqDK7EY4sJMjOkm2n40apZFLo_NXPUyNx5QoGFj-6-rE1jFOhMMHExVwDXwVSbIziZpD9uVGTjFJIS9p128Xs0WMb7RYZTOzSGvbiLw67OnKW_lvxoKXtGU4/s1600/vv5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jidAqWjZFmdeJJIhraLteqDK7EY4sJMjOkm2n40apZFLo_NXPUyNx5QoGFj-6-rE1jFOhMMHExVwDXwVSbIziZpD9uVGTjFJIS9p128Xs0WMb7RYZTOzSGvbiLw67OnKW_lvxoKXtGU4/s400/vv5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UrysfqLI-5AxBSRqjBXKcVQ9Kn9O-UN9ofCIoqTniPcDG9qeT_gVJMIeWt_AHfbG2HITORDGVYSWhX2C533_ZSE_3Ovo93bMb-EPkopJLi9SbvDBSQSNMYOdnpT54XgysjAFtWjGzMJy/s1600/vv6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UrysfqLI-5AxBSRqjBXKcVQ9Kn9O-UN9ofCIoqTniPcDG9qeT_gVJMIeWt_AHfbG2HITORDGVYSWhX2C533_ZSE_3Ovo93bMb-EPkopJLi9SbvDBSQSNMYOdnpT54XgysjAFtWjGzMJy/s400/vv6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1uiNze5KxXhaehz7ANeWbcVPPmfQSG03_M8xwy18cvzrPOZucNmLh4xbv09_hIkDhC_KMwNi13Kv3FS623N_IZ18macMx2w4O9iZx76AwYbBxrFkEX7r1OB3mf9Ck7BRZ3x5EqdHXAFp/s1600/vv7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1uiNze5KxXhaehz7ANeWbcVPPmfQSG03_M8xwy18cvzrPOZucNmLh4xbv09_hIkDhC_KMwNi13Kv3FS623N_IZ18macMx2w4O9iZx76AwYbBxrFkEX7r1OB3mf9Ck7BRZ3x5EqdHXAFp/s400/vv7.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgPPNsOhwviKrooQLjgNbcJewDNaJOWJ7aLRpBtPzHySeYkVfv2srw9GcM7Qk_az2TdrS_XMiLu9_J36DVtlDzeYbJlDkViOzoy1EV2jsMcPpy_xarL9qMS4EfheRuY98Xmpcwr-hxmsw/s1600/vv8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgPPNsOhwviKrooQLjgNbcJewDNaJOWJ7aLRpBtPzHySeYkVfv2srw9GcM7Qk_az2TdrS_XMiLu9_J36DVtlDzeYbJlDkViOzoy1EV2jsMcPpy_xarL9qMS4EfheRuY98Xmpcwr-hxmsw/s400/vv8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TW-5WFRx-nMBvs2PYWMw6GKgNsXgpX8aAgZMr_R2Khw3b_T7_SRWu8U0fwNKLF_o4xsUXm3Ma8keCM8ixHbEQpF1jwaTQXMYEPUwt9bbXNz9la1hrS1mG84jumV3gKbfYRVnJAHbOypD/s1600/vv9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TW-5WFRx-nMBvs2PYWMw6GKgNsXgpX8aAgZMr_R2Khw3b_T7_SRWu8U0fwNKLF_o4xsUXm3Ma8keCM8ixHbEQpF1jwaTQXMYEPUwt9bbXNz9la1hrS1mG84jumV3gKbfYRVnJAHbOypD/s400/vv9.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Thank you for stopping in and visiting today, and thank you to Maritza for letting me join in on this beautiful , charming and magical collection! Love you girly! :) xoxo</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>I wish you a beautiful Spring week ahead and many blessings! </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hugs, Cynthia xo</span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-75523641045960149672013-05-10T10:32:00.001-04:002013-05-10T10:33:15.419-04:00Kensington Dollshouse Festival<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Morning friends! </i></span></span>I'm so honored and thankful to Charlotte Stokoe and the wonderful people at the <span style="color: #45818e;"><b><a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/kensington/index.html" target="_blank">Kensington Dollhouse Festival</a> </b> </span>for featuring my miniatures this year in their showcase. I do hope if you are going you will stop in and visit my collection. I've titled it "The Vintage Kitchen.. dream a little dream" and it was a true labor of love!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2a1-6JR0b3xOnAvuxrXwlgnpQp671PwvGCE40CNNhM0gdKtqxef24RshTt_MVKAayMHLbCFyF4HEgNAZ5bETs334thKUxa5ikx4mmb_4nssQzRDttMMcA0Wr-jBBs9x7EPd7Q8uzYlU9/s1600/KDF+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2a1-6JR0b3xOnAvuxrXwlgnpQp671PwvGCE40CNNhM0gdKtqxef24RshTt_MVKAayMHLbCFyF4HEgNAZ5bETs334thKUxa5ikx4mmb_4nssQzRDttMMcA0Wr-jBBs9x7EPd7Q8uzYlU9/s400/KDF+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Because of my schedule, I am not able to attend myself, but they are wonderful to have someone there in charge of my minis for me, so I'm just so grateful! I hope some of you are going!, I'd love to hear all about it if you do! Here's a few peeks of the items in my collection and I loved every moment of creating these. It was actually hard to send them on a journey without me, but I will have to live vicariously through everyone attending this year :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU-BHL0257TU4S8nGfnYJogr0fypcOF21W8eGOQL6lieoce1_NaNjNNTxGhQ8szjAwyMNxcYbGUmnPe8pq0Lb2TLHjf7266fbNTDGsly8F7X_hJBALmcD5NELyCS0FVv5BA6J8KoYoXFI/s1600/the+vintage+k+collection+at+kensington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU-BHL0257TU4S8nGfnYJogr0fypcOF21W8eGOQL6lieoce1_NaNjNNTxGhQ8szjAwyMNxcYbGUmnPe8pq0Lb2TLHjf7266fbNTDGsly8F7X_hJBALmcD5NELyCS0FVv5BA6J8KoYoXFI/s400/the+vintage+k+collection+at+kensington.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's such an honor to be surrounded by such talent and not to mention all those beautiful minis? It must be miniature heaven! :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh7tN5G71mCmub47wQLPnDO8rNQFjosfSw6L9tSPVj8MFjNLV1ffcb_6Hh_vt9u4P_zCbdlhHlaOaM7Sg_UVeSB_1jQDT1o3l3kbMhCOGEjGJXS2KQSBFh8vW_xgZ__DC2GGHL_Y1DROc/s1600/kensington+vintage+collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh7tN5G71mCmub47wQLPnDO8rNQFjosfSw6L9tSPVj8MFjNLV1ffcb_6Hh_vt9u4P_zCbdlhHlaOaM7Sg_UVeSB_1jQDT1o3l3kbMhCOGEjGJXS2KQSBFh8vW_xgZ__DC2GGHL_Y1DROc/s400/kensington+vintage+collection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Well I just popped in for a moment to let you know, and now it's back to work on a collection of "Sweet Shop" inspired minis for my Etsy shop (coming soon!) and also to tie up last details of the Vintage Vineyards collection with Maritza too! Whew, it's been a busy couple of months, but a "good" kinda busy :)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b> I hope you all enjoy a beautiful weekend! And again, <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Happy Mother's Day</span></span> friends!