Terrariums - A miniature world under glass

I am fascinated by terrariums. To me, they are a magical, miniature world under glass. Soothing to look at and supposedly easy to care for, they are perfect for almost any room in your home. My wonderful daughter Cary gave me one a couple of years ago, but unfortunately, I managed to fry the plants. Apparently I gave it too much light. (So much for the easy to care for in my case) I've been looking at terrariums again lately and thinking that I might want to try again soon. There are so many possibilities with terrariums.

miniature victorian styled conservatory

light bulb terrarium

deep green sea

gnome terrarium

organic baby moss terrarium

If you still think you can't grow a terrarium, here are a couple of beautiful alternatives.

textile succulents

minimal care airplant terrarium

Have a wonderful evening.

Be It Ever So Humble, There's No Place Like...a Porch

Some of my fondest memories and favorite longings encompass porches. From my grandmother's front porch in Kentucky, where I used to sit on the old metal glider and watch the cars go by, to the large screened porch in Virginia where we played games in my teens, to my screened porch by the pool in North Carolina where I sipped wine and read a good book, porches have played a "feel good" part of my life. I love looking at photos of porches and dreaming about how my next porch will look.

Sit on the steps porch

screen porch

rustic front porch

Summer Dream Porch Swing

typical Chautauqua Porch

Well, these porches have certainly given me some more ideas for my next porch. I of course always like to add vintage touches to my porch and if you do too, you just might find something of interest in my shop.

The Simplicity of White

I often think there can be nothing more relaxing in a home than the simplicity of white. I could while away many hours in any of these beautiful rooms.

Cozy Bedroom

Sunny Living Room

Soothing Sun Room

Romantic Dining

A way to achieve this look on a limited budget is by adding some simple white accessories to any room in your home. A few you can find in my shop.












So even for those of you who believe you are color challenged, you can't go wrong with white.

fun retro kitchen finds

I have always loved retro kitchen items and recently have become kind of obsessed with fun mid century finds. I am constantly on the lookout at auctions, flea markets, and garage sales for new items for my shop and for my own kitchen. Here are some of my great finds.

Colorful art glass vases look fabulous on a kitchen window sill

Every retro kitchen needs at least one rooster

I love these retro floral cruets

A perfect hand painted chip and dip for your next party

Ransburg made the most fabulous hand painted canisters

and bread boxes

Happy kitchen decorating. 8-)

Spring in the Bluegrass

The weather is absolutely beautiful and I am really enjoying spending time outside again. The new patio furniture was delivered today and it has made it hard to be inside and work. I did actually remember to take my camera out last week and take some pictures of spring here in the Bluegrass state.

the weather has been so warm that the bradford pear trees lost their blooms rather quickly. they were beautiful while they lasted though. looked like a fairy land.

the redbuds are fabulous with their "purple" blooms

started decorating the front porch with a new stone bench and some great pottery pots, which will hold flowers once the threat of frost is gone.

hung this old rustic birdhouse hoping the birds will nest there.

Well dear friends, I hope you are enjoying spring where you live. It is such a fantastic time of year. Now I think I am going to succumb to the lure of the warm afternoon and take a break with a glass of wine and a good book for awhile.