tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post6943264734844283532..comments2024-03-28T06:11:42.599-07:00Comments on The Gardener's Cottage: neatnessthe gardener's cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-58043986040513951832014-01-26T16:05:03.726-08:002014-01-26T16:05:03.726-08:00Your posts are so delightful. Really an uplifting...Your posts are so delightful. Really an uplifting treat to read. Such a beautiful, restful home you've created. I was lucky enough to have my home on a blog http://asilkenswoon.blogspot.com/2013/04/lisas-house.html though it's very different than yours! 'just wanted to let you know that it feels like a treat every time I see your posts in my emails! LisaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12274302598910620042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-44016228463855302972014-01-15T19:47:00.891-08:002014-01-15T19:47:00.891-08:00well hi!
the ottoman came from target. they don&...well hi!<br /><br />the ottoman came from target. they don't have the exact one but they have this one<br /><br />http://www.target.com/p/threshold-end-of-bed-bench-with-casters-red-brown/-/A-14405944#prodSlot=medium_3_9<br /><br />that is on clearance and a couple of others similar. they also have a few tufted velvet ones that are gorgeous. hope this helps.:)the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-54009600044882967682014-01-15T18:00:27.153-08:002014-01-15T18:00:27.153-08:00Hi Janet-
I love your blog and it truly inspires m...Hi Janet-<br />I love your blog and it truly inspires me. About a year ago, I googled "how to clean slipcovers" and that's how I found your blog. I've been hooked ever since. You really inspire me and get me thinking so THANKS! I love your house and I am obsessed with the ottoman that Santa brought for you. I clicked the link to try to get the information on it and it toll me to overstock.com but I could not find it. Any help is very much appreciated.....<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-90592894102836374922014-01-13T09:45:59.408-08:002014-01-13T09:45:59.408-08:00Obviously, your blog resonates with a lot of us &q...Obviously, your blog resonates with a lot of us "older" women. I love your humor, your style and your down to earth approach. It all makes sense to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-67588267433636750142014-01-10T10:16:11.123-08:002014-01-10T10:16:11.123-08:00I really, really appreciate your responses; helps...I really, really appreciate your responses; helps me a lot! Thanks.Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-24257857125166646592014-01-10T06:54:27.019-08:002014-01-10T06:54:27.019-08:00I have a little selling experience on e-bay, and b...I have a little selling experience on e-bay, and by the time they charge their fees for selling price 20%, shipping fee 20% plus paypal fees of nearly the same percentage, plus driving it to the post office, even a fee to cut you a check, there isn't much profit left. Maybe it's different for others but I personally didn't profit as much as I thought I would. Which really makes me reconsider future purchases. Sounds like you have the perfect idea for distributing your donations. I will remove something from my home and put it in the trunk of my car for a few days just to see how it feels to get rid of it. It takes time and lots of consideration to decide what you love, what you use and what just needs to go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-16814462968853187022014-01-10T06:37:03.265-08:002014-01-10T06:37:03.265-08:00I have done many yard sales in the past, and the m...I have done many yard sales in the past, and the money made was insignificant compared to the amount of time and effort spent. I can work overtime and make more money than I would make with a yard sale. Many don't have that option, but it is what works in my situation. I first offer things to my grown children who have their own homes. Books go to the library. I offer some items to friends, this summer gave a patio table and chairs to a co-worker. The rest...clothes, miscellaneous little stuff goes to the thrift shop. Don't get me wrong, I would love to make a little cash but just haven't gotten around to the internet selling yet, maybe one day.. I am determined to keep as much stuff out of the landfill as I can. Even with broken items, I will see if parts are recyclable. I just upgraded from the standard recycling bin to the extra large one. I am glad to say our trash output is about 1/3 of the recycling output. My goal is to reduce both trash and recyclables, but it is difficult to buy foods and the basics of everyday living that don't have some sort of packaging. The recycling process isn't exactly green, so I'm looking for alternatives. It's a process, and I'm getting a little better at it all the time. ;-) Thanks for asking. Fiona.