Bookshelves...

I have a love-hate relationship with bookshelves.

I love their storage capability but find them difficult to decorate.

Then there is the age old issue: are they to be functional or decorative or both?

ugh... 

For me, filling them is NO problem, but making them look good is a different story.

I've gone through different phases...sometimes I like them monochromatic...sometimes whatever goes...sometimes sparse or jammed packed.

double ugh...

Then there is the book issue...facing front, facing back. Sort by color, size, topic...wrap them, bookjackets on, off...

My head just spins.

What's a girl to do?

Look for inspiration online.

Houzz is a great start.

That's where these images are from.

You can read the entire article here.

Then I found this picture on Nell Hill's Facebook page:

Mary Carol Garrity wrote:

"Bookshelves are made for more than books and that’s where I stage our family’s narrative. The narrative describes the people who live in the house and it is the charm of the home. I try to tell the story of the family by showing our taste, passions, experiences, preferences and outlook in the objects we love."

{Nell Hill's}

After I read her words, I knew what I was going to do:

 love.my.bookshelves.

Next post...My Lovely Bookshelves.

Taking a short break...

I'm taking a short break...my classroom and incoming students need my undivided attention!

I'll be back soon, I promise!

Johnson Brothers

I'm joing Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday. It's always so much fun to see what everyone has put together. Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!

I first saw these dishes a year ago, about the same time I began blogging.

It was the color, shape, pattern around the rim, and the different castles that caught my eye. Plain and simple, I fell in love! Since then, I've been looking for a set but haven't had too much luck except with online stores. Have you ever ordered from this store before?

I have been completely satisified with them and their service. They are well stocked...and the prices are reasonable. This box contained the Johnson Brothers Old Britian Castles ~ Blue {and they do a great job of packing your treasures in loads of bubble wrap!}

Below are the different layers and their cooresponding castles:

Since this set is new, they are dishwasher and microwave safe. Here and there I've seen old pieces and some have a bit of grazing and of course need special care.

I love all the Johnson Brothers' patterns...I could get in a bit of trouble shopping for them alone.

For instance, I really like the "pink" version of Old Britian Castles.

...and then the Old Britian Castles Pink Christmas...

So, back to our subject...tablescaping...

Just in case you wanted to know:

Flatware: Oneida, Michelangelo

Tall Stemware: Lenox, Navarre

Candlesticks: vintage

Napkin Rings: Ebay

Napkins: handmade

Tablerunner: Marshall's Home Goods

Dollar Store: votive candle holders

Thrifted: blue pitcher centerpiece, silver plate butter and oval covered

               vegetable serving dish, salt and pepper shakers, crystal water goblets: Import Associates,

               Cascade

Thanks so much for visiting...enjoy your day!

Thrifty find...

I'm joining Leigh over at Tales from Bloggeritaville for her Thrifty Thursday. Be sure to drop by for amazing finds and loads of treasures!

I really wasn't looking for anything in particular...well, maybe some fabric, while shopping at my favorite thrift stores. No tablecloths or such this time but I did happen upon a set of water goblets. It was the ball stems and the etching that made me take a second look. Since I don't have an antique booth or etsy shop, whatever I purchase, I usually keep. And since I didn't really need any crystal stemware, I thought twice about these four. In the end, I just couldn't resist. The price was right...and they "would" match another set I already have...so I bought them. I'm glad that I did, they compliment my original set very well.

I was very curious as to the maker and price of my treasures so I went online to Ebay. The company is Import Associates and the pattern is Cascade. There were a couple listed from $14 ~ $19 a stem. {I paid $19.99 for the set.} I then ventured over to Replacements.com and found the accompanying pieces...hm...perhaps I can add a few more pieces to my new collection?

Inspiration...

I'm joing Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday. Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!

I'll admit it, I'm a thrift store/antique shoppe junkie.

There are days that go by and I don't stop, but lately, I just can't help it! I've been several times this week already! There are several spots close by, it's fun to make the rounds. I love going to "just look" and usually end up with something to take home. Storage is beginning to be a problem so I'm trying to be selective...well, unless I see something really neat.

One thing I've begun looking for is fabric. It could be in the form of a tablecloth, curtains, clothes...anything that catches my eye. This past Tuesday, I found a round tablecloth that caught my eye...and even better, it looked like it just came from the cleaners! The attached tag stated that it is from Target, Waverly fabric....loved it at first site. The fabric around the perimeter is gingham and the colors are perfect for my home. Did I say I love it, yes, love it.

It was the inspiration for today's table.

This little guy usually lights up a corner in my kitchen...but today, I wanted him to shed a little light on my table.

He looks like he's happy to do so!

He's resting on a couple vintage books and the little alarm clock fit just perfectly on the book.

Things are casual, laid back for the summer. Jars for our cool beverages...

...and mix~matched, vintage flatware from my favorite shoppe.

I added my grandmother's molds.

Rosette cookies are delicate looking treats made with a batter using eggs, milk, flour, salt and sugar. To form the rosette cookies, iron rosette molds are used. These molds are usually sold in kits with several different shapes. The iron mold is dipped into the sizzling, hot oil and then quickly pressed into the batter. Then quickly dipped back into the hot oil and removed after a minute or so. Sometimes the batter can stick to the rosette iron.
                                          {http://www.ehow.com/how_5022265_cookies-off-rosette-iron.html}

Thrifty woven charger and repainted candle holders.

Vintage postcard...

...dishes from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Westerly Basket.

Thrifty napkin rings recovered in jute.

You just never know when inspiration is "right around the corner!"

Thanks for visiting...enjoy your day!