BLISS FARM ANTIQUES 417 TREMONT ST., REHOBOTH, MA 508-222-4108

Corey Amaro, aka Tongue in Cheek...enjoy the story and win...

2012-01-31T02:43:00.005-05:00

Tongue in Cheek is one of my favorite blogs. What is the pull that compels a person to read about the life of a total stranger on a daily basis? Like-mindedness I suppose, something clicks, a puzzle piece fits and the seed is planted. For me that seed was an interest in France and the French, antiques, living a full life, being a women of a certain age, art, the ability to see magic in day to day life.

Because my work takes me to France, I decided to try to meet the tongue of Tongue in Cheek. Our schedules matched and a date was set. I was a bit nervous. She sounds so good online I began to wonder if she could really be that good in person. I prayed that I would not walk into a “Pay no attention to the women behind the curtain!” scene.

Not to worry. Corey is just as she presents herself on Tongue in Cheek. Indeed, she is better.

In a move straight out of “you must be an American tourist,” I shrieked, “You’re real!” when I first laid eyes on her. I could feel the French eyes rolling as I tumbled out of the car in an explosion of loopy American excitement. I gave her a big hug-as if I’d known her forever.

In my defense, I have “known” her through the world of blogging. Though I’d never laid eyes on her I felt like she was a kindred spirit, a soul sister in the order of the ancient junk gypsies. I was struck by her hair, flaxen blond and glinting in the fall sunlight. It surprised me because she never talks about it-no good (or bad) hair days, no big hair drama-nothing. And then you meet her and think “Wow! What gorgeous hair!”

Tiny, with a quick smile, she hugged me in return and invited me into her home.
Walking into her home is like walking into an Architectural Digest spread.
The pictures I’d seen on her blog came to life, the blackboard in the kitchen, the collage wall, the garden, (though I didn’t see stinky cat or the chickens.)
It is more beautiful than pictures or descriptions can convey. I would close the door on my own home without one backward glance given the chance to move in.

Elegant without being fussy; formal, yet comfortable; it is a feast for the senses. I could have spent hours just wandering…just looking. Corey has a talent for combining modern convenience with ancient history. An uber modern stove was used to make delicious food,

which was served on antique plates at a centuries old table.

FH did the cooking (Corey was still nursing a broken wrist.) He’s a great cook, which seems a bit unfair. I mean really, how many gifts can one man have? It’s true, he’s as handsome (and nice) in person as he is online.

I missed Sacha, but was able to meet daughter Chelsea. Lovely and bright, she is beautiful with a level of sophistication that belies her young age (note to self, ask about raising smart, happy, nice kids.)

I even met belle mere. I knew she was going to be there and I was the slightest bit nervous. I am super American (read “pudgy and prone to outbursts of excitement.”) Belle Mere is all angles, there is nothing soft or rounded about her. Formidable was my first impression. “I’ll bet she in naturally good at anything she attempts,” I thought to myself. I didn’t know whether to bow, curtsey or what. I did not envelope her in a big American hug. With a quiet beauty about her, she has the healthiest, wrinkle free skin I’ve ever seen (note to self, ask about beauty regimen.)

Reflections of her blog surrounded me. Each room I entered, each person I met, new to me, yet at the same time familiar.

The blog is deceptive. On first glace it’s light. She has a way sounding down-home, comfy and off the cuff while at the same time being incredibly perceptive and insightful. Initially drawn to it for it’s fairy tale story-girl meets handsome Frenchman at a disco, they fall in love, marry and move to Paris, where she has beautiful babies and truffles out 300 year old gems at the brocante-I return time and again for it’s depth. As lovely as a fairy stories are, they can get tiresome, they tend to offer a lot of fluff and not much to sink one’s teeth into. While they are good for diverting one’s attention, they are not going to make you contemplate life. This is where the deceptive part comes in, I read the blog for comfortable happiness yet often go away with a deeply thought out lesson on life. Mining life’s experiences Corey writes about the day’s happenings, which are invariably kneaded and shaped by what happened yesterday-or a hundred yesterdays ago.

I love her style though at times it can be maddening-like her “more later” posts. Do you remember her post about FH’s former girlfriend who showed up to visit him in the USA? The one that said, “she had her feet up on the dashboard, I thought French girls weren’t so open and free…” and ended with Corey (who had followed them in her car) driving past them as they pulled into a hotel parking lot? Do you remember that Corey said “more later?” Did you sit at the edge of your seat as you waited for later? Did later ever come? Nope!

"Well? What happened next?” I asked Corey and FH. He could barely remember the girl’s name and, well, what happened next was right in front of me…Corey, FH and Chelsea in their Provencal home.

There are a lot of “more laters” at the end of her posts, maddening, I tell you! Yet still, Tongue in Cheek is the only blog I read each and every day. If I have time I look at previous posts. It is easy to get lost in the story of Corey Amaro’s life, and she is even more interesting in person than on the printed page.

We sat in her living room and talked…

Surrounded by first generation Americans who came to the U.S. from Portugal, she was steeped in a bilingual, cross-cultural world. Her Parents spoke Portuguese to one another at home, “mostly so we couldn’t understand what they were talking about,” she said. Her grandparents were very religious and Corey always felt a strong connection to the church. She felt its passion and the spirituality so strongly that she wanted to be a nun, and lived in a monastery for a time (another “more later” blog post.)

Corey has a huge family, most of whom are still in the same village, some 80 cousins, in a small California town. She grew up on a farm and describes an idyllic home life. Her mom is “super creative, someone who found value and beauty in the chipped and tossed aside-which certainly wasn’t in vogue back then.” It must be genetic as this is a trait Corey obviously inherited. “Mom was very, very emotionally available. She made cookies and pies and we went blackberry picking.”

At this point the song Someone Like You, by Adelle was playing and Corey gently shushed me…whispering “I love this song…” We sat quietly, amid the candlelight, surrounded by objects sacred to her, and listened to the song.

“…don’t forget me, I beg. I remember you said, Sometimes it
lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead…”

When the song was over, she talked about her dad. “There were 800 people at my dad’s funeral. I attended his embalming. Watching as they lovingly prepared my fathers body for burial was sacred. The children carried his coffin. My mother chose the song Save The Last Dance For Me for the funeral.

I marveled at how Corey embraced the death of her beloved father. I told her I didn’t think I would be capable of embracing death. “Emotion is real, share it, don’t hide it.” she advised.

I can see how living in France has imbued her with traits…perhaps they’ve always been there but to me they seem distinctly French. She is deliberate, I don’t think she makes a move without carefully thinking it through. She seems a bit reserved, as do (to me) the French. Yet there is a definite willingness to hop into adventure,

Just at this point a friend stopped by and the focus turned away from Corey and on to other things. The rest of our time together was spent in the company of others, eating, shopping and visiting. I never did get another chance to sit with her and talk. I do plan to return to France in April. Hopefully, our calendars will click.

More later…

If you would like a chance to win 5 vintage French medals, leave a comment. Two sets will be given away.

Finally, the table is done.

2012-01-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

I've finished the vintage lab table (now my sewing machine table) using chalkpaint (some homemade and some from Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Collection.)

What do you think?

This is my 200th post! Next up...*C~O~N~T~E~S~T*!:)

Bad Girl and Chalk Paint

2012-01-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in such a long time...bad girl! I do have a good excuse, busy getting the shop rearranged and working on inventory. I scored 5 of these vintage lab tables from a high school. I kept 2 of them for myself and decided to experiment on them with chalk paint (no, it's not chalkboard paint, it's chalk paint-a whole different thing.)

Odes to love and rants against teachers were too deeply carved to sand out so...

I filled them with all purpose joint compound, let it dry and then sanded...

Au revoir Tim, Josh and Kyle

I cleaned them with a tack cloth and painted the tops with Annie Sloan Graphite. Then I experimented with making my own chalk paint, did the legs (more on making chalk paint later,) and waxed everything.

Today I will buff everything and put it back together, then...the big reveal...betcha can't wait:)

GLOBE LOVE

2012-01-05T06:27:00.003-05:00

The French have a thing for displaying objects, usually items close to their hearts, souvenirs and remembrances from a marriage ceremony, objects of curiosity...that sort of thing...

The taller/thinner globe measures 20" tall by 6.5" wide and 7" deep, The flowers in this globe do not come with it, I put them in for display/photos. $300
The oval globe packed with treasures measures 18" tall by 11" wide and 6.5" deep, $450-the flowers and statue come with the globe. $450

2011-12-31T10:05:00.000-05:00

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air...John Quincy Adams

12/31/11 We burn our problems at the stroke of midnight and, lightly touching our talisman, we say a tiny prayer to reinforce our courage as we step into 2012 with hope and perseverance.

May all beings everywhere, with whom we are inseparably interconnected, be fulfilled, awakened, and free. May there be peace in this world and throughout the entire universe, and may we all together complete the spiritual journey.

Leave your name and address below if you would like a free talisman...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:23:00.004-05:00

A few shots of our Christmas mantle

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR HEART? LET ME KNOW AND WIN AN ANTIQUE KEY!

2011-12-20T06:13:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Sandy at the Primitive Skate, you won the Antique French Skeleton Key!!!

While in France I met with Madam Marseilles. I bought these keys, thinking I would sell them in the shop piece by piece, but they look great all together non?

What is the key to your heart?

I will pick a comment, at random, and send them a skeleton key from Madam in Marseilles...

OPEN TODAY SUNDAY 12/18 FROM 10-5 STOP IN FOR SOME HOT CHOCOLATE AND HANDMADE MARSHMALLOWS. I've just brought in some fresh "smalls" perfect for stocking stuffing...

