Cottage Dining Room: A Place to Savor

Walking thru our front door, this cozy dining space is likely the first place your eyes will land.  Set against french doors that open onto our back deck beneath the ancient oak, to the left is the kitchen, and thru a door to the right is my studio room. (a dreamy space for all things creative which I'll share with you later!)

At our last place we had a huge dining room we rarely used.  Both our table and buffet were stained black, fitting for that particular space but definitely not here in such a soft, ethereal room. They both got a paint and distressing job when we moved in, and everyone seems to agree they were made to rock the shabby look vs. the dark, seductive style.  

The room fills brilliantly with morning sunlight, the perfect spot to wake slowly over a leisurely brunch.  Josh and I often throw open the doors and sit with steamy mugs of coffee or tea, letting the breeze waltz with the curtains while the dogs lounge on the deck in the sunlight and Everyn searches intently for acorns.  And in the evening as the sun sets opposite, it dims ever so appropriately for quiet dinners, helping us wind down gently.

It's quaint, one of the features I love most about it.  It wasn't made for huge dinner parties or entertaining.  It was intended for small gatherings.  One on one conversations.  Sharing, honesty, depth.  It lends itself well to story telling and laughter, the kind where you never have to repeat the punch line because certainly everyone heard it.  It makes lovely introductions, the furthest thing from intimidating, it invites you in.  Sit, share, ponder, savor.  No rush, linger awhile, nibble, indulge in one more cup of coffee.  Just one.  There's time, always time. 

Like a charming little bed & breakfast ready to wrap you in her arms for a cozy weekend of books and blankets... there's never any rush here.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  Another feature I adore.

Points of interest: 

• Our table and chairs (pictured without the leaf) were purchased on Craigslist for $100, a serious steal. Originally it was stained a glossy blonde hue and every single piece covered with loads of hand painted purple grape bunches and vines.  The cushions were covered with plaid pink and green fabric.  We stripped it, stained it ebony and recovered the cushions, and later painted it creamy white (as I mentioned).  Having previously stained it black actually added perfect layered detail once I distressed it.
• The oil painting we brought back from our first trip to France several years ago.  I had my dad build a simple frame for it with moulding from the hardware store. 
• We replaced the existing chandelier (now painted, distressed, and moved to the guest room) with the one you see here.  It was a total splurge, but I wanted a beautiful statement piece for this simple room to add a little drama. 
• The solid mahogany buffet was a gift from my mother-in-law.  We stumbled upon it at a Swiss Avenue estate sale for a shocking $34!  We easily repaired a drawer and sanded her down before adding a coat of black paint to go with the then existing dining room furniture, but were never really happy with the result. Creamy white paint and distressing made all the difference here, too!  Now we love it.
• Atop the buffet is a small collection of antique decanters and pitchers collected from flea markets and estate sales, and on the wall above them (not fully pictured) a framed trio of some of our favorite travel photos from Italy, England, and Greece. 
• Both the sheer white curtains hung over the archway and heavier pair over the french doors were purchased at Ikea and hung a few inches from the ceiling to add height.  (The wonderfully long, extra wide sheers sell for $5 a pair.  I use them literally everywhere.)  
• All of my table linens are picked up at garage and estate sales or thrift stores.   I never pay more than a buck or two at most.
• I rotate inexpensive fresh cut flowers and white table linens every week or so.  It changes the feel but also keeps the space feeling fresh and beautiful. 
• A couple remaining details in this space will be an elegant rug as soon as I stumble upon something I love, as well as new/different fabric on the seat cushions.  It's fine for the moment, but eventually I'll change it out.

 So there ya have it, our bright and cozy cottage dining room.   Won't you join us for brunch soon??  

(Up next on the Cottage Tour: The Guest Room) 

A Yellow Cottage Beneath the Trees

Since moving to Dallas 8 years ago we've moved no less than six times.  