</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Hugs and love, </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Cynthia xo</b></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-49814158118319575052013-05-08T17:21:00.000-04:002013-05-08T17:22:01.780-04:00The most Beautiful things...<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>Every so often , as a collector, I come across something very special... </i><i>One of those "must haves"...</i></span> Well this time, I didn't have to go searching. It landed at my front door as a gift from a friend. Not just any friend, but a very special person to me. As I've mentioned in previous posts that's the beautifully talented Maritza Moran. I cannot thank her enough for this treasured gift! It's just one of those things you know you will enjoy and love forever and hand down to your grandchildren too. I'll be able to tell them the story of how Melanie (my daughter) had a sweet Summer dress that she wore when she was little and I sent Maritza the fabric and she turned it into one of<i> the most beautiful things</i>....a gorgeous , sweet, country cottage table cloth. I just love the charm of it, the pale pink is just worn to the perfect degree and it has such a special look with the chippy benches and gorgeous details. I adore every aspect of her talent for turning little dreams into reality and also because she made it so "me":). Another (and more importantly ) <i>"most beautiful things", </i>in life is friendship, and I feel so blessed in that department because Maritza is the real deal and has such a heart of gold! Thank you M!!<br />
<br />
Ok, I'll keep this a fairly wordless post from now on, as the pictures speak for themselves.... :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC73xMGrh8Y75dcTswSDMJmSuAMq4HxN-Ta7gy9nS3ej5wSbl6X1Dobq-iifEVZbyJrc_w9ijvbinALadrXiq7pAOs0dLm7tU3OuZtHzQw8bub3XuM-k0r5u2VrJQYxkpBbspCiZBUd6XT/s1600/mv23_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC73xMGrh8Y75dcTswSDMJmSuAMq4HxN-Ta7gy9nS3ej5wSbl6X1Dobq-iifEVZbyJrc_w9ijvbinALadrXiq7pAOs0dLm7tU3OuZtHzQw8bub3XuM-k0r5u2VrJQYxkpBbspCiZBUd6XT/s400/mv23_edited-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Isn't it just the sweetest cottage miniature you ever saw? {I know I said I'd be quiet , lol, but , I jumped up and down when I saw it for the first time! }. And one more quick sentence, if you look all around the table you can see parts of the<span style="color: #741b47;"><i> Vintage Vineyard </i></span>Collection she and I are putting together. It is SO close to being finished and I'll post here when it's coming out. A little mouse told me it should be a week or so the most. So fingers crossed. Ok I'll be quiet now..... Put on some beautiful music and sit back and dream a little mini dream....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2X8ZY8Blgzm_i0mM3d4dqpgGS4VIPPIZZ3xt3Gbemsm4FaL01AiG58jX5-S_CXtWzIq12Pc5rVLm0m4kgOnf8xjQ5aT77JOTV3LzOh5Kgng0l4V4kM5s-Y-o184NLzcfKTFXjuoBBMV0/s1600/mv18_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2X8ZY8Blgzm_i0mM3d4dqpgGS4VIPPIZZ3xt3Gbemsm4FaL01AiG58jX5-S_CXtWzIq12Pc5rVLm0m4kgOnf8xjQ5aT77JOTV3LzOh5Kgng0l4V4kM5s-Y-o184NLzcfKTFXjuoBBMV0/s400/mv18_edited-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AFJUY5v6SxdUAKuZsDDAaXir04eqcf3caZjbD2FWAu8ZZavkywErIOVZy6zYpcqCDFtj8l7NNjbLi0ztlB2RHs7OdyoyIA9ZW-Ss7nI7mgNQS74Nesdj1K4suQ4i8EdkGAH5T3MlcbrN/s1600/mv16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AFJUY5v6SxdUAKuZsDDAaXir04eqcf3caZjbD2FWAu8ZZavkywErIOVZy6zYpcqCDFtj8l7NNjbLi0ztlB2RHs7OdyoyIA9ZW-Ss7nI7mgNQS74Nesdj1K4suQ4i8EdkGAH5T3MlcbrN/s400/mv16.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbwQ8gGHC9w9rRV8PlPHnvswRj-VHBDebbUTefFcQKbF_408UHk2kcg9Nzk1jEIubsOAKM6gwguWmOy2KKJKMaq6H3BlFL61Ak-m8HCmS3W5Gpwth8_RgTHcWbIMEL-x0S0F6yJlQBahy/s1600/mv19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbwQ8gGHC9w9rRV8PlPHnvswRj-VHBDebbUTefFcQKbF_408UHk2kcg9Nzk1jEIubsOAKM6gwguWmOy2KKJKMaq6H3BlFL61Ak-m8HCmS3W5Gpwth8_RgTHcWbIMEL-x0S0F6yJlQBahy/s400/mv19.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fnJw0wZL0fsVCKgC8c0nkvzkpnhAQ8-g9VYznVSyawS9UuxObwfnPrT251huH5BM8FUHTFb41Eus5KZBGSX6D5Juixb53YwuLyecXjeD-xBfPH6szSJbCJfRuqwa2e2rYPhFjaUL4bDv/s1600/mv20_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fnJw0wZL0fsVCKgC8c0nkvzkpnhAQ8-g9VYznVSyawS9UuxObwfnPrT251huH5BM8FUHTFb41Eus5KZBGSX6D5Juixb53YwuLyecXjeD-xBfPH6szSJbCJfRuqwa2e2rYPhFjaUL4bDv/s400/mv20_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU87zbL3KyKyApnirHsNaDSGxaqtJA_-WK7V_UPufUitD7wnFgIFWKlGzkUhcxhnDpLUq07QMtS4KNZ43fsY4-E8ihZvwbVKOR3AgrUxEL1UWCBU5Tkug_R5rzm3HMjeESzvu5Hb1yW2Zo/s1600/mv22_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU87zbL3KyKyApnirHsNaDSGxaqtJA_-WK7V_UPufUitD7wnFgIFWKlGzkUhcxhnDpLUq07QMtS4KNZ43fsY4-E8ihZvwbVKOR3AgrUxEL1UWCBU5Tkug_R5rzm3HMjeESzvu5Hb1yW2Zo/s400/mv22_edited-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now can't you see why I *gasped* upon opening the box?? It really is even more beautiful in person! Thank you again M!<br />
