Antiques and More Blog

This Blog Is Closed~

2009-04-22T15:17:00.003-05:00

This blog will be closed until further notice.

Please replace with ~La Rustique Market~ .

Thank You!

Lisa

Check This Out~

2009-04-12T20:04:00.004-05:00

You're probably wondering where I have been...well, I have been trying to catch up on some much needed housework and unpacking from Warrenton.

Go to my other blog ~La Rustique Market~ for all the updates on the antique show.

Easter Blessings~

Lisa

Gone Junkin'~

2009-03-22T07:24:00.003-05:00

I'll be gone for a few weeks to the "Biggest Show on Earth"...that's right, I'll be junkin' in Warrenton/RoundTop at the Antiques Show.

If you go, come check me out at my booth ~La Rustique Market~.

Be back on the 5th of April with lots of photos and goodies to share with you!

Peace, Love and Blessings~

Lisa

Todays Inspiration~

2009-03-16T09:24:00.005-05:00

Todays inspiration comes from one of my most favorite magazines around...Veranda. I absolutely love going over and over the pages of so many enchanting places. I never tire of reviewing the same stories and articles because each time I visit, I see something new.

The following pictures are from the Veranda Jan/Feb 2009 issue.

A wonderful spot to sit and relax and chat with friends~

A dream kitchen~

Beautiful arches~ Stone and granite table~

Another relaxing space to read a book and sip a cup of coffee~I have kept every single copy of Veranda since 1998. You should see the stacks in my closet!

I hope you enjoyed these inspirational places as much as I enjoyed showing them to you.

Wishing you all a wonderful week~

Lisa

Miss Vintage Bunny~

2009-03-10T20:10:00.006-05:00

With the approach of Spring and Easter upon us, I had to share my latest Thrift Store find.

A Vintage Bunny dressed in a tea-stained linen and lace dress.

I fell in love with her the minute I set my eyes on her.

Isn't she precious?

Look at the detail of the dress...the bottom is made of lace~

I know these pictures don't do her justice~Being that her dress is tea-stained, I figure she will be a perfect match with my tea-stained eggs I made last week.

Happy Hunting~

Lisa

Spring Forward~

2009-03-07T15:42:00.004-06:00

Well my friends, once again it's time to turn the hands of time ahead one hour for Daylight Savings.

The only way I could ever remember which way to turn the clock hands was by saying "Fall Back, Spring Forward"....I know it's crazy not being able to remember that!

Here's wishing everyone a delightful day!

Peace and Blessings~

Lisa

Inspirational Day~

2009-03-03T08:27:00.009-06:00

Since I am busy getting things ready for the Warrenton show in a few weeks, I really don't have much to blog about except that. I don't want to give all my secrets away before the big show, so I wanted to leave you with some photos of things that inspire me.

I cannot take credit for the following pictures, they are a mix of things I have collected from magazines.

In particular the Victoria Jan/Feb 2009 issue.

Lovely bed linens~

White ironstone pitcher filled with flowers~

Beautiful kitchen~

More white ironstone~

Soothing living room~

A lovely vignette~

Enjoy~

and

Have an Inspiring day~

Lisa

Tea-Stained Eggs~

2009-02-27T16:16:00.008-06:00

I was cleaning out the refrigerator today and noticed that our eggs had an expiration date of February 14, 2009....Yikes!! I don't like to use milk past the date much less eggs, so just as I was going to put them in the trash can I thought...What can I do with the shells instead of throwing them out? At first I thought about crushing the shells and using them for a project, then the light bulb turned on and it hit me. With Spring and Easter coming up, the egg shells would look lovely dyed....tea-stained. With all the dried grass and weeds I made the birds nest too.

I surprised myself! Look how adorable they turned out.

This is a no-brainer but I thought I'd share how I accomplished the tea-stained eggs~

All you'll need are some empty egg shells, tea bags, and boiling water~I left my egg shells in the tea for about 25-30 minutes~

You can leave yours more or less, depending on the shade of cream, taupe, or brown you want~

I love the final look of all shades of cream and brown eggs~

Have a Fabulous Friday~

XXOO's

Lisa

Spring Fever~

2009-02-26T17:12:00.006-06:00

Spring is just around the corner and I can feel a fever coming on, Spring Fever that is. I was in the mood to brighten things up on the front porch today, so I went and bought a tray of these gorgeous Petunias. They were just unloading them from the truck when I got to the store and snatched them up right away. I put them in my wheelbarrow that was empty since the holidays~

As you can see by the following pictures, it's windy as heck at my house~

Just look as the poor ferns getting beat up by the wind~

I hope the Petunias make it past all the wind~

XXOO's

Lisa

Prayers Needed~

2009-02-24T18:56:00.004-06:00

Let's remember Debbie, her daughter Jennifer and baby in our prayers tonight that all will turn out well for them.

Love and Peace~

Lisa

Monday Treasures~

2009-02-23T10:41:00.011-06:00

Since I took some time off from working to pursue my dream of starting a business, I have all this time now to go "junking". Once everyone was off to school and work, I decided to go into town and visit the Senior Citizens Resale Shop. They have new people running the place and is turning out to be a wonderful place to find "junk". I don't buy things because they're worth anything, I buy them because I either like the color or the style of the item. The best part about shopping there is that everything is cheap..cheap..cheap!!!

I fell in love with this egg when I saw it, I love the color and the fact it looks so real. I didn't have anything to put it in so I got an old spoon and bent it and it now holds this precious little egg.

This Victoriana Decanter and Bowl set from Avon is from the 70's~
I couldn't get a good pic of both pieces with the "AVON" markings~

This little creamer doesn't have any markings, I just liked it~

A cute little bird and nest attached to a clothespin perched on a twig~

And these sweet Baby Jacks walking shoes~I know they're not very old, I just love baby things~

The best part about it is that they were all $1.00 and under~

Have a Glorious Monday~

Lisa

A Tiny Peek~

2009-02-21T18:29:00.011-06:00

After announcing earlier in the week that I would be setting up in Warrenton next month I had several requests to "show my stuff "! O.K. get those minds out of the gutter. I guess I should have said "show the merchandise I will be selling".

I have been busy going to garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores and even trash piles...it's amazing what people throw away! I'm trying to find the best deals so I can bring them to you.

So, here goes just a teensy, tiny peek as to what my booth ~La Rustique Market~ will feature.

Oh! if anyone likes what they see in these next few photos, please contact me.

All items are For Sale!

This is my favorite find of all...a yellow rose painting~

Pair of glass boudoir lamps~

The complete vignette~

A lady might have packed these things for a trip on the Orient Express.

XXOO's~

Lisa

Friday Evening~

2009-02-20T15:55:00.010-06:00

Have you ever had a day when you're ready to do a post on your blog then suddenly your mind just stops! You go over it a million times in your head what your going to say and just when you sit down to start typing...POOF it's gone forever!!! I've had this happen to me more than once let me tell you and I think today is going to be one of those days. Well, being that it's Friday I guess my mind is just ready to chill and start my weekend of rest and relaxation. HA!HA!

My daughter left for Houston this afternoon with her best friend and family to attend a Christian concert, so my husband and I have the house to ourselves this evening..WooHoo!!!

Oh! my hubby just called and asked what was on the agenda for this evening and I told him not a thing. He asked if my daughter was gone already and I said yes she is. So he asked if I wanted to go out to eat..of course I said Yes!!! We're going to one of the best seafood restaurants called Barkett's in Seadrift, TX...it's about 15 miles out from where we live. This place gets very busy on a Friday night so we'll leave as soon as he gets home from work which will be in a few minutes. I better get ready!

Enjoy this evening with your loved ones~

Hugs and Kisses~

Lisa

Welcome A New Blogger~

2009-02-19T14:39:00.009-06:00

I'd like to take this time to introduce you to a new blog and website.

This is an individual who enjoys his work and wants to share his love of making furniture with others. His name is David and he has just started A Carpenters Touch blog. David also has a website http://www.acarpenterstouch.com/ where you can view more of his wonderful furniture and other handcrafted items he sells.

Just look at this to die for pie safe. I love that it's RED!

Oh! BTW, he sells the signs too!!

Join me in welcoming David to the world of blogging by paying him a visit sometime.

XXOO

Lisa

A Cloudy Day~

2009-02-18T16:30:00.005-06:00

This was supposed to be a post for this morning~

This morning the skies were clouding up and I thought how nice it would be to get some rain to help the Spring planting. Then it dawned on me that I spent yesterday evening decorating my back patio with hopes to have some friends over for lunch this week and I hadn't taken a single picture.

Now I'm not a photographer so please pardon the photos I'm about to share with you.

Thanks to Theresa from Garden Antqs Vintage for assisting me with my computer problem today.

I do hope you enjoy the show!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday~

Lisa

Some Exciting News~

2009-02-17T22:39:00.008-06:00

A while back I introduced you to a new venture of mine through a new blog. My plan was to transition from Antiques and More Blog to the new blog, but that is taking longer than anticipated. For now, I will manage both blogs until it gets to be too much for me to handle.

So, it looks like my dream of starting a business is finally taking some shape and will be under the name of ~La Rustique Market~. I am very excited to say I will have a booth in Warrenton/RoundTop for the 2009 Texas Antique Show. Of course, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing...just that I have wanted this for a long time, and now I'm going to do it!

Look for the dates to pop up on my sidebar along with a banner letting you know when I'll be there. I may even give you a peek as to what I'll be selling!

I look forward to meeting you if you plan to shop or sell there this Spring!

Hugs to all~

Lisa

Candlelit Evening~

2009-02-15T19:26:00.004-06:00

One of my most favorite things to do once the sun goes down, is to light all the candles in the house and sit in candlelight. I love to see the flames dancing about like beautiful little ballerinas. The scent of the candles also makes the house smell wonderful and I feel like I'm taken away by all the senses to another world.

On this beautiful Sunday evening I want to leave you with a photo of my mantle vignette in candlelight.

So light some candles in your home and be swept away, if only for a while, to another place.

Enjoy My Sweet Friends~

~Lisa

Romancing The Blog Party~

2009-02-14T10:45:00.011-06:00

Today is Romancing the Blog Valentine's Day Party! hosted by Flatwoods Folk Art.

