All Things Pretty...

A day at the farm...

Have you ever seen a newborn lamb?  Have you touched the fur of freshly sheered sheep?  Have you enjoyed the smell of a chicken coop? 

This and more we experienced today when our class took its annual Spring field trip to a local farm.  It's almost as much fun to see them "ahhhh" and "uhhhhh" as it is to watch as they pinch their little faces and (sometimes) hold their noses when we walk into the barn!

 

The temp was a crisp 30 degrees... the sun was shining.... the snow had almost completely melted and left behind a trail of mud...  ah,  it all spells "FUN" for 5- and 6-year-olds!

 

 

 ...this lady pranced around like she owned the place!!

 

 

...precious...

 

The miracle of nature, the renewal of life's cycle, SPRING.... it surrounded us today and reminded us of how precious life truly is.

Happy Wednesday!

I'm linking up to Faded Charm's party to share my "white" farm animals!

I'm a lucky girl...

I'm always amazed by the generosity of people in Blogland....  it's not uncommon to see a give-away celebrating blogging anniversaries, # of posts, even birthdays!   The author usually has put quite a bit of thought into her give-away; always wanting to make sure the recipient feels special.

Well,  I AM FEELING SPECIAL.   I found at yesterday that I was the winner in Rose Mille's giveway!  What made this even more special was that the winner was not randomly selected, but rather was chosen based on a response to a specific question.

Those of you who live near Minneapolis, or who attended the Creative Connection Event last fall, may be familiar with Michelle Rose and her beautiful shoppe in Stillwater, Rose Mille.  As you walk through the doors (after you are awestruck by her window displays), you enter a serene, beautiful, elegant and ultra femininine atmosphere.  There is so much to see... you want to make sure you are looking UP, as well as DOWN.  Michelle always has imaginative ways to display things...

Rose Mille's website describes it as: 

. . . a vintage style fashion, home decor and crafts shop.

... but OH, it's so much than that!

Are you looking for vintage French ribbon?  Exquisite millinery?  Hand-made furniture that speaks to you?  Plumes and feathers that look like they came straight out of Moulin Rouge?   Chandeliers dripping with crystals, or light pendants covered with pantaloon ruffles?   Get the point?  Amazing!

So that is why I am thrilled and honored to be the recipient of Michelle's very first "kit" which contains all her favorites from the shop... 

 Isn't it all beautiful?  I've promised Michelle I will send her a pic of my creation(s) using her gifts... but I did warn her that I might hoard a few things.

Thank you, Michelle and Rose Mille!

http://rosemille.typepad.com/rose_mille/

 

I'm sharing my beautiful blue gift with Sally and the folks over at Blue Monday!

 

Small touches...

I'm not one of those people that take on major redecorating projects... that is, if you don't count all the times I've repainted the interior of my home (the kitchen/dining area alone have seen 5 color schemes).    Me - I like to make small, sometimes subtle changes to refresh a room.  Maybe a pillow here or there, new curtains/drapes, adding a cute little lamp, a new area rug... but my most favorite "little touch" is to add a flower here and there...

 ...the chair was a $3.99 GW find that I painted and decoupaged... it now sits in my shabby chic guest room sporting a pretty pillow and vintage hat.
 

...another way to make any room instantly look different is to create little vignettes on shelves...  the "little princess" is me in Cuba, circa 1963; one of the few pics we have from my childhood. 

...fresh flowers always create an impact... I like to use small vintage pitchers and teacups to display flowers on my kitchen window sill.  I can change the containers and flowers to suit the season.

  ..the corner table in my living rooms gets a new vignette just about every week...  I like to display pieces I've created (like this embellished glass box) and old photos.

 
 
...the above nightstand was from my daughter's "little girl" set.  When she was about 14 or so, a candle was left unattended and ended up burning down and charring the wooden top.  After thanking our lucky stars that our home was OK (we ALL learned a lesson that day!), I had to figure out how to salvage the nightstand AND have it still match the set.   I decided to sand, prime (the only way I could totally get rid of the burn remains) and then paint in a "wash" of sorbet pink and yellow strips.  The rest of the surfaces in the set got the look as well.  The nightstand got its second life in our shabby chic guest room and gets to be the perfect backdrop for my ever-changing "femme" displays.

I'm linking up to these great parties today... stop by and visit some amazing blogs!

 

                   

 

Snow, snow, go away...

We awakened this Wednesday morning to yet another snow storm.  Enough already!  I have been posting about Spring... getting my home ready for Spring...  watching my indoor garden bloom... oh well, I guess all that wishing didn't help!

Those of us that live in Minnesota know that Winter ain't over until the road construction/repairs begin.  The joke here is:  "In Minnesota we have 2 seasons:  Winter and Road Construction."  When I first heard that, I thought:  how absurd.  Sixteen winters later, I understand (unfortunately).

So enough griping!!!  I decided to have nice cup of tea..

...and admire, smell, and photograph (yet again!!!) my indoor Spring garden... 

 

 

I don't know why I am in such awe of these tulips!  Is it because of their vibrant color (such a constrast to the snow outside)?

