Cottage Tales

Before Vs. After: Who Do You Love?

So I've been wondering. What do you guys like to see? Are you all about the "live" action, seeing the ugly as it happens?... Read more »

Will You Be My Valentine?

Do you have big plans for today? I have to be honest, we don't have elaborate plans, but I'm sure there will be lots... Read more »

Oh Look at that Kitty.... on the Piano???

Yesterday I started taking down the Christmas decorations. (It takes a while in our house, since I have to sneak the ornaments into boxes... Read more »

Happy Holidays 2011

The holiday season has been such a whirlwind this year for our family! Handmade gifts, visits with friends, secret Christmas "Elves" and more. We've... Read more »

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

Greetings to you and your families this Thanksgiving evening. I hope that you are now curled up in a cozy spot, enjoying the lingering... Read more »

Happy Halloween

I know it's a bit of a cliche, but I'm going to say it anyway: I can't believe my kids are growing up so... Read more »

The Craftsman Way vs. the Lipstick Way

I had a revelation recently. I have been trying to get my house done the wrong way. Let me explain. When I am working... Read more »

I Might (or Might Not) Have a Tiny Little Problem

Recently I was reading one of my favorite quilting blogs, Threadheads Unite, and Kim was saying that it was time for to clear out... Read more »

A Headboard for Baby Girl

So, as you know, we've been plugging along (sloooooowly) at making over Baby Girl's Room. We finished the trim a few months (!?!) ago,... Read more »

The Color of Roses

Did you know that I don't know what my favorite color is? This is a problem for me in general. I love colors, I... Read more »

Getting Inspired for Baby Girl's Room

Do you ever start out thinking you're going to decorate a room one way, and then realize halfway in that you're totally not? That... Read more »

Pretty, Pink and Shiny

I know what you're thinking. Christmas is over, right? But these shabby Shiny Brite ornaments are just too pretty to keep in the attic... Read more »

Hopeless Romantic

I don't know if you're the type that wins things. I'm definitely not! I hadn't won anything in ages. AGES! And then I won... Read more »

UFO Challenge 2011

How many of you have heard the term "UFO" before? (Any quilters in the house?) Raise your hands.... a few. Well, for those of... Read more »

UFO Challenge 2011

How many of you have heard the term "UFO" before? (Any quilters in the house?) Raise your hands.... a few. Well, for those of... Read more »

Happy Holidays!

Once again, it is that time of year. How does it happen so quickly? I'm sure you're asking yourselves the same thing. Usually for... Read more »

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year at this time, I wrote about my thankfulness for my new baby girl, my family, but most of all for YOU. I... Read more »

Happy Halloween (2010)!

Can you believe it's Halloween already? What, you say? You didn't know? Oh yes, it's this Sunday. Yes, as in three days away. And... Read more »

Baby Girl's Linens, Five Tries Later

T hose of you who've been following along have probably noticed that I drag home every piece of junk I happen upon have a... Read more »

Wing Chair: Mauve and... Fabulous?

I know I've been posting a lot of projects "to do" instead of projects "all done," (the outdoor table linens, the breakfast tray) but... Read more »

New Patio Table

One of my absolute favorite things is dining outside with friends. You know--on a nice patio, at a nice table, overlooking a garden with... Read more »

The Breakfast Tray Plan

Hah hah! She says. Eureka! I know what to do with the breakfast tray. Can you say, "tole," people? There's really only one itty... Read more »

I Found a Breakfast Tray!

Say what you will about The Magic Shed (my husband certainly does). But look at the treasures it gives me! I found this cute... Read more »

Introducing the Magic Shed

My husband has finally commandeered the last corner of the garage. So I had to get the mower in the shed. Cue bad horror... Read more »

Introducing the Magic Shed

My husband has finally commandeered the last corner of the garage. So I had to get the mower in the shed. Cue bad horror... Read more »

Little Floral Prints

Aren't these the cutest ever? I found them at a garage sale around the corner from my house. I had gone through the entire... Read more »

Happy Holidays!

