Freshly delightful "boutique" area added

Adding gently used clothing to the line up at Burlap & Roses. In addition, partnering with the unique and fun and lovely re~purposed jewelry and fashion accessories: Keepsakes by Kristi and Lulu's Upcycling Lounge, create, makes the 'boutique' area a freshly delightful spot in the shop.

 Like the outfits to the left...Great fall looks for a variety of outings.  The denim jacket is paired with a two piece green appliqued gauze shirt and accessorizes with a great handmade scarf, fabric lapel pin  and repurposed necklace.  Jacket and shirt, plus size.

All other pieces are in jr/miss sizes (4-10).  Fall into winter...

                               

  Several jackets...just perfect for fall are teamed with lovely neck ware...midgies, long and lean, fun and furry.  Make sure you check them out.

  Black velvet shown with vintage pearls and a       sweet brooch made from upcycled ties.                  

Corduroy w/buckles

Before we know it, Christmas will be here and gift giving will be on our minds.  For something unique and fun, creative and delightful, consider these great finds:

fun and festive earrings

                                                                                                               

upcycled ties & zipper

                                                  

I turn 50 today...here's advise from a 90 year old.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old. This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!

"To celebrate growing older”, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, it’s their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn't mean you are. Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Well...some things got left behind

We left early Wednesday morning...destination Shakopee, MN.  As usual, when the mind settles down a bit, I started to remember the things I forgot to take:  post office window, a huge clock, and a few other things.  Always too far from home to turn back, I just had to let it go.  So, the win is for those who've had their eye on these things...they are still there, or will be coming to the shop from my studio garage.

We happened to come upon a good sale on our way home, so we added to our left overs from the Junk Bonanza and have a camper full of "goods".

Steve was able to implement my designs of flowers and a fish...I have more I need to get down on paper.  With my ideas and his welding and finishing detail skills, we make a pretty good team.  All of his hand crafted items SOLD...which made him SOLD on the idea to do more.  At the sale, we found some great pieces that can be implemented into more designs.  A fun, fun, sale.

It was so nice to see my "old" pals from last year's B and I had the pleasure of meeting some new booth buddies.  Here's a shout out to:  Robin Hanson of Vintage Style Market
in Annadale, MN.  A wonderful selection of vintage clothes...oh to be super small~I'd have had me some new "old" clothes. 

The Bonanza was fun!  Creativity breeds creativity...it's inspiring to be around so much energy, and positive vibes.  First things first...the camper needs to be emptied, then on to getting Burlap & Roses back in order for this weekend.  No rest for the weary!

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

Go PINK with B&R and CS508 in October

Go pink

With

Burlap & Roses

and Coffee Shop 508

October…10% B&R sales to  

Susan G Komen

Open Thurs-Sat 9-3

Thurs eve 5-8 &  Sunday 12-3

508 West St. New Virginia  515-238-7720  

http://shopkeeper508.blogspot.com

Closed Sept. 15-18th

It's feeling like fall out there today!

How was your weekend?  Did you have to Labor or were you lucky enough to have a long weekend?  I hope the later.  A day off is good for the soul...attitude...well being.  My family hosted a family reunion and it was wonderful.  The wind put a bit of a damper on the fun and festivities...and my decorating ambitions, but, overall...it was successful. 

One of the reasons I wanted to do the reunion was a spin off of a slumber party I had with my aunts a couple of years ago.  I had written questions down that I wanted to ask...to "get to know them" for posterity.  So much has been lost through the generations and I wanted to get it written down.  The aunts loved it and so did I.  At my cousin's get-together last fall, I shared the questions/answers with them...and, they too, loved it.

So, we did a mini version with four generations present.  Young and old alike sat in a large circle and the questions were directed to the "elders" in the group.  I think we all learned something new through this.  It's something that I hope to continue...while we can ask and those amongst us can answer. 

