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It's that time again! Time for the weekly Flea Market Finds! YAHOO! YIPPEE!... OK sorry I got a little carried away *winks*
Remember last week I was telling you about a little somethin' somethin' I was waiting for from ebay? Well I received my special "thing" today... Are you ready to see it?? I'll give you a clue... it's a new bust enhancement!LOL!

Here SHE is! In all her alabaster glory! At 21" tall and 45 lbs of wonderfulness!! Isn't she the bomb diggity? *winks* Did I have you goin' for a sec?

She may just be the second best thing I've ever found on ebay for the price. She was $256! I consider that a STEAL for a bust this large! Oh and she's also signed by a well known Italian sculptor. I'm doing the Happy Dance! Which isn't easy whilst running around the house with her in my arms looking for the perfect spot for a photo op! LOL!
Last week turned out to be a really good one for fun bargains but I completely blew my budget (BIG time) so next week could be some of my filler finds aka/slim pickins *winks*

This is an earlier craigslist find that I hadn't yet shared so I thought I'd sneak it in. It's an antique chair featuring a painting of a courting couple for $10!! Probably my best craigslist find for the money as well.

It's hard to capture because of the gold but you get the picture. I think it looks Italian, do you?

I also found a little eiffel tower to add to my collection for $5 (it's the tallest one)

Remember a few weeks ago I broke the bank (yet again) with a lace pillow? Well I found this beautiful lace pillow cover for $25. The shape is not as good as my other, and it doesn't have a pillow insert, but isn't it pretty?

Close up

I also found this sweet 1920's silk sleeing cap for $8 at a local antique store. Fits perfectly on my new girl... Hmmmm I wonder what I should name her? Any suggestions?

And some cute library steps for $90 (ouch!) but I really needed them... yep that's my story... Those top shelves can be tough to get to... no really! *winks*

And when it rains it pours! Another demijohn only larger and with lettering. I can't for the life of me read it, but it sure is cool! And only $13.49! One of the dealers at a local antique mall was going out of business and had everything 60% off.

This large tile came from the Goodwill for $5.99. I'm going to be doing a paint redo on this one. Thinkin' white and distressed... Or perhaps gray? Is everyone sick of gray yet?

This little guy (also a Goodwill find for $4.99) will also be getting some white-n-light.

And lastly a good book full of good stuff for $2.99 at the Value Village.

That's my finds for this week! I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds! Please leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you! And I promise to return the visit! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

And Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Linda at A La Carte for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Last week, I was sent a copy of Real Food for the Real Homemaker and let me tell you, this is one gem of a cookbook! I love a good, hearty, healthy, home-cooked meal almost as much as I enjoy making them so when the opportunity to get creative with new recipes in the kitchen presents itself, I jump!

Real Food for the Real Homemaker sifts through the myriad of information (and misinformation) we've all heard about fats, grains, raw milk, and organic produce and provides a condensed and sensible approach to eating healthy, hearty food that tastes like it came from Grandma's kitchen.

No offense to the authors, but this eBook is reminiscent of those coil-bound United Church Cookbooks put together by sweet little seventy-year-old members of the Ladies Guild. I mean that as the sincerest compliment!

It teaches the basics every cook should know like which kitchen tools are absolutely necessary (and which brands give you the best bang for your buck); how to practice hospitality; how to make granola, yogurt in a crock-pot, and tortillas from scratch; how to save at the grocery store, freezer cook, and substitute ingredients.

Plus, you'll enjoy over 75 home-style recipes with a healthy twist. Among them:

Breads & Breakfast Recipes
Apple Nut Muffins with Caramel Glaze
Baked French Toast
Baked Oatmeal
Banana Bread
Best-Ever Scrambled Eggs
Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Quiche
Cornbread
Egg Bake
Egg Sandwiches
Eggs in a Nest
Granola
Orange White-Chocolate Chip Scones
Perfect Pancakes
Popovers
Rolled Biscuits
Sausage Gravy
Simple Cream Biscuits
Tortillas
Yogurt

Sides, Soups, & Salad Recipes
Applesauce
Baked Beans
Caesar Salad
Cheesy Potato-Vegetable Soup
Homemade Garlic-Herb Croutons
Chicken Salad with Grapes and Apples
Chicken Stock
Chili
Cucumber Salad
Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Fruit Salsa
Ham and Cheese Soup
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Vinaigrette
Mashed Potatoes
Mushroom Soup
Oven-Fried Potatoes
Peaches with Ginger Syrup
Quick Tomato Soup
Ranch Dressing
Roasted Root Vegetables
Ruby Red Fruit Salad
Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Vegetable Beef Soup
White Chicken Chili

Entrée Recipes Bean, Rice, and Salsa Bowls Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet Cheesy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole Chicken and Pasta with Balsamic Vinegar Sauce Chicken Fajitas Chicken Parmesan Chicken Pot Pie Chicken Stir-Fry Couscous Chicken Pilaf Creamy Lemon Pasta Fresh Tomato-Vegetable Sauce Fried Rice Grilled Shrimp Pasta Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Meatballs Pasta al Fredo Pizza from Scratch Slow-Cooked Chicken Slow-Cooked Pork Chops with Gravy Slow-Cooked Herbed Pork Roast Stuffed Bell Peppers Tilapia Variations Toasted Tomato-Cheese Sandwiches Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes

Dessert Recipes
Baked Apples
Butterscotch Pudding
Classic Pie Crust
“Everything” Cookies
Homemade Brownies
Lemon Cheesecake Squares
Lemon-Lime Ice
Rice Pudding
Strawberry Pie

Best of all?
Full-color photos are included with almost every recipe!
Whether you're a rookie in the kitchen, deep inside a cooking rut, attempting to replace your favorite dishes with healthy versions, or simply looking to expand your recipe repertoire, Real Food for the Real Homemaker is valuable resource for any cook and a guaranteed hit with the whole family!

For $12.95 $9.99, you get all of the following:

• Real Food for the Real Homemaker in both the KINDLE and PDF version,
• a set of beautiful recipe cards,
• an Excel program for creating shopping lists and menu planning!

If you enjoyed this post, you may wish to follow Growing Home for updates via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, or have them emailed directly to your inbox. In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Growing Home. Thank you for your continued support!
Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Arrows, Time Warp Wife, A Wise Woman.,Walking Redeemed, The Better Mom, The Modest Mom, The Prairie Homestead

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting one of my bestest blogging buddies! Her name is Christine from the blog Christine's Home and Travel Adventures And that girl travels more than anyone I know! Check out her blog if you want to virtually travel all over the world in the comfort of your Jammie's *winks*
She and her husband came to Seattle from Natchez Mississippi for her husbands medical conference (Yep he's a doc) and I was able to play with her all day!
We started out with a little breakfast followed by a trip to a favorite antique store called the Pacific Gallery. We only intended to be there for a couple of hours tops... but there were so many things to look at!... We were there for 4.5 hrs! Here are a few of the things I liked/loved. Please excuse my picture quality. My camera chose this time to go on the fritz *sighs* Beautiful bed canopy in blue. LOVE this!

A great 4' statue of Mary Magdalene. Wish she could've come home with me but she was quite pricey.

Here is my sweet friend Christine looking glamorous in gray!

An oeil de boeuf window in zinc. Me likey!

This set of Jesus and Mary statues were life size.

Cool pair of girandoles with paintings of ruins.

I fell in love with this old wallpapered screen. It almost came home with me. I'll probably regret that it didn't *winks* You know how that goes.

Close up on the details.

This plaster lady statue covered in seashells was neat. That Raggedy Ann isn't doing it any justice but it was high on top of a case and I didn't want to move anything and have it fall on my noggin (That sort of thing happens to me a lot)... Probably explains a lot too! Lol!

This was one of a pair of sweet Italian angels.

My friend Christine didn't go home empty handed (I couldn't have that!) Here she is with some pretty linen treasures. She's a tablescaper supreme!

And by now she was getting boared... But never boar-ing! Lol!

So we went off to the Space Needle restaurant for dinner...

Where we looked out at this...

Followed by this...

And we ate this. It was absolutely delish!

