PresentPast Collection

More Please

Alright my vintage friends, here's a few more photos as requested. These willow baskets were incredible. I wonder what they were originally used for? They were very tall, perhaps displays from an old French boulangerie?

I really liked the old French metal numbers too but they were $39...each! That's high even for this So Cal girl. Let's just say I heard a lot of dealers complaining that the prices were a bit steep.

There were loads of beautiful linens and textiles all thoughtfully displayed. I did manage to buy dozen or so European shams. And I also bought these charming baby shoe molds from Theresa Smith.

Oh, and these vintage grain sacks to use as pillow covers for my outdoor swing.

This booth had tons of chandeliers, vintage chalk ware and beautiful tole painted pieces. I really liked the booths that covered the floors with straw. It gave them such a nice feel when you walked on it instead of the dirt or grass. Small detail but I noticed.

Shelley of Sweet Pea put together this wonderful post office inspired booth. She had a fantastic selection of vintage goods to choose from and came all the way from Florida to be a vendor.

This cabinet display was from Judy of J. Hill Designs. She also hosts a local show on her property and if you live in the area it would sure be worth the trip. Check her website for details on the upcoming dates and times.

These next three photos are from the opening night party at Leftovers Antiques Destination. We heard that the morning of the party a dealer came in and bought 90+ pieces of furniture/antiques and they had to redo the entire store before the event! Can you imagine?

Here's a few highlights of the fabulous people we met along the way!

This is Sharon Bright out shopping the fields. We ran into her several times during our stay and she was always dressed so adorable. I told her she was Rockin' It, Texas Retro Style! She owns Sack Lunch which is located next to Clutter. They serve yummy sandwiches and sweets. Look how cute this place is.

This is Frances Bailey, Senior Design & Lifestyle Editor for Country Living Magazine. I've had the opportunity to meet her several times and she is always so incredibly gracious. We chatted about the antique show, magazines, upcoming events and she complimented me on my work and wanted to keep in touch. So exciting! More so for me than for her, I'm sure!

Here I am with Deb of Curious Sofa and my faithful road warrior Carol. We had lots of fun discussing various booths, styles, places to shop and "what's hot". Both have posted great photos and stories on their blogs, be sure to check them out. After our day of non-stop Marburger shopping we went to Royer's Cafe for dinner.

And a trip to Round Top wouldn't be complete without having a meal here. It's an experience in itself. And was the perfect way to spend our final night in Texas!

Marburger & Warrenton Vignettes

Isn't this wreath gorgeous? I wanted to buy this in a bad way but knew it would probably get destroyed shipping it home. Maybe I'll have time to make one some day. Loved it!!

Since my days are now running together these photos are all snippets from days 4, 5 and 6. There are so many great vignettes to enjoy from all the shows. I hope they spur some creative energy for you. You know how much I love chairs, aren't these cool?

These chairs were from the Texas Rose Show across the street from the famous Marburger event. If you ever have the chance to visit, you don't want to miss this one. The owner Vickie was full of Texas hospitality and invited us into her home so I could take some photos. I'll have to do another post just on her incredible place. But in the meantime, here are a few her displays at the show.

And I know how much you all love vintage pink prom dresses! There were plenty available to choose from and I found one to bring home. I'll have to take a picture of mine when it arrives.

This display is from Theresa Canto's booth. She had lots of creative touches here. I'm saving most of the photos from her booth for something special but wanted to share her talents with you. Check out her blog for some of her photos too!

I really love the contrast of this rustic barn and dozens upon dozens of crystal chandeliers. This is the epitome of rustic elegance.

Well gals, I have over 1200 shots from my Texas Junkin' trip. Let me know if you're sick of seeing them. I still have pictures of Robin of Magnolia Pearl and her booth, the Country Living editors, our fun night at Royer's Cafe with Deb of Curious Sofa, a trip to Uncommon Objects in Austin, and too many more to count!

I'm back home now and were getting ready to take the boat to Catalina Island tomorrow. It's Spring Break time!

Where Do I Begin...

How about with a small sampling of the shopping? The rest is still in transit somewhere between Omaha and California. My partner in crime Carol, picked me up at the airport and drove us straight to the antique stores before we even checked into our rooms! Here is a petite start to my holiday decorating.

I found quite a bit of ephemera, including the horse shoe postcards I collect. Isn't that rhinestone covered lipstick case adorable? Perfect for photo shoots! There are also some vendor night wares mixed in there from Speckled Egg and a few things from those famous LuluBellas and some great things from the talented Rebecca. I didn't have a lot of time to shop on vendor night but was able to pick up a few treasures to take home. The editors from Country Living were there for the weekend covering the event and they took photos of my booth and we had a chance to visit. Everyone was very excited to meet them!

I went on a couple of extra antique excursions and found the cool Nebraska plate from the 1930's. I love the black and white graphics on it.

