One fun thing about blogging is getting to introduce others to products and companies I really like.  I was recently contacted by UK based Abodent about sponsoring my blog.  (Do you think it was because of the Union Jack dresser?)  Well, I loved their stuff so much, I asked for some of their products instead of a monetary sponsorship and I was not disappointed.    Goldfinch Dyad Cushion I knew immediately I wanted one of their beautiful pillow covers.  Not only is this one so pretty, but it’s extremely well made with exquisite detail on the back.  I love it!  They also carry unique hardware including hooks… Two Tusk Coat Hook …and cabinet knobs.  Brushed Oval Quartz Cupboard Knob You’ll see these quartz knobs very soon on one of my newest dressers.  Maypole Drawer Knob The Library Drawer Knob Dried Sycamore Seed Knob and Royal Rose Duo Cabinet Knob They also carry decorative pieces and tableware like

I have an aversion to fine, “mint condition” antiques.  If something looks that good after 100 years, it couldn’t have been used that much.  I don’t need something in my house that needs to be roped off.  I find beauty in a brush with missing bristles and book pages that are frayed and worn. I find beauty in a crooked-faced clock that no longer works.  I find beauty in a piece of ironstone that is stained, cracked and crazed.  I find beauty in a smoked mirror with a chipped plaster frame.   I find beauty in the broken. How about you? For those waiting for the next installment of the slipcover series, it is uploading right now and will be available to view tomorrow.  Sit tight!

I was the lucky recipient of Valentine’s Day flowers that were given to someone else, but left with me.  My mom was visiting and my dad, being the sweet guy he is, sent her flowers to my house.  A bouquet of flowers doesn’t travel well on an airplane, so she left them with me.  My husband and I agreed a long time ago (after he, very sweetly, paid about $40 for a bouquet of carnations), that we were not going to do the dinner/flowers/chocolate thing on February 14.  We’ll save those things for another day when the restaurants aren’t packed and the price of flowers isn’t jacked up two fold.  Nevertheless, the girl and the photographer in me really enjoyed the fresh flowers.  We had a nice little photo shoot together as I arranged them in an ironstone pitcher I bought last week.  And they looked great in my guest room.