sweet pea home

IT'S GOT POTENTIAL...

2012-02-13T16:27:00.000-05:00

What is it about a deconstructed chair that makes me weak in the knees?

Remember this one that I found and kept about a year or so ago?

The best part is it's one of a pair... Yes, I know the burlap and horsehair is itchy, but they are like works of art to me and I keep them where they aren't sat upon.

I digress...

In November I found this beauty...

Not in this deconstructed state, mind you. It still had it's original green upholstery and being as I'm not a green person and the fabric was a bit worse for the wear, I started removing it. I have to say it is amazing the amount of labor that went into this baby.

But it's got potential...

I'm thinking antique grain sack upholstered and the original finish left intact.

You'll have to wait and see if this one makes it to the Spring show at MARBURGER.

JOIN ME AT THE OLD CROW MARKET...

2012-01-30T20:36:00.001-05:00

This Saturday and Sunday, February 4th and 5th I'll be set up at THE OLD CROW MARKET

at WHEN PIGS FLY AGAIN, a fabulous shop in Mt. Dora Florida.

Here's the info...

THE OLD CROW MARKET at WHEN PIGS FLY

822 N. Donnelly St. Mt. Dora, FL

9am til 5pm

The shop will be open and filled to the brim with wonderful primitives, and there will be booths outside as well. That's where you'll find me, on the brick patio. My friend Susie (From My Home To Yours) will be setting up as well.

There's also a fabulous world~renowned art show being held just a block away! Come spend the day in quaint Mt. Dora this weekend and shop til you drop!

Hope to see you!

DINING ROOM REVEAL...FINALLY

2012-01-24T20:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't it amazing how a little "facelift" can take so darn long?

My dining room and kitchen just received a new and beautiful freshening up.

Here's the dining room before...

White beadboard and a soft neutral color (?) above... It's been a while since we painted it that color and I couldn't begin to remember the name though I'm sure it was Ralph Lauren.

The dining room now in beautiful whites...

Benjamin Moore White Dove on the walls and Vanilla Milkshake on the beadboard and trim.

We added a ceiling medallion above the chandelier and I rearranged the cupboards and wall decor, which came from other rooms in the house.

The kitchen got the same White Dove on the walls and Vanilla Milkshake on the cabinets and trim.

I took the door off one of the upper cabinets and painted it white to showcase my ironstone and tarnished silver collection. I edited my dishes to four of everything in the remaining cabinet and the rest went to the beadboard cupboard in the dining room.

I am loving the new fresh white look to both rooms.

Hope you love it too!

GOT SOUP?

2012-01-17T19:37:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is National Soup Day...

Who knew?

In honor of this newly discovered holiday I'd like to share a recipe for a delicious soup that I made a couple of days ago. Luckily, I had one bowl left so that I could get a pic for you!

This recipe is from my increasingly dog~eared copy of

VEGAN ON THE CHEAP

ROBIN ROBERTSON

PEANUTTY PUMPKIN STEW

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 med onion, chopped

1 med carrot, chopped

1 med potato, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (16 oz) can solid~pack pumpkin

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp hot or mild curry powder (I used mild)

2 cups vegetable stock

1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (4 oz) can hot or mild green chiles drained

1 cup thawed frozen peas

1/4 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts

2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over med heat. Add the onion, carrot, potato, and garlic. Cover and cook until soft, about 7 min.

2. Stir in the tomatoes, pumpkin, peanut butter, soy sauce, curry powder, and stock, stirring after each addition until well blended. Add the beans and chiles and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the stew is hot and the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes.

3. Shortly before serving stir in the peas. Serve hot, garnished with the peanuts and parsley.

Enjoy!! It's really yummy!

HAPPY NATIONAL SOUP DAY!

NEW YEAR...NEW LOOK...

2012-01-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

So, in my last post I told you about the epiphany I had while undoing the Christmas decor...

The one where I wanted to unload the entire house and do a major remix...

Well...

You know this is a much bigger undertaking than it sounded like...

But...

I've started.

Thanks to my sweet friends who left a comment saying they loved my house the way it was.

You know we can't leave well enough alone...

Back soon with before and after photos of my dining room and kitchen.

WOULDN'T YOU?

2012-01-01T23:05:00.000-05:00

It's a tradition on New Year's Day to take down all the Christmas decor, including the tree, here in the Land Of Pea...

It's so weird, I really miss that tree...

It was the first real tree in years, and I felt a connection to it. It looked so pretty with it's white lights and antique mercury glass ornaments in silver. Like it was wearing jewelry...

I actually said goodbye to it as Mr. SweetPea hauled it out the front door...

And then I had this thought...

I'd like to just take every single thing out of this house and completely rearrange it...

New paint, the whole shebang...

The whole house...

Do you ever think that? Wouldn't you love a blank slate?

Not getting rid of it all but zhushing it about?

It's no coincidence that I just got my new White Issue of Country Living...

And there's something about taking down those decorations...

Call me crazy.

I might just do it...

Would you?

ADIEU 2011

2011-12-30T23:22:00.000-05:00

ADIEU

French for goodbye, farewell...

You would think we are all French these days lol...

I confess, I love the language... The sound as it rolls off the tongue...

Do I speak the language? No.

As I bid 2011 adieu I have some thoughts to share...

Ramblings if you will.

I have no resolutions like weight loss or starting an exercise program...

But I do plan to do the following in 2012...

Cultivate my faith... My love of God...

Be a better wife, mother, grandma, mother~in~law, daughter, sister, friend...

Make the most of the gifts I have been given...

Just be grateful for what I have because it is so much...

I'm going to water my own grass and I encourage all of you to do the same...

Happy New Year Friends!!!!

Blessings to all of you in 2012!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

2011-12-20T19:22:00.000-05:00

To each and every one of you who takes time from your busy life to read my little blog

and

to those of you who leave thoughtful and MUCH APPRECIATED comments

I wish you a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS and many thanks!

Here are a few more pics of vignettes around my Christmas home.

WISHING YOU PEACE AND JOY IN 2012

I have an affinity for wee trees...

For the first time in years we went with a real tree this year, and I have loved the look and the fragrance of it.

I used an antique lace and muslin skirt for the tree skirt.

A smattering of bling...

A slim tree left bare in the dining room...

I love the reflection in the mirror behind my wreath...

Remember the banner I made at CRAFTERNOON in the previous post?

A final thought before I go...

Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating and all that the holiday season brings

let us always remember

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

CHRISTMAS CRAFTERNOON

2011-12-14T15:34:00.000-05:00

My sweet friend BECKY hosted another of her fabulous soiree's last Saturday

where I rubbed elbows with the likes of RUTH (THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE), VICKI (RUSTY ROOSTER VINTAGE), JESSICA (STELLAR JUNK), and CAROL (no blog but still fabulous).

CRAFTERNOON PART DEUX

BECKY'S home was gorgeous as always and she blew us all away with the tablescape.

The centerpiece on the table was a Martha Stewart pompom studded with vintage Christmas ornaments.

At each place setting was a hand~selected goody basket assembled with the recipient in mind.

Fleur de sel caramels

Some enjoyed wine, some mango margaritas. After a bit of nosh, we sat down to get craftin'.

Left to right: Ruth, Becky, Carol and Vicki

Left to right: Becky, Carol, Vicki, Jessica, and Ruth

Left to right: Becky, Carol and Jessica

Left to right: Ruth (foreground), Becky, Carol, Vicki, and Jessica

The craft~du~jour was a banner. Here's mine in the initial stages. I'll show you in another post where it ended up.

Here's BECKY'S...

PAIX...French for PEACE.

And finally, JESSICA brought the neatest hostess gift.

Several of these FABULOUS reusable shopping bags fashioned after antique grain sacks.

T*J*MAXX!!!!

You best believe I went straight there after the get together and snagged an armful!

Stay tuned for the wrap~up (lol) of my simple Christmas here in the LAND OF PEA.

SIMPLE...

2011-12-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

If you've been reading this blog for awhile you know that the word that best describes my holiday decorating style is

SIMPLE.

My Christmas mantle is no exception.

Tinsel and bottle brush trees in antique containers like brown transferware and tarnished silver as well as mercury glass candle holders mingled with my ever present wasp nests ( check out the huge wasp nest from my friend Euna) and a teeny bird nest.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who left a sweet and much appreciated comment on my last two posts TRANSFORMATION and SHABBY CHIC ON FRIDAY.

I love you all and have the best intentions to thank each of you personally. Life just gets in the way sometimes.

Hope you understand....

SHABBY CHIC ON FRIDAY FEATURE

2011-11-25T20:40:00.001-05:00

I received the sweetest email earlier this week from Francy, an Italian blogger who features a different home each Friday on her blog

SO BEAUTIFUL THINGS

She asked if she could feature my home for this week's post.

uh yeah...

Thanks Francy for sharing my little slice of the shabby world with your readers in Italy and beyond.

Here are a few pics she used from my blog and a link below to the post.

http://sobeautifulthings.blogspot.com/2011/11/shabby-chic-on-friday-la-casa-di.html?showComment=1322260325639#c7928416264351401185

Thank you again sweet Francy!!!

