52 FLEA

Thursday Random Ramblings

2012-01-26T19:51:00.000-05:00

You asked to see what I bought at Renningers...

just this....and only this little clock face.

Remember...I was with Dad

and we were only there an hour and a half.

But we had fun...

...and we were together.

I plan to come to the February Extravaganza alone if I can borrow a car!

This small compote is a family piece.

I love it...

...and took it out for a little photo shoot.

This little sterling tray is another family piece.

I put it on the dresser in the guest room and filled it with the silver and turquoise pieces of jewelry I brought with me.

I know, it needs polishing!

The chunky turquoise bracelet was made by the famous

Debi Lynn

I was lucky enough to win it several years ago

in one of her fantastic giveaways.

Perfect to wear and also display in this season of hearts.

Thanks to all of your great comments on the Renninger's post.

I really wish you all could have been with me...

...boy would that have been fun!

Next month, I plan to stay longer...

...much longer!

The Brighton heart was given to me by my little sister MaryBeth.

The silver locket was Mom's.

I have been having a fair amount of success at the church sales and thrift stores in the area and will share my finds soon!

Oh...and I would like to say...

Hello and welcome to new followers and readers!

I am so happy you found me

and look forward to getting to know you better.

And, yes sister Lynn...

...this is one of your linen napkins.

...a gorgeous, French, over-sized, slate blue linen serviette from the set that I bought for you

from Corey Amaro's wonderful online Tongue in Cheek brocante shop.

I'm just borrowing it since you are not here in Florida!

And to all my other friends...

Hope the weekend ahead finds YOU

feeling fine and having fun!

Renningers Extravaganza - Quick!

2012-01-22T22:05:00.003-05:00

We spent a quick hour and a half

at Renningers Extravaganza in Mount Dora Saturday.

Please enjoy these photos of things I spied

in that short amount of time!

Becky from One Shabby Old House

While Dad and I were enjoying the Florida sunshine...

...poor Mr. Flea was shoveling snow in New York.

Well, at least he can ski now!

Hope you enjoyed this long post of our quick tour...

...did you see anything you might have wanted to bring home?

White Button Heart

2012-01-20T23:15:00.001-05:00

Today was a fun day.

It was warm and sunny...not a cloud in the sky!

Dad and I went to a church sale

where we found a few interesting things...

...to be shared once I have a chance to take pics.

Tomorrow we are headed to Renningers

to the Antique Extravaganza...

...and then to a store nearby

that sells all the materials for making dollhouses.

My Dad makes the most wonderful dollhouses

and he is working on a doozy of one right now!

Photos to be shared in a later post as well.

Now...need some sleep so I can get up early for Renningers!

Hope you all have good things

planned for the weekend!

As always, I thank you all for your kind comments.

Recently, there has been a lot of spam coming through so I have temporarily removed the option to comment Anonymously

.Sorry to those of you who use this option. Hopefully it can be restored soon.

Have Fun and Be Safe!

Pillow Talk

2012-01-19T12:19:00.000-05:00

What do these pillows say?

They say I am loved.

Sister Lynn found these while out and about

and when I arrived at Dad's house in Florida...

There they were...

...waiting for me in my bedroom.

...And then there was this too!

A vintage heavy wooden shoe last

that Mr. Flea's parents found at Goodwill for me!

And look at this....

...a number impressed on the side...

5234!

Beside my special number 52...

...a 34...

which just happens to have been my all time favorite age (so far).

At 34, I had finally had my two babies...

and it had taken us so very,very long to start our family.

Dan was 3 and Kate was 1 at that point.

And I was very, very happy!

...and we were both still slim!

Do you have any particular age that you remember

as being spectacular?

I know, I know...

"What is the best age to be?"

The age you are!

What was YOUR favorite age?

...so far!

Perhaps, the best is yet to come!

Leaving On A Jet Plane

2012-01-16T23:12:00.001-05:00

Last week we took a drive up to the lake house.

It was cold...

...very, very cold.

It was gray.

In Florida...it is blue...

...and the prettiest shade of blue green.

Oh my bags are packed...

I'm ready to go...

(I think I feel a song coming on...)

Tomorrow I am going to visit my Dad!

Mr. Flea is reluctantly letting me go.

I will miss you Mr. Flea.

So kiss me and smile for me,

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go.

I'm leaving on a jet plane,

Don't know when I'll be back again.

Oh, Babe...I wanna go!

Remember that song?

