Wednesday, March 3, 2010

FRUIT, FLOWERS & BUNNIES

My week has been getting better and better. The weather is warm and sunny and we are expected to get up into the mid 40's over the weekend. Yes!! We actually have patches of grass showing through the snow after just one day of sunshine. The smell of fresh air makes me want to inhale and never exhale... I love it.


One of my favorite things to do when it is cold and gray and I don't have anywhere to go is to browse online for unique shops. I got a tip from another blogger about a website called Farmhouse Wares. I was thrilled to find so many things to go with the English Country decor of my kitchen up at the lakehouse. I ordered up a storm and I still have another list! In the picture above you will see the galvanized metal stand I ordered. Now wouldn't a dreamy angel food cake look cute sitting on that? I just love mixing things up like that. I threw some fruit on there for now so I could show it off (fresh out of angel food cake). Is it not the greatest?
Yes, I really did just throw the fruit on it after my trip to Pete's Market and never bothered to take the netting off of the clementines. That's just me. And although to my knowledge, galvanized metal is pretty much used as a receptacle for cows milk and scraps for the pigs, it is making a big show in all things rustic and chic, right up there with burlap. Pottery Barn is busy selling their galvanized wares and not to compare apples and clementines, I think I got a great deal. The shop owner also has a blog called Farmhouse Musings and she has some really cute stories about farm life, so pay her a little visit and pop into her shop. You will love it.
And again it was my lucky week. See the beautiful tassel? I never thought I would own one, although I see them all over Blogland. I mean, do I look like a tassel person? Beyond the tassel is the parrot's cage with a box of Fruit Loops on top!! But I mentioned in the comments to another blogger that I loved bunnies and I loved the bunny tassel she had and the next thing I knew, our wonderful girl from that mountaintop in California, Gloria from Happy To Be sent me this adorable bunny tassel that she made! For the very few of you who don't know Gloria, go directly from my post to her blog. You will have a friend forever.
I was so surprised. Gloria really has my style pegged. I think Mr. Bunny just might look good in my English Country kitchen at the lake. Or should I ask, does one put a tassel in a kitchen? Well, if I can have a parrot in my living room, I can have a bunny tassel in the kitchen.
Look at this face. I just want to kiss it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Gloria. From my lake to your mountaintop! ;-)
I was playing with my flowers again the other day and having a bit of rainy day fun. I made these two arrangements for spring. Emily has been joining me and she is just SO creative. I'm in awe of her most of the time.
I bought this little urn from the clearance section at Michael's. From my Floral Shop post, you all know that I have enough flowers to last me forever, so this was very inexpensive to make.
This one is made with a crackle glass container, also from Michael's. Both of these are blogger gifts so I can't say much more. How do you like them?


The beautiful day is getting away from me. I can't believe it is staying light out until almost 6:00 p.m. In another 6 weeks or so, my tulips and daffodils will be coming up. Whoo hoo!! And this reminds me, St. Patrick's Day is also approaching and Kathleen from Cuisine Kathleen is having a Blog Crawl. You can click the button on my sidebar to get all the details. It sounds like it will be loads of fun.


Thanks for coming by to visit. It's always appreciated. I'm thinking of letting the dogs take me for a walk now and then I have a beautiful veal roast going into the oven. Happy Wednesday everyone!

96 comments:

Cape Cod Rambling Rose said...

What pretty floral arrangements you've made! I love the one with the buttons in the jar. And that bunny tassle is SO SWEET! Enjoy your springtime weather! ;)

Simple Home said...

I'm glad you're getting some sunshine and warmer weather. Spring is just around the corner. That little bunny tassel is adorable and the flowers look very pretty.
Blessings,
Marcia

Anonymous said...

I can feel and smell spring in the air from your lovely post! Don't you just love clementines? They are the perfect size to eat a couple and get lots of Vitamin C.

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Jane
Love the galvanized iron... it's something that has always been quite prominent in australia.. we love our galvanized sheds.. hahaha... but I still love it for decor too .. if only i had kept the bits and pieces from childhood ... Your bunny is very cute and such a sweet present..... Have a wonderful week xx Julie

Brenda Pruitt said...

