Seven Palms

Adorable Girls Room

2011-09-22T19:40:00.005-04:00

I have some more pictures from the model homes in Orlando. This bedroom is soooo cute!

This picture shows how the pictures are hung.

Such vibrant colors, love the combination of fabrics and textures.

Loverly pink chandelier!

This is another girls room, seems like the decorators prefer to do girly rooms best.

I like, no I love canopy's always wanted one when I was a little girl.

Not sure I could sleep in this room, but the feature wall is pretty spectacular.

See what I mean?

Well I always wished for a little girl. I have two sons in their 20's so maybe a granddaughter someday.

Here are a couple pictures of one of the bathrooms. I love owls!

Isn't this shower curtain awesome with the paintings on the wall? I love it!

Thanks for checking in! Marla

Model Home's in Orlando

2011-09-15T17:43:00.000-04:00

Went on a day trip to Orlando area yesterday, just tagging along with brother and sister in-law as they begin their hunt for a new home. Loved taking pictures and not being the one that has to make so many decisions!

This is the formal dining room. So many things I love about this room. The dark wood, the pictures of Paris on the wall, the color....

This rug, so classy.

Sitting room, adjacent to the dining room

Awesome chandelier and faux tray ceiling.

Coffee table in sitting room

oh yes, this mirror and sconces love them too of course.

this is in the foyer but adjacent to the dining room

Love the kitchen cabinets and the color scheme

There are subtle shades of blue and gray blues throughout the house

this is the breakfast nook

this room is right off the kitchen it is a wine tasting room, but also has a TV

another picture of the wine room

this is the family room also adjacent to the kitchen of course. I think the wall color is wonderful, a shade of green that looks fantastic with the shades of blue in throughout the room

Add caption

this is a great photo wall

absolutely love these pillows on this bench below the photo wall

looking from the kitchen

the draperies in the family room

this is the view from the front door

I am going to go ahead and post, even though my photos did not add as I wanted them too.

Big Fat Greek Wedding

2011-09-09T20:01:00.000-04:00

We traveled to Montclair NJ last week. My brother got married after 25 plus years of being a bachelor. We stayed in a hotel next to this place, it is called The Manor, my brother did not marry here, but I snuck in and got some beautiful shots.

I saw people in and out of the place, they were all reminded me of the Mob, and thus reminded me of a place that an Italian or maybe a Grecian would get married.

Inside this place there are multiple reception rooms, with grand chandelier's and stairways.

This arched pathway is so neat!

The flowers are everywhere love this picture.

Also many statues and urns!

Ivy on the portico, beautiful details really

This was an iron window built into the brick wall at the back of the portico.

Sunflowers in a Vintage Crock

2011-08-17T19:02:00.002-04:00

This is my new treasure, a 2 Gallon Crock, this is something my mom has had for many years, she used to keep it near the front door with umbrellas in it. I am loving my new crock. Put some fresh Sunflowers from the grocery store in it today and had a photo shoot on the lanai.

Such beautiful handles!

Isn't she great? Or is it just me?

I'm going to hook up to "Wow Us Wednesday" at Kim's blog Savvy Southern Style
.

I'm Baaackk, Fun Thrifty Finds

2011-08-02T16:03:00.003-04:00

I was so excited to find these babies for $4/each. It wasn't until a few weeks later that someone asked me if I knew I had 2 "left feet"? Too funny it never even occurred to me.

It was a good score for red that day. The bolt of fabric was my splurge, even though it comes out to something like only $3/yard, a very good price for decorator fabric.

Still trying to decide what to do with all the fabric, something like 13 yards?

Can you see how nicely it goes with my Red Waverley Toile chair covers?

Wanted one of these ever since I saw Kim's on Savvy Southern Style. A Santos doll ....Did you know ??....Santos are carvings, either in wood or ivory, that depict saints, angels, or other religious figures. I just looked that up aren't I smart? This one came from Home Goods. Join Kim for Wow Us Wednesday, today.

The bean pot is a McCoy, but after I purchased I found it was cracked, somehow it ruined the charm for me and I have since donated it to the GW.

I threw some yardage up on the window to see if this what I want to do with the fabric. Whatcha think? I'm not sure? Window coverings are so hard for me, they are mostly bare in my house, with the exception of blinds.

Thanks for stopping in. I am so happy to be blogging again. As always looking forward to your comments.

Marla

Montclair, NJ

2011-08-01T21:15:00.001-04:00

Hey there, friends… It’s been months since my last real post. I just learned that I could check my blog stats and it energized me when I saw that I had so many hits almost 9,000 and from all around the globe. So very cool. So I am going to get back into this and have some fun.

We took a trip to NYC and visited my brother in Montclair, NJ. What an amazing trip for us, my husbands first time to the Big Apple.

Our visit started here on this lovely street in Montclair, NJ. My brother has lived in this very old apartment building for over 15 years.

These are the steps, 3 flights of them up to his one bedroom flat. No elevators in this building and the laundry is in the basement. Can’t imagine that arrangement for 15 days let alone 15 years. But that is a bachelor for you!

Very old woodwork detail and Crown Molding.

Now that my brother is getting married and moving out…. hmmm wonder if he’d let me have this little clock?

His style is very eclectic with treasures from his travels around the world.

A small vignette with a picture of the fiancé' that he took. So beautiful!

Again the stairs, look at that patina.

Old mosaic marble tiles.

Another apartment building on the street.

Anyone know what this tree is? Wigelia is what comes to mind but not sure?

Thanks for coming along with me on this little tour.

Memory-a spoof by Pam Peterson

2011-03-31T09:05:00.000-04:00

Old Haviland China/12 place settings

2010-12-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

Well I don’t usually do this, but this beautiful pattern of Haviland, called Varenne is a really old pattern. Each piece is numbered. I have placed them on Craigslist and should probably be putting them on E-Bay. There are 97 pieces all together, not any scratches or chips, excellent condition. 12 Dinner plates, 12 bread and butter plates, 12 cups, 12 saucers and 1 oval serving bowl. This set belongs to my mom. She is asking $500. I looked them up and found some pieces listed on e-bay.

The following are the e-bay prices:

The cup and saucers sets were listed for $24.99 each.

Bread and butter plates $12.99 each.

Oval bowl $38.99.

Did not find the Dinner plates on e-bay but they have to be worth about $24.99 each.

So you can see if you add this up with 12 of everything it would easily be $1000.00.

Aren’t they beautiful?

You can really see the pattern in these pictures!

Does anyone know what it means that each one has a different number stamped on the back?

Bordallo and more

2010-11-03T10:23:00.002-04:00

I have always admired many of the Bordallo plate collections I have seen on some of your blogs. Well I happened upon 2 plates and a bowl at the GW, I spotted then on the bottom shelf and swooped down on them like a vulture on it’s prey. The cost for each piece!!! Wait for it… 0.59 cents each!!! I know they are yellow and you don’t usually see them in yellow, but I think they are beautiful and yellow happens to be one of my colors.

This was also found on the same day, I paid a little more than I wanted, but it won me over with the sweet little feet on the bottom and the lid with its lidded top. It was $3.99.

This is something I have had in a drawer for a few years , finally I painted that part of the kitchen so I could go ahead and hang them. The spoons were a gift from my SIL, the holder I happened upon at the hospital gift shop, perfect score.

