Pretty Finds!!

When I go to estate sales, flea markets and yard sales, I'm on the hunt for linens.  But I can't help myself if I come across some pretty goodies. Below are some of my best finds over the last couple of weeks.

This is a simple white (milk glass?) vase that I picked up at the local Goodwill store. It was marked at 99 cents, but the gal at the register thought that was too much and gave it to me for 49 cents. (I have a fun idea for this which I'll share with you later).

I picked up this sweet angel for $2.50 at an estate sale. She's so cute! I don't know what I'll do with her, but she's a keeper.

I found this beauitful pink carnation plate at a flea market. I thought it was outrageous at $10.00, but my hubby reminded me that was a good price considering it's size. Thank you, Sweetheart!!

A bunch of keys for $1.75 and an old broach at $10.00!! There I go splurging again!

I "found" this gorgeous rose plate at my sister's house. I loved it, so she gave it to me. She had it hanging above the bath tub from a pink ribbon. It looked so pretty. I commented on how pretty it was, what a great idea (you know how we women gush when we see something we like).  So she gave it to me!  I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so I graciously accepted it. 

This is a darling little ring box. It's pink, so I bought it.

My favorite find is this set of yummy pink rose Limoges bread plates. They were only $3.00 each!! The guy I bought them from didn't know what he was selling.

And this little salt shaker I picked up at a little antique store near Sequine, TX. I have plans for this one, too, and you'll be seeing that soon.

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

26th Wedding Anniversary celebrated at Tower of the Americas

San Antonio Skyline

Last Wednesday, September 22, we celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary.  Mr. VLT made reservations at a "fancy" restaurant, but wouldn't tell me where it was.

It turned out to be the Tower of the Americas in Down Town San Antonio. It has a revolving restaurant at the top that makes a complete revolution in one hour. The elevators sit on the outside of the tower and have glass fronts so you can see the city during the ascent and descent. It goes up and down so fast it's almost like an amusement park ride.

Out side of the Tower, is a gorgeous (man-made) fountain and waterfall. It looks like the water might be flowing over an ancient Aztec temple. We got a picture of us, but forgot to get one of the fountain.

This is the view we're greeted with as we walk into the restaurant. It was so cool because the hostess came to the elevator and greeted us by name. They knew we had been on our way up.

The menu was personalized with a message and our names.  It may sound like a silly little thing, but it made me feel special.

We shared a glass of champagne. The bottom is filled with hibiscus  nectar and a hibiscus flower that opened up as we drank the champagne. This was FABULOUS!  We even ate the flower at the bottom. It was really good.

For appetizers:  We had the most delicious crab-stuffed mushrooms. (I wanted to lick the plate)

I had halibut topped with crab and lobster, roasted asparagus and tomatoes, and a yummy cheese risotto.

Mr. VLT had THE most delicious prime steak and garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli. (on a separate plate). This steak was fabu-licious!

The sun began to set as we finished our meal. We were facing West, just as planned by Mr. VLT. It was so romantic. The we split dessert: Macadamia nuts and Carmel New York style cheese cake. I didn't think we'd be able to finish it all...but we did!!!

Above the restaurant is walk enclosed by glass that goes all the way around the tower. It was SO windy.  I had a couple of Marilyn Monroe moments.  And, yes, Mr. VLT got pictures at just the right moments with my dress flying WAAAAY up.  And no, I'm not posting them. LOL!

It's hard to appreciate the beauty of the city lights in this photo. You'll just have to believe me that is was wonderful.  It was such a beautiful and romantic evening. We had so much fun. It's definitely one of those places you have to visit if you come to San Antonio.

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

What to do with a damaged runner

The plastic bags in my pantry were getting out of control! We try to use the reusable tote bags, but no matter what, we always seem to come home with a bunch of plastic bags, too. I had been stuffing them into a brown paper bag in the corner, but I'd put so many bags in there it ripped down the middle. But of course that didn't stop me from stuffing more bags in it. 

For a long time I've been wanting to make a bag for my bags (a bag-bag) but was just too lazy busy to do it. I came a cross an old runner full of holes. It was hand embroidered with the cutest little birds on it! So I cut off a "good" section and went to my fabric stash to see if I could find fabric that would match it and at least sort-of go with my kitchen.  I found some brown and red toile, brown and white gingham and some vintage clooney-type lace.

Because the runner is white, I backed it with part of an old pillowcase so that the pattern of the toile wouldn't show through.

I laid it all out, pinned it all together, and then began sewing. This is a very simple project but I kept making silly mistakes and so had to to a lot of seam ripping and re-sewing. But finally it was done!

Now I have to make one for the laundry room, the garden shed and maybe the garage. Sounds like a lot, but I have a lot of runners I could use!!  LOL

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

Tea Leaf Cottage

As is our tradition, after having tea at Paris in a Cup tea house, Colleen and I cross the circle to the other side of Glassell to our favorite antique shop. It's called Tea Leaf Cottage. Just feast your eyes on the displays in the windows!

So much chic and shabbiness! White cottage chic! French Country, English cottage! What ever you're looking for, how ever you want to call it, it's in here!

As we walk in, we're greeted by Joan (the owner) and the Twisted Sisters. The Sisters are three antique boudoir dolls. Two of them have been around since the shop opened about 25 years ago. The third one, was recently added to the family.

This is a shop where you can find just about anything that's antique and white, silver or beige. And the combination of all these beautiful items is enough to make me swoon.

There are several dealers in this store, and all of them have the most beautiful and unique items. It's always a treasure hunt, or more accurately, a treasure find when we come in here.

Some of the things in the store are very "frugally" priced...

...Others, well, let's just say I'm waiting on winning the lotto. Isn't this display cabinet dreamy?!
Most of the things fall somewhere in between.

I'm only posting a few of the photos. This is a shop that has wondrous things tucked into every nook and cranny. AND you have to remember to look up. There's all kinds of things (like gorgeous chandeliers) hanging from the ceilings and walls.

My pictures really didn't do this shop any justice. I forgot to take pictures of the front counter that stock full of heavenly perfume bottles, rare trinkets, and of course, Joan, who is a doll to work with.

Tea Leaf Cottage is located at

141 N. Glassell

Orange, CA 92866

714 771-7752

It's a definite Must See if you're ever in the area.

Patricia :o)

I love everything in this store front window!!!