Kramer Chronicles-It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

Kramer!

It's Christmas season again and my mom has been driving me crazy with all of this decorating!

I watched as she brought box after box of Christmas decorations into the house.

YIKES! She almost dropped that one!

I decided to lend a paw but then I realized more was needed...

so I lept into action!

Wow, that was a close one. I better rest for a minute.

(it's tough decorating for Christmas)!

Alright, break time is over-it's time to help unwrap the decorations.

Nothing like a little paper play to revitalize the senses!

Honestly, it looks like a bunch of junk to me.

Since everything is unwrapped I decided to watch from a distance

 as mom removed everything from the mantel.

Seems odd to me that she spent so much time decorating it

just to strip it bare to redecorate it all over again!

All of this thinking and decorating has worn me out.

Come visit tomorrow to see what my mom did with all that stuff we unpacked.

Happy napping!

Sunday Wisdom

"Praise be to the Lord,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy

and I will give thanks to him in song."

Psalm 28: 6-7, NIV

Sunday Wisdom

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1, NIV

From Bodice to Bloomers

 Today was the premier performance of

From Bodice to Bloomers

at Pick Pocket Plantation.

Guests were introduced to a Victorian lady's wardrobe

from the inside out.

Displays of bonnets and hats...

as well as jewelry and parasols

added a little pizazz to the background.

So let's talk about the foundation of a Victorian lady's wardrobe,

you know,

the unmentionables like bloomers!

But before we talk about bloomers take a closer look at the amazing lace on this gown:).

(a good friend gave me this to repurpose-I'm so glad I didn't cut it up!)

The performance began with an introduction to the most basic Victorian under garments,

a chemise and bloomers.

Next is the corset...

then the chemsiette (corset cover) and hoops...

a petticoat..

add the bodice, the skirt along with mitts and a hat and 'ta-da' the outfit is complete!

Oops, I almost forgot the parasol:).

Here's the back.

(this is another one of the gorgeous gowns my dear friend Christine made:).

After all of that work getting dressed it was time to sit a spell before heading to the dining room for tea and orange-cranberry-vanilla scones.

Of course, I can't eat too much-the corset doesn't allow it!

Before & After Bonnets and Hats!

                     At the reenactment at Boone Hall Saturday I purchased a lovely spoon bonnet.

http://thevictorianparlor2.blogspot.com/2010/11/reenactment-at-boone-hall-plantation.html

Spoon bonnets were very popular during the Victorian era.

This bonnet was handmade by a sutler from Ohio.

I really liked all of the details the maker put into this bonnet so I splurged and made the purchase.

I especially liked the brown and black colors.

However,

 bonnets were generally trimmed heavily with lace, flowers, and feathers.

  So I trimmed my new bonnet with flowers, feathers,

 and vintage lace.

 Several months ago I purchased a vintage hat from Carlotta

at the Lakewood 400 antique fair in Atlanta.

 It had just the right shape and with a little embellishing...

 it could look like the hats worn during the Victorian era. 

 A little velvet ribbon and antique feathers and 'voila', a Victorian style hat:).

Of course, you can't truly appreciate a bonnet or hat unless you see it on.

So I enlisted the help of Calvin who was kind enough to model the spoon bonnet...

 and Kasey who looks stunning in this feathered hat:).

Below are actual photos of spoon bonnets and a Victorian hat.

Pictures are from the book

"Vintage Hats & Bonnets 1770-1970"

by Susan Langley

Photos by John Dowling

Sunday Wisdom

"Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid."

John 14: 27, NIV

Reenactment at Boone Hall Plantation

The annual Battle of Secessionville Reenactment at Boone Hall is a favorite event.

This year we only went up for the day.

The ladies tea at the Cotton Dock was a treat.

The ladies donned their best dresses.

Delicious food awaited us all.

There was even a cannon ball:).

Sunrays streamed through the windows...

as some stitched...

and others played.

A wonderful presentation about wrappers was given.

One of her creations...

inspired by this mid 19th century wrapper.

After the tea hubby and I enjoyed a beautiful day on the dock.

Then it was time for lunch-homemade flat bread-yummm!

(and yes it's worth every bite even though my corset doesn't allow me to eat it all:).

Musical entertainment during lunch.

A little shopping...

and a little stopping to watch the troops march by.

After all of the excitement I decided to rest a bit in the shade of ancient oaks,

while hubby strolled through the gardens.

It was a bit bright so he borrowed my parasol:).

Then it was time to return home...

and think about having some supper.