A Valentine Greeting~

A Valentine's Day table setting~

XOXO~

A Valentine Vignette~

Hope you are inspired today and everyday~

Pay a visit to all the other participants.

Click on this banner.

Hugs to everyone~

Lisa

Love Wishes~

2009-02-14T10:20:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day...

to all in blogland!

Hugs and kisses,

Lisa

HRH~100th Post Celebration Party~

2009-02-13T10:48:00.010-06:00

In honor of Helen Louise and the 100th post, her daughter, Debra Lynn (Her Royal Highness) is having a Celebration Party-Blog Style. How appropriate to honor someone as special as your Mother on this pre-Valentine's Day. I am so very honored to be a part of this wonderful celebration and to be witness to one of the most elaborate events about to make history in blogland.

Now, being that this is my first Blog Style Party, I wasn't sure how to approach this so I'm just gonna dig right into it. Allright! Here's me and my date ready to paint this party RED! Meet Mr. Black Mannequinn. I know what you're thinking...where's his head? Well, I like my men all body and no brains! And yes, that's me in my Valentine party frock! It's a size 4 BTW and it doesn't zip up all the way. I haven't been a size 4 since high school! I figure no one's gonna notice with all the other action going on. After all, this is Debra Lynn's day and I wouldn't dare take the spotlight away from her.

My date has LOVE written all over!

Hmmm...I wonder if Debra Lynn will let me have a dance with Harry?

I just want ya'll to know that this is the reason I continue to blog. I treasure each and every acquaintance made through blogging and I pray that these friendships last a lifetime. Nothing can compare to the love and support I get from blogging with my newfound FRIENDS! Oh! and I get to PARTY at the same time, even though the dishes are piled high in the sink and my husband and child don't have any clean clothes to wear. I will get that under control as soon as I get to have some FUN first!

What else can I say except that when Miss Talking Trash puts on a party it's like no other!

She's not only Queen for a day, she's a Queen everyday!

You Go Girl!!!

Well, are ya'll ready to PARTY???

Cause I am!

Now point me in the direction of the champagne table!

Now for a toast:

"CHEERS to Helen Louise, her daughter Debra Lynn

and to all the bloggers out there attending and not, may you all continue to be blessed for all the great things you do for one another".

Have a Happy Day!

~Lisa

Breaking News~

2009-02-11T22:44:00.008-06:00

We interrupt this program so we can bring you breaking news that's just come in...The latest news going around blogland. While surfing blogger last night there was some interesting information about a so- called blogger who goes by the name of Debbie Talking Trash aka Miss Lazy. Her photo was on the front pages of Garden Antqs Vintage and Veranda's blogspot.

Debbie is throwing the "party of the century" as one blogster put it. The news of her party has hit the airwaves. There's talk of this party in every household tonight as we speak. Not since the episode of "Who Shot JR" on Dallas has there been this much talk of a celebrity in Texas!

I don't know about you but I'm dying to see who she brings as her date, because by the looks of this photo Cat Daddy isn't very happy who she's saying "Hi"! to.

I declare! What's this world coming to?

Stay tuned to this blog for more news as it becomes available.

Romantic Settings~

2009-02-11T19:27:00.029-06:00

I'm inspired this evening by all the blogs that are decorated for Valentine's Day. There are posts about vintage cake toppers, handmade wreaths, and scanned valentine's and sooooo much more that I felt like I wasn't doing my part. I just haven't had much time lately to be creative and make sweet gifts so I decided to put some romantic vignettes together for Valentine's Day.
Remember this was done like in one hours time. So please excuse that thrown together look.
Oh! If you want, you are welcomed to use some ideas for your own home.
It's always an honor to me when someone borrows or copies (whatever you want to call it) ideas.

I LOVE Red Amaryllis.....

Wouldn't this make a lovely invitation to a Valentine's Brunch?

Join me at my home for a Valentine Brunch~
Saturday, February 14th
at half past ten o'clock in the morning

And More Beautiful Red Amaryllis.....

OMG! Why I didn't think of this before...

My daughter will turn 13 on Valentine's Day. I think I'll host a Valentine Brunch for her and her friends.

It could also serve as an etiquette lesson in attending parties. Teenagers could use a lesson or two on how to conduct themselves at social functions.

If there was more time to prepare I would host a Valentine Brunch Blog-Style!

Enjoy and have yourself an evening full of LOVE~

Lisa

Collections~

2009-02-10T20:45:00.006-06:00

I have many collections, but the one that I am taking more of an interest in lately is my collection of bibles. I have recently started this collection so I don't have many but I love the ones that I do have and I wanted to share some with you.

My most favorite is this burgundy/red bible. It belonged to my mom and she gave it to me when I married. It's a Catholic bible from what she told me, my mother was a devout Catholic at the time she purchased it. I can remember this bible sitting on a small table for years in the dining room of our house. She's had this bible since the birth of my older brother and he is 54 years old. It's special to me because as a child I remember we could not go near the pretty bible full of pictures. It has so many beautiful pictures...Sorry, I know I'm bad...where are the pictures? The batteries in my camera died just as I finished taking this photo. I'll post some of the pictures later.

Another one of my favorites is this child's bible that I bought when I was in Austin at the City Wide Garage Sale. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. It's worn and tattered around the edges. I love that it looks like it was well used.
The only markings I could find inside was a date 4-12-68 written in ink.