So what did I come home with if you care to see?... A large (Very heavy) cherub shelf! Actually a fairy?... I think?? He has pointed little ears. My hubbs said "Oh you bought a baby vulcan" He's a big Star Trek fan! Actually we both are *winks* When I spotted him he reminded me of something my friend Andie from The Divine Theatre would have. She has a really fabulous collection of statuary! Isn't it amazing how much our blogging friends can influence and inspire us? I feel so blessed to have found such creative talented people here in Blogaritaville!

At a distance. I'm still working on the vignette for the top.

See his cute little ears?

This little shabby chippy boy also came home with me.

And this little green jewel casket that matches my vanity set.

Lined in luscious orange!

Christine brought me a few prezzies too! Aren't I a lucky girl?! This little Italian cherub plaque and a dangling crown with crystal. She obviously knows what I like! *winks*

Topped off by these yummy little sundae candles.

Here we are at the end of the day.

Christine I had such a great time with you! I hope you'll come back for another visit soon! You are just as sweet, kind and beautiful as I thought you'd be! Vanna
I'm joining for the first time Debra at Common Ground for:

I'm also joining Diane for the first time at A Picture Is Worth A 1,000 Words for:

Hi peeps!! Just a few things to share this week because of my shopping extravaganza last week *winks*
I'll start as usual with my favorite find. It's a vintage HUGE rose covered fully lined curtain that I found at a local antique mall for $60! This one curtain is 8' tall and 15' long! I couldn't get the entire thing in a shot because it was just too big for my poor camera. It could easily be cut apart to make several individual curtains, which is what I'm hoping to do. Love the green color and all the roses!! Isn't it gorgy??*sighs*

Close up.

Then I found this Italian shadow box jewelry display case on craigslist for $15. Inside I have one new/old treasure and the other three are older finds but I haven't shared them here so I thought I'd take the opportunity now *winks*

The newest find is this cigarette case with a portrait of a woman. $12 at a local antique store. I will definitely be looking to collect more of these.

My next find is from a few years back. I paid $125 (which was actually half price) It's a micro petit point purse featuring a courting couple adorned with some stones and enamel flowers.

The back features a castle and swags with pink roses.

Lined with the palest pink ruched silk that is starting to tear and fray.

Next is this little silver mesh purse/compact that I purchased from an elderly neighbor for $15.

I would love it if these little blue stones were sapphires! *winks* But most likely pretty glass.

And finally this little beaded purse/compact was $10.

I found a new addition to my silver collection at the Goodwill. This silver glass caddy was on one isle for $1.99 and the dessert wine glasses were 50 cents each on another. So all told $4.99... Not bad I think!

And then I did discover something NEW to me... Maybe new to you also?
Let me start by saying I've been in love with antiques for most of my life and in all that time I've never known about this...
The Odd Fellows!
Who and what are they? Weeellll... here's a little vid about them

The Odd Fellows (it turns out) are the Father of all fraternal organizations. Formed in England in the 18th century. I discovered them when I was trying to find information about these antique red velvet collars that I'd found on craigslist. A set of four of them for $12. Sooo ornate and beautiful with their silver appliques, fringe and tassels. I thought originally they might have been priests vestments of some sort? But was quickly made aware that they were something else. I took a look on ebay and couldn't believe how cheaply these items were selling! Some at 99 cents plus shipping, and some of the beautiful velvet ceremonial robes were little more than $20. Also some beautiful ornate medals for a song! I couldn't help but think of all the custom bag/purse and pillow makers who could use these old pieces in their designs. Am I the last one to know about these? Let me know! I feel I've discovered textile nirvana! Lol! *winks*

Each less than the cost of a latte!

And last (and definitely least) some vintage aqua lace trim from the Value Village for $1.99 and an egg vase for my etsy.

That's it for the flea market finds this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more thrifting fun! And please leave me a comment and I'll do the same for you *winks* I'd LOVE to hear from you! Vanna

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And Jill at The French Cupboard for:

I'd like to share some of my recent and not so recent flea market finds with everyone.
Some of you might know that I'm a craigslist addict! Well I admit to being a bargain shopping addict period *winks* The hunt is so exhilarating! Plus it keeps me off my bum... nuff said.
Craigslist is where I found this garden cherub. He'd been under some trees for some time. $95 which is quite a lot for me, but it was love so home he came.

Do you see the column base he's standing on? I found a matching set of two of these for $30 on... yep you guessed it... craigslist!
Here comes my expert question for my friend Debra (Don't call her Debbie... Trust me on this one *winks*) from the beautiful blog Acquired Objects. Do NOT click on this link if you're prone to drooling OR if the sight of too much beauty makes you want to throw out everything in your house and start over! (Trust me on this too because that's how I felt *winks*) Debra is a fine antique textiles dealer and connoisseur of the exquisite. And by fine I mean FINE! Like sell an arm or leg or first born fine! Now if anyone else wants to give this one a shot I'd love to hear from you too!
I found this set of chairs for $35 at a garage sale of sorts a while back... It was actually more of a junk store sale with stuff in a huge garage. The lady I purchased them from told me they were Swedish. I'd never seen a set quite like them before. They'd been completely stripped (I could cry!) and had horrible polyester brown plaid upholstery on the seats. Which I promptly ripped off. I can still see small vestiges of white paint here and there. I felt so sorry for them sitting there all nekkid and unloved. My husband tried to dissuade me from buying them but (as usual) that only made me more determined. My neighbor came over to take a look at them for me. She's also an antique lover and knows more about furniture than I do. She thought they looked Swedish also, and thought they might possibly be 18th century? They are completely pegged together. They appear to have been recovered many times. There are lots of nail holes. The carving is all hand done. The back splats are slightly curved to make them more comfortable. Any ideas peeps?
I also found a purse at the Value Village seen here with the chairs.

The large lidded basket was a Goodwill find for $14.99.

Close up on the leg detailing.

Peg detailing.

I thought they might look beautiful stained in gray?
Here is my dear friend Christine with another gray Swedish chair. What do you think? Would my chairs look good in this same gray? Or perhaps I should paint them white?

I'm sharing this purse (?) because it's an example of how I'm very influenced by my favorite bloggers. Do you ever find yourself buying things for this reason? This is my $4.99 piece from the Value Village. It's made of what appears to be old velvet. The tassels and threading are metallic I thought it looked very 1920's.

Close up,

Well when I spotted this piece it reminded me straight away of a picture I saw on Debra's blog in a post about her amazing textiles HERE Again the drool alert is in effect. AND you might also want to sell some organs... just sayin' Could this possibly be an occasion where education meets opportunity? (Aka luck!)
This picture below that I stole borrowed (Sorry Debra I'll remove it if there's any problem I promise) is one of the divine pieces of antique Italian velvet from around 1600 that Debra owns. Can you say "TEXTILE ENVY?" Doesn't it look a little tiny bit like mine? *Hands clasped in prayer* It's even a similar shape? What do you think Debra? Could mine be worth a little finger? Or maybe just a fingernail? *winks*

Another CL find. Asking price $75... taking price $65. It has a squishy down cushion and is very petite. Perfect for the end of a bed or in my case a home gym which I use (Rarely) to put on my running shoes. The 1960's greeny gold upholstery is actually growing on me!

This sweet little petit point pillow was a $20 find at a local antique mall. It helps to break up all that greeny gold lol!

Well that's my finds for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for some more flea market fun!
I'm linking up with the beautiful Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

As well as my dear friend Laurie at Bargain Hunting And Chatting With Laurie for:

And the wonderful Linda at A La Carte for:

And Debra at Common Ground for:

Be sure and drop by and check out all the other found treasures! Vanna

Yeppers it's time once again for flea market finds! *WHOOT WHOOT!* It was a really good week for me. I don't have much to show you here because I splurged on an ebay item that I'll be sharing with you next week *winks*
But first I want to share a lovely gift from my dear Friend Christine.
It all started with my blabbing to my friend Dawn that I was having trouble finding rosaries in my area. She then surprised me with a most beautiful rosary! You can read the story HERE. So Christine after reading my story of woe also decided to gift with me with a couple of rosaries as well as a small darling statuette of the lady Fatima. Thank you soooo much Christine! I love them all!
My sister then found another one for me so my little collection is starting to grow! If this isn't "The Secret" at work then I don't know what is!

