Poppy and Ivy

Shopping in the name of 'research"...

I met my Corvallis Ladies in Albany last week to check out a few sales. My mom and her Cohorts in Crime let me crash their vintage shopping trip. I got in the car at the crack of dawn (9:00am) and hit the road for Albany. Coffee, bottle of water and almonds....I am ready to SHOP. Powered UP.

First stop was Blackberry Junction. I was thrown off-guard by the name, I have to say. I thought it would be a little bit country...and I felt a little bit rock'n'roll. WRONG. Loved it....

I couldn't capture a picture to do this fine establishment justice. GREAT displays, lots of greenery, layers and METAL. I HEART metal. I found loads of vintage letter baskets. Swoon.

Next stop is The Vintage Roost which I have wanted to shop for YEARS (and years and years). I cannot find a blog link for them and I do not have a postcard, but let me tell you there is more magic in this smallish outbuilding and the surrounding grounds than one could possibly imagine.

I came home with this beauty of a metal double sink and filled it with my beauty of a Chiweiner dog.

And why was I researching (okay...shopping)...? 

Teeheeheeheehee.....there is a plan a brewin'.........

New Orleans...where have you been all my life?

Yesterday we arrived in New Orleans and in it's defense, my ears popped when the plane landed, I couldn't taste a darn thing with my cold, JOHN and I  both hadn't eaten for 12 hours, and I had slept 2 and a half hours the night before. Did I mention the rain? The rain was a drizzle, but on top of everything else...it was just SO much. I wasn't immediately enamored.

 


This three legged bar dog was my favorite part. We might have found the ONLY "not great" place to eat in NOLA....NOW I see that. It was cool food, warm beer and no energy. We just walked too long and entered the place too soon.

We went back to the hotel and JOHN had to go do a 7:00-10:00pm gig at work down in the lobby of our hotel. I stopped at CVS Pharmacy and got cold pills, Vitamin C pills & tons of water. Slipped into my jammies and back to my room. I PRAYED to get my hearing back in my ears! I spent a good deal of time in THESE two places.....

 

John got back from work at 10:00pm and said (jokingly) "Ya wanna go out?" and I threw those covers back and said "Yep". He didn't see that coming. We had a cup of shrimp ya-ya and let me tell you...that opened the sinuses and ears canals. AND to top it off...we encountered an amazing drug bust at our FEET on the way back to the hotel. Gotta love that. I bet that guy wishes he hadn't asked ME to buy drugs. LOL.....(Welcome to my world...freaks WILL find me).

After a GREAT night sleep (a 5 headed shower and a down feather bed HELP quite a bit) I woke up and was READY to attack New Orleans. And the weather couldn't have been ANY more cooperative. And having GREAT directions of where to go wasn't too shabby.

I started with coffee in the lobby of Hotel Roosevelt...amazing sights. They rejuvenated this hotel after Katrina did her damage. The contractors/refurbishers found things that surprised THEM in the last 3 and half years. Original tiles from the early 1800's. Faberge ceilings that USED to be drop down ceilings. Chandeliers in a hurricane soaked basement. Large tiled spaces down the main hallway under water soaked carpet. Amazing..

 

This sign reminded me to drink LOTS of water...I was falling terribly behind and that is SO bad when you are ill. And it reminded me to drink cafe au laits....funny about that.

I headed outside to find it was so sunny, warm and refreshing. OUT of doors....felt so good. I walked forever~~For HOURS...

 



This last picture is a shot of a great store. I am not feeling the need to really give a name because the owner had a REALLY crappy attitude which I can safely say is a rarity for these people down here. Friendly is their name and hospitality is their game here in New Orleans...and they HAVE game. This shop was the same color as mine and we carried many of the same items AND they loved vintage monkeys, cherries & Hawaii...always my first hits at estate sales. But crappy attitude...no promotion for you today.

But THIS place was lovely...she carries primarily newer items, but her shop was just warm & inviting...as was the owner.

 

It was called Forever New Orleans on 700 Royal Street in the French Quarter. I got a new business card holder for the shop (if my partner approves) and a bracelet for me which is about NOLA after Katrina. I's sterling silver and says "Restore* Rebuild* Renew" surrounded by fleur dy lis...but it felt like it was talking to ME about the last 6 months of my life! That combined with my new found feelings for this amazing city----I had to have it to help remind me of my visit to this vibrant place.

When did it become vibrant you ask? I started out NOT in love (but I had hope because cool people told me it was the best!)...but today there was such life. Such a difference and I am sure that my having full hearing again helped.

