All Things Pretty...

This week's haul...

More crappola weather this week.... (are you tired of hearing about it? Probably, because I'M TIRED of writing about it!).  Today started out as the most promising day of the week, with lots of sunshine and the temp slowly creeping up to the 60s range... but by 3:30, it was cloudy and cold again!

Despite the weather, there were still a few yard/garage sales going on...  and I was able to find a few goodies...  some of which I'll keep and others will go up for sale in my Etsy shoppe.

 
...this cup and saucer were such a great surprise!  I always love the brush strokes on the Japanese china (as this is)... but usually stay away from purchasing any because of all the gold...  not sure why, but I don't particularly care for gold embellishements on china.  However, this one didn't overshadow the beautiful florals.

 
 
... sweet, dainty cup with lillies of the valley... no saucer, but who cares for 50 cents!  This one is made in Bavaria.

 
...another view of the Japanese C/S... the roses in the background were another find for 25 cents (5 bunches)....  I love garage sales!

 
... cute little white frame....

 
...the jackpot of the week...  this gorgeous shabby tray was only $5 and is in immaculate condition!  Stamped "germany" in the back....

These next few images are of wallpaper samples that were FREE.  A dear friend and co-worker gave them to me this week; knowing my love for florals and femme things!  Her comment was "maybe you can find use for these."  You think?

 

 

 
 

I'm linking up to some fabulous parties at Romantic Home, How Sweet the Sound and I Love Pretty Little Things.  Don't forget to stop by for some eye candy!

              

 

 

Bianca

When we were expecting our daughter 21 years ago, we struggled a bit with choosing a name.   We wanted a name that was not too common, a bit unique (without being weird), that didn't follow some name trend, and that sounded beautiful in both English and Spanish.

Victoria was a strong contender... but while I loved it, I didn't particularly care for the nickname "Vicky" (due to a childhood experience!); which I'm sure some folks would insist on calling her.

Then my husband came up with Bianca.  Short, sweet, elegant, melodic in both Spanish and English (both sets of grandparents would be pleased).

Bianca...  (origin)Italian; (meaning) white, fair one

We tried the name out... said it out loud; wrote it out with our last name....  but it was missing something.  Then we added "Victoria" as the middle name and MAGIC! 

Our baby girl had a name!

She's always been such a joy to us; everything you could ask for (and more) in a daughter!  She is truly beautiful on the outside and inside....   bright, kind, caring.  She graduates from college this June and I'm left with a feeling of awe.  Where have the years gone?   I know that when I see her in her cap and gown, looking "all grown up" and ready to take on the world, I will weep.  Like a baby. 

 

 
  
 
The proud parents with their "baby" girl!

 

I'm linking up to White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage

and sharing my very own "Bianca."

 

 

The proud peacock....

Although my absolute favorite china patterns are always florals (especially pink roses), I was nonetheless mesmerized when I spotted this one recently (seen at our downtown Macy's during the Spring floral show).

 
...the butterflies and botanical florals on the china were gorgeous!...

...the peacock sat proudly at the center of each place setting...

 
 
.... do you see why I was mesmerized?...  I had to touch the delicate looking china, the colors reminding me of a Monet painting...

 

...and when I finally had seen enough of the peacocks, I looked down and noticed the luscious "floor" that the table display sat on.... hundreds and hundreds of folded ribbons in blues and grays...

 
.... and when I looked UP, I noticed the hydrangeas and butterflies centerpiece (although these poor hydranges looked like they hadn't been watered!)...

 

On this beautiful Spring day (finally!!!), I'm joining the blue party over at Smiling Sally's

and Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll thru Life....

Bye-Bye, Easter 2011....

Leftovers are refrigerated.... dishes are washed... tummies are full...  the temp is over 60 degress (yay!).... Yep, must be Easter Sunday afternoon.

I hope yours has been wonderful.... ours was very quiet and a bit melancholic due to family members that were not with us today.   Nonetheless, we had a wonderful meal, lots of family love, and gratitude for all the good things in our lives.

So, before we wrap this up... some final pics of Easter 2011.

 

.....pretty vintage Easter napkin...

 

..... can't have Easter brunch without some mimosas...

 

.... pretty, colorful table settings....  again, those sorbet colors that I so love!

 

....dainty napkin rings made by my mom almost 20 years ago...

simple but sweet!

Snapshots of Easter....

The colors of Easter always seem yummy....   they remind me of sorbet, jelly beans, cotton candy...  all things sweet and delicious!

