Moonlight Dreams...

Better to Light a Candle…

2012-02-08T20:08:00.001-06:00

than to curse the darkness. ~Chinese Proverb

I had the brilliant idea to stop by my favorite antique shop last week. I only did it to kill time, you know, not really shopping or anything like that of course…but then, I walked in the door and I saw a glimmer of etched cranberry glass. Well, of course I had to make a beeline for it.

Oh, it was love at first sight! It’s heavy brass, which is in serious need of some polish, and there are four wonderful fish arcing down the base.

Hmmm…but what exactly is it? It’s not a lamp and it didn’t look like any candleholder I had ever seen. The central brass tube is made up of two pieces that lock together.

A spring slides down into the brass tube.

A visit to an antiques board here on the web gave me an answer to the question of what exactly it was that I had found…it’s a spring loaded candle holder. The candle goes down into the brass tube on top of the spring. Then the top brass piece is put on and locked into place. As the candle burns, the spring pushes the candle up to the top of the tube so it continues to burn. Pretty cool, huh!

The most common ones made now are altar candle holders for churches. I have no clue how old this one is…I just thought it was wonderful. The best part??? I only paid $5.00 for it! When I saw the price on it, I thought “Oh yeah baby! You are definitely going home with me!”

I’m hoping to have time to sit down this weekend and get it polished. I can’t wait to see that brass glowing!

I’m joining Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday.

Thanks for visiting today!

Smoking in the Salon

2012-02-03T11:03:00.001-06:00

Dahling…sashay on into my salon and pull up a chair. Cigarette? No? Well, hold on a minute while I light mine and then we’ll talk. (Ok…imagine the sultry voice of Mae West here. LOL!)

From the latter part of the 1800’s into the mid 1900’s, smoking was often considered to be glamorous and sophisticated. Novels, and later, movies portraying the romantic and mysterious allure of smokers contributed to the huge demand for tobacciana items.

One highly popular item around the turn of the century, especially in Europe, was the Parlor Smoking Set. They were often made of majolica, porcelain or cast metal. Smoking Sets can be found decorated with transfer scenes or handpainted florals. The Set could consist of several pieces or one piece with various sections.

This particular Smoking Set, made of porcelain and glazed a soft shade of green, was made sometime around 1900-1910 in Austria. It’s decorated with handpainted pink flowers and gold trim .

There are three sections in the Smoking Set…one is used to hold matches…

The largest section is for the cigarettes…

And one section is for the spent matches.

On the back of the section for holding the matches are these handpainted letters – MOK. Maybe the initials of the artist? I have no idea.

Parlor Smoking Sets similar to mine can be difficult to find online…for the simple reason many people don’t realize exactly what they are.

When I purchased this one, the seller had no idea what it was and had suggested perhaps it was made to use on the dining table to hold salt and pepper. Hmmm, I suppose it could be used for that purpose if you really wanted to.

Thanks for dropping by my salon today! I’m joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday and Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Vienna Art Plates

2012-02-01T16:00:00.001-06:00

Vienna art plates were tin plates decorated with colorful lithographs that were primarily used for advertising. They were manufactured under six different company names in the early 1900’s. The most commonly found plates today were made by the H. D. Beach Co. of Coshocton, Ohio.

H. D. Beach began manufacturing the art plates around 1904 and applied for a patent which was granted on February 21, 1905. Beach continued to produce the plates until about 1913.

Many of the plates featured lithographs reproduced from hand painted artwork found on Royal Vienna porcelain plates. One commonly used theme were ladies, but there were also scenic lithographs used.

My small collection features scenic plates made by Beach. Two of them have the patent dates of February 21, 1905 stamped on the back, but the other two have a “Patent Applied For” stamp which dates them to about 1904.

You can see photos of all the beautiful Vienna Art Plates and learn more about them here.

Thanks for dropping by! I’m joining Paula at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday. I’m also joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party, Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Dreamgoddess

Repost of Dining with the Snow Queen

2012-01-26T17:55:00.006-06:00

It's been a bit hectic for me the past week and I haven't had much time to take photos for a new post...so I decided to repost one of my favorite table settings from last year.

Jagged icicles and glittering snow,

restless winds around us blow.

Stealth and quiet, we must not be seen

if we are to catch sight of the Snow Queen.

Utterly forbidden it is to see her face,

to trespass in her hallowed abiding place.

If caught, to eternal winter consigned

to be imprisoned until time out of mind.

Bitter chill and shards of ice,

for all that shall we pay the price?

Frost like a mirror, smooth as glass,

in truth we are at an impasse.

Oh please tell, do we dare to go on

or should we quickly have withdrawn?

Ominous shivers down us creep

as we anticipate what we shall reap.

She rides from out of the distance,

from a land of timeless existance.

White horses pull her crystal sleigh,

from her destination she does not sway.

Ermine trimmed cape blowing in the breeze,

who can say what her arctic gaze sees?

Sparkling snowflakes cling to her gown,

while below in the valley lies the sleeping town.

Ethereal and beautiful in her icy glory,

truly not a fairy tale or other story.

Shimmering crystal, etched with a snowflake,

a crown of ice …it’s her, no mistake.

Neither to the left nor to the right

does she look during her swift flight.

Not the tiniest sound do we make,

nor movement, our life not to forsake.

Then ever so slowly, she nears our hiding spot,

shock, anger and a glower we received not.

Instead a sublime smile, a wave and a wink,

then to our surprise, she was gone in a blink.

Amazing, no imprisonment or fuss,

what about all the stories told to us?

Imagine our shock and surprise to find

The Snow Queen was actually quite kind.

The Snow Queen graciously thanks you for visiting with her today and she hopes you’ll come back soon!

She’s joining in with Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for another Tablescape Thursday. She's also joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday. Last, but not least, she's joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. Why don’t you join us too?

Dreamgoddess

Maidens and Nymphs – the Fantasy Art of Hans Zatzka

2012-01-21T21:29:00.001-06:00

My absolute favorite artist is Hans Zatzka, born 8 March 1859 in Vienna, Austria. I first discovered Zatzka’s art while browsing eBay many years ago. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and also painted under the names P. Ronsard, Zabateri, Joseph Bernard, Bernard Zatzka and Pierre de Ronsard.

Although Zatzka made his living from painting religious themed frescos in churches and alter paintings, he is perhaps best known for his paintings of maidens, nymphs and cherubs.

A copy of Zatzka’s “In the Night Sky” hangs in my dining area. Looks so ethereal!

Two vintage prints in ornate brass frames hang in my living room.

My newest acquisition featuring the artwork of Hans Zatzka is this antique vase trimmed with gold and marked Victoria Austria. I spotted it in my favorite antique shop and quickly grabbed it before someone else bought it!

Here are other examples of Zatzka artwork showcasing gorgeous nymphs, maidens and cherubs. Warning…stop here if you don’t like seeing partial nudity!! Zatzka was obviously fond of painting semi nudes. LOL!

“Fortune”

“Elfenreigen” – This is one of my favorites…nymphs dancing under the light of the full moon.

“Water Nymph”

“Symphony of Water Nymphs”

“Water Idyll”

“Pearls of the Sea” – this is another favorite of mine.

“The Arrival of Spring”

“Venus with Putti and Attendants”

Zatzka continued to paint until he was in his 80’s and died on 17 December 1945. His artwork is very collectible now and often commands high prices at auction.

I’m joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. Since some of his artwork does have hints of pink in them, I’m joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks for joining me today! Hope the rest of your weekend is wonderful!

Dreamgoddess

More Cherub Love and Some Great News

2012-01-18T21:05:00.001-06:00

First, for my fantastic news! I finally got a job…well, it’s only part time and temporary, only for about 6 weeks, but it’s still a job! Can you hear the choir singing “Hallelujah”??? After 2 years of being unemployed, ANYTHING is better than nothing!

I had a wonderful weekend and can’t wait to share my finds with you! My husband surprised me with a trip to Mobile and we hit up a few of my favorite antique shops Saturday.

I added some bisque cherubs to my collection and can’t decide which is my favorite! The first piece is marked Ucagco China, Made in Occupied Japan, which dates it to between 1946 and 1952.

What a sweet little face he has!

The cart is decorated with gold trim and soft pink roses.

This second piece had me stumped! I couldn’t find any online information about it and wasn’t able to find another one similar to it.

So, I turned to the fountain of all antiques knowledge…Richard from My Old Historic House. (If you’ve never visited Richard’s blog, RUN, don’t walk over to visit him! Just be sure to bring a towel for all the drooling you’ll be doing when you see his gorgeous home!)

According to Richard, these types of pieces were made in several places, including France and America, but were most commonly made in Germany. They can be found decorated with children or animals too, but the ones with cherubs are more popular. This particular piece was probably made in the latter 1800’s to early 1900’s. I thought perhaps it was a vase or planter, but Richard said it was more likely a vanity piece and could have held jewelry.

Fortunately he also told me not to use it with water as it would bleed through the soft paste of the unglazed porcelain. Thank you Richard for sharing all the info with me! You’re the greatest!

