BLOGGERS BODEGA

Good Morning Everyone:)

I hope your day is starting off to be a beautiful one. Today is Bloggers' Bodega so grab yourself another cup of coffee or tea, sit back and enjoy browsing our fabulous shops:)

Welcome to all of our new advertisers and also to our shoppers!!! We are so happy that you stopped by.




This is where you will find FABULOUS SHOPS that our fellow Bloggers own, every Tuesday!!! Everyone can visit and anyone can link up. Advertisement is FREE!




Why is it FREE ?Well, we know what owning an on- line boutique and etsy is all about. All the work and creativity that goes into it all. We wanted to be a place where you get a break from expensive advertising and just do it for FREE. No catches or jumping through hoops. We won't even ask for your first born;)


All we ask is that you grab the link and/ or button and put it on your blog. This will help in sharing these wonderful sites. This is a great way for your online boutiques, etsy shops, ebay, Bonanza etc. to find the cream of the crop shoppers. For more information, please click the BLOGGERS' BODEGA on our side bar.



 
HAPPY SHOPPING!!!
~Till next time.....................
~Debra xxx

HONORED

When Cindy Adkins emailed me a couple of weeks ago and told me that she was writing yet another book, and she wanted to include Nicole and me in it, I had tears in my eyes:) Cindy is a best selling author (as well as an artist and designer) and the thought of her including us in one of her books is amazing! We are in very good company too. The other women she chose for her book are some of the most talented women out there!

Cindy has been a Guardian Angel to Nicole and myself. We are so blessed that our paths have crossed through blogging. Not only is she full of energy and super talented, you won't meet a kinder, giving and special woman.  She is a constant reminder why blogging is so fabulous. We are proud to call her our friend:)

Her blog features all kinds of free seminars and tips to help everyone who either blogs now or would like to start a blog. She is  helpful to so many people. You will immediately love her when  you read her books or blog.  

So stop over and check out her fabulous blog and her LAUNCH PARTY and to order this book, you can get it on Amazon. You will have so much fun!


THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH CINDY:)
'Till next time............................
~Debra xxx and Nicole

THE BIG REVEAL!

Hey Everyone:) 
In my last post I showed you my latest project. Well , I am excited to tell you that it is now done!  Although it only took me a day to paint, I had to wait for some label holders to come in. I am so thrilled at how it turned out!!! As some of you have guessed, yes, it is an old  counter with 20 drawers!

 I have wanted something like this for so long, but they are just so darn expensive. Just goes to show you that if you are patient, it will come. lol

Don and I were in an antique shop and I saw it and couldn't stop looking at it. I'd go up a few more spaces and then come right back to it. Crazy right? Finally I couldn't stand myself anymore and had to ask if the seller was firm on his price. Guess what, he wasn't!!!!!!! Score! So I took Don by the hand, lead him to it and said   "go ahead, talk me out of buying this". He is really good at that;) But this time it didn't work and before I knew it, it was being loaded in the truck:) :)

Next stop was Walmart for something Don needed. I headed straight for the paint dept. and picked up some 'Vanilla' paint and some brushes. It is really a pretty shade of white. All the way home I envisioned it in the kitchen in the perfect spot and what I would keep inside of it. I will now even be more organized.( I hope;) I am sooooo happy I could dance:)





 20 white drawers drying on my farmhouse table.

Standing tall like soldiers.

 

Dante could hardly contain his excitement.

 I put all of the drawers in and added label holders.

                                        And here it is!!!!!

 It is in a sunny window and my plants are lovin' it. The kitchen even looks bigger even though this piece replaced a small desk. I love when that happens don't you:)

Some of you may know that I make chandeliers. I hung this one to see if I would like it there. I do, so it will be taken down and repaired.

 It is raining today but this wonderful piece adds a bit of sunshine to the room:)

                            Look at all of this storage!!!

                                    An old wooden box holds some of my favorite plants.

                                                     I hope you have enjoyed my little project. It was a lot of fun to do:)
What are you up to?

'Till next time....................................
~Debra xxx

MY NEWEST PROJECT

Hello:)

Don and I went to an Antique shop this weekend.  I found something that I have been looking for for a while:) I'm so excited!!! I smiled all of the way home.  I am working on it today.

                             It does need  a little lovin'.

                                        And I'm just the one to give it;)

Can you guess what it is?  These are before pictures. Stay tuned for after pictures:)
~Till next time.............................
~Debra xxx

P.S.

GO GIANTS!!!!WOOOOOHOOOOOOO YIPPIEEEEE;)

P.P.S.S
Is anyone else having problems with their comment section. I can't seem to click on the comments to get back to people:(

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

One of the most fun things about collecting vintage items is how to display them. Re-purposing. Here are a few ways I have come up with to do that.

 I found this galvanized container at the market last year. I filled it with a variety of old bottles and fresh flowers. Since I love to have fresh flowers in the barn, finding different ways to show them off  is always exciting for me. It is so relaxing to snip the bottoms and arrange the different colors and shapes of petals.
 I love old cookie cutters. I also think they are pretty to look at when displayed together. So I used a very tall glass container for just that.

