Contrary Mary

Antique lace estate sale find

2010-04-25T20:00:00.004-04:00

Please visit Rhoda at

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/ for more thrifty treasures!

I found this beautiful antique lace panel at an estate sale yesterday. My niece negotiated it down to 15$ and it fits my bathroom window nicely. I just love it!

A New Bloom

2010-02-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

and the timing couldn't have been better. I'm off to the Philadelphia Flower Show next week and I'm going to treat myself to another orchid.

This beauty starting blooming again this week! A little bit of Spring indoors.

A Day to Remember!

2010-02-26T16:01:00.003-05:00

I can't remember the last time we had so much snow in such a short period, after 24 hours of snow the sun finally poked through the clouds and the clean up began. Not without setbacks though, this is the heaviest snow I have ever shoveled. The man who plows our driveway is having a difficult time with the weight of the snow and hasn't show up. Joe started snowblowing and we ran out of gas, he managed to roll our car down the driveway and I began the impossible task of shoveling a spot at the bottom of the driveway. I shoveled and shoveled and just when I thought I was going to black out a total stranger with a plow came by and plowed out the bottom of the driveway for FREE!!! He wanted no money! I'm so happy that kind man took pity on this poor bedraggled soul!

He left without me thanking him properly so I plan on writing a small letter to the editor of our local paper. I only hope he sees it and knows how happy he made me!

It's snowing and might be the biggest storm of the year!

2010-02-24T19:14:00.007-05:00

My little backyard friends are not looking forward to the predicted snowfall of 1 to 2 feet for today either!! We are all impatient for Spring, especially my little deer friends. It's difficult to find food in all this snow!

I decided to blog again

2010-02-24T13:38:00.004-05:00

Today I went looking for my favorite chocolate cake recipe and couldn't find it and then recalled that I once posted it on my blog. Sure enough I searched back and found it and looked at a few other posts and it hit me that my blog was really my online diary of my daily activities. I realized then, that in one, five, ten years from now it will be fun to look back and see what I was doing, memories that I surely would have forgotton about. So, I'm back to blogging again.

I also visit favorite blogs and rarely comment, I feel funny for some reason about leaving anonymous posts, so now I can be an active blogger again.

One of my favorite activites is antiquing and my first return to the blogging world will be my two latest aquisitions.

The first is a very old pitcher and plate, I did some research and it's from the late 1800's. Only 20$ for the two!

I also found this pretty Oberwessel plate by E. Wood and Sons that is supposed to be highly collectible. I was attracted to the brown and yellow transferware rim and the romantic castle scene. I paid 8$ for it and I think that was a steal.

I missed my old blogger friends and it will be so nice to see who stops by to visit!

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park and Big Spring Lodge

2009-08-23T22:14:00.008-04:00

Big Spring Lodge Restaurant.

His view while dining.

This is the park where my husband had his delicous breakfast. Big Spring is the largest spring in the United States and one of the largest in the world. The Spring feeds the Current River, I just love the deep blue water and he claims it tasted delicious!

Even though I was unable to make this trip, I'm looking at it as a scouting trip for me, he will take me back to all his favorite places. This is most certainly one of them.

The vacation I wasn't on...the food I didn't have....

2009-08-23T00:00:00.003-04:00

The "husband" just got back from a weeks vacation traveling around Missouri. Of course he had to rave about how inexpensive and delicious the food was and how I missed having my favorite breakfast food of biscuits and gravy. No erzatz ham and eggs here...the real thing prepared to perfection. And look at those potatoes.....the skins still on! And the best part about this breakfast..it was served in a Missouri State Park!!

Husband is vacationing with my camera

2009-08-19T08:01:00.001-04:00

so I haven't been able to post but I'll be back in the swing of things next week. I'm going to have a giveaway for my 100th post so be sure to check back!

Plate hanging.

2009-08-16T14:25:00.003-04:00

I recently hung these plates for my Mom using the neatest little discs. They are perfect because you don't see those nasty wires on the plates...they simply float on the wall.
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality http://southernhospitalityblog.com/ has a new sponser that sells these dics and is giving free shipping. I paid over 4$ for each disc...I would have saved quite a bit because the price from Rhoda's source is less than half what I paid. So, if there is any plate hanging in your future check out Rhoda's sponser. You will never want to use those ugly wire hangers again!

Simple Raspberry Cake

2009-08-08T07:23:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning to weather reminiscent of Autumn. Crisp, cool air...lovely and perfect for baking. I am still picking raspberries, the bushes are still giving fruit which is highly unusual for this late in the year. I can't think of a better excuse to have cake for breakfast, so here is the recipe I used. Please stop by Beverly's to see more Pink Saturday offerings. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 stick of butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar (for topping)

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg

1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk

1 cup fresh raspberries (about 5 oz.)

Preheat oven to 400 F with rack in middle. Butter and flour a 9 inch cake pan. (Have you tried Wilton's Cake Release? That's what I use to butter and flour, saves on the mess of buttering and flouring)

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Beat butter and 2/3 cup of sugar with an electric mixer at med-hi speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 mins, then beat in vanilla, add egg and beat well.

At low speed, mix in flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing till just combined.

Spoon batter into cake pan, smoothing top. Scatter raspberries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tbps sugar.

Bake until cake is golden and a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 25-30 mins. Cool in pan 10 mins, then turn out onto a rack and cool to warm, 10-15 mins more. Invert onto plate.