The pretty purple and white one are from Christine. The longer seed rosary is from my sister.

close up

Sweet little Fatima from Christine.
Ok on to my finds pour le semaine. I'll start with something that every girly girl should own *winks* a pair of pink ballet pointe shoes! These are actually my second pair, but what makes these so wonderful is that they actually fit me! And yes I can even stand en pointe in them. I feel like a princess! I probably look more like a hippo! LOL! But I don't care! $20 in a local antiques store

At the local Goodwill I found this nifty window grate/cover for $1.99. It would be cute in a bathroom holding a towel or two? Or maybe outside with some trailing ivy?

I purchased a set of these two antique french style cages (This is the smallest one) after I fell in love with them on my friend Linda's blog HERE. They were on sale for $69.99 and I found an online coupon to bring them down a little more. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the larger one? I'll post pix when I figure it out. Notice my lamp base/riser under my spelter girl? Also a Goodwill find 99 cents.

Now this thrilled me to pieces but I totally understand if it does nothing for you... I found a an old stage light at a local antique mall for $30 and an old camera tripod at the Goodwill for $3.99 and put em together! I think they're very industrial cool, but also practical for me when I need some extra light on a subject, which is OFTEN where I live *winks* I have another stage light if anyone's interested?...

And this is my homage to Jermaine from the blog French Kissed. She's a stylist supreme with an amazing blog! Her daughter has an equally amazing (though very different) blog HERE. I was inspired to use antlers in a vignette after seeing all the beautiful eye candy she created with them on her blog HERE. Jermaine has definitely inspired me to up my game with the photos... At least as much as I can given my sad little camera *winks*
These antlers (set of two) were $15 at a local antique store and the Italian alabaster grapes were a $2.99 find at the Value Village. I spotted some like these at Joni's house from the Cote De Texas blog HERE and HERE. The silver tray was a $10 thrift shop find.

Love the shabby patina on the grapes.

Isn't this little inkwell cherub sweet?

And lastly this Jones New York sweater for $4 (half price) at the Goodwill and a Christian Dior belt for $4.99

Well that's it for this week. Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you'll leave me a comment. I really LOVE to hear from you! I also hope you'll come back next week to see my ebay surprise! Vanna
I'm linking up with Courtney from French Country Cottage for:

And Linda at A La Carte for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And last but never least My dear friend Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting With Laurie for:

OK I feel a little bit uncomfortable showing you my (not at all special) closet. Especially after the teasers for the last couple of weeks... I'm GOING WHERE NO WOMAN HAS GONE BEFORE! (Cue the Star Trek music) LOL! You see it's totally a builders grade cheap and blah space... But I longed for a little bit of "French pizazz"! (Me... imagine that *winks*) I didn't want to go in there every morning and think to myself "this is just plain ugly" *sighs* Alas I don't currently have the funds to transform my little closet into the Parisian palace I'd love it to be, but with the help of a few special blogging friends I did manage to add a few fabulous elements!

So come on in and I'll show you what I DO love about my closet... You first... I know it's going to get a little tight in here *winks*
I started by adding a "closet" to my closet lol! If you read my blog you know how much I adore French armoires! So I thought "hey why not put one in the closet?" I have them in pretty much every other room in the house *winks* So voila! BIG french flavor!... Little unhappy husband with sore back, but that's another story... *winks*

Do you see the screen to the left? "Really"( you're asking yourself) " how could I miss it? I've got my nose practically squeezed into it in here!" *winks* Well it came all the way from Missouri from my dear friend Richard's store. Richard has the most wonderful blog "My Old Historic House" HERE. When you've managed to squeeze out of my closet please give him a visit. Can you say "eye candy WITH an education" BIG time! You'll leave Richards having learned something new each time you visit! *winks*
Anyhoo turn slightly to the left and get a close up view of my wonderful new/old screen! Isn't it pretty AND frenchy?! I'm loving it Richard! Thank you!!
I stole the LV from the bedroom so I could pretend I was going on a fabulous trip to Paris *winks* (If I sold it I actually COULD go on a fabulous trip to Paris! LOL!!) And to be honest because my poor closet can use all the "bling factor" it can get. *winks* The Dior shoes are just for looking pretty too because they absolutely kill my feet!! And after what I paid for them they need to be good for something! Haha!

Such a pretty and ornate top... Just the way I like em!

And since we're talking about Richard here, check out this vision of loveliness! I won this pillow from Richard's blog giveaway. No wonder I love that man huh? *winks* It's one of the most gorgeous pillows I've ever seen!! 1920's pale yellow silk with french lace appliques and ribbon roses surrounded by marabou! *swoons* French flavor for sure don'tcha think?

It came to me looking like this. Even Richards wrapping is beautiful!

This is another of the french elements that I love having in here. This beautiful wedding cake chandelier came all the way from France via Leeann's blog Fabulously French. She has some lovely french treasures in her store. This beauty was only $200 with shipping. I think that was quite a steal! The pheasants on top of the armoire agree, they can't take their eyes off of it... Literally! Lol! *winks* Merci Leeann!

Now turning toward the armoire I'll open up the doors (If you can take a step back?) and I'll share a few new (and not so new) things with you.

This sweet French girl bust came from my shabby bedroom. I ran out of space in the armoire there, so I glammed her up a bit and placed her in here with some of my favorite hats. Which by the way I wear frequently. I wish we'd go back to wearing hats. I think they add so much personality!... And hide bad hair days... Not that I ever have any of those... Just sayin' *winks*

This beautiful french maiden lamp contributes to the french flavor and adds some much needed light.

Going down a shelf I found this little chubby cherub clock at a local antique store.

I also found a couple of new boudoir dolls to add to my collection. The pretty lady on the left broke her neck in shipping and the seller refunded my money so she was FREE!! I put a pretty ribbon splint on her neck and she's good to go!

She loves the Viktor & Rolfe Flower Bomb perfume and so do I! *winks*

And a new Marie Antoinette doll who appears to be checking out a portrait of herself *winks*

Isn't she exquisite in her tattered blue silk?! She's my new favorite!

These lovely roses came in the package from Richard and the little cherubs in the background also came from his store... Good stuff I tell ya!

To the right of the dolls is this precious little jewel casket that I found at my new friend Peg's shop Maison De Wine And Wienies. It's my newest favorite online shop! Really good prices! I've purchased quite a few things from her now and I can tell you that she's lovely to deal with! The large cherub tray that the ladies are sitting on also came from Peg's store.

You've heard of the "bluebird of happiness? Well this is the silver glitter bird of bliss! Because things that sparkle make me blissful! Ha ha!

In the "found at the Goodwill category" (So I can Join Kathleen's party at Charm Bracelet Diva *winks*) is this Italian majolica pottery vase featuring beautiful dancing ladies on three sides for $6.99.

This vintage carpet is also a $15 Goodwill find from awhile back.

What's that you say? You're" getting claustrophobic and need to get out!"... Errr... oops!... Oh my!... I'm trying to move aside... really I am!... but it's a little crowded... Didn't mean to pinch that!... well maybe I did *winks*

The cherub twins on the shelf say "goodbye!" Thanks for stopping by my closet! Hope you didn't get any bruises? I hope you'll come back next week when Flea Market Finds returns. Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. I LOVE to hear from you! Vanna

I'm (of course) joining Kathleen At Charm Bracelet Diva for:

I'm joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for:

I'm also joining Ann of On Sutton Place while she hosts for the next three weeks:

And Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

The Round-up:

• Food - 3.5 out of 5
• Service - 3.5 out of 5
• Atmosphere - 3 out of 5
• Overall - 10 out of 15

It's slightly gutsy to open a restaurant on a semi-abandoned block in downtown Regina that has seen its share of restaurants come and go over the years.

But entrepreneur Astrid Baecker did exactly that two years ago when renovations at 1822 Broad Street got underway. After sitting empty for a few years, the building was looking in pretty rough shape when things got started. Within a few months Baecker and her team added plenty of shine.

What's now known as Bitten used to be home to Gingerz. Before that it was a satellite location of India House for a matter of months. And wayyy before that it was New Orleans. And that's all the history I know of the place.

The room itself, long and narrow with a balcony looking over the main floor, is an awkward shape for a restaurant. That being said, Bitten has made things work by modernizing the colour scheme and placing high-top tables with bar stools on the main floor that can be easily moved around to accommodate groups of all sizes.

The second floor balcony is cozy and closer to the bar. If drinking is your main reason for visiting Bitten, sit upstairs.

