Announcing the lucky winner of my blog followers giveaway... It's Sares!! of the lovelee *winks* blog Loveleigh Treasures ! Yippee Yahoo!!
Sares please leave me the address you'd like the basket sent to. And thank you so much to everyone who entered. I'll be doing another blog giveaway soon! *winks* Vanna
Time once again for Flea Market Finds. Yippee Skippy!!
OK so it actually wasn't a very exciting week for the finds. I wish I had something fantabulous to share, but I'm going to have to settle for some "pretty good"
Also if you haven't entered my followers giveaway HERE there's still a week left. So leave me a comment and I might send ya some loot! *winks*
I'm going to start with one of my favorites for the week. A sweet cement angel for $23. The grotto was an earlier find for $65 (If I remember correctly?) at an antique store. And the rose sheet in the background is part of a full set for $3.99 at the Goodwill. It turned out to be a week for linens. It's funny how a different theme seems to appear each week.
Here's a grouping of some of the finds together. The two shabby chippy aqua column bases were $20 for the set. The glass table piece was a free dumpster pick up. Pink vintage tablecloth $3.99 at the Goodwill. Cement lady statue was an earlier find purchased from a friend for $25. The yellow and rose curtains that you see in the background will be going to my new (coming soon) etsy shop. Yes I too will be going the way of etsy. I'll give everybody a heads up when it's ready to go. I promise you my prices will be GOOD *winks*
Vintage garment bag also going to etsy.
As well as this cute cherub plaque.
This large antique ironstone pitcher was $4.99 at the Value Village. I don't think anybody wanted it because of its discoloration, but I'm going to try the oxy clean soak and see how well it lifts (update to come)
I searched all over the blogosphere for the answer to where I could find one of these wicker cloches? Only to find them at my local Tuesday Morning for $10... YAY!! and while I was there I picked up the cute bottle carrier for $25 as well.
This was my absolute favorite find for the week, an antique majolica flower pot featuring two of my favorite things... cherubs and flower swags for $10 at the Value Village.
Decoupage bottle for $1.99 at the VV. I'm pondering if I should keep it or not? Falls into the "cute but" category. Somebody sure did put a lot of work into this one!
Cute towel with crochet edging for 99 cents at the VV.
A darling rhinestone crown for $4 from a local antique shop. I've been having all sorts of fun trying it on all the different little heads around my house including my pomeranian Jewel... She was NOT amused! LOL!
And lastly this rose clock for $4.50 from a local antique shop.
That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. And if you've found some treasures yourself (or even if you haven't *winks*) please leave me a comment and I'll come running! *winks* I just love seeing all the other wonderful finds, treasure, and inspiration out there in blogland!
I'm off to play catch up on all the wonderful blog posts I've been missing in the past few days. I feel so behind! So I apologise if I haven't responded to your questions or comments. I'll be getting to them stat! Oh and Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:
My dear friend Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for:
And for the first time Blue Creek Home for:
Jill at French Cupboard for:
And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:
I happened to notice the other day that my little blog has more than 200 followers? Quelle shocker to me! *winks* THANK YOU so much my friends for taking time out of your busy lives to visit here. You're more appreciated than you know. To celebrate this wonderful surprise I'm doing a little giveaway for y'all... YAY!!!
But first Let me start with the very good book. "Timeless Interiors" By Barbara Stoeltie and photographs by Rene Stoeltie. If you're a lover of antiques this is a book filled with drool worthy pictures. There's a variety of styles for everyone.
Lets look inside...
If any of these images appeal to you? You're going to love this book! You can find it for a song HERE. And...
I'm including a slightly worn copy with my thank you goody basket filled with little thrifted finds. If you'd like to have it sent to your home *winks* all you have to do is become a follower (If you aren't already) And leave me a comment on this post. I'll be picking a winner in the next two weeks. Here are some pictures of the bounty *winks*
An ironstone pitcher with a pale blue cast and a couple of little crowns as well as a cute egg shaped trinket jar filled with candies... Yummmmm!
A little goodie bag filled with vintage embroidery yarn in pretty pastel colors with pink thread and tape.
Palest pink lace trim and a vintage plastic rose and buttons.
A small floral cosmetic bag and blank journal, and in the background a black english metal tea tray loaded with beautiful roses.
A piece of vintage fabric perfect for a pillow or dresser scarf, and a table runner with croched lace on both ends, but only one end with tassels.
