Viva la Cottage

Zumba-lumba

2012-02-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

When I wrote in a previous post about what to do here in February, I didn't really think that any of you would show up to my class, and yet you did! It was so much fun to have you there (you know who you are).
Thank you for suggesting that I post my schedule on my blog.
As for me, I'm having a blast with Zumba but I really didn't want to bore my readers (you know, all two of you) with something that isn't Viva la Cottage related.
As for me, I am really not a "fitness/gotta get to the gym" kind of person.
What I had forgotten is that I AM a "let's have a party and dance" kind of person.

So there it is.
I teach at the Sister Bay Village Hall every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8am.
It's five bucks well spent if you want to drop in any time, and true to the heart of Door County, you'll be welcomed by a very friendly class.

We have fun, period.

Coconut and Cream Cheese Goodness

2012-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Source: foodnetwork.com via Angie on Pinterest

Spending today baking these for the show this weekend...

Vintage Nest of Door County Show, This Coming Weekend!

2012-02-11T10:43:00.000-08:00

So happy to tell you that we have another of our imtimate Vintage Nest shows coming up Feb. 18th and 19th, here at the shop from 10 to 5.

Our usual gang is on hand to make you think spring will truly be on the way with fresh inventory of vintage decor and accessories.

One new treat is that Small Town Vintage will be featuring an Art Bar.

I'm thrilled with this idea of all things small and vintage to bring new life to your art projects.

Trust me you'll be inspired!

If you'd like to make a weekend of this, at the bottom of this post would be my recommendations to make this a complete and inspired weekend, even when you think there's very little to do here in the county this time of year!

We hope you'll join us for eats and drinks as you shop, become inspired and have a great time in the county!

Where to stay:

Lodgings of Pioneer Lane in Ephiam
Birchwood Lodger in Sister Bay

Saturday morning....

Take a Zumba class at the Sister Bay Village Hall at 8am
(5 bucks, taught by me)

Eat breakfast at the Chef's Hat in Ephriam
(my fave... freshly made and don't miss the scrambles)

Vintage Nest Show at Viva, 10am! (duh)

Head back to Ephriam (I know a short cut) and hit the Blue Dolphin
for a more contemporary, artistic shopping experience.

Mosey on over to Pipka's in Sister Bay
(her intimate shop is chock full of her own jewelry and other inspiring decor)

Lunch...

Drive to the north end of Sister Bay and eat lunch at Base Camp
Lovely light lunches, coffees and home made sweets.
(I enjoy the Rural Lunch. A small cup of soup, a baguette, two cheeses, butter and fruit... (hence the Zumba)

Walk upstairs to shop the finest outdoor gear and apparell in the county.

Afternoon...

If you skipped Zumba and are looking to be active, head to Peninsula State Park for great hiking... not much snow, but the hiking is still fabulous and the views stunning with leafless trees!
Also check to see if the ice rink in Sister Bay is open (if we get warmer weather, it closes). There is always a roaring fire, and skates can be rented.

For some fabulous pampering make an appointment at the Spa at Sacred Grounds in Epriam.
Go online here to check out what kind of spa experience you'd enjoy.

This could possibly be a good nap time....

Saturday Evening...

Okay, I have several favorites, so take your pick...

For boisterous fun, Mexican food and margs, make a beeline to JJ's at the south end of Sister Bay. John and I love to eat at the bar. We'll have a couple of drinks, yak it up with Dave the bartender and see pretty much everyone we know.

For a nicer dinner, a drive to Fish Creek is a must.

The Whistling Swan never fails to satisfy.
Delicious, delicious food and a fabulous wine list. An upscale restaruant with a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

For some silly, or possibly serious fun, you must end the evening at the Sister Bay Bowl.
A very traditional supper club with a bowling alley.
Bowl, laugh and have a drink from the bar.
Very old school.

Sunday morning....

Breakfast at the White Gull (hello) in Fish Creek.
Go ahead and eat the best breakfast in America (cherry stuffed french toast, as awarded by Good Morning America), or if you had a little to much fun at the bowl, the Nice Guy Hash (imagine an order of hash browns basically fried in a stick of butter topped with peppers, mushrooms, onions, cheddar cheese and sour cream) for the salty carb fix, which is usually what I order :).

One clothing shop not to miss is the Magic Jacket in Fish Creek. Seriously.
Artsy, fun, entertaining, drop dead gorgeous (and if Debbie the owner is working that day, another bonus) clothing for all shapes and sizes. Top of the line fun.

If at this point you are heading home and need a couple of fixes south before you go....

Something Fishy in Egg Harbor.
Tons of hand bags and jewelry. I always leave with something.

Monticello in Sturgeon Bay is a must see. Just hop off the main drag and head to Jefferson Street for a fabulous and inspired collection of women's accessories, books, gifts and so much else!

Well, come on up! We're hoping you'll join us in the fun and enjoy a winter get away at a time of year when the county is stunning, in a very different way.

Stop in!
Angie

Art and Soul Weekend... Registration

2012-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Here are the details and exactly how to register.

Friday Feb. 17th, between 5pm and 8pm, arrive at Viva la Cottage to check in and get your welcome packet.
You will also be treated to a private preview of the Vintage Nest Show.

Saturday 8am
Zumba!

10:30 to 12:30
Art with Pipka, a collage of your own expression, all supplies included.
(I can't wait to be taught by Pipka!)

12:30 to 2:30
Gourmet boxed lunch and Fashion Show by Wilkins and Olander.
Private showing of Pipka's newest jewelry creations.

3:00 to 6:00
Spa Treatments
Shopping
"Find Fannie" (you'll see...)

7:30
Dress to the Nine's Dinner at the English Inn.
Your own interpretation of Dressed to the Nines
(be creative)

So that's the schedule.
We have been meeting and hashing out the schedule, and finally yesterday we got down to the details, and I'm telling you it's precious and lovely... you're in for a treat, and yes I'm going to be secretive about it.

To register, click on this link
Art and Soul
A Wonder Filled Weekend
Registration

You will be directed to Pipka's website. Just scroll down and click on the Art and Soul link.

After you register, you will receive a phone call from us.
This call will give you a chance to choose your spa treatment and your dinner choice.
Any questions you have can be answered then as well!

The cost is 300.00. If you are not from the area, the Birchwood Lodge is giving you a special rate if you mention you are with the Art and Soul weekend.

I can't wait to meet you all and experience all the fun with you!!
Angie

2012-01-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

Champagne, art, spa treatments, gourmet boxed lunches, Zumba, fashion, dressing to the nine's at dinner, prizes and surprises... almost ready to launch registration.
Stay tuned!

I Told You We'd Make It Work!

2012-01-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

When you have friends like Pipka, Diane at the Spa at Sacred Grounds, certain fashionistas, and foodies, a tiny seed of an idea can turn into a fabulous idea.
Champagne reception, dancing, creating, noshing, luxuriating and just some plain old fashioned girl time.
Details to follow in a few days.
Registration is limited and only fun people are allowed... if you're not fun forget it.
Angie

Warm Wishes and An Invitation for Some Winter Fun!

2012-01-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am here on New Year's Day just working away.

However, I don't mind because just when I get a little down in the mouth about facing the winter, the shop being a little slim on inventory and nothing creative to look forward to, a little light bulb goes off!

And guess what? I've come up with and idea to make a February weekend into a ladies weekend full of wonderful things to do!

If you haven't guessed by now, I do my best work at the last minute.

Some might go running for the hills when faced with a project this large and just around the corner, but not me... bring it!

As of Tuesday, I will have more things nailed down and will fill you in, but let me leave you with this little teaser...

Friday evening Vintage Market with luminaries, wine, food and fabulous shopping,

Saturday, Zumba, art projects, spa treatments, catered lunches, more art and capping off the evening with a formal dance... which means we're getting dolled up and dancing. I may pull out that formal I've never worn, or I may make myself a paper dress to wear... hey, best prize for most unique dancing duds!

So while I'm watching the snow and 35mph winds, I'm all warm and toasty dreaming of the fun we're gonna have, just around the corner!

Angie

It's a Doozy of a Sale!

2011-12-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

To help ring in the New Year,

we are having a great big ole sale. 20% off Store Wide

30% off All Bedding

50% off All Clothing

50% off All Holiday Decor

70% off Selected items!

We're open this weekend

Thursday through Sunday, 10 to 4.

Hope to see you here!

Vintage Nest Holiday Market

2011-12-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!
I finally put up the pictures from our Vintage Holiday Market.
These are before we were open. I leaned from our last event, there is just no time for picture taking!
We opened Friday, had some nice sales, saw lots of old friends, but Saturday was just hopping in the shop and we were very busy.
Thanks to all of you who came to our little show.
It sure put me in the holiday spirit.Small Town Vintage

I loved this little bottle creation on the left, but it was nabbed before I could get to it.

In a Hay Stack.

Check out the pin on the hat, it says "Door County Winter Sports".

I usually let customers have first crack at the vintage goodies, but have to admit I grabbed this coat right off the bat from Katie of Small Town Vintage. I look FABULOUS in it, now where to wear it? I suppose the Pig.

Jeanine of Chippy Shabby popped in to see us. With Carol (In a Hay Stack) gathering a treasure.
She and her husband are always very supportive of our store and shows, it's always fun to catch up and see what's what in the vintage hunt world. She always has unique items.

In a Hay Stack Above.

Small Town Vintage

Look at these darling skates.
Hope you enjoyed the pictures.
I love our events.
From the big Vintage Market we have outside every July, to the smaller more intimate shows inside the shop. There's great treasure hunting, inspiring ideas, lots of laughing and chatter, and we always end the day with great stories and new friends.

Checking In!

2011-11-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

First of all, my computer is not wanting to download my pictures, hence the lack of posts.
I have some great pictures to show you from the Vintage Nest Holiday Market.
My thinking is that if I can get them up before Christmas, you'll at least be inspired by them and possibly want to translate a few of our ideas into your own home.

