tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15354848697154715782024-03-19T05:31:48.696-06:00petite prairieCREAMS, PALE GREYS,TAUPES, PALE PINKS AND WHITE...A SIMPLE & SERENE PALETTE TO MAKE A HOUSE A HOME, TO REPURPOSE & RECYCLE ANTIQUE FINDS FOR A ROMANTIC & RUSTIC PRAIRIE STYLEAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-20317889192109080612012-05-24T21:05:00.000-06:002012-11-20T22:52:11.948-07:00Ah, Lovely Old Wedding Shoes...Here is one of my most amazing finds...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBzW05APDP1VYyTTvFbqB14MmvpiXsHr0hlpXengDPm8nH0B6fw062fA6x_AjaiKy-IQ9pKTV0I_6fi49mgCcr1YOE-HfER7_nJoE7DDpfRdEgWCUZ5uJDpBtbrRCMzgQ6BfV_U1V7SLQ/s1600/wedding+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBzW05APDP1VYyTTvFbqB14MmvpiXsHr0hlpXengDPm8nH0B6fw062fA6x_AjaiKy-IQ9pKTV0I_6fi49mgCcr1YOE-HfER7_nJoE7DDpfRdEgWCUZ5uJDpBtbrRCMzgQ6BfV_U1V7SLQ/s640/wedding+shoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
White kid-leather wedding shoes, Edwardian with a Louis XV heel, all beaded and buttoned. I have had these for a few years now, but I am still and always amazed at their beauty. So slender, and of course, barely worn. I came upon these at the Christie Antique Show a few years ago, at Tattered & Torn, a beautiful business, owned and operated by my now friend, Kim Davies, who lives in Ontario. I was drawn to her beautiful booth by all of her wonderful creams and taupes and as soon as I laid eyes on these shoes, I knew right away I had to have them. I had been looking for a long time for a pair...and these certainly spoke to me. So now they have a place of pride in my home, on display with some vintage linens, some of which I also purchased from Kim.<br />
<br />
Isn't it funny how you can come across a certain antique dealer and just feel an instant connection to their wares.....and so it was with me and Tattered & Torn. The next spring I drove quite a ways to Waterford Antiques in Ontario as Kim had a large portion of their top floor filled with her treasures. And of course, I spent what I had with me...and then some! Later Tattered & Torn opened their booth at Southworks Antiques in Cambridge, Ontario, much to my gleeful delight! Waterloo (where I lived all my life until moving to Alberta) is just a stone's throw from this giant antique mall...so every Saturday...yes EVERY Saturday - off I went to see what was new. I always came home with something, even if it was something small, like this beauty...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbnV-XwVWuz6XrITEZCb2awlwmfqVmfdXc-2z9hgZalen1-eDfUAOQCZwBu5gW63NvCpANzqit_4HX6i7jpsWQR1TPGkkh3yoCpXLU4HcBZp3-AfUzEcc_1T6Q7Fh2gu7GrzvxVFVVuaB/s1600/IMG00238-20120325-1540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbnV-XwVWuz6XrITEZCb2awlwmfqVmfdXc-2z9hgZalen1-eDfUAOQCZwBu5gW63NvCpANzqit_4HX6i7jpsWQR1TPGkkh3yoCpXLU4HcBZp3-AfUzEcc_1T6Q7Fh2gu7GrzvxVFVVuaB/s640/IMG00238-20120325-1540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Tiny white kid-leather baby shoes...the one on the left has the original bow with it, you can see it in this photo...a very, very old ribbon...and the shoes are so tiny and sweet..... hardly worn and such a collectable.<br />
<br />
Some visitors to our home have wondered why I would collect such a thing, as of course, these will never be worn again, so what good are they? To me, they are a part of history, a small part of the past, a thing of beauty to be cherished as part of times gone by...I often wonder "Who owned these and how did they live? Where did they live and how long did they live?" My collection of white kid-leather shoes continues to grow and I treasure these items for what they represent. To me, they are beautiful keep-sakes and I will treasure them forever...