Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Garage Sale Bowl Brings Big Bucks

You simply must read this 'hot off the press' blog post from I'm So Vintage

How much do you think this $3.00 tag sale bowl that was made in China is worth?

Can you believe it? WOW. I have to go look at the garage sale dish my cat is using.

Here is the link from the Sotheby's Catalog showing 3 different views including the bottom.

Workbench Desk


I like this old workbench converted to a desk. You never know when you might need a vice to work things out! This would be a great space for a bookbinder. via

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Sunset on the snow


This is probably a sunrise but I'm calling it a sunset because that's the time of day right now. The sun has started going down and it won't be long now until dusk. I had a busy, busy, busy day and I'm glad day is done. I can almost hear someone playing Taps on a trumpet in the distance. via

Another Snow Day Today


"I thought you said Spring was tomorrow," Webster grumbled. We got about 3 inches of this white stuff topped by some sleet. Our little French bulldog house guest wants no part of putting his paws in it so I'm letting him sleep in. I'm not looking forward to going outside either but I must later. Do you think the groundhog was wrong this year?

Monday, March 18, 2013

Our Taxes are Finally Finished

I worked for 3 hours on Saturday and over 3 hours on Sunday on my taxes and today I mailed them to my accountant. Webster helped and so did Tabitha. Piggie napped in his crate so I could get my work done. I am so happy. I actually set the timer on my iPhone for the 3 hour self-imposed timeouts. They worked too. I was determined to wrap them up and I did. 

Irish Wolfhound Doorstop Displayed

I have more doorstops than I have doors. This one is very heavy and I never got around to putting felt on the bottom so I display it up high where I can enjoy it at eye level. It's on top of an old lingerie chest with clean lines that is covered in sheet music that I got years ago at a tag sale. I love the way this painted dog looks with the lamplight shining on it. 

Waiting for Spring


It won't be long now before the roses are climbing up the trellis of this lovely shingle-style home on Martha's Vineyard. The front door is open so let's go inside. via

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Irish Wolfhound Doorstop

This wonderful doorstop is in my collection. Photographed on St. Patrick's Day on one of my antique chairs. Today is the day for all things Irish. My iPhone photo.

Another Irish Blessing for Today

An Irish Blessing for St. Patrick's Day

My wish for you on St. Patrick's Day
Read more about the bowl here.

Green Tea Latte for St. Paddy's Day

Matcha green tea and milk, lightly sweetened, served over ice. A mint sprig is a nice touch to carry out the green theme. Doesn't this look refreshing? Matcha is a finely ground, powdered, high quality green tea. A little goes a long way too, since it's very concentrated. This would be good to serve today if you live in a hot place. It's hard for me to realize everyone isn't having cold weather. via

Today's the Day for a Shamrock Float

McDonald’s® Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe
3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
(I would use Breyers)
1-3/4 cups milk (or soy milk)
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring if desired
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth.
2. Pour into tall glasses, top with whipped cream and green sprinkles.  I prefer iced tea spoons over straws with drinks like this or you could use both. Happy St. Paddy's Day! via

Dog on a Bed of Shamrocks

I scanned the dog from my antiquarian book on Royal Crests. After inserting the Irish proverb and putting it on a bed of shamrocks it became perfect for St. Patrick's Day. via

St. Patrick's Day Flower



Bells of Ireland.
The Perfect Flower for St. Patrick's Day.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Goodnight (from Finland)


Finland must be the perfect place to really enjoy winter. This beautiful night on a lake was photographed by Mikko Lagerstedt.

Stealing Webster's Bed

This bed is mine now, says Piggy. Webster doesn't even care. This sheepskin is near a radiator and under a window so it's a perfect guest bed.

Unique Kitchen in An Old Southern House

The hub of the house is also its dressiest room. Over the FiveStar stove is a silver-leaf Napoleon III mirror. The chandelier was fashioned from a pair of antique bronze sconces

The owners wanted the kitchen to have the feel of a traditional dining room — which it was, before the renovation. The sink resembles a buffet; the nine-foot-long oval island, a dining table.

The kitchen's light-filled bay window opens onto a patio and garden. More Photos: House Beautiful

Weekend Retreat

Wouldn't you love to wake up here? This Mayne Island retreat in British Columbia was designed by Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants. via

Friday, March 15, 2013

Goodnight from Piggy

Piggy is fast asleep in his crate and I can hear him snoring across the room. He's exhausted, having been on three long walks since I picked him up after lunch. Webster is happy to see his little friend. Tabitha tolerates him and he ignores her and that's just perfect. His humans are on spring break. See you tomorrow. 

Have a Great Weekend

Be sure to take your dog along if you plan on doing anything really exciting. via