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~