Welcome to Cottage Dreaming, A Blog for Cottage Lovers...

Currently, with economic concerns impacting how we live and where we live, cottages will, I predict, have a comeback. They are usually smaller and more compact, but pack a lot of comfortable living space. A canvas wall hanging in the Spring 2012 "The Lakeside Collection" says it well: "Love grows well in Little Houses." This was true throughout the history of the United States, until the past 50 years, and it is true currently.

No offense, anyone, but a family of five in a three story, 10 room home has to work harder to keep in touch and to interact. That same family, in a five room, one story cottage or other small house, is closer, both in proximity, as well, I would suggest, as in emotional closeness. For this reason, as well as for economic necessity, small, cozy homes will be the prominent choice for middle income families in the future, as well as for empty-nesters and individuals who prefer a small home to an apartment or condo.

I love cottages of all kinds. My favorite cottage is one made of stone with a steeply pitched roof. I prefer a cottage that is close to water, whether it is a lake, bayou, coastal area or river. However, a cottage located close to the center of a commercial neighborhood is also appealing to me.

If you love cottages or other smaller homes, please join us in all things cottage, here at Cottage Dreamer. Thousands of small homes are out there ready to be custom-fit to your needs. They abound in small towns as well as in cities throughout the U.S.

To become a part of the regular happenings here at Cottage Dreamer, add your e-mail, to receive new posts. Welcome!

Pleasant day-dreams! Phebe


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Visiting Llano (Part 2) - North side of Llano River

Llano is 65 miles northwest of Austin and 102 miles from San Antonio.

The Llano River, flows through the middle of the town of Llano. According to the website, llanoriver.com. the Llano River is one of Texas' few remaining wild rivers, and is located more than 100 miles from any major city.  It originates as a spring-fed river and therefore its clear, clean water is great for fishing and canoeing.  
Above, the Llano River's view of the dam in Llano. 
                                         

 

The Dabbs Hotel in Llano
The Dabbs Hotel, (above) located on the north side of the Llano River bank was built in 1907, and is the last of the railroad hotels.  It is still open and it may be rented for weddings or family reunions.  It also has a sleeping porch that sleeps six in twin beds that may be rented for #365 a night. Reportedly Bonnie and Clyde visited this hotel in the 1930's.   (Information from the hotel's website:  dabbsrailroadhotel.com.) 

In the same area there are other renovated homes, and a small log cottage that has been moved to the site which sits near the museum. 



The plaque at the steps tells a bit about this very old cottage.

                                            
I've seen lots of log cabins in several states and the chinking in this one is unique, at least to me.  It contains some stones, wood, and other items.  Another room, made of boards and batten, is apparently a later addition to this cottage.  


Another very small cottage sits near the train tracks.  It appears to have only one room and doesn't appear to have a bathroom.  It had a "For Rent" sign on it.  (below)



The third part of "Visiting Llano" will cross the bridge and visit the shops and buildings on the "South" side of the river.  Until then, please do find some ways to put a little fun in your life.  

Hugs, Phebe........................


                         
 

Friday, March 16, 2012

Day-Tripping in the Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country abounds with small towns that are wonderful places to explore one's love of cottages, to see what local life is like in the "Hill Country," and to sample the fun events of each town.

Today, March 16, 2012 was such a trip for me.  A friend and I went to Llano, the county seat of Llano County, west of Austin.  Many of you know about Llano and have been there.  Those of you from outside of Texas may not know about Llano.
  Llano, A Main Street City

                                                                *************

Before I tell about my trip, let me share with some folks who are local about tomorrow's fun
event in Llano.  Tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. in the historic business district there is an event: 

"Sample Delectable Desserts and Enter to Win a Gift Certificate" . 

This event is sponsored by the Llano Main Street and the Llano County Journal. 

You may:
Pick up a ballot at LanTex Theater.
Visit each of the 9 restaurants and sample a dessert. 
Have your ballot initialed at each location. 
Choose the ONE restaurant whose dessert you liked the best.
Return your ballot to the LanTex Theater by 3:30 pm. on 3/17/12.
At 4 p.m. a drawing will be held for a gift certificate.  You don't have to be present to win.

 
This sounds like great fun on a Spring day.  Hope some of you are able to attend.

