Common Ground

Valentine's Day...all buttoned up

2012-02-14T08:00:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago when I made my L-O-V-E tags, I also wanted to do a little heart tag with vintage buttons. I've been saving it for today, to wish you all a wonderful Valentine's Day.

And with the painting finished I took some pics of my hall sideboard

all dressed up for some vintage romance.

I am really enjoying having my old window hanging on the wall.

I taped up a few of my vintage Valentine postcards, too.

I found this huge vintage candy box a few years ago,

in an attic that I helped clear out.

Looks like someone got a little wet while eating some of the treats.

This last weekend I attended the Antique Festival of the Ozarks

and found this sweet little Valentine card

(and a few other things that I'll share)

Hope you have a wonderful day planned with your sweeties.

lots of love to you all!

Living Room Re-Paint

2012-02-13T08:30:00.002-06:00

What a week!

We finally were able to finish up the painting

in the Living Room this weekend.

I knew it would be a big job...and it was!

These photos were taken just as it was getting dark tonight,

so they aren't the best,

I was just anxious to share the results.

Hopefully on a bright day I'll be able to take better ones.

I'm really happy with the change.

The sofas and drapes now stand out

instead of being lost in a sea of tan.

We had one minor problem, and that was with our very old armoire.

moving it around on the sliders,

we still managed to break one of the rollers,

which threw everything off.

That's why it's not centered correctly.

It will have to be unloaded of all the electronics and repaired.

I just wasn't up to it right at the moment...

Here's the before color, still really pretty,

just wanted to go lighter.

The girls are glad it's done too,

although, they had lots of fun hiding and chasing

in all the clutter and mess.

and I'm glad to get out of my painting clothes...

scary, very scary.

no more big projects,

at least for a couple of days!

joining in with these parties:

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Cowgirl Up at Cedar Hill Ranch

xoxo,

Have a Heart...

2012-02-11T09:25:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd share some "sweet" hearts that I've found on Etsy.

Theresa from the Old White House

Me and You stuffed heart
(one of these came to live at my house)

Rebecca Ersfeld's wonderful fabric collage journals

(I have one of Rebecca's art journals, they are a work of art!)

Kathy from Creative Home Expressions

has these wonderful script fabric hearts

Ann from On Sutton Place created a wonderful primitive

heart pillow made from an old quilt top.

Rhonda from a Little Bit French

has a gorgeous mixed media French Heart

Love Stitched Heart Pillow

from the Old Willow

And one of my Vintage Key Necklaces

with a Celtic Heart and Crown

If you haven't joined in for the Vintage Valentine Party,

then just scroll down to the next post.

Have a great weekend warm-up for Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 76 Vintage Valentine Party

2012-02-10T09:30:00.000-06:00

My new little light filled corner of the Living Room
has now been designated as
"the perfect picture spot".

And since my whole house is one big mess from the painting,
I'm just doing another small vignette.

I found this pink lace-y look Valentine chocolate box last year,

so I paired it with some dried long stem pink roses that I had saved,

and an old Valentine post card from the twenties.

This large Valentine is so fragile that I had to frame it.
It's a 3-D with multiple intricate layers.

I wish I could show it off better.

It's of two children at the beach.

You can barely see them in the center thru the cutouts.

Hopefully, I'll be able to share some other vintage Valentine goodies,

if I can ever get this painting project done...

and now from last week:

Betsy Speert, yes, THE Betsy Speert
linked up her wonderful bedroom
full of cabbage roses and English romance.

Renee from Miss Gracie's House has been on a mission
to re-make her butler's pantry, it's turning out amazing.

Here is just one photo, you'll have to see this post.

Cindy from Beaux R'eves sets a wonderful Romantic tablescape

what a beautiful way to say "I love you"!

Karee from the Vintage Chateau shares her gorgeous

Valentine Tablescape with some wonderful red transferware mixed in.

Debbie from Debbie-Dabble knows how to go "all out"!

She has Valentine's Day decor that is over-the-top amazing!

and another Valentine tablescape from Fabby's Living;

her Bavarian Valentine Tea.

So many wonderful links, wish I could highlight you all!!

OK, one more that I just couldn't leave out!

Lauren from West Furniture Revival created this Union Jack trunk

made from an old crate and pallet. Awe. some.

So today is the Vintage Valentine Party

hope you'll join in!