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-34681723771945722062012-03-27T11:13:00.000-06:002012-03-27T11:13:47.367-06:00Ironstone: It Shouldn't Just Be For Company...How can one not love ironstone? It's sturdy, goes with everything and it's definitely in my palette of creams and whites. I like to mix cream and white together, as cream can soften the starkness of a real white. I used to think I could not mix and match the two, but when paired together, it's so soft and pretty. I use my ironstone too, which I had to learn to do ... we all have those special things that we reserve "just for company" or special holidays, and that does make those things "special" because we don't use them from day-to-day. But learning to use my treasures is something that took time; we tend to keep our treasures in out of the way places, maybe tucked away in a china cupboard or behind glass, nice to look at, but do not touch! When you stop to think about it, why shouldn't we use the things we love on a daily basis? We reserve them for special company, when really, wouldn't your table be so much prettier if you used these things more often. We should not just make a pretty table for friends and family ~ using these ironstone pieces make preparing a meal more enjoyable, and eating a meal more sumptuous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01gnQn5pmx9QfxGMiqVtrjSyfTR7vGUyVEyNvT92WZl3rzLWGTSo8Pz0YOgVfYU7GgOmImE0FmgRMEL5Rv02TQ8HRvN9SvuaOup03AezVD1b4Te-rz-Tl3o6799YtSTW3t13Ni49rOFAg/s1600/ironstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01gnQn5pmx9QfxGMiqVtrjSyfTR7vGUyVEyNvT92WZl3rzLWGTSo8Pz0YOgVfYU7GgOmImE0FmgRMEL5Rv02TQ8HRvN9SvuaOup03AezVD1b4Te-rz-Tl3o6799YtSTW3t13Ni49rOFAg/s320/ironstone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Keep your real linen napkins handy too, and put the paper ones away for picnics. Why not? Stains can be removed easily with homemade cleaning solutions like lemon, and a rinse of vinegar and water. Get out your vintage silverware too.<br />
<br />
All of these items had plenty of use before you ever had them and they will be around a lot longer than the newer, more modern pieces you may have that aren't nearly as well made. Plus, since most ironstone was made in England long ago, you are doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint. Let's not just think of this as "recycling" these items...but actually "re-using" them as well, in the very meaning of this word.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-67541166269004107542012-03-26T18:32:00.004-06:002012-03-26T18:35:18.637-06:00I'm Back to Blogging....Well, I took a break from blogging since I started a new part time job outside the home. Glad to be working a few days a week, but also glad to be back on my blog. So much to do, so little time. That I suppose is something we all lament from time to time.<br />
<br />
I've been working on a few little projects though, and have picked up a few things lately, one especially that I wanted to share with you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsycIyjXaMCL2JCa5gPxrKpJyrsPyzV_LlgbWBWS3RQgwVbZr2Twav4IMLkkg3wNLKjnUE8CsiNfRN487UqdHjr5AP1sSSEzeV7-vwPTN9LHmK2M98uJYvwZKtFH7AcxGLa4troSSRiwS/s1600/edwardian+child%27s+coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsycIyjXaMCL2JCa5gPxrKpJyrsPyzV_LlgbWBWS3RQgwVbZr2Twav4IMLkkg3wNLKjnUE8CsiNfRN487UqdHjr5AP1sSSEzeV7-vwPTN9LHmK2M98uJYvwZKtFH7AcxGLa4troSSRiwS/s1600/edwardian+child%27s+coat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This little Edwardian child's coat....so sweet, and still in great condition. It has a soft pink silky lining and white lace all around the collar and cuffs. The outside is almost a soft cream flannel, it's adorable! I could not resist getting this little coat. I see pieces like this in an antique store or online and think to myself, what little girl wore this, where did she live, and how did she live? The fact that some of these items are in such good shape leads one to assume that it was not worn much, perhaps it was kept for special occasions, when children would dress up for church or special holidays...Easter perhaps, in this case? I will never know for sure...but it's certainly a small treasure to wonder about as it hangs in our spare bedroom, beside my old robin's egg blue cupboard. <br />
<br />
