Some Of My Favorite Things

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter Holiday. Today, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things.  Sometimes it's the small things that bring a smile to my face, things I already have that I've rearranged or items that I have stored away that I bring out that seem new to me.  I'm not a photographer, but I did take a few photos of things that I love and that can make a simple but large statement when decorating a room or shelf.

Vanilla Candles ~ The sweet angel a gift from husband from Europe many years ago.

Ceramic Shell on a cigar box covered with music paper

Pale blue shabby chic frame with a photo of Coco Chanel  (I'm the figure snapping the photo in the background HA)

Grey/blue metal letters spelling Paris From Lisa at Burlap and Bees http://www.burlapandbees.com/

Ornament with antique fabrics from ~ Jo Farmer at Eliza's Interiors (http://www.eliza-interiors-and-design.com/) and En Suite sachet from ~ Sasha Smith of My French Dream (http://www.sachasmith.co.uk/default.aspx), silver hearts from ~ Kathy at Vintageweave (http://www.vintageweave.com/store/) purchased several years ago, and a framable photo also from Sacha of My French Dream  

Antique Mother-Of-Pearl buttons

German Glass glitter Paris sign since turned mottled grey/blue and glassware

Textiles ~ My Favorite

And a selection of some of my favorite books!

Most of these items didn't come with an expensive price tag and they don't have to because they all speak to my soul. Some are handmade, some a bit worn and a bit frayed, but most importantly these items are very much loved.  How about you?  What are your favorite things?

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone! I've brought you some lovely ranunculus to celebrate Easter. Aren't they gorgeous?  The reason I thought of flowers was because we aren't kids anymore right? And we don't believe in the Easter bunny anymore?  Or do we?

Image via Google ~  iappreciatethat.com

Humm...I don't think I'm ready to stop belivin' in the Easter bunny yet.  Look at these cuties, how can you disappoint them by not belivin'?  I just can't do it!  Sigh...

Image via Google ~ sodahead.com

So, I'm pulling out all the stops...are you listening my little peeps?  Are you ready to pig out on some candy?

Image via Google ~ funnycutepics.com

So grab a handful of gourmet jelly beans.  I love them all!!

Image via Google ~ dulcedesignscandy.com

And who doesn't love peeps? (They come in different colors now...not like when I was little and all you could buy was yellow ones)

Image via Google ~ sodahead.com

I've saved the best for last...the Godiva chocolate bunny. Are you feeling sick yet? (I use to get pretty nauseous Easter morning eating all that candy)

Image via ~ Godiva.com

I hope I haven't made you sick? Because I would hate to think you and I would come away from our Easter baskets looking like this!

Image via Google ~ corbisimages.com

Have a Happy and blessed Easter!  I still believe in the Easter Bunny because I think there's a bit of a kid in all of us.  See you next week!

Francoise Hardy - So Many Friends (l'amitié - En Anglais)

Friends....

Image via Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Terra Righi

Quote of the Day ~

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.
Oprah Winfrey~


Here is a lovely song about friendship by French singer Francoise Hardy.  Enjoy!

The Beautiful Colors of Spring

While at the grocery store the other day, I was struck by the beautiful flowers, their color combinations and the varieties. I saw these sunflowers and had to snap a photo with my IPhone...not a bad picture. I was wondering what sunflowers represent so I checked online and found out that they symbolize loyalty and wishes. They are so cheerful and can turn a frown upside down in a heartbeat.

Then, I found these and thought of how nature, with the help of rain and sunshine, brings us the most simplest pleasures.

Hydrangeas are my favorites...and their symbolism is two fold.  On the positive side they express thank you and on the negative side they can signify frigidity and heartlessness.  I choose to think of them in their most favorable light and will use them right now to thank all of my faithful readers who take time out of their busy schedules to pay me a visit.  Your visits and comments mean the world to me.  So thank you!

What is your favorite flower?  Do you know what it symbolizes?

I've been busy sewing and adding new items to my Etsy shop lately so that explains my lack of posting as of late.

Here is a sample of what is new in the shop:

Table Runner ~ Ivory and blue floral with an ivory canvas back.
Measures approximately 16 1/2 x 54 1/2

Blue floral pillowcase made with Rachael Ashworth Shabby Chic Fabric~ a silk strip of silk sari, and a white linen border

A  pink floral pillowcase on a pale lavender background with a pale green strip of silk sari and an ivory linen border

Bird eggs with twine ties for Easter

Stop by my Etsy shop for my Spring Sale and receive 20% off. Use SPRINGSALE20 at the checkout to receive discount.  If discount coupon is not used I can't give you the discount! ~HERE~

Patterns and Colors Swirling in my Mind

I've been wanting to sew a new shower curtain for our bathroom and have been visiting different fabric sites online trying to decide on a pattern and color.  Right now, my shower curtain is a natural linen color on the bottom half and a cream cotton color on the top half with a bit of black piping to separate the two.  It is B~O~R~I~N~G and I want to add a bright splash of color.  Since spring has sprung here in Texas and all the beautiful colors are everywhere I am itching to do something different  Here are a few samples of the patterns and colors I've been looking at and believe me when I say that I've looked at so many colors and styles that my eyes have started to cross which is why I can't decide.  I love white and grey/taupe with pops of color but sometimes I like to incorporate a bold splash of color and a bit of whimsey to shake things up a bit.

Image via ~ Fabric Guru
Brunschwig and Fils
A floral that is colorful ~ 100% cotton

Image via ~ Fabric Guru
Brunschwig and Fils
This has a Tahitian flair to it...I kinda like it ~ 100% cotton

Image via ~ Fabric Guru
Brunschwig and Fils
Another floral...a bit softer - 100% cotton

Image via ~ Fabric Guru
Brunschwig and Fils
A softer floral in a cotton/linen mix

As you can see, I can't seem to get away from the florals but I'm thinking both color and whimsey will come from the Tahitian pattern which I think would be fun and the one I am leaning towards! What do you think?

I love looking at bedrooms.  Everyone I see always looks so put together...I'm afraid mine is a far cry from these but I sure can dream.  Each of these bedrooms are a beautiful in their own right.

Image vai Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Michelle Yard  (Great bedspread!)

Image Via Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Amy Benton (I'm loving the purple)

Image via Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Sarah @ Comfortand  (I love the way they used doors for the headboard.)

Image via Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Joanne Thomas  (What a mirror!)

Image via Pinterest ~ via Originally pinned by Marlene Garau

Image via Pinterest ~ via Originally pinned by Karen Chapman

Image via Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Cole Imperi

Image via Pinterest ~ Originally pinned by Mary Trainum Adan

I'll take any of these...what about you?  Which one is your favorite?

A Spring Poem

Happy First Day of Spring! After a milder than normal winter it is still nice to welcome our spring season with open arms. Who doesn't love the fresh smell of cut grass, new buds on the trees, the arrival of our feathered friends and those first bulbs pushing up through the ground. It is my favorite time of the year and even though it is here for only a short time, it is a welcomed time!  So, if your weather permits, "spring" open those door and windows and breath in the fresh scent spring! AHHHH....

Image via ~ Pinterest ~ Original pin by Natalia Harandon

"♬♪ Spring is busting ♩♫♭ out all over"

For winter's rains and ruins are over,
And all the season of snows and sins;
The days dividing lover and lover,
The light that loses, the night that wins;
And time remembered is grief forgotten,
And frosts are slain and flowers begotton,
And in green underwood and cover
Blossom by blossom the spring begins.

Verse ~ by Ann-Marie Imbornoni via ~ Poetry for Spring