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite Easter pics...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm joining the celebration at How Sweet the Sound... stop by for a visit!

A big "THANK YOU" to our hostess, Beverly, for putting on such a great party!

Haut chocolat in Chicago...

During our most recent trip to Chi Town to visit our daughter, we actually had some "down" time!  Usually we rush out there; attend her track meet, maybe have some dinner on the town, then drive back the next morning... It was nice to just chill and actually sightsee a bit and act like tourists.

We took a drive out to LincolnPark and surrounding neighborhoods...  discovered some wonderful restaurants and shops. 

My jaw dropped when I spotted the window display and signage (in purple!) of a place called Vosges... and imagine my joy when I stepped through the door and realized it was a French-inspired chocolate shop!  The smell of chocolate is just heavenly, isn't it?

 

...Gorgeous hydrangeas and roses in petite silver cups greeted you....

 

...eye-catching displays....

 
...their "enchanted mushroom"  weighs in at 1.3 lbs. and is filled with soft, dark chocolate and hazelnuts; made and decorated by hand! 

 

 
...their "tower of chocolate" with all the different flavors they sell!  Look at the yummy colors of their packaging!

 

 
...their arched wall was covered with a unique purple foliage paper...

even the signage was pretty!
 

  

 

Then we ventured toward the back of the shoppe and discovered their haut chocolate counter...

...We got a kick out of our daughter "Bianca" having her own chocolat!

 

 

Everywhere you looked there was something wonderful to see....

 
...hand painted signs on glass...

little feminine touches here and there...

 

I must have acted like I just got off the turnip truck because our daughter was actually telling me to stop taking pictures.... I think my behavior embarassed her a bit (wouldn't be the first -or last- time!)... although she was too nice to say anything else!

As we were walking out the door, I looked to my left and saw the white plates displayed against a deep purple wall... made me (almost) want to run home and paint something in this gorgeous color!

 
I'm linking up to the new French Inspiration Thursday party at the French Cupboard...

 

 
p.s.  I later learned that Vosges has several shops throughout the country... you can find out more about Vosges and their products at http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Once upon a gloomy Saturday...

We awakened to gloomy, chilly weather this past Saturday...  our tentative plans to visit the Arboretum or local parks didn't seem such a good idea...  So I scanned the paper for any interesting estate sales ("interesting" def.:  lots of ephemera, vintage hats,jewelry).  

 The only one that seemed to meet the criteria was about a 50 minute drive away...  no problem!  Off I went!  I realized during my drive that it had been over a year since my last estate sale adventure; it has been much easier to stay local, which hosts so many yard/garage, church sales, flea markets.

But I have to confess, the minute I pulled up to the home, I started getting that little butterfly feeling in the pit of my stomach....   that feeling of anticipation.  Ahhh... I remember it.  I was not disappointed.

I spent a total of $27 and came home with lots of loot!  So much that I will need several posts to share them all!   I'll start off with some of my favorite whites:

 
...this little feather angel is so sweet!  I have seen these around in antique stores and they want too much for them... but for $1, she was coming home with me.  I just love the eyelashes; they remind me of the very first faces that kindergarteners like to draw, where all the features are exaggerated.

 

 ... a huge stash of linens, doilys, and lace...  I wanted to buy everything, but I was able to control myself and just pick a few pieces that I really loved; like these laces (above) and the matching guest towels (below).

 

...my heart almost stopped when I walked into one of the bedrooms and took in all the jewelry...  tons of vintage...  most in wonderful condition for $1 and $2 apiece!  I focused on finding pieces that had interesting/charming components that I could re-use.

Like this one...

 
 

and these...

 

I couldn't resist the cover on this little book...

 

So all in all, a very successful Saturday! 

 I even found a vintage brooch for my Mother's Day swap partner!

Happy White Wednesday!  I'm linking up to Faded Charm Cottage.

Swapping the blues...

I've been busy the last few days working on my swap gifts...  I went a little crazy and joined 5 swaps which all come due within the next week! 

As I started photographing my projects, I realized that I had used quite a bit of blue... in all shades, tones...  inspiring blue!  I had to be cautious with my posting... as I don't want my swap partners to get a sneak preview...

 

 

...  no swap is complete with the sharing of beautiful ribbons....

 

... I discovered a new way to refinish old, tarnished (fake) gold pins....  I was amazed at how easy it was!   A little paint, some glitter....  the ugly butterfly turns into a sparkling beauty!

 

... I used some of my French blue silk leaves from Rose Mille....

