Summer Mantel with Sunflowers

This time of year I'm captivated by Sunflowers.

They are the symbol for late Summer, relaxation, casual dinners al Fresco, 

and all things French Country...

and I love to have them taking the stage on the mantel.

Share Your Style #23

Hi Everyone and Welcome to 

Share Your Style!

Let's see what was happening last week here at SYS.

Pam from Everyday Living shared a great post on Sunflowers, one of my favorite late summer flowers. She had tons of inspiration pics and several from her daughter's wedding. She shows that Sunflowers can be mixed with so many other flower varieties for some beautiful wedding arrangements and bouquets.

Summer Seed Box

...and the Decorating Domino Effect

A few weeks ago, I brought in a small white antique desk/table to the kitchen sitting area. I knew it would be crowded, but I was needing a change up in here and thought that would do the trick. I had it right where this chair is now sitting and it was so fresh and cute, not to mention another flat surface to decorate. I had fun with it for about a week, but then I realized that it was way too crowded in here, and the door to the deck bumped it each time we went out.

A little something to brighten your day...

Just wanted to drop by and say Hello with my little vintage friend.

Seed Box Graphics

I was sitting here looking at the calendar in my studio, when I was reminded of just how wonderful these old Seed Box Graphics really are. I buy the Smithsonian Seed Catalogue Calendar each year, and this is where my graphics are from when I've put together my own "make your own" seed boxes. Here are a few of my favorites on this year's calendar.

Share Your Style #22

 Hi Everyone, time for taking a break to 

Share Your Style.

With the July 4th Holiday behind us, some of us are gearing down and relaxing before it's time to get the kids ready for school. Now is the time for a few summer projects and DIY decor fun. I love a good Sunburst Mirror and Sheila from Beyond the Portico has a wonderful take with her beachy / outdoorsy driftwood mirror that she created. Sheila has an adorable cottage with a screened porch that I love.

Life is like an old cupboard...

(feeling a little Forrest Gump-ish today)

Inevitably, when you move and downsize many of the furniture pieces you love and have collected have to be sold. Or in order to make the cut, they have to be relegated to different purposes and function. I can't tell you how much was sold last year, but let's just say it was literally truckloads. A couple of pieces that I could justify keeping were for storing things. I bought this piece to use at my antique mall space before I started blogging, but once I finished it, I realized it would be perfect for quilt storage in the downstairs guestroom. Now, it's in the basement/lower level kitchen nook next to the bar, displaying some of my odds and ends "collections".

Here at the new house