Saturday, May 23, 2009

One of my Birthday Presents and Another Shopping Spree

I have to warn you. This is a big post so if you don't want to see or hear anything about my shopping obsession, you may be excused right now, lol! But if you are curious of what I bought, you are more than welcome to stick around. Anyway, Anita of http://bridalblooms4u.blogspot.com/ is hosting this fun event, at least it's really fun for us shopaholics. Anybody out there just like me?
Last Wed, I went to Monroe with 2 friends. Monroe is a 2 hr drive from here but we enjoy shopping there, so whenever we are all available, we organize a shopping trip. We went to Ross, TJ Maxx and Dillard's. Below are dining stuff that I bought from Ross: 2 sets of 24 % crystal wine stemware made in Tuscany, Italy by Royal Crystal Rock. The prices were so reasonable, $12 for a set of 6 and they are really pretty. Have you ever been to Italy? Gosh, it is very hard for me to shop there because everything is so expensive. I don't know how Ross could sell these so cheap. I also bought a set of crystal expresso set for $9.99. The little pitcher and egg cups were bought from TJ Maxx, also the 2 Spode Emma's Garland saucers.
More shoes...LOL! I don't have enough! These 2 pairs are from Ross.
The 14 carat gold hoop earrings were on clearance sale at TJ Maxx. I like the clasp and they are pretty big. I think $69 is really a good price.
I bought the 2 tops below at Dillards. The jacket is 40% off and the yellow top is 70% off.
This white sheer top is from Ross.
and the skirt and blouse set is also from Ross. I just love the pleats on it and I bought the skirt especially because it made me look slim when I tried it on. LOL!
The placemats below are from TJ Maxx. You saw me use the green one on my peacock tablescape. I bought a set of 4, which was all they had. They were on clearance, $2 for the whole set. The animal printed placemats were also from TJ Maxx. Some of them were marked $2 each, some $5 and some $3 so I asked the manager if I can buy them all for $2 each and she told me to just tell the cashier to scan the barcode of the $2 one on all of them. I bought 10. They are really nice and thick. I cannot think of the material but it's sort of woven. I have been wanting to create a wild safari tablescape but I just have not found the right dishes that I like but when I do, I have the placemats.
Lastly, I bought this orchid for $5 from Ross.
I was happy with my purchases. Hope you enjoyed seeing them. Thank you so much for visiting and thanks, Anita for hosting this.
I originally posted this one below on April 20, but I would like to share it again for Sunday Favorites, a meme hosted by our most gracious Chari at http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/. It is not only one of my favorite posts but it also shows one of my favorite furniture. Please check everybody's "Oldies but Goodies" by following the links from her blog.

It's Tuesday and it's time to search around the house for any vintage finds or anything you inherited or bought used. This event is sponsored b Diane of A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words. Visit her at http://diane1876.blogspot.com/ and check out everybody's precious vintage finds.

For now, I would like to share with you one of my birthday presents. John and I have the same birthday this year (and every year...LOL!). I was in an antique shop and I spotted this . I love the full length beveled mirror and the ornate carvings. The owner said she will work with me on the price (since they were moving to another store) if I was interested on this antique Victorian French piece.

Of course, I was interested! I called John right away and told him I had spotted what I wanted for my birthday. And he told me to go ahead and buy it. Yipee! Hey! I only made it easier for him, didn't I? Sorry I could not take a picture from the front cause I would be in the mirror if I did.

Do you see where I placed it? I tell ya, I have been moving a lot of furniture around. It's been quite busy in our household since we arrived from the Caribbean. I had a plaid chair and ottoman in that corner of the master bedroom. I moved it to the guest room designated for my mom. I had a leather chair and ottoman in my mom's bedroom which I moved to the other guest room. I had another plaid chair and ottoman in that guest room which I moved to my mom's bedroom so now she has 2 matching ones. LOL!