Well, folks, 2009 has been quite a ride. I've been through a lot and I'm sure all of you have, too. But somehow, even... Read more »

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this season. I have a brand new baby girl, a great son, a loving husband and... Read more »

Happy Halloween!

Admittedly it's a teeny bit early for Halloween wishes, but I'm going to be busy with brand-new baby girl for the next few days... Read more »

A Fresh New Start

Up until now, my blog has been a constantly evolving project. I've changed focus, changed topics, changed formats and changed designs. I've split it... Read more »

It's (Gonna Be) A Girl!!

I promised I'd let you know as soon as I found out whether I'm having a boy or a girl....well, I found out today.... Read more »

Expecting Another

Hi everybody! There's something I have been wanting to talk to you all about. I know that some of you noticed that there was... Read more »

Living Room Curtains & Chandelier

After my last post, I couldn't stop thinking about my big pine farm table. When I bought it 15 years ago I didn't realize... Read more »

Christmas Presents

I'm in love with my first and only Tole Tray. I found this on eBay a little before the holidays and decided to treat... Read more »

Happy New Year 2009!

Happy New Year!!!! 2008 had been an interesting ride, but I have really good feelings about 2009. Here's to a charming, shabby, cottage year!... Read more »

Happy Holidays 2008!

As I sit here gazing out at an unbelievable landscape with almost two feet of snow, I can't help but think that this has... Read more »

Virtual Holiday Home Tour 2008, Part 2

Welcome to Cottage Magpie, one of many stops on several awesome Christmas tours (more on that below). I hope that after you visit my... Read more »

Virtual Cookie Exchange 2008, Results

Thank you so much everyone for joining in on the Virtual Cookie Exchange! What a fantastic turnout, and SO many delicious looking cookies. Man,... Read more »

Virtual Cookie Exchange 2008

It's here! The day of the virtual cookie exchange! Happening simultaneously with my real-life cookie exchange, this is my chance to include all of... Read more »

Food & Cookie Recipe Sharing Giveaway 2008

What would the holidays be without cookies? I love cookies. They're my specialty. And this year I'm having my first ever cookie exchange party.... Read more »

Virtual Holiday Home Tour, 2008

Welcome to Cottage Magpie, one of many stops on several awesome Christmas tours (more on that below). I hope that after you visit my... Read more »

Thanksgiving Food Week 2008

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, link to your best Thanksgiving tips and recipes, so we can all share the bounty of our collective harvest. Read more »

Chandelier Find for Master Bedroom

Okay, so I was surfing eBay today. I would say for the shop, but in truth I was looking for ruffle-y, cottage-y, floral-y sheets... Read more »

Happy Halloween 2008!

Happy Halloween, friends! :-) I can't tell you how much fun it is to be sharing all this fun with all of you. The... Read more »

Pear Tree Cottage Open House 2008

Welcome everyone visiting for the Hooked on Houses Fall House Tour party sponsored by Hooked on Houses! I'm thrilled for you all to visit.... Read more »

Drive By: Gathering Autumn Porch Ideas

When looking for autumn decorating ideas for the front porch, ideas are often just around the corner. Ideas and inspiration can be found simply... Read more »

Collected Treasures

Over the summer I had to pack up a bunch of my collections. We needed the front room for temporary storage and work space,... Read more »

Pink Summer Shams

Last winter I had a cute red and white duvet cover and shams on my bed for the holidays. It was festive, and I... Read more »

Happy Fourth of July 2008

Whew! What a crazy six weeks. We've been through everything from unemployment to in-laws here at Chez Guzzo. It seems like we've had an... Read more »

Cottage Charm Giveaway Day 2008, Results

We had a great response to this year's Cottage Charm Giveaway Day. Over 450 comments on the site and similar activity on sites all... Read more »

Cottage Charm Giveaway Day 2008

For those of you who have been with me awhile, you may remember that last year I gave away an antique quilt as part... Read more »

Luxurious Vintage Glamour

Cottage style is known for its light and airy quality, but cottage can also be luxurious, as in this bedroom designed by Jennifer from... Read more »

Color Challenge Results: Yellow

I have to say, I think this has been my favorite color challenge so far. All the sunshine and loveliness has been just what... Read more »