I encourage you to do this, too.  If you're needing help getting started, Burlap & Roses carries Table Topics, conversation starters.  You'd be surprised by the interest level of the teens and twenty somethings.  It's their history.  The elders enjoy reminiscing and those in between get to share and learn, too.  Versions for friends, dinner parties are available, too.  A great gift!

This past weekend at Burlap & Roses was one of the funnest I think I've had.  Several new customers came in and I was excited by the creative energy of one group.  They found many items for "projects".  They are just getting their biz up and running.  Can't wait to see what they do with their finds.  I met a gal who stopped in on her way for a bike ride~starting at Burlap & Roses, where she fueled herself with a delicious muffin and coffee, bought a cute t-shirt, before heading to the bike trail at Martensdale and onto Des Moines and back to Burlap & Roses to get her car.  I sent her a message and she replied that she had made it home safely.  I thought about her several times during the afternoon and evening.

Saturday brought in three sisters who I enjoy immensely.  Becki emailed to reserve a table for three for lunch.  She asked if I was ready for the Brommel Girls.  I replied, "always ready for some Brommel Girl's Happiness." 

I'm living my dream...it wouldn't be possible without the encouragement, support and most of all my customers!  I do not neglect or take this fact for granted.  Thanks one and all.

I'm enjoying the creative energy as I prep for Junk Bonanza

Just a couple short weeks and I'll be on my way to my second vending experience at the Junk Bonanza.  I'm so excited to return to this venue with my wares.  I've been busy...

https://www.facebook.com/notes/junk-bonanza/vendor-profile-burlap-roses/10150341885846208

Here's a sample of two of my projects...

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the newest Flea Markety Style magazine...
 It's filled with inspiration and ideas and lots and lots of eye candy.

Hope to see you at the Junk Bonanza, Sept. 15th-17th.

In the meantime, Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 are open for business.  Thurs-Sat. 9-3, Thurs. evening 5-8 and Sunday noon to 3.

Please note that B&R and CS508 will be closed this Sunday, Sept. 4th to spend some time with family at a reunion at our farm. 

The shops will be closed Sept. 15th-17th while I'm at the Bonanza.

To follow B&R/CS508, please "LIKE" Burlap & Roses on Facebook.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day.  

REMINDER...B&R will be CLOSED

Please remember, Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 will be closed Sunday, September 4th.  Have a safe and fun Labor Day on Monday...

Tag, Red Rover, London Bridge...

Sweetness. Thursday evening, as I left Burlap & Roses, the neighborhood kids were out playing in their yard. Squeals of laughter could be heard. It reminded me of the many games of tag, Red Rover and London Bridge, I and my cousins would play when we all gathered at my Great Grandma Breton's. I cherish all of it!

I prefer "Vintage Chic"

Rachel Ashwell coined the phrase, "Shabby Chic", thus giving a name to a style of decorating that I have come to believe describes a "homegrown" lifestyle decorating theme.  I prefer the phrase, "Vintage Chic"...taking those memories of our past, memories of grandma's house, a favorite aunt or family friend, and tangibly replicating them in our homes.

gr. aunt ada and me ca '62

Maybe it's a time-worn quilt, now made into an overstuffed pillow, the cup and saucer grandma sipped from, an old pastoral photo of sheep grazing~a memory of Aunt Ada. Maybe it's a cookie jar, a lamp you read by, a postcard you received...faded fabric, overstuffed chairs, wicker on the wrap porch, birdhouses and birdsong, picket fences, yard games, pretty dishes, a garden rhapsody.  Whatever it is, it conjures up those comfortable, cozy feelings we're reminded of.  Now, we want them in our present and our future...

"Vintage Chic"~old or new items (successfully made to look old) is a relaxed, comfortable and familiar style of living~unpretentious and inviting...but always very CHIC.  Beth Cort-Voltmer 2003

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.  