2011-12-18T12:51:00.002-05:00

OPEN TODAY SUNDAY 12/18 FROM 10-5 STOP IN FOR SOME HOT CHOCOLATE AND HANDMADE MARSHMALLOWS

2011-12-18T12:20:00.003-05:00

2011-12-18T12:19:00.003-05:00

2011-12-18T12:19:00.001-05:00

2011-12-18T12:18:00.001-05:00

Only a few more days to a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2011-12-17T11:42:00.001-05:00

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES IS OPEN THIS WEEKEND, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10-5
COME BY FOR YOUR LAST MINUTE TREASURES...Vintage French Wine Buckets $48

Antique Bird Cage

2011-12-15T19:50:00.001-05:00

Osborn Manufacturing Company Victorian Birdcage, complete with original milk-glass feeder.

$125

blissfarmantiques.com

FREE!...GET RID OF YOUR WORRIES AND PROBLEMS...FREE!

2011-12-10T22:52:00.001-05:00

We have a New Year's Eve tradition here at Bliss Farm Antiques and we invite everyone who wants to participate to do so. We write our problems or worries on a piece of paper and at the stroke of midnight we throw them into the fireplace. Just like that...they're gone, up in smoke!

If you would like to participate, write your problems/worries on a piece of paper, pop it into an envelope and send it to Bliss Farm Antiques. We'll burn it up at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Everything we receive remains in it's sealed envelope on the mantle until the stroke of midnight, when it gets tossed into the fire.

Bliss Farm Antiques

(New Year's Eve)

417 Tremont St.

Rehoboth, Ma. 02769

The Last Day of Our Annual Open House, and the winner is...

2011-12-04T13:50:00.001-05:00

The winner of Bliss Farm Antiques online giveaway is Diane Dainis, congratulations Diane!

It's the last day of the holiday open house, stop by if you can. One of my best selling items this year is the charming pottery of artist Tomas Black. I've heard whispers that Anthropologie is checking him out for inclusion in their stores...yea, he's that good! I'm also listing his work in Bliss Farm Antiques online store:

blissfarmantiques.com

Farmall Cub Coffee Mug

Cereal Bowls (or soup...or chili...)

Sheep by a tree mug

Rooster cup (no handle)

Rooster plates-very heavy...their heft reminds me of vintage diner plates...

Dots and texture cup...

Piglet coffee mug

Big Red Truck coffee mug

Set of 3 graduated nesting bowls

Set of three graduated dot and texture cups

One of my favorites-for the boys! Army Man coffee mug...

Bliss Farm Antiques is open Thurs & Fri 12-5 and Sat & Sun 10-5 through Christmas

ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-27T16:56:00.015-05:00

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES WILL HAVE IT'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND

DEC. 2, FROM 5pm-8pm
DEC. 3, FROM 10am-5pm
DEC. 4, FROM 10am-5pm

GIVE AWAY INFO IS AT THE END OF THIS POST...

Sip some warm, spiced wine (called vin chaud in France.)

Prizes, Food and Fun...Bliss Farm Annual Holiday Open House...
Friday 12/2 from 5-8pm
Saturday 12/3 from 10am-5pm
Sunday 12/4 from 10am-5pm

AS FOR THE GIVEAWAY...

1) A wine bag, made of burlap, with a recipe for Vin Chaud and the all the spices you'll need, attached.

2) A lovely ornament made with German glass glitter.

3) A holiday tea towel with "Merry Christmas" and a highly stylized
bird silk-screened on the front.

The winner will be picked on 12/4, (last day of my holiday
open house.)

Cutie Patootie's from France

2011-11-15T19:23:00.002-05:00

I sat by these doll babies on the TGV train

I think I'm in love:)

Puce de Vanves

2011-11-10T19:33:00.005-05:00

Vanves is a weekend flea in Paris, I think the prices are a bit high, but oh the picking is good!

This bureau was gorgeous!

Someones well-worn lovey

I really, really wanted to bring this lady home with me, but I think it would have cost me another seat on the plane...

This and that...bits and bobs...

I think this is Eleanor Roosevelt, don't you?

Hand embroidered linens are divine...

This urn was nearly 3' tall!

The chairs were ridiculously cheap-$30 euro! Of course it would cost about $200 euro to send them back to the states.

!CONGRATULATIONS!

2011-11-09T20:43:00.001-05:00

THE WINNER OF THE ANNUAL BLISS FARM ANTIQUES FRENCH FLEA GIVEAWAY IS JUDY FROM FRENCH LAUNDRY.

Congratulations Judy, send me your address and I'll send you a French flea find!

Speaking French

2011-11-07T05:50:00.003-05:00

Trying to converse in another language is fraught with missteps. When in France I try to speak French (despite the fact that-in French-I have managed to describe my husband as horny and asked if the bread had condoms.) I know that the only way I can become remotely fluent is to practice, so still I try.

I find it best to converse with cabbies-they seem more generous and patient than most. I like to think that this is because they are generally foreign born and as such have, most likely, struggled with learning French as well...on the other hand, it may have something to do with the fact that they are a captive audience.

My conversation about the workers strikes went something like this:

Cab Driver: “Many workers are protesting against the government. They do not want to work more than 35 hours per week.”

Me: “In United States the job is 40 hour in the week, and the vacation is 2 week for the years.”

Driver: "The police have blocked the streets and they are using teargas to disperse the crowd."

Me: "It makes interest a tiny exciting. I am OK."

Driver: (Looking at me quizzically) "Yes."

Me: “I am the street nearby?”

Driver: (looking at me quizzically again) “Perhaps.”

Driver: "Where do you live?"

Me: “The United States Boston.”

Driver: “You are on vacation?”

Me: “Yes, the vacation and the job.”

Driver: "What is your job?"

Me: “I am the store of antiques, excuse me, I have the store of antiques, small store of antiques.”

Driver: "Ah, yes…"

After this brief exchange I am exhausted…

One phrase I have I have become very familiar with is:

merde de chien!

I love dogs, but this is ridiculous...

I can't talk just now, my mouth is full.

2011-11-06T13:47:00.001-05:00

Today I tried caramel, chocolate, lemon, coffee, orange...tomorrow I plan to try coconut, praline, green apple and vanilla...

A QUICK NOTE FROM FRANCE

2011-11-05T10:59:00.001-04:00

Croque Monsieur is my favorite sandwich of all time. It is a toasted creamy, cheesy, little bit salty (from the ham) delight. A bite of it along with a mouthful of vinegary salad is truly divine. Another favorite? Crepes Suzette, thin, thin, thin pancake served warm, drenched in orange liqueur, bits of orange peel float around it to give you a little "bite."

I never gain weight while I am in France. I think it is a combination of walking (a lot-every day) and the spectacular food. I eat like a starving truck driver (anything I want-no diet here) but the food is so fulfilling I am sated...and find myself satisfied in a way that rarely happens in the U.S.

Yum.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR...ENTER TO WIN A FRENCH FLEA TREASURE!

2011-10-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

I am heading to France to shop the fleas, to interview artists...to eat, drink and be merry...

Become a follower and leave a comment. I will pick a name and send them a flea market treasure when I return on November 15th. Pass the word, if I get 100 new followers I will pick 2 more names!

Perfect to me...

2011-10-15T20:10:00.001-04:00

A few months ago I happened upon a blog by NY Designer Andrew Baseman. Titled "Past Imperfect" it showcased pieces of antique porcelain that had been repaired...with staples. Yes, you read that right, with staples. Example:

Baseman, an esthete with impeccable taste, has gathered together a breathtaking collection of antique porcelain pieces that are repaired with metal staples or bits of tin, giving them with a new lease on life. The finished work was both useful once again and faintly curious, "whimsical" is how Baseman see's them.

Strips of tin secure a once broken handle to an otherwise perfectly usable teacup...

These pieces are imbued with a deep sense of substance and soul.

For more information and spectacular images of Andrew Baseman's collection visit:

http://andrewbaseman.com/blog

Vintage French Monogram stamps for embroidery

2011-10-10T17:48:00.001-04:00

Available at blissfarmantiques.com

FREE SHIPPING FOR MY BLOG READERS-YIPPEE!

2011-10-09T17:37:00.003-04:00

I'M CLEANING HOUSE AT BLISS FARM ANTIQUES. I'M PACKING UP

AND LEAVING FOR FRANCE (TO DO A LITTLE "SHOPPING")

I'M GOING TO NEED ROOM FOR NEW INVENTORY WHEN I RETURN SO I'M OFFERING FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING EXCEPT FURNITURE AT

blissfarmantiques.com

Get a start on the holiday season, avoid the rush and save money too!

USE THE DISCOUNT CODE: YIPPEE!

FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING AT MY ONLINE STORE FROM NOW UNTIL CHRISTMAS...

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2011-09-30T07:26:00.008-04:00

I so wish I could give something to every single person who was kind enough to leave a comment and become a follower. I can only pick one though, so here goes...

Congratulations Michelle at Primp!

Please contact me at blissfarmantiques@gmail.com with your address so I can send you the grainsack.

For a tutorial on how to make your own prize ribbons:

http://arbutushunter.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-how-to-make-crepe-paper.html

Welcome Friends of Sweet Savannah, A few videos of the shop!

2011-09-24T11:54:00.003-04:00

Good luck to all those who have left comments and thank you for all those who have become followers. The drawing will be held Friday morning at 8am!

2011-09-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

I love the "collage/assemblage" of Brimfield...

Brimfield was quite an adventure. It rained cats and dogs-so much so that we did not make it to the show on Thursday! Opening day (Wed.) was good though and the rest of the week went by without a hitch-we even stayed Sunday, which we usually don't do, and made up for Thursday.

