It's strange the things we get sentimental about....or is it?

Whilst doing some serious sorting out and tidying last week, I came across a little cross stitched name that I have stashed away for years. It is cross-stitched unto perforated paper and  a silk ribbon. When my dad died, his name was Samuel or Sammy, I found this in an antiquarian book shop, I loved it and took it for a sign from him. He left a small inheritance to be divided amongst his family, it wasn't much but I wanted to buy something to keep in remembrance of him, instead of just buying clothes or something else that wouldn't last.

Another couple of things I am sentimental about a little cardboard box covered in forget me nots that has seen better days and our funny little Guinea Pig, Jingle

I found this lovely cross stitched picture, again done on perforated paper. It is quite faded, but I just love the subject matter, a man and his dogs, my dad loved dogs and my daughter seems to have inherited this from him.

Whilst I was in the Antiques business, I bought and sold a few pieces of early spongeware pottery. I always loved the simplicity and country look of it, and regretted not having ever kept any. I then came across this pair of plates, I dithered and procrastinated because they had damage, but in the end I bought them. I am so glad I did because they give me such pleasure, hanging on the wall or on my plate rack, it doesn't matter to me at all if they have cracks, it only shows they have been used and loved.

Another little thing I am very sentimental about and will never get rid of, is a little silver plated keepsake box. My dad bought it for my mum when I was born. I don't think it is the kind of thing he would have done normally but we were living in Malta, and it is very traditional to give something silver when a baby is born. The silver has all worn off and it is brass underneath, I always meant to have it re-plated, but I have known it as brass as long as I can remember, so it will probably stay that way. Again the subject is charming to me, a little cherub with a sheaf of wheat and all nature's bounty.

I have a little tiny bird's nest about an inch wide with 3 little eggs in it and a tiny bird who sits on her nest. This was given to me as a leaving present by my dear friend Audrey when I came back to Ireland from England. I love it because it is so tiny and perfect and because it reminds me of my friend who adored nature.

I am very sentimental about a little toy rabbit and her baby, I bought this and I didn't know I was pregnant,I just could not resist. I lost the baby at 12 weeks, sadly. However I became pregnant again soon after and had my lovely Lois, who played with this when she was small and then ended up owning a real life rabbit called Chester who looked similar. When you pull the baby rabbit from it's mother it plays 'Darling Clementine'.

Sorry it's a Christmas card I made of  Chester the rabbit!

Whilst photographing things for this post, it suddenly dawned on me that these sentimental treasures, sum up all the things that I love so much and always have, country things, old things, handmade things, animals, birds, flowers. It is the connection to a person of course, but also goes beyond that to my connection with country living, nature and items from a home environment. There are many more things of course but I don't want to bore the pants off you. I would love to know about you and what items you are sentimental about. Do tell!

Thank you for taking the time to visit with me and read my ramblings, Wishing you a very happy day, love, Linda xx.

Before and After

My newest addition to the shop is a beautiful mahogany tilt-top breakfast table and chairs. I know some of you will be horrified that I painted them, when they are antique. The thing is, the table had been refinished badly and was a bit unloved, so I caressed it and loved it and painted it!
 For once in my life I actually remembered to photograph it before and after, but the quality of picture is not great...sorry!
The chairs are beech, stained to like like mahogany, and although the velvet seat pads were in very good nick, I decided they needed updating and covered them in a natural linen.

Apologies for my long absence....balance, balance, I need to find you!
Wishing you all a happy week ahead, with love, Linda xx

A Blank Canvas

Wouldn't it be a bit of fun to imagine you had a room like this to decorate.....a blank canvas. Although it is obviously a Period room, with the wooden floor, neutral paint colour, you could go really modern, or fill it with Geogian antiques, or have a mix of old and new. How would you decorate it? (Oh by the way, money is no object!) Picture from here.

I think if it were mine, the first thing I would do is find a lovely antique dog grate to bring the fireplace to life. Next would be to install a pair of bookcases either side of the fireplace to make it cosy.

Perhaps a pair of reproduction Regency style bookcases. (I would have to paint them of course!) source

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Perhaps some built-in bookcases would be better? Photo from here.

Photos from here and here.

I would need a lovely piece of art for above the fireplace and rather like this painting by Jane Swanston called Still Spaces 13, and to be found here.

An antique rug for the centre of the room, or perhaps a new one ?

Rugs are from here and here. Of course I will need something lovely to sit on. I am leaning towards a relaxed French style, so I think this gorgeous sofa from Restoration Hardware,will do the trick.

The coffee table is also from Restoration Hardware. I couldn't resist this wonderful painted plinth to use as side tables from here or perhaps the lovely garden stools and graceful chairs from www.guinevere.co.uk.

I absolutely love these light fittings I found here and the fabulous modern chandelier from Pottery Barn, which when viewed close-up looks like a branch with water or ice droplets hanging from it.

In front of the window I would love a large french style table to be used as a desk, rather like this one..... from here.And I thought these wire urns I found at a place new to me called Layla Grace, it has some fab stuff for the home, although some things are a little pricey.

These large en grisaille panels from the same store, would just add the finishing touch. Oh and I almost forgot, mirrors for a bit of light reflecting loveliness, and flowers to add colour and life!

 
This pair of gilt Pier glasses are from here I know they are quite formal but I love the little squirrels on them!

Gorgeous full-blown roses from here.I love the bit of gilt decoration on the table also.

 And just because I can, I am going to add a painted Armoire as a drinks cabinet, after all, I will need something when I am entertaining! Photo from Pinterest.

Soft muted fabrics from here.

 I am hoping for an elegant yet cosy and friendly room like the ones above and below.

 A touch of colour, grey/blue or duckegg in the painted furniture, to add a little warmth and some heavenly scented candles for a touch of luxury. Above photo from here and below picture from here.

It is fun to dream! I have had a ball putting this together. I hope you have enjoyed it too? Let me know what you would do differently. Enjoy the rest of your week, love Linda x. (above photo from here.)

















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Home-baked scone,fresh coffee and a good book!

I don't know about you , but when I get a lovely new book to peruse, I wish to be alone. It is a bit of a ceremony, the coffee has to be brewed and I need something lovely to eat. How very indulgent I know, yet in this age of "having it all" isn't it good to be really excited when you get something new? Books are such a joy. Sometimes when money is tight, you have to satisfy yourself with  a flick through a few books or magazines at the bookstore, but there is nothing quite like that feeling of having a book in your bag just waiting there to be unleashed in all it's glory, when you get home. I used to feel that way too about magazines but I think they are all rather similar and unexciting now. There is still that bit of a thrill when you pick up a foreign magazine on holiday. Since I have started blogging I have found so many beautiful and inspirational images on peoples blogs and websites, that I am quite giddy with it all! Belgian, French, Dutch, Scandinavian, English and American, you name it you can find it, it is wonderful.