Here is one group of die hard antique shoppers. From left, new friends Beth and Karla both absolutely fantastic gals, my always sweet friend Jennifer and me.

Yet more shopping loot. Vintage sheet music, charms, an ironstone soap dish, just your basic lovelies.

I got these incredible cast iron grates from the Second Chance antique shop. The wreath one is my favorite. Security at the airport searched my luggage, of course!

Here are my special Bellas that made my weekend complete! It would not have been the same without these gals. Carol on the left of me and my newest friend Stacy from Texas on the right. She doesn't have a blog yet, but I can feel it coming soon!

To say that the weekend was incredible would be an understatement. It was not at all what I had expected but so much more. The people that attended are what made it magical. I have so many to thank for their generosity and kindness, especially Cindy, the cutest gal from Texas that you'd ever meet and her darling friend Lisa Zuelke (let me know if you have a blog!) who helped me set up for vendor night. I couldn't have done it without them. They were just awesome! And then there was Karla Smith who brought me a handmade charm and bracelet gift. Bella's are very kind indeed!

Now, I'd love to show you some of my projects but let's just get real honest here. I didn't finish one. Not a single one. By about the second class I realized that perhaps I was out of my league in the crafting department and decided to just enjoy the people and do what I could. The fact that I had to buy the entire list on the Basic Tool Kit should have been my first clue! So, I brought home my kits and will continue to finish them. And just to warn you.....they may show up in February here on the blog.

Oh! Before I go, I have to show you one of the funniest things I saw in Omaha!

This is the parking meter! It costs $4 per day to park, so you have to cram 4 one dollar bills into those tiny slots to park there, then somebody comes  around and opens the back to see which boxes have dollars in them. Crazy right? And Melissa (Jenny's sister) was finding that it's not that easy to shove 4 one dollar bills into those slots and Charlotte said, "Can I just give you a five to put in there? I'll take the loss." Seriously, I've never seen anything like it in my life! I suppose the city is conserving energy by not using electric meters. And heck, it gives the tourists a laugh!

Back from Bellaland

Well, I'm back from my glitter fest weekend! It was filled with lots of shopping, meeting new friends, trying my hand at paper crafting, eating yummy things, slumber parties in my room until 3 in the morning, non-stop laughing, more shopping and learning from some fabulous teachers!

I have lots to share and many to thank ahead. But right now, it's back to reality for a bit. I came home to a pile of orders that need to be processed and sent out and quite a bit of luggage to unpack. So, I promise an update in the next day or two. Let's just say those Bellas sure know how to have fun!

Beverly Hills 90210

I had to go to LA today to pick up some things for the website and decided to take Sweet Girl with me so we could have a little fun before summer disappears!  First stop, Sprinkles!

For a gal who loves the little details....the packaging was amazing!  Just look at those wooden forks? And that little wax paper parcel with spoon? Filled with a Frosting Shot. You know I adore butter cream!

Chosen flavors were, clockwise from the top: Mocha, Coconut, Vanilla, Lemon, Cherry and Red Velvet.  Delish!

Next was a ride down Rodeo Drive to look at all the amazing stores and impeccably dressed shoppers.

Sweet Girl wanted to stop by this Famous Place.  She missed seeing any celebrities, but noticed lots of moms and teenage daughters spending $98 for a t-shirt.  Crazy, huh? Or is it just me?  She did find a reasonably priced tote bag and a few other back to school things.

Next stop was less than one block away.  You know exactly where it is because of all the paparazzi.  The place doesn't even need a sign.  No celebrities here either, but she counted almost 30 photographers, just standing around waiting.

And here's a shot of their lovely patio full of almost famous people. The line to get in was very, very long.

The owner of The Ivy also has an amazing shop next door called Indigo Seas. Sorry, no websites for either of them. Although, I don't think they need any more help promoting their businesses.

They wouldn't let me take any photos inside, but as luck would have it, I got a cell phone call on my way out the door and decided to sit on their $4,380 bench and finish my call.  Oops, is that my Mack Daddy camera slipping out of my bag? Oh, no! It accidently turned on and...Snap!

Oh my! Snap again! I feel terrible, just terrible.  But now that we're looking at them, see the incredible wooden Eiffel Towers?  And what about the wall of gorgeous antique fabric pillows in the first photo? And the vintage paper lanterns strung about?

Hey Sweet Girl, move your head a minute....Oops! Snap again! Hello, gorgeous crystal wall sconce, wish I could bring you home. Too bad I don't have an extra $1890 laying around today...maybe next time. Wait for me, will you?

Now before you think I've taken advantage of my situation, I want you to know that I did purchase some lovely vintage cloth napkins and some French soaps.  See? I'm not so bad!  Maybe I could get a job standing around with all those other paparazzi. 