I went into an area of more homes, apartments and condos. I went into less of a Vegas feel area into real businesses and Mom & Pop diners. Even the homeless people here push carts with fleur-dy-lis symbols and New Orleans flags. There is such PRIDE in this town. You cannot help but smile at random people singing songs about the Saints. Homeless, drunks, the *confused*, business owners, home owners on their balconies, street performers....EVERYONE has such pride. I know some of it is the chance to win the Super Bowl, but I have the feeling it's here no matter. That I am just witnessing a higher level than normal.

I love this town! I love the art, the music, the colors, I love the vibe....

 




There are SO many of these doors. Battered. Tired. Chained or boarded up. Breaks my heart more now that I see the resilience & upbeat attitude of these people.  

Tonight we hit more "have to visit places" on our list....Acme Oyster House for Oysters (we stood in line and the line DOES go quickly). We sat with a couple who were both older and divorced talking about remarrying as Catholics. Seems a dicey conversation at a COMMUNITY SEATING situation...but maybe that's just me.

We hit a second spot and met a man that told us all about Katrina, how it effected HIS family & job and the bar owner told us his fears of buying the bar (recently) knowing it has water damage and the potential for it to happen again is there....but his adoration for his city made him risk everything he had.

We hit a third spot (don't judge us) where a patron next to us told us all the BEST Shrimp Ya-Ya spots in the Quarter and then ordered too many bread puddings for his group and tried to give us his for free.

This city is amazing. Like nothing I have ever witnessed.

Save NOLA and go Saints!

The Day We Were Rock Stars

Have you been to Peterson's Rock Garden in Central Oregon? Because if you have NOT....you are MISSING out. If you have an R.V.....you are more than welcome since the parking lot fits about 20 of them.

I am CERTAIN that the fact that we were the only car to be seen was a fluke. I bet the "congestion" sign outside the parking lot was "for real".....more so in 1964.

I am not poking fun. It was actually really fun because we were with fun people. And I loved the black light room because it was about 1200 degrees outside with no breeze and I loved finding a place to sit and regroup for a moment. I discovered the black light room because there were tons of signs handwritten in bubble writing that said "WOW....Don't miss the Black Light room".

How could I miss it?

 

I loved the golf tee fence. I am just sayin'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This little gal is a resident of Peterson Rock Garden and she brought out her chicken Snow Ball for us to enjoy.

I say "enjoy"...but it was pretty much me being in a constant "ready to flee" position. I was safely ensconced behind a car door because I am about 100% City Girl and chickens freak me the **BEEEEEP** out. This photo is tame. She had the chicken on one arm while she rocked it back and forth, she had it upside down, then she topped it all by placing Snow Ball on her head at which point I nearly grabbed Snow Ball and ran us BOTH to safety.

Then I remembered Snow Ball COULD possibly rip my eyeballs out with his claws OR his sharp little beak.

Did I mention I am a city girl????

I am fairly certain this gal was sent out to entertain us because we might be the only people to EVER put money in the unattended "Admission" cash box. I am HOPING this is not the truth....but I have a feeling.

Thank you for joining me in my "I Can Avoid Packing Up My Shop That I Need to Vacate & Move  in 48 Hours" game.

Happy Sunday!

A Little Birdy Told Me So....

Check out this sweet little thing that my mother found for my birthday (yes....I am 29 AGAIN!).

 

This artist reminds me of Magpie Ethel colors and style. I LOVE it!

I got more Location, Location, Location necklaces. San Francisco has proven to be a very popular one! Who knew?

 

And it's that time of year that many of us borrow friend's beach homes or go visit them for a spell and I have the perfect way to thank them! These beach signs are perfect hostess gifts for the Beach Buddy of yours.

 

And events, events, events.....It's 2nd Friday on Lower Fremont this week! In TWO days. Shame on us...we've been running round like chickens with their heads cut off, so we haven't updated the website or anything. So, we'll be adding vendor updates today. My apologies to the other business owners on the stretch!

Next Thursday is our Customer Appreciation Sale. I have added several of you to the mailing list (it is an e-mail invitation) and for those of you who attend that night, you will discover our secret! I will share The Big Secret with you all....I am so excited it's hard not to spill the beans!!!!  And no, for the love of god...I am NOT pregnant!  (Sorry Mom--shop closed for repairs).

Happy Wednesday to you all! I am off to gaze out the window and enjoy the rain. Asmy Granny used to say "Ohhh...summer rain. We needed a good soak". Of course...she would say this after Day 3 of torrential downpours, but it IS all about a good attitude now, right?

Cheers!

