Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas Is In The Air


I am off to visit the girls in Connecticut tomorrow!
Each year my special friend Paula opens her heart and home 
 and we spend a day or two together.


This is such a treat for me as Paula's home is magical...
...and especially so at Christmas time!
click here to see snaps of last year!
For me...this visit truly marks the beginning of the season
 and makes my Christmas special.

Besides laughing and chatting nonstop...
 we visit some of our favorite shops in the area for inspiration 
and holiday shopping.

First we will visit our friend, 
 and see her shop all set up as a Christmas wonderland.


I can't wait to see her displays this year!
click here for last year's pics.
And....of course I can't wait to see her and George too!

Next, we will visit Deanna in her shop Gather in Ivoryton.


Deanna's shop is always decorated in a big way
 and full of interesting and eclectic gifts and antiques.
I always find something special.
  In fact, the first picture above
 is of one of the vintage pink ornaments
 I found at Gather last year.


We plan to make the trip to Taken For Granite
in Stony Creek.
  Talk about spectacular displays!

 Do you remember last year's post?


Hopefully we will have time to get to Chester to visit
Dina Varano's wonderful jewelry store
 and Fran's shop The Red Pepper...

which is always full of the most unique and beautiful clothes.

Of course, I will bring my camera
 and take lots of pictures to share with you!

Can you tell I am excited?
:)

at

29 comments:

  1. My Shabby Streamside StudioNovember 30, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Pretty shops!
    Having a giveaway Laura - stop by & happy holidays!
    xo
    Sandy

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  2. Vintage GalNovember 30, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    Oh this sounds like such fun ~ have a WONDERFUL time ;-)

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  3. AmandaNovember 30, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Lovely photos! Have a wonderful trip! Sounds like my kind of a girl's getaway!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  4. CarolNovember 30, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Have a wonderful time. I can't wait to hear all about your New England Christmas.

    Smiles,

    Carol

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  5. psychonautNovember 30, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Sounds like so much fun. My husband and I went to Paula's tag sale in the summer and had such a great time wandering around the yard looking at all the cool stuff. Paula was so sweet to us and even invited me in to see her house. Thanks for sending us to her-it was a very special day. I have been to Gather and also Nest in Mystic, next up is Carol's place. Can't wait to see her Christmas goodies. Happy Holidays! Karen from CT

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  6. Simple HomeNovember 30, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Have fun and take lots of photos to share :)
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  7. Cottage and BroomeDecember 1, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Love the winter women! Laura

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  8. wmv media playerDecember 1, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    Great photos!Hope you had great time, sharing all the pictures with us!

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  9. Boxwood CottageDecember 1, 2011 at 1:53 AM

    Oh Laura just like last year I'd so love to come with you on this magical trip! Meeting you and Carole and Evi (hope she can make it this year) and your friend Paula! I literally fainted last year when I saw Paula's gorgeous home so over the top beautifully decorated! I remember each of the inspiring photos you took there and can't wait to see what she's done for this season.
    Have a safe and happy trip!
    xoxo~ Carola

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  10. AnonymousDecember 1, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    How lucky you are Laura!! I'm not in to the feeling for Chriastmas yet, but this post help! anjoy your treasure hunting!!! W. the Antiques Lovers

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  11. Anne LorysDecember 1, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    You have some super talented friends, Laura!
    Ahhhh well, birds of a feather. :-)

    XOXO,
    Anne

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  12. imsteelefullofscrapDecember 1, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    Looks just beautiful I love the idea of making a pine dress

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  13. trash talkDecember 1, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    The manni display is still one of my all time favorites...perfection.
    I envy you getting to visit with friends while eyeballin' all the talent on display. I especially envy you getting to visit Carole's shop. That one is on my list!
    Deb

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  14. DortheDecember 1, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Oh Laura, you are a lucky girl :)
    Being able to see, all those fantastic places, must be a dream- and visiting your friends and their fabolous decorated homes- like Evi`s and Paula`s. I wish you a wonderful tour, and can`t wait to see your photoes.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  15. Tina@WhatWeKeepDecember 1, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Wow, would I like to come along with you!
    have a wonderful time. : )
    Tina

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  16. JuneDecember 1, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Oh I remember these pictures you showed us of Paula's gorgeous home last year Laura. I LOVED it!
    You are soooo lucky to be able to go see Carole's shop in person. I love that girl!!! I can't wait to see the pics you come home with this year.
    hugs from here...

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  17. JamieDecember 1, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    I'm feeling the holiday spirit after seeing this. Beautiful

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  18. SueBeeDecember 1, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    How fun Laura! I enjoy being with my good friends, especially ones that get me..
    Have fun and I can't wait to see your pictures!

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  19. ArabellaDecember 1, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    How exciting - hope you have a fabulous time. Feel free to share your Christmas post at our Christmas linky party this month.

    Happy December! :O)
    - Marie

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  20. CandyleiDecember 2, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    I am excited just reading about all of the fun inspirational stops you'll be making. Please take lots of pics!

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  21. www.MaisonStGermain.comDecember 2, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Sounds like lots of FUN!!!! Can't wait to see pics.
    ~Debra xxx
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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  22. Frøken AnkerDecember 2, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Hey - I'm new kid on your blog. And what a wonderful blog, you have.
    The angel is just amazing.

    I hope, you will have some wonderful december-days

    X Birgitte (Denmark)

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  23. Sandi~A Cottage MuseDecember 2, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    Ok...another year and I'm afraid I won't be able to get to CT...so close yet so far away! Never enough time. I'm counting on you to share some beauty when you return!

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  24. karen - Simply InspiredDecember 2, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    such a wonderful season's greeting! thank you, and have a truly magical time! -xok.

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  25. le ciel flamandDecember 3, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    This sounds like having a lot of fun together! I can't wait to see your inspiring pictures...

    Hugs,
    Annelies

    PS Could you please tell me how you get your pictures uploaded this large? I've been searching longtime already and I haven't found out yet how to do it... Thanks!

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  26. Lilla BlankaDecember 4, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Hi dearest Laura!

    Oh it sounds like so much fun!!!

    Beautiful photos ♥

    Wishing you a lovely evening!
    xoxo
    Mia

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  27. BohemianDecember 4, 2011 at 9:41 PM

    Thank you for taking us on a Grand Tour of the Beautiful Shops of your Friends... I Love browsing Enchanting places such as these!

    Christmas Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  28. CindyDecember 5, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    This sounds like so much fun! I can't wait to se the pictures! Have fun!

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  29. TheSaltedAvocadoDecember 5, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    These pictures are beautiful. :) Thank you for sharing. I look forward to seeing more!
    ~S. Pick

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