Out and About... at Harrison House Market

We have so many great places to shop in our area, with tons of talented people making it all happen. Late last spring an older shopping center in Ozark, Missouri (just south of where I live in Springfield) that was a hub for great vintage goods was sold. In an instant, the vintage shops and flea market vendors that it housed had to start looking for new homes and venues. I was so excited to learn that my favorite, Harrison House Market, has found a great spot here in town. 

Harrison House Market

Be sure and click on "read more" for the rest of the story...

New to me...

I'm frequently the last one to know 

about some amazing item, bargain, or trend.

duh...wow..."isn't that so cool?"

So this post is my latest installment of

"Everyone else may already know... but"

I just had to share this in case there's anyone else out there 

...ah, um...a little uninformed.

this is paper, peeps.

Out and About, a "Pre-Christmas" Tree, and the Give-Away Winner...

I had a few things I wanted to share with you today...

Hope you don't mind a little bit of everything.

Check out the oh so cute animal portraits...

with scarves!

Out and About at Leola's Vintage Home

Hey Everyone...
I have a few pics to share from a recent visit to Leola's Vintage Home and Garden in Ozark, Missouri. I didn't make the Fall Open House, which is always a high point for me, but I knew they would still be packed with fun items for Halloween and Fall. Just walking in here fills me with inspiration, no matter what the season.

Out and About for some Fall Fun

We're really fortunate to have so many wonderful antique shops, flea markets, boutiques, and tea rooms, here in Springfield, and the surrounding area. You can spend several days and you still couldn't see all that they offer. Delicious food, great antiques, fun vintage treasures to find...and most of all we have some fabulous local talent.

Nature's Treasures

We spent this last weekend on a trip to Eastern Missouri, Hawn State Park, and then visited the soon to be State Park of St. Genevieve, Missouri, which is one of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi. It was a wonderful trip, very remote in the middle of 5000 acres of pristine woodland and river. Many of the leaves there are already starting to change. I was near giddy at seeing the golden leaves flutter to the ground along the river's edge.

In Harmony with Nature...

...or, what to do if you're easily bored while camping.

Just wanted to check in with you on our/my "camping" progress. We've had a couple of weekend trips; one to the river,(Southern Missouri trout fishing river) the other to a lake (NW Arkansas in the mountains). Both were good, relaxing, and I really enjoyed my time with Hubbs. We grilled steaks and pork chops and had smores (which I thought he'd complain about, but actually he was a trooper. And even though we forgot the long fork, we improvised with small kitchen forks, and it ended up being one of the more memorable moments of the trip)

(we didn't actually go to Lake of the Ozarks, but I love these vintage fold out postcards, 

so I thought I'd share that bit of vintage lake goodness)

Happy Camper

I've been thinking about writing this post for the last couple of weeks...I guess it's time. It definitely falls into the category of "Old Dogs", as in "teaching them new tricks". Or as in today's new vernacular aka Jimmy Fallon #hashtags, I could label this:

 #Imnotanoldhippy,
 #theresnoplacelikehome,
 #Ihatebugs,
 #Idontwanttopeeinthewoods,
 and...
 #pleasedontmakeme.
But, I don't want be a stick in the mud, and this is something my husband is going to love, and has always wanted to do.

A visit to Sandstone

Phone pics...I have a love/hate relationship with them. On one hand, I'm thrilled to have a way to capture images in my favorite shops spur of the moment, but on the other, mine are less than desirable straight off the photo roll. I took these images a couple of weeks ago when we were in Joplin. I'd never been to Sandstone Gardens, and it was a beautiful experience. The garden/green houses on each side of the main retail area were enough to make me want to come back. Oh, and the restaurant provided a wonderful lunch in French Country ambiance. 

Sandstone Gardens

Valentine's Day Shopping

Our area has several wonderful shops and boutiques; many with a mix of antiques, vintage, and market items. Quite a few have added lines of clothing and accessories displayed with a vintage vibe. I've really missed my shopping outings this last year, so last Friday I made a special visit to one of my favorites, Inspirational Home.

A bag, a visit, and some ribbon for the tree...