Count ‘em…three sweet little cherubs and garlands of pink roses! Love, love, love me some cherubs!!

At another antiques shop, I found this necklace. It’s possibly just vintage glass beads…but I’m hoping it’s faceted rock crystal. I need to take it to a jeweler to have it tested. Unfortunately, my photo didn’t capture how it sparkles!

Then on Sunday, my husband and I went to the flea market for a couple of hours. One of the vendors had some pieces that he had bought at an estate sale in an old Victorian home in Mississippi.

This brass fern stand immediately caught my eye as I had been looking at one almost identical to it in an antique shop here where I live…except the one in the antique shop was, I kid you not, almost 7 times the price of the one at the flea market!

Here’s a close-up photo of it when I got it home. It has some issues that I’m working on…tarnish and what looks like some corrosion (?), but so far, it’s beginning to clean up nicely.

The vendor at the flea market said the top is marble, but I wonder if it might not be alabaster instead. I do know it needs a REALLY good cleaning! I can’t wait to get it all restored! I think it’s going in my living room next to the piano.

The most important question…what to put on it when I get finished??? I don’t have a green thumb, so an actual fern is out. Maybe this calls for another shopping trip!

So this is how I spent my weekend and I hope yours was wonderful too! Thanks for visiting me today and I hope you’ll come back soon.

I’m joining Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday, Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party Thursdays, and Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Dreamgoddess

Cherubs and Roses

2012-01-04T00:32:00.001-06:00

A new beginning is perhaps the best time to say…
It’s so nice to know you…
And here’s wishing our friendship
continues to grow in the days to come. – Author Unknown

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends! Just for you, I found this wonderful old Tuck postcard this past week to wish you and your family much love and happiness in this New Year.

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year’s holiday weekend! My husband, two youngest daughters and I spent a quiet, but fun, time together on New Year’s Eve. We had a nice dinner and then an evening of playing games while we waited to ring in the New Year.

Since “your” New Year’s postcard featured a cherub and roses, I thought I would continue that theme by showing some of the cherubs I have around my home.

My newest favorite was given to me by my mother. The little cherubs have the sweetest expressions on their faces and the applied roses are so beautiful. In researching the mark on the bottom, I found it was made by Sadek, which was founded in 1936 and is still in operation. One website I read was not very nice in their comments about Sadek wares…doesn’t bother me, I love the bowl and think it’s absolutely gorgeous!

This little bisque cherub was an antique shop find last year. The owner of the shop said she thought it was possibly made in Germany.

A pair of wall plaques made by Ucagco, probably in the 1950’s to 1960’s.

A pin tray with a transfer scene of a cherub and a butterfly and a half (one of the butterflies is missing part of his wings and body).

A cherub sitting on a shoe with more applied roses.

Almost hidden behind a vase is another one of my favorites…a Victorian figural epergne or centerpiece with a cherub.

Last, but not least, is another favorite cherub that I found on eBay several years ago. Actually, I think he might be Cupid with his bow and arrow, but that’s ok.

Well, that’s it for this post. I have a few more, but that’s for another day. Thanks bunches for visiting with me today! I hope you’ll come again soon.

I’ve joining Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday. I’m also joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Dreamgoddess

Puppy Chow

2011-12-28T07:32:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness, I wish someone had told me earlier about these scrumptious little treats! My sister made goodie trays for everyone in the family and she included some Puppy Chow in mine.

After one taste, I immediately called my sister for the recipe. She said the recipe was found here at Food.com.

9 c Chex cereal

6 oz melted chocolate chips, melted

1/2 c peanut butter, melted

1/4 c butter, melted

2 t vanilla

1 1/2 c powdered sugar

Put the cereal in a large bowl. Combine the chocolate, peanut butter and butter; microwave on high for 1 minute or until melted. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla and pour over the cereal. Stir to coat. Pour into a large Ziplock bag; add the powdered sugar. Shake to coat the cereal. Pour out on waxed paper to cool. Store in sealed containers or bags.

This is so yummy! I really could have been selfish and not shared with the rest of my family… but ‘tis the season and all that, you know.

I’m joining Patti and Paula at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday and Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday. See you there!

Hope your holidays were filled with yummy treats too!

Let It Snow

2011-12-27T12:00:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season! I had so much fun spending time with my family. My son was home for 2 days and he kept everything lively here at home. He and my middle daughter played a game of Twister Christmas night that had us all laughing until we cried. My kitchen floor became an impromptu race track for some remote controlled cars that my grandsons received. Although I do miss the laughter and fun we had Christmas day, it’s so nice to sit back and relax for a bit now.

For Christmas dinner, I set up the island in my kitchen for my grandsons. I wanted the setting to be playful and fun, but very simple. I wish I had thought to use a white tablecloth so it would have looked more “snowy”, but this was put together super quickly and I just didn’t think about it.

I thought these plates decorated with a merry snowman would be perfect for them.

Silverware was tucked inside a blue stocking.

White napkins were decorated with blue and white curling ribbon and a mitten ornament.

Snowflake goblets completed each place setting.

Greenery was decorated with red berries and blue and red ornaments for the centerpiece.

A snowman nutcracker took center stage.

Peppermint striped candles were placed at each end of the greenery.

Cute little snow people salt and pepper shakers were a thrift store find.

I love this little thrift store find! This roly poly snowman is a jam jar and his sole purpose in the setting was to look adorable!

My grandsons really enjoy having their own special “table” at Christmas and I had so much fun creating this one for them!

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for visiting!

A Melody That Would Last Forever

2011-12-23T06:49:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever. -- Bess Streeter Aldrich

I’m joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

To all my wonderful blogging friends, I hope you and your family to have a blessed, Merry Christmas filled with much love, laughter and song.

Coconut Yum Yums

2011-12-21T20:39:00.001-06:00

I’ve had this recipe in my cookbook at Food.com for quite a while and thought it would make a nice addition to my goodie trays this Christmas. The original recipe, posted by MizzNezz, can be found here at Food.com.

Is it a cookie…or is it candy? I don’t know, but they sure are good! The recipe was super easy to make and, start to finish, probably took about 20 minutes.

1/2 c butter
3 c coconut
2 c powdered sugar
2 oz semisweet chocolate

Combine the coconut and sugar in a large bowl. Melt the butter and add to the coconut/sugar. Mix well; scoop out small portions with a spoon. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheets. Make an indention in each one. Melt the chocolate and place a small amount in each indention. Chill until firm.

The original recipe states a yield of 36, but I must have made mine a bit smaller as I ended up with 48 of them.

I’m joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday.

Thanks for visiting today!

Merry Christmas,

A Merry Blue and Gold Christmas Setting

2011-12-21T07:46:00.001-06:00

                        You better watch out,
                        You better not cry,
                       You better not pout,
                       I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town!

                           He's making a list,
                       Checking it twice,
                        Gonna find out
                   Who's naughty or nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

           He sees you when you're sleeping,
             He knows when you're awake.
      He knows when you've been bad or good,
            So be good for goodness sake!

                 So...You better watch out,
                       You better not cry
                      You better not pout,
                      I'm telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

                    With little tin horns
                    And little toy drums.
                       Rootie-toot-toots
                   and rummy tum tums.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

                        With curly head dolls
                    That toddle and coo,
                        Elephants, boats
                     and kiddie cars too.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

              The kids in girl and boy Land
                        will have a jubilee.
           They're gonna build a toyland town
               all around the Christmas tree.

                 Oh....You better watch out,
                        You better not cry.
                      You better not pout,
                      I'm telling you why.

                   Santa Claus is comin'
                   Santa Claus is comin'
                   Santa Claus is comin'
                             To town.

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

I’m so glad you visited me today and I hope your Christmas holidays are merry!

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

2011-12-19T15:54:00.001-06:00

Today, I’m sharing the last of my decorated Christmas trees – one in the hallway and one in the kitchen.

There’s no place like home…the Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies. I can remember, as a child, being so excited when it was played on tv. Many years ago, I started collecting Hallmark’s Wizard of Oz ornaments and this is one of my family’s favorite trees that we decorate.

Along with the Hallmark ornaments, the tree is filled with apples, lollipops, poppies, and snowflakes. A yellow cloth covers the bottom of the tree. One day, I’ll probably quilt the fabric to look like a yellow brick road.

Dorothy and Glinda…

The Great Oz…

“Ruby Slippers” sit on blue and white gingham fabric…

The Scarecrow was always my favorite of Dorothy’s friends.

I’ll get you, my pretty…

and your little dog too!

The kitchen is truly the heart of my home. It’s the place where we gather to talk about our day and just spend time together. It’s a place of warm cookies and milk, fun , laughter and yes, even sometimes tears.

At Christmas, my kitchen is transformed into a Candyland. I love to see how my grandsons’ eyes light up when they come to visit!

This is a fun “grandmother” ornament that I found a few weeks ago at the thrift store. She’s all ready to bake with her bag of flour, rolling pin and cookie recipe! I love the little bun in her hair!