TRANSFORMATION...

2011-11-20T18:57:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, I posted here on my blog that I was having another of my home sales...

I received a request for the address from someone I will call "E". She said she had been following my blog for a while, and that she had recently moved from Las Vegas to Mt. Dora, FL.

I gladly gave her the address and looked forward to meeting her.

And then, a little later that evening, I received another email from her. She wanted to know if I would consider letting her hire me to re~style her home. I had to think about this...

for all of five seconds...

And the rest is history.

I recently completed the project, which was done in stages...

First the kitchen and second bathroom, then the sunroom and so on until I had revamped the entire house.

The challenge was to use only what she had.

Let me tell you she had a lot.

That's the other part of the story, you see. A transformation of not just the house "E" calls home, but of "E" as well.

To edit a home much too full of things. To give a sense of peace to chaos. To let her treasures take center stage so that she could breathe again.

Now I must preface the rest of the story with a few facts.

* The house is a rental, so only cosmetic changes could be made.

* I did each room on the fly. I arrived, I edited and then re~introduced pieces. There was no real planning process. Each room, and sometimes two, went from start to finish that day.

* Finally, this project was a real departure from my personal style and anything you have ever seen here on this blog. I am not a color person. I am not a clutter person. "E" embraces color and lots of it, and she loves stuff. My goal was to give her both but with a sense of knowing when there was "just enough".

With all that said, here are the before and after pics. I must warn you that a couple are a little less than perfect, in fact they are downright blurry. But they are integral to the transformation, so I hope you will overlook the less than stellar photography skills they portray.

First up, the kitchen.

"E" hates the kitchen as it has been modernized to the point of looking completely disjointed from the rest of the house. We removed a couple of cabinet doors to take your eye away from the slick cabinets and dark counter tops and appliances.

and here is after...

The sunroom was the next room on the list. This room is a long bowling alley of a room, so I thought it best to divide it into a sitting area and a dining area with a transition in between.

Before.

and after.

Next we move on to the living room.

Before.

and after.

The hall, after. Sorry you would have needed a dramamine to see the one before pic. The pink and white cabinet was relocated here in place of a small table and large mirror.

The master bedroom before.

"E" did purchase the iron bed from me. The one exception to the rule...

and after...

On to the guest room we go.

Before.

after.

and last but not least, the former office area off the guest room that "E" wanted as a garden sanctuary space.

Sorry, no before pics as this was an add on at the end of the project.

That's a wrap as they say. It was at the same time exhausting and one of the most satisfying things I have ever done. To give someone their peace back was fantastic.

I'd like to thank my right hand man, Randy ("E's" handyman), for all his help hanging pictures and chandeliers. Her walls are concrete and without him this would never have had the finishing touches added.

I'd like to leave you with one last pic. Perhaps the most fitting of all.

Thank you "E" for your confidence in me...

FANCY FLEA FALL 2011

2011-11-15T16:46:00.000-05:00

So I think I may finally be getting my legs back under me.

I spent most of last week prepping for and then setting up at THE FANCY FLEA

in downtown Lakeland, Florida.

Yesterday I completed a project I've been working on for months...soon to be revealed.

I arrived in Lakeland on Saturday at 5:30am ready to set up and sell sell sell.

A snafu was waiting for me. You see, a road race had accidently been scheduled for that morning for the same street that the flea market was on.

So when I arrived I was told that because of the location of my booth I could only unload on the sidewalk and then had to wait until the last runner passed by to begin my set~up. That would be at almost 8am. Not the best news but what are ya' gonna do?

Unfortunately, this left me about an hour to throw my booth together rather than the three hours I was anticipating. It wasn't the final outcome I wanted but nobody seemed to notice.

The other disadvantage with the delay in setting up was that since I finished just as the show officially opened, I didn't get to take very many pics.

Here's the one pic I got of my booth.

I made my way down the Avenue late in the afternoon to get some shots.

Robyn Story's booth was jam packed. She's an Annie Sloan stockist.

My friend Deb Mangual (Vintage Soul) in front of her booth.

Beth Colgrove and her pretty painted furniture.

Lisa (House of Envy) had a gorgeous booth and the most AMAZING tent topper I have ever seen.

Paris Rags.

I had the pleasure of getting to see my friend Laura from 52FLEA again and even meeting Mr. 52FLEA.

and

I finally met the lovely Ruth Harsham from THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE.

Hope you enjoyed the pics. It was a great show and I plan to be a return vendor in the spring.

No road race please....

IF YOU'RE FANCY AND YA KNOW IT...

2011-11-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

I'LL BE SEEING YOU TOMORROW

THE

FANCY FLEA!!!!

9AM TIL 4PM

YOU CAN FIND ME IN FRONT OF JIMMY JOHN'S ON KENTUCKY AVE.

FANTASTIC LINEUP OF VENDORS SUCH AS...

VINTAGE SOUL

STELLAR JUNK

BETH'S COTTAGE CHIC

GLITZ AND GLAM EMPORIUM

ROBIN STORY DESIGNS

THE FRENCH PIG

JUNKING GALS

ART ANGELS

CHIC & SHABBY

PARIS RAGS

THE NEST

VINTAGE VIBE

FLEA CHIC FAB

JUST TO MENTION A FEW...

AND MOI' OF COURSE!!!

AND KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR SUPER BLOGGERS

LIKE LAURA KAUFMANN FROM 52FLEA!!!!

DON'T MISS THE FUN AND FABULOUS SHOPPING!

I'M IN LOVE...

2011-11-09T11:42:00.003-05:00

WITH THESE GUYS...

GORGEOUS VELVET PUMPKINS

in shades like mushroom and stone and platinum...

luscious chocolate browns and soft white.

just for fun I added a texture to the shot below

thanks to my bestie CARLA

and to the PUMPKIN MAN ( you know who you are)

for helping me get my hands on these beauties.

VELVET PUMPKIN LOVE

http://plushpumpkin.com/velvet-pumpkins.html

THE FANCY FLEA FALL 2011

2011-11-05T19:05:00.001-04:00

THE FANCY FLEA

Voted one of the TOP TEN FLEA MARKETS in the US by

ROMANTIC HOMES MAGAZINE

I'll be there as a new vendor!

You can find my booth (#21) at the corner of Kentucky Ave. and Cedar St.

in front of Jimmy John's.

114 vendors showing our wares on Kentucky Ave. in charming downtown

Lakeland Florida.

This Saturday the 12th!

Show starts at 9am and runs until 4pm

Hope to see you there!

CRAFTERNOON

2011-10-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

My friend BECKY, who, by the by, is also one of my very best customers ( love ya Bec) recently invited me to her beautiful home for a

***CRAFTERNOON***

a fun~filled afternoon with fun new friends, delicious nosh, flowing wine and yes,

crafting...

Now I'm not exactly on the short list at Somerset

so........

Anyway, I said yes of course, cause I've always wanted to see Becky's home and it sounded like a great time.

Let's begin with a short tour.

Her living room is a cozy French~inspired haven that makes you want to linger forever. We darn near did, as we arrived at 3 o'clock and left at 8!

Do you love the pumpkin above that she made from a dryer hose?

Next we head upstairs to the master bedroom.

Gorgeous huh?

Back downstairs to the dining room we go...

Not only did she set a stunning French~themed table, she had a beautiful craft kit for each guest and a gift bag

full of personalized goodies for us as well.

Crudite' in shot glasses filled with hummus. So charming.

Cake pops that looked so darn good. Alas, they were not vegan so I resisted...

But these babies were and I devoured the lavender brownies and one of those cupcakes with the chocolate frosting!

And here's our lovely hostess herself!

The one and only Becky!

And so what you ask did we make?

A wreath from old book pages.

I am the worst at following instructions, and I confess I really just looked at the pictures on the instructions. So my wreath has an extra row of pages and my ribbon hanger is off center and overall it's a little wonky.

But it's mine and I had the best time making it. That you'll have to take my word on. As luck would have it, my batteries died before the fun began so there are zero pics of the crafters in action.

Too bad, cause I met some of the funniest, most enjoyable women you could imagine. And Becky? She's a hip, cool chick that knows how to throw a fabulous get together.

Rumor has it there will be a CRAFTERNOON PART DEUX

and this time I'll have fresh batteries I promise.

THANKS BECKY, IT WAS FABULOUS!!!

EVENING ON THE PRAIRIE...

2011-10-24T19:06:00.000-04:00

By now, I'm sure most of you have heard that

RACHEL ASHWELL

has purchased a ranch right outside Round Top, Texas and has transformed it into a B&B complete with a beautiful retail shop on the grounds.

It's called THE PRAIRIE

and one evening she hosted an open house and book signing there on the property.

The main house

My bestie CARLA and I could hardly wait to get a look at this beautiful place. So we headed over once the show closed and after taking the scenic route ( code for getting lost) we arrived.

The place is just gorgeous of course. I couldn't get a look inside any of the out buildings as they were occupied by guests, but here's a tour of the grounds.