Hey, he could come if he wants!

He wants to ski!

Warm Wishes

2012-01-15T20:28:00.001-05:00

It's 18 degrees outside right now...

...feels like 9.

I'm in my flannel jammies tucked in bed

waiting for Downton Abbey to come on.

Warm Wishes to You!

...or at least some chocolate!

No need to feel sorry for me...

...as I am fortunate to be flying to sunny and hopefully warm

Florida to visit Dad on Tuesday!

Looking forward to a good long visit with Dad,

Mr. Flea's Mom and Dad and sister Lynn!

Did someone say...Florida flea market?

I'm suddenly feeling warm again!

I Heart You All

2012-01-13T22:35:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for all those comments!

My goodness!

I guess that Vagabond canvas purse is pretty fab...

Is it too late to change my mind?

Just kidding...

It deserves to be used!

Before I tell you who the lucky randomly selected winner is...

I wanted to share this sweet, antique pin cushion

that I found in Essex, CT a few weeks ago.

At the time, I thought it would make a wonderful gift

for several different people on my list.

The more I looked at it...the more I loved it!

So I decided to keep it for myself...

...at least for a while.

(Shame on me!)

I love blogging for many different reasons...

One of the best is the friendships that have developed

through sharing our love for beautiful vintage things.

To all of YOU...

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

And the randomly selected winner of the 800th Post Give-Back

Susie of From My Home To Yours

Congratulations!

The weekend is here...

I hope everyone has a good one!

800th Post, Anniversary Give Away

2012-01-11T17:49:00.003-05:00

The only thing wrong with this purse is...

...it should say No. 52!

But I guess that's a matter of opinion!

Anyway I love the look of this bag.

I bought it at Pretty Funny Vintage over a year ago.

The only problem is...

I don't use it!

I 've been using the same little, leather, cross body strap bag

that I bought on sale at Anthro 4 years ago.

I use this same little purse every single day!

(so boring)

I no longer switch out with my other purses.

I guess it's because I am not going to the office any longer

and my little Anthro purse is a hands free wonder with a nifty

pocket for my point and shoot camera and cell phone.

And, I'm lazy.

It goes well with my jeans and sweater uniform.

It's small and light and the perfect bag to take to flea markets.

And, I'm lazy.

So this very cool bag sits in my closet unused.

What does this have to do with you?

What does this have to do with my 800th post?

...or the fact that tomorrow is the happy anniversary

of the wedding of Mr. Flea and me?

Well,

Here is my idea.

To celebrate 800 posts

and Mr. Flea and me...

I will fill this awesome Vagabond purse with vintage treasures

and send it to one random and very lucky winner!

You may ask, "what will she put inside?"

The answer is ... it depends on who the winner is.

If she likes vintage sewing things or art supplies

or ephemera or...well, you get the idea!

I will search through my vintage treasures

and tailor the contents to the winner's interests.

What do you think?

If you would like a chance to win this purse, filled to the brim

with, well...stuff from my stash of vintage goodness...

just leave a quick comment on this post.

Let me know what your vintage loves are!

As always...you don't have to be a follower to enter ...

But, if you are...you get two chances.

For three chances...spread the word.

This Give Back is open to everyone...

no matter where in the world you live!

The winner will be picked at 10 pm (New York time)

on Friday, January 13th.

Yes, that's Friday the 13th!

Will that be your lucky day?

Thank you to everyone who stops by...

Thank you to all those who follow along...

and to all those who take the time to leave

comments and kind words.

I truly appreciate you letting me know

you are out there!

Hope you are having as much fun

here at 52 FLEA as I am!

:)
THIS GIVE-BACK HAS ENDED!
BUT DON'T DESPAIR
THE 3RD BLOGVERSARY OF 52 FLEA
IS COMING UP SOON !!
February 15th !!

Scissor Love

2012-01-09T23:10:00.003-05:00

Does anyone else out there have a vintage scissor collection?

Maybe you all do!

Anyway...

two weeks ago while browsing

the after Christmas sale at Anthropologie....

I spied these two pair of scissors from the Sibella Court collection.

vintage...looking!

And at 50% off the sale price...

...it was time to buy them

and bring them home to add to my collection.

One of these days... if I get it all together...

I will share my vintage scissor collection...

...or have we already done that?

So, it turns out that yesterday's post was my 800th....

...It just doesn't seem possible!

In any case...

Time for a Give-Back!

Time for me to show you all how much I appreciate

all the feedback, comments and support you have given me.

