Horse Country Chic

It's rare these days to discover a new "old" Christmas tradition worth adopting.  Thanks to NPR for this one - they recently ran a story about a long-forgotten recording made by the famous Louis Armstrong.  This 45 record (some of us know what that is) was "free" with a carton of cigarettes in 1971. One million copies were printed for the promotion. The recording was made in February at Armstrong's home in Queens and he died at 69 a few months later.  This was his last commercial recording.   Listening to that voice recite "The Night Before Christmas" is magical in its own unique way. No one else sounded like Louis and he adds his wit and charm to this staid old monologue.   It reminded me of how some things never "age" and my father owned Louis Armstrong records and loved his duets with Ella Fitzgerald.  There is still some magic in Christmas but these days that magic is getting harder to find.  You can read the article here where there is a link to the recording. Enjoy.  A gift for all of us.... [Read more]

2021 has been a chapter-ending year.  It started early, on January 5th to be exact, when  Alfie, came in from turnout with a very lame leg.  That chapter ended less than three months later, when he died on a clear but cold Saturday afternoon in March when that same injury forced us to end his life.  He had lived a very good life and I respect that he did it "his way." Another chapter is also ending in 2021.  Ironically, it was Alfie that started this chapter.  Years ago, at a horse show in Virginia, a well-respected licensed official came over and complimented me on Alfie. She admired a pretty horse and wanted to know about him.  That lady over time became a very dear friend and we have spent many days and nights together in her home near Farmville, Virginia watching movies, reminiscing about our horses and we worked together on history projects for the Virginia Horse Show Association.  This dear friend is not going to live out 2021 and likely not the week.  In this year of chapters ending it is appropriate that she selected the same year to go out in, as Alfie.  They had a lot in common.  She also could really ride.  That's her at Upperville back in the day. If I have learned anything this year is that life gets a lot harder as you get older. Things come and go but by the time you reach a certain age you learn to appreciate what is important. In this new world of pandemics that should be quite clear by now.  So we are going to do our very best to find new traditions this season to adopt. We have a list of movies we watch each December.  We've already watched "movie one"- Christmas Vacation.  White Christmas always comes last.  Here is a list of the top 100 Christmas movies of all time if you care to select a few to watch this season. Other favorites - Christmas in Connecticut and Holiday Inn. Another one to add to your list is The Family Stone. We will make at least one trek to The Homestead to see the beautiful holiday decorations and I am adding a trip to The Boar's Head in Charlottesville (to get out while we can).  Make new chapters when the old ones close - keep the book of your life moving forward.  Enjoy your Monday and PLEASE get vaccinated.  In this hateful world we find ourselves in, please do something kind today for someone you love.... [Read more]

