Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger

Susan from Must Love Junk, and myself (Kris) Junk Chic Cottage wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.

There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Susan's and my blog. 

Saturday November 9th

Patti from Ivy and Elephants

This week  I would like to introduce you to Patti from Ivy and Elephants.  Patti and her partner Paula have a beautiful blog and What's it Wednesday party that I love.  So this week with Spotlight Susan and I are featuring one blog that has two very talented bloggers .  Enjoy learning about Patti here on my blog and then hop over to Susan's blog to learn more about Paula.

Hi everybody! I'm Patti from Ivy & Elephants. I was thrilled beyond belief when two of my favorite bloggers, Kris and Susan, asked if I'd like to be part of “Behind the Blogger”! Yea! I'm honored to share.

This is my darling little family. My amazing daughter Ashley, who is really the third member of Ivy & Elephants. She's my technical support, I'd be lost without her. The little guy is the light of my life, my adorable little grandson, Adam Micah. They keep me going.

When I'm not racing around with these two, I'm corralling my third graders. Teaching is not just my profession but my joy! I may never be rich, but my life is blessed. I'm in my 24^th year of teaching, and they never cease to amaze me! I'm an avid reader, collector, and life long learner. I love to travel, and spent two fabulous years abroad teaching in Peru.

I live here in Sunny South Florida. I guess my style is “Romantic Chic”. I'm drawn to the shabby and faded patina that only a vintage piece can bring. I value their history and charm. I spend a lot of time trying to repurpose and give new life to my finds, or just displaying them in clever ways.

Our blog, (because I have an amazing partner, Paula) was started about two years ago. Although I spent hours going from blog to blog, I didn't think I could do it. But Paula wouldn't take no for an answer. Once we came up with a name, a combination of both our sorority symbols, there was no backing out! What on earth would we blog about? And who would care? We went with our passion. We both have a love for vintage and antique items, and after many years of collecting, let's just say, We have a LOT of stuff!!!

So our blog is where we share our many collections, vintage finds, and creative redos, as we thrift our way to happiness! Thanks to all of you who follow along or visit. It's a joy getting to know you all. You're always welcome at Ivy & Elephants!

Big Hugs,

Patti

Thank you Patti.  It was so much fun learning about you and your beautiful family.  You have a beautiful blog.  Susan and I have been big fans and was so happy when you and Paula said would do our spotlight feature.  So now jump over to Susan's blog to learn more about Paula.

Have a great week end.  It is chilly but sunny and I have my little granddaughter this week end with me.  So eating my Wheaties and putting on my running shoes and I am ready for that precious 3 year old to run me ragged!

Kris

:)

Shabby Fu Fu Throw

Happy Thursday.

I just wanted to give a shout out to a really sweet blogger that had a wonderful giveaway and I won!!!! I have been on a roll lately with winning and I have to tell you I never win anything so this was really nice.

Janet from Shabby FuFu was featured in the Christmas issue of Flea Market Decor magazine and has a beautiful shop that sells these beautiful throws.  So to celebrate her being featured she had a give away with the magazine and a throw of our choice.  That was hard because she has so many beautiful colors.  I chose the white so I could put it anywhere in my home.  Yep, I know big shocker I chose the white one!!!!!

Anyway here is the win and I want to say a big thank you and give a big hug to Janet for sending me this beautiful win.

Dreamy soft ruffle throw.  Ohhhhh love it.
If you would like to see Janet's shop please click here.

Janet's feature of her beautiful home for Christmas is fabulous.  If you have a chance pick up this magazine and check it out.

Have a great rest of the week.
Kris
:)

Random Act of Kindness

It does not come along very often but sometimes you can get a Pay It Forward Moment or Can do a Random Act of Kindness for someone.  Well I got the chance to do this.

Recently Debbie from Debbie Doo's had a give away of this beautiful Pfaltzfraff Pistoulet Dinnerware set.  You can scroll down and see Debbie's post on her fabulous giveaway.  Well these beautiful dishes do not fit in my decor but I had someone in mind when I signed up for the giveaway.  I knew these would be perfect for her so I thought I am going to take a chance and see if I could win these beautiful dishes for her.  Thank you Debbie for this beautiful giveaway and letting me pay it forward to a wonderful person.

