flea market finds

Kendall and I hit the flea market a little early this weekend. Normally, we go on Sunday--this time we went on Saturday. I've once again confirmed that I prefer Sundays. I don't enjoy the crowds. Some die-hard flea market addicts don't understand how I can wait a moment past the opening of the gates on Friday afternoon, but believe me--I do just fine.

Here are some of the vendors I enjoy to visit.

This is Scott talking with Kendall. We always enjoy chatting with Scott. He's got a great eye and I enjoy his displays, too. I usually buy from Scott--typically for myself, not the shops.

I don't think I've ever purchased from this vendor, but I ALWAYS look. She has stuff for the true collectors--people who know what they're looking for and know what they're looking at. (Two things I've never claimed to attempt.) Her displays are always attractive and eye-catching. This month her focus was on childhood memories and summer fun.







Here's what I brought home:

This pussy willow decorated cake tin will be the perfect protector of my carrot cake!

Tablecloths are always catching my eye. They'll be at ARTifacts.

Soon to be dresses, these pillowcases were darling.

I thought these garden candle stakes made from table legs were terribly clever and irresis-"table." Haven't decided, but I think they're for my garden, but I may break-down and take them to the shop. (I'll remove the raffia bows--or at least reduce their volume!)

My own letter organizer--I've already put several in ARTifacts.

Vintage aprons--a personal favorite--I wear them around the shop and home. Pockets are a must . . . unless it's just too darn cute to pass-up. These were line-dried, starched and pressed! They're in near perfect condition. (They'll be in ARTifacts.)

Do you have some favorite flea market haunts? Is anyone going to try the 400 mile yard sale?

Thanks for your indulgence.

a calming influence

Working a new window. A new look. Naturally, it's a blend of old and new--that's what we do.

We're going with a neutral theme, taupes in grays and browns.

We were inspired by this web site and others like it.

It's very calming.

Thanks for your indulgence.

here's an idea

Just wanted to share this idea with you. I found these incredibly inexpensive dishtowels at Ikea, but I'm sure you can find something similar at your local dollar-ish store.

I'm pretty rabid about using cloth napkins. I'd love to say it's an environment thing--which it sort of is/was way back when I started, but now it's just because I love having them on the table. Everyone thinks a special event when you use cloth napkins

So, when Kendall and I made a mad dash through Ikea after the March market and I spotted these, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them . . . use them as napkins. I brought them back to Clarksville and had them embroidered with the numbers 1 - 20. Not only does it look kinda cool, but our guests will be able to relocate their napkin

after returning to the buffet for seconds.

The best part is their generous, lap-covering size!

We're moving into those outdoor entertaining months. Do you have any al fresco dining traditions or ideas you'd like to share?

Thanks for your indulgence.

mirror, mirror

on the wall and on the floor and behind the desk . . .

i have an minor mirror obsession. a friend once told me it was a vanity issue--ooh! Ouch!

i like to think it's because i love what they do for a room. i especially love the old mirrors, the ones that are losing the silvered backing. everyone looks beautiful in an old mirror.

here's a look around the shop at a few of the mirrors i've gathered--a few of them came with the shop.

this is my favorite--not because of how it looks, but because of where it is. It's located behind the front desk and I love to watch people watching themselves in it. Some folks never even meet my eye, because they're so busy looking deep into their own . . .

(this one came with the shop).

this mirror is attached to a low dresser--it's huge and i love it--the silvering is chippy and wonderful. the wreath accentuates the mottled quality of the mirror.

this is a large wall mirror. it would look great above a mantel.

this is a huge mirror with a gilded frame.

one of the very few new mirrors you'll find in hodgepodge--it's amazing!

this mirror was already attached to the wall--we just added the shelves.

this is a little mirror, attached to a chifferobe that i've fashioned into a display case.

this one hasn't found it's way to a wall. i imagine it on the wall of our renovated bathroom--problem is, i have no immediate plans to renovate the bathroom. not that i shouldn't have immediate plans, because i should. oh well, for now it reflects shoes and curious little ones who have the lubricated joints which allow them to squat down and take a gander at themselves and pop-right-back-up . . . like daisies.

there are many more mirrors throughout the shop--available for your consideration.

as i said earlier, they serve many purposes--the obvious reflection of our images, but then there's the not so obvious reflection of light, favorable views or objects. Of course, there's the illusion of depth or more space. so, there you have it, the numerous reasons you should consider mirrors when you're considering your decor.

You can also consider them when you need a self-portrait!

Thanks for your indulgence!

Mint Juleps for Mama

This is our Second Annual Mint Juleps for Mama Event.

Join us Thursday night from 6 - 8 PM for refreshments, storewide discounts and some good ol' fashioned retail therapy!

Some reasons to join us:

You'll enjoy 25% off of all of these items and more. Now's the chance to get yourself something you really wanted for Mother's Day!

Thanks for your indulgence!

And now . . . the local news.

Stuff that's going on and you should know about it:

HONK, a musical retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story "The Ugly Duckling," plays this Saturday, May 9, at 2pm and on May 16 and 23 at 2pm, and we are reinstating our "grandparents' matinees," which will be at 6pm on May 20, 21 and 22 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Tickets and more information can be obtained through the Roxy Regional Theatre website at http://www.vendini.com/e/rd.php?id=9820928&cid=10345&u=http://www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, or by calling the box office at (931) 645-7699 (9am-2pm, weekdays).

ArtWalk is Thursday Night

How Do They Do That? Extravaganza!

You won't want to miss this crafting event--it'll be like none that you've experienced before. You'll learn new skills, you'll meet new people, you'll find new inspiration. You'll be sorry if you don't make it! Pre-registration is required, so follow the above link to reserve you space now!





As always, thanks for your indulgence!