It's been a while since I have really decked out my own house for the holidays.
We have the shop holiday'd up by the end of October, and frankly by the time it's time to decorate my own home, I'm over it!

This year I refuse to be lazy... and have out done myself, if I do say so myself.
I have taken pictures and will post them by Friday, I promise!
In the meanwhile, I have been feeding my addiction to Pinterest,
(hey, get on there, follow me and I'll follow you)
and thought I'd leave you with this.

Source: frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com via Angie on Pinterest

On Being ZIN, Six Long Months Ahead and What Would You Do?

2011-11-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder what it's like to really live in Door County year round?
If you are in retail, it's basically about being able to adjust... and adjust... and adjust.... and then do it again.
It's windy and cold out.
It's dark at 4:30.
I have had a lot of down time due to the tourist season being over.
Actually transitioning from being over the top busy, to having no "busy" at all is a real challenge.
The flowers in the gardens are all put to a winter's rest.
I say my good bye's to Peter, the caretaker of the gardens at the shop,
(and many other endearing things I could call him)
knowing I won't see him again until April.
Carol and I work only a day or two during the week.
The heaters crank up, as does the bill.
While we are planning on a big event at the shop Nov. 25th, it's just plain quiet.
I know a lot of people wonder what it must be like to only work May through October, and have so much time off during the winter.
There is certainly an up-side... if you've had a profitable season.
(we're alright, thanks)

The other side of that is having that next six months in front of you.
We're empty nesters.
Not complaining.
However, all the school activities that kept us moving and socializing are all kaput.
(somehow, we're good with that as well).
Still... the next six months.
What to do?

A couple of years ago, out of desperation for company and fun, I decided to try a Zumba class at the Y.
Hell, I was a Planoette... surely I could Zumba!
(google Planoettes people, you'll see what I mean)
And Zumba I did.
Last February, I got my certification and have been teaching classes ever since.
ZIN.
Zumba Instructor Network.
Okay, so you pay your 30 bucks a month and get new music and routines, but it's really about making it your own. You know, if you can't build a class it's not gonna work, and I have made all the mistakes a new instructor could.
That being said, I feel a bit like a teenager again. When John is out of town on a business trip, I'm glued to the music, learning the steps, and you might even catch me with a hair brush for a microphone in front of the mirror movin' and groovin'.
It's just plain fun, and I feel like I have found a bit of myself that was put aside to do more grown up things.

Another thing you might not know about me is that I am the Handbell choir director at the Sister Bay Moravian Church.
I cringe a little at saying this because the only reason I'm the director is that our original director had to take a leave of absence due to an ill parent.
But again, you know what? It's so much fun. Music was a very, very large part of my life growing up and all of a sudden it's come back to me as a gift.
The bell choir might say different as my instruction is sometimes "the beat is ba ba baba, doink doink, ba ba ba ba".
By the way, we have a "Greatest Hits CD coming out next month!
(no we don't)

I love Viva la Cottage, yet know that I pretty much put it to rest at the end of every November.
That's okay.
I'll Zumba, ring hand bells, go to market for the shop and be rejuvenated for the next season, yet once again.
One strange thing, being on Face book, I know that none of my childhood or high school friends would be at all surprised that I teach Zumba or direct the hand bell choir.
I'm curious.
If you had six cold winter months ahead of you, what talents do you have that would resurface and make you happy?

Zumba love,
(cause that's what we say)
Angie

Vintage Nest Holiday Market

2011-11-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

We are really busy getting ready for the Vintage Nest of Door County Holiday Market!
Two guest vendors setting up in the shop with all kinds of vintage holiday decor and hand made items. Such a treasure hunt and you're sure to find just that at this show.
Also on hand will be Lynnlee from Bayside Bakery featuring holiday sweets and drinks for sale to munch on as you shop, or stock up on to take home with you.
If you were at our Vintage Market in July, you will surely remember all the delicious lunch items and sweets she had to offer!

Don't miss out on the fun!
Friday, Nov. 25th
10 to 5pm

2011-11-09T14:16:00.001-08:00

2011-11-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry to say that I didn't get many photos due to the high demand at the register for Viva's Winter Wonderland show.
I decided to get some close ups so you would at least get the feel for what we did, and don't forget we are restocking for the Vintage Nest show on the 25th.

Now back to decorating and re-foofing!
Enjoying this rainy day.
Angie

2011-11-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

The Vintage Nest will arrive at Viva, 10am sharp November 25th!I love this show.
All I have to do is clear out the front of the shop and watch someone else make the magic happen, and it does!
This year, as always features In a Haystack and Small Town Vintage,
but we're also welcoming the Bayside Bakery for holiday treats to nibble while you shop!
Hope to see you all there,
Angie

Winter Wonderland Pic.. no s... And a Day With the Animals!

2011-10-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Well folks, here it is. The only picture I have of the show.
This is the checkout, and it was like this for hours.
It was a wonderful day and our biggest sales day of the season. I'm just really sorry that I couldn't get out from behind the counter long enough to get some pictures for those of you who weren't there and have asked.
(The line was impressive!)Since I have the day off, John and I decided to take a chunk of the afternoon just to play with the animals. A lot of you know Mr. Bill, our tiny stray that showed up last August. Me the non-cat person took him to the local vet who adopts out cats. I took one look at the other cats there and took him right back home. He also has a great friend, Lafe, who was brought to me when a friend of mine found her in the middle of the road just bawlin... she's here too!

Mr. Bill knows when the camera is on him, check it out.

He fell and flipped and flopped until he got a grip. He's only a foot off the ground.

Clearly, he's very entertaining.

Working it for the camera.

Me and my gal Lafe... what a gorgeous fall day it is.

There is no point in picking her up, however if you will get on the ground with her, she's all yours.

And, we have dogs!
I love throwing apples for Bishop, it's his favorite thing in the world.

Trapper... he's never still. EVER. I managed to get these two seconds snapped and he's off to chase more turkeys.

John and Bishop.

Bishop! Oh that dog is a good little "poser"! Always ready for the camera.
Just look at that face.
What a fun afternoon.

I hope this day finds you doing simple, wonderful things.

Winter Wonderland Sneak Peek

2011-10-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

The festivities are about to begin!It's Winter Wonderland, not just holiday.
Just wait till you feast your eyes on her!

Winter Wonderland

2011-10-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

We've been at if for three days now and things are looking good!
We do this big shin dig every year right after Fall Fest (you know, because we are so fresh and energized), and really have a great time with the shop being closed and getting to re-vamp everything!
Crank up the tunes and get me some Leroys!

Today, Carol polished silver, Dan got the barn boards up and Dianne finished pricing everything.
Get real barn boards, you get real barn board smell... luckily it is diminishing.
Don't you love these pumpkins?
Claire, of course.
Yesterday around 5pm I heard knocking at the door... "Zumba Girl, it's me!"
Kay.
I open the door she walks in and is stopped in her tracks.
"O.M.G"
She has a look on her face that plainly expresses her disbelief at what the shop looks like and the doubt that we could ever pull this off... and this is a smooth year!
HA!
Just touching base, letting you know my emotions are back in check, you know, for now.
I hope you all stop in Saturday, I'm really floored at the transformation in the front of the shop.
Sweet dreams,
Angie

An Unhappy Customer and Getting it Straight.

2011-10-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

I woke up Sunday morning and decided to peruse some blogs, you know get inspired by other vendor displays and garner some ideas of my own. Especially since our Winter Wonderland show is Saturday.

I noticed a comment on one of my posts.
It was from a very upset customer who had been mistreated in my store, and apparently needed to vent so much that instead of calling or emailing me, she chose to put it as a comment for the world (or all two of you) to see.

First of all, I do believe the customer is always right. Always, and that's how I treat them even if I disagree.

She had a question about our Vintage Market, which we get a lot of, and was told that... let's just say it... Carol apparently took a look at her and told her there was no room in the market. She was upset because she felt that Carol gave her a once over and decided by her looks that she was unfit for our market. She went on to say that she likes our shop, always has... we have nice stuff but we are not nice.... no way to treat customers.

Okay, first I was mortified, then upset, then I started questioning Carol and wondering what could she have done?!

I responded quickly to "anonymous" and told her to email me with her phone number and I would call her back to discuss what had happened and that of course this was unacceptable!

I told Carol I would give "anonymous" until Monday evening, and if I didn't hear from her again, I felt the need to publish this post.

Here's How It Is:
Carol has been with me for a long time. She's a hard worker, gives excellent customer service (goes above and beyond what I would do) and would never, ever judge a person, especially a prospective vendor by what they looked like. Have you seen what vintage/flea market vendors look like? This is NOT a glamorous bunch.

When I brought this to Carol's attention she said she had a feeling she knew who it was, but hardly felt like she had been rude... our Vintage Market is as near to Carol's heart as it is mine.
Carol recalled being in the middle of a rather large sale that required getting a dresser out of the store and into a car, with several people still waiting to be checked out.
Carol's recollection is that this customer, if it was "anonymous", insisted on asking questions about the requirements of the Vintage Market during this larger sale with others still waiting to be checked out.
Carol gave her the details in spurts, but gave her the same details she gives everyone. If this WAS "anonymous" you gotta know that it is really rude to interrupt a sale, especially when you see how busy the clerk is trying to keep buying customers happy and is having one on one time with someone actually spending money. "Anonymous", if this wasn't you, I'm sorry for that comment.

BTW, that is one of my biggest pet peeves, so sorry for the rant.

As far as the Vintage Market,
Here's How It Is.

We are full. Period. You have the best booth mankind has ever seen, better than some of the vendors we have already? Full. Sorry.
Yes, we are "juried", but it's not that much pressure.
We have a real waiting list.
Someone drops out, the person at the top of the list gets called.
Are you a jewelry artist?
Even tougher. Too many jewelry artists water down each other's sales and we are protective of the ones we have. But say one drops out, the next one is in.

