Garden Furniture and Spread

Spring is here although it's been more rain than sun here in Bavaria.  I needed a nice little place to sit and enjoy the weather, when it happens to be nice.

I decided it was time to get some patio furniture.  Now let me preface this by saying, we probably have the smallest backyard area ever, so I wanted to get something that wouldn't take up too much room, but still retain my style.  There is this cute little garden ware store nearby that I am obsessed with.  It has the neatest stuff like patio furniture, outdoor decorations, and indoor decor as well.  I was surprised to find that it was located in my little town.  Most of the decor is wrought iron (technically mild steel).  

  I decided to buy a dainty garden patio set with two chairs and a table.  And  I aways say that I will go back for some more stuff.  Of course I had to spruce up the view with a spread of yummy snacks.

I love wine and cheese!  They just go so great together.  I bought some German wine and cheese at a bazaar.  I also bought this beautiful tray there as well.

I made some cucumber crostinis which are super easy to make and pretty healthy.  They are very light and refreshing.  

Cucumber Crostini Recipe:

8 ounce block of light cream cheese

1/2 cup light mayo

1 wheat baguette

1 packet of dry Italian seasoning

1 cucumber

dried cilantro leaves (optional)

Makes about 12 slices

Mix together cream cheese, mayo, and Italian seasoning and spread on sliced baguettes.  Cut cucumbers to top.  I didn't for this picture, but I usually sprinkle some dried cilantro leaves over the cucumbers, it gives it some more flavor and looks nice as well.

Close up of the cheese I bought at the bazaar.  I'm always on the look out for new kinds to try.  I bought the cheese slicer from my trip to Amsterdam last November.   The tulips remind me that I have to see Amsterdam in the Spring at some point.

I used my vintage enamelware milk jug that I bought during my trip to Poland as a vessel for the beautiful roses.  I love the combo of pale blue and pink and the little wooden detail.  

I wanted to show a close up of the yummy Riesling.  It was the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.  Also some detail of my pic nic basket that I picked up on one of my previous hunts.

The coffee/tea set I bought a while ago at a thrift store.  They are from China and I have an entire set of cups, saucers, and a milk and sugar bowl.  And no, I'm not drinking wine out of that, though it would be a sneaky way to conceal it.

I love the look of wrought iron garden furniture!

The store I bought my garden furniture at is called Wohnambiente-Philberth.  I did snap a few pics of the inside of the store with my iPhone.

*I did not get paid to endorse this store, though that would be awesome.

Lastly, in the spirit of Mother's Day, I wanted to end with a pic of my mother and I at my wedding last August.  She really is the best mom!  

Photo by Thomas Beaman Photography

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

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Polish Pottery Trip to Boleslawiec, Poland

Before moving to Germany, I hadn't really heard about Polish pottery.  Once I came to Germany, I heard plenty.  People, and by people, I mean ladies, are obsessed with this stuff!  I know back in the States that shops that do carry the Polish pottery charge a very hefty price.  And it can be somewhat justified.  Poland is known for its pottery. It is well-made, hand-made, and there are so many designs to choose from. 

Most people find their pattern and fall in love with it.  Others have fun mixing and matching.  Personally, I was not initially interested in Polish pottery.  I thought, what can I do with these old fashion looking items?  But soon you get hooked. 

I took a day trip to Boleslawiec, Poland and spent the day at several different pottery shops that were located in the same general area.  In Poland, there isn't really a middle man jacking up all the prices, so the pottery is significantly cheaper.  And you are going directly to the source, so you have a pick at essentially any design your heart desires. 

I want to show you some of the pieces that I bought for myself.  The first is a coffee cup and plate.  This design, in my opinion is not typical of the pottery designs they have.  It has a forrest theme with a little cottage and tree that I thought was adorable.  How cozy.

I figured, I am most likely not going on another one of these trips (just for pottery at least) so I might as well make a splurge.  I saw this beautiful spice rack with yellow roses and burnt sienna accents.  This wasn't quite a splurge though as the price might have been doubled in the States.  I paid around 40 Euro for it.  It's not vintage, but looks modern day vintage.

The last item that I picked up for myself was at a nearby antique shop in Poland. Of course I had to stop in and check it out.  I ended up buying a light blue enamelware milk jug in pretty decent condition.  I have no idea of the year in which this piece was made.  I would guess maybe the 50's, but please let me know if you have any insight.  I think I am a new enamelware/graniteware fan!

In this antique store there were also some other very "interesting" historical items displayed in the back. 

I did end up buying a lot more Polish pottery than shown, but I will have to wait quite a while to show them because they are gifts!  But I will post them eventually.

Currency in Poland is by the Zloty, so I basically had to take the price in Zloty and divide by 4 for Euros or divide by 3 for the Dollar about and this would give you an estimate of what you were paying.

The next couple of images are of what I could snap with my iPhone.  Piles and piles of pottery and different designs over the span of about 6 different shops.

 

 

 

Bowls, mugs, cups, dog bowls, spoon rests, tea pots, salt and pepper shakers, cooking dishes, take your pick!

Butterdishes, saucers, and bobbles.

They had something for everyone and it was a bit overwhelming to choose between so many options. 

 Beautiful Polish pottery stepping stools.