Counting down to 100th post!

2009-08-04T21:09:00.002-04:00

After this post I'm only 7 posts away and I plan on having a giveaway just like many other bloggers that celebrate their 100th post. So be sure you keep checking in. Just a hint, it's going to be one of my vintage finds.
Please check out this blogger....http://www.thefiftyfactor.com/2009/08/time-money-giveaway.html I love this clock and she is giving it away!!
I also love the name of the blog....very clever! So be sure you stop by and enter the giveaway, but I hate to disappoint you...I'm going to win!

Tiger lillies

2009-08-03T22:59:00.002-04:00

Another simple pleasure, beautiful flowers grown by a woman that sells them by the honor system from a table in front of her home.

I love the fact that people still do this...put a can out with the price and put their trust in strangers. There are alot of little stands like that around here and that makes me feel good.

Little gifts to myself...

2009-08-02T20:49:00.005-04:00

This cute little bird nest statue was from a garden shop going out of business and was only 24$. It weighs a ton!

The little clay teapot was a find indeed. I have been looking for these since May when my friend and I saw one just like it at a gardening class we took. We both thought it was adorable and sure enough at the sale there were two of them..one for me and I gifted the other to my friend.

So what little treats have you bought for yourself lately??

The winner for the Pink Saturday giveaway is GypsyLulu. Thanks for participating and if you didn't win please come back, I'll be having another giveaway soon!

Pink Saturday-Giveaway

2009-07-31T22:42:00.004-04:00

I haven't been around for Pink Saturday recently due to computer issues...which I thought I corrected but to my dismay did not. So I dug up a photo from the garden tour I went to this summer of a pretty tree peony called Carol. I just loved this plant and recently bought one for myself. I hope it blooms like this next year for me.

The giveaway is for this little sugar bowl. It's not all pink but has pretty little pink flowers. Just post a comment that you would like to enter the giveaway and I'll draw the winner Sunday night.

Happy Pink Saturday and be sure to visit Beverly for more pink pretties.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

I've been MIA..

2009-07-26T07:23:00.003-04:00

I have been enjoying my vacation for the past two weeks. Little road trips, hiking and general puttering around.

I took the picture of the bear on one of our recent hikes. It's difficult to get a good picture because they generally take off when they see us.

I chased this butterfly around a meadow for 10 mins trying to get a good picture. They are as elusive as the bears!

And the raspberries are finally in season!! They normally are ready for picking by the 4th of July but this year are very late because of the rainy weather, I'm happy we are having a bumper crop. I've been busy picking, cleaning and freezing. I printed a recipe for raspberry cream pie and I can't wait to try it. If it tastes as good as it sounds I'll be sure to share it.

Scarlet Tanager

2009-07-10T22:30:00.002-04:00

I love to bird watch but find it very frustrating trying to identify what species of bird I see. So it is always fun to see a bird that I recognize. I was fortunate to see 4 Scarlet Tanagers in a tree last weekend. They are recognizable because it is the only red bird in North America with black wings! As the summer progress the birds feathers turn green but right now they are brilliant red and just stunning to watch.

My picture isn't of the best quality, the birds were high in a tree and despite my poor photographic skills the beauty of the bird shines through!

And more birdhouses!

2009-07-08T17:12:00.007-04:00

What can I say, I'm crazy for anything to do with birds!

All these birdhouses have license plates for roofs! This window display is in a home store in my town. I think these are adorable although a friend of mine thinks they were ruined by putting the license on the roof!

Which one is your favorite? I just love the blue and white one in the tree.

Birdhouse decorating idea...

2009-07-03T22:27:00.003-04:00

I think the little birdhouse mounted on the shelf is just the cutest idea and it's just simple painting. I even think I could do it!

I think the taller birdhouse with the trail of rocks is another easy to do project. AC Moore and Micheals both sell birdhouses, a little imagination and paint and you have an adorable home for the birds!

I took these pictures at the garden tour I recently attended and thought I would share this charming idea. I also saw another birdhouse where an old license plate was bent in half and used as the roof, I hope to try this myself.

Is it Bigfoot??

2009-06-30T21:40:00.002-04:00

On a recent hike in the woods we were so fortunate to find these great footprints. The animal that made these can walk for years on the same trail, following their same footprint and leaving these great trail markings behind.

My little dog Snuggles was hot on his trail....can you guess what we were tracking?

Window inspiration

2009-06-23T06:40:00.006-04:00

This past spring I went to a local garden show and I thought this would be a great use of an old window placed against a boring garage wall. A faux window with a charming flower box!

I have lots of inspirational pictures for my to-do list. I thought of this one last night and decided it would be my "day off Wednesday" project.

I'll be posting my completed project this weekend if you want to see what I come up with!

Have a great weekend...

2009-06-19T07:06:00.001-04:00

I'm off to visit Washington D.C. for the weekend! Will be back Tuesday. Mary

One of the Seven Natural Wonders of New Jersey!

2009-06-18T06:07:00.008-04:00

I didn't know there were Seven Official Natural Wonders of New Jersey, but after visiting this Garden of Eden, I'm going to find the other six! We hiked Sunday, straight up 1.2 miles to the top of the mountain where Sunfish Pond is located. This picture was taken from the Appalachian Trail that passes the pond here. Do you see the little Stonehedge formation? I'm sure some hiker had fun putting that up!

The pond was surrounded by gorgeous pink and white Mountain Laurel. The flowers look like cake decorations.

