It's "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!

Hello my friends...it's time for "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!

"2nd Time Around Tuesday" is hosted by the very talented and Queen of 2nd Time Around treasures...Diane over at A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words! Why don't you swing by and see what Diane has for us today and while you're there you can check out all of the other "2nd Time Around" participants!!!

My "2nd Time Around" Treasures...

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Today I'd like to show you my "2nd Time Around" treasures. A couple of months ago I went to an old Antique Flea Market. This shop is huge and they always have some fabulous treasures at great bargain prices! I'm always in my "7th heaven" when I'm shopping an Antique Flea Market!!!

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In one of the corner booths, I spotted a large rack full of old vintage advertisements, signs, and prints. This particular booth was running a 50% off sale...Ooooh, how could I resist? I'm always up for a pretty new or should I say a pretty old...print! I'm tellin' ya, wall art IS my thing! Hehe!!!

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This is what I found....

These prints were all wrapped and sold individually. When I found the first one, I swooped it up and kept thumbing through the rack of prints! Lo & behold...I found two more prints that were evidently done by the same artist. They look like a set! They came pre-matted too!!!

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Treasure #1....

Ahhh...just look at this sweet print! It's a Colonial couple! The backgrounds of these prints are done in the prettiest creamy off-white. I love how the artist drew the scenery in black ink...and the couple is done in color!

A close-up of the print...

I'm not real sure what time period that this print is exhibiting...maybe 1700's? Just look at the archetecture of the building and the beautiful horse drawn coach...pretty fancy!!!

The couple is certainly dressed and look to be out on a Sunday stroll! I just love their beautiful clothing!!! The woman's dress is gorgeous, isn't it?...and look at the handsome man! I love, love, love the colors that the artist used here...the reds, blues, and greens!!!



Treasure #2...



This second print is my favorite of the three! I just love the background scenery in this print. It could be a little European village! I love this couple's clothing! Just look at the gentleman's beautiful brocade vest...his suit...he certainly is debonaire!!! The woman's attire is also very pretty...I love her flowered bonnet!!! The pretty coral, green, and brown colors are lovely! They must be traveling and are waiting for the next coach to arrive.

Treasure #3....

This last print is a bit different...just the lady...wonder where her man is? Hmm...maybe he is away at war or away at sea?

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The background scenery is of a beautiful room...maybe the sitting room! I'm not sure but which ever room it is...it has some beautiful furnishings!!! Just look at the unique oval cutouts with shelves sitting behind...Oooh, I see a pretty teapot! I love the little footstool...such pretty lines!!!

This fine lady's dress is soooo beautiful...I love the style!!! Pretty pink and blue...and her sleeves, collar, and skirt ruffle have sweet pink roses on them!!! Ohhh, I want a dress like this!!!

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She so sweetly sits...with her embroidery in hand!

How much did I pay for these three little treasures?

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They were lableled $4 each...however with the 50% off discount...

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I only gave $2 for each print!!!

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I think I got a bargain! Yeeehawww!!! Hehe! Can you believe that they had these pretties labeled as "JUNK"??? Ohh my!!! One girl's junk is another girl's treasure!!!

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I'm not sure what I will do with these beautiful prints...how I will frame them or where they will hang. I guess that's another post in the making...wink!!!

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Well my friends, I'm so happy that you stopped by today! I do love our visits...please leave me a comment...I love getting back to you!!!

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Happy "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari

"2nd Time Around Tuesday"

It's "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!

Hello my friends and welcome to "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!

I really look forward to Tuesdays! "2nd Time Around Tuesday" is hosted by our very own Diane over at "A Picture Is Worth A 1,000 Words" !

If you haven't ever been over to Diane's place, you really must go! She has a delightful blog and some of the most awesome 2nd time around treasures! While you're there, you can go and visit all of the other Tuesday participants!

Thank you Diane, for giving us an opportunity to show our antique store, flea market, garage sale, estate sale and thrift store "treasure finds"!!!

"2nd Time Around Tuesday"

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My Kitchen Pot/Pan Rack!

This Tuesday's post really picks up where yesterday's Metamorphosis Monday post left off! On Monday I shared the metamorphosis of my kitchen. To see more of my kitchen and Met Monday's post...just click HERE ...

A couple of years ago I started shopping for a pots & pan rack! It would have to be just right. As you can see in the photo...my range sits back in a niche, so the pots & pan rack would have to fit in that little area. Plus, I didn't want to be knocking my head on pans while I was cooking...hehe!!!

Well...it seems that nothing is ever really simple when it comes to me and what I want! Not only would my new pots & pan rack have to fit perfectly in that niche but I also wanted one that was unique...something different from your "run-of-the-mill" rack!!!