Join me at Whatever goes Wednesday

Yes I know I haven’t been posting forever, I still check in on my favorite bloggers from time to time. Hopefully life will slow down, but not looking like it will anytime soon. My parents are moving from out of state to live just a few miles away from me. I still work full time and our 2 son’s (20 and 24) are still close and need our time and attention and money.
So I will post when I can.

Before and After, Welcome

2010-09-25T21:23:00.001-04:00

This is what our front door has been since we bought the house 4 years ago, white is okay, but it shows everything and always getting dirty and buggy, this is Florida.

So Hubby and I decided to change it up. I took him to Home Depot with me, figured he would have to like it if I let him pick the color, we knew we wanted blue, I thinking something dark and subdued, he thinking blue, like University of Florida, blue. So he and the paint guy have this conversation and well Home Depot has all the college colors, soooo. To make this story shorter I painted two coats of Florida Blue on the front door, and well lets just say it was visible from Florida Field, our front door was glowing!! Even Hubby didn’t like it.

So I returned to Home Depot by myself and found a better shade of blue, don’t you think?

By the way the husband is very pleased with the color and told me I did an excellent job!!

The wire basket is from SL,m the leaves I picked up at Michaels last week,

The mums are sort of Orange so we got our Gator colors in the end!

Little bird in the pot says Welcome!

Banana Pudding

2010-09-17T20:07:00.002-04:00

I am hooking up with Foodie Friday, go here for more fabulous dishes!

I found a website called Back of the Box, have you ever visited this site? I found the original Nilla banana pudding recipe. I have made it before using the recipe on the back of the box. But my Nilla Wafer box did not have the recipe. Go figure.

This is the recipe doubled... Yummy! It is always better when you make it this way, from scratch on the double boiler. This is how my MIL always makes it, it is a family tradition.
This will be consumed during the Florida-Tennessee game tomorrow! Go Gators

Not quite fall tablescape

2010-09-12T21:06:00.003-04:00

It has been too long since my last post… Life has just been too busy. Between my husbands parent and my parents and adult children who refuse to grow up, we have had our hands full. Anyone relate?
I had a good time puttering a little prior to my parents recent visit with us. Also pulled out a bunch of stuff and sold some in a garage sale the rest went to the GW.
I sort of had fall on my mind but not really, the roosters and the fruit in the cloche kind of hint to fall.
Do you see my toile chair covers? I should have taken better pictures of them. They are Waverly chair covers, I found 2 of them at the GW for $5. Later I found 2 of them on Ebay and won them for $40. They are some of my favorite things.
This table runner was a find at the GW. The rooster salt and pepper shakers, GW too.
The topiary bought at Hobby Lobby a couple years ago, I love how the ivy covers it.
This rooster hails from Homegoods. This is a cup and saucer found at GW.
love how this red saucer goes with the other reds on the table. The saucer and creamer also from my collection of GW finds, none of them are recent finds, but isn’t fun to have a collection of finds to play with.
Hope you have fun playing with your collections as you prepare for fall. It has been way too hot here to really feel like fall yet, although with football in full swing it sort of feels like it is just around the corner.
I'm joining Marty at Tabletop Tuesday and Making the World Cuter Monday

Empire Gold Mine

2010-08-03T00:35:00.002-04:00

I recently took a trip to this place. These pictures were taken on the grounds of the mine owner’s summer cottage. The mine originated in 1850. It is located near Colfax, CA, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains.

As you approach this cottage these grand Urns. Oh boy do I love these puppies. Look at this incredible detail and the lighting was so great.
The front of the cottage is flanked by double fountains, and just beyond the row of bushes you see in the picture above it drops down to a reflecting pond and another fountain that comes out of the wall.
Another great planter.

Mom’s China Cabinet

2010-07-14T16:46:00.002-04:00

I recently took the time to really look at my mom’s china, I grew up with most of it and loved and cherished it then, but memories fade. Looking at them again made me feel like a was a child again, all the memories of growing up are intermingled with these dishes and home. These Franciscan Ivy dishes were our “special” dishes and were used for company, on Sabbath and for celebrations like graduations, Christmas you know..

Hoping some day they will be mine.
The hand painted plates below were in my father’s family, they are very precious heirlooms and I hope they too will find their way into my cabinet someday.

I think the green is my favorite, I love the wild roses and the way the stems and spent blooms are included.

I believe that these were either hand painted my my aunt or grandmother, can’t remember which.

So the cabinet below reveals random plates that mom has collected through the years and now I know where I get my plate obsession from. Oh dear.

This is another hand painted piece from my father’s family collection. Exquisite don’t you think?

This is hand cut piece of crystal, very heavy, I think it is a sugar dish resting in a small bowl.
Mom has a few more dishes packed away, including some pink depression glass and beautiful china, that she has acquired since I left home, did not get pictures this trip, but will next time.

Come on over the Between Naps on the Porch for some great tablescapes.

Technorati Tags: franciscan ware,painted china

Red, White and Blue and a Butter dish too!

2010-07-03T22:18:00.004-04:00

This is my new butter dish from Anthropologie. I am so loving this little beauty. Join the party at Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures and see more.

This blue vase is my newest treasure, found for $.99. The glasses are SL found at GW, set of 4 for $1.

This is my attempt at a festive holiday table scape. I love how the colors just pop and look so cheery. The dishes are not really all that special. Everything on the table was found while thrifting at the GW, except the flatware, that was purchased at Tuesday Morning and it is our everyday service. Oh and actually the placemats are Christmas placemats turned over, snowmen on the other side. Ha ha.

Flowers are an arrangement I picked up from Publix. Hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday. Isn’t the 4th of July fun?

Independence Day

2010-07-02T21:39:00.001-04:00

New Treasures

2010-06-28T19:58:00.004-04:00

Found this white ironstone cannister thingy at the GW recently for $2.99, it was in my basket one day and I put it back, then went home and continued to think about it, well went back the next day and luckily it was still there, 2 of the rolling pins were also found at the GW months ago.

These little beauties were all found in a little junk and antique shop in Montclair NJ. My hubby and I recently took a trip to NJ and NYC. My brother lives in Montclair, such a lovely little town, I will share more about that in the future.

This little lovely needlepoint pillow was $2.99 at the Hospice attic.

The colors are awesome, I love the lime green and red and black together.

I am joining Rhoda's Thrifty Treasure Party at Southern Hospitality

What makes me happy

2010-05-22T22:33:00.000-04:00

Just been thinking about all the blessings in my life, the people, the pets, the moments and things in my life that bring me much joy and happiness. So here a few images that remind me, to be thankful and remain joyful.

Hammock by the pool.

Hydrangea blooming in the morning sunlight!

My puppy, oh yeah, who wouldn't be happy.

Bacoba cascading over the pool edge, happiness.

See the morning dew on this web, yes that makes me happy too

This is my Zach, he makes me so happy I call him Pro-Zach kitty

Blooms of Amarylis, Oh yeah, happy

Blooms of Hibiscus, only last a day, but Oh how glorious!

Have I mentioned a new purse always makes me happy

Discovering a new setting on my camera that lets me get really great close ups

little green tomatoes on the patio

Right now the color of this chair, aqua, really makes me smile.

See Our little house finches, their are 4 more of them in the nest.

Here they are before they cracked through their shells. yep they make me happy!

I happened to stumble on this blog, Pure Style Home.loved the post and wanted to share. She helped with a makeover of a living room at a local Woman's Shelter.

For a great giveaway hop on over and see Marla at Alway's Nesting. TJ Maxx gift card Woo Hoo, hope I win.

Thanks for stopping in, I love to hear your comments. Marla

Woo Hoo, I did it!

2010-05-19T10:23:00.007-04:00

This is my latest and greatest project! I thought I had a before to show you but alas I couldn't locate it this morning. This is a chair I found at the SA, one day I was there while they had a 15 minute sale of all furniture at 75% off. This little honey cost me $4.99.

I just love her lines! Especially those curvy legs.

I sanded her down a bit and then covered her in aqua spray paint from Rustoleum.
The I rubbed her down with Raw Umber acrylic paint and rubbed most of it off with a damp cloth, leaving some in the grooves and sanded edges.

I covered the seat cushion with this Toile cloth that I picked up months ago for $.50 at the GW. What do you think, does this qualify for "Woo Hoo Wednesday" Marla? I think it is pretty wonderful and it is going to look so good in my bedroom redo. The toile fabric was a kinda narrow width and I was afraid I wouldn't get to use it, but with some stretching and strategic placement I made it work. I think it so beautiful. Oops now I am bragging.

Just wanted to add this little vignette on my patio. I love this pot with the bale blue Lobelia, it just keeps blooming and blooming. The lantern I picked up at Ross a few weeks ago for $8.99 on clearance. The birdie is a $.50 treasure from the thrift store. You can see the blue Florida rug peeking in the corner, yes that is for my hubby, he's nuts over the Florida Gators! Can't blame him it is his home town team and all! Ya'll join Marla at Always Nesting and see who has posted for "Woo Hoo Wednesday". Oh and I am also joining Kara at Look What I made , Be Inspired at Room to Inspire. and Transformation Thursday at the Shabby Chic Cottage.

While I am thinking about it sorry if this post is a bit wonky, I loaded them very fast this morning.

Thrifty Crazy

2010-05-16T21:07:00.002-04:00

I honestly thought I would be a good girl this last couple of weeks and stay away from the GW. I have really got to curb my obsession. I need and want to stay home on my days off and get some projects finished at home.
So as usual on my way to somewhere else my car just decides to take a little side trip and next thing I know I am in the parking lot at the GW. Oh brother, this is a sickness.

Found these great dessert dishes and one small bowl, they were all $.99 each.

they compliment this other pattern by the same manufacturer that I picked up a while ago.

Ok this tea cup was all alone on the shelf and I had this yellow saucer at home already, they needed to be together. The teacup was $1.99, the saucer I got a while ago for $.59. A match for sure.

Ok this sweet cup and saucer were $2.59 or something like that also at the Hospice attic, I just thought it was so precious, had to come home with me. the picture below is the other side of the cup.

Ok these things are an impromptu gathering of some items I have been collecting in anticipation of changing some things in our Master. I have to paint the walls in there and then my transformation can begin. Very soon I hope.

The white urn, the aqua blanket, the basket, the ceramics bowls and the platter are all thrifty finds. I am going for aqua blue and browns and creams in the bedroom and bath.

The bowls are the most recent finds, the floral one was $.25 and the ruffled one $.59. The platter I bought at Marshall’s for $2.99. The leather like box under the bowls a thrifty gW find from months ago.

This is silver engraved baby mug, all polished up, got it this week at the GW $2.99

This bowl is so pretty, don’t you think?
Ok this is sort of a thrifty find, I bought it before Easter at Ross. It was $39. I have gotten oodles of compliments from everybody. It is my perfect summer bag and goes with everything just about.

I heart purses!!

Hope you enjoyed my thrifty items, I so love your comments. thanks for stopping by. Marla
Please visit these wonderful ladies and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!
Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Today’s Thrifty Treasures
Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

2010-05-12T15:52:00.001-04:00

Have your ever seen Monticello? The on-line catalog that is? I stumbled on this site and really liked some of what I saw. I especially liked the birdies, like many of you I am really enjoying the birds, the live ones outside my window and all the faux decorative ones too!

Whoo wouldn’t love this?

This is so adorable, but I think you may need to go to the site to see it better.

A door knocker, cute.

Oh yeah, now that is a cloche!

How cute these mushrooms are. If you need the faux kind go here.

Very french vanity set, this was $95. Ah no!

I really like these, they have sayings from Thomas Jefferson!

Some of their items are reasonably priced, other’s rather high, but I got some inspiration from their stuff and might even consider a purchase in the future. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Spring Flowers.

2010-05-12T15:29:00.000-04:00

Hey there friends! For a great giveaway, go on over to Fiona and Twig!

Thrifty Treasure time

2010-05-09T21:32:00.001-04:00

Today is treasure time again, I am joining Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for the weekly Thrifty Treasures Party.

The picture below shows a bell with a cool brown transferware pattern, I not sure of it’s origin, but I thought it was worth the $3.99 I paid for it, I also found some silver pieces that were very inexpensive, I think this creamer was $1.29. These items were from the Hospice attic.

These are silver salt and pepper shakers, something I have been on the lookout for. Just a couple of dollars.

This was a GW treasure, just $1 I think not sure what this is called, but I think it is pretty special, probably to serve hot rolls or bread in. The silver plate ware I also found at Hospice attic where I always find great flatware.

This is a pincushion, such a cute idea, I actually gave some thought on how I could make more of these. found at the GW still in it’s original box. $.89.

A great pot from the GW, love the color and the fluer di lis. $.99

This little birdie I found at Hospice attic for a few pennies, can you see what is missing? I found him a new beak in the yard, now isn’t that better? I love this little guy.

These item below were all $.99 or less each, except the mouse candle holder, it was $2.99, isn’t he cute?

this is a tea server I believe and it just so lovely found it at the GW, paid $3.99. It is restaurant ware from Germany.

My Mother

2010-05-08T18:13:00.001-04:00

A mother of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. For my WONDERFUL Mom who has lived her life for her kids!!

This is my beautiful mother. The older I get the more I realize I am my mother and that is a good thing. My mom has always loved growing things, flowers, vegetables, fruit trees. She has always seen the beauty in nature and has surrounded her life with as much of it as possible. In my teen years I couldn’t understand why growing things was such a big deal, to me it felt like work and I guess I was allergic to work back then. But now I know, I have the same desire to grow things and to surround myself with nature. Thanks mom for being you!! And for teaching me to love God’s natural beauty all around us.

Ever since I can remember mom has always had violets growing in her kitchen. Here are some of the current ones blooming in her kitchen.

Oh yes it wouldn’t be spring and wouldn’t be home if there weren’t some potted violets outside too.

These are blueberry bushes in mom and dad’s yard.

This is the view from the front porch. My parents currently live in TN, Sequatchie Valley.

view across the road in their neighbors back yard

A baby fig tree.

This rose is not in mom’s yard, but picture taken while mom and I visited a local nursery in the valley.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you beautiful, loving, and incredibly unselfish mom’s!

Hope you enjoyed this post dedicated to my beautiful mother. As always I love your comments and the fact that you have taken the time to acknowledge a perfect stranger as myself. I love the blogging community and each of you!

Marla

Chalkboard Paint

2010-05-06T20:57:00.002-04:00

Before

After

This was my first project using chalkboard paint. Also my first time to paint freehand on something. It probably looks like my first time too, but hey you gotta start somewhere!

the small black tray also a first for modge podge. The black chloche stand I just spray painted black.

I used the chalkboard paint on the bottoms of these clay pots I bought at Lowes. I really love how these turned out.

These are my little tomatoes.

this is Harley our puppy

Amaryllis, picture was taken in my yard today

This is my other love, Zach
I am linking up with The Shabby Chic Cottage for Transformation Thursday and with Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. Please stop by and see all the great links.

As always I love your comments! Marla

Vintage Dishes and Blue Canning Jars

2010-05-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

Today I am posting some more of my thrifty finds, they are items that I have picked up over the last few months
.Please visit these wonderful ladies and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants!

Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Today’s Thrifty Treasures

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

This vase is a Hall USA, $7. I found it at the GW in Ocala, FL. If any of you are near Ocala, there is a HUGE GW there and I love going there, it's about 45 minutes from my house, but usually worth the drive, especially since Ocala has a Hobby Lobby too and my home town doesn't. So this trip I picked up these faux lavender blooms 50% off. The table scarf I found at the GW for $.99,.

This is my first tassell, found it at Marshall's on my trip to TN. This is just too cute.

OK not a great picture of my cloche and stand. I found these at the SA in my home town, while I was wandering in the store they announced a 15 minute sale of 75% off all knick knacks, so this was less than a $1. The base was wood stained and I spray painted it black. Also they had a sale on furniture and I found an adorable chair that I got for $4.99, was originally priced $19.99. I am working on it and will show you all when I finish with it. I am painting it a great aqua color, can't wait to see how it turns out.

This was another goody from SA also included in the sale, I think I paid $1.80 for it, it looks wonderful with all my ironstone and white dishes.

I have admired these frogs for a while now, usually when I have seen them at antique stores they are asking way too much for them. When I was in Daphne AL visiting my SIL, she took me to a local antique mall. well I found a couple of frogs, I love the vintage color of the green one. They were about $3-4 I think.

A biscuit cutter, also from the antigue mall. There is that cool vintage green color again, I love that color.

While in TN I discoverd my mom has a large collection of these wonderful blue Ball canning jars. The 2 larger ones are 2 quart size, I think these are so beautiful and mom gave them to me, so free!! You may notice the table scarf, it is stitched in a wonderful blue thread around the edges of the detailed design, that is another of my GW scores under $1

This is me playing with my camera, trying to get the wonderful hues of blue, the platter is a beauty aqua color, a new purchase at Marshall's $2,99. Love my Lobelia (I think that is the correct spelling) in the pot in the background

This plate and the following plates were picked up for pennies at SA and GW.

Except this is the new one from Marchall's a close up.

Puppy Love

2010-04-30T08:08:00.001-04:00

This is my new love. We just got him yesterday, he is a 9 week old German Shepherd. We named him Harley.

He spent the night in his crate next to our bed, only woke us up once last night. He is super cute and seems to be very intelligent. We met his mama and papa, his papa is about 95 lbs and a gorgeous, but intimidating looking fellow.

Anyone out there with any advise on raising a puppy? It’s been a very long time since we had a puppy. He will be spending some time in his crate while I am working.

I love each and every comment, thanks for visiting me. Marla

More Thrifty Treasures

2010-04-24T19:39:00.003-04:00

So my treasure hunting obsession continues... I have been watching out for Tole trays, I see them at antique and sometimes thrift stores, and they are usually much more than I want to spend. I spotted this one at "A Classy Flea" in Marietta GA. On my trip up to Chattanooga I decided to stop in Marietta, outside of Atlanta, cause I had found a GW not far from 1-75 on my GPS, well the GW was not that great but in the same shopping strip there was this wonderful little treasure of a place, "A Classy Flea" what a gem of a place. This tole tray was marked down to $9.99. It is a very large size too and the colors are perfect for my home. Yay!

Also at the same place I found this painted bunny box for $9. It is a heavy wooden box with hinges on the lid, which happen to be broken, but I don't care I love the art work and the bunnies.

Also at Classy flea, this birdie candle holder. Love it! it was $9 too I think.

This is a sweet cherub I found at a Garage sale a few weeks ago, 50 cents. I don't know I have thought of painting it an off white? and distressing with a glaze, what do you think?

Ok in the same general area of the GW and Classy Flea, in Marietta, was this other thrift store, I think it is Union Missions sponsored or something like that, anyway within 2 minutes of walking in the door I found this little beauty, yes she is Southern Living, she is in new condition and I didn't care that she was $8. She flew right into my basket.

This candle pillar was an easy decision too, only $3. It is heavy and very nice, will look fantastic on the side of my soaker tub.
It is very nicely detailed.

Here all my Classy Flea finds and the red tapestry type table cover with tassels on the corners is one thing I found at the GW in Marietta, also found a hammock. I will show later when hubby gets it up for us.

Oh yes this shelf was waiting for me too at the thrift store, it was $5. I chopped off the top but it is made of iron and has a frenchy look at the top, it is hard to find shelves that don't look all countryfied. This is either going in the bathroom or near the pantry in the kitchen, hmm not sure yet.

Oh yes the white wire basket for $4 also from the thrift store. The books are from the GW in my home town, except the recipe book found it at the GW near my mom's in TN. Hardbacks are $1 and softsides are $50, although I paid $2.99 for some reason for the cookbook.

I will be joining Rhoda's party Today's Thrifty treasures later this week.

Thanks for visiting, hope you have some treasures of your own to share. Come again, Marla

Lola B's Grand Giveaway

2010-04-23T14:45:00.001-04:00

For a chance to win some great Paris treasures, head on over to Lola B's. I adore her photography skills and her literary style. Plus she makes me laugh.
Go ahead and grab her button, your gonna love her!

Tabletop Thursday

2010-04-22T19:51:00.002-04:00

I am linking this post to Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures party, Stop by to see all the great treasures at Southern Hospitality.

I am joining Tabletop Thursday today. Stop over at BNOTP and see all the lovely tabletops.
The little white owl napkin rings are an old find from GW.

I played around today with all my ew pretties. I love Ironstone dishes. Imagine my surprise, when I spied a cardboard box at the GW filled with these lovelies. They are J & G Meakin, from England, the pattern is Sterling Renaissance. There were 24 pieces in perfect condition, not even a chip and they were $8.99 for all! Whoo hoo, made my day! Aren’t they lovely?
The flatware is from my vintage collection of silverplate flatware.

So much fun setting this up outside on the lanai.

The linens I used for this were found last week at the GW, the dishtowels are from Williams Sonoma and have never been used, well really all of it is new and has never been used. There are 4 placemats, 4 dishtowels, 2 fringed napkins (not sure what happened to the other 2). There was also a checkered tea towel also new. These were all $.79, $.99 a piece.

SIL's House in Daphne, AL

2010-04-11T21:47:00.002-04:00

I am joining Show off Your Cottage Monday, today.

On Easter weekend, we visited my SIL in Alabama. I took a few pictures of her lovely home. She has a flair for art and has quite a few beautiful works of art throughout her home. One of the things I love about her home is that the walls are all painted a lovely brown, it is unusual to see a house with every room in that color, but it really is pretty. The picture above shows a glimse of one of my favorite paintings in her home, it is in the breakfast nook.

This is the formal dining room. They have a double fireplace, the other side being in the great room.

On the table is a tapestry that used to be hanging on the wall, but she is using it here as a cover/runner. I love the colors in it.

Another painting with a lovely vignette, the blues and reds are also reflected in the tapestry, all of them pretty against those lovely brown walls.

The buffet, simple and elegant.

More color on the mantel in the dining room.

This painting is also in the dining room. maybe this one is my favorite!

Okay the colors in the Master bath are dreamy. I love brown with pastel blue. Especially love that chocolate washcloth with the blue monogram.

The lighting was difficult for the pictures, so had to lighten this one and now it is a little washed out. I love this painting above the jetted tub, the blues are perfect for the brown and blue theme she has going on in here.

Love this sign!

This is lovely and don't you just love that towel with the brown leaves. The mermaid is awesome too/

This piece of pottery is in another corner of the tub area, I think it is exquisite and the blue is perfect.

A sweet vignette in the bath.

On to the Master Bedroom. Her home has a tropical feel through out so this bed is perfect and the brown background complements the wall color. The leopard print pillow is pretty cute, the other side says not tonight!

Kind of a Hollywood feel to this corner of the room, with the white chair, faux fur and marble topped dressers. Very classy look here.

This is a beautiful dresser. See my nephews on the wall, twins on the bottom and the youngest one above.

The pretty front door and porch.

I love the glass door and window above.

A beautiful iron bench with an arbor, jasmine growing up the sides, a nice place to sit and look at the lake behind their house.

Thanks for joining me for this little tour. If you are like me it is always fun to see how others are decorating their homes.

Eggstraordinary

2010-03-31T21:28:00.001-04:00

Easter Tablescape and Fish Fry

2010-03-29T22:02:00.001-04:00

I am linking up with Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.
I had such a fun time yesterday. My husband picked up fresh fish at the Market on Saturday while I was at work and then on Sunday we had a yummy fish fry. It was mainly just me and the boys. They devoured the fish, especially my husband. I love this picture below, I snapped it just as my son was loading up his plate. You can see the steam rising off the plate.
Those are white acre peas on the plate, my husband loves these peas, we usually buy them fresh during the summer and freeze them, this was our last bag from the freezer. You can see the glass of “sweet tea” in the upper right corner of the picture, a must have for a southern meal and a southern man like my DH.

This is my Easter tablescape. This is Fiesta Ware, reproduction. I have had this set for at least 14 years. The table cloths and napkins were purchased long ago, but I remember the floral one was a GW find.

This is the first time I have actually put my vintage flatware to use.

And for dessert…….

A few more pictures.

If you haven’t tried the speckled Peanut Butter M & M’s, don’t go there, they are addictive.

Thanks for visiting, hope everyone had a blessed day!

Late to the Party, more thrifty treasures

2010-03-22T20:40:00.003-04:00

I am joining Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Treasures. I love this linky party and believe it or not it is just as much fun seeing what other's find as finding my own treasures. This hook was a recent GW find for $.99 and the lace panel was also $.99, does anyone know what it is, My thought is its a curtain panel, or table topper. I thought it might make a nice table runner.

Close up the fringe.

This set of 4 green glasses was found at Haven Hospice thrift store, it is a new set, still has the stickers on the bottoms, also came in a heavy metal carrier, with a wooden handle/

The glass is thick with bubbles in the glass, I think I have seen these or similar ones at Pier 1. They have olive branches etched into them. I got everything for about $5.

I really thought of these napkins with the olive pattern on them when I found the glasses. These napkins in a set of 4 was found at the GW several weeks ago they were about $2 for all.

I found this white french porcelaine bowl also at Haven Hospice for $1.99, also found a few more pieces of vintage flatware for $.29 a piece.

Oh yes and this sweet little bunny, finally pulled this vignette together. He was only $.49.

These are some napkin rings that I thought were pretty and $.49 each at the GW.

OK this chest was a last minute grab and go as the store was closing, I paid $9.99, later found the original price of $19.99. I almost regret paying that much at the GW. In fact I have started noticing that more things are being priced higher that usual, I think there is a new store manager or something going on. Usually if I feel something is overpriced I will pass over it.

Again found a couple pairs of shoes that I wasn't really looking for but couldn't pass them up.

At the GW shoes are $3.99, these AK shoes have never been worn.

These yellow ones are Dansko and show no wear on them. These are popular with nurses and people who are on their feet alot. I know they are bright but I can wear them with my scrubs in the hospital. They are normally $130. I got these for $5.99.

Show Off Your Cottage Monday

2010-03-21T20:40:00.001-04:00

I am participating in "Show Off Your Cottage Monday" I have chosen the images that say cottage to me or more importantly home. I love the cottage look, but I like "French Country" as well, so I think there are touches of cottage, french country, country, and vintage, and beachy throughout the house.

This is the display space above my kithchen cabinets, the ceilings are very high in my house and I feel if I didn't have something up there it would look really bare.

Nothing says home like a tea pot on the stove.

With 2 son's in their 20's now, it is still Mom's Diner and yes open 24/7.

Out side on the lanai, I like to play with my treasures and make it feel like a country porch.

There is a porch swing out in the side yard, that reminds me of my grandma's front porch.

Birds and nest's speak of cottage feeling.

Quilts, family heirlooms,

My beachy cottage quest room. Or otherwise called the cats room.

Family pictures have to be included, this my baby with me on his 16th Birthday.

Plenty of linens and cloth napkins and baskets.

Big clock on the wall.

Wedding china in the dining room.

Inherited family silver

Thanks for allowing to share my home.

More Bunnies for Easter

2010-03-21T15:48:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't love bunnies? I am trying to get this arrangemnt to look good, but it seems like somehting is missing. Anyway I love these eggs, I got these last year after Easter at Michaels they are super cute aren't they? They are on the end of wire and each have a ribbon tied at the bottom. I think they were about 25 cents each. I think they have some this year too at Michaels, be sure to check after Easter sales.

This sweet bunny I purchased at a little boutique in Micanopy, FL. I later saw a similar one at TJ's for half the price, ahh well guess I was helping the local economy.

I found this super cute tin at a thrift store.

Love the vintage scenes on the sides and top.

These bunny plates are a GW purchase. The green bunny I found at Ross this year.

Two more sweet bunnies from Michaels. The

flying bunnies are from Pier 1 last year after Easter.

My mantel has changed since this picture. Thanks for joining me for my bunny debut.

Thrifty Treasures, Vintage Flatware

2010-03-14T21:32:00.010-04:00

I am joining Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for Thrifty Treasures. I am so happy that this linky party is back, I truly enjoy seeing everyones thrifty items and ideas.

