J G Meakin, Renaissance Dishes (because I needed more dishes)

 The weekend I found all my silver goodies, I also picked up this set of J. G. Meakin, Renaissance dishes. I thought they were pretty, a bit French country and classic. I really tried to be good. In fact, I passed them up and left the garage sale. Then, in a fit of panicky what-if-I-regret-this-fear.....I did a U-turn. No regrets.

 They might be nicely paired with subtle reds for Christmas. I can't wait to play around with this idea.

 Some simple touches with the abundant rosemary from the garden

 I liked the earthy marriage of jute with the rosemary.

Candle light is always a must. Here, a simple garage sale candle is adorned with more fresh rosemary from my garden.

I have one day of work tomorrow. Then, Friday, I am driving a car full students from Lucie's class to Sutters Fort, in Sacramento of a field trip. Wish me luck with that...

Next week I have NOTHING on the books. There is a slight chance that tomorrow is my official last day of school!!! I am over the moon. We'll see. Something may come up for finals week. I see a light at the end of the tunnel!

Bisous!
Karen I am linking up with: ThePinJunkie Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

Memorial Day

 Wishing you all wonderful Memorial Day weekend. A time to reflect on love ones Lost and be thankful for all the men and women that serve in our military.

 I made a small vignette to honor Memorial Day. For blue I used my Liberty Blue plates. This is, Independence Hall. I love the gorgeous trim on these plates. The vibrant blues and beautiful flowers. I typically use my roses in the house, but today I brought in a different kind of flower. My succulents. I like how it looks in the bowl and will be using it more often.

 This liberty blue is a colonial scene with George Washington. I hope he doesn't mind that for the "RED" I used my Churchill plates.

What plans have you made for Memorial day?

                                                      Bisous,

Karen
AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!
PS: don't forget to enter my giveaway!  GIVEAWAY

You can find me party here:

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Seasonal Sundays

Spring Giveaway!

Today I am announcing an exciting spring giveaway! Shabby Brocante is giving away one of it's top two sellers! Your choice of either a fun Moss Ampersand or our fabulous moss fleur de lis!

Our Moss letters, ampersands, peace signs, fleur de lis and hearts are all finished on the back, come with a jute hook that doesn't show, and dried preserved easy to care for real moss!

Here's how to win:

1.) Please leave a comment and tell us which one you'd want!
2.) Please, visit our Etsy shop here and tell us in a separate comment what you liked!
3) Please, "Like" Shabby Brocante on Facebook and let us know in a separate comment.

That's it! Three easy chances to win! An entry for each one you do! This contest is open to US and Canadian Addresses!

Thanks so much entering!

We'll be drawing a winner on June 6 TH! Good Luck!

Bisous!

Karen

Polishing Silver

 Lucie helped me make chocolate cookies after school today. After all, I needed to pick up silver polish, so why not chocolate chips as well?

I thought they looked pretty on the Blue Willow bread plates...and my new silver-plated tray.

 As I am taking the pictures, it hits me. I went to the store for silver polish! Oops. Once again I forgot the one thing I went for in the first place. Typical. My priorities are really a mess. :) The cookies are great though!

 Here's why I needed more silver polish. I found all of this at one garage. It was priced, "All for $______."  How much do you think he wanted for all of it?

 Here's the tray before. Do you recognize it? Look how dark it was. You take your chances with silver pieces sometimes. If the price is right, it's worth trying. Sometimes you can feel if there is corrosion or just tarnish. I knew the small tray above had lots of corrosion, but it would make a nice chalkboard tray!

I am sure you'll see my little silver, velvet lined jewelry box again.....can't you picture it will pearls pouring out? Look at the before of the jewelry box above, lower right hand corner.

So, I guess the polishing will have to wait. I'll just have to busy myself eating cookies.

What was your guess? Was it close to $13?   :)

Bisous,
Karen I am linking up with:

http://www.commonground-do.com/

Join the party here.

Happy Housewife....for today!

 In my school district you can sub a full day or a half day. I got half day job at the only school that starts late. So I got a dream job from 8:45 am until 11:45 am. Allowing a few teachers to go to the office for an evaluation. They were "finished" with me at 11 am. I was one happy camper.

So off I went to mail a package for my ETSY shop at our local Raley's mail center. While there, I decided to pick up some a few things to make a coconut pie and look what I found! These darling wreaths were on clearance for $2.99. I get so lucky at my grocery store. I know. I know...why did I only get one? I'll go back!! Remember the great paper goods I found there a while back? You can see those here.

 I noticed the baskets that held the clearance items...and yep, they were for sale and on clearance too! $9.99 each. Had to grab those! Running errands, finding great deals and loving my half day!

 I knew I just had to post about them AND I have time to do it!! Then the door bell rang........
 

It was my Dansko shoes I bid on and won from http://www.shopgoodwill.com/
I was tickled...they were listed as burgundy, but the photo showed them as a bright orange. So they didn't get many bids. I think my winning bid was $23. Danskos are one of the only shoes I can wear and run about $130. I don't think these have ever been worn. They list thousands of new things a day. Please don't blame me if you get addicted too.

So...I am happy housewife today. Something I don't get to do a lot. It's only 12:33 as write this and I am smiling all the way!

Only about a week left of school and then, I'll be a happy housewife for 2 1/2 months! Can't wait, because I miss my blogging friends! Off to make my coconut pie and relish in this day!

Bisous,
Karen

I am sharing my great finds with:

 http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/

Fabulously Creative Friday linky party....

Come join the party here! 

 

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http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

White Roses

 When the party is over and everything has been cleaned up.

 Flowers, cut and arranged properly...

 Not quite ready to tuck the silver away. Still enjoying it's pretty glow.

 Pretty white roses reminding me....

 I should buy them for myself every now and then.

Cleaned up, rearranged....

 Almost everything put away.

Just awaiting the next party day. For now it's quiet and I am enjoying the roses.

Please excuse my blinds. I dreaming of plantation blinds or Roman shades....someday!

Bisous,

Karen I am linking up with:

Mom's Party.

 The birthday girl was the first person to arrive. After months of preparations, she's about to see all we have done for her. The kids nearly knocked her down in the driveway.

 Marcy, Stan and I stepped back and let her take in the photo banner with the kids. Yes....I looked over at Marcy and we were both in tears.

  She was touched and surprised. When people began to arrive, we could hear say..."Oh, come look at this!"

 I always try to remember what each guest said they'd bring and have lots of serving spoons, etc., ready for when they arrive.

 

 The table filled up quickly. The food was delicious. I haven't had to cook all week! Boy, I am going to miss that!

 I was able to make these the night before. Salami with cream cheese. Some were plain, some had capers, and some had pepercinis. They were gobbled up quickly.

I mixed my three sets of silver and used a mix of plates and all vintage linens.

 We had at least 40 people here to celebrate. By late afternoon it was in the low 90's. ..my good friend Nathalie got a few group pictures, but I haven't seen them yet.

  The party started at noon and went on until 11 PM. I think fun was had by all!
Bisous!

Karen