Below is the "Berry Street Bakery" one of the "sample sites".
                                                                ****************

Today the spring flowers were wonderful:  miles of Texas Bluebonnets on Rts. 1431 and  29, and spring trees, flowers,  and bushes in full bloom in Llano. 
Beautiful Bridal Wreath
Blue Bonnets near the Museum


Our first stop was at the Llano Visitor and Tourism Center housed in the Railroad Depot Building. 

Llano residents appear to have an appreciation for their town's history and they have preserved and re-purposed many of the early buildings.  

Nearby the Railway Depot Building  is the museum, some renovated homes, a "Hotel" overlooking the river, and a rustic cabin, all on the Rt. 29 side of the Llano River. 

Over the next two blogs we will look at some of the quaint buildings, businesses, and the Llano Courthouse Square.  

Hope you enjoy the tour of Llano half as much as I did today.

Remember...Allow a little fun into your life.

                                                    Until Next Time, 

                                                    Hugs, Phebe    


Friday, March 9, 2012

Spring Project - Bathroom

Finally, I have my  Cottage indoor spring project finished - new towels and other accessories for my bathroom.

It was planned as a simple and inexpensive redecorating in which I just changed out some accessory colors. 

I reported last blog that I had chosen two colors that make me feel really happy this year - Robins Egg blue and brown.  To those, through this process, I guess I've added a third, cream.  Things change as decorating goes along, doesn't it?

I didn't have a lot of money to invest and thought a change of colors might help.  My bath is fairly new - my house was built in 2005.  The cabinets are dark alder wood, counter tops, tub and shower walls are cream marble, and walls are an aged golden color - finished in a rough plaster over drywall with rounded edges throughout the house.  The house was built and designed to look like an older English cottage. 

Amazingly, it has been fun to choose towels and other accessories.  I found textured towels appealing this time.  (Last time I chose all white towels - pretty bland). The covered containers on the large vanity are in blue and brown print.  One container has birds on it so the cute little ceramic birds begged to go home with me from "Tuesday Morning."   Use of such containers to place bath items and makeup limits clutter on countertops and makes them easier to clean. (from "Circle of Moms.com.-see below for link) 

These photos below are of my smaller second vanity showing the new towels - the towels are hanging on the heated towel holder (from Bed Bath & Beyond) - one of my favorite luxuries that has become a necessity for me over the 4 years I've had one.
 
Not only is it wonderful to grab a warm towel when getting out of the shower on a cool morning, but the heated towel bars also dry your towel and washcloth
and are great to dry delicates, sweaters, and other items you have laundered or scarves or mittens that  were rained on.

I wish you could feel the texture of the bath towels and washcloths.  I fell for the beige bubble design ones and had to have them although they didn't really go with my color scheme. 
(They were also purchased from "Tuesday Morning." )

My commode cover and rug are in Robins Egg blue - (purchased from Wal-Mart).  I'm still looking for some wall accessories, including a picture to hang in the "water-closet."  I have a shelf over the large vanity which you can partially see in the first photo,  which has remained totally empty during my five years here.  I plan to put my collection of teal "Blenko" WV hand-blown glass on the shelf and in the window over the whirlpool tub soon. 

My few new items have made taking a shower and using my bathroom much more enjoyable. 

The striped step-out rug is "Better Homes & Gardens" brand from Wal-Mart.
This morning I enjoyed one of the "bubble" washcloths.


Until next time I'm wishing you soothing, enjoyable bathing experiences also.

Phebey

for some good cleaning tips:  http://www.circleofmoms.com/article/5-tips-keeping-bathrooms-clean-03068?trk=digest_editorial_3068&email_enc=lsOqzdecp8zcpsLVzZTEoqY%253D&email_src=1331338849bcfe0024d770baf84db8ab670c042eed&template_name=digest_weekly_2&subject_id=950f1561cb53014b243b26db9f35227b%3A0&has_fb=1#_

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

I've Chosen My Colors For My Spring Project! Have You?

I chose two of my favorite decorating colors for my bathroom towel and accessory colors....Robin's Egg blue and brown...................................................................








Because I don't want to see  makeup and other clutter on the white marble countertop, I plan to use decorative boxes for storage.

The boxes and towels are from "Tuesday Morning". 

The Romanesque brand towels, washcloths and hand towels are Robins Egg blue and white of long staple combed Turkish cotton.  Bath rug and commode cover were made in the USA and were purchased at Wal-Mart.