This time of the year I really enjoy our herb garden.I don't plant ours in the ground because we have ground squirrels.They are the small annoying creatures that make holes and tunnels in your yard. I found a vintage wash tub months ago I bought it to sell in my space. But I will be moving out of my space soon (more on that later) So I thought this would make a perfect planter and it has a drain on each tub! Our favorite is basil.We eat that just about every single night. And I also planted Oregano,Rosemary,and yes some jalapeno peppers. Yes I know peppers are not an herb but they should do fine in here too! Did you see those garden markers? These were so simple to make. I found these vintage butter pats a while ago at a thrift store for .49 each.They are ... View Post

This Summer I thought it would be fun to teach my daughter how to cook.Our first recipe is a fruit parfait.I thought this would be a fun and easy one to do while teaching her how to slice the strawberries and how to easy assemble it too. For this recipe we are using: Graham crackers crushed.We simply placed 6 crackers in a plastic zip lock bag and smashed them with a mallet. We also added 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the crushed graham crackers.Sprinkle the cinnamon in the bag with the crushed graham crackers and shake the bag well to mix. We are using fresh strawberries and blueberries and cool whip topping. I know this is not really healthy with the cool whip.But you could substitute the cool whip for Greek yogurt. First thing to do is slice the ... View Post

I shared this post last year on our 23rd wedding anniversary.Sharing this again today on our 24th! Today I wanted to share with you a special day.A day that changed my life forever.On this day twenty four years ago I married my high school sweetheart.We actually did not go to the same school.I was sixteen going on seventeen and he was eighteen.Kind of like that song from The sound of music.We dated for six years before we were married.Our Wedding day was a rainy day.But as our pastor said I pronounce you husband and wife the sun came out.They do say when it rains on your wedding day it brings good luck.I don't know it that is true or not.But twenty four years later we are still together and still just as happy.Mr. Cottage is my best friend.He makes me laugh and I love him with all of my ... View Post

Yep you read the title right.I now have a kitchen chalkboard wall. I have been wanting a chalkboard in my kitchen for awhile.But I really don't have the room for it. And then I started seeing walls painted with chalkboard paint all over pinterest. I know that there is an art to this but I need lots of practice. When I started thinking about doing a chalkboard wall I decided that I wanted to have inspirational quotes. Something happy and cheerful to look at everyday. But also something that could be changed often. Hence the chalkboard wall.   It will be changing all the time with quotes and art! My daughter added some of her art too! See her Bonjour ....Eiffel tower and flowers? I did not use Annie Sloan paint for this.Yes you can use it for the ... View Post

Welcome to my open house.I bet your wondering how to create a new blog header. Well if you are thinking that I did this on my own you would be wrong. I am not that computer savvy but sweet Janel from Nellie Bellie is! Janel used photos I took and created this beautiful header that really shows my style don't you think? Now come on in take a look around I made some small changes and hope you will like them. Besides changing the header I.... well I mean Janel also changed my social media buttons. Janel made it even easier for you to follow along. At the top of my header you can now click on the icons to follow through  facebook,pinterest,twitter,email(rss),instagram,google+. And it get's even better now at the end of my post Janel  also added the icons there ... View Post