The Vintage Nest

Inventory Update

2012-02-29T14:15:00.002-05:00

~ Still sending apologies for missing your fun posts and not visiting and having my own new blog post few and far between. Still having internet problems. The technician is fit to be tied and so am I! :) ~

Still working on the family room redo. The Louis chair makeover gave cause for my thinner hair, as I pulled quite a bit of it out trying to accomplish my first time upholstery job. I did it!...although in a round about way and I could not have done it without Bobby G's extra pair of hands. I painted and antiqued it with AS dark wax.. and I said I thought I would recover in something monogrammed and worn red but I went totally the opposite. Think chiffon, satin and burlap and birds. :) Just a little sneak peek for now. Not quite through yet. :) I love it! and think you will too! (one of these days I am going to take a picture of me all dressed up....not barefoot and wearing my Mickey Mouse paint covered pants as I always seem to be :)

With computer time down, I read a book! LOL It was just a beach read but it did have sustenance and I thoroughly enjoyed the down time. Have also spent extra time at my mall booth adding "new" old items, fluffing and shopping other booths...bad! I took some photos for you to see. The pegboard walls are great for hanging stuff but not very pretty. I do have an old screen door as a backdrop, a brown craft paper and lace curtain, as well as a chippy worn trellis but the booth walls still need something! Any suggestions? (see something you want.....email me and we'll talk)

Happy Pink Saturday

This is one of those "where did you find that!!??" things I ran across a couple of weeks ago on a treasure hunt/buying trip. Oh my goodness! It's amazing and one of those fantasy pieces of furniture. I am not even quite sure where I will put it.....maybe in the master bedroom or maybe I will sell it. Right now it sits in the dining room, next to the old farm table, which I am kinda liking....really. I am just showing the top of the back support here. It's a gold gilt....not painted gold...but gold gilt rocking chair....pretty fancy....definitely French style. It has the most fabulous hand painted scene on the heart shaped head rest and scrolls and carved wood and its shabby and chippy. It's a small rocker.....definitely a ladies chair. Very unique and just fabulous! Did I say fabulous???

It was good to see you today. :) I would love to have you follow my blog if you don't already and if you do....thank you! There are several ways to follow over there >>>> on my sidebar. Until next time....have a sweet week. xoxo

It's always a pleasure to join these wonderful parties.....charming hostess and full of inspiration. I know they will love it if you give them a visit.

Potpourri Friday at 2805, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Open House Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

Kathy at Delightsome Life, Joy of Savvy City Farmer and White Wednesday at Faded Charm

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

A Peek at Louis

2012-02-22T15:42:00.003-05:00

****** Last night I lost connection again and it's been sporadic since then. The technicians are on their way back out here AGAIN today (1/23)....I will do my best and look forward to visiting you all in between this aggravation....xoxo

Conversation from the other night.....

He: “Why are those strings (cool looking French farmhouse twine) still on the old suitcase handles?”

She: “Because I haven’t taken them off yet.”

He: “Oh… (long pause) …...but they have been there for about two weeks now…so you think they look chic or something….right?”

She: “Actually…..yes.”

He: “Just looks to me like you forgot to take the strings off.”

She: “Sigh”……

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The family room redo is coming along nicely. The sofas, ordered in early January, came in a month early…. A nice surprise! As I treasure hunt for you, my booth, and my website, I have also been looking for special treasures for me too. So here is a sneak peek at what I have found and am working on.

This French Louis XV style vintage arm chair, quite frankly, has been a bear to deal with and I may end up having it finished professionally. I think, in the long run, it may be less expensive to have Mr. Shrum re-holster it then put myself through the agony and defeat, but I am not quite ready to give it up yet. It will be painted a simple cream color and antiqued. I haven't quite decided on the new covering yet....something faded red and monogrammed....... I think. :) I found two of these babies...one for me and one for my booth.

