Thursday, August 25, 2011

cottages & bungalows & blogthday & giveaway



Phew! As I've mentioned, this summer has been kind of a crazy whirlwind for me and I'm looking forward to schedules resuming and temperatures dropping (slightly). So, receiving the October issue of Cottages & Bungalows in August is just fine with me -- especially since I wrote and photographed an article about my own kitchen and dining room low-cost re-do project!



This photo didn't make the cut but as you can see from the other images, paint and hardware can go a loooong way in DIY-land. Read all about it!



I originally pitched this idea quite a while ago and am so thankful to Editor and SuperCoolSweetie, Jickie Torres for giving it the green light and more.



As most bloggers can relate, I love(d) running out to buy flowers and fruit, styling and creating vignettes, taking photos, writing and sharing.



Jickie mentioned that the magazine loves to receive feedback so that if any of my blogging friends would like to send a Letter to the Editor about my article, it would be so appreciated. You can even email it to editorial@cottagesandbungalowsmag.com.
{Warmest thank yous, if you're able to take the time}



In just a few days it will be my 3rd Blogthday! To celebrate I am holding a giveaway of a subscription to Cottages & Bungalows, compliments of the magazine. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. I plan to randomly select and announce a winner on August 28* -- the day of my very first post.

Off to gather up flashlights and batteries!

xo
elyse

Note: Due to hurricane preparations, my computer will most likely be unplugged on 8/28. If this is the case, the giveaway will be extended until I'm back online. :)





93 comments:

Into Vintage said...

*Love* your kitchen re-do -- paint is truly miraculous, isn't it? Weird border wallpaper is not. It's all looks so fresh!

And happy blogiversary as well - your giveaway would be a wonderful thing to win. ;-) Stay safe in that weather!

Into Vintage said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Laura Zarrin said...

Your kitchen is so adorable! I love the pops of red.

Anonymous said...

GASP - - I puffy heart this - you give me hope for my dark dungeon of a kitchen!! I might even have to paint the floor!

Happy 3rd and thanks for the chance to win the lovely mag!

Baton down the hatches - safe, loving thoughts to you and yours! xo
Renee Burke

schmorga said...

Paint works miracles----your "new " kitchen looks great!
Please put my name in the hat for the subscription and watch out for that hurricane.
Chris

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

What a wonderful honor to have your kitchen in the magazine!

Hope I win the magazine subscription...looks great! and I also hope you are very safe if the hurricane comes your way.

Louise said...

Congratulations! Your kitchen is so sweet. I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes white appliances!

Alison said...

What an amazing transformation! I love your kitchen!
I'll be sending good vibes your way this week from the Gulf Coast -- hope the hurricane goes out to sea.
Hugs,
Alison

Hearts Turned said...

How very exciting, Elyse! Congrats on the article--everything looks amazing!

Happy almost 3rd blogaversary, my friend! My 2nd is the same week....been so busy that I haven't even thought of a giveaway--thanks for the reminder! And thanks for the chance to win!

Sending you "safe from the storm" wishes!

Julie

Michele said...

I would be thrilled to win this subscription!!!! I just love your blog! Congrats!

Angela said...

I love your house and your blog! Happy Blogthday to you!!

JunqueMagnet said...

Ah, the power of paint. Happy anniversary and thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Oh how awesome! You know I ♥ your house and I would ♥ ♥ ♥ to win a subscription to this mag!!

Congrats again on seeing your dreams come true this year- you wonderful girl you!! ♥

Unknown said...

I love your blog and the kitchen is stunning! We are looking at cottages right now and I love how you handled the space. Great ideas.

Scrap for Joy said...

Your kitchen is one of the happiest kitchens I've seen. I'm not one of those over the top, chandelier hanging over the table kind of people. Give me some bits of color and a clean look. Love all the touches of red you have.
The magazine is great, I buy it from time to time. A subscription would be wonderful!
Please be safe Elyse. We have kids in NYC and on Long Island...we're keeping tabs on everyone!
xoxo
Joyce

Blessed Serendipity said...

It must be so neat to see your kitchen in print. Your kitchen is adorable and I love the soft paint color in there. Congratulations on your blog anniversary.

Danielle

Trish said...

It simply makes me happy... The colors are mom and grandma's all wrapped up in my heart...

NanaDiana said...

Love the kitchen redo and I will sure post a letter to the Editor for you! Lovely job you did!

It is still feeling pretty summery here but the girls will soon be off to school! xo Diana

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Congrats! How exciting I will try to find the C & B to see for myself.It looks great and I hear you a lil paint goes along way~Cheers Kim

janice15 said...

