Sweet Yesterdays News

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go? I feel like a drifter popping in and out of this blog, but 2009 is my year to catch up and get back on course.

I have never made New Year's resolutions. Probably for the reason that each day I am aware that I have not even charted the necessary course to complete any of them. I feel that 2009 is a good year to step up to the plate and put my life on a course to succeed. I'm sure there are many of you who have a personal things to do list, prioritizing what things you would like to accomplish each year, but not actually going so far as calling them New Years resolutions. I am putting mine in bold letters, throwing them out in the universe so I cannot take them back.

So here goes,

Get super healthy
Give my wesite a face lift and make it fun to visit.
Loose weight (give up brownies).
Make money and help others to make money.
Make each day count.

There that felt good. Now it is out there, the list has gone public so I must step up to the plate and make this year count. I would love to know if any of you have made New Year's resolutions. Join me by going public and next January let's see if we have accomplished these goals.

I wish the very best in 2009 to each of you. May your blessings be abundant.

Oops! Forgot to mention that Ele at http://abitofpinkheaven.blogspot.com/ has won the French tote from Novembers give away. Please visit her blog, she always has great things going on. Also for any of you looking to buy an e-commerce website that is all set up and ready to go, please visit http://www.timelesslychic.com If you are interested, please send me an email.

Sabbatical Is Over

2008-11-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Like many of you, there has been so much going on that it has left me little time to blog. It feels good getting back to the things I enjoy most. I have missed many of my fellow bloggers and have just recently spent a lazy Sunday in my p.j.'s doing nothing but reading blogs and catching up.

The holidays are fast approaching, like many we have decided to trim the spending by coming up with more meaningful and personal gifts. I for one have always loved handmade gifts, I call them gifts from the heart. There is such a personal approach to these gifts, finding just the right sentiment that will touch the heart of the receiver. I have 5 children, all grown and most have their own families now. So finding gifts for 7 grandchildren, 5 grown children and 3 spouses and my husband can be a challenge.

As a retailer I think we all hold our breath and hope for good holiday sales. Many of the major retail chains across the country are holding their breath as well. We all read the newspapers and hear the nightly news, so all of us are aware of this tough economic time. But in the back of our mind we are still trying to process how to have a memorable holiday without breaking the bank.

I think there are so many ways to make this holiday all about family, establish a new tradition that brings back the true spirit of Christmas. I have decided that I will share some wonderful gift ideas that are easy to make even if you feel you have no creativity. I will also add links to stores where you can purchase the necessary items to create these gifts. Food gifts are always great and I'm sure there are many great cooks that can share some of their favorite holiday recipes. Also tips on making your own holiday gift wrap and tags. I will be adding these ideas to the article section of my website, any ideas that you have for a joyous holiday send them along. Let's make this a fun, creative and stress free holiday. No need to break the bank this holiday, there are so many creative readers who can offer their tips and family traditions to make this memorable.

So let's join forces by putting our heads together. You never know, there maybe someone who loves to bake adorable decorated cutout cookies but has no talent for crafting, make a trade. This could be such a fun way to meet new people while expanding your talents. Isn't this what the holidays are really all about? Joyous sharing, so please leave a comment, share your talent or expertise.

Just as a little enticement, I thought it would be fun for everyone to come up with a creative idea on how to use this tote as a gift. What would you add? Whoever has the most creative idea will win this tote.

Tea Posies

2008-04-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to offer these beautiful Teaposies. I have never seen anything like these. Teaposy is dedicated to the art and craft of tea, with an ever-expanding selection that any tea-lover can appreciate. Their wide variety of blooming, loose-leaf, sachet, and bagged teas are made from only the finest tea leaves and most fragrant flowers for a unique tea experience. No matter what the occasion, there is a Teaposy tea to meet your needs. Spend a relaxing afternoon with a bloomed teaposy.

When the Butterfly teaposy is placed in boiling water, the Silver Needle White Tea leaves open to reveal a jasmine and amaranth flower. They are delicately sewn so that the white jasmine flower appears to rest on the purple amaranth, like a butterfly feeding on a flower’s nectar. The Butterfly teaposy can brew up to 50oz of tea and can be displayed in cold water for up to a week, adding beauty to your home. I hope you will stop by and view all the lovely tea flowers.

I have also added some beautiful new tags to our paper section. These are perfect for bookmarks or for your special gift packages.

I do hope that all of you are enjoying this beautiful Spring weather.

One Lone Flower

2008-03-03T05:51:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when I looked out my window to see this one lone Snapdragon blooming in my unkept planter box. Spring has not yet arrived, apparently this lone flower didn't realize that and pushed itself to sprout and bloom. The seedling must have been dropped in the planter box by a bird, as I had not yet put any seeds out.
As I sat, having my morning coffee I realized that this little flower was much like all the women who work each day to nurture their business, family and friends. One lone web site in a vast arena of many many beautiful sites. The tenacity that each one of these shopkeepers has is utterly amazing. Not only are they caring for their family and dear friends they continue to work diligently on building a home business.
As many in this enormous cyber space venue, it takes many hours of learning and often by trial and error to get a web site known. So many times you feel like the lone Snapdragon, pushing forward against many tuff obstacles, but with determination your web site starts to bloom and you receive encouraging emails from customers and other web site owners.
Just like the lone Snapdragon, that doesn't realize it isn't Spring yet, you forge ahead with great expectations and a positive I can do this attitude. So today, I take my hat off to all the hard working women who are relentless in their pursuit of blooming. I hope they can remember the lone pink Snapdragon that inspite of bad weather, no nurturing it succeeded. I wish all of you much success.