Color Challenge Results: Yellow

I have to say, I think this has been my favorite color challenge so far. All the sunshine and loveliness has been just what... Read more »

Shabby Sunny French Cottage

Aside from white, yellow is one of the most often used cottage wall colors. It can be bright and cheery, warm and cozy, or... Read more »

Color Challenge: Yellow

April is my favorite month of the year, and not just because it has my Birthday in it! It's also the month in my... Read more »

Color Challenge: Yellow

April is my favorite month of the year, and not just because it has my Birthday in it! It's also the month in my... Read more »

Fresh & Charming, Green & White

Pale green walls are a classic choice for a cottage room. They can be nostalgic, edgy or everything in between. Paired with white, as... Read more »

Color Challenge Results: Green

So, now, better late than never, I really want to celebrate all of YOU by showcasing all the fantastic green posts that you all... Read more »

Color Challenge Results: Green

So, now, better late than never, I really want to celebrate all of YOU by showcasing all the fantastic green posts that you all... Read more »

Color Challenge: Green

Spring, Spring, Spring! I've been talking a lot about Spring. Not only are there signs of Spring, but tomorrow, March 20th, Spring will officially... Read more »

Color Challenge: Green

Spring, Spring, Spring! I've been talking a lot about Spring. Not only are there signs of Spring, but tomorrow, March 20th, Spring will officially... Read more »

Chandelier Find

Speaking of thrifting, I found this chandelier at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in my town and couldn't leave without it. It's not vintage,... Read more »

Driving By Houses

A brief note before I begin. THANK YOU, everyone for your awesome support. Between being sick (again!) and thinking my entire blog was lost... Read more »

Happy Valentine's Day 2008!

Oh my goodness, I am completely overwhelmed (in a good way). There's so much bloggy love out there right now. I've even gotten a... Read more »

Color Challenge Results: Pink

My goodness! I can't tell you how much fun it was just to get to see so many new blogs while going through all... Read more »

Color Challenge Results: Pink

My goodness! I can't tell you how much fun it was just to get to see so many new blogs while going through all... Read more »

Color Challenge: Pink

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I have pink on my mind. Pink hearts, pink flowers, pink frosting. So you know what... Read more »

Color Challenge: Pink

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I have pink on my mind. Pink hearts, pink flowers, pink frosting. So you know what... Read more »

Top Ten Projects for 2007

The very talented (and sweet) Manuela from The Feathered Nest has posted her Top Ten Projects For the Past Year, and she has invited... Read more »

Top Ten Projects for 2007

The very talented (and sweet) Manuela from The Feathered Nest has posted her Top Ten Projects For the Past Year, and she has invited... Read more »

Kitchen: A Modern Antique

In our Home Improvement section, there is an article on how to paint, trim and update dated oak kitchen cabinets, featuring the process and... Read more »

Color Challenge: White

I was just reading Andrea W at Big Creek Cottage, and she said that Maureen at Penchants, Ponderings & Posies was having a Winter... Read more »

Color Challenge: White

I was just reading Andrea W at Big Creek Cottage, and she said that Maureen at Penchants, Ponderings & Posies was having a Winter... Read more »

Living Room Vignette

Now, back to the photo. You know, the more I get into decorating, the more I realize I don't know. For example, in my... Read more »

Living Room Bookshelves

I don't think I've shared much about the living room since I painted it a few weeks ago. Since then, I've been to a... Read more »

Happy New Year 2008

I have so much to say and so much to thank all of you for, I don't know where to begin. So let me... Read more »

Merry Christmas 2007

Dear friends, I hope you all have an absolutely beautiful day today. I am feeling more blessed than ever, thanks in part to all... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Final Day!

Whew! What a whirlwind giveaway this has been, and so much fun! This morning, we're giving away our last two pillows. We had a... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Final Day!

