Showing posts with label Window shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Window shopping. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Autumn Etsy Favourites

From time to time, I enjoy sharing with you some of my favourite items currently on Etsy! The Etsy community has great features that allow us to interact with other sellers and learn from their advice. But for those of you that aren't on Etsy, you miss out! This once-a-season virtual window shopping allows you to see what my current faves are, without having to have an Etsy account yourself.

Any of these items would make great gifts for someone on your list this year. I hope you'll hop over to Etsy, following the links beneath each picture, and show these sellers some love! Which items are catching your eye?

Button Headband from Button Top Sugar Shop
Flower Pendant Necklace from Crystal Girlz

Starfish Ring from Beach Daisy Jewelry
French Beaded Flowers from Lauren H. Creations

Terracotta Earthenware Ceramic dishes by YviBJonesCeramics. I can't even tell you how much I love these. They are real, handmade doilies made into handmade Earthenware dishes. Love.

Handmade Porcelain Necklace from aveshamichael

Crochet baby girl's hat from MagazinIL

Organic Baby Bib (the milk mustache has nutrition facts! How fun!) by Milkweed Design
Three Stranded Necklace from EmasEssentials (This shop is run by a young friend of mine - I know personally that she does beautiful work!)


Friday, June 14, 2013

Oregon Shopping - Fun Finds!

I had the opportunity to see several different shopping places while I was in Oregon...I even had my first experience with Costco! I snapped a few pictures to share some of window-shopping with you all. We went to some fun places...wish I could have just taken you all with me!

One day we stopped at this beautiful outlet mall. There were so many nice stores, and this beautiful center court:


While there I went to my first ever Apple store, a few clothing stores, and Z Gallerie. Oh my. I'm moving into Z Gallerie. Uh-mazing. I could have snapped pictures of everything in the entire store, but I refrained and just captured these colours that I love:


I also couldn't resist sharing this one-of-a-kind piece. It is a Seqoia-inspired console table, and while I'm not sure I'd like to own it, I thought the unique-ness of it made it a neat piece!


One place I have to share with you is this absolutely amazing Antique Mall. With 2 stories packed full of vintage, re-claimed or re-purposed items, it was right up my alley! We spent at least an hour in here and didn't even come close to seeing everything.


Here are a few pictures of the things that caught my eye. Some things need no explanation, like this Pepsi crate...
...a fun phone...
...this ship's wheel...
...and a cute winking teacup. How would you like to drink your morning brew in this cute guy?

I love perusing places like this to get inspiration for my own DIY's or decor. Here was a cute idea, an apothecary jar full of corks. I like the texture of the cork showing through!

This sign almost came home with us, until we discovered the lettering was only stickers {and not stuck on very well, I might add.} So easy to do yourself!

While this lampshade may have been vintage, the base was not...it is a big thermos!

Blast you, suitcase weight limit...some of these certainly could have found their way home with me:

This was called a "metal bowl," but I'm not too sure what it would be used for besides wall decor. I loved the finish and the funky geometric pattern!

These spices and flavorings caught my eye...namely the one that says "Imitation Pineapple." I'd never heard of such a thing!

Honestly, I wouldn't use this floor lamp in any space of my own. But if you are looking for a bright, colorful addition to your decor, this is your piece! It is so....bright!

We loved this. It holds a couple of pillar candles, but the delicate look to the leaves was what grabbed my eye. Don't be deceived...this baby was heavy. It wasn't nearly as delicate as it looked!

Random fact: my mom has {and still uses} this exact canister set. Go figure.

Of course, there was plenty of colored dishes for my colorful-dish-loving self...

As well as a whole display of fiesta ware. This was only one side...there was tons and tons of it. And I wanted one of everything in every color. Mainly because I just loved how all the colors looked on display!

We finished out our visit by trying on some quirky vintage hats. Although our Grammie used to have and wear some of these, so I'll be careful how I use the word "vintage." =)

That is just a taste of our fun Oregon shopping experience. What items catch your eye? Can you think of some fun ways these items could be re-purposed or DIYed? I'm all ears!


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Take a Tour of my Etsy Favourites!

One of the perks of being an Etsy seller is the interaction I get to have with other small business owners. By participating in forums, getting advice on my shop, and helping others on their Etsy journey, I get to discover some fantastic shops and items that I enjoy greatly!

Etsy is basically one big eye-candy extravaganza! =)

These items and shops I love are saved in a handy "favourites" feature on Etsy...but unless you have an account with Etsy, you probably won't ever get to see them! So I thought it would be fun to periodically show you the goods that I am loving in Etsy-land and perhaps introduce you to some items you just can't live without. And I promise you'll meet some lovely people along the way!

First up, some home decor. Jillian Rene Decor has many lovely items, but this pop of salmon caught my eye. How cute in a sunroom or even an outdoor patio??!!


Out of all the handpainted signs at Saltbox House, this one caught my eye because I can completely relate. :)


These hand-painted ceramic plates are so fun hanging on a wall like this. They hail from Little House of Love.


I would never have this much moolah to spend on jewelry, but if I did...isn't this necklace just gorgeous?? It can be found here at Silver Lily Jewelry. The best part is that it is made right here in Nova Scotia!


This thin chain necklace is more in my budget range, and is found at Mano et Mente, a shop from Athens, Greece!


Wouldn't you feel high-class if you could wear this Celestial Saturn ring? I love the black and silver combo! This is from Layla's Trinkets.


Last, but certainly not least, this adorable cowgirl twirl skirt for your little gal.  I love the pink and brown combo, as well as the cowhide fabric - proof that I grew up in cow country! Kelleen Kreations has many other cute items, so if cowhide isn't your first pick, check them out for some other cute wardrobe necessity!