If you don't have Valentines it's still OK to link up,

just make sure it's "vintage or vintage inspired"

I'll be joining in on these great parties;

Feathered Nest Friday

Saturday Nite Special

Home Sweet Home

Please be sure you have a visible link to Vintage Inspiration Friday.

(And please, please, turn off your word verification.

I can't leave comments on your blog,

and it's just not needed anymore)

thanks so much,

love you all,

The Painting Continues...

2012-02-08T10:00:00.003-06:00

I'm into my second coat of paint in the Living Room, so it's coming along. I can't believe the difference this paint is making...the room seems twice as large...and clean! I couldn't help myself, I just had to take a photo in this wonderful light.

So, while I'm working I thought I share some photos from my Pinterest board,

White Rooms.

Source: adore-vintage.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: shabbychicks.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: countryliving.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: brookegiannetti.typepad.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: cotedetexas.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: littleemmaenglishhome.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: fleamarketchic.wordpress.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: countryliving.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: frenchbuttons59.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: tickingandtoile.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

And remember, tomorrow is the

Valentine Party at

Vintage Inspiration Friday

"anything vintage or vintage inspired"

Give Away Winner and a New Paint Project

2012-02-07T09:50:00.000-06:00

You'll have to look closely at these top two photos, otherwise you might just think a small tornado has blown through my living room. OK, can you see what I'm up to? I felt it coming last week, and even mentioned it in my last blogpost about my Hall Bath Makeover.

Last summer when I painted most of my furniture in the Living Room and Entry white, I noticed that the walls all of the sudden didn't "feel" right anymore. They are a cappuccino tan that I loved about 8 years ago. With the darker furniture it gave a nice backdrop. Now that the furniture is lighter my drapes and sofas have "disappeared" into the walls.

I've been seeing this coming, but once I found the Sandstone Cove color for my Hall Bath, it was inevitable!

So this is what I'm up to. I'll try to keep you posted. As you can see, as of this morning, I have just done a "test" area with one coat. But already I know I'm going to love it. The subtle gray undertone surprisingly takes down the rest of the khaki a bit. What can I say, I like to change things up, and this will lighten up the house even more.

My husband looks at me and shakes his head, but he knows that I won't change my mind so he rolls with it. I can do most of it, but he's going to have to do the peak points of the "cathedral". He seems to be OK with that, but I'll have to wait for the weekend for it all to be finished. This is where I learn to practice the concept of "pacing myself" and not wearing myself out...or driving my husband crazy...we'll see.

AND, the winner of my Follower's Give Away is

Pam from White Ironstone Cottage.

Hey Pam, send over your address and I'll get your necklace in the mail!

Thanks to all of you sweet followers,

wish I could send each one of you a gift!

Thank you for always being there with a word of encouragement.

love you guys sooooooo much!!

group hugs,

xoxo,

Introducing 107 Vintage

2012-02-06T17:09:00.000-06:00

Just recently I met Diana,
who has started a wonderful new online store and blog,
107 Vintage
As one of my new sponsors,
I'd like to introduce you to her and her web store, 107 Vintage;
a place full of beautiful and unique items, old and new.

Here's a word from Diana:

"Please visit our on-line Vintage Store that's full of one-of-a-kind finds and vintage inspired products that will age your home gracefully; home decor with a past. Blending remnants from the past with today's trendy styles. A unique decor that reflects an updated, stylish home."

"We are a Mother, Daughter team that design, antique, create and work together. We get caught up in searching for things that add charm to the home-things that age your home gracefully. They remind us us of a more gentle time, a family member long gone but certainly not forgotten. Timeworn but not tattered, China chipped but not shattered. Silver with a warm patina glowing because many hands have had the chance to hold it. We hope you have the time to enjoy life and all the little things that make it special."

Here are just a few of the items that you can find at the store;

French Apron

Authentic German Grain Sacks

Wire plate and utensil holders

Metal Cake Stands

and take a look at this fabulous one of a kind antique table;

the patina is just amazing!

Hope you'll drop by Diana's new blog

that chronicles her home, design business, and life,

then also head over to the shop.

And be watching for new Spring Merchandise coming soon.

I know I've found several things that I've been looking for...

see ya there!

The Hall Bath Reveal... sort of

2012-02-04T14:02:00.006-06:00

Well, we're back in the Hall Bathroom today,

so I can share the rest of the re-do with you.

