New Vintage in the Petite Boutique

Recently I found some wonderful old rosary crucifixes and religious medals, so with a few added charms and tags, I wanted to share the "new" vintage one-of-a-kind pendant necklaces that are in my Etsy Shop, the Petite Boutique.

I've also added a new chain to these pieces; 

a small link, but with a nice weight.

Love the antiqued brass.

One of the great things about these pendant clasps

 is that you can add on or remove the individual pieces. 

That way if you have some personal charms or pendants

they can be worn with the rest.

I also can put together a special pendant 

with your choice of elements,

just email me for info.

I'll be making more of these,

 just wanted to get these first few listed.

Seeing this pretty girl wearing my very first necklace listed on Etsy,

was what inspired me to make some pieces with a new look.

Thanks,  Anne...

(isn't she cute?)

 I'm linking up with my friends Patti and Paula

over at Ivy and Elephants

xoxo,

Pretty in Pink

Thanks everyone, for weighing in on the Master Bedroom post from yesterday. I think that the first thing will be to find some neutral drapes that will work with a new wall color, too. And then when I'm ready to take on another paint project that I'll probably go with something in a lighter taupe with a gray undertone. I think those two changes will go a long way to freshen up the space, AND my attitude about it. We've lived in this house longer than any other house, so I'm used to getting to make a fresh start more often. It's easy to get into a rut, and then one day look around and be dissatisfied.

But today, I want to share this precious pink hyacinth before it fades. I've never forced these bulbs before;  I actually bought three, but this was the only one to bloom. I worked on bringing some "Spring" into the sun porch on Saturday, where this pink sweetie took center stage.

The fragrance is just intoxicating...

I'm ready for more of this... 

My sunroom is always the first place that gets decorated 

for the new season.

After the bloom is finished I'll plant it out in the front

with a few other hyacinth bulbs that are already in the ground.

Hopefully it will bloom next year.

Are you ready for a little touch of Spring at your place?

joining in for

 White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Primp your Stuff at Primp

Share the Love Wednesday at Very Merry Vintage Style

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

House Party at No Minimalist Here

Creative things Thursday at The Vintage Farmhouse

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Wild about Mother Nature at Grits and Glamour

xoxo,

I can't believe I'm doing this...

OK, so I DO have a bedroom, and it does now have a sunburst mirror above the bed, and I can't believe I'm actually showing pictures, 'cause I can't get good ones, and now I will probably have blog remorse once I hit the "publish" button...

There are some things I want to change out, like the old school curtains, which were fine 9 years ago. And of course there's that itch that would have me repaint it all in a taupe-y gray. But the master bath and my closet are also in this camel color so that's a big job. Right now I don't want any more big jobs, at least for awhile. So I guess I'll wait until I can't stand it anymore, then I'll do it.

oh gosh, these photos are not very good...

anyway...this room is a booger bear to photo;

it's dark with all the gold, dark rug (which used to be in the Living Room),

and large pieces of dark stained furniture.

d.a.r.k.

(our TV is in here)

but, I bit the bullet and I'm outing myself,

'cause I promised a pic of the new sunburst mirror,

which DOES help bring it just a tad bit more up to date.

maybe...

I bought a new duvet cover and shams from Pottery Barn last fall,

and I love them...

I could still use them with gray walls...

hmmmm...

I had fun putting together little gallery areas on either side of my dresser.

This carved trunk came from the Philippines, 

when my dad was in the Korean War.

He shipped it home to my mom

 full of Japanese kimonos and handmade items. 

frenchy mirror

frenchy things on my dresser.

can you tell I like old "frenchy" things?

anyway...be kind.

I have some decisions to make on drapes and painting.

I hope I can decide what needs to be done,

so another almost three years won't go by

before I show it again.

Joining in for these parties:

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

It Doesn't Have to be Perfect at The Nester

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll thru Life

Tuesdays Treasures at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Show Me What You've Got at Our Delightful Home

xoxo,

just sharing my thoughts...

If you haven't read my previous post on Remembering Whitney Houston I'd love for you to scroll down. I don't get on my soap box very often. Most of the time I try NOT to say much on this blog, but I wanted to give voice to a viewpoint of mine and many others concerning the coverage of Whitney's life, passing, and funeral. Just giving pause for reflection here. Everyone has their own opinion.

Below is a comment I left on a blog this morning. I read each comment and debated on whether to share mine or not. After thinking and praying about it this morning I shared this. Please know I'm not at odds with anyone, just thought I might give my own insight into the controversy over the media coverage issue.


"You asked for thoughts, I'd like to share mine. I think there are two distinct issues here. One the news media; with 24 hour news channels now, every story runs multiple times. I agree topics are not always chosen or run wisely. There are many many issues that could and should have attention that are worthy of our viewing. But I don't necessarily think most people get satisfaction from seeing other people's tragedies. You're so right everyone, there are thousands of people who suffer and die everyday. We ought to be bringing attention to their plight, also. 

I for one, DO think that in Whitney's case of prescription medications and drinking, we all need to take a long hard look. Oftentimes we think if we are taking legal prescription drugs then everything is OK, you add alcohol in to the mix, we are asking for trouble. Dr. Drew Pinsky's coverage on HLN has been timely and graphic in this area. If all the coverage and scrutiny saves one life, then I say the coverage was justified.

