Little Surprise

Well-this is my life right now. All our stuff is in 3 storage units-we kept adding on as things were moved in and using up the space. We are settled in our tiny, and I mean tiny, apartment. I've concluded-Moving is Not Fun! Anyway it's done for now. We'll have more time to look at houses. We made offers on 2 different old houses-and neither one went through. Now we'll look at newer houses around where we live now. I'm not quite ready to give up on the vintage house yet-but there's not much in the area we want in our price range, that fits our criteria.

As we were packing up the old house, I pulled down from a ledge, a collection of old shoe shine boxes that had been up there for 13 years. One was kind of heavy, so I opened it to find this treasure chest full of vintage jewelry.
My Mom had given it to me years ago, and I completely forgot about it. What a nice surprise in the midst of all the chaos. The heart above has a L and R-My husbands name begins with R.
Some of the pieces are rhinestone and plastic and all kinds of stuff. Anyway. it was fun to go through it all. I hope you find a little surprise in your life! Have a great Wednesday! It's good to be back!

Leslie

Moving On

H is for House. It's been so long I almost forgot my password. I want to update you on what's been happening in my crazy life. The last time I posted, we had put our house on the market-and it sold that first day! I was amazed and never expected that to happen. It really caught us unprepared-as in buying the downsized house. We did make an offer on a cutie, but that fell through. After spending another unexpected week with my Dad, I have been packing the entire house-yes all 13 years of junk, and well loved stuff. We are moving into a temporary apartment until we find the right house. So move this weekend-then We can take out time to look. It has been a crazy few weeks-I'll be glad when the move is over. I'm exhausted and my back is killing me! Hopefully we'll find a house soon-so I can do this all over again. Ha ha! Hope all is well with you guys. I have been reading your blogs- just haven't commented lately. I'll be back next week. Have a good one!

Leslie

For Sale

I've been an MIA blogger. SO sorry. The reason is-we've listed our house for sale. The sign went out today. I have mixed feelings-I love this house and will miss it, but we want to down size and get a one story house. We haven't looked at much yet- but now that all the hard work is done, we can really start looking. My dream house? Well, small enough to be charming and cute, but big enough to keep most of my stuff. I know I'll have to get rid of some furniture and I really need to curb my thrifting habit. Anyway-we've been working our butts off getting everything ready. Now it the upkeep part. No big projects where I can leave out my mess, no big baking projects. Boo Hoo. I'll keep you posted on progress. Now I can finally check out your lovely blogs. That doesn't make a mess. Happy Easter to you all!

Home Again

I'm finally home after 3 long weeks of a roller coaster ride. My Dad is finally doing better-he was in and out of the hospital and is home now with 24 hour care in his home. Thank you so much for all your positive thoughts and prayers. I can't wait to catch up with all your blogs-I missed you guys! Life is hard without internet. lol

I took this pic outside in Arkansas-the butterflies were everywhere. I finally feel like it's spring!
I did do a little thrifting when I got home. I love this pillowcase and the little applique placemats have a slot to put a napkin through. I have lots of pieces like this with fruit and flowers. Love the colors.
I plan on doing some tiny projects-like painting these little ornies up. Still working on my stitching. I'll share the progress soon. It's so good to be home!!!!!!

Leslie

Blog Break

Just a quick note-I'm back with my Dad who's in the hospital. Connected to hosp. wi-fi-but no interent at his house. Hopefully I'll be back by the weekend.
Leslie

March into April

I forgot to put up my little calendar girl for March and April. I love how they combine both months in what she's wearing.
Did a little thrifting yesterday. Do you ever come home with a theme and you didn't know it till you took the booty out to look at it? You can't really see the cool scarf in the back-it has time pieces, old books, music and a violin. I found the lone piano salt shaker,an old dictionary and the cute tiny wooden shoes. They all kind of went together.
I've been busy spring cleaning, and stitching at night. Here's the progress on my little project. I'm not sure what I'll do with it when it's finished-we'll see. Have a happy day!

Leslie

Time To Rise

A birdie with a yellow bill

Hopped upon my windowsill

Cocked his shining eye and said

'Ain't you shamed, you sleepy-head?'

Robert Louis Stevenson
I was a sleepy head this morning when the time sprang forward-but I'm glad it's finally feeling like spring around here.
I took these pic's in Arkansas at my Dad's house-he has the best bird feeder and gets tons of different kinds of birds and woodpeckers. I didn't see the pilliated(Woody) woodpecker that day.
I could sit and watch it for hours out the sliding glass door. It was kind of cold that day-but the birds came out in droves. Hope you have a great day and enjoy the little signs of spring.

Leslie

St. Patrick's Day

I have a little Irish in me from my mom's side. I brought back this little guy holding a shamrock from my Dad's house. I had the little chalkware sheep.
Thought I'd make a little St. Patricks Day vignette. The candles are from Christmas.
This cottage picture usually hangs in my bathroom, but I thought it went well with the theme. Gotta get some corned beef and cabbage for next week. Does anybody have a good recipe for cooking it? I'm working on plumbing and painting- little projects that need to get done. See you later.

Leslie

Always Find Time

I'm home -again.I always try to make time for thrifting, as you know. While taking my Dad home to Arkansas I hit a Good Will and found a few treasures. Love the tarnished silver gray boat or whatever you call it.
I always pick up Pyrex. Check out the cutter cloth that someone already made into placemats and napkins. Saves me the work!
There is a whole set of crocheted doilies in different sizes. I'll do something with the embroidered picture. I am so glad to be home again. I can't wait to get back to my routine, and also catch up with you. Have a wonderful Monday!

Leslie

Thrifty Reds

Happy Rednesday!