This week is 2nd Friday!.... and friends I have met---

I am working like a crazy fool to prepare for 2nd Friday. Posters went up today, postcards arrive Wednesday and I have to try to convince two VERY lazy kids to distribute 250 postcards to the neighborhood.... and we have the updated artist links for the website, but my husband just crashed asleep....and he has all the info! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......

To say it is CRAZY time doesn't begin to cover it. It doesn't help that one of the vendors for next week is m son and getting him to produce art work is like nailing Jell-o to a tree. I feel like I am babysitting EVERYONE! Ahhhhhh....

Today was Family Adventure Monday #3. Owning a small business requires devoting time to the family...non-work, no cell phone, no lap top time-- so we have taken to getting OUT of town all together on Mondays. It's easier. I have to remove my body from thehouse or I will keep answering e-mails, placing orders, making stuff, thrifting, processing, painting and looking up new vendors...

Today we headed out towards Hood River again. It started with 2 visitsto Les Schwab Tire Center (two separate locations, tires and times). A screw in the front tire... and a nail in the back! Sheesh! We finally hit the gorgeous Columbia Historic Highway (that got too windy for the kids and required Dramamine, so back to Interstate 84) had a hike at Mitchell's Point, a yummy lunch and headed home. A small getaway...but another much needed get-away.

 

We climbed this.....kinda.

 

My son can never resist a good photo of a Oregon Park Restroom! This one was not bad!

 

Apparently my son prefers his beer not so hoppy.

We sent the kids into the downtown area to a little toy store. Wow....the "treasures" that emerged...you can't tell but they are SKIPPING out of the toy store!!!

 

Next stop....cherries! But aslas...we far too late (darn tires!) and cherry picking was closed so we picked blueberries and bought pre-picked cherries. Such a bummer.....I have STILL never picked cherries! At age 38!

 

Estate sales shopping this week scored me a few DARLING vintage dresses, a few vintage metal trays and some lovely glassware. I will shoot some photos tomorrow.....too late to get any good shots whatsoever.

Over the course of "The Life of My Shop", I have "met" some very fun blog/internet/etsy friends.....they are cheerleaders, people of GREAT support and providers of inspiration. It's NOT easy out there folks...it's time to support local. I know I repeat that so, so often.....but when I close my eyes and imagine that the ONLY place I could buy a card, a piece of jewelry or "fun" home decor was at a big box store....my heart BREAKS. My shop is a product of Big Box Stores. I worked at a craft store that was being smothered by Big Box Stores and On-Line Shopping. I could see my job was slipping away and figured I'd better strike out on my own. WHO saw the next 3 years coming? Ahhhhh......

Here are a few more folks to watch, support and enjoy!

Tracie at Found Home Design.

Kristi at Grandma's Attic in Omak, WA

Pam at One Gal's Trash in Portland, OR. The chick is going places....even if she is contemplating The Life of a Plant Thief. (Love it Pam and DO IT!!!!!!!!! I will HELP you steal those plants!!!)

These are just THREE out of tons, tons, tons......but I am getting loopy and I have to go help a CERTAIN artist finish his last obscure tile for the night.

Happy Monday! I hope YOU had a Monday Adventure in your life!

Crazy Busy

Today was one of those upside down days. I tend to have many of those...I prefer to believe it's a personality trait rather than a character flaw. With me...weird things just happen. Lucky me?

I was due to set up for the neighborhood marketplace, but JOHN was running late. AS I tried to leave and sneak up the "ran for coffee...be right back" sign, my shop that had previously been a mausoleum became packed. Packed with people who NEEDED me. They had questions...size concerns....questions about Violet's line (Hello.....I don't sew!), do I have "these earrings in THAT color"... and they were coming at me at a fast clip. John arrived and I finally got the stash to the sale....

 

I brought jewelry, creamer/sugar sets, cards, vintage Christmas goods, collage packs and cookie cutters. On behalf of Violet I brought some of the larger sizes of her new Santa Baby line and her friend's "PrettyMe" line. Seriously...this line makes my uterus flip around like a freshly caught fish. These prints and designs are out of this world.

 

These pieces of clothing are like watercolors! So many layers, designs and eye cathcing elements...love them!

   

Here are some cutie patootie ornaments with vintage button centers...

 

Check out this sweet piece of Christmas Action. I am telling you...I do not know where to begin on the loveliness called "This Crazy Centerpiece". I can't look away from it all day. I am waiting for Violet to price it because I half (completely) want to buy it. Mushrooms, furry people, mistle toe balls and white plastic branches. I mean...how much better could it get than that?

I had made about 15 tags in mid-November and they sold fairly quickly, so I ran down that path and made more. Because...that's how I roll. Sometimes. Not very often.