<br />
Today's post is fairly short because I've been busy making new miniatures for my Etsy shop and also finishing up my part of the Vintage Vineyards collection. So I'll leave with a couple little sweets "to go" and then I'm back to creating....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_LBe8tU6G80X4go00ORAQhvkqMC42xe-A2aC2uN8YcezGPOuozlpaPB8aeTD9qc3z6t6tm3NTpUPr1Ft5WMxMEJ3-t5iIeROAjI12umpfdeB2wjV4MQqJd5gvIkh9Jyez97UKrTMAp85/s1600/coming+out+tomorrow_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_LBe8tU6G80X4go00ORAQhvkqMC42xe-A2aC2uN8YcezGPOuozlpaPB8aeTD9qc3z6t6tm3NTpUPr1Ft5WMxMEJ3-t5iIeROAjI12umpfdeB2wjV4MQqJd5gvIkh9Jyez97UKrTMAp85/s400/coming+out+tomorrow_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you love Strawberry pie? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nlWz0qr73sGssXk_4UFLOVScvznIllm7yNBfB5kqImZwjxiPx1CtRYi3W0OqS6vsnSSZ5XVcEdcZsoj4YF6VSLjm10Q2sexj4QhRtDnX1JQ_SKh5jq-aju7WzgpK42mAcGLKPrbx1IgM/s1600/e17+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nlWz0qr73sGssXk_4UFLOVScvznIllm7yNBfB5kqImZwjxiPx1CtRYi3W0OqS6vsnSSZ5XVcEdcZsoj4YF6VSLjm10Q2sexj4QhRtDnX1JQ_SKh5jq-aju7WzgpK42mAcGLKPrbx1IgM/s400/e17+etsy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I do :) And I love anything Blueberry too...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNxZQ6nzLFwhyphenhyphenHhsLpYmuKA4gYGOLjg7iA8YJ_012Ci_zt7cwjnqlnbC1n0fsa1kuGCnrx6wMzNZiH7SlRgymvlKlYujCugu6Cqs3g001xiEl86sxtc4X_w5gk_Bx7cGbrs28gKgNYU2g/s1600/e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNxZQ6nzLFwhyphenhyphenHhsLpYmuKA4gYGOLjg7iA8YJ_012Ci_zt7cwjnqlnbC1n0fsa1kuGCnrx6wMzNZiH7SlRgymvlKlYujCugu6Cqs3g001xiEl86sxtc4X_w5gk_Bx7cGbrs28gKgNYU2g/s400/e3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I made some for you too..... :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgHVSTZsWbjBqoHJJy2TWSkxIpKS3bb2T1Mtu9ZLIveacFPeYV4sGp7lsCNsSoS4lkW3S4oIJs8N_IKXndcfs9PBL3JS6uTu7k2GwVncZkuHpvStNcpkFyRXtZiWNc2YWKJEH8v7pXyl8/s1600/e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgHVSTZsWbjBqoHJJy2TWSkxIpKS3bb2T1Mtu9ZLIveacFPeYV4sGp7lsCNsSoS4lkW3S4oIJs8N_IKXndcfs9PBL3JS6uTu7k2GwVncZkuHpvStNcpkFyRXtZiWNc2YWKJEH8v7pXyl8/s400/e5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well I hope you enjoy your week ahead friends! I'm so thankful you stopped in to visit for a bit, and<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wish you lots of happy blessings for</span></b></i></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mothers Day</span> too!! </b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Hugs and Kisses, </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Cynthia xo</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-14384159435572272392013-04-29T09:31:00.001-04:002013-04-29T09:51:06.599-04:00The sweetness in a Spring kitchen <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUu4WRtAw5oweoec3302zUcyUsBPw7tuO9DDLDgo9Vnw4PW5RzTPL7T-b_wxcaJ3F1Bl4LgXJz-xNV-Z7Qp3VSngMEDwCl2oFbC3-4-h36W2EJ8tMCwvhF9HMUMQAv2O1Gj0_B6cRUAn-/s1600/n12_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUu4WRtAw5oweoec3302zUcyUsBPw7tuO9DDLDgo9Vnw4PW5RzTPL7T-b_wxcaJ3F1Bl4LgXJz-xNV-Z7Qp3VSngMEDwCl2oFbC3-4-h36W2EJ8tMCwvhF9HMUMQAv2O1Gj0_B6cRUAn-/s400/n12_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>Hello friends!</b></i></span> Just when I thought I was getting the new blogger format down packed, it seems I've hit a wrong button and my pictures are uploaded out of order again. So forgive the sequence , I guess I'll have to go back to uploading one picture at a time. It's been a busy couple of weeks, but a wonderful bunch too. I've put making miniatures for my shop on a bit of a hold lately as I'm working on a new collection with my beautiful and talented friend <a href="http://www.maritzaminiatures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Maritza Moran</span></a>. The collection coming out soon is titled <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>"Vintage Vineyards"</b> </span>and while every one of her collections is stunning beyond words, this one is near and dear to my heart. Its going to be filled with vintage styled miniatures, romantic cottage elements, and a touch of shabby chic and a little prairie feel to it too. She's working on pieces that are from actual vintage wine barrel wood , re-purposed from the vineyards near where she lives (the beautiful California wine country!). It's been such an honor to work on this collection with her and as soon as it is available I will let you know. It should be just a matter of about 2 weeks hopefully, but I will post the date here and on my facebook page. So stay tuned! :) I've also sent a new collection titled "The Vintage Kitchen...Dream a little dream.." out to the <a href="http://www.dollshousefestival.com/kensington/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Kensington Dollshouse Festival</span></a>,
in London. The show is May 11th and 12th and I do hope if you're in the
area you can stop in and see my collection in the showcase! (I'll be
posting more about this soon too!). After both of these exciting
ventures are completed, I will be back to making miniatures for my Etsy
shop. I also have a big surprise coming in the Summer months with a new
venture a couple of my miniature friends and I are working on for you.