I have to admit that I've been so busy and concentrating on getting moved into the new house, that the idea of Christmas just hadn't really sunk in. This last week we've been hustling to get the house in order and a place for the kids to sleep this week. So we've had a bit of a "deadline" with Thanksgiving and that has caused us to get in gear.

Over the weekend we ran out to get a few things like towels for guests and a doggy gate for the grandpuppy, and while we were out I dragged Hubbs into TJ Maxx for a quick run through. Of course there were tons of goodies to check out, but I just happened to find these adorable burlap tote bags for an extra large "gift wrap". When you have to spend several dollars on a gift bag for those extra large items, why not spend a few more and get a bag that's reusable and decorative. Dolly is being a helper with her big toes to hold the bag so you can see it!

Friday after my rehab appointment I headed over to The Vintage Suitcase to hopefully find some Christmas ribbon. Robin always has the most gorgeous decorative wire ribbon, and my little Christmas tree needed something new. So here are a few pics of the store. It's always overflowing with beautiful things, and lot's of inspiration.

I wanted some beige checked, and so here's a peek at my start of putting the tree together. It's going to be a pretty simple tree, but I wanted something to dress up the burlap that I've had on it for a few years.

I still have lot's left to do before Thanksgiving,

 but I have to say that I'm looking forward

 to Christmas now that a little of the stress of the move is off.

 I'll check back in before Thursday.

Have a great week,

xoxo,

Joining in at 

Cedar Hill Farmhouse

A Stroll Through Life

Coastal Charm

Savvy Southern Style

Humbolt Mansion Open House

Hi All, just want to let all you local peeps here in Southwest Missouri, Northern Arkansas,  North East Oklahoma,and Eastern Kansas (yes, we're in a 4 state corner) know about a wonderful invitation from Robin Gilmore of Robin's Vintage Suitcase here in Springfield, Missouri. She's opening her lovely Estate, The Humbolt Mansion, for a Christmas Open House next weekend, and if you haven't been inside the gates of this amazing home and grounds, you'll want to take this opportunity to take the tour.

The Open House will be at the same time as the Christmas Open House at her Shop, Robin's Vintage Suitcase and Veranda Tea Room just down the street, so you can make a day with friends and family for some Christmas shopping fun.

Vintage Suitcase and the Veranda Tea Room 724 S. Scenic Ave 417-224-5300                           417-866-1145 for reservations  Christmas Open House November 1, 2 & 3 Hours: Friday: 10am- 8pm Saturday: 10am- 5pm Sunday: 11am- 4pm Dinner will be served from 5- 8pm on Friday & brunch will be served  11-4 on Sunday Reservations recommended but not required 866-1145 Join us for a Christmas Tour at Hvmboldt Mansion 847 S. Scenic Ave Saturday 9-5 - Sunday 1-4 $10 tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Vintage Suitcase. Proceeds benefiting Springfield Symphony Guild and various children's charities.  An old-fashioned boxed lunch will be served at the Carriage House on Saturday from 11-3 for $8.99    Hope to see you there!

Robin will have her beautiful home 

decked from top to bottom with Christmas Cheer.

You won't want to miss it!

(Christmas photos from Robin's Gatehouse)

Click Here  and Here for a Haute Halloween at Robin's Mansion

Be sure and call for lunch reservations,

And make some wonderful Holiday memories!

Rusty Fall Garland

Happy Happy October everyone, 

my favorite month of the year!

A couple of weeks ago on one of my Fall Open House excursions, I found this wonderful little Rusty Bird and Butterfly Garland. You know, one of those things you have to have, but don't know for sure where or how you'll use it?

I think I must have tried at least a dozen ideas, then set it aside hoping the right spot would show itself. So yesterday I decided it was time to do something seasonal on the sofa table in the living room. Well... technically, it's not behind a sofa, but it's still such a great little side table which hugs the wall, and offers yet one more surface to decorate.

This table was painted  "off white" a few years ago 

when I went on my furniture painting rampage,

where I painted over 20 individual furniture pieces white.

Usually this spot doesn't get changed up much, but yesterday I was feeling the Fall Decorating Mojo, which has been squelched due to not being able to do anything outside because of the new roof. (which is now done, but today new gutters are being fitted. So that means hopefully, at some point, I'll get my front porch and deck back!)

Love this original oil painting, of an old farmhouse in Europe.

So here are some close ups of the rusted birdies. The rusty garland is intertwined with a faux bittersweet garland, and I cannot remember what these little mini pumpkin pods are called, but they have some cinnamon oil mixed in.

 mmmmm...what a heavenly aroma.

Rust and Fall just go together...

I honestly cannot remember where I found this marble based candleholder, but it weighs 10 tons, so it always stays here. And this interesting old tray has tapestry fabric on it. Looks like "Fall" to me.

This is a hard spot to photograph since one of the twin sofas is sitting in front of it. A talented florist and designer friend made the topiaries for me for Erin's wedding, 15 years ago. And believe me, they have 15 years worth of dust on them, too. ( I hate to dust and will put it off until I can write my name in it. The floors are another story. My OCD floor cleaning fetish always makes everyone nuts.)

If you're local you'll want to make it to the Ozark Art and Crafts Fair this weekend in Ozark, Missouri, starting Friday morning.  There are always some great things to see, buy, and eat... none of which are good for you. 

I'll be joining in on these great weekly parties!

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style, 

Centsational Girl 

Inspiration Gallery at Ella Claire      

DIY by Design    

TTT at StoneGable   

Everyday Home

Share Your Cup at Mrs. Olson's   

The Charm of Home

French Country Cottage    

Rooted in Thyme     

From My Front Porch to Yours   

Craftberry Bush    

Jennifer Rizzo                                              

Finding the perfect Greige...

You all are probably like me, and have this little memo board in your brain where you file away ideas and inspiration for projects... ideas that won't go away...but that you're just not yet ready to take on. Thoughts and plans for bringing something to life; it's just that we know it's not the time yet.

 Sort of like little Pinterest Boards in your head... 

Let me share some inspiration for that...

(remember you can click on any pic to make it BIG)

Last week I ran over to one of my favorite stores, Robin's Vintage Suitcase, here in Springfield. I know most of you have seen the posts I do on Robin's store. She doesn't sell on-line, but I like to share her displays and ideas for decor because there is always something to "take away" from just seeing the pics. I try to convey the atmosphere of her shop even though you might not ever be able to get there in person.

She keeps her displays fresh and current, so you never know what you'll see when you first walk in the door. That day I was smitten with her wonderful "gray" furniture and "whites" tablescape.

So, back to the deep recesses of my psyche where my Dining Room furniture lives. I've wanted to paint those pieces for. ever. But couldn't "get there" with the idea of just white. I've been thinking about the "stripped and weathered bare wood" look alot. Like this pic from Restoration Hardware.

...but, the gray, greige, idea has been vying for my attention. Some of you may remember that I painted my perfectly wonderful "gray" console a couple of years ago. (I'm not going to revisit that, some of you wanted to string me up) But I have to tell ya...that color of gray (with the blue undertones) just doesn't look good in my current surroundings where there's a lot of cream and tan. I need a paint color that has some gray, but with warm undertones. But, this wonderful gray paint patina on this old table just knocked me up the side of my head...

It's authentic, not recent...

see the green underneath peeking through?

As a companion piece,

 Robin had painted this fabulous buffet in her homemade paint concoction.

(here are a couple more store pics)

(and for all you locals,

 Robin's having a big sale that you might want to check out)

 I scoured Pinterest looking for other wonderful gray, greige, beige,
 "almost white with a little gray in it", furniture pieces...so take a look at these.



A couple of beautiful pieces from
 Kelli Wright at  Restore Interiors

Here's more...

My favorite color and technique so far...

Love this one too.

These are all pinned into my Pinterest Board

  Gray and Greige Painted Furniture if you want to take a peek.

This is my way of giving this idea in my head some credibility.

It might just be the table, or the buffet and table...

I'm not ready yet to take the plunge...

but I'm working up to it.

anyway, it's fun to dream.

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

Joining in with these parties:

Mod Mix Monday at Mod Vintage Life

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

xoxo,