We woke to a cold and crisp November morning.
I couldn't wait for our morning walk
so I could try out my new camera.
This is one of my favorite old homes in our neighborhood.
I love the old whitewashed brick and bright red doors and
the distinctive European feel to it.
I spent time trying out the settings on my new camera...
...learning to capture the details.
Today was the first day to buy Christmas trees in our neighborhood.
When do you put your tree up?
This is Sasha....
...she is the sweet and friendly dog greeting the customers who were picking out their Christmas trees.
This old oak chair that was lying on the ground was missing one leg.
I wanted to pull off those springs tied on the bottom
but Mr. Flea would have none of that.
I'll have to go back for them later!
And finally, I wanted to show you what I received in the mail today!
It is a sweet little angora nest brooch that I was lucky enough
to win from a Give Away at Karla's Cottage.
She included a charming handmade star ornament and
a tiny white bottle brush tree.
Thank you Karla!
I am asking for your opinion as I made a few changes
to my blog layout yesterday.
(with the technical help of a special friend)
You may have noticed that my margins are smaller
and my pictures are larger.
Do you like the look of it this way?
And...I'm not sure about the header...
perhaps it is just too big now.
Your feedback would be appreciated!
Any suggestions?
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
:)
GO BACK! Get that chair! tell him I told you you had to do it! Those springs are perfect!!! I have been looking for some....and it was just laying there!!
ReplyDeleteDid you switch to a stretch minima template?
ReplyDeleteI heartily recommend that layout to anyone who really wants to put their photography front and center.
It all looks good!
Sounds like you're having fun!
XO,
Anne
Regarding the Chair, I think the Springs are calling Your name..... I Love the New Layout, I would keep it just as you have it~
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Gorgeous house. I can see why it is one of your favorites. Love the red doors.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful home...I thought it was yours! I would like the whole chair!! And I do like the new look of your blog! Just perfect, Laura!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
It's looking good perhaps your 52 could be a tad larger....looks like you will have loads of fun with the new camera - ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteThat home in your neighborhood is just stunning!! Our Christmas tree usually goes up the day after Thanksgiving, but it went up a bit earlier this year :) Happy weekend to you! Xoxoxo
ReplyDelete1942charm.blogspot.com
Go back and get the springs! Love Karla's giveaway win (come enter mine if you get a second). I really like the blog changes, especially the bigger pics. Oh, and our Xmas tree is in the stand but not decorated. We needed two hands in the attic today and hubby had to work a bit. We'll get started tomorrow. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHi, Laura,
ReplyDeleteI do like the look of larger pictures on your blog. We will probably put up our tree tomorrow.
Have a great Sunday ~Natalie
Your new blog layout is lovely. I think it is nice to have a change every now and then. I just did a major change on my blog from a mosaic of small photos to a group of hand illustrations of things that are important to me. It's made it kind of personal. I'm still trying to work out how to make photos smaller on the side bar. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week,
Anne xx
P.S. Christmas tree will go up in a few days.
I love the new layout. I did the same with my blog a couple of months ago and I LOVE being able to include such nice large pictures. I have a big header too, so I think yours is just right.
ReplyDelete:-)
Have a great weekend. And our tree will go up this week.
Hugs,
Judy
FANTASTIC HOUSE and LOVELY Photos :)
ReplyDeleteS
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Please Join it :)
Håkan ( The Roseman)
No christmas trees here in Holland yet !....they coming after 6 december...sint nicolaas first......that dog !!! so nice sweet dog !!! i love it !! lovely present! lovely day....love Ria...
ReplyDeleteTrès joli blog, j'ai eu beaucoup de plaisir à me balader parmi vos créations... je reviendrai vous voir...
ReplyDeleteBises
I love your new blog layout. I switched over a few months ago and have been very happy. Your banner looks great and not too large at all. My banner is too large and I have to change it but I'm just waiting until I have more time...in case I screw up!
ReplyDeleteThat house is wonderful. And the red doors are especially perfect for the autumn/winter season.
I saw people driving with Christmas trees fastened to the top of their cars today. I can't believe it's already that time of year!!!
The new look is fabulous...love the large photos!! The new camera is fun I bet..Happy Belated Birthday and girl runnnnn don't walk to get those springs!!! Tee Hee!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the brooch too..karla is so talented!!
Blessings~
I think that with your new camera we've many photo treats in store, so I welcome the bigger pics.
ReplyDeleteAs we have a real tree each year (named either Sven, Bruce or Norman), I don't buy it until about 10 days before Christmas, but they've been on sale since mid November. xx
LOVE your new look, Laura. Bigger is better in my books and now we can admire your fabulous photos even more. Happy Sunday to you, my friend. p.s. Karla's giveaway is so sweet, love that house too and don't forget to go back and get that chair :)
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYour new layout is great! But how about that new camera? Wow.....such clear and crisp pictures, just beautiful!
We bought our tree and garlands yesterday, so I'll be busy this week getting it all together.
Blessings,
Susie
Love the new look. Good photography should be big...with a spotlight too if that's possible! I'm from Texas so bigger is always better in my book especially since at my age I need all the help I can get to see!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
is it Saturday already ... ooops it's Sunday now.
ReplyDeleteHow's my girl?
Love the new look, how did you make your pictures larger? I would love to do that!!!! I think you should have rescued the chair!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely gift!!! I just love to see hand made gifts, fabulous!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B
I like the new look of your blog. What a pretty morning walk you took. Hope you are having a great weekend, T
ReplyDeleteDearest Laura, what a beautiful house in your neighborhood! The red doors are so great!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a happy new week,
Big Hugs,
Yvonne
Hi
ReplyDeleteLove the bigger photos on your blog - I've got to figure out how to do that and make a button.
Love your blog too - so nice to meet you!
I so would have taken those springs -
Enjoy this day -
Marsha
It is very good for your blog to have larger pictures since your photos are so lovely. I love the change. I was just thinking the other day that I like the fact that you have NOT changed your header. It is somehow comforting to see the same thing when I click to you. Looks like you are getting the feel of the new camera.
ReplyDeleteAnnette (we don't do our tree till mid Dec.)
I love the Cloves Nutmeg Allspice and Pepper because I have them also. I just love that set I don't know what it is called like a flo blue onion pattern? Not sur just know it's a great set.
ReplyDeleteI like your big pictures. I love the picture of the big happy friendly dog
Janice
Gorgeous photos! You are making good use of the new camera. I can see why that house is one of your favorites. Thanks for taking us along on your walk.
ReplyDeleteI think the changes are very nice. The header brings the viewer right to it and makes it more real. The larger pics are great. Photos were very nice.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura:
ReplyDeleteI am rather new to your blog, but have now added you to my list of favorite blogsites because I love your content so much. As for the experimental shots of your neighborhood with your new camera........wow, loved them and that European-like home that you love....red doors, chippy white paint and all. I agree, from the outside at least, I could move right in. Are you in the Chicago area?
I will look forward to getting to know you Laura.
I really love the new layout - more space for your pictures to breathe :-)
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to buy our Christmas tree - those looked lovely!
Jem xXx
L-O-V-E your new look!
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE your little flow blue spice jars :) I have a collection of them... they find their way into my watercolor paintings~ They are the perfect colors any time of year :)
Wishing you all the best,
Michelle
I'm always happy to see bigger pictures! Yes, looks good.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know you enjoyed your treats. I so enjoyed meeting you at Silver Bella!