Collections

2008-02-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny how just one little purchase can turn into a huge collection? That is how it all started with my jadite collection. I think it was the salt & pepper shakers that started this whole collection, and before I knew it I was hooked. I made the decision early on that I would try to find the rare pieces, such as the Fire-King ball jug. So many of the ones you see advertised have been through years of wear. Fortunately, I was able to find one that was in pristine condition. Most of these beautiful jugs have stress cracks by the handle or some chips on the rim. But mine was perfect. That was my first prized piece, then the hunt began for the next treasure which is my Philbe pie plate. What a gorgeous treasure this one is, the design on the bottom of the plate is so detailed with scrolls and flowers. I think part of the fun of collecting is seeking out these hard to find pieces and it is so rewarding when you can finally step back and enjoy the beauty of your collection.

I think we all reach a stage when we feel our collection is complete and now I have reached that point. I started my collection back in 2002 and now I have reached that stage in my life, where I feel it is time to down size. I think that stage comes when you become an empty nester, you finally decide it is time to scale down or maybe it's time for a new collection. I also think, once the collection becomes somewhat complete you loose the yest for the hunt.

So now I am excited to share this beautiful collection with all of you. Maybe you'll start out the same way in just wanting some vintage 30's or 40's kitchenware, like the salt & pepper shakers or you may want to take the leap and go for the prized Philbe pie plate or the ball jug. All I know, is the color alone of the jadite adds such a warm inviting feel to any kitchen.

So do stop by Sweet Yesterdays and have a look at some of these sweet treasures, you just never know when you may start a new collection.

Can't Wait For Spring

2008-02-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

I am getting so excited for Spring to arrive, so I thought I would get all of you in the mood by offering some of our beautiful vintage tags and also some of the most gorgeous vintage seam binding. We have some yummy colors for all your art projects, so do stop by and take a look. http://www.sweetyesterdays.com/

Many of you love the Beachy look and I have just added the most adorable robin egg blue vintage fan. Vintage fans seem to be a popular accent as there was an adorable one in the latest issue of Romantic Homes magazine. So don't miss out on this, as I only have one.

I feel so bad that it has taken me so long to announce the winner of the Mardi Gras beads. But I have been under the weather for a bit. I do apologize and the beads go to Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms. Thank you to all of you who were nice enough to enter. Please be sure to check back often as I love to have sweet little contests. Congrats Cathy!

It's Mardi Gras Time In The South

2008-02-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

We are in the throws of Mardi Gras with parades and balls. It is always a very exciting time in the South, the schools close for this event so all the kids can enjoy all the festivities, homes and communities are decorated with purple, gold and green. Everyone has enjoyed their King Cakes, with the baby inside. As tradition has it, who ever gets the baby in their slice of King Cake, they are the one who buys the next cake. There are so many wonderful traditions associated with Mardi Gras, as this is the prelude to Advent.

Tomorrow we are attending another Mardi Gras ball and as always it's quite a site to behold. The full King and Queen procession of the court with lavish gowns and costumes. My favorite is the little boys who are the pages, they are in full costume with the long velvet capes and beaded outfits. If you have never been to Mardi Gras it is an event that should be on your things to do list.

The parades are so much fun as everyone yells, "throw me something Mister". The kids come home with tons of beads and other throws and I must say some of these are very elaborate with charms hanging from the necklace.

In honor of Mardi Gras I would like to send one of you, authentic Mardi Gras beads. Just put a comment on my blog and come Fat Tuesday, I will have a drawing. I will pick out some wonderful beads for you, so if you can't be here to join in on all the festivities at least enjoy the throws.

Dear Friends

2008-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

First let me say, I can't believe how fast time has been flying by. I have just been so busy adding new things to Sweet Yesterdays wonderful home accents that are great conversation getters. I love to use the unexpected like the beautiful vintage dominos, how beautiful they are in a vintage compote or on a silver tray. They are sure to get noticed.

I do hope that all of you are off to a wonderful start in 2008. Now if this crazy weather would just calm down we could enjoy the winter. I know many of you are still dealing with low temperatures and snow. Great time to just stay indoors and shop on line or read.

My dear friend Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms was just so sweet to give me this. I actually think we both make each other laugh and smile. So thank you dear Cathy!

So now I am going to pass the Smile Award onto one of my dear friends Janet, at Janet's Creative Pillows She is always so sweet and funny and she extents her kindness and joy to everyone.

Moving Ahead To 2008

2007-12-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Things sure seemed simpler back then. Who even thought about the New Year? I remember watching the ball drop in New York, if I could manage to stay awake. But what did it really mean? Hats and horns brought home from my parents New Years Eve party that's all the New Year meant to me. No decisions to make on what our goals and objectives were going to be for the New Year. Now there's that internal restlessness each year, similar to when I was in my 20's and trying to figure out what I was going to be. I for one hate that feeling, it's the same feeling like going to the dentist and having to sit there in the outer office all full of anticipation and disturbing images of contraptions in your mouth.
I always have the notion that it will all come to me in my sleep. You know the old saying, "just sleep on it and you'll find the answer." Wow, I have been doing a lot of sleeping lately and so far I'm still pacing. The anxiety of it all, I wonder if the people who were putting together the first Sears and Roebuck Catalog experienced this same quizzy feeling.
Each year there is a need to improve, expand and deliver. To re-invent ourselves, to step up to the challenge so that when we are ready to face 2009 it will be smooth sailing.
I have tons of ideas, tons of mental images and tons of gumption. So maybe that's all it ever takes when you are on your own. Decisions, decisions, I think I'm just going to have to sleep on it for awhile. In the meantime, I wish each of you a very Happy and Clear Headed New Year!

