~ Those Cute Shabby Potting . Cabinets . Hutches

Kirk's wonderful potting bench sent me searching for the pictures I took while at a large antique fair that used mostly "junk" to make these fun potting benches. So here's a little repeat from a couple of years ago that is worth seeing again for anyone who missed them, or someone looking for more inspiration of flea market and little junk finds to make into a new treasure.

These made me regret that we did so much de-cluttering and didn't save more scraps of molding that we had left over. It always seems to happen like that doesn't it?

***********

There were a few emails and questions about those wonderful junk to treasure potting, hutch, cabinet, bench or thingies. The previous photos did not enlarge, this time if you click on them, you can see more details.

Wouldn't this be a great project if you were tearing down and old fence? You could use some it for the backs or sides. We have some lattice pieces that we saved, and I think that would look so nice as well. You could use an old dresser or kitchen cabinet for the bottom or some of the top, too.

Love the use of the posts on this one. I don't have any of those just hanging around, but you can buy newer ones at Home Depot or Lowe's, and make them look old.

And that scalloped molding is fabulous! Expensive to buy anything like that new, so it's worth the hunt to find a few pieces.

See ya' soon!

~ Happy Weekend

One World One Heart GiveAway
'til Feb 14th .... Here
...................................................

My sis called to remind me that she was going to Charleston. Actually she was calling to rub it in that she was there having a wonderful time. It made me think about how much I miss Savannah and Charleston when I haven't been in a while. It was a working-around -the-house vacation this past week. Something that just had to be done, and we did get a few of things accomplished from our very long to-do list. But it would have been more fun to be in Charleston. And I'm really happy that she is there because she adores being in Charleston. A little work, and I hope a lot of play time.

Hope you have a great weekend.
See Y'all Soon~

~ Monday, Monday ....

It was the perfect weekend for Renninger's Extravaganza in Mt. Dora! In years past we had to bundle up a bit for the cool early mornings. But this year it was in the 80's and all you needed was water & some good sunblock. That's Florida.

Sweet Hubby and I had a great time. And best of all I got to meet up with my wonderful friend Kim of Daisy Cottage for a short visit. You just have to love this girl. She is so kind, sweet and beautiful, inside and out.

I didn't buy much this year. We left the truck at home which saved me from bringing home more things that I have no room for, like this beautiful old Dutch wardrobe.

Tomorrow I get to play queen for a day and get a crown, or two. Not on my head, but on my teeth. First time, so I'm just eager to get past it. I'll be back on Wed with the winner of the GiveAway for the Silhouette print. Then I'll get some pictures up on the blog of Renninger's and the Festival of Trees to share.

See Ya'll Soon!

~ Better With Age

Sometimes people,
like the beautiful objects pictured here,
get better with age.

Sometimes, they don't.
Thankfully we can choose which way to go.

Just a reminder that the Renninger's Extravaganza is this month in Mount Dora, FL.

~ Treasure Hunting on the Beach

When I was 5 years old we moved south and close to the beach. It was a short drive to the delicious playground of sand and water, and it was easy to take it totally for granted. Didn't everyone live close enough to the water to go to the beach whenever they wanted? It's only when I hear someone say that they have never seen the ocean that it dawns on me that it was a gift from my childhood to be so close.

Even as a child I thought that living not only near the beach, but close enough to touch and smell the water would the perfect life. It was the floods close by in the last few years that showed me the reality of living too close for comfort, and we are still miles away from the coast.

The last beach visit a few weeks ago we got up every morning and walked and walked for a couple of hours. I don't walk for hours in the heat on hard pavement. But there, with the sound and smell of the ocean, it was effortless. After the trip it was like withdrawal not to be able to get up in the morning and be welcomed by the sight and sounds of the water. Or kissed goodnight by the mesmerizing sound and feeling of the full moon rising over the water. Enjoying a chocolate dessert out on the restaurant patio at almost midnight under that full moon was enchanting.

I'm not sure if the idea of looking for heart shaped beach stones was already in my mind, or if we found one that began the treasure hunt. Wouldn't it be beautiful to create some little piece of art to remember the ocean when I am not able to walk the shore? I haven't created anything yet, but they are of course beautiful without anything being added them.

It's time to get a new door basket up for Fall. I painted my black metal lattice one white. It has been black for several years, so it is a fun change.

See Y'all Soon!

~ Decorating . Flea Market Treasures

I might have posted these two pictures before, but since I came across them today while looking for something else, I thought you would enjoy them. Isn't this wonderful piece? I almost bought it, but I have no place to put it. As difficult as it is, I'm trying not to buy anything that I really have no room for. But it's tough sometimes to pass up a pretty little thing like this.

This table and chair set would be totally practical and fun for a studio/art room. The table would wipe off so easily from any paint spills or whatever. And the chairs would come in handy to not only sit on, but to stack art supplies and books on. Something else I'm trying not to do.

* Mount Dora, FL ... Renninger's Antique Market and Flea Market
1 Hour N. of Orlando *

See Y'all Soon!

