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Sunday, July 11, 2010

HOW 'BOUT A LITTLE CHATTING WITH THE BARGAIN HUNTING?


Yes, I AM showing my mantel AGAIN!  This is the way it looked last week.  A lot of you bloggers have been posting these great beach-themed vignettes, so I thought I’d try one on the mantel for a summertime look.
 mantel
 The problem is that I went from all of the patriotic colors to kind of a white beach look, and I’m having a little trouble adjusting to the lack of color.  (And I’m always thinking I want the all white Shabby Chic look!)
MANTLE UP CLOSE
I hope you have time to sit down and join me for a cup of tea and a little chat.  Don’t ya just love when I start chatting on my blog?  I am able to monopolize the conversation until you get to the “comment” section.  It’s a dream come true for a blabbermouth conversationalist like me!  I’d like to talk for a minute about Blog Frog.  Months ago, I saw something on another blog about it, so I went over and signed up.  I started getting these “BFF” emails, and I didn’t know what to do with them!  So, if I ignored your BFF email, I want to let you know that it was not intentional.  I just don’t have any idea what I’m doing!  I apologize, and I hope you’ll give me another chance (although I haven’t done anything on Blog Frog, I don’t want to turn down a chance to have a new Blog Frog Friend.)
TEA CHAIRS
I really don’t understand what BF is all about, but I’m kind of a “joiner”, so I did put that BF “recent visitors” box on my blog.  I’m assuming that it is just like a site meter, which does not necessarily show that a particular blogger has visited my blog, but rather that someone clicked to my blog from another blog.  I KNOW some of these bloggers are not visiting my blog several times a day!  (My posts are usually not interesting enough to visit once, much less several times!)
TEACUP-TEAPOTIf you have been coming to my blog for very long, you know that my self-confidence level is lacking (I know -- That’s an understatement!).  I had to take site meter off my blog, because I was constantly worrying about all of those people who came to my blog and found nothing worthy of a comment, so I’ll probably be removing the BF recent visitors box as well.
 Did you notice your tea cup and saucer?  I got the last two of those at T. J. Maxx recently (on the sale aisle, of course).  FULL MANTLE FRMD Another thing I want to chat about is my criminal activity (as confessed on my previous post).  I just want to explain that I would understand and immediately remove a photo if a blogger did not want it posted on my blog.  I will not be offended if a blogger emails me and asks me to remove their photo from my blog.  Unfortunately, I am one of those people who works better under pressure.  I do not pre-schedule posts (I’m doing well to get a post done in time for a Blogville event.)  When I prepare a Favorite Things Saturday post, I don’t have time to email each person whose photo I am stealing borrowing and hear back from them before I need to get my post done.  So please, email me if you find your photo on my blog and you want it taken off.   

MOSAIC I have to issue an apology now.  I feel absolutely terrible, but I ordered this cute banner from a blogger (apparently not from an Etsy, since I’ve gone back to check my Etsy orders), and I cannot remember which blogger it was!  Yikes! I’m afraid I’m not having senior moments – I used to have those, but now I’m afraid I’m senile!  I do know that the beach picnic bookmark was from Fifi Flowers Designs (Maybe I’ll remember who made the banner before I finish this post!)  If you made this darling banner, please let me know, so I can credit you with it, and please forgive my senility!
PICNIC-BNR I am linking to a lot of events with this post:
Metamorphosis Monday:     Between Naps on the Porch
Tabletop Tuesday:     A Stroll Thru Life
Tea Time Tuesday:  Lady Katherine Tea Parlor
Tea Cup Tuesday:     Martha’s Favorites and Artful Affirmations
Tuesday Tea for Two:     The Plumed Pen
Tea Pot & Tea Things Tuesday:     A Breath of Fresh Air
I told you I was a joiner!  Thanks to these great hostesses!
meme mos  And don’t forget the parties!  Friday is the Summer Cloche Party at A Stroll Thru Life, and Friday and Saturday is the Ice Cream Social at Kitchen Bouquet.  Social calendars are filling up all  over Blogville this week!
cloche-ice crm
This post is kind of full of blog buttons (I know, it’s full of chatter too).  The first time I posted photos from other blogs for a Favorite Things Saturday event, Kathleen at Cuisine Kathleen suggested that I make an “I’ve been featured” button.  Since I didn’t think being featured on my little blog gave anybody any bragging rights, I didn’t make a button.  However, I did decide that if I “borrowed” one of your photos, you should have bragging rights because you didn’t report me to the Blogville Police (do you Google “9-1-1” to report a Blogville crime?)
frame stretch
So, if I have “borrowed” one of your photos for a Favorite Things post, please feel free to post this button on your blog.  If you click on this button on my blog, you will see a list of the blogs from which I have “borrowed”.
I apologize for the long post.  I do have to live up to the name of my blog by occasionally doing some chatting.  I hope it doesn’t keep you from visiting my blog again.  Normally, I don’t monopolize the conversation like I did today. (My husband would probably disagree with that statement.) Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for putting up with my chatter.  laurie