IT LOOKS JUST GREAT NICE AND WARM AND INVITING. GREAT JOB.!!! HOW EXCITING TO HAVE YOUR KITCHEN IN THE MAGAZINE...WOW...NITE.

Jill said...

Congrats on your article! Whenever I see photos of your cute kitchen I want to paint my worn down cabinets white. I love how light and cheery your kitchen is.
Congrats on your blog anniversary also! Time flies, doesn't it?! Sending best wishes for many more years of cheery cottage inspiration!
Hugs,
Jill

This Old Country House said...

I just came across your blog and I absolutely LOVE your kitchen, very much the colors I love to decorate with as well. I don't know if you are randomly or selectively picking the winner for your giveaway but I would be SO pleased with a subscription especially for my bday- Aug 28th!

Cindy said...

Evening Elyse. Prayers are going out for you guys on the East Coast. Please be safe!!

Love the kitchen spread in the magazine. I am glad they listened to you on the layout. Love all the fresh flowers. Don't you just wish to keep them around all the time?!!

Would love to be in the drawing...but will be just as happy to know you and your little kitchen are safe after Irene moves thru!!

Hugs from hot Texas..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Michele said...

Wonderful giveaway from a wonderful blogger, and writer, and artist and stylist, and ....
Thank you for this opportunity!
How funny that my word verification word is "foofo"! Must be a sign!

casapinka said...

Congrats, Elyse! I loooooove your kitchen. I mean I really love it. The pink teapot, the nice bright walls, polka dotted oilcloth, and HEY, I just got that very silverware at the Cath Kidston OUTLET in Ireland. Thanks for the inspiration - as I arrived here after planning the Casapinka emergency kit for Irene, which, sheepishly, will include Diet Coke and design magazines, including this one which I can't wait to buy.
xoxox Pink

deannaf said...

your kitchen redo is beautiful! looks so fresh and homey! love it! I would love a subscription to Cottages and Bungalows! love that sort of thing!

Janet said...

Love the re-do! And of course a chance to win the prize! Congrats on your article!

dena jensen said...

Giddy that you got the green light to tackle this project! Its so overwhelming to look at an outdated ugly room and icky wallpaper. Your blog is just the motivation I need to tackle my project. Thanks for giving ME the green light!

Unknown said...

Your kitchen re-do is gorgeous, and belongs in a magazine :)
Happy blog birthday! Congrats!
I love Cottages and Bungalows mag, and would love to win. Thanks

Linda said...

I think cottage and bungalow are the most versatile of all for decor. We can put so much of ourselves and yet maintain the roots of the genre. I would love to have a subscription! I need some finishing touches for our bungalow.

Annelies said...

Happy Happy Birthday...with much joy and blessings for the year.

Wendy@Once upon a rose haven said...

Dear Elyse,

Well done! I love it! And a very happy and safe blogthday!

Hugs,
~Wendy

Sara S. said...

Your kitchen is so different! Gratz on your blogiversary!

Diane Mars said...

Congratulations, your kitchen is just perfect for their magazine! I would love to win! fingers crossed~ Hugs, Diane

Annie said...

Great kitchen make over! 2 & a bit years into living in our new build house & we have only decorated the dining room lol. It's such a big decision as a couple we just can't agree & could do with some inspiration! Congrats on the article, it looks like a lovely magazine :)

PHF said...

The kitchen looks wonderful!! I might be biased as mint is my very favorite color, but gosh! Everything looks so clean and fresh!

Rhonda @ The Cozy Loft said...

A friend of mine sent me a link to your blog and as soon as I saw it, I bookmarked it before even reading a word! The colors had me from the beginning!

I just purchased a little cottage home that's in need of a tremendous amount of work. I'm in a mad rush on a non-existent budget to get it ready for move in (by the 31st!) and then will take my time and choose everything just right for everything else. I've been looking through sites for different ideas and many of my Facebook friends have been sending me links to look at - your blog was one of them!

I love your style and your kitchen makeover - it's amazing and cozy and precious! Very well done!

Happy Blog Anniversary also, that's a true accomplishment within itself. :)
Rhonda

LissyLou said...

gorgeous kitchen makeover. The 28th is my sons birthday!! great giveaway xx

kitchenchemistry said...

Congrats on 3 years - enjoyed reading your blog!

Pink Princess said...

Congrats on your 3rd blagaversary :) LOVE the redo of the kitchen, looks so fresh to me.

