Sharing Shadymont, My Mountain Cottage

It's always fun to change the mantel decorations.  I took one of the sets of my shutters apart, and placed only one on each side of the mirror, then I started layering items in. This is the original look, just taking the shutters apart, and placing them on the mantel. Very symetrical and clean.  After my shopping trip, I had two new Reader's Digest Condensed books, and 3 new (to me) candle sticks, so I put those on the mantel.  On the other end, I placed 2 RD Condensed Books that I already had, and another free book I recently acquired. I'm really liking the layered look of this, and may keep it this way for a while.    Ya' think?? Sharing here:  Feathered Nest Friday @  French Country Cottage Farm House Friday @ Knick of Time Shabbylicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique

I'm very fortunate to have built in bookcases in the family room on each side of the fireplace.  I find myself filling them with too many items, and those items are just random. Today, I will attempt to make them look more pleasing. First, I will remove everything and clean the shelves. Once that is done, I will decide which items to keep and which ones to change for something else, or leave off altogether. This is the BEFORE above. In process...... this isn't looking right. This is better.  I like the painting on the cabinet door, on its side, and higher in the bookcase. I still made changes after this.... More greenery was added to the 2nd shelf, a metal bird joined the insulator on the wood box, and a white wire planter form is behind the lamp.     A DAY LATER..... I've added some empty frames into the mix for interest. I think this is a nice change.   Do you tweak your bookcases often? Sharing here:

We've all seen the vintage wire egg baskets.  Pinterest shows them starting at $30.00, and as high as $79.00. I hit the jackpot on this one!!  I gave only $10.99 for it at the Hen's Nest.  I've looked at them in various places and they were more than I wanted to pay.  There are so many ways to use them.  Pinterest is full of great ideas. Right now, I'm using mine to hold magazines. Another way to use the basket is to hold towels, or set a plant inside it, as I did here. Here are some wonderful pins from Pinterest.  Great ideas!!  I can see myself doing all of these! via Pinterest via Pinterest via Pinterest I have another egg basket, but I didn't realize that was what it was until I saw it on Pinterest, too. I'd love to hear your ideas for using a vintage egg basket!! Sharing with: A Bouquet of Talent Something to Talk About Amaze Me Monday Make It Pretty Monday Tweak It Tuesday @  www.cozylittle

We have a bonus room above the garage. It's quite a large room, and has never gotten any use.  Well, that is about to change!  I've decided to make a few changes, and claim it as my little retreat! I plan to spend very little to restyle this room. There isn't an entrance to the room from the house.  It requires going into the garage, then up about 20 stairs to reach the room.  The views from the room are wonderful. BEFORE BEFORE This room was originally meant for an extra bed room/play room for my grandson.  It was never used much at all though.  My neightbor painted the balloons and scenery on the walls because it would be a play room.  I hope to get this room painted in the next few weeks.  We are having the exterior of the house painted, and I would like to have this room painted too, if I can talk the hubby into it!! (fingers crossed).  My daughter has just painted her whole house in Benjamin Moore, Grecian Green, a lovely color, so I might do that in this

I changed the items I had on the hall tree from roses, to birds and a nest. This is the new look.  I removed the planter with pink mini roses, and the butter dish with the ceramic rose inside.  The blue birds, and nest are a nice change. The wood compote holding the nest, was found in a junk shop.  I painted it with chalk paint, and transferred a "Paris" graphic to the inside. (below) The nest sits atop a candle holder that I painted aqua, for height. I am enjoying changing the decor on the hall tree.  The table space isn't very large, but is fun to switch out. I love the way the mirror reflects the vignette. Maybe, just maybe, I'll leave this for a while.  :) Sharing here: Something to Talk About Amaze Me Monday Make It Pretty Monday Met Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch Tweak It Tuesday @  www.cozylittlehouse.com Tuesdays at our home @ Our home away from home Inspire Me Tuesday @  A Stro

I love it when I find old wooden boxes, sewing machine drawers, tool boxes, etc. If they are reasonably priced, they might find a place in my home. This little yellow box, was found at a local antique mall a few years ago.  It recently was used to store some silverware, and stashed inside the china cabinet. Yesterday, I decided I wanted to put it out so I could enjoy it. I'm using it for a punch of color on the bookcase.  I shopped the house for items and came up with this. This wonderful red candy dish, a bunch of red roses, and a small green pitcher of ivy.  I think it adds just the punch of color this mostly white bookcase needs. Do you use old boxes for decorating?  Try it, they bring texture, and interest to your decor. As an aside, look at this sweet bird house my daughter had made for me back in the 80's.  The little nail keg on the porch actually has tiny nails.  My former name was Adams, so the sign says, Adams General Store.  Isn't it t