My tacked on valences

Here is the photo of my valence. It's not very perfect but, I am very happy with it. It took me about 1/2 hour to put it up. I can't believe it took me 7 years to get this fabric up! Yes, I've had his fabric in my closet for 7 years. I had planned on sewing it into a valence for this window and just never got around to actually doing it. But here is is now. Thanks Nesting Place!

Note: That chandelier in this picture was a clearance find for $35.00!

My Estate Sale finds

I went out yesturday with my kids to an open house...just to get a look inside and really great home. Anyway, right next door was an estate sale. I had seen the sale in the paper but, since it was the last day and I knew I couldn't get there when it opened. I figured all the good stuff would be gone...I didn't make an effort to go. Well, they were still open when I got there so, I took a quick peek and you'll never guess what I found! The following sewing table and chair. I also found a 1950's card table and chairs set. (no picture of that yet) and all for $37.00! She was trying to sell everything so, everything was 50% off. I got the sewing table for $25 and the card table set for $12.50. I was pretty thrilled. So a tip for everyone, going late might get you a great bargain...LOL! I am using the sewing table as a night stand for my husband. I don't really have a place for a sewing table...so I'll use it like this for now. The chair is going in the hall way. I plan on using it as just a decorative table. I'll make a nice vignette with a topiary and some little knickknacks. I have to look to see what I have at home to dress it up with.

That's all for today...Have a great Sunday everyone!

Here's what I've been up to...

Well, I've been sewing/crafting.

I made this valentine's decoration over the past couple of days. It is the "Fruits of the Spirit". I got the idea from a blog I visit (Heather Bailey). She has a pattern on her blog that is for a paper ball. But in a recent post she made them more Valentine's style with little felt hearts and beads. I took this idea and made mine just the hearts. Of course, mine are no where near as nice as hers but I really enjoyed making this. I'm still not sure where I'm going to put this.

I started an Easter dress this week. I'll post a picture when that is done. It's going to be a periwinkle color. I've never been one to finish a clothing project for myself. So, my goal is to finish this one. LOL!

We are getting new dual pane windows! I live in a house that was built in the late 70's. So the windows are only a thin piece of glass held on by an aluminum frame. The condensation in the winter is so horrible! Let me tell you, I can't wait to get these new windows! I will post a picture when that is done. Well, we are going to paint the house too...so, it will be after that.

I think that is all to tell for now. I'll have more in the next few days.

Have a great day everyone!

Adding some romance to my home

Did you know Costco sells 2 doz. (24 stems) Roses for $15.00. And they are good ones too! So, I bought some to add something extra to my home. I took a picture of one arrangment I made...this was the best one. I ended up putting it on my nightstand. The nightstand is an old hand-me-down from my grandmother. It has been painted 6 times and had a mirror attached to the back. The mirror broke several years ago and I haven't replaced it. It's all real disdressing...and my really bad paint job...LOL! I plan on putting new handles on it. The ones on it now my grandfather made.

Some signs of Spring. I found these Tulips at our local grocery store. I was so delighted to see them. I purchases these before the roses. I should go back and get some more tulips before they are all gone. Enjoy!

Just some thoughts...

Well, I went to our local (very large) antique store to check it out. Something I haven't done in about 7 years. I wanted to get the feel of old. I sure got a large dose of it. I didn't purchase anything but, there was much that caught my eye. One booth had vintage clothing patterns and some vintage trims. I made a mental note to go back and get some, when I've sold another cake..LOL! I guess I went in search of something to begin "romancing" my home. What I did find was my love for tea cups and china patterns. The one thing I wasn't expecting was the jewelry. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy looking at it. I don't wear much jewelry... maybe, that is why I was so surprised.

While I was there, I found some lovely vintage hats. I just love hats. I often long for the day they become fashionable again. Anyway, I decided to make some and put wonderful vintage brooches and pins on them. I know I won't really make any money on these because, no one wants to wear a vintage styled hat. But I do think it would be fun. I contacted a lady who makes the hats like the ones you see at the Kentucky Derby. (Yes, I want to make those kind of hats!) She has a DVD and supplier list available for purchase so, I'm going for it. Who knows maybe I'll open a boutique....LOL!!! Maybe on Esty? I guess we all have to dream a little...don't we?

Ok...so if you made it this far down the post...I have a question for you...totally of this topic.

Can you decorate romanticly in a dark color like blue...a dark denim blue or a rich red? I'd love to read your comments about this.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Susan

Pink Roses

My Grandmother's pink roses

My Grandmother passed away recently, at the age of 98. She had some beloved pink roses. She smuggled them in her skirt lining from the Azores, when they moved here in 1959. She was able to use those cuttings to start her rose garden. She must have had 14 rose bushes from those cuttings. I just loved her. She became my mom when my mother passed away when I was 10 years old. She taught me pretty much everything. She taught me to work and work hard. She taught me old is good and never to complain. Never, never complain about your circumstances because, we had nothing in the old country... and here we live like Kings.

Her roses are a symbol of her life. Her life was filled with prickles and thorns. In the end, she came home with roses.

Above is a picture of my Grandmother. She's in the middle between my Mom and my Grandfather.

In Memory of you Grandmother and those beloved Pink Portuguese Roses.

Hello Everyone!

This is just a simple blog (or diary if you will) about a hopeless romantic who just happens to be Portuguese. I am a first generation American and to look at my children or my name you would never know it...LOL! I love everything that is romantic. I love to garden and sew. I have a small (home based) cake decorating business. In which, I mainly make wedding cakes. I read and cook but not very well. I am working on adding some romance to my home decor again. I used to own a very charming 1940's cottage but sold it to move to something more modern...because that is what my husband likes. Now, I really feel the need to move back to what I love. The good thing is all that is new can be made old...or at least made to look it.

Have a wonderful glorious morning!!!

Susan