In with the Old: Ceramic Planters

Among the moderately sized list of things I'm obsessed with is vintage ceramic planters. I'm not really sure when that trend fell to the wayside and people decided they wanted their plants in terra cotta pots rather than bright blue seashells, pink swans and kangaroos on tree stumps, but it's a sad, sad fact that you just can't find anything like them new these days. Thank goodness for Etsy and Ebay, because the supply is plentiful.

Aside from the sheer aesthetic pleasure, they have about a million and one uses! Well, at least ten uses, maybe, but still. They aren't just for plants! Use them to store writing utensils on your desk, odds and ends in your kitchen, toothbrushes, cotton balls or q-tips in your bathroom or supplies in your craft room. Turn one into a pin cushion, use it to catch spare change by the door or hold your keys. You can even use them to serve snacks, dips or candies when you entertain.

Another plus is that they're often very reasonably priced, so you can spruce up your decor or pick up a unique, creative gift for a friend without breaking the bank. Here are a few of my currents favorites to give you a little taste of the variety out there. Click any photo to take you to the item listing and click here and here to find so many more your head may just explode.

Belle Terre Giveaway Winner!

A big thanks to Wayne & Julia for being in the Spotlight last week and to all who stopped by to check out their interview.

Before I announce the giveaway winner, Belle Terre is offering 15% off all orders in their shop through March 28 when you enter coupon code LILLY15 at checkout! They are also donating $1 from every item sold through March 22 to the American Red Cross to fund the relief effort in Japan.

Now onto the giveaway winner…

Congratulations to DANA B.! She would love to try the Belle Terre Natural Facial Bar and would like to see a facial cleanser or mask for those with acne prone skin in the shop.

Thanks again to all who stopped by for this month's Spotlight. You can keep up with Wayne & Julia and all their sustainable efforts by following them on facebook and visiting their website.

Keep your eye open for a new Spotlight artist feature next month and be sure to pop in tomorrow for a new edition of In with the Old, see you then!

One month without Dad

Thirty two days actually, but close enough. My last report was at nine days, and as I'm sure all of you can either guess or can relate, it hasn't really gotten easier yet, and I'm not to the point of expecting it to. The surreality of it is still as strong. The vision of seeing his lips fade from pink to white, and the realization that came with that sight, still haunts me. I still cry every day and dream of my father every night. I have no doubt I will get past all of that, though. I am able, everyday, to smile and press onward telling myself that my Dad would want me to be happy and live life to the fullest, and that is what I am bound and determined to do.

Today I decided to share an email I received. It is from a nurse who cared for my Dad while he was in the ICU getting IL-2 treatments. He spent two weeks there.

I am truly sorry for the loss of your father. In the few days I was given the opportunity to get to know him I feel truly fortunate. Your father demonstrated an incredible spirit despite the odds. In fact, I mention your father to every IL-2 patient I have now. He will always be known as the Super-Leukin Man and the first to receive most all of the doses.

Unfortunately, I experience death much more than average and though I may only have a few days or several hours to get to know the patient and family, I try my best to never forget. Steve will never be forgotten. He inspired me with his unbeatable and positive fervor throughout the most difficult challenge to face, to stay alive physically and emotionally.

Your father is a shining star.
"And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should"- Desiderata, Max Erhman

I decided to share this today because it makes my heart burn with happiness every time I read it. The inspiration he shared is really what it's all about. I said something very similar about that topic at my Dad's funeral, it was the one thing I really wanted people to remember, and to hear it from someone else was such a great gift.

Some of you know and some of you don't, that my husband was away with the Army for most of the tough times with my Dad. This made things unmeasurably harder, but that is life and we all did what we could. While he spent weeks in the field, laying on frozen ground with no food and no sleep, hiking through frozen streams in the dead of night, he would say to himself and the other guys, "At least cancer isn't breaking my bones."

So I guess my point is this… there are lots of things that make a bad day. Lots of things we can get angry about, get frustrated about, feel sorry for ourselves about. But if you're not dying, stop and ask yourself, is it really that bad? Is it really worth all the grief I'm causing myself and everyone around me?

Cheer the hell up, it could be worse. And that's not just a cliché.

Several months back I began pondering a new tattoo design and decided on a large, antique rose in the middle on my back. I've since been thinking on the perfect wording to accompany it and finally decided a few days ago…

"Being alive is the meaning."

I dare you to find me better words to live by.

Peach Picks

Happy March Everyone! Peach here :)

I'm beginning to think that this winter was just a long garish nightmare. The birds are indeed chirping, the trees outside my window budding and it may even stay in the 50s for the next 5 days. I know that's not much, but it's just what I needed.