Close up on the tasseled end.
A sweet little robins egg blue display shelf perfect for a small collection of salt and pepper shakers... maybe?
All placed in this really cool old gray blue basket
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll leave me a comment and join in my little giveaway. And thank you again for being my blogging friends! I LOVE you guys! Vanna
I'm joining the House Of Grace for the first time for:
And Kim at Savy Southern Style for:
My dear friend Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for:
I was hoping to join my friend Chari once again for her Sunday Favorites, but she's taking time off to spend with her family for the next two weeks. Guess I missed that *winks* But here it goes anyway. This post was from December 12th 2008, the good ole Rate My Space Days where I met so many of my best blogger buddies. We shared our homes and some great times together. I hope you enjoy revisiting this post.
Pssssst!! Hey everybody! Would you like to follow me into the mysterious inner sanctum of my hubby?... The MANCAVE? I have to warn you that there will be nudity, taxidermy and danger! (yes I know it's already too late you see a bum shot!) Hence the "NEVER post on RMS! So if you find these things objectionable? Beter not look! Ok that said, this is the one room in our home that hubby got to decorate all by himself (Well the garage too, but since it's stacked to the ceiling with my stuff it doesn't count *winks*) He's at work right now so I thought I'd sneak y'all in for a sneaky peeky.
This is the front of the nekkid lady. She's lifesize and was once a lighting fixture(one of many) in a french art deco theatre. She is my hubbys pride and joy.
Haven't you heard that "every room needs a little leopard"? Well in hubbys case that equals... a little leopard! His name is Lawson and he's our literary leopard! He's resting on a marble commode that houses a refrigerator and stereo equipment. Making it possible for hubby to withdraw from the world (aka me!) for days at a time... OK I admit I'm exaggerating... but he has been know to dissapear for hours at a time!
What might a leopard boy be looking at? What else but GIRLS!!! Of course!... Silly men!!
This secretary was a craigslist find for $200 and houses hubbys computer. The top drawer opens, folds down and hides the keyboard.
Some of hubbys pretties... Hmmmmmm that doesn't sound very manly does it? Let me try again... Some of hubbys manly pretties! Lol!!
On the left side of the desk is a set of bookcases found at an auction for $95 for the pair!
I only included this shot to show y'all the corner cabinet. It's from Belgium and it's my favorite piece in the room *winks*
Desk top
One of hubbys smaller nude pieces. This one is dated 1912 and was a giveaway piece from a poultry company! Hmmmmmm what a strange choice but...
Her leg comes off and becomes a letter opener. Sorry it looks kinda gruesome doesn't it?
This art nouveau clock was a gift from me.
A few art deco girls.
This little bathing beauty is a bronze and rests on a note holder.
Another deco girl about to get her toes wet.
Crazy collecting runs in the family! Huby collects garbage trucks and Batman... Yep he's quirky too!
Cozy reading chair.
Well that's the end of the tour. Lets quietly exit and he'll never know we were here... no tattling!
A year after these pictures were taken I convinced the seller of the first life size art deco lady to sell me his other one, and I gave it to my husband for his birthday. He was one happy camper! So I'm sharing an updated photo of his newer lady, as well as a picture of the two of them together... warning... there are lots of nudes here... just sayin...
In the evening
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll stop by Chari's place two weeks from now *winks* and check out Sunday Favorites when it resumes.
I'm joining my friend Chari at Happy To Design once again for Sunday Favorites. This post is from Feb of 2009. I hope you enjoy revisiting this shopping trip with me.
My hubbs took me out for some Valentines shopping this year. He knows how to make me happy! It's been a little while since I've been able to get oot-n-aboot lol! And I thought I'd share my little adventure with y'all!
I had to start with a stop at one of my favorite sellers in one of my local antique malls. She always has such an interesting way of putting things together. Very textural... and well... ODD.
It's really difficult to see, I know, but there's a little taxidermy bird under the cloche wearing a little gold crown! My hand reached for it straight away... only to discover that it wasn't for sale! Dont'cha just hate when sellers do that?! And why do I always want (and seem to find) the only items that they DON'T want to sell?!!
Anyhoo doesn't this vignette just draw you in? Makes me want to buy one of everything! Course I feel that way a lot! Lol!
I also loved these stacked platforms, but why oh why are they soooo expensive? At $95 and $115 respectively.
