Shopping Sunday Secrets is hosted by Anita of http://bridalblooms4u.blogspot.com/. Visit her blog and check out what everybody brought home from the shops this past week.
As if I do not have enough plates, LOL! If you have been following my blog, you probably know that we were in Chicago a few days ago. And when I am out of town, I SHOP! I shop when I am in town too but more so when I am away. Anyway, I discovered a Marshall's store 1 day before going back home. I am sure my wallet was happy about that cause that did not leave me much time to shop anymore. I saw these plates which were marked originally at $19.95 for 4 (and if you shop at Marshall's, you probably know that their original price is already a bargain compared to other stores.) And they had them marked down to $7, for all 4 of them. So I grabbed 3 boxes for a total of 12 plates. Do you know how heavy they were? Luckily the store was only 2 blocks away from the hotel cause when I went there, I have already been to Crate and Barrel so I already had a bag of purchases from there. That means I had to struggle carrying 2 heavy shopping bags walking back to the hotel room.
The following day (our flight was not until 6:55 PM so we had more time to shop), John and I went back there because we had to buy another luggage. By then I had boug ht so many things: bag, shirts and jackets because it got cold and I did not bring heavy jackets). While there, I saw these plates. I have dishes with this same Italian design but none of them are square, so I grabbed 2 plates and 2 bowls. I couldn't resist, ok? They were on clearance, $3 each.
When we got home, packages were ouside the front door and more packages were in front of the garage doors. This coffee set was in one of the boxes. I won them on ebay for $50, a coffee pot, 6 cups and saucers, creamer and sugar server. I thought they kinda match my Vogue dinnerware set.
I moved some of the cups away so you can see the pot better.
In another box were 6 of these wooden plate chargers I bought from Horchow.
And in another box were a set of 4 glass chargers. I really like these. I am debating whether or not I should buy 4 more. I need them, right? LOL!
Last but not least, I received this set of Homer Laughlin eggshell Cavalier designed dinnerware today.
I won them from Ebay. Unfortunately, the platter came broken but I think the money I paid is still worth the set and I can file an insurance claim. The others are in perfect condition. The girl I bought them from said they belonged to her mother who hardly used them and she was very sad to let them go. I told her not to worry because I will take good care of them. I bought the whole service for 8 set for $89 plus a veg. bowl, sugar and cream servers and the broken platter.
I hope you enjoyed the items I bought this week. Actually I bought more but I do not want to overwhelm you. Thank you Anita for hosting an event that I know I can participate in regularly. For as you know, I am a shopaholic!
As if I do not have enough plates, LOL! If you have been following my blog, you probably know that we were in Chicago a few days ago. And when I am out of town, I SHOP! I shop when I am in town too but more so when I am away. Anyway, I discovered a Marshall's store 1 day before going back home. I am sure my wallet was happy about that cause that did not leave me much time to shop anymore. I saw these plates which were marked originally at $19.95 for 4 (and if you shop at Marshall's, you probably know that their original price is already a bargain compared to other stores.) And they had them marked down to $7, for all 4 of them. So I grabbed 3 boxes for a total of 12 plates. Do you know how heavy they were? Luckily the store was only 2 blocks away from the hotel cause when I went there, I have already been to Crate and Barrel so I already had a bag of purchases from there. That means I had to struggle carrying 2 heavy shopping bags walking back to the hotel room.
The following day (our flight was not until 6:55 PM so we had more time to shop), John and I went back there because we had to buy another luggage. By then I had boug ht so many things: bag, shirts and jackets because it got cold and I did not bring heavy jackets). While there, I saw these plates. I have dishes with this same Italian design but none of them are square, so I grabbed 2 plates and 2 bowls. I couldn't resist, ok? They were on clearance, $3 each.
When we got home, packages were ouside the front door and more packages were in front of the garage doors. This coffee set was in one of the boxes. I won them on ebay for $50, a coffee pot, 6 cups and saucers, creamer and sugar server. I thought they kinda match my Vogue dinnerware set.
I moved some of the cups away so you can see the pot better.
In another box were 6 of these wooden plate chargers I bought from Horchow.
