gossip kowo

Spring 2012 Bridal Sneak Peek

2011-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Last week we headed to the annual National Bridal Market in Chicago to order bridal gowns for next season. We met with Robert Bullock Bride, Alyne Bridal & Aria and got a sneak peek at the new Spring 2012 collections. The gowns were gorgeous! Here is a tidbit of what we you'll see in the shop early next year. And stay tuned for more info on bridesmaid dresses!

A 'goodly New Hampshire doorway to come through', 'Chicken Wing Bake', and sunshine!

2011-10-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

Fall is a good time for projects. We are currently involved in a big one, that will remain a closely guarded secret for now.
I have been a passionate DIY restorer since the day I moved alone into my decrepit 18th century house 14 years ago. Time, trial and error, and a deep connection to my home taught me much. Other single ladies might have dreamed of George Clooney or Pierce Brosnan. My hero was Norm Abrams. I used to bolster my fear, uncertainty, and loneliness of those early days by making a fantasy list to Santa every Christmas, and tack it to the house by the door to my shop. It included lots of tools, and always brought smiles from my customers.

Looking around at all I have done, I am amazed, and can't quite figure out how. The other day I came across my old 'BEFORE' photos of the house, bought a small album and put them in it, to show to our guests at this year's Dinner with the Pilgrims, should they like to see what it once looked like.
I also ran across the pictures taken about 3 years ago this January, when in the bitter cold, Adam and I took a fit, and decided those hideous, later sidelight windows next to the front door had to come out, and that it was time to build the nail studded, diamond scribed batten door we had long wanted---never mind that we had never done any of this before.
I wanted to share these pictures with you. So beautiful is our door, that strangers have stopped to ooh and ahh over it, and the UPS man, mail lady, and neighbors have all made a point to tell us how "cool" and "fantastic" it is! We later made another one for the taproom entrance---the one that is most used.

Every little or large job I ever did on this old house was a learning experience and a labor of love. My hands will nevermore be pretty 'ladies hands', but I'll live with it. "I have made a connection with the flow of time..." reads the quote on my wall, in part---"Life's greatest joys come not on the fast track, but along a rugged road, slowly and simply..." The quote refers to the love of an old house, and the whole thing, written on a 'faux' parchment I painstakingly painted on the wall years ago, is featured in it's entirety in an earlier post.

The jobs that Adam and I have done on this house together have meant the most to me; it was difficult and a bit sad to work those years alone with no 'cheering section' to tell you what a great job you were doing, or pick you up when you were down and help you to keep on working.

3 years ago...

UGH! finally those gawdawful windows on the sides of the doors on our house went AWAY! Here Adam is patching the holes, attaching thick plywood sheathing. It was really cold, but we started early in the morning, removing the trim inside the house around the windows, pulling them out, and then cutting the wood and patching the openings. We had it completely buttoned up in only a few hours!

The door shown here was pine, fairly new, kinda cheesy, and here when I came. We put it out at the end of the driveway with a sign, 'FREE', and it went immediately.

We stapled up heavy tar paper. (We insulated with foam on the inside, before we patched the walls in the entry.)

We took a day trip to Vermont to see a man with his own one-man sawmill far up north, out in the country, who milled thick cedar boards. We had called him, and he had 6 long boards all ready for us. They are over an inch thick, white cedar, and weather beautifully. We put down tarps and started to build the door on the dining room floor...

The door is completely held together by thick battens of the same wood, on the inside. Here I had made an X with a chalk line, and then went on to make the diamond pattern, using the chalk line. Adam, using a straightedge and a gouge, hand carved all of the diagonal lines on the door front...

After all the lines were gouged by hand, I hammered in iron rosehead nails at every intersection, and turned the door over and 'clenched' them down on the inside... We determined where our beautiful iron pull would go, and attached it.


Adam holds the door up to check the fit... We attached the door-frame pair of the hinges first. We then positioned the door with the strap hinges on their pintels, and I (looking 3 times my normal size in this get-up), shimmed underneath the door to hold it in exactly the right position while I attached the heavy antique strap hinges to the door itself...

The two of us cut random sizes of new clapboards to patch around the door, where the windows were removed. We think it looks pretty darn good...

Here is our door today~Adam designed and made the wooden latch from photos of originals from the 17th and 18th centuries. Rope goes through the door to the inside, and we "raise the bar" for guests by pulling the rope from inside!

Our finished '18thc. tea arbor'~

~Stay tuned for our new projects~

(To see the rest of 'my old house', take the TOUR to period musick.)

Today we are seeing the sun for the first time in many days, and it's a cool, crisp classic New England fall day! Those who are long time readers will know that I normally only eat "healthy". Tonight calls for a comfort food treat, and one of Adam's favorite fall meals---'Chicken Wing Bake'.

I have had the wings marinating for a day, and I am slow baking it later for dinner~

CHICKEN WING BAKE~

4 lb. of chicken wings---the 2 sections. (Buy the large frozen bags of wings, or just the bags of the 'drummette' portions. We use the huge bags of the split wings. We make 2 big baking pans of the recipe, as they are great reheated!)

