What's Blooming in the Garden? and Thank You-s

Bleeding Heart

The timing of my spring flowers worked out so well this year. Many are in bloom at the same time, which makes the patio look nice even at this early stage of the gardening process. (it usually doesn't look very good until I plant my annuals in May)

Creeping Phlox

I've decided to showcase the blooms in close-up. I've been seeing examples of the "Macro Challenge" around, and it really does give a different perspective on everyday items.

Weeping Cherry

And I wish your computer screen was a Scratch-n-Sniff because these next two flowers are filling my house and yard with the most glorious scent. Our Lilac and Wisteria are normally staggered a bit in their bloom time but, for some reason, this year they opened at the same time.

And now for the Thank You s. The first goes to Jill at Forever and Ever House. I left a comment on a post about her lovely living room and I won a giveaway! The prize was this very cool Digital Photo Keychain. I'm a little backwards when it comes to techie things, so I may need some help figuring out how to use it. LOL
She also, very thoughtfully, included some cute children's books for my little niece who has been spending a lot of time with me lately. Wasn't that sweet of her?!

And last but not least, some very exciting news. I was recently interviewed and my humble little living room was featured on Angela's blog Cottage Magpie. It is the first in a series of Color Inspiration posts shes doing. I was very honored to be included.
She is collecting cottage-y color palettes to be used as an inspiration and reference library for color and decor. What a great idea! I can't wait to see more!

And The Winner is...

Allison of Nimoy! Creations. Congratulations Allison!

So, the little deer pouch will be crossing the border into Canada. I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the giveaway drawing. It was exciting to see so many new visitors...please stop by again! I enjoyed being able to visit your blogs, too. What a wonderfully talented group. :)

My Dining Room ~ Spring

Just thought I would share some pictures of my dining room. For spring I wanted to add a little color, so I brought out a vintage yoyo quilt in lovely pastels to adorn the table.

As you can see, the room is pretty sparse. The house is very small and looks cluttered when I bring too many things into the space. I also like how select pieces stand out when there's not a lot of little things competing for attention. That same idea is carried out in the adjoining living room. See more photos of that room here. Or you can tour the whole house and yard on the website, here.

I'm not sure how to describe my decorating style. Maybe "Clean Line Romantic" or "Contemporary Vintage"? ...Whatever it is, this is it. LOL

I would really like to find something for the wall under the mirror, though. (any suggestions?)

The brown lump you see in the foreground is my dog, Ubu. She refused to get out of the shot.
And here's another peek at that beautiful yoyo quilt. Its made with some of the prettiest 1930's fabrics I've ever seen. Oh! To have that in yardage!
Well, I hope you've enjoyed the mini tour. Don't forget, you can still sign up for the giveaway until midnight (EST) tonight, Saturday19th. (Just leave a comment on the previous post) I'll be back tomorrow night to announce the winner.

The Blog-iversary Giveaway! and Pretty Pouches

***( A special Hello to the NAVT people visiting)***

This week marks one year of sharing decorating ideas, craft and sewing projects, and vintage fabric via the blog. Yea! So, we're having a GIVEAWAY.

The little zippered pouch above is the prize. It is made with a vintage barkcloth fabric featuring a woodland scene and a cute little deer. The back is a natural colored linen and its lined with a dark green twill. Measuring approximately 8" x 6", it would be great for cosmetics, jewelry, for money and essentials when you go to the flea market, or for any number of other uses.

Giveaway rules:

1. Anyone is welcome. US and international bloggers (as long as your country doesn't have import restrictions on such an item), regular posters, lurkers, first time visitors, ...really anyone.

2. I have to be able to contact you. If you have an active blog, great! If you don't, you'll need to make sure I get your email address. (you can contact me from the side bar)

3. Just leave a comment on THIS post before Midnight (EST) Saturday April 19 th.

4. A winner will be choosen on Sunday April 20 th and announced that evening.

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OK, now that the official stuff is done...more about these little pouches I've been making. They are so fun! With just a small piece of fabric and about an hour, you've got a great zippered bag. Some are in a front zipper style and others have a top zipper. All of the ones of Etsy have a small tab handle. Here's a few that are either available now on Etsy or will be this coming week.
Most are made with vintage fabric and linen. Love the vintage children's prints! The Kitty one even has an applique of little bunnies on the back. (see below)
Have a great weekend everyone. And be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win the deer pouch!

My Favorite Vintage Jewelry

I love vintage jewelry. I have several pieces from my Grandma and a couple that I bought at flea markets. I really like that they're different from the "run of the mill" and the detail and quality is amazing. Here's just a few of my favorite pieces of vintage bling.

The pins...A beautifully carved red coral, a pink glass bow, and the blue rhinestone is a Weiss. I wear the blue bracelet all the time.
There are two hinged enamel (container) pieces. I think the pink roses one is a pill box and the Egyptian is a pendant and has a small mirror inside, probably a compact.

I think there was an Egyptian revival sometime in the 1920's, so it probably dates to around that time. I also love this hand painted pin with gorgeous violets.

The flea markets around here will be starting up soon. I can't wait to get out and find more treasures.

I am also coming up on my one year Blog-iversary and I'll be doing a Give-away! Please stop back to find out all the details. :)