My Blog = My Life: Christmas

Hi everybody! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

Once again I'm linking up with my dear friend Laurie for a A Few Of My Favorite Things Saturday, and Cindy at Show and Tell Friday!

Some of you from wayyyyy back might remember a similar picture to this one in my blog header. It featured one of my favorite pieces, a beautiful french blue opaline urn with lid.
I found the urn many years ago and paid under $100 for it. I didn't know anything about opaline glass at the time I just loved the color and form.
Well... one day recently while searching ebay I came across an identical urn from a seller in Sweden. And I won it for not much more than I paid for my original piece! Yippeee!!! I just love when that happens!
So I'd like to share my very small (almost) collection and a couple of other pretties.

Do you see the small pale blue french opaline half egg watch display? That was another ebay find for cheaps. Inside I have a couple of special treasures...

Can you see? There's a small timeworn locket and a small brass ring.
I found the locket in the pocket of an old coat I'd purchased at the Goodwill. And the childs ring belonged to my Grandmother.

Here's a closeup of the locket.

And inside are two pictures of someone who must have been very special to her husband?... or children?... She's a wonderful mystery to me. It looks like one features her as a young woman and another as she got older? Don't you think?

Here is my Grandmothers childhood ring. When she died she had virtually nothing to her name. But she kept this small ring in a locked strong box along with a picture of her parents so I know it must have been very precious to her, and it's one of my most prized posessions.

And here's my new opaline urn! Just look at those cute little lion paw feeties!! Aren't they cute?!

Santa (aka my hubby) was very kind to me this year and bought me this beautiful (well at least it is to me *winks*) bronze french clock... And I had an AH HA!" moment. The blue of the clock was a pretty close match to the opaline urns and I thought they might make good clock garnitures?
Here's the clock... It doesn't function... It's just a beautiful shell but I don't care!

Of course it has a cutie cherub!

And some swag-o-liciousness!

What do you think? Do they work together? I've been trying them out in various areas of my home and haven't found quite the right place yet... (You can click to get the larger view)

I tried them in the livingroom.. but not quite working. I have WAYY to many collections! I know I need to edit. But what to get rid of?? It's so tough when you love EVERYTHING! Hopefully you won't see me on that hoarders show, but I make no promises! *winks*

Here is another sweet french blue and bronze piece (An inkwell maybe?) I just love that color! Can you see the little birdie on top?

I also have a couple of bristol glass vases in a similar blue.

And this lustre found for $28 on ebay. (Melanie are you listening? *winks*) I bring Melanie my new blogging friend from The Tiny Tudor into this because she's contemplating her first ebay purchase. And I'm so excited for her! And dying to see her first ebay treasure! Ebay is another one of my favorite things!!

I LOVE when this happens! I found this (nearly) identical urn below on the web here for $795!

And this very similar urn is on ebay for $1495 or best offer... Do you think they'd accept my offer for $90?... Probably not! I think I did pretty good! But it could also be that the sellers have been smoking some funny stuff (you know what I mean *winks*) It's amazing that there are such large discrepencies in pricing isn't it?!

If you're interested in learning about french opaline glass? Joni at the Cote De Texas did a wonderful story here. I learned a ton from her! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll come by again soon! Vanna

I'm joining my friend Chari once again for her Sunday Favorites This post is from January of 2009. I hope you'll enjoy revisiting it again.
My misery loves company post... The day before yesterday I was browsing through the listings on craigslist (y'all know how much I love it! *winks*) And I was finding little or nothing of interest when suddenly (doesn't it always go like that?) I opened up a picture and my heart stood still!! There was the most fabulous chandelier and it was only $150!!!!

(Please excuse the picture quality. I had to enlarge them from the small avatar size displayed on craigslist)

Here it is! Isn't it breathtaking?!! But wait!... It gets even better! Also available by the same seller was a set of sconces to match for $75!!... Oh my goodness *drippy drool*

Doesn't get much more frenchy fabulous than this! But I found even one more item that night that made my heart skip a beat...

