A great new shop on historic Charles Street

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeCuqu6BS7xnr6t1yekJBhB7f6syBDowVDs2uKNTTadIJgtiSIa9ZJJtMHOpK1kLbZ98xbROzp4TemxU_gBYYet0OQHVYbRHpFP1YP6tqkdNgq9sk1_IrqLJlKCO4wyMKgtgJkQjWJsq-/s1600/CharlesSt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeCuqu6BS7xnr6t1yekJBhB7f6syBDowVDs2uKNTTadIJgtiSIa9ZJJtMHOpK1kLbZ98xbROzp4TemxU_gBYYet0OQHVYbRHpFP1YP6tqkdNgq9sk1_IrqLJlKCO4wyMKgtgJkQjWJsq-/s640/CharlesSt.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><br />My photographer friend <a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/">Michael J. Lee</a> tipped me off to a fabulous new shop on Boston's historic Charles Street at the base of Beacon Hill. <a href="http://www.cynthiadriscollinteriors.com/">Cynthia Driscoll</a> opened her shop just recently and it's just a breath of fresh air on the Boston design scene! Cynthia has a background in that runs from teaching to brownstone restoration to purveyor of fine and unique accessories. She was selling direct to the trade for a quite a while and then moved into a larger facility (you see, she loves to shop!) where she also sold direct to the public. This past winter she was strolling down Charles Street and an available store front caught here eye, and now, she's in! <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2jl29OnAJGZt9g-Z3vzRG1pCRdN2D8epeXnovivEg0TLmtFvHbc7d0MNQAbpjXTYoql7uaCvLj-byMynjiPhdrVLieH5zeJi9Mk2Mw8KrJXf6dvrJE3aM35VhU6tX1n_C24C1yddzRKC/s1600/CharlesStDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2jl29OnAJGZt9g-Z3vzRG1pCRdN2D8epeXnovivEg0TLmtFvHbc7d0MNQAbpjXTYoql7uaCvLj-byMynjiPhdrVLieH5zeJi9Mk2Mw8KrJXf6dvrJE3aM35VhU6tX1n_C24C1yddzRKC/s640/CharlesStDetail.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>Hallmarks of Cynthia's style are contemporary art, classic and clean lined furniture, and traditional accessories.  She purchases only what she herself loves (and will happily take into her own home if something doesn't sell!). She certainly has a great eye!<!--EndFragment--> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwc2oQtDm_4U0Dwb4fNTvqtnkaE7nSyk3ZV0lsPxAeJ2IxL281wzznXEKuVV3_Iwdb5LF3Do2XcckHUZAzVBgTHV5I1gTKKvoauMZFcZu6GH_ZWZ8FiraY5E1lXggli8p0YxkorE0mdZ2/s1600/CharlesStWingchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwc2oQtDm_4U0Dwb4fNTvqtnkaE7nSyk3ZV0lsPxAeJ2IxL281wzznXEKuVV3_Iwdb5LF3Do2XcckHUZAzVBgTHV5I1gTKKvoauMZFcZu6GH_ZWZ8FiraY5E1lXggli8p0YxkorE0mdZ2/s640/CharlesStWingchair.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><br />Her eclectic mix of art and accessories is sourced from all over the world and includes antiques and new products. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1stdiYeJJrt-VHiydj750HmQm6h-W6jr83spFpHA2thc5mPReYZn6sKqzBTtZDnVBy3GgElBWqFM2dlWJT8IlSDxNtXWtrU-I_RYAHoUpB_SfjQwQAL6gi_v8g7XTtaDQGQgcUaPPBg5e/s1600/CharlesSttohall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1stdiYeJJrt-VHiydj750HmQm6h-W6jr83spFpHA2thc5mPReYZn6sKqzBTtZDnVBy3GgElBWqFM2dlWJT8IlSDxNtXWtrU-I_RYAHoUpB_SfjQwQAL6gi_v8g7XTtaDQGQgcUaPPBg5e/s640/CharlesSttohall.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqaSXimuLtBBJt5qXNcbv9x5L39l_VPqi5sBHb1wODxhAbQ9KCc2fo3o1JKOChYzN2IhWYX1h4hciP0K5SdHzxzQn-HGSM77TvMJ9GjcJXkUrY_wXw19b8xwN83xsHKWi5k5KHPkeB-Az/s1600/CharlesStdisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqaSXimuLtBBJt5qXNcbv9x5L39l_VPqi5sBHb1wODxhAbQ9KCc2fo3o1JKOChYzN2IhWYX1h4hciP0K5SdHzxzQn-HGSM77TvMJ9GjcJXkUrY_wXw19b8xwN83xsHKWi5k5KHPkeB-Az/s640/CharlesStdisplay.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.cynthiadriscollinteriors.com/">Cynthia Driscoll Interiors</a>  is located at 70 Charles Street, Boston. Tell her I sent you!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://michaeljleephotography.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photography by Michael J. Lee</span></a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

A great new shop on historic Charles Street

My photographer friend Michael J. Lee tipped me off to a fabulous new shop on Boston's historic Charles Street at the base of Beacon Hi...

