Christmas Decor

I am officially in the Christmas spirit. I woke up this morning to 45 degree weather and that is good enough for me. I will be starting on my Christmas decorating today. I know that in a few hours it will be in the mid-70s again, but I don't care! The tree will soon be put together and standing somewhere in my house.

Look at his cute Christmas cottage in Key West - love it!


photo Cottage Living

I love this advent idea from Country Living. Maybe I'll whip one of these up today?

Or I could hunt for pinecones somewhere out west of town and make this pinecone tree?

photo - Country Living

The best thing to do with your Santa collection is to group them TOGETHER!!! Don't spread them all over the house. This wreath from Country Living magazine is fabulous - the more the better! I made a similar one with all of my hand-me-down 1970's ornaments. When I get everything up, I'll post a photo.

I like this photo, too. The vintage ornaments make more of a statement when piled in this glass compote. Even cheapo glass ornaments look better this way.

photo Country Living

An inside shot of the Key West cottage...I like the Miami Dade heart pine walls.

photo Cottage Living


I better get busy!

eBay Friday 2

As promised, another eBay Friday post...

1. I love transferware plates. They don't have to be the same pattern, I do like to stick to the same colors, though. These are black and white. Mix them with turquoise glasses or pink pressed glass for a pretty table setting. These particular plates are pretty enough to hang on the wall.

2. Obelisks are just cool. I want to collect them. I will mix them together, all colors and heights. These are quartz. Gorgeous...

3. Foo dogs are everywhere now. Here are a few different styles and colors.

4. This is a neat vintage birdcage. I do not recommend getting a bird, but I do like the cage. Put a giant candle in it and hang it from the ceiling out on the porch instead.

5. This antique bamboo etergere would be fabulous in a bathroom or a vestibule. I can also see it in the kitchen for tray storage.

6. This quill box is beautiful. They can go in virtually any decor scheme. These were Ralph Lauren window props.

7. I like these vintage pagoda salt and pepper shakers, too.

8. Vintage tin cans can be used anywhere for storage - the office, the kitchen, even the bathroom. What a great spot to hide your makeup.

The end! Have a great weekend!

eBay Friday

I have decided that I will try to post an eBay treasure list every Friday. I am not going to include links because it is too much trouble and I don't have tiiiiiiiiiime on Friday's to do much on the computer. Just do an eBay search to find these items or something similar.



1. Vintage Toleware flower sculpture - this could go in a modern space or a traditional space.





2. Another vintage Toleware flower sculpture - but this one has a different vibe. I still feel like this one could go either way.

3. I want this set of antique Toleware spice canisters. These would go in my kitchen perfectly.

4. Vintage Toleware sconces - you could put these in a bedroom or dressing area and hang gobs of chunky necklaces on them.

5. Tray tables like this (toleware) one are handy and can go anywhere.

6. Y'all know I love Japanese jewelry boxes. The colors are so vibrant. Some of them, like this one, have little figures that move to the music.

This jewelry box is pretty. I have a few that are this pagoda style. The little geisha turns when the music is playing.

7. Vintage lady head vases look great when grouped together. They are so "Mad Men". A group of them would be pretty as a Mother's Day table centerpiece.

8. This pin-up calendar is a deal. Someone needs to buy this, have each girl framed separately, and cover a black painted wall with them. Wouldn't they be great in a bachelor pad or a powder room?

9. I bought one of these shell encrusted picture frames. They are gorgeous and well made.

10. I still love the Enid Collins box bags. This one is beautiful. "Pavan" is the design. These bags were made famous in the 1960's by LadyBird Johnson. They are still sought after. Why couldn't you use them as part of the decorating scheme?

11. And finally - vintage and antique altar crosses.

That is it for today's eBay report. Happy bidding!

Thanks, God!

Are we all clear about Thanksgiving? It's not really about Pilgrims and Indians or turkey and dressing, but about being thankful for the bounty that is in our lives. I made a Thanksgiving list, not in any particular order of importance, just what popped up.

1. Beauty in everything - both big...

...and small.

2. Family.

3. Dogs.
4. Laughter.
5. Order.
6. Energy, health, and safety.

7. Food.
8. Friendship and love.

9. Music.
10. Freedom.

11. Art and expression.

12. Home.

13. Smiles.

14. Sleep.

15. Books.



16. Quiet.
17. Sunshine.

18. Rain.

19. Work and money.

20. Flowers.

21. Wisdom.

Amen!