I found a new store- Jack + Toba

Last weekend after the Bedford Polecapping, I decided to explore the Bedford area on foot. I came upon a really cool shop on Great Road. It's called Jack + Toba.



The store is named after the late parents of owner Suzy Adler Watters. I met Suzy in the afternoon at her store. I love the mix of vintage and modern items.



I purchased this candle. As I burn it right now I can smell a wonderful exotic yet subtle scent. Not too overpowering at all and just how I like it. It's made by Tatine out of Chicago. Suzy only purchases items for her store from companies that she believes in. She has to like the owner as well as the product.



Ooh, I love this all leather trunk. Could I find a spot for it in my home? Not right now but I did really like it.



This trunk would look great at the end of my bed or as a coffee table.



A fine example of industrial chic.




This fun umbrella is guaranteed not to blow inside out.



Aren't these fish sweet? They're made from driftwood from a Maine artist.



Cool window, I can see this in my living room.



There's that trunk again, used as a table.




Overview of the store.



Like this chippy table? The merchandising is fabulous in this store.




My parcels are wrapped. I leave with that happy feeling I have when I find a great new store. When the owner immediately acknowledges me and I can see how passionate she is about her business, I have to smile. I am in my happy place and I know I will return.

You'll find Jack + Toba at 72 Great Road in Bedford.

About a Blog

I've been blogging for nearly 3 years. And I think it's quite the task to define my blog as I go back over more than 300 posts.

My original intention was to start a blog to showcase my photography. Then I posted photographs with stories. Then it became more personal and I began to tell more stories about my life. I added a playlist and tried to match the songs to the posts.

I think I only did three rants on my blog. One was about my car accident in 2009, one was about things going wrong at the condo I own, and the last one was about Sears because they deserve it.



From reading my blog, you may guess I am a foodie. I will not divulge my approximate weight gain since I started blogging! From my blog you will also discover I am coffee obsessed and enjoy an occasional spot of tea.




Mostly, you will discover that I share my home with my 3 cats, love my family and friends, have quite a sense of humor and can't imagine living anywhere but New England.

Click on the button on the sidebar to visit Sarah at Modern Country Style and read all about the Define Your Blog party.

Talking about a Revolution(ary) Event

A sunshine filled Saturday morning and the first warm temps in a while coupled with a historic reenactment. I am in my element!



This morning I attended the Bedford Polecapping Ceremony and Colonial Parade. All of the parade units assembled on the lawn of a historic church. The groups had time to socialize before the event.



It was a photographer's dream. There was opportunity to get in close to the action and take candids of everyone in their period costumes.



Love the hat and the jacket.



Young children participated too.



I wish you could hear the beautiful sounds from the day. The fifers and drummers just added to the historic feeling of the event.




One last bonnet check before showtime!



Oops, I got caught snapping this photo.



It's not easy to capture the moment a musket fires! I sure wish that car didn't park there.



Smoke from the muskets hung in the air.




This unit is always in step.




The sound of the drum went right through me.




A tricornerd hat was the fashion must have of the day.



Women played a role in the day's activities too.



During the invocation, the reverend mentioned that today's event would be romantic and joyous but the real events were messy, violent, and painful.




The pole is readied for the ceremony.




The climber gets ready. He will climb to the top of the pole and place the knitted red liberty cap he is wearing on the top of the pole.




He begins his ascent.




He must climb quickly.



One must be strong and agile.



The cap is placed atop the pole.



A quick fist pump to his audience.



He moves quickly down the pole....



Only to be met by the Brits who did not appreciate his act of defiance. The audience boos the Brits.



What's this? A British VIP who proceeds to roast the local officials and the crowd.




He was very entertaining and of course he had to mention the narrowly avoided government shutdown which nearly shut down some of the day's historic events at the national parks. Wouldn't that have been ironic?

My Spring Fashion Picks

With warmer temps around the corner, it's time to get out of the winter woolies and into something more figure flattering. Here's what I'm loving right now.

A nice business look from Ann Taylor.



This cool purple jacket is from J Peterman. A nice transition from Winter to Spring.



This gray wrap dress is a traffic stopper. It's from Spiegel. I haven't shopped there in years but I do love their catalog.




This dress is called Sutton Place amd it's by J Peterman. I think it would be flattering on most body types and you can twirl in it!




I would wear this on the weekends. Casual but not sloppy from J Jill.

Guess I'm not into the bright colors of Spring quite yet. It takes time to transition.

So which item would you buy for your wardrobe?

Live Event Painting- A wedding in Newport, Rhode Island

Just thought I would share another one of my sister's live event paintings. For any of you who are new readers, my sister paints at events like weddings and parties.

She paints most of the event as it is happening and then puts the finishing touches on it in her studio. The recipient receives a painting depicting their wedding, party, etc.


This painting portrays the wedding of Serena and Jonathan, a young couple who got married in Newport, Rhode Island last Fall. I took a shot of the entire painting so you can see all the goings on at the reception.



This style of painting is not supposed to be detailed. But as you look at the various sections of the painting you will see many details. Look at the clothing.
the glasses of wine, food on the plates.



I like the blond woman's hair and the man next to her. He was looking down when my sister was painting the guests at that table.



The bride and groom dancing their first dance as husband and wife.



And a man tries to capture the moment with his camera. Nothing escapes my sister's eye or paintbrush!




Even a waitress carrying plates is added to the scene.



One of the bride's sisters and her flowergirl daughters. I love how my sister captured the dress. You can see shadow and light, you can tell the bodice is pleated.




The band is, of course, in the painting.





And a closer look at Serena and Jonathan.



Another one of Serena's sisters and other family members.



A snippet of one of the tables.




A broader view.




And again, the finished product. To learn more or inquire about live event painting for your special event, please email me at chatelaine08@gmail.com .