I went to visit a friend (Yvonne from Shabby Fifi) and, while she wasn't there, I was greeted by this lovely creature...

2011-09-08T06:17:00.005-04:00

THURSDAY 9/9/11

THE SHOW GOES ON. WE WILL BE OPEN AT 8AM, MAYS FIELD OPENS AT 9AM AND

J & J OPENS AS WELL. WE WILL STAY UNTIL LATE ON SUNDAY, SO COME VISIT!

Brimfield Update

TODAY THE RAIN WINS OUT, ALL FIELDS ARE CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING (THURSDAY 9/8/11.) WE WILL POST AN UPDATE AS SOON AS WE ARE GIVEN INFORMATION.

Brellas and wellies...Despite the rain we had a good opening day at Brimfield, The rain is supposed to stop sometime today so hopefully we will reopen for Friday, Saturday and Sunday-which are projected to be sunny and dry.

SEPTEMBER BRIMFIELD

2011-09-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

IT'S TIME...

TO PACK UP THE TRUCK AND GO TO THE LAST BRIMFIELD SHOW OF 2011.

THE SHOP WILL BE CLOSED 9/4-9/14...COME VISIT US AT BRIMFIELD. TENT SPACE # 96 (NO LONGER IN THE PAVILION)

Ludwiga's Linens Grainsack Handbags

2011-08-27T14:43:00.001-04:00

I have gotten many inquiries about the grainsack handbag Miss Mustard Seed showed on her blog. Although I do not have any left with script (only graphic images) I thought I'd introduce you to the source, as in THE source for beautiful, handmade grainsack handbags.

Ludwiga, a native of Germany (where arguably the most beautiful grainsacks are found,) is the maker of not only stunning handbags, but many other beautiful and useful grainsack items. She is also the "go to" person (in the United States) for any questions you may have about the history and use of grainsacks. Ludwiga has meticulously researched the history of German grainsacks, including visiting museums solely devoted to grainsacks (Deutsches Sack Museum in Nieheim, Germany and Heimatmuseum in Plieningen, Germany.)

There is a great deal of misinformation about grainsacks, much of which Ludwiga has dispelled thanks to her research and ongoing relationships with museum experts. For example, some people will tell you that sacks with tar based inks are the only authentic sacks-not true. In fact, inks used on grainsacks differed both in quality and ingredients due mostly to regional influences. Some people will tell you the color of the stripes (on the sacks) is an indicator of the region where the sack was produced-also a fallacy. In fact, all different colors were used throughout Germany. Some people will tell you the sacks are hand made by the farmers wives-somewhat true, and somewhat false. While some farmers wives made sacks, many farmers purchased finished sacks at mills and took them home, where they applied their own stencil. Unless you have proof of a solid provenance, there is no way to tell which grainsacks were made by the farmers wives and which were purchased at a mill.

The very best way to make sure you are purchasing a genuine product is to know your seller and to ask questions. How did they authenticate the grainsack? What are the criteria they used in the authentication process? If they used an expert, who is the expert and what are their qualifications? If the seller says "I can just tell from years of experience," that's not a good answer. A credible expert, selling a quality product will have done their homework and will share the tangible, specific details that authenticate a grainsack as the genuine article.

Before spending a great deal of money you, the buyer, also need to do your homework. Don't take information at face value, jot down the information you receive from a seller and do your own research, educate yourself about the history and use of grain sacks, crosscheck the information you're given with solid facts, contact experts and museums.

You can contact Ludwiga through her website:

ludwigaslinen.com

The German museums also have websites:

http://www.sackmuseum.de

http://www.stuttgart.de/department/show/108897

Batten Down The Hatches! Here Comes Irene!

2011-08-26T09:01:00.005-04:00

We are getting ready for Hurricane Irene, hopefully she'll blow right by...

OPEN THIS WEEKEND SAT 8-20/SUN 8-21 FROM 10-5

2011-08-20T13:42:00.001-04:00

SHOP SHOTS...

DRUM ROLL...AND THE WINNERS ARE...

2011-08-15T08:43:00.003-04:00

BEFORE THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT-PLEASE, ALL WINNERS-MAKE SURE I HAVE YOUR ADDRESS SO I CAN SEND YOU YOUR PRIZES!!! I ONCE HAD TO PICK ANOTHER WINNER BECAUSE I COULD NOT GET HOLD OF SOMEONE. SEND YOUR ADDRESS TO:

lantry4@gmail.com

You have until 9/15/11 to claim your prize, if it goes unclaimed we'll pick another winner...

***************************************************
The big giveaway prize box goes to:

Juliery Jones!

The $100 gift certificate to Bliss Farm Antiques goes to:

Dueling Dishes!

I was having such fun picking winners I decided to pick some more! The following blogs will get prizes too:

Sheeps Nest
Evelyn and Rose
The Feathered Nest
Burlap Lux
Live Better for Less

Last but certainly not least...the ladies, who so generously gave me a shout out will also get a little sumptin' sumptin':

Time Worn Interiors
Fiona and Twig
Miss Mustard Seed
52 Flea

Remember the giveaway? IF I GET 4 MORE FOLLOWERS BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (8.14.11) THERE IS A SECOND DRAWING FOR A $100 GIFT CERT TO BLISS FARM ANTIQUES! ALERT THE NEIGHBORS! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

2011-08-07T16:27:00.003-04:00

Here are some better photos of the giveaway basket...become a follower and leave a comment (if you already did it, you don't have to do it again.) If I get 100 new followers I'll also give away a $100 gift certificate to the Bliss Farm Antiques online store-so tell your friends!

Vintage French Verre du cure from Vichy

Vintage paper pharmacy rounds, a bird to hang on the wall, beeswax candles, vintage French buttons...

Leslie Janson button bracelet, planter with iron hanger and teatowel...

Bits and pieces of this and that...a copper planter, vintage dog show ribbon, lavender sachets, a vintage French book and glass bobbles, some vintage grain sack material...

Become a follower and leave a comment by August 14th. I'll pick a winner at midnight!

LOST AND FOUND

2011-07-20T12:42:00.002-04:00

Pix from my last trip to Paris (I finally figured out how to hook my camera up to the computer.)
From the apartment we rented:

Paris streetwalking:

How elegant is this older women...It's a French thing...

Catherine shows us all how to live...

Snacky deliciousness...

This is the place where, in my most elegant manner, I speared a cornichon only to have it skitter across the table, tumble onto the floor and come to rest under a gentleman's chair...so elegant...

I love the French attitude toward dogs..."Stay right here while I try this on Fido...

Brimfield 7/11, Diane Keaton and a GIVEAWAY/GIVEBACK!

2011-07-17T09:23:00.005-04:00

July's Brimfield show was wonderful, business was great and-even better-my friend Diane stopped by!

I've decided to have a "giveback," also known as a giveaway...excuse the pix, I used an iphone.

To enter, become a follower and leave a comment. Pass the word, If I get 100 additional followers I will do a second drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Bliss Farm Antiques...Best of luck!

Win a verre du cure (I got it at the Paris flea,) vintage buttons, vintage french crocheted lace,

a flying birdie, vintage French apothocary rounds, cotton tea towel by Theresa Sheeley,

bits of red and blue striped glass, a button bracelet by Leslie Janson,

bits and pieces of antique grain sack material, a wire basket, a french dish,

a vintage absinthe spoon, some beeswax candles, lavender sachets, an old clock and some dog show ribbons from the 1940's,

a copy of an antique French letter, blow up to giant size along with a folder full of original French ephemera

AND NOW FOR SOME PIX FROM JULY'S BRIMFIELD

BRIMFIELD JULY, 2011

2011-07-10T19:24:00.003-04:00

WE WILL BE IN THE NEW ENGLAND MOTEL FIELD (BY THE FOOD COURTS.) THE FIELD OPENS AT 6AM ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2011. WE'RE IN THE LAST BIG RED BARN ON THE RIGHT. RIGHT UP FRONT, HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Lovely

2011-06-21T12:56:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning and went downstairs...and saw this on the wall (in the dining room) opposite the stairs.

Then I went outside to the shop...

Life is beautiful...

Un prix, un trésor...

2011-06-15T19:33:00.001-04:00

Look at what I found at Brimfield in May. A light that was once outside a purfumerie in Paris. It is 2 1/2' tall. When I go to Paris in October I plan to go to the purfume museum and do some research...in the meantime, if anyone can tell me anything about Chalin Parfums Paris, you will get a spectacular prize...hmm...what shall it be? Perhaps a gift certificate to Bliss Farm Antiques?

WRENTHAM COUNTRY STORE

2011-06-09T16:31:00.006-04:00

I don't usually divulge sources, but this is just too good not to share. The Wrentham Country store is a great place to find interesting, cool vintage and antique treasures at great prices. I stopped by today and loaded up my minivan!

A lovely patio set

I collect anything that says "Bliss" This whole canning jar full of letters was just $10!

These pix are from one of my favorite booths there...

You'll also get great design inspiration and ideas while you're shopping around.
Check out the dress form with a table linen draped around the neck...

Look closely at the pic above and you'll see bedsprings used as a backdrop with bits and bobs attached (displayed for sale.)

Burlap as a backdrop...

Loved the design on this dresser

j'adore these little neck pillows, handmade and only $10!

Charming print...

Handmade labels and glassine bags...hmmm, I wonder if she sells wholesale????

One of my favorite places, they have a "shed" outside full of industrial and salvage treasures just waiting to become a chic part of your home decor...I always find something here.

