3.23.2010

Did you see that?

Mi4M got over 200 links yesterday!  Wowsa...4 months ago when I started I wasn't sure anyone would even come.  I'm stoked that so many enjoy participating by either linking up or clicking thru the list.  The inspiration is pretty incredible.

And I overhauled the blog.  I hope the new colors and stuff still reflect what ::cottage instincts:: is all about.  I thought the soft peachy-pinks and browns with touches of robin's egg blue would be a good fit for the warmer months.  Though I love birds and I downloaded tons of them from all over the internet, I needed a change.  That's me, I love freshness and change.  I had originally seen (and fallen in love with) the picture in my banner when I first started blogging last August, but didn't know enough back then to make it my own. I found it over at Banner of Blessings.  She's got some lovely stuff.

And because no blog post is complete without some pictures, here is my springtime front door tin basket:

And here is the new shelf arrangements in my reading room.   I moved all the neutral decor in here including my natural slipcovered sofa.  The aqua sofa and chippy shutter moved back to the family room.  Because that room is so dark all the time, I decided I wanted to try my happy colors in there.  I'll get some pics of the new mantle and hutch arrangements soon.






This picture was taken without my halogen lights.  I still don't know how to do this photography thing.

And lastly, I reunited the ruffled/pleated pillows I had made a month ago with the double rocker I painted and recovered.  It now sits in this 'neutral' room right in front of the drop cloth drapes I made.


So that's all I gots for today folks.  Revamping the blog took most of the day, but I'm liking my new buttons, header and signature.  A bit of sweetness to usher in the spring....

46 comments:

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

the blog looks great, the house looks great! Don't ya just love Spring!
gail

Nancy's Notes said...

I am new to blogging and I am so pleased to find yours, it's really great! Your post today is just awesome!

Tina said...

Hi Cindy:) Thank you so much for your lovely comment today, I am so happy to have found your beautiful blog, I am now a follower! Your home is gorgeous, I love your pics in this post (love the Live Simply plaque you have)! I am so looking forward to peeking back at your past posts over a cup of tea. Wishing you a wonderful day ~ Tina xx

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Cindy,
Thanks soooo much for crushing on my room!! I was shocked! Thanks so much for coming by & leaving such a nice comment!

I love your shelf display! All the vintage stuff mixed in w/ pics of your darling family...I see you love vintage scales too! I can't control myself when I find them! :)

Thanks again!

Shellagh

Ticking and Toile said...

oh also,
I really LOVE your header picture! It is gorgeous!

Shellagh

~ Regan said...

oooooooooooahhhhhhhhh

Love the new header-- Not that the other was half bad or anything! ;) Just in time for a fresh change!

I love all your ideas- and despite what you say, I also think your photos are gorgeous. I really like that little birdie on your shelf! I will be trying to make some fresh pillows soon, maybe I can do a few with ruffles.... *holds breath* We'll see!!!

Mari said...

Love the new look.

Marla said...

Cindy, your room is so comfortable looking, I love your artful shelf displays. The slipcover and pillows are fab too. Smiles, Marla

AuroraSuzette said...

Those roses in the header shot are just the perfect shade of pink! And I know I spied some brown transferware in your photos. All looks wonderful indeed!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Great shelf accessorizing and your photos are great. Love the drop cloth pillows.

Janice said...

I love your new header! The shelves look great, I also really love your frames with black and white photos.

Seawashed said...

I remember that banner...always liked it. I've been blogging for two years now and used to use Polly's banners too. I do like your new look, but pink is a change for you...I will just have to get used to it...I was so used to the robin's egg blue and beige.

Kate said...

Cindy
Wow everything looks amazing!!!!! Love the new header as well. Thats why we love you girl YOU ARE UBER TALENTED!!!

Love & hugs
Kate

Recaptured Charm said...

Love the new look!! Love the pictures too! Great job.

Morgan//Nuts and Bows said...

Very very pretty! I love the new blog too looks great!

~Morgan

http://meetvirginiaandroo.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/MeetVirginiaShop

Anonymous said...

Love your spring blog clothes and your home looks so inviting....great job!

Tempest Ahoy said...

Gorgeous :) I love the new look.

The Little Red Shop said...

Congratulations! I'm sorry I missed it. I love your brown transferware...your home looks just lovely.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

: )

Julie M.

Beth@The Stories of A to Z said...

Love your new look. I just did the same thing yesterday and it took me for-evah! Congrats on success and I love your pics. That ruffle pillow is fab.

Junkie Junkeldorf said...

Breathtaking. I think my heart just skipped a beat. I love the new header and colors and the photos in this post are outstanding.

Necel from the Old House in Texas

gina@3ringcottage said...