A painting of cherubs!! And this is the best part... $50!! Well I wasted no time and contacted both sellers with my fingers crossed, I hoped fervently that I would hear back from them. The following morning I checked my email at about 10am. Well the gal with the painting responded only to tell me that she had to sell it or put the painting in storage by 10:30. I tried to call her and was only able to talk to her machine. So that FABU painting (so sooooo me!!) wasn't to be *sob sob sniffle sniffle* But I hadn't heard anything from the seller of the chandelier. I wasn't too surprised because I figured someone beat me to it. So deciding not to dwell on my losses *winks* hubby and I set out to do a little bargain shopping. I found a very cool and frenchy soup tureen at a local antique store as well as two transferware plates for $1 ea, also an iron urn (been seeing them on many of y'alls blogs and I love em!!) and a picture at the Goodwill for $5.99. So all in all not a bad haul. We arrived home and I went to catch up with some friends online when I noticed the seller of the chandelier and sconces had responded that he still had both, and could I come right away because several others were coming to look at them? This message had been left at 1:30 and it was now 4pm. I replied right away, but alas all was already sold!! I wanted to scream!! Cry!! Pull out some more of the little hair that I have! left! I know it's only stuff... But what stuff!! I was sooo sad!! Hubby said 'Don't worry, you'll find something else" I wanted to shoot him!! He could NOT relate to my pain at all! I tried to put it in terms that he could understand like "You just found the car of your dreams... One you've been looking for for years... and it's half price... but it's been sold right out from under you!!! He said "OK honey I get it... would you like to go get some ice cream at Cold Stone?"... What?... You dirty rotten... "Did you say Cold Stone?... Awwwww... now I know why I married that man!! *winks* He may not understand my pain every time, but he sure understands my sugar cravings!! Lol!! So alas those beauties were not to be mine... But these beauties were! I found them the other day at the Goodwill. They are the Thames River Scenes by Palissy. There are 21 pieces and they were $50. But what makes it sort of strange is that my new friend Sally over at Salmagundi found transferware in the same color on the same day also at the Goodwill!! What are the chances?... Pretty good I guess!Lol! *winks* Neither one of us can understand why anyone would give these babies up, but we're sure glad they did!!

Here are my new beauties, as well as my new white iron urn. Hmmmm I might just be able to participate in Tablescape Tuesday one of these days *winks*

And here's my ironstone frenchy soup tureen. I love the Chou Chou handles and top!

Isn't this a cool scene? The set had a soup tureen too!

As well as a small platter.

One of my dollar plates. Art nouveau in blue.

And another dollar plate in pink.

But I think this was an absolute steal!! I've been admiring everyone's nativity sets this Christmas and wishing I had one. Well this one was marked $5.99 at the Goodwill. I took it up to pay for it and the cashier told me all Christmas items had been marked down to 59 cents! So I got the whole kit-n-caboodle for 59 cents!! Oh happy day!! Thank you Jesus!!

Look at this cute little cow. Surely he alone is worth 59 cents *winks*

And y'all know how much I love my sheep! Almost as much as Debbie (Confessions Of A Plate Addict) loves her goats! Lol!

And last but not least this cute print of a french mirror. I think I'll be putting this up in my home gym. I hope y'all will come back for it's unveiling. It's been a long time coming. There always seems to be one more thing that I need to do kwim? Anyhoo did you share in my pain? Am I a big fat baby whiner? You betcha! *winks* Have you ever had a fabulous piece (or pieces) slip through your fingers? Did you try ice cream? Please share your stories! I really do think that if something is meant to be, it will BE. Don't you think so too?... But still... *winks*... Vanna
I hope you'll stop by Chari's place and check out the other Sunday favorites!

Hello beautiful peeps!!
It's that time of the week once again... Time for FLEA MARKET FINDS!!
Where I name places and share prices... (Usually *winks*)
And truthfully I'm not a very good bargain shopper (I do try) so I'll make you feel GREAT about your own found treasures if nothing else LOL!
I have a new item to win this week in my blog followers giveaway (Two more weeks to go with a new little thank you gift each week so keep stopping by!) And keep on reading to see what this weeks little pressie will be *winks*
I would also like to announce the winner of last weeks angel giveaway.
THE WINNER IS...
LEENA of Pink*Cherub*Moon Congrats Leena! Please email me with your shipping info.

This last week was again a little short on fantabulous finds because I'm still short on funds. I did manage to find a few really good deals... Well I think they are anyway *winks*
So as usual I'm starting with my favorite find...
This antique painted spelter bust of a lady standing at 15" tall and a whopping 8.5 lbs. I know because I weighed her when I got her home after I almost torqued out my one wrist reaching up on top of an armoire with an oh so confident "devil may care" attitude to grab her down whilst clutching a coffee cup with the other. That will teach me... she almost landed on my noggin!... Or worse yet I might have smashed one of the sellers delicate pieces! Or even worse *shudders*... lost my COFFEE!!
I took one look at her at a local antique mall and thought to myself " Ooohhh I bet my friend Gloria at Happy To Be blog would love her!" (Gloria is an avid collector of Victoriana and has lovely taste!)
Now how many of you have been motivated to buy something because your besties would love the "thing" in question? Of course you're probably "besties" in the first place because you love similar things huh? *winks* Well this beauty said "Gloria" And I said "Wrap er up!" Lol!

Just look at the sweet details. I love the little cherub head on the belt! And the bunches of violets.

She's placed on two silver trays that were Value Village (thrift store) finds. The largest at $24.99 and the smaller at $10.99. I was thinking I'd take them home and polish them up, but I think I actually prefer their current more tarnished appearance. Do you prefer your silver polished?