We were able to go inside the fabulous retail shop.

even the mailbox was cute.

here's CARLA striking a pose in front of a rusty old truck.

and moi.

hope you enjoyed the tour!

MARBURGER FARMS THE FINAL CHAPTER

2011-10-22T19:14:00.000-04:00

Sit down, put your feet up and get ready for more pics of fabulous booths at the fall show.

GWEN MCCLURE

FRENCH BY DESIGN

LAURI EVANS DESIGNS

CARLA AND CALVIN MURPHY

AND DAVID SELF

EAST OF LA

PATRICK AND KAREN KENNY

FRANKLIN AND DONNA FOSTER

GEORGIA MOREL

Next, I'll be taking you to THE PRAIRIE...

MARBURGER FARMS PART THREE

2011-10-18T17:07:00.002-04:00

And now it's time for a look at what FRENCH VANILLA, JUDY HILL, AND WILLOW NEST brought to the show.

If you've ever seen these artiste's booths in person, or if you've seen pics from past shows, you know your socks are about to knocked off...

***FRENCH VANILLA***

Peg and John VanDyne

***JUDY HILL***

Judy and Billy Hill (J Hill Designs)

***WILLOW NEST***

Ludmil and Linda Marcov

Hope you enjoyed the look inside!

MARBURGER FARMS FALL 2011 PART DEUX

2011-10-13T11:21:00.000-04:00

Another round of fabulous random shots taken at Marburger Farms before the opening bell...

Sorry but I don't have any info for you on these dealers. Their booths just caught my eye as I made my way around the show.

Enjoy...

Next post I'll be showing you pics from booths of my peeps like JUDY HILL, FRENCH VANILLA, LAURI EVANS etc....

You don't want to miss it!

MARBURGER FARMS FALL 2011

2011-10-09T17:54:00.000-04:00

Out and about at MARBURGER FARMS...

One thing you can ALWAYS count on is the spectacular selection of goods and phenomenal displays.

Random photos taken at the show...

MUCH more to come...

JUST CURIOUS...

2011-10-08T19:28:00.000-04:00

I've gotten several comments on facebook that my blog isn't allowing some to leave comments on my post.

Any suggestions or is anyone else experiencing this?

Just curious...

MY BOOTH AT MARBURGER FALL 2011

2011-10-05T21:28:00.000-04:00

This is a tough post.

Do I sound upbeat and say it was a great show? Do I tell the truth and say it was just okay?

I vote for the truth...

It was just okay.

The heat was brutal. The buyers were few and far between.

We still had a great time in spite of the bottom line...

Rachel Ashwell bought this primitive white chippy piece.

CURVEBALL...

2011-09-20T21:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I had planned to do another post featuring pics of goods we will be taking to Texas but it just didn't work out that way.

Today was loading day, and for the first time EVER we loaded in rain and intermittent thunder storms.

CURVEBALL...

Tough to load when you have to cover everything with tarps, then uncover, then re~cover...

You get the idea... Even harder to take pics of anything when it's under a big blue tarp...

So I got nothin' for ya...

Until I return, and then I will be bombarding you with FABULOUS pics from the show...

Hope you don't mind waiting, IT'S SO VERY WORTH IT!

Back soon...

If you are lucky enough to be coming to the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH...

MARBURGER FARMS****PLEASE STOP BY AND SAY HELLO!!!

TENT H BOOTH 15

The magic starts on TUESDAY SEPT. 27TH!!!!

9/11

2011-09-10T22:27:00.001-04:00

This post is dedicated to all those who lost their lives ten years ago tomorrow.

9/11/01...

The innocent people at the World Trade Center and on the planes that crashed into the towers...

The Pentagon...

The brave souls on Flight 93 whose act of heroism saved lives we will never know were saved...

The brave firefighters, police and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice...

And to all the loved ones left behind. The children who will never know their daddy. And the ones who lost their mommy...

The husbands, wives, sons, daughters, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends who live with a wound on their heart that will never heal...

God bless and let us never forget...

OPINIONS ARE LIKE...

2011-09-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

well, you know.

I recently received an unbelievably massive new catalog from RESTORATION HARDWARE.

Right there on page 92 is an interview/feature on Tim Oulton, designer and former antiques dealer, who states,

"Let's be clear. Antiques are finished." "No one's interested," he says of the antique business.

"It's not relevant. Now antiques reinvented, that's what people are interested in."

WHATCHU TALKIN' BOUT WILLIS?

I'll give you this Mr. Oulton, people are diggin' on re~purposing old stuff. We do re~purpose as dealers and so do most of my peeps.

But antiques are finished? I beg to differ. While you are quite talented with your reproductions of old things, your repros don't have the soul of a true antique.

SOUL.

You can't reproduce soul.

As a dealer of antiques and vintage junque I can't imagine what shows like Brimfield and Marburger Farms ( where we sell our wares) would be like if we all unloaded nothing but re~purposed goods. As a dealer, you can't tell me that people don't still dig the old stuff. I see it every show.

So here's where you come in. What do you think? Have you seen the catalog and/or the article? Give me your feedback! Are you a purist or do you love a good repro?

Can't wait to hear from you!

PS~~THANKS FOR YOUR SWEET COMMENTS ABOUT MY VIDEO INTERVIEW AT MY LAST SHOW!

MY MARBURGER FARMS INTERVIEW WITH SUE WHITNEY...

2011-08-31T22:06:00.001-04:00

I was so blessed to have the lovely SUE WHITNEY of JUNKMARKET STYLE stop by my booth at the Spring 2011 show at MARBURGER FARMS to film a segment on garden style. I just saw it on the MARBURGER site.

Go HERE to watch SUE and I chat about garden charm. I was so NERVOUS! I hope I don't look like a total dork.

Be patient, it's at the end of the segment.

Oh my goodness...

SHOWIN' THE GOODS...PART DEUX

2011-08-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

Another peek at some of the goods I will be offering for sale at the one and only...

MARBURGER FARMS ANTIQUE SHOW!!!!

Who doesn't love a fabulous shaving mirror?

I'm bringing a collection of them! Yours for the taking at MARBURGER FARMS ANTIQUE SHOW~TENT H BOOTH 15!

ARE YOU COMING?

MARBURGER FARMS ANTIQUE SHOW

SEPT 27TH THRU OCT 1ST

SLIPPIN...

2011-08-24T21:56:00.000-04:00

on the blog time lately.

Here's where the time goes.

1. Three days a week go to taking care of the grandies.

2. Of course, getting ready for MARBURGER in four weeks.

3. Working out even more than before. Walking three miles per day at least six times a week and now going to the gym with a friend for spin class four to five times a week in the evening.

4. I'm taking a styling/design gig for a sweet lady who contacted me through my blog/home sale.

Promise to try and do better with posting.

Promise...

SHOWIN' THE GOODS...

2011-08-15T11:33:00.000-04:00

So, it's about that time...

Showtime! As in the fabulous MARBURGER FARMS SHOW in Round Top Texas!

Over the next several weeks I'll be giving you a hint of what I'll be bringing to the show...

First up, a fabulous antique, chippy, crusty cast iron garden urn topped with a hand~finished solid concrete top.

Gorgeous, huh? It can be yours if you come to the show of all shows. Are you coming?

MARBURGER FARMS ANTIQUE SHOW

SEPT. 27TH THRU OCT 1ST

ROUND TOP, TEXAS

GO HERE FOR MORE INFO

CAN YA HELP A SISTA OUT?

2011-08-11T19:12:00.000-04:00

Help wanted!

For some time now I've been unable to "follow" any new blogs I've started reading.

I click the "follow" button on the blog. Then I select "google" to sign in under my account.

And thus begins the circle of the above actions. I have even reset my password.

Still can't follow any new blogs.

Frustrated...

Anyone else having this issue with blogger?

Can ya help a sista out?

Easy Peasy Summer Salad

2011-08-08T13:28:00.000-04:00

I recently did a post about my veganism, and received a few requests for recipes for some great vegan food. This delicious and so simple salad is perfect for summer when hot food just doesn't sound appealing.

Tropical Black Bean Salad With Mango

3 cups cooked or 2 (15.5 ounce) cans black beans (drain and rinse)

1 ripe mango, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch dice

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup minced red onion

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)

3 Tbsp grapeseed oil

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tsp agave nectar

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp ground cayenne

In a large bowl, combine the beans, mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeno if using, and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, agave nectar, salt and cayenne. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Refrigerate for 20 minutes and serve. To make the salad a main dish you can add 2 or 3 cups of cooked long~grain brown rice.

This recipe is from ROBIN ROBERTSON'S fabulous vegan cookbook

1,000 VEGAN RECIPES

available at bookstores and amazon.com.

ENJOY!!!

ONE FOR THE GIRLS...

2011-08-01T21:44:00.001-04:00

So I'm sitting here watching AMERICAN PICKERS and what do I see?

A commercial for a new show on Lifetime called...

PICKER SISTERS!!!

Tomorrow night at 10pm on the Lifetime channel.

CAN'T WAIT!!!!

