The Scented Cottage®

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-07-12T10:20:00.010-04:00

When we finally get to summertime in the South and the heat and humidity reach really sweltering levels things really start to slow down. We close the little cottage shop, my Sweetie takes extra days off and all we really want to do is laze around rockin' on the front porch sippin' sweet tea. But the reality is we have an old house that needs a whole lotta work and we are gettin' slower and slower and everything is takin' longer and longer. So we continue to do a bit here and a bit there. Likewise I try to do a little bit of creatin' in the evenings and here are the latest in my "Just Faux Fun" treats.

I read on someone's blog that they just did not understand WHY anyone would want a "fake cake", they just did not get it. I remember the days of my childhood when you could visit any of my five Aunties and there would be some kind of goodie ... a coconut cake, red velvet or fabulous seven layer. There was always something beautiful and yummy on the sideboard inside a precious glass cake plate. With a faux cake I can have something that looks yummy yet won't need to be eaten before it spoils. For me the faux creations are little works of art and I love seeing them on a sideboard, buffet or in a hutch. They add beauty and color, sparkle and shine and make me smile. They help show off an antique or vintage cake plate, or the new one so pretty you could not resist. So I definitely get it. I think it is a "right brain" thing and people who are dominately "left brain" may have a difficult time "getting it" if they ever do at all. What do you think? Would you ever use a faux food creation in your decorating?

If you DO like faux goodies, leave me a comment and you will be entered into a drawing for a faux baby cake made just for you. Winner will be drawn on Friday next using Mrs. Glosser's Math goodies random number generator. I will then email you and find out what style of faux cake you would like.

Until next time, my wish for you: May your days be filled with sweet treats.

Home and Away and Home Again

2009-07-06T12:23:00.004-04:00

Hope ya'll had a wonderful Fourth ! I went up Nawth to visit my daughter and then to Augusta to visit my son and his sweet wife. It was a wonderful visit with both. We did a little shoppin' and a lot of eatin'.

Have a few faux goodies done and hope to have them on the web shop by the end of the week. Have the sweetest cottage teapot, sugah and creamer that will be going up today.

On the home front little Miss Fierce Wailin' is STILL not getting along with Willie and Wynona. Sigh. We may have to find her a new home, she is such a lovey little thing for all her fierceness and I would hate to give her up but I can't have Willie and Wy bullied. Willie is 18 1/2 lbs and Wailin' is six soakin' wet but she has him on the run. :)

Did ya'll do something special for the Fourth? I'd love it if you'd share it ! Until next time my wish for you: May your life be filled with beautiful fireworks.

Time Just Getting Away from me....

2009-06-19T08:50:00.004-04:00

Sometimes there does not seem to be enough time and I find it getting more and more that way as I get older. Last week was filled with Veterinarian visits...one each for Willie and Wy to get their yearly shots and one for a kitty that adopted us.

We would go on the front porch and this little black and white kitty would come up to the screen door and well, wail at us. Poor little thing was skin and bones so I gave it some food and it would eat and cry, look at me, eat and cry. What else could we name it but Waylon?

We didn't know if it was a boy or a girl, just that it was sooo sad to see the condition it was in. So we scooped Waylon up and off to the Vets Waylon went.
Turns out, Waylon is a she. She got her shots, a bath and neutered. She has had to stay for almost a week and we are getting ready to bring her home today. I am hoping that Willie and Wy will adjust to her and am only worried because Willie is 18 1/2 lbs., Wy is 16 and little Waylon (Wailin' :) ) is about 3 lbs soaking wet.

We were not looking for another kittie. We really didn't WANT another kitty. The Vet called me and said "She is SUCH a little sweetheart." Sigh. There is always room in your heart for more love, don't you think?

My wish for you: May there always be room in your heart for more love and may more, much more, come your way. (())

Along The Garden Path.....