I couldn't resist taking a closer look...

 

I love the contrast of the coral/flamingo blooms against my pale mint green walls...

 

...the daffodils are wilting, the hyacinth is starting to smell unpleasant... but then I noticed a dainty grape hyacinth standing proudly... as if saying "look at me!  I'm pretty, too!"

 

After tea, and the floral adventure, it was time to work on some project(s)...  I decided to tackle my recently acquired vintage floral fabric... it's colors remind me the tulips on my table...

 

... I'll save the finished project for a later post (maybe a Pink Saturday).

All in all, the day turned out to be a wonderfully inspiring one!

Grab bag goodies...

It's Monday and I'm delighted to be joining Smiling Sally's blue party... her party is one of those blog events that have endured and that bloggers continue to support; simple and straightforward rules, with no barbed comments about deleting posts or people who don't follow rules.... you know what I mean?   As much as I like blog parties and swaps, I am sometimes turned off by the dictatorial, rigid tone of the sponsor.   After all, isn't this all supposed to be fun??  "Lighten up!" I want to say.  Don't get me wrong, I do understand the need for rules...   but as the olde saying goes "it's not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it."  Let's all be nice to each other.   OK, I'm done with my soapbox for today.

So my BLUE inspiration are these fabulous bits of vintage jewelry.  This earring was in a grab bag from the local thrift shoppe; the bag was packed with beads, necklaces, pairs and solo earrings, pins... they are so fun to open at home and explore the contents... it's like Chrismas.  You never know what you're gonna get.

 
 ...this earring's pair is missing the cross... I already have plans for this one.  My nephew/godchild is having his first communion in May and I thought I could use the blue rhinestones and cross to customize a gift for him...

This medallion was a nice surprise... it's made out of very inexpensive material, almost the quality of something you got out of the bubblegum machine (remember those?)...  but I love it's charm.

 

..and this lovely flower brooch... this grab bag was getting better 'n better! 

 

...one more piece of lovely blue.... this delicate pin...

 

 Happy Blue Monday!  Enjoy your first week of Spring!

Springtime = Pink

Happy Saturday...  this week, I've continued to "springisize" my home... placing my bunnies, chicks and Easter decor in their places.  My egg cups have made their appearance as well.  

 

After the long winter, everything feels so "clean" and bright!   Decorating with whites and pinks always cheers me up!

 

These Limoges egg cups were a gift from a friend about 12 years ago....   she surprised me with a set of ten.  I've always wondered if they are really "egg" cups... since they are so large (4" high, 2.5" diameter); not quite big enough for ostrich eggs, but definitely too big for regular eggs... Do they have another purpose maybe?  I've done some research, but have not come up with anything.  So if you are familiar with my over-sized Limoges (they are marked) egg cups, please write!

 
My pretty French plate is not super old... but when I ran across a pair of them a few years back, I couldn't resist their charm!  Not only do they have a dainty bouquet, and beautiful border with butterflies, but the plates themselves are a blush pink color; almost the color of very pale cotton candy.

 

One of my very favorite Springtime items is this dainty little birdie egg.   The egg itself has a beautiful sheen (appears to be made out of milk glass) and has been lovingly decorated with velvet ribbon, sequins, millinery, and perched on the very top, a feathered pink friend!   The bird is made of felt--very very faded pink felt. 

 

 
Don't forget to stop by Beverly's Pink Saturday party for more pink loveliness!

Leprechaun corsages....

 

There's been much excitement around school this week, as the children have been looking forward to St. Patty's Day...  we also decided to take advantage of the green theme and make it a Green Day (save our planet, recycle, etc.).  Five- and six-year olds are still very innocent (thank goodness!) and I will love to see their faces tomorrow when they use our restroom and see the "green" water that the leprechaun changed.... and the green milk that they will drink during snack...  "how did it happen?  when was he here?   is he real?"   Lots and lots of questions.  Of course, there are always the doubtful ones that say "SHE DID IT" (pointing their finger at me) and not believe the magic.  But for those that do believe, it is truly a fun and somewhat magical day.  We will try to keep them innocent for one more day.

Then there are the adults...  You know the ones.   Some just live for this day so they can have their green beer.  Listen to bagpipes at a local pub...  Or simply wear green so they don't get pinched (although nowadays I think that is political incorrect in most, if not all, work places).

I wanted to make a little surprise for some of my favorite co-workers and decided I

 
would create leprechaun corsages (more like little rosettes) that they can wear throughout the day.  Each is a bit different...  they were so much fun to make! 

and yes, I went a bit overboard with the pics again.... still loving the new camera!  By the way, it's a Nikon Coolpix P100, very simple to use and a step-up from what I had.  Once I master this one, i can move on to the "real" stuff" - the big SLR's with gigantic zoom lenses that can capture the eyelashes on a grasshopper!

 

 
 
 
I'm loving green today!  It's supposed to be 60+ degrees here in Minneapolis and our snow is melting... yay!!!

