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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Scent-sational Find

What's It Wednesday #96

 
Today is a true “What's It Wednesday”. I'm showing a little goody that I found, and I’ve not a clue as to what it is. Maybe you can help.

It's this cute little flower shaped piece. Now the tag said it was a tea strainer, I was happy, I collect those too! But the more I looked, I knew that couldn't be true.

You see a tea strainer has a longer handle for stirring and

tiny holes front and back to allow the water to flow through.

This back does not, even though it does have a twist clasp that allows you to open it.

Least you think it a pin to wear, alas no, it has no pinning shank.

It does have a tiny compartment and a domed perforated top.

"Could it be for powder?," a nice lady suggested. But who would work that hard to put such a tiny amount of powder inside?

My guess is that its one of these, a vinaigrette. A small container that housed a small piece of cotton soaked with a lady's favorite scent.

The perforations allow for a quick sniff if one encounter a foul odor.

Although I don't know “what” it really is, I had to have it. I really love “what's its”, and this one is going to sit on my dressing table giving off a lovely scent from a perfumed soaked cotton ball as I dream of what it might be.
Hugs,
Patti

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82 comments:

  1. Barbara F.October 15, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    Wow, I am the first partygoer! Happy to join you. Wondering if that pretty brooch like item used to hold snuff, back in the day?? lol Thanks for hosting. xo

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  2. SarahOctober 15, 2013 at 11:42 PM

    I'd guess it's just what you are using it for. It's a lovely piece, so it belongs on your dressing table. '-)

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  3. UnknownOctober 15, 2013 at 11:47 PM

    Wow Patti, I have know idea what your new little treasure could be. It is sure pretty though! Thanks for sharing and for hosting another grand party.
    Blessings,
    Patti

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  4. xinexOctober 16, 2013 at 12:00 AM

    You have the most unusual and cutest paraphernalias. Thanks for hosting!....Christine

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  5. Doreen@foxdenrdOctober 16, 2013 at 12:09 AM

    Whatever it is, it's lovely!

    Thank you for hosting Patty!

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  6. Joy@aVintageGreenOctober 16, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    Hello again, loved seeing your romantic photos today. Thanks for hosting.
    Joy

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  7. Antiques And TeacupsOctober 16, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    My guess is a tea strainer, but you never know! I love vinigarettes, but they are hard to find. Great collections as usual!
    Ruth

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  8. Lori LehmanOctober 16, 2013 at 12:34 AM

    Thank you for hosting the party!! Hope you ladies are having a wonderful week!!

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  9. Heirloom treasuresOctober 16, 2013 at 12:40 AM

    I think your guess would be spot on,it's what I thought Patti. Whatever it is,it's lovely. x

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  10. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseOctober 16, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    I agree with you, I'd say it's to put something that smell good in it, like a pomander.

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  11. Self SagacityOctober 16, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    Oh my! My weakness are pearls. You made my fingers weak today. :-) have a great week.

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  12. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonOctober 16, 2013 at 1:45 AM

    I love it too Patti. I would have guessed it was for something like that. Looks a little Victorian and they used a lot of scents to cover up odors. Love this weeks features!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  13. Jill HarrisonOctober 16, 2013 at 3:01 AM

    I always love the lovely vintage things you show us from a time more refined than ours. Always beautiful. Thank you for hosting. I fear my post is not so elegant!

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  14. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasOctober 16, 2013 at 3:13 AM

    What a beautiful post!! Thanks for the party and for you visit!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  15. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryOctober 16, 2013 at 3:38 AM

    Lovely post - I think you are right that a lady would put maybe lavender or a cotton ball with their favorite perfume on it. What every it is - it's very pretty.
    Have a great week.
    Mary

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  16. LindaOctober 16, 2013 at 4:00 AM

    Thanks for the party invite and the visit. We are having fun going to "brocante" shops here in The Netherlands. Linda@Wetcreek Blog and Wetcreek Museum

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  17. Uniquely EllaOctober 16, 2013 at 4:58 AM

    Oh WOW Patti, you always find the cutest little things. I in love with the little strainer, adorable.
    Thanks for sharing them with us and for hosting.
    Sending blessing,
    Marlene

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  18. Debby RayOctober 16, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    What a darling little what's it! I have never seen anything quite like it! I would say you are probably right on about what it's for....a "smell good thingy" of some sort!
    Thanks for hosting a fun party :)

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  19. AnonymousOctober 16, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    I agree with you on what it is, but I wouldn't have thought of it, ha ha. Thanks for hosting. -Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

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  20. ShannonOctober 16, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    Maybe it held some type of perfume cloth. Whatever it is, it is cute. Thanks for hosting.

    Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com

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  21. Pieced PastimesOctober 16, 2013 at 6:44 AM

    I have no clue about your lovely treasure, but I love the way have decided to use it. Thanks for hosting the party.
    Have a Wonderful Day,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes

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  22. UnknownOctober 16, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    A wonderful find indeed! I would not want to leave it behind either. Very interesting. Thanks for hosting and have a good day.

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  23. Vickie @ Ranger 911October 16, 2013 at 7:22 AM

    I think you're right on your guess, but no matter what it is, it's a pretty addition to your collection!

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  24. Christine @ Rustic-RefinedOctober 16, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    Patti, thanks so much for the feature! It's greatly appreciated :-)

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  25. must love junkOctober 16, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    Your little 'whatever it is' is lovely!! Thank you for featuring my fall office-what a treat! :)
    Susan

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  26. NanaDianaOctober 16, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    That is exactly what I thought it was, Patti- and infuser of some kind. It is really cute-whatever it is! xo Diana

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  27. Lavender CottageOctober 16, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    My first thought was to hold potpourri but a perfume scented bit of cotton would also make it a fragrance holder.

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  28. Two Cottages And TeaOctober 16, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Thanks for hosting! I Think you are right about your darling new item. Glad you found it!
    Wishing you a great week!
    Nancy

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  29. Vintage Paint and more...October 16, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    I have no idea what your "Whats It" is but it is darling and I think what you are using it for is perfect. Thanks for hosting and have a great week... Cathy

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  30. Curtains in My TreeOctober 16, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Oh Patti

    I like your new found treasure what ever it is .
    If it's an odor sniffer thingie it is very old, I am sure they used a tiny piece of cotton material back in the horse and buggy days before sanitation in larger cities like New York

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  31. IndraniOctober 16, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Excellent capture of the pearls!
    Lovely series, they look so beautiful.

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  32. AnonymousOctober 16, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    I bet on whatever you think, Patti. You have so much experience with these things...whatever it is, it's beautiful! Thanks so much for the feature. I really appreciate it and am linking up again this week. Can't wait to see all the beautiful inspiration here.

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  33. BabsOctober 16, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    I think you're right, Patti. It could have been custom made for someone special.(?) I looks lovely on your dressing table.

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  34. Julie MarieOctober 16, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    Oooh Patti... it is lovely!... I'm not sure what it is either... all of the vinaigrettes I have seen have lids that cover the holes to keep the scent inside until you wanted to use it... darn you, now you have me wanting to start yet ANOTHER collection of things like you do!... wow, would I love to shop the antiques stores with you!... we would probably get lost in one looking at all of the tresors and never want to leave... oooh, but we must... so as to display all our newfound tresors at home... you are so much fun!... and all of your collections are just stunning, like you... love you, xoxo Julie Marie PS Please let me know if you do find out exactly what is is... I am a very curious kind of lady...

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  35. Nellie's Cozy PlaceOctober 16, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    Hi Patti,
    I am with you I think that pretty piece might be a fragrance holder of some type too, like a sachet or something... whatever it is ...
    it is darling and hope you enjoy it.

    Blessings, Nellie

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  36. Susan FreemanOctober 16, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    What an interesting piece Patti! My guesses were the same as yours and I think your final assessment is the most accurate one. Regardless, it is charming and I must admit I have never seen another like it. Thanks for hosting and thank you for always showing us such unique and fascinating things!

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  37. Donna WilkesOctober 16, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    Thank you so much for such a lovely party.

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  38. Stan and Jody GabaraOctober 16, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Not sure what its used for, but it's a beautiful piece. Thanks for hosting!

    Hugs,
    Jody

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  39. Jemma@athomewithjemmaOctober 16, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Whatever this precious and delightful treasure truly is, it is one thing and that is very lovely and so you!
    Happy Fall and thank you for hosting!
    Jemma

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  40. Anne LorysOctober 16, 2013 at 2:59 PM

    So happy to link with you!!!

    XO,
    Anne

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  41. ornate splendorOctober 16, 2013 at 3:40 PM

    Thank you, Patti, for featuring my little blog on What's It Wednesday! I'm just thrilled! Catherine

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  42. AlessandraOctober 16, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    Oh...whatever it is, it' s so cute and lovely. I' d put a cotton ball with perfume on it and so i agree with your idea.
    Kisses
    Alessandra

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  43. Johanna GehrleinOctober 16, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    Hi sweet Patti,
    I guess you are right to use it as a vinaigrette. I am thrilled to see in your collection a tea infuser with rose handle. Do you know its made in germany, from the silvermanufacturer Christoph Bach in Ellmendingen. It is stamped with C.B., right? You own a wonderful collection of sweet silver things. Thank you so much for sharing this pretty photos and for hosting this sweet event.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  44. LauraOctober 16, 2013 at 5:38 PM

    Well, I don't have any idea what it could be, but I would've had to get it too! It's lovely.
    By the way, you always take such beautiful pictures!

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  45. DoniOctober 16, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    I'd have had to have that too...and I think you're right...keep the bad smells away! Perhaps it went in a beaded bag for a quick find during an outing...
    It's gorgeous regardless of what the use was. I love how you always seem to find such unique and lovely objects to share!!! LOVE IT!!
    Blessings,
    Doni

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  46. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageOctober 16, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    I think it's charming whatever it is. Most likely for perfume or smelling salts? Thanks for sharing at my HOME. You find the neatest things!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  47. Sandi~A Cottage MuseOctober 16, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    Hi Patti...my guess is same as yours! It's a great find!!

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  48. AnnOctober 16, 2013 at 8:45 PM

    What a darling find. I agree with you and others who said it's probably a type of pomander. My grandmother had a pretty one with metal roses and holes just like yours has. She wore it on a chain around her neck and filled it with a pinch of her homemade potpourri.

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  49. AnnOctober 16, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    What a darling find. I agree with you and others who said it's probably a type of pomander. My grandmother had a pretty one with metal roses and holes just like yours has. She wore it on a chain around her neck and filled it with a pinch of her homemade potpourri.

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  50. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinOctober 16, 2013 at 10:03 PM

    Great find! Thanks for hosting. Have a happy rest of the week. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  51. Our photosOctober 17, 2013 at 1:13 AM

    Beautiful photos!
    Greetings, RW & SK

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  52. bj October 17, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    What a beautiful piece...and it will look lovely in with all your other pretty things.

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  53. Katherines CornerOctober 17, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    lovely! The first things that came to mind were a tea infuser. Then I though it was a perfume infuser brooch. Sometimes they had a solid perfume inside or as you mentioned a piece of gauze or cotton with the fragrance poured on. Either way it is a terrific treasure. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop! ♥

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  54. RebeccaOctober 17, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Hello Patti
    I think you nailed it, since bathing was not done often enough they needed those little oddities.
    Thank you for stopping by, I hope this finds you well... blessings today
    Rebecca

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  55. Karren HallerOctober 17, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    Hi Patti, I think some of your viewers are right, I think it is an infuser for sachet. What lovely treasures. This is the first time to your lovely blog, coming from Katherines Corner. Please stop by and share your link.
    Have a great day!
    Oh My Heartsie Girl
    Karren

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  56. UnknownOctober 17, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    WOw Patti,
    Great find...and you're right it is a vintage vinaigrette....only shaped so that it could be discreetly held in the palm of the hand....I have a Friend that made her life's collection of Tussie Mussies and the like..the Smithsonian actually retains that collection now,

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  57. AmandaOctober 17, 2013 at 4:00 PM

    I am always amazed at what you have to share with us, and I always seem to learn something new! Thank you for hosting your fun party and for sharing such beautiful things and lovely photos!
    Blessings,
    Amanda

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  58. Aimee at Refresh-Renew...October 17, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Thank you for featuring my bathroom!!! So excited to link up again this week! Thank you for hosting!-aimee

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  59. Blessed SerendipityOctober 17, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    I think it's a vinagrette also. It's very lovely and an unusual find.

    xo Danielle

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  60. ~Lavender Dreamer~October 17, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    What a fun party this week and I love the treasures you show us. This little pin is precious...looks like for potpourri. Sweet hugs, Diane

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  61. BenteOctober 18, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    Love your finds. Beautiful things.

