~ A Mantle Vignette~

I spend a lot of time in my office, especially this time of the year. I have a bank of windows all the way to the front that houses the shop area. I'm fortunate the way I have displays set up to see out, however there isn't any "natural" lighting back here, that makes it very challenging to get any good pictures. I change the decor around down here all the time, Ok, I move it around the rest of the house all the time too. lol

Directly in front and to the right of the desk sits a fireplace mantel I've had for many years. It's the old style with the grate you have to use gel in to have a fire going. I've never used it in that fashion, I'm afraid of the odor or other problems it might create, I would love to find an electric insert to be able to enjoy the effect of a roaring fire, the extra heat wouldn't hurt at times either.
I've decked it out with a few books and other accessories that seem to flow together.
The bust I've had for quite awhile, it seems to make itself around the house, for now it resides in my office.

Last fall you might remember my adventure to Nell Hill's in Briarcliff. I spotted a stack of Initialed Chargers and told myself "no" until I could find a spot for it. Once I got home I knew it would be perfect in the master bedroom on top of the large glassed bookcase, so I ordered it on line. Once it got here I decided to put it on the fireplace mantel ( for now ) lol.

Next to the fireplace is a daybed, you can see some of the shams I have stacked in the corner. I've had them and the comforter for many years, I think it's time I find something new to replace them. I've spotted a pillow ticking comforter that may take their place. I've discovered over the course of the last few weeks, I have a lot of "dark" things in my home. Not that I don't love all my black furniture, I do; however I think it's time to lighten up some of the accessories. That won't be something done over night, like the rest of our homes it will evolve.

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Like many of you we have the threat of a snow storm with blizzard conditions predicted for our area. With errands run yesterday we've battened down the hatches and are in for the duration, I pray the rest of you are as well. Until next time......

hugs ~lynne~

Alot of Hats, and a TEaSeR

This time of the year I wear many hats. I have the shop, an income tax business, Mr. P to watch over, housekeeper, cook.... well you get the picture.
Last fall when I decided to quit the "other" job and open the shop full time, I was very "low" on product, there wasn't a whole lot of time to get in what I wanted to for the Holiday Open House, that wasn't already out of stock. This is a New Year and I'm gearing up for the Spring Open House. The orders are rolling in like crazy. I am having a BALL!
Yippee!!! He finally made it. What fun it was to help unload all the goodies. I got busy checking it in, cleaning "some" things, stripping the shop, moving displays making room for the new. I'm so excited about the new product lines, I couldn't wait to share some of them with you. ;-)

I know, I'm a Bit of a Brat...... I just had to tease you a bit. Did you guess any of them? Give me just a couple more days, and I'll show you some of the new product. :-)) I'm really pumped about all that's coming in, the shop has taken on a whole new look. However, I'm still working on putting together an area for the men to sit and the children to have an area to play while you gals shop. Until next time....

hugs ~lynne~

~Robins in January~

My office is downstairs in the back of the gift shop, after being at the computer for so long I was desperate for a break. I headed upstairs for a fresh glass of water, as I was standing at the sink I noticed the drive way was full of birds. The robins caught my eye. Mr. P had to come over to confirm I was actually seeing Robins. I think he thought I was kidding, then again, he knows I don't know a whole lot about birds. lol This isn't a normal sight for us here in Missouri. I would like to think it's an early sign of Spring. Ok, maybe I'm just dreaming, sounded good didn't it? :-)) I took these shots through the kitchen and patio windows.

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Until next time...

hugs ~lynne~

~Angels, Books and Memories~

With all the snow we've been having, I've stayed inside re-working vignettes and moving "tons" of things around, working towards a more clean look around our home. The top of the antique dresser was first on the agenda of things to do this morning.

I've gone crazy over silver trays since my visit to Atchison last fall. This tray was purchased at the Enchanted Frog an antique store chalked full of some great things. I think I gave $14.00 for it.

I try to use books in almost any vignette I put together, whether old or new; I feel they add character and a bit of nostalgia.

To the right of the mirror you'll find a sconce holding a plate, hidden from view a statue of a rabbit, to the left of the sconce is another vintage mirror. This area is a work in progress. As soon as it's complete I'll share the whole room with you. I know I've been saying that for a long time, but until I find just the right thing to hang on the wall, it will remain "unfinished".

The little red checked chair found in the corner is my "official" reading chair.

This is a picture of my mother and her sister, I've had for many years. I don't have many pictures of my family, those I do are cherished. I wish I had the love for a camera at a young age that I do now.

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Until next time....

hugs ~lynne~

~The Hutch Has Gone White~

Hello everyone, I hope you've had a great weekend. We've had another round of snow, some areas got as much as 8", I think we had right at 6". As I was finishing up this post, my driveway fairy came and cleaned out the lane, and around the shop area. What a keeper he is. :-))

Over the past few weeks I've admired the white ironstone going in all the hutch's. I decided to shop the house to see if I had enough to fill the dining room hutch. This first picture is a bit on the grainy side, but I wanted to show you the pear in the center cabinet. It has been there "forever". I've always liked seeing just the hint of yellow with all the green I had going on, until I pulled it all out and realized I like the finished project a lot more. Do you ever do that, like what you've done and once you change it you realized you were just stuck in a rut and needed to shake things up a bit?
This is how the shelf looked after I stripped the Christmas. Wow! Is it crazy full or what? Go ahead you can say it, it's OVER full!!! I guess this is where I tell myself just because I make displays like this in the shop, I don't have to do displays like this in my home. Sometimes less is more. :-))

A shot of the plates and sherbet glasses, that have been there , "forever"!!!

I'll hush for a bit and let you look at the hutch as it sits now.

~Before~

~After~

~Before~

~After~

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I'm pleased as punch with the way the hutch turned out. I'm not sure about the green pears, they'll stay for now until; I can come up with a bit more white ironstone pieces. I'm looking forward to reading your comments on the transformation. Until next time.....

hugs ~lynne~