The Lil Cottage Shoppe

Closing one Chapter, Opening Another

2008-01-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

Well, it is with great sadness that I say I will be closing the Lilcottageshoppe, last year pretty much wiped me out, and there are no funds left for inventory, but 2008 brings new beginnings, and my new business, Retroboutiques.com is now in full swing. I will be adding all new designs in the next week, and have 5 sites in progress as we speak...so, if you are in need of a site, please visit my new blog at .. http://retroboutiques.blogspot.com/ (which by the way, still has Christmas decorations up :), and stop by my site at www.retroboutiques.com.

Another another sad note, our friend Mary, from Isabella's closet is ill and in financial need. This woman, who has given so much of herself to everyone else, is too proud to ask for help.
Since I have absolutely no money to help, I wondered what I could do...well, I can auction off a website design, with the proceeds going to Mary to pay for meds. So go to my my blog at
http://retroboutiques.blogspot.com, read the details, and bid on a site for Mary...payment will be paypaled directly to her at the auction end!
Come on, we need to pull together to help our precious Mary!

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

MMP Cookie Exchange

2007-11-29T04:38:00.000-06:00

Join the Make Mine Pink Bloggers for a Christmas Cookie Exchange.

Since it will be difficult to get us all together~ let’s exchange our favorite cookie recipes. Starting December 3 and throughout the week, the Bloggers at Make Mine Pink will post a favorite cookie recipe or two, maybe a few family traditions, some Christmas Cheer and a quick peek at their Christmas Décor.

How about you, will you do the same? If you leave a comment on the Make Mine Pink Blog we will be happy to visit your blog. Please have cookies ready.

Remember, if you are in need of a blog design or website, my new boutique is now open...visit me at www.retroboutiques.com

And visit my new blog at

http://retroboutiques.blogspot.com/

Leave a comment for a free blog banner giveaway!

Till next time.....

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Girly, Trendy and Hip, My latest project!

2007-11-10T00:08:00.000-06:00

She wanted girly, trendy and hip....this is what we came up with....not finished yet, but you get the idea...see it in action at http://www.serendipiti-do-da.com/ This has a flash entry, shopping cart, and is hosted by Merchantmoms....the most affordable way to do business!

If you need an affordable website, contact me!

Till next time.....

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Christmas Templates

2007-10-29T02:47:00.001-05:00

Well, they say something good comes out of everything....when we had the flood, it seemed all the wood in the world floated into OUR yard. My hubby and I were mumbling like crazy when the water receded and we had to lug all the wood to the woodpile, I mean, I have no idea who it belonged to, it just came in with the water from the lake....well.....it was mighty cold today, and that wood sure came in handy in the old woodstove! Never even thought about it while cleaning it up, but we usually spend several hundred dollars each winter for the wood...this was our gift.....and it actually was dry and made the prettiest fire!

On to business...............Christmas Website Templates, Etsy Banners and more holiday items are being added to my site daily....here's a glimpse of a couple...

Pink Christmas Template

Traditional Red and Green Christmas Template

Antique Themed Blog Banner

Be sure to stop by the
The Retro Boutiques often, I am adding tons more Christmas items, blog banners, and logos so you can greet your customers with the Holiday Spirit while they shop!

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Remodeling and Cheap Goodies

2007-10-18T03:17:00.000-05:00

I'm remodeling my Retroboutiques site....didn't like the black...so stay tuned....

In the meantime....have you been to going to the plugboards? You have to plug, what a great free way to advertise, and get links for search engine optimization! I'm offering plugs for 5.00....just contact me or visit me at Retroboutiques for your plug, and go find those plugboards!

I can make them match your Etsy store, your website, or your blog, or we can just make it what you want!

Till next time.....

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Wild and Crazy New Mod Retro Website Template

2007-10-02T23:40:00.000-05:00

So...this is kinda crazy...I was just in a very colorful mood....my newest template..

I've added a few new ones, with styles from calm and serene to crazy retro...

all depends on my mood :O

Till next time.....

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Working Like Crazy

2007-09-27T01:25:00.000-05:00

I have been working like crazy to get new designs on the new site, here is my latest...this was a fun one...to see the full page, visit my new site Retro Boutiques!

Till next time.....

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Animated Christmas Blog or Website Header

2007-09-25T02:13:00.000-05:00

I've put up the first of my christmas headers on Retro Boutiques. Keep checking, I will be adding holiday graphics as fast as I can....go see it in action Here!

I want to shout out a big thank you for a very touching post a friend wrote about me...Peggy, from SoShabbyPink, really understood why I decided to change gears as far as my business goes after our flood...it made me rethink everything, after losing so many $$ in inventory. Thank you Peggy!

Till next time.....

