"Bargains for Breakfast"!!!

"I've been hunting again"... I heard a "Little Chatter" in my head saying "STOP at GW"! "STOP at GW"! SO who am I to argue with fate... LOOK who was waiting inside for me!!! This is the CUTEST ever vintage milk jug...It's big enough to hold enough milk for my morning cereal, AND just LOOK who's "Hanging out on the side of the jug", JUST Waiting for me to pick him up for a Hug!!!

Do you see those wonderful little Vintage cereal bowls? They are PERFECT size for my portion of porridge, whether it be hot OR cold...They are a Creamy White and are "Made in the USA". I think they may be McCoy??? If anyone knows for sure, please enlighten me??? The bottom is embossed USA... The Brown&Cream Vintage Pitcher with the little Snowdrop flowers(in the back) was Made between 1910&1930 and is made by the "Oxford Stoneware Co(Made in the USA), the pattern is "Snowdrop" ...It's such a useful size. Big enough to serve a family their morning milk AND a bargain@$1... My guess is that these beauties must have all come from the same home...I can tell because "I can See them all Smiling in Celebration of their Reunion"!!!

"Isn't he the Cutest Thing EVER"???

"Ok, Ok! NOT as cute as you"!!! If you would like to join me I have some Nut Breads "Stashed Away"!!!

"I just LOVE my new bowls"(there were 6 for only $2)! Did you notice I have a few strawberries at my Breakfast? Of course I do, what would a breakfast table be without them. ("Too Drab")! To me, strawberries are Always in season...

The chipmunk milk jug was only $1... It has a bit of crazing(which I happen to love)... To see the little wicker charger with the handles(which is REALLY an Antique hand painted wicker tray check out my other post and you can see the whole tray) http://conghailecottage.blogspot.com/2010/08/discovery-of-chocolate.html
To get a better look at the majolica leaf plate I used as a charger check out my Oktoberfest post herehttp://conghailecottage.blogspot.com/2010/09/oktoberfest-at-conghaile-cottage.html

I'M LINKING TO
http://ljm-alacarte.blogspot.com/2010/12/junkin-finds-friday-9.html 

 



"I'm LINKING today to SEASONAL SUNDAY"... Come on over and smell the CRISP FALL AIR! @ http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/2010/11/seasonal-sundays-24-national.html

"I'm LINKING to Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life"... Come on over a Stroll with Us, You will LOVE IT over there!!!
http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/11/39th-table-top-tuesday.html 

"I'm LINKING to Tabletop Thursday" AND she's having a WONDERFUL Giveaway so be sure to come and see everything that is going on over there, "VERY Exciting"!
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2010/11/awesome-giveaway-from-mikasa-welcome-to.html 

Comfy Cozy Corners...

A few of my favorite things and "Lessons in Life"... I have learned the hard way that, If you REALLY LOVE something don't hesitate to "GRAB IT". We can use this fine lesson for just about everything (It's the way I snagged my Hubby 38 years ago). BUT right now I'm referring to the admiration I had for a set of "Le Soux Ceramique" that ALMOST got away from me because I did so much admiring that it was discontinued and I had to take the "Leftovers"... OK, I did get a bargain, they were HALF PRICE!!! The placemats and napkins are "April Cornell", I LOVE her linens, she keeps them fresh and inspiring and you can NEVER resist owning "Trunks of them"... Oh, and did I mention, "They are Compliment Magnets"!!!

"Le Soux Ceramique"... Isn't it "To Die For"!!! It's named for the village marketplace or "souk" in Arabic. These ceramic pieces are made by hand. All the artwork is done free hand, NEVER using decals, stencils or tracing and Certainly NO machine painting... Each piece is made on a pottery wheel in Tunsia, the northern most country of Africa. Le Soux Ceramique is keeping the Old World Ways Alive...

This beautiful plate is a "1910" Faience "Sujets Musicaux"... The whimsical artwork  features Sheet Music and scenes from the Opera... This plate is "Le Barbier de Seville"...
The wooden leaf charger is a one of a kind, I'll have to see if I can persuade Hubby to make at LEAST one more for me...

A few more pieces of my Le Soux...

