Houses in my neighborhood

I was recently reading a blog entry at Cottage state of mind. Dawn was telling the history behind her house. I find that kinda stuff very interesting. It got me to thinking about the history of my house and the block we live on. Our house was built in 1920 by a very wealthy family the Bellamy's best known for the fact they started and owned a little local telephone company. They actually owned the whole block and in each of the four homes were occupied by various family members. There was ma and pa Bellamy who lived in our house and then two brothers, and I guess the grandparents lived in the largest brick house. Behind our house was grandma's gardens and as our neighbor behind us Shirley (who eloped with one of the brothers) told us they had to wait for grandma to die before they could tear out the garden and build their home. So a lot of the old timers call it the Bellamy block. I guess back in the day they were all very wealthy and they actually had they're own parking lot and tennis courts across the street (they're are now houses there).




This home sits across the street but supposedly was on our block at one time.

This house sits next door to us. It is the oldest on the block built in the late 1800's. It was originally one story but during the 1920's the house was lifted and they made it two story. One of the brother's lived in it. It is also the house everyone tells me if they won the lotto they would buy?! I would probably go for the brick one personally. That's just me.

This is the big brick beauty the grandparents lived in. Let me tell you it's yard is always gorgeous!

This is our home where the parents lived and raised the two boys. I just think it is so fun to find out the history of homes and the people who once lived there or as my boys swear might still live there!

My Sunroom

Well I have been busy today! Sitting here posting this is the frist time I have really sat down. I have been trying to finish up some projects I was working on and cleaning because only two more days til my darling nieces will be here from CA! (Of course I'm excited to see my sister- in- law and brother-in-law too!) I have been working on my sun room. I recovered my cushions with a green with delicate creme polka dot material. I stuffed some pillows, and covered them in a delicate pink ticking fabric with roses. I also added some more plants to my ladder and around the room. The little desk my husband brought home awhile back and kept harping about I should paint it. I decided I liked it the lavender color. It adds some whimsy to the room. I recovered my chandalier shades in the green fabric too. I have too say I'am very pleased with it so far. Sorry, I had to have the shades closed because, for the first time it got into the 90's today so, that makes that room feel like a really hot sauna! Well everyone have a fabulous weekend! I have to get back to cleaning and giving orders out to my family if I can find there hiding spots! LOL

Kitchen

Okay, with much trepidation I'm showing you pics of my kitchen. This room is a sore subject! I would love to rip everything out and start over while hubby tends to think we could start small with new counters and backsplash. Possibly some new flooring. I just don't see it. Anyway Keep in mind this house was built in 1920 and over the years people have done just that leading me to this hodge podge kitchen. I did some small things like paint the cabinets and change the knobs.Changed out the sink and faucet. But I have visions of (nice) white maple cabinets with marble counter tops and hard wood floors. WELL MAYBE SOMEDAY! I realize it could probably be alot worse! I guess I will just keep dreaming!

Here is the quilt I snagged recently. I spotted it and himmed and hawed about it. Then my sweet hubby went back and got it for me. I'm sure he felt ridiculous walking through the store with a flowered pink quilt! He must really love me! Anyway, I thought it would look perfect in this room and I do love it! I added some yellow checked pillows I've had for awhile (purchased at a consignment shop). Overall I think my nieces will enjoy the room I have prepared for them.

I recently purchased this vanity. I have always wanted one with folding mirrors ever since I can remember! I prepared it to paint it a soft yellow.

So here is the finished product. I placed it in my guest room I have been manically working on because my two nieces four and seven are coming to visit in ten days. I always get insane when people are coming my whole family cringes and hides around these times. Anyone else get like that?

I just wanted to share this adorable sign my sister-in-law scored! She picked it up at an antique store. It belonged to a local landmark cafe in her town. I have to say it looks great in her kitchen!!

I absolutely adore summer! The flowers, the smell of fresh cut grass,cold ice tea,sitting on my swing,long walks in the evening right when the lightening bugs come out, and wearing sandals. Anyway I thought I would share some pics of my yard this summer.

Yard Decor

This is some of my yard decor outback. I owe the beautiful landscaping to my wonderful hubby who loves to make it

look like a park. I do all the flowers though.

My dining room

These are some pics of my dining room. I really love the way it turned out. After two months of painstakingly stripping barkcloth wallpaper from the walls. The result was worth it. You will also notice my obsession with toleware trays and old rose plates.

Another view of living room.

My Cottage

This is my fireplace in our living room.