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Friday, March 17, 2017

Keeping It Simple

For more than a year I have been cleaning, organizing and purging in an effort to simplify my life - I am far from finished.


Instagram and blogging provide a "diary" of my daily life and one of the things I have noticed is that not only do we have less stuff, but my decor is becoming less cluttered.


We had family visiting for a few days and as I stepped back to look at my table setting the other night, I marveled at how much less was on the table.


Rather than rushing out to buy flowers, I used what I could find in the garden which meant using small pitchers to hold the blooms.


The meal was paella so bowls were required and I used a very old set of World Market dishes.


I don't know if it's my iron or me, but I really did iron the table runner.


Keeping with the blue and white theme, I used some vintage napkins and added a little more color to the table with simple bouquets.


Less stuff means less time for cleaning and more time for gardening


and that's a good thing because I am trying to get my garden ready for the Spring Blog Tour.


Please stop in to see how bloggers around the country are decorating for the season.

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Join me at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup
at

42 comments:

  1. ANNEMarch 17, 2017 at 5:38 AM

    Absolutely gorgeous - I love your style!! I need you to come and help me declutter. The more I try, the more I resist!!! Have a happy weekend Carol xox

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  2. Linda @ A La CarteMarch 17, 2017 at 6:44 AM

    Your home is always so lovely. I think downsizing is something many of us are doing. I'm tired of the clutter and feel like I want a simpler home to take care of. I've a long way to go but I'm headed in that direction anyway! Pretty flowers!

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  3. podsoMarch 17, 2017 at 7:42 AM

    I really like that table "scape." So simple and serene. And of course I really favor the white pitchers -- I have quite a collection myself. Have a nice weekend.

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  4. ConnieMarch 17, 2017 at 8:22 AM

    Always fresh and airy . . . your cottage is perfect. Looking forward to your garden post.

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  5. 20 North OraMarch 17, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    Beautiful table. Looking forward to seeing the garden.

    Judy

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  6. Ricki TreleavenMarch 17, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    Beautiful tablescape! I love everything about it. Your vignettes are pretty, too. I hope you have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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  7. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryMarch 17, 2017 at 10:03 AM

    Everything looks great Carol. I am in the process of getting rid of LOTS of stuff as I will probably sell my cottage this summer and move closer to my son. Have a few health issues, so need to be close to him.

    Your tablescape looks so pretty with your blue accessories and white dishes.

    Looking forward to seeing your garden tours.

    Enjoy the weekend as rain is coming next week, yea.

    Mary

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  8. MelanieMarch 17, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    I love your tablescape. The fresh flowers - even tied around the napkins - are so beautiful. I've been simplifying for far too long, too. It's not a quick, easy process! I'm still working on my basement/junk room.

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  9. Joy@aVintageGreenMarch 17, 2017 at 11:58 AM

    A delight to see your table set up.
    Joy

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  10. FlowerLady LorraineMarch 17, 2017 at 12:34 PM

    As always, all that you do is lovely. It was good to see a post from you again. I've missed you.

    Looking forward to seeing your garden tour. FlowerLady

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  11. Down by the seaMarch 17, 2017 at 12:57 PM

    Those flowers looks so pretty and simple. Sarah x

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  12. Brenda PruittMarch 17, 2017 at 2:12 PM

    Your photos are so gorgeous! I just love your white background blog. So soothing to visit to see your colorful decor!
    Brenda

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  13. Castles Crowns and CottagesMarch 17, 2017 at 2:26 PM

    What's fun is having a treasure reserve where you can store seasonal goodies, then only bring out a few things for each season. It IS EASIER to keep clean, and I'm loving my minimal lifestyle. I can breathe and not worry about dusting so many things! It looks wonderful, dearest Carol!

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  14. Kim March 17, 2017 at 2:42 PM

    I love the idea of using cuttings from the garden. The table looks fabulous...and less is more...always!!

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  15. SusieMarch 17, 2017 at 3:57 PM

    Carol, I am loving your blue and white. I like the wee bouquets as napkin rings. I wish I were more brave about just throwing out things..well donating I mean. Wishing you a blessed weekend, xoxo, Susie

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  16. Katie MansfieldMarch 17, 2017 at 4:19 PM

    I love your dish towels. Fun tablescape. I think table cloth wrinkles show more in blog photos than in real life. I can't wait for next week.

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  17. LindaLeeMarch 17, 2017 at 5:06 PM

    As always, I'm inspired so much when I see your blogs. I too am trying the "live simple" life style, and I'm getting there.....Slow but sure, and I'm starting to see a difference.
    Always love your colors!

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  18. SylviaMarch 17, 2017 at 9:05 PM

    Carol, I always love your table. I have been working on bringing in less to my place and I have to say that I have some empty containers. I take that as a good sign. I have a long ways to go. Have a great day! Sylvia D.

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  19. mary scottMarch 17, 2017 at 9:14 PM

    Simply CHARMING!

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  20. jackie @ travelnwriteMarch 17, 2017 at 10:45 PM

    You've got the magic touch! Even your simple décor is stunning!!

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  21. Botanic BleuMarch 17, 2017 at 11:20 PM

    Carol,
    Always a breath of fresh air to visit you... Love your uncluttered look and your flowers from your garden.

