Bluebirds and Butterflies

Goodbye to my dear Aunt Ruth :(

Dear friends and family,

My brother, sister and I had a very sad thing happen in our lives on March 9th, 2012.  Our dear, dear Aunt Ruth who has lived in Kissimmee, Florida, for many years passed away very suddenly.  She was 82 years old and the last of my sweet Mother's siblings.  I was at home in Poulsbo when I got a call from my sister, Jeri, that Aunt Ruth had fallen in her living room while trying to unplug her cellphone and hit her head.  She died almost instantly.  You can imagine how shocked we were to learn that our beloved Aunt Ruth was suddenly gone.   We loved our aunt very much and will miss her everyday.   She never had any children and my siblings and I were like her own children to her.  I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Ruth that I will cherish and hold close to my heart.  I wanted to post a very quick note to let all my dear friends know that I have been absent from blog world over the past couple of weeks because I have been in Florida attending the funeral of my aunt and helping my sister to settle her estate.   I will miss my Aunt Ruth and will never, never forget her and the love that she showed me.  Thank you so much for visiting my blog today.  Know that I love you all and will be sharing a new blog post very soon.....in the next few days.  Love to you all xoxo Kim       

Color Me Red.... (dining room paint project)

Anyone who gets to know me realizes quickly that I am not a "less is more" type of girl....  :)   I love ornate antiques and color.   I began painting with lots of color in my home when I lived in Houston, Texas.   My first paint project was to paint my formal living room a deep sea-foam green.   My formal furniture is white and gold and the shade of the green really made the furniture pop.  I was a little hesitant, at first, to make that first green stroke upon my beige wall.   Like most people that have never had a deep color in their home, you are a little nervous at first.  Your thoughts are...."Will I like it?"  or "I hope I am doing the right thing!"   I bravely put my brush into the paint and took a long stroke upon the wall with my brush.  Then, as the wall began to fill with green, and I stood back to take a break and survey the wall, I realized....."Hmmm----this might look pretty good!"  Once the room was completed and I began to put my oil paintings back in place and things started to really stand out in the room and "pop".....I was in love with the room and how the color really brought the items in the room to life.   This was the beginning of my love with colored walls.   The past three houses I have lived in with my family has been filled with beautiful hues.  

Like  most new homes that you move into, the walls are painted a very neutral color.   We selected a paint from the builder choices which was a light taupe.   It was a color that we thought we could live with for a while.   We knew we would eventually begin to personalize our home with color.   Below is a photo I made of our home in very early fall in 2010....the year we moved into our home.   Obviously, this is our dining room....

We have enjoyed living in our little cottage since we downsized in 2010 and moved to Poulsbo from the neighboring town of Silverdale.  As you know if you follow  my blog, we are just a short walk into town from our new home.  We live about a five minute walk from the marina, where we keep our sailboat, and the shops in our little Norwegian community.   We have really enjoyed living in our home which we helped the builder to design.    However, I was looking at some photos of our past homes over the past few months and realized.....the time has come to paint!   So, this past weekend, my husband, Mark, and I selected our paint, donned our work clothes, and took out our brushes and rollers.   Time to personalize our home and bring it to life!  

All of my dining rooms have been a shade of red or rose.   As many know, I am from the South, ya'll, and many of the dining rooms in the old formal southern homes are red.   Seems like there is just a code of color in the south....dining rooms are red, old wooden porches are painted white or grey and many have a light blue ceiling.   Don't ask me why.....mine is not to question....only to paint! ha   I love the old historic homes in Charleston or New Orleans....   I am thinking of all those pretty homes as I am working on my dining room with my husband this past weekend.   

Taping is a boring job....takes time....but oh so necessary sometimes.    I am anxious to get to the fun part....putting my things back up!

We bought paint that already had a primer in it in an eggshell finish which I love.   I really like the sheen of eggshell and many decorators use it.  We started with the trim first and then went to the roller.  A dark color sometimes take two or three coats to get full coverage.   My husband and I kept at the job with only breaks to get a bite to eat or drink.   Finally, it was done!  Yea!  I couldn't wait to start putting up my paintings and getting things back in place.    Here are some photos of the finished room.

My dining room is an open area on one side.   It is located between my formal living space and my den and kitchen area.

We have nine foot ceilings in our downstairs space.  The dark color makes the ceiling seem even higher now which I like.   The color of the walls may not be exactly this shade when you actually see it in person as I am taking these photos in the late afternoon.  All paints look a little different in the evening.  Here is a photo of my medallion on the wall above my chandelier.  I bought this medallion when we moved into this house.  My sister has the same one!  We are both drawn to angels and skies.   I have always loved rooms that have a sky with clouds painted on the ceiling.  So, when I saw this medallion, I knew I had to have it!  It looks just as pretty in my sister's home....

You know how I love bluebirds....Robins...etc.   My blog is called "Bluebirds and Butterflies" to honor my Mom and Dad whom I lost in 2008, sadly.  My Dad always said it was a "bluebird" day if he had a great day fishing or doing something he enjoyed.  He had a car that he raced on a track when he was young and there on the side of the car, was the name "Bluebird."  The butterfly is for my Mother.   I had a little message when I was going to care for her, along with my siblings, at the end of her life.  I was sad that she was going to not be with me much longer due to her cancer.  On the plane from Florida, these words came into my head as I looked out the window of the plane thinking "How will I ever live without my Mother?".....the message was "Your Mother will be like a butterfly.  Her body is like the cocoon.  Her body, like the cocoon, will whither......but her soul will be like the butterfly and live.   She will be living but you just wont be able to see her."  It brought me peace, and I wrote this into the back of a book I was reading.  When I landed in Florida at the airport, my step-daughter, Ashley, picked me up.  As soon as I got into the car, she said, "I have a gift for you." Then, she handed me a gift bag which contained a beautiful bracelet.  Featured very prominently on the bracelet was a huge butterfly.   I have posted photos of this bracelet in a previous blog.  Pretty amazing, huh?  I have told many people this story.  So......you would not find it surprising that throughout my home are touches of this....a bluebird here and a butterfly there.   Here is what I have hanging on my chandelier in the dining room....

