Something you love......

Dining room ~ 2008

After spending last October in Southwest France and Provence, I returned knowing exactly how I wanted my home to look. I revamped the dining room earlier this year and many of you followed my progress. I'm still tweaking this room, adding a few things as I find them.

No hurry, a beautiful room evolves with time.

Dining room ~ Spring 2009

The room is my vision of 'French Country', as found in the villages and small market towns of Provence. Casual but elegant. The colors are muted creams and blue grays, white china, tarnished silver, painted wood, pine farm table, natural linen. It's not easy to find authentic European items in this area.......when you're on a budget! But hunt I do, and gather when I can. I like to browse through antiques malls, vintage, consignment and charity shops.....and just plain old junk shops! I have a wish list....doesn't everyone! I've painted all my old furniture, the only new piece being the table.

Dining Room....today.

Did you notice what's new? Have been looking high, literally, and low for a vintage European chandelier with crystals. One that would blend with that beautiful wall sconce I found at SuzAnna's Antiques last year. It had to be many things: not too large, have six to eight lights, have the right metal finish - old gold or bronze, no shiny brass, LOTS of real faceted glass crystals, old looking candle covers, hopefully not require rewiring, and have a dear little tag hanging from it with a nice price, one I could afford!

I think this was a steal!!! Right size, 8 lights, loads of real crystals (only two missing and I've been able to replace them), did buy new candle covers as they were bright white, wiring was new and safe according to my electrician...........and most amazing of all, it matches the wall sconce perfectly!

I had a health scare a few weeks ago but, following tests and biopsies, received good news last Friday. After great sighs of relief, giving thanks, and having lunch with DH, I decided to enjoy the afternoon looking around an antiques mall in town. It was there I saw it above my head. I became giddy looking up, checking everything, measuring with a borrowed yard stick. The perfect chandelier with the gentle price tag ~ and my name was on it. Well not really, but I loved it. I crossed another treasure off my wish list, happily wrote a check, and carried it home feeling doubly blessed that day.

September Song, Crystal Clear

"There is a beautiful spirit breathing now.
Its' mellow richness on the clustered trees,

And from a beaker full of richest dyes,

Pouring new glory on the Autumn woods..........."

~ Longfellow ~

I really need to tackle my Fall cleaning, especially as I still haven't done my Spring cleaning! Instead, I crossed the pond and enjoyed the season at home in England. Where does time go? I need to move objects, lots of objects. Summer has left a dusting of........deep breath, I must say it, DUST!

While I was gone, traveling through the dust of the West, the Eastern dust was settling.......in the nooks and crannies of the cottage.

Ah yes, the poets make the landscape beautiful, dust and pollen rarely seep into their magical prose.......just through my windows and under my doors, settling quietly on the crystals, the tarnished silver, the old ironstone.

I did read somewhere that a layer of dust preserves wood furniture.................hmmmm!!!!

Summer's End

This past week the children around here returned to school........a sure sign that Summer is on the wane.

Soon we'll be stowing away the garden furniture................

......Winter proofing the birdhouses and signs with a spray of wood sealant.....

...............pushing our swimsuits to the back of the dresser drawer..............

..............and thoughts of hot, lazy days at the beach will be saved for next year.

Sometimes we do get down to the North Carolina coast in Autumn or Winter.......maybe not paddling and swimming in the chilly Atlantic, but beach combing and shell searching in the still warm sun, casting long shadows on the damp sand, and enjoying the cooler season without the noise and crowds.

Which season do you prefer at the beach?

All images taken at SuzAnna's Antiques ~ 2009

Visiting SuzAnna's

September is almost here, the beginnings of Autumn are in the air. Cooler mornings as the children wait for the school bus. A few leaves are already turning gold, drifting gently downward on the breeze. The birds are so much quieter now, the babies already as big as their parents, finding breakfast for themselves, no calling for their parents as in Spring and early Summer. Energy is renewed with thoughts of cool days, time to treasure hunt in comfort.

Last weekend I was able to run by SuzAnna's Antiques, catch up with my dear friends and check out new merchandise that arrived at the shop while I was traveling.

I thought this antique dresser with the oval mirror very pretty.

The fireplace mantel would also make a wonderful headboard for a bed. These two pieces together in a guest room would be welcoming and so much fun.

Lots of interesting silver flatware ~ I like stuffing it in old glass vases or silver bowls ~ and of course prefer it tarnished so no polishing required!

More silver...................no more polishing if you enjoy it like this......and that sure is a pretty table.

Vintage T.E. Green English mixing bowls ~ love these and use mine almost daily.

As you can see, SuzAnna's continues to draw us back, week after week, month after month..............always fun things to see, to buy for our homes, or to give as gifts...................and always the warmest welcome from the best of friends.

Pink Saturday

This old painted pink door is great for hanging bird houses.

A visit to SuzAnna's Antiques last Saturday give me an opportunity to hunt down pink pretties to share with you.

Looks like an authentic Dutch clog....wonder where its clogging partner could be!

I think pink and yellow are a great combination, especially when they are warm tints of the two shades.

Hope everyone enjoys Pink Saturday, whether casually clogging or dancing the night away in your strappy high heels!! Me, I'll be sitting somewhere comfy, resting my feet....but sipping a glass of pink rose wine!

Now waltz or jitterbug over to see Beverly's list of Pink participants at How Sweet The Sound.

Late Summer Flowers

I bought these brilliantly colored flowers today at Trader Joe's.

Fresh picked....in California....fast forwarded to North Carolina and still "fresh as a daisy".

With Autumn waiting in the wings and before being surrounded by pumpkins and gourds, a beautiful bouquet of late Summer flowers in a simple jug bring pleasure........even to me, a lover of neutrals and French gray.

They remind me of Provence, what more can I say.

Past Perfect

Meeting up again with Brenda & Debbie of The Shabby Rose at their new space at Affordable Chic, was so much fun. These friendly gals certainly know how to display their beautiful finds......and they take time to chat and share decorating tips.

Below is the 'piece de resistance' of their collection at the moment. A stunning, painted mahogany fireplace surround with attached mirrored over-mantel. This piece is huge, expensive, and absolutely gorgeous. As mentioned before, I would need to win the North Carolina Lottery to be able to afford this and transport it home. Plus, a bigger home would also be necessary!

That lovely painting of the children moved with this piece, and the mercury glass adds shine and elegance.

If this mantel looks familiar to you I'm not surprised. If you have the 2008 copy of Cottage Style (a Meredith Special decorating publication), you will have seen this actual piece in a beach house at Emerald Isle, North Carolina. There, decorated with shells, it was used as a headboard in a guest bedroom. Quite spectacular and I wonder why the piece was sold on.

Beach House image from Cottage Style.

Guess I'll buy a lottery ticket this weekend........will let you know if I'm a winner, then go rent the truck, LOL!