Friday, January 7, 2011

Simplicity

With the holidays over it is nice to return to the simplicity of everyday life. Gone is the Confectionery Shoppe...all that's left is one little ant left searching for some crumbs. Now this shelf has been vastly simplified with some African Violets, beautiful, crunchy, green apples and a few cups awaiting  tea...












...little pots of herbs to be used for cooking throughout the winter months, now line up on the window shelf above the kitchen sink...





..all of the Santas have gone back to the North Pole and the glass and crystal containers have returned to the cupboard...





...and this great cookbook containing lots delicious recipes using simple ingredients has been brought out for the cold winter days. The months of winter seem to call for a return to simplicity...gone is all the glitz and glitter for another year... but soon it will be spring and that means ~ flowers!




This post has been linked to: Weekword, http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/, http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/, http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/, http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/,  http://houseinroses.blogspot.com/ and http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
Posted by quotidienns at

42 comments:

  1. HeatherJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    It is sad to see all the cute holiday things put away, but I love the new, simpler displays. Very pretty!

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  2. AdrienneJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    Love the simplicity of the African Violets! I think that little ant is cute - think he's just enjoying the beauty of the flowers while he waits for the flowers of Spring!
    ~Adrienne~

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  3. KathysueJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Great post!! I agree adding some simple plants and herbs is perfect. Love what you have done!! Kathysue

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  4. ClausJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    It is nice to go back to the usual, normal and simple daily life. I cannot wait to the weekend, when I'll be storing Christmas, and "simplifying" my home.
    Beautiful violets and crystal! very pretty.
    have a lovely day!

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  5. DebbyJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    What a sweet post. Great pictures and the ant is really cute, a little large though.
    It was hard saying goodbye to the Santas but now that they are packed away I am also ready for some simplicity.

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  6. Joye SchwartzJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Yes, flowers really do bring us back to simplicity, nice post and blog!

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  7. Michelle @ Dream Home DIYJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    Hehe, I really love the little ant on the counter top :0)

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  8. Adrienne ShubinJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:29 AM

    So beautiful! Can I come over for a spot of tea?

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  9. CatherineJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Hello Adrienne!

    What beautiful cup stand (is that the correct word? I know cake stand) and i love your little curtains. I 'm sure you will have flowers pretty soon in California!

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  10. DonnaJanuary 7, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Your home is so lovely! I'm all for simplicity too.

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  11. Musings from Kim K.January 7, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    Such a beautiful display. Your ant is just darling. He adds the perfect touch.

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  12. Life in RehabJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    I love that you left the little ant in the display! It all looks so light and fresh now. I'm almost looking forward to boxing up all the glitter.

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  13. LeslieJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    It is all very calm and cheery! I love flowering plants in the winter ~ they give me the color boost that I need.
    have a great weekend.

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  14. Maria Wheeler, Simply Cool StuffJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    The tea part sounds just lovely, simple things, simple pleasures. I love the lighting in the photo of the African Violet with the little bird next to it! Makes me smile and ready for spring!

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  15. Christine E-EJanuary 7, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    ummm... you still have biscotti! lucky you! I can picture your kitchen all bright & shiny... perhaps I'll just have to drop by for a "spot" of tea, a taste of biscotti, and some time to discuss "The Help" (actually JPE is listening to the CD first)... Thanks for sharing your flowers, tea cup displays and a recommendation for a new cookbook. Simple Living sounds like the necessary change needed to restore order in our homes.

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  16. Eileen @ Cottage Beach HouseJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    What a lovely kitchen. I am just starting a new renovation and I am so excited. I love the simplicity. I am always glad to put away my Holiday decor. Oh to have a ledge like that for my plants!!!

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  17. Susan FreemanJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I love that sweet window sill!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  18. cath cJanuary 7, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    i love the little birdie and ant!

    can you believe i sdtill haven't pulled down christmas? i always wait til after my bday, the epiphany, but today i kept looking athe the decor and truning around to walk away...

