I'm back!

(a sigh of relief)

Up for a photo montage?

Thank you for visiting!

A sneak peek:

Here are a few photos of what is heading to the Holiday Family Festival this weekend:

I am trying to stick to a very vintage feel as the general crafters in our area don't usually mix old and new. The show is a bit of a gamble for me I could be the sore thumb sticking out or the booth with something fun, funky and fresh. We shall see!

I have to admit the show carries much less pressure than the day to day shop operations, however I did realize that despite my efforts I can not do it all... I am focusing on the show for now, then I have 2 weeks to focus on the shop to prepare for the Holiday Open House weekend then I can shift gears and concentrate on my family holiday.

Keepin' those creative juices a flowin'

xxx ooo,

Erica

A treat for myself!

This is the cutest little bag ever!!! I adore vintage velvet, in case you were wondering.
It was hand crafted by my friend Maureen, she has a totally cool shop in a neighboring town and the best stash of vintage textiles you have ever seen!

you can check her out at:

http://www.thoroughbreadthreads.com

Did you ever carry a bag that makes you feel pretty?

Oddly enough sometimes that's all it takes!

A few goodies; fun tags and lucky numbers!

This sign is made out of an old door molding:

(it is sparkly, but hard to see in the photo)

This is the chair and table from the previous post lightened up a bit!

Alive and Kickin'

or at least I think so...

In my infinite wisdom, I signed on for a 2 day show the weekend before Thanksgiving, still continue to work a big girl job in the mornings before opening the shop and am switching out Halloween/fall for the full on holiday experience...

I am weary, a tad bit grouchy, and constantly questioning, "What in the world am I doing?" "Is this worth it?"

If you are a voice of reason and would like to send a little advice my way, I would gladly accept it!

In the mean time a few photos of what's new:

A good stash of sparkle and a few furniture pieces.

I forgot to get an after of the little 3 drawer dresser, it was white shabby and sold quickly!

Before and After

You may remember:

Now: with a little make-over magic:

Fabby/shabby goodness!

Just Arrived:

These are the most lovable bears made from vintage findings! They are created by Ronda Powell, she lives about 2 hours south of us in Pennsylvania. A few weeks back she was on a shopping weekend with a friend and happened in, isn't it amazing how kindred spirits find one another? A great conversation, a few emails, a couple of photos and voila!

She has graciously allowed me to name them, so I thought tags of vintage little girls and fun old fashioned names would be fitting.

Lola, Ophelia, Ruthy, Gittel, Mitzy and Caroline are waiting patiently for new homes, that is if I can "bear" to part with them...

I love the first snowfall!

So,

Waking up, yesterday to this was a special Birthday treat:

My next special treat of the day was delivered by my very, very special friend, September, a pumpkin latte (yum! my fav!) and a little jewel that caught our eye a few weeks back

Threw in a little junkin'

Went to dinner with 5 gal pals at my favorite Restaurant. Was graced at the end of dinner by a delightfully large almond amaretto cake that we were thinking was way too generous of this restaurant to provide, however my Mom and Dad snuck in before we got there picked it out, paid for it and had it delivered at the end of our meal, sweet huh?

And ended the evening snuggling with my husband and son who gave me a gift card for the mall to buy all the things I need but hate to spend money on...

I am so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life...

I could not have asked for a better day!

Thank you to all that came out for:

"Moonlight and Magic"

This was my first 4 day open house, despite the fact my OONTHEJS was in overdrive, I loved every minute of it!!!

{**OONTHEJS-overly obsessive need to have everything just so.}

{as a medical professional I have been an advocate of this diagnosis for years, remember friends you heard it here first!!!}

Anyway:

All heading to the shop for the open house. Remember the buffet/credenza type thingy... this is it, in all its pretty shabby glory!

This is Melanie from Sugarhill Farm, she has wonderful essential oils, vinegars, creams, bath salts and much much more, not to mention she is a total cutie pie.

You can check her out at: http://www.sugarhillfarmonline.com/

This funky, fashionable hat ends up on every fun loving chick's head! What is it about pink flowers?

And don't think for a minute that I didn't get up at the crack of dark Saturday morning to search for goodies that I couldn't possibly live without:

Jack pot!!!*8* French books!!!

A pile of over 25 matching doilies.

Some groovy vintage purses.

An awesome blue enamel tub, sweet green vintage wicker hamper, cool rose waste can, another (I know what you are thinking) covered cake plate, the sweetest pink and blue vintage quilt, and a tapestry pillow.

BUT, the most interesting was this:

An antique wine shipping crate from Portugal 1941...<>