Autumn Cottage...a real "got to have" publication

I was so excited to pull my issue of this bookazine out of the mailbox.  From the cover to the back, it's eye candy for the heart and soul of us who love all things home, family, entertaining and AUTUMN.  

Enjoy! 

Click here to go straight to the order page at Hoffman Media.
http://www3.mailordercentral.com/hoffmanmedia/prodinfo.asp?number=HM-AUTCOTTAGE-11

Guest Chef at Burlap & Roses

Next weekend, I'll be taking a couple days off.   BUT, Coffee Shop 508 and Burlap & Roses will be open as usual.

Thursday and Friday, I'll be there.

On Saturday, guest chef, Lois Stanley, will be there...if you've had any of Lois' catering, you know you're in for a treat. If not, trust me, she's a good cooker! 

Courtney Stanley , will be manning the shop on Saturday and Sunday. ON SUNDAY, the coffee shop will be closed.

Please plan to come in and say "hello" to these gals, have a cuppa, lunch, or see what is available at Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508.

Tricked out apartment...Burlap & Roses style

Our youngest daughter graduated from college last December and acquired full-time employment at Honey Creek Resort  on Lake Rathbun near Centerville, Iowa, where she had interned the previous summer.  

Excitement ensued as she and I spent a couple days apartment shopping.  We found the perfect place and Mackenzy graciously let me trick out her apartment with items from Burlap & Roses... and a few pieces from home, too.  

Her main room is one open area, so we set out to make a couple "defined" areas.  Above left, we set up a small bar area, complete with the once "used as a check out counter" cabinet.  One side has doors to hold extra supplies and an area for mixing drinks.  On top, we added a vintage tablecloth, folded into a triangle shape in the red/black and cream color scheme.  Two black iron stools offer add'l seating when entertaining guests.  The wall board in the back was picked up at a garage sale Mackenzy and I went to years ago.  It's the perfect backdrop for the "bar" area and she's personalized it with her photos and art.  

In the living area, a loveseat, slip covered in cream, signifies the seating area.  The side and coffee tables came from Burlap & Roses, New Virginia.  The black armoir has been used in various places in our home, and is a great addition to the living room in the apartment.

In the photo to the left, on what was a huge blank white wall, we hung a vintage, handmade quilt, which warmed up the space and gave it a punch of color...which was needed.  


The magazine rack came out of inventory, too.  the pillows were re-used from home.

In the picture to the right, the artwork, tweaked by repainting what was pink and changing it to a deep red and then using glitter on the mouth, makes for a unique and modern look to the otherwise, vintage pieces.  Below the painting, another piece from the inventory at Burlap & Roses.

Mackenzy utilizes a black Love Sac chair and a leopard patterned butterfly chair for additional seating. 

A vintage red faux leather chair can be brought to the seating area if more is needed.  Otherwise, it sits just outside the opening to her kitchen.  On the other side of the doorway, Mackenzy has situated another black iron stool with her laptop computer stand...another great "spot" for her when she's working on her photography, chatting on FB or surfing the net.                                          

Moving on to her bedroom area, a vintage iron bed, bedside tables, lamps and small loveseat make their home in this space.  Blending vintage and new, Mackenzy found the bedspread (first) and everything else just matched up perfectly.

The side table and magazine rack are from Burlap & Roses

This dresser made its way to a small alcove in the corner.  This piece, too, has been in use throughout the years in our home.  Painted cream and shabbied up, it's stood the test of time.

Mackenzy's middle name is Grace, named after her Great Grandma Grace, who passed away just 4 days before she was born.  These vintage letters were just the right thing for the built in shelf at the landing of the stairway.  She's added other pieces around it and it's turned out to be a real cute area. 

The apartment turned out so cute and is just perfect for Mackenzy's laid back, comfortable and inviting style.  She's quite at home there and it's a great place to come home to.  Being thrifty is in, quite charming and definitely offers a unique and customized style, and is INSPIRING.  