The menu has grown over the last two years. It's now several pages long and covers a surprisingly wide range of cuisines. If you want Asian, Bitten does that. If you want Italian, Bitten does that. If you want Cajun, they do that too. While the variety is nice, the menu lacks focus overall. Some of the appetizers, like the stuffed mushroom caps, seem like a throwback to the '80s.

On the other hand, appetizers come in very generous portions. Some might even find them large enough to be a meal. They definitely make for good sharing in a group.

As for the rest of the food, it's generally good. Some entrees, like a Surf and Turf I had around Valentine's Day in 2009, lacked flavour. However, the pizzas and salads are filling, tasty, and priced just right.

I've been to Bitten five or six times in the last two years and the service has always been good, no matter the server. Service isn't always lighting fast, but it's attentive. And Bitten isn't really the type of place you go for a speedy meal.

I can't finish this review without talking about dessert. Bitten's motto, after all, is "Life is Short... Have Dessert First."

The menu features a whole page of desserts to choose from, all of them made in-house. Bitten does a good job of classics like the Creme Brulee and Creme Caramel. The Mascarpone Toffee Parcels were delish when I tried them a few months back. I haven't had Bitten's version of Sticky Toffee Pudding just yet, but that's next on my list.

My advice: check Bitten out if you haven't been, or if it's been awhile. It's worth supporting a local eatery that's breathing life into our downtown core.

Helloooooo sweet friends!!
Once again it's time for...
FLEA MARKET FINDS!!!
Where I share the goods that I've found in thrift stores, garage and estate sales, and local antique stores... Pretty much everywhere but a Flea Market! Lol! I wish we actually had flea markets at this time of year, but alas no. So what did I find this week?... Well for starters one of the most amazing lampshades I've ever seen!! It's lacy, it's foofy! It's sooooo divine!! I hope you'll think so too *winks* It was a very good week for cool stuff! I'm going to start with these lovely vintage petticoats that I found in a local antique store for $9 ea. One is such a pretty pale pink...

And the other has this wonderful ruffled feather effect. I think they would be great maybe for lampshades?

Then there were these beautiful old rhinestone clips for $5 at the same antique store. I added them to a pair of my ballet pointe shoes.

But my find of the week (possibly the month) was this amazing 1920's french lace ruffled lampshade in pink with the most scrumptious ribbon work roses! As we were walking the local antique store one of the clerks came up and told us there was an antique show going on nearby... Nuff said... Off we went! Usually I prefer to be one of the first in the door, but this time I thought we'd take a chance coming late. And sure enough it worked!! I had wandered around a bit and spotted a lamp that I liked. I turned around to ask the dealer for his "friendliest" price... And there it was... The heavenly angels were singing!... And there was a glowing halo of light around this object! So I played it very cool and asked what his best price would be? (All the while thinking I was willing to sell my first born?... a kidney?) OK... I jest, but just a little *winks* When he said $125. I asked him if he could do a little better? And he told me $100 and I said "SOLD!!" I was all but jumping up and down! And I nearly hugged him! I did tell him that finding this shade "made" the show for me. And as I walked away from his booth a lady stopped me to ask where I had found it? She oooh'd and ahhhh'd for a bit and this ended up repeating about every 20 feet throughout the entire show! I think it was the closest I'll ever come to feeling like a movie star *winks* Talk about a conversation starter! So here it is!

And as a group shot.

It's huge! I've never seen one this large and beautiful. Just look at the gorgeous ribbon roses and bow!

At the same show I found this Italian tole table lamp for a song. It was a really great day for deals I tell ya! *winks*

It has these cool scrolly arms. And I love the base.

It's off to etsy because I don't have room for one more thing at my house!

Here I'm using Glory Isabella to show a closeup of this wonderful turn of the century hat with lots of old millinery roses and lace netting that I found at the same show. The dealer told me that if I held the flowers over a pot of steam it would refresh the flowers and de-flatten them. I'm going to have to give it a try. Have y'all heard about, or tried that?

Glory is also wearing this large rosary with czechoslovakian beads that I found on etsy.

I also found myself a couple more lovely boudoir ladies to add to my collection via ebay. This elegant creature I've named Estella.

And this sweet pretty lady I've named Esmerelda *winks*

Estella looks the spitting image of my aunt! Here the two are together.

I found this LARGE art nouveau trinket box at the antique show for $40. And it still has it's original pink silk interior!

It's almost large enough to put the tiara inside, just to show you how unusually large it is. *winks*

And last is this display dome that I found at the Goodwill for $4.99. The base was white and I spray painted it black which I like much better. The jewelry casket was also a Goodwill find.

That's all for this week. Next week I'm going to shake it up with something different. I hope you'll come back and join me? And I hope you'll leave me a comment. I LOVE to hear from you! Happy Flea Marketing! Vanna
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

Debra at Common Ground for:

Paula and Patti at Ivy & Elephants for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Bonjour mon amis!
It's that time of the week again... Time... for...
FLEA MARKET FINDS!!
YAYYYY YAHOOO!... Lots of thrills chills and cheap adventure!

OK once again I make much ado about nothing.
Forgive me for the faux fanfare *winks*

However I did find one bona fide bargain!... Well I hope you'll agree...
No sooner had I stepped into my local Value Village,when I spotted this out of the corner of my eye and bee lined for it with the intensity of a bull chasing a matador! Huddling over my find to protect it from all potential treasure snatchers, I gazed at the price tag... And could NOT believe my eyes!!
I actually happened to have a coupon in the car for an additional 10% off, so I handed this heavy "thing" off to my husband to guard until I came back. Whilst he was browsing the men's tee shirts one of the sales clerks came by and asked if she could take it up front for him? He said "I'm sorry my wife will divorce me if I let it out of my sight for a second"
I LOVE that man!! Lol!

Isn't it fabulous?... Alright well maybe not "fabulous" but really cool at least? It's a Victorian marble top fern/plant stand.

And the price tag read... $9.99!! This is so NOT like their regular pricing (Which isn't bad, just not this good!) I wonder if it was priced and kind of hidden for an employee to purchase? It was placed between two other larger furniture pieces... Well I found it first! (Insert evil witch cackle and the rubbing of hands together) *winks*

But wait there's more! Lol! It's almost a match to one I found years ago! What are the chances? Apparently pretty good! You can see they're slightly different in size and the lower finials are a little different too.

... But when I placed them on each side of my settee they looked pretty good! I don't think I'll be leaving them like this, but it will work for now until a new home is found.

I also gathered a few more additions to my boudoir ladies collection.

This sweet lady lamp has Rapunzel like hair...

But what makes her really unusual are her chalkware feet. I've never seen one quite like this before.

It's also unusual to find one with a full body like this doll. I'll be looking for the perfect outfit for her.

I love this lady's vampy expression!

And this cutie is glamorous in her mink and pearls even without arms and a chipped nose. *winks*

This frenchy chair was $14.99 at the Goodwill. The upholstery is stained and really yuck. So I finally have something that my husband will let me paint and reupholster!... That man is allergic to painting wood!

Also at the Goodwill was this Italian damask bedspread with golden angels and lots of fringe.

I just love me some cavorting angels!

Lastly this vintage petticoat was a find from a local antique mall for $24. I loved that it's hooped and has vintage pink millinery roses at the bottom.

Aren't they smooshed and sweet?!

I thought it would make a wonderful lampshade. What do you think?

That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. I scored some super cool stuff! I can't wait to share! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll leave me a comment. I LOVE to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

Debra at Common Ground for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

I'm going to start with my BLOG GIVEAWAY!! Whoohoo!!

Here's how it works... I purchased this "THING" on craigslist. ($75) I should add this "Thing" is quite large measuring 33" wide x 22" and 12" tall. I have no idea what it was (or should be) used for? So your mission should you choose to accept it... Sorry for going all Mission Impossible on ya! I couldn't help myself *winks*... is to come up with your best guess about how it could or should be used? So peeps give me some ideas because I need all of them I can get! Then just become one of my friendly followers (If you aren't already *winks*) and leave me a comment. Come on don't be shy! Let your imagination go wild! The one with the best answer wins!

Here's a view of the inside.

And the winner will receive this antique Danish(?) pillowcase 21"x21" with embroidery initials. It translates to "sleep well" and has two small ties sewn inside for closure. But wait!... There's more!
Almost two years ago I was also doing a giveaway when my mom became very ill and I stopped blogging. So that prize will also be added into the mix!

