Notes from the Patch

This is Barcelona

Just as we were planning our trip to Barcelona I stumbled upon this post and immediately fell head over heals in love with Barcelona's romantic charm. (After all, who can resist a city with lace appliques on its walls)? We followed one of Sarah's recommendations and booked our four nights stay in one of the intimate 37 rooms of the Hotel Praktik Rambia.

This will be our first trip to Spain and although we've talked with friends who have been and have a long list of things to see, we really have no idea what awaits us there. For me, the adventure of travel is exploring new places and discovering the unknown. We look forward to letting the city reveal itself one layer at a time.

We board our flight for Barcelona in the morning. (We are both so excited I doubt we'll sleep a wink).

The adventure begins. First stop Barcelona, Spain. Are you ready?

Encourage one another,

PS: Don't forget to vote for your favorite FB photo for a chance to win our market goody bag.

 

I'm ready. Are you?

I finished the last of my Europe shopping over the weekend. Bill and I have just five nights at home before we leave for Spain on the 24th. I can honestly say I'm ready. But before we go we have a trip to Kansas to squeeze in. We leave for Quilt Market on Thursday!

Do you remember how at fall market I was going to tweet and post on Facebook all day during the show? Then about two hours in, I crashed and burned, discovering it was waaay too much to be making those important buying decisions while worrying about posting. 

Well, this time I've come up with a perfectly brilliant plan. I'm taking Kara along so she can do the tweets and Facebook posts while Annette and I concentrate on the ordering. Brilliant huh? So, if you are interested in seeing a candid, real time view of market be sure to follow me on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

There will be lots of celebrity sightings and who knows, we may even find David Butler and Ty Pennington there again! (You can bet we'll be looking for them) = ) You'll be the first to see Pam Kitty Morning's booth for Lakehouse and see her darling new line, Pam Kitty Love. We'll show you Moda's huge seemingly city block sized booth with all those fabulous quilts from Sweetwater, Bunny Hill, American Jane, MoMo, Fig Tree, French General, Bonnie and Camille and Basic Grey. You'll be the first to see new fabrics from Ann Kelle, Caleb Gray, Amy Schimler, Betz White, Darlene Zimmerman and others in the Robert Kaufman booth. We'll show you some of my favorite booths like Crabapple Hill, our friend Barri Sue from Bareroots, and I don't want to forget to introduce you to my friends and sales reps Norbert, Cheryl, Ellen, Maureen and others who all take such good care of me... and you seeing that we get our orders in on time and without a hitch.

This should be fun. It will be like having you all along as assistant buyers. So wear your most comfortable shoes, layer your outfits (that big convention center does get a bit drafty in spots), drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. You're gonna need it!

Encourage one another,

 

 

Who ya gonna call?

I think this is the first time in my life that I have packed two suitcases for two separate trips simultaneously - weeks ahead of time. Bill has always packed days and even weeks ahead of a trip and it annoys the heck out of me (I have no idea why). I've discovered that it takes a great deal of planning, concentration and shopping to pull this off. Normally I just throw a bunch of wardrobe options into a suitcase the morning of my trip and hope for the best but this time I'm determined to travel light, taking just the bare necessities. 

The reason for the two suitcases is for the two separate trips we're taking in the same week! (breathe) We get back from Quilt Market in Kansas late a week from Sunday night then leave for Europe the following Thursday. (Who approved this schedule? Oh, yeah, that would be me).

Anyway I wanted to show you the one essential item we're taking in our Europe suitcase for when we spend the night in those creepy 10th century castles.

I don't know how you all feel about ghosts, but for as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by the thought of them. I actually saw one during our stay in a moated chateau outside of Bordeaux a few years ago so I am hoping for a sighting or two on this trip too. This contraption is supposed to help warn you of their presence. I seriously doubt that it works but I think it should be fun during those pre dinner cocktail parties in our rooms and maybe after the lights are out late at night. = )

We are especially excited about our stay at Parador de Hondarribia near San Sabastian  in Spain.

It's a medieval fortress that is now a government owned hotel. Oh, and yes, some of the on line reviews mention ghost sightings!