The Hoosier cabinet is set up as a candy station. Apothecary jars are filled with lots of goodies and treats.

The candy tree always brings a smile to my face!

The gingerbread teapot, sugar and creamer were thrift store finds. They brighten up the corner of my kitchen.

Before I close this post, I would like to introduce you to a very important member of our family. I was browsing through my favorite consignment shop and there she was…sitting there, just waiting to come home with me. My daughter named her…what else but “Ginger”, since of course she is a gingerbread girl. She’s even baked cookies in honor of your visit!

I’m joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday.

Ginger and I thank you so much for visiting with us today and we hope you have a

Merry Christmas!

Christmas in the Living Room

2011-12-17T18:50:00.001-06:00

Wow, it’s hard to believe Christmas is only a week away! I am SO NOT ready! I’m sure next week is going to be very hectic for me trying to get everything finished up before next weekend.

At least the decorating is finished! Here are some photos of my living room all ready for Christmas.

This is our main tree. Each year, I buy a special clear or spun glass ornament for each of my children, so the tree is predominately decorated with them. There are also ornaments on the tree that my children made in school when they were younger. We added in a few silver glittery balls to the tree.

There are also pink sparkly ornaments scattered around the tree.

The fireplace mantle...

Curio cabinet and hall tree...

The village is set up on top of my piano…

Have you been Naughty or Nice this year??

On the coffee table are two of my Snow Queen figurines...

I made the beaded ornament cover for this ball several years ago.

Living room as seen through the looking glass…

I’m joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks bunches for visiting with me today! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

Orange Vanilla Chip Cookies

2011-12-13T15:35:00.001-06:00

I felt like baking cookies today and had some white chocolate chips that I needed to use. After a quick search of Food.com, I found this recipe here for Orange Vanilla Chip Cookies posted by ratherbeswimmin’. Yep, I had all the ingredients, so I was good to go!

2 1/4 c A-P flour
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 c unsalted butter. softened
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg , at room temperature
1 T grated orange zest
1 c white chocolate chips

Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl; set aside. Cream the butter and sugars together in another mixing bowl. Add the egg and mix well. Add the flour and mix well again. Add the orange zest and white chocolate chips. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Using a teaspoon, drop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet (I greased mine). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for 1 minute; remove to wire racks.

Oh my goodness, these were wonderful! The only change I made to the recipe was to use about 1/2-3/4 T of orange zest (since that was all I had on hand), but I liked the way they tasted only using this amount. I loved the subtle orange flavor. The cookies were scrumptiously (is that even a word???) delicious!

Next time, I’m going to double the recipe.

I'’ll be joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday. Thanks for dropping by and I hope you’ll come back soon!

Christmas in the Dining Room

2011-12-12T19:20:00.001-06:00

It’s Christmas time in my dining room…the buffet has been decorated, the tree has been trimmed and touches of greenery added for holiday fun.

I decorated the buffet with touches of pink, silver and snowy greenery.

The Victorian Noel cross stitched picture was made several years ago from a free pattern I found online.

Pink ornaments are nestled in a Homer Laughlin covered bowl, sans lid. An epergne holds pink spire ornaments.

Hanging from the lamp are a cluster of three ornaments decorated with beaded ornament covers.

Standing on my grandmother’s sewing machine cabinet is one of my favorite trees. It’s decorated with vintage ornaments from the 1940’s-50’s and knee hugger elves from the 1960’s-70’s.

The tree skirt was made from an old chenille bedspread that belonged to my grandmother. She loved chenille bedspreads and this one was her favorite.

Sitting under the tree is my small collection of Mark Roberts fairies. This one, Spirit of Hope, is my favorite. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this fairy were donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Some of my favorite ornaments and elves.

Another shot of my dining area.

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

Thanks for dropping by and I wish for you and your family a joyous Christmas season!

Christmas Pink

2011-12-09T18:47:00.001-06:00

I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve posted on my blog! I had to take a little mini break because first my mother was very sick and then not long after she got well, I got sick. Thankfully we are both well now and it’s great to be back with my blogging buddies!

I want to share with you my absolute favorite Christmas table setting and it is usually the first one I do each year during the holiday season. I love decorating for Christmas using pink…I know, very untraditional, but what can I say?? I do also use more traditional colors in table settings for my family during the season, but I just love this one.

A snowy white lace tablecloth is layered over a pink damask cloth.

The chargers, handpainted by a talented artist in Texas, were a birthday gift from my husband several years ago. Among the pink roses dusted with snow are pine branches and white berries.

With the chargers, I’ve used clear glass dinner plates.

On each dinner plate, a clear glass sherbet to be used for dessert holds pink ornaments decorated with angels and sparkling glass glitter.

Sparkling pink ornaments rest in champagne flutes.

Pink Fostoria footed glasses will be used for iced tea.

Snowflake napkin rings were used on the pink damask napkins.

The centerpiece is decorated with snow dusted pinecones and branches, white berries and pink roses.

A pair of candleholders in the pattern “Caprice” by the Cambridge Glass Co. were placed at each end of the centerpiece and a taller crystal candleholder sits in the middle of the greenery.

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. I’m also joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks so much for coming by today! I hope you’ll come back again soon.

Redecorating the Hall Tree Corner

2011-09-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

I would love to have an entryway, but unfortunately my front door opens directly into my living room. In the corner next to the door is one of my favorite pieces of furniture – my hall tree. I wish I could say it was an antique, but it’s a reproduction of a Victorian piece.

For quite a while, I had a summery floral arrangement in a bowl sitting on the shelf. I decided it was definitely time for a change, so I’ve been playing around with it this week.

Antique vase with transfer scene featuring maidens and a cherub by the artist Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807)…

filled with an arrangement of eucalyptus and peacock feathers.

Love, love, love peacock feathers!

The antique porcelain heart with two cherubs…

would have held water and a small arrangement of flowers.

Framed print “A Garland of Morning Glories” by Emile Vernon.

For now, a crystal bowl in a silver plated holder filled with seashells and pearls. I’ll probably change up this shelf in the next couple of days.

Some of my vintage handbags…most of these are from the 1950-60’s and were gifts from my sister.

Antique prints by Hans Zatzka in scrolling brass frames.

Maidens…

and cherubs…my favorite type of artwork!

Container holding my grandfather’s walking cane and my grandmother’s parasol (actually it’s an umbrella…but parasol sounds so much better! LOL)

Peacock made by a very special cousin in the 1970’s. Love the iridescent sheen on the feathers!

Other than changing up the bowl of shells for something else, I’ll probably leave it like this until I decorate for Halloween.

I’m joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Thanks for visiting with me today! I hope to see you again soon.

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

2011-09-21T09:43:00.001-05:00

I’m so glad you’re visiting with me today! I have the tea all brewed and I’ve baked a wonderful cake for my husband’s birthday. I’d love to share it with you.

Each time I make a bundt cake, I think of the scene in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” where Ian’s mother brings one to dinner.

(Ian’s mother) It’s a Bundt.

(Toula’s mother) It’s a bun?

(Ian’s mother) Bundt!

(Toula’s mother) A bunk?

(Ian’s mother) Bundtttttt!!!!!!

(Toula’s mother) Oh, it’s a cake!

That has to be one of my favorite scenes in the whole movie!

We are celebrating my sweet husband’s birthday this week and he loves any dessert that has lemon in it. So, for his birthday cake, I made a Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake. The recipe can be found here at Food.com.

There is just something wonderful about lemon and blueberries…the flavors compliment each other so well when they’re combined. The cake was moist and so delicious.

The glaze is a “must add” to the cake. It adds a whole new flavor dimension to the cake! Look at those bits of lemon peel on the glaze…delish!

I’ll be joining Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday and Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday. Hope to see you again soon!

Music is the Poetry of the Air

2011-09-12T18:23:00.001-05:00

My mother is very musically talented. She has been playing the piano since she was about 8 years old. She also plays the organ and accordian. All she has to do is hear a song one time and she can play it…playing entirely by ear, she reads very little sheet music. I always wished I could do that! When I was a child, I wanted so badly to be able to play the piano like she did.

In 1965 when I was 4 years old, I asked for a piano for Christmas…I can remember seeing a toy piano in one of the Christmas catalogs and I wanted Santa to bring me that piano so badly! Unfortunately, by the time “Santa” ordered it, the piano was no longer available. None of the local shops had any pianos either. My mother was determined though that I would have a piano for Christmas…so, look what Santa brought!

Ok, so technically Santa brought the piano to ME for Christmas, but only because my MOTHER really wanted a piano for herself. LOL!

Here it is in my home today. I’ve been playing around this morning with different vignettes on top of it. Sometimes I have a hard time with vignettes because the top is so narrow. Most items have to be basically lined up on top.

While browsing through the thrift store Saturday, I found this wonderful gold lyre music stand. Oh yeah…it definitely had to come home with me! I bought it for a song! (No pun intended – LOL!) . I’m debating trying to antique the stand…what do you think? Antique it or leave it as it is?