From a historic downtown loft with sweeping skyline views, to a much too large house in the suburbs, to a 2-room condo in a sleepy little family community, to a stunning modern loft overlooking Venetian style canals, to a charming, historic 4-plex on one of Dallas' most famous avenues... Suffice it to say, we were ready to finally settle, desperate in my case.  

Having tasted a little of everything from literally all over the metroplex, as well as having traveled extensively across Europe over the last decade (and thus become well attuned to how very little is necessary, not to mention freeing, in terms of living space), we knew precisely what we wanted in the purchase of a home:  

• not too big, but not too small.  juuust right.

• proximity to parks, walking and biking trails, outdoor picnic areas

• lots of natural light

• tons of trees and vegetation

• a friendly community

• something cottage-y

So when we stumbled upon a darling yellow cottage with black shutters in a jewel of a neighborhood we'd never heard of, within walking distance of the beautiful White Rock Lake and our beloved Arboretum... we had a hard time turning our attention to anything else.  

I was more hesitant than Josh given the plethora of projects I knew came part and parcel with the purchase of a century old house, but he was entirely undeterred.  I had to admit that the ancient Oak towering over the entirely secluded backyard was calling to me... but still I balked.  For a while.  We knew well we could get a brand new house in the suburbs with three times the square footage, but that's not where our heart was.  We wanted charm, history, trees.  We wanted a home, something we'd keep forever no matter where life takes us.   

The more we searched the more my mind wandered back to the little yellow cottage... the trees... the quiet... the balcony off the master that felt like a treehouse... the hardwood floors and antique glass doorknobs...  the breezy porch swing...

We made a number of treks to the neighborhood over the following weeks.  We parked in the drive and wandered around the property as if it were ours.  We peered in the windows time and again dreaming.  We ate barbque on the back deck while the sun set and mosquitoes came out to harass us, finally driving us back to our car.  We walked the neighborhood and chatted with neighbors as if they were already ours.   

The neighborhood itself felt so quiet, yet so alive.  Little Forest Hills.  There was something about it I just couldn't put my finger on.  Slightly overgrown with scraggly trees draped across rolling streets, no two houses the same, some uber modern and chic with desert vegetation in lieu of grass, some dainty cottages with white picket fences draped with roses, some crazy funky with flowerbeds lined with bowling balls and yards full of wine bottle trees.  There were chandeliers hanging from tree limbs and thick groves of bamboo hiding some houses entirely from view, sculptures here and there in yards, fire pits, gardens, chicken coops, freestanding doors that seemed to lead no where. Twinkle lights came to life at night filling backyards with the glow of activity, little free libraries on posts called to kiddos to take a book for reading, wind chimes tinkled...  It reminded me of the secret garden, with a crazy funky, messy twist.

When a realtor with a knowing twinkle in his eye explained that the neighborhood of about a thousand houses was populated primarily by artists and musicians, it clicked.  That's it, I thought, that's it exactly.  These were my people. Weird, eccentric, equally friendly and insanely private, risk-takers, music-makers, sculpture builders.  Poets, architects, readers and writers.  Travellers, food lovers, backyard chicken and compost keepers.  Gardeners, dancers, romantics. These, were my people.

Sold. 

Within weeks of moving in we had already fallen in love with our neighbors, heard story after fascinating story of how the neighborhood came to be (the consensus says it was built around the turn of the century as a vacation home community steps from the gorgeous White Rock Lake), and been inundated with basket after basket of welcoming baked goods.  Aside from loads of unpacked boxes and a number of messy renovation projects, it was down-right dreamy.  

Fast-forward several months... and we're finally settled.  For the most part, that is.  There are still a number of large-ish projects looming: tons of planting and gardening, the building of a new picket fence,  a complete ceiling re-do in the sitting room, an entire master bath renovation, etc.  With a house this old the project list really never ends, it just rotates.  Fortunately for me, I love projects.  I get that from my forever-building-something parents.  

