Chinoiserie for Fall and Holiday Decorating

I am a sucker for chinoiserie especially wreaths and Christmas.  It's not too early to think about holiday decorating and you can always pick out a wreath or two for the fall and spring with a chinoiserie theme.  Etsy is my favorite source of course.

This pumpkin wreath is just too cute and I wish I had seen this a month or two ago so it would be hanging on my door right now.  So cute...... See it here.

While this is not chinoiserie, if you prefer a little leopard with your pumpkins you might prefer this model:

Who says that chinoiserie and pumpkins don't mix?  Love this one too. See it here.

 

These ginger jars are also too cute and can be used also for the holidays by adding a few sprigs of holly with the bow....

(Door Hangers)

(Door Hanger)

Add some red ribbon to this one to make is perfect for the holiday season and reuse it in the spring.  See it here.

Who would not love this holiday pillow?  Too tired to stitch one, buy this one instead.  Love it!  See it here.

The white one is also great looking for the holiday season. See it here.

(Pillow)

 (Pillow)

Happy Fall Y'all.

Cutest Darn Holiday Wrapping Paper, Gift Cards and Notes Ever

I realize that most people don't pay much attention to how presents are wrapped, but there's nothing nicer than handing someone a gift that also looks stunning too.  If you love to keep a stash of wrapping paper in your gift closet then you might want to add some of this cute stuff to your collection for the holidays or to use for any occasion.  She also makes matching gift cards and invitations.  It's not too early to order for the holidays.  You can see the entire collection here.

Apollo Update

My baby is getting big.  I have not blogged much about Apollo since he arrived in mid-January.  Having a baby on the farm has been a new experience and he settled in nicely with the herd and the others like him.  He likes to be groomed by all the others except April. 

Apollo is 15 months old now and when I measured him three months ago he was just under 14 hands.  I predict he'll be around 16 hands when all is said and done so by warmblood standards he's not going to be a big horse.   This is my most recent photo from a month ago.  He has a pony mane and I pulled it once (which he does not mind) but it's ready for another pull.

He has a big personality.  He is very social and likes to visit with all the horses.  He loves Sega the most.  But Alfie will eventually be his partner in crime - that I am sure of.

He is going through the "terrible twos" right now (I won't go into the details) so he is headed to camp next week for a few weeks where some of the girls can handle him.  It will be good to get him off the farm for his own development and in the new year I plan to start taking him to shows with Madison every now and then just to see the sights.

He's very smart.  Very cute mover, has a very nice trot with some suspension but not too much (which is what you want in the hunter world).  He will be gray but not sure whether he will be a roan gray or a dappled gray.  No sign of dapples yet but there's lots of time for that.  He is getting dark again and I suspect he will be almost black again this winter.  He was totally black when he arrived in January. And he has a brand new blanket thanks to the Dover Tent Sale this summer.  It will look so adorable on him and we'll share photos once it goes on.  

This is one of my early photos of him.  He was so darn cute when he arrived. But he is still really cute.  I call him "My Royal Cuteness" and he seems to love that.  I don''t think he will ever lose his cuteness.  It oozes out of him. 

He's grown up a lot since he arrived in January. He was terrified that day but he has settled into Virginia life well.  Can't wait to see him grow up.  Stay tuned......

New Winter Wardrobe Finds

The winter clothes are rolling in and there is a lot to like out there.  Here are some of my favorite picks right now....

Cozy Gray Sweater
Perfect to wear with jeans or with gray tweeds. 

Zebra Sweater in Everyday Cashmere

Love this navy print sweater.

Scalloped Cape

This is so cute with the scallops.  

The World's Most Comfortable Leggings

I tried these on last week and they are very comfortable, substantial weight that will be good for winter and they come in great colors.  Size up one size.

Demylee Cashmere Sweater

I adore this sweater!  

Fun Velvet Pants

I love these pants and would pair them more casual shirts, maybe even tennis shoes.  

The Chicest Backpack Ever

This would be a big splurge but is it not the chicest one you've ever seen?

Sherpa Coat

Love this fun Sherpa Coat that is sure to sell out.

Bonne Weekend!

Checkmate

Plaid is in this fall in a big way but in my closet it never went out of style.  Loving these plaid pieces to spice up your wardrobe right now.

Remember Pendleton wool? Well, they are still making this stuff and it's even updated a bit.  Hoping the wool is of the same quality from years ago. Love this long and lean checked coat for fall and winter.  And it's made in the USA.  See it here.

Here is the same coat in a black plaid.  See it here.

If you prefer navy and green then you'll love this one.  See it here.

Love this plaid wool front zip hoodie. See it here.

Pick your plaid, as it comes in many choices:

Another great wool coat to wear now.  See it here.

Loving this fun checked coat with fur trim.  How cute is this?  See it here.

Another one. These are just too cute for words.  See this one here.

Another fun coat for fall.  See this one here.

Want a little leopard with your plaid?  Try this adorable coat.  See it here.

Cute sweater for fall and winter to wear with jeans.  See it here.

 

This long checked blazer/sweater is so cute for fall and will be great for warmer climates.  See it here.

Adore this cute checked puffed bomber jacket.  See it here.

And love this casual look complete with fur collar.  See it here.

Fun Cheeky Needlepoint

It's time to fill the stash for the coming cold and I am adding some cheeky needlepoint to my stash this year.  Never heard of it?  What is it?  Well, thanks to super stitcher, Jessica Chaney of Lycette (the most fabulous needlepoint store I not visited yet in Palm Beach), cheeky is back in.  But maybe it never went out? 

Fun, cheeky sayings stitched into perpetuity on a pillow or door hanging makes for great dinner table conversation among other things.  Some famous stitchers who partook in this -  C.Z. Guest and Bunny Mellon. Below is C.Z. Guest’s collection of cheeky needlepoint, purchased by the gents of Madcap Cottage.

(Needlepoint.com)

(Needlepoint.com)

(Needlepoint.com)

(Needlepoint.com)

(Needlepoint.com)

Happy Thursday.  Stitch a spell.