Readers know that I am a glassaholic if there is such a thing. I became a glass collector totally by accident, being at the right place at the right time many years ago.  My SO accepted a job that was right in the middle of "elegant glass country" and we spent a weekend in the town that we were moving to looking at houses.  While we were driving around we saw a sign for a "Glass Show" and decided to venture in. This glass show happened to be the annual Old Morgantown Glass Show where collectors go to find the most unusual and most collectable glass.  The glass shows are still the very best way to find collectable "elegant glass" from the 1920's through the 1970's although you can find glass on Etsy and Ebay.  This is not the heavy colored "Depression Glass" that you often see at antique malls but very well made, sometimes hand-painted glass that was made from molds, from etchings, from artisans brought over from Europe starting in the early 20th century. My favorite pieces tend to be made in the 1920's and 30's. Search Ebay under "elegant glass." Most of this glass was made in Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania where the raw materials existed to make the glass. These glass companies at one time employed thousands of people and were well-known throughout America.  The glass went out of production in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Mass production killed it. Today, clubs and museums have proliferated, trying to preserve the history of the glass.  Each club has its own "glass show" like the one we found that day in June. If I had the time I'd go to the shows - they are generally held on the same weekend every year - in or the near the town in which they were made. Cambridge's show is in late June in Cambridge, Ohio. The museums are also great places to visit where collectors have donated their most fabulous pieces to preserve it and to allow others to see the finest pieces ever made.  And there are many books out there on the glass - my glass library is large and still expanding.  There is still so much to learn! The fun is learning about the history of the glass - who made it, when it came out, when it went out of production.  Colors can date glass.  Certain colors were made starting in specific time periods.  And each company has their own colors - their shades that differ from other companies.  And the stems can also tell you what company made the glass in some cases. The etchings though don't always tell the story and some glass companies outsourced their etchings. And much has been lost so every now and then a pattern or a piece will pop up that no one has ever seen before.   My favorite pattern is Imperial Hunt Scene made by Cambridge Glass (Ohio) for a very short period of time from the 20's into the early 30's.  It was made in a only a few colors - clear, amber, green, peachblo (a peachy pink), black (rare) and blue (very rare).  You also find pieces in pink and green (the preppy version).  The hunt scene is etched around the edge and sometimes it is in gold. You'll pay more for the gold. This is a sandwich plate. I have this one in green. Cambridge was a very large company and they produced many items.  For example, in Imperial Hunt Scene there are 17 different sizes of glasses ranging from an 12 oz footed tumbler to 2 1/2 oz footed goblet. So it hard to find pieces that are the same size and color.  And it is rare and very collectable so finding it now is difficult. I own two pieces in the light blue and two pieces in the black.  My rarest piece is likely my large satin peachblo vase etched in gold.  I have bought most of my pieces at glass shows. You can also find interesting pieces of IHS - cigarette holders, candlesticks, plates, bridge sets, finger bowls, and I have yet to ever see an ice bucket but I know they exist.  They also made Imperial Hunt Scene on the Tally Ho blank.  This is a much heavier glass and I don't like it nearly as well. I have only seen this in clear (and I have a set of 10) but I have seen pictures of IHS on the Tally Ho blank in green. There is very little out there right now on Ebay and Etsy (Santa must be bringing some glass) but peruse it regularly.  And I have a picker who finds glass for me and calls me when he finds things for my collection. The very best books to own are two books by Hazel Marie Weatherman.  "Colored Glassware of the Depression Era" and there are two volumes, 1 and 2. 2 is better. If you can find this set it's a great way to learn about the various companies and it's full of pictures from advertisements from way back when. It is my favorite book and I thumb through it all of the time. My other collection, albeit much smaller, is bulb boxes. I bought my first one at a glass show in Pittsburgh about 15 years ago and fell in love with it. They are also rare and I don't see them too often although last year I found two on Ebay. The ones I prefer are made by Tiffin.  Tiffin made these only in a few colors - amber (below), reflex green (a lighter green), black, rose pink, sky blue (really an aqua), and crystal satin.  I have all except amber and crystal.  I cannot tell you lovely these are and they are heavy. They are 9 1/2 inches long and I put Paperwhites in my black one at Christmas. Tiffin was based initially in Steubenville, Ohio but moved to Tiffin, Ohio after a fire.  It was one of the rare factories that did not close during the Great Depression.  These boxes were made in the 1920's and 1930's and expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $275 for a bulb box in good condition. LE Smith also made a bulb box and I have a few of these.  They are smaller, not as beautiful but still are worth collecting.  LE Smith was based in Mount Pleasant, PA which is just off the PA Turnpike east of Pittsburgh.  They made plain window box and also a larger one with nymphs. There is a white one now on Ebay: The other pieces I collect mostly stemware - wine glasses - various patterns and companies.  My favorites - Fry, Morgantown Glass, Fostoria, Heisey, Central Glass Works, among others.  Stay tuned. Become a collector!... [Read more]

Gift giving is my favorite part of the holiday season - to give and to receive - and it's fun to pick out the extravagant gifts you'd give (or would like to receive) for that very special someone or that very special ocassion.   My Herend animal collection is old (I've collected them since I was in my 20's) but I'd love to have this one and he reminds me of Alfie (Alfie was built like this with a long back). Herend is always appropriate. Candles have gotten more expensive but really good candles have never been inexpensive. I'd love to receive an Acqua di Parma candle (or anything from this brand for that matter). I don't know anyone who does not love Hermes.  Picking out the right scarf is the fun of it all - my first one was purchased in St. Barts, my last one in Boston.  Somewhere in between - in Paris (a few times), Vienna (a few times) and other places.  They will never get tired, outdated, out of fashion.  Love this one.  She will always treasure this. A Limoges box is timeless. Pick out the right one for your loved one and it's a forever piece. Love the fox one: A classic Herend Cache Pot is sure to please.  This is lovely. This glass fox intaglio necklace is a one of a kind: This cachepot is divine: What lady on your list won't love this handmade necklace from local artisan Sally Lowe? Happy shopping Santa!... [Read more]