2009-06-10T22:52:00.004-04:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday June 12, 2009 as we present "Along the Garden Path". We hope you will visit The Scented Cottage and the other participating Make Mine Pink boutiques.

Something Old, Something new....

2009-06-04T13:43:00.001-04:00

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday June 5, 2009 as we present "Something Old, Something New - A Perfect Time for a Summer Wedding!"

Something old, something new. something borrowed, something blue. The age old timeless phrase describes the perfect ingredients for a beautiful summer wedding.

Something old symbolizes continuity with the past. Perhaps the bride will wear a piece of heirloom jewelry passed from mother to daughter. A necklace your mother wore to her wedding and your grandmother to hers. A vintage piece of delicate lace stitched into a veil or the edge of a wedding dress, or tucked into an embroidered sleeve, a vintage wedding hankie passed down from a great-grandmother.

Something new, to show hope for the new life ahead. Whether it be the traditional strand of pearls a new bride wears or rose patterned wedding invitations embossed with the initials of the special couple. A scrapbook uniquely designed to hold the memories of this day. A rose photo frame to hold your memories. A vintage cake topper - new to you - a bride and groom surrounded by vintage daisies and lily of the valley buds. A quilt lovingly hand-stitched for the new couple to treasure forever.

Something borrowed, reminding the bride that she can depend on their friends and family in the years to come. Stepping away from the wedding attire, today's bride and groom often choose blend the old with the new as they plan a more intimate reception using vintage silverware borrowed from grandmother's silverware drawer to serve the reception dinner. The crystal candle holders that sit on the dresser of a good friend. A vintage beaded clutch, borrowed from a mother's closet. A round hanging mirror framed by lavender vintage flowers and ribbon, to lend the bride when she checks her veil is sitting just right.

And something blue represents a love that remains true. Robin's egg blue thank you notes. Blue forget-me-nots on vintage china to serve the bridal tea. Unique wedding centerpieces that combine the old and the new, with a touch of blue for good luck.

The past, the future, friendship, family, and forever love, joined together to create one perfect day.

The Secret Garden ...Pink Friday

2009-05-28T15:32:00.003-04:00

This Friday check out the participating web shops at Make Mine Pink to see what they have in their Secret Gardens...you may find some things you have to have for yours ! We will be putting some special things in our Pink Friday category too.

Who Can Take a Sunrise Sprinkle it with Dew

2009-05-26T16:37:00.005-04:00

Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two... The Candy Man The Candy Man cannnn...
written by John S. Hurt, lyrics copyright EMT Music Pub.

Sooo now you won't be able to get that song out of your head for awhile :) . In between feeding my menfolk I worked on some faux candies. These are for a friend but I think I will make some to put on a wreath.

One of my favorite candies (almost hate to admit this) is Circus Peanuts. I like them when they are hard, not soft. I have loved them since I was a child and that was a loooooooong time ago.

Will you share what your favorite candy is? Wonder what our favorites say about us....

My wish for you ... a sweet sweeeeeeeet week !

Memorial Day

2009-05-21T13:30:00.003-04:00

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

Let me take this opportunity to say how grateful I am to the men and women who gave their lives protecting the freedoms of Americans as well as citizens of other countries...who went where country and duty sent them...many of whom died on foreign soil.

My heart goes out to the families who have lost a loved one and to them I also say "thank you" for the sacrifices they made.

I hope that this Memorial Day we will all take time to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday...that we honor the ultimate sacrifices given and remember what has made and kept our country great.

Everything is Coming up ROSES......

2009-05-13T10:55:00.005-04:00

This Friday at participating Make Mine Pink Boutiques please join us ! The Scented Cottage will have some new items to showcase.

Happy Mothers Day...

2009-05-09T21:26:00.003-04:00

May you have a blessed and happy day, those of you who are mothers and those who still have their mothers to celebrate.

Today I will spend some time thanking the Lord for the beautiful women he put in my life...truly amazing women. Reflecting on the lessons they taught me and wishing I could go back in time to tell them "thank you, thank you" once again.

