Did You Miss These? August Posts Recap

Hi Friends! 

Hope you had a wonderful August and are looking forward to cooler weather in September.

If you missed any of my posts in August, here's a recap of what I shared. 

Just click on the links if you missed any of these. 

August 4

French Country Tweaks - One Thing Leads to Another

August 11

A Real Beaut!!

August 18

Romantic French Farmhouse

August 25
A Touch of Fall

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thanks so much!

Get the European Look

Looking for European inspiration for your home?
Well, check out these three Colorado stores that are
"Bringing French Country Home" 

with their unique vintage goodies and European-style gifts. 

Inspired by a Simpler Time of Life

At Farmhouse & Co. in south Denver you'll find a brand new shop filled with
wonderful treasures for the home like this French apron. 

You know me, if it's got a chicken or rooster on it, I'm in love.

These white pie plates are so pretty and even have a crimped edge. 

Lots of hand-poured candles in cool jars to choose from too.

This small space is decorated so creatively, you won't want to leave.

This little piggy sure caught my eye.

There's even an organic herbal apothecary.

Check out Chelsea's web site at www.farmhousedenver.com for more information.

New Owner New Look

The Tended Thicket on Old Gaylord Street in Denver has been around for years
but recently had a major makeover under new management.
With an exciting new look, you'll find lots of European items
such as French hand cremes, English garden pots and fresh flowers.

The first thing you see is this beautiful room that makes you feel like you're in France.

The decor is elegant and tempts you to slow down and notice all the special little touches.

The back room has been transformed into a flowering patio complete with a fountain
and fresh bouquets that remind me of an outdoor French flower market.

For more information, check out www.thetendedthicket.com.


Antiques and Special Shoppes in The Barn

Take a thirty-minute drive south of Denver to a small town called Castle Rock
and you'll find a unique store called The Barn.
Inside it's filled to the rafters with specialty items for the home.

More than 100 years old, this huge building was once home to horse and buggy rigs
and now houses more than twenty amazing shops.

This beautiful bedroom is sure to inspire you.

Feeling like you're in Europe?
Love that basket.

You thought I was kidding about the rafters!
Every inch in this old horse barn is overflowing with goodies.

Step outside and enjoy a yard full of metal arches, gates and garden ornaments
while another old barn across the way sets the tone.

So, are you ready to go shopping with me yet?

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!!

***

Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Blue Willow House, Little Farmstead, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life, Have a Cup of Mrs. Olson,
21 Rosemary Lane, Katherine's Corner, My Thrift Store Addiction, French Country Cottage

French Country: A Touch of Fall

I'm not one to rush into autumn decorating
when I'm still enjoying my summer home and garden.

However, it seems as the weather gets a little cooler and a lot rainier 

(they call it monsoon season here), I can feel fall tapping me on the shoulder.

With splashes of late-blooming flowers making an appearance in the garden, 

I was tempted to bring some seasonal blooms into the house.

This metal tote, with the original blue paint, exudes a farmhouse mood with
clear glass mason jars and a sprig of fresh carrot top straight from the garden.
I'd been using this tote under the kitchen sink to hold cleaning products 

until I saw the same tote (without the blue paint!) for $54 in an antique mall!
Now, it takes center stage on the dog food bin. 

Ah, sunflowers.
I discovered these two amazing sunflower pillows at a yard sale last weekend for $3.50 each. 

The owner said she'd paid about $40 each at Pier One. 

Ron always tells me we have enough pillows but even he said we should snag these! 

In the guest room, I gave this little hamper a punch of autumn color  

with an orange throw and some colorful poppies.

My proud little rooster has made his way to the sunroom to join the hens and show off a bit.

The old farm auction sign came from Ron's family's farm. Such a special piece of personal history.

Outdoors, things are changing with the seasons too.
When Ron went camping in southern Colorado, he was greeted by this little flock of wild turkeys.
I recently read that a group of domesticated turkeys is called a gang.
Wonder what their gang name is! The Turks perhaps?

On a recent bike ride in Waterton Canyon, south of Denver, 

we encountered another kind of wild animal
(no, not me!)

I think these big horn sheep may have come down into the canyon 

as the temps cooled off at higher elevations.

We saw one big ram in the herd of mostly ewes and lambs. 

Not wanting to upset him and his dangerous curved horns, 

we decided not to ask him to pose for a picture! Here's his little family.

Back home, a big bunch of bittersweet in a basket greets us in the foyer.

 Looking more like fall every day.