I have boxes and boxes of old original framed prints. I know, I know...I collect lot's of things. I'm not 100% sure on this, but I believe this print is an R. Atkinson Fox from his English Cottage Series. I have several others in the same series, and I just adore them. They are from the mid twenties, and it's in it's original frame. (if anyone has info on this print, please let me know)

I rescued this little Chippendale shelf

from the neighbors trash heap a few years ago,

and it's been in here for the last 8 years.

It was freshened up a little with paint and some "new" treasures.

I'd like to have a small cabinet for this spot,

but for now I'll keep this.

I just love "cottage", and can't seem to get away from it.

My rosy chamber pot holds extra TP.

I have two of these gorgeous old mirrors,

anyone know what they're called style wise?

Are they shaving mirrors?

Originally, I had wanted to hang several of my old birdcages,

but the room just wasn't large enough.

This one is filled with two old celluloid mirrors,

an antique crocheted purse, and a birdie in a transferware cup.

this is an antique print that I had wanted to use in the wall gallery,

but just didn't "fit".

This print and old chalk sconce are on the opposite side of the gallery wall.

Another English Cottage print with an old chalk kitty asleep on the sconce.

And this vintage hooked rug that I wanted to keep with the color scheme,

love the florals with the taupe.

...and then I have this old chandy that needs to be rewired.

I'm hoping I can get hubbs to help me see this installed.

It's so pretty, but half of the crystals are off,

and they all need to be cleaned.

maybe for my Birthday coming up...

I'm totally in love with this paint color;

Behr 730C-2 Sandstone Cove

It has a wonderful taupe-y gray undertone,

but still very neutral...

it's making me want to paint the rest of the house this color,

oh yikes!

I'm having a quickie Follower's Give Away for

Valentine's Day.

If you haven't entered, it's super easy,

just scroll down to the next post!

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend,

the Give Away closes Monday night.

Refresh Your Room at Jennifer Rizzo

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll thru Life

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Knick of Time Tuesday at Knick of Time

Wow us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Share the Love at Very Merry Vintage Style

Power of Paint at Domestically Speaking

xoxo,

"Love My Followers" Valentine Give Away

2012-02-03T18:00:00.000-06:00

February is here, the month to share the love. So I wanted to do a quick Give Away for all my dear followers, just to say "thank you" for your friendship, love, and support. And since we're already into this first week, this will be a "quickie" give away.

(the reverse side)

Just be a follower thru Google Friend Connect

or subscribe thru email, or one of the Feedburner accounts.

I also would love to have you on Pinterest!

( to your left on my sidebar)

Just leave a comment

letting me know how you are a follower,

that's it!

Give Away closes

Monday night February 6, at midnight

If you haven't joined in for Vintage Inspiration Friday

just scroll down to the next post!

XOXO,

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 75 A Gallery Wall

2012-02-03T09:07:00.001-06:00

I think I'm finished with this little "project"!
(and what might this project be?, you ask)
a gallery wall...

and I've realized that putting one together,
is a little harder than it might seem.

I started with this shabby rectangle mirror. I've had it for ages,

and toyed with selling it, but it never seemed to make it to the booth.

I've tried using it here at the house before, but it never did work out.

So, when I realized I had a good 4x4 space to play with,

what do you think I dragged out...

yep, my shabby, chippy, old mirror.

I think I've tried about 20 different elements before I finally decided on this,

the finished product, and that was about an hour ago.

(that's why I had so many nail holes...trial and error)

I've Googled and checked on Pinterest for "gallery walls",

but most were of photographs or paintings,

not many were a mix of objects AND art.

I found I had to stay with the golds and creams to make it work,

I had a lot of beautiful prints that were within the subject matter,

but they were either the wrong size, color, or shape.

It was harder to find the balance in all that, than I imagined.

My advice for creating a gallery wall would be to gather all your possible elements first, trying to keep color and subject matter complimentary. Find your larger pieces to anchor your arrangement, then you can build around it.(them). On this light wall and with this shabby white frame, I found darker pieces, or ones with too much color just didn't look right; they were too "jarring" and very distracting. I wanted this space to flow.

Plus I tried to stick with "vintage".

That's the feel I am going for; vintage and a little bit French.

hmmm...looks like there's some extra space at the bottom.

I'm sure it won't be empty for long!

