My Favorite Haunts

Recently, a lovely reader asked me for recommendations of my favorite places to shop. 

My reply was: antique stores, estate/yard sales, thrift stores, and I just had to add . . . alleys! 

Some of my best finds have been while riding my bike down the alleys in our old neighborhood. 

And now that it's spring-cleaning weather, people are obliging me 

by kindly putting their unwanted items in the alleys for my perusal. 

So, I'm dusting off the bicycle and looking forward to adding to my Ethan Alley Collection.

You just never know what you might find cruising the alleys. 

Can you believe we recently found this discarded Adirondack set,
complete with table and foot rest? 

I spent two days scraping and painting but didn't it turn out nice?

Sometimes it's a big item like those chairs and we need to pedal home and get the car; 

other times it's something tiny that fits in my bicycle basket. 

Like these sparkly crystal doorknobs.

Another place I love to shop are antique malls. 

Recently I found a beautiful small demijohn (left) wrapped in wicker. 

Although I love the big boys, they're out of my price range so I was delighted 

when I found this one that was just right to add to my collection in the foyer.

This gorgeous copper tea kettle caught my eye at a vintage market and it was calling my name. 

I think the reason copper is so popular is it evokes the feeling of a hearth in the kitchen. 

Every time I walk into my little kitchen, it's the first thing I see and it reminds me of old kitchens where everyone gathered close to a roaring fire to keep warm, eat dinner and talk. 

I love its warm glow and many well-loved patches.

Estate/yard sales! Yippee! It's sale season again. 

Yard sales are starting to pop up all over our neighborhood. 

Although you can find some great bargains at yard sales, the real treasures are at estate sales. 

Check out estatesales.net for weekly listings in your area. 

My most favorite estate sale find was this beautiful old clock for $5!
It needed some TLC but was well worth it.

Yard sales are a great place to find vintage linens, dishes, old books and silverplate.
I lucked out when I scored this beautiful floral print for a few dollars.

Thrift stores like Goodwill and ARC can be amazing sources although you do need 

to check back often. We swing by our thrift stores about once a week. 

Fridays seem to be a good day because they're stocking the shelves for Saturday sales.

One of my favorite thrift store treasures is this amazing chair. 

An antique dealer told me it was probably 1800s English. $13. Sold! 

And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can keep an eye on construction dumpsters. 

Remember this chippy column I retrieved from an overflowing dumpster?
Be still my heart! 

Happy Sale-ing!!

***

CABIN QUEST UPDATE
Still looking for the perfect mountain cabin.
It's been a week of highs and lows, literally.
I found an incredible cabin that looked a lot like my Pinterest favorites.
But it went under contract almost immediately. I was so bummed.
Then, I found a hunting cabin near Rocky Mountain National Park
but it was on the worst road I've ever driven on and then,
when we finally found the cabin, it was just a disappointing mess.
So, still looking.

***

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Add Northern European Charm with Antiques

Although this is a French Country decor blog,
I do appreciate styles from other countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
Many of these pieces mix well with French Country like the fabulous Mora clocks,
natural wooden tables and white-painted cupboards.



So, if you're ready to go north, wrap up in a warm throw, grab a cup of hot chocolate
and join me as we visit Northern Europe.

Northern European decor is actually a mix of several styles but they all have a few things in 

common -- an appreciation of natural wood and nature, pure simplicity of form and function, 

and a welcoming ambiance that evokes a sense of antiquity.
These attributes all help create a charming home with European grace. 

I recently visited a beautiful store called Scandinavian Antiques in Denver. 

Henrik and Mary, the owners, graciously allowed me to photograph the antiques in their store. 

Here's a link to their fabulous store:  Scandinavian Antiques  Enjoy!

Although this post is more about Northern European style, the southern countries of Italy, 

Spain and the south of France certainly have their own special style that I also adore. 

French style, in particular, has greatly influenced many other countries' decor,

making these antiques easily adaptable to various looks from fancy to rustic. 

One of my favorite pieces of furniture to come out of the Nordic countries, 

specifically Sweden, is the Mora clock. 

The name was derived from the town of Mora, Sweden 

where the clock was built in the late 18th and 19th centuries. 

Its timeless appeal makes it a dramatic focal point in any setting. 

I love its elegantly feminine shape.

European countries are much older than the U.S., so their antiques proudly show their age 

with a bit of soft wear and tear. While German pieces are often intricately painted,

Scandinavian antiques are often either bare wood or painted in neutral colors 

of pale blue, cool gray, white or cream.

This style projects a unique combination of gracious warmth and formality that makes 

you feel like you're a guest in a grand old European estate. 

With a roaring fire in a massive fireplace or a smaller stuccoed one built into a corner,
the feeling is warm and cozy. 

Because northern Europe's skies offer little sunlight during a long winter, people try to capture 

as much light as possible in their homes with white walls and lots of bare windows. 

Painting floors white also makes rooms feel open, light and airy. 

White linen curtains allow light to pass through.

Textured walls and fabrics complement the natural feeling while  

pillows, rugs and paintings provide bright accents that keep the mood fresh and lively. 

This large reproduction clock has that European flavor,

providing a good example of how antiques and reproductions, new and old, mix well. 

This French Country corner cabinet, my favorite piece, would look great

in any home (especially mine!)

It's easy to enjoy the warmth and charm of Northern European antiques in your home.
So think about how you might incorporate a few Nordic pieces into your decor.
Skal!

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Look What I Won !!!

Hi Friends, I can't wait to tell you what I won!

Something that sure brought back a lot of memories. 

Remember when we typed on manual typewriters, forcefully striking the keys, untangling them 

when two keys got stuck together, returning the carriage when the little bell dinged, 

and starting over when we made a mistake?

Computers have certainly made typing a lot easier but you just can't beat 

the old vintage typewriters for charm.

