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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.

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 *winks*

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... 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 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*

Desktop

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! Vanna

Hello wonderful friends!

As ya'll are probably well aware of if you've ever visited my blog... I LOVE... ADORE... OBSESS... over boudoir dolls!
I don't know what it is about them that draws me like a magnet? Perhaps it's that they represent one of my favorite time periods in history... the roaring 20's.
Outside of 18th century France, the 20's are my favorite time period. It was such a period of change with the "flapper" redefining womanhood and the dawn of jazz and art deco. (two of my other favorite things)
These lady dolls were not created for children. They were often naughty minxes smoking cigarettes with "come hither" eyes and lounging silk pajamas. Every chic Miss of the 20's would have had at least one (or more) adorning her bed or vanity. One could often purchase the doll unclothed and then demonstrate one's fashion sense as well as sewing accomplishment. I look at each doll as a little piece of art. My favorite dolls are those that resemble Marie Antoinette (combining both of my favorite time periods *winks*)
My little collection has grown since my last post about them HERE so I would like to share some more of my dolls with you.

There are a gazillion pictures! So I hope you don't mind?
If you love dolls please go grab yourself a cuppa and relax for a while! If dolls aren't your thing I'll be back to my thrift store finds next week *winks*

I'll start with one of my newest dolls, this wonderful smoker. I had long wanted one, but the prices can get fierce. I finally got lucky and "Genevieve" came home to live with me! I love her sultry devil may care expression, the feather in her hair, and her smoking pucker! Remember in the 20's smoking was seen as the height of sophistication, and thought to be perfectly fine for your health... We've come a long way huh?

Just lounging elegantly in her silk pajamas *winks*

Here in my guest room armoire is where I keep most of my dolls. I've currently run out of room so if a new doll comes in, an older one will have to go to a new home. I'll start with the group views.

Top shelf...

And bottom.

OK lets zoom in on some close ups of some of my favorites. This darling Marie-esque doll is my version of DIY *winks* I already had the little bust, and I found another doll at the Goodwill that had on this lovely silk dress (for $1.99) but a really ugly plastic head (New and made of some dense plastic resin... ick!) So I cut off the old bust and glued this 20's lady to the base and "VOILA!" Another Marie for me! WHOO HOO! I LOVE her!! Isn't her dress perfect?! Usually DIY is NOT my strong suite lol! I tend to fall somewhere bellow "awful" and "hideous" but this vision actually worked out! Yes there really are miracles! *winks*

Moving on to my favorite Marie... this amazing paper mache doll bedecked and bejeweled in splendor! She has the most exquisite details from the little rose in her hand to all of her bracelets, rings and necklace...

to the string of pearls and rhinestones on the back of her mile high hairdo.

I only wish I had a Louis to go with her!

This is another of my favorite Maries in her tattered blue silk sitting on an antique couronne de mariee chair.

This is my newest Marie. She was a birthday gift from my sweet hubby. She is a Lilli Bates German doll. I adore her beautiful gown! Doesn't she look as if she has been running through the gardens at Versaille?

Her nose is chipped and she's a little shabby, but beautiful none the less!

And this Marie is more casual in her peasant style gown and flower covered hat.

This little lady bust is just a little bit Marie too don't you think?

This sweet lady is another one of my favorites. Her dress is silk and her bodice was made from some old beaded lace. Her nose is chipped which seems to be what most often occurs with these. I really need to learn how to fix them... I could probably do a brisk business *winks*

Here she's sitting on another antique French couronne de mariee chair.

This little lady is also charming in her purple gown!

Another one of my favorites...

A sloe eyed beauty...

This is my only couple... I think they look like George and Martha Washington. Male boudoir dolls are quite rare. I think it's interesting that the same face that has been used for so many of my lady dolls has also been used for this male doll?... Or perhaps it's supposed to be a woman dressed as George Washington? (His chest is flat) The jury is out on this one.

I love the outfit and expression on this lady. Did you notice she has the same face as the sloe eyed beauty? It's amazing what a difference a hairstyle can make isn't it?

This lady was feeling a little shy about being nekkid so she's hiding behind a ribbon...

This chalkware doll has such a sweet face.

[ This is a rare candy box doll.

I believe this sweet lady head was part of a boudoir pillow at some point.

This one is a lingerie bag.

A pair of Victorian clad composition ladies in green out for a stroll.

