Kitchen China Cupboard for Christmas

I think most of us are pretty well into the decorating.

As I've mentioned, the bigger things are finished,

now it's time to "play".

One of the areas that's fun for me is in the Kitchen.

I can go a little crazy with the vintage Putz Houses and Churches.

Since I didn't put up a big tree,

I'm using a few vintage Shiny Brites here and there.

The Transferware misfits were begging for some "sprucing up".

(I guess that qualifies for a Christmas pun, tehe)

Tartan Plaid Lunchbox with a Little Christmas Kitch...

Hi Everyone, have you made a big dent in the Christmas Decorating,

or are you still recovering from Thanksgiving?

I've reached the place where the big things are done,

and now I get to "play" with the vignettes and details.

I've seen several fun boxes, lunchboxes, sewing drawers etc. 

filled with Christmas "kitch" and odds and ends on Pinterest.

Those pics got me excited to do a little project on my own.

If you're like me you have lots of small vintage minutia

that floats around at Christmas.

So I decided to put a few of them together for a little 

display on my Baker's Rack.

The light wasn't the best when I took these pics.

(Typical November here: gray and cloudy, and misty rain)

so I came into the Dining Room for a better photo op.

"Home For Christmas" Blogger's Link Party

Hi Everyone, 

so, raise your hand if you've been snacking on leftovers 

while simultaneously decorating for Christmas.

I just wanted to let you all know that Brenda and I will again be co-hosting

a Linky Get-Together to celebrate with all of you, our homes for the Christmas Season.

We'd love to have you join in by coming by our blogs December 13, early morning,

and link up your Christmas and Holiday decor, recipes, crafts, traditions...

anything that "says" Christmas!

Just a Little Christmas...

I'm working in the Kitchen China Cupboard this afternoon;

Changing out the Transferware from Brown to Red.

But I can't seem to finish that little project,

 because I keep seeing things that I want to add to another spot.

Nothing is finished around here,

so I thought I'd just share some snippets

of what and who are celebrating with us this year..

Gathered #3

Hi Friends, 

I mentioned a few weeks ago, that I was starting a new weekly (or so) post where I had a place to bring together random ideas, pics and inspiration from the Blogging World. I also want to have a place to share with you some things I'm doing and thinking about. I've said before, that I'll never turn into a fashion blogger, (for many reasons) but I like to share a new piece of clothing and how I'm wearing it. Sometimes I get stuck in a rut and I like to see how others are putting themselves together. That being said, I'm in the Over 55 Crowd, so I don't want to look inappropriate, but I do like trendy clothes. 

knock off J. Crew vest

A Mantel, a Living Room, and Whatever's Left for Thanksgiving...

Hey Everyone,

today I'm going to share the rest of the Thanksgiving decor. Yes, there are bits and pieces left that have not yet made it here on the blog. I hate it, but November 1st to the day after Thanksgiving is hard to navigate in the blogging sphere. I think most of us are coming to the conclusion that there just isn't enough time to relax, celebrate and enjoy Christmas unless we get a jump on decorating. We rush around and make ourselves (and our families) crazy the moment we clean off the table and put the Turkey leftovers in the fridge.

A Little Tweaking Makes it Thanksgiving...

Hi Friends, hope you're having a wonderful weekend. My sis and I hit a couple of Christmas Open Houses on Friday evening, and to be honest, I'm totally heading into Christmas Mode. After seeing all the great Christmas goodies and vintage decor, I came home ready to start dragging out the Christmas tubs and boxes. BUT...as I said my last post, I still have some "Thanksgiving" I haven't shared here on the blog. So if you're tired of Talkin' Turkey, I give you permission to skip this one.

NO WAIT!!!

You might find something fun to tuck away until next year. Do you have a Pin Board for Thanksgiving? OK, so Pin a few of these cute guys and I have the Christmas fun waiting till next week!

A Thanksgiving Entry

I'm about ready for Christmas and I know that you all are too, but because I consider this blog to be sort of a "virtual diary", I have a few more pics of Thanksgiving I'd like to share. Each year I go back through my photos to see what I did back then, and try to come up with something different. I don't want to be tempted to do the same thing each year just because it's easy.

Breadboards and Spode Transferware; Snacking in Style

Even though it's been awhile since I've hosted a big Holiday/Family dinner, I do like to have some snacks and drinks ready for the kids when they roll into town. They're usually ready to gnosh on something easy until we all get together to head out for dinner. Cheeses, sausages, breads, crackers, olives and some raw veggies; easy things that don't require seating. Actually we usually just grab a napkin or plate and stand around/and over the spread.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes with Transferware

There are photos of hundreds of lovely Thanksgiving Tablescapes, but today I wanted to share with you Fall and Harvest Tablescapes using Transferware. Brown is my favorite by far, I guess because it's so easily used with a Fall theme. If you have bits and pieces of it you're set, just stack them together; a mix is wonderful, or even used with white china or pottery. The key is keeping the color palette the same. Anything goes...

