Mid Summer Mantel

I know you all have been waiting for the next installment of 

"The Summer Mantel". 

Sort of like how we're waiting for the next season of Downton Abbey...right? (I hope you all know that I'm a "kidder" from waaaay back) I guess that it's safe to say that it's "mid" summer, now that we're into the middle of July. 

And once it's past the July 4th holiday, and those wonderful little Black-Eyed-Susans start blooming, then I have to hold myself back from going Sunflower crazy.

A few weeks ago, on the way back from St. Louis we stopped at one of our favorite Antique Malls, Artichoke Annie's in Columbia, Missouri. It's a real quality mall; big, and full of great antiques. No "garage sale" items here. I saw tons of things I loved but I'm really watching what I buy, so my only purchase was a piece of Majolica; a small dessert plate that would match the other few pieces that I have.

Once I had that new plate,

I had enough to put together a little grouping on the mantel.

I love the wonderful colors of Majolica, 

mine all have the gold and green in common.

Even with chips, it's still collectible and doesn't break the bank.

The colors of the pottery play off the silk Sunflower and Rudbeckia

(part of the Daisy family) that are now in the Wolff  Pottery vases.

A little English Cottage metal doorstop sits in the middle.

These sunny warm colors are my go-to colors of late Summer.

I'm lovin' this Summery display, so it just might stick around 

for the next episode; the "Late Summer" mantel...

And here are a few pics of what's happening in the rest of the Living Room.

And here's my little Italian desk in the corner.

It doesn't make an appearance very often.

Sunflowers have popped up in other places too,

so stay tuned for some changes in the Dining Room.

I'll be joining in for these parties this week:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Tips and Tutorials at Stone Gable

Inspiration Gallery at Ella Claire

DIY by Design

The Shabby Creek Cottage

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

From My Front Porch to Yours

The Charm of Home

French Country Cottage

Shabby Art Boutique

Jennifer Rizzo

Craftberry Bush

xoxo,

A little weekend randomness...

You all know we've been spending a lot of time in St. Louis for hubby's doctor appointments (hopefully, they will be winding down soon), but when we're there we are so blessed to be able to stay with our daughter and her husband, oh, and can't forget Vinnie, the grandpuppy.

Pic of their 100+ year old home taken last Fall.

I wanted to share this guest room that doubles as Erin's dressing room. She has a relaxed eclectic style; mixing traditional, vintage, and modern pieces. She's not a "fusser and floofer" like me, she loves antiques, but isn't into shopping flea markets. She would like her vintage goods and antiques to magically appear for her decor pleasure. (sometimes I'm her "picker") She's not into clutter, piles of junk, or white chippy furniture. What?...I know.

I've told her that if this white set of vintage monogrammed luggage goes missing, 

that it probably came home with me by "accident".

When the Ritz Carlton in Clayton was renovated a few years ago they bought several sets of Birds Eye Maple furniture with king size beds for their guest rooms for a song. 

Aside from the great mix of pattern, color, and comfort, I just love how she's used this tiny children's suitcase  (or doll clothes case?) to corral some of her jewelry on the nightstand.

They are bulldog lovers and over the years they've found some fun bulldog collectibles, that are scattered throughout the house. If you look closely you can see a set of glass dogs that were popular in the '50's. Keith is an "all things tobacco" aficionado, so she also has this wonderful little Dunhill ladies lighter from the 40's here too.

I neglected to take a photo of her shoes on display.

She's a heels kinda girl, and let me just say that

she has quite the hoarding and shopping gene when it comes to fabulous shoes.

photo by Kortni Wu 

(for more great photos click above)

And for a little inspiration we stopped by The White Rabbit (click here for their blog and shopping) LOVE this store! I could hang there all day, but we were on our way out of town so I kept my visit short, but just had to grab this photo of a wall of moss in the garden area. so wonderful.

And one of our fave spots for a relaxed dinner is Pi. "On the Loop". President Obama had pizza there a year or so ago, and he gave it a rousing thumbs up. yummy. This license plate art is hanging on the wall. It's a good sized piece, and since it's reflective, everything else showed up black on this phone pic. pretty cool.

This will be a working weekend, hopefully we can get the pool opened and the patio furniture out and cleaned up. Our other son-in-law is our right hand man when it comes to jobs around here.

Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend.

I'll be here for The Marketplace on Monday as usual.

Come by for a visit in between cookouts and family fun!

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life

Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

The Scoop at Cedar Hill Ranch

xoxo,

The Vintage Suitcase

This last week I headed over to one of my favorite shops here in town. You can always count on Robin to have the most gorgeous displays and beautiful decor items. Each time I'm there I come home with some great inspiration, not to mention wanting to buy out the store. Here is just a little eye candy for you to enjoy. Remember all you have to do is click on the image for it to enlarge, then click again to get all the "details".

Robin's Vintage Suitcase

The color of this mantel is original blue and just stunning.

Love the doggy pillows.

This is a huge and elaborate French mirror.

These next few photos are from the "Garden District". 

This room is covered ceiling to floor with old windows.

I'ts like you're in an old greenhouse.

This antique paper umbrella is HUGE!!!

And yes, this reproduction seed box now lives at my house.

I had to have it!

Hard to tell, but this is a moss covered mirror.

The  fabric on the settee and chair slipcovers is Louis Vuitton...

so fun!

Robin has an endless supply of antique silver pieces

Chinese cabinet

Gorgeous jewelry and some chunky cuff bracelets.

If you're local, make plans to visit the

 wonderful tea room at the shop,

The Vintage Veranda.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

xoxo,