The Decision Has Been Made

For months, ok more like probably years my husband to put it kindly has been nagging me to pick a decorating theme. I'm not a professional decorator of any kind. I never really gave it much thought. My kids were babies and I didn't want to set things up just to have them accidentally torn down. And let's face it; there are just soo many styles to pick from. Modern/antique/classic/smooth/Oriental/French all that can make a mind swoon with possibilities. And according to my dear sweet hubby it's not a good thing at all to mix a little bit of this or that. It's kind of hard for him to do renovations and get it all to combine or even somewhat match.

I grew up on a farm. Had animals around me all the time. I'm a lover of mountains and nature. My ideal method of wasting time is sitting at one of my favourite rocky retreats and listen to the river trickle by and listen to the branches breaking off in the bush and trying to guess which animal is near by.

So the theme I have picked is rustic. I really do love the Americana rustic. The flag pillows. The old pictures on the walls. The wrought iron pieces. The home made quilted blankets and pillows. I love it all. This is the theme I have chosen. A more natural warm cozy type of feel. I love a room full of things to look at, touch and feel. I love a home that smells good like cinnamon and nutmeg that when you walk in the front door you can take a big whiff in and know you're going to stay for a long time and enjoy the visit.

So I have started my Christmas decorating with this theme in mind. It's not a fast process but hopefully it'll turn out well in the end. This photo is not of my family room in particular but hopefully one day in the future it won't look too different.

So as we approach the holiday season I wish all my readers joy as they set up their lovely inviting homes for this joyous occasion.

PS: Thank goodness milk glass can blend in with this theme quite well!!

To Compote or Not to Compote....that is the Question

I was at the local thrift store today picking up what else...more milk glass (lol). To the lady behind the counter I stated that I would be willing to take the 2 compote dishes that were safely protected within a glass display case. She said the what?? The compote dishes to which I verbally guided her towards my choice. Then she asked me what is a compote?

According to dictionary.com the definition of a compote is this:

1.fruit stewed or cooked in a syrup, usually served as a dessert.
2.Also, compotier. a dish, usually of glass, china, or silver, having a base, stem, and often a lid, and used for serving fruit, nuts, candy, etc.

even though I have seen many other uses for this very quaint lovely dish. My mind was swelling with all the decorating possibilities these dishes will have come holiday season!

Therefore in the spirit of a compote and to assist all those who truly do not understand what a compote is; here is a recipe. I hope it helps!

FRESH FRUIT PUDDING COMPOTE

1 3/4 c. milk

3 oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix

1 1/2 c. fresh blueberries

1 1/2 c. sliced bananas

1 tbsp. orange juice

1 c. whipped topping

1 1/2 c. sliced fresh strawberries

1 1/2 c. sliced peaches
Combine milk, orange juice, and instant pudding mix in bowl; beat at low speed of an electric mixer 1 minute. Add 1 cup whipped topping and beat an additional minute. Combine fruit; arrange half of fruit mixture in individual serving compotes; top with pudding mixture. Top with remaining fruit. Garnish with additional whipped topping, if desired.

LOVE EBAY HATE EBAY????

No doubt there are no shortage of websites out there with people selling their lives and their life's possessions.  And when it comes to collecting a lot of people use this as a gauge as to how much things perhaps should cost or what they can sell their item for.  A couple of weeks ago while I was on vacation I came across a lovely antique store.  God Bless the owners of this shop as there was a terrible storm the night before and their store as a result was flooded and one big mess.  These kind people did let me in to have a peek and allow me to drool over their HUGE selection of milk glass.  One of the items on the shelf was a milk glass oil lamp.  When I asked how much the lamp was she replied $50.oo.  Of course my mouth fell to the floor literally and suggested "Do you know how much you can get for it on EBay??"  To which she replied the prices on EBay was sooo overblown that it was utterly ridiculous.  So how much is your item truly worth??  Does it depend on who's in front of you at the time asking for it?  Are you getting any reassurance that your piece of the collection is going to be going to a home where it will be treasured as much if not more than what you had given it?  So what price is the true price?  What do you use for a gauge?  A definite part of collecting is paying close attention to all the dollar figures that cross your path right from the time of purchasing the item to the minute you end up parting with it.  Hopefully there's some happiness in the middle making these adventures all worth the while.

Me, Milk Glass & Moments of Excapism

There are no shortage of milk glass cups out there. All kinds of shapes and sizes; cartoons or business names providing a few of us with a great memory of an event that once was.

