quick re-nest monday!

Today i did an entryway 're-nest' for an older ranch-style home.

before...

after...

Normally we pick wall colors first. However, on Thursday of last week I received a visit from Julie Marsh, a freelance writer who is writing an article for a new publication (through the local paper due out late spring). She asked if I would be able to do a 'before & after' by Monday. (Here's where it gets cRaZy)...I was madly preparing for Diva Day Friday and heading out of town for a weekend getaway with my family. I knew I wouldn't be home until well after midnite on Sunday. (Soooo, just hook an IV of coffee to my arm & i can pull anything off! No problem!). Monday morning came WAY too fast...and still more to do!

Using primarily the homeowner's belongings, the piano was placed in their family room, and I rearranged their entryway space. I asked if they had black & white or sepia tone images of their parents or grandparents. They found one for me to hang. The others are going to be framed and will look fabulous flanking the wall with the lone one. What a lovely way to pay tribute. A little paint, some plants, proper window treatments...we're on our way!

Before.

After.

...and that was quite the quick 're-nest' on this gorgeous Monday!

fresh local goodness...

...at the shop tomorrow nite
sweet Jillian Dillon of Ashbury Road

Fresh pina colada jam cake and bubbly will be served.

(Plus a FAB SALE!)...
VIVA LA DIVA DAY FRIDAY!

a look back at 2nd Saturday Art Hop...

Dejon Weldon, (left), is the featured Art Hop artist at the shop. She is the sweetest! We had a casual, lovely Art Hop evening. Hanging out with young visitors can be inspiring & nostalgic.

Dejon's images are intimately tucked in the corner of the shop...
Chicas from Iceland, they were FABulous!

Swing by and check out her images of Carnivale in Venice and the black & white images of a cute, piccolo vecchio! Art Hop is a great way to get out on the town and visit all the local talent & local businesses who provide wine & nosh (at least i do!)...So, grab a pal and get Hoppin'!

sunday swoon...

Rainy Sundays are heavenly. Taking inventory at the shop is not. (On a Sunday, no less). A shop task with my kind (& mostly patient) husband. Lovely grandma has taken the moppets for the day while Tim & I knock this out. Grabbing my blues mix to play loud at the shop. This might be a good day after all...

Happy Sunday to ya!

Diva Day Friday - jewelry with a cause...

I met Viki and Bobbi through Kimberly Nicole and was delighted when they joined the 'made in the (530) show'...

It was then I learned the story of 'Lorie Lynn Jewelry' - Jewelry with a cause.

Lorie Lynn was a good friend of Viki and Bobbi's. Lorie lost her battle with cancer after a valiant 2 year struggle. Every piece of jewelry that Viki and Bobbi create is in honor of Lorie Lynn's generous spirit and her love for life. Their website reads that ' a little of Lorie's spirit goes into every piece they make'... 10 percent of sales benefit education & prevention research of cancer.

Join us for wine, cheese, and chocolate! It's for a great cause!

Diva shoes optional...

sunday swoon...

Two young chicas strolled into the shop yesterday and we chatted about Rachel Ashwell style, refurbished/upcycled furniture, and our love for vintage goods. i mentioned a designer i stumbled upon on the 'decor 8' blog. i initially thot she was from the UK. i stand corrected. Her name is Lyn Gardner and she is actually from Australia. i am now a fan...she is lovely inspiring.
i hope you enjoy this video as much as i do! Oh, and if ever you head down under, this is a must see on your travel agenda!

Today's lovely Sunday Swoon...

Spring...

images taken by Doni Greenberg of last year's tour.

a sweet sign done by Maggie Andersen.

It's coming....it's coming...it's coming! The 3rd Annual Cottage Tour, that is! I just met with Sheri of Fabrics Etc, Lynni of Antique Cottage & Gardens, and Jeanette of Infinite Designs. Much was discussed and we are all looking forward to Spring. Now, the search begins for (4) four cottage-style 'nests' to feature on this year's tour! These fotos were taken by Doni Greenberg who wrote a lovely column. The tour benefited Habitat for Humanity. This year's tour will benefit our local Redding Women's Refuge.