Isn't it beautiful?

This darling little art nouveau jewel box will also be added to sweeten the prize. It's seen a little wear and tear in its long lifetime but this only enhances its charm.

Inside it contains a touch of mink to cushion some special treasure.

So please join my giveaway and start guessing! I'll award the prize two weeks from today! Sunday Feb 13th. It could be a VERY good Valentines day! *winks*

OK and for another good book... if you haven't read it yet? "The Bed" By Alecia Beldegreen, It's another one of my favorite go to's. I have beds on the brain lately because I'm straining the little gray matter that I DO have to come up with a canopy idea for my master bedroom. I've actually been pondering this for some time and it needs to happen! The ceiling is sloped so a beautiful corona just won't work *sighs* So I'm open to ideas for that too. You can view my master bedroom HERE

Isn't this a luscious cover? A taste of things to come... And the text is just as beautiful as the pictures... Lots and lots of em!

These are just some of the images. I couldn't share many of the best because they're two page spreads. Poor little scanner couldn't do it sorry.

I'll take that portrait please.

My cat would love this... But not as much as his mommy!

Italian beauty-liciousness!

And French of course!

This is soooo cool! It's all been done with a sharpie marker! Sorry about the crease, it was a two pager.

And some wonderful trompe l'oeil!

If I had this painted theatrical backdrop I'd remodel my whole living room around it!

Have you ever traveled by train like this? I don't think I'd ever fly if I could avoid it.

Absolutely gorgeous!

This lit a la polonaise is one of my favorite beds. One of these days I'll have me one!

Just look at those cherub sconces!

Or how about swathed in lace?

And more lace...

Do you think I could find one of these on craigslist? Probably not, but stranger things have happened!... Not to me... but maybe to you? *winks*

If you enjoyed these images you're going to love this book. And you can pick it up for only $4.59 (Shipping included) HERE A real steal for a large hardcover book.
Thanks for stopping by! Vanna

It's time once again for (what passes for... *winks*)
FLEA MARKET FINDS!!! of the week Can I get a WHOOP WHOOP!!?? How bout a YEE HAW!!?? OK too much?... Yeah I thought so too... Sorry...
I'm just so excited about my finds! You see I've wanted this special something something ever since I started seeing beautiful statuary pieces like it around the blogosphere. So I was cruising craigslist (as usual) and there it was! Just waiting for ME!! A HUGE (well at least to me, she's 5' tall) nude maiden *sighs dreamily* Can you say *swoon-o-licious*!!

I'm not certain where she'll end up living? I've... Ahem... actually the hubby has been dragging her around the house... which by the way is no easy task because she weighs 200 lbs! But anyhoo this is where she resides for now. There's still some lichen in the cracks to remove but it's LOVE for me!! 100 well spent dollars! The guy who sold her to me said they'd found her burried in the bushes in their backyard and his wife didn't want it around. When I told him I would be putting her in my livingroom, he thought I was nuts! Lol!

Isn't she fab!?

My second favorite find was this AMAZING 1930's french doll by Bernard Ravca 15" tall. This is in likeness of the 1930's movie star Alice Faye.

Have you ever heard of her? I hadn't (Finally something before my time! *winks*) but back in the 30's she was one of Hollywood's top movie stars. I spotted the doll on ebay and instantly fell in love with her!

She still sports her original tag which is actually signed by Bernard Ravca.
About Ravca: Bernard Ravca was a French artisan, who crafted many different costume and character dolls from many different materials, including crepe paper, papier maché, felt, clay and combinations of materials. The needled stockinette faces are perhaps the best known of his dolls, on which detailed and realistic expressions are sculpted onto the stockinette by means of tightly pulled stitching. His dolls were made in France from about 1924 to 1939. In 1939, he came to New York City and continued to make dolls to great acclaim. The most frequently found Ravca dolls are small, 7.5" -10", but he made dolls of many various sizes, including life-sized children and adult characters.

The Ravca dolls were sometimes signed in ink on their bodies and others on their tags. Some pre-1939 dolls had paper tags, imprinted "Original Ravca Fabrication Francaise" or woven labels designating "MADE IN FRANCE". There have been many Ravca-type dolls made over the years, so without signature or tags, it is almost impossible to verify an original Ravca, unless it can be favorably compared to a documented Ravca original.

Her signed tag.

Who could resist that big goofy grin? *winks* Not me that's for sure!

Dolls turned out to be my theme for the week.
I found this little shell art piece at the Goodwill for 99 cents and I added this little Italian doll bust from ebay to it... Now she's living a shell-tered life! Lol!

Now on this next one I don't want to creep you out... but I went to a car show with the hubbs this weekend and found this 1960's Suzie-kins styling mannequin for $10. I've been having a blast trying on different hats and styling her real hair. I purchased her at the beginning of the show and carried her through the ENTIRE show which was a huge conversation starter! I heard "Are you a head hunter?" And "What did she say to make you THAT angry?" Message to self... If you want people to chat you up... carry a mannequin head around with you! *winks*

This little boudoir doll box was an ebay find. She's a little LOT rough around the edges but still very charming don'tcha think? These are very hard to find in any shape so she's a keeper for me.

The wig is a replacement.

The interior.

I found this alter style candlestick lamp at the Goodwill. I love the huge metal moroccan looking plull! And the basket was also a $4.99 Goodwill find. The birdcage and Victorian beaded needlepoint picture of Saint Peter came from a local estate sale.

Cool pull huh?

The cage is an antique brass Hendryx. It'll be going to my etsy for anyone who might be interested.

This antique beaded needlepoint picture reminded me of something my friend Richard would have in his Old Historic House. *winks*

It's hard to see but his entire robe is made up of different colored glass beads. His hands and feet are done in micro petit point. Some poor victorian lady spent a good long time on this one! I'm thinking it would make a beautiful pillow?

This 1920's tin (with handle) of Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella (?) was a $1.99 Goodwill find.

And last but not least I'd like to introduce you to "Sandi" She's named in honor of my new friend Sandi from the wonderful blog A Cottage Muse who's just about as crazy for boudoir dolls as I am! You can see hers HERE. I begged her to name one of hers Vanna! So maybe you could stop by and tell her you think so too? *wink wink nudge nudge*

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Next week I'll be forgoing the flea markets finds to share with you... An Evening In Paris (my Paris garret livingroom) I hope you'll come back for a visit. And please leave me a comment and I'll do the same for you *winks* As always I LOVE to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for:

And Kathleen at Charm Bracelet Diva for:

Ann at On Sutton Place for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And Honey at 2805 for:

Hello sweet peeps! It's that time of the week again! It's FLEA MARKET FINDS DAY!! WHOO HOO!!
I really haven't got much to share, but the few things I did find are good goodies!!
It's a two way tie this week for the "favorite find" position *winks*
I'll start with the most wonderful Marie Antoinette boudoir doll! She was an ebay find and I paid through the nose for her (Sometimes you've just gotta fork it over!) but she's the QUEEN of my doll collection!

She has the most wonderful little details like her petite necklace and rings and bracelets on her hands. Her hair is styled a mile high *winks* and even has a strand of small seed pearls draping from the back!

Lots of satiny flounces and a bustle!

Look at that hair!

Holding a sweet little rose. Isn't she wonderful!?

Tied with Marie for my favorite find is this antique lantern 21" tall. It looks Italian to me? But could also be French? I found it at a local antique store for $36. I thought it seemed interesting, but the more closely I looked the more fabulous it became to me! (Does that happen to you too?) It turns out it's patina'd copper and each of the four sides features stained glass. It has a French zinc look to it dont'cha think? I also love the fleur de lis finials at the top. It still needs a little clean up but I couldn't wait to share it! *winks* I'm going to have the hubster turn it into a lamp for me.

Close up on the stained glass.

Then I found this beautiful large antique watercolor rose painting ($60) One of the things I really loved about it was that on the back was written:
Given to: Mrs. Ida Kimball Hickman By Hattie Kimball painted 1909. To be given at my death to: Dorothy Beck.
It's so nice to have the history with the painting and happens so rarely.
Sorry about the bad picture quality. The glass always makes it so difficult to get a good shot.

Close up.

This alabaster lamp was a Goodwill find for my etsy.