More bathroom photos coming up...

and just so you know I'm not a fibber,

the Sunburst Mirror post took a back seat,

once the paint fumes took over!

Let's see what was happening last week.

Andrea from the Opulent Cottage showed us how Victoria Magazine

inspired her to create a winter themed potting bench.

Mary Alice from Chateau Chic, has a wonderful garden theme

going with some Springy inspiration in her study.

Eileen from Cottage Beach House shares a window display

she did for an antique store,

where her coffee filter rose Valentine Heart takes center stage.

Eileen will be doing a tutorial post on making this coffee filter heart,

be sure and check back on her blog for it!

Nita of Mod Vintage Life has a beautiful home and some fab ideas.

Check out her use of silver casserole servers that she has turned into

amazing spice racks...calling all magazines!!

And Andrea from Town and Prairie

has a frozen winterscape of her garden elements.

just beautiful!!

Hope you'll join in for the party today,

so many of you do vintage related posts,

I'd love for you to come link up!

Please be sure that you have a visible link within your post,

and I'd love for you to join Common Ground as a follower.

Also, would you like to share the fun with this image for your sidebar,

and invite everyone to join in for the Valentine Party coming up?

the rest of the bathroom next post!

I'm joining in for these great parties:

Creative Things Thursday at the Vintage Farmhouse

French Inspiration at the French Cupboard

Farmhouse Friday at LaurieAnnas

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense

Inspiration Friday at the Picket Fence

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Potpourri Friday at 2805

French Inspiration at The French Cupboard

xoxo,

Like watching paint dry...

2012-02-01T10:53:00.002-06:00

I had an idea for a little something different in the Hall Bath. You know, one of those ideas that you can "see", but takes a little more effort to actually bring it all together... Well, yesterday I spent the better part of the day fiddling with this little project. I thought it might be done, but then it started nagging me 'cause it just wasn't "right". Do you know what I mean? I had everything cleaned up and put away, but I kept going back to it and I wasn't satisfied.

So while I'm waiting for the spackling to dry...

so I can repaint all the little nail holes I've made...

(grrrr...)

I'll just share these "teaser" images with you.

I'm lovin' how it's turning out, just what I wanted.

But let's just say, that I need to get this finished.

Hope you'll come back tomorrow for

Vintage Inspiration Friday

maybe I'll have this put together...

or maybe not.

linking to:

No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

xoxo,

Hall Bath Project

2012-01-31T11:40:00.001-06:00

I know, that's a blah title for a blogpost.

If you read my post on Sunday then you knew that I had my hand forced on a bathroom re-paint. This is a bath next to my studio, that isn't used much, except by me. I had some spots on the wall that needed to be touched up, (I do my own haircolor) but the paint had been a homemade color concoction by yours truly.

(Note to self...NEVER Never, do that AGAIN!!)

So when I tried to get the color matched, it DIDN"T match. I can't blame it on the paint people, the sample was old and small, yada yada yada.

When I painted a bigger section it was a gray-green, not a bad color...the problem is this bathroom is dark. No natural light but a skylight. So painting it a darker color wasn't going to work. I figured if I was going to have to re-paint, it would have to be "light and bright". I went to Home Depot and bought my fave paint, the two in one primer and paint Behr Premium Plus 2 in 1, and got to work.

It's a really pretty neutral paint color; a shade of linen that I love. I went to look for the paint sample sheet, but it's nowhere to be found. My hallway is a disaster with all the stuff that was previously in the bathroom, now being on the hallway floor.

This little metal table and the oval antique mirror are the only things I've moved back in. Everything else is pending...I want to do something different. Uh huh, pending all over the hallway floor...

The 80's have called and they want

my tan and white cultured marble vanities back.

It's impossible to get good shots in here,

especially with me NOT in the mirror.

Here's the paint color "before", a green that was similar to my Dining Room.

You can see I tried out some gray,

but with the tan tub surround, it just wasn't happening.

So now I'm going to have to shop the house and garage for some decor,

and I have to repaint some frames for prints...

but at least I'm able to cross this off the "need to do" list.

I'll keep ya posted...

xoxo,

Celebrate Rhoda's 5 Year Anniversary with a Give Away

2012-01-30T18:40:00.000-06:00

One of Blogland's favorite gals, Rhoda from Southern Hospitality,

is celebrating her 5 Year Anniversary this week.

She has graciously included my Etsy Shop,

and one of your choice of my pendants as a Give Away.