Gee, I'll have to think about this.

What kind of blog loving give aways are your favorites?

Any suggestions?

I'm open to ideas!

What sort of give-back would you like to see on

52 FLEA?

A Few Thank You's and Show and Tell

2012-01-08T15:10:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share some lovely gifts that

I have recently received from friends and blog friends!

Carole of Maynard Greenhouse

joined us for lunch at Evi's just before New Years.

She made paper stars and fabric bows for each of us.

Mine were blue! :)

Carole is so clever with scissors and paper!

She demonstrated how she cut and folded the paper...

...but it was a bit too tricky for this novice crafter!

Blogger friend, Leslie Janson sent me a sweet surprise in the mail.

See these charming earrings made from pocket watch keys?

...notice the tiny 5 and 2 !!

Leslie has a wonderful Etsy shop

where she sells her jewelry and re-purposed creations.

I was impressed with her unique offerings and think you will be too!

Check it out HERE!

...and my dear Paula

...she went into her stash of linens...

...and pulled out this gorgeous grain sack with her initials on it.

I remember being together at Brimfield when she bought it.

She gave it to me because of the blue stripe and she knew I would

think of her each time I look at it displayed in my home.

Evi made this little white Christmas boot

along with a white star that she used as a name tag

and tied to my package.

(shown on a previous post).

Inside the pretty package was a copy of the book

"Tis The Season...Christmas Eve with James Cramer.

We have been big fans of James Cramer and his late partner Dean Johnson for many years.

Another blogger friend,

Mary Pernula mailed a package with a surprise

for each of us girls to be opened at Evi's luncheon.

My treat was this sweet little altered bottle.

The thoughtfulness of blogger friends

is always such a delightful surprise!

Now, this unusual gift is from my pal Deanna

at Gather in Ivoryton, CT.

I was there just a week after my birthday and spied

this crazy and fabulous wire cone.

When I asked the price...she said...

"It's yours, Happy Birthday!"

This wonderful vintage doll dress was embellished

with the charming art of the very talented Michelle Palmer.

I was lucky enough to win the give away she was holding a few weeks ago

and was delighted to receive this treasure!

I just love her work and especially her renderings of birds...

...and mice...

...and other charming critters!

Here is a link to her Etsy shop!

And last, but not least...

I have been wanting to share with you this necklace

that Cindy from Fat Cow Studios sent me!

She makes some pretty cool pieces too!

You can check out her Etsy shop HERE

Thank you ladies!

Having friends to share with

are the best gifts of all!

French Botanicals From 1929

2012-01-06T19:40:00.001-05:00

You may have noticed this beautiful arrangement of framed French botanicals
in a few photographs that have appeared here before.

They belong to my girlfriend Paula

and hang on her family room wall.

I remember when Paula first laid eyes on these beauties.

It was years ago and at the time we shared a small booth

in an antique mall in Essex.

These gorgeous French botanicals dated 1929
were in an elegant booth of another dealer in the mall.

Paula loves the sepia tones of these beautiful pieces of art.

I adore the lovely old French script.

She tried to resist...

...but was no match for the charm and beauty

of these fabulous works of art.

Paula fell deeply in love...

...and brought them home.

They truly bring the outside in...

...as they are displayed here on the wall of her cottage.

Happy with her investment in these works of art....

...they have graced the walls here for the last six or eight years.

The time has come though...and
Paula has reluctantly decided that she must let them go.

This set of nine framed French botanicals is being offered for $1,800.

If you are interested in learning more about these pieces please
contact Paula directly at brusopaula@gmail.com

Helping my bff by getting the word out
that she is parting with some of her treasures...
Hoping to put her in touch with a few of my blog friends
who may be in a position to purchase these works of art
and who may love them as much as we do!

What do you think?
Aren't they gorgeous?

Hope you have a great weekend.
Have you any interesting plans
or is everybody still cleaning and organizing?
:)

Antique French Bee Skep For Sale

2012-01-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

If you have been following along with 52 FLEA for a while...

...my good friend Paula is no stranger to you.

Her charming home has been featured here many times.

Paula has been my number one antiquing and junking partner

for the last ten to twelve years.

We have shared a lot of adventures and awesome trips

to antique shops, flea markets,

big shows like Brimfield and Bouckville

as well as local New England yard sales.

We have had a lot of fun and found many treasures.

As you know, I am just beginning to part with a few of mine

through my little booth at Schoolhouse Treasures

in upstate New York.