And in another box were a set of 4 glass chargers. I really like these. I am debating whether or not I should buy 4 more. I need them, right? LOL!
Last but not least, I received this set of Homer Laughlin eggshell Cavalier designed dinnerware today.
I won them from Ebay. Unfortunately, the platter came broken but I think the money I paid is still worth the set and I can file an insurance claim. The others are in perfect condition. The girl I bought them from said they belonged to her mother who hardly used them and she was very sad to let them go. I told her not to worry because I will take good care of them. I bought the whole service for 8 set for $89 plus a veg. bowl, sugar and cream servers and the broken platter.
I hope you enjoyed the items I bought this week. Actually I bought more but I do not want to overwhelm you. Thank you Anita for hosting an event that I know I can participate in regularly. For as you know, I am a shopaholic!It is also time for Sunday Favorites meme, hosted by sweet Chari.
You can check out "Oldies but Goodies" posts by visiting her at http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/. Chari's blog is so much fun to read. She has the most amazing stuff and she is so witty and the combination will definitely entertain you.
You can check out "Oldies but Goodies" posts by visiting her at http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/. Chari's blog is so much fun to read. She has the most amazing stuff and she is so witty and the combination will definitely entertain you.For my contribution, I would like to repost our trip to see the Blessed Virgin Mary's house in Turkey near Ephesus. I posted it on my early Sightseeing Saturday posts and it's one of the unforgettable places that I have ever visited. I hope you enjoy reading about it again if you have seen it before.
Welcome to Sightseeing Saturday! Our trip today is very special because we will visit the house of our Blessed Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary in Turkey, near Ephesus. 
But before we start our journey, let me first acknowledge my acceptance of 2 wonderful awards, the Sisterhood Award, presented to me by an amazing courageous woman, Ann at http://ann-jamesaskeltonyahoocom.blogspot.com/ . You need to visit Ann's blog and you will see her home and family treasures. Thank you , Ann!
Ok, now we're ready to go. Let's go to the mountains between Ephesus and Seljuk via Izmir, Turkey.
After the Resurrection of Christ, St. John the Apostle brought the Blessed Virgin Mary to Ephesus in Turkey to live in a little cottage on the moutains between Ephesus and Seljuk. This is the cottage where our Blessed Mother spent her last years. In 1812, Sr. Ann Catherine Emmerich, a German nun who never traveled away from her home, visualized it. She is an invalid who one day, woke up in a trance with the stigmata and visions that included St. John traveling with the Virgin Mary from Jerusalem to Ephesus. Her detailed description of it was recorded from her bed by a writer named Bentrano. Sr. Emmerich said that the Virgin Mary died at the age of 64 and was buried in a cave near her house. When her coffin was opened soon after, both coffin and burial shroud were both empty. For the nun who had never traveled anywhere to be able to describe it so vividly, is a miracle. She described the location and the shape of the house so perfectly. The site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims.
Archeologists believe that the building dates back all the way to the 6th or 7th century but the foundation is much older and may date back from 1st century AD, which is the time of Mary. The house was turned into a chapel and people flock from all over the world to visit and pray.
The interior of the cottage which is now the chapel is the picture above with Virgin Mary's statue.
I traveled with my granddaughter, AJ, my youngest daughter, Tina (not AJ's mom but her aunt) and daughter's hubby, Scott. Tina was 5 months pregnant with Brendan then and was very sick and miserable with high fever, cold and coughing. She did not even want to come to the tour with us but I forced her because I did not want her to miss a probable once in a lifetime experience. I told her we can pray for her there and the Blessed Mother will surely make her feel better. And our ever loving and caring Blessed Mother certainly heard our prayers because Tina felt so much better afterwards. Here's AJ, posing with our Blessed Mother's house in the background.
Here's my son in law! Thank God he was with us because traveling with a sick 5 month old pregnant daughter and an 8 year old granddaughter and 8 total heavy and bulky luggage wasn't easy. Scott and I did all the lifting.
Of course, I wanted a picture of me with the Virgin Mary's home in the background too.
There's the couple, with Tina still looking miserable. Poor baby!
