Down the Poppytrail Path

Down the Poppytrail Path...

Most of my followers wouldn't know that my very first business and dip into vintage was in the early 1990's when my youngest was just toddling.  My older two were in school. The name was The Calico Cow Ice Cream, Antiques and Decor.  I knew nothing about ice cream, antiques or how to run a business, but I'm a quick learner and had a lot of ambition and guts. 

I happened upon a vintage ice cream fountain in Knoxville, Iowa, and purchased it for $200.00.  It was a gem, really, but did need some work to get it operational. It broke down frequently as well. My landlord was more than generous in the very affordable rent, too! A very kind older gentleman who was eager to see something in his vacant building and who doesn't love ice cream, right?  Just one of many who have helped me on my way.

Not without problems and a small budget, plus having a little with me day in and day out, it was open for just a little over a year.  The final straw was when this same little climbed up to the sink and quickly grabbed the cap to the disinfecting solution...with one, teeny tiny drop of solution left in it.  It all happened so fast. Needless to say, she instantly got sick, and I had to take her to the ER.  

I loved my little shop and my first foray into small biz ownership, getting to use my love of decorating and finding my love of vintage.  But I loved my little girl and bigs much more and the time invested took me away from them and the life my hubs and I were building.  The time was not right so I closed. I have only great memories of my time doing this and it sparked my love of small business, entrepreneurship, AND vintage...

During this time though, I purchased my first vintage collectible, which was a piece of California Pottery, Poppytrail by Metlox, Green Rooster pattern. You can find more information here.  

I've since added to my collection, and I love it to this day never tiring of it. Many years later, I was at the Majestic Lion Antique Mall in Des Moines, Iowa (now closed) and I was getting ready to leave.  However, I had a strong feeling to go right, rather than to the left to leave.  So, I followed my instincts...my heart was palpitating (I am NOT exaggerating!) took another turn into a booth and low and behold, there was a huge collection of them. I quickly called my friend Barb, whom I purchased my very first piece from (she had consigned it with me) and she helped me figure out a price to purchase it all.  I was giddy and could NOT get over the pull I felt in my being.  

It was much later, and I was watching yet another episode of The Waltons, my all-time favorite show and I noticed for the first time, out of all the times I'd watched this show, a piece of the Poppytrail to the side of the sink. I had a piece just like it.  Enjoy a snippet of The Kitchen, Part 2 here.

To say I was elated was an understatement. If I could have picked a time that I'd like to have lived in, it would have been the 30's-40's. I always wanted to home-keep, have a large family and the Walton home...well, let's just say I live in a similar style farmhouse today. It was the home of my childhood dreams. The family of my childhood dreams. 

Walton's Photo Credit: Google search

I've always believed that a person could manifest the life they desired.  Not that it would be an easy path without obstacles but, 'going in the direction of your dreams' has always resonated with me. I also believe this is a God thing. 

This friends, is the life I imagined.  My INSPIRED Life where dreams to come true. 

Photos of Poppytrail pottery are from my own collection.

Follow me on: Facebook and Instagram

 

A day of pickin'

Wow, what a fun day of pickin' with my mom.  We had one destination in mind, but, since we were heading "in that direction", I made a few more contacts and we made several shop stops.  Luckily, each owner was willing to open up special for us.

We plotted and planned the roads we'd take, doing a round robin.  Heading up the diagonal to Marshalltown, first stop, Kathy's Barn.  A large barn filled to overflowing.  We picked up, turned over, sorted through and added to an ever burgeoning pile. It was not looking too good.  The first stop and we were already "full".  But, one has not seen this gal pack and prod and push around...

On the road again, we headed north on Hwy. 14...destination, Antiques by Mona.  One of the nicest shops I've ever been to.  Nice and clean, bright and wonderfully laid out.  Super, 'true' antiques, it was a delight from start to finish.  A bit more pushing and proding, we got 'er packed in and away we went.

I "met" the gal from Little Prairie Girl on Facebook.  I just had to get there.  This was the one stop we were headed to, when we added the other locals to our list.  A huge barn, filled with antiques, prims and new, two floors of fun.  The Little Prairie Girl had just had their big sale over the weekend, so it had been pretty well picked over, but there were a few things for this gal, and just enough room to fit in "just a few more things".  A real swell gal, a quaint setting and made just for us hot coffee.  Happy!

