Happy 4th at La Bella Luce

Hello Again From the French Hen's Nest,

  I visited my favorite antique store, La Bella Luce,  today and  as usual the store was full of inspiration.  They are certainly ready to celebrate the the fourth of July.  Don't forget to visit them in historic Clifton if you are in the area.   Most of you know where we are, but for those who don't we are  in  the DC area, in northern Virginia.

Don't they set a pretty table?

As you can see, they have everything you need for a great celebration.  I enjoyed my time there today, and hope that you enjoyed seeing this lovely store again.

Bring on the Fireworks!

Till Nest Time, 

 Happy 4th,

Jeannie and Linda

Sharing with some of these great parties...

Monday

Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings

Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally

Give me The Goods Monday @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Make the Scene Mondays Alderberry Hill

Making The World Cuter Monday Making The World Cuter

Market Yourself Mondays @Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

Masterpiece Mondays @ Boogie Board Cottage

Mop It Up Mondays@ I Should Be Mopping The Floor

More The Merrier DIY Home Sweet Home

Motivate Me Monday Keeping It Simple

Tuesday

Brag About It Tuesday @ Be Betsy

Cottage Style Linky Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage

Creatively Tuesday @ The Rustic Pig

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Made in a Day @ Made In A Day

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Show Me What Ya Got @ Not Just A Housewife

Show Me What You Got Tuesdays @ Our Delightful Home

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites

 Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

The Inspiration Board @ Carolyn's Homework

The Scoop Tuesdays@ Cedar Hill Ranch

Time to Shine Party @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Totally Transformed Tuesday @ PJH Designs

Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home

Tuesday’s Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia

Tweak I Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Wednesday

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters 

Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage

 Friends Sharing Tea @ Bermideen's Tea Time Blog

Home Wednesdays @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ {Primp}

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thursday

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Think Tank Thursday @ Joyful Homemaking

Time Travel Thursday @ @ Brambleberry Cottage

Tutorials Tips and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

Under $100 Linky Party @ Beyond The Picket Fence

 Friday

Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Find A Friend Friday @ Sew Many Ways

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Furniture Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Open House Friday @ Bermideen's Tea Time Blog

Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted in Thyme

What have you Redone @ Redoux Interiors

Saturday

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Party Junk @ Funky Junk Interiors

Bouquet of Talent Party @ Life On Lakeshore Drive

Sunday

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Sunday Showoff @ Twig Studios

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Thrift Store Treasures

Hello Again From the French Hen's Nest, 

  I've picked up a few treasures in the last couple of months from local thrift stores, and I'm going to share them with you.  My first and favorite is this urn.  When I found it, it was a mahogany color.  It has been very difficult to cover.  I sprayed it white, and it was still very pink even after a few coats.  Finally, I bought a stone paint, which is off white, or beige.  I love the way it looks, but it really doesn't show up well here.  I had been picturing my shells in an urn, and I'm very pleased with the look.  It cost $9.

            Two coats of white

Stone Finish

 I found this handmade carpet at a local thrift store.  It is in great condition, hardly used.  It's a perfect size, a nice accent, and not overwhelming.  I paid about $15 for this.

   The next piece looks like a huge chess piece.  When I first bought it, I was thinking that it would look great painted white.  But it looks great the way it is.  It's ceramic, and the glaze is perfect.  Love the cross on top.  It cost $5.  It is displayed with other religious objects.

   The next purchase is a much needed jewelry box.  What I love about it, are the lines, and the color, and of course, the size.  Once shined up a little, it will be perfect.  And it holds so much jewelry.  This cost $8.

   Well, those are my latest purchases.  I've been avoiding shopping lately, because I'll be moving soon, and have enough to pack up as it is.

    Hope that you enjoyed seeing my treasures, and that you have a lovely day.