So again, stay tuned :). Whew, ok lots of updates, but now onto a few
miniatures....Some of these items will be featured in Maritza's
collection, and they were such a joy to make! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0r1FN8wZq0o6yq_7KYdSN8PgrsZvMi7iLd2ehBULdcr7aHWN73pn1bYA2k8KjpZxAQyKZTt745cVfR10CXQMDRnpN2GPCOBZA5gB34sus4YQJ7dG2cKZps-AC5o_ay3NX74u8iaG5WS_/s1600/n23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0r1FN8wZq0o6yq_7KYdSN8PgrsZvMi7iLd2ehBULdcr7aHWN73pn1bYA2k8KjpZxAQyKZTt745cVfR10CXQMDRnpN2GPCOBZA5gB34sus4YQJ7dG2cKZps-AC5o_ay3NX74u8iaG5WS_/s400/n23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creamed honey is a favorite of mine in real life and it comes in so many flavors too, I kept mine simple because I love the creamy homemade look to them. They were a great joy to make in miniature. I set aside a few "canning" days and made up a batch. Good music on, a window open to the beautiful Spring air, and a lot of stirring and a nice batch was complete. Have you ever tried real creamed honey? If you haven't , it's a must try! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0C4g_tb3AGWGEWqB0qVKBVDhCMV5a6oYY_6NQzfP0vqZcu76NpRyIJdsY7Dw45WyCr4KpGO1A6taYNWGL9vLzB-5-F3aRo1Sb1kBOjPoioINFJ-kXqIE4Aw9v7trxbJc2bFPOMMi62qC/s1600/n26+jar+alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0C4g_tb3AGWGEWqB0qVKBVDhCMV5a6oYY_6NQzfP0vqZcu76NpRyIJdsY7Dw45WyCr4KpGO1A6taYNWGL9vLzB-5-F3aRo1Sb1kBOjPoioINFJ-kXqIE4Aw9v7trxbJc2bFPOMMi62qC/s400/n26+jar+alone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple and deliciously sweet! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE3dZeTF0SfGQOnnS8qA-mUz3l5JqzFJDIeXaWDwp3oJFyFSluhu0xhdNVPg22aUfzSG_jkbNVx96ek0cgWdrMLXU7uLtl5o5P8Kejjb9RHjWIRZpu28bj8lFZpfhJKMt0q76hHyDzoOP/s1600/n27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTE3dZeTF0SfGQOnnS8qA-mUz3l5JqzFJDIeXaWDwp3oJFyFSluhu0xhdNVPg22aUfzSG_jkbNVx96ek0cgWdrMLXU7uLtl5o5P8Kejjb9RHjWIRZpu28bj8lFZpfhJKMt0q76hHyDzoOP/s400/n27.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom labels are fun to make too! With the creamed honey jars, I lightly tea stained the vintage styled floral fabrics to help give it that old fashioned/vintage feel...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7LPaDX75KWH1opskahM0OpkzDVN5Om8wyCVm3LkPwKMo20VFqr-Ez4SIu4QGGJ09-5wP1xb_GPvYdxN9v128K-rZMT9dlCqC0T3GHtroSCSSdPnXIw7umbevyx1Qp6numepqd96j2RBW/s1600/n30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7LPaDX75KWH1opskahM0OpkzDVN5Om8wyCVm3LkPwKMo20VFqr-Ez4SIu4QGGJ09-5wP1xb_GPvYdxN9v128K-rZMT9dlCqC0T3GHtroSCSSdPnXIw7umbevyx1Qp6numepqd96j2RBW/s400/n30.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8q7Y2Ui4rdMkT8Kih9DM_txSzihN6xE1jnT93xEChYvVG6UtDnr06OeTpr0yP36CwxYXC7Y9e5YC5Vcm25yZ5aU02qgaYTrbr0HprQan_xYwKhwX5bADtkB73GN93wEpteQtbNfVKR0Y/s1600/n32_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8q7Y2Ui4rdMkT8Kih9DM_txSzihN6xE1jnT93xEChYvVG6UtDnr06OeTpr0yP36CwxYXC7Y9e5YC5Vcm25yZ5aU02qgaYTrbr0HprQan_xYwKhwX5bADtkB73GN93wEpteQtbNfVKR0Y/s400/n32_edited-2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tLBIZvhm2OTJE6R7xrRAmo4y4nrJldrirVfU3ZkNGdevN6k9C7eMcozCy0s4BTqobF9J6nsR7QBE0wfcLF6FsnJ8ooPsrhpbo-RmUKxBFB1uYJxriM_fZ3prjHtCWyZ7gUglSBY08Tog/s1600/n4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tLBIZvhm2OTJE6R7xrRAmo4y4nrJldrirVfU3ZkNGdevN6k9C7eMcozCy0s4BTqobF9J6nsR7QBE0wfcLF6FsnJ8ooPsrhpbo-RmUKxBFB1uYJxriM_fZ3prjHtCWyZ7gUglSBY08Tog/s400/n4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating a scene of "making the honey" is just about as much fun as making it! :) After all, that's really what I love about miniatures most, the "play" time after the items have been created! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM3ciJz5m3brPbPBHlRRA3p9vyTmOwFdRXspzBAuWLAfq52cQTQUMlkHVZXVbRQLQF1iika9rrX-VmD6-IC1aSbylTJvzh52CVaa7lxh0U4OjW1Ppqyp7mJ-gSmqIHvJQvNy0EgWEaB2L/s1600/n5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM3ciJz5m3brPbPBHlRRA3p9vyTmOwFdRXspzBAuWLAfq52cQTQUMlkHVZXVbRQLQF1iika9rrX-VmD6-IC1aSbylTJvzh52CVaa7lxh0U4OjW1Ppqyp7mJ-gSmqIHvJQvNy0EgWEaB2L/s400/n5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHigexjOzPmp6W8tcOKouOzPMPn6f6NJxzRsd-_TPSe4K4uRQBJrM9xt72s7zNmkyNNwzyqfuwjbdw_1AArjT_yFzVzUoUm0mcfkYBC81g4WsVM8mApZz_5mYQbKaDjzkOA5dI-KwRgTI/s1600/n6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHigexjOzPmp6W8tcOKouOzPMPn6f6NJxzRsd-_TPSe4K4uRQBJrM9xt72s7zNmkyNNwzyqfuwjbdw_1AArjT_yFzVzUoUm0mcfkYBC81g4WsVM8mApZz_5mYQbKaDjzkOA5dI-KwRgTI/s400/n6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm still working on my photography skills, because that's the best way I know how to bring a scene to life for you. And I'm sure I still have a long ways to go, but it's just as much fun learning all the aspects of it , as it is putting it to use...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOK103nSzghy8Hqi6UnetDrS0I-srjOFf81Bem7f-HPvKipv7op0MipjGLY59-G6Tn8KTOnk-sGr8jxMMSKgyLw2Sdy3_hZiJhDOPMQEXklhv6IhmgjeGfkSsrvg8UaP30az35zhY6-Zl/s1600/n7+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOK103nSzghy8Hqi6UnetDrS0I-srjOFf81Bem7f-HPvKipv7op0MipjGLY59-G6Tn8KTOnk-sGr8jxMMSKgyLw2Sdy3_hZiJhDOPMQEXklhv6IhmgjeGfkSsrvg8UaP30az35zhY6-Zl/s400/n7+bw.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a Designer and stylist, I had to teach myself years ago how to use Photoshop and now I find all the tools I learned and played with really come into wonderful use with miniatures too! With the photo above, I added a bit of black and white to help give the miniatures more of a nostalgic feel. Not everyone is a fan of black and white, but I really love it. My father was a wonderful photographer and he shot most of his work in black and white, so that's probably why it tugs at my heartstrings so much. I can still remember as a little girl, going into the darkroom and watching him create his magic while the picture came to life in a tub of solution.. Still to this day, it's scent can awaking those memories of being his little helper all those years ago. I would also follow him everywhere around the yard as he photographed things that sparked his fancy. I do believe I placed myself in front of that lens many times too! :) Seeing myself from a newborn on for too many years to count proves his daughters were also a favorite subject if his too :) ...............Mostly all of my miniatures come from a place in my heart where my passions and memories are. Whether that's baking pies with Mom, playing with my grandmothers aprons and linens, baking cookies and cakes, or having a special "canning" day. They all find their way into my miniatures. And creamed honey is one of those special things too, so here's how to make your own....