The Handley Bungalow

Giving Thanks

2011-11-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hello again! Getting ready for Thanksgiving and I have all my fall decor out. I'm working on making the home cozy and welcoming for the fall holidays. Thought I'd share a few photos.

This little dresser I found at Salvation Army. Isn't it DARLING?? I just had to scoop it up!

Kitchen Window

2011-08-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share what I look at as I do the dishes. I'm always doing dishes!

It's Fun To Rearrange Now and Then

2011-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Instead of buying more stuff in a house that already is full, I like to rearrange and move things around, also as part of me cleaning everything, too. Here's a look at my cottagey living room:

That candleabra was at a garage sale...I think it's so pretty!

I recently painted that flower table the cream color. It used to be black. And yes that other thing is an old hamper!

I have a piano player in my living room. How's about that for luxury?

All of my goodies on my Egyptian baker's rack. Have a great week!

Just What I Wanted!

2011-08-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted a cabinet to keep my perfume bottles and various bath lotions and potions...then one day, she appeared in a local resale shop! Perfect size and nice and vintage!

I loaded her up with goodies....

Vintage prints, purses, doilies and perfumes...

Some of my old clocks...

She is next to my bathtub.

I'm so happy I found her! I think she likes her new home.

Our Summer in a Nutshell

2011-08-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

pretty new bedspread...cottagey with lots of different fabrics of florals

mixes with lots of pretty pillows - i love lace and flowers, vintage pillowcases, too

new lamp and table stand...creates a cozy spot to read in my bedroom or just relax

my daughter Elizabeth is into bug collecting!

my husband has been running (actually I have, too) but he ran in a half-marathon!

wow i am impressed by any half or whole marathoners!

yea Daddy a.k.a husband Alan!

Elizabeth learned to jump off the boat and into the lake...now is proficient at jumping from ANYWHERE off the boat! Yea for getting over fears!

scuba diving in the lake hoping to discover treasure... just an old cup found...but i liked that!

doggies

doggy wrestling matches with our visiting dog cousin Frank

two weeks of sailing camp times three daughters ....this one is Maddie in the boat

sisters looking on

friends visiting and having LOADS of fun!

making up plays and recording their homemade movies on their laptops...late nights of giggling!

more beach fun! XO Ann

Busy

2011-06-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

Summer has me very busy...with four kids, three dogs and family visiting there isn't much time for blogging! I hope to return after a few weeks! Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

This is my dad. He has been gone for 14 years. I miss him terribly! He had been a teacher and an assistant principal. He loved teaching Science! He was the strongest person I have ever met. Such a great example to me...patient, loving, unselfish. He was such a great dad...always spoiling me and involved in my life. Happy Father's Day, Dad. This post is in remembrance of you. I can't wait to be reunited with you in Heaven someday. Through Jesus this will be possible!

Outdoor Cuteness

2011-06-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

A *new* vintage throw from a garage sale. Makes my cheap Home Depot red chair look cozier!

I couldn't pass up this old table. Too cute! No room in my house for it, but out on the deck, it's kind of cute! I may dress it up with some flowers. That's a cute puppy dog tail in the bottom of the picture.

Chalkware Lamp

2011-06-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

I decided that I now am a "chalkware" collector! I have enough pieces now I think to be considered a little collection. Here's my latest - a peasant lady lamp. Her colors are muted and she has a pretty, delicate face. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

Another Trash Treasure

2011-06-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

I found this cart on the curb waiting for the garbage collector. It is farmhouse/shabby looking - I cleaned it up and dolled it up. Now I love it in my kitchen!

Estate Sale Find

2011-05-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

I went to one of those estate sales, you know, the ones that are like going back in time...where there is LOTS of treasure but you might have to dig AND get dirty!!! This guy's basement was FULL of treasure! At first, I passed her by..she was COVERED in dirt and in a basement. I even left the sale. Then I started thinking about the frame...and the picture. Where would I put it? I studied my house. Found a spot...hmmm...I could get rid of that picture...and back I went, hoping it was still there. I said a little prayer...and there she was...marked DOWN another ten bucks... $20! I bought her home, gave her a good, careful bath and hung her up. It's called "Girl in Blue" by Philipp, with a serial number typed on the back. I did some research and I think the real name of it is "Shelley on the Balcony." The lady painted is sitting on a balcony of a hotel near Boston. Neat! Now she has a new home in my dining room.

Happy Weekend!

2011-05-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my living room...I've been going to a few estate/garage sales and have added a few new goodies.

I found this cart last week at an estate sale...COVERED in dirt in a basement. I fell in love!

Add caption

This tray was at the same sale. It has a cool old ribbon wound through the edges of it.

Happy Weekend!

Dining Room Chairs

2011-05-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

I've been away from my blog for awhile and realized that I hadn't shared my new dining room chairs that I found at Homegoods a few weeks ago. The pictures don't really do them justice! They are super cute! Hmm, now do I just have four chairs for now and get rid of the Captain chairs? What do you think? I also have some vintage dining room chairs I could swap out but they are shorter. HMMM!

Change to my Family Room Fireplace

2011-05-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

I used to have lighter leather couches and so for contrast I had painted the fireplace brown and had a framed print that I liked but it had a lot of navy blue in it (matched where it was originally purchased for - in our former house's dining room)...anyway it kept bugging me that the room seemed too dark with these darker new couches (I'd paint that coffee table, too, if my husband would let me!) So here was my project - paint the fireplace and add a mirror! Someday we'll put stone on this fireplace, but until then, this is what I'll have.

My silly daughter Maddie just had to be in the photo, too!

I painted this, too. Watch out when I get the paint out! You might get painted, too!

Dresser

2011-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Just dusting the dresser and thought I'd share. Have a great day!

Found: Cute Side Table $4

2011-05-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share my latest find...in a shop in WI they had this little side table in their 60% off room...and it was marked $10!

Happy Mother's Day! I am headed to my brother-in-law's house for a bbq. Hope your day is relaxing!

Doggie Salt and Pepper Shakers

2011-03-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Maggie gave these to me for my birthday. Aren't they sweet? I collect vintage salt and pepper shakers - my favorite are doggies!

Great Aunt's Chair

2011-03-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

My mom is downsizing and no longer has room for this chair. It once belonged to my great-grandmother, then her daughter, my great-aunt had it, then my mom. It's got beautiful carved wood arms and legs on it. According to my mom, it came from the Netcher family who my great-grandmother worked for back in the early 1900's as a maid and cook. They owned the Boston Store when it was in Chicago. They would give my great-grandmother their old things when they bought themselves new stuff!

I found this at the local Salvation Army store...I fell in love with it! I don't have much room in my house but I moved stuff around to find a spot for it. Now it's "home."

I found these curtain panels while out antiquing. They had the whole set but I just bought a couple panels to add to my dining room. These pictures don't really do them justice - the colors are so vibrant.

