I've been "out"

I haven't been posting much or visiting your wonderful blogs lately because I had to have some minor surgery. It was sort-of an outpatient procedure except that they kept me for 23 hours so that it doesn't count as overnight. Like I said, it's nothing serious just one of those pesky "female" type things.

I was a little (understatement) nervous and depressed for about a week before the surgery. I couldn't get anything done and everything seemed like such a big chore. Even answering emails was difficult and I still have a slew to reply to that are almost three weeks old.

Now it's ten days after the surgery and I'm disappointed because I'm not back to normal yet. There were a couple of tiny complications, but, again, nothing major. It's funny how the doctor says minor but the body says major. Apparently I have 6 weeks of recovery. So much for such "minor" surgery!

Anyway, I didn't want you all to think I've forgotten about you. I'll be back to visiting when I have a little more energy. I have lots to share from before and I'm excited to see what all of you have been up to. See you soon!
Patricia :o)

Thrift Shopping with Deanna

Last Thursday, I went shopping with my new blogging friend, Deanna from Timeless Things. (She was attacked by fire ants that same day and is in terrible itchy pain. Please say a prayer for her and stop by her blog to say hi if you get a chance.)

We only met once before, but after spending an hour or two with her, we feel like we've know each other for ever. She's a very sweet and lovely lady.

I forgot to take my camera with me, so I didn't get photos of us or the places we visited. I think we went to four different places, plus Chic Fillet where we had lunch. Anyway, I only have photos of what I found to show. Hopefully when she feels better, she'll post a few photos of her own. (She found a TON of cute things).

I found PINK! Two pink sweater tops and a vintage pink slip.
The beading at the top of this sweater is all hand sewn. Whew! I can't imagine the time that took!
This pretty pullover feels like it's made of cashmere and has hand embroidery and hand beading on the collar/yolk. How pretty is that!?

Here are some little trinkets I couldn't pass up: A wicker-like magazine basket that I'm going to line with pink rose cotton fabric and use as a waste basket in my sewing "room", some white rose scented drawer liner, old books, a vintage lipstick holder and a couple of little nick-knacks.

Then, we Deanna's help, I hit the jackpot of vintage Ferragamo shoes. But they're much too small for me, so I'm going to see if I can sell them. Oh, and I also found a vintage 1960's Vera scarf.

It was a blast shopping with Deanna. She is VERY knowledgeable and knows her collectibles. I can't wait to shop with her again!

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

Round Top, TX is a tiny little town with the population of 77 most of the year. But in the spring and fall it explodes with thousands of people, both selling and buying antique and vintage items of all eras.

Even with all these people, it's very safe. But I'm glad that they have mounted police to keep an eye on things. After seeing the traffic, I can appreciate why they need horses to get around quickly. I thought it was very cool! (I had to include this picture because I love horses!)

There are ALL kinds of great finds and vintage treasures. I took a ton of pictures, but thought I'd keep it down to just a few to give you an idea.

Of course, I couldn't resist looking at linens. They were all over the place. Though I have to admit that often times they were very pricey and not in the best condition. (However, I did manage to find a few good things to bring back. Yeah!!!)

These are all pillowcases. This lady had TONS of them and other linens. But they were a little high and she wasn't willing to deal. Oh well...It was fun looking!

Are these pillows gorgeous or what! They were big, heavy, goose down pillows that made you just want to jump into them. I think they were about $48.00 each which, although they didn't fit into my budge, I didn't think they were that expensive for what they are.

More pillow strewn all over the bed. So soft, cozy and luxurious! Wish I could get them all. Or even just one!

I loved this display of different vintage pillowcases shown on one bed. The colors didn't necessarily match, but they worked together great anyway.

These are the same pillowcases. It looked nicer in person because the cushions turned out too dark in the picture. Check out the headboard hanging above the headboard. Love it! I even like the way they look together.

I highly recommend you go to this show if you ever get a chance. It's a party just walking around and looking at everything. There is just so much. I tried taking pictures to show it's vastness, but none did it justice. You can click HERE to go to the site for the show in the fall. Their pictures are WAY better than mine.

Patricia :o)

Las Brisas Farms

We just came back from visiting a huge antique show that comes by twice a year near Round Top Texas. I'll be posting about that later, but I wanted to share with you the place we stayed during our trip. Be sure to read (or jump) to the end for a wonderful offer Las Brisas Farms is extending to our military returning from Iraq & Afghanistan.

This is the little cabin we stayed while recuperating from our shopping trip in Round Top. It is very sweet, cozy and comfy. We LOVED it! It was built to look old and weathered, but it's brand new and has all the creature comforts.

One thing we really enjoyed was that there was no TV in our little cabin (There ARE televisions in the other units). We spent our evenings walking parts of the 40 acres that surrounded us in the beautiful country. It was wonderful to just watch the wildlife and listen to the breeze. No need for words, though we did dream about the future a lot while there. We also played cards (which Floyd always won!)

There is a beautiful lake, two gazebo like structures, an outdoor fireplace & chimney, swings and benches everywhere so you can take in the views and most importantly...peace and quite.

Las Brisas Farm is located just 1 mile outside of a lovely historic town called Fayetteville. It's the kind of town that rolls up the sidewalks at 6:00pm. There are old Victorian houses all over town, and just driving through can make your mouth water at the sight of these old homes so lovingly preserved and cared for. They're not big and grand. But they are cute, sweet and very cottage-y.

Here, we're sitting on a swinging bench at the back of the pond facing the buildings on the property. Although the structures are not that far apart, you do have a wonderful sense of privacy there.

There were fields and fields of beautiful bluebonnets, our state flower. The "farm" is situated on 40 acres and about 30 acres were just COVERED in bluebonnets. The pictures do not do them any justice. You have to see it to believe it. Just Gorgeous!!