Don't you just love the detail of the crowning?
Here's another view. Go ahead and enlarge to see the details.
I love the bottom too.
I love how it has a little piece of history. The past owner wrote on the door, how she organized the shelves. I cannot read what it says cause I think it is in French. If you can read French, would you please click and enlarge and let me know what it says?
It's perfect for my purses. I think I have just as much purses as I have shoes, LOL! I did not finish organizing cause a friend called and asked if I wanted to go to a plant nursery. Of course I did! But I am almost done. Unfortunately, not all my purses fit in it but I was able to free up a lot of shelves in our walk in closet.
Now all I do is open the door and I can view my purses. Maybe I should take them off their dust bags? What do you think?

I hope you enjoyed seeing my antique French armoire.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laura of http://tomariescabin.blogspot.com/for presenting me the "I'm a Fan of Your Site Award". I was so flattered when I got this, especially because it came from a very special and talented person. Thank you so much, Laura! Imagine, she is my fan? Well, I am her fan too and I wish I could give this back to her. April is a "Fan" month so I would like to pass this along to my favorite bloggers, which means all the blogs that I follow. If you see me as one of your followers, please take this award. I follow you because I am your fan.


48 comments:

Susan @ The Good Life! said...

I love your new armoire! However, I think I am in love with your purse collection!!!!!;D

ellen b. said...

What a fabulous armoire! You have such lovely things Christine...enjoy!

KBeau said...

I just wonder where you kept all of those purses before you had this lovely piece to put them in.

Anonymous said...

Christine that armoire is wonderful! The top piece is so gorgeous- Wow what details! How fun that the paper was left in it!

I don't think you have enough purses!! TEE HEE

blessings
mary

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Christine, this is gorgeous! How neat that it has the writing inside the door, and how nice of you to do your husband's shopping for him! I there are all of your purses that he holds for you while you're shopping! What a great guy! laurie

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I forgot -- when was your birthday, and did you keep it a secret? Belated Happy Birthday to you! laurie

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

That is a marvelous piece of furniture. Perfect for your purses.

Linda in AZ * said...

What a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY", indeed, dear Christine! Beauuuutiful piece, and soooo thoughtful of you to "help" hubby! Smiles n' hugs, Linda

DesignTies said...

This is a wonderful wardrobe, Christine! Beautiful!!

Thanks for dropping by DesignTies and leaving a lovely comment about my dining room :-)

Victoria @ DesignTies

Chandy said...

What a beautiful piece Christine! And those purses, wow!

Anyway, now that you have a Fan Award, count me in as a fan when you display it on your sidebar!

Happy Tuesday!

Unknown said...

That is one fantastic piece of furniture. You are one lucky woman! Love the purses, too.

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Ohhh Girlfriend...

What a fabulous Frenchy armoire!!! It's just gorgeous! Oh yes, that detailing at the top...simply exquisite!!! I loved all of the little carvings under the crown!!! So very beautiful!!! What a fantastic birthday present! Girl, you DO have just about as many purses as you have shoes...not quite (I seen that shoe closet of yours! Hehe!!!)

Hehe...it sounds like you've been very busy...moving furniture around! It's so much fun to keep changing things around though...keeps your home fresh and interesting!!!

What a pleasure to see this pretty piece...thank you for sharing it with us!
Love ya,
Chari

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Christine,
You have a beautiful piece there, it looks fabulous where you have put it! Girl, look at all those purses!!! My daughter would be a drooling, she loves purses!! Cindy

Kat said...

Happy Birthday Christine! This is a beautiful piece, and what a great use for it. Musn't let dear daughter see all of those purses, she would drool all over my keyboard lol. You really have been busy! Kathy

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

gf, I think you are a bit spoiled...lol love it! smiles

Joyce said...

Wow I wish I had one too and those purses too.
Joyce

Crystal said...

Just love your new armoire, how ornate and beautiful. What a great use for it. You definitely have a great purse collection.

Thanks for sharing!
thehummingbirdcottage.blogspot.com

SmilingSally said...

It's gorgeous AND functional; what could be better? I think I'd keep the dust bags on as it protects them.

LADY JANE said...

Love it! Now thats a birthday gift if I EVER saw one....a I also have to say your purse collection can make a purse collector jealous! Great T TO T post!

Cindy J. said...

