Red High Heels

These days I no longer wear high heels (2 inches are my tops) and my shoes are bought more for comfort than style. But this red high heel tape dispenser must define who I am to friends and family. I received 4 of them along with 4 of these post-it purse shaped dispensers as Christmas gifts.

I took one of the purses to the coffee shop, because my girls there love some post-its and I hardly ever get them any (I have this thing where I want them writing in a notebook so we can go back to it).

The next week a couple of them go to our local office supply store for markers and see the purse and shoe. They bring me back the shoe tape dispenser, so proud that they had gotten me the perfect gift (of course not knowing I had received 4 of them already).

I think I'm flattered.

Embalmed Crustacean...Mary's at it again

I wrote in a previous post about my friend Mary's ability to find great stuff. She is a wonderful gift giver and puts a lot of thought and effort to find the perfect gift.

For my birthday she presented me with this souvenir Crayfish in a glass jar with a cork bottom. This vintage goodie has a sticker that says Souvenir of Kure Beach Pier.

Kure Beach is my favorite beach ever and Mary knows how many fond memories I have from all the years of vacationing there.

I love the gesture and thoughtfulness, will admit to not being sure I love the item

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

My friend, Mary, is the best treasure finder I have ever met. She puts me to shame, and I have found some pretty good stuff in my time. She and I have gone out only a couple of times junking together, including a memorable day last summer at a 5-mile long yard sale, but I hope to get her on a road trip to Wilmington when the weather warms up. Mary has the enviable ability to source lots of really good finds every time she goes looking. We share an affinity for vintage, she the more practical things like kitchen gadgets and me always the decorative pretties.

A couple of months ago she dropped by my office and handed me this fabulous metal gold crown. It's big (over 6 inches across) and heavy. From the back it looks like it was originally attached to something, but I can't guess as to what.

I love it! ...and have pondered the perfect place for it, but haven't come up with one yet. In the meantime it sits on my computer workspace at home and I often pick it up and reflect on the treasure of good friends. Mary is a wonderful friend to me (as is her sister,  Wanda, and although they are very different in personality, they share that enviable special bond of sisterhood and their talent of being wonderful shopkeepers). Mary has only been in my life for a couple of years, although we have had connections through other people for ages. Beautiful, complex, and a talented retailer- Mary is an enigma, but what I do know without a doubt is she is there for me. I can't wait to see what she'll find next. I love me some Mary!

Exploring with a friend

After getting up at 6:00 am to have our 3rd yard sale in as many months (yes, I'm crazy), I was ready for some R&R (roamin' & redecorating - another word for junking).

My friend, Michelle, and I have recently decided to do more day trips and explore the small towns around us. Since we both love the adventure of eating and drinking at small local establishments, history and architecture, and the thrill of searching out the perfect antique or vintage find-we're a perfect match.

So, off we go to Sanford. Michelle had never explored the town and it's always been one of my faves but I rarely get to go, so it was a good choice. First stop was for Michelle to take some pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/historybydesign1/ second, a flea market that was interesting but we came out empty handed. Next to eat lunch at a German restaurant I spotted, Unplanned but delicious.

Then downtown, our real destination. A drive through to admire the train depot museum and other buildings, more pictures, and then the antique stores. Michelle bought a postcard and I came away empty-handed. I know youall aren't believing it, but true. I had hope for some fabulous finds for the new (old) house or the store but no luck. But, had a great time and perused some interesting stuff.

Finally a stop for ice cream and we headed back home.