The reason we are full is because last year I toyed with the thought of putting vendors out into the field to grow the show. You know what happened? It lost it's charm. Anyone outside of that picket fence would not do well.

While I'm at it, there's one more thing (this has nothing to do with "anonymous").
I'm having a really hard time posting lately.
I'm growing weary of reading other blogs and how fascinating their daily lives are.
Fabulous. Gag.
I realized that my blogging has the same effect.
My life is not smooth. I keep things to myself. I have major stresses in my life, just like the rest of you.
My blog is a way to express happy things, dreams... the way I want it to be, and then I go back to reality.
Did I ever tell you about the lovely July day I spent last year working at the shop and I was so cranky (due to a husband and hormones) that I only did 47.00, on a day where I should have done a lot, because I'm quite certain customers were afraid to approach me? It happens.

Big breath. Lord, I hope I don't regret this post but I just gotta say it.

"Anonymous", please email me or call me as I want to work it out and Carol and I are both sorry if you had a bad experience in the shop.

Carol, thanks. You rock.

2011-10-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time again!This year's gonna be FUN!

Join us, won't you?

(more soon)

Meet and Greet, New Neighbors!

2011-09-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

After watching the Packers whoop another team, and it just being a cool and lazy Sunday, I thought it was high time to go and introduce myself to our new neighbors.
At first it sounded like a bunch of winy, crying toddlers had moved in but I was wrong.
They caught site of me......and made a very curious and quick trot out to meet me.
(fyi, goats do not jump fences and trample innocent women to death)

Is there a goat pecking order? If so, the all black one is head honcho.

These goats are so cute and very chatty. Very chatty and didn't want me to leave.

Even the head honcho begged me to stay a bit longer.
These cuties belong to a relation with the initials J and J... and are supposedly going to be a part of a new cheese shop, supposedly in a town with the initials S and B.
Go Pack.

Fresh American Spaces, Signed Copies!

2011-09-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!

Annie Selke, founder of Pine Cone Hill has published a beautiful book called Fresh American Spaces.

It's a lovely "idea" book.

Stop in and get yours before they run out.

Just Some Shots of What's in the Shop Now.

2011-09-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Well, hear we go into fall... it got here just last night! Boy did the weather ever cool down.
Also, the county is very sleepy... not due to lack of people, due to the fact that half of us were up around 3am, wondering what part of our houses were on fire.
Come to find out this morning that all of Northeast WI. can smell the smoke from the wild fires in Minnesota.
Sending good thoughts to MN, and hope it gets under control soon.
I thought I'd just share some pictures of what' new in the store.
Enjoy!New jewels from Tara Zimmerer!

A fun find in the dish department.

Scarf and pin by Neesh.

La Vie!

Soaps by Lepi, this is what makes the shop smell so good.

More La Vie!

Fresh round of frames.

Vintage airline dishes.

And of course, more silly cards!

Have a great day!

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

2011-08-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

That last post sounded like my speech for receiving an Oscar. I practiced it over and over in front of the mirror with a hair brush in my hand... I really want to thank all the little people that made me so fabulous!!!
I have to admit, I have a serious case of the "post wedding decorating" blues. Not only that, while our season isn't over, it is that time of year when the week days get really quiet, kids are all going back to school and frankly, I've got a bad case of the ho-hums, or maybe I should say a bad case of not knowing what to do next.

It's not like there isn't anything to do... our holiday event it coming up in October, the shop needs fall decorations, and I should be ordering away.
Oh well, I'm off to work and usually when I open the front door, the smell and lightness cheer me right back up.

Ah, look! There it is in action!
Okay, make it a great day everyone!

Nick Loves Emily...

2011-08-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, here you go! These are all pictures of the set up. You will see some amazing photos through the eyes of Molly Michael at m.three studio
in about a month. I can't wait to see how those turned out, she is quite amazing as you'll see when you click on her site.
So here is the set up gang.... and we still look pretty good! John is taking the pic, Dan, Dianne (mom and dad), and Katie. Let me tell you the magic behind this... we all bring something different to the table, and that's what made this work.
Carol had to hold the fort down at the shop, but she took care of business and helped in all the ways that made it easier for us to be here.
Lots and lots of pics... enjoy!Two trailers, two trucks and a car loaded and on our way.

There were tons of hand painted signs at this wedding and Claire was our go to girl!

In the tent Em wanted several seating vignettes so it was more of a vintage-y lounge and bar area before dinner. Scored at Scand resale, but needed some updating.

John cut, Claire painted!

Well hello my lovely! A little white washing and it's a piece of art!

Again, a little white wash and add some vintage fringe... voila!

We've finally arrived at Wood Walk Gallery, which is staged in the loveliest old barn and the surroundings are spectacular. We watched this storm for two days.

Here is Katie setting up the photo booth. It was set in a horse stall, which was just perfect. Lots of props and signs which made for tons of mugging and laughing.

We tied ribbons on the bride and groom's chairs as well as the parents.

The seating was on hay bales and we had to cut lots of fabric... let's just say that was a tricky one.

Here's Dianne. We filled buckets with gravel, put in shepherds hooks, and hung mason jars with candles in them. Then we covered them with potato sacks and topped with white geraniums.
This is where the guests were dropped off from the trolley.

Classic string lights in the tent. John and Dad worked their magic.

Here comes the hay! A million thanks to Schartner's just out of Egg Harbor. I know they thought we were nuts to want to sit on hay, but they were delightful and the delivery time couldn't have been better.....

because the wedding party was here for rehearsal and there was lots of help to get it unloaded.
By the way, we will NEVER work with hay again.

Props for the photo booth.

This is where the ceremony took place. The wind wreaked havoc on the fabric, but once the ceremony started it was laying down just perfectly.

I can't even say the words as to how beautiful the flowers were. Just look at them.
Helene of Flora

There were two of the stands at the beginning of the aisles.

I also have to mention Sarah from Flour Girl Pattisiere.
I don't have a photo of the cake, but will get one. You cannot believe how gorgeous it was and tasted even better.

Katie setting up the bar area. This was awesome and I can't wait for you to see the after pictures.

This was fun. We painted the seating assignments on old windows, then attached them to the outside of the barn where they would enter.

We strung photos of Nick and Emily when they were younger, then their engagement photos throughout the rest of the lines.

We were getting a little frenzied because we had barely started the inside of the barn where they would be eating. Carol showed up early and helped move things along.

Just starting to pull some of the seating areas together. Just wait till you see the end result!!

Em had requested bug spray and we had totally forgotten to pick some up. Mom ran to the store, came back with five bottles of the stuff and put a pot of geraniums on the stump and arranged the bug spray in the pot. It was pretty cute.

It pays to have friends. Sharon Elliot had this fabulous truck and we were able to surround it with props for photo taking after the ceremony. (all these pics are unfinished, darn it!)

Good grief, we're finally getting on with the dinner and dance setting!
Carol and Katie are trying their hardest to get the correct seating because we had to shift the tables at the last minute (it helps to measure).
Also, make sure you click on these pics inside the barn to make them larger and see better detail.

Here is Mom, Ben and Alli. Mom was in charge of napkin folding and putting the cushions on the chairs (for the moment anyway!).
The caterer announced that the silver ware was dirty and needed polishing!!! What?!?
Enter Ben and Alli... shine away, kids.
(can you stand the chandies above the dinner tables and the old fashioned string lights above the dance floor?!)
Oh and about those tables? Em wanted wooden tables. No plastic and no linens to the floor just to cover them up. These are all hand made by my Dad. All ten of them!
They are a huge part of what made the dinner area so special.

This was the only moment where I felt like we weren't going to make it in time.
Helene and her crew (in the background) asked if we needed any help.... can you lay out the silver ware?! Sure! Honestly, I know there aren't many venues in the world where separate vendors help out the other. It pushed us back on schedule.

Emily's arrival. Lord help me, here she comes. After a year and a half of planning and 48 hours of finally putting it together without her being there was too much.
(I have to tell you there are two unattractive photos in the post, one being the girl on the right... sorry, because she had the biggest and prettiest smile I've ever seen and I was charmed to pieces by her)

And here is the other not so pretty picture. But you know why I had to post this? It's because this was the exact moment when she walked into the barn, and the next second the tears were flowing... we made her dreams come true.
Now I'm going to start crying all over again.

So, at midnight after all my work was done, John and I started to leave with the dancing still going strong, and this is what I turned to see...

A happy bride who's vision had been met.

Side notes.... I'm really mad about not getting any pics during the wedding, but I was on duty and it was impossible. I will post the "real deal" photos when Molly sends them to me.

It felt as though the Wood Walk Gallery had become our home of sorts. We spent all day Friday setting up, got there at 8am on Saturday and didn't leave until midnight.
Allin and Margaret were more than gracious. Whatever we needed Allin was right there. Around Margaret's beautiful art and gallery was where the dinner was to take place, so we really invaded the gallery. Thanks Margaret for letting us be a part of your space.

We went back Sunday to clean up. I let Katie off the hook for that one. It took us five hours.
We went to grab some lunch and all agreed we were really sorry it was over with.

It dawned on me today, that it was a bit like going to camp, bonding with other vendors and people we had never met before and spending a short but intense amount of time with these people.

There was real magic in the fact that nothing and I mean nothing went wrong.
Unreal.

Also magic was that the team of Viva, which included my parents Dan and Dianne, my husband John (who through the diva card), Katie who set up most of the vignettes and Carol who helped coordinate and keep the shop running, was the strength in our abilities. Where ever one was weak, the was one who was strong! I love doing the display work and I had to hand so much of it over to Katie and she really pulled through for me.
John and Dad who were the construction, and electrical go to guys.
And Mom, who took every single detailed, never ending chore and did it with a smile

More magic, Helene of Flora and her team and Sarah from Flour Girl... combined with the barn and surrounding... I want to do it all over again!

And to Carol... if I didn't have you none of this would ever be possible.

We think we're ready to make a real go of this... the difference being that next time Katie and I are going to strut around tapping our pencils on our clipboards and just plain bossing every one around... and no more hay.

Stay in the moment.... stay in the moment....

2011-08-16T18:17:00.001-07:00

It's here. The Wedding.
The entire clan is in the county and we are running like crazy.
I have so much to tell you, like going to Elkhorn and Magnolia Pearl giving me a call
(I'll fill you in later), but right now there is only one thing going on.
The Wedding.
Nick and Emily.
It's going to be beautiful, just like the couple.We've had some intense, funny, confusing, delightful, unexpected, loooong and surprisingly easy, yet busy couple of weeks.
Can't tell you how thankful I am that we always keep our senses of humor about us, and I can't wait to tell you who played the first DIVA card. No, it wasn't the bride.
So wish us all luck, and I promise a great story early next week.

Friends of Viva Trunk Show This Saturday!

2011-08-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Friends of Viva Trunk Show also features this!
Yes, tables outside in the garden, when you just need to take a break from all the shopping.
Hope to see you there!
Viva la Cottage
10038 Hwy 57
Sister Bay
920-854-6842

The Loot.

2011-07-30T06:14:00.001-07:00

Quite often, I am asked by people if I would come out to their car and take a look at the treasures they have to offer. Well, let me tell ya that sends a sense of dread to every pore in my body. I've seen it all. Grandma's and Auntie's fine European linens that wreak of something more than mildew, "Farm house" tables with the veneer warping off of the top beyond repair that they only want 300.00 for... and don't get me started on the crafts.

Anyway, the other day I was at Julie's Upscale Resale. I was in the back room when I heard her say "no, but Angie is here and they would probably do much better in her shop. We can't get that kind of money here". Dammit.
Sigh.
"Here she is...." as I gather/brace myself, I see that it's someone I know. Really only as a customer, but I know she has really good taste. She probably wants a zillion dollars for what ever it is she's peddling. Well, I'm cornered now.
(I'm keeping her name out of the story, BTW.)
"Hi, Angie. I've got a collection of flat, white McCoy that I just need to move on from. 34 pieces. I could drop if off at your shop and you could look at it to see if you want it".
Well, that didn't sound too bad. I was dreading having to go through each piece and make an offer, but okay.
She shows up a couple of days later, we unload it she wants a lump sum for it (no need to waste time going through each piece, yipee!), and here's my price.
In five minutes the deal was done.
She made some money and left me room to mark it up (you know for things like paying the rent, ect...) AND making it a very fair price for my customers.

How about that?!
It's so gorgeous and as I write this, I'm kicking myself for not just bringing it all home.
That was fun, and tells me that I shouldn't cringe every time someone approaches me. And well, I know better than Julie putting me on the spot... she would never, unless she knew it could be worth it... Thanks Julie!

I've been working late the past couple of nights as so much is flying out of the store and I have to re-arrange. Check out the above pic. Those hooks are old ones that people used to put receipts or messages on. I fluffed some fabric on them and them some old photos. Clearly I was in a hurry, because I would have dolled and layered a lot more, but you get the idea.

We're loving these coin and make up bags with London and Paris postcard covers.

I also came across a stash of great old photos. I'm selling them for a buck a piece if you're needing something for a project, or instant relatives.

So that's that. I'll be spending this week getting ready for our trunk show.
It's just the best time.
Shopping in the gardens for clothing and jewelry, eating quiche, artisan cheeses and fresh fruit tarts... and spending time with old friends.
Hope to see you there!

Friends of Viva Trunk Show

2011-07-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when two of my favorite things happen.... Viva's Vintage Market and Friends of Viva Trunk Show!!!
Several years ago I sat looking out the back window of the shop feeling very forlorn that the outdoor space was not being used to it's potential. We batted around ideas, but none seemed just right.

As I made friendships with amazing women that owned fabulous boutiques around the county, a trunk show seemed to pop up time and time again.
Fast forward to the gardens and Viva la Cottage, white tents, food from Savory Spoon and treasures saved just for this event from
The Patricia Shoppe
Monticello
Magic Jacket
Child's Play
and
Viva la Cottage!This picture is a snippet from last year's show... Monticello.

Get your best gals and get ready for the loveliest way to spend a Saturday,
shopping all these stores in just one spot.

August 6th at Viva la Cottage
10038 Hwy 57
Sister Bay

ps... how lucky am I? Counting every blessing.

Viva's Vintage Market... It Was a Doozy!

2011-07-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, if you weren't able to make the market just kick back and enjoy!
Lots of pictures below.
This was one wild morning and boy was it fun!We roped off the market so that all the vendors would have time to put the final touches on their displays. When I opened the market I started pulling back the ropes and everyone just ran UNDER them! Funny.

The early birds starting to gather.

This woman was naughty! She was the first one there with cart ready to roll.
She kept seeing people shopping, and it was hard to convince her that those were the vendors working. I had to escort her out when I found her secretly trying to preview the market.
Of course it was more funny than serious and she was a great sport.

This pic is out of order, but the shop looked like this non stop until about 2pm. Which btw, was fabulous!

This year we finally gave it up and "hired" staff to help with the parking. Some of you may know Pastor Kerry and Sharon Elliot! My Dad and husband helped organize the parking as well. The most curious things happen when you show some authority.... like actually parking in rows!

Hee!

This was the Highway in front of the shop just after opening. We had two huge parking lots mowed and ready and it overflowed onto the road. If you've been to my shop, you know what the Highway normally looks like. Can you imagine just strolling down Hwy 57 with your purchase? I have a feeling we may get a "talking to" from the village this year.

I love this view... you can just see the first tents.

This gal rocked the food! Delicious! Go see her downtown. She's new and I highly recommend the corn salad!

One of my favorite people, Candyce from Altered Ever After. I didn't get to spend any time outside this year and really missed talking to her and Jill.... didn't even get to buy anything!

Erika and Lenny tweaking just before opening.

More of Apron Strings.

Jeanine from
Chippy-Shabby. Jeanine has been with us since our first show and she never disappoints. Her displays are so intriguing!

More Chippy Shabby.

Theresa from Assemblage!

Katherine from Found Images. She's kind of big time seeing as how she shows at Round Top and all! Her lamp shades get stitched on sight! I try not to be jealous that she has a collection of cowboy boots... I only have one pair.

Found Images Lamp.

Gracie's Cottage and Down Lilac Lane. Jan and Kathy do lots of shows and we were so happy to have them be a part of our show this year. Whoo-hoo these girls know how to do it!

The day was so fast and furious that I didn't get any pictures of Brilliant Stranger nor Susan Livengood, but there they are shopping before opening. Great gals, those two!

Jane's booth. Jane knows how to hunt and her prices are fantastic... she was blowing it out of there!

Jane's husband kept us entertained all day. According to him, someone he just met that day is naming their baby after him.

Kris Bengener from Retro Textures. Cute!

Kris had the prettiest floral display around her jewelry!

Ms. Loba... fabulous tunics with vintage bits added. I adored her outfit.

Lu Lu's Petals. I apologize that I did not get enough pics from her. Her jewelry was much more amazing than what I'm showing here. She was a doll.

Mary Virlee's pinwheels!

Mary made this caked out of vintage bits and pieces, then adorns it with an antique figurine.

More Mary!

Stephanie's booth from Re-Bloom, right here in Door County! Stephanie's been bitten by the vintage bug and she has developed quite an eye in such a short time.

Small Town Vintage. Katie always finds unusual things and I'm sorry I didn't get a better pic of her hand made items.

Tara Zimmerer. Jewelry to knock your socks off.

Here she is... Carol and I want to look and dress just like her.

More of Tara's necklaces.

Vintage Jules... she has all kinds of ephemera for any craft project.

The one that got away... for me that is. When I saw this iced tea cooler in Carol's booth I knew I wanted it. Darn it if it didn't sell right off the bat!

This is my favorite pic of the day. Carol's cute smile and her favorite sale of the day.
I just want to thank all the vendors and shoppers for attending. This was the most special day, and literally a dream come true for me.
I want to thank my Mom and Dad for always just saying yes, and pitching in when and wherever I need. They make it so easy for me.

Then a huge shout out to my husband who listened to my dream, did what he could to make it come true, was cool during my meltdowns and was proud as punch of me when it was all said and done. I love you John!

Till next year!

Viva's Vintage Market is Today!

2011-07-09T04:15:00.001-07:00

Well, today is the big day and I have been very far away from blog land. With four major events all within six weeks, I just haven't had the time to blog.
Anyway, all 22 vendors are setting up as we speak at the crack of dawn.
This is one of the highlights of the year.

Blog friends, Chippy Shabby, Gracie's Cottage and Altered Ever After are among a few of the vendors on had.
I do promise to take tons of pictures so if you've missed the event you can check it out here and mark you calendars for next year!

Summer... The Fast and the Furious

2011-06-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, summer. We wait so long for it and then before you know it the peonies are brown, the iris's have finished and it's time to clean up the garden, unpack the gazillion deliveries that are piling up at work, have a huge market at work, host the biggest 4th of July party know in these part, keep the Zumba routines fresh and the class motivated, prepare for a trunk show...

STOP!

Anyone in the Midwest knows that summer is fleeting/flying/leaving us in the dust.
Sometimes I just want to be a kid again where Mom took us to the swimming pool for hours every week day. The smell of chlorine and the sounds of buzzing locusts in those huge trees at Harrington Park is a very strong memory for me.

I smile at the thought of my Mom and all the other ladies with their towels all next to each other lathered up in Coppertone chatting and solving the world's problems, while we slid, dove, flipped and splashed the summer days away.

Oh, I had such a crush on Adam Adams. (that's his name, so what?)
That boy could swan dive off the high board like nobody's business, flirt with every girl at the pool and leave every one of us in a summer swoon.

