I was lucky enough to spend my morning with two beautiful women that I love. My sister from another Mrs, my sister-in-law Kelly, and her mom Judy. I visited them at their gorgeous shop, Backyard Birds and Garden Frills at Bell Farm Antiques on Route 1 in York, ME.
I'm going to be helping them on some marketing and I met with them to go over plans and to take pictures. Lots of pictures.
Not only did I spend the morning with Kelly, Judy and their retail assistant Judy, as well as a bevy of customers (the place was hopping!), I also got some facetime with these guys....
and these guys.............
Then I was sent on my way with this message:
Much to do. I will share many more pictures with you in my next Let's Shop Here post.
I've said a couple of times in the last month that there has been a lot going on here. Well, it wasn't a lie.
In March, the Gman's job of 26 years was no more. We've been trying to look at it as a new opportunity, a chance for positive change, but that doesn't mean it's been easy. Quite frankly, it hasn't. What is has been is pretty darn stressful times. That said, it's also been an exciting time.
After working with concrete for 26 years, as a concrete construction foreman building foundations, my husband is turning concrete -as he knows it- on its head. He's working with it in a completely new way and is really excited about it.
Now, without further ado, may I me introduce to you................
Our basement has become a studio and he's been very busy putting together his first collection of home and garden decor. Today is launch day for Lia Artisan Concrete Designs!
The good news is that he's just back from acquiring his first wholesale account. Woohoo! Now, I will say that we did have a little edge, since its Backyard Birds & Garden Frills the shop our sister-in-law Kelly and her mom run. However, they have a seriously beautiful shop and would not just humour him because, in the end, it comes down to business. I've blogged about their shop before, so you can see for yourself it is in deed a lovely store.
The best part of Gman's first pitch is that as he was setting up his display, a lady going into the store wanted one of his designs! Yup, you got it right. He sold the 'half sphere planter on pedestal' (back right) before he'd even shown it to Kelly and Judy. They insisted he sell it to the woman outright, since they hadn't put in an order yet. Is that classic or what?
If you'd like to know more about my husband's new venture, Lia Artisan Concrete Designs, I'd love it if you stopped by his website. You'll find a little background on him, his process, the significance of the name lia and the inspiration for his first collection. Keep in mind, it's a work in progress as I have to secure his official address and have a lot more info to add. It's a start though. I'm actually using blogger to set up his website and it's going pretty good so far (other than time....which I need more of). I'll work on customization later, but at least it allows me to get something up and running pretty quick. If anyone has used blogger to host their website (knock, knock....Kristen!!), email, etc, I'd appreciate some feedback. When I have his facebook page set up, I'll be sure to let you know.
Thanking you all for any good thoughts you can send our way as we get up and running.
Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge
Today is Day 5 in the Elle Moss 21 Day Photo Challenge and the theme is architecture. It was a hard choice. I take a lot of architecture shots when we're on vacation. I'm quite drawn to building and their features. I went with this shot of the facade of our favorite places, Grand Central Station.
It was a tough decisiont though, because what I really love doing when I'm at Grand Central is gaze at the ceiling.
Wish this picutre showed it more clearly, but it's the most beautiful shade of blue and it features constellations with some of the stars being lit. It's amazing. The entire building is beautiful and it's always buzzing. All that I love about NYC.
Freeform Friday
Oh yeah, friday night youtubing will surely include this one tonight. It's a standby and why not put your dancing shoes on and work up a sweat with me! And yes, you have to dance to the entire thing. Phew! If you're reading via email, click here.
Sieze the day and by all means, have a grand weekend.
I've mentioned before that my sister-in-law Kelly and her Mom have a shop in York, Maine. Backyard Birds & Garden Frills is chock full of fantastic stuff for gardeners, bird lovers, and people how love beautiful home decor.
I designed the above postcard mailer for them a couple of years. The shop is gorgeous. It's that simple.
Back to owner of the restaurant On The Marsh, she was nice enough to offer to display a card with the fairy house, and suggested something with a 'fairy style' would work well.
So, that's what Kel and I worked on last night. She sent me some ideas, I sketched some things and sent them back to her and last night we tweaked until we decided on this design.
What a fun project!
Freeform Friday
It's been absolutely summer-like here this week. Yesterday probably hit 80. Did I mention it's still March? I am in my flip flops! Who I am I to argue? In honor of the nice weather, here's one that always reminds me of summer because it was a huge summer hit. Love Rob Thomas and Carlos together.....because they're so 'smooth'. Click here if you're reading by email.
Hi gang. Here's my second installment of shop local for the holidays. As our days are dwindling before Christmas, and Hanuakah is sooner, it makes even more sense to by from those who live close to you. If you can keep it handmade or vintage (the new green), it's all that much better.
So here's a selection of what's available in my part of the world. If you have a blog, I'll once again suggest you do a post like this in the next couple of days to prompt your followers to at least think of buying from merchants close to them.
Can I just say, I've always loved houndstooth. Classic. Never, ever goes out of style.
My sister-in-law and her Mom and Dad put their hearts into this shop and it shows. They've got a lot more than birdhouse though, and one walk through the door will prove it.
Gift certificate? Yes, please. I do love being greeted by the hostest with the mostest, Ms. Alissa Gallant, and served a tastey Rosalita Margarita made with Blue Moon's own thyme infused simple syrup. The food? I don't have time to go there, but suffice it to say, delicious.
Ah, the sea. Luckily I'm not far. There are lots of people in my area who take their insiration from the shore.
Considering I've lived on the coast my whole life (except when I was in NY for college), it's pretty sad that I've yet to go on a whale watch. Someday.
So, when you're trying to whittle down the rest of your list, think of the shops that are near you. They can probably even ship something to you if need be, and still get it to you in time for gift giving.
A big thanks to everyone for linking up at our current shop link up. Wow. I am overwhelmed with the fine selection of handmade and vintage goods, and wonderful blogs. Stay tuned tomorrow for 'picks from the party'.
In the meantime, have a great day in your little corner of the world.
