Pretty Peonies

I just love this table setting! A pretty arrangement of peonies sets the tone. This table has fresh blooms all over it and each chair back in matching ribboned bustles. This look is definately frou frou but oh so pretty!I think flowers add such a beautiful touch to any table!

On the plates the theme is repeated.Gorgeous peony petals adorn the plate and stems of peony buds are tied in ribbon and placed at each setting!How can you not feel so pretty sitting at this table? Just another inspiration for you to think of. These photos were taken from The Home Companion 1999. I hope this might inspire more of you to jump on the table setting tour! You have plenty of time to create your own unique setting! Please see yesteday's post for more details.

Thanks!

Tracy

Table Settings Inspiration Week

I'm going to kick start this week with some of my table setting inspirations! These are thoughts and photos of things that I love on tables.

I love to mix the old with the new! I know everyone has different styles and visions of pretty table settings.So I want to remind you on April 4th. I'm having a Spring/Easter table settings tour!I will be adding Mr.Linky on Thursday for Saturday's tour.Anyone who would like to paricipate and show their table can add your blog to the link and it will be a part of the tour. Grab the button on the right of my blog if you would like to post on your blog also!

This should be a lot of fun! So set your tables and please don't let me be the only one on the tour! Lol! Plus as a little incentive I will be giving away a sweet something to one lucky tour operator!You will see that on Saturday! Thanks and enjoy this week's inspirations! These photos came from Country Living's magazine 2005.

Tracy

It's the Easter Bonnet Parade

There is still time to take a peek at all the lovely bonnets that are in the parade! If you haven't already you can also vote for your favorite Easter bonnet too! My bonnet is in the parade among all these creative bonnets.Wishing you all a Happy Sunday! Sit back and enjoy the parade!

Tracy

Rain Rain Go Away!

Oh How Funny! Becky posted and I didn't even write anything because my computer went down because of a huge thunder crash that put our power out!Anyways...I was going to say this rain is truly unbelievable. I haven't seen this much rain in awhile. That leaves the family stuck in the house. We could go to somewhere and probably will but I think we will be playing some old fashioned games and make the most out of this rainy day! Any creative ideas out there on what to do besides T.V would be great!It is so green outside and the buds are really popping on the trees.It's a good thing like Martha would say!

Tracy

Garden inspirations

Thoughts of flowers blooming and butterflies are on my mind! It is raining a lot here in Atlanta and looks like it will be for the next couple of days.We need the rain but it is a bit depressing. I have been inspired though by all the beautiful Spring blooms and have created a bouquet of vintage button,paper flowers and butterflies. They are the kind of flowers that never fade or wilt and add a touch of whimsy to any home decor!These can be found in my Etsy shop!I just thought I would share my garden inspiration for the day and wish you all lots of sunshine and please send some my way too!

Tracy

Hello...Is anybody listening to me ???

This is how I feel sometimes at my home! Lol! Trapped in a bird cage. A little bit crazy...Yes! Lately my young teenage son has been driving me into a cage... Lol! I don't know if it's the hormone changing thing or what but I'm always nagging and yelling and it seems like everything I say goes in one ear and right out the other! I know it's the age. I have three children and many years of this battling to go on. Two girls left to go through these hormone changing years! So much fun!I guess I'll just resort to my little cage where every one can see me and possibly hear me but are they really listening?Thanks to Suzee que for this lovely image that gives me a chuckle every time I see it!

Tracy

Le Creperie

It was crepe night at our house last night! It's a family favorite. My husband makes them and we devour them!

It all starts with his special crepe recipe!

Then he cooks them in a pan.

I would say about 75 or so of them are in that mound!It's a big recipe!

Then we put on our favorite toppings ,fold them and eat them up! Yum! I hope you enjoyed our evening at La Creperie!

Tracy

This is what I call Spring Fling

This is one of my latest jewelry creations. I had fun with this one! I had a vision when I saw some of these vintage pieces at the flea market on Friday. I love these colors. I'm always drawn to blue enamel pieces. I think it's so fun , artsy and fresh for Spring. I think the name Spring Fling is very fitting. I have this one listed in my Etsy shop.Yesterday I took this picture and it was so pretty outside. The sky was clear blue. The buds are really blooming on the trees.

