Home Decor

Little Acts of Kindness

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read433 views

I complained about the hot weather we had last week, but I didn’t expect to wake up to a chilly morning. Without looking out the window I could  guess how strong the wind is simply by listening to its howling and the movement of the Tree branches. Although the Sun is shining bright and strong above the clouds, I am guessing that the wind is here to stay (at least for today). I had planned on spending thirty minutes to an hour in the garden working on a little project, it will be difficult to complete in such an unfavorable weather.

During days like these, I sometimes ask myself why we chose to live in the High Desert? We are constantly confronted with strong gusty winds in the Spring and Fall, extreme heat in the Summer and below freezing point temperatures in the Winter. Due to the high winds, there is no way to eradicate the weeds since the wind carries the seeds from all over California. Then a single look at my kitchen window and I realize why we chose to live here and why we are still here: the High Desert habitants are known for their kindness.

Three and a half years ago, I received a hand-blown clear Glass Swan Vase from a former neighbor for donating empty boxes, helping her family clean up and move out of their rental home. The vase has a tiny hole which can be used to hold an LED candle, a Liquid Perfume Diffuser or simply place a flower into it. It’s such a delicate and lovely piece which I have cherished ever since and which sits on my Kitchen Window.

Hand Blown Glass Decor: Swan Vase & Candle Holder.
Hand Blown Glass Decor: Swan Vase & Candle Holder.

On Friday we took a trip to LindaMarie’sEnchantedTreasures.com, and bought a vintage rustic Hand Fork for a Garden Sign we  are building. I found a gorgeous Crystal Glass Candle Holder, which she gifted me (and for which I am very grateful). I placed my Breast Cancer Awareness Candle in it. They both can be used to create elegant arrangements and they make gorgeous centerpieces.

Finds from Estate Liquidators

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read630 views

Fridays has always been our favorite day of the week to go treasure hunting at Antique, Vintage and Shabby Chic shops. It’s the best day of the week to shop with fewer competition and minimal traffic as every one is either still at work or prefer weekend shopping. Yesterday we found a few vintage items at the Estate Liquidators.

Tiny Vintage Ceramic Planter.
Tiny Vintage Ceramic Planter.

The Tiny Vintage Ceramic Planter above was nested inside a vintage wine glass. I intend to use it as a Pen holder.

Vintage Stainless Steel Tray.
Vintage Stainless Steel Tray.

I have been looking for a vintage serving tray for a while to work on a project. As I was walking around the shop, my eyes cut a glimpse of something shiny. At first I thought it was some type of decorative mirror as I could clearly see my own reflection. The shop owner told me that it had never been used and that she had just taken in out of its package. It’s a lovely Stainless Steel Tray with charming gold handles.

Vintage Wine Decanter with Ice Holder.
Vintage Wine Decanter with Ice Chamber.

I found a gorgeous (hand blown glass) Vintage Italian Wine Decanter with Ice Chamber to keep your beverages cool. I am not sure if it ever had the two cork stoppers that most have. It does make a unique decorative piece.

Vintage 1963 Olivetti Lettera 32.
Vintage 1963 Olivetti Lettera 32.

The best treasure of the day was this beautiful vintage 1963 Olivetti Lettera 32 Portable Mechanical Italian Typewriter designed by Marcello Nizzoli for Olivetti as the successor of the popular Olivetti Lettera 22.
It came with its case and it’s in excellent condition. My husband tried it out and it works great. All we have to do now is purchased some Ink Ribbon and we’ll be good to go.

Vintage German Barometer.
Vintage German Barometer.

We also found a wall hanging, Vintage German Barometer with Porcelain Dial under glass.

Address Location:
Estate Liquidators
9461 Hesperia Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345
1 (562) 233-8199

Hours of Operations:
Opened Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Estate Liquidators is one of my favorite places to shop for those hard to find, now obsolete things. If you happen to be in town, find time and visit the shop located on Hesperia Road.

Vintage Seashell Hanging Planter

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read2.2K views

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

Vintage Seashell Hanging Planter

Yesterday late in the afternoon, as I was weeding our sidewalk and my husband was waiting for me to finish so he could help rake, one of our wonderful neighbors across the street came over to check his mail and they both started talking. Somewhere along the conversation he told my husband that he’s been wanting to ask/show us something.

My husband went ahead to check it out and it turns out that our neighbors are downgrading their furniture and are giving stuff away and they wanted us to be the first to know. So, they gave us this gorgeous 1970’s Vintage Seashell Hanging Planter which they purchased in Hawaii.

– Handmade
– High End
– About 4 feet long and 11 inches wide
– All the shells are strung together with clear fishing line.
– Constructed with steel reinforcement materials
– Could be used as a Chandelier.
– Could be used indoors or outdoors.
– Holds 2 potted plants each measuring between 4″ and 8″ in diameter.

We were surprised that after 30 years +, the Sea Shell Plant Holder is still in excellent condition with no missing shells. Above everything, we are grateful that we were first in their thoughts as they made the decision to give some furniture away and ever more so, we are thankful they chose to give it to us.

I can picture some Tradescantia Zebrina blooming in those baskets with their stems cascading over the sides. I am yet to find a location for it. As of now, it hangs pretty in the kids Playroom and we love it. They also gave us an antique solid Wood Folding TV Tray/Laptop Mobile Desk/End Table they owned for as long as they could remember.