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

It's Cinco de Mayo weekend and we're having a Fiesta!

I just cooked fifteen pounds of taco meat, grated eight pounds of cheese, made two gallons of salsa and

my

feet

are

killing

me! (not to mention my fingers are burning from the jalapenos and my kitchen is a mess)!

Before I head off to bed I wanted to remind those of you within driving distance to join us for The Heart of the Valley Shop Hop this weekend.

The store is ready

the margaritas are chill'n

and some lucky customer will win this

Now if you'll excuse me I need to get some rest because tomorrow we're going to

PARTY! 

Encourage one another,

Non stop fun

The countdown has begun. It's just a little more than a month until Bill and I fly away to our favorite spot on earth - Paris! This year we're throwing in Spain and Belgium for good measure. If it were up to me I'd be totally content with Paris, but the world is full of so many fascinating places we have never visited and as long as I have at least a few days in the city of love and light, I'm happy.

Before we go I have just a few things to tend to. Like our visit this weekend from Barri Sue from Bareroots and her fabulous workshop here on Saturday (we have a few spots still available if you'd like to come), the big Heart of the Valley Shop Hop on May 4, 5 & 6 and a quick trip to Kansas City for Quilt Market. Yikes. Just typing that last sentence gives me palpitations! Once we finally board the plane and fly away I have a hunch that I'll have absolutely no problem kicking back and relaxing.

This year our shop hop is over Cinco de Mayo weekend so of course we're planning a big fiesta! Every good party starts with a theme and this one was a no brainer for us. From our Mexican inspired quilt

 

to our goody bags

to our decorations

and refreshments.

The prizes are bigger and better this year. With just nine shops participating there is no excuse not to visit and party with each of the fabulous shops for a chance to win nearly $2500 in gift certificates and exciting gift baskets. We're even giving a prize to everyone who fills their passport by visiting each of the nine shops!

I wanted to show you these.

As I was sitting

and sewing all of these

paper doilies to string together for the big fiesta I got to thinking that they might make fun

place mats to coordinate with the kits for Barri Sue's workshop.

So we whipped up a few rectangular versions while we were at it. 

That's the cool part of creativity. You just let your imagination wander as it takes you to all kinds of fun unexpected new places.

Now if you'll excuse me I have a wardrobe to coordinate, goody bags to stuff and pinatas to hang.

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

On the road again

Bill and I are off to Vegas bright and early. We'll be attending the textile show there as well as squeezing in some time for gambling and dinners at a couple of our favorite restaurants. We're the only couple I know that really likes Las Vegas and we love having the excuse of work to go.

This is one of those quirky shows where I find all kinds of random things like bird cage veil from New York, feathers from I don't want to know where and unique trims and ribbons. I just never know what I'll find that I didn't know I needed. That's the coolest thing about this show - you know, besides the location.

I'm charging my camera as I type so hopefully I'll have some show and tell for you all tomorrow.

Wish us luck and some good shopping!

The Paris I Love - 1st & 2nd Arrondissement

Several of my friends are planning trips to Paris and have asked me for a list of my favorite spots. That's hard. How do you limit Paris to a short list? I have accumulated a huge stack of books, maps, business cards and brochures over the years and since we too are planning a trip early this summer I thought I would sort through it all and list some of my favorite spots here for easy reference for us all. My list consists mostly of restaurant's, quaint sewing, cooking and hand made shops and favorite places to buy bread, cheese, chocolate and other goodies for a picnic in the park, pre dinner cocktail parties or to enjoy on the train. Keep in mind that even in a city with a history as old as Paris, things can change. I have included websites whenever possible so you may want to check with the establishments before venturing out. But even if you're lost or the shop is gone you won't be disappointed. Paris hosts fabulous finds on every street. So put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab a map, buy a Metro ticket and let's go shopping!

I'll add a Paris catagory to the side bar and will be posting additional arrondissements as our trip nears, that way it will always be there for you if and when you get to go! Please feel free to share additional favorite spots in the 1st or 2nd arrondissement. I'm always looking for new places to explore. 

