Meet Mrs. Colorful formerly Ms. Blah

I hope it was worth the wait. Here is the end result. Say hello to Mrs. Colorful formerly Ms. Blah. What do you think?

Here is Ms. Colorful Installed In The Bathroom

There is so much that you can do with things that you currently have at home. Here's how I turned Ms. Blah into Mrs. Colorful.


1.I took several 4" fabric swatches that I had originally cut for a quilt and sewed them together.


2. Folded the swatches over so that there were no frayed edges.


3. Positioned the fabric over the brown dashes and stitched away.




Today I challenge you to get out your sewing kit, go through your draws and closets. Cut, embellish, bedazzle. You'll surely feel a sense of creativity,accomplishment, and frugalness (is that a word?). Enjoy!

The Ruffly Culprit Made Me Do It

I love Anthropologie, I love everything from that store, in fact if I could move in without anyone knowing I would. So when I received a gift card for my birthday I immediately had to schedule "A Stop Along the Way". I had my eye on a beautiful ruffly shower curtain. It reminded me of a Spanish Flamenco skirt, and it was a must...that was until I saw the price. I couldn't pay over $100 for a shower curtain even if it wasn't directly my money, so I waited....and waited..and waited. 

On a recent stop to Anthropologie's SALE nook there it was, the shower curtain marked down to $30. The only problem is that it wasn't the color that I wanted. The one I wanted went from white to teal and was for my lovely's bathroom. The one I found went from light blue to dark blue which was actually perfect for my bathroom. I just couldn't leave it there. No way!! Darn ruffly culprit!

I brought it home and immediately put it up in my bathroom. LOVE It! Now I had a dilemma on my hands. What about the other bathroom? I definitely wasn't prepared to purchase another shower curtain...ENTER A LIGHT BULB MOMENT... I took the one that was in my bathroom and put it in the other bathroom. Blah, that is until I got out my bag of tricks and began to cut and sew. 2 hours later.........


Sorry you'll have to wait till tomorrow to see the end result.

Click here to shop Anthropologie

My Head Is Swirling With Sawdust

It's a funny thing, traffic. Sometimes it can be a nuisance and other times a welcome break. Today I was on my way to the sandy shoreline when I found myself in the middle of traffic. I stopped and looked to the right and noticed a little woodworking shop tucked down a driveway. I had never really noticed it before, but since the traffic happily placed me right in front of it I decided to stop and see what it was all about. I'm glad I did. The owner Friedel immediately welcomed me into his studio. He showed me his woodworking paradise and some projects that he was working on. It didn't take long to see that Friedel was an expert in his craft of creating things from wood. His projects range from recreating intricate ball and claw legs, high boy chests, custom tables, boat trailboards, cabinetry, and so many other beautiful works of art. 

Do you have a family heirloom that is just shy a leg or a mate? Do you have a nook that is calling for a specific piece of furniture? If it's made of wood Friedel's workshop should be a "Stop Along Your Way". If you don't have a need, but like me, can't resist antiques and sawdust filled shops, I assure you that you'll delight in a fine conversation with Friedel.


Friedl Brosch 
143 Main Street
Essex, MA 978-768-7486
AFBrosch100@yahoo.com

If I Could Turn Back Time

Every year around this time I must stop on Chestnut Street in Salem, MA. Have you ever been? First of all it is approximately 80 feet wide. For today's standards I think that is pretty amazing. Secondly if you like architecture this street will take your breath away. It is lined with the most grand homes dating back to the 1800's. These homes were originally built  for sea captains and merchants of the day. Imagine!

I always stop at #34 Chestnut Street, The Phillips House. It is one of the jewels of this street. The Phillips House was purchased in the 1911 by Anna Wheatland Phillips who bought the home for “$1.00 and various sundries. ......That's it, If I could turn back time I'd go back to the 1900's because I have a dollar, and a boat load of sundries too!  