Arlene

www.retroboutiques.com
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Getting Back to Normal

2007-09-21T19:57:00.000-05:00

So, almost all is cleaned up from the flood. My yard in back is a goner, though, as well as the roses and hydrangeas. I pray they will fight it out and come back next year. Lost most all of my inventory, so the funds are non existent right now. This led me to embark on a new adventure, one that does not require inventory. A year ago I began taking online web design classes, and always wanted to do web design. Well, a friend from Florida needed a site, so I did it and am so happy with the results. It was then I decided to take on a "side" business so I am now in the web design business. My designs will focus on retro, vintage, antique, old world or anything else you can dream up. Stop by and take a peek, not many in my new site yet, but I am working hard to get it stocked, and there are always custom designs!
My new site is
Retro Boutiques
I will be starting another blog just for that side.
I will still be selling at the Lilcottageshoppe, but have been forced to scale back out of necessity. At least with my new business, I will just have to grab my computer and run, without fear of my entire business floating around in the garage if it ever floods here again. Wish me luck, and if you are in need of an affordable website, blog design, or logo, give me a yell!

Also, thank you so very much to everyone who has commented and wished me well during the nightmare flood! Your comments meant so very much to me!

Land Ahoy!!!!

2007-08-31T12:27:00.000-05:00

Land, we see land! Yay, the water in front has receded and I can get my car out..now maybe I can get my packages shipped, they are allowing traffic on the street again so the mailman and dhl can get in! The back, now its still a 3 foot swimming pool...but oh, what a mess....I'll be knee deep in mud and muck trying to make this place livable again...I did lose some inventory in the garage...going to try to access the losses today...wish me luck!

www.lilcottageshoppe.com
www.cottageshopestatesales.com

Flooded!

2007-08-24T16:59:00.001-05:00

Not sure if anyone is following the news, but I live in Fox Lake, Illinois, and it has been quite a week. This is my backyard as of this morning, over 2 feet high and still rising. There is our pier out there, somewhere, normally 2 feet above water, now about 2 feet under. We are expecting flash floods again tonight...so wish me luck!
If you are waiting for a delivery from me, it may still be delayed until this water recedes...mail truck cannot get in here! We have been sandbagging the house, but our crawl space is to the top and its inevitable it will come up more. News has been here several times this week, filming the fish jumping in my backyard...this is surreal, you think it always happens to someone else.
My kudos to our town employees, they are working tirelessly delivering sandbags, helping any way they can....and believe it or not, knock on wood, for the moment at least, today, I have power!

The Lil Cottage Shoppe
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
Vintage, Antique, Shabby Cottage and Beach Cottage Chic!
All things romantic for your home.

Calling all Collectors!

2007-08-09T09:25:00.001-05:00

What do you collect? I collect Vintage Perfume Bottles, Vintage Talc Tins, it seems I have begun collecting white ironstone now, too! I will be adding a monthly feature to my website featuring a different set of collections each month. If you collect, and would like to be featured, please contact me for details!

The Lil Cottage Shoppe
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
Vintage, Antique, Shabby Cottage and Beach Cottage Chic!
All things romantic for your home.

Lovely Lady!

2007-07-27T09:48:00.001-05:00

Reminds me of me, once lovely :), now a bit worn!

The Lil Cottage Shoppe
www.lilcottageshoppe.com
Vintage, Antique, Shabby Cottage and Beach Cottage Chic!
All things romantic for your home.

This Weeks Finds!

2007-07-22T23:58:00.001-05:00

Are you missing your grandparents? I found them!

Fabulous Art Nouveau Chandelier from Spain!

Pair of Capodimonte Porcelain Roses...

Couldn't resist this Cherub Crystals Lamp!

Love this old shabby cabinet! It has the original handpainted florals still on it!

These are all for sale on my ebay auctions right now....

Now the real question is, why am I not rich so I don't have to sell these? This is right up my alley, love them all and it hurts to sell!

Some Pretties on Ebay From Make Mine Pink!

2007-07-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

You must check out the current auctions being run by the girls at Make Mine Pink.....will add as they come, but there are some beautiful items running right now!
July 20...just added a few more shabby auctions!

Shabby Cherub Lamp

Polka Dot Pink Lips Pillow

Polka Dot Green Lips Pillow

Polka Dot Hot Pink Lips Pillow

Pink Princess Doorknob Pillow

Toile Princess Doorknob Pillow

Pink Satin Asian Design Pillow

Victorian Princess Doorknob Pillow

Vintage Shabby Cottage Chair with Pink Rose Skirt

Pink Rose & Embroidered Matelasse Porch Pillow

Amy Butler Henna Paisley Pink & Lime Quilted Tote

Shabby Architectural Pedestal Candlesticks

Shabby Cottage White Wicker Bride Floral Basket

Paris Shabby Romantic Cottage Cherub Putti Statues

Vintage Style Collage Art Mirror-So Shabby!