1c. soy sauce

1 stick of melted butter

1c. brown sugar

1 tsp. dry mustard

Place chicken wings in a large, deep bowl. Combine the rest of the ingredients, and pour over wings. Cover bowl. Let sit for a day, or overnight AT ROOM TEMP. (You can stir it a couple times if you think of it.)

Line 9X13 baking dishes with foil. Arrange wings in the pan(s), closely together, but not overlapping. Pour marinade over the chicken. (There should be enough for 2 pans. You DON'T want the chicken completely covered.)

Bake at 375 for 1 hour and 15 or 20 min., UNcovered.

Serve over hot rice with chopped parsley in it. (We use brown rice). Spoon sauce over the chicken and the rice.

These are SO yum! You eat them with fingers, so have napkins!

Paris Fashion Week Day 3

2011-10-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dress/Vestido: H&M, Shoes/Zapatos: Pennyblack, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, Sunglasses/Gafas: Vintage, Necklace/Collar: Friis & Company

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The third day in Paris was really special; I went to several shows like Tsumori Tsisato, Viktor & Rolf and Sonia Rykiel and I loved them all. You can check out more pictures and reviews on Harper's Bazaar's online magazine.

At night I went to a special event that took place at the newest "In" club in Paris named "Silencio". Great moments in a great city.

I was wearing a white dress with my Pennyblack boots and jewlery from Friis & Company.

Inspired by . . .

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Gown by Alyne Bridal by Rivini

Fabric: Silk Organza

Color: Ivory/Black

Paris Fashion Week Day 2

2011-10-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Sabrina & Yara

Top/Camiseta: Marc By Marc Jacobs, Pants/Pantalones: H&M, Leather Vest/Chaleco de Piel: H&M, Wedges/Zapatos: Steve Madden, Sunglasses/Gafas: Emporio Armani, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga

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As usual Paris Fashion Week is more than stressing and I never find the time to publish! I attended a lot of the most important shows and I'm really happy to have had such an amazing experience once again.

I went to the Isabel Marant show and it was more than great! Amazing designs based on colorful dresses, sexy prints, Tie-Dyes and oversized sweaters perfect for summer adventures!

This collection seems to have everything that a young sexy girl needs for the next season.

At night I attented the L'officiel party which was a blast.

xoxo

♥

Soggy Saturday and 'sundogs'~

2011-10-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were up at the crack of dawn to lay flagstones for a floor under the arbor we built a couple months ago. The forecast was for rain, and we had to dig out a lot of dirt and then fill in around the stones with it, so we wanted to finish the project before the rain came.

Here are a few 'in progress' photos. We finished at noon, just as it started to really pour. We had swept 3 layers of dirt over the rocks, tamping each layer down on hands and knees with our fingers, and the rain actually helped 'set' the stones. I don't have a final, cleaned up 'after' shot, as I am waiting for a sunny day---today its raining buckets as well, as it has been all night.

I'll soon post pictures of the completed arbor!

On this miserable wet day, I am already picturing Adam and me in 18thc. finery, sitting on twig stools at a small table having afternoon tea in the new arbor! We may yet have a lovely, Indian summer day yet to do just that...

I made another concord grape pie, which tastes amazingly wonderful, especially because the season for the grapes is so short.

The other day it was warm and sunny, and I walked into the living room to see my yorkies curled up on a pillow in a patch of sunlight. I couldn't resist a spur of the moment photo op. It looks like Sasha in licking her chops, hoping for some pie!

Come step back in time in my old house~

2011-09-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight we have just added over 30 new photos of the inside of our 18thc. home to the TOUR page of our website, and several items for sale to the OFFERINGS page. I hope you'll take some time to visit, listen to the period musick, and take the tour!

You can click on the photo below to visit our website~

Paris Fashion Week Day 1

2011-09-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Leather Pants/Pantalón: H&M, Bag/Bolso: Chanel, Shirt/Camisa: Zara, Shoes/Zapatos:Mango, Sunglasses/Gafas: Chanel

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Yesterday I arrived in Paris and went straight away to the Balmain show! Needless to say how much I liked this collection. Rock designs, gold and silver, leather and denim and beautiful dresses with amazing details. I wasn't surprised though because Balmain is always a dream while you are alive.

After that I went to the Barbara Bui show! This collection was more comercial and dynamic. I loved the dresses and the fringe on skirts and outwears.

I was wearing black leather pants, pointed shoes and a silk white shirt.

At night we went to the Castelbajac party and then to my favorite bar in Paris "Le Baron".

I had a blast. I'm can't be more happy!

Real Wedding

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Bride: Amy Melichar

The Bridesmaid Dresses: Right Bank Dress by Siri in Navy Silk Shantung

Photos by: Chasing Lilies

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Bridal Gown

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Finding your perfect wedding dress is a once and a lifetime experience for every bride-to-be. No other time in life do you put so much emphasis on a single item of clothing, so we thought we would provide our brides with a few guidelines to help them prepare for that big shopping day!

#9 It's Okay to Love the First Dress!
Not only is it okay, but 85% of brides end up buying the very first dress they try on! Finding your perfect dress is a lot like falling in love, once you know it is right, you just know, so trust your instinct.