This is a picture under my cherry blossom tree. I just love this tree!The blooms are spectacular! Soon the dogwoods will be in bloom too. Those are beautiful trees also!Anyways I wanted to share my Spring Fling and wishing you all a happy day!

Tracy

Come Join me in the Easter Parade

I just entered my Easter bonnet in the Easter Parade!This is so much fun. There's still time if you would like to be in the parade too. On March 27th and 28th there will be voting for the best bonnet.3 lucky winners will win prizes.So take a peek at the parade at: http://www.easterbonnetparade.blogspot.com/ . Mark your calendars and remember to vote!

This is my garden style Easter bonnet!I will be listing it in my lollishop today! It makes the perfect table centerpiece or door decoration or just hang it on a chair!Anywhere you choose it adds some Spring to any home decor!Anyways thanks for taking a peek and I would love the votes! Thanks!

Tracy

A Wish for my Little One

One of my little ones came down with the flu yesterday. Poor thing...I hate to see her so frail. It's been up and down..feeling good then not so much. The whole tummy thing,fever,cough and sore throat! Simply the pits! I wish her to get well and I'm giving her this little note.

Please send us get well wishes our way.Thank you!
Tracy

Happy Spring

I know I'm a day late! Yesterday was the 1st day of Spring. Yay! I love putting up my Spring accessories all over the home here and there. I love this egg wreath that I have.I have lots of little nests and birds that I sit about too!It's a beautiful day today. Blue skies and the air is crisp!The trees are starting to bloom. So pretty!Im loving this quote I saw outside this church by home..."Life is full of miracles sometimes not only the ones we pray for."This is so true I believe. Spring for sure is a miracle!Have a happy day!

Tracy

Busy Morning at the Flea Market

I'm beat! Dropped off the kids first thing this morning to school and off I went to the Lakewood Flea Market held every 3rd weekend of the month here. It's been awhile since I've been.I love to go and look at everything and see if I can find a treasure! In most cases prices are too high and I do a lot better at garage sales. It's still fun though and definately a feast for your eyes. I fell in love with a couple of booths that are my style!Many of you might recognize this dress form. It's been on many blogs. It's from Jocelyn from The Painted Fern. She wouldn't budge on selling this beauty...I tried.Lol!If you read this Jocelyn you know where to find me now! She's also a Georgia gal!She had these wonderful vintage, pharmacy ledger papers too....I couldn't resist!

Thank you Jocelyn! I had fun chatting with you!Then I ran into two Georgia gals...Lauri and Lulu of Lulu redstar enterprises. They had a booth with vintage found objects,furniture and quilts.I loved their displays!

Whew......after that I found this shop with all the ribbons of every kind you can think of.......

Can you imagine? Wow!Eye candy for sure!!Then I saw some pretty bottles....

And last but not least...some jewels! There was plenty! I did buy some pieces that I will be making my necklaces with so you will have to wait and see! I didn't find too many bargains today or really neat furniture that I could fix up but there's always next time!I hope you enjoyed my fabulous finds!

Tracy

Who doesn't love cupcakes???????????

Look how cute this sweet coin purse and fun stickers are! I entered a giveaway on :

http://www.apparentlyjessy.blogspot.com/

Jessica is such a creative gal! I love checking on her blog to see what she's up to next! I was excited to see this package arrive from down under!Yep..she's from Australia! Thanks again Jessica! My daughters were both fighting over the purse!It's as cute as can be! I thought I'd share my luck at this winning and wish you all a sweet day!

Tour of Spring Table Settings

I had so much fun with Yvette's tour of collections! I thought it would be fun to share our Spring table settings!! It could be your own expression of a Spring/Easter setting.I'm not that computer savy and I'm not sure how to make a little button for everyone to share and add to their blog so if any one could help me with that it would be fabulous! I was thinking we could share our settings on April 4th.Let me know what you think and if I get a lot of responses...let's do it!It would give everyone different inspirations and ideas and I think it will be fun!Let me know.

