Decorating a Landing

Our second floor landing is such an odd shape.  It's only about 5 feet around and all the bedrooms shoot off of that landing.  There's no hallway, no window, it's dark and there's only one wall large enough to decorate.  It's always been an irritation to me because it's such a narrow spot and the studs in the wall aren't in places where I want to hang things.


So I was delighted when we found this mantle.  Actually I've used a mantle here before but I still had a blank wall above the mantle.  The difference is that this one is narrow and it's all one piece and the top half is a mirror so it helps light up the landing.
Mr. Blessing was not quite as delighted as I was about hauling a HUGE one piece mantle.


It only has one shelf so I may have to make one for the other side.
(Love this little French book)


But for now, I'm ok with putting tall items on that side to hide the difference.

The best part is that I can change the decor everyday if I want.

Linking up with: White Wednesday, French Inspiration, Vintage Inspiration

Romantic? Farmstyle

While walking the grounds at Northwinds last week we came across an interesting outbuilding.  Yes, that's a pink "lid".  I can't decide if it's cute or gross.
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White Wednesday

 Last week our family tagged along for a day-trip with my parents (They take the scenic route everywhere so they find the sweetest sales.  Of course, it takes twice as long to get there but it's usually worth it).  They led us to the Northwinds Perennial Farm's annual open air antique market.

 There are barns and out buildings filled with all kinds of gorgeousness.  LOVE those twisted, chippy columns!  

(That kinda sounds like something my 13 year old would use to describe ME)

 One potting shed had a beautiful Last Supper piece on the wall.

 And on the floor in the same shed were these stone architecture pieces, just laying there waiting for someone to ooo and ahh over them.

The silo was my favorite!  A lovely, echo-y gathering place.

 In every direction there were so many picture-perfect spots.

So our daughter took advantage of one of them, snapping a quick pic of mommy and daddy.

I've posted a few more photos of  Northwinds over at French Cupboard if you'd like to take a peek

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Three French Hens Market

 This weekend Mr. Blessing and I had the opportunity to visit the Three French Hens Market in Morris, IL.  I was surprised by the large crowd of shoppers in such a quaint, historic little town.  We got to spend some time with Traci (Whimsy), Mark (Rome363 - Mark has loads of photos of the market!) and Monica (Ruby Begonias).  I can only aspire to the talent these folks have with their displays!

 We are thinking of setting up at this sale in August but I have to admit, I'm a bit intimidated.   However, the inspiration is over-taking the intimidation. I'm excited to be part of such a great event!  

So we may be packing our suitcases, loading up and hauling our wares to Morris in August.  Of course, my suitcases don't look quite so lovely as these.

 

 We also had the chance to visit some of the shoppes in this darling town. Of course, I had to stop by Traci's shoppe, Whimsy Decor.

 Again, gorgeous displays!  The kind of place that I'd love to stay in for hours and poke in every corner.

I spied some of my friend, Erica's, rosettes.

 And I think this might be one of Jill's slip dresses.   

Jill and Traci met at the Na-Da Farm sale.  See, it CAN pay to shop barn sales. They are great places to find vendors for your brick & mortar.   

Traci and her mom do amazing things at Whimsy Decor.  If you find yourself in the Illinois area during your Summer travels, be sure to stop by Whimsy Decor and the Three French Hens Market.  You can also shop Whimsy's Etsy shop online.

White Wednesday - The Highlights

 I've noticed a few blogs lately that have been giving "bullet point" highlights and since it's been so busy around here, I thought I'd give it whirl.  Though it should not be construed to mean that I will in any way be less wordy.  It's just scattered thoughts...

~The farmhouse phone lines have been playing tag with us lately.  Some days we have a land line and internet; Some days I'm using my android phone to piece together a blog post.  I finally got irritated enough to call the phone company today.  They had me test the line at the box outside.  If you can believe it, the only non-wireless phone in the house was this old rotary, grandma phone.  And it still works.  See, the oldies really were the goodies. 

 ~I think I may have black-thumbed my hydrangea bush.  Neighbor Bob is doctoring it up for me but I'm afraid all the high winds and steamy hot weather may have been the culprit (although we all know that I am my plants worst nemesis.  But in my own defense, I was gone to the Nellie's Barn Sale for a few days. I really need plants that maintain themselves!).

~I have stooped to a new level of gardening low...  I had my sweet little girl pick peonies from the neighbor's yard (A farm table just shouldn't be without fresh flowers).  Of course I asked ahead of time if it would be ok but the fact remains, my neighbor's bushes are blooming like mad and the same dirt on the other side of the fence is apparently littered with the black plague. 

~Nellie's Barn Sale was wonderful!  We had steady crowds and good sales.  It was hot - like how I would imagine the Amazon is.  But we had fun meeting new bloggers and catching up with old friends.  You can see more photos from the sale HERE.  And, NO, I did not kill that patch of grass under the arbor - It was like that when I arrived!

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Going to Market

Well, it only happens once in a blue moon around here...

We are clearing out!   It's time for the clearance to end all clearances.  We're pulling things out from storage and we're headed out to Nellies Barn Sale.  

 

 I've made a few extra little goodies just for this sale.

 And there are a few yummy things from previous posts.  =)

  If you are in the Wisconsin/Northern Illinois area, we would love to visit with you!  Open this Friday 1:00 - 7:00 and Saturday 9:00 - 4:00 (June 3rd and 4th).