These photos were taken last year,

but since they are a Valentine theme,

I thought I'd share them again.

I have the adorable Valentine charms again this year.

The Petite Boutique is loaded with goodies...

So run by Rhoda's and congratulate her,

and join the Give Away here!

I'll be having a 10 % off sale until Valentine's Day

just use the coupon code CGETSY10 at checkout.

XOXO,

Have you herd...?

2012-01-29T18:01:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's a "herd", cause there are more than just a few.

They've been congregating in their favorite spot...

on the buffet in the Dining Room.

And then I realized a have a few others here, too.

Some elk and deer on my German die cut calendars.

It's a beautiful day here,

hope yours is as well.

I'm letting my sheep distract me,

'cause I have a painting decision to make for my Hall Bath.

I needed touch up paint...

what they mixed for me isn't "touch up" paint!

It doesn't match at all,

so now I have to decide what to do.

I'm not a happy camper...

joining in with:

Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday

A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday's Treasures

Knick of Time Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Share the Love Wednesday Very Merry Vintage Style

What's it Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Thriftin' on a Thursday at Savvy City Farmer

xoxo,

I guess I'm on board...

2012-01-27T18:00:00.000-06:00

I've been showing my age this week by admitting

that Sunburst Mirrors are a throwback to my youth.

Even as a little kid, I much preferred antiques to trends.

But I have to admit that the resurgence of this particular design

has been swaying me a little.

They're starting to look good...

really good...

and I decided that I wanted to get on board of the train.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Debra on Pinterest

My older daughter does trends "well".

She knows when to jump in,

and in a conversation just yesterday she said,

"Mom, you might as well go for it,

cause you're going to end up liking them anyway,

Don't be late to the party."

Source: centsationalgirl.com via Debra on Pinterest

I like how the design can go from these more formal rooms...

Source: mulberryheightsantiques.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: bellemaison23.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest

Source: kaboodle.com via Debra on Pinterest

to a more "informal" setting.

Classic or trendy...

Source: hgtv.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Debra on Pinterest

and made from some alternative sources...

Source: bhg.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: southernhospitalityblog.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: thepaintedhive.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: flamingotoes.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: curbly.com via Debra on Pinterest

I guess they are a decor accessory that's here to stay...

at least for awhile.

I'll show you where mine is going next week!

Don't forget Vintage Inspiration is still going strong,

just scroll down to the next post.

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 74 Sunburst Mirrors

2012-01-27T09:07:00.000-06:00

So...what comes to mind when you see these next few images

of Sunburst, or Starburst Mirrors?

Source: 1stdibs.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest

do you think fabulous and hip,

or do you think retro and ho hum...?

Source: the-afternoon.amazonwebstore.com via Debra on Pinterest

I grew up in the 60's, and when I first started seeing these

reappearing on the home decor scene

I shuddered and grimaced.

But take a look at this article from the

Winter 2011 Edition of Romantic Country Magazine
(yes, put your cute little readers on!)

according to RC I needed to take a second look

and then learn a little "history".

This article says that during the French Revolution

antique dealers re-purposed church possessions for their own use.

(I think this translates as pillage and confiscate...)

but I DO have to admit that some of the new styles

ARE reminiscent of old French antiquities.

Are you interested?

this subject to be continued ...

but for now, let's see what was happening last week:

Kristin from Sophia's shared her daughter's adorable new room

with an amazing bed, settee, and dresser; just beautiful!

This is a wonderful blog, you need to run by and see for yourself,

Kristin is soooo talented!

Linda from Nina's Nest shared her d-i-l's great take

on Subway Signs. just love this!

Denise from Pink Postcard shared her very first upholstered chair,

and she did a great job!

I collect vintage candy boxes, so Robin's (from Highpoint Circle ) wonderful

Godiva Valentine Heart boxes have me on the hunt for more!

There are times when my blog visits take me back in time

and bring sweet memories to transport me to my childhood.

Such was the visit to Laurie's farmhouse for a "wintry gift".

(I grew up in an 1840's farmhouse with an old barn,

so these photos of Laurie's place just took my breath away!)

What a perfect photo!

OK now, what's been inspiring YOU this week?

