Journal

In 13 days I’ll be flying back to Texas for my 12th visit to the antique fair in Warrenton. I have had my purchases come back to California in 5 different ways. This time I decided to make sure I had exhausted every option. I’ve spent at least two hours a day working on it...Read More

Today was amazing, but then again, so was yesterday and the day before that. I did a half days work and enjoyed every minute of it, enjoyed a beer with friends in the warm sun, took care of this little oasis I live in, and chatted with neighbors. I was in an apple orchard, at an...Read More

1. Free yourself. Unless you are living with your parents or grandparents you are under no obligation to live with their furniture and belongings. As much as I love old things, if they do not work in your home and you do not love them you should not be living with them. Your memories are...Read More

Günther, great gate, Juliska light, the most awesomest Carlton V fabric That we took the most terrible quality photos in, I apologize and hope to go back to get good shots. This was a room in one of three homes on the Summit League Homes for the Holidays tour. The showstopper in this room, besides...Read More

You may remember I moved into a small cottage in January, and finally got it the way I wanted in June.  Or, I got it the only way I thought possible. My bedroom measures 8 x 11′, and is 7’3″ tall. The only window faces north and is behind my headboard. The door and closet...Read More

I’m back from Texas, had a great time and found amazing things as always… See more images here and new inventory posted here on Second Shout Out. I drove the truck home this time, with some help from Maurice Connolly. We both like to drive, but he gave me full reign over the music, so I was...Read More

I’m just here is the shop, working away, and I realize today, September 5th, is the day I opened my doors 7 years ago. I know it’s my anniversary month and I am planning a big party, but the actual day is such a big deal to me personally. You can look back and read...Read More

  Update* This was my new home in Jan of 2012. I have moved twice since then! Pictures of my new real home coming soon. Hi, I do plan on having some professional photos taken but these will do for now. I hope you like, and feel free to pin 🙂 I do hope you...Read More

Happy New Year!!! January was long and tough, I lost my sweet kitty Felina, moved into the cutest house on the lake, and so much more I won’t even get into. Good things 🙂 After much thought and feedback from my wonderful customers, I am excited to take an extra day from the shop hours....Read More

I hope you’re enjoying them so far. Here in Santa Cruz it’s been summer-like. I love it but am eager to wear my rain boots! It’s been a low key but lovely shopping season in the shop, where of course I have the Christmas music on, but I’ve only set up a gorgeous noble fir, lit and...Read More

I’ve been so blessed to have the nicest, easiest, wonderful and fun design clients this year. I’m such a control freak and its too late to assemble a team like other designers have so it’s all on me, and that’s how I like it, mostly. I work organically, so the process is working great for...Read More

There’s a new show in town and it’s going to be fabulous! About 50 vendors; antique dealers, artisans, estate jewelry, plus a band and delicious food will descend upon a goat farm in the Santa Cruz mountains this Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-4. The weather promises to be warm and lovely, and the scenery will be gorgeous.  Check out...Read More

It started in my late teens, when I saw someone else wearing a necklace I had on, purchased at a department store.  The next time I was in that store, I studied the jewelry and thought I could do better, and it would be one of a kind.  I taught myself how to bead and...Read More

It’s on my mind this morning, so I thought I would talk a bit about competition in business.  I’m all for it, we absolutely need it.  I sometimes get the feeling that others don’t feel the same way.  When I walk into another shop, whether locally or elsewhere, I am doing many things:   I...Read More

    It was only one year ago that I heard about the awesomeness that is Jody Alexander.  Michelle Stitz was preparing for her show here at the shop and r.r.jones was taking pictures for her.  We got to talking and he told me to look up Jody’s website.  I swear to you it changed...Read More