200: Happy Holidaze Giveaway!!

200: Happy Holidaze Giveaway!!

blue EYE   my heart is yours  cool giveaway montage 

(that’s “I Love a Cool Giveaway”) get it?? 

Okay so here it is the BIG 200th post!!  I think it took me awhile to get here…longer than 2 years I know…Is there a standard for this sort of thing? I dunno about that, but I do know that in Blogland, the 200th post signifies a big party and giveaway!! 

First the “party”…I thought I would just share some quick pix of our home at Christmas time…this year without an indoor cat…which to us is a very good thing.     There are a lot of pictures, so I am posting them in a smaller format…if you want a closer look you can just click on the photo for a better look…  

 candy castlenever enough roomitsa blur!Christmas 1castIron Owlmain treeheart o minenew pink tinsel treeone of my favsa lego kinda Christmaspink house holidayNoel's first stocking 1993Noel's ornamentby Grandma H.santa and crewvillage in hutchvintage silver tree   Hope you enjoyed the tour!!

Here’s a quick gift wrapping or giving idea that is sorta “green”  I have had some projects where I took the quilting out past where it needed to be, and I had some scraps that were just too big for me to throw away…quick'neasy  And I had some extra craft bags that I over bought for gifts for my staff at work….so a little clipping here, a little glue there and….. QNE2  five little gift bags….(which, actually I am passing on to you in the prize packs listed below)…   

And here are the prizes…. I have started (again) to clean up the studio, and I have been saving up a bunch of stuff to giveaway..

Prize #1    prize 1

Prize #2   prize 2

Prize #3   prize 3

Prize #4  prize 4

Prize #5  prize 5

Prize #6  prize 6

Prize #7  prize 7

And here it is just in time for Christmas…well the New Year really….. I will leave the drawing open until Midnight December 24th Pacific Standard time, and then sometime on Christmas day I will choose the winners.  But I want to do something a little different for this giveaway…a little word association please…so here is your task…you have to answer the following questions to be eligible to win:   

1.) when you think of the word “bungalow” what comes to mind? words, colors, textures, images, thoughts, things along those lines. 

2.)same concept  for the word “cottage”..what comes to your mind with that word?

and 3.) would you rather spend a holiday weekend at the bungalow or the cottage? 

These questions  aren’t too tough, I hope.  I am gonna tweet this post too, cause I want to hear what everyone has to say.  Winners will be handpicked by me, and I will be looking for the most descriptive responses to my questions…(I don’t sound too much like a high school teacher do I?)   So let the comments and answers begin…and before I sign off, I want to thank you so much for stopping by the Blue Nickel…sometimes I don’t get in here too often myself, but I always enjoy my time in Blogland with you all..I will be more active  again once my day job winds down in the next few weeks.  As my friend Jona mentioned recently, having a job, no matter how stressful, is a very good thing these days…a very good thing indeed.  

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——Aha!!  And you thought you were leaving!!  One last photo to share progress on the Sis Boom So St. Croix project for Free Spirit… here part of it is on the design wall…  So St Croix   Now, now I am signing off, and YOU can start leaving comments and telling all your bloggin’ buds about the Big Giveaway!!  I will likely be adding little bits to the prize packs this week so there will be surprizes too!

79 Comments

  • Eliane T.

    Reply

    Well about bungalow what comes to my mind is beach, coconut, sun, sea, freedom and a house like the one from the movie Blue Lagoon 🙂
    And about Cottage I really don’t know what it means but it reminds me of cottage cheese that is really low fat rsrs
    I will go for the bungalow because I love beach, sun and summer!
    Thanks for the chance. This is a fantastic giveaway!!

    December 21, 2009 at 2:47 am
  • Bungalow – hot, balmy, sultry, beach
    Cottage – mountains, fire, snuggling

    In my head I like to think of myself as a bungalow girl but in reality, I’m a cottage snuggler all the way.
    Andi 🙂

    December 21, 2009 at 3:46 am
  • Ooooh….word associations….fun! 😀
    When I think of a Bungalow I think of rough sand, and the sound of water, and coconuts, and beachy stuff.
    Cottage brings to mind a house buried deep in the woods with a HUGE wood fireplace and LOTS of blankets with some hot chocolate.
    Let’s see….I would love to go to the beach, but it might not seem like Christmas if it isn’t cold….so probably the cottage.

    December 21, 2009 at 5:34 am
  • Kathy

    Reply

    Bungalow–big front porch, sitting out and chatting with the neighbors
    Cottage–lazy summer days by the lake, no TV, sitting by the fire, fishing, dabbling my toes in the water, watching the heron walk by early in the morning
    Can you tell that I have spent more time at the cottage than at the bungalow? And I would definitely rather spend time there ANY weekend, not just a holiday.

    December 21, 2009 at 8:51 am
  • Bungalows make me think:
    outside grey weathered porches and shingles
    layers of beach sand on the porch steps and in crevices
    towels and swimsuits drying on the rails
    windchimes made of shells and driftwood
    buckets of drying shells & beach treasures found on long walks
    seagulls crying, waves crashing, salt air in your lungs
    flipflops laid out in a row
    beach toys in a bag
    sunglasses and hats tossed aside in laughter

    inside bright colors against white weathered walls
    wide open layout
    cracker windows angled to catch the wind
    couches and oversized chairs that can be plopped on wet or dry without worry
    snuggly soft blankets to ward off beach breezes
    pillows strewn everywhere
    well thumbed shell and fish guides
    books upon books to read
    smell of sun lotion
    stacks of board games
    jars and bottles of beach glass and shell treasures
    swirling conches, bleached sanddollars, bits of sponges lining walls and filling bowls
    memories everywhere

    OK so I miss the beach and Florida where I grew up something terrible from my current home in the dusty deserts of New Mexico–but the inside description is what I am turning my current home’s loft into because I miss it so much–and I have heard the terms cottage and bungalow used interchangeably at the beach

    My vision of a cottage in the mountains is as below but since I only first saw mountains when I moved to NM 7 years ago I can only give you my imagination…

    Outside
    crisp mountain air
    crunch of snow under your feet
    the trickle of a stream running at the bottom of the hill
    a stack of cut wood sits under a tarp
    woodsmoke from the chimney inviting you in
    your hand brushes the smooth wood rails
    a rabbit runs from bush to bush fur almost white for winter

    Inside
    a warm fire
    boots by the door
    coats, hats, scarves adorn pegs on the wall
    the smell of chocolate rises from the pot on the stove
    giggles come from the loft
    earthy colors are everywhere in browns, greens, blues, reds
    warm blankets on the backs of chairs and couches
    again memories touch it all

    a little more than I expected to write but what a fun thing thanks for getting the brain going!

    December 21, 2009 at 10:01 am
  • DianeY

    Reply

    When I think of a bungalow, I see heavy dark wood siding with a big covered front porch with heavy looking eaves, maybe sagging a bit’

    When I think of a cottage, I see a cheerfully painted (light blue or yellow) craftsman style structure. I actually see the cottage as the one near the beach

    I am definitely a cottage gal! (one of my favorite magazines is Cottage Living!)

    Congrats on your #200 & thanks for what looks like a great giveaway!

    December 21, 2009 at 10:26 am
  • Bungalow – reminds me at the beach, the sun, icecream, holidays.
    Cottage – I would like to be over the christmas days in a cottage. a very fine decorated christmas cottage, with family and friends, without any laptop ;o).
    but with a LOT of snow.
    Manuela

    December 21, 2009 at 12:02 pm
  • A bungalow is for me, the Jersey Shore and Seaside Heights. Rentals every summer for almost 30 yrs, the sand, the ocean and definately the waves. Kids growing up and making lasting friendships. Playing cards at nite while the kids played on the beach, going for ice cream treats and our annual trip to the Boardwalk. Kids loved the rides and the games and the gooey pizza and hot dogs. Winning the stuffed animals and the sports stuff. Some houses were better than others, but we didn’t care as long as we had a place to sleep and listen to the waves. It was all wonderful and I’d love to do it all over again A cottage reminds me of a place in Cape Cod, not crowded and right on the beach. Its quiet, restful and relaxing. Imagine a good book swinging in a hammock. Roasting hot dogs and marshmellows at nite in the balmy breezy nite. I much prefer the hustle and bustle of the Jersey shore. Thanks for this give-a-way and bringing back so many good memories. Happy Holidays to you and yours.