Do you have an INSPIRED space to share?  Please share your photos with me and your story at:  myfrontporch4500@yahoo.com.  I may feature you in one of my future blog postings. 

What Inspires my creativity at home?

I'm often asked, by those who shop at Burlap & Roses, "is your house decorated with this kind of stuff?"  And, I have to answer, "not really".  I have bits and pieces, combining vintage with new.  You'll find the shabby and chippy things in my garden areas by way of birdhouses, garden decor, Adirondack chairs at the beach/pond...maybe a table or two at chair side, but for the most part...shabby and chippy are not part of my decor...however, if I lived in a cottage on a lake...IT.WOULD.BE.THERE.

this photo shows our remodeled kitchen/DR.  You can see the color scheme, pine flooring and woodwork.  The table is an Ethan Allen,  found at a garage sale years ago.  I stripped it and applied new paint in a creamy white, sanded it in all the right places.  It's been in our family for over 20 years.

For the most part, I'm inclined to decorate with clean lines, an uncluttered look (not to be confused with "clutter" from magazines, laundry and mail ; ~l )  I prefer reds and golds in my color choices.  I've tried to go "all white" or neutral and it just doesn't work for me.  I've done one room in a periwinkle blue, and it just doesn't appeal to me the same way...although I think it's pretty.  Red and golds are in the bedding. Red stirs something in me.  An energy.  Gold cozies things up a bit.  

I'm definitely a "purist" and prefer organic materials:  cotton, linen, burlap, wood, ...lots of texture.  I'm turned off by plastic and vinyl...thus, the siding that encompasses my exterior would be down in a heartbeat if our budget would allow...same with the blinds at my windows.  But, I have to pick my budget battles!  And, I will say, vinyl has it's place and looks nice.  I just happen to like vintage homes and original...everything, if I can have it.

Our home ca. 2009

Much of my decorating is defined by the house...what it calls for.  A typical 4-square farm house, it has original woodwork throughout. Straight-lined, the woodwork does not have fancy fret work or hand carved details.  It's very simple...which I like.  Anything that would be froo~frooie or Victorian would not appeal to me. And, I most likely would not purchase a house with that look...pretty, just not me. 

Pine floor boards call for an understated, casual look.  I love hand braided or area rugs to define a sitting area.  I have a couple vintage hand braided rugs that I just love and have had for awhile.

The Rooster Room

One of the things I enjoy most...both at home, and in purchasing for Burlap & Roses, is to replicate, more affordably and creatively, the looks found in Pottery Barn, Ballard Design or Garnet Hill catalogs.  The Pottery Barn look is very appealing to me.  I have PB, BD and GH items in my decor.  Mostly in bedding. I would have lots and lots if my budget allowed.  So, for me, the challenge to recreate is what's fun. It's what drives my creativity.

What Inspires your creativity at home? 

How does this photo make you feel?

I have a file on my computer of photos that INSPIRE me.  I have several collections of these files...only not as nice and neat.  For years...and years and years, I've torn out fav photos from magazines to my family's dismay.  I stack them, I sort them, I look through them time and again.  It's eye candy...it's fuel for my creative soul, it's my favorite pastime.  My "old fashion" files and drawers are overflowing.  


I've found the website:  Pinterest.  Check it out...it's a great way to save your favorite photos and things...I've just recently become introduced to it, so I'm not sure what all can be done...but, I can pin the photos that INSPIRE me right to this site and walla...I have another collection!


Sometimes, when I look through the stacks of INSPIRATION, I'll find a picture or two that I'm not quite sure why I've included it.  I'll look and look at it, trying to find the appeal.  This does not happen often, as my tastes usually run true and I definitely have a "look" that comes through over and over again.  I'll toss them out, only wanting to crowd my "files" with what truly INSPIRES me!  


Such is the photo above.  It's light and bright and I can see myself there...I like to think about how I'd tweak it for my own personal taste, and I would definitely have a red coverlet over the blue.  But, the blue is pleasant.  