And this display in the same booth makes me long for a simple french lunch of baguettes fresh butter and of course wine! How about you?
Isn't this old stove top interesting? It would make for some interesting yard art me thinks. But at $125 it's a bit pricey.
Y'all know I'm an odd duck. So what better Valentines gift than an ODD DUCK!! And look it's a delusional duck that thinks it's royal!... PERFECT!
He sure is ducky! And busy urn-ing a living! Lol! Hmmmm but again at $136 he's still a bit over budget... Durn it!
Maybe some cool giant concrete finials would be just the thing? I always love those. And at $32 and $28 I think I'm going to keep them on the short list...
But wait... what do I spy out of the corner of my eye? It's a victorian mirrored firescreen with hand painted flowers. It's $125 BUT there's 20% off. So a cool $100. More tempting for sure! But unfortunately I don't need another firescreen. Maybe I need to start looking for neato small things... yep that's the ticket!
So moving on to the next mall for smalls, I spotted this booth. And looky 15% off. Is your eye drawn to anything here? Can you guess knowing me as well as y'all do *winks* what I might be drawn to?
Did you guess this? I've been so drawn to these wonderful old pincushion ladies lately! And with the discount she's $23.80. She's not too large... I'm sure I could find room for her at my house... But my cousin D has a really similar one that she paid only $12 for. Do you ever find yourself saying no to something because you know someone else found one for less? So I'm probably gonna regret this but I'm walking away.
Then as I turned I spotted this. Hmmm couldn't this sweet little ladies frenchy style desk be a diamond in the rough? Can't you see it painted in cream with a luscious toile behind the chicken wire? And at slightly less than $120 with discount I might just have to go back for this little cutie! Maybe my hubby will FINALLY let me paint something! Lol!
Ok so what did I finally take home, you might ask? Or you might be so tired from eyestrain that you don't care... But I'm gonna show you anyway!! *winks* I took home this interesting little frenchy spelter girl thingy. I have no idea what she was once used for. Do you? Maybe an oil lamp base? Whatever the case may be, she works great as a candleholder or another home for one of my beloved moss balls *winks*
And I couldn't pass these up! Art nouveau bliss! Next week I'll be doing a giveaway for one of these cuties so please come back and see me!
Cherubs turned out to be my theme for the day. I found this sweet cherub compote/tazza at the Goodwill. My friend Chari from Happy To Design HERE has the most darling candelabra with this same cherub. So I'm thinkin' maybe I can make one too?
And just look at this cute little fella! He's working so hard on sharing good luck! Well I can NEVER have too much of that! So he HAD to come home with me!
I also spotted these pretty Dresden style candlesticks and my heart skipped a beat! They have the most beautiful pale mauvey pink roses! I'm addicted to roses... can you tell? Lol!
I also found two rolls of this cherub wallpaper. It reminds me of my dear friend Gloria/ Happy To Be's stairwell. It's featured in her pink Saturday post for Friday, November 21, 2008 HERE Isn't it gorgeous?!! And anytime I find anything that Gloria has... I'm doing GOOD!! She has the most fabulous antiques and taste!
I also brought home this victorian ewer. I loved the intricate metal work and time worn patina. Maybe I could send it to Jo-Ann Coletti and have her paint some of her beautiful roses on it? Doesn't she do beautiful work? here
Also at the Goodwill I found these two vintage petticoats as well as the champagne pink roses and queen anns lace. I love soft romantic ruffles!
And I thought this was such a cute find! (Also at the Goodwill) for $1.99! Some vintage embroidery that some talented person made into a pillow.
Even the back is darling!
And here it is in its new home in my shabby chic bedroom.
This old fence piece would make a great door topper. Maybe painted white? It was only $2.
And I found an ugly ole lamp with a very cool marble base (IMHO) I took the lamp apart to use the base as a platform for something special...
Maybe a french candelabra?
Naw.. I think I found the perfect piece! This little cherub compote looks just right!
And when I came home from my shopping adventure I found this little cutie waiting for me on my front porch from ebay.
As well as this darling set of 1920's/30's chalkware figures.
Well I hope you enjoyed my little shopping adventure. I'm very happy with my sweet finds. I couldn't love my Valentines gifts more if I picked em out myself! Hahaha!! *winks* Vanna
Please take a moment (If you've got one) and stop by Chari's place and check out some of the other Sunday Favorites. Thanks for stopping by!
