Peonies & Lysianthus

I'm back, with another post dedicated entirely to flowers.  

I love having fresh flowers around the house, & for me...the more the merrier! 

As we were preparing for company yesterday, we swung by Trader Joe's to pick up some essentials & like clock work, I always stop at the front to check out their latest selection of flowers. 

This time I hit the jackpot. 5 peony stems, for $5.99?...absolutely!

Oh pink peonies, how I love thee :)

I put them in the center of the dinner table last night, & as we were all sitting around enjoying our dads on their special holiday, each bloom opened, and by the time we were thru with dessert they had all completely blossomed into these GIANT pink beauties.  

... and while I was at it, I couldn't help myself but pick up some equally beautiful lysianthus. They were too pretty to pass by.

Now, they happily sit on my desk where I can enjoy them to my big hearts content :)

(all images: theplushpad.blogspot.com)

The Metropolitan Building

Dating from 1909, the Metropolitan Building, located in Long Island City, NY- first started out as an electrical parts factory. Seventy years later, it had long been vacant, sitting there desolate and in a sad state of disrepair.

In 1980, Eleanor Ambos, a successful business woman, with an antique furniture rental company, based in Manhattan, purchased the building for storage space and to accommodate a variety of artisans to set up their studios and workrooms. She undertook a massive restoration project, and today- The Met Building is one of the hottest locations for weddings, parties, photo shoots, & movie sets.

Hundreds of frames hung from the ceilings. This was one of the first rooms I came across, my first time at the building. When I wondered away from everyone else, I turned a corner and my jaw hit the floor. Immediately my heart started RACING with excitement. I knew there was a lot more to be seen here.

Lamps, lamps, lamps. What a collection!

 

Rows & rows of chests, side tables, cabinets, you name it- it's there.

  

Hundreds  of old antique chairs fill the second floor space...

...My Heaven.

 

 I was alone walking around from floor to floor and come across this statue. I could only look & snap her photo for a second. 

(all photos by theplushpad.blogspot.com) 

Fluffy White Goodness

This morning, as I was getting ready for my day- fresh out of the shower, sipping my morning coffee, the door bell rang. Usually I never answer it, but today was a different story.

I looked thru the peep hole to see who it might be, and "Oh my gosh!", I swung the door open to see a gorgeous arrangement of my favorite flowers; fluffy white hydrangeas :)

I couldn't believe it; out of the blue..."Just because I love you".

They're so beautiful, I had to share.