 Don't even get me started on tarnished containers:) You know my weakness for them;) When I buy them I usually give them a quick polish and then let them change over to being tarnished. These hold my old utensils. Just love them:)

 Who doesn't enjoy finding architectural pieces? One holds Rosary beads, one holds antique glasses and the other two hold small vintage books.

 I've shown you this before but it's worth another look. An old chicken feeder holds my Sea Onion plants. The way the bright curly tendrils climb up the side of the old crib makes me smile every time I walk by. 

 I keep my favorite vintage photos in a very large ironstone bowl. It is fun to sit on the sofa and go through them imagining what the lives in the photos were like.

 I stuffed this handled basket full of lovely pink and green silk flowers.

And last but not least, an antique bowl filled with mercury glass hearts. I fell in love with this small bowl with all of its crazing.

So, did you get any ideas? How do you display your finds differently?

I love sharing and being inspired by all of you.

One more thing. Thank you for all who commented yesterday about my kitchen. I tried to connect with you to thank you personally but there was a problem with blogger. So, Thank you!!!! I really appreciate when you stop by to browse and to those of you who leave comments:)

'Till next time......................

~Debra XXX

GUESS WHAT?

Sooooo..... I was checking out Fifi's blog a couple of days ago and saw that she is coming out WITH HER OWN MAGAZINE!!!!!!!!!! She even has a website for it: http://www.romanticprairiemagazine.net/ 


As if that isn't exciting enough, guess who's kitchen is on her header??????Oh yea...............MINE, well....mine and Dons':) It is the photo with the red and white painted floor. Can you tell that I am excited!!!!!! All I kept saying was "OMG"!!! Good thing Nicole was over to look at what I was screaming about because the dogs were looking at me very strangely;) WOW, was I surprised!!!!!!! I wonder if our barn will be in her new magazine?????Keep your fingers and toes crossed:)

Run over and check it out, it looks like it will be an amazing magazine. She is so talented and a really great lady.
Tell her I said "Hello":)

'Till next time........................
~Debra XXX

FABULOUS PURSE GIVE AWAY FROM 52 FLEA

Hey Everyone!

Just a quick note to let you know that Laura from 52 FLEA is having the best give away ever!!!!!

                     Stop over to her blog and sign up to win. She picks the lucky winner tomorrow!

Good luck!

`Till next time.............
~Debra xxx

WELL, HELLO THERE 2012

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

I am ready for 2012, aren't you? I'm so excited to see what it will bring us!!! You all know that this is OUR year, don't you?
I can feel it!

Can you???Already, it is turning out to be a busy year. But, 'fun' busy:) A Wedding, celebrations, and some exciting projects are coming up. It's all good.We wish you all a very happy, healthy and successful 2012.

 Nicole and I are going to revamp our Online Boutique, Maisonstgermain.com this year too. Even businesses need some fluffing now and then to keep things fresh:) Wait until you see what great things we have for you!

 Speaking of fluffing, I am all about that again. Since all of the Christmas decor is packed away, I am cleaning and moving things around. We will be in all Winter so a change is always nice. Plus, you know me, I am always welcome to change.

                      Love my Iron Stone and vintage alarm clocks.

               Graters, kitchen gadgets, silver and funnels:)
Why would a woman collect funnels, I ask you? LOL

 This fabulous piece was used as a horse feeder. That is what I was told. Not sure it's true but now it is a wonderful cloche, don't you think:) I had all of these great little whisk brooms hanging on my shelves. I took them down and put them on a tray until I decided what to do with them. But now, I kind of like them there. Don't you love it when that happens?

What have you been up to already this 2012? Have you taken your Christmas decorations down yet or do you keep them up longer?

'Till next time...................................
~Debra xxx

HAPPY NEW YEAR TOOOO YOUUUUUUUU!

Hey Everyone!!!!

It is going to be another crazy, busy week. But not too busy that I can't send you a Happy, healthy, successful and fun 2012 wish.

From my family to yours:)

Love,
~Debra XXX

MY WISH FOR YOU

Hello Everyone:)

I wanted to take some time out to tell you how much you are appreciated.  Each and every one of you  are so special. You have no idea the effect your comments, emails and meetings have meant to me. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives and sharing it with me. Truly wonderful.

I wish you and your families a healthy,beautiful and blessed Christmas. For me, family and friends are MOST important, not only on a daily basis but especially when we can gather on Holidays. Love to all of you, my dear friends. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings. I have a feeling it is going to be a fabulous one!

Love,
Debra xxx

OLD CHIPPY SCALES AND BLOGGERS' BODEGA

Hello my friends:)

LINKING UP WITH IVY AND ELEPHANTS TODAY!!!

Do you own an old scale that you just love? I have a few in my collection. Surprised? 

Well, how do you use yours?

 This is one of my favorites. I hung it in the kitchen window to hold a pretty purple Cyclamen. Love this color.

 This goodie but oldie is great for holding fruit. The top is very different than the others. Just look at that face:)

                 A green one sits on my Hoosier. Chippy goodness.