It’s now holding one of my favorite pieces of sheet music – “Fairy Kisses” – circa 1908. This was an eBay find many years ago. I love the graphics on the cover…the romantic Victorian lady with her Gibson-girl upsweep and tiny fairy hovering next to her!

Two of my most favorite pieces are my antique German bisque piano babies. Both are unmarked and were made in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s.

Their little faces are so beautiful!

Featuring handpainted roses, this Victorian ewer is another favorite piece. Many times they were found in pairs and were used as decorations on fireplace mantles. When I play around with a new vignette on my mantle, this will probably be moved there. I also added some of my decorative marble eggs to the piano top.

Years ago, I found this beautiful piece of vintage needlepoint for a piano bench on eBay.

I finally got it put on my bench earlier this year. Gorgeous roses and a scrolling border…I’m totally in love with this!

The center design is petit point and the stitches are so tiny!

Someone spent an incredible amount of time making this…she must have had great eyesight!

I would so love to know who made it…what did she think about as she sat there stitching?

Was she making the piece as a gift or for herself? Guess I’ll never know.

My next project is going to be trying to antique the mirror hanging over the piano. I’m not loving the bright gold! I’ve been watching Marty at A Stroll Thru Life antique items using Mixwax and I think I’m going to give it a try.

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday, Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday and Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

I’m so glad YOU visited me this week! I hope you’ll come back again soon.

My Muse Needs Some Inspiration…

2011-09-09T12:02:00.001-05:00

As I was browsing through my favorite thrift store yesterday, I spotted this piece. I thought it was gorgeous and I snatched it up fast before someone else spotted it.

I know this is really for the dining table, but I want to use this on the coffee table in my living room. However, my muse has deserted me…what to put in it?

I would love to know what YOU would put in it! Any and all suggestions are welcome as I’m totally clueless!

I am so loving the designs in the gold frame.

The little feet are too cute!

The glass dishes are divided.

Please, if you have a minute, drop me a comment telling me what you would put in the dishes if you were using it in your living room.

Thanks for visiting with me today! I’m joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Pheasants and Wheat

2011-09-07T20:41:00.001-05:00

What a wonderful week this has turned out to be! I had my doubts earlier in the week…we were deluged by Tropical Storm Lee from Sunday morning until late Monday night. The county where I live was under constant tornado warnings all day Monday. Fortunately though we didn’t suffer any damage here at my little corner of Alabama. Just lots of rain and wind.

The temperature has been wonderful since Lee came through! Highs just in the 80’s and lows in the 50’s at night. What a fantastic change from the triple digits we’ve had the last several months!

To celebrate the Autumn feeling in the air and since I was stuck in the house Monday, I played around with this table setting. With the rain pouring down and the wind howling outside, Monday night was perfect for a hot bowl of chili.

I love using shades of gold, brown and green in the Fall. I placed a brown tasseled cloth on the table to anchor my setting. Gold napkin rings held brown napkins at each setting.

I added a crystal vase filled with twigs and dried flowers.

Later, I thought about my pheasant feathers and added them in also.

Next I pulled out a woven tray that I found several years ago at a thrift store. I placed the vase in the center of the tray. I put some bay leaves around the vase…but I needed something more. So I added in the bronzy glass pears (shhh…don’t tell anyone, but they’re actually Christmas ornaments! LOL)

I really wish I’d had a set of bronze colored chargers, but I had to work with bright gold. I used cream dinner plates and placed individual covered bowls for the chili on the dinner plates.

The covered bowls are decorated with a wheat pattern. I placed bay leaves on each plate.

I added crystal stems trimmed in gold and amber goblets to the table. The amber goblets belong to my aunt, who was staying with me while Lee was kicking up a fuss around the Gulf Coast.

Candles were a must on the table in case we lost electricity. We were lucky…the electricity only flickered off and on a couple of times. Unfortunately, the only color of candles I had that would remotely work were green…hence the use of the green bay leaves in the setting (trying to add more bits of green to the setting).

I pulled out several candleholders trying to decide which to use…and my aunt wanted me to use these, so I did. Not really what I would have ultimately chosen, but she liked the look of them.

It might have been nasty outside, but we were all cozy inside enjoying our dinner of chili and hot dogs…yep, my girls requested hot dogs to go with the chili. While I was lighting the candles, my middle daughter said she thought candlelight was just a “little too fancy” for hot dogs…hey, who says hot dogs can’t be fancy?? LOL

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for another Tablescape Thursday.

Hope to see you again soon!

What’s in YOUR Cookie Jar?

2011-09-07T13:16:00.001-05:00

Here is mine…

and it’s filled with mouthwatering, ooey-gooey chocolately goodness! As my daughter was walking out the door for school this morning, she asked me to bake some chocolate chip cookies.

Although she would never turn down a chocolate chip cookie, she loves Nestle Toll House cookies the best. This is such a classic recipe that I really feel silly posting a link for it…but just in case someone has been living on Mars for the last few decades, the recipe can be found here. LOL!!

How long has it been since you had a chocolate chip cookie warm from the oven? That long??? Well, come on in…I’ve got a plate of them right here. I’ll brew a pot of tea to enjoy with our cookies and we’ll have a fine visit.

I’m joining Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday and Gollum for Foodie Friday.

I’m so glad you decided to visit with me today! I hope you’ll come back again soon.

Jewels of the Sea

2011-09-01T08:16:00.001-05:00

It’s that time again – Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is hosting Tablescape Thursday. I’m joining in this week and hope to see you there!

I’m also joining up over at A Musing Potpourri for the End of Summer Celebration.

Although you can’t tell by the temperature where I live, Autumn will soon be here. I wanted to do at least one more summery table setting before it arrives. I haven’t used my seashell plates since last summer, so I decided to use them for this setting. It’s very similar to the one I did last year…just a few changes here and there.

I began with a white tablecloth over which I layered turquoise straw placemats. A silver charger held white dinner plates that are trimmed with platinum and seashell salad plates.

The salad plates featuring seashells and a starfish…

An oval bread and butter plate was topped with a butter pat also trimmed with silver. I found these cute butter spreaders that have a blue fish on them several years ago at a thrift store.

The goblets I added to the setting are one of my favorite sets. I love how the blue glass fades into green at the bottom.

I added creamy white beaded napkin rings to the plaid napkins.

At each place setting, I placed a glass votive cup that I filled with sand. Then I added a white candle and a seashell to each one.

The centerpiece was made using turquoise blue pillar candles with seashells embedded in them. I also scattered seashells around the candles.

It’s been a few weeks since I had played around with a table setting…and it’s been a busy few weeks! After my decision to begin decluttering my life and home, I’ve been going through closets and drawers and getting rid of stuff.

My dish pantry was such a jumbled up mess with tons of dishes and it was always a job just to find whatever I was looking for. After paring WAY down on the amount of dishes I had, I organized what I decided to keep…and now I can actually find things when I want to do a table setting! My dish pantry is now so organized, it’s really scary! LOL

My mother-in-law and I had a yard sale this past weekend and I managed to sell a good bit of the items I had. I was determined that what I didn’t sell was not coming back home with me…so I donated what was left to a local thrift store after the yard sale was over. I’m far from finished, but I’ve made a great start!

Thanks so much for visiting with me today. I hope you’ll come back again very soon!

Blueberry Cobbler

2011-08-30T13:36:00.001-05:00

My wonderful husband has a constant sweet tooth…he loves desserts and really thinks I don’t make them often enough. If he had his way, I’d be making a dessert every day!

I’ve sort of been having a cobbler craving and it’s been a while since I made a dessert, so I decided to go to Food.com for a new recipe to try. I usually make peach cobbler, but I had some blueberries in my freezer…I thought this recipe for Blueberry Cobbler sounded perfect.

1 1/4 c all-purpose flour

1/2 c sugar

1/4 t salt

1 1/2 t baking powder

3/4 c milk

1/3 c butter

2 c blueberries

1/3 c sugar

1 t vanilla

Combine the flour, 1/2 c sugar, salt and baking powder in a bowl. Add the milk and butter; mix well. Spread in a greased 8” square baking dish. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the 1/3 c sugar over the batter and drizzle with vanilla. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

The cobbler was super easy to make and the aroma as it baked was heavenly! Now if I can just stay out of it until after dinner tonight!

I’ll be joining up with Miz Helen’s Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday. Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Candlelit Sunflowers (better known as enough is enough)

2011-08-11T10:49:00.001-05:00

My tablescape today is a very basic, simple setting and sort of reflects how I want my life to be in the future.

For several weeks now, I’ve been reading posts on blogs about the reality of our lives. Well, my reality is that I’ve realized enough is enough. In case you’re wondering what I’m talking about…it’s STUFF. All the stuff that is cluttering up my life and home.

Do I really need all this stuff that fills my home? How many sets of dishes does one family need? How many sets of glassware…silverware…accessories to use on the table? How many decorative items do I need to have around the house so I can share them in a blog party?

The dishes I used in this week’s setting is really the “straw that broke the camel’s back”. I found them at a thrift store a while back, brought them home…and then wondered where in the world I was going to put them.