I will be sharing some other great finds with you shortly...meanwhile, please take a look at my facebook page, PetitePrairie....hope you all have a lovely evening. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-75760638162101849382012-02-11T11:38:00.000-07:002012-02-11T11:38:13.303-07:00New facebook page....Happy Weekend Everyone! Please check out my new facebook page, Petite Prairie.....I just started posting today! <br />
<br />
Thanks for taking a look!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-32203355440260304062012-02-10T17:51:00.002-07:002012-02-10T17:51:54.519-07:00It's Almost Here!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_LXaFm5AIrAV8UjfRsETa_EYYzGaiqqaJM7xn3D22w7Kbzg9Uu8kcsf7ZjXs87PXVaHYcs8nUbczwQlBJ81zLIy6FAbCrMW2kNazaDxeUhbUSQb8iG1Uc9ItPLxAqurabBAQk9frlChV/s1600/FMSFinalSpring12coverj.pg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_LXaFm5AIrAV8UjfRsETa_EYYzGaiqqaJM7xn3D22w7Kbzg9Uu8kcsf7ZjXs87PXVaHYcs8nUbczwQlBJ81zLIy6FAbCrMW2kNazaDxeUhbUSQb8iG1Uc9ItPLxAqurabBAQk9frlChV/s320/FMSFinalSpring12coverj.pg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Spring/Summer of FLEA MARKET STYLE is almost here!! </div>
<br />
I have been buying this magazine ever since it's premiere issue in the Summer of 2010, and this new issue marks the 4th so far. I have kept each issue and have to say that I really still love looking though them If you love flea markets and antiquing, pick up this fabulous find! As well as showcasing homes of flea-marketers, it's filled to the brim with DIY ideas, and lovely photographs. It's an inspiration! I can't wait to get it! It should be arriving in stores shortly. Hope you will enjoy it as much as I do!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-75238127145586819702012-01-26T17:36:00.000-07:002012-01-26T17:36:37.394-07:00Books I Love For Inspiration....A New Year has come and the month of January is nearly over.....back from Ontario on January 12th, where time was spent with family and friends and cherished memories were made. Soon spring will be upon us (hurry, hurry) and with that comes thoughts of spring and summer projects. Thoughts of projects make me think of books I love, books I return to time and again for pure inspiration on how to use some of the old linens and other treasures I have collected over the years. No one inspires me more in this area than Rachel Ashwell. Her newest book, below, shows many beautiful images, that is a given...but also shows how Rachel's style has evolved over the years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaUHm45-EFIhZN78gWpfAoJEgg_c9v2S3TLom0F3cnMDPIMd6q5E3TY-LB3Zb56QUV6Ltk9TJA9KgJV_1Z_-mzjcCuQ-jTttL1HdmTfURzuJLEkeawAZOXbx5smzxdxYEJ6S4Z5RcPd5q/s1600/rachel+ashwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaUHm45-EFIhZN78gWpfAoJEgg_c9v2S3TLom0F3cnMDPIMd6q5E3TY-LB3Zb56QUV6Ltk9TJA9KgJV_1Z_-mzjcCuQ-jTttL1HdmTfURzuJLEkeawAZOXbx5smzxdxYEJ6S4Z5RcPd5q/s1600/rachel+ashwell.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Included in this newest book is "The Prairie" by Rachel Ashwell. It is a beautiful setting in Texas, you can stay there and rent rooms or a whole house....imagine spending time at some of the fabulous flea markets and antique shows in Texas and then retiring to this blissful place. Someday, I hope to make the trip. Meanwhile, the book certainly serves as inspiration - every page shows beauty, function and comfort, which is Rachel's mantra.<br />
<br />
Another book that has become a favourite is Fifi O'Neill's "Romantic Prairie Style", which lends itself to a number of looks, Chic Prairie, Rustic Prairie and Faded Prairie to name a few.....this is a beautifully written and photographed book, and gives new meaning to my word for it - "SWOONDOM". A keeper !<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMpKx_1iNXW1Edro6aki2xCbL_lqE0TaRbAnft_h26ulFrEWjHDols4hPSFlOEWDRNFFMM9bki7wja2VUjXdhqDsf1A3fDEliasu7ux2KMW40Zgrcf-i9YwD-VziaCg6udrSXMWm7PD1L/s1600/fifi+o%27neill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMpKx_1iNXW1Edro6aki2xCbL_lqE0TaRbAnft_h26ulFrEWjHDols4hPSFlOEWDRNFFMM9bki7wja2VUjXdhqDsf1A3fDEliasu7ux2KMW40Zgrcf-i9YwD-VziaCg6udrSXMWm7PD1L/s1600/fifi+o%27neill.