When I lived in Houston, I attended an auction one night and purchased this blackamoor.   It was from an estate sale of a home in the prestigious neighborhood of River Oaks.   It was used with candles at one time but was converted over to electric.   There was a man who was on his way to buy this blackamoor at the time I bid on  it.   He was the decorator who had found it for the homeowner.   Had he made it to the auction house and bid against me, I might not have this beautiful blackamoor that I treasure today.   It really looks lovely lit in the evening and stands guard at our stairway....

The two canes that you see in the corner next to the blackamoor in the photo above belonged to my husband's Mother, Sadie Singer.

You can see a stained glass window in the background.  This window faces the street of our home and is located near our front door.  We had a window put in our new home to accommodate this piece that I have had for several years.  I worked with a stained glass artist who had a business called Fishglass in Houston, Texas, when I lived there.   I sat with the artist one afternoon with boxes of pieces of stained glass holding them up to the light.  I had a wallpaper that had chrysanthemums on it and the artist recreated the design in the colors you see in the stained glass piece.   The artist created a stained glass piece that would work perfectly with my wallpaper border.  When it was placed in the house I had in Houston, it was installed so that I could remove it if I moved.  This window has been in my last four homes now and in three States...Texas, Florida, and now Washington State.   I love the way the light comes through the window each afternoon.  My husband is designing the woodwork around the window which he is still working on.   The walls around this area will be painted next...

Here is another picture of the room.   You can see our Maltese, Sadie Mae, standing in the den off the kitchen.   The beveled glass piece that you see in between the archway wall at the top was brought with us from Florida.  We were going to install it in our home there but never had the opportunity to do so before relocating here.  So, we brought it with us.  We worked with our builder to find the perfect spot for it our current home.   I like the way it lets a little light through the wall of the archway...

The next photo shows a large....and very heavy, I might add....gold sconce that I bought at an auction when I lived in Houston.   My husband wired it so that it dims by the touch.  So, you just touch it to get the lighting that you would like.   It takes european bulbs which have to be ordered but they burn for a long time.   I love sconces and lights that create a nice ambiance.

I love tea carts and actually have two of them.  One is a wrought iron that I have for a patio.   The second is this one that you see in the next photo.   I bought this when I lived in Titusville, Florida.   I found it at an antique store.   It is perfect for displaying my silver tea service....

The last touch on the dining room will be to put up some white crown molding at the ceiling.   After we complete all our painting projects, we will begin working on the crown molding.  

Our dining room features two oil paintings that I also purchased at an auction in Houston, Texas, when I lived there several years ago.   I love both of these paintings!

Here is the other painting...







I love needlepoint pillows and have two pillows with a touch of black stripe in my dining room in the arm chairs that match my table.  I love a hint of black in each room.  

The antique china cabinet we have in our dining room is very dear to me because it belonged to my husband's Mother, Sadie Singer.   It has "s curve" glass in the doors of the cabinet.   China cabinets give you a lot of extra storage, and this one is home to a lot of my Paragon teacup collection...

My dining room table is positioned in the smallest round position.   It has a couple of leaves which can be easily installed which enlarges the table to seat 8 to 10 people.  Great for a special holiday dinner.  On the table is teaset that also belonged to my husband's Mother.   This teaset began us on a journey of collecting Paragon teacups and saucers.   Initially, we were looking for extra pieces to match the teaset from my husband's Mother.  As we began exploring antique stores for Paragon china, however, we discovered that there are many, many different beautiful patterns.  We began collecting some of them that we really loved.  Paragon was also commissioned by the royal family in England to mark some important events like coronations and weddings or trips to foreign countries by the royal family.   I have several pieces that are special royal commemorative selections.  A lot of the teacups we have collected over the past few years are housed in my two china cabinets I own.  Here is a photo of my mother-in-law's china that started our Paragon collection.

My husband gave me this Brighton night light...

Here is another shot of the room.   You can see part of my petit baby grand piano in the photo. 

Little Sadie in the den near the kitchen.   We also have another larger den with a fireplace upstairs.   I'll be featuring this room at some point in the future on my blog.

A couple more looks at the room with the new paint...

I just love the way the room looks painted red!   It is very dramatic in the evening.  This week, we will be selecting a darker taupe color for our formal living room and begin painting in there.  I will post some photos of that room once we finish the paintjob.  It is very exciting to me to see the rooms be transformed with color.  After we were through painting, my son came in and saw the room with everything back in place.   He said, "Mom, it looks fabulous!  Now, the room really looks like home."   How sweet of him....

I hope that you have enjoyed visiting our dining room today and seeing our paint project.   You know, no matter where you live, you just make your nest wherever you go.....but it is the people inside the house that truly make it a home.   May your home always be filled with happiness and love.   Have a beautiful day today. xoxo Kim



































 

Seagrass shop in Port Townsend...

