29.12.11

Our Christmas Eve Luminarias

This was our first year putting out luminarias. It's our new tradition! A lot of people in our neighborhood do it and this year I was so excited about it. There's something so warm and welcoming about the luminarias.

It was fun doing it (although we live on a corner so we had to put out 78 luminarias!)





4.12.11

Take a look at Bella Rustica's holiday giveaways:


My friend Kim is having a holiday giveaway. So treat yourself to a peek at Bella Rustica Market's weekly give-a-way through Christmas. Her signature burlap pillows are two-for-one for another week. Limited to stock on hand so hurry . . .

27.11.11

Comfy "NEST" Pillows

Debbie Hodge with Breathing Beside Us made these for me. These are the perfect touch in our master bedroom. I thrilled with them. Out dogs, Bella and Sunnie like them, too. (Hah! . . . they know food treats are sure to follow, after posing for the photo!)



I feel lucky to have found these great Victorian blocks with bullseye motif and original paint that has the perfect patina. Now to find a place for them, otherwise they'll go on ebay!

Have a wonderful week,

Cordelia

25.11.11

Love this store in Summerland



My husband and I were in Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving, so we stopped in Summerland on the way home to shop. All of the stores are nice, but I particularly liked Summerland Antique Collective. It's a beautiful store with a great group of dealers. It was well worth the stop.

8.7.11

So hard to say goodbye to Frankie


We had to say goodbye to our little dog Frankie, who died suddenly Wednesday afternoon, July 6th of congestive heart failure. He was 12 years old. Bella and I were with him at home when he passed.

He was rescued by Best Friends Animal Society from a hoarding situation that made national news. Frankie came to us at Christmastime, nearly eight years ago from my sister, Cathy, who was fostering him. He was very fearful of everything but because he was able to come to work with me, he became more and more sociable with people. All we ever wanted for him was for him to feel safe, be happy and healthy. He went on vacations to Carmel and Santa Barbara with us, on antique trips everywhere, on countless walks on the bay, Sunset Cliffs, parks, Shelter Island,  Kellogg Beach and around the neighborhood. He enjoyed every restaurant on the coast that allows dogs on their patios. I am blessed to have had a connection with Frankie, the likes of which I may never experience again. Once he opened up his heart and learned to trust us, that was it. He was bonded to us in a big way. The other thing Frankie showed in his eyes was his appreciation. He was so thankful for his life with us. He let us know every day. When we brought Bella into our family, she brought out Frankie's personality even more. He was able to have a little friend to play with and boss around, mainly boss around! Bella adored him, followed him around everywhere.

He was Bob's little buddy, Bella's big brother and he was my heart. We will miss him forever.


















5.4.11

Great news from Cottage Antiques!

It's official: We are happy to introduce you to Southern Accents, which is replacing Cottage Antiques. Cottage Antiques will be continuing business online.

Please come by and introduce yourself Jean Brannman, owner and creator of Southern Accents. Cordelia will be working with Jean for a little while during the transition. Jean’s daughter will be coming from New York for a couple of months to contribute her marketing and PR wizardry. Debbi Greaves will be working with Jean just as she worked with us, creating magical store and window displays and Neota Bradley will be there as well, helping customers as only she can and offering her beautiful hand-painted greeting cards. Martha Stauderman, with her own Martha Lae designs, will be offering her unique papiery items, one-of-a kind jewelry pieces and many whimsical items that always delight our customers. Margaret Nyikos, our own Ocean Beach artist, will also be selling her cards, exclusive only to Southern Accents. Margaret has been a part of our stores for more than 22 years. So, as you can see, you'll experience the same look and feel of Cottage Antiques, but with a little bit of a Southern flair mixed in.



It’s been a good run for us. We’ll miss you all . . . but it’s time to say Adieux.


Southern Accents 4873 Newport Avenue San Diego, CA 92107  619.222.1911

9.3.11

Cottage Style Magazine features Our Home: "Prettiest Cottages, New York to California"



We just learned Cottage Style Magazine's latest issue has our home featured in their magazine! I got a call from my friend Heidi in Plympton, Massachusetts (Summer Gardens), saying she was looking through the magazine and reognized our kitchen. Too funny! The photo shoot was taken in early December. We didn't know exactly what issue it was going to be in, so this was a pleasant surprise.
(that's not us on the cover - we're inside on Pg. 36)





This is my favorite photo in the shoot:

Bob with Frankie, Cordelia with Bella

12.2.11

Valentine cards in the making

Creating magic!

Cottage Antiques' entrance

One of Marthas journals, with a vintage metal items to add interest and charm!`

Cupcakes galore!






Happy Valentine's weekend, all!