I wonder who this might have belonged to? Was it a little girl or boy? Did they take it to church every Sunday? Or maybe it sat in someone's home like ours did just for show.

I guess I'll never know the answers to my questions, but I can enjoy thinking about them.

The following verse was circled in pencil~

Our Father who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into tempatation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and glory, for ever. A-men. Matthew 6:9-13

XOXO

~Lisa

Birdie, Birdie~

2009-02-09T20:55:00.005-06:00

I was standing on the back patio last night waiting for my doggie to do his business and I looked up at the ceiling fan only to find a pigeon perched up on the fan blade. It was quite windy and a little chilly, so I don't know if he/she was trying to get out of the wind and cold or he/she was lost and couldn't find it's way because it was dark. I stood there for a good while watching it and it just sat there, it never moved.

So, I grabbed my camera and took a picture of this pigeon sitting on the fan blade. I even got up in the middle of the night to see if it still was there and guess what....it was! WEIRD!!! But in the morning it was gone. Bye Bye Birdie!!!

Blessings to all!

~Lisa

Decorating Style~

2009-02-07T18:23:00.009-06:00

I get most of my inspiration from magazines like Veranda, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, Southern Lady, Romantic Country, Romantic Homes and Victoria, just to name a few. I subscribe to most of them and I also purchase some at a local grocery store.

I have often wondered what my decorating style actually is? I consider my decorating style to be eclectic because I love to mix the old and the new, with an added twist here and there. But there are many styles that I like when it comes to decorating.

For instance, in the Winter months and Christmas I like to decorate my home in a Vintage Elegance style using vintage ornaments and accessories. In the Spring I lean more towards a Romantic Garden style to bring the outdoors in. In the Summer I gravitate to a crisp and cleaner White on White look. Then, for the Fall months things start to change and I prefer the darker colors and more of a Rustic Old World style.

I'm not sure why is it when the seasons change my style changes as well, or does it? When I get to feeling a certain way, I'll move things around to reflect that feeling at that time. I'm always moving the furniture around at least every two to three months. I can't stand to see things in the same spot for a long period of time. Does anyone else do this or am I the only odd one?

I remember when I was young my mother moved the furniture around the house often, you never knew where the sofa and TV were going to be when you got home from school.

Well, I've decided to take a poll to see how many of you actually do stay true to only one style of decorating or if you are like me "unfaithful" to one style.

What is your decorating style? You are welcome to send pictures, I'd love to see your style!

Thanks so much for taking my poll, I'll post the results next week.

Have a fabulous day!

~Lisa

Trash To Treasures~

2009-02-07T08:57:00.010-06:00

The other day on my lunch hour I was running errands and what did I see! It was trash day in town and I spotted this rusty old tricycle that someone had on the side of the road for the trash men to pick up. Well, I beat them to it! This poor baby must have taken some abuse at it's previous owners house. Just look at the little wheel...looks like it might have gotten run over in the drive way. But I love it, crooked wheel and all. It's rusty and beat up, that's what I like about it.
Now it sits proudly on my back porch like a trophy!

So, I'm driving down the road and what do I see, another pile of junk. I spot these lamps that someone's throwing away. They're just sitting on top of the trash can covered in dirt and cobwebs saying "pleazzzzze rescue me". So I took them home, cleaned them up and I think they look pretty good! It looks like the base was brass at one time and the mid-section wood with the top of it in this lovely hobnail looking ball.... that's really what caught my eye! I'm thinking maybe I'll paint the wood piece or not. What do ya'll think? I'll take any and all suggestions. I'll have to come up with some shades too so if you have any ideas on that, please share!

I tell ya, this has got to be my luckiest day of all...two stops in one...unbelievable!

My family thinks I'm insane for digging in the trash, (that's part of the fun) but I love my treasures. Best of all...they're FREE!!!

Have a fun weekend!

~Lisa

In Bloom~

2009-02-03T20:20:00.007-06:00

Spring is such a beautiful season. New growth is beginning to show up in places we haven't seen in a while. You can always tell that Spring is arriving soon because of all the blooming going on. For instance, plants that normally have leaves but pretty flowers pop out first. That's what our peach tree is doing, it's blooming...I didn't know it bloomed such pretty flowers first before it got it's leaves. Too bad it can't stay that way!

We've only been in this house since July and I haven't gotten acquainted with the plants in my backyard yet. What with the scorching hot sun in summer then the winter months being too cold...Oh! I'm not gonna lie to ya, I'm just not a gardening kinda gal! Don't get me wrong I love live plants...that's just it, I like them alive! I don't have much of a green thumb so I could use some pointers if anyone would like to give me any. Does anyone out there in blogland know of any plant that would be my kinda plant? You know...the kind that I won't kill!

Oh! And if anyone has a wonderful peach cobbler recipe, send it my way o.k....my husband "loves" to cook! BTW, I'm not a very good cook either.

Ya'll have a wonderful evening~

Lisa

My First Swap~

2009-01-31T09:23:00.031-06:00

In honor of my 25th post I thought I would write about my first blog swap. This was my very first swap, so I wasn't sure how swaps were to be done.