I love discovering new boutiques.  I am particularly drawn to the ones that have things for the home that are unusual.   The shops that I enjoy the most are those that have a little hodge-podge of things....a little of "this and that."  When my girlfriend, Lori, was visiting from Houston, we took a drive over to Port Townsend to do some browsing and have lunch together.  I noticed that this little shop called, "Seagrass...Coastal Home" had opened since my last trip to Port Townsend.  My girlfriend and I decided to explore the shop and had a great time looking at all the treasures in the shop. 

My husband and I went into the shop again on our recent Sunday drive to Port Townsend.   While there, I noticed these little birds and purchased two for my balcony...

The little birds are attached to a wire so that you can hang them on a hook.  We have them on our balcony so the wind came make them soar...   They are great for hanging under an eave of the home or even would be pretty hanging in a tree...

You could even hang them inside if you wanted to...

I also bought this small domed glass...

For now, while I am deciding what I want to display, I have a little frog limoge box under the glass.   There are larger domes for sale at the shop, too.  I would like to go back and get a larger one to place next to the small one.   Another reason to go back!  :)    I would also love to get a couple of the wonderful candles in the shop.  I discovered that the owner of the shop makes these wonderfully scented candles.   If you would like to find out more information on Seagrass or the items I purchased, I will post the email address for Seagrass at the end of this posting.  I hope you  have a wonderful day! xoxo Kim

For more information, you can email Seagrass at [email protected]

Enjoy your day! xoxo Kim

 

Russian Doll Measuring Cups

 

My husband and I took my youngest son on an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle to celebrate his graduation from high school in 2008.   During our cruise, we stopped at several different ports of call.   One of the first places we stopped along the cruise was to the town of Sitka, Alaska.   We spent several hours browsing through the community.   When you visit this little town, you can definitely see the Russian influence in the community.   Many of the shops were filled with furs and hand-painted and lacquered Russian boxes.   Some were very ornate,  and I fell in love with these beautiful boxes.  While shopping in one store, I purchased a small lacquered box as a souvenir to take home with me.   Some of the quaint little shops were also filled with Russian nesting dolls.   Each colorful doll nests inside each other.   Most of the dolls contained three to four different sizes of nesting dolls all stacked into the largest one.  Each nesting doll was beautifully hand-painted and had lovely colorful faces.  

The other day, I was reminded of the Russian nesting dolls that I loved in Sitka, Alaska.    While shopping in a store called World Market, located near our local mall, I happened to spot some ceramic nesting dolls.

When I opened the larger nesting doll,  I had a surprise!  These nesting dolls are actually measuring cups for cooking!     Isn't that a great idea?

You can see how the dolls nest inside the larger one.   When you turn the head over, you can see that the inside of the head measures l/2 a cup.  Each component is clearly marked with a measurement.

The bottom part of the largest doll measures 1 cup.

The bottom of the second sized doll measures 1/3 cup.

1/4 cup is marked inside the head of the second sized doll.

The smallest doll head will hold a pinch...

The base of the smallest doll will hold 1 tablespoon...

Next, you see all three dolls together...

I think they are adorable!   Don't you?   I also think that they are very reasonably priced at $12.99 for the three dolls.   What a great and unique gift these would make!   Of course, I had to treat myself to the measuring cups, and I have really enjoyed them.  



The nesting measuring cups look very cute on the kitchen counter or a shelf and, unless you opened them up, you would never realize that they are measuring cups.    I love things that are both useful and unique.   If you do not live near a World Market, and would like to order some measuring nesting dolls,  you can order from their site online.  I checked on this today so that you would know that they are available for order.   If you click on this link, it will take you to the World Market page so that you can see the nesting dolls.  Cost Plus World Market   I am not paid anything by Cost Plus World Market for this promotion on my blog.  I just LOVE the delightful measuring nesting dolls, and they made me think of the Russian Lacquer nesting dolls I saw in Sitka, Alaska.    I love sharing things with my friends.

I hope you have a wonderful day today!  (((hugs))) Kim

Bedroom Paint Project (or how we spent our first weekend in April)

Today, I would like to share a "before and after" of our bedroom paint project that my  husband so sweetly offered to tackle with me this weekend.   Isn't it amazing what a little paint will do sometimes to change the whole mood of a room? 

Six years ago, my husband and I relocated from Florida to Washington State.  My older son was finishing up college at University of Florida and the younger son was in high school and relocated with us.  We moved into a beautiful new home that was very close to the high school my younger son attended.  At the time, the home was perfect for us.  The house was large and had plenty of room for all the entertaining you do when you have a high school child at home.  Remember all the sleep overs and get-togethers?  What a fun and busy time of life that is for not only the student but the parent as well. Good memories...  The house we lived in had an oversized game room unpstairs complete with a large tv and pool table which was perfect for gatherings.  We also had a beautiful formal living room and dining room downstairs with a big breakfast room off the kitchen.  I have many happy memories of this beautiful home which was located at the end of a culdesac. Outside, we had a very large lot that backed up to a little retaining pond.  Each year two geese would come back to this pond and lay eggs.  We would watch the babies hatch and eventually learn to fly.  We had made a flagstone sitting area in one part of the backyard and a lighted flagstone walkway that led to a firepit that was circled by adirondack chairs.  We spent many chilly evenings sitting with friends around the firepit chatting and having a glass of wine.  On the other side of us, at the end of the culdesac, was a wooded area.   We loved our home and also our neighbors.  After my younger son graduated from high school and started college, though, we knew it was time to think about downsizing to a "forever cottage."  We decided to build a home that was in walking distance of town and also close to the water and our sailboat that we love.  We will always love the home we moved from, but we knew it was time for a change.  (I'll post some photos of my former home at some point.)  After working with our builder to make a few changes to the floorplan to suit our needs, construction began.  We moved into our little "forever cottage" in mid May of 2010 and have been very happy!  We love walking into the little Norwegian town we live in to go to the bakery, have dinner or browse through the shops.  Many evenings, we walk to have dinner at a local restaurant, then go for coffee and finish the evening by strolling to the sailboat to enjoy the sunset. 