I usually find my best treasures at the Goodwill, however, recently I have been frequenting the Hospice Haven in our community. When I spotted 2 beat up old cardboard boxes filled with vintage flatware, my heart began to race. I have been looking and hoping to find some flatware, most of it is silverplate, but definitely vintage quality. I now have more than enough to set a table for 12.

If you want to see the picture larger, double click on the picture.

I like displaying them in my ironstone pitchers.

I really found an abundance of knives a couple of patterns were in sets of 5.

Some of the pieces were #1.99 and some $.29 a piece.

I have several pictures of the details, my favorite part, and each so intricate and vintageyy!

Some have definite signs of wear with silverplate rubbed off in places.

I found this pattern below on ebay, it was listed at $9.00 for 1 knife.

Great grape details on this one, a spoon I think.

Several with great monograms.

The engraving below speaks for itself, 1893 no less!

Do you remember Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor? I have had this silver milkshake spoon for a long time, I threw it in with the rest of my new collection.

Picked up some vintage napkins at GW, they go well with the new flatware. Thanks for checking out my new thrifty treasures.

Craigslist Before and After

2010-03-13T19:36:00.008-05:00

I am linking up with Met Monday at " Between Naps on the Porch" head on over to see all the wonderful transforamtions.

Well... I did it! I officially completed a transformation of a Craigslist find. I bought this cabinet for $100. That may sound high but it is a quality piece with solid parts. It was originally a wooden stain and the owner had it sponge painted and painted with flowers, all in pastel colors.

To view pictures larger, just double click on the picture.
See the wire screens in addition to the screen there is also glass. I took the wire out and just replaced with the glass, I didn't want to obstruct the view of the dishes inside. Oh the cabinet is also lighted and has 2 glass shelves with plate display grooves etched into the glass.

The paintings were on each side of the cabinet and on the drawers and inside.

This is inside the cabinet.

So I sanded the whole cabinet and painted with a grey primer. After that I applied two coats of Satin Black interior paint The final step was a clear protective coat from a spray can.

Here it is in my breakfaast nook. Finally it is done and looks so beautiful! I love it!

I reused the hardware, just sprayed them with a brushed nickel and then added dimension with a black permanent marker.

I filled it with some of my white dishes and pitchers. My plan is to put something on the back inside of the cabinet, like decorative paper or maybe bead board wallpaper. What do you think?

Here it is with the doors open. I placed my cookbooks on the bottom shelf, not sure it that is permanent. Whatever I know I will have so much fun changing the displays in this cabinet, whenever my little heart desires. My husband and my son just don't understand why I like to change things so often. They just shake their heads and smile at me.

Ahh, it feels so good to see it all come together. I am storing my table linens in the drawers. That will free up some space in my hall closet, maybe it will spur me on to organize my closet and then maybe eventually my whole house. :) One can dream!

Thanks for stopping by to see my transformation, I love your comments and feedback. Smiles, Marla

Vintage Black Friday Tole Tray and Beaded Purse

2010-03-05T13:53:00.004-05:00

I am joining Vintage Black Friday at The French Cupboard with Jill from Gypsy Brocante.

I just love looking at everyone's vintage treasures, don't you? Imagine my suprise when I found this wonderful beaded purse with mother of pearl cameos on the clasp. I have never seen anything like this, at the same time I purchased a white one which I will have to share on White Wednesday, although I gave it to my SIL for Christmas, I still have pictures of the beauty. Where did I find it? At the GW of course, for $3.99.

I think this would look good with an outfit of jeans and high heel black boots, what do you think?

This beauty came to me at the Habitat store, she is a little beat up and has some rusty spots, but still has that vintage vibe
I love the hand painted roses and the detail in the design around the edges.

Hope you go and check out the other posts for Vintage Black Friday!

White Wednesday

2010-03-03T12:43:00.006-05:00

Today I am participating in "White Wednesday" over at Faded Charm.

I just went to my china cabinet and started taking some pictures of the white things that I love. That little bride and groom was a wedding gift. I also have a collection of Milk glass and this pedestal bowl is beautiful.

These are some of my ironstone pitchers with my "new" vintage silverware.

I love black and white together. These are some new plates I recently purchased at TJ's. The silverware is vintage, most of the pieces are silverplate, I hit the jackpot the other day at our Hospise Haven Thrift store, with the silverware.

Pardon the glare on the glass, I have a hard time with the window/glass glare in the dining room.

These are my first ever transferware dishes. There were only 4 dinner plates and 3 dessert plates, so now I am on the look out for more pieces. It is Royal Stafford of England.

The gorgeous white napkin or is it a handferchief was one of 3 that I found at GW for $.57 each.

I just love a pop of white and how white always looks good with everything. It is so pure and simple. Can't go wrong with white.

Part II Tabletop Tuesday

2010-02-23T20:41:00.003-05:00

Well my post yesterday was cut short, I am sure due to user error, but these are the rest of the pictures from my Tabletop Tuesday post. Love these Primroses, these always remind of spring.
My cloche over a my Beatrix Potter tea cup. I did post some of these yesterday, but today I have a close up, keep scrolling down.

Ahh here is the close up isn't it beautiful, it is Royal Doulton from England.

Here is my Beatrix Potter family under glass in front their eggplant home. This is a PartyLite tea light holder. Such a sweet little vignette, don't you think?

I must confess I don't know all the character's and their names, but I used to know.

I love your comments.

Easter Vignette's and Tabletop Tuesday

2010-02-22T20:57:00.013-05:00

Okay I am having challenges posting today, for some reason I am cut off from adding any more
pics. Is there a limit? I am pretty sure I have posted more than this at one time.

Anyway I am joining up with, A stroll thru Life, for Tabletop Tuesday.

This picture below shows a PartyLite candle holder my SIL gave me a few years ago. This last year I found a large rubbermade container of Christmas Ornaments at GW and in that box there were these little Beatrix Potter characters, they are really ornaments to hang, but I think they are adorable, and if I could add another picture you would see I have them under a cloche, but removed it for this pic.

This china cup also a Beatrix Potter found at GW recently. The nest is from our yard last summer.

Please don't look at the dust in this one, these are up high on my bookcase.

This is my coffee table vignette, I love the moss in the the silver bowls.

This butterfly bell is from my very dearest friend Sheri, I have had it for almost 30 years/

After Easter last year I found some rediculously cute Easter items at rediculously low prices at Pier 1 and HomeGoods. At the time I was blog stalker and had been seeing all the spectacular Easter and Spring Vignette's on all my favorite blogs. So naturally I began to think like you all and started gathering for the next year, that is this year. I have been anxiously awaiting the time to pull my new treasures out and that was today. I am sharing some of the things I played around with today, but I have a feeling I will be continuing to tweak in the days and weeks ahead.

Florida Oranges

2010-02-14T18:11:00.008-05:00

With one of the coldest Florida winter's on record this year, I had heard gloomy reports about the orange crops here. I am not in the business of growing citrus, but when my hubby and I traveled south last weekend we saw multiple groves of Oranges and the trees were loaded. This was in the Lake Wales area.

I am joining A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday, go here to see more Outdoor Posts

I can still smell them, when I look at this picure.

We passed this truck hauling oranges.

Hope you all enjoyed these pictures, sorry there are so many. But I have a hard time choosing my favorites.

Heart Pillows

2010-02-09T18:13:00.012-05:00

I'm joining Kara for "Look what I made" party.

Well it's been a long time, but I got the old sewing machine out and made a couple of heart pillows. For, oh I don't know maybe 26 years I have had this old worn and stained quilt that my husbands grandmother had made. I mean it is old and it is worn, but I have loved it. I love quilts. See my previous post on quilts here.

Anyway I decided I needed to make a pillow from it. It was hard to find a spot that wasn't messed up or stained, so I didn't feel too bad about cutting it up, because I have thought about doing something like this for years with this old quilt. I honestly couldn't cut up any of my other quilts, but this one seems to be appropriate. Anyway it is the same pattern front and back. Whatcha think? I have this great big quilt book and I looked this pattern up. It is an Amish pieced quilt, called Solomon's Puzzle. Outside of the Amish circles it is known as Drunkard's Path. I like the first name better, but anyway how cool is this? Love it even more now that I know the name. Wish I had met my husbands grandmother before she passed away in the late 70's. I thought the old scale next to the pillow made a nice vignette.

Now this is a smaller heart pillow that I made to mail to Kim at Daisy Cottage, she is collecting heart pillows to give to a widow of one of her followers, Tabitha, who lost her battle with cancer recently. If you have never seen Kim's blog you will understand how this woman gained strength and encouragement from Kim's skillful, thoughtful posts. See the letter that her husband shared with Kim here and the pillow sharing idea here.

So in thinking about what I needed to put this pillow together, I thought of the GW. So while there I found a quilted placemat that had a heart in the middle of it. So I cut it out and used the backing from the placemat too.

Easy Peasy Lemon Pound Cake

2010-02-05T11:47:00.006-05:00

Yummy Lemon Pound Cake. Today is Foody Friday, and this is my first post for this weekly event. So click on Foody Friday, here and see what everyone is cooking up!

This is hands down the best Lemon Pound Cake ever! My mom started this tradition in our family and everyone who has this cake raves about it. It is so easy and always turns out perfect.

The ingredients are shown below and the recipe you will find on the side of every Duncan Hines Lemon Cake mix box.

See the recipe on the side? I will list it at the end of this post. I only use about 1/2 of this container. After removing the amount I need I put it in a small microwavable bowl and nuke it for 5-10 seconds, stir it until even consistency and then pour slowly around the top of the cooled cake,

So here are the ingredients. The Lemon Pudding must be the Instant kind. If you forget what you need just refer to the Lemon Cake box, hey it's always gonna be in the store.

Here is the recipe.

Cake

1 Pkg. Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Lemon Supreme Cake Mix

1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) lemon instant pudding and pie mix

4 lg eggs

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Glaze

1/2 cup Duncan hines creamy Home-style frosting (or Betty Crocker) I buy the lemon, but you could choose your favorite flavor too.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and Flour 10 inch Bundt or tube pan.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil in large bowl.

Beat at medium speed with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Pour into pan.

Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 25 minutes. Invert onto heat resistant serving plate. Cool completely.

For Glaze, Heat frosting in small saucepan over medium heat stirring constantly until thin, or microwave on high for 10-15 seconds, Do not overheat. Drizzle over cake.

I am participating in Foody Friday today. I am so excited to have my first post on this weekly party.

Outdoor Wednesday

2010-02-02T20:58:00.004-05:00

I am participating in Outdoor Wednesday over at Southern Daydreamer. Go on over there and see all the beautiful posts.

All these pictures where taken last week here in Gainesville, FL. These first 2 pictures were taken near Satchel's a local favorite pizza place. I will have to do a post on the place in the future, it is a very unique place. I love this fence, it reminds me of a Crazy quilt.

On the same day I found this huge Camelia bush filled with a billion pink flowers.

They amazing creativity of our God.

One of those days when you feel the warmth of sun on your shoulders, but a strong cool breeze that reminds you it is still winter. But you are reminded by the trees and the flowers that new birth is coming with soon arrival of spring.

Just unfolding here.

New Thrifty Treasures

2010-02-02T19:33:00.009-05:00

Woot, woot, I'm doing my happy dance. Found these Southern Living Prints today at the GW.
I love anything from Southern Living at Home, and these prints are something I have loved ever since I first saw them several years ago while having a SL party for a friend. I always felt they were asking too much for them. So when I saw these on the shelf I knew exactly what I was looking at, they are actually in their original packaging. I paid $7.99. I know exactly where I am going to put them too.

This is the artist name.

They are called Tuscan Countryside. I love the colors and they match just about everything in my house.

I have also been drawn to books at the GW. I found the top and the bottom design books for a buck each.

Rarely do I look for shoes at GW, but couldn't resist these. My husband calls them "s-h-i-t" kickers! They are BCBG Girls and hardly worn.

These are navy and look like they were never worn.

OK this is a small thing but the spoon rest is black and matches my cannisters, not bad for $.99.

These are a couple of neat books.

You never know what will turn up at the GW. Saw a friend there today with her beautiful baby girl. She picked up some beautiful eyelet white curtains from Pottery Barn Kids.

Chelsea at Room to Inspire is having a marvelous giveaway. So go on over there and check out her beautiful blog and enter for the giveaway.

Silver Sunday and Spring Fever

2010-01-31T14:27:00.010-05:00

Nothing says Spring like Tulips. Yes, had to have some, got them at Publix, where else. The Anjou Pears too. I know a lot of my friends in TN and NC, really got buried in the snow this past weekend. Just remember Spring is just around the corner.

This red dish is a new GW purchase, the cloche fits perfectly.

I love the contrast of the lime green and red. The Blue green paint on the wall makes the chairs look goldish color but they are more lime green. To me it looks terrible with the wall color. But I think I have posted before that we have very high ceilings like 14 feet or more and the ceiling is the same color. I need some help with this room.

See the wall on the opposite side of the room, the sitting room is the same color as the dining room.

I plan to use chair covers until I get the paint changed.

This is a very special heart, given to me by my dear friend Mary. Not sure how it is made, but it is very fragile and hollow in the middle.

One of my silver engraved bowls, this one is small.

This is a recent GW purchase too, a wine bottle coaster, inside the glass is my collection of silver napkin rings, some of them match the coaster perfectly, all of them found at different times and locations.

This is one of my favorite Christmas gifts. It was given to me by

S. my brother's girlfriend. She purchased this very beautiful candle holder at the Metropolitan Gift Shop in NYC. I just love it!!

Isn't amazing how something so non-traditional can blend with traditional items. Timeless beauty, that's what I call it. Hope you'll join Gypsy Fish, for Silver Sunday posts, there are a ton of great posts.

I love hearing from all of you blogging friends!

Red Rose Tea, Pepperidge Farm, PW Cooks and my morning

2010-01-22T15:31:00.011-05:00

Wow, today's weather is absolutely perfect! I have spent this sunny day in my kitchen and family room. I have been cleaning and puttering even though I am fighting a cold and my head and nose are very congested. Hope it doesn't hang on too long. I have things to do, afterall. But for today I have been enjoying my home and thought I would share with you some of my favorite things lately.

