The Shop Around the Corner

One of the benefits of our new home is that we are now minutes away from my parents and their shop. The boys couldn't be happier about this, and it means that I can pop in and see what's going on whenever I feel like it.

On Friday evening, I popped in to see how they were coming along with flowers for a wedding that Saturday. I love when they have flowers to work on, as the store is filled, and it usually means I can help out.

It's even more fun when the wedding theme is something as elegant and beautiful as this particular one was. It's no surprise that I'm a fan of white and green, and even more so, when they are combined with rustic pieces. This wedding was a perfect combination.

The church arrangements were in old apple crates.

Each table had a smaller version, in a different style crate.

This was the bride's bouquet.

And the bridesmaids carried simple Hydrangea bouquets.

Her boutonnieres were nautical, with simple ribbon and twine.

It was lovely, and my mom did an amazing job.

Country Living Fair - Part II: Red Chair Antiques

I've been looking forward to showing you through one of the highlights of my weekend away. It was so wonderful, it deserved a post of it's own.

Welcome to Red Chair Antiques on the famous Warren Street in Hudson, New York.

I think many of you, after browsing these photos, will understand the feeling I had when I walked through the door of this shop. I didn't know where to look first. I have yet to be in a store with such an exquisite collection of beautiful European antiques.

This is such a small section of what is there to see. The lighting was cozy and romantic and therefore hard to capture the beauty of each created space, but trust me, it just seemed to go on and on. Shelves of ironstone, pots of cutlery, stacks of old books, a bed piled with antique linens... It even overflowed into the back courtyard. It was almost too much to take in at once. Owner and curator, Jocie Sinauer, has done a brilliant job seeking out the beauty of old Euprope, bringing it home, and breathing new life into it. I felt as though I could have spent hours in each vignette, admiring the beauty of each collected piece, wondering what it's story was. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and so much more.

For even more of this lovely shop, visit her online at Red Chair Antiques.

Bremfield's: The Tour

Now that we have the first week under our belt, I feel like I finally have time to give you a tour of Bremfield's.

Welcome to the store.

Bremfield's is a combination of a floral market, cafe and bakery with some beautiful antiques tucked throughout the store.

The idea was to create a beautiful, inviting place to come in and sit down with a coffee and something sweet. To meet a friend for a simple, home-style lunch and browse lovely vintage finds. To take a cappuccino out to the cafe sets on the sidewalk and watch the boats go through the canal. To take home a pie made with local fruit, and while you're at it, a hand-tied bouquet for your table and a hanging basket for your front porch.

And this is exactly what you'll find when you walk through the door. 

And of course, the owners - my mom and dad.

Have I made how proud I am of them clear yet?

If you're able, pop in for a visit.

A Shop Tour - Stitch

 

I'm of the opinion that a beautiful shop should invite it's visitors in, instantly making them feel at home, and usher them out feeling wonderfully inspired.

 

Welcome to Stitch.

 

This "sanctuary for knitters, quilters and needle artists" does just that.

 

Owner Jocelyn Chamberlain has pulled together the most inspiring collection of materials and displayed them amongst a stunning collection of vintage treasures. The moment you walk into her shop, housed perfectly in a quaint old cottage, you can't help but want to do nothing more than make yourself a cup of tea, retreat in one of the many inviting chairs, and stitch happily away.

 

She's located in Jordan Village and worth a lovely afternoon out.

 

 

 

Her shop exudes personality. Everywhere you look, your eye falls on something unique and colourful and inspiring.

 

 

 

The back of her shop houses a bright, comfortable sitting area that provides the perfect retreat for a group that meets weekly to chat and work on their projects. Opposite this is a gorgeous harvest table, perfect for quilting projects and lessons. And in the middle is a massive brick fireplace that makes the entire area so perfectly cozy.

 

 

 

She even has a tiny kitchen off the back complete with tin ceilings and open cabinets stocked with pretty red and white dishware. It's like a little English cottage kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

The front of the shop is filled with every shade of yarn, every pattern of fabric and anything else you could possible need for whatever you project might be working on. And it's all so beautifully displayed. Old cabinets house yarn and material. Vintage notions are tucked here and there amongst rustic antiques. Even the shop itself is stunning with it's exposed beams, brick walls, bright old windows and worn old floors.

 

 

 

 

 

Stop in and find something beautiful to work on during these next few winter months - the projects are endless.