We have a lot to be thankful for this year with a few very close friends and relatives not so well at the moment.  Cherish these special holidays while you can!  Time flies by very quickly.   We'll have an intimate Thanksgiving this year at the farm, very quiet and low key but we'll be thinking about friends and family elsewhere.  My Christopher Spitzmiller plates were scheduled to arrive yesterday but did not, so I'll show you what I was planning to use for the holiday: These dinner plates in green.... With these salad plates and bowls. I serve soup with Thanksgiving so I pick one of my patterns with bowls: My idea was to have an equestrian-themed Thanksgiving, again.  But we'll see what we end up with! Here are some other ideas, just for fun.... Love these plates from Etsy. It would be fun to have a set of these and I'd pull out the green or the gray and do place mats.  I have some dark green quilted corduroy mats from Juliska that would work well with these. Then add tortoise silverware....and then I'd pick some glass from my collection. Here are some other possible options: I have a complete set of June Lane, a Lenox Kate Spade pattern.  It's popular to use at Thanksgiving because I have the rim soups. It makes a stunning table paired with beige and white Matouk scalloped place mats and jacquard napkins. I rarely pull out Rothchild Birds for Thanksgiving because I don't have bowls.  It is likely my favorite pattern of all time.  Wish my collection was this large! It's been a very long time since I used my Wedgewood pattern. I don't have the soup bowls for this one either.  But this is about as classic as it gets. It still sets a lovely table after all these years.  I never tire of this one.   An old standby for the fall holiday season - my Juliska salad plates in orange (very sadly discontinued). I pair these with white dinner plates and it sets a lovely table with pumpkins and greenery. Stay tuned for the Thanksgiving table setting.  Hope you have a wonderful turkey day!... [Read more]

I've adopted a few "Holiday Do's and Don'ts" for the 2021 holiday season.  1) Not shopping at Amazon this year, instead, trying to support local or online small business.  Honestly, there are so many great small businesses out there that we can support.  I still love Etsy.   Love these glass horses made by Heisey in Ohio. People collect these. Color will dictate price.   These vintage horses are so adorable. Start a collection of Heisey horses for that horse lover on your list and provide this book to educate the receiver. (Hint, I'd try to find this book for less on Thriftbooks): 2) No "holiday emails" - what happened to the art of the nice handwritten note? And if you have to send email, please no misspelled words or incorrect grammar.  I love the notes that I receive from readers - such a treat.  You can never have too much stationary.  Ever.  My stationary stash is almost as large as my needlepoint stash but still smaller than my glass and china stash, I mean collection. 3) No gift cards for someone you know well. Part of gift giving is the thought that goes into selecting the gift.  Gift cards are a lazy gift. Isn't the fun of it picking out the perfect gift for someone you care about?  Creativity is key.  Give this vintage bulb box (I love these) with Paperwhite bulbs and rocks (you set the bulbs in the rocks) with instructions on how to grow. I buy my rocks at Lowe's or Michaels. 4) Better shop extra early this year with the supply chain issues. Do not wait for last minute bargains this year - they likely don't exist. The Black Friday sales are already out.  I ordered these plates for a gift and they finally arrived this week (was not sure they were going to get here but alas, they are here).  Santa is not working overtime this year - he's shutting it down by mid-December. 5) Be festive.  There was little festivity last year due to Covid and we are still not back to "normal" and frankly, it may be a long time before we get back there again.  But dress up, cook great meals, set your table, turn on the holiday music. Tartan from Tuckernuck!  6) Shop vintage.  Love this vintage print which is quite reasonable. I'd frame it myself, buying a plain wood frame from a hobby store and paint it a wild color.  So easy to do and can be inexpensive.   7) As a creature of habit there are certain gifts that I give every year. Someone on my list will get Ariat. I love their clothes and live in their shirts all winter long.  Someone will definitely be getting one of these.  Dover and Smartpak have the best selection. Do stick with what you know and love.... [Read more]

I pulled out my stash of old Southern Accents (remember that great magazine) and old Southern Living Christmas magazines to peruse holiday decorating at its finest.  We won't be entertaining this year but I like to do some decorating right after Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas saved away to whet the appetite for holiday decorating. I bought my Paperwhite bulbs yesterday! And picked up a spool of plaid taffeta ribbon. Go to Michael's and buy inexpensive red berries.  They used to be about a dollar a stem.  Put these in your wreaths, on garlands, into outside planters with greenery. It's an easy fix if you don't have red berries (and I don't).... [Read more]

She's at it again - that creative, Ohio-based entrepreneur is hitting it on all cylinders and just in time for Santa.  If you have not shopped at Rebecca Ray please treat yourself. Her quality is impeccable (it's hard to do that today) and I love her "vintage is best but brand-new" style.  And does her black horse not look just like Alfie?  Guess what's in my cart?  And her products are all American-made. What's not to love about this brand that seems to get better with age?  I purchased my first bag from her many years ago at a horse show in Chagrin Falls and have never looked back. Support this great small business! The perfect holiday napkin for the horse lover in your world:   The Alfie napkin: The Alfie place mat: You can shop her site here.  Love her products and cannot wait for my Alfie napkins to arrive. Stay safe, it is getting bad out there again. Enjoy your Saturday!... [Read more]

