We are proud and delighted to introduce our very first Brand Ambassador, Toni Mogensen of Salinas, California. After a nationwide call and three rounds of competition, Toni emerged as both our and our readers’ favorite to represent Cottages & Bungalows with her own column in 2021.
Her inspiring signature use of florals, her economical and no-nonsense approach to DIY projects and her uniquely creative and ever-changing cottage are just a few qualities we all fell in love with. Not to mention her bright, positive personality and winning smile!
We’ll let Toni take it from here to share more about herself and get your ideas flowing with her first styling project.
Hi sweet friends!
I am so happy that you are here! And I am absolutely honored and thrilled to be the first Brand Ambassador for Cottages & Bungalows!
I was born and raised in California. And I met my hubby in New Mexico when we were both working for an educational company. We longed to be back in our home state and we eventually moved to the Central Coast. I had our first son when I was 32 and when he was eight months old, he was diagnosed with an immunity disorder. I quit my job as an eligibility worker to stay at home and take care of him. Five years later, I had our youngest son. I’m happy to report they are both healthy, wild boys!
I have rearranged furniture and decorated since I was a little girl. Also, I have a passion inside me to create, and I started my Instagram account to share my interior design ideas and easy-to-do DIYs! I love mixing old and new treasures to create my own signature style! I do not believe you have to break the bank to create a cozy home that reflects your heart. I’m so excited to hang out with you all year and share my styling tips, and I hope to inspire you to create your own cozy cottage.
Toni
Xo
A Cookie Jar and More
Let’s get started!
This beautiful green jar from Polder’s Old World Market has that vintage vibe I love so much and can be used many ways!
Here are three:
The first includes my favorite way to bring any space to life—add florals! Real or faux, whatever’s your jam. (I am using a mix of florals from Trader Joe’s. It’s my favorite place to purchase beautiful blooms on a budget!)
Tip: Choose your color scheme or stick with one type of flower—both make a statement. I use eucalyptus and roses for every season. I also added some beautiful dahlias for this arrangement.
A vessel of florals on a side table is the perfect touch. I love it in our living room with a few vintage books for a simple pulled together look! Grab your favorite book and relax and enjoy the aroma. Or place it on your mantel for a stunning focal point.
Next, I styled the jar with some Epsom salts in our bathroom! It’s such a pretty way to hold items that you would usually hide under the sink. It could also be used to hold soaps, cotton balls or even hand towels.
And last, but not least, I styled the jar for its intended use as a cookie jar! As you can see, this was my boys’ favorite. I have it on our dining table, but it would also look great sitting on your kitchen counter or island.
The jar is beautiful with such sweet details, and that wonderful green works well in any color décor.
I hope that I have inspired you to grab one of these beauties and have some fun styling!
Other ideas for a cookie jar:
* coffee pods or tea bags
* sugar or flour
*fruit or nuts
*laundry detergent or clothespins.
To see more of Toni’s home visit her on Instagram @toni_marianna. And follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration.
Sources:
Vintage Cookie Jar, Polders Old World Kitchen, www.poldersoldworldmarket.com
