Cottage Heirlooms

Sharing a few of our classic, elegant, vintage finds!

My Coton De Tulear

Introducing "Maggie May" ~ my "Coton De Tulear" and special companion! Almost three years ago, ironically about this time of year, I was at the bookstore looking for a magazine, the aisle for Romantic Homes, Southern Lady, Tea Time and every other fav was busy so I turned to the shelves behind me. There was a pet magazine behind me with the cutest puppy I had ever seen in my life! It looked like a minature sheep dog but ooohhhh so soft and fluffy! I had to know more and bought the magazine (along with my copy of the recent Romantic Homes).

I immediately went to the pc upon arriving home and began my search. Coton in french for cotton, this is the most conspicuous feature of the Coton De Tulear, the cottony coat. Read on ~ non-shedding, odorless, free of oily dander, affectionate, extremely good around children, excellent family dog ~ okay this was the one!

I was on my way to locate my very own Coton, a female (our experience found males to be too aggressive). I interviewed breeders and once I found the perfect one, the breeder and I quickly became friends. I would have first choice of females with her litter due in mid-March. It was like awaiting the birth of a child!!! She was born in mid-March and finally she arrived by plane Memorial weekend 2006. (Little did I know that with the news of Maggie's birth I would also be elated to learn that we were expecting our first grandchild!) She has the most endearing personality, loves to cuddle and by far does not cease to "talk" with us or even "fuss" when she believes we have been away too long. Yep, she needs a little TLC, good coat brushing regularly and treats, did I say she likes treats? Oh, yes and there is her favorite stuffed toy, Elmo. We have learned Coton's will bark at the doorbell to let you know something is happening. (Maggie even barks at the sound of a doorbell coming from a TV program.) She is not yappy though, she simply barks when it is necessary. Cotons are great companion dogs and want to be with you all the time, wherever you go, even to the bathroom.

Coton de Tulear's truly enrich your life beyond measure.

SPECIAL GIVE AWAY FOR THE NEW YEAR!

Michelle ~ Shabby Creations is retiring some of the older pre-made designs and replacing them with new and even more gorgeous designs.She has a wonderful selection for everyone, from pink, French, scrapbook, bird, vintage and even a Valentine blog design! Click here to enter Shabby Creations!

I think of you this day . . .

And Suddenly there was with the Angel . . .

A multitude of the heavenly host praising God saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:13-14

Jingle for the Cure

I participated in my very first "ornament" swap, "Jingle for the Cure"! This was by far the most difficult task I have gotten myself into for some time.

Pink is not a problem, but design an ornament . . . how talented am I? My first thought was I will sew. I actually went on a search for the right fabric, trims, and oh so many to choose from and so many ideas came to mind as I walked the aisles. Then, a vision was before me, my idea was in sight BUT so was the craft section of the store (you know, the beads, embellishments, gorgeous papers.) A little of this and a little of that ~ enough already! Well, my trip was fairly pricey! I walked to my car admitting to myself that I am a fabric sleuth, why did I need more fabric, why did I go into this store? Silly me!

I changed my design, I changed the media that I would use, not just once or twice, rather too many to count. I was not happy with a one of them. Have you ever just thought too much and it becomes too difficult to imagine? (Maybe a Type A personality here????) Finally, I put the project on hold for a week or more and then last Friday, instead of fretting over the design and believing it would not be good enough, I just went with my heart. It is by no means a masterpiece but truly a gift designed from my heart in honor of "Jingle for the Cure"!

"There's more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer; it's the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, it's hope reborn again, for peace, for understanding, and for goodwill to men!" unknown

Aqua and Pink . . . vintage style

The holidays are for sharing, giving, decorating and celebrating. Below are a couple special finds that are guaranteed to be perfect for your entertaining needs or as a gift for someone special.

Jean Pouyat Limoge Cake Plate Handpainted ca 1898
ARTIST SIGNED AND DATED 1898: Beautiful hand painted French Limoge plate with gold trim and robin egg blue. The colors are soft and a romantic mix of pinks, yellows, greens and lavender. This is a highly decorative piece and will make a nice addition to any collection or simply for display. Too gorgeous for cake or cookies!!!
California Originals Aqua Lazy Susan
This gorgeously designed vintage Lazy Susan by California Originals, Manhattan Beach, Calif, is a stunning set suitable for any occasion. The soft aqua color is classy and absolutely timeless and will complement any decor or setting. The design and color is exemplary of California Originals quality design and products.