A darling little girl hat stand.

A blond vamp?

A sweet senorita.

A fiery redhead holding a bird... And yes she has the same face as George Washington! Did you notice?

A couple of bed lamps.

And finally a grouping of some of my larger girls.

Well that's all for now. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed the tour and I didn't overwhelm you? If I haven't already burned your retinas with all these pictures you can find more boudoir doll beauty HERE... But I think I might have... Lol! I hope you'll leave me a comment. I LOVE to hear from you even more than I love collecting boudoir dolls *winks* Vanna
I'm joining the sweet Paula and Patti at Ivy & Elephants for:

Debra at Common Ground for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And Honey at 2805 for:

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 thought I'd take a little break this week from the flea market finds to share another room in my house, my family room (On a tight budget *winks*) And I'm hoping that you my ever so wonderful friends will help me make a decision about something...
But first follow me this way and I'll show you around *winks* This room is loaded almost entirely with bargain, thrift and craigslist finds. The armoire in the corner holds the TV and was a $250 score on craigslist (And the seller even delivered it!) It was being used in a garage to hold fishing tackle! I think it's much better off at my house don't you? *winks*

This gold french wing chair was $125 at a local antique mall.

I love this little victorian fairy frame with a painting of a vase of flowers.

And this coffee table was a $135 also at a local antique store. Do you see the art nouveau planter of the lady with her daughter?

It's one of my favorite things... Yes I do say that a lot! *winks* Aren't they lovely together?!

Moving clockwise we come to the gas fireplace that my hubby added for me. I'm getting lots and lots of use from it this year!

Here's a close up on one of the lithographs that surround the fireplace.They represent the 12 months of the year and were a whopping $10 for the lot. This one is September.

A favorite slag glass lamp with one of my beloved spelter figures. The leather wing chair was $75 at the Goodwill.

The sofa was a $300 find at a local consignment store. I love that it has a curved back and it's really comfy!.

This 1840's flame mahogany secretary is another one of my favorite things. Found at an auction for a song.

And another favorite (yes again) *winks* this wooden carved portrait. There's a silly story to go with this one. One day My sister and I were discussing which piece of art in each of our homes was our favorite? I told her this carved portrait of a young girl was probably mine. And she replied "Oh honey I hate to break this to you but... that's a boy! He has an adams apple" And danged if she wasn't right! (OK so I'm not the most observant person on the planet lol!... But WHATEVER!! I still love it!... Miss know it all!

This is the view from the back side of the sofa featuring another of my beloved spelter statues. This one is titled " Fleurs de Printemps" (Flowers of Spring) and a bouillotte style lamp from the local Goodwill ($7.99 sans shade) My hubby said "the last thing you need is another lamp!" Silly man! As if I could ever get too many charming lamps! *winks* And While I really do appreciate my DH's opinion I've found that if I love it? Or even like something strongly?... Well better safe than sorry right?! I'm really glad I took it home. *winks*

On the other side of the sofa is this french Louis Philippe armoire that I use to store lots of little favorite bits. Usually gifts from friends and family.

Lots of stories in this armoire.

This lovely spelter bust is L'Automne"

And this handsome spelter gent is "Virgile"

I've been trying for years to figure out what this bronze box was used for? Cigars? Mens pretties? *winks* It has a hunting theme. Maybe you could help me? If any of you have any idea would you please share it with me? I'm always amazed by all the collective wisdom out there in the land of blog!

On the opposite side of the room is my hubbys billard table (He HAD to have it!) And two of my 4 furbabies. Shelby (large) and Jewel (pom)

I like these silk striped drapes for their pop of color but they're going away because they just aren't "lush" enough. So stay tuned for some new draperies... I got 8 of them for $40! The chairs are 19th century french.

In the far corner sits a working telephone booth that I gave to my hubby for our anniversary.

A little settee and an eastlake victorian table are on this side. The throw is antique paisley.

And on the opposite side sits this behemoth of a bookcase. A turn of the century find from craigslist. It's really too large for the room and we scraped the ceiling just trying to get it in, but it was LOVE at first sight! And it's another one of my absolute favorites! *winks* Hopefully in my next house (when I win the lottery lol!) I'll have enough room for it.

Looking back across the room.

