Friday, August 7, 2009

It's Pink Saturday.... Come On Over To The Cottage!

Hello to all you little sweeties!

I can't believe it's already Pink Saturday again....whew, have I been a neglectful blogger....but a REALLY good gramma! :-)

I've so enjoyed my little guy. He's been staying with us for most of the summer which is just the BEST thing ever for this 'ol gal! We went to see UP this week....it was so sweet. I have to admit, I cried! I don't normally, but I sure did with this darling movie.

Sweet Beverly is hosting this Pink Saturday party. She puts so much into coordinating it and I appreciate her so much. She's such a doll, isn't she?

Please go see her and all the other pink lovelies at:

www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com

You'll be so happy you did!

And now....a little peek around the cottage. I thought I'd better get busy and take some new pictures. Things have grown quite a lot since I took pictures last.

I've said before that we live in a planned community in a little bitty cottage....(just under 1500 square feet).




The back gate.........I LOVE this pot! I see it every day when I drive in......it always makes me smile.........hey, I'm a simple girl. It doesn't take too much to thrill me! :-)



I think we have about 13-14 hydrangeas..........I LOVE them. Some of those blooms are just crazy big! Aren't they just the happiest little flowers?



I've talked before about starting ivy to do your own topiaries........this is one of them! Isn't that great? Holy cow! I've taken a gazillion starts off of this little gal, including one I'm starting now. I did buy the frame for this one......I think it was about 30 dollars, but WAY cheaper than buying a finished topiary. I saw similar ones at Smith and Hawken for about 150 dollars.



I think this little gizmo is supposed to be used for party beverages, but I'm using it for my front porch party instead........I bought both pieces at the Goodwill for 19 dollars! I think it was supposed to be 100 dollars according to the original stickers. What a bargain.

I don't think it would work very well for parties any more.......I drilled tons of holes in the bottom. :-)


Those flowers look red, don't they? They're PINK!



The front steps. Whew, we get tons of moss around here (It's Western Washington.......of COURSE we have mosssssssssss!)........I love it on my steps so I leave it. It's cute AND it saves me tons of work.



Don't you wonder why they put the railing on the LEFT side? I'll never figure that one out.



On each side of this big 'ol hydrangea are ground cover hydrangeas. They really don't cover anything, they're sort of upright, but quite cute....and blue.

I got FOUR of those great chairs..........a table and a chaise for 65 dollars at an estate sale....isn't that unbelievable? No really........I DID. The table needs to be welded, but still....a great buy.



Little cement bunny......cute little guy, and heavy as can be. I love using my little saucers upside down.

I've tried the Martha plan for adding moss to my clay pots.......some worked out quite well and some are still waiting to be great. Buttermilk or yogurt. If you have moss you can smear a bit on the pot as well to expedite the process. I like my pots to be yukky. They sort of suit the cottage.



I made that little topiary over on the right too. It's actually one of those primitive style hat racks, but worked perfectly for the topiary. I just buried the base in the dirt.



There's that Bellamere Cottage sign again....made from an old headboard. Don'tcha just love a cheap re-do? I used to have this posted on Rate My Space.......we have an All-City Garage Sale every year in our little community.............I never participate........I HAVE to shop. :-) But a couple of years ago a gal knocked on my door squealing............"I've seen your house on RMS!!!!!!..........oh my gosh, I was screaming in the car to my girlfriend and said we just had to stop"!.....hilarious. I've actually seen this sweet little gal at quite a few estate and/or garage sales. I sort of felt famous for just a moment there. Hey, I have to grab stardom wherever and whenever I can. Sad, isn't it?

I have never had any luck with verbena, but it's my BEST friend this year. It is HUGE. This picture doesn't even show how far it's hanging down. I'm going to try seeds next year. Have you ever tried growing them from scratch?

The little plants are about four dollars each, so if I could start them from seed it would save a bundle.



It's a puny little mallo plant underneath the window on the left side. I had some lovely wallflower there until it went to heaven.....that mallo will get HUGE....and there are two peony trees planted in there as well. I'm not a minimalist outside either. :-)

Thanks for coming to visit the cottage. It's a happy little place.

I've been ever so neglectful with my blogging. I miss you all! I'm going to get peppy and catch up any minute.

God bless all of you. You are FABULOUS.........and I am grateful.

Huggies and Lovies!
Spence

42 comments:

  1. Hi Spencer...

    My friend, Bellamere Cottage is absolutely gorgeous!!! Ohhh my...all those beautiful flowers...and I love, love, LOVE your Hydrangeas! I'm just in awe of them...we can't really grow them here in Colorado and next to the rose...they are my favorite!!! Do you ever dry any of them for arrangements? Girl, you did great with that topiary...it's so pretty and full! Ohh...and I just adore that little bunny on your steps...darling!