I have never been much of a tea drinker, have preferred coffe instead. My husband on the other hand prefers tea these days and usually has Tazo Awake for his morning ritual. During the holiday's my bother and his girlfriend were here and she introduced us to Red Rose tea and spiced tea. Her ancestory is from India. She taught me how to make spiced tea. I am now hooked and I think coffee may become my second choice from now on.

So this was my afternoon tea and cookies. Publix has Pepperidge Farm cookies fo BOGO right now so I loaded up on my favorites. Red Rose tea is also available from Publix.

If you want to enlarge a picture, simply double click the picture.

Red Rose is an English tea made in Canada. Decaf and caffienated.

Here are all the ingredients, the spices are Cardamom and Cloves.

This is my sunny spot, where I had my tea this afternoon.

This is a photo of the sugar and spices that I added. Didn't meaure just sprinkled some of each spice.

My husband would use 2 tea bags, but I prefer just 1.

Here it is with the cookies, yummy!!

Oh I almost forgot... If you buy the RedRose tea, they have a promotion right now and they tuck a tiny porcelin figurine in each box. They say on the bottom Wade, Eng Aren't they cute?

A new purchase from Amazon was this cookbook.. Pioneer Woman Cooks. If you have never visited her blog, you are in for a real treat. She has about a million followers and you will see why when you explore her blog. She is very talented and funny. This book is fun to read and look at. She really knows how to make cooking fun and easy. The recipes have step by step illustrations and directions. You'll love the photos of everything, the food, the kids, the cowboys, the horses, the farm, all of it. To visit Pioneer Woman's blog click here.

I made these yesterday, yummy!

I enjoyed snapping a few views of my kitchen and nook that I have never photographed. The lighting could be better, but that is sun streaming in the windows and I don't care.

You can see my shadow in this one he is begging for more kibble.

This is my spot for blogging.

There is Zach again, he is hoping I'll change my mind about the kibble.

More shots of the Breakfast Nook, I know I recently posted pictures of the nook, but I made a few changes sonce those pictures were taken. Don't look at the paper bag on the floor. Oops, that's real life I guess.

My new Blog Banner. Whatcha think?

Oh goody, the mail today, the Ballard Catalog. I think that is what I'll do next, look at my catalog. Not that I can afford the stuff, but always inpires me with new ideas.

Or maybe I'll take a nap with Zach!!

The clothes basket can wait............

Wonder if anyone else spends their day this way? Technically I am sick, so I have an excuse. Ha Ha

Vintage Hankie collection

2010-01-21T20:36:00.010-05:00

I am also joining Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, Cindy's blog was the first blog I discovered over a year ago and I have been a follower ever since. So go on over and check her blog out, it is wonderful!! Trust me you'll love her.

If you haven't seen Centsational Girl's post today about what makes a house a home, I encourage you to check it out. I absolutely love what she has put together. It really puts meaning into the term "Home Sweet Home". A home is so much more than just a house.

I need to apologize for the large amount of photos that I have in this post. When I was a girl my mother had a collection of hankie's, I remember her giving me one to have in my very first purse. Through the years growing up I would often go to the box where she kept them all and I would unfold each one and admire them one at a time and then fold them back up and put them away. Several years ago mom bestowed the majority of her collection to me. Now I keep them all in a special box of my own and again as in years past I take them out and admire them, all over again. It never feels like they are old or boring and each time I notice another little detail that I missed the last 20 times. Anyone else out there do this kind of stuff?

This is me trying to find fun ways to display, at least for a photo shoot of sorts.

After Chrismas I went to an Antique mall in High Springs, FL and found some very special monogrammed hankie's. I even found one with my initial "M" and then a "B" maiden initial So very very cool, don't ya think? Besides that I am in love with monogram's these days, as many of you are.

Here are all the monogram ones together. Love em!

Love this butterfly.

Hand embroidery, so sweet with pink and blue.

This is linen, but almost looks burlap, hand crochet border.

Not sure what this is called?

Oh this one is special, it is hand crocheted on the border.

Tiny cross stitch on this one, also linen. This is one I have added recently from a thrift shop with several other linen pieces, they all had brown spots on them. After soaking in Oxyclean they magically disappeared. Good stuff I tell you, that and Zout, can't live with out them.

This one was my first ever hanky, it is the thinest one of all, I think it got used alot and washed many, many times. When I was in grade school I was known to collect rocks, caterpillars and all manner of things and wrap them in my hankie for safe keeping, and then there was the occasional runny nose!!

This one is soooooooo pretty!

This is lace border.

Can't leave out the middle pattern as well.

Breakfast Nook

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Head on over to Always Nesting, Marla there has a giveaway going for a TJ Maxx gift card.

Thought I would share my breakfast nook with you all. You know it's one of the places I utilize the most. It is sunny in the morning and it looks out on our pool and patio. So invinting for a cup of tea or coffee in the morning.

Wish you each could join me for a cup or two, I know we would have a lot to talk about. The pot is on, come on over.

These are prints I picked up in Washington, we used to live in the Portland Oregon area.

The fondest memories are made when gathered around the table. Love this decal I put up here.

For a great giveaway head on over to Marla at Always Nesting. She has a wonderful blog and I love her Master Bed that she has featured on her Jan. 8 post.

Mosaic Monday

2010-01-11T20:14:00.000-05:00

To my followers and fellow bloggers, this is a spring filled mosaic sent to you to brighten your day!

I have been so so busy ever since the holiday's began. I haven't had time to do the things I want to do
like making regular posts on my blog. Now that my Christmas stuff is put away and my house is
returning to normal I am looking forward to devoting more time to my blog and other things, like my house,
my husband and my saviour Jesus Christ.
My New Years resolution is to slow down, spend more time at home,
less time doing and more time being. I want to be the person God intended me to be.

Anyway here is my first blog of the 2010. Enjoy the flowers and I will be seeing you soon. I look forward to
sharing the beauty of life and the blessings of home and family with each of you in the coming year.

i h

Christmas house tour

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First of all I want to show you, what late December in Florida looks like. My yard has a few suprises this time of year. Ahh so lovely, this Hibiscus sits in a pot and my lanai and just keeps blooming and blooming month after month..

Croton, by the pool.

Knock out roses still blooming too.

In this picture you can see my azalea bushes bloming.

These are planters by the front door.

Fresh Chocolate hazelnut biscotti.

This would be my snowman explosion.

Our anniversary ornament, from the Chattanooga Choo Choo, our first date in 1981.

This is the top of our entertainment center.

Our Christmas kitty.

This is my Dept 56 Dickens village, or at least part of it close up.

Thanks for joining me for my Christmas tour.

Snowmen collection

2009-12-14T19:20:00.011-05:00

Just not in the holiday mood yet, busy this week moving my parents into a condo 6 miles away. Thought some of you might like to see my snowman collection and how I displayed it last year. The way I am feeling, I am not sure I will be dragging out so many holiday things this year! I hope I get some inspiration soon!

This year I decided to display my snowmen in mass. I really like the impact of all of them lined up on the mantel. At first I just lined them up and then thought something else was needed, a swag or something. Then I realized that every snowman has to have snow, so I added fluffly stuff underneath and put some LED lights under the snow. I still need to put up the snowman stockings along the mantle, but need some of those nifty clear hooks that you can remove later.

Normally I would display my snowmen all around the house, but this is fun for a change.