It's been a long week so glad to see Mr. (or Mrs.) Friday. Here are some fun finds this final day of the work week! Love these mid-century Hazel Atlas shot glasses: I love these candles (they smell so good) and love the colors here.  These make the best gifts. This sweater is a bit pricey for my budget but so very cute for winter. And since I cannot ski this would make me feel like I could, or did at one time.... I can't decide how much I love this fun horsey sweater from Anthro..... Love this vintage scarf: I would love a set of these Ginori plates, always on my china wish list (which is quite large I might add) but this pattern is a classic and it comes in so many colors.  How to choose? Love this vintage set from the 1940's!... [Read more]

Cozy, warm, functional fleece - who doesn't love lounging and living in fleece? If so, we've got you covered. This Vineyard Vines fleece is perfect for holiday wear: Love this one too, also from Vineyard Vines: Plaid is back. this is another cozy one from Talbots: Love this holiday fleece. It also comes in black (which I prefer): This fleece from Vineyard Vines is detailed in ultrasuede if you are old enough to know what that is. I think I would have preferred this one if they left off the front pockets. I have this Patagonia vest in gray and love it but don't wear it to the barn. Everything it touches it collects - hay, shavings - but it is very warm and comfortable. The white one could never live with me but love this nonetheless. Here is the same fleece in a quarter-zip version.  Love this! Love this holiday, snowflake fleece from Talbots: Happy hump day!... [Read more]

Happy Sunday!  Sorry for being so slow with recreating this list, again. But here it goes.... 1) Current Read - Going There by Katie Couric I am enjoying this book.  It's an easy read and surprisingly not incredibly well-written for a journalist but the story is good. She's had an incredible life. 2) Currently Stitching - Love this Bonnie Alexander canvas which I will frame. I customized mine a bit - date, horse names, etc. but it is a keeper. 3) Netflix or Apple TV Recommendation - The Morning Show on AppleTV.  I have not watched television all summer and fall other than for tennis and horse racing. Now that we no longer have DST I am watching again.  We are slow to catch up with all the great shows out there but I am loving The Morning Show.  Can I please have keys to Alex Levy's apartments? 4) Equine Product Recommendation - Thermatex Rugs.  This is one of my favorite horse products.  They are made in the UK and I use it for shipping, for cooling out after a ride, as a cooler at horse shows in colder weather.  I bought mine at Horse Country in Warrenton, VA.  Fabulous! 5) Cookbook or Recipe Recommendation - The Fox's Kitchen - I don't have this cookbook but it's on my wish list. 6) Whatever Else - This quilted skirt from Madewell is just, well let's say original.  Wish it came in more colors but this could be styled so many ways.... [Read more]

Some fun Friday finds this morning just in time for the holidays or for gift giving. Love these plates from Anthro (on sale) and pair them with white dinner plates and autumn colored napkins for a festive fall table. Love these holiday napkins from Pottery Barn. This is my new favorite brand of candle.  I love Lafco and Nest but these smell so good!  On sale too! If you don't have holiday china this is a good place to start - add these Juliska salad plates to your china cabinet.  They are at the Outlet! Add these tartan dinner plates (also at the Outlet) if you don't have holiday plates. I'd pair these with the salad plates above. Love this combination! Mid-Century set of flatware perfect for the holidays: Love this wreath! TGIF... [Read more]

Last year I bought everything online.  Everything. This year that plan is not working so well.  Things are on back order.  UPS and even FedEx can be unreliable and do not get me started on using the USPS.  Just avoid them like the plague.  Sadly, very few holiday cards will be sent this year after I was still receiving them in March. Yes, March.   So what's the plan for 2021? Shop local.  Local companies need the business badly after 2020 and you can handpick your gifts and either hand deliver or ship them yourself and hope for the best. This ladies' Smartwool base layer is a great gift from a local vendor.  Their clothes are so warm. Shop vintage. I love these Tiffin satin candlesticks from Etsy.  They are even more stunning in real life. Order Flowers.  I plan to order flowers for my mother (she has everything she needs) and have them delivered every few months.  This is something she will enjoy after the holidays as well and avoids the holiday rush.   Books sent directly from Amazon. Someone on my list will receive Christopher Spitzmiller's fabulous book. This is one of my favorite books (and I have a lot of books).  Perfect for anyone who gardens, decorates, cooks, or loves the country life.  Order very early and hope for the best. That's what most will be doing unfortunately.  Happy Wednesday!... [Read more]

I wait for this day all year and today's Classic race should not disappoint.  The juvenilles raced yesterday and the star of the show, again, was a filly, Echo Zulu who handily won the fillies' dirt race, remains undefeated, and ran the race faster than the boys.  She is out of Gunrunner's first crop and is the real deal. But today, tune your television to Del Mar after an early dinner and watch the boys. Post time is 8:40 pm EDT.  The two grays are the ones to watch.  They have a lot in common - Knicks Go and Essential Quality.  Both are gray. Both are trained by Brad Cox. Both have stellar records (Essential Quality has lost only one race, the Kentucky Derby).  Both are in post positions in the center of the track. Both have Hall of Fame quality jockeys.  But they have different running styles.  Knicks Go is blazingly fast and could go to the lead very quickly.  Essential Quality is a stalker and wins only by margins that he needs to win.  Either could win. But don't even count out a Baffert horse and Baffert won the colt juvenille's race yesterday with an undefeated colt, Corniche.  Medina Spirit knows the Del Mar track (a big plus) and has been winning graded stakes since the Derby.  He is no fluke.  And don't discount Hot Rod Charlie who almost won the Belmont wire-to-wire in likely the fastest pace since Secretariat.  He has the talent to win this race too. Love this large Breeders' Cup tote from Rebecca Ray, a perfect holiday gift for the horse race lover on your list.  Tune in this evening for the best day in racing!... [Read more]

No gift cards from this gift giver.  Be unique.  Use your imagination and creativity this holiday season.  And stay away from Amazon, Walmart and super box stores. Shop local, online, from small business.... 1) Vintage Linen Towels - these are so different.  Use them also for napkins. 2) Monogrammed Napkins - who would not love a set of these napkins! 3) Chinoiserie Napkins - and these are equally scrumptious. 4) Vintage Barnyard Theme Placemats - I only wish there were more than four of these. So darn cute. 5) Small Vintage Tray - I have a similar one like this beside my bed, also from an old track in the DC area.  Wonder where this started?   6) Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit Photo - how unique is this from the best horse show movie ever made?  Are you a fan of this great Disney classic too? 7) Set of Four Imperial Hunt Scene Plates - vintage is definitely best. My favorite glass pattern perfect for small gatherings. 8) Imperial Hunt Scene Platter - I have never seen one of these before. Quite rare and lovely as ever.... [Read more]

Better start shopping very early this year while the getting is good. Here are some unique gift ideas for everyone on your list, more to come.... 1) Ugg Platform Slippers - These are the bomb.  So ugly that they are cute, but I would prefer the platforms to the boots. 2) Vintage Needlepoint Fox Hunt Scene - this is so very unique. There are so many things you could do with this - make it into a pillow, use it for a tray.  Perfect for the horse lover who has everything. 3) Art Deco Limoges Sugar and Creamer Set - this stunning set would compliment anyone's china collection.  For the china lover who has everything! 4) Personalized Melamine Platter - this is the perfect trainer gift or for anyone who loves horses and entertains. 5) Staffordshire Horses - Love these!!!! 6) Vintage Equestrian Trays - love these.  Perfect tv trays.  A great gift for the equestrian who has everything.   7) The Stable Candle - need I say more? This is a great year to support local merchants, small business owners, and do vintage.  Stay safe and plan your holiday shopping this year way in advance!... [Read more]

Readying for winter already as the rain pours down on my metal roof this morning.  Cozy fires, heavy soups, and furry shoes..... I ordered this book on the advice of Bill Gates: "Vaclav Smil is my favorite author… Numbers Don't Lie takes everything that makes his writing great and boils it down into an easy-to-read format. I unabashedly recommend this book to anyone who loves learning."--Bill Gates, GatesNotes Love this tartan cookie tray from the Juliska Outlet: Cannot wait to pull out my Vienna Boys' Choir CDs.  Love their music and I will play it from November to February.  Magic music perfect for the holidays in our crazy world. Cutest.fox.rug.ever - $13 at Target.  Need I say more? TGIF... [Read more]