    What a creative idea...using a headboard to make your Bellamere Cottage sign...it's fabulous! I just laughed and laughed while reading about the gal from RMS stopping to meet you! That's just the sweetest...and you ARE famous!!! I spent about a year on RMS and just loved it...until they started having server problems. But I tell you what...there are so many homes that if I were to drive by...I would know them! Loved that story!

    Well Darlin'...thank you so much for sharing more of your fabulous home!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

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  2. You're an amazing gardener; I love your gate, especially!
    I hope you'll stop by my book giveaway that is going on all this week.

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  3. Wow, Spencer! How lovely! Thanks for all the pics!
    I've never had sucsess growing Hydrangeas but I do love them!
    I love moss, too. I guess it's a Washington thing.
    Concerning your railing- maybe your cottage builder was a lefty?
    Have a great day! ♥

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  4. Sweet Spencer, Your cottage is as lovely as you...what a marvelous place of love and enthusiasm! I know that your little grandson will cherish these memories forever. You have a dashing style of décor!!! LONG LIVE COTTAGE LIVING! Fondly, Anita

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  5. What beautiful pink blossoms to share on Pink Saturday! I love them all but especially the pink hydrangea! Always my favorite!

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  6. Spencer, you truly are blessed to live in such a lovely and happy little place. It's beautiful and inspiring!

    I love the flowers on the gate . . . so welcoming! Everything you've done is wonderful and I love looking at it! You have some very special finds too!

    Have a terrific Pink Saturday!
    Teresa the MiniMadWoman

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  7. Your plants are so pretty. I especailly like the potted ones and that topiary is awesone! I want one! LOL! Wish I could duplicate it...Christine

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  8. Spencer, it's all so pretty. I can't find a favorite, I love them all. Your home is a place I would like to visit, sit a while and chat. I could spend all day admiring all the gorgeous plants and flowers. I too love hydrangeas and they are wonderful dried too so you can enjoy them all year long. Happy Pink Saturday, Char

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  9. I really really like your sign!

    Such a lovely blog... enjoy stopping.

    Stop by and say hi if you have a minute... :) would love to have you.

    TTFN~~Claudia ♥ ♥

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  10. Spencer, Love the pink you are showing today, especially the hydrangea, I just love them.

    Happy Pink Saturday.

    Barbara

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  11. Hi Gal, Oh I just love your cottage home!! And I adore hydrangeas!! I don't have any, but will be putting some in the back once our little clear out is complete! Just so many pretties at Bellamere!! You've done a lovely job!! I love the pot on the fence, too. Thanks for sharing!!
    Have a glorious weekend!!
    Love and hugs,Becky

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  12. Lovely!
    Happy Pink Saturday and enjoy your weekend
    ♥Ita

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  13. I LOVE..LOVE..LOVE your back gate and the front steps are gorgeous!

    Have a great Pink Saturday!

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  14. Love the pics of your cottage, Spencie! ;)

    xoRebecca

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  15. what a gorgeous pink saturday post, your home and garden are amazing, thank you for sharing

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  16. Everything looks so beautiful Spencer! This great summer weather we're having helps the flowers, I'm sure. Thanks for sharing your cottage and have a Happy Pink Saturday!

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  17. Your little cottage is just so lovely!

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  18. Love your topiaries,I'm on the look out at my GW store and yard sales for one. I only have one hydrangea....need to buy a least one more!

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  19. Belemlamere Cottage is absolutely, positively, without a doubt, LOVERLY!!! I love your pinks but most of all I love the welcoming feel your sweet cottage exudes. I also live in a rather tiny cottage (1444sf) and have managed to fit a family of six, sometimes seven, in our small space. LOL!
    Enjoy your day!!!

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  20. Spencer...What a green thumb you have! Wow! I really loved the garden gate...& those hydrangeas..omg!
    Have a great pink saturday!!
    xo Tami

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  21. Hi Spencer,
    Happy Pink Saturday! I just love all your pretty flowers and your cottage is adorable! Love your sign too. We have a little cottage too almost the same colour as yours. Enjoy your weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  22. Spencer, Your cottage is simply adorable. The flowers are spectacular and the house is so homey and charming. Too funny about the girl that came up to your house to tell you she'd seen your house & sign... hugs, Sue

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  23. OOHH, your yard is gorgeous! Love all those hydarngeas! I don't have very good luck with the pink ones here. I don't know why? Well have a great pink Saturday! Traci

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  24. Spencer, what a GORGEOUS cottage you have ... everything is so beautiful, 'she' stands out in all her glory. The landscaping & florals are just lovely.

