Pitter Patter

 I love the charm Ironstone brings and my heart goes pitter patter when I see it.  Last month I found quite a haul at the estate sales.

Stoneware, which, though

 dense, impermeable and hard enough to resist scratching 

by a steel point, differs from porcelain because it is more opaque. 

ST. JOHNS ST-JEAN QUEBEC IRONSTONE

Ironstone was developed in the 19th century by potters in Staffordshire, England as a cheaper, mass-produced alternative for porcelain.^[4] Its name is derived from its notable strength and durability

Ironstone Mold, just beautiful, it called my name and yes, I answered.  It came home with me!

I don't know what kind of dish this is.  Is it an asparagus dish?  Whatever it is, it had me had the top, beautiful curves. 

And can you say sugar, honey?  Oh yes love that lid topper and handles.

This sweet tureen had to come home too!!  No laddle, but that didn't stop me one bit.

What sweet collections have you added to?  Diane

I am linking to

Blissful Whites Wednesday at Timewashed

Home at Rose Chintz Cottage 
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House 
Everyday Vintage at Helen's Legacy

Be Inspired Friday at Common Ground  

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
Homemaking Linkup at Hope In Every Season 

Rooted in Thyme Simple and Sweet Fridays

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style 

Your Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe with an E 

Vintage Inspiration Party at Knick of Time Tuesday 

The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict

 Centerpiece Wednesdays at Style Sisters

No Minimalist Here

Year of Cottage Wishes

When I think of my 2013 year I find that my most favorite posts were one's that brought back my treasured memories of my parents and family adventures.  Being close to our family in North Carolina has brought me joy and my friendship with all of you has been life changing.
 First, being around my girls is so uplifting, and a blessing to be a part of my grandboys lifes!
Holiday Traditions

Kitchen Greys   Brings in my joy of collecting and the stories of my family.  My mom was my biggest fan!


Fireplace Redo  This came about because of all of you.  Sharing your creative projects has given me the courage to try new things.  Painting the fireplace was so much fun.




Garden Dreaming   The joy of sharing the beauty of Biltmore and the wonderful plants with my grandsons has been wonderful.  The birdhouse, well one of my wonderful presents I received from one our blogging ladies.

Beautiful Spaces  Traveling around North Carolina and sharing with you all make it fun

Turn Around   Watching my girls grow up has been one of my greatest pleasures in life


Beach, Sand and Shells   My love of the ocean, sand and shells follows and touches my life daily, the lessons I have learned at the beach are ever lasting

Dreaming and Wishing  My growth as mom, wife and friend continues my life journey


Junking  The fun I have discovering new finds keeps me full of mystery and joy



I Hope the New Year finds you healthy and joyful.  Thank you for sharing your time and life with me,
Di
 

Chairs, Chairs, Chairs

I love chairs!  When we moved into this house, my husband counted all the chairs and said you have way to many chairs.  Since then I have sold a few and given my daughter a few.  But I am always on the hunt for beautiful chairs.  If I could I would change chairs constantly, wait, hubby says.  The above pictures are how the room looked before Christmas.
I want to find Chairs  for the Living Room.  I needed some help to define what I want for the living room.  I went to One Kings Lane to look at their Home Decor Resource Guide @  https://www.onekingslane.com/info/.

 Right now I am using these wicker chairs and find they are to small.  These are how they looked in the old house.

This is my statement chair, an oversized chair/loveseat in my living room, the grandboys love this chair.  This is the chair I need to find companions for.
I wanted a resource to inspire me for purchasing those companion chairs and went to the Home Decor Resource on One Kings Lane to educate me!

I like this Club Chair, Davis Gray and Cream chair,  but don't know if I want to go armless.  Click on the pictures to go to the site info.French  Arm Chairs in Muslin fabricBarkley wingback chair features nail-head trim that beautifully contrasts with its ivory upholstery.Another pair of vintage wing backs

 I do love wing backs, I have a comfy one in my bedroom and love to sit here and read.

 In the dining room that borders my living room, I have Windsor Chairs and a Pine Farm Table.  With my 1940's corner cabinet, I would love to continue a classic look into the living room.

 I do love a classic frame with a feedsack cover.  These were mahogany and I painted them with Anne Sloan Paris Grey.  They were then covered with feedsacks that I collected. 

 So, as I continue to search for my perfect chair.  I know I will have to shuffle my cute little wicker chairs from my aunt to another area.  Comfort will need to come over my cute factor.  With grandson's that love to lounge all over the furniture and son-in-laws that need a comfortable place to land, I need to make a good choice this year.  I think I have narrowed down my hunt to One Kings Lane.  I have defined my style.  Now I need to make a choice! 
Give me a shout out with your opinions.  Di

Linking with:
Twigg Studios
Funky Junk Interiors
Coastal Charm
The Scoop
Savvy Southern Style
From my Front Porch to Yours
Common Ground
French Country Cottage
Shabby Art Boutique
Jennifer Rizzo
Masterpiece Monday

Holiday Cooking

We made sausage biscuit bites for family and friends this year!  Yummy.  We made 4 batches and had to sample each tray, needless to say, that was our supper that night.  Recipe below*

 A great basic recipe, we added cheese, pancetta to some batches.

 Always perfect, stacked up!  Great to reheat in the oven for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

 Part of the fun is finding ways to package them up.  Two of my new ironstone finds

 My, favorite way of gifting my baked good is containers.  I have gotten my best ideas from Martha Stewart and Southern Living

This sweet Whitman's box went to my daughter that to me is a fairy princess!

These are from England and held cookies, I kept these for myself since I have add them for a long time.

 I packed these full for my boss.

 This one went to my daughter that loves all things French

Here is the recipe:  3/4 pound pork sausage; 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp. sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 pk dry yeast; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 pk. dry yeast; 1/4 cup warm water; 1 cup buttermilk; Melted butter.  Cook sausage, crumble, drain and set aside.  Combine highlighted 5 ingredients, mixing well.  Then cut in shortening.  Dissove yeast in water, Add mixture to buttermilk, stir well.  Add this to Dry ingredients, mix well and then add sausage.  Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface, knead lightly 3 to 4 time.  Roll Dough to 1/2" thickness.  Cut with a 1 3/4" round cutter.  Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet.  Brush tops with melted butter.  Bake @ 425 for 10 min. or until brown.  Yields 3 dozen biscuits.   Di, Joining these sweet friends