Our family room is divided into two areas, so I need two rugs, one for the "staring at the fire in the fireplace" seating area and another for the television viewing area. I had a devil of a time finding exactly what I wanted but I did and you won't believe where I found them. (later). I think they will do a fine job of adding layering to the “new” softened room. (Did I tell you the new sofas are cream/white? Bobby G. wasn't too thrilled about that) :)

A glimpse at some new lighting, found at a scratch and dent price. I am still looking for some vintage faux chandelier/s to hang from the ceiling beams. And I am sure I will find them, .... when I am not looking for them. :)

If you are redoing, fluffing, and restyling like me, don't forget that free stuff. I went out in the woods and picked these 6 foot branches, gave them a light spray of white paint and voila......some added height where I needed it

Love the tags that were left on these vintage suitcases.......don't you?

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Big Bummer…..I have had no internet for the last two weeks. My ISP could not figure out the problem . It was fixed for exactly one day and then I lost it again. After two new modems, countless hours on the phone with someone overseas who was extremely polite but I could not understand, a house call from my computer guy, trips to the only wi-fi connection out here to check emails, and house calls from our provider, we are back up and running….hopefully for a awhile. On my wish list….an iPhone! My blog readers are the BEST..... so sweet and caring! Thank you so much for your concern as to where in the world I had disappeared to. I missed you. xoxo P.S. If you aren't following already, I would love for you too. :)

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Joining these blogs and their fabulous parties this week. Go take a peek at all the inspiration and fun.

LaurieAnna's Farmhouse Friday, Potpourri Friday at 2805, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Open House Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

Kathy at Delightsome Life,

and a new party has joined the blogging world, Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Lynn & Girlfriends or Carol's Dress Form Party

2012-02-03T13:10:00.004-05:00

***** To be honest I am baffled by all the google changes going on. It seems soon as I learn one thing, something changes and it's something else to learn. I was upset that we will be losing Picnik. I was a premium member and absolutely loved it. And now, it seems we will be losing our Google Friend Connect. Ok...never mind. It seems if you use blogger you will still be able to use GFC for now. I really dislike asking people to sign up for this an sign up for that but I think it's necessary for now. :( I would love it if you would click the "like" button for facebook and the Net Worked blogs thing over there on my side bar. I am grateful for your friendship. xoxo ****

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Carol of the blog The Polka Dot Closet, announced last month she was having a party. I knew Carol, way back when, before she came out of the closet, with her fabulous blog that gives us the secrets of her "how to's". Ms. Carol's party quickly became the "go to" party of the season. And I for one, will not sit home on a Tuesday night, so here I am (actually, I was so excited I came skidding in a whole lot early). We get to show off our dress forms, our mannequins, our head pieces and maybe even our alter ego's. :) All my girls are working girls. Let me introduce you.

Is this blue eyed girl sweet or what? I "found" her not too long ago and she was delighted to come home with me. She told me so! She's hand painted. Her job, for now, is to sit by me as I work at the computer and keep me company. :) She's really good at her job!

This lady is the work horse of my studio. She is in so many of my site photos, dressed in whatever vintage clothing I am featuring. When not working, she makes a fine resting place for the jewels I am using in a project.

Last winter, something overtook me and I got ambitious. Giving this old cracked head a new "do" of vintage dictionary pages took forever. But in the end, it was worth it. Sweet old hats look so fine on her tres chic coiffure now. History Lesson: Today she is sporting a Fascinator from the 1920's, perhaps worn by a flapper girl. Fascinator: small fancy hat, extravagant hair accessory, frivolous head decoration. You may have seen some outrageous fascinators at Kate and William's recent wedding. Dating back from the 16th-17th century, over the years they have fallen in and out of fashion. An alternative to hats, they feature arrangements of feathers, beads, netting, ribbons and flowers. This one, worn by my girl, is quite modest, featuring curved feathers and prong set clear rhinestones.

And last, but surely not least, we have Mademoiselle Ava, also known as flat chested girl. She resides in my antique shop booth, and is dressed for whatever the season may be. Here..... she is all ready for the 2011 Christmas party. Wearing her gorgeous skirt, fashioned from only the best newspaper, her sweet vintage stole (sold) and her best jewelry and holiday waist adornments. Ahhhh....to be that thin.

Thank you Carol for hosting this fun day. I hope you all enjoyed a look at my girl friends here in the studio. Next post I hope to show you my booth at the antique mall, fondly known as MAC. Until next time.... xoxoxo

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Joining these blogs and their fabulous parties this week. Go take a peek at all the inspiration and fun.