As for Whitney's funeral, I watched most of it. It was touching and intimate. Those that spoke or gave tribute in song, were not seeking attention, only to share their love, memories, and grief for their loved one, friend, and colleague. As a born again Christian I found it touching and spiritually uplifting. God loves all of us, even when we fall down. We can celebrate a life, knowing that she is now in a place without pain or struggle."

Having close family members that have had physical and emotional issues, and having taught many Bible Studies on Overcoming Addictions and Depression, I think it's valuable to know and understand the causes of addiction and the fallout for loved ones. Being a celebrity causes one to naturally be in the public eye. If we can learn from the trials and lives of other's we will all be better human beings, with an attitude of empathy and caring to our fellow brothers and sisters in life.

much love, thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

February 19, 2012 12:52 PM

Whitney remembered...

I had this afternoon to myself, and I did some puttering around the house. I have been watching a lot of the commentary on CNN and HLN on Whitney Houston the last few days. Today was her funeral; she went home to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, the church where she grew up and got her start. Whether a fan or not, the funeral was precious and endearing, as many gave tribute to her in words and song. Two stood out for their raw honesty and emotion; Tyler Perry, and Kevin Costner. If you didn't see the broadcast, I'm encouraging you to search out Costner's few minutes on his friendship with Whitney during the making of his movie, The Bodyguard. I imagine it will be on YouTube.
I'm not a big cryer, but I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. And at the end, when her pall bearers carried the casket, her recorded voice was heard singing I Will Always Love You. Amazing person and talent gone too soon. Anyone who watched this definitely had "been to church". And they said that would have been just what she would have wanted.

More on Brown Transferware...

I know that there are so many of us out here that really do have a passion for transferware. By the looks of my comments, many of us collect or at least have a few pieces. Sally from Salmagundi is one of these big time collectors, not only of transferware but of my new love, Aesthetic Movement transferware.

Sally was kind enough to drop everything and do a special post for me and all of you. Below is one of her pieces, please click over and visit Sally and see her wonderful collection. Even if the bug hasn't bitten you yet, you'll really enjoy seeing her post.

and here's a couple of Pinterest Inspiration photos,

just to "whet your whistle"...

Source: lisathompson.net via Debra on Pinterest

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Debra on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Debra on Pinterest

OK, see ya at Sally's!

(next post, Nancy will give us the dish!)

and if you haven't linked up for 

Vintage Inspiration Friday

just scroll down to the next post.

Vintage Inspiration # 77 Aesthetic Movement Transferware

I'm not an afficianado of transferware by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love a few mismatched pieces that I've found over the last several years. And the history buff in me enjoys how design trends are formed within cultures and how they affect art, furniture, and our everyday lives. Brown Transferware is one of my "favorite things", so it's fascinating to me to discover the different patterns and trends that we find it in.

...are ya still with me?

Last weekend we headed over to the Antique Festival of the Ozarks held here in Springfield. This is a new show in it's second year, that my husband and I really enjoy. You can find a little of everything here, definitely not categorized as garage sale items. As we like to say, "Retail at it's finest", if you get my drift. Not particularly bargain shopping, but real antiques and collectibles, very much worth the time and price of admission to the show.

A dealer friend of mine, Teresa, who always has interesting things and great prices had a space at the show, and the whole time we were "visiting" I kept glancing at this old Brown Transferware tureen. 

It had been broken and "repaired" many years ago, but that kind of thing really doesn't deter me, if I find something that I want. Hey, stick it on a shelf, or turn it the other direction. Little imperfections, or even big ones, don't keep me from buying.

At the time I couldn't remember the name of this certain design of transferware, but when I checked the Internet I found the name of the pattern, Burmah, which is highly influenced by Japanese motifs. It's a piece from the Aesthetic Movement which started in the latter part of the 19th Century. As a counter reaction to the Industrial Revolution in England, artists and designers looked for opulence and imagination in art and life which translated into the Aesthetic movement, Craftsman Style, and then into Art Nouveau.  

 I checked out some platters that would match at This Site
but since I only paid a smidge for the tureen,
I thought I'd let the $375 platters just be a dream for now.

OK, history lesson over, but don't you love learning something new?

So let's see what was happening with last week's Valentine Party,

Julia, from Vintage with Laces has some of the most romantic creations. 

Take a peek at her lovely lace hearts she made for Valentines gifts.

MaryAnn from Classic Casual Home has something new and gorgeous!

Love her one of a kind bejeweled clipboards.

Sandi from a Cottage Muse shared some adorable vintage Valentines.

Kerry from House TalkN created a romantic table for two

with this wonderful grouping of candleholders.

Karen from Decor to Adore created this

Romantic Shadow Box. She even has a tutorial.

and who could resist some vintage Puppy Love from Walnut and Vine?

Thanks everyone for joining in and broadcasting the Valentine Party!

I really appreciate you taking the time to come over here 

and join in on the party week after week.

You all are the best!!

I also want to mention Dee from French Bleu Vintage,

a new sponsor, 

is having a 25% off Sale early tomorrow morning,

 at her wonderful online Shop

Be sure and check her blog for the code.

Hope you'll join in for the party today

"with anything vintage or vintage inspired"

Please have a visible link to Common Ground

within your blog post.

I'll be joining in at these great party places:

What Have You Redone at Redoux

Inspiration Friday at The Picket Fence

Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Home Sweet Home at the Charm of Home

Show and Tell at My Romantic Home

Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Thriftin on a Thursday at Savvy City Farmer

xoxo,