Fill a Vintage Tote for Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Weekend, everyone. Over the years, I've realized this is a holiday, (like many holidays) that can be so bittersweet. I still have my mom, but I know so many of you have moms in heaven. And for those that have lost children or never had children, it's a sad reminder. So to all of you, my prayers are with you today in joy and sorrow. 

A Homespun Kitchen for Christmas

Hey Friends, Welcome to a fun gathering today, as I'm joining in with a great group of gals who are sharing their ideas and inspiration for a Homespun Christmas. Thankyou to Laura at Decor To Adore for putting this great group together. If you're coming from Lora's place at Create and Ponder, thanks so much and I'm glad you're here continuing the Hop!

Paint Refreshed Tote for a Farm Table Vignette

Hey friends, Here we are in November and it's all about the upcoming Holiday Season. Call me old fashioned or a traditionalist, but I can't bypass Thanksgiving. It's always been my favorite holiday and season so I'm sharing some late November decor posts and Thanksgiving, and then also bringing in some Christmas decor and inspiration too. Even though I love Thanksgiving, I too am ready to see some Christmas inspiration and ideas. Let's have both!!!

Cottage Kitchen Christmas

The kitchen at our home was renovated back in 2015, which consisted of a complete gutting and opening up the kitchen to the "family room". We of course didn't own the house at that time and the homeowners did a great job with an up-to-date remodel. They had a large TV and sound system located in this niche shelf above the bank of cabinets and counter. We didn't want a large TV there, as I prefer a smaller one on the counter that I could see when seated at the bar. So... what to do with that open shelving that left a big vacant space between the cabinets?

A Vintage Tote and Views of the Fall Kitchen

I think I've only shared my kitchen twice before... ok maybe just once, here at the "new" house. I love this kitchen, but it's usually in the process of being busy, and I tend to be a little messy and disorganized in here. But I wanted to share a fall look for my vintage tote here on the island, so I thought I'd just go crazy and take pics of the rest of the kitchen.

Mason Jar Candy Corn Votives

Hi Friends, are you ready for some Fall Fun? Today I'm joining in with a great group of vintage-loving friends to share how we use Mason Jars. We all love the humble Mason/Ball jar, created in the mid 1800's, and many of us collect the vintage and antique variety. They are still being made today, and while I don't "can" with them I do use them for so many things, from a sturdy little drinking glass (perfect for a lemonade on the porch) to an easy to put together candle holder.

Early Fall Naturals Garden Tote

We finally had some rain Saturday afternoon, 

which always causes tree debris to fall.

We headed out with our yard containers but I quickly 

got waylaid with some interesting leaves, walnuts, and acorns.

Before I knew it I grabbed one of my chippy white totes

and put together a fun gathering of natural elements.

(Ok, maybe one or two faux, that brought in a little fall color.)

Vintage Patriotic Garden Room

I'm back today with more from the sitting area in the Garden Room.

That means More vintage goodies in shades of red/white/blue.

I

Creating My Fall Mantel and other Conundrums

I really love Fall. That is an understatement by a long shot. I mark the days off the calender so to speak, until I can start decorating the house. But if there's one part of decorating that I would want to shove to the end of the list it would be decorating the mantel. Yes, you've heard it before, this is my least favorite, and most difficult to come up with ideas for, part of Fall. 

It's even hard coming up with a post title for this. Let's see... "Exercise and the Fall Mantel", "How to Climb a Step Ladder for Fall", or maybe, "Scratching Your Head While Avoiding Small Animals". 

Fashion Finds for Summer

Hi Friends, just wanted to share a little post on some Fun Summer Fashion I've found. I love to go shopping, but lately I've let my fingers do the walking and just browse around the Internet. That can lead to finding some great pieces, and some trendy boutique items that are still at good prices. This isn't a sponsored post, just sharing some things I like and have purchased. I love to see what you all are wearing and get some ideas for myself. 

I like a bigger bag, no matter what the season. I have a lot of "stuff" that I seem to need to carry around with me: make-up, meds, contact lens paraphernalia, phone, glasses, sometimes a camera... the list goes on and on. I also like to change out my purses to match my outfit; color coordinate, especially in Spring and Summer when I tend to wear brighter colors.

2 Spring Totes

Hi Friends, I hope you were able to catch the Spring Home Tours this last week. So much inspiration! I shared my Kitchen Sitting Room and Living Room on Wednesday, but there are a few items where I'd like to share a bit of detail.

Kitchen Sitting Area Dressed for Fall

When I shared the Blogger Fall Home Tour put together by Brenda last week, one room didn't make the cut... that was the Kitchen Sitting Area. I had a few things left to get done. So, I have a few of those things done, but it's still not finished. I'm sure I'll have that done by the time to decorate for Christmas.

Patriotic Summer Kitchen Tote

With the 4th of July just around the corner, it is time to break out the 

 Red White and Blue!

I've been working on changing up the Kitchen Sitting Area, and giving it a patriotic feel. The kitchen needed a good dose of "Summer" so I'm giving it a punch of RED. I started with the kitchen table, and gave it something different to wear. So here's just a peek at my Vintage Summer Kitchen, with a white tote filled with vintage utensils.

Carrier filled for Spring

I mentioned last week, that each time I'm at the other house packing the endless number of "things", that a few of them inevitably end up in my tote bag to come over here and join the other decor tidbits. I'm careful not to be too blatant, otherwise hubbs will look at me like, "we're supposed to be packing this stuff, not playing with it." sorry, I have to play...

The pink vintage bunny planter, majolica rabbit plate, and Fitz and Floyd Berry Platter were my spoils from last weekend.

This platter has some cracks and chips,

 but I fell in love with the raised basket weave design.

so Springy.

This little guy has no markings, but I did a Google search and it appears that he's Shawnee Pottery from the 50's...old bunny, real old bunny. He's all cotton candyish sweet pink with lots of little crazing.

Last year none of my daffodils bloomed. I don't know why, but there weren't even any bloom pods, just greens... what a disappointment. And this year only a few, so I wanted to enjoy them while I could. Last year I planted a few hyacinth bulbs in the same area, that did come up. When I went to cut them, some bees were eagerly working on them, so I left a few behind for them. They make a petite bouquet in one of my small Staffordshire white Ironstone pitchers.

I've always loved the unique shape of this hexagonal soup tureen. I can't decide if it's ironstone or ceramic, but it's different. And it's small enough to decorate with. I've changed out this carrier several times since I've been at this house. I only  have a few places to "decorate", so this is doing double duty to help with my decorating addiction.

And if course, I've never met a white carrier that I didn't love.

This is a strawberry carrier, with slats in the bottom,

sitting on the small bench in front of the wicker settee. 

I didn't have enough room for my coffee table here,

 but this old tool caddy bench fit perfectly.

The weather is confused here; it thinks we're still in March. It's been so windy today and chilly. Hopefully it will be in the 70's again by the weekend; the Iris are starting to come up. Hope you're having a wonderful week!

joining in on these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
It's a Party at DIY by Design
Blissful Whites at Timewashed

Treasure Hunt at From My Front Porch to Yours
Creative Friday at Jen Rizzo
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Shabbilicious Friday at Shabby Art Boutique
Simple and Sweet Friday at Rooted in Thyme

xoxo,

Today's Sponsor

French Bleu Vintage

Be sure and check out the 50% off sale going on now!