Well happy birthday dear girl! Sorry we missed it, and I can't imagine a more gorgeous piece of furniture....oooooohhh wow!!! You will have to unwrap your purses one day and share those with us too.. You've got a keeper there in that husband.. hope you are all rested up from your trip. Love, Cindy

jeanne said...

Your beautiful armoire is gorgeous. The perfect place for your huge purse collection. How can you remember what is under the dust covers? It looks lovely where you placed it as well. I bet your newly changed guest rooms look nice too.

Hugs...Jeanne

Amy said...

Oh my gosh, it is beautiful and it even opens up where you can store all your purses! I am a collector of purses too, so you know I am just over the moon right now. What a gorgeous birthday gift. It is just spectacular! Amy :)

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and John.but now----i know what my dream armoire looks like.honey,this is totally awesome.Vanna of course and Debbie can read french.Deb taught it,remember?they'll be glad to read it to you .and hey,Chari too.we have alot of french speaking friends.oo-la-la
i'm happy for you dear.this has GOT TO BE the best birthday present EVER...Ann

Linda C said...

This beautiful and Happy Birthday!!

Happy 2ndTAT!

Linda C

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM Girl WOW!! what a wonderul BD present you got and what a great wife you are to have John the trouble of having to go shopping for you on his BD ha ha!! Now you need to show us all those purse that John carry's...Happy Birthday Christine..ask Debbie to read that for you..she was s French teacher..because its all french to me ha ha!! Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Christine...I love your armoire!! I looked at the writing just very quickly...will go back and look in more detail...and it seems to be an inventory of what may have been in the armoire at one time...mostly table and bed linens. It's dated October 9, 1937 (they do their dates day, month, year). What a wonderful find! I love the lines! Wonderful birthday present!!! Happy birthday!...hugs...Debbie

DesignTies said...

That really is a special piece -- the handwritten list is so intriguing!! If I could read the person's writing, I'd be able to translate it at least some of it for you... the way the 7s and 1s are written is typical of how Europeans write those numbers.

The list starts with:

16 sheets
13 large covers (I assume pillow cases)
5 small covers

Then I can't make out the words for the next 5, other than there's 1 dozen of something white and 1 dozen coloured.

Then:

1 tablecloth, 8 napkins - red
1 tablecloth, 6 napkins - blue
1 tablecloth, 11 napkins - yellow

Then more tablecloths and napkins in white. Then I REALLY can't make out the writing!!

Aren't you curious about how the piece got from where it started out to where you found it?! I wonder if it came from Europe, or it it was purchased it in the US by a European person.

At any rate, great find :-) And Happy Birthday!! :-)

Kelly @ DesignTies

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Christine! As promised, here's a little detail...I see Kelly gave you much of it. I'm with her...hard handwritintg for me to read.
16 sheets
13 big dust covers (like goes over unused furniture maybe?)
5 little dust covers
3 ??? rugs, maybe
1 doz. white (??? can't read next word) napkins
1 doz. colored ??? napkins
1 doz old ??? napkins
1 doz. pique napkins (pique is a fabric)
1 service red boat-1 tablecloth/8 napkins
1 service blue striped boat-1 tablecloth/6 napkins
1 service blue/yellow check boat 1 tablecloth/11 napkins
1/2 (service? dozen?) white table napkins/ no tablecloth
1 service white ??? 2 tablecloths/12 napkins
1 service white ??? 2 tablecloths/12 napkins (this item was repeated)
1 service bucket and net- 1 tablecloth/ 12 napkins
1 doz. ??? gray
1 doz. ??? red ?
1 doz. red check in use
1 doz. blue check in use
???
This is the best I can do. Maybe someone who is French can read the missing sections. European handwriting is different from American. If I am correct, it seems that many of the linens had a nautical theme. I wonder if the armoire once was in an inn or something near the coast. How interesting!! Thanks for sharing!!!!...hugs...Debbie

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I am so jealous! Wow!!! What a fabulous find. I love mirrors but hate that I have to see myself in them. lol.

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Wow! Happy early birthday! It's gorgeous! Isn't your hubby a sweetie pie! I'm a shoe person myself! not so many purses but if you've got a purse collection what better way to organize them! God Bless! Lauralu :)

Nicole ~ said...

