French Lavender

What is it about the fragrance of Lavender? 

To me it just smells like Summer rain..

My long awaited dried lavender bunches arrived from Antique Farmhouse and I couldn't be happier. It's so hard to find lavender here in the Midwest, and online prices generally run high for just a small bunch. I tried growing my own last year, but bees took over our back yard and built hives in the birdhouses and pool equipment... that was the end of my lavender growing.

If you don't know Antique Farmhouse then you should. They have beautiful items with new "events" daily. Things sell out fast so you have to be quick. I don't think it's available at this moment but keep checking back they may have more in. Anyway, I bought two orders of 3 bundles each, and I could smell that magical fragrance before the box was opened.

...so I had to do a little styling in an old Frenchy basket. Anyone know technically what this basket was used for? Harvesting flowers maybe? I've also used it for wine bottles, and French Baguettes. 

I collect these little gift books from the early 1900's 

and this one has precious illustrations.

We're in the Living Room on one of my Bergere Chairs that I slipped a few years ago. And I wanted to show you my new grainsack that I talked about here. It's heavier than my others and has two yummy caramel stripes down the center. 

 The bundles came banded with rubber bands, 

so I just covered them with some burlap ribbon.

I just used three of the bundles in the basket, so the rest came into the Dining Room and found a spot on the breakfront in a wine crate.

Styling Assistant at the ready...

she didn't want to eat it, just roll in it...

It's been raining for days,

and I'm ready for Fall...

joining in with these party gals:

Knick of Time Tuesday

Inspire Me at A Stroll Thru Life

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

The Scoop at Cedar Hill Ranch

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Blitzed on Pinterest at Debbiedoos

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Inspiration Gallery at Ella Claire

It's a Party at DIY by Design

Blissful Whites at Timewashed

What's it Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants 

TTT at Stone Gable

From My Front Porch to Yours

Craftberry Bush

French Country Cottage

The Charm of Home

Shabby Art Boutique

Jennifer Rizzo

Hope you're having a good week,

xoxo,

More birdies and presents to myself...

You all know how much I love me some birdies, and you've heard me sing the praises of the UK Edition of Country Living. Put them both together in this month's February Issue, and you have me looking forward to Spring more than ever.

Once you've experienced one of these gorgeous monthly magazine publications you'll be hooked. The UK Edition is true to it's name. It's all about life in rural Britain; farms, businesses, crafts, entrepreneurs, cooking, traditions, and lifestyle.

This month they featured bird and nest illustrations

 from the Natural History Museum, London.

The illustrations in the layout look like watercolor exhibits on faded papers,

with dimensional identification tags. a very vintage look.

This month's issue is still available at bookstores. 

And I have to share this wonderful breadboard that arrived in the mail this week. Being sick and delirious ;) I'd forgotten that I'd ordered it, and when my husband brought the monster box to me I was clueless. (That happens to me every once in awhile and it has nothing to do with a fever)

 It's a big boy breadboard, that I ordered from "Decor Steals" as my Valentine present to myself. When I ordered it I didn't have any idea where I'd put it, but I wasn't going to let it pass by. It's not as heavy or well made as the real thing, but it has the look of an old one, and the price was right.

And this interesting reproduction metal sign came from "Antique Farmhouse" before Christmas. The distressed creams and browns are really pretty....and it says "Paris"... what's not to love?

I think I like them together...

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. I've been working on more Springification around here. The sunporch was Saturday's project...I'm just getting started. And please don't remind me that another snowstorm is scheduled for Tuesday!

I'm joining in at these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

xoxo,

The Marketplace: Etsy and Online Shopping Party

Happy Tuesday Everyone!
Time to join  the party
with all your Etsy items and Online Shops.
Here are just a few of the fun links from last week:

Moss Covered Chalkboard TableMarker

Karen Mary Butterfly

Shabby Cottage Serving Dish

from StellabyStar

Dreams Heart Pendant

from Mammabellarte

Rustic French Country Key Holder

from Where the Grass is Green

Rose Floral Tole Trays

VintageGoodness1

Just checking to see if you've entered 

the Give Away with EpicLinen 

for a $30 Gift Certificate and 20% off Discount Code.

just click here!