Heidi of Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly hosted a Very Vintage Valentine Swap. I was partnered with Kimberly of Seashells and Silver. Kimberly is a very sweet and talented young lady and I was very fortunate to have her as my swap partner. Poor Kimberly, little did she know that she would end up with a "rookie" in swapping. But being the sweet girl that Kimberly is, she made me feel good about all of it.

Thank you Kimberly you're too kind!

When I opened the box this is what I found...a box full of individually wrapped presents all pretty in pink and a lovely heart card saying "Open This Last"! Naturally, I wanted to take a peek but I didn't...good thing too I would have ruined the surprises that were waiting for me.

Oh! and what a clever idea to wrap each item separately...who thought of that?

Anyway, it was very exciting to open each box and find a wonderful gift inside just for me!

Thanks Kimberly for adding that special touch!

Well, just look at all the very vintage valentines that I received...

1. a valentine card with cupid (too cute!)

2. a red mercury glass candlestick with candle (romantic!)

3. a red heart picture frame (gorgeous!)

4. a red mercury glass votive holder with candle (lovely!)

5. a "LOVE" banner (Kimberly made this herself~love it!)

6. a red brooch (special!)

7. sweet angel wings (precious!)

8. a heart card with a sweet message from Kimberly and her list of items for me (so thoughtful!)

Everything was more than I had expected.

Wow! I had no idea that swapping would be this much fun!

Thanks again Kimberly and Heidi for making my first swap a memorable one!

"L" is for LOVE

"L" is for LISA

Hugs and Kisses~

Lisa

Old Hollywood Glam 2~

2009-01-30T19:02:00.014-06:00

Yesterday on my post "Old Hollywood Glam" I wrote about a late great legend in Hollywood...Audrey Hepburn. The glitz and glam of Old Hollywood Style and Decor is glamorous to me just like the films that Ms. Hepburn and so many other film legends starred in. The mirrored accessories along with all the silver, cream and white create a romantic mood in any room. Elegance and glamour are why this style is popular not only in decorating homes, but proms and weddings are also being done in this style today.

This vignette consists of a venetian style mirror reflecting the silver and gold leaf on the candlesticks and table lamp. I layered the feather boa, ostrich feathers and a lovely lace runner to give it texture, a pearlized shell along with a beaded headpiece to give it that "glam" look.

Get a closer look....

A close-up of the mirror and candlesticks

My favorite...a beaded headpiece

Ostrich feathers

And the beautiful reflection of a pearlized shell

My version of Old Hollywood Glam~ was the inspiration for this post and vignette.

Have a glamorous weekend!

~Lisa

Old Hollywood Glam~

2009-01-29T20:57:00.009-06:00

For the past several days my computer has been on the "outs" and is finally working again. Since I was without a computer, I turned on the tube and watched one of my favorite classic movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn. She portrays this wacky, carefree soul who can make a potato sack look good.

See what I mean...she looks fabulous!

My yard sale "find" from a few months ago, this Collector's Edition of LIFE magazine featuring Audrey Hepburn.

Born the daughter of a Dutch baroness and a British banker, Edda van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston made a magical broadway debut in Gigi. At the age of 24, she won an Oscar for her first American movie, Roman Holiday. She went on to star in a number of classic films.

Audrey Hepburn died of cancer at the age of 63.

The glitz and glamour of old Hollywood style and decor are classic just like the films that we love. Stay tuned tomorrow for a continuation of Old Hollywood Style and Decor...

Blessings~ Lisa

To Recognize or Not~

2009-01-24T10:10:00.016-06:00

I Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday! My day started out with a lovely note from Renee at Cottage Lifestyle who has been so generous to award me with The Lemonade Award! It's such an honor to be recognized by such thoughtful individuals whom we may have not actually met in person, but the bond and friendship is still there. That is what's so special about blogging.

This award is about bloggers who show great attitude and gratitude.

Here's what you have to do:

Upon receiving The Lemonade Award, you also pass it on to other bloggers who you think show great attitude and gratitude.

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 8 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Mindy at Primitiques 'n Poetry

Isabel at Maison Douce

Lori at Before The Stroke of Midnight

Yvette at The Charm House

Sandra at Romantique Inspirations

Kimberly at Seashells and Silver

Marcie at The Rustic Victorian

Amy at The Heart Of A Seed

And I can't leave out my 2 favorite gals who inspire me everyday to keep doing what I love!

Theresa at Garden Antqs Vintage

Debbie at Taking Trash

Really, everyone in blogland deserves an award in my book for their Attitude and Gratitude!

Have a wonderful weekend ya'll!!!

Lisa

Changes~

2009-01-21T21:22:00.003-06:00

Good Evening! There are a few changes going on that I'd like to tell you about. I have started another blog with hopes to begin a business of my own. It is ~La Rustique Market~ you can click here http://la-rustique-market.blogspot.com/ or on the link on my sidebar to get there. This is going to take some time, but I have to start somewhere. I will keep you updated of any changes and also the transition from AMB to ~LRM~.

Thank you for your patience and I pray that this transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Hugs and Kisses~

Lisa

God Bless America~

2009-01-20T10:58:00.005-06:00

We are witnessing history in the making....so just a quick note to commerate this day.