Exhausted and starving after, the feel of the air conditioner blasting in the car (this was Texas people... no where in the Midwest do you swim and then get in a car and turn on the AC!), and the the tunes playing on KVIL. We took great comfort knowing Mom would make some kind of great dinner. My mom... "you're gonna get cramps!", because we inhaled our dinner in the summer due to the neighborhood kids starting to gather for all kinds of games we would play late into the night.

I was a dodge ball force to be reckoned with. Just ask Carolyn Dale Nelson and she'll tell you about the time that the two of us took on all the boys in the neighbor hood and whooped em all.

(Just had to throw that out there).

The shouts of parents calling for us to come home around 10 or 11 at night was always disappointing, but we knew the next day we would do it all over again.

Man, those were the days.
So, I guess I should get on with what should be a busy, over the top kind of day, just like tomorrow and the next and the next, but that was a fun walk down memory lane.

I sure hope you take some time to slow down, enjoy and dwell on fond memories.

Happy Summer, All.

Vintage Market Vendors!

2011-06-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

(side note, I am not able to link some of the vendors listed below correctly, will correct soon)

I am beyond excited about this years Vintage Market.

We have 18 vendors this year, as well as a new food vendor that promised to start us off with breakfast fare and continue to bring out goodies all day long.

So I went around the internet and "lifted" pictures from blogs and web sites of our vendors.

Be sure to click on the links, that if they have a site, you can go and check them out further.

Let's start with Gracie's Cottage and Down Lilac Lane below!

Assemblage Studio

Brilliant Stranger, Fish Creek

Altered Ever After

In A Haystack

Small Town Vintage

Lulu's Petals by Staci Schem

Vintage Retouche

Chippy Shabby

Our other vendors are:

Apron Strings with Mom and Me

Vintage Jules

Retro Textures

Loba's Art

Susan Livengood

Jane Herlitz

Tara Zimmerer

We're going to have a great time, and there will be treasures of all sorts to make the hunt fun!

Sat. July 9th 10am.

Update #2!

2011-06-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

Now, Jeanine from Chippy-Shabby

has checked in, read below!

The basket is pulled up to the trolley by a woven cotton rope ... When the basket reaches the trolley, it attaches by four little fingers that twist into a bracket. When all is secured (all automatic), one gives a good strong twitch/pull on the same rope just used and the basket and trolley (cast and polished aluminium .. with two 4" diameter wheels ..) are slung up the wire to the central cashier and wrapping desk. While the change is being made, another clerk would wrap the goods."
I have not seen this system in the UK.

Scroll down to check out my find and our research!

Thanks Jeanine and Debra!

Update!

2011-06-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

I should have put my glasses on!

Lamson Air-Line.

It was a very clever invention using pulley sytems, to deliver cash for some reason.

Debra, at Common Ground, who clearly had her glasses on noticed the L, checked it out and, there you are!

Alex Joyce describes it like this: "There is a wire woven basket approx 20" long by 14" wide by 8" deep. The basket has a place on which to attach a small leather money/bill of sale cup."
The carriage bears the name "Air-Line".

Awesome!

Check out following post if you're wondering what we're talking about.

Angie

Most Interesting Find!

2011-06-03T08:06:00.001-07:00

On a lark last week John and I headed out toward the UP to visit some antique/junk places we hadn't been to before. We really found some fun things, but this was the most interesting.

I may later ask myself why I didn't keep this, but for now it is for sale. (yikes). Samson Airlines, Chicago. I've googled and searched a bit, but nothing is coming up at all for the airline. If you look to the inside, right side of the basket there is a place that looks like it would hold a rolled up newspaper... perhaps?

There are four "thingy's" that would let another something hook into it.
Neat suitcases, BTW.

And a close up of the tag.

Cool, huh.

Any ideas?

Wedding Styling, Reason To Get Off The Highway and Apologies toThe Graphic Fairy.

2011-06-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

First things first. After hours of stewing and steaming over my problems trying change my blog, I finally got it right, went back to the Graphic Fairy site and she was right. In black and white she addressed exactly what I was doing wrong.

I am sorry.

I have taken many images from her site and they are wonderful, you should to.

Now, if you remember, I've tipped my hat into the "Wedding Styling" arena.

Or let's just say a really great gal asked me to help with her daughter's wedding and after seeing what she wanted, I could not refuse.

I may be more excited than the wedding party!

Here is the darling couple, Nick and Emily.

Nick and Em had photos taken at several different locations and a few wardrobe changes as well. I cannot stop drooling over Em's dress.... it IS vintage.

Absolutely dreamy, and she was stunning in it.

They hired a great photographer from Milwaukee, and here she is mid-shoot in our orchard.
How lucky to be in full bloom!

What you don't know is that it was about 50 degrees, and the fog was rolling in.

Em never once looked the least bit chilled, while her Mom was wrapped in a blanket and John started a bonfire!

Nick and Emily are a very sweet couple and I truly hope I can style their dreams come true.

Now, onto other important matters.....

Ever been here? It's about 30 seconds off Hwy 57/42 in Dyckesville,

and you can get these...

Woo-Hoo!!!

Okay, let summer begin! Hope you're having fun.

Angie

I give up!

2011-05-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have tried to apply a new background following the directions exactly, and it has ruined my blog.
I have been at this for hours trying to change it.
Please be patient as I have to take a break from this before I kill the "Free Background Fairy".

The Sweetest New Pj's Have Arrived!

2011-05-28T07:32:00.001-07:00

The cutest pj's came in yesterday. The fabric is fabulous and so is the fit.
A short robe in robin egg blue.

Cami style Pj's with shorts. Apples abound.

And a night shirt with blue birds.
The fabrics are so fresh, and how I would love to wake up to a perfectly sunny morning with birds chirping, and flowers blooming in these pj's!

So, I know I've been gone a while, but I'm back. Have some fun stories to share.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone!

Vintage Tole-apalooza!

2011-05-01T17:19:00.001-07:00

Once in a while you come across something that you can only dream of.
These vintage tole lamps "fell" into my lap Saturday.
I can tell you that I payed a pretty penny for these, and that's tough considering that I have to consider the mark up that I'm going to take so that my customer gets a fair price, and I can pay the bills. Can you believe these beauties?
They are different shapes, but matching in decor which makes it even better in my opinion.
They are about 18 inched in height and in working order.
I still have some scrubbing to do because they are rather grimy, but the end result will be worth it.

The light bulb actually hangs from the flower, and the little candle flame is just decorative.
Precious!

Vintage Nest Show This Weekend!

2011-04-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

It's here!
Friday evening from 5 to 8, and Saturday 10 to 5.We're busy little bees right now putting on the final touches.
Hope to see you there!
10038 Hwy 57
Sister Bay

My Life at Home...

2011-04-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

As a shop owner, and sometimes more interesting to people, a year round resident in Door County, I get a lot of questions about what my house looks like, what do I do in my spare time, and is it hard to live here year round with it being such a seasonal spot.

I can't say that I'm all that private as an individual, but I don't really feel the need to put my stuff out there, you know just to show off.

Sometimes I have to admit that it irks me a bit when people find it hard to believe anyone could possibly live here year round, but I won't go there today.

One day last summer, I decided to share what my life really is like outside of work. My husband, John agreed to follow me around after work one day and take some simple pictures of what it's like to just be me.

Enjoy. Simple summer fun.

Getting ready to do some gardening.

Picking sweet blossoms to brighten the house and store.

Tending to the animals.

I always make time for friends, it's so important to stay grounded that way.

There's a dance in the barn tonight.

We love to make special hats for the dances.

I adore cooking.

Just put me in the kitchen and I can work some serious magic.

Of cousre, we grow our own food. All organic, and we plan our daily menu's as to what's ripe in the garden.

I'm so thankful for good friends who help tweak my outfit when I feel like I have nothing in my closet worth wearing.

SIGH...

Actually, that's Robin of Magnolia Pearl and I dream of floating around my neck of the woods in anything she makes... the Pig, the bank, post office, the Bowl... you name it I wouldn't care.

I have noticed she does wholesale accounts. For some reason I have a feeling her clothing could be on the high end side.

Any one want me to check into it and wear it with me?

Just let me know.

Then go see it all at MagnoliaPearl.com

Another Vintage Nest Show On The Way to Viva!

2011-04-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

We had the best of intentions when we committed to a show in Feb. but just couldn't pull it off.
Now it's all we can think about!
On Friday April 29th we will open from 5pm until 8pm, then again Saturday from 10 to 5pm.Special guests, In a Haystack and Small Town Vintage will be sharing all things vintage and handmade for your shopping pleasure.
As for eating, Sarah from Flour Girl Patissier be joining us with her homemade French Macaroons for you to nibble on.

Mark you calendars!

An Early, or was it Late Gift... I'm Not To Proud To Beg

2011-04-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

I was perusing blog land when I noticed a new post by Altered Ever After.
Candyce and Jill had a fabulous booth at our Vintage Market, they have been featured in numerous magazines and are about the cutest and sweetest Mother daughter duo I've seen.
Candyce had posted pictures of some of her new Valentine works, and mentioned that they needed a good home.
Hello.
I'll take one! (Sure I said it more than once).
I thought she was joking.
Look what arrived the other day!No details are left out, even in shipping.

Shredded paper and all, what? A paper umbrella, what is coming?

A Valentine Darling. Vintage spool, little trinkets and hearts.

A good home has been found!

It's hard to really see the details with the lack of a great camera, but I love the old safety pin, the little tag that says "hugs", all a top a vintage building block.
Thanks, Candyce... you made my day!

To find where Jill and Candyce are showing, click here.

John in Japan.

