People who know me personally, know that I am the absolute Queen of bargain hunters... My best find yet was a much wanted 108 piece set of gold rimmed bone china, a brand new service for 10... for $25.00.
The trick to being a top notch bargain hunter is not just how "cheap" the item is, but to recognize impeccable quality and exquisite style that fits with your personal taste..and then to find it at a below rock bottom price.
Lately, I have been in shopping Nirvana! There has been an emergence of consignment stores in our area and the shopping is great. This is part of a national trend. It seems that all those folks who went on "buying binges" during the early part of the decade..before the crash.. are now selling all their great, hardly used things. They are selling their designer clothing, fabulous home furnishings and great books.. and those of us who "hunt" both for a living and for "sport" are having the time of our lives finding great "trophies" for very little money...
I recently completed construction of a new media space in the lower level of my home..the space for sports and movie gatherings...and I have been inspired to furnish the entire space with consignment finds. My first find was a classic leather sectional sofa in great condition for $299.00...and it looks fabulous and will stand up to years of sports, spills and The Cat! And now I am searching for the area rugs, tables, lamps and a media cabinet...my goal is to complete the entire room, with style, for under $800.00..I will keep you posted....
Where are these great stores? For starters travel down High Street just beyond the Library to a great shop called Decor. My dear friend Penny, who is always ahead of the trend curve, has recently converted her fabulous shop to include high quality decorative furnishings on consignment. The trick with Decor and most other consignment stores, is that you must visit often to find the best items.. and most shops have limited hours and not on Sundays...
Some great places for clothing and wardrobe accessories: The French Creek Boutique is on Rte 23 west of route 100 seem to have Chester county's finest cast offs ( be sure to sign up for their email newsletter of events)... Sophie's Choice is in the Amity Place Shops in Douglassville and is another great place. They offer coupons in the Hometown Coupon mailer.
And for Books, I love, love, love Gently Used Books in Douglassville. I always find what I am looking for, and then some, in their expansive collection...There are other new and used book stores in the area as well, but they feel like chain stores to me..and don't have quite the variety and depth of subjects I appreciate at Gently Used Books..( they also have a great web site and search capabilities).
I have found many other great stores outside our area and I am currently compiling a list of my favorites. Perhaps I will be share that in a later post...
So if you have a little vision, a creative spirit, and love the thrill of the Hunt...I suggest you begin shopping consignment stores.. You will be amazed!.....And please write me and tell me of your finds....I love a good "trophy" story...
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Discovering Bear Creek
It has been a very busy 2 months for me. A full renovation of the basement level of my home and the result were worth it...I now have a huge sun lite, walkout studio with place to spread out all my supplies and projects, and a very large TV viewing space for the less ambitious moments of my life..Special thanks to Gregg and all the men from GH Remodelers..and to Larry Pierce and the men of Chester County Painting.
During all the chaos, I did manage to sneak out for some afternoon excursions. One particular discovery trip was to Bear Creek Ski area. I was on a fact finding mission for a friend who is relocating to the east coast after decades living in the mountains of Colorado. He is looking for a location that will have all the amenities of 4 seasons, but without the harsh long winters of his home state of NH. Golf, skiing, the sea shore and cultural venues.
Now, it is important to note that I am also a transplant from NH and I spent many years as a professional skier at some of the largest ski areas in the Northeast. When I moved to this area of Pa., over twenty years ago, I had already resigned from the sport I loved passionately due to bad knees, so being aware of ski areas near my new home was not even in my consciousness. I knew there where several areas in the region but had not explored them. So, after reviewing their web site for its location, I was surprised to discover that Bear Creek was only 14 miles from my home. I had to check this out... and headed up route 100 north to Church Street which becomes Mountain Road. It was the beautiful sunny afternoon of Feb. 9th, and as I came to the top of a hill... there it was in front of me. It was a magnificent site. A big mountain with wide sweeping trails covered with snow. The chairlift moving steadily up the mountain full of skiers and snow boarders. My heart began to flutter with a feeling of excitement I had not experienced for decades. You see in 2007, I was blessed with a brand new knee and no longer a cripple. I realized that the possibility of putting on the 'boards' again was very real and here was this wonderful mountain facility right in my back yard.
Later that day I reported my findings to my friend. I had sent him the link to their web site, but actually seeing the area is much more impressive. He had been looking at several of retirement regions but never considered Southeastern Pa. Who knew that it had so much to offer. There are 7 golf courses in a 10 mile radius of my town, the ski area is 14 miles away, the shore just 2 hours away and access to arts and historic culture, both local and regional is unsurpassed. So now my friend is very excited and will be arriving here soon, and I am looking forward to some wonderful afternoons on the slopes next winter.