White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,

WIW at Ivy & Elephants,

LaurieAnna's Farmhouse Friday, Potpourri Friday at 2805, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Vintage Inspiration Wednesday at A Very Merry Vintage Style, Open House Thursday at No Minimalist Here

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

and a new party has joined the blogging world, Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

The Romance of Collecting

2012-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

It started when she was born .....the most gorgeous baby (I am not prejudice or anything like that :) with the sweetest rosebud mouth you have ever seen. My first grand-child…a little girl. I bought a little pottery baby shoe planter in a soft pink to commemorate her birth.

First there was one, then two....then a collection was "born". The hunt was on! These charming little mid-century shoes in soft pastel matte colors of pink, blue, yellow, green, and creamy white, were filled with a tiny plant or floral arrangement and given to mothers of newborns during their hospital stay. The 1940’s was when I was born, so collecting these sweet baby shoes held a dual purpose and I now have 35 plus of these charming pieces of history .

That’s how it starts, with just one simple item. It may be something that just simply catches your eye, piques your interest, or captures your imagination, or, like me, celebrates a special occasion. The spark is ignited and the passion is born and you set out on what may become a lifelong quest.

There are books on anything you may want to collect, from inexpensive matchbooks to fine French antiques. Some collect for profit while others collect simply for the pure joy of it. It’s an intriguing hobby that can bring history to life. And we don’t stop the hunt just because whatever we collect is not in vogue at the time. In fact, collecting while certain items are not popular may be the best time for you since prices are down and demand is low. Some spend a week’s vacation on a hunt for a special item, while others, like me, are just delighted whenever they may serendipitously run across a piece to add to their collection.

I found this old piece just this past Wednesday while out treasure hunting and enjoying the day with friends. Don't you just love that precious faded pink worn ribbon? Has a sweet hand painted rose on it and that yummy crazing I just love. This one is going on my website in Vintage Baby. How sweet would this be in a new baby's room as a vessel for q-tips and other little one's needs. Until next time.....xoxoxo

Joining these blogs and their fabulous parties this week. Go take a peek at all the inspiration and fun.

White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,

WIW at Ivy & Elephants,

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

and a new party has joined the blogging world, Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Life Happens

2012-01-22T16:50:00.001-05:00

Life Happens

Mistakes are Made

Cover It With Love

He didn't mean to do it.

Somehow, ink got on the silk and linen headboard. Oops....... What to do??? Using cleaner she uses, he tried to scrub it clean. He scrubbed so hard.... Oops.....now there's a hole in the fabric and an outline from the cleaner. Time to fess up!

Impossible to fix........she covered it with LOVE :)

"Hers & His" happy again ........

Please join these wonderful parties this week. Always something to ooh and aah over.

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White Wednesday at Faded Charm,

Potpourri Friday at 2805, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, and Metamorphosis Monday at BNOTP

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Tractor Store vs. Macy's vs. My Birthday

2012-01-16T16:37:00.003-05:00

I love the Tractor Supply Store. I declare, if I had my druthers, I think I would take the Tractor Store over Macy's. You honestly have no idea what you might find lurking between the ear tags and feed scoops. I went just to buy the "girls" some food and stayed over an hour, perusing the aisles and lookin'. That place is so much fun. Why, there were even copies of Romantic Country there!...... and Who knew there was so much PINK at the tractor store?!!

Warm toasty gloves.....

And pink work boots

Adorable rooster boots.....and horse boots

And cute pink overalls...... I need those to paint in style!

And pink hoodies all in a row........

Warm cuddly parkas and pink watch caps

I did buy ME something......because...........

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to Me! Yay!

(the pink cowgirl hat...not the horse :) (that fabulous creature is my neighbor...his name is Soldier)

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Linking to these fun parties this week. Won't you click and take a peek?

LaurieAnna's Farmhouse Friday, Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

For the Love of Old Books

2012-01-13T14:21:00.001-05:00

I have a love affair with old books. Long before the world of blogging and all the fabulous design and decor inspiration we see, I used old books as risers for objets d'art or a lamp I wanted to make more important. Mostly, I used my old college books because they had worn faded colors of red, green and black. I have covered books in French sheet music to use as a riser, even using old books on a dinner table setting.

