The gift that keeps on giving...

See that big box in the first picture?... The really cool wood one?.... Oh ya. That is my anniversary present. And I LOVE IT! "What is it?" you might ask. Good question. I don't know. All I know is that it plays music straight from the radio (and from records!) and blasts it through the entire house. So of course it is set to 103.7 (oldies) because what else would it play?.. Hip Hop? I think not.

Alden scored big on Saturday while I was helping with a friends wedding. Yep, you guessed it, a garage sale. We are addicts. In the best way of course. How could you resist this beauty tho?... PLUS we got the lamp, records, and record holder... for $20, that's highway robbery people!

I still haven't decided what I love more tho... our music box or this awesome homemade sign Alden made. I think I will keep it up all year. Ya know, celebrate ALL our anniversary's. And if you aren't convinced yet, Alden also got me peonies (see picture #2). That sealed the deal, icing on the cake, cherry on top. That boy is the apple of my eye I tell you. And you remember our credenza of course!

Aren't you proud of me for posting pictures of the house too?.... Its coming along. This little cottage is turning into a mid century meets modern mash up and we love it. Come visit us, PLEASE!

Stay tuned this week. Alden is out of town so I will be doing all sorts of projects and posts!

Wet your whistle...

Here are a few pictures of the cottage kitchen I snapped this morning... just to wet your whistle. Its the most "put together" part of the house at this point. I have plans to grow herbs and add some more details as we go along.


The kitchen might just be my favorite part of the cottage. There are FIVE windows that look out into a grove. There are moments when I want to throw the windows open and sing "whistle while you work" just like Snow White. But the possibility of creatures actually coming in the house makes me hold back. So I just open it a crack and enjoy the fresh air.
Speaking of creatures, I saw a baby skunk. Cute as could be. Too quick for a picture though.

*Happy Holiday Weekend Everyone!*

Cottage Day 1: I have the best husband

• 3 loads of laundry in my own machines!
• Lots of unpacking/hanging clothes
• My own Kitchenaid!... (The real reason all us girls get married)
• Alden coming home from work with a bouquet of baby roses for me!...I'm not the only one who dreams of fresh flowers in my own home am I?
• Making chocolate chip cookies in my new Kitchenaid with husband. mmmmmmmmmm.
• Waking up to Alden wearing my apron, serving me breakfast in bed (see above)
• Breakfast: Hot cocoa, toast, and bacon. YES.
• Alden giving me a gift! (Some makeup I was wanting.) what a CUTE BOY!!!!!!

I'm so blessed. In so many ways. Can't believe I married such a good man. He is my everything. My best friend. I'm so excited for our new life at the cottage.

Can you say Credenza?

Alden and I have discovered our passion in life. Garage sales. All week long getting up at seven in the morning is like trying to get wax out of the carpet... not happenin. But on Saturday, OH SATURDAY. We wake every half hour barely able to contain our excitement, "IS it time yet?!"... Just like Christmas morning. Now who doesn't want Christmas every Saturday? Hence the addiction.

This week yielded great fruit. Nothing like finding a mid century credenza for $10. Sure it had a little wear and tear but we saw its potential. Alden's mom taught us how to do some basic restoration and a few hours later, it was shinning like the top of the Chrysler building.

This week is the big week. Our official move in date is Wednesday! I am excited to share pictures of our new place but I am quickly learning that decorating a home is A LOT of work. We are getting to the "details" phase, which is the hardest part for me. I want some great "local" art but every time I find something I like its SOLD! argh. Like this piece. So its slow coming, but time is on our side... and garage sale season is just starting!

ps. Any good sites out there for art besides etsy and 20x200?

Garage selling and a sneak peak

Alden and I scored big time.
We hit the jackpot of garage sales..... neighborhood garage sales.
At least three garage sales on each street. oh ya.

We went with $36 in cash and left with

- a globe
- small table for the globe
- large standing mirror
- side table
- pink chair
- chandelier

Good thing thrifting is in style.
We MAY just be the most stylish kids around at that definition.

Our new house

After the whole Fred Larry incident we got a call from a lady down the road who goes to our church. The have a little cottage (pictured above) that just became available. After a quick tour we knew it was the right place. It is cozy and cute and set back in the trees with beautiful views out the kitchen window. It has a front room, kitchen/dining area, laundry room, loft, bathroom and bedroom. AND a back patio. We will be moving in toward the end of May and I can't wait!

When we moved from Hawaii we sold everything we owned so it will be interesting getting stuff again.... dishes, pots, pans, sheets.... the whole nine yards. So I might need a little advice on whats good out there.

I so am excited for our new little cottage :)