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Chris Brown

@mysuburbansanctuary

2.6K

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1937

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Wife, Mom, Grandmother. Lover of junk and vintage, critters and Keds. Living Beauty Full in the Burbs. Create a sanctuary....no matter where you live

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Some snippets of fall. Still hot in central Florida, but in my mind I'm in Tennessee. Or somewhere north of the Mason Dixon line! Wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying your home. by @mysuburbansanctuary

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24 days ago

Recently found an old frame that truly highlights my grandparents' marriage license. There was nothing wrong with the simpler frame I used before... and yes, I forgot to take a before photo. But trust me, this antique frame really compliments the age of the marriage license in a way the old frame did not. Swipe to see a bit of the lovely calligraphy.

I've always loved having this bit of my family history, and lament the fact that we no longer have beautifully done marriage records. My grands were married in 1927, the age of the frame is unknown.

While it's always been one of my most treasured bits of my family history, now it seems to have even more of an impact. Proof that changing something as simple as a frame can result in a big change in how we see our things.

And wouldn't it be wonderful if we brought back the art of beauyiful handwriting? by @mysuburbansanctuary

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3 months ago

Another addition to my office decor. This little chalkware spaniel was mostly hidden on a shelf at the back of a local antique shop. I noticed him whenever I made my monthly rounds of my favorite shops. I thought surely someone would give him a home. Someone eventually did. Me. I gave him a home. by @mysuburbansanctuary

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3 months ago

I recently fell down the rabbit hole of motto prints when I found this sweet cutie at an antique shop for $6.00. ( swipe for a closer look) Motto cards, motto prints, motto prayers were often known simply as "Buzza Mottos," so named for George Buzza who came up with the idea that selling "shmaltz" would pay off. And it did.

While there were a couple other companies that copied the idea, George cornered the market to the point the cards were known as Buzzas. Popular in the 1920's and 30's, these little cards often offered prayers or greetings for Mothers, friendship and anniversaries. This one clearly falls into the friendship or love lorn category.
My trip down the rabbit hole found quite a few on Etsy and Ebay priced from the $25 up to $125... mine was a bargain! Yay me!

Did you know about motto prints? by @mysuburbansanctuary

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3 months ago

Hey, Hi, Hello! Welcoming summer with a couple of pics... well, I would welcome it, but it's been here for weeks and I'm already over it... when the weather person uses the word, Sweltering in the forecast, and it's only early June, I know it's gonna be a looonng time until I feel comfortable in my own skin again. Still, I find contentment in the early mornings, walking Sadie to the birdsong soundtrack, taking advantage of the sounds of nature and the relative coolness, and then sitting under the ceiling fan with a good "beach read."

I don't go all out with seasonal decor anymore, but I do give a "wink and a nod" to the changing seasons by changing out books, throw pillows and adding or subtracting florals. Just making those changes gives the house a different feel with the change of a season. Adding a few little flags and a handful of shells welcomes anyone coming in the front door and that's enough to set the tone.

Hope you're having a marvelous beginning to your summer, school is out, and my freezer is stocked with Popsicles to treat my friends, young and old. And there's lemonade and fresh berries.... come on in and let's sit under the fan poolside and let the summertime vibes begin by @mysuburbansanctuary

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4 months ago

Presenting the spring/summer mantel of 2026. Nothing earth shattering or much different from years past... swipe for some close ups of each section. Used the page from "Gunmakers of Indiana" featuring my Great Grandfather, Boone Ross, with a few pieces of stoneware, some architectural stars,and plants, all anchored by the Tom Clark farmer, Enoch. And as always, under the enlarged photo of my ancestors on their farm in Parke County, Indiana, circa 1880's. I love that I have the original old photo, as well as the ephemera depicting my Grandpa. It makes for a very personal vignette and helps tell the story of my family heritage.

For me, a home should be filled with things that tell the story of who lives there, not with trends that tell the stories of hundreds of strangers, but with things that have personal meaning. They don't even have to be family heirlooms, just things that evoke your story. YOU live in your home, not the internet. So choose things, new or old, not because your favorite home stylist uses them, but because they speak to your heart. Don't just decorate your home, tell a story... your story.
Farmhouse style ~ my story ~ my seasonal home ~
Rustic country ~ modern country ~ stoneware ~
Modern country style ~ nostalgic ~ old things by @mysuburbansanctuary

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7 months ago

I have big love for vintage linens. They remind me of grandma, and grandaunts, and great grandma... back when utilitarian things were made beautiful. When hands created. When even those without alot of money could adorn plain cotton and make it lovely.

I found a set of old pillowcases wadded up in a box under an armoire while antiquing with my granddaughter. They were badly stained, the creases were that dirty brownish yellow of age and being folded too long. There were spots of rusty orange splattered on them, and some spots that looked suspiciously like bug poop. They were $7.00 for the pair.

I bought them, unsure if I would be able to get the stains out, but at $7.00 it was worth trying. After two long soaks over two days in a solution of Borax, Washing Soda, Dawn and hot water, most of the stains were gone. A final soak in a very mild bleach solution followed by a turn in the washer with the same soaking solution and hot water... I could barely see a stain anywhere! A quick press with an iron and some spray starch and they're now peeking out from behind some floral shams, giving me some spring vibes for sure. And are destined to live their best life in the home of my granddaughter, who has inherited my love of old stuff.