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir2ItpEzCe-CmA_FdL4bUhQAfg1nKKWx7ZNq1_ENBIglZK77xwZ78zPW6xEIlXVZ2K1lNGJE6z6mCIMMtil1PPddF05-1JaYcKRtPvyPYoC7IbMvdC4Hl7PgCswNdFnBtDMlpXN5Uz5bd/s1600/n8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir2ItpEzCe-CmA_FdL4bUhQAfg1nKKWx7ZNq1_ENBIglZK77xwZ78zPW6xEIlXVZ2K1lNGJE6z6mCIMMtil1PPddF05-1JaYcKRtPvyPYoC7IbMvdC4Hl7PgCswNdFnBtDMlpXN5Uz5bd/s400/n8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>* * </b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>Making creamed honey</b></i></span> in miniature is pretty easy. I use Easy Cast Resin (from a craft store like Micheal's etc). Follow the directions on the box for mixing the 2 ingredients. Then pour into another plastic clear cup. Shave in a bit of "creamy yellow" (not bright yellow) oil pastels. Stir until you see a nice creamy color blended throughout. ( I hold my cup up to the light to make sure the colors are well blended). Then add some white pastels too, this will give the honey a more opaque look. Hence a creamier look than golden honey or jam would. There aren't any "perfect" measurements here, just keep stirring until you've reached the desired color. I actually let my jams, jellies and honey sit a couple minutes before I determine if I want to add more color. That way, the color gets to settle a bit and you can better see what it will look like dry. Then I pour the resin (very carefully ) into little glass jars and let dry overnight. You now can have fun with labels, tops and all sorts of things you love added on. Or, as in my case, I actually prefer them to be fairly simple and sometimes all that's needed is a metal lid. . It just say's "homemade" a little more to me :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYh-Riol7sWyGnc1ce-yuiV2u9SN-LmCLupZlJ3ColbVS7uu7Lgg0QiTtH2wEgVtbxMqf1Xw1sWUFae1ASw8KpdklcOlIChx_uEttClqGMo_TzilY4G4EZA_rlbLdgSAA1sh95pJGTKQ0/s1600/b6_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYh-Riol7sWyGnc1ce-yuiV2u9SN-LmCLupZlJ3ColbVS7uu7Lgg0QiTtH2wEgVtbxMqf1Xw1sWUFae1ASw8KpdklcOlIChx_uEttClqGMo_TzilY4G4EZA_rlbLdgSAA1sh95pJGTKQ0/s400/b6_edited-1.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent a bit of time over the last couple of weeks making other things too, this was a cake stand (above) that I had seen in real life and I so I worked a bit on creating one in miniature...<i> Fun</i> and challenging :) ! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBceqtGaqi14t6cKWj4ezzX-10MhyS6AoadWjmk0QpkL5_NqDNM1B_iCX-ejkOXP9LwMfr9CzJo_62QesBbjNP6e-RWjE8DMg1d9z5Ci1hrtkMnhGGwSR34FGBWrNNdlApc5y-vGgbr9iU/s1600/ra2_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBceqtGaqi14t6cKWj4ezzX-10MhyS6AoadWjmk0QpkL5_NqDNM1B_iCX-ejkOXP9LwMfr9CzJo_62QesBbjNP6e-RWjE8DMg1d9z5Ci1hrtkMnhGGwSR34FGBWrNNdlApc5y-vGgbr9iU/s400/ra2_edited-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not being able to find miniature ramekins in the colors I wanted, I created some in mini myself. This is a very soft pastel blue (above) and I made them in other colors too (below). But the blue one was my last one and the style I am happiest keeping and using in projects. Things like this and the cake stand, take lots of practice and patience. I think I will stick to the ramekins and for now, go back to "buying" cake stands. Some things are just tried for fun and then I realize what I'm better off sticking with :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8POE7-nZ2WFlsANuRXpiKC6Ap7uJ6rOnybR0d6fAzDB3-8a-LYk-HgqNjS4cc3SvMq3d9-EUkiWV3R5exOqD71vu0hpfsGhyshbioZbjxgQ7RSu_7Kn3S7HNwB4ZtBq9cPtTVwdMABst/s1600/r1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8POE7-nZ2WFlsANuRXpiKC6Ap7uJ6rOnybR0d6fAzDB3-8a-LYk-HgqNjS4cc3SvMq3d9-EUkiWV3R5exOqD71vu0hpfsGhyshbioZbjxgQ7RSu_7Kn3S7HNwB4ZtBq9cPtTVwdMABst/s400/r1.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><i><b>and ..... a little Vintage Mixer Love</b></i></b></i></span> </b></i></b></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> </b></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQK8arOtuwWe2alsO-MBUcmaE2LxrL8KeZ1cPGthLO1DmoJh8TASvf_gWPFA4oRVqa2V8O9L_hnqAQgR-eSSBceceBtgITCoc0otv1Q9gt5nU1lq96cOS4c83LQNQLQesLKxm648Sa44I/s1600/m+egg+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQK8arOtuwWe2alsO-MBUcmaE2LxrL8KeZ1cPGthLO1DmoJh8TASvf_gWPFA4oRVqa2V8O9L_hnqAQgR-eSSBceceBtgITCoc0otv1Q9gt5nU1lq96cOS4c83LQNQLQesLKxm648Sa44I/s400/m+egg+cream.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this mixer last week and was very happy with it ! It literally took a few days! But since I couldn't find a milkshake maker in the style I wanted, again, I gave it a try. After much sanding, painting, cutting out of tiny black rubber feet, ordering vintage green rubber cording, and sanding again, lol, it was complete. :) I am working on little details of a Bakery/Sweet shop for the future, so this will have a nice home one day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMZ9Sy727NfSlYVVCNhMYU-VcxtKFUW7C5yIkfqygfCScp31jDn2sGYTxiBBt4T7BtFbQbyGly9ZejlNo-q0QS_fCChyphenhyphenSZJx752MU5kWinLBQrMte_CH3nhWBRrWXtpvyU8Ur4_lMkGxb/s1600/blue+bakery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMZ9Sy727NfSlYVVCNhMYU-VcxtKFUW7C5yIkfqygfCScp31jDn2sGYTxiBBt4T7BtFbQbyGly9ZejlNo-q0QS_fCChyphenhyphenSZJx752MU5kWinLBQrMte_CH3nhWBRrWXtpvyU8Ur4_lMkGxb/s400/blue+bakery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well I hope you enjoyed my little tour of "what's new" in miniature...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some how , I've also found time to work on details of getting my little baby girl (almost 18 lol) all ready for college in the fall, done
lots of backyard work getting the house all ready for the beautiful
season of entertaining friends and family, and even managed to clean out
every closet and drawer known to man in this house. So, I am feeling
ready and renewed! I hope you all are enjoying a lovely and blessed