There were masses of them everywhere.

So peaceful a setting.

I just loved the masses of ferns growing at the higher elevations. The trail was easy going here!

We also saw the yellow fish jumping out of the water to feed. Even the fish were beautiful!

I highly recommend this hike if you are in the area.

Nostalgic purchase

2009-06-17T07:03:00.002-04:00

One of my yard sale finds Saturday were these coasters for 25 cents each. I had to have them, not because I needed coasters or that they were a terrific buy, but because they reminded me of my Grandmother. This was a stricly nostalgic purchase, my Grandmother had coasters like these that she kept on her radiator cover in her living room. I don't know why they impressed me as a child but they did.

Despite the fact that these aren't my Grandmother's coasters, I think it's nice that a 50 cent purchase can evoke childhood memories.

Has anyone else made a puchase strictly for sentimental reasons? I would love to hear about what you bought and why.

Thrifty Monday with Rhoda

2009-06-14T08:31:00.011-04:00

This was another great weekend for finding bargains! I love-love-love my antique pitcher. I think I'm going to use it for flowers. This was only 20$ at an estate sale! I placed it next to the coffee pot so you can get an idea how big it is.

Look at the detail!!

This is perfect for my bath...6$ at same estate sale.

This is a close up of a huge platter!! Probably 12x18 inches... The mark in back reads _urlington...maybe Burlington?? I can't make out the first initial. There is also a # under the name. Does anyone know anything about this design? I would love to know more about it. It was only 15$ Another bargain!!

And how cute are these? All three for only 1$. I'm giving my Mom the shamrock one, she collects pigs, my sister the blue, she is an avid gardener and keeping the pink for myself.

I also went to a yardsale and found quite a few things and even a side of the road pickup! It was a great weekend.

Please visit Rhoda at http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ for more Monday finds!

Pink Saturday

2009-06-12T20:49:00.005-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday! The first picture is of Mountain Laurel which is blooming prolifically in the forests by me. If you enlarge the picture you will see the intricate beauty of these flowers. The seconds two pictures were taken at a local home that I visited on a garden tour. I wish I could grow clematis like this...and how serene is the little bridge over the stream adorned with pink flowers.

Please visit Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ for more pink beauties.

Garden tour house 2

2009-06-10T08:24:00.011-04:00

Beautiful clematis.

I love this path going up the incline.

Different use of plantings in an urn.

View of the vegetable garden.

Beautiful hydrangea.

And this peony is called Carole. I bought one for myself this past weekend. It was stunning. Nice compact form..didn't fall over.

I'll be posting another home I toured for Friday. Hope you enjoyed!

Garden Tour-House #1

2009-06-08T00:39:00.012-04:00

(My purchases from the plant sale)

My town's local garden club has a garden tour every June to raise money for the club's projects in our town. It's a wonderful day, it starts in the town green that is maintained by the club with a plant sale. They also have a raffle with lots of great gardening gifts. Each ticket of 15$ includes a map and booklet about each homeowners garden on the tour and then off you go to visit one garden lovelier than the next. It's a great day! Remember you can click on each picture if you want to see more detail. Lots of great inspiration here!

2009-06-06T07:04:00.003-04:00

I found this perfect pink and green vase for my little shelf last weekend at an antique store for 11$. It's from France and I love it! I don't think I need anything else on my shelf now.

My peonies have finally bloomed and they are beautiful! Perfectly pink!

And for a perfectly pink laugh you have to watch this little clip, it is adorable! And the most precious of pinks. http://www.snotr.com/video/2630

Have a Happy Pink Saturday and please visit Beverly for more pink! http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Rhoda's Thrifty Treasure Monday

2009-05-31T20:48:00.002-04:00

I didn't go to any garage sales this weekend so I decided to post a picture of this little cabinet I use in my bath. It was a freebie, a co-worker was cleaning out his fathers tool business and he had a bunch of stuff that was headed to the trash. I found this cabinet, painted it, added a shelf and it's new home is my bathroom. I hope to find nicer containers to put my toiletries in, but it works for now. Also, the towels I added the crocheted trim to, just to jazz them up a bit.
Be sure to stop by Rhoda's http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ and see what everyone else has found.

What is your favorite hobby?

2009-05-27T10:29:00.007-04:00

Mine is hiking and viewing wildlife. I'm fortunate live in a location where it is easy to do both. Here are few pictures...before we left in my back yard was this cute little fawn and mother.

( If you click on the picture it will enlarge)

At the refuge we saw numerous birds but it's so difficult to get pictures, here is one I was able to snap...a bobolink maybe?

Look at the size of the mushroom!

And how pretty is this wild bush? The best was viewing this guy on the way home!!

Thrifty Treasures

2009-05-25T08:08:00.006-04:00

It's Monday again and time to join Rhoda http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ for

Today's Thrifty Treasures. I love seeing everyones great buys!

I bought this deck of cards at a yard sale for 50 cents. The lady is so pretty and all the cards have different scenes of the US and Canada. It looks vintage to me!

The hope chest was a bulk pickup find a few weeks ago, and I came up with the idea to converte it into a file cabinet.

My dilemma is how do I update this? It's going into a craft/office/music room that will be all mine. A friend suggested decoupaging music on top. I love that idea. I'm thinking copying old music and doing exactly that. Help on updating this would be greatly appreciated.

I love comments and throw your ideas at me!!

