In a Flash ~ Vintage Clock Faces, Pin Ornaments, Mirror, Shabby Rose Plates

This weekend seemed to go by in a flash. Where does the time go?

Saturday the weather warmed up a lot. Just enough to tease me into thinking spring was finally here. Ha! I heard a weather report it will be getting cold again, really cold, by the end of the week.

Sigh.

I do know it is short term because daylight savings is already in effect (yay!) and March 21st isn't too far away either. Not that it's going to be like Florida around here but one can hope.

Anyway, we took advantage of the warm temps and took Dear Bebe around the neighborhood in her stroller. She's so cute. She has a dangling toy hooked to the seat and she holds onto it the whole time. Even when her eyes are closed.

Saturday afternoon I finally got a chance to load the rest of my latest inventory onto the Bella Rosa website.

These scalloped edged plates are soooooo neat because they have that vintage patina built in from time gone by. A dainty pink rose border is the perfect touch. I have some of the same pattern in Dear Bebe's nursery. Remember I did the baby meets shabby chic theme? I used the large meat platter as a tray to hold all of her lotions and other bottles on the dresser.

This little mirror (4" x 4") is too cute. I'm wondering if it came off of an old vintage photo album? I think it's great making it's own little statement all by itself.

Cake plates and I have a thing for each other. I love to buy (and collect) them and somehow they keep finding me! Especially this one with all of the pastel roses.


These pin ornaments are older and I just love the velvet pastel colors someone chose for the base. Too sweet! Secretly I'm thinking how great they are going to look this Christmas if they don't sell. Isn't that backwards? I'm supposed to hope they SELL. Not the other way around.

There's more unique items including the clock faces at the top of this post. I left the picture there because I couldn't resist the "time" analogy. Okay, so it's early in the week. I'll think of something clever to write about next time!

Grandmom and Her Gift of Memories

Today is my paternal Grandmother's birthday. She would have been 99. Although she passed away three years ago and had been in a nursing home, I still miss her.

(Here, Grandmom joins us for my birthday celebration in 1985. My Dad and my friend Sudha are also in the photo.)
I spent a lot of time with her when I was a kid. Saturday nights at Grandmom's house was always fun for my Sister and I. We didn't do anything grand, but what we did do became great memories for me.



Like watching Hee Haw and Lawrence Welk. I have to admit, at age 10 I wasn't exactly thrilled about watching the latter. So, I would go in her bedroom and turn on her little black and white tv...probably from the sixties because it had a remote that my Grandmother referred to as "the clicker." That's because the up and down buttons ( the only buttons on it) actually made loud CLICK CLICK CLICK sounds when you went through the five channels available.

I would come out during the hour show when Grandmom would call me to let me know the couple that danced was on. Bobby and what was her name? Cissy? Can't remember now.



Then we'd watch the Love Boat and Fantasy Island. Somewhere during this time we'd have an ice cream break. She had these great Fire King bowls we'd use. I have them now and cherish them because of these special nights together.



She also had a cookie tin we'd sneak a cookie or three out of, fully expecting to hear her reprimands coming from the living room. "You'll ruin your supper!"

Since my Mother worked during the day, she would bring me over to Grandmom's if I was sick and needed to stay home from school. We'd look at her old photo albums. Or play cards. A good round of "Go Fish" always seemed to make me feel better. That and a bowl of Campbell's chicken noodle paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Memories.

Simple, yes. But I carry them with me always.

Great gifts from Grandmom on her birthday.

Hey, That's My Turf

One of our cats, Love, likes to sleep in things. Like my tote bag, for instance.

We've found her snoozing in baskets, on top of cardboard boxes, and once in a vintage doll bed that was just barely holding her up.

We still can't figure out how she got under this blanket ... I guess she burrowed in there! With as cold as it's been...it looks like a good idea.



And this one is the best! A small cardboard tray.

From the looks of this, the tighter she fits into the container, the better. She's not exactly a skinny minny either.

But what's this? Our other cat, Sissy, decided this looked like a great spot, too. I think this is breaking a kitty turf code. These two cats still don't get along after almost five years of living together. (Love was Dear Hubby's kitty before we were married.)

By the way, this was Sissy when she was a kitten in 2002. She gets away with a lot because she is cute!

I'm sure Love doesn't agree.

March Can Be Tricky

Ugh. Winter is still lingering on here in the North East. Well, the I-95 corridor, as they say. Just when I was looking forward to March. This month can be tricky. Spring just can't come soon enough...and obviously it is not going to. Sigh. Think it was that groundhog I posted about a month ago. Darned vermin.


The little birdies are going to have to get out their little snow blowers to clear their roof off. Now there's a funny visual for you. And where do all the birds go when it snows? I know they're not running to Lowes to get their shovels and sidewalk salt.


Here is a corner of our deck. I'm obviously taking the photos from inside the house. Didn't feel like getting all of the snow gear on for picture taking. Have I really turned into such a big fuddy duddy? And who says fuddy duddy? I must have cabin fever. Need fresh springtime air, soon!