 

My first tiara

Sunday was a fun day for me... filled with a few stops at favorite monthly sales... and one estate sale.  Unfortunately, it was the very last few hours of the estate sale and I missed out on a PILE of vintage hats that sold just half-an-hour before I got there!!!! Urgh!!!   As you know by now, I'm always on the hunt for hats and millinery... aren't we all?  (most of us, anyway!).

I did manage to find a couple of pretty ones at one of the local sales. fell in love with the creams, blues, grays... soft, muted colors -- a big change from the pinks/corals I usually buy. 

..they are so dainty and sweet that I (almost) hate the idea of taking them apart...  as I eventually will.  Sacrifice the hat for it's millinery.  I get great joy from re-using the pieces in different ways; but each hat stays intact until the perfect project comes along.

 

... velvetty ribbons and bows, feathers, plumes, netting... **sigh**! 

 

... a tiara pin tucked amongst the plumes.... 

 one little rhinestone missing, but still very lovely. My very first tiara (pin or otherwise!). 

 

Happy, happy Monday!  May your week be filled with fun and creativity!

I plan on spending some "quality" time in The Sunshine Room; some organizing, some creating.

Spring is in the air.... maybe?

This is the time of year when I ask myself (repeatedly) -- "why am I living in Minnesota?"   After wearing winter gear for 6 months, you begin to doubt if your blood is ever, ever going to feel warm again.  We moved out here (from Miami) 16 winters ago... count them (I have!).... 16 LONG winters.  

The gardener in me longs for the warming of the soil... for those first signs of spring.  My husband always laughs at me when I stop my car in the middle of backing out of our driveway on the first day I spot the grape hyacinths sprouting out of the soil!   I have been know to put the car in Park and jump out to go see the miracle of nature...  once I see those little sprouts, I know that the worse is over (fingers-crossed) and Spring is truly around the corner. 

In the meantime, I have to settle for "watch them bloom" gardens... 

I truly love coming home after work, walking into my dining room, and spotting the day's growth!  My house is filled with the sweet scent of hyacinth...  almost over-powering (but not quite).

  
My bunnies have started to make their appearance.... slowly but surely they will take over my home.

 
 

  
 
... the bunnies are followed by the eggs...

 

...once everything is in its place, then all I have to do is sit back and WAIT.  That's the hard part!

Happy Sunday!

 

"best wishes" from Pocahontas

I'm so happy to be joining Beverly for her Pink & Green Saturday event... it's been awhile since I participated and am so looking forwarding to visiting everyone! 

 
 I found this fabulous old postcard in my stash... although it doesn't scream "St. Patrick's Day" with its "Best Wishes" sentiment, it is a perfect representation of today's theme!   

 
As I looked at the colors, it dawned on me that pink and green look very crisp and HAPPY together (don't they?).   I  decided to photograph my postcard in different settings, just for fun... (still getting to know my new camera).

 

...one of my favorite things about collecting old postcard is reading the postmark, date, message, etc.   This particular one was postmarked "Pocahontas, Iowa" on March 5, 1909.  Wow!  One hundred and one years, plus 7 days, ago!  It always sends a chill down my spine to hold something in my hands that's been around for over 100 years... the stories it could tell.

 
And as I bid you Happy Saturday and Happy St. Patrick's Day, I leave you with one final image from Pocahontas...

 

"Where have you been?"

...it's been 3 months since my last post...  it seems like Eternity.  So much has happened!  Let's see:  new puppy, New Year, new job, new outlook on life (E.N.J.O.Y. the little things) and...

                                new LOOK for my blog.  Finally!  

I fell in love with Michelle's designs at Shabby Creations; I'm feeling all grown up now with my new "look."  Although I did warn Michelle that I would be coming back for more (like custom signature, post dividers, etc.)

I've lost touch with so many wonderful friends.  Not only did I go AWOL from posting, I also didn't do any visiting.  A million excuses I could tell you; but really, really, only one counts:  I was a slug.  You know what I mean?  Lots of excuses like: not enough time in the day, giving birth to a 2-year-old (aka the new puppy in our home), tired, tired, tired, etc.   I had read in some of your blogs that sometimes we get bloggers block-- but never thought it would happen to ME.  I think part of it was feeling like it was no big deal, since nobody really reads what I write... feeling sorry for myself a wee bit, maybe?  But I've come to realize that I started blogging for ME, and that if others liked my blog, well then, that was just icing on the cake.   It's become a place to post pics of my handiwork, without fear of criticism or rejection.  And that feeling, my friends, is PRICELESS.

So, if you are reading this, then WELCOME BACK.  I will be stopping by my old haunts very shortly (and maybe pick up some new ones), start participating in blog parties and swaps, and get reacquainted.

My blog absence paralleled my creative absence as well...bummer.  But I'm happy to report that I've gotten the "creating tickle" again (did the long winter just numb it???) and have been back in The Sunshine Room making STUFF.  Like this one:

 

 I titled this piece "Marie Antoinette Hopeful"  It was created using artwork from a French fashions book I had in my stash, then embellishing with vintage laces, bling, rosettes, and ribbons.  Isn't she lovely?

 

 
 

(Marie will be available for sale in my Etsy shoppe)