I hope you've enjoyed this peek into my favourites, and have found some beautiful new shops to drool over! Head on over to Etsy and give the masterminds behind these shops some love with your encouraging comments or purchases.


***Please note: I was not perked, paid, or persuaded to write these things or promote these shops. I just love these items and thought you might, too. The purpose of this post is to direct you to these Etsy shops and help you find handmade items that you love. Please do not pin these from my site or in any way use these images to promote my own shop or blog. Thank you!


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Visit Nova Scotia: Bay Winds

Whose ready for another window-shopping post in the "Visit Nova Scotia" series? I am, and I am super excited about this stop in the tour!

So far we've been to Forgotten Memories, Atlantic Heirlooms, Grandma's and even visited the sandy beaches of the island of Lockeport. Today, I'm taking you to Bay Winds, a shop in Plympton, Nova Scotia full of collectible items, antiques, local fare and lots of other goodies!


The store itself looks charming enough, plus the added benefit of having a beautiful ocean view! Lets step right up to the front door, shall we?


This cheery front room greets you when you first walk in the door. I just love how nicely the owner of this shop has things displayed! It is so easy to walk around and look at everything.


There is another room behind this one with lots more on display.


Here is a peek at some of the things that caught my eye!

If you are looking for local fare, these sea-glass necklaces are just beautiful. It would so much fun to learn how to make these!

At first I didn't notice the dog in the mirror checking me out, lol!

I have this thing for wash basins. This white one would fit beautifully into almost any decor!


Can I just take a minute to say how much I love the decor in this shop? For instance, the owner has used an old tablecloth as a window curtain. It is just clipped up with simple curtain rod hooks. Love it!


Here are more beach-themed goodies...a picture frame to add to the mix!


These deep red vases are so elegant! I would love to decorate a whole dining room around them! They were $23 for the pair.


That little chicken in front (which opens up and makes a perfect candy bowl...or anything else you want to hide!) was $12, and the teapot spoon rest was a whopping $2. That little bugger might just come home with me next time! I often read in bed, and sometimes take a mug of tea or coffee with me. I think it would be great to fix up a tray to set my things on so nothing gets spilled, and this little guy would be a great addition! If it happens, I'll be sure to let you know!

I didn't get this vase down to check the price, but what pretty detail and orange colors!


These are hard to read because of the glare, but one says "Souvenir of New York, NY." and the other is the same only from Lynn, Mass. Maybe these were the original souvenir? If so, we've come a ways since then!


I'll be honest, I'm not sure what this is...but I love it, haha! The tag read "Black Art Glass" and it was priced at $55. It had a very elegant, modern feel to it.






Oh look, another wash basin...I can't help myself! This one has a price of $225 and the tag read, "Arden 'Burleigh' Pitcher & Bowl." So pretty!



That decanter beside it is crystal, and the tag read, "Crystal water decanter $95 c. 1880-1910 Diamond Star & Hobstar pattern with 'File zipper' throat." I think it is so interesting to read about the different items! I appreciate how well this store has things marked!

Well, hello there buddy!


This guy is almost too lovely to use for food! I almost think he'd be great in a bathroom full of rolled up towels or something like that. I love the coloring and uniqueness of it!

Here is a whole shelf dedicated to dishes and colored glass. Be still my heart.


These particular items caught my eye...hey, you should be glad I made it this far in a post without including colorful dishes, ok?


The tag for this unique piece read "Canadian Art Glass" and was $55. The unique shape would make it such a great piece to plan table decor around!

This small dish was especially neat to me.


It was only $15. Wouldn't you expect the handle to open up a small lid in the top, leaving a bowl-shaped piece? But oh no, this little guy gives you quite a surprise! Here it is open...you weren't suspecting that, were you?


Such a neat piece!

Behind that was a great blue vase...apparently this is the post for vases...but you can't have too many nor too many different colors!


There were a few other antiques (besides colored glass) that caught my eye. This little "potty chair" is so cute! I can see decorating with it...maybe putting a pot of flowers in the middle? Certainly not what this chair was originally intended for, but hey, whatever works for you!


Here is a neat wringer washer priced at $175. (say "wringer washer" five times fast!) Another neat piece to decorate with!


And yes, I'm back to dishes.


I just thought this set was adorable! See the acorns in the detail along the edge of the plate? So cute!

There is also a whole shelf set aside for doll house furniture and accessories. I could spend hours and hours looking through this stuff!


Here is just an example of one little "room" that is set up. Notice the tiny doll-house-within-a-dollhouse? What a neat little feature!


This shops owner sparked an interest in my sisters to make themselves a dollhouse out of a shelf like this. They are still looking for a shelf that would be "perfect" for it. I personally think that doll house sets and miniatures are so much fun! A friend of mine used to always puzzle over the fact that women always think that small things are "cute," lol! It is true!

There is a small room dedicated to antique linens and home decor items, plus some modern quilts as well. These things are so dainty!


She gave me some great ideas for taking some of these items and re-purposing them to fit modern needs. It would be so much fun to try!


This little display is right up my alley. If I had a sewing room, I would love to transport this to it as inspirational decor! Maybe someday...


That sums up our virtual tour, but I trust that if you are ever traveling down Highway 101 through Plympton, you'll stop in and take a look-see for yourself!


A huge thanks to Tracy for allowing me to do some window shopping and share it with you all!

Now, lets play the whats your favorite part game. I, obviously, am in love with some of those turquoise and blue dishes, as well as that fabulous rooster. What items were your favorites?