 

 

 

I also added a Poppy & Ivy page to Facebook. Are you a member? It's good stuff folks...great networking....great way to keep up with friends and hook up with old friends. Want to be a Poppy & Ivy fan? Please do! Click here....

I have no clue if I did it "right" or if it means one darn thing....but I can post, you can post, we can share things. Sharing is fun....Mr. Roger's says so.

And just to prove that I will NEVER move past the mentality of an 8th grade boy...here are my two new favorite paper purchases. Feel free to roll your eyes and say "Sheeeshhhh Amy"....other people did and I just accepted it.

 

I have a recipe for your lunch tomorrow....

 

I love the part "for left over Frankfurters". Why'd you cook so many?

And wait a minute......School day lunches?

My kids would throw up in their mouths if I sent them to school with congealed hot dog soup. And these kids lick frost bitten ice cream containers. They aren't known as "picky eaters". I could call it "polka dot soup" until I was blue in the face...they'd open a Thermos to fat floating on top of corn and spices and and just go postal.

I'm just saying......

Hope your Holidays are running smooth as silk and that you don't feel like eating your young and poisoning your spouse. Ho-Ho-Ho!

Falling into Place?

Yesterday I watched my neighbors at Splurge having a meeting. I felt so envious. I get tired of "going it alone". Splurge is an artist co-op...about 5 artists I believe, who share rent, shifts,etc.

When I moved and had the spike in rent, I just chose to work it everyday. No more employees. And THAT gets hard. And just when I thought I was in a place to hire, sales dropped. They are back, but I am playing catch up now.  I often have people suggest "You could do ......" but it always requires me doing more, so I feel that I just stay stagnant.

Next door at Sofia, she shares rack space with a gal and that gal also works 4 days a month. Brilliant.

Then it offers up more choices for my addled brain. Do I find someone who rents? Sells for 100% profit and works it off? What will it be? I need someone who has the same style. The commission thing was nuts because it was more paperwork than I ever dreamed imaginable. I thought it would be cut and dry....but no...you miss one day of entries, then 2 days, then three and you are up to your eyeballs in receipts, not to mention balancing checkbooks, paying bills, etc. Oh..and raising kids, maintaining your home, car, friends, family. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. There is not enough Calgon to make that all an easy balance.

Not two hours later I received an e-mail from a local artist suggesting about 75% of what I mentioned above. My jaw nearly dropped to the ground. I forwarded it to JOHN and he thought I'd gone out looking for that person. NOPE. She suggested it to me out of the blue. I have never even met her...only have seen her blog and her website.

I am staying calm. She might meet me and say "Whoa lady....you are one hot mess".

Today I spent the day cleaning, organizing, getting stuff on Etsy, getting it out on clearance....cleaning up in general so if this gal thinks this it could possibly work, I won't scare her by my much organized chaos. :)

Again...deep breaths. I met with an accountant about how it would work, suggestions so it's not suspicious and all on the up & up with taxes, etc. This lady might hear that and say "Uhhhh. No. That was NOT what I was thinking".

Each day is just one big lesson in small business. Some good. Some pretty freaky.

I rode my bike to work today. Car is in the shop for GOD knows how long. So many lights are blinking, are out and saying scary things in other languages.

I tried to fit the bike in my very roomy shop bathroom and it turns out I couldn't really get it in there too well. Some might say it was a tad PACKED in there. This whole purging process is taking some time! I seem to be doing quite a bit of moving boxes from point a (home) to point b(shop).

You can find the "pack of silver fun" (pictured above) here.....

This glitter bird of love can be found here...

Here are some new additions to the shop...

All the cigar boxes are on the floor. I can admit that about 15 stayed at home...just in case. I am not sure in case of what exactly, but I am a "better safe than sorry" kinda gal.

Off to accomplish even more today. Fingers crossed.

Happy Thursday to you all.

Maybe I shouldn't be given "free time".....

I was SO enamored with all my "free time" the last few days, that I have done the wackiest things.

I ran off to a scrapbook store Saturday before a big Bunco school fund raiser. I had to be back to Portland by 7:00...but I DID it. It was an hour and half round trip and worth EVERY minute of it! We just have nothing left in Portland really as far as scrapbooking goes and I honestly try to avoid the box chains if I can....they are putting the little guys in jeopardy! I still want to hit Art and Scraps in Vancouver really badly...but this Scrapbook Fever was our destination of the day. And I always have collage...but I was looking for the Creative Imagination Cafe line in particular. So much fun.....

 

These journaling strips are brilliant. They are sold by the foot and you can stamp on them, write on them, use rub-ons...you name it. Brilliant and about 4 designs.

