To pink or not to pink...

I may be treading on thin ice with today being Pink Saturday and all, but as I mentioned in an earlier post, I don't think pink is the beat all to end all color when it comes to interiors. Having said that, I will admit that I have a fair amount thrown in here and there in collections, paintings, and accessories because I am a girlie girl after all.

However, even I must admit that when I saw these two rooms that used pink liberally, albeit as an accent, I could see myself living in a pink room. I think the shades of pink that were chosen as well as the addition of some "grounding" chocolate brown make these spaces smart and sophisticated, but still very livable and family friendly. I'd probably have to 86 the pink hutch in order to maintain some semblance of marital bliss, but I think the big guy could probably live with everything else. He was the one who found this Pepto Bismol pink ruffled top Fenton vase some years ago at an antique mall and just had to have it, so I know he doesn't hate pink. But he did make ME go to the counter and pay for it! Oops, I think that may have been priveledged information, so could you do me a favor and keep it just between us? Thanks. Anyway, back to the rooms...

I think the fabric on this chair is TO DIE FOR...

This room makes me want to curl up with a good book and just lounge!

So, I guess I'm going to have to reevaluate my views on pink. Hmmmmmmm...while I mull that over, I think I'll pop on over to Bev's blog to check out the other participants in Pink Saturday. Why don't you join me?

Until next time,

Does anyone REALLY know what time it is? A collection...

When I first started blogging, I stated a desire to share some of my own favorite collections with you. As promised, here is the first of those collections, my vintage rhinestone clocks. I have other clocks as well, but for now, we'll stick with the sparkly ones. This collection is one that is not only beautiful to look at, but is rather humorous to me, as well. It has nothing to do with the uniqueness of the collection, because, as you are probably well aware, collecting vintage rhinestone clocks has becomes so popular, its almost a cliche'. What is funny about little moi collecting clocks is...I'm always running late! My time challenge, as my husband calls it, is something that I've been wrangling with for years. Now I know its rude, inconsiderate, annoying, and sometimes all of the above to be late. I KNOW! I just can't seem to shake trying to cram too many things in too little time. On a good day, I'm not late...I'm never, and I mean NEVER early. My parents were always early, my children seem to have the propensity for being early or, at least, on time. It must skip a generation because I think my siblings also suffer from this affliction. So, you can see why having clocks as one of my collections is sort of funny. But, as would be fitting, I can tell you that most of them DON'T WORK! Of course, they don't...they're mine!

Above is one of my favorites from France. Love the detail on it.

Another favorite...so pretty and pink.

Most of the ones on the shelf are either Cyma or Semca and are from the 1940's through the 1960's.


I have to say that the simple round Cyma in the center with just large clear rhinestones is one of my first acquisitions and it is still amongst my favs. Perhaps some other post, I'll share a few more closeups. When I'm not pressed for time, that is!



Until next time,

A Plethora of Pretty Pink Ribbons

Okay, I admit it. I'm a "hoarder". Have been for years. I hoard vanity pieces from the 1920's, vintage fabric, old rhinestone and glass jewelry, broken antique china, unbroken antique china, shells, chandeliers and sconces, architectural salvage pieces, pretty old papers, silk ribbonwork, old tin cookie cutters, pottery, Victorian rose paintings, all manner of vintage bits and bobs, and ribbon...

I hoard LOTS and lots of ribbon. I have loved ribbon for years and have never quite managed to break that desire to accumulate it. Old, new, doesn't matter, as long as it's pretty. Being Pink Saturday, I thought I'd share a photo of a small amount of my stash that happened to be glorious and pink. Not anywhere near all of it and not even all of it that is pink, but you get the idea.


What do I do with all of that ribbon, you ask? Well, mostly...I look at it. Once in a great while, I make a silk ribbon flower with it or use it in some way, but for the most part, it is one of those collections that brings joy just by its being in proximity to me and I periodically pull it out and touch it and love it for what it is. Okay, now I'm even scaring MYSELF! But, if you share this affliction, known as "Acute Ribbonophilia", you probably totally get what I am talking about. You should know that there is no known cure for this malady, so just embrace it and deal with it as best you can.

