I Went to a Garden Party

The day started off with showers, but by the time we made it to

Brian and Meloney's wonderful home in Chadwick, Missouri,

the clouds were clearing and the sun was peeking out;

a perfect day for a Garden Party.

Recently Brian constructed the most wonderful Garden House

on their country property.

And this weekend they are having an Open House.

Their invitations read,

"We built it, Will you come?"

A brick path led to the garden house that meandered

through a quaint courtyard surrounded by a white picket fence.

Outside seating, statuary, whimsies, and plantings

all made for a magical experience.

Brian and Meloney are friends to so many people across the US, selling their wonderful vintage wares at the Texas Shows for many years now. Up until two years ago they had a brick and mortar store in Ozark, Missouri called

The Seed Box.

Brian is a great craftsman, and Meloney has the style and design experience that causes them to be everyone's favorites. They hold several Open Houses each year, and this was to introduce the new Garden House. They are widely known for their amazing vintage Garden and Architectural elements, that are showcased in their new Garden House.

Myself and Hayley from Nesting Notions.

You never know who you'll see...

 Pam, myself, Kenda, and Hayley,

all with booth spaces in the area.

For some amazing inspiration check out

 The Seed Box website,

And my post on their Christmas Open House last November.

"You have risen from the seeds you have sown."

This was just a teaser.

More next time on what's inside,

And a tour of Brian and Meloney's wonderful home.

What a really wonderful day!

Debra

I have a bad habit...

Well, yea, I have several, but one big one that is just because of laziness; Coming home with some great finds, and just leaving them in the garage all wrapped up or in a box. Sometimes I literally forget what I've purchased, only to weeks later be rummaging through things to see what to take to the booth space.

I showed you a photo of my garage last fall. I know, it was scary to witness that much stuff (really good stuff) lined up on both sides like the parting of the Red Sea. Moses would have himself been amazed at the precarious stacking and piling.

This was accomplished with the help of our son-in-law who is a master of organization. Uh huh, he organized, but then I couldn't find a blasted thing that I wanted, nor could I retrieve it, even if I did find it!

Well, that was last October and my husband has been "happier" because his vehicle didn't have to sit outside all winter, (of course mine did, but that's besides the point).

So..... I'm telling you all this backstory to say that I have a hundred great posts of good stuff just stashed out in the garage! I'm going to try to bring in a few things for mini photo shoots. It will help me in planning a display, and maybe you'll enjoy it too. I know what I love to see out there in blogland. I'm going to try to serve up a little.

I just love editing my photos, making them a little more "artsy".

This little screen I found last year and it was a real mess,

with several layers of wallpaper.

I stripped most of it off and white-washed it.

I think I'll use this for my backdrop.

Candlesticks found at Pheona's Market Sale last week.

And the "Baby Ben" clock, just like the one

I used during my teenage years.

Wow, was that thing slammed more than once!

Love this sepia photo of roses.

And one of my personal necklaces made out of an old shoe clip.

I'm holding on to this sweet little wire form,

I didn't find it cheap, but just had to have it.

I just changed my template to Minima Stretch

and I'm trying out the new mega sized photos,

with a neutral background.

I'm trying to rethink my own personal style here,

let me know what you think.

Now, just FYI, I only put out the garage photos

for those new to my blog...

just trying to keep it real folks.

love to you all,

Debra

Whatcha got cookin'?

I've never tried using these for actually baking anything,

but they call my kitchen china cabinet home.

I once saw an image of these animal casseroles

lined up along one of Martha Stewart's kitchen ledges,

but I couldn't find it for this post.

(i have stacks of those suckers)

I've had the rabbit for about twenty years.

I made him when ceramics were all the rage.

Did any of you get caught up in that?

Wow, the ceramic tchotchkes we had!

The duck and chicken I have found since then on flea market excursions.

Now, I'm trying to remember if this is the tablecloth that

I stole borrowed from my sister. (?)

But today I thought I'd pretend

I was cooking something yummy for the casserole.

Hmmm... Hey, I know!

How about a "chicken" casserole...

I'm not really into rabbit or duck.

This poor little 30's Metropolitan Life Cook Book

got a little wet once when my sunroom leaked.

They do have some yummy recipes.

Anyone for Scalloped Turnips?

I received some of my Grandmother's painted wooden utensils,

so now I'm on the lookout for white ones.

I adore this cutting block, but the flower basket is too sweet to ruin.

Milk glass Hoosier Cabinet Salt Shaker.

OK, these are my faux cat chewed carrots.

After all, we are just pretending to cook.

Wow, I really enjoyed that pretend dinner.

Look, no calories!

I'm linking up with these great blog friends:

 

Linda from Coastal Charm

 Kathleen from Faded Charm

 Cindy from My Romantic Home

And Laurie from

 Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie

Hope you all are having a great week!

but I'm still hungry.

love,

Debra

Pheona's Vintage Market Monthly Sale

Last weekend I was so busy talking, laughing, shopping,

and enjoying the sale, that I didn't take enough photos.