Paula has now decided to part with a few of her special pieces.

...and I thought I could help her out by posting a few things here.

Paula has amazing taste and over the years has found some really unique things and made some exceptional purchases.

This French bee skep with its unusual square base

has been one of my favorites.

I took it outside to photograph it from all angles

and so that you can clearly see the details.

This beautiful antique French bee skep was not purchased to re-sell.

Paula bought it from a wonderful shop that featured authentic French treasures, because she loved it.

I think this piece is so special...don't you?

French square bee skep price $495
plus shipping costs
For more information and serious inquiries
please email Paula directly at brusopaula@gmail.com

Since Paula does not have a blog of her own
and since so many of you have come to know her through
52 FLEA I thought I could help her out and perhaps help you,
if you are one of my blogger friends who love her style,
by putting you in contact with each other.

Over the next week, I will be showcasing a second antique bee skep

and a group of wonderful French botanicals from the 1920's that Paula will offer for sale.

A Tour of Evi's Christmas Cottage

2012-01-02T20:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my dear friend Evi's beautiful home...

...all decorated for Christmas!

For those of you who don't already know,

Evi is an accomplished and renowned doll maker.

(Evi's Country Snippets)

Throughout you will see her one of a kind, incredible dolls,

Santas, snowgirls, rabbits, etc.

I love this scrubbed pine cupboard that we see

when we first walk into the sunroom at the back of the house.

Evi has a beautiful, fresh, clean

(and I mean spotlessly clean)

European look to her home.

(After all she was born and raised in Germany!)

I have often posted photos of Evi's lovely home but perhaps you are new to this blog or maybe you would just like to see how she decorated her home this year!

She kept color to a minimum on the main floor...

almost a "Jeanne D'arc Living" look...

I could give you a play by play,

photo by photo explanation ...

...but I will spare you ...

relax and enjoy!

Apparently I can't keep quiet for long...

Isn't her mantle decorated so pretty?

Each year, it is a little different...

Those cheeses on the platter, by the way, were delicious!

Bowls, baskets and other containers are filled

with pine boughs, greens and sparkle!

The dining room...

This is where we sat and enjoyed the most fabulous meal...

all prepared by Evi, also a gourmet cook!

Poor Mr. Flea...it's back to reality for him.

Their bedroom...this year in black and white!

The guest room...

touches of red...

Even the bathroom is elegantly decorated!

Downstairs in the family room...

there is more of her favorite color...red.

The window to the right opens up into her studio...

where Evi creates and all the magic happens!

The door in the back leads into another bathroom...

...newly remodeled!

More of Evi's extraordinary Santas...

OK...that's all for now....a 45 picture post!

I guess I should have warned you at the start...

Evi has so many talents and gifts...

I admire them all.

One of the talents she possesses, one that I have none of...

is the ability to edit.

There is no clutter in her home...

none, nada, zip.

Mr. Flea surely would appreciate that talent,

as well as the gourmet cooking skills that Evi exhibits.

He's still happily munching on the big box of
homemade cookies she sent home with us.

Sigh.

I know they say we can't do it all...

but Evi can!

Thank you Evi and Eb for a wonderful afternoon
and for treating us like royalty!

And, thank you friends and readers for stopping by.

Hope you enjoyed our visit!

Talented Friends Take on PB

2012-01-01T20:27:00.001-05:00

I am sure you saw this adorable pillow at Pottery Barn

or in their catalog this holiday season.

When I first saw it I thought...

Oh I have several children's antique stockings...

I could make my own version of this pillow!

Well of course, I never did.

Not so, with my talented friend Evi!

She too saw Pottery Barn's pillow and was inspired to create one

using her own collection of vintage child stockings.

And our friend Paula also gained some PB inspiration...

except she used some vintage mittens and some tiny mitten ornaments

that she had knit and created several Christmas' past.

Paula sewed hers to an old grain sack.

Aren't they both fabulous?

I hope that you have had a very Happy New Year celebration!

Thank you so much for all your well wishes!

We spent an afternoon at Evi's home and had an unbelievably delicious luncheon

and the wonderful company of not only Evi and her husband Eb

but also friends Paula and Bill and

Carol and George from Maynard Greenhouse.

I didn't get a close up photo, but Evi also made pillows

with pom pom Christmas trees...adorable and so clever!

(See one on the loveseat?)

Evi's home was Christmas perfection!