2011-03-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

My cell was ringing at 7am as I was coming down the stairs.
"I'm okay!!!"
What?
"I was in the earthquake, I'm okay!".
No clue.
"You haven't looked at your computer or turned on the news... an 8.9. Lee and I are okay. I thought I was coming down with food poisoning or the flu because my stomach was churning, and I thought the room was spinning. I went to the window, pulled back the curtains and saw the building across the street swaying back and forth... huge earthquake!".
Good God.
John had been texting both of the boys throughout (because they are young and awake at 3am). Danny told John not to call me... "you're okay Dad, and Mom is asleep you'll freak her out if you keep trying to call".
I had left my cell down stairs and was oblivious to the rest of the world.
So much, and John's now safe at home with an incredible story.
Hardest for my sweet husband? Hopping on a plane and leaving it all behind.
The thought of the retired and older nuclear plant workers being called in on basically a suicide mission to do whatever it takes to keep things cool and from exploding, basically knowing it will.

Here's what you need to do. Contact the Red Cross. Donate. Keep Japan in your prayers.
And know, that these are our neighbors.

Home, sweet home.
Grateful.

Creative Gift Idea

2011-03-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Debbie is celebrating her birthday tomorrow.

Brunch at the White Gull and then bowling.

A lot of you know Debbie... she owns the best clothing store in the county,

Magic Jacket. She's also an artist. Deb knows that I'm always on the hunt for vintage ephemera and asked me to be on the look out for old photos.

John and I took a day on Thursday to spend some time together before his big trip to China.

I thought it would be fun to spend a bit of that time treasure hunting for Debbie's gift.

I cannot tell you how lucky I am the we both enjoy the hunt and could do it every day!

Guess who spied this little goodie?

When I got it into the light it was waaaaaaaay dirtier than I knew and I spent a lot of time scrubbing.... but check it out!Here's what we filled it with...

great photos... all of ladies.
This rusty little tin, scrubbed it up and filled it...

with these... sorry to Steve, Debbie's husband who may regret a couple of them.

You know when you see a booth that is so tacky, and everything is in a stapled baggie?

It pays to check it out!

I'm not normally drawn to theses mags, but Debbie has quite the sense of humor

and I couldn't resist.

....snicker, snicker..

Obviously...

Really neat art corners in different shapes, and a cattle tag that has a magic number on it!

After the scrubbing, I filled it with shreds from an old book.

Had fun wrapping and placing all the vintage goodies.

Then tagged it with a card that says... Don't fall in love with a girl because she has a pretty costume, buy the costume- it's cheaper.

How great!

Hope she likes it!

A Door County Story... to stall...

2011-03-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

Even I am getting tired of looking at FMS magazine's announcement, but I'm having to stall before the next really fun post.
I am going to a friend's birthday party on Sunday... with the girls.... brunch at the White Gull and then bowling.
I got her a really fun gift that I will blog about, but I can't put it up until after she opens it, so stay tuned!

In the meantime... I thought I would share a Door County story.

We moved here just over 18 years ago.
We had lived in Chicago for several years, and the Dallas area before that.
Being aware of crime, locking doors, never leaving anything in a car, jumping at every little sound just because you could never be sure, was a way of life.
Everyone was wary and careful.

One very late night, the boys were in bed and John and I were watching television.
I heard something at the front door and signaled John into action.
My heart was pounding out of my chest when John got to the door just as it opened and a man was coming in!
John said "what are you doing?" and he said, "let me in, it's me".
John... "what are you doing? I don't know you!"
Him.... "it's me, Jason! Now let me in!" and he tried forcing his way in.

Let's just say he smelled highly of the hair-of-the-dog.

John finally forced him out the door and locked it.
I was on the phone with 911 shakin' in my boots!

"A very drunk man tried to force his way into our house!".
"Do you have a description?".
"Jeans, plaid shirt and a baseball cap.... oh and he said his name is Jason!".
"Jason? Dick, they dropped Jason off at the wrong house. Sorry hon, we just picked him up from the Pig (aka Piggly Wiggly) and he must have told us the wrong address. We'll be right over to pick him up".
"Well, he's not here anymore!"

Did I mention the three feet of snow on the ground?
We felt as though he was just really drunk, caused a ruckus at the Pig and they called the police to take him home. We should probably try to go and find him while we waited for the police.
We checked everywhere outside and watched the cop car drive up and down the road, looking for Jason.
We were never told if they found him, and we never saw him again.
And were very thankful when the snow thawed there was no surprise!

The next day was balm to the wound...
I was in a sweet little linen shop buying a baby quilt for a good friend of mine who had a new born.

I was browsing around when I over heard the 80 something year old lady talking to the clerk about the engine light in the car coming on.

"Oh well, if I break down, someone will drive by and take me home."
She was not the least bit concerned about being stranded on the side of the road... after all, someone would come by... wow.

It took us a while, but now my family knows the same thing.
What a gift to live in a small community... well small in the winter, anyway.

Check It Out!

2011-02-26T08:50:00.001-08:00

Flea Market Style Magazine has featured Viva's Vintage Market as one of the best small flea markets in the country!

I cannot believe my eyes!

Four years ago, Carol and I decided to start a little vintage market.

Keep is small, have only quality vendors, have a lovely little lunch served

and just have some fun.

Since, we've had vendors call us... turned some away, and have pretty much

come up with our favorite event of the year.

I am always so proud of the event, mainly because the vendors take such care

and thought in the wares they bring and making sure that their displays are engaging and thought provoking, leading customers to think out side the box.

Jeanine of Chippy Shabby was featured as one of the favorite vendors, and she never disappoints! Be sure to visit her blog by clicking on her name to see what she's up to.

Jeanine has some great pictures of last year's market.

Viva's Vintage Market will be held the Saturday after the 4th of July, starting at 10 am.

The White Stuff

2011-02-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

...and I mean the good kind of white stuff!

Winter hits, and as a friend said, it's great until end of Feb then it feels more like house arrest until mid April!

So we've had some time to stock up on some great iron stone pieces and mixed in white, vintage restaraunt ware. Hutch is full!
John and I found these mixers last fall and I'm just now displaying them.
They are all different, all work and have really interesting features.
The smallest one has a porcelien base. Too cute.

We're wrapped in spring up front.
We needed some color!

Pretty green sheets and basket with the sun starting to set.

I found these awesome vintage sherbert or sundae glasses.

I'm sure they came out of a restaraunt.

Feb. is trying to say good bye, but it sure is taking it's time!

We've had some adventures and lane changes... will catch you up very, very soon!

This is me smiling like the cat who ate the canary!

Nick Loves Emily... A Door County Wedding

2011-02-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

Remember when I mentioned going into the styling business? Well, that's what I've been focusing on and the reason you haven't heard from me in a while.

This box arrived at Viva on Friday... I was told not to open it, and bring it to our meeting on Saturday. Can you imagine not being able to open this?

Anyway, I kept it together and delivered the package properly Saturday morning and was lucky enough to see Emily try it on.

The dress is a rather sensitive issue considering we don't want to the groom to get any ideas.

I am here to tell you that I loved this dress so very much that I would wear it everywhere I went and not give a hoot what anyone had to say.

Dreamy.

So, here you have the cutest couple in the world.

Emily and Nick.

It's a trick living in California and trying to pull off a wedding in Wisconsin, but Emily is so organized, in just one day of meetings we all had a very clear vision, and just what our duties are.

Of course there was the meeting with Helen of Flora. She is the best florist in Door County, hand's down... if not the state.

Ug... honestly.... I spent an hour trying to get my two favorite pictures to stop turning sideways, so screw it, here they are.

Just turn your head.

This was our meeting with Sarah of Flour Girl Patissier.

We enjoyed every bite and after some discussion, I think Emily landed on her very favorite flavors, and the cake itself will look like a dream.

Sarah can do it all.

I love the look on Em's face.

There was lemon curd on the side... Nick may forgo the Groom's cake and just have a big ole bowl of lemon curd.

I'm in agreement.

The wine tasting was very serious business.

And again, my favorite picture... sideways.
Check out Tina's face.
No doubt the Mother of the bride.
I laughed out loud when I saw this one.

So back to the styling... needing props, no trip would be complete without a visit to this place.

In minutes, we had found exactly what we were looking for.

I'll put some teasers out later as we go so you can see just what we're doing with these.

A little mugging with sister-in-laws.

I always forget they aren't sisters, they seem to get along so well.

Of course after a special trip to Julie's, there's always this.

Next, off to the barn to get the layout.

Man oh man is this wedding going to be stunning.

I will keep you updated with progress and ideas.

The wedding is August 20th.

Just think... barn, chandeliers, draping fabric, ball jars, fabulous food and music, fire works, and all kinds of vintage goodies tucked into every nook and corner.

I'm having a ball.

Stay tuned!

Went to "Church" This Morning

2011-01-30T07:23:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to sleep in this morning, and as usual, was up at 6am.
The sun wasn't quite up, but when I saw it start to blaze on the horizon, I decided to bundle up, get my camera and go to "church" right outside my house.
And I had some company.
Enjoy.

Viva's Winter Facelift

2011-01-29T15:18:00.000-08:00

While it's a little more quiet in the county this time of year, we have had the blessing of a beautiful snow fall.
Skiers, snow mobile enthusiasts, sledders and skaters are loving it and coming to Door County to enjoy it all.It's hard to bring in spring ideas yet when winter is so lovely right now. I just decided to do some neutrals up front, bedding, pillows and a few surprises.

In the back room I could not resist bringing out some of the florals. Lots of mix and match items in stock right now... a cheerful cottage, indeed.

It's not everyday you come across ironstone with pink trim.
It's the real deal, and how sweet is the vintage card?
Would make a great Mother's Day project, don't you think?

There is a nice assortment of Shelley Kyle perfumes, powders, soaps and lotions left.
These were a nice touch this year.

What fun... a little surprise tucked in.

And another...

Sweet little sayings.

This winter has just been lovely, even I have to admit.
Last night we went to T Ashwells for Mediteranian Night.
He opens the kitchen and serves the food from there, there's belly dancing and it's just an overall great time.
What a treat to venture out into the night air after, and be greeted by three inches of snow, no breeze in the air, just silence.

Not so silent, but charming in its own way are the winding lights of the snow mobiles in the dark that I can see from this very spot while I write.

Just another winter's night in Door County.

Baby It's Cold Outside, And We're Having a Ball! Why Don't You Join Us?

2011-01-21T10:51:00.001-08:00

It may be -1 outside, but inside Viva we're doing a little jig about a big compliment we recieved.

Gracie's Cottage has asked it's readers to mention their favorite shops around the world, and we just happened to get a mention in the state of Wisconsin!

Whoop, whoop!

Want to add your favorites? Just visit Gacie's Cottage Blog and leave your fave on her comment section.

I have a few things to share... I know, everyone wants pictures, but frankly there's not a lot of new going on at the shop. While we still have great inventory and a really nice sale going on, I have found lots of ineterst outside of the shop.

That's not to say that I don't have a fabulous display idea just waiting to be put together!
I just need a little time.

I sometimes like to play tour guide of Door County, so here you go.

Fish Creek Winter Games are coming!

Feb. 4th, 5th and 6th.

This weekend is just full of fun things to do.

Frankly over the past few years I felt like Fish Creek had really dropped the ball on creating a fun weekend, but are are re-newed!

Here's a sampling of what the weekend will provide:

All day food and games

Free Trolley rides

Snow Shoe Dance

Human Foosball Tournament

Candlelite Ski at Peninsula State Park

Door Idol (sells out fast!)

Ice Bowling

Toilet Seat Toss (something for everyone)

Kid's Kite Making

And one Fabulous Dance at Alexanders... tons of locals cutting loose, it's a sight to see!

Now that's all in Fish Creek... we will be open, and my goal is to have my new "display" ready by then. The Ice Rink in Sister Bay is cookin'. There's alway a great bonfire going, a warming house, skate rentals and snacks.

Hill 17 is open for some hair raising sledding.

You can rent cross country ski's from Ecology Sports... and grab some coffee and something delicious to eat while you're there.

And if you're looking to add a little spice to your Friday night Feb. 4th, there's a free Zumba Party at the Y in Fish Creek! A variety of instructors will lead and hour and a half party.

We'll boogie like no one's business, and yes, your's truly will be leading a few routines as well.

It's casual, friendly and even if you're a total spaz, no worries as everyone is so caught up in their own moves you don't notice anyone around you.

If you're around come on by... I've got some new pink pants with tassels to show off.

We Have A Winner!

2011-01-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

The winner of the gorgeous Altered-Ever-After

necklace is

Julie Sikorski!

I'll be in touch and congratulations!

Cha cha cha...

2011-01-12T16:25:00.001-08:00

Wanna know what goes on in Door County on a Friday night in January?
60 plus people dancing their buns off at a Zumba party!
What a hoot, and I'm starting to feel a lot better.
While I won't be a certified instructor until this Saturday, the gals let me have
a go at three routines, and I have to say... not too shabby!
If you could have seen the crowd you would have loved it.
Very familiar faces.

For the moment, the shop is on "January". Let me translate:
Holiday is still up and I need to transform the front, with very little to work with.

It's too early to bring spring, but there sure needs to be a brighter spot.

After Zumba cleared my head, I did come up with a really fun idea, but you'll have to come by and see it in person.
(I'll post pictures later)

Ben has arrived safe and sound in Santa Fe to begin second semester, for those of you who've asked.

Don't forget to enter the give away... check the post below.

Now, off to practice my new moves.

Enough With The Violins, Let's Give Something Away!

2011-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Honestly, blog friends are for real.

Sweet comments, and phone calls and even a dear visitor today just checking in to see if I'm okay.

How could I not be with all of this that I'm so grateful for?

So, in keeping with the spirit, I'm giving away this fabulous Altered Ever After necklace.

140.00 value, and I'll ship it to you. How to win.... several categories

Leave a comment on this post.
Become a follower
Link to this post with your blog and let me know.
Become a follower on Facebook
Leave a comment on Facebook

Each catergory gives you an extra chance to win.

Drawing will be held Friday Jan 14th.

That's it!

This necklace is my personal favorite and the reason for sharing.

Be good to yourselves, and wish me luck at Zumba tonight!

New Year... Now What?

2011-01-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Usually, time of year I'm reading all kinds of articles about what fabulous things people will be doing during this new year.
Usually, I'm dreaming of the next season and what we're going to do bigger and better.
Usually, I've got a little bounce in my step, getting ready for markets and travel.
This year... not so much.
You know what stopped me in my tracks?
Curious Sofa in Kansas city is closing its doors.

I have followed Deb's blog for years.
She is the retailer of all time when it comes to creative ideas, displays and over the top events.
Frankly, I have stolen so many ideas from her it should be illegal.

Basically, she lost her mojo.
Just like me, since 2008, we have been treading water just to keep things going.
The hardest part has always been winter, but this is the first year I've looked at my bank account and wondered why I keep doing this.

What has kept me going, and I'm going to have to really rely on this one for the winter, is that when I walk into my shop, I feel light and bright and oh so happy to be there.
Then of course, I'm happy to share that with you and oh so glad to see you.
My thoughts for this year are going to have to be outside the box.

I have been contemplating adding event planning as a part of our business.
Everyone wants me to do it, I get asked all the time.
Then I think of contracts, differing opinions, spoiled brides, not to mention the Mothers.
Deposits, refunds, schedules and mistakes.

This equals stress to me.

Then I was reading the Raised In Cotton blog. Guess what she's adding to her business this year?
Event styling.
Yes.
That's what they really want from me, to make the occasion look and feel the way they want.

The wheels are still turning on that one, but by late spring we'll be set to go.
This makes me thankful for Carol, and the magic that happened when Katie fell from the sky.

While my family is all in good health (thank you), we have had our own ups and downs over the past couple of years.
Not one big awful thing, just little knocks.... one right after the other.
Just when I'm ready to crawl under a rock, the skies have seemed to clear.
Obstacles that the boys have faced are resolving, challenges my husband has had are smoothing out, and I've discovered Zumba.
(did you do a double take?)
Right, me too.
Last spring, on a fluke my BFF and walking pal happened upon a woman in the Y doing Zumba all by herself. Music cranked, she was going to town.
She saw us spying and invited us in.
January 15th, I will become certified as an instructor and will be teaching classes.
I know, right?
Did you see that one coming?
So this Friday night at the Sister Bay Village Hall will be a free Zumba party, hosted by four different instructors... they are letting me lead three routines.

So things have been rough at the shop financially, tricky times at home, and just overall feeling heavy from the weight of it.

I think the bounce in my step will return, soon I'll be dreaming of a new season with a better outlook and it may all be due to just shaking my a#!

Thanks for the vent.

Happy New Year Sale

2010-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

From all of us at Viva la Cottage!

Open every day through Jan. 2nd.

Big, big sale!

20% to 70% off store wide.

Celebrating The Holiday Door County Style

2010-12-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

A couple of things came into play when I decided to publish this post.
First of all, after telling my best gal Carol that we had between 40 and 50 "young adults" at the house last night for an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest, she was surprised to know that there were that many kids in the county.
WHAT?!?!

The other item was a certain blog that I follow (BB), where she put a dream worthy post about the Christmas Tea that she and her four beautiful daughters have each year. Everyone adorns lovely outfits, the girls help out, the food is so enticing and the tea features a special visit from Santa.
Before I continue, one of the many reasons I follow BB is because I don't have a daughter. I love my boys... so much, but there are times that I just wish I had a daughter... you know, skipping those years where they hate their Mothers... to just chat with, hang with and to create special memories, but I don't.
Oh, and one more thing, this is how the college kids in Door County put on a party, at our house.
Allow me to present "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party"... sigh.Sammy won a prize. Only in Wisconsin.

A close up shot of Ben's hand made ugly sweater... clever.

Ugly sweaters, but darling girls... you might find it interesting to know that these girls have families in DC that are postmasters, organic farmers, innkeepers and teachers.

Sometimes, we even invite "summer people" to come to the party.
But, they have to be very special.

Can you imagine the floors the next morning?

Actually, out of these great gals, there are a couple that I could get a daughter fix from if I needed to.

This is one quirky group of young men.
We enjoy each of them for different reasons.... the hair is just one of them.

Let me just say that the lovely Claire on the right helped Ben host the party and I can't tell you how charmed I was after spending two hours in Woodman's fighting other grocery carts to see the fresh cookies, pineapple, pound cake and sweets being prepped for the party, in my house with me having nothing to do with it.

John and I came down from the upstairs long enough to take pictures, but just short enough to not be "un-cool".
Upstairs, we could hear the loud buzz of people laughing and having a great time catching up with college experiences.
The old walls of this house just soaked up the happiness of it all.

I love living in our small/town/winter Door County.

Holiday Sparkle Arrives at Viva!

2010-12-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

Kris paid us a visit and left us with some of her newest creations.
These all have a bit more bling and sparkle, perfect for the holidays and brightening up the winter days yet to come!This one with the ivory button is my favorite!

These are called "big sweets" and are loaded with charms and sparkles.

"Sweets" for an elegant, more simple look.

The earrings are new to Kris, who prefers creating necklaces, but realized that some of you want a more matching look. These earrings do not disappoint!

We also have some lovely vintage jewelry, check out the fabulous necklace on the mannequin!
Hope you are all enjoying the holidays.
Make sure to take some time for yourselves.
Peace to you all.

And Home Again, Home Again Jiggety Jog.

2010-12-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

Holy cow, is all I can say.
Went to Santa Fe for a meet and greet at Ben's new school.
Supposed to be home Sunday evening... got home Tuesday night at 1o:30 pm.
In our back field was a pattern that looked like one of those corn crop cuttings... all swirls and patterns, surrounded by mountains of snow drifts.
Yesterday morning, my hubby and I took our coffee outside (at this cheap hotel... more later) and sat in the sun with just sweaters on.