And lastly, this pillow is from Salvation Army, too. I think it looks like a "grannie pillow" and so homey looking. Plus it's cheery and spring-like!

Cottagey Shutters

2011-03-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

I found these shutters in the alley the other day. At first, I passed them by. I thought, "What would I do with those?" But they stayed on my mind. Do you ever have that happen? So I walked around my house, wondering what I'd do with them Then I spotted where I could put them. I also knew my husband would think I'm nuts. I don't think he's even noticed them yet. Ha! Ha!

They needed a little cleaning and I added some wreaths, I might dress them up more with vintage hankies or cute cloth napkins.

I like them! They are keepers!

And lastly, Dover. What a hard dog life, don't you think?

Flowers

2011-03-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

I'm getting Spring Fever...wanting to put up colors, flowers, spring stuff! I ordered these from Kmart from their Country Living line. Kind of cute on my dining room table!

Cute Lil' Rocking Chair!

2011-02-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

Look what I found at my favorite antique and resale shop! Isn't it sweet? I love how the arms are a mission style and the cute little patchwork on it!

My four year old daughter and two year old niece couldn't wait to try it out! I just love to look at it!

It's Been Busy Around Here

2011-02-26T06:08:00.000-08:00

First we had the blizzard...over 20 inches of snow! The kids had no school for two days.

My kids loved the snow, though! They built forts and houses, making living rooms complete with "fireplaces" and places to sleep. I had hats, mittens, jackets, boots, snowpants everywhere!

Then we had some birthday parties! Maddie turned 8 and had a pottery party with her friends.

Next was a ski trip to Steamboat Springs, CO. What fun we had skiing and taking lessons, too. The girls are starting to do black diamond slopes! I'm still on the blues. They really like to ski!

Back home, I've been adding a few new vintage things, of course. Here's a needlepoint footstool that I just had to add. It opens so I can hide my treasures in it!

This old chair was at a resale shop for 10 bucks. I couldn't resist it. It's a little shabby but I thought it was so charming.

I've put up a few St. Paddy's Day decorations, too!

My mother-in-law gave me this darling sign for Christmas. Isn't it sweet?

And last of all, my silly Elizabeth! This is what she donned over her p.j.'s the other night. Nothing like glamming up before bedtime!

I'm Addicted To Pillows

2011-01-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

The more, the better, as far as I'm concerned!

My daughter made me the little pink one with the doggie fabric and my initial for Christmas this year! How sweet is that?

My Cozy Bedroom

2011-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

See that white fluffy throw? My daughters kept snatching it so I ended up buying them each one! Except theirs are pink to match their bedding.

I get carried away with lots of pillows on my bed... I love crochet and vintagey floral fabrics best.

Here are some favorite photos, one of my husband and me, and the other of my Dad back when he was in high school. He has been home with the Lord since January of 1997 and I miss him terribly.

This little chippy shelf holds some of my knick knacks and photos I hold dear.

A cute little chair - the colors of the needlepoint are one of my favorites. Oops the pillows are covering the cute needlepoint! I also like needlepoint pillows and footstools. They are so charming!

My dresser - full of photos of my sweet daughters whom I love so much!

Thought you'd also enjoy this picture - our back yard on Christmas morning! Wasn't it beautiful? See why I want to cozy up in my warm bedroom! The snow melted last week but now it's really cold again! I'm sure it won't be long before this scene is out my window again.

Happy New Year's Eve!!!

2010-12-31T06:03:00.001-08:00

Hope you are enjoying your holiday!

All is Merry, All is Bright

2010-12-24T05:49:00.000-08:00

We are soo excited that Santa is coming tonight!

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care....

Oh no! Our elves, "Little Red" and "Little Red Junior," are sad to leave us. They go back to the North Pole with Santa tonight. It has been so much fun looking for them each morning.

A note from them.

Here's where we'll leave some milk and cookies and a note for Santa tonight. The girls baked some special cookies for him!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I've been away on a trip to South America. We visited Colombia, The Panama Canal, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. We also went to Machu Picchu. It was wonderful! Now I'm home and happy to be with my family again and enjoying all my Christmas decorations.

My girls decorated most of my tree this year. They did a great job and had such a fun time doing it together. As they put up each ornament they'd say, "Oh, I remember this one!" Or "I remember making this one!"

Santa hanging in the family room.

Even the little chair gets a pillow.

A cute Christmas tin!

More Santas on the mantel.

Brooke is growing! This will be her first Christmas. I wonder what Santa will bring her?

Random Fall Decor

2010-11-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Back from Rome, getting ready now for Thanksgiving. The kids will be off school all week. We'll have some family in town from Seattle. I'm working on getting the house in shape for company and remembering all of the things I'm so thankful for. Family, friends, a home, good health, my pets, trips I've been on, experiences God has blessed me with, a promise from God that I will see my Dad again. So, so much to be thankful for! What are you thankful for as you approach this wonderful holiday?

A Weekend in Rome

2010-11-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

My husband Alan turned 40 last Friday! We spent the weekend in Rome with a group of friends to celebrate! Here we are at the Spanish Steps.

We had so much fun eating and celebrating! The food was spectacular. YUM!

Our hotel was this quaint old place located right across from the Pantheon.

We toured the Vatican and attended the Mass on Sunday. The Pope greeted us from a window after the service ended.

We also toured the Coliseum! What an amazing sight that was! We even got to tour underneath where they kept animals and prisoners. It was my favorite sight in Rome. It was quite a whirlwhind weekend!

Meet Brooke

2010-11-19T05:57:00.000-08:00

This is our new puppy, Brooke! She is a Portuguese Water Dog just like our Dover. They are becoming fast friends! She is a little whipper snapper! We are all enjoying her so much. Dover really likes her, too! They play together already, although as you can see he's a little big for her at the moment!

Tablecloth Curtains

2010-10-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

So my windows were bugging me. You know how you just look at something, and think, "it needs something," but what?

Then I got inspired. I was looking at some old magazines and saw a piece about Magnolia Pearl and Robin Brown. She uses lace EVERYWHERE.... all different, too. And it looks pretty! So I grabbed some tablecloths, tacks, and ribbon.

So here's the result. I like it! I should take a photo at night. It looks pretty at night, too.

I'm all set for Halloween! I have my lighted pumpkins lit...

Found this cornucopia at Homegoods the other day... my dining room table has a more "fallish" look to it.

Here's my old one...I still like that one, too! Isn't fall wonderful! Such pretty colors!

Something About Black

2010-10-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

There is something to adding a black piece of furniture to your decor. I found the "doilie" on this chair at Target - it's actually a placemat! I also collect old tins. Isn't this one pretty with the flowers on it?