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So as I close my first post of the New Year, I hope these books can give you some inspiration for your home.....as they have mine. Blessings to each of you and yours, until I post again. oxoxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-42388662260651593322011-12-23T17:56:00.002-07:002011-12-23T18:00:30.901-07:00THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS...As Christmas Day draws nigh and nigher, I am ever thankful for my Saviour, my family and my friends. Back in Ontario, a surprised family and best friend had no idea as they thought I was arriving after Christmas! We will gather together on Christmas, to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus, share a wonderful turkey dinner, with homemade cranberry-orange sauce and homemade goodies; to catch up and laugh and share in the joy of simply being together. We don't spend much money on presents, as being together is our gift.<br />
<br />
I have to admit though, that I have already made it to Southworks Antique Mall in Cambridge, my old haunt, where I meandered about for a few hours and came upon a very very old gold tinsel, well worn and loved, and still so beautiful to me. I also picked up some very old candle clips for my sister for her tree, she collects these, too ~ and although they will hold candles, they of course are never lit!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tiny shoes ~ as a collector, these speak to me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are so sweet ~ a Winter's Dream...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEqUapvoTt8/TvUfJZHSoFI/AAAAAAAAAGU/LvuILkYpxCE/s200/dream.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EphBJ1VYfZM/TvUfNysjfbI/AAAAAAAAAGc/H4Rb4rlZoU4/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EphBJ1VYfZM/TvUfNysjfbI/AAAAAAAAAGc/H4Rb4rlZoU4/s200/blue.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These angel wings speak for themselves.....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So off now to watch the 1951 classic, "A Christmas Carol", in black and white, of course!! My sister and I will have tea and Rocky Mountain Shortbread cookies, while we enjoy the movie! (and if anyone wants a great recipe, just ask...I will happily post it here!)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wish each of you and your families a Merry Christmas, good health, love and happiness in the New Year and always. Be ever mindful of the true meaning of Christmas and be glad in the knowledge that a life lived for the Lord is life everlasting... oxoxoxox</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-16464426709312349252011-11-20T18:59:00.000-07:002011-11-20T18:59:37.263-07:00Dreaming of a White Christmas.....Winter has arrived here in Red Deer, today being -29 with the windchill.....ho hum.....or should that be "ho ho ho"..... so I've been getting out all of my Christmas decorations, not that I have a lot right now, but everything I have I really enjoy.<br />
<br />
For the last few years now I have been going with a silver and white theme, for a winter wonderland. The thing I like the most about this kind of theme is that it doesn't clash with my home colour scheme...which is mostly neutrals. I gather twigs and branches from the surrounding area and using craft paint, they are dressed in a warm cream colour and then touched with silver glitter (plus a tiny amount of antique gold, which is a combination of pewter and old gold) and placed in a large urn filled with florists foam and covered with moss. Then I carefully place my vintage mercury glass balls, my Nicol Sayre paper mache decorations, feathery angel wings and a few silver stars and when I am happy with the results, I place a light in behind the urn to illuminate the beautiful display. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAOenzs7MZwyJDHnfrkzat65CL3f8XO_XkHdR1CEWotImq36w9qt13FbMsjmOgVgLJe4f3KaqJjYOmzjXgYgM-2Q9BQIZIiQhft8uaFzzYl1XRtuTj0jxBX3JCIyB9I9uvJlzEed_20sn/s1600/Living-room-Christmas-HTOURS1205-de-84402526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAOenzs7MZwyJDHnfrkzat65CL3f8XO_XkHdR1CEWotImq36w9qt13FbMsjmOgVgLJe4f3KaqJjYOmzjXgYgM-2Q9BQIZIiQhft8uaFzzYl1XRtuTj0jxBX3JCIyB9I9uvJlzEed_20sn/s320/Living-room-Christmas-HTOURS1205-de-84402526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">image courtesy of country home</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To me, this makes for a serene, calm refuge at the end of the coldest winters day. I must confess, this display stays up all winter, so although it does have a Christmas theme, it's more of a winter theme, and suitable for display until the end of February when thoughts turn to spring. So as I gather ingredients for pecan crescents, rocky mountain shortbreads and snowballs for Christmas treats, I load my favourite Christmas CD's into the CD player and spend a relaxing day baking for those I love. We don't spend a lot of money on presents, we focus on the birth of our Lord Jesus, spending family time together, enjoying good times and good food. I never cease to be amazed at just how blessed I am to get along with everyone in my family, and that I look so forward to spending time with my extended family at this wonderous time of year. Of course, the boys (my two nephews) receive presents (and always will!), but we find it much more relaxing and enjoyable when we focus on family and the true meaning of Christmas instead of being overwhelmed by the commercialism of the holidays. Day after day, we are inundated with holiday commercials, making their point that if you don't get your wife this, of buy your husband that, you are somehow missing out on Christmas. To our family, being together is the mainstay of the Christmas season, and celebrating the birth of Jesus. After all, without Christ, there would be no Christmas. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-64737917696224558842011-11-11T19:05:00.001-07:002011-12-23T18:04:13.909-07:00Been A While.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Things have been a bit slow around here for going out junking...lol. But after watching NATE BERKUS this morning and a whole hour of "thrifting", I'm once again inspired to check out our local thrift stores and little antique stores to see what I might be able to find.....for my next project, I think I'm going to look for a vintage loveseat or small sofa, something from the sixties with fairly clean lines, and then sew up some linen slipcovers for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQMHvhcb9r_bPsDVnNWPyYu_LN6VO8SANIZz3qWA5B5FmDREKvA29UhdaSCVUgxBfZcYra_MpDtVYYN0QlWfM6RmHDQr1Y3Y2BNeBfvSg5iviF2Lpaxnd4mA8gxnmZ35QmoM5Iq6ZHZde/s1600/dovesanddahlias+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQMHvhcb9r_bPsDVnNWPyYu_LN6VO8SANIZz3qWA5B5FmDREKvA29UhdaSCVUgxBfZcYra_MpDtVYYN0QlWfM6RmHDQr1Y3Y2BNeBfvSg5iviF2Lpaxnd4mA8gxnmZ35QmoM5Iq6ZHZde/s320/dovesanddahlias+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
photo courtesy of dovesanddahlias at etsy.com</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I saw this one on etsy.com and fell in love with it.....you would never know "what lies beneath" that beautiful linen slipcover. So.....short post today, but at least I am feeling back in the groove and on the hunt! Wish me luck!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-12657561966779730022011-10-16T14:56:00.000-06:002011-10-16T14:56:28.257-06:00Missing Summer.....which leads me to other thoughts.....Okay. so we are well into October and while I do love the fall, with its crisp, cool air and falling leaves crunching beneath my feet, today I am longing for a beach day....to hear the waves lapping against the shore, the warm summer sun on my face and sand between my toes. My favourite place in all the world is Southampton, ON.<br />
<br />
