Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Shop 'til You Drop!

Hi Ladies, hope you are having a good day!
I was thrilled to discover the neatest shops right down the road from where we are staying!  It is an entire little villiage, composed of an old farmhouse, and various old buildings that were salvaged from the area, including an old still from the Prohibition area, an old chicken coup, an old mill, and much more!
 The villiage is beautifully landscaped, and has old brick walkways, ponds, and even resident chickens and ducks!
 After our long, snowy winter back in Michigan (we hear that it has been snowing still back home!), it is such a treat to see flowers and trees in bloom!
 But of course the best part was the shopping!!!
 Love this bed and bedding!
 I thought this wire light was so neat!
 And I adore these pretty French themed pillows!
 I love birds, so I was especially drawn to this pretty print!
 Oooh, la, la!  If you notice the basket in the background, it has the most beautiful French label that has been decoupaged to it (it looks like something from the Graphics Fairy!).
 There were lots of wonderful antique shops in the village.  Tons of shabby goodness!
 You know how much I love old windows.  I just noticed this one was only $18!!!
 Whoops, got a bit of myself in the mirror as I was snapping this shot!!
 And yet more shabby-cottage love!
 This giant rooster cracked me up!!
 And so did the real deal!  This guy was rather aggressive, so I quickly dashed off after snapping his photo!

 Lots of pretty and cheery flowers!

I especially love this Euphorbia.
I saw so many beautiful things, that I can hardly wait to get into our house and start decorating!
What projects have you been working on lately?

24 comments:

mizdarlin said...

So glad you found some shabby shopping to browse through..that looks like a great place for me to visit sometime- do you know what it's called?

Debbiedoos said...

Looks so pretty there Donna. I sure would have had a ball shopping!

Musings from Kim K. said...

How fun. I would love to join you for some shopping. Enjoy!!

Trisha said...

What a great little village! Looks like you might just fit right in there! Hope your week is going well!

~Trisha

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Looks to me like you are going to have some serious shopping fun! I'm glad you are getting settled. Can't wait to see your new house!

hugs
Sissie

Pamela said...

Gorgeous shop Donna! YOu are lucky to have that! Something like that here would be so pricey!!
You will love the winters here that's for sure!!
Especially seeing blooms in February!

Pamela xo

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I am so happy that there was a pleasant surprise at the end of your trip! What fun! Love that there are so many things there that make you feel connected to the crafting/decoratign world. You are gonna be just fine! I think you might even have fun with your new place! Hugs- Diana

ArtfullyJune said...

What a great village. I had to laugh as I noticed the basket in the one picture right away and then read your comment about the basket.

The cold and windy in Minnesota has me stamping, not painting. But I'm hoping to get some items painted soon.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

What a great place to shop!!! Love those pillows, and the rooster!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

so glad you found a place at your new place! But did u buy anything?

Leo said...

Wow - those shops looks great. So many pretty things...I am sure you were tempted. I am going to try and tackle a couple new projects this weekend!! I didn't even get a chance to put up Easter decorations...and those are usually my favorite.

Kathy@ Gone North said...

Well, I could just spend hours browsing there.
So fun that it is close to home. : )
& Yes it is snowing here in Michigan.. yuch!!!
2 in. on the ground yesterday...
( we live in SW. Mi.. Holland.. :)

Simple Home said...

It looks like a wonderful place to shop!! Thank you for sharing it with us. I'm loving the spring weather we have here now too :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Barbara Jean said...

Oh so fun!!!!

Looks like a great place to wander around

blessings
barbara jean

Tete said...

What a fun place! And what did you buy? Everything? Well, except for Mr Cranky Pants Rooster. He would fit your french theme...just a thought.
Hugs- Tete

Erin said...

You are such a good girl:) I saw the first shot of that lamp, and then you showed me a close up, thanks!!! This is an awesome looking little hot spot! Lots of goodies to be found and lots of inspiration gained!!! I am so glad you are seeing some pretty flowers, can't wait to see the new place!

Ido said...

Oh you lucky girl! Just arriving and look what you found, that's fantastic. I'm glad you guys arrived safely. Keep us posted on the new house will ya?
XXX Ido

SueBeeCR said...

I love Country Village! I don't get there often enough though...

Karen said...

Oh, what a neat place to shop! Glad you're in nicer weather where flowers and trees are looking more spring-like that here. Another cold, windy day here.

Watch those roosters....lots of them attack....I know that from experience!

Love, Karen

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I think that shopping area was calling your name! How wonderful to have found your kind of shopping close by. I hope someday you will show them some of the beautiful things you make. The shops look great.
I have also been perusing your previous posts and enjoying your photos. What a wonderful trip you had.
Looking forward to seeing how you settle into your new house. I bet you are going to have a great time decorating. I'm sure your little furry girl is looking forward to getting a bit more settled too. XO

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh my gosh, Donna, what gorgeous treasures AND beautiful flowers!!! Everything is so beautiful and I'll bet you had the BEST time--WOW!!!
And yes, that is from The Graphics Fairy! I love that black and white screen behind the bed too and that hanging lamp is amazing.

The flowers--wow--they are such a welcome to spring and a sign of happy things to come for you!!!
Love,
Cindy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

What a fun post, Donna! Looks like such a great place to shop...wish I could join you! Love the decoupaged basket idea! Everything sounds like it is going well for you...the eagle must have been amazing! Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Unknown said...

Looks like you landed in a wonderful spot and have many adventures waiting for you!
Shopping always makes things better....
xo
lynn

Debbie~ said...

Hi Donna, Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! I found you via Nana Diana's blog a while back! I'm happy to see you getting settled! Finding a fun place to visit like 'Country Village' sure helps! When you have more time to venture out, map quest Snohomish, and try to spend an afternoon there. It's home to wonderful cottage & shabby shops, as well as several antique shops and a couple of GREAT antique malls (Star Antique Mall, Joy Works, and the new 'Ruffles & Rust' are delightful) to name a few! I know you'll love it there! Our weather has been horrible, but hopefully it's going to start warming up and you might start enjoying this area a little more! :) Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs