Thursday, September 30, 2010

Old World Romance








Browsing this lovely home found on HGTV site.... Lovely chateau style kitchen with soft toile wallpaper, luscious moldings and Oh, Oh, Oh, those crystal chandeliers... Can you tell I haven't purchased my special one that will give me my feminine feel of romance for my home...
I have been able to find lovely chandeliers but have not to date been willing to pay the price so the search is still on...
Just a short break to share pics and swoon over these lovely pics... Enjoy... It's back to reality and chores for me....

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Motivation

Glimmer and shimmer tucked in snowy and caramel hues are among my favorite motivation serene inspirations to view. Holiday objects are very lovely when married with everyday vintage such as buttons, pitchers, glass and unusual time worn pieces... Snowy and caramel color hues with the glimmer and shimmer and don't forget those French words that seem so very popular right now for added charm...
We traveled the past couple days viewing many lovely scenes and properties among the way. But then you also travel past homes that show no pride or prosperity. Homes not as majestic as other but show a great sense of care and love and beckon you welcome... Many sadden me as I travel by and wonder of the difficulties they may be experiencing but appear life hasn't offered enough to even clean up after themselves... I have to admit I do shake my head and wonder how or why you would want to live in those conditions... We viewed many lovely home sites that were dazzling the scenery however... The lack of motivation can bring one's self down.. This is the main thoughts I think of often.. You need not have riches... with the desire you can wallpaper with use newspaper and still have a clean home... and make it desirable. We need to celebrate everyday life.. All my readers know by now I live not in great riches but the wealth I wrap myself in is nostalgia and warmth and try to inspire from my own little nest.. A lovely walk in outdoor space or just be able to peer from windows to a lovely outdoor space is enjoyable for me... Why would you not want this space that surrounds you to be clean and welcoming? We saw hints of beauty in autumns face as we traveled. The beauty and serenity of this time of the year inspires relaxation and time spent with family and friends. Now is the time to get out those pumpkins and nestle them among falling leaves and bittersweet. Then follows the time I love the best for decorating and sharing... the snowy and caramel hues of glimmer and shimmer, as we make our homes a retreat for ones self and others a welcoming place....
Wishing you a pleasant day as I am off to do some chores.... " You play.. You pay" as my mama use to say to me... Hum, I am not sure house work is what she had in mind as she told me that but it seems to fit anyway....

Sunday, September 26, 2010

The High Steppin' Clydesdales







Saturday early afternoon to my delight I was able to enjoy the viewing of the harnessing and strutting of the high steppin' of the Budweiser Clydesdale's... They were presented in our town of Defiance, Ohio in celebration with the annual Budweiser-Busch Rib Fest held here... The group of Clydesdale's horses are used for promotions and commercials... There are 6 teams or hitches of horses, that travel around the U.S. and one that remains at their official home at the headquarters of Anheuser-Busch brewery complex in St. Louis, Missouri, where they are housed in a historic brick and stained glass stable built in 1885. Oh I so love the television commercials.. I still think my favorite is "Hank the Clydesdale" the Rocky one... although the one shown as a tribute to 9-11 is heart touching... A full grown Clydesdale should stand 18 hands or about 6 foot at the shoulder and weigh 2000 to 2300 pounds... The ideal horse is bay in color , a white blaze face and black mane and tail... Most important is the Clydesdale have white feathering on all four legs and feet. What a treat to view these magnificent animals...



Saturday, September 25, 2010

What Is Rich ?

Just a short little note of thought for you on this Saturday morning of autumn.... I think the statement said...to be WEALTHY...not RICH, gives us much desired food for thought... As we learn to listen with open heart to birds and babes and to view the stars in the skies... To bear, cheerfully and love openly....

Wishing you all a weekend of wealth.....

Friday, September 24, 2010

What's A Gal To Do?







Since Tom has declared "Everyday is a Holiday" for the last several months of summer I feel somewhat of a need to have a few myself....
What can a gal do who spends almost all her time at home on a daily basis to make herself feel special and have a little holiday of her own? I am aware I cannot just run and shop everyday as I would cause myself much more stress... After spending the day cleaning... cooking... laundry... and making someone else's day special I believe we deserve some pleasure too... My favorite spot seems to always be the bath area.... I find it lavish soaking in a wonderful tub filled with sweet essential oils... and then slipping out after arriving at prune stage to maybe enjoy a warm mulled cider or hot chocolate... beverages that says it's the autumn season... We must learn to accept sweet tokens for the body and soul.. Bath and Bed products all have a lovely way of rejuvenation to your body and spirit... You certainly have my encouragement and wishes to treat yourself if only for treasured moments to the luxuries of life... If you don't go out much like myself this helps you find yourself within.....