The Day at Sea

The Man and I took his new boat out this weekend. The weather was beautiful but the big ocean waves were another story! We we're rockin' and a rollin' and it was a sit still and hang on kind of ride! Let's just say, this beautiful flag went sailing into the water and he had to dive after it. Next to go in was one of his fishing rods, and again, he went in after it. I'm so glad I was able to stay in the boat! The waters look calm here because we were still in the marina, there was no camera action to be had once we were at sea.!

Even Bella the Boat Dog had a sense that this might not be a relaxing boat ride. I don't know if those ears went down the entire day.

But not to worry, this Captain won't let anything happen on her watch! She means business!

Christmas in Italy

Isn't this hotel beautiful? The rooms are wonderful, comfy robes, chocolates on the bed at night, luxurious bath products, ahhhhh.  On the piazza there are gelato shops, cafes and small boutiques. And at night there is this stunning view from the harbor.   Which I think is so much more romantic. Don't you agree? Can you see the ducks floating in the moonlight? In the lobby they have a replica of the hotel built out of gingerbread.

The gingerbread village is complete with tiny families enjoying the giant tree. Everything looks like the real hotel, except of course the snow. 

Unfortunately we are not in Italy, and this place has only bitten me with the longing to go to the real country. Alas, we are in Florida. And here are a few other shots from our vacation to prove that we are still in the good ole USA.

Palm trees blowing in the breeze, blue water and sandy beaches. And quite possibly the funniest picture of my trip so far....... Santa on his beach cruiser, tan and shirtless, wearing flip flops and smokin' a big fat cigar. Now that guy knows how to relax! 

More Coastal Getaway

Continuing our trip up the coast, we stopped at a little area in Big Sur that had a general store, several gift shops and a small cafe that overlooked this stream. You order your lunch and walk down to the stream where they had all the adirondack chairs set out in the water. Unbelievable! I have never seen anything like it. The Man couldn't wait to get his feet in it, he said the water was pretty cool. Which to me means extremely cold. Temperature didn't stop him as you can plainly see. This is his idea of a vacation spot, extremely relaxing! I wish we had more time to spend here and enjoy the blue jays and the stream flowing under our feet but we had to get to our destination. Next time we will make it a point to come here again and stay a while. Oh, and bring a picnic!

When we got to SF we decided to do a few tourist things since The Man hadn't been here before. So we headed off to this famous place and ordered one of the legendary sundaes. Yummy! We shared one called Gold Strike or Strike it Rich or something like that. Butter pecan ice cream with butterscotch, almonds, chocolate sauce. You can understand why we shared. This was followed by a hot latte, it was cold outside.

From there we went to Fisherman's Wharf and took a boat ride under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and through the marina. It was very foggy and chilly but the scenery from the water was beautiful.

My favorite shop was the Oakville Grocery established in 1881. It was like an old mercantile. You can visit their website here. They specialize in picnic items. Wine, cheese, crackers, fresh deli items, and scrumptious desserts. Their store shelves are stocked with an eyeful of beautiful packages. I could stock those shelves all day long. Everything was displayed perfectly. They have locations in SF, Palo Alto, and Healdsburg. Poor me, not one in Southern California.

One of our final stops for the day was to the Boudin Bakery. They have a demonstration bakery that you can tour, along with a tasting room. The place was packed with tourists ordering their famous sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder. The shop had some wonderful food related gifts. My favorite was this apron. I could show you so many great pictures of this city but my post would be miles long. I plan to have them up on my Flickr account in the next day or two. Be sure to check back to see some more! Thanks for taking this little mini vacation with me. Tomorrow it's back to the grind of getting my website up!

Road Trip

My hubby (aka The Man) and I took off for our trip to San Francisco. We decided to drive up the coast instead of flying. The scenery is so beautiful going up PCH. The Man loves barns. Any kind of barn, old, new, falling apart, from Home Depot, it doesn't matter. He is not a barn snob. He treats them all equally, with acknowledgment....."hey, look at that barn".

So I hung myself and my $1000 camera out the window while he was driving 70+mph to get this shot for him. Pretty neat old barn don't you think? I thought I'd give you little clues to the stops along the way. Isn't this little bakery cute? Sun-n-Buns. Adorable name. We got here around 4:00 in the afternoon and didn't get any nibbles at the Sun-n-Buns, maybe tomorrow morning we can get some espresso for the Italian man. The marina here is so quaint, small and intimate, quiet this time of year. We walked around the shops and admired all the boats. They all had that crusty wear on them. Years at sea. There were fishermen coming in with boats full of clams. We went to a great restaurant on the water to watch the sunset and eat some fish tacos and calamari. Delicious! Very romantic. I highly recommend this little town. Any guesses yet? Well here is your one last clue. It should give it away.....

Morro Bay!

This was taken after the sun went down behind the Rock and the clouds started rolling in. If you've never been to this darling little town I would recommend you put it on your list of places to sea!

We're off today for more of our adventure. Be back soon with more pics! Have a great day.