Among the obvious reasons that I make this a "Must" Stop Along The Way the other reason is one that captured my heart several years ago. Around this time of year the lawn at #34 is filled with these white flowers. They are so happy and hopeful that I can't resist them. I want to pluck them out of the ground and bring them home with me, but since I can't,  I find myself  longing for their arrival, welcoming them, and then bidding them a farewell until next year.  I'm so glad that I made this stop. I hope you will too. They will probably be around for a few more weeks, but after that they will be gone, so don't delay!

P.S. The Philips House is the only house on Chestnut Street that is open to the public. Take a tour you won't be disappointed. 

Open Tuesday - Sunday, June - October
Saturday and Sunday, November - May
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Admission $5 adults
$4 seniors
$2.50 students
Free for Historic New England members and Salem residents

Click here for more details about The Phillips House 

Funny Friday

I love to dance to all kinds of music, you name it, I'll get my back into it. Sometimes we're just hanging out in the kitchen when all of a sudden I scream "break it down now" and we all  bust a move. Friday is typically the night that we clear the kitchen floor and get our dance mix on. Oh yeah watch out we're gettin down! 


Last Friday my friend and I started jammin out to Michael Jackson , we started to do the robot dance. It was one of those "you had to be there kind of moments", but we laughed hysterically. It reminded me of my nephew that was a robot once. He was having a party of his own and wanted to invite family and friends. Cake loaf pans on his feet, dryer vents on his arms, and a beer box wrapped in foil on his head,  and he was good to go.....Click here to see Robot Noah

Click here to see some funny dancing bloopers
Love the Safety Dance- you can basically do any dance to it and it works!


SSS-aaa-fff-eee-ttt-yyy (Safety Dance)


We can dance if we want to
We can leave your friends behind
'Cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance
Well they're no friends of mine
I say, we can go where we want to
A place where they will never find
And we can act like we come from out of this world
Leave the real one far behind
And we can dance

Thank you for coming along with me on my journeys this week. 

A lot of fun things prepared for next week so be sure to follow along!

Enjoy your weekend and any "Stops that you find yourself making Along The Way".

A Delightful Discovery

I've warned you about my addiction to consignment stores right? I can't simply walk by especially if they have nice upscale merchandise at a fraction of the cost. This past weekend I happened to be at the mall,not a lover of malls, but I had to make a stop. As I walked in I saw a consignment store. Oooh now that's a clever idea, and a stop I don't mind making. As I browsed around I found several wonderful things, but only bought  a pair of flats that I really needed for the spring. Deal! The two girls working the shop were so nice, helpful, and a real pleasure to chat with. As I paid for my merchandise I mentioned that I should feature this stop in my blog. One of the sales people then mentioned a design blog that her brother had just started too. We enjoyed our conversation about blogging and design. I briefly thought that I remembered her face but couldn't place where. I guess after you reach a certain age everyone seems to look familiar, so I began to walk toward the exit. The sales clerk said "what's your name?" I told her and she immediately said I think I know you. My name is not common so when she said that she knew me I had to reenter the store to try to solve the mystery. I'm glad I did because we did know each other. She happened to be a sister-in-law of a friend of mine. We had met on several occasions, but it had been a while since our paths had crossed. What a delightful stop this was. Not only did I get a great pair of gold flats, but also an opportunity to re-connect with a long lost acquaintance. 

Click here for Second time Around - Resale goes Upscale at the Burlington Mall

Click here to visit my friend's brother's blog       

Bow Wow Wow Yipee Yo Yipee Yeah

I don't know about you, but I love a good deal. Who doesn't right! 

A few months ago I stopped at a local pet store because my dog was in heat. I'm not sure if you know what that means, but let me sum it up for you in one word -Messy! I was telling the clerk how expensive it is to get her spayed, I'm talking close to $300. She immediately told me about a $90 spay/neuter certificate that Friends of Animals offers. Say no more! As soon as I got home I did my research. I called around and found a local veterinarian that accepted the certificate, and that didn't charge additional fees.In total the procedure ended up costing me $100. $90 for the certificate, and $10 for the medicine. Now Miss Oreo is happy, but all the neighborhood boys aren't . Oh well, its a small price to pay for a heck of a deal!


