Notes from the Patch

Valentine's Day

What are you making for your valentine this year? Pillowcases, PJ's, zippered pouches, sachets, pincushions? Inquiring minds want to know!

I love surprising people with a little something I've made at Valentine's Day. It's so unexpected. A perfect way to say I'm thinking about you without knocking yourself out (I'm all about that).

Anyway, we have a great selection of red and white and Valentine's Day themed fabrics - some of the best we've had in years!

Hopefully I'll be sewing up some valentines this weekend. I'm excited. I see a creative mess in my future! WhooHoo. It's been way too long!

Encourage one another,

 

 

Going green

Last week as I was having my nails done I asked my manicurist what she was doing to her skin. Her face was absolutely radiant and trust me, sitting two feet away from someone with one of those little lights illuminating every pore you just notice those things.

She reached down and from behind her station produced a tall glass of the most vile looking green sludge.

Green Smoothies. She said she had been drinking a detoxifying green smoothie once a day for the past three weeks or so.

I don't know what got into me, but Saturday I bought the book

all the stuff

and have had a green smoothie once a day ever since.

And you know what? They're not that bad.

You can get the recipe and view the ABC video here.

Cheers!

Encourage one another,

Monday mornings Bill and I get up early and always stop at Starbucks on our way back to Bakersfield. This morning as we pulled out of the driveway he asked me if I wanted coffee.

Of course, I replied. Why do you ask?

Just checking, Sometimes you just get kinda weird when it comes to what you eat and drink.

Silly man.

 

Celebrating life - What A Beautiful Mess!

 

I woke up extra early Saturday morning and tip toed from the bedroom so as not to wake up my sleeping husband.  As the coffee brewed I grabbed a pad of paper and pen and in the quiet darkness of morning I started my list. I had big plans to explore some new territory, a you've survived the holidays so celebrate kind of day.

I Map Quested my course, south down 101 about 30 miles to an area I'd read about on blogs and in magazines and heard about from friends. I was excited as I added my camera to the list. I thought it would be fun to take you all along. After all, we're kind of birds of a feather here and chances are that if I liked something you probably would too.

My destination was Agoura Hills and my first stop was A Beautiful Mess, an antique boutique featuring an eclectic flow of antiques, design and oddities that all come together beautifully in simple elegance. 

As I chatted with the shop clerk I asked for permission to photograph the store, telling her about you friends in blogland that would just love the inspiration found here.

As I returned to the car to get my Nikon I discovered I'd failed to add check camera for SD card to my mornings list.

There would be no photographs on this trip. All photos here are from the store's websites.

Very disappointing because there was so much inspiration there. Oh well, I'll just have to go back - not that I need an excuse.

 I loved the elegance of A Beautiful Mess

and I think you will too.

Just down the walk was a wonderful 9,000 square foot antique mall that featured finds from over 40 vendors with a good mix of old and new.

The window still showed bits of left over Christmas but I could tell that I would love it before I ever stepped inside.

So many things I love from places I adore!

Couldn't you just imagine this full of fabric in a sewing studio? Don't know about you but I could sure fill it up without a problem.

 

Don't be surprised if you don't see this French enameled table at the Patch in the near future. I just need to figure out where to put it. It kept whispering, take me home, take me home as I walked by.

This old store fixture was fabulous with its enameled labels. Love the mustardy color!

Just posting these photos makes me want to head back there soon. There are a half dozen other antique stores in the immediate area and a sandwich shop for when you need a quick pick me up. A girl has to keep up her strength when working so hard doesn't she?

Tell them Suzanne sent you and oh, don't forget your SD card!

Encourage one another,

 

My name is Suzanne and I iron sheets

Okay. I admit it. I iron my sheets (shocking, I know). Well, not really sheets, but sheet. Top sheet only... and pillowcases. It takes about twenty to thirty minutes and I find the whole process very relaxing and rewarding. So there!

I never used to iron sheets, but then I found this

and thought, hum wonder what it would do to my sheets? Oh. My. Gosh. If you've never slipped your tired body into a bed of freshly starched sheets with just that hint of lavender you haven't lived. It's just that simple. Heavenly.

When I sell a bottle of Best Press to someone for the first time I always feel like I need to give a disclaimer. Caution: Using Best Press can be addicting and may cause an unexplainable urge to iron linen.

Raise your hand if you use Best Press. I know I can't be the only one who's addicted because they make this!

Encourage one another,

Monday was one of those rare January days when I got an extra day off AND warm sunshine.

In my quest to savor unplugged moments, I ditched boxing up Christmas and ironing sheets for a long walk on the beach.

Good call.

What a perfect way to start the new year.

(Found sea glass too. Yeah baby)! 

It just doesn't get any better than that!

Encourage one another,