Ode to summer vacation, part 1

One of my favorite parts of summer vacation is going to flea markets, yard sales and antique shops. I rarely spend over $20, but I can spend HOURS just looking. The things I do buy are usually of a purely decorative nature. I collect old silver pieces, transferware, chickens and linens. I love looking at old keys, furniture, lighting and glassware too. It's not what a thing is worth to me, or even what condition it's in really (I just bought a vintage Murano glass mirror that is missing most of its trim), it's if I like the looks of it and can at least pretend to have a place for it in my little abode.

Summer 2011

It's been close to a month since I last posted. Sorry about that. I'm actually on vacation now but since I have internet access I'll try to keep in touch. Meanwhile enjoy a small sample of my summer so far.

Discovery

I found this blog by accident while looking for pictures of home libraries. The link to those is below, as is one to a beautiful Georgian house on the same blog.

Rose Villa
home library

Hot Red Lily

Inspired by "Red Lily" by Nora Roberts, this is how I imagine Harper and Haley's wedding. A bright, bold and fun party in the gardens at home.

http://www.theknot.com/inspiration-boards/Gallery/Details/60345

Blue like Jazz

"Blue like Jazz" was inspired by the interests and style of a good friend. She's not planning on getting married anytime soon as far as I know, but this is how I imagine her wedding.

It would be an intimate, but traditional ceremony in a church with her 1-3 bridesmaids wearing classically cut, sapphire blue dresses and carrying white lilies. The blue and white palette would continue at the reception, as well as the subtle touches that reveal her interest in music and the glamour of the 1940’s.

Fire and Ice

This board was inspired by a friend who is a gamer and wanted a casual DIY type wedding. The color palette isn't original, but I think the cute little touches and modern black accents make it fun.

Seraphina

This board was inspired by Seraphina. The wedding would be a semi-formal and intimate evening event with dusty pink flowers and accents of amber brown, in addition to the traditional black and white. There would be vintage touches, velvet ribbons and roast chicken for diner.

Oh, by the way, Seraphina is my cat. The black, brown and white came from her coat and the pink from her nose and ears. The velvet was inspired by the feel of her fur and chicken is her favorite meal.