Pictures were found on Country Living Site....

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Musings

BHG......

Good morning... taking a short break from household chores to spend some time with you... I want to get through with sweeping, dusting, and mopping before noon... As we are suppose to have record hot temps this afternoon here in my area of Ohio. Sounds of heavy iron horses and noises of bouncing wagons as they make their ways to fields for harvest and to elevators for selling can be heard through open windows this morning... Even though the 90's are expected today you can sense the summer season has come to a close as we celebrate this autumn day... I know in many resort states you don't agree with my thinking but I personally love the 4 seasons... I even love the snowfall...thinking it is the most beautiful scene a eye can behold... All the beauty we pay for of images on our Hallmark Cards can be enjoyed right in my own very back yard with the views for miles... I think the approaching times can be wonderful as special thoughts of giving... Not the stressed out, bigger than the next gift... the giving of one's self... We do need to teach our children and our grandchildren the wisdom we have acquired from many years that money is not the beauty... but giving is... Making the main gift of standing in front of a beautiful tree... hand in hand with loved one's the true gift... Forgetting the sore feet and empty wallet... As the leaves fall make a stand and promise to enjoy these days and look forward to coming days and months as they were really meant to be... not what they have become... Learn and train yourself and others to stick to the basics as those alone are quite lovely.. As I write I am most sure you are thinking you do not want to think of the approaching days yet but I can assure you if you do you will find times to be less stressful and more enjoyable as you allow yourself more time... True spirit and total enchantment and true peace of the heart and mind make everyday special.. Ideas for home-made holidays will be shared on many blogs and I will be looking forwards very much to this... Sweet tokens of affection from one's kitchen, always to be enjoyed in the fall into the holidays by all. These all leaving behind special memories for all... Enjoy the fall offering today will bring....

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sorting and Searching





Greenhouse inspiration from Country Living and sweet tree inspiration from 2008 BHG....
Have been spending some limited time searching for inspiration for faded but very desirable treasures that I love from the past... I will be spending most of my time available this week sorting through stored and Christmas items I am ready and willing to part with since my decision last year to down-size my decorting to about half of what I was doing...
As many of my readers and friends all know my goals is almost always to embrace the romantic side of vintage. Always a desire to achieve this special feel on a limited budget for spending... Using things I already may have is always a great solution by tucking other eye candy in to change the look.. Made by creative hands most always creates a timeless appeal.. Silvery, glittery, with strings of twinkling lights always works for me. Although large offerings of decorations are available now a days, I always melt when I come across a lovely old glass ball...for tucking in lovely jars or sitting about... I personally love pink or silver.... Thrift shoppe finds makes the vintage yuletide look perfecton to me... making it sweet and simple... I am still on the look for the crystal chandeliar... { don't you just love the one in the pic... but this is way to large for my needs but does make me drool..... } The chandeliar make have to wait just a bit... Tom and I went to town this week and purchased a new romote and control switch for our gass fireplace... That little bitty piece of equipment wa 105.00 and I have just worked so hard over the past 30 years my sweeper has decided it doesn't want to do the job very well anymore so we purchased a new Bissel sweeper.... I know this was a purchase special for me cause it doesn't fit his hands like his golf clubs do.... I do believe I won't be asking for anything for a bit.... but once again I just need to remember where it is that true happiness lies... Just have a goal to maintain what we have and be happy.. Time does have a way of making things wear out and creating need for new... There are some objects that do seem to have eterenal life however and these I love to surround myself with for strength and endurance.... and the look of timeless...
Don't you just love the little tree I shared with you today? I may just have to create one that is similar for this year as I do have several little bottle brush trees.... HUM.... It would be sweet in one of my glass cloches.... I love the exquisite but faded appeal with the touch of glam... It takes a special talent to achieve this feel and I find so many of my favorite blogs are so able to do this and I love drawing the inspiration from this... A touch of glam but embracing imperfections.....