The new travel line by Making Memories....for all that traveling we do. HA!!!!!

Why did I drive that far? Because I was with my friend! My good friend Kate (of birds-on-canvas, felt birds and NikePlus Kate) is moving to Toronto for 2 years. It's JUST TEMPORARY...she isn't even selling her home here in Portland...but she is the buddy that can go to these places with me and never say "But WHY?". Instead she squeals and darts all over the place just like I do...and the little angel on my one shoulder says "What a great opportunity for their family. They HAVE to take it..the kids will learn so much, they can experience great new things...all so good". The little devil says "Is she TRYING to ruin my life? WHO will I shop with???? Can I still text her at 3:00am??". JUST KIDDING!!! (says the good angel).......

And guess what I did at the shop?

I found a little corner for Christmas goodies! I have TONS.

And yes....I am a vintage shop, but I still pulled all my vintage Christmas when I moved in January.

And then...I forgot where it went.

And then...I found it. On Friday night. So....WAHOOOOO.....And Ho-Ho-Ho...

Oh so much fun. Off to unpack and process even more Holiday additions. Seems weird when it's 76 degrees at night. HA!

Busy Little Bee..

 .....With one BUZZING headache.

I always get so cranked up before a vacation anyway...and I am tossing Bazaar Freak Out into the mix..LOL.

All is well. I decided 15 minutes ago to drop the Super Bazaar Extradonaire Act and just bring my stuff, drop it off, fluff it and BREATHE. Then walk away. If it's not "perfect"...life will not end as I know it.

It's like Dr. Phil got into my head for a minute.

Please make him leave.

Here are some of the goods. And some are not finished. And yet...the Earth is still turning. The sun is still shining. I am still upright. Ahhhhhhh.........deep, cleansing breaths.....

 

Our advertising post card design is so elegant & whimsical. The gal who runs this show out of her home is so professional and perfect at this job!

 

 

 

Love these crazy circus poster cards. You can tell I was getting a bit loopy, eh?

 

Check out the "Oh my! But she is FAT" card. That's how I felt while I have been buzzing all over this week. No walking or aerobics for me this week. LOL...so I had to use that. Not sure how ELSE to use that except on a card.

I did get some soldered necklaces done. Finally.

<Becky...you said I shouldn't do it after a Dirty Martini. HA on you. :) >

 

 

 

Love the unfinished designs. I think I can get those finsihed up tonight. People keep asking me to bring more of these in (people are so kind) and I finally got my act together.

 

 

 

 

 

And I will bring my handy dandy typewriter key necklaces. They are handmade and DONE! That makes them even more appealing.

And I took this picture by accident, but it DOES feature my new favorite shoes! I have apple green and now this lovely orange-red. And they just came out in black too. This makes me swoon. They are cute and I can walk ALL day in them! I just wish a had a big basket of fruit for on top of my head...and I could just sashay through the store and sing festive songs. I really could.

Off to price and "work". It's myself and some dust bunnies today. All good...I have so much to shop stuff to catch-up on. Happy Friday!

Where am I?

I have the flu.....still not 100% sure how, or why I arrived at the shop, but I DID!

I had 2 chugs of Nyquil at 6:45am and now I am just floaty and not REALLY tracking very well. The hazards of being my only employee!

JOHN might be able to cover for me later in the day but he DOES have a job he needs to tend to! He opened the front door this morning and called out to me...."Here is something to make your day better"......

I knew it wasn't Scarlet Lime time....so I couldn't figure out WHAT else would be on the porch that would make me happy.

It was this....

Sneak peek pages...wait, is that illegal? I want everyone to buy this book...it's AMAZING! My heart skips a beat with every flip from page to page..but my heart might be messed up with the Nyquil and Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte....who knows.

This book is delicious....written by some of my favorite players..Teresa McFayden, Pamela Garrison, Amy Hanna, Rebecca Sower, Carolyn Peeler & Charlotte Lyons. You can purchase it through their blogs or at LuLu.com. I wish I could spend an hour with this group of women...just an hour to ask questions, listen to them chit chat. I dare you to go to Charlotte Lyons Mother's Day post and not tear up. The memory tree post...ohhh...that one got me last weekend as I played catch blog catch up.

I think today I need to sit my little old stool quietly. We have a BIG weekend. My daughter's big dance recital, softball play-offs, family in town....I have to sit and hydrate. I did fluff a wee bit.

I added to the Father's Day section....

I finished another chalkboard. I have PILES ready to bring in....I just need to add fun knobs. They always fly out the door. Sheessshhhh...... I need an assistant!

Happy Friday!