Well peeps I haven't got much to show ya for this week. But what I do have is just about the strangest find I've ever brought home... And I'm questioning WHY I brought it home? It was a great price... Very unique... Ummmm interesting?... "What is she blathering about?" You might be thinking? Well I'll show ya...
This is just about the wackiest tabaccyest thing I've ever bought home from craigslist! An antique harp case... All six plus feet of it. Thank God it isn't horrendously heavy!
What in tarnation was I thinking? Weeeelll I went and searched the web for these babies and they're expensive! I have no idea why? They just are. I found this one on 1st dibs for $1300. A second one there was listed for $3495 And that's not counting shipping.
Mine was practically a giveaway. I just couldn't say no... Well as y'all know I tend to have a hard time saying no to the odd and strange item... this one certainly qualifies on both counts! Also qualifies as HUGE!! *winks* That one wasn't lost on my poor beleaguered hubby. Do you see the dates printed on the side? Those are the international awards that the harp company Lyon and Healy ( founded in1989) received As you can see the last date on mine was 1921, making it a 1920's harp case. Isn't that handy dandy!
Then I spied this over on the blog Pure Style Home (Fab blog by the way!) Someone made a darling closet out of one.
Isn't it cool?
Then I spied this harp case bar... hmmmmmm...
What will I do with mine? I think it will be the fanciest garage paint cupboard in my whole neighborhood!... I'm pretty sure... *winks*
I also found another set of library steps. The red ones from this post just didn't work for me. Too much to move around, these are much more useful and only $50. I found similar ones on ebay for $400+
And my last find was an antique bridge lamp with scrolly metal at the Value Village (pronounced Val-yew Vee-lage lol!) For $10! It gave me a great opportunity to use one of my crystal lamp shades. What do you think? It works great for me next to my favorite reading chair. The light globe adjusts so one can have it as high or low as one likes.
I had to pass on so many lovely things this week because I found a very special treasure that I'll hopefully be sharing next week *fingers crossed*
Some of the things I wish I could have hauled home. Pretty bowl for $30-ish
Fab and flousey blowsey flower hat $18.
And I thought these were adorable! A set of little chair/name card holders.
Well that's it for this week. Not my most exciting shopping week I must admit. Hopefully what I lacked in quantity I made up for in "weird"! Lol!
Please come back next week for more flea market finds, it's gonna be a goody! *winks*
Vanna
I'm joining my friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:
And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:
And last but never least (Her party just runs a little later) my dear friend Laurie from Bargain Huntiong And Chatting With Laurie for:
I quite literally jumped at the chance to review Simplified Dinners, for several reasons:
Simplified Dinners claimed to meet all of my needs and I was more than willing to give it a try! I printed out the eBook and quickly discovered it surpassed my expectations.
Included is an exhaustive list of pantry staples. I particularly appreciated this as someone who still considers herself a rookie gluten-free cook! I have a much better idea of what kind of things I should be storing in my pantry and what items to avoid.
The recipes are well categorized and easy to follow. I've no problem finding what I'm looking for while appreciating the exceptional, condensed design that saves on paper and ink. You could easily follow these recipes using a tablet, laptop, or similar digital advice, but the traditionalist in me printed out both eBooks (the regular and gluten-free/dairy-free version) to store in a 3-ring binder.
Considering the fact that the Simplified Dinner recipes emphasis whole foods, they are remarkably easy to prepare and extremely easy to alter! Base recipes for salad dressings, meats, potatoes, and pasta dishes come with several variations so you can adapt flavors to what's on hand or your own family's preferences.
I highly recommend these eBooks to anyone who:
Linking to: The Modest Mom, Raising Arrows, A Mama's Story
Bonjour my friends!! I'm so happy you stopped by for another week of Flea Market Finds! This is a very special one for me because I found what has been a dream piece of mine for many many years...
But first let me start by announcing the winner of last weeks followers giveaway... It's... Danielle of Blessed Serendipity!! Yay!!
Danielle please email me with your shipping addy.
And this week is my last for my followers giveaways. My little way to say "THANK YOU" to all my followers for helping me reach 400+ friends! I can't tell you how much each and every one of you means to me!
In order to win this (my last) pressie you must BE a follower *winks* So if you aren't already, please join my followers list, and I'll be happy to follow you back too!