Le Soux Ceramique is quite reasonable... It IS the best for holding heat... I have ONE problem with it! I wish they made a cup and saucer in proportion to their cute little teapot... As you can see here, their mug is HUGE, and their cup&saucers are for latte or soup SO their size is too large also... I have had to add  cups from my Syracuse china collection until I find "The perfect substitute for this set"... I have notified the company and no one seems to be interested in my problem... "Hmmmm"!!! BUT don't let that keep you away, I REALLY, REALLY love this set and think you would too!!!

This little guy is an Artesania Rinconada Quail... He moved in YEARS ago when I discovered him Stowed away in my luggage on a trip to California... I had never seen these little cuties here in New England, and it was Love at first sight SO I let him AND a few of his friends come home with me... Originally he's from Uruguay...

He's smiling at you, "Be Careful" or he'll melt your heart and "You'll have to let one of his friends move into your home"!

Le Soux Ceramique has recently added MORE of this pattern with a new name! I have been able now to add to my collection...SO EXCITED about that! BUT they still didn't add cups to match my adorable little teapot!!!
I have gotten in touch with the company "AND" they said they would pass my sugestion along!!!
 I am REPOSTING this post from a few years back seeing as my little table is set with them once again!!!
Miss you !!!

Big Squishy Hugs to you All!!!!!!!!!

Mama

I've just had the privilege of having my Mother and Dad(86&85) spend 10 days here with me... They flew in from Florida to see my Brother who has been in critical condition since his massive heart attack on 9-11... We were together as a family at Joey's bedside being told there was nothing to be done and I watched as my Mom and Dad were "broken"... The four of us were always a very close family... BUT a miracle happened!!! The day before they left to go home "Joey was set to be implanted with a "VAT" to pump instead of his heart... Yesterday morning as Mom and Dad left on their plane, Joey successfully got his "VAT"... This video is "SO BEAUTIFUL" and as I watch and listen to it I NOT only think of Mom but of Dad too... "This experience with Joey has brought our family to the close BOND we had so many years ago and those three little words of "I LOVE YOU" have been whispered so MANY meaningful times in the time that has passed since this event began... "I'm feeling so at peace right now and loving life to it's fullest"... "I Love you Mom, Dad and Joey so Very Much"!!! AND "I love you to all my family and friends who are praying for us everyday"... "Giant Hugs to you all"!!!

The Curse of DarKastle Front Seat on-ride POV Busch Gardens Williamsburg

"Some SCARY Halloween Fun"!!!

"Blue & White Afternoon Tea with Monica Dickens"

"Our guest today is Monica Dickens"... Yes that last name is to bring Excitement to us all, because she IS the Grand Daughter of "Charles Dickens"... I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this novel at a book fair. This is a "first edition 1947" that EVEN has it's original dust cover... I must admit I don't remember what other treasures I bought that day, and there were MANY... She sat on top of my pile and remained the center of attention for MONTHS till I had the time to settle down for her company... Her imagination is different than that of her Grandfathers, BUT I truly enjoyed my visit into her world... I have invited her today so you could meet her...

"I feel as though it should be only appropriate to serve with English Blue and White Mason Pottery"...That little antique intricately cut silver dish was made local here in Connecticut and it's actually a "beautiful heart", BUT the design tips backward SO I find it better to display like shown in the picture... The little Bonbon spoon is ALSO a local made antique and one of my VERY Favorites... I think that Silver, Blue&White is Perfect together... It always adds a quiet elegance to a setting...

"It's 4O'Clock and time to pour tea"...

Even though I love different teas I seem to always be drawn back to one of my favorites, "Vanilla Almond"... The aroma alone sends me on an incredible journey... "See my tiny little German Rose Spoon peeking out at you"? What's NOT to Love about the intricacy of that little gem...

These teacups hold a generous amount of our favorite tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate... It holds as much as a mug,  yet gives us the elegance we crave...  The pewter plate under my teapot has an incredible story "All It's Own"... I'll have to dedicate a "Whole Post to "Just my Pewter"!!!

"Here are those Golden Quilted Placemats I bought at Home Goods a few weeks ago"... I promised I'd show them off under my Blue&White and HERE it is... Isn't it Perfect? Ms Dickens just LOVED it!!!

