TREASURES AND NEW FRIENDS!!

This weekend I headed down to the Portland Antique Expo in beautiful Oregon! I planned to meet up for the first time with a couple of my favorite fellow bloggers. Let me tell ya, I was sooo excited!! I've read about so many of the Georgia bloggers getting together and I must admit I was more than a little envious *winks* And I would be meeting Isabel from Maison Douce who has one of the most fabulous dreamy blogs ever!! As well as her being an antiques dealer! (can it get any better? *winks*) Anyhoo, I took one look at Isabels booth and knew it was hers!! So full of wonderful things!! Here we are! And I must say, Isabel is just as warm kind and lovely as I thought she would be! She even took me to a few of her favorite booths...and boy howdy did I see why!

Then my new friend Michelle from Chocolate and Marmalade Tea joined us and we all had ourselves a good girl gab!

Actually we "gabbed" so much we pretty much missed the show! That was actually OK because both Michelle and I had broken our budgets by about the third isle! Lol! *winks* Anyhoo if you haven't visited her blog please do! She has the most beautiful pictures of comfort food! As well as her three wonderful kitties!Me Isabel and Michelle (note to self black boucle is NOT slimming! Lol!)
Isabel had the most beautiful wedding dress in front of her booth! The front was lovely...but the back!! oohhh la la!! Soooo fab! Check it out!


Isn't it wonderful???!!!


And here is one corner of her booth, full of so many charming things! Isn't that a darling pink desk and chair? And that lampshade is a neat one too!

And isn't this the cutest dresser?!!! Well Isabel gives you instructions on how to make your own here as well as a few other wonderful projects. I know mine would never turn out as darling as hers because she is the QUEEN of fabulous old fabric!! And look at the sweet concrete statue of a deer.

This wonderful old vintage pillow with pink roses went home with Michelle.

In retrospect I wish this vintage barkcloth pillow had gone home with me WAAAHHHHH!

This little coffee table was in Isabel's neighbors booth and was only $65

This one was more than a little bit more...but oh so charming!! Don't you agree?

I loved the old fabric covered drawers!

I REALLY wanted this one to come home with me. It's a late 18th/early 19th century letter box. The seller even offered it to me for $200 less than the marked price....but I was really trying to be good!

I saw these quimper plates and thought immediately about Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict

The seller told me I could have it for $35. I don't know enough about quimper to tell if that's a good price or not.....but Debbie always has pairs with a boy and a girl...And there wasn't any boy...so I passed. Au revoir!

This sweet little dish reminded me of my dear friend Ann at LIFEATANNSPLACE

I just know she would love it!

This italian tole candelabra was sayin' my name...but I wasn't listening "LA LA LA LA LAAAAA" Sheesh! Some of those items can really "scream at ya! *winks*

So did these sparkley warkleys!! And just look at the fabulous silk tapestry behind it! I might have to go back for that one. It has ME written all over it!

This spelter figural clock reminded me of my friend Gloria at Happy To Be
She has a collection of the most amazing clocks....Don't think she has this one, and the seller said I could take it home for $100. It's a big one too!

Then I spotted this one out of the corner of my eye and I went a runnin"!! Only to find that she was $2400!! NOOOOOO!!! That's WAY TOO MUCH!!! And I really wanted to take her home!! Sometimes the sellers are smoking crack....or just really out of touch with our current economy *sighs*

OK so for what I DID get. I had to be good at the show and keep to a $100 budget because I found this on ebay!! It was $247 and it's absolutely gorgeous!! It's a 6'x9 aubusson carpet featuring the most beautiful pink roses! I will be using it in an upcoming project which involves a chandelier as well *winks* So keep visitin'!

But I did find this pretty little dresser jar/casket. It's lined in blue velvet.

Here it is with a couple of others that I have.

And just look at this sweet antique cherub clock! Well he HAD to come home with me!!

In the larger context.

And this wonderful vintage dresser tray come from Isabels booth. It will always remind me of our meeting!

Cute rose detailing.

And last but not least, this little Victorian syrup pitcher. I can't wait to use it for Sunday breakfast!

Well thanks for coming along with me! The Portland Antique Expo show was a winner! I can't wait to go back for the next one! Vanna

A PASSION FOR CHANDELIERS!!!

I don't know about ya'll but I am always on the lookout for the perfect chandelier *sighs dreamily* There's just nothing that adds more romance and glamour to a room than a beautiful chandy! Don't you agree? I keep hoping that one day I'll walk into the worlds most fabulous garage sale...It might look something like this *winks*

And I'll find my dream chandelier for somethin' like $100...Yeah I know, not likely! But hey this blog is "Delusions of Grandeur" And I'm gonna stay deluded dang it!! My dream chandy would be 18th century french, preferably rock crystal, and not electrified. This one would do beautifully!
But then again, there's something to be said for macaroni crystals...They make me swoon! And isn't this chandy swoon-o-licious?!!

Hmmmm liking this one too!

My mother was born in Sweden....This one would remind me of my heritage......


Or all out gaudy!! Yeppers that works for me too!! I can't tell where the crystal ge gaws start and end on this one...Always a good thang *winks*

And I always love a little empire style!

This one isn't quite as dreamy as the french 18th century one....But it'll do! We are talkin' $100 here *winks*

OK now ya'll need to scale down your expectations a few LARGE notches because these chandys are from my house lol!

This 1930's french palm chandelier sits over what passes for a dining room at my house *sighs* It's all open concepty and icky! One day I'll have a "real" dining room with french doors!

And this chandelier is the most swanky at my house, and nearly caused a divorce...it was worth it! Heh heh! When I found it, it was in pieces. So the hubbs had to restring every single crystal. In addition it's a gasolier so it had to be converted to electricity.... and did I mention it's almost 4' tall and weighs a TON?!! Oh and I wanted it all finished YESTERDAY!! So I would hassle my poor DH just about every other day....Are you going to work on the chandelier soon honey?? ( I added the "honey" to make it sound more friendly and less pushy hehe!)....Next day......Honey you said you'd start on the chandelier soon right?!......Followed by "But you promised!!" Repeat about 200 times, and the man finally broke down and finished it. But he told me NEVER AGAIN! And I think he means it*winks* But we'll see.........Lol!

This one is in my master bedroom. I paid $125 for it and it came with two beautiful crystal sconces. At the time I felt I paid way too much...Now, I'm so glad I bought it! I sold the set of sconces for $125, making the chandy FREE!! Yippee!! I loves me a great deal!

This one was a 40th birthday gift from the hubby. And hangs in my tea room.

And this one was an ebay find. I scored it for $75, but when I received it one of the arms was broken!! I was sooo annoyed!! I contacted the seller and they told me they'd refund me $30 if I wanted to keep it. I figured the crystals on it were worth $45 so I decided to keep it and see if it could be fixed somehow. Well I ended up taking it to a local welder who welded the arm back on at a cost of $25. So $70 total! Just something to keep in mind if you find a cool chandy with a broken arm. I was surprised at how reasonable it was to have it welded. I would buy one with a broken arm again in a heartbeat!

This one hangs in my shabby chic bedroom and you can also see my sweet little empire chandy.

This one was a garage sale find for $25 and hangs in my home gym.

And lastly this candle chandelier hangs over the tub in my bathroom. It's perfect for long soaks!

Well that's it for this one. Do you have a favorite? And does the sight of a crystal chandelier make your heart pitter pat like it does mine? I'd love to hear from ya!

Then my sweet new friend Silver from One Day at a Time gifted me with this wonderful award! She has a most wonderful blog....But I'm tellin' ya, if you're hungry it's torture!! She always has the most beautiful pictures of food!! And she's a real sweetie too! So stop by and tell her I sent ya!

Here are the rules for this award:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.” Also put a link to their blogs and then let them know they have been selected!

Well I don't know who might already have this award, so if you've already received it, no prob.

1) Laura Lu at Hidden Promise

2) Chari at Happy To Design

3) Laura at Tomarie's Cabin

4) Christine at Christine's Home and Travel Adventures

5) Linda at Royaltouch

6) Lucy at Tattered Hydrangeas

7) Monica at Monicas English Version

8) Kris at Vintage Window

If you haven't checked out these bloggers you're missing out BIG TIME!! *hugs n winks* Vanna

A Giveaway, A Surprise And a Treasure!

As y'all know I am extremely fond of art nouveau trinket boxes *winks* So I thought I'd share the tiquin' love with a blog giveaway! This little cutie with a sweet rose on top is NOT perfect at all....But it is perfectly charming! It will come with a little somethin' extra inside...but that's a surprise! If you'd like to have it come live with you, just leave me a comment within the next two weeks. You'll get an entry for each comment. And if you are one of my beloved blog followers you get three extra entries! Yes I'm shameless I admit! *winks* So stop by OK? Cause I LOVE to read ya!

You can click to enlarge any pictures if you want to.

Today I heard a little knock knock on the door and when I checked on who it might be? I found a rather large box!

Hmmmmm what could it be? Well let me start by sayin' my dear friend Laura lu from RMS had contacted me about a week ago and told me she had a little something she would like to send me . She said she thought I would really like it..... But she wouldn't give me a single hint as to what it might be! I'm tellin' ya, the girl can keep a secret because Lord knows I tried to get her to SPILL!!

Now for those of you who have seen Laura lu's house on RMS and her brand new blog Hidden Promise HERE you KNOW what fabulous taste she has!! Not to mention that she's a super model *winks* But you'll have to go read her blog to find out all about that lol! Anyhoo when I opened the box, I knew right away it must be from Lu because just look at the card *winks*

Hmmm this thing a ma jiggy sure is well wrapped! I've been unwrapping for a while now! But I can finally see a glimpse of what it might be.........It looks golden....that's always a good thing......And the red area looks like it might just be flowers..... Oooohhhhhh!

Oh my goodness me!! Just look at what she sent!! Isn't it the most darling cherub in the history of the world! *winks* OK I don't expect you to think so.... But it certainly IS to me! I've never had someone I've never even met "GET" me like this! I am feeling sooo blessed to have met such a wonderful generous and downright LOVELY friend!! Right when you think bloggers couldn't get any nicer....The good Lord comes along with yet another wonderful surprise! I am in awe of all the goodness! And Laura lu I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing gift! And the even MORE amazing gift of your friendship! *sob hiccup* I'm so choked up! Oh and I forgot to mention that Laura lu hand painted this cherub! So there's not another one like him in the whole wide world! Just look at that beautiful rose wreath!

And here's a wider view of his new home on top of the cabinet that houses my art nouveau boxes. Doesn't he look just perfect there?!!

And lastly I found this nifty ole wire victorian mansion birdhouse on craigslist! It's a little bit rusty and off kilter, but it's soooo cool! I've been playing around with possible vignettes, but can't quite get it right.....Which is pretty much always the case!Lol! I tried to do something for Easter. What'd ya think? Can you even see it? It has a sweet bird from my dear friend Lynne watching over a nest of baby blue eggs, with a "NEST" plaque....There's even a little birdie chandelier......

Can you see it now? It's not the easiest thing to photograph through all these wires!

Well that's all for today. Hope you'll join me next time! (((HUGS))) -n-*winks* Vanna

Quelle Surprise!!

I've had some wonderful surprises this last week and I'd love to share them!

Starting with the sisterhood award from my dear friend and cyber sister Ann from LIFEATANNSPLACE/

A sweeter kinder more loving person I've yet to meet! So if you haven't visited her blog.....You really should! Thank you so much Ann! This means the world coming from you!

Here are the rules for this award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

So my choices for this award go to:

1. Chari at Happy To Design

2.Mary Ellen at megardengal

3.Laura Lu at Hidden Promise

4. Gloria at Happy To Be

5.Linda at royaltouch

6.Debbie at Confessions of a Plate Addict

7. Michelle at Chocolate and Marmalade Tea

8. Kathysue who doesn't have a blog yet (but should! Lol!) and is another wonderful cyber sister!

9. Chrissy at The Apothacary Shop

10. Marty at A Stroll Thru Life

And then........I came home 3 days ago and found a large parcel on my front porch. It was a very special package from my dear friend Mary Ellen at megardengal.

Ya see I was visiting her blog as I often do, when I spied her new and fabulous header picture! HERE Well my heart skipped a beat while looking at her wonderful vignette featuring the neatest old wire cloche! And she shared with us that she had another if anyone would be interested? As well as a couple of crowns. Well I jumped on that cloche faster than you could say "SOLD!" But alas I was not quite fast enough to claim any of the wonderful crowns *sighs* So I did what any blogger in her WRONG mind would do....I cried "WAAAAHHHHH........I moped.......I begged Mary Ellen to find me another one.......We're talkin' crowns here after all! And anyone who's read my blog for any length of time KNOWZES I LOVEZES THEMS!!! Must HAVEZ THEMS!!!........ NEEDZES THEMS NOW!!

Well Mary Ellen, God bless her heart, found a couple more and sent them to me along with the fabu wire cloche!

So I'd already started to open the box when I realized...Hey!....This is the stuff that blogs are made of!! So I quickly grabbed my trusty camera and snapped away *winks*

This was what greeted my eyes....And what could it be?? I mean, I know I asked for two crowns and a cloche...But this doesn't look like either of those......

you can click on any of the pictures to enlarge em!

And look at how charmingly it's wrapped! In old music pages and gold angel thread!

It's the most darling little picture holder made from a piece of vintage silverplate! And not just ANY silverplate, but a fork belonging to one of Marys dear friends Millicent. Mary made it herself! Mary I love it sooo much! Thank you!

Look at how perfectly it works for this small painting!


Digging back in the box I spied this.....Now I know what this is!

It's my new (old) wire cloche!! So now I can create a vignette just like Marys! Yippee!! Hooray!!
Ummmm how did she do that again?
OK lets see....I need a little birds nest (with bird and eggs).......some old ribbon and lace......A charming 19th century drawing of some sort...... Moss.......A silver tray........Pedestal cake stand.....Yikes! It never dawned on me when I saw her fabulous vignette that I didn't really HAVE any of that stuff!

Well I'll just put that on the back burner for now and move on to the crowns! Yeppers! That's what I'll do! And maybe I'll find some inspiration......somewhere....

Here is crown #1. I did happen to find a birds nest and even a 19th century french Jesus.....But since I used em for the crown I still didn't have anything for the cloche....

Here's crown #2. Very regal dont'cha think? Reminds me of those old Imperial Margarine commercials lol! Remember them? Da da da da!! And a crown pops on their head after taking a bite of YUMMY margarine!Lol!

So's I had to scramble for somethin'...anything! To place under the cloche. I finally gathered a few of my vantines incense burners, another moss ball and a little column stand from the Goodwill and VOILA!......OK it doesn't look remotely as cool as Marys *winks* But after all she's a vignette queen and this stuff just doesn't come easily for me! I'll just have to keep finding inspiration from y'all! After all imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Right?....... Ummmm OK?....... Come on naw????! .......Well I'm gonna COPY Y'ALL AND THAT'S THAT! Lol!!*winks*

So here's my composition all together! The cherub is a recent ebay find. I just love him!

Isn't he just the cutest little gipper?!! Love those chubby little legs!*winks*

And not that you probably want to see another shot of my mess....But for those crazy friends of mine who do...Here's my vignette at a distance hehe!

I also received my very first blog prize!! Some sweet gift tags from even sweeter Crystal over at Olive Rue! If you haven't visited her blog, you MUST!! She's a photographer and takes the most beautiful dreamy romantic shots! Just enchanting! She also sells a variety of these tags if you are interested. Here are a few she selected for me. Aren't they cute?!! Well of course they are!! They have cherubs on em!! *winks*

Thank you so much Crystal! And thanks y'all for stopping by my attempt at vignetting! Lol!! (Yes I know it's not a word! But when has that ever stopped me?!!) *winks*

And last but definitely not least, Mary gave me this small jar filled with her homemade candied lemon peel as a little treat. Yummy-O-Ramma!! I had the hardest time NOT eating all the candied peel before I took the shot! Needless to say, there had been twice as much when I received the little bugger...And now that my shoot is finished, it's GONE BABY GONE!! You can get Marys recipe HERE if you're interested in making some yourself....And please send some more to me!! *winks* Vanna

A Little Shopping Adventure

My hubbs took me out for some Valentines shopping this year. He knows how to make me happy! It's been a little while since I've been able to get oot-n-aboot lol! And I thought I'd share my little adventure with y'all!

I had to start with a stop at one of my favorite sellers in one of my local antique malls. She always has such an interesting way of putting things together. Very textural...and well....ODD.

You can click to enlarge the pics if you want


It's really difficult to see, I know, but there's a little taxidermy bird under the cloche wearing a little gold crown!

My hand reached for it straight away...only to discover that it wasn't for sale! Dont'cha just hate when sellers do that?! And why do I always want (and seem to find) the only items that they DON'T want to sell?!!

Anyhoo doesn't this vignette just draw you in? Makes me want to buy one of everything! Course I feel that way a lot! Lol!


I also loved these stacked platforms, but why oh why are they soooo expensive? At $95 and $115 respectively.


And this display in the same booth makes me long for a simple french lunch of baguettes fresh butter and of course wine! How about you?


Isn't this old stove top interesting? It would make for some interesting yard art me thinks. But at $125 it's a bit pricey.


Y'all know I'm an odd duck. So what better Valentines gift than an ODD DUCK!! And look it's a delusional duck that thinks it's royal!....PERFECT!

He sure is ducky! And busy urn-ing a living! Lol! Hmmmm but again at $136 he's still a bit over budget.......Durn it!


Maybe some cool giant concrete finials would be just the thing? I always love those. And at $32 and $28 I think I'm going to keep them on the short list....


But wait...what do I spy out of the corner of my eye? It's a victorian mirrored firescreen with hand painted flowers. It's $125 BUT there's 20% off. So a cool $100. More tempting for sure! But unfortunately I don't need another firescreen. Maybe I need to start looking for neato small things....yep that's the ticket!


So moving on to the next mall for smalls, I spotted this booth. And looky 15% off. Is your eye drawn to anything here? Can you guess knowing me as well as y'all do *winks* what I might be drawn to?


Did you guess this? I've been so drawn to these wonderful old pincushion ladies lately! And with the discount she's $23.80. She's not too large...... I'm sure I could find room for her at my house....But my cousin D has a really similar one that she paid only $12 for. Do you ever find yourself saying no to something because you know someone else found one for less? So I'm probably gonna regret this but I'm walking away.


Then as I turned I spotted this. Hmmm couldn't this sweet little ladies frenchy style desk be a diamond in the rough?

Can't you see it painted in cream with a luscious toile behind the chicken wire? And at slightly less than $120 with discount I might just have to go back for this little cutie! Maybe my hubby will FINALLY let me paint something! Lol!


Ok so what did I finally take home, you might ask? Or you might be so tired from eyestrain that you don't care....But I'm gonna show you anyway!! *winks*

I took home this interesting little frenchy spelter girl thingy. I have no idea what she was once used for. Do you? Maybe an oil lamp base? Whatever the case may be, she works great as a candleholder or another home for one of my beloved moss balls *winks*


And I couldn't pass these up! Art nouveau bliss! Next week I'll be doing a giveaway for one of these cuties so please come back and see me!


Cherubs turned out to be my theme for the day. I found this sweet cherub compote/tazza at the Goodwill. My friend Chari from Happy To Design here has the most darling candelabra with this same cherub. So I'm thinkin' maybe I can make one too?


And just look at this cute little fella! He's working so hard on sharing good luck! Well I can NEVER have too much of that! So he HAD to come home with me!


I also spotted these pretty Dresden style candlesticks and my heart skipped a beat! They have the most beautiful pale mauvey pink roses! I'm addicted to roses...can you tell? Lol!


I also found two rolls of this cherub wallpaper. It reminds me of my dear friend Gloria/ Happy To Be's stairwell. It's featured in her pink Saturday post for Friday, November 21, 2008 here Isn't it gorgeous?!! And anytime I find anything that Gloria has...I'm doing GOOD!! She has the most fabulous antiques and taste!


I also brought home this victorian ewer. I loved the intricate metal work and time worn patina. Maybe I could send it to Jo-Ann Coletti and have her paint some of her beautiful roses on it? Doesn't she do beautiful work? here


Also at the Goodwill I found these two vintage petticoats as well as the champagne pink roses and queen anns lace. I love soft romantic ruffles!


And I thought this was such a cute find! (Also at the Goodwill) for $1.99! Some vintage embroidery that some talented person made into a pillow.


Even the back is darling!


And here it is in its new home in my shabby chic bedroom.


This old fence piece would make a great door topper. Maybe painted white? It was only $2.


And I found an ugly ole lamp with a very cool marble base (IMHO) I took the lamp apart to use the base as a platform for something special....


Maybe a french candelabra?


Naw.. I think I found the perfect piece! This little cherub compote looks just right!


And when I came home from my shopping adventure I found this little cutie waiting for me on my front porch from ebay.


As well as this darling set of 1920's/30's chalkware figures.


Well I hope you enjoyed my little shopping adventure. I'm very happy with my sweet finds. I couldn't love my Valentines gifts more if I picked em out myself! Hahaha!! *winks* Vanna

Oh How I Love Louis......

Louis XV....Louis XVI...and of course Louis V!!.......As in Vuitton of course!

As a lover of all things french and antique *winks* Louis Vuitton is a perfect fit for me!

Louis Vuitton was a hardworking thrifty young man from Anchay (a hamlet in the Jura, a region of mountains and forests) He left his home and job at his family's mill at the early age of 13.

In 1854 he opened his own trunk making business at 4 Rue Neuve-des-capucines near the Place Vendome. Louis claim to fame was in the creation of the flat topped trunk which made them easy to stack. Up until then, trunks had been dome topped and extremely heavy. Louis created his trunks using poplar (a much lighter wood) and enforced them with metal banding. Making them far superior in strength, and a much more luxurious way to travel.

He was a hit pretty much from the beginning. The empress Eugenie was his first royal customer and put him nicely on the map. Other wealthy people of the day followed suit and the rest as they say is history!

I have been a lover and collector of Vuitton for over 20 years. I must admit this is the least "affordable" of my collections, requiring lots of searching for items that I COULD afford. Nearly all of my LV was purchased on the secondary market, helping my pocketbook greatly! And lots of trading with friends helped a lot as well. And lucky me, my DH is nearly as vuitton crazy as I am! *winks* So he understands that sometimes in order to afford a new (old) piece, we might have to eat peanut butter and jelly sammies for a month...or ten lol!

The older trunks and traveling cases are really my passion! I can only dream of all the fabulous places they must have visited! And they work wonderfully *IMHO* as home decor....another real passion!

Here is a picture of the Eiffel tower recreated using Louis Vuitton trunks and cases.

I always dreamed of having enough pieces to do one of my own *winks*

This is my attempt so far. Maybe in another 20 years I'll have enough to finish it off!

I found this cool article in Traditional Home magazine featuring a designer in Arizona who has quite an extensive collection of LV and has used it beautifully in the decor of his amazing condo. Do you see the stack of suitcases tucked under his sofa table? Well I loved the look of this so much, I tried it in my own home. I apologize for the poor quality of the pictures. I don't have a scanner so they are just pictures of pictures *sighs*Here's my interpretation found in my master bedroom. I hide all the wonderful cards and sweet little notes from my hubby in them *winks*Back to the designers residence in Arizona. Here in his family room is a dream piece of mine. It's a LV suitcase that belonged to John F Kennedy. He's re purposed it as a coffee table. I'd be afraid to ever put anything on it!! But he seems to have no qualms whatsoever placing heavy objects on top. Which I must say, do look great! I love the pop of orange in his pillows also!And here is a shot of part of his closet. Oh boy! If only my closet looked like this!! And all those orange hermes boxes add another wonderful pop of color!.......*sigh* I can dream......This room belongs to Tommy Hilfigger. Can you spot the louis? He has some hermes going on here as well. See the cute little suitcase under Uncle Sam?I used a beauty case on top of a china cabinet in my bedroom. Maybe not the best place for it but it'll do for now. Can you see it? Lol!Here it is!!And here I've used some LV in hubby's office. The desk set was part of an exclusive from Neiman Marcus in the 80's. It's extremely rare, and finding as many pieces as I have has been a real adventure. Do you see the small waste basket at the end of my hubby's desk? This one here! It's my "claim to fame" as they say in vuitton circles. This paper waste basket is the only one I or many of my fellow LV collectors have ever seen. Because of it's rarity I needed to take it to Louis Vuitton to have it authenticated. I tell ya it was the closest thing to a celebrity I've ever been! All the sales associates walked quickly away from their customers to converge on my waste basket!! I felt so sorry for everyone! Now I'm tellin' ya LV sales associates can be notoriously snooty...and to have them gush all over a darn waste can??!! I'd a never thunk!! The manager even asked me if he could take some pictures of it!Here is a shot to make any LV lovers heart go pitter pat! All those fabulous old trunks!! All the history!! All the MONEY!! YIKES!!! Do you see the trophy cups used for display in the center?Well some of you might remember my "Craigslist do you love it?" post here where I found some old equestrian trophy/loving/cups? A few days ago I saw them listed again on craigslist, 5 for $50 and this time I jumped on them! Two of them are sterling! Here I was playing around in hubbys man cave *winks* and I created a tiny vignette (very tiny lol!) of the shot above. What do y'all think? And if you are a serious lover of Vuitton you MUST have this book! Louis Vuitton The Birth Of Modern Luxury by Paul-Gerard Pasols It is the best ever! It tells the entire history of LV as well as showing incredible shots of extremely rare custom pieces.....


Like this one! A custom traveling case in crocodile outfitted for all your perfumes colognes and beautifying essentials! *winks* I'll bet this one cost about half the price of an average house! But it certainly is wonderful!And of course I love their handbags also!*winks* Here are most of mine displayed in one of my french armoires.
Well I hope you enjoyed my little tour de Vuitton. While they can be quite expensive, it's still possible to find them at antique stores, auctions and estate sales for fairly reasonable....and if you're really lucky, VERY reasonable prices, like the large trunk that I have featured in my Eiffel tower shot? Well my hubby (eagle eyed man that I love!) spotted it at a garage sale marked $60!! He asked if they could do a little better? And we took it home for $50!! I really had no idea what it was worth, and when I took a peek on ebay to see what it might possibly be worth? I nearly peed myself!!....Sorry to be crude... But I DID!! So if you're out there garage saleing keep your eyes and ears open...ya just never know!! *winks* Vanna

I sure Missed Y'all! I'd like to Share One of My Chandy Projects

Hi everybody. I'd like to apologize for being gone so long without explanation. My mom suffered a stroke followed by a bout with pneumonia. It's been a very trying time, but she's now on the road to recovery and I finally feel I can breathe a little bit. Having a sick loved one sure puts ones priorities in order quickly. I'd like to thank everyone who kept my mom in your prayers. You are apprecdiated more than you know. They're working! And I'm soooo thankful to you!

Ok nuff about sad stuff. I had planned to post this before mom got sick. But better late than never I hope? Anyhoo I found this cute little chandelier on ebay. It came from Austrailia and the shipping was actually more than the chandy! Yep the price was really good....problem was....it was in pieces.

Here is what it looked like listed on ebay...

And here is what it looked like when I received it!

*sigh* This is going to be a project!!

Here is my makeshift repair station *winks* Helps to be able to watch the telly when doing this kinda stuff. But it's looking pretty good dontcha think?

I decided to put my finished project in my shabby chic bedroom. Maybe some of you remember it from RMS back in the days of the dinosaur? Here is the original posting if you're interested.link But why bother since I'm showing it to ya here *winks* Remember my creepy....ahem I mean....cool ole haunted mirror? You can still spot a ghost! Lol!

And here's the little chandy in its new home! Some of you might also remember my birdcage stand and old birdcage for $12? Well I'm using the stand to hold the little chandy until I can find a more ornate one that I can afford. Isn't it a cutie ?*winks*

Here's a close up on the finished product.

The view from the door.

Top of the dresser. And here is where I found a home for my little wax bust.

I found this little postcard/picture holder for $10. I hope to fill it with old floral postcards....I have some hiding around my house somewhere...I just have to find the little buggers!

And this dresser was a Goodwill find for $49.99.

This little cherub that used to be a part of a fountain is a favorite of mine. I just LOVE cupids!!!

Here is the top of one of the bedside tables. My sister painted the little shades on the candelabra for me.

This little terra cotta bust came from france.

This picture is for Sandra at Romantique Inspirations. She has the most beautiful blog! And we both have the same pink clock *winks*

I have this old painting of roses on the opposite side of the bed. Found at a junk shop for $25.

Some of my Norah Wellings dolls.

This victorian tete a tete is another favorite piece of mine.

Well thanks for stopping by and revisiting my shabby chic bedroom! Please help yourself to a nice cup of tea! And come back anytime!

I will be posting pictures of my bigger chandy project found here, in the next week so I hope you'll come back to see me! Vanna