My little fantasy...

Don't we all have little fantasies? An affinity for a certain place and time and era. A place that would seem to fit who we are and nurture our personal dreams?

I'm really not sure why, but a life in an English cottage has always been a little dream of mine. Cozy, comfortable, with a flower garden and a gate out front. Quiet and peaceful where you can hear the birds sing, and maybe a little brook close to the house that beckoned for a dip of the toes and a grassy spot to open a book.

(image from an old church fan in my collection)

English Cottages and gardens were a popular subject for images, paintings and prints in the early 1900s. They have always spoken to me, so today I wanted to share of few of mine with you.

Can you see me?

I'm waving from the window!

An R. Atkinson Fox print that I found at a flea,

for just a few dollars...

who no one recognized.

Lucky Me!

This is an old needlework piece that I framed.

This is an old paper German calendar,

 but the cottage is what grabbed my attention.

(sorry about the glare)

Love the muted tones in this one,

it's almost a study in sepia.

I can't believe I still haven't seen this movie,

The Holiday.

Probably because my husband's not into

"Chick flicks".

It's going on my to-watch list.

After all, we all deserve a little fantasy.

What's your fantasy place and time?

Today I'm linking early to

Cindy at My Romantic Home

and Laurie at

 Bargain Hunting and Chatting With Laurie

And you have until midnight to enter

The Royal Treatment Give Away.

Let's make it to 500 followers.

That will be something to celebrate!!

Click here

love,

Debra

White Wednesday: Sunroom Whites

I remember about 10 weeks into White Wednesday someone made the comment that they were running out of white things to post about. And my comment to them, in joking was, "oh, just move them around to different places and no one will ever know the difference." I guess I'm following my own advice. I've realized that maybe we might have a tendency to repeat some of our "whites", but it's about how we use them, the season, and the elements in a vignette.

I love white china and ironstone, and of course my sunroom has been the subject of countless posts. But, trying to keep things fresh, I've learned just to "change things up". That's one of the reasons I love to decorate with the seasons.

During the winter this little sugar bowl and creamer held paperwhites, while now they are filled with wild violets that I dug up from my backyard. Amazing how a weed can drive me crazy for 11 months of the year, then for 1 month I'm really lovin' them.

Old and chippy picket fence gate

Several of you asked about my little "garden box" or conservatory that was in the background of my Silver Sunday post. I found it about six years ago at a local antique mall. I know that several people in the area were making them about that time. There are some pretty elaborate and BIG ones around here. I believe Brian and Meloney from the Seed Box made a few that were very large and really amazing!

The fleur de lys are hinges and the top opens at the front.

And here are more photos of some

 of my collection of white pottery.

Hull, McCoy, USA, Haeger, and some unmarked ones.

I just love them with or without plants.

And with or without cats EATing the plants...

Some of you have heard my harrowing story

 about my wicker furniture.

I seem to have a little problem with collecting it.

But what I love about the white is that it becomes a backdrop

for whatever season and color scheme I choose.

(love those yo-yos)

Right now I'm enjoying all the colors of Spring

with vintage floral quilts.

My old white door and mirror

anchor my seasonal wreaths.

Love that morning sun.

Thanks for suffering browsing through another sunroom post.

You know it won't be the last!

Only two more days to enter the GiveAway

Click Here

Still lovin' White Wednesday,

drop by and say Hi to Kathleen at Faded Charm

love,

Debra

What's Pink and Green and Smells Fabulous All Over?

Well, I'm so glad you asked!

 That would be the wonderful Give Away surprises

I've received recently from some really great and creative gals!

First the "pink"... from Brayton Homestead Interiors.

Karen was one of my first blogging friends. I fell in love with her New England home and her great talent as an interior designer. She had a pink giveaway a few weeks before Easter and look what she sent Miss Lucky Me. I laughed out loud at this adorable vintage bunny candle. What a cutie pie! She has opened an etsy shop so run by and see all the fun things she has.

And Oh My Goodness,

get a look at the teeny pink slippers!

 just precious!

The vintage yellow bunny (squeezable)

 and carnival glass bird dish are just amazing!

And "Green"...

Jaime of Him, Me and Our Three

hosted this wonderful St. Patrick's Day Decor Party!

You know me, I can't pass on a Holiday Party.

What a surprise when a Give Away

 came along with the rest of the fun!

A china shamrock, birdie necklace, perfect little pin,

an embroidered table runner, and a great tote bag!

Thank you Jaime!

Oh and there was candy in there,

but it's long since gone...yummy!

And this girl, let me tell you!

 She threw in these fabulous rusty iron letters of my initials!

I was dumbfounded and knocked out.

They're incredible!!

And "smells fabulous all over"...

Rebecca from A Gathering of Thoughts is one of the most talented and wonderful gals I've ever met. Her blog and website are full of inspiration and warmth. She recently had a Give Away for this lovely sachet pillow and notecards. I could smell the heavenly fragrance before I even unwrapped it. Just beautiful. Her roses and angels are just a little of her wonderful talent. Thank you, Rebecca!

I received two other sweet gifts recently,

one from Rosemary of Ozma of Odds,

who sent me these precious tags as part

of her recent giveaway,

thank you Rosemary!

And someone so sweet to send a little gift,

just because you left a comment

about an amazing post on sea pottery.

Ever hear of it?

Go see Petite Michele Louise and find out.

A gift from the sea!

just amazing!!

Whoever thought up the "Give Away"
has a big thanks from me!
What a wonderful way to make new friends
and celebrate the talent of others!


And speaking of Give Aways,
there's still time to enter mine,
click here.

love,
Debra

Silver Sunday, Tea Pot for Spring

On a gorgeous Spring Day like Today

I decided to have my tea in the Sunroom.

I've been playing with flowers today

and a little silver teapot decided to

 hang around.

Creeping Phlox is one of my favorite early Spring flowers.

Pink, purple, lavender, pale blue and white...

like tiny snowflakes amidst a fluff of green,

they dot the landscape, and have a sweet aroma.

An old cemetery metal flower basket won their favor.

Hope you have a beautiful Silver Sunday.

Say Hello to all the other participants,

then go enjoy your day!

Be sure that you have entered the
Royal Treatment Giveaway.

Click Here

love,
Debra