My wish for you: A day of beauty, joy and love.

Victoria and Pink's Got the Blues

2009-05-07T08:40:00.005-04:00

Victoria Magazine (which we know is in the business of Bliss) has a feature article on the Blues in it's May/June issue...and this weeks Pink Friday at Make Mine Pink is allll about shades of blue.

Please join The Scented Cottage and all the other beautiful pink shops on Friday to see their "blue" offerings.

Happy Cinco de Mayo....and especially

2009-05-05T10:37:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Sweetie ! We always celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we love the fiestas and each one is like a party for my Sweetie. When we lived in San Diego he would get free drinks and in some places free dinner. This is when we have our once a year Margaritas LOL. This was the day the Lord chose to bring my special Sweetie into the world. I am so very grateful that He kept him just for ME. Wouldn't need any other reason for a fiesta or big celebration but it is nice to be part of a big party too. (())

My wish for you: Happy Cinco de Mayo...may the day be one big fiesta!

Bits and Bobs

2009-05-04T20:46:00.007-04:00

Something I have been wanting to do for some time is to put together "bits and bobs" of things I have in boxes, jars and bins. Little bits of trim, larger bits of ribbon, old buttons, new buttons, brass charms, bits of jewelry etc. I've finally started with this sweet suitcase. These are just some of the items that will go in it...I plan to stuff it full and then put it on the web shop.

I have several other suitcases that I hope to get filled up and listed too. Each one will have a general theme...the one above is floral and will be filled with mainly pinks and greens and lots of lagniappes* too.

My wish for you: May your week be filled with special surprises.

*lagniappe ... something extra !

Fun Contest at The Odd Sparrow

2009-04-29T10:00:00.003-04:00

Ya'll need to run over toThe Odd Sparrow and take a look at her contest...you will get some great decorating tips AND the opportunity to win a Gift Certificate for her web shop ! I am fixing to enter myself and if I win I will be getting some of her FABULOUS scented pine cones ....

Pink Friday is Purple !

2009-04-23T22:27:00.009-04:00

Please join The Scented Cottage and other participating Make Mine Pink Boutiques for Pink Friday...this Friday presenting "Lavender and Lace".

Take advantage of this opportunity to visit the shops at Make Mine Pink and see their special offerings. Click here: Pink Friday Participating Shops and scroll down the page.

Sittin' By The Dock of the Bay.....

2009-04-19T21:07:00.008-04:00

Well, wishin' I was anyway...and that inspired me to start a wreath. It's still in the "makin' " stages because I have to keep stopping to attend to other things but I hope to have it finished by Friday. I will add starfish and shells and other good things to it and that will take me some time to lay out.

Originally I intended to use the darker seahorse, but then I tried the lighter one and now I'm thinkin'.....hmmmmmm, maybe the lighter one.

What do ya'll think? I would appreicate your feedback, tell me, dark or light seahorse? When finished I will post a photo here.

My wish for you: A wonderful lazy day, dipping your feet in some nice cool water having time to daydream....and dreams that come true.

Spring is tryin' but isn't springin' much.....

2009-04-12T23:51:00.006-04:00

This hasn't been a very satisfactory spring, sigh. Except for the wisteria it doesn't seem like spring at all...much too cool and rainy. Spent the week in Augusta, had a good time but am very happy to be back. I have lots of work to do on the web shop and at home.

I have really missed blogging and visiting everyone and will soon be making the rounds to see what ya'll have been up to. I have added a few new things to the shop and will be adding more as the week progresses.

Hope everyone had a blessed Easter. My wish for you: A wonderful spring and time to enjoy it with family and friends.

Oh MY ! Hit by the Antivirus 2009 BUT

2009-03-12T17:36:00.003-04:00

On a brighter note the Cardinals are back ! Unfortunately the photos I uploaded are on the infected computer ... so you are seeing two old photos, one of the shop and one of Willie and Wynnona when they were just babies.