This is what I found....

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It is different isn't it? Have you ever seen a pots & pan rack like this? Hehe!

Decorative Iron Wall Brackets...

One day while my honey and I were shopping at an Antique Market we found this fabulous decorative iron piece! Well...let me back up a little...for you see, it didn't always look like this! My pretty decorative pots & pan rack was once 2 pieces...yep, that's right! It's made out of 2 decorative wall brackets. You know...the kind that you can put in the corner of a window or doorway.

As soon as I saw them...I just knew...I could see that if they could be put together...they would make a semi-circle and would be the perfect size and shape for a pots & pan rack!!!

I talked to honey...he has a welder and said that he could do it! Awww...my honey can do anything...really!!! He's such a talented man and has me totally convinced that he really can do anything!!! But I digress...

He welded the two decorative iron wall brackets together! It really worked out perfectly...see the small brackets that extend outward (these small brackets are used for attaching this piece to the wall or doorway)...they are the perfect size to get a "S" hook through...which I would need to hang my pots and pans from!
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I just love the decorative/ornate ironwork! So pretty!!! These (once) wall brackets are a good size...they each measure about 16"x 19"...after they were welded together they form a perfect semi-circle that measures 19"x 32"...as you can see it fits perfectly in my my stove niche!!!

So there you have it...my "2nd time around" transformed pots & pan rack!!!

I'm so glad that you stopped by today...I just love our visits!!! Please leave me a comment so that I know you were here...I love getting back with you!!!

Happy "2nd Time Around Tuesday"!

Do you have a treasure find that you can post about? Why don't you go over to Diane's and add your name!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari

PS.....Just wanted to remind you about this Sunday's meme..."Sunday Favorites"! I'm in the process now of trying to get a Mr. Linky figured out! Eeeeks...I'm not very computer savy...say a prayer for me! Hehe!!!

If you're interested in participating in "Sunday Favorites"...keep posted!

For more information...just click HERE.

If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them! I'm pretty new to this hosting a meme...so please bear with me!!!

Sure hope that you will decide to join us on Sunday for

"Sunday Favorites"!!!

Thank you,

Chari

Pink Saturday...and it's Pinkalicious!!!

Hello my friends and welcome to Pink Saturday! This pinkalicious Saturday is hosted by Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound! You'll just have to pay Beverly a visit to see what she has going on today...and while you're there, you can visit all of the other pinkalicious participants!!! Thank you Beverly for being such a lovely hostess and providing a means for us to share all of our pink!!!

Well my friends, today I have a very special pinkalicious treasure to share with you! As many of you know, Russell's father passed away the end of December and we have been busy with his estate. We have already spent many hours going through Dad's home...trying to decide what we need to sell...and what we need to keep! I have to admit that this has been very difficult for me, as I go through things I just want to keep it all! There are just so many treasures...keepsakes! Our home is being filled with many, many memorible keepsakes but it's my desire to take care of them and be able to pass these treasures down to our children!

Pretty Pink Glass Canisters

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These beautiful pink glass canisters belonged to Russell's mother Mary Alice! She had the prettiest pink bathroom and I have a feeling that these pink canisters were her "pride & joy"!!!

They really are gorgeous...and the photos don't even begin to do them justice!

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As you can see, there are three canisters. They range from 3 1/2 in. to 8 in. in height. The outer glass is clear, however the inside of the canisters are pink (which show through...giving the glass its pink appearance). There are no labels or markings on these pretty canisters so I'm not sure who manufactured them or even if this type of glass has a name. If anyone knows anything about these...please let me know!

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The Unique Pattern...

What makes these glass canisters so unique is the beautiful diamond shaped pattern! If you click on the photos to enlarge them, you can get a better look at just how intricate it is! Small raised dots form the lines of the diamond and a larger raised dot can be found at each intersecting corner! I've never seen this type of crafting on any glass piece before and it's absolutely gorgeous!!!

Ohhhh yes...and isn't this just the sweetest and softest shade of pink that you've ever seen?

The handles are just as beautiful! They remind me of a sparkley diamond!!! They are square in shape and have the same raised dots in the shape of a diamond pattern!

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Where will these little pinkalicious treasures find a home?

Many of you know that most of my home's decor is done in shades of red, olive green, and gold. Not the most conducive color scheme for pink! I do however, have one room in my house that has alot of pink...my Tea Rose bedroom! I think that these beautiful pink glass canisters will be very pretty in there. Should we take a look and see?