    December 21, 2009 at 8:45 pm
  • bungalow – small cabin. Musty smells. Drab colors. Spiders in every corner.

    Cottage – Oh, I like this one, because I love the *cottage look*! Small home, with lots of white, off white colors for the walls and furniture. Lots of blues, some pinks, and greens. Lots of flowers on the tables. Lots of pretty things.

    Definitley a cottage!! It would be very restful. Lots of books lying around waiting to be read. A few kitties on the bed to keep your feet toasty. You look out the windows and they are all kinds of flowers blooming in the yard; dogwood, tulips, azealeas, hycanthis, daffodils and lilys. You can smell the fragrant juices caressing your senses.

    December 21, 2009 at 11:41 pm
  • Pamela Smith

    Reply

    Congratulations on 200 posts – that’s fabulous! The Christmas pix were wonderful and it looks like you all are enjoying the season. Thanks for the giveaways – I’m crossing my fingers, especially the 100 designs magazine or the Log Cabin book with your design in it.

    To answer your questions:
    1.) Bungalow – I think of the beach and shells, ocean colors and images and screened-in porch
    2.)Cottage makes me think of Engligh cottages – big lush roses, gardens with lots of color, and a cosy feel. Even a fire in the fireplace during wintertime.
    3.) I think I’d rather spend a holiday weekend as the word seems more homey to me than a bungalow, which seems like a vacation home that you spend little time in because you are outdoors so much. It could be an East Coast thing, being close to the Outer Banks and all!

    Happy holidays to you and yours, Scott!

    December 22, 2009 at 5:23 am
  • Oh boy! Prize #3 is lookin’ real fine!
    OK – here goes with the bungalow/cottage descriptions 🙂
    The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word bungalow is a VERY small house. The reason behind that is when my husband and I were looking to buy our first house, whenever a realtor said we would be seeing a bungalow I would cringe. The first “bungalow” we saw was an old, old run down 3 room house was termed a “fixer-upper”. It sure was “cozy”!! If I get out of the realtor frame of mind, bungalow creates an image of a beach hut with palm trees swaying and a door made of hanging beads.
    The word cottage makes me happy. A cottage to me is a small “home” with old comfy furniture, a fieldstone fireplace, a standing lamp next to a comfy sink into chair with a reading table close by. An old full porcelin sink with mismatched cups and plates in the cupboards are a must. The bedroom has old framed pictures on the wall and a hurricane lamp for when the power goes out. No phone and no TV, but lots of games. There is a fire pit outside for cooking on a campfire and the lake is just a short walk away. There’s a small dock to fish from and the loons can be heard day and night. A cottage is my dream home – someday I will own this place!!

    Thanks for bringing a smile to my face while I create this description of a cottage – meshed from my favorite visits to cottages in my past 🙂
    Laurie

    December 22, 2009 at 8:12 am
  • Jeanette

    Reply

    Happy 200 Scott!
    First I wanted to comment on your pictures. I loved the tree with the little tractors and horses…too cute. And I LOVE how your christmas tree looks, crammed full of stuff and memories! I had to make my kids trim the tree this year, you can tell they didn’t want to by the end result. Yep getting teens to all do something at the same time (like smile) is like herding stubborn cats!

    Bungalows makes me think of the place we lived when we were married. That memory includes a courtyard and a metal gate, banana leaves (there was a tree right outside our window) palm trees, wood floors and white walls, sunny days and first love.
    Cottages are compact homes made with either stucco or rock walls and a thatched looking roof or tiles. It’s surrounded by a low fence with a gate at the end of the stone walkway and a arch covered by climbing roses in bloom. The windows have shutters and the yard is all a garden filled with flowers in bloom, and herbs. This is where I would rather stay because I’m placing it near the beach on a small cliff with a path down to the ocean. I can lie on the crisp sheets and hear the waves lull me to sleep.

    Happy Solstice! And Happy Holidays to you all.

    December 22, 2009 at 9:29 am
  • Shelley C

    Reply

    Bungalow- Beach scene, blue, green and sand. A thatched roof neutral, snug as a bug ‘cabin’. Ocean breeze, seaweed, sand dunes and sand pipers.

    Cottage- tiny two story house; stone walls, cedar shakes and loads of flowers out to the street. Holly hocks bobbing outside shutter framed windows. Wood smoke lazily drifting off above the roof top while a tea kettle whistles that tea and crumpets are about to be served. Here’s a jam pot to sweeten. Roses rambling over the stone wall; daisies growing along the path….well worn where friends drop by often.

    I want the cottage vacation thanks! But a bungalow glow in my sewing room! 🙂

    December 22, 2009 at 11:20 am
  • Chris Warner

    Reply

    Hmm this is fun, my two favorite styles.
    When I think of Bungalow I think of Little Red Riding hood, or the 3 bears, A snug place tucked away in the woods with a brick chimney and smoke from the fireplace spilling out.
    When I think of Cottage, of course I think of the shores of Lake Michigan, adorable little beach towns among the sand dunes, a stroll down a little street where the cottages are lined up all pretty and white along the road. They all have cute little balcony’s and decks where you just want to curl up and take a nap on a hammock in the cool Lake Michigan breeze.
    I would rather live in the cottage, even though my home will never be on Lake Michigan, I am trying really hard to make my house feel like you are really there.

    Chris

    December 22, 2009 at 11:49 am
  • Ok, I wrote my answer down before hitting post…I didn’t want to be swayed by anyone elses vision:

    bungalow…pool side, warm weather, windows open with slight breeze…newly married, tank tops and an open can of coke on the table.

    cottage…Jane Austen, stone building, drafty windows, English countryside, extra sweaters, with another hanging behind the door, fireplace embers still red and in need of a new log, sheep in the field and rolling beauiful countryside.

    I am a cottage girl. love being comfy cozy.

    Thanks for achance at your incredible, generous giveaway!

    December 22, 2009 at 11:49 am
  • Hey, Scott! Congrats on 200 posts, and thanks so much for hosting this great giveaway. Let’s see … when I think of a bungalow, I think of fun, relaxed, totally casual, older and maybe a bit run-down, but in a charming way. Small but cozy. I, too, am reminded of the beach by the word bungalow. Cottage shares many of the same associations — relaxed and casual, in particular — but it carries some more style in my eyes. Very warm and homey. Meticulously decorated, but still achieves a laid-back look. Full of found treasures and items of sentimental value. Lots of family photos. I used to love Cottage Living magazine, and would love to live in a home straight from its pages. So while I might enjoy a weekend in a bungalow at the beach with friends, I think I would have to pick a cottage as my getaway of choice!

    December 22, 2009 at 12:25 pm
  • Bungalow – red, green, plaid, stone fireplace, snow/winter, wood floors, dark, located in a deep wood near a stream, braided wool rug, pot-bellied stove, post and rail fence

    Cottage – pale yellow, blue, pastels, airy, lots of light, spring, Martha’s Vineyard, beach, starfish and seashells, fresh flowers, white picket fence

    I would rather spend a Christmas weekend in a bungalow and Mother’s Day weekend in a cottage.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    December 22, 2009 at 12:50 pm
  • A great topic because I have what might be described as a “bungalage.”

    1.) when you think of the word “bungalow” what comes to mind? words, colors, textures, images, thoughts, things along those lines.

    I think of some of those older homes in Orange County, California. Warm pumpkin, green, and soft gold colors coupled with built-in sideboards, “California coolers” (I had one in El Toro, CA and my mom had one in Orange), an orange tree in the yard, a porch that wraps around. I think of permanence. Our El Toro bungalow was the best: a canning porch and a pantry room were awesome.