SWEET PEA HOME SALE

2011-07-26T19:36:00.000-04:00

When I closed my shop in 2008 I started having HOME SALES about once a quarter. I started out having them in the GARDEN COTTAGE but now I have them in my driveway because it's in close proximity to my trailer and I usually do the sales by myself. In the past I have kept this event to invitation only, using my email list from my shop. I have decided to post the sale here on my blog so that if you are in the central Florida area but are not on my email list you can attend. Contact me via email for the address.

I am having a 50% off sale on many vintage and antique items!! I hope you can attend!

SWEET PEA HOME SALE

SATURDAY JULY 30TH

8AM TIL 12 NOON

CASH ONLY!

Sorry I can't post my address here so please email me at

spri6789@cfl.rr.com

for the location of the sale.

Hope to see you!!!

MY NAME IS SHELLEY...AND I AM VEGAN...

2011-07-24T22:11:00.000-04:00

Veganism... No food of animal origin. No meat. No dairy. No butter.

NO CHEESE... Oh, how I miss cheese...

How did I get here? It's a strongly personal choice.

I grew up in small town Indiana. Not exactly a mecca for those who shun all things of animal origin.

I ate meat... I ate gravy. I ate whatever we had for dinner that night.

Fast forward to my early twenties. I had two children under four. I became vegetarian. Not the same thing as vegan, just no meat. I shunned all white flour, all sugar. I ran 5 miles a day religiously. I taught aerobics at Elaine Powers. Remember Elaine Powers? The days of headbands and leg warmers.

Was my family vegetarian? No. Is my family vegan now?

NO. I am married to the ultimate meatatarian. He smokes, he grills. When I make a meal for my family, I make their food and I make mine. In no way similar. Is this easy? No. Will hubs occasionally eat vegan fare? Yes. Do I force my choice on them? Heck no.

I eat a vegan diet because I have never cared much for meat and so I don't miss it. I also eat a vegan diet because it is the single thing that has made the most significant impact on my health.

I don't run 5 miles a day anymore, but I do walk 3 miles a day 5 to 6 times a week. I am 52 and at 126 pounds I weigh less than I have in a long long time. I was at 143 a couple of years ago and at 5'3" I was looking a little chubby. I felt bloated and miserable. Once I cleaned up my way of eating I saw an unbelievable change in how I felt.

Don't get me wrong. Eating vegan is work. I read every label of every food I consider eating. You would be shocked at the things they put in food these days. Do I feel deprived? In no way.

Will I ever go back? No. I feel good about this decision and if any of you are curious I encourage you to check it out. Flirt with it a little.

I'd like to share two vegan blogs with you that I love. Both are sources for fabulous recipes and fresh viewpoints on ways to eat a little more healthy. You'll be so surprised at how much delicious food vegans can eat.

http://veganplanet.blogspot.com/

http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/

Here's to health and happiness!

SEA FANS

2011-07-12T11:24:00.001-04:00

Black sea fans were in abundance at the last LEFTOVER'S open house during SPRING ANTIQUES WEEK in Texas. I picked two gorgeous sea fans to incorporate into my decor...

On the mantel...

In the GARDEN COTTAGE...

A PLEASANT SURPRISE AND A CAUSE...

2011-07-08T20:12:00.000-04:00

I've been so wrapped up in the trial and the disappointing outcome that when my latest issue of ROMANTIC HOMES arrived and I ran across this...

I was pleasantly surprised to see a pic from my booth at the spring MARBURGER FARMS show! That's it under the MARBURGER FARM ANTIQUE SHOW header with all the bottles and vintage glass shakers. Wow RH, thanks so much for the nod!

The article is a fabulous review of the top ten romantic flea markets in the US.

And now to the cause... There is a petition for the passage of CAYLEE'S LAW to make it a crime punishable by law to not report a child missing.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go HERE to sign this important petition!

Let's keep this horrible tragedy from happening to another innocent child!

IN MEMORY OF CAYLEE

2011-07-06T00:17:00.000-04:00

Caylee Marie Anthony

How did twelve jurors see this so differently than millions of the rest of us?

This baby is gone, in my opinion at the hands of her mother.

31 days, missing, and all the while the mother is out partying and getting a tattoo to celebrate her new life of freedom.

I cannot process this.

This unfolded less than 15 minutes from my home. I shop at the Target that Casey Anthony went on her illegal spending spree at.

My grandchildren have played at the playground that Caylee loved.

Don't get me wrong. This is in no way about me.

I'm just venting. Trying to get my head around this.

Don't think I ever will.

Rest in peace little Caylee. The world mourns you.

52, EYES OF BLUE...

2011-06-28T19:29:00.000-04:00

Actually they're hazel...

But that doesn't rhyme does it?

Yesterday was my birthday...

I turned 52...

52...

Don't get me wrong, it really is just a number to me. I'm not bummed out, freaked out or burned out.

Really I am mostly amazed. How did I get to be 52?

My daughter~in~law asked me how it felt to be 52...

Well, pretty much like it felt to be 51 the day before...

I'm not getting older...

I'M GETTING BETTER.

GARDEN COTTAGE PRESS

2011-06-22T18:53:00.000-04:00

So happy to announce that my GARDEN COTTAGE has been featured in STORAGE SOLUTIONS magazine!

Page 141, upper right corner. There it is, my little cottage! It even got a "best case" tag! I picked my copy up at Home Depot and was surprised that it has alot of good articles and suggestions in it.

Who would think all those years ago when it was built that magazines would find it worthy?

Pinchin' myself again.

INDULGENCES

2011-06-14T15:26:00.000-04:00

Do you live with what you love?

Do you use the "good" dishes or store them away for special occasions only?

Do you save your best outfit for certain functions or do you wear it every chance you get?

Do you live in fear of breaking a treasure or getting a spot on your favorite clothing?

Do you have so much stuff stored away that you've forgotten what you even own?

We all do it. We keep our treasures safely tucked away, rarely using them for fear that we will do them harm. Why live that way I ask? If you love something enough to buy it then you deserve to use it every day. I'm foraging through every nook and cranny here in the land of PEA and if I don't love it anymore or don't plan to use it, then away it goes.

If I do love it, then into the light it comes. To be used. If it gets broken or made unfit in any way then oh well. There's more where it came from. I'm gonna live with my stuff. Fortunately for me, and for many of you as well, I like my stuff old and with character so what's another chip or flaw going to hurt?

I have a fabulous collection of antique FRENCH monogrammed sheets. Heavy nubby linen that feels glorious next to my skin. They make a fabulous top sheet for my bed and that's exactly where they will be from this point on. I can rotate a different one from time to time to limit the wear, but any wear that comes will only add to the charm. It's a true indulgence that I am giving to myself. Give the bed a light spray of linen water in lavender scent and it's a delicious way to drift off to dreamland.

So I encourage you to spoil yourself a little. Bring your treasures into the light and live with them everyday.

You deserve it...

EMPTY NEST

2011-06-08T20:59:00.000-04:00

So last Friday I witnessed the final chapter of the story of this nest, built in an old rusty sconce alongside the front door to my garden cottage.

I had taken my granddaughter out to see the baby dove again.

All of a sudden, the baby took flight right off the nest and over the fence, followed immediately by the mother dove. I hope with all my heart that it is safe and exploring it's new world.

It was so fabulous to see this come full circle. A gift I've been given for sure.

As it seems the mother dove intends to use it over and over, the nest will remain right there.

Waiting...

AN ARRIVAL

2011-05-30T14:01:00.000-04:00

Look closely... Do you see it?

MOMMA HAS A BABY!

I'm so happy for her! She let me get really close to snap some pics. I have no idea when the baby hatched, I just happened to notice more than one shape in the nest today.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!

LET'S ALL KEEP THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE IN OUR MILITARY IN OUR HEARTS TODAY AND EVERY DAY. AND TO ALL WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR COUNTRY, GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU.

I'VE GOT THE BLUES...AND PURPLES...

2011-05-26T14:57:00.000-04:00

The garden is struggling a bit these days as we can't buy a drop of rain here in Florida. Color is not abundant except here in my collection of old buckets and other containers scattered about the back patio.

These blue salvias remind me so much of lavender, which does not do well in our normally wet climate.

They start out with buds that are white...

And then, they explode into these gorgeous blue blossoms. I've been experimenting with soft focus, hope you appreciate the effect...

Scaveola in two shades of purple make a pretty showing in my old triple sink.

Purple cat's whiskers in an old cast iron kettle frame the garden cottage in the background.

Oh and an update on mother dove. Still on the nest. Things are looking good.

IT FINALLY HAPPENED...

2011-05-17T21:55:00.001-04:00

I've been trying to host a luncheon for CENTRAL FLORIDA BLOGGERS since before we went to Texas in the Spring but illness, the show, and life got in the way. But today it came to fruition and these lovely ladies came for lunch, comraderie and fun.

We ate some fabulous food contributed by all...

They came bearing gifts... Thanks everyone, I loved them all...

Please stop by and pay these fabulous bloggers a visit won't you?