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Saturday Thrifting: A special find!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCUZQ_PypD6Tk3Z2JiE5fn1iiWomoCMnBCnKAf7K0xlXrQ7nKdLZlMaUgQ8YTK-Ht5CzC69og15S1-jqCX84bZngZPd8djlC-U50G57VEqbDQYJ4164PJr80kpSqt_72foIIESPt8V7K4/s1600/DSCN2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCUZQ_PypD6Tk3Z2JiE5fn1iiWomoCMnBCnKAf7K0xlXrQ7nKdLZlMaUgQ8YTK-Ht5CzC69og15S1-jqCX84bZngZPd8djlC-U50G57VEqbDQYJ4164PJr80kpSqt_72foIIESPt8V7K4/s400/DSCN2883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I am very excited about today's Salvation Army store find. This stoneware pitcher and bowl have a beautiful, feminine shape and is a gorgeous, soft cream. And the nice thing is that it doesn't say "Made in China" anywhere on it. Actually, impressed in the bottom of both pieces is "P.C. 1974". I did a quick research and didn't come up with anything, but I do think these pieces were handmade. The little marks from being held up on pins during firing are still evident. Anyway, I love it and that's a great feeling, especially when they cost $10, and that $10 went to charity - a win win!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Saturday Thrifting: A special find!

I am very excited about today's Salvation Army store find. This stoneware pitcher and bowl have a beautiful, feminine shape and is a gor...

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Fired Up: Jo Malone meets Farrow & Ball

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINRjYhPYj5V2fm87FE4CfctYdHPOpHASv2NKvGRxxdR3gOYMLx_qPsWWtrFfbGLFKmuC7qDrWJ4va8TiaH0EGciYr-OF2OZFe8h5gv2OAHaPNGB4pPuZw-SBZ5DNqG9dGggtYPnB3zDKw/s1600/DSCN2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINRjYhPYj5V2fm87FE4CfctYdHPOpHASv2NKvGRxxdR3gOYMLx_qPsWWtrFfbGLFKmuC7qDrWJ4va8TiaH0EGciYr-OF2OZFe8h5gv2OAHaPNGB4pPuZw-SBZ5DNqG9dGggtYPnB3zDKw/s400/DSCN2838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's a stormy day here in Massachusetts today, complete with thunder and lightning. It seemed the perfect day to break out the <a href="http://www.jomalone.com/templates/products/mpp_category.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY24005">Jo Malone candle</a> that I was sent to review.  Jo Malone, known for their luxurious British lifestyle and fragrance brands and Farrow & Ball, makers of fine paints and wallpapers, have teamed up to produce a limited edition collection of candles.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V4pF08l1zm-XG5tA7NQxNkXVtSmBi2qvLki-ZRtrbKwTv5a7_DVF0440hTgoP1W1ktiu4c1zYmhYYFQJsY3Jso1S0W00yyObWLuZ1g2x-HAPydQA8JbZm0c2RHPRZOZV0v9OD_Wt7HMu/s1600/JoMalonecollection.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2V4pF08l1zm-XG5tA7NQxNkXVtSmBi2qvLki-ZRtrbKwTv5a7_DVF0440hTgoP1W1ktiu4c1zYmhYYFQJsY3Jso1S0W00yyObWLuZ1g2x-HAPydQA8JbZm0c2RHPRZOZV0v9OD_Wt7HMu/s400/JoMalonecollection.png" width="400" /></a></div>Five of Jo Malone's scents were matched with coordinating Farrow & Ball colors to create the candles. Grapefruit in a F&B Cream No. 67 holder; Lime Basil & Mandarine in a F&B Breakfast Room Green No. 81 holder; Wild Fig & Cassis in a F&B Pelt No. 254 holder; Pomegranate in a F&B Eating Room Red No 43 holder; and Blue Agava & Cacao in a F&B Oval Room Blue No. 85.  And, they say you can mix and match the scents as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKgmhCFGR9neBsG6U_uRhPV9no3y4OIMdKfIKC8u_Sd5f822U5rTqlTXHqqv3YKQrbRbIrNOHC3j6J-Pl9UyOKVlQkapBCTo_DauQh_IpbuVSNY2pGQGv5Mqir-gpNSudidQJUCZQNVwL/s1600/GroupF&BLifestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKgmhCFGR9neBsG6U_uRhPV9no3y4OIMdKfIKC8u_Sd5f822U5rTqlTXHqqv3YKQrbRbIrNOHC3j6J-Pl9UyOKVlQkapBCTo_DauQh_IpbuVSNY2pGQGv5Mqir-gpNSudidQJUCZQNVwL/s400/GroupF&BLifestyle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I've been burning the Lime Basil & Mandarin candle for several hours and the scent is subtle and not cloying at all. I have allergies to many scents and can rarely burn scented candles, but so far so good on this one!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE7Ia0UTN8d8S0T_2sDfyGRpxcqyMQ5UQow7k7fFo0EVYrk2ZWbDWdQuCUK-g4S4RD3WrEnlNVXUeRn4JHfIm3jzVxMyyO4e809G-Yn2_89gijh5Fx6e2RCBlTfpvP_8Po6xamcciNeUU/s1600/VD09_050_019-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE7Ia0UTN8d8S0T_2sDfyGRpxcqyMQ5UQow7k7fFo0EVYrk2ZWbDWdQuCUK-g4S4RD3WrEnlNVXUeRn4JHfIm3jzVxMyyO4e809G-Yn2_89gijh5Fx6e2RCBlTfpvP_8Po6xamcciNeUU/s320/VD09_050_019-5.jpg" /></a></div><br />The candles are available at Farrow & Ball Showrooms and stockists, Jo Malone Boutiques and specialty stores like Bergorfs, Neimans and Saks. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jomalone.com/images/categories/272/jm_CATEGORY24005_272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.jomalone.com/images/categories/272/jm_CATEGORY24005_272.jpg" /></a></div>Hope you're having a great weekend! Happy Mother's day to all the Moms! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Fired Up: Jo Malone meets Farrow & Ball