When we moved into the home, we had our usual white woodwork installed in the home.  I love white reeded moulding and blocks around the doorways and a nice white baseboard trim so we had the builder add this to our current home.  We upgraded our paint to a very light beige color which would give a contrast of color between the white woodwork and the walls.  I knew this would be only temporary because, being from the South, I love color on my walls.  I have always thought that color makes your furnishings "pop" and knew that, once the newness of the house wore off that I would be getting out my paintbrush to bring the good old Southern charm into my Northwest home.  It is just who I am....less is not more....more is more.... so, this leads me to the project we tackled this weekend---painting the bedroom.  Let the taping begin! 

I love looking at decorating magazines and going on home tours for inspiration....but I also have a little background in art you might say and have always just kind of had an eye for decorating.  When I see something I like, I know it immediately...and so when I happened to see a room that Southern cook Paula Deen had redecorated in her home and spotted this color, I knew it would end up in one of my rooms in my house.  I loved it immediately.

These are before photos...

We are planning to put up crown moulding next week so we are not taping at the ceiling.  I'll post photos of the room with the moulding completed on another day.

Here is my dear husband taping and starting to paint.  Proper taping to do a neat job takes a lot of time...

The color is kind of a deep putty shade.   It has a little touch of green at night... but it is really a deep, dark putty color when you see it in the light.    Now, lets show you some "after" shots...

I love candles in a room, don't you?

I decided to hang this small oil painting I had under the crown above the bed.  I think it looks nice here and adds a little focal point between the curtains.

I had these pink shades made  in Houston for my crystal lights that are on the dresser.

I keep an older photo of my sister and I on the dresser in a little crystal frame.  





I have had this painting for several years.  I bought it when I lived in Houston at an auction. 

This is a little Dresden covered dish that I love...






I hope you have enjoyed my "before and after" tour.  I think changing the color has changed the mood of the room.  By the way, the color I used is called Quiver Tan in an eggshell finish.  It is made by Sherwin Williams.  Thanks for doing the room tour with me and have a beautiful day today! xoxo Kim

Things that remind me of Florida

Many of you know that I grew up in Florida and spent all of my childhood years in Central Florida.  My father started his career, after a few years with the Airforce, with Lockheed when I was about 4 years old.  Lockheed merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed-Martin---as most people know.  My father retired with them after a very long career of helping put missiles and men into space.   My Dad (and my brother, too, later) were part of our nation's history.  I am very proud of that.   I grew up as a child walking out onto our driveway (with all the other neighbors) at night to watch all the old Apollo launches  blast off into space.   The launch drill was---listen and watch on our black and white televisions for the countdown...  "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ignition and lift off) and then we would rush out to the driveway (or carport as it is called in the south) to watch for the burst of light to start heading upwards.   Most all of the launches when I was a child seemed to go off at night.  All the neighbors would be standing out at the end of their driveways looking up.   And, did I add that most all of us were in our pajamas and robes...   As the missiles headed up to space, the windows of our houses would begin to start shaking, and we would begin to hear a rumbling sound.  I now live in the Northwest but have never experienced an earthquake yet.  I imagine that this feeling and sound is very similar to what we would hear in an earthquake. 

This was my childhood in Florida living on the space coast.  Our Dads put missiles in space, our moms were (for the most part) housewives/stay at home moms, and our jobs as kids were to-----well....go to school and go to the beach!  Tough jobs!!!  (smile)   Well, there was more to it than that!  But, in today's world, life seemed very "Leave it To Beaver" simple.    Don't remember my mom wearing pearls, though, while she worked like June Cleaver!

Growing up on the "Space Coast" from the late 50's through the very early 1970's was pretty laid back and simple.  Most of us gals went to school and spent most of our spare time on the beaches of Florida sitting on beach blankets with radios and suntan oil while waiting for our boyfriends to surface from the ocean.  Most of the high school boys were surfers in Florida and would spend many hours a week on their boards out on the ocean paddling and looking for the "perfect" wave.   

My husband and I dated in the last two years of high school, and he loved to surf.  I spent many hours sitting on a blanket on shore with my girlfriends enjoying the beautiful ocean and watching my husband (then boyfriend) surf.   The ocean, you might say, is in my blood.  

After high school, I began a career as a legal secretary working in Florida and Texas for very well-known attorneys.  I grew up in Florida, but I also spent several years living in Houston, Texas.  Both of my sons, whom I love dearly, were born in Houston.  After a few years in Houston, I relocated with my sons back to Florida to be near my family again.   I returned back to the little "Space Coast" town in which I had grown up and took my children to the same beach that I had gone to as a child and teenager.  And the surfer?  Well, that is a very romantic story that I will share in another post.   But for now....just know that this surfer became the husband that is with me today that I affectionately call "the Officer."  Now...fast-forward a bit...

My husband and I have lived in the Northwest for about 6 years at the time of this posting.  I have been a Southern gal since the day I was born in Winter Haven, Florida.  I am talking not only the beaches, but also oak trees,  magnolias and orange blossoms.    In fact, one of my grandmothers worked in a fruit packing house, in Winter Haven, Florida.   She used to bring home some of the most beautiful oranges!   The oranges were the type that you would see in beautiful fruit gift baskets.  

