Saturday, December 29, 2007
Moving Ahead To 2008
I always have the notion that it will all come to me in my sleep. You know the old saying, "just sleep on it and you'll find the answer." Wow, I have been doing a lot of sleeping lately and so far I'm still pacing. The anxiety of it all, I wonder if the people who were putting together the first Sears and Roebuck Catalog experienced this same quizzy feeling.
Each year there is a need to improve, expand and deliver. To re-invent ourselves, to step up to the challenge so that when we are ready to face 2009 it will be smooth sailing.
I have tons of ideas, tons of mental images and tons of gumption. So maybe that's all it ever takes when you are on your own. Decisions, decisions, I think I'm just going to have to sleep on it for awhile. In the meantime, I wish each of you a very Happy and Clear Headed New Year!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Happy Holidays, I Wish You More
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I Just Wanted To Share
Monday, December 3, 2007
Holiday Cookie Exchange
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks
3 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Colored sanding sugar
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, flour, salt, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Fill a cookie press with the dough, and turn out cookies 1 to 2 inches apart onto an unbuttered baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with colored sanding sugars.
Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
What Soothes You?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Days Are Flying By
Monday, October 8, 2007
And The Winner Is
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
What Was I Thinking?
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Change of Season
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A Time For Reflection
Monday, September 10, 2007
Welcome To My Tea Party
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Please Come For Tea
Post a comment on Make Mine Pink’s Blog and we will include you on the list.So expect many visitors~ please have cookies ready.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, August 11, 2007
ALL ABOARD
Maybe it's just me, but there just seems to be a sense of calm in these small towns. So it is wonderful for me to just get away and enjoy the sense of going back in time, to a simpler way of life.
I also was thinking about the trains that still run with the passenger cars. I just wonder how long it would take if I were to go by train. So many of these small towns still have the train depots. Just another Norman Rockwell painting of the way it used to be.
Well, wish me happy hunting. I will look forward to bringing you all sorts of wonderful vintage items from Mayberry. Don't worry I will be sure and tell Aunt B that you send your regards.
Friday, August 10, 2007
And The Winner Is
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Do We Still Use These?
These are such fabulous old prints from the 30's and 40's, it just makes you wonder how often these were used back in that time period. I do remember my mother using tablecloths and most likely they were prints similar to these.
My question now is, how many of you use tablecloths? I know I don't. Place mats seem to be the popular choice, less work no one irons tablecloths or place mats these days. We simplify, then how did the women in the 30's and 40's have more time than we have now? Interesting question as they did not have all the easy appliances that we all take for granted. Back then most women had a wringer washing machine. This meant that they had to stand there and feed each article of clothing through the wringer. Where would we find the time to do that? Life is good now-a-days, but if it is easier, than why don't we use things like tablecloths?
What I have decided to do if offer one of my beautiful vintage tablecloths in a drawing. So come on and enter to win one of these beauties.
All you have to do is put your name in and next Friday, August 10th, I will put all the names in a bowl and draw. Who knows the winner just might start using tablecloths.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Dying Art
Today I was trying to get organized and came across these three precious little baby items. I have them wrapped in pink tissue and they just really made me think about what a dying art this is. These little items were made by an 80 year old woman that lives in Biloxi, Mississippi. This adorable little lady endured hurricane Katrina and has so much spirit. Her attention to detail is so wonderful, like the tiny pink french knots that go around the little pink flannel blanket. Each are spaced evenly and this is how she attached the satin to the blanket. And the little white hat with the pink pom pom, each stitch is so perfect. The little Mary Jane crocheted shoes are just my favorite.
