cottage exterior....

These are some picts of the front

of our little stone cottage.

We put down pine needles this year

instead of mulch, and let me

tell you that we will always do the

pine needles from now on.

They were about 1/10th the cost of

the mulch and took about 1/10th of the

time to put it out.

And I think they look even better

than the mulch!

It is hard to see what a difference

they make since I don't have any

before pictures, but they really did

make a big difference.

We decided to try these topiaries

in the front planters

this year instead of the big ferns

that we normally do.

They were more expensive than

the ferns, but considering that we

have to replace the ferns

year after year, I think these will

actually end up saving us money in the long run.

aaahhh, the stone cottage on Covington

that I call home.

I just love it.

Happy Monday, ya'll!

my new mail box....

My new mail box!!!

I ordered it from, where else,

Pottery Barn.

Here is hubby installing it for me

{in the dark, because I was so excited to get it up}

It was no small feat because our home is stone.

Unfortunately we had to move it from

the right side to the left side because

it did not fit on the right.

It never crossed my mind to measure,

or that one side of the door to the shutter

is smaller than the other.

The problem with that is,

 I have been completely and totally spoiled

to getting my mail by sticking my head out the door

and reaching over.

Even if that means in my pajamas,

in the rain or snow.

Now, I have to walk out the door and around

to the mailbox.

Believe me when I say,

I will still be getting the mail in my pjs.

Looks good anyway though.

And after all, that's the most important thing, right?

The next step....

changing out the light fixtures!

Here are the replacements....

They are on back order until July.

I can't wait!

Here is a picture from pottery barn of the mailbox.

Ironically, this is also the color and style of siding that

I want to replace the siding on my sun room with.

I think it is called shake, maybe?

Not sure on that one.

I think it will look great with the stone house.

So much to do as usual!

One of these days it will all get done, right?

Front of the house for Fall....

 The cottage on Covington

all dressed up for Fall...

 I used all the left overs from

 the Fall Frolic at Little LuLu's.

 pretty darn festive...

I don't usually go all out for Fall/Thanksgiving.

I'm usually too exhausted after Halloween,

but I just couldn't let it all go to waste.

 I even threw a Fall sign

on top of the paper wreath.

It's all coming down on Friday though.

I'm trading in Fall for fa-la-la!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!