Sarreguemines Favori Plates

I absolutely love these plates and there are many for sale at Rue Des Louves on Etsy (link to store below).  I just purchased these two dessert plates as they are the perfect size for where I want to hang them.... in my kitchen above the sink.  Whenever I am preparing food or doing dishes or just grabbing a cup of water, I will look upon these beauties.  Alas, I will have to wait as the plates are being shipped from France.

My new but Vintage, Sarreguemines Plates!  

Made in France

According to Rue Des Louves,  this Sarreguemines design of sweet birds in different stages of flight and fancy, are rare and very desirable. FYI ~ The pattern is called Favori if you have become as smitten as I have. Happy hunting.

A very large platter

Three dinner plates

www.etsy.com/shop/ruedeslouves

"Tea For Two" or one (for your listening pleasure, Frank Sinatra)

"MyDear, is this coffee or tea we have in our cups"?

     You got to give the English a round of applause for taking the time in their daily lives to enjoy a spot of tea.  I, myself, am not big on drinking tea but when I am traveling in the United Kingdom, I indulge in the ritual of "tea-time".  And when I say indulge, I have tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.  The pleasure is so burnt in my brain, I can feel my backside grow larger as I write this.  One last observation, tea just tastes better in England....like croissants in France, pizza in Italy and Irish Coffee in Ireland.  My palate is so refined, no?

When we stay at the Kolele Lodge on the island of Lanai, we always make time to partake in "tea-time" held the library.  Not much left on those plates!

You can buy this lovely tea at Market Hall Foods online

So, I have had my ups and downs with tea, buying expensive ones like Mariage Freres in hopes the sticker shock would force me to drink it......

or cheaper teas that are suppose to be "good" for you

I gave up my quest to "enjoy" tea drinking and decide to collect teacups - the next best thing.  I had lots of lovely cups, Salisbury and Royal Standard Bone China from England and Noritake and Satsuma from Japan.  That is until one fateful day, with an accidental sweep of a wayward arm, many teacups came crashing down from their display and were shattered.  As I held a broken jagged piece of saucer to the sky, (in a dramatic form to put Scarlett O'Hara to shame), I swore to God I would not collect teacups ever again in my life.

Haviland Limoges, France  Circa 1930

Until I found this little beauty.....

George Jones and Sons, England Circa 1930 (sold)

and this one.  But!  Guess what?  They are all for sale and those that survived the calamity, at Ooh La La, Maui on Etsy.  Just click on the link above and voila! you will be transported to my shop.

Royal Bayreuth Germany U.S. Zone Circa 1940

"Made in Occupied Japan" Lusterware Circa 1940 (sold)

Lithophane Geisha Girl Circa 1940

You can see the image under a bright light

Hand Painted Satsuma, Japan Circa 1950

     So, whether it's for tea time with the girls or a special love one OR you're feeling rather regal ..... grab a charming teacup and sip away.



"Tea for Two" sung by Frank Sinatra

My Favorite Accessory - Mon Chien (with a link to Maui Humane Society)

I know ... this is suppose to be a blog that muses in vintage collectibles and design.  But, as I was admiring my dog the other day, it occurred to me she matched my decor ~ neutral coloring (her fur coat), rich expresso browns (her eyes) with a touch of pink (her tongue).


So, what a silly thing to think.... hum?

Internet photo .... not mine.  Not sure who took it but merci!

Most anyone who has been to France knows, the dog is an essential part of a Frenchmen's life whether it is in the city, country or seaside village.  The chien (dog) is almost a fashion accessory in France especially in Paris where a women strutting along the Champs- Elysees accompanied by a tiny creature trotting quickly beside her is as common a sight as a corner cafe or dog poop on the side walk.  Le chien est un accessory de mode très chic.


So, why can't my Ricki be a fashion AND decor accessary?  
One of Ricki's favorite rooms is mine, the family room.  This is the room that houses a huge bookcase that covers most of the back wall.  It is  filled with books, old and new, vintage pieces, family photos and travel souvenirs.  This is also the spot in my house where I like to curl up on the couch and read.  Mon Dieu!  What is this?  Ricki is getting herself acquainted with "French Essence"?