I'm linking with Debra for "Vintage Inspiration Friday"... Come have a peek at all the fun @
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/vintage-inspiration-friday-7.html

"I'm also LINKING to My Romantic Home" for Show and Tell Friday"... LOVE IT and you will too, come over and see what everyone has displayed this week...
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2010/10/show-and-tell-friday_14.html 

"I'm sharing my Fabulous Found Ms Dickens Novel today" with a FUN new Fabulous Found Friday, and PLEASE stop by and see how FABULOUS Fridays can be!!!
http://froufroudecor.blogspot.com/2010/10/fabulous-friday-finds-party-time_14.html  

"I'm LINKING today to Smiling Sally's BLUE MONDAY"!!! Come on over and SEE ALL THE Shades of Blue... SO much fun! AND Sally has an "ALLIGATOR" waiting for you@
http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/2010/10/blue-monday-alligator.html 

"I'm LINKING today with Marty over at Table Top Tuesday"... She has LOTS of fall goodies to share with us and there is SO many wonderful tabletops to explore. Grab a coffee or tea and come join in the fun@
http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2010/10/35th-table-top-tuesday.html 

"FALL Pies, Pies, & More Pies"!!!

"Ah"! There is NOTHING like "The PORCH of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts"(top picture)...I can NEVER pay a visit there without coming home and "Spreading my domestic wings"... SO, Let's plan to warm up the kitchen with Home Baked Pies... See that picture there on the left? The Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie? WELL, I have NEVER made it AND seeing as I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE anything made with MOLASSES AND I don't live close enough to Pennsylvania to satisfy my sweet tooth with the delightful dessert, I HAVE been searching my cookbooks AND the internet with little help. Oh Yes I have found tons of recipes that claim the fame, but when I read the reviews I'm not sure which to attempt. This one pictured here looks as though it MAY be my first try , NOW Ladies if "ANYONE" has a tried and true recipe that is NOT "TOP SECRET" material, I would LOVE to hear from you... How about you Lynn, you live in Pennsylvania(Lucky You), DO YOU know the secret to this pie I crave???

A flock of turkeys thought it looked safe to graze outside my window when they saw my cookbooks were NOT for Thanksgiving... "Graze away Girls, and DO leave me a feather or two if you don't mind... I LOVE them in my flower arrangements"!!!

My little squirrel wandered in from his busy schedule in the trees to see if I have PLANS for making NUT BREADS... "Of Course I do silly guy"!

The little pumpkin is from the Terrafirma Pottery hand made in Manhattan, NY... each piece is hand signed & dated and basically a one of a kind...

AH! cooking with flowers, YUMMY, and this recipe is for Stuffed Zucchini Flowers... I haven't made it in years, Hmmm, maybe for Thanksgiving...Oh Oh!!! I heard a disturbance outside... The ladies got FLUSTERED when I said  thanksgiving"!

AH, PIES!!! Is there a better word??? It is the #1 crowd pleaser in my family of men... OK the ladies love them too... AND I can NEVER have enough recipes... Even the pies that I have mastered, I would NEVER hesitate to ask you for your recipe AND I would always try it!!!

"Oh My Goodness"... a recipe for Scrambled Brains!!! actually there are "2 recipes" here for them... Is there a BIG CALLING for scrambled brains. Has anyone EVER asked you "How do you scramble YOUR brains AND may I have your recipe"??? I just can NOT see excitement at my house if anyone asked, "What's for breakfast", and I say, "Scrambled Brains"... I think you would see EVERYONE Scrambling for the car to go OUT TO EAT!!!

"WHO'S Brain are you Scrambling"??? Go back to the Pumpkin Recipes!!!
I'm LINKING to one of my favorites "Friday's Favorites" at the Whistlestop Cafe Cooking... Come by and see all the fun... Gee I wonder if she ever made "Scrambled Brains"!!!
http://whistlestopcooking.blogspot.com/2010/10/fridays-favorite.html 
"I'm ALSO Linking to Artie and you MUST come see his incredible blog... You will NOT be disappointed... LOVE HIS WORK"... 
http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com/2010/10/vignette-friday-week-eleven.html

At home in the 50s with my Big Brother Joey...