    I thought my yellow hat (chuckle) pic was so funny because I DETEST the color yellow ... I was so tired, which shows & was getting really punchy.

    Also, I cannot get my connection link to you to work so I don't know what has happened & I think you link (pic) is no longer on my followers for some reason ... would you go on your end & double check this. I keep trying but after several days I figure it is time to ask you to check on your end. Thank you & have a beautiful weekend. Hugs, TTFN ~Marydon

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  25. Spencer, your cottage is so, so lovely! You've made it very charming - all the flowers are beautiful; all the detail, everything is wonderful. I especially love your sign - what a clever idea to paint it on an old headboard. Happy Pink Saturday!

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  26. So pretty...love the Hydrangeas and your gate flowers would make me smile as well!

    Thanks for sharing your little bit of heaven with us on this Happy Pink Saturday!!
    Hugs xOxO, Nerina :)

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  27. Happy Pink Saturday, Spence! I love you little cottage (my place is smaller, 1350 sq ft and doesn't look anything like a cottage). Your home is so lovely! Your garden is beautiful! I love all of your pretty toparies! Thank you for taking us through your sweet and welcoming garden!

    Have a lovely weekend!

    Tina

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  28. Beautiful place ad gorgeous blooms.
    Have nice week ahead.

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  29. Spencer
    OMG that is one fabulous post! Your home is a gardeners delight! The basket on the gate is fabulous! And the topiarys are awesome. Does it need much sun? Also do you cut your hydrangeas at all/ever? My didn't bloom this year3 of 4 and I'm sure I messed up last year.Beautiful post, wish we lived next to each other! None of the neighbors here understand having flower gardens, weird folks! Lori

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  30. Spencer,

    I've already told you how very much I love your sign on your house but your flowers and ivy are fabulous. You must really have a green thumb. I can't grow ivy unless I put it in the ground and then it goes everywhere I don't want it to.

    Gretchen

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  31. Hi Spencer!
    I was tickled to read this post about your fabulous Bellamere Cottage headboard sign. I'm pretty sure I'm the gal you spoke of who knocked on your door to say I'd seen it on RMS! I still love that sign and I really enjoy your blog...
    Best wishes,
    Cathy

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  32. I luv the flowers on your gate. What a nice welcome. We have a white picket fence and gate in front. I always have flowers or wreaths out there. Thanks for sharing.Hope you can stop by soon. Connie

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  33. I love your sweet Bellamere Cottage. What a sweet spot of Heaven.

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  34. Happy Pink Saturday, Spencer. I am so glad you had this time with your grandson. I love my little guy, too.

    Your home is so pretty, and your plants knock off my socks. They are gorgeous.

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  35. Hi Spencer! The place looks gorgeous! Love all the flowers, and I did not KNOW that your sign was made from a headboard! I LOVE that! I only got to make it to one garage sale this weekend and one thrift shop, but I was fairly happy enough with what I came home with.. The most fun about it, though, was that my daughter got to come with me this weekend, so that was really nice! Happy Pink Saturday, and hope you had a wonderful weekend too! ~tina

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  36. Hi Spencer!
    I LOVE this post !!! Your cottage is so pretty. I love all of your hydrangeas! You are so lucky to have such success with them. I love your headboard sign, that is so cute! Love your garden gate too :) Such a perfect home you have!
    So glad you are having fun with your little guy too! What could be better?
    Hugs,
    Amy

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  37. Note to Cathy!

    Oh my gosh....that is sooo funny that you found my blog! We've so enjoyed that little visit from you and your girlfriend....I'm thrilled that you came to visit...please come again! I wish you had a blog I could visit too!

    Bless you!
    Spencer

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  38. Spencer you sweet thing!! You just made my day sayin' I resembled that pretty lady!! You are too kind! So glad I popped back by. I just saw this post again and loved it just as much as the first time!!

    You definitely know how to make your surroundings pretty!!
    Have a joyful week!!
    Love and hugs,
    Becky

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  39. Hi Spencer,

    Your cottage is enchanted! You can feel the love that went into making it a home.

    Have a wonderful week.

    hugs,
    Barb

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  40. Pretty house and yard you have - you should be so proud. Happy Pink Saturday...a bit late!

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  41. What a beautiful cottage you have. The flowers on the wooden fence in the first picture is so pretty.

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  42. Girl, I would have celebrated if someone recognized me from RMS! :-) I did have someone email me to say they drove past the shore house...which both excited and frightened me all at the same time, lol! Your flowers are all AMAZING. If I could have even half of those hydrangea... Just stunning.

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Sweet and dear little Chickies....thank you so much for your comments. I read each and every one. I always try to make a return visit........sometimes I fail miserably... but you're alllll soooo special to me!

Many, many hugs!
Spencer