When is it ever enough? Well for me, I’ve reached that point. I have a 24 square foot pantry packed with dishes, glassware, flatware, tablescaping items. There is so much stuff packed in the pantry that half of the time I can’t even find what I’m looking for! Then there is the closet in a small bedroom that holds even more stuff. Not to mention the pie safe that contains dishes, the bottom of the buffet, the china cabinet…and the list goes on and on.

I have box after box after box filled with Easter stuff, patriotic stuff, valentine stuff, halloween stuff…Well, no more! No more going to a store to buy items just so I can come here and post about a new table setting or participate in a blog party. No more digging around the house to find things and then have to pack it all back up when it’s all over.

You’ve heard about “keeping up with the Joneses”…well my reality is that I can’t and I don’t want to try anymore. I’ve been unemployed for almost 2 years with no job prospects in sight. So not only can I not afford to buy any more stuff, but I simply don’t have space for it.

I’m going to begin decluttering my home starting with my pantry and moving on to the rest of the house. I’m having a huge yard sale in about a month and, if I don’t sell everything, it’s not coming back in my house.

I’m honestly not trying to slam anyone who participates in blog parties with my post and truly hope no one takes it that way. In many ways, this has been painful for me to write and life has given me some hard knocks lately. It’s made me realize I need to make some changes for myself.

I do hope to be able to continue to participate in blog parties occasionally…but you might see many of the same items being used and not really any new stuff.

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

New Valances and an Old Chandelier

2011-07-07T22:03:00.001-05:00

Last year, we had a kitchen makeover…new cabinet doors were made and the walls got a fresh coat of paint. This is what the area above my sink looked like after we finished painting.

What I wouldn’t give to be able to get rid of the air conditioner in the window…unfortunately, I live in an older home and we don’t have central heating and cooling. One good thing about it though…when the hot flashes hit, it sure is wonderful to walk in front of the air conditioner and feel all that cold air!

After the painting was finished, the hunt began for new window treatments!

My countertop is pink and it’s about 20 years old. I love it just as much today as I did when I picked it out many years ago. My husband tried to talk me into a new countertop last year when we painted, but nope…I told him no new countertop until I could find one the same color pink! I admit it, I’m obsessed with the color pink and believe you can never have too much of it!

I wanted to find valances that would work with the countertop and finally found the perfect ones last week on eBay. Of course, they’re pink too!

This vintage chandelier was also an eBay find many years ago and hung in my living room until we replaced it with a ceiling fan. I know many people don’t like ceiling fans, but here in the South, they sure do help when it’s so hot! It’s been packed in my closet for months and I finally pulled it out and decided to give it a facelift too.

After removing all the prisms, I spray painted it with primer. Then it got two coats of Rustoleum paint in Satin White. Imagine my sweet husband’s face when he came in that afternoon and saw the chandelier hanging from a tree branch in the front yard so I could paint it!

When it was dry, I brought it in the house and mixed pink and cream paints together for a very soft pink color. This was handpainted on the flower rosettes. I hung it from a coat hanger to completely dry overnight.

You can see the pink rosettes here.

Now imagine the look on my husband’s face when I asked him to hang the chandelier over my kitchen sink! He gave me this look like I had lost my mind! He kept trying to tell me that it was too big and I would constantly bang my head on it when I’m working at the sink.

Well, he finally agreed to hang it for me…he’s such a sweetie! So the area over my sink received a little mini makeover this past weekend…new valances and a new (old) chandelier.

I love all the extra light in my kitchen now!

In fact, I’m just “tickled pink” with my new valances and the chandelier!

Oh, and so far…I haven’t hit it once when I’ve been standing at the sink! Told you I wouldn’t honey!

I’m joining up with these parties:

Rhonda at Blue Creek Home for Treasure Hunt Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for Pink Saturday

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you’ll come back soon.

Patriotic Tablescape

2011-07-06T08:27:00.001-05:00

I hope all of my blogging friends had a wonderful Fourth of July holiday!

Our day was filled with way too much food! We got together with my husband’s family for lunch. Instead of grilling, we decided to have fried catfish for lunch. To go with the fish, we had cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, cheese grits, hush puppies, Cajun cake, banana pudding, cherry cheesecake, and pound cake. After lunch, we were fit for nothing but lazing around the house!

This is a simple tablesetting that I did for our Fourth of July dinner tonight. After that very heavy lunch, it was chicken salad sandwiches and salad for dinner…not that any of us was really very hungry.

I started with a white tablecloth and red beaded placemats. Next I added white dinner plates and blue glass salad plates.

Red, white and blue star napkins were gathered with white napkin rings topped with a flag.

Cobalt blue iced tea glasses and red acrylic handled flatware completed the place settings.

For the centerpiece, I started with a glass cake plate. I filled the top of it with white candles, red roses, white carnations, curling ribbon and star garland.

Two small red, white and blue candles and two flag candles, all in glass votive holders, were placed around the cake plate.

I love this Blue Hour shot! Almost time for dinner.

Time to light the candles…another shot showing the Blue Hour.

Thanks so much for visiting me today…gotta run for now, it’s almost time for fireworks!

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday. I’m also joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Thrift Store Treasures

2011-07-01T09:09:00.001-05:00

For several weeks now, I’ve enjoyed visiting all the blogs who participate in Treasure Hunt Thursday at Blue Creek Home. So for the first time, I’m joining in with a couple of goodies I found.

While browsing my favorite thrift store last week, I came across these silver pretties. The bottom of them is open, so I’m sure they originally had some kind of insert.

I wish I could have found a set of four, but there were only two. I couldn’t find any markings on either of them, so I don’t know who made them. They’re probably silverplated.

I love the scalloped edges at the top.

Designs are embossed all around the holders.

Pyramids and palm trees can be seen in the design on the front.

Even the handle is decorated.

After leaving that thrift store, I decided to stop in at my favorite antique shop where I found these two glasses.

The top of the glasses are a smokey black color with a pretty silver scrolling design all around the glasses.

They are a perfect fit for the silver holders!

I can’t wait to plan a dinner for two using these! I’ve been wanting to make a black and silver tablesetting, so this is a perfect excuse!

I’m so glad you stopped by! Hope to see you again soon!

Mimosa and Black Diamonds

2011-06-30T08:28:00.001-05:00

My Mimosa tree has been in full bloom for the past few weeks and I’ve been wanting to do a tablescape using the blossoms. Unfortunately, I almost waited too late. Many of the blooms were gone…at least the ones low enough that I could reach them!

Last week, I found some new salad plates and bread and butter plates at the thrift store. The plates feature delicate pink roses with silvery gray leaves. I love how the silvery gray design echos the scalloped shape of the plates. This was just the push I needed to go ahead and do a tablesetting!

I wanted a change from all the pastel and summery colors that I’ve done lately, so I decided to pair the pink with black. I started off with a black tablecloth and pink chargers.

Black dinner plates topped with my new salad plates were added next. The salad plates are “Floral Fantasy” by Fine China of Japan.

I slipped black tassels over the pink damask napkins. “Wexford” sherbets by Anchor Hocking will be used for dessert.

Silver liners hold the “Floral Fantasy” bread and butter plates.

Black stemmed glasses with pink ribbons tied on them were placed on each plate to hold butter.

For quite a while, I had wanted a set of black goblets. When I found these a couple of years ago, I fell in love with them. They’re called “Black Diamond” and are one of my favorite sets of glassware. I love how the crystal diamond cut glass sparkles in the light!

Along with the Black Diamond goblets, I also used small crystal wine glasses decorated with pink tulips at the base of the bowl.

I love using this “Royal Baroque” flatware with black settings. I just think it works well with black.

On each end of the table are 3 candleholders with pink taper candles.

A crystal vase in the center of the table holds an arrangement of Mimosa blooms.

The blossoms are so delicate and the most gorgeous shade of pink. Mimosa blooms and leaves sort of close up at night…then the next day, they open back up. I think that’s so cool!

Dinner is ready and it’s time to light the candles.

Silver sparkles in the candlelight…

A couple more shots of the whole table…

Thanks so much for coming by to see me today! I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Orange Cake

2011-06-29T21:57:00.001-05:00

I’m joining Miz Helen for another Full Plate Thursday. Today, I’m sharing an Orange Cake recipe that I found in a vintage cookbook.

The cake is filled with the flavors of oranges, dates and nuts. The crowning touch is a delicate orange sauce that is poured over the cake while it is still hot from the oven. So yummy and delicious!

1 c butter

2 c sugar

4 eggs

1 t baking soda

1 1/3 c buttermilk

4 c flour

2 T grated orange rind

1 c chopped pecans

1 c chopped dates

Cream the butter and sugar; beat in the eggs, one at a time. Combine the baking soda and buttermilk. Add the buttermilk alternately with the flour. Add the orange rind, pecans and dates and mix well. Bake in a greased tube pan at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Sauce:

1 1/2 c sugar

1 c orange juice

2 T orange rind

Combine ingredients and beat until the sugar dissolves. Pour over the hot cake. Let the cake remain in the pan until cold.

