The WInner Is......

This months winner was comment #3

random.org

Congratulations to:

Katie Picciottoli

 Please contact me with your address so that I can get your gift to you!

Thank you all so much for joining in the fun! 

My Romantic Home Giveaway

Yes, it's that time again, the second Monday of the month - time to join our dear friend Cindy at My Romantic Home for a monthly giveaway.  We have selected a vintage inspired laundry bag with the sweetest embroidered birdy and wreath. I have one of these in my pantry to keep those pesky plastic supermarket bags neat and one in my laundry to hold fine washables awaiting a soak. What a nice way to bring some charm to a forgotten area. 

Just post a comment on the creative way you would use this cotton bag. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator.  To visit other friends who are having their own giveaways, just visit here!

Summer Vacation

Vacations take us away from the frantic pace of everyday life. They relax and calm us, rejuvinating our minds and refueling our spirits. (now who couldn't use some of that?) I have found the most fabulous place to take my summer vacation this year (all without the help of a travel agent) and am excited to share it with you. 

I longed for someplace tranquil, but I really didn't want to travel too far. I couldn't be away too long and in light of today's uncertain economy, cost would have to be a factor. So I asked myself, "where would I most like to be ?".... and as always, (being a Pisces) "by the water" was my first choice. So, in July, I will be taking some time, to just relax. 

I will be visiting (inside) the wonderful pages of the newly published book by Barbara Jacksier entitled "Waterside Cottages" (now, doesn't the title alone suggest the most serene of settings?) It is here where I will kick off my shoes, curl up in my comfy chair and experience sheer waterside bliss (and with no mosquitos). I look forward to enjoying the beauty of nature, while visiting the lovely homes of those fortunate people (whom I call "lucky ducks" ) who live by the water. I will gather decorating ideas as plentiful as the shells I have picked up on previous beach vacations and without a single grain of sand in my shoe. The cost is minimal (around $25) and I can return there again and again, at my whim, to revisit the calming atmosphere and quiet solitude.

Also while on vacation, I plan to be stopping at Barbara's charming new shop Waterside Cottage Styles.

- a website that is sure to inspire with photographs, articles, recipes and even craft ideas. (where does she get the time?) If you hurry, you may still be able to purchase an autographed copy of her book there. 

Barbara Jacksier has best been known for her work as editor of many well-known decorating magazines (Country Style, Romantic Country, Country Victorian, to name a few). Wanting to fulfill a dream of writing her own books, she has teamed with talented photographer Dan Mayers to bring us this wonderful gift of ultimate tranquility. I encourage you to treat yourself to a well deserved vacation this summer, and visit Waterside Cottages. You can stay as long as you like, and even take some inspiration home.

Photos courtesy of Dan Mayers.

I'll Be Back Soon

Hi Friends,
Just a quick note to let you know I have been called away from home unexpectedly this week on a family health matter. I will be back home by the July 4th holiday.

Thanks,
Trisha

Decorated Salt Shaker

Since the week has gotten by me, and I have just posted the winner of the decorated salt shaker, I wanted to back track and give a description of the prize.

I found these salt shakers on my excursion last week and immediately saw the possibilities! I filled the glass base with a special blend of a vintage white pixie dust and then wrapped the neck with a creamy rayon ribbon. Adorning the ribbon is the most precious hummingbird charm, Austrian crystals and a Swarovski pearl. Tied into the bow, I added a beautiful crystal button. To balance the sparkle, I tied a sweet Swarovski bead on the end of each ribbon, one a pearl and the other a crystal drop.

I love how this little pretty twinkles in the light and hope you do to. Congratulations to Ember for being the winner of our June Giveaway and a special thank you to all who posted!

June Giveaway Winner

Random Integer Generator

Here is your random number:
10 
Timestamp: 2009-06-11 14:09:42 UTC
The winner is Ember. Please contact me with your mailing address and thanks to all who participated.

Second Monday Blog Giveaway

 Once again we are joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for her Monthly blog giveaway. 

From our most recent antiquing adventure, I have selected this oh-so-lovely decorated vintage salt shaker. To be entered into this giveaway, just  leave a comment on this post telling me where you would display this little sweetie and one lucky person will be selected by a random number generator and sent this sweet decorative accent. 

Please visit my other blog friends who are also joining in and offering their own giveaway at Cindy's blog My Romantic Home

I Hit the Mother Lode

I just knew that I would find something at the Covered Bridge Festival yesterday - just had that feeling.  I think that is why I figured that I better stop at the bank before we left - just in case.  Well I do believe I hit the mother lode. 

I found a beautifully refurbished chandelier that is the perfect size for my dining room. I have been shopping for the right one for a long time but hesitated buying one before actually seeing it to get the true dimensions. My dining room is small and I did not want anything too overwhelming. This is creamy and (did I mention) perfect!

I also found quite a few mirrors to add to my collection. I now should be able to create my "feature wall" of framed mirrors for the staircase. I love how mirrors can enlarge a space just by what is in their reflection.   

I stumbled upon vintage salt and pepper shakers that I plan to "dress up"  and offer as my giveaway for tomorrows blog party. I will be posting pictures later. I also scored some fabulous furniture pieces - a gorgeous coffee table and uber-fabulous chair. (You should have seen my husbands face when he saw me carrying yet another chair). I have such high hopes for this sweetie, and may even use her as my office chair. Unfortunately I cannot post her picture because she is in a dark wood and I need to spruce her up and give her a coat or two of paint - white paint. The other items are still at the shop as I could not take them with me yesterday. But as soon as I get them home and in their chosen spaces, I will show you all of them in their refurbished glory! What a great score, what a great day! 

I am always on the lookout for beautiful vintage white linens and found quite a few yesterday. There is one monogramed and embroidered cloth that I will be posting about. It is a very interesting piece but I am not sure exactly of it's purpose. Maybe one of my blog friends can help me figure it out. Look for that next week!

I think I may have joined the ranks of the "die-hard" antiquers. I can already feel the addiction building. So this is what "they" have been buzzing about all this time - getting up early on weekends in search of treasures, driving through towns and stopping at each tag sale or resale shop on the path, and finding just the right pieces to define your home with your own vintage (white) style. Yep, I think with all of my new goodies and a new found hobby, I have hit the Mother Lode!

Antiques and More!

We are headed out today to a small town festival full of shops and booths selling antiques! I have not been to one of these in years. I hope to find something charming as a giveaway on my blog this week. I will again be participating in Cindy's My Romantic Home giveaway. So please stop back Monday and post a comment to be eligible to win!

By the way, I have had a few blog posts ready for you but am awaiting approval for the use of photos etc.  I promise to get on a schedule of regular posting soon. If you have any tips on how you find time to post regularly, please let me know. I have only honest intentions.

xoxo

Trisha

Blog Giveaway Winner

We used a random number generator to select our first monthly blog drawing winner. We are happy to announce the winner to be: Captured Love.  (Rebecca, please contact me with your address so that I may mail your gift right out!) Thank you so much to all who entered. Wasn't that fun?

Your random number:22 Timestamp: 2009-05-13 23:23:29 UTC