Many brides feel as though a bridal shopping experience means they must shop far and wide for that perfect dress, but as a bridal consultant I can personally tell you how many brides we get that come back to that first dress they try on .So to save yourself the waiting and the hassle, get the dress right away!! After all, you have many more decisions to make for your wedding day. Finding your dress right away makes all those other details so much easier.

So trust your instincts and say yes to the dress right away. If your order on your first appointment at Miss Ruby Boutique you can save $50-100 your bridal order!

In Borne

2011-09-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Shoes/Zapatos: Topshop, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, Shorts/Pantalon Corto: H&M, Top/Camiseta: Zara, Shirt/Camisa: H&M, Bracelets and Ring/Pulseras y Anillo: Friis & Company

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Barcelona is a magical place; everybody (including myself) gets the city vibe, walks on the streets, and admires the beautiful views! I like to walk around, it relaxes and refreshes me a lot.

Autumn arrived but the temperatures are still high which is great because I'm still dressing up with my favorite summer clothes!

Tomorrow I'm flying to Paris where I guess I'm gonna wear light clothes as the temperatures are high which is weird for this time of year.

I like it :)

Just in . . .

2011-09-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Alyne Hailey Gown
I have to warn you these pictures don't even come close to doing this dress justice. It is an AMAZING gown! The strapless chantilly lace gown is accented with handmade silk organza details handsewn throughout the gown. You'll also find pearls and beads scattered delicately throughout. The silk organza sash at the waist adds that extra feminine touch!

Time traveling to the 17th century~

2011-09-28T07:16:00.000-07:00


'17thc. nooning'~We brought our own period style lunch, proper accoutrements, such as wood trenchers and redware mugs, 17thc. spoons, but no forks---(they were not in common use)---and even antique chairs from our own home to have a 1600's picnic! The menu: cold roasted chicken, 'cheate' bread, fresh seasonal fruits and 'divers cheeses', as well as 'ciderkin' in our large bellermine jug...

Adam and I truly do live history, and on my blog, I try my best to bring it to life for you. We have furnished our 18thc. home with 17thc. antiques, and love that look and period the best. Our dear friend Penny is coming to visit us soon, and I am reminded of September 2010 when she was last here, and we took her to '17th century Saturday' in Massachusetts. We visited several places, including one of our favorites, the c. 1640 Saugus iron works. I had been there but she and Adam had not, and we had a wonderful time, dressed in period clothing, looking over every detail of the ironmaster's house and the excavated and re-created forge. We had a photo gallery up on our website for a time, but if you missed it, I thought I would share some of our favorite photos of the day.

This time, while Penny is here, she would like to visit Strawbery Banke and the Rufus Porter Museum, among some other places, so we'll be seeing those sites. We'll have dinner one night at the cute restaurant in the old train station in our town, and I am making a hearth meal for us, here at our home one night as well.

Notice the 17thc. portrait on the wall. Adam is currently in the process of painting a lovely portrait of a 17thc. lady for over the fireplace in our bedroom! Watch our website TOUR page for photos of it soon. We will be shortly be taking orders for paintings similar to mine, each to be meticulously done by Adam, on the OFFERINGS page of our website~

Adam and me in Ipswich

At the Ironmaster's house, Saugus

Saugus ironworks is beautifully restored

We have a wainscot chair very similar to this one. I LOVE this 'master salt'!

Me, at Saugus ironworks, Sept. 2010

Adam and me in front of the house...

Just in . . .

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Alyne Tiffany Gown
Ooh la la...the Tiffany has arrived! The cascading layers of folded bias silk organza bands flow into a gorgeous modified fit and flare skirt on this modern bridal gown. The gown also features a black, removable sash accenting the waistline.

The love of an old house unites friends miles and centuries apart~

2011-09-26T15:50:00.000-07:00


Richard's beautiful nieces, ready to welcome guests to his home at Applefest!

I lived my whole life in the midwest---Illinois to be exact, until I came here 14 years ago. I only wish that when I still lived there, and when I was trekking to St. Louis to do antique shows, that I could have met my new blogger friend, Richard. Richard lives with his beloved canine companion Sissy, in the most exquisite victorian home you could ever hope to see.
It is tremendously entertaining to 'visit' him at his blog, My Old Historic House, and I can only imagine what a treat it would be to tour it in person, and really meet the delightful Richard, and adorable Sissy!

Our own 'yorkie girls' are our babies, and Sissy adores her daddy!
("Gee dad, this chair ain't too bad either!")

Richard, is Richard Cottrell, of Clarksville, Missouri, a tiny town about 70 miles from St. Louis, and 50 miles from beautiful and historic Hannibal, on highway 79, right on the banks of the Mississippi river. Richard lives in a charming victorian mansion, certainly fit for the queen herself, and has a shop, Richard's Great Stuff', just down the road as well.
Richard restored this magnificent home, and it was featured in this past June's issue of Victorian Homes Magazine. Last year, he won the Governor's award for the restoration. I say 'restoration', but in all honesty, it is so much more than that. One peek, and you can see that this is a long-time labor of love by a gentleman with incredible taste and dedication. Richard's home is not only beautiful, it is a remarkable homage to a gracious bygone era, and an embodiment of his warmth and personality. The house was built in 1845, with an addition in 1860. It is on the national and state historic registers.

