Let the Shopping Begin - Ty Wilson Art

I am always on the look-out for GREAT artwork...that's not too expensive.  [My tastes change!]  And I was reminded this morning of an artist whose work I hung in an apartment in the late 80's, which I did in the contemporary style I love so much.  Yes, I still LOVE contemporary and I still love TY WILSON'S artwork [read ABOUT TY Below]!  I remember walking into a Saxon's Paint store in Milwaukee in the late 80's and finding his beautiful artwork!  So, upon finding his website this morning, I decided to post about him and his artwork.  Here are a couple of pieces I used to have...

I ♥ Shopping - Comforter Sets

via

I ♥ Shopping - Fireplaces

It's that time of year...the time when I want to start deep-cleaning my home for spring and rearranging furniture, moving artwork around and creating a new and comfortable space.  This year, I have to decide whether I want to convert my Den into a Guest Room...or if I want to get those 2 new Recliners for my Keeping Room [yes, I have one, off my Hearth Kitchen]...it used to be my Dining Room!  Then there's one other thing...It's adding a fireplace to my Keeping Room.  No, I'm not going to do brick and mortar, wood burning or even a gas fireplace.  That would be too great an expense and alot of trouble.  I'd be happy with an Electric Fireplace.  You know they're not like they used to be umpteen years ago.  They look so realistic...and with a "crackler" that you can purchase, you get the sound of a burning fireplace.

I ♥ Shopping - Lights Part 2

Alot of things are changing around my home.  Little by little, I have completed several projects...which I will begin showing soon.  The last one I completed was New Lights & Ceiling Fans installed in my home.  Tha was a few weeks ago and just in case you missed that post, you can read that post here.

After installing the new chandelier [above] over my Kitchen island, I decided it wasn't going to work...so I began looking for a new one.  It didn't work because it looked way more rustic than in the photo.  Also the tea-stain glass shades are more yellow than tea-stain - something I didn't like at all.  I also had to find out when/if/how much it would cost to have my electrician come back to install the new one.  Then I would have to get a Return authorization, to send it back to where I purchased it.

I did have fun looking again for a chandelier.  I knew I wanted bigger - both taller and wider - even just a little bit.  I knew I didn't want yellow shades.  I knew I definitely still wanted Bronze.  I spent several hours one night scouring lighting sites and finally found the perfect light.  It arrived today.  I opened it up and realized I had to put the light together.  It has alot of extra parts that make it so beautiful...so I got busy.  To say I love the new chandelier is putting it mildly.  The shades are so much prettier and bigger...and the new chandelier is an uplit one, unlike the previous one.

Here is the brand new Chandelier - it will be installed sometime next week.

Royal Bronze Coricelli 6 Light Single Tier Chandelier with Glass Shades

What a beauty!!  It even has 6 lights!  I can't wait for installation day!

So, did you ever purchase something and after you've installed/painted/worked on it for a while...decided you had the wrong thing and had to re-purchase something else and send the other back?  I don't do that often, but this was definitely a must.  And I'm so glad I did it.

Have a great weekend!!

I ♥ Shopping - Lights Part 1

 Welcome to Week #3 of ...

This past week, I began looking for a few new lights and ceiling fans for my house.  The outside of my house is Grey and since I live in a Manufactured Home, it has white skirting.  There are white shutters, white trim and white doors [doors may be painted a new color when the weather warms up].   The outside lights needed to be white, to match the other exterior colors.  And I want a light that didn't have a high top to it, so that it would be easier to change lightbulbs.  This is similar to what I already have and it is hung where the top is quite a bit above my door frame.

I ♥ Shopping - Mugs

Welcome to I ♥ Shopping #2!

I've looked and looked for a Dog Paw Mug and finally found one that I really LOVED.  I've gotten mugs from Marie before...all of them [6 now] are beautiful.  She ships quickly too.

You can find Marie at her Etsy Shop...

I ♥ Shopping - Candles Part 2

Finally...the sun is out!  I know it's been a while.  And I took a couple of photos of the Candles I raved about yesterday on my post.  I wanted you to see the different between the pretty candles in 

 Mary Romick's Soy Candles

Mr. Toads House of soy wax Candles

...Can't find them anymore...

See all the sparkly jewels?  These are just beautiful!

