Cue the trumpets.
I cleaned off the front porch.
I packed away the cushions, the cot, the garden paraphernalia, the vintage garden sign. Only the pots of impatiens, still holding court inside the house, haven’t been stowed away in the shed. I also cleaned up the chicken wire fence garden and all the dead plants on the funky patio.
Not only that, since I was in and out of the shed, I grabbed the wreath and hung it on the door.
Not only that, I draped the outdoor lights along the front porch railing. And turned them on.
Don’t get too excited. That is the extent of my holiday decorating so far. Remember: No Christmas decorating until next week. Though, when I did a little update about said lights and wreath on MHC’s Facebook page, Melanie commented: “Aren’t lights and a wreath Christmas decorating?”
Well, technically, yes. So I’ve amended my rule to No Indoor Christmas Decorating until the second week of December.
Do you find you get more done when there are no distractions – in my case – my husband? Don had to go into Manhattan yesterday and I suddenly became Miss Efficiency. I got a lot of things done.
Case in point: I was sitting in the blogging chair, which gives a direct view of the side of the dollhouse and, unfortunately, of the mess on top of the dollhouse. That’s where all my scraps of wood, glue, paint, etc. are. When I am painting or cutting wood, I often work on the top of the kitchen island. So I find myself walking back and forth between the dollhouse and the island because I need something or other that I forgot to bring with me to the island.
Then I saw my Vernor’s soda crate on the kitchen table. Ding! An idea.
Next thing I knew, I was on my way to a favorite local antique center and I found this:
A nifty soda crate with dividers. I see Pepsi and Coca-Cola crates everywhere, so I didn’t want one. Since I’ve never heard of A-Treat, this crate went home with me. But now I’ll have to research this brand because I’m curious.
These soda crates have handles on the sides, so I can carry this with me from room to room.
This goes under the heading of Why didn’t I think of this sooner?
Glue, pencils, ruler, paints, craft sticks, shutters, trim…..all in one place.
And then stashed under the dollhouse table. Perfect.
Such a little thing, but such a time saver. And when the dollhouse is finished, I can use the crate for something else. I love these soda crates, by the way. I’m still looking for an aqua colored crate. I’ve seen them here and there in blogland.
I just have to share one more thing with you. I saw the most beautiful cabinet in that same antique shop. I almost hyperventilated. I took a photo with my iPhone but it doesn’t do it justice. (Notice the big Coca-Cola crate on top?)
Oh. My. Goodness.
It’s quite tall, about 2 ½ feet wide (maybe more) and it has beautiful legs which I obviously didn’t capture in this photo. That’s a big antique porcelain doorknob. (Why the heck didn’t I move that sled to take this picture?)
Doesn’t this cabinet scream Claudia?? Unfortunately, the price tag said $290. Sob. It’s worth every penny, in my humble opinion. Very seldom do I see something that stops me in my tracks but this piece did. I don’t know where I’d put it. I don’t care. I would find a place for it.
Ah well. Sob, again.
Happy Wednesday.
Just have to cross fingers that maybe after Christmas the cabinet will go to half off or something…
Given the doorknob I am trying to figure out…did they make it FROM a door and something else and then make it appear to be rustic and chippy via a paint job ?
POURING down rain and THUNDERSTORMS here and the dogs freaking out from the thunder as if it were a summer storm.
Crazy…the snow only finished melting a few days ago and the ground is still saturated from that…
I’m thinking that’s exactly what they did. Found pieces put together and made into a cabinet.
I want it.
I think we’re going to get your weather tomorrow. A very bizarre December so far!
Claudia, I just have to find myself a dollhouse, every time you post a picture of yours my heart flutters. I’m thinking “winter project” as if I don’t have enough of those already. Fabric, quilt tops, patterns, pillows, and batting, oh my. And I haven’t started Christmas decorations yet. We are hunkering down awaiting the blizzard, too. Hedy
Oh, I know. I have to finish hand quilting my quilt! And I’ve barely begun…too much to do!
