Thanksgiving Greetings

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and fun!

 And for those of you who do not celebrate this holiday, have a lovely day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
FROM  Autena

Santa Clauses Are Comin'

This delightful collection of resin Santa Clauses belongs to my mother. Two years ago she had 47 of them. I haven't counted them this year, but I'm sure there are several more. They reside in a beautiful antique corner cabinet, along with many other delightful miniature objects. She found these St. Nicks at flea markets, thrift stores and dollar stores. Said she never paid more than a dollar for any of 'em.

This being The Season, let's take a look. 
Be sure to turn up the volume too!
(please be patient) 

Happy Holidays!                                 Happy Hanukkah!
* * * * * * * * * *

Merry Christmas!                            Joyous Kwanzaa!

Old Toys and Dolls Are the Best

I had lunch a few days ago at the Taft Museum in Cincinnati, a beautiful art museum with a rich, interesting  history.  The food, I must say, was so-so, but afterwards we went upstairs to see the Antique Christmas exhibit, which includes antique ornaments. toys, and cards. 

As a lover of old dolls, toys, and miniatures, I was in my element browsing throughout the richly decorated rooms to see the various displays.

I found a lovely blog, written by a man who donated many toys to be displayed. 

It is called A Home for Dolly and it shows other photos of what was there. 

What a sweetheart!

This gives you an idea of how richly decorated the rooms are at the museum.

A tree decorated with paper fruit!

 

These dolls had the most wonderful, lifelike expressions on their faces.

A patriotic Christmas.

Another cutie...

A huge thank you to FOX19.com for posting these photos on their website. 

Celebrating the Workers

 

What comes to mind when you think about Labor Day?

 

I think of unions,

work-related achievements,

jobs (or the lack thereof)

and getting Monday off

 

 

 and, of course...

 

Wishing all a meaningful and relaxing Labor Day.

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday... Happy 280th Birthday, George

Did you know that February 22nd is the original president's (birth)day?

Immortalized in salt and pepper shakers,

which may be found here..

Holiday Series of Peter Pauper

Well, the holidays are upon us... Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and New Years. In light of that, I will introduce you to the Holiday series of the Peter Pauper Press cookbooks.

Has everything from Chicken Tetrazzini and salmon casserole to Syrian casserole. You are bound to find something that appeals.

Then there is my favorite...Party Desserts!

I had a teacher in grade school who gave the class a little hint on how remember the difference in spelling dessert and desert. Know what it is?

Dessert has a double "s" because you always want two servings!

The next two books come in a little cardboard box, with the identical covers.

Frosty drinks for hot weather...

 

...and hot drinks for frosty weather!

Love the sampler look of this one!

 Pigs and chefs and chickens and pilgrims--they're all in here!

 

"If you would have guests Merry with Cheer, Be so Yourself, Or at least so Appear." 

Watermelons!!!

The dog days of summer have gotten to me and probably to you also. What could be better than a cold crunchy slice of WATERMELON  on one of these ridiculously muggy, steamy, sweltering days? In honor of National Watermelon Day on August 3rd (who knew?), I am showing off some cute and clever vintage watermelon themed items from various Etsy shops.

 

Decoupage coasters/ vintage Mexican craft from coolvintagefinds

Perfect for a pool party or picnic on the deck.

CORALIE Woven Shoulder Bag from bluegrassbooty

Isn't this adorable?

Grandmother's Handmade Crocheted Lace from whachuneed

How sweet!

Watermelon Label from 1953corvette

 

They have a folk art feel to them, don't they?

Exaggerated California Watermelon Postcard C. 1910 from Museofmemorabilia

 

(chuckles...)

 Cast Iron Napkin Holder from OddznEndz

 

Wouldn't this be cute on the breakfast table?

Vintage Pin from Mexico from casitalita

 

I just love this kind of stuff 

As I write this and search for these treasures, I am reminded of the twin watermelon area rugs that were in my room when I was growing up.  They fascinated me, and still do in a way, obviously making an impression that has stuck with me all these years.  Wish I had a photo to show, but sadly, I do not.  Oh well, think I'll go out and get some watermelon at the store this afternoon....