Isn’t it great to have and to know people who constantly surprise us with their love and generosity? We are so blessed to live in a safe neighborhood with kind, helpful and friendly neighbors.

Here are some ways to decorate with Seashells:

Shell Point Seashell Beige Table Lamp with Night Light.
Image Source: LampsPlus.com.
Seashell Chandelier.
Image Source: 1stDibs.com.
Atlantis Seashells Wall Mirror.
Image Source: BellaCoastalDecor.com.
Seashell Mirror.
Image Source: DanielleDRollins.com.
At the Beach Blue Seashell Wall Mirror.
Image Source: TouchOfClass.com.
Super Drool Glazed. Natural Sea Shell Acrylic Wall Clock
Image Source: SnapDeal.com.
Oyster Shell Bowl.
Image Source: KirkLands.com.
Seashell Melange Coastal Hurricane Candleholders.
Image Source: TouchOfClass.com.
Seashell Side Table.
Image Source: FrontGate.com.
Shell-Rimmed Handwoven Rattan Charger Plate.
Image Source: PotteryBarn.com.
Melamine Dinnerware Set.
Image Source: Kohls.com.
Sequin Shells Bathroom Accessories Collection.
Image Source: Macys.com.
Coastal Basket.
Image Source: PetticoatJunktion.com.

“The Cottage Warehouse” Shop

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read576 views

One thing I came to realize with Cherubs is that the more you have, the more you want. I have a few around my house which I absolutely love. They are so adorable and they give me a sense of security and peace.

Vintage Cherub Wall Sconce.
Vintage Cherub Wall Sconce.

By now you should know how much I love Cherubs, especially when they scream ‘Vintage or Antique’. Though not a recent find, this Vintage Cherub Wall Sconce is our most recent Cherub acquisition. We bought it last year at the Blue Goose Antiques (currently known as The Cottage Warehouse) and stored it in the garage with a few more items. It wasn’t until a couple of months ago that we finally pulled the pair out.

Address Location
17344 Eucalyptus Ave, Hesperia, CA 92345
1 (760) 605-9285 (Helen)
1 (909) 214-0233 (Lynette)

Hours of Operations:
Saturday: 9:00 AM -5:00 PM (or by appointment)

Like her Facebook Page and check back for updates.

Cherub Candle Holder.
Cherub Holder.

Cherubs! I love Cherubs and their angelic faces. I have them indoors, outdoors and they add so much charm to any room decor. From candle holders to water fountain, you name it – they tend to give us a sense of assurance and security.

For me, personally, it’s more of a reminder that my Creator is always by my side.

While visiting a nearby Antique Shop this afternoon, my husband walked to the back of the store, saw this gorgeous Vintage cherub candle holder and bought it for me.

The candle on the holder is ‘Vanilla Cream’, scented.

Vintage Carved Stone Pillar.
Design Toscano Fontaine Des innocents Pedestal.

Last year we purchased this beautiful Vintage Carved Stone Pillar from the same store.

When shopping for vintage and antique, I am not so much interested about the age of a furniture, art, jewelry, etc! (though it matters), For me it’s all about the uniqueness of a piece and how gracefully it stands out from the rest.

The details on this carved stone pillar are amazing and breathtaking!

Shop Information/Location:
Blue Goose Antiques
16784 Juniper St, Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 244-6500

Blue Goose Antiques changed to The Cottage Warehouse (with the same proprietor).
There’s a new shop called Antiques & Shabby Chic where Blue Goose Antiques used to be and it’s open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Horseshoe Art & Yard Sculptures

EPEngineer By EPEngineer2 min read1.1K views

This morning we took a trip to Lucerne Valley, CA mainly for sightseeing having taking this drive only twice before and coming across closed shops. Today everything was open and we got to take a look at the selections each stop had to offer.

Our first stop was at Pancho’s having stopped here before and seen their selection of Cement Sculptures/Statues and Water Fountains. They have their own molds and are very friendly. Their selections are either painted or unpainted giving you the option of how to proceed with your selection once purchased.
We decided on a 12 inch wall hanging mermaid decoration which was primed brown. After cleaning it and sanding a couple of spots, we painted it Soft Lavender. What a beautiful find!

Mermaid Sculpture.
Mermaid Sculpture.

We also bought a cement smiling Buddha Statue which is very detailed and very friendly. We decided to keep it plain and only did a clear coat on it to protect it. It is a nice addition to our current Buddha collection and we hope that it will bring peace and tranquility to our garden and will be one of the focal points of interest.

Buddha Statue.
Buddha Statue.

Our next stop was at a place down the road that offered a variety of metal sculptures, bottle art, antiques and horseshoe art made by Don Henry. Don is an artist who has been creating his own horseshoe art for years (flowers, kokopelli, butterflies, bird feeders and baths, bunnies, cowboys, plant stands and many others). His products are pure metal and will withstand the test of time. My wife fell in love with a rustic metal face made out of a cover from a model A cylinder cap and horseshoes and I just had to get it for her.

Rustic Metal Face.
Rustic Metal Face.

I hope that you will enjoy these places as much as we did. Every shop is an adventure in itself.

Address Location:
Horseshoe Art by Don Henry
32111 Hwy 18, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
Phone: 1 (951) 634-9014

Hours of Operations:
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Click here to learn more about the City of Lucerne Valley, CA.