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Ohhh yes...I think I like them in this room!!! I decided to place them on the old desk that I refinished last summer. Hmmm...the desk top may be just a little overcrowded...Nah! Can you ever have too many pretty things? Don't think so!!!

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For more photos and information on my Tea Rose bedroom just click HERE.

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The pinkalicious glass canisters seem to fit right in, don't you think?

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My little teacup lamp was a gift from one of my dearest friends...Gloria (Happy To Be)! Ohhhh...how I love my little teacup lamp! And...there are pretty little bunnies here too! The little bunny trinket box was a gift from my honey...he surprised me with this sweet gift! He's such a wonderful husband...so thoughtful and kind!!! The larger bunny was a thrift store treasure find for just $3! Both of these bunnies must have been made by the same manufacturer...they have the exact same colors and sweet little pink roses on them. The third bunny (on the far left) was a gift from another dear friend many years ago!

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For those of you who may be interested...I refinished this old desk last summer. It began as a plain natural toned wood desk. I added some shabby chic embellishments to the drawer fronts, glass knobs, and painted it a creamy off-white. I just love how it turned out! You can see the details if you enlarge the photo. I found the chair at an Antique Market...as is! It has the prettiest carved embellishments at the top of the chair and an old faded olive green & white toile seat...$20 (if I remember correctly)!

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My "artsy" photo! Hehe!!!

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Well my friends...I hope that you enjoyed my pretty little pink canisters and Tea Rose bedroom! I just love when you come by for a visit...please leave me a comment and let me know that you stopped by! I love hearing from you and I enjoy returning your visit!!!

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Hope that you're having a "pinkalicious" Pink Saturday!!!

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Love ya'll,

Chari


PS....Don't forget to stop by Beverly's and the other Pink Saturday participants!

It's a Party...It's a Toile Party!!!
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Hello my friends! Ohhhh boy...it's time for a party...and it's not just any ol' party but it's a TOILE PARTY!!!
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Yes...you heard me right...Pretty Organized Palace is hosting a March 24th Toile Party! I must admit, I had never been over to the Pretty Organized Palace blog before, but when I heard that she was hosting a Toile Party...it didn't take me long to find my way!
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If you haven't ever been to this wonderful blog...you've got to go! You will also find a list of Toile Party-goers...you won't want to miss out on all of the fabulous frenchy toile!!! I know a short cut....just click HERE and I'll show you the way
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I Love Toile!!!

I love toile...I just adore it! I don't know what it is about it...is it the pretty pattern? Is it the fact that it's sooooo French? Hmmm...maybe it's a little of both!

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The History of Toile or Toile de Jouy

Toile...pronounced "twahl"...is a type of decorating pattern consisting of a usually white or off-white background on which a repeated pattern depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme such as (for example) a couple having a picnic by a lake. Toiles also often consist of an arrangement of flowers. The pattern portion consists of a single colour, most often black, dark red, or blue. Greens, browns and magenta toile patterns are less common but not unheard of. Toile is most associated with fabrics (curtains and upholstery in particular), though toile wallpaper is also popular.

Toile or Toile de Jouy originated in France in the late 1700s. In the French language, the phrase literally means "cloth from Jouy-en-Josas", a town of north-central France.

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Without further ado...Oh, and did I mention that I LOVE TOILE? Hehe!!! For those of you dear, sweet, faithful followers of my blog...I do apologize, for these are all photos that you've seen before! Please forgive my excitement but I just had to participate in this March 24ths Toile Party!

I have always just adored toile but just didn't have any at my place...well, until recently! A couple of months ago, I reclaimed my step-son's bedroom and made myself my very own studio/office! It was the perfect opportunity to redecorate...and you guessed it...using toile! My new little Frenchy toile studio/office is still a work in progress but I have enjoyed planning each and every little detail!!!
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My Frenchy Studio/Office in Toile

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I just adore my new Waverly toile drapes!!! They are a beigey-olive green and black! The toile pattern is called La Ferme...with country scenery and chickens...but not just any ol' chickens...these are French chickens! hehe!!!

I found these beautiful drapes on sale in the JC Penneys close-out online. They were originally $270.00...marked down to just a mere $77.00! WOW...I just couldn't believe my good fortune!!! I also purchased a new frenchy decorator drapery rod and hung these drapes as close to the ceiling as I possibly could. The panels measure 95" in length. This is a "Juliet" style valance...I just love how it hangs on the rod...and look at all of the pretty black tasseled fringe!

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I found this beautiful old chair at the antique shop. The best part...it already had a pretty black & white toile fabric seat! This little "treasure find" was only $19!
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I even found a pretty black & white toile decorative plat for my frenchy studio/office! I love Hobby Lobby...these pretty plates were marked 50% off...I only paid $5 per plate!!!
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Craft Project using Toile...