Till Nest Time,

Jeannie        

Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally

Give me The Goods Monday @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Make the Scene Mondays Alderberry Hill

Making The World Cuter Monday Making The World Cuter

Market Yourself Mondays @Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

Masterpiece Mondays @ Boogie Board Cottage

Mop It Up Mondays@ I Should Be Mopping The Floor

More The Merrier DIY Home Sweet Home

Motivate Me Monday Keeping It Simple

Brag About It Tuesday @ Be Betsy

Cottage Style Linky Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage

Creatively Tuesday @ The Rustic Pig

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Made in a Day @ Made In A Day

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Show Me What Ya Got @ Not Just A Housewife

Show Me What You Got Tuesdays @ Our Delightful Home

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites

 Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

The Inspiration Board @ Carolyn's Homework

The Scoop Tuesdays@ Cedar Hill Ranch

Time to Shine Party @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Totally Transformed Tuesday @ PJH Designs

Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home

Tuesday’s Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia

Tweak I Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters 

Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage

 Friends Sharing Tea @ Bermideen's Tea Time Blog

Home Wednesdays @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ {Primp}

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Think Tank Thursday @ Joyful Homemaking

Time Travel Thursday @ @ Brambleberry Cottage

Tutorials Tips and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

Under $100 Linky Party @ Beyond The Picket Fence

Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Find A Friend Friday @ Sew Many Ways

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Furniture Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Open House Friday @ Bermideen's Tea Time Blog

ink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Party Junk @ Funky Junk Interiors

Bouquet of Talent Party @ Life On Lakeshore Drive

Sunday

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Sunday Showoff @ Twig Studios

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Pretty Blooms

Hello Again From the French Hen's Nest.

I wanted to show off the pretty blooms and plants in my little garden so far...

Verbena

Scabiosa

Lambs Ears in morning dew

Foxgloves grown from seed

My first poppies!

Rose Campion and Shasta Daisy

New perennials popping up every day!  Most I started from seed "wintersowing" http://www.wintersown.org/   .   In another month the garden will be full.

Hope you enjoyed the garden photos!  Wish you could smell the Magnolias!

Peace,
Linda

Sharing with some of these great parties...

Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings

Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally

Give me The Goods Monday @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House

Make the Scene Mondays Alderberry Hill

Making The World Cuter Monday Making The World Cuter

Market Yourself Mondays @Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

Masterpiece Mondays @ Boogie Board Cottage

Mop It Up Mondays@ I Should Be Mopping The Floor

More The Merrier DIY Home Sweet Home

Motivate Me Monday Keeping It Simple

Brag About It Tuesday @ Be Betsy

Cottage Style Linky Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage

Creatively Tuesday @ The Rustic Pig

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Made in a Day @ Made In A Day

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Show Me What Ya Got @ Not Just A Housewife

Show Me What You Got Tuesdays @ Our Delightful Home

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites

 Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage

The Inspiration Board @ Carolyn's Homework

The Scoop Tuesdays@ Cedar Hill Ranch

Time to Shine Party @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Totally Transformed Tuesday @ PJH Designs

Tuesdays at Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home

Tuesday’s Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia

Tweak I Tuesday @ Cozy Little House

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters 

Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage

 Friends Sharing Tea @ Bermideen's Tea Time Blog

Home Wednesdays @ Rose Chintz Cottage

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ {Primp}

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

Think Tank Thursday @ Joyful Homemaking

Time Travel Thursday @ @ Brambleberry Cottage

Tutorials Tips and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

Under $100 Linky Party @ Beyond The Picket Fence

Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House

Be Inspired Friday @ Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Find A Friend Friday @ Sew Many Ways

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Furniture Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Open House Friday @ Bermideen's Tea Time Blog

Shabbilicious Friday @ Shabby Art Boutique

Show and Tell Friday @ Romantic Home

Simple and Sweet Fridays @ Rooted in Thyme

What have you Redone @ Redoux Interiors

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound

Party Junk @ Funky Junk Interiors

Bouquet of Talent Party @ Life On Lakeshore Drive

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

Sunday Showoff @ Twig Studios

Share It One More Time @ One More Time

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DC Craft Fair

 

Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,


    I went to a craft show a few weekends ago;  quite by accident.  I was planning to go to the Home and Garden Show in Washington, DC, but someone told me it was at a different location, so that's how I ended up at the craft show in Chantilly, Va.  And I was really looking forward to the Home and Garden Show, and meeting the Rehab Addict, Nicole Curtis.  But since I was there, I decided to enjoy it.  I took pictures of some of the art that I enjoyed, and I'm sharing them with you. 