Top row: Vicki (rustyroostervintage), Kathy (no blog but we are working on her), Carol (The Polka Dot Closet). Bottom row: Sylvia (My-trinkets blog), Sue (Suebees-karen sue blog), Susie (susie-frommyhometoyours).

A SECOND ATTEMPT...

2011-05-15T19:39:00.001-04:00

It's so serendipitous... A little more than one year ago, I was working on the garden cottage just like I was yesterday, and something caught my eye near the door. Do you remember the story?

Well last time I only got a shot of the nest and the ill~fated egg that had fallen out. This time I got these beautiful pics of mama herself.

Go HERE if you'd like to revisit the first story or if you didn't catch the first attempt. I left the nest from last time in the sconce as an homage to the egg that didn't make it, and to my delight the mama re~used it. I think she reinforced it a bit and since it isn't perched precariously on a flower pot like it was before I think there's a stronger chance for her egg to stay safe.

I have to say I was really surprised that she stayed right on the nest even when I quietly went about my business right near her. I spoke softly to her and reassured her that I wouldn't hurt her and what a good mama she is. She really seems to trust me. I love that...

Keep your fingers crossed please.

I BRAKE FOR GARAGE SALES...

2011-05-07T18:24:00.000-04:00

We've all seen bumper stickers similar to this, right? Well if I was sporting one it would have been on a different bumper today as I was out for my daily walk this morning and happened upon a garage sale in progress. So, being the ever~searching~for~treasure soul that I am I had to make a pass through the goods.

I've been wanting some coral for awhile now but it can be pricey. And there among the bad knick knacks and half melted candles was this.

It's so pretty nestled atop this mercury glass compote and next to my brown transferware collection.

And it was...wait for it...wait for it...

Fifty cents.

Great things come to those who wait.

SHOPPIN' THE FLEAS...

2011-05-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

So recently I hit the fleas in search of fresh goods for the Fall show at MARBURGER FARMS in Texas.

First up was RENNINGER'S ANTIQUE FAIR in Mt. Dora FL, which takes place every third weekend of the month. I was pleasantly surprised at the dealer population and what they had to sell.

I snagged a pair of these wooden awnings. Love awnings!

I also found a fab old factory cart that would make a great coffee table, a killer lampshade destined to be wired as a chandy, an old frame in original white crackly paint, an iron crate with old blue paint and a cute little metal table. Atop the table is an iron piece that was the base to something, maybe a serving dish? Very frenchy.... I also found this great framed photo of an old hotel complete with guests on the porch in their Victorian attire. Love it!

This past Saturday I traveled to Lakeland FL for THE FANCY FLEA, a twice yearly show held on Kentucky Avenue in the cute downtown area. I was really blown away by all the great vendors many of whom I know personally.

My friend Deb's booth was so pretty. She owns a shop in St. Cloud FL called VINTAGE SOUL that is a must see...

Next to Deb was Lisa who also has a shop in St. Cloud called HOUSE OF ENVY. Among other things she sells these gorgeous blingy flip flops that would kill in Texas!

Here are some random shots taken at THE FANCY FLEA...

And what went home with moi, you ask? A fabulous chippy painted drawer with a great old bin pull, a funky little pink foot stool, a mirror and my fav fav fav.... a blue glass jar with a crown motif that says CROWN. And just as luck would have it, they had PEONIES at Whole Foods!!!! The jar stays at the house of SWEET PEA, it's just too darn perfect!

DRAWING A BLANK

2011-04-28T09:48:00.001-04:00

So with the Texas experience behind me, and not much going on around here I am at a temporary loss for material to blog about.

Ever get that way?

I have begun a bit of shopping for the Fall show, and this Saturday I am heading to Lakeland for a market called THE FANCY FLEA so I'll be back with pics of the show and my haul.

Pardon the interruption please...

DESTINATION LEFTOVER'S

2011-04-18T23:32:00.000-04:00

If you find yourself at the Antiques Week experience Spring or Fall, you must make LEFTOVER'S in Brenham Tx. a destination. This shop is a feast for the eyes, ears and palate when they host their twice yearly open house for the Antiques Week crowd.

And you never know who you'll run into...

GINA GALVIN, the fabulous force behind PEACOCK PARK DESIGNS and MICHAEL BREDDIN, one of the owners of LEFTOVER'S ANTIQUES.

DEBBIE DUSENBERRY the fabulous owner of CURIOUS SOFA now online and coming to a home near you, the infamous PEARL and LINDA MARCOV OF WILLOW NEST chatting in a cozy corner.

My bestie CARLA from HIGH COTTON & CO. looking super cute.

ALEX CIRIMELLI of SERENITE MAISON, MICHAEL BREDDIN of LEFTOVER'S and LINDA MARCOV of WILLOW NEST.

RACHEL ASHWELL and the wonderful TIM from THE BLUE CANOE. I love you Tim!!!!

A FUNNY THING...

2011-04-14T23:46:00.004-04:00

happened on the way to Texas... or two or three or four...

So we set sail for Texas and drove without incidence until we hit the Tallahassee area where I requested a pit stop at a rest area. I love rest areas because they are clean and a quick in and out.

Usually.

At this particular one Mr. Sweet Pea didn't have to go. So since he was staying with the truck and trailer to check wheels, axles and other man stuff I decided to leave my purse in the truck. I hate it when there's no hook on the door for my purse and then I have to balance that with all the other shenanigans, you get the picture. I got in, got out, all good right? As I came out of the restroom I saw Mr. Sweet Pea across the parking lot doing the universal sign for WHAT THE HELL and immediately the lightbulb went off. Not an Oprah lightbulb moment mind you...an OH CRAP moment.

I had meant to lock only the door on my side of the truck but instead had locked the whole truck running with our cell phones and my purse with all the AAA stuff safely inside. Oops...

Sooo while Mr. Sweet Pea tried to get a piece of wire through the window area to open the door, I set about to find someone with a cell phone and AAA. Mission accomplished and just as I was getting a priority AAA dispatch underway the ever resourceful Mr. SP popped the door open.

We didn't even argue (gasp).

So away we go and it's not long before we need gas and pull into our favorite truck stop to refuel. Let's just say I never miss a bathroom stop along the way and off I go this time and every time with my purse from here on out.

I enter the restroom and push open a door. An open door. To my surprise and her's for some reason is the tiniest elderly lady I have ever seen. I guess she was surprised that she hadn't locked the door. I moved on. So I come out and head to the sink.

What is with me and frogs in the bathroom? Go HERE to read about Prince Charming in my bathroom at home... Anyway this little guy is there to greet me at the sink in a truck stop. Is this an omen that I don't know about?

Okay onward. Down the road many miles and again time for a bathroom break. I head to the ladies room at the rest stop. Fully assume that the purse is on my shoulder. As I enter there is a little girl in a stall, door open and next to her her mother, door open as well. What's with this trend I wonder? I've seen more people using the bathroom on this trip than I care to in a lifetime. Just sayin'....

So by now wouldn't you think the story would be over? Yeah but unbelievably there is a final chapter... We had made it to our stopping point (sort of) near Pensacola. We stop at our friend's house going and coming back. As we neared the point where we get off I~10 we were dangerously low on fuel but Mr. Sweet Pea thought we could make it.

Mr. Sweet Pea was wrong, oh so wrong. Kind of wiped the slate clean for the keys in the truck incident if ya know what I'm sayin'. Out of gas right in front of the exit sign. And as I watched my prince jog up the exit ramp I never felt more at peace.

And we still didn't argue (double gulp)...

LET'S COMMENCE THE DROOLIN' PART DEUX

2011-04-11T19:03:00.000-04:00

Tent H at Marburger Farms is home to a treasure trove of talent... It's where you'll find my booth as well as many of my dearest compadres. Hope you kept your bibs from yesterday cause it's time for more droolin'...

First up is TOT (Time Worn Interiors). She and her hubs Craig put together a fabulous booth full of industrial treasure.

Next we have Lauri from Lauri Evans Designs. Her booth is a mix of romance and rustic, a look I adore.

Alice and Jay's booth blew us all away with these fabulous bathtub chaises. Could you die?

My bestie Carla did a gorgeous job painting some pieces and to no surprise they all sold...

Franklin and Donna bring some of the best primitives I've ever seen and we were so glad they were back this time. Check out that old couch, one of my favs at the whole show! Very RL don't you think?

And finally Peg and John VanDyne better known as French Vanilla... Get ready cause I'm gonna hurt ya with this one...

Did I lie? Have you had to change your shirt yet? Go on, take another look...

Dare ya.

LET'S COMMENCE WITH THE DROOLIN'

2011-04-10T16:43:00.000-04:00

Pass the bibs folks and get ready to drool over some of the fabulous booths in tent A at MARBURGER FARMS SPRING 2011 show. These dealers never disappoint...

First up, MAGNOLIA PEARL...

John and sweet Robin

Next up is the uber talented JUDY AND BILLY HILL. Words cannot convey the fabulousness of this booth...

Across the way from Judy is TERRI'S beautiful booth...

Next we have Linda and Ludmil of WILLOW NEST... Delicious...

Patrick and Karen's booth is always full of great finds and they are the nicest people you will ever meet...

That's just a sample of the talent in Tent A. Next up we will head over to Tent H where you will find myself, Time Worn Interiors, Lauri Evans Designs and many others. Stay tuned and hang onto those bibs, you'll be needin' 'em...

RUBBIN' ELBOWS

2011-04-08T11:50:00.003-04:00

One of the coolest things about the shows in Texas is celebrity spotting.

I didn't get a pic of Mary Emmerling or Eddie Ross and Jaithan and there was a rumor that Johnny Depp was at Marburger...

But I did get a pic with Rachel Ashwell at Leftover's where she was doing a book signing...

Rachel, my pal Teresa Cano (Garden Antqs Vintage) and moi.

And a pic with Tori Spelling who was filming and buying at Marburger...

Moi and tori.

MARBURGER SPRING 2011

2011-04-07T11:34:00.007-04:00

And so I still don't feel as though my head is above water yet after being away for nearly two weeks, but I didn't want to make you wait any longer for pics from the show. My show ended up being okay, not my worst but nowhere near my best. Not many decorators or designers, no heavy hitter buyers and a tough market for larger pieces. But I am grateful for what I sold, and at a show like Marburger I sometimes feel like it's a miracle that I sell at all. Stiff competition for sure.

Hope you enjoy the pics of my booth. The centerpiece was much better in person than the pic. I hung an old iron swing frame from the peak of the tent with a pretty chandy to add some sparkle. Below was a collection of garden urns in iron and concrete filled with ferns. The backdrop was three old screen doors hinged together and draped with a lace curtain and an old frame.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE...

2011-04-04T22:40:00.001-04:00

HOME.

LOCKED AND LOADED

2011-03-21T21:10:00.003-04:00

We are loaded and ready to go...

except for the ten million last minute things like going to the bank, the store, getting my checkout stuff together, calling Chase so they don't shut off the debit card as we cross state lines, over~packing by a mile, finding a white shirt for Mr. Pea, etc. etc...

I have my ever~present list so it will all get done and early Wednesday we will head the truck and trailer toward

TEXAS!

MARBURGER HERE WE COME!

This will be my final post til I return with tons of pics and great stories.

Stay tuned.

If you will be at the shows I want to remind you about this fabulous blogger experience...

My friend Teresa Cano ( I call her sweet T) is hosting the ever fabulous blogger party on Sunday the 27th at 6pm at ZAPP HALL in Warrenton. You never know who you will bump into at this shindig so stop by if you are in the neighborhood. I'll be there for sure!

That's a wrap folks, see ya on the flipside!

2011-03-18T10:11:00.000-04:00

MARBURGER REVISITED

2011-03-16T23:10:00.003-04:00

Some mine...

Some others...

Doesn't matter...

IT'S ALL GOOD BABY...

MARBURGER ROCKS...

MARCH 29TH THRU APRIL 2ND.

A FINE MESS

2011-03-14T20:56:00.004-04:00

As promised, here are some random snaps of the fine mess that will be zhushed into a booth brimming with fabulosities at

MARBURGER FARMS!

Just a sample mind you...

It's almost time!

You coming?

If you are heading to MARBURGER and plan to blog about it go HERE to snag FREE ADMISSION!

I GOT NOTHIN' FOR YA...

2011-03-13T18:51:00.002-04:00

I can't offer a fabulous post complete with jaw~dropping pics...

but I am happy to say I am finally feeling better...

and we are making great progress with our load for Texas...

who knows maybe tomorrow I will snap some more preview pics...

I do want to say how fabulous all of you are to be concerned about my illness...

how cool that people whom I have never met are wishing me well and cheering me on?

ain't it great?

THANKS TO ALL WHO LEFT ME WELL WISHES! YOU REALLY UPLIFT MY SOUL!

THE TIMING COULDN'T BE WORSE...

2011-03-08T19:24:00.002-05:00

WE ARE TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM LEAVING FOR TEXAS!!!!

It's crunch time here. We are waist deep in the final projects needing completion...

And I am sick.

I had to postpone the blogger lunch that I had organized for today and I have lost three valuable days of work time.

Really bad timing to get a flu bug.

Back soon when I am better...

SICK OF IT...

2011-03-02T22:36:00.010-05:00

THIS IS NOT A DESIGN POST.

THIS IS NOT A PRETTY POST.

BUT IT IS A REALITY POST.

ARE YOU AWARE THAT A TWO YEAR OLD WAS RAPED AT SEA WORLD ORLANDO BY A FAMILY FRIEND WHILE HER PARENTS WERE ON A RIDE? HE TOOK PICS OF THE RAPE PROBABLY TO SELL FOR MONEY.

A TWO YEAR OLD.

OUR BABIES ARE NOT SAFE.

ANYWHERE.

WITH ANYONE.

WE NEED TO GET REALLY MAD.

REALLY REALLY MAD.

PLEASE...

For some reason, I can't get this story linked to my post but you can read the ugly story by googling TWO YEAR OLD RAPED AT SEA WORLD.

MARCH PORCH OF THE MONTH

2011-03-01T13:58:00.002-05:00

Sweet JILL over at GYPSY BROCANTE has selected my little porch as

MARCH PORCH OF THE MONTH!

Please go here to see the entire post!

Thanks Jill!

Here's a sample of pics I submitted to her for the feature.

BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID...

2011-02-25T23:42:00.002-05:00

According to the latest edition of Nightline on ABC we may be in for some real sticker shock at the pump.

Not my usual blogger topic, the price of gasoline, but at just a little over three weeks til a long trip from Florida to Texas and then back, I am really afraid of what the fuel cost will be to my show.

Possibly $4 or more per gallon?

Oh my.

Not good folks. Not good at all.

IT'S OFFICIAL

2011-02-23T20:28:00.003-05:00

Four weeks from today we will be on our way to...

TEXAS!

It's official!

You can't know how much we look forward to this experience. The comraderie, the fun, the creative overload... It's why we work so hard for six months to bring the best that we can find to offer to our customers, many of whom have become friends for life.

I'm taking a trip down memory lane past vignettes from our Spring and Fall 2010 booths.

Enjoy.

CALLING ALL CENTRAL FL BLOGGERS

2011-02-20T23:55:00.002-05:00

Hey bloggers in the Central Florida area, I had this idea that it would be fun to have a meet and get to know over lunch or dinner. What do you think?

If you are in the Central Florida area and would like to meet other local bloggers please comment here or email me at spri6789@cfl.rr.com.

If the response is good I'll organize a get together over lunch or dinner at a local restaurant and we'll have some fun getting to know each other.

Hope to hear from you!

Hugs,

Shelley

STAR STRUCK

2011-02-18T21:41:00.003-05:00

So there I was at Renninger's Antiques Extravaganza today, just about to wrap up a day of foraging for treasure. I wanted to pass by a booth for a second look at a piece I was considering when I saw these fabulous dudes...

EDDIE ROSS AND JAITHAN KOCHAR!

They are in Orlando looking for material for a new flea market makeover column EDDIE is doing called IN WITH THE OLD for SOUTHERN LIVING and who knew Renninger's is one of their favorite flea markets in the South!

They will also be at MARBURGER FARMS for the Spring show!

Let me say they are so genuine and approachable, and were so sweet about the photo opp I snagged! Thanks to the kind shopper who snapped the moment!

Thanks EDDIE AND JAITHAN! You made my day!

ABSENCE

2011-02-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

Today is a sad day here in the land of PEA.

We had to say goodbye to our cat Chloe. She was part of our family for almost nineteen years. Yes she was almost nineteen years old.

As a kitten she survived a fall off our third floor apartment balcony unscathed.

The year we had three hurricanes in three weeks, she accidentally got outside and survived Hurricane Charlie.

I keep looking for her on the screened porch where she lived.

I know she's at peace.

She will be missed.

So long old girl...

ON A LIGHTER NOTE...

2011-02-13T20:24:00.005-05:00

First and foremost, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your thoughts and prayers for my Mom and for me after my near miss. I have learned a HUGE lesson that will not need repeating. One of the gifts of age I guess...

On to lighter things. I have had my eye on these bookshelves that Mr. Sweet Pea built for me ions ago. I zhush them every once in awhile and twirl the collections they hold into new configurations. I wanted a lighter, more nature~inspired look to them. I've had a collection of fabulous old herbariums for ages now, but how to display them? Framed? I've seen them mounted directly to the wall with pins. What to do?

I thought they would be lovely with my brown transferware and my bird nests and wasp nests.

The before...

The after...

You like?

WATCHING OVER ME...

2011-02-11T11:38:00.004-05:00

Have you ever had something happen to you, or NOT happen to you and you felt like you somehow dodged a bullet? Was it luck? To me, it's only luck if it's something like winning the lotto or finding a ten spot on the sidewalk. If you avoided harm or injury then for me it's a guardian angel watching over you. Here's my story...