    2.)same concept for the word “cottage”..what comes to your mind with that word?
    When I think cottage, I think of something a little lighter, brighter, a little more feminine: blues, peaches, aquas, pastels. The furniture is lighter, too, kind of the LLBean summer house style.
    and 3.) would you rather spend a holiday weekend at the bungalow or the cottage?

    I am a bungalow person and would want to spend the holidays there. Our stone house here in rural Riverside County is an excellent example. We will soon become Northern New Mexico ranchers living in a log home, a whole new type of home!

    December 22, 2009 at 1:09 pm
  • Tonya

    Reply

    When I hear bungalow I think: wood, brown, cozy, cool nights and crisp mornings, fire place crackling or birch logs neatly stacked waiting for a match, crickets, squirrels, water sounds (brook or stream), birds, pine scents, pine needles, restful.

    When I hear cottage, I think: ocean, breeze, white or gray with wooden shutters, screen doors, open windows, salt air, seagulls, children’s laughter, long walks, beach towels drying in the sun, cookouts, cheerful quilts on the beds, sandy porches, sand castles, crabs and sand pipers, little kids chasing waves.

    I would like to vacation in a cottage during the summer and a bungalow the rest of the year.

    December 22, 2009 at 2:11 pm
  • bungalow – low to ground short and earthy home for vacation in the woods
    cottage – seasonal home on lake with both a front and back porch
    I would definitely like to spend a SUMMER holiday weekend at a cottage because I am a lake person through and through!!

    December 22, 2009 at 4:03 pm
  • Sarah

    Reply

    Bungalow. I know I am wrong, but I think of the cabins with only three walls. Anarandacks (sp)? They have built-in bunks for you to roll out a sleeping bag, and fit about 8 people. I’m reminded of my time in these on the Oregon Coast.

    Cottage. A very small room with a dirt floor but a small stove in the corner, so it is warm and cozy. And THAT is why I would choose to spend Christmas in a cottage.

    Unless I lived in Australia where the seasons are backwards 🙂

    December 22, 2009 at 4:22 pm
  • Rosemary

    Reply

    Bungalow: Without a doubt, a cabana boy. That said person would be required to dispense with tanning lotion, fruity little alcoholic drinks with umbrellas, and don’t forget the sun and tropical breezes.

    Cottage: Still brings to mind the water, definitely on the East Coast or in Ireland. Quilts, tea (hot or cold), a porch, and lots of faded cedar.

    As much as I like the idea of the cabana boy (o.k., I married one) I pick the cottage and the porch and most likely, the rocker on the porch.

    Cheers!

    December 22, 2009 at 5:12 pm
  • Layne Perkins

    Reply

    Bungalow makes me think of cosy, warm, vacation, brown wood, plaid blankets, hot chocolate and shortbread.

    Cottage makes me think of grandma, chintz, tea pots and tea cups, pink, white, blue, yellow, porch swing, tea and scones.

    I believe I’d like to spend Christmas in the bungalow because it would probably be snowing wherever it is.

    December 22, 2009 at 5:31 pm
  • Sue Cahill

    Reply

    Bungalow – tropical island, thatched roof, white sand, misquito netting over the bed, drinks with umbrellas, second honeymoon(!!), coconuts and pineapples and a luau, sweet privacy.

    Cottage – my family’s summer place in Northern Vermont, the cool lake, playing monopoly when it rains, climbing mountains, picking blueberries, watching the bears at the dump at dusk, loons and moose, ben franklin stove to take the chill of late summer nights, smores, fires on the beach, fishing at 4 AM, my sweet Gramma pulling the chocolate chip cookies out of the oven as we race up from the lake after swimming for hours. Sharing all that joy and adventure with my children and now grandchildren.

    For me, even though I dream of running off to a bungalow with my dear husband to escape the world and reconnect, I would always choose the cottage. For me it is where my soul lives and family becomes close. So many memories that sustain me through the year come from my time at the cottage.

    December 22, 2009 at 6:55 pm
  • I didn’t want to read others responses so my answers wouldn’t be tainted! 🙂 Okay- bungalow to me: warm colors like ripe wheat, chocolate, olive green. Also dark stained woodwork, a cute inglenook, lots of fireplaces with ceramic tile with Stickleyesque designs. A mix of cabin look as well as nouveau prints.
    Cottage: light colors, breezy rooms, overlooking the ocean. A color palette of light aqua, white, candy pink. Vintage dishware, no dishwasher to wash them. All woodwork painted. Fluffy couch with mismatched pillows- a place to relax. I just described my dream vacation home I would love to decorate. So my final answer is I’d love to stay in a beach cottage! Happy 200th- love looking at your quilts!!

    December 22, 2009 at 7:50 pm
  • karen

    Reply

    Bungalow reminds me of The King and I. Sultry and sweaty, romantic.
    Cottage makes me think of Miss Marple. Overgrown rose bushes, lilacs, and lots of doilies.

    Based on my descriptions, I prefer the bungalow. In my heart, though, I am a cottage girl.

    Merry Christmas! Thanks for the opportunity–I have my fingers crossed!

    December 22, 2009 at 8:06 pm
  • Brady

    Reply

    A bungalow to me means beachy, southern california, warm but with a nice breeze, relaxed and casual. You could stroll out your back door and down to the sand. I would be wearing light clothes that feel airy with flip flops and my pants rolled up to my shins. I’d collect sea glass in my spare time.

    A cottage could be Victorian and in a small town or made of gingerbread and in the woods. It is cozy but a bit more formal and filled with knick knacks. You need to be a little more careful in a cottage. I would be snuggled under a quilt in front of a fire on the oversized sofa reading a long book. I’d bake bread for fun.

    It is difficult to choose between the two but I think I’d like the coziness of the cottage, if it was in the woods.

    December 22, 2009 at 8:26 pm
  • I used to live in a sweet, perfect cottage, so I’m quite biased. I still miss that house….. It was our first home and we sold it to move overseas. I’m glad we made the move because of the cultural experiences we gained, but it was hard to trade in our cottage for concrete-walled, low-ceilinged, tiny-roomed housing inspired by Russian architecture during the Soviet era. But, you’re not asking for my opinions on our less-than-Better-Homes-and-Gardens homes overseas, are you…?

    Bungalow — A bit swingy, cool, and probably a place where hep cats hang out (or yuppies who want people to think they’re hep cats). I think of forest green for some reason. And grass. Perhaps it’s because the cabins at the campground I went to as a child were called bungalows….

    Cottage — Surrounded by flowers, sunshine, trees!!, and an easy pace of life. There must be a porch with a swing or a bench. We had one and I used to take naps out there during summer thunderstorms. It was beautiful. Each room is unique, but cohesive. I see bright (but not garish) colors and lots of wonderful white crown molding, wainscoting, and other architectural details.

    I’m sure it’s obvious where I’d rather spend Christmas. I’m quite a cottage girl.

    Great giveaway and spectacular questions! (Yes, I’m going for the brownie points here!)

    December 22, 2009 at 11:16 pm
  • hmm…..I guess on both I think small and cozy. Bungalow I think more beach, more retro maybe? Cottage definitly lots of flowers growing outside, lots of vintage charm. I think I prefer the cottage myself. 🙂

    December 22, 2009 at 11:41 pm
  • Well if the winners are picked on descriptive terms I’m not holding out much hope. I’m sure some of your other readers must be wordsmiths in a previous live.

    Bungalow – cream paint, wooden floors, warm sand, red pohutukawa flowers, the sound of waves and tui’s feeding in the flax. Chilren playing on the beach.

    Cottage – Apple trees and rose blossoms. Warm feet by the fire.

    Sorry not much on the cottage. I live in an old (1890’s) cottage, it’s not as inspiring as you’d imagine unless you want to hear about the post of the porch that needs fisxing, blah blah blah, boring stuff.

    I’d pick the bungalow any day. I think I need a change. 🙂

    Happy 200th post Scott.
    Love your work. Don’t go changing.

