French Country Cottage book and a giveaway!
When I first discovered Courtney Allison’s blog French Country Cottage, I was completely mesmerized.
I spent hours on her blog, lost in her gorgeous photos, and reading about the transformation of her neglected cottage. Every photo was magical and romantic.
Now, Courtney has put those breathtaking photos and her enchanting story into book form, and I couldn’t be more excited to give you a sneak peek.
If you don’t already follow Courtney, then it’s my pleasure to introduce you to her, and the sweet cottage, that she and her husband purchased in Northern California, and lovingly restored.
Her new book, French Country Cottage, will become your favorite coffee table book, to be kept out and enjoyed over and over again.
I’m sure you will find yourself lost in the pages, absorbing all of the inspiration in each stunning photo.
Courtney is the photographer for this book, and each photo is so well thought out and staged beautifully, leaving the viewer spellbound with with it’s grace and beauty.
Page after page is filled with charm and romance, as Courtney tells the tale of her ugly duckling cottage and how she transformed it into today’s dreamy French Country Cottage.
No one does French Country like Courtney, and I know you are going to be swept away with this beautiful book.
I’m honored that Courtney asked me to review her special book, and since it’s arrival, I have perused it so often, each time finding something new to inspire me.
I know you will love the book French Country Cottage as much as I do , and I would love to give away a copy of this book to one lucky winner!
Entering is easy, just leave me a comment telling me what inspires your decorating.
The giveaway will end on Monday, Sept. 3rd at midnight. One lucky winner will be chosen by random drawing and notified by email, so please be sure your email is attached to your comment.
The holidays are coming, and this book would make a fabulous gift to someone special!
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French Country Cottage is now available on Amazon.
UPDATE: Giveaway has now ended and winner notified!
Cheers, Cindy
Thank you Cindy for your offer. I would love to have this book. I have always decorated my homes in French country. My husband and I just sold our last home which was done in French country and it sold the first day,, the thing is at our new home I have found it difficult to get inspired since recently I lost my brother and dear friend. It seems as though I have lost my creativity and desire due to sever depression and I am trying hard to get into decorating once again. My brother was my dear friend that I told what all I was doing in my home and now that is over while I am struggling I want to get back to decorating again and make our new home pretty. Hopefully a book filled with beautiful ideas would inspire me. Not only can I not fill inspired I have found that I also do not have much creativity right now and I hope that a beautiful book filled with ideas might help. Thank you for your gracious offer.
Looking through magazines (and books) is what inspires me the most. When I see pictures of beautiful antiques, it inspires me to get mine out and use/display them. I would absolutely love to have a copy of Courtney’s book!
I’m inspired by the soft, pretty colors of nature, including moss greens and sky blues. I also must say that reading your blog is always something I look forward to, since you have an incredible style! I’m not familiar with Courtney’s blog, but will definitely check it out now (those photos are beautiful!)). Thank you for the giveaway! cre8tivew4ATyahooDOTcom
I’m inspired by vintage, almost anything hand-worked, and by good design, which to me means beautiful, useful, and enduring. I’d love to win this lovely book… everything French sets my heart aflutter.
What has always inspired me, people that put their passions into their home and gardens. Living with things you love and that makes you smile when your eyes rest upon them. Things that remind you of those you love or places you have visited and some how it all comes together into an inviting place to call home. My passion just in case you are wondering-English cottage. Old world fabrics and of course David Austin English roses, boxwood and hydrangeas. Her blog and yours are my go to Stay safe
Oh my!! I’m drooling over the photos from this book – We just moved into a modern farmhouse back in December. Instead of decorating it like the “store bought” trendy Farmhouse look, I want to make it a modern French Farmhouse with pops of color and painted furniture. I don’t want to get rid of all my French vintage and antique items. I want to integrate them into our new home style. This book would be so inspirational in my quest to make that happen! If I don’t win this giveaway, I’m going to hit my local B&N bookstore and purchase it – but it would still be awesome to win this book!!
Love the Blogs, books, magazines, etc about the French Country Cottage look. Keeps me inspired to update my home and decor!
My love of decorating stems form great blogs such as yours, Courtney’s and Janet Coons. They are truly inspiring and engaging. I never knew how much I loved French Country until I “met” you all. I look forward to each and every email. Thank you for your great ideas and the chance for Courtney’s book.
