Little Flags

It's been so hot...

I know that most of the rest of you are in this same pattern, but it's too early in the summer to be this miserable. Last summer was a scorcher, and I guess we're in for another one.  Not much use in my complaining, I'm fortunate to have AC and don't have to work outside. And speaking of outside, my plants are just pitiful, especially my hydrangeas which I had high hopes for this year. I thought of posting a pic, but they're just too sad and I didn't want to embarrass them, especially since they can't do anything about it.

So here is some "inside" fun.

Put a few patriotic touches in the Dining Room

Love these vintage "Cemetery flags" and always buy the ones when I can find them for a few dollars, like these that I picked up recently.

And I put my "French ticking" stripe tablerunner that I made last Fall back on the Dining Room table. It looks more summery than the brown floral.

I've really been loving my old window box on the table; can't believe it only took me four years to try it there... I'm anxious to put a Fall arrangement in there. I can just see it filled with pumpkins and Fall leaves.

Only two more hot yucky months before Fall.

let me tell you, I start counting down the days!

 More flags in the Entry basket of daisies.

I did brave the heat and put together a Patriotic tablescape outside,

I'll be sharing that Tuesday afternoon.

If you haven't entered the Big Book Give Away

then click here!

Hope you'll come back tomorrow for

I'll be joining in with;

 Thrifty Treasures at Southern Hospitality

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Make it Pretty Monday at the Dedicated House

Keeping those that have lost their homes and properties 

in these terrible fires in our thoughts and prayers.

(I've had a nice email asking me about my use of the flags in decor, and this is my personal opinion: because these flags are antiques and relics, and not "dedicated to service or commissioned flags" I don't feel it's wrong or disrespectful to use them as I have. They have been salvaged from flea markets and swap meets, etc.  under those conditions, boxed, folded, and wadded up. So my use of them to me is perfectly respectful and honoring of my love of Country and the American flag.)

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration #94 Patriotic Party and a Give Away

You didn't think you'd get by without a

 sunporch 4th of July now did you?

I love to change things up on the sunporch for the holidays and seasons, so decorating with a patriotic feel lasts most of the summer. I found this great Patriotic Bunting a few weeks ago and knew this was the perfect spot for it.

 My hubbs collects old flags, so I stole borrowed this one which is out here year round. It's faded and worn, but says so much to me. I think it must be an old school room flag, with 48 stars. I have it draped over my old chippy door.

Each year it's something different out here, as I like to change up the quilts and pillows. This time I went with my frenchy red toile quilt with ticking and floral pillows and a needlepoint one in the middle. Patriotic, but romantic...

An old plant stand is one of the girls' favorite perches

Flag advertising plate from 1919

and a zinc flower bucket with a little "red, white, and blue"

Hope you enjoyed the visit!

Here's some great inspiration from last week:

 Succulent wreath and tutorial at One More Time to Celebrate

 Angela from Number Fifty Three had some Bucket Envy and 

found a great way to come up with her own version!

Jennifer from Town and Country Living, used an old crock and gave it an updated Frenchy look with a Graphic's Fairy graphic.

Erika from Be Book Bound

shared this wonderful "girl's bedroom" from her local home tour.

Don't you love this large as life message center?

Hope you'll join in today,

anything Patriotic including recipes, traditions, celebrations,

DIY; any kind of summer fun!

And still including "all things vintage or vintage inspired"

remember to have a link within your post to be featured

Don't forget the big

 3 Year Blogaversary Give Away

going on till July 8.

Click here to enter

Hope you can visit these other great Friday parties!

Shabby Art Boutique

Bring on the fun!

xoxo,

Patriotic Party tomorrow!

Hi Everyone,

Just a reminder for tomorrow's Vintage Inspiration 

we're celebrating the 4th of July a little early.

Hope you'll come by and link up all your patriotic decor,

 recipes, DIYand summer fun!

However you like to celebrate

(since we're early feel free to share older posts)

And if you haven't entered the big Book Give Away

of Carolyn Westbrook's newest book, 

Through the French Door,

then scroll on down to the next post and join in!

Happy Wednesday,

See you tomorrow!

xoxo

"Through the French Door" Book Give Away

Welcome everyone to my 3rd Blog Anniversary Give Away. 

