Costume jewelry, A signature look

Adorning ourselves with jewelry is as old as mankind, with every variety of style, method and material. In ancient times jewelry production was spread across all of Mesopotamia – from Assyria to the Babylonian cities of Nineveh, Ur and Sumer. Materials not common to the area; jasper, onyx, lapis lazuli, sardonyx, agate and silver, were imported […]

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Fragrant soaps cheer the spirit

No concrete evidence exists as to where and when soap as we know it was first made or used. One account has it originating in Mt. Sapo, where remains of ash and animal sacrifices washed into the river and women noticed their clothes washed up cleaner wherever these substances accumulated. Soap-like material as well as […]

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Red is for “Le Mois d’Amour”

Red is traditionally the color of Love and Passion. Red can stimulate one’s appetite, which is why it’s often used in restaurants. In some Eastern cultures such as China red is the color for good luck. Although many Chinese brides now wear white, it is the traditional color for weddings. In Indian culture it symbolizes purity […]

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Romancing the light

There was a day when the only source of light was the sun, and artificial light was provided by fire, burning oil, or wax. We don’t use those sources much anymore, and yet, they are a favorite when we are trying to set a romantic mood. We love the softer, muted light of candles and […]

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The history of irons

The early history of ironing is recorded in Chinese drawings dating back a thousand years. They filled pans with hot coals, while in Northern Europe people were using stones, glass or wood to smooth or press fabric. It was Western blacksmiths that began forging  flat irons during the Middle Ages, which were heated over fires or […]

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Bright, beautiful, charming chandeliers

From the French word “chandelle,” chandelier literally means “candle holder,” and when they first appeared, that was about it. The first known chandeliers date back several centuries and were of simple design: crossed wood beams with a spike at the end of each to hold a candle. The chandelier evolved from candles to gas and eventually electricity […]

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We love Stained-glass windows

There is something magical about the art of stained glass. There is such a joy in the varied colors and styles of treating the glass. Who hasn’t been stilled by the grandeur of large pieces such as found in old cathedrals, or amused and delighted by a small simple Craftsman-style window. At the Cottage, we’ve collected […]

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Using small decorations for big effect

“Sometimes less is more,” and when it comes to setting the stage for holiday cheer, these little decorations tell a bigger story by drawing us to focus in more closely because of their smalller size. We have a variety of unique items like these little gems, including an extensive collection of Bethany Lowe decor. Stop […]

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