"anything vintage or vintage inspired"

Please make sure you have a visible link to Common Ground

to be able to link to the party

And remember February 9-12

for the Vintage Valentine Party!

linking up to these gal's great parties:

Stuff and Nonsense

2805

French Country Cottage

The Charm of Home

At the Picket Fence

xoxo,

Chirp, chirp

2012-01-25T18:22:00.000-06:00

You know how they say "a little birdie told me"...?

well, my little birdie has a message he wants to share with everyone.

He's a sweet little birdie with a smile on his face,

but he's sad cause he's having a hard time leaving comments.

So many blog friends where he's tried to leave comments.

Those that have word verification,

have been a real bummer for the last day or two.

I haven't had word verification for over a year, maybe longer.

Blogger is doing a great job on filtering spam. trust me...

99.9 percent of the looney tunes are filtered out!

and on another note...

thanks for all the sweet comments on my new blog header.

After the shock and upset of Picnik calling it quits,

I've spent hours and hours looking for alternatives,

(those of you who are Picnik addicts like me

are having advanced withdrawal.)

Picasa seems to be a contender, but I'm still fussy and fumey.

If you have issues, (and who doesn't) just Google your questions,

there are some great tutorials out there.

xoxo,

Valentine Pendants in the Etsy Shop

2012-01-25T07:10:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few fun pieces for Valentine's Day

that I have listed in my Etsy Shop,

The Petite Boutique

If you have an idea for something special,

just email me or convo me at my Etsy Shop.

XOXO,

Romancing the Mantle

2012-01-24T10:58:00.003-06:00

The weather here in southern Missouri is pretty changeable. Cold, mild, cold again. But we have had enough warmer days that some of our shrubs and bushes became a little confused and thought Spring was on it's way.

So that gave me the itch to change up my mantle. I still had my faux Amaryllis in my Wolff Pottery from Christmas, so it was time for them to go and bring in some budding branches. (faux budding branches, that it)

And while I was at it, I thought my little Country French Couple

might feel at home there too.

I love their sweet rosebud confection, pastel attire.

If you look closely you can see they are missing a few fingers between them,

but I love them anyway.

They are a large pair, over a foot tall, and that's good size for these.

So between a few budding branches and my little French couple

my mantle is taking on hints of early Spring and just a little romance.

It's only January, so I'm sure we have some nasty weather ahead,

but what's the harm of dreaming of an early Spring...?

Joining in for

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday at Primp

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Share the Love Wednesday at Very Merry Vintage Style

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Good Life Wednesdays at A Beach Cottage

Knick of Time Tuesdays at Knick of Time Interiors

House Party at No Minimalist Here

Farmhouse Friday at LaurieAnnas

xoxo,

Just a little L-O-V-E

2012-01-23T09:08:00.009-06:00

Not long ago after perusing some old Victoria Magazines, I found a wonderful image again in the February 1999 edition. Victoria never gets old or outdated, they are always lovely and classic. I knew once I saw it that I wanted to put my own "take" on it, so I used what I had on hand; tags and romantic elements to say "LOVE" in a very special Valentine-y way.

Old stamps

vintage buttons

Millinery flowers

faux pearls

L-O-V-E

I had so much fun putting this together...

Here is the original image

by Sarah Lugg, 1998

Photo image found at Art Slice.

I'm joining in for these great parties:

Copy Cat Challenge

Metamorphosis Monday

A new linky party, Simply Klassic Sundays

Hope you're off to a wonderful week,

xoxo,

Heart Shaped Happiness

2012-01-20T17:17:00.001-06:00

Don't they say the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach?

So how about a little heart shaped tummy love...

home made iced sugar cookies...

Source: savvymode.com via Debra on Pinterest

Le Creuset has some adorable ramekins

Source: images.google.com via Debra on Pinterest

I'm thinkin' I need some...

Source: images.google.com via Debra on Pinterest

but if you don't have those,

how about some jam filled cookies...

Source: images.google.com via Debra on Pinterest

or ice cream sandwiches...

Source: images.google.com via Debra on Pinterest

even these will do...

Source: image

good grief, heart shaped cherry pie...

Source: meetthedubiens.com via Debra on Pinterest

macaroons...I'm losin' it folks...

Source: thisnext.com via Debra on Pinterest

I don't know if this is some sort of red velvet,

but I'll take my chances...

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Debra on Pinterest

and Heart Shaped Marshmallows...

Source: bestfriendsforfrosting.com via Debra on Pinterest

can you tell I did this on an empty stomach?

