Check It Out!

Just when I thought I could take no more of this harsh Minnesota winter the sun has decided to shine, the snow has melted and the temperatures have warmed to comfortable levels - whoo hoo!

I visited with my friend Ki Nassauer this week, the uber-creative woman behind the Junk Market Style books, the Junk Bonanza antiques show and most notably, the co-editor of the new Flea Market Style magazine. Just when you think this woman cannot possibly have time to do more, you find out that yes, she does!

Ki and I met at Bachman's, a local home and garden center that hired Ki to help them with a new and different retail strategy - incorporating vintage and vintage-inspired wares into their stores. I was able to walk around the store and visit the five different vintage "departments", Country Modern, Cottage, Euro, City/Loft and Kids.



Besides great vintage finds, you can purchase custom pillows made by Nancy Polacek and jewelry by the fabulous Lisa Souers.

And just so you could feel like you got to come along, I snapped a few pictures for you.



I know most of you are not from the Minneapolis area, but if you get a chance to visit, you can visit the Bachman's on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis and soon in Plymouth and Eden Prairie to check it out for yourself!

It always fun to visit with Ki - as you might imagine she is a bundle of energy and creativity that I always find inspiring (not to mention, sweet as can be too).

Will you join me?

I have attended the Farm Chicks Antiques Show in Spokane, Washington for the last four years. It is truly one of my favorite antiques shows. Besides wonderfully juried "finds" from creative and talented vendors, the show brings together women from all over who manage to bring out their inner "farm chick"..... at least for one weekend.

And while I have long since left the Pacific Northwest, I would not miss the Farm Chicks show! I will travel once again to Spokane, with empty suitcases and the anticipation of lots of girlfriend fun!

Please let me know if you too will be bringing out your inner "farm chick" in June!

A girl who travels....want to come along?

I went to Napa Valley/Sonoma, California last week with the hubby.....

How cool is this "vintage suitcase sculpture" in the baggage claim area of the Sacramento airport?

I found it to be the perfect welcome for this vintage lovin' girl.



Besides "tasting" alot of wonderful wines and enjoying many yummy meals, I managed to convince the hubby to stop at a few home decor stores. After 19 years of marriage he knows better than to try to deny me this indulgence.



For as long as I can remember I have loved to seek out fun antiques and home decor stores when I travel to other places. It is amazing how the styles are so different depending on what part of the country you are in. I love west coast style, for its casual, laid-back yet sophisticated style.



I was so lucky to find a wonderful store called Sonoma Country Antiques. This store carries lots of European antiques and accessories as well as some reproductions.



When I walked in and saw all the beautiful painted cabinets, linen slipcovered furniture and euro chandeliers, it literally took my breath away.



I knew I had to take some pictures to share with all of you....cause isn't it more fun to shop with your besties?



And guess what?

I am leaving on another trip....

Now don't go thinkin' I am some sort of jet setter...

We are taking the kiddos to Florida for a lot of sun and fun...

Can't promise I will be bringing back pictures taken in beautiful home decor stores, unless they have some of those at Disney World!



And by the way, my generous friend Kasey is having a fantabulous giveaway at her blog, Lola B's....tell her I sent you!

A bit of chic with my shabby...

Hellooooooooooo....dear friends!

You might have thought that I had dropped off the face of the earth...but fear not, I am back from a restful mini-vacation with the hubby in Napa Valley, California....have you been?

Literally the day before I left, one of my friends (who is a real-life decorator and should not be confused with me, the pretend-life decorator)dropped off my reupolstered Louis chair.

A few weeks ago I had gotten a "bee in my bonnet" so to speak (is that old foggy speak??)....

You see, I love the shabby look I have going in my home - all chippy and white and worn .....

However, it was beginning to feel out of balance - you know what I mean?

It needed a little "chic" to balance all it's "shabby" glory....

I think this chair is a good start! What do you think?