As well as these vintage Avon bottles also from the Goodwill for 99 cents each. (The peacock is my favorite! *winks*)

Then last week my wonderful friends Patti and Paula at Ivy & Elephants and my sweet friend Honey from 2805 gifted me with The...

Awwwwww thank you so much for thinking of me!

The rules are that the recipient is to acknowledge the award presenter and pass it on to 7-8 other bloggers. And the recipient is to “reveal” 7-8 things about herself. So OK here goes...
1. I'm extremely shy... Really! 2. I have three dogs and 1 cat, all rescues of one kind or another, and I love animals more than most people. 3. I've dreamed all my life of living in France (This is probably no surprise to most of you *winks*) 4. I once met Ted Bundy (The serial killer Yikes!) 5. I was raised on and around sailboats growing up. 6. I'm a blond and all those jokes ARE probably about me! Lol! *winks* 7. My mother is Swedish and my father Danish... hence the blond. 8. If it sparkles I'm going to be attracted to it!
Thank you Patti Paula and Honey!
I hate to exclude anyone because you're all stylish bloggers! So If you haven't received this award please help yourself to it... I really just want to learn more about y'all *winks* So come get me when you share your 7 things please!
That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. I LOVE to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining Kathleen at Charm Bracelet Diva for:

And my friend Marty at a Stroll Thru Life for:

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And Jill at The French Cupboard for:

I'm joining my friend Chari for her Sunday Favorites.
This post was from December of 2008.
Please excuse the picture quality, the icon sized photos didn't enlarge well, but hopefully you'll be able to see what I'm talking about *winks*
I hope you enjoy revisiting this post.

As many of y'all know (and probably wish they didn't) I am a bargain lovin' crazy shoppin' fool!! I have champagne taste on a domestic beer budget (at best*winks*) So I LOVE to check out all the finds on craigslist! Do you do this too? Sometimes I find the most amazing things for cheaps! Unfortunately even "cheaps" is straining the budget lately! So I did some virtual shopping instead. Will you join me on a tour of my finds at craigslist? Most are still available and waiting to find a good home! And I'd LOVE to hear about your finds too!!

Well let me begin with these darling antique trophy cups. The tallest measures 11" and two of them are sterling silver! All five for only $50! Wouldn't they look wonderful gracing someones secretary, mantle, or bookshelf? Hmmm awfully tempting... but lets keep looking...

Lets see... how about a chandelier? I soooos love my blingys! And this one is only $50!... Nope probably better not... hubby is complaining about the six hanging in the garage... But they were such great deals!!! And they all have such sparkley warkley beauty! How could I possibly say no? Well... I'm going to be strong here. And y'all who know me already KNOW how hard it is for me to walk away from a crystal chandy at this price!*winks*

OK confession time! This next beauty is no longer on craigslist..and hasn't been for some time because it DID come home with me! The only thing harder for me to walk away from than a sparkley warkley chandelier, is a french armoire at a killer price! $300 was the asking price but simply for asking if that was his "friendliest price?" I got it for $250!! Yippee!! Oh happy happy day!! I had NO idea where I was going to use this baby, and briefly considered painting it... But hubby had a fit! What is it with men and painting wood? welll...

Hubby turned out to be right! And now it lives in my family room and houses all my TV stuffs.Here it is all cleaned up in its new home *winks*

Now this one is really tempting!... Needs some work! But ooohhh that faux marble! And it's antique and italian!! Like music to my ears! But wait it gets better!! It's $130 or best offer! I might just have to pick up the phone on this one!... OK after a careful consideration of 5 seconds, I'd better pass. I don't have room for one more armoire in my house unless I use it in that shabby white bedroom of mine... And then we're back to painting the furniture, and battles with hubby. Maybe someday he'll vacation without me and I can have my wicked way with an armoire heh heh heh!

Just check out those columns! Aren't they somethin' somethin'?

Now this is for all the shabby chic-ers! And yes I am a closet shabby chic-er... And I am tired of living in the closet! I long to do my entire house in this pale romantic dreamy style!! All that white beauty surrounding me in a veil of calm and tranquility! Until one of my furbabies decides to jump up and sleep on the slip covered sofy in my vision of white... probably with muddy feet. Hubby is also strangely hostile and resistant to this style... silly man! Anyhoo check out this SWEET!!!! bedroom set. It would be fabulous in a big or little girls room! At $750 for the set it's a little pricey but oh sooo charming! Don't you agree?

Close up on the hand painted florals

This is a double headboard but the owner said they used it on a queen. Hmm not so sure about that...

Dig this vanity! Helooo Mr owner man... give a deal to meeeeee!

Now getting hotter!! Y'all know I have a thang for french, frenchy,curvy, foofy things for cheaps! And this has everything in spades! And at only $200!! Where or where could I sneak this in so hubby won't divorce me?... Hmmmm might be worth it!... I'm just kidding honey (if you're reading this! Really, no foolin! Kiss kiss!) Wouldn't this work great for holding a TV? Or used in a bathroom to house a sink? Or... And this is the one I like best... To hold a whole collection of marble busts!!! Yeah baby! *winks*

How about a darling kidney beaner desk? This one is only $250 and has such great lines!

Now this is one that DID get away from me! I hesitated too long and didn't want to drive the 30 miles required to pick it up. When I checked a few days later... it was GONE! And it was only $15! What was I thinkin'?!! It's only an hour total for a fab birdcage!... Well I was too lazy... and that's the truff *sighs*

Threw this one in also for my shabby chic friends. Isn't the paint perfect on this charming little table? $65 is the asking price but I'm sure they could do a little better... *winks*

Or how about an older chocolate set? It comes with plates too! For $50 it could be yours!

Now these are also on my VERY short list!! There are a pair of these beautiful chairs for $250. They are soooo screaming my name! VANNA... take me home VANNA!! I have a thang for frenchy chairs as well! Don't ya think chairs have the most personality of any furniture pieces?

I am incredibly tempted by these! And sooo impressed with my AMAZING willpower!... ok and the fact that I have zero money... Haha!

And here's my finisher, a fabu ramous french settee! Yes it's just a tad costy ($395) But just look at those legs!! They could do pirouettes!! And in an entry hall wouldn't it look amazing!!... Crap-o-noodles! I don't have an entry hall! What a dream crusher!

Well that's all for now. I really enjoyed sharing this shopping experience with you! And so far today I haven't spent a dime! Hubby would be SOOOO PROUD!! But there's always tomorrow... *winks* Vanna
P.S. I'm still sad about missing out on those french chairs! Weren't they fabulous?!
Please stop by Chari's place and check out the many other Sunday Favorites!

As many of y'all know (and probably wish they didn't) I am a bargain lovin' crazy shoppin' fool!! I have champagne taste on a domestic beer budget (at best*winks*) So I LOVE to check out all the finds on craigslist! Do you do this too? Sometimes I find the most amazing things for cheaps! Unfortunately even "cheaps" is straining the budget lately! So I did some virtual shopping instead. Will you join me on a tour of my finds at craigslist? Most are still available and waiting to find a good home! And I'd LOVE to hear about your finds too!!

Well let me begin with these darling antique trophy cups. The tallest measures 11" and two of them are sterling silver! All five for only $50! Wouldn't they look wonderful gracing someones secretary, mantle, or bookshelf? Hmmm awfully tempting... but lets keep looking...

Lets see... how about a chandelier? I soooos love my blingys! And this one is only $50!... Nope probably better not... hubby is complaining about the six hanging in the garage... But they were such great deals!!! And they all have such sparkley warkley beauty! How could I possibly say no? Well... I'm going to be strong here. And y'all who know me already KNOW how hard it is for me to walk away from a crystal chandy at this price!*winks*

OK confession time! This next beauty is no longer on craigslist..and hasn't been for some time because it DID come home with me! The only thing harder for me to walk away from than a sparkley warkley chandelier, is a french armoire at a killer price! $300 was the asking price but simply for asking if that was his "friendliest price?" I got it for $250!! Yippee!! Oh happy happy day!! I had NO idea where I was going to use this baby, and briefly considered painting it... But hubby had a fit! What is it with men and painting wood? welll...