I realize this photo has shown up on this blog and Face Book before but isn't she the cutest in my claw foot tub?  If it wasn't for her black accents and pink tongue, she would just blend in.

She compliments my new jute rug I bought for the kitchen.  My hope was she would find it uncomfortable and find somewhere else to lay.  P.S.  Don't tell her, Christmas is three weeks passed.  She loves her Santa Baby toy the most.    

As I was recuperating from surgery, Ricki insisted she would keep me company.  I wasn't too sure I wanted her on my bed.... I love my cotton Shabby Chic sheets by Rachel Ashwell.  But how could I resist that face?

No matter how much I dream, Ricki will never be a Shabby Chic dog.
She loves our living room notably, 
this koa wood couch from the 1950's.  
The living room is my husband's spot, a getaway from white decor, pink roses, sterling silver, faded velvet, an overstuffed couch, tattered vintage books and Masterpiece Theatre. 
I decorated his "room" in Hawaiian style with vintage Koa wood furniture and Polynesian
and Asian accents.

Footnote:
 
      Two days before Thanksgiving, my husband and I received a call from the Maui Humane Society.  They knew we were looking for a yellow lab after losing our beloved, Spencer, just before Christmas in 2010. They had an 8 year old female yellow lab who was left at the shelter by her owner and her name was Ricki.  It was love at first sight.  Ricki is such a sweet dog, I can't understand why someone would give her up but their loss has been our gain. She is a "love dog", a dog who loves to be loved. She enjoys curling her body around your legs then falling to the ground for a belly rub. She does a "happy dance" when she is excited and when you meet her for the first time, she'll bring you a gift....usually a rubber slipper (flip flops) she has found on the porch, a slimy tennis ball or her favorite stuffed toy.  My husband, Fletch, says Ricki is a gift from God.  I'd say, he's right.

This is truly what a dog is for ..... companionship and love.  Ricki, Fletch and Caleb strolling around an old Hawaiian fish pond near our home in Kihei.

link: The Maui Humane Society

A Limoges Tea Cup and Out of Africa

When women decided camping could be romantic and men were left wondering "why does she want me to wash her hair"?

     One of the Best Movies of all time is, Out of Africa.  Okay!  Maybe you don't agree with me but in my humble opinion, it is.  Loved the movie, loved the book.  One of my favorite exchanges in the film was Karen Blixen meeting Denys Finch Hatten for the first time.  The train she is traveling on, while taking her to a new life in Kenya, has stopped to meet Denys who is hunting in the African plains.  We see her exiting a train car and to her dismay, some African natives are standing atop her boxes of housewares.


Karen Blixen: Oh! get away from there! Shoo Shoo! 
Denys: Shoo? 
Karen Blixen: Oh! That's all my crystal, my Limoges. 

Watching "Out of Africa" was the first time I had heard the word Limoges...... and it would take many years later to discover what "Limoges" actually was.  

Only if you are interested:

"Following the relaxation of French laws protecting Sevres china, many high-quality china manufacturers were established in Paris toward the end of the 18th century. By 1850, most of these manufacturers relocated their operations to the Limoges area of France due to the lower rent and labor costs and the proximity to pure, white kaolin clay in the area. Limoges has continued as the primary location for porcelain production in France since that time. David Haviland, an American, established a porcelain factory in Limoges in 1842. Sons of the founder, Charles Field Haviland and Theodore Haviland, continued the family business of manufacturing porcelain. Charles Field Haviland particularly found popularity with floral designs and his porcelain became famous as an inspiration for Monet, the French impressionist painter".
Thank you eHow!

Limoges, France

Haviland Limoges Sugar and Creamer set for sale at Luncheonette Vintage on Etsy 

     Limoges can be expensive and to find a piece for $1.50 in a thrift store is unheard of.  Yes, I found a small tea cup without it's plate yesterday at Salvation Army for $1.50.  In reality, this sweet, delicate cup without it's plate diminishes it's value. But I thought the cup was pretty and worth bringing home.  It  will go up for sale at Gilded Palm! and set in my dining room cabinet until it finds a new home.

The markings on the bottom of this precious cup dates from 1890 to 1930.  Karen Blixen could have sipped tea from a cup such as this. (sold)

There are over 35,000 Haviland patterns.  