Everything looks great. Love the new header picture! I would love to know how you did your signature with the picture. Can you give a little tutorial?

Heidi said...

Cu-UTE! Loving the new colors & header!

Patricia said...

Loving the new look!!!

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Your blog looks great! Love your shelves too! You have a knack for vignettes!

Unknown said...

Love the new look. And congrats on the huge turn out for Mi4M. I too think your photos are great.
Thanks for the continued inspiration.

Funky Junk Interiors said...

Wow! Everything looks wonderful, Cindy! The buttons are adorable. You're really getting the hang of all this stuff :)

For the halogen lights, (if it's a double) try shining one on the ceiling and one on the floor without the direct light hitting your subject. This will diffuse the light and brighten your subject up. My ugly auto lamp tree lives in my kitchen. :( LOL

Donna

Heidi said...

I actually love your photos! The blog revamp looks nice and fresh too! Beautiful colors.

Marianne said...

I like your new look too!
Oh and I really like the foto without the halogen light too, the colors are much more vivid and real. Just send me an email if you want some photography tips, I'd be happy to help out if I can.

Maddie said...

Mommy! The new look of your blog is LOVERLY! I really love all the roses, and how light and cheery it feels without being obnoxious. Your Mi4M button is uber cute too.

So...even though I know it is likely to change, I just thought I'd tell you, I really like the naturals and whites room in front and your warm blues in the back room. It helps the family room feel more connected to your cheery kitchen. Now you just have to nail down the flow of your dining/homework room. ;-)

You're doing an awesome job nailing down your "loves" and balancing out the flow of your house. Only you can do the lovely things you do with houses as *ahem* challenged(?) as the ones you buy.

Love you! Have a great day!

P.S. Still want to come watch the dress your truth video. Maybe this weekend?

la maison LaFortune said...

I love the new look! And I really love those pleated pillows on the double rocker. I hope you don't mind if I use them for inspiration for pillows here! Thanks

Angie Holden said...

Love your blog as always...and where did you get that scale??? I am in love!!

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

Love the new look. The blog and the room. I would say that you are getting that picture taking thing down pat. What a great job taking photos! Now get your buttocks over here and do the same at my house!

Mason, MI in spring is a great place to meet and shop! Hint hint!

FairfieldHouse said...

Cindy -

I LOVE your new blog look! So pretty. Also loved your nest. You have the best banners! Also lusting after that antique scale on your shelf. Everything looks so refreshed and new again - a true reflection of the season.

- Deborah

Megandvd@Beauty in the Attempt said...

Congrats on the over 200 Linkies!! The blog looks great..and you are ever so inspiring.

Cheers~
e

Unknown said...

Hi Cindy,
I'm sorry I haven't participated in your Make it for Monday party lately; I just haven't crafted much lately. I like what you've done with your blog. It looks really nice.

Nancy

Unknown said...

Uh, I was saying how much I love your blog and so happy I found you. Drop cloth drapes, I have so been talking about that idea and my husband isn't sure if I have gone over the edge or not.

angie said...

Everything is so beautiful and comfy looking.

Seawashed said...

I say go for it!!! If you'd like to dress like I am in my post, just do it! My clothes are getting tighter with age and I go to the gym, trying to lose wt. too, but it doesn't keep me from wearing what I love and feel pretty in. Just buy the next size up and cut the tags out so you don't get hung up on that size...do you know what I mean? Thats what I do. Wear what makes you feel pretty and comfy no matter what size you are.

Anonymous said...

Hi, thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I just love your blog.The pillows that you made are gorgeous.I love how you decorated your shelves. Everything looks so cozy....Kathy

Danielle Strong said...

blog up date looks great!

Unknown said...

I'm really enjoying your new up date, both the blog look and the shelves. Very fresh!

Handbags*and*Pigtails said...

Oh my....I first saw your link from Gail(MyRepurposedLife) this morning and recognized your door tin basket right away b/c I have the same one! I love how you put it together with the bow and the flowers. Then I started scrolling down and Im in love with your little birds and basically everything on your reading room shelves. So now Im gonna hafta go add you to my list of blogs! Cant wait to read more.
Sarah
HandbagsnPigtails.blogspot.com

Melanie said...

It all looks good! I love your bench. That and all your books. I am a book lover and the books make me happy.

Jen Kershner said...

I love your genius use of drop cloths. I'm a big fan too. Love that bench. It looks right at home in that spot.

Catherine @ van Breugel Design said...

Hi Cindy, I love the new look of your blog - perfect for spring. And I love the way you have decorated your white shelves - you have so many gorgeous items to display. I love what you are doing!

Morgan//Nuts and Bows said...

Gorgeous! I just love your style!

Check out my awesome GIVEAWAY

~Morgan

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