I ♥ Shopping - Candles Part 1

Candles - I love using them.  I love the scents and the ambiance of them...the beautiful light...the dancing flame.  Hmmmmmmmm...they make me swoon.  Then when you have candles with pretty labels, dotted with "sparkle"...oh my.  The beauty of it all.

You know me, when I decide I want something I do something about it, because

I ♥ Shopping!  

Shopping Review - Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day

Since December, I've been using ONLY Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Products to clean my house.  I love them.  They cover all the cleaning needs throughout the house and they clean well...and are sensibly priced.  And with any order over $30, shipping is free.

My TWO Favorite Scents are Lemon Verbena and Rosemary.  All of their Ingredients are at least 99% naturally derived.  That's special!  Even though I've used Lavender Essential Oil for years, I...
don't like the Lavender at all because to me, the scent is just "off".

  Ingredients are at least 94% naturally derived. 

Lemon VerbenaKICHEN BASICS SET

Rosemary

KITCHEN BASICS SET

The Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Kitchen Basics Set is an easy way to introduce a friend (or yourself) to our all-natural Rosemary scented kitchen cleaners! The set contains our favorite eco-friendly cleaning products, including Liquid Dish Soap, Liquid Hand Soap and Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner. No substitutions. 

Ingredients are at least 99% naturally derived.

I have used just about every product available in both scents...and love them all.  All of my orders have arrived packaged very well - each item in a plastic zip-loc bag - with spouts taped down and then all wrapped in brown paper - in a compartmentalized box.  How's that for GREAT shipping?

I did order several items in their Lavender Scent, since I use alot of Lavender Essential Oils and other products with Lavender......but I didn't like it at all.  I got a headache, stuffy nose, sneezing and had to re-wash my laundry and dishes in the dishwasher and re-clean surfaces to get rid of the smell.

But, hats off to their Customer Service Department!!  An email, explaining my dilemma and they were very quick to rectify my problem - much to my satisfaction.

They did state the following in that email:
"The Lavender is one of our strongest fragrances. It is an acquired taste."

I have not received anything for doing this Shopping Tutorial...or giving them a Great Review.  I just LOVE their products - shipping and customer service.

Click HERE to check out their Website.

I'm joining the Link Party Thoughts of Home on Thursday at:

Laura at Décor To Adore

Stacey from Poofing the Pillows

Jemma from At Home With Jemma 
Laura at White Spray Paint

Shopping After Weight Loss & Shopping Review

Some of you may know that since April, I have lost over 65#.  So, none of my old clothes fit me very well, if at all.  And that includes coats for the cold weather.  Most winters in the past, I didn't do much outside...except let the Pups out the door to go potty and wait for them to come back in the house.  But, this year is very different.  I have to take them out every time they go out...and I have to shovel, sweep or snowblow the snow in our courtyard, on the porch, the sidewalks and the driveway and believe me, the fall type jacket I have, doesn't keep me very warm!!  So, again, I went shopping...

on-line at Eddie Bauer, after looking at coats elsewhere and happened upon another Bargain!!  A down coat that is both pretty and functional and covers up everything I need covered up to stay warm.  This beautiful coat was on Sale, too.  It fits just great!  I love it!  These are my thoughts and feelings, I've not been paid in any way to give a positive review of my purchase.

[More photos below, too]  

Women's Slope Side® Down Parka

$229.00$79.60 SALE

Color: Deep Eggplant

Also available in:

Ebony, Dark Loden and Shale

LOW ACTIVITY RATING 35°F.

MODERATE ACTIVITY RATING -25°F

WORLD'S FINEST DOWN®

650 fill Premium Down ensures exceptional warmth and keeps the parka very lightweight. Polyester shell has exclusive StormRepel® durable water-repellent (DWR) finish so water beads on the surface rather than soaking into the fabric. Unique diamond quilting defines the waist to create slimming lines. Snap-off hood with detachable faux-fur ruff provides extra protection.

100% polyester

StormRepel® DWR finish so water doesn't soak in

650 fill Premium Down for lightweight warmth

Snap-off hood with detachable faux-fur ruff

Fleece-lined collar keeps your neck warm

Microfleece-lined storm cuffs seal out the cold

Three zip pockets—two exterior, one interior

Detachable belt

Average length; Reg. 32"; Petite 31"; Tall 33.5"; Plus 35.5"

Machine wash

Imported

FIT

Classic: Our most universal fit. Not too slim, not too relaxed on body. Designed to fit over midweight layers.