~ Pink & Black, But Not In This Kitchen

Savannah

It takes courage, and a special house to pull off pink and black for your house colors. I adore this combo for this particular application. When it is slapped on a mid century house? Not so much. Yes, we've seen it, haven't we?
Pink and black was not a choice for Sweet Daughter's more neutral color scheme in the kitchen though.

And that kitchen is looking good! The granite arrived on Monday and we thought there was still time to get a plumber in the next couple of days. But you know how these remodeling things go. As soon as granite man came with the new counter tops and sink, he said he had to cut the old plumbing pipes to accommodate the deeper sink. Now what. The two people I had called to bid the job had not called back.

Fortunately, granite man knew a plumber who happen to be able to leave the site he was working on which was new construction, and come work at Sweet Daughter's house. Took him, and a helper, over 3 hours! So happy I did not ask Sweet Hubby to try to do this one.

Now to pick out the backsplash and figure out if I can get someone to do it cheap, or ...
you guessed, do it myself.

The Mad Tea Party was a ball! I wish I could have made it to everyone's blog by now. But I might get around to a few more this weekend. Or maybe not. Cody Puppy is spending the weekend with us while his mommy is out of town. Thank goodness Sweet Hubby will be here to get us through 24 Hour Cody Days!

See Y'all Soon!

~ Angel Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah

.

There probably is one or two angel statues that I missed during our visit. But I certainly tried to find everyone of them. All of them are pretty well known and if I had time to research before we left, I would have had a list. The ones I found were fabulous though.

Which picture do you like better? I can't decide. I am printing some of these and I like them both. First one with a bit of colors in the background, or the 2nd with just a touch of blue?

Do you think I'm slow getting the photos up? It's not your imagination. I'm not only chasing Cody puppy around most of the time, but getting ready for a few days at the beach. That sounds quite relaxing to me.

See Y'all Soon!

~ The Stained Glass Windows of St. John the Baptist Church, Savannah

And the windows..... more beauty.
Just a few of the many to see.

The stations of the cross are stunning as well.

I am enjoying sharing the pictures with you all so much. And it makes me get them more organized and resized. A few more posts to go of Savannah. Come again. Thank you for the sweet comments on the pictures and the magazine article.

See Y'all Soon!

~ St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Savannah

At the top of almost anyone's short list of things to do in Savannah is to see the magnificent French Gothic style cathedral church in Savannah. It deserves the honor. After the fire of 1898 the church had to be rebuilt. And as recently as 1996-2000, the church went through some major work and restoration. So what you see today is simply beautiful. If you love it as much as I do, please remember to leave a nice little donation. One church looks very nice from the outside, but you have to pay for a tour. And another is always locked up. We missed the time of the free tour at the oldest Baptist church. Maybe next time we'll see it. The cathedral is always free, for quiet time & prayer, or just for inspiration.

Cathedral St. John the Baptist, Front

Wonderful Old Side Door

There are 3 naves, the one on the right
is dedicated to the Virgin Mary



Be sure to look up!

The ceiling is breathtaking!

Still resizing pictures. Be back soon.

~ Owens-Thomas House Savannah

One of the best tips for visiting both Savannah and Charleston is to take a tour the city as soon as you get there. In Savannah, that is usually by trolley, but they do have horse drawn carriages as well like they do in Charleston. We had hoped to go on the Architectural walking tour with Jonathan, but just couldn't work in to his times.

Once you go around the whole city, it is so much easier to figure out where things are. But I still got turned around a few times and wasn't sure which way I was going.

Now owned by the Telfair Museum, the Owens-Thomas House is a gem. It was amazing to see not only the house, but also the slave quarters above the gift shop, and where they cooked in the basement of the main house. A fantastic example of English Regency architecture with so much kept original. I have a special love for the peeling paint on the back of the house. Simply beautiful!

Front Owens-Thomas House, Savannah

The back gardens looking towards the gift shop, carriage house.

I'm trying to get things done around my house and Sweet Daughter's as well. We are planning a pretty paver patio for her small backyard. It takes so much time just to get to the stage of having the work done. What we all go through to get anything done, I know. It seems like I spend almost every minute each day making sure Cody puppy doesn't eat the sofa or everything off the counters. So everything is moving in slow motion these days! Just getting a post on the blog is an accomplishment.

See Y'all Soon!

~ Let's Go Window Shopping .. Jones to Broughton St. Savannah

Strolling through the streets and parks of Savannah sometimes feels like Disney World or a movie set. You are trying to get so much in such a short time, and the buildings often look like movie set. Which of course some have been. But the parks always have a few homeless people which keeps you grounded that this is a real city afterall. Nonetheless it is a beautiful place to just walk and not be a hurry to make the next tour or whatever.

So what to do when it's just a half day and you don't want to run from place to place? Do a little window shopping. We were out by Jones Street so we headed the few blocks over to the Broughton. First stop Paris Market, Broughton.

The Paris Market, looking down Broughton St.

A huge, old bookcase stuffed with French books
from the earl to late 1800's.

What a beautiful haphazard display
(It might not have looked so "messy"
before I started looking at 100 or so books.)

A few shots from in the store.

And a downstairs area full of more & more!

Love this old piece. It was upstairs last time,
now resting downstairs until they
whip up another gorgeous grouping of treasures on it.