Enter me in the giveaway if I may...PLEASE pretty please lol ♥

Claudia said...

Congratulations, my friend! You are quite the presence in the magazine writing world and I'm thrilled for you. I will have to find a copy and look at your pretty pictures and read your story.

I'm off today to get batteries, candles, canned goods, etc. This whole hurricane thing is rather ominous.

xoxo
Claudia

Clara {Clover and Violet} said...

Such a pretty transformation. I really love the white and the flowers are such a nice added touch. A wonderful giveaway!

Heather - Speckled Egg said...

Congrats on the article! Your "new" kitchen is adorable!!! Amazing transformation!

Stay safe on Sunday! We're getting ready to hunker-down too! Yikes!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

That truly is a fabulous redo. You took the space from dark to light, bright and airy. Beautiful! Congrats on the article and your blogiversary. Best wishes, Tammy

Anonymous said...

love your kitchen re-do
love P.A.I.N.T.
happy blogiversary
would love to win :D
~victoria~

Farmhouse Soaps said...

I just happened upon your blog and it is beyond lovely. Thank you for sharing so much inspiration! I love your kitchen re-do! Absolutely wonderful!
Marianne

shabbyfufu said...

I think you know how much I enjoy your work lovey! Congrats.....xoxo,
Janet

Linda said...

Wow! What an honour to have your kitchen in a mag. I would love to win a subscription.
Happy 3rd Blogiversary!

Gabriela Delworth - Instructional Designer said...

Hello,

Congrats! Love your kitchen!


Gabriela

Anonymous said...

LOVED the kitchen redo....made it so fresh and light!! AND I love "Cottages & Bungalows"...would love to win a subscription!!

Debby said...

Your kitchen is amazing. I love what you did.
Beautiful.
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary. I love how blogging has changed my life.
I would love to win this. I love the magazine and I would read it from cover to cover.

Yvonne from North Carolina said...

Congrats on your published article in Cottages & Bungalows! Absolutely lovely! I will purchase this issue just to see your pretty kitchen makeover. Thanks for the giveaway (hope I win) and happy blogthday! :o)

GardenOfDaisies said...

Your kitchen makeover was amazing! So glad you got to publish it in the magazine!! Thank you for the chance to win!

Karen said...

I am always so excited excited to see you get published. I walk around the store grinning like a madwoman and 1/2 the time read it in the car. Too funny! Congratulations!!!
So happy blogbirthday! And I would love to win your giveaway!!! Pick me! Pick me!
Stay safe through Irene, I will be thinking about you and post if and when you can.
Big hugs for a safe weekend!
Karen

Anonymous said...

I raise my glass and say "here's to you"
happy 3rd Blogthday and many happy cook ups...

thanks 4 the giveaway :)
good luck all!!

belinda_jane_78@hotmail.com

AnnieAnnie said...

I love all your PINK!!!!!

Jen Kershner said...

Girl! I am so happy for you!!! I just discovered that magazine a few months ago (where have I been anyway?) and it is now one of my go to magazines being the official owner of a cottage now and not just a lover of cottage style. Your kitchen project gives me hope!

Anonymous said...

I have always loved your kitchen Elyse- geez is there anything in your home I haven't loved...

Happy # 3!!

bee blessed
mary

Praying the hurricane will skirt right past with no damage.

K @ Aurora Blythe said...

Congrats on this wonderful accomplishment, Elyse! I would love to be entered in your giveaway. So pretty!

koralee said...

Congratulations my friend..I can not believer the difference some white paint and cute decorating can make to a home.

Thinking about you this weekend...stay safe. xoxox

What a fun giveaway...thanks for the chance.

Sandi said...

Congratulations Elyse!! I would love to enter your giveaway. I am at my daughter's house again so your blog pops right up for me here as I have told you before. YAY!!
Hugs~

Lisa said...

Congrats on your article!! I always love seeing your home. Stay safe we are ready for tomorrow but it will be Sunday or Monday for you. Hope it is just a good reason to stay home ;)
Thanks for offering the subscription! I would LOOOOOOVVEE it.
Hugs, Lisa

SLR said...

i so loved reading your article and seeing the pics of your adorable kitchen in the magazine!

would love to win a subscription to this magazine it's one of the few i don't already subscribe too!

stay safe and out of "Irene's" way!!

Unknown said...

I have a "happy" red and white kitchen too! love it! Would love to win too!

Nicole said...

I want you kitchen! It is so sweet & pretty. Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

i would love to win a subscription. Thanks for sharing all your photos.

Creative Grammie said...