50 comments:

aimee said...

i had a rather nice visit. love the tea :) very delish. the banner is cute. going from color to white can take some getting used to. it looks nice any how.
blessings,
aimee

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

I think your mantle looks lovely, but I would miss the color. I love your apology. So cute! I have your 4th of July plates. I got them from a swap. Don't you just adore them? I wish I had found them at Tuesday Morning. I always enjoy coming by your fun little place.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

A good bargain...now that's what I live for! :)

KBeau said...

Love your newest button. You're just so clever. I have a site meter on my blog and get tons of traffic from people who don't comment. I think that's just the way it is.

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Loving the new mantlescape. I especially like the sandcastle--I've never seen anything like it!

Hope you're having a good Monday :-)

Christie said...

I saw the banner at the top and was going to ask where it came from! ALL SO very cute! You are fun to stop by and visit! Have a wonderful week!

Kim said...

I'm swooning over that mantle Laurie, as I always do when I see it. You have SUCH a flair for detail when it comes to decorating. I love all the little Laurie touches.
xoxo,
Kim

Christie said...

Laurie,

I am so sorry! I just realized that I forgot to link back from 'A Swedish Intent!' I fixed it! Thank you so much for stopping by! I want to add that I love this little 'Sea Shore' bucket...I have a vintage child's beach shovel that would pair nicely (I love children's antique toys, furniture,etc...!) So lovely!

Unknown said...

Oh, Laurie,
Thank you for the list of parties going on in Blog Land. I have been MIA this summer, out for Daycations and trying to create some things. Love that banner, and Fifi is such an amazing artist, I can't believe how many things that she produces each week.

Well have a great day, and thank you again. I didn't know about some of these.
Karen

Kathleen said...

I love your beachy mantle! I don't change mine except for Christmas or other holidays I put a few seasonal items in between the always displayed photos up there. Boring,I know!
I love those teacups. I would have had to buy them if I saw them!
Thanks for the mention!

★Carol★ said...

Laurie, your mantle always rocks! I love the patriotic one, and the beachy one is just gorgeous, and I can't wait to see what you'll do next!
Happy Monday!
Carol

ellen b. said...

Good morning Laurie! Well I did enjoy all your true confessions and chatter here. So sad none of your photos showed up for me. It's probably some glitch on my computer thinking it's saving me from something. I'll come back again and see if I can see the photos, too.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Your mantel is pretty!
I am of no help on the banner, but enjoyed the chat.:D
Have a great day.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

I always love visiting here...we have the best talks...even if they are one sided;)! You really know how to entertain a girl... beautiful decor and amazing refreshments! Can I come again soon? How 'bout now? I am on my way!

Happy Monday!
Cathy

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I don't mind your chatting at all. Laurie! It is always entertaining! :-)

I love the sea shell plates on your mantle, and the sandcastel and vintage bucket. It's a very pretty summer vignette.

Ginny said...

Love the beachy look. I am not a big Americana fan, but your mantle looked nice. I love getting bargains, too, and those tea cups are sweeeeet!
I enjoy your blog very much, Laure, Thanks for the tea!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful mantle, pretty elements in there.

Hugs
Charo

Denise C said...

Oh my gosh - your blog button is a hoot! I hope you'll steal one of my photos soon so I can put your button on my blog.

And BTW - you should get your confidence level up right now, because your blog is wonderful. I love the fun you put in your writing.

