The Pink Rose Cottage

A Surprising Little Treasure

2012-01-26T14:06:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite items to collect and sell is antique and vintage silver. Just about every piece I find is tarnished. My friend Denise of My Vintage Gardens got me hooked on tarnished silver, so I never hesitate to pick up a piece that only a few years ago I would have passed up as dingy and worn.

While Denise still prefers a tarnished piece, I’ve really enjoyed seeing what lies beneath the patina that has accumulated over time. I occasionally find unfortunate scratches or silver loss, but sometimes I find a well-hidden monogram or design. That is always a thrill!

I love to research the pattern names and design dates. That information makes a piece even more interesting. And a pattern name certainly helps to get a piece to an owner who is looking for extras to go with grandma’s silver set!

In a recent hunt to identify a serving fork, I found a surprising little treasure ~ the advertisements that were placed over a hundred years ago for this gorgeous Astoria pattern by R. Wallace! Imagine a bride in 1899 looking over catalogs to choose her silver pattern just like brides do today. The ads with their beautifully detailed designs and information are a treasure themselves! What they do for our imaginations is a little gift for any collector!

Antique R Wallace Astoria Cold Meat Serving Fork

For tips on how to get your silver from shabby to shiny, visit the How To Easily Clean Your Silver page at The Pink Rose Cottage.

Five years ago...

2012-01-22T14:36:00.000-05:00

Five years ago today life changed.

Five years ago today my daughter lived.

Five years ago today my was daughter diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

For us, today is a day to celebrate and be grateful for our second change. We don’t celebrate with balloons and firecrackers. A simple bouquet of purple flowers and a big hug will mark the day that changed all of us forever in so many ways.

I still struggle with God’s plan with all this. Certainly there must be a purpose? I will never know for sure. But somehow I feel that His plan or at least part of His plan was for me to help educate about Type 1 diabetes, even in a small way. So if you’ve been a follower of this blog for a long time you know this is where I post the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes. If you’re a new follower, be assured that I will be posting this again on our next anniversary. Please read them over. I hope you never have to use the knowledge. But you'll have the information in case God chooses this path for someone you love.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Left untreated, this is a very serious, life threatening disease. Most people are admitted to the hospital at diagnosis with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) which can lead to coma and then death. So please never brush off these symptoms. A person does not have to have all of them.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes:

Increased thirst and frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Sweet smelling breath

This time next year my daughter will be in the midst of a new life, away from home being a normal college student. She will always have T1 Diabetes and all its challenges, but she will have a fabulous life. Truly a reason to celebrate!

National Hot Tea Month

2012-01-17T13:39:00.001-05:00

Tapestry Rose by Paragon

January is National Hot Tea Month. What better time to enjoy a steaming cup of tea, but in the cold dark days of winter!

Whether your tea choice is traditional, herbal, or green, drinking it from a gorgeous teacup feels like pure luxury!

While you’re enjoying your tea, take time to remember the famous words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.” How true!

These beautiful teacups can be found in the Tea Time category of The Pink Rose Cottage.

Aynsley


Royal Albert Flower of the Month Series ~ October Cosmos

Queen Anne China

A New Year....A New Blog!

2012-01-13T14:17:00.002-05:00

I seldom make New Year’s resolutions, but this year, I’ve decided the new year will bring a few small changes to The Pink Rose Cottage. My first change, as you can see, is the design of this blog! With the help of Melissa Bolton, of DesignHerBrands, the blog is much more organized, easier to read, and has a touch of cosmetic improvements.

The links to the left will lead you to The Pink Rose Cottage and all the places associated with it.

* The first link is to The Pink Rose Cottage shop’s home page. The very first category in the list “Browse All” takes you to all the items currently available. They are organized by the most recently listed items, so one click gives you a quick peek at what’s new!

* The Newsletter link will take you to a subscription form for The Pink Rose Cottage emails and notifications. You’ll receive information on the ever popular Monday Markdowns, newly listed items, and more.

* The Monday Markdown link is a quick click to sales exclusively held on Monday.

* The RSS button will allow you to sign-up for email notifications of new posts to this blog. Please make sure to check your email for notification confirmation.

* And of course there are Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest buttons as well. (I’m new to Pinterest, so please bear with me as I learn the ins and outs of it. It seems wonderfully addictive!)

Please consider signing up for both The Pink Rose Cottage Newsletter and the blog’s new post notifications. You won’t want to miss what I have in store for you in 2012! Here’s one little hint: A new Teacup Tuesday’s Giveaway will be back this spring!

Please visit The Pink Rose Cottage and The Pink Rose Cottage blog often!

Love, happiness, and health to you in 2012

~Holly

Starting 2012 with a BANG!

2012-01-09T07:22:00.005-05:00

The first Monday Markdowns of 2012 is HUGE!
Over 70 items reduced!
A sale not to be missed.
So hurry, it's today only!

Frozen German Chocolate Pie

2011-12-28T11:26:00.008-05:00

I seldom make recipes from magazine anymore. I usually find them too complicated or the ingredients something I don't keep on hand or care to stock. But when I came across this Frozen German Chocolate Pie in Christmas Cottage magazine it sounded so yummy and easy that I had to try it.

Overall it was easy to make! The best part is its frozen, so making ahead is an added bonus for me in the busy holiday season. In fact, we were so stuffed after Christmas dinner we didn't serve it until last night.

It was very YUMMY! But it was also very, very rich. When I make this again I will change a few things. First, I will use half the coconut the recipe calls for. While I like coconut, I don't love it. For me, two cups of coconut is way too much.

Secondly, I will make two pies out of this one recipe, only using the coconut/pecan filling as topping. If the recipe is followed, the pie is very large and again, very rich. A smaller piece is much better after a heavy meal. Actually, after any size meal!

If you freeze it longer then the four hours the recipe suggests, leave it on the counter longer. It was easy to cut after 45 minutes.

I like that this can be made ahead and stored until needed.

Here's the recipe! If you make it, let me know how you like it!

FROZEN GERMAN CHOCOLATE PIE

½ (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie dough
½ cup butter or margarine
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese softened
2 (4 ounce) dark chocolate bars, melted
1 (8 ounce) container of frozen extra-creamy whipped topping, thawed
½ cup caramel ice cream topping

Preheat oven to 450o. Bake crust in a 9 inch deep dish pie plate for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

In a large skillet, melt butter. Stir in coconut and pecans. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and chocolate. Fold in whipped topping.

Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture into prepared crust. Top with ¼ cup caramel topping and half of the coconut mixtures. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Let frozen pie stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing.

A Very Merry Christmas To You!

2011-12-24T12:04:00.003-05:00

Christmas Tree Blessing

Holy Creator of Trees,
Bless with your abundant grace
This our Christmas tree as a symbol of joy.
May its evergreen branches be a sign
Of your never-fading promises
May its colorful lights and ornaments call us
To decorate with love our home and our world
May the gifts that surround this tree
Be symbols of the gifts we have received
From the tree of Christ’s cross
Holy Christmas tree within our home,
May joy and peace come and nest
In your branches and in our hearts
Amen.
- Author Unknown

Merry Christmas!
~Holly

Merry Christmas?

2011-12-22T08:22:00.003-05:00

"Christmas morning she'll be happier with a Hoover".

Really??

So what do you think of this 1960 ad? If you received a vacuum cleaner for Christmas would you be thrilled or thrilled to pick it up and hit your hubby over the head? I don't know. I have a Dyson I love, so if I needed to replace it maybe I'd be happy. But a vacuum is not jewelry!

One year my husband bought me (at my request) a Rowenta iron and an extra wide ironing board. My dad was mortified!! "How could he buy her an iron for her birthday??" No matter how many times I explained it to him that I was using it for my hobby and that I really wanted it, he was appalled! I found it all kind of funny as my dad is really stuck in the 50's in his ideas of what a woman should be in this world. (Although he's softened quite a bit now that he has 4 successful college aged granddaughters.)

I was thrilled with my gift. I still have the ironing board but the Rowenta crapped out just a month or so after the warranty expired. I guess if my husband would have bought me jewelry I'd most likely still have it. But I still think it was a great gift!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T18:58:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving comes once in a year, but may the feeling of gratitude live in our hearts all year round.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Thrift Store Cabinet Redo

2011-11-20T19:01:00.003-05:00

As promised here's our kitchen cabinet redo.

Looked like this piece may have been to a more formal dining set. My husband removed the finial, sanded, and sanded. Then sanded some more. Lots of Kilz primer and then the paint.

TA DA!

I'm just so happy with the results!

I had purchased "new" vintage hardware but it just did not look right. So the original went back on. I think it works well with the dark floor and the dark frame from the tea towel picture.

I'm so thrilled to have a safe place to display my favorite vintage Fiestaware pieces and of course my Wilendurs!

Our Budget Kitchen Redo

2011-11-19T20:27:00.014-05:00

Welcome to our budget kitchen redo! We started our "little" project back in April and recently finished in October. Can you believe it? My husband and I are not do-it-yourselfers by choice, so things move slow for us. I'm easily intimidated home improvement projects and it shows in my procrastination. But I'm happy to say that we are officially finished with our little redo.

This dated wallpaper had to go!! What was I thinking when we put it up? I don't know but times do change so maybe it was in style at one time! LOL. And that old linoleum floor - YUCK. Outta here!

Before:

We loved this solid oak corner hutch when we purchased it. But it's too small and was just a catch all. While our Fiestaware collection is small, we still needed something better to display our favorite pieces.

The louvered doors on the pantries were awful. They seemed to attract all the dust and kitchen grime.

The first thing we had done was to have hardwood flooring installed. It was our biggest expense but money well spent. We hired out the work and didn't attempt this ourselves. A wise choice I'm sure!

Choosing a color was hard, but I'm very please with the end result. The rich deep brown of the floor offset the honey oak of our wainscoting and kitchen set.

