Wednesday, November 8, 2017

My Cozy Home

We had our first snowfall yesterday, which was pretty awesome to see. 

Not much stuck, just a dusting. 

Just enough to make it the perfect evening to crank up the woodstove for the first time this season. 


I've missed a crackling fire in the woodstove, but the weather has been warmer than usual thus far this season. 

Little Miss Molly wasn't so sure about it....every time a log popped in the fireplace she got a fright!

It didn't stop her from settling in right in front of the fire with her little red fox and her chewy stick. 


This morning the snow was just enough to make the sunshine through the windows even brighter than usual. 

Monkey and Molly played a game of tug of war with the red fox in a sun puddle, which is a regular occurrence for these two little rascals!

I realized when I was trying to take pictures of how cozy the house was this morning that I nearly NEVER get a photo without at least one photo bomber in it!


Sometimes I get all three of my furbabies in one shot...although my old girl Lily is usually snoozing on one of the chairs. 


Often Monkey is causing some sort of mischief....like in this photo when she's barking and getting everyone riled up!


There's the Monkey again, sniffing around for crumbs on the dining room rug. 

My roses are lovely in the morning sun, although they are starting to wilt at this point. Sweetie surprised me with them last week when we celebrated our 7th anniversary - 7 red roses, one for each year, and 5 white roses. He's such a lovebug!


The woodwork in the kitchen glows in the morning light. My kitchen may not be new or trendy but it sure does make me smile! 

I spent some time this past weekend refinishing the butcher block counter top, which desperately needed to be done. The previous owners used to cut right on the counter, rather than using a cutting board, so it was truly a mess. I sanded it down to the bare wood and applied 4 coats of polyurethane, with a light sanding between each coat. It was a big job but well worth the effort. It makes me so happy to see the sun shining off the glossy finish now!


Isn't it amazing how just a little snow changes the morning light completely? 

It also makes it super difficult to crawl out of my cozy bed on those frosty mornings!


After my shower, I sit at my princess counter and take care of my morning routine. 

No need for the gas fire this morning, although it's been used quite a few times already this season. The woodstove in the living room really does a great job of heating the whole upstairs - it was well worth the initial investment for the significant savings on my oil bills each season. 


The guest room is the warmest bedroom in the house. It's small but ever so cozy and comfy. It's located right over the utility room, so I've never once had to turn the heat on in this room. The sunshine is gorgeous in the mornings, and the view out the window is of the horses next door and their little red barn, and the mountains beyond. Doesn't get much better than that!


I told you all about The Big Green Monster quite a while ago - if you didn't catch that post you can read it here. It's the perfect spot to hold all my sheets and a set of guest towels, with some additional storage down below. The closet in the guest room holds all my coats and jackets, since there is no coat closet in this house. It might not be the ideal situation, but I make it work. 

There will be some changes happening in all these rooms in the next few weeks as I have ordered new drapes for each room. 

In case you're not aware, Country Curtains is going out of business!!! I'm so sad, I love their stuff....they have been in business for 60 years, it's the end of an era.  I took advantage of the sale prices to order some new drapes, and you just know I'll share those updates when the time comes. 

I just hope I don't hate them, since I am not good with change. My little house is so cozy just the way it is, but lined drapes help tremendously with energy efficiency....and also privacy in the winter, when the trees are bare and my house can be seen from the road once more. It's something I've been thinking about for quite a while, so the timing was perfect. 

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed your little peek into my cozy home. It certainly has its quirks and is by no means perfect, but it's the perfect home for me.

I am so blessed. 

52 comments:

  1. I did enjoy my peek! I can't believe someone threw away that green piece of furniture now in your guest room. Wow! I love your home. The butcher block counter looks beautiful. And what I'd give for your views! Also, congrats on the anniversary.
    Brenda

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    1. Thanks, Brenda!! Yes, I couldn't believe they were throwing that away, I fell in love with it immediately! I think I have it about 10 years or more now, it's been in 4 of my homes!!

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  2. Oh I love your home, it really is cozy and I do agree, I think it is perfect.

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    1. Perfect for me, Marty, not for some! It's small and quirky but I guess I've always liked small cozy spaces so I was immediately drawn to it!

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  3. You did a beautiful job on your butcherblock counter! I love the way the light plays off it now. :) Those fur babies are sure cuties and I'm betting they provide you with such great entertainment. :)

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    1. Thanks, Debbie, me too! The candlelight glows nicely on it in the evenings now, too! And yes, the babies make me laugh so much, they are such little goofballs!

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  4. I always love seeing photos of your home. I love how fur babies always photobomb. I think they know when we're taking photos and they need to show off just a bit. ;-) I am seriously crushing on your bathroom. We have two bathrooms - one main one in the hallway and the other off the master bedroom - and they are both very small. Our master bath only has a small shower, no tub. Both bathrooms have single sinks with a tiny surround. Where did you get those roll-out metal shelves for your cabinet underneath the bathroom sink? I need those!