What have you read lately?

2009-05-24T14:25:00.002-04:00

I just finished Merle's Door, Lessons of a Free Thinking Dog by Ted Kerasote. Well, I consumed it to be accurate. If you enjoy reading about dogs I highly recommend this book. It is set in the area around Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The book was entertaining, informative and a joy to read.

Merle adopted Ted and the book is about their relationship. This book made me appreciate my dog and her uniqueness even more, my Snuggles is a dog unlike I ever had. She is her own person and after reading this book I understand her so much better.

I am always looking for a good read, so what have you read lately?

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-23T07:48:00.002-04:00

I treated myself to another orchid, I love the color combination of the pink and yellow.

Be sure to visit Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ for more pinks.

I hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day weekend and please take the time to honor all our veterans living and deceased that have served our country.

Monday's Treasure Share

2009-05-18T06:40:00.002-04:00

Please join Rhoda at http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ to share your weekend finds. It's so much fun to see all the treasures that everyone has found over the weekend.

I found the top runner in perfect conditon at an antique store for 2$. What makes it so special is that it goes with my round table throw!! Score!

Pink Ladies Slipper

2009-05-17T09:58:00.003-04:00

I found out the name of this exotic flower I found in the woods on one of my hikes this week. Pink Ladies Slipper, a member of the orchid family!! I thought this looked like a orchid when I saw it.

(Orchids often have swollen, ball-shaped tubers that were regarded in traditional practices as having medicinal value. The root of lady's slipper was used as a remedy for nervousness, tooth pain, and muscle spasms. In the 1800s and 1900s it, and other orchids, were widely used as a substitute for the European plant valerian for sedative properties.)

Isn't this interesting? I took this from this sitehttp://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cypripedium_acaule.shtml if you are interested in reading more about this beautiful and other wildlife plants.

Pink Saturday

2009-05-16T07:54:00.004-04:00

I forgot to let Beverly know I was participating in Pink Saturday this week but decided to post anyway because I took a hike at a local State Park and found all these beautiful pinks.

All of these pictures were taken in the woods this week so these are the wildflowers and bushes in bloom in my area now. We hiked for 6 hours and never saw another soul. I was so excited to see all these pink flowers, now I have to find out what they are. If anyone knows the common names I would love to know.

Visit Beverly for more pink http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ and have a wonderful weekend. Mary

Pink Saturday

2009-05-09T07:41:00.007-04:00

My Pink Saturday items are this pretty little mustard or honey cup that is in perfect condition and this is the only garbage find on this shelf. Everything else was bought or given to me. It pairs nicely with the ebay plate to the right of it.
The shelf was only 4 $ at a garage sale and holds more of my pinks.
I love how pink goes with the yellow, green, and golds..
The pink columbine on the left I found in the woods this week on a hike!
And I bought the pretty pink pansies this week for my planters. What pretty shades of pink!

Please visit Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ for more pink. Happy Pink Saturday!

I hope everyone has a very Happy Mothers Day!

Lovely Lilacs

2009-05-07T19:53:00.002-04:00

A sure sign of Spring, when I walk into my home and the lovely aroma of lilacs greets me.

2nd time around

2009-05-05T07:10:00.002-04:00

I found two chairs for 35$ on Craigs list, both antique rockers. My sister took one and I the other. I think for 17.50 I did pretty well! For more 2nd time around visit Diane at http://diane1876.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!

My finds for the weekend.

2009-05-03T21:20:00.004-04:00

The first is an adorable teapot...for 3$ how could I pass this sweet thing by? Not when it has a bird on the top!

This cloth is old and quite large, It's in great condition and I found it at a local antique store for 5$.

Please visit Rhoda at http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ for more links to some great bargains!

Pink Saturday, Pink Dolphins

2009-05-01T20:56:00.006-04:00

Isn't this creature beautiful in it's pinkness, a pink Dolphin!! Check out the story for more info on this beautiful pink animal.http://amog.com/offbeat/pink-dolphins-arent/

For more pink delights visit Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Happy Pink Saturday! Mary

Today's Thrifty Treasure

2009-04-26T21:28:00.002-04:00

Rhoda at http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/ just started a fun Monday post called Today's Thrifty Treasures. I love this idea, I love to yard sale and find a treasure for little money. In my neck of the woods it is bulk pickup time and my treasure for this week is the beautiful creamer and teapot that I found in the trash!! I previously purchased the platter and was waiting to find a pot but who would have thought I would find one in the garbage.
What is another man's trash has certainly become my treasure. Mary

Pink Saturday

2009-04-25T06:49:00.003-04:00

It's Pink Saturday once again, how fast the weeks go by. Today I am having a "giveaway"!!

It's one of my yard sale finds that I thought some of our passionate pink people would enjoy.

If you would enjoy drinking a cup of tea in this pretty cup and saucer just leave a comment

that you would like to enter the giveaway.

Have a wonderful Pink Saturday and please visit Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

More bulk pickup finds

2009-04-22T10:07:00.006-04:00

This has been a great year so far! If I don't find anything else I will call it a success!

The best find so far!

2009-04-20T06:19:00.001-04:00

What can I say, I love it!

Just a few of my bulk pickup finds

2009-04-18T23:08:00.006-04:00

Whats one man's trash is another man's treasure, couldn't be more true this bulk pick up season. I found this lovely coffee pot and creamer which I think is silver, I couldn't find markings on this but I'll shine it up with Wrights tomorrow and get a better idea.

