My Choice for Spring

My Spring 2012 project is to perk up my bathroom.  It has been a hodge-podge of towels and rugs since we moved here in 2007.  I had other things to do, and really couldn't decide on a theme or colors that I really liked.  


Also, towels seem to last "forever"!  It hurts me to dispose of towels that have become faded and even softer.  Also I have an aversion to products "made in China" and finding acceptable others is growing more difficult.  (My problem, I admit).


My bath is painted a rustic gold color - the plaster appears old and aged.  It has been difficult for me to decide on a color that appeals to me and also matches the walls.  


Long ago, in another home, I designed the perfect bath for me.  It was all white - white fixtures, white walls, white floor, a mirrored wall, and a skylight that my husband added after our home was built - over the bathtub.  I dearly loved decorating that bath, adding colors that appealed to me.  One of my favorites was to use bright green towels on a white background with fern leaves.  I hung live ferns above the tub, and the bright light always made the bathroom a happy and bright place to be.  The ferns flourished with the moisture from the tub/shower.


I again wish for an all white bathroom.  However, such is not to be, unless I paint, and that is more than I want to do, living here by myself, with very tall ceilings and walls.  It is also unachievable because I have dark wood surround on the tub, dark woodwork, and dark floors.  


I am hoping for a quick makeover; some towels, rugs, and accessories in a color or colors that make me happy.  Now, deciding what color is the challenge.  Finding attractive storage is also a goal.  Bathroom clutter can be unsightly.  Surely there is a way to organize it and make it attractive, yet easily available.


What are some color combinations that make you happy?  I've walked for several hours through linen and bath shops, and have decided my colors.  They make me happy and remind me that Spring is almost here.  I will share them next post.  


Happy planning and sharing!  I am waiting to hear what your decorating project will be.  Also, tell me your favorite colors at this time.  


Enjoy!  Phebe

Spring Fever! Do you have it? What do you do with it?

Hi, All,

It has been quite a dry spell for me, writing on this blog.  There IS a good explanation,

- the terminal illness and death of my dearest male friend.  

After recovering to some degree from the  death of  my dear husband of 47 years in 2009,  I became best friends and sweethearts in late 2010 with an acquaintance of ours.  We shared a lot of laughter, fun times, and closeness. Closeness turned into love.   Losing him has been one of the harder times in my life. He suffered a short illness, hospitalization, and died in early February.  It has taken me a lot of work trying to get back to doing something constructive.  (You may read more about this on my other blog.)

However, today, Feb. 27, 2012, I'd say Spring Fever has hit me with a burst of fresh air and enthusiasm.  

I dearly love Spring projects for my cottage!  Last year I planned and designed a wonderful backyard project - getting rid of all the grass, and making a "backyard" room.  It has brought me great joy since it was finished in April, 2011.  

This year, I am starting to experience Spring Fever a bit early.  What about you?  Has Spring Fever hit you yet?  

What project would you most like to accomplish this Spring?

Let's work on ours together...if you will join me.  I need the friendship and anticipation of doing a new project for my home....and I'm sure you can think of one or two things you might like to undertake also.  Let's have fun, most of all.  


Best wishes!  Let me hear from you, please.  Phebe


View the entire blog at - 


Phebe-CottageDreamer@blogspot.com. and take the latest poll.  

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