After the busy wallpaper I was set for nice soothing creamy white walls.

While we are due for new and improved cupboards, the originals will have to do for a few more years. For a splash of color (and I love color) we painted cabinets in soft country green. We changed out the old brass hardware for brushed nickel.

After:

Replaced the old louvered doors with solid and painted them to match the walls.

We painted the shelves cream and changed the brackets to brushed nickel to blend with the cabinet hardware.

We replaced the corner hutch with a small cabinet that was a thrift store find. I'll show you the before and after another day. It really is amazing! I love having glass doors where I can mix my collection of vintage tablecloths and Fiestaware in one place!

New, updated lighting.

I had a frame made for a vintage tea towel. I can easily change the towel to match the season and my tablecloth! Other then the hardwood floor, this is my favorite change. I LOVE it!

The only thing left to do is to find a window treatment. I'm not sure what I want, if any.

I'm very relieved to say that we really are done! Someday it will be a complete bare to the studs redo, but that will be awhile. And nothing we will attempt ourselvers! LOL! So this redo is not too bad for two not-so-handy folks on a budget!

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T09:47:00.002-05:00

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die." -G.K. Chesterton

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who serve!

Cottage Book Shelf

2011-11-09T19:43:00.002-05:00

The Pink Rose Cottage
is please to announce our newest category:
Cottage Book Shelf.

Wonderful used books including collector reference books, home decor, and cookbooks! Books that are sure to inspire ~ helping to make your home cozy cottage!

Shop now for the best selection.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T11:44:00.002-04:00

Have a fun and spooky Halloween!!

There's nothing scary about today's Monday Markdowns! Just great sale prices on select items. But hurry ~ Sale prices are good today only.

Sign up for The Pink Rose Cottage newsletter. You'll receive advanced notice of Monday Markdowns, exclusive offers, and more! The link it to the sign up form is at bottom left of the home page.

Virginia Retro!

2011-10-27T10:14:00.003-04:00

My dear friend and personal Tablecloth Fairy, Pam has started her own blog! It's called Virginia Retro.

As you can tell she is a fellow tablecloth lover! She has some beautiful pieces in her collection!

Love this non-traditional fall tablecloth and setting!

This is Pam's cute and sweet Doyle!

Pam is new to the blogging world and I know she's love if you would stop over and take a peek at Virginia Retro. Become a follower too!

Congratulations Pam on your beautiful new blog!

Meet Gracie!!

2011-10-15T16:15:00.003-04:00

Gracie is the newest member of our family. She joined us just this morning. Gracie is somewhere between 6 to 9 months old. Probably a beagle/lab mix. But she's a small girl. I fell in love with her face on the ANNA Shelter website.
Her sweet face matches her disposition. This doggy was ready for a home. I think she is head-over-heels in love with Ryan and Corrinne.

On the way home she whimpered and cried. I'm not sure if she was afraid of the car. She was a stray and may have been tossed out of a moving car. There is know way of knowing what made her nervous. But she came into the house like she's lived here all her life. She likes to play, cuddle, and loves belly rubs!

So much excitement for one day, she just curled up in Sunny's old bed and fell right to sleep and had an nice long nap. (Sunny hated this bed, poor girl! LOL)

Right now she's up again and out playing between raindrops. She's a sweet, loving, little pup who is going to fit into our family wonderfully. She's not a replacement for Sunny, but she's filling an emptiness in my broken heart. She makes me smile!

More on Gracie as she settles in....

We are so blessed!

2011-10-01T17:04:00.005-04:00

Today is damp, cold, rainy...chilling to the bone. It was a good day to bake and make dinners for the freezer. We decided to light a fire in the fireplace to take the chill out of the house.

I was working the the kitchen and my husband watching TV in the family room. Suddenly we felt the house shake. It started out slow and then went to a full rumble. The fire in the fireplace burst in to a glowing ball. And then BOOM!

I ran to get my phone and couldn't dial 911! I was shaking so bad. I just couldn't get the small buttons. Didn't matter that it's saved on there. I didn't remember. So I got the landline. Wish I could say I did better, but I fumbled with that as well (You so don't want me with you in a crisis!). I finally got though and gave the dispatcher all the info. As this was happening the fire was starting to slow down. He still insisted we all leave the house.

We left and waited for the firemen. For living in an area with an all volunteer force, they were very fast! The chief came and saw that it was contained so I thought really they'd bring in a fire extinguisher and that would be it.

Well to my surprise two ambulances and five huge fire rigs came! I can't even tell you how many firemen and women! We had five fire companies respond!

They initially believed we had a large bird nest in the chimney becasue of the boom. But after putting the rest of the fire out and checking it they didn't find any remnants of a nest. It may have been there and burned out but we definitely had creosote in there. My husband had cleaned the fireplace and readied it for the winter several weeks ago. But lesson learned, this is a job for a professional!!!

(The sent me in to turn off my oven as I doing my was baking and they didn't want I oven fire too. So I snapped this picture)

While there were two firemen on the roof and about a half a dozen in the family room, more went though my entire (and very messy!) home checking for heat in the walls. They told us that the last three chimney fires they were called to completely destroyed the homes becasue the owners (like us) thought after it started to burn down that the danger was over. But it gets between the walls, so each and every room needs checked.

Fortunately ours was contained to the fireplace and chimney. (Yes sir! We have terrific angels watching over us!) We will have our chimney inspected and cleaned on Monday. I'm not sure when I'll be comfortable enough to build another fire!

A few of the firemen apologized to me for messing the floor with their boots! And another apologized for spilling some chemicals on my rug! (Can you believe it??? Hey guys! Absolutely no problem!)

I truly can't say enough about these men and women who dropped what they were doing on a Saturday afternoon to help a family that they didn't even know. These folks are THE BEST! I was a bit embarrassed by the whole scene because after it started burning down, it didn't seem like a big deal. But these guys took the time to explain how that's not the case.

We may have some chimney damage. There is soot all over the family room. The house smells, my hair and clothes smell. But I'm not complaining! It could have been so unbelievably worse!

Homey Vintage Tea Towels

2011-09-15T15:19:00.003-04:00

It's crisp and cool today. The sun is shining and it's a beautiful ~almost~ fall day! Makes me want to start bringing out the warm colors of autumn.

I found a small stack of vintage tea towels that seem to fit the bill! Beautiful yellows, browns, greens and reds. So homey and inviting!

This gorgeous vintage Luther Travis daisy tea towel is perfect almost year around! So very cheerful!

The detail on the Alphabet Sampler towel is fun! Check out the acorn and oak leaves for "O."

All these wonderful, unused tea towels are available at The Pink Rose Cottage. The perfect little extra to bring warmth and homeyness to your cozy cottage kitchen!

A Special Find and The Tablecloth Fairy

2011-09-10T11:15:00.011-04:00

I didn't go to that many garage sales this past season, but when I did go, I was pretty lucky! A few weeks ago I picked up MY ALL TIME FAVORITE Fiestaware color ~ Lilac! An entire service for four, in the unopened original box! I also picked up some serving pieces from the same sale!

If any of you are Post86 Fiesta junkies, you know that Lilac is somewhat rare and hard to get. I started collecting Fiestaware after Lilac was retired and only was able to obtain a few odd pieces until now! This find had me over the moon!

Since I am a member of The Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club I'd bet you can guess that next concern would be which tablecloth to use! Luckily my fellow club member and dear, sweet friend Pam came to the rescue and surprised me with this fabulous vintage tablecloth!

The shade of purple is near perfect and with that stripe of pink I can easily add Rose Fiesta into the mix to create a different look!

I only have one set of Lilac flatware but I used Rose and Evergreen and that worked out nicely.

This tablescape was a huge hit with my entire family!

Thank you Pam (my personal Tablecloth Fairy) for making my exciting find even more special!

A Gift From My Garden

2011-09-09T15:39:00.002-04:00

As I'm sure you can guess, I LOVE pink roses! Well, to tell the truth, I love all roses. Pink just happen to be a favorite!

This summer I revamped my rose garden and added a few new beauties. The pink roses are "Bewitched" and the white are "Full Sail."

I wish you could smell them. Pure heaven! A beautiful gift from my garden...

Cottage Sweet Peas

2011-07-24T19:44:00.005-04:00

I love sweet peas! These are from my little plant. I put them in 2 antique amethyst bottles and one old French perfume bottle on my windowsill in the kitchen.

I really don't have much luck starting them from seed. So I purchased this plant at the local nursery. As you can see the colors are beautiful but it has absolutely no scent! What is a sweet pea without a beautiful sweet smell? Honestly, I think these are wild sweet peas from the side of the road, but they are still so pretty.

I did have two short lived blossoms from the seeds I started this past winter. It's just too darn hot for young plants to thrive no matter how much they are babied. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

And if the outdoor pictures look a little fuzzy to you, it's becasue my camera lens fogged up when I went out in the heat! I guess a lot of things need babied during this heatwave!

Here's a pretty vintage tablecloth and napkin set loaded with beautiful sweet peas. It's available at The Pink Rose Cottage.

Beat the Heat ~ Root Beer Floats

2011-07-21T10:31:00.007-04:00

Just about every where in the good ol' USA, it's HOT! Staying cool is tough and air conditioning is a blessing!

Need a little low cal pick-me-up during this hot weather? Try this light and cold root beer float:

Use a nice tall chilled glass
Add 3 generous scoops of frozen, fat free Cool Whip
Fill the glass with diet A & W Root Beer

That's it! Now you have a refreshing, low cal, low carb, yummy float!

How about other variations? Diet orange soda? I bet that tastes like an old fashioned creamsicle! Any other ideas?

These vintage iced tea or parfait spoons would be perfect with that good (healthier) old fashioned float! Cheerful Fiestaware colors too!