Every room in Richard's house is breathtaking~

My friend Richard is as warm and down-home as they come. Clarksville is having their 33rd Applefest on October 8th and 9th, a much anticipated event in town. He is again opening his home to all for tours. The old apple shed is now the home of the Pike County Mo. Arts Council, and the site of the craft show and art show that weekend. There are food vendors, and many cute shops to see. In my opinion though, the highlight of the weekend must surely be the costumed tours of Richard's home. His adorable nieces dress in antebellum gowns, and his friend Dean comes and plays the grand piano during all tours!

If you live anywhere near Clarksville Missouri, Richard's home and shop are a "must see"!

I hope that any of my blog friends out there who live close to Clarksville will plan to stop in at the Applefest celebration, and take the tour of Richard's house----I know I wish I could be there!

We two are separated by a century and more in our home's eras and styles---I live in a small, simple 18thc. house in New England, furnished with pieces more than 300 years old, while Richard's heart is in the formal victorian era. I cannot help but marvel at his home. He has captured the essence of the time that is so dear to him, and done it to perfection, and I am in awe of his innate flair and talent.

Richard lives at 209 S. First St., and the tours are $5.00, and a bargain at that.
His shop is at 101 N. First St.

Richard's house...

While Adam and I embrace the 17th and 18th centuries, it is so nice for me, a midwestern girl, to once again revisit my own roots, and share the mutual love for our respective old homes with a kindred spirit miles away, and in another time.

A Day In Milan

2011-09-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Ballerinas/Bailarinas: Pretty Ballerinas, Jumpsuit/Mono: H&M, Kimono: Zara, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, Sunglasses/Gafas: Emporio Armani

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I love Milan especially when it's sunny! When it comes to shopping it's a paradise of stores and beautiful windows. I adore spending time at Via Montenapoleone and having coffee at my favorite place: "Armani Café".

I'm wearing my black jumpsuit again and it seems to be my favorite garment lately.

I combined it with my Pretty Ballerinas that you can find on Stylisim.

xoxo

♥

Me encanta Milan, especialmente cuando hace buen tiempo! Me gusta pasear por las tiendas en la Via Montenapoleone y hacer un poco de shopping.

Ultimamente me gusta ir plana porque con los tacones acabo muy cansada.

Mi look es bastante sencillo; llevo el mono negro, que es una de mis prendas favoritas y ultimamente lo llevo mucho, con un kimono rojo y mis preciosas Pretty Ballerinas que podeis encontrar en Stylisim.

Espero que os guste.

Un beso

Helloo People

2011-09-25T05:09:00.001-07:00

Helloo People

Lace, Denim & Studs

2011-09-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Boots/Botas: Zara, Skirt/Falda: Forever 21, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, Belt/Cinturón: Zara, Shirt/Camisa: Zara, Bracelet/Pulsera: Tiffany & Co

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The weather was really weird today...it was rainy and cloudy but it wasn't cold. I don't like it lol. However I wore this beautiful skirt from Forever 21 and I had a walk around the city. I love these boots, the color is great but they are uncomfortable and they hurt my feet like hell. I combined the skirt with this denim shirt and a belt full of studs in order to make this look more stylish. What do you think?

xoxo

♥

Hoy el tiempo es un poco raro; ha llovido pero no hace tanto frio...no me gusta hehe. Hoy llevo una falda de Forever 21 combinada con estos botines de Zara que son bastante incómodos y una camisa denim. El cinturón de tachuelas creo que ha sido un detalle que hace el look más estiloso.

Espero que os guste.

Dress of the week

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Jim Hjelm 5164
The 5164 bridesmaid dress from Jim Hjelm Occasions features a draped bodice and a one shoulder neckline with flower detail. It is fitted through the natural waist and has an adorable tulip skirt. The newly introduced mikado fabric is a great structured fabric perfect for those wanting to hide anything at all. Plus it is available in a selection of gorgeous colors! This one is stunning!

A Program in Maine tomorrow, and the sacque back gown revisited~

2011-09-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

We'll be heading over to Scarborough Maine tomorrow for the program we are presenting for an old Maine historical family reunion. We are guests at the luncheon first, and then it's showtime for Adam, who was terrified of public speaking when first we met, and now does the most wonderful program. He is never boring, and weaves a tale without being boring or tedious. He is knowledgeable, witty and affable, and everyone has so enjoyed him. For this day, I am merely window dressing on stage, and am wearing not 'frontier wear', but high style 18thc. in the form of my much loved sacque back gown! It was decided that the ladies would greatly enjoy seeing this, as the display of moccasins and muskets will mostly appeal to "the guys"!

I am making a Yankee Pot Roast in the crock pot tomorrow while we are gone, so that a nice dinner is waiting for us when we come home tired late in the day, and have to put all those costumes, and the gear away~

Mary's Yankee Pot Roast

Boneless lean chuck roast, cut into cubes

2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

1/4 c. of steak sauce

1 envelope dry onion soup mix

peeled carrots, cut into large chunks

1 vidalia onion peeled and cut into large chunks

3 potatoes peeled and cut into pieces

fresh thyme from the herb garden!


Put everything in a crock pot and cook all day~

Something I am going to make soon for Adam...homemade pineapple upside-down cake! My grandma made it, and I make mine in an old cast iron skillet...One of those old-time, just delicious recipes!

I thought this was a good opportunity to again share a few of my favorite photos of this very special gown with you. I have been at Colonial balls with fine ladies in highly embellished gowns, but my silk sacque is so elegant in it's simplicity and not-overdone design, that it was unofficially voted the "best gown here!" at the last ball by the spectators, and members of the reenacting group hosting the event!

I am waiting for my 18thc. pet en l'air jacket to be finished, and am really excited to debut '18thc. fashion photos' of me wearing the whole ensemble in an upcoming post.

Here in the meantime are some of me in the sacque back gown, which I wear with many different accessories at different times, to change the look for specific occasions~

This is how I plan to accessorize for tomorrow~The choker I made of lace and pearls and bits of scraps from the gown, a Spanish lace mantilla neckerchief held in front with a floral nosegay I also made. I am wearing the lace apron, and doing my own hair in a high, 18thc. style with tendrils in back, and topped with a lace 'pinner cap' and the decorated straw hat I made myself...

I will bring this painted period style fan, and wear my gorgeous cream pearl leather shoes, but I will not need the parasol, as this is an indoor event.

My silk french-embroidered garters, with cream silk 'clocked' stockings, of course!


I love the shoes and antique buckles....


The hat I made for day wear with my gown...

This gown is a lovely bluegreen and gold color, but looks different in this low light..

One of the most arresting things about a sacque gown is the back view...

This picture shows the beautiful color of the gown, and some wonderful 18thc. detail...

My sacque back gown is of a period correct 100% silk damask in a lovely soft bluegreen color with gold. It looks different colors in some pictures because of the lighting.

For a ball, I wear a wig, long gloves and dyed-to-match ostrich feathers in my hair, as well as some 'hair jewels'! I'll post in future showing this gown with some new, elegant accessories!

Madison Avenue

2011-09-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Jumpsuit/Mono: H&M, Shoes/Zapatos: Dr. Martens, Blazer/Americana: H&M, Necklace/Collar: Friis & Company, Bracelet/Pulsera: Friis & Company, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga

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A new chapter has started for me and I have a lot to give and even more to learn. I started a new job as a Product Manager for Uterqüe (Inditex) and I'm really happy so I wanted to share it with you - my favorite people. Uterqüe is a high quality clothing and accessory brand with amazing sense of elegance and beautiful designs. It has always been one of my favorites. This week I'm going to Coruña (Galicia) and I'll have the opportunity to work with the Zara team for a couple of days. I can't wait to be a part of this big project! On Thursday I'm flying to Paris for the Fashion Week so guys stay tuned for more fashion adventures!

xoxo

♥

Off to market we go

2011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are heading to the annual bridal market this weekend to select our styles for next spring! That means we get to shop till we drop for new bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, mother dresses, accessories, etc. etc.! We'd love to have your help. If there is something you'd love to see us offer or something specific you are looking for let us know. Now is your chance to be the buyer! Email us at info@missrubyboutique.com or comment below with your requests.

Inspired by . . .

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Dress: Watters & Watters 9558

Fabric: Crinkle Chiffon

Color: Flora

New In

2011-09-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Shoes/Zapatos: D&G, Perfum/Perfume: Christian Dior J'adore, Shirt/Camisa: D&G

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xoxo

♥

10 Things to Know Before Buying a Bridal Gown

2011-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

I can guarantee that you will be asked about your budget at every bridal shop you enter, so it will be most beneficial for you that you have a ballpark number to work with.

The worst thing a bride can do is try a dress on that costs three times more than her budget! Of course, you fall in love! Like anything in life, the more money you spend, the more bells and whistles you will get. Unfortunately after this moment, nothing you try on in your actual budget will live up to this hype, even though you may have amazing options.

So to spare yourself the unnecessary disappointment, be realistic with your budget and do not try on anything over your budget UNLESS you have a little wiggle room. By sticking to what works within your budget, you are guaranteed to be happy with your dress and your bridal shopping experience.

Huzzah to a life not at all ordinary~happy anniversary to me!

2011-09-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

I will post hair-raising 'BEFORE' photos of my house in future.
To take a tour of my now-restored home, please visit

THE COUNTRY LADY ANTIQUES TOUR PAGE

As the anniversary of the day 14 years ago that I signed the papers and moved into my little 18thc. house approaches, I can't help but look back and remember moments here and there, as well as reflect on my love of old houses, this house, and the old things I have collected over many years, and offer some observations, reflections, and perhaps advice.
I had wanted to and dreamed of living in an old house in New England for 20 years before I actually moved here, keeping photos of houses cut from the pages of Country Living and the like, plastered to my refrigerator in my little 1920's tudor home in Crystal Lake Illinois for all that time.
For all those years, all I wanted was to move to New England, a place I had not yet seen but always felt that I belonged. I learned first and foremost that sometimes you cannot make things happen in life. Some things happen for a reason, when the time is right, in their own time and season...