Cindy
I enjoy reading Courtney’s blog and look forward to reading her new book. You both are a great a inspiration while I decorate my home.
I am inspired by the french country look with a little of my own eclectic touch! Thank you for all your ideas and DIY’s! I’ve learned a lot!!!
I am so glad I found your blog—it has become such an inspiration to me and is in my top 10 favorites! I started being inspired by blogs such as Elizabeth House and Curious Sofa. It has been so helpful and fun for me to have access to the massive amounts of inspiration available today!
Cindy,
French inspiration? Edith and Evelyn, French Country Cottage, My French Country Home top the list. I would love to win Courtney’s book. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Judith
I would love that book. I am inspired to decorate for me and my wonderful family. I do follow French Country Cottage and get inspiration from all you lovely bloggers
Country French decorating inspires me because I see it as “Home Sweet Home”…just kick off your shoes, put your feet up and relax! I love to use vintage finds, or repurpose and paint old furniture. I love to scour for old picture frames so that I can chalk paint/antique them into new forms of artwork. I just love it all!!
Thank you Cindy for the opportunity to enter this contest. My fingers are crossed. 🙂
I have been reading both your and Courtney’s blog for the past few years. You both renovated your entire homes and I loved being on the journey with you. You both inspire me with every visit and I”m sure you will continue to do that. I’ve seen you both in at least two of my favorite magazines and was thrilled!!! Now a new book …..just lovely! I can hardly wait to get my copy! Hope I win because this is a perfect gift for a special friend! keep creating and treasure – hunting for that perfect piece with the patina we all loves.
your decorating inspires me!!!
It is truly a magnificent book!!!
I am totally inspired by talented people like you! Love your blog!!!
Oh does her book look fabulous! It’s so fun to see how the French live such beautiful lives – and how graciously you show it in your blog. Thanks for letting me enjoy all this through your eyes and words!
I am always genuinely inspired by the creativity and talents of so many who take their “ugly ducklings” from sad to spectacular.
What beautiful photos of her home – and I just realized it’s only about 30 minutes from where I live! Thank you for sharing such an inspiration.
What an exciting giveaway! You and Courtney are two classy ladies and such an inspiration to your readers. Thanks for all your hard work for our benefit
I love the French country cottage look so much. It just “speaks” to me. I also am so grateful to you for inspiring me about your religious artifacts. I hadn’t known much about them before. I love them and am now looking for them everywhere I go.
Thank you so much for doing a give away! The book looks beautiful! I can’t wait to read it! I get my inspiration from blogs like yours, magazines, books, going to model homes, and Pinterest. French country decorating is by far my favorite. In fact, my husband and I will be building our dream home in a couple of years and that is exactly the style of home we want to build. We will also be moving to California, near Monterey. Thanks for the inspiration and sharing Courtney’s beautiful book!
I would be so delighted to be a winner for this lovely book. My home is decorated in French decor which I love so much
my inspiration is just so simple I just love anything French and to just set in on my coffee table would just be such an
added touch.
The first person to inspire me was Charles Faudree. I moved to Tulsa 40 years ago and meet him, feel in love with him and French country design. I have had the good fortune to tour many homes he decorated and study his design. I am always reading magazines and now following your blog and and four others that you have introduced us to on your blog. This is the style that sings and calls to me. I will always be exploring and updating my home with new inspirations.
Hey Cindy! Your home as well as Courtney’s serve as great inspiration for so many! How fun it is to follow along in blogland and see all of the beautiful homes. Thank you so much for the give away!
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oh, gosh! Thinking of all that inspires me in my own decorating, it has to be my Grandmother & Victorian magazine back in the day! I fell in love with French Country, my mother was an interior decorator and at 14 I recieved my French Provential Bedroom set, canopy bed and ruffles!
I tecieved all my Grandmother’s belongings and home decour in the 90’s when she passed away. I treasure each piece! Though I have a more formal taste, her items compliment my home and make it “cozy”, as my Dad put it. He says it is a nice walk down memory lane when he visits.
I love your style and enjoy all the photos, stories, and learning new things. “Wow, that really does go well together!”, I catch myself saying, often.
This has been fun, thank you! CJD.Sign
Beautiful blogs like yours and books like the giveaway bring me inspiration when I am decorating my house. I have ALWAYS loved French Country my whole life. Susan Deedrick suedeedrick@gmail.com
Cindy and Courtney – my two favorite bloggers!