As I watch the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, I'm touched to see so many supporters out there to witness this special day in history. I'm not political, but I do pray that God will protect us all and our new President.

Have a Blessed Day~

Lisa

It's Sweet To Recycle~

2009-01-19T09:33:00.012-06:00

Greetings to all! Last night as I was thumbing through magazines I came upon this interesting project on recycling. This is from a copy of Crafts n'Things magazine in a section on "bragging writes", where you can write in and tell about your discovery on ideas, or like Kristine Kadlec from California wrote in about her neat little recycling project.

We all are recyclers of some sort, turning something old or used into something new and useful.

Here's her write up:

"Have you ever run out of ribbon in the middle of wrapping a present? If you have a large, empty candy bag-you're in good shape! My recycled ribbons are made from stips of paper cut from empty candy bags and curled with scissors. The strips of paper are threaded through a small piece of cardboard with four holes punched into it which has been covered with a small square of paper from the empty candy bag using Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive (Beacon Adhesives)."

Ta Da!!! Bravo Kristine!

The ribbons are fun, easy and quick to make. This is a fun and "cheap" project to do with kids, and adults will like that they don't need to go and buy a ribbon that will probably be discarded. They're also environmentally friendly because you are recycling something people normally throw out-empty candy bags....who would've thought!

These would be cute to attach to party bags filled with candy-instead of just those little wire thingy's.

If you have any ideas or creations you'd like to share, here's your opportunity to show it off. Just send a description and photo(s) to:

Crafts n'Things - Bragging Writes

2400 E. Devon Ave., Suite 292

Des Plaines, IL 60018

Have a good day!

XOXO

Lisa

Pencil Sketch~

2009-01-15T20:36:00.005-06:00

It's true, you do inherit traits from your parents...like being a packrat! O.K...I admit it, I am my mother when it comes to keeping anything and everything that ever belonged to me. It's amazing what you'll find after so many years of keeping stuff put away...especially when you are moving from one house to another, you find things that you forgot you even had.

We moved to the house we are living in now back in June of 2008 and I had this tote full of baby things, dolls, toys, birthday cards, just little things that my mom had saved for me when I was growing up. The tote was about to fall apart so I went to the local Walmart to buy a new tote and started transfering things from the old tote to the new tote. Well, at the very bottom of the tote was this sketch of a little girl. As I took it out, I noticed on the lower right hand side of it signed by the artist (can't make out the name, all I can read is the first initial "P") and the year, 1973.

This was the year my family went on vacation with some friends of ours to Mexico, and one of the places we stayed at was the City of Monterrey. I don't remember this vacation very well, just what my parents have told me, but I do remember posing for this. I remember sitting on the steps of the restaurant we were eating at and a young man drawing a picture of me. I was about 6 years old when this was done.

My mom tells me that this was one of the ways the locals made money...she said my dad gave him $5 for the drawing. She never framed it, just always kept it in a drawer to give to me when I got older.

So when I married 15 years ago, she gave this to me and told me the story. I've had it in that tote that long and finally decided a few months ago to have it framed. I'm so glad I did, the paper had yellowed so much and the edges were starting to tear, but it was in pretty good condition considering it's over 35 years old. Wow! I'm getting old!!!

Just wanted to share this with you because it is special to me and so are all of you!

Have a Blessed rest of the week~

Hugs and Kisses,

Lisa

My First Award~

2009-01-14T07:58:00.006-06:00

I had to share with you my exciting news of the day. What a wonderful surprise and honor to get a note from Isabel at Maison Douce, who has been kind enough to award me with the "Proximidade" Award.

This award is written in her native Portuguese language and it focuses not on the glory and fanfare of blogging, but in the PROXIMITY to one another through this on-line world.

Here's the definition of the award: "Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors. This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

Thank you Isabel!!!

Now I will award this to eight very special bloggers who have inspired me to begin this new chapter in my life.

Theresa at Garden Antqs Vintage

Debbie at Talking Trash

Michelle at Rose Garden Romantic

Yvette at The Charm House

Denise Elizabeth at Hope Tree Studio

Sandra at Romantique Inspirations

Sandra at Canyon Wren Cottage

Joy at Vintage Rabbit

Please pay them a visit and get inspired!

Blessings!

Lisa

I Spy, With My Little Eyes~

2009-01-13T20:27:00.025-06:00

Greetings to all this evening! I'm so excited to show you my treasures from my weekend trip and I know that many of you are just itchin' to see what goodies I acquired.

Please excuse my photos...as I've said before, I'm so needing a better camera...it's just not in my budget at the moment.

1. a cream pitcher with gold trim

2. a napkin holder

3. a child's bible

4. a crochet cross

5. a single curtain panel

close-up of a child's bible and crochet cross

a couple of children's vintage gowns

close-up of childs gown

"blurry" angel wings...sorry!

and last but not least....a ruby red glass birdie sitting on the angel wings

As I was posting the pictures, I noticed that everything I bought was white, cream, or beige...except for the ruby glass birdie.

Enjoy!

XXOO~

Lisa

Weekend Trip~

2009-01-12T11:04:00.014-06:00

First, I'd like to start off by saying if it wasn't for sweet people like Theresa from Garden Antqs, I wouldn't have ventured out this weekend to Austin and Brenham. Thanks again girlie...you're a doll!

