Living Large In Small Spaces - Bahama Surf Shack

An ocean front artist's studio and home in the Bahamas is our featured small space this week.
Dan



Welcome to the seventy-seventh post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".

This 1,000 sq ft home is very low key. As the architect says, "It's all about the views."

Dan


Sliding shutters open to the ocean breezes or close for sun control.
Dan
Pickled tongue and groove wood lines the interior. Vintage rattan furniture suits the surf scene.


Dan


The dine-in kitchen is open to the living room. 


Dan



A casual, relaxed atmosphere. We might even say it's low maintenance.

Dan


 The master bedroom is anything but cramped. Shutter doors open to the living space and close for privacy.

Dan
Dan


 Above are sleeping lofts accessed by a pull-down ladder.

Dan
Dan


 The view from the deck is spectacular.

Dan




This view from the air shows the home's location on the 60 foot cliff.


Dan


Less than a mile away is the surfer's beach. 

Dan


Could this be your dream home?

Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.
By Nancy at 25 comments
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Living Large In Small Spaces - Dolaumaen Isaf

The peaceful countryside of West Wales is our destination for this week's featured cottage. 
Dolaumaen Isaf - Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages
Welcome to the seventy-sixth post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".


Entering this charming stone cottage one would never guess that Dolaumaen Isaf was once was a cow barn. 



It's open, airy and bright thanks to the installation of new windows and skylights. 




Antiques like this stunning Welsh dresser fill its nooks and crannies, and perhaps remind us of the home's humble beginnings.


The new kitchen with its vintage touches complements the old structure.

Rustic Welsh pottery is sprinkled throughout.





Local timber was used in the conversion of Dolaumaen Isaf. 




Beautiful paintings dress the walls, lending an elegant touch to the rooms.

Underfloor heating keeps the gorgeous tile floors comfortably warm.

 A comfy sofa invites us to curl up and read, or stretch out for a cat nap. 




I love this little corner of the room. Look at the tiny lamp in the enchanting nook.


A woodburner adds to the atmosphere and warms the cozy sitting area.


The small bathroom is nicely appointed with a touch of rusticity.






A four poster bed dressed with Welsh tapestry-weave hangings takes command of the master bedroom.




















I like the little reading lights on the nightstands.
Upstairs under the eves is a second double bedroom with a small adjoining single bedroom.






Outside is a garden with a "lyrical view over the Preseli mountain range."



A special place to get in touch with your inner child.


What's your impression of Dolaumaen Isaf?
All images are owned by Blaentrothy Holiday Cottages and used here with their permission.
Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series



 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.
By Nancy at 35 comments
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Celebrate Spring With A Firmoo Giveaway!

Last week I posted a review of Firmoo sunglasses.  I was very happy to receive positive comments from readers who have purchased glasses from Firmoo. It's confirmation that they're a respected company.
Now I'm happy to announce that the folks at Firmoo are hosting a generous giveaway here at A Joyful Cottage. When I say generous I mean 9 lucky first-time buyers will have their choice of either a free pair of 1.50 index single vision lenses eyeglasses (shipping and handling fee not included in the giveaway), or a voucher for $10 off one pair of non-prescription sunglasses. 

I want to reward my loyal readers, so this giveaway is open to those of you who read and comment here regularly. After all, you're what keeps this little blog going. This isn't about growing my blog, it's about giving back to my friends. 

 Here are the rules:

  • If you've left a comment on my blog in the last 60 days, please feel free to enter the giveaway just by leaving a comment below and telling me whether you want the free eyeglasses or the $10 off sunglasses voucher. 
  • Giveaway ends April 5, 2016 at 12:00 AM EST and is open to residents within Firmoo's Shipping and Service Area (See here for full list) and who have never purchased through www.firmoo.com.  
  • Nine winners will be chosen and their names announced here on April 6. If you're a no-reply commenter, make sure I have your email address so I can send you the details to claim your glasses.

 That's it. Pretty easy, right?


These are just a few prescription eyeglass frames offered in this giveaway that caught my eye (no pun intended). 

You can see all of the great prescription eyeglass styles offered in this giveaway by clicking here. And click here to check out Firmoo's wide selection of non-prescription sunglasses. 

