TIME FOR A LITTLE SOMETHING

I didn't join in any Valentine swaps this year - I have so many from previous years! I love pulling out seasonal swap items, it's so much fun! Here's a pretty illustration from an early Vogue magazine that I colored in. Please feel free to use it.

Went thrifting with Mister yesterday (Saturday). I picked up this charming coffee mug for my Becky.

I was delighted to find these English teacups with cottage design. A nice addition to my collection!

We're ready (or not!) for another foot or two of snow over the next 36 hours, to add to the three feet we already have. I'm not complaining, though. It's annoying, but I'm so grateful that my area doesn't get plagued with tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and the like. The earth will start shifting its' position next month and Spring will be on its way!

THRIFT STORE GOODIES!

I went to two thrift stores this week! Here are my goodies:

I'll start with my "prize of the week" - an awesome Christmas stocking for $1.00!

I found a nice roll of vintage wrapping paper, and a silky soft red/black scarf (which I'll use for a tablecloth). I've been looking for a scrapbook or photo album to put all my mother's 1951 shower/wedding cards in. I chose this floral fabric-covered one.

This cute little girl with a polka dot scarf is a Fenton (red sticker included) mug and the mini creamer/syrup is a no-name. The selection of blingy earrings, at 50 cents each, will be added to my craft stash.

Three 8-1/2 x 11 pieces of (what I believe are) real felt, from the old $.17 price tags.

Two boxes of vintage red bulbs and two old tart tins that had been painted as decorations.

Three small glass jars, and a set of 2-1/2" tall spice (?) cans - Meister, made in Brazil.

I was pleased to find an HRM turkey cutter, along with a holly one. A fun bag of pink, silver, and cream bead strands will be put to good use, I'm sure!

I was also happy to find this interesting vintage planter, made in Japan, to add to my collection!

Last is a group of vintage Christmas money holders and one card. In the post below this one I've shown them individually so you can use them if you wish.

SUMMER POSTCARDS

I have been putting up some of my summer decorations this past week, and was delighted to place my Summer Postcards around. A few years ago Elizabeth, of Creative Breathing, had a swap where you made a postcard of your state. That was one of my favorite swaps! So here are a few photos of some of the cards.

 (china: Homer Laughlin 'duBarry' pattern)

(my collection of red Restaurant Ware)

RECENT FINDS

First, I feel the need to apologize for not blogging much. I may have mentioned before that my 21-yr-old daughter has severe anxiety issues and doesn't work, so I let her use the computer most of the time.

Now, here are a few of my recent thrift store finds, along with a few nice freebies from down the street! I'll start with this very sturdy Bakelite handled utensil spoon.

Next is a pretty red teacup. A little bit beat up, but so beautiful! I'm in love with the inside rim. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

This grouping is just a few odds-and-ends. Sometimes the little things are the best!

Now, for the freebies: This nice wicker rocking chair was out with the trash just two doors down. I knocked and asked if it was broken or anything, and carted it on home!

This laundry sink was also out with the trash on another week, and about ten houses down. I'm thinking maybe I could use it gardening somehow. It was too good to just leave there so, of course, I made Mister drive down and retrieve it!

See the large light fixtures behind it? Mister brings these home from the plant he works at. When they go to replace them and throw them away, he asks for them. They'll probably spend a lifetime in the barn but, hey, they're free!

ORGANIZING THE BASEMENT

Hey! I haven't been around here for a little bit. Just busy around the house. One thing I've been doing is slowly reorganizing my storage cabinets in the basement.

Candles, anyone? I'm always picking up candles and holders at thrift stores and yard sales, "just in case"!

Pitchers and milk jugs, vases and planters, and stuff:

Coffee mugs and demitasse cups:

It took me a few weeks, off and on, because there are two double-wide cabinets and our unfinished basement is cold! So yesterday I decided to warm up at the thrift store and came home with a basket of goodies!

Oh, my! I just realized that I need to make a new blog header!