NOTE: Temperature ratings are based on a controlled laboratory test, using low and moderate activity levels. Also consider: your sensitivity to cold and wind-chill; time of exposure; activity level; and use of layering.

Eggplant

Dark Loden

Ebony

Shale

The Best and Softest Flannel Sheets Shopping Review

And what a Bargain they were!!

I needed some warm sheets and the Flannel ones I had, didn't fit my newer mattress very well, the mattress was too thick...nearly 17" high.  With the cold nights, I wanted to climb into a warm, cozy and soothing bed.  I already had a wonderful pillow and a fluffy blanket...so I went shopping, on-line of course.

I found these Micro-Sheets at JCPenny!  Look...
at the colors...certainly a rainbow of colors.

Micro Flannel Solid Sheet Set

The thermal design of this sheet set keeps you warm and cozy while its Micro Flannel construction promises luxurious comfort.

• energy-saving fast-drying features
• easy care brushed fabric
• no shrinkage or pilling—always a perfect fit and finish
• smooth, wrinkle-free convenience from the dryer to your bed
• available in a variety of inviting colors
• fits mattresses up to 14" deep for Twin and Twin XL, 16" deep for Full, and 18" deep for Queen and King

Set includes

• flat sheet
• fitted sheet
• pillowcase(s)

Twin and Twin XL sets include one standard pillowcase. Full and Queen sets include two standard pillowcases. King set includes two king pillowcases.

Polyester. Washable. Imported.

Micro Flannel® is a registered trademark of Shavel Home Products/patent pending.

The Price?

Originally...$125.00

Sale Price was...$61.99

Coupon Code NEW4YOU makes the final price...$49.59 

Honestly, I love these sheets, and I have not received anything to say that...it's how I really feel, so if you need or want flannel sheets, these are definitely the ones to get!!  I got 2 sets in Ivory, washed them and they came out of the dryer as soft as can be.  I'm very happy with these sheets.  I'm ordering another set it one of the Blue shades.

Oh...and shipping on an order of $99 is FREE...or you can have a $25 minimum order shipped FREE to the store nearest you for pick-up!

Silver & Gold - Post from One Year Ago

I loved this post from exactly ONE YEAR ago [January 3, 2014]...so I decided to re-post it today.  I hope you enjoy it along with me.  As I was Visiting many of you, looking at Holiday Tablescapes, I saw such beauty!  From decorations, centerpieces, candles, dishes, silver, crystal...it was all so marvelous and so sparkling!  It got me going on-line to snoop - or shop!  No, I didn't purchase anything...
but I did find several silver plate as well as stainless steel sets of Flatware.

  

I'd love to know what set you would choose for yourself...they are numbered, in the comments, just tell me which one you prefer.  You can tell me why, if you want to...that would be nice.  I'll tell you later on, which one is my top selection. 

This year, I've absolutely been smitten with beautiful Flatware - especially anything GOLD!  It's so warm and beautiful.  I think if I get any new Flatware it will be Gold Plated.  It will go with all of my beautiful Old Country Roses China and 2 other patterns of China that I have that have gold detail on them.  

Set #1 - Godinger Baroque - Silverplate 92-piece set - $299.99

Set #2 - Napoleon Bee - Stainless Steel 45-piece set - $174.90

Set #3A - Amalfi - Stainless Steel 5-piece Set - $95.00

Set #3B- Ricci Silversmith Amalfi - 24-karat yellow gold plate - 20 piece set - $340.00 

Set #4 - Musee - Stainless Steel 5-piece set - $74.90

Set #5A - Botticelli - Stainless Steel 20-piece set - $237.90

Set #5B - Botticelli - 24 karat Yellow Gold Plate 20-piece set - $264.95

Set #6 - Padova - Silverplate 20-piece set - {$99 close-out} - SOLD OUT

Aren't they beautiful?  They're so different, that's what attracted me to all of them.  My favorite is Set #6, PADOVA and has been since I first saw it.  Now it's not available anywhere!  SOLD OUT!

Set #3B Amalfi or #5B Botticelli, Yellow Gold Plate would be my 2nd choice.  I love the details and the gold.