So spring into action, Cottage Friends. 

 (Get it? Celebrate Spring -- spring into action. Oh well, never mind. Leave your comment to enter the giveaway and good luck!)

 Disclaimer: I was given free product in exchange for a review of Firmoo, unrelated to this giveaway. All opinions are my own.  I am in no way being compensated to run this giveaway. This giveaway is open to new Firmoo customers only. The free eyeglasses covers frames with 1.50 index single vision lenses picked from a select collection. The winner will still need to pay shipping and handling fees. The $10 off vouchers can be used on any sunglasses sitewide.
By Nancy at 19 comments
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Living Large In Small Spaces - Seven Little Potting Sheds We Love

This potting shed collection is bound to inspire even the brownest green thumb to pick up a trowel.
Welcome to the seventy-fifth post in the series
"Living Large in Small Spaces".


 After spending most of the week in my own humble potting shed, I'm anxious to share these fetching sheds with you. 
1. This extraordinary stone shed was built to compliment the residence, which would never make the Living Large In Small Spaces hit parade due to its extensive size. We'll take this petite potting shed, though.


Imagine the joy of planning and potting in this beautiful space.






2. Here's a unique potting shed. The front side of the shed is a pump house for a fountain.
A closer look reveals vintage garden tools.





3. Now this cute little potting shed belongs to a true gardener. The glorious flowers testify to the fact.



And so does the interior. This is a working shed, but one that still manages to be absolutely charming. I love the drying flowers hanging from the rafters and the art glass hanging in the windows.





4. Tiny, but mighty is this sweet cottage-look potting shed.



A minimalist shed that does the job, and is itself planted in the midst of a lovely garden.




 5. This classic white potting shed has farmhouse appeal. I'm sorry we can't get a detailed view of the interior, although I can see a sweet red wagon on the back wall. I love the apron and hat hanging on the door and the yellow hand pump in the garden.


6. When is a potting shed more than a place to putter? Just look at this unique space.



Part retreat (there's even a hot plate for making tea). . .



And then there's the guest quarters in the loft. No question, this minimum space has been designed for maximum use.



7. And finally, for those who have limited space and funds, here's a simple, yet attractive potting enclosure. .

Source: Shed Blueprints

I hope you enjoyed these potting sheds. Sometimes just seeing a photo can get the wheels turning. 

Which of these potting sheds is your favorite?


Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series


 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more home tours and small living ideas in the 
Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.
By Nancy at 37 comments
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Firmoo Sunglasses

I love sunglasses. 

 Ever since Mom bought me my first kids size pair, sunglasses have been my personal fashion statement. So, when Firmoo offered to send me a pair to review I said, "You bet!" ( Because, you know, a girl can never have too many sunglasses.)

 Firmoo is an online optical store with an unbelievable array of affordable prescription glasses and sunglasses, as well as non-prescription sunglasses. 

 Ordering my sunglasses was super easy. Their website is easy to navigate, plus they have a nifty tool that allows the customer to upload a photo of themselves for "try on". 

 After trying on a plethora of sunglasses, I narrowed my choice down to two styles. I liked these aviators, but I own a pair much like these.




So I went for something completely different -- Style OMJ8058. 


Now THAT's a fashion statement! Pink shades!!

 And cute little glasses decorate the arms. Who could resist that?




My sunglasses arrived by regular mail in about two weeks, which is what was estimated. They came very well packaged; the glasses were wrapped in two layers of plastic, tucked inside the very cool hard case. Also enclosed was a soft case, a cleaning cloth and a glasses screwdriver on a key chain. Very handy.

The sunglasses are very good quality, and they're light, which makes them comfortable to wear. I really appreciate that because often sunglasses hurt the bridge of my nose. Not so with these.

 If you're in the market for glasses or sunglasses at great prices, check out Firmoo.com.  Right now they're offering special Spring Savings. Click on the logo below to go to their site.



So what do you think? 


Fashonista, right?

Disclaimer:  I received a free pair of sunglasses from Firmoo.com for review purposes. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are 100% my own and I received no monetary compensation. See my disclosure policy for more information.





By Nancy at 23 comments
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