You’ll be happy to know that upon rising, I immediately grasped the fact that today is Saturday. Looks like I’m back on track. We had predictions for lots more snow than this rather paltry amount. I was actually a little disappointed. Scout loves to play in the snow and I was in the mood for a snowy landscape.
We don’t even have to shovel.
It’s a lovely foggy morning here. The candles are lit, husband is reading in his chair, I’m in my blogging chair in the den, and Scout is shuttling back and forth between us. We’re drinking Peet’s French Roast; mine with half and half, Don’s black. I’m just starting to get the urge to decorate, but I can stem that tide until next week. There’s plenty of time for the house to be decorated for the holidays. My dad and I were talking about that the other day. When I mentioned decorating for Christmas, he immediately said, “You don’t want to do it too soon. You’ll get tired of it.” Bingo.
Dad gave away most of his decorations this year. It’s too much work for him and since Mom is in the nursing home and not at home with him it just makes him sad. He only displays a decoration or two, mostly for the cats to play with.
I painted the bright brassy andirons a metallic black. I like them better this way. And I added some birch logs. Very hard to get a good photo yesterday as it was gray and rainy all day long.
And I added this mirror to the entry. One of my readers sent me this a long time ago, specifically for the dollhouse. I was thinking of using it in the bathroom, but I like it better here. The owner of Hummingbird Cottage likes to check her appearance before heading out the door. (Don’t we all?)
Wouldn’t some mini paperwhites look good on that dresser?
I am so sorry but I can’t remember the name of the wonderful person who sent this to me. I’m thinking it’s Linda, but I’m not sure. If you’re out there and you see this post, can you leave a comment? I want to thank you properly!
I was all set to start in on the craft room/office but I wasn’t feeling inspired. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do with the walls. I have an idea which keeps calling to me and I think I’ll give it a go today. I also need to add some more molding to the top of the walls in the living room and bathroom.
I could spend hours, and have, looking at miniature blogs and the dollhouse mini listings on Etsy. Oh my goodness, what a treasure trove for the senses! After I’ve finished putting together the basics in the dollhouse; wallpaper, moldings, trim and furniture, then I get to add all the little touches that will make Hummingbird Cottage look lived in. Books, dishes, pots, towels, rugs, more books, lamps, and I don’t know what all else. I did find some little treasures from two sellers on Etsy. One lives in Spain, the other lives in Australia. I’m crossing my fingers that the little package from Spain will arrive any day now. I just ordered from the seller in Australia, so I don’t expect it to arrive before Christmas. Eeeek! I can’t wait to see what’s inside. Oh, and I ordered one kitchen accessory that should be arriving any day now. None of these ‘littles’ cost more than a few dollars.
Honestly, if you gave me a new credit card (which I need like a hole in the head) I could go nuts in the dollhouse miniature section on Etsy.
This hobby is addictive.
Yesterday I asked Don if it was wrong to love my dollhouse so much.
He immediately answered no. (Smart man.)
Happy Saturday.
It is just adorable, Claudia! I love those little mother-in-law tongues on the chest. I can imagine the tiny person who lives there.
I wanted to tell you that several times I have seen a man walking his dog which looks just like Scout. When I hurry to get the camera, he is already down the street. One day, I will snap the pup and send it to you. It is uncanny! It could be Scout’s sibling!
xo
Sheila
I hope you can get a picture, Sheila!
It’s a lovely time of year to be indoors decorating Hummingbird cottage. Since you have inspired me on my journey, I thought I’d update you. My Basic Bungalow kit arrived and I immediately panicked. Way more construction than I anticipated. It has to go back cuz my husband is not interested in helping and I don’t blame him. So I will be on the lookout for a prebuilt baby just waiting to be spruced up. I’ve spent hours window shopping the etsy and miniature sites and am amazed at the talent and the endless variety of accessories available. You have a wonderful collection, thoughtfully presented, and lovingly made personal. I just get so much enjoyment from your mini love.
You’ll find the right kind of dollhouse for you, I just know it.
I think it’s wonderful to be passionate about any hobby. And your doll house is darling, it’s really starting to come together.
Jen
It’s the perfect hobby for cold winter days, Jen.
