Blue Willow China ~

Blue Willow is probably one of the most easily recognized china patterns in the world. I have a funny story regarding it. When I was a teenager, I collected Blue Willow because I loved the pretty blue and white pattern, and it came with a romantic fable attached to it (what teenage girl wouldn't love that?)  I had a few pieces that were quite old that were given to me by an elderly aunt. Mom allowed me to hang a shelf in our kitchen to display it ~ and, believe me, I was really proud of my Blue Willow! One evening after dinner, Dad accidentally bumped into the shelf, knocking all the pieces off, sending them flying down onto the tiled floor. I'll never forget the look on my Dad's face as we watched my antique Blue Willow breaking into a dozen pieces! He looked like a little boy who knew he was about to get into big trouble! The look on his face was so funny, I couldn't get upset, but burst out laughing!

So, when I recently ran across the following pieces of Blue Willow at a flea market, I couldn't pass them up!  I got this cup and saucer for $2.00. It's made by Homer Laughlin, the U.S. company most well-known for manufacturing Fiestaware. I had no idea that Homer Laughlin ever made Blue Willow.

I also got this sugar bowl for just $1.50. Unfortunately, the lid was broken, but I love the shape of it. Right now, I'm using it to hold potpourri.

Blue Willow was designed by Thomas Minton in the late 1700s. The legend attached to it is actually English in origin and has no links to China. It was, in fact, made up to promote sales of the pattern. I'm glad I didn't know that when I was a teenager!  For those interested in reading the romantic Blue Willow fable, click HERE.

Until next time,

Cindy

Linking this post to the following:

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Tuesday Tea for Two at The Plumed Pen

Tea Party Tuesday at Sweetology

A Return to Lovliness at A Delightsome Life
Tea Cup Thursday at Miss Spencer's Blog
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
and

Blue Monday at Smiling Sallys

Angels at My Door ~ Book Review

Today is a special day for my friend, Cindy Adkins (yes, she and I share the same first and last names ~ but more about that on a later post!) Today, I'm happy to annouce the publication of Cindy's new ebook on Amazon ~ Angels at My Door!

Cindy is a fabulous mixed media artist, writer, blogger who lives in New Orleans. Her new ebook is filled with inspirational, true stories and experiences that happened to Cindy and also features stories from several of her blogging friends (including one from me.)  When I started reading Angels at My Door, I could not stop until I'd finished the whole book! I must say in today's world with so many horrific stories on the news, Cindy's book is uplifting and filled with hope and miracles that will astound you! To find out more about Cindy's ebook or to order, click HERE.

Cindy has also created a free seminar to go along with her book that is available through her blog, Whimsical Musings. For more information about the seminar, click HERE.

Cindy is the author of four other ebooks, including "Blog From the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Blogging."  In addition, she creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind shabby chic inspired art pieces, designs custom blog headers and blog buttons, and runs her own Etsy shop! This is one busy woman whose talent, energy and generosity I greatly admire! To visit Cindy's blog, Whimsical Musings, click HERE:

Cindy's Etsy shop, click HERE

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Until next time,

Cindy

Poodle Skirts and Polka Dots ~

On one of my recent trips to the antique mall, I spotted (please excuse the pun!) this vintage black and pink-polka dot skirt.

...and attached underneath - the original pink petticoat!

  

I was tempted to buy it - but didn't. I sort of wish I had (not to wear!) but to display in my bedroom, which is turning into a combination shabby chic, sort-of-vintage-style of decorating. Being an aging - make that mature - Baby Boomer, I've noticed (in myself) a recent nostalgic tendency to collect things from the late 1950s - early 1960s. My interest is being further fueled by watching the ABC television hit "Pan Am." So... I did come home with this vintage vanity lipstick tray/mirror. Remember these?

 In the 1950s, women's fashion focused on femininity by emphasizing the "hour-glass" figure with full skirts and a tight waist. On the outside, it looked fun and carefree, but the truth is, women wore girdles and corsets to acheive the look. The corset/bra combinations were given names like Pink Champagne and Romance! Young girls wore polka dots or poodle skirts to hang out at the local diner, go dancing, or on a movie date.

Audrey Hepburn was one of the fashion icons of the 1950s. On November 29th, Kerry Taylor Auctions will hold their "Passion for Fashion" auction in association with Sotheby's in London. One of the items up for sale will be the Edith Head designed, ivory lace dress that Ms. Hepburn wore in the movie, "Roman Holiday."  The same dress was adapted and worn by Audrey Hepburn when she accepted her Oscar in 1954 for the same film.   

Also up for sale at the auction, will be items that belonged to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana.  To read more about this fabulous event, click HERE.

Unfortunately, I won't be flying off to London to attend the auction,

so, until next time, have a great day!

Cindy

Linking to Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage
Potpourri Friday at 2805
and
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Cats on Tuesday ~ Rudy's Turn

Hello Everyone. It has been a good week - very warm and lots of sunshine, my favorite. What's this? Our human Mom wears these on her face sometimes, but she forgot them on the bed this morning.

I wonder what she will do if I take them? I could hide them behind pillow. It might be fun watching her look all over house for them! MOL!!

Too late...she saw me with them and put on her face again.

Wait...I see something! Need closer look!!

Squirrels chasing each other up and down tree!!!

I love to watch squirrels and birds! So fun!!  Buster asked to show this picture of him in box he found. He's what we call a big "ham" - always wants his picture on computer!

Until next time, have a good week, people!

Rudy, Buster, Sam and Cindy

Linking to Gattina's blog at My Cats and Funny Stories! Click here or on orange picture above for more cat stories!!