But I'm partial to the delicate looking type of cups. Ones that seem soo fragile and delicate that you carefully cradle it in the palm of your hand as you take a moment from a busy and hectic life to enjoy a beverage that warms your innermost soul reminding you that all in the world really isn't that bad after all.

My favourite tea is a Chai. The cinnammony flavour easily puts me in a dreamy state even if it is only for a few brief moments. I'm trying to be good and add more green tea as it's suppose to be terrific for the maintenance of good health but like the minty green teas instead of the plain jane ones.

And of course with it being summer (at least for a few more days) there's every excuse and opportunity available to enjoy the fruity teas. The strawberries, cranberries, peaches and more. Fun teas and just as enjoyable as any others.

And yup I did have my tea today in amongst my browsing for milk glass today.

Today was a great day. I picked up my first lamp.

Time to brew up another pot and prepare for more stories to tell.........................

WHEN WILL YOU DEAL WITH ALL THIS MILKGLASS?????

Well my dear hubby as succumbed to my desires to collect milk glass.  He may occasionally grumble when I suggest that we should seek out thrift stores and antique stores but I really don't think he actually minds looking about in these stores.  However the collection is indeed growing by leaps and bounds.  Adding some duplicates and triplicate items to stuff I currently possess as well as beautiful new and welcomed additions.  My intentions are to clean out my china cabinet hutch; moving the china to a different spot within the cabinet and displaying the glass in the upper portion where it can be lit and hopefully drooled over by others when they enter my home. However so far these plans have just not been fulfilled yet.  It has been a very busy summer.  I do realize that it is now almost the middle of August which also means them major holidays that involve major food banquets really is not that far away yet.  So I guess sooner or later I just better get at it.  Find all the places within my home (yes and this DOES include the garage), wash it up and get it out on display.  Luckily one can daydream as to the endless uses of milk glass which should make this job go by rather quickly!  Besides....if I can get this done then the only thing left to do is add to the collection of course!!

ATTENTION ALL FELLOW MILK GLASS ENTHUSIASTS AND BLOGGERS

If this affliction (ha ha) does indeed apply or define you please stop by and let me know as I will follow you and your blogs and drool over your lovely photographs!

Thanks

The Compote Dish

This is one of the earlier pieces of milk glass I had in my collection and of course you currently see it posted as part of an eye catching attraction to have you peek at my blog. The compote dish as it is commonly referred to. Perusing through EBay i thought I had seen one with a lid on it but more common or not it looks as it does in the picture. I wasn't sure at first what a compote was. I have heard the word before but it's not a part of my every day vocabulary. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllll of course I looked it up and learned what it means. Right now it sits on my living room coffee table and every time i walk past it it says to me won't you please fill me up with something and soon???!!! It won't be compote at the moment but hopefully something really pretty and really soon. Hmmmm wonder if glittered sea shells will look great!! However a compote dish should have a great accompanying recipe to truly suit its purpose. Here's one that I found that is just right for the current season we are in.

Rhubarb-Apple Compote

2 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb

2 apples peeled, cored and chopped

1/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup water

Simmer all ingredients on low heat until rhubarb is soft.

You can puree in a processor if you like it extra smooth!

Makes approximately 3 cups.

Refrigerate.

This mixture really adds to hot oatmeal in the morning.

The Perfect Size

I picked up this little piece of Fenton milk glass it was labeled at the shop as a peony holder. I have seen it online listed as a toothpick holder. Well at the moment it is making a right size vase to display my very fragrant Lily of the Valley. A gentle, delicate little piece of glass that will always have room on my table no matter what purpose it may suit.

Vases Are Meant For Holding Beautiful Flowers...............

A beautiful Hobnail Vase; a common milk glass item in any collection

Perfect for holding beautiful flowers and of course roses are not exempt from this rule!

Roses that can add simple beauty to any space

and of course

the

milk

glass

only

makes it more

b e a u t i f u l

And A Beautiful Swan Graced My Presence..........

I wasn't going to stop.  I had told myself no.....just keep going.  It's been a long day.  No pit stopping at the thrift shop in hopes there was yet more milk glass there.  But I did stop in.  Just for a minute.  Just for a quick peek.  I had looked at all the shelves.  Touched a few things.  Managed to make my way to the very last shelf before I was heading out the door and there she was.....the beautiful swan with a beautiful brass coloured (and in perfect condition) crown.  I shook the bottle and there is still liquid in it.  Not sure if it's perfume or just water.....I have a few other pieces of Avon glass with liquid in it and I haven't been brave enough to smell inside to see if it is indeed parfume or not.  And if it is perfume....is it rank and just awful??  None the less it is still milk glass and another awesome addition to the ever growing collection.  Now I shouldn't stop at my other regular thrift shops tomorrow however I think I probably will!