Please keep reading and you'll see what I've got saved for ya OK? *winks* I think this one is pretty good... just sayin'
Anyway the "dream piece" I'm all excited to share has been on my list of "wants" for what feels like forevah!
I've been going by a local antique mall and admiring it for over a year hoping the dealer would have a BIG sale. Alas they never did. Well... this last week I dropped by again to say hello and gently fondle *winks* the "dream piece" and the seller happened to be there. I told him how much I admired it and asked him if he could do any better on the price? He came down $50 (I wanted to cry) It wasn't nearly a big enough discount for my wallet. Then he started to tell me about its history... How he'd purchased it back in 1970 for what he was currently asking... How it had a double thick marble top that didn't slide... And telling me that as he'd housed it for 40+ yrs he'd like to at least break even.. etc etc... I told him I thought it was actually not too bad a price because I'd seen other sellers ask thousands, I just wasn't able to go that high. So he told me if I really wanted it and I was willing to buy it today, he'd take off $400... Seriously from $50 to $400?... I still wanted to cry, but now tears of joy!
What is all this emotion about? (You might be asking) And also "when is she gonna show the %($@ picture already!"
Well here IT is! It's a 19th century French patisserie table! Now mine mine mine! I'm happy dancing like nobodys business!!
I've been trying for days to take a pretty picture of it in some great light to do it justice, but it's been nothing but gloom and doom for the last two, so I'm going ahead and embracing the darkness *winks* Isn't it fabulous!? Do you see the frenchy beverage dispenser? That was a $19.99 find at the Value Village and the etched glasses were Goodwill finds for $2.99 each (I found 11) The silver tray was one of last weeks finds.
At this point I was thinking my week... Actually my year... couldn't get any better! When I spotted these two cuties at a local junk/antique store. I instantly fell in love with them although they were pretty costy and more than a little chipped and damaged. I was told by the seller that they're early 19th century Vieux Paris porcelain? Seems about right to me... Maybe one of my experts could verify? (That's you Richard *winks*)
I just love her sweet face!
And her basket of chippy roses.
The gentleman is supposed to be a gardener, but his shovel is gone, as is the handle and spout to his watering can...
And his head was badly glued on at one time. However for almost 200 yrs old they're looking pretty good don'tcha think? Just check out those dandy trousers *winks*
I scored a couple of cool frenchy grainsack style pillows from WUSLU. They're nice and large and were very reasonably priced. This was my second purchase there and I've been quite pleased. Have any of you purchased from them?..I like that shipping is always only $5... Oh and that I could order from the comfort of home in my jammies *winks*
Unfortunately these ones are sold out, but they do relist items from time to time when stock allows.
And for my final giveaway (At least till I reach 500 friends *winks*) I'm offering this Rosenthal Versace Medusa wine stopper. New in box. Just leave me a comment telling me you would like it to be yours.
It's burnt orange in color if you can't tell.
Even if you're not interested in the giveaway I'd still love to hear from YOU!
What would be a dream piece for you? And are you still doing the Happy Dance after finding one? (I still am!) I'd love to hear all about it!
Vanna
I'm joining those two sweet girls Patti and Paula at Ivy & Elephants for:
My friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:
Honey at 2805 for:
And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:
As y'all know I am extremely fond of art nouveau trinket boxes *winks* So I thought I'd share the tiquin ' love with a blog giveaway! This little cutie with a sweet rose on top is NOT perfect at all... But it is perfectly charming! It will come with a little somethin ' extra inside... but that's a surprise! If you'd like to have it come live with you, just leave me a comment within the next two weeks. You'll get an entry for each comment. And if you are one of my beloved blog followers you get three extra entries! Yes I'm shameless I admit! *winks* So stop by OK? Cause I LOVE to read ya! You can click to enlarge any pictures if you want to.
Today I heard a little knock knock on the door and when I checked on who it might be? I found a rather large box! Hmmmmm what could it be? Well let me start by sayin ' my dear friend Laura lu from RMS had contacted me about a week ago and told me she had a little something she would like to send me. She said she thought I would really like it... But she wouldn't give me a single hint as to what it might be! I'm tellin ' ya, the girl can keep a secret because Lord knows I tried to get her to SPILL!! Now for those of you who have seen Laura lu's house on RMS and her brand new blog Hidden Promise HERE you KNOW what fabulous taste she has!! Not to mention that she's a super model *winks* But you'll have to go read her blog to find out all about that lol ! Anyhoo when I opened the box, I knew right away it must be from Lu because just look at the card *winks*
Hmmm this thing a ma jiggy sure is well wrapped! I've been unwrapping for a while now! But I can finally see a glimpse of what it might be... It looks golden... that's always a good thing... And the red area looks like it might just be flowers... Oooohhhhhh !
