Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Nesting...


There was an article in the old Victoria magazine where the author said they prefer decorating like Mole rather than Martha.  That being Mole of The Wind in the Willows and Martha being Stewart.

I feel exactly the same way, which is why once the cold winds begin to blow through the forest, I start adding layers to the inside rooms... candles in various corners... warm throws draped over the arms of chairs... and piles upon piles of books and magazines within an easy reach (neat piles, of course).

I imagine the outside of my home no longer a brick ranch style but rather a stone English cottage with old moss or perhaps the previous home of a Hobbit and the front door in which Victoria makes continuous attempts to slip by is round rather than rectangular.  Either kind of house would welcome such decorative tweaking in November.

My favorite lavender soft wool sweater (brought back from Ireland by my daughter when Elisabeth was a baby) is now available to slip on when it gets a little chilly.  Something I'm learning from my beloved British novels (as opposed to increasing the heat with the thermostat).

I loved a comment which said the reader had been inspired to have "nice things" in her home by reading my blog.  It doesn't cost much at all when one learns how to shop the right places.  For me at this time of my journey we're talking thrift stores and such but there are other places one can save.


For instance, I was reading a Holiday issue of a magazine where they showed the same Friendly Village teapot I have as part of a pretty tablescape.  They paid something like $169.00 for their teapot... mine was around $42.00 on Amazon.  I saved up Amazon credit for it (thank you!!!).


Someone asked about the pretty Friendly Village Bless This House Bread Tray.  It's only $26.00 on Amazon... far from the price of a similar brown transferware tray shown in the magazine (albeit the other was larger).  My beautiful platter was a gift.  It may be hung on a wall for year round display.  It does remind one of a Miss Read village, doesn't it?

I love how by surrounding ourselves with those objects that make us feel warm and cozy, we are creating an atmosphere in our home which brings us joy, peace, contentment, etc.  Yes, I definitely am more Mole-ish than Martha, come to think of it.  :)

26 comments:

Terra said...

Brenda, you are a soul sister to me when it comes to your ideas about nesting. I like the Miss Read books too, and those thatched roof stone cottages you can see in England, even today.
I plan to buy a red Christmas type blanket or quilt soon, to drape over the back of a sofa and give us more of that warm atmosphere you are creating. Well done.

Jane said...

Count me as mole too, Brenda! I collect Friendly Village too. It's such a popular pattern that you can occasionally find pieces at thrift stores and garage and estate sales. The little scenes make my heart sing.

Vee said...

Oh then I am more of a mole than a Martha, too. I was just fluffing a bit when I put an olive colored pillowcase on a pillow in a burgundy chair next to the red jelly cupboard near the green braided rug...oh, maybe it does work! LOL!

Enjoy your cozy home, Brenda. Hope that you have time for reading and snuggling this afternoon with Victoria and a well loved book.

GrammaGrits said...

Bless you! I, too, am not nor will ever be a Martha in the Martha Sewart sense. I love thrift finds, too, and love seeing yours.

Catsngrams said...

I would much rather be Moleish than Martha. Being Moleish sounds so cozy and warm and relazing. Love your blog.

Christy said...

I always enjoy reading your blog. You clearly love your home, and it really shines through your writing. You inspire me to make my own little home cozier for the chilly winter to come....

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Speaking of cozy, your posting made me feel thus!

Now I want to go find my Wind in the Willows book and my own videos of Toadie and Ratty and the rest.

Love the ideas you've shared for cozying up your home as the days grow chillier.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I am too! Oh, yes! And this is the time of year that brings this feeling out........And right now, I think I have to go reread the chapter Dulce Domum (sp?)from The Wind in the Willows.

betsy said...

Estate sales and thrift shops and antique malls are the way to go. I rarely buy anything new, except for food and underwear. Goodwill is my Chanel! I have all my old Victoria
magazines. I was just reading about "Snuggeries", rooms women keep for themselves. I am in favor of them!