Your first picture on this post is gorgeous! Definitely award winning!!! We’re having a little cold spell here in CA. (San Francisco Bay area) – don’t laugh now – with highs in the 40’s during the day and we have snow on the mountain tops that we can see. As of 11:30 last night, our cabin outside of Nevada City had 11 inches of snow and I haven’t heard yet how much more they might have gotten with this storm.
Watching you decorate Hummingbird cottage is giving me the ‘bug’ to maybe try my hand at one. It would be a fun winter project.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
When I lived in Southern California, I started to think it was cold when the temps hit the low 50’s. I think it all depends on what you’re used to. My sister, who has lived in Florida for years, is the same way. But I’ve reverted to my Midwestern roots since moving out East and I’ve toughened right back up. Don, a California boy, has a harder time with cold temps.
The mini cottage is coming along quite nicely. I really love that mirror. It’s a beautiful day here, When I was a child we lived in Tenn. for a few months one winter and it snowed just enough to see it on the ground. I have never seen an actual deep snow in person. It looks so beautiful and I’d like to experience it some day. Until then I’ll enjoy the photos you post and dream about it. Have a great weekend!
I hope you get to experience that some day, Janie. It can be really beautiful! Especially if you’re safely tucked inside.
I can see why your dollhouse is addictive…it’s so cute! Etsy can be a dangerous place I’ve determined…so easy to satisfy your addiction…no matter what it is! We were supposed to get 5 inches Sunday…they’ve now down-graded to a measly 2…..it is disappointing! Have fun today! ;)
I bet they’ve downgraded our amount then as well. Darn it! Ah well. Soon enough we’ll be engulfed in snow.
That Don – a smart guy indeed. Knew the right answer to your dollhouse question AND drinks his coffee black. I agree about Etsy too. Have spent HOURS there and most of the time I’m not even shopping. But I always end up marvelling at the ENDLESS creativity of human beings. So many clever and beautiful things! And all from so-called “ordinary” folks. Have a great weekend.
So many incredibly talented creative people out there, Janet! Have a wonderful weekend.
I love your Hummingbird Cottage! Well, you’re one of my favorite bloggers. You and Don have interesting lives and you keep it real in your posts. You inspired me to brush the cobwebs off my dollhouse and set it on the sideboard in the DR. The house was one that my MIL kept for our daughters, now grown, to play with while visiting her. I have the façade facing the room and I’m shopping for wreaths and garland. I have a small Santa and sleigh on the roof and bottle brush trees around. The inside will wait for the New Year! Thanks for sharing both of your cottages with us!
I’m so happy that you’ve rediscovered your dollhouse! I bet it looks lovely on your sideboard, Barbara.
Love that mirror..so antique looking..and the andirons look much better in black..We didn’t get as much snow and ice as predicted either but they are saying more snow and ice Sunday into Monday..think I will just stay warm and cozy inside..lol
Yes, apparently we are going to get some snow today (Sunday) – it’s awfully cold outside!
Well – we made up for the snow you didn’t get as of yet! We had about 5-6″ and the temp last night was 5 degrees – not wind chill but actual temperature. BRRRRRRR…..
Love your dollhouse – must come up with a name for mine. I told John all I wanted for Christmas was money for my dollhouse – he kinda looked at me funny!! LOL Love that darling mirror!
Hummingbird Cottage is really coming along.
Happy Saturday to you , Don and Scout!
Judy
You guys got walloped, Judy. Our temps have dropped as of today and it’s COLD outside!
I love that you asked for money for your dollhouse for Christmas! I totally get it.
Love to you and John, sweet Judy.
That mirror is so pretty! What a sweet gift! I enjoy how much you love your doll house!
I LOVE this dollhouse, warts and all!
Hi Claudia,
I enjoy Hummingbird Cottage have been expecting my granddaughter to ask me if she could give hers away, as she is 15 now, busy and needs more space for teen things. I gave it to her furnished when she was 5. Actually I’m hoping she hasn’t already gotten rid of it because my friend and I enjoyed gathering the items for it and now that I have more time, I think I would like to play with it again.
I think you should hang on to it, Kelly! I hope your granddaughter has held on to it.
Correct answer Don!!! I thought of you yesterday there is a commercial on tv, the setting is a dollhouse with a very large man inside. Im not even sure what the commercial is about I am always to busy looking at all the cute dollhouse decor, by the way it has a great bathroom. LOL