Yep, I ended up with a real beauty and here's the whole story of how I won it.

At a recent vintage market in Colorado Springs, 

I entered my name in a give-away and pretty much forgot about it. 

Then, one day a week or so later, I received a phone call saying I'd won a gift certificate 

at my favorite antique mall in the Springs. Yay!

Colorado Springs is only about an hour from Denver so Ron and I
hit the road in search of bargains. 

After a couple of days of snow, we had a perfect Rocky Mountain day 

with sunshine, blue skies and 55 degree weather.

Something at this mall had caught my eye the last time I was there -- a vintage typewriter.  

I wasn't sure where it would fit and it was a little more than I wanted to pay but, with my gift card burning a whole in my wallet, I decided to go back to the mall and see if they still had it.

The Sweet William Antique Mall lies on the edge of a historic district
called Old Colorado City on Route 24. I love this mall.
The salesperson really gets into the spirit of days gone by with an amazing period outfit
and a wavy bob. Isn't she adorable?

Plus all of the booths are fantastic with a varied selection.

I was looking for an old typewriter for my office. 

I'd seen a couple previously but, sadly, they were both gone this time around. 

So we kept looking.

Guess it was meant to be.

I found a 1920s Underwood typewriter that was perfect. Not too big, case included and those wonderful shiny keys trimmed in silver metal. The carriage bell even dinged!

I happened to meet the owner of that booth and asked her if it was her best price. 

It had already been marked down $10 and I didn't expect a discount. Still, never hurts to ask. 

She was such a sweetheart and reduced the price another $15.

That and my gift card and I said, "I'll take it!"

Before we began our return trip to Denver, we drove a few blocks to Old Colorado City
and walked around the 1800s streets, oohing and ahhing at the gorgeous architecture.

Pikes Peak, a massive 14er, dominates the sky and seems to rear up right from the sidewalk.

We found an amazing restaurant called Paravicini's Italian Bistro and enjoyed our lunch

in an old renovated building. If you go, I recommend the eggplant rollatini. Yum! 

We're already planning a return trip this summer
when we can sit on their patio and admire Pikes Peak.

We learned that Old Colorado City was founded in 1859 as a supply hub for the new gold mines.

The town boomed in 1891 when two more gold strikes in Cripple Creek and Victor
created additional demand for supplies.

Back home, I knew my vintage typewriter would fit on a shelf in my office 

but I thought it would be more visible on a retro metal stand I had.

I decided to style the stand with a few office accessories.

I love the feel of this early typewriter and the images it evokes.
I wonder about the women who used it almost one hundred years ago.

And today, it still works.
As the words on the top of the typewriter say, it's a real Champion.

So, a beautiful Colorado day, a fantastic lunch with my sweetie, antiquing and a gift certificate.
My kind of perfect day!

***

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A Day of Holiday Shopping

Sometimes holiday inspiration can be no further away than your local antique store or market. 

Shop owners are masters of staging and we can always pick up a few creative ideas from them. 

Even if you don't buy anything, the colorful displays are sure to inspire some clever ideas

and get you in the holiday mood. 

We just visited the Old House Vintage Market in Loveland, Colorado 

and saw lots of wonderful holiday goodies.

I may have to include some of these pretties in my letter to Santa.

After a nice lunch, we drove across town to peek in a couple of our favorite antique stores

where we ooh'ed and ahh'ed at their holiday displays. 

With Christmas just around the corner, this fun day was just the ticket 

to get the creative holiday juices flowing. 

It's not too early to start thinking about holiday gifts and decor. 

Have you been naughty or nice this year?

Oh, and Santa dear, I really loved those rooster pillows!

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Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, 21 Rosemary Lane, Katherine's Corner, My Thrift Store Addiction,
French Country Cottage

Get the European Look

Looking for European inspiration for your home?
Well, check out these three Colorado stores that are
"Bringing French Country Home" 

with their unique vintage goodies and European-style gifts. 

Inspired by a Simpler Time of Life

At Farmhouse & Co. in south Denver you'll find a brand new shop filled with
wonderful treasures for the home like this French apron. 

You know me, if it's got a chicken or rooster on it, I'm in love.

These white pie plates are so pretty and even have a crimped edge. 

Lots of hand-poured candles in cool jars to choose from too.

This small space is decorated so creatively, you won't want to leave.

This little piggy sure caught my eye.

There's even an organic herbal apothecary.

Check out Chelsea's web site at www.farmhousedenver.com for more information.

New Owner New Look

The Tended Thicket on Old Gaylord Street in Denver has been around for years
but recently had a major makeover under new management.
With an exciting new look, you'll find lots of European items
such as French hand cremes, English garden pots and fresh flowers.

The first thing you see is this beautiful room that makes you feel like you're in France.

The decor is elegant and tempts you to slow down and notice all the special little touches.

The back room has been transformed into a flowering patio complete with a fountain
and fresh bouquets that remind me of an outdoor French flower market.

For more information, check out www.thetendedthicket.com.


Antiques and Special Shoppes in The Barn

Take a thirty-minute drive south of Denver to a small town called Castle Rock
and you'll find a unique store called The Barn.
Inside it's filled to the rafters with specialty items for the home.

More than 100 years old, this huge building was once home to horse and buggy rigs
and now houses more than twenty amazing shops.

This beautiful bedroom is sure to inspire you.

Feeling like you're in Europe?
Love that basket.

You thought I was kidding about the rafters!
Every inch in this old horse barn is overflowing with goodies.

Step outside and enjoy a yard full of metal arches, gates and garden ornaments
while another old barn across the way sets the tone.

So, are you ready to go shopping with me yet?

***

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Savvy Southern Style, A Delightsome Life, Have a Cup of Mrs. Olson,
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