And of course there were gifts exchanged...

ohs and ahs and and gasps of delight!

It is lovely to have such talented and creative girlfriends!

Just look at these angel wings that Evi created for her dress form!

And special thanks to fellow blogger Mary Pernula

who sent a surprise package which included some

sweet Christmas themed altered bottles for each of us!

Tomorrow I will share a few more photos

of Evi's lovely home decorated for the holidays.

Happy New Year friends!

Time To Move Forward

2011-12-29T15:36:00.002-05:00

A new year is about to begin...

...a chance for new beginnings, opportunities and promises.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

May all your dreams come true...

With love and gratitude,

Laura

Stocking Stretcher Re-do

2011-12-27T17:42:00.000-05:00

Vintage wire stretchers...for stockings or gloves...

You see them often at flea markets.

A few weeks ago my junking buddy Paula and I

came across two pair...for a song.

...one pair for each of us.

Back at her house after our junking jaunt...

...Paula started playing with hers...

...out came her stash of lace, her favorite linen thread,

a bit of winter themed ephemera and decoration.

Voila!

Mine are still sitting in a basket in the corner of my bedroom...

...waiting for divine inspiration to come my way!

I'm sitting here on my bed with a box of tissues by my side...

...feeling just a tad sorry for myself as I had to cancel a much anticipated meet up with Liz from the blog Liz Loves Vintage.

We had planned on lunch and a bit of antiquing today but,

alas...I came down with a Christmas cold.

So...boo hoo...

I look a lot like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer right now!

Hoping to re-schedule soon...

Aaah...choooo!

Christmas Postcards To You

2011-12-22T21:21:00.002-05:00

Wishing you joy!

Wishing you hope!

Wishing you love!

Wishing you the Peace That Passes All Understanding.

Fresh Vanilla for C and Me!

2011-12-21T22:00:00.018-05:00

The other day I received a kind comment from a girl named Cheryl

from the blog Fresh Vanilla For C.

She told me she was my newest follower.

Well, I realized with that comment that 52 FLEA had reached another milestone...

so I thought I would recognize that and, in turn,

feature Cheryl's fairly new and very lovely blog.

Here is Cheryl.

Isn't she cute?

Cheryl is a mother of two who loves to decorate,

garden and hunt for treasures.

Her favorite colors are cream, white and blue.

Sound familiar?

All these photos are from Cheryl's blog.

Apparently she loves all the same things we do!

She also has a lovely Etsy shop

with vintage finds and handmade treasures called

My Soulful Home.

I quickly signed up to follow along with

Fresh Vanilla for C

...so as not to miss a single beautiful post!

You might want to pop over and say hi...

I think you will enjoy meeting her.

A special thanks to ALL of you who have chosen to follow along
with 52 FLEA...

...and a big hug for those of you who leave comments
to let me know you are out there...

well... you know how good that feels.
(hugs and comments!)

This year has been a tough year for my family

and for so many of my friends.

Perhaps it has been tough for you too.

Thanks for hanging around...

when my posting was frequent and when it was sparse.

Thanks for your support when I needed it.

...and finally, I couldn't resist sharing last year's photo

of our dear Starla who we had to say goodbye to this summer.

We miss our kitty this Christmas...wasn't she a sweetie?

She still makes us laugh and smile...

remembering her antics and her endearing ways.

Wishing a beautiful holiday to all my friends...

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Kwanzaa!

Paper Bird Wreath

2011-12-20T23:00:00.002-05:00

One of the treasures I brought home from Carole's Christmas shop

at Maynard Greenhouse was a Wendy Addison,

beautiful wire wreath with cut out birds.

I have been playing with it...creating different vignettes.

You know how that goes...

...shouldn't I be wrapping presents? baking cookies? organizing and cleaning out?

Here it is sitting on this vintage mirror plateau...

...but it is just as pretty hanging on the wall.

It can be kept out all year long...not just at Christmas.

So pretty!

OK....back to work, Laura!

FOCUS!

Reds In Box

2011-12-20T10:47:00.001-05:00

Wishing my life was this organized!

Hope you are having a good week

and that all your Christmas wishes come true!

Sunshine and Cold

2011-12-19T10:47:00.002-05:00

The sun is shining this morning

although it is cold here in New York!

I am looking forward to this Christmas weekend

and spending time with our family and good friends.

We will be seeing our special little girls on Christmas Eve.

They are so excited as they wait to see what Santa will bring.

Thanks to all for your kind and encouraging words.