The house lends itself well to a number of our passions which I'll be much sharing more about in the weeks to come, but now that you've met her, how about a little room by room tour??  (more outside pics coming soon, as well!)

Up next: The Dining Room! 

Bread & Wine {For Your Reading List}

When I opened my front door a few days ago to find this waiting quite literally on the welcome mat, I caught my breath and almost squealed with delight!  Welcome, indeed.  ​I've been eagerly anticipating its arrival for weeks after volunteering to read and review an advanced copy.  I'm only a few pages in, but let me just say this... reading the introduction I almost wept four different times.  The introduction.  Every other paragraph seemed to take my breath away.  I'll be back with a full review soon, but here's a tiny taste to whet your appetite: 

“What’s becoming clearer and clear to me is that the most sacred moments, the ones in which I feel God’s presence most profoundly, when I feel the goodness of the world most arrestingly, take place at the table. The particular alchemy of celebration and food, of connecting people and serving them the things I’ve made with my own hands, come together and are more than the sum of their parts... More and more of my best moments have been spent in the kitchen, and more and more of the deeply spiritual moments of the last year have taken place at the table. It’s not, actually, strictly about food for me. It’s about what happens when we come together, slow down, open our homes, look into one another’s faces, listen to one another’s stories.”

- Shauna Niequist, Bread & Wine

​ If you're a lover of food or God or most certainly both, or even if you're not but think you could be, I promise, you don't want to miss out on this one.​  It's a life changer.

A Beautiful New Season

I have desperately missed this little community the past several months.  There has not been a single day that’s past when I haven’t longed to be here.  A new home and call to motherhood needed my full attention, but now several months later I can see clearly how good it was for me to step away from writing for a bit.  To absorb, pray, rest, and give deeply thoughtful consideration to where my heart (and therefore this blog) is headed.  A Sabbath rest, of sorts. 

But I must confess: It is wonderful beyond words to be back! 

For one, story telling is my passion.  It’s woven into the deepest part of my being.  Capturing beauty in word and picture is the thing I lie awake at night dreaming about, my great love.  It is unyielding and relentless.  There isn’t the slightest exaggeration when I describe it as my ‘calling.’  And secondly, I have a renewed, clear vision concerning where this blog is going, how it’s evolving.  I have so much to update you on and share, a slew of fun new features and giveaways lined up, but the single truth that echoes loudest from the depths of my heart is this:

This blog is to be a place of offering. 

It’s a place I hope you’ll want to visit often because you know you’ll leave encouraged.  It’s a place to find inspiration and hope, encounter truth, and experience joy.

Life giving.  It’s to be a place of giving, speaking, and sharing life.

My heart and intention is to offer you something with every written word.  Whether that’s encouragement in the form of scripture, a recipe to nourish your family, beautiful travel photos that inspire your affection for our Creator, or even confessions of my own failures… it’s all an offering.  To the world, to you, to Him. 

I cannot and will not write simply for the sake of writing.  Not anymore.  Motherhood has changed me.  Life has changed me.  And with every new chapter, with every new season of working out my salvation with fear and trembling, my hope is to reflect a little bit more the heart of my Savior. 

Consider this post an invitation.  In the same manner I hope to be an encouragement, I need encouragement. We all need each other.  It does my heart great good to hear your thoughts, comments, questions, opinions.  Your stories matter.  Please feel free and welcome to share them here, always.

I’m so excited to be back again.  I’ve missed you all.

Cheers to a fresh new chapter!

I’m sure you noticed our new look, too!  You like?  I couldn’t be more in love with it.  Beautifully organized (see the ‘categories’ page), soothing colors, it’s like a little trip to the spa. (or Athropologie, but those are one and the same in my book) Commenting is made easy, as is connecting via social networking thanks to an easy click in the upper right corner. (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) Feel free to browse around.  There’s lots to see!