For this month's peach picks, I thought I'd go a bit traditional and find some goodies for all of you March babies out there (cough, cough, me!). You could say it's a selfish decision then.. but I'd give you a dirty look ;)

Aqua Mint Draped Top MyLolaFashion $45

Yarn Dandelions with Crocheted Vase rachelschell $8

Cedar and Mint Shea Butter Soap FlourishBathBody $5.50

Turquoise Bow Shoe Clips theglambox $18

French Mail Box Photo magalerie $22

Chartreuse and Teal Leaf Silk Clutch redrubyrose $85

Wooden Chicken Eggs Imaginationkids $17

Vintage Sky Blue Tote GetReadySetGo $82.50

Here's to spring!
Peach

Farmhouse Décor

Hello, lovely friends! Dennice of Fringe here. It’s an honor and a joy to be invited back to Lillyella. It’s always such a delight to work with the multi-talented creator of Lillyella, sweet Nicole. Thank you, Nicole, for this marvelous opportunity! This month’s post is close to my own personal style, and I hope you will find it inspiring. I chose things I love. Perhaps you will find that you love them too…

Although I live in the suburbs of a coastal town, I’ve always dreamed of having that little house on the prairie, farmhouse on the meadow, or cottage along the tree-lined stream. It’s so romantic, the idea of a simpler life. I know exactly what components my little rustic farmhouse would have: a large porch with plenty of seating, old wide-plank wooden floors, windows adorned with fresh, crisp curtains, rod iron beds, claw foot tub, big weathered farmhouse pine dining table, fresh wildflowers in ironstone pitchers throughout the house...you get the idea. My dream farmhouse!

For this décor post, I want to focus on Farmhouse Style Décor. It’s such a well-loved style, and quite easy to achieve, even if you live in an apartment or townhouse in the city. You don’t have to live among the rolling hills to get the look. Think of it this way: you can achieve that rustic, cozy, simple-living feel in your home, but with all of the modern conveniences close by.

What is farmhouse décor?

Well, for me, it’s a combination of different elements. There is so much room for interpretation. I’m a big believer in the old saying, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Personally, I find so much beauty in old, worn, even slightly decayed things. A bit of rust, stain, or fabric tear never hurt anything. It shows the item has a history. I also find a great deal of beauty in an old, freshly scrubbed wood floor. Or a sparkling vase of flowers centered on a weathered old wood plank table. It’s all about contrasts of old and new, as well as textures.

Farmhouse décor can be clean and sparse or rustic and worn. It can consist of collections gathered or one simple statement piece. For instance, one large painting on the wall has as much impact as a table filled with white ironstone pieces. Separate or together, they would be stunning in a room. Your style may tell you to just have one or the other. That is just as fantastic. In other words, farmhouse style can be different things for different personal styles.

You can add wonderful rustic touches to your farmhouse décor for very little cost. Don’t shy away from items that show a lot of wear and tear, they may end up being the star of the show.

From left to right:
Vintage rustic bench from lisabretrostyle2
Vintage crochet shade pulls from 3gardenias
Vintage basket from ModishVintage

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Greener pastures.

It’s true, I admit it. I’m injecting my own personal loves and style into this post. Starting with horses. You can add a form of horse décor into just about any home. There are so many ways to incorporate a horse (of course)….A beautiful photograph, a painting, a figurine, bookends, a pillow, the options are endless. Farmhouse décor is the ideal setting for a horse or two (or more). I love the idea of a very large scale artwork on the wall, as shown in the photograph above.

Three examples of ways to add a horse to your little prairie style home. I love that the two photographs here have an urban, modern feel to them.

From left to right:
Winter horses by Nicolas Bell Photo
Horse head statue from restlessgeneralstore
Horse icon by kristinebarrett

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Roses and red ticking.

It’s what every farmhouse bedroom needs. Oh, and don’t forget the rod iron bed. Mixing these two patterns can’t help but bring on a nostalgic, romantic effect. You can add them to your bedding, the windows, a chair cover, a pillow or a rug. Depending on your personal preference, use as little or as much as you desire. I think a bed with red ticking sheets and a vintage rose patterned quilt is ideal. Or rose-patterned curtains floating with the breeze. Keep the room simple for the farmhouse style. That’s key for achieving a rustic chic look. Fresh white walls and wood floors would make the roses and stripes stand out beautifully.

Three charming textile items, perfect for your farmhouse bedroom.

From left to right:
Vintage flour sack pillow from theprimitivehome
Brittany Rose Drape from Pottery Barn
Old French red ticking lavender sachets by redstripevintage

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Ironstone is for everyone.

White ironstone is so easy to find, and it’s quite affordable. It’s a great way to gather a few pieces to create a cohesive collection. Ironstone goes with everything; it’s not too feminine or fussy. You can mix and match and use them in every room. Ironstone pitchers are the perfect flower vase. White ironstone pieces look just stunning in groupings.

These creamy white ironstone finds are what dreams are made of.

From left to right:
Ironstone gravy boat from UrbanFarmgirlandCo
4 vintage ironstone butter dishes from KatyBitsandPieces
Large antique ironstone pitcher from TheOldRenHen

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All decor collage photos were found at Country Living Magazine.

There you have it, dear readers, a taste of Farmhouse Style Décor. There are so many ways to add this style to your home. If you’ve been dreaming of decorating this way, I would like to encourage you to do so. If you’re on a budget, you can find so many wonderful pieces for this décor style for just a few dollars at estate sales, swap meets, garage sales and thrift stores. Remember, a simpler life begins at home…

Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time, friends, take care…

xo ~ Dennice