What a cute bunny! And metal stand! You've hit the jackpot, Jane. I shall visit that site and blog.
Brenda

Theresa said...

Too many beauties! I love that little bunny tassle and OMG all of the flowers are just gorgeous! I love all of that blue:) Oh and that stand, too pretty! Have a blessed day!

PAT said...

The tassel is so cute, Jane!

We are supposed to have 60's over the weekend! I can't believe it! But it is slowly approaching Spring.:-)

Kimberly said...

Your having a great weekend. Going to check out those blogs you mentioned.

Kathleen Grace said...

The cake stand is spectacular! I love it, galvanized metal reminds me of the milk buckets at my Grandfathers farm:>) You made such pretty arrangements, someone is going to be very lucky to receive them.

Crystal said...

It is supposed to be in the 40's here this weekend too. However, we do not have grass coming through our snow. As a matter of fact, it snowed lightly here all day, probably about 2 inches altogether. Come on Spring.
The one thing we do need to worry about though is all this snow melting to quickly. It has a lot of people here concerned???

I just love your bunny tassel, it will look great in your English kitchen. You did the same thing that I did with my fruit, except I don't have that pretty stand :) I just need to see all of those fresh colors out on my counter.

It was great visiting with you. Have a blessed week.

Gail said...

The bunny is adorable and looks right at home.

Wonderful floral arrangements.

Gail said...

I forgot to say my absolute favorite is the galvanized piece with the fruit...how could I have forgotten that?

Pondside said...

What a sweet gift that is. If it's still snowy outside you can plan for all things spring-like inside. Your arrangements are sweet - I love blue flowers!

Penny said...

Love the galvinized stand and so glad you are having warmer weather. I remember those cold Michigan winters. Even though I posted about a chuck roast, I am still on my diet too. Sometimes when you have company you just have to suck it up and eat what you have. i am trying to eat small portions of everything, but a diet is not easy.

xinex said...

That Gloria sure is a very sweet and talented person. The bunny tassel she sent you is so cute. I love your galvanized cake plate. It reminds me so much of my happy moments with my grandma. I love the flower arrangement, love the blue flowers in them...Christine

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane, I love your galvanized stand! My house is totally "farmhouse" with the exception of our French~look bedroom, which is country~French at that... hmmm... I am going to put some of my vintage galvanized watering cans here and there... I am also going to check out the link, sounds like a wonderful site! Your bunny tassel is adorable! So happy Spring is almost here... I have teeny little green shoots coming up all over my gardens... Happy sunny warm days to you! xoxo Julie Marie

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Rumor has it that it might be 60 here this weekend! I can hardly wait!!!

Sue said...

I have a Gloria tassel too, aren't they wonderful...and isn't she so very special? I'll check out the online website!

Sue

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Jane girl you have been one busy lady...Love the milk can with the Blue flowers in it and that cake stand so reminds me of when I was into the prim look...it will go great in your country lake house...and girl we got that WHITW STUFF here again today...I'm getting so tired of seeing it ha ha!! Come on spring time bring on the birds and bee's ha ha!! All my daffs are trying to come up and then the snow hit them again...we planted over 800 bulbs along the driveway so I'm keeping my eyes crossed that the snow don't ruin them this year....Glad you liked your tassel my friend...Your the best...Hope you have a GREAT day...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Kathleen said...

Oh that cake stand is wonderful!
The bunny tassel is so cute..and the bouquets so springy! Do I see buttons in the bottom...too cute.
Thank you dear Jane for the party shout out! :)
Off to look at those farmhouse goodies!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Oh my goodness Jane. When I saw your first picture I got all excited about the galvanized container and sure enough as I kept reading you told us all about it!
I think your tassel is adorable and looks right at home in your kitchen.

Your flower arrangements are so sweet and they get me in the mood for spring.

Love your post today and I always enjoy coming here to visit you.

hugs
Sissie

KTW said...