My sister, myself and our husbands went to Austin to the City Wide Garage Sale and the Brenham Antiques Show this weekend. Let me tell ya...I have never seen so many tables piled high with tablecloths, quilts, pillowcases, aprons, hankies, vintage clothing, you name it they got it. Once we got done going through all the piles of "goodies" we scanned all the booths then got right down to business and shopped! We came home with quite a load of things that will be for sale in the shop and my booth (will post pics later). Then we headed down the road to Uncommon Objects, this place is "crazy"...I wanted to buy everything that I saw. I did come home with a book that I have had my eye on for quite some time now...

Country Living: A Bit of Velvet & a Dash of Lace

by Robin Brown of Magnolia Pearl...and it was signed too!

What an outstanding lady...you can read about her on her website http://magnoliapearl.com/

and blog: http://magnoliapearlblog.blogspot.com/

We also stopped in at the Austin Antique Mall where I found the most sweetest pair of angel wings, I'll be posting pics of this later...where I'll be using them in a Valentine's vignette in my booth. We then made our way to Brenham to the Antiques Show where I met Linda, from Willow Nest in Burton TX...she is such a sweet and talented lady. Our next stop was at the best antique shop, Leftovers in Brenham. It's a little high end, but so worth the trip to just be able to dream and drool over all the lovelies they have. The set-up is fantastic...it reminded me of the Homestead in Fredericksburg, TX. I didn't buy a thing there, but I did take in all the inspiration I could. Wow, what a trip!!!

Sorry...I didn't take any pics..I'm not the best photographer, plus I need a better camera.

Have a good Monday!

Lisa

News In The Booth~

2009-01-07T19:04:00.012-06:00

As I said earlier this week, I would post some more pics of what I've been working on in my booth. I still have some more work to do on it, but I wanted to post some new vignettes before things get sold. It seems that when I get something put together, a piece from one of the vignettes gets sold and I have to start all over again (I'm obsessive compulsive about things like that). Anyway, hope ya'll enjoy my work. I have fun, that's what counts.

(she keeps an eye on things for me, ha! ha!)

(a bowl full of earbobs!)

(I made these cards to display the earbobs)

(fun stuff for New Years 2009...Cheers!)

Hugs and Kisses,

Lisa

Billy and Betty~

2009-01-07T08:25:00.012-06:00

(feel free to use any way you wish)

I was cleaning out some things the other night and came across this paperback book (I don't know where I got it from) and saw the picture on the cover and realized it would make a nice addition to someone's clip art collection. So...here's a little "something" to you from me.

Enjoy!

Have a nice day ya'll!

Lisa

My Fellow Bloggers~

2009-01-04T17:52:00.010-06:00

Good Evening to all my blogging friends! I wanted to take this opportunity to give a big "Thank You" to everyone who stops by and visits me...far and near. I welcome all your comments and am truly grateful for each and everyone of them. You'll have to excuse me as I am not a poet or writer like alot of my blogging friends out there, but I do write from my heart. I'll take any advice you experienced bloggers have for me (none will be taken offensively), I just want to grow in this endeaver and help my fellow bloggers with whatever they may need from me. This blog has been an adventure for me that I have needed in my life for a very long time.

I have been de-Christmas-ing (is that a word?) my booth. I took a couple of pics to give you an idea of what I've been doing. More to come later this week!

I had this wacky idea to spray paint used light bulbs and display them, I thought they looked better than just plain white. I wanted to see what kind of reaction I'd get..what do you think?

Tomorrow I go back to my real paying job and I'm not very excited about it. Oh well, the bills do need to get paid...especially after all the Christmas spending!

Blessings to all!

Lisa

Family Photographs~

2009-01-02T17:18:00.010-06:00

Family is the one most important things we can possibly acquire in life. We are surrounded by them day after day, and in my home with photographs. My family is very special to me and I'm proud of them all...young and old, they are all dearest to my heart. I cherish each and every one of them and I love looking at all of them in the photographs that decorate my home, old ones and new ones. My home is filled with so many photos...in frames and not. This is just a sample of some of my favorites, there's more to come later!

Enjoy and Happy New Year to you and yours!

Lisa

P.S. Sorry for the blurriness!

The Comforts of Home~

2008-12-31T16:18:00.011-06:00

As a new year approaches, I am reminded of the comfort I have when I look around me and am surrounded by all the treasures I have collected over the years.

What a thrill to find that perfect piece of furniture, or that shiny silver platter, oh...and let's not forget that beautiful piece of lace.

I love the look of all these treasures mixed together on a bedside table or displayed in a cabinet.

To me, this is what makes a house a home...being surrounded by the things that make you happy.

So, I'm sending you my best wishes this evening through these photos...

of things that I love and adore.

Things that don't match but mix well together...

and cream, silver, and all things white....

...and hope that they make you feel comfort and joy as well.

Blessings and Happy New Year to all~

Lisa

Made With Love~

2008-12-28T17:16:00.005-06:00

I know it's been awhile since my last post, I've just been soooo busy, but you understand that! I hope everyone's Christmas went well and that ya'll got everything ya'll wanted. My family and I had a wonderful Holiday and I'm so looking forward to a little rest and relaxation this coming week...yeah right!

