Wow ~ What a Mess!

I thought I needed more aluminum foil until I went to clean out the deep

drawer in the kitchen where all the baggies, foil and parchment paper live.

I was inspired to do this by fellow Instagrammer, Tikka.  She straightened

her's out last night and reminded me to go do mine too.

Not only do I not need aluminum foil, but I don't need parchment paper

or baggies either.  When I pulled everything out of that messy drawer,

I completely amazed myself.

This is a really big storage bag.  I have a roll of them from my sister-in-law

who has a friend who gives them out every year.  Great message!

I have to get back to work now.  See y'all soon!

Sparkle and Shine and Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

What's Happening Around the Cottage

Does it ever seem to you that there are just not enough hours in 

a day?  I often feel that way.  Now that I have overcome my 

intimidation of my new planner, I am making lists like crazy, and

there is nothing I like more than checking tasks off the list!  I

should do a whole blog post about how I am getting a bit carried

away with that planner.

I planted Violas and Pansies in the long planter box on

the patio.  It's so good to see their cheerful faces looking up

at me.  David likes them too!

Speaking of our backyard, I took Bentley outside for his

last of the night potty break.  I always carry him in my

arms at night because I never know what we might encounter

as we venture out.  Well, sure enough, I spotted a skunk!  

And he was not very far away at all and certainly we were in

his striking distance.  He didn't seem to notice us, but we still

backed away very, very slowly.  Didn't want to take any chances!

I am on my third Mitford book.  Oh how I am enjoying these!

This series is so charming and uplifting and the perfect escape

from the crazy world we live in.  I seem to be the last person to

read these books, but if by a slim chance you have not, start

them soon!

I love Mrs Meyer's candles and buy all the fragrances.  This one

I burned down to the bottom and since our trash service does not

recycle glass, I decided to clean and reuse it.  I Googled how to remove

wax from a votive, and read that one way was to put it in the

freezer overnight, and the wax would just pop out.  I tried it.

It didn't work.  After requesting suggestions on my Facebook

feed, I decided that the reason it didn't work is because the

candle is made from soy and not wax.  I waited for the glass

to reach room temperature, and then I put it in a bowl of hot

water.  The candle slipped out easily.

Here we are.  All empty and clean.  Ready for its next life.

Oh the possibilities!  We that's enough excitement for today's post.

I still have more tasks in my planner to check off.  See you again

soon, and thanks for stopping by!

Sparkle and Shine and Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Your Vote Was Counted ~ Vintage Style Farmhouse Won!

Y'all know me so well!  You pushed me in the direction of my heart, and

a vintage style farmhouse decor won out!  I'm so excited about this

path.  Thank you for a much needed nudge!!

I'm going through cupboards and digging out things I have been

collecting for years.  Often in the past, I would purchase things that

I had no immediate use for, but just because I loved them.  Here is a

set of four Homer Laughlin luncheon plates.  I loved the shape and

the vintage innocence when I first saw them.  Now they will have a 

home in the hutch that is already in the shed.

I chose the vintage style of farmhouse because I want it to be a

throwback to simpler times.  A little cottage that reminds me of a

grandmother who loves and nurtures her family.  She's the type of 

woman who can make her home charming and pretty out of 

almost anything.  It won't be a coordinated look, but rather the

look of beloved items collected and used over the years.

While I think the modern farmhouse look is attractive, and shows up

beautifully in photographs, it doesn't always draw me in and make me

feel cozy.  That's just me, and as y'all know, I decorate to suit myself.

I tend to think of myself as a director of a movie and want to set the

stage for the plot I am dreaming up in my head.  I envision a little

cottage in the country with lots of flowers and herbs scattered about

outside.  There is a laundry line with pretty little aprons and 

tablecloths hanging in the breeze.  Some chickens running around.

Okay, y'all know that David has repeatedly said no to the chickens,

but in my dream they are there.  Inside the shed are useful items that

are well worn and well loved.  A cottage where you can imagine 

that the wonderful aroma of a freshly baked pie is in the air.

This is heaven to me!  Stay tuned.  I have plans to make this

dream as real as possible.

Sparkle and Shine and Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

The Future of Sweet Tea Cottage, the She Shed

I need some help making a decision.  This is the year I finally finish my

She Shed.  The interior will be painted and new windows added.  I have

decided on the number and style of windows and the interior will be

painted white.  I still need to decide on the flooring, but I don't think 

that will be a tough decision.  

What I really need help with is the decor of the interior.  I don't need

any new furniture, but I do need a theme.  I have been vacillating

between farmhouse style, and vintage cottage.  I am leaning towards

farmhouse.  What do you think?

I already have the chickens, just not real ones ;-)

Please let me know your opinion!

Sparkle and Shine and Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Plans for the Patio and Veranda

After five and one half years living in South Texas, I have 

finally come to the realization that there are some things I 

just cannot accomplish in the garden.  Once summer comes,

and it comes early here, it never leaves until nearly November.

There are few flowering plants that can withstand the 

relentless heat.  

Last year I purchased a potted Hibiscus that did very well.

It continued to produce lovely and big flowers well into Fall.

I cut it back and am hoping it will return again.  Cala Lily

does well too, but again it needs to stay in a pot.

My goal for the patio and veranda is to keep it easy.

I will be on the hunt for more big pots and may want to

try a small potted lemon tree too.  

The old porch swing that we brought down from Idaho is

really looking shabby now.  I have been on the hunt for another

one, and may want to invest in all weather wicker this time.

Our squirrels pulled the stuffing out of two of my Pottery Barn

pillows, so I need to find replacements for those as well. 

Next month begins the yearly live oak tree leaf shed.  Then

the yard will be covered in tiny oak leaves.  That will keep me

busy for a while too.  I am anxious to see if this year I can have

the patio and veranda of my dreams.

Sparkle and Shine and Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley