Vintage Sewing Ottoman

My parents recently purchased a new home and during the moving process, they asked us kids if there were anything in the house we would like to have because they were wanting to downsize. 

The only thing I could think of was an old vintage ottoman mom always had in her sewing room all my life. For some reason I have always liked that little stool. It has a hinged padded top that opens up for storage. I always wanted to know what she kept in there. 

I never expected her to give this to me now. I was thinking I would take it if she passed away before me. As healthy as my parents are in their 80’s, they will probably out live me. I was excited when they brought it over to me. 

It is worn, discolored and stained from years of use. This stool is from the 70’s so It’s probably 50 years old. 

I took the stool in and probably moved it to a hundred different areas around the house of where I might want to place it. It ended up in my bedroom but I am not sure if I want to keep it there or not. 

I spent some time this past weekend and cleaned it up the best I could. 

It still shows some stains and markings but I do not mind as it gives it that vintage character.

It makes a great stool to sit on while I put on my shoes. I am just in love with it. Thanks Mom!

Mothers Day Corsage

To all past, present and future Mothers! I hope you have a happy Mothers Day. May your day be filled with love, happy thoughts and memories.

(Your not having deja vu, some of this is a repost but I wanted to share it again)

I remember when I was little, Mom would carefully lay out corsages for me and my sister and boutonniere's for my brothers that My Grandmother made. One by one, mom would pin our corsage to our Sunday outfit and to church we went. I hated it. I despised having to wear that big scratchy corsage that smelled like grandmaws basement! I was too young at the time to realize the reason of her making sure we all had a corsage to wear on Mother’s Day. 

The Mother’s Day corsage started in the 1800’s. Everyone wore one on Mother’s day. The corsage did not indicate that your were a mother, but rather that you are wearing something to honor your own mother. The flowers were usually made with an orchid, carnation or rose. The type of flower was not as important as the color. If your mom is living, you wore a red or pink flower. If your mom is deceased, you wore a white one. 

Sadly the tradition of the Mothers Day corsage has stopped. You will rarely see anyone wearing them anymore. I admit, I have not worn one in years. 

So, this Mothers Day, I have decided to make my own corsage to proudly wear over my heart in honor of my Mother.

I am who I am today because of her. She worked hard making sure all four of her children had everything we need. She showed us unconditional love but would also show us what a hickory stick was when we did wrong. She made sure we were in church every Sunday and raised us with Christian values that we still hold on too today. My mom is very pretty, smart, strong and always smells good. 

I made my mom laugh and cry. I have rebelled and hurt her feelings many times. I will always hold that guilt but I know she prayed and loved me through it all. That's what moms do. 

As a mom myself, I find and l learn new obstacles with my own daughter that make me think about the challenges and sacrifices my mom went through. Everyday, I am more thankful for the lessons she taught me and how much she has inspired me. Next to God, she is my foundation. 

My daughter is home this weekend to spend Mothers Day with me. Nick has to work so we plan to spend some Mother Daughter time together. We may do lunch somewhere and maybe try the new Açaí Bowl place uptown.

In the afternoon, the whole family will meet for dinner with our mom. It's going to be a mommy kind of day!!!!