Getting a bit hungry, we stopped at one of the BEST little spots ever.  We found out it had only been open a week.  Very gracious owners, we were treated to scrumptious food.  I chose a french dip made with homemade Italian bread and my mom had a reuben.  On the side we had the best broccoli salad we've ever tasted...we even brought some home with us.  The Mr. of the team kept coming out with samples of some of their other menu items.  Delicious one and all.  May I suggest, The Whispering Moose if you're anywhere near Grundy Center, Iowa.  

As we made our way back to Des Moines, we headed towards I-35 via the county highways and byways.  Such beautiful scenery Iowa has.  Farmers were in the field...and oddity for March 26th, but, so happy with the winter weather we've had.  Our final destination was Antiques Iowa at Story City.  A haven with everything under the sun offered. 

A great road trip with my mom.  A day of pickin', packed in goods, laughter and fun. 

Roses hearts are beating...

 Safe beneath the snowdrifts lie; Rainbow buds of by-and-by. In the long, sweet days of spring; Music of bluebells shall ring. And its faintly golden cup; Many a primrose will hold up. Though the winds are keen and chill; Roses' hearts are beating still. And the garden tranquilly; Dreams of happy hours to be. In the summer days of blue; All its dreamings will come true. 

By: Lucy Maud Montgomery

B&R FANS. Heading north next weekend for the JUNK BONANZA?

Hey all you Burlap & Roses FANS. Are you heading north next weekend for the                JUNK BONANZA? I'll be in booth 310...stop in and see me. Also, if you're bringing the family or would like to come, except for family, bring them along and send dad and the kids to the Nation's Largest Corn Maze: Sever's Corn Maze, Shakopee, MN. Info. from BHG magazine.  The information states this is it's 15th year.  Confirm open dates!

 Vintage signs for your cabin/cottage get away

Post office cage

 Stuff for the fishing enthusiast, cabin or cottage decor

rusty.refreshed.refin

 Many of the vendors that you met and follow from the Junk Jubilee will be at Junk Bonanza...PLUS so many others!  You'll enjoy the creative energy, unique displays and festive atmosphere of the event.  Here's just a few of the items that'll be packed up and heading north with me.

Shakopee, Minn. is SW of Minneapolis and is a very E-Z drive, straight up I-35, then west.  Get you map or GPS ready to go.  See you next Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 15th-17th...booth 310/Side Building

You've acquired a vintage cottage/cabin...how would you decorate it?

I'm readying my mind for the upcoming Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, Minn., middle September.  Planning and pickin' as I get the chance.  What's hot now in the VINTAGE home?  Decor? Trends?  Colors?  I love it!  I know what sold last year...will the same kind of things sell this time?  I'll go with a variety of merchandise for a variety of decorating styles.  Burlap & Roses offers that kind of thing, too, and it's very favorable to those who visit the shop.

We had the pleasure of spending a few days in Okoboji, Iowa, this past weekend and got to do a bit of "pickin" at the nice antique shops.  Found a couple "just for me" contacts, too.  We even hit a few garage sales on  Highway 141 on the way up.  By the way, this annual garage sale event, which goes for miles has really grown since I attended the first one years ago.

As I was going about the pickin' part, I began with this thought and also posed this question on the Burlap & Roses Facebook page:

You have just acquired a vintage cabin/cott​age on a cool, vintage lake...how​ do you decorate it?  (Please go to my FB page, by clicking on the link above, "LIKE" it, and answer the question for yourself.)

So, that's how I'm going about this venture.  So far, six people have chosen:  Cottage Style; 3 for Rustic Vintage Cabin; and one chose, Beechy Keen.  What would you choose?  If you're planning to go to the Bonanza, what will you be looking for?  

So far, in my arsenal, I have an assortment of typography, some kitschy decor, a few vintage signs and more...I'm having a blast.  Check out the Junk Bonanza website, just click on the link above and start following their page and blog.  While you're there, register for the drawing for the Junk Bonanza Giveaway, too.  