I know there are lots of kindred spirits out there. Because I see lots more old books when I am out treasure hunting than I used to. Selling them on my website and booth as art, not for their value, it doesn't matter to me if they are tattered, worn, battered, bruised, pencil marked, torn or missing a page. To me, that just shows me they were much read, loved and hugged.

Children's book collecting has grown so much due in part to the classics our grandparents read as a child, our parents read, we read and now read to our children and grandchildren. I once found a fabulous old copy of Alice in Wonderland. My sister's name is Alice. Much to my delight, when I opened that book, it had an old library card in the back, with her old school stamped on it. She got that book as a gift and cherishes it.

My favorites have become the sweet petite antique Victorian gift books or poetry books, charming old Victorian children's books and gardening books. Due to high cost, colored illustrations were a rarity in true Victorian books, with most having beautifully illustrated black and white pictures. But the front covers were a treasure of color with beautiful pictures, often with gold gilt. The engravings and chromos of these old books are a true treasure.

The beautiful patina of this antique Little Red Riding Hood Victorian book cannot be duplicated. I adore how the once bright red fabric has mellowed to a soft pinky worn red.

Aren't these cover illustrations just gorgeous?!!!

So many fabulous monotone engravings added within the stories themselves. If the books are in really bad shape and falling apart, these illustrations are just wonderful as framed art.

These books were my latest acquisitions and will be on the website. Home Stories, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood are exquisite pieces of ephemera. Treat these old books, not for their value, but as amazing pieces of art work displayed in your home.

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Thank you Beverly, of How Sweet the Sound and Pink Saturday, for allowing me to tweak my pink just a bit. Worn and decayed red works beautifully with pink. :) And yep, I do read some of these old books. Just recently I found a gorgeous old copy of Shakespeare's works, written in such childlike simplicity, everyone gets the story. I plan on reading them to my grand-girls when next they visit. It's a Chicago kind of day here today. It's cold, cold, cold and real windy...brrrr. Hope you are having a fabulous day and nice and cozy where you are!

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Nordic Style Front Porch

2012-01-09T19:52:00.001-05:00

When the front porch lost it's holiday look, I was unhappy with the emptiness of it all. While loving the uncluttered and fresh look inside, the outside wasn't happening for me. So, I put the wreath back on the front door. :) Since January is "normally" associated with snow and snowmen and cold and ....well you get the picture, I decided to go with a white Nordic look. Kinda' funny since it's been in the 60's so many days here lately (not complaining one bit!). Now it's winter on the porch, while the daffodils are popping up like crazy in the front yard and I even had a clematis bloom this past week.

I put "snow" on the wreath. :) And added my shabby white glittered snowman on the shelf.

The old painted white vintage sled got some fresh spruce greens (it snowed on them too:) and graced with a pair of old black ice skates.

Lovin' the antlers in the old rusted urn.

Snow tipped pine cones in the rusty white lanterns.

Peeking in the front door, can you see my newest acquisition for the family room makeover? Probably not, since you've never been here before but guess. :)

Keeping with the airy and icy tones of French Nordic, I wanted to show you my paper whites, planted in the old bucket. It won't be long before they will fill the room with their gorgeous scent.

Keeping with the cool winter Gustavian whites, look what I found the other day. Someone made lampshade covers from an old cable knit cotton and silk sweater. They are small, measuring just 5" tall and 6" in diameter and just perfect for a little extra charm and flair in the room decor. Have a winter shade and a summer shade. These I have put on my website. I am wishing you a wonderful week. I'll be out treasure hunting one day and having lunch with some old friends another and sofa looking another.

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Please join these wonderful parties this week. Always something to ooh and aah over.

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White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,

WIW at Ivy & Elephants,

Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday and our newest delightsome party, Kathy for Home & Garden Thursday.

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Sweet Antique Side Table Makeover

2012-01-03T16:57:00.004-05:00

With simple curves, gorgeous cabriole legs, beauty and design, functionality and an antique provenance (had to get a little French in there :), this lovely old three drawer chest was so worthy of a makeover. It is a nice heavy piece, walnut, and possesses hand made features. But, and this was a big But, she had not survived the years gracefully. There were gouges in her beautiful wood and badly worn and warped veneer. Normally, I would not paint a piece like this, but having to make repairs and take off the veneer, I decided that it was okay this time.