It's a stormy day here in Massachusetts today, complete with thunder and lightning. It seemed the perfect day to break out the Jo Malone...

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Do you know what this is? Contest time!

<a href="http://trianonantiques.1stdibs.com/archivesB/upload/8385/133/img_2913.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://trianonantiques.1stdibs.com/archivesB/upload/8385/133/img_2913.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 402px;" /></a>So, any idea what this decorative item is called and what purpose it served? The first to answer will receive their choice of a design book from my library.<br /><br />Hints: This type of item dates back to Greece circa 500BC and was used for a specific purpose. This pair above is circa 1880, France, in the Louis XVI style. They are made of solid burgundy-colored marble with prominent white veining, gilt-bronze mounts and separate covers; neoclassical detailing with floral garlands, swans, ribbons and acorn tops.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Do you know what this is? Contest time!

So, any idea what this decorative item is called and what purpose it served? The first to answer will receive their choice of a design book ...

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A little weekend thrifting

I took a leaf from the <a href="http://www.eddieross.com">Eddie Ross </a>encyclopedia of weekend thrifting and visited a local Salvation Army store to see what they had. I almost never see the place open, but I was heading over to Michael's for some Mod Podge (a post on that project to come!), saw it was open and stopped in. You have to dig a bit, but I came up with some very fun finds!<br /><br />I first spotted this tarnished silver wire bread basket for $3.99.<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4115/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4115/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4116/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4116/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a>A little silver polish and voila!<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4140/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4140/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a>I live near the ocean and it's near impossible to keep the silver from severe tarnishing and I was overdue for this chore. So, I took this opportunity to tackle some of my other pieces, including my Granmother's dresser set and an antique sterling mini champagne bucket that I use as a planter.<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4117/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4117/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4141/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4141/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a>Sparkly!</div><br />Next, I found this pristine set of cut glass napkin rings in their original box - for $4.99. There is a small paper lable marked "Made in Western Germany", so I know they date back no earlier than 1949. The box has no labeling of any kind, but I don't really care. I love the square shape and I may either keep these for myself or give them as a gift with some pretty napkins.<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4153/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4153/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4155/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4155/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4171/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4171/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />And finally, I found this simple glass decanter for a whopping $1.99. It's imprinted on the bottom with "Liquor Bottle" (truth in advertising?) and Scotland. I will most likely fill it with bath salts and give it as a gift.<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4193/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4193/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4196/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4196/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br />That was my shopping experience.<br /><br />And, for my polishing experience, I thought I'd show some closeups of one of my most treasured things. This is my Grandma's silver and crystal dresser set that dates back to probably the late 1920's-1930's.<br /><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4175/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4175/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4177/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4177/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4179/web.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/linda.m.merrill/100386/100_4179/web.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" /></a><br />I love family heirlooms, don't you?

A little weekend thrifting

I took a leaf from the Eddie Ross encyclopedia of weekend thrifting and visited a local Salvation Army store to see what they had. I almost ...

Read more »