It's simply in the details...

I was shopping at TJMaxx the other day and ran across these little plates. I loved their shape and color.

I thought they'd fit nicely with a set of dishes that were given to me by my sister.

I've admired aluminum pieces on many blogs and have been on the lookout for a few pieces. While out one day, I found this bowl...my collection began.

I don't remember the price, I'm sure it wasn't too much, perhaps a dollar or two.

On another venture, I found this piece. The leaves on the handles were the selling factor.

The edges were the same as my first piece, I was thrilled!

This past weekend, I picked up this little sugar and creamer, $1.00 for the set.

They look like they've been well loved.

With these few pieces, I wanted to put together a simple little tablescape.

I've had the best time thrifting for treasures...you never know what you might find!

{I'm still on the lookout for a few more special pieces to add to my collection.}

Thanks so much for visiting.

Be sure to stop by Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

The Details:

Salad plates - TJMaxx

Square dinner set - Target

Napkins - World Market

Flatware - Michelangelo

Aluminum pieces - Goodwill, antique store

Changing things around a bit...

My house is very simple...and I tend to have a monochromatic decorating style. At times I like things the way they look, but when I take an outsiders view {seeing things from my pictures} things look too simple or just not right. So, it seems I'm constantly moving things around until they "feel" and "look" better...at least for a while...ugh...does anyone else do this?

So here's my mantel...keep in mind, I'm very simple.

Well, not that simple. I had already cleared a few things off before this shot. However, it gives you an idea what I'm working with...antique mantel clock and doornobs.

I added height with the plant, softness with the lace, nature with the shells and tray, and light with the candles.

During the day...a lot of light.

I like it...I think.

It's the refection that I can hardly stand! Who wants to look at a brass colored, builder's grade, 16 year old ceiling fan?

Here's a night view...

...warmer...

...but again, the reflection is not working.

I know what you're thinking...replace the mirror with art. I know. But, remember the room is small. I hung the mirror to make the room look larger.

I like the larger look...

but...

not the reflection.

Here's where I need your help.

Do you have any suggestions?

PLEASE

I honestly would love to hear from you and any ideas you might have to my dilemma.

*****
added: 1.28.10
I wanted to thank everyone for all their suggestions! You all are so creative and sweet to give me such wonderful ideas...
 I now have some options that I didn't think of before...
and
I can't WAIT to get started!
*****

I'm linking to several parties to get as much help as possible!

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Barb over at Grits and Glamour for Tabletops Thursday

and

Beth over at The Stories of A to Z for her Mantel Party.

Thanks so much for visiting, I'd LOVE to hear your ideas!

Two silver things to share...

I have two things to share today, one from my mother, the other from my sister.

My mother gave me her vanity set several years ago. Loving silver, it was a perfect gift.

I think it's the way it sparkles and ages.

{The tray is a Goodwill find, the throw is faux fur.}

The mirror, brushes, and combs are of a good weight...they feel very sturdy in your grasp.

Things have really changed in grooming, haven't they?

The second piece I'd like to share is a plate that my sister had engraved for me when I received my Masters of Education.

It's another prized possession both for the event it marked and the thoughtfulness of my sister.

I just love the details.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Be sure to check out Beth's Gypsy Fish Journal and her Silver Sunday.

Butternut Brownie Pie

This is a dreamy pie for you to try if you love fluffiness, graham crackers, and pecans!

It's a Luby's recipe...do you have one near you? It is a cafeteria style restaurant that guarantees "Good food from good people." Luby's was a family favorite each Sunday after church, a place to choose your absolute favorite dish and relax around a large white cloth covered table. The atmosphere was homey and warm with a touch of class. As you walked in the doors, the wonderful aromas were mouth watering. You could pick and choose whatever you wanted...my favorites were always the desserts. This recipe is tried, true...and scrumptious!

You'll need:

4 extra large egg whites at room temperature
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
14 graham crackers squares, broken into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup pecan pieces
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease 9 inch pie plate.
2. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and baking powder until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar, beating constantly. Add 1 cup of the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating constantly until stiff peaks form. Using rubber scraper, fold in graham crackers and pecan pieces. Spoon into pie plate.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire cooling rack.
4. In chilled small bowl using chilled beaters, beat cream just until it begins to thicken. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat. Top pie with whipped cream. Sprinkle with pecans and refrigerate until served.

I'm joining Foodie Friday for all things tasty. Stop by for unbelieveable treats and recipes!

New Shoppe and an old Favorite!

Have you ever passed by an interesting little shoppe on your daily routine and thought, I need to stop in there... it looks like it might have some really neat things?

Well, this past Saturday, I had a bit of extra time so I did stop. It was a cold, drizzly day and I thought, we'll at least I can get warm and stay dry.

Oh my!

I'm SO glad that I took the time to take a look. It was a charming rustic little place that was loaded with goodies!

To top things off, some of their things were on sale.

Yippee!

 These guys are about 8 inches tall and were marked down from $16.00 to $10.00.

I also picked up these tortoise shell napkin rings. They were marked $5.00, but were then slashed 20%.

I ventured next to an old standby thrift store and found this bunny bowl.

Cute... just 89 cents.

I picked up this pressed glass ashtray {made in Italy} to use as a coaster for wine bottles.

99 cents

Then I saw this piece...

 

...looking a little closer...

...yep...Waterford!

$8.00

SOLD!

It's so much fun to go thrifting...you never know what you may find!

I'm linking with Tales from Bloggerville for Thrifty Thursday. Be sure to stop by for other amazing treasures!

Star light, star bright...

I'm linking with Beth over at Gypsy Fish Journal...it's her 3rd Silver Sunday and a terrific place to visit for all things silver. Be sure to take a look!

Star light, star bright...

first star I see tonight.

I wish I may...

I wish I might,

Have this wish I wish tonight.

Did you make a wish?

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

I just can't help it!

I'm joining a new party, Silver Sunday. Please stop by for lovely silver pieces...

I just can't help it...I love to collect silver pieces! It's so much fun to see a diamond in the rough, shine it up a bit and see a beauty appear!

Take this piece. It was $2.99 at a local thrift shop. I loved the details and thought if I can't get it to shine, I can at least use it for a tray and cover the yucky parts.

Well, hello gorgeous!

Today, I found this beauty for $5.00 at a favorite antique shoppe. The dealer was having a sale and everything was 15% off!

SOLD!

I snapped a picture after cleaning only half of it, I wanted to show that it's quite easy to do...with a little effort.

 

The rim is what caught my attention.

Here are a few more pieces that were found while thrift store shoppping.

It's fun to find such treasures!Thanks so much for visiting, I truly love reading your comments.

Enjoy your day!

I'm also linking with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday.

And

Diane at Second Time Around Tuesday!

Please stop by and visit these parties for additional treasures!