Cottage Dreamin'

If you haven't gotten a copy of House and Home's April Edition...Go...Get one...Right now! You WILL NOT be disappointed! 

Whether it's the Frenchie with the Sunshine Yellow Bentwood Bench or the articles on 'The French Translation' and 'Pretty Organized', this volume is full of great ideas and pops of colour for Spring!

It also has an article that completely stopped me in my tracks and literally made me say, "Wow" out loud....The article is "Fresh & Wild".

It's about "a young couple who reinvigorate a lakeside cottage with nature-inspired finishes and exotic flourishes".

To me this is THE perfect cottage....the stone fireplace, exposed beams, the open-airy feel, the decor, colours, textures, layout, living space, the lot, the lake, the deck, the dock, the cedar shakes on the exterior...the list goes on and on about what I love and I literally would not change a thing!

They did a great job of mixing rustic, antique, weathered pieces with fresh new pieces. The 'beachy' colour palette helps keep the airy feel throughout, in combination with the tall ceilings and so, so many windows!

I love the owner's quote..."Cottages need a bit of whimsy...I love the relaxed vibe created when pieces from a million different places come together." I couldn't agree more!! The article talks about how this cottage has been a work in progress for quite some time and to me, that's exactly what a cottage should be...a never ending project that allows you to transform it into a place that is truly you...

If you are a regular reader of my Blog, you know that my goal is to own a cottage in the next 3-5 years....this is just the kind of article that helps me keep focused to keep on track to my goal of cottage ownership!

Happy Sunday!

RR

Life Right Now.....

I have a feeling this is another year that is going to fly by and it'll be Christmas again before we know it! I love capturing life via photos and here are a few from the past few weeks!

Beautiful sunset as we were out for our evening walk....

This handsome guy turned 8 on March 5! I can't believe how quickly time does indeed fly by!

 

With Spring around the corner, I head to Blush to get the perfect minty purse and clutch! I can't wait for a bit warmer weather to work these into the mix!

I've added a few more items to my Rustic Retrievals Etsy shop! This is an Emerald Green Tea/Coffee set. Perfect as we're getting so close to St. Patrick's Day and it's also the colour of 2013!..Pop on over to our shop and have to look to see our other items!

I was finally able to get together with a great friend (A Paper Buffet and Knitley Road) and we had a chance to exchange Christmas gifts (yes, we've both realized we need to slow down a bit). Part of my gift was this absolutely scrumptious homemade Baileys! I've already put in my order for next year (I'm keeping my finger crossed for maybe 2 bottles!) I decided to try it in my latte on a SUnday morning and needless to say, it was TRES YUMMY!

The finished product....It was soooo good! 

Last weekend we got our first taste of Spring so Charlie and I headed out to the front porch to enjoy the sunshine and my new issue of House and Home magazine.

As much as I enjoy the snow and colder temperatures, I'm more than ready for Spring to arrive!

RR

A Wee Teaser....

Rustic Retrievals will be having a Backyard Contest to kick off the Spring and Summer Season!

Details will be released via this Blog and the RR Facebook page later in the week. Keep checking back for details on how to win ballots to win some great prizes to help get your spring/summer decorating and entertaining season going!

Want to get an early jump on ballots!?! Simply click on the photo above, "Like" the Rustic Retrievals page and your name will be entered! To then win a second ballot....simply "Share" the contest teaser blog with your followers!

GOOD LUCK!!!

RR

Time flies by...

It has been an absolutely crazy month...I don't even know where to begin!

I have been travelling the province with work ...I really enjoy that aspect of my job but there are times I almost forget what my house looks like.

The Spring flowers and colours keep inspiring me...and always bring a smile to my face! My tulips are ALMOST blooming...sooo close!

Even though the weather had been perking up, I came down with quite a bug over a week ago and am still fighting it off...I actually caved and went to the doctor (which I hate to do)....but I'm finally feeling much better.

I have been on a bit of a shopping kick lately too :S My wallet hates me but I have made some GREAT finds...both in items and services.

Here are some pics from my past few weeks:


My dining room table with some fresh, spring tulips...



I really, really want this buffet from Wood Haven Furniture in Guelph...


Some recent purchases from Blush in Guelph....a gal can never have too many shoes or purses!


Some Easter flowers....cute yet rustic in their little apothocary type bottles/basket.


Forsythia bushes in Spring....such a great pop of yellow!



Three .....an amazing new salon and spa in Guelph....I spent an afternoon pampering myself with the wonderful gals who work there!


My oh so handsome Charlie.... he turned 7 in March...I can't believe it!

I hope you all are having a wonderful Spring....

RR

Spring Forward

The sunshine and unbelievably fantastic temperatures today made it very, very difficult to be in the office today. As soon as I could tear myself away, I headed home, took Charlie for a longggg walk (and a swim or 2 in his case) and then.....it was time.......time to finally put away the outdoor winter decor. So long showshoes, sleds, greenery....and time to keep my fingers crossed that the bulbs I planted last fall have not been all whisked away by our ever so prevalent squirrel population!

I already have a few tulips popping through and there are buds on most of my perennials....I now just have to stay patient and wait for Spring to "pop"!  In the meantime and in anticipation of the explosion of colours to come....here are some images to tide us all over.

I have been filling my home with tulips, lilacs, daffodils and daisies the past few weeks and I'm really looking forward to finally seeing the outdoors come back to life, in full colour.

Have you started your garden planning yet? I am hoping to put up a privacy fence and raised beds along the back of my yard as well as continue to add to my hosta beds.

Were you able to get your bulbs in last fall to enjoy over the next few months? I went with a white theme and bought a wide variety of tulips. I can't wait to see them in full bloom!

I hope you all have a chance to get outside and enjoy the amazing weather we are supposed to have over the next week or so...and like I said the beginning of the week.."get off your butt and do what you love"!!

RR

*images from Pinterest