Doing what I love...makes all the difference

I've spent the last couple weeks up at my shop, Burlap & Roses...trying to restyle every last inch of it and freshen it up a bit.  It's a daunting task...ask my mom.  She came and got the kitchen area all spruced up.  It's ready to go!  Thanks, Mom!


In between rain drops, I moved everything out of the garden shed, power washed what I could, spritzing and spraying everything else.  It's a garden shed...you'll have to forgive me if it's not completely pristine.  I've neglected this area for the last couple of years.  It'll be so much more put together this season.  I can't wait for my "guests" to visit.

Prior to this year, 2011, I had another full-time career in real estate.  It was fun and fulfilling for me until about the last 4 years.  I've been in real estate for 15 years.  I decided to get out of the business right around December 1, 2010 and have not looked back.  The difficulty is always in making the final decision.  For 4 years, it weighed on me.  Once that was done, I was free to move on with my life and get down to the business of living my bliss.  


When I had responsibilities to the buyers and sellers, I had the pleasure to work with, it seemed like I was always running from here to there, always watching the clock, the cell phone, email and such; stressed to the gills and worrying that someone wouldn't think I was paying enough attention to them and their needs.  I "knew" I was, but it was always a concern that I had.  


As I work at the shop or at home on various projects for Burlap & Roses, I still find myself "heading to check on" one thing or another.  Then, as if a continual weight is lifted from my shoulders, I remember that I don't have to do that anymore.  I relax and remember that I'm doing all that I have to do now.  Following my BLISS, I continue on!  


I get inspired by many, many things.  People, places and things.  Mostly, I get inspired by the beautiful pictures of compelling vignettes, artistry and creativity of others in home decor magazines and now through the many "friends" I have made on Facebook.  Inspiration is found in some of the most amazing places, and sometimes, in just the simplest thing~


Doing what I love has made all the difference in my life.  I invite you to share with me in my journey.

Mixin' and Matchin'

Last weekend served as the Grand Re-opening for Vintage Home & Garden.  After 8 years being open, I felt it time for a face lift.  So, several cans of paint later, new inventory, and a little rearranging, the doors opened at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 15th.  Many nice compliments unfolded. 

I had a great time doing a little mixin' and matchin' with the vintage jewelry and clothing in the shop.  Brooches, earrings, necklaces and scarves were matched to sweaters, cami's, skirts and more.  A photo shoot is planned...keep a watch out for more on this later.

New garden decor, by way of flowers and birds, will "happy up" your sweet garden spots.  Introducing my "Time Traveler" and "Time in a Bottle" lines.  I've had fun with this.  Stop in and see what I'm talking about.  Great ways to showcase family photos, old letters and ephemera.  A nice gift for a 'graduate-to-be' or start placing mementos for a new baby...maybe yours or a grandchild.  

Stop in sometime.  VHG is open the Third Thursday and following Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a sweet, once-a-month shopping event.  10-3.  OR, by appt. 

Thanks to all the Vintage Home & Garden Fans that made their way to the shop...it was a real pleasure to meet my 'new' friends.  

Vintage Home & Garden...where my inspirations come to life

I've been busy...busy, busy, busy.  My mornings are spent with my real estate business.  My afternoons, weekends and any other 'free' time is spent at my shop.  I'm re-re-redoing, refreshing, re-styling.  It's been 8 years and time for a change.  It's been fun, uplifting and energizing. 

Time is closing in on me. I'm a procrastinator...so, the push is on.  Almost every day, I receive a call or email from someone asking if my shop is open yet...and if not, WHEN?  My open date is coming soon. 

The THIRD THURSDAY SALES will start in July.  VINTAGE HOME & GARDEN will be open the THIRD THURSDAY each month and the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday...YES, I'm going to try being open on Sundays.  I'll be open 10:00~3:00 each day.  As always, I will try to accomodate shoppers by appointment. 

You're going to find a new look...walls have been repainted.  New vintage merchandise will be available, as well as NEW, new home and garden decor.  

Please mark your calendars now...and plan to make it a day shopping at Vintage Home & Garden and the other fine shopping venues in south~central Iowa. 

I'm inspired...are you?