I am filled with gratitude for my many blessings and

appreciate the reminder to be present in the moment

and plan on making many new happy memories!

Starting with making some Christmas cookies...

I'm off to the grocery store for more sprinkles!

"May your holidays be filled with reasons to be thankful.

Having loved and having been loved

is perhaps the most wondrous reason of all."

These words are from a newsletter put out by Hospice of the Valley

and were sent to me by Cathie...a thoughtful and kind follower of 52 FLEA.

Love to you all!

Tidings Of Comfort and Joy

2011-12-18T23:59:00.001-05:00

To be honest, I have been struggling through this Christmas season.

This is the first Christmas that we will celebrate without my Mom.

I know that I am not alone in missing a loved one...

and my wish for any of you in that position...

is peace and comfort.

...and joy.

Tidings of comfort and joy.

Antique Shop in Chester, CT

2011-12-17T21:00:00.001-05:00

So...the last place I wanted to share with you on this particular visit to the charming town of Chester, CT is an antique shop called BUTTON, LLC.

Now, to me....

the name Button conjures up an image of a rather humble place...

perhaps with lots of small things all jumbled together...

you know, like a button box.

But, that's just me.

This shop...BUTTON, LLC...is an elegant, upscale,

sophisticated place.

Have a look...

One of BUTTON's two store front windows at 69 Main Street.

Paula loved those Christmas stockings in a big way!

I loved this wire basket that I spied first thing

on top of a tall cupboard in the corner.

This piece in mustard paint makes a bold statement .

Check out the beautiful stained glass window

behind this pretty Christmas tree!

Another impressive cupboard filled with interesting treasures.

Some fabulous architectural pieces...

Check out these old metal lockers...

...at least I think that is what they once were.

Here are some of the same metal pieces mounted on the wall.

I love the aged wood shelves across their tops.

An eclectic mix of smalls, some new gift items

and some wonderful textiles work together to make this antique shop one with something for everyone.

Don't you agree?

BUTTON, LLC

69 Main Street

Chester, CT 06412

(860) 322-4451

connie@buttonllc.com

Well, my shopping is done.

Have you finished yours?

I have enjoyed staying quiet and wrapping presents today...

No crowded malls for me!

How about you?

Red Pepper Gallery

2011-12-16T23:00:00.003-05:00

I promised to tell you about Paula's and my visit

to Chester two weeks ago!

First up is...

Red Pepper Gallery

... a unique and truly wonderful shop.

Paula's good friends Fran and her husband

own and operate this boutique.

Whenever I visit Paula in Connecticut

we always try to get to Chester to see what's new at

Red Pepper Gallery.

They carry contemporary clothing, hand crafted fine furniture,

accessories, gifts and one of a kind creations

made by talented artists and designers.

To view a list of designers and artists please visit their website

HERE

We were here two weeks ago and it was the perfect place

to start my Christmas shopping.

Take a look!

If you ever get to this area of Connecticut,

I highly recommend Red Pepper Gallery!

Red Pepper Gallery

860-526-4750

14 Main St

Chester, CT 06412

fran@redpepperessexct.com

Next up....an interesting antique shop in Chester!

Ellie and the WINNER of the VRS Dreaming of Junking 2012 calendar is....

2011-12-16T20:00:00.005-05:00

I tied a festive red ribbon around Ellie's neck

and put her in the pile of things to go up to the shop.

She sat up front with me while Mr. Flea did the driving.

He glanced over at us in the passenger seat and remarked,

"I can't believe you're selling that".

To which I replied, "I can't either".

That old softie, Mr. Flea said, "Don't".

I didn't!

And now...

Ellie is here to announce the randomly picked winner of the
Vintage Rescue Squad's

Dreaming of Junking 2012 calendar

The lucky winner is:
Debra of Capers of the Vintage Vixens

Congratulations!

If you weren't the lucky winner this time you can still enter to win
one of these fun calendars over at
Fiona and Twig

or...you can buy your own at
Sue's Vintage Rescue Squad Etsy shop!

Hope you have a Happy Weekend!
:)

Surprise...VRS Calendar Giveaway!

2011-12-13T19:29:00.002-05:00

I was tickled pink a few months ago,

when Sue from Vintage Rescue Squad asked if she could use two photos she had chosen from my blog for her 2012 calendar.

I was so flattered!

She likes my junk!

I have been using her 2011 calendar all year...

...and just love the photos and all the flea markets and antique show

dates she had already "penciled in".

