pretty...

These days in January can get sort of dreary.

Like when the sky and the ground are the same gray color.

Peaceful, but a little lifeless.

So today I just wanted a little "pretty".

This Johnson Bros. pink floral vegetable bowl

 full of paperwhites is almost past it's prime,

and I noticed a few kitty teeth have been nibbling.

Then, on seeing this little lantern,

the glass needs a little shine...

But if you look past the flaws

well...

it's just pretty.

I found this old white wicker tray when Rebecca was here.

I knew it would be a sweet landing place for some little January treasures.

Sure enough,

one of my little lambs has found a cozy spot. 

It's days like this that remind me why I redid the Dining Room.

I like to use dried hydrangeas all throughout the year. This stem happens to be faux, but I've been mixing them with real dried and they disguise pretty well.  These are just cream colored ones I bought in the Spring, but tinted the edges with "Distress Ink" when I couldn't find them in the floral stores. Just thought I'd share a little floral secret.

                                                     I'm joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm

Kathleen for White Wednesday

Cindy at Romantic Home

Terrell at Frou Frou Decor

Courtney for Feathered Nest Friday

Hope you're having a good week; that the snow hasn't overtaken you, and that you can find a little "pretty" in your surroundings.

love,
Debra

Vintage Inspiration Friday #21: Legendary Luggage

There's just something about

the feel and look of old leather luggage.

The patina and wear bring exotic places to mind.

Who has carried it?

Where were they going?

Romance or business?

Ingenue or seasoned traveler?

A tourist in France...

or on African safari...

vintage luggage holds a fascination for me;

it's an inspiration.

 

iconic trunks of a bygone era

In the cargo hold of a transatlantic liner,

...or in a sleeper car on a European Express.

...think Hercule Poirot and Agatha Christie

What treasures of lace and linen...

furs and jewels,

did they contain?

personalized...

monogrammed with identification

for the worldwide traveler

lasting a lifetime and beyond.

repurposed for everyday living

A French trademark

                             

(all images found at google.images.com)

I've admired these for years
... and thanks to my sweet husband;

I was blessed with a little vintage inspiration just for me.

Now to share some fun from last week...

Simply Bungalow

Have Trunk...Will Travel

Very Merry Vintage Style

She stole my {vintage} heart

Gypsy Brocante

Faded Prairie Couture

Chippy Shabby

Think Spring!!

This girl is a constant source of inspiration!

love ya, Jeanine!

Hope you'll join in for

 Vintage Inspiration Friday!

anything vintage inspired...

Be sure and grab the

Vintage Valentine Party Button

love you all!

Debra

a la vie!

Our sweet younger daughter

 sent us this wonderful bottle of white bubbly

  for our Anniversary last month.

We haven't had a chance to enjoy it as yet,

 so every time I open the fridge,

 there it sets, just looking all pretty in pink and white.

I know right now that I'll save this lovely bottle and label.

I get happy just looking at it!

My Honey found this frenchy wine carrier for me over the Holidays so I thought I'd take a few photos after being inspired by my bud, Anne. She has a wonderful new camera, and is venturing out into some

exciting new opportunities in photography.

A small bouquet from said daughter's wedding,

and some vintage wine glasses complete the setting. 

Thinking of Valentine's Day

I just get a little romantic.

So here's to friends' new adventures,

darling daughters,

sweet husbands,

romance...

and to

 all of you!

"to life!"

I'm linking to Marty

and Kathleen

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

love,

Debra