Gather in Ivoryton and Taken For Granite in Stony Creek

One of the things I fell in love with when we went into

 Gather in Ivoryton

 was this sweet and simple little blue and white cup with a paperwhite bulb and a gorgeous blue ribbon tied to the handle.

  That was the first of several  gifts I found at

 Deanna's wonderful shop! 

This "so much fun to go to" shop is filled with new gift items,

 handmade things, children's gifts, books, delicious chocolates, yummy caramels, greeting cards,

 antique consignments and her own flea market finds.

 Truly something for everyone....and a lot for Laura! :)

Do you see those very pale pink...

...very fragile antique ornaments on the second tier of the stand?

They're now mine!

  I will show you what I did with them later on in the week :)

This is just a tease of all the goodness to be found here...

...if you are anywhere in the area you really should get to

Gather.

The inventory is always changing and there is so much to see!

Next, we drove to Stony Creek, a charming  picturesque Connecticut town on the shorefront of the Long Island Sound

We were excited to be on our way to shop and be inspired at

Taken For Granite.

Just look at this!

To get a closer peek, click to enlarge...then zoom in.

Michelle, the owner of this incredible shop has an amazing eye for both selecting and displaying lovely gifts, home goods, jewelry, interesting and beautiful clothing, flowers and eclectic antiques.

...and of course there are always plenty of seashells and beach themed items in this shop by the water.

I offered to tag along with Michelle on her 

European antique buying trips...

...told her I would blog for her from the road...

She laughed and agreed that it sounded fun.

Do you think she knew I was serious?

This unusual and beautiful mirror caught my eye.

This jewelry display was too cool!

Paula and I loved this piece...

...filled with candles and ivy... for indoors or out!

  

Everywhere you look...

...there is something beautiful and inspirational to see.

 Don't you just love the skirt on this table?

Sigh...

Do you see why Taken For Granite

 is a must do when I come to visit the girls?

Of course, I found the perfect gift for a special friend.

Isn't this the most beautiful gift wrap?

Every detail....perfection!

We're not done yet!

Tomorrow, I will share with you our trip to Chester where we visited Dina Varano...

...a longtime favorite boutique filled with Dina's exquisite jewelry,

 art pieces and an eclectic array of unusual gifts.

Are you getting tired yet?

Shop 'til you drop!

or so they say... 

:)

Thank you for all your kind comments on Paula's beautiful home and

 Carole's Christmas shop at Maynard Greenhouse.

I will try to show more pictures as requested after I finish sharing photos

 of the other shops we visited on Friday.

  Golly! We sure did a lot in one day!

:)