Oh my goodness me!! Just look at what she sent!! Isn't it the most darling cherub in the history of the world! *winks* OK I don't expect you to think so... But it certainly IS to me! I've never had someone I've never even met "GET" me like this! I am feeling sooo blessed to have met such a wonderful generous and downright LOVELY friend!! Right when you think bloggers couldn't get any nicer... The good Lord comes along with yet another wonderful surprise! I am in awe of all the goodness! And Laura lu I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing gift! And the even MORE amazing gift of your friendship! *sob hiccup* I'm so choked up! Oh and I forgot to mention that Laura lu hand painted this cherub! So there's not another one like him in the whole wide world! Just look at that beautiful rose wreath!
And here's a wider view of his new home on top of the cabinet that houses my art nouveau boxes. Doesn't he look just perfect there?!!
And lastly I found this nifty ole wire victorian mansion birdhouse on craigslist ! It's a little bit rusty and off kilter, but it's soooo cool! I've been playing around with possible vignettes, but can't quite get it right... Which is pretty much always the case!Lol ! I tried to do something for Easter. What'd ya think? Can you even see it? It has a sweet bird from my dear friend Lynne watching over a nest of baby blue eggs, with a "NEST" plaque... There's even a little birdie chandelier...
Can you see it now? It's not the easiest thing to photograph through all these wires!
Well that's all for today. Hope you'll join me next time! (((HUGS))) -n-*winks* Vanna
Bonjour mes amis!
I thought I would take a little break from the regular Flea Market posts this week and share one of my little cabinets-o-stuff with you.
Really it's just another Flea Market Finds, but with stuff I've had a lot longer *winks*
AND I have another GIVEAWAY for this week so keep reading! One more week to go!
But first let me share the WINNER of last weeks little blanc de chine heart... It's...
CYNTHIA!!!
(Cynthia please email me with your mailing address OK?)
Moving on to my little cabinet.
It's choc a block full of little this-n-thats. I'd love to share a few of my favorites with you. And I'd love your opinion on a few of them too *winks*
Warning if an abundance of crap stuff makes you crazy?
This is NOT the post for you!
There is no rhyme or reason to how anything is placed in this cupboard, I pretty much shove things around until I can sneak in one more piece... Yes hoarders cabinet... quelle surprise lol!
This is the top shelf full of many things I've already shared and more I haven't.
The second shelf
The third... Remember my blue opaline urns? They're hiding out in here.
And the bottom which isn't visible through glass.
This little nude is one of my favorite pieces. She's 18th century German by the Hochst factory. I found her at an auction and paid $75 (Which was a lot for me at the time) because I loved her so much! I found her HERE on Ruby Lane for $1750! So I guess she was a pretty good deal after all! She's dated 1771. Isn't she cool?
And this Victorian brass and mother of pearl dinner bell is another one of my favorite thrifty finds.
This is my favorite perfume bottle by the Apollo company from somewhere around 1912 -1920. It was part of an auction lot that I paid $25 for. I've been looking for years for another without any luck... but I adore the hunt! Don't you? And the perfume still smells pretty good too! *winks*
This little art deco flower frog was a thrift store find, as are most of the items in here.
I don't know what this little silver cherub mount/applique was originally used on? But it's another love thang It's so detailed for something so small!
I also love this miniature painting on ivory that I purchased from an art dealer friend. Sorry the photo isn't very good, it's so hard to get a good shot through the glass, but again it's very detailed for such a cute little thing.
I also love to collect antique tortoise shell items. This calling card case with an inlaid bird (in ivory or bone) and mother of pearl is Victorian. I found it at an antique store for $25.
The interior.
I also love this little Victorian mourning brooch. It came with a note stating that it's the hair of Edmund Brown 1772-1859 and Mabel Norton Brown 1775-1840. Grandparents of Dr Plumb Brown. Why would a family member have given it up? Too creepy maybe?
Another thing I love to collect are antique perfume caddys. This blue purse shaped Victorian velvet one is shown closed...
And open.