I really sat and looked at these, and thought will there come a time when no one takes the time to sit and crochet or embroider? Years ago it was so common, in the evenings women would pull out there crocheting or embroidery or knitting. I remember my mother and grandmother always having something to work on. I know many of you collect the embroidered dish towels, pillowcases and tablecloths. Each has a such a sweet feel to them, we try to imagine the woman that sat and took the time to embroider a dish towel or the women that gathered to quilt. I am always amazed not only with quilting but the time that went into preparing the fabric. Cutting all those pieces with a certain pattern in mind. If it were me, I would have probably cut a small portion of fabric and then had to put it away for a rainy day. It seems I have many projects that are still waiting for a rainy day.
I am always so excited when I find a vintage linen or quilt, I feel like I am playing some part in preserving history. I tell my daughters repeatedly, that this is a dying art and some day you will only find embroidery, crocheting, knitting and quilting that has all been done by machine. How sad!
So I just marvel at these little baby items, still made by a woman who has not conceded to letting machines do it. I am sure in the early evenings she sat and worked on these, no pattern needed, these came right from the heart.
I look at these as a gift and I hope that who ever buys them will cherish them and the sweetness of another era.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Sweetest Little Birds Anywhere
These beautiful birds are made by Laurie at charming designs. The box that these were shipped in had beautiful hand painted roses and leaves. Laurie is just so talented, and I am just so excited that I get to share these with you. I think it is always so nice to celebrate someones talent and I'm sure you will find other sweet designs from Laurie.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Get The Picnic Table Ready
It wasn't take out food that would be on the menu, usually fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad and always fresh strawberries and watermelon. Maybe we had these picnics more often in our backyards as we didn't have air conditioning. So it was a great way to cool off at the end of the day, funny how the heat didn't seem to bother us as much then.
I'm sure you've guessed another one of my weaknesses, vintage pitchers. I love the ones you can find with the glasses to match. There is just something about the way iced tea or lemonade or even Kool-Aid tastes when it is poured from one of these old pitchers. Try it, I'm sure you will see exactly what I mean.
I love to have houseguests and when they come to the table for breakfast I have the cute juice pitcher (the one in the picture) with the matching glasses all filled with fresh orange juice. Maybe I love it more than anyone else, as it takes me to a simpler time, when we all used to sit around and have family time and great undisturbed conversations.
Ahh, those were the days.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Something New And Fun, Give it a try...
This was so much fun as I am really new to this type of project. The adorable small matchboxes were done by Amanda at Vintage Paper Crafts, aren't they adorable? It's like where have I been and when did this medium become so popular? I know that it all started with the scrap booking and just took off from there. But I am amazed at all the wonderful designs and merchandise that is on the market right now. I love the tags, journals, jewelry and just the interesting items used for these projects. So I thought it was about time that I jump in and give it a try.
I have really enjoyed looking at so many blogs and seeing all of the altered art. And the talent is amazing. I guess I need to hold onto those little babies that come inside of the King Cakes each year at Mardi Gras they could be used for some interesting project.
Actually, what I am really having fun with, is all the blogs that I have come across and they literally are all over the world. I am fascinated with the women who write these, as they range from all ages. From stay at home mothers to career women. But there is a constant thread that ties these blogs together and that is the need to create and their love of home and family.
It has made me realize that I should be offering my customers some of these wonderful items. I especially love the gift tags, journals and stationary. So that is now on my things to look for.
What do you think?
P.S. Thank you Amanda, your matchboxes were so sweet and I loved the little trinkets inside each.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
If Only I Had Known
Each year I find myself in the same situation should I or shouldn’t I go all out and add beautiful flowers. I love looking at magazines that show all the beautiful gardens with winding paths and interesting garden statues tucked back in with small benches where you can sit. I just wish there was someone who could just magically come and do it all for me, and it would look like it has been there for years. And of course it wouldn’t cost me a fortune.
We did have beautiful Magnolia’s all over our backyard and some beautiful old Oak trees, but that was before Katrina decided to blow them down on our roof. And whatever trees were left close to the house, my husband decided those should be taken down before they landed on our house as well. I think I should just plant Hydrangeas all over my yard, at least I know I have a green thumb with those.