 

Paris is laid out in districts called arrondissements. Visitors and locals alike find them an easy way to find their way around so I am listing my favorite spots by arrondissements here. I've also listed the Metro stops.

 

 

Today's list is of my favorite spots in the 1st and 2nd Arrondissements:

 

E. Dehillerin - Metro: Les Halles - 18 rue Coquilliere. Open Monday-Saturday 9:00-6:00

This is the cooking supply store that Julia Child frequented and was mentioned in the movie, Julie and Julia. You can find cooking pots of every size,

 

dozens of sizes of tart pans and eiffel tower cookie cutters in this charming old warehouse of a store. The sales staff are helpful and friendly and speak good english.

 

Although Dehillerin is the best known, there are other kitchen shops to see in this area.

 

Just around the corner is:

Mora - Metro: Les Halles - 13-15 rue Montmartre. Open 9:00-6:15

Mora caters to professional bakers and pastry chefs and has been doing it since 1814. They stock all the accoutrement's for baking and the staff are especially helpful.

 

Also on this street is a wonderful luxury food shop...

 

Foie Gras de Luxe- Metro: Les Halles - 26 rue Montmartre. Open 6:00am-noon &1.30-5.30pm.

Since 1948 this is the place where chefs go to buy whole lobes of foie gras. A fun shop to visit.

Au Pied de Cochon- Metro: Les Halles - 6 rue Couquillier. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.

We always stop here for French onion soup and a glass of wine. It's just down the street from E. Dehillerin. They specialize in all things pork like pigs feet and tails, but we just stick to the soup.

Just around the corner from Au Pied de Couchon is

 

La Droguerie- Metro: Les Halles - 9-11 rue du Jour. Open Mon 2:30-6:45. Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-6:45

You may remember when I showed you LaDroguerie in this post (or tried too since they don't allow photographs in the store. I found this to be the case in many of the shops in Paris. It's always a good idea to ask first or do what I do and just snap a few photos really fast and act dumb when you get caught).

They have a good selection of wonderful yarns,

Liberty of London bias ribbon 

 

that they make interesting jewelry from and lots of kits, 

beads and embellishments.

I try and go here every time we go to Paris. The staff is friendly, speak english and I love the energy! There are lots of samples and inspiration. I know that there must be a La Droguerie in heaven!

Just a block up the street from La Droguerie is

Mokuba Ribbon - Metro: Les Halles - 18 rue Montmartre. Open Monday-Friday 9:30-6:30

 

In the thirty years I've been in this business I can honestly say I've never seen so many ribbons in one little store.

Mokuba can be a bit frustrating for me though since there is so much to see and no samples or inspiration. I find it best to shop with a list of what you need or just buy what speaks to you. The quality is top notch and the prices reflect that. 

They seem to sell mostly to the trade so take a business card or resale number for a 30% discount. It helps!

After all that shopping you're probably ready for a latte

Torrefacteur Verlet- Metro: Palais Royal - 256 rue Saint Honore. Open 9:30-7:00

This is a wonderful coffee place that brews the finest carefully selected coffees from around the world and offers coffee beans for sale in its boutique. You probably will want to sit and enjoy your coffee before moving on since the French consider it rude to drink and eat while walking about.

Across the street is

Astier de Villatte- Metro: Palais Royal - 173 Saint Honore . Open Monday Saturday11:00-7:30

Here you will find the most delicate hand made French white glazed, black terra cotta pottery based on 18th &19th century French and Italian designs. I splurge and treat myself to a piece or two every chance I get. This stuff speaks to my soul.

A breath of Paris preserves the soul.

Victor Hugo "Les Miserables", 1862 

 

 

Alexia Hollinger- Metro: Pyramides - 3 rue Therese. Open Tuesday-Friday noon-7:30

It's fun to get ideas as you shop unique one-of-a-kind handmade handbags made from vintage textiles.

UltraMod- Metro: Quatre Septembre -2-3 rue de Choiseul. Open Monday-Friday 10:00-6:00 

 

 

 

This mercerie or sewing store has been in the business of selling buttons, silks, hats and fabric since 1890.