    December 23, 2009 at 2:12 am
  • Billie Parrott

    Reply

    Bungalow – wish I could “write the picture” in my mind. There’s a beach. It’s private, but I guess by magical means you can have great fluffy towels, clean sheets, endless icy drinks and fruity snacks. There’s a breeze, but also hot sun — the kind that makes you see everything with a silver halo after being out for a while. Have to have a hammock. Turquoise water, white sand, ecru hammock, yellow and hot pink towels, lots of super funky, eyepopping colors. Stacks of books to read.

    Cottage — here I see whitewashed plaster walls with climbing roses up one side. I see a red Dutch door with the top half open to passing neighbors. Flower beds surround it on all sides, herbs growing near the back door and their scent wafting on the breeze. Old planks floors, overstuffed chairs with ottomans — the really neat kind covered in a multitude of quilting fabrics with crocheted doilies on the arms. Lots of shabby chic everywhere. Lots of books. One of those old white stoves with the warming oven on the side. Lots of baking going on — breads and scones to go with tea made in a real china teapot that has a precious quilted cozy all its own. And I think the not too close neighbors need some sheep that they shear and give me the wool to spin so I’ll have materials to knit with on long winter nights.

    I know this is way more information than you ever wanted. Sorry. I fantasize a lot.

    I love, love, love the beach. But just thinking about the contrast between the two places, I have to say I’d choose the cottage. I see me having all of my “hobby” items there and being able to stay busy forever. At the beach I’d stay lazy forever.

    December 23, 2009 at 6:49 am
  • emtdlb

    Reply

    Bungalow-always pictured a 70’s theme, lots of gold or avocado colors, dark inside and not very big. Don’t know why. Either that or something on the beach that you never stayed at except to sleep.
    Cottage-a quaint little house that almost looked like a doll house. Lots of flowers and trees. Mine picture was always white with a dark roof and front porch that had a porch swing and rocking chairs. Blue or red shutters were around the windows with a blue door. A white picket fence was surrounding the cottage and gardens. Always pictured lots of gardens and plants to go along with one. Birds and small animals abound, also lots of deer. Nice little brick fireplace inside with bright colors and cute rooms.
    Obviously I prefer the idea of a cottage. Bungalows always sounded so dark, dank and seedy. Congratulations on 200 posts! Way to stick to it.

    December 23, 2009 at 6:59 am
  • Well as for bungalow I think of the beach, sun, sand, surf, blue,white and the sea breeze coming through the open windows. When I think of cottage I think cozy, peaceful, sitting by a fire, reading. I would prefer spending Christmas in a Cottage snuggles up by the fire with my girls and their daddy. Merry Christmas!

    December 23, 2009 at 8:24 am
  • a peppermint penguin

    Reply

    Umm, I’m not sure this is going to be of any help whatsover, but I’ll pitch in anyway.

    In the UK, where I am, a bungalow is a 1 storey house, that is no upstairs. My aunt lives in one, it’s like a flat (apartment) but with a front and back door and a garden. Here a bungalow is seen mostly as a retirement property or easy access for disabled people – in itself quite desirable for those people, but has wound up with a distinctly unglamorous image!

    A cottage holds the ‘country’ image still and most people would think, old, possibly thatched roof, low beamed ceilings, open fireplaces and small.

    So I’d rather stay in a bungalow, likely to be more modern, more space and no weird shoogly staircase to trip you up!

    Very generous giveaway, I hope you have a lovely tidy studio to work in after the holidays.

    Cheers,
    AJ

    December 23, 2009 at 10:06 am
  • Mary Kastner

    Reply

    Hi Scott,

    thank you for the opportunity to win these fabulous prizes. I love your blog!
    Bungalow – definitely the beach, warm summer weather, sand, the ocean view and lots of wave noise. My kind of place anytime.
    Cottage – England, lots of perennial gardens surrounding it, quaint, antiques, beautiful
    My choice: the bungalow at the beach but I love the cottage idea as well.

    Happy Holidays,
    Mary

    December 23, 2009 at 10:08 am
  • Congrats on #200!
    To me the word bungalow brings up images of Frank Lloyd Wright-esque homes – lots of wood & architectural detail, front porches with tapered wood columns, very homey.
    The word cottage is associated in my mind with summers in Michigan at my grandparents’ cottage near the lake – cozy & familiar, paper cup cones for drinking in a dispenser by the bathroom sink, cleaning & prepping fish for dinner, deer roaming just outside the windows, lots of wildflowers and birds.
    I love both styles, so picking just one is hard…..maybe a bungalow (love those porches!) with a homey cottage interior 🙂
    Thanks for the chance on the give-away.
    Happy Holidays!
    Karen G.

    December 23, 2009 at 10:21 am
  • Esther L.

    Reply

    Congrats on your 200th post. Here’s to another 200!

    1) Bungalow: a breezy, open to the (hopefully) tropical air hideout overlooking turquoise blue waters with a couple of margaritas on the deck. Graciously adorned with palm fronds, seashells and the requisite amount of sand tracked in from the pristine beach

    2) Cottage: a snug cocoon with a roaring fire, windows looking out onto snow covered pine trees, a stack of good books, a cuddly dog and a steaming vanilla latte

    3) Where would I rather be? Probably the bugalow, since it would be easier to find an open bar and a good party!

    Have a great holiday!

    December 23, 2009 at 10:28 am
  • Ally

    Reply

    Bungalow makes me think of the sound of water lapping and the soft rustle of sheers in the breeze through the open windows.

    Cottage makes me think of my favorite Holiday movie The Holiday and the beautiful little cottage in that scene.

    I would choose the cottage 🙂 I’m an old fashioned girl 🙂

    December 23, 2009 at 11:16 am
  • bungalow brings up images of open window beach houses in the tropics…ok not quite the tropics, but places like Hawaii and the Caribian. Dark brown woods, shutters that can close if a storm is brewing, cool breezes blowing through. If you were to look out the window space, you’d see lots of green, the HUGE banana leaves, pineapple trees, palm trees, and if you look out far enough you will see the lovely white sand beaches with the ocean glistening in the background. (I imagine this for like a honeymoon)

    Cottage makes me think of white, nick knacks, and clutter….but organized clutter. It makes me think Shabby/Chic florals, beadboard, pastels, delicate things. Outside has a lush garden briming with roses and tulups. Lots of little spaces to sit and read, or think, or doodle, lots of nooks and crannies. I used to want to live in a cottage and decorate it like that, but since having children I decided thats not for me!

    If I had to vacation at one, I think I’d choose the bungalow, but really I am more of a cabin girl. Oversized chairs, lamps, big throws, thick socks. A fire roaring in the fireplace, outside green! Lots of trees, shade, and places to go hiking and exploring, or you could just curl up inside with a cup of coffee (or a good tea) and read the newspaper, books, work on a quilt in your lap…That’s what I really would like to go do!

    December 23, 2009 at 11:23 am
  • Hi, I’m over here from Quilt Dad’s blog for your giveaway; thanks for the chance!

    Bungalow doesn’t suggest vacation to me like so many other commenters. I think of a small, cozy home with lots of built-ins and interesting nooks. But I also think of my mother-in-law, who talks fondly of “the bungalow,” her family’s summer vacation home.

    We went to “the cottage” growing up. It was a 1940s log cabin on Lake Michigan, owned by my great aunt. Tons of family convened there in the summer, so there were two huge long picnic tables in a line in the main room for meals, and tons of little tiny rooms with beds for sleeping, and a loft for the kids to sleep in (as well as a room with tons of bunk beds). All the furniture was made from logs and it was dark and rustic. We spent all day on the beach and only came back to the cottage at night, filling it up with sand as we ate mountains of corn on the cob and just-picked-by-us blueberries.

    I’d rather go to the cottage.

    p.s. I see some “corticelli” thread in your background picture; it was made in a factory on my street.

    December 23, 2009 at 11:32 am
  • Leslie Schmidt

    Reply

    Bravo on your 200th post!
    For me, a bungalow reminds me of those old motor hotels in 30s and 40s movies, kind of dark and damp and cramped.
    A cottage on the other hand, speaks to me of calm, worn furnishings, soft yellows and greens, a cozy little place with a peaked roof and an oven with the smell of fresh-baked bread coming from it.
    I guess there’s no question for me–a cottage it is, enveloping me in its charm and homeyness.

