Monday, November 25, 2013

Taken For Granite - Christmas 2013


Christmas 2013

This year's visit to Taken For Granite in Stony Creek, CT 
was as inspirational, beautiful and amazing as always!


 Just look at this fabulous garden architectural piece 
which was the first thing we saw as we walked in the door.


From that moment on,
 Paula and I were swept off our feet into the magical world
 that Michele, the owner of the shop, creates each year.

 Sadly, we missed seeing her but were able to chat a bit with her lovely sister Sue, who along with other members of the TFG team help transform
 what is already a beautiful shop into this winter wonderland! 


They were all ready for their Holiday Open House.
As usual, I took tons of photos to share with you...
...so be prepared to be dazzled!







Remember my silver tree with watch faces, trinkets
 and bits and bobs that I did last year?
I love Michele's version.


Of all things...Paula loved this tape measure! 
 :)






As usual, we were oohing and aaahing over everything!









And, of course I loved the blues, turquoises and all the beautiful seashells and coral that are ever present in this CT boutique
 located here by the sea on the Long Island Sound.













 There were gorgeous jewels to choose from.
 Paula, that tricky girl, bought me a birthday present 
...the most beautiful silver necklace by Rebecca Leonard.
I made the mistake of admiring it and then, well, I couldn't stop her...
...I am thrilled !





Beautiful tablescapes showcased jewelry, leather goods,
 Christmas decor and antiques.











I absolutely adored Michele's use of vintage Christmas
 black and white photos sprinkled throughout the shop!
So much inspiration!



Michele always has a wonderful assortment
 of unique clothes and accessories.
 There are so many interesting choices for the holidays...
for giving to special friends or family or for yourself! 



 Faux fur...mittens, scarves and purses! 



I hope you enjoyed the tour this year!
If you get the chance to visit this charming area of Connecticut
 over the holiday season....
...you must stop in and visit Michele and all the lovely girls that 
work at Taken For Granite.
 We always have so much fun here!

Visit them on their Facebook Page HERE! 
Give them a LIKE for me!
:)
What's up next?
 Well, I have a zillion photos of Paula's Christmas cottage
 and I took photos of NEST in Mystic, CT...
...another amazing boutique all decorated for the holidays!

I am going to try to get the next post up before Tday...
but just in case life gets in the way...

Wishing you a joy filled, peaceful, safe and
 Happy Thanksgiving holiday!
:)

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Guess What's Coming?


Yes...it's that time of year!
I will be off to Connecticut later on this week
 to visit my dear friend, Paula...
...whose charming cottage is already decorated for Christmas
 and ready for me to photograph ...
...to share with you!
Did you catch the Christmas 2012 photos of her home 
 in the Better Homes and Gardens publication "Christmas Ideas" ?
It's in the stores now!

And, that's not all...


Remember Noelle?
We will be visiting Michele at Taken For Granite in Stony Creek...
...I simply can't wait to see the fantastic displays
 she and her team have dreamed up for Christmas 2013!


Paula has a few other shopping surprise stops for me...
...and my little trip to Connecticut would not be complete
 without visits with my special friends
 Carole of Maynard Greenhouse in Old Saybrook
 and
 Deanna of Gather in Ivoryton.

So stay tuned...
...for some fun photos of inspiring spaces created by
 these amazing, artistic and imaginative women! 

I'm so excited!
can you tell?
:)