I almost forgot to tell you about the delicious breakfasts that Kathy prepared! The food was outstanding. We just wanted to keep eating and eating! It was easy to tell that a lot of love went into each morsel.

Kathy and Eldon own and operate this beautiful establishment. They are the nicest people you could ever be blessed enough to meet. It's like meeting up with old friends the moment you say hello. As we pulled into the drive, we were greeted by June and July, their golden retrievers. They follow Eldon every where he goes and even rides in his golf cart around the property.

Las Brisas Farms specializes in weddings, retreats and special gatherings. But, on a few occasions a year, they open it up as a B&B. Click here to visit their website and get more info.

Kathy and Eldon wanted a way to show their pride and gratitude for our service men and women who are serving our country. They have opened up their B&B and hearts and are offering 1 or 2 night stays at no charge for returning veterans. The idea spread and now there are almost 30 B&B's in Central Texas doing the same. Please visit http://www.texasveteranproject.org/ for details.

Kathy and Eldon have asked us to pass along this flyer to help spread the word. With their permission, I'm passing this information along.

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

Jack Pot! Ding, ding, ding, ding

Last week I won a mystery giveaway hosted by Deanna from Timless Things. We were both thrilled to find out that we only live a few miles away from each other, so we agreed to meet at Starbucks. We set up a date and time for Wednesday March 25th (One day before my birthday). I had never done anything like that! My daughter, Erica, immediately announced that she was coming with me.

Deanna arrived with this huge, heavy box. I was so excited and ready to open it right on the spot, but she suggested I wait till I get home because it was going to be messy. Hmmmm, I wondered what that meant.

The three of us hit it off immediately. She is the nicest, sweetest lady! I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to meet her. She has the BEST sense of humor and is so easy to talk to. As a matter of fact we talked for hours.

Well, anyone who knows me at all, knows that I truly enjoy beautifully gift-wrapped presents. This is me graciously accepting Deanna's wonderful gift.

The box is covered in pink roses. My favorite!!

The first thing at the top of the box is a wonderful apron. I really love it because it's a full apron. I get quite messy when I cook, so this will come in very handy.

The next layer was two lovely books. One is great home remedies & house hold advice, and the other is a wonderful Christmas Journal type book. Very, very cool!

The gifts just kept coming and coming. The next layer had these beautiful Easter eggs that looked like they were coated with sugar. I tried to get good pictures, but my flash would just reflect them as white. In this layer, there was a box of pink peeps!! YUMO! And they're so cute, too. I can't remember that last time I had peeps. What a treat!

The layers just kept going and going, so I thought it would be better to just put everything out on the kitchen table. Just look at all the goodies!

My hubby and I share a cup of tea most nights, so this beautiful pink floral cup will be put to nightly use. I had just been telling DH that I wanted a special cup just for our tea nights.

Check out how cute this lable is. It has laser cut outs on it and sweet little scrolls. I love them!

Deanna included that beautiful mug because she also gave me three yummy kinds of hot chocolate. One is caramel, one is white cocoa, and one is PINK! Notice the adorable little sugar bowl. It's German and just as pretty as can be. I have different kinds of sugar for our teas and for guests, so this will come in very handy.

There was so much tucked in pink Easter grass. Notice the two gold pins. Love the leave and the pink rhinestones on the little round one.

We had SO much fun at the coffee house. We got just the littlest bit silly. Deanna started clicking away and we just laughed harder.

Erica, my little firefighter daughter and me

Erica and Deanna sitting pretty like proper ladies.

Why do we look so surprised? We don't know either. Erica was directing and we were following. And people were looking...They were probably wishing they could have as much fun as we were. I can only say that I received the best give away ever. My title is Jack Pot because I came away with a wonderful new friend. I am truly so blessed to have met her.

Thanks Deanna! We had a lot of fun, didn't we?!!

Pop on over to her blog, Timeless Things. She has wonderful posts and finds the coolest, prettiest things!! (Even the curser on her page is adorable. It's a tiny black high heeled shoe!!)

Blessings,

Patricia :o)

Check out the GREAT giveaway from Maison Douce!

Isabel, of Maison Douce is having a WONDERFUL triple-chance giveaway! Hop over to her site by clicking here and read all about her. She's a beautiful person and I promise you will truly enjoy her story.

She's giving away beautiful items from:

Portugal (check out those wooden buttons)

England (LOVE the roses!)

Morocco (romantic and mysterious!)

The giveaway ends soon, so be sure to hurry!!!
Blessings
Patricia :o)

Roses from Lisa!!

Last Friday, I came home from shopping and my DH says to me, "What did you buy?" "Groceries," I answer. "No, I mean what did you buy through the mail? There's a big box on the counter."

Big box? I didn't remember buying anything. But who cares!! A big box just for me is always a good thing.

I know I should have taken a picture of the box, and suspensefully let you take a peak inside, but I couldn't help myself. I just tore into it and found....

This gorgeous pillow made with a beautiful barkcloth fabric covered in yummy roses and flowers.
Just look at the wonderful nubby texture of this gorgeous fabric. The pillow is so well made and has dingle-balls along the edges and the most beautiful paisley print on the back!
So where did this delicious, fluffy feather down, hand made pillow come from? It came from a beautiful and talented lady in Oregon. Lisa, at A Thing for Roses had a giveaway and I was lucky enough to win it!!! Yes, lucky lucky me!! I can't tell you how thrilled I was to open this box.

Please pop over to Lisa's blog and check out her wonderful collection of everything Roses!! I promise you will thoroughly enjoy her blog and will probably bookmark it.

Thank you to Lisa for honoring me with this gorgeous pillow!

Patricia :o)

PS: I forgot to mention the pretty little note she included. She is just a sweetheart!