That ever happen to you?

Meet Shelly and Gretchen,

two great gals who are a real "dynamic duo".

They really have that "Vintage Garden Style"!

This is their space at a wonderful new

monthly sale I recently found,

Pheona's Vintage Market in Billings, Missouri.

Yes, I know...hard to believe that I was talking

so much that I didn't take enough photos...

but here are most of the gals

that are part of the market.

Sheila, on the far right is the owner

of this wonderful little turn of the century home

that has been converted to be the perfect spot

for a great monthly sale.

Pheona's Vintage Market

So if you live anywhere near Springfield,

save the date for the 2nd Saturday of each month,

and take a quaint trip to Billings.

Lots of great fleas and vintage goods in the area.

I have their blog on my blog roll,

be sure and visit for directions.

See y'all there, next month!

love,

Debra

Winner of the Royal Treatment Give Away! (and an update!)

Keep Reading for the Update!

Before I announce the winner of the Royal Treatment Give Away I want to say some Thank Yous! I am always amazed at the love and kindness of you all out there. For every comment that is sweet and loving and generous; For the genuine friendships that I have found, and for the kindred spirit that is always shown.

(Queen Victoria)

And I want to say a special "thank you" for those of you who blogged, posted, and displayed my Give Away Button, and especially to those who have my blog listed on your blog roll! Since I started blogging last June the numbers of us have increased exponentially, (big word, does that make me sound smarter? Ha ha!) But it's true.

There aren't enough hours in the day to make it to all the fabulous new people and blogs, so I thank you for giving me a place of honor on your own blog. Sometimes mine feels ten yards long, but I want to keep track of you all! After this Give Away I have more wonderful friends to add!

Now to the good stuff, are you ready?

update here!!!

I have two Lisas, and due to my mixup in going by my email
instead of my comment section,

we have two wonderful gals named Lisa
 getting the Royal Treatment!

I'm a big believer in no coincidences
so I'll get to give out two Give-Aways
 which is what I've done the last two times!


Lisa of Pupylov

AND

Lisa of Tarnished and Tattered

these are the two winners of the Crown Give Away!

and wait!

 I have 3 other small tokens of appreciation

to those of you who have me on your blog!

This was just a little multiple Give Away
of a some little goodies
to bless a few of you
 who have linked back to me.

Thank You, Sweet Friends!

Sissie of Sissie's Shabby Cottage,

Rose of My Bella Rosa,

and Margaret of The French Bear.

If you wonderful ladies would email me your info,
I'll start wrapping!

If any of you are interested in having one
of these lovely crowns of your own,
just let me know and I will
put you in touch with my
good friend Kenda.


Thank you dear Friends!
you are loved!

Debra

Fridays with Friends at Cha Cha's Place

My sweet friend Cha Cha from Sit Relax and Read has honored me with a place on her "Fridays with Friends" post. She asked if I would take the spotlight for an interview today, so take a minute and run by her blog. She's a very talented and creative mom of two darling girls, and knows just how to make you feel welcome.

So just in case there might be one or two things about me that you didn't already know, I may have covered it with Cha Cha!

I'll have The Royal Treatment Give Away Winners

later this afternoon

...I'm still counting!

love,

Debra

My little fantasy...

Don't we all have little fantasies? An affinity for a certain place and time and era. A place that would seem to fit who we are and nurture our personal dreams?

I'm really not sure why, but a life in an English cottage has always been a little dream of mine. Cozy, comfortable, with a flower garden and a gate out front. Quiet and peaceful where you can hear the birds sing, and maybe a little brook close to the house that beckoned for a dip of the toes and a grassy spot to open a book.

(image from an old church fan in my collection)

English Cottages and gardens were a popular subject for images, paintings and prints in the early 1900s. They have always spoken to me, so today I wanted to share of few of mine with you.

Can you see me?

I'm waving from the window!

An R. Atkinson Fox print that I found at a flea,

for just a few dollars...

who no one recognized.

Lucky Me!

This is an old needlework piece that I framed.

This is an old paper German calendar,

 but the cottage is what grabbed my attention.

(sorry about the glare)

Love the muted tones in this one,

it's almost a study in sepia.

I can't believe I still haven't seen this movie,

The Holiday.

Probably because my husband's not into

"Chick flicks".

It's going on my to-watch list.

After all, we all deserve a little fantasy.

What's your fantasy place and time?

Today I'm linking early to

Cindy at My Romantic Home

and Laurie at

 Bargain Hunting and Chatting With Laurie

And you have until midnight to enter

The Royal Treatment Give Away.

Let's make it to 500 followers.

That will be something to celebrate!!

Click here

love,

Debra