Happy Holidays, I Wish You More

2007-12-24T05:47:00.000-08:00

What a great year this has been! There is something about Christmas Eve day that makes me start to get energized and become optimistic about the New Year. But it is also a day that makes me reflect on all that has taken place this year and all the blessings that I have had.

We all would like "more", more money, more time, more success, more happiness, more of everything. The truth of the matter is, we already have "more". We are here each day to give more and to receive more. We chart our own course with the belief in ourselves, some days I have very little and other days it is overflowing. I know that whatever I put into my life is what I will get back and even though I always want more I need to remember to give more. With the passing of 2007, I wish each one of you more. More Love, More Joy, More Blessings, More Peace of Mind but most of all I wish you More Belief to believe in yourself and all your gifts.

Happy Holidays to each of you!

I Just Wanted To Share

2007-12-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

The holiday is just around the corner, there is still so much to do. Wrapping and shipping presents, finding great stocking stuffers, and if your like me, holiday baking. I did want to share with all of you who have seen the wonderful charms from Cathy Penton, featured in December Romantic Home. I have decided to take $10.00 off each charm for this week only. So for all of you who love Cathy's work and would love to give one of these beautiful charms, now is the time.

I am also so excited about our new website called Timelessly Chic . I hope you will all stop by and take a look at our Scandinavian influenced site. I just love the crisp white accents and the beautiful wall art done in Swedish. Stop by the Timelessly Chic blog and leave a note to be entered into our Holiday give away.

I hope your week is productive and you are taking time to enjoy the season.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

2007-12-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

Join the Make Mine Pink Bloggers for a Christmas Cookie Exchange. Starting December 3 and throughout the week. Just go to http://makeminepink.blogspot.com/ and you will find all the Make Mine Pink bloggers who are sharing their recipes.

My favorite cookie for the holidays is one that my grand-mother use to make when I was little. We call it the Spritz cookie and it is made using a cookie press. The press has all different types of designs that you can use. There really is no need to decorate these dainty cookies but as a child we always liked to sprinkle colored sugar or the multi-colored sprinkles. I hope you enjoy these and please leave me a note and tell me what your favorite holiday cookie is.

Recipe

Makes 2 dozen to 3 dozen cookies

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
2 large egg yolks
3 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Colored sanding sugar
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, flour, salt, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.

Fill a cookie press with the dough, and turn out cookies 1 to 2 inches apart onto an unbuttered baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with colored sanding sugars.

Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool.

Now just enjoy! These are wonderful given as a sweet gift.

Don't forget about our Christmas Extraganza at

www.sweetyesterdays.com

From December 3rd to December 9th you

can receive 15% off

by just entering the word SPECIAL

at checkout.

I wish all of you a very happy holiday!

What Soothes You?

2007-11-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

Color plays such an important role about how we feel. What colors soothe you? For as long as I can remember I have always loved white it has such a crisp fresh look. And I really love love love the look of these chairs with the simple green wreaths. Mix this with wonderful Mercury Glass candleholders and the setting would be perfect.

I always enjoy seeing how others decorate for the holidays. The traditional red and green or red and gold. Years ago while living in Louisiana I did a huge tree in all the Mardi Gras colors, green, purple and gold. The tree was gorgeous, and many people decorate their tree in these colors and leave it up for the Mardi Gras season.

I do hope all of you have a wonderful holiday. And you find the colors that will soothe you and bring much joy to your home.

By the way, please be sure to check out my many wonderful charms from Cathy Penton. She is a wonderful designer and was just featured in the December Romantic Home magazine. These charms are truly a treasure.

The Days Are Flying By

2007-10-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Oh My! The days are just flying by, wasn't it just July yesterday? I am in my usual state of shock like a deer caught in the headlights. In a blink of an eye it will be Christmas, yikes!

I always tell myself that I am going to get a jump start on this holiday thing. Like addressing my Christmas cards in September and having them all ready to mail out. Also, keeping my eye open for fabulous and unusual gifts year round so I could have everything wrapped and ready by October 1st.

How are all of you doing? I hope better than me, but I have been to so many wonderful websites I just know I can get my shopping done without leaving my chair. My friend Cathy at Treasured Heirlooms has the most gorgeous wreaths, they would make a wonderful gift. So if your like me, do stop by and say Hi to Cathy and check out those wreaths.

I will be adding new items to my website this week, just waiting for the sun to come out so I can get some great pictures. So do stop by off and on and check out some of the goodies.

I also would ask for prayers for all the people living in Southern California. How sad for those who have lost their homes. I went through Katrina and I know how sad it is to loose everything you own. So thoughts and prayers to all of you.

And The Winner Is

2007-10-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

The winner of this beautiful lovely/vintage charm is Janet from Janets Creative Pillows. So hugs and congratulations!

I big thank you to all who entered my give away. Check back again, as I love having these drawings. You just never know what I am going to give away next.

What Was I Thinking?

2007-10-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

In my last post I said I was going to be having a drawing for one of these beautiful charms. But I got so excited that I forgot to post a picture. So here they are, these really are gorgeous. I wish all of you good luck in the drawing.
Hugs for today!