For all of you, who love to garden, I do think at some point we should have a seed exchange. What do you think?
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Just Can't Help Myself
Some collections are found for pure folly, others are for serious collecting. As I have said before, I love vintage linens. To me there is such a wonderful story, a history, a true vision of women of the past and how they spent their leisure time. I love to see all the wonderful embroidery stitches or the quilting and the crochet trim. So some of my collection of vintage lines I can’t part with. Others I enjoy collecting for my customers, with hopes that they too will start a collection.
I think that no matter what you collect it should have meaning to you. It should be fun, it should touch your heart, possibly being something that you remember from your childhood or something you remember from your Grandmothers kitchen. Like my collection of vintage creamers. I just think they are adorable. Put them on a shelf in a cottage kitchen and what a wonderful statement they would make. Display some vintage platters around the shelf and what a great display you now have. I just love that look, and so now your collections becomes useful.
Anyway, I guess I have said enough on collections. With that said, I am now going through my collections and have decided it is time to part with some so I can make room for new ones. So be on the lookout I am on a frenzy to UN-Collect.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Has Anyone Seen This Little Bird?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
This Little Table
I just love this little drop leaf table. I purchased it about a year and a half ago and at the time it was painted lime green and came with two adorable spindle back black chair. This little table just has such great bones.
Recently, I decided that it was time to paint it, to give it new life. I know most people would have played it safe, maybe kept it white or painted it pink or even striped it to the bare wood and stained it. I know.
I did paint it white and let it sit, for days I looked at it in the pure state. And I really thought about leaving it that way. Then on a Sunday afternoon, something came over me and I just had to do it, pink and black. And now my little table has taken on new life. It now has it’s own personality. And how cute it will look with the two black chairs.
So let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
So Sorry! I Was Tagged Again
Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random weird facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!
Since this is my second time being tagged I’ve had more time to think about my weird things so here goes.
1.I have this thing that all my towels have to be folded a certain way and they all have to line up exactly the
same in the linen closet. Is that weird?
2.I absolutely hate frogs. We were at a friends house for a barbecue and all of a sudden this gross frog jumped
from the umbrella onto my arm. I freaked out completely, everyone just sat there saying, " it’s just a frog".I felt gross the rest of the day. Is that weird?
3.Okay, I know this one will get some negative reaction, sorry! But there are so many people who can’t drive and talk on their cell phones at the same time, and I know you have seen them. So when I encounter these drivers I simply honk my horn at them and with my hand as the pretend phone (you know index finger and thumb as a phone) I simply motion for them to hang up the phone. Do you think that is weird?
4.Counter top phobia that is another one. Crumbs left on the counter top, please! When my husband makes a Sandwich is it so hard to see what has been left behind on the counter? Like crumbs, mustard, little bits of lettuce. I can’t stand to have dirty counter tops. Yuk, is that weird?
5.I love striking up conversations with women at flea markets, antique stores etc. My daughters think that is weird. Probably because I said never talk to strangers, LOL
6.Okay, I mentioned that I love peanut butter but the only way I eat a peanut butter sandwich is peanut butter and butter. Everyone thinks that is weird peanut butter with butter? Do you?
7.Everyone dear to me has a nickname and I forget and call them by that name even in public. And these are funny names, not your run of the mill names like cutie pie, these are bizarre. People will say, "what did you call her?" To funny, is that weird?
Oh my gosh, I don’t think I can come up with anymore weird things, I am so glad this is done.
Here are the seven people that I now tag.
Tara @http://www.bellapink.com/
Deb @http://www.barberryfield.com/
Chris@http://www.tuttichic.com/
Arlene@http://www.lilcottageshoppe.com/
Roxie@http://www.jorabeels.com/store/Default.asp
Pamela@http://www.preservecottage.com/home.html
Becca@http://bluebirdroses.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
I've Been Tagged
Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random weird facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!
