French Wire Egg Baskets

It's funny how a collection starts unintentionally...not
like I need another one, that's for sure.

Recently I've been having a love affair with wire baskets...

especially the vintage French wire egg baskets.

Even though these wire egg baskets have similar shapes and details,

I like that each vintage one has its own quirkiness.

I recently purchased this vintage French egg basket from

Cat at Sunday Brocantes.

She and her family recently moved into a larger home,

so she was offering a "moving sale"

with free shipping on items from her etsy shop.

I love the large handles and shape of this basket.

The plant stand on the porch 

seemed like the perfect place to display my little collection.

If I had to choose a favorite shape,

it would probably be the round ones with the single handle.

But truly...

the variety makes for a more interesting collection.

Have you started a new collection

without even realizing it?

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Mary Alice

Linking to:

Savvy Southern Style

Ivy and Elephants

From My Front Porch to Yours

No Minimalist Here

How the Porch Looked Last Year

By this time each year, we've completed the spring clean-up in the yard,

mulched, cleaned up the deck, and set up 

the porch for use.

Every couple of years I get the urge to change things up a bit on the porch,

and this is the year to do just that!

So...

earlier this spring, I took the large farm table 

to sell in my space at Rust & Feathers and was delighted

when a sweet young family fell in love with it.

Someone is always on the lookout 

for a vintage glider and two matching chairs.

As much as I loved the table made out of

architectural pieces, I was ready to let it go.

The tall black iron shelf and several watering cans found new homes...

as well as other accessories.

Since our deck doesn't get much use during the hot

summer months, It seemed silly to keep

a large table and chair set out there.

I think I got carried away...I even sold 

this charming flower cart.

With the revenue from all these sales, I was able to

give our porch a little facelift...or at least make some changes

to give it a fresh feel again.

You'll have to check back to see this year's porch.

Mary Alice

Linking to:

The Country Farm Home

Fishtail Cottage

It All Started in the Kitchen

I've been on the hunt for some new kitchen chairs for awhile.

But I was coming up dry...nothing seemed quite right.

Recently, Kathleen of Faded Charm blogged about

finding the same style dining room chairs at World Market

that she had seen at Restoration Hardware.

Hmmm...there's a Restoration Hardware Outlet store about ten minutes from my home.

Definitely need to check it out.

Being an outlet store means it can be hit or miss,

especially if you want a set of chairs...that match!

But...the good news was...

in addition to the already lower prices, there was a

special discount event going on the week I happened by.

Also...

If I didn't see what I wanted that day...which I didn't...

I could come back Tuesday and Thursday

when new truckloads arrived.

So I was there...as the truck was being unloaded.

There was one set of four matching French style chairs

that came home with me that day.

(Trying to decide which I like better...the jars or the pitcher.)

Another trip back for another truck delivery day...

I nabbed two square back chairs

with the same wood finish and fabric as the others.

They didn't all have to match perfectly at 40% off the price.

By the way...

the black windsor chairs that were in the dining room

are perfect around the kitchen table.

Mary Alice

Linking to:

Ivy and Elephants

Savvy Southern Style

From My Front Porch To Yours

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Common Ground

Shabby Art Boutique

A New Look on the Mantel

What's a girl to do when it rains two days in a row?

Change up the mantel...of course.

After all, it's been the same for over two months!

Looking for some inspiration,

I brought out one of my favorite frames...for me,

it's always about the color.

Added other subtle hints of the frame color.

And there you have it...

A new look on the mantel...

until the next stretch of rainy days!

I appreciate you stopping by for a visit,

Mary Alice

Linking to:

Ivy and Elephants

French Country Cottage

Rooted in Thyme

Common Ground

Shabby Art Boutique

Cozy Little House

Say What.... You Want to Protect the Rust?

I enjoyed a conversation with the man

in the paint department at Home Depot the other day.

Now just to be fair...

he knew all about the distressed paint look.

But you want to protect the rust...really??

You see, this vintage glider turned bench

had just arrived at Rust & Feathers. 

It was SO me... 

 all the layers of chippy paint...

the perfect amount of rust.

And I wanted to protect all that wonderful well-worn goodness.

Still not sure if the man got the rustiness part...

but he was kind enough to point me in the direction of a sealer.

He's probably still shaking his head...crazy lady!!

Hope you're enjoying some of this wonderful sunshine,

Mary Alice

Linking to:

Dwellings

Farmhouse Porch

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

From My Front Porch to Yours

Fishtail Cottage

Spring Tour

Won't you come along with me on a little

spring tour around my home.

I'd like to show you a few things inside 

that speak of spring...no matter what

 Mr. Weather is doing on the outside.

Let's start in the living room.

I recently brought this large ironstone tureen home from my Mom's...she's 88

and is again downsizing, this time to an apartment.

She has so many pretty antique dishes from my Grandmother who was

 quite the collector with an eye for beauty...I always knew I came by my love 

of antiques and vintage collectibles naturally.

Nests and urns can be spotted throughout my home this time of year.

I enjoy them all summer long.

A little seasonal fun in the kitchen.

Let's take a peek upstairs.

Keeping it simple in a small upstairs sitting/tv room.

Another pretty pitcher from my Grandmother via Mom.

I love the way it complements the lavender bottles.

Thanks for coming along for the tour today.

You all are the best...I appreciate each of you 

who stop by to visit!

Mary Alice 

Linking to:

From My Front Porch to Yours

Ivy and Elephants

Common Ground

Rooted in Thyme

French Country Cottage

The Dedicated House