Change of Season

2007-09-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just love this time of year, where you can feel fall in the air. All the stores are now stocked with Halloween costumes, and tons of Halloween candy. Many of my favorite memorizes focused around this time of year. Getting my kids their Halloween costumes was a huge event and they would start begging for me to buy the Halloween candy NOW! Some how they were convinced that the stores would run out if I didn't buy it by October first. Funny how you only fall for that idea once. Only to end up running through the grocery store at 5:00 on Halloween night because all that is left in the big black kettle is empty wrappers. Of course your kids are in a panic, afraid you will buy the worst candy and no one will come to your house, once the word goes out that you have little boxes of raisins. Why is it that they think you are clueless about Halloween?

Carving the pumpkin, that was always great fun. It seemed that there was always a disagreement whether the pumpkin should have a smile or a frown. Also, the little battle of where we were going to place the pumpkin where all the neighbors could see it, but the big kids wouldn't smash it.

Now all my children are grown and there are no more pumpkins to carve or costumes to buy, so I enjoy all the little neighbor children in their adorable costumes, so excited to receive the candy.

October is also breast cancer awareness month. A time for all women to go for a check-up and for all of us to raise our voices in prayer for all of our sisters and their families who are dealing with this disease. Sweet Yesterdays, has commissioned Cathy Penton, who has been featured in Romantic Home to do a special charm. Sweet Yesterdays will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these charms to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. So, please stop by and see these beautiful charms they are beautiful.

I love giving things away to all my blog friends, so just post your name and you will be entered into my give away. I will draw a name on October 8th. It will be for one of the beautiful charms from Cathy.

Have Wonderful October!

A Time For Reflection

2007-09-19T07:40:00.001-07:00

As many of you know from previous posts, I am a collector of little shoes. There is just something so nostalgic and precious about these. This little pair is one of my favorites. Your mind can just imagine the little person who wore them. This pair has the name Tony Woodard 1949 on the bottom. Wouldn't it just be great to know more about little Tony? This little pair with the tiny yellow socks came in the original box. I think it's so much fun to decorate with these. Add them to a nursery shelf along with a vintage silver baby cup and you have instant charm. Mix them in with old chalk ware and vintage photos. It just seems to add a sentimental touch. I know most of you have held onto your childrens little shoes, so have fun decorate with them. They're nostalgic, sweet and sentimental.

I would love to hear what you have done with your childrens little shoes or maybe even your own.

Welcome To My Tea Party

2007-09-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that you were able to join me for tea. There are so many tea parties going on today, so I know you can't stay long. But please do leave me a message, so I can thank you for stopping by.

All of my wonderful pink sisters at makeminepink.com are having their parties today so do stop by and say hello.

Please Come For Tea

2007-08-29T16:57:00.001-07:00

Fill your week with Tea Parties !!!

Starting Monday September 10, have a fun filled week with the

Make Mine Pink Bloggers as they host a virtual Tea Party.

Visit the Mine Pink Blog for all the information and a list of participating

Make Mine Pink Blogs.

Why Tea Party? Well what can be more fun, tea for two, tea for one, a princess tea, a mother/daughter tea, best friends tea, long lost friends tea, or to just take a moment to slow down and enjoy the tea.

Join in on the fun and host a virtual tea party too. We will be visiting all the Make Mine Pink blogs and yours too if you decide to host your own party.

You will see beautiful and unique tables set for tea; many will have a special theme. Will you join us and post a photo of your Tea Party on your very own blog?

Post a comment on Make Mine Pink’s Blog and we will include you on the list.So expect many visitors~ please have cookies ready.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ALL ABOARD

2007-08-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

I am heading out tomorrow and driving to Indiana. I am going treasure hunting for some wonderful vintage things for Sweet Yesterdays. The drive is 11 hours, it's a good thing that I have lots of CD's. I have made this trip so often I think I could do it blind folded. Well maybe not completely blind folded. I actually love going to Indiana, there are so many wonderful small towns that have their shops on Main Street, some still blow the noon whistle and have the church bells playing Onward Christian Soldiers. I also like the people, they always wave from their front porches as you drive by. It doesn't matter to them that they may not know you, it's just that this has been done for years and years. I think its called being "neighborly." Many of the small towns remind me of a Norman Rockwell painting. Picket fences, kids riding their bikes to the local ice cream parlor, the clotheslines behind the house have sheets hung to dry.
Maybe it's just me, but there just seems to be a sense of calm in these small towns. So it is wonderful for me to just get away and enjoy the sense of going back in time, to a simpler way of life.
I also was thinking about the trains that still run with the passenger cars. I just wonder how long it would take if I were to go by train. So many of these small towns still have the train depots. Just another Norman Rockwell painting of the way it used to be.
Well, wish me happy hunting. I will look forward to bringing you all sorts of wonderful vintage items from Mayberry. Don't worry I will be sure and tell Aunt B that you send your regards.

And The Winner Is

2007-08-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry to keep all of you in suspence today, but it turned out to be a frantic Friday. The winner of the vintage tablecloth is Sweet Remembrance. Thank you all for coming to my blog and leaving me a little note. It is so nice to meet all of you and I as well enjoy visiting your blogs.

I think my next give away will be somthing unusual, so do stop back just to see what zany thing I put up for all of you to win.

Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool.

Do We Still Use These?