This photo box wasn't even taken out of it's shrink wrap and I love the pink roses!

The crystal flutes are so pretty, too bad clutzy me broke one.

This neat little object flattens out. Maybe an egg holder or steamer? I don't know how I'm going to use it but it was too good to pass up.

These are only a sampling of what I found today and I'll be adding to this all week long.

And there are still 3 weekends left to scour the streets and I couldn't be any happier!

Road Trip to "Switzerland of America"

2009-04-17T21:21:00.007-04:00

otherwise know as Jim Thorpe, Pa. This town is nestled in the Mountains of the Poconos and because of the landscape and architecture was nicknamed, "Switzerland of America."

It was originally called Mauch Chunk which means Sleeping Bear in Lenape Indian. After the famous Olympian Jim Thorpe died, his widow sold the town his remains and the town of Mauch Chunk was renamed Jim Thorpe in the hope of stimulating tourism. I'm sure the town is hopping in the summer, white water rafting is very popular here but I went there Wednesday and unfortunately all the places of interests to tour were closed, the tourist season hadn't started yet. Just my luck!

Struck "Pink" garage sale gold!

2009-04-11T07:31:00.007-04:00

The mug was 2$

Cup and saucer 2$

Plate was 1$ and I just love the roses!

Pink Saturday rolls around again, how fast do the weeks go? I went a garage sale yesterday and found pink gold! Two pretty, maybe antique? cups. Also, another one of my orchids is blooming and I just have to share it, I'm so proud of my orchids since I have trouble growing any other plant.

Please stop by Beverly's at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ and drop her a note, her Mom has been sick.

I hope everyone has a Happy and Blessed Easter! Mary

A walk with Snuggles

2009-04-09T21:19:00.005-04:00

Which way should we go??

To the right?

Straight ahead?

Maybe to the left...decisions, decisions!

Some more cards

2009-04-08T07:37:00.002-04:00

This pink card I designed myself. Happy Birthday is emossed in the little tag. Simple but doesn't quite cut it.

This card I like a whole lot more..my inspiration was from Laurie at

http://justgivemestamps.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/04/index.html She is an incredibly talented card creator. I enjoy many stamping blogs but hers is my favorite. If you enjoy card making please visit her blog, her talent is amazing! Mary

Chai tea and Turkish Tea cups

2009-04-06T21:45:00.003-04:00

I went to a huge yardsale this past Saturday at West Point Military Academy. I had big expectations for this sale because so many of the officers are stationed throughout the world and you never know what kind of international treasure you will find or at least hope to find!
After passing home after home of the typical kids toys and clothes I found these. I was intrigued by the little cups with the underplates. The seller told me that she was stationed in Turkey and when you go into the little shops you are given a cup of very hot chai tea in these little cups. (Isn't that a nice custom?) The tea is so hot that you hold it by the underplate. The Turks like their tea sweet and with each cup came a tiny spoon and each had a different pattern. I asked the price and she said, " two dollars for the lot" and I said, "Sold"!
So, I am now going to enjoy my "little glasses of hot chai tea in authentic Turkish chai glasses."
I love yardsales, you never know what treasure you will find.
P.S. The other items shown my Mom bought, English chintz cup and saucer and two coffee cups and I also found 2 bone plates. I'll be posting more of my finds later this week.

What is your best yardsale find? I would love to hear! Mary

Pink Saturday is here again!

2009-04-03T21:24:00.003-04:00

I purchased these two photo box holders at A.C. Moore for 2 dollars each to store some of my card making supplies. I would have bought more but they only had these two. I'm hoping they get more in soon. I covered a cookie tin with paper to store markers. I'm trying to be neat and pink with my storage!

Have a Happy Pink Saturday! Here is Beverly's link for more pink pretties.

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Better late than never, Irish Soda Bread

2009-04-01T19:25:00.003-04:00

I'm just getting around to making my Irish Soda bread for St. Patrick's Day! I didn't want to waste the quart of buttermilk that was making me feel guilty every time I opened up the refrigerator door!

Now doesn't this look good! The tea is Stash's licorice spice. I love Stash teas!

Irish Soda Bread

2 cups unbleached flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 heaping tsp. caraway seeds

4 Tablespoons butter, worked into flour with pastry blender or 2 knives

1 cup raisens

1 cup buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients. ( I cut in butter than add caraway seeds and raisens)

Stir in buttermilk.

Knead dough, till consistency is smooth. I put a little flour on counter, flour my hands and knead till smooth.

Make shape of cross on bread and bake in greased and floured 8 inch cake pan.

Bake at 325 for 45 mins. Remove and cool. You can also smooth some butter on top while the loaf is still warm.

Enjoy any time of the year!

Working with what you have...

2009-03-30T09:27:00.004-04:00

I had this pretty hand crocheted trim on hand for quite some time and finally came up with a use for it. Trimming my towels! Of course I didn't have enough and found some more pretty trim on ebay, it's coming from Belgium and I can't wait to see it. This was a fast and easy project to do!

Pink Saturday

2009-03-21T08:17:00.007-04:00

Happy First Pink Saturday this Spring!

The flower pictures were taken at a local flower show last weekend. I want gardens like that! On the way home I found this pretty rice container at a local antique store. Now my kitchen is not pink but I could not pass it by!

The two card holders were a recent online purchase to show off my card work and postcards. Displayed is a card I made that has an error on it but it's one of the first ones I made in a class that got me excited about card making.

