through the good efforts of the blogging community. Thanks.
O Christmas Tree Shops,
O Christmas Tree Shops,
How tempting are your bargains!
So the other day I casually wandered into the local Domestic Emporium Crack House, also known as The Christmas Tree Shops, home of things from the sublime to the ridiculous.
I like to take a keeper, like Howard or my daughter Anne, who will conk me on the head and lead me out of the store,
dazed and muttering, "But I was still shopping . . . there's more, there's more . . . ." before I bankrupt us.
This time, Anne was shopping next door at Michael's, so I was left on my own to run amok.
You know those 3-inch round blue and white ceramic balls that crop up in home dec magazines?
They have them at CTS.
I got 5 of them.
I have seen them for sale online for $6.50 each, also for $42 for a half dozen. These were a buck apiece,
and they come in blue and white but also in red and white, green and white and black and white.
No, not museum quality, but heck -- they are pretty much a fad, so who wants to spend a lot on them?
Not I.
Also at CTS, these:
Scallop shell shaped appetizer plates.
A beautiful iridescent blue glass, translucent.
They even play well with turquoise.
They are destined for the beach house, which means we're going to have to start inviting people out there.
*******************************************
Now what is different at That Old House?
Last winter, if you looked out our dining room windows, you pretty much saw this, all the time:
Today, you see this out the dining room window, especially if it is raining:
I had planned to go out and cut some flowers to put on the mantel, but it is still pouring rain.
We had several inches yesterday, and wouldn't you know it?
Howard and I were in my mini van most of the day;
drove through some mighty impressive flood puddles.
I was very glad we were in a mini-van and not a low slung Ferrari.
Because you know, that was my choice when I got the new car: Mini-van or Ferrari. I chose wisely.
Anyway -- if Monet did the view out our dining room window,
and then needlepointed it in fuzzy worsted yarn, it might look like this:
Lesson: Use the clear glass, not the screened part, to shoot pictures when you are inside hiding from the rain
Meanwhile, on the other side of the house, winter often brought this stylish look to the arborvitae outside the sunroom:
But sadly, installing a fence in June right slap up next to the bushes hasn't been a happy experience for one of them.
We started with three when we moved here, now we are down to one.
The Arborvitae Union has spread the word, and now these shrubs hide when we walk through a nursery.
******************************************
And what about tomorrow? And Wednesday? Glimpses, below. Thrifty and gifty.
You can still snag buys on eBay. And getting gifts is even better!
Before I list the Link Parties for today, I would like to encourage all of you to visit Between Naps On The Porch (click here) to help a very special project -- a Miracle Makeover to help a young cancer victim named Charlie Grady.
Your comment on Susan's blog, or any of the sponsoring blogs,
will mean another dollar for this project. Comment often!
Susan also has the links to other blogs supporting this makeover, and all the information you need. Please, visit and comment! It's free to you, but it's priceless for this little boy. Thanks -- CassLink Parties for Monday!
Visit Smiling Sally for Blue Monday, and leave Sally a comment please; she's
having major health issues and should know how many people are wishing her well. Click here!
Susan's Metamorphosis Monday is on her Between Naps On The Porch blog. Click here!
It's Mosaic Monday at Mary's Little Red House. Click here!
At The House In The Roses, it's Show Off Your Cottage Monday. Click here!
And a new one to me! Mellow Yellow Monday, for our Black-Eyed Susans. Click here!
And a new one to me! Mellow Yellow Monday, for our Black-Eyed Susans. Click here!
Cass..
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe I am the first to comment..
love our visits..
especially your QUIRKY sense of humor..
(just like mine!!)
love this post..
but you should add one more party to your Monday list: Mellow Yellow Monday!!
http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/
so much FUN.. especially on a rainy day!!
warmest hugs..
Loui♥
What a buy! Wish I shopped where you did.
ReplyDeleteSaw you on Metamorphosis Monday.
Nice deal on the orbs. Probably a good thing we don't have a CTS here. I have taken a few pictures thru the screen also - just did not work out. :D
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Those are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteMy Blue, hope you can drop by. Have a great week ahead!
Cass, I love your great finds! Thank you for your support for our Miracle Makeover Blog Party! Your dedicated post has won you a spot on our Facebook Wall of Fame. I will list your blog and ask all our facebook followers to visit.
ReplyDeleteEmbracing Hug,
Sherry, The Design Gives Back Team
I love your shopping chops! I feel the same way
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love the CTS.... almost as much as peter hates it - lol ! And Jacob has declared it smells in there, so he won't go with me either... oh well, guess I'll have to do it alone - hahaha !
ReplyDeleteThose balls are adorable - they would actually make great Christmas gifts for the secretaries... hmmmmmmmmm
thanks for sharing the latest crack house crack !
gena
Loved your pretty bargains!! What a beautiful view you have year round! Blessings,Kathleen
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! These are all so lovely.
ReplyDeleteMy Blue Monday is here.
I love those! Yes, I have also shopped at Christmas Tree Shop and got some amazing deals! You are right - why spend a lot on something trendy!...loving all this rain!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
Love the blue ceramic balls, very pretty. Yes and I would not want to pay a lot for them either. I sure they might chip. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt is awfully hard to think of Christmas in the heat we are having.
ReplyDeleteCass, that snow looks pretty inviting this summer, for sure. Love your blues. Oh, have I ever done this with the screen ... ruined good pics at the moment. Your yard & gardens are gorgeous. I could sit forever at your table & chat away with you. TY for your support during our Makeover event.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
What a wonderful difference you experience throughout the seasons...and how beautiful your garden looks now. Oh...how I would love some rain. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteCass, I went to an antique shop this weekend and of course, I did not come home empty-handed. I need a wallet-guard with me lately too.
ReplyDeleteYour finds are amazing, now I want to rush out to the store. Love the blue balls, lol, they are so pretty.
I've had a big blue ball of those blue balls (say that fast twice!) on the table for years - put them away at Christmas time and then feel all springlike when I take them out again.
ReplyDeleteOK bloggers just so you know Cass is now officially out of control at CTS and Dollar Tree as well as Goodwill and ... well you get the picture. I knew about the plates because they are for the beach house. I found out about the blue orbs the same way you did. On the blog. It's not time yet but soon I may have to ask for help with an intervention.
ReplyDeleteOK bloggers -- just so you know, Howard is ONE LUCKY HUSBAND that I am not out of control at Prada, Hermes, and ... well, other places I never shop!
ReplyDeleteAnd the only reason he didn't know about the blue orbs (or blue balls, as I prefer to call them) is that he walked right past the table they were on and never noticed.
Sound like your hubby? They are lucky they are cute. :-)
Cass
Great deal on the glass balls! I love your "Monet" picture of the garden- haha!
ReplyDeleteLove the blue balls! Im gonna get some and turn them into Christmas ornaments!
ReplyDeleteLOL cant stop laughing at the comments you two put up hehehe