For the kid in you, penny candies:)

I heard they're going to have a "Firecracker" of a sale on July 4th!

wrenthamcountrystore.com

FRESH PEONIES...WHOLESALE PRICES

2011-05-31T07:27:00.003-04:00

$1.00/STEM PICK THEM UP AT BLISS FARM ANTIQUES

Orbit Mantle

THE PEONIES ARE IN BLOOM AND THE SHOP IS OPEN, C'MON BY!

2011-05-30T18:57:00.002-04:00

Are you looking for a poster (in French) with a cow on one side and a horse on the other?

Are you looking for a gardens to gaze upon?

Would you like to walk down a garden path?

Would you like to pick up a bunch of fresh peonies at wholesale prices?

Would you like to hunt for hidden treasure?

Are you looking for a lamb?

Perhaps you need a fairy, riding a goose...

Or a tiny whisk broom in a golden frame...

Or a biscuit tin?

If so, please come by...Bliss Farm Antiques

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES, 417 Tremont St., Rehoboth, Ma.*508-212-7088
Open for the season, Thursday and Friday from 12-5; Saturday and Sunday from 10-5

French Yogurt Cake-Gateau au Yaourt

2011-04-18T07:31:00.005-04:00

I first heard about French Yogurt cake from the "Tongue in Cheek" blog which, if you haven't read it, you must. It's chock full of the adventures of an American women who (25 years ago while living in a monastery) met a French man (who was traveling cross country in a $500 "beater with a heater" car) in a gay nightclub in San Francisco (no, he's not gay) and they got married (but they didn't squish cake in each others faces) and moved to France (she didn't speak French) and had babies (really, really cute babies) and built a lovely life together (they still live there) buying buildings (him) and antiques (her) when they aren't traveling the globe visiting friends (Hong Kong) or their daughter (China) or nursing sprained ankles (Thailand.) It's kind of a long story so I heartily suggest you hop on board, here's your billet:

http://www.willows95988.typepad.com

Back to le gateau, pre-heat the oven to 400

I've heard French Yogurt cake is the only thing French women bake at home. Why bake when you have a Patisserie in every town, each steeped in the ancient tradition and art of Gallic gastronomy? I concur, leave it to the pros! This is a simple, quick, delicious cake, when one cannot make it to the Patisserie for professional stuff! You use the container as a measuring cup.

I got my container when I was in France. It's one of my dearest possessions, this simple glass yogurt container. It reminds me of a trip with my daughter and husband, of using healthy ingredients (not an "out of the box" mix,) of using what's on hand rather than specialty items, and last but not least of "family" baking. I have heard that French children learn how to make this cake when they are in kindergarten. It makes my kitchen smell divine. I feel like an especially good mom when I bake this cake. Love of family is folded into the pan along with the other ingredients.

Mix up the following: One (individual) container of yogurt, strict instructions say it MUST be FULL fat, sans gras est un non non!
2 containers of sugar, 3 containers of flour, 1/2 container of oil, 2 eggs, juice and zest of 1 lg lemon, 1.5 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt. You can use fruit and ground almonds or almond flour too. This can be adapted in lots of ways so play around with it. I've found that even my mistakes taste great:) I usually put the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry in another, then combine the two.

Sometimes I put ground almonds in it, or use almond flour. This time I put frozen blueberries in the bottom of the cake pan and drizzled melted marmalade on top of them.

Into the oven...have some foil handy in case it gets too brown on top.

cuire ma petite belle

Watch the clock, it takes 40-50 minutes.

My kitchen clock was made by Daniel Hale-it's a lady swimmer doing the back stroke:)

ahhh...ca sent divine...

When you take the cake out of the oven dig right in...manger le gateau chaud.

It's delicious warm with whipped cream...joie!

30TH ANNUAL DUXBURY ANTIQUES SHOW THIS WEEKEND

2011-03-24T20:38:00.002-04:00

WE WILL BE SETTING UP AT THE DUXBURY ANTIQUES SHOW THIS WEEKEND
SATURDAY 3/26 10AM-5PM, AND SUNDAY 11AM-4PM, HERE'S A PREVIEW:

for more information, driving directions etc:
http://duxburyboosters.org/antique-show/

Please help for our friends in Japan

2011-03-11T08:23:00.003-05:00

JAPAN'S EARTHQUAKE: HOW TO HELP

Kyodo via Reuters

Evacuees at Shinjuku Central Park in Tokyo Japan March 11, 2011.

By Suzanne Choney
Several organizations are helping victims of the Japanese quake. Here's how you can help:

The American Red Cross. Using your cell phone, you can text-message donations of $10 to the agency. Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make the $10 donation, or visit the organization's website.
The International Medical Corps is putting together relief teams, as well as supplies. The organization is in "contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities,” said Nancy Aossey, IMC president, on its website. You can donate here. Or, you can text MED to 80888 to donate $10 to emergency relief efforts.
Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children's Emergency Fund. "We are extremely concerned for the welfare of children and their families who have been affected by the disaster. We stand ready to meet the needs of children who are always the most vulnerable in a disaster,' said Eiichi Sadamatsu of the organization in a statement. You can also text “JAPAN” or “TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
GlobalGiving, based in Washington, D.C., is providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10.
The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army "opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home. They served hot drinks and packed meals," said a spokesperson. You can text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.
Mercy Corps is "accepting donations to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami through our longstanding partner, Peace Winds Japan." Donations will go to meeting the "immediate and longer-term needs of the survivors," a spokesperson said. You can text “MERCY” to 25383 to donate $10.
World Vision, with a staff of 75 in Japan, is a Christian humanitarian organization focused on easing the emotional and psychological stress that children face during disasters. Visit the website to donate, or call 1-888-562-4453. You can text “4JAPAN” or “4TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
Doctors Without Borders, an international group, already has teams working in Japan. The groups notes it is "drawing on unrestricted donations" given to it to fund its efforts, and "we are not accepting donations specifically earmarked for the recovery efforts in Japan. We greatly appreciate your generosity and encourage your support of our work. We will continue to post updates on our homepage, Facebook and Twitter as new information becomes available." To donate, call 1-888-392-0392.
Habitat for Humanity; donations accepted at website, or phone donations can be made by calling 1-800-HABITAT.
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is raising funds to help children in Japan. Donations accepted at website, or by calling 1-800-367-5437.
AmeriCares has dispatched a disaster relief expert to the region to assess the health care needs and is prepared to send medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid as necessary. Phone number for donations: 203-658-9500.
International Rescue Committee, based in New York; Phone donations to: 1-877-733-8433. The organization is "dispatching IRC relief experts from our Thailand program to Japan to see how we can assist Japanese authorities in responding to the earthquake/tsunami disaster. We recognize Japan’s significant emergency response expertise, but will offer direct technical assistance and other emergency support."
Baptist World Alliance/Baptist World Aid. To donated by phone, call 703-790-8980.
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, a humanitarian assistance organization that also helped in Haiti and in countries affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. The relief group "worked in Japan before the American entrance into World War II when the organization helped support Jewish refugees — including renowned religious leaders and yeshiva scholars — in Kobe, Japan who fled Hitler’s Europe. Today, several thousand Jews live and work in Japan." Phone: 212-687-6200.
Catholic Relief Services is "providing assistance through our sister agency, Caritas Japan. CRS has programs in the Philippines and Indonesia and works with Caritas Oceania that is active in numerous islands in the Pacific that might be affected." For donations by phone, call 1-800-736-3467 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
Adventist Development and Relief Agency can be reached at 1-800-424-2372, or text the word SUPPORT to 85944 to make a donation.
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, based in San Dimas, Calif., "has activated its Disaster Coordination Center in Tokyo ... Right now, Tzu Chi offices in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan sustained minor damages," but the two offices are open as service centers. To donate by phone, call 1-888-989-8244.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare has information about efforts to save animals in Japan. To make a donation by phone, call 1-800-932-4329.
The mGive Foundation, which helps with mobile donations, said these groups are also accepting text-based donations: Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10; World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals, text WAVE to 50555 to donate $10. "When prompted, mobile donors should reply with YES to confirm a one-time gift," the foundation says. "The $10 one-time donation will appear on the donor’s next mobile bill. All donations are tax deductible and receipts may be printed" from the mGive site. "Message and data rates may apply."
Facebook has a Disaster Relief page with lots of good information about organizations that are offering aid, and that you can help, in turn.
Microsoft has a Disaster Response Effort underway. "We are taking a number of steps, including ensuring the safety of our employees and their families and proactively offering customers, partners and local response agencies technical support to help ensure business continuity," the company said. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

To help you make decisions about donations, the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance offers tips on "Giving to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Japan." And another good website to check is Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that has information on more than 5,000 charities and evaluates the groups' financial health.
And while giving is good, beware of those out there who are not good and are trying to scam you by taking your money over the Internet and using e-mail. For more information, read "Tips to avoid Japanese earthquake phishing scams."

Happy Happy Win Win

2011-03-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

My wonderfully creative, design genius friend Theresa Smith is having a giveaway, check it out at her blog: timeworninteriors.blogspot.com

The Divine Miss TOT

Twist and Shout

2011-02-27T12:11:00.015-05:00

I have always loved wire. There is something about the way it looks, rusty or new, that I find endlessly appealing. That it can be made to look like a line drawing is fascinating. My love affair began with Alexander Caulder-famous for his wire work in mobiles, sculpture and a spectacular circus (more about that later) and continues now with Marie Christophe. When in Paris last October I was able to visit Ms. Christophe's atelier...

