Cottage Love - Our Angie's List Weekly Feature

Last November when I blogged about the photo shoot for Angie's List Weekly, the February publish date for our cottage feature didn't seem all that far away. At my age time passes pretty quickly. 



Holy cow! That's us on the cover. (Dennis is cute. I need a haircut.)


So here we are in March (already?) and now I can officially announce that the feature was published in the February 29 edition (Volume 3, Issue 9). Angie's List Weekly (ALW) is available only through mobile and tablet devices, so if you own one of those you can access ALW for free (click here for a link to download on iOS devices or here to download to view on Android devices). 

I'm sure not everyone who reads A Joyful Cottage has access to a mobile device, so I asked Amanda Bell (author of the article and one very nice person) if I could share the article here. Of course there are all kinds of copyright issues involved with that, so once we worked out what I can and can't do, following is a taste of the article. (For copyright reasons I've disabled the Pinterest button on ALW owned photos.)


Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

Our cottage was one of three Dream Homes profiled, falling under the category Building. The other two categories were Remodeling and Renovating. Those of you who have been following A Joyful Cottage for awhile know that we broke ground on February 9, 2015 and moved into our cottage six months later. You also know that we're still working on landscaping and decorating, so some of what you'll see is work in progress.

After viewing the other two featured dream homes measuring 2600 - 3000 sq ft, I'm pretty humbled that ALW chose to include our modest 700 sq ft cottage. 

As I mentioned in my photo shoot post, the photographer Steve Roundy was fun to work with, and he did a great job of showcasing our cottage.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.
Prior to Steve's visit the gallery wall was bare. We designed the cottage to accommodate a free-standing hutch in that space, but at the time of the photo shoot we hadn't found a hutch we liked. (More about that in an upcoming post.) I suggested to Dennis that we hang a trio of his paintings and place the pedestal with sculpture underneath. I think it worked well for this shot.


Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

Steve was very fond of our farmhouse sink and garden window. Even though it was late fall when he took the photographs, I managed to find some flowers still lingering in the garden to place around the cottage.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.


I was my own stylist for the shoot, and as you can see I kept things fairly simple and uncluttered. That's how I like our home to be all the time, so the arrangements are true to my tastes.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

This photo depicts my propensity for alignment. I can't stand to see my pillowed shams crooked. (I know, it's a sickness.)

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

In case you're wondering why our personal attire changes from the interior to the exterior shots, I'll tell you that Steve arranged two separate Saturday sessions. (I know you're oh so interested in our fashion. Not.)

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.
We're standing/sitting on our breezeway in the photo above. Dennis studio is connected on the right.

I like this shot of my man working in his studio. 

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

In a few weeks the background in this photo will be much prettier. So will the lawn and the flower beds.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

Our garden shed garnered a lot of interest.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

I forgot how much use the shed got last year until I saw this photo taken through the window from the outside; it served double duty as a greenhouse and place for me to work on DIY projects.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.

This is one of my favorite photos, and now I'm using it on my About the Cottage Lover page.

Photo courtesy of Angie's List. All rights reserved.


As I reflect on the article, I realize that Angie's List Weekly presented so much more than a "Cozy Cottage Home" (the title of the article). They captured a simple, but rich lifestyle. And you know, as I look at these photos I feel so grateful to my Heavenly Father. It's all because of Him that we enjoy this sweet cottage we call home.

Thank you for sharing in our joy.









45 comments

  1. What a wonderful post, Nancy. It's so nice to see your cottage again. My eyes went right to your sink in that kitchen shot. It is gorgeous. And I love the mantel over the stove in your family room. So rustic. I was interested to see your breeze-way, too, as we will be adding one to the construction of our home this summer. It will connect to the carriage house (fondly known as the mouse-house. My favorite photo in your post is the one of you both on the breeze-way. You look so relaxed and content. :) And your potting shed is so cute. I find it interesting that you painted it completely different colours from the home. It looks so charming. I'm happy to see how your love for your home shines through. It's really lovely. Deb

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  2. Well done!! Everything looks so lovely for the shoot - great photos! I am certainly taking note of your garden shed - cute design!
    Your satisfaction in your house just jumps off the screen. It's infectious!