When my husband received an offer to relocate from sunny Florida to the Northwest near Seattle, we looked at the move like an adventure.  My  hubby was  out of the Navy, after serving many years and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, and had been working with another company.  This company offered him an opportunity to relocate to the Northwest in a new position with the same company.  After a few trips to become acquainted with the area, we decided to accept the offer.   The area we live in is a small town and we are about a 30 minute ferry ride from the big city of Seattle.  So, in my mind, I looked at this as the best of both worlds!   The new small town reminded me of the beach town in Florida, and Seattle was a big city that made me think of Houston.  So, yes, I could do this...   We looked at the move as an adventure and thought we would, eventually,  return to Florida but have totally fallen in love with the lifestyle, beauty and culture of the  Northwest.

We have had many experiences and explored many beautiful places in and around the area we live over the past six years.  We have also met some very wonderful people.   The winters can be cool, and there is drizzle on many winter days.  But, you learn to be patient as you wait for spring because the springtimes, summers and falls of the Northwest are magnificient!   The rains bring us fabulous flowers in the spring and summer.  There is a reason that this is called the "Evergreen State" and Seattle is called the "Emerald City!"  The days are very long in the summer, too, and it doesn't get dark until around 10:00 p.m. or so.   God rewards us for being so patient in the winter with mild temperatures, glorious sunny days, and some of most beautiful flowers you have ever seen!  (You'll see what I mean in some future postings.)

So, you might ask yourself, how does a Southern gal who grew up around the beach cope with a cool and rainy winter?   Well, all the mountains and water around us keep the temperatures fairly manageable.  Our normal temperature in the winter is a high of around 45 or so.  You need a coat, but it is not an unbearable cold.  You learn to dress for the weather-- so I now own a pretty large selection of different coats, boots, scarves, and gloves.   With the cloudy and cool days of winter, you understand pretty quickly why Starbucks is on every other corner of Seattle (as well as many other coffee houses) and  you learn to order coffee like you have lived here your whole life. "Yes, I will take a non-fat, white chocolate mocha with light whip, and can you make that extra hot?  Thank you!"

So, you adapt and dress accordingly.  Also, because of the cooler temps and drizzle, you learn to get in touch with your creative side.  I remember when I first came with my  husband to the area on a visit before we moved.  We went to a little cheese and wine bar, and there was a group of women sitting by the fire knitting.  I went over to say hello, and they told me that they were a gathering of local ladies who loved to knit.  I learned they met at different locations each week to sit by the fire, chat and knit together.  They even had a name for their group which I thought was cute--"Chicks with Sticks!"   Seattle draws some of the most creative and talented people.  Even in the winter, there are art walks and coffee shops with musicians.  Northwest food is very delicious, too!  So, you might spend a winter Friday night going to a local bistro or a wine tasting followed by a book reading at local bookstore or movie.  Afterwards, you might go to a coffee house that features a guitarist.    Don't be surprised if you bump into the "Chicks with Sticks" who may have popped in to have a latte and listen to music while they knit...

You know, you just make your "nest" wherever you go!  My husband and I love the Northwest very much, but I do have my little reminders of the South and the beach town I grew up in...

I have my master bath decorated in somewhat of a relaxing beach theme.   I brought several photos with me of the local beach where we lived and have them hanging on the wall.  

This grouping is hanging in my bathroom, and it gives the room a really relaxing, spa type feel.  It is very nice to wake up each morning and dress while looking at the ocean.  The large photo above and the photo to the lower left is the beach area where my husband and I lived in Florida.  The photo on the lower right is a photo of our little grand-daughter that was taken at a beautiful spot in Seabeck, Washington, when she came to visit us.   All three photos are beautiful and have special memories for my husband and I.

I also like to display soothing aqua colored towels in the master bath.  These towels make me think of the ocean because of the color.

 

I love this shell needlepoint that I keep on the chair by the vanity.

I love this photo of my son when he was small on the beach with all the seagulls.  A reminder of a family day at the beach years ago....nice memories.  Each time I see the photo, I think of this special time together for our family.

The tassel you see is a gift from my future daughter-in-law.  She brought it back from a trip out of the country for me.  It is very special to me....as is she!

I also have a very unique mirror in my bathroom that makes me think of the beautiful beaches of the south.  My sister made this fabulous shell mirror for me a few years ago as a Christmas gift.  She hand attached each and every one of these shells!  Because of the mirror reflection, it is hard to capture on camera just how beautiful this mirror is.   My sister put her heart and soul into this mirror, and it took her a lot of time to place all of the shells on the frame.   I know this mirror is a reflection of not only my image when I look into it, but also her love...

The shells are so pretty... 

My step-daughter brought this pretty sawgrass basket back to me from a vacation so I filled it with shells.   That was very sweet of her to remember us on her trip.

Sometimes the reflection of the mini chandelier in the bath will make light patterns on the ceiling that also make me think of shells.   I have one of these chandeliers on each side of my vanity.   Next is the tile in my bath.  It makes me think of the sand on the beach... not only because of the sandy colors but also because my tile is warm due to the radiant heat underneath... 

I commissioned this painting (above) to be done for me after my father died.  It depicts a man fishing in the early morning on the Indian River in Florida.  He has his bait bucket by his side and his hat on.  This is supposed to represent my father who had a lifelong passion for fishing.  I think of my dad each time I see it and remember him...

I also have blue and white colors in my bedding...very soothing like the ocean to me.