Newest Garage Sale Find

2010-10-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

My newest addition to my family room. I think the curves on it are neat plus I can store stuff in it!

Apple Picking and Fall Fun!

2010-10-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

We went to an apple orchard in Wisconsin a couple weeks ago! It was so fun. The girls took a hay ride, then we picked apples and pumpkins! They had a shop that had delicious treats like apple cider, doughnuts, pies, wine, etc. YUM! Plus a bunch of cute craft tables. The weather was perfect - cool and crisp.

Here's my Maddie getting on or off the ride! I can't tell.

Bridget checking out the apples.

Elizabeth had a grand time picking apples!

Daddy made sure they picked good ones.

We posed for a picture...what silly faces!

My oldest, Brittany, with her pumpkin. She didn't want to pose for me. Ugh she is turning into a teenager and I am so uncool.

Elizabeth will pose, though!

And lastly, a snapshot of the girls on the morning of picture day at school. Bridget is in 4th grade and Maddie is in 2nd grade.

Pumpkin Bear

2010-09-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

I have a little collection of teddy bears. Here's my guy for the season.

Cozy Spots

2010-09-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is a "new" rug I found at a local antique shop...

A warm little light...

Some comfy pillows....

And a rocker that says, "come sit and relax."

More Fall Decor

2010-09-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here's my Fall fireplace...

And a toolbox filled with goodies. I found the stars at an estate sale. Love 'em!

Some Fall Decor to Share

2010-09-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

I started putting out some Fall decorations. I'm waiting with the Halloween stuff. On my mantle lots of leaves, berries, pumpkins and candles. My kids always enjoy these little lighted houses. My mom purchased them years ago!

I put a candle in a jelly jar...thought it looked cute!

Yummy smelling candles burning...my kids kept asking if I was baking something with cinnamon!

Pumpkin pie, anyone?

Aren't the colors of Fall wonderful? More to come later...

Glamour Girl

2010-09-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

This is Miss Elizabeth. She is quite a snazzy dresser. Try not to be jealous! (That feather boa makes the BIGGEST mess, by the way.)

September Garden

2010-09-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Bungalow with all my summer plants in bloom!

My potato vine are doing great this year!

Mr. Squirrel enjoys my garden, too!

I don't get to spend enough time out here. I sure do love all the flowers though. Better enjoy them while I can! Chicago summers don't last long. One of these days I will post about what this house looked like before we moved in. Everything you see is what I've planted. All the house had were some ugly old bushes. Hope you've enjoyed my little tour!

Rooster Lampshade

2010-09-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Found this little lampshade at a sidewalk sale in Lake Geneva, WI. Sweet little roosters on it! It now has a home on my kitchen counter.

Lovin' My New Hardwood Floors

2010-09-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

New couches to go with the newly refinished hardwood floors came last week. Can't wait to start putting up fall decorations! Is it too early?

I brought up Great-Grandma's trunk and added it to the room.

Dover got a new dog bed. Stay off those new couches, Dover!!!

He's not too sure about that.

Then I took my white table and a corner shelf and painted them black. I like the change!

My antique chair is here for now. I feel like I'm in a new house! The kids are back in school. Elizabeth starts preschool next week. The house is so much more organized when I have time to get things done and not "mom" requests all day long! Hooray for school! :-)

New Hardwood Floors at the Bungalow!

2010-08-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hi, all! August has been a busy month here at the Bungalow! We tore out the old carpeting and put in hardwood floors in our bedrooms! We also had the hardwood in our family room refinished. I LOVE the result! SOOO pretty! Here are some pictures of my bedroom. I decided to put some darker colors in since Fall is around the corner. Plus the hardwood has inspired me to add a little "vintage western" feel to my house. So glad my house is getting back in order!!!! Thanks for stopping by!

Ooodles of pillows and blankets....

A "new" shabby shelf loaded with my goodies....

Nestle into a chair...

An old chair with some boots....

I took an old toybox from my daughter's room and put it on top of the armore! A fun change!

Sailing Camp Summer 2010

2010-08-04T06:14:00.000-07:00

My three oldest girls, Brittany, Bridget and Maddie took sailing camp this summer. They've been doing this for a few summers now. It's really fun! They spend a week learning and practicing, then on the last day they show us what they've learned and get a little graduation certificate.

This is my oldest, Brittany. She's been doing this the longest. She is 12 and practiced on larger boats this year.

Future Sailor Brittany!

Elizabeth came to watch. She's 4 so she's not old enough yet for camp. Instead her cousin Jack came up to visit for a few days and stay at our summer cottage.

Maddie - our girl #3 - she had to help carry her boat out of the water. She is all muscle! She is 7 and will start second grade soon. She's missing her two front teeth. This girl is a BRAIN...she will tell you all sorts of facts and figures. Loves to read and is so observant! We are always amazed at the details she'll give us on a particular topic. Especially animals!

Bridget - our petite daughter #2 - she enjoyed her camp, too! The instructors were really impressed with her and said she had a natural ability to tell which the direction the wind was coming from. Who knew she had this hidden talent! She also as a friend making ability. By the end of the camp she had another best friend. She knew everything about this other little girl - they had a play date the next day. (If you look at the group pic they have their arms around each other and yes they are the same age! Bridget is tiny!)

They demonstrated their sailing skills for us! It was fun to watch the kids in their little sail boats!

Such a beautiful day in at Lake Geneva!

Now my husband and Alan are going to learn to sail, too! We have to take 27 hours of instruction - 3 hour classes at a time. I hope I'll enjoy it as much as my kids did! I've had one class so far. I'll keep you posted on how it's going.

Front Hall

2010-07-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

This is my current arrangement on my front hall table. I love that little birdbath - purchased it at Michaels' a couple years ago. Great place to drop keys, too!

Show and Tell Friday

2010-07-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is my first time participating in "Show and Tell Friday" at the blog Romantic Home. This is a picture of my great-grandmother, Alma Persson, sitting with her friends having a tea party! (She is the one furthest to the left.) It is one of my favorite pictures - I love the clothes, the furniture, the pictures on the wall, doilies, their hairstyles...all of it! So Victorian and proper! I hope you enjoy seeing it, too. I wonder what they chatted about!
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New Picture

2010-07-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

I bought this for my husband for Father's Day and now have it in our family room. I found it on Etsy. It's handmade canvas art by Stephen Fowler of Gemini Art Studio. Check out his art - it's great! I thought this picture looked like my Dover dog and combined my husband's love of the Chicago Bears.

Living Room Nice and Tidy

2010-07-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

I cleaned my living room and decided to rearrange it... it makes me feel like I have new things even though I'm just moving stuff around. Do you like to rearrange? I am CONSTANTLY doing it! I'm sure that it must be some sort of mental problem. Ha Ha

I decided to leave my 4th of July decor up for awhile longer. It's summery and patriotic, why not! It's too cute to take down, yet!