2007-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

I started thinking about what I was going to share with all of you visiting my blog, I had several options, but for some reason I thought I would share my vintage tablecloths. As I was photographing them I realize what a nice collection I have acquired. I basically buy them and put them away in a linen closet. I either sell them or hold onto them for that certain occasion. But what is that certain occasion?
These are such fabulous old prints from the 30's and 40's, it just makes you wonder how often these were used back in that time period. I do remember my mother using tablecloths and most likely they were prints similar to these.
My question now is, how many of you use tablecloths? I know I don't. Place mats seem to be the popular choice, less work no one irons tablecloths or place mats these days. We simplify, then how did the women in the 30's and 40's have more time than we have now? Interesting question as they did not have all the easy appliances that we all take for granted. Back then most women had a wringer washing machine. This meant that they had to stand there and feed each article of clothing through the wringer. Where would we find the time to do that? Life is good now-a-days, but if it is easier, than why don't we use things like tablecloths?

What I have decided to do if offer one of my beautiful vintage tablecloths in a drawing. So come on and enter to win one of these beauties.
All you have to do is put your name in and next Friday, August 10th, I will put all the names in a bowl and draw. Who knows the winner just might start using tablecloths.

Dying Art

2007-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Today I was trying to get organized and came across these three precious little baby items. I have them wrapped in pink tissue and they just really made me think about what a dying art this is. These little items were made by an 80 year old woman that lives in Biloxi, Mississippi. This adorable little lady endured hurricane Katrina and has so much spirit. Her attention to detail is so wonderful, like the tiny pink french knots that go around the little pink flannel blanket. Each are spaced evenly and this is how she attached the satin to the blanket. And the little white hat with the pink pom pom, each stitch is so perfect. The little Mary Jane crocheted shoes are just my favorite.
I really sat and looked at these, and thought will there come a time when no one takes the time to sit and crochet or embroider? Years ago it was so common, in the evenings women would pull out there crocheting or embroidery or knitting. I remember my mother and grandmother always having something to work on. I know many of you collect the embroidered dish towels, pillowcases and tablecloths. Each has a such a sweet feel to them, we try to imagine the woman that sat and took the time to embroider a dish towel or the women that gathered to quilt. I am always amazed not only with quilting but the time that went into preparing the fabric. Cutting all those pieces with a certain pattern in mind. If it were me, I would have probably cut a small portion of fabric and then had to put it away for a rainy day. It seems I have many projects that are still waiting for a rainy day.
I am always so excited when I find a vintage linen or quilt, I feel like I am playing some part in preserving history. I tell my daughters repeatedly, that this is a dying art and some day you will only find embroidery, crocheting, knitting and quilting that has all been done by machine. How sad!
So I just marvel at these little baby items, still made by a woman who has not conceded to letting machines do it. I am sure in the early evenings she sat and worked on these, no pattern needed, these came right from the heart.
I look at these as a gift and I hope that who ever buys them will cherish them and the sweetness of another era.

Sweetest Little Birds Anywhere

2007-07-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share these precious birds with you. They are made from hand dyed wool and sit on a vintage silver spoon. As you can see the bowl of the spoon holds a sweet little pin cushion made of vintage lace, accented with vintage buttons and a little sign that reads, "Spoonful of Sugar". I just think these are beautiful and would be so sweet to send to a dear friend or just to keep for yourself.

These beautiful birds are made by Laurie at charming designs. The box that these were shipped in had beautiful hand painted roses and leaves. Laurie is just so talented, and I am just so excited that I get to share these with you. I think it is always so nice to celebrate someones talent and I'm sure you will find other sweet designs from Laurie.

Get The Picnic Table Ready

2007-06-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Everytime I pull these out, I just think of summer and all the wonderful times spent at a family picnic. I guess I do date myself if I remember glass pitchers being used. But there really was something special about those times. Families would gather even in their own backyards. It didn't even have to be a weekend, it could be a Tuesday night in the summer and people would have their picnic tables all set with bright colored tablecloths, these wonderful vintage pitchers filled with lemonade or ice tea. And there always seemed to be the red plastic plates. Not the ones you would throw out, these were specifically used for picnics.
It wasn't take out food that would be on the menu, usually fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad and always fresh strawberries and watermelon. Maybe we had these picnics more often in our backyards as we didn't have air conditioning. So it was a great way to cool off at the end of the day, funny how the heat didn't seem to bother us as much then.
I'm sure you've guessed another one of my weaknesses, vintage pitchers. I love the ones you can find with the glasses to match. There is just something about the way iced tea or lemonade or even Kool-Aid tastes when it is poured from one of these old pitchers. Try it, I'm sure you will see exactly what I mean.

I love to have houseguests and when they come to the table for breakfast I have the cute juice pitcher (the one in the picture) with the matching glasses all filled with fresh orange juice. Maybe I love it more than anyone else, as it takes me to a simpler time, when we all used to sit around and have family time and great undisturbed conversations.
Ahh, those were the days.

Something New And Fun, Give it a try...

2007-06-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

My first swap, it's amazing what fits into a matchbox.

This was so much fun as I am really new to this type of project. The adorable small matchboxes were done by Amanda at Vintage Paper Crafts, aren't they adorable? It's like where have I been and when did this medium become so popular? I know that it all started with the scrap booking and just took off from there. But I am amazed at all the wonderful designs and merchandise that is on the market right now. I love the tags, journals, jewelry and just the interesting items used for these projects. So I thought it was about time that I jump in and give it a try.
I have really enjoyed looking at so many blogs and seeing all of the altered art. And the talent is amazing. I guess I need to hold onto those little babies that come inside of the King Cakes each year at Mardi Gras they could be used for some interesting project.
Actually, what I am really having fun with, is all the blogs that I have come across and they literally are all over the world. I am fascinated with the women who write these, as they range from all ages. From stay at home mothers to career women. But there is a constant thread that ties these blogs together and that is the need to create and their love of home and family.
It has made me realize that I should be offering my customers some of these wonderful items. I especially love the gift tags, journals and stationary. So that is now on my things to look for.
What do you think?
P.S. Thank you Amanda, your matchboxes were so sweet and I loved the little trinkets inside each.

If Only I Had Known

2007-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

If only I had known we were going to stay in this house for 5 years I would have gone crazy and planted all sorts of beautiful flowers. But I have learned through the years that when I go out and buy all sorts of wonderful bulbs, flowering shrubs and spend tons of money trying to make a beautiful French garden, we end up selling the home before everything blooms. So right now the only and I mean only plant that I have on our 1-acre parcel is this beautiful Hydrangea. So of course I’m going to take all kinds of pictures of it. Fortunately for me, I planted it in the front yard as it does give some curb appeal.
Each year I find myself in the same situation should I or shouldn’t I go all out and add beautiful flowers. I love looking at magazines that show all the beautiful gardens with winding paths and interesting garden statues tucked back in with small benches where you can sit. I just wish there was someone who could just magically come and do it all for me, and it would look like it has been there for years. And of course it wouldn’t cost me a fortune.
We did have beautiful Magnolia’s all over our backyard and some beautiful old Oak trees, but that was before Katrina decided to blow them down on our roof. And whatever trees were left close to the house, my husband decided those should be taken down before they landed on our house as well. I think I should just plant Hydrangeas all over my yard, at least I know I have a green thumb with those.
For all of you, who love to garden, I do think at some point we should have a seed exchange. What do you think?

Just Can't Help Myself

2007-06-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

I just can’t help myself, each time I approach the door of an antique store or I go to a flea market I convince myself no more shoes. What is it with these collections of ours? My friend Becca just wrote she "had to stop herself from starting a vintage book vase collection". As you saw from my last post I am on the hunt for birds, needless to say I have only found 1 so that collection is really not a collection at this point. So nothing to worry about there. But the shoes, now that is a different story. They are not out of hand yet and I feel confident that I have the will power to stop now and put my collection on my site and sell them. (Deep sigh)

I think with most of us, it is the hunt to find just the right piece, the right color, the right pattern. And then to sit back and admire our collection. Once we feel satisfied with that collection then something inspires us towards finding another object, we are back on the hunt again.
Some collections are found for pure folly, others are for serious collecting. As I have said before, I love vintage linens. To me there is such a wonderful story, a history, a true vision of women of the past and how they spent their leisure time. I love to see all the wonderful embroidery stitches or the quilting and the crochet trim. So some of my collection of vintage lines I can’t part with. Others I enjoy collecting for my customers, with hopes that they too will start a collection.
I think that no matter what you collect it should have meaning to you. It should be fun, it should touch your heart, possibly being something that you remember from your childhood or something you remember from your Grandmothers kitchen. Like my collection of vintage creamers. I just think they are adorable. Put them on a shelf in a cottage kitchen and what a wonderful statement they would make. Display some vintage platters around the shelf and what a great display you now have. I just love that look, and so now your collections becomes useful.
Anyway, I guess I have said enough on collections. With that said, I am now going through my collections and have decided it is time to part with some so I can make room for new ones. So be on the lookout I am on a frenzy to UN-Collect.

Has Anyone Seen This Little Bird?

2007-05-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

We all have little things that peak our interest and for some reason I came across this little bird on Ebay and I thought how cute. No one had bid on it, so I put in a max bid of something like $14.99. At that time, I really didn't believe anyone was collecting little birds, oh how silly of me to think that. Well needless to say I did not win the little bird. Don't you just love them??

Now I am on the look out for little birds, and as yet I have not seen this one. Why you ask? Beats me, I need another collection like I need another head. I tell myself all the time "give up, stop looking". I really do need to down size instead of collect, but each time I'm out and my car veers into an antique store, there I am looking for this little bird. HELP!

I know there are many of you out there that can relate to my collecting problem. If you have seen this bird, let me hear from you or if you have the same collecting problem, jump in and tell me your collecting story. Either way I would love to hear from you.

This Little Table

2007-05-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just love this little drop leaf table. I purchased it about a year and a half ago and at the time it was painted lime green and came with two adorable spindle back black chair. This little table just has such great bones.
Recently, I decided that it was time to paint it, to give it new life. I know most people would have played it safe, maybe kept it white or painted it pink or even striped it to the bare wood and stained it. I know.
I did paint it white and let it sit, for days I looked at it in the pure state. And I really thought about leaving it that way. Then on a Sunday afternoon, something came over me and I just had to do it, pink and black. And now my little table has taken on new life. It now has it’s own personality. And how cute it will look with the two black chairs.

So let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you.

So Sorry! I Was Tagged Again

2007-05-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Cathy at a Treasured Heirlooms
Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random weird facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

Since this is my second time being tagged I’ve had more time to think about my weird things so here goes.
1.I have this thing that all my towels have to be folded a certain way and they all have to line up exactly the
same in the linen closet. Is that weird?
2.I absolutely hate frogs. We were at a friends house for a barbecue and all of a sudden this gross frog jumped
from the umbrella onto my arm. I freaked out completely, everyone just sat there saying, " it’s just a frog".I felt gross the rest of the day. Is that weird?

3.Okay, I know this one will get some negative reaction, sorry! But there are so many people who can’t drive and talk on their cell phones at the same time, and I know you have seen them. So when I encounter these drivers I simply honk my horn at them and with my hand as the pretend phone (you know index finger and thumb as a phone) I simply motion for them to hang up the phone. Do you think that is weird?

4.Counter top phobia that is another one. Crumbs left on the counter top, please! When my husband makes a Sandwich is it so hard to see what has been left behind on the counter? Like crumbs, mustard, little bits of lettuce. I can’t stand to have dirty counter tops. Yuk, is that weird?

5.I love striking up conversations with women at flea markets, antique stores etc. My daughters think that is weird. Probably because I said never talk to strangers, LOL

6.Okay, I mentioned that I love peanut butter but the only way I eat a peanut butter sandwich is peanut butter and butter. Everyone thinks that is weird peanut butter with butter? Do you?

7.Everyone dear to me has a nickname and I forget and call them by that name even in public. And these are funny names, not your run of the mill names like cutie pie, these are bizarre. People will say, "what did you call her?" To funny, is that weird?

Oh my gosh, I don’t think I can come up with anymore weird things, I am so glad this is done.
Here are the seven people that I now tag.

Tara @http://www.bellapink.com/
Deb @http://www.barberryfield.com/
Chris@http://www.tuttichic.com/
Arlene@http://www.lilcottageshoppe.com/
Roxie@http://www.jorabeels.com/store/Default.asp
Pamela@http://www.preservecottage.com/home.html
Becca@http://bluebirdroses.blogspot.com/

I've Been Tagged

2007-05-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Ele at a Bit of Pink Heaven.

Here are the rules…. each player starts with 7 random weird facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1.When my children were growing up I just hated the word FART, so I would make them say the word
fluff. That just always sounded so much nicer. Since they are all grown and not living at home they really think it is ridiculous when I still make them say fluff. Is that weird?
2. I have been told that my hands do a lot more talking than I do. Is that weird? Now my 4-year-old grand daughter does it.
3. I always think that I might need to have some chocolate. So just in case I might have a chocolate attack I hide it, so no one else eats it (I know pretty selfish). Then I forget where I hid it and 6 months later I find this chocolate that has turned white.
4. Ok, this one is bad and weird or maybe just a bad habit. I always have really good intentions that I am going to be so efficient and get cards sent out on time for holidays. I take the time to go to Hallmark, they know me really well there, as I buy a lot of cards, but they just never seem to get mailed out for some reason. I could open my own Hallmark store.
5. When I was small my sister and I would listen to a record and it had a scratch, so it would keep repeating the words over and over again at a certain point. The song was Catch a Falling Star And Put It in Your Pocket. The part that repeated was catch a falling star and put star and put star and put star, my sister and I loved that record and we played it often. I guess we realized early on that it drove everyone in the house crazy so we would listen to it for hours. Even as adults we would sing it that way. Is that weird?
6. There are times when my husband will start talking about technical things which become very boring and on a few occasions he has caught me rolling my eyes in a circular motion really fast because I just can't take it anymore. Is that weird?
7. I could survive on peanut butter on toast. Daily.
I ask for input from my husband and daughter and they couldn't even come up with anything else. I think Eles was really funny, she had me laughing so hard about her weird things, mine are just boring.

So now I have to tag 7 new people and they are:
Laura @ Lauras Pretties
Christine @ two sisters bath and body blog
Janet @ Janets Creative Pillows
Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage
my other weird thing is I can't think of 2
other people. Yikes! Sorry

Someone Will Win A Pink Diamond

2007-04-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

We are so excited! As a proud member of MakeMinePink.com, we have joined with other Pink Boutiques and Make Mine Pink for the “Pink Diamond Campaign”.Every year Make Mine Pink likes to do something special to honor our valued customers, clients and friends. In all, $2500 worth of fabulous pink prizes will be awarded throughout the contest with a Grand Prize of a genuine pink diamond pendant. There are several fun ways to win prizes for the Campaign, by just visiting the boutiques at Make Mine Pink and locating the six diamonds hidden among the participating Pink Boutiques each of the six months, or you may see one of the Make Mine Pink boutique owners wearing her pink rhinestone “MMP” pin as she goes about day to day activities, or making a donation to a favorite women’s charity. A monthly prize will be awarded for May, June, July, August and September entries with a grand prize awarded for the month of October. It’s that easy!
Join us in our excitement by visiting all the Pink Boutiques at Make Mine Pink.

For more information you may visit www.sweetyesterdays.com or the “Pink Diamond Campaign” link at Make Mine Pink http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-diamond/

Back To The Drawing Board

2007-04-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been working on a project and for some reason it just seems to have taken so long due to so many interruptions? Well this is the case with this little dressing table. I finally completed it yesterday, and as my title of this blog states, it is back to the drawing board. The skirt comes off and it will now have a very very full skirt of pink netting.
I just love this little vintage dressing table and it has the most adorable bench so I want to make the most of it before I put it on my website. I hope that there will be someone who will want it for their daughters bedroom, as I think it is so adorable. It has the little swing arms, which hide a tiny little drawer. Just way to cute.
I have so many projects to complete this week and porch pillows are really at the top of the list. With spring here I love to start putting all my big bright porch pillows out on my wicker furniture. I am also planning on putting some on my website so I hope some of you love big porch pillows as well.

I also love big beach/laundry bags. I usually make up some each summer as we spend time at the beach and my daughter comes home from college and these laundry bags make it so simple for her to keep her room picked up. If you can imagine that! These are wonderful, I make them large enough that she hangs them on her closet door and stuffs them full of dirty cloths and that way the floor is not covered. I am also adding these to my website and believe me these are a lifesaver during the summer. They are an inexpensive way to have each child use them for dirty clothes, toys, beach towels etc. and at the end of the summer you can store beach towels in them. I have even given them as gifts with a cute beach towel rolled up in them and a great novel tucked in. They are just fun and have so many uses.