The inside motif is as lovely as the outside.

David Haviland was an American businessman who established a porcelain factory in Limoges, France.  He brought over his own artists from the States to create and paint the designs for his wares.  Haviland Limoges is the most popular porcelain coming from this region in France.

Now... shoo, shoo!  Have an amazing weekend and check out "Out of Africa" if you haven't seen it.

Ringing in a New Year!

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     Like most of you,  I have New Year's Resolutions, oodles of them.  It's the typical stuff .... exercise more, eat less, save money, travel, be a nice person.  On that list, I also included my Etsy shop and blog, whether to continue or throw in the towel.  But just not yet....  

My husband and I will be traveling to Spain and France this October.  I'll be on the hunt for some vintage treasures
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     Ooh La La, Maui! on Etsy has done fairly well the past 5 months since I have opened the store.  I actually sell more merchandise on Ebay (under Mauimusee) but I like Etsy and it's community of sellers.  Etsy gives me a chance to be creative in my photography and the writing of my listings. Ebay although profitable, seems overrun by new merchandise and mega stores.  Etsy sellers have the starving artist syndrome....relying on buyers who are looking for that unique and special handcrafted or vintage item....which makes selling tougher.  What to do, what to do.  Well, I will let you in on a few changes ~ nothing drastic ~ I will be making this year concerning my store and shop blog.   First, I would like to show you some of my personal goals which will result in a Happier Me, a Richer Reading Blog and a More Exciting Etsy Store.

Brightening Up the Home Front

I want to revamp the interior of my home and get those creative juices flowing through my brain.  Most of my furniture is made of dark woods which are accented with white walls.  I was looking for that French Provencal vibe.  BUT, what I would love to do is incorporate creams and whites in my furniture and home decor.  Grouping books with light colors, adds to the mellowness of shabby charm. 

I visualize having everything in fresh whites and latte creams with hints sterling silver brightly polished or tarnished with age. ~ Rachel Ashwell Sofa~

There is something about sterling silver and silver plated that adds elegance to any spot in your home.   I display my vintage pearls and rhinestones in this scalloped shell, silver plated dish with a hinged cover.

These last two photos I took at the Remnants of the Past Vintage Show.  One of my goals is to start a collection of white ironstone to soften up my kitchen decor.....this photo inspires me.

Who would have thought rusty iron would be desirable.  I asked my husband if we could put our iron bed outside to soak up some salt air.  He laughed but I was serious.

This is my mom, Delores.  She has been collecting antiques, refinishing and reselling them since I was a young girl.  Her grin is huge and so is mine as I look at this photo.  Not only do I love my mother, I love vintage oil paintings.   Another one of my goals, and it may be a lofty one, it to collect vintage oil paintings .....portraits and seascapes and European villages.

There is a crafty person itching to get out!  

I gather lots of gift's from the sea when I walk on the beach.  Drift wood for decorating is beautiful all on it's own, single pieces displayed on a shelve or bunches in a basket or terra cotta pot.  Because of it's ruggedness and earthy colors drift wood is stylish in making frames, candle holders and even containers for plants.    Sounds like a project?

Sea glass I can use for giving mirrors and picture frames, even boring signage some "bling"

Shells for jewelry, beach themed wreaths and other home decor

So, my goal here is to get in the studio and create for the beach-y person and their home.  A combination of cone shell jewelry ... pieces by Talia Gangini, Ivy Nickens and several of my own            
     
I want to sprinkle the world with sparkle and glitter.......


I have been collecting vintage jewelry since the 1980's when my mother gave me a fabulous set of matching rhinestone earrings and a necklace.  I have been inspired to create some unique jewelry most recently by a local designer, Jorie Spencer.  However, the enlightenment occurred after seeing Amy Hana's jewelry at the Remnants of the Past Vintage Show.  Check out Amy's blog @ www.amyhana.typepad.com

Oh!  The potential in this collection of mine.  Brooches that could be fashioned into necklaces, earrings into bracelets or sell them on their own.