You can find the spoons at The Pink Rose Cottage!

Stay cool my friends!

Hollyhocks

2011-07-15T21:45:00.002-04:00

I think I show my hollyhocks every year either here on my blog or on Facebook. But each year I'm amazed by their beauty!

Several years ago, my dear friend Denise of My Vintage Gardens sent me the seeds. I think of her every time I look at them. Denise says you're not suppose to thank someone for seeds. But they truly are the gift that keeps on giving!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T08:18:00.003-04:00

My patriotic heart beats red, white, and blue.
~ Unknown

Have a very fun and safe 4th of July!
God Bless America

Holly

The BEST Little Antiques Sale Anywhere!

2011-07-02T17:03:00.010-04:00

Today my mom and I went to Scotland Yards Antiques in the Yard and the Great Pillowcase Sale. It is by far the BEST little antiques sale anywhere! Features a small, hand selected group of antique boutiques, beautifully nestled in and around Scotland Yards Greenhouses.

The event is to raise money for the Edinboro Historical Society. This years theme is pillowcases. The historical society makes colorful pillowcases to sell. What isn't taken home by enthusiastic shoppers is donated to the food pantry to include in their Christmas baskets.

You would think that the first thing we noticed was all this gorgeousness around us, but the crowing of roosters distracted us. Those little guys were having a good old time running around potted plants, shrubs, and even cars!

They have a beautiful gift barn with unusual garden art.

Gorgeous architectural art on the inside of the barn.

Cute elf and fairy garden statues were nestled all over the yards.

So many flowers that I not familiar with. I know the name of this one starts with "holly" but the rest of it I can't remember. Wouldn't you think I would? But hey, I got the "holly" part!

I loved the deep purple of the leaves on this cheerful flower. Again, I don't remember the name! But I was excited to get to the antiques!

I am old enough to remember how cool these bikes were! To have a red, white, and blue one must have been extra cool!

More pretty flowers in the greenhouse.

Confetti-like hollyhocks ~ in pink!

This little kitty was the official greeter at the antiques section. I think she took her job very seriously but did take ear-scratching breaks.

This old fluffy dog did nothing but just lay around. She's move from one side of the path to the other (on stones no less) and enjoyed lots of love from the customers, but get up and do anything...nope not her!

Where to start, where to start??

The historical societies pillowcases were hung like colorful flags everywhere. And Poochie still didn't more.

And now my very favorite Shabby Chic booth!

Loving all this pinkness! How about the pink taffy too?

Love this vintage rose bathing cap. (Thinking of you Becky P.!) But I can't imagine pulling it over my hair. OUCH!

It's hard to believe but this wonderful greenhouse is so close to home yet I was completely unaware of it until I heard about the Antiques in the Yard. I look forward to shopping there in the future. You know I have to go back and visit that little kitty!

Lovin' My Pink Bush Rose!

2011-06-30T08:12:00.002-04:00

About this time last year I told you about my new bush rose. I'm enjoying it so much. It peeks out of the garden fence.

It's a constant burst of pink!

And I'm even willing to share it with the daddy long legs. But it really is wonderfully bug resistant.

I think I'm going have to have another one soon!

Vintage Rose Girl

2011-06-22T18:04:00.004-04:00

Vintage Lovers...we are a dedicated breed. We love to collect, we love to decorate, we love to talk about collecting and decorating...Doesn't matter what we collect, it expands and seeds another collection. For example, I collect vintage tablecloths, but don’t they just look wonderful with Fiestaware? So now I have to say I have a nice little collection of Fiesta. I also collect vintage powder compact…what came next? Vintage purses, vintage powder boxes, little vintage vanity items.

So where did this love of vintage come from? In my case, it probably first came from my grandmother (my dad’s mother). She was an avid collector and an antique dealer. I remember going with her on a few of her hunts when I was just a little girl. And mom most likely had a hand in it too. My mom can put a room together like no other. She can mix the old with the new and it will take your breath away. Her vignettes are amazing! She was Martha before Martha was Martha!

Now I may not be the collector or decorator my grandma was and my mother is, but I do have a deep love of vintage. Collecting to me is being able to hold and to touch a little piece of history. A connection to the women who have gone before me.

So this generational love of vintage, will it end with me? Yes. My beautiful daughters prefer a basketball to a vintage hanky, an IPod to a swan down powder puff. Nope, I did not pass the vintage gene to my girls. They are smart and fun and will blaze their own trail. I am grateful that they tolerate my “habit.”

So where am I going with this long story about collecting habits and genetics? Well, I think in the fast paced, changing world, vintage loving young ladies are rare. But I just happen to know one! Let me introduce you to Eliza.

Eliza is the daughter of my friend Tracie who I met though The Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club. She did inherit the vintage bug from her mom. (Although Tracie tells me her other daughter is not a vintage gal!)

Eliza has a love of girly vintage! (Oh be still my heart!) Her beautiful blog is Vintage Rose Girl. Visit her blog and you will see how Eliza intertwines vintage with the life of a modern day teen. She’s smart, talented, and oh so pretty too! Her blog is a reflection of the next generation of vintage lovers who will be the keepers our little piece of history!

Oh, and by the way…I still hold out a little – just a little – hope that someday one of my girls will get the vintage spark. If not, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a vintage loving daughter-in-law!

Visit Tracie at 3floridagirls on Etsy

Visit and follow Eliza’s blog at Vintage Rose Girl

Visit Tracie, me, and all the other members of The Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club

Weekend Finds ~ Wonderful Wilendurs!

2011-06-20T12:26:00.007-04:00

I'm always excited when I find vintage tablecloths during my weekend treasure hunt! But a stack of Wilendur just makes me plain giddy!

This pretty gingham was designed by a Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club member's father, John Madsen. The color is amazing. Unused condition. I gave it a little soak to remove the age yellowing. Isn't it just gorgeous? I can't wait to use it! Thank goodness for red and yellow post 86 Fiestaware. LOL!

While, this beauty is going to be added to my collection of Wilendurs, I picked up six more! So look for those soon at The Pink Rose Cottage! They are beauties too, just duplicates of some in my collection already.

If you are stopping over at The Pink Rose Cottage today (Monday), check out the items in the Monday Markdowns category. All items are 50% off. Lots of great vintage items left. And if you'd like advance notice of all our Monday Markdown sales, make sure you sign up for our newsletter email. You can find the link on the home page, bottom left.

Happy Monday my friends!
~Holly

Pink Iris

2011-06-09T13:06:00.004-04:00

This winter and spring has been a season of weird and wild weather. But my garden must have loved it! I can't remember the last time my pink iris have bloomed! I planted them over 20 years ago, moved them a half a dozen times. They are very particular and don't like change, so I figured they were gone. But SURPRISE! My beauties are back!

Magical Summer Reading...

2011-06-06T15:06:00.005-04:00

I love to read. A little mystery, a little history, a little romance...I love it! I never thought about adding a little magic to the mix. But I stumbled upon Sarah Addison Allen and I'm captivated!

Sarah has four books: Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased The Moon and The Peach Keeper. I've read the first three. Each has a main character who has a family with extraordinary secrets. The road to discovering these secrets is scattered with deep and unusual family history, a touch of romance, and dose of magic. Actual fairy tale magic! Magic is brought in to these stories in an accepting and factual way. The reader is so drawn into the lives of the main characters that these odd family traditions do not seem so unusual by the end of the book. Magic seems normal.

These mysterious and enchanting characters, artfully described small southern towns, and magical plots that are found in Sarah Addison Allen's books are wonderful summer getaway!

I truly felt a bit of sadness at the end of each book...Sad that it ended and couldn't go on and on...I try to wait patiently for my copy of The Peach Keeper to arrive and hope that more Sarah Allen's magical books are in the works.

The First

2011-06-05T20:38:00.001-04:00

The first rose in my garden this season...and it's PINK!

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-29T11:13:00.003-04:00

A salute to all the heroes who served to protect our country with pride. Because of them we can celebrate the freedoms they have brought us.

Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend.

~Holly

Happiness is....

2011-05-23T14:08:00.003-04:00

...a Wilendur Royal Rose vintage tablecloth drying on the laundry line next to the big guy's blue jeans.
...little surprises from last years hanging basket.

...oodles of lily of the valley.

...gardening help.

...a Mother's Day gift that keeps giving every year.

...a clean start.

May your day be blessed with much HAPPINESS!
~Holly

The Biggest Monday Markdown Ever!

2011-05-02T12:16:00.004-04:00

This is The Pink Rose Cottage's BIGGEST Monday Markdown EVER!

It's so big ~ 3 pages including 60 items, most marked down 50% or more ~ that it's been extended through Wednesday!

Here are just a few of the items included. Shop early for the best selection!

The Last Teacup Tuesdays Giveaway

2011-04-26T01:51:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe but April is almost over! And we're down to our last Teacup Tuesdays Giveaway. The drawing is this evening, so it's not too late to enter. Visit our Teacup Tuesdays page at The Pink Rose Cottage for details.

Easter Blessings

2011-04-23T13:47:00.001-04:00

Wishing you a very happy and blessed Easter!

~Holly

My Blue & White Bathroom Redo

2011-04-16T21:31:00.006-04:00

In the past few days I’ve received two of my favorite magazines. Country Living and Victoria. The theme ~ Blue & White. Then I remember I never shared my bathroom redo! (Funny how my mind works like that.)

Now, I’m not a blue and white girl. It’s PINK PINK PINK all the way. But I picked up this vintage ceiling shade and fell in love. It became my inspiration piece.

So off to Lowes for matching paint and white wainscoting. Here’s how it all turned out:

The vintage mirror and shelf are garage sale finds. I love that the mirror is cloudy! My daughter is afraid that guests will think we don’t clean it, but to me it’s just delightful (translation – hides wrinkles).