Sue used my photos for the months of January and February!

If you would like to win a copy of this fun and funky calendar...

Just leave a comment at the bottom of this page!

Anne of Fiona and Twig is also hosting a Give Away which includes a calendar so you can enter there too!

(One of Anne's fab photos is on the cover!)

And my buddy Gina from Vintage Junk In My Trunk

also has a great photo in this 2012 calendar.

(see that awesome old red toy phone?)
*...and I just found out that Gina
is hosting a Give Away of a calendar too!*

And, oh that Sue!

She included this vintage post office box door

...number 52 of course...

when she mailed me my calendars!

I love it!

If you want a chance to win Vintage Rescue Squad's 2012 calendar

Dreaming of Junking

...simply leave a comment on this post.

In the spirit of ABUNDANCE...Sue's theme for this calendar...

This give away is open to everyone, everywhere!

To buy extra copies,

because this calendar makes an awesome gift

for your flea marketing, antiquing friends...

click on over to Sue's Etsy shop

Good Luck!

I will randomly select one winner on Friday!

Gather at Christmas

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The second day of my visit to Paula's home in Connecticut,

I couldn't wait to stop in and see our friend Deanna

at her beautiful shop Gather in Ivoryton, CT.

Ivoryton is particularly charming this Christmas season

as they are celebrating with Illuminations....

Santa waves us in from the corner of the building....

Gather is a welcoming, comfortable, ever changing place to spend a few hours browsing for fine antiques, collectibles,

new and unique gifts and delicious homemade treats.

On either side of the generous steps leading up into the store

were scores of interesting things!

I was intrigued by these old wood lanterns stacked outside.

See, I told you that you would need some time to browse around.

Deanna's shop is set up beautifully and so...so...comfortably.

You can't help but feel right at home!

This place is an integral part of the community here in Ivoryton.

Local charity projects and goodwill abound.

Deanna has recently added vintage clothes, accessories,

hats, purses and shoes to her shop!

sweets...

more sweets...

Antique tin types and all types of tea!

Old and new nutcrackers..

....in all shapes and sizes!

Antique Steiff stuffies!

It's an old fashioned Christmas here at Gather!

vintage jewelry...

You never know what you will find here...

Quimper!

...and candy!

...lots and lots of candy!

Sterling silver, ironstone, Bavarian china and antique dollhouse furniture keep company in this beautiful old cupboard.

I will be wearing this to The Ice Ball this year...

...in my dreams! :)

Stacks of vintage luggage...

This wonderful arched mirror hangs on the door

of the dressing room.

Don't you love the window Deanna designed?

I love hanging around Gather...

...especially with my gal pals Deanna and Paula!

Cheers!

Here's to the season at Gather in Ivoryton, CT.

To contact Deanna send her an email at:
gather.ivoryton@yahoo.com

Thanks, Deanna for letting me share your special shop

with all my blogging friends.

And thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments

that have been left on these last few posts!

I appreciate you taking the time during this busy season sooo much!

Next up... a visit to Chester, CT...

Christmas 2011 at Taken For Granite

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Meet Noelle....

Her gown this year is fashioned almost entirely of paper.

Michele, of Taken For Granite in Stony Creek, CT told me that she and her sister had a lot of fun creating this work of art!

I can only imagine the time it took!

...a close up of the back of the gown...

Amazing!

Paula and I were in awe of this fabulous display featuring a vintage cement swan filled with silvery baby's breath....

Not surprisingly...it sold while we were there!

I loved this really cool lampshade made with vellum

and vintage photographs.

Just look at this cloche filled with clock faces and silvery branches.

This shop is chock full of inspiration!

Here are some photos of what we saw and a sampling of the wonderful goods to be found at this enchanting shop.

...and to think that there are linens and dishware

and fabulous clothes in this shop as well!

Taken For Granite

Stony Creek , CT

Loved it!

Stay tuned for day 2 of my Connecticut visit!

We will visit Deanna and her shop Gather next...

...plus a few wonderful shops in Chester, CT.

Christmas Carole and Her Shop at Maynard Greenhouse

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Warning...this post is very long...

and you may need sunglasses for all the sparkle!

The Shop at Maynard Greenhouse!

Carole and George have a beautiful setting where they sell Christmas trees, wreaths, and more...much more!

And then....

...inside the Christmas shop....

Carole has created a magical place...

full of sparkle, whimsy and pure delight!

There's so much to see......it's hard to take it all in...

