Christmas Tour in Shelbyville

The main gallery at Wakefield-Scearce Antiques in Shelbyville, Ky.

On Saturday, a group of girlfriends and I ventured to Shelbyville, Ky. to have lunch at Science Hill and tour the Wakefield-Scearce antique gallery, which resides within Science Hill. If you are ever in this region of Kentucky, be sure to stop by this amazing place. It's just lovely.
 

Science Hill was once a girls' boarding school. The facility now houses a tea room, a handful of shops and its cornerstone retail establishment, Wakefield-Scearce, which specializes in English antiques. There are several rooms at WS that during the holidays are decorated with the most beautiful Christmas trees and other decor. It really puts you in the the holiday spirit.

The prices are waaaaay out of my league - I fell in love with an $8,000 1850's dresser - but it's fun to look anyway. And, silly me, when I entered the lamp and rug “rough room” to see if I could score a bargain, I came upon a Serapi rug in the corner that I thought would do the trick. I quickly jumped back when I saw the $28,500 price tag. Rough room my a*s.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the tea room (shrimp and grits, yum!) and then did some Christmas shopping.

I also spent a long time in The New Silver Shop, oooing and ahhing over many items, including the julep cups.

These cups are the real thing and I hope to add a few to my household. Above is the standard julep cup paired with the smaller "nip" cup. Classic.

The girls and I were saying that this should become an annual holiday trip for us. Do you have anything like this that you do with friends or family leading up to Christmas? If so, share!
Images courtesy of Wakefield-Scearce Gallery and The Shops at Science Hill

Window Shopping

A neighbor of mine recently traveled to New York City and sent this photo of a window display at a jewelry store in Manhattan. Would this inspire you to buy jewelry?

"Yes, I'd like to see the necklace, the one next to the dead squirrel."

It gave me a good laugh, nevertheless.

How's your holiday shopping going? Are you finished, almost there, or panicking? I'm somewhere in between "almost there" and "panicking." Need to sit down with Hubby tonight and scrutinize the budget. Should make for a fun evening. We'll have to take a break, though, for "The Middle" and "Modern Family." Love those shows.
Image property of B. Becherer

Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday

Happiest of Thanksgivings to my friends in Bloggerland, and to your families as well. I hope you enjoy a day full of laughter, love, good food and a nap or two. We all have so much for which to be thankful this year. And for those of you going through trying times this holiday season, please know that we are thankful for you and wish you the very best. 

For you brave souls who venture out for Black Friday, best of luck to you. I'll be snuggled warm in bed while you're getting great deals for the holidays. Although, have you noticed how much earlier stores are bumping up Black Friday? Many retail outlets are starting the madness on Thanksgiving night, which I think is wrong, wrong, wrong. Give your employees a chance to enjoy the holiday with their families! I mean, do we really need to score a new iPad or game station at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, as opposed to 5 a.m. the next morning?

One of many wonderful items available at The Urban Farmhouse Market, a new gift shop in Louisville.

I've heard that there's a movement to label the Saturday after Thanksgiving "Small Business Saturday," to encourage people to patronize local "mom and pop" shops. I think this a FABULOUS idea. I always find the most wonderful items at such places. In fact, there's a new shop in town that I can't wait to visit, The Urban Farmhouse Market.

It's across the street from my son's preschool and every day I pass by looking longingly at their beautiful store window. I hope to drop by on Small Business Saturday, and if you have similar shops in your town, consider doing the same. Shop local! (Whether branding this day picks up steam or not, I still like the idea.)

Should I awake from my food coma and have the urge to blog over the weekend, I will do so. If not, again, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and I'll chat with you on Monday!
Images from Style Blueprint Louisville and The Urban Farmhouse Market

Weekend Recap

Over the weekend, my mom and I hosted a baby shower for my sister-in-law. Pretty soon I'll have a new niece or nephew - can't wait! It was great fun seeing aunts and cousins from near and far. And, of course, having delicious cake!

The parents-to-be.

My cousin, E., and her six-week-old baby. It had been a while since I held an infant. So sweet!

Here I am with my lovely cousin, P. Girl, we need to plan a get-together soon! Shopping! Art galleries! Good food! Let's put it on the calendar soon!

The new generation of cousins. This was toward the end of the shower, after Hubby returned home with Little Man. They went to see "Gnomeo and Juliet" while the girls partied down. 

Again, it was wonderful seeing everyone and I hope they all enjoyed themselves.

By the way, for those of you who live in Louisville or in the vicinity, I have a great gift shop to recommend, Cartwheels. I stopped by there to purchase some giveaway items for the shower, having heard about the store from friends. A gal I went to high school with (and whose kids go to my daughter's school) along with her mom, own this great little shop. From jewelry and purses to fantastic gift items for babies and kids, there is such a fun varitey from which to choose. In addition to the party gifts, Miss E. picked out two items she wanted to give the new baby and I scored a couple of votives on sale.

And, Hubby, FYI, Cartwheels carries W&M jewelry (also locally-owned, and yet another grade school connection with my daughter), in case you're needing ideas for my birthday in June. Never too early to start planning. :)

Hope everyone is surviving the week so far!

The Exciting Purchases We Make as Adults

Hubby and I need to purchase a new mattress. No, certainly not the most exciting thing to buy; it’s not a vacation or shiny new bauble. But, I’m tired of feeling as if I sleep at the top of a ski slope, and waking up each morning with back pain. Our mattress is far past its prime; it’s time to take it off life support and buy a new one.