Marie Christophe is commissioned by Hermes of Paris, Dior, Cartier, and Bergdorf Goodman here in the United States. She is a sculptor who works in wire, fashioning all manner of things. From the everyday such as a bicycle, clothing, sand shoes - to the exotic and sublime including chandeliers with baccarat crystal, angel wings and gem encrusted birds. All using nothing but wire, wire clippers and her hands.

Slight and a wiry herself, she was kind and welcoming when we arrived. Not a trace of ego in the house in contrast, for example, to a local Providence-based writer who replied "contact my agent" when I wanted to interview her. Marie lives and works in the building with her designer husband. Born and raised in France, her dad was an architect-maybe that's where she gets her ability to fashion the extraordinary out of the ordinary...

Wire birds soared over head in her well-lit studio. A wire rhino head looked down onto a table filled with angels’ wings. Chandeliers, embellished with chunky green glass beads glinting in the sunlight, hung from ceiling to floor. A full-size bicycle rested against the wall. The bike's bell was made of sparkly diamond-like beads, as was the seat.

"That was very difficult to complete," said Marie in her charming French accent. "I may not make another."

When asked how long it takes to make a chandelier she said "about a month" which to me seemed unbelievable. She explained that she works, as most people do, eight hours a day and now that she is used to working in wire she can complete objects faster than when she first began.

I asked if she wore gloves while she worked and she said she did not. I asked to look at her hands. They were surprisingly soft and not at all the calloused as I expected."I need to feel the wire, so I cannot wear gloves," she explained.

Her work has a very fluid look to it. Marie takes a cold-to-the-touch length of wire and convinces it to curl and twist, purl and whirl, wind and pirouette into something gloriously unexpected. Her work is oddly transparent, more akin to a 3-D outline of an object than a solid object itself. With her hands she creates magical juxtapositions between hard and soft, heavy and light, transparent and opaque. Believable and unbelievable at the same time. She is able to coax astonishing movement from a length of wire. In a word, fascinating.

While we were there she was working on angel wings...

She is a trained artist, although she taught herself how to work with wire (as there were no programs available) and she was lucky enough to get the commissions from Cartier, Vuitton and Dior early in her career. Her first commission was a series of horses for Hermes.

Marie says she works with clients, getting an idea of what they want and then giving input, "it's always an exchange between me and the client." She has no favorite piece of work, instead finding new adventure in each project. She "recharges" her creative batteries by traveling, reading and going to exhibitions.

Visiting her and seeing her studio was one of the highlights of our trip. Marie Christophe is represented in the United States by Lisa Fontarosa, http://www.lisafontanarosa.com
You can visit Ms. Christophe's website for more pictures and information at: mariechristophe.com

to watch Alexander Calder's circus click on this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6jwnu8Izy0

2011-02-21T17:47:00.005-05:00

A Simple Buddhist Prayer:
May all beings everywhere, with whom we are all interconnected, be fulfilled, awakened and free. May there be peace in this world and throughout the entire universe, and may we all together complete the spiritual journey.
**********************************************************************************
The hazy greens walls were punctuated by shots of color in the tanka paintings. Flashes of powdery yellow, like the stain of saffron, and deep, almost black maroon. The painted Buddha was sitting in the lotus position on a cloud. He floated in the sky with a look of perfect serenity and calm.

I was also in the lotus position, still in my flannel pajamas, light brown hair tied loosely at the nape of my neck. Smoky incense, circling up to the ceiling was giving me a tiny headache. The green silk curtain, falling in folds from the top of the arched doorway, puddled on the floor. The murmur of chanting monks in the background, rhythmic and soothing, hummed through my body. The chanting made my breathing steady and measured.

I faced the dark wood altar. A carved, gilded statue of Buddha sat in the center, rice-filled caddies nestling sticks of incense were on either side. The Dalai Lama, in a framed photograph, was witness to my tiny alter.

Giant floor pillows scattered around the room helped me to sit comfortably. The dense velvet cushions, just enough to soothe the achy feeling of sitting back on my heels.

Muffled voices of kids, playing in the yard just outside the window, mixed with the distant bark of a dog. Cold winter sunlight pushed its way in through a bamboo shade and cast a light across the room. Bits of dust were floating and spinning through the shaft of light. They disappeared at the lights edge like the airy, gossamer snowflakes that vanished as soon as they settled on the kid’s snowsuits.

The curtain moved and bracing air rushed up the stairs. It pushed the silvery fragrance of the incense out, replacing it with the house’s mix of dog hair and Christmas candle.

Moving my legs from under me, I laid face down on the carpet. I stretched my arms straight out above my head, my palms were together, my fingers pointed to the Buddha. I felt the hardness of the floor on the tops of my feet, on my hip bones, and my rib cage. My nose and forehead pressed into the itchy carpet as I took several deep, full breaths.

I wanted peace and supplication. I wanted to melt into the carpet, then the floor, and then the earth beneath the floor. I wanted to crumble into dust and dirt and talk to the Buddha face to face and thank god for talking to me.

Pushing with my palms, I rose to kneeling, grasped my prayer beads, and began to pray.

SUN COLORED GLASS

2011-02-17T20:40:00.004-05:00

I went on a tour of Boston years ago and was intrigued by some of the panes of glass in the windows of homes on Beacon Hill. Apparently, during the Civil War glass makers were forced to find a substitute for the lead used in glass making. They substituted manganese-ironically as a way to keep the glass nice and clear. Once exposed to ultraviolet light (like the rays of the sun) glass with manganese turns purple. Oops.

By the early 1900's most glass makers had stopped using manganese. Some modern-day glass collectors consider purple glass-also called "sun colored" glass-to be damaged goods and worth less than clear, pure glass from the same time period...not me! I love the purple hue of sun colored glass.

Most glass that is truly "sun colored" (from the mid 1800's-to the early 1900's) is light violet, or lavender. It is not usually dark purple-although I suppose that is possible. I have read that darker purple bottles may be the result of using radiation in a lead-lined box, which speeds up and intensifies the process. I like the idea of leaving a jar or bottle on a stone wall in the garden and watching the color turn as summers go by.

I have one bottle that is much darker on one side than the other. I imagine it sitting on a windowsill, one side facing the sun, for years and years...

The most I've ever paid for a bottle or jar is $12.00, some I've gotten for as little as $2 or $3...I love the hunt, I love the bargain, but most of all I love seeing sunlight flood through the glass, showing off the soft purple colors...

What do you collect?

Many thanks to the following sources for information or pictures used in this post:

http://www.sha.org/bottle/colors.htm

http://dairyantiques.com/Colored_Milk_Bottles.html

http://www.abeachcottage.com
http://andrewhopkinsart.blogspot.com

All You Need Is Love

2011-02-05T17:44:00.001-05:00

This is what my son wrote in my birthday card this year. He and I have a history of experiencing the power of love:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4769850

BOHEMIAN CHIC DESIGN STYLE

2011-01-10T19:50:00.005-05:00

Why do we love certain houses, and why do they seem to love us? It is the warmth of our individual hearts reflected in our surroundings. -

T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings

What is your design style? Seems like an easy enough question, though I’ve always found it difficult to answer. You see, I am eclectic and not one to strictly adhere to any single style. I like bits and pieces of many different styles, and equally dislike bits of pieces of many different styles.

What's a gal to do? Go around undefined? Mais non...

While zipping around cyberspace recently I found an article on “Bohemian Chic.”

Bohemia was originally a area of what is now present day Czechoslavakia. In Bohemia there was a group of itinerant nomadic people. This group, called gypsies locally (because they were originally-and erroneously-thought to be from Egypt,) would move from place to place. They stayed for a short periods of time, camping on the outskirts of town and finding local work doing handyman sorts of things and entertaining the locals with song and dance.

The Bohemians lived a vagabond life, were said to have great wanderlust, and lived their lives free of the restraints and rules of conventional, settled townsfolk. They were seen as people who lived by their wits and (scandalously) let their passions rule their lives.

As time went on any group seen as “on the fringes of society,” or as the "counterculture," were termed Bohemian.

After the French revolution the laboring classes, students, and artists, (who crowded into Paris) were identified as “the Bohemians of today.” Though not transient, they did challenge the conventions of the day. They had worked to overthrow the French monarchy and they continued to challenge mainstream culture. Without wealth they learned to survive-and eventually thrive-using their wits. It was said that for Bohemians “wits were the coin of the realm, and nothing was more highly prized than creative scavenging.”

Now that sounds like a style I can relate to.

At first I thought Bohemian chic would limit me to the oversized and brightly colored…the hippie look seen on ultra skinny stars like Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins.

But no, the attitude of Bohemian Chic is first and foremost individual.

It is an expression of ones passions. There are no hard and fast rules. It is highly personal-even idiosyncratic. It is said that bohemian chic “represents the soul of the inhabitant. “ To that end, it is unconventional, original, and often uses the unexpected.

Bed springs make a wreath and an upside down trash can becomes a lightshade...creative scavenging indeed...

Bohemian Chic is creative and artistic, a combination of old and new, uses the components of all different styles, and often incorporates found objects.

While some may use lush textures (velvets and silk) and intricate patterns,

The photo below is of Coco Chanel's apartment

another person may use a neutral palette with splashes of spicy, hot colors here and there.

Some may like the spicy colors up front

It is a reflection of ones life, ones heritage and interests. For me, it is an expression of my unabashed love of all things French, of my gratitude to China for the gift of 4 children, my love of books, antique papers and reading…I could go on, but you get the idea.

According to one writer “Bohemian Chic smells like you, feels like you, it is an ambiance that reminds people of who you are and where you’ve been. It invites people to travel with you and share your passions….” Hmm...just like a gypsy...