Instagram

Gathered #2

Last week I started a new blog post concept; well, it's just new for me. Many bloggers have a weekly post like this, and I really enjoyed taking a few minutes to share with all of you some of my weekly finds across Blogland and Pinterest. These are just a few of the pics and posts that caught my attention; Gathered here for you.

I ran into these elegant, but casual Thankful Plates from Crate and Barrel.

They have a whole line of glasses, napkins, etc.

I'm wondering if it would be possible to make these yourself,

or for that matter write any message or word using some sort of permanent gold marker.

It would have to be waterproof and non toxic, but oh so pretty!

Late Fall Lookback...

Last day of October, so I start thinking about tweaking my Fall things to head toward Thanksgiving. I got to looking back at my pics from last year at this time and I realized I didn't have everything "Thanksgiving" together in one blog post. So, to get things rolling and before I let all the turkeys out of the gate, I thought I'd share a post with the highlights from last year.

Gathered #1

When I was involved in a weekly party, the thing I enjoyed most was getting to feature different people and their blogs. Sometimes I now feel like I'm out of the loop because I don't have access to meeting so many creative people and showcasing their talent. I'm sure you're like me and run across a great post or pic and you just want to share it with others, but it's awkward to work it into something of your own. There are so many unique and timely posts that speak to who you are and turn your head, but you just don't have a way to share with everyone. So I'm going to start a new (hopefully) weekly post where I can randomly share those topics, pics, and inspiration that I've picked up that week in the blogging world. Okay, here are a few I've gathered this week...

Out and About for some Fall Fun

This is my favorite time of the year to be out and about.

The leaves, the cooler temps, the smells wafting from a yummy cafe;

the Autumn Colors,

...and of course browsing the fun stores here in Springfield.

A Haute Halloween Encore

These photos are several years old, but provide so much fun Inspiration I wanted to share them with you again. The Blog Post was intitled "A Haute Halloween" and they were taken at a friend's amazing home here in Springfield, Robin Gilmore. She has since moved and opened a Tea Room and wonderful store in Springfield on Commercial Street. So enjoy once more, and if you live close to the Springfield Area, be sure and make this a destination spot for lunch and shopping.

Lighted Twig Pumpkin

Each year I see the wonderful twig pumpkins all lit up with fairy lights and I think, "I'm going to get one of those next year!!", and each year it escapes me until we're already into the season. So I thought of this idea, not near as much "wow factor", but still pretty. It would work for a Thanksgiving or any Harvest Tablescape, since it wouldn't interfere with conversation across the table.

Kitchen China Cupboard for Fall

Earlier this Fall I found bags of these adorable glittered acorns

 at (I think) Hobby Lobby.

I knew I'd use them somewhere for a bowl filler or accent. 

They ended up here in the Kitchen China Cabinet. 

It would have been fun to make them myself, but since they were half price,

I did the lazy crafter's thing, and saved myself a lot of mess.

My kitties girls love them a roll in glitter, 

which in turn gets everywhere.

Glitter Kitties and more to clean up.

Decor Philosophy for Cupboards, and Life

It's been said, more than once, that I can't leave a flat surface alone. Meaning that I have to "decorate" every square inch, and it wasn't often said with an affirmative attitude. I think I may be a little better than I used to be. When you have goodies you love, they just cry out to be used and appreciated!

Vintage Metal Bench on the Fall Porch

I finally have some pics of the front porch and the "new/old" bench dressed for Fall.

It's taken me long enough, if I'd waited much longer we could go straight to Christmas!

Pumpkin Roundup in the Dining Room

Hi Everyone, I hope you're having a wonderful week. We've had a taste of Fall here in Southwest Missouri these last few days with the trees getting more vibrant, a day of gray skies and soaking rain, and some much cooler temps. (High of 63). We'll hit 80 again, but it was sure nice for a change.

Gold Leaf Pumpkin

Can we all talk about the hours that we spend on Pinterest?

OK, maybe you're not a junkie like I am, but honestly,

 it's a place where I always leave with new ideas and inspiration.

Easy Fall Centerpiece with a Galvanized Watering Can

I love a centerpiece on the Kitchen Table, 

and I usually have a small wooden tote here, 

but recently I've had to admit, a tote may not be very practical

 when you have to move it several times each day.

