Thursday, October 22, 2015

Idea One Out Of A Thousand

A Gift From A Reader (yes, again, I'm so lucky!)


So far, we've been blessed with a very mild and rather sunny October here in Brittany.

Jusqu'à présent, nous avons eu de la chance en Bretagne : le mois d'octobre a été plutôt doux et ensoleillé. 

 
Still it is autumn and the weather can't exactly be sunny all the time. When it's grey, I now have the perfect spot to read a good book and have a nice cup of tea, in my living-room.

Mais, enfin, c'est tout de même l'automne et le beau temps ne peut pas toujours être au rendez-vous.  Quand il fait gris, j'ai l'endroit idéal pour lire un bon bouquin avec une délicieuse tasse de thé dans mon salon.

The living-room? Yes, it's that room downstairs that I rarely show since the decorating there hasn't begun at all.

Le salon ? Oui, vous savez, c'est cette pièce que je ne vous montre presque jamais parce que la déco n'a même pas débuté entre ses quatre murs.

 
But, something triggered the idea (the first one out of a thousand) to make a change in this room already. 

Mais quelque chose m'a donné une idée (la première d'environ un millier) pour commencer une petite transformation de cette pièce.

 
I received a gift from a reader, Wende. She sent me the cutest pillow. She made the pillow cover by herself and was so kind she also sent me a different one for Christmas. One other thing that I love is that the pillow is made of feathers. 


J'ai reçu un cadeau d'une de mes lectrices, Wende. Elle m'a envoyé un petit coussin adorable avec une housse faite main et même une housse de rechange spécifiquement pour Noël. Autre détail que j'adore, le coussin est garni de plumes.


I love feather pillows, because they always come back in shape and they are washable. Those are two highly important things for me because I tend to actually use what's in my house... It's not only there for pictures!


Je préfère toujours les coussins en plumes car ils reprennent toujours bien leur forme et ils sont lavables. Deux choses très importantes puisque j'ai tendance à utiliser mes objets... Eh oui, ils ne sont pas là que pour les photos !

 
After opening the box and marvelling at the pillow, I wondered where I would use it (because as I said, I like to use things). It turned out it was the perfect size to go on my old chair, you know the one who is the twin to the painted one in my kitchen?


Après avoir ouvert la boîte et admiré le coussin, je me suis demandée où j'allais le mettre (encore une fois, j'utilise toujours les choses). Il avait la taille parfaite pour aller sur mon vieux fauteuil en bois, vous savez, le jumeau de celui que j'ai peint dans ma cuisine ?

 
Suddenly the chair seemed very comfortable and that's when I decided to create a small reading area with it. 

Tout à coup, ma chaise avait l'air bien confortable et c'est là qu'a germé dans mon cerveau l'idée d'un petit coin lecture.

 
So I pushed the chair and its new cushion under the window, brought a little foot stool that I had found for a few euros in an empty-you-attic sale, fetched the little side table that I had found in an other of those sales. 

J'ai poussé le fauteuil et son nouveau coussin sous la fenêtre, apporté le petit repose-pieds trouvé pour quelques euros dans un vide-grenier, attrapé le petit guéridon trouvé dans un autre vide-grenier.

I thought it was nice, but not cosy enough. So I turned the little cabinet I had here by 90 degrees. It somehow separates the reading area from the front door  without loosing the light and I really like the feeling it gives me when I sit there... though, of course, this particular cabinet can't be in that position...

C'était vraiment sympa, mais je trouvais que cela n'était pas assez cosy. J'ai fait faire un quart de tour au meuble qui était là à droite de la fenêtre... et là, parfait, cela délimitait bien le coin lecture, le séparait de la porte, sans couper la lumière... sauf qu'évidemment ce meuble n'est pas du tout fait pour aller dans ce sens-là...

 
So this is how a cute pillow lead me to the hunt for the perfect piece to separate the door from this little nook. I haven't found it yet, but I'll keep you updated.

Et voilà comment un coussin me force à chercher le meuble idéal pour mettre entre la porte et la fenêtre... Non, vraiment, moi, je n'y suis pour rien !

The fact that the window is right behind me when I read makes it perfect even on grey days of October, but it makes it a nightmare to get a not-too-bad picture. 

Avoir la fenêtre derrière moi rend ce coin parfait pour la lecture, mais il rend aussi impossible toute bonne photo. Désolée.

 
There migt be a few fights as to who this chair is for. I finally won the other day and Shadow reluctantly settled on the sofa, facing me and giving me his evil look all the time.

Il se pourrait que tous les habitants de Cottage se battent pour ce fauteuil. J'ai finalement gagné l'autre jour et Shadow est allé bouder sur le canapé me faisant face tout en me lançant un regard noir.

 
Don't be fooled by the fact that he looks like a calm and quiet cat on this picture. Minutes before, he was playing hide and seek...

Ne vous laissez surtout pas avoir par son air calme. Quelques minutes auparavant, il jouait à cache-cache...

 
On Cottage's roof and then on the bed (please be nice, he really tought he was well hidden, don't hurt his feelings).