In Ceramika Henry's Pottery store they had an upstairs.  The place was huge!  One room contained baking dishes for casseroles and such and the  other room was filled with various types of baskets.

The trip was long.  Only 4 hours from where I live, but it was a 6 hour bus ride.  I got everything that I wanted to get for gifts and got to experience what the hype is about. 

For lunch, we did get to experience some Polish food.  I was expecting the Polish comfort foods that my family makes on various family get togethers like pierogies, halusky, and pigeons (which I recently found out was the English way of saying Golabski).  But no, none of these items were on the menu, though my dish was very yummy.

I suspect this is because we were mere kilometers from the German border, so they integrate German foods with Polish foods.  I normally don't eat pork, but since living in Germany, it's practically impossible not to.  The Germans eat more pork than beef by far.  I had pork sirloin stuffed with feta cheese and a gravy sauce, green beans wrapped in bacon and the most amazing rosemary potatoes. 

Though these meals are typical of meals served at lunch in Germany and Poland, I will never get used to eating this amount of food, for lunch or any meal.  But in small doses, this food is amazing.  The waiter jokingly kept asking me why I didn't finish my food.

I do wish that we had time to go view some of Poland outside of pottery, but there just wasn't enough time.  I would love to see some of the sights and learn more about Poland especially since it's not too from where I live.  For now, I will have to say, next time!

Are there any Polish pottery junkies out there?

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Spring Time in Bavaria

I wanted to share some photos I took while taking a walk around the town I live in, in Bavaria.  There are a lot of little paths to go for walks and my pup, Louis loves it.  He was born in September so he hasn't gotten to experience spring time.

I found this bench in a field full of Dandelions for Louis to show off his modeling skills.

He had such a great time being outside and frolicking in the grass!  The last time I posted pictures of him he was about 9 weeks old.  Now he is 7 months and 29 lbs.  He is a chunker!

"Smiling is his favorite!"

More frolicking in the grass.  He was flipping his fat little body all over the place.

Finally, some pictures of flowers and cobblestone.  I don't know what it is, but I just love when I can picture the two together!

Happy Spring everyone!

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Monthly Inspiration, Rococo

Rococo

I like to keep as much original content on my blog as possible and this includes pictures.  I am not a photographer so this can sometimes present a challenge, but my favorite blogs are the ones that highlight their own vision.

With that said, I feel like I need a space where I can post the things that inspire me.  I am going to start a montly inspiration post to showcase the things that I am interested in and like to see.

For my first monthly inspiration post, I feel it's appropriate to show Rococo decor for the month of May.  I have a special interest in the Rococo style and any furniture associated with that period.  I'm a fan of Baroque too, which originates in Italy with its dark, rich, and foreboding colors and ornate decor.  But, Rococo, associated with France, has evolved from this style almost as to say, we'll see you your Baroque and raise you Rococo!  That's how I think of it anyways.





Rococo has similar furniture to Baroque, but the colors are drastically different, preferring pastels, like pale blues, yellows, and pinks.  The furniture is more dainty and assymmentrical in the designs. 

It is a style of luxury and only the richest poeple of the time period could afford this furniture.  Not much has changed...Though Rococo has often been coined frivolous and (gasp) gaudy, this is exactly what attracts me to it.  It is a style that the common person can't afford, but can admire nonetheless. 

                                                              

The Rococo period was from about1700-1770 around the reign of Louis XV.  It encompassed art, furniture, and interior design, but not so much architecture.  There are many examples of Rococo interior in Germany and I have already seen so many luxurios palaces and castles that display this design.  Some of the examples in Germany are the Basilica at Ottobeuren and the Linderhof Palace (King Ludwig II, who lived in the Neuschanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles designed this). 

                        

                                                               
                                                                               

                                                   
                                                                                                                

          I've already started my collection of Rococo style mirrors.  I love them!

                                                    
 It's like being teleported into another world when being in a room with such whimsical furniture.  It feels like you are straight out of Marie Antionette's world.

 

                                                                                                              

                                                    I'm a little obsessed with settees and French chairs!  They are so pretty and make great decoration pieces for any room.  

                                                                                        

     

Another thing that I really love are secretary desks!  I've had the opportunity to buy a great settee set and a secretary desk recently, but was too slow to the draw each time.  Oh well, that just gives me more time window shop.

Secretary desk

Loving all the chandeliers I see, Rococo or not.  A chandelier is next on my list.  Okay, well they are all on my list.

Love this French armoire as well.  I would love to own one.

Armoire

Now I realize that I may be delusional and chasing an impossible dream of owning all of these things, but can't a girl dream? :)

If you have any genuine Rococo artifacts and want to show them off please post a link in the comment box and share your thoughts on Rococo style.

(Some of these pieces may be revivals or reproductions)

-Brittany Ruth





Links: Pic 1: N/A



           Pic 2: N/A

           Pic 3: tumblr.com

           Pic 4: decorartsnow.com

           Pic 5: luxdecorations.com

           Pic 6: brittanica.com

           Pic 7: frenchclothing.org

           Pic 8: basicelegance.co.uk

           Pic 9: moilusso.com

           Pic 10: ebay.com

           Pic 11: antiquefurniture.com

           

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