    December 23, 2009 at 11:38 am
  • I would rather spend time in a cottage. It just sounds sweet and cozy. Even though I don’t know the difference or what a bungalow actually is, it seems more rustic to me…cabinish.

    December 23, 2009 at 11:46 am
  • Hi there and congrats on the 200th post.

    Hmm, I guess I don’t know the type of bungalow that sits by a beach…

    Bungalow – rectangle, boring, bland, no roof, next to many other bungalows that look the same, basically, grey, bunker-like.

    Cottage – trees, sound of wind blowing through trees, water, lake, cool air, pretty fall colours, friends, good times, cozy-up in front of a fire place, marshmallows, dirt.

    I guess that tells you where I’d rather spend my vacation 🙂

    Prize 4 is my favourite, just in case… LOVE the fish fabric and I’ve never had a scrap bag, so that would be exciting!

    Merry Christmas,
    Christine

    December 23, 2009 at 11:50 am
  • Okay because I live in Florida, bungalow brings to mind the old Florida cracker houses that still grace our community. Yellow with a big broad porch wrapping around the front of the house. Rocking chairs and sa-weet tea to sip as you sit and watch the sun go down, saying “hey” as your neighbor strolls past your front gate. On the other hand a cottage reminds me of pictures of the hillsides of England, with sheep grazing in the fields. Cozy and warm with the front door wide open, overlooking a vast beauty of hills and fields. Of course there has to be smoke drifting toward the sky from the smoke stack (which has a kettle of stew cooking over the open fire.
    If I could spend a weekend, I guess I would choose an English cottage, as I have never been there before 😉 And after all, I am the Happy Cottage Quilter 😀
    Great giveaway, and congrats on your 200 posts!

    December 23, 2009 at 11:50 am
  • Happy 200th, Wow what a fun giveaway.. I found you through Pamkittymorning.
    Bungalow – In Real Estate terms, bungalow probably means a craftsman style house with a certain characteristic, but to me it sounds like a beachy place with sand and fun in the sun.
    Cottage – Sounds more like a small white house with a brick fireplace and definitely some vintage charm. Beautiful flowers and flowering trees in the yard with a picket fence.

    I’ll take the bungalow with the beach and fun in the sun.
    Great blog!! Thanks for the generous giveaway.

    December 23, 2009 at 11:52 am
  • Sarah

    Reply

    Bungalow = Bill
    Cottage = Cheese
    I don’t know a Bill but I love Cheese, so I would rather stay at a cottage!
    Sarah Dixie

    December 23, 2009 at 11:55 am
  • Bungalow is not really a “concept” for me—-but I think of style of housing, probably from an earlier era.

    Cottage brings to mind simple accommodations….but either mountains or beach. Or even lake! I think of it as a place to get away! And I WANT one!

    Actually, I would be happy weekending at either. Would like it to be somewhere picturesque. Mountains and snow, fireplace and hot chocolate.

    Or warm beaches and a margarita………

    Not hard to please!

    December 23, 2009 at 12:01 pm
  • Hi there, Quilt Dad sent me over, I’ll have to bookmark your blog to read when I have more time (ie not sitting in my pjs with nothing done at 8am in the morning). In New Zealand, a bungalow is a fairly standard ordinary house that loads of people live in, but a Cottage is a more romantic work which brings to mind holidays in the sun.

    December 23, 2009 at 12:12 pm
  • well, I really like the idea of Christmas in a cosy cottage, much like Cameron Diaz in the movie where she swapped houses with Kate Winslet (the movie name escapes me right at this moment), cottage conjures up cosy, warm, snowy, warm, inviting, hot mulled wine, or cocoa, roast turkey, glazed ham…
    … while bungalow reminds me more of a beachy scene, which is more likely for Christmas in New Zealand – BBQ’s, jandals, beach balls, fresh salmon, lots of salads and fresh fruits (Apricots, nectarines cherries and strawberries) and icecream!!!

    Where ever you are, have lots of fun, eat heaps, open lots of pressies, and enjoy your family and friends!

    December 23, 2009 at 12:19 pm
  • Hi there,
    came by way of John from Quilt Dad–great giveaway!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    1. Bungalow– main floor laundry and wallpaper

    2. Cottage– out house/johnny on the spot

    3. I think I’d take the tacky boring bungalow because it at least would have running water and an indoor loo 🙂

    Merry Christmas!

    December 23, 2009 at 12:21 pm
  • SewLindaAnn

    Reply

    Neat idea, I love anything that puts my brain on a creative track and away from anything I really need to be doing. Okay, here goes:

    Bungalow: A simple home built by my family of worn brown logs we’ve gotten from the forest behind us. Windows that open with wooden shutters to let in the fresh crisp air of the mountains. The sounds of the hawks flying overhead, the rustling sound of the leaves in the wind, the spark of the fire as the logs catch, the contentment I feel crocheting a blanket with my own still working hands while my husband and son have a rousing game of chess by my side. I’m warm, fulfilled and happy in a way that makes me just smile inside to be alive.

    Cottage: Casual, blue ocean, shells and sand. Striped umbrellas and lotion that smells like coconuts. Piles of books to read and cold water to drink with fresh squeezed lemons, limes and cucumbers. Outside showers and wet sticky sand, ripe fruit off the vines and trees for breakfast, lunch and dinner, green leaves and herbs crushed and released of their sweet smells. The feel of soft brown earth in my hands as I spread the seeds in the garden and dream of the tall lingering flowers that will come. The dirt stains my nails and hands and I smile. Lounge chairs and thick comfy towels, big cotton hats and the warmth of the sun on your face after a long, wet spring. A sigh of contentment, life is good and slow and I don’t want to think about anything else.

    I really love both scenarios and am happy in both. I wish I could have a front and back door that opened into each lifestyle. But, for the Holidays, I would choose the bungalow in the mountains in a very cold part of the country with lots and lots of snow, logs ready for burning and a kitchenette area filled with supplies to make homemade meals and desserts to celebrate being together and life.

    Thanks for the pics, I love seeing into the world of others!

    December 23, 2009 at 12:23 pm
  • Bungalow = vacation, small, cozy, funky, relaxation, sitting under an umbrella with big hat, sarong and sipping very icy cold lemonade;

    Cottabe = home, bookcases, big windows, wooden floors, lots of flowers outside, pathways, potting shed, sun porch; gathering place of/for friends, retirement, easy living, mild weather place;

    Congradulations on your 200th blog and, continued success.

    Thanks for the chance for some cool prizes.

    Happy Holidays!

    December 23, 2009 at 1:42 pm
  • Kimberly

    Reply

    Congrats on your 200th post. I don’t know about everyone else but 2 years seems like a reasonable time to hit 200. That would be about 2 posts a week, which is a good number. (In my opinion. But haven’t even hit 5 posts in a year so what do I know?!?)

    A cottage brings to mind a cozy (small), home in a country-type setting. It would have a very set decor, kind of Martha Stewart-y. Comfortable but definitely decorated with an overall idea in mind. Soft pastel colors, and overstuffed furniture, a fireplace with a roaring fire.. A place to relax and just let go. The air smells of apple pies and homemade bread. Cool temps, perfect for bundling up for a hike.

    Now a bungalow is similar in my mind but the decor would be less matchy-matchy. It would not look like Martha Stewart had been there. It would look a little more lived in, like someone came in from a day at the sand and just kind of tossed everything. It is definitely near a beach. (Why does the word bungalow bring to mind a beach for everyone?) The air here would smell like salt water, suntan lotion and sand. Warm air, great for laying on the beach.

    My preference right now would be a bungalow but mostly because it is cold here. The warm beach and ocean sounds great right about now.

    Thanks for the giveaway, your items are lovely. I love the MoMo fabric in group 4. She is my favorite designer right now. Congrats again on your 200th post!