I love galvanized anything! ;) I have more little galvanized watering cans, pitchers, cans, all kinds of stuff. Love using them all for planters in the summertime. And that bunny! I'm in love! :) Adorable.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Jane Sweetie...
What a beautiful post. Oh my goodness Gloria did the best little job of that tassel. It is precious with that little bunny just in time for Easter. It would look precious I would think in either home. It says "HOME" for sure.

I love all of your flower arrangements. You have done a beautiful job, and the little ceramic bunny looks like he is sniffing the flowers. How sweet Jane. Just precious.

Thank you for sharing with me. I love it when you do. Country hugs sweetie...Sherry

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Hey, love those arrangements. The blue flowers are so refreshing! It won't be long till spring now! Linda

Lori E said...

Isn't Gloria a doll? What a great blog friend she is.
Netting around the fruit? I hear it is all the style now. Go with it. Wear it proudly. I will head over and visit the blog you recommended.

Anita Diaz said...

Love the floral arrangements and the bunny!! We were up to 32 today but we might get up to 59 this weekend yah!!

Sonia said...

Blondie,

I love all your flowers and that bunny tassel is adorable! I love it to pieces! Hope you are having a wonderful week and some springtime days!

Miss Bloomers/Sonia

Unknown said...

You galvanized stand is tray sheek! I love it. :)

I love Gloria too. She is just the most encouraging positive lady. She cracks me up to. :) Love the sweet tassel! It could go anywhere!

~Liz

Melanie said...

I just love making blog friends. Isn't is so sweet that someone sent you the lovely tassel?

We have sunshine today! WOO HOO! Haven't seen it in weeks. It makes this sick girl a little happier.

Bring on spring!

Unknown said...

Oh what a happy, pretty spring post Jane!! I love your new tassel!! I saw a similar bunny at Pottery Barn :) I LOVE that it is light out till 6! YAY SPRING!!
Hugs,
Amy

Tee said...

"Letting the dogs take me for a walk." Ha! So funny and so true. Love the cake stand.

Knitty said...

Perfect! Everything is just wonderful, as always in your home. The bunny is the sweetest thing, and I love the floral arrangements, especially since I am partial to blue and to buttons. What a great idea, having a few buttons in the vase or jar!

farmhouse wares said...

I'm so happy you liked all your things. Thank you so much for letting all your readers know about me and my little shop too. I'm so looking forward to the weekend of sunshine and 40 degree weather. A little sunshine goes a long way, so thanks again for spreading your sunshine my way. Betsy

Susan Freeman said...

It is starting to feel like spring here too, although the rain is really coming down this morning. I have also been over to Farmhouse Wares. Great site. I am anxious to see your country kitchen at the lake house.

Love
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Jane B. said...

Beautiful flower arrangements! Wow...I just realized I can't wait for Spring! Looks like it's time to break out the Easter Decorations! Thanks for the inspiration!

Monica said...

Cute bunny tassel, and the cheerful flowers too! Love the blues!
Monicaxo.

Deb said...

that is the cutest little bunny ever..love your flowers...

Deb said...

Beautiful post Jane! Love the tassel & galvanized metal stand.

Anonymous said...

Now you have me really wanting one of those cake plates...bad!!! Love yours~

Dana and Daisy said...

your little flower bouquets are so sweet. I've been cleaning the kitchen today (while waiting for my house to be free of painters). I've been using Caldrea fragrance no. 03, green tea and patchouli. It makes the house smell like spring just blew in the door!

And I don't usually like patchouli, hee hee!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

You are so very right about Gloria. She has been a joy in my life this entire first year. Quick to offer a helping hand to new comers...quick to lend an ear for a down day and generous to a fault.
Your tassel is just beautiful...but.. :) sorry, not as pretty as my teapot one! LOL
I'm teasing you!
Gloria knows how to be a friend. I appreciate her.
Hugs,
Mona

Maryrose said...

I love your galvanized "fruit" plate. Looks like you have been a busy girl, love all of the flower arrangements. And so nice to see you are enjoying some sunshine. Enjoy that good weather.

Natasha in Oz said...

Jane what a lovely week you have had! I am so glad that the weather is getting better out your way.

Thanks for sharing all your beautiful little treasures.

Best wishes for a very happy weekend,
Natasha.

Magdalena said...

I love your tassel and I have that tin cake stand, It is wonderful. I love the fruit on yours and an angel food cake would look heavenly on it, I will have to give that a try. I am going to pop over and check out their store now..
Have a nice evening
Bunny

Sandra said...

I am glad spring is finally coming to you...today was breezy here...a good day to fly a kite. Love the tassel and thanks for the new blog info.

Mary said...

I agree Jane, time flies and it's impossible to keep up with so many blog friends! However, I love it when you do stop by, you words are always a breath of fresh air.

Meanwhile, I see you have been busy too. Love the cloche for your hubby's credenza - hope you find a runner. The bunny tassel is fabulous!

I picked my first few daffodils yesterday, they are all that seem to be at last adding a spot of color in the dreary looking garden.

Hope the weekend brings you some warmer weather.
Hugs - Mary

Betsy Brock said...

Love the pedestal stand! We still have snow, too but a little melted with the bright sun today!

Rebecca said...

I'm a bunny lover, so I adore that bunny tassel!! I'll pay a little visit to her site and shop. Thanks! Have a Fabulous Friday!!

Back Porch Blessings,
Rebecca

Joanne Kennedy said...

I think that fruit looks wonderful on your new stand! So much so I wanted to reach through and open that netting right up and have me a nice fresh clementine!

Your flowers are so pretty. I love how you added a few buttons in the bottom. Very cute.

How wonderful that you got that darling little bunny. So cute and so nice of her to send it to you.

Blog friends are the nicest people.

Hugs,
Joanne

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Love the galvanize stand everything should pop on it! I must check out that site. Now call me silly but my favorite thing on this post is the buttons in the last arrangement! I just love how unique that looks! I saw that cute mini milk can with the butflies! I might need to go back and get one now!lol Cute items! Love them all - Sincerely, Jeannette

Maria | Vintage Simple said...

Oh, I love Farmhouse Wares..! And love the cake stand (clementine stand) ;) you got from her...! She really does carry beautiful things.

Have a great, warmer weekend, Jane!

xo,
-maria

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

"Feeling SPRING" is singing out, from this entry on your blog! Hooray for Jane. :-)

^_^

^_^

^_^

My Cottage Charm said...

thanks for visiting my blog today. I do love the deal I got on my cloche, can't get those for $12 bucks very often! I actually own another one, but I'm letting my mom use it for now....insert regret here! (just kidding, but I don't think she wants to give it back now.........ok, now insert regret! LOL)
Hope you'll come back again. OH and I'll be hosting another Treasures and Trinkets next Thursday if you want to link something up! :)

Rubyred said...

Your flower arrangements are so pretty!
The bunny tassel is so cute too!
Spring is in the air at last!
Have a Happy weekend!
Rachel x

SmilingSally said...

Jane, I love the look of lemons and clementines tossed into your new stand. And, that bunny tassel that sweet Gloria sent you is DARLING!

Glennis said...

Love that galvanized stand - so sculptural!

koralee said...

Everything looks so pretty in your home. I adore your new cake stand..I am going to pop over there right now and see her goodies. Thanks for visiting me the other day...I love coming over here for some sweet inspiration. xoxo

GwendolynKay said...

Your post is so lovely ... springy. yeah! patches of grass and sunshine.. same for me. I am craving orange juice suddenly.
Blessings!
Gwen

The Quintessential Magpie said...

So glad your weather has improved. I'm hoping ours has, too.

Love the stand, Janie, and I love the bunny and the flowers, too! That Gloria is the best, isn't she??? Love her! Love you, too. Lotta love goin' on around here...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Wish I had a lake house! Love your sense of style and the imperfection in your photos, like the box of Fruit Loops. Relaxed. That's really my favorite style. Enjoy your weekend!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

HI Jane,
that sweet Gloria is just the best isn't she? I am loving that bunny tassel soooo much! Your flower arrangements look so lovely too, your getting quite crafty girl! I am loving the 40's so much better than the bitter cold we were having. Hugs and Happy Week-end too, Cindy

Heidi said...

Hi Jane,
I'm glad the snow is finally disappearing and you're getting a taste of spring! Around here the daffodils are already blooming, the paperwhites have finished - your flowers will come up just as mine are ready to be tied back. Our spring doesn't last very long, but I sure do love it! The blue flowers you arrange in the vases are very springy, and cheerful! And the bunny tassel is adorable. He does have a cute little face!
Thanks for always visiting, you are a true blog-friend! Have a great weekend.
XO
Heidi - Heart and Home

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Hey Jane, Thanks girl for marching through my snow to see me ha ha!! Oh girl I'm so tired of all this white stuff here and who ever said sunny Calif was on drugs ha ha!! They did to come to my mountain top and look at the sun...Hope you have a GREAT weekend my friend...Hugs and smiles sister friend...Gl♥ria

Sue said...

Hi Jane,
I just adore everything you have,especially the bunny tassel, I could just hug him, or her.
The tin stand is unique, and I am happily going to check the site and blog out. And I know Gloria ,she is a sweet heart too.
Your home looks so springy, I must get going on decorating mine soon.
Thank you for visiting and for always leaving such sweet comments, you are such a blessing.
Have a great weekend
Hugs,
Sue

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Hi Blondie...Glorias bunny tassel is very cool...and you can hang that sweet thing anywhere your heart desires!

Flowers are gorgeous...I'm jealous.

Come on springtime...
Are you planning a lot of time at the lakehouse this year?

xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Nancy said...

That's a great looking tassel! Did I say that before? I was here and had to leave in a hurry and now...my memory is going going gone! Good for you - I'm so glad you're getting some warmer weather. The buttons are so cute paired with your pretty flowers. Have a wonderful weekend, Jane.
xoxo Nancy

Rettabug said...

The buttons tucked down inside the moss is such a unique little touch, Jane. Both arrangements look lovely!

I like the casual way you used the clementines still in their netting. It was a clever idea & works beautifully.

Gloria's gift is just darling & you & I have very similar porcelain bunnies. I'll get mine out after Kathleen's St. Patty Party. :D

Thanks for all your sweet comments on my blog. I value your input greatly.
fondly,
Rett

Suzann said...

I LOVE the galvanized stuff. I bought some from PB last weekend. And they have that bunny too. Almost got it then thought I'd wait and ponder it a bit more. Flowers and springtime!? Bring. It. On.

Have a blessed weekend!!!

Barb said...

Hi Jane, your pictures are so pretty and spring like. They just make make grin from ear to ear.

I love the tassel....it is the cutest little thing!!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!

Hugs, Barb

Anonymous said...

Love the bunny tassel! And the flower arrangements look so bright and cheerful ;)

Denise said...

I love the bunny tassel (and all your other lovelies) :) Gloria's link didn't work?
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hugs Denise

Gypsy Heart said...

Isn't it just wonderful to have the sunshine?? I love it! I know that you're enjoying the glimpses of spring too. Your flower arrangements are beautiful ~ and I especially love the one with the crackle glass jar.

Ms Gloria is quite talented isn't she? Your bunny tassel is adorable! You can have tassels anywhere you want them. :-)

I hope you're having a beautiful weekend!

xoxo
Pat

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Loving all of the spring going on at your house! Thanks for the link to Farmhouse Wares...I am heading over to check it out!

Helen said...

Hey there Ms. Blondie!

I am head over heels - totally - for the metal cake stand!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your floral arrangements are just fabulous. I especially loved the idea of the buttons in the one vase. Now as for the tassel, that is just stunning. I really do need to go try to find some more trims. I have a few more that I want to make. This is just fabulous. Thanks also for stopping by and always leaving such kind and gracious comments. Hugs, Marty

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

very sweet ideas!! happy you are getting some sunshine! Thanks for visiting me xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Oh, you're good. Your florals are so pretty! Isn't it so nice that spring time is coming! Thanks for popping in to see me. I always enjoy your visits.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

NicNacManiac said...

