Closing Business 2015

After over 25 years of  having  an antiquing and decorating business, I am officially closing shop.
This will be my last post on this site.

Thank you for your support !!!    

Merry Christmas 2014

My Christmas decorating ideas started this year with a fur collar my friend, Cindi, gave me.

It was her Mother's from a 1950's coat.  I knew my dress form in the entry needed to be dressed up for the holidays to greet guests as they enter our home.

While stopping by a local shop to purchase some items, I spotted the area of Fall items that were "On Sale".  Oddly enough, there were three fur wired-ribbons.  The price was so good, I decided to buy all three because it matched the fur collar and I knew it would spark some ideas.  I placed one as a belt on the dress form and continued to put a rustic, woodsy tree by the form.

I, also, purchased this very cute bird ornament for the woodsy-themed tree.  It looks perfect coupled with the all natural bird's nest we preserved a few years ago.

The angel outfitted in her fur coat was perfect to hover on top of the tree.

What inspired your Christmas decorating?

Merry Christmas 2014

Leslie, Monica and I are getting ready for two of my favorite events coming up soon.   

Three Speckled Hens - An Antique Home
2198 Riverside Avenue
Paso Robles, CA 93446
http://threespeckledhens.com/shows.html
October 4 & 5, 2014


Old Time Peddler's Faire - Victorian at Heart
Kern County Museum
3 H Street
Bakersfield. CA 

50 Historic Buildings on 8 Tree-Lined Acres
www.oldtimepeddlersfaire.com
661-323-5150
October 11 & 12, 2014

We are looking forward to seeing you there !

2014 Valentines

On Valentine's Day my Mom was almost 93 years young.  She still loves to do handiwork so I purchased an embroidery kit that has several holiday table runners.  The first one she finished was this  beautiful Valentine table runner.  I feel blessed that she is able to use her creative talents and has fun.

While shopping in a local antique mall I saw this garland that was made of vintage Valentine cards and playing cards.  Since our family loves to play card games, this seemed fitting to have this on display.

The Valentine runner made the perfect table scape for our Valentine dinner.

Here are some closer looks.

Valentine Day would not be complete without Red Roses.

I have to give a shout out to my friend, Beverly, at My Sew Sweet Studio,

 she put this project together for me.  Check out her blog, she is sew creative.

Hope you had a great Valentine's Day !

2014 Happy New Year

I have to first explain that I had basically given up on the fact that I would be able to get back to my blog to post but thanks to my husband........it is now working again.  Thank you so much ! 

I think the first post should be a "2014 Happy New Year" post even though it is now March.

Greeting at the front door is the Victorian "Paris" dress form that gets dressed-up for many occasions. 

She is sporting an antique top hat and bridal veil.

Bringing in the New Year is always centered around food and the decor is centered around clocks.

Happy New Year !

Merry Christmas 2013

 In one of the previous posts, I was dreaming of a mantle for Christmas see it here.  Well..........

this year my dream came true.  While on a road trip though Ohio, we stopped by an antique mall and there was my dream mantle.  After the expert packing by my husband, we were able to bring it home

When I purchased it, I was thinking of painting it black or white but when I saw it in the room, the quarter-sawed oak gave a richness to the room and complimented the kitchen cabinets across the open room.

My home tour begins here:

 

The following photos are the ornaments made by my kids when they were 2 and 5 years old.

This is my favorite tree each year.

 

O Holy Night is what these carolers are singing

Hear "Oh Holy Night" here.

 

MERRY  CHRISTMAS  2013

The Three Speckled Hens Antique and Old Stuff Show in Paso Robles, CA was a fun venue last weekend.  If you want to keep being inspired to "Decorate with a Touch from the Past" visit my booth #4749 at:

Mill Creek Antique Mall

805 19th Street

Bakersfield, CA

10am-6pm

7  days a week

661-324-1900

Three Speckled Hens Antique Show

My friend, Leslie, and I just received word that we have been accepted to be vendors in the show "Three Speckled Hens".  This show is on the central coast of California in the city of Paso Robles.  Here is a photo we took of our treasures.

Join us for a fun antiquing weekend October 4-5, 2013
If you would like more information about the show, go to their website.

Dress Up for Progressive Dinner

Last weekend the couples at our church had a Progressive Dinner.  Our house was the first stop for Appetizers.   I guess I was too busy to get very many photos of the appetizer bar  so I only took a picture of a few of the fruit kabobs and a bowl of cherries. 

I didn't even show you the yummy fruit dip that is so easy and delicious but here is the recipe:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (15 ounce) jar marshmallow cream

Just use a hand mixer to cream it together.

We, also, served a platter of meats and cheeses along with a veggie tray,  green olives,  chips, and dips.  

The trouble with Progressive Dinners is your guests don't stay long enough to visit too long
but I will show you who got dressed up for the occasion.

She modeled her vintage white summer dress layered with a man's shirt that is made into an apron.  Spring has sprung with her vintage floral hat.  The vintage floral picture behind her compliments the flowers of the hat.  The large satin brooch with the rhinestone center makes a statement.  Also, the necklace is made with a family heirloom watch by my friend, Sandra.  You might like to take a closer look.

Enjoy a nice Spring Day by entertaining a few friends.

Road Trip Close to Home 2013

After having a delightful brunch with our daughter and family, we started to go home but decided to take a road trip close to home.  I just wanted to take you with us so just enjoy the scenery.

 

All these barns, old houses, and weathered fence posts

 makes me want to decorate something very rustic.

Hope you had a pleasant trip too !