Keeping it Cozy Guest Post

Hi there!  

My name is Andrea and I'm from the blog Keeping it Cozy.  I always look forward to reading Anita's lovely blog, so I was honored when she asked if I would write a guest post for her this summer.

 I live in a tiny southern town with my husband and our two precious daughters.  We love the simplicity of country living, so we sold our house in the city a little over two years ago and bought an 80-year-old home in the country.  I count my blessings every day for my sweet family and so today I thought I might share a simple evening outdoors at our farmhouse.

Growing up we always ate meals together as a family and I treasure those memories.  Today, as a wife and a mother, this is something that is very important to me and I cherish this time together, visiting and sharing little things about the day. 

During warm evenings in the summer, it's always so enjoyable to dine outdoors.  This particular evening I found that I had little in the refrigerator and pantry, but sometimes a simple meal just hits the spot in the summer.  My girls and I had spent the entire day cooped up inside, so we had fun setting the table for a little photo shoot while enjoying the beautiful evening.

Our hydrangea bush is in full bloom... every week I clip a few blossoms to enjoy.   

I love using things that are special to me for a table setting.  This beautiful tablecloth came from my grandmother and it's a favorite of mine.  

We clipped a few more hydrangea blossoms and set them in an old gasoline can.  Cloth napkins were simply rolled and placed in a vintage crock.

I love using vintage items for every day use, such as silverware and dishes.  Mixing old with new...

Just a simple table with a few special items seemed just right this evening.

(Although my husband says there is nothing simple about taking photos of a meal for a blog post - smile)

Mismatched chairs gathered around our old farm table.

Do you ever eat breakfast for supper?  It seems to have become a tradition of sorts on Sunday evenings for us... my oldest daughter always lets out of whoop of excitement when she realizes I'm fixing pancakes. 

The wonderful thing about family meals is they don't have to be fancy... just spending time together is wonderful in itself.

I love listening to my daughter's chatter and visiting with my husband. I love the sounds of birds chirping and watching the sun set. 

Just as I appreciate how special this time was for me growing up, I hope our girls recognize the same one day.  I hope to instill some of these same values in them. 

It's not something I always know how to do, but setting aside time to spend together - visiting, laughing, sharing - I hope is laying a good foundation. 

It's such a simple pleasure and one I hope to never take for granted.


Thanks again for having me, Anita!  I hope you are all having a wonderful summer!