I thought this tree was interesting with little plants growing where the limb was cut. You can click and enlarge, of course, to see the details.
Women insert tissue paper on this prayer wall and pray to the Blessed Mother for them to get pregnant. I inserted a tissue paper but not with an intention of getting pregnant. Oh Lordy, no! That will truly be a miracle! LOL!...just my personal intentions.
I should hope that AJ did not ask to get pregnant either..LOL!
Do you see how high we were on the mountain?
After visiting the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we went to St. John's Basilica, only left now are ruins of it. But you can tell from what's left that it must have been a huge and beautiful place. The basilica is on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill near the center of Selcuk, just below the fortress and about 3.5 km (2 miles) from Ephesus. We are not talking about St. John the Baptist here, but rather, St. John the Apostle, evangelist and author of the fourth gospel which he wrote in Ephesus, a prophet, the author of Revelation. St. John became one of Christ's closest desciples and was present on various significant events such as the Crucifixion and Transfiguration.
Oh Look! There is Santa Cristina!
AJ offered flowers on St. John's grave and prayed. She just picked up weeds from the grounds but isn't that sweet?
What a beautiful view!
Can you imagine how huge and grand it used to be?
I took this picture hoping to do an oil painting of it.
And I did! How do you like it? Does it resemble the photo?
That was a lot of walking up and down hills and I am tired. Good thing I wore my comfy walking shoes. I hope you enjoyed our tour for today and not too tired to take another trip next Saturday again. Don't forget to wear your walking shoes. I am so proud of you. You are all getting to be experienced travelers!
Welcome to Sightseeing Saturday! Our trip today is very special because we will visit the house of our Blessed Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary in Turkey, near Ephesus. But before we start our journey, let me first acknowledge my acceptance of 2 wonderful awards, the Sisterhood Award, presented to me by an amazing courageous woman, Ann at http://ann-jamesaskeltonyahoocom.blogspot.com/ . You need to visit Ann's blog and you will see her home and family treasures. Thank you , Ann!The rules for this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award
I also received the Best Blog Daily Thinker Award.presented to me by a very talented Marty of http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/. I just discovered recently how talented Marty is in spotting bargain treasures. Go visit her blog and check out her precious finds. Thank you, Marty!
The rules are to post it on your blog and pass it on to 10 other deserving bloggers.
Now this is the most difficult part of these awards because I think all of you deserve them and I cannot limit giving them to just 10.
So, I decided to give them to all to you? If you read my blog, please collect the awards because I know you all deserve them.
Ok, now we're ready to go. Let's go to the mountains between Ephesus and Seljuk via Izmir, Turkey.
After the Resurrection of Christ, St. John the Apostle brought the Blessed Virgin Mary to Ephesus in Turkey to live in a little cottage on the moutains between Ephesus and Seljuk. This is the cottage where our Blessed Mother spent her last years. In 1812, Sr. Ann Catherine Emmerich, a German nun who never traveled away from her home, visualized it. She is an invalid who one day, woke up in a trance with the stigmata and visions that included St. John traveling with the Virgin Mary from Jerusalem to Ephesus. Her detailed description of it was recorded from her bed by a writer named Bentrano. Sr. Emmerich said that the Virgin Mary died at the age of 64 and was buried in a cave near her house. When her coffin was opened soon after, both coffin and burial shroud were both empty. For the nun who had never traveled anywhere to be able to describe it so vividly, is a miracle. She described the location and the shape of the house so perfectly. The site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims.
Archeologists believe that the building dates back all the way to the 6th or 7th century but the foundation is much older and may date back from 1st century AD, which is the time of Mary. The house was turned into a chapel and people flock from all over the world to visit and pray.The interior of the cottage which is now the chapel is the picture above with Virgin Mary's statue.
I traveled with my granddaughter, AJ, my youngest daughter, Tina (not AJ's mom but her aunt) and daughter's hubby, Scott. Tina was 5 months pregnant with Brendan then and was very sick and miserable with high fever, cold and coughing. She did not even want to come to the tour with us but I forced her because I did not want her to miss a probable once in a lifetime experience. I told her we can pray for her there and the Blessed Mother will surely make her feel better. And our ever loving and caring Blessed Mother certainly heard our prayers because Tina felt so much better afterwards. Here's AJ, posing with our Blessed Mother's house in the background.