Sooo this Antivirus 2009 is evil and insidious...it can install itself on your computer and you can't get rid of it. It's a shame such talented people use their knowledge for evil.

Sooo, I will be back eventually....I hope by next week. Until then my wish for you: May this nasty computer bug never ever EVER attack your computer. (())

Show and Tell....Organizing

2009-02-23T11:55:00.006-05:00

The truth is I would much rather be doing what Wynnona is ... you know catching up
on some beauty rest. But instead I am trying to organize my back room. soooo I am showing you what my Sweetie bought me from the Good Will (and ohhh yes, he got
lotsa good will for this baby!). It is a packing (or un-packing) station and looky looky a spot for ribbons and labels. Some nice cubbies right under the top and a shelf on the bottom...I will have to add a few more there so I can store more "stuff"...but all in all I looooove it. I think it will make my wrapping and packing a lot easier. Soooo, you got any good organizing tips? Better yet, you got any time to come for a nice visit and help me organize?

My wish for you: The tools you need to help you do whatever it is you do.

######Check out The Wreath Artist...link to right under Blogs I visit...she is having a contest and believe me you will LOVE her prize!######

Waitin' for Spring

2009-02-16T13:14:00.004-05:00

Well after my cold and snowy trip to Pennsylvania I thought I would share a few of the spring/summer wreaths I made. My favorite is the Wisteria. I love Wisteria...not only do I love the color but it just screams romantic to me. I love driving the back roads when it's blooming because there are places where it is as prolific as kudzu. Can you imagine that some people think of it as a weed and want to get rid of it? The wisteria that is, we all feel that way about the kudzu.
What is your favorite flower? Leave a comment and who knows? We just might have ourselves a little give away. I'm just sayin'.............
My wish for you: If you can't have a garden full may you have at least one vase of your favorite flower to make you smile.

Return from a Happy Road Trip

2009-02-11T09:59:00.005-05:00

A few months ago one of my sweet friends told me she was going to a trade show...it sounded like fun so I said "I wanna go toooo." So we made plans to go together. Oh my WHAT was I thinking? Pennsylvania in February....now I have lived in Pennsylvania and so I do know, somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, about the snow. and the cold. the bitter mind numbing (and everything else numbing) cold. But, I DID want to spend some time with my friend AND I was DUE a trip. So I set off in my trusty little truck happily confident that there would not be any snow because I had asked oh so sweetly that there not be any. Ha ha. You can see the snow. And I have to admit, I kinda liked seeing it again because it has been a long long time. I also have to admit that I quickly got over it. Snow and mind numbing cold aside, I had a wonderful time! My friend, Carolyn from The Odd Sparrow was her usual charming, funny self AND her family, well she has a fabulous family. I had such a great visit and was treated sooooo well I would go back at any time...well okay, NOT in the winter LOL.

Now I have a lot of catching up to do so I am off to visit all of you, oh I have missed ya'll !

Next post some photos from the show. Until then, my wish for you:
May nothing but happiness numb your mind !

Happy Friday ! sending you all my

2008-12-19T09:08:00.002-05:00

Very BEST wishes for a blessed Christmas and joyous holiday season.

Even facing mounting difficulties in the New Year we all still have a lot to be thankful for. My family has chosen to focus on our "haves" instead of our "have nots". It is easy for us because we have been to other countries where people live in card board boxes, huts made of tin or have no shelter at all. Simple luxuries, like fresh water and indoor plumbing, are not even in the realm of possibility to many. Mothers watch their babies die because they can not feed them. THAT is worth crying over.

We are taking a break from blogging and will be back after the holidays...we are spending our time with what is really important to us, our loved ones. Thank you for sharing this year with me and for all of your visits and your very much appreciated sweet comments.
My wish for you: Many "haves" to be thankful for, a loving family around you and peace and contentment in your hearts. (())

I'm Tellin' I'm Tellin'.....