Whew! What a whirlwind giveaway this has been, and so much fun! This morning, we're giving away our last two pillows. We had a... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 5

What a whirlwind of fun this has been! We've got one pillow left, and because it's almost Christmas, this one is going to go... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 5

What a whirlwind of fun this has been! We've got one pillow left, and because it's almost Christmas, this one is going to go... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 4

Wheeee! This is fun. We're on Day 4 of the Great Christmas Pillow Giveaway, 2007! So far, we've had three lucky winners. Kaylyn of... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 4

Wheeee! This is fun. We're on Day 4 of the Great Christmas Pillow Giveaway, 2007! So far, we've had three lucky winners. Kaylyn of... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 3

Before we get to the giveaway for today, I have to share some news: I have been given the "Amazing Blogger" award by a... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 3

Before we get to the giveaway for today, I have to share some news: I have been given the "Amazing Blogger" award by a... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 2

Welcome to Day 2, of the Great Christmas Pillow Giveaway, 2007! :-) I'm having such fun with this giveaway, I just can't stand it!... Read more »

Christmas Pillow Giveaway, Day 2

Welcome to Day 2, of the Great Christmas Pillow Giveaway, 2007! :-) I'm having such fun with this giveaway, I just can't stand it!... Read more »

Great Christmas Pillow Giveaway 2007

What a wonderful year! I don't know how many of you know this, but I started this blogging adventure about this time last year.... Read more »

Great Christmas Pillow Giveaway 2007

What a wonderful year! I don't know how many of you know this, but I started this blogging adventure about this time last year.... Read more »

Virtual Holiday Home Tour 2007

Welcome to Cottage Magpie, one of many stops on the spectacular 2007 Virtual Holiday Home Tour organized by the amazingly talented Tracey from Notes... Read more »

Plates for Master Bedroom

One of the things I did wrong in the last house was not giving myself a place of respite while the house was under... Read more »

Thrifted Garden Painting

After I read Cindy's post where she found gorgeous vintage ornaments at the thrift store, I decided to try it myself. Oh, goodness, I... Read more »

Dining Room Furniture

Because I've been so focused on the living room, I didn't really spend too much time getting ready for Thanksgiving with my dining room.... Read more »

Thrifted Coffee Table

So, when I wrote about my latest thrift store finds, I mentioned that I had also found a piece of furniture at the Goodwill,... Read more »

New Art & Fabulous Finds

I had the best delivery today! The mailman brought me this absolutely gorgeous artwork from Dawn at The Feathered Nest. I bought it a... Read more »

Sometimes Children Need A Friend

Around this time of year, many of us start to think about giving, and how to give. I know that I am. And something... Read more »

Solid Oak Panel Bed

I so happy! I was able to find a bed secondhand that I am thrilled with. It's hand-carved, solid oak and king sized. And... Read more »

Dining Room: Cottage Style Ideas From IKEA

IKEA has always been heavily weighted toward modern & contemporary styles, but they've always had a good selection of more traditional / cottage-style items... Read more »

Slipcovered Sectional Sofa

I got a couch! I'm so excited! In our old house we didn't have a family room, so we didn't have family room furniture.... Read more »

Independence Day Giveaway Winner

Drumroll please...... JEN from The Cottage Nest! Yay!!! Fanfare! Fireworks! Jen, send me your address, okay? Thank you so much everyone for participating, I... Read more »

Independence Day Giveaway Winner

Drumroll please...... JEN from The Cottage Nest! Yay!!! Fanfare! Fireworks! Jen, send me your address, okay? Thank you so much everyone for participating, I... Read more »

Independence Day Giveaway

As you have read, I'm in the middle of moving to our new house, and while I'm a little frantic at the idea of... Read more »

Independence Day Giveaway

As you have read, I'm in the middle of moving to our new house, and while I'm a little frantic at the idea of... Read more »

Cottage Magpie School of Photography (CMSoP)

Whew! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I took a few days off there to work on the house, and while it was... Read more »

Cottage Charm Giveaway Day Winner

Oooooh, isn't this exciting! We've all been waiting so long! And I can't tell you how excited I have been, not just to participate... Read more »

Cottage Charm Giveaway Day

Okay, so here's the thing. You know how I told you all about the amazing kitchen cabinet transformation done by Kim at One Woman's... Read more »

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