Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Gather...Deanna's Eclectic Collections


When I visited Deanna's shop Gather in Ivoryton, CT
 before Thanksgiving...
...she was just beginning to put a few Christmasy things out.


Deanna believes in enjoying each and every moment...
...and since we hadn't even had a bite of turkey yet...

:)
Both Paula and I loved this small rustic corner table
 that was sitting outside the shop.


Inside...I was smitten with this old stamping set.
I know...I already have two or three or more of them.....
They are just so intriguing to me...authentic and useful!


Deanna has had an unexpected and unusual fascination with taxidermy of late.
This is Phil the Pheasant.


Love, love, love this romantic vanity!


Another old wood tool tote.
This one came home with me. :)


Deanna told us a hilarious story about the fabulous mannequin lounging on the davenport here.
Without going into too much detail...
...let's just say she surprised her commuting husband when he got off the train and jumped into his car.
 Ask her about it when you next stop by!


Aren't those two urns on the mantel wonderful?
Oh yes...that's Chuck, the Duck in the center.


Beautiful vintage furs...


Pretty vintage inspired decorations in a great old Dr. Pepper crate.


I just loved these old cards and viewer.
....the sepia tones and pink coloring...so romantic!


Don't forget the kid's corner.
This is just one of the reasons
 they all stop in to Gather after school!


No matter who is on your list...
...you are sure to find the perfect gift here.
And...you're sure to have fun finding it too!


Pretty colored glass mixed with vintage costume jewelry.


I always get a little weak in the knees when I see violets. 


Isn't this a pretty vintage dresser set? Love the green...


By now...
Deanna has whipped Gather into a Christmas fantasy land!
The charming town of Ivoryton
 has had its Illuminations celebration and it is beautiful.
Even Santa Claus has been making regular visits to Gather!


If you are in the area...
and want a dose of  good old fashioned Christmas ...
...you won't want to miss stopping by Gather
 and having a visit with Deanna and seeing all that she has to offer.
While I was there...I even had a delicious chocolate croissant.
Yum. :)


I hope that you are enjoying this Christmas season.

Although we are anticipating many wonderful get-togethers with friends and family in the next few weeks...we were saddened to have to come together to say goodbye to my dear Uncle Don on Saturday. At 89, he was my Dad's oldest brother and we spent lots of time together, especially summers at the lake.
 He was special and will be greatly missed.

Peace and love to you all...

Monday, December 3, 2012

BonVivant Home, Old Saybrook, CT


Several weeks ago while visiting my pal Paula
 she took me to a lovely shop I had never been to before...
BonVivant Home in Old Saybrook, CT.


Bon Vivant....Live Well


This is a unique and versatile shop owned and operated
 by the very talented and creative Robin Rountree...


Not only does she offer interior design services
 and custom painted furniture ...
...but the shop displays unique architectural salvage,
 vintage inspired furniture, beautiful and elegant home decor
 and interesting and unusual gifts.


And in addition...Robin herself is very pretty
 ... so sweet and fun to visit with.
I can only imagine how enjoyable it would be to work
 with her on a design project.

 

There was a lovely collection of elegant home accessories and a nice selection of unique chandeliers and mirrors.

 


We loved these linen pillows...many of which she made herself.


I also loved her silk topiary and these beautiful
 square shaped evergreen wreaths.


For more photos of Holiday Magic at BonVivant Home
  and a closer look at the design services offered...
click HERE

Hope you enjoyed this short visit to Robin's shop in Old Saybrook...
I look forward to visiting again soon.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Taken For Granite -Christmas 2012



Taken For Granite, Stony Creek, CT

Noelle greeted us at the door...
...dressed in a spectacular gown of glittery sea-foam
 and paper snowflakes.


Yes...the Holiday Open House
 at Taken For Granite in Stony Creek, CT.
 was just as spectacular as anticipated!


Icy blues mixed with silver and crystals sparkled
 from every corner of this wonderful shop.



True to its location by the sea...glass jars of pearly white shells, sand dollars and starfish are always a staple here.


Rustic antiques with worn paint and rough textures
 play against the elegant shiny surfaces of mercury glass and glitter.


A touch of whimsy...a touch of red...a few rusty bells...
...and it's Christmas!


Inspiring vignettes are everywhere.





In the children's corner sits a tall cupboard full of soft and cuddly blankets, knit caps and tiny fur snowsuits.
 Perched on top was this sweet sign.



I love the look of black and white with silver and glass.
...and look at these flameless candles....don't they look real?


Next to the elegant and sparkly side of things...
...a quieter woodland theme was throughout the shop.


There were owls in every shape and size.


Michele does a wonderful job of mixing antiques and vintage items with new gifts and decor.







Paula spied this vintage apothecary jar filled with white buttons
 and brought it home with her.

















The beautiful Michele and Noelle posed for just a moment
 during their busy open house...



It was a wonderful way to start off the holiday season...
...lots of inspiration and creative ideas as well as beautiful gifts, home decor, jewelry, gorgeous women's clothing and antique finds!

If you are in the area this holiday season...
...a stop at Taken For Granite is a must!
409 Leetes Island Road, Stony Creek, CT 06405