I hope you enjoyed this not so little tour of my family room? *winks*
And what I really want to ask you my oh so intelligent and design savy friends is: What color hardwood should I use on the floors? It's time for the carpet to go after wayyy too many years of this ugly. And I'm absolutely stuck in indecision! I'd like to go with the dark hand scraped hardwood floors but my hubby made the point that it's dark here in the Pacific Northwest most of the year, and do we really want it to be darker? My answer was a quick "you bettcha!" But now in retrospect he might have a good point? So what do you think I should do? I'm counting on your expertise so I hope you'll leave me a comment and I'll do the same. You've seen all the different woods in this room so please help! I LOVE to hear from you!
And please join me next week for more Flea Market Finds. I think I've found a few good things to share with ya *winks* Vanna
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Several years ago, Andrew Pudewa spoke at our homeschooling conference and he said something I'll never forget:
"The problem with trying to cover all the bases is that you end up going a mile wide and an inch deep. In other words, you know virtually nothing about everything." He suggested delving deeply into one particular topic of interest, and in so doing, touch on everything else.

Thematic concepts jive with the vision for our children's education and so far, learning together has been fun, organic, and life-integrated. There are few things more wonderful than seeing your children more eager to start "school" than they are to eat breakfast!

This week we are studying "Fall." Besides learning to write her numbers and letters each day using the Rod and Staff Pre-K Series, we are also learning about God's Word, government, science, math, art, English, home economics, and Phys Ed. We don't use a curriculum to teach these things, or categorize them as such, but it's happening whether she realizes it or not.

Here's a peak into our week:

Bible

After breakfast, we read the story of Naomi and Ruth. I chose this story as part of our theme because it takes place during harvest time. Our memory verse is Leviticus 23: 22:
"And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God."We discussed what kind of principles God is trying to teach us through this verse and how we can apply them to our lives:

• Why should we share from the bounty that God has given us?
• Should poor people still work to get their food or should they rely on rich people to collect their grain and bake their bread? (the role of government, socialism) Read Proverbs 10:5; 6:6-8; 13:11; 19:15
• What things has the Lord blessed us with that we can give to someone else? Read Proverbs 11:25; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27
• Who can we bless this week and how? (Make plans to visit a nursing home, invite someone over for dinner, or drop off toys or clothes to someone that could use them)

• Count, add and subtract with leaves.
• Discover fractions while making pumpkin puree for our 7-month old (quarter, half, and whole pumpkin).

• Use as many adjectives as you can think of to describe various "Fall" objects (i.e. leaf: big, red, thin, pretty, maple, broken, wide, etc.)
• Read "Autumn Fires" poem by Robert Louis Stevenson (Included in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers)

• Read Animals in the Fall Preparing for Winter by Martha Rustad, Why Do Leaves Change Color by Betsy Maestro and Seasons by Robin Nelson. (More reading suggestions in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers)
• Go on Treasure Hunt (Alphabetical list of objects in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers). Identify and collect items on the list using a field guide.

• What is it called when animals go South in the Fall? Can you name some animals that do this?
• How many seasons are in a year? What are they called?
• What is a "cycle"?
• Who made the Earth so that it is tilted?
• What happens inside a leaf to make it change color?

Art

• Make a "Thankful Tree." (Instructions in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers)
• Create a Corn Husk Doll. (Instructions in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers)
• Paint a Pumpkin. (Instructions in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers)

• Bake leaf-shaped sugar cookies and decorate them (Instructions in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers).
• Dehydrate apple peelings to make Apple Twigs ((Instructions in 1 Week of Fall Activities and Printables for Preschoolers).
• Make and freeze sweet potato and squash puree for Anna.

Phys Ed.

• Rake leaves!
• Hike through the woods for our Treasure Hunt.
• Pick apples at an orchard.

FREE! Download and print your copy here.

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Well if you do? I've got some goodies to share with ya!
I'm joining my friend Chari for her Sunday Favorites. This was a post from December of 08. I hope you enjoy revisiting it.
It's my collection of turn of the century art nouveau jewelry boxes. As a crazy collector (with limited funds*alas*) I've found that collecting these little beauties can be very satisfying! They're not difficult to find. They're very affordable, and sooo charming!! Won't you join me for a small tour of my cuties?

I have the majority of my boxes in this display cabinet in my bedroom but they are also scattered all over my house. I abide by a $25 rule. Can't spend more than that on one. And with very few exceptions (a couple of the larger ones) I haven't.

