Since I'm always so busy with the shop I rarely have the time to decorate my home. So here is the extent of my Halloween Decor. A trio a pumpkins sitting on a bench....ta da!!! No applause, please. I know...it's pathetic. You'd expect more from the "uber-decorator".
Here's Poopsie, who is equally busy with his own metal fabricating business to come up with a complicated Halloween costume:
If you've been to my shop you may have noticed that I play alot of Michael Buble. I've noticed when Michael is playing on the stereo the mood in the shop is a happy one. No one can resist his breezy, swaggering way with not only modern pop tunes but jazz standards as well. His universal appeal to all age groups is surely undeniable.
Where else but on this very blog can you get a prize...and it's not even your birthday! The end of the month is rapidly approaching and you know what that means! One of our lucky followers (chosen at random) will receive a prize and a second individual will receive a prize for leaving the most comments. It's a tight race this month in the comment category. Linda and Robin are running neck and neck. Who will the winner be...? The suspense could kill me!
I wish I had a dollar for every time a customer in my shop would say to me, "Your'e so lucky to have your own shop. I've always wanted my own shop. I'll bet you have so much fun!"
This morning Poopsie and I hit an estate sale in the Olympus Cove area, a wealthy neighborhood in the foothills of Salt Lake City. The ad promised beautiful antiques, artwork, china, linens and pottery. After arriving and quickly perusing the house, I headed for the garage because from experience, I've learned this is where they keep the "good" stuff. I was not dissapointed. I spotted this ancient workbench in the corner. Of course Poopsie's response was his usual, "What do you want with that old piece of crap?" Oh Poopsie! You'd think he'd know better by now. "This is the coolest thing here!" I exclaimed.
I think you'd agree , it's a beauty. The old wood, with it's beautifully worn surface. The peeling paint, the sturdy lines. It's breathtaking!
I haven't decided if I'll sell it with the old vice attached, though. I may already have enough vices!
Don't all you parents out there love FaceBook? It enables you to stalk your children when they have moved out and are away at college. Emily's roomate posted theses photos on FB of the coeds frolicking in the Pumpkin Patch. I much prefer these wholesome photos to some of the other disturbing images I've seen of her college dorm shenanigans!
A friend sent me info on a shop in Japan called, "Pass the Baton". They sell previously owned items but with a twist. All merchandise in the shop features a photo and bio of the previous owners. It's an attractive concept for retail. The strong story element adds value for potential buyers while expanding the relevance of the second-hand experience as well.
Here is the concept, as explained by "Pass the Baton":
As all good decorators know, every room needs a touch of black. Being the thrifty gal that I am, the Big Lots discount store is one of my favorite places for a bargain. They offer a line of discontinued merchandise from Pier One Imports at 70% off the retail price. I picked up this fabulous carved wooden cross for a mere $10 this week. My living room now has a touch of black.
I've always been partial to the color green. Lately I've been noticing an old favorite, Kelly Green, popping up everywhere. When paired with a sunny shade of yellow it's a knock out combination of shades with a fun retro vibe.
Remember these cheerful cups from the Seventies, Remember the Seventies?
A shopping tote made of vintage fabric. Go green!
Nothing lifts your mood like this happy color! A great way to face the long winter months ahead is to surround yourself with warm, sunny colors.
And who could resist this funky green pekinese?
If you are not a fan of bright shades but love the green/yellow combo check out this pretty vintage plate.
A daisy vase will add a right spot to any room.
A vintage bug killing device.
Here's a fun vintage blanket made of cotton so it's washable and not scratchy like some vintage wool blankets can be.
And finally a vintage wall phone. I'm fascinated by the fact that these old phones still work. What other 40 year old device that you know of is still in working order? They just don't make them like this anymore.