So, now tell me, do you prefer Stainless Steel, Silver Plate or Gold Plate?

Which set is your Favorite?

If your favorite isn't shown here, put the name of it in the comments and leave a link to it for me.  I'd love to see it. 

Review of Williams-Sonoma Purchase

Since I needed cookie sheets for baking Christmas Cookies, Scones and Strudels, I started looking for them before Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, I found these - They're actually a Three-Quarter Sheet Cake Pan.  They're big and fit in my oven perfectly...and I am able to bake 2 dozen spreading cookies on each pan! I'm so glad  I ordered them  - and I got them... in plenty of time for baking!  [I even had a coupon that saved me 20%] They're amazing pans... and clean up is easy. [I never put good pans in the dishwasher] 
  Williams-Sonoma Goldtouch® Three-Quarter Sheet Pan$36.95 each 

SUMMARY

When a half-sheet pan is too small, but a full-sheet pan doesn't fit in the oven, turn to our innovative three-quarter sheet. An efficient pan for preparing an array of foods, it can hold an extra row or two of cookies or canapes, more nuts for oven toasting or enough roasted vegetables for a dinner party. The professional-weight pan is made in the USA from heavy-gauge aluminum-coated steel, with a Goldtouch nonstick finish that releases baked foods easily and cleans up quickly.

• Versatile pan suits countless baking tasks.
• Commercial-grade aluminized steel distributes heat quickly and evenly for consistent baking results.
• The Goldtouch ceramic coating reinforces our pans making them more resistant to abrasion than normal non-stick surfaces and releases food with ease.
• Coated wire reinforcement along the rim maximizes durability and resistance to rust and warping.
• Unique diamond-textured surface strengthens sheet pan while increasing airflow for even baking.
• Made exclusively for us by a 50-year-old American company, North America's only manufacturer of commercial bakeware.
• Recipes included.
• Dishwasher safe
• 21" x 15" x 1" high
• Made in USA

Thought I Found the Perfect Socks

After trying alot of socks, looking for comfort and durability + something in a low-cut [my preference] OR 1/4 sock that wouldn't slide down my heel into my shoes.  That is just so uncomfortable.  Now that I'm out and about alot more than I have been in years, I need comfortable shoes and socks.  My feet have always given me problems - bunions [don't hurt with proper shoes], calluses [controlled with Amopei and NordicCare Foot Cream], tenderness and plantar fasciitis...

I shopped a few on-line sites and found Foot Zen socks [FootSmart].  I ordered one pair of quarter socks from one site AND I was in-love!  When I went to order additional socks, they were out of my size.  [they would have been the same price as the ones I ended up getting...read about those after this photo] 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

So...I looked and found another site that had a slightly different sock, but it was FootZen at [Shoe Buy]. 

When I received them yesterday, I was so excited to Foot Zen Soft Rib Sox for Christmas. But, after wearing a pair for 30 minutes, I found them to so uncomfortable and they were constantly slipping down the back of my foot, into my shoes. After checking out the SHOEBUY site about returns, I see there is a re-stocking fee on each item of $6.95. ???? That's more than HALF of what was paid for ONE PAIR OF SOX! I thought the price paid was high enough. $27.27 [with 20% coupon code] for 3 pairs - MINUS $20.85 [restocking fee of $6.95 on each pair] would mean a refund of ONLY $6.42...WOW! How disappointing.  

I can't honestly recommend ShoeBuy.

But, I can totally recommend FootSmart!  I have shopped alot at FOOTSMART and if you do return anything to them, there is a Return label and depending on the weight of the box, a flat fee for shipping deducted from your return.  The flat fee is reasonable.

Happy Ending...Footsmart now has my sock size available again - in my desired low-cut socks...and I ordered more of them there.  And I got a nice discount...and I know I'll be happy with them when I get them.  They are so soft - no seams - they don't bind and make my feet feel so good. 