The soda crate was a brilliant idea! Could you make an offer on the cabinet? If it doesn’t sell before Christmas they might be willing to come down in their price.
Maybe….but I don’t really feel like it’s the time (financially) to make that kind of purchase.
It looks like you could get to Narnia in that cabinet! Love it!
It’s so beautiful!
Yes that cabinet has Claudia written all over it! I always feel intrusive taking photos in a shop, so I would not of moved the sled either.
Spotted your McCoy, I have the same ones, the vase I have in a little green color, it is such a dramatic piece.
Really good pick up on the beverage holder.
That’s the Strap Vase (that’s why they call it.) I’d love, love to see it in green – how lovely!
Yes, yes, yes I do indeed get more done when David is out of the house. I love him more each year but honestly he distracts me. Now for the crate ~ love it! You must research that name. Don’t you wish soda came in bottles again with crates to store them? Like milk bottles used to. Back in Boise there was a dairy that used glass bottles. The milk tasted better and we all just returned the bottles when done. Sigh … And finally that door. Yes it does scream Claudia. Perfect color and shabby elegance. That porcelain knob is perfection too. I agree with Kristie ~ make an offer.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
We occasionally buy milk in bottles, Susan, and you’re right – it does taste better!
That porcelain knob is to die for!
Oh wow, that cabinet is simply amazing. I would have been hyperventilating if I saw it in person. Soda crates are so great for organizing. I am so impressed by everything you got done yesterday. I find I get more done when there is no one else in the house. It is a miserably rainy day here and I have packages to get shipped so that is what I will be focusing on. My Christmas decorating is done. Hooray :)
xo Laura
I remember that you had a seven up crate in your shop, Laura. I don’t think you have it anymore, but I’d love one of those!
Great cabinet–made for you! The ideas about making an offer or seeing if it goes on sale are good. Maybe they’d accept a payment plan??
Had to laugh at the comment about doll houses. I now have several small boxes arriving in the mail, to my husband’s dismay, and just ordered a really great-priced starter kit (kit!!! what was I thinking, but the prices of finished doll houses are fantastical). Just what I need–another hobby!! But your doll house is so charming and so full of love and I enjoy the way you take your time to find just the right things. The tour of it yesterday was delightful. It’s a place I’d love to visit for an afternoon of knitting and soup and a mug of hot cocoa before I hit the road. Wishing you a happy holiday, no matter when you put up your decorations.
I’ll ask them…
Kits are a good idea because a ready made dollhouse is beyond expensive. I just happened to find mine already assembled (albeit badly) but I was looking at dollhouse kits right before I found this one. I have a kit upstairs for a 1/2″ dollhouse and when this one is finished, I’ll start in on the kit.
A Happy Holiday to you, too!
Hi Claudia, What a great crate! And I think maybe fate put that little idea in your head, to go to the antiques center to find that cupboard! Not even that you will necessarily ever own it, but I am finding more and more that I am perfectly happy to spend a little time with things that I find and admire,and even go back maybe a couple of times, just to enjoy it for what it is, for the beauty I see in it. Crazy right? LOVE LOVE love the doll house! -Judy A
Judy, I believe you have hit on something here.
Claudia, why not go back and take a really good photograph of the cupboard?
A portrait, really.
Then frame and hang the photograph.
Admire the cupboard for its own sake, as a work of art.
Just enjoy the beauty of it.
While you’re there, you might leave your telephone number in case they decide to lower the price.
I have noticed that antique dealers love to sell their pieces to people who really appreciate them.
When they decide it’s time to move the cupboard out into the universe, you will get a phone call!
If not, you’ll have the photograph to enjoy.
Just a thought…..
I just may leave my phone number…. I’m completely in love with it.
Judy – I will definitely be going back to gaze at it once more!
p.s. Claudia, About the decorating, We are grown ups, So We can do what ever we want! Woo Hooo!
Yay!
Love the soda crate. Looks like the company has been around for almost 100 years. Here’s a crate on E-bay but yours looks older…http://www.ebay.com/itm/antique-vintage-a-treat-beverages-advertising-wood-wooden-crate-case-/221192449390
xoJ
Thanks for the link, Julie! And mine was only $20!
Claudia, I like all of the above ideas about the cupboard. I agree that it was probably put together by someone. The top crown molding is a standard molding at the lumber yards here in town. Here’s another Idea…How about finding a door and having a cabinet built around it. It might even be less costly than that cabinet on sale. It’s worth a shot. I love the colors and the finish on that one though. Whoever did it, did a great job!
The lady who has that booth is apparently a great restorer and painter. She repurposes things, so the cabinet being put together from found objects makes sense.
That cabinet would look at home in your cottage for sure Claudia. I love it when inspiration strikes, repurposing makes me happy. It’s in the 80’s here today, wish I could get out and rake some leaves but I’m busy inside with the kids. Just curious, does Scout follow around behind you when Don is out of the house or does she relax because she’s not trying to spend equal amounts of time with you both? I know she’s good company whatever you’re doing.
She does sometimes. But since I was away for so long in Hartford, she now pines for her dad when he’s away. She won’t even sit with me in the den. She goes in the living room and waits on the sofa or she lies down on the kitchen floor with her eye on the door.
Yes! I get more done when The Honey is out of the house. He’s only been retired going on 4 years this month… Some of that time he was recovering from heart attack and stroke… I was efficient when he worked and during the illness… Not so much now… I look for days when he has something to do.
Now onto the crate love it . Great idea for your dollhouse supplies. I’ve not done much with the doll house since removing the carpet and windows– I’m hoping to work on it a little this weekend – the north winds are blowing so we’ll be hunkered down inside.
The cupboard is just lovely. I wonder what it is like on the inside? If you didn’t have space indoors maybe it would make a nice addition to your wonderful porch a place for snow shovel, broom and rock salt?
We have guest pooch at our house right now… She is pretty , I’m hoping her owners are looking for her and we can get connected.
Have a nice one, Miss Efficiency!
Your friend, Miss Dawdles-too-Much
Our porch gets way too much rain and wind. The weather would ruin the cabinet.
You are so sweet to take in another guest pooch. They definitely are drawn to your house because they know they will be well cared for.
a new convert to my of doing htings…. See now why iI keep all my tags and ribbons in a trug? and all my stamps and glitters in another and all my cleaning supplies in a larger one…and on and on… It’s why I do all my table displays in containers so they can be whisked off the table in a moment. Welcome to the club.
You’re right – it’s so much more efficient! I love them. I could use a trug or two myself!
BEAUTIFUL cabinet! I would have put it on lay-away immediately!!! I almost cry when my hubby comes home from work early…why DO we lose our efficiency when they are around anyway? He keeps talking about retiring in a couple years and honestly, I dread the day!
I know! Don and I spend a lot of time together and we love it, but I definitely accomplish more when he’s not around!
P.S. I LOVE the crate idea for dollhouse stuff!! Will have to check out my antique stores to look for one….very, very handy!!
xo
I’m right there w/you, that cabinet is awesome. How about your offer to barter and make some of your garlands for the holidays? Tell them Don will sing for them! And of course Scout could wear her costume and sit in their windows to draw in customers! I think it might work! It is gorgeous. I know that feeling now, not much gets my attention. Like you, I feel there’s no room at the inn for another piece of anything, but I could make an exception for that.
I think I’d have to make an awful lot of garlands, Annette!!
It really is fun that I get so much pleasure out of your antique shop/vintage finds. The cabinet is a neat piece and if it is still there when it fits the budget, then it should be yours, that’s my theory anyway, sometimes it is and sometimes not.
If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be!
BBBrrrrr Hello……yes, even in California….(you guys think were wimps),
I gave a little chuckle to read about the use of the crate……”when the doll house is finished”!!!