And do you see all the luscious fruit surrounding my girl?
It's all made of stone (alabaster and marble) I scored a major score in finding it also at the local Value Village (In a big bowl no less) for $9.99!

Now just one bunch of the grapes will cost more than that. I couldn't even fit all the fruit on the tray there was too much of it! I'd guess it's from the 60's-70's.

The little cloche came from the Goodwill for $1.99 and inside it are a couple of bling-y Christmas ornaments I found for $3.50 each.

The pearl rosary my lady bust is wearing is child size and was $25 (at a local antique mall) with the mother of pearl shell case.

I found this little cherub with a wheelbarrow at the same antique mall and paid way too much at $45. He had been priced $95! (Crack smokin' seller *winks*) but he's so adorable and I'm a cherub-o-holic! I did what any cherub loving quasi bargain shopping gal would do... I caved in the face of cherub cuteness... More mac-n cheese...

Isn't he adorable though?

This antique celluloid box was $6.99 at the Value Village...

It's in rough shape, but beautiful lady + cherubs+ cheap = Yeppers you know the drill.

I also found this assortment of plates and bowls at the VV. The least expensive being.99 and the most being the small platter on the top at $6.99 (From Bohemia) The least expensive plate which looks like quimper is by Longchamps. The large rose plate was $3.99 and has such pretty blowsey pink roses!

Don'tcha think?

Bohemia platter.

At the Goodwill I found this set of pink pillowcases from Simply Shabby Chic for $3.80. I had never seen this pattern before... Have you?

Close up.

I also found a mother lode of Ralph Lauren sheets at the Goodwill for between $2.99 and $7.99. Ralph Lauren florals stop me in my tracks every time! And I can spot em from a mile off *winks* You've gotta love the Goodwill!!

Then to top off my wonderful week I received a surprise at the front door! I couldn't remember ordering anything?... But my memory isn't what it used to be... so maybe...
What I found inside was about the most beautifully presented packages I've ever received! From the sweeter than sweet Cindy of Edith & Evelyn on Etsy. She just wanted to say thank you for giving her store a little shout out... Awwwwww I couldn't believe she did that! I gave her shop a shout out because I LOVE it! Cindy has such beautiful things and at reasonable prices (IMHO) So if you purchase anything from her you're in for a wonderful surprise! Let me know if you do OK? *winks*
Pretty toile and tulle ribbons, handmade tags, beautiful script, and not shown a fab antique French postcard! Such a delight!

When I'd carefully unwrapped the two bundles (Saving all the pretty ribbons)... Honestly I didn't even want to open them they were just so pretty! I found these two darling busts of a boy and girl from an old Alabama estate. Thank you so much Cindy! I love them!

OK and last, but hopefully not least... My giveaway for this week is for this lovely rose encrusted vintage blanc de chine heart shaped trinket box. Perfect for a little treasure or two.

If you'd like a chance to win it become a follower (If you aren't already *winks*) and leave me a comment telling me you'd like it to be yours... And even if you aren't interested in this giveaway I'd still LOVE to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

The sweet Patti and Paula of Ivy & Elephants for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Homeschooling

• 4 Essential Subjects to Teach Your Child
• 4 Tips To Successful Homeschooling
• 5 Things To Expect If You Homeschool
• 6 Ways To Keep Homeschool Sanity
• 75 Book Recommendations for the Christian Family
• Age Appropriate Chores For Toddlers
• Child Trophies
• Dear Friend Who Doesn't Homeschool
• Embracing The Homeschool Advantage
• Girls Shouldn't Be Highly Educated...
• Helpful Hints For Teaching Multiple Grade Levels
• Homeschooling Day By Day
• Idols of a Homeschool Mother's Heart
• If You Asked Me Why We Want To Homeschool...
• Naive, Sheltered Homeschoolers
• Organic Education
• Our Homeschooling Curriculum for 2013-2014 (Pre-K)
• Teaching Children To Memorize Scripture Part 1
• Teaching Children To Memorize Scripture Part 2
• Teaching Reading And Writing In Minutes Per Day
• The ABC's For Godly Girls - Bible Curriculum Review
• The Danger Of Junior Kindergarten
• The REAL Reason We Homeschool
• What To Get A Homeschooler For Christmas
• When You Feel Like You're Way Behind On Everything
• Who's Responsible For Your Child's Education?
• Why I'm Not Cut Out To Be A Homeschool Mom
• Why Your Curriculum Choice Might Not Matter As Much As You Think It Does
• Yes, You Can Teach Your Child To Read!
• You Can't Cover All the Bases

• 75 Book Recommendations for the Christian Family
• Helpmeet Or Mother - Is There An Order Of Importance?
• When You Feel Like You're Way Behind on Everything