***

P.S. Like everyone else in the United States, we watched the recent eclipse.
The darkening sky was eerie and so were these crescent shapes on our sidewalk.
Just had to share these pixs.

Aren't they amazing? Like a sidewalk of clouds.

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!!

***

Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Blue Willow House, Shabby Art Boutique, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings,
Everyday Living, Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse,
A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,
Katherine's Corner, My Thrift Store Addiction, frenchcountrycottage

Romantic French Farmhouse

I usually think of farmhouse decor as simple, natural, warm and cozy. 

Nothing too fussy or too precious.
On the other hand, Romantic French style speaks a different language
of sparkling chandeliers, old silver teapots and fresh flowers.

So, is it possible to blend rustic farmhouse decor with romantic style
in your French Country home?
Kind of like Joanna Gaines meets Charles Faudree?

Why yes, indeedy!! It's definitely possible.
Just follow your heart. 

Actually, the two aren't all that different.
Romantic style captures that farmhouse spirit, then adds softness and a sense of the past.

Both use a light-colored palette for a fresh, soothing feeling.

Both incorporate natural elements such as garden hats, urns or birds' nests.

And both create a romantic mood with candles, mirrors and soft lighting. 

Architectural pieces such as carved corbels, fancy ironwork or crystal doorknobs
bring the romance of the past alive.






Comfortable upholstered furniture, whether new or gently worn, is a staple 

in both French Country and Romantic Farmhouse styles.
Little white dog is optional but adds a touch of sweetness!

And chippy painted wood furniture is at home with either style.
Add a Hollywood Regency candelabra to set a romantic mood. 

Simplicity in window treatments softens windows, adds warmth, and frames a pretty view. 

Treasured accessories, whether old books, well-loved ironstone or faded paintings, 

work in a simple farmhouse as well as in a newer home in the city.

Fresh flowers are always the language of romance.

Silver adds some romantic glam to a farmhouse look.

Vintage photographs tell a romantic story and add soul to a room.
I found this old class photo at an estate sale;
 it touched my heart when I saw someone had written the names of each child on the back.
Had to save it even though I didn't know anyone.

Outdoors, this simple fence and bench says Farmhouse but . . .

add a chippy watering can and some floppy flowers and our thoughts drift to romance.

I think what it comes down to is this . . . 

farmhouse and romantic styles are more of a feeling than a specific look.

And if you feel it, follow your heart. 

Your home will wrap you in its arms and love you back.

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!!

***

Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Blue Willow House, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Everyday Living,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life,
Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, 21 Rosemary Lane,
Katherine's Corner, My Thrift Store Addiction, French Country Cottage, Shabby Art Boutique

A Real Beaut

Looking for a getaway for a couple of days? 

Yearning for fresh mountain air, spectacular views and a touch of the Old West 

in an adorable small mountain town? 

Well, look no more. Come along with me to Crested Butte, Colorado.

I'd never been to this little jewel of a town before so we were lucky 

that our wonderful neighbor, Tonda, was happy to pet sit our dog, Roxy.

This was the first time we'd left her for two days so we were nervous parents. Tonda texted us 

photos of her lounging and eating so we were able to relax. We can't thank her enough.

Crested Butte, elevation 8,885, is about four and a half hours' drive from our home in Denver
 and lies nestled in the southwestern part of the state.
It's famous for its music festival, bike races, skiing and wildflowers.
We just missed the peak of the wildflower season but it was still breathtaking.

The mountains surrounding the town are perfect pointed peaks, almost like a child's drawing. 

Against a brilliant blue sky with big puffy clouds, it was just magnificent. 

As we drove up into the mountains, we spotted this "Marmot Crossing" sign, 

just as a marmot scurried across the road exactly where he was supposed to cross! 

He was too fast for us to snap his picture. 

Numerous hiking trails for all levels crisscross the mountains including this one for the 

"Oh Be Joyful" trail. One simply cannot be joyful in all this beauty. 

The town itself features an authentic 1880's main street lined with old store fronts, restaurants and shops. Venture off the main street to see where the locals live. Charming little cottages look like they've been transported from the 19th century when this was a booming silver mining town. 

It's a bike-friendly town and the locals are very friendly and polite.

Flowers are everywhere in hanging baskets, planters and unique containers.

Whether you enjoy visiting old mining towns or exploring rugged terrain, you'll love Crested Butte.

It's a real beaut!

***

If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!

***

Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Rustic & Refined, Dwellings, Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm,
Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life,
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, 21 Rosemary Lane, Katherine's Corner, My Thrift Store Addiction,
French Country Cottage, Blue Willow House