I found this interesting article for those who might like to learn more about art nouveau jewel boxes HERE

I love little metal objects of all kinds. Here sits a borzoi dog, a small cupid, and hiding in the middle with only the top showing is the arc de triomphe.

On the far right is one of my exception boxes (paid a wee bit more... OK I paid a LOT more!!) It's quite a large one with a portrait of Napoleon. But I HAD to have it! *winks*

Aren't the flowers lovely on this one? I often wonder who the lucky receiver of this box might have been? And was it for a special occasion? And what might have been hiding inside? Maybe...

Some beautiful violet crystals like these?... Naw probably not. Isn't the icy blue silk interior luscious?!!

And check out the little dog paw feet on this one!

But just look at the top!! Isn't it wonderful?!!

And looky at what's on the inside! A garage sale brooch missing many rhinestones but wonderful just the same! And all that pink silk tufting!! Now this is shabby chic at it's finest dont'cha think? *winks*

How about those legs?!! And what might we find in this beauty?

Ahhhh it's a victorian necklace lying on a bed of green tufted silk.

This little box tells the story of a noble lady and her family. There are raised reliefs all around the sides showing various family scenes. But I really love the interior of this one!

It has the most darling faded pale pink roses! Isn't it the sweetest little thing?

I imagine many a young lady received her engagement ring in one of these little boxes.

Can't you just imagine her wonder and surprise at finding something like this waiting inside?

This shot is "outside the box" Lol! and features a little paperweight with a picture of the ponte vecchio in Florence. And do you see the little Limoges box with the eiffel tower? Yep, yet another collection for another day *winks*

Isn't he a perfectly mournful boy? His expression says "get me away from all these girly boxes!!!" Y'all know how much I love busts!
Well that's it for today. Sorry I was so late in adding a new post. I'm having problems with my puter. Hope you liked my little collection. And if you post any collections of your own? Please come get me K? Cause I'd love to see them!! Vanna

Thanks for stopping by for Sunday Favorites! I hope you'll check out the other wonderful posts.

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.

You can click to enlarge the pics if you want

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

I'm joining up with my friend Chari again for Sunday Favorites.
This was one of my early blog posts from December of 2008. I loved my cousin's apartment. She's since moved to the East Coast so it's nice for me to revisit her old place in pictures.

I posted my cousin D's apartment a while back on RMS but I thought some of you might like to see it again. My cousin has been my shopping partner in crime for many years, as well as my best customer for all the furniture pieces that I just couldn't use anymore. She has a darling apartment in a turn of the century building. She wanted to show others on RMS that you don't need to be a home owner to make a home. I think she's done a wonderful job of making this apartment cozy and comfortable! What do y'all think

The secretary, large picture, statue of a woman, gold chairs and sconce were purchased from me. They look much better in D's place though *winks*

This is a view into the large closet that my cousin uses for her bedroom. I found the corner display cabinet for her at a local junk shop. The hooked rug used to reside in my guest room. The crystal candelabra and clock on top of the cabinet I found for her on ebay, and the large portrait of a woman was a gift from me. So if you feel a strong Vanna influence here? Ya know why *winks*

These were roses picked from the back of her apartment. Isn't her bust of a girl darling?!!

We found this french bedside table in a local antique shop. There were actually two of them at the store. I purchased one that sits in my master bedroom and she has hers displayed in her living room. Hers is the more ornate of the two, but mine was a better match for my furniture, so it worked out perfectly! We found the french chairs together many years ago.

I know it's wrong to covet *winks* But I sooo love the blue down filled chair to the left. It is so marshmallow cushy and dreamy!

The gold sofy used to live at my house and the french art deco chandelier was an ebay find for $127!! My hubby put it up for her.

A view to the back of the room.

Her "dreamy" bedroom in a closet.

This little pink cabinet also came from my house. My cousin painted it pink and uses it for her pretties. As you can see, I got her addicted to collecting art nouveau boxes too! *winks*

And this is my cousin D's adorable little dachshund Rocha. She wants to thank you for taking this little tour of her Mommy's apartment! Please come back soon! And bring some dog biscuits with ya OK?

