…After the Recital

  

   

  Donatella~

A Pane, the Picture and a Lamp-stand

 

A trio of items that were not originally intended to be together, but then- it just all came together

   

This little bird-cage style lantern was discovered just recently and had for a great bargain.  There did exist a thin tin decorative border around the base that just didn’t seem to match- so- off it came!

 

A close-up of one of the newer additions to my collection of farmhouse paintings.

Donatella~

Fantastic Giveaway!

Maria Bartolet from The Agoura Antique Mart

is throwing an amazing giveaway!

Hosted by my fabulous sister Lulu from Dustylu

You don't want to miss this one!

Check out both blogs for the rules!

Have a great week everyone!

Donatella~

Scenes in Silver

Beautiful silver items; trinkets to some treasures to others (me…!); with just a little bit of  the right lighting I hope to make these silver collectibles into a short sequence for an post!

Floating Candles in

Ornate Silver Pedestal Platter

What a precious metal; conductive for heat and electricity, and so highly valued for jewelry, tableware, and other ornaments it also gets used in coins (of course), photography, dental applications and in soldering (just don’t ask me to)…

 Waffle Maker; Pretty Display

 

Picked this sunshine rose from my backyard and dropped it right in…

 

Vintage Silver Creamer

 

Donatella~

 

Sixth Published Photo Game

My Blogger friend Brenda over at Cozy Little House (who’s beautiful photos and clean, cozy blog you must see!) invited me to participate in an interesting little bit of Blogging Fun (Thanks Brenda!) ; to go back in time and select the sixth ever photo published in a blog, from my blog and to then “re-purpose it”; bring it current, bring it forward with perhaps a little splash of new ideas…

Here goes:

This faux headboard from daughter’s room is still there, but the rainy weather that I’d encountered the day it was originally posted is long-gone ; )  Sunny and beautiful weather as of late, and moving into yet even warmer days.

If ever I find another such piece I know I will have to snatch it.  This one never seems to get old…

Here are 10 other Blogger Friends that I am inviting now, as Brenda had asked of me- to travel back in time and gather up their sixth ever published/ posted photo!

1.) My sister LuLu at DustyLu

2.) Anna at Lon de Anna

3.) Flaviana at La Maison de Lilas

4.) Mara at Home Shabby Home

5.) Mel at The Musing Magpie

6.) Nellie at McCarthy Designs

7.) Rory at The Greentiques Solution

8.) Trish at Homemade Quilts by Granny

9.) Li at Creamy White

10.) Maggie at The White Farmhouse 

Have fun!

Donatella~

Washroom Inspiration

Having gotten over a touch of the flu, I must apologize for a brief absence from posting and commenting!  Glad to be done with that and back : )

Donatella~

Garden Beauty

These images of outdoor gardens reveal a number of wonderful pieces that truly represent what I think is so beautiful, bringing a little 'indoor', 'outdoor' in some cases, and in others there are period pieces; unique and elegant in their own special way. 

If I could create a single short sequence that really reflects what appeals to me most in this arena; this would be it!

French Chaises; can still be found by collectors with a discerning eye- either unrestored in their original condition or, refurbished somehow, in some way that might suit your personal decor.  I am a fool for old chairs of nearly any kind! Here are items made from chestnut or hazel wood; genuine, solid and practical [for the people and from the time-period they were made/ were popular (c. 1887)]. A lovely Adirondack; one of my favorites… named for the mountain range in New York and found primarily throughout New England as invented in the early 1900’s.

Ciao~

Off to the Agoura Antique Mart to be Sold…

Hope You All Had a Great Easter!!
Ciao~

Easter, Happy

“May your life be a reflection of the resurrected Christ”

His Birth, Life, Execution, Resurrection = our Redemption…

(It’s a free gift)

And, not to forget some less deep, less somber interpretations (though not insignificant;  we most all have visions and memories of the Easter Bunny and an Easter Egg Hunt or two, and I just love little bunnies : )

“And this little bunny went to market…”

(My little sister Angela adorned this fun Easter Bunny costume to help spread cheer and joy around town today : )

Happy Easter to all my Lovely Blogger Friends!