    Judith

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  22. Helen PhilippsMarch 18, 2017 at 4:25 AM

    Beautiful pictures...and I love how you set your table Carol! I have much less clutter these days too...but still need to sort out more!
    Happy weekend.
    Helen xox

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  23. RhondiMarch 18, 2017 at 4:29 AM

    I love your simplified look!

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  24. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaMarch 18, 2017 at 5:47 AM

    Yes! I have noticed in your beautiful photos that the simple lifestyle is coming through. Even your blog is simpler with the white background. It all works beautifully together. I have just begun the cleaning out and gave away two huge bags of my clothes. That alone was the incentive to go on!

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  25. JunkchiccottageMarch 18, 2017 at 6:21 AM

    Beautiful table setting Carol. Love the simple and pretty. I have found too as I am getting ready to move again that less is more for me too. I feel I need less space and less stuff in my life. As Spring approaches it is good to clean out and declutter. More room for sunshine to come in RIGHT?!!!! Have a great weekend.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  26. Selfish NecessitiesMarch 18, 2017 at 7:07 AM

    Enjoying a more simply look also. Funny how that happens so gradually isn't it : )

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  27. HWIT BLOGGMarch 18, 2017 at 8:51 AM

    What a lovely table setting, full of inspiration!
    Have a happy saturday now, take care...
    Titti

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  28. Kirby CarespodiMarch 18, 2017 at 10:29 AM

    Everything looks great!

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  29. DawnMarch 18, 2017 at 10:47 AM

    I just love seeing all your tidbits and marvel at your collections. It always feels good to purge (I just did my linen closet today, and have a whole jeep load for hospice). I wonder some times how we acquire so much stuff. I feel it's an American thing, I don't think other countries have as much clutter as we do.

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  30. NanaDianaMarch 18, 2017 at 3:13 PM

    I have been purging and sorting and cleaning, too. It feels good, doesn't it? Your home is as lovely and warm and welcoming as it always has been since I first started following you. God bless you and Happy Weekend-xo Diana

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  31. Ivy, Phyllis and Me!March 19, 2017 at 3:27 AM

    Good Morning Carol, spring must be in the air, because I am sorting out as well. Your dining room is lovely as it is so tranquil, with beautiful items to see, but not too busy.
    Have a lovely Sunday.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

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  32. Vickie @ Ranger 911March 19, 2017 at 7:19 AM

    I'm totally on board with the less is more look myself, Carol. Your table looks so inviting with your sweet pitchers filled with flowers from your garden! I can hardly wait to get out and play in the dirt....in about another 2 months or so. Enjoy!

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  33. handmade by amaliaMarch 19, 2017 at 8:07 AM

    There is a lot to be said for simple and the table looks amazing. I also love the crochet bordered tea towels.
    Amalia
    xo

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  34. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageMarch 19, 2017 at 5:57 PM

    Carol, your blue and white is lovely and I love your little sprigs of posies; simply charming! Have a wonderful week ahead.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  35. StaceyMarch 21, 2017 at 4:53 AM

    Less stuff and more time sounds great to me! Your cottage always makes me smile.

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  36. Decor To AdoreMarch 21, 2017 at 4:54 AM

    Pure spring enchantment! I absolutely adore your kitchen towels with the crocheted edge.
    Did you make those!?! Have a wondeful day.

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  37. Carol@BlueskyatHomeMarch 21, 2017 at 5:43 AM

    Carol, I am a little jealous that you live by the sea and have a "little cottage house" to call your own. I love the beach, but the only water I see on a daily basis is our pool. Pretty, but not quite the same ambiance. Thanks for a beautiful and inspiring tour.

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  38. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseMarch 21, 2017 at 1:31 PM

    I love your simpler tablescape and the way you used garden flowers for your centerpiece.

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  39. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonMarch 21, 2017 at 8:14 PM

    Carol, I really will need to do this some day. I keep thinking, maybe in a few more years. Hubby and I have toyed with the idea of selling in 5 or so years, downsizing into a smaller home. If we do, I will have to sell a lot of my treasures. :) This home is wonderful when all of the family comes, but as the grands are getting older were finding it's getting harder and harder to get together as often. I love the flowers added to the napkins and the idea of using what you have! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  40. TamaraMarch 23, 2017 at 7:05 AM

    This is so elegant and beautiful, Carol.. I really love the vintage napkins with your dainty bouquets. So fresh and charming. You have such a talent and artistic way of creating beauty! I'm purging here, too and trying to use what I have instead of always buying one more thing. It's a fun challenge that causes me to grow as an artist. Have a wonderful weekend~

    Hugs..
    Tamara

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  41. CatieAnApril 30, 2017 at 4:58 PM

    I always love your style. Your table setting is so sweet with the individual flowers on your napkins.
    I have been trying to purge as well. I have about 8 big bins of fabrics and linens. I keep telling myself I need to pick one day and sew something for several hours and that will take care of it. I haven't sewn anything since february so that is going to take me a while......

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  42. JunkchiccottageDecember 6, 2017 at 8:22 PM

    Hi Carol,
    You do simple so beautifully. Love the fresh flowers on the napkins. So pretty. Hope the fires are moving out of your area. Been thinking about you.
    Stay safe.
    xoxo
    Kris

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