I bought this grand lady at a farm auction, and anxious to start her makeover before the chill of winter set in, I forgot to get a before shot until I had started painting the front. So, I snapped a photo of the back, in all it's glory.

After a thorough cleaning, because little bits of evidence made me think she had been stored in a barn somewhere for years, I filled in the gouges with wood filler and sanded, sanded, and sanded some more. I am a glutton for punishment and prefer to do all my painting by hand. I like to see the brush strokes and evidence of hand work. It was given three coats of white paint after the primer. This wonderful old piece had gorgeous surface mount brass key surrounds which meant I could not remove them for painting so I had to use a tiny brush for painting around them......not fun!

If possible, I turn my pieces upside down. A compromising position :) but that way I can see any drips or spatters I may have missed. See the beautiful dovetail joinery? You can tell it's made by hand because of the uneven cuts. Fabulous! And love that curvy front apron.

Wanting to give it just a little bit more pizzazz and interest, I painted just a light French blue wash on the drawer fronts only. On each side, using Pratt and Lambert paint pot samples of a very light pink, green and blue, I painted double oval encased simple pink rosebud stems. Wishing for just a light antiquing effect, I went over the entire piece with a maple glaze. A little sanding on the drawer edges and feet for wear and a coat of beeswax finished it off.

When removing the drawer pulls, I was delighted to find them stamped and dated on the reverse side. With one missing, I filled in with a glass ribbed crystal pull, loving the effect and whimsy of two totally different textures.

And with that, 2012 projects have begun. I think she is perfect for the farm house decor, the romantic shabby decor, the cottage look, or the French chic happening. N'est-ce pas? It's heading to my booth at Midlothian Antiques Mall asap. I will be going out later this week to look at new sofas, rugs, and other fun stuff. I am thinking of buying a shag rug! Can you believe that? Thirty five years ago I threw out our red shag rug that you had to rake. :) Have a wonderful week and talk soon. xoxo

P.S. I forgot to show you what I found in a drawer of this piece. Is this not the cutest, so charming and loaded with glorious worn patina? This old chalk ware Scottie dog is from the 1930's. Poor baby....his black paint is wearing off, revealing the warm creamy chalk and somewhere on his adventures, he lost his tail. But never mind, he still wags his whole backside. Just listed in the online shop for your collection.

Joining these blogs and their fabulous parties this week. Go take a peek at all the inspiration and fun.

White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,

WIW at Ivy & Elephants,

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

and a new party has joined the blogging world, Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Leftovers

2011-12-27T16:14:00.002-05:00

Do you have special plans for New Year's? I thought I would leave you today with a few Christmas "leftovers". Things I never got around to blogging about before the 25th. :) Hope you are having a wonderful and restful week between the weekends. I am using this time to put some items on my website. I have a lot of sweet vintage items ready to grace someone's home, including this precious early 1940's embossed birthday book....romantic, shabby cream leather, practical and so charming! There is a separate page for each day of the year along with scripture. Most all the pages are still blank, so it's still quite usable. And then I need to scoot to my brick and mortar booth and redo that. I think I am going to feature vintage "baby" in January. I am also planning to redo the family room in 2012, starting Jan. 2, so stay tuned for updates. Be good and sweet and see you soon. xoxo

I used lots of fresh pine roping this year. I really had to restrain myself in not putting it up until the 23rd because it dries out so fast. The house smelled so good and was so Christmasy with all the green.

The country Christmas tree.......we have cow ornaments courtesy of Bobby G. When we first moved here there were cows pastured on the lane, so that year I was gifted cow ornaments and chicken ornaments and tractors ornaments and you get the picture. ... :)

On one of my thrifting "treasure hunts" this Fall, I found this great drum box. I decided to use it as the base for the memory tree.

I was a very lucky lady! I won one of the "give-aways" featured at the Christmas Block Parties earlier in December. Ann of On Sutton Place gave away one of her gorgeous pillows. It arrived Christmas Eve and found the perfect resting place on the old white church pew in our foyer. Isn't it fabulous? I had lots of oohs and ahhs over it Christmas Day Ann. Ann has an Etsy store which will be opening again on Dec. 28th. Pay her a visit!