    December 23, 2009 at 1:46 pm
  • It’s looks like a lovely decorated Christmas house. I love those gift bags, I hope I find the time to do some before Christmas!
    And the give away is really great, if it’s open for international entries I would love to through my nomber in the hat…
    so her goes.
    A bungalow sounds to me a bit like a small house. Made in brick and with a flat roof. It reminds me of holidays near swimmingpools, and with alot of houses lying next to each other.
    A cottage is in my book a more private and primitive house, with a pointed roof made og tree or straw. It could be either located alone in the forrest or on a beach. But I’m definitly thinking of a place with fewer neighbours than a bungalow.
    I think I would chose a vacation in a cottage over a bungalow for myself. But if I were to bring the kids, I would think that a bungalow as described above would be perfect.
    Merry Christmas!

    December 23, 2009 at 2:08 pm
  • Seaside bungalow…
    Well-worn board floors, sand in the cracks than can never be swept out.
    Children never in the house, playing in the sand dunes, in the water, tracking in that sand that settles in the cracks of the floor boards never to be swept out again.
    Beautiful dark woodwork worn down and darkened by years of living…and loving.
    Scuffed Adirondack chairs on the porch with well-worn cushions.
    Wicker glass-topped table.
    Pitcher of lemonade.
    Fiesta plate piled with gingersnaps.
    A good book.

    Cottage at the edge of the woods…
    White picket fence needing another coat of whitewash.
    English country garden outside with an explosion of color.
    Antique roses of every color and hue with delicious perfumy aromas competing for attention.
    Same large floral prints, ginghams, checks scattered throughout the interior on sofa, chairs, ottoman, curtains, bedspreads, and floors.
    An overstuffed chair in a corner well-lit by a lamp on top of a crocheted scarf.
    A cup of tea.
    Royal Doulton plate full of teacakes.
    A good book.

    Where do I want to be? Right where I am. Content.

    December 23, 2009 at 2:34 pm
  • Hi: Bungalow is a great place to live, especially if you quilt, because it means there’s a huge basement ready to convert to a quilting studio. And up here in Winnipeg, a cottage is a summer home by the lake, where you feel the gentle breezes off one of the biggest lakes on the continent, and where you’re just minutes from the best sandy beaches in the world. that’s where you can dream of all the wonderful fabrics you’re going to play with at your bungalow quilting studio. I think I need both the cottage and the bungalow.
    thanks for the chance to win. happy holidays.

    December 23, 2009 at 3:50 pm
  • Bungalow is to cottage what traditional is to 30’s fabric. Bungalow colors are blues, browns and greens while cottage colors are pinks and yellow and white. Bungalow is sturdy and efficient, cottage is flirty and light. Bungalow smells like homemade stew and biscuits and cottage is apple pie and cocoa. Bungalow is a quilt made of churndash and log cabin blocks, all mellow and warm while cottage is flying geese and whirligigs, bright and cool.

    Thanks for a great blog and congrats on the 200th post, Scott.

    December 23, 2009 at 4:09 pm
  • For some reason, in my mind, bungalow=too small and a little dark, but cottage=cozy and pretty with light flooding in through all the vintage windows.

    I’ll take cottage. 🙂

    December 23, 2009 at 4:44 pm
  • Wow! I just stumbled on your blog via another blog and I’m loving you already!

    Ok, Bungalow- small one bedroom, open-style building on stilts in the South Pacific waters; surrounded by placid blue ocean waves with palm trees bent toward the front door; covered porch with Adirondack-style chairs, weathered and worn from the salty air; no electricity and no running water; peaceful, quiet paradise; my ideal vacation spot

    Cottage- slightly larger than a bungalow, with 2-3 bedrooms; cedar-shingled siding greyed by the weather; light and airy, yet cozy and warm all at the same time; bright and sunny and pastel-y; wrap around porch with rocking chairs; surrounded by evergreens and wildflowers; my ideal home

    December 23, 2009 at 6:10 pm
  • Bungalow: makes me think of beaches, palm tress and white sand.
    Cottage: makes me think of tress, the bush, a little creek and a camp fire.
    I would choose the Bungalow because I live in the bush in a lovely modern cottage all the time so I am already spoilt for choice.
    Thank you so much for hosting a generous giveaway, I hope I am eligible as I am in Australia.

    December 23, 2009 at 6:18 pm
  • First of all, congrats on the 200th! Second…just wanted you to know that Quilt Dad sent me!:)
    I’m new to this blogging stuff and only have 23 posts…I have a lot of catching up to do!

    OK…back to the task at hand…

    Bungalow….Oak rockingchairs on the low slung front porch with hefty columns, the bottoms of which are tapered brink or stone midway up to wood which lead up to a centered front door, oak with little 2″x2″ windows in a 6×6 grid at the top, several panels on the bottom opens up to a center hall with oak built-ins on either side of open columns going into the livingroom and diningroom which are just on opposite sides of each other. Both rooms have a fireplace with small subway tiles in a deep green surrounding the firebox, oak mantel with a built-in mirror, flat slate hearth. A few of the tiles have stylized ivy and ginko leaves running through them. There are bookcases built in on either side of the fireplace, upper cabinets have leaded glass doors keeping colorful books protected, bottom cabinets have paneled doors hiding all the stuff of living like candles, games and magazines. All open with burnished brass eggshaped knobs.
    Warm wooden armed furniture with leather cushions in a chesnut brown, cracked and fitting your bottom just right. The arms of the chairs are worn smooth and shiny with a few drink glass rings showing people are comfortable in that room. There is a tall wrought iron lamp and a small table lamp with a green glass cover on the desk. The diningroom has a massive table with chairs that have black leather seats and a corner cupboard where the dishes are kept. Over the table there is a burnished brass candelabra with mini black shades over fake flame-shaped lightbulbs. There is a wide buffet on one wall, not very deep, perfect for all the platters and baskets and linens for parties. A long handloomed runner of burgundys and greens shot with black lays across the buffet and there are fabric lined wooden boxes on top that hold the hand-forged cutlery inherited from late ancestors. If you keep walking straight through you come to the kitchen with soapstone counters and oak shaker style cabinets with the same burnished brass knobs. A soapstone sink with a wall-mounted faucet and soapstone extra deep windowledge with herbs scenting the room. A wrought iron pan rack above the island and an oak plate rack just to the left of the sink….actually it would be awesome if it was above the sink because there is s triple window there and it won’t block all the sunlight streaming in which lights up the leather couch opposite the kitchen with a big trunk as a coffee table where the kids do their homework while the parents make dinner. There is a staircase next to the couch going upstairs to one small master bedroom (because no one needs a huge bedroom…save that space for the common areas) and bath and two little rooms that share a bathroom between them. There are small closets and dressers built in under the slant of the eaves and storage under the windowseats…the kids love reading and daydreaming in these seats….this is a very happy home!

    Ok…cottage….open up the gate on the white pickett fence follow the path with sweet scented geraniums, nicotania, lavendars and mini roses scattered about to the front porch with gray weathered floors and a sky blue ceiling you can sit on the sea green/gray rattan couch and chair with flowered cushions or on the pink porch swing draped with cabbage rose throw and watch the neighborhood. Or you can hang out inside this home with robin’s egg blue walls and white trim, sheer light and breezy gauze curtains blowing about the overstuffed butter yellow couch with a huge flowered ottoman for a coffeetable. There are white bookcases on the whole front wall, surrounding the windows, filled with books, shells, rocks, swamp locust thorns, green glass bottles of marbles and arrowheads. The couch is draped with a huge 9 patch quilt made from scraps and the sidetable has a huge vase filled with sunflowers and multi-colored zinnias. There is a white enamel woodstove in the corner, the walls are tiled behind and below the stove and half way up the vent pipe goes up and out the wall at a right angle. Logs and kindling are stacked in a basket ready for those cool late afternoons. The kitchen has the same blue walls with white metal cabinets and stainless steel counters….white farmsink and really cool retro frig and stove in a bright orange. The cabinets are peppered with alphabet magnets spelling out the kids names. The poplar farmstyle table is narrow with white legs and mismatched chairs with rattan seats are on one side and on the other side, the side next to the huge bank of windows, there are two benches with natural seats and white painted legs. The benches are used so they don’t block the view to the backyard and garden. The chairs and benches have seatcushions with orange peonies, red poppies and black-eyed susans. The table has a quilted runner using same colors in a homespun and a wrought iron basket with fresh fruit. There are three orange glass pendent lights over the table, the inside of the lights are white to reflect a nice clear light. Upstairs the rooms are bright and open to the breezes. Iron headboards and quilts in aqua and red. Rattan trunks hold all the toys and the red armoire has blackboard painted insets and a little Micky Mouse lunchbox holds the colored chalks. The parents room has a seafoam green chenille bedspread with a stringquilt at the foot. It is an old tarnished brass bed and there is a little plaque at the bottom of the headboard that says their name and the date they were married and that his parents had the bed made specially for them. Of course it wasn’t tarnished when they bought it 24 years ago but they love it that way.