I know, it is still early in the month, but as pretty as this all looks, it is not helping me get to this point:

Ahhhhhhh. This setting is more like it.

But I am also realizing in a few years this ol' fuddy duddy will be outside with another little someone who will LOVE the snow. And I'm going to have to get my boots on. I'm sure I will be a birdie singing a different tune.

Dis-Mantel

I really like the house we live in. Nice location, great rooms, well built. It was built in the early 70's however and there are a few more things I'd like to see disappear from that era. Our mantel is one.


The entire family room area has this rustic barn/beam wood theme. I can't say I liked it. It's on the ceiling, lining the back wall into the kitchen, and the mantel has the same faux wood. Or maybe it is really wood but not really an old barn beam. Whatever it is, I don't like it. You can see the beam near the ceiling in the kitchen. It's like molding but not the way I'd like to see crown molding.


We painted over (it was a risk I was willing to take!) the dark brown beams on the ceiling. The lighter color toned it down enough for a quick move in.


But painting the mantel the same creamy white color just didn't seem to work in my opinion. And now it is 2 1/2 years later and we haven't done anything to it. Each year at Christmas I try to cover it up as much as possible.



Every time I look at it though I think "this thing has to GO." I guess it's not THAT bad but I would like something else that looks like real wood.


While we were out antiquing, I saw these neat old mantels. I thought that might be a neat idea. Paint the brick the creamy ivory and add a vintage mantle painted to match. Maybe that's mixing up too many different looks? The family room area blends right into our "LuRay" kitchen so it needs to stay similar.



We may have to just remove the 70's mantel and replace it with something more traditional for now. Either way, it's got to be dis-mantled. Any ideas would be welcome.



We probably won't be doing anything about it now, we're still really busy with Dear Bebe.

But I am going to start thinking about it. If I get some "me" time I may try to sift through some magazines for ideas. I have a 3 ring binder where I've saved decorating ideas and pictures over the years. I'll have to look in there and see what I can find.

And there is always the internet!

Google probably won't bring up what I'd like to search for. "Ripping out ugly old 70's fake crappy wood mantle." But hey, you never know. We're probably not the first to do it.


Oh. And I forgot to mention Dear Hubs has no idea I'm ready to dis-mantle. He probably thinks it's fine the way it is.


Have a great weekend!

A Lovely Break ~ Lovely Vintage Finds

Well, I've taken a little break from Jillian's Pages. Can't say I completely stayed away because when you receive email messages it is too tempting to reply back. Sigh. I'd have to turn my computer OFF in order to really be out of the techno loop.

This past weekend I went treasure hunting...and found quite a few I couldn't pass up. I'm always looking for items with roses on them. What better inventory than this for the Bella Rosa website? When I came across these needlepoint chair covers I was excited to share them with you.

A set of 6, YES SIX, vintage needlepoint chair covers. Two in black, (as of March 27th the black pair are now sold) two in purple, and two in a lovely red. I can just see an entire dining room set covered in these. Or maybe even footstools, vanity benches or pillows! Someone told me she heard a crafter was using them to cover scrapbooks and journals. Now that's a new one! I love to hear the ideas people come up with.

Each one is uniquely hand done. It is hard to find them these days... a lost art I'm afraid. Although I know a couple bloggers who still needlepoint, which I admire greatly!

I also came across this neat little box with the vintage rose .... and inside were pieces of old tatting! (another lost art) So sweet. Then I noticed inside on the lid, someone had written a sweet note with a date of 1898.

One of my favorite finds ...these ADORABLE vintage handmade pin ornaments. The colors are so soft and sweet. Would look great in a vignette display under a bell jar or maybe even in apothecary containers.

I absolutely loved this. A sweet little mirror with the words "Our Friends" etched onto it. May have come from a vintage album...but even by itself I find it irresistible!

I've also added a new "For Crafters" category... I have many vintage items that can be used in crafts. Like these old clock faces. The possibilities are endless to use in displays or mixed media arts. Someone creative could have lots of fun with these. I'm also debating on whether to list vintage seam bindings still in their orig package...but I love to tie up the packages I send out with vintage ribbons....so I may keep them for myself! Isnt' that terrible? I'm supposed to sell, not keep. Sometimes it is hard to let things go.

I'm almost done listing but to the website, Bella Rosa Antiques. I'm trying to get them done inbetween Dear Bebe's naps and playtimes. She is doing so well. Yesterday she did some roll overs all by herself! I'm going to miss these early months when they're gone...and you are all speaking the truth when you say...the time goes by so fast!

Let's Face It

I'm becoming attached to using Facebook. This weird thing called FACEBOOK. I mean, what the heck is it, anyway? It is a "social networking" website where you keep in touch with friends, new and old, relatives, etc. It can become addicting because you can see what you entire friends list is up to each day...if they log on and add messages, photos, etc.

But it is completely up to the user. Yesterday however, the website and it's owner were in the new headlines. It appears they changed their terms of service. The new changes meant that they could keep all of your info, photos, messages, etc even if you deleted your account. They owned it and they could do what they want with it.