1.When my children were growing up I just hated the word FART, so I would make them say the word
fluff. That just always sounded so much nicer. Since they are all grown and not living at home they really think it is ridiculous when I still make them say fluff. Is that weird?
2. I have been told that my hands do a lot more talking than I do. Is that weird? Now my 4-year-old grand daughter does it.
3. I always think that I might need to have some chocolate. So just in case I might have a chocolate attack I hide it, so no one else eats it (I know pretty selfish). Then I forget where I hid it and 6 months later I find this chocolate that has turned white.
4. Ok, this one is bad and weird or maybe just a bad habit. I always have really good intentions that I am going to be so efficient and get cards sent out on time for holidays. I take the time to go to Hallmark, they know me really well there, as I buy a lot of cards, but they just never seem to get mailed out for some reason. I could open my own Hallmark store.
5. When I was small my sister and I would listen to a record and it had a scratch, so it would keep repeating the words over and over again at a certain point. The song was Catch a Falling Star And Put It in Your Pocket. The part that repeated was catch a falling star and put star and put star and put star, my sister and I loved that record and we played it often. I guess we realized early on that it drove everyone in the house crazy so we would listen to it for hours. Even as adults we would sing it that way. Is that weird?
6. There are times when my husband will start talking about technical things which become very boring and on a few occasions he has caught me rolling my eyes in a circular motion really fast because I just can't take it anymore. Is that weird?
7. I could survive on peanut butter on toast. Daily.
I ask for input from my husband and daughter and they couldn't even come up with anything else. I think Eles was really funny, she had me laughing so hard about her weird things, mine are just boring.
- So now I have to tag 7 new people and they are:
- Laura @ Lauras Pretties
- Christine @ two sisters bath and body blog
- Janet @ Janets Creative Pillows
- Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage
- my other weird thing is I can't think of 2
- other people. Yikes! Sorry
Monday, April 30, 2007
Someone Will Win A Pink Diamond
Join us in our excitement by visiting all the Pink Boutiques at Make Mine Pink.
For more information you may visit www.sweetyesterdays.com or the “Pink Diamond Campaign” link at Make Mine Pink http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-diamond/
Friday, April 20, 2007
Back To The Drawing Board
Have you ever been working on a project and for some reason it just seems to have taken so long due to so many interruptions? Well this is the case with this little dressing table. I finally completed it yesterday, and as my title of this blog states, it is back to the drawing board. The skirt comes off and it will now have a very very full skirt of pink netting.
I just love this little vintage dressing table and it has the most adorable bench so I want to make the most of it before I put it on my website. I hope that there will be someone who will want it for their daughters bedroom, as I think it is so adorable. It has the little swing arms, which hide a tiny little drawer. Just way to cute.
I have so many projects to complete this week and porch pillows are really at the top of the list. With spring here I love to start putting all my big bright porch pillows out on my wicker furniture. I am also planning on putting some on my website so I hope some of you love big porch pillows as well.
Monday, March 26, 2007
It's Been Awhile
I always seem to have so many projects in the works, as I'm sure many of you do as well. See, that's another thing. Don't you just love the women that start a project like making a quilt and they don't stop until it's finished? Me, I would start the quilt and then decide to start six other projects. I'm sure there is a name for that. Anyway, I have now taken so many of my collections and put them in an antique mall, which was great fun. So if there are any of you who live near Biloxi, MS be sure to stop by Centuries Antiques. Actually you could spend the day there it is wonderful.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Crisp White Vintage Linens
Each of us is a collector of some sort. And if you're like me, my collections change often, but my one constant is always vintage white linens. I use these in each bedroom, and my guest room always gets compliments as they love the linens and embroidered pillowcases. Just a sweet touch to show your guest how special they are that you have pulled out the good linens for them.
If you have not tried to mix vintage whites with your current bedding, try just one piece and see how it adds just that crisp feel to your bedding.
I would love to hear from you who may also collect vintage linens or those of you who love the vintage whites. I know I'm not alone out there. So please, post a comment.