I’m so glad you visited today and hope you’ll come back soon!

Fairies in My Kitchen

2011-06-14T12:36:00.001-05:00

I was tired of the vignette on the island in my kitchen and decided to play around with a new one. I started out with a wooden tray, one of my favorites to use in vignettes, and covered it with pink and white napkins.

I hadn’t used my cloche stand in a while, so I pulled it out and added a sweet little fairy and some faux ivy.

I added my favorite cookie jar that belonged to my great-aunt. I really need to make some cookies to fill it with!

Pink candles in crystal holders were added.

My sister gave this beautiful pink and white bowl to me for Christmas one year. I decided to fill it with pink silk roses. Oops, looking at the photo, I need to trim them a bit!

Another fairy surrounded by ivy and silk flowers was added.

I was in one of my favorite thrift stores the other day and just had to share photos of the latest goodie I found there…this wonderful vintage tole painted scale! It’s really banged up, but I love the sagey green color of it and the handpainted flowers (although they could be just a bit more pink!)

I wish I knew where I could find one of the pointer thingies (what is it called anyway?) that shows the weight. Wonder if a clock hand would work?

I can’t wait to use this in a vignette! I’m thinking it would be perfect on my Hoosier cabinet.

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday. Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Wedded Bliss

2011-06-10T11:07:00.001-05:00

My Grandparents, Bessie and Ambrose, were married on 11 March 1926. They traveled to the county Courthouse and were married by a Justice of the Peace. My Grandmother’s sister Viola and her husband, also named Ambrose, traveled with my Grandparents to witness their wedding. How I wish I had a photo of them taken on their wedding day! Unfortunately, this photo is the oldest known picture of the two of them together. It was made circa 1934.

Their children hosted a surprise celebration for them on 11 March 1990, the day of their 64th wedding anniversary. My Grandparents had been married for 64 years. It was not quite a traditional anniversary year for a party, but due to their ages and health problems, their children didn’t want to wait another year.

After the party, my Grandmother carefully packed away the topper for the cake in her cedar chest. My aunt, who lived with my Grandparents all her life, gave the topper to me after the death of my Grandmother.

The cake topper has a place of honor on the buffet in my dining area. It sits on a silverplated mirrored cake base and is covered with a glass vase used as a cloche. Both were recent thrift store finds.

Placed next to it is a framed photo of my Grandparents at the celebration.

My husband and I married twice…the first time when we were very young. Too young to really know what we were doing. The second wedding was 8 years later, after we had both finally grown up. We’ve been together now for almost 22 years and hope to have many more…in fact, I look forward to being with him as long as my Grandparents were married.

I’m joining in with Stephanie at Angelic Accents for her 2nd Annual Wedding Blog Party - Here Comes the Bride. Since there are some hints of pink in this post, I’m also linking up with Beverly for another Pink Saturday. Thanks so much for visiting me today!

My China Cabinet

2011-05-28T12:43:00.001-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound’s Pink Saturday!

I wanted to join the celebration today by showing you the vignette on top of my china cabinet. Some of my favorite pink goodies can be found there.

This Cupid figurine and pink roses print were eBay finds several years ago. I love the vibrant colors in the roses.

I adore Lefton’s Green Heritage pattern with it’s pale green background and soft pink roses. My husband gave me this tea set when we were first married.

The angels on the pink candles were a birthday gift from my mother and are very special to me.

My absolute most favorite piece is my Flying Lady fruit bowl. It was made by Cambridge Glass Company sometime between the 1930’s to 1940’s and was part of their Statuesque line of glassware. The seashell shaped bowl is a beautiful pale pink and has a nude maiden at the front of the bowl. Some were sold as plain glassware and other were decorated with handpainted details. Mine is decorated with gardenias, but I have also seen photos of the bowl with handpainted roses.

According to the stories about this bowl, there was a circus in the town where the Cambridge Glass Company was located. One of the trapeze artists made such an impression on the townspeople, that they nicknamed this bowl the “Flying Lady” in her honor. If you would like to learn more about this glassware and the Flying Lady bowl, this is a great article and here is a link to the National Cambridge Collectors website. I loved reading about how people would hide their bowls if a minister came to visit!

Thanks bunches for visiting today! Don’t forget to stop by Beverly’s Pink Saturday and wish her a very happy birthday!

Coconut Clusters

2011-05-27T22:21:00.001-05:00

Over at Food.com, we’re playing a fun game that we do each year called the Zaar World Tour. Teams “visit” different countries and cook regional foods from each one. One of the regions we’re visiting during this tour is South and Central America.

From that region, I chose to make Coconut Clusters. The recipe can be found here at Food.com. I love the flavor the toasted coconut adds to the candy. Delicious and so easy to make!

I’m joining Lisa at Sweet as Sugar Cookies for Sweets for a Saturday.

Unfortunately, my photos did NOT turn out pretty, but the clusters are really very good.

Thanks for visiting today! Hope to see you again soon!

Secrets

2011-05-19T08:33:00.001-05:00

Here at my home, an empty cookie jar is not something to be taken lightly! After being informed yesterday by my youngest daughter that there were no cookies in the jar, I went in search of a new recipe to try. I found this one in an old cookbook and thought it sounded interesting. I loved the name of the cookies – Secrets, so I knew I had to bake them.

1 c butter

2 t vanilla

1/4 c confectioners sugar (sifted)

1 T water

2 c flour, sifted

1 c chopped nuts

3 T confectioners sugar

Combine the butter and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Add the 1/4 c of confectioners sugar and cream until light and fluffy. Add water and mix well. Shape the dough into rolls about 1 1/2” long. Place on baking sheets and bake at 300 degrees for about 15 minutes. After the cookies are done, roll in the 3 T confectioners sugar.

My husband and daughters loved these and best of all, they were easy to make.

I’m joining Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday and Lisa at Sweet as Sugar Cookies for Sweets for a Saturday. See you there!

Cream Cheese Turnovers

2011-05-13T13:49:00.001-05:00

A baking spree yesterday resulted in Peanut Butter Cookies and Cream Cheese Turnovers filled with strawberry and blackberry preserves. Both recipes were found in “Favorite Recipes of Alabama Vocational Home Economics Teachers Third Edition”.

2 sticks butter, softened

6 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 c all-purpose flour, sifted

1/2 t vanilla

any flavor preserves

Cream the butter and cream cheese until mixed well. Add the flour and vanilla; mix well. Chill the dough for about 2 hours. Working with small amounts of dough at a time, roll out on a floured surface to about the thickness of a pie crust. Using a large biscuit cutter, cut circles of dough and spread with 1/2 t. of preserves. Fold the dough over, seal the edges and prick with a fork. Bake on cookie sheets at 350 degrees until golden brown. Dust with confectioners sugar.

Instead of dusting with confectioners sugar, I chose to mix a small amount of milk with the confectioners sugar to make a glaze for the top of the turnovers.

They are wonderful little bites of deliciousness!

Thanks for coming by today! I’m joining up with Design by Gollum for another Foodie Friday and Lisa for Sweets for a Saturday.

Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-05-13T13:11:00.001-05:00

I was browsing through my favorite antique shop yesterday and came across this beautiful circa 1900 Austrian floral plate. I fell in love with the gorgeous turquoise coloring of the border and of course the pink roses were a wonderful bonus. Best of all…it was on sale for half price!

As I was washing the plate this morning, I thought…hmmm…I need something to put on it. It’s been a while since I baked something from my Grandmother’s cookbooks, so I decided I would make some cookies.

Cookies…ok, got it. But what kind??? A quick look through her book “Favorite Recipes of Alabama Vocational Home Economics Teachers Third Edition”, and I had my choice…Peanut Butter Cookies.

1/2 c soft shortening (half butter)

1/2 c peanut butter

1/2 c sugar

1/2 c brown sugar (firmly packed)

1 egg

1 1/4 c sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 t baking powder

3/4 t soda

1/4 t salt

Combine the soft shortening, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar and egg; mix well. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Add to the peanut butter mixture and mix well. Chill for about 2 hours. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten the dough by making crisscross marks with a fork dipped in flour on each ball. Bake at 350 for about 9-10 minutes, until the cookies are set but not hard.

The recipe states it makes 3 dozen cookies, but I must have made mine a bit smaller. I actually ended up with a little over 4 dozen cookies.

These were super easy to make and the peanut butter flavor is yummilicious! My family is going to love these!

I’m joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday and Lisa for Sweets for a Saturday. Thanks for visiting with me today!

Prayers for the people of north Alabama

2011-04-29T07:19:00.001-05:00

Two days ago, we had devastating storms come through Alabama. Many towns in north Alabama were destroyed, including areas around Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.

Hundreds of thousands of people are without power and it could possibly be up to a week before electricity is restored.

As these storms made their way across the United States, almost 300 people lost their lives…210 deaths in Alabama alone.

Looking at the news coverage and seeing all those towns and communities flattened…homes lost…people still missing and unaccounted for, the destruction makes me want to cry.