I have plans to paint the bedroom and bath a different shade over the next couple of months as the weather turns more spring-like.  I am thinking a deeper shade of taupe would be a nice contrast between the white/aqua theme.   We have been living in our home for almost a year now.   It takes a while to get settled in a new home.  I am now ready to start personalizing my home...

These are some shells that anyone who lives in Florida will recognize.   I spent many hours walking the local beaches where we lived and collecting  shells.  This is a pasttime I have always enjoyed!   I love to place these little treasures in crystal bowls to display them.

Although they are the same type of shell, each one is different...   kind of like people--everyone has their own unique personality.  Each one is special.

I do not have a beach theme or design throughout my home, but I do enjoy having my little bit of the ocean to wake up to each day.   I have always found that the salt air on a beautiful sunny morning was so refreshing!  I am sure you agree... When I look at the photos, I can almost feel the salty ocean breeze on my face.  The photos are such nice reminder of the place I grew up.

I still have the opportunity to visit the  Central Florida area from time to time.  Both my husband and I have family that live there, and we enjoy spending time with them very much.  We love for them to come to visit us, too!  The Northwest is a very beautiful area to live....but when the cool air of the winter comes knocking, all I have to do is look at my little reminders of the ocean to warm my heart with wonderful memories... beautiful days spent on the beach as I grew up... times on the beach watching my husband surf,  and fun days with my children making sandcastles... for the times spent with those we love are the true pearls of the sea...  

Have a wonderful day today!  xoox Kim

Head Vases

As I mentioned in my previous post, I love to browse through antique and thrift stores searching for beautiful pieces of Blue Willow china.  You can never have enough platters or serving pieces, and I love spotting the ones that are in great condition and at a good price.   I also collect other types of china.  I love going to tea rooms so, naturally, I am drawn to beautiful tea cups, saucers and desert plates.

I store all of my treasured  teacup collection in two large china cabinets.   I have one of these cabinets in the dining room of my home, and the other cabinet is located in what I call my "formal" living room.   I love to go into these cabinets and select a special teacup when I am doing my tea ritual.  I use all of my china and nothing is ever off limits.   It just seems to make your tea time more special if you are sipping your tea out of a beautiful teacup...even if it is just you!   I also love to display some of my other collections among the china in my cabinets.   I think it is interesting to have a blend and mixture of things when you display the items you love and collect.  One of the things I showcase with my teacups and desert plates are head vases.

I began collecting head vases several years ago when I lived in Florida.  My husband and I were browsing through an interesting shop, and I spotted an adorable little vase that had a ladie's face painted on it.  I thought it would look so cute on a tea tray with a little bouquet of sweetheart roses in it. 

Thrilled with my discovery of this unique vase, I happily paid the storekeeper and took the "little lady" home.  The next day, I couldn't wait to pick some flowers from my yard and see how they looked inside my new little treasure!   It did look adorable...

Not long after this, I saw an article in a tea magazine that featured a bridal shower.    There were several photos of the hostess with the bride and her bridesmaids.  The article featured the food that was served and also the table design and decorations.   On the pages that followed, too, were photographs of the table setting and centerpiece.   There were photos of the bride and guests attending the "bridal tea" sitting at a beautiful table full of lovely china.  Low and behold, there in front of each guest, as part of the table design, was a head vase full of beautiful flowers.  Each guest had a different head vase to decorate and mark her place at the table.   (If I run across this magazine again, I will post the exact magazine and issue... I actually saved it.)  Well, needless to say, at this point, I was on a mission to find more of these head vases and learn more about them.

My Husband's sister loves collecting and antiques.  She is always researching special pieces, and she found an article for me on head vases.  Here is what I learned...

Head vases were used, primarily, by florists who delivered them to lucky recipients.   The head vases were filled with a little bouquet of flowers and brightened the day of many people.    Oh, how I wished they still delivered them!  Wouldn't you love to see the florist come to your door with one of these cute vases full of flowers and a sweet card?  I thought you would...

According to the article I was given and what I have been told, head vases were created in the USA and Japan as early as the 1930's.  They were used quite often by florists  in the years between 1950 and the 1960's.    By 1970, they were discontinued because the florists were delivering much larger bouquets, and they felt the head vases were too small inside to accomodate their designs. 

The head vases were created in a variety of sizes.  Most of the vases were designed to be beautiful women from the shoulders up, but some featured religous figures and animals, too.  

Some of the designs that you may find are very elaborate such as this one with the feathers and gloves.   Many  of the head vases also featured women wearing imitation jewelry such as pearls.

Their hands and fingers are very delicate.  The arm is part of the base of the creation, but the fingers are usually up and in a pretty pose with painted nails.

Their hands and the details of their faces are delicately painted.

And, their eyelashes stand out from the face.

Now, I will show you my favorite head vase...

I just love this one with the pearls and pearl earrings!   So far, this is my favorite...

But, I love them all...

The prices range from $30.00 to $3,000 for antique headvases.  Of course, the price will depend on how elaborate the design is and the condition.  You can still find many of these original head vases in little boutiques and antique stores.  There are also some reproductions, too...   I prefer to collect the original vases.

During the late 1950's and into 1960, some of the head vases were designed to resemble famous people like Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe,  or Lucille Ball.   These head vases can be very pricey and are coveted pieces for collectors.

 




While I was browsing through a shop in my area last week, I did not find a head vase.  I did find, however, a piece of china that matches one of the sets I have in my cabinet.   Here is what I found...