The first night in my new home, I remember making homemade cheddar cheese soup and toasting to my new life with a tiny bottle of wine I bought at Hog Back mountain in Vermont, on the long drive here. My furniture would not arrive for days yet, and that first chilly night I lit a small fire in the living room fireplace, bundled blankets and pillows I had brought in the old van onto the hard old pine floor close to the hearth, and slept curled up with my dog, Phoebe.
All three of the ancient fireplaces were condemned, and soon I would begin the arduous job of chipping out 4000 bricks by hand so that they could be reconstructed, and glow with light and warmth again.
The house was a mess, and this was just one of the thousands of back breaking tasks I would do over many years alone, to restore the old cape, to the best of my ability, back to it's 18thc. beginnings.

Today seems a good day for these reminiscences---it is grey and chill and raining out and I love it. Inside, it is warm and cozy now, a far cry from those first days and weeks here alone in my new old house in New Hampshire. Today, the original surfaces of ancient tables and chairs glow in the warm low lighting, and the candles I have lit. The mellow colors of the oriental rugs on tables, and old textiles hanging here and there seem just right in their surroundings. The soft dull glow of old iron and pewter shine from their places on hearth and shelf.
This is a small house. Not an inch is wasted. We live here, in every room, and use everything. The old layout is tried and true; I have had over 20 guests here for parties, and it has held everyone admirably, seeming to expand to accommodate all friends...the gracious charm of an old cape...
Never would I want a modern 'big' house with a huge kitchen, family room, and three baths.

I was alone here many years. I had an open antique shop in the little 'el' off the kitchen for almost 10 years, also doing antique shows, painting murals, and doing my own wall-aging process for clients, serving paid historical meals in my home, as well as presenting historical programs to support myself, and my dog. It was a hard life of work 7 days a week for in addition to that, I alone had to re-hab as well as maintain the house and property.

I love antiques, and have since I was a young teenager, just fascinated with the diverse old things my grandpa had stashed in the basement of their home in Chicago, and at 2 farms he owned in Wisconsin. (My grandmother had no love for his Maxwell street 'junk'). I started to deal in antiques in the early 90's starting the business with no money---only things I took out of my own house, and then going to flea markets at 4 AM, with a flashlight in rain or shine...
When tragic circumstances left me a widow of 'straightened circumstances', I decided that since I really had nothing to lose, I would pursue the lifelong dream I had of moving to a "house as old as Dick's hatband" in New England.
For many years, the best antiques I found had to go to other people. I had to survive, and I could do nothing but watch my friends and fellow antique dealers fill their own homes with pricey treasures of times gone by. I observed that for some, their collecting was more of a competition---she who dies with the most, the most prestigious, and the most expensive stuff, wins!
Some others needed to have 'more and better' than friends and acquaintances, and an aura of superiority and smugness surrounded them---their houses must be older and bigger, their antiques seeming more signs of their financial capabilities than objects of love and affection.

My house holds a place in my heart that some do not, and never will understand. I do not need or want the big 'status' house.
My house was my salvation and my teacher, my comfort and my stability---my nest, when my world fell apart. Alone, I picked up the pieces of a shattered life and built a new one---one small step at a time over years, fashioning a 'coat of many colors', beautiful, mellow, and welcoming.

I know some people who have 'decorated' their homes with antiques for show, and live in their basements, or in one 'modern' room! That will never be my philosophy or my life. I have even been looked down on for having a sofa----"they didn't have them then", (well, uh, yeah, they did).
I feel proud of the period home I have created over many years. Every antique I have collected meant a sacrifice, and none were impulse buys to fill up a space or to create a "look". Ah, the dreaded "look"---
sadly, the majority of homes I see with 'country antiques' all have the same "look", and you can't tell one house from another. This is my only life. I want to fill this home to brimming with memories and friends, with my stories and with love, and some serendipitous and meaningful things that tell tales of past times too.

I wanted my little cape to be a refuge not only for me, but a warm, welcoming, comfortable place for dear friends as well. I look back fondly on friends dressed in 18thc. finery, raising an elbow with a mug of homemade rum shrub in our taproom---'Spencer's Ordinary'---it's sign lovingly painted by my husband on ancient wood, as a gift to me.
I know one person who measures with a ruler on the floor to make sure her antique tables and chairs are in the exact spot at all times. I once mentioned that guests must love having dinner in her 250 year old dining room, with it's old wood and lovely antiques. She looked at me aghast, and said they never had company! She didn't want anything "messed up".

I prefer my home to be uncluttered, and simple. I do not have 'collections'. I have bought the things that have found me, rather than the other way around. I taught a class on antiques in a community college once. My best advice was save up and buy the best you can afford, even it it is only one piece in a year. Buy what you love, and don't buy to fill up a bare spot in your home or to compete with anyone, or to create a "look"!
I may not have much compared to many dealers or collectors out there, but that was never my focus or my goal. The things I have represent a lifetime of sacrifice. Everything I have came my way, and has a story to tell. I am proud that I had to look for, and that I found bargains, rather than just gone out and written a check for anything I thought would fit into the "look", or was considered by some to be the prevailing "must have" fad antique of the moment---scads of 'treen', stone fruit, etc.

It is very nice on the rainy day, to sit here in my snug house, with over 225 years of stories hidden within it's walls---some shared with me, and some still waiting to be told, and to look at the little album of 'before' photos that I have, and remember...
Yes, this was and is the "big adventure of my life". It had meaning and purpose. I remember new friends, and the kindness of strangers along the way. I remember Adam coming to that Christmas Open House, and then coming again the next year because he was so drawn to the warmth and ambiance of this house, and yes, to "that lady smiling and dancing in costume in her dining room, showing old dance steps to the guests"!

This house has meant so many things to me and has healed me, and so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!
I celebrate 14 years here in the old cape that taught me patience and perseverance; that brought me love, and friendship, and riches beyond anything monetary or tangible.

Rock-Chic

2011-09-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Shoes/Zapatos: Mango, Top/Camiseta: Mango, Pants/Pantalones: Mango, Leather Jacket/Chaqueta de Piel: Mango, Clutch: Mango

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

I'm so happy I got this red jacket from Mango! It reminds me of that Joseph red jacket we all loved. The quality is amazing and when I saw it at the store I fell in love with it. I put together a rock-chic look with plain black pants and pointed black shoes. Simple rock 'n roll look. Vote for it on Lookbook.nu!

xoxo

♥

Estoy super contenta con la nueva chaqueta de piel de color rojo que encontré en Mango. Me recuerda la que ha sacado Joseph. La calidad es increible!!! La he combinado con unos pantalones negros y tacones de salon negros. Simple y rock 'n roll. Por favor si quereis votad mi look en Lookbook.nu!

Photography: Albert y Marta Mullor

A beautiful and fleeting season, and a special anniversary~

2011-09-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

(Click on photo~)

We have just put up a fall gallery of photos taken at or near our home, on the HOME page of our website. Click on the above picture.

This week, September 22nd, is the 14th anniversary of the day I came alone from the midwest where I had always lived, and moved into the 18thc. cape I had just purchased. The house was a run-down mess, and I had little resources. (You can read more about my story in past posts.) I celebrate those years, the "big adventure of my life", every day. Now I have Adam, and we still live in the "little brown cape", and make it ever better, and ever more full of life and love.

We share it with our friends, and at our events, with strangers who become friends!

(Click on photo~)

We had a wonderful day and evening on Saturday with our friends, and I will post about that later. Today, I have my first boxes of concord grapes, and am making my first grape pie of the short season!

This is just one of fall's many unique enjoyments here. I'll share more with you soon.

White Lace

2011-09-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Shoes/Zapatos: Jeffrey Campbell, Dress/Vestido: The Wardrobe, Bag/Bolso: Zara, Belt/Cinturón: Friis & Company

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

I love lace; and I do because it's feminine, romantic and timeless! I usually use black lace garments but this time I wore a cream colored dress which I got from "The Wardrobe" summer collection. This look was published on Elle Girl Japan!

xoxo

♥

Me encanta el encaje; creo que es femenino, romantico y conteporáneo! Normalmente lo llevo en color negro pero esta vez llevo un vestido de color crema de la colección de verano 2011 de "The Wardrobe". Este look se ha publicado en Elle Girl Japan!

Day Time

2011-09-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

Sandals/Sandalias: Zara, Shorts/Pantalones Cortos: H&M, Top/Camiseta: H&M, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, Sunglasses/Gafas: Uterqüe, Ring/Anillo: YSL

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

Yesterday I bought a new lens for my Nikon and I can't wait to take tons of pictures!!! I'm going to Paris Fashion Week in less than two weeks so I will try to take cool shots ;)

My look today is very simple and comfy; ideal for the day time. I'm wearing a pair of flat gold sandals combined with shorts from H&M and a top which is a bit transparent. The round sunglasses are from Uterqüe and I bought them last year.

xoxo

♥

Ayer compré un nuevo objetivo para mi Nikon y estoy muy contenta! En menos de dos semanas me voy a Paris Fashion Week y os prometo que voy a sacar un montón de fotos ;)

Mi look hoy es bastante sencillo y cómodo; ideal para llevarlo durante el día! Llevo unas sandalias doradas combinadas con pantalones cortos de H&M y una camiseta que transparenta un poco. Las gafas son de Uterqüe.

Santa Eulalia Event

2011-09-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Pol Valero, Me, Claudia Albons and Aida Domenech

First Look: Dress/Vestido: Zara, Clutch: Christian Dior, Belt/Cinturón: Zara, Shoes/Zapatos: D&G, Ring/Anillo: Friis & Company

Second Look: Jumpsuit/Mono: H&M, Kimono: Zara, Bag/Bolso: Chanel, Shoes/Zapatos: Steve Madden, Bracelet/Pulsera: Tiffany & Co

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

Santa Eulalia invited us to a very special event and I had the opportunity to see the new collection. All the peaces they selected for this season are very elegant and the quality is impeccable. I prepared a look which is going to be in the store for a month, so if any of you live or are visiting Barcelona have a look in the store!
The outfit is fresh, rock, juvenile, comfortable, chic and perfect for during the day. As you all know I love leather so when I saw this amazing biker jacket from Derek Lam, I fell in love. It's simple yet so different and I love the color of the sleeves.
The rest of the garments are plain. The pants are tight and basic and the top is short sleeve, black and a bit transparent from Proenza Schouler.
The shoes are one of my favorite peaces for this season and they are Tom Ford. The bag is a leopard treasure from Celine.
We had the opportunity to share our ideas about style, and present our outfits explaining to the Santa Eulalia's clients why they identify us. It was very nice meeting new people.
I hope you like the pictures!

xoxo

♥

Santa Eulalia nos ha invitado a un evento de bloggers muy especial que se realizó en la tienda de Paseo de Gracia. Me enamoré de las piezas de la nueva colección y todo me pareció muy elegante y chic como siempre.

Cada uno de los que participábamos tenia que preparar un look de la nueva colección de Otoño/Invierno 2011-2012 y estará expuesto en la tienda durante un mes. Los que viven en Barcelona poden visitar la tienda y ver la selección que hice para esta temporada.

Mi conjunto es muy juvenil, chic, rockero, cómodo, chic y perfecto para cada día. Yo lo llevaría para ir a un desfile de Paris Fashion Week o un evento casual.

Como me encanta la piel, he elegido esta chaqueta de cuero y lo que más me gusta son las mangas de color mostaza. Es de Derek Lam y me parece ideal!

El resto de las prendas son bastante sencillas; la camiseta transparente es de Proenza Schouler combinada con unos pantalones "skinny" y unos zapatos preciosos de la nueva colección de Tom Ford. El bolso leopardo es uno de los clásicos de Céline.

Tuve la oportunidad de conocer a las mejores clientas que por cierto eran chicas muy estilosas y jovenes.

Me lo pasé muy bien y espero repetirlo pronto!

A day trip with friends, and 2 embroidered treasures from Plimoth Plantation~

2011-09-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

My coif

Our sweet friends Diane and Erin love to come up from Massachusetts and see us . The are spending the whole day with us tomorrow. I think they are as entranced as we are with where we live, which is vastly different from the mostly fast-paced, sometimes crowded and often expensive life there.
The green, the subtle wildness here, as well as the country roads, miles of stone walls, and interesting places are tucked into a landscape that seems ancient as well as timeless. When they were here last, we made plans for them to come back for a weekend in September, and we'd spend a day taking them to just a few of some of our many favorite places.

I was up very early this morning making a big pot of 'Cowboy Spaghetti', and now the house is filled with the aroma of fried maple bacon and beer, with undertones of garlic, tomato sauce, beef, and onions. My mouth is watering.
We plan to head over to a favorite apple orchard and barn farm stand a 1700's farm in Maine, not far from us, as soon as they arrive tomorrow morning. It is a delightful and charming place, and they can get pumpkins, produce, and all manner of farm-goodies. We'll stock up on some Maine potatoes and our favorite Spencer apples!
It's off to a small local town near the orchard to wander through a few antique shops for a bit before heading down Rt. 160 to the unassuming and utterly divine 'Rt. 160 Dairy Bar' for a lunch of hot dogs with your choice of chili, cheese, and many other yummy things that set Adam's heart racing! Dessert will of course be a cone or sundae with their fantastic ice cream in the best flavors ever---(I like the Almond Joy, and Caramel Cashew!)

Heading back over the New Hampshire line, we plan to spend the afternoon driving and walking through a little hamlet near our home, frozen in time. We think they will love to see all the old homes, the old graveyards, the 1770 town pound, and much more. (*See my posts about our picnic there one Friday this summer.)

It is going to be a beautiful, cool, sunny day, but late in the day, the sun will sink low, and the chill of evening will creep in. We'll head back to our house for an early fall supper of the warm and comforting Cowboy Spaghetti and fresh baked garlic bread. I also plan a salad of baby romaine, sliced pears, toasted almonds, gorgonzola cheese, with a pear-gorgonzola vinagrette.
Later this evening, I am baking a pie crust, and making a homemade dark chocolate pudding for the best chocolate cream pie ever, for our dessert tomorrow. I long ago adapted a recipe with a few of my own 'tweaks', and to call this pie heavenly is an understatement. I will put it all together, and top it with real cream whipped with a bit of honey tomorrow morning.

Recently I re-read an article, with photos, of the incredible 17thc. embroidered jacket that was done by many skilled women all over the country as a project undertaken by Plimoth Plantation several years ago. I marveled at the incredible beauty and the years of painstaking work by many talented hands that had gone into creating it. Although I would never myself possess anything like it, I again smiled at my good fortune in having a coif done for the museum, and on display there for many years. (I have chronicled in older posts, about this coif. Someone at Plimoth said that I was the one who should have it!) I was able to acquire it over 6 years ago now, and when I first saw the jacket, I noted that many of the same stringently