Yesterday afternoon I got it into my head to do a little rearranging in the garden room. You know that compelling urge, don’t you? It’s like a gnat that keeps buzzing around your head until you swat it. Or in this case, start moving things about.
The couch, computer desk, and bookshelves are pretty much the only way they will work in this room, which is about 18X20. So I can play around with everything else. Which means one corner and the area in front of the bookshelves. As you can see, above, Charlie is taking charge of the situation at hand.
So really all I did was put my white Irish tablecloth over the little patio table, and turned the chairs outward toward the center of the room. I added a couple of my homemade pillows to the chairs. Then added the little red bench, which is a cheapie from Hobby Lobby from a few years ago.
I set the table for tea and added some candles. I wanted to add some green to the mix, because a little while back Manuela from The Pleasures Of Homemaking, one of my very favorite blogs, bought some green candles at IKEA in a shade that I heartily admired. Manuela is absolutely the best at displaying pretties. I visit her blog and just d-r-o-o-l over her seemingly endless creativity.
I had a doctor’s appointment last week in Dallas, so to IKEA we went. It was my first time to go to one of these stores. Oh, what an adventure to visit this gigantic place. I think I could easily have become lost in there. Which reminds me of that movie starring Natalie Portman where she stays in a Walmart store. Just turns it into her home for a time. Due to the fact that IKEA had a department with food, I think I could have camped out a few days!
Now I’m going to drive myself crazy trying to think of the name of that movie. Who can name that movie for me?
I’ve ordered a couple of decorating books from Amazon.com. Can’t wait to get them. One is “At Home With Country” by (Cabbages & Roses) Christina Strutt. The other is “At Home With Laurie Ann” by Laurie Ann McMillin Ray. Both are hard covers and were $19.77 each. I know nothing about the second one. I just saw it and liked the looks of it. And naturally I won’t place an order at Amazon.com unless I’m ordering at least $25 worth to get the free shipping. So I’ll let you know my thoughts on them when they arrive.
And guess what’s on the newsstands?
I keep telling myself I’m going to subscribe to Where Women Create and Artful Blogging. But I don’t think you really get a price break by subscribing. (I could be wrong about that.) So I end up buying them from Barnes & Noble.
And I also picked up Anna Quindlen’s new novel. I normally never buy a new hard back book from the local bookstore unless it’s older and on the clearance rack. (Too bad I didn’t know about it when I was ordering from Amazon.com.) But it was 30% off and I’m excited about this book. I read a review in People last night. So I’ve got a lot of reading to do. Now that I’ve quelled the rearranging furniture urge, I can do just that!
It’s Where the Heart is….I love that movie! And I love your special touches! I’ve always wanted to go to an IKEA, what a wonderful store! I love the color of those candles! Everything looks beautiful! Happy Sunday! ♥
Brenda, you are so inspiring. You never sit still! You house looks great! I think it should be in a magazine and soon.
By the way, I’m painting my chairs red now. The wood is so dried out that it may take 4 or 5 coats of paint. They do already look so much better all red and welcoming.
I’ve never been to Ikea but sure would love to.
You have had a busy week-end. I love the three shelves together. I also like the shelves you have close to the ceiling. Red is becoming my new favorite color. Love your “cozy home.”
I love just where the bookshelves are. Perfect in the corner like that. The punch of Red, sure brightens up your room, just like out side.
I too, have been eyeing up the Artful Blogger….I need to head to Border’s now that the lastest is out. Thanks.
Off to check out Manuela, I just love finding new blogs to fall in love with.
Glad you had a successful moving around weekend.
Kate
Love that movie too. Thank goodness someone remembered the name or I would have been thinking all night. Love your room. It is just so cheerful. The table and chairs create such a wonderful corner for having a cup of tea and reading. Love the tea set too. Everything looks just wonderful. Hugs, Marty
I adoRe that movie with Natalie Portman!! Anyway…you had a nice shopping weekend and sometimes you jusr have to break loose and pay full price. All our bargain hunting and thrifting alLows for that. Now I want to read the book by Anna Quindlen…I love her work. Isn’t IKEA awesome?? A little too modern for me but has some cool ideas!!
Happy you had a good weekend, Brenda!
xoxo
Janie
Hi Brenda, I am finally caught up with what’s been happening with you! I just love what you’ve done with the yard. And despite the little mishaps, you should definitely be very proud of all the work that has gone into it. I need to find me a wagon and some gazing balls!
As usual, the house looks warm,cozy, and bright. So what if there’s a little hair on the furniture sometimes? LOL I finally got back on the horse and posted. It is so nice to be back to “normal” once again.
lotsa hugs, Sue
Your garden room looks amazing Brenda – I seriously thought that first pic was from a magazine. I think you need no help in the creativity department at all!
Oh, and magazines on blogging – there’s nothing like that here in Australia at all. You guys have all the fun!
Have a great day,
Kerri x
Hey, Brenda!
Glad you’ve now been to the amazingness that is IKEA.