Here's my son in law! Thank God he was with us because traveling with a sick 5 month old pregnant daughter and an 8 year old granddaughter and 8 total heavy and bulky luggage wasn't easy. Scott and I did all the lifting.
Of course, I wanted a picture of me with the Virgin Mary's home in the background too.
There's the couple, with Tina still looking miserable. Poor baby!
I thought this tree was interesting with little plants growing where the limb was cut. You can click and enlarge, of course, to see the details.
Women insert tissue paper on this prayer wall and pray to the Blessed Mother for them to get pregnant. I inserted a tissue paper but not with an intention of getting pregnant. Oh Lordy, no! That will truly be a miracle! LOL!...just my personal intentions.
I should hope that AJ did not ask to get pregnant either..LOL!
Do you see how high we were on the mountain?
After visiting the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we went to St. John's Basilica, only left now are ruins of it. But you can tell from what's left that it must have been a huge and beautiful place. The basilica is on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill near the center of Selcuk, just below the fortress and about 3.5 km (2 miles) from Ephesus. We are not talking about St. John the Baptist here, but rather, St. John the Apostle, evangelist and author of the fourth gospel which he wrote in Ephesus, a prophet, the author of Revelation. St. John became one of Christ's closest desciples and was present on various significant events such as the Crucifixion and Transfiguration.The building was destroyed by Tamerlane's Mongol army in 1402 and later was hit by a major earthquake. The brick foundation and marble walls were partially reconstructed but the building was never fully restored, in fact if it was, it will be the 7th largest in the world.
Oh Look! There is Santa Cristina!
AJ offered flowers on St. John's grave and prayed. She just picked up weeds from the grounds but isn't that sweet?
What a beautiful view!
Can you imagine how huge and grand it used to be?
I took this picture hoping to do an oil painting of it.
And I did! How do you like it? Does it resemble the photo?
That was a lot of walking up and down hills and I am tired. Good thing I wore my comfy walking shoes. I hope you enjoyed our tour for today and not too tired to take another trip next Saturday again. Don't forget to wear your walking shoes. I am so proud of you. You are all getting to be experienced travelers!
43 comments:
Hi Christine! I was fortunate enough to travel to Ephesus myself in Turkey back in '96, it was, and still is...one of my fabulous trips of all times! I went on the Ancient City of Ephesus tour., which I believe some of your pictures depict. Thanks for giving me a little taste of my trip and the reasons why I loved it sooo much! Your painting is very striking to the original picture! You're very talented! ;) ~CC Catherine from "Catherine de th`e Cups"
Christine, what a sacred place to visit. You have taken such care to take wonderful pictures of all your travels, and your narrative is just marvelous. I so enjoy going along with you on the glorious trips. I think this is my favorite so far. Thanks for being so generous to share. Hugs, Marty
Christine, I forgot to tell you how much I like the painting that you did. It is just great. Such special talents. Hugs, Marty
Christine,
This is the first time I have taken a tour with you and I am just awestruck! Not only were the photos captivating but I was able to see almost firsthand a place that I have learned so much about all my life and only dreamed of ever going. My husband also looked at your post and thought it was just fabulous! I did have to laugh at your jokes about the prayer wall and getting pregnant!!
Your painting skills are right up there with all of your other talents, which are many!!
Thank you so much for this visit!
xoxo,
Janie
Well lady, the light is out from under the basket. You can no longer hide your talent. I really like your depiction of the scene you photographed. You are a lady possessing many talents, not the least of which is your artistry.
These Saturday excursions have given me a first hand look, through your camera lens at places that I would never have seen otherwise, and for that I want to thank you. This was a most enjoyable trip, and I can barely wait to see where we are going next.