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-34394743893579686212014-01-09T23:45:37.257-08:002014-01-09T23:45:37.257-08:00Fiona, do you resell anything or have you found it...Fiona, do you resell anything or have you found it easier to just donate to a variety of organizations and not lament the money spent in the past (trying to recoup part of it, say, with a yard sale, etc.)? In terms of donations, for instance, where did you find a good home for holiday ornaments? A school? I have a neighbor who donated her big, artificial tree to a senior center and they do put it up every year in their rec room at Christmas. If I'm gonna "give it all away" I'd like to at least find the right "homes" for the stuff. Thanks.Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-40493058905519404022014-01-09T16:23:23.774-08:002014-01-09T16:23:23.774-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05156539214179618717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-284892297210215482014-01-09T16:21:52.353-08:002014-01-09T16:21:52.353-08:00one in the same ;-) - Fionaone in the same ;-) - FionaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-36387805176740859562014-01-09T16:00:59.841-08:002014-01-09T16:00:59.841-08:00Well please keep the posts coming on how you'r...Well please keep the posts coming on how you're doing and how you're doing it. They're very inspirational! And I'm not just talking about money; love the cleaning, simple living, decorating and food info too. I mentioned I love the MMM blog, but didn't say - I love your blog too!Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14058762474046780110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-11716482700639264852014-01-09T15:48:49.320-08:002014-01-09T15:48:49.320-08:00fiona are you the fiona that follows mmm? if you ...fiona are you the fiona that follows mmm? if you are it sounds like you are on the perfect track.the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-22841170250228866682014-01-09T15:47:51.751-08:002014-01-09T15:47:51.751-08:00thank you vicki but i really don't feel as if ...thank you vicki but i really don't feel as if i'm in the forefront. if i were my house would be paid off by now. but i feel like it's never too late and we are super motivated.:)the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-21159374549565080592014-01-09T15:45:54.806-08:002014-01-09T15:45:54.806-08:00bravo fiona. so awesome!bravo fiona. so awesome!the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-88833767312340919862014-01-09T15:45:13.123-08:002014-01-09T15:45:13.123-08:00thanks for the info lana!thanks for the info lana!the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-56239808244923608402014-01-09T14:15:30.918-08:002014-01-09T14:15:30.918-08:00You're not nuts to build your dream home after...You're not nuts to build your dream home after the kids are grown. My sister-in-law did just that; it's massive with every thing she ever saw in houses she wanted. It's a real mish-mash of not-matching windows and the like, but it is definitely an impressive McMansion. I think she had a dream that there'd be enough space for their large family to gather at holidays and otherwise but grown kids get involved in their own families and, for instance, don't want to have to travel a long way at Christmas in the snow when their kids could be in their home with jammies on in front of the fireplace. So, two people in their 60s in a gigantic house; voices echoing; not so cozy, in my opinion, but people are allowed their dreams and I am totally envious of their storage and space right now ("cause I am lacking that in my own place!).<br /><br />It strikes me that this is just one blog, Janet, but there's more than a few of us re-examining how we're living; it seems like a movement (your blog at the forefront!)...Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-35315661816470323282014-01-09T14:04:58.673-08:002014-01-09T14:04:58.673-08:00It's sort of a relief to find out that other p...It's sort of a relief to find out that other people are going through the same thing, trying to squeeze into the smaller place, realizing it's just not going to work/fit, letting a bunch of stuff go (albeit reluctantly) so that it CAN work because it HAS to; funniest comment, "I may just be my mom in a few years time." Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-78323856876275087222014-01-09T12:38:34.851-08:002014-01-09T12:38:34.851-08:00MMM is a great blog! He has inspired me to retire ...MMM is a great blog! He has inspired me to retire in 3 years....my husband's response was "you can't stop working, how will we pay the bills?" Well, I figured it out and he's gone from a nay-sayer to a convert, so he's decided to retire too. I'll be 55, he'll be 58. YES!! - Fiona.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-33609015135301397292014-01-09T12:22:51.968-08:002014-01-09T12:22:51.968-08:00I too read all your posts. I began looking for sim...I too read all your posts. I began looking for simplicity inspiration last year in January after foot surgery made me a temporary couch potato. I was very lucky that my wonderful husband gave me a laptop for Christmas, as it provided the opportunity to link up with a few blogs that have helped me greatly since. Yours is at the top of the list, and I look forward to new posts all the time. I have been inspired to de-clutter my home, my clothes, my life in general. We live in a large home which we built 10 years ago. Shortly after 9/11 (I work for a fire dept. and was involved in the Pentagon incident), I was examining my own life as many people did at that time, I said to my Contractor husband "we have wanted to build our dream home, the time is now, we should just do it!". So we did, and it was truly a labor of love, emphasis on the labor. We have greatly enjoyed our home, but along with a larger home comes larger bills and much more maintenance. We raised 4 daughters in a much smaller house, and built this one after they were grown. How nuts is that?? But, like everyone else, when we were raising our family we couldn't have afforded the bigger home. So now we have lived that dream it is time to move on. I have been clearing out slowly over the last year and I feel so much lighter! I have pared my clothes down to about 70 items, still working on it. I have donated Christmas ornaments, books, ornaments, cd's, dvd's, electronics, furniture, drapes, pictures, lamps. We plan on selling up and building a much smaller house (1200 sf max) so there will be a lot of furniture donated too. The smaller home along with being debt free will allow us to retire from our current jobs (40+ mile commute for both of us) and pursue other work close to home on a part-time basis :-). Thanks for your inspiration to live simply, graciously, fully. Please keep up the posts. Fiona.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-23682031584608898152014-01-09T11:48:24.625-08:002014-01-09T11:48:24.625-08:00I adore your home and your wonderful sense of calm...I adore your home and your wonderful sense of calm ... I read every one of your postings -- and always hope for more photos of your home and garden! Best wishes for a Bright, Calm, Happy and Healthy 2014! Cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-77211921877545605292014-01-09T09:29:59.239-08:002014-01-09T09:29:59.239-08:00Hi Dannie - You mention other people like Janet. I...Hi Dannie - You mention other people like Janet. I know project 333 but who is Dani BP and Leslie? Do they have blogs?Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03636412282839955871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-50034293941307796642014-01-09T08:26:19.559-08:002014-01-09T08:26:19.559-08:00Neroli oil has been recommended to me as well...I ...Neroli oil has been recommended to me as well...I would love to know your recommendations, Janet, on using facial oils.<br />Dianedianespaintinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00690383870139779250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-55128360801217728202014-01-09T08:24:11.819-08:002014-01-09T08:24:11.819-08:00Janet,
You have inspired me to declutter and simpl...Janet,<br />You have inspired me to declutter and simplify, particularly with the last few posts. The pictures of your beautiful and serene space have really resonated with me. My goal in 2014 has been to work towards the same sense of calm and order in my home. I have been decluttering 27 items per day for the past 8 days (1 more day to go) as was suggested by one of your readers, and I feel so much better. <br />Thank you for continuing to inspire your readers!<br />Diane dianespaintinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00690383870139779250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-75071823745146201802014-01-09T08:13:08.193-08:002014-01-09T08:13:08.193-08:00Janet,
You gardener's cottage is a picture of ...Janet,<br />You gardener's cottage is a picture of calm and manageability. <br />It's got everything you need and want. That is refreshing in today's "gotta have it all" attitude.<br />It's natural and comfortable, like you.<br />pvepve designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03527745630303158002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-48940794235229999762014-01-09T07:47:49.424-08:002014-01-09T07:47:49.424-08:00Thanks for the suggestion Lavin.
Thanks for the suggestion Lavin.<br />Priscillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14069354465347439272noreply@blogger.com