And a slightly newer celluloid single bottle case closed...
And open.
I also pick up these vintage ornate metal perfume bottles whenever I can find them for less that $30... Which is getting to be very difficult. But again the hunt is most of the fun! *winks*
They have cool little things hidden inside. This one features a lady bust... And you know how I feel about those! Lol!
I found this set of antique French pump perfume bottles at an estate sale for $10.
Do you see where the brass is scraped? That's where the bottle moves when you pump (by pushing down on) the bottle. Have you seen others like this?
And this french bottle has painted flowers found for $4 at the thrift. You unscrew the little piece you see on the side and then the top depresses to activate the pump to spray the perfume. I don't really know exactly what time frame this is from? I'd guess the 20's or 30's? But it's only a guess. If you happen to know please share OK?
I also wanted to share this pretty little vanity tray with etched flowers and ribbon detailed handles. Hard to see I know... Sorry.
And lastly in the background of the top shelf is this reproduction painting of the coronation of empress Josephine... It's something of a mystery...
Napoleon
And Josephine...
Lots of people watching... The two holding the train are Napoleon's sisters, who if I remember correctly did not like Josephine in the least as she made them feel awkward and unsophisticated. Way to go Jo! They seem to be behaving themselves here.*winks*
Napoleon's mother who wasn't actually at the coronation (Due to a quarrel between Napoleon and his brother) but was painted in as a guest of honor, as was his brother... Boys!
Doesn't the man next to the cardinal below resemble Jesus? Hmmmmmm.
And here is a close up of the original painting found in the Louvre Titled " Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon 1 and Coronation of the Empress Josephine in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris on 2 December 1804. By the artist Jaques-Louis David. The painting is quite large at about 33'x20' tall. My little painting measures 11"x10". And the mystery of my painting is that it's painted over another much older painting which can be seen under a few small areas of flaking paint. Hmmm I know it isn't uncommon for painters to reuse canvases but I'm so curious as to what's underneath? Perhaps a hidden old master? Yeah more likely NOT. But I can dream right? Little mysteries make life more fun *winks*
So those are a few of the things I love to hoard collect. What kind of things do you collect? Are you a highly organized neat collector? Or perhaps a bit of a mess like me about it? I'd love to know... So I don't feel alone lol!
OK on to this weeks followers giveaway. I'm offering this Cath Kidston style wallet. It's brand spanking new and in the most charming blue red and pink rose print. So leave me a comment telling me you would like it to be yours... Or just leave me a comment anyway! I LOVE hearing from you! Vanna
Interior
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:
And that wonderful pair Paula and Patti at Ivy & Elephants for:
Courtney at French Country Cottage for:
Honey at 2805 for:
And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:
I've been eyeing Deborah & Co.'s maternity skirts for my last two pregnancies and was thrilled with the opportunity to review one of them! Having a marvelous seamstress for a mother-in-love leaves me without much reason to purchase customized clothing elsewhere. Her highly-skilled perfectionism combined with my personal bias also makes me particularly critical of any other handmade workmanship that passes through my hands.
I've purchased nursing tanks and modest shells from Deborah & Co. before though, and have always been impressed with the quality of Caroline's products. I had no qualms about reviewing her custom tailored skirts since I know from first-hand experience that she has a keen eye for beauty, comfort, and excellence.
I was not disappointed! The Calf-Length Ruffle Maternity Skirt met all my expectations. The stitch-work is impeccable and the measurements were exactly what I ordered. The cotton fabric is light and breathable, yet modest and feminine.
I often find belly panels on maternity bottoms to be uncomfortable, but not so with this skirt. I forget it's there and from the outside, it's practically invisible underneath a t-shirt.
Our 3-year-old daughter is beyond thrilled to have a skirt that looks "just like Mommy's!" Also made by Deborah & Co., Charity's Ruffle Skirt is feminine, comfortable, and modest.
I highly recommend Deborah & Co. to anyone on the hunt for modest skirts of both style and substance. Deborah & Co., quite literally, has all the ladies in your home covered!
Below is your chance to win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Deborah & Co. which you can use towards anything in the store. Winner will be chosen next week Thursday, February 28. Best of luck to you all!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, A Mama's Story, Time-Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies, Raising Arrows, The Modest Mom, Raising Mighty Arrows, Our Simple Country Life, the Better Mom, Time Warp Wife, Women Living Well