Shopping and inspiration: Antiques in Hancock, MD

On the drive back from a weekend in Cleveland, I got the urge to stop along the way and do a little antiquing...and found some great stuff at Hancock Antique Mall in Hancock, MD.

My favorite spot was definitely the Lill booth--the owner had set it up super cute, with all kinds of teapots and china and glass trays and lovely tea things. I also considered getting a shabby chic sort of carved wood frame mirror but it looked like it needed some repair...and there were some pink goblets to match the bird bowl that I wish I had picked up too. Might require a return trip!

 

From top:

Dep pink bowl with birds on side: Lill

Popegosser china dessert plates: Lill

Kentucky Cardinal apples sign: Lois

Nippon handpainted dip plate: Lill

Blue marble trinket box (with cockatiels on it!!!): Lill

Vintage hankies: Lill

Micro floral tapestry vintage pin: Val

Metal coaster set: Lill

Car coasters: Lill

Omg I was SO excited to find the cockatiel box especially. I happened to go back to the Lill booth after my round of the entire antique mall...I was really looking for vintage hankies and teacups so I overlooked it on the shelf somehow the first time! This is definitely my favorite new piece.

In other news, welcome to fall! I was half-surprised to see the leaves on the sidewalk yesterday, even though the weather is getting noticeably cooler.

 

 

Might be time for a road trip to enjoy all the pretty fall leaves :) Or more apple picking!

Tea time (and Happy Benito Juarez Day Observed!)

On Friday, Brie and I both took off work to enjoy an afternoon tea (at Sweet Simplici-Tea in Sykesville) and some shopping. Well, actually we had been meaning to do this since March. There's a story to go with it...

Several years ago (probably 2006?) when Brie and I used to work together, we were supposed to go to one of those multi-day offsite regional work meetings that make you want to stab yourself in the eye. We were seriously dreading it and trying to think of reasons to say we couldn't go, so we looked up the date of the meeting on the calendar with the idea that we'd find some obscure holiday we just HAD to be away to celebrate. The only thing on March 21 was Benito Juarez Day. Neither of us had ever heard of Benito Juarez (turns out he is a former Mexican president) but it sounded good!

We ended up still going to the dang meeting, but every year Brie reminds me when Benito Juarez Day comes around in March...so this year we wanted to actually take the day off and amuse ourselves. And then I was in Europe for most of March so we rescheduled it for May 3. Now I just googled Benito Juarez Day and was stunned to see that someone else must have had the SAME IDEA!

In any case, tea was lovely. The most awkward part this time (usually something really awkward happens) was just me stupidly burning the crap out of my tongue drinking the tea as soon as it was poured.

  

 

The scones and quiche were friggin awesome! After tea, we enjoyed some shopping on Main Street in Sykesville at Alexandra's Attic and A La Mode Boutique...and later we somehow ended up buying shoes at DSW (because you always need more shoes). All in all, a fun day!

 

 

Happy Benito Juarez Day to you too!

Shopping and inspiration: Tea at Strathmore

Just before Christmas, my friend Brie and I went to the Strathmore Mansion in Bethesda for afternoon tea. We've started a tradition of going to a fancy tea once a month. I love seeing how the tables are set up all pretty for tea, and trying interesting (sometimes weird and gross!) tea sandwiches and pastries.

 

This tea had some delicious raisin scones, and tasty little veggie curry half-moons. Most of the other sandwiches were a bit too weird for me, but the tea itself was pretty good. Unfortunately, they don't give you a tea menu to choose from so we only got to try the one kind of tea.

The mansion itself is beautiful and had two great art shows up--Grayscale and the 79th Annual Fine Art in Miniature exhibition. I spent some time checking out the exhibitions, exploring the mansion, and of course, enjoying the wonderful gift shop!

 

 

 

Some fantastic shopping finds from the Strathmore gift shop!
Faux fur scarf: Dana Herbert. Blue-gray "Vienna in Teal" velour scarf: Powder. Book of labels: Galison. "I love not camping" and "Guess where I'm tattooed" emery board sets: Anne Taintor. Bird and flower stud earrings: Far Fetched. Lotus square earrings: Jo La Collage.

Shopping and inspiration: New Orleans, LA

A few weeks ago I was in New Orleans for a dance competition and got to spend a few lovely afternoons browsing shops in the French Quarter. Ok, maybe I did more than browse...but look at how pretty everything is!

Birds painting by Kelly Magee: Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op.

