A peek at a long overdue makeover........

So, true to form, this is a makeover without the "before" pictures. Trust me, it was ugly! It had paisley curtains behind the ironwork so that you couldn't see what was inside the cabinet (which is fine I guess, if what's inside the cabinet is ugly!) But I decided I needed to show off my prettier china, crystal, and silver, so I took off the curtains and lined the brown, that's right, brown shelves with old sheet music to lighten the whole thing up.
Why it took me this long (15 years) to do it, only God knows for sure, but I know He forgives me...after all, I've had a few other more pressing priorities to deal with...but now every time I walk by my dining room hutch, I smile......so it was worth the time I put into it.
I LOVE putting my personal, and usually unusual "stamp" on my home.
What have you done lately to personalize your home? I love Pottery Barn, but I also love going into someone's home that shows they've really used their imagination to make it their own, don't you?
Thanks for checking in with me...........:), hope you have a great week!

My new favorite old thing.........

So I fell completely and utterly in love with this old hat pincushion that I found on Etsy, from Kathyssewingroom, a lovely little shop with great old sewing notions...I love everything about it, the faded colors, the velvet flowers, the old tulle netting, the satiny fabric.
Almost swooned when I unwrapped it. It hangs right above my work table in my studio so I can gaze upon it each and every day...
Smitten I am......
What are you smitten with lately?

Oh my goodness! How much fun can two best friends possibly have?

What a time we had! I went to Portland last Wednesday to have my car serviced, but more importantly to see my best friend, Melanie. Of course I had to bring her some goodies, and she said I looked like a bag lady waiting there for her to pick me up...thanks Mel!

All of these items were either purchased or gifted to me by Melanie! I love it all, but more importantly we had such a great time, a leisurely (for us!) lunch, and laughed until our stomachs ached! It's a wonderous thing that happens when two best friends get together, we were even saying the same thing at the same time I tell ya! We just need to do it more often, for both our sakes.
Ladies, I know you treasure your friends, it's so important....it's amazing the things I say to her that I don't tell anyone else! She just "gets" me....and I feel so grateful for her friendship.
My last stop, before picking up my car, was to her shop, "All My Favorite Things", and I just have to say that I've NEVER seen her shop look so inviting, so bright, simply fabulous. I was actually jealous of her shop! I want one too! Do yourself a favor and go check her shop out, you won't regret it...she has so many fabulous items, and everything was so reasonably priced, important in this economy. I know you'd find something to love.
I hope you all have a great week, and go out and support your local shops. We all want a thriving community.....

Let's talk Valentine's Day, shall we??????

Well, friends, these two little items were just added to my Etsy shop today...sure wish I had a bit more time to create as Valentine's Day is one of my very favorite holidays.....oh well, when I do find the time I think I'll make some smaller items, such as tags, etc.
Tomorrow is my trip to Portland to see Melanie, can't wait! I always have the best time with her, hmmm, guess that's why she's my best friend, huh? We all need someone we can just completely cut loose with and laugh until liquids come out your nose, right?
Wonder what it will be tomorrow, coffee or tea....ah, the great mysteries of life!
Will post pics when I get back........ttfn:)

"The Vintage Table"...........

Oh my goodness! Have you seen this book yet? I first saw it advertised in "Romantic Homes" magazine and all I can say is *Wow*!

It's full of beautiful dishes, linens, and ideas for setting a gorgeous and vintage table. Over the years I've collected some really pretty platters and miscellaneous dishes. I don't have much room for storage so I kind of have to reign myself in, but if I had a huge hutch of any sort I'd be a collecting fool I tell ya!

I get weak in the knees for old, chipped, crazed dishes......do you have any you'd like to show off?