Just letting you know that

Vintage Inspiration Friday

is still going,

come link up if you haven't yet.

just scroll down to the next post.

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 73 Cooking the French Way

2012-01-20T09:19:00.000-06:00

Take a look at these images and see if you can guess

what's been inspiring me this week for

Vintage Inspiration Friday...

Apartment Therapy

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: images.google.com via Debra on Pinterest

What do each of these images have in common...

can you guess?

It's what has me on this fooding, eating, cooking, kick...

Well, a couple of years ago the St. Louis kids and I were hitting the antique malls when what do you think my son-in-law spied...?

you got it, a vintage Le Creuset dutch oven. (They've been around since 1925, and still made in a small town in France.) Now, I knew what they were, but the bug just hadn't bitten me yet. Clearly he had found something fabulous. He was thrilled and made a mad dash for the checkout!
So then fast forward, and each time we go up to visit, there it sets with a prominent spot on their large gas stove. "Do you really use this?" I asked my daughter. "MOM...at almost every meal!" OK, excuse me, I'm not hip or trendy enough in the kitchen. But it did get me thinking, and I was a Crock Pot Queen in the day. So for Christmas this year this was my "one thing" that was a must for a Christmas present... and hurray...that's what I got!!

so now I'm searching out recipes to try out with my new French baby...

And as Julia would say...Bon Appetit!!

Here's some of the great inspiration from last week:

MaryAlice from Chateau Chic shows off a wonderful chippy old door

Rhonda from Blue Creek Home shares her lamp makeover,

I love this, she did a great job!

Sherry from Pondered Primed Perfected put together this

great look-alike Restoration Hardware Tripod lamp.

Kathleen at Faded Charm always has a great place for some

wonderful "White Wednesday" inspiration.

She has a new camera and her photos are yummy.

Here is her "Simple winter table decor."

This "Upcycled Stair Shelving" from Tattered Tiques

shows us how to use some salvage materials for some perfect shelving.

and Shabby Story totally revamps the kitchen pass through.

You won't believe the "before" pictures!

Thanks everyone for joining in, and a heads up for

A Valentine Party

to share all our vintage Valentine fun.

I'd love for you to grab the image for your sidebar!!

I'll be joining in for

Feathered Nest Friday

Home Sweet Home

Inspiration Friday at the Picket Fence

2805

Stuff and Nonsense

French Inspiration at the French Cupboard

Hope you'll join in for the party

and if you've been featured,

remember there's a button for you on the sidebar!

"Anything vintage or vintage inspired"

this link now requires a link back

to Common Ground within the post.

Thanks a bunch!

xoxo,

I'm Hungry for Comfort Food

2012-01-18T18:15:00.000-06:00

I'm not a "Foodie", but I have been searching out some recipes for some yummy comfort food lately. I'm trying to cook more healthy dishes this year, and I'm all about easy and the least possible mess in the kitchen.
Here are a few that I think look and sound super good, with all the comfort that goes in having a simmering pot on the stove or in the oven.

Turkey Chili from Dishy Goodness

Braised Beef Stew from Art of the Home

Chicken in Coconut milk from The Kitchn.com

No Knead Bread from the Kitchn.com

Chinese Chicken and Rice

Vegetable Pot Pie but I like mine with Chicken...

These cold winter days and evenings

are making me want to put on an apron

and get busy...

Meryl Streep as Julia Child. Loved this movie!

(google images)

See ya tomorrow for more inspiration with...

Vintage Inspiration Friday

xoxo,

A Necklace Give Away at Ruby Jean's

2012-01-17T11:44:00.000-06:00

Have you met Angelina from

Ruby Jean's?

She has the sweetest blog.

Each time I go there I feel like I'm in a candy store!

She's having a Give Away this week featuring one of my Pendant Necklaces.

If you have a minute, run by and say Hi,

enter the Give Away,

and be ready to be tickled pink with her fun creations.

xoxo,

Shabby Apple Earrings Winner

2012-01-16T11:32:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,

thanks so much for entering the

Shabby Apple Earrings Give Away this month!

I am so lovin' these wonderful Swarovski Gold Filled Earrings.

But they're going to a beautiful gal who will wear them so well!

Congratulations to Paula of Virginia Sweet Pea

Thanks so much to all of you who entered!

And don't forget, Shabby Apple is having a 20% Off Sale

just click on my sidebar image for a big savings!

xoxo,