Yesterday my Mom was having a cardiac ablation in Tampa, so I went down to go with her. I left home at a little before 7am and drove the hour and 15 minutes to her house in Winter Haven. From there, myself, my sister and brother~in~law and Mom traveled about 45 minutes to Tampa. We arrived at 9:30ish and didn't leave til almost 8pm. Praise God her procedure went well and she is home resting and recuperating today.

So we arrived at her house last night at 8:30 and after giving instructions to my sis~in~law on her care, I left to make the drive home. Have you heard the expression "hitting the wall"? Well I had physically hit the wall. I was sleepy, stiff from sitting in hard chairs all day and hadn't eaten any dinner. I realized quickly that it was gonna be a long drive home, and I really needed to go home as I had things to do today and I didn't want to deal with morning rush hour in Orlando.

I was passing through Lake Alfred, a teeny little town, making my way out to I~4. I know you can't picture it but they have re~configured the streets there and the old way of getting through town is now gone and replaced by a somewhat confusing new grid. I made the first turn and came up to a light where I thought I needed to turn to head out to the highway. I turned and started driving on what I thought was a two lane road staying in the right hand lane. A couple of approaching trucks flashed me. I thought, "okay thanks for the cop ahead warning" and kept going.

I was driving into oncoming traffic on a one way road...

I panicked. I stopped right in the road. What do I do? My head wasn't clear at all.

And then I took the only option that seemed to be available and drove up onto the huge curb and onto the shoulder not knowing if I would drag bottom or would my Expedition even make the jump. I turned around and headed back to find the right route that I needed. I was shaking and exhausted and scared out of my mind.

I made it to the interstate and struggled home. It was the longest hour and a half of my life. Was it luck? No way.

I had a guardian angel. Of that I am positive. When I think of how it could have turned out I am shaken. It wasn't meant to. Have you had an experience like this and if so did you recognize it for what it was?

I learned a lesson from last night. I'm not superwoman. I must accept my limitations and not put myself in harms way. I might have to inconvenience myself a bit to be safe.

To be here.

ROMANTIC PORCHES

2011-02-07T14:07:00.004-05:00

What makes a porch romantic? For me it's details like gingerbread trim and columns, window boxes dripping with beautiful flowers, and architectural pieces. It's also a jaw dropping view, be it water or a gorgeous English garden bursting with color. And there are touches like fluffy pillows and candles, or white twinkling lights draped about.

What makes a porch romantic for you?

I'm joining JILL at GYPSY BROCANTE for another meeting of the PORCH CLUB. Have you joined yet? Go HERE to see all the participants and read Jill's post about how she romances her porch.

I'm sharing images from a book I bought ages ago titled PLEASURES OF THE PORCH by Daria Price Bowman & Maureen LaMarca.

Enjoy...

MARBURGER SNEAK PEEKS~PART DEUX

2011-02-02T18:42:00.002-05:00

I spent a few hours poking around in the goods that I've been accumulating for the Spring show at MARBURGER FARMS yesterday. Wednesday is 7 weeks til we hit the road for Texas. I need more stuff!

I got this cute dropleaf table in white paint last month at Renningers along with the fabulous metal stool, the awesome little spinning wire rack, a silver plate ice bucket, a wee brush, two transferware plates, an old mirror, a prayer book and hymnal and the killer bridal shoes. And I always buy old silver trays when I find them.

Only a sample of what's headin' to Texas in just a few short weeks!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A PORCH?

2011-01-31T16:23:00.004-05:00

I'm joining JILL at GYPSY BROCANTE
for her first meeting of THE PORCH CLUB. If you haven't heard about it yet just click HERE or on her button on my sidebar. I had the pleasure of meeting JILL in the fall at the blogger party during Antiques Week in Texas. She is one cool junkin' chick and has fabulous style!

Love ya Jill!

So on to the porch meeting. Don't we all love a porch? Big, small and everywhere in between there's nothing better than whiling away the hours with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and a good friend to share a little chit chat.

Today I am sharing the petite porch on the front of my garden cottage.

Elements like old porch posts and architectural brackets give it sweet chippy charm.

Click HERE to see the inside of the cottage.

Please be sure and stop by JILL'S and visit all of the other beautiful porches!

GO STEELERS!

SEARCH AND RESCUE

2011-01-26T22:46:00.003-05:00

All is not lost on my faux pas of yesterday...

I sent out a couple of emails in search of tips and lifelines after stupidly deleting MANY comments on some recent posts. In case you missed it...

I love love love crossing stuff off lists, cleaning clutter from closets, emptying my inbox...

Soooo I was poking around in my blog (note to self, stop poking around in my blog) and I had opened my dashboard. And so there in comments are all the comments I have ever received. I thought why do I need all these, they are on the posts on my blog right? So I started deleting them 25 at a time...

Gasp.

Thank goodness I stopped out of boredom and distraction. Can you imagine if I had powered through all three thousand and some comments and deleted all of them???

Fast forward to today.

I found a link on google. What did we do before google? A kind techno savvy person explained how to undo this mess I made. To a point. I was able to recover the comments still in my email account and repost them one by one.

It was so worth it.

I didn't recover all I lost and sadly there are two posts with no comments on them at all. One is my day spent with LAURA from 52 FLEA and her sis LYNN and SUSIE from FROM MY HOME TO YOURS. Well I have the pics and the memories. That's what I get for being such a cleaner upper.

I promise this is my last post beating myself up over this. Thanks to everyone who tried to help and who offered their thoughts.

Spilt milk right?

BLOGGING FOR DUMMIES

2011-01-25T15:08:00.003-05:00

HAS ANYONE ELSE DONE THIS OR AM I THE LONE DUMMY?

Thinking I was cleaning up the "inbox" for comments, as I am completely anal about, I started deleting comments left by all of you in the comments section on my dashboard. Little did I know I was deleting the actual comments on actual posts!!!

Can you begin to know how stupid I feel?

Is there any way to retrieve them?

So if you see that previous posts have ZERO comments this is why. I am so sorry to have deleted your precious comments.

If you feel so inclined to go back to older posts and leave another comment I would be ever so grateful...

GOOD GRIEF CHARLIE BROWN!

MARBURGER PREVIEW

2011-01-24T11:41:00.004-05:00

As promised here's a sneak peek at some of the fabulosities that will be yours for the taking in my booth at MARBURGER FARMS. Opening day is March 29th!

Adorable white tole patio table with glass top, a fabulous chippy shabby tole sconce and two of four old cast iron claw foot tub feet in the most delicious patina you will ever lay eyes on.

Wonderful flower biz sign in chippy black and white.

This old metal basket is HUGE and would look wonderful full of old grain sacks or white fluffy towels in the bath.

This fabulous M&S Farms entrance piece is rusty crusty yummy! It barely fit in my Expedition! Picture it on a long wall with some great industrial pieces.

As the show gets closer and we work on getting ready, I will show hints of more goods we'll be offering. Stay tuned...

SEVERAL COMMENTS WERE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED FROM THIS POST BY THE AUTHOR IN AN ACT OF BLOGGER STUPIDITY. PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY IF YOURS WAS DELETED.

THIS AND THAT

2011-01-23T15:18:00.005-05:00

Don't you love to go to the mailbox and find something you've been anxiously waiting for?

Look closely at the attention to every detail. CAROLE at MAYNARD GREENHOUSE blew me away with the presentation and artistry that she applied to my copy of JEANNE d' ARC LIVING magazine purchased from her. Merci Carole!

And then there are these...

IKEA had a HUGE bin of paper napkins in these gorgeous blue and white patterns. Do they scream summer picnic or what?

And just wondering if any of you have been to POTTERY BARN lately? I'm lucky enough to live near one and popped in over the weekend. GORGEOUS! Lots of pretty blues and greens added to their already stunning palette.

I found these on a sale rack, 20% off! Beautiful french plates in four different clock face patterns! Perfect for a salad or an afternoon snack.

Even the box is cute!

Still finishing up their odds and ends of Christmas as well. I snagged these fabulous frenchy ornaments for a little over two dollars each!

As I was checking out I noticed these cute little complimentary paint chip booklets of all their gorgeous spring and summer paint colors by Benjamin Moore. There is a color called Sparrow that has a definite future here at the house of SWEET PEA!

Tomorrow I'll be shooting some sneak peeks of my Marburger Farms goods!

SEVERAL COMMENTS WERE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED FROM THIS POST IN AN ACT OF BLOGGER STUPIDITY BY THE AUTHOR. PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGY IF YOUR COMMENT WAS DELETED.

REALITY CHECK

2011-01-21T11:23:00.004-05:00

Thirty years ago today I became a mama for the second time. My baby is THIRTY...

WOW.

I was twenty one and a half years old with a 14 month old, a newborn and two c~sections in 14 months.

WOW.

How did I do it?

I can't remember...

YOUTH ROCKS.

MANY WONDERFUL COMMENTS WERE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED FROM THIS POST BY THE AUTHOR IN AN ACT OF BLOGGER STUPIDITY. I APOLOGIZE TO ALL WHOSE COMMENTS WERE DELETED.

RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS...