2008-12-15T07:23:00.005-05:00

Oh my oh my in the midst of a busy busy schedule my SweetiePie and I took a long week end to travel to Pensacola, Florida. His cousin gave us a travel trailer and we went to pick it up and have a visit with cousin and his wife. My SweetiePie and his cousin served in the Navy together and have a very tight bond. Fortunately for me I love him and his sweet wife which is a VERY good thing. We had a good visit and the fellas did some reminiscing.

While there I managed to spend a few hours with a very special Southern belle...Ms. Inka of Inklings Designs . Check out her webshop she is having a SALE and her shop is almost as much fun as she is. If you need a shot of fun, enthusiasm and vitality just go visit Inka. She was so gracious (the sign of a true Southern belle) and took me to a few shops she had already spent hours in because I wanted to go. We had a delicious lunch and yakked almost non stop. I also got to see her creations which are fabulous and I can easily say pictures do not do them justice. Inka is like me in that we do a bit of everything...oh if you could see her mosaics !!! I just gotta say I LOVE me some Inka.

Okay now on to the number drawn by the fabulous Mrs. Glosser's Random Number Generator...Number SIX which belongs to the post by Gail of Gail Friends Designs ... I have some of her jewelry and I gotta say you won't be sorry if you shop at her boutique.

Thank you ALL for your sweet comments, I do appreciate each and every one.

Now dear ones I am off into a flurry of pickin' packin' and post officin' so until things simmer down my wish for ya'll : Sweet relatives, sweet friends and sweet hearts to spend time with. (())

The Countdown Begins......

2008-12-08T07:15:00.005-05:00

OH my ... the count down has officially started for us at the Scented Cottage. It has been a flurry of wrapping, packing, post officing etc. and I've barely had time to come up for air. Nothing to show you...and for some reason blogger won't let me add photos this morning!

Let me first tell how much I appreciate your scent suggestions. I'll let you know which one I decide on...you all did give me some food for thought LOL.

Next let me tell you the winner of the teacup candle...Miss Shabby Shan ... your number is up ! You can visit her sweet shop here Shabby Shan's Cottage A very delightful place to spend some time, believe me.

Soooo what is up for our next give away you might ask? Well geeee I can't even show you a picture. This will be our last give away of the year so let me just say it will be worth it to leave a comment. At least I think it will be worth it and I'm just sayin'.....SO leave a little comment for all of us and share what you are wishing for for Christmas. Now I'm sure we all want peace, harmony and for our economy to rebound (and quickly) but I want to know what little sumpin' sumpin' you would like to find under your tree.

My wish for you: my your find that little sumpin' sumpin' under your tree.

The Monday after....the BIG meal....

2008-11-30T19:12:00.006-05:00

Hope everyone had a very blessed Thanksgiving. We were very blessed to be able to be with our family and share good food and good times.

Now it's time to get busy again and get ready for the final push towards Christmas ! Soaps are on my agenda for the rest of the week, here are a few of the types I'm making. The oatmeal soap ball is scented with Oatmeal, Milk and Honey. The lavender, of course is scented with French Lavender which has a nice soft floral scent. Then there is the little chick....I'm not sure what to scent him. Any suggestions? Leave a comment with a scent suggestion for the little chick soap and....well you know, Mrs. Glosser, number randomly generated yada yada... AND you could be receiving the teacup candle shown. (I know you were wondering what that teacup was doing at the top of the photos :) )

As for the randomly drawn number for comments on last Fridays post, well Miss Cathy of Cathy's Creations will be getting the itty bitty teacup. You should check out her wonderful personalized ornaments. Just click on the name up there, you will find some things there that will make you smile AND make perfect gifts.

My wish for you: A restful week re-counting your blessings
and lots of yummy left overs so you do not have to cook.