Polish Pottery

     The most common design includes dots, abstract florals and my personal favorite the "peacocks eye". The most recognizable today is the white or cream colored ceramic with dark blue, green, yellow, brown and sometimes red or purple motifs.

     My first encounter with this beautiful pottery came while visiting Cambria, California. It was my first time on the central coast and I was smitten to say the least. The charm, beauty, quaintness and of course the shopping was mesmerizing.

     The first pieces that I started to collect was a sugar and creme set with cups and saucers in the blue and yellow color palette. It's one of my favorites, as well as the white with dark blue and dots. Polish pottery can be pricey, therefore, I always look for pieces while treasure hunting. The pieces are unique and easily identifiable.

     While vacationing in Washington State I found a pitcher in an estate sale for pennies and at other times I've found pieces scouring thrift stores. There is a shop on the second floor of the famous "Pikes Market" in Seattle, just overflowing with this beautiful pottery in so many colors and patterns it took my breathe away.

     Since then my collection numbers about 40 pieces. Usually for my birthday or just for a treat I will purchase a piece. Buyer beware because there are imitations, but all authentic Boleslawic pottery will have "handmade in Poland" stamped on the bottom.

     I hope that on your next adventure you'll spot the "peacocks eye" and start a new collection.

     Happy collecting!

Pieces of my collection

Stamp of authenticity

The "peacocks eye"

Dots and abstract florals

Beautiful Santa Barbara

     One of my favorite weekend activities that I so look forward to is going to Santa Barbara. Our schedule is pretty predictable because it follows this routine, treasure hunting at our favorite venues and eating at the "Habit". It's one of our personal getaways and we love it.

     I discovered the "Habit" from a co-worker while on a business-work related trip and I've been eating there ever since. My first word of caution is to not let the long lines intimidate you because the service is quick and the food is well worth the wait. My husband and I usually order the chicken breast sandwich with onion rings and sometimes fries. Mm.... my taste buds burst in delight just reminiscing about the food.

     I hope that you'll take my advice and treat yourself to this eating establishment and send me a comment on your experiences.

     Enjoy!

     The beautiful Pacific Ocean

Um.m.m good

Ready to dig in

Can't wait

Ready to go treasure hunting

Pillow Talk

     I found these beautifully blue and white lumbar pillows that I knew without a shadow of doubt would go perfectly with the some of the other pillows I had previously purchased. Yes.... I was right but I'll let you see for yourself. I purchased four!

     Before leaving I went into Barnes & Nobles bookstore to look at some decorating books and a  magazine I first purchased a couple of years ago while visiting family in Washington St. called "Country Living"(British Edition).

     If you have never seen or purchased this magazine you should, you won't regret it. Share with me your thoughts and remember you can't possibly go wrong when you "decorate your home with the things you love."

Shopping at a favorite store

Pillows from Pottery Barn

Look What I Found

    Well, I want to share with all my dear readers my latest treasured finds while thrifting in Santa Barbara last weekend. It's been a couple of weeks since I've been able to  really get out and treasure hunt. Thankfully I wasn't disappointed in my hunting.

    I found this chandelier in back of the store on top of a open shelf. Obviously, you can see in the before pictures that glass bulbs aren't original to the chandelier. So, I began to envision how beautiful it would look by just removing them and letting the bulbs stand along. Or I thought I could place white shade coverings over the bulbs. The cut glass style gives it substantial weight and evokes a quiet romantic elegance. Now can you believe I paid only....well I'll keep that to myself.

   Next, I found the mirror in the same store and paid pennies for it. It's beautiful in it's original state but I prefer to paint it white and with a light sanding allow some of it's gold patina to be visible. I'm not sure where I'll put it, but there's always room for another mirror!

      Let me know what you think of the before and after pictures. See you next week!

Glass cut chandelier

Gold mirror embossed with flowery edge

Perfect Day

     Today was the perfect sunny day for a leisurely drive to beautiful Los Olivos, Ca., a destination spot my husband and I often frequent to rejuvenate after a long work week. Passing through vineyards, farms and rolling hills you just feel blessed to call the central coast home.

     After eating at our favorite spot, "Paninos", we stopped by a shop you must go and visit! It's divine and oh so beautifully decorated. I have made several purchases myself and felt I must tell all my readers about this newest shop.

     With great pleasure I give you a preview into an upcoming post featuring "Avec Moi Decor" owned and operated by Michele Power.

 Leaving with goodies for my husband

Peek inside

See you next weekend!

Simple Things = Happiness

     I went to buy balloons for my daughter Ryan's birthday and decided to visit the thrift store adjacent to the balloon shop.

     Not expecting to find anything special, but much to my delight I found something that made my heart sing. The colors were in vibrant shades of blues with flowers. The colors and patterns resembled the twin bedspreads that I featured in a recent post "I Love Textiles".

     Of course, I purchased it ($1.99) and immediately thought of all the ways I could use it...like going to the farmers market or grocery store. So, now it proudly hangs up with the collection of tote bags in full view by the front door ready for any errand.

     This bag makes my heart sing and I do believe that it's the simplest things that can bring the most happiness and pleasures.

     Happy Collecting!

My new bag

Collection of  bags

Having fun

Beautiful Flower Fields