My Aunt had one and there was always something she was tweaking….and isn’t that the fun of it anyway! Sometimes I’ve been tempted…..but I step back and say, “no, don’t go there…..nothing else would get done.” Yours is coming along nicely. Another good part about your crate is that it looks good under the table for storage. ” Rubbermaid” makes these but “yuck” you would have to hide it in the garage!!!! Nothing like vintage wood!!!!
Addie
Yes, I have a few of those Rubbermaid bins and they are hidden away in closets.
I believe you could find an old door and make one of these beautiful cabinets, but i have been inspired by looking at the wonderful blog Design Dreams by Anne for an hour or so this morning…She is amazingly creative and can paint as well.
Yes, but I probably wouldn’t build a cabinet!
Yeah…I get a lot more done too when my hubby is out! But then, he does too when I’m out. So it all works out. Great cabinet…wouldn’t it be wonderful! Where would you put it? I have no more room in my home for anything…..I would have to get rid of something…and I don’t think I would be willing to do that. But it’s always fun to dream and check it out…you know! ;)
I really don’t have any spare room, either, Donna. Something else would have to go!
Claudia, first of all, that is a precious crate, and I love the name of the beverage. Perfect for its new purpose, too. And I agree about the cabinet! Love the color and the fact that the door has a porcelain doorknob. It is wonderful, and that color is you!
xo
Sheila
Yes, it is! I love, love the colors.
Great idea for keeping supplies where you need them. I loved your post, energy, happiness, getting those jobs done that were not fav’s. Continue having a great day.
Joy
I have plenty more jobs to do that aren’t my favorites, Joy!
I can tell you I get so much more done with everyone out of the house, for some reason boys and men just get in the way. Good thing you got some things done outside today our weather will be moving your way…. cold and snowy.
Oh boy. I guess I’m ready….sort of.
The crate is wonderful. The cabinet is *charming*, I guess is the word I would use. If it is re-purposed, what a wonderful use of different pieces. I always get more done when I am home by myself. I have thought about why that is, and I can’t figure it out. We both kind of do our own thing when we’re home, but I seem to get more inspiration when I am home alone. I think I stay on task more easily without trying to have a conversation!! I get off-track and distracted too easily, I think. Oh, I do hope that cabinet comes to live at Mocking Bird Hill Cottage someday!!
I think I get distracted too easily, too. It’s not that Don is taking up a lot of my time, but I seem to be less focused!
Yes, indeed it does! It absolutely hollers to you. It’s the Tin Woodsman saying “Claudia, I’ve been standing around in this corner getting dusty for the longest time. Just waiting for you…” If you have an idea of what to do with it, you should absolutely get it. PS – gee, you must have been a little nervous about Don going into the city. Or did he drive?
I wasn’t nervous, Janet – but since we moved here, we usually take the bus. It’s more convenient.
Not only storage, but cute/darling storage, honey!!! Good buy.
xoxo,
Connie
If I could afford it, Connie – not right now, though!
Oh My gosh! I love it! Turquoise is my favorite color and It would look great in your Cottage.
Even at a great price, if you don’t have the money it is very disappointing when you are unable to buy it…
Maybe Santa will bring it!
I don’t think he will, Debbi. But maybe someday.
That is truly a gorgeous cabinet! I can see it called your name! What a great use for an old crate. I have a Pepsi one I scored on the Worlds Longest Yard Sale and I need a use for it, so using it in my craft room might be perfect! Trying to catch up today and then get back to the decorating.
Put that crate to use, Linda!
Oh, Claudia…I didn’t mean to start anything! I was just pulling your leg. I hope you took my FB remark for what it was – light fun. I get tons more done in the house when Brian’s not here. Between Tim being home for Thanksgiving and then Brian having a couple of days off after that, I was about to go bonkers. I love my men with all my heart, but with being an introvert, I need a lot of alone time. Anyway, I love that crate. The dividers are absolutely perfect.
Oh gosh, of course I knew you were kidding! But you did catch me there…..so I had to amend my rule!
I love Don, too, but sometimes it’s great to grab some alone time! I understand.