What a fabulous tour! I'm traveling with you again next Saturday! This was amazing - I never would have visited that site and it was a pleasure to see it with you! Also, your rendition of the photo is perfect! ~ Robyn
I have not been able to travel to that part of the world, so thank you for a wonderful visit. I love and appreciate all the spiritual significance of Ephesus and you really presented some amazing photos. Thanks! Linda
Oh wow, what an amazing place to visit! AJ is so darn adorable! How long were you there in Turkey?
Justine :o )
I didn't know you painted! How special. I loved seeing the pictures. Thank you for the Sisterhood Award.
Thank you for coming by my blog and visiting but especially thank you for the wonderful trip and history lesson! Your family is precious and your painting is beautiful! God Bless! :)
Christine, thanks for the wonderful tour. Once again, you have proven yourself to be a fabulous guide to places that many of us would not otherwise be able to visit! AJ is such a cutie, how sweet of her to leave the offering.And I love your painting, very, very nice. Kathy
i am so blown away..especially by your shoes, girl! i go weak when i see shoes.. and vacations. thanks for the tour.
smiles,
Silver
Christine, thank you for this special tour. What beauty you have shown us - the photos and your water color. I love that picture of A.J. praying at the grave. You certainly capture wonderful memories with your camera. Thank you so much for the tour. laurie
Hi Christine...I look forward to my armchair travel with you. Your photos are so good...
You have been places & seen things that I can only dream of ever visiting...Thank you!
;-) Bo
Christine that was a wonderful trip! Your painting was beautiful! Where do we go next week(do you know how much money you are saving my husband with these tours)? ;D
Christine I really enjoyed the trip! What an amazing and holy place! And I think your painting looks just like the picture! I hope I have the opportunity to see it myself in person one day soon. Ephesus...and your painting!*winks* And you said over at my place that you went shopping? Girlfriend What'd ya get?! Vanna
Christine...that was so much fun! I love the way you explain all the history...it really helped to understand what we were seeing. How wonderful to see this in person...so glad Tina did go and glad she felt better afterwards. Love your painting! You did a great job...it's beautiful!!!
Susan
I love reading about your travels & looking at the beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing! ♥ Diane
Stop by my blog when you get a chance I have an award for you!
Hope you are having a great weekend!
Susan
Oh my gosh C! What an amazing trip!! I really feel like I've got an education! And I know it's a trip that had to have had a lasting impression on all of you! L~
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO VISIT, LOVED ALL THE PICS , HOW LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO VISIT PLACES LIKE THIS WITH SO MUCH HISTORY...I WISH I COULD TOO BUT I NEED $$$$$$..LOL...THANKS A LOT FOR TAKING US THERE....XX.
Hi Christine! I had my grandson over the weekend, so I am running behind! I am glad I didn't miss this post...it's beautiful and inspiring! Your photos are wonderful! Have a great week...Debbie
Wow, what an amazing trip you took. It is something to just look at the pictures and think about what once took place.
My goodness.Where have I ben?I have missed out on alot.What an honor!What a trip.to be there to see anf touch.How wonderful....Ann
This place is beautiful Christine...thanks for sharing it!
big hug,
Queenie~
What a great trip, Christine.
What a fabulous bunch of dishes. I love the tea set. Your travels look amazing, how special that your family was with you. I hope your Granddaughter carries those memories with her as she gets older.
She's sure a pretty girl.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful travels with us, I enjoyed it very much. Have a great weekend!
Sometimes words don't say enough....
and thats why we have Pictures to speak them. Thanks for sharing ~Athella....
Just a mention of the blue plates
Thats the color I collect....uh huh just a mention. ~Athella
Your pictures are so beautiful it feels like we actually got to be there! But I was so distracted by those beyond gorgeous square plates that I didn't get to concentrate on the rest of the post lol. Holy cow woman where do you store all those dishes!!!
Girl liked I keep saying you are the QUEEN of shopping my friend..You could do a post a day and never run out of things ha ha!! Sorry about your platter being broke..same thing just happen to me...got my new dishes in today an a dinner plate broke...Thanks for coming by and seeing me girl...May you have a great weekend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria
When I die, can I come back as you? ~ Robyn
Hello and Happy Pink Saturday! Thank you so much for stopping by. Love your post this week, beautiful pictures!
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage
Christine!
