Tavern On The Green Auction

At Auction January 12-14: The complete contents of New York City's Landmark Restaurant, The Tavern On The Green. The auction will be held on site. I can't think of anyone I know who hasn't been here. It is now shuttered and bankrupt. Read complete article in The New York Times. The thousands of items are valued between $100 and $1.2 million. Nostalgia for sale. View catalog.




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COCO ECO Magazine | Read It Online

Here is another great magazine that you can read online. I love Alicia Silverstone and her "kind" vegan lifestyle. Her new book, "The Kind Diet" sounds like something I'd like to embrace. Eating meat is so yesterday. Alicia has a website called The Kind Life that's brimming with interesting information. Check it out when you have time.




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Do Want This Cream Pitcher

Isn't this wonderful? Wish I knew more. It would be perfect for my morning coffee.

Update: Four friends located this creamer for me. Thanks Sarah, Gail, Tracy and Valerie.




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Yale Skull and Bones Ballot Box Antique Auction

NEW YORK — A human skull that apparently was turned into a ballot box for Yale's mysterious Skull and Bones society is going on the auction block.

A YALE Skull and Bones Ballot Box 19th Century
made from a real human skull.

Lot includes a small black book with members' names
and approximately 50 photographs.

Christie's New York January 21-25, 2010
Lot Notes
Founded in 1832 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, Skull and Bones is thought by many to be one of the oldest and most prestigious secret societies in the United States. The symbolism of the skull and cross bones is synonymous with this group as its name is derived from the symbol itself. The present lot, with hinged flap on top of the skull was said to have been used as a ballot box during society meetings or displayed in the Society's headquarters at 64 High Street in New Haven. The inscription on the right cross bone Thor could be a name which would have been assigned to a member upon induction. Accompanied by approximately 50 photographs of society members and a small black book inscribed with names (which were published until 1971), the present lot provides a rare glimpse into the society which has been linked to many influential figures and leaders at Yale University and in this country.
Pre-auction estimate" $10,000/20,000.
European consignor's name is secret. How appropriate!
Full listing information from Christie's.

I wouldn't even want to look at this in person. I would close my eyes when passing the display case at the auction house. Too scary. I wonder if any bad karma came down on the previous owner? We'll never know, will we?




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Story Time Circa 1917

I've always purchased old children's books from house content sales. This scan is from "Happy All Day Through" by John G. Bowman, Illustrations by Janet Laura Scott, published in 1917. Unfortunately the book is in horrible condition, but with the magic of Photoshop, I was able to repair the holes, rips, and tears. It looks perfect online. Don't you love this charming vintage image? This mother wasn't reading a book, she was telling her 3 little ones a story from memory and the children are spellbound. So nice. Click on photo to enlarge. Love the big cozy chair, don't you?




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Life's Little Instruction Book page 150

Great advice from H. Jackson Brown, Jr.




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Rare Queen Anne Stool Auction

A QUEEN ANNE CARVED WALNUT COMPASS-SEAT STOOL PHILADELPHIA, CIRCA 1750

Auction: 21 - 25 January 2010 at Christie's New York, Rockefeller Plaza Pre-auction estimate $300,000/500,000.

The mate sold at Sotheby's Sept. '08 for $5,234,500.

The 56th Annual Winter Antique Show at the Park Avenue Armory is the flagship event for Americana Week in New York City. Patrons, dealers, and customers flock to the auction houses also. The circa 1750 Philadelphia Queen Anne Stool in the first and second photos is the piece to watch at Christie's. Do you think Albert Sack will buy this one too? Wouldn't it be wonderful if these two fine period stools ended up together once again? Fingers crossed.

"Take care of your antiques and they'll take care of you."




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Quote from my Grandmother, "It's easier to keep up than to catch up."

My grandmother used to say this all the time. She was a fabulous homemaker and never got behind in anything. My grandfather had one of these little wisk brooms hanging on a hook in the hall closet. He always brushed off his coat before going out.

I was so happy when I found this small vintage broom at a tag sale. It hangs in my entry and helps me recall a valuable lesson from my early years.



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