Both my sister and I have collected this set of teacups and desert plates.  My sister started me on this set when she was working as a flight attendant and was travelling to London.  She would hand-carry teacups back to each of us when she had the opportunity to visit Harrods and other shops in the area.   I was always excited to see what new flower design she would bring back from her trip.

Here is the bottom of the cup so that you can see the name of the pattern and who makes it in case you are interested in collecting these yourself.

It is made by Royal Albert, and the name of the pattern is Provincial Flowers.  This particular flower is called Prairie Crocus.   My sister and I began  collecting this china in the 1980's, and I have always loved this pattern.   I think the contrast of the black background against the flowers  is beautiful.    I hope that you enjoyed a peek into my china cabinet today.   I would love to see some of things that you collect and love....   

Well, off to have some tea...    I hope you are inspired to start your own collection of head vases someday and fill them with beautiful flowers.  Thanks for visiting me at "the nest" and have a "bluebird day" today!  xoxo   Kim

 

Blue Willow

I love Blue Willow and Spode china!   You might say having a "Blue Willow" collection has become a tradition in our family.  It all began with my Mother who developed a love for Blue Willow many years ago.  She loved to search for the very old pieces and would display them on shelves in her kitchen and dining area.  I always thought her home looked very inviting.  So, you might say my sister, brother and I grew up with the lovely dishes.

As we got older, my sister and I started collecting the beautiful blue and white china for our own homes.  When my two sons were young, and I lived in Houston, I would spend time browsing through the little antique stores of the area in search of a new "treasure" to go with my growing collection. 

I think the thing I love most  about Blue Willow is that it is a very warm and welcoming pattern.  It goes with a variety of decor so whether you have a cottage, traditional, oriental or eclectic style--Blue Willow will add a nice touch to your home. 

I have a variety of old and new Blue Willow and it all blends together perfectly.

I also have a little collection of child size teacups and saucers that I display in some antique pieces in my kitchen.

The teacups also look very pretty displayed on coffee tables or night stands with a pretty book.

Sometimes, I find great things to go with my collection of dishes.  Recently, my husband and I were browsing through a local antique/thrift shop in the area, and I found this great tea towel from Harrods in London for $4.00.  I knew it would be perfect with my Blue Willow!

And---you know how I love bluebirds and butterflies!  I also spotted this adorable bluebird figurine.  Of course, I had to buy it!  Actually, my husband bought them for me as a gift that day along with a few other finds.  Thank you, my love!  Here are the little birds.

The towel I found even has some Blue Willow pictured on it.   Even better!

There is a story about Blue Willow...a legend---the two blue birds that are pictured in the design are supposed to be forbidden lovers who were immortalized by the Gods as two doves.  I'll share the story in another post.  Until then, I'm off to search for more treasures...  Have a "Bluebird Day!"   xoxo Kim

Unusual finds

One of my favorite things to do when I have a free afternoon is to browse through little boutiques in the Seattle area where my husband and I live.  I also love going to antique and thrift shops, as well.   When my husband, younger son, and I moved from Florida to the Northwest,  I was thrilled to discover that each little community in our area has their own unique strip of shops!   Like most people, I do frequent the malls and major stores, but I find the most unique things in the little quaint shops in the historic areas of the towns around me.  I love shopping these  little stores because I also enjoy supporting the local businesses.

Not long ago, my sister came to visit and see the beautiful Northwest area we now live in.   She lives in a small beachtown in Central Florida where we grew up.  My sister shares a love of browsing so I took her to some of my favorite shops and to a wonderful place I love to go for lunch near the water.  We always have a great time when we are together!  I miss living close to her!

In a previous post, I shared about how much I love the baskets my Mother made and how special they are to me...especially now that she is gone.  I treasure each and every one, and  I am always looking for unique things to put in the baskets. 

While my sister and I were strolling through the many shops, we came across this unique find.

We fell in love with these little porcelain balls at one of the shops.   We had never seen them before and so, of course, we HAD to buy some!

I immediately thought of my mother's baskets and knew these would look so cute in one! 

I could visualize the little porcelain letters in a small basket on my bookcase in my den upstairs...   and, of course, we had to go through the display containers to find each letter for our names and the names of our husbands!  Why have letters if you can't spell anything, right?  We knew you would agree!   So....

We came up with the letters we needed and felt as happy as Vanna White as we headed off with our little find!  Now, time for lunch!    What a fun day!  Part of the fun of shopping is that you just never know what you will find.

Like most mothers, I have saved things that my two sons made in school when they were young.  These reminders of their childhood are precious to me!  When I saw these handcrafted and typeprint stamped creations, I knew they would be perfect to place in one of my son's little clay dishes he had worked so hard on in art class.

I love the little lettered porcelain balls, and when I look at them, I always think of the special day that my sister and I had together.   The little lettered porcelain balls will always remind me of my sister and her visit.  I love how the porcelain looks in the baskets but the true pleasure is not in what you find but in the hunt!  The time you spend chatting, browsing and enjoying each other's company is the true treasure!   

I hope you experience many happy moments with those that you love!  Enjoy your time together browsing, having lunch, or just sitting at home and chatting.  Fill your baskets with love! xoxo   Have a "bluebird day!"  Hugs! Kim

Pillow Talk

What could be more relaxing on a rainy Sunday afternoon than curling up on a cozy sofa or bed surrounded by pillows? 

I collect decorating and cooking magazines which I keep in a large basket in my upstairs family room.   When I have a moment to myself in the quiet of the evening, or on a rainy afternoon, I love to thumb through my magazines and relax. 

This is my little private moment to unwind and reflect on the day.   I am sure you have a special way  that you love to  relax and soothe the mind from the hustle and bustle of the day. 