Sur le toit de Cottage, puis sur le lit (s'il vous plaît, jouez le jeu, il était persuadé d'être super bien caché, ne lui faites pas de peine).

So now you know why none of my projects are progressing... I'm in my chair and the book I just began is quite a big one, so I'm not going to finish it any time soon!

Voilà donc pourquoi mes projets n'avancent pas... Je suis dans mon fauteuil et je viens juste de commencer un gros livre que je ne suis pas près de finir!

See you soon,

A bientôt,


PS1: If you want your very own excuse for not working cushion, visit Wende here:

PS 1 : Si vous voulez votre propre excuse pour ne pas travailler coussin, allez rendre visite à Wende ici:

PS2: You might have noticed on the pictures that everything is still to be done in the living-room... Can you see what's coming for next year?

PS 2 : Vous avez sûrement remarqué dans les photos que tout est à faire dans le salon. Vous voyez ce qui vous attend sur le blog pour l'an prochain ?

PS3: I still have an other present to show you, but it deserved a post on its own, because it might force me to show you something about the upstairs...

PS 3 : J'ai encore un cadeau à vous montrer, mais cela mérite un article séparé car ce cadeau va peut-être, éventuellement, possiblement m'obliger à vous montrer un peu de l'étage...

PS4: I'm linking with

See original image      Photobucket                               


51 comments:

  1. What a beautiful gift! I love your cozy spot. Reading, tea and a warm spot are so inviting. It might be hard to get projects going again :-)

    Jocelyn

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  2. Such a pretty and thoughtful gift. It looks perfect in your cozy nook. I can see why Shadow is looking at you like that!

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  3. How sweet and thoughtful of Wende to send you such a cute and cozy gift! You have made great use of its comforting character!

    Poppy

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  4. Lovely cushions but also tell us about those green vases and bottles!AriadnefromGreece!

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  5. Love your pillow. What a sweet gift and I would definitely be sitting in your cozy nook reading. xo Laura

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  6. Isn't it lovely, how one thing leads to another? I like your cosy reading corner, and like you, I find a window over my shoulder perfect for reading.....and for stitching.

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  7. A lovely gift and a lovely reading corner. And I also like the enamel teapot. Hope you spend a lot of happy moments there.
    Amalia
    xo

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  8. So pretty. What a pretty and thoughtful gift. xoxo Su

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  9. What a thoughtful gift, and so pretty!! Glad you made a nook just for you....ha !!

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  10. Some type of small book case to separate the space? Beautiful pillows to cozy up the reading nook. I can see why adventurous Shadow loves it, needs his rest. Mr. Cottage is feeling quite dapper, with the wonderful changes. Enjoy your book Magali, you certainly deserve the quiet time. Kathleen in Az

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    1. Yes, I'm thinking about a bookcase or something like that. Shadow is now resting on my lap, before a stupid idea crosses his mind and he needs to do it immediately.

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  11. These are the most beautiful photos if your cottage Magali. What a lovely thoughtful gift! I love your reading corner.

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  12. The pillows are lovely and I adore your reading nook! I can't wait to see what you decide on for a room divider, it seems like it must be something where a lamp could sit for reading in the winter evenings, no? I am consumed with curiosity as to what that HUGE book is!!! Will you tell?

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  13. Your cat has its own pillow now ; 0) (just kidding :0))
    So lovely how cats al the new things try and sleep on it ...
    :0))
    Enjoy your (o) pillow and reading place !

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  14. Les cousins envoyés par la lectrice sont vraiment mignons... et ton coin lecture est très sympa... quant aux chats, ils sont les rois du cottage... mais ça, on le savait depuis longtemps ! Profite de tes quelques jours de vacances !

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  15. Ah, Magali, Cottage looks happy, kitty looks comfortable, and I hope you too are enjoying the quiet of home after a long day of teaching. Every detail, including this lovely cushion, makes Cottage into the heart of home in every way. How I LOVE YOUR STYLE!

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  16. How thoughtful of Wende to send you such a lovely gift. I see it was the perfect inspiration for you to make your reading nook for you and Shadow to nap. Cottage is so lucky you came along!

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  17. I too am a lover of feather pillows. Your new cover is just lovely! I adore your fantastic felines.
    Have a lovely fall weekend.

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  18. It all looks very cosy, and elegant, Magali. It normally does. I agree with you about feather pillows, though I recently stayed in a hotel that had THE most comfortable synthetic ones.

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  19. Love the sweet pillows, and kitty does indeed look like he's giving you the evil eye! I don't blame him, as I'd want that spot for myself too.

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  20. The pillow and pillow covers are so pretty. Love your little kitty so adorable.
    Kris

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  21. Beautiful pillow and 2 covers for the seasons, lucky girl! Enjoy your quiet little ready spot. I think you may be having to remove a kitty on a regular basis. Comfy spot! xo Patty

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  22. Oh dear what a beautiful setting under a window, cozy with a little country cottage feel and a chair of your own to read in. The feather stuffed pillow invites you to take time to sit in comfort and read as long as you delight in. Love both pillows and so well made. Such a sweet friend to have thought of you, and with all the beautiful construction taking place it's nothing short of a joy to receive a gift of such measures.
    Shadow has found new comfort in keeping the chair warm while you are up and about doing things around the home until you are ready to site and read or even write a bit.
    I adore the country feel to the place under the window, a sweet beautiful place to relaxing in surrounding yourself in it beauty makes a good book reading that much more enjoyable.