Many thanks:

P. Gaye Tapp (littleaugury.blogspot.com)

Naomi at www.designmanifest.com

www.henrishousecharleston.com

Theresa Smith (timeworninteriors.blogspot.com)

victoriadrestedesigns.com

Mantle shots

2011-01-02T21:58:00.001-05:00

This is my mantle for January

This is my "cabinet of curiosities..."

I love the bugs:)!

2011-01-02T11:41:00.004-05:00

Every thought I think is creating my future.
I release the past and forgive everyone.
I know that I am surrounded and filled by infinite wisdom.
My life gets more wonderful every day.
I look forward to what each new hour brings.
I look forward to new beginnings in 2011.
Happy New Year, dear ones

WINTER WONDERLAND-2 FEET IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

2010-12-27T18:14:00.002-05:00

Looking out the front door...

Looking out the back door (that's 12" of snow on the patio table there...)

Looking down the driveway...

Christmas Dinner

2010-12-25T16:47:00.005-05:00

and dessert

Trying to get a christmas pic of the kids

and the best picture of the bunch...

The best nativity scene ever...click on the link

2010-12-21T07:22:00.001-05:00

http://www.projo.com/video?bcpid=275257558001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAGXdrAiE~,GggrMDtPGfDUIQ2xfmR2kXsQpkNWczHD&bclid=275225728001&bctid=718353458001

GIVE ME YOUR PROBLEMS...

2010-12-19T20:29:00.001-05:00

My family and I have a New Years Eve ritual. We make a great dinner and then eat it while sitting around the fireplace in our living room. We keep the fire going as we spend the evening talking about the year that is ending...what we did, what we didn't do, what we wished we'd done differently. Then we write any nagging problems on pieces of paper, and at the stroke of midnight, we throw the problems into the fireplace and watch them disappear, the flames devouring them right before our eyes.

If you have any problems you'd like us to burn up for you,

snail mail them or email them to:

Bliss Farm Antiques
417 Tremont St.
Rehoboth, Ma. 02769

blissfarmantiques@yahoo.com

Make sure we get them before 1/1/11. We'll put them in a basket on the mantle until12/31/10 when, at the stroke of midnight, they'll be thrown into the fire!

IF FISHES WERE WISHES, DREAMS WOULD COME TRUE

2010-12-12T11:59:00.001-05:00

Free wishes...for anyone in need of a wish, leave your snail mail (at blissfarmantiques@yahoo.com) and I'll send you one, toute suite!

HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET WINNER

2010-12-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Open House gift basket is Pam Duffy of Rehoboth, Mass.
CONGRATULATIONS PAM!

SUCCESS!...~ AND GRATITUDE~

2010-12-04T21:04:00.004-05:00

Many thanks to the customers and friends who came by Bliss Farm Antiques for the first day of our annual open house. We are always grateful for your support...
The open house continues tomorrow starting 10-5...

This year, the holiday mantle features a woodland wedding for owls...

The happy couple perched on the branches...

Brother of the groom...

guests

more guests...
angels and blessings from on high..

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

2010-11-28T20:09:00.003-05:00

Our holiday open house is this weekend
Saturday and Sunday from 10-5.
Hope you can make it!

Decorating for the holidays and another giveaway...read on...

2010-11-19T08:24:00.003-05:00

Just sitting here, thinking about what to do with the mantle...

ANOTHER HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY! YIPPEE...Get this beautiful ornament, enter to win here:
abbeyroaddesigns.blogspot.com

check out this blog giveaway...

2010-11-11T09:36:00.004-05:00

http://www.stiglo.blogspot.com

More tasty bits from the Paris fleas

2010-11-10T14:40:00.000-05:00

I love fleas!

I found both of these petit chandeliers at a flea market in Paris. I love the way the one that has all glass parts, the little knob at the bottom is so beautiful. The pictures don't do them justice. They are on etsy if you want to buy them...my seller name is jacklynn4

Tasty bits from the Paris flea's

2010-11-09T17:03:00.001-05:00

A fabric covered box with delicate flowers and gold thread trim...

Champagne anyone?

Pharmacy bottles, the taller ones says "Potion # 1"

Porcelain coffee pot, I believe the tiny square cup is for a candle-to keep the coffee warm, yes? If anyone knows, please tell me.

And then there is my favorite thing of all...a collapsable top hat! With it's original box, which has a tiny metal handle on the side. The hat has a brass "C" initial sewn inside...

The Top Hat collapses and fits inside the box!

Forgive me for not posting sooner. I have been tres busy since returning...I'll post more of my french finds later this week. In the meantime, if anyone is interested in these yummy bits, they are in my etsy shop. My seller name on etsy is jacklynn4.

OOPS!

2010-11-06T08:58:00.000-04:00

IF YOU GOT AN INVITATION TO MY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

PLEASE NOTE

THE OPEN HOUSE IS 12/4 & 12/5 THAT'S SATURDAY AND SUNDAY...NOT 12/5 & 12/6

Shop is closed for the day 11/5/10

2010-11-05T06:50:00.000-04:00

I'm going to an auction...wish me bon chance! The shop will be open Sat/Sun as usual...

AND THE WINNER IS..........(DRUMROLL...) CONGRATS! HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?????????

2010-10-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO LESLIE OF ABBEY ROAD DESIGNS!

She is the winner of the Paris giveaway contest...

SHOP IS CLOSED, GONE TO FRANCE

2010-10-20T06:40:00.000-04:00

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES WILL REOPEN ON 10/30 AT NOON...AU REVOIR MES AMIS...

GIVEAWAY! PARIS HERE I COME...ENTER TO WIN!

2010-10-12T20:47:00.001-04:00

It is time for my annual trip to Paris (to pick up trinkets for my shop,) which means it's also time for my annual PARIS TREASURE GIVEAWAY. How do you enter to win?

Become a follower and leave a comment (don't forget to give me your contact information-otherwise I can't get hold of you...yes, this has happened before!)

La Tour Eiffel

If you mention the giveaway on your blog-YOU AUTOMATICALLY GET A LITTLE SOMETHING-just for the mention...

Magic at TIME WORN INTERIORS!

2010-10-08T13:56:00.006-04:00

Look at this...

After several hours it looks like this:

After a couple days it looks like this:

Who's the magician you ask? Read on...

Theresa Smith of Time Worn Interiors is sick. I swear, that’s what she told me. Here are her exact words:

“I think it’s some kind of sickness…”

She was referring to her habit of sorting through trash, hauling it back to her house and working her fingers to the bone to make it into treasure.

She (along with her husband, Craig) strip, sand, weld, paint, hammer, and screw every bit they pick up. Then they take it on the road, designing jaw-dropping vignettes from all that upcycled treasure. After all the work they drive 1,000 miles or more from their home in Kentucky to sell at venues like Brimfield in Massachusetts and the Marburger show in Texas.

I think she may be right; this must be some kind of sickness…

Having set up and sold at Brimfield (the July 2010 was my 15th show) I can attest to the amount of work. It is brutal, back breaking work…and if you do the job perfectly, you’ll end up selling the things you put your heart and soul into, things that you’re a bit sad to see leave.

Why would anyone work that hard making something so special, only to watch it snapped up by some eager customer, carried off to someone else’s house…

That does sound sick doesn’t it?

Twenty years ago, when my husband and I set up housekeeping, we did what we-as a young New England couple-were “supposed” to do. We bought lovely antiques, a mahogany dining set, upholstered furniture and oriental carpets. The dining room was papered in hand-blocked English wallpaper, the rest of the house painted after consultation with a “colorist.” It was all very “grown up,” very sedate… Oh yea, and very boring.

I knew something was amiss when I realized my favorite room was a storeroom in the basement. It housed a collection of shabby and chipped, mostly light colored-not a stick of mahogany in sight-stuff. Piles of antique papers, hundreds of buttons, childrens books with tattered and worn covers and wobbly furniture…the flotsam and jetsam of life. A letter, dating from the early 1900’s that began with the sentance “I have so missed the society of your pen…”

Throngs of people wait at the gate on opening day at Brimfield’s New England Motel, many of them run straight to Time Worn Interiors jam packed booth.

She is a design magician and her vignettes never disappoint. Trays piled high with buttons grace dressers that proudly show their worn paint and soft edges. Bits of lace trail over the top of an ancient mirror, old books pages soft and well worn piled high. An iron gate, leftover from a fence, stood atop a table with framed pictures and mirrors attached, rings of skeleton keys dangling. Shiny industrial tables, once cast offs, artfully mixed side by side with chippy painted furniture. Lights that look like they came from Jetsons deftly combine with crystal chandeliers.

In the center, a portico, faded white paint showing signs of age, that had once graced the area above the front door of someone’s home, now used decoratively over a settee…the mailbox still attached.

“There’s still mail in that box” Theresa said, in her soft Kentucky accent” I just couldn’t bring myself to take it out.”

When I walked into Theresa and Craig Smiths booth (at Brimfield) it hit me like a ton of bricks. I can actually live with the things I love!

Where some people see trash, Theresa and Craig, see treasure. They see possibilities in the torn and frayed, the worn and thrown out. Do you see the round light in the center of the photo above? Right by the number 6, yes, that one...I think that used to be a fan!

A babydolls head in a belle jar??? And it looks great (you can bet I'll have a baby head in a belle jar in my place soon:)!

At the end of the day, their tent is filled with “SOLD” signs. On more than one occasion Theresa and Craig have left the show early-because they sold out.

Although I wouldn’t call it a sickness, I do believe that what Theresa has is inborn, a talent that cannot be taught, something that drives her (like all artists.) It reminds me of something my ballet teacher said when I asked why she chose ballet…”I had no choice, I had to dance.” Dancing was a part of her the same way her arms or her legs were a part of her.

And that, I suppose, is the artist…the person born with creativity seeping out their pores, they have no choice, it’s like eye color or the lilt of ones voice, it’s simply who they are.

Theresa and Craig taught me that elegance can be time worn, that taste and style are subjective-not to be found in magazines, but in one’s heart. I don’t have to live with stuffy mahogany and heavy carpets. I can live in a house full of chipped and cracked, lovingly used objects, things that echo a history and tell a story worth hearing.

Theresa and Craig Smith’s magic can be found at:

timeworninteriors.blogspot.com

All photos property of Time Worn Interiors

Lurkers...tell me a little somthing about you...

2010-10-05T20:46:00.000-04:00

I am intrigued by the people who visit my blog but don't follow it and don't leave comments. Especially when they are from some exotic locale-like Yokohama, Japan; or Paris, France.

Please, if you stop by tell me something about yourself, why you stop by my blog and maybe become a follower...I'll reciprocate-promise!:)

COMING SOON...MY ANNUAL TRIP TO PARIS!

2010-09-26T11:37:00.004-04:00

WHAT TREASURES WILL I UNEARTH THIS TRIP?...

...vintage belt buckle?

...gilt frames?...verre du cure?

...music cards from the neighborhood orchestra?

...hand painted documents???

...vintage cafe au lait bowls???

...perhaps antique silk on silk embroidery???

I leave for Paris on October 20th for my little apartment in the 12th arrondisment. Who knows what treasures I'll uncover. If there's anything you'd like me to look for let me know-I'll do my best!

WHAT MAGAZINES DO YOU READ EVERY MONTH?

2010-09-20T12:54:00.002-04:00

I love the English magazine, Gardens Illustrated for layout and plant pairings. I love the French magazine Campagne Decoration for the photographs, inspirational layouts, and the opportunity to work on my French. The New Yorker, for my money it has the best writing (not to mention the cartoon caption contest.) Oprah has a provided a stellar reading list over the years, as well as exceptional advice on timely topics (her show about adolescents and sex is better than anything I've seen from a "professional.") Edible Rhody is a fun local magazine full of great recipes and interesting road trips-see if there is an "edible" mag in your area, they are all over the country. Last but not least, Somerset Home magazines offer inspiration and tutorials that keep the left side of my brain alive.

So, what do my magazine choices say about me? I like to read, garden, cook, eat and decorate. I am a locovore, I look for advice on home and family issues, and I need a creative outlet.

What do your magazines say about you?

Introducing Ludwiga Covert

2010-09-17T16:41:00.002-04:00

These handbags are made by Ludwiga Covert of Ludwiga's Linens (just google it and you'll find her toute suite!) I have loved these bags since I first laid eyes on them. Made from Antique grain sacks, linen, mangle cloth and bridal leather, they are the epitome of style, comfort, green living and fair trade. German grain sacks are being snapped up by designers quicker than they can be pulled out from under the floorboards of old barns. Because there is a limited supply of grain sacks, and one day they'll be all gone (sadly.) I believe these bags will only increase in value over the years...

Check out Ludwiga's website for handbags and all of the other beautiful items she makes-all by hand. Of course you can also purchase one of these, they are $270 (free shipping within the lower 48.)

Ludwiga is currently in Germany. When she returns, after meeting with museum curators and textile experts, I hope to post additional information on German grain sacks.

My little apple strudel...

2010-09-13T22:20:00.004-04:00

It's fall in New England and that means apple strudel. One of my favorite things to make, and surely one of my favorite things to eat. Super easy and super delicious:

Peel, core and cut a bunch of apples into chunks, put them into a big bowl with some lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, a dash of salt, a couple of teaspoons of flour, a few splashes of oj and a couple big spoons of applesauce. Mix it all up and set it aside to get all juicy (while you make your phyllo dough.)

This phyllo dough is an ancient family recipe...

Go to the supermarket, stand in front of the frozen food section and pick the already made phyllo dough in the box with the prettiest picture on the front...(I swear, it works every time.)

Melt a lot of butter, use a pastry brush to butter the bottom of a cookie sheet, then start layering the phyllo dough (I use 2 sheets at a time) and butter... 2 sheets of phyllo, brush with butter, 2 more sheet of phyllo, more brushing with butter...until you use at least 1/2 of the dough.

Spoon the apple mixture down the middle of the dough (keep it about 2" from the ends.) Fold the ends up and then fold the sides up over the apples (don't worry if they don't meet, that's fine.) Brush the outside with more... butter!

Bake at 375-400 F until the apples are tender (60-90 minutes.) Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche or some whipped cream, or maybe some vanilla ice cream (while the strudel is still warm...)

SHOP SHOTS

2010-09-11T08:46:00.004-04:00

Fall is my favorite season in New England. The sun is low in the sky bringing warm weather with cool breezes. The trees start to glow with yellow and orange leaves, geese in a V-form fly overhead. My kids take to the soccer field for the rec league and I stand at the sidelines, steam rising in curling wisps from a cup of hot coffee warming my hands.

Open Th/Fri 12-5, and Sat/Sun 10-5

Bookends, books (always in French)

Antique French silk on silk embroidery

Antique door knockers

Vintage (1955) French notebooks from a school girl, Cahiers, ecole primary

Vintage safety deposit boxes, with keys

Vintage French books, vintage bookends

UPDATES AND WHATNOT

2010-09-01T10:15:00.001-04:00

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES is a seasonal shop, open May-December.
Thurs & Fri 12-5, and Sat & Sun 10-5.

Ludwiga Covert handmade bags...what's not to love about soft, worn linen upcycled into something uber stylish and useful?

Pocket charms, tiny bits for luck and happiness...

I love bronze baby shoes. First steps, toddling toward parents with outstretched arms...so full of love and promise...

Angels shining lights...

Leftovers from a glass artists studio, now sparkling on a window sill...

Filigree frames swirl atop a painted dresser...

I have a thing for mirrors...

Large mirror, surrounded by smaller mirrors...

Tiny, hand-painted, French aperitif glasses...

Feather and down pillow made from an authentic German grain sack...

Vintage jean jacket embellished with authentic grain sack pieces...

Flower fill trike...

GET THE STYLE WITHOUT THE PRICE.

2010-08-21T10:56:00.001-04:00

J'adore European style. I tend to favor the clean lines and light colors of the French, Swedish and Belgian. I'm also attracted to curves (clean lines does not mean hard corners.)

Example: A Bergere Chair-which simply means a style of arm chair associated with French country furniture. It usually has pads on the arms, and a separate cushion, the arms/sides can be open or closed, the frame is wood, usually walnut. Modern versions often use a "pickled" or color-washed wood frame:

I'm not a style snob though, I'm just fine mixing antiques with new things. I think it's perfectly appropriate to get the look without spending the money.

How is that accomplished? Do you homework! Research the style/design you most like. Take note of colors, the lines of the furniture, the types of materials use-cottons? linens? silks? (I like to keep a reference book with notes and pictures in my bag.)

Here is a modern copy a of Bergere Chairs:

$1200.00 before shipping and taxes

Here is a modern, reproduction bergere chair available at Bliss Farm Antiques:

Arm chair? Check! Wood frame? Check! Padded arms? Check! Upholstered seat? Check!

No, this isn't the fancy walnut antique in the previous pictures, But it also isn't $2,800.00

For only $400. you can have this French style bergere chair (and not worry if the kids or the dog gets it dirty.)

Embellish it with a genuine European grain sack pillow ($85)

You have the style for much less, $485 as compared to $2800.00...and you get a pillow too!

Lazy, hazy, days of summer...

2010-08-18T07:25:00.000-04:00

Outside

Inside

Bonjour, comment ca va? Bien? Bon! Moi aussi!

2010-08-10T09:35:00.002-04:00

My French lessons are going nicely. I continue to make mistakes (faux pas) which I am generously calling my bon mots (translation: whitticisms or clever remarks.) Example:

I wanted to say:
The baguette doesn't have preservatives (La baguette n'a pas des préservatifs.)

I actually said:
The baguette doesn't have condoms. Yes, dear readers, preservatif is "condom" in French...who knew? Pas moi!

Now down to business: I'm sure you've all heard of "Sacre Coeur" (the Sacred Heart in French.) There is a famous cathedral in Paris by that name and-the French being largely Catholic-a central theme in French homes and families through the ages. I have frequently seen memorials and dedications made to the Sacred Heart. Example:

Disclaimer: you know my French is "iffy" at best, but this is what I believe it says Something about ridding oneself of previous loves and asking for the sacred heart to give her (him?) a turn at true love. All you fluent French speakers out there, please translate for us! There is a fuzzy date that looks like 1817 at the bottom.

The watercolor, pen and ink drawing is done on "rag" handmade paper, measures 9X11, and is nearly 200 years old! It is charmingly done in a self-taught, naive style.

Your husband is what!???

2010-07-20T22:39:00.001-04:00

I take French lessons at the Alliance Francaise in Providence. My last assignment was to write a paragraph about my best friend. I told the teacher:

"Mon meilleur ami est Steve, il est aussi mon mari.
(My best friend is Steve, he is also my husband.)

"Il est grand, avec les yeux verts et les cheveux
(He is tall with green eyes and grey hair...)

My teacher (Claire) was enthusiastic and nodding her approval...

"Il est un photographe de journal"
(He is a newspaper photographer.)

"Il aime les automobiles ancien, et J'aiment des marches aux puces."
He loves antique automobiles and I love flea markets"

I was doing so well, my accent was flawless...my hours of study were surely paying off.
In my enthusiasm I decided to "wing it" for the last sentance and, since my husband is very good looking, tell her he was "hot" as we say in America...

Il est chaud! I said proudly.

Really? said the teacher, laughing...
He's horny?

Apparently one country's "hot" is another country's "horny."

2010-07-12T08:17:00.000-04:00

We are on our way to Brimfield! Here is a map of the New England Motel Field: my booth is P2 and Theresa of Time Worn Interiors is just across from me! YIPPEE!

SPECTACULAR CHAIR~GREAT PRICE!

2010-06-29T16:25:00.005-04:00

I have chairs like the ones featured in "Country French" magazine! Take a look...

It's the chair by the mirror (in the magazine photo above.) You see it again the photos below-in the small photo on the left and in the large photo in the bottom right corner.

Here is a photo of the ones we have at Bliss Farm Antiques (on the right.)

They originally retailed for $1,150. I got my hands on a few and I'm selling them for $400! Come and get 'em. I want to be clear that the chairs in the mag are not MY chairs-I have the same chairs (at a way lower price.) I WISH they were pix of the chairs in my shop!

~EGGS-CUZE ME~

2010-06-29T15:06:00.001-04:00

Have you ever seen more lovely eggs? I go them at the SOWA market in Boston. I think they are from Arucana chickens...pinks and blues and greens. The whites hold up wonderfully (not at all runny) and the yolks are almost orange in color...what a difference from the anemic supermarket eggs eh?

Contest! Free Food!

2010-06-26T23:07:00.001-04:00

Hurry on over to auberginesandolives.blogspot.com and enter the DELICIOUS contest for
FREE FRENCH MACARONS! Hurry up now, there will be 4 winners! And spread the word-let's help a new blogger out!

~~ SHOP SHOTS ~~

2010-06-23T17:24:00.001-04:00

GET A FREE GIFT! RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

2010-06-16T09:57:00.010-04:00

EXAMPLES OF POCKET CHARMS-ANGEL OR BUDDHA

To all my blogger friends,

Please check out:
http://www.onebookatatimeras.blogspot.com
It is a new blog done by my daughter and her best friend. They are writing it to encourage kids to read! Please consider following their blog-it will give them encouragement in this great adventure!

Sign up as a follower and email me your snail mail address:
http://www.blissfarmantiques@yahoo.com
and I will send you a FREE pocket charm. Please specify if you want an angel or a buddha (see pix above.)

Thanks,

jackie

EATS AND TREATS WITH MY FRIEND MAGGIE

2010-06-13T19:52:00.005-04:00

I found this note on my kitchen counter this morning:

Jackie,

Please call 911. I think I need my stomach pumped. I ate:

1/2 candy bar
all the Vienna Fingers left in the package
plain marshmallows

(I was making rice krispy bars under the guise that they were for the children.)
I will be rolling around here tomorrow looking like I've been on prednisone all my life.

Have a lovely day in Boston!

Maggie

OK folks...did you notice the book she was reading while in the kitchen???????????

Check Maggie out at http://www.auberginesandolives.blogspot.com

PLEASE TELL US YOUR LAST "FOOD FUN" STORY:)!

ABOUT FOOD AND FRIENDS

2010-06-11T19:39:00.036-04:00

My friend Maggie and her daughter Sophia have come to visit for a few days...Miss Maggie is a chef...and after only 2 days I believe I have gained at least 1 full pant size...But honey, worth it:)!

Portobello lasagna with bechamel sauce...silky, earthy, delicious...

garlic sauteed in olive oil, dip your bread stick in that why don't cha?

greens, cucumbers, olives, balsamic vinegar, olive oil

The kids (Luke and Sophia) chatting before dinner...

BEFORE...

AND AFTER!!!!!

ALL GONE, (I'm going to have garlic breath for the rest of my life...)

Roasted grape tomatoes...who knew????

Desert, simple lemon pound cake and fresh grapes...

HELP! BIG PRIZE FOR ANYONE WHO CAN GIVE ME THE INFO...

2010-06-03T20:20:00.002-04:00

I'M LOOKING FOR THE COMPANY THAT MAKES THIS CEMENT CROWN-IT'S, GIGANTIC, NOT SMALL...CONTACT ME AT lantry4@comcast.net

SANTOS HANNA, SANTOS RAMONA, AND SENIORITA MARIA

2010-06-02T12:59:00.002-04:00

SANTOS...a religious sculpture depicting saints, angels or other religious figures, usually carved from wood or ivory...

Antique santos are very difficult to find and even harder to authenticate. If you do find one, it will be prohibitively expensive...hence Hanna, Ramona and Maria. These replicas are lovely...and affordable!

Santos Ramona is $160.00, she stands 27 1/2" tall and is 8" at the base

Santos Hanna is $110.00, she is 20" tall and 5 1/4" at the base

Seniorita Maria is $146.00, she is 24 1/2" tall and 7" at the base.

Contact me for shipping information at blissfarmantiques.com

IT'S BLOOMIN' GORGEOUS!

2010-05-29T12:18:00.000-04:00

SOME UPDATED SHOP SHOTS

I painted 2 walls a light grey (the perfect shade, choosen by my personal decorator, Chris Glynn of TuttiChic.)

Mary had a little (fake) lamb

The peonies are are being harvested! Come and get 'em! $1 per stem!

The pinks are "Sarah Burnhardt" and are doubles in light pink.

This one is called "Festiva Maxima" and has double white petals with bits of red in the center.

BLISS FARM ANTIQUES 417 TREMONT ST., REHOBOTH, MA 508-222-4108

Corey Amaro, aka Tongue in Cheek...enjoy the story and win...

Finally, the table is done.

Bad Girl and Chalk Paint

GLOBE LOVE

Merry Christmas

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR HEART? LET ME KNOW AND WIN AN ANTIQUE KEY!

OPEN TODAY SUNDAY 12/18 FROM 10-5 STOP IN FOR SOME HOT CHOCOLATE AND HANDMADE MARSHMALLOWS. I've just brought in some fresh "smalls" perfect for stocking stuffing...

OPEN TODAY SUNDAY 12/18 FROM 10-5 STOP IN FOR SOME HOT CHOCOLATE AND HANDMADE MARSHMALLOWS

Only a few more days to a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Antique Bird Cage

FREE!...GET RID OF YOUR WORRIES AND PROBLEMS...FREE!

The Last Day of Our Annual Open House, and the winner is...

ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND GIVEAWAY!

Cutie Patootie's from France

Puce de Vanves

!CONGRATULATIONS!

Speaking French

I can't talk just now, my mouth is full.

A QUICK NOTE FROM FRANCE

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR...ENTER TO WIN A FRENCH FLEA TREASURE!

Perfect to me...

Vintage French Monogram stamps for embroidery

FREE SHIPPING FOR MY BLOG READERS-YIPPEE!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Welcome Friends of Sweet Savannah, A few videos of the shop!

SEPTEMBER BRIMFIELD

Ludwiga's Linens Grainsack Handbags

Batten Down The Hatches! Here Comes Irene!

OPEN THIS WEEKEND SAT 8-20/SUN 8-21 FROM 10-5

DRUM ROLL...AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Remember the giveaway? IF I GET 4 MORE FOLLOWERS BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (8.14.11) THERE IS A SECOND DRAWING FOR A $100 GIFT CERT TO BLISS FARM ANTIQUES! ALERT THE NEIGHBORS! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

LOST AND FOUND

Brimfield 7/11, Diane Keaton and a GIVEAWAY/GIVEBACK!

BRIMFIELD JULY, 2011

Lovely

Un prix, un trésor...

WRENTHAM COUNTRY STORE

FRESH PEONIES...WHOLESALE PRICES

THE PEONIES ARE IN BLOOM AND THE SHOP IS OPEN, C'MON BY!

French Yogurt Cake-Gateau au Yaourt

30TH ANNUAL DUXBURY ANTIQUES SHOW *THIS WEEKEND*

Please help for our friends in Japan

Happy Happy Win Win

Twist and Shout

SUN COLORED GLASS

All You Need Is Love

BOHEMIAN CHIC DESIGN STYLE

Mantle shots

WINTER WONDERLAND-2 FEET IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

Christmas Dinner

The best nativity scene ever...click on the link

GIVE ME YOUR PROBLEMS...

IF FISHES WERE WISHES, DREAMS WOULD COME TRUE

HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET WINNER

SUCCESS!...~ AND GRATITUDE~

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Decorating for the holidays and another giveaway...read on...

check out this blog giveaway...

More tasty bits from the Paris fleas

Tasty bits from the Paris flea's

OOPS!

Shop is closed for the day 11/5/10

AND THE WINNER IS..........(DRUMROLL...) CONGRATS! HOW DO I CONTACT YOU?????????

SHOP IS CLOSED, GONE TO FRANCE

GIVEAWAY! PARIS HERE I COME...ENTER TO WIN!

Magic at TIME WORN INTERIORS!

Lurkers...tell me a little somthing about you...

COMING SOON...MY ANNUAL TRIP TO PARIS!

WHAT MAGAZINES DO YOU READ EVERY MONTH?

Introducing Ludwiga Covert

My little apple strudel...

SHOP SHOTS

UPDATES AND WHATNOT

GET THE STYLE WITHOUT THE PRICE.

Lazy, hazy, days of summer...

Bonjour, comment ca va? Bien? Bon! Moi aussi!

Your husband is what!???

SPECTACULAR CHAIR~GREAT PRICE!

*~EGGS-CUZE ME~*

30TH ANNUAL DUXBURY ANTIQUES SHOW THIS WEEKEND

~EGGS-CUZE ME~

~~ SHOP SHOTS ~~