Before I close today, I just want to say my prayers are with all the families that have lost a loved one from Virginia Tech. The whole country mourns for these parents who have lost a child.

It's Been Awhile

2007-03-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how time flies! If your anything like me and wake up each day and think of all the things you want to accomplish, than you know exactly what I am talking about. I have given up on things to do lists, because I usually misplace them or leave home without them. I envy people who can get everything done and be so organized, I know there have been books and articles written on that subject and my Pink Sisters are following the Flylady. My blog has been at the top of my list now for weeks, so finally today this is it!!!
I always seem to have so many projects in the works, as I'm sure many of you do as well. See, that's another thing. Don't you just love the women that start a project like making a quilt and they don't stop until it's finished? Me, I would start the quilt and then decide to start six other projects. I'm sure there is a name for that. Anyway, I have now taken so many of my collections and put them in an antique mall, which was great fun. So if there are any of you who live near Biloxi, MS be sure to stop by Centuries Antiques. Actually you could spend the day there it is wonderful.

So I'm excited that I could check that project off my list of things to do. What a great feeling and so exciting to share Sweet Yesterdays with women here on the coast who are rebuilding their homes since Katrina. I have met so many nice women at the Antique store.

Crisp White Vintage Linens

2007-01-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

Many of you have noticed I have a catagory for white linens, you probably wonder why I don't just group those into my bed and bath catagory. I believe you can never have enough white linens of all sorts. Especially for your bedroom, there you should have an abundance. No matter what your design scheme you can always add white, to give it that fresh crisp clean look. If you are going for the romantic, shabby, beachy or cottage look you can never go wrong with adding vintage white linens. They will only compliment the other color scheme you are using.
Each of us is a collector of some sort. And if you're like me, my collections change often, but my one constant is always vintage white linens. I use these in each bedroom, and my guest room always gets compliments as they love the linens and embroidered pillowcases. Just a sweet touch to show your guest how special they are that you have pulled out the good linens for them.
If you have not tried to mix vintage whites with your current bedding, try just one piece and see how it adds just that crisp feel to your bedding.
I would love to hear from you who may also collect vintage linens or those of you who love the vintage whites. I know I'm not alone out there. So please, post a comment.

The First Day Of A New Year

2007-01-01T21:02:00.000-08:00

I always find it so exciting to think we are at the beginning of a new year. All the possibilities and opportunities ahead of us. I am inspired by the many kind notes that I have received from so many of you. And with this new year I am so excited to bring you new and different decorative items for your home as well as sweet gifts for dear friends.

There are so many new color palettes that will liven up your home and these work beautifully with cottage, shabby or romantic decor. I am looking forward to bringing you those adorable little touches that will add just that sweet touch. I love mixing the vintage touches like Grandma's mismatched china, even with a few little imperfections it still gives that quaint homey feeling to your kitchen. Lovely vintage platters hung on the wall are sure to get attention and really are a great replacement for pictures. Mix things up a bit, add color, add vintage these are the things that add personality to your home as well as interest.

So I wish you all a very Happy And Creative New Year!

That Special Little Gift

2006-12-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

With the holiday fast approaching next week, I was reminded that I have this new blog and hadn't written a thing. So here I am again! I have been rushing around just like everyone else trying to find that last minute gift or as I call it that "just in case gift". I am always so worried that someone will pop in or someone will bring a friend with them and sure enough, I won't have a gift.
I also love to find the little unusual gifts, the sweet sentiment gifts. The ones I know will touch someone's heart. Those are by far my favorite gifts, both to receive and to give.
I think we get caught up in thinking we have to run to the mall's to find that new and expensive gift when really, something sweet and sentimental will do just fine.
Another one of my favorites, is a wonderful vintage plate filled with homemade baked goods. Nothing says I care about you more than that. Or a beautiful vintage bowl filled with bath and body products, what a sweet presentation, just add some beautiful tissue paper to the bottom of the bowl and you are all set.
Another favorite of mine, is vintage embroidered pillowcase with a lovely sachet and a beautiful teacup. Or those of you that are crafty, find a beautiful teacup and make it into a candle. What sweet and thoughtful gifts these make. Sometimes these gifts are the ones that leave a lasting impression because there was so much thought that went into them.

Whatever the gift you give, just add a special little touch that always makes it so dear and sweet and just from you.

First Time For Everything

2006-12-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

There has to be a first time for everything, and so this is my first entry into my new blog. Keeping up with the times is so important so please bear with me while I update myself as well. I really am excited to be able to send all my guest at Sweet Yesterdays a little message now and again. There are so many times I will add an item to the website and I think to myself, oh I wish I could describe how pretty that would look if only it was shown with a little white linen napkin and vintage silver. So maybe this blog will be the vehicle that will give me the chance to do that. I have collected for years and my collections change rapidly. I guess because I love all things pretty and vintage, so now I collect your you. If there is something you are looking for, please do let me know, and I will be happy to see if I may already have it or I will most certainly keep my eyes open for it. I would also like to wish each of you a very Happy Holiday Season.

2006-12-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Sweet Yesterdays ~ Unique Gifts and Fine Home Furnishings ~ A divine collection of home and garden items that will inspire you. Gifts that are distinctively special and worth giving. Our store carries wonderful vintage treasures of cottage, shabby and romantic items of sweet yesterdays.