    Hugs from here

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  62. Linda @ A La CarteOctober 18, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Patti that is such an interesting piece! Love it and I can see why you had to have it! Thanks for sharing at TTF!

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  63. Danice GOctober 18, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    Yes, it surely does look like a pretty vinaigrette. My other thought would be a snuff box. In not-so-long-ago recent past, it was actually considered couture to use tobacco.

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  64. Ricki TreleavenOctober 19, 2013 at 8:11 PM

    Did you ever find out what it is, Patti? I think you might be correct. WHatever it is, it sure is cute!

    xo,
    RJ

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  65. MariOctober 19, 2013 at 11:23 PM

    Well what ever it is, it sure is pretty ;)
    It will look good and smell nice on you dresser.

    Smiles~
    Mari

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  66. The TablescaperOctober 19, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    A very interesting piece.

    You're always welcome at Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  67. Stone Cottage AdventuresOctober 20, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    Thank you for the invitation to join this lovely party! Your blog is absolutely beautiful! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  68. Angelsdoor * PennyOctober 20, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Hi Patti,
    Thank you so much for your visit and kind thoughts.
    I love all the beautiful treasures you have shared today
    blessings

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  69. Decor To AdoreOctober 20, 2013 at 8:44 PM

    What a find! I was thinking it might hold solid perfume.

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  70. Mel@Mellywood's MansionOctober 20, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    Thanks so muh for hosting xo

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  71. Tea Cottage PrettiesOctober 20, 2013 at 11:46 PM

    I love your new little What's it???? I would think that you may have it right and it might be on of those personal scent pieces. Whatever it is, it is so adorable and I would have gotten it as well. Lovely. Hugs, Beverly

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  72. genieOctober 21, 2013 at 3:29 PM

    What a lovely piece whatever its purpose was intended to be. All of your captures are absolutely lovely. genie

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  73. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresOctober 22, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    How did this one slip by me? Oh my goodness, what a treasure. I'm going along with your guess, it makes perfect sense.

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  74. Pura VidaOctober 22, 2013 at 12:18 PM

    how could you resist that little lovely thing?

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  75. Edie Marie's AtticOctober 22, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    I would imagine there were plenty of undesirable odors that needed covered up back in the day. Even some today at times! Your vinaigrette it a wonderful piece! I can just see a lady waving it gently under her nose to remove the last unpleasant odor that penetrated her delicate nose.

    You have the best collections of anyone I've ever seen Patti. You "wow" us every time!

    Blessings, Edie Marie

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  76. Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie MarieOctober 22, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    I would imagine there were plenty of undesirable odors that needed covered up back in the day. Even some today at times! Your vinaigrette it a wonderful piece! I can just see a lady waving it gently under her nose to remove the last unpleasant odor that penetrated her delicate nose.

    You have the best collections of anyone I've ever seen Patti. You "wow" us every time!

    Blessings, Edie Marie

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  77. FABBY'S LIVINGOctober 22, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    Wow amazing features! Thank you for hosting dear Patti. I think that lovely treasure you shared it's for loose tea, maybe? Who cares it's beautiful! Thank you so much for hosting dear ladies.
    Hugs,
    FABBY

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  78. FABBY'S LIVINGOctober 22, 2013 at 9:53 PM

    I'm elated you liked it sweet Patti, I so appreciate it very much! Kisses sweet lady and thanks a ton!
    Hugs,
    FABBY

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  79. JenneliseOctober 23, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    I think you're right! It must be a vinaigrette. I have never seen one so pretty before though! What a wonderful find!
    Jennelise

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  80. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsOctober 24, 2013 at 6:53 PM

    What you're guessing makes sense, Patti. I had thought maybe one of those solid perfumes that you would be able to rub on your finger and then apply to your wrists or neck. It's very pretty whatever it is!

    Thanks for linking up to The Creative Home & Garden hop. : )

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  81. Crafts a la ModeOctober 24, 2013 at 10:38 PM

    Featured and pinned. Thanks so much for joining in the party. Linda

    My sister thought you wrote a beautiful post, too.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Crafts a la ModeOctober 24, 2013 at 10:39 PM

    Featured and pinned. Thanks so much for joining in the party. Linda

    My sister thought you wrote a beautiful post, too.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.