I love the sleek look of my new pedestal sink. We were able to keep the existing floor. We had exactly 4 tiles left in our attic from when the original owners did their redo. We knew it was going to be close. Maybe if we were lucky four would work. I found a wonderful handy man and he did an excellent job. Used every inch of the four tiles and saved me from having to buy new flooring. Phew!

Because I went from a cabinet to pedestal sink I was losing a lot of important storage. Remember my pie/cake carrier find? Well, it’s the perfect size to store extra rolls of toilet paper and clean hand towels. And the color is a wonderful match too!

Next to the sink I reused my previous little shelf-towel rack combo, painted white to match the wainscoting. The vintage bluebird print was a favorite find from an antique show. And I found the little bird figurines at Michaels.

On the shelf above the toilet I put vintage powder tins and other vintage vanity items. And I had to add a splash of pink with my art deco lady figurines.

I couldn’t leave the back of the toilet unfinished. So a vintage silver and glass dish holds silver compacts and perfumes. Another dash of pink from the flowers pulled together in an old silver creamer.

On the other wall I put an antique frame painted white. I hung all my vintage silver powder compacts with ring loops in the frame. Found a little porcelain shelf for a silver purse compact.

I still have a lot of room on that wall and I’m looking for a yard long. Hopefully one with white roses or bluebirds. Both together would be fabulous!

Across from the toilet I still have a blank palette. I’m sure to find the perfect piece during one of my treasure hunts!

My little 5’ by 5’ guest bathroom really has come along way hasn’t it? We are tackling the kitchen next. I'm tired already! LOL!

BEFORE:

Now I’m off to enjoy a cup of tea and read my magazines. I just love when an new magazine arrives in the mail, don’t you?

Congratulations to this weeks Teacup Tuesdays Giveaway winner!

2011-04-14T13:16:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to
Jeannie H
Longview Texas!

Teacup Tuesday's is only half over so there is still plenty of time to enter. Visit the Teacup Tuesdays page at The Pink Rose Cottage for details.

Next week's Teacup Tuesdays prize

Teacup Tuesday Drawing Today!

2011-04-12T09:08:00.002-04:00

Don't miss your chance to win this gorgeous teacup! You'll find details on how to enter at The Pink Rose Cottage on the Teacup Tuesdays page.

A teacup giveaway every Tuesday in April!

Cheerful Spring Table Setting

2011-04-11T09:18:00.005-04:00

I recently hosted my mothers card club for a light lunch and a game of canasta. I wanted a cheerful table. And as you all know I have hundreds of vintage tablecloths, but surprisingly it wasn't hard to choose which one to use. We've had a long dark winter and no spring as of yet, so I just had to pick this gorgeous vintage Wilendur tablecloth and napkins. It just sings spring with the daffodils and hyacinths!

I severed chicken salad on croissants. I wish I could take credit for their deliciousness, but my mom makes THE BEST chicken salad and Sam's Club makes a pretty great croissant!

My depression glass dishes are a reproduction of the Madrid pattern. A gift to me from my Grandmother and Great Aunt. The were wonderful birthday and Christmas presents! They may not be actual depression glass, but they are officially vintage now! I received them well before meeting my husband.

I used my Great Aunt's silverware. They are a bit art deco and go well with the Madrid pattern.

During a recent treasure hunt I found these sweet vintage silver plated serving fork and spoon. They were made by Rogers Bros - in what else? The Daffodil pattern!

I adore how they go with my Wilendur tablecloth. I just love the little extra, don't you?

*******
Please don't forget about Teacup Tuesdays at The Pink Rose Cottage! Another beautiful teacup, teaspoon, and an assortment of teas will be given away again tomorrow.

I'd love for you to spread the word about Teacup Tuesdays. If you share this giveaway on your blog, website or Facebook, please let me know. As a Thank You, I'll give you another entry! At the time of this posting there are 3 more teacup left to giveaway!

If you haven't checked out today's Monday Markdowns, please do! I've reduced some lovely vintage linens for today. Monday Markdowns are another great reason to subscribe to The Pink Rose Cottage newsletter. As a subscriber you will receive advance notice of this sale and new items, just to name a few benefits!

Hope you all have a lovely week! And may all "the little extras" make you smile!
~Holly

Our First Teacup Tuesday Winner!

2011-04-06T07:46:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to our first Teacup Tuesdays winner!

D. Jean Q.
Glendale AZ

There will be three more winners this April. If you haven't entered, please visit The Pink Rose Cottage. You will find information for entering on the Teacup Tuesdays page.

Several new teacups were added on Tuesday. Here are a few of the beauties!

Royal Albert Teacup from the Traditional British Song Series

Sweet Cottage Pink Roses Teacup

Elegant Collinwoods Chelsea Pink Roses Teacup

More beautiful teacups, silver, and other pretties for you in the Tea Time category.

A lot more items coming soon to The Pink Rose Cottage. Unfortunately, it has been very dark and dreary here making it difficult to take pictures. But I'm plugging away and hope to bring you new treats almost everyday!

Have a happy day!
~Holly

Announcing Teacup Tuesdays!

2011-04-03T19:13:00.004-04:00

I'm so please to announce Teacup Tuesdays at The Pink Rose Cottage! Every Tuesday in April we are giving away a beautiful teacup to a lucky newsletter recipient or blog reader. See the Teacup Tuesdays page for details!

A Special Monday Markdown!

2011-03-28T08:14:00.002-04:00

Today only
20% off your entire order from
The Pink Rose Cottage

Enter coupon code
"MondayMarkdown3-28"
at checkout

Due to family obligations, orders placed this week will be shipped Friday, April 1, 2011. If you need your item sooner, please contact me. I'll do my best to get it shipped as soon as possible.

Happy Spring!
~Holly

News at The Pink Rose Cottage!!

2011-03-21T10:28:00.005-04:00

The Pink Rose Cottage is pleased to announce that you may now shop directly from our Facebook page! Click on "Shop" at the left of the page. Just like our webstore, the newest items appear first.

MWT Vintage Tablecloth Now Available

While on The Pink Rose Cottage Facebook page, you can also sign up for our newsletter. You will be among the first to know of newly listed items, sales, and of course our Monday Markdowns!

Today is Monday Markdown. Come check it out!

Thank you for visiting
The Pink Rose Cottage!

My Little Greenhouse

2011-03-18T17:52:00.007-04:00

I purchased this sweet little greenhouse years ago at Big Lots. It's one of my favorite purchases. I can use it for display or as I'm doing now, use it as a greenhouse.

Egg shells are the perfect way to start seeds. Not only are the shells cute, they can be planted right in the ground and are great for the soil.

So I can tell my sweet pea colors apart and my lupine from the sweet peas I made little flags. I'm not a "crafty" person, but this was so easy! I coated them with sparkling Mod Podge to keep them from getting soggy. And well, the sparkle part was just for me! Cuz what girl doesn't like a little sparkle?

I added a little bluebird figurine to watch over the eggs and now I'm just waiting for them to sprout!

Tea Time

2011-02-16T09:42:00.003-05:00

It's a busy time at The Pink Rose Cottage. But I'll be taking some time for tea. Teacups and saucers that is! I've recently purchased a few collections of teacups and saucers, some with luncheon plates. The picture shows just a small part of the collections. I still have boxes to process! Not to mention gorgeous silver and stunning linens! (Thank goodness basketball season is almost over and I'll have my helper back!)

So stop by often. A lot of new items will be added over the next few weeks. If there is anything special you are looking for, just let me know. I might just have it and would be happy to make it available to you!

Ah...Now for a cup of tea...

Valentines Day Powder Compact

2011-02-14T08:58:00.003-05:00

Here is one of my little Valentines treasures....

A vintage powder compact by Stratton of England.

I shared a few other Valentine compacts a few years ago. You can view them here.

Happy Valentines Day!

It's amazing what a little sunshine can do!

2011-01-30T10:27:00.004-05:00

I spend my winters longing for spring. Once Christmas is over, the snow can go! The darkness, the cold, the piles upon piles of snow...It's just depressing! But today came a welcome surprise! SUNSHINE!!!

So I decided to go along with the ol' coonhound and see how the backyard fared so far this winter.

Normally a gorgeous pink, the coneflowers are wearing a snow hat.

The hydrangea look like wanna-be snowballs.

The winter hanging basket let Nature add her own decorations of icicles and sparkle.

While I still long for the springs green grass, colorful flowers, and warmer breezes, today I found some beauty in winter. And for today, I promise not to complain once about the cold!

Sunny, however, makes no such promises!

Friday is a busy day!

2011-01-27T18:38:00.004-05:00

Friday is a busy day, but busy fun! The Pink Rose Cottage will be participating in two big events!

This is the last week of Winter Romance at Make Mine Pink. So I've added some new vintage romantic items. Visit my Pink Friday category.

Also happening this Friday is the French Cupboard's Valentine Blog Party. I know the icon says handmade, but it's vintage too! So if you love vintage like I do, please check it out!

Happy Friday!

A "New" Vintage Treasure ~ Enamelware Pie Carrier

2011-01-24T11:48:00.004-05:00

Have you ever walked into an antique store and a piece "spoke to you"? Something you don't usually collect or even consider buying? That's what happened to me last week at the Salamanca Antique Mall. I usually look for vintage tablecloths, powder compacts, silver, jewelry....but I walked by this vintage pie carrier sitting on an old table in a booth and did a double take.

The shape, the shade of blue, and the GORGEOUS bachelor button flowers....WOW! I had never seen another one like it. I walked past it...but only for a minute or two. I turned around and grabbed it!

I've tried to research it, but no luck. I do believe it's European. It will hold a nice large pie or a small cake.

It's vented in the back.

Has a place for a lock. If I can find I pretty old one, I may just have to use it to keep my son from eating an entire apple pie by himself!

