I woke up this morning freezing cold for the first time in months.  The first thing I thought of was going to the basement to get out my winter duvet and cover.  I do love the change in seasons, and how cozy the house feels on a cool September day.   I painted our bedroom early this summer, and now that I look at my 'old' duvet cover, I realize it doesn't really match.  My husband would say that's just a good excuse to go shopping for a new one.  I say he's right!   We're heading out this weekend for some U.S. Shopping and a last summer trip with the kids before the hectic school year starts.   Along with new jeans, school supplies and backpacks, I think I will browse for some new throw pillows for my bed, too!

This past winter, we started talking about summer holidays.  Would we take a trip somewhere?  Go camping?  Stay home and take the kids on daily outings?  We settled on renting a cottage.   Never having spent a week at a cottage before, we packed everything we could think of in order to be prepared to spend a week away from home. 

We knew there wasn't going to be any TV, internet, or phone; including no cell phone service; which meant no texting!  With 2 teenagers and 2 younger children, I worried about how we would keep everyone entertained.

Our first day proved to be hectic and fun, the thrill of arriving, unpacking, jumping into the lake, and enjoying a bonfire.  But the next day, after a day of fishing, swimming, boating and playing games, all of us, including my husband, started to wonder "what to do next".  

Thankfully, before we left, I had picked up quite a few books, at second hand stores, to suit all the kids, as well a BBQ cookbook for my husband and some from Ophra's Book Club for myself.   They were wonderful!  

We couldn't have lasted the week without "Summer Reading".

I love combining modern with old. 

Recently, I've added a few antiques to my modern collection of furniture and it seems to be working.

We moved into a new home 3 years ago, and since then, I've been buying new furniture.  It started with a dining room table that seats 12, then a new bed (of course new decor with that!) and recently, a couch.  

All this new stuff left me wanting more character.  When we stumbled upon a huge flea market on our last trip to Syracuse, I picked up a couple of antiques that I thought would match the colors and design of my house.  

After getting them  home and finding a spot for the picture and glassware, I was hooked!  I love the way modern and antique go together.

I will take a few pics of my personal home and post them so you get the idea.  

Pictured here is a mail box, or drawers for sorting "whatever", that just came into the store.  I love it and I might just buy it for myself!