Fall, I mean winter, arrived this week with a bang.  Lots of leaves to rake now.  But I was growing tired of 80 degree weather and fall colors - that does not mix in my book.  Readying for fall and the holidays - Thanksgiving is a month away!  How can that be? So here are some Wednesday finds...... You never have too much stationary (or needlepoint canvases, or coats) but I digress.  My stationary drawer in my bedroom can never be too full.  Dempsey & Carroll is a favorite brand. I know it is a little early but a trek to the Caspari store is in order very soon.  I am worried that once something is gone this year it is gone for good.  I stock up on their cocktail napkins and keep a huge stash at all times. Love these for the holidays. I loved this article in the New York Times this week about Sister Parish. It is great to see that this brand is being kept alive by the younger generation.   We watched this movie last weekend and if you have not seen it, it's a fun movie, on Netflix. One of my glass show finds is similar to this Fenton vase. Mine has a different sheen to it but love this one too.  Can't get enough this grand old glass.  I am a hoarder, I mean collector! And I love these Ann Taylor Loft pants that were sold out but now restocked. They seem to be quite popular.  Prefer the black ones. Happy hump day!... [Read more]

We ventured to Northern Virginia yesterday to attend a glass show, the first one I have been to in five years.  When we lived near Pittsburgh there were many glass shows in the region and this is the very best source for treasured "elegant glass."  This show did not disappoint and we came home with many pieces to add to our collection.  I was hoping to find Imperial Hunt Scene but not a single piece was to be seen.  But we did discover was a very unique piece made by the Ohio-based Imperial Glass.  When I came home I wanted to date the glass. I thought the piece was made in the 1930's but soon discovered the piece was part of a collection designed by Virginia B. Evans for Imperial starting in 1942.   Virginia B. Evans was quite an accomplished woman by anyone's standards but given that she was born in Moundsville, West Virginia in 1894 makes her story even more remarkable.  Before she moved to glass she was a very good painter.  Here is a brief bio. She was a very good impressionist artist somehow managed to garner an education that would be the envy of most artists today.   Here is her self-portrait painted between 1920 and 1925.  She appears to be quite stylish.  If you have been to Wheeling, WV then you see that today it is a tired "rust belt" town but underneath you can also see how beautiful the city was once and likely when Evans grew up there it was a bustling city with some level of sophistication.  Some of the old buildings there are quite nice. She graduated from the Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy in Wheeling, WV and then attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology School of Fine Arts and then the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.  In 1924, she received a fellowship to the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, which included a brief residency at Tiffany's Mansion, Laurelton Hall on Oyster Bay (Long Island), where Evans worked with leading painters such as Childe Hassam, Charles Webster Hawthorne and Gari Melchers.   From 1926 to 1931, Evans made four trips to Europe, including studying at the Fontainebleau School of Fine Arts in France during the summer of 1926.  This was a time in which women typically married and had children and women rarely traveled alone.  One source reported that she traveled alone on a merchant ship with 30 sailors on one of her voyages because she wanted to study the sea. In 1957, Evans moved to Orlando before relocating to Naples, Florida two years later. In Naples, she became a leading member and teacher at the Naples Art Association. but she returned to West Virginia in 1974 to spend the rest of her life with her family. She died in 1983 in Moundsville, West Virginia. It is not clear how or why Evans' career shifted in 1942 when the Imperial Glass Corporation of hired her to design glass products for a new line. Her Asian inspired designs included dragon and butterfly motifs, used on a line of more than thirty Imperial Cathay Crystal items ranging from candle holders to ashtrays. One piece of Evans' Cathay Crystal glasswork was displayed at the Met during its April 1950 special display Twentieth Century Glass, American and European. Evans also designed for Viking Glass, Fostoria, Imperial and Warwick, and other Ohio Valley glass companies.  Here is an advertisement for some of the pieces she designed for Imperial:   Here is another advertisement.  The piece that we found is on the right side, the two candle holders and the bowl, which is a matching set.  Ours is frosted glass and is in a deep cranberry color - a deep pinkish color.  It is quite lovely.  Here is the set in a clear frosted color.  It is even more beautiful in the cranberry color.  There are some pieces of  Virginia B. Evans' Imperial Glass on Etsy and Ebay. More: Some of her pieces are signed.  My find is not. Here is color of the set I found but mine is frosted: And I love this piece, currently on Ebay: There is very little out there on Ms. Evans' sadly.  This book was written by a WVU professor and I will order it. Collecting glass for the past 20 years has sent me down so many trails. I love the history of  it - the period, the glamour of the glass, the beauty and the lives it touched.  This part just never gets old for me.  There is another glass show next month in Pennsylvania that I will try to attend and a big one in March. Things to look forward and so much more to uncover and learn.....I would love to find one of Virginia B. Evans' paintings too.... [Read more]