2011-01-17T12:44:00.004-05:00

It's a gloomy, stormy day here in Florida and I am coming off of a Sunday spent flat on my back with some weird stomach thing. Don't know if it was really a virus or something I ate. Anyway, Friday and Saturday were spent doing something much more fun...

SHOPPING FOR FABULOSITIES FOR MARBURGER which is fast aproaching! I scored some really great stuff and will show you a hint of it in the days to come. It's really my habit of keeping my Marburger goods under wraps, but I will show a bit of what I will be taking and what can be YOURS for the taking if you are lucky enough to be going!

So back to the couch for me to finish my recuperation. It's a great time to catch up on some stuff on the dvr list, right?

I wanted to leave you with a couple of images that brighten an otherwise dreary day here. The first is reality, as in it is actually here and the second is a memory.

Remember my day with LAURA from 52 FLEA and her sister LYNN? Well they came bearing gifts and along with an AMERICAN PICKER dvd they brought the sweetest pink and white orchid nestled among vintage hankies in an old ironstone dish. Gorgeous!

The fabulous peonies in this pic are but a memory now but I love to look at them here. I found them right before Christmas at Whole Foods.

That's all for now, but please check back for a sneak peek at my haul from the weekend!

MANY WONDERFUL COMMENTS LEFT WERE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED BY THE AUTHOR IN AN ACT OF BLOGGER STUPIDITY. I APOLOGIZE IF YOURS WAS DELETED.

WHAT A GREAT DAY...

2011-01-11T17:36:00.011-05:00

Today was the day that LAURA from 52 FLEA and I met face to face. I have been looking forward to it since last year when we made plans to get together when she was down visiting her parents on the west coast. Her sister LYNN came along and I was so happy to meet her as well. I got the idea to include my friend SUSIE whose blog FROM MY HOME TO YOURS many of you know and love.

MR. SWEET PEA joined in the fun too!

We had salad made from lettuce I grew myself...

I set the table using old platters for the salad and rested a bowl on top for the hearty soup I made from scratch.

I used an old mirror as the centerpiece and topped it with pretty fresh flowers in a glass vase. I picked up the lime green from the vintage tablecloth in the flowers and then added votives and scattered watch faces about the mirror. I secured botanical themed postcards in old flower frogs.

Everyone took home a handmade favor I made from peat pots and seam binding filled with a personalized treasure. Susie got a wasp nest, and an "S" made from chipboard. Lynn's favor featured an old millinery rose and an "L" and Laura received what else? Vintage metal stencils for the number 52.

I made place cards from sheet music then spelled everyone's names using these cute typewriter key press ons. I clipped the place cards to antique linen napkins with a glittered clothespin.

Left to right: Lynn, Susie, Laura and moi.

Lynn, Susie, Mr. Sweet Pea and Laura.

And just as she said she would, Laura left me a note on my chalkboard wall.

After lunch we headed to a local antique shop and did some browsing and then over to Susie's. Now it's time to sit back, prop up my feet and bask in the glow of a fabulous day with friends, new and old. Thanks for your company and for the sweet hostess gifts bestowed on me. Let's do it again real soon ok?

MANY WONDERFUL COMMENTS WERE LEFT ON THIS POST AND WERE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED BY THE AUTHOR IN AN ACT OF BLOGGER STUPIDITY. I APOLOGIZE TO ALL WHOSE LOVELY COMMENTS WERE LOST.

PINCH ME...SURPRISE NUMBER TWO

2011-01-05T22:21:00.009-05:00

It's been difficult to keep this one to myself. I did confide in a couple of very close friends that I knew could keep a secret...

It all started one morning last summer. A very average morning. I got out of bed, turned on my computer, made some tea and sat down to check my email. Same as every morning. This one was different...

There it was. An email from FIFI O'NEILL.

I stared at it.

Really?

She had seen the post I had done about my garden cottage that my sweet friend CAROL from RAISED IN COTTON had contacted her about. She wanted pics of my house for a potential magazine feature.

Really?

Fast forward to a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. She was sending a "friend" to do some test shots. Okay, I thought, I can handle that...

And then I found out who the friend was... KIMBERLY MCCOLE from DEAR DAISY COTTAGE. Widely published Kimberly McCole... Panic mode set in. For a week and a half I primped and pimped my home. I wanted it to be as near perfection as I could get it.

Kim and I spent the better part of a day together doing the shoot, had a great lunch, and by the time she left I felt as though I had known her my entire life. She's cool like that... And uber talented...

It wasn't long, maybe a couple of weeks, and I got another email from Fifi. This one said that an Italian design magazine wanted the story for the Dec/Jan issue and could I please complete the interview she had emailed immediately? Well...yeah!

Just like that a dream came true. I received my copy today and wanted to share it with you right away. It's been a crazy start to 2011. First to be selected as January 2011 COTTAGE OF THE MONTH AT THE OLD PAINTED COTTAGE and now to be featured in an Italian design magazine. Whooda thunk it?

Also pretty proud that I was considered the stylist for the pics and that everything with the exception of the styling for the fireplace shots is exactly how we live. I'm also happy that you get to see the garden cottage as well as the house.

Without further adeu, here is my feature in L'IDEA SHABBY CHIC.

THANK YOU FIFI AND KIM!

CLICK ON EACH PIC TO ENLARGE!

MANY LOVELY COMMENTS LEFT ON THIS POST WERE ACCIDENTLY DELETED BY THE AUTHOR IN AN ACT OF BLOGGER STUPIDITY. I AM DEEPLY SADDENED THAT THEY WERE LOST AND APOLOGIZE TO ALL WHOSE COMMENTS WERE DELETED.

JANUARY 2011 COTTAGE OF THE MONTH

2010-12-31T18:13:00.007-05:00

What better way to bring in the new year than with surprise number one...

I am beside myself with joy that Jennifer at THE OLD PAINTED COTTAGE has selected my home as the JANUARY 2011 COTTAGE OF THE MONTH!

Here's a sneak peek at my home...

Please head on over to THE OLD PAINTED COTTAGE to see the full story and a look at my home.

Thanks Jennifer, it was fabulous working with you! All the best to everyone in 2011!

Hugs,

Shelley

WINTER FLOWERS

2010-12-29T15:01:00.003-05:00

Just popping in with a quick post! Thought you might enjoy my winter flowers...

verbena in an old well bucket.

pansies are one of my favs.

sweet alyssum in old terra cotta pots.

pansies and more pansies.

love these pansies in this fab white pot.

what a surprise! more pansies in an old kettle.

luscious lobelia.

bacopa and what else? pansies.

pink pansies.

sweet alyssum on the front patio.

hope you enjoyed the winter flowers! back with a surprise (first of two) soon!

Happy New Year!!

CHRISTMAS MOMENTS***THE FINALE

2010-12-21T12:59:00.004-05:00

For me Christmas isn't about over the top decor and big blow~up santas and snowmen on the lawn... Not that there's anything wrong with that.

It just isn't me.

Here are some final glimpses into our holiday home, be it ever so humble.

Meet Miss Merry Christmas.

Some favorite cards I gave and received along the mantle.

This year my charlie brown tree is strewn with old rosaries.

I will be back after Christmas with a surprise for all you that I think you will enjoy. Until then, may each of you be blessed with a happy, safe and very merry Christmas!

Shelley

CHRISTMAS MOMENTS PART DEUX

2010-12-17T17:07:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share more of the random sprinkling of Christmas around my home...

Back with the finale in a few...

CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

2010-12-13T10:23:00.004-05:00

Rather than an all out Christmas explosion, I prefer quiet moments of Christmas when I decorate. I like to use creams, whites and silvers mixed with holidays greens. This year I used an antique grain sack wrapped around the base of my little tabletop tree. I found some gorgeous ornaments at Pottery Barn (on sale) made of folded paper and glitter.

Let's begin in the dining room shall we?

I'll be back shortly with more moments of Christmas...

Hugs

BLESSED

2010-12-09T16:17:00.006-05:00

I am blessed to have some of the very best people as friends...

The other day I received a box in the mail from my besty Carla in Tennessee. She is my Marburger peep and we have grown to be true compadres. I love her like a sister.

She sent me this white pumpkin cause I didn't get one at Leftover's in Texas and they had just one at the shop she sells in... I can't stop looking at it...

And then every once in awhile a new friend comes along...

I got to spend the afternoon with Sue LaLumia whom most of you know as Vintage Rescue Squad on the blog circuit. By the time we parted ways I knew we would be friends forever. She's just like that...

Sue and moi.

She was in town to visit her parents for Christmas and unfortunately her mom is in and out of the hospital right now. Let's all keep the LaLumia's in our prayers okay?

Because her mom is sick they were unable to go here...

Her generous dad gave all four tickets to the 6pm show last night to moi...

Let me just say that it was off the chain... Her dad's pretty fabulous too.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

2010-12-06T10:39:00.002-05:00

Have you heard the big RACHEL ASHWELL NEWS?

She bought a guest ranch in Round Top Texas!

Go HERE to read all about it!

Back soon with Christmas decor pics...