I added a little handkerchief chain to my baker's rack...

Added a few cute things to my desk...

Dolled up a lampshade...

Put a few cute things on the coffee table...

Fluffed the pillows...

Gave the bunny a seat...

And after wiping, spraying, fluffing, vacuuming, shining up and dusting off, I took pictures for you! Then I took a rest. What room will I work on next?

2010-07-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

I went to TJ Maxx yesterday and found a rug for under this table. I saw one similar to it in the Pottery Barn catalog but didn't want to pay $250 for it! So scouted around and found this one:

with a clearance tag of $29!! Sold! Then I found a couple of cute new pillows...

I bought two of this one in the middle....

I bought this pillow recently on etsy...handmade from old sack cloths! It's soft and cushy. That etsy can be dangerous to my credit card! WAY too many cute things! (Kind of like when I go into TJ Maxx or Homegoods!) I'm off to the lake later today! Time to spend some time at our cottage. Hopefully it won't RAIN!

Vintage Guest Bedroom

2010-07-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to my vintage guest bedroom....I have it LOADED with all sorts of sentimental things...I've had to change out a few pillows since the arrival of Mr. Dover Dog who liked to jump up there and chew them up! He's lucky I love him so much because when he chewed up a vintage needlepoint I wasn't too happy...

This little table I move around the house...from out on my porch to my room to my family room. At the moment it's here.

I love lots and lots of pillows...

Mix and match fabrics and pillows.

All the photographs in this room are of my family or my husband Alan's family. The lady is my Aunt Alice that a lot of my "old stuff" is from. That's her little travel suitcase there. The window came from our old screen door. We had to replace it but I kept that window. It was just too cute!
I hung a cute old coat on the door. An idea I got from here. I have this "thing" for vintage coats. They are so cute. I even bought an old robe because the fabric on it was so delightful. It's in my closet!

Found this phone in the trash. The kids LOVE it! The old clock was my grandfather's. It has his initials engraved in it. The photos are me and my cousin when we were newborns. I think it came from my grandma's house.

Well, well, well. Who do we have here? This is the trouble maker. See the teeth marks on the end of the bed!!! He hops up here when I'm on my computer! Off, Dover!!! Now you see who chewed up my pillows. (He's saying "Who, me?") YES, YOU!!!

I also love vintage dogs - these were my great-grandma's.

View out the window. The ivy is really crazy on this side of the house! It grows right over the windows! Hope you enjoyed my little tour! Thanks for being my "guest" today!

Hawaii 2010

2010-07-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

It began with a limo ride...

our trip to paradise...

where there are palm trees and ocean views year round!

This was the view from our hotel balcony - it was so pretty to see the ocean.

The kids and grandma took a ride to see the Big Island of Hawaii from a helicopter.

My oldest daughter, Brittany, went scuba diving with my husband. They swam with dophins and had such fun seeing the beauty of the ocean underwater. Brittany also did her first night dive!

We went on a glass bottom boat ride! We saw turtles, coral, and fish.

Grandma came, too! This is Grandma and the Handley girls.

We went to a luau. My oldest daughter, Brittany, got to go up on stage with the dancers! That's her in the black and white dress.

They also talked me into some overpriced henna tattoos by the pool.

My three littlest girls. They also were able to do a dophin quest! It as a wonderful trip!

Me looking out at a heavenly view. Sigh....

Fun in the Backyard

2010-07-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth filled up the pool...she and Dover splashed around!

Back Yard Musings

2010-07-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is my back porch, leading out to my backyard. It's small and vintagey. It has old original windows that are cute but hard to open! You can kind of see them in the reflection in the mirror.

My backyard vintage bike.

This Hydrangea bush is one of my favorites in my garden.

Dover loves it back here!

I bought these chairs at Home Depot. They had the cutest colors! I had a hard time choosing!

Bungalow 2010 Garden

2010-07-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my garden - this is the front. Here's a place to sit on my small porch.

Great-Aunt Alice's vintage bike sits nestled in the flowers.

See my new "The Handley Bungalow" sign? I have to have my sweet hubby to hang it for me.

The front of the Bungalow.

More flowers. I'll miss these in the winter!!

This garden flag is new this year, too. More pics to come.

July Decorations

2010-07-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

Very busy summer around here at the Bungalow! Thought I'd share some of these patriotic decorations with you. The scarves I bought at Jewel Foods. I tuck little flags here and there and red scarves to add some punch!

Dover = Water Dog

2010-06-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

This is Dover. He's our Portuguese Water Dog. We picked his name because "Dover" has a Welsh origin meaning "Water." We spend much of our summers in Lake Geneva, WI where we go boating. My husband wanted a dog that would enjoy being with us and swimming. Well we got that with Mr. Dover Dog! He is such a great dog! He is friendly and has a huge heart. He has become a member of our family! Isn't this a great photo of him? He is definitely in his element when on the boat!

Children's Chairs

2010-06-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Aren't children's chairs sweet? This oldie most likely came from a school. Such stories it could tell! It's hard for me to pass up a cute old chair. This one is very sturdy, too. It makes a nice step stool when I need one!

Vintage "H"

2010-06-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share my "Vintage Letter H" with you.

A Few Random Shots

2010-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Just "putt-zing" around my house, cleaning here and there, rearranging... thought I'd share. Have a wonderful Sunday afternoon! I think I'll take a break now and go look around my favorite antique store.

Welcome to the Dining Room

2010-05-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Dining Room. Sometimes these rooms aren't used much. In my house we are in it often. When you come in my house, you have to pass through it to get to the rest of the house. We celebrate holidays and special occasions in here. Otherwise we do homework and projects in here. It's a versatile room! I also store all my treasured china and glassware. My hutch is stuffed full and I always seem to be able to squeeze in one more precious piece.
The chandelier I LOVE. It's designed by Tracy Porter. She has some amazing decorating books - also a website http://www.tracyporter.com/ if you are interested in checking her out! A really neat designer - both of home AND fashion.

I did something this week that freaked out my husband...I painted my dining room table! It was damaged on the top so I thought why not paint it? First I painted it white, which turned out to be too stark. Then I painted it beige. It's a fun change, I think.

There is a Scottie to greet you in my dining room... don't worry he won't bite!

This is the staircase off the dining room...thought I'd share it, too. The mirror was found in an old barn in Wisconsin and my sweet husband brought it home for me!

A little table in my dining room to display stuff on...found it at a garage sale last summer.

This shows my new addition I found at Homegoods today - I've been looking for a "vintagey" looking sign for my house and I loved the colors in this one. Just had to buy it!!!

My flash made the colors look funny but it is really pretty!

A corner shelf dresses up this area above the wine cellar.

Here's my dining room table again. My husband thinks I'm nuts.

Top of my hutch...