There's Usually A Piece Of Milk Glass Everywhere I Go................

Well to say the least I tend to do a lot of travelling around these days in search for this mesmerizing white glass.  And I can admit that about 75% of the time I have been successful in finding a piece here or there.  Usually at thrift shops and at garage sales.  I've found some wonderful trays recently at a garage sale in the country that is just the right size for holding something wonderful at the next big family get together.  And for the most part it has not been priced too high.  Some of the pieces are small and perhaps people just want to get rid of it or just do not comprehend its potential worth.  Once in awhile you come across someone who just loves to talk and tell either stories about the milk glass or listen to me and my stories about collecting this wonderful glass.  I find that the more I go out there the bigger or greater the treasure.  It's also a great way for me to find duplicates or triplicates of some of the pieces that I already have.  Perhaps one day soon I'll be able to start selling or trading with other fanatics like me.  Sorry to say that this Fenton piece in this particular photograph is not in my collection yet; just a photograph courtesy of Google Images.  But one day it just might become a great piece to display in my home.

YAY I FINALLY GOT A CAKE PLATE

I did it; I finally did it!  I added my very first cake plate to my collection.  I found it today at a thrift shop.  It's not exactly like the one I saw the other day but still very worthy of having it.  I can't wait to use the great bunch of rhubarb I got today; whip up a fantastic cake and put it to good use!

I Came This Close To Getting A Cake Plate But..............................

See this cake plate here......I believe it is one of the most sought after pieces for the milk glass collectors. Keep in mind that all I have been doing lately is going to garage sales and thrift shops on a fairly regular basis and continue to build up a mighty fine collection which now includes Avon glass. So on my usual weekly journey I thought I had hit the jackpot. Yes a cake plate that was exactly like this one! I could see it from afar. Just to cool my jets a little I wandered throughout the thrift store checking out what other milk glass pieces were in existence so that I could bring it home as well. No luck. Just this plate. So finally I made my way up to it. The price sticker was stuck to the side and it said $3.99. I couldn't believe my eyes. I got sooo excited. I couldn't wait to touch it. I wanted this piece sooo bad. I wanted it in my home. I wanted to bake a dozen cakes just to put it to good use and show off its true beauty. But sadly this just was not meant to be at this time in my life. I picked it up and looked at it. Across the top of it was a browny yellowed line that clearly indicated the crack that was there. The glue that managed to still keep it in one place. The glue that broke my heart and made me sad. But my hopes are not all dashed for these precious pieces of milk glass do exist and I'm bound and determined to have one soon!

Did The Milk Glass Obsession Come To A Quick Halt???

Well I haven't really written anything in the past day or so for a few reasons. First off I haven't taken any photographs of the newer pieces to my collection. And for some reason I'm not ready to take photographs until I can wash them, fondle them for a bit and appreciate the beauty they bring. Each piece of glass that enters my home gets a proper warm water, Ivory soap bubbly hand wash and tea towel drying. I've also been busy going back to the thrift stores to see what new pieces came in since I was last in. Originally I thought naaaaa I wouldn't have to go back. It's only been a week. There isn't that much there since I last cleaned the shelves. WRONG!! There was lots. Yesterday I picked up some chili bowls and a couple more dishes that will look great on my table at the next family meal. And finally my last excuse I have to give is work. I've started my stretch of shifts again and unable to devote time to my camera. It does not mean however that I am totally slacking off. It gives me the change to once again peruse EBAY and see what's out there and how much it costs and how much I paid either under or above EBay value. I also started to peek at Craig's List to see what's on there and there's no shortage! So to my readers please bear with me; I will add more photographs and stories soon.

Never Underestimate The Power Of A Husband .... Or Question Him !!

Well to put it in a nice way I've really gone a little bit crazy over the past couple of weeks adding milk glass pieces to my growing collection. And most of the time my better half aka husband has been with me. But there were a few times when he was not! And I suppose in some odd way I just didn't want to shock him as to how much milk glass was entering the house! So I've been hiding it here and there bring pieces out casually. Well tonight he did some vacuuming and he came across some of it. Well he didn't flip out as I thought he would. He just asked "where are you going to put all this stuff?" to which I replied that I will find homes for it all. He didn't come across all of my hiding spots yet!! Tomorrow is another day to hit the thrift shops once again to see if any new pieces hit the shelves over the weekend! And I truly thank my better half for his patients and understanding when it comes to this latest hobby in my life!