 

...a pretty little handmade tag/card for my partner...

Some final touches to the package before I seal it....

 
(... OK , so not really blue, more like lavender.)

2 down, 3 more to go!  I hope my partners like their gifts!

Happy Blue Monday!  I'm linking to Smiling Sally's party...

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

 

 

Bebe-inspired pinks...

As the 6-month anniversary of the death of my dear Bebe approaches (April 18th), I find myself thinking more and more about her.  The almost-perfect Mother In Law.  I miss her terribly; miss picking up the telephone to chat about what I found at the antiques store, what I made today, what beautiful new blog I discovered...   she was my crafting soul-mate.  Always supporting, always inspiring, always there for me.

I finally got enough courage to starting incorporating bits and pieces of her ribbons, her buttons, her laces, etc., into my crafts.   I have to confess that I am skimpy with their application, as I am afraid to run out.  But she had such beautiful things that it seems like a shame to let them just sit in storage and not use them.

 

... the hat was recently acquired at a thrift store... not old, but definitely used (made in Australia!).  I fell in love with it's shape and structure; but needed a little something to spruce it up.  I made this rosette, which includes burlap, beads, buttons, and laces from Bebe's stash.   

 
 

... shoes (especially Victorian-era) were one of Bebe's favorite things...  I remember when I purchased a few shoe forms and had a conversation with her about what to do with them...  we were both heavily into our Decoupaging Stage and decided to apply that technique using old catalog papers....  aged it a bit with ink... 

 

...the ribbon is silk Midori (also from Bebe's stash)... 

 
 
One of her many talents was making silk ribbon flowers...  she made it look so easy! 

A couple of weeks ago, I found this ribbon flower rosette (spied at a local antiques shoppe)...   it was tucked in a cup on a bottom shelf, but the pretty pink drew me in.  As I  held it in my hands to admire the handiwork, I realized tears were flowing down my checks.  And then, I turned it over to look at the finishing on the back and was awed... there was a velvet leaf and a cream ribbon which was stamped (or printed?) with the creator's name.  It read "Luna."

Luna is the name we gave our German Shepherd puppy (our gift to my husband this last Christmas).  Luna was born (we realized after adopting her) just 4 days before Bebe's death; the last day of Bebe's life in which she was actually awake and aware, before succumbing to cancer on October 18th. 

Coincidence?  Fate?  Karma?  It doesn't matter if you believe.  I do.

The rosette came home with me.

 
(I blogged about some of Bebe's beautiful things in August 2010, click here.) 

May you enjoy your Pink Saturday...  love your family, treasure the moments you spend together.  And don't forget to give your Mother-in-Law a hug.

I'm sharing my "Bebe-inspired Pinks" with Beverly.

French architectural details...

I was recently going through photos taken last Spring during my trip to Europe.... trying to choose some favorites to use for note cards...  and was once again awed by all the beauty that we saw. 

I can still feel my excitement as I deplaned in Paris... itching to see my daughter, Bianca, and anxious to start my adventure.  Bianca was a wonderful guide, and in 3 short days (before heading off to Italy), she gave me a glimpse and a taste for what Paris is all about.

Some of my fondest memories are centered on the architecture... the "simple" details that seem to be everywhere, even in the humblest of structures.  Of course, the "must see" spots were wonderful...  but as a traveler, I've always enjoyed seeing "behind the scenes" and striking out to areas that are a bit off the common path.

As I looked through the photos, I noticed (again!) the gorgeous white and cream details my camera had captured...

 

 
 

 

...the entrances and facades were incredible...  but the inside - wow- most ceilings and passageways were a work of art themselves!

 
  
 
 ... I miss you, Paris, can't wait to visit you again!

Linking up to White Wednesday at Faded Charm Cottage;

stop by to check out all the beautiful whites.

 

A little bit of this.. a little bit of that...

Our school district has their spring break this week... so I've had a lovely, relaxed week doing most some of the things I've been putting off until "spring."  Except I never got to the closets (darn!). 

A bit of spring cleaning... alot of spring decorating.  

 

I found another stash of bunnies and some eggs... although they are quite pretty "as is" -- I want to finish covering them with beautiful lace and add more  millinery. 

As my MIL, Bebe, used to say "junking them up!"  We would always laugh about our need to "add more thing" to every project...  somehow, the "less is more" concept never sunk in for us.

 
...don't you just love Easter and spring colors?