Were they worth the effort?? For me, yes, absolutely. Was I smart enough to take before pics? Nope. I couldn't wait to get these babies clean! But imagine ugly, dirty, stained and crusty, bug poopy cotton...and here's the end result, I hope you swipe and enjoy

Buy used stuff Get the stained, even ripped stuff. Even if it seems beyond saving. Clean it, mend it... use it. Buy what you love. Feather your nest your way, without thought of algorithms, engagement, or what's trendy. Your home will benefit. YOU will benefit.
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#old and loved
country style~my country style~american farmhouse
modern country style~old things~rustic~patina
my seasonal home~collected style by @mysuburbansanctuary

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8 months ago

Winter has come to Florida, and not just fake inside my house winter...It's actually cold here. Although we all know that temperatures are relative to the region we live in, by Florida standards it's "a might chilly."
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Record high heat last week and within 48 hours a plunge of 40 degrees, causimg Florideans to take a deep dive in the dark recesses of closets, or sort through musty bins stored in attics filled with stuff that may be needed during an apocalypse.
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It will be in the 20's during Tampa's first ever outdoor hockey game, and I had to order thermal underwear!!! (What?? My internal thermostat no longer works appropriately, and while I really do love chilly weather... sitting outside on bleachers with 70,000 of my closest friends with 30 degree temps and WIND CHILL ( What??? Omg) of 20° requires smart clothing choices and apparently hand warmers. This ain't my ideal fun evening. But it's hockey, and I'm a fan. So there's that.
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On another note, I am really enjoying my winter decor, it's cozy and layered and textured. Annnd, glory! The fireplace has become the best focal point, as well as functional, doing its job of toe warmer. I truly hope everyone is staying warm. I know not everyone has the luxury of power right now, and I have a lot of personal experience with that. There's nothing fun, or cozy about it. Sending blankets to the shelters today, both human and animal.
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Sharing my butter churn full of winter... by @mysuburbansanctuary

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9 months ago

The 2026 winter mantel. Just a few shots of my mantel. Nothing exciting or over the top. Lots of texture from old books, and the added glow from two small lamps. I loathe overhead lighting, so my home is filled with soft ambient light from a variety of sources. Candles and small lamps with silicone bulbs give off that glow that make a room feel extra cozy.

Winter can be such a magical season. It can be brutal and harsh outside for sure, more reason to cozy up the interior spaces, and snuggle up with a good book, while wrapped in an old quilt. Hot chocolate isn't required, but it sure does help set the mood.

Hope you are staying warm and cozy.

Country style, old books, small lamps by @mysuburbansanctuary

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9 months ago

When the shipping box is better than what was shipped.

Scored this beauty for $20 at my favorite indoor booth at @renningersmountdorafl during the annual November extravaganza. ( swipe for closer look.) I plopped it on my antique bakers rack and there it still sits, complete with my winter greens. I hope Miss Jane B. Aspinwall enjoyed her box of citrus, I'm sure enjoying her shipping box!

Being a collector of old crap constantly reminds me that things were just made better back in the day. With care and craftsmanship. Made to last. So that people like me could marvel at the beauty of an old shipping box and find a new use for it, albeit not for its intended purpose... but just for fun. I'm a lucky old woman!

Happy FriYay my friends... it's cold here this morning, freezing and in neighboring counties, below freezing. That's cold for my part of the world, and I'm loving it! Candlelight season has been balm to my soul this year. I hope you are enjoying the slightly longer days, and have added those extra layers of cozy to every room. If you need me, I'll be snuggled up with Sadie, next to the fire, good book in hand, music on and candles lit. While wearing sweats and fuzzy socks, because I'm nothing if not stylish... by @mysuburbansanctuary

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9 months ago

Late afternoon, early evening shadows in the dining room show off the browns and creams I love so much. ( swipe for different views) Nothing special, just a peek at Cowboy Bill and his pal, Slim back in their usual spots along with a few vintage Zane Grey books. I did move some of my inkwells to the shelf for a little bit more texture. I know some of you are already putting out your spring decor... but I thoroughly enjoy what I call Candlelight Season. My favorite time of year.
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Winter greetings from my home to yours, hoping you find peace in the little things.
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American country
Modern Country style
My seasonal home
Books
Texture
Farmhouse style
Antiques
Rustic vibe
Weathered and Worn by @mysuburbansanctuary

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9 months ago

Christmas photo dump. Some you've seen, some with filters, some for fun. All random moments of happy, including my grandma's 1940's Noma angel topper and her unopened box of ornament hooks, now an ornament itself. Happy Christmas Eve! I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made here, the fun we have in DMs, and the love and support we give without conditions. You all light up my life with laugh out loud memes, and shares of the things we hold dear. Here's wishing you joy.

Country Christmas style, rustic, vintage Christmas,
Secondhand treasures, American farmhouse by @mysuburbansanctuary

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10 months ago