An afternoon in Marblehead

I had an entire day off on Saturday. Well almost, I did a brief photo shoot for the Melrose Chamber of Commerce. Then I was free as a bird. I had lunch with my sister in Reading and then off I went to spend a little time in the lovely seaside town of Marblehead.

I drove straight to the beach. A few people had the same idea and I saw kids playing volleyball and people walking their dogs. The sunshine felt good and the smell of the ocean, well I love it!

The day was beautiful, a warm Spring day. It was rather chilly by the ocean so I didn't stay long.

These cuties were enjoying the day outside a florist shop. I just noticed the dog on the right could pass for a rabbit.

 Oh yes finally, it really feels like Spring! And everything is starting to bloom too. The seaside gardens were gorgeous.
                             

I snapped a few shots outside the florist shop Flores Mantilla. The owner came out to greet me. Probably because I had been talking to the dogs. She gave me a beautiful magazine about weddings. She had an ad in the magazine and she wanted to show it to me.

I love old typewriters so this one on display outside the florist shop caught my eye.

O'Rama's had  blingy jewelry that caught the sunlight.

I had a great time speaking with the owners of MacKimmie's. They sold scarfs, throws, blankets, and gifts in their shop.

I loved the entrance to their store. The front door was framed by apple blossoms. It was really lovely.

I love cozy blankets and throws. I have throws throughout my home. I usually buy inexpensive ones because of the cats. The kitties of course, take over the throws.

I have never seen such perfectly folded blankets! They certainly don't look like that in my linen closet! I bought a few gifty items but no blankets or throws. Kitty claws would ruin blankets such as these.

The owner of  MacKimmie's told me Haley's Market was a good place to eat but I was really just looking for coffee. Ideally I wanted to take a break ,and sit in a coffee shop by the ocean. Haley's was closed but I liked the sign in their window. I gave up on the coffee, most places closed at 5:00.

This house was pretty. The houses are close together in the historic section of town. Some are quite colorful and some have been updated considerably.

Many of the historic homes have signs like these displayed outside their doors. The original homeowner's name, date of construction, and occupation were listed.

I had a great time in just a few hours in Marblehead. I will return when I have more time to spend exploring.

My next post will be about another little daytrip I took, this time to Exeter, New Hampshire. Have a great week.

A new find-Camp to Castle Consignment

It's a rare day when I don't have anything scheduled but today was that kind of day. It was snowing but the weather wasn't too bad so I ventured out to Reading.

First, breakfast at Aroma Cafe with my sister.  Then on to Camp to Castle Consignment, a fairly new store on Route 28 in Reading, Massachusetts.

Furnishings and home decor from a variety of eras were on display. This little green stove caught my eye immediately. So cute!

I wish I had room for it in my kitchen! I have a spot for it but I would have to move my antique black chest elsewhere in my condo.  The chest is good for storage too and the stove? Well not so much.

These hatboxes were adorable. I did take a second look at them but they did not go home with me.

If I had been looking for a table I would have liked this one. I am drawn to the half moon shape.

I am always on the lookout for a good tea/coffee set.  This one was a beauty!

I have a growing collection of vintage suitcases. So this one went home with me.  I love to use them as extra storage since I have a lack of closet space at home.

The previous photos I took with my phone's camera. This one I took once I got the suitcase home. It is a vintage leather Samsonite and the inside was in very nice condition.

I also collect vintage rhinestone pins. Sometimes I wear them or I use them as package toppers or napkin rings.  I might also make them into magnets. The top one is actually a belt buckle.

I also bought this set of 4 pins. I must confess I really only wanted the key pins but they were sold as a set. The candle pin is cute too.

Camp to Castle Consignment was doing a brisk business today. A young woman bought a table and a rug and a couple bought some items too. So happy to see this small business thriving in a tough economy. The owner, Lauren, told me they get new merchandise in every day so I definitely see another visit in my future.

A visit to Brissonte

A few weeks ago, a friend introduced me to Brissonte, a wonderful shop on Route 28 in North Reading, Massachusetts. I stopped in there again today and had a chat with the owner.

We are kindred spirits.  We like all the same things, the same blogs, the same magazines, the same decorating style.  It's no wonder I love her shop!

She was kind enough to let me go wild with my camera. I sure had fun shooting all of the pretty vignettes in her store.  She had a flair for merchandising.  I hope my photos did the store justice.

I am still looking for a chandelier for my dining room so this one caught my eye.  Quite beautiful, don't you think?

Products are displayed in vintage cabinets and cupboards making everything more interesting.

This is very cool, love all the crystal prisms dangling in the afternoon light.

I love the company. Fringe, some of their products were on display at the shop.

Isn't this sign cute? It would go great in my dining room on top of the china cabinet.

Look at this old stove, a little girl's dream.

And here's a big girl's dream.  A crystal chandelier!

A delicate plate amongst other very beautiful dishes. I could have bought one of everything!

I always have a soft spot for teacups with violets on them.  I'm not sure why, maybe because I love the color purple?

Here's the front window of the shop.  The store is in a small strip mall on a busy road. a hidden gem, for sure.

These candlesticks are very elegant and would love lovely in a dining room like mine!

This is one gorgeous china cabinet.  It was sold, sorry!

More pretties on a tiered table.  There were so many interesting things to see.

There were even chippy doors. 

Here's the door displayed with a painting. Doors are fun to decorate with but you need a good sized room.

Lots of merchandise to pick through.  Prints and candles and cards, I was thoroughly enjoying myself as I turned each corner to see wonderful displays of exceptional products.

A dress form all decked out with flowers and a scarf.

Look at these sweet baby bonnets.

Keep calm and eat a cupcake, that's my motto!

This trolley was not for sale but it sure made a nice display piece!

Another great display cabinet with teacup, nests and lace.

I love these carriers with glass bottles in them.  Wouldn't they make great vases?

Here's my chandelier again.  No, I didn't buy it. I probably should measure to see what size I really need first.

A cabinet door with chalkboard. So cute and perfect for a rustic kitchen. Wish I had more wall space in my kitchen. I have mostly windows and cabinets.

Birdcages are one of my favorite items. I have two in my home.  This one is especially nice.

This one is cool too! I like the rounded top on it.

I saw these plates and I almost bought them.  They have green in them and I really liked the pattern.

The holder was nice too. The plates were from the shop owner's collection.  She said she used to use them with her green depression glass.  Nice!

Love this couch.  It kind of reminds of mine but the wood on mine is a dark brown not a light color like this one.

The pillows were lovely too.  I especially liked the red toile one.

Another door. They really are fun to use in home decor.

A closeup of the pillows, aren't they nice?

A fancy umbrella stand and a cool chair.

The other side of couch with more pillows, these were more neutral colors.

A closeup of those prisms on the chandelier.

A wonderful mirror. I could see this hanging in a hallway, bedroom, living room. Very versatile.

Vintage clock parts anyone? Anyone into Steampunk?

 A more detailed look at those clock parts. Fun!

This table was sitting out front the first time I visited Brissonte. I gave it another look today. I like it but not sure where I can use it. It might look nice in our condo common area porch but we need a lot more furniture than one little table.  So for now it will call Brissonte home.

If you are in the North Reading area, visit Brissonte.  I guarantee you will love it!