Bohemian Art Crystal Pink Button Sterling Pendant

Lot Shabby Ashwell Fabric Rose Cyrus Clark Vintage Chic

Vintage Linen Cutter Lot Tablecloth Lace Embroidery Lot

Cottage Rose Canvas Framed Print

Makeover

2007-07-12T19:36:00.000-05:00

Before.......

After..............

I love it, and even hubby does...this is on ebay right now, if it doesn't sell, its going in the guest bedroom!

Picking up another antique bed from a freecycler tonight. I have no idea what it looks like so this should be interesting!

An Interview with Sis Boom!

2007-07-11T01:45:00.000-05:00

Ladies, if you haven't heard of Jennifer Paganelli of Sis Boom, you must be living under a rock! Well, we at Make Mine Pink are happy to announce our first "Interview with an Entrepreneur," and Jennifer is our first! Now scoot over to Make Mine Pink and read what it takes to have a dream, and make it work!
Thank you Jennifer!

A New Trash to Treasure Project in the Works

2007-07-10T00:27:00.001-05:00

I love this old score..its a Simmons Metal Bed, looked it up, it dates to the early 1900's. Can't wait to makeover this one....here are the befores.......

I just love the rose medallion in the center!

And yes, I love all of your wonderful studios.....see what your studio looks like when you buy an old neglected cottage with no basement, attic, or spare bedrooms? My studio is the garage and driveway, so all my makeovers have to happen when the weather cooperates. After cleaning and sanding this today, I had it all laid out to prime, and the sky suddenly turned black, and major, major storms rolled through here. Will try again tomorrow!

Cottage White Antique Cast Iron Fireplace Surround, wish it could cover it all!

2007-06-25T20:48:00.000-05:00

So this week, I finally got around to some of the before and afters in my storage unit...namely this old cast iron fireplace surround. It was hideously rusted, and black and maroon, and green, and ugly. So out came my wire brush and sandpaper, and I sanded and brushed till almost all the old paint (I probably have lead poisoning now) was off, and all the dirty old rust was gone. Then 3 coats of Martha Stewart White Ironstone paint. Now this is going on ebay and/or my website, so I had to find a place to take the shot. Sadly, I have no fireplace, only a woodstove that came with the cottage. The woodstove is a blueish tile. I so badly want it cottage white, but don't think I can paint the tile (can I???) Anyway, I set this in front of it....and loved how it looks. But I need to find something to totally encase it...any ideas? This is probably the last eyesore keeping my cottage from looking like I want it! This surround is going up for sale, but I need this look!

A Spelter Soldiers Goodbye to His Love Lamp

2007-06-25T20:30:00.001-05:00

Love this circa 1920's lamp, a spelter figural depicting a soldier and his girl, probably saying goodbye before he leaves. They are holding hands and she has her head down, looking so sad. Look at the detailed carved roses on this! It should have had a glass probably fan shaped shade, but it has not made it, but I couldn't resist it anyway!

Have You Found Any Diamonds Yet?

2007-06-23T01:16:00.000-05:00

If you haven't, you have to hurry on over to Make Mine Pink!

Don't forget, the grand prize when this is over is a genuine pink diamond pendant worth $1,000.00!Click on the diamond above to find out what boutiques are participating, search those boutiques, find the 6 diamonds, win a wonderful prize and be entered in the grand prize drawing for the Gorgeous Pink Diamond! I wish I was eligible, I would be searching my little fingers off, a diamond, and pink, too boot!

Vintage Vintage Up to my Ears in Vintage Patterns

2007-06-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

60, yes 60 vintage patterns are what I am listing on ebay this week. This is just a small sample....I love them! What doesn't sell will go in my stash! I would put them all in my stash, buy I think hubby would kill me! Love the dresses, and several for children and baby too! To take a peek, click on the ebay link on the sidebar.

Cottage Progress

2007-06-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

Before

After
The weather finally cooperated with us and we finished painting the deck and the trim...my deck looks twice as big as it used to. Now I have to decide what color to paint the door, and look for an old, gingerbready screen. I need to paint the bottom lattice under the deck, but I think that may wait till next year...and I need to plant in front of it, lots of color is needed...and I need to make cushions for the wicker....my list never seems to end, but this was instant gratification for me after living with the 70's deck and trim up until now. My neighbors love it, and I love it! So, what would you plant in front of the deck? Zone 5, full sun faces east.

And don't forget, Bingo going on at Make Mine Pink Just register for the public forum, and join in on the fun, gorgeous gifts being donated for each game by the boutiques!

Good Luck and Prayers to you Amy

2007-06-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

Our friend Amy, of Foursistersinacottage is having a radical bilateral mastectomy today. Please keep her in your prayers. Her surgery is at 1:30 today, central time.

Rest in Peace Kelsey....

2007-06-06T17:14:00.000-05:00

There are no words of comfort for endings like this one....

You are in Heaven now.