Vicki said...

Hi, Laurie,
I love your mantel both ways, patriotic and seashore theme. Your tea cups are cute as can be, never seen any like them before. Your polka dot tea pot is very charming. So glad to meet you, my friend, and enjoy your Tea Things on Tuesday! Vicki

Terri said...

Beautiful mantels.
Your tea cup is so unusual! I love the colors and the starfish shaped saucer. How cool is that for summer!
Thank you for joining in Tea Cup Tuesday.
Hugs,
Terri

Brenda ~ The Heminger Farmhouse said...

Hi Laurie :) I too have seen several blogs doing the beachy theme, and though it is quite nice, I'm sticking to my Shabby Romantic Rosey theme. Your teacup is adorable...love the shape of the saucer...so different and unique :)

Happy Teacup Tuesday, warmest, Brenda

Lady Katherine said...

Hi Laurie, So glad to have you join me for Tea Time Tuesday. I just love your beachy mantel! The 4th mantel was great, this one I adore! Love those teacups and the polka dot teapot! Just wonderful! I need to get out and shop. lol I been mostly staying home after I got hurt, and then a bad fall pulling loose my surgery, so sitting at the computer is a big task. Now I go for MRI on Friday, for more tumors. I've not been visiting as much barely keeping my head up out of the water. lol I do add your link and never come link, I apologize so much, I have to say I forget to do a lot of others too. I have only been posting once a week, and am so happy your here today. I love love your banner! I would be honored if you stole one of my photos someday. lol

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Laurie: I am with you, I am changing my living room colors too. I miss the all the color as well. Thank you for joining Tea Cup Tuesday. Love your tea cup. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

Nancy Rosalina said...

Beautiful mantel, Laurie...love the banner you got on etsy! Nancy

Prior said...

I love your patriotic mantel...and the new one as well, what a perfect spot to change up a little! Lezlee

The Quintessential Magpie said...

You are so sweet, I can't imagine anyone every getting made at you!

I love the mantle both ways you have it!

XO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

That should read "ever getting mad". I can't imagine it. XOXOXO

Snap said...

I enjoyed my visit. Thanks for the tea!

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

beautiful mantel and your teacup is so unique.. never see one like yours! starfish saucer?! wow.. that is super cute!

Rachel said...

Love the beach scape! I have had one displayed in my front foyer for over a month- you know, in preperaton for summer!

Wanda Lee said...

Wow!.., What a lovely mantle; both ways are just so delightful it's hard to pick a favorite!

Your teacups are also exceptional, as always!..,

Thanks so much for joining in with the tea party fun for my 39th, 'Tuesday Tea For Two', the 30th, 'Wednesday Tea For Me And Thee' as well as for my shared meme that I created to share with my dear sweet friend Pam; our 11th, 'Teapot And Tea Thimgs Tuesday'!

Have a marvelous and blessed week!

Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

Virginia said...

First time visiting you and I most said it was very entertaining and amusing.
Love your chatting……and the new look on your mantel.
Sweet Blessings,
Virginia

Sue said...

Laurie, I like the neutral, beachy look! The banner is adorable, as are those plates. What a cool sandcastle- is it a lamp?
I have to say that I follow many blogs where I visit and don't comment. I think it is because I haven't yet formed a kinship w/the blogger. Instead, I truly just enjoy reading, and mostly LOOKING, at what they post. I get hits and no comments, too. I finally learned not to take it personally. .... sometimes. LOL
hugs, Sue

Unknown said...

What a beautiful mantle and I enjoyed the "conversation" :)

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

Laurie I am right there with you! If I did everything I would love to do here on Blogger, my house would be a filthy mess, my pets would be starving and I would never paint or craft again! I don't even know what a BlogFrog is and please do not explain it to me as I may be tempted to join...:)
Your mantle is lovely and very summery, and I have never ever seen a cup like that what a unique find.
Well I am glad I visited AND left a comment, lol Have a super week...
Tina xo

parTea lady said...

Your beach theme mantle is great. I love the china scallop shells, sandcastle and the banner.

I wish that I'd bought some of those starfish cups and saucers when I saw them at Marshalls.

Appleshoe said...

