The things you learn...

I love reading romantic fiction. One thing I have found is that even when you are reading fiction, an author will do tons of research and sprinkle the fiction with facts and findings that are true. I was reading a novel this week and the main character was visiting a friend and he was cooking for her and was getting out everything he needed for the meal. She made a comment on a bowl he was using and said she loved the vintage yelloware bowl.

Now, being a bowl lover and a vintage nut, I had to go online to see if such a thing existed since I have never heard of it. Well, it does. Apparently these items are hugely collectible.

Country Living magazine had this to say about yelloware:

ORIGIN American, early 1900s.

ORIGINAL USE Potteries throughout the United States produced pressed, molded, or thrown mixing and serving bowls. These 3" to 18" diam. nesting bowls were clear-glazed to emphasize the natural pale yellow to dark mustard clay. Bowls were often decorated with bands.

 

I have seen these bowls everywhere and never realized how collectible they were.

Apparently they are not just the yellow color. They are all over E-bay in varied colors and patterns. I like this pink and blue one. I actually had a pitcher like this but don't recall whatever happened to it.

It turns out they are called yelloware because of the crude yellow clay used in the early 1500's when Yellow Ware began making pottery in England. Over the years, they perfect the process and experimented with different base colors and stripes, but it still maintained the Yellow Ware name for the process that was used to create the pottery.

Apparently from what I am finding on Etsy and E-bay, the yelloware pottery was even famous for pitchers as well.

The above pitcher is from circa 1880. For the most part, the prices are reasonable on these items.

I have also seen yelloware items on Pinterest. Crocks was another item they made a lot of.

Some show some wear and tear, but they are still functional. It just gives them character. But some are in really great condition.

I am wondering if my sister has any yelloware in her house and isn't even aware of it.

Over the years, I have sold pitchers and crocks that I no longer wanted. I wonder now if any of them were yelloware and I never realized it. This blue one above is on Pinterest as yelloware and the blue one below is on Craig's List, simply listed as very old pottery. There is some resemblance so I wonder if this one is yelloware as well. Apparently the wide band was a tradition in yelloware.

These are the types of pottery you see at a lot of yard sales. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for a piece or two of it.

 

Unexpected finds....

I love when you are driving along and see a yard sale and just get that urge to stop for just a second. That happened to me on Saturday and I am so glad I gave into the urge and stopped.

It was around noon so most of the good stuff would be gone I figured. The first thing that caught my eye was this adorable shelf.

As I sauntered over for a closer look, I said how cute it was but had no idea what I would use it for. The lady said it would be great as a little shelf to hold some cookbooks. I checked the price tag and can you believe it was only .75 cents! It is solid wood and it great shape. Nothing coming loose; no major scars. So I brought it home and now it holds a place of honor on the cook book section of my Baker's Rack. For now, I put my springy teapot on it, but that is subject to change. I don't know what I will use the drawers for, but I'm thinking maybe my holiday cookie cutters. I just adore it and am so glad I stopped to take a look.

If you will recall, I recently changed the decor in my bathroom to include lavenders, lilacs, and purples. I have been looking around for a good deal on a lotion dispenser, soap dish, and toothbrush holder with purple. At the same yard sale yesterday, I found this entire set. It is like brand new. It doesn't look like it has ever been used and the price for the entire set was just $2.00. What a deal!

And here is the set at its new home on the sink. I just love it.

I just love finding what I'm looking for and finding it at a great price.

The joy of being joyful...

 

For the most part, I am a very upbeat, positive person. Call it optimism, call it being a Pollyanna, call it what you will, but I simply can't stand being negative about anything. I personally believe it is because of my faith. I have such deep rooted faith in God, that I find it hard to worry way too much. I try to just give it to Him and let Him handle it. I find when I do that, things always work out for the best. It's hard not to try to step in and do things my way, but I have learned to let go and let God. He's way bigger than me and can handle my problems and concerns easier than I can.

One of my favorite bible verses is Philippians 4:11 - "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." It doesn't mean I don't suffer problems, grief, fear, pain or despair at times. It just means that there is someone more powerful than me that I can give the troubles to. This lets me go on about the joy of living.

 

 One of the simplest words in the English language that really packs a punch is JOY. We struggle through so much in our daily walk that it is good to find joy when you can. It is good to look for joy in day to day situations.  

