A Sweet Shopping Experience

I recently started my Christmas shopping.  This might not sound out of the ordinary to you but, trust me, it is very unusual for me.  Don't get me wrong -- I'm not one of those people who are running to the mall on Christmas Eve.  But I don't think I have ever done any holiday shopping before Halloween, either.  

Anyway, I just wanted to write a little bit about what a nice experience it was.  I ordered something from the Etsy shop called Hens In Daisies, run by the very sweet and talented Kathleen Grace.    Many of you have probably read her blog, Kathy's Corner, and maybe even ordered something from her shop.  It is a wonderful experience.

I ordered one of Kathy's beautiful fabric hearts for a good friend.  It came packaged in this lovely, beribboned box.

Kathy sent along a nice, handwritten note thanking me for my business, and included two beautiful handmade gift tags.  When was the last time you got such friendly service and lovely extras at the mall?

And just look at the heart itself -- it is so beautiful!  Handmade with wonderful vintage jewelry and millinery fruits, and lovely bits of lace.  How gorgeous is that?!

Kathy's blog may be found here, and her etsy shop here.  Now go forth and shop.  :)

Can't Help Myself

OK, I'll admit it:  I can't help myself when it comes to pressed flower pictures.  To some, I'm sure they look like nothing more than old brown weeds.  But they always speak to me of gardens and summers past.  And I love it when they are framed in interesting shapes.

And I love it even more when they come in pairs.  So much easier to hang in a symmetrical grouping that way.  I forget how much these two pairs were.  Probably like $1.50 each.

Finally, here are some custom curtains, all lined, in a wonderful pattern.  I got two jabots, and four valances for $20.  I'll probably use the valances in the upstairs hall, and cut the jabots up to make some pillows.

I also got a few books at the rummage sale, but I didn't take any pics of them.  Anyway, you are probably sick to death of rummage sale posts.

Sorry, I can't help myself.  ;)

More Rummage Love

Here is some more rummage love for you today:  a needelpoint pillow for $2. (can you believe that price?),

a Waverly red toile pillow for $6. (how could I pass up red toile?),

and two milk glass urns for $1.50 each.   (Actually, I can't really pass up milk glass, either.)

 One more rummage post tomorrow, and then I swear, no more.  In the meantime, I'd love to hear what you look for when you go to a sale.

In Love

Look at this dish I got at the giant rummage sale on Friday.  I'm in love with this dish.  Seriously.  Yes, I know it has a little chip, but perfection is boring, isn't it?  Besides, it's not like I'm going to actually use it as a serving dish.  No, siree.  I'm just going to put this baby in a plate stand and stare at it.  And smile.  Because I'm in love.

There is no mark on the back of the dish, but it looks to be hand-painted.  Have any of you ever seen anything similar?  The lady who sold it to me at the rummage sale thought it looked a little like Quimper.  I don't know.  But whatever it is, I love it.  And the best part?  It was $4.

And just look at this big hunk of copper beauty.  Two dollars.  Two freakin' dollars!  I actually practiced a little restraint.  They also had a huge copper pot for $8. but I did not know where I would store it, so I left it.  Wasn't I a good girl?

I love the giant rummage sale.  I really do.

More rummage love tomorrow.  :)

A Little Birdie

A little birdie told me that there is a giant rummage sale starting today.  So, I'll catch y'all later.  Have a great weekend!

Last Dance

Just a few shots of my Autumn Crocus.  You gotta love these things -- plant them and then forget them.  They will throw out some fat, strappy leaves in the spring, which will soon die off.  Then, just when you've completely forgotten their very existence, they burst forth in all their beautiful lavender/pink loveliness.

It's time for the last dance of the season.

My Autumn Room

Here is our tiny den,  at the Little Red House.  It's about 12' X 13'.  Probably smaller than some walk-in closets.  It is right next to the kitchen, and I usually blog here with my laptop, and watch TV when I'm making dinner.

In case I feel like reading a magazine, there are lots to choose from in this painted trunk.

Here is my collection of botanical prints and pressed flowers.  I love the brown and cream wallpaper.  It makes the tiny room so warm and cozy.  And that is especially nice in the fall, when the days start getting shorter, and the air is crisp.

Of course, what is a room without a rooster lamp?  You had to know I would find a place for one.  This one came from HomeGoods, a few years back.  The photos of me and the kids are all framed in burlwood frames.

Warm colors, warm room.  The perfect room for fall.  If we ever actually get any fall-like weather.  I'm not complaining, but I'm just saying.

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After yesterday's post, a bit of reassurance, if you will:  Little Red House will, of course, be remaining red.  But then you already knew that, didn't you?  :)  

Oh, and Fabulous Freddy, the painter, is doing the work.  We would not even attempt to try.  Freddy will do a terrific job, and we will all be happy.  :)