The pictures over the bed I love because they are pink botanicals.

I didn't realize my love for pink till I started participating in Pink Saturday, so for my pretty in pink head over to Beverly at
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ Have a lovely week! Mary

Happy First Pink Saturday in Spring!

My orchids are blooming again!

2009-03-18T09:07:00.004-04:00

I just adore these plants. I have the common Phalaenopsis Orchids which are very, very easy to care for.

They are kept in a southern exposure and I water them once a week. That's it! If I can keep them alive anyone can.

They bloom for months on end and I love their exotic appearance.

If you want a long blooming plant that requires little effort, this is the plant for you!

Local Flower Show

2009-03-16T20:51:00.005-04:00

I hope everyone has a Happy St. Patrick's Day!! I was going to post my Irish Soda Bread recipe and a picture of the bread on my Irish Tea Set, but I'm too pooped to make the bread!

I went to a local flower show this weekend and I'm taking the easy way out and posting a few pictures. I am certainly looking forward to playing in the soil!

Green-My favorite color...except when....

2009-03-15T21:47:00.004-04:00

I love these beautiful Lenten Roses...Such a pretty green.

But a green bagel??? I just can't eat something that will turn this color if you leave it out for a few days....Even if it's in honor of St. Patricks Day, I just can't eat a green bagel!

Pink Saturday

2009-03-14T07:34:00.003-04:00

My two Pink Saturday offerings are a card I made this week for my friends birthday and my little vignette on my dresser. The little bird vase I picked up for 1$ at a yard sale, the pink bird was a gift and my Mom bought me the pretty pink glass basket.

Stop by Beverly's at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ for more fun Pink Saturday!

Thanks for stopping by! Mary

Atlas Garden Gloves...One of my favorite things..

2009-03-11T17:28:00.003-04:00

http://www.palmflex.com/atlas2.htm I hated to wear any type of gardening glove till I bought these last year at the Philadelphia Flower Show. I love my Atlas gloves, they are easy to put on and you don't even feel like you are wearing gloves. I bought 2 pairs at 6.50 each...But, if you go to this link they are only 3.99 each if you buy 3 pairs and even less if you buy more.
One pair lasted me for the gardening season last year ( though I didn't garden much) but it really prevented me from getting blisters and from getting dirt under my nails.
I know if you buy them you will be back to thank me!

Bella Italia at the Philadelphia Flower Show

2009-03-08T22:07:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of attending the show Saturday with my Mom. Other than it being unbelievably crowded it was enjoyable. I had difficulty with my camera, so many pictures came out blurry but here are a few so you get the idea of the beauty of this show. If you ever have the opportunity to attend, don't pass it up!

My stamping weekend

2009-03-04T08:40:00.002-05:00

I went away this past weekend with my Mom for a stamping extravaganza. It was alot of fun, we took classes, participated in a chocolate exchange and stamped our little hearts away!

My friend created this for the chocolate exchange and I thought it was the most clever of all the packaging. This little owl is adorable, I wish I had such and imagination!

New background

2009-02-25T13:48:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it actually worked! On the top left corner of my blog is the link to Background fairy. The instructions were explicit and if I was able to follow them I know you can too!

Chocolate Exchange packages

2009-02-24T06:20:00.003-05:00

These were the easiest things to make and would be a great party favor. I just embellished a kit that was purchased for 5$ for 30...the kit included the ribbon and tag, and I added the butterfly and little button. I wrapped the chocolate in tulle and tied with a ribbon. Easy peasy!

I'm participating in the exchange this weekend and can't wait to see the 20 packages I receive. I'm sure I'll have some fun ideas to post!

Pink Saturday

2009-02-21T07:21:00.004-05:00

I recently stumbled upon this site. http://www.makeminepink.com/ and found all sorts of pink goodies. Isn't this fan pretty. I'm sure it would be easy to recreate this. And wouldn't the bird look cute in an Easter Tree?

And lastly, I have 2 packages of these lightly pink Wallies...25 in each of the wallpaper cutouts. The first person who wants them, leave a note and I'll send them as a Pink Saturday Gift. For more Pink fun head over to Beverly's at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Happy Pink Saturday!

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

2009-02-19T20:43:00.002-05:00

I will never forget the first time I had this cake. I was in high school and my friend Janet, who lived next door, was making it. She had me lick the spoon of this scrumptious batter and it was love at first taste. I think the batter tastes as good or better than the baked cake, it's that good. I have made this again and again. Its a standby that never disappoints.

Cake

2 large eggs

2 cups sifted flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sour cream

Topping

1 cup walnuts

1/4 cup sugar

1tsp cinnamon

Bake 350 -apx 45 mins in greased spring or bundt pan

Sift flour, baking powder, soda and salt together in bowl.

In another bowl blend butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs.

Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately to butter mixture. Stir till combined.

In buttered pan add 1/2 the batter mixture, sprinkle with 3/4 of the sugar, walnut and cinnamon mixture. Top with rest of batter and sprinkle with remaining walnut mixture.

I love Craigs list...my Seventeen dollar and fifty cent chair

2009-02-16T22:15:00.005-05:00

I try to check Craigs list daily and I was thrilled to see 2 cute rockers for sale...both for 35$!!

My sister and I went to see them and of course we bought them..how could you not for only 17.50 per chair. I took this one and I'll post my sisters in another post. They are diminutive and oh, so sweet! Craigs list is the best. I would love to hear about your Craigs list finds.