Find something to make you smile or look for the little things that make you laugh. I have found that being able to laugh at yourself is an important part of living a happy life. If we can't laugh at ourselves how can we be truly happy. Psalm 89:15 says Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.

I love laughter. It makes you feel good inside. It releases pent up anger and frustration. It can relieve stressful situations. But the best kind of laughter is when you can laugh at yourself. Don't take yourself so seriously all the time. We all do and say things that are amusing. Look for those situations and be glad that you are able to laugh at yourself... then share it with others to bring a smile to their face as well.

I did something yesterday that made me laugh at myself. Then the situation progressed and got even funnier. I even called my Mom to share the story with her so she could get a good laugh out of it. I want to share it with you this morning in hopes that it brings a little laughter your way and a little smile to your face.

 

I was getting ready to head out for the day. I had just finished drying my hair so I reached into the bath cabinet and pulled out the hairspray. As I was giving it a good coat, I thought "The hairspray seems lighter this morning." So I took a good look at the can and sure enough, I was spraying deodorant all over my hair. I chuckled and put it up, brushed my hair good again and the got the "real" hairspray out. After I covered my hair good I thought to myself "I might as well put my deodorant on next.".......AND PROCEEDED TO SPRAY THE HAIRSPRAY UNDER MY ARMS.

Now, if you can't laugh at yourself after you do something like that, there is just no hope for your sense of humor.

 



Stuff I found this week...

When I was out and about this past week, I found this cute little milk glass bud vase for .99 cents.

Yesterday, I found this little pitcher and bowl for .50 cents at a yard sale. It is filthy. I'm going to need to soak it to get it clean, but I still love it.

My daughter gave me this cute basket. Well, actually I asked her where she got it and kind of hinted that I needed one so she gave it to me since she didn't really use it for anything.

Hubby surprised me on our anniversary with a pretty springy top that is purple with daisies on it. This ring matched it and for only $1.00, I snatched it up at a yard sale.

If you are in Walmart or your local grocery store today, check out the novelty ice cream section. Good Humor has developed York Peppermint Patty Ice Cream Bars. Oh my, sheer heaven.

I'm trying to decide how bad I want these shoes. I love the look, but not sure these old legs could stand the strain. But they would just be for church and they would be so cute for summer. It depends on how tall that heel actually is. So we shall see.

Saw this top the other day at Walmart and thought it was very cute. May have to make a trip back to get one. Of course, I would never wear the scarf, but I just love the nautical look of navy and white.

Well, I'm going to close for the day. Not sure what all I will get in to before the day is out.





Some lovely ladies...

Have you ever heard of Tassel Dolls? I came across one recently and wondered what they were. I tried to do some research but it is very limited and what I found was vague. If you have any history on these dolls, I'd love to hear about it. I did see that they originated in the Victorian era when wealthy home owners used these unique dolls to hold back their curtains, thus the name tassel dolls. Apparently they have porcelain heads and arms, but there body is simply comprised of tassels that hang and cover a stand that holds them up. They usually have lots of beading and frills. I found some that really caught my fancy.

The Paragon

I featured some dresses yesterday that are just gorgeous. Several of you asked where I found them. I thought I would share the site with you. It is The Paragon.com . I found it when I was searching for an Easter dress, but it is a site that offers more than just dresses. Here are some of my favorite items from their site.

I fell in love with this tablescape. Isn't it just the picture of spring.

What girly-girl wouldn't love this bedroom. My hubby would have a heart attack if I did the pretty-in-pink theme to our bedroom, but I do love it.

I have a couple of sets of nesting dolls and nesting cows. I must have the nesting cats. Too cute.

What a unique jewelry organizer.

Oh my, how pretty. Could be a good addition to my lavender bathroom.

I have always loved the look of crystal but this takes it to new heights.

This would be a perfect Christmas gift for someone special. It has a matching pin.

Cutest Easter basket and eggs I have ever seen.

Since I am a bag fanatic, this caught my eye. Not fond of the pattern, but love the idea of the purpose.

Here chicky, chicky, chicky. How cute is this?

I am a key ring nut. I love finding unique and different ways to carry my keys.

I love this chest. Don't have a clue where I would put it, but I like it anyway.

These crystal flowers are so pretty. A touch of spring year round.

I bet this tee dress would be so cool and comfortable. They have it in sepia and blue as well.

This would be a pretty wreath for January when snow is all around.

I hope you saw something that caught your fancy. You can order a catalog by visiting their site at www.theparagon.com .