TGIF. It has been a beautiful week in Virginia, very warm during the day, a full moon that comes up every evening - lovely to look at.  Here are some fun Friday finds..... I don't typically shop at J Crew Factory but I am liking their clothes better than the selection at J Crew these days.  Like this cute front zip sweater: Love the Patagonia Retro Fleece in anything: Years ago my mother bought be a pair of pull on Patagonia fleece pants.  They were like sweat pants but they were made of very warm Patagonia fleece.  I took them with me to Patagonia (literally) and wore them there - when it was VERY cold (in January, their summer I should add).  I had two pairs and I wore them out.  This is the closest thing I have seen to those pants and I have waited a long time for these. I ordered them.  They are wider in the leg than they look and mine are a tad bit big in the waist but I will keep them.  I ordered the beige and I plan to order at least one other color to wear this winter indoors. They are cropped and I am short so on a tall person they will be very cropped but I have been looking for something like this forever.  Thank you Patagonia!  See them here. I had to borrow a pair of boots to ride in at the barn this week and I wore a pair of these.  Put these on your holiday list.  They are super comfortable, perfect for people like me with bad feet.  If you need a new pair of casual riding boots try these from Ariat: And I really almost pulled the trigger on this very cute wool top but then decided - where would I wear it?  It comes in three colors and I was looking at the gray one to wear with jeans and leggings. It is not inexpensive but so classic and chic to wear with an Hermes scarf tucked around your neck.... [Read more]

Supply chain shortages, the USPS, everyone shopping online again - these are just some of the reasons to pick holiday stuff out EARLY this year. So this plan-ahead persona is scoping out all the holiday tableware to get ready for another holiday season at home, without family. But that's okay!  It's still a season to celebrate anyway you can........ I did break down and order green Spitzmiller dinner plates.  They have not arrived yet but will be definitely in heavy use this fall through the holiday season. Think of all of the possibilities.....And in the spring I'll mix them with the aqua salad plates I also love and adore. Love these place mats which will pair well with the green plates above and did I mention that I have a pink dining room? There are also matching napkins. I'd actually pair my green plates with hot pink linen place mats (I have a set of those) and add the floral napkins.  Scrumptious.  What about these place mats?  Plain white plates, green linen napkins, great old glass.  Classic and preppy! And I think these salad plates are so much fun. You don't need a ski chalet to own these. Pair them with white dinner plates and red linen napkins.  I just love the colors and these are so whimsical. While this look is a bit contemporary for my taste, I like this table setting. The place mats are a must have with that china.  The entire setting is at Pottery Barn.  We use our Kate Spade Christmas China all winter long and it is similar to this - plain with a deer on it - so we bring it out in December and use it until spring. And a few years ago I could not find tartan napkins. They are everywhere now.  Get yours while you can.  The choices are endless. Love the scalloped edge on these: Happy holiday planning.  Can't wait to get the table set for the holidays!  Stay safe and mask up!... [Read more]

I must say I am underwhelmed by the "slouchy" look that J Crew seems to be promoting since the pandemic hit. Maybe it's meant to hide the "pandemic pounds" put on by many but it's not flattering.  I much prefer the tailored preppy with a twist look that made the brand famous but why stick with what made you popular?   Since I've only bought three pieces from J Crew in the past two years, I am not the fan that I once was and this new rollout does not seem to be changing my mind.   The colors at Talbots are vibrant and almost too preppy but there are some bright spots here and there.  This coat is very cute and I love the back. This is a cute top for lounge wear - the kind of stuff I will be wearing.  Hoping it is warm though and it may not be. Like it in both colors. I like these Sorel boots and have an older version that I wear a lot.  I'm on the fence about this sweater in green but it is likely not warm and may look horrible in real life. I would wear something underneath it. This is one of only a few items at J Crew that I would consider buying.  Wish they came in other colors like a brown but the lighter color ones will get dirty very fast. See them here. There are some nice Liberty prints in the new rollout - always classic and popular but was hoping for more tailored pieces.  Maybe in the holiday rollout?... [Read more]