Devils Food Surprise Cake..aka..Triple Coronary Bypass Cake

2009-02-16T21:59:00.004-05:00

I have been making this cake for years and years and it's always a hit. I named it Triple Coronary Bypass Cake because it's so rich...little did I know that my husband would have to undergo this procedure.....so I warn you, a little of this rich cake goes a long way!

1 package devils food cake mix

1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (1.7 ounce size)

1 cup sour cream

4 eggs

16 ounce bag of chocolate chips...(I use the smaller of the two bags they sell..maybe 12 ounce)

1/2 cup warm water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Mix eggs, water, oil, sour cream, pudding mix till well blended. Add cake mix and morsels till well blended.

Bake in ungreased tube or bundt pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour or till done. I start checking after 50 mins.

When cooled sprinkle with confectioners sugar, serve and be flattered by all the compliments.

Cake Decorating 101

2009-02-16T07:30:00.003-05:00

I took the first two Wilton cake decorating classes at my local Michaels. It was alot of fun and as I look back at this picture I think I did pretty well for one of the first cakes I decorated. I have to remember to snap of picture when I decorate a cake.
I only wish I had a recipe for a frosting that is easy to work with that doesn't use Crisco....I can't bring myself to eat it!
If anyone sees this that has a recipe for Crisco free icing that is workable I would appreciate it if you would share it.
I'm off for the holiday today and just may have to make a cake!!

Valentines Day Card

2009-02-09T21:25:00.002-05:00

I have recently become addicted to cardmaking. And I say addicted with all seriousness. I can't pass an ACMoore or Michaels without going in and adding to my growing supplies. There is always more pretty paper, ink and embellishments to buy. I only wish I had more time to play and play is what I'm doing...cutting, pasting, coloring, it's all fun!

Here is a simple Valentines day card. Just layering of paper, so easy and so rewarding for a non-crafty person like myself.

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Pink Saturday

2009-02-07T07:50:00.004-05:00

While my father was in Italy fighting in WWII, my grandfather was at home relieving some of his stress embroidering. He embroidered this twin bedcover. The pink has faded but the embroidery threads look to be as vibrant as the day he stitched them.

I have no twin bed to use it on and its faded and discolored in places. I have wondered should I cut it up and make some type of altered art and give each sibling a peice..or should I keep it in it's aged appearance. What would you do?

Beautiful...inside and out

2009-02-04T07:47:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning to these beautiful skies and another bud on my orchid bloomed. A beautiful morning indeed!!!

It's the small things that make me happy!

My Pink Lady

2009-01-31T07:33:00.004-05:00

Let me introduce you to Sweet Anne, a Royal Doulton figurine that once belonged to my Grandmother. I am so happy to have this possession that once graced my Grandmothers home.

The little flower ceramic on the right of Anne once belonged to my grandmother also. I love having these sentimental reminders of her.

Have a Happy Pink Saturday and for more pink visit Beverly at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

And the Winner of Pink Saturdays Giveaway is...

2009-01-29T19:15:00.001-05:00

Kymber!! Congratulations..hope you enjoy it!

Milk Glass

2009-01-28T15:43:00.002-05:00

I have recently been adding to my small collection of milk glass. These are a few of my favorite pieces. The pretty vase on the right I won in the 60's at a Chinese auction. I attended it with my grandmother, mother and sister. I think it is the very first thing I ever won! A few years ago I found the covered dish that matches for 10$ at a garage sale. The taller vase was an antique shop find for 12$ and I bought the ruffled dish on ebay and I can't remember the price, but knowing me it was a bargain!
Milk glass is very inexpensive and a great thing to collect if you don't have much to spend.

Pink Saturday Giveaway

2009-01-23T19:47:00.004-05:00

This is my second Pink Saturday and I had so much fun participating in Beverly's Pink Saturday http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/ last week and had so many nice people visit my little blog that I decided this would be a great time for a pink give-a-way.

This is a sweet pink estate sale find and I hope it finds a new pink home!

Just leave a comment that you would like to participate in the giveaway and I'll pick the winner by putting the comment numbers in a bag and drawing a winner.

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

My Breakfast Companions

2009-01-21T10:28:00.002-05:00

Each morning I enjoy looking out my window at the suet feeder to see who has come to join me for breakfast. Today's guest was this beautiful woodpecker.

If I had to choose,
I would rather have birds
than airplanes.
Charles A. Lindbergh

Tarnished Silver

2009-01-20T10:04:00.003-05:00

Eddie Ross of http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2009/01/before-after-the-power-of-polish-1.html#comments posted about finding treasures of tarnished silver and making them shine again with a little elbow grease. Here are a few of my silverware pieces...the pitcher was a 4$ find, the tray I bought because I was inspired by Cindy's beautiful tray at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/ And the cute little dish was an ebay 5$ find...

I shine mine with Wrights silver polish, I haven't found anything better than that!

Dreaming of Spring

2009-01-18T09:03:00.002-05:00

More snow last night so Spring is aways off but I purchased a little springtime yesterday at a consignment shop. This dried flower arrangment was 15$ and is in a pretty vintage frame with convex glass.

I'm enjoying my little bit of indoor Spring!