Ciao~

Award Gratitude

A quick but very special thanks to those of you in Blogville who have been so kind, so thoughtful; to designate me as the recipient of some really neat little awards (Sunshine & Beautiful Blog).  I learn something new about Blogging every day.  Another way to connect, to uplift and to brighten someone's day ; )

Little Blog 'Shouts-Out' to:
Mrs. Nellie McCarthy of McCarthy Designs
Mrs. Angela Walker of Angela Walker Jewelry
And:
Ms. Kim of WhiteWhispers2u

Take a couple cute little minutes and check out their blogs; you'll be glad you paid these lovely (and talented!) ladies a visit!

Ciao~

Springtime Picture Spree

First of all, a quick but heartfelt thanks to my sweet litle sister Lu; the party she hosted was such a good time!  Our closest family and friends were there, we had some good fun and wine and lots of laughter!  If we must get a little older, best to have something like this and family to share it with. 

You are appreciated LuLu and I love you.  Thank you too for all of those little birthday well-wishes I got from some of my blogging friends~

Next, some outdoor photos from around my backyard. The weather here has been sunny and temperate and overall, just beautiful.  Springtime is upon us and Easter is near at hand, getting outside a bit seemed like the right thing to do!

Giveaway's!

Check out my My Sister Lu From Dustylu's blog.

We had a chance recently to visit Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture Store in Santa Monica, Ca.

Head on over to her blog for inspiration galore and 5 giveaways!

Photo's by Dustylu

Good Luck!

Ciao~

Donatella

Antique Medical Bag (and Boots?)

The classic doctor's bag is flat-bottomed with rounded sides, slightly elongated.  Two large handles come together over the top for easy carrying.  The mouth of the bag has a collapsible metal frame that springs open when handles are separated and tugged.

Genuine, antique doctors' bags like this one are considered collectors' items by some (I sure think so ; ) and can be found for sale at various prices depending on the shape of the bag, its history, and distinguishing characteristics or features like unique compartments or monogrammed initials.  Doctors' bags with date-appropriate tools can also be found displayed in many history museums.

[While they may not seem to really ‘go’ together,  they are from the same era and I thought they looked good paired for this little shot.]In the early 1900's a woman’s ankle was usually hidden from view by a long, flowing skirt but when woman wore what were known as 'high shoes' or boots such as these, their feet were doubly protected from prying eyes!  My how things have changed…

Some boots of the period were laced through as many as 18 pairs of eyelets (!) while others were fastened with a dozen or more black glass buttons. (No wardrobe malfunctions here ; )

Shoes and boots alike often rode on 2-to-3-inch Louis XV heels.  These are of the 2 inch variety. Brown leather and gray suede were most popular.  (I'd like to plan on doing another post soon on just these neat boots/ their unique and wonderful look.  I just love them!) Ciao~

Vintage Art; Showcased

Several years ago I was fortunate enough to visit an Estate Sale of sorts hosted by an actor named Craig Sheffer (you may remember him from Robert Redford's "A River Runs Through It" [1992]). 

My husband had met him/ become his acquaintance at the gym where they both worked out.  Mr. Sheffer had recently purchased some propereties in a neat little area not far from where we live (actually, not far from the famed Agoura Antique Mart!) called Malibou Lake, and was in the process of refurbishing them.

Of three homes that were either in escrow or under some level of renovation, I discovered [and was invited to acquire] these beautiful paintings.  The residence they came from had just previously been owned by actress Elizabeth Montgomery from "Bewitched".  Sort of neat.

 

 

 

The last image in this sequence is placed for you all to see what type of frames embrace each of the handsome paintings, and of course- I don't mind if you have a look at the pretty candleholder in the foreground ; )

Some of you may be thinking, 'Hey- wait a sec...  This all looks just a tiny eensy weensy bit familiar'... Well- I've placed this link here so you can see why (and satisfy that little tinge of Deja Vu you might be feeling (just maybe).

Ciao~

The Agoura Antique Mart..

Be sure and check out the best antique mart in town.  The Agoura Antique Mart.

Check out their latest booth..here

Have a great weekend!

Donatella