Common Ground

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 75 A Gallery Wall

2012-02-02T18:30:00.000-06:00

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

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

2012-01-31T11:40:00.000-06:00

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 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

2012-01-23T09:08:00.003-06:00

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,

You saw it here first, folks...

2012-01-15T12:47:00.003-06:00

Not that Pantone or anyone else out there in the design world would give a lick about what I was thinking. But since the news was announced a couple of weeks ago about the "Color of the Year" by Pantone, Tangerine Tango, I couldn't help but remember that I dedicated a whole month to the sassy color orange, in September.

Do you remember how you had to shield your eyes each

time you clicked over to my blog?

I've always loved the color orange, mostly because my favorite season is Autumn. Love the pumpkins and the many shades of the Fall leaves. Orange is a color that I wear frequently, Spring I lean toward the melons, and citrusy colors, then thru the summer a more vibrant shade, and then into Fall with many scarves and sweaters in the deeper hues of bittersweet to russet. This post for Vintage Inspiration Friday was all about how the seasons influence our color choices.

Designer clothing to accessories...

Check out this fabulous hand knit scarf on Etsy

kitchen goodies...

my new obsession, Le Creuset, but in "Dune"

Kitchen Aid...

Then back to paint choices

I don't think I could live with the orange walls...

Christian Louboutin...this is where we need the sunglasses!

but I do love it as an accent color!

And when we were up in St. Louis last Fall

our older daughter was all about finding one of these...

or this one...

to go with her gorgeous gray walls.

Then, before Thanksgiving, our younger daughter

was needing a change from her red Dining Room walls

which were more of a "Lipstick Red" with cool pink/blue undertones.

They really screamed "traditional" and "formal",

where as she was wanting something a little more hip and trendy.

(not that this isn't an awesome room, just going for the color, here)

Hmmm...how did Mrs. Claus get into this?

She went from that red to this...

more of a paprika like the one on the right...

Just a slight but subtle difference in the undertones.

It's a whole new room with a new vibe,

and she has been able to coordinate colors and fabrics so much easier.

So if you need just a little Pick Me UP,

you might want to learn to "Tango"

Oh yeah, and lately my hair has been rockin' just a little of this

(all images from Google Images)

Hope you're having a great Sunday,

and you know thats not me in the above photo. (te he)

xoxo,

The Gray Day

2012-01-14T10:00:00.008-06:00

Each day for the last four years when I have walked into the house from the garage, I have passed these amazing gray shutters leaning against a stack of plastic bins. I'd glance at them and think, "what will I do with you?" and each day they would say to me, "don't sell us, we can be something you'd love".

So the day finally came when I decided to act on that conversation.

I have been having that want-to-do-something-different

feeling since New Years,

and I thought I'd try them in the Entry above my white console.

You see, I've had this issue with gray and tan.

I wasn't sure that they would work together,

but I thought I'd give it a shot.

I think I like them together...

The white helps balance them out.

I moved my round white mirror to the other wall.

I'll see how long this stays like this,

but for now...it's satisfied my urge to make a change.

What kind of changes have you made since New Years?

joining in on these great parties!

Coastal Charm

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

Very Merry Vintage Style

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Primp

Knick of Time Interiors

Update: I've had several people email me that say they are unable to comment.

So I went back to the Pop Up Window.

Let me know if you're still having problems.

Blogger...gotta love 'em.

xoxo,

Charmed

2012-01-13T17:11:00.003-06:00

I'm still being inspired by vintage charm bracelets with hearts,

and I have found a few on Etsy.

Good Eye on Etsy
(this one is sold, but I just love it!)

Beverly's Charm bracelet from Modern Poetry

and this one from A Purple Palm

If you haven't joined the party at
Vintage Inspiration Friday,
it's still going strong,
just scroll down to the next post.

and don't forget, tomorrow night is the end of the
Shabby Apple Earring Give Away,
just click here

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday #72 Antique Heart Charms

2012-01-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

I have to tell you the truth, this has been a busy week.

With announcing my opening Common Ground

for advertising and sponsors,

to stocking my Etsy Shop with Valentine Pendants,

My little pea brain has been in a whirlwind...

So when I saw this feature in the February issue of

Martha Stewart Living

I knew I had to share it with you.

I totally fell in love with these images of vintage jewelry hearts (in a heart)

"Charmed, I'm sure..."

When I was young we all had a charm bracelet that told our stories.

Oh how I'd love to find a stash of these now!

Bring back memories?

So let's see what was happening last week...

Holly at Down to Earth Style has redone her mantle for winter

with a nature inspired theme. Love the window screen and sign.

Barbara Jean from Treasures from the Heart has found the sweetest spot

for a little nest...her coin purse!

If you want to have your socks knocked off then

be sure and check out the house reno at Classic Casual Home

Dana over at Circa Dee found a new toy this Christmas

check out using it to make some great vintage look signs.

Linda from It All Started with Paint shows off some of her

mad crafting and painting skills in her wonderful Entry.

AND,You all know how much I love me some sheep,

well, go check out the funny story about painting these adorable guys

over at Pumpkin Pie Painter, really a cute post!

