Collections

Isn't it funny how just one little purchase can turn into a huge collection? That is how it all started with my jadite collection. I think it was the salt & pepper shakers that started this whole collection, and before I knew it I was hooked. I made the decision early on that I would try to find the rare pieces, such as the Fire-King ball jug. So many of the ones you see advertised have been through years of wear. Fortunately, I was able to find one that was in pristine condition. Most of these beautiful jugs have stress cracks by the handle or some chips on the rim. But mine was perfect. That was my first prized piece, then the hunt began for the next treasure which is my Philbe pie plate. What a gorgeous treasure this one is, the design on the bottom of the plate is so detailed with scrolls and flowers. I think part of the fun of collecting is seeking out these hard to find pieces and it is so rewarding when you can finally step back and enjoy the beauty of your collection.

I think we all reach a stage when we feel our collection is complete and now I have reached that point. I started my collection back in 2002 and now I have reached that stage in my life, where I feel it is time to down size. I think that stage comes when you become an empty nester, you finally decide it is time to scale down or maybe it's time for a new collection. I also think, once the collection becomes somewhat complete you loose the yest for the hunt.

So now I am excited to share this beautiful collection with all of you. Maybe you'll start out the same way in just wanting some vintage 30's or 40's kitchenware, like the salt & pepper shakers or you may want to take the leap and go for the prized Philbe pie plate or the ball jug. All I know, is the color alone of the jadite adds such a warm inviting feel to any kitchen.

So do stop by Sweet Yesterdays and have a look at some of these sweet treasures, you just never know when you may start a new collection.

Can't Wait For Spring

I am getting so excited for Spring to arrive, so I thought I would get all of you in the mood by offering some of our beautiful vintage tags and also some of the most gorgeous vintage seam binding. We have some yummy colors for all your art projects, so do stop by and take a look. http://www.sweetyesterdays.com/

Many of you love the Beachy look and I have just added the most adorable robin egg blue vintage fan. Vintage fans seem to be a popular accent as there was an adorable one in the latest issue of Romantic Homes magazine. So don't miss out on this, as I only have one.

I feel so bad that it has taken me so long to announce the winner of the Mardi Gras beads. But I have been under the weather for a bit. I do apologize and the beads go to Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms. Thank you to all of you who were nice enough to enter. Please be sure to check back often as I love to have sweet little contests. Congrats Cathy!

It's Mardi Gras Time In The South

We are in the throws of Mardi Gras with parades and balls. It is always a very exciting time in the South, the schools close for this event so all the kids can enjoy all the festivities, homes and communities are decorated with purple, gold and green. Everyone has enjoyed their King Cakes, with the baby inside. As tradition has it, who ever gets the baby in their slice of King Cake, they are the one who buys the next cake. There are so many wonderful traditions associated with Mardi Gras, as this is the prelude to Advent.

Tomorrow we are attending another Mardi Gras ball and as always it's quite a site to behold. The full King and Queen procession of the court with lavish gowns and costumes. My favorite is the little boys who are the pages, they are in full costume with the long velvet capes and beaded outfits. If you have never been to Mardi Gras it is an event that should be on your things to do list.

The parades are so much fun as everyone yells, "throw me something Mister". The kids come home with tons of beads and other throws and I must say some of these are very elaborate with charms hanging from the necklace.

In honor of Mardi Gras I would like to send one of you, authentic Mardi Gras beads. Just put a comment on my blog and come Fat Tuesday, I will have a drawing. I will pick out some wonderful beads for you, so if you can't be here to join in on all the festivities at least enjoy the throws.

Dear Friends

First let me say, I can't believe how fast time has been flying by. I have just been so busy adding new things to Sweet Yesterdays wonderful home accents that are great conversation getters. I love to use the unexpected like the beautiful vintage dominos, how beautiful they are in a vintage compote or on a silver tray. They are sure to get noticed.

I do hope that all of you are off to a wonderful start in 2008. Now if this crazy weather would just calm down we could enjoy the winter. I know many of you are still dealing with low temperatures and snow. Great time to just stay indoors and shop on line or read.

My dear friend Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms was just so sweet to give me this. I actually think we both make each other laugh and smile. So thank you dear Cathy!

So now I am going to pass the Smile Award onto one of my dear friends Janet, at Janet's Creative Pillows She is always so sweet and funny and she extents her kindness and joy to everyone.

Moving Ahead To 2008

Things sure seemed simpler back then. Who even thought about the New Year? I remember watching the ball drop in New York, if I could manage to stay awake. But what did it really mean? Hats and horns brought home from my parents New Years Eve party that's all the New Year meant to me. No decisions to make on what our goals and objectives were going to be for the New Year. Now there's that internal restlessness each year, similar to when I was in my 20's and trying to figure out what I was going to be. I for one hate that feeling, it's the same feeling like going to the dentist and having to sit there in the outer office all full of anticipation and disturbing images of contraptions in your mouth.
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!

Happy Holidays, I Wish You More

What a great year this has been! There is something about Christmas Eve day that makes me start to get energized and become optimistic about the New Year. But it is also a day that makes me reflect on all that has taken place this year and all the blessings that I have had.

We all would like "more", more money, more time, more success, more happiness, more of everything. The truth of the matter is, we already have "more". We are here each day to give more and to receive more. We chart our own course with the belief in ourselves, some days I have very little and other days it is overflowing. I know that whatever I put into my life is what I will get back and even though I always want more I need to remember to give more. With the passing of 2007, I wish each one of you more. More Love, More Joy, More Blessings, More Peace of Mind but most of all I wish you More Belief to believe in yourself and all your gifts.

Happy Holidays to each of you!

I Just Wanted To Share

The holiday is just around the corner, there is still so much to do. Wrapping and shipping presents, finding great stocking stuffers, and if your like me, holiday baking. I did want to share with all of you who have seen the wonderful charms from Cathy Penton, featured in December Romantic Home. I have decided to take $10.00 off each charm for this week only. So for all of you who love Cathy's work and would love to give one of these beautiful charms, now is the time.

I am also so excited about our new website called Timelessly Chic . I hope you will all stop by and take a look at our Scandinavian influenced site. I just love the crisp white accents and the beautiful wall art done in Swedish. Stop by the Timelessly Chic blog and leave a note to be entered into our Holiday give away.

I hope your week is productive and you are taking time to enjoy the season.