Click here for more information on Friends of Animals

I saw this shirt at Unleashed. I thought it was appropriate for the timing of Oreo's surgery. Hey, you got to find the funny in things right?!


Click here for Unleashed

A Stop Along Memory Lane

It was great to see the sun shining and snow melting so I had no excuse not to go for a walk. I was happy that I did because on my journey I saw a tree. Although it was barren it had the most wonderful gift in between the branches. A nest. No little birdies to be found, but what I did find was myself taking a stop along memory lane. The nest reminded me of my little birdie. During the winter and early spring days before the leaves began to grow on trees, and whenever we'd go for rides in the car she'd look out the window and say "I love looking at the trees when there are no leaves on them", "why" I'd say?, and she would reply "because I can see all the birds' nests." I hope you'll discover some vacant homes soon to house our feathered friends. Their contrast against the blue sky and brown branches is really beautiful. I smiled for the rest of the day thinking about how children have so much delightful things to share. Today I hope you encounter a stop along memory lane.  

Did You Get Mooned?

This weekend during a birthday celebration my family & I got mooned. No not that kind of moon, but the real thing. We couldn't resist to stop our who ha time to go outside and catch a glimpse of it. The bright white ball that illuminated the sky and earth was hard to miss, and didn't disappoint. This is the closest that the moon has been to earth in 18 years. Astronomers call this the "Super Moon". I hope that you got mooned too, if not here are a couple pictures that I was able to find. I didn't take my own because my camera wouldn't do it justice. 


Interested in learning more? Click here.

Funny Friday

I can hardly believe that it's Friday. This week was a blur, and looking at my trusty old calendar I see that next Monday puts us So close to the end of March. Wow! Flip flops and open toed shoes here I come but not until I moisturize my heels. Which brings me to an amazing cream that will heal your heels just in time for the feet bearing season. O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet daily foot cream does wonders. They also have a cream especially for cracked hands. I've used both and have had great results.

Locally  

Furtado's Hardware

161 Main Street

Peabody 978-532-5678

Online - Click here for O'Keeffe's  

This week I received so many emails from friends that had funny YouTube videos. I love a good laugh, so I had to stop what I was doing to see what the funny was all about. I hope you find this selection a welcome break from your Friday.

Happy Birthday Mom

Hysterical!!

Baby Crashes Bar In Las Palmas 

Ha!Ha! I love this one.

Ken Lee

I must admit I've gotten the lyrics wrong on songs before but come on , Ken Lee?! 

Airplane

Hope your week was better than his. 

Thank you for coming along with me on my journeys this week. 

A lot of fun things prepared for next week so be sure to follow along!

Enjoy your weekend and any "Stops that you find yourself making Along The Way".

I'm Feeling Lucky & Green

Are you feeling Lucky Today? or just a bit Green? 

Either way today's stop will not only make you lucky but also green.

Three of my most favorite things to do is to Stop Along The Way at antique shops, consignment shops, and yard sales. Although my family has become tolerant of  my frequent stops, I prefer to stop alone. By myself I can browse till my hearts content, uninterrupted! 

One of my favorite antique shops is Howard's Flying Dragon. I'm not sure when my first stop was, but its been years now that I find my car pulling to make a Stop Along The Way. Whatever random thing you may need, I can probably place money on it that they have. Need 50 baseball bats? They've got it. Need 100 buoys? No challenge. Need an antique vase, hat, frame, birdcage,lantern, shoe form,.... C'mon you can do better than that because They've Got It!! If you can spare a little time browsing, you won't be disappointed. It's always a fun stop. If time doesn't allow you to stop be sure to take a peek at the windows. A few times a month the lovely Miss Cathy changes the words on the window. They are always relevant and creative. Today Irish Kiss tomorrow...You'll have to stop to see. Enjoy!  

Click here for more information about Howard's Flying Dragon 

One of my favorite consignment shops is in the little coastal town of Manchester-by-the-Sea. The Stock Exchange consigns quality items and always displays them beautifully. Recently I bought a sweater as a gift for a friend. It was in excellent condition. I felt lucky for the money that I saved, and green for saving the sweater from an otherwise unfortunate death of a black trash bag. Luck & Green all wrapped up into one!