Just one small bag.

Marshall House.

I've always been drawn to this building. Then last time we went on a ghost tour and most of them include the Marshall House. Even though they had a great rate in April for their innkeeper's special, I'm not sure if the gorey beginnings of the ghost stories influenced the decision to pass on it this time.

Looking for the menu to the restaurant,
I snapped this picture of the sitting area near the lobby.

One Fish Two Fish sits on the corner of Jones St.
by Mrs. Wilkes (spells southern food.)
So if you go to eat at Mrs. Wilkes,
you might want to stop in. Cute shop.

We did not stand in line for Mrs. Wilkes. Someday maybe. But so far the lines were either too long, or we are never in the mood to eat so much food. But the locals almost all say, skip the Lady and Son's (P. Dean) and go to Mrs. Wilkes for the real food.
One tip that the lady at the Dresser House told us was not to eat breakfast and just get there early rather than later in the day. They let in a huge group to begin with, so that long line moves fast. The same length line later in the day is waiting for tables to open up. Good tip! Thanks Sherry.

Thanks for your notes. I've enjoyed sharing the pictures and I hope all of you who wish to visit one day get the chance to do so.

Have a Great Weekend! See Y'all Soon.
(I'm behind on emails. But I'm tring to get to them.)

~ Savannah, The Dresser Palmer House, B&B

The Dresser Palmer House, Savannah, Gaston Street.
Built in 1876 as two separate homes (townhouses) and is 11,000 sq ft.
16 Rooms each with private baths

The Front Porch, Perfect for Afternoon
Wine and Cheese.

The Johnny Mercer Room

The largest room, suite at the inn.
The bed alcove is original to the house
and holds a king size bed,
very nice and not common for bed and breakfasts.

When touring these older cities, you can
see these beautiful tall windows.
 I've always wanted to be able to walk out one
of these floor length windows!
There was a private balcony there.

New furniture and paint.
Really so relaxing and comfortable.
And you can see a glimpse of the lovely new bath.

My pictures are after some updates in 2009. They had just finished a major remodeling so that each room now has a private bath, and they are all beautifully done. Each room we peeked at, was just a nicely done as the next. Just a difference in size.

Looking down Gaston St.

After staying in a few bed and breakfasts now, we are spoiled.  But since we stayed in the first one, each and every experience has been simply wonderful. There are so many advantages. Breakfast is served in the morning, the rooms are so "home-like" not like a hotel. And they almost always have free parking. This can add up in most cities where they often charge $20 plus for parking. Just be sure to check out places like TripAdvisor because you certainly can wind up some place not too good as well.

If you visit when things are slower, be sure to call directly and talk with someone there. We were so lucky to be able to stay in this fantastic suite at a much lower rate than it is during the busy season! (Thank you David!)

We would certainly stay here again. You might remember last time we stayed at the 1895 Inn. I did call there first since our last visit was great.  Ed was booked already. There are only 6 rooms there. We did miss his cooking. He is still at the top of our list for breakfast, although we had very good food here as well and so thankful for the cooking and the bed and breakfasts.

Click on any of the pictures below to shop art from The Decorated House 

~ April in Savannah

Mercer-Williams House

If there is a better time to visit Savannah than April, I cannot imagine when that would be. Yes, I know there are other months that might be just as perfect. As soon as we left the temperatures began to rise, and we know all about that. We have been there in August and October. Even October was meaner than April.

I rented the movie again of Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil. Of course I found a few things that I had missed on the last trip. But I'm happy to say we ventured to the new areas I wanted to see.

If you have been to Savannah, or read reviews online, you no doubt heard to skip the tour at the Mercer-Williams house. Everyone who lives in the town told us the same thing each time we went there. Maybe the big difference is in who is giving the tour. I don't know. I think it was all more sensitive of an issue back in 2004 , when I think the house first was opened for tours. But when we went, you could not only ask about the "incident" in the house, the tour guide brought it up himself and said ask any questions you wish. But of course there is a time limit with the next group waiting to come inside, so that was kept to one question. And yes, we did go into the room where it happened.

(See more pictures HERE)

I'm going to start on the last day of the trip. One of the reasons I rented the movie again was because of the foyer/hall floor in the Mercer-Williams house. The last time we watched the movie, I remember thinking that I wanted to see if that floor was really as beautiful as it was in the movie and if it was even there. It was. One hundred and forty year old English tiles.

John Cusak is one of my favorite actors. His work with the Lady Chablis in this one is fascinating. The beginning of the movie was more fun to see Savannah, the trial part wasn't what I wanted to see again.

The house is just one of the fabulous historic homes in the city. It is not what you would actually call a museum, although the tour guide did say that. It has been restored beautifully, but unlike some other homes, it is not decorated to the time it was built. Instead you see how Jim Williams decorated it. Which was great! The tour is overpriced in comparison to the other houses. The money goes to the owner who no doubt needs it for upkeep of such a huge place. You only see the first floor, which is about 3,000 sq. ft of the total 9,000 of the house. But if you are curious, go take a look!

Hope all you Moms have a wonderful Mother's Day!
See Y'all Soon~