My brother Joey & I in the 50s... LOVE this picture! Joey is doing well in his rehab and likes his therapist and seems to be doing better every day...  We are taking One Day at a Time..."Life is Good"!!!

Where's the Blue&White???

"I had to do some grocery shopping today and decided to stop into HOME GOODS... I bought the most gorgeous mustard yellow quilted round placemats... I have been wanting something in yellow for all my Blue&White dishes. I've been thinking of a Fresh French look and seeing as ALL my Blue&White are patterned I really wanted something solid AND in a muted yellow color(or as Mrs Blanding would say, the color of your best butter)... OK mine is more your best mustard BUT it's a nice neutral...The set of placemats seemed perfect and I then decided I would go to the dishware section and see how WELL it went with their Blue&White Dishes! "WELL" do you know what I discovered??? In the rows and rows and endless vignettes they had set up there was "NOT ONE", not even a left over cup or saucer in their clearance..."NO BLUE&WHITE"!!! What IS the world coming to??? OK, this has JUST gave me one more reason to hit the "Antique shops, thrift shops, tag sales, ebay, &Beyond"... Is there a shortage of Blue&White paint? Is it that the RETRO aqua's have taken the stage? Hmmm, I should have seen it coming when the Rich Hunter Greens were fizzling out to the avocados once more... OK, trends come and go BUT I'm not giving up my Blue&Whites, they will not be stacked at a tag sale or given to Good Will ladies and gentleman SO don't even go there...
I bought a set of 4 of my New light mustard quilted round placemats AND do you know what I discovered??? They not only look "wonderful" with my Blue&White, they go with EVERY SINGLE dish set I have... Yellow is an incredible color that is as warm and calming as a neutral wooden table(yes, I'm a wooden tableaholic)... I guess I'll have to sneak back to HG and get another set or two...
Has anyone else noticed the decline of Blue&White in the NEW decor(not ours of course!)???

"Practical Magic"

I am going to DEDICATE this post to "My Brother Joey"... His birthday is "Halloween"(How fun that was when we were growing up), he is STILL so very weak and fighting pneumonia. We are waiting for him to get stronger so they can fix his "very special sweet heart"... I decided to post this Practical Magic for him... All his life he's been intrigued with magic and has always been there entertaining us all... "He always had that Magic look in his eye"... So this one is for you Joey... We are all deep in prayers to bring you through, and I long to see the "twinkle in his eyes while he's preforming his favorite magic tricks once again"... and once again I want to Thank ALL my special friends here that are such wonderful support to me... Love&Hugs to you all!

"Practical Magic" ...the finished house...

This is MY personal "Book of Spells"... As fall approaches it's time to elevate a "Season of Magic"...

"We can't have magic without the help of Mr. Toad"... and a FINE specimen he is!!! "I can assure you that as I talked him into the experiments he was only my consultant and DID NOT suffer any bodily harm"...

"Charlotte was also a Practical Help at knowing each and every trick of Spinning some Magnificent Webs", and not one was deceitful...

Mr Wizard is deep in thought and study as he tries to figure out "How to regain his Height"... It's been years since he shrunk himself to the size of a salt shaker, BUT in those days he would blink himself back at will...

"Ah, where do I start"...

"A few of these can't hurt"...

"I'll get back to these later"...

Madame Magick

No time for love potions now...

This After-Bath Potion is fantastic, too bad I LOVE showers... although it sounds like it would be a hit over ice also...

"This looks like a good one"... "Now to assemble the ingredients"...

This Royal Dalton Wizard followed me home "Many Full Moons Ago"... "Hey Big Foot, would you go find me an Eye of Newt"...

I'd like you to meet "Big Foot", he's a bronze creation of Tim Cotterill, who is known as Frogman... If you've never seen his incredible bronze frogs, You MUST... Look him up and treat yourself to his whimsy... I bought this owl when he first introduced him in 1998 and he's been our library mascot ever since...

"Big Foot" by Tim Cotterill...Made of bronze...

Antique European Lace Runner... This is a very impressive piece of hand made intricate lace... It is a very large piece ... "I am LINKING to the PRACTICAL MAGIC BLOG PARTY"...This will be SUCH fun to check out, so grab your broomstick and fly on over to see!!!