If you ever have the chance to visit don't pass up the $1 shelf. I assure you that you will be delighted with your finds. I got a vase, platter, plate, and book for $4 on one of my visits. C'mon how can you pass that up. Four happy people benefited from that Stop Along The Way! If you were one of them, sorry I only spent $1 on you, but I know you loved what you got!

Click here for The Stock Exchange

Want to continue your lucky streak? 

Today thru Sunday The Children's Drop & Shop is holding their SPRING SUMMER EVENT.  The Children's Drop & Shop is a service that provides an outlet for families to consign their hi-end clothing, gear & furniture all the while being green. This year it will take place at the Brookwood School in Manchester-by-the-Sea. The staff is particular about what they allow so you can be assured that what you'll see is worthy of your time. Hope you get lucky!

SHOP

Thursday - 7 - 9 PM (Pre-sale)

Friday 10 - 8 PM 

Saturday 10 - 5 PM

Sunday 12 - 5 PM (50% off!)

Click here for details

Contain Yourself

The birds are chirping, can you hear them? I recently stopped to notice that there was more activity with our feathered friends than in days passed. You know what that means. Spring!

It's hard not to dream about colorful spring flowers after a long cold winter. Its no wonder that The Boston Flower Show is strategically placed in March. Just when you thought you couldn't take another glance at the white stuff...BAM..."A Burst of Color! That is exactly why this year's theme of the Boston Flower Show is "A Burst of Color": Celebrating the Container Garden" . Sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered. 

Starts Today, Wednesday, March 16th, to Sunday March 20th at the Seaport World Trade Center Boston, is when its happening, so make a point to stop along your way, you won't be disappointed. 

Click here to learn more about this event.

If you can't make it into the city don't despair because you can find plenty of inspiration at this local greenhouse. Hamilton Gardens is a lovely shop that offers an extensive variety of fresh cut flowers, gift items, garden furniture, and plants for any container garden that you're dreaming of creating this spring. It's one of my favorite Stops Along The Way anytime of year....and yes Mr. Ommm frog would look adorable in your garden. Enjoy!

Click here for more information about Hamilton Gardens

Creation From A Crafty Chica

I know you couldn't sleep because you were anxiously awaiting to see how I was going to take the inspiration necklace and make it into my creation. 


I won't make you wait another minute......Tah Dah

What do you think?


Here's how to create your very own color popping necklace:


1.  Choose your fabric, small swatches will do
2.  Cut them into 4" circles
3.  Make yo yos out of them click here to learn how to make a yo yos
4.  Organize the yo yos into an arrangement that will look good on your neck 
5.  Sew one yo yo to another
6.  Get out all of your vintage buttons and pins, and arrange them on the yo yos as you wish
7.  Fasten or pin the chosen pins, buttons, etc... onto the yo yos
8.  Choose the chain for the necklace (I took apart an old necklace that I had)
9.  Feed a ribbon through the chain (per side approx. 6" of chain, approx. 1 yard.   ribbon)
10. Sew the ribbon and chain to the yo yos 
11. Sew the ribbon to the chain (be sure to leave approx.. 6" of extra ribbon so that you can tie it around your neck)   
12. Wear it well!

Inspiration From A Dummy

Happy Monday Everyone. I hope your weekend was enjoyable, and full of many Stops Along The Way!


I love making  frequent stops at expensive department stores,  they have so many lovely things,  and since I can’t afford most of them, I’ m forced to be creative.

The other day I was passing through one of my favorites, and this necklace caught my eye.  It stopped me in my tracks. Vintage meets modern chic style....ooh la la

Price check...WHAT!  don’t they know we’re in a crisis! So I thought to myself “hey I can make this”

This was my Inspiration.....stay tuned for tomorrow’s post to see how I turned this Inspiration into My Creation


Until then have a great day!