We really do have it all right here in the Tri-County region.
During all the chaos, I did manage to sneak out for some afternoon excursions. One particular discovery trip was to Bear Creek Ski area. I was on a fact finding mission for a friend who is relocating to the east coast after decades living in the mountains of Colorado. He is looking for a location that will have all the amenities of 4 seasons, but without the harsh long winters of his home state of NH. Golf, skiing, the sea shore and cultural venues.
Now, it is important to note that I am also a transplant from NH and I spent many years as a professional skier at some of the largest ski areas in the Northeast. When I moved to this area of Pa., over twenty years ago, I had already resigned from the sport I loved passionately due to bad knees, so being aware of ski areas near my new home was not even in my consciousness. I knew there where several areas in the region but had not explored them. So, after reviewing their web site for its location, I was surprised to discover that Bear Creek was only 14 miles from my home. I had to check this out... and headed up route 100 north to Church Street which becomes Mountain Road. It was the beautiful sunny afternoon of Feb. 9th, and as I came to the top of a hill... there it was in front of me. It was a magnificent site. A big mountain with wide sweeping trails covered with snow. The chairlift moving steadily up the mountain full of skiers and snow boarders. My heart began to flutter with a feeling of excitement I had not experienced for decades. You see in 2007, I was blessed with a brand new knee and no longer a cripple. I realized that the possibility of putting on the 'boards' again was very real and here was this wonderful mountain facility right in my back yard.
Later that day I reported my findings to my friend. I had sent him the link to their web site, but actually seeing the area is much more impressive. He had been looking at several of retirement regions but never considered Southeastern Pa. Who knew that it had so much to offer. There are 7 golf courses in a 10 mile radius of my town, the ski area is 14 miles away, the shore just 2 hours away and access to arts and historic culture, both local and regional is unsurpassed. So now my friend is very excited and will be arriving here soon, and I am looking forward to some wonderful afternoons on the slopes next winter.
We really do have it all right here in the Tri-County region.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Valentines Day Shopping
Yes, there are all the usual shopping places for Cupids Day....jewelery stores, chocolate and wine stores and of course the florist. But if you want to find something just a bit different...something with more of an artistic quality..then I have two wonderful suggestions...
Taylor Backes glass blowing studio is one of the areas treasures with national prominence. Just a walk through their fabulous studio at 2nd and Washington street in Boyertown is and awe inspiring experience. The wonderful and sensuous glass objects, both vessels and sculpture pieces, will delight the eye. The vivid dance of colors as you go from room to room is so visually pleasing and exciting you will have to pause just to catch your breath from wonderment. And, of course the furnace is usually burning and an artisan can be seen working on a project of molten glass... Even if you are not planning to spend several hundred dollars for and object d'art you will have sensation of having visited a fine art museum. But the real beauty of Taylor Backes studios is that you can always find gifts in all price ranges...from $15.00 up. To find out more about this national treasure and to plan your trip...http://www.taylorbackes.com./
At Christmas time a friend took me to Bey's rock shop on Rte 100 north of the walmat store in Bechtelsville. I need to have a necklace restrung. What a surprise. The building is quite deceiving as is the name of the magnificent treasures inside. Beys is much much more than a rock shop. It is a jewelery makers heaven with whole rooms filled with tables of beads from ordinary to exquisite.I picked up several beads for my charm bracelet for under $10.00.
Venture deeper into the shop and you find there are other rooms filled with Objects made of gemstones, crystal quartz and other exotic earth material. There are fabulous bowls , pedestals, paper weights and other objects in all sizes and prices. This place is a must see....wwwbeysrockshop.com for more information..
And finally, this Monday morning is day 4 of the renovation in my home and the Framing is up and the new window is in and today the electrician is working his magic...and tomorrow the sheet rock...unbelievable! A finished basement in just over 7 days....I am a very happy home owner....thank you Greg! http://www.ghremodelers.com/
Taylor Backes glass blowing studio is one of the areas treasures with national prominence. Just a walk through their fabulous studio at 2nd and Washington street in Boyertown is and awe inspiring experience. The wonderful and sensuous glass objects, both vessels and sculpture pieces, will delight the eye. The vivid dance of colors as you go from room to room is so visually pleasing and exciting you will have to pause just to catch your breath from wonderment. And, of course the furnace is usually burning and an artisan can be seen working on a project of molten glass... Even if you are not planning to spend several hundred dollars for and object d'art you will have sensation of having visited a fine art museum. But the real beauty of Taylor Backes studios is that you can always find gifts in all price ranges...from $15.00 up. To find out more about this national treasure and to plan your trip...http://www.taylorbackes.com./
At Christmas time a friend took me to Bey's rock shop on Rte 100 north of the walmat store in Bechtelsville. I need to have a necklace restrung. What a surprise. The building is quite deceiving as is the name of the magnificent treasures inside. Beys is much much more than a rock shop. It is a jewelery makers heaven with whole rooms filled with tables of beads from ordinary to exquisite.I picked up several beads for my charm bracelet for under $10.00.