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  3. Oh Nancy, what a wonderful feature! You and Dennis look positively giddy sharing your beautiful home. I know exactly how much planning went into your cottage and it's lovely to see it professionally photographed and see you in the shots!! I am going to download that app right now so I can read the entire piece!! Congratulations my friend!! Well deserved...xoxo

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  4. The photos showcase your home nicely. I can easily see why you love living there.

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  5. How VERY Exciting Nancy! I just pulled it up on my phone! Very very Special!! Congratulations to you Both! Blessings, Cindy xo

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  6. I love these photos that illustrate so well your simple, rich lifestyle in beautiful Joyful Cottage ♥

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  7. I am so glad you posted this. I don't have any of those devices. I love your home and enjoyed seeing the posts about it when you were building it. I am a nut when it comes to crooked shams too and your last picture is really great looking with you and your hubby.

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  8. What fun to see your hard work in living color. Having followed along through the building and decorating process I feel like I have also accomplished something. What I did to contribute I'm not quite sure but I'm pleased as punch to see the Cottage selected. Job well done.

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  9. what a lovely article about lovely people who love their lovely cottage. love being the issue at hand. congratulations dear nancy and hubby. how very wonderful.

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  10. oh and about lining up the shams even steven. i'm right there with ya!!!

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  11. This is so cool, Nancy! You and your guy look so natural and relaxed in your lovely abode. I am coveting your farmhouse sink. I'd love to replace ours at the lake as we renovate but I can't seem to find a reasonable price. Any suggestions? Your garden shed is impressive also---so large! I would have a ball filling that up!!! ;-D

    Great news!

    Jane

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  12. Nancy I love seeing photos of your cottage, we can feel the love and living you and Dennis share. Very cute photo of you adjusting the shams. I have an iPad so I will head over and enjoy your feature.
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  13. Beautiful feature. Great couple photos! I like the angle that they took the photos of the kitchen from. It looks spacious! xoxo Su

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  14. How fun and sweet Nancy. Love seeing your cute and cozy cottage being featured. I love the pics of you and Dennis especially the one on the porch of the cottage. You too look so happy in your sweet nest. Congrats.
    Kris

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  15. Oh my, what a sweet feature of your lovely cottage and the two of you. I love that last photo of you. It was very kind of them to let you put bits of the article on your blog. Thank you for sharing ~ FlowerLady

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  16. Hi...Fabulous shot..your place looks so inviting..I'm glad you were able to share..I never knew there was an Angie's list type of emagazine..I'll be looking for that when I get my new phone..I'll also be looking for a feature in the future from A Joyful Cottage..all about the prefect hutch..an how it came to being in your sweet tiny home..hope you 2 have a Wonderful weekend.

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    Replies
    1. P.S....I thought your hair looked very nice.

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  17. Oh my, oh my! Love it!

    You have so much, while having nothing unnecessary. And isn't that, what we all aspire to? Well, I guess not all. But certainly, many who are no longer raising families. :-)

    Thank you so much!

    And I'm sure you enjoy your marvelous "just right size" home.

    Gentle hugs,
    Tessa

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  18. What a fun—and sweet—feature! Your little cottage is obviously perfect for the two of you, and you put so much of yourselves into it. Not only do Angie's List readers get to see a great space, but they also see that beautiful Light shining in both of you. ;-)

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  19. Congratulations! They did a beautiful job & it's really fun to see some pics of the two of you after reading your blog for such a long time.

    You little cottage posts are still my favorites.

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  20. Hi Nancy, I enjoyed this post so much and it is wonderful seeing more of your cottage. We are so used to seeing all the other cottages on your blog, but yours is "Home Sweet Home" :) The last photo of the two of you is wonderful, if copy-write permits, I think you should put it on your next year's Christmas card. I know that your family and friends would love having a copy.
    A beautiful home for two beautiful people.
    Connie :)

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  21. This is wonderful. I've picked up your blog from another on fb, and thoroughly enjoy it.