Ann, also included this darling mini stocking, complete with zinc Christmas tree. How sweet is that?

Every year (along with the cow ornaments and Hokie ornaments) Bobby G. tucks an ornament in my stocking that represents something wonderful and momentous that happened to us that past year. This year, we were so lucky to receive a new daughter-in-love into our family. Her name is Briana (one 'n'). :) She now hangs on the tree. :)

The pink punch I served Christmas Day. I served that punch with trepidation, thinking most people are not into punch these days. Boy, was I wrong. Everyone loved it! The pretty red transfer ware plate was a gift from one of my customers. A very sweet surprise to receive in the mail Christmas week. Thank you T. xoxo I told her this may be the catalyst that starts a new collection for me.

I vowed not to make as many sweets and baked goodies as I normally do this year and I didn't. This was our Christmas Day desserts. An Almond Joy Cake, fruitcake and peppermint fudge along with cranberry tart wedges. Oh yeah....I bought some cupcakes, scared I would not have enough but all was well. :)

I have loved using the big framed chalkboard I made for the wedding party last Fall. It too was a thriftin' find and measures about 4 feet by 2 feet. It makes a terrific menu board and everyone gets a kick out of it.

Unbeknownst to Bobby G., he bought me this gorgeous silver chafing dish for Christmas. Hehe! It's huge and perfect for large gatherings. Not an antique or really even vintage, but I found it at an antiques store and fell in love with it.

A simple hand made dimensional paper star, a pinecone from the front yard and more greenery. Simple and so pretty on the entry table.

Even the bird feeder gets decorated for the holidays. The birds loved it. How do I know??? Because they told me so. :)

Tomorrow I plan to start undecorating. Shoot, one tree has been up since way before Thanksgiving, so I think it's time. I'm ready to clean up and start the New Year fresh and clean, and get going on the family room redo.

Joining these fun parties this week. Some may be taking a break this week and I don't blame them. :) Click on the links for some fabulous inspiration.

White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,

WIW at Ivy & Elephants,

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

and a new party has joined the blogging world, Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

I have one more thing to do before tomorrow. Heading to the Tractor Store for a very important thing, otherwise I'll have nothing to wear tomorrow.. :) Ho Ho Ho and a very Merry Christmas to you all! xoxoxo

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Climbing the Mountain

2011-12-15T19:28:00.003-05:00

As kids, the anticipation of Christmas, was a magical thing. A month before the 25th, we would begin thinking about the night that jolly, plump, red suited fellow, would fly through the skies, leaving us with all those wondrous things we picked out in the Sears catalog. A week before, we could hardly stand still, we were so excited. My brother and sisters and I never slept the night before and were just positive we heard the slight sound of jingle bells and a scratching on the roof. Sneaking a peek around the corner way before dawn, hoping to see the roller skates and new boots I had asked for, then running and jumping back under the quilts in that cold bedroom. Come day break, we'd rush to the living room and squeal with delight, for Santa was always so good to us. But as the day wore on, there was that feeling of let down. Never understanding as a child, I now know the reason why. It was the anticipation, more than the actual event, that was so joyful, so much fun, and full of magic. It was the climb, not the standing on the top. May you and yours experience the climb and the magic of the season, the love, the peace and the joy.

I just had to give you one more blog post of bits and pieces of the holiday finery around our home. Hope you're not full up of decorating yet. Enjoy and have a great weekend. xoxo (P.S. If you can believe it, there are a couple of yard sales and an auction out here this weekend.....so guess where I'll be Sat. A.M.! Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus)

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Pretty potpourri that sits in the half bath. Pink roses and silver pine cones on a worn silver platter. Smells so good.

I still have one more antler available in T he Vintage Nest boutique. The little glass bird was a gift from a blogger, back when I first started blogging. It's an old Avon bottle. How sweet is that?

You can never go wrong with simplicity. The shelf over the sink.

A wreath waiting to be hung. I kinda like it just sitting there in the chair. :) (Update: as I was proofing this post before publishing, I decided that wreath is going to stay in the chair)

Another gift from a blogger......an ornament exchange a couple of years ago. A silver tinsel covered cone with a sweet little white bird nestled inside.