Cindy – I am always inspired by your magical transformations of furniture with paint. And I appreciate your collection of antiques, as opposed to just “kitschy stuff” seen in so many blogs.
And Courtney – your photography is a magical too. I’m especially inspired by your photos outdoors. They inspire me to work in my garden.
Thanks for the opportunity to win The Book!
I am inspired by the antiques I have inherited through family or acquired through the years. Nothing better than building a room around a piece with character and years of stories to tell.
Actually you are a huge inspiration. You seem to take everything in stride and get so much done. Your house is so beautiful! I love you create your table top accessories. You are amazing!
I find inspiration from so many places, but I have always especially found the French Country Cottage blog soo inspiring! So cool that she came out with her own book. I am very inspired by french design, and anything that feels magical and whimsical. 🙂
So many things inspire my decorating – old treasures found at a flea market; beautiful muted colours found in succulents; bright hues in hydrangeas and peonies; moss covered walkways; the shiny subtle greys, silvers and gold in my yorkies’ long beautiful hair; toile linens; vintage leather bound books; ultimately it’s creating a cozy and comfortable environment that can be lived in and enjoyed and look beautiful.
Your blog is very inspiring because I love flowers and pastel colors. I alslove the repurposing you do.
l enjoy seeing how peaceful all of your posting feel. I know there’s a lot of hard work involved maybe it’s just pure exhaustion. Regardless the outcome is always beautiful. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas.
Your home is just lovely and iam so glad I found your blog. I love the cottage style home with the pretty touches you always add.
Your little doggie is a cutie too
Dear Edith and Evelyn, I am 67 and an avid admire of design for years. I am late to the blog world. I found Courtney throgh a pintrest post 2 years ago and looked her up. She was my first and only blog until she became the new editor of Romantic Homes. I soon discovered all my new loves on the style Saturday posts. Thank heavens I didl,=. Now I drool over your amazing home and finds as well as hers and some new loves on my blog trail. It is addicting and a joy. I would genuinely love to hAVE HER BEAUTIFUL BOOK. I hope to own it someday. Thank you for the honor to share in your lovely life.
I have been following Courtney for years now and would love to have a copy of her new book! Thanks for the chance to win:) xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
I am continually inspired by the blogposts and photos by you, Courtney and the many other very talented creative bloggers that give so much to us. I love the Romantic French Country look and have been implementing so many of the beautiful touches in my home. Thank you, keep on inspiring us!!
I get my inspiration and ideas from the many talented bloggers (such as yourself and Courtney) that I follow as well as Pinterest, Instagram, and French Country themed magazines and books…would love to win this new one. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’ve been a follower of Courtney’s blog for many years. I just love her style and am so excited about her new book. Also thrilled that she is editor of my very favorite magazine, “Romantic Homes”. Not only does the magazine inspire my decorative style, but so do several blogs, Pinterest, and my travels. I love all things French!
It is so easy to find inspiration online now with all the beautiful blogs and I have to say, yours is my favorite.
I’m inspired by the soft casual earthy elegance, bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out for a comfortable welcoming home.
Honesty in decor-a room thzt evolves from love, not contrived design.
I am inspired by so much – a picture, a post, a magazine article, texture, a tv show. And I can tell I would be inspired by this book! Thanks to you and Courtney for the great giveaway!
I love connecting with all you like minded ladies , all your blogs inspire me, God’s natural beauty inspires me ,all His gorgeous details. Grateful for this wonderful internet that lets us connect but there is nothing better than a real book to look at
Nature and Serenity inspires my heart. I have followed you and Courtney fo a long time and you both inspire me. I love your posts about recreating your home! I’m also an angel collector for inside and in my garden. Courtney’s book looks wonderful and I’d love to own it. I hope you are thinking about publishing your wonderful pictures and ideas too. We would all love that! Peace.
There are so many things that inspire me; wonderful bloggers, beautiful books, nature…..Ultimately, though, it is anything thing that brings comfort and serenity to our home!
I am inspired by the beauty of the French and the ease of the country. Flowers are prevalent in the decors I admire. Without a green thumb, alas, I rely on ‘faux”
I am inspired by a number of blogs (love, love, love your kitchen and French Country Cottage’s kitchen). Also magazines and Decorative items I see in stores. I would love a copy of Country’s Book!
I’m inspired by other bloggers homes and ideas and Pinterest!