You can peruse trims from the 1940's and silks from the '30's. A must see for anyone who sews or loves unusual embellishments! 

Before heading back to the hotel stop at

Legrand Fille et Fils - Merto: Bourse - rue de la Banque

Take a bottle home

from this quintessential old Paris wine shop with its dark wood and well stocked shelves. Go through to the back to a glass enclosed courtyard and across to a shop filled with wine paraphernalia or have a bite to eat at the cafe.

Or grab a light bite to eat and a glass at

Le Rubis - Metro: Pyramides - 10 rue du Marche Sainte Honore.

This famous wine bar sports a unique zinc bar and specializes in Beaujolais. They serve light meals. It's a great place to make new friends and people watch.

That's it for day one. I hope you find it helpful!

Encourage one another,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super Weekend

Bill and I played hookie Friday and ran away to Ventura. I spent two of the last three days in my jammies. I think it was just what I needed.

Friday Kara kept texting me...sold a serger...sold a machine...just unpacked a pallet of gifts and some cute owl flannel. Nothing makes a momma happier than getting a day away and knowing her kids can take care of business!

Today I got dressed and headed south. No football for me. I was hitting the mall and I scored a couple of fun new things. Let me just say It was really great to see the stores sporting so many bright colors. They say bright colors are a predictor of stronger economic times ahead. If sewing machine sales and color are any indication I'd say things are definitely looking up!

I did a bit of valentine making while I was lounging about - I'll show you those on Tuesday.

Now it's off to bed. I have another busy week ahead and can't wait to get home so I can show you what's new!

Encourage one another,

 

 

Random Ramblings

Phew. I'm back. (deep breath).

I love being busy but these last few weeks have been a little much even for me. I've missed you!

Let's catch up a bit shall we?

:: Some of the fun gifts I found at the LA Gift Show last week have started to arrive. I'll show you some here later. I love having more room in our bigger store to do more displays...one of my favorite jobs.

:: Speaking of displays...I never showed you this...

...it's the flannel dress that Beverly made for us. Sadly it doesn't look like we're having a winter this year. Yesterday it was seventy five degrees in LA when I was there for the Craft and Hobby Show. Crazy!

:: Several of you have been asking how I'm doing drinking the Glowing Green Smoothie so now that I've been drinking it for just over three weeks I thought it was time for a progress report.

First let me say that I started it in early January because after months of poor eating habits I was feeling tired and sluggish. I was no longer enjoying foods that I used to love and I was just feeling a need for a dietary change and a total detox. I drink 25 to 30 ounces every morning and although weight loss was not my primary motivation for starting the program I have lost about five pounds.  What's really weird is drinking the smoothie has totally taken away all cravings for caffeine and sweets and I feel a definite surge of energy after I finish my morning drink. I was a daily triple latte drinker for years and haven't wanted coffee since starting the program. I can't say that I've noticed an improvement in my hair, nails or skin  and certainly haven't had anyone tell me I look better, but I do feel better. Much, much better!

You know it's strange, but when you start your day off by getting 100% of your dietary fiber and daily requirements of fruits and vegetables you just want to continue to eat right throughout the day. I've even thought about starting an exercise program again. Just a thought at this point but who knows!

Will I continue? You bet. I really enjoy drinking that nasty looking green juice and love the boost of energy and sense of well being it gives me.

Do me a favor, will you? If you have tried the Glowing Green Smoothie (and I've heard from many of you that have) would you take a moment to comment to this blog post so others can read about your experience? Whatever your experience, I think sharing can help encourage others.

:: Bill and I met with our travel agent today to book plane fares for Europe at the end of May. We've been saving our air miles for two years and are really looking forward to getting to go again. Somebody pinch me! I'm one lucky and excited girl!

:: I've been putting the finishing touches on a email newsletter where we'll be announcing some fun special events and classes coming up at Strawberry Patches. If you'd like to stay up to date with what we're doing go here and sign up for the newsletter.

:: So are you all doing something special for Super Bowl? I hope to be sewing. I got another one of my crazy ideas that I want to try. If it turns out you know I'll be a sharing.

Until then...

Encourage one another,

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,