Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Thelma's Vintage Thingie for the Coop



Hey Thelma ~ I have something to show you!



Look at this ...



It's a vintage egg carrier!

Okay Thelma, go tell the girls in the coop all about it
and let's see how quickly we can fill up that carrier!

Thelma and I are linking up with Suzanne for

Now don't you bother those chickens Bentley!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Washing, Baking and Making


Washing ...



Baking ...



And Apple Pie Making
always better in Red!

I got the idea for the cookie cutters under a cloche from
my friend Rosie. Go visit her!

After you go see Rosie, be sure to visit

Suzanne for Rednesday
and
and

What do you think Bentley ~ Pie or Cookies???

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Monday, March 28, 2011

Antique Books


I don't have many antique books, but of the few I have, this one
is my favorite.



It is the first book I ever purchased at a tag sale with my
Mom when I was a young girl.



Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag
Vol. III
Cupid and Chow-Chow, Etc.

by
Louisa May Alcott

Published in Boston by Roberts Brothers, 1874

The binding is worn. There is a bit of water damage that was
there when I purchased it, but I love it just the same.

Have a happy Monday and Tuesday

I am joining
and

Bentley had a very busy day at Grandma's house yesterday.
He's not even interested in chasing the squirrels this morning!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xx00



Sunday, March 27, 2011

A Cart Full of Flowers For You!


Although it has been cold, windy and gray ~ before it starts to
rain again
I have a cart full of pansies for you!

Have a wonderful Sunday and be sure to stop by and visit

Bentley ~ don't go running off with Mama's flowers
before I have a chance to plant them!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Friday, March 25, 2011

Vintage Cream Soup Bowls and Liners


I found these darling cream soup bowls and liners while visiting
a favorite antique shop last week. I think that they are so
precious with the fluting and the sweet floral pattern with
pink roses ~ my favorite!



Cream soup bowls, or as they are sometimes called, cups,
provide the diner with a pleasant way to sip soup after any
floating contents are first consumed with a spoon. The liner
provides a place to rest the spoon. These are often used at a
luncheon tablescape and are also perfect for serving bouillon.



I don't serve cream soups very often since we try to be
heart healthy at our cottage, but I do love Roasted Red Pepper Soup
and am including my recipe at the end of this post.

For those of you who are interested, this is the Roanoke pattern
from Royal Worcester.



Roasted Red Pepper Soup

1/2 large onion, chopped
1 clove minced garlic
1 can chicken stock
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large roasted red pepper (either freshly roasted
or one from a jar)
2 tablespoons half and half
S & P to taste

Saute onion in small amount of olive oil until
translucent. Add garlic and saute briefly.
Add chicken stock, tomatoes and roasted red pepper cut into chunks.
Bring to boil in small stock pot, and turn down to simmer for
30 minutes.

Working in small batches, place in blender and blend until smooth.
Return to stock pot and heat up a bit and add the half and half.

Enjoy!

I am joining our friends Laurie and Beverly for
and

Bentley loves soup, but I don't think he needs a bowl
with handles ~ do you?

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo






Thursday, March 24, 2011

Just Add Paint!


What happens when you take three vintage items ...



And add these ...



The porch takes on a new fresh look ...



Of course I still have to figure out how to repair the
wicker scrolls that the squirrels chewed!

And ...


A vintage chair gets a makeover too with enough
paint leftover ...



To give a new look to a mini chair too!

Lots of fun parties to join today
and

Bentley ~ let's put on our paint masks and find something
else to paint!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Pots-de-Creme


I have some lovely vintage Pots-de-Creme that my Mom
gave me.



It's fun to lift up the little lid and find a sweet
chocolate treat inside.



I do not have any Pots-de-Creme spoons, so I use demitasse spoons
instead. This dessert pairs nicely with a glass of sherry or a Madeira.

Here is my Mom's easy bender recipe for Pots-de-Creme

In a blender, combine 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup of hot milk
After the chocolate has melted add:
1 egg yolk ( I temper this a bit first)

Pour this mixture into 4 pot-de-creme cups. Place these in
refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Add a bit of whipped cream to each
and cover with lid.

Enjoy!

I am joining
and

Dogs can't have chocolate Bentley. Maybe I should
create a peanut butter custard for you!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo


Goodbye Elizabeth


Rest in peace dear Elizabeth

I'll be watching National Velvet tonight.
This image is from that wonderful MGM movie released in 1944.
When I was a young girl just learning to ride, I watched this
movie every chance I had. A 12 year old Elizabeth did a wonderful
job of bringing Enid Bagnold's character Velvet to life.


Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Wow Me Red Kitchen Linens


It's no secret that I love vintage red linens in the kitchen.



They are just so cheerful and really make me feel great!



I hope that they make you happy too!

Prepared to be amazed and wowed at these great parties
and

Bentley ~ you wow me every day!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Monday, March 21, 2011

Oooh Baby!


I love vintage silver and I really like this vintage baby cup and
fork and spoon. T he graphics in this vintage baby book
are wonderful too.



A 1941 copyright and there were never any entries in the book.
Too bad. Maybe the new mom was so busy she didn't have time to
write in the book. We'll just have to use our imaginations.



Maybe I should fill the pages with pics and stories about Bentley
when he was a pup.

So this is what is on my table top today. Stop by and visit
Marty for more Table Top Tuesday ideas.

When Bentley was a tiny little pup, I was concerned about running the
vacuum because I didn't want to scare him. I put him in his little bed
and started cleaning. It turned out that as tiny as he was, he had no
fear of the vacuum. Instead he ran after it barking and trying to bite
the Dyson. He was and still is a fearless little guy!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo


Playing With Dishes and Linens


Sometimes I just want to play.



Monday ~ back to schedules ...
Oh well, it was fun for a little while.
Happy Monday everyone!

Bentley ~ are you napping again?
What a great life you have!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo


Saturday, March 19, 2011

Feminine Pinks


While browsing through an antique mall recently, I discovered
some very sweet and feminine pinks. A set of charming vintage dishes
covered in pink roses.



A shabby and vintage chair and footstool covered in cute pink fabrics.



A pretty tea pot with a pink floral drape in the background.



A vintage dressing table painted a soft pink and decorated with
little pink flowers.



Nostalgic, feminine, pink and sweet. So perfect for a

and

Bentley came with me on this trip to the Antique Mall ~
he was bored.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo


Friday, March 18, 2011

Day of Silence for Japan


I am joining my friends Nita over at Mod Vintage Life and
Ricki at Art at Home and many others for a bloggers day of silence for our
friends and allies in Japan.

Please join me in prayer and please consider giving aid.


Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Monday, March 14, 2011

A Chippy Birdhouse


It's a new week. Daylight Savings is here. The days are getting
longer and will soon be warming up.

May every day be filled with hope, promise and happiness!
Have a wonderful week ahead.

I am joining

It's a lovely quiet morning Bentley. Come sit with Mama
while she sips her tea.

Love,
Susan and Bentley

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Blessings and Prayers


I have been so absorbed watching the news about the devastating
earthquake in Japan. It's caused me to stop and think about how
easy it is to take for granted our many blessings. Most of us know
where we will sleep tonight. Most of us know that our loved ones are
safe and well.

Be thankful!




I am praying for the citizens of Japan. For those in shelters who have
lost their homes. For those
who have lost loved ones or are still searching. For those trying to clean up
what seems to be an insurmountable pile of debris. For those who are
fighting to prevent multiple nuclear meltdowns. For those who are scared
and weary.

Please pray for them with me.
God Bless

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Friday, March 11, 2011

Pink Sewing Cloche


I have been staying at home trying to recover from this latest bug
and am starting to get a little stir crazy. I created a cloche for Marty's
Spring Cloche Party and now just can't seem to stop at one.

So ...
Here is a little pink sewing cloche. I'm just loving pink more and more!
I wish I had some pink paint out in the garage because I am
itching to paint something pink too.



Since I don't have any pink paint, I'll just have to entertain myself
by visiting some of my favorite blog parties.

I am once again joining Marty's Spring Cloche Party
and

Bentley ~ have you seen any pink paint around here? Bentley??
He's out hunting for squirrels ~ have to ask him later.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Give That Dear Doggie a Bone!


A Doggie Cloche filled with biscuit cutters ...
Now I wonder who wants a Peanut Butter Biscuit??



Why Bentley of course!

I am joining
and

You are a sweet boy Bentley!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo


Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Vintage Needlepoint and China


There are two things I always keep my eye out for whenever I visit
antique, consignment or thrift shops and they are ...



Vintage china and vintage needlepoint.
I love the soft muted floral patterns found on vintage china
and often on needlepoint too.



I love needlepoint covering stools and for cushions.
I am often amazed at how inexpensive these pieces are because
I know how many hours were spent creating them.



I once had a friend who introduced me to needlepoint and I made
a few pieces, but then I started quilting so I never stitched any more pieces.



So now I just enjoy finding them.

I am joining Suzanne for Vintage Thingie Thursday
and


No Bentley, we are not getting a bulldog puppy. Daddy
just likes to bring up the topic from time to time.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo