Adding summer to your home....

Most of us can't redecorate every season, but I often

find myself itching to lighten and brighten my home come

summer and then cozy it up come fall.  I thought I

would share a couple ideas with you.

For summer, I simply added a couple of my straw

hats to our back door coat rack along with

bags that I take to the farmer's market or beach.

Besides the practicality and convenience of having those items handy

as I head out the door,

they also bring a summer feel to our home.

Fresh cut flowers in vases are a great way

to bring summer inside.  When planting my outdoor

gardens, I always try to include plants that make

great cuttings.  In just over the two years we have

lived in our home, I have added many hydrangea, lilac,

daisies and peonies just so I can have flowers to cut

and bring inside.  

Other relatively easy ways to lighten and brighten for summer 

is to replace your Persian rugs with sisal or seagrass - 

or even no rug at all.  Also, switch pillows out to 

lighter versions, floral or some nautical stripes.  

Bringing in lighter accessories - white vases, 

sea shell collections etc....can also make your home

compatible with the season!

And let me tell you - it is definitely summer in the

PNW, we hit temperatures in the 90's this 

weekend which is very unusual for us this early.

I actually turned our air conditioning on!

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FUN SALE!

Remember when I told you about my friend who had 

a booth at the Farm Chicks Antiques Show?

Well, despite having GREAT success at the show, 

she had a few gorgeous pillows that did not

sell.  I mentioned that I have blog readers who

seem to love a new beautiful pillow as much as I do

and suggested I offer them for sale on 

Forever*Cottage!  So today is your lucky day!

• 18”sq.
• Includes an 18"sq. poly/down pillow Insert
• No pattern on reverse
• Zipper closure
• Dry clean only

Cost per each....$52.00 per each (shipping included)

There are THREE Chevron pillows available!  Please email me at jillbeth@aol.com

and let me know how many you are interested in purchasing.  I will update the blog

after sales are made so you know if they are still available.

Cute stripe ticking stripe pillow - sort of a yellow/cream color with navy stripe.

$52 - includes shipping!

ONE available. Email me at jillbeth@aol.com if interested in purchasing.

• Includes an 18"sq. poly/down pillow Insert
• No pattern on reverse
• Zipper closure
• Dry clean only

Cost per each....$52.00 per each (shipping included)

There are TWO french script available.  Email me at jillbeth@aol.com

if you are interested in purchasing.  I will update the blog

as soon as purchases are made.

Feel free to email me with any questions!  

Happy Friday!

Who says you need a sofa?

via

I have always loved a conversation 

grouping like the one pictured above.

So, when clients asked me to 

help them with the design for a VERY awkward living space

{holy cow, two spaces with a fireplace smack

in the middle!}, I knew I had found the opportunity to design {half}

 the room without a sofa.  The room is asymmetrical, has no

less than 5 doorways, 2 windows and did I mention

a fireplace sort of in the middle of it all?

To be perfectly fair, the home is a lovely old

farmhouse that has been updated, although

somewhat awkwardly.  This project, like any,

has it's challenges and this room/s is one of them!

The homeowner prefers warm 'fall' colors and wants

a 'sophisticated' farmhouse look.  

So what do you think?  Does designing a room without a sofa

scare you?  Or like me, do you find this kind

of grouping inviting and cozy?

Real World....

This photo illustrates well the old saying about the

cobblers children with no shoes......how about

the decorators home with mismatched pillows 

and no drapes....but it is real life and shows

how imperfection can be pretty too.  

This is our great room and as much as I would

love to do many things, our financial priorities

are elsewhere right now.  So, I have fun helping

others make their homes beautiful with fabrics that

make me drool and furnishings that would furnish the

homes of my dreams, and accessories.....

oh, the accessories!

Someday this room will have pretty drapes....
In the meantime, if you would like my help
creating a beautiful room in your very own home
please email me at jill{dot}hinsondesigns{at}gmail{dot}com.
I have openings for e-design work in late-July/August!

Thankful.....

Week one of summer vacation for my children

is in the books.....we survived, it was good.

I have no reason to complain, at 11 and 14 years

old my girls are pretty darn independent, besides

driving them here and there, they are very

easy to entertain.

What is different for us is that this summer is that

momma is working....

You see, I had a dream and decided to

go for it, it's that simple.

My interior decorating/blogging business

has sort of found some traction

and is keeping me busy.

I seriously pinch myself.

I am doing what I love and loving it.

So can I really consider it work?

I am living proof that life has many seasons.....

and I am ready to live fully in each

and every one of them.

Have a wonderful weekend friends.

we have A chicken....

Can you see her?

We have considered getting backyard chickens - just a small 

coop, but have decided it's not happening this year....

perhaps, next spring? We'll see.

In the meantime, I thought this sweet vintage

chicken would dress up our patio

nicely for the summer....