    Enjoy your days of beauty.

    Xx
    Bisous

    Doré

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  23. What a perfect spot for repose; especially after an intense day in the classroom. The pillow covers are works of art!

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  24. hola Magali te felicito por tu precioso regalo sobre todo porque adorna tu silla y aprovechas en tomar un descanso para leer te lo mereces disfrutalo, y en compania de tus adorables gatitos . Que tengas un buen fin de semana cuidate. nelly

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    1. Cuando los gatos y que no pueden ponerse de acuerdo , yo mantengo una de ellas en mi regazo mientras lee .

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  25. Hi Magali, blogging friends are so generous! The pillows are perfect, so neatly sewn and the fabric is beautiful. You can see that I am a sewer so I notice those things. Looks like you are having a beautiful Fall, it;s a beautiful Fall here in Utah to, my favorite. I'm finally back to blogging, and break was good. Your kitty is a hoot! Such good company, hmm maybe that's what I need. Enjoy your weekend. XO Jo

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  26. kitties always accentuate our home...I adore the photos of your home-mates...

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  27. Isn't it wonderful how a lovely little pillow can trigger your decorating brain into action? What a cozy corner to settle in with a book - are you reading anything good?

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  28. Beautiful gift and what a lovely thought. Your knook is so cozy. Enjoy!

    Cindy

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  29. beautiful pillow, and it's so perfect for your reading nook. It all seems so relaxing and inviting

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  30. The pillow is darling and looks perfect on the chair. I can see why Shadow is battling your for that spot. We once had a cat named Shadow and he looked very similar. Loved the hide and seek photos!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  31. I am having a catio built for my cat right ow and just posted its beginnings! It will keep my 2 cats safe while getting fresh air and watching the trees and birds!

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  32. Et pour plus de confort, je vois qu'il y a un radiateur juste à côté. Comme ça quand tu commences un livre, tu es trop confortablement installée pour songer à quitter ton fauteuil.
    Je crois que pour le meuble qu'il te faut maintenant, ce serait bien qu'il ait tous les côtés montrables, c'est en général le cas pour les petites consoles qu'on peut facilement mettre en épi. Si un petit meuble te plait mais que l'arrière n'est pas top, tu peux aussi lui faire un dos capitonné avec un joli tissu. Pourquoi pas un petit "dos d'âne ou un bonheur du jour" . Je suis sûre que tu le reconnaitras quand tu le verras.
    En atrendant ton cottage a un bien joli destin avec une propriétaire aussi attentionnée.
    Passe un bon weekend. Bises. Babette

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  33. Hi.......i'm SO it was an inspiration to you..an i must say..it does look wonderful in that sweet chair..and i love the little stand you used as the divider..that little space does look great for cosy'ing up with a nice hot cup of tea this winter..or maybe a hot cocoa..Thanks for the link too.!! Hope you have a Fantastic weekend..

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    1. SO happy..sometimes my hands get ahead of my thoughts..

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  34. Les coussins sont bien jolis, parfaits pour ce douillet coin de lecture, forcément apprécié par tes compagnons à 4 pattes !
    Bon week-end.
    Nathalie

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  35. Darling pillows and a sweet little reading nook. We emulate cats in that we too like to be snug and cozy.

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  36. What a wonderful and thoughtful surprise! The pillow is just beautiful and looks so charming in your new reading nook. I don't know what I would do without my silly cats, they do keep me entertained. Have a lovely week ~ Mickie.

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  37. oh, quelle finition soignée pour ces coussins : le dos de l'enveloppe est aussi raffiné que la face visible ! l'illustration de Noël est trop jolie - profitez bien du coin lecture pendant les vacances - cordialement - monique59

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  38. There is nothing better than a cozy chair and a good, fat book. Cats understand about the chair, but any cat I have ever owned has hated reading of any kind. I think this is due to the fact that it takes attention away from them. I hope your cats will give you enough peace in the chair to finish the book. The cushion is adorable.

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  39. Haha The evil eye looked pretty scary to me!! What a gorgeous gift Magali! I still can't reply to you though. I tried again on your last email. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend my friend!!

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  40. Le poème 'objets inanimés avez-vous donc une âme' n'est pas écrit pour chez toi où les objets sont animés...

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  41. A lovely gift used in a very charming way. I love it all. Enjoy, Magali!

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  42. That is a very pretty gift and looks great on your reading nook Magali! I would be stuck in that corner too. :-)

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  43. Oh, I love feather pillows!! So lovely! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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  44. Those pillows are so pretty! It's funny how one little thing can inspire a host of new ideas! Enjoy your comfy spot - maybe you need to create a schedule so the cats know when it is their turn to sit in the chair!

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