Lisa and Nikki's Friday Finds!

Happy Friday Friends:

What has inspired and delighted us this week? Here they are - the sights, sounds, tastes and one-of-a-kinds we loved!

There is just something so homey about vintage blue and white china. We understand why it's so collectible!

How much do you love this antique brown transferware butter pat plate! These plates are perfect for corralling the little things: paper clips, rings, pills and they look charming!

As you may know from our previous post, Cooking With Cast Iron, we love cast iron cookware. The history in this display left us in awe. If you own a cast iron skillet give this PureWow Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe a try:

Yum!

While we're talking food, have you heard of LYFE Kitchen restaurants? We are excited to see the arrival of this restaurant committed to intelligent eating, freshness, local sourcing and sustainability. Ready in minutes, LYFE serves up inspired, delicious, good-for-you dishes. It's fast food that takes care of your body!

We spotted this bunny rabbit at a recent antique show and were sad to find him sold. Wouldn't it make a great door decor for spring?

Have a great weekend, friends, and don't forget to "spring forward"!

White Ironstone!

Hi Friends:

While walking through snow this morning contemplating what to write about, I found myself once again appreciating "white." It's clean and exudes a sense of peace, calm and comfort. It's neutral - a blank canvas - offering center stage to other elements. This is exactly what I like about white ironstone. 

Ironstone china, harder than earthenware and stronger than porcelain, was developed in Staffordshire, England in the early 1800's. Most often decorated with transfer patterns, it was an inexpensive and practical alternative to china. By the mid 1800's, undecorated pieces made it to America when English potters realized that plain, durable china was preferred here. White ironstone marketed to farmers became known as thrashers' ware. These pieces were often embossed with corn, wheat or prairie flowers to appeal to this community.

White ironstone is a popular collectible today, especially if you are a vintage lover. It can be used safely as there are no harmful chemicals in the glaze or china itself and it's so utilitarian! Take a look at these examples of white ironstone:

Soap Dish and Small Casserole Dish 

Small Gravy Boat Repurposed!

Serving Platter Embossed With Wheat Design (Harvest Pattern)

Lovely Old White Ironstone Pitcher

Stack of White Ironstone Plates   

You can find a variety of white ironstone pieces in antique stores and flea markets. Put them to work in your kitchen or simply decorate with this tableware! It's plain, but it's beautiful!