Funny Friday

My husband told me that all these Stops Along The Way are really starting to add up with the cost of fuel these days. He told me I needed to make some stops on the web versus the road.  "That's funny , I'm gonna call my Friday post Funny Friday". He looked at me kind of strange, as if to say what does one thing have to do with another. After all the years that we've been together he ought to know that creative minds are rarely tidy. 

So I heeded his advice and went to some of my favorites that I had bookmarked, and here's what I found.

Need Gas?
Want to know the cheapest gas prices in and & around Boston? Click here for a list of gas stations, and the prices that they are charging.

Need Fuel For Your Body?

Feeling like you need a cup of Joe but would rather support a independently owned coffee house in your neighborhood. Click here for a list of the best and the boldest. 

Need Time?

Fall back Spring forward- Don't forget to turn your clocks forward this Sunday March 13th. Want to know what time it is in Africa, Japan, Portugal, Brazil or anywhere else in the world? Click here for a world time clock.


Need A Bargain?
Locate fresh discount coupons for thousands of web merchants and services right from the home. Click here to start discovering some deals.

Need A Laugh?
Check out some this funny (and practical) 100% user-maintained dictionary where users provide and vote on definitions for urban words (slangs). Click here to talk jive.

That's all she wrote! 

Thank you for coming along with me on my journeys this week. 

A lot of fun things prepared for next week so be sure to follow along!

Enjoy your weekend and any "Stops that you find yourself making Along The Way".

A Little Bit Of Happiness

A few years ago I was traveling down a main road when I spotted a small sign displaying a honey pot. Remembering the delights that  Winne The Pooh's honey brought him, I turned right to see what I would discover. The road was bordered by mature trees and horses grazing in the meadow. The sun made everything glisten , it was as if I were entering the most magnificent fairy tale...and then when I thought it couldn't get any better, adjoining the meadows on thirty acres of land was a 200 year old, rambling colonial graced by sweeping lawns, terraces and woodland walkways. A little sign pointed to an entrance where the honey could be found.  I entered the home and found myself surrounded by antiques galore; wallpaper, furniture, tapestries. Such wonderfulness! And then lovingly displayed on a table was Gretel's golden honey. I bought several jars that day and continue to replenish my stock often. Gretel's honey is delicious in tea, on warm morning scones, fresh muffins, pancakes,waffles, and anything else that needs a little touch of happiness. This was a delightful discovery and it all happened because 
I Stopped Along The Way. 

Click here for directions to Gretel's 

It’s like a Double Doozy “I Stopped Along The Way” Story

It’s reasons like this that I was inspired to write this blog. It’s like a Double Doozy “I Stopped Along The Way” story.

I stopped by my friend’s house to drop of a dragon,  no not a real dragon,  a clay one that her son and I made on our “date”.  

I expected for it to be  a quick visit,  but anyone  that knows me knows that my favorite line is “i gotto go” (I say it at least 6 times before I make it out the door)

Well today was no exception because Oooohh  she had so much eye candy that I felt like I was at an antique store or on Antique Roadshow.  

I’m talking beautiful furniture that her grandmother Peg passed down to her recently when she passed on at the beautiful age of 100.5.

This stop along the way gave me a glimpse of life  back in the 1900’s, and really made my heart sing. 

Sometime around 1920 her great grandfather, a doctor,  was making a house call in his horse and buggy. 

Along side of him was my friend’s grandmother  who at the time was a child. 

As they traveled to their destination he  happened across a set of chairs that were on the porch of a women’s home. 

He fell in love with them so he “Stopped Along The Way” and asked if she’d be willing to sell them.  

She accepted and sold them to him.  Today those same chairs proudly find themselves in my friend’s living room. 

In addition to the chairs she also has old pipes that were handed down. You can see how her great-grandfather and grandfather would  strike the pipes on the chairs as they enjoyed their evening.  

Imagine how many people have sat on these chairs? How many stories were told on them? How many happy and sad times they saw.   

Over 100 years of history just from one simple “Stop Along The Way”.

Thank you to my friend Linda for her story & her photos!