My sister and I spent our childhood summers there, and although we no longer have our family cottage, we do return each summer to Southampton for vacation.....except for this past summer, which I missed after moving to Alberta. Lazy days at the dog beach, sand on the cottage floor, fires at night roasting marshmallows, these are the memories of childhood that have carried forward to my adult life, times with family that I so cherish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrjTQdjDHp3RHRUAUiR1qysj6q9ntCwUVnbO-fHBWbz7gLymwOd3_NZkxf5R-pjm8BlCmE7zI_3z3HTbi2thHHL7fBeftHT452gNMc3cm_Gb03TUJrWROjXM0bdiwE8x3hcRJguyOMjDk/s1600/southampton4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrjTQdjDHp3RHRUAUiR1qysj6q9ntCwUVnbO-fHBWbz7gLymwOd3_NZkxf5R-pjm8BlCmE7zI_3z3HTbi2thHHL7fBeftHT452gNMc3cm_Gb03TUJrWROjXM0bdiwE8x3hcRJguyOMjDk/s320/southampton4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Why does time seem to stop in these little towns? No one seems to be in a hurry, not even the locals. When I stop to compare this way of life with living in the city, it almost makes me whince. At first I thought I perhaps felt this way because when you are on vacation, you don't watch the clock, there is no real routine, and your time is your own. But that is not what is is at all.....it's just their way of life. People living in Southampton work, go to school, take their kids to baseball, soccer, and dance lessons just like city folk. It's the small town attitude that is so very appealing. That is a mindset - less is more. We can all apply this to our lives - if we WANT to. People may say "I could never do that! I have this to do and that to do and after that I have to do this..." but it really is a mindset. Why don't we try saying "no" when someone asks us to do something that we don't want to do. Women especially, were brought up to be kind, accomodate others, give of yourself. That is a wonderful way to be, but sometimes kindness can be taken advantage of - because you have always done it, you are expected to always do it. Saying no once in a while is looking after yourself, and if you don't look after yourself, you can't look after anyone else. So maybe, just maybe, this week, try saying no to something or someone, you will find it gets easier each time you do it.....and thus allows time for yourself to take a long bubble bath, have a cup of tea, or shut off the TV, light some candles and spend time talking to your spouse.....you will find the night goes by slower and you will enjoy it more. <br />
<br />
oxoxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-31630624426116942002011-10-09T14:36:00.000-06:002011-10-09T14:36:24.106-06:00BE THANKFUL.....HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF MY FAMILY & FRIENDS. This is my very first Thanksgiving ever that is away from home....by that I mean Ontario, where we all gather for every holiday at my wonderful sister & brother-in-law's home so we can all be together and share amazing meals, and most importantly, enjoy being together.....today Mark and Roan and I will have a quiet family dinner, our first together, and our first in Alberta.....and though these are the days when I most miss my Dad, my sister, brother-in-law and my two beautiful nephews and other friends, I am so very thankful to have them as my loving family. Knowing that we are so very close no matter how far apart in miles we may be is truly a blessing in my life. I also count my blessings that Mark and I found each other and that we together now and will be together forever.<br />
<br />
<br />
Be thankful for everyone in your life and everything you have - family, friends, good health, love and happiness - and be thoughtful to others, especially those who are not blessed with what you have. If there were more kindness and love in this world, there would be no homeless people, no wars, no street kids and no animal shelters. This is a time to reach out to others who may be all alone on Thanksgiving, and extend an invitation to dinner, or take them a meal if they are not able to get out.....we are all so very blessed, yes - blessed - not lucky, to have so much abundance in our lives.<br />
<br />
HOPE IT'S A VERY HAPPY AND PEACEFUL DAY FOR EACH OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.<br />
oxoxoxoxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-90948173270103588382011-10-06T11:48:00.000-06:002011-10-06T11:50:35.961-06:00My Favourite Nature Sound In All The World.....<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-AkYtnUbOVs?fs=1" width="480">&lt;br&gt;H</iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-62017150384068274502011-10-05T16:50:00.000-06:002011-10-05T16:50:10.977-06:00My French Day Bed...There it was...the french day bed I had dreams about, searched for, and never given up hope of finding...sitting in the field at The Christie Antique Show.....in "Feathers", the booth ran by an acquaintance of mine, Joanne Price.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXJTwgzp8ErjKxa2jG3WR7PH6d_pcf5kvYfkPvkJS3FfbPD_91HMNThX4XChAGKYf-yE-X54MY8vPrNGTjIaWPHThkylEBqRW0uNh-dk42FiNpcKEUnLGel0ScsxxUPDLOtOKfD9l2DEz/s1600/french+day+bed+circa+1853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXJTwgzp8ErjKxa2jG3WR7PH6d_pcf5kvYfkPvkJS3FfbPD_91HMNThX4XChAGKYf-yE-X54MY8vPrNGTjIaWPHThkylEBqRW0uNh-dk42FiNpcKEUnLGel0ScsxxUPDLOtOKfD9l2DEz/s1600/french+day+bed+circa+1853.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The sight of it made me sigh.....but alas it was not to be mine, as I could not afford such a luxury at the time.<br />
<br />
Thinking of it still, days later, I emailed Joanne to see if the bed was still available. Yes! She still had it in her possession, but had decided to keep it a while longer. She would contact me if or when she was willing to part with it. A few months passed and the vendor emailed me, asking if I was still interested in this beauty. There was another vendor from Christie interested in the bed as well, Kim Davies of Tattered & Torn, and I regretfully passed on purchasing my dream day bed.<br />
<br />
Sigh...so this was what I thought was the end of the story.....until I was emailing with Kim recently, and she asked me if I was interested in the day bed. My third and final chance to take a leap and accept her willingness to hold onto it until Christmas!! WHAT AN AWESOME OFFER!! So....while visiting family and friends over the holidays, this is on the "must do" list! I can't thank Kim enough for being so generous to hang onto it for me! Such a sweet friend!<br />
<br />
You know what it's like to head somewhere and just make a bee-line for something? Both of these lovely ladies have beautiful booths at Southworks Antique Mall in Cambridge, ON. Yikes!! I'm giving away my secrets here! Both vendors have such an eye for great finds and my home is filled with items I have purchased from their booths. I have told each of them that their booths are so beautiful I could just "move right in". I so miss spending time at this antique mall...another must do over the holidays! <br />
<br />
While I realize that "things" do not bring happiness to our lives, and that they are just material items, I also know that making my home not only functional, but beautiful, adds a peaceful element to my daily life. My french day bed will follow that mantra perfectly as I create my own "pied de terre" on the prairies. <br />
<br />
Hoping you each have a wonderful evening,<br />
<br />
Gail ox Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535484869715471578.post-90105213290573336952011-10-04T17:56:00.000-06:002011-10-04T17:56:38.999-06:00Baby Blogger.....<span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">A new home.....a new city...and a new blog.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">I am a prairie hippie girl who loves antiquing, flea markets and basically anything old. Having recently moved to Red Deer, Alberta from Waterloo, Ontario, I am finally following my dreams and opened a small antique booth at our local outdoor market. I'm starting out slowly, but surely.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">I hope you will come along with me as I scour my new surroundings for old linens that might become curtains, or a 60's sofa end that will be slip covered as something new. Since I am totally new to blogging- having read many but too afraid to begin my own, this will be a completely strange but wonderful process for me, but I look forward to sharing photos of repurposed items which will add shabby chic charm to our home.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">Home...a place where we all seek refuge after a busy day in a sometimes unkind world. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05016171576948879159noreply@blogger.com0