Oh you do not ‘monopolize the conversation till we get to the comment section’. Laurie, you regale us with stories of your criminal history and present beautiful photo’s of your teacups, mantle, your home, your bargains, your finds, your family, and so on. It is our pleasure to sit and ‘listen’ till it is our turn to thank you for being such a good hostess and entertaining us all with your wit and charm every Tuesday. You are a delight. Take care.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Hello!
What a cute tea cup and saucer and I love your mantle, both decor themes!!
I am a lover of deep rich color . It is not that I don't like the white Shabby thing, I do .... in someone else's house! I get bored with things very quickly and all white would simply just bore me to death after a bit of time. Plus I would feel that I would have to be extra careful not to get anything dirty because it would really show up on all of that white. And I truly don't have time to be that careful!!

Sorry that I monopolizes this conversation for so long! LOL!!

Debbie

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

I like your mantel makeover Laurie!

I did go over to blogfrog last week for awhile, but I bet I forget about it. I tend to do that, a lot!:-)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, you do have the neatest things. I just want to come shop at your house. Everything is so pretty and you DO know how to put them all together so beautifully. Love your new mantel. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

Lemon Lane Studio said...

uh huh...yeah...I agree...no way...how cute...me, too. There, now I've gotten my two cents in! As always, enjoyed the chat. Talk to you soon, Patty ;o

Mellodee said...

Your blog is like a treasure trove of wonderful things to see! I end up going all sorts of different places I never would have found on my own.

Uhhh, you may have noticed I "talk" more on my blog than anything else. I think it is an offshoot of the fact that I talk a lot everywhere I go! :)

shannon i olson said...

funny funny! I have to admit I don't know how lots of those things work either! I love the white mantel it is just beautiful.
Chatter away my dear....let me get another cup of coffee.

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove said...

Hi Convict # 8994542,

I see that bloggerville prison still allows for home vistitations to get the important stuff done in life! Now, I need to know, did Martha leave some of her design books in her cell and you have been studing them? Because the mantel is beautiful. Unless of course, this is just part of the "rehabilitation" training you are receiving.

Now, I want to take full advantage of your blogger jail time. I figure you are probably meeting all kinds of blogger techies in there. So, when you find out about what the whole BlogFrog, please let me know! I, too, signed up for it without having a clue what it is all about and I receive daily emails from people now being my blog frog friend. I'm clueless. So, could ya get on that the next time you have maybe "yard time" in bloggerville prison. Maybe while one of the computer people, in between bench pressing their laptops, could answer this mystery for us.

Oh, and I am taking my button!

Olive said...

Laurie, you are fun! I will folow starting now. ♦olive

Judi said...

Hi Laurie!
You are just toooo funny. I really enjoyed reading your post. Your mantel was very patriotic and colourful and now it certainly is more beachy. I know what you mean about colour. I love the white shabby chic colour and would love it for me but I have a problem without colour....

Love all your beautiful wares and even all the pics you st..er...borrowed to show us today. I hope you won't be caught...

have a great evening
Judi

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

i am loving your chairs in front of the fireplace! so cute! the mantel looks great in the 4th & the beachy decor. that little bucket is too cute!

xoxo
becky

bff stands for best friend forever..something i am just now learning, too.

Kristi said...

I always love the way you dress your mantle!! And I have a very similiar banner I'm going to use this weekend for my little one's 2nd birthday party! I'll be sure and take pics of it!

And I was cracking up on your BFF emails! I kind of did the same thing. I must have (without realizing it) signed up for "twitter" a year or more ago. I periodically get emails that say "so and so is following you on twitter" and I think to myself really?? I have never said ONE word on twitter, LOL! :)

Jami said...

Hi Laurie~
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such kind comments. I enjoy your blog and really heart those cups & saucers that look like starfish! Your chairs are pretty special, too!
smiles!

www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Laurie- just back from our Jr High camp and since it is terrible warm today I am playing lazy and catching up on my blogs!

Always so fun to come by and see what craziness you are up to! I am so glad you mentioned BF and BFF for I too joined but when I would see BF thought someone was talking about their best friend though then I thought my they have a lot of those as every other person is BF! Now the BFF- best friends forever???


What a silly and cute little feature button and I will proudly place it on my blog page!
bee blessed
mary