Polly's perfect industrial pair...

(sing to the tune from the Brady Bunch)
Here's a story, of a lovely lady,
who was living with end tables she only "tolerated".
Searching for the perfect pair that eluded her,
She thought they never would be found.

Til the one day that the lady read this blogpost
And she knew it was much more than a hunch
That she might just find what she desired
And so she left a comment for the writer of that post

Okay, that's enough of that, not sure where that came from, but do hop over here and read about Polly's perfect industrial tables.

"The Chicken has Landed"

What's that? Look! Peek through the holly hocks!
It's a ride for our damsel in distress (a.k.a. our chicken house soon-to-be Clementine Cottage).
First, he tugged, then he pulled, then out she came.
And down the hill she went.
First step, up on one level of cinder blocks.
Second step, up on three levels of cinder block, make sure to stack it right or it gets wobbly!
Third step, up on to FOUR levels of cinder block. Hope thats high enough...she's listing on that one corner!
Ok, let's see now, will the trailer fit under her? YES!
She looks comfy and ready for a road trip doesn't she? A few straps, chains, flags and wide load signs (sorry dear but you are) and we'll be all set for the 4 mile trip.
Here she comes...is she going to make that corner? Don't slip into the ditch!
No way that would happen with Mr. Dave Lamme in charge! Welcome to your new home Miss Clementine!
I think someone is excited!!
Into the backyard now...
And there she is! This will be her forever home, saved from being razed. See the 4 white squares in the grass? She'll be planted right there, next to our bee boxes. We have big plans for Miss Clementine. Starting with power washing, bleaching, power washing again, then sealing, then the fun stuff! Maybe a pair of old French doors on the front, pea gravel pathway all the way around, European baby tub brimming with flowers, limestone steps across the front, a pair of antique Kramer urns on each front corner, a French watering trough turned into a pond with a fountain.....chandeliers inside, oh we just can't wait to get started!! I know just where to find all these goodies...urban farmhouse!! This is a dream come true...our own little garden folly. Rest assured we'll share pictures as we go. Do you have a garden folly? Please leave us your comments and give us some more inspiration. We would love to hear from you.

April showers bring May issues!

Click on the "Goods" in my shopping area to preorder yours today.

New finds...

I am DOG TIRED from out finding "new old" stuff!! But it's oh so much fun and perfect weather for running about. Odie is just tired from being wild! Here's a preview of some of the goods...




See wireware egg stand and more here.

Summer time and the living is easy....

"Design is coming to grips with one's real lifestyle, one's real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one's well- being."
-Albert Hadley



Recently I have been inspired to restyle my home with the same "attitude" we adapt while vacationing. A place to get away, relax and leave daily stresses behind. Why reserve "escaping" for weekends and vacations when you can have it every day? Breezy white smocked curtains, soft colors of washed aqua and faded blue, washable vintage fabrics, sisal rugs, beaded board walls, screen doors, distressed finishes, straw hats, fluted ironstone compotes overflowing with our collections of seaglass and shells. Nothing earth shattering in the way of design...just our passions infused into each room.

More Bryn Du photos...

more starfish strands coming to the shop...they looked so good hanging in multiples from the branches of these trees, especially with this vintage Florida set

Brought the sunshine with me...

(photo credit - 15 year old Zach Maughmer)

We are back in beautiful Ohio and it looks like the sun has followed us. I wish these guys could too! They DID follow us through the bay on two of our day trips. If you have the opportunity be sure to hitch a ride out to Egmont Key (a beautiful, uninhabited island) with Captain Frank and Captain Hans.

Janet did a wonderful job holding down the fort and also managed to find time to "hunt & gather". She scored LOADS of ironstone, vintage cottage style lamps, a tall, carved dresser and more. She also tells me she has lots of other goodies she is squirreling away for our 3 day show at Bryn Du in Granville. Be sure to check us and 20+ other collectors out in May, click the logo to the right for details.

I have been through 8 different Ohio counties in the last 24 hours and have a truckful of finds parked in my driveway. Some coming in to the shop and others being revamped and restyled for their May debut. I also have been ordering all kinds of new goods. The laid back charm of old Florida has seeped back into my veins and has inspired several of the orders in addition to a desire to redecorate my whole house! Now where is that husband of mine..."Honey? Do you feel like painting the living room this weekend? Honey? Hello?? Do I smell fresh cut limes? Hmmm..."
(photo collage from "A beach cottage" blog...not Florida but Australia, very inspiring...be sure to visit for some wonderful photos of her beach cottage makeovers and more")

Candlelit Gathering to Welcome Spring

There is SO much more, just a few photos while there is time, more finds soon, some left before I got pictures...enjoy! Oh yes...it's going to be a beautiful Friday and Saturday, perfect for a trip to Thornville with family and friends, the shop looks so fresh and new, you'll enjoy every step...see you soon!!!
right this way




Fantastic live ivy ball topiaries in clay pots! It's so wonderful to have live plants back in the shop again...it's been a long time. These classic topiaries are ready to grace the rooms of your home.
Darling pink jasmine ring topiaries, light, airy, delicate.
vintage chandelier dressed for a garden party
fresh lavender plants
vintage glider, chair and table Nantucket bike basket, my German goat cart(NFS, sorry, it's falling apart) is full of faux cabbages that are fun tucked into cupboards, urns, or the corner of benches, tuck in a scratching bunny
old leaded glass windows, architectural porch fragments, faux and real purple hyacinth
Seek & Find...do you see a pair of vintage ironstone egg cups? Velvet covered bunnies? Old egg crates? Leaded glass salvaged from a now closed Columbus restaurant?
chippy paint flatwall with crusty urns, chartreuse garden gloves, rolls of moss ribbon, string bags full of faux bulbs, willow gardener's basket (wonderful Mother's Day gift!!), wicker wrapped candle cups, old berry basket, architectural corbels

a flock of bird houses (every spring a pair of Carolina Wrens make their home in one of these in my backyard)
Gorgeous large egg wreath
more egg wreaths, medium sized
very tall green cupboard, picture taken late, lots of goodies going home with shoppers
My friend Kimberly had this cupboard looking like she raided Mr. MacGregor's garden! Customers snacked while they shopped and I didn't get this picture snapped until the evening was over.
My girlfriend Kim graciously made these wonderful cucumber sandwiches, yum!