Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Random Bits

Bonjour Mes Amis!
Hope you are having a great week so far.  Today I have some random bits of this and that to share with you.
Isn't this glittered angel just gorgeous?  One of my dear friends gave it to me for Christmas, and I just love her!
 She really sparkles and shines in the light.
 I think she looks right at home on our mantle surrounded by candle light!
 Next up is my large glass apothecary jar, which you have seen many times before here.  I love changing it out with the seasons, and for winter I've filled it with giant pinecones.
 I painted the pinecones a creamy white, and even though it doesn't show up in the photos, I've added clear glitter to them as well.  Because you know my motto............
"You can never have too much glitter!"

 I love displaying the apothecary jar on this vintage silver tray, with just the right amount of patina (love!).
Here is a closer look at the pinecones.
 Ok, sorry these next shots are dark in the foreground, I guess it was due to the bright white snowy background.  Anyway, our Katie visited the groomer yesterday for a new 'do, and wanted to show it off to you!!  She was being a bit camera shy, and just wouldn't turn and look towards me!
 This is one of her favorite perches, sitting on the back of our couch, front paws on the window sill, checking out all of the action!
 Ok, I told you this was going to be a random post!  I ordered Rick Steve's Italy book from Amazon, and was super excited when it came yesterday!  Hubby and I first visited Italy 13 years ago, and fell in love with the country!  We still talk about that trip, and vowed that we would some day return. So, we are hoping to get back there sometime this year, I can't wait!  This book is huge, well over 1,000 pages.  So I thought it would make for some fun reading and dreaming to help us get thru our cold, snowy and dreary winter!
 Looks like Katie decided to have her picture taken after all!
 I can't believe how much she has grown!  She will turn one year old in a little less than 2 weeks.
 And last but not least, I was super thrilled to discover this giant vintage Syroco decorative ladle last week at one of my favorite consignment shops!  It stands over 2 1/2 feet tall!  Of course I will be covering up that "gaudy gold" with my favorite shade of creamy dreamy white paint!
Usually the consignment shop is on the high end price wise, but I was surprised to see how reasonable this piece was.  I think because they thought no one would want the poor thing being so, well, gaudy gold!!
 I'll be sure to share with you her transformation when I am finished!
Looking forward to seeing what you all have been up to, have a great day!

11 comments:

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, what a wonderful post. I love the first gorgeous angel. She is beautiful. I love your pinecones in your apothecary jar. Such a pretty winter display.
OMG that ladle is awesome. It is huge!! I know it will be perfect when you get done with it. What a find!!
And sweet Katie is a doll. I love how she sits on the sofa and looks outside. She really has grown and almost a year old. WOW the year flew by.
Your snow is pretty too.
Looks like a great book of Italy too. We want to go someday and knowing you've been already, I may have to ask you questions when we are ready.
Happy Painting that ladle!!
Hugs

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful things! The angel is lovely,pinecones in the apothecary are also!I cannot wait to see what you do with the ladle! Your Katie looks so sweet!Happy New Year!

NanaDiana said...

You are gonna have a hard time parting with that big ladle when you are done with it. I would be gorgeous just holding a trailing plant once you get it painted.

I LOVE your angel. Someone knew you well-and that you love sparkles..especially on pinecones...or on anything else that stands still long enough to get glittered...lucky Katie keeps on the move!

Enjoy your book on Italy. My kids almost decided to go and live there for a year before they purchased their new house. They seriously talked about it but now, of course, can't afford to go for a year. lol The choices we make!

Katie looks so sweet, Donna. I suppose you are getting ready to head South soon? Have a great night- I am cleaning out cupboards and organizing. xo Diana

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Awwwww....Katie looks adorable in her favorite perch and with the new 'do' - I can't get over how much she's grown, too!
That angel is just perfect for you, Donna - sweet and sparkly like you. I've always enjoyed watching Rick Steve's Europe shows on PBS - hope you love that book and make your way to Italy soon!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Is Katie really going to be a year? It's gone by so fast. Such a precious sweetie. You have so many beautiful treasures! The angel is lovely and I'm always smitten with pinecones. That apothecary has so many uses. A trip to Italy! I hope you bring us all along. The food! The wine! The countryside! I'm so envious.

Junkchiccottage said...

Donna
Your little Katie is such a sweetie. What a pretty one she is. Love the ladle and can't wait to see what you do with it
Kris

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

First I have to say how beautiful little Katie is - her new do looks good.
You angel is very pretty - love the glitter on her and the the pine cones.
I am almost finished getting my house back in order - have been deep cleaning as I go along and tweeking a few things. Can't keep the dust off due to the high winds we have been having. Was almost 90 degrees today, can you believe that. Hopefully we will get some rain soon or we will be in trouble big time.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with the ladle I know it will be stunning when you get finished.
Have a great weekend.
Mary

Unknown said...

Oh my your blog is beautiful! I love your angel too! Thanks for visiting my crafty blog!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, stopping by to check my reply status. You can delete this.
Thanks you.
Hugs

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Love everything Donna! Your baby is so pretty. That ladle has
white paint written all over it!

Hugs
Sissie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

That ladle handle is framing those little dogs perfectly! Your Katie is sure a beauty...she looks like she has a very sweet personality! Love your beautiful mantle...the angel is lovely surrounded by mercury glass and candles~perfect for winter!