Tracy

The Luck of the Irish

Top of the morning to you! Oh yes indeed I am part Irish!I love St.Patrick's Day! The wearing of green,the celebrations all around and the traditional corned beef! I will be cooking the brisket for dinner tonight with little red potatoes and cabbage! Yum! I love this meal! I cook it every year on St Patrick's Day!Sending you all four leaf clovers for luck and make no balarney about it I'll be wearing a touch of green today...How about you?Have a Happy day!

Tracy

What I Collect....

This is the Tour of Collections started by Yvette at The Charm House. I thought this was a neat idea to share!You need to take a peek at Yvette's lovely collections.Take a peek at.........

http://www.thecharmhouse.blogspot.com/

Here is mine......

I have a few small collections. I tend to collect alot of everything and not alot of the same things. I'm what you call a pack rat too!I can never throw anything away. So anyways I will start with my cast iron piggy banks. I just love these. I do believe these are actually reproductions but they are good ones at that andI have them placed all around my home.

These are some wine decanters that I think are so pretty. It's my husband's domain! He uses them sometimes when we have dinner guests.

Last but not least are my oil lamps. My grandparents gave these to me. They were big time antique collectors and dealers. They have sold most of their collections and have passed them down to family members but I have these!So I hope you have enjoyed my collections. Don't forget to stop[ by Yvette's lovely blog! tell her I said you could take a gander at her collections and I'm sure you'll jump on her tour!Have a great day!

Tracy

A French Garden

All day yesterday and last night and I believe today has been and will be raining. To say the least it's been dreary,damp and cold. I've been spoiled the past two weeks with wonderful warm,sunny, Spring days. We need the rain it's good I know but it does seems to change your morale. The sun is the best medicine for us all!My mother in law is leaving today. It was truly wonderful visit! I feel bad for her though. She brought in the snow and now she's leaving with rain! She keeps saying that Paris is always raining and grey. She's not looking forward to going back.I think that Paris does get a long rainy season before the summer comes.Anyways I would like to share one of my most favorite photos I took in a Paris garden a few years ago. This brings so much sunshine and delight to me when I see it! I love the painted concrete wall and the contrast with the overflowing flower baskets!It's amazing and an inspiration of how I would love my baskets to look like.This is my sunshine today!Wishing you all a happy day!

Tracy

What I call my cozy living room....

This is my living room. I took this picture a little while ago...quickly cleaned up the room and took this shot. It's raining outside so the picture is a bit dull!I thought I'd share my eclectic style.A bit of this and that. When we moved in this house 5 years ago it was vacant. I saw a vision! It was dark and drab but it had so much charm! I've told you before it has a wrap around porch and a screened in porch in the back. Every room except for 3 of the bedrooms and baths have a baywindow.I love those windows! Anyways I painted everything! I distressed the mantle and painted the dark paneling all through out the house. I truly love the distressed look especially with three kids!My house is filled with flea market finds....I can't wait to go to the big flea market next week! I will definately be showing you my finds! Thanks for taking a peek into my living room.

Tracy

Remember When....

Remember when you were a kid and picked those Buttercups or even Dandelions and put them under your chin and everyone around you to see if they liked butter?This adorable image reminds me of my friends and I doing that!!Some days it seemed as though the light was really brighter under that chin and some days my friends would say there's no color. Of course I would dispute that and put it under my chin...almost mashing the flower against my skin to prove I loved butter!Oh yeah...I'm a butter lover!Lol! This is just a post of me recalling these childhood days!Wishing you all a happy day filled with sunshine! If the sun is not out today make your own!Also...Thank you to Ms. Suzee Que for this cute image that I love!

Tracy

Ahhhh...Spring

Yep...It's in the air! I had to take pictures of my sprouting hyacinths!I just love these little guys. I have groups of them here and there in my yard.I love the look of a bunch of them by themselves in a vase!Problem is if I cut them for my vase they are all gone from my yard!

I also took a picture of my not so favorite furry friend!I'm always dodging these guys and running around afraid one might sting me! I've been stung many times by wasps,bees..but not these guys yet.Not even sure if they sting. Take a peek..He's on the flower!