My friend Molly and I ventured out yesterday afternoon, starting to trek to Charlottesville and then decided not to go that far.  We stopped by Ann Taylor Loft as there is one relatively close by and looked a little bit.  The pickings were very slim in terms of sizes but there were some cute items worth noting here.  Today everything is also 60 percent off.  This coat was quite nice and the color is much more vibrant in person. It comes in several colors but I liked the green the best by far. My coat fetish continues.   This sweater was not in the store but looks cute and I love a front zip.  I'd pair it with these leggings.  I like this look but I don't think the colors are great other than the black ones.  I did not see this outfit in the store but would be great for my surgery. Pull-ons and wide legs.... My picker found new glass for my collection and it arrived over the weekend. I added two stems in a new pattern - Tiffin is the manufacturer and the pattern is Flanders.  Two pink goblets and this photo does not do it justice. Tiffin Flanders is very similar to another pattern by Cambridge called Gloria.  This pattern was only made between 1927 and 1935 and it is found in yellow, pink and clear. Some very rare green pieces surface from time to time.  You'll pay more for the pink than the yellow and clear.  The green pieces will be quite expensive if you can find them.  I love collecting the glass as I learn about the history behind it every time. I love these adorable dinner plates from Anthro.  The rabbit and the eiffel tower are my favorites. And I cannot wait for my a trek to the Caspari store and stock up for the holidays.  A preview from their website: Love these wipe and go placemats:  Have a great Monday!... [Read more]

The pandemic has made us all "creatures of habit" but that was built into my DNA long ago.  Wash.rinse.repeat.  Yep. That's me.  But what's wrong with going to the same brands, the same foods, the same vendors over and over again?  Nothing at all. If it ain't broke then don't fix it - as my mother used to say. So what's heavy on rotation? Birkenstocks - I just replaced a pair of these if you can believe that they actually do wear out.  I traded in my dark brown ones for navy blue.  They are almost so ugly that they are "in" and so comfy with the fur lining. Arc teryx Vest - I wear this one piece of clothing more than anything I own and I did manage to wear one out, the only piece of Arc teryx I have been able to wear out. This is just the very best brand for cold weather wear. Yes, it is a bit pricey but so worth it.  They make two versions - I prefer the one that is little bit heavier but they are both so lightweight you'll never know you have it on but you won't be cold.  Perfect to layer too because it's so lightweight. Kerrits Warm Leggings -I've managed to wear out a pair or two of these tights that I wear all winter long. I am not certain that these are the exact version I own but this is the current offering.  I don't like to ride in tights but these are not tight on my legs and are ever so slightly lined in fleece.  Comfortable!  You really don't even need to ride horses to own these.  Mine are black - the lighter colors get too dirty around the barn.  I also sized up a size in these. Topo Recovery Shoes - I've brought these up before but I have managed to almost wear out my first pair of these.  I have the black ones and I'll order gray ones soon.  I wear these almost every day. You don't need to wear socks with them.  Just pure comfort.  They are made to wear after you run, for "recovery" but why wear only to recover?  Want a nice supremely comfortable shoe to wear all day long? This is it. All Clad Cookware - Years ago my neighbor took to an All Clad Warehouse Sale in Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh where it is made) and that's when I started my All Clad collection of pots and never looked back.  This stuff is expensive but if you love to cook then treat yourself.  And I see this stuff at TJ Maxx routinely.  Klorane Shampoo - Years ago I used the Klorane Chamomile Shampoo and about two years ago I started using the brand again.  I tried several different types but settled on the Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint.  I don't like the conditioner but simply love the shampoo.  The French do get it right. Kneipp Bath Salts - This is a true luxury (and one that I will be forced to give up when I have foot surgery) but there is nothing more soothing than a nice hot bath with these bath salts after a long day.  They make different versions but this is my favorite (and I have tried them all). Home Chef - We discovered this service during the Pandemic and have not stopped using it.  We never go out to dinner anymore.  We always dine at home, on the patio this time of year. I order two meals a week and can get three or sometimes four meals (we are not big eaters) but it is so easy and so reasonable. For $50 a week I feel like am dining out and the food is very good and the delivery very reliable.... [Read more]

Busy week as usual here at the farm. It's been very warm and will be summer-like this weekend before real fall weather finally hits next week.   The paparazzi will be out this weekend in Westchester trying to get a glimpse of the equestrian wedding of the year when equestrians Jennifer Gates and Nayel Nasser finally tie the knot.  The nuptuals will take place at Jennifer's farm in New York.  This farm goes along with her $5M Upper East Side apartment that her parents also bought for her after she graduated from Stanford in 2018.  Lucky lady. The holidays are indeed coming and due to supply chain issues, shopping now is critically important.  And then there is the USPS, but don't get me started there.  Just avoid whenever possible.  But I love these plates and am considering gifting a few sets of these.    Is this not the cutest rug ever?  It comes in various sizes and is washable.   More plates.  How cute are these? Love these napkins from Hearth and Hand at Target, perfect for the holidays and beyond.  Buy them now!  Enjoy your Thursday and stay safe!  Get your shopping done early this year for sure.... [Read more]