     This old scale hangs from a chestnut beam in the kitchen. I love how the plant just spills out of it.

Another old green one.

Scales are just great around the house. Whether in the kitchen, holding sponges or fruit, the bath holding soaps, or the living room holding small old books, they are not only pretty to look at but functional too:)

So tell me, do you have an old scale? What color is it and what do you have on top of yours:)

******BLOGGERS' BODEGA*****We all know that Christmas is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!NO STRESS HERE;) So BLOGGERS' BODEGA TO THE RESCUE:)

Tuesdays are BLOGGERS' BODEGA days. Read all of the details at the top of this blog. You will love all of our free advertisers!

Hop on over to see what fabulous sales they have going on!!!!
This is a Blog Hop!


'Till next time....................
~Debra XXX

CHRISTMAS DECORATING AT THE BARN

Hello Everyone,

So happy that you stopped by:)

On Saturday, Don and I went to the tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree. We haven't cut our own in years and we had so much fun!

My friend Marcie had a tree, oh  about 12 years ago now, (when she lived here in CT)that I had seen and it was love at first sight. It was the perfect old fashioned tree and decorated so beautifully. After trying to get that 'look' for years, I finally asked her what kind of tree she picks out. I know it only took me 12 years to ask right? She said it was a blue spruce. Well then, that is what we will look for:) Thank you Marcie!!!!!

Follow us on our caper of finding the perfect old fashioned tree.  I documented the whole trip like a paparazzi;)

We arrived at the tree farm in the afternoon. They now have carts to take into the woods to bring your tree back. Remember dragging the perfect tree through the brush back to the truck? Those days are over. We picked up our little red saw and the cart and headed up the hill.

Blue Spruce heaven. So many to choose from. This was going to be fun:)

After about 10 minutes, we found two.  Yes, we're quick. Most people pick out the fullest tree they can find.  Not us. We were looking for an old fashioned Charlie Brown tree. And found it we did! LOVE THIS TREE!!! This is the one we decided on. Isn't he....er the tree cute. Just look at all of that fabulous space in between the branches....PERFECT!!!!!!

                       "Cut it down my guy"!!!!!!!!

           My hero carries the tree to the 'cart';)

  I held the saw:) Oh.. and supervised. I wore my leopard coat and bright orange purse as to blend into the woods. lol

                      On the cart and ready to go!!!

          Oh sir....one more picture please of the tree, uh... I mean you lolol. Just look at that beauty.

We brought it home and put it into the middle of the living room to let the limbs drop.  Tomorrow Don will put the lights on it. I actually think trees are beautiful with just tiny white lights and that's it. Any one with me?

Stella found this wide ribbon that says 'Happy Holidays' at Joanns. I was hoping to find ribbon that said 'Merry Christmas' but didn't find it. Thanks baby doll for helping me find this ribbon. I made a pile of bows to put on the tree. 

I bought this 14" tall mercury glass pine cone from Maisonstgermain.com. There are two left:)

We use mainly glass ornaments on our live tree.  Some reproductions.

                                              Some vintage.

This is the finished tree, except for a tree skirt.. I couldn't get a good picture of it. It is so much prettier in person. You will just have to stop over to see it in person to see it:)
Thank you Nicole for stopping by to help us decorate it.

I love this little tree. I decorated it with silver glass ornaments along with lots of glittery ones. I set it into a big old tin. Perfect for the space. 

                  Then I added some bowls of greenery and shiny bobbles.

                          A little Christmas pouch of shiny goodness.

                                 

One evening my Son-in-law stopped by and saw me twisting music paper into long awkward tubes. "What are you doing?" he asked. "Oh, I am attempting to make a wreath like the beautiful ones I see on the blogs, but not doing too well with it". "I'm a quick learner" he replied. And then picked up pages of paper and started rolling them with me. Together we made this wreath:) Still not sure if it looks the way it is supposed to but I do know that it is very special to me. Thank you Manny:)
.
 A little tarnished stand filled with blue and white bulbs in the library.

This tree was supposed to be 4 feet tall. Ha Ha Not so much. Someone can't measure;) Anyway it is cute. So I decorated it and put it on our library table. I set it into an old galvanized basin filled with lace and extra ornaments. The size turned out to be perfect.

Love this little decorated 'potty'. Yes, I will decorate anything. But you already knew that didn't you?

See the little white tree in the library? It's way back there on the table. lol Again you need to stop by to see it in all of its glory:)

I decorated our antique cook stove this year with little stockings strung up. Love this wood stove. I have baked hams, made soups and of course tea on it. And boy does it keep the kitchen toasty warm.

Bottle brush trees. Love them! I bought some of these from Walmart. They always have such a nice selection of Holiday decorations. I am always surprised to see that they are so up to date on  old fashioned ornaments.

                 'Chocolate candy' Santa. If he was real he would be headless. lol I love chocolate.

And more bottle brush trees in the solarium.

Are you still with me??? I know, this was a long post;) But I hope you enjoyed it:) Have you put up your decorations yet? I'll be stopping by you blogs to see what you have done:)

'Till next time................

~Debra XXX