Consequently I’ve also fallen head over heels for my ‘big’ Nikon camera, as well.  Josh bought it for me as an anniversary gift 3 years ago.  I was so terribly intimidated by it that it’s been sitting in a closet all this time.  A few weeks ago a dear photographer friend introduced me to the basics and now, well, I’m smitten!  I have years worth of learning ahead of me, but as with anything, starting is always the hardest part.  All of that to say, you can expect lots of photos in the months to come.  Trial and error is the best way to learn, and I’m draggin’ you with me for the journey!

Blog Update {and a few irresistible photos}

Where have you guys BEEN!?  Juuust kidding!  I know, I know... I've been absolutely MIA for the past two months now.  I was swallowed up in the abyss of major transition, and I have to admit, this particular abyss has been even deeper and darker than I could have imagined.  I've had a number of melt downs and freak outs over the weeks, trying desperately to get settled.  It's felt nearly impossible to be honest, and a tad defeating.  Why you ask??  Oh, do let me explain.  

New baby + 3 months nice and settled + insane decision to move + renovation craziness + teething + new atmosphere for baby negates nice routine + boxes everywhere + Josh needs eye surgery, why not +deciding we need to sell half of said boxes, way too overwhelming + needing to buy new stuff because of insane decision to sell half of said boxes + we need chickens + homeownership is intense, plumber-what? mow yard, huh? + we must start composting, like, now + where are the chickens going to live? + our neighborhood rocks, must make bff's of ALL neighbors asap + is Ev really teething or is it in my head? + what do you mean the trees need trimming lest they crush us in our sleep?! + so many yummy new cafes to try, let's never cook again! + I love/hate Home Depot + no more painting please, ever, I love neon green, no really + lots of company + I miss cooking + let's start a Bible study! + why isn't the faucet working? + why isn't the disposal working? + weddings + showers + birthdays + let's go to Nashville next week! + why do the dogs keep peeing in the floor? + I can't lift a 500 lb piano, you do it + did you just knock a hole in my freshly painted wall with that antique armoire + where are the washer and dryer again?? + is she trying to crawl? + why does my back feel a thousand years old? + seriously, are we teething or what? = um, let's redesign the blog

 You totally followed that, right??

So yes, life has obviously been incomprehensibly crazy of late.  And with the seasons changing both literally and metaphorically it seemed the perfect (although inconvenient) time to shift gears here as well, so the blog is currently in the middle of reorganization and a fresh new design.  It's all consuming at the moment, but I'll be back blogging in full force very shortly with loads of new content and features!  I'm so looking forward to it!  (and to everyone who's asked to see pics of the house, yes, there will be lots of those, too)  

I can't very well leave you without a bit of eye candy to tide you over, though...

6 months of pure bliss.  She rocks my world.

See you guys very shortly!

Wednesday Photo Recap??

Is it Tuesday?  Thursday?  I'm not even sure.  My goodness life is crazy at the moment.  I feel like my head is spinning.  Good news is, we're scheduled to close on our house today!  Once we've keys in hand we can officially get the many reno projects under way, finish packing and selling half our furniture, and begin the settling in process over the next few months.  (among a million other things not house related)

*deep breath*

So much to do, but I'm happy to report that we are definitely enjoying the process.  It comes with loads of sweet anticipation.  Certainly the fun of newness stirs the pot, but it's more than that, too.  You know that feeling?  The one where you can almost tangibly feel the pages of your life turn?  That's what this is.  We've been in Dallas for 8 years now, and the page is finally turning... as... we... speak.

It's like that quite hum just before the kettle screams.

That intense simmer on the cusp of boil.

That roll of treetops moments before the downpour.

I can feel it in the atmosphere, smell it in the air.  And it.  Is good.

SOooo much to share on all of this later... but for the moment I'm off to check a thousand more to-do's off the list!  And since my days are all sorts of mixed up, I'm posting my Friday photo recap today... Thursday or Monday or whatever today is. ;-)

What day is it in your week??