Where to begin? First of all, when you’re in the market for a new mattress, it can be the most awkward shopping experience ever. Lying down on a bed in a store while strangers walk by you doesn’t induce comfort. Yet, that’s exactly what you’re seeking when shopping for a mattress. In fact, a coworker of mine said you’re supposed to lie on a mattress at the store for at least 10 minutes to get a good feel for it. Yeah, I see that happening. “Excuse me, Mr. Salesman, while I take a quick nap. Don’t mind my kids jumping on the king size mattress in the back of the store. They’ve always wanted a trampoline and that’ll just have to do for now.”

While there are endless mattresses from which to choose, I want the Cadillac of mattresses: a Tempur-Pedic. Yes, there’re expensive, but have you ever slept on one of those bad boys? I did when we stayed at the Gratz Park Inn a few years ago. OMG, the most comfortable bed EVER! And, when I had to buy new box springs last summer (because the gosh-darn queen box spring wouldn’t fit up the stairs in our new house), I tested the new Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress at the store. I was so exhausted that day from moving that I almost drifted off to sleep, right there on the Cloud. It was like lying down on a slice of heaven. If I could sleep on something like that seven to eight hours a night, and wake up feeling like I’ve had 10 hours of sleep and no longer experience back pain in the morning, then to me, it’s worth spending the extra cash. So, I’ll let you know what we decide. I hope it happens soon because I need a good night’s sleep.

Anyone been mattress shopping lately? If so, what did you get? Happy with your purchase?
Image from aslinaction blog

Old School Gifts

As I was thinking about my own Christmas list yesterday, it provided the next entry for the “My Favorite Things” series on my blog. I’ve been in an old-school kind of mood lately, so for lack of a better title, here are some suggestions for the Old School Preppy in your life (I’m sure I’m leaving several items out, so for the die-hard preppies out there, feel free to expand upon my list).

• Duck Boots – I could use a new pair of snow boots, but why not get something that’s good for the rain, too? I haven’t had a pair of L.L. Bean Duck Boots since college, so perhaps it’s time to bring back an old favorite. Shearling-lined definitely, but the boot or the gumshoe – what do you think?
  
• A. Tierney Watch with grosgrain ribbon band – You can’t get much preppier than grosgrain. Wear it on your wrist with a pretty watch face and you’re sporting a classic, never-goes-out-of-style look. These days, with cell phones, Blackberries and such, watch sales are down. So, boost the economy old-school style with this timeless (ha, ha) favorite.
  
• Aviator Sunglasses – I had a pair of Ray Ban military aviators in high school and college. Damn, wish I still had those bad boys. They’re back in style and I need (okay, want) to get a pair. Be it Ray Ban or the cool Ft. Knox shades available at J. Peterman, you can’t go wrong with this look.
  
• Norwegian Sweater – I guess I should just include a link to the L.L. Bean catalog here and call it quits, as far as preppy clothing is concerned. I still have my gray and red Norwegian cardigan from the late 1980s. It has silver snowflake buttons. (Cheers to me, it still fits!) If you’re a guy, you’re in luck, the navy and white version is still available. I couldn’t locate a women’s version, so ladies, just order a size smaller.
  
• Barbour Jackets – I gave the Barbour Liddesdale jacket to Hubby for our anniversary this year and he loves it. I love looking at it. It’s quilted moleskin with a tartan liner. These classic jackets will never go out of style. Barbour makes a gorgeous women’s line as well. Visit Barbour of England’s site directly or see what’s available through Orvis.

I’ll refrain from suggesting Bermuda bags, add-a-bead necklaces, shrimp rings/earrings and such. I have yet to see these items come back with gusto, but you never know!
Images courtesy of L.L. Bean, A. Tierney and Orvis.

Outlet Shopping: Is it Really a Good Deal?

On Saturday, my mother, daughter and I drove an hour north to hit the outlet mall in hopes of scoring some great deals on fall clothes. The kids desparately need new clothes for the fall and winter and I was in the market for a few good finds myself. And, while I did come home with shopping bags galore, I probably could have purchased so much more for the kids locally at Kohl's or Old Navy. Remember when outlet shopping really offered great deals? Anymore it must be just the convenience of having all of these stores in one giant location, because, I saw many of the same prices I encounter at the regular retail stores close to home.

I did find some deals at J. Crew and I did find the riding boots (above) that for which I had been longing. Again, though, I didn't walk away feeling like I had come upon the deal of the century.

If I want a great deal, maybe I need to head up to northern Kentucky where there's a Gap outlet - now, that's a great deal. Granted, some items may be ripped, marked or feature other flaws, but often times you can come across a gem of a find. Maybe that will be my next venture. Or, I could just sit on my bottom and order online, which I much prefer. :)
Photo courtesy of Anne Klein

Be Stylish on Earth Day

If you're a fan of Vera Bradley, be sure to check out their special Earth Day offer. You can get the above shopping tote at any Vera Bradley retailer on April 22 - Earth Day - for only $12 (while supplies last). Print out the special offer on the Web site, or if you receive the Vera catalog or promotional e-mails, you may have already received your coupon (my dear cousin P. made me aware of this yesterday).

I already have a healthy collection of resuable grocery bags that I try to use frequently, to avoid using plastic bags. It's good for the environment and you can fit so much more into those bags! Now, I can grocery shop in style with this Vera tote!

Have a good weekend everyone!
Image courtesy of www.verabradley.com