Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Show and Tell


Hello friends! It feels like it's been a long time. I am back from my sisters-weekend at the Jersey shore and have lots to show and tell. However, first I have exciting news to share. I recently won a generous blog makeover from the wonderfully talented, Amber at The Shabbee Chick! So fun (and funny) because I had been attempting my own redesign but wasn't quite getting the look I wanted. Thank you, Amber! Check out her blog and portfolio -- you'll love it! Look at her button with the bespectacled chick. So me!


Okay, so my oldest sister Betsy orchestrated quite the shopping tour de force which began with my first-ever trip to Anthropologie. I think I spent 20 minutes just looking at their unique selection of hardware! Next it was time for lunch at Terrain at Styers, a very cool garden center and greenhouse cafè. Delicious everything! Beautiful plants and pots everywhere.


Back in the car we headed to a small shop called Primrose. Owner Michelle Joy has been featured in a Country Living that I linger over so her store was a must-see. If I had a truck with me, I would've been carting home pink shutters and more.


The next day we headed to a shop called The Dutch Rose where I bought this handmade item crafted from an outdoor faucet. How fun for me because the June issue of Romantic Homes was for sale and it was the first time seeing my article in a store. My sister Dede bought a copy. Also fun was discovering that the owner Susan, likes to blog (see link above).


Continuing along we stopped at one of our perennial faves Nest, where I bought this wire garland at 50% off. I think it has possibilities inside or outside.


And what visit to the Garden State would be complete without time to wander around the always-GASP-awesome The Painted Cottage? The mirror was made from old floorboards!!!


Betsy said, "this has you written all over it." I agree!


These were the price tags! How clever is this? Tea-stained and stamped paint chips! I am so in awe of Valerie, the artist/owner that I get very shy around her.

Thanks for hanging on for this super-long post. I'm sure I'll keep you posted once I find places for all my new treasures! I'm looking forward to visiting everyone's blog to see what's new!

xo

34 comments:

Kim @ Twice Remembered said...

What a fun shopping adventure you had! I enjoyed looking at the photos :) Congrats on your Romantic Homes article...I'll have to look for it!

KatCollects said...

All of those stores look so beautiful and full of treasures, I am glad you had a good time!
Hugs,
Kathy

Lisa said...

What fun and what finds! I got the June Romantic Home and I loved your article.I went to Barnes and Noble so much the salesgirl thought I was stalking her(: It was certainly worth the wait. You are on your way! PS Love the new look!

Sonia said...

Elyse, you are a great writer. I bought the magazine today. Its so much fun to see a fellow blogger in a magazine. well done gal. Article was very interesting too.
Way to go.
Looks like you had lots of fun at your getaway!!
Sonia
PS. Your blog looks great

debi said...

*Gasp* Elyse, Your new blog look just oozes sweet prettyness. (don't know if that's a word, but it fits) LOVE, LOVE it!
I'm glad you had such a great sister weekend...they're always so fun! And you found some really sweet treasures!
Debi

Lori said...

Elyse, your blog looks so pretty:) i'm glad you decided to make the trip...it sounds like you had a wonderful time and did some great shopping!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh I absolutely love your blog background! It is beautiful and definitely mirrors your style. Aren't sisters weekends the best...especially when there is shopping! Terri

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link! A neat coincidence to have you in the shop the same time that your article was in the magazine!
Susan
www.thedutchrose.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

ELYSE!! I have missed you and am so glad yuo are back. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new blog look!!! The background is gorgeous! It makes me feel happy to look at it. I love those colors!

It sounds like you had so much fun and you bought some fabulous things. The crystals on the faucet is awesome! I love anything chandelierish, lol!!! Love it all and I am so glad you had a good time!

Love ya,
Amy

Claudia said...

So glad you went ahead with your trip! It looks like you had a fabulous time and found some wonderful things. The blog redesign looks perfect!

Unknown said...

Those are some cute finds, Elyse! I can't wait to see what adorable thigs you do with them! :)

Stephenie said...

