Red Roosters and Antique Stores...Just the Thing I Needed

As I come to know myself more, I learn that there are somethings that I just can't get away from. Take for instance my love affair with the color red. The other day, I was in my room (which for many months has been the catch all room for some reason) and I noticed that I had not one, not two, not three, BUT FOUR lamps with red lampshades. They weren't supposed to all be in there, and weren't even all plugged in. But just to give you the picture, of how much I love the color red. Which is pretty funny because for the longest time I didn't. But then, the week before I graduated college, my friend, Blair and I went dress shopping, and I couldn't take my eyes off the red dresses. But, I tried to ignore it, because, you know, I didn't like red...especially not ON me. After holding it up and being told how great it would look, I eventually got talked into trying the red dresses on, and one thing lead to another, and well, here we are. With four red lamps in my room. I took two out, mind you, and tidied up a bit. Much better with only two, and with my window mistreatments finished after two years of only having half of it done.

After Randy and I had a wonderful night at The Baird House, which is a beautifully restored 1790 Farm House, we ate a delicious country breakfast (she must have known French Toast was my favorite), roamed around by the Watauga River for a bit, and then had a blast going shopping together without our two kids. We always like going to the Mast General Store because it's just such a fun place with lots of different things from shoes, to candy by the barrel, to vintage toys, home decor, to regular food on the shelves. So, I immediately fell in love with this huge red rooster, and it's now making quite a scene in my kitchen. Thus, the other thing that I'm coming to realize more and more. I definitely have some of my country roots left in me. I've never described my style as country. I think my Mom's farm animal trinkets left a bad taste in my mouth. But as I grow more into what my style is, I definitely see how much I love the cottage feel. And I don't mind saying "French Cottage" one bit. But, come on, who are we kidding. French Cottage IS country. So even though I won't ever hang ceramic white and blue cows in my windows, I do have a big red rooster waking me up every morning. I'm just glad it's not this one.

We also went to a few antique stores and boutiques in the Boone / Blowing Rock area. I love going to antique stores - not the ones that are totally overpriced and leave you feeling deflated. But the ones that you can find things for a deal and enjoy giving this old item a new life in your home. I feel like they have a story of their own, and could tell me many secrets of old, if only they could speak. There's something so fun and nostalgic about finding history in pieces of furniture or accessories. Probably why I can't walk away from vintage hats and shoes when I find them at Salvation Army. So, anyway, I found some great deals on some vintage trays and fabric, which later inspired me to make these cute aprons...

I haven't taken the time to make things for a while, so being inspired by all the beauty of Valley Crucis and the creativity of Blowing Rock was a nice boost. I definitely couldn't afford all the fancies of the boutiques, but I did come home and make a few things to add to our shop. Any little girls in need of a tutu?

I think these are the cutest ever, and I've been wanting to make some for a while. All it takes is just a little time and inspiration...and staying up WAYYY past my bedtime. ;)

We ended our time eating a fabulous dinner at The Bistro in Boone and headed back home to our babies. We loved having time for just the two of us. It is so needed in the rush of life and two children, to just take time to dream a little and to truly celebrate this life that the Lord has given us to share. I can't imagine a more perfect get away....well...maybe for our 10th next year, I could. France or Italy, maybe? Yeah, baby!!!