I see the sun peeking out this morning – very welcome after a rainy day yesterday. I look outside and think of the massive clean-up that awaits me, but since the ground is still soggy after all the rain and snow we’ve had, I think I’ll hold off until next week when Don is home. Then I can work outside for long periods without having to check on Dame Scout.
This is where she is right now. The sound of snoring provides the background ‘music’ as I write this post.
Three weeks ago I went to IKEA and Trader Joe’s. Remember? And yesterday, exactly three weeks after I bought them, the pink alstromeria in the den kicked the bucket. But the white alstromeria flowers in the living room are still hanging in there.
The leaves are yellowing but the blooms are still fresh. I’m probably not telling you anything you don’t already know, but if you want to get some bang for your buck, buy alstromeria. I don’t have the funds to buy flowers that last only a few days. If I’m going to treat myself to some flowers, I sure as heck want them to last for a while. If you can buy a bouquet where the flowers haven’t opened yet, even better.
And besides, they’re lovely. I’ve been buying alstromeria for years. The tulips I bought at the same time? I loved them, but they lasted about 5 days. If that was the only bouquet I bought that day, I would have been disappointed.
On to the dollhouse. I go through periods where I’m not interested in doing any work on it and then, suddenly, something will jump start my creative process and I’m back in the dollhouse game. That’s what happened this week. A blogging friend of mine who is a miniaturist is sending me something for the dollhouse. She made it for a specific room and I am still gobsmacked that she offered to do it. It’s coming all the way from the other side of the world. I know what it is, but I haven’t seen it yet. Needless to say, I’m excited, which is putting it mildly! That will be a post in itself. I’m still amazed and awed by the generosity and kindness of bloggers. Oh heck, by the generosity of all of my readers, bloggers or not.
That knowledge is what got me thinking about the dollhouse and about the rooftop potting shed once again. I’ve got all sorts of plans for that space and I’ve been pouring over catalogues and websites. I’ve literally spent hours scrolling through all the dollhouse miniatures on Etsy. I bookmark every item that I think I’d love to have in my dollhouse. Needless to say, I’ve got a lot of bookmarks. Gosh, there’s so much I want to add to Hummingbird Cottage. It’s all in the tiny details and I haven’t spent a lot of time on those details yet because I’ve been working on the bigger picture. (You’ll notice the red paint has been removed from the Cherub. Much better. Still have to re-paint the ceiling.)
While digging through one of my dollhouse bins, I found something I bought about 4 years ago. I’ve been looking for it, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. Of course, it was right there all along, but you know how that goes.
It’s that mirror over the chest. I found it in the jewelry-making section of Michael’s. It had a loop at the top which I removed with wire snips. I was originally thinking of it for the bathroom but I now realize it is too small for that space. Much better here in the bedroom where the owner can stop and do some last minute adjustments when she’s getting ready for her day. I thought of painting the frame, but I like the pewter-y looking metal.
As for details, imagine some make up brushes and perfume bottles on top of that dresser. That’s the kind of detail I can’t wait to add to the dollhouse. But I’m on a budget, so it will take some time. That’s okay. I love the creative process, don’t you?
Happy Saturday.
I would never have thought of putting a potting shed in the attic, but I love the idea! A roof-top garden will be so grand! I am sitting here waiting. Can you put a sign on house telling us when this all will begin? Like “2 months until the start of the roof top garden” and then “21 days until the start of the roof top garden”. I am so excited about it. I may need to be distracted with some work on a room or two so I don’t drive you nuts.
Tana
I’d love to do that for you, Tana, but I’m not sure how long it will be! I’ll start to add things as I get them.
Oh Dame Scout looks so comfy and pretty on her pillows! I’ve been watching The Tudors on Netflix and so I’m all into the English history right now. The doll house mirror is so sweet, I too like the color. Oh and the cherub looks great without it’s red nose!! Enjoy your fun and just think Don will be home in a week!!
hugs, Linda
Linda, he’ll be home in 2 days – on Monday!
I love Scout’s pillows. Those are gorgeous and I love the different fabrics. Scout looks like she got her bath taken after all — fluffy white girl!
Yes, she’s clean and she smells good!
I was so impressed with what you said about alstroemerias a couple of weeks ago…that I bought two bunches. And yes, mine are also on week two and doing just fine! Dame Scout looks so peaceful…like she’s storing up energy for a mid-day adventure or two! Enjoy your day Claudia! We’re off to Milwaukee to visit my college roomie and watch the Badgers in the Final Four tonite…should be fun! ;)
Oh how exciting! Have fun, Donna!
Your dollhouse is lovely. May I ask what scale is it? Thank you for sharing. Tracy
It’s 1:12, Tracy.
Sweet, sweet Scout. I still hope you will share a picture of the smile she has when her Dad gets home…. Oh, how happy!
The sun is shining brightly here today, also. The weather forecast shows only 2 mornings next week when it will be below freezing!! We are celebrating and everyone is a bit giddy. :-)
Hope you can stay on dry pavement the next few days if Scout goes for a walk. She looks so very clean and pretty!!!
Well, it’s almost impossible to stay on dry pavement, not to mention the mud in her corral. But she’s still looking pretty good!
I have been looking for alstromeria in the stores here but haven’t found any yet..The cherub looks much better without her red nose and that mirror is just perfect there..Scout looks so warm and fluffy I would love to just snuggle up to her on the couch..
I know. Sometimes I bury my face in her fluffiness!
I will have to look in Trader Joe’s for some alstromeria. I don’t have much of a budget for fresh flowers so I love finding ones that last awhile. xo Laura
I think they are about $4 a bunch, and it’s a generous bouquet, Laura.
Happy Saturday to you, Claudia. I spent some time catching up here. You have been a busy girl. Looks like it warming up there-we still have snow here. Nice shot of Scout on the sofa and I love that you have been working on your dollhouse again. Bet you are anxious for Don to get home again. xo Diana
Yes, Diana. He gets home on Monday! I hope you don’t have too much snow where you are, my friend. Ours finally melted last week!
Scout sure looks comfy, wondering if she’s dreaming of her dad coming home or of warm days ahead when she can do some exploring outside. Hope the time flies for all of you so you can all be reunited in your lovely home. The weather is just lovely here today. Getting some little chores done around the house.
Windy and cloudy here today, Janie, but at least it’s not raining!
Claudia, Scout looks so peaceful there sleeping. Every time I see little doll houses I do think of you… you manage to get back to your little house once in a while. I love seeing the things you do with it. Blessings for a beautiful Sunday , xoxo,Susie
I love your doll house, Claudia, and am always interested in the new things you have done for it! I am new to the doll house hobby and am currently working on two different houses – one that I grabbed from a trash pile and one that I found at a garage sale for only $15 (complete with a box of furniture and accessories). Love the mirror. I found several items in the jewelry department of Hobby Lobby that look just like trays. Enjoy reading your blog1