 Filled with dishes, a candle, tea towels, or a small ivy, it can get unwieldy...

 and then it becomes an accident waiting to happen!

Blogger's Seasonal Harvest Tour

Hi Everyone, and Welcome to the 

2016 Bloggers Seasonal Harvest Home Tour

this week, presented by Cozy Little House

On the Mantel with Pears and Pumpkins

So, I had to look back through my list of posts to see exactly when I had last shared what was happening on the mantel. Last Christmas? you're kidding me? Basically, I've left the main elements the same and have just changed up a few things in the center. I have to drag out a step stool and climb around to work on this monster, so it's just been easier to ignore it.

My Favorite Urn...For Fall

I've had this Pottery Barn Urn for the last 5 years I think, and I have to say it's one of my favorite pieces to use in decor. It's almost always in use no matter what the season, but Fall has to be my favorite look. 

It's just the right size to plop in a big fat pumpkin, 

no matter whether it's faux or real.

Silhouette Script Chalkboard

I think most of us love a good chalkboard.

Big, small, simple or ornate;

vintage or new,

embellished script or childlike letters

...decorated for the Season.

But I'm not so good when it comes to hand lettering,

so I asked my Sis to help me out with a short message 

using her Silhouette machine.

Fall Container Plantings

I've been searching inspiration for doing some plantings for Fall out front

and I came across literally hundreds of examples of containers filled

with all the gorgeous colors of Autumn.

I tried to keep it to elements that were actually plantings,

so I thought I'd share just a little of all the many beautiful ideas.

Flora and Fern and a "Married Metals" Bench

I mentioned awhile back that Springfield has had several fun new shopping venues open up, and the latest one I want to share with you is Flora and Fern, which is right next door to the new Harrison House Market. It's full of wonderful vintage displays, topiaries, orchids, large and small potted plants and trees, and unique accessories including jewelry.

(enlarge to read the Swedish definition on the chalkboard)

Early Fall Entry with a new Chalkboard Print

With each new season I try to create a vignette that's something a little different than I've done before. That's not always easy because there are tried and true elements that I'm happy with and just look "right". The lamp, the clock, and the shutters and mirror; those are all part of this spot. But I love to play with faux flowers, and then add a seasonal print, painting, or needlework... and what's a Fall Entry Vignette without at least one pumpkin?

Painted Leaf Fall Wreath

Hi Everyone, I know you all are probably getting some Fall decor out of storage, and searching Pinterest for some fresh ideas and inspiration. I knew I wanted to try to create a new wreath for the Kitchen Sitting Area, but I also knew I wanted it to be neutral. I love the colors of Autumn, but wanted to try using something that was in shades of white, cream, grays, and tans....

Vintage Owl Vignette and an Update

First of all, I'm having a little issue with Blogger. I'm not sure why, but it's decided each time I have to edit a post that it wants to "republish" and act like I just published it. This is getting old and I've tried scheduling the old time, but it's doing it any way. Anyone else having this annoying problem? I imagine a few of you are wondering about my sanity and blogging ethics. I hope it fixes itself soon, I feel like I'm walking around with toilet paper stuck to my shoe...

I wanted to share my new-to-me vintage concrete owl that I found at The Vintage Peddler last week. Isn't he a cutie; just the right amount of white chippy-ness!

New Shops at the Vintage Peddler

(I'm sorry, my blog keeps updating on it's own each time 

I join a new party and add it on my blog post...)

 I never know what to call someplace that's so totally unique...

separate spaces housed in an old manufacturing building;

shared by a group of extremely talented vendors.

A place full of vintage and curated pieces;

some new artisans and remarkable stylists,

all with a passion for antiques and vintage.

Welcome to the Vintage Peddler

(be sure and click on "read more" for the rest of the post...)

Welcome to September...

Hi Everyone, are you like me and get excited when you can turn over that calendar page and see that it's finally September? It may still be hot outside, but in our little Fall Lovin' Hearts we know we can now actually put a pumpkin on our blog and not have to disguise it as "Fall Inspiration"!!

Out and About... at Harrison House Market

We have so many great places to shop in our area, with tons of talented people making it all happen. Late last spring an older shopping center in Ozark, Missouri (just south of where I live in Springfield) that was a hub for great vintage goods was sold. In an instant, the vintage shops and flea market vendors that it housed had to start looking for new homes and venues. I was so excited to learn that my favorite, Harrison House Market, has found a great spot here in town. 

Harrison House Market

Be sure and click on "read more" for the rest of the story...

Finally... Checked Curtains in the Kitchen

I've had a project that I've wanted to get done for literally months. It's not that it's a huge one, but knowing myself like I do, I didn't want to tackle it until I was feeling better. I have a tendency to want to see something through in one sitting, and I didn't think I could accomplish a new set of curtains in one afternoon.