Thinking Spring

2011-01-16T19:44:00.003-05:00

Since the holidays are done and gone, spring has been on my mind. I'm looking forward to warm weather, green grass, and crisp breezes that bring in newly bloomed flower scents.

Here are a few items I've listed at The Pink Rose Cottage that remind me of spring:

~These gorgeous Lily of the Valley pieces are listed separately. Beautiful English china. They would look great mixed with green depression glass or violet china pieces. So very spring!~

~This antique plate boast stunning soft pink roses.~

I'm really getting ahead of myself on this one....
~Silver plated ice tea spoons. Perfect to use on that first day when you feel the warm sunshine on your face.~

~Hand painted pink rose milk glass plate. So cottage chic!~

Find these ~SPRING-Y~ items and more at The Pink Rose Cottage!

And while you are visiting, make sure you stop over to the Monday Markdown section. This is where select items are marked down for Monday only. Once Monday is over any items left are back to full price. If you want to have advanced notice of this sale, please go The Pink Rose Cottage home page, scroll down to the bottom on the left and add your name to the email list. You will be notified Sunday when the markdowns are activated giving you first chance at a treasure!

Stay warm my friends...And think SPRING!

What do you do....

2011-01-12T19:51:00.004-05:00

if it's ~oh so cold~ and very dark and dreay....
When all you want to do is sit in the sun...

...and enjoy your backyard?

Well...If you are a Redbone Coonhound, you nap in front of the fire and dream of spring flowers, warmer days, and chasing kitties!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T20:17:00.003-05:00

Beauty..
Freshness..
Dreams..
Truth..
Imagination..
Feeling..
Faith..
Trust..
This is beginning of a New Year!

Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
~Holly
The Pink Rose Cottage

2010-12-22T13:21:00.000-05:00

May beautiful moments and happy memories
surround you with joy this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

~Holly

25% Off Your Entire Order

2010-12-17T15:34:00.004-05:00

Shop The Pink Rose Cottage
and
receive 25% off your entire order

Now though December 18, 2010.

Use coupon code
"JingleBells"
at the
Checkout

Sorry, offer not valid on previous purchases.
Your order will be shipped promptly, but I cannot guarantee delivery for Christmas.

Christmas Tea

2010-12-03T15:57:00.004-05:00

Share the warmth of a cozy cup of tea this Christmas! Beautiful teacups make a wonderful teachers gift or a little something extra between best friends.

Add a silver teaspoon, gourmet teabags, decorated sugar cubes, or linen tea napkins to enhance your gift.

For all your warm gift giving needs visit The Pink Rose Cottage.

We have a large selection of beautiful teacups in stunning designs and colors. Sure to please! You can find them in our Tea Time category.

Elegant silver plated teaspoons are now available for purchase individually to accommodate your gift-giving needs. Please visit our Shabby and Shiny Silver category.

Thank you to Joy of Cupids Charm!

2010-11-29T15:41:00.005-05:00

I'm so lucky to have won this stunning Marie Antoinette soldered charm bracelet!

The charms are beautiful and detailed on both sides.

Sparkling beads, crystals, and pearls!

I've been a big fan of Cupids Charm for years. It's one of my favorites sites to shop! Joy is a true artist and a very sweet lady!

Please visit Joy at Cupids Charms and at her blog Notes From A Charmed Life.

Thank you Joy!

Cyber Monday Markdowns!

2010-11-29T08:50:00.003-05:00

Our biggest Monday Markdowns ever!

Savings in almost every category.

Shop early for the best selection!

Thank you for visiting The Pink Rose Cottage!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T09:59:00.000-05:00

A very Happy Thanksgiving!

Deals and Steals at Monday Markdowns!

2010-11-22T08:51:00.002-05:00

Monday Markdowns

at

The Pink Rose Cottage

These markdowns are good today only! Shop now so you don't miss a deal!

New Items!

2010-11-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

Lots of new items have arrived at The Pink Rose Cottage with more to come! Silver serving pieces just in time for your holiday entertaining. Sweet vintage Christmas items, teacups and so much more!

Monday Markdowns is Back!

2010-11-15T06:55:00.004-05:00

Monday Markdowns
at
The Pink Rose Cottage
is back!

Just in time to do your Christmas shopping!

But hurry, this sale is for today only!

Antiquing on Our Way to the Country Living Fair in Ohio

2010-11-13T18:01:00.009-05:00

Our trip to the County Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio was a dream~come~true for me! I had my husband all to myself and a weekend full of antiquing and shopping!

We left early Thursday morning and stopped at all the little towns between home and Columbus. We stopped at a few small antique stores. They were lovely and inviting but the ones that really had my heart going were the BIG antique malls! We don't have anything like that in our area so it was a real treat for me!

First we stopped at the Medina Antique Mall. Honestly when I saw it from the outside it didn't look like much. But walking in the door I was pleasantly surprised! It was gorgeous! Tons and tons of all sorts of antiques. So many lovely vintage vanity items. A lot of high end antiques too.

I love things still in the original packaging and this old store Fairy Soap display just tickled me!

It's amazing that all the soaps are still there, unsold.

How about this Jergens Gift of Beauty? Wouldn't you just have loved to open this gift on Christmas morning?

I learned a BIG lesson this day in Medina ~ No high heals while antiquing in malls! Cuz when they say "big antique mall" they ain't kiddin'! But despite my throbbing feet we had a great time. Not too many linens in this mall, but I found enough other goodies to keep me happy.

The next day was the Country Living Fair. After we finished shopping there, we headed over to Heritage Square Antique Mall. This was close to our hotel and they were open a little later then most of the shops which was nice. This was another big antique mall, but it had a lot of homey items which I love. Lots of linens, tea sets, kitchen items. There was a lot of WWII memorabilia. My husband really enjoyed that. (They also had two display cases of KKK items. Just down right creepy and in my opinion, shouldn't be sold. That's something for a museum.)

All and all, I just LOVED this mall! The prices were reasonable and the displays very sweet!

This was all one booth. The vendor did a wonderful job displaying her kitchen items by color.

You know the pink was my favorite!

The blue and the turquoise was so charming as well.

She even managed to make that old 1960's avocado green look wonderful!

The black, red, and white was very striking.

A nice display of Post 86 Fiestaware. My husband was in Fiesta Heaven!

A few beautiful shabby chic booths too.

I managed to leave this mall with three big boxes of goodies!

The next day we were planning on taking a quick trip to The Heart of Ohio Antique Center. There were two seminars at the Country Living Fair I wanted to attend and they were in the afternoon. So I figured I had enough time to breeze though this mall. Well....they don't call it "America's Biggest and Best" for nothing! This place was HUGE! 116,000 square feet! I didn't even try to take pictures here. Not too many linens to be had. I did get a 1965 Worlds Fair tablecloth still in the bag.

And this bridal bouquet vintage tablecloth. It's it gorgeous?

I did some Christmas shopping here too. It was really something to see. A beautiful lounge for those who don't like to antique for long...a huge area with reference books and display supplies, and a little snack bar with home made pie.

The one thing I remember the most about HoO is the Fenton. I've never seen so much Fenton in one place before! Not even when we visited the Fenton Factory Store! If you are a Fenton collector, this place is for you.

It took us about 4 hours to go through the entire mall. And we went at a quick pace! I was exhausted after this and we didn't make it back in time for the Country Living seminars.

I highly recommend all three of these malls. Maybe I'm easily impressed as we only have little shops in our area. But to see so much and such a variety in one place is amazing! The down side is most items are in cases and you have to wait for an attendant to open it to let you look. But we were able to see things we've never seen in person before.

Well that's it for a our little trip! We had a fabulous time and I look forward do doing it again!

Six Things that I Wish Society Knew about Diabetes by Kerri Sparling

2010-11-10T20:02:00.003-05:00

Those of you who have followed my blog know I occasionally (maybe too much) like to use my blog to educate people about Type 1 Diabetes. My daughter was diagnosed with this disease on January 22, 2007 when she was 12 years old. It's a day none in our family will ever forget.

With November being Diabetes Month, a lot of the internet world is coming together to spread the word. My very favorite Type 1 Diabetes blog is Six Until Me by Kerri Sparling.

I've never met Kerri, but she's helped me look past the disease and see that a person can have a wonderful, exciting, and happy life despite all that is involved managing this beast. Kerri makes me laugh, cry, and hope. She has a beautiful new baby girl, handsome husband, and some super cute kitties. Kerri has THE BEST sense of humor that is a wonderful addition to her talent as a writer. I found Kerri's blog soon after Corrinne's diagnosis. Over these past few years Kerri put into the words things I've thought or felt but could not articulate. So I'm copying one of her recent posts that reflects my thoughts on what I wish society knew about Type 1 diabetes.

(I apologize to Kerri. I wanted to make a direct link to this exact post but was unable to do so.)

Thank you Kerri!

D-Blog Day: Six Things on SixUntilMe.

D-Blog Day 2010: SUM EditionIt's Diabetes Month. And it's D-Blog Day (thanks, Gina!). This year, the online collective is talking about the six things they wish people knew about diabetes. I know we, as part of this community, know an awful lot, but I wanted to write this for the people who might just stumble onto this post arbitrarily. Because we talk a lot to one another within our community, but we need to bring awareness outside of this bubble.

Here are my six things that I wish society knew about diabetes:

There is more than one kind of diabetes. This isn't a knock on my type 2 and gestational diabetes friends, but definitely a knock on society's perceptions at large. People have one musty, old perception of what diabetes looks like, and it's always someone older, heavier, and lazy. Wouldn't they be surprised to meet our fit type 2 friends, or the 20 year old gestational diabetic? Or a "juvenile diabetic" who isn't eight years old? Diabetes doesn't have "a look." This disease does not discriminate.