I snuck out for a little thrifting today, and look what I found! Love salt and peppers with red lids. They sit on a cute tablecloth that will go perfect with some of my plates.This is the back of an afghan. Something about the colors in this really got me. Not sure weather to use the back or front.
Some vintage linens. I'll probably use a few of these for embroidery.
More red. Vintage Christmas music books. The illustrations inside of some of them are great.
This is the first coloring book I've bought. I saw some in a blog(forgot which one) and I think these pic's can be used for all kinds of things.
For more great reds go check out It's A Very Cherry World. It's a beautiful day here in Dallas-off to take my Dad back home later this week. Maybe I'll get to a few garage sales over the weekend.

Leslie

Hidden Places

I love when a piece of furniture has a secret. Like when you open a cupboard and you have something that only you get to see. I have my quilt stash in this armoire.I love opening the doors and seeing the pretty stacks of quilty goodness.
I think the reason I bought this primitive cabinet, was the red painted drawers. I never leave them open, and only I know they are painted red. I love that someone took the time to go the extra step to add some hidden cheerfullness.
Most of you know I'm a piano teacher, and I love crafting with music paper. The back of this computer armoire was sitting against my stair railing. You can only see the decoupaged back, when you go up the stairs.
Here it is peaking through. Someday I will add some hidden personality to a few more drawers and doors in my house.
I've been so busy doing college scholarship paperwork, income tax stuff-YUCK! Just about done. Also taking care of my Dad, who is getting better. I'll probably take him back to Arkansas this week. Than hopefully I can catch up with all of your blogs and get back to some stuff here. Have a great week-end.
Leslie

Nodders

I thought I'd share a collection of my Mom's. She has about 15 of these salt and peppers. They are called Nodders.They swing back and forth in the little holders. The bases are all very similar. They usually have a floral motif/ They were originally tourist souvenirs.
My Dad put little glass shelves in the kitchen window so she could display them. They are so unique. I'd never even seen or noticed them in shops before she started collecting them.
Now I think they are kitchy and cute! Happy Monday!

Leslie

Thrifty Thursday

I still managed to get out thrifting while in Arkansas and here are my finds. I collect red and white enamelware coffee pots, so I nearly mowed a lady down when I saw this one. You don't see them with red lids very often. I'll use the little Ginger can in my Christmas decor.I have one fireking cup and saucer with tulips, and I found these two at different shops. I'll use them in some kind of spring vignette. I still want to find one more-maybe the pretty blue floral, or the red and pink floral that I've seen. I want to have a set of 4 mismatched cups and saucers.
The pillowcase was found at the GW. for 50 cents.
I love this book! I keep saying I don't need any more books, but I couldn't pass on this.
The illustrations are so charming and it's in excellent condition.
I'm catching up on things around here and getting lots of little things done. Hope you all have a great day!

Leslie

Happy to Be Home

I'm back. I'm really glad to be back. Thanks for all the well wishes for my Dad. I brought him back with me to Texas, and we are playing everything by ear. I really missed you guys-reading everyones blogs and keeping up with you. I thought I'd do a short post about the 3-yes 3 snows we had in Arkansas while I was there. This is the view out my Dad's window. It was gorgeous!This is my van after it was pushed to the shoulder, because I was sliding down the hill backwards. Not fun!
Here's the hill. Didn't know it was icy-after all I'm used to Texas!
I stayed busy reading and stitching in between helping my Dad out. I'll share more tomorrow-just wanted to pop in and say there's no place like home!
Leslie

Valentines for you

Here are a few valentines for you. I'm getting ready to go help out my Dad. He's been in the hospital and will be out today or tomorrow. We are iced in, here in Dallas, but I hope we can make the drive tomorrow. I will be gone for a little while, there's no internet there, but I'll be thinking of you. Stay warm and safe.
The inside of the above card says:

I'm much too shy to tell you

So I sent this Valentine

To let you know I'm very glad

That you're a friend of mine!
See you soon.

Leslie

I Heart You!

Here is my little entry way table. This antique jar I found at an antique mall awhile back. I love it for putting seasonal stuff in. My little vignette is all about hearts.
These felt conversation hearts were inspired by Elizabeth at Bluebird Papercrafts. If you haven't seen her blog go check it out. You are in for a real crafty treat!
The little plate and milkglass candy dish were found at Good Will a few months ago. I had to buy the vintage gloves. They are embroidered with a black running stitch and little pink flower design. Don't know how they did that. Thanks for all the Dollhouse Sweet Shoppe love. You guys are awesome. It was 75 here today-sorry all you guys that have below freezing weather. I felt like planting a gardenit was so beautiful, but it's supposed to change midweek to maybe freezing rain. We are hosting the Super Bowl here in the Dallas area-so hope you all are watching! Have a great day!

Leslie

Dollhouse Sweet Shoppe

Come on in to The Sweet Shoppe.We are open for business.
Sit down and enjoy a homemade piece of cake or pie.
We also have cookies and donuts and cupcakes.
Candy and chocolates are in the hutch. There's twine and scissors to wrap up your goodies. See Little Max in his basket?
This is where we make our goodies. There's a n apple pie coming out of the oven. Little kitten is staying warm under the stove.
She didn't notice Miss Mouse is out for a stroll.
Put the dirty dishes in here. I'll wash them later.
My red and white enamelware coffee pot is always on the stove.
Making some gingerbread men at the table.
Hope you enjoyed the tour. Come back soon!

For those of you who haven't seen my doll house, I bought the shell at an antique mall and fixed it up. I added the door and windows and everything inside. It was a really fun project and could become addictive! I was inspired by Turkey Feathers Dollhouse Bakery. I'm linking up to It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday. Please check out more fun Reds.

Leslie