Please say a prayer for all of those affected by these storms, not just in Alabama, but in all the areas of the country that was in the path of these powerful storms.

Easter Candy Station

2011-04-22T19:50:00.001-05:00

I’m so thrilled to join Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for another Pink Saturday. Today I’m sharing a small corner of my home all ready for Easter.

One of my favorite things to decorate is the Hoosier cabinet in my kitchen. With an enamel worktop, it’s the perfect spot for a candy station.

I found this cute purple ceramic Easter egg bowl at the thrift store. It’s filled with lollipops decorated as Easter eggs and carrots.

The miniature tea set under a cheese dome has little bunnies playing outside the Easter egg house.

White chocolate pretzels with sprinkles fill a glass apothecary jar. These are so good! I had a hard time keeping my husband out of them until I could take pictures!

This little candy bowl with bunnies on each side was also a thrift store find. Unfortunately, all the chocolate candy that filled it is long gone.

The dessert server is filled with marshmallow cupcakes and caramels and cream candy.

A cloche contains two sweet little love bunnies sitting on Easter grass looking at the eggs they found.

A few weeks ago, my middle daughter was on a school field trip and brought me back this beautiful sugared egg. The violets plate and small wine glass used as a cloche were also recent thrift store finds.

The sugared egg has a surprise inside…a precious little yellow duck sitting on green grass! I just love this and it was so sweet of her to think of me when she saw it!

My youngest daughter decided this little hanging bunny simply had to come home with us when she spotted it at the Dollar Tree a few weeks ago.

In this photo, you can see a bit of my East egg tree that sits beside the cabinet.

Since this post is for Pink Saturday, I have to show off a bit of pink. Here is my Grandfather’s cotton basket rim - turned - wreath decked out with a big sheer pink bow.

I want to share a couple more photos before I go…I have two Confederate Jasmine plants outside my kitchen window and they are full of blooms right now. They have the most fragrant scent! If a breeze is blowing, I can open my kitchen windows and their wonderful aroma fills the room!

Thanks for visiting with me today! I hope you’ll come again soon and have a wonderful Easter!

Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

2011-04-20T20:45:00.001-05:00

Raspberries and white chocolate and cream cheese…oh my goodness, have I got a new favorite cookie! Chef Jan Marie posted the recipe here on Food.com and I knew I had to give it a try.

The cookies are just the slightest bit chewy and the flavors of raspberry and white chocolate are to die for delicious. I won’t even tell you how many I’ve eaten!

It’s really sad, but my waistline is so going to hate me for ever trying this recipe. What can I say though? I’m a sucker for raspberries and white chocolate combined together!

Although the recipe states to put the dough on an ungreased sheet, I don’t recommend it. The first cookies I baked really stuck to the baking sheet and I basically had to pry them up. I greased the sheets before baking the remaining dough and the cookies came up with no problems.

Here is the recipe…

2 boxes Jiffy raspberry muffin mix
1/2 t baking soda
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/4 c brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 1/2 c white chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese; mix well. Add the eggs, baking soda, and brown sugar; mix well. Add the muffin mix and white chocolate chips. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Drop dough with a spoon onto an ungreased baking sheet, about 2” apart. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

My cookies were done after 10 minutes. Longer baking made them too crispy for my family’s taste.

I’m joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday and Lisa at Sweet As Sugar Cookies for Sweets For A Saturday.

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you’ll visit again soon!

Victorian Bride’s Basket

2011-04-16T10:40:00.001-05:00

During the Victorian era, many fruit or berry bowls were made to sit in ornate stands. The stands were often silver or silverplated, but I have also found them in brass. The art glass bowls could be found in plain glass or with handpainted decorations. Many of the glass bowls had ruffled edges and some even had folds in the glass. These were popular gifts for brides during the Victorian era and are now commonly known as “Bride’s Baskets”. If you would like to learn more about these beautiful pieces of art, you can read about them here.

Several years ago, I fell in love with a Victorian Bride’s Basket I found at a local antique shop. The pink and white cased ruffled bowl sat in a pretty silver frame. I was so thrilled when my family gave it to me for Christmas that year!

Skip to last year when I heard the sound of something breaking…a shelf holding marble eggs fell from where I had it hanging on the wall. Guess what it fell on…yep, my antique bride’s bowl was shattered into too many pieces to possibly put it back together. I wanted to sit down and cry!

Well after cleaning up the mess of broken glass, I packed the frame away and pretty much forgot about it…Until this week when I was cleaning out a closet and there sat my silver frame.

It was badly in need of polishing and looked so lonely without a bowl in it.

I decided when I went to town yesterday that I would take the frame by one of my favorite antique stores and see if I could possibly find a bride’s bowl to use with it. I didn’t have much hope that I would find one though.

When I walked in the store with the frame, the owner took one look at it and told me she had just what I needed!

She led me straight to the perfect bride’s bowl. It was a cased bowl in white with shades of pink ranging from almost a cranberry color to light pink.

The inside of the bowl has gold gilding with yellow enamel flowers hand painted on it.

Some of the gold gilding is worn, but that doesn’t bother me. It just tells me this bowl was well loved before I bought it.

The edges of the ruffles are clear glass.

The bowl was a perfect fit for my frame!

Don’t they look like they were meant for each other??

I’m so tickled pink that my frame isn’t lonely anymore…and you can bet I won’t be sitting it under any shelves in the future!

I’m joining in, for the first time, with Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound for Pink Saturday. Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again soon!

Caramel Cake

2011-04-06T21:07:00.001-05:00

For the past several months, I’ve been cooking my way through three different cookbooks that belonged to my Grandmother. I had the urge to bake yesterday, so I pulled them out to see what I could find that sounded interesting.

One of the oldest books she owned was titled "The May Company Cook Book and Kitchen Guide For the Busy Woman Including A Complete Guide to Kitchen Management”. Whew, what a title! Written by Mable Claire, it was published in 1932.

A recipe for Caramel Cake caught my eye, so that’s what I decided to bake.

Cake:

1/2 c butter

1 c sugar

2 c flour

1 t baking powder

2/3 c milk

1 t vanilla

3 egg whites

Cream the butter; add the sugar and cream until fluffy. Sift baking powder and flour together; add to the butter alternately with milk. Beat well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Beat the eggs whites until they are stiff and fold into the batter. Bake in layers in buttered pans at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted tests clean.

Caramel Frosting:

1 1/2 c brown sugar

1/2 c cream

3 T butter

1 t vanilla

1/2 c chopped pecans

Put the brown sugar, cream and butter in a saucepan; boil until the temperature reaches 238 degrees. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Cool and then beat until creamy and thick enough to frost the layers. Add the pecans. Frost between the layers, top and sides of the cake.

I would suggest doubling the frosting recipe. It didn’t quite make enough to frost the entire cake (or maybe I’m just not very good at frosting cakes and used too much!). I ended up putting the frosting on top and let it drizzle down the sides.

I chose to omit the pecans when I made the cake, but will add them when I make this again. My husband raved about the flavor of the frosting. While I enjoyed the cake, I did think the Caramel Frosting was just the tiniest bit too sweet for me.

I’m joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for visiting today!

Shades of Purple and White

2011-04-06T10:51:00.001-05:00

To celebrate the coming of Spring and warmer weather, Homer Laughlin’s Georgian Eggshell Violets china inspired my setting this week.

This set of dishes is very special to me…my Grandmother bought them in the early 1950’s and they have always been my favorite of all the sets of dishes she owned. When I was a child, Grandmother baked Teacakes each week. On those days, we would have a “tea party” that afternoon. She would tell me to carefully get two dessert plates, cups and saucers from the cupboard and these dishes were always the ones I wanted to use. Using them brings back so many wonderful childhood memories!

There is lots of layering going on in this setting and a white Battenburg lace tablecloth sets the stage.

Purple placemats topped with white Battenburg lace napkins were layered on top of the tablecloth.

Next, I added purple chargers.

Because the Homer Laughlin dinner plates are smaller than most plates made today and would have seemed lost sitting on the large chargers, I decided to use white dinner plates trimmed in gold between the chargers and …getting to the good stuff now…the Homer Laughlin dinner plates with their gorgeous sprays of violets. This pattern has a gold rim around the edges.

White oval salad plates make up the next layer in my setting. I found these several years ago at Old Time Pottery.

Resting atop the salad plates are violet dessert plates.

“Wexford” sherbets by Anchor Hocking complete the layered place settings.

Gold napkin rings hold together white Battenburg lace napkins wrapped in purple organza napkins. The flatware is a gold Gibson pattern that I’ve had for several years.

To echo the gold trimming on the Homer Laughlin plates, I used swirled wine glasses trimmed in gold.

Individual small glasses also decorated with gold were placed at each setting to hold salad dressing.

Small white ramekins used for butter sit on each bread and butter plate.

I found this gorgeous hand blown vase in an antique shop last year and paid less than $10 for it! The colors range from lavender to a deep purple and I love the crystal feet!

I used snowball clusters and bridal wreath blooms in the vase.