And that's the lastest tour of my dining room! Now I'm off to ask my husband for help in hanging a little chandelier light fixture over my kitchen sink. Wish me luck!

Travel to Africa ~ Via Cairo

2010-05-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Great Pyramids, Felucca rides on the Nile River, The Valley of the Kings, Karnack Temple, Mosques, King Tut, El Corniche, "Enshal-La," Camels, Donkeys, Pharoahs, History. What can these things only mean? EGYPT !!!

In 1995 my husband and I moved to Cairo, Egypt. He wanted to work overseas...they gave him a few options, and we ended up there. He wanted to see the world, and oh yeah, get out of debt. "They'll pay for our housing, car, it's cheap to live there, etc." So I was talked into it. I didn't have to work.

While we were there (for over two years) we traveled. We did a safari in Kenya. This giraffe sculpture was one of our souvenirs. It's hand carved out of a large log. The ears are sharp! Just ask my daughter who got her leg caught on one, ripped her jeans and required six sutures. She had to tell the ER folks, "I cut my leg on a giraffe sculpture!" I'm sure a first for them. Ha Ha

This wood trunk is from Egypt. I bought it in the Khan-El Khallilli bazaar. It's inlaid wood. The knobs have fallen off. One of these days I'll find a replacemment. It's HEAVY.

Another "Khan" find. Depending on how the light shines on it, King Tut looks at you differently. It's painted on papyrus.

No stay in Egypt cannot be complete without Egyptian perfume and perfume bottles. They have every size and kind. The brass thing is an old mascara applicator from the 1800's. They have a lot of brass and silver there.

Inlaid mother-of-pearl and wood boxes. There's a LOT of that there, too.

My friend called me one day and said a friend of hers was taking a truck to Alexandria and bringing back baker's racks. "$150 each" So I got one. The thing weighs a TON and was shipped across the Atantic Ocean when we moved back. Only one glass shelf had to be replaced. Some of my friends had marble shelves made for theirs.

This is mud pottery. I have a few of these, too. I did have alabaster, too, but my vase broke.

Although this is a German clock, I found this in the Khan market while in Egypt. It has a beautiful chime and is from the 1800's. Maybe the English brought it with them when they occupied Egypt.

Blown glass. They have a lot of this there, too. This is my set. You can watch the artesians making it in their shops. They blow it with their mouths!

Tapesties, rugs, lace...all available there. My husband went to Syria for a week and brought this back for me. It's made in Iran. I also have a Persian rug from Syria. I often get asked, "What was it like there?" Answer: Very different! Some good, some bad. The Egyptians are a friendly people. They are proud of their history and the awesome things they have from their ancestors! However it is very poor there. It is sad to see how most of the world lives. While we have so much in the US and forget so easily how much of the world struggles. It was dusty and dirty there! The weather was beautiful. I met so many great people. Lots of good times. Fun travels. I missed my family and friends back home, though. I am grateful for American grocery stores! My time there was something I will never forget and it opened my eyes to how big the world is and how much of it I still need to see and learn about. Hope you enjoyed my little tour of Egypt!

A Few New Things In My Kitchen

2010-05-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share some new things in my kitchen. First, I decided to bring this shelf up from my basement and use it to display/store things.

Cookbooks, tins, candles, rolling pins...

This box is on my counter... love the old vintage soda bottle boxes. I still kick myself for not grabbing a bunch marked "free" not that long ago - unfortunately I was walking with a baby stoller and couldn't carry them!

I bought this shelf at my favorite antique store "Little Ladies" in Norwood Park, Chicago. It was an ugly/dusty brown. I painted it and now have a fun display for some of my kitchen goodies. I got the idea from Tina at Cherry Hill Cottage. (I tried to get this to link but it wouldn't work - it kept putting blogger.com first... anyone know how to fix that? I am horrible with computers!)

I have more to share! I've been painting and rearranging like a madwoman! Unfortunately I have a bunch of laundry to do, first! Thanks for visiting! Hugs~ Ann

Some "Front Room" Pics

2010-04-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

My baker's rack...it's from Alexandria, Egypt. I lived in Egypt for a couple years when my husband and I were first married. I'll have to post sometime about some of the things in my house from my travels. I lightened my decor and added some Springtime colors! That's my Auntie Sue from MN in the picture. Isn't it sweet?

A resale shop find. I love cheery florals.

Here's a new book I spotted in Country Living magazine that I bought from Amazon. It's a cute little storybook about this lady who finds a cottage in IL and has it moved to a lake in WI. Then she renovates it. It's got some cute pictures - very summery!

Love the cover. That barkcloth is so cute!

I used to have a bunch of family pics on this table but decided to move them to the family room. The wedding picture is of my parents and the babies are my cousin and me.

Have a great rest of the weekend! I'm going to try to take it easy today after a busy weekend of birthday parties. My 12-year old had a sleepover last night. Except I don't think they got much sleep!

Sweet Bunny Boy

2010-04-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

I got this little frame at Easter. I found this vintage picture of a boy holding a bunny - it was in a box I have filled with old pictures from my great aunt. Most of the pics I know who the people are but this one is a mystery. I have a feeling it was a friend's son or a neighbor boy. Either way, he is ADORABLE in his little hat holding the bunny. Wonder if it was Easter when the picture was taken. That's the one thing I love about scrapbooking - the pictures are labeled with a story so later generations will be able to know about who is in the picture and what was going on at the time!

Adding Some Blues in the Bedroom

2010-04-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

I bought this quilt at Homegoods...it was so Springy and fresh so I decided to add some more "blues" to my bedroom by just scouting around my house and painting a few things! It came with the shams, too~ good deal!

Moved this from my living room. I love old needlepoint stuff. How neat! I found this at an antique store a few years ago.

A vintage blue plate. I think it's French.

My dresser. Found the set of lamps at Walmart - super cheap - part of their "Better Homes and Garden" collection. They could almost go in any room of the house!

This chair was black. Decided to freshen it up with a coat of blue!

Another old plate. I think I'm going to paint the bookshelf I have it on - maybe an off -white. I may do it this weekend.

Vintage blue tin. I think I found this one on one of my shopping trips in Lake Geneva, WI. Lots of cute little shops there. I enjoy spending $$ there!!

I painted this table, too. Used to be brown. Goes with the "blues" now! Isn't it fun to freshen up for Springtime? I see things all around here I want to paint. I'm thinking of doing my front door next. It's beige. Neutral, pretty, but kind of plain. I think a punch of color would be nice but I can't decide what! I'll keep you posted. Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Cute Red Vintage Plate

2010-04-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

My latest garage sale find...a cute old red plate to go in my laundry room. That's Elizabeth in the photo - her first time in ski lessons in Aspen a few weeks ago. She was hamming it up in the picture! She enjoyed riding on the snowmobile there.