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  19. Domestic ScribblesJanuary 7, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Your African Violets have me wishing my shrimp plant was ready to bloom. Soon enough. Enjoy the rest of your sweets!

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Love seeing your simplicities! Beautiful dreamy photos! I'm trying to simplify myself.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  21. Mary Stebbins TaittJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    WOW! Definitely the simple life, or my dream of it! :-D Nice, airy spacious simple life. Mmmm. Good food, good friends! My African Violets are not that perfect looking--although they are flowering.

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  22. hostess of the humble bungalowJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    I love Ina Garten and her cookbooks....I'll be interested in what you make...if I lived closer I'd suggest we share lunch!

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  23. TriciaJanuary 7, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Looks so pretty. I can't wait for spring and flowers :)

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  24. Life In a Little HouseJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Looks beautiful ~I have been thinking I need a few houseplants some fresh green for my window sill as well ~Enjoy cooking with your Contessa ~Love Heather

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  25. Courtney ~ French Country CottageJanuary 8, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Hi there~ Love your clay pots and flowers... just beautiful! Sometimes it's something simple like this that just really warms up a space! Thanks for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! :)

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  26. BiomouseJanuary 8, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    I am totally in love with the ant, he's so fun and perfect for the african violets in my house that are covered with ants! I'm so not a good indoor flower momma, but the ants are quite thankful ;)

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  27. nanniepannieJanuary 8, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    enjoyed the look, I'm with you the simplier the better right after the holidays you want a clean slate.

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  28. It's Just DottieJanuary 8, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Thank you for the get well wishes. I do feel better today . I also am so thankful for the return of simplicity . I have grown African Violets for over twenty years .Your's are beautiful and I also so enjoy cooking with the contessa.
    Smiles, Dottie

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  29. Carola BartzJanuary 8, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Ah, one of my favortie cookbooks. I love that one! However, at the moment I'm more in the mood for soup - comfort food...

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  30. Fishtail CottageJanuary 8, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    love the tea cups and flowers in your window......any flower is so pretty to me this time of year! Thanks for visiting & hope to see you again soon! xoox

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  31. Hélène Flont , french illustratorJanuary 9, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Love this serene and fresh home with theses little touch of spring .

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  32. Room Service ~ Decorating 101January 9, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    I'm with you and that's my favorite cookbook. I love her and cook much like her, simply yummy. What kind of herb is that? I could not tell, but it is so pretty.

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  33. The TablescaperJanuary 9, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Great post! Perfect for this time of year.

    Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays!

    - The Tablescaper

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  34. I Love Pretty Little ThingsJanuary 9, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Aaaaahhhh...Simplicty after the holidays is the best feeling ever!
    Very, Very Pretty,
    Joyce

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  35. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    I have to agree. As much as I love when Christmas explodes in our house, I'm happy, by January, to have it all put away.

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  36. LynnJanuary 9, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Everything looks great! It's nice to have the house back to "normal", and simplify is a good word to live by:@)

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  37. The Quintessential MagpieJanuary 9, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    I think your shelf is just perfect! Back to normal looks pretty special to me!

    Happy Seasonal Sunday...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  38. High Street CottageJanuary 10, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    What a pretty home you have. I collect china as well. Love your kitchen. Ina is my very favorite chef. She just makes things easy, she's a great teacher, and I love her style too. Happy Monday, tami

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  39. SoutherncookJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    What a lovely post. I too grow African Violets and yours look very happy and must be getting lots of bright light. I am also a huge fan of Ina, have you gotten her latest book? I have enjoyed that one as well.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  40. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJanuary 11, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    The shelf looks fabulous with the pots of herbs and that cute little ant is such a cute touch. Your hutch is gorgeous. I love your vignettes. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  41. DonnieJanuary 11, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Everything is so cute. Can't wait for spring either.

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  42. Blondie's JournalJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    I love African violets, too. They look so sweet there with the darling ant {!}. Your counter and window sill are decorated perfectly for this time of year. I am dreaming about gardening, too!

    XO,
    Jane

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