Vintage Shopping and the Trunk Makeover

Last Friday my sister and I finally got around to heading out for a little vintage shopping. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed being out and about for some Vintage Fall Fun. "Fun" has been pretty much off the table this last Summer because I would just poop out after about an hour. But I was ready for some Fall Inspiration and the Shop Hops were in full swing. We headed to our favorite vintage market, "The Vintage Peddler" in Springfield and wandered the aisles for an hour or so, while sipping some bubbly cider.

Fanciful and Fun Fall Fotos, er (Photos)

Hi Friends, one of my favorite ways to find a little fun vintage inspiration is to visit all the Fall Open Houses of our amazing shopping spots here in the area. I was going back through some of my photos from the last at least 7 years and found a few of my faves. No words, just pics of a few of the many fun outings I've had during Fall. You know you can double click on the photo to biggify. Hope you enjoy...

Fall Shopping at the Vintage Markets

Fall is my favorite time of the year to hit the vintage shops and markets. My sister and I try to get together every couple of weeks and see what's out there. We need to have our "junk fix". We have a lot of vintage shopping spots in the area, but usually, the one we head to first is The Vintage Peddler. It's a big warehouse type space that has been open a year, and is now pretty much at vendor capacity. Some of the best dealers in the area have congregated there, so they are constantly changing things up and bringing in new merchandise. I always leave with an armload of goodies!

Let's Go Shopping...

My sister and I were long overdue for a shopping trip. We like to hit up our fave spots every couple of weeks, and so we headed over to The Vintage Peddler to take in the newest vintage goods and vendors. They keep things fresh there, because they have a great group of dealers, and obsessive good customers that keep them needing to bring in more vintage goodies. I've never gone in there without leaving with something wonderful. 

Out and About and some Vintage Finds

My Mom, Sis and I got together this last week and had lunch, then did a little shopping around town. We all don't get out together often, so this was lots of fun. Then add in some vintage goodies to wander through... even better.

Starting on Spring...

Last week I mentioned a trip to my favorite local floral store. I guess they're sort of a local wholesale supply store for florists, designers, and shop owners. You never know for sure what they will have and if you're not an early seasonal shopper you just miss out. They're never sure if they'll get more in, so if you want it, you get it when you see it.

Out and About... and some fabulous old grain sacks and fabric

Hi Everyone, I wanted to do a quick post and share a few snaps from a day out this last week. It was my Birthday and my sis and I headed out for lunch and then a stroll through The Vintage Peddler, here in Springfield. LOVE this place!!! (yes, I actually dragged myself out of my stupor to go have a chicken salad sandwich and peach tea, then do some shopping) These are phone pics, so sorry for the lack in quality. Hopefully all the great vintage goods will make up for bad photos.

Gathered #4

It's been a while since I shared one of these mishmashed posts, so

  Welcome to another edition of

Random Musings of a Wandering Mind...

My Year in Pictures...

It's the time of the year, as all bloggers know, to take a look back at what we've blogged about this last year; basically to do a little recap and review of 2016. I'm a little short on projects, room reveals, and DIY's. I didn't travel the world, go to enlightening blog conferences, or have a feature in one of my favorite decorating magazines. Those are all great things, but basically that hasn't been my year in 2016.

Gathered #2

Last week I started a new blog post concept; well, it's just new for me. Many bloggers have a weekly post like this, and I really enjoyed taking a few minutes to share with all of you some of my weekly finds across Blogland and Pinterest. These are just a few of the pics and posts that caught my attention; Gathered here for you.

I ran into these elegant, but casual Thankful Plates from Crate and Barrel.

They have a whole line of glasses, napkins, etc.

I'm wondering if it would be possible to make these yourself,

or for that matter write any message or word using some sort of permanent gold marker.

It would have to be waterproof and non toxic, but oh so pretty!

Out and About for some Fall Fun

This is my favorite time of the year to be out and about.

The leaves, the cooler temps, the smells wafting from a yummy cafe;

the Autumn Colors,

...and of course browsing the fun stores here in Springfield.

Flora and Fern and a "Married Metals" Bench

I mentioned awhile back that Springfield has had several fun new shopping venues open up, and the latest one I want to share with you is Flora and Fern, which is right next door to the new Harrison House Market. It's full of wonderful vintage displays, topiaries, orchids, large and small potted plants and trees, and unique accessories including jewelry.

(enlarge to read the Swedish definition on the chalkboard)

New Shops at the Vintage Peddler

(I'm sorry, my blog keeps updating on it's own each time 

I join a new party and add it on my blog post...)

 I never know what to call someplace that's so totally unique...

separate spaces housed in an old manufacturing building;

shared by a group of extremely talented vendors.

A place full of vintage and curated pieces;

some new artisans and remarkable stylists,

all with a passion for antiques and vintage.

Welcome to the Vintage Peddler

(be sure and click on "read more" for the rest of the post...)

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!

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!