    Oh my….guess I need to stop…got caught up in a little daydream…always wish we had built a bugalow/cottage kind of home! Thanks for the fun challenge!!

    December 23, 2009 at 6:26 pm
  • Wow, 200 posts! Congratulations!!
    When I think of the word bungalow it brings back great memories of summers spent at the bungalow with my family. I would think of words like river, bon fires, summer, sandbox, boat, sun, swimming – all those fun summer thoughts!
    Cottage to me is much fancier than we I spent my childhood summers. A cottage has a cute front porch with a rocking chair out front. White paint. Very crisp and clean.
    As for questions 3…I’m torn. I’m much more of a cottage type girl, but being away from my family for the holidays makes me wish I could go to my parents house, built on the property where the bungalow used to be!
    Merry Christmas, and thanks for the Christmas pics!

    December 23, 2009 at 7:11 pm
  • Bungalow – a warm little house, near the water, preferably near a beach. This is a nice place to get away from the routine. All the colors are soft and light.. While I am at the bungalow, I can rest, refresh, get in touch with my inner self. This is a haven of peace and fun. Nothing is too serious when I am at the bungalow.

    Cottage- A small house with no more than two bedrooms. The roof is thatch. It has weathered to a lovely grey tone. The exterior walls are freshly whitewashed. Flowers in all shades of red, pink, yellow and purple are growing around the doors and in the window boxes. Inside the cottage is homey and warm. There is a feeling of safety and assurance here. The shelves have well read, well loved books that are a joy to re-read. There is a fire in the fireplace and a grey tabby cat sleeping on the hearth.

    This time of year, I prefer the cottage, it holds tradition which in this season is what I desire.

    Peace and Merry Christmas to you, Scott.
    Gene

    December 23, 2009 at 7:39 pm
  • Well I sure hope there is no time limit on 200 posts by the blog police – congrats to your milestone from a 4 months newbie blogger. I still feel like I am in blog “diapers”, struggling with the easiest things but enjoying it (just nobody there to clean up my mess…).
    As for my “bungalow” associations:
    white brick (no clue how you call them here); airy, open floor plan; floor to ceiling windows and lot sof them; great light; clean lines; square; tiles; smooth surfaces; scandinavian style; minimalistic; geometric art; clutterfree; single story house; every detail designed; grassy lands; wide views
    and for “cottage”:
    homey; rich earth colors; warm; cozy; stone fireplace; lots of wood; comfortably cluttered; wool; rugs; wild flowers; dogs; natural art (wood/ roots; stone); lake, mountains; forest/ woods.
    And the 60k $ question: where would I like to spend a holiday weekend: I would love to spend it in the bungalow – maybe because it is the opposite of what I am “used” to. Somehow I believe it would give me room to think “uncluttered”, relax without being distracted by “stuff”.; concentrate on the essential.
    Thanks so much for your give-away!
    One last thing: are you going to reveal your personal answers to your 3 questions as well?
    Merry Christmas!

    December 23, 2009 at 9:06 pm
  • Laurel

    Reply

    Bungalow is one of my favorite words. It was the first home I every purchased. We bought it twenty years ago as newlyweds. It was a HUD home back when HUD homes were a steal, or a moneypit or a little of both in this case. Among other problems too numerous to list, the pipes and the wiring had been stripped and it was full of trash. But twelve years of hardwork and love and it was a beautiful home with shiny wood floors and a great big front porch. Unfortunaltely, the slum we lived in did not improve at the rate we had hoped. Being a good mother became more crucial than being an activist as my kids were getting to old to keep playing in the basement for their safety. So we had to move into a boring more modern home. That home would be close to 100 years old now. I still miss it.

    Funny we came home today and a neighbor had left a message on our machine thinking we had left for our “cottage”. We smiled at each other at that. This past Febuary we purchased a little cabin in the woods just outside Prescott, AZ. It is a small A frame on hill. I have a porch again and when I sit out there I feel like I am in a treehouse. It is so fun to sew on that porch. Peace, nature’s beauty and my husband’s grandmother’s green 1940’s Adler sewing machine. It doesn’t get any better. Except now my tiny cabin has been upgraded to Cottage.

    December 23, 2009 at 10:12 pm
  • Bungalow suggests a wooden structure in the backyard of a home, either attatched or semi detatched. Without its own bathroom facilities…usually shared with the house owner.
    Often built for parents then rented out. I lived in two of these…one attatched to the house but with an outside toilet and the other down the back of my grandpa’s home….the outside toilet nearby,

    Cottage suggests a small cozy home built often by early settlers…often now refurbished and also let as a B & B.
    A cottage can be purchased and lived in. A bungalow is normally attached to the property.
    A cottage is usually on its own title or is a workers home on a larger property.
    I would always rather spend a holiday in the cottage….unless I knew the owners which would then make the bungalow an extension of a holiday with them.

    December 23, 2009 at 10:20 pm
  • Congratulations on your 200th post! Love the christmas pics, it’s lovely to see how others celebrate. And what a giveaway, I’ve crossed fingers and everything else, they are all wonderful.

    Bungalow: single storey, low level, easy maintainance, elderly friendly, tidy, tired, wallpaper, william morris, warm, too warm, stuffy, …. however, bungalow also brings Dick and Dom, in Da’ bungalow -Bogies! (A childrens programme on the BBC – bogies, shouted loud as possible to see who is loudest! Very funny) fun, bright, funny, laughter, giggles, happy 🙂

    Cottage: country, Cotswolds, roses, pink, clematis, purple, garden, green, rambling, rampant, lush, full, flouncy, chintz covered sofa’s, warm, cosy, log fires, home made bread, jam making, comfortable, welcoming, Aga’s, scones, labradores snoozing, flagstone floors, ragrugs, crafting, crofters, cottages 🙂

    Definately a cottage holiday, great pub close by, wonderful conutryside walks.

    Good luck to everyone! And a Merry Christmas and a Happy Quilty New Year!

    December 24, 2009 at 2:42 am
  • so we added chickens

    Reply

    Bungalow: brings to mind the Arts and Craft movement and the Bungalow style and could be anything from a small lovely dwelling to a large expansive “Bungalow” estate type home filled with fine examples of handcrafted furniture, textiles and glass pieces (although I have always thought of a bungalow as a modest size home rather than the large estate “bungalow style” size). I think of unpainted woods, polished or waxed. Stickly, Wright, Greene and Greene, Morris, Voysey and the handiwork of these famed artisans. The colors are subdued, largely dark and natural and the glass might be iridescent. It is a finished home that does not necessarily welcome the movement of furniture or the introduction of a new find

    Cottage: I think of a small home, cozy, with white washed walls. I think of quilts and collections of ironstone. It might be nestled in a stand of pines or near the ocean or near an open field, but it is home. The kitchen is filled with tempting smells and there can always be found fresh bread in the bread box and cookies in the jar. It is always ready of a new something and is conducive to creating.

    I would welcome a stay in either a bungalow or a cottage, but ultimately I would really choose the cottage for a holiday. Who knows, there might be sheep outside and wildflowers to discover!

