Busy painting.....

I have been painting like a banshee lately....

....but it keeps me busy and out of Macy's!!

I have had a few pieces of furniture in the basement since last fall and decided to clear out that area and paint them.  Here is one of my favorites:

This was a rustic sofa table, that was hand made by a local guy.  I painted a harlequin design on top.  This sold quickly to a woman who will use it in her office!

To update this unique cupboard, I just painted the top in checks.  It sold in a few hours!!

This table is still available - I always have trouble selling anything grey!!

I struggled with finding inspiration for these stacking end tables - one is painted in checks and the other in leopard pattern.    They sold in about 20 minutes!

This piece still  has me undecided - should I paint it white?  I just can't decide.  I made the cushion and think it is the cutest bench - can't you picture it in a mudroom, the perfect piece to sit in while putting on your boots!!

So, as you can see, I have been busy.  I have 3 more pieces to work on, so.....

I was at my ....Wit's End!

Once a month I spend a few days working in Albany, NY and I pass this building on the Northway:

Last week I discovered that it was a gift shop...

...the Wit's End Giftique...



The clothing and accessory boutique was filled with unique items...



...and above the room were fun displays of mannequins...



...and highlights of major cities...



...eye candy for the fashionista!

There was a room filled with gifts for babies and children...

...another room with items for the outdoor adventurer...

...a another filled with gifts for the gardener...

... and a few rooms with lovely home decor...

...an area loaded with kitchen serving pieces for the wine lover...

...and lots of china for the afternoon tea lovers...

...a few rooms were filled with jewelry for all ages...

...and Mary Francis purses caught my eye...

...this section was loaded with gifts for the foodies...

...and there was a large are filled with candles for every occasion...

...and more displays above:

They wrap in lovely gift boxes....

...and the choices of wrapping papers and ribbons was endless!

If you are ever in Clifton Park, Rt 9, you must stop - but be prepared to spend and hour or two browsing - and don't forget your credit card!!!

Saturday Luncheon for 5.....

Today my table was set for 5 for an impromptu luncheon.  

It's always fun to set the table for woman!

I folded the napkins into pockets to hold the silverware:

I used mini vases as place card holders:

I bought fresh flowers for my new water bottle (which you will hear more about at another time):

I pulled out my MacKenzie-Childs dishes...

...and milk glass "chicken bowls":

...and stemware...

I served chicken salad on romaine...

...and mini roll-ups and sliced fruit...

...and chocolate eclairs for dessert!!

We drank wine, told stories and had lots of laughs!

Here's Kathy and Jennifer...

and the 3 generations, Caitlin, me and Mom:

Good times.... and then Caitlin, Jennifer and Kathy were off to see the Luke Bryan concert!!

Spring in Central NY

Mother Nature is playing another dirty trick on us in Syracuse!  

This is what we woke up to:

Happy Spring!

A Cute Flower Frog....

While I was in Ohio last week, I went into a cute artist coop shop and bought this unique flower frog:

It sits on top of the vase, rather than inside on the bottom, and fits many of my vases!

And no laughing at my simple blooms, I do not have a green thumb and am quite proud of this bunch of flowers I picked this morning!!