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  22. Hi dear Nancy ,, felicidades,, su pequeño cottage es una maravilla .lindas fotos. espero que tengas un buen fin de semana
    cariños

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  23. Yay! How fun, you did a great job with your cottage :)

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  24. Nancy, it's Friday night, I'm finally home, I am HAPPY to be home and to be home with YOU. What a delight to see you and Dennis together, in this gorgeous collection of photos. BRAVO! YOU MADE IT!!!!!! The house is beautifully photographed and is captured in all its grand beauty. That sink...OH MY, SWOON! Your mantle, LOVE IT! Everything is perfectly suited to all of us who love a cozy and simple place where we can LIVE and LOVE LARGE. Well done dearest Nancy! Anita

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  25. Nancy, my heart swelled with happiness tonight when I read of your home being so beautifully showcased on Angie's list. Thank you for sharing the article link with us, and the pictures! You and Dennis are just so darling together, and I loved every sweet picture of the both of you! Indeed, what a joyful place the two of you have created! I love the simple yet beautiful home you have created! Your styling was amazing... you have a gift to do that! I love the touch of fresh flowers throughout the home too. Such beauty everywhere Nancy, and what joy is in my heart to see the joyful place you created. Love to you both my friend!

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  26. Such a sweet post, Nancy. I love the farm sink and garden window too! The way you provided space for each of you to have a hobby/work space is perfect--you and your garden shed, him and his studio.

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    1. I think in a small home it's important to have personal space somewhere. Dennis as an architect always pushed this with his clients. It certainly works for us. I do have a tiny studio of my own inside the cottage which doesn't show in the article.

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  27. A wonderful article!! Indeed a beautiful cottage! The kitchen is absolutely perfect. I love when there is a window in front of the sink. Love all the photos. The shed is incredible! His studio is a great idea. Sending you wishes for a great Spring!!

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  28. Aww.... I love that photo of the two of you and the one of Steve working is great! Your home is just wonderful, my friend and I'm so very happy for you :)

    hugs to you,
    rue

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  29. I'm so happy for this article about your wonderful home, congrats to you both !
    Thinking of you with love and thankfulness
    Dany

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  30. How exciting, Nancy! It looks like they captured the lovely character of your cottage very well. Great photos of the two of you, as well :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Julie. Steve is a very good photographer.

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  31. I am so happy for you to be featured in such a special way! Your cottage is so cozy and looks like such a warm and loving place. The last picture of you and Dennis is precious. You are so sweet together!

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  32. Loved seeing the pictures of your new home again. My sisters and me were talking the other night about our little OCDs. We talked about pillows on the bed. My baby sister has to have the pillow openings faced in and Rita and I facing out. They like sheets untucked at the bottom when sleeping, I like mine tucked. One of my OCDs is cupboard doors. I do not think I could have open cupboards like yours. I would probably have a nervous breakdown. LOL Just think what a boring world this would be if we were all alike. I thak our Creator everyday for the diversity of his creation. Debbie

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  33. Those are wonderful pictures of your cottage.

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  34. Congratulations on the feature. The photos are great.
    :-)) Had to smile, because I am the same way about my pillows on our couch.
    I love the photo of you and Dennis.
    xx oo
    Carla

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  35. How exciting, your own feature.
    Love this post. Love your home. Love the picture of both of you looking so happy together.

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    1. Thank you for these kind words. You have made my day!

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  36. Oh how wonderful!! Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations! Your cottage looks amazing, filled with love and personality. And you and Dennis look like you're glowing with joy! I'm so happy for you both!

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  37. Wow, I so enjoyed seeing these photos and reading your blog post here, Nancee. You both are truly a handsome couple with a handsome little home. Yes, just as well you like it tidy as such and, wow, yes, how amazing to be featured along with those other bigger homes. Your home is so captivating.

    Your man, btw, is a seriously good illustrator. Love that too.

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  38. I loved every detail of every photo of your sweet home! The photos gave a good over-all view of the 'lay of the land'. I almost felt I was there. Loved seeing Dennis' studio but my favorite was the photo of the two of you. Thanks for sharing the article. It was a treat for you to share it with us.
    ~Adrienne~

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