Venture deeper into the shop and you find there are other rooms filled with Objects made of gemstones, crystal quartz and other exotic earth material. There are fabulous bowls , pedestals, paper weights and other objects in all sizes and prices. This place is a must see....wwwbeysrockshop.com for more information..
And finally, this Monday morning is day 4 of the renovation in my home and the Framing is up and the new window is in and today the electrician is working his magic...and tomorrow the sheet rock...unbelievable! A finished basement in just over 7 days....I am a very happy home owner....thank you Greg! http://www.ghremodelers.com/
Monday, January 23, 2012
back with New places, New Ideas and New Information
I'm Back with New places,New ideas and New information It has been almost a year since I last posted. I took time off to survive the recession...and now that its over...I am back with many of new discoveries and ideas. In the coming weeks I will be sharing information and opinions on new places I have discovered and new ideas in the design community.
I am also embarking on a huge (for me) renovation project at my home and will be sharing the trials, tribulations and progress with you. The bids are in and the contractor is selected...My job in the next few weeks will be to empty the space for the builders. Its an arduous job, but for me this process is particularly insightful. You see, in my profession, I have occasionally had clients that required assistance in purging and de-cluttering. I assist them as a "coach" helping them to understand their need for 'stuff' and then release it. I am now getting a whole new perspective. I consider myself a neat and organized person.. so I was surprised at some of the items I have " given space to" over the years. Emotional attachment?..validation that I was there?... I already feel a new sense of freedom and liberation with the first 5 garbage bags on the curb.
Also, in the coming weeks I will share with you fabulous shops I have found..some new.. some just new to me. I will share great places to shop for valentines Day and lots lots more. And we will soon be in the Home Show season. It's always fun to see whats new and exciting. I hope you will check back often.
I am also embarking on a huge (for me) renovation project at my home and will be sharing the trials, tribulations and progress with you. The bids are in and the contractor is selected...My job in the next few weeks will be to empty the space for the builders. Its an arduous job, but for me this process is particularly insightful. You see, in my profession, I have occasionally had clients that required assistance in purging and de-cluttering. I assist them as a "coach" helping them to understand their need for 'stuff' and then release it. I am now getting a whole new perspective. I consider myself a neat and organized person.. so I was surprised at some of the items I have " given space to" over the years. Emotional attachment?..validation that I was there?... I already feel a new sense of freedom and liberation with the first 5 garbage bags on the curb.
Also, in the coming weeks I will share with you fabulous shops I have found..some new.. some just new to me. I will share great places to shop for valentines Day and lots lots more. And we will soon be in the Home Show season. It's always fun to see whats new and exciting. I hope you will check back often.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
so much going on...catching up
Finally an hour to catch up on all that has been happening. So excited about the Pottstown Garden club photography contest. Unfortunately, my new garden will not be in full bloom until after the April 30th deadline. I am hoping they run it again next year, so we can all capture our summer gardens for submission..
I discovered a wonderful new and interesting place for entertainment. There is a charming Artisan style Bed and Breakfast.. way up in Bally. Landhaven is owned by a delightful couple, Ed and Donna Land and They have been restoring the former Huff's Church store. They have adapted large store area into a fabulous BYOB venue for singer song writers. They can seat approx 80 people and have added a great sound system. On the other side of the building they created 5 terrific guest rooms, all with state of the art spa baths. I like that they gave each room it's own name reflecting previous owner's of the store. They have a full venue of concerts and its all on their website www.landhavenbandb.com. A must check out for the music lovers.
I also recently visited the Reading/Berks fine arts and crafts festival in Kutztown. After experiencing the OJR arts and craft show...it was a bit disappointing. It was a smaller show and although they did have wonderful music It lacked the diversity of the OJR show.