Aloha Elyse,
Congrats on being in print at such a great magazine! That of course is well deserved, your kitchen is beautiful.
Happy Blogaversary! And I love your giveaway, thanks for a chance to win.
Blessings Of safety to you during this nasty storm.

Heirloom treasures said...

your kitchen looks so very fresh and I love the splashes of red against the white.

barb's creations said...

Congratulations on your article,will have to have a look at my newsagency next time I'm there and grab the mag.Happy blogversary as well :) Barb.

Unknown said...

Elyse,
What a beautiful transformation. I love how much light you added to your kitchen and dining room. I don't know whether you are an amazing journalist or interior decorator. You seem to handle both with ease.

I will look for this magazine and send a response. Your rooms are totally enchanting. I have been changing my guest room to be more cottage or shabby chic. I love your style.

Stay safe tomorrow.

Karen

Cottage Flair said...

Congrats on your article. You have been in so many publications! Your kitchen is beautiful! We're preparing for the hurricane too. Good luck!!
Jennifer

Cheryl Vanatti said...

Pick me!!!

Sugar Pink Boutique said...

Your kitchen is gorgeous so fresh and clean! I am very impressed with your decorating skills! Congratulations being featured in such a lovely magazine! Happy blogiversary too and thank you for doing such a wonderful giveaway! Stay safe I am praying for ya'll. Hugs, Jennifer xoxo

Suzie Button said...

Love the lightness of your kitchen re-do! Congrats on it being in the magazine too and your blog anniversary upcoming! Lots to celebrate! I'd adore a subscription, so please throw my name into the hat! Susan purrpage3 at verizon dot net

permanent magenta said...

Fabulous Elyse! i love it. You make the steps so clear-I am inspired, and the photos are bright and lovely. Thanks.

Suz said...

Congratulations, Elyse. I just love your redo. The magazine looks like something i would really enjoy. I will keep my eyes open if I don't win ;-)
Fondly,
Suz

Kristen said...

I always love red in the kitchen.

Hope you are all ok !

Kristen
searchforgod@yahoo.com

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

How exciting Elyse! I LOVE the pictures you took! You are good! How are you doing with the visit from Irene?! Crazy! Be safe.

Love ya,
Maryjane
xox

The Polka Dot Closet said...

First stay safe!
Happy blogaversary! 3 years is quite an accomplishment!! Congratulations on getting your kitchen published! It is adorable and finally I want your pink tea kettle LOL!

Carol

Jeanne said...

How fabulous Elyse! Congratulations...I can't wait to read about your kitchen makeover in the magazine.
xo
jeanne

farmersdotter said...

Just came across your blog and it looks very interesting! Hope you are fairing OK. Please enter me in your giveaway.
Brenda...the Farmer's Dotter

Maureenie said...

Hello Elyse!
I pray you and your family are safe from the hurricane! Happy Blogbirthday! I love love love your re-do kitchen....so light and bright!
Blessings!
Rhonda

Donna Krobock said...

Happy Birthday! Can't wait to get this issue and see your kitchen in all its glory!!

Peggy said...

I would love to win the subscription! thanks for the great giveaway

Kristen Pare said...

I just love how paint can transform a space. Beautiful and any excuse to have fresh flowers is good for me! Thanks for sharing.

Junk It Folk said...

Let's hope Irene makes a quick exit! But thanks for the give away! Congrats on your blogversary!

aimee said...

congratulations on your blog anniversary and to be being featured in such a wonderful magazine!. i enjoy reading what you are up to. i wasn't able to comment (due to being kicked off the internet) before so i wasn't able to enter :( great prize!
blessings,
aimee

Helen said...

Gosh well done your make over looks wonderful, stay safe. xx

Lee said...

Your kitchen is wonderful! thanks for the giveaway. Be safe!

debi said...

Congrats on your magazine article. Love your photos! And every time I see pics of your sweet and pretty kitchen and dining room, it makes me want to redecorate something!

Happy Blogthday to the sweetest blogger!

SueLovesCherries said...

Happy Blogiversary! Looks like I missed the giveaway, which is too bad, because I just love Cottages & Bungalows! I had to let my subscription run out because my hubby has been out of work for almost 3 years. But, I'll be sure to pick up the October issue to see your article! Congrats!

eu, Lila Cassini said...

I like much your kichen! INcredible! http://casadalila.blogspot.com

Cottage Holiday said...

Wow i love your blog its awesome nice pictures and fantastic cottages kitchen is so sweet you must have did hard work on your blog!
Thanks for sharing!!!