Summer Buffet Scape with Ticking Tablerunner and Sunflowers

A few weeks ago I shared some inspiration of one of my favorite Late Summer decor combos; Indigo Ticking Stripes with anything "Sunflowers". Ticking brings to mind lazy breezy summer afternoons on the porch swing, and Sunflowers are those wonderful happy faces that let us know that Fall isn't too far away. 

I have a cupboard full of mismatched ironstone and transferware, and that includes a stack of old platters that I use for cookouts. A good steak or Bar-B-Que requires something substantial so I put a few things together for an impromptu Summer gathering.

Rolling Market Basket and Sunflowers...

Hi Everyone, Happy Weekend!

I've had Sunflowers on the brain for several weeks,

and have made a few faux arrangements for the house

 in vintage watering cans, baskets, 

and now this old rolling French Market Basket

that I keep in the Dining Room.

Vegging Out and Some Late Summer Colors...

I'm feeling a little Fall in the air and the color of the sky.

So I've changed up a few things here in the Kitchen Sitting Area,

one of my favorite places to be...

When your body has had enough...part 4

In this last post in the series I'm going to share with you how things started to fit together for me. I believe in God's timing, even if it isn't fast enough for our individual desires. I've been praying and searching scripture for verses on wisdom and knowledge concerning my health issues. It's taken what seems like forever, but maybe I wasn't ready before now. Please remember, I'm not telling you what to do. I'm just here telling you what I've learned... the hard way. Here goes...I'm sorry it's a long one

When your body has had enough ...part 3

As I said in the last post dedicated to health issues, I'm not trying to be pushy, preachy, or your doctor. I'm sharing things that have been my own experience. I want to be open and "out there" in hopes that you might recognize any problems or symptoms you might be having and to at least give you something to think about.  Have you read my last 2 posts in this series? Here's Part 1 and Part 2.

I've been writing these posts all this week, so I'll try to get to the comment replies soon. You all have had so much to say and so many of you have been through similar situations with health issues. Thank you so much for sharing them with me and the rest of the readers. Often times there is a wealth of information and knowledge in the comments from you all, so I don't want you to think I don't read or appreciate them. Please feel free to share your experiences or those of your loved ones, in the comment section. You'll be helping others in doing so. I didn't want to put off getting these last posts out. I had only intended to do this in one post, but as I got started, I realized this is important subject matter and that there is so much information (not just about my issues) entailed in my searches, that to do it justice I needed to include it all.

When your body has had enough...part 2

Hi Everyone. First of all thank you so much for all your affirmative comments from my previous post on this subject. I'm so sorry I couldn't get a personal reply to all of you, but thank you so much for taking the time to leave an uplifting note. We all agree that most women need and want to help other women, and part of that is by sharing our own experiences, good and bad.

As I said, I hate to put myself out there too much here on the blog, because inevitably there is some criticism and judgment, even if it's passive. There's a wide range of ages out here in the decor blogging world, and as an "over 50" blogger (way over), I think we are sometimes viewed more critically. No one wants to be thought of as an over-the-hill, sick person. I think opening ourselves up in the blog world can be majorly intimidating.

So, having put myself out there once again, please be sure that you read my previous post from last week, if you haven't already. Otherwise you might feel like you're walking into a movie at intermission. That first post will give you the background information and you will also understand why I'm sharing all this. I'm just going to tell you my own personal experiences and you can take from it what you'd like. If you see yourself in any of this, please know you're not alone.

Looking back I think the biggest lesson I've come away with after struggling through this last year can be entitled,

Summer Favorites: Ticking Stripes and Sunflowers

I found the most wonderful antique ticking stripe settee last week while browsing the web, but I was using my IPad and it was in the wee hours of the morning. I was having trouble when I tried to PIN things, so I couldn't find the image until just now. But all the hunting I did for it got my inspiration going once more for one of my favorite seasonal combos...all things Ticking Stripe and Florals... Mainly bouquets and arrangements with Sunflowers. So I thought I'd share with you some photos that just say "Summer" to me...

This is a photo from Worthy Goods Blog from 2014.

Crazy how seeing something can make such a big impression.

This had me on the hunt for some Ticking Fabric.

If you get a minute drop by for more inspiring show photos.

When your body has had enough...

Each time I sit down to write a post on health issues, especially my own, I cringe. I don't like to draw attention to myself. I know some people might not see how a blogger can feel that way, but I don't like to put myself out there for people to judge... me, my life, or my opinions. When I first had the heart attacks 13 years ago and was faced with a hard reality, I vowed I would never let my health issues define me.