Household Secrets Part II. . . . . . . . . .

Way back in January I posted Household Secrets, Part 1 and promised

 a second part with more odds and ends from around the cottage. 

Here it is, better late than never, if you're interested in what some call bric-a-brac,

 knick knacks or just plain old junk!

bric-a-brac

noun, ( used with a singular or plural verb)

miscellaneous small articles collected for their antiquarian, sentimental, decorative, or other interest.

I'm now in the throes of doing a little Spring/Easter decorating so some of this

 has already changed, not a lot though because I've really pared down on

 seasonal decorating. Too much stuff to store (we are limited by uneasy to access

 storage, most being in the attic, and we are finding it impossible very hard to

 crawl around dragging out bulky, heavy boxes.

Later you'll be re-introduced to the things I love to display for this new season,

 my white rabbits, they will always be around come Springtime.

What's happening at your house regarding Spring/Easter decor?

Will you be going over the top or keeping it simple?

Seeing these empty French antique drinking vessels above I'm suddenly visualizing

nice brown farm eggs sitting in them!

If you have youngsters at home I'm sure there will be colorful displays, chocolate

eggs, even bunting and cut out characters stuck on the windows - all part of being 

a child who will grow up with happy memories. 

Go for it say I - before it sometimes becomes a little bit more of a chore than a fun thing!

Anyway, let's think Spring - it's almost here.

Spring Equinox 2017 in the Northern Hemisphere will be at 6:28 AM

Eastern Daylight Time on

Monday, 

March 20, 2017

Household Secrets Part I. . . . . . . . . . .

This week I've felt something stirring in the air. 

Perhaps it was the lovely sight of bright green daffodil leaves poking up through the piles of brown leaves cloaking the garden - a sign of Spring to come and the need to run to the garden center today to buy a bag of fertilizer.

Maybe it was the early morning sun shining through the dining room windows and highlighting the dust on the furniture!

Even more likely, and my favorite, was the tiny chickadee already checking the nest box hanging on the front porch, popping in the entrance and probably thinking about the cleanup required before raising a family there again - it will be the third year if this happens come Spring.

So I did some housework. However I also took a lot of photos around the cottage with my new camera because I still need to learn more about its operation and capabilities. Looking at items I love, and captured up close in the lens, I realized that I'm finding it difficult to become a minimalist when it comes to decor. Yes, downsizing is not something a collector of the past finds easy. The clean, crisp, contemporary look is often exquisite in the right place, but it is not my look. Even my daughter made a comment under her breath recently - something about my home being a museum. I said nothing. Funny thing is that I when recall that comment I really like it. Just as I like the bits and pieces I've gathered about me in this little space. Many are from places on the seven continents I've visited, others from local much-loved places such as SuzAnna's Antiques. Whether a century old linen tablecloth from the South of France, or a pile of chandelier crystals rescued from an old North Carolina antebellum mansion, I love them all and the fond memories they hold. 

Here are a few - more coming later - along with news of the big leap of faith I've

 just taken regarding a change in the living room decor. I think I have my

 decorating mojo back. . . . . these January days are not so bad after all.

Enjoy your weekend.

A Change at SuzAnna's Antiques. . . . . . . . .

Although I no longer have a booth, I always enjoy stopping by SuzAnna's Antiques in Raleigh's Vintage Village. I especially enjoy it when visiting and finding my granddaughter Jasmin busy at work there. Now, after five years, including her entire time in high school, working part time after school or on weekends for owners Susie and Jenny, Jasmin will be moving on to a new part time job. Needless to say, many of us are sad about this, however she needs new experiences in the workplace world. She hopes to work in a health related environment which, for someone planning a career in nursing, seems a path she needs to follow now, and part time employment needs to fit with her college schedule.

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful Jasmin's years at SuzAnna's have been, both for her, us, and hopefully for Susie and Jenny. She was treated kindly and taught so much by the loveliest mother and daughter team, experts in the world of antiques and vintage. From a somewhat shy 14 year old who was nervous making change - the old fashioned way by counting back rather than a computerized cash register - and being somewhat reticent in stepping forward to assist customers, Jasmin soon bloomed. She learned how to help customers choose treasures for their homes, designed lovely vignettes and displays within the shop, and being a kind and helpful person to work alongside, made great friendships with her co-workers. I think she'll be missed by many at the entire Vintage Village location,  but I know she'll be stopping by to keep in touch, perhaps even work a few hours if they need help on special occasions, and of course I'll often be with her doing my usual treasure hunting and sharing here what I find tucked away in that great place.

Jasmin at SuzAnna's Antiques

Past and present. . . . . 

 . . . . .  . life is always changing.

Thankfully many of us enjoy holding on to the past, and places such 

as SuzAnna's Antiques make the present so enjoyable 

Summer Whites. . . . . . . .

Phew! Talk about hot.  

I was looking back through my archive and decided I needed 

to come up with some cool looking photos for another day with the 

temperature heading to the mid-90's.

I took these photos at a fabulous shop in New Hampshire which has 

now moved south to New York State. I visited twice (and shopped of course

because I fell in love with just about everything), when we traveled back to 

Bob's NH hometown. I was really sad when I learned 

it had relocated to a town I will probably never have a reason to visit.

So, let's enjoy the Summertime whites - linens for wearing, 

china for serving, sea shells and ocean treasures for visions of 
the always beautiful beach.

What are you doing to keep cool these days?

Edited: After moaning about the awful heat OUTSIDE, our air-conditioning 
upstairs went on the blink this morning, grrrr!  I won't even tell you the 
high number registering on the thermostat as of 4 pm as I go through the
motions of packing for a weekend away.
Right now I'm speed chilling a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc - it will 
help me keep my sanity this evening OR make me oblivious to the 
sweltering heat when I try to sleep!