Lyndi and David Jenkins' romantic mantle.

Bev & Matt Clark's retro living room.

vintage glass insulators on the windowsill of Barbara and Dan Sturgill.

a petite wine tasting room in Greg Reimann's 1920's home

(now The Desmond House B&B).

Maggie Andersen's Art Farm in Palo Cedro.

Last year Maggie & Ed Andersen graciously hosted an artisan faire complete with 20 artists, music,and refreshments!

Four lovely nests, beautiful sunny weather, and lots of smiles. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying a prayer that this year is just as good!

Mark your calendar: Sunday, April 26th from 11am-4pm. Ticket cost: $20. each.

sunday swoon

Lovely Troy covered the shop during Art Hop last nite so i could leave a bit early...

a sign posted as i walked thru the door...

my sweet hostess (Alex) immediately took my coat, hat, and bags and asked me to please have a seat...

I didn't ask for roses...

I think this young garcon (my son Ryan) had something to do with it... he lit candles, turned on music, and asked if i preferred a glass of red or white with my meal...

i chose white...

The kids left...i had a clean white comforter near a roaring fire...and that is my sunday swoon of last nite's Valentines Day treat.

February, the month of love...

At the dinner table last Sunday, I told Tom & his sweet girlfriend Destiny, that all i wanted for Valentines Day was a good meal, a good glass of merlot, and a fresh down comforter. (A nice roaring fire in the hearth would be nice, too....hint to my man).

Yeah, i know i'm easy.

Some people do not believe in a soul mate. I choose to differ.

My favorite tickets. "if i had one hundred wishes i would gift them all to you"...

Underneath a wall fountain, a quote on a vintage chalkboard. "The human heart yearns for the beautiful".

A mom for so many, many years I have baked dozens of heart-shaped cookies, cut & pasted hundreds of Valentines on our dining room table, & let my man of 20+ years know how much i do appreciate him. Simple. No diamonds, no roses, no fuss...just plain domestic bliss...

Here's to a Happy Valentines Day for all. May it be your lover, a friend, your kid(s), someone whom you love, admire, and appreciate, be sure to let them know.

Re-nested & Re-opening 2009

Three Chicas
Party Planner Patty, Furniture Diva Diane, and moi

flung open the doors just in time for January Art Hop..

I need photos of the side windows which Maggie Andersen so generously painted. Words cannot describe how luscious they are! Her fabuloso, floral painted windows provide a lovely privacy screen! It's perfect for my black thumb self! Stop by to see her whimsically painted flower garden...

Sweet Sten Hoiland of Chico was fun to watch while he created his whimsical wire characters...

A lovely night...with such lovely guests...

A fresher, brighter, lighter shop...

and a perfect match for our January Re-opening reception...

Fabulous "Troy Hawkins"corner in the shop...xoxo

So many people to thank for all the support they've given throughout 2008. Times are tougher than they've ever been...but I look forward to 2009 with a hopeful heart. Like the small piece of newsprint i've carried forever in my wallet. I wish i could remember where i found it. It's dog-eared & worn (kinda like me!) and reads; "You can't help noticing the bad times; they have ways of getting your attention. It's the good times that are easy to miss, hard to recognize until they're gone. You have to slow down and watch closely for them. And when you see one coming your way, reach out and grab it. Clutch it to your heart. Stand in awe of your good fortune, and be thankful. And before you let it go, lift it up for your children, point it out like a shooting star and let it shine. Make sure they see it. Remind them, lest they forget, that they are loved and life is good."...

Ooh, and lest i forget, a special thanks to "Ms. Capitan" for the fotos...you did mahhvelous!

Say a Prayer for Randy Miller...

I've blogged about Randy Miller before...Last time it was about his talent.

This time I wish it was for something similar...

(image from Flikr)

Recently, Randy was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Randy cannot work his concrete business or play with his band. Like many independent business owners and musicians, Randy doesn't have the health care to cover expenses to support his beautiful wife & two children. We are hosting a raffle in Redding for a brand new Wii. There are several businesses to buy tickets from. So, buy a ticket and help Randy win this battle. Every bit counts.

Check out the video for more information or donations. http://www.themyriad.net/