California based Amy Hana and local girl, Jorie Spencer, have inspired me to try my hand at creating statement pieces with vintage jewelry.  I purchased these two necklaces from Jorie, buying both because I couldn't decided.  The rhinestone piece has a dangling mustard seed charm and the bottom piece is moonstone surrounded by rhinestones.  

My Secret Garden .....

The island flower for Maui is the Rose, or Lokelani.  My mother grows beautiful roses in California where the conditions are right. In Kihei, my home spot on Maui, you can grow a rose bush that will bloom.  We have nice cool evenings because of the frigid air that blows down from the slopes of Haleakala.  But because of our warm and sometimes hot days, 365 days a year, roses tend to get leggy and the blooms are small.  I will battle on to keep my roses vibrant....deep sigh.  In the meantime, I have grown to enjoy the stark beauty of a succulent.  I enjoy finding unusual containers for these hardy and fast growing plants.  My goal is to start planting succulents in the garden ....

A grouping of succulents I purchased at Walmart for $10...what a bargain.  I place the pot in a vintage French bucket I purchased at at Remnants of the Past Vintage Fair from French vendors who happen to be brothers.

Bird Baths in Kihei equal a breeding ground for mosquitos so I use them as planters.  This grouping is still growing.  Until it has filled in, I placed recycled plastic that looks like gems in the bare spots. You can find these at Whispering Pines Nursery in Orcutt, California....for those on the Central Coast.

I used this old mixing bowl for eons until an existing crack meant impending danger when whipping up some batter.   It has a new life as a plant container.

Sew Special ........

My sewing skills are so minuet, they're almost non-exsitant.  I want to learn to sew which may require some lessons.  My goals are simple .... I want to create pillows, curtains, tea towels and sachet pouches and possibly slip covers.  

Check out this beautiful grain sack pillow from Willow Decor 

I have burlap, ribbons, stencils and transfer art all ready to be used.

To jazz up my store and shop blog........

I'd need to take some photo classes.  I love taking pictures especially for my store. With today's technology, it's pretty simple.... my iPhone takes amazing photos.  But, I would like to learn about lightening and compostition.

And this is the reason why.... just look at this photo.  It's so dark.  These are the tools of my trade, my Nikon DX and the iPad I use for viewing the photos.

Batter Up!

 Okay, so I know baking doesn't fall into the Vintage category but I would be happier if I knew how to bake a decent cake. Dense cakes made with apples or pumpkin are easy for me.  But when it comes to a cake with a delicate nature, I fall flat and so does my cake.  Don't we love Julia Child?

Raspberries with Cream Frosting ..... Yum!

What does one do after a day of hard work?  Eats a piece of the most delightful cake and then she lounges.  Some one is dreaming.......In my case, I don't get enough of "lounging".  I need to start taking in more leisure time, to soak up the beauty of my home, garden and this beautiful island I live on.  I need to  linger in bed at times with a nice fluffly washcloth scented with lavender over my forehead and ignore my yellow lab, Ricki, who wants to play fetch no matter the time, day or night.  

How does one ignore a beautiful face like that?

Lastly.....

 Movies.......Maui Film Festival has two events a year.  Recently, my husband and I saw War Horse, The Descendants and The Iron Lady, all excellent movies.  But, I miss the romantic comedies that were innocent, not raunchy.  I miss Merchant Ivory films, rich and lush and magical films that seem unlikely but come across believable.  So, my goal is to start watching older films and ones I have at home.  By the way, two movies to look out for this year .... the remake of "The Great Gatsby" and "The Hobbit".

So, out with the Old and in with the New!  To make my blog more enjoyable to read, I will be posting once or twice a month instead of weekly.  This way, I can fine tune my postings and be certain my research, facts and spelling are correct.  As for Ooh La La, Maui! on Etsy .... the store will remain open.  Occasionally, I will move merchandise over to Ebay if it has been sitting too long.  If you are a Face Book follower ~ Ooh La La, Maui ~ you will receive notice when I do this.  The nice thing about Ebay is I start my merchandise at a lower "auction" price than the selling price on Etsy.  So, there is a very good chance something you like will cost you less on Ebay.  I love doing the contests but "less" may be "more" in this case.  And so my dear followers, one very last thing.....I appreciate your support here on my blog and also on Face Book.  A wonderful 2012 to all of you!