I "met" Carolyn Westbrook about 4 years ago, when I discovered her first book Carolyn Westbrook Home, and fell in love with her wonderful plantation home and gracious southern style. Her books are filled with inspiringly beautiful rooms and outdoor spaces that evoke her signature design look. Many of you know her from the Spring and Fall Texas Shows, and have loved her work for years. She has been such an inspiration to me personally, as I've re-decorated my home in the last several years.

Last year for my 2nd Blog Anniversary, I did a Give Away of Carolyn Westbrook's latest book, The French Inspired Home. So this year when I knew that she had a new book in process I contacted her about another give away, and this book looks just as amazing as her last!

Here are a few paragraphs from Carolyn's book,

 which will be released in October of this year by CICO Publishing.

"Once again, I would like to welcome you back to the plantation that we call home. It is always a work in progress and is ever-changing, just like me. Always evolving through time and where my passion lies. I think back to my childhood, how our house would move through seasons and time, and whatever my mother was passionate about at the time, was always reflected in our home's interior. Whether it was modern and sleek or an Asian themed interior this is where she felt comfortable or what she considered beautiful. Of course, there were and still are with me, the things that you love the most and you simply cannot part with and should never have to. These are the base of your design plan and then you can build your room around these things."

(Next two images taken from Carolyn's book The French Inspired Home)

(Image below taken from Carolyn Westbrook Home website.)

(bedding will be available Spring 2013 at Dillard's Stores)

"There is much more to creating a home than going to a furniture store and randomly choosing a packaged room. As I always say, your home should tell the story of those who dwell there. Everyone has a story that tells of their own journey through life. Your home should speak out about where you have been, who is dear to you, and those special trinkets and trappings that you have picked up along the way. Many of you are facing a blank canvas. For some, that can seem a daunting task with all of the white walls and empty spaces that need to be filled. When faced with a large space, it is often a good idea to break it down into smaller little vignettes, that seem to warm up the room and make it more comfortable. A seating area of random French chairs, benches, and gorgeous stacked oil paintings and collections that layer a big wall space to make it breathtaking and interesting, all at the same time, and most importantly, telling your story."

Carolyn Westbrook from "Through the French Door" 

So now, here comes the fun!

There will be three books given away,

 and you have multiple chances for entries:

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. Please be a follower of this blog, Common Ground, and let me know in a comment.
2. Visit Carolyn Westbrook on Facebook and "Like" her there. please leave a comment on this post.
3. Share the Give Away on your Blog and/or Facebook page and let me know in a comment(s).
4. And since I'm trying to "do" Facebook more frequently, I'd love you to come by my page also and "Like" me. (doesn't that sound just too weird?)

Grab the large image on the sidebar if you'd like. I didn't do a button, but it will shrink down for your individual sidebar size. Thanks for sharing the Give Away fun, I really appreciate it!!

You have 4(or5) chances to win one of three books! Yay!! Because the book will not be released until October, it will not get to your little hands until then, but don't worry, I won't forget you! 

xoxo,

Monday Marketplace #18

Time for Monday Marketplace 

where you can link up your Etsy and Online Boutique items.

You may see a "theme" today.

 Everything I picked was black and white!

Here are some fun links from last week:

French Country Inspired Gift Tags

from Becky at TimeWashed

Charming Vintage Petite White Wall Shelf

from Linda at White Lilac Cottage

Organic Lavender Dryer Sheets

 from Theresa at the Old White House

Gesso Sculptured Vintage Bird Ornament

from Rosemary at VillaBarnes

 Starting this week on Monday Marketplace 

I'll be spotlighting one of my great sponsors,

 as most of them join in for the link party.

 So today I'm highlighting Sheila from Tattered Goods. 

She has amazing designs in pillows, tea towels, coasters,

 and so many great vintage things in her Etsy Shop. 

Do you need a vintage clock or camera? She has those too!!

French Inspired Coasters

 from Sheila at Tattered Goods

Hope you'll run by and check out Sheila's blog and great shop.

And if you're interested in joining with me for some ad opportunities then click here. 

(New rates and summer specials.)

So link up to three items from your online boutique or Etsy shop; please link to the individual item if possible. And if you have a blog, I'd love you to grab the button on the sidebar and share it somewhere on your blog. This lets everyone know a fun new place to come and shop. And remember the party is up all week, so drop back by to check out what new has been added.

Hope you're off to a great start on the week!

xoxo,