WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!!

Sometimes people just literally walk into your life.  They walk right in the back door in their pjs, laughing, bringing wine, because their son has taken residence with you for the weekend.  The journey begins, and with it, happy memories of cheering for young sons at baseball and basketball games, and later at middle and high school games.  Happy memories of parties and social events, laughter, and a cocktail or two on the deck before the first football game of the season.  Happy memories of, umm, well I'm sure I'd remember those memories if we hadn't had all that wine, but I know they were happy!  Then all of a sudden, out of the blue, a layoff, and a secured job out of state, hours away...

The thing is, girlfriends remain girlfriends, whether they are right around the corner, or miles away.  Technology has helped us stay in touch, and when we do get back together, it's as if we were never apart.  So when life gives one of us the old one-two punch, the rest of us punch back.  Harder to do miles away, but nonetheless, a punch and a kick.  So here's to you, my cute friend-- we have your back!! 

CHEERS!!  XOXO

Treasures!

As some of you know, I opened up an antique booth about a year ago.  It's had its ups and downs, but it has been a lot of fun.  The most fun is the treasure hunt.  This past week I opened up a second location in another antique mall close by.  It doesn't have as many vendors, so we will see how it goes.  I thought it would be fun to show you some of my treasures that I find.  So here are a few of the beauties I found this past week-end! 

Tea cups and saucers, a vintage vase, and limoges!  Oh my!!

Small limoge plate...

Cute little bud vase...

A set of four limoge plates and a bamboo easel...

tea cups, 

more teacups, and

a beautiful vintage serving dish.  Love!!  What treasures have you found lately?

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back soon!

A Valentine's Week-end Setting

I just couldn't let Valentine's Day go by without setting up a romantic table.  I've had these Royal Jackson dinner plates for quite some time, but I haven't used them in a tablescape.

 

I set this table, for the most part, at the beginning of the week, with a pink tablecloth and these mirrored chargers that I purchased at Tuesday Morning.  I also used a battenburg table runner.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for a centerpiece, so I left the table this way for several days.  When Valentine's Day came, my table was still not finished.  Hubby saved the day with these gorgeous tulips.  I wasn't sure that the reddish pink tulips would work, but after adding the red and pink hearts, I liked the combination of colors.  

I found a small crystal cake plate, added the hearts, which also gave the vase of flowers elevation.

A close-up of the Royal Jackson china--

To change this table for any occasion, red marbles or red rose petals could be used in the bottom of the cake plate instead of sparkly hearts.

These gorgeous linen napkins were purchased at an estate sale.  I found 12 that match, and they are all monogrammed, which I love!

I also love bread and butter plates.  When I don't have the matching bread and butter plate, I use these little glass plates, which I also found at an estate sale.  They are the perfect size!

The crystal napkin rings were my mother's.

The iced beverage stems are Cristal D'arques Longchamp and the wines are Fostoria Corsage.

Thanks for visiting!  I hope you all had a romantic and loving Valentine's Day!  I sure did!  Come back soon!!

A Bridal Shower Setting Part 2

A while back, I helped a friend host a bridal shower at her lovely home, and posted pictures as Part 1 of A Bridal Shower.  I promised Part 2 would be coming!  Of course, I immediately forgot about it, until a new reader reminded me.  Thanks, Gayle!!  Without further ado, here are the pictures of my friend's lovely home.

The large foyer is designed for entertaining.  It is in the center of the home, and most rooms branch off from here.  You can see the front door to the left and the gorgeous living room is to the right.  Let's take a look in there!

This room is beautiful in the pictures, but actually they don't even do it justice.  This is what you see when you first enter the room.  Every decorative item has been exquisitely selected and placed just so.

This lovely tray holds beautiful bottles and candy dishes.

A closer look ...

A crown of gold is added to this little Cupid, who is seriously considering a bite of chocolate.

A beautiful small table sits in front of the window.

The angle of this picture is taken from the opposite side of the room.  The back left corner displays a beautiful armoire and chair.

The large, curved sofa displays a leopard throw and pillow.

Between two windows, a curio displays exquisite collectibles, and a picture of her handsome son is displayed to the right.  The table to the left holds silver albums of family pictures.

Extra seating was added for the bridal shower.

Another table display--I love the small vase of roses.

The mirrored wall behind the fireplace is so very upscale and chic!

Peeking out the window, you see a view of her front porch.

Exiting the living room, you notice this fishbowl and statue.  The beauty is in the details!

Off to the right of the foyer is the library.  It is fairly dark here, so my pictures didn't turn out so great.

A classic hunt scene oil hangs above the green velvet sofa.  Lots of leopard, paneled walls, and gorgeous accessories fill this room.

Sorry the pictures are blurred, but this room is worth showing!

The powder room is also lovely.

Back in the foyer, her childrens' portraits line the staircase.  This wallpaper is over 20 years old, and still looks as fresh as it did then.

Cute bunny in the breakfast room.

The dining room table is almost ready for guests.

The server holds various brides' baskets filled with various desserts.

Delicious and beautiful!

A wine station was set up in the kitchen.  To view more pictures of this home and the bridal shower, click here!

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures of this lovely home.

Christmas Decor and New Year's Eve Setting

Rain, rain go away!!  It's been raining here for four straight days, snow expected tomorrow!  I am ready for some sunshine!! 

Thought I would finally post a few pictures of Christmas and a couple from a New Year's Eve vignette I sort of threw together at the last minute.  Since we ate out, there are no dishes, just a few decorative type things. 

Can't believe I didn't get a picture of the entire front entrance, but the skates were off to the side of the door.

Family room tree was again decorated with golds and bronzes.  

Tree top

Mantle was similar to last year, but I added a vase with greens, bronze pine stems, and pine cones, which have mini lights. In this picture they are unlit.

Mantle with pine stems lit...

Angels on top of bookcase were purchased at an estate sale woohoo!!  Only problem was when I wanted the candles lit (they were battery operated), I had to climb on a ladder.

 Coffee table vignette--reindeer was purchased this year at Tuesday Morning and candle holder came from an estate sale.

 In the dining room on the sideboard, my epergne was arranged with silver and glitzy fruit.

Another estate sale find, this pitcher held silver and crystal decorations.

DR tree was decorated with silver and mercury glass.

Outside arrangement

 

All set for New Year's Eve!

I liked these lighted branches this year, can you tell?

Happy New Year--better late than never--thanks for visiting with me, come again soon.