• 15 Good Things I Don't Do
• 15 Reasons Why We Love Having Kids
• 3 Reasons Why It's Important For Children To Clean Up After Themselves
• 75 Book Recommendations for the Christian Family
• Age Appropriate Chores For Toddlers
• A Good Morning Starts The Night Before
• A Mother's Rights
• Accidentally Pregnant
• Anna's Birth Story
• Are You Getting Paid What You're Worth?
• Battling The Selfish Mom In Me
• Children: Blessing or Burden?
• Don't You Know What Causes That?
• Fostering Femininity In A Feminist World
• Gentleness
• Girls Shouldn't Be Highly Educated...
• God Will Make A Way
• Grace for Today
• Helping Our Children Choose Good Friends
• Helpmeet or Mother - Is There An Order Of Importance?
• How The Lord Hurt My Pride
• How To Be A Perfectly Miserable Mother
• If I Do Everything Right...
• Is Motherhood Getting In The Way Of Evangelism?
• It Took A Vasectomy
• Keeping A Growing Home | A Management Series for Moms
• Know Your Role!
• My Daily Schedule
• Natural Family Planning
• Now I Value Life
• Put Down The Phone And Be A Mom
• Serving Our Families - A Waste Of Intelligence?
• The Cost of Being A Stay-At-Home Mom
• Time-Saving Home Management Tips
• Triplets!
• Trying To Prevent Babies Or Trying To Conceive?
• "When Do I Take A Shower?" {And Other Questions I Never Thought I'd Be Asking Myself)
• When Mama is Forced To Work Outside The Home
• When Motherhood Feels Too Hard
• When Things Don't Do My Way
• You've Had How Many Cesareans?!

• 7 Ways for The Christian Family To Get Involved Politically
• 75 Book Recommendations for the Christian Family
• Before You Head To The Polls
• How America Can Win Her Freedom Back
• How Could Something So Awful Happen?
• For The Sake Of The Children... Or?
• Girls Shouldn't Be Highly Educated...
• Meek and Unapologetic?
• Pants or Skirts?
• Say It Like It Is
• Should Women Go Off To War?
• Why Would You Keep Having Children In Such A Scary World?

I recently shared with one of my new blogging friends Dawn at Bohemian Valhalla that I was having a hard time finding rosaries in my neck of the country. It was just a comment in passing.
A day later I received an email saying that she had a little surprise for me. She had posted multiple pictures of rosaries on her blog, and told me to pick out my favorite! Oh my gosh REALLY??!!

A few days later I received the beautiful rosary of my dreams! To say I was overwhelmed by Dawns generosity and kindness would be a HUGE understatement. I was as giddy as a little kid at Christmas!! I ran all over my house draping my new treasure on anything and everything that was standing still, looking to create the perfect artful drape that Dawn seems to accomplish with ease.

Here is what I found when I opened a beautiful pouch of plum velvet. A feast for the senses! The scent of the sachet was divine! It reads "Beauty Comes From Within" (It certainly does!) And a golden tassel too! The rosary even had it's original box!

I started in my living room...

Ran into my guestroom...

Then into my bedroom...

Back to the guestroom!

Into the gym...

Back again to the guestroom...

And here is where it currently resides until I catch my breath! *winks*

Thank you, thank you, thank you Dawn for this wonderful gift! And much more importantly for the gift of a new friend and sister of the heart! (((HUGS))) and smoochies my friend! Vanna

I was yakking with one of my besties about how much we both love shabby chic style. (Her whole house is shabby chic and is TDF!) And she asked me if I'd seen anything about the sale on Pamela Anderson's shabby stuff a while back?? Yes I'd heard about it, but had never seen any of the for sale pictures and I still wanted to see em!... Well my friend had attended and took some pix so I thought the shabby lovers might like to see these as much as I did *winks*
These first ones are of Pam looking glam in her home.

I like to wait for my husband in a little somethin' somethin' like this too at the foot of the stairs!... In his DREAMS!! *winks* I'd be in the Flannel footie PJ's with the ugly brown robe... My hair nearly in rasta locks... Yep that's how I roll! Lol!... Ok well maybe I would if I looked like Pamela *winks*

And these next pictures are from the sale. My girlfriend wasn't too impressed with the prices or Pamela... alas. When she asked her to autograph a pair of shoes she was purchasing Pamela told her it would be a $50 charge. My friend was already getting some other things and decided to pass. From what I understand Pam needed the income so all's fair I guess? She sure had some neat stuff! I wish I could've attended.
These look like her dining room chairs. Love that trumeau mirror!

If you're interested here's and MTV video tour of her house decorated for Christmas: Video - Cribs Pamela Anderson - Cribs Cribs Pamela Anderson

What do you think? Was there anything you'd have loved to come home with? I can tell you there were lots of things calling my name!
Have you ever sold off everything to try a whole new look? Some days I'm sooo tempted! And this is one of them! Thanks for stopping by! Vanna