{a little editing, some awards, & some great thrifting finds}

I'm sure you are sick to death of pictures of my dining room, but after studying the pics in my last post and living with all the new arrangements, a couple of things were really bugging me. I had to lose those topiaries... first off they are too plasticy to have down low on a table, and they were a little large and bulky for the space. I replaced them with wheat bundles I bought post-season for little of nothin'. I know wheat is associated more with fall, but I care not. I love these wheat bundles to death. And once I ripped off the raffia bows and replaced them with green grosgrain ribbon to match my walls, I was in l-o-v-e.










I also edited the hutch a little, and redid the arrangement on top. It's much cleaner now and feels less cluttered. I am really really happy with how it turned out.









Much better, don't you agree? Now I truly want to sit in here for hours. :-)

Now, on to some great thrifting finds. This cutie was only $2 and is silverplate. I will be using it for truffles and baklava at my sister's baby shower in March:




This ironstone J&G Meakin sugarbowl was found at Goodwill for $7. A bit of a splurge, but I figured I'd kick myself later if I didn't get it. Some of the silverware inside, including a spoon with a monogrammed "P" which. I. love. was only $1 each:



2 matching urns found today at Goodwill, $4 each:


This little ironstone transferware bone dish was only .50 and makes my heart sing:

And this you will not believe. I have 2 pieces of Arthur Court serveware {very expensive and pretty and nice but kind of dressy for my style} the olive boat and the granite cheese board which I love, but I never desired getting any large silver serving pieces to match as they're usually at least $100 and a little ornate for me. But, all that goes out the window when you're driving by a garage sale and see a brand-new-in-the-box-with-the-tag 16" tray that has the $99 retail sticker on it and you get it for $1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Um. yeah. That is my style. 'Nuff said.

And finally, this darling petite topiary for $2.

I think I racked up, no?

Finally, some awards. I was so sweetly awarded 2 awards last week and I am just now getting to them! Thank you so much to Jeanne over at Bushel and a Peck who gave me this award:

And a big thank you to Kathleen over at Musings From a French Cottage who bestowed me with this darling award:

Love this image!

Thank you all. I can't tell you what it means to me to have so many people interested in my blog, let alone commenting, and let alone cheering me on and liking my taste! It really has been a great outlet for me and I thank you all for your friendship.