Boxes in the mail are so much better than bills

Sorting through a weeks worth of mail doesn't take long when there is an Amazon box to rip open.

 No I didn't order two of the same book. I ordered one from Amazon and got one in the swag bag at BlogPodium. Will have to decide what to do with the second.

Many books are quite small now including do more great work by Michael Bunger Stanier and Manage your Day to Day edited by Jocelyn K. Glei.

Ont the other hand Decorate by Holly Becker of Decor8 is a tome.

Books one and two probably say read less books like number three but I will consider it research and inspiration! Much like Pinterest.

I look at very few quilting books these days but Art Quilt Maps by Valerie S. Goodwin did get my attention.

Blog Podium is

TOMORROW!

I have lots of none quilting related Moo cards and my gorgeous Orla bag but what to wear!
Apparently this is the main quandary of people going to the conference tomorrow.

Oh dear I haven't put too much thought into it. Do I leave the cottage early on this beautiful end-of-summer day? Nope I'm too old for such silliness! But I will be dressed for comfort and style.
See ya there!!

How I got my bag

I don't have a thing for designer handbags, I'd rather spend the money on books or travel. But I do like Orla Kiely.  My sweet SIL bought me her book.
David and I saw this bag in the window of an upscale second hand store. The store was closed so I couldn't get it. My darling husband works hard at getting me what I want and I love him for it.
I love my Orla bag. The gorgeous colours and her trademark motif. The bag also reminds me to be grateful for my wonderful life.

PS  ipad is correct, it is a lousy camera.

Sarah Richardson contest

Everyone knows Sarah Richardson. Well you do if you care about how your home looks and functions. She has had a long and successful career in design and shares it on TV.

Sarah is the keynote speaker at BlogPodium. blogging has become big business. There are conferences to attend and friends to be met IRL.

People going to the conference had a chance to have tea with Sarah at her office. She is a smart cookie and has bloggers spread the word about her new shows.

The contest was creating a pinterest Board for your ultimate room.
I used this definition of ultimate-

Adjective Being or happening at the end of a process; final: "their ultimate aim was to force his resignation".

As in the cottage will be ours ultimately.

Ah summer...........
We plan for it, reminisce about it, daydream about it, wish for it.
A summer home is a place to relax, read, swim, nap, cook, catch up with family and friends, drink a little wine.
So one of the first things I made for our place is this welcome sign.

A few versions on pinterest were the inspiration.
http://pinterest.com/pin/35958496997852092/



I wasn't in blogging mode so there is no before photo. Oops.