The family memory tree, full of ornaments collected over the years and gifted ones. Some of my favorites...... the children's baby blocks made into ornaments, porcelain teddy bears, raggedy Andy. (and the two million fish ornaments we have :)

Over the summer, I collected old wood sleds, painted them white, and sold them in my booth.....pretty quickly too. I kept one. I found these old vintage papier mache bells this year and fell head over heels for them. Love the worn red flocked ribbon and the gold foil emblem.

I think I have had a love affair with papier mache the last couple of years. Our nativity made from paper. Simple and elegant

We have had this worn white and gold faceless angel for a long long time.Very plain and simple and sweet and a favorite.

A few presents......wonder who for??? :)

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a thing for old worn books....the more worn and well loved the better. My favorites are the late 1800, early 1900's Victorian story books and gift books. I have some beautiful ones to list in the boutique. My "to do" list for 2012 is already a mile long. :) This one has a special spot in our family room.

A favorite find from 2010........sepia bottle brush wreath. It hangs on the old gate.

And Happy Pink Saturday!

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The winner of my English cookbook is: Teresa of Our Southern Country Home and Farm. YaY Teresa!

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Thanking the hostesses of all these wonderful weekly parties. I am so happy you let me join in on the fun. Please stop by and say hi.

White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style,

WIW at Ivy & Elephants,

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound,

and a new party has joined the blogging world, Joy of Savvy City Farmer is hosting Thriftn' on a Thursday

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Christmas Snowflake Breakfast

2011-12-12T15:24:00.002-05:00

Sitting at the kitchen table this morning, listening to classical soft Christmas carols and watching the birds at the feeder. The little finch goes first as the chickadee and cardinal, sitting on the rail, patiently wait their turn. I am addressing our Christmas cards. Every year we get less and less cards. I so look forward to the walk to the mailbox with Ben and peeking in to see if there are any red envelopes or maybe an elegant gold one. I saw on the news the other day where the post office is once again raising the rates. Is that the reason why so many no longer send cards? Or is everyone using the internet to send their cards or just simply too busy to sit down and address cards and maybe include a little note about family happenings? Or is it something only us olden people do now a days? I always buy more than one set of cards......this year it was three sets. Problem with that is, I always have a few cards leftover and the following year I want to use them, but can't remember what I sent to who. :) Here is one of the cards I sent this year. It's whimsical and sweet with a bit of bling.

I also wanted to show this morning, how I think I will set our Christmas breakfast table this year. It's just Bobby G. and me until later in the day when family and friends arrive. I always make sausage balls every year and Christmas morning sweet rolls. We might even have mimosas, since I have these cute little Santa Claus wine glasses I found last year. :) Ran across the giant frosted snowflakes and I think they make fun chargers, don't you?

Have you finished your decorating yet? I haven't. I have just been doing a little bit at a time and can't seem to get my act together but I am almost there. And I have to get out this week and finish my Christmas shopping.

I am joining White Wednesday at Faded Charm, Table Top Tuesday at a Stroll Through Life and Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch this week. Have a wonderful week and hopefully, I'll be back later for Pink Saturday. I wanted to show you our kitchen tree, the old white sled, and some other things. xoxo

black chargers - a gift

large snowflakes -The Dollar Store

white hotel napkins - Pottery Barn

Santa wine glass - Dollar Tree

holly leaves - vintage decor

cedar branch - yard

white dinner plates - Hechts

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Happy Pink Saturday with A Silver Tree

2011-12-08T14:49:00.007-05:00

Happy Pink Saturday (and a little silver.....wellllll...actually a lot of silver) :)

Thank you Beverly of How Sweet the Sound for our always wonderful Pink Saturdays. I am also joining the last day of the Holiday Block Parties with Honey at 2805 hosting the tree party and vignettes day at French Country Cottage. Thank you all for a spectacular week.