I found her at the Farm Chicks Antiques Show

in Spokane a few weeks ago...

I have to admit, I had trouble buying this year....

could have been me, but I am really over

the whole faux painting EVERYTHING 

trend.....{sorry to my antiques selling friends!}.

And I realize that creativity is hard, but

I did not see anything NEW.  Like I said,

could have been me.....

But I love my chicken......I asked for name

suggestions on Instagram {you can find me HERE}

  - Gertrude, Hattie, Wanda and

Nugget were all suggested....

So what do you think?

Pretty photo and winners.....

This photo has nothing to do with this post except that it calls out 

my peculiar cat-eyed glasses collection......no explanation for it, but I have

quite a few......Most are collected in a cup on my desk but I have 

a couple favorites set here and there.....

Hmmm.....So I guess the photo

does have something to do with this post - glasses can make a

fashion statement for sure -  And while I am not brave enough to 

rock these cat eye's, I think they do look marvelous set a top

my Domino book.

Ok, enough of my un-puncuated drivel.....

Congratulations to Kerri, Sandy Peterson and Deborah!
You have each won a spot in Paige's e-course!
Please email me at jillbeth{at}aol{dot}com!

Come back tomorrow so I can show you my favorite
Farm Chicks Show purchase....

Summer accessorizing.....*fashion edition*....with a giveaway!

Like me, I am certain many of you are fans of my friend Paige Knudsen's photography

and lifestyle blog.  Paige has a caring heart and a beautiful soul, is a dedicated mom to four

gorgeous daughters, is a gifted photographer, an enthusiastic Noonday ambassador, 

a provider of literary and culinary inspiration to me and so much more!

Paige's love of fashion and style is infectious - she 

has a knack for choosing which latest trends she will

incorporate into her mostly "classic, preppy with a little cowgirl"

wardrobe.  But above all else, she is the queen of accessorizing......

which is why I love her so....she knows the value of good statement piece

and layering the perfect combination of bangles!

These are LIFE SKILLS gals!

So, guess what?

Paige is going to share her secrets with all of us!

Paige has created a summer e-course as part of 

Jeanne Oliver's newest series on fashion & style.

For just $10 Paige will share with you her

tips on style "must haves" and tips for buying

according to your size and also share her favorite

beauty products! **Plus, you get to hear Paige's

cute southern accent in her videos!

The course goes 'live' on June 24th but

you can view at your leisure for 

to SIX months!

To register go to jeanneoliver.com and register (this part is free).
You will find the mini course along the left hand side of the site under COURSES.
Click on the course you want to register for and pay {$10}.
If you don't see the course you are looking for click "view all" under the courses
for a complete list of the courses.

*********

Paige has graciously offered to giveaway THREE courses

to readers of Forever*Cottage!

To enter:

* Leave me a comment telling me what is your

favorite fashion accessory or beauty product

* Become a follower of Forever*Cottage or if you 

already are, leave a comment letting me know!

*Enter by midnight PST on Tuesday, June 18th

That's it!  I can't wait to find a few quiet moments this summer

to enjoy this e-course!  Thanks to my friend Paige for offering this giveaway! 

Coming soon to a newsstand near you......

One of the best things to come my way since starting this

blog, almost SIX years ago, is the opportunity to work with some

decorating shelter magazines.  I was, and remain, a HUGE

fan of decorating magazines and getting to be a part of how

they are put together has just been a blast!

I am working with two publications this summer - one

shoot at a local client's home and the other at a friend's home.

I will be able to tell you more later.....

Today I took some scouting photos of the home above -

it's a beautifully charming home that will 

photograph so well.  I take no credit for any

of the decor - my friend is a natural when it comes

to creating a cozy, personal, family friendly home.

I know you are going to love it!

John Robshaw love......

Via

I am sort of obsessed with Pinterest.......for a design-junkie like

me, it's my drug of choice!  Because of it's popularity, Pinterest

images often seem on repeat but sometimes a room literally stops

me in my scrolling along tracks!  This room, in the home of the 

great fabric designer John Robshaw no less,  is my definition of

of pattern mixing perfection!  It looks effortless.  I strive to 

someday be able to mix fabric patterns THIS good.......

Today was a recovery day.....yesterday was 8th grade graduation

and it's like my pride sapped all my energy so today I 

was a big lifeless lump......Never mind I have lots of work

this week - scouting for some upcoming magazine shoots and a styling

project just in the knick of time for a graduation party!  All

fun and GOOD stuff - I am blessed!

A happy front door.....{a girl's entitled to change her mind, right?}

Via

Really, from the moment I applied the hunter green {circa 1985} paint

to my front door, I knew it wasn't right.  But I am stubborn and was

under the gun to complete the project....I even posted it's sad

state on my blog....pretending like, "oh look at me, bringing 1985 back"....

You guys didn't buy it and neither did I.

