Scenes From A Birthday

My mother treated Mr. Sweet Pea and I to a lovely lunch at the Gaylord Palms Resort for my birthday. This place is unbelievable. All situated under a huge glass dome, there are multiple restaurants, bars, shops, the world-renowned Canyon Ranch Spa, and lush tropical settings to explore. And of course there is the resort itself. Take a tour with me...

The herb garden just outside the restaurant we dined at.


The view up to the dome from where we sat.


Beautiful tropical setting.


A cute little cabin tucked among the vegetation where you could sit.




Under the wooden walkway.


Can you see the gators on the rock?




A tunnel to explore.


The dome. Unbelievable.


Beautiful rock formations.


The turret at the castle modeled after the one in St. Augustine FL.


Gorgeous driftwood nestled among the plants.


Look at this moss covered seating near the restaurant.


Enter Key West--one of the restaurants.


The boat where you can dine or just hang out and have a drink.


There's even a beach...

The Big 5~0 And I Don't Mean Hawaii Baby

So it's official... I am 50 today!! How did this happen?? And thanks AARP for rubbing it in. No really, just kidding! I feel the same at 50 as I did at 30 (in my head). And I decided a while back that I would look at this as a turning point to start living my life to its fullest potential~~push myself a little~~see where I can take myself~~get a discount at the drive thru. So cheers everyone, here's to being 50 and FABULOUS!!!!!

I'd Rather Be In Paris

After participating in the swap that Mary from VINTAGE PATINA recently hosted, I organized my own called I'd Rather Be In Paris (wouldn't we all?). Yesterday I received my package from my partner~the lovely Lauri~of 2CHIPPYS. Nestled among the shredded paper and bubble wrap were these goodies....

Not one but two brown transferware pitchers, and three brown transferware saucers (Lauri knows I love these), 2 linen towels with a pretty fleur de lis stamp on them, a fab cork covered journal, a black beaded rosary, and two adorable little fabric pictures of Frenchy mademoiselles.

Merci Lauri! I hope to post about the other participants swap goodies as they send me their links, so please check back.

Hugs,
Shelley

WHITE WEDNESDAY

So I discovered a blog this evening called FADED CHARM and KATHLEEN was lovely to include me in what she calls WHITE WEDNESDAY. What with the sun setting and all, the lighting was bad for pics, so I had to resort to the archives. Doubt that you'll be disappointed though~cause who does WHITE better than Marburger Farms dealers?



TOT


JUDY HILL


TERRI SQUYRES


FRENCH VANILLA


FRENCH VANILLA


FRENCH VANILLA


FRENCH VANILLA


ME


ME

Look What I Got!

I recently participated in a swap hosted by Mary of VINTAGE PATINA. The theme was "It's About Time" and swap items were to have a "time" or numbers feel. I love clocks and old numbers so I thought I would join in. I was lucky enough to have Mary herself as my swap partner and look what arrived on my doorstep yesterday... A cool suede backgammon case ( how brilliant to use it as a gift box!) chock full of cool stuff! Old flashcards, playing cards, an awesome clock, old tape measures, hand-made gift tags, a charm that says "antiquer", watch faces, old bottle caps with numbers inside, an old knob, a cute as a button flashlight, a ruler and an old metal tag. Mary, you really outdid yourself and I love it all!! Lucky girl that got her for the "I'd Rather Be In Paris" swap I am hosting!!! Thanks Mary!!!

I'd Rather Be In Paris Swap

I am so excited to be hosting my first swap! It is titled "I'd Rather Be In Paris" and promises to be fabulous! A total of twelve beautiful bloggers (counting me) are participating:

~~Lauri of 2Chippys
~~Lulu of 2Chippys
~~Deb of Talking Trash
~~Lisa of La Rustique Market
~~Gretchen of MimiTorias Designs
~~Tiina of Dream In Cream
~~Sue of Bella Shabby
~~Diana of Annie Fannie and Abigail
~~Donna of Annie Fannie and Abigail
~~Zita of Mlle Magpie
~~Mary of Vintage Patina

Each of us will select French-themed treasures valued at $20-$25 with our partner in mind, then mail them off on or around the 22nd of this month. Then all participating will post pics on their blog showing what they received. Sounds like fun right? Maybe this will inspire you to start your own swap. Stay tuned...

You Light Up My Life

I love to use vintage lighting when possible in my home. If not, I like it to have a vintage feel. I thought I would share some pics with you of what lights up my life...

Table lamp from Sundance in my living room.


My floor lamp featured in a previous post.


Another table lamp in the LR~~this one is from Aidan Gray.


Pair of antique French iron lamps.


Antique iron lamp in my dining room.


Antique alabaster lamp in guest room. Shade is covered in an old nightgown.


Antique crystal lamp in master bedroom. Hand-made shade from old lingerie.


Antique iron chandelier in master bedroom.


Antique crown chandelier in second bath.


Antique French iron lamp in my studio.