Many moons ago I started collecting items for a silver tree. Never did get around to putting the silver tree up until now. Along with what I had already collected, I also found some of the coolest silver faux candles at Big Lots the other day. They remind me so much of the old vintage mercury glass and thinking they would be gorgeous on a white tree, I picked a small one up very inexpensively. And here she is, sitting on the sideboard in the dining room looking quite fancy and pretty. I found the fabulous tree topper at a local consignment shop and added some silver glass birds. But the piece de resistance is the container I used to place this sweet tree in........a vintage silver tea pot. Don't you just love it?? I thought for sure the tree would tip over but it worked perfectly. The background art work is a Sunday Afternoon antique painting with the most gorgeous and worn old perfect old patina. I have found lots of these paintings with the subject of roses but never one of morning glories. I am quite taken with it, but have put it in the boutique and it's for sale. (unless I break down and decide it's a gift for me... :)

And don't forget to leave a comment on this post and I would love to have you follow my blog if you don't already to have at a chance to win the give-away of those charming English cookbooks. A comment on this post works fine but the give-away is here.

Have a wonderful weekend, a good time at the party tonight or whatever fun thing you will be doing this weekend. I will be baking! :) xoxoxo

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair

Candy Cane Centerpiece & Give-Away

2011-12-07T16:02:00.002-05:00

Whew......I don't know about you but either I have had too much spiked eggnog or I am just plain old and worn out. I think it's the latter.......too bad! :) All these blogging parties have been a blast. Problem is, it makes me want to go back home and redo my Christmas decorating. There is so so much inspiration out there! Thanks to our hostesses and all those participating. Today, Sherry of the blog, No Minimalist Here, is having us all to her house for a holiday dining looky. I haven't seen what she has done yet, but knowing Ms. Sherry it's going to be fabulous. I am joining in with a little tutorial and a GIVE-AWAY today. I am also joining Tamara, over at the Greenhouse Diaries, for her Great Poinsettia Challenge. Thank you Tamara for this fun challenge. :)

Look at the candy cane

What do you see

Stripes that are red

Like the blood shed for me

White is for my savior

Who is sinless and pure

"J" is for Jesus, my lord,

that's for sure

Turn it around

& a staff you will see

Jesus my Shepard

Was born for me

Years and years and years ago, back when Santa Claus first began, I saw this little item, in Southern Living magazine I think, and kept it filed in the back of my mind. Today, it comes out of that far away region. I thought it was just so cute, easy and inexpensive to create, and a colorful, bright and charming centerpiece or table decor. It would be so cute at a children's dining table, in the kitchen (where I put mine) or to give as a gift.

Here's a little tute on how to make this sweet centerpiece. I chose a small poinsettia and was lucky to find them at Lowe's for 98 cents. Yeah, you heard that right....98 cents. People were buying them up like crazy. Anyway, you could use the original container but I removed mine, because of the lip. I replanted in a used plastic store bought icing container. It's important to punch some holes in the bottom for drainage. I used an old ice pick. You could also just leave the plant in the original container and slip inside another container.

I found my candy canes at the Dollar Store for guess how much?.......a dollar! :) I used 3 dozen but yours will be more or less depending on the size of your container. Then just simply hot glue the candy canes all around. Try to use a container with no rim. Use lots of glue and a high temp. gun would be best. That's it! Easy Peasy! (hint....if you have trouble with getting hot glue on your fingers, use a metal thimble...works like a charm)

To go along with this sweet treat today, I would love to offer a GIVE-AWAY. I was recently sent some cook books to review by Flame Tree Publishing of Fulham, London. I have to tell you, they are truly delightful. Loaded with gorgeous photography of each recipe, as well as tips and hints and fabulous old fashioned prints. Not only will you enjoy the recipes but you could use the images in your art work. :) You will have your choice of either Family Teatime or Grandma's Recipe Treats, each totally charming. Just leave a comment on this post and I would love for you to follow if you aren't already and let me know. I made the Lemon Bars you see pictured here from the Teatime book. Aren't they pretty? They are not real real sweet and perfect for tea time or breakfast. I will be serving these at Christmas. I look forward to seeing you and don't forget to sign up.

Family Teatime, edited by L.K. Bulbeck and published by Flame Tree Publishing, is priced at £9.99. For more information please visit the Flame Tree Website

Grandma’s Recipe Treats, edited by L.K. Bulbeck and published by Flame Tree Publishing, is priced at £9.99. For more information please visit the Flame Tree Website

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair