Nice Surprises ~ Flea Market Finds

The smallest things can make you happy if you're into junking. Or thrifting, or saleing, or fleamarketing, or whatever you want to call it. It's the only place in my life that I actually like to be surprised. Surprised, because I may not ever have seen it before or even know that it exists before I lay eyes on it and have to have it or die! Most often it doesn't cost that much!

I don't think McCoy pottery is red hot anymore, and the values have plummeted in the current market. All the better for me. I have always always wanted this pattern in ANY color, and here it is affordably priced at $16 in WHITE!

I love finding old shipping boxes and crates with printing and graphics. Terrific for storage and vignettes, and cheap!

Happiness is a hand crocheted runner in ecru with BOTH roses AND fleur de lis!

Some of you may recognize my little butter cow of the "Charlotte" pattern. What is she doing here?

I was sooo lucky to find a matching transferware bowl in the same pattern that I love so much.

Even the maker's mark is delightful!

  

But nothing put that Cheshire Cat grin on my face bigger than THREE PAIRS of all linen cutwork pillow cases in beautiful condition for 3.57 each pair. YIKES!!!!!

  

  

I'm thinking this is Irish linen because of the shamrocks. Me Mum was Irish.

  

These items were from four separate markets. My luck usually comes with a lot of leg work!

I hope there are some nice surprises waiting for you too!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

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House in the Roses

Faded Charm

Savvy Southern Style

Bittersweet August

August is the month of thistles and sunflowers. It's the nesting season of goldfinches, one of the smallest of birds. Goldfinches use thistle down for nests, and feed on the seeds. It's said that their nests are so watertight that nestlings can drown in a heavy downpour.

I became a birder later in life and never saw or heard a goldfinch until I was a grandmother. I love that it nests late. To me it suggests that it's okay to be a late bloomer in anything. And I love it's cheery song.

August is thought of as the last of summer. Even though school starts here in many places, August isn't usually considered the start of anything. In France everybody takes the whole month off for vacation.

It's bittersweet to think of the end of things at the beginning of the month. But August is fraught with bittersweet. Bittersweet is named for its root. When tasted the fiber is bitter, but when chewed it tastes sweet. The lesson I suppose is to get right on with the sweetness of the last month of summer. . . .

Have a lovely weekend! Hope it's sweet!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

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How Sweet the Sound

Between Naps on the Porch

A Beach Cottage

August Days ~ A Petite Francais Tablescape

Lilies dominate the table in this lawn tablescape. They lend a bit more drama than my usual mums or roses. I wanted a little more color in the dishes to punctuate the wine colored blooms so I brought out a tureen that usually finds its way to the table only during the holidays.

One of my favorite vintage tablecloths in a natural linen color makes a good contrast against the white plates and script patterned napkins. Even the sea creatures in an old book keep to the neutral tones I'm so fond of.  

My tureen is a German pattern called Petit Fours. Its various colored floral sprays make it a versatile serving piece, and adds just a nuance of FRENCH along with my bistro glasses and poire motif plates.

A cotton drop cloth skirts the table and drapes nicely on the grass, and a bit of handmade lace dresses things up.

Majolica salad plates with a pear design add to the action on a quiet table.

I had to use these printed napkins at least once during August!

It's a mellow and cool evening with storm clouds gathering in the distance. A perfect time for relaxation and conversation on the lawn.

French bistro glasses on an ironstone platter.

Mild summer evenings just beg for supper outside. After the busy week we've had, maybe we'll light a few candles and linger awhile. I hope your August days are just wonderful inside or out!

Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Between Naps On The Porch

Tablescape Thursday

My Romantic Home

Show & Tell

French Country Cottage

Feathered Nest Friday

Common Ground 

Vintage Inspiration

The Charm of Home

Home Sweet Home

Rose Vignettes

Fresh Cut Friday