On the way home, I did satisfy my thirst for artistic inspiration with a visit to the Dancing Tree Creations,off rte 73.(www.dancingtreecreations.com) Lynn and Beth have increased their offerings greatly and are adding an outside garden art section for the spring. It was great to visit and pick up a few gifts and hear their plans. I know it will be exciting. You must check them out....
So now.. I will just wait until the temperatures are warm enough to get started in my new gardens. Happy spring!
I discovered a wonderful new and interesting place for entertainment. There is a charming Artisan style Bed and Breakfast.. way up in Bally. Landhaven is owned by a delightful couple, Ed and Donna Land and They have been restoring the former Huff's Church store. They have adapted large store area into a fabulous BYOB venue for singer song writers. They can seat approx 80 people and have added a great sound system. On the other side of the building they created 5 terrific guest rooms, all with state of the art spa baths. I like that they gave each room it's own name reflecting previous owner's of the store. They have a full venue of concerts and its all on their website www.landhavenbandb.com. A must check out for the music lovers.
I also recently visited the Reading/Berks fine arts and crafts festival in Kutztown. After experiencing the OJR arts and craft show...it was a bit disappointing. It was a smaller show and although they did have wonderful music It lacked the diversity of the OJR show.
On the way home, I did satisfy my thirst for artistic inspiration with a visit to the Dancing Tree Creations,off rte 73.(www.dancingtreecreations.com) Lynn and Beth have increased their offerings greatly and are adding an outside garden art section for the spring. It was great to visit and pick up a few gifts and hear their plans. I know it will be exciting. You must check them out....
So now.. I will just wait until the temperatures are warm enough to get started in my new gardens. Happy spring!
Monday, March 7, 2011
The OJR craft show...
First of All, let me make it clear that this was no ordinary "craft" show...The quality of products offered by the juried vendors was exquisite to say the least and very, very affordable.
This was my first time attending this show and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the beautiful and creative wares. When I returned home I asked several friends and neighbors if they were aware of it and none where...so my mission for next year is to alert all my art loving friends to this wonderful event...and to save up lots of money to spend there...
I also discovered from one of the artisans that they will also be at the Kutztown Univ for the Reading/Berks Fine Art fair on March 26th and 27th....hope to see you there....enjoy
This was my first time attending this show and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the beautiful and creative wares. When I returned home I asked several friends and neighbors if they were aware of it and none where...so my mission for next year is to alert all my art loving friends to this wonderful event...and to save up lots of money to spend there...
I also discovered from one of the artisans that they will also be at the Kutztown Univ for the Reading/Berks Fine Art fair on March 26th and 27th....hope to see you there....enjoy
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Home Show in Oaks
It was a blustery but bright day for my trip to the Suburban Home Show in Oaks..and worth the trip and the entrance fee..I wasn't able to attend on the Free day Thursday, but this show definitely was worth it. When I entered I was delighted with the sight of beautiful Landscape designs complete with grass and flowers surrounded by waterfalls...and if that doesn't get one's heart in the mood for spring, I don't know what will.
The vendors where the usual heating systems,all kinds of windows and awnings, roofing contractors and other hard building suppliers, but also grand spa's and wonderful outdoor lighting, drapery workrooms and garden suppliers. There where gift and food vendors and even a few musicians as well as entire modular home that you could walk through..and boy,they have come a long way in design and layout.
They also had an interesting schedule of speakers on a variety of subjects... but I was not able to attend at the time they were scheduled.
I was taken in by one supplier selling exotic flowering bulbs that I have never seen before. Before I knew it my checkbook was out and my new garden spots all planned. Now I just have to wait til planting time.
This show was definitely worth the entrance fee and if you didn't make it this year, put it on your schedule for next year.
My next adventure will be the Valley Forge Home Show March 24th thru 27th. My only concern is whether or not to take my check book...
The vendors where the usual heating systems,all kinds of windows and awnings, roofing contractors and other hard building suppliers, but also grand spa's and wonderful outdoor lighting, drapery workrooms and garden suppliers. There where gift and food vendors and even a few musicians as well as entire modular home that you could walk through..and boy,they have come a long way in design and layout.
They also had an interesting schedule of speakers on a variety of subjects... but I was not able to attend at the time they were scheduled.
I was taken in by one supplier selling exotic flowering bulbs that I have never seen before. Before I knew it my checkbook was out and my new garden spots all planned. Now I just have to wait til planting time.
This show was definitely worth the entrance fee and if you didn't make it this year, put it on your schedule for next year.
My next adventure will be the Valley Forge Home Show March 24th thru 27th. My only concern is whether or not to take my check book...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)