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For one of the walls in my Frenchy studio/office, I wanted to do a museum/gallery wall art grouping. I needed just one more small piece to complete the wall grouping so I made this piece using an old family photo. I wrapped black & white toile scrapbooking paper around the picture mat. I love how it turned out!!!

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This was a gift from my honey...isn't he just the sweetest? And he has such good taste!!! I'm not sure how old this hunch-backed trunk is...but it's pretty old! I just love the embossed metal inserts...the pretty black & white pattern remind me of toile!!! This trunk has found a home in my studio/office...I use it to store my "Old World" Santas. Don't forget...you can click on any of these photos to enlarge them to get a better view!
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The museum/gallery wall...

Here it is...all put together! Now you can see the pretty decorative toile plates, the little picture that I crafted using the toile scrapbooking paper, and the antique trunk!

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A close-up view...

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For more photos and history on my Frenchy studio/office you can click HERE.

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French Country Dining Room and Toile...
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I have started collecting red transferware dishes. They go beautifully in my red and olive green dining room. While redecorating this room awhile back, I decided to use some of my red transferware as wall art. I made this grouping using some of my favortie pieces....I think the red transferware looks so pretty on the olive green wall...they have that frenchy toile look!

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A close-up view...you can click on the photos to enlarge them! I just love the pretty toile designs on these pieces!!!

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Toile and Tablescaping...

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I used some of my red & white transferware (dessert plates) in my Valentine's Day tablescape! They added just the right, romantic touch!!!
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A close-up view of the place setting. For more photos of my French Country dining room you can click HERE.

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Toile in the Tea Rose Bedroom...
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I found this darling little rocker at a yard sale for just $5. I reupholstered it using an olive green & beige toile! I found this pretty toile fabric at JoAnn's...it was on sale for just $1.50 per/yd. The total cost to redo this rocker was $8...not bad!
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The newly reupholstered rocker in the Tea Rose bedroom. For more photos of the Tea Rose bedroom you can click HERE.

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Well my friends...it's been quite a party...a toile party that is!!! hehe! I hope that you enjoyed all of the toile! Did I mention that I just LOVE TOILE? hehe! I hope to incorporate more of it into my home in the future...so stay tuned, we may just have to have another Toile Party!!!
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I would just like to thank Pretty Organized Palace for hosting such a lovely Toile Party...don't forget to go by her place and see more of the lovely French Toile de Jouy!!! Thank you so much for coming by...I just love it when you visit, please leave me a comment to let me know you were here!
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Happy Toile!

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My "Frenchy" Studio/Office...Update!!!

Hello my friends!!! Just wanted to give another "update" on the progress of my little frenchy studio/office. I'm still "tweaking"...hehe!!! By now, I bet you've come to learn a little about me just through my design process! I'm slow...but sure! I know that many people when designing a space just get in there...and get it done...but I love the design process and really do enjoy and savor the entire experience! I take my time...and when I have completed a project...I'll sit awhile and see if it's what I really want!!! Okay...I admit, I'M A BIG-TIME "TWEAKER"!!! There...I said it! Hehehe!!!

When I finally finished my museum/gallery wall in my little frenchy studio/office, I wasn't sure if I really liked it. Of course, all of you dear friends were so kind and gracious with your comments...I certainly do thank you for that and do appreciate it!!! I did receive one comment however, from a dear friend who is a very talented designer...Lauralu! If you haven't ever met Lauralu, you really should pay her a visit...she's just the sweetest lady you'd ever want to meet...just click here to get to her place!

Anyway, after viewing my museum/gallery wall...Lauralu suggested that I move the plates up so that the tops of them would be even with the picture that was next to them, etc. At first, I wasn't sure about her suggestion but I sat down with pencil and paper and drew up a sketch with the changes that she suggested. Lauralu was right on with her accessment of the placement of the art! Thank you so much Lauralu!!! I really do appreciate everyone's ideas and opinions when it comes to my design projects...for one, it's real easy to become "narrow-minded" or "blind-sighted" while in the middle of a project! Soooo...I said all of that to say this...if you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know...I really do consider each of them!!! I value your talents!!!

This is a photo "AFTER" I moved the placement of the art around. I think it looks so much better!!! I also added just one more little piece beside the plate on the bottom, right-hand side...I think it looks more balanced now!
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Before....

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After....

The changes are subtle but pleasing to the eye! I did a little research on how to do a wall grouping...got out my design books...and read that when doing a wall art grouping, you should imagine a "box" on the wall around the art. This will help you to know where to place the outer edges of your wall art in the grouping! That little "tid-bit" was a tremendous tip!!!