What amazing treasures.. Sounds like you had alot of fun to.. Loooove the old floor boards...That floral garland is just soooooo Beautiful..Your pictures look amazing...
Stephenie

Wendy said...

Hey Lady! I remember seeing your post about your being featured in Creative Home. The people at BHG told me that it was ending, and they were originally going to switch my feature to another one of their special interest magazines. Then they switched it back to Creative Home at the last minute. I didn't find out it was in there until last week. So I ran to the store and bought the last two copies they had. (They are sending my a complimentary copy, but one is definitely not enough. ha ha! )

Jessica - Such Pretty Things said...

What a wonderful shopping trip you all had! Those stores all look wonderful...as do your fabulous finds! Congratulations on being in Romantic Homes - that is incredible!

cherry said...

OHH what fun! Great treasures you found . cherry

Cathy said...

Elyse,

It looks like you hit some amazing shops. Wish I was with you, but I was out having fun too.

xo Cathy

Lisa said...

Oh what fun you must have had! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Lisa

Jeanne Oliver said...

Sounds like a great trip! I can't believe that it was your first trip to Anthro!!! Are you now addicted:-)

Administrator said...

Wow - really looks like you had an awesome time. Glad you went and didn't let the old flu spoil your fun! Congrats on finding your magazine there in the store. That must have been something! :)

LaurieStar said...

Oops! That was me in the last comment - I was logged in as an Administrator of another site I run! Sorry! :) I am sleepy and not hitting all the right keys tonight! :)

Honey Bend Vintage said...

What a fun trip! Thanks for stopping by my blog~
Bristol

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello~I've just strolled into your blog for my first visit...I've enjoyed taking a peek at your past posts. What beauty! You've got so many wonderful treasures.

I've bookmarked you my favs.
I look forward to coming by your charming blog again.
Come by for a visit. The company would be nice.

Sweet wishes,
Sara

www.angelinascards.com said...

LOVE THE LOOK AND NAME OF YOUR BLOG!! Amber did mine and she is great!!
Angelina

Unknown said...

Congrats on winning that blog make-over! How cool is that! Thank you for taking me "shopping with you"! Your photos are darling! I think it would be so much fun to go shopping with my blog friends in real life, don't you!?

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Oh Elyse, it looks like you had a WONDERFUL time with your sisters! And what sweet finds you found and places your visited! WOW! I love sister time with my three sisters to! I am so proud of you with your article in Romantic Homes! You are a star...a sweet, loving star!

Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day! I am sure the "boys" have some fun things planned...hopefully breakfast in bed after your long trip! ;)

Love ya!
Maryjane xox

Unknown said...

What a fun trip; glad you got so many cool things.
Your new design looks great, just a little tweaking of what you'd already done.

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

O-O-O-O-O-!!!!!! LOVE the new look! Isn't Amber just UBER talented? I had her do my blog re-do and she did it just how I had it in my mind - and even better.

You have been a busy girl!

Happy Mother's Day,
Becky
xo

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

PS: Soooo proud of you with your article in Romantic Homes! It was like, "I KNOW HER!!!!" Soooper Dooper fantisticofabulous!!

xo
B.

Glitter & Bliss said...

Looks like you had tons of fun!!! I am so glad. I love all your finds. I knew you would fall in love with Anthropologie. Isn't it amazing!! Just really $$$$$$. DARN!!!

Fete et Fleur said...

What a fun time you had! Congrats again on your article. I read it and thought it was wonderful!

Happy Mother's Day!
Nancy

cupcake studio said...

Happy Mom's Day Elyse!

Melissa/Piney Rose said...

What a lovely blog! All these things are gorgeous..

cottage farm villa said...

What a fun shopping spree. How clever is the faucet handle little chandy? and the garland....love it!

Did you change your background on your blog? Whether you did or didn't...it is SWEET!

Summer Gypsy said...

Anthropologie is my favorite store~ Such an eclectic assortment!! This is my first visit to your blog, and I love it!!! I'll be looking for you in Romantic Homes.
Have a blessed weekend!
Marilyn