Do you have a potting bench in your garden? A place where you can plant seeds and pot your flowers? This is something that I have been thinking about for some time. While I do have a potting bench in Pinecone Cottage, I don’t really want to be dragging in potting soil and water. So I decided to create an outdoor potting bench. I’m using an area behind my gardenRead More →
One of the best birthday presents I ever received was a table. Actually, it was a Turquoise Table. And I love my table. Have you heard of The Turquoise Table? It’s a book and movement by Kristin Schell to help connect people and build communities. The premise behind the Turquoise Table is to set a table in your front yard and then be available to your neighbors. I have beenRead More →
Don’t you just love a good porch? It offers a great way to enjoy your yard and garden on a warm summer night or a crisp fall morning. Whether you have a massive wrap around, a full size or a postage stamp size porch, they can all provide wonderful benefits. These 6 tips for decorating your porch can help you to make the most of this space. Here are someRead More →
I’ve been working on a new craft project. One that I can use outdoors to decorate my garden for the season. I enjoy making banners, garlands, and bunting, but typically they don’t do well outdoors. So I decided to make this oilcloth bunting for my garden. Oilcloth is water-resistant and therefore can handle the moisture from the sprinklers. This fabric is actually made from vinyl with a cotton mesh backing.Read More →
School is winding down, vacations are scheduled and the days are definitely getting longer. As summer rolls around, we spend more time outdoors in our yards and gardens. We have company over more often and many times these get-togethers will occur on the spur of the moment. Here are some tips for easy summer entertaining to make your summer life less stressful. 6 Tips for Easy Summer Entertaining… Keep ItRead More →
I remember my first vintage basket purchase. It was found at a yard sale over 10 years ago. I’ve always been drawn to baskets, but this was my first vintage find. It’s been a love affair ever since. I’m especially fond of the 50’s and 60’s wicker style baskets. Many vintage baskets have a wooden, hinged lid. Some have pull out inserts, while others have wooden stands for separating layers.Read More →
Now that Spring is here it’s time to refresh our home decor. Time to replace heavier bedding and blankets. It’s time to set up the outdoor cushions. And it’s time to replace the sweater wreath. So let me show you how to make a new spring wreath for your porch or front door. There are so many wonderful spring flowers that you can use to make a new spring wreath. Read More →
There is something wonderful about a treasure hunt. Do you remember going on Easter Egg hunts as a child? Very seldom did we find the golden egg but we always came home with treats. Or do you remember scavenger hunts where you ran from house to house looking for designated treasures? These days I’m on the hunt for vintage collectables. Some of my favorite items to collect are vintage picnicRead More →
Decorating your garden should be more than a chore. Terracotta and outdoor pottery work perfectly fine, but it’s fun to incorporate something unexpected. Using vintage containers in your garden can be just the thing. Over the years, I’ve used a variety of old containers to grow bulbs and flowers. Using vintage containers in your garden is a great way to add some character to your decor. The vintage containers IRead More →
When I started blogging last year, I knew nothing about how to blog. It took me 4 weeks to send my first post because of fear. But I overcame that fear and hit publish. And I have continued to hit publish. Today, I am celebrating 1 year at Pinecone Cottage Retreat! The past year was amazingly full. Here is a list of some of the major things that occurred inRead More →