I love the sweet little delicate blossoms of Bridal Wreath!

Purple candles in crystal holders completed the table setting.

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Don’t you want to join in too?

Thanks so much for visiting with me today! I hope to see you again soon.

Wonderful Finds and a Bit of Easter Decor

2011-03-30T18:15:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you today a couple of wonderful finds my husband brought home in the last few days and the tiny bit of Easter decorating I’ve done so far.

My husband has been helping his uncle tear down an old barn and last week he found this vintage 3 gallon crock behind a pile of junk in the barn. It was made by Marshall Pottery in Texas and is in almost perfect condition. Marshall Pottery was founded in 1895 and is still in business today.

For right now, I decided to sit it in the kitchen next to my Grandmother’s butter churn.

Next to the crock and churn sits a small table holding my Easter tree and a little bunny candy dish.

I love peacocks and couldn’t wait to use this vintage graphic when I found it over at The Graphics Fairy! I used Mod Podge to adhere the graphic to the bucket and then added a bit of glass glitter for some sparkle.

The second treasure my husband brought home this week was this beautiful International Silver tray. His uncle had found it in the same barn and just threw it on the trash pile. My sweet husband knew I would love it, so he grabbed it from the trash and brought it to me.

It does have a few scratches on it, most noticeable in the center and it was very tarnished when he brought it home. A little Simichrome polished it up in no time at all. The best part? It’s monogrammed with a “K” How cool is that since my name is Kim!!

After polishing it, I decided to use it in an Easter vignette in the corner of my kitchen. I added in an Easter wreath that I found a couple of weeks ago at a local thrift store.

I added in some sugared eggs and one of my silver teapots.

Another bunny candy dish completed the vignette. Looking at these photos, I’m not super thrilled with how this vignette looks…too much silver on one side and too much color on the other. Tomorrow, I’ll probably move some of them around to better balance the colors.

I’m late as usual, but I’m joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday. Thanks so much for joining me and don’t forget to check out all the beautiful vignettes over at Marty’s!

Good Luck and Fortune on St. Patrick’s Day

2011-03-16T08:56:00.001-05:00

Today I’m joining Kathleen for her St. Patrick's Day Blog Crawl, Marty for Table Top Tuesday and Susan for Tablescape Thursday.

A decorated wooden tray sits on my Hoosier cabinet.

On the island in my kitchen is a silver tray holding cloche covered leprechauns.

I made this wreath from the rim of an old cotton basket that belonged to my Grandfather.

The dining table is all set for our St. Patrick’s Day dinner.

The salad and bread plates are “Clover”.

Anchor Hocking Forest green depression glassware is perfect for the holiday.

The chairs are decorated with green tulle and sparkling bows.

Another view of the table…

An Irish blessing sits on the counter in my kitchen.

Thanks for visiting me today!

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night,

and the road downhill all the way to your door

Spring Cloche Party

2011-03-10T17:39:00.001-06:00

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life is hosting a Spring Cloche Party. I’m joining in and hope to see you there!

Sweet little fairies have come to visit and to help usher in spring.

This one sits on the buffet in my dining area.

This little fairy and her friends sit on a table in my living room.

The island in my kitchen is decorated for St. Patrick’s Day with happy little leprechauns under glass.

Thanks for visiting! Hope to see you again soon.

Mardi Gras…Laissez les bons temps rouler

2011-03-08T08:56:00.001-06:00

Let the good times roll! Mardi Gras…one of my favorite times of the year! Many cities around the South now hold Mardi Gras celebrations.

One of the oldest, if not in fact the oldest, Mardi Gras celebrations is held in Mobile, Alabama. Each year, there is a debate as to which is the older celebration – New Orleans or Mobile. I am so not going there!!!

In 1702, the settlement that would later be known as Mobile was the capital of French Louisiana. The first celebration held there was in 1703 by French explorers. The first masked parading society, Cowbellian de Rakin Society, was formed in 1830 and has evolved into the Mardi Gras revelry we enjoy today.

In honor of Fat Tuesday, I’m sharing a Mardi Gras table setting from a couple of years ago. Traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple for Justice, gold for Power, and green for Faith.

Iridescent placemats and a runner, all made in traditional Mardi Gras colors, were layered over a gold damask tablecloth.

Gold chargers formed the base for each place setting. Forest green glass dinner plates were topped with white , trimmed with gold, salad plates. Depression glass sherbets were placed on each salad plate.

The gold flatware and napkin rings surrounding the purple organza napkins echo the gold glimmering from the chargers.

Green butter dishes were placed on white oval bread plates.

Gold baroque candleholders held purple tapers.

No Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without beads! Here they are draped from a vintage carnival glass compote holding a Mardi Gras mask.

Each chair was treated to green tulle bows decorating the backs.

Thanks for sharing Mardi Gras with me! Hope to see you again soon.

I’ll be joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday and Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Tea Cakes

2011-02-24T13:22:00.001-06:00

I’ve been on a Tea Cake baking spree for the last couple of days. I don’t know about the rest of the US, but here in the South making Tea Cakes is a long held family tradition. There are many variations in recipes - some use cinnamon or nutmeg, some use confectioners sugar, some are simply flavored with vanilla.

Now my husband and I are at totally opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to Tea Cakes…we have greatly differing opinions on what the flavor and texture should be.

He grew up eating the Tea Cakes made by his Grandmother. She rolls them out super thin and bakes them until the edges are lightly browned. The texture of the outside edges is very crispy, just perfect for dipping in tea, with just a slightly bit softer cookie center. Her cookies are not very sweet.

For both batches of Tea Cakes, I used my largest size biscuit cutter. The cookies are approximately 3” in size.

(Tea Cakes like his Grandmother makes)

On the other hand, I was raised eating my Grandmother’s Tea Cakes. She would roll them out and cut them with a glass. Her Tea Cakes were thicker, but delicate, cookies with more of a cake-like texture inside. The entire cookie was soft, much sweeter and subtly flavored with vanilla.

(Tea Cakes like my Grandmother made)

I’m including two recipe variations for Tea Cakes. The first recipe produces a thin, crispy cookie like my husband’s Grandmother makes.

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

2 t vanilla

3 eggs

4 cups flour

1 t baking soda

2 t cream of tartar

Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Sift the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar together, then add them to the eggs/sugar. Roll the dough about 1/8-1/4” thick and cut with either a biscuit or cookie cutter. Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. This makes approximately 5 dozen 3” cookies.

This recipe makes soft, cake-like cookies like my Grandmother baked. The instructions are basically the same as above.

1 c butter

1 1/2 c sugar

3 eggs

3 1/2 c flour

1 t vanilla

Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix well. Add in the flour and vanilla, mixing well. Roll the dough 1/4” thick and cut. Place on a greased sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks. This makes approximately 2 dozen 3” cookies.

Two recipes, similar ingredients and instructions…yet two totally different Tea Cakes. Which do you prefer…thin and crispy or soft and delicately flavored?

I’m joining Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Miniature House Full of Love

2011-02-13T23:39:00.001-06:00

I was browsing through my favorite antique shop a couple of weeks ago and spotted a handmade dollhouse. For a long time now I’ve wanted a dollhouse, but I never really had the time to make one from a kit when I was working.

According to the owner of the shop, it was full of furniture when she purchased it, but she kept the furniture for her grandchildren. Based on the style of furniture and people in the house, she felt like the house was built sometime during the 1950’s. We really have no way of knowing for sure though.

Dollhouse when I first received it - front exterior view

The dollhouse is in pretty rough shape – it’s very dirty, there are missing shutters and trim pieces, super ugly faux wood contact paper for the flooring, and the roof needs serious help. I came home and told my husband about it and how I would love to be able to restore it.

Well, guess what I received yesterday for an early Valentine’s Day gift! My wonderful husband bought the dollhouse for me…he’s such a sweetie!

View of the first and second floors

Now looking at the photos, you may be thinking “what a hideous Valentine’s Day gift”! My sweet husband knows me too well though…I love to take things that others might think is junk and breathe new life into them. Underneath all the problems the house has right now, I can see the hidden beauty just waiting to shine through.

Bottom of the hinged roof lifts up for a view of the attic space.

The first step will be to restore the exterior of the house. I’ll be putting new shingles on the roof and the house will get a new paint job and probably new clapboard siding. My husband will make shutters and trim to replace the missing pieces. We sat down this afternoon and designed a new porch that we’ll be building for the front of the house.

Exterior side view

Since I have to wait until I get the shingles to really get started, I spent four hours last night ripping up the contact paper flooring simply cause I was so excited and just had to start something! Tomorrow, the house will be getting a thorough cleaning inside and out. I probably should have done that first, but that paper was just calling my name and saying “rip me out please!”

Staircase on the first floor

I wish I knew who built the house and who the lucky little girl was that owned it. I can just imagine she spent many happy hours playing with her dolls and all the wonderful furniture the house would have contained.

Interior view after removing all the contact paper from the floors and stairs.

I know I’m going to love owning it now and bringing it back to life! I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.