A Fabulous Lunch at El Vez in Philly

We fell in love with El Vez!

This Starr Restaurant is located at 121 S. 13th St. in Philadelphia.

They claim it's where "Mexican-American meets East L.A. in a Tijuana Taxi!"

Located on the corner of this city block, the bright mosaic entrance attracts attention.

Zooming in: a delight for mosaic fans like me.

The decor packs a punch: more mosaic, retro vibes & purple velvet.

A groovy rotating banana-seated bike is the bar's centerpiece. 
Such a funky, artsy, energetic atmosphere!

We ensconced ourselves in a swanky gold-velvet banquette.

Notice the fabulous wall art.

Lots of mini dioramas depicting the Dia De La Meurta of Mexico.

Our meals were excellent! And the service? The best!

Looking forward to gathering some friends for a return visit!

More here:

Website

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Felt Cuteness by Heartfelt Handmade

Garlands, ornaments, wreaths - all created with felt by Heartfelt Handmade!

As cute as can be, each is handcrafted by Marie of the UK.

Unicorns, bunnies, flamingos and sea creatures.

I just know you'll be grinning as you see her felt friends!

Find Heartfelt Handmade here:

Etsy

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Images used with direct permission from Marie.

A Blessed Christmas

May your Christmas be blessed with

His presence,

His love,

His peace.

~LuAnn

Lovin' Those Vintage Ceramic Christmas Trees

I was delighted to see lots of vintage ceramic Christmas trees 

while shopping at Adamstown, PA's Mad Hatter Antique Mall.

So many, in fact, that I felt justified to show them off 

with a blog post of their very own.

Different sizes and styles. Green or white glazes.

Multi-color or all one color lights shaped like flames, balls or birds.

Snow tipped boughs, or not. Glitter, or not. Star on top, or not.

It was fun to see the variety.

Mid Century Madness

Maybe a big reason why I'm attracted to them is because way back in 1985,

I attended ceramics classes at a local shop and made one of my own,

which I gifted to my then soon-to-be mother and father-in-law!

And here it is~

-

Read these posts, too!

A Stroll Through the Mad Hatter Antique Mall in Adamstown, PA
Marvelous Retro Finds at Mid Century Madness - Adamstown, PA

Vintage Christmas Candy Canes + How They're Made

Candy canes have long been associated with Christmas!

I've gathered some sweet vintage illustrations of the pepperminty-perfect candy cane.

Also, enjoy watching a fun Discovery Channel video on how they're made!

Images courtesy of Pinterest, video from YouTube.

A Stunning Christmas at Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, PA

A perfect outing to celebrate the Christmas season-

we traveled to Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

to take in the beauty of Longwood Gardens!

Longwood Gardens, as explained in its mission statement, is 

"the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, inspiring people through 

excellence in garden design, horticulture, education, and the arts."

A Longwood Christmas is a gorgeous display of

trees, flowers & foliage generously interspersed with lights 

that dares even the most stubborn Scrooge 

not to get into the holiday spirit!

above: This awesome 30' tall Living Tree is created with 1,300 potted plants.

below: One of many Christmas trees laden with ornaments for sale in the gift shop.

Poinsettias of every shade are no doubt the stars of the show.

Amarillys

Breathtaking ice-like chandeliers illuminate the sky-high ceilings

and fascinating architecture of the Conservatory, built in 1921.

Enormous hanging poinsettias dazzle from above.

Poinsettia wow-factor!

A lavish wreath in the Orchid House.

Delicate, feminine baby pink.

The Silver Room is always a favorite. We loved this 12' tree made of succulents!

Worth a closer look.

Air fern kissing balls.

A rich collection of succulents brilliantly arranged into a wreath.

The outdoor lighting has a magical, fairy tale feel!

Here's the Longwood Gardens website.

1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square,  PA

You may be interested to see this post on another of my visits:

An Autumn Afternoon at Longwood Gardens