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

I really like how you are able to take your inspiration from magazines and books and still get the same cozy results for a fraction of the price.
I think that is so creative =)
Lovely, nesting home

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

:) I LOVE the Mole not Martha observation...I must say I'm the same way. I've long been inspired by vintage British literature and even their classic television...today I watched the BBC's Miss Marple series and fell in love with the house in "Sleeping Murder"...you and I are on the same decorating wave~length today! :)
Love,
Tracey
x0x

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

P.S. Love the tea pot...what a bargain!

Anonymous said...

I will have to get out our copy but if I remember it right I loved Mole's house! I completely understand the cozy feeling you love. Even though we do not get the deep cold other places get it still is a change of weather for us here and much colder than usual. Even here we hibernate. :) Stew is on the menu for tomorrow and later in the night hot chocolate. Throws are definitely on each couch and chair back and extra books piled in the ready. If you had your choice...who would you want to come knocking on your door for a visit? ...Martha or Mole? I think Mole and I would have more in common.:) Sarah

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I like the idea of Mole vs. Martha, too.

I love to warm up the house with collected throws, and candles, and socks on cold feet....

Beauty in the ordinary...your Friendly Village is delightful...

Deanna

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

And I see you even layered your kitchen curtains....so cozy looking.

Anonymous said...

another mole chimeing in here....

Laura

Mitzi said...

I am definately a mole. Actually like being weathered in. Today it is pouring down rain and I love being settled in with my book and computer. I love and collect Miss Read books and Johnson Brothers china. Always glad to see others enjoy it all too.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the great suggestions.
Since I'm home with a cold/flu today, cozy with my favourite throw and a mystery is good.I'm definately a mole (with the sniffles :) too.

Lena said...

What a perfect way to define the difference between the different styles of homemaking. I too, am most definitely "Mole".

Kelli said...

It's always fun to find a new treasure at the thrift store...I love mine, too! The teapot is so pretty and perfect for a fall or winter tea.

~Kelli

Anonymous said...

I am surely more molesh and nothing is more peaceful to me than to creep through an upscale thrift store looking, seeking , uncovering the one item in the store I can afford and that makes me happy when I look at it. My mode of operation is (if the item is expensive) to leave it-go home, find a place for it and determine if I really want it in my life. Your journal inspires peace..Thank You. Faye in Fuquay

Echoes From the Hill said...

I am also a mole. I've honestly tried to be more like Martha, but when I have read her magazine, and the directions, I find myself saying, "You've got to be kidding!"
So I continue to find wonderful things at Goodwill, and re-purpose them, polish them, and often pass them on to my grown kids. In fact, I'm going to give one of my daughters a beautiful silver tray with a leaded glass, divided serving dish inside. I got it at Goodwill. It was very tarnished, but obviously never used. My daughter can be Martha. ; )
nanchr

The Journey said...

get well for Monday- and pray it doesn't rain- Gary won't want to stay. Mole is good. I am getting ready to climb under my warm covers with a good book. Do get well!
Linda

Jerry Vreeland said...

Brenda I feel warm and cozy after just reading your blog post. Thanks for being so real, honest and sincere!!! I truly look forward to your daily post. Jerry

Anonymous said...

Lets face it, the word home is hard to define yet we all know just how it makes our hears sing. We 'know' what it is and how it feels. It is definitely a comfort word..or should be if our homes are to our liking. We want to get away from it... ... out to see people, do things. Then at the end of the day can't WAIT to get back to it! Our homes are like a comforting hug from a loved one. God knew exactly what he was creating for us. Father knows best. Sarah

Heather L. said...

The other day I had a dream that we came to visit you -- the shocking thing to me was that in "real life" (in the dream) you were 6 ft 4 inch!!!! Ha ha ha!!! Also, you lived in a red brick house, but it was two stories, with tall white pillars at the front, set on top of a hill. The things the mind comes up with when one is asleep!