WOW, this is a fabulous find!! I love the shape & intricate carvings. Happy Birthday to you!

♥Mimi♥ said...

Isn't it fun to be spoiled by those who love you?

Kristin - The Goat said...

Goodness, that's a lot of linens! I love that the handwriting was on the door - and dated!

Beautiful!

Chandy said...

Your collection is amazing, Christine! You have a knack for finding beautiful things and making them work in your space. How awesome is that?

Those crystals are beautiful! I'll have to visit a Ross in a more upscale neighborhood around here so I can see better selection. ;-)

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love seeing your beautiful armoire for the 2nd time. And I am still jealous!!!! In regards to your shopping. Girl, can you shop!!!! You found some fabulous things & some fabulous deals. I try to stay away from Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx & Home Goods as much as possible or I would be buying everything. And I can't afford it. But if I could..... A girl can dream.

Mrs. Petrie said...

Ok, now you have to show us all your purses! That was just mean hiding them in the dust bags! All the clothes and shoes look wonderful.

Lynn said...

What a beautiful and exciting piece of furniture!
I'm worried about you, Girl. I think you might be a purse-a-holic! You might have to go spend some time at the Betty Ford Clinic for purseaholics!
I'm kidding, of course!
I can totally relate to your TJMax and Ross shopping. I never come out of there without an arm full of bargains!

Barb said...

Hi Christine, girl, you are the shopping queen. This is a delight.

Happy Sunday Favorites.

Barb

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Dearheart...

I'm so glad that you joined in with Sunday Favorites again this week, Darlin'! I love the post that you chose to reshare with all of us! My...Ohhh my...what a fabulous birthday gift!!! I do remember when you posted this beautiful Frenchy mirrored armoire...I'm still Ooohing and Aaahing, Girl! Hehe!!! It's really one of the prettiest that I've seen...I just love how all of the ornate woodwork stands up on the top! It's fabulous!!!

Loved seeing all of your new goodies from your shopping trip!!! The crystal stemware is just gorgeous and you DID get a great price on it! I just love the darling little bluebird set...sooo sweet! Great deal on those animal print placemats...can't wait to see you do a tablescape with them...what dishes will you use with them? I keep thinking that I've seen all of your dishes and then you'll surprise me with another new set...wink!!!

I love your new outfits! I especially like the yellow top and the pretty white top...such a pretty style! You'll look fab in all of your new clothes and shoes, my friend!!!

Well Darlin'...I sure did enjoy seeing your Frenchy armoire again...I'm glad that you chose to republish that post...I just know that there are alot of folk out there that hasn't seen it before and will really enjoy it!!!

Hope that you're having a blessed and safe Memorial Day weekend, my friend!
Love ya,
Chari

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Oooops...just lil' ol' me again!

I wanted to tell you thank you for your sweet comment that you left about my post! Yes...I really do feel like I'm the most blessed woman on earth...to have my Russell!

Love ya,
Chari

Dixie said...

I love a good bargain and a good story!

sunnymama said...

The armoire is really lovely!

Char said...

ok you shopped, but I dropped, we had a great time and I would love to come along the next time you go, happy pink saturday, Char

Lady Katherine said...

Love the crystal, what a wonderful great deal! You have the blue bird egg cups I trying to collect! I keep hoping they will get more in! I found mine at Marshall's! Love your new armoire!
Girl you did need it for all those purses! I have a little sad, box for mine. I had to give all away as they will not let me carry a shoulder strap anymore. I kept one. lol

Kammy said...

Hi Christine !
I hope you are having a nice Memorial Day weekend !
Wow, love your crystal - great price/high quality ! I am glad you get to go shopping with your friends (sounds like fun) Love all the cute clothes you got - you did well !
Hugs ~ Kammy

Silvia said...

oh my i love your armoire but i loveeeeee the coach collection i'm a big fan of coach so if you ever get tired of any let me know!;0)
have a grea.t day...
silvia

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What great purchases. All of that crystal looks gorgeous. Can't wait to see it on a tablescape! laurie

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

What a beautiful armoire ~ and such a fantastic place for all of your wonderful purses! Terrific bday present!!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

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