This is me....practically dropping the camera as he flies my way!Lol!
And last but not least,my sprouting peonies!My neighbor seperated her plant in the fall and gave me a part of it. I planted it and I'm so excited it's sprouting!! They are my most favorite flowers!I'm not sure if I will get blooms this year but I'm so excited to see it's alive!

These are supposedly going to be pink! I can't wait to see!Anyways I just thought I'd share my new growth in my yard! Have a great day!

Tracy

So Happy to Recieve this Award!

It's the Friendship Award from Yvette at The Charm House! I enjoy your friendship too Yvette.Thanks!

"These blogs are exceedling charming. The kind of bloggers that aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut,even more friendships are propagated.Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award".

#1 Debby at The Pink Bird House. Debby is so awesome! She always has something nice to say. One of my first blogger friends and a true one at that.

#2 Lori at Faerie Window. She is always a friend to everyone. She is so sweet!

#3 Angela at Yippeevintage. She has always been a friend too. Super nice person and sweet as can be!

#4 Reggie at Midlife, Menopuase, Mistakes, and Random Stuff. I just recently met Reggie! She is a Georgia gal. So caring and funny too.

#5 Barbara at Southern Lady's Vintage. She has always been a friend. Helps me with my computer problems. Such a sweetie!

#6 Tina at Tiny Bear. She is so sweet and you can tell by her sweet bear creations. Adorable!

#7 Alisa at Life is a Beautiful Place to Be. Alisa is a sweetie too!A great pal to have! Sorry Alisa ..I wrote Andrea earlier.....

#8 Becky at Behind blue Eyes. Another sweet blogger. Always stopping by with a friendly hello!

To all my blogger friends. I wish I could choose more! This award is very special! Thanks again Yvette!

Your friend!

Tracy

Exciting Day at the Mall

We took my mother in law in to Buckhead today. We went to the big malls and looked around and shopped.I of course took her to my favorite store!!! Anthropologie. I was so excited! As soon as I walked in I was floating on a cloud! I brought my hand dandy camera to take pics for the blog and got one shot! Yep only one because they came right over to me and said"You can't take pictures of the store." I was a a bit surprised by this....not sure what the reason being is. Perhaps for stealing ideas for other shops. Anyways I was bummed! I am a store merchandiser and I am so intrigued with their displays! I'm pretty sure they come from corporate because all of their store displays are pretty much the same.So I'm pretty sure the merchandisers for these stores need to follow a diagram for setting up their displays.They are always so unique and very creative! I would love to be on the design team to come up with those displays!Sorry to bore you with this but as I said this store is my passion! From the home decor to the clothing which I love.I truly am inspired by this awesome store!So enjoy the one picture I took!

Tracy

Irresistible

These french fries were simply divine!White truffle parmasan frittes!This was my appetizer! I shared it with my two daughters!They were out of this world! I chose steak and mashed potatoes for dinner. I'm a potato freak!We all enjoyed our meal!The funniest part was when my mother in law blew her candles out! It was a large Tiramisu cake.It had a dusting of dark chocolate powder on the top of it. When she blew the candles out the powder covered the table cloth everywhere!It was really funny!

Another funny thing was me asking a guy who worked at the restaurant to take a picture of the family.I went up to him and said"Excuse moi Monsieur"....I couldn't believe that came out of my mouth!He looked at me strange and then I quickly recovered by speaking English! Lol!

What a wonderful evening my family and I had last night for dinner!As I mentioned before it was my mother in law's 70Th birthday. We took her to a favorite restaurant of mine in my town. It was very quiet in the restaurant last night.There was not a lot of people. We told her we rented it out for her! Lol!Here's a picture of this beautiful painting on one the walls.

When you first walk in there's this out cove with beautiful old blue bottles. The picture didn't come out as pretty as they are because the restaurant was dark inside. They were really light blue. I just loved them! I'm on a quest to find some just like them!!!

I'm still trying to figure out placing the photos as you can see... Sorry if this is a bit out of order.Anyways I hope you enjoyed some of my pictures from dinner last night and of course tempted your tummies with those frittes!

Tracy