Spring too!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>Big hugs , and lots of love!</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Cynthia xo </b></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-19817924165928227732013-04-20T13:49:00.000-04:002013-04-20T13:53:33.071-04:00If you need a little smile....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hello friends!</span></b></i></span> After a week of staying close to the TV and the news, it seems we are all in need of some comforting thoughts and normalcy. My thoughts and prayers are still with those of Boston and Texas, while the week ended with some hope and good news, there is still a long road ahead for many, and many of those lives with be changed forever. I am always thankful to have a passion in life for many reasons, and miniatures being that for me, is at least, a perfect escape sometimes. I have to admit that I tried a few times this week to lose myself in my work, but a constant need to know what was going on in the world usually won out. And I think sometimes it probably should. If getting older and wiser has taught be anything, it's that we as Americans and human beings have a way that when things are at their worst, we can be at our very best. And even though "hate" and tragedy will probably always exist to some extent, we can do our part to go forward. If anyone has been lucky enough to not have either touch their lives, then bringing happiness and hope to others is by far the best we can do. If it's not directly being able to help those effected, then a simple vow to shine happiness into another persons day is where we can, one person at a time, create a better universe and a better life or day. To make someone smile, is by far the simplest way to share joy. Lots of things make me smile. My blessings of having a family, my friends, and wonderful people in my life, and of course my passion with miniatures. So today, I am grateful and thankful and I'm vowing that making others happy and sharing a smile will always be my first priority. So now that that's been said, I can show you a couple of pictures of what I worked on this week and hopefully it will add another tiny something to smile about too :) ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsaNz8EAOKaCB4vrmE-0wLtmJIalJNEDJ0AIaQH9t7u0XD3bWFrbX11_RjGgiZXpt9v2jGco3BdkcH8ZNi0fEjrWp3hLt3sF8Tx93uHqbAA60d0QhIIey9M6MbEIDnd0Eeogv9lgbZXP8/s1600/j7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsaNz8EAOKaCB4vrmE-0wLtmJIalJNEDJ0AIaQH9t7u0XD3bWFrbX11_RjGgiZXpt9v2jGco3BdkcH8ZNi0fEjrWp3hLt3sF8Tx93uHqbAA60d0QhIIey9M6MbEIDnd0Eeogv9lgbZXP8/s400/j7.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does Jadeite make you smile? </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_wva3qg4CHTf4UWNUNrA1PcoU0DOKJGr165PhKl4SszHOsXl1RVOdwiBrKdHvld0WMgtoKKM0P-wptGm6yJEyDEBf19RatFKZ6aNVugm2eOebOPRz4WaHgR2yHpCyGXeNEyDohRdzIQA/s1600/j6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_wva3qg4CHTf4UWNUNrA1PcoU0DOKJGr165PhKl4SszHOsXl1RVOdwiBrKdHvld0WMgtoKKM0P-wptGm6yJEyDEBf19RatFKZ6aNVugm2eOebOPRz4WaHgR2yHpCyGXeNEyDohRdzIQA/s400/j6.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For me, that's a big yes! There's nothing like a little nostalgic jadeite china to give me the warm "wrapped in kitchen love and grandma" feelings. I still have some of the real pieces from years of collecting and no matter how many years go by, it will always be in style too :) It just makes me feel good! And in miniature? I find it sweet as sugar looking!! Do you collect jadeite too? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JyrztUTbv9k6cqCErIj6MUBY-0JhEFZjjNonWMkkQ4xl3hyWFastNL4Zrpjl58LCVu738f0PDeR3ghYgCZ3CCfJnpqoEtAa2VxwN_47emFL2_lFwrRvHud1opKt5YqebNrkfSgjGAXS5/s1600/m10_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JyrztUTbv9k6cqCErIj6MUBY-0JhEFZjjNonWMkkQ4xl3hyWFastNL4Zrpjl58LCVu738f0PDeR3ghYgCZ3CCfJnpqoEtAa2VxwN_47emFL2_lFwrRvHud1opKt5YqebNrkfSgjGAXS5/s400/m10_edited-1.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny mixers make me smile too...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPfnSs6pUQP72WYk0R_x0xTKhNFYv_xU1xMxARh8OVRpzz5Blyl1905P40r5etaRdW7uotIwFpz_SIUPkzz3KR2TYXLLUkywJ2KMNoGZrOS5EQ6kJqMAWVgTCljm0hR_b6GrKNm3KmKoY/s1600/m4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPfnSs6pUQP72WYk0R_x0xTKhNFYv_xU1xMxARh8OVRpzz5Blyl1905P40r5etaRdW7uotIwFpz_SIUPkzz3KR2TYXLLUkywJ2KMNoGZrOS5EQ6kJqMAWVgTCljm0hR_b6GrKNm3KmKoY/s400/m4.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Especially if they are pink :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt7NhGp03QpaSAfqCQg0IaNXvx3wt2zFdSl_sSBOpOupGkLkVaP5oAaLVikC_GxxMI7apj7gSfxx_iXUyFrxBPgT6WSexWpgL0hyphenhyphenr5G-qhbLw4cD8415z6wQq6Z2cw8Ut8NfKjZhG4RWT/s1600/r12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt7NhGp03QpaSAfqCQg0IaNXvx3wt2zFdSl_sSBOpOupGkLkVaP5oAaLVikC_GxxMI7apj7gSfxx_iXUyFrxBPgT6WSexWpgL0hyphenhyphenr5G-qhbLw4cD8415z6wQq6Z2cw8Ut8NfKjZhG4RWT/s400/r12.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand painted roses on a vintage cabinet make me smile too...And filling them with vintage pieces, ummm, that is for sure a huge smile :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcBDJWuYg8_VSn5rKZAzgc0r72ZkQe6xYdB0rsIcfM3qhPV1HWKC7iRf45uJg3m_AlIHXKr9nHH2gcxVNW7SFCMODUh-btPS-bUu9hvjQ1fIuYqUCi4whtCvi_vaLY0aXTkqBC6eCVEaG/s1600/r5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcBDJWuYg8_VSn5rKZAzgc0r72ZkQe6xYdB0rsIcfM3qhPV1HWKC7iRf45uJg3m_AlIHXKr9nHH2gcxVNW7SFCMODUh-btPS-bUu9hvjQ1fIuYqUCi4whtCvi_vaLY0aXTkqBC6eCVEaG/s400/r5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But , I do know one thing I can have every day and I'd be very happy, and that's PIE! I think we all need a little slice of pie this weekend! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwcKaZLXAGIck8ND7RjxdJ0fI6cXoxJEVfnxuKXIdTRZYL_e67hrmFphjuZ4bRdGHqDzJO4UpEkLjd0ZhGEpn93iPLgo6iZAVy5I-FJtChKVSOOV-vLQRnCMJzEt04f6y_DtCz_20MbA2/s1600/r3_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwcKaZLXAGIck8ND7RjxdJ0fI6cXoxJEVfnxuKXIdTRZYL_e67hrmFphjuZ4bRdGHqDzJO4UpEkLjd0ZhGEpn93iPLgo6iZAVy5I-FJtChKVSOOV-vLQRnCMJzEt04f6y_DtCz_20MbA2/s400/r3_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For me, that's strawberry rhubarb, it's always a perfect way to make me smile :) So I made you some too :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hope this weekend finds you healthy and happy and I wish you all little and big days of Joy , always!! Share a smile today, give what you can, and do your best to make this world a better place. I know you will, because you always make me smile too!! xox</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Love, Cynthia </span></b></i></span></span><br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070318388233123479.post-38238119000190771272013-04-10T11:41:00.001-04:002013-04-10T21:51:22.645-04:00A new season brings new inspirations...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ddqmsTvYKWa0KuFLIAV1KizS2GvdsRl5q_kJENSRlj_wVHOMa0SGYl7I5IboKKsweJoFWg5WJeucVHS2n4TpGlyGSMGXQxuxatPS5Z7PbtOGYNnHGPkS4PKJuV19t6uaCE98FH1V3z1A/s1600/v2_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ddqmsTvYKWa0KuFLIAV1KizS2GvdsRl5q_kJENSRlj_wVHOMa0SGYl7I5IboKKsweJoFWg5WJeucVHS2n4TpGlyGSMGXQxuxatPS5Z7PbtOGYNnHGPkS4PKJuV19t6uaCE98FH1V3z1A/s400/v2_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b>Hello sweet friends! </b></i></span></span>I just want to start this post off with a big