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    1. If you go to the post that shows the bathroom there's a link right to those mesh roll out organizers, Melanie. They are AWESOME - I have two under each sink and they keep me sane!
      http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/11/the-princess-room.html

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  5. loved all the pictures!--and you did a great job on the island, it looks very nice and smooth and shiny! I love those woodstoves....sure wish we had one! Your home is looking nice and warm and cozy for the upcoming cold season and the approaching holidays! I am sure looking forward to the holidays this year, how bout you?

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    1. It's like a warm hug when I get home on a cold evening, no doubt about it! Now that the woodstove is going 24/7, even more so!!

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  6. Your home is lovely, your touches beautiful and I especially love the green monster in your guest room! WOW, what a treasure.

    I didn't know Country Curtain is going out of business, that sucks, to be blunt. They were always a go to for me when I needed a decent country accented window dressing.

    We haven't had snow yet but there is a heavy frost outside this morning. (It's 5:30 a.m. right now)

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    1. You're so right, Karen Ann, that DOES suck!! I have always loved their products, such fantastic quality!

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  7. Such a cozy home, thanks for the tour! You have such lovely light coming through the windows.

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    1. I'm very lucky that way, Carole - I am really hoping the new drapes don't cut off TOO much of that gorgeous sunshine!

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  8. Lovely as always and so pretty with the sunlight flooding into your sweet home.

    Have a nice weekend ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thanks so much, Lorraine, hope things are well for you in sunny warm Florida!!

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  9. Days are a bit colder and very wet here, with fog at times. Our curtains are drawn a wee bit tighter when we close them for the night, and more lamps are on around the house. No snow yet... knock on wood! Love the re-finish job you did on the counter! Looks so good!!

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    1. Thanks!! It took four coats, which was more than I thought it would, but I feel like the finish is so crisp and clean now and can be easily wiped off! Before it was a mess, stained and all cut up!

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  10. Your home is just so warm and cozy looking! I didn't realize how much snow would effect the light in your home... it's awesome! I can't wait until my house is built, then hopefully I will have the same gorgeous effect. I did NOT know Country Curtains was going out of business. Thanks for the heads up. Obviously, I won't be able to take advantage of any of their sales, because I don't have a house yet :( Ah well, I will be very interested to see how yours turn out when you post about it. Have a great day.

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    1. Too bad you can't take advantage of the sales and just store them somewhere for now, Vickie - oh well, you'll find something when the house is built!! Hope things are moving along well on the build site!

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  11. I love everything. Very "homey" & comforting. The drapes will be just right. You have great taste.
    I love the doggies too. :)
    Thanks for sharing.
    Monica

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    1. Awww, thanks so much, Monica! I love the doggies also - they melt my heart with their antics!!

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  12. Your home really is wonderful, Debbie! I love the photos of your sweet dogs at play...I think I need more dogs lol. Every room is so lovely and cozy. I love how your countertop turned out...and the green monster is beyond gorgeous.

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    1. I do wish I would have had room for the big green monster in the main part of the house, but it just didn't work ANYWHERE!! Oh well, it's perfect where it is, and is fantastic for storing linens - plus I like the way they look in there, through the glass doors! I'm such a big geek, ha ha!!

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  13. It all looks so lovely. Now I'm jealous that you have a gas fire place in your bath area.
    Your counter tops look great. However, If I had a butcher block counter top, I'd probably use it to cut veggies on and let the cuts and scuff do their thing.
    Lisa

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    1. I don't know, Lisa, if you saw how gross it looked up close before I refinished it I'm not sure you would ever cut on it! I never was in the habit of cutting right on the counters, I've always used a cutting board, so that thought doesn't even enter my mind. As for the gas fireplace, that was a luxury I splurged on when I did the renovations when I bought my house and I absolutely love it. I can see it from the Jacuzzi tub, from the shower on a cold morning, and from the bed - it is indulgent, for sure, but since I figured I'm NEVER moving again I wanted to make sure I did the renovations RIGHT!!

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  14. I was surprised to read that Country Curtains are going out of business! Furbabies are so much fun and comfort. I think everyone needs at least one! Nancy

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    1. Sad, isn't it, Nancy? It's the end of an era - 60 years in business and I've been drooling over their catalogues since I was a young homemaker back when I was 20!!

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  15. I definitely enjoyed a peek into your cozy home, Debbie. You did a great job on the butcher block top, and the light is beautiful after that first snow. I love your bedrooms especially, but that fireplace in the living room makes every part of the house inviting. Congrats on your 7 year relationship!
    We're supposed to have our first frost this weekend. I've been doing more cleaning up through the yard, and covering hoses, and just shut off the outside water. Not sure when the first snow will come....

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    1. Thanks, Rita!! Our temps tomorrow are going to single digits (WHAT???) so I was running around this morning before work disconnecting hoses, making sure all the liquids were brought inside, as well as all the chargers and batteries for my power and garden tools. I still have some pots to dump this weekend, I'm praying they don't crack apart before then! Not enough hours in the day/week to get everything done, it seems! The weather was not conducive last weekend to me being outside closing up the garden, so I spent the time indoors on the counter top instead, and doing some filing, which I detest!