Soooo...what do you think? Can you see the difference?

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For those of you who have been following my blog...you knew that I was waiting for a new lamp for my desk. My good friend Laura, who makes the most fabulous lamps, custom made a little "frenchy" candelabra lamp just for moi!!! I just can't thank Laura enough and I absolutely love, love, LOVE my new lamp!!!

Here it is...in all of it's "Frenchy Glory"!!!

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Isn't it gorgeous? I just love everything about it!!! The beautiful glass base, the fabulous brass arms and crystals, and look at the pretty little glass finial...I just love the details that Laura added!!! And...the cherub...ahhhh, I love cherubs!!!

I added black shades...they were pretty plain but I just couldn't wait any longer to use my new lamp...so I had to settle for shades that I could find locally! I decided to do a little ornate detailing to the shades by adding a "fleur de lis" border in gold! I just got out my trusty little stamp and stamped away...hehe!!! I'm going to be keeping my eye out for some shades befitting this precious lamp...but for now, I'm happy!!!
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Close-up of the "fleur de lis" border.*
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Ahhhhh...look how romantic it looks all lit up!
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This is a photo of the little silver lidded box that belonged to my honey's grandparents....I just love it! I'm not sure what these were used for...does anyone have any ideas? I use it for stamps and letter writing supplies. Just behind the silver box, you'll see a few letters that I've received from some of my dear friends that I've made blogging! My antique garden gate is working out so perfectly for a bulletin board!
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Full view of my desk...
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Okay...don't laugh at my poor little faux lilacs in the pitcher...I'm still holding out for fresh flowers...maybe some pretty white roses or tulips!
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Finally...a photo of my new little "frenchy" candelabra lamp in it's new home!!! Thank you Laura...love you, Sweetie!!!
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Well my friends, I'm just so happy that you stopped by for a visit today!!! I hope that you're having a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Love ya'll,
Chari

Let's Go Shopping!!!

Hello my friends...do you feel like a little shopping? What am I saying? Sheeeshh...every girl likes to shop!!!

Wait Girls...no need to get all fancied up like this gal, although if it would make you feel better, you certainly can! Hehe! I'm talking about doing a little internet shopping! So you can stay in your jammies if you want...ahhh...that's the best kind of shopping ever!!! Hehe!!!

I'm so happy to introduce to you the sweetest little "frenchy" boutique...owned and managed by our very own dear friend Vanna from Delusions of Grandeur! The name of Vanna's boutique is, no other than, "Delusions of Grandeur Enabler Boutique"!!! Hehe...I just love the name! Enabler??? Wait a minute, what does Vanna mean by that??? Hmmmm....

Well, without further ado....

Delusions of Grandeur Enabler Boutique

Vanna certainly knows what she's doing when it comes to shopping and she has some of the most beautiful items listed! If you like French or Shabby Chic decor, then this is the place to go!!! Go ahead...click on the photos for an up-close and personal view!

Ohhh...just look at this beautiful angelic cherub compote!!!

Here is a pair of porcelain candlesticks. I just can't believe the beautiful detailing on these pretty candleholders...look at the beautiful roses and darling little violets!

Vintage Dresden ballerinas! I think these little ballerinas are absolutely adorable!!!

Ohhh my...and just feast your eyes upon this! This is an antique french bronze and marble candelabra. I know that you ladies love to tablescape and can't you just imagine using this beautiful antique candelabra as your centerpiece!!!

I just adore this antique Ansonia clock! Look at the colors and the handpainted detailing!!!

Well my friends, these are just a few of the items that you can peruse over at Vanna's "Delusions of Grandeur Enabler Boutique"! You just have to go over and check it out...do a little shopping or ALOT of shopping!!! Hehe!

Here...let me give you a lift...I know the way to Vanna's boutique! Click here to get over to Vanna's boutique.

Vanna comes highly recommended...by little ol' moi! She's a professional in every aspect and I know that you won't be disappointed giving her your business! I've made purchases from Vanna before...I have two of the most lovely antique lamps sitting on my dining room buffet! She will take the time to wrap your purchases with every ounce of care...my lamps made it all the way to Colorado without any problems!

Sooooo come on....what are you waiting for....

grab a basket and let's go shopping over at Vanna's new "Delusions of Grandeur Enabler Boutique"!!!

I hope that ya'll are having a marvelous Monday! Oh yes, and just a note...Vanna didn't put me up to this...hehe!!! I asked her permission to do a post about her new boutique! She just has some of the most beautiful items for sale and I wanted to share them with you, my friends!!!

Love ya'll,

Chari