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A Decorium Day

Hello Again From the French Hen's Nest,

  Since it was so beautiful here today, I found myself in Old Town walking around.  I had lunch by the water, and visited one of my favorite places, Decorium.  It is always decorated so beautifully.  The entrance is so inviting, (I'll show you), and the window is always decorated to the nines.  It just draws you in.  The owners are decorators, and it certainly shows.  While there, I snapped a few photos and I'm going to share them with you.  If you plan to visit Old Town, make sure you put Decorium on the list of places to visit.  I know that you'll enjoy it.

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My Blue Santos Cage Doll

Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,

 
  Santos is the Spanish word for Saint.   Originally, Santos were created to use as altars in the home, when a church was out of reach, especially in smaller Europeon villages during the 17 and 1800's.  They were brought to the Americas by the Spanish, in colonial times, in the image of Christ, Saint Mary, and the Patron Saints.  Mine, of course, is a  reproduction. 

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Trois Cloches

Hello Again From the French Hen's Nest.


I saw that there were cloche parties at several blogs and  I rushed home to re-do my cloches!   I used some of my Masons Blue Vista transferware and this is what I came up with.

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Love Chandeliers?

Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,

   I don't know about you, but I love chandeliers.  And there are so many beautiful ones out there.  I use to find an occasional chandelier at the thrift stores, but no more.  In the early 2000's it was my goal to have one in each of the rooms of my home in the historic district of New Bern, NC.  I found some of the most amazing chandeliers, and put one in each room of that house.   Unfortunately, when I sold it I had to downsize, and made the mistake of leaving them in the house.  I've often wondered if the person that bought the house loved them as much as I did.

  I have posted many pictures of chandeliers over the past year, but thought I would gather them into one spot just to look at once again.  Some were taken at La Bella Luce, others at Decorium, and a couple at my home. As you can see, they are placed everywhere, front porches, entry ways, bedrooms, dinning rooms, even in the bath.  Let's face it, they are beautiful wherever they are.  So here they are......hope that you enjoy seeing them again.

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Cat on a Hot Teapot

Hello again from the French Hens Nest.

 I want to share my latest find.  It is a cute little teapot.

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Robin Egg Surprise

Hello again from The French Hens Nest.



 

Each Spring we look forward to the house finch family that builds their nest in a hanging basket on our front porch.  Last year I got them up kind of late or the birds came early, anyway they didn't set up housekeeping there and we were so disappointed.

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Window Boxes, Flower Pots and More

Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,

While walking around Old Town, Sunday afternoon, I came across some beautiful flowers, flower boxes, and just lovely displays of flowers.  They are all beautiful to me.  I had started out to do a post about flower boxes, and I have some pretty ones here, but I just had to show you the other gorgeous flowers I found.  Hope that you enjoy!

This is a spring window box.  This picture really doesn't do it justice.

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My Living Room



Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,

  I'm going to be moving in July, and the owner of this home has asked for pictures of my house to help her in decorating and furniture placement. This is such a comfortable space and I have enjoyed it so much.  I've actually lived in this area for the past 14 years, and will really miss it.  It's an historical landmark, a very park like setting, and the early home of President Nixon and President Ford.  Of course they were young senators at the time.  It is the perfect location, near the Pentagon, and just a few miles from Washington, DC, where I used to work. 

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Tea Time?

Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,

   Isn't she just lovely?  I really love the Blue Willow pattern, it just never grows old.  Once I had a service for ten, but when downsizing, decided that it should find a new home.  Now, I mostly use white plates and china.  I find that you can use them with any color scheme, and they make a beautiful table setting.  Anyway, back to my teapot.  I found this new, in the box at Goodwill.  It was only $8.00, and worth every penny.  It will go perfectly with my white service.

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Pray For Our Wounded Warriors

   
 Hello Again From The French Hen's Nest,



  I would like to remind everyone to pray for our young men and women serving in the military.  I am reminded of the great sacrifice that they make for us every time I visit the hospital.  Most of us go about our daily lives without much thought to what is happening around the world that brings our young military members into harm's way.

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Thrift Store finds

Hello again from The French Hens Nest.

While shopping at Salvation Army recently I saw a stack of little boxes with photos of birds on them.

It seemed to be a collection from Hallmark.  Have you ever heard of them?

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