Diabetes affects more than just the person playing host to it. I am the one wearing and insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor, and actually feeling these blood sugar highs and lows. But I'm not the only one affected by diabetes. My parents had to care for me when I was young, acting as my pancreas. My friends have been affected by my lows and highs while we're hanging out, sometimes forced to jump the bar and accost the bartender for orange juice. (True story.) And my husband has taken on this disease as his own as best he can, making it such an integrated part of our life together that I don't feel alone. Diabetes isn't just mine. It belongs to everyone who cares about me.

Diabetes isn't just a physiological disease. It's an emotional one, too. It's not just a question of blood sugar levels and insulin supplementation. It's about managing the emotions that come as part of life with a chronic illness. It's about the guilt of complications. The pressure to control an uncontrollable disease. The hope that tomorrow will come without incident. I feel that the emotional aspects of diabetes need to be attended to with the same care and diligence as an A1C level. Maybe more so, because life needs to be happy, whether it's a short life or a very long one.

Diabetes isn't easy. We just make it look that way sometimes. Some of the perceptions that the general public has is that diabetes is easy to handle. "You just wear the pump, test your blood sugar, and watch your diet and you'll be fine, right?" Wrong. You can do the exact same thing every day and still see varying diabetes outcomes. It's never all figured out. Diabetes is a daily dance of numbers and emotions and even though we, as a community, make it look easy sometimes, it sure isn't.

No diabetes is the same. Even within a community of diabetics, there are still widely varying ways of treating diabetes and even more ways of dealing with the emotional aspects. There's no winning combination and no "right" way to deal with this disease. Being on a pump means you use a pump to infuse your insulin - this doesn't necessarily mean you are taking better care of yourself than the person who opts for injections. Low-carb doesn't work for everyone, and neither do certain medications. Your diabetes may vary (thanks, Bennet), and what works for you may not work for everyone. It's important to remember that this disease doesn't have a predictable path, so there are plenty of "right' ways to handle it.

Just because we don't look sick doesn't mean we don't deserve a cure. That statement sums it up for me. We might make it look easy, but it isn't. There's no rhyme or reason to this disease, and even with the best care and the best intentions, complications can sometimes still come calling. And their effects are devastating. Diabetes, of all kinds, deserves a cure. No one asked for any of this. We deserve better than society thinking that diabetes isn't worth their attention. We deserve a cure.

Happy D-Blog Day to my fellow PWDs and caregivers. You guys make this whole mess so much easier to deal with. Thanks for being there!

Thank You to Alexa of The Swallow's Tale!

2010-11-08T08:03:00.003-05:00

I'm very excited to have won this gorgeous necklace from Alexa at The Swallow's Tale. It's called "The Power of a Little Bee."

Isn't it the sweetest! I just love it and have the perfect sweater to wear it with! Thank you Alexa!

Please visit Alexa at The Swallow's Tale. I know you will enjoy her GORGEOUS hand made jewelry! You will want to do some Christmas shopping. And while you are there, sign up for her newsletter. That's how I won!

More on the Country Living Fair 2010

2010-11-03T13:15:00.015-04:00

It's November...I wouldn't believe it if it wasn't so cold outside! It's been since the beginning of October that I started blogging about my trip to the Country Living Fair in Columbus Ohio. The trip was so fun, it's still worth talking about!

If you remember I mentioned meeting two nice ladies at the hotel. It was really fortunate for us because they gave us directions to the area where a lot of the antique booths were concentrated. So we were able to go there first. I think I completely cleaned out one booth from all their vintage linens!

I loved this tower of vintage luggage. What a cute display and wonderful storage!

Terrific architectural pieces perfect to use inside and out.

I just adore old vintage silver!

Tons of great kitchen items.

These large green jars are just fabulous!

This quaint and homey booth reminded me of grandma's farmhouse.

Here are a few things most people don't blog about when talking about a fair. But it part of the experience!

They had a few vendor booths. We got some yummy Smuckers sugar-free jelly, hand lotion, eye drops, and my favorite ~ Gorilla Glue! I was also excited about the Country Living cosmetic bag. I had to fill out a short questionnaire to receive it, but it was not a big deal and I always need a makeup bag!

I think the best was the doggie dish. Not because dear Sunny needs a new dish, but because Iams donated a $1.00 to an animal shelter for each coupon turned in at their booth. We got the coupons in our entrance packets. And EVERYONE was turning them in. Lots of animal lovers at the Country Living Fair!

Would I go again? ABSOLUTELY! I was able to shop the fair in one day. But missed a few seminars because we got caught up shopping at the antique malls (I'll post about them soon). So next time, I'm planning on staying another day. Between the Fair and the local antiques, I was in Vintage Heaven!

Country Living Fair, Columbus Ohio ~ juNxtaposition

2010-10-23T17:04:00.010-04:00

Jeanne from juNxtaposition is a fellow French Cupboard member and it was such a pleasure to meet her! Not only is she a nice lady, she's a super artist. I just LOVE the typewriter key jewelry and took quite a bit home for me and my daughters!

As you can see her booth was very popular!

I've been wanting one of these bracelets for a long time and finally treated myself to one. I think I've worn it almost everyday since the fair!
Also had to have one of the silverware handle necklaces. Mine says "Dream."
More of Jeanne's wonderful repurposed items!

Jeanne also has old key necklaces. I got one with a pearl for my other daughter, an initial typewriter key necklace for me and my younger daughter along with a ring and a few other things! I could have spent hours at this booth! Each piece of jewelry is just a little bit different. It was so much fun looking at everything!

You can visit Jeanne at juNtaxposition and at her blog.

Featured at The Old Painted Cottage!

2010-10-18T08:32:00.005-04:00

Thank you to Jennifer from The Old Painted Cottage! Jennifer recently featured The Pink Rose Cottage and The Vintage Tablecloth Lovers Club on her blog.

If you haven't visited Jennifer's blog before you are in for at treat! Her Cottage of the Month series is an inspiration to those of us who love the cottage look!

I'd be honored if you'd pop on over and read the feature "Holly from The Pink Rose Cottage."

Country Living Fair ~ Urban Farmhouse

2010-10-16T18:25:00.008-04:00

I'm a little late on my posts from the Country Living Fair 2010 in Columbus Ohio. But it's still worth sharing!

I wish we could have taken photos of each and every booth. But between my purchases and the crowds, we just couldn't. Most of what I'm sharing was early on in the day.

Have you ever gone to shop or antique store and walked in and thought "Wow! I could just move right in!"? That's how I felt about the Urban Farmhouse booth!

I spent a lot of time here! I purchased some vintage silver and a large shabby green basket. After the holidays I'm going to have an arrangement made in it for my fireplace hearth. I'll show you then!

Urban Farmhouse has a beautiful website. You can visit them there!

I have a few more interesting booths I'd like to share and then our trip to the amazingly HUGE antique malls! So please stop back. You can sign up on the right of this blog for email notifications of new posts.

Until next time...HAPPY AUTUMN!

Country Living Fair 2010 ~ Earth Angels

2010-10-05T11:48:00.007-04:00

As promised...a little bit more about the Country Living Fair in Columbus Ohio, 2010!

I can honestly say I enjoyed every booth at the fair. Such a eye-catching displays with wonderful items!

The Earth Angels booth had to be the biggest tent at that fair. If you love whimsy this is the place you wanted to be! As you can see, it was quite popular!

Colorful artwork.

Wonderfully repurposed vintage items. So much that my husband and I couldn't take pictures of it all. There was beautifully recycled jewelry that made my heart go pitter-patter, sweet figurines, so much!

Also housed under this tent was the author of "Collecting Handkerchiefs," Rosanna Mihalick. As a linen lover and a hanky collector it was so exciting to meet her. She had the best whimsical collection of handkerchiefs that I've ever seen in one place. All for sale along with some great States hankies.

In addition to her amazing hankies, Rosanna also had gorgeous vintage quilts to sell.

Rosanna gave a workshop on Saturday "Living with and Loving Antique Linens." My biggest regret of my trip was missing this seminar! Our plan was to shop the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall in the morning and make it back to the fair in time. Unfortunately I got completely side tracked at the mall (the size is amazing - more on that to come!) I'm so hoping she'll be speaking next year. I'm scheduling in an extra day!

I have more to share so please stop back!

Homecoming 2010

2010-10-02T20:29:00.004-04:00

How time flies...my youngest daughter is a junior in high school. Tonight she is attending the homecoming dance.

Her dress is her favorite color, PURPLE! And she's wearing all vintage rhinestone jewelry.

I think it's so sweet that her date is also wearing purple to match her dress. (Sure beats those pastel tuxes with ruffled shirts to match the dresses from back in my day!)
A wrist corsage never goes out of style!

I can't wait to hear all about her night!

Sisters on the Fly at the Country Living Fair

2010-09-29T17:59:00.004-04:00

Believe it or not the very first thing I notice was this WONDERFUL vintage PINK bike. Probably because I've been wanting an old fashioned coaster bike in pink for ages! (I guess my dusty mountain bike hanging untouched for years from the garage ceiling is a sign of old age.) This one would be so fun to ride or just display in the yard!

And then I noticed the trailer!! Oh my!! How cute is that? Cute enough to almost get me camping!

And then I peeked inside. Oh yeah...I'd camp in this beauty for sure!!!
Okay, I'll be honest, I'd park this darling in my backyard and stock it with a bottle of wine, a stack of Romantic Homes magazines, and a few cheesy romance novels. The potty and a shower would be just across the yard.
I may not be as adventurous as the Sisters on the Fly, but I sure do like their style!

Visit Sisters on the Fly website and check out their book!

Country Living Fair, Columbus Ohio, 2010

2010-09-27T13:40:00.015-04:00

My husband and I spent this past weekend attending the Country Living Fair and antiquing in Ohio. We had a terrific time! The Country Living Fair surpassed my expatiations! And the antiquing in Ohio is just amazing. Nothing like it in my home area so it was a great new experience for me.