Pink Saturday

2009-01-17T07:46:00.002-05:00

This is my first pink Saturday and of course I have trouble downloading my pretty picture to post! I signed up to participate so I thought of this pretty dish I just bought for 3.99 at Marshalls. It's a beauty and just perfect for Valentine's Day. Some homemade heart shaped cookies with royal icing in pink would make a lovely gift. Wrap in cellophane paper with a pretty bow and you have a special homemade gift at a nominal cost!

It's hard to see but the plate has love written on it. I love the edging and this picture does not do it justice.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Old picture frame repurposed

2009-01-14T07:45:00.002-05:00

This was a picture frame I found in bulk pickup this fall. I saw this idea on another blog and immediately went to my stash. This frame has pretty metal embellishments on it, painted it up, attached the lace with fabric glue (works great) finished the back off with some grosgrain ribbon and for 3$ have a pretty addition to my "romantic bath"!

Who's watching who?

2009-01-13T06:28:00.001-05:00

Amaryllis Cheer

2009-01-11T09:22:00.004-05:00

Check your local supermarket for great buys on plants and flowers. I purchased this amaryllis yesterday for 1.99 at my local market. The milk glass pedestal was an antique store find for 12$

This is my Christmas Amaryllis, I took this picture a few mins ago, it has been in bloom since Christmas.

The beauty of this plant has certainly helped with the winter blues!

Craigs list chairs

2009-01-10T07:51:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Craig

2009-01-10T07:34:00.002-05:00

I just read Eddie Ross's Blog ( it's listed under my favorites) and he does a virtual redo of a beautiful dining room set. So, I have to show you my Craigs list chairs! I paid 350.00 for 6 chairs that were in brand new condition. I bought them from a lovely couple in Westchester County NY. They have a beautiful home filled with alot of antique English pine furniture. I admired it and they were so gracious they gave me a tour of their entire home!!! They were lovely, charming people and I spent at least an hour visiting with them. They wrapped the chairs in the original packing and loaded them up in my truck. I drove away feeling thrilled with my purchase and happy to meet such nice people!
Like Eddie, I would love to see your Craigs list finds!

Interspecies love....

2009-01-06T06:56:00.000-05:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/02/assignment_america/main4696340.shtml?source=mostpop_story

This is the most touching story....love between and elephant and dog. We need to learn from the animals we share this planet with. They can teach us alot!

Another use for old fishtank bases

2009-01-04T09:49:00.002-05:00

This is another side of the road find...an old fishtank base. I just bought a verdigres finish kit, had a glass top made...20$ and voila, a plant stand!

How would you paint this?? Project gone wrong!

2009-01-03T12:14:00.001-05:00

This was another one of my side of the street finds. It's solid as a rock and I decided to strip it. Big, big mistake! It took hours and hours of labor intensive work and it's still not done. I did sand the top completly, stained it and it looks a mess! So, it's back to the drawing board!

This is going in my living room and will house my stereo equipment. I was thinking of painting it in 3 shades of cream. Maybe some aging or distressing...

Viewing wildlife in the backyard

2009-01-01T08:43:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This is one of my favorite pastimes...viewing my backyard wildlife. This summer we had this beautiful bear pay us a visit. The chair is a bulk pickup find that I spray painted blue and placed under the mulberry tree, little did I know that a bear would use it! This bear found it convienent to stand on to grab the mulberry branches. ( Wish I had a picture of that!)

He's in hibernation today but I'm sure I'll have lots of deer and birds to watch. Who visits your backyard???

Some trash to treasure projects

2008-12-31T06:36:00.006-05:00

While my niece was vacationing in Fl. I redid her bedroom with some of my "garbage pickin"finds. The gorgeous bed was from a co-workers home. He was moving and had a bunch of "junk" waiting to be thrown out. Another co-worker and myself went over to check out his garbage and this gorgeous bed was amongst the pile to be thrown out. I scooped this baby right up, a little cleaning and it's gorgeous! The end table, chair and little chest were all bulk pickup gargbage finds that I painted. Now I would have paint them in more subtle colors but my neice was thrilled. The wall color is beautiful Plaster Pink. A gorgeous soft pink.

New Year Promises-my gift to you!

2008-12-30T07:58:00.003-05:00

The New Year makes me feel like I have a fresh start but really how silly is that. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to make the most of the time we are given. I truly feel sorry for those that complain they are bored. I wish I had the time to be bored! There is always a good book to read, a hike to take and innumerable other things to do.
One of the best things we did was cancel tv. We purchased Direct TV and decided to hook it up when we missed having tv. Well, 7 years later we still don't miss it! So, what is my gift to you? The gift of time! Turn off that tv for 1 month and let me know how much you miss it and how much you have been missing out on!
Happy New Year!!! Mary

Yard sale before and after

2007-09-16T09:48:00.000-04:00

I found this cute little table at a yard sale for 4$ and I knew it would be perfect black with all the black accents I am trying to add to my deck. For a 1/2 hrs work and a can of black fusion paint, I think I did very well!

Fall is in the air!

2007-09-01T15:56:00.000-04:00

What is your favorite time of year? Mine is most certainly Autumn. I am invigorated by the season. There is a certain feel to the air, cleaner, crisper..energizing! Yes, that's it, I'm energized by Fall. I want to cook soups, pick apples, bake pies..spend as much time outside before our hours of daylight are shortened. I love to hike in the fall. Today I spent four hours at Wawayanda State Park in Northern N.J. hiking. The picture is of an area that I never saw before. Doesn't this picture show that fall is around the corner? I think so and it makes me happy..