Perhaps you love to knit or crochet...

Or maybe you love to read a good book or watch an old classic movie.   I love the old Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies!  Maybe you love to write in your journal or look through old photograph albums.  Perhaps you enjoy working on your scrapbook.  Whatever you love to do, this is YOUR time!  Go ahead, put your pajamas on and prop your feet up.  Leave the worries of the day behind..

When I have a moment for just for me, I love to look through one of my magazines, read a book or work on a knitting project.   My ritual is to select a mellow playlist from my ipod or put on some music from my CD collection.  Nothing sets the mood to relax like a little music playing in the background.  I have always loved music!  Then, I am ready for a nice cup of tea and maybe a special treat...a biscotti or cookie from the local bakery.

My china cabinets are full of beautiful teacups that I have collected through the years.  I also love to look for beautiful coffee mugs.   I could open a tea room with all the teacups I own!  (smile)

So, before I make my tea, I head for my china cabinets to select a special teacup or mug.  

Don't save your beautiful teacups for company or a special occasion.  Today, we are celebrating you!   Pamper yourself by selecting a teacup that is beautiful. 

Maybe part of your ritual is to take a long, luxurious bubblebath and then put on your favorite pajamas and a fluffy robe.    You might like to take your magazine or book and prop yourself up in your cozy bed.  I like to have many pillows on my bed when I read and my teacup on my nightstand nearby.  Ahhh---- just the thought is relaxing!

 
And sometimes, just spending time with our little furry friends can relax us.

So, come in and visit awhile.  Grab some pillows and prop your feet up.  You have had a busy day...  Let's put on some music, select our magazines and have a nice cup of tea.  

Rejuvenate and refresh...  Let your worries drift away....  This is your time! 

Thanks for sharing some "Pillow Talk" with me...   All the pillows featured are from my needlepoint collection.   I hope you take some time for YOU and have a beautiful and relaxing day!      xoxo  Kim

Baskets of Love

As I mentioned in one my earlier post, (see About Bluebirds and Butterflies) I lost my dear Mother in 2008.  She had been ill with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and passed away within a few months.  Sadly, I also lost my Father two month's later to advanced Parkinson's Disease.  So, very suddenly, both my parents were gone.  

It is so hard to learn to walk down the path of life without the two people who have loved and supported you throughout your life.  After all, your parents held your hand to guide you down that path when you were very young!

(A photo of my Mother with me when I was about 3 taken at a lake in Florida.  Wasn't my Mother a beautiful lady?  She looked like a movie star to me!)

As I said in my previous post, my Mother and I were very close.  She was not only my Mother but also my best friend.   Even though I had relocated from Florida to the Seattle area, we continued to talk on the phone to each other a few times a week.  I miss those conversations!   Having something special to share about my children and not being able to tell her (or my Dad) was one of the first bumps I hit along my journey.  It is hard, especially the first time, when you want to tell your parent about some big event in their grandchild's life and you realize you can't.  I think all of us face this when we lose our parents---especially if you were a very close family like our's.  So--the path changes for you.

Yes, the journey comes to a fork in the road when you lose someone you love.  Unfamiliar territory begins at first.  You may encounter some hills and rocks to climb over.  But, keep going on your climb in life... because good things are ahead for you!

Up ahead, the road will eventually come to a meadow where you will begin to see beautiful things again---reminders of the presence of your loved one.  Suddenly, there will be butterflies and flowers!  You realize that you are now on the road to healing.  You KNOW that you have taken the right fork in the road.  You may suddenly notice visible reminders that this person is still there walking with you.

And these reminders of your loved ones will bring joy to your heart!   These visible signs will become the flowers along your path.  For me, one of these "flowers"  came in the form of baskets.  

Several years ago, a very close friend of my mother taught her to hand-weave baskets.  The two friends spent hours together browsing through basket weaving shops in Florida to gather materials for their hobby.  They would come back home with their reed, handles and dye and spend hours sitting on the back porch of my mother's friend's home chatting and weaving.  Sometimes, they would get together to exhibit and sell some of their beautiful baskets at neighborhood craft shows. 

Ofen, my mother would use some things she found right in her own backyard, so to speak, as material.  She would sometimes use the wavy reed that you find in some of the native palm trees that grow in Florida.  She was very creative and became almost an expert in the art of making baskets. 

Many years ago, when I lived in Houston, she came to visit me and brought some of her basket making supplies.  One night, while everyone was sleeping, my mother and I walked out to my back porch where I had a wrought iron table and chairs.   Sitting comfortably on the cushioned chairs, we stayed up for hours talking.  While chatting, my mother finished weaving a basket and explained how to put the "spokes" together which would become the base of a basket.  I tried my hand at a "beginner's attempt of a basket" which I finished and still have.  My mother, though, was the expert!

 

She fashioned them in all shapes and sizes using a variety of materials. 

The baskets ranged in size from large to the very smallest creation!  

My mother gave my siblings and I several of her lovely baskets  as gifts.    I have kept each and everyone she gave me through the years.  

I have her handiwork displayed throughout my home.  They hold magazines or seashells that I have collected on beaches.

All the baskets are beautiful and precious!  And though they may not all be the same size or store things that I own, they have one have thing in common-----they were all labors of love, and they all hold my heart!    When I look at my collection of baskets, I know that my Mother's hands lovingly touched each and every one.   They have become my "flowers in the meadow" on the path of life that I talked about.   Reminders that my Mother will always be with me in my heart and memory as I continue with my journey of life....

Have a beautiful day today! xoxo