cottage fix pumpkins, flowers, pears, and pine cones

Happy fall! With the air getting cooler and the trees painting the sky a warm autumnal glow, fall is my favorite for sure. I love trekking through the trail with the sound of crunching leaves underfoot, popping a roast into the slow cooker, and winding down the day with a toasty fire and cup of hot cocoa. The hubby has been adding Bailey’s Irish Cream to his hot chocolate, which if you haven’t ever tried, is quite amazing! The kiddos […]

3 ways to decorate for fall with natural elements

With cooler weather just around the corner, I thought I’d share a few of my easy yet stylish fall decorating ideas. It’s true, I’m already dreaming about crackly, crunchy leaves and cozy knit sweaters. I usually incorporate natural elements and candlelight into my fall decor to keep things simple and elegant—because you know I’m known for my elegance. Grin. I choose just a couple of places to adorn inside, as well as our front stoop outside. I don’t ever spend […]

gathering basket filled with blooms

Hi there Cottage Fix Crew! It has been one hot and humid summer here in Virginia and I’m so looking forward to fall! Although, our youngest little bird will be joining her older brother heading off to college this school year and I’m not so sure about how that will be. Dreadfully quiet I suppose, but they’re ready to soar! And waiting at home… their devoted, pining parents, unwillingly letting go of all helicopter parenting and lawnmower tendencies. I guess […]

fresh strawberries and coconut cream smoothie

Make this in the summertime when strawberries are in season for a cool refreshing treat. Strawberry and Coconut Cream Smoothie 3 cups fresh strawberries 1 13.5 fl oz can coconut cream 1 cup lowfat milk 1/2 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt 1 cup ice Blend and enjoy! Makes about 4-5 cups

summer hydrangea bouquet and the red door

Hola! Summer’s in full swing and the hydrangeas this time of year are spectacular. There’s a garden down the street from us growing a couple of bushes with bright pink blooms that catch my eye every time I drive by. Ours are out in the back garden and bloom French blue. We also have a lace cap in purple/blue. Our bush that usually produces purple blooms hasn’t done much so far this year, fingers crossed. I created this bouquet with […]

eating key lime tart

Hola! Simon is on his way home from college even as I type! As much as I miss him while he’s living so far from home, it does make for quite the fun production on the rare occasion that he travels home for the weekend. Oh yes, there’s usually a couple of conversations about what will be on the menu while he’s here, and more importantly — what’s for dessert? The choice was between key lime pie and blackberry cobbler, […]

Friday Flowers – blooming branches

Happy Friday Cottage Fix friends! And happy spring too! Just this past week the temps have been climbing a bit here near the coast of Virginia, and the early spring bloomers are making a beautiful scene all around town. In our garden, the magnolia, redbud, and cherry blossom are the first ornamental trees to bloom infusing a splash of color amidst the bare birches and fresh green grass. Although Farmer Brown is informing me we’re mostly weeds and moss this […]

a new year

Happy New Year Cottage Fix friends! I’ve been changing some of our furniture pieces up here and there, along with a bit of a pillow shuffle. Sometimes I like to switch the pillows up from room to room to get a fresh look without spending a dime! I pulled our Morris chair back out of the attic when we were loading the Christmas ornaments back up. This arts and craft style chair has been in my family for generations and […]