Strawberries ‘n Cream plates

One of my summer goals is to get rid of everything we don’t need, everything that doesn’t enhance our life as a family.  It’s a bit tricky to reconcile this with my love of thrifting and old things.  Mostly it means I’m staying away from my favorite places.

I did, however, stop at a yard sale with my daughter for about 3 minutes the other day, and these little beauties were too sweet to leave behind.


It’s a set of four little bread plates, 6 inches in diameter, and I scored them for 25 cents each.


They all have the same markings on the bottom, but I like the variation in the patterns from plate to plate, like the different widths of the brown stripe around the edges (seen above).  Two of them have strawberries and leaves that are deeper in color, and two are lighter in hue, as if they’ve faded with time.  I like them both.




The marking on the bottom indicates they were made in Japan but there is no manufacturer listed.  Research shows an almost identical looking pattern made by Sheffied, also in Japan, but the marking on them is printed inside a strawberry shape.  It appears that they’re probably from the 80’s.


This is the kind of thrifting I can still feel good about.  I spent only $1.00 and with so many young children in our home, small plates are constantly in use.  I like having mis-matched salad and bread plates to use with my all-white dinner plates.  It’s a pretty way to mix things up.


Now all we need is strawberries and cream!

Hopeful Homemaker

Vintage Silver Goblets

Not long ago I came across a fun vintage find.


This set of six silver plate goblets stand 2 1/2 inches tall and are about the cutest things ever!  They were still in their original box.  I paid less than $1 each.


They’ll never be used for brandy at our house, but I’m excited to fill them with some tiny flowers or little mints and put them at place settings for a luncheon or breakfast.


I love the patina, the shape and the size of them.  They make me smile when I see them.  I’d like to think of a fun way to use them in everyday life.  Any suggestions?

Hopeful Homemaker Linked to Reluctant Entertainer

Writing Spot

I’ve got a lovely vintage roll-top desk in my bedroom that I’ve never really used.


I decided to spruce up this little spot so I will actually sit down and use it more often.  In addition to cleaning out the contents I replaced the mirrors that were above the desk with a smaller mirror and one of my favorite vintage pieces.

Several years ago I found a 1911 German postcard.  It’s a painting of a shepherdess standing slightly apart from her flock.


The postcard spoke to me.  Somehow it was the visual representation of how I feel sometimes when I need to gather myself before I can face my children and be the mother we all need me to be.   It reminds me that this gathering of my heart, mind and spirit is appropriate and needful.  I really love this tiny postcard.

A few months later I found an amazing vintage picture frame.  It is the perfect match for my postcard.


It now rests on my writing desk, a visual reminder that pausing to write will be good for my soul.  Whether it’s a note, a thought, or an entry in a journal, writing always clears my mind and helps me find a better perspective.


A small diamond shaped vintage frame, numbered spice jars and a set of candlesticks to catch the light complete the space.  I also brought in a different chair which blends better with its surroundings.


Not only do I love each of the items in this spot, but I also love the shades of white against the aqua walls of our bedroom.  Instead of being something I merely walk past several times a day, this vignette now catches my eye and cheers my heart.  It’s also encouraged me to write more notes and letters, one thing I’m striving to improve this year.


I always feel so good when I can move things around a little bit and fall in love all over again with things I already have.

Hopeful Homemaker Linked to The Inspired Room

1 8 9 10 11 12 20