I think some of you may know her and when I tell you who I won these for you will understand and say, Yep, these will be perfect for Carol from Art and Sand and her beautiful Beach home by the Sea.  Carol is a retired school teacher (teachers are my hero's) and her hubby Steve is a wonderful artist.  Their cute home is filled with color and these plates are exactly what she needs.  So with my special win I am paying it forward and doing a random act of kindness and having my win become her win.

Carol is so sweet and always thinking of others. So congrats to Carol that my win of these beautiful dishes is now coming to her.  

This is the time of year when I love to do random acts of kindness and this is the first to put on my list for the holiday season.  Enjoy your new dishes Carol they are going to be so fabulous in your home.

Dining outdoors with Pfaltzgraff Pistoulet dinnerware

OCTOBER 28, 2013 BY DEBBIEDOO'S 126 COMMENTS

Pistoulet was actually created from a book called The Secrets of Pistoulet.

The story is about a seemingly magical farmhouse in France that transforms all the weary who come to visit into vibrant, refreshed travelers. It’s based on an experience that the author had while on a retreat to the French countryside. For the anniversary, Pfaltzgraff came out with 10 limited-edition serving pieces to accompany the collection. 

So today, I am sharing  rustic dining outdoors with Pfaltzgraff Pistoulet dinnerware with you, a chicken tortilla recipe, and

YES

a giveaway for a set of your own gorgeous dishes.

Each plate is a different pattern. I love the scalloped edges and of course the fleur-de-lis is my favorite.

Every piece had me written all over it.

Sunflower bowls.

fruit border on the dipping bowls, or seasons, garnishes, whatever you would like to add.

I used mine for cilantro and cheese to go along with my soup.

The set comes with a Tureen which could feed a family of 20. It is just that large.

Gorgeous.

It also comes with pretty coffee cups, however, I used my pretty Fall mason jars I just made special for the occasion.

I was hoping to have more color change for this setting to share with you, but I am impatient and could not wait.

The leaves are starting to drop before they even turn color.

Not sure if you can notice, it started to drizzle while I was photographing my tablescape.

It did not last for long and it added to the French vibe.

I know you are hoping for this set to be yours too.

Simple entry when you get to the end.

First real fast, here is the most delicious Chicken tortilla soup you will ever have.

I of course made this recipe and served it in my new dinnerware.

PRINT here

Mason jar graphic from graphics fairy

Now onto the giveaway.

US residents only

Pflatzgraff is offering my readers a serving for 4 of your very own.

You can also find pfaltzgraff atBedbath and beyond

Kohls, and of course pfaltzgraff.com where you can also find their limited edition piece.

Don’t you just love this pattern and their warm colors?!

I was not compensated for this post, however, I was given the dishes for review and to offer my readers a set as well.

Cream to Grey

Happy Sunday.  Finally got a decent day today and some sun.

Just a few things to show you I am working on.

I am working on painting and changing up my living room and entry way.

I am moving away from the creams to light grey and white.  The color I painted in the living room is called Gallery White with just a hint of light grey.  You can see the little bit of grey contrast between the white cabinet and the wall.  The new chandelier I got at the flea market from the same vendor I got the bedroom chandeliers.  She is very reasonable on her prices and has some of the prettiest chandeliers.

I thought I would show this picture of Junk Chic Cottage.  It is not always clean and put together especially when a project is going on.  My house has stuff everywhere!!!:)

I am getting ready to redo the entry way too.  I found this cute grey vintage piano bench at the flea market for $20.  Loved it was grey and already chippy.

The only thing I have back up on the walls is my shutters and old curved chippy window.

I also got this cute little coffee table for the living room yesterday at the flea market.  I was scoring some great finds.  I think with it being the end of the season  the vendors were doing great prices.  So I got lucky on a few things.

I redid my mantel area this week end too.  I got these great side windows at a shop I frequent in Geneva.  They were so chippy and fabulous.  I thought they looked great next to my vintage mirror over the mantel

Just a few changes with some new finds at the Flea Market.  Now that I have the living room painted and the hall stay tuned to see the transformation.  My hubby is building me a new Armoire for our TV in the living room.  So I am waiting for that to be finished and then I can put the room back together.
Have a great week.
Kris
:)

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