Cheery Springtime at the Bungalow

2010-04-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Spring! I've been tidying up and doing some Spring clean up around here - inside and out! I've been lightening and brightening my displays around the house to reflect the season. I love to go outside and see the new plants popping out of the ground and hear the birds chirping away, getting their little nests ready!

I made this little banner for my fireplace...I bought the kit at Michael's.

A little birdie peeking out of my pansies. Aren't pansies just so cheerful?

I stuffed some flowers in this little goody I found at a garage sale last year.

Here's my Springtime front porch! I will have to snap some pictures of my garden soon to share with you. Hope you are enjoying the warmth of Spring and all the newness it brings! I can't wait to start planting!

Coffee Table

2010-03-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

Some fun things I have displayed on my coffee table at the moment. I like to change it up - add books or something that does with the season or holiday. I also like to display my doilies!

Guest Bedroom Vignette

2010-03-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

A vignette from my guest bedroom bedside table. The picture is of my mom and her sister. The paper is an actual newspaper from my mom's birthday September 2, 1942! Sweet sentimental things along with some found thrifted treasures.

2010-03-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

I am a little bit Irish but feel a lot more because I grew up in an Irish neighborhood and many of my friends are 100% Irish! I like to put out some cutesy things to celebrate!
My cozy chair in my living room. I enjoy sitting here and looking at my decorating books and magazines! Is there a special place in your house that you enjoy sitting and relaxing? I don't get much time to do that but when I do, it sure is wonderful!

Been Doing Some Painting

2010-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

I painted the rocker in my living room...

Much better than brown! I had been afraid to do it for sooo long!

Then I did this table....see the before below.

It makes me want to brighten up the room now!

I did this rocker, too. See the before below.

Kind of ugly. I like it painted. Hmmm, what else needs paint around here? I also noticed on the cover of Country Living that a new hot accent color is a minty/vintage green. I may have to get me some from Home Depot and see what I can do with that!

Valentine Treats and Puttering

2010-02-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's day! I spent it with my husband and kids up at our lake house in Wisconsin. The kids went skiing one day and we hung around and watched the Olympics. Now I'm taking down some of the happy hearts and rearranging my house! I love to putter and mix things up - move a lamp here, change a picture there. Meanwhile, I dust and clean. The kids are all home from school today - they had a four day weekend! It's been nice to have a little extra "puttering" time.

Valentine's Day at the Bungalow

2010-02-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just returned from a week long vacation cruising the South Caribbean...it was wonderful. I don't think I've ever seen such blue water. Now I'm back home, happy to be with my kiddies again and getting ready for some birthday parties for my kids this weekend, then Valentine's Day fun next week! My sweet mother-in-law gave this to me for Christmas this year.

My hutch dolled up for Valentine's.

This is a cute photo of my parents when they were dating in high school! How romantic! They were married 32 years until my father passed away at the early age of 52.

Mantle decorated with hearts - the lights I got at Target in their dollar bin section!

More Target cute stuff.

Vintage hankie comes from a collection I received from my Godfather after his mother passed away. She would wear the hankies in her blazer pockets. She was a really pretty lady!

One of my favorite magazines...what a pretty cover!

One of my favorite books...simple reminders of wonderful things. I always loved the Peanuts comic strips. I read them constantly when I was a kid. I think I related to Linus - I had a blankie like him.

Baked these treats for the kids...so simple and yet they think I'm wonderful for making them!

A grouping in my family room. Happy Valentine's Day! Love and Kisses from the Handley Bungalow! Hope your day is sweet!!!

Let's Hurry Up On Treats, Lady!

2010-01-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

This is Mr. Dover dog and his sidekick, Miss Daisy. He is sitting nicely because he'd like a treat. He gets A LOT of treats. His favorite are the chewsticks with chicken wrapped around them like a piece of bacon only available at Target. They are ten bucks a bag - he eats about three a week!

He expectantly waits for the goods. My cabinet has TONS of scratches on it from him pawing at it to request a treat. Despite my generous treat-giving, he still finds mischief. He continues to chew on things he isn't supposed to - pretty much anything on a daily basis. He says he can't help it...it's in his Portuguese Water Dog DNA!

If You Like Elvis...

2010-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

I got this album for Christmas, "Elvis, Timeless Favorites"! Been listening to it while I get my chores done. Fun to dance and sing along with!

Brittany Over Her Milk Allergy!!!

2010-01-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter, Brittany, has been severely allergic to milk since she was a tiny baby. We kind of discovered by accident that she has outgrown this allergy! She ate a regular waffle instead of one of the dairy-free ones by mistake and did not have a reaction! We took her to the allergist who tested her and she did not react so I got the go ahead to give her cheese and slowly introduce milk products to her. Isn't that exciting? Yea Brittany!

Fun Drinking Glasses

2010-01-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

Tina at Cherry Hill Cottage had these glasses on her blog the other day - she said they were at Target, so today I found them, on sale! They come in different colors - teal, yellow, red, and green. They also have cute coffee mugs in the same colors - I bought a couple of the travel mugs for our lake house in some beachy, bright colors! Thanks, Tina, for the tip!

Some Cute New Stuff Around The Bungalow

2010-01-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's been busy around here at the Bungalow...the kids were off school for two weeks so we had lots of fun things going on - playdates, family gatherings, crafts, playing in the snow, gingerbread house making, coloring, etc.! I took down the Christmas decorations last week and have been tidying up. Here are a few new additions around the Bungalow that I thought you'd enjoy.

First, I received my copy of "The Vintage Table" by the editors of one of my favorite magazines, "Romantic Homes".... here are a few pics that have got me excited to pour over each and every page of the book:

Oooh I have one of those Coty bottles...mine's kind of rusty from an Estate Sale!

Cuteness continued!!! Look at those darling chairs..and those teacups! Beautiful!

Here's the book - on top of my fun stack of books I like to peruse before going to bed.

This little rocker I use outside in my garden during the summer but now I kind of like it in my living room grouping! I found that adorable wooden frame on my table at a darling shop in Lake Geneva, IL. I reframed a vintage photo of my daddy with his cousin and grandma from the '40's. It's a favorite of mine!

I also found this vintage "H" at another cool shop in Lake Geneva.

I found this cupcake in the Valentine decorations in Target. CUTE! Even though Valentine's day is a few weeks off, I may just have to put up some decorations now!

These two pillows are new. My dog Dover has destroyed a few of my fun pillows so I have been looking for replacements. One is from "The Victorian Trading Co." - they are online and also send me a catalog that I drool over.

Found these Scottie bookends at a resale shop that benefits an animal shelter. They're heavy and in good condition - $5!

These two cuties I found a place for. They were a garage sale find last fall.

New kitchen cutains a la Target! The Scottie dog stuff were Christmas gifts. Candles, yummy soaps, lotions and Scottie dogs - my family knows me well!

