California Pottery Crocks and a Chicken Love Triangle

Old crocks have such a nostalgic appeal even though they are such utilitarian pieces. We were lucky to find several that Hummer and Hobo had used. At least one came from the California Pottery Company which operated a plant here in Merced from about 1920 to 1929. Hubby believes they were used for curing olives from the two olive trees on our property. I've always wanted to display them together but I had trouble finding a spot because they're so big.

When Hubby pulled this old wood stove/shin bruiser out of our living room fireplace I knew I had a place to display the crocks.

The fireplace that can't be used as is and we're not sure if we're going to restore it. Now for the pretty part...

The crocks by themselves were looking rather dull. I tried some old silk roses I had but it was a long swag and just didn't work. I thought about silk sunflowers but the prices were outrageous for the long stemmed ones so the crocks stayed empty for a long time.

Just yesterday I came across these real sunflowers at Raley's. They have a section of "Farmer's Market" bouquets that each have just one type of flower but you can mix and match bouquets at a a price of 3 for $12. I think they'll dry well enough to use through fall.

They looked so nice that Miss Henrietta moved her bed over for a closer view...

and a handsome new fellow found his way in. Hank doesn't know bout him yet but Henrietta says she and Alejandro are just friends.

I don't know, they're looking pretty cozy to me!

And the crocks look nicer now too!

Blonds Really Do Have More Fun

The first Christmas as a blond,

Sherwin Williams Blond that is!

I love how the reds, greens and whites pop on the warm background.

What do you think?

REDnesday ~ Tables from The Green Pea Boutique

Don't you just love a pop of red?

I found two great red end tables at The Green Pea when I made a short trip out of town to meet some new friends. You can read about these sweet ladies here and get links to their blogs. They are also listed under California Friends on my right side bar. Sandi has a lot of wonderful red pieces in her boutique. I actually found 3 tables I loved but only two could fit in my living room.

I knew they would be perfect in my room and make a great REDnesday post so I'm linking up with Sue at It's a Very Cherry World. You can get there by clicking on her button on my right sidebar. Please go by and visit her cherried-out blog and see what the other participants are up to. I took a sneak peek and found some beautiful cranes posted by Cindy at Applestone Cottage. Oh! Wait, don't go yet! You have to see my tables first!

I was looking for pieces with storage and some character. I never dreamed I'd find them in RED!
Yay, the work is already done. One less project for me to procrastinate about!

I'm sure you've seen this type of magazine table before but probably not in RED. Don't you think the red just gives it a fresh new cottage feel?

I've always loved this little fall birdhouse store because of all the colors, especially the red.

The table holds some magazines, decorating books, and books on local history. The box peeking out under the yellow napkin holds coasters. I was so excited when I found it because the fabric covering it is a petite print of my valance fabric. The box was holding candles that had such a strong scent they made me sneeze. I had to toss the candles, spray it with Fabreeze and leave it outside for a week before I could bring it in.

I love the table next to this red lamp shade but the shade is a little short for the lamp. It's all a work in progress!

Here's my valance that inspired the color scheme for this room. I absolutely fell in love with the big red/pink roses and the red pomegranates.

Here's my second red table. Notice the big empty space on the right? Hubby's recliner goes there. It didn't make the cut. In fact, I pushed it way far away so it couldn't possibly be in the shot! Even Hubby has mentioned it's about time for a new one so you know it's bad! My little rocker/recliner is the perfect spot for reading or pulling out my notebook and pen from the little drawer and making a Honey Do List.

I just love this table! It's so chunky and sturdy with just enough detail to tickle my fancy!

It's hard to get through one of my posts with out a little Lab Love! At least this one doesn't shed or track in mud. OR KNOCK THINGS OFF THE TABLE TRYING TO GET TO THE WINDOW TO SEE WHO JUST PULLED UP! Sorry, Sunny is still trying to get used to the new furniture arrangement! The little lab looks cute on the placemat but it's real purpose is to have a special place for Hubby's Pepsi when he gets home from work. On that note I better put his chair back...


Happy REDnesday! Thanks for staying through it all!

P.S. Sorry for reposting, again! I just had to add a little personal note.

Mom, this music is for you ~ Red River Valley! I'll sleep peacefully tonight remembering all the times you sang the four of us to sleep with it! Love you and Dad!

Dawn

Interior Work in Progress

I haven't shown much of my interior yet because I'm in the middle of several projects. So here's a sneak peak.

I have beautiful floral valances that I decided to rework a bit after we painted. Hope to get them back up soon.

Darling Daughter helping mom. She did such a great job. I gave her a little roller so she could handle it better.

She helped for much longer than I thought she would. I just love seeing paint going on the wall. Instant gratification!



Dawn