Cindy, from one of my favorite blogs, is having a Giveaway Party at her blog today – My Romantic Home.

For my first time taking part in Cindy’s Giveaway Party I’m offering a handpainted metal tub that I purchased some years ago on eBay. The tub is about 15″ wide, 5″ tall, and 4″ across. This would be perfect to put small pots with plants or even herbs into. Or it can be used to store items on a desk or maybe to keep a pad of paper and some pens near the phone.

In redecorating after my remodel I’m finding that I bought a lot of “oh that’s so cute and I know just where to use it” type of items. Only problem is I bought some items that had already had their “spot” taken up by something else.

This really is a very pretty tub and I know anyone who likes Romantic or Country type of decorating could give it a new home.

To participate just leave a comment with a way for me to get in touch with you. The Giveaway ends on Saturday at midnight Central Time. On Sunday, June 14, I’ll have my son draw a number from a hat (or bowl if he isn’t wearing a hat) and that will be the number of the post that wins. Then Sunday night I’ll post the winners name.

A special thanks to Cindy for having this giveaway. If you came to my blog through another means, please visit Cindy’s My Romantic Home blog for some spectacular decorating ideas and more.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you’ll take a look around my blog and see if there’s anything else that interests you.

I’m sorry, but this item is only open to those in the US and Canada.

Sandra

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

It’s been a busy week. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I realize that if I don’t do it – no one will do my decorating. I did get my son to come over and help a bit last weekend and I hope to be able to get him to help me put up drapes and curtains this weekend.

The first set of photos is of a small vignette that I set up in my kitchen. I used to have a big ole clunky counter top oven in this area – the kind that’s bigger than a toaster oven. I never really used it anymore so decided it was time it could go live somewhere else and if I need it I can dig it out again.

I have a small two cup tea maker that was hiding out in the corner – so I wanted to make it more accessable. There’s also a plate that has a clock in it that my son gave me that I wanted to show off. Then I made a trip to Home Goods and got an adorable small teapot, a tea cup with a lacey saucer, and a small basket with a sweet bird on the handle. In the basket I’ve put a few bags of tea. I thought I had some Constant Comment, but couldn’t find it. Mostly I use loose tea in the teamaker, but didn’t want to put that out in the “display.” And, to keep in the spirit of Pink Saturday one of the quilt placemats I had in another post is making an appearance in its new home.

And now for another of my ongoing projects – my bedroom.

When I remodeled my condo I decided to put my bedroom in the second room and keep the bigger bedroom for what I call my “dayroom.” It has my computer desk, a big lounge chair, and right now way too much “stuff.” So, I have to take one room at a time, and right now it’s my bedroom. I hope to have photos of the third bedroom in a week or so – it’s my craft/sewing/embroidery room.

I purchased this bedding set almost three years ago and finally got it all ironed and ready to go. I do need Dave to help me put up the curtains and valance. I *thought* I’d ordered the quilt but ordered the bedspread – so – under the bedspread is a dust ruffle. I didn’t figure out what a mistake I’d made until we had the dust ruffle on. But, I’m really happy I got the bedspread because of the gathers around the edge. Also, I can now take the dust ruffle off and I’ve got lots of material to make other things – like maybe a few more pillows.

I took a lot more pictures but took them late at night, so will see if I can get some additional ones on Saturday morning. If not, then I will take more before next week. I hope to have more things done in the room – like curtains up (did I say that before?) and maybe even get a picture or two up. I plan to paint the small dresser white. It’s my son’s dresser from when he was a baby, so is kinda special.

I thought you might like to see how the room progresses as I finally get the bedroom I’ve always wanted.

Thank you for stopping by!

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

It’s been years and years since I did any quilting, and then it was only a Dresden Plate kit that had all the pieces cut for me. I made the top but never did turn it into anything. It was all yellows and light orange and it just didn’t go with any of my rooms. I’m not even sure how I got it. lol

Recently, I started recording craft and sewing shows from my cable company and got the idea I’d like to give quilting a try again. So, I got my trusty old Viking, a 5610, that I purchased when I moved into my condo (25 years this August) and it’s been a great machine, and set things up in my studio. Also, I’m working on turning some of my artwork into embroidery patterns, many of which I’d like to use in pillows. Well, to make a long story short, I figured I needed to refresh my sewing skills – and since I had watched a Sewing With Nancy series on Quilting with Confidence and I had a 40% off coupon at JoAnn’s – well, might as well get the book, some fabric, and see what I could come up with.

I tend to be a perfectionist so when I saw my crocked seams and other issues I wasn’t very happy. But, after talking with a friend I realized it’s because I didn’t have the correct tools. So, JoAnn’s is having a fantastic sale this weekend with everything that I need to add to my studio/sewing room on sale for at least 40% off. I know where I will be for a good part of Saturday.

So, below are the two placemats I managed to get done this week. I’m only able to sit at the sewing machine for an hour at a time but I hope the longer I do this the more time I can spend in the studio. I need to tie the placemats with floss – I’ll pick that up tomorrow.

I will get better. I’ve taught myself all types of embroidery, how to sculpt and make original dolls, I’ve conquered Heirloom sewing – so I think I should be able to make an accurate four patch next time.

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a very Happy Pink Saturday. On this Memorial Day weekend, let’s remember those who gave so much for our freedom.

Today I’m featuring the items I’ve got on the smaller sideboard in my dining room. This one sits between the entrance to the kitchen and one of the walls in my living room. I love the wallpaper even though it’s almost 25 years old. When I had the remodeling done on my condo it’s the one thing I wouldn’t part with. It was freshened up with crown moulding and some white paneling and a chair rail.

The handpainted items (tray, enamelware bowl, candleholders) were done by my friend Debi Coules – a very talent artist and you’ll see lots of her work in my home. I purchased the antique linen from eBay.

This weekend I went to one of my favorite antique stores. They moved from their location downtown to a wonderful place up on the north side. Their new shop is located in a previous furniture store and they have about five times as much space. So many more “pretties” to chose from.

When I saw this glass vase I just knew I couldn’t pass it up. I think it’s Fenton, but I’m not sure. I’ll keep doing some searching and see if I can find out. It really doesn’t matter, though, since I like it and it’s my perfect colors. I’ve got another vase packed away that I hope to come across soon and I’ll see how close the colors are. This round vase will be placed on the top of my curio cabinet with the vase I know is Fenton. As soon as I get the curio cabinet stuff out of the garage (was there while the condo was remodeled) I’ll take some pictures – lot of pictures.

Hope you have a wonderful Blue Monday!

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

One of my favorite places to go hunting for “deals” is Home Goods. We have a new store in town and it’s become one of my “must stop by” places for Saturday morning shopping. The other day I found an adorable teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl that I thought would be perfect to take the place of the Easter Bunny and wreath as my kitchen table centerpiece. And I was even happier with my purchase when I found the exact same set in an ad in Tea Time – for close to twice what I spent. Oh, and the name of the pattern in Vintage Rose – not real original – but very descriptive.

Home Goods didn’t have the tray that is shown in the above features, but it is available online – though it does cost more than I paid for the whole set.

And then I found a set of four cups and saucers. It does seem a shame not to finish off the set, right?

And then look what I found online! A tired pastry stand.

So my “bargain” may just have changed into a rather expensive collection. Though I think I’ll probably just get the tea tray. Or maybe on my trip to Home Goods today I can find a plain white tray and then put a pink print napkin or something on it. Or how about a pink cake stand with this tea set on it?

Enjoy your Pink Saturday!

I live just outside of Chicago and am wondering if we are ever going to see Spring. It’s early Saturday morning and the temp is 30 degrees and we’ve got a storm warning for tonight and tomorrow for snow. And in Colorado it’s snowing like crazy and then there’s all the flooding in Minnesota.

Is it too much to ask for about six weeks of nice 72 degree days with no tornado warnings? Well, I am a dreamer.

I missed out on Pink Saturday today – but will be back next week. I wanted to get a digital SLRs like the new one my son got – a Nikon. As always, he wants the fancier version, so we’ve worked out a deal where I’ll buy the one he’s had for a few months (and know it works well – see the past Blue Monday) and then he’ll buy the camera that his buddy bought and realized it was too much for him. Then, if I can find it, we’ll give Tom my old digital camera so he has something.

Oh, and on a happy note – my son was going to put together just my new dinning room table and then do the chairs on Sunday, but once he got going he realized how easy it was and finished the job. So, now I have my new dinning room set all put together. I’m still getting used to it – but it’s a lot better than the harvest table I had in the dinning room. So, I should be able to get some pictures of it up this week.

One of the big problems I have with my dinning room is – too much furniture. lol The area for the dinning room is about 10′ x 11′ and I’ve got two sideboards and a curved glass front cabinet (all antiques.) Then in the corners of the room I’ve got two small tables (done by my friend Debi) with two Seraphim angels on them (the huge ones.) Now add to the a table and four chairs – it’s a very tight fit in there. I’m hoping to see the two antique sideboards and get a sofa table or something else for where the bigger sideboard is.

Anyway, it’s taking time, but I am finally getting my place set up the way I want. Next big purchase – a new sofa.

From the Editors of Romantic Homes

Product Description:

“If you love something, there is a place for it in your home. Follow your passions, whether displaying heirloom pieces connecting you to your childhood or a love for cooking, and translate them into your surroundings.”
—from the Introduction

We’ve all walked into homes that inspire us and tell us something about the owners’ personality and style. They contain those comfy, romantically stylish rooms where a petal-soft chair and a good book await, or where a cheerful row of aprons seems to dance along a wall. These homes draw us in, urging us to walk around wide-eyed at the eclectic blending of antiques and modern pieces, funky accessories, thoughtful collections, and interesting color combinations. Sometimes, they leave us thinking we could never be so creative or bold.

This book proves otherwise.

What is “Vintage Vavoom,” exactly? It’s a sleek glass table decorated with mismatched china, tarnished silver teapots filled with calla lilies, an antique chandelier hung unpredictably in a bright apple-green powder room. It is the items you love—many steeped in nostalgia—effortlessly combined with a fresh, modern sensibility.

Think textured fabrics, family heirlooms, clever little accents, and well-crafted furniture, linked together with a sense of playfulness.

Yet while the rules are loose, Vintage Vavoom is not about clutter or haphazard mismatching. Instead, seemingly disparate items are pulled together by an underlying motif—a punctuating color, a themed collection, or an era—that will subtly keep a room in check, even as you add personal flourishes throughout.