Stable to Workshop to Garage to Blue Transferware Dining Room & Almondina Cookie Giveaway!

Once upon a time there was a bungalow in the Berkeley flats that had behind it a stable which was constructed at the turn of the century.  From one owner to another and years upon years the stable was converted into a workshop and then to a car garage.  The structure  never dreamed it would one day be more than used for housing animals  then tools and then cars but it would be.  Someday, a dreamers dream would come to fruition and give the once stable a fairytale worthy existence. 

Step into this once neglected building given new life as a pink cottage dining room filled with blue transferware and chinoiserie and you will want to linger for as long as possible.

 This cottage style dining room was featured in House Beautiful  7 or 8 years ago.  The owner converted a stand alone garage in her back yard into a china lovers and interior design enthusiasts dining oasis!  

 Filled with blue transferware, flea market finds and heirloom furniture all painted white, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a cozy cup of tea and some Almondina cookies which is just what I'm doing as I write this post.  

 Original features of the structure included two sides of glass windows and a private courtyard garden to which it was connected.  The china cabinet belonged to the owners Mother and was handed down to her.  She painted it white along with most of the furniture with exception to the sideboard, leaving it as it was to add some weight to the room.   She had previously worked for Ralph Lauren and loved how he used an unexpected array of elements in his designs and did the very same thing by adding a sumptuous mix of china, crystal, silver, gold mirrors and gilt framed paintings.  It works beautifully!

Seeing this makes me want a blue and white room!  I'm in love, aren't you?  There is something about blue and white that is so compelling!

Now I have a sweet treat for one of my readers.  I was recently asked to review Almondina cookies and give a case of them away to one of you. I happily agreed.  Who doesn't love cookies?    Almondina is a perfect snack that is guilt free as there is no cholesterol, added fat, trans-fats, salt, or preservatives.  The crunchy, wafer like cookies have the texture of melba toast but these are slightly sweet.  Not too sweet at all but just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth, which I am guilty of having.  They come in a variety of flavors with a delicate hint of roasted almonds, chocolate, cherries, raisins and vanilla.  I am loving the Chocolate Cherry and snacking on them as I write.  mmmmmm.  I might need to open another package.

If you'd like a chance for a variety case of Almondina Cookies sent direct to your door, just leave a comment and you'll be entered.  Visit their website to see all of the flavors and options available.  I will use a random generator to select the winner next Saturday, September 13th and announce it here on my blog. 

P/S I almost forgot to announce the winner of the jewelry giveaway.  The winner is gadawn57  Please contact me asap with your choice!  I will contact you through your link as well.  Thank you to all who entered…and if still interested the costume jewelry is all 50% off on my site.  Just enter the code JEWELRY for the discount!

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Joining some of these parties:

Dedicated House  Wow Us Wednesday
Pink Saturday
Susan at Between Naps on The Porch
Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Cozy Little House
Cindy at My Romantic Home
French Inspiration Thursday 
Share the Love Wednesday
Farmhouse Friday
Funky Junk Interiors
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
Share It Sunday

Strut Your Stuff Saturday at Six Sisters Stuff 

Homemaking Linkup at Hope In Every Season 

Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party
Table It! at Rustic & Refined

Anything Goes Party at Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo

Fridays Unfolded at Nancherrow

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Inspire Me Monday
A Stroll Thru Life
Pioneer Momma

One More Time Events for Share it One More Time

Thoughts from Alice for Sundays at Home

A Life in Balance

Shabby Art Boutique for Shabbilicious Friday
Amaze Me Monday
LeChateuaDesFleurs
Mod Vintage Life Project Inspired