 
This bunny friend had been MIA for a while... found him in a box labelled "Halloween/Fall" ...  I wonder how that happened?

 

I played around with my silk florals a bit... decided to tuck some vintage postcards here and there...

 
...I love this little guy so much that he stays out all year!

 

Happy, happy Pink Saturday! 

I'm linking up to Beverly's party for my weekly dose of pink... 

and a wonderful party brimming with eye candy at I Love Pretty Little Things.

This little lady needs a make-over...

I've spent the last two days visiting some old stomping grounds... antiques stores, that is.  I don't visit much anymore because who wants to pay "store" prices when you have wonderful estate sales, garage sales, and three local thrift stores? 

They didn't disappoint me... I was expecting crazy prices!  However, there was one little gal that came home with me which made the trip worthwhile...

 
 
She's made of bisque (I think) and her poor hair has completely fallen off!  Her nose has a little dent.. ouch!   Her eyes looks a wee bit tired... like the eyeliner needs some repair!

But I fell in love with her (the super low price tag was a big help) and thought she would look fabulous after a mini-makeover.  I'll have to remember to post a "Before" and "After" pic after she's all rejuvenated!

 
Happy Wednesday! 

I'm linking (rather belatedly) to White Wednesday at the Faded Charm Cottage.

A sense of accomplishment...

Many, many years ago, I did alot of counted cross-stitching... completed several beautiful pieces (which are now displayed throughout my home)...

... even way back then (20+ years ago..eek! am I really that old??) I was into flowers...

  

 Although I completed a few, I left many more "undone."  Does that happen to you?  I blamed it on the eyes; but really, I just got bored with it. 

Yesterday, as I was sorting cleaning out one of my Sunshine Room drawers, I dug out  found several of my unfinished projects. 

 

At the time, I was really into the samplers...

 
...hmm... maybe I still am "into" the samplers.  They do look kinda nice.

 

"Forget Me Not" has been a favorite for many reasons...  this was the name I gave my little shoppe of linens back in the mid-90's.

 

...more flowers... this one was a finished project, which still remains unframed (?)

 
 

SO... after looking at all these lovelies (and wishing I had finished more of them), it seems like a waste to let them just sit in a drawer. 

I'm thinking I might make use of the portions that are complete... maybe a little editing here and there.  Or a "quilt" using the various finished components...

 

any ideas?

 p.s.  although I took a long vacation from cross-stitching, my hands were not idle.  My newest needlework passion is punch embroidery!  You don't have to COUNT and its really, really ADDICTIVE!

 

Maybe when I finish this one I will have my "sense of accomplishment" back and not feel like a "Needlework Dropout!"

 

Towers of Flowers...

I'm welcoming the week with  photos from Macy's Spring flower show (which opened here in Minneapolis last weekend)... this year's theme is "Towers of Flowers" and boy, were there towers! 

 

The displays were as amazing as ever!  One of the "hits" of the show were the

BLUE orchids...

 

...everyone was going a bit nuts over their vivid BLUE tint (although most didn't realize they were dyed).... 

 
Each "tower" was more breathtaking than the other...  this one was a mosaic tower, brimming with bougainvilleas...  reminded me of South Florida gardens...

  
 

 
 ..the trees, shrubs and foliage combinations were stunning as well.  Many of the displays had a distinct European or Mediterranean "feel" to them. 

 

 

 

 But the "piece de resistance" was the Leaning Tower...

 

 

I have a few hundred more pics I'd like to share... but will save those for a future post!  The lighting was very bright and made it difficult for a rookie like moi to take decent pics...

I'm happy to join Smiling Sally and all her blue-loving friends today!

 

HAPPY MONDAY!

Pink for the Princess...

If you are like me, you love visiting the china/crystal/tabletop section of your favorite department store...  this past weekend I was drooling at our downtown Macy's.  Here's why...

The most beautiful tabletop display had been set up in honor of the upcoming royal nuptials in England.

 

Flowers in corals, creams and pinks topped the "bride's luncheon" cake...

 

 

Each setting was meticulously set up (yet appeared very casual)...

 

 

 

A dainty pink package awaited each guest...

 

 

Oh!  The china was the star attraction, of course.  This beautiful floral pattern is by Lenox.   Deliciously elegant.

 

 

 
  
After much gazing and picture-taking, I finally walked away with a heavy, but happy sign.  Do I really need more dishes?  Maybe not  today, but... you never know when you might be hosting a royal bridal luncheon, right?

Happy Pink Saturday!  Please visit Beverly and all her pink party people!