I love checking out your house. Red makes me so happy, and you do it so well.
I LOVE that display shelf WAAAAAYYY up high. It’s AWESOME!
Laura
Brenda,
Your house and garden are so lovely! You are very talented. I am sad to say that I don’t get around to rearranging very often. I am embarrassed to admit that my Easter decorations are still out although taking them down IS on my to-do list. Until school is out, I don’t have all that much free time! I’ve been spending most of it working in the yard!
Blessings,
Lorilee
So funny…..I was on your blog then went to Manuela’s to check her out. I love her site as well. Such another “Cozy, comfy home.” I decided to check back on my blog and you had been there. SO glad that you thought it was funny as I thought maybe some might not think so. It really was. You made my day when you signed up to follow me. Thanks.
You’ve hit on everything I’m currently thinking of. I want both those books – in fact, I saw At Home with Laurie Ann in an antique shop here recently. It looks wonderful.
I’m going out tomorrow on my day off to get my Artful Blogging and Where Women Create. And I’m a huge fan of Anna Quindlen.
xoxo
Claudia
Brenda, it looks so cozy and charming. laurie
Brenda,
Love that red bench. Wonderful!
Robin
My favorite too!! I love your rearrange!! I cannot wait to get the new magazines!!!
Hugs,Lisa
What a wonderful re-arrangement that you did!
I love the chairs and table placement and the lace tablecloth is to die for!
I am also admiring the bookcases in your Garden Room.
What a wonderful post!
Debbie
Lucky you! I’ve been wanting to go to Ikea for quite a few years now. There is a newer one closer now and I keep trying to talk friends into a road trip. Maybe soon. I also want to tell you how much I enjoy seeing your gardens. One day I hope to get mine 1/2 as beautiful.
I’ve read the book, and fell in love with the character, never saw the movie. Must put it on my list to see.
My dear, you, yourself are so full of creativity also. Amazing, so inventive, and everything always looks so fresh in your place.
I have a friend that I used to work with in the nursery. She could take all the old faded merchandise and put it together in a fabulous display. It is a talent, and you have it also.
Still loving the red of your house, and I am not a fan of red, isn’t that funny.
Jen
Brenda, I love your room and how you have it all set up. You do a wonderful job of setting up vignettes, too. I always love checking out what you are doing and I love all your red.
I always love your posts…I just don’t know what you’d have done if Charlie hadn’t been there to help. =-)
I like the new arrangement! Rearranging is one of my favorite activities.
I picked up my copy of Artful Blogging this afternoon. Had to see the Pink Saturday article. 
Thanks for the visit!
Ooo! I love to rearrange stuff too! My hubby says I’m “nesting” again whenever he sees me in that mood! Have fun!
looks like something straight out of a magazine. Charlie is so photogenic! Love it…Mica/The Child’s Paper
Your room just looks great, Brenda! I have a lot of fun at Ikea, too~ lots of fun goodies and inspiration!
I like to rearrange too, but Bentley gets a very worried look on his face when I do. I just have to do it gradually because he watches me like a hawk, just like Charlie has been watching you!! I almost bought a copy of Where Women Create when I was at the store today. I thought about subscribing too, but I will probably just buy the issue also.
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Yup I could set up house in Ikea easily too.
Love all the little changes you made. Gives the room a whole new feeling.
Where the Heart is was a great movie. I was just telling friends about it on Saturday night!
Your home is so lovely….warm, welcoming. I enjoy visitin and seeing all of your changes and fluffing!
Hugs,
Penny
Looks lovely!!! Great job!!
xxxx
Wow, Brenda, this post is full of goodies!!! Great re-arrangement, wonderful books – oh, I would love to see Christina Strutt’s book!!!
Enjoy!!!
I’ve never been to an IKEA store or seen a copy of ‘Where Women Create’ or ‘Artful Blogging’ – sigh.
You’ve surrounded yourself in beauty!
Whenever you get the urge to rearrange something, would you please just come on over to my house? I horrible in that area….once I place furniture in a way that seems to work, I rarely move it (cept on those few times I must clean under it!). Anyway, I love your room….any way you have it looking.
Hope this is a great week for you. dana
Your garden room looks so colorful and cozy, I love it! Love all the decorating you did, so many great little things.
Some good reading material too!
Hugs,
Donna
I always “DROOL” over your decorations. You have inspired me to do some changing, which seems never ending, in my own lil’ house…love your blog…
Well you know it’s my favorite kind of exercise too! hee,hee,hee. There use to be a show on HGTV years ago called Country Home. Your house should have been on it! I always want to come and visit, pet the fuzzy kids and since we like the same magazines, we could read together too!
Beautiful as always Brenda. You have a wonderful gift.
Hugs!
I just love all the color you use. Beautiful! Where the Heart Is — one of my all-time favorite movies. We have an Ikea here but it moved into a huge mall so I don’t go as often. I liked it much better when it was off by itself. I know that urge to rearrange — it hits me quite often and I gotta do it right then and there or I won’t be able to sleep at nite. Have a great week, Brenda! Best wishes, Tammy
It’s my favorite form of exercise, too, Brenda.
