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


Monday, January 9, 2012

Organizing My Worst Clutter Spot

I attended a Ladies Club Christmas party in December.  There I overheard one lady ask the hostess what she kept in the shallow drawers in the small chest beside her favorite recliner... was it her sewing or craft items?  The hostess hesitated and then responded, "No, I've given up crafts - it's just stuff."  She opened one drawer to show that her telephone book, her TV controls, and various other items were in those narrow drawers, at her fingertips.  She opened another drawer to show stamps, and writing supplies. 

I was impressed with her small chest holding so much out of sight.  I came home to my portable computer stand, which sits beside my favorite chair.  It never has room for my portable laptop computer because I always have it full of "clutter."  I also have spread out to the raised fireplace hearth, and to the window sill, where my address book, camera, and cell phone sit, along with various other items that are handy to my needs in my favorite chair. This "clutter" has regrown since the holidays, when I had it fairly well cleaned up.   I'd take a photo for you, but I'd be too embarrassed.  Let's just say that my computer mouse fell off the computer stand for the second time today with batteries and cover scattering in various directions, and from which other items fall frequently. 

Our hostess' organizational skills remained a source of fascination to me throughout the holidays and I looked at Walmart and other  stores for a couple of weeks, hoping to find a sewing or craft table that would be similar. 

Finally, with the many on-line catalogs that arrived with the New Year, I received a catalog from Home Decorators.com., a Home Depot company,  and was pleased to see a cart that would work beside my recliner.  The Stanton Storage Cart I ordered has six drawers and is 26 inches tall by 20 inches wide.  It is delivered "fully assembled" with the exception of 4 casters which were easily installed by me, the least handy woman in the US.    I had a choice of finishes and choice of sizes.  Mine cost $152 and there was a $10 coupon so the actual cost was $150.88 including tax, with free shipping on storage items for a limited time. 


It arrived within days and the delivery man offered to put it inside for me.  It weighs approximately 50 lbs. and I happily accepted his offer.  I opened the very well wrapped wooden cart and installed the feet in approximately 30 minutes.  I have yet to fill it, other than to put my television remote and telephones inside, but the manufacturers suggest that heavy items be placed in the bottom.  I ordered the cherry finish cart, although I fell in love with the blue one but it didn't come in this "wide" size.  Mine came in a choice of dark cherry, black, white or oak.    The cart is made of solid "Rubberwood", grown on a plantation, renewable and thus production doesn't endanger the environment.  Mine has a nice, smooth finish and is very sturdy.  Country of origin is Thailand.   Since the nice finish may be scratched or damaged by my drinks and other items, I put a square granite chessboard on the top, with a  protective mat underneat but a tray or cut glass top would work.

I will blog again soon about this wonderful cart that is sure to improve my degree of organization if not improve the quality of my life.  I am amazed at my "Logitech" red cordless computer mouse, because it has been dropped at least twice daily for at least six months and continues to work.  Maybe now its life will be extended.

Happy days!!! Tonight and tomorrow I will figure out where to put my 3 piles of clutter. 

See you soon!  Phebe
Posted by at 2:16 PM
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