New Year and some new things happening here. I switched to the format of requiring a "link back" to my blog in your VIF party posts. I know it takes a few minutes to do this, but I join lots of parties too, so I have to do it as well. Besides, it's only right that if we link to a party that we give the hostess a nod for joining in. So please be sure there is a link back in your post, otherwise you won't be able to link up. (insert smiley and happy face)

Love you guys bunches, thanks so much for partying over here. I may not get to leave a comment on every blog, but I do try to drop by. Thanks for making Vintage Inspiration such a success!

And remember, you have until Saturday Night January 14

to enter the Shabby Apple Earring GiveAway.

xoxo,

joining in for these parties:

Stuff and Nonsense

French Country Cottage

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...

2012-01-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

I know we just got our Christmas things packed and back in storage,

but it will be Valentine's Day before we know it.

And just to get us in the mood for a little Romance

I wanted to give you a peek at what I've been working on.

These are just a few of the pendant necklaces

in my Etsy Shop, The Petite Boutique

If you're looking for something for someone special

or for yourself, hope you'll drop by.

I'm listing new ones HERE each day.

xoxo,

Going a little "Crazy"

2012-01-10T11:47:00.004-06:00

One of the first things that I did as soon as the kids walked out the door after Christmas was to go play in the sunporch. It doesn't have heat or air out there, but it IS such a big part of my decorating scheme, that I have to keep it changed up. Not because I'm out there lounging around, but because you see it from the kitchen. Plus the kitties love to go out and sit on their perches for bird viewing.

I have a few old bird books that I love, and even though they may be vintage, I still use them on a regular basis. My hubbs gave me these opera glasses a few years ago for bird sleuthing out here.

I didn't make a lot of changes out here, but I did want to try something different on the wicker settee. I have a couple of crazy quilts, and this one is more "Winter-y", where the other is more "Fall-ish". I've tried using whites out here in the winter, but it doesn't work, it just looks like an "ice-box"...too cold...I have to have some color to visually warm it up.

I also changed out the runner on the little coffee table for a burlap coffee sack from Germany, to have some added depth and texture.

The baker's rack still has the touches of red on it, and just yesterday I planted some hyacinth bulbs. I've never tried them before. It's pretty chilly out here, but since they grow in the snow, I hope it will work.

These are just too tempting for the girls to leave alone. They want to chew on anything "green".

Finally time to open up my Cavallini Bird calendar.

love these, pure art!

This is the place for some hot cocoa and some woolly socks.

Remember last week how I couldn't believe it was so warm?

It's definitely January now!

Thanks for coming to visit!

I'm joining in for these parties this week;

Coastal Charm

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Savvy Southern Style

A Beach Cottage

Faded Charm

Very Merry Vintage Style

No Minimalist Here

If you haven't entered the Shabby Apple Earring Give Away

be sure and click here. They're gorgeous!

xoxo,

Something New for 2012

2012-01-10T08:53:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, do you feel like you could use a little help?

You're tired of feeling on your own out in the world?

That you could use a partner?

someone to work with

Maybe be a part of the team?

Find someone who will support you and has your back

Have some like minded pals

That know how to put your best foot forward

Maybe someone who could speak up for you

To get some of your best kept assets out there for the public to see.

Someone who's not afraid to toot your horn for you

that could partner up with you to get the job done

well, you've come to the right place...

OK, I'm not crazy, just wanted a fun way to tell you that

Common Ground and yours truly

will now be available for advertising and sponsorships!

all previous images from Google Images

I'll be happy to work with you to give your blog and online shop

or Etsy store some well deserved attention!

Click here for details...

p.s. don't forget the Shabby Apple Give Away

here:

Angels Among Us

2012-01-08T15:10:00.001-06:00

A little gift arrived in the mail a few days ago. My sweet friend Cheryl from Zany Mayd had been the winner of a necklace give away of mine last month, and just look what she sent me!

And you might say, "He's adorable, but he's a snowman!"

and I would say,

"Yes, He's a snowman, but just look at this!"

This little snowman just happens to have wings!

I think he must be a "snow angel".

Truly a sweet blessing;

just look at the details...

I love the hat, the scarf, the little springs for arms, (and the flower bouquet). The yarn, the fringe. The spool of thread with a jewelry embellishment! I'm in love. I don't know if she knows that I collect "snow people", but this will be a treasured addition to the family!!

Oh, and that crooked little smile!

I love this Bible verse.

It always makes me wonder...

Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unawares.

Thank you Cheryl,

xoxo,

Plaid Silhouette Pillows

2012-01-07T12:08:00.003-06:00

This Christmas it was all about plaid and toile for the Dining Room,

so I wanted to share some pillows my sister made for me for Christmas.

She knows how much I love plaid for the Holidays, and then she added

this adorable bird on a branch to just make it over the top cute!

and this wonderful crown

I used them on the end armchairs;

actually they are still there cause I'm really lovin' em.

a few more of my paperwhites are blooming in my white pottery,

and guess who had to come and hang out...

oh yeah, she's a brave one.

She's sneaking a sniff of the magical mystical burlap perfume.

Hope you're having a great Saturday,

Enter the Earring Give Away Here

I'm joining in with Between Naps on the Porch

A Stroll thru Life

p.s. I just filled up my Etsy Shop with a bunch of new

Valentine Inspired Pendant Necklaces!

xoxo,