    Thank you and congratulations on your 200th post!

    December 24, 2009 at 6:45 am
  • Tracey

    Reply

    Wow, what a great website! I love, love, love the pictures and your house is beautiful.

    Congratulations on the 200th post and thanks for the generous giveaway!

    December 24, 2009 at 7:07 am
  • In my mind (hazy at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve) I think of a fancy beach hut, really, when I hear the word bungalow. Perhaps the sides are made mostly of canvas, but covered w/ dried palmfronds in a very beachy fashion. It’s not big on space, but HUGE on charm because inside are tons of soft pillows, a stack of fluffy towels for drying off after a swim, and yes, it has an aqua and white color scheme with shells here and there to offer some slight decor. It’s a refuge from the sun which sparkles on the sea right outside the bungalow flaps….. a front door view for daydreaming. Not a place to live, but a place to escape. A cottage? Well, that’s what my daydream would be if I were in that bungalow staring off to sea. It’s naturally small surrounded by a mess of wild rose bushes and a winding path to it’s door. It’s thatched, of course, and there is the tiniest billow of smoke coming out the chimney. Inside, it’s warm and glowing from the small fire and many mini-lamps that light the place. Everything is tiny and cozy…. warm reds and browns compliment the natural wood that built the place and reveals itself in the details of the home…. the great kitchen stowaways, the pantry, the carved handrail on the banister, the strong mantel covered in delicate frames with family photos. A narrow and steep staircase leads to a large loft with a cozy bedroom and opposite those living quarters is, of course, a small sewing nook! I think my preference for the cottage is obvious…. I’m fair skinned so those beach fantasies never really suited me 🙂 congrats on the 200th post and thanks for the giveaway!

    December 24, 2009 at 8:20 am
  • amber

    Reply

    1.) when you think of the word “bungalow” what comes to mind? words, colors, textures, images, thoughts, things along those lines.
    I think of beach when I think of bungalow. I see a large room with white couches and linens. Large doors and windows open with the breeze from the water blowing sheer white curtains. I feel the warmth of the sun shining in and hear the lapping of waves. Cool blues and greens and glasses of lemonade!
    Cottage makes me think of a place nestled in large trees on a mountain side. More of a forest setting with a large stone fireplace. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate with marshmellows. I can hear the wind blowing thru the high treetops and see the sun peeking through the leafy tops. The colors are deep greens and burgandys.
    It’s hard choice to choose one for a weekend. Because I can hear my children running, laughing and playing in each scene and feel my gratitude to the Lord for the beauty of each. But since it’s dark and grey here at home this morning, I think the warmth and sun of a beach bungalow sounds really nice!

    December 24, 2009 at 9:53 am
  • Hi Scott. congrats on 200. I’ll try to keep mine short. I’ve been thinking about it for a few days, but still stuck a bit on the descriptions. Polar opposites for me!
    BUNGALOW. My aunt had what I think of as a classic bungalow. Dark, long hallway, giant mirror over the sofa. Dark cabinetry, funky green carpet. A solid place to sleep and watch TV. Cramped family dinners in the eat in kitchen. Laughter and playing in the giant living room as kids. Bedrooms squirreled away down that long dark hall.
    CABIN. I think of more from the outside in. Situated in the woods (Northern Ontario Canada here – no beach scene!) Wood, logs, porch with adirondacks. Fireplace. Cozy one room living inside. Ladders to lofts with mattresses. Intimate, lots of sunshine inside and out. Blues and greens and the sounds of birds. Blankets and quilts to cuddle with.Full of cooking smells from the fire. Relaxation, no electronics. Guitar strumming. Reading great and not so great books:) No schedule.

    I would rather spend the holidays at the cabin. No stress, no clocks, just family and food. And Mother Nature to get back in sync with.

    This was a fun one. Much JOY to you and yours.

    December 24, 2009 at 10:40 am
  • well, i live in bungalow territory, so i can tell you what it is in reality!! it is a wonderful small space tucked in the wooded hammock near the ocean and river areas. quiet, peaceful surroundings where you can actually hear the pelican wings as they
    fly just a few feet overhead! there are pine trees that whisper in the breeze or shout during a hurricane! if you wait a while you will probably hear the manatee as they come up for air and while you nap in the hammock by the shoreline, you will see the dolphin fishing for mullet just feet away and hear them jump out of the water with a catch in their mouth! surfers love bungalows, a great spot for a quick nap between high tides while waiting for the perfect wave!! i love bungalows for creating my goodies and painted mine parakeet green, a great color for inspiration! by the way, those new sis boom fabrics are perfect for my bungalow beach cottage, and i cant wait for some. guess i will take a little nap until i can have my own!! merry christmas from our bungalow to yours!! you have a great website!!xo

    December 24, 2009 at 10:50 am
  • Lauren

    Reply

    A bungalow reminds me of a small, kind of dark residence with perhaps a thatched roof, whereas a cottage reminds me a relatively small home with lots of wood trim painted bright wihite. I’d choose the cottage — probably because our Canadian — who are now naturalized American citizens — friends own a “cottage” at Sandestin, FL that they are nice enough to share with us. So a “cottage” reminds me of vacation and fun times! Congrats on your blog milestone!! Merry Christmas!

    December 24, 2009 at 11:47 am
  • michelle C

    Reply

    bungalow, beach, Mexico, sand, ocean, drinks with little umbrellas.
    cottage, forest, evergreens, mist, snow, crackling fire, warm

    I would like to be at the cottage for the holidays. a bungalow is for summer.

    December 24, 2009 at 6:07 pm
  • Becca

    Reply

    Bungalow~ Beach.I think of a warm beach with blue water and blue skies. The sand is so white that it almost hurts to look at. I know just the location too. In Roatan. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm Heaven

    Cottage~ Comfort. Woods. Family.Woodstove. Grandma. I cant think of just one word to describe my feelings about that word. Cottage makes me think of all those things. Spending family time at my grandmas little cottage in Washington.

    Which would I rather spend a weekend at? Toughest question on earth. Bungalow represents time with my hubby.A place we would go by ourselves. But cottage represents family time. I pick both! Thats not against the rules is it?

    BTW congrats on your 200th post!

    December 24, 2009 at 6:26 pm
  • Vicki

    Reply

    Bungalows evoke thoughts of darker wood, low ceilings and small quarters. Cramped, but cozy. Cottages, on the other hand, bring forth the vision of light and air. I envision lots of white, pale or bleached woods, and flower gardens in the summer. For Christmas, I’d rather be in a bungalow amidst the cozy warmth, all snuggled in and hidden from the chill weather.

    Congratulations on your 200th!

    December 24, 2009 at 8:18 pm
  • Am I still on time?, I just find your questions, I love them and I’d like to reply them!, can I?
    1- Bungalow: It’s a different idea than the cottage, resembles me the beach!, looks like the orange color for me
    2- Cottage: no the cottage cheese, lol. It resembles texture, cotton for me, like a comfy stuff, soft, not exactly the “house” it is!, it’s brown!
    3- I’m a cottage girl for sure!
    Congrats in your 200 posts, wish you 2000 more!!, Merry Christmas!

    December 25, 2009 at 2:59 pm
  • Alisa

    Reply

    This is fun. Ok, a bungalow to me has to be in Hollywood Calif. Remember the Doors song “Break on through”? It has a line in it about a “Hollywood” bungalow. I picture it as a hip, quaint little complex with lots of pathways to little front doors and of course lots of plants all around. It’s shaded but it has streaks of sunlight coming through the various palm trees that surround the property. Now cottage has to be in a fairy tale. A little old couples cottage, white of course with lovely lilac trimming and flower beds all around. It must have a cobble stone walkway leading up to the sunshine yellow front door with the cutest little stained glass round window in it. There must be rocking chairs on the porch and a hammock swinging between two beautiful apple trees. I must say that I’m a city girl, but I just couldn’t pass up the chance and staying in a fairy tale country cottage. Thanks for the opportunity to win some lovely prizes!

    December 29, 2009 at 2:27 am

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