collecting: souvenir plates

Sometimes one little treasured find can spark a whole interest in collecting something new. Last summer, I was all hot and heavy into collecting vintage colored glassware, like Indiana glass. 

This summer, I’m into hunting for Vintage Souvenir Plates. I have picked up a few here and there over the years, but this time I’m focusing more on the transferware type, both the blue and red varieties. 

Blue Transferware Souvenir Plates and Red Transferware Souvenir Plates, both on my radar everytime I go into a thrift store, antique store or to a yard sale!

I just love to use them for my table settings, but they also work quite well in a wall collage with different plates.  

Recently on one of my thrifting adventures with my friend Laura at the Orange Circle, I found a few really great ones.

I think it’s so fun to collect Vintage State Plates from places I’ve visited, especially my favorite cities, like this La Jolla plate.

Seattle is another one of my favorite cities, and I couldn’t pass this plate up! We had lunch at the top of the Space Needle, which was quite memorable. 

And that’s what collecting and souvenirs are all about, memories. It’s a way for us to capture a moment in time, so we don’t forget about the fun time we had on vacation!

This New York State plate is quite different and so pretty with its pastel colors. I found this one a long time ago, and it’s one that I really treasure, having grown up in upstate New York.

It's a real beauty that crosses over to another collectable that I love, map plates. I have found some interesting ones from England and Scotland, as well. 

These next two photos are examples of pretty settings from Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

Aren’t they fun!?

via etsy

Here are a few collections from around the web that are interesting.

via Jojotastic

This week I even found an Italian souvenir plate that’s hand-painted and so pretty! Santa Margherita is a beautiful coastal town in northern Italy near Genoa. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to visit someday? 

Another new branch of my collecting tree, Vintage Italian Souvenir Plates. So Fun!

What do you enjoy collecting?

ciao! fabiana

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an Easter table with a twist

Inspiration is one of my favorite words.

I think I do use it a lot here on the blog,

but it’s a big part of my life.

I love finding inspiration in the littlest of things…

I usually get inspired by something, and then something else, so sometimes I end up with an quirky combo of ideas. There are times when I really have to reel it in! 

For this tablescape, I had several points of inspiration... Easter, vibrant yellow flowers contrasting with classic blue and white china, and (here comes the quirky part) some of my favorite vintage souvenir plates. 

And to finish off the look, I also wanted to throw in a few blue and white odds and ends that were adorable thrift store finds, like these mismatched creamers and sugar bowls. I thought they'd be really cute down the center of the table filled with yellow flowers.

Of course, this time of year, Trader Joe's has little daffodil bunches for I think about $1.49! 

They're so perfect for spring and and for me are an instant mood booster! 

I love collecting souvenir plates of some of my favorite places, and La Jolla is definitely near the top of my list!

Seattle is another one of my favorite destinations.

Chicago, yes!

This plate is a little different than most of

the ones I have and it features

 the Brulatour Courtyard in New Orleans,

from a series of plates called

“Scenes of Old New Orleans”.

I’ve never been to New Orleans.

but it’s on my wish list!

This New York plate is a little different too,

since it’s not blue and white transferware,

but I still fell in love with it!

I’m really looking forward to Easter!

We’ll have the family over here for brunch

and then host a fun egg hunt for the little ones.

What are your plans?

ciao! fabiana

seattle: woodland park rose garden

One of our family’s favorite stops in Seattle is the Woodland Park Zoo, and right next door is the gorgeous Rose Garden that was originally opened in 1924. As we entered the stately gates, we were delighted to find a really unique and quaint formal garden with lots of pretty little surprises.   

What first caught my eye, were the really tall topiary trees that are pruned in a really fanciful way. They really anchor the space and tone down the seriousness of the formal rose garden.
  

Little cozy spots to sit and observe the garden are scattered throughout the park. There is a pretty little gazebo, a shady arbor and a few fountains set perfectly among the hundreds of roses and other flowers and trees.
  

These blue hydrangeas were mesmerizing!

Don’t you just love those funny swirly looking trees?

The view from the gazebo is perfect!

Even if you don’t go to the zoo, which is also a treat,

think about a short visit to the Rose Garden. 

The Rose Garden is free to the public

with just a small charge for parking during zoo hours.

ciao! fabiana

visiting seattle

A few weeks ago my family and I traveled to Seattle for a long weekend. I was so happy be reminded that Seattle's a city filled with innovative parks and green space. Some parks are nestled in established neighborhoods, some are built on vacant city lots, and many provide luxurious views from windows of skyscrapers. Rooftop gardens are totally happening in Seattle! 

I love the way this lush metropolis embraces the beauty of nature, sculpture, art, food and, of course, amazing music at every turn. Right when we got off the plane, we were delighted with all the sculptures that are prominently displayed throughout the airport. 

We stayed at the Olive 8 Hotel in the heart of the city and just a short walk to the monorail, which takes you right to the  Space Needle.  The Olive 8, pictured above, gets its name from its location at Olive and 8th Streets. Great to remember when you are finding your way back to the hotel!

This is the view from one of our windows. There are probably hundreds of rooftop gardens throughout the city. It really makes the views so pretty!  
  

Although there were quite a few Starbucks within walking distance to our hotel, the hotel coffee shop, Urbane Market, had great coffee and baked goods and really quick service. It was fun to sit in here and watch the action on the streets.

Here’s the view from the monorail. The boarding area for the monorail is actually in the downtown shopping mall known as Westlake Center Mall. It only has two stops, the mall and the Space Needle Station, but that’s all you need, really! It’s quick affordable and a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

 

There are so many great restaurant choices!  Every meal we had in Seattle was great. Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (above) was a real treat after a long day of exploring.I was craving avocado toast, for some reason, and luckily they had that on their menu. After a few yummy appetizers, that was plenty for me!

Il Fornaio, the Rissotteria (above) was also walking distance from our hotel and did not disappoint!  Their focaccia bread is amazing and we ordered, Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare, Salmone Piccata, and a Seafood Risotto. Of course, we had to finish off with Tiramisù and Crème Brûlée.

I have to include our lunch at the Woodland Park Zoo in my favorites too.  They have an amazing homemade clam chowder they serve there at the Pacific Blue Café, which is located in the middle of the zoo. The chowder really hit the spot on that cool and misty day!    

Around the corner from our hotel, we found the Carlile Room. OMG, we had the most amazing pasta, homemade pappardelle with garden veggies, which we devoured before we could get a shot of it, but here is a photo of the squash blossoms filled with goat cheese and served with fresh herbs and rainier cherries. 

Wow!! The decor is really fun too. Try their spicy home brewed ginger ale and the amazing churros for dessert! The Carlile Room is right across from the iconic Paramount Theater, which is a great local concert hall. 

Yum!

I had to take a photo of the funny little gargoyles 

on this building which is right next to the Carlile Room.

I have lots more to share on Seattle! 

ciao! fabiana