I had some fun dolling up this 7-up box on my kitchen counter.

This hook I found at Target, too! I put it in my guest bedroom.

That's all for now~ always some new changes going on around here! I'm always looking for a new way to freshen things up. Isn't decorating fun?

Silly PWD

2009-12-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

This is Dover. He's my Portuguese Water Dog. Or should I say Portuguese SNOW dog??? He turns one on Jan. 1st!

2009-12-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

Maddie performing, Bridget waits in the wing for her turn.

Bridget singing.

Maddie got to sing and do the xylophone!

Elizabeth ready for her preschool Sing and party.

Merry Christmas from the Bungalow! These are just a few images from a recent Holiday Sing and a cozy fire we made last night while watching "It's A Wonderful Life." God Bless Us, Everyone!

It's Snowman Building Time

2009-12-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

The girls had such fun yesterday and today playing in the snow! They made a snowman and a snowdog to accompany him! Maddie and Bridget, Snowman Constructors.

Dover dog, enjoying the snow, stealing as many boots, gardening clogs, gloves, hats, and mittens as possible during his favorite outdoor game called "keep away."

The Bungalow at Christmastime

2009-12-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...

Cute Little Tin

2009-12-21T05:39:00.000-08:00

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa's giving Mrs. Claus a hug before he goes off to check on those elves! He has a lot to do these next few days!

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

Some more pictures of my Tree... lit up at night. I just added a ton of presents - these pictures look bare now!

Stockings hung by the chimney with care...

Can't wait for Santa to arrive!

Candles lit, Christmas carols playing.

All is calm, all is bright.

More tomorrow...if I have time!!! Merry Christmastime to all!

Some Christmas Decorations

2009-12-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm not ready for Christmas!!! I have SOOO much to do. But I refuse to get too stressed about it. I want to savor the moment. Try to slow down and take it in. All we have is today. So I'm going to take my time and know that I will get it all done. Christmas is a time of goodness and joy!

I love old Santas. I have a bunch of Santas around my house. They are so sweet - a reminder to have that childlike heart at Christmas.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

2009-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Hope you are enjoying the wonderful Christmas season. I can't get enough of Christmas Music and the fun decorating books and magazines that I dig out and look at over and over. I have to get going on my cards! I plan to take the girls' picture tonight in front of the tree. It's bitter cold here in Chicagoland!!! But inside it's warm and homey. Here's what's been happening in the Handley Bungalow during this wonderful season:

Homemade Gingerbread House - from a kit - sort of lopsided! The girls did this last weekend when we visited our cottage in Lake Geneva, WI...my hubby had to split a bunch of wood. Great weekend because this week they had a HUGE snowstorm there!

Our Tree - the kids had so much fun decorating it! I need to take a better picture of it. I used some grapevine on it this year. I really like it!

Christmas songs on the piano...getting ready for their Holiday Sing performances. Here's "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'! We've been also reading Rudolph books from when I was little. My mom saved all my Christmas books! So fun to read! We have a ton of Christmas stories.

Drinking Hot Chocolate - complete with marshmellows! Little Elizabeth loves to stir it up herself.

My entryway. The plaque has some lyrics from the song "I'll be Home for Christmas" - I got it at the Summer Sidewalk sale at the local Hallmark store for 75% off! I bought my sister-in-law one, too!

Some antique candleholders I inherited from my aunt. I think they're really old and some sort of Swedish decoration.

I dolled up my chandelier in the dining room. I added live greenery, beads and hung some antique glass ornaments on it. The wreaths in the background are vintage from my mom's house.

Coming in from playing in the snow! Elizabeth has been looking forward to making snow angels for weeks! So much fun!

Dover likes playing in the snow, too!

I found this old sign at an estate sale last summer. Cute! It's big, too. I wonder where the previous owners hung it. Maybe for a Christmas Party!

The mantle all fancied up for Christmas and Santa's arrival! I need to take a picture at night. You can't really see all the twinkling lights!

This is "Little Red" - he's our "Elf on the Shelf" - also we were able to send "Little Red Jr." back with Little Red to get his "magic" back. Now they BOTH leave at night, give a report to Santa, then return each morning in a different spot!! It's fun to look for them in the morning!

I like this Santa - I don't know why my camera took a blurry shot of him! Aren't vintage Santas sweet! I have a photo of my mom on Santa's lap - taken sometime in the 1940's. I also have a vintage postcard Christmas card with a little girl and Santa. The girl is sitting on a horse!

Snowsuits, Mittens, Hats, Boots, all over my house.

A chocolate Advent Calendar! Santa's coming soon! Isn't Christmastime magical! Blessings to all! Enjoy this wonderful time. Take it in. Don't work too hard! It's easy to become distracted from the beauty of the Season with so much going on. Love, Ann

School Play

2009-12-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

My two middle daughters were recently in a school play. Bridget, on the left, is "Shel-vis" - a combination of a fish that is a celebrity impersonator who happens to be Elvis. Maddie, on the right, is a Mariachi Band Player - see the pink "Barney" maracas? They did a great job and worked very hard to give a wonderful, entertaining performance!

Our Guest Bedroom

2009-11-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

I just added the plate rack and the canopy to this room. This is where I hang out and go on my computer. I am busy getting ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Happy Thanksgiving to all! Have a wonderful holiday!

Master Bedroom

2009-11-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures of my Master Bedroom. The table at the end of the bed I made by marrying two pieces together. The wicker is Victorian looking and loaded with character. Tomorrow I will begin my Thanksgiving meal and set the table. The kids are making placecards for everyone! I keep thinking of all the wonderful blessings we have, particularly here in the U.S. I have traveled abroad and lived abroad as well and have come home realizing that we are SO blessed. We have SO much to be thankful for! I thank God every day for all the wonderful things He has blessed me with. I also am thankful for the brave ancestors I had who came here and struggled so that I might have a life like this. Wow!!!

My Laundry Room

2009-11-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Laundry Room. It's on the second floor, which is really nice! I used to have the machines in the basement and now having it near the bedrooms is such luxury! I do SO much laundry - ahh the life of a mom of four! This room usually has lots of piles of work for me!

Well I'm headed back to the laundry room! Enjoy your day!

Brittany and Bridget's Room

2009-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

This is Brittany and Bridget's room. They are my two oldest daughters - a 6th grader and a 3rd grader.

Cute slippers!

This picture was painted by a young girl with nail polish! Even though it's a Yorkie, I still think it looked like our Daisy dog!

It's a girly, pink room!

Maddie and Elizabeth's Room

2009-11-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try to take you on a tour of my second floor. We'll start in one of the girls' bedrooms - this is Maddie and Elizabeth's room.

Toys.

Some vintage toys, too.

Top of the dresser. I think I forgot to take a picture of the hutch in there. I also have an old dining room hutch filled with momentos.

