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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Cooperstown or Bust ~ Part 1







Son #1 is off playing in New York this week - Cooperstown actually. Home to The Baseball Hall of Fame and waaay many other baseball things I can't even mention because I .....(gasp) do not enjoy baseball. I'm sorry, I know I may even lose a few followers because of this but I don't. Honestly, those games are 2 hours each, at least. With 3 kids, I know there is plenty more I could be doing than sitting on my duff reading US magazine - which is exactly what I would be doing ~ come on you know your guilty of it too:)

Luckily Dad and son #2 love it. So off they went. Flea Markets are always there when you need them - so off I went and look what I got: This enamelware ( I actually got at 3 different sellers) is awesome. I can't get enough of it after having read the last issue of Jeanne d'Arc Living. Very pretty and in pretty decent shape too. This old tin - which I couldn't bring myself to haggle over the price for with the nice old lady selling it. She said it was her Moms and she had a zillion of them but her husband threw them out and said they were junk. "Awful"! says I, and where is the bum today, not helping you sell? Then she laughed and spat out "Dead" - yipes! I handed her my $10 and sped off. That was a bit odd. Next vendor please. Also, some great old crown jewelry components for you jewelry makers out there. Everything will be on my shop by tomorrow I'm sure.

But finally, check these out............

AWESOME!!! These Vintage Game playing table tops. Very collectible and in great condition ~ Also (and this is probably older than I could ever guess) this lawn or duck pin bowling set. 10 pins and 3 of the most used wooden balls you will ever see. How I wish I had an old style game room to show these off in. I really had a great day at the flea ~ but now its over and I miss my boys. I'm so glad I have all of you to keep me company. I hope everyone is having a great weekend ~ I hear thunder in the distance so I'm off to bring in the patio cushions now.

~Dee xoxo

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Framed in White @ French~bleu Vintage






Blue and white is my favorite color combination. A tad predictable maybe but I love it anyway. Victoria magazine has always had an issue a year put aside for just this classic combo ~ and its my favorite issue right after their French issue. I wanted to show some of my favorite White frames, paired with a touch of blue today. You may recognize some of the photos from an earlier post, but its been so hot and muggy here that my camera wasn't doing any justice to any new photos I tried to take. The lens fogs up immediately. I like natural lighting. Im sure there is a trick somewhere to stop the lens from fogging.........

Anyway, I hope you like them as today proves to be hot and humid once again. I will not complain though ~ I'm off to the beach today with the kids ~ Summer is officially here! Please swing by Faded Charm and check out all the fantastic White Wednesday Posts.

Monday, June 21, 2010

SUMMER BASH @ The Shabby Chic Cottage Giveaways


Yipes - Forgive me pleeeezzz!!! I almost forgot to let all you wonderful readers know that Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage is having another fantastic day of giveaways from her most wonderful sponsors ~ Including Moi. Gina has such an awesome blog and her she is spotlighting some great shops ~ of course I had to enter more than 1. So hustle on over there and enter to win some good free stuff....seriously hurry - its not on for much longer.

Link is on my left sidebar.....

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Treasures at The Goodwill






I'm linking up with Faded Charm for White Wednesday and Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home this week ~ links on sidebar.

I get so excited when I get a few extra minutes to run into The Goodwill. I know many of you know what I mean. You seriously never know what your gonna find there. My finds went across the board this past weekend from a fantastic (somewhat creepy) bust of a little boy to an old shoebox (1954) filled with cookie cutters. I didn't buy it for the cutters though - if you could see these graphics you'd flip. It is a box from Mother Goose children's shoes ~ so much fun. Also this amazing vintage equestrian riding helmet, a brand new scrolly frame and finally this Queenly planter. I went in for old jewelry component's ~ go figure.

Dee xo


Sunday, June 13, 2010

SIlver Sunday Collections @ FrenchbleuVintage





It seems like forever since we did the last Silver Sunday ~ but here we are again and there is still plenty of silver lurking in my house. I actually just picked up this super lovely Silver Tray at the Flea on Friday. I was inspired to buy it from a photo in Jeanne d'Arc Living, such lovely photos in that magazine. Mine was so tarnished. I usually like things that way, but sometimes you just need to put your own stink on some things.