Red Victorian boot by 67: Shoe Be Do. (This store is soooo fabulous! They stock really unique European shoes.)
Brown Victorian "Tapenade" boot, tan "Caricature" Mary Jane, brown "Aristocrat" oxford, Aerosoles.
Lace doilies, placemat, table runner, napkins, coasters: Rendezvous Linens and Lace.
Vintage earrings, cuff bracelet, and bird necklace: Rendezvous Linens and Lace.

Also in this picture is my first-place medal for Ladies 8-Hand Ceili from the 2012 Southern Region Oireachtas! Yay!

If I'd had more time in New Orleans I probably would have done even more damage. I'm sure I spent at least an hour in the linens and lace store--they had all kinds of awesome jewelry and treasures!

 

Just a few pics below from our meanderings around town. I did find time to eat a delicious Po' boy, check out the flea market, see street performers by Jackson Square, and stroll along the river watching the steamboats. I also discovered that food options are a little limited in New Orleans if you don't eat seafood! One night I had grilled cheese at a restaurant...and I will admit I ate Popeyes (or "Pope Yes" as my brother calls it) for lunch in a pinch.

 

 

 

 

 

Great times with my dance friends (not to mention our win!), good food, and awesome shopping--all in all, a great weekend in NOLA!

Shopping inspiration: Frederick, MD

A few weekends ago Brie and I spent the afternoon shopping in Frederick, browsing all the cute little boutiques...and getting caught in a downpour.  Even though we got soaked, we managed to pick up a few cool things.

Bird necklace and all earrings: Simply Beautiful Boutique.
Metal birds ringholder and Little Miss Austen Pride & Prejudice picture book: Retro Metro.
Vintage embroidered handkerchiefs: Tiara Day.
Leaf necklace: Alicia L. Boutique.
Bird greeting card (outside reads: I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't found you, my love. Inside reads: But I'm betting there'd be a lot less farting.): Simply Beautiful Boutique.

Also worth checking out in Frederick:

• Treat yourself to some delicious authentic gelato at Juliet's Italian Market and Cafe!
• Shop at The Muse for handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
• Stop for lunch and get a tasty pretzel pizza at Pretzel and Pizza Creations.
• Head over to the family-owned MDL Holiday Cinemas to finish your day with a cheap movie! 

What a great way to spend a day! :)

Now at Love and Glitter!

Hooray! My accessories are now available for sale at Love and Glitter on Main Street in historic Ellicott City.   It's a great place to start some of your holiday shopping and find unique, handmade gifts.

Some of the pieces for sale there include my felt leaf coasters, decoupage frames, owl pins, flower barrettes, felt purses, and floral cuff bracelets. Please make sure to stop by and check out all of the cool handmade stuff in this lovely shop!

While I was there, I bought a couple of these fabulous pendants...and they have a variety of necklace chains and ribbons to pick from. What fun!

Shopping and inspiration from New Mexico

A few weeks ago I was visiting Albuquerque and had a great time relaxing, visiting birdfriends at the zoo, eating, and of course a bit of shopping! 

We spent an afternoon strolling Canyon Road in Santa Fe and checking out all the cool galleries...my favorites?

• Brigitte Bruggemann's gorgeous flowery abstract paintings at Mill Fine Art
• Jim McLain's turned wood vessels
• Robert Highsmith's photorealist watercolors at Marigold Arts

I also bought these fabulous vintage parrot (I think they are rosellas?) candlesticks at Canyon Road Flowers.

We also stopped in Night & Day, one of my favorite bedding and bath shops--and I could not resist buying this framed bird illustration:
 

 
There were also some luxury custom sheets by Bonjour of Switzerland that I fell in love with, but those will have to wait as they generally run $1000 for a set! 
 

We had a delicious lunch at Bumble Bee (I loooove their quesadillas!) and then took a look through Santa Fe Greenhouses.

Inside they have lots of cool garden stuff and even some kitchen goodies...coasters, dishes, etc.

 

Gardening gloves in every color! 

I don't know why, but seed packets make me happy.

And Vinsy, this photo is for you! Heron legs!!!

Some of my other favorite places in Albuquerque:

Hey Jhonny: a small and exceptionally beautiful shop with fantastic, unique home decor and accessories

Jackalope: a giant warehouse of eclectic furniture, accessories, home and garden decor, pottery, etc.

Flying Star: stop in one of their many locations for delicious baked goods, lunches, or breakfast all day....mmmm.

Hanayagi--The Japanese Garden Shop: awesome Japanese art and other unique finds make this tiny shop well worth the visit!
Bookworks: independent bookstore with a great selection of craft books, funny magnets, and other cool gifts!