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  16. Ahhhhh you had to type the S word already!!!! Glad it was a dusting and you have your cozy mountain home to enjoy when it snows. Love seeing the little fur babies photo bombing too. Glad Molly is settling in well. That pic with her and Monkey playing tug of war is adorable. Happy Thursday.
    xoxo
    Kris

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    1. Molly is getting on incredibly well, Kris, she is NEARLY house trained at this point - she had her first accident in 5 days this morning, I think she just got so excited for her first 'out' when my daughter went to pick her up off the bed she couldn't hold it any more! Poor little thing, her bladder is so tiny!

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  17. Thanks for sharing your space! It looks inviting and cozy. I am also a fan of 'cozy' spaces. Funny that last night when I was cleaning I left the living room curtains a bit drawn. Now that it's still dim when I leave for work and dark when I get home it makes sense!

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    1. It's so dark when I get home now it's a bit depressing, but it also makes me even more grateful for my cozy little home! Thanks for visiting and commenting!

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  18. They aren't photo bombers they are enhancers :)

    They make photos that could be stylelized in to real life ones :)

    We just had a major temperature drop here ( PA ) and snowflurries this afternoon! Thrilled the grandkids! They immediately bundled up and ran outside to enjoy the first snow.

    Lovely photos of your cozy place as usual :) I always enjoy your posts.

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    1. You're so right, Deb - it's a good thing you can't see all the dog hairs in the photos, huh? :) I have to attack those two white chairs with the vacuum this weekend and wash the slipcovers! I love my babies so much but they do make a lot of extra work for me, no doubt!

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  19. If you ever open as a B&B, I would love to make a reservation!! I have a little cabin home, 900 sf. It sure is hard to arrange furniture with a huge fireplace in the middle of the room. Would you want to come to my home and help me. I love your taste. The 'girls' could come also and play with my Maggie, a rambuctious westie. I just love your home.

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    1. Your home sounds wonderful and cozy, Cindy!! I can imagine it's difficult to arrange furniture around a center fireplace, no doubt about it! What state are you in?

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  20. There's nothing like a cozy fire on a chilly evening! Your home looks so warm and inviting, Deb. I somehow missed the post about your big green cupboard, but I LOVE it!! I would have a cupboard in every room of our house if I could. Thanks for sharing and stay warm!

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    1. I'm right there with you, Vickie - I'd love a cupboard in every room!! Believe me, if there was room for one in the living room there would be - I even used to have one in a bathroom in my old house!

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  21. Your dogs are just adorable! I think they definitely add to the cozy in your home. You have done such a good job decorating and fluffing your forever home. After I read one of your posts, I look at my home and look for ways to make it cozier. Happy Anniversary! Your sweetie is one of the good guys. Hope he is well and no more surgery...ever... It is in the twenties here but will warm up in the 50's next week. Enjoy your weekend. xoxo

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    1. I am most definitely a 'nester' Donna, and always have been! I guess I'll never be a minimalist, huh? :)

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  22. I enjoy never understood why people cut directly on their counters. How hard is it to use a cutting board?! Glad you took the time to refinish it. Looks great!

    Molly is settling in nicely it seems, and don’t worry, before you know it she’ll be completely housetrained.

    Stay warm!

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    1. She's nearly there, Doreen, she's going great!! She's just the cutest little thing, it's truly impossible to be mad at her when she does have a little accident!

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  23. Snow is awesome, it really does make a house feel cozy. I am just so not ready for it...

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    1. Ahhh my poor little beach bum friend!! You're truly a summer soul, aren't you? :)

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  24. The first snow is always so beautiful as it comes down! I always enjoy the pictures you share of your cozy home, and preciously sweet furballs! I'm so thrilled to hear that Molly is doing so well transitioning into your safe and loving environment! I love your kitchen, it is so cozy and inviting. We got our first huge snow here the first week of November, and most of it has melted off as we are now getting rain, but it won't be long before the snow makes its way back, lol... tis the season! Hugs to you today :)

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    1. I complain about things in my kitchen at times, Marilyn (tile counters....grout...tile floor...more grout) but I truly love my house, flaws and all. I felt at home the second I walked in for the house tour, three years ago now!

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  25. Still running my AC here in Waco! I'd love for it to snow just once this winter so my three-year old grandson could experience it, but that is very unlikely. Love your fireplace!

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    1. Wow, Jill, I think I only ran my a/c 2 or 3 times the whole summer! Does it ever snow in your area?

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  26. There is so much to respond to here. No! I did not know about Country Curtains!! That is sad. I've been buying from them for years. I LOVE the green monster! What a great addition to the room, it is perfect for holding and displaying linens. Lastly, I'm glad you were finally able to have some fires. Nothing is cozier.

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    1. I've had the woodstove going ever since, Pattie! I'm getting my exercise lugging heavy wood up the stairs every day now! You can get some pretty good deals right now on Country Curtains, it's a great time to update your windows if you were thinking of doing so!

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