i heart this house.

i want to live here.

as i type this, julie andrews is singing about bright copper kettles and crisp apple strudels--as if on repeat--in the far off places of my mind. i ran across this new york times article about a year ago, featuring the most amazing little cottage i have ever... ever... seen. an absolutely-amazingly-talented woman named sandy foster reconstructed an old hunting cabin in the woods of new york and turned it into the mecca of shabby-chicness.

i fell in love.

not only is it just the sweetest lil house, but it is filled with some of my most favorite things (and no, not warm woolen mittens, cream colored ponies or brown paper packages tied up with string). rather, antiques, beautiful flowers and chandeliers dripping with crystals.

did i mention i fell in love?

see for yourself: these are a few of my favorite things...

i *love* the gingerbread trim on this front porch. i've always told nick, just give me a house with a front porch and i will be the happiest girl. i have recently added window boxes to that two-item criteria list for our future home. adorable.

how sweet are the bookshelves up in the peak of the ceiling? and the tissue poms strung around the room? aaaand the chandelier?? i vow to someday have a chandelier in every.single.room.of.our.home.

drooling yet?

this is her sleeping loft. yes... a sleeping loft. just so freaking cute. and she bought the bedding from target. which, by the way, totally single-handedly justifies my obsession with target.

i simply adore all of the details she has lovingly used to decorate her space. old bottles (one of my favs), antique books and french-inspired vintage mirrors. i think if i find anything that looks like these in my frequent antiquing trips, i just may burst with excitement. i *love* all the floral detail and vintage design. {sigh}

mantle. i love, love, love the contrast of fresh flowers with the old china and antique books and candlesticks.

ohhhhhh white dishes, pitchers and teacups. i'm having heart palpitations. i've always loved turquoise, so i especially adore that sweet lil table. i'm becoming a huge fan of the turquoise&pink combo. cute, cute, cute.

i loved this snowy shot. it makes this cottage even more perfect for me :)

white tablescape complete with china, lace, ice cream and marshmellows. how adorable is this?!

tucked away in the woods. isn't this the cutest lil thing?

are you in love now too?

i.

told.

you.

so.

i came across sandy's blog today and think i will be a frequent visitor. since i can't have her come build us a house, being inspired by her design via the internet is probably the next best thing, i guess. i love her admiration of all things old, and her resolve to repurpose and salvage what others may see as junk and make it into the most beautiful pieces.

since we can't move in here anytime soon (smile), i will take from ms. foster her usage of all things thrift-store/antique/yard sale/heirloom. not only do those pieces hold much more beauty, but much more character and memory.

i.heart.this.house.