Everything is beautiful, as always.
In re: your comment about Texas weather. I do remember the humidity of East Texas, even though I was a whole lot younger, last time I was there. My g’parents lived in E. Texas.
I like what you have done. I remember my first time to Ikea. It is an easy store to get lost in. The closest one to me is in San Diego. Which is about an hour away. Not too bad, I just rarely go. Not really my style, but they do have some stuff I like. And their prices are great. I never move my furniture around. Just everything else. Which is funny, as growing up, my mom was always moving furniture around. We even moved complete rooms around. I’ve had every bedroom in my parents home including the master bedroom at one time or another. Maybe that is why I don’t move furniture around, had too much of it growing up. Or I’m too lazy. I always enjoy seeing what you have changed up.
Oh how I wish I had a room large enough to rearrange but our house is old, small and doorways everywhere!
I just love your garden room and all the personal touches. I don’t think I’d ever want to leave it unless it was to venture out to your wonderful garden. =)
Have a great day!
Hi Brenda
My head is swelling from all those compliments lol
Movie star NOOOOOOT!!!!!! but thank you very much my friend : )
As for IKEA, we have had one here in Ottawa for many many many years. It’s lost it’s spunk around here. They do have cute “little things” though. Those candles look darling in your cute house Brenda. It always look good.
Now for the magazine’s? I can’t even get them here in Canada. I have to order them, and they cost a fortune to ship. I did get Artful Blogging which I LOVE and Someset Life, which I also LOVE. I’m really wanting the new Artful Blogging mag., because Beverly from Pink Saturday has an article. I’ll have to just break down and get it, or drive South again…: )
Ok gotta get going here with some dinner, what ever that consists of lol.
Take care and nice chatting at ya’
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxoxo
Hi Brenda,
I haven’t been to IKEA for awhile. I just moved the furniture around in the TV room today..not real happy with it…it’s such a small room
Sure enjoy your blog.
Deb
Love your rearrangement. Very pretty tea set. I could see sitting there for a cup of tea with you.
I love Ikea but I haven’t been for awhile. Love the candles maybe I’ll have to go and check them out!
Oh how I love your cozy sweet home my friend! I do love RED!!! Have a sweet day and enjoy those lovely magazines..they are the BEST! xoxo
I love the tiny details, so those candles with the ribbons are just my cup of tea Brenda.
Hi Brenda. I have seen your name come up on so many places in the bloggerhood and have been meaning to drop by. I can tell that I would love it here in your Cozy Cottage! I’m sorry that you beat me to it and then found a mourning wreath upon the door : ( I wanted to thank you so much for your kind and caring comments. My brother and I have decided to plant an autumn maple for my parents as a reminder of Sasha and her many red collars over the years. Looking at Charlie, Clyde, Abi and Bonnie, I know that you understand about this wonderful bond. Thank you, again!
xx P&H PS: Anna Q gave a talk about her new book at my church a couple of weeks ago and I met her bought this book! Looking forward to reading it.
PSS: I’m following and will be back…..
Your place for tea is so delightful ! xxx
Oh Brenda!!! I also went to IKEA sunday morning! I’m lucky because I have one store just 20 minutes by car….and that movie!!!! I love it!!!! Novalee, that’s her name, and she was pregnant and had the baby at the wallmart!!!
“Where the heart is”, that’s the title!!!
Hugs!
Mara
It’s just yummy Brenda, your cozy little room! I haven’t been around a lot lately either, cause I’ve been practically living in my garden, and painting lots of things red also. Next time you come to Ikea, I’ll come up and see you!!
Have a happy day, Andrea
Yes! I know that buzzing in my head too! Speaking of… everytime I read artful blogging it makes me want to completely start over on my blog. Which you may know, I did once already a couple of years ago.
anywho. with blog readers seeming to diminish, I am not sure if that is a good use of my time unless I would just enjoy doing it. Or maybe it would reinvigorate my blog? I don’t know.
I love that shade of green candles also!
I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to IKEA and got those candles! It’s such a fun store and I LOVE the restaurant. We never leave without a bag of swedish meatballs and a few jars of lingonberry jam.
I’m not familiar with that movie so I’ll have to look it up on Netflix. Sounds good!
I always love seeing your cozy reading corner! I can just imagine pulling out a book and have a nice cup of coffee while reading or chatting. It looks lovely the way you have it arranged!
Manuela
You are so lucky you can move your furniture around, Brenda! Mine only fits one way!
*sigh* BIG *sigh*
Diane
Can you tell I’m catching up on your posts this morning? LOL I love reading Anna Quindlen. I will check out the new book!! Also love Jodi Piccoult!
Fascinating photo blog and yet they tell the story better than words could. I too love IKEA but don’t have one near where I live. Love to go with the kids when I visit them in Orlando