Also my favorite cake stand - that has NEVER seen a cake in its life - its been a home to plenty of vintage bottles and shells though. Also another flea treasure - this super odd pepper cellar. Im sure the dealer cocked his head to the side when I snatched it up (no, I don't own the salt shaker already, but it gives me a good excuse to go back this morning;)

Im linking up with Beth @ Gypsy Fish for this party ~ that girl has some fabulous Silver!!! Please check her and the other lovely posts out.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

FrenchBleu Friday ~ #2







I like Shabby White Decor as much as the next vintage junky. But sometimes I crave color. I am constantly adding to this collection of cobalt blue bottles. Seriously, who doesn't cave when tempted by the sight of these guys on a flea market table? Aren't they gorgeous? They are perfect lining a windowsill, filled with just about any small flower. Especially the wild violets, dandelions and clover that my kids make bouquets of.

I also wanted to showcase my beautiful secretary. It was given to me by my sister and her husband. He has since passed, so it means the world to me. I am very happy that it holds all that is near and dear to me, very old family photographs and mementos ~ its only fitting. It resides in my front foyer and I like to change its look quite often. The fold down top was never in good shape, so I removed it to make ready for its complete restoration. But I decided that I actually liked it better, less the fold down. All the cute cubbies. So it was never repaired. I picked up the great mercury glass drawer pulls at Carly Simons store on Martha Vineyard ~ Midnight Farm. If you ever get the chance to check that shop out - go for it, she has some amazing things. Postcards and greetings are shoved in the sides of the panes, photo's waiting for silver frames, glass vintage bottle stoppers and other assorted various oddities line the 3 shelves behind the glass. The key is still in the lock (amazing, since my children are fascinated by it). I was thinking I might like to have it painted a nice creamy, chippy white. I can't quite bring myself to do it yet though, it has so much character this way - warts and all.

Im linking up with "My Romantic Home" for Show and Tell Friday ~ the link is on my sidebar ~ so many really gorgeous posts, check it out.

Have a great weekend everyone ~
Dee xo


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

White Wednesday~ Divine Inspiration





I don't know how I manage to score some of these amazing items, Im just so happy I do. I got this amazing Holy Water stand as well as a few other gorgeous statues and Rosaries from a vendor this past weekend at my favorite Flea. He told me he cleaned out the basement of a local rectory and didn't think "this type of stuff" would sell so he didn't bring much of it. Well, I will be the first one at his booth come Friday - rain or shine. So here I am just in love with my finds on Sunday, then on Monday what comes in the mail from the lovely Carole at Maynard Greenhouse. My new copy of Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine. Talk about divine inspiration. That magazine is truly a feast for the eyes as well as soul ~ I can read it a thousand times and find something new every time. Thank you Carole.

Well, The Kathy Griffin Special is over (my guilty pleasure ~ I love her) and Im heading upstairs to peruse the gorgeous photos in JDL a little more.

I'm linking up to another fabulous Kathy, over at Faded Charm for White Wednesday ~ please swing on by.

Monday, June 7, 2010

What a Day














I spent a good portion of the day (just the part with sunlight in it) Sunday cleaning my house. It was quite gross and humid outdoors and the dust bunnies were lurking under every table and chair I own. What it really needed was a good dusting off of all my knick knacks. If you don't know what the inside of my house harbors, take a look - knick knacks EVERYWHERE. Which is why this took me so looong. Just my mercury glass and old bottles took over an hour. Mr. Pig is very happy I finally dusted off his chef's hat and replaced his Happy Birthday message of 3 weeks ago. Check out the sweet Summer Sun art project my son Pearce made for me ~ it was in the townwide artshow and we are all so proud of him. Can you tell which it is:) Please pay no attention to large apothecary jar of wine corks (its actually just one of many we have). Im such a collector I can't even bear to throw wine corks away. Actually, heres a tip which I got from my sister and still need to try. She uses her corks as mulch...kinda. In her pots outside, instead of mulch, just throw in a few handfuls of corks. Talk about being green. Plus, it really looks great. Anyway, after I was finished cleaning inside, I moved outdoors and did a little more maintenance in the garden. Those peonies really fade fast don't they. One good rainstorm and they are done for.