However,
I have never been more happy to be home.

Will post tomorrow.

Who knew that nine degrees and sunny could feel so good?
Hope this finds you tucked in and warm.

Tales of Home and The Gift.

2010-12-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

Now that winter has landed and decided to make itself at home, I've started decorating the house.
The day before the real cold hit, it was probably 30 degrees and sunny with us putting away patio furniture and winterizing the outside.
I was so charmed and surprised when I was heading to the barn and saw this.
Our sweet Mr. Bill who decided to take us in last summer.
I've told you about him? Just a kitten crying at the corner of our garage, and now look.
Not a great shot, but I love it. (his pal Ms. Lafe is hiding in there as well)
Back to the house... two years ago I found this fantastic old coffee tin at the Gibraltar Antique show.. It says "Edward Gillies and Co." at the bottom and on the front top "French Breakfast Mocha Java" I paid a pretty penny for it. Have been online trying to get info about it and have seen plenty of items, but nothing like this. I think I may have a gem.
Anyhoo... empty-ish nest makes me want to decorate my house in cream, gold and pink.
Love these bottle brush trees with sparkly ornaments tucked at the bottom.

I filled this great jar with white, brown and gold ornaments and at the last minute decided to throw in some silver baby cups and my hubby's and my baby shoes.

Some of you know that my younger son stayed home this semester to figure out what he really wants to be doing school wise. He was lucky to be the pizza thrower for the Wild Tomato, but when winter hits, work is not to be found in Door County. He has had several weeks just being home.
Most of his friends are away at school, and being nineteen in quiet Door County can test the entire family.
He had been staying up way to late and sleeping too long.
There are only so many "chores" I can give him and he was just zoning out.

Then one night I could sense from my bedroom that the garage lights were on. I could just make out that it was Ben and couldn't imagine what he was up to... and thought I probably didn't want to know. I found out the next day that he had been going through boxes of mementos that had been stored out there. He found my husband's seersucker double breasted suit that he had worn leaving our wedding, his great grandfather's leather bike jacket and plenty of wonderful items from when he and Danny were tiny.

The next night I could sense him out there again, but in the morning I left for work before he was up.
Can you just imagine the smile that spread across my face when from way down the road, I could see this on the side of our barn? It's five feet in diameter and shines for all to see!

Ben is a gift.
Our Christmas gift.

And, far as Ben goes... Santa Fe University of Art and Design.... signed, sealed and as of January, delivered.

I did forget to mention that last night I went to bed without a Christmas tree, and woke up to a tree in it's stand ready to be decorated. I didn't ask....

Clean Up After the Show

2010-12-05T15:12:00.001-08:00

We had such a great show! The down side is that with so much being sold, I spent a lot of time putting together new displays and bringing in new items for the shop.
Here is the "before".This gal is the bomb. She must have been on top of a trophy. Pigtails, holding a bat as well as a drink to toast her victory!

Happened upon these wonderful, huge horse shoes, and the autograph book is just loaded with sentiments.

I found this neat old tape measure with really strong graphics and twined it throughout the display like a garland. Ledger, keys and me!

Darn it!

We are opening a new "department" in the store.
"Ephemera". So many of you are looking for fun vintage smalls to use in your art projects. I don't know why I haven't brought these things in sooner.

Click on the picture to enlarge and see all the goodies!

Found this really neat fruit press. It's perfect for holding holiday greenery.

Letter boxes in great condition with the folders still in tact.
Buttons and threads.

Shot of almost after.

Somebody flipped the switch and winter has officially arrived in Door County!
I hear we're going to get a nice snow on Thursday and should be lovely for the weekend.
Come and visit this weekend!
Hope this day finds you well.

Vintage Holiday Market Pictures

2010-11-28T15:43:00.001-08:00

Viva hosted the Vintage Nest Holiday Market over the weekend, and boy did we have a ball.
This time of year is hard to draw a crowd to the county, but we were
so happy and surprised at the turn out and can't thank you all enough for coming and supporting our vintage show.
As you know my camera went kaput, and these photos are when things were really picked over, but you get the idea.
I will have more photos soon.... let's just say vintage coats were all the rage at this show!
Who knew?!Like Walmart, we had a store greeter. She didn't actually say much, but her skates were envied by all.

The great thing about owning the store is that I got to poke through everyone's things after they had left. I found this box and saw a bit of tinsel sticking out. I couldn't resist putting it together Saturday night. Just look at it!

Mint condition and all parts, plus extras.

One of the fabulous vintage coats.

It's just like Katie not to miss a detail. This was on the back side of a big display, yet she even wrapped the candles in bits of sheet music!

Love this idea!!! A stripped lamp shade holding a bowl full of goodies.
Heck you could serve out of this!
(it was full of goodies earlier in the day)

Small Town Vintage always takes a new twist on hand made.
What a wonderful gift for a cook.

Picked over... but you get the idea.

Carol always has great jewelry at her shows. This display reminded me of getting ready for an evening out on the town.

Two of my favorite locals even stopped by to model some of the vintage coats we had.

I'll post more soon, but again cannot begin to express my gratitude for all of you that came.
Retail has been so hard the last few years.
I knew we had to start thinking outside the box, not only to find a way to make money to pay bills, but also to entice and inspire our customers.
While the money is so important to keep us going, so is the creative side of this biz.

I wish you could witness the after hours, the planning and plotting, the concerns and discussions.

Katie and Carol eat and sleep ideas. What will customers want to see, how will it be different this time but still have my signature look, and what new ideas can we introduce to make you think about your own home with a fresh perspective?

Look through your attic, basement and closet to see what you've put aside that could be used to put a new twist on your own style.

Sweet dreams.

Holiday Market This Weekend!

2010-11-27T06:00:00.001-08:00

Can you believe we opened the store straight up 10:00 yesterday... In a Haystack and Small Town Vintage made Viva look like a dream!
Vintage coats were being tried on right and left.
Grab the camera... battery dead... charger at home.
Darn it!
I will try to post some pictures at some point tomorrow, but let me tell you it's stunning.

We still have cupcakes and cookies and plenty of vintage and new holiday shopping.
Today and tomorrow, don't miss it!
Angie

2010-11-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

Safe travels and warm wishes.

Vintage Holiday Market This Weekend

2010-11-22T16:10:00.001-08:00

Are you ready for this week?
I have kids coming home and lots of cooking to do. Do you?
We'll eat way to much good food, tell stories on each other and laugh a lot.
Then, probably get on each others nerves and someone's cranky radar will
start to rise. But that's okay. I read on someone's blog the other day that "it's not Thanksgiving until someone cries".
Love that.
Real life.
But then guess what?!?
The Vintage Nest is coming to Viva!
Sweet vintage goodness.
I spent today clearing the two front areas so that Small Town Vintage and
In a Hay Stack could display their wares for you to....

Be ready to find the most creative and wonderful finds in all of Door County.

Come and see us, and enjoy music and nibbles as you shop for decorations
for your home and gifts for your "dearests".
(rumor has it that coconut cream cheese cupcakes are on their way!)

Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Come and join in the merriment!

We Have a Winner!!

2010-11-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that

Diane from

Passionate For White

is the winner of our

Winter Wishes

Angel!

(I wish you all could have won).

Just Kickin' Around Town

2010-11-18T15:35:00.000-08:00

Went kicking around town yesterday and popped into a couple
of resale shops. Hadn't really planned on finding anything, but did
come away with a few goodies.
This cook book is huge!
The graphics on the front are richer than they appear in
this photo.

Some interesting silver. Double click to enlarge.
A really lovely woman is on the ends. I've never seen this pattern before... have you?
Three real hob nail goblets and some vintage fringe that will find its way to a project.

Some old game cards. I'd say they are 6x8 in size.
Really heavy stock. Would be good for a scrapper.
Let's call it ephemera, shall we?!

Not bad for running in between errands.
Someone once told me that real hob nail is sharp
on it's points.
Have you ever heard this?
These are sharp, so I'm calling them the real deal!

Winner Will Be Drawn Tommorrow! Still Time To Participate.

2010-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Here's one last look at our Winter Wish Angel. If you want to enter into the drawing, just leave a comment, become a

follower or link you blog to mine.

Winner will be drawn tomorrow at noon!

Good Luck!

Foof, Fluff and Another Peak at the Prize

2010-11-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

I've removed the sideways pictures, and then realized they are on my computer
at work!
Just call me a ditz.
That's okay, I'm just about to post some new things... went junking today!
Anyway, below are some sweet pictures of the shop.

Love these little birds.

Just a few pics from the retro area.

The Santa bubble lamp is new. He's adorable.

Check out the roller skates, complete with traveling

case and key.

We re-ordered these little felted slippers.

Too cute.

I found a great stash of these vintage mugs.

They say "Egg Nog" on the other side.

Lumps of cole abound.

I don't know why they just "showed up" here, like

someone's trying to tell me something.

Now go and enter the giveaway!!!

My First Giveaway!

2010-11-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Since changing sites, I thought I'd do something a little exciting!
I've never done a give away, but when I opened the box that contained this gem, I really
wanted to share.
She is a "Winter Wish" darling that is sparkle, paper mache and other sweet things
tucked in. Under her skirt is a dear peaking out. She is about 18 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
The sweetest face with a crown of stars.
Click on the picture for a closer look.
There are three ways to win.

Leave a comment.
Become a follower.
Link my blog to yours.

I will randomly select the winner Friday, November 19th.
Hope you win!
Angie

Vintage Nest of Door County Holiday Show

2010-11-11T10:32:00.001-08:00

The Vintage Nest will be bringing you plenty of holiday treasures very soon!
Mark your calendars for November 26th, 27th and 28th for the finest
vintage shopping around.

More to come...