I’d love to share our little trip with you. Today I’ll tell you a little about the fair and in the next week or two I’ll tell you about a few different vendors that stood out for me. So please check back. (You can sign up for new posts notifications to the right.)

This is the first time my hubby and I left the kids without one of us…ever! Even though they are teenagers, it was a big deal for me. Thanks to my parents (who I am so very grateful for) the kids were just fine and mostly well behaved. My parents also took good care of my doggie, who was not so well behaved, but grandma and grandpa put up with her anyhow!

We left early Thursday and drove to Ohio, and did some antiquing. I’ll tell all about it at another time…but for now…the Country Living Fair!

Friday morning in the hotel breakfast room we met two delightful ladies from Pittsburgh who were attending for the second year. Their enthusiasm was contagious! So by the time we arrived I was full of energy and ready too go!

We purchased early bird tickets which worked out great. We got fantastic parking (hubby made 5 trips back to the car to drop off my loot!). We had to wait in line about 40 minutes which was fun. We enjoyed talking to the people around us.

The venue for the fair was a perfect match! Just beautiful! Tons of country charm!

When the gates opened and the first thing I did was renew my subscription to Country Living magazine for only $5.00. Hey, I love a bargain! They were also selling terrific tote bags. The were gorgeous! I regret not buying one, but I had several with me. (Next time for sure!)

It really was nice having early bird tickets. Since I’m an antiquer, I buy mostly one of a kind items so shopping before the huge crowd is better for me. Thanks to the ladies from Pittsburgh we knew where the majority of the antique vendors were located and headed there first. I found some great vintage tablecloths and vintage tea towels.

This is me in my element ~ Digging for linen treasures!

I went head-over-heels for these pumpkins! Can you imagine the amount of time it took to add each one of those rhinestones? I brought home a lot of Halloween and fall items from this booth!

Starting to get crowded...and HOT! But everyone is so nice and polite. No grouches here! LOL!

Another great pile of linens to dive into!

The fair had a nice variety of items and styles.

Cute Halloween display.

I loved all the different kinds of jewelry.

How cute are these?

This is just a SMALL sampling of the fair. If anyone recognizes any of the booths or artists, please let me know and I will add their name to the photo. There was just too many for me to keep track!

My vintage linen treasures found at The Country Living Fair!

Please stop back. I'll share more very soon!

See What's New at The Pink Rose Cottage!

2010-09-19T18:30:00.002-04:00

Please visit The Pink Rose Cottage!

If you need a closer look at an item, the pictures on the website click to enlarge. And you can open more then one at a time for a side by side view!

Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale

2010-09-12T16:26:00.013-04:00

Our annual neighborhood garage sale was this past weekend. The neighborhood association has been sponsoring this sale the first Saturday after Labor Day since the early 1970's and it really has become a tradition. We had one lady tell us that she plans her trips home from North Carolina around this weekend so she doesn't miss the sale.

This year we had 5 different people driving golf carts to do their shopping (we are not within a golfing community.) And even had one family come on a small yard tractor pulling a trailer full of people stopping at each sale!

An Amish family rented a space across the street in our neighbors front lawn to sell homemade baked goods and jellies. The cost of rent they were charged - one cherry pie. LOL. Oh my their creamed filled doughnuts were out of this world and worth the extra work I'll need to do at the gym this week!

I didn't participate by selling my own things, but did help out my parents who are downsizing. Oh what a load of goodies they had! Here are a few pictures taken before we got too busy.

It was nice to visit with neighbors and meet a lot of people. We had a fun but exhausting few days!

I Was Only Stopping For Tomatoes...

2010-09-04T16:43:00.011-04:00

I've been craving fresh salsa and decided that I would try my hand at making some. So I found an easy recipe online and made the quick trip to my very favorite farmers market, Dudas. Kept telling myself, you only need tomatoes...but how could I resist?? They always have the most beautiful homegrown bouquets of flowers.Gorgeous sunflowers....

The best assortment of colors....

It wasn't easy, but here is the the one I chose. Love the pinks, but I think next time I'll pick one with some rust and orange in the bouquet. I'll have to look over my vintage tablecloths to find a nice almost-autumn cloth to coordinate it with!

The salsa turned out pretty good too!

Happy last weekend of the summer my friends!

New Items!

2010-08-30T13:49:00.003-04:00

See these and other new items at
The Pink Rose Cottage!

It's a Busy Friday!

2010-08-27T07:47:00.007-04:00

It's a busy but fun day at The Pink Rose Cottage!! We are participating in two great shopping events.

First is a Paperie Party sponsored by The French Cupboard. You'll find lots of vintage paper items and paper artwork.

And as always, we are pleased to be part of Make Mine Pink's Shopping with a Twist Pink Friday. Shopping this week is for the birds! It's "Birds of a Feather" all day today!

Hope you find lots of treasures!

Sweet Bedroom Redo!

2010-08-25T11:22:00.010-04:00

We finally finished one of our big summer projects - an almost complete redo of my middle daughters room. She's a purple girl as you can see, so she picked many hues and shades of purple to work with.

We kept the furniture that she already had. Still need a picture or art work over the tall dresser. We haven't found something that says "WOW" yet. But we will!

The headboard is new. She loves to read and needed more space for all her books. And this keeps them handy for her. (And it's a nice area to keep her diabetes supplies handy too! ~mom's always thinkin'~)

My husband did the new shelving in her closets. It's so nice and organized, I'm motivated to do our closet now.

The artwork she choose for over the bed surprised me. It's got a modern flare, but I just love it. Perfect for the young woman she's become!

It turned out so inviting, light, and relaxing. We are all very pleased with it. I love walking by her room and just looking at it!

Now on to the next project....the bathroom we started months ago!

Her Turn

2010-08-16T09:35:00.004-04:00

Her Turn
By Linda Ellis

Carefree and independent,
I kissed them both goodbye
the day I left my parents' home
and got my wings to fly.

Now my own daughter has shown me
just how deep their feelings were,
as those invisible wings of freedom
were, today passed on to her.

When it's time, a mother eagle
gives her young a gentle shove
to push him from the nest,
though she does this out of love.

But I am not an eagle,
nor do I possess her will
and there's a void inside my heart,
I don't know how I'm going to fill.

Though, I know this was inevitable;
children grow, it's what they do
and growing up, means growing apart
and growing away from you.

I was given the most precious gift
when I held my newborn daughter
and I only pray now she remembers
most of everything I've taught her.

I peered out each window from the house
where she played and laughed and grew
and everywhere I looked, I saw
the little girl I knew.

When she started kindergarten,
that's where we met the bus that day.
I stood bewildered in the street
as I watched it drive away.

I took her picture by those Azaleas
in a dress of pretty lace,
with a little chocolate bunny left
on her hands and on her face.

There's the spot where she rode by
with only the wind at her heels,
peddling her wobbly little bike
when we removed her training wheels.

These memories may be beautiful,
but they still cut me like a knife,
as I sit alone here and remember
how much she's brightened up my life.

Now everything has changed here
in just one dusk.and one dawn
and I'm trying my best to comprehend
how 20 years have come and gone.

But, it's her turn to face the world
just the same as it was mine;
it's her turn to laugh and love
and it's her turn to shine!

But I beg you, world, be kind to her
and easy with her heart,
let her quickly learn the lessons
from the wisdoms you'll impart.

Let her heart remain unbroken,
and her humor never fail,
let each untruth that will befall her
quickly be unveiled.

Let her realize there's a blessing
in everything she'll live and learn
as she spreads her wings and flies,
because, world, it's her turn.

Copyright 2010
Linda Ellis
www.lindaellis.net

I'm so proud of you Amanda!
I love you so much!

Today's Fun Find!

2010-08-13T12:52:00.003-04:00

This is my very favorite find today! My oldest is leaving for Penn State (Behrend Campus) soon and I was lucky to find these fabulous PSU drinking glasses. Perfect for the her dorm! Or maybe she'll let mom keep them so I can think about her when I use them. Like I wouldn't be thinking about her anyhow!

Happy Weekend my friends!

We're Having Our BIGGEST SALE Ever!

2010-08-09T11:39:00.005-04:00

The Pink Rose Cottage
is having our biggest sale ever!
75 wonderful vintage items are marked down in our new SALE category.

We’re making room for tons of “new” estate items. There will be vintage and antique linens, vintage jewelry, English teacups, shabby and shiny silver, hand painted china, vintage vanity items….and much more! So please check often!

Here’s a sneak peek of just a few of the new items coming to
The Pink Rose Cottage!

Blackberry Cobbler

2010-08-06T08:41:00.003-04:00

I stopped at my favorite little farmers market and saw the most beautiful blackberries. They were huge! About the size of a spring strawberry! They made THE best Blackberry Cobbler. A wonderful summer treat!

Blackberry Cobbler

1/2 cup of butter
1 cup of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
a pinch of salt
2/3 cup of milk
a pink of fresh blackberries

Melt butter in a 2 quart casserole. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and milk. Mix well

Pour mixture over melted butter. Do not stir. Arrange blackberries over batter. Do not stir.

Make at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

YUM!

Colors of Summer

2010-08-05T16:39:00.004-04:00

Please join
The Pink Rose Cottage
and
Make Mine Pink
for shopping with a twist on
Friday, August 6, 2010
as we present
"Colors of Summer"

Thank you for visiting The Pink Rose Cottage!

Treasures at the Top of the Stairs

2010-07-28T10:43:00.014-04:00

This is what you see when you walk up my stairs. A gorgeous antique shadow box, a couple of antique pie crust mirrors, a rose watercolor, and yes ~ A toolbox on a chest of drawers.

I showed the shadow box a long time ago on my blog. I had intended to redo it. But I lived with it's charm and I really love it. The only touch I added was the mother and child cameo that my husband had given me soon after my second daughter was born. It really seems to fit right in and gives it a personal touch for me.