I am so jealous...that is the most adorable bunny tassel!! All of your flowers and bits of Spring really warm my heart and give me hope that it will be here before I know it!! Happy Sunday !!

Nancy said...

Jane, your flowers and arrangements are so pretty. This is definitely not a skill I have! I'm always captivated when others put them together so well.

I changed the pic of my rag rug in the room...the other ones needed to be removed. And, if I could right now, I would be buying it instead of making it, too. I'm super glad it is done!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
How was the week-end at the lake house? Saturday was so nice, 50 degrees and sunny! In Phoenix, they would have been freezing. I guess it's all what your used to. I would love to start planning a summer get together. Any ideas? Have you ever been to Door County? It's a wonderful place that you would love. Hugs to you my dear friend, Cindy

Elaine said...

I love that bunny tassel. It is so sweet! I would definitely put it in the window.

I love websurfing and finding new shops. Looking forward to seeing more of the goodies you ordered.

Lori said...

I love it all. That Gloria is the best... I made my first tassel this weekend. I now have the tassel bug.. I'm going today to find more goodies to make some more tassels.

I love the photo trying to eat your flowers. This weekend was beatiful at my house as well. I think spring is trying to come.

Miss Mustard Seed said...

What a cute tassel! WE're finally getting some sunshine and warmer weather (in the 40's) and I'm ready for Spring.

Rebecca said...

Hey Girl
Hope your days are good and we are on short time til spring...always good. Love your flowers, they look so pretty and springy.
Hope you can make it down some time now that it is getting nicer outside.
Blessings
Rebecca

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Hey! Thanks so much for the Birthday greetings! Goodness, what is going on with the tassel thingummybob? I never knew about bunny tassels til today, amazing!

Sarah x

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Jane! I love your galvanized fruit stand...so unusual! And the tassel is wonderful! isn't that Gloria something? She made one for my new little grandson! glad you are getting some good weather! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie
About the glue on the cake stand..I used the low temp setting.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Those are very pretty floral arrnagements that you made! Flowers and bunnies are such a happy spring time sight.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hey Jane, the bunny tassel is just too cute, sure says Happy Easter to me! Love the galvanized tin, and I'm heading over to check them out. I love farmhouse style!
Hope you're having a great week.
Hugs,
Debra

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Oh my goodness, I love it all and especially the fruit on that wonderful piece! I will check out your links this afternoon after I finish my chores. Enjoy the sunshine, it's in the low 30s here today but sunny.
Happy week and thank you for your kind words on my blog Jane!
xo~Tracie

Rhondi said...

Hi Jane
The little bunny tassel is so cute! I am constantly amazed at the generosity of bloggers. I will definitely visit her and see what she makes. Hope you have a great day!
Hugs, Rhondi

shabbyfufu said...

Hi Janie...I had to laugh in thinking that the 40's could be warm, since I am in Miami and have been FREEZING with the 50's that we have had this winter!! Right now it's 72 and I am thawing out! ~xo~ Janet

Picket said...

hey girl....great post!!!! I'll have to check out that farmhouse wares...love the cake stand and that sweet tassle from Gloria is just precious...I love that woman to pieces!! I love how you used old buttons in the bottom of the jar like that I have a couple of old mason jars filled with old buttons...I need to be more creative! lol Hope all is well with you and yours and that you have a great week! ~Picket~

Laura said...

Miss Jane- you found some great finds.
I am going to check out that web site.
Uh-oh-
more shopping.

Laura

xinex said...

Hi Janie, I am back home. Have you decided when you are coming? I'll email you....Christine

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
What gorgeous arrangements you create. I love the button tucked into the raffia. Your bunny is lovely and it is perfect for a country french kitchen. The warm weather, a few robins and a bit of sunshine really cheers up the day.
Karen

Susan said...

I love that little bunny tassle!