Hubby turned out to be right! And now it lives in my family room and houses all my TV stuffs.Here it is all cleaned up in its new home *winks*

Now this one is really tempting!... Needs some work! But ooohhh that faux marble! And it's antique and italian!! Like music to my ears! But wait it gets better!! It's $130 or best offer! I might just have to pick up the phone on this one!... OK after a careful consideration of 5 seconds, I'd better pass. I don't have room for one more armoire in my house unless I use it in that shabby white bedroom of mine... And then we're back to painting the furniture, and battles with hubby. Maybe someday he'll vacation without me and I can have my wicked way with an armoire heh heh heh!

Just check out those columns! Aren't they somethin' somethin'?

Now this is for all the shabby chic-ers! And yes I am a closet shabby chic-er... And I am tired of living in the closet! I long to do my entire house in this pale romantic dreamy style!! All that white beauty surrounding me in a veil of calm and tranquility! Until one of my furbabies decides to jump up and sleep on the slip covered sofy in my vision of white... probably with muddy feet. Hubby is also strangely hostile and resistant to this style... silly man! Anyhoo check out this SWEET!!!! bedroom set. It would be fabulous in a big or little girls room! At $750 for the set it's a little pricey but oh sooo charming! Don't you agree?

Close up on the hand painted florals

This is a double headboard but the owner said they used it on a queen. Hmm not so sure about that...

Dig this vanity! Helooo Mr owner man... give a deal to meeeeee!

Now getting hotter!! Y'all know I have a thang for french, frenchy,curvy, foofy things for cheaps! And this has everything in spades! And at only $200!! Where or where could I sneak this in so hubby won't divirce me?... Hmmmm might be worth it!... I'm just kidding honey (if you're reading this! Really, no foolin! Kiss kiss!) Wouldn't this work great for holding a TV? Or used in a bathroom to house a sink? Or... And this is the one I like best... To hold a whole collection of marble busts!!! Yeah baby! *winks*

How about a darling kidney beaner desk? This one is only $250 and has such great lines!

Now this is one that DID get away from me! I hesitated too long and didn't want to drive the 30 miles required to pick it up. When I checked a few days later... it was GONE! And it was only $15! What was I thinkin'?!! It's only an hour total for a fab birdcage!... Well I was too lazy... and that's the truff *sighs*

Threw this one in also for my shabby chic friends. Isn't the paint perfect on this charming little table? $65 is the asking price but I'm sure they could do a little better... *winks*

Or how about an older chocolate set? It comes with plates too! For $50 it could be yours!

Now these are also on my VERY short list!! There are a pair of these beautiful chairs for $250. They are soooo screaming my name! VANNA... take me home VANNA!! I have a thang for frenchy chairs as well! Don't ya think chairs have the most personality of any furniture pieces? I am incredibly tempted by these! And sooo impressed with my AMAZING willpower!... ok and the fact that I have zero money...

And here's my finisher, a fabu ramous french settee! Yes it's just a tad costy ($395) But just look at those legs!! They could do pirouettes!! And in an entry hall wouldn't it look amazing!!... Crap-o-noodles! I don't have an entry hall! What a dream crusher!

Well that's all for now. I really enjoyed sharing this shopping experience with you! And so far today I haven't spent a dime! Hubby would be SOOOO PROUD!! But there's always tomorrow... *winks* Vanna

A few years ago I joined the site Rate My Space. There I shared many of the rooms in my home and met so many wonderful people! The other day I decided to take a trip down memory lane and read some of the lovely comments that had been left over the years, only to find that all my spaces had been deleted! I had the various spaces linked on my sidebar. Alas never to be found again. *sighs*
Soooo I'll be sharing my rooms here on my blog starting with my Shabby guestroom. It's encountered quite a few changes since the RMS days. Hopefully for the better?
This could take a wee while so you might want to get yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee... or even better wine *winks* and settle in for LOTS of pictures!
I'll be moving clockwise around the room so come on and follow me and I'll show ya around! *winks*
This is the room overview...

Large white antique mirror for pretty primping...

This is the newest addition to my shabby room, a chippy old wicker bed corona (found last week at a yard sale for $10) I wanted to use this as a shelf for displaying some rose paintings. However it just wasn't strong enough so I had to make do for this photo-op *winks* Whatcha think? fine or flop?

Close up.

This french floral sconce sits at the top of the mirror. I love its delicate beauty.

My lovely Marie dress form. One of my favorite things in the room!

French armoire...

Filled with all kinds of linens and treasures...

Come a little closer and take a peeky poo...

A favorite little french lamp.

The lady in green is the newest addition to my boudoir lady lamp collection.

Isn't she sweet?!

In the corner lies a victorian tete a tete chaise that I won at an auction. Fell in LOVE! Had to have it! Despite its shabby condition *winks*

A little pause for a spot of tea...

Italian stacking tables in cream with dreamy florals...

And above is a shelf filled with my small Norah Wellings doll collection.

The little brown pixie is one of my favorites!

Who can resist a smile like this???! Their little faces make me happy each and every time I see them!

A shabby chippy garden goddess adorned with rosaries and rhinestones...

A vanity found at the local Goodwill.

This little celluloid box featuring a courting couple still has its original interior brush set on a bed of blue silk.

Above hangs a bronze cherub lamp...

Frenchy bedside table.

Bed corona.

Darling ballet pointe shoes... One pair signed... Against a background of vintage roses... I want more!!

Can you tell I LOVE roses?! *winks* Naw... to subtle for ya? LOL!

I wish I could've gotten a better shot of this 19th century Vinea hand colored aquatint, but the glass was too reflective so hopefully you'll get the gist?

It has lots of cavorting cherubs which I adore!!

A little shelf filled with some more of my boudoir ladies.

And we've come all the way around. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my shabby bedroom. It's my one room for over the top femininity! Have to consider the poor hubby in the rest of the house! *winks* So if you're a girl who loves things French foofy and poofy? You're welcome to come stay for a visit. I'd love to have you! Sorry boys I just couldn't do this to you! *winks* You might come away with tassels on your ears! LOL!

And as you leave the room this pretty french couple is waving goodbye! And wishing you a wonderful day! Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. And come back for a visit anytime! Vanna

I'm joining over at French Country Cottage for:

And Sherry at The Charm Of Home for:

Bonjour mes amis!!
It's time for another week of FLEA MARKET FINDS!!
I'd love to say I found something stupendous to share this week, but alas the pickin's were slim and my wallet slimmer after last weeks purchase of Penelope HERE.
I do have the first of 4 giveaway gifts to share with you though!
I'll be doing a different giveaway for 4 consecutive weeks... One gift for each 100 of my followers! So if you'd like to win this weeks little pressie just become a follower (If you're not already?) AND leave me a comment telling me you'd like to be entered. This weeks giveaway is for this cute little angel baby holding a flower! Perfect for displaying a little crown or rosary or two (Sorry the giveaway is just for the angel, but I'm sure you probably have some better bling than I do anyway *winks*) He would also be easy to paint a different color if desired. So leave me a comment K? *winks*

Moving on to my finds for the week. This sweet little vintage french chair was my favorite. I actually drove 4 hrs for it. No I'm not crazy... Well actually maybe I am, but again I digress... My hubby and I made a day of it and enjoyed the trip and stopped to shop and smell the roses along the way. It was a wonderful time!

And next to it is this nifty shabby white urn for $12.99 that I filled with dried hydrangeas.
"Why does she keep taking pictures in this same space?" You might be asking yourself. It's actually the only spot in my house with any light!... Just sayin'

Then a new boudoir lady for my collection via ebay for $38. These little cuties are getting harder and harder to find at a price I can afford *sighs* Isn't she pretty?!

I found these Italian candle shades at a local antique store at $10 for the pair. Shown clipped on a couple of my perfume bottles. I love them! I tried to find something similar in a larger size on the net and had zero luck. So if anyone knows where I could find some? Please let me know *winks*

This is how they clip on.

At the Goodwill I found these charming vintage shoe trees for $1 per pair. Aren't they sweet?!

And finally also at the Goodwill, some vintage padded hangers for 50 cents each. I couldn't resist their soft pastel colors.

That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds AND another giveaway! I'll also be announcing the winner of this weeks giveaway so don't miss it!
Also... I've been posting like a mad woman this week! If you're interested I'm also sharing my collection of dress forms HERE. I'd love if you stopped by! Vanna

I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

The sweet Patti and Paula of Ivy & Elephants for:

Honey at 2805 for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

This recipe comes from Trim Healthy Mama and is reposted with permission fro the authors.

