The Apple Street Cottage

Happy New Year and welcome back to The Cottage.  When I started this blog in 2014 I asked you to "join me on the porch for the stories of this little cottage."  We're no longer living in that same cottage, but the stories have continued.   As we enter 2026 join me for: More 'Creating a Charming New Cottage' posts.  We have a 'to-do' list that rivals the length of Santa's naughty/nice list, so there will be house projects to share.   More recycling, upcycling, and recreating.  I still have a pretty extensive stash of goodies in need of makeovers, many of which can (and will) be incorporated into that 'to-do' list I just mentioned.  More posts stressing the importance of creating a home that is a reflection of you.  I've never followed trends and I'm not about to start now.  Have you heard the phrase:  'You do you'?  I'm a big fan! As I said in the beginning,  join me on the porch for the stories of this little cottage....

This post may contain affiliate links. Happy New Year!  The holidays are over, the decorations have been packed away until next year, and, as usual, here are the things I won't do:  share the top posts from last year,  choose a 'word' for the year,  or make a resolution.   As a matter of fact, this will be my shortest 'New Year Post ' ever.  Why?  Because I've already shared my: 'not so perfect' house   (that's been sold),  Vintage, Fill Your Home With Things You Love' Style ,  and, of course, last year's  Rambling Post - Looking Forward . So, this year I will carry-on with what I've already been doing: Sharing My Love of DIY/Recycling/Upcycling.   If you've been visiting the Cottage for a while, you know this is my passion.  Just remember one important thing: Look Beyond the Dirt and Damage .  Wonderful surprises await underneath! Eating Healthier.   We eat little to no processed food and we literally...

Happy New Year, Everyone!  I hope your holidays were happy and healthy.  It's time for my annual Happy New Year post and, as usual, I don't want to do:  - a 'Top Posts from 2021' post - not my style.   - a 'Word' for the New Year - again, not my style.  - a New Year Resolution - Does anyone really keep them?    Sooo, let me talk about creativity,  share some design tidbits,  and  tell you a funny story.   Creativity We've been watching a series on PBS called  Craft in America .  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you find some time to watch.  The artists, their work and stories are inspiring and one quote spoke to me: 'Creativity Involves Risk' Isn't that the truth?  I'm putting that quote on the wall in my craft room to remind myself to try new things. Even if I'm not successful, taking risks is what helps us to grow and that is important, especially in these challenging times. Design Tidbits: #1: ...

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!  I hope you are safe, healthy, and happy.  It certainly has been a rough ride and I'm not going to lie, I had little to no 'Holiday Spirit' this year. It's 2021 and we may have 'stalled', but I still have hope for a brighter future, so let's move on..... It's that time of year when many bloggers create special posts on their blogs.   Many choose a 'word' to inspire them in the new year and others  look back at the previous year and share their favorite or most popular posts.  Not me! Nope!  I've decided to go in a different direction. The past couple of years I've done a special post for the beginning of the new year too.  There was Keepin' It Real in 2019  where I shared my 'not so perfect' house and projects to be done.  Last year was Hello 2020  telling who I am, what my 'style' is, and sharing my projects and passions.  Feel free to read them.  They're not very long, but since I...