The toolbox was my grandfathers. He was a toolmaker and used this all his working life. It was in my parents basement for years still with my grandfathers tools in it. My dad cleaned and polished it and presented it to me for my birthday one year. I use it to store and display some of my vintage powder compact collection.

Some travel souvenir powder compacts.

An assortment of mostly Stratton of England compacts.

A sweet favorite.

Another favorite. I was thrilled to find this strawberry embroidered vintage hanky. I knew right away it was perfect to display with this compact.

This compact caught my eye because of the swan down puff. It's so soft!

My grandpa's toolbox has become my treasure box at the top of the stairs.

The Blues

2010-07-21T20:46:00.003-04:00

The Pink Rose Cottage

Presentation Boxes

2010-07-08T12:40:00.019-04:00

It’s always just a little extra special to find a treasured item in it’s original box. But finding something in a presentation box is more then exciting! Not only does it add value, but also adds a little something extra to the item and the way it’s displayed.

Take for example this vintage gift set from Mais Oui. While the perfume and talc bottles are charming on their own, the presentation box with its outstanding graphics is more then an added bonus!

This pretty but simple Richard Hudnut rouge and powder compact is delightfully enhanced by its satin blue box. Dated 1924.

Another Hudnut powder compact with a more elaborate presentation box. With it's French flare, lovely shade of pink and it's enchanting little tassel, this box is as desirable as the compact itself.

Sometimes a sturdy but uncharismatic box holds stunning surprises. These two Art Deco vanity items are a perfect example. The striking pink and black is a raspberry rouge compact and framboise lipstick. Unfortunately both the presentation box and the cosmetic containers have no evidence of their maker.

The outstanding red compact holds both powder and rouge and is by Lucien LeLong and was made in Paris, France. Safely hidden away and protected in the simple presentation box has kept it in near prefect condition.

This little box is as sweet on the outside as the vanity items are inside. This cosmetic duo was put together by none other then the Fuller Brush Company. The cardboard box is what we now call “Cottage Chic” with its buttoned ruffled print trim and cottage pink rose bouquet.

The inside holds Debutante Jewel Red nail polish and lipstick of the same color. Both containers are gorgeously designed to match the presentation box. The cosmetics are by Daggett & Ramsdell of New York.

And last but not least, this presentation box is exquisite all on its own! This box almost certainly held jewelry instead of perfume or other vanity items. The top is a deep rich pink velvet framed with celluloid lace. Heart shaped, it opens to ivory satin lining with a double heart imprint. Marked Crosby.

While it’s original contents remain a mystery, the box is perfect all alone!

So whether you find a gorgeous presentation box all alone or with it’s gift, they are a lovely addition to your collectible and to your decor!

Summer Pretties!

2010-07-06T15:11:00.005-04:00

I recently acquired many, many beautiful estate items. Everything from antique linens, to hand painted china, to silver, to vanity items...and so much more! I'm sorting, organizing, and listing. So please visit The Pink Rose Cottage and see what's new. And check back often. New items are added weekly!

A Little Gift from Nature

2010-06-28T11:13:00.006-04:00

After much heat, humidity, and bad storms, here a little gift I found in my flower pot this morning.

It's so darling and perfect!

It almost doesn't look real!

My little ladder with the Mother Mary on my front porch.

And the Winner Is.....

2010-06-24T17:28:00.004-04:00

I did an old fashioned drawing. Printed out all the entries and put them in a big crystal bowl. My lovely daughter Amanda pulled the name.

Congratulations Deb (tnshadylady)! You've won the June Sampler Box from Shabby Shops in a Box! And since they are all sold out, you really are lucky!!! Enjoy!

Welcome Summer!!

2010-06-20T20:46:00.004-04:00

It's the first day of summer! Looking forward to many sunny days. I love to play in the garden. After giving up my vegetable patch a few summers ago, I've been able to spend more time with my flowers. And I'm really pleased with the results! Less weeds and more flowers!

So Welcome Summer!!
To celebrate
The Pink Rose Cottage
Monday Markdowns
is extra special!

25% off your entire purchase!

Just enter "MMSummer2010" at the check!

Happy Summer to all!!

And a reminder: Today, Monday, June 21st is the last day to enter the giveaway. Please view the details here: The Pink Rose Cottage Blog Giveaway

Good Luck!

A Rosey Treat!

2010-06-14T16:02:00.004-04:00

I treated myself to a shrub rose. My first and only one. Right now it's cute and small but I'm expecting it to fill out quickly.

It's called Palmengarten Frankfurt. A pretty bright pink. Because of rainy weather, I caught it's first bloom a little late, but it's still so pretty. And the little buds are a promise of things to come!

I just love how the raindrops bead on Lady's Mantel! The rain was a little heavy and knocked over the blossoms, but the splash of bright green is still gorgeous in the garden.

Happy, warm summer days to all!

PS: Don't forget to sign up for The Pink Rose Cottage blog giveaway. Just scroll down to the post below for details!

A Giveaway!

2010-06-10T11:28:00.006-04:00

I’ve enjoyed my Shabby Shops in a Box Sampler so much, I decided it would make a wonderful giveaway! Who doesn't love a box of treats? And this box has lots of goodies from samples, full size items, discounts, and more!

If you haven’t seen what’s in the June box, just click here and take a peek at mine. Or visit Shabby Shops in a Box website. Claudia gives a complete list of the items.

Lots of ways to enter. And if you are already signed up for any of these, you will automatically be entered!

1) Sign up for The Pink Rose Cottage Newsletter. You can find the link at the bottom left-hand side of the home page.

2) Follow The Pink Rose Cottage Blog

3) Sign up for blog post notification. The link is to the top right on The Pink Rose Cottage Blog. (You will need to verify/activate your email notification. If this doesn’t show up in your regular email, please check your spam folder.)

4) Leave a message on this blog post. I always love to hear from you!

5) Share this giveaway on your blog or site. (Please let me know if you do so I can give you an extra entry!)

The giveaway signups will run from now through Monday June 21, 2010. I will announce the winner that week. Claudia will ship the sampler directly to the winner. (Please note: Shipping to the USA only.)

My Shabby Shops in a Box Sampler Arrived!

2010-06-09T11:59:00.009-04:00

Want to open it with me?

Such a pretty pink box with a lacy ribbon!

The treats inside....

Pretty jewelry or trinket box, a romantic soap....

A vintage hanky (from none other then The Pink Rose Cottage!) and pretty pearl earrings that my daughter is going to wear to her graduation.

Sweet bookmark...

Charming handmade tags...

Dreamy earrings....

And so much more....but I don't want to spoil your surprise when your box arrives! It certainly was fun opening! In fact I put it all back in and let my daughters go though it too!

For more details or to order your Shabby Shops in a Box, visit Claudia! She also has a wonderful blog with details on each shop participating. These boxes are a fabulous treat that you won't want to miss!

Love a Girls Day!

2010-06-07T18:47:00.002-04:00

Had a wonderful day today with my oldest daughter! Just the two of us. Lunch out and then off to the day spa for pedicures. I just love a Girls Day!

It's Going to be a Colorful Summer at

2010-05-31T16:09:00.004-04:00

The Pink Rose Cottage

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T08:31:00.002-04:00

Remembering those who fought and died for our freedom. A sacrifice never to be forgotten.

God Bless America!

This and That.....

2010-05-30T10:14:00.010-04:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Mine is full of yard work that has been put off too long. But sometimes that works out just fine.

This past fall, I didn’t have time to trim back my roses. And then again this spring…something else always came up. So I let the roses go. They surprised with me with the most beautiful display ever!

As I’m sure you know, I’m a pink rose girl…but oh my, I just love these yellow roses! Such a cheery color!

Ya know I have to sneak in a pink rose!

I wanted to let you know that the June boxes from Shabby Shops in a Box are ready! Check them out at Claudia’s blog. I can’t wait to receive mine!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Denise from My Vintage Gardens! She is such a talented lady and now as added photography to her list of accomplishments. She is being featured on Fiona and Twig. Go see her work. It’s amazing!

And don’t forget to sign up for email notifications of my blog posts. I found this feature on several other blogs and it’s so convenient! The sign up is at the top right. And make sure you check your spam folder for the verification/authorization email to start your subscription.

I'm taking advantage of the amazingly beautiful weather we’re having, so back to my yard work! Can’t wait to have sweet peas to show you! Have a blessed weekend my friends!

Victorian Napkin Rings

2010-05-26T10:03:00.009-04:00

I did it again! I've added to my accidental collection! While I don't actively look for them, if I see them I grab 'em! So I guess it's no longer an accidental collection!

Here is a pair of pretties. They may not be Victorian era as it's my understanding that there was seldom a pair as each person had their own distinguishable napkin ring. This way they could reuse their own napkin at each meal. It wasn't easy to do laundry so it wasn't done daily.

Ina's napkin ring is now part of my collection. She must have been a nature lover. See the birds nest and mother bird? So sweet! And the little acorns...such detail!

This one reminds me of a cottage garden with the daisies and roses. I love the ruffled edges.

The basket weave is interesting on this napkin ring. The front plate is unmonogrammed.

Check out the bug!

And the cute little vining flowers.

Love the different personalities! Makes me wonder about the people who used them in the past!

I've realized I have yet another accidental collection and will be sharing that one soon!
*****
Please take a moment to sign up for New Post Notification. It's on the top right of my blog. I found this option on a few other blogs and just love getting email notification when these bloggers posted something new. It's so convenient. Hope you enjoy it too!

Monday Markdown!

2010-05-24T07:09:00.005-04:00

Can you believe it's Monday already? It's time for another Monday Markdown at The Pink Rose Cottage! Great items at wonderful prices. But only for today! Don't miss out!