Everything Home and Garden interests me, and I love to create beauty with things that capture my heart. I have been following both your site and French Country Cottage, and I already have the book but would LOVE to send it to a friend, if I win.
BTW – when is Your Book coming out??
I am inspired by several blogs, magazines, friends and the unique items I come across that have a story.
I am inspired with the simplicity I find on your blog..there is a balance of classic and country… both you and Courtney make it all look so easy.
Classic, & comfort are what inspires my decorating!
I have enjoyed sharing your kitchen renovation with countless friends. Both you and Courtney encourage others to create beauty with that comes harmony. Our world today needs both so thanks for all your efforts. Would absolutely love a copy of her new book.
What inspires me is the feeling I get after something is transformed. I just worked on a small concrete planter over the weekend.
Hi Cindy, thank you for the opportunity to possibly win this beautiful Book. My inspiration really comes for the love of anything French. When I can across your Instagram account it literally took my breath away. I’m a big collector of antique sheep so of course that’s what I saw first therefore all your tablescapes have inspired me to change things up a bit in my home. I love books like these because I really study each page and detail of the beautiful pieces. I like all the awesome sites like Pinterest, Instagram, but I mostly always gravitate to all my beautiful books of designers. The late Charles Faudree was my coffee table design book that I was first inspired my my love for Country French, then Betty Lou Phillips. I am always going back to my books like I’m reading for the first time all over again. Thank you for all your wonderful DYI project tips as I have used several of you tips/examples. You truly are talented !!! Have a blessed day & again thank you for the opportunity.
Kindest,
Cintia Powers
I’m always inspired by things that are a mix of old and new, and things that I can make work in my home.
What a lovely book. Inspiration for me comes from seasons, memories of loved ones and pictures of peoples homes and lives. Thank you for sharing.
Love your blog and Courtney’s, also. I love all the details that make such a difference and maybe don’t see the first time reading. Thank you for the opportunity to win this beautiful book!
What beautiful pictures of this stunning french country cottage. I love the style of her furniture and the colors that she has chosen. I live on an island in a little cottage and we have begun refurbishing it. I love the different tones of whites and grays. We also have been working on the gardens. I planted cottage and old world roses in a garden with an old iron bed headboard as a trellis. I love it. Things are coming together slowly. What an inspiration you both are!
Good morning! I am a new follower of yours! I fill my house with pieces that I love. I am always looking for things! Love your inspiration! Thank you Lori @vintagethruthyme
I get inspired by beautiful home spaces, store displays, places, nature and pretty vintage pieces I find. Can’t wait to go through this book.
What inspires my decorating is the beauty of ordinary items, like an ironstone mixing bowl, an old metal tray, or dried hydrangeas from my garden. And of course, lots of inspiration from Edith & Evelyn and French Country Cottage blogs. I look forward to reading them everyday!
I have a handful of favorite blogs and yours and Courtney’s are at the top of my list! I find so much inspiration in them!! Oh my gosh! there is not enough space to write how much I love to view your blogs. Thank you
Evelyn
Love her style…perfect blend of a little rustic and a little glam!
What inspires me is the beauty in the love I find in family and friends. It encourages me to make a better place for us to gather as a family and as a family of friends. Thank you for the opportunity to win this fabulous new book. I can’t wait to get a copy and more inspired
As a home decor enthusiast, I sometimes wonder what I did for inspiration before the wonderful world of bloggers! I follow Courtney and am always inspired by her natural style. I found your site from another blogger—it’s so much fun to see an email in my inbox that there is a new post from my ‘must read’ blog sites. I’d love to see Courtney’s new book.
Karen
I am inspired by women who value home life and family above expensive décor, just for the sake of prestige. If it’s homey and cozy…I’m in! Love your blog and thanks for the inspiration.
Having a pretty home inspires me!! Have always loved to decorate!
What a lovely and generous giveaway. I find inspiration in so many things. Beautiful blogs, such as yours, IG, magazines and more. Fingers crossed!
I am inspired by beautiful objects and nature. I have been following Courtney for a long time and am amazed at her talent. I also have been following you for a long time and I think your transformation on your house is nothing short of spectacular. I always look forward to your posts.
Each day, early in the morning, armed with my cup of coffee, I read your blog and am inspired. Thank you. I appreciate you.
Teresa
I have always decorated with an Anglophile slant. Once I discovered many beautiful blogs like yours and Courtney’s, I have discovered I am also a bit of a Francophile. This is another fun giveaway.
Courtney had such beautiful style! This book is certain to be inspiring. I’ve not ordered it yet, so would love, love to win a copy.
My inspiration comes from so many places. I do love to find beautiful inspiration in blogs, books, magazines and movies. Beauty is all about us, if we just look for it.
Have a great last week of August! Our favorite seasons are upon us!!!
a mix of old and new…remembering and cherishing the past without living in a museum. a special piece or color
A
Like so many others, your blog gives me great inspiration! You’re the best!
Mostly nature inspires me, but I look forward to the blogs I read (yours is in my top 3) for inspiration also.
It’s intriguing to see design through different eyes.
Beauty and comfort inspire my decorating.
Beautiful photographs whether on a blog or in a favorite magazine inspire my decorating. Thanks for the chance to win! Love your blog!
I have been following French Country Cottage for about six years on her blog. I have always been inspired by Courtney. I would love to win her beautiful book.
Cindy you need to write a book you inspire me too with your beautiful home♥
I love decorating my home. I am always changing and renovating something. I get my inspirations from beautiful blogs like this one and from magazines and decorating books.
I love to use the past to influence my current decor 🙂 There’s nothing better than mixing time worn pieces into modern decor!
Thank you for the opportunity for this giveaway. What inspires me most for decorating my own little cottage? Why that’s easy! All the blogs that have anything to do with French country. I subscribe to several, including yours, and I confess I “steal” inspiration from all! Anything that speaks to me in a French sense I try to duplicate….
Typically I decorate around the art on my walls, as that is what has the most longevity.
Courtney’s French Country Cottage book looks beautiful. Just like her and the blog that inspired her book. My favorite inspiration is from nature. The color combinations always give me pause and suggest new ideas. I think that Courtney’s color inspiration is nature inspired, as well and love her chic/nature decorating. It would be wonderful to have the book and you were fortunate to have her in your court.
Hi Cindy. What a gorgeous book! I would love to win a copy. Wishing you a beautiful week!
What inspires my decorating is lovely books like The French Country Cottage and decorating magazines. Thanks for the chance at winning this book!
You, Cindy, are my inspiration! I eagerly await all of your posts and the always informative French Country Fridays. Hope you NEVER quit posting your beautiful home!
Your blog inspires my decor
I am inspired by historical seasons and times. I love the romance of French Country!
For me decorating is all about the feel, when you walk into a room whether it’s one you have decorated or someone
else has. Sometimes you can’t even pick an item or piece in the room that creates the “feel”.
I’ve been following Courtney for many years and every post has always been an inspiration. Right now we are searching for our forever home. It’s been frustrating – nothing is coming on the market and we are stuck in a cave of an apartment. Depressing!! I’d love to have Courtney’s book – it certainly would brighten up the dingy surroundings and give me inspiration for when we do find our house.
I have become very inspired to decorating in the French country style by Edith & Evelyn and your blogs. I am so in Love with the way you have decorated your home that when I’m Out shopping, I’m looking for like items as you, I have even talked my husband into doing our bathroom ceiling in the slats of wood that you have done your kitchen (my kitchen is next). And he loves it. I show everyone I can how beautiful you have created your home and some day mine will look beautiful too. Denise❤️
Thanks to bloggers like you and Courtney I have trained myself to look for beauty in unexpected places. I have learned to see the potential in something others may pass by. Thanks so much for all your insight and DIYs. They are truly inspiring!
Beautiful!
After hurricane harvey i found myself with the rare ability to transform all that i didnt like in our house and of course, french country cottage is where i am going! i endlessly follow your page, and mix in a little over the top to work towards a blend of “country estate house” for my final destination. (even a vintage 80 inch slate sink!!!) I have been so blessed with a VERY patient and swert husband.
I cant wait each day to discover new creams, fresh fabrics and rich patina woods, dreaming of being finished soon and able to move back in <3
Penny Wheeler
proteamwheeler@gmail.com
I love decorating my home. It makes me happy! I’m always on the search for more antiques to add to my home. My husband remarked one day that “this place looks like a gift shop” Ummm that was not meant as a compliment. I kindly said, “Well thank you…that’s what I was working toward” I love to follow your blog and get new ideas from you. Congrats Your book looks awesome!