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Message In A Bottle


The sun is rising- the leaves are softly making their floating journey to the earth... Temps are suppose to rise to close to 90 degrees today.... It looks to be another day of harvest as farmers are busy pickin' and shellin' surrounding us... It is most definitely getting to be bittersweet time... Yesterday I made a batch of butter frosted old fashion dark molasses cookies. Just seemed like the perfect thing to do for the season and oh it was... yummy...
If I could personally send you all a message in a bottle ... it would say to you to "Enjoy life and all it's little blessings of family and friends"... We yet again this week will be making our way to the funeral home as we have lost another long time friend, neighbor and parishioner....
As the air starts to hint winter is approaching so should our thoughts of family, home, and holidays. As we ease our way into autumn we are enjoying what we know will be our last wonderful days spend out of doors... You don't need a fairy godmother to transform your homes into the magic in the air.. Just find inspiration and run with it... I love setting soft moods... I love fairytale pretty, soft creamy colors but sprinkled with glitter and vintage jewels, buttons and baubles... Inspiration of silver will be used to tuck in existing silver vignettes as shown above... Vintage aged book pages will also be planned for tucking and ornaments....I have been using torn vintage book pages as place mats... Can be discarded if needed... I love the look...
Remember it's not about everything being perfect... It's about the memories and feelings... There need not be perfect homes or perfect lives but just the wisdom to enjoy them.... This is my message in a bottle sent to you by way of internet today...

Monday, September 20, 2010

Holiday Inspiration


Holiday inspiration needed... pics from previous Romantic Homes...
Monday morning... time to organize and move back to the every day life after a busy weekend... It's back to my corner of the world...
As my thoughts happen... I have been giving some to the season of beauty that soon will be upon us...
As the season changes it seems we want to want more comforts of home... We gather around the table and think of changing our homes to their holiday finest... Ideas for perfect settings are desired.. Mix and match becomes a must when you love antique and vintage as I do. I seem to be a incurable romantic. I do love girly things in my home but it is very strange as I do not dress girly.. It's strictly bluejeans for me... Right now I am on the search for a smaller crystal chandelier... can be of vintage or new... for my dining area... Perfection is not what I desire... rather a feeling.. not a look that is in or out... just the romantic feel of comfort and warmth... to share with others..
As I look forward to the season to shine I also look forward to sharing inspiration with all of you.. It is exciting as we make ready in our hearts and homes to be magically transformed... I know I will be using silvers... pinks and aged book pages for much of my decorating... I so love romantic vignettes that shimmer... Last year I did not include my Christmas village in my decorating... This year I plan on including it and gearing myself to the task of putting it up as a special granddaughter will be coming to view it... Tom's two grandson's missed it last year so the tradition will return.. along with a aching back...after all it is a tree-mendious tradition... As I ponder thoughts for today I will keep in mind the love of the coming season with family and friends... after all it is a large part of what makes the season so special... Time to sift through the magazines of the past I have saved and visit sites for just the right inspiration .. Enjoy your day... I am off to do Monday chores that were passed by over the weekend....

Saturday, September 18, 2010

The Good Life

We all make choices... When we have the desire for the "GOOD LIFE" we are wise enough to find it is already exists by acknowledging the good is already there... This is a offering of a grateful heart... This morning is so very wonderful with the blue skies and the sunrise.. and the harvest season upon us.. I am especially grateful for God allowing me time to pick up my sweet little granddaughter this morning and bring her to my nest.... home ... be it ever so humble... Enjoy your day offered to you with the choice of the "GOOD LIFE"
Ps. This pic is of the little grain sack skirt I completed yesterday with a piece of grain sack remnant.....

Friday, September 17, 2010

Passion With Aged Book Pages






















My passion for aged book pages and ways to use them for decorating has increased since I love the color and texture and can pick up a old book for 1.00 or many times under that cost... Pages and old book covers make lovely re-purposed objects for your home and for use in altered art...

Today I thought I would share some found projects.... The first pic is a tree branch that has had leaves of aged book pages cut and secured. The addition of white twinkling Christmas lights would be lovely.... for fall and Christmas decorating...The second pic is folded book pages for ornament and folder.....The third a great idea making a frame from old book... careful with the knife for cutting..... the fourth is a pic I found of a store window in Berkeley Anthropologie... I found this to be intriguing... The last consisting of a couple pics of book page wreaths... I am viewing of late many different takes on book page wreaths... It let the inspiration begin to make it your own....

Making you home with your own stamp on it can be a rewarding time as you can achieve this with pennies....

Ideas were found at Apartment Therapy and The Red Chair.....

Hope your day will be one to place in the memory book... I am off to skirt a small shelf that hangs in my living room with a feed sack.... Will share on a later post... Blessings.....