What about you...do you like this photo?  What feelings does it evoke in you? Would you keep it the same or make some changes to reflect your personal taste?  Share your thoughts with me.  And make today an INSPIRING day!

Summon the will...

“So many of our dreams at first seems impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” (((♥))) ~Christopher Reeve

Have you, do you, find this is true in your life?


Leave a comment and tell me  when this has came true for you.  

After two months of the new gig...I'm liking it

Burlap & Roses, formerly known as Vintage Home & Garden, in New Virginia, Iowa has opened it's doors with permanent WEEKLY hours.  In business since 2002, Burlap & Roses was an occasional sale with periodic monthly sale events.  With the opening this spring, several changes have occured...making it more shopper friendly.  So far...it's been a huge success and I anticipate it growing even more.  I'm so happy with my change and am so grateful to those who have stopped by to chat, purchase something or visit with their friends over coffee and a goodie.  It's just what I pictured it'd be like.

I put my 16 year career in real estate on hiatus, wanting to pursue my desire for a more creative and inspiring venture.  I put my real estate license in referral on 

December 31, 2010 and have not looked back.  The shop, formerly known as Vintage Home & Garden has been open for 9 years, but has been mostly an "occasional" sale event.  Now OPEN  every weekend, inc. Thursday day and evening~I'm so pumped and encouraged by this next phase of my life. The support has been incredible both locally and within the "golden circle".  I've always had a great following from the Des Moines Metro area, Osceola and southern Iowa.  Now, being open more often and regularly, I feel I can offer something to the community by way of gifts, the occasional floral delivery(silks and drieds) cards, etc. As well as fun things for the home, garden and the person."

 

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in New Virginia, the building was originally a meat locker with various professionals located in the front at different times.  The upper level, which is now a loft-like apartment, was home to the telephone operator.  "I've enjoyed hearing the many stories from those 60'ish and older who remember coming with their parent...mostly their mom, to pay the phone bill.  The story goes that the operator "always listened in" to the phone conversations.  A story that could be told in most areas, I'm sure."

 

Offering a combination of vintage and vintage inspired "new" merchandise, there is something for most every taste.  Following the trends of industrial and farm chic, recycled and repurposed vintage items, such as jewelry, hair accessories, etc. Shabby Chic, prims and more. The creativity of individuals is quite something and fun to be around.  I have a few artists/junkers who consign with me.  With my time being freed up from other obligations, I am able to do my own creating, which is something I can't get enough of.  Whether it's repainting furniture, updating a seat cushion, floral design or upcycling vintage insulators...I'm all about it, never tiring from the process.

With the other changes, Coffee Shop 508 has been added as a full service, but simple, coffee shop offering weekly menus of lite, but delicious entrees, hot and cold beverages and sweet treats...brownie sundaes, cakes or pies, muffins, yogurt parfaits, etc.  All homemade with fresh ingredients when available...the coffee shop has been a great hit~and allot of fun for me.  "More fun than I was expecting"  

 

Hours are:  Thursday thru Saturday 9-3, Thursday evenings 5-8 and Sunday, noon to 3.  Groups are requested to make reservations for the coffee shop.  I will open by appointment for bus tours, red hatters and other groups...and for the individual.  Http://shopkeeper508.blogspot.com, 515-238-7720 or myfrontporch4500@yahoo.com

Burlap & Roses, f.n.a. Vintage Home and Garden

Burlap & Roses was formerly known as Vintage Home & Garden.  At the end of December, 2010, I left my 16 year career in real estate to pursue my passion~Burlap & Roses with Coffee Shop 508.  I have not looked back.


Keep tabs on My Inspired Life's blog...here is where my writings are posted, information about Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 can be found, other items of interest and always, a place to be inspired.  

To LIKE Burlap & Roses on Facebook...please go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlap-Roses/177248165653789 and click on the LIKE button at the top of the page, to the right of the Name.