...but go ahead and try!

Everywhere you look...every corner..nook and cranny...

...there is something special...a beautifully arranged vignette...

and a treasure to be found.

We spent a long time looking...sigh...

and if you are in the area of Old Saybrook, CT...

you should take a look too!

Carole came over to Paula's home Friday evening after she closed up shop and we shared a glass of wine and good conversation...

...then she had to get back to work and make more wreaths!

Did you see anything you wanted to take home?

I tried to be good...

I really did try!

Christmas in Cozy Connecticut

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I slept in the Princess room...snug and cozy with tiny mice

and Midnight, Paula's cat!

The lights on the Christmas tree in this cozy bedroom

twinkled all night!

Paula made a delicious chicken chili and corn bread for dinner...

I gave this wonderful wire piece that I found at Anthro

a few years ago...to Paula as a gift.

I still love it

...and am glad that I bought one for myself at the same time!

Do you ever do that?

"One as a gift for a dear friend...

...and one for me!!!"

...Evi's creation.

We missed having her with us this time!

another of Evi's wonderful dolls...

I think that this Santa was created by our friend Ginny.

Bear by Lori Ann Corelis

Mouse by Lori Ann Corelis

There's lots more to show you at Paula's home...

...but tomorrow we will take a break and

I will show you some pics from our visit to

Carole's Christmas shop at Maynard Greenhouse.

Are you beginning to catch the Christmas spirit?

Paula's Winter Wonderland

2011-12-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

My 2 day visit with my dear friend Paula

was everything I hoped it would be....

...full of fun, catching up and sharing, visiting girlfriends,

shopping and Christmas cheer!

As usual,

Paula decorated every inch of her 19th century farmhouse

in her charming and unique style.

Come on in!

I took hundreds of pictures here and in the shops we visited...

Here are a few to start...

Paula has been collecting Evi's one of a kind dolls for years...

You will see many of her wonderful creations

throughout Paula's home.

Some are displayed all year long...

and a few make an appearance each Christmas season.

I lost count on the number of decorated trees this year....11? 13?

This one sports an old clock face as a tree topper!

See the tiny doily on which Michelle Palmer

has drawn a little winter bird?

It fit perfectly in this giant safety pin from Ballards.

The downstairs bedroom has several trees of its own...

This old English bath house locker was one that I found

at the flea market and traded to Paula this past spring

when we had our sale together.

It looks perfect in her bathroom

and has its own Christmas greens and candle.

There's so much more!

So...stay tuned for more photos tomorrow

and the next day and the next...

...and Carole's Christmas shop at Maynard Greenhouse...

...and Michele's fabulous shop...Taken For Granite...

...and Deanna's shop Gather...all decked out for the holidays...

...and Fran's wonderful shop...The Red Pepper in Chester.

Whew!

Can you stand it?

It was so fun!

Christmas Is In The Air

2011-11-30T20:39:00.000-05:00

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,

Carole of Maynard Greenhouse

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?

click here

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?

Last ET Flea Until April

2011-11-27T23:12:00.001-05:00

Dan came with me to the last flea of the season

at The Elephant's Trunk this morning.

It was freezing cold at 7 a.m.

...hats and gloves and steaming coffee were needed...

brrrr!

It was fun...

I spent $8.00 and brought home 8 items.

Dan had an delicious egg and sausage on a roll

and enjoyed watching me hunt for treasure.

He's a good son!

Hope you have a great week ahead!

Paperwhites

2011-11-25T13:38:00.000-05:00

I went looking around the house for containers

to plant some more paperwhites.

These blue and green glass jars are pretty.

Then I spied this old wooden box in the corner of the basement.

I can't quite remember where it came from.

Maybe it was always here...after all...

...this home used to belong to Mr. Flea's grandmother.

In any case, it will be perfect as a container

for a mass of pretty paperwhites.

Taking it a bit easy today...

...recovering from too much delicious Thanksgiving Day food!

Once again, we spent the afternoon and evening

with my sister MaryBeth and family...

She outdid herself...and we stuffed ourselves with all sorts of Thanksgiving goodies.

She even baked me a special chocolate cake!

After dinner...we curled up all comfy to watch

Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation.

We laughed as if we were seeing it for the first time!

I did get up early this morning

to go to one...

...and only one...

Black Friday Sale.

Can you guess which store I scored at this morning?

hint: it's my favorite store!

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-11-23T20:20:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Take care,

Laura