Well, I suppose if we are silly enough to put on any and all info that we DON'T want on there, then it is our fault. But I think sometimes we trust too much and don't realize how public we are making ourselves.

Even on these blogs.

It is fun, I admit. And I love how my family and friends can check out the blog for our latest adventures. Writing has always been a passion of mine so this helps keep my creative brain going.

But I must confess I've been feeling overwhelmed lately by it all. The blogs, Facebook, technology...instant news ...everything.

I think I'll take a little break to recharge my batteries. Not sure when I'll be back. Probably not for long, knowing me!

Bebe Dedication

This past weekend we did something very special with Dear Bebe. We had her child dedication at church. In the past I've gone to churches where they call it a "christening" or maybe a "baptism" and water is used to annoint the baby. Our church does "dedications." Well, basically it is a matter of semantics because it all has a similar purpose. We as parents, are promising to raise Dear Bebe in a Christian household and to teach her about God and how to live her life through him.

I had been stressed and concerned leading up to the morning of her dedication. What should she wear, should she wear the fancy long white dress my Dear Sister lent to us...or since our church is a little more casual, should she wear a shorter dress?

What if she starts crying again and has another meltdown during the dedication????

Sigh.

I almost postponed it 'til another time ...maybe when she's a little bit older. But, one of our pastor's is leaving, and he had been with us during our time of prayer when we weren't sure if we were ever going to get pregnant. We really thought it would be nice if he was able to be the one there with us that day. So, I went ahead with it.

It all came about so suddenly we really didn't have time to invite other family members or plan a day to celebrate when we arrived home. We did get Gramma Daisy to come over on the train so this was special for Dear Bebe.

Turned out Dear Bebe was great, it was me who cried.

Couldn't help it. As soon as we all gathered in the front pew of the church and we started singing, the tears started coming down my face. In my heart I know how grateful I am to God for giving us this wonderful gift in Dear Bebe. I thank Him for her everyday. We were also thankful to the congregation for standing up with us, promising to help support us in our journey with her as a church family. A very special moment indeed.

Happy Pink Valentine's Day & 200th Post Winner

What a post I have today. So much going on!



First, Happy Valentine's Day! Next, Happy Pink Saturday! And lastly...Congratulations to my giveaway winner!


The name selected at random is:

AMY of Four Sisters in a Cottage!

You've won the Valentine heart box with things inside like an "XOXO" sparkly word garland, stickers, vintage pc's and more! Other items that wouldn't fit will be included in your package like the pink 50's car, heeled shoe ornament, and more! I'll need your address so we'll have to contact each other soon. Thank you to all of the giveaway participants, I wish I could have selected all of you. And thank you for following along with my blog, as well.


And what a day for PINK Saturday bloggers. It is Valentine's Day, too! Hope whatever you decide to do today is relaxing and fun! Mostly, I just like to stay warm and eat good food! Chocolates are always good, too.


Dear Hubs had flowers sent to the house....roses! Thank you, honey! Happy Valentine's Day!

Just wanted to mention a side note about how special it was for me last year on this day. We found out we were pregnant with Dear Bebe. It was very cool and a year later I look back and can't believe it all. She is here now and we love her more and more each day. Definitely the best Valentine's Day gift I've ever received.

For more Pink Saturday fun...check out the huge list of participants over at Beverly's blog, How Sweet the Sound.

Thoughts on Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day fast approaching...do you find it difficult to buy your sweetie a gift? Well, we all know what they REALLY want...lol but let's just think about the material things for a minute.

I really struggle with finding something for Dear Hubby. He is a tricky one. He likes probably almost anything I buy...but sometimes I discover he didn't really use it or like it in the first place. I suppose the WORST gift I ever bought for him and yes, I am admitting this....was a George Foreman grill.

Looking back now, I can see this was a bad choice. ( I even broke my own rule, no appliances!) We were dating at the time and I thought this was a great gift. I thought he loves to grill and during the winter months, he can use this George Forman grill inside the house.

What I didn't realize is that men love the challenge of going out there in sub degree weather and firing up the grill to cook a steak. They change the "Brrrrr!" into a "Grrrrrrr!" and head on out there waving their spatula's like it's a sword and the plate the shield. This whole scene, to me, is outrageous and silly. Not to a guy.

I think his favorite gift (besides the other kind of gifts we haven't mentioned here...ahem!) would be a DVD I created, set to music that meant something special, using photos of us from when we were dating, etc. He really appreciated it and still likes to view it together every now and then which is neat because we always feel gushy and mushy and say "awwwwwwww" look at us back then. Most of the computers now come with these programs already loaded onto them and they are very easy to drop and drag your photos into. But if you can't make a DVD, how about a scrapbook or photo album?

There's always a special dinner you can make...or you can go out. But if you're like me, and you live in cold temperatures, I don't like going out in the snow and freezing weather. We usually go out to a fancy restaurant but this year we are going to see a movie at our church called "Fireproof."

What was the best Valentine's Day present you gave your man? The worst? I'd love to hear about it.