More Irish Cottages

Photo by ILoveButter 

I'm really excited to share this beautiful thatched roof cottage with you. It's located in Adare, County Limerick, Ireland. I usually don't get too pumped up over bright yellow trim, but on this cottage -- with the dark roof and wall -- I think it really works. Very cheery. The painted gate is an interesting contrast to the stately stone wall, don't you think? It's whimsical, fun and seems to say, "Don't take me too seriously." Delightful.


Photo by Ilovebutter
I wanted you to see what's on the other side of that marvelous stone wall. Now this is a garden I could love tending. There is so much wonderful going on here. Eye candy for a gardener's soul.



Photo by Ilovebutter

Let's zoom in on that hanging basket, and flowers on the window sill. And take a closer look at those casement windows. Love those!




Photo by Maryaamna

And yet another white, thatched roof Irish cottage trimmed in yellow. Is it just me, or is this beyond charming? Many thanks to Maryaamna for allowing me to share her lovely photo. I only use photos that have some rights, or those for which I have permission. The caption on Maryaamna's photo will take you to her Flickr link, or go here to see more of her images. Her food photos are yummy.




Speaking of food, I made banana walnut bread yesterday. I baked my first quick bread at the age of ten and I have enjoyed making them ever since. Living at a high altitude, baking can be a challenge, but this recipe turns out great every time, and it is very low in sugar -- one reason I like it so much. We try to limit our sugar intake and I can reduce the sugar in this recipe to 1/3 cup and it's still delicious. I think it's because the recipe calls for 4 bananas; which makes it naturally sweet, not to mention very moist. The other reason I like this particular recipe is that you can quickly whip it up in a large mixing bowl. No mixer needed. You can find the recipe here at Simply Recipes. A great cooking site, if you haven't yet discovered it. If you come over for a visit, we can have a slice of this delicious bread with our tea. :)

I found out this morning that I won Elizabeth's giveaway at her blog Just Following Jesus in My Real Life. I'm elated because this is my prize (yes, all of this!). . .



and, well, I hardly ever win anything. Thanks SO much Elizabeth. I highly recommend going to Elizabeth's blog to snag her recipe for Cranberry Walnut Cinnamon Rolls with Orange Butter Cream Frosting. She's got photos that will make you want to chomp down on your computer monitor. Really.

So, what's new in your cottage?

Blessings,





20 comments

  1. I love the thatched roof and the yellow just brightens up the whole place..Beautiful flowers and such an inviting home....

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    1. You said it, Nancy! Lots of inspiration there.

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  2. Thanks to Marie of A Colorful World I have just discovered your blog. What a delightful visit. Thank you so much.

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    1. I"m so happy to have you as a new blogger friend, Marie. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a sweet comment. I popped over to your blog"An English Girl Rambles" and was so taken with your post on the Philadelphia International Flower Show. Your photos are beautiful. A wonderful tribute to such extraordinary jewelry. Wow!

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  3. You have inspired me to create my Irish post . . .

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  4. Nancy (you visited my blog a little while ago) - I am so glad I stopped by here...I LOVE it!

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    1. Thank you. This blog is a labor of love. Cottages and simple living are my thing. :) God bless you, Libby.

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  5. I don't think I would ever get tired of looking at houses--and especially the 'cottage' look. Love your header--and now I want to make banana bread.

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    1. I'm right there with you. I've always enjoyed looking at houses, especially cozy cottages, bungalows and cabins. I stopped by your blog first thing this morning and was blown away by your gorgeous garden photograph with the moth and orange flowers. Wow!

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  6. Wonderful cottages.
    I'd love to live in the first one.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Wish you a beautiful day.
    Mette

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    1. Thank you. I hope your day is beautiful, too. Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello.

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  7. i love that cottage, it's so colorful...you just brought back a memory from my childhood...in san diego we have a park, balboa park and they had these little houses from different parts of the world and people would dress the part and serve food in them and tell you all about the history...i had totally forgotten about that :)

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    1. Tanya, my late husband and I used to visit Mission Bay and Coronado quite often. We lived in LA at the time and loved to go to San Diego. I don't think we ever visited Balboa Park, and now I'm wishing we had. It sounds delightful. I'm glad the cottage triggered that memory for you. It sounds like it was a very special one. Blessings.

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  8. Hello Nancy,
    I am delighted to meet you! I have been perusing your wonderful blog filled with charming cottages and other interesting reading. I love your husband's watercolours! I come from a family of artists {I have an aunt who paints with watercolour} so I enjoy very much looking at other's work.
    I am so glad you stopped by and I'm gladly following you back. Have a lovely day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting, Sandi. I absolutely love your blog and I'm so glad to have you as a cottage friend. God bless.

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  9. Such gorgeous cottages, Happy St Patrick's Day

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    1. Thank you Lindy. A belated Happy St Patrick's Day to you!

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  10. Hi Nancy, I visited Adare, Limerick this year to see all the lovely thatched cottages there. Gorgeous! the house name on the one you featured is Tir Na Nóg which means Land of Eternal Youth. Thought you'd like that bit of trivia!
    Pam Flynn, Ireland

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    1. Thanks for sharing this Pam. It always adds more interest to know such things. Love it that you would take the time to visit and comment. Some day I hope to visit the Emerald Isle and drink in everything I see in photos. God bless you, Pam.

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.