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b><i>"Thank you"!! </i></b></span></span>I realized I've come to 2002 friends and followers of my
blog and I am just so grateful and thankful to all who stop by and share
my passions with me, you are all so wonderful! I'm going to prepare
another give-away soon to celebrate, so stay tuned! :) For now, onto a
few new miniatures and my work over the last couple of weeks. I get so
inspired with the beautiful weather we are having (finally!) and my
thoughts and creativity come directly from the new season we are in and
whats to come! I've also designed a new header for my blog. It was time for a very tiny changed to celebrate the new season too :)<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_yDGFRyeuQeqLp8-AnzQVnjFWBkaAE7UmOO0cy7cAzAtM0QrFeIk0CIn5eAmEfnEVf_er1BI-gqSkCCfQCOXv4HbD3JrI3iEAuVfAtgKb9GZ1dPmmo83n9-AIJj19FjD6lPhCT1WeBWm/s1600/v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_yDGFRyeuQeqLp8-AnzQVnjFWBkaAE7UmOO0cy7cAzAtM0QrFeIk0CIn5eAmEfnEVf_er1BI-gqSkCCfQCOXv4HbD3JrI3iEAuVfAtgKb9GZ1dPmmo83n9-AIJj19FjD6lPhCT1WeBWm/s400/v3.jpg" width="287" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making pies is still one of my favorites things to do in miniature. Probably because baking and eating them in real life is also one of my favorite things :) But I've also enjoyed making new books this week, I love scanning Google and finding vintage or cottage style cookbooks and creating them for my scenes. I've also designed some myself which has even been more fun! Coming up with cover ideas is a real treat for me. And playing on photoshop is always fun too :)<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD0AK2STwgpKFaDcl9SElE5M_9rOtfAghYt0Yd7vRjbHIepJmaaNHnwitiKSZbqbdsIhfYVndD9k3mWLvdU9osmSFqAgm4SKuJV63PRRQcg_APKbpezHE-WUX3yal672Tfw6dZnVcsq6b/s1600/cupcake+mix+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmD0AK2STwgpKFaDcl9SElE5M_9rOtfAghYt0Yd7vRjbHIepJmaaNHnwitiKSZbqbdsIhfYVndD9k3mWLvdU9osmSFqAgm4SKuJV63PRRQcg_APKbpezHE-WUX3yal672Tfw6dZnVcsq6b/s400/cupcake+mix+bags.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And speaking of photo shop, when I can't find something in miniature from the retail sites, I often find ways to create them myself and that's always been the biggest joy for me. Something that is created from conception to finality and has the look I'm looking for when I'm finished, is a great feeling of satisfaction. So if you're not seeing or finding things you love and want for your miniatures, always give it a try yourself! I created these "cupcake mixes" and "flour" sacs, and it was so rewarding to see my design come to life.<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R877Tirm4exn2ooRNS_y0J257E2DmmPaZf0ev6CZibiGBzia5-du7ugZB4jFKKPBtPnZZk_BV1I-cVQ-K98hYWXbpYs6SPmN-2j4Tra7NI3MbJfmUciPQGBqnrUFU7fKF7gKtqQCCJuX/s1600/p7_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6R877Tirm4exn2ooRNS_y0J257E2DmmPaZf0ev6CZibiGBzia5-du7ugZB4jFKKPBtPnZZk_BV1I-cVQ-K98hYWXbpYs6SPmN-2j4Tra7NI3MbJfmUciPQGBqnrUFU7fKF7gKtqQCCJuX/s400/p7_edited-1.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also worked on a few pie bakery boxes, and cake boxes. I'm still learning how to perfect them, but they've been much so much fun working on. I wasn't happy with the color card-stock I was using here, (they were practice ones) but after a trip to Micheal's I finally found the white Swiss dot and cardboard color too I had wanted them to be. So I'm still working on the new ones.<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohsYcAIXaL33x4rwO3xa2OSqfR4p2CJ9hp5fRNGMCTX5LvRT3FkZIdKpaP_rr9H4gLbBF8fWecYmSi-K457tv5aLKzkQMnannGzVxAMEi5wZjWmB22sjVDk7bjA7P575IjYTMjMSgRHFj/s1600/p8_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohsYcAIXaL33x4rwO3xa2OSqfR4p2CJ9hp5fRNGMCTX5LvRT3FkZIdKpaP_rr9H4gLbBF8fWecYmSi-K457tv5aLKzkQMnannGzVxAMEi5wZjWmB22sjVDk7bjA7P575IjYTMjMSgRHFj/s400/p8_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new ones I'm making have the wording right on the paper, (via printer) verses what you see here, which is an applied label. I've also designed some bakery stickers too that I'll use for the top. Playing is such fun! Isn't it?!<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSKtyLtI2qLDiLQzWyJuLXPxM3gXfHJyhkOxWh5QvOW4dL1cCP-wXhLQ3DnJgGOj2kxIOTzClIhYRJzZxY0MmHPCWAopAkNO3IDhcF7QGqB2IOiNX-r88nUUBK2gFGWnxrg_C0LSr5Brl/s1600/c32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSKtyLtI2qLDiLQzWyJuLXPxM3gXfHJyhkOxWh5QvOW4dL1cCP-wXhLQ3DnJgGOj2kxIOTzClIhYRJzZxY0MmHPCWAopAkNO3IDhcF7QGqB2IOiNX-r88nUUBK2gFGWnxrg_C0LSr5Brl/s400/c32.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This canning shelf unit was another project I worked on. Another
favorite thing in miniature for me is canned fruits, vegetables, and
herbs in oils etc. Again , it's something I love in real life too. This
shelf unit was inspired by my love of canning. I've been making jams
and honey's for my mini creations for a long time. But I've always want
one place to showcase them in a cottage. So I worked on this until it
felt complete. There's something very special about shelves filled with a
beautiful harvest and letting the sunlight highlight all their beauty.
I'll never forget a movie I saw years ago called Funny Valentines. It
was set in the deep south and one of the characters had a little cottage
shed in the back yard filled with all her canning and bottles of herbs.
It was such a magical scene when she spoke about her passion for what
she did , and the camera showed every jar filled with light and bounty.