While perusing the almighty Pinterest I stumbled upon

the image above and was instantly smitten with the happy red door.

I researched the photo source and did some digging for the exact

color of the beautiful red front door.  It is Sherwin Williams "Cherry Tomato".

*the outside of the house is SW Sea Salt

I wasted no time in covering that horrible green - for the last

couple weeks, every time I drove up to my house I literally

heard 'wah, wah, wah'......it just wasn't happy, it was tired -

and way too tired for a freshly painted door.

And speaking of haPpY.....happy Monday everyone!

***********************

I'm spending my day at 8th grade graduation festivities 

and parties.....I am one proud momma!

Today....and a winner!

The winner of the Minted.com Father's Day gift giveaway

is 'Kelly and Seth'!  Congratulations!  Please email me to 

claim your $75 credit to Minted.com!

******************************************

Today's a big day in our house....my big girl has her last day

of grade school.  The next time I take her to school

it will be high school!!! It's true, time flies when you are having fun!

I am extremely proud of this girl and all her accomplishments -

my first born, she is eternally optimistic, a hard worker,  competitive in

all good ways, has a big, caring heart, has a strong and true moral compass,

never wants to disappoint, is adventurous and willing to try anything,

is a role model for her sister and I have no doubt will just soar in high school!

It has been an honor and true joy to be her mother....

My Emma on her first day of kindergarten and this morning before her last day of 8th grade.

While I know it's just sending her to high school for goodness sake,

and I have read about many of you sending yours to college,

mission trips across the country, or even walking them down the aisle....

It is this harsh reality smacking me upside the head  -  

9 years flew by.....realizing we have only FOUR 

more of her at home is too much for me to wrap my head around right now!

This weekend we celebrate......and look forward to watching

her become what she is meant to be!  

Father's Day...a giveaway from Minted.com!

If you're like me, you are overwhelmed with all the end-of-school year activities, 

last days of homework, teacher gifts, etc.....never mind Father's Day is right

around the corner!  Thankfully, the folks at minted.com will have you

looking oh-so-well-prepared for the day! 

Minted.com has such cute Father's Day cards and gifts for the special

daddy{s} in your life!  

I love the journals and art prints!

Nothing says 'you are special' like a personalized gift!

 

And guess what?  minted.com wants to help

all of us out, just in time for Father's Day - minted.com

is offering all reader of Forever*Cottage 10% off

plus free ground shipping for all Father's Day gifts!

Use the code: FCDAD10SHIP at checkout!

Plus.....minted is offering a $75 credit towards Father's Day

gifts to one lucky reader!  **This credit must be used

by June 9th.....so if you win, you must be ready to

get your shop on QUICK!

To enter the giveaway:

*GO TO MINTED.COM AND BROWSE

THEIR FATHER'S DAY GIFTS.

*COME BACK AND TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS

WHAT SPECIAL ITEM YOU WOULD

PURCHASE FOR THE SPECIAL FATHER

IN YOUR LIFE

*MENTION THIS GIVEAWAY ON YOUR BLOG

OR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ANOTHER

CHANCE TO WIN....

*ENTER BY MIDNIGHT JUNE 6TH.

WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED ON FRIDAY

JUNE 7TH AND HAVE UNTIL JUNE 9TH

TO USE THEIR CREDIT!

Farm Chicks 2013.....

 Farm Chicks 2013 didn't disappoint....this year was different though...

My friend Mary, who attended her first Farm Chicks show last year

was a vendor this year!  I helped her set up and style her booth on Friday.

As a shopper and overall fan of vintage goods, it was such a thrill to 

see all the vendors setting up their booths - so much creativity 

under one roof!  Plus, I got a sneak peek at the goods which made

for very efficient shopping on Saturday morning!

The photo above shows us {me in the center} in Mary's empty booth space -

before we worked our magic....

 The show was bigger this year - more vendors, many of the new.

My favorites are still Uber Chic, Great Findz and Junebug!

The crowds were crazy!  Truth be told, it really is not my

favorite way to shop - selfishly, I liked the previous two years

when Serena offered early buying tickets but I understand

that from a business perspective, it makes sense to get the most

people through the doors. When we arrived on Saturday, my 

curiosity got the best of me and I asked the first people in line

what time they had gotten there.......they told me 4:30 am!

I would say the line was over a hundred yards long an hour

before the show opened!  Diehard vintage shoppers, I tell ya!

My favorite part of my Farm Chicks weekends are always 

hanging out with my girlfriends.  The tradition

of our pre-show Chaps dinner continued with both old and 

new friends - {that's Beth Quinn who was in from Arizona

doing her third Farm Chicks show}......There is just nothing

like good food, a nice glass of wine, music, a hug from Celeste

{Chaps' owner}, along with the company of good friends.

See ya next year Spokane!

{coming soon - what I bought!}