You are such a power shopper - I love to do that too...I also didn't
post everything - cuz people would think I'm nuts....they just don't understand....LOL..
Love the turkey plates - I have one like yours and then 8 that are
the turkey all in blue. It will be fun to see what you do with yours in the fall - I can hardly wait to use mine.
Those square plates/bowls are just plain cool ! Love the colors.
I think the china set you won on Ebay will for sure go with your dishes...I haven't ebayed yet..oh no !
How funny that you got those chargers, I just got on the website today and was admiring them- they are so gorgeous - I haven't ordered them , because I love my husband and he would be really, really mad at me, LOL.
And finally the lovely set of Homer china - I just love the colors and you are right that you got such a deal! Lucky it was just the platter ! I don't know what it is about those platters - I bought a set of china a week ago and the platter was broken in my box too !
Thanks for sharing, love your buys !
Happy Shopping
Hugs ~ Kammy
That is awesome Christine! Those dishes are beautiful! Just beautiful! I'm glad you had insurance for that broken one. ;-)
I just discovered that Noritake made the pattern "Adonis", the name of my late father. I'm hunting those down now...
Your trip was a fun one to imagine coming along at.
Hey Girlfriend...
I'm so glad that you decided to share in with the "Sunday Favorites" fun again this week!!!
Oooh...and I loved your shopping trip goodies too!!! Girl, you aren't just a shopper...you're a "power shopper"! Hehe!!! I can just see little you...tugging those 2 heavy bags of dishes back to your hotel room!!! Too cute!!! I love the turkey plates and at that price, you certainly couldn't pass them up! I like the little blackberries in the pattern around the rim! Very pretty!!! Love, love, love your new dishes that you got from ebay...what a beautiful aqua color! So sorry to hear that the platter was broke! Now Girl, I don't even want to talk about those fabulous chargers...I'm just green with envy! (and I'm sure it's not pretty!) Hehe!!! You really hit the mother-lode of fabulous finds...I love them all!!!
Well my friend, I'm so glad that you chose to repost your Ephesus trip! There really is so much history in and around Ephesus and you always give us such great information! You know, most of us never think about Mary the Mother of Jesus after the crucifixion. The Bible doesn't really say anything more of her life! It's all very interesting!!! Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us again!!!
Have a super Sunday, Sweetie!
Love ya,
Chari
Hi Christine,
what fabulous pics and amazing trip! Girl, you really get around! Your little grandaughter,(who looks like she could be your daughter) is just the cutest! Some beautiful china you got there too and great prices! Way to go girl, Cindy
Wow, Christine, You are a mega-shopper ~and my kind of girl!! Your trip must have been fantastic. I've never been overseas, so thanks for sharing... Also thanks for stopping by my blog- I am still dealing with my mole problem. You can read a second post about them in the archives. So...I am getting ready to try something else, cuz the little suckers are still digging and causing destruction! Have a good weekend. Sue
Wow, I love the history, coming in here each week, ya just never know what surprise awaits, Happy PInk Saturday, Char
I would have bought all the turkey dishes they had and shipped them back home. All your dishes are beautiful and the chargers, I can see why you had to have them.
On your tour of your trip you are a wonderful photographer! These pictures are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing in our SSS.
I wounldn't have missed this posting.
Blossom
That was breath taking 'tour' and great reminder for us and our trip several years ago.
I did not have time to read it all, but hope to get back.
Thank you for sharing it.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean
What a wonderful post. First, the purchases: You bought some fantastic plates and chargers. The Homer Laughlin was a great eBay find, and oh so pretty. Christine where do you find room for it all? My problem is that I am just plain running out of storage space. Yes, you need more chargers. We all do, don't we?
I didn't see your post the first time about your trip to Turkey The ruins are just marvelous. I would love to visit them. Thanks so much for sharing your great photos. I am just enjoying Sunday favorites. You were first on my list, and if they are all as interesting, I had better settle in for a good afternoon of reading!
Cheers,
Sue.
I so envy you friend with all your traveling!!! I am glad you share your travel with us though so we can live vicarously through your travels!!
Love all those dishes!!
blessings
mary
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