Remember, this is a link party for items that are For Sale, only. Link up to 3 items from your shop or store with individual links to purchase, if possible. A blog post about your items will also work, if you're selling. And if you're here to shop, then we're so glad to have you! And since this link is open all week, be sure to check back throughout the week for new listings.

Have fun browsing...

The Marketplace: Fun Gifts for Valentines

Are you like me and enjoy finding sweet presents for the special girlies in your life? Well, be sure and shop here first. I find so many wonderful one of a kind items on Etsy and from Online Boutiques. Things that you just can't find anywhere else; handmade and unique. Here are some great Valentine gift ideas from last week's party.

Red and White Women's Scarf

From Sew a Fine Seam
(I know Jill has several of these adorable scarves available to choose from)

Vintage Inspired Souvenir Charm Earrings
from The Old White House

Handmade Mini Crown
from Villa Barnes

Simply Romantic Paper Rose Pen
from Sweet Magnolias Farm

Bubble Pendants

 from Junxtaposition

Valentine Journal 

Fishtail Cottage

Today's Sponsor Spotlight is on Jessica from

Scrap Eco Chic

where you can find some great bundles of vintage goodies

for all your crafting ideas.

Valentine's Bundle

Tickle Me Pink Rick Rack

Pink and Aqua Inspire Me Kit

OK, time to link up all your great Etsy and Online Boutique items. (Up to three items with a direct link if possible). You don't have to have a blog to participate, more links equals more shopping fun. Please be a follower of Common Ground on GFC and it would be so nice for you to grab the party image on the sidebar for someplace on your blog. (This linky is for items that are FOR SALE only)

This linky will be open all week 

so be sure and check back throughout the week for new items being listed.

Thanks so much for coming by to shop!

Welcome to The Marketplace and a Winner

Time for The Marketplace;

Your place for some shopping fun!

I really enjoy sharing a new Online Boutique or Etsy Shop, so today I want to introduce you to Ella Claire, the Shoppe. Many of you by now have met Kristen, the momma of adorable Ella, and follow along with her blog, by the same name. Kristen and her sisters have recently gone online with some beautiful jewelry and holiday home items. Here are a few wonderful items they are now carrying.

Charcoal Bubble Necklace

Cranberry Bubble Necklace

Mocha Cinnamon Dipped Candles

these look good enough to eat!

more fun shopping items coming up!

Vintage Italian Tole Gilt Roses Candleholder

from Romantic Farmhouse

Burlap Stocking with a Toile Crown Cuff

from Blue Creek Home

(love these wonderful colors)

Shy Cherub Girl Chalkware Lamp

from Vannas Armoire

(this would be perfect for a little girl's room...
or a big girl's room)

Vintage Enameled Marbled Graniteware Bucket

from I'm So Vintage
(Filled with Apples and Greenery for your Christmas decor)

Vintage Milk Bottle

from Sweet Magnolias Farm
(this looks like Christmas to me. 
Wouldn't it be fun filled with a Christmas "mix" of something? yum.)

Today, the talented Leslie Janson is in the Sponsor Spotlight.

You'll love Leslie's beautiful repurposed items including jewelry,

 pillows, and these great Christmas ornaments.

Grain Sack and Rhinestones 

Repurposed Cuff Bracelet

Repurposed Horse Brass Ornament for Christmas

Repurposed Ornament

Repurposed Ornament

Antique Grain Sack Pillow

Thanks Leslie, I always love coming to browse!

And now the winner of the French Bleu Gift Certificate

Rhonda from Blue Creek Home

Congrats, Rhonda!

If you have an Etsy Shoppe or Online Boutique please come link up your items (up to Three), and if possible link to the individual item for easy shopping. You don't have to have a blog to link up. If you're here to shop, we're so glad to have you. Remember this link is open all week, so drop back by and see the new links each day.

Have Fun!