Hello!

I'm feeling inspired by the different patterns all around my little cupboard. There's plenty keeping me busy this weekend and these last few days, but I want to stick my head out there and call a hello to you all {whoever you may be -- I haven't "met" each of you yet :)}while I have a moment. I'll pop over here again later on.

Surprise Find

It's the border of round, green flowers that did me in. And the shrimp-pink and saffron combination. Plus, it's vintage Valentino, which just seems so cool. {Psst: It was $18 in case you're curious, Mom.}

An Offering

Yup, it's banana bread, just like I promised.

Cozy Sunday

It's sunny, but very cold outside. I'm tucked into my cupboard this afternoon, reading and writing.

What are you doing today?

Bluffing or Blushing?

Every girl needs a pack of pink playing cards. Paint your fingernails red, deck your hands out in cocktail rings, and enjoy the prettiest round of solitaire.

The Plate Obsession

I'm often completely overcome in a junk shop when there are small dishes stacked high, waiting to come home with me. Sometimes it is just so hard to resist a little plate. The collection is ever-growing and also incredibly useful for my frequent slices of banana bread.

These three are stamped "Bavaria" on the bottom. They had to travel such a long way to make it into my cupboard!

This darling gold and white floral was all of fifty cents or a dollar.

I found three of these winged horse salad plates at a Goodwill in Haight Ashbury. I couldn't let them stay there all alone.

And though I usually prefer a vintage or thrifted plate, I couldn't resist these suzani-inspired ones from Anthropologie. {Actually, I did resist them ... but barely. A wonderful friend knew I was dreaming about them and she gave them to me for Christmas :)}

If I offered you a slice of banana bread, which plate would you take it on?

The Box Labeled Ephemera

I collect all manner of odds and ends for inspiration, embellishment, and correspondence. Everyone is always curious to know what's in the box labeled Ephemera. Here is a peek:

Old library cards are great for sweet, little notes. They have a vintage-feel and are the most pleasant mint-green color.

Egads! Glassine envelopes are my favorite! They are translucent with a slightly waxy finish and they are a lovely alternative to the standard paper envelope.

I find that odd scraps of paper, wrapping and otherwise, are always worth saving. Whether saved for color inspiration or shredded for pretty packing material, paper scraps are a large part of my ephemera box.

What bits do you save?

Adding to the Jewelry Box

I'm having such luck at the antique shop these days. The mum necklace was a "good timing" find: It was just put out the night before! A steal at only $24.

Surprise Find

A new brooch for my lapel. It's a miniature painting under a glass dome! I find that if I don't snap up treasures like this when I first see them, I sorely regret it later. This one reminds me of my grandmother. Maybe it'll jazz up my puffy coat ...