Thought I'd share about Nordic Care Foot Cream, which my massage therapist sells in her studio.  I'd seen her write-ups about it and decided to try it.  After trying so many others, this is the only one that truly works on those difficult callouses of mine.  It smells good, melts into the skin and doesn't feel greasy at all.  You can order it by clicking on their website link above.  They also have a wonderful Lavender Hand Cream!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

***I haven't received anything for this review, these are my own thoughts and words.***

My Favorite Etsy Shop

Do you have a Favorite Shop?  Is it a real storefront shop or an on-line shop?  My Favorite Shop happens to be on Etsy.  I shop there alot.  I love Celestina's from CelestinaMarieDesign, beautifully painted creations...because they are done in my colors and have her signature roses on them.  There's a link to her shop at the end of this post and I recommend you stop by and take a peek at her shop.  One such item I just couldn't be without was this pretty, handpainted sign.  I had just the spot for it.  It would  not only look very pretty, co-ordinating with...

items around it, but it would help me hide some unsightly cords.  Don't you just despise those unsightly cords?

This is how she described it in her shop...Just for you and your shabby cottage home is my wood with VINTAGE word and roses shabby wall sign.  Words are stenciled in place with charcoal dark grey for a softer style on an ivory shade of chalk paint for the background.  Light aqua with distress graces the routed sides and back.  My hand painted signature roses grace both sides trailing around and into the letters.  Light distress all around with shading and highlights around the roses.  Sealed in a satin finish to protect the design.  Measures 24" long by 6" wide and 1" thick.  Saw tooth hangers added to the back side for ready display. 

After all that, I knew it had to be in my home!

Here are a few pictures of where I put the sign and how wonderful it looks there.

I'm so happy with this sign - just like all of the other "pretties" I've gotten from Celestina's shop over the years.  She's a wonderful creator and painter and a most cherished friend.  Stop by and see her.

CelestinaMarieDesign 

Enjoy your day!

Wayfair Shopping Review - Accent Chest

I'm in LOVE with this beautiful Pulaski Furniture, Artistic Expression Hand-Painted 4 Drawer Accent Chest.  I found this beauty at Wayfair - on-line, never having to leave the comfort of my own home!  [I absolutely love shopping on-line!]  As you can see, it has 4 drawers and a pull-out shelf at the top.  It's color is Black Onyx, with this gorgeous Bronzey-Gold hand-painted design [in person, it's not quite as pronounced design as shown here].  But, that's OK, I really had hoped it would be a little less brilliant when I got it.  It is very well made and has antique brass hardware.  Delivery was very quick...

 I ordered it late on the 18th and it was here on the 23rd.  Its' dimensions are 31" H x 26" W x 17" D and it weighs a whopping 81 pounds!

 

 

There were, however a couple of problems with the chest when it arrived.  There was a nasty looking repair done to the front of the top drawer...and it was very gray looking, rather than the Black Onyx {pix #1 in collage}.

I sent the service department an email with a couple of photos and quickly received an apology and was told that they would be shipping a new chest to me and that I'd receive the tracking information on it when it was delivered.  

A few days later, it arrived.

Sadly, it had more problems than the first one {see photos with red areas in 4 photos in collage}.

I was able to take the top drawer of the 2nd chest and use it in the 1st chest - but the design pattern didn't line up from the chest to that drawer very well...but it looked OK.

 {excuse the lighting in these photos in a dark room...and the dusty white stuff all over...it's from the packaging materials}

I wrote back and told them that...and asked what they were going to do about the damaged chest, since they hadn't mentioned anything and I was told to either toss it or donate it, whatever I wanted to do with it, because the service department didn't want it back.

So, I figured I had nothing to lose...and I took the damaged drawer, that matched Chest #1 and worked on it...using Annie Sloan Dark Soft Wax and a cloth and rubbed a bit on to the damaged area of the drawer...and then buffed it out.  It pretty much hid all of the damage...but a bit remains {see the larger photo in the collage above}.  Perhpas I'll try rubbing some more on the spot tomorrow.  However, the chest doesn't face the light from a window and even in lamp light in the room, it's fairly well concealed.  I'm happy with that.  I even fixed another mar on the side of the chest with the same wax.  I had mentioned trying that to Wayfair Service and they said that wasn't necessary that they would just send a new chest.  Here's the photo - same shot as above minus the damage.

So, with the other badly damaged chest, I guess I'll try my hand at fixing it...or maybe even painting it.  We'll see.  You can never have too many chests with drawers around the house.

Overall, I had a great experience with Wayfair and will shop there again.

I did NOT receive anything for this review...these are my true feelings about this shopping experience.