Since it is Pink Saturday, I thought I should also share with you one of my favorite pieces of all time, the pink silk box which the ribbon is in. When you are done having a peek, stop by and visit our Pink Saturday host, Bev at How Sweet the Sound for more links to bloggers participating in Pink Saturday.

Until next time,

Dreaming in Black and White

So, the exciting news is that we are rebuilding our garage to house cars on the bottom (duh) and a studio for our artistic and antique-y pursuits over the top (a second floor). It should be done this spring. Of course, being the decorating sort that I am, I've been dreaming of how the interior will look. Its essentially a garage apartment with a small bath and small kitchen and one biggish space. I have been pretty true to the French salon inspiration, but have been pondering the details. I have a few small French antique pieces tucked away here and there, awaiting placement when the time comes as well as some statuary and architectural pieces. I'd also like to make this space the home of my crown collection. All the while, I must also leave myself room to create and have the nuts and bolts of an art studio in place. For a long time, I've wanted to have an all white or cream and white space, but as I am out in cyberspace, gathering ideas, I come across the black and white theme. I've always loved a bit of black in every room...I think it really adds some needed punch, even in a relatively pastel environment, but this is a bit more than that. Looking at these photos, I'm starting to think there might be a change in tack. If not for the studio, then perhaps in the main house (wow, that makes our place sound so grand...believe me, it isn't!). Maybe the downstairs bathroom...maybe the upstairs bathroom...hmmmmmmmmm. Dreaming in black and white...who knew it could be so VIVID??? Well, I must get ready to go to work so this train of thought will have to be put aside for the moment. If anyone wants to send me some super inspirational links for a French salon/art studio/garage apartment, please feel free!



Until next time,

Pink Saturday Rolls Around Again

Happy Pink Saturday! I hope this finds you well...my second Pink Saturday appearance, thanks to Bev at "How Sweet the Sound" who is hosting this event. As I was taking pictures for an item to be put on Our Cottage Garden, I said to myself, "Self, wouldn't this painting be just ADORABLE for next week's Pink Saturday?" And apparently, Self thought it would, indeed, be adorable, so here it is for your perusal. It is a painting from a gal in my local area. She does really pretty and sweet little vignettes, among other things. I love the fancy kitty in the bottom left. Cats just seem to make a house a home, but that's probably a personal bias I have...I'm a Leo, born in the year of the Tiger, how could I NOT like cats?! But I digress. The painting was just so cute and, well, PINK! AND it had all those cozy elements like a big comfy couch, lamp, roses, and the aforementioned kitty. It evokes a smile when you look at it, doesn't it? I must admit, unlike lots of ladies, I don't think pink is the beat all to end all, but I do enjoy throwing it around here and there to inject a little femininity to my surroundings (much to my boys' chagrins). A TIP FROM THE QUEEN: I do tend to buy pink tools for myself because then my husband doesn't inadvertantly take my stuff and put it in his toolbox. A big man with a pink hammer would definitely have some SPLAININ' to do to his buddies! Hey! I just got some inspiration for next week's Pink Saturday post.

Until next time,

A book that will blow you away...

I just finished reading "The Shack" and I have to share with you that it is absolutely the best book I've ever read. My cyber pal Lidy had a post on her blog a few days ago about it and I became intrigued and bought it for myself. WOW! It is such a powerful novel and I was amazed at how moved I was by it. Whether you are a religious person, not a religious person, or, like most of us, somewhere caught in the middle and not sure exactly how you fit in, I think you will love this book. I'd love to hear from you on your thoughts about the book if you've read it. Enjoy your weekend...

Until next time,

Special Memories from Everyday Moments

I have been a little lazy with my new postings...sorry folks, but that need for January organization is hitting home. But, in looking back at my photo folders, which also need to be organized I might add, I came across one of my all time favorites of my family. It was taken a couple of years ago (or maybe 3...yikes, time flies) by a great photographer friend, Mary Lynne Ashley. It was just one of those moments that she captured and we have loved and enjoyed looking at ever since. I thought I'd share it with you today and I promise to get back to more regular postings just as soon as I can. Have a happy "humpday" and I'll talk to you soon.

Until next time,