I've always felt bad for Brad who used to eat cardboard-like gluten-free pizza crusts while we enjoyed the gluten packed version! I had heard rave reviews about this cauliflower crust from other mamas on the Trim Healthy Mama plan and decided to give it a try even though it sounded pretty gross. Boy, was I wrong! Our entire family enjoys it just as much as the real thing! You'd never know cauliflower was the magic ingredient! Fooled Ya Pizza
Ingredients:

• 1 bag (16 oz.) frozen cauliflower (I used fresh)
• 3/4 cup egg whites
• 2 cups skim mozzarella cheese
• sea salt and other seasonings (I used Epicure's Pizza seasoning blend)
• pizza sauce and other pizza toppings (I used pepperoni, green pepper, red onion, cheddar and mozzarella cheese)

Add egg whites and pulse again.
Add cheese and other seasonings (sea salt, Italian seasoning, onion and garlic powder). Mix ingredients together well with a spatula.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and grease well. Spread crust mixture evenly across cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes. Cool.
Add pizza sauce and toppings and broil until toppings are done (I baked it at 400 for 8-10 minutes).

These recipes are reprinted with permission from the authors.

Just Like Wheat Thins Crackers | Trim Healthy Mama,
I had my doubts about this recipe. "Just Like Wheat Thins?!" Yeah, right. You need refined flour and sugar to achieve that kind of deliciousness, don't you? Apparently not. These crackers are amazing and taste like the real thing I can't seem to keep our house stocked though - they disappear quickly!

• 3/4 cup flax meal
• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 2 egg whites
• 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
• 1 Tbsp. parmeasan cheese
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• dash of black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Fooled Ya Pizza | Trim Healthy Mama,
I've always felt bad for Brad who used to eat cardboard-like gluten-free pizza crusts while we enjoyed the gluten packed version! I had heard rave reviews about this cauliflower crust from other mamas on the Trim Healthy Mama plan and decided to give it a try even though it sounded pretty gross. Boy, was I wrong! Our entire family enjoys it just as much as the real thing! You'd never know cauliflower was the magic ingredient!

• 1 bag (16 oz.) frozen cauliflower (I used fresh)
• 3/4 cup egg whites
• 2 cups skim mozzarella cheese
• sea salt and other seasonings (I used Epicure's Pizza seasoning blend)
• pizza sauce and other pizza toppings (I used pepperoni, green pepper, red onion, cheddar and mozzarella cheese)

Add egg whites and pulse again.
Add cheese and other seasonings (sea salt, Italian seasoning, onion and garlic powder). Mix ingredients together well with a spatula.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and grease well. Spread crust mixture evenly across cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes. Cool.
Add pizza sauce and toppings and broil until toppings are done (I baked it at 400 for 8-10 minutes).

Peanut Squares | Trim Healthy Mama,
These squares are so yummy! A combination of sweet and salty, we enjoy them as a snack and a dessert. They're gerat to give along with a meal to a new mom too.

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tsp Truvia
• 1 pkg cream cheese, softened
• 10 tsp Truvia
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup whipping cream

While crust is baking, beat cream cheese and second measurement of Truvia together until light and fluffy. Add peanut butter and beat some more.

In a separate bowl, beat whipped cream. Fold into cream cheese mixture and spread over cooled crust.

Place in refrigerator to chill until set.

Cheeseburger Pie | Trim Healthy Mama,
This is probably our #1 favorite supper on the plan. It's all the goodness of a cheeseburger without the bun. You would never miss it! This is so satisfying and delicious. I make once a week in place of burgers on the barbie.

• 2 lbs of ground beef
• 3 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 6 oz. grated cheddar cheese
• pickles, tomatoes, red onion
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• sea salt
• ground pepper
• 6 oz. grated cheddar cheese

Chunky Cream Pops | Trim Healthy Mama,
This frozen dessert reminds me of my favorite ice cream, President's Choice Chocolate Fudge Crackle... except it's waaaay healthier, made with good fats and no sugar. We love this treat. It's Brad's favorite of all the desserts I've made from Trim Healthy Mama so far.

• 1 batch of Skinny Chocolate
• 2 8oz. blocks of cream cheese
• 10 tsp. Truvia
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 heaped Tbsp. peanut butter

Spicy Chicken Wings, pg. 323

Taco Salad, pg. 347

Special Agent Brownies, pg. 383

Trim Healthy Pancakes, pg. 223

In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Growing Home. I humbly thank you for your support.

Flipping through the Dictionary the other day, I discovered something about myself.

-ist a suffix of nouns, often corresponding to verbs ending in -ize or nouns ending in -ism, that denote a person who practices or is concerned with something, or holds certain principles, doctrines, etc. Origin: Middle English -iste < Latin -ista < Greek -istēs; in some words, representing French -iste, German -ist, Italian -ista, etc.,A lyricist is one who writes words to a song.

A perfectionist is one who wants things to be perfect.

A terrorist is one who causes terror.

An herbalist is one who specializes in herbs.

A feminist, in the truest sense of the word, is one who is concerned with femininity. And so it is that I am a feminist.

Logically, the only One authorized to define femininity is the Creator of females. That means God (not Marie Stopes, Coco Chanel, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, or culture), gets to describe - no, order -what a true feminist ought to look like. He does so in Proverbs 31:

• She is pure (v. 10).
• She is a trustworthy treasure to her husband (v. 10,11, 12, 23, 28b, 29).
• She is concerned for the well-being of her family (v. 13, 14, 15, 18b, 19, 22, 27).
• She is hard-working and industrious (v. 13-22, 24, 27, 31).
• She is clothed with strength and dignity (v. 17, 25).
• She is skilled in managing finances (v. 14, 16).
• She is courageous in character (v. 25, 29).
• She is kind and compassionate (v. 20, 26).
• She is wise (v. 26).
• She is praised by her children and husband (v. 28, 29).
• She is holy (v. 30).
• She is blessed (v. 31).

Biblical femininity says men and women are equal in importance, status, honor, and dignity (Genesis 3:18). Both men and women are equally fallen (Romans 2:23), and equally able to be rescued from their sin and condemnation through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

However equal, their roles are different. God’s purpose for humanity includes complementary relationships between men and women so that a lost and dying world can be confronted with the Gospel through living portraits of God's love for His Bride, the Church.

Husbands are to picture Christ by loving their wives (Ephesians 5: 25-33; 1 Peter 3:7), and wives are to be submissive to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Timothy 2:12). Men are responsible for leading their families spiritually and supporting them financially (1 Timothy 3:4; 5:8). Wives, in addition to the duties outlined in Proverbs 31, are exhorted to love their husbands, love their children (which assumes desiring them), keep a home, and live in obedience, meekness, and a quiet spirit which is very precious in the sight of both God and her husband (Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
"Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." Genesis 3:16 (emphasis mine)Sin oppresses women. Sin from within ourselves, and sin that comes at us through other men and women. Sin makes us desire roles we were not created to fulfill. Sin makes us reject authority rather than be submissive to it. Sin glorifies climbing a corporate ladder over serving "the least of these" at home. Sin calls meekness "weakness," and favors boldness over quietness in a woman. Sin puts me first and my family last. Sin blurs scripturally distinctive gender roles and makes the opposite of God's design seem more attractive.

Jesus came to set us free from the sin that holds us in bondage. Freedom and liberation are not found in departing from God's design, but submitting to it out of obedience and love to the One who bought our salvation, purpose, status, dignity, and value with His blood (John 14:15; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Romans 6:22)."Feminism" doesn't liberate women; Jesus does.
"Feminism" isn't feminine at all. "Feminists" are really masculinists: people who are concerned with becoming masculine. Until females become feminine and males become masculine as God created them to be, relying on His forgiveness and grace for freedom and fulfillment within their roles, they will continue to feel oppressed, confused, shackled, afflicted, and demand their "rights" to positions God did not give them.

Let women be feminists: those who are concerned with femininity.

Let men be masculinists: those who are concerned with masculinity.

Let us all be concerned with the chief end of man: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (The Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q & A 1; Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11; Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4).

Are you a true feminist? One who is concerned with biblical femininity? Then you'll love our new, 153-page eBook, The Pursuit of Motherhood! You can read more about it and view the Table of Contents here.

The Pursuit of Motherhood
153 pages $7.99

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