Thursday, September 16, 2010

Personal Inspiration







Hello... Just somewhat late posting this morning as I have been busy mopping and cleaning... Yesterday after the service man came for the fireplace I ended up moving and cleaning the living room... Shifting all the furniture where it will be for over the holidays... I have showed you a pic of my fire place mantle that will stay like this till the end of next month when I will start changing over for Christmas.... The second and third pic is of a 5'x5' canvas drop cloth that has a plastic backing I purchased at Menard's for 4.79.... Just a hint of a change for fall... Very budget friendly...
Then my last picture is where my thoughts have been trying to find the inspiration for a bath area redo... I do want to strip the wall paper off ... I have been tossing the idea of paper again but have ruled it out... I have in mind just to paint the walls in a oatmeal or old world color... Very neutral.... The last pic is of a cover of very old sheet music I simply tore and wallpapered to the wall in my living room for a trail run of what I would like to complete in my bath area...I think I am liking the idea of 1900's to 1920's , no tint or color, song music sheets unless I can come up with some sheet music in french.... Not minding if the edges are ripped as I will be ripping them anyway....with this in mind I will start the search for the right sheet music with lots of detail... Many of you may think this will be brave but it will only be in a couple spots and s couple sheets of sheet music would be much simpler than a whole room of it... This project should be able to be completed with a gallon of paint and under 10.00 in sheet pages... What ya think???




Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Another Fall Harvest

Another fall morning on the horizon here in the heart of country.. Trucks and tractors on the move this A.M. as they haul their harvest to the elevators for storage, and to reap rewards... This time of the year is the best the countryside has to offer..
We are awaiting the arrival of a repair man to offer his services to repair our gas fireplace.. It doesn't seem to be going on and off correctly...
The harvest for different products is starting to blossom. My favorite being the love of apples.. The fruit of this product makes for delicious dishes. The night before I made a wonderful casserole dish of baked apples just oozing with the richness of brown sugar.. cinnamon { lots}.. butter... and red hots candy melting through the baking process..finished off with melted marshmallows.. The harvest offers the gift of good taste for all to enjoy... You certainly do not have to have a country kitchen to enjoy this lovely treat... May I suggest you give the Honey Crisp Apples a try if you haven't already... Just yummy to wash and peel.. Fall without apples just wouldn't be fall.
I am still exerting my mind for inspiration to try to give re-purpose to my existing objects... Hopefully will have some ideas to share soon..
Update.. the repairman has left the premises and the fireplace is working wonderfully and propane tank is full to the brim and all ready to enjoy on chilly mornings.. felling the warmth and gazing into the flames... Life is good.....

Monday, September 13, 2010

Working On Very Budget Friendly Projects...





























Good morning... The sun is shining on this lovely fall morning... A bit of chill in the air .... The soy bean field that was still green at the beginning of last week has now turned a mustard yellow and soon the leaves will be dropping to the ground to reveal this years harvest... My thoughts have shifted toward my inside of my home as the season takes on a different look... This morning I have a project started.... I have shared with you the hanging of a feed sack { gifted.. and great on a budget} over the plastic part of the blinds that cover the patio door off the dining area in the evening... I just simply used a stapler like I would do decorating a shoppe and will cover the mechanics with sparse woody vine...I will complete this after taking this break for posting...
I also wanted to share with you this sweet vintage egg basket of heavy chicken wire... I stopped at the Red Barn to pick up a couple checks of a few items I made and placed to sell there.... I thought it would be cute with a small putz village for Christmas placed under it and used as a cloche instead of a egg basket... For this pic I simply set it over a stemmed cake plate with vintage goodies, so you could get the idea....
Also yesterday I completed a project I have wanted to do for awhile... Although I really need to slow down and count better as I could use a couple more little handles for hanging... I had shared this idea much earlier in a post of a extra accent for hanging my vintage and antique purses... Since I decorate to please myself... almost everything I do ends up with a touch of lady- like... tucked in or around it... Maybe as small as a vintage brooch but is usually there to be viewed.. The little handles I chose we very budget friendly and the type that the screw head shows so you can secure very simple in the wall... The post I did I believe had a different type of mount and was very expensive... I found a beautiful one for 9.00 ea. but unwilling to pay this amount of money into each handle I was content with the 1.49 ones... They add a touch of class and a new little object to look at....
Well with that being said I am off to complete this project... Have a wonderful day all. Ps. this afternoon we are off to Indiana to watch Tom's grandson play in a football game... It looks to be a lovely football evening....