***photo courtesy of google images***

The Nesting Chicken

Well considering that I am also a collector of chickens it was a no brainer to include this piece as part of the collection. But because of it's colouring...it being more white in appearance than my first pieces there was a bit of doubt as to was this piece for sure milk glass or not. Having researched the nesting hen a bit on EBAY I've notice that there are quite a few available and at a fairly cheap price. It currently sits on my kitchen table. Even though it is suppose to hold candies it is kindly holding my packets of sugar substitute. Perhaps an unconscious reminder of what the healthier choice should be instead of candy. If you're wondering why i collect chickens...well it is a term of endearment for my children as I often refer to them as my little chickens. They're still at the stage of their lives that when we go out somewhere they still tend to follow and cling to their mother. I know in a blink of an eye that sentiment will disappear; so no complaining here. Just enjoying the moments for as long as they are meant to be.

Well I'm Back But The Weekend Is Not Quite Over Yet

Well I made it back from a rural town in the mountains. A great hotel room, great food, great company and a few good milk glass finds. Did some bartering and got a couple of good deals. Other pieces purchased to bulk up the collection a little bit more. My hubby is questioning the obsession I currently have but thank goodness he understands and was willing to drive me around looking at the various thrift stores, antique stores, and yard sales that came across our paths. I will share my stories and finds in future posts however it is time to appreciate my bed and my warm blankies and catch up on some sleep. Hoping you all had a great weekend and look forward to catching up soon.

*** photo courtesy of Google Images***

Yay The Weekend Is Here and It's A Long One Too!!!

Yay the weekend is here again. It's the May long weekend which means an extra day to hit all those garage sales and thrift shops trying to find more pieces of milk glass to add to my hoard. There usually is a piece here or there wanting a new home. Luckily I'm around to provide one!!

The Bubble Glass Bowl

I refer to this peace as one of my darling pieces of my collection so far. It can be found on EBAY at the moment and is referred to as "Grandma's Bubble Glass Bowl". It is actually hobnail. To me it is one that is the perfect size to fit on the table at a family meal and I can already imagine the wonderful food concoctions it'll hold during special occasions. If you go to EBay you can find it for $0.99 and I paid a wee bit more than that. But I'm glad I have it and it's part of my growing collection. I look forward to using it soon.

Is it Milk Glass or is it not????

http://www.nmgcs.org/index-msie.htm

Well when you ask what the heck Milk Glass is there can actually be quite a few answers. There are "traditionalist" collectors out there who say it's opaque glass. But as I start to build my collection milk glass can come in various shades of white not just the skim milk colour it can be. Some people in the shops will label their pieces as being milk glass. Some women behind the counter are quick to assure me that it is and since I'm sooo enthusiastic about this hobby I hope they're not using my vulnerability to just make a quick sale. Since I have started picking up my pieces I have practically been glued to both the National Milk Glass Collectors Society (see link above) and of course to the EBay sites to see what is out there and what it costs. Did I pay too much? Did I pay too little?? Will it be worth more in a couple of years? Obviously when you're first starting something a great deal of study is involved. Milk glass is no exception to that rule.

**photo courtesy of Google Images**

My First Milk Glass Collection Addition

Standing Up View
Laying down view - better view of detail

This is the very first piece I picked up at a local garage sale which coincidentally was right next door to a shop that contains many many milk glass pieces. Some call it a goblet. Some call it a vase. I just call it lucky number one. When I asked the lady behind the table if it was indeed milk glass she ecstatically told me that it was indeed so. Remember I'm just a beginner collector getting involved with this hobby and I'll explain more in a future post or two. I think the pattern on the cup part of the vase is a scallop and if I'm not correct I hope that someone will indeed send me a note reminding me what it really is. I have carefully washed it as I do to all my pieces that I bring home. I suppose it's all a part of getting to know it a wee bit better! So far it's sitting on my kitchen table. I will indeed find a "home" for it soon. Might be on a coffee table. Might be in my dining room cabinet (all of a sudden I feel a need to re arrange some dishes in there!) but it will definitely find its place.

It's All Martha's Fault!!!

Some time ago I came across an amazing photograph and I believe it was in Martha Stewart's Living magazine. It was shelves with this amazing white glass pieces on it and it was done in such a perfect way that my eyes were literally glued to it allowing it to mesmerize me. I probably seen milk glass pieces several times but never ever labeled it before. Now I know what it is and it now has become my latest interest (or obsession??)

So here I go. My journey into this world begins. It has given me a new energy in my life and I'm enjoying every moment.

Ok so perhaps blaming Martha is not appropriate but perhaps a thank you is.

***photo courtesy of Google Images***