It's stuck with me every since. I've tried to get the movie in DVD, but
it isn't yet available. It's an older movie (1999) so I'm not sure it
ever will, but I loved every part of the movie. Here's a link to my
inspiration from one of the scenes. (Ignore the first few moments of the
clip about a marriage gone wrong lol. Its after that scene when she
goes into her sisters barn that I love! Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaDqeZGyznU" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>HERE </b></span></a>to view. I hope this link works, and forgive the quality, it seems to be the only clip anywhere! Boo-hoo! But I think you'll get the idea of how incredible it was to see on the big screen. :)<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNyje5Ej8kNMavP9iTwg82jjbRZzlwxAwpJalODxL7Y8EYZrJYV6V1DBwNXduuE6ywu1ZLcZchxvI748rgMVOAQWCS7lg-V72WrHG2KEPvlq5eqgbiaR180sv78-_nQHnf2A-Lm_6Atl9/s1600/c33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNyje5Ej8kNMavP9iTwg82jjbRZzlwxAwpJalODxL7Y8EYZrJYV6V1DBwNXduuE6ywu1ZLcZchxvI748rgMVOAQWCS7lg-V72WrHG2KEPvlq5eqgbiaR180sv78-_nQHnf2A-Lm_6Atl9/s400/c33.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting together the collection was blissful....There's something very calming about the "putting up" of jars and jars of jams, honey's, and creating layers of fresh picked fruit and herbs.<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DlPQ-19tCRjgphMB0pnHLplxo21hyxyIf-RtSCKuN4KS-k-Z131suyXdum58IN3UYIELLOQWFNJBP8E4nZnLQszYB01uBRmKqzPmHTQqFypMt-kTJ5TCKrBhFVVVIjYnc4VT_k9eBLB4/s1600/c34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DlPQ-19tCRjgphMB0pnHLplxo21hyxyIf-RtSCKuN4KS-k-Z131suyXdum58IN3UYIELLOQWFNJBP8E4nZnLQszYB01uBRmKqzPmHTQqFypMt-kTJ5TCKrBhFVVVIjYnc4VT_k9eBLB4/s400/c34.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making them in different sizes and heights helps to add to the beauty of the shelves.<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6NpT4iIQZJNqg5KDqCqzRbRqD259-rmXD8zncRK9IJlEmYVkaA0GZ_npqaE6NFUPhbdU1qO6aJKIrLApTqeftsqao1atog7hJH3hanSBtiQMHEP8wUc_698_OsZMuTRiH76dnWhPiQDx/s1600/c36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6NpT4iIQZJNqg5KDqCqzRbRqD259-rmXD8zncRK9IJlEmYVkaA0GZ_npqaE6NFUPhbdU1qO6aJKIrLApTqeftsqao1atog7hJH3hanSBtiQMHEP8wUc_698_OsZMuTRiH76dnWhPiQDx/s400/c36.jpg" width="225" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is almost 8 inches tall, so it's hard to photograph with detail and see it all at once...<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC64rv_fMBYtfVYkaaTS-37g0l_G4NoNGFFb6IZacsl2elpGy6mq1CLaI10TOLTkgkwRZSwygE_3Xchp7dxgh9ug4nwsW8tLGzyaf-hDvmUrhgzVGBa-lN4WlBuOH28l-URQ4OMUJ8JBj5/s1600/c51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC64rv_fMBYtfVYkaaTS-37g0l_G4NoNGFFb6IZacsl2elpGy6mq1CLaI10TOLTkgkwRZSwygE_3Xchp7dxgh9ug4nwsW8tLGzyaf-hDvmUrhgzVGBa-lN4WlBuOH28l-URQ4OMUJ8JBj5/s400/c51.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQbhBVx_DZHQB8NyrUfQNgoxqOs-BR5IfV0LGFvZr2-W6JSoDFq_54LjuQMndA0PXQcIZe-snikHWUyPbmdWKQ5WehhsjfEOcHF9P3UyleEdKSbSVOOna8VOmrcuM7L0orkRV9JQk8X9Q/s1600/canning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQbhBVx_DZHQB8NyrUfQNgoxqOs-BR5IfV0LGFvZr2-W6JSoDFq_54LjuQMndA0PXQcIZe-snikHWUyPbmdWKQ5WehhsjfEOcHF9P3UyleEdKSbSVOOna8VOmrcuM7L0orkRV9JQk8X9Q/s400/canning.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was such a passionate project for me. It makes me excited to get canning again this season in real life too!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kzp5v0TvYmg5u12l3rEd9gyj-T0hZWxnwXIzFwYopxxwVU0Ek00iyblBPvuCuMy2oRgxEGoNHe9CTE0DDB680fFOAUiBquzYCyh6sJ2A47-rmUdNGNFp_xvr0iKnB6n8nueiiUG_yhZj/s1600/t14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kzp5v0TvYmg5u12l3rEd9gyj-T0hZWxnwXIzFwYopxxwVU0Ek00iyblBPvuCuMy2oRgxEGoNHe9CTE0DDB680fFOAUiBquzYCyh6sJ2A47-rmUdNGNFp_xvr0iKnB6n8nueiiUG_yhZj/s400/t14.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And lastly, here's a little Vintage style Pie cupboard I put together this week for my Etsy shop. I adore the vintage chippy soft pink backdrop for the pies and vintage items, it's so nostalgic to me.... and I hope it's new owner loves it too :)<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiITaK1aF9xjXvd0vmyIsx-okIj4Q87NGpMmc0MrYQlnYgiFvhJZ1fK6nPWY9EaN9JUH81byKaTcVXVETOppLpntg9RcbR95xbyWdrmp1ZcsHepz4OEWBS-rnq4anKGCoqpdz5RgJjnDCr/s1600/t11_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiITaK1aF9xjXvd0vmyIsx-okIj4Q87NGpMmc0MrYQlnYgiFvhJZ1fK6nPWY9EaN9JUH81byKaTcVXVETOppLpntg9RcbR95xbyWdrmp1ZcsHepz4OEWBS-rnq4anKGCoqpdz5RgJjnDCr/s400/t11_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to add some homemade jelly and honey , of course :)<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYwK_o5JZgZNPZ6Xpjm9tsgwWD61O82FEIs4dv55-3g91tBmpwN1otPIBqIg58K_Pwhxjgl5WZyuxdaSdK88NNbShhKg8guvfszWx-i-BlIIuqR6wl4uCs05rrH8wtfQNRwwzoR16aRvl/s1600/t6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYwK_o5JZgZNPZ6Xpjm9tsgwWD61O82FEIs4dv55-3g91tBmpwN1otPIBqIg58K_Pwhxjgl5WZyuxdaSdK88NNbShhKg8guvfszWx-i-BlIIuqR6wl4uCs05rrH8wtfQNRwwzoR16aRvl/s400/t6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the photo below, I played around with photoshop, I like mixing a little bit of black and white photography in a photo. I think when you're trying to create a vintage look, it makes it interesting and a little magical. And after all, isn't that what miniatures are anyway?...... <span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Magical :) </span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAxMukL2YQOt_0Bkieo5GWj4NPKc8HQ8TOl7t8E_cWdb5j2QCw4bhLKHgBUsl3lbpZVaTX-oGPlHcQAxbaIJjsvRXyjg032zBfWMsrzqQVEKUh0BfEooAqtejypivmmMH3DvncdygwFZL/s1600/t8_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAxMukL2YQOt_0Bkieo5GWj4NPKc8HQ8TOl7t8E_cWdb5j2QCw4bhLKHgBUsl3lbpZVaTX-oGPlHcQAxbaIJjsvRXyjg032zBfWMsrzqQVEKUh0BfEooAqtejypivmmMH3DvncdygwFZL/s400/t8_edited-1.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So now I'm off to enjoy a little of the gorgeous weather today, get inspired again by planting my fruit and vegetable seeds for the window sill. It's the perfect place to start them. Then hopefully soon, it's off to plant them in the earth and begin again, the new season of natures beauty! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">I wish you all a beautiful week ahead! And again , </span><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Thank you</b></i></span><span style="color: #93c47d;"> to every one
who pops into my little cottage of dreams!</span><b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i><span style="color: #93c47d;"> </span>I love you all! </i></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;"><i>Cynthia xo</i></span></b></span></span><br />
<br />Cynthia's Cottage Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125688372820550824noreply@blogger.com17