This is the chair I found in the alley! It is a little shabby but it I thought the perfect size for my girls! See the Portie doggie in the background? It's supposed to be "Bo" the Obama dog but we think it's our Dover!

Here are their beds. Lots of quilts and pillows, some vintage.

Miss Maddie's bed. She is our 6 year old in 1st grade.

I thought I'd use this cradle as a book holder. They don't really play with it.

Miss Elizabeth's bed. She is three.

The nightstand. I will continue my second floor tour of my house soon! I am looking forward to Thanksgiving next week. A break from school around here for the kids! That'll be fun! Then Christmas decorating can begin! (Although I think it's fine to start now~) Hugs to all - Ann

Cute Sign

2009-11-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

I found this cute sign in the "dollar bin" section at Target!

Time to Rearrange Again

2009-11-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

My dear husband has been complaining that he does not like my new furniture arrangement in the family room as he cannot see the t.v. in the comfortable way he is used to. Although I like the way it's arranged, I have to redo it so he can be happy. I'm off to do some creative rearranging today...and might as well clean while I'm at it!

Some Fall Goodness

2009-10-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

I had this little bird cage on my balcony during the summer months but now I like it inside!

Found this in the alley behind my house... one man's trash is another's treasure!

Walmart sells these pretty candle holders.

I rearranged my family room for fun. I think it's cozier now.

I shop around my house for things to use them differently - I love to change things up a bit.

This is my newest find from a little antique shop I frequent. I wanted to cutsie up this corner and have a place for my little radio on the bottom. I had fun decorating it! Hope all of you are enjoying this wonderful October! My kids are so anxious for Halloween and all the festivities. Next time I'll share another "alley find" (yes I had two this week! I feel like such a trash picker but I'm not!).

Picture Day!!

2009-10-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

It was picture day at school recently. My girls love to get all dolled up for it. Maddie was feeling quite silly about it!

I had to curl their hair and help them with their outfits.

Maddie and Bridget looked so pretty! Maddie is in 1st grade and Bridget is in 3rd grade. I really don't want them to get a day older. They can stay like this forever. I love them to pieces!

My Silly Girls - All God's Plan

2009-10-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is what I found the other evening as I went down to see what my girls were doing... they had tried out my banana bread...

And were all COLORING together - but all chuckling...they were drawing silly things on the pictures.

Do you like where Elizabeth took off her slippers and hopped up on the counter, too? I love when they have such a good time together - laughing and being silly with each other. They are such lucky girls to have each other! God sure blessed me when he gave me them. People sometimes ask me if I wish I had had a boy. When I see moments like this, I am happy they are all sisters. God planned it that way!

Cute Stuff at Kmart!

2009-10-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I bought this cute pie candle and apple pie tin at Kmart last week while out shopping! They also have a really cute new (I think) Country Living line that I enjoyed admiring. Pretty linens, towels, and plates. Online has a really neat plate selection! (The things I wanted were out of stock - but they'll send you an e-mail when they get it in again, which is nice.) The kids all thought the candle was the most fun purchase! They had other flavors, too: pecan pie and a cinnamon-pumpkin one. How festive!

More Fall Goodness

2009-10-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pics around my house. I just LOVE the fall! I plan to put some pumpkins or more cute stuff in my flower box. Maybe a big spider web! I was inspired by Lisa Janelle at http://www.warmheartcozyhome.typepad.com/. She has a fantastic blog! Such a darling home, too! I feel right at home when I see her darling house!

I recently got this old toolbox out of an estate sale where the house had been shut up for nearly TWENTY years! (I know you estate sale people know what THAT means - LOTS of treasures!) The men going through the tool area in the basement couldn't believe that I wanted it! I was so thrilled!!! Once it was cleaned of the cobwebs and dirt, it had such a pretty wood patina.

Hope you have time to sip some warm apple cider, burn some candles, or start your first warm fire in the fireplace. Enjoy the beauty all around you! God's goodness is all around us! He sends His joy and hugs through the warmth of the colors of Autumn. Give your family a big hug, too! Yesterday I baked some banana bread to cozy up the kitchen. The kids were thrilled! It's the little things that bring the most joy, don't you think?

Happy Fall!

2009-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

I've been having some fun putting out my fall decor. I am planning to have some other moms over for coffee in a few weeks so I want the house to look extra special. The colors of fall are so cozy and inviting! It's one of my favorite seasons! Here are a few pics of my house. I'll post some more soon. Hope you are having a wonderful autumn and enjoying the beautiful weather and changes!

The Handley Bungalow

Giving Thanks

Kitchen Window

It's Fun To Rearrange Now and Then

Just What I Wanted!

Our Summer in a Nutshell

Busy

Happy Father's Day

Outdoor Cuteness

Chalkware Lamp

Another Trash Treasure

Estate Sale Find

Happy Weekend!

Dining Room Chairs

Change to my Family Room Fireplace

Dresser

Found: Cute Side Table $4

Doggie Salt and Pepper Shakers

Great Aunt's Chair

Cottagey Shutters

Flowers

Cute Lil' Rocking Chair!

It's Been Busy Around Here

I'm Addicted To Pillows

My Cozy Bedroom

Happy New Year's Eve!!!

All is Merry, All is Bright

Merry Christmas!!!

Random Fall Decor

A Weekend in Rome

Meet Brooke

Tablecloth Curtains

Something About Black

Newest Garage Sale Find

Apple Picking and Fall Fun!

Pumpkin Bear

Cozy Spots

More Fall Decor

Some Fall Decor to Share

Glamour Girl

September Garden

Rooster Lampshade

Lovin' My New Hardwood Floors

New Hardwood Floors at the Bungalow!

Sailing Camp Summer 2010

Front Hall

Show and Tell Friday

New Picture

Living Room Nice and Tidy

Vintage Guest Bedroom

Hawaii 2010

Fun in the Backyard

Back Yard Musings

Bungalow 2010 Garden

July Decorations

Dover = Water Dog

Children's Chairs

Vintage "H"

A Few Random Shots

Welcome to the Dining Room

Travel to Africa ~ Via Cairo

A Few New Things In My Kitchen

Some "Front Room" Pics

Sweet Bunny Boy

Adding Some Blues in the Bedroom

Cute Red Vintage Plate

Cheery Springtime at the Bungalow

Coffee Table

Guest Bedroom Vignette

Been Doing Some Painting

Valentine Treats and Puttering

Valentine's Day at the Bungalow

Let's Hurry Up On Treats, Lady!

If You Like Elvis...

Brittany Over Her Milk Allergy!!!

Fun Drinking Glasses

Some Cute *New* Stuff Around The Bungalow

Silly PWD

It's Snowman Building Time

The Bungalow at Christmastime

Some Cute New Stuff Around The Bungalow