Please stop by Chari's place and check out the other Sunday Favorites! Vanna

I posted my cousin D's apartment a while back on RMS but I thought some of you might like to see it again. My cousin has been my shopping partner in crime for many years, as well as my best customer for all the furniture pieces that I just couldn't use anymore. She has a darling apartment in a turn of the century building. She wanted to show others on RMS that you don't need to be a home owner to make a home. I think she's done a wonderful job of making this apartment cozy and comfortable! What do y'all think?

(You can click on any picture to enlarge)) The secretary, large picture, statue of a woman, gold chairs and sconce were purchased from me. They look much better in D's place though *winks*

This is a view into the large closet that my cousin uses for her bedroom. I found the corner display cabinet for her at a local junk shop. The hooked rug used to reside in my guest room. The crystal candelabra and clock on top of the cabinet I found for her on ebay, and the large portrait of a woman was a gift from me. So if you feel a strong Vanna influence here? Ya know why *winks*

These were roses picked from the back of her apartment. Isn't her bust of a girl darling?!!

We found this french bedside table in a local antique shop. There were actually two of them at the store. I purchased one that sits in my master bedroom and she has hers displayed in her living room. Hers is the more ornate of the two, but mine was a better match for my furniture, so it worked out perfectly! We found the french chairs together many years ago.

I know it's wrong to covet *winks* But I sooo love the blue down filled chair to the left. It is so marshmallow cushy and dreamy!

The gold sofy used to live at my house and the french art deco chandelier was an ebay find for $127!! My hubby put it up for her.

A view to the back of the room.

Her "dreamy" bedroom in a closet.

This little pink cabinet also came from my house. My cousin painted it pink and uses it for her pretties. As you can see, I got her addicted to collecting art nouveau boxes too! *winks*

And this is my cousin D's adorable little dachshund Rocha. She wants to thank you for taking this little tour of her Mommy's apartment! Please come back soon! And bring some dog biscuits with ya OK?

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

Well if you do? I've got some goodies to share with ya!
It's my collection of turn of the century art nouveau jewelry boxes. As a crazy collector (with limited funds*alas*) I've found that collecting these little beauties can be very satisfying! They're not difficult to find. They're very affordable, and sooo charming!! Won't you join me for a small tour of my cuties?

(You can click to enlarge any picture)

I have the majority of my boxes in this display cabinet in my bedroom but they are also scattered all over my house. I abide by a $25 rule. Can't spend more than that on one. And with very few exceptions (a couple of the larger ones) I haven't.

I found this interesting article for those who might like to learn more about art nouveau jewel boxes http://collectingbuzz.com/articles/jewelrybox.html

I love little metal objects of all kinds. Here sits a borzoi dog, a small cupid, and hiding in the middle with only the top showing is the arc de triomphe.

On the far right is one of my exception boxes (paid a wee bit more... OK I paid a LOT more!!) It's quite a large one with a portrait of Napoleon. But I HAD to have it! *winks*

Aren't the flowers lovely on this one? I often wonder who the lucky receiver of this box might have been? And was it for a special occasion? And what might have been hiding inside? Maybe...

Some beautiful violet crystals like these?... Naw probably not. Isn't the icy blue silk interior luscious?!!

And check out the little dog paw feet on this one!

But just look at the top!! Isn't it wonderful?!!

And looky at what's on the inside! A garage sale brooch missing many rhinestones but wonderful just the same! And all that pink silk tufting!! Now this is shabby chic at it's finest dontcha think? *winks*

How about those legs?!! And what might we find in this beauty?

Ahhhh it's a victorian necklace lying on a bed of green tufted silk.

This little box tells the story of a noble lady and her family. There are raised reliefs all around the sides showing various family scenes. But I really love the interior of this one!

It has the most darling faded pale pink roses! Isn't it the sweetest little thing?

I imagine many a young lady received her engagement ring in one of these little boxes.

Can't you just see her wonder and surprise at finding something like this waiting inside?

This shot is "outside the box" Lol! and features a little paperweight with a picture of the ponte vecchio in Florence. And do you see the little Limoges box with the eiffel tower? Yep, yet another collection for another day *winks*

Isn't he a perfectly mournful boy? His expression says "get me away from all these girly boxes!!!" Y'all know how much I love busts! Well that's it for today. Sorry I was so late in adding a new post. I'm having problems with my puter. Hope you liked my little collection. And if you post any collections of your own? Please come get me K? Cause I'd love to see them!! Vanna