I wanted to share an especially special gift that my husband gave me for Christmas.

This beautiful wheelbarrow cart.

Imagine my surprise!!!

I bought the base (wheel and handles) at a local antique shop and as he was unloading it from my car he asked, "what are you gonna do with this"? I said...(of course) "I want you to put together some kind of a wheelbarrow cart for me in your spare time"...ha!ha!

Well as I would never have expected, he had this wonderful gift waiting for me on Christmas morning...what a treat!

He really is a sweetheart and I know that it was made with love from him to me!

Hugz and Blessings,

Lisa

Reflections~

2008-12-21T18:08:00.026-06:00

There's only 3 days till Christmas....

and 10 days till we begin a New Year!!

Can you believe another year has flown by....where does the time go?

I have only been involved in the blog world for just a few short weeks...so I haven't made many friends, but the one's I have made are very dear and sweet to me. Thank you to all who have stopped by and encouraged me to "keep on junkin".

I want to give a very special "Thank You" to Theresa Cano from Garden Antqs Vintage...you were the first to welcome me to "blogland"...you truly are a sweet gal and may God continue to Bless you and your family always.

There is so much creativeness out there and my wish is that the coming year bring more for all to enjoy!

Have a Very Blessed Christmas,

and

A Prosperous New Year!

I wanted to share just a few of my pictures since the beginning of this blog...

A sweet Santa ornament...

a white vintage dove....

handmade mini paper cones....

handmade greeting card ornaments....

detail of a pink vintage tree skirt...

handmade crosses....

vintage santa mugs....

photo of my booth....

a hand-painted light bulb ornament....

a vignette from my booth....

a victorian Christmas stocking....

another photo of my booth....

another vintage vignette....

a handmade Christmas apron....

I know, I know, I should have created a slideshow! I'm still learning.

Thanks for being patient with me.

XXOO~

Lisa

Greetings~

2008-12-16T19:25:00.004-06:00

The holidays are fast approaching and I am finding myself overwhelmed with the simple task of addressing Christmas cards this year.

Since I work a full time job and have so many other "projects" going on right now there just isn't enough hours in the day to do everything. Well, my creative juices have been flowing more than usual lately and I came up with this simple little "tutorial" on making Greeting Card Ornaments or whatever you want to call them.

All that is needed are some vintage photos you can download off of the web or vintage christmas cards you may already have, some lace, pipe cleaners, ribbon, and a glue stick.

Glue the lace to the photo, punch holes on top corners of your photo, insert your pipe cleaner through holes...a little twist on each end, then last but not least...tie your message tag with ribbon to one side of card.

And the finished product....

A vintage greeting card ornament that anyone would enjoy receiving.

I made these for my co-workers and they loved them!

Super Easy!!!

I like to call this a K.I.S.S. method project.

(keep it simple stupid)

Enjoy!

xx00 Lisa

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town~

2008-12-15T18:48:00.012-06:00

Christmas is one of my favorite time of year....I love to decorate my home inside and outside, make hot cocoa and sit with my family and watch all the classics on TV like:

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman,

and my favorite...Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

Sooo.......

when I saw these precious vintage santa mugs recently at a tag sale....well I just had to have them.

Upon examining the mugs a little closer at home, I noticed that

one of them had the name "Mark" written on the back....wonder who that is.

I thought that made it even more unique....a personalized santa mug.

How sweet!!

Handmade Crosses~

2008-12-12T19:56:00.008-06:00

I'm trying to be creative...check out the crosses I made the other day out of bailing wire and some colored stones I found in my back yard.

Pretty neat, huh!

Something different for those of you who collect crosses.

They are for sale in my booth...

$16 for large cross~$12 for medium cross~$8 for small cross

Have a Happy Weekend!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!~

2008-12-11T21:02:00.000-06:00

All this talk about snow in Texas this week has me

"Dreaming of a White Christmas"!

Just wanted to share a pic of the white "feather-like" trees I made for my booth at the "new" shop in town. I also made the "antique" looking tags and used them as ornaments.

A Little Bit Country~

2008-12-10T19:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a few more pics of the "new" shop that opened last week.

"A Little Bit Country" is located at

203 N. Virginia Port Lavaca Texas 77979

I just love the mantle the way it is....don't you!

Chippy paint...Shabby but Chic!

Neat seashell wreath....

Would be lovely on the door of a beach cottage in the little coastal town I'm from.

Too Cute!!!

Grand Opening~

2008-12-09T19:47:00.000-06:00

As I stated in my profile I manage a booth/space at one of the local antique shops that just opened last Thursday. It's called "A Little Bit Country" and is owned by four ladies who have been in the antique business for quite some time...one of them being my older sister, Frances. The shop is eclectic as far as the merchandise they carry, mainly because all four ladies are different which gives customers a diverse selection of antiques and gifts. Because we live on the coast we also carry alot of nautical items as well. If you are ever in this area, you must stop by and take a look. I'll try to post some more pics of the shop as well as my booth.

New To Blogging~

2008-12-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

This is my very first post so you will have to excuse me...I am new to the world of blogging. I'm excited to start this blog and would appreciate any advice and ideas from anyone out there. I'm inspired by anything old and turning it into something unique and fun.