Which brings me to my well deserved break on the porch. It was perfect for about 20 minutes (thats when everyone came home). I had my Arnold Palmer in gorgeous hobnail glass, my Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine, and the worlds comfiest glider. Next time, all I need is a friend to sit and share with.

Hope your weekend had some nice quiet moments as well. Because today is Monday and my calendar is insane:)

~Dee xo

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Reminiscing on Frenchbleu Friday #1





Well, it just so happens that my first "Frenchbleu Friday" coincides with "Vintage Black Friday" hosted by The French Cupboard ~ Im also linking up with My Romantic Home for my first Show and Tell Friday ~Both links are @ the sidebar. Please head on over and check them out. This should be fun, I hope I get all the requirements right ;}

So, true to my word I am trying out something fun and new on Fridays. Just pulling out a few items from the basement that I may have overlooked in previous posts. Way back when, in the good 'ol days, Once upon a time I owned an actual store. A real one, the kind you walk into and it gives you a great big hug every time you turn the lights on. The kind that smells like you, and is the livingroom you always wish you had. Mine had a great big pink velvet Victorian sofa in front of a gilded gold fireplace....sigh, whimper. It was lovely. Remember Denise???? My bestest friend in the whole world owned the craft/scrapbook shop right next door. It was so much fun while it lasted. But my "Keebler elf treehouse" of a shop (it was literally built into the side of a hill, but had gorgeous french doors with purple glass knobs) was not in the best traffic flow area. Actually, there were horse pastures across the street. I think Denise and I just opened the stores so we could hang out on the front porch together, drink tea and dream up ways to make millions without really trying. It was just that kind of place- gorgeous really. When it was finally time to close up shop, I just packed everything up and stored it in my basement. But now, I really need to unclutter my life (you know how that is) and started opening the cartons. They still smell like my little slice of heaven (patchouli and honey). So this is what inspired me to pick 1 (or in this case 3) forgotten items and give them their day in the sun once more. Alright, I have prattled on long enough. The Fleur de lis trunk (which is really cool, but not from the old shop) is from my local flea and I picked it up a few weeks ago. The black cast iron candle holder IS from the old shop , as is the swinging light fixture and black trinket box. The cast iron French poodle door stop is another recent flea find. WOW! I feel lighter already. Now Im off to make room for my old friends ~ this may take awhile.

Have a great weekend everyone ~
Dee xo

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Not So "Tidy Whitey's" @ FrenchBleuVintage








This post has al little more color than my usual White Wednesday. I am just in love with this "Natural Cotton Chemise Dress".

I am venturing into yet another uncharted area for FBV. I usually don't get into clothing ~ vintage or otherwise, but I recently came into an amazing cache of greatness that I must showcase. I wish it was my size. If the response is good ~ I will keep it up, as it was a lot of fun to look for something other than home decor. Its nice to mix things up every now and then. So here is the first series of "Boutique" items I listed in the store. I so wish the green top fit me...if there was ever a reason to stop drinking regular soda, this top is it. And the black espadrilles...oooh Laa Laa ~ they are a size 7.5 by Tommy Hilfiger and in perfect condition. The satin evening bag IS vintage, in the most fabulous color combo of turquiose and cocoa. The satin lining is in perfect shape as well. I am also showing these awesome cotton ruffled European pillow shams. The piping is soft green/grey velvet and there is a pretty raised design pattern in the center. I wish my camera was better so you could really see the detail in these items. Maybe I'll use a new camera by next posting.

Which also brings me to ~ I will be doing a new post every Friday devoted to a special item in the shop called....what else "Frenchbleu Friday" I love spotlighting items you all may have missed previously. I am always looking for fresh feedback from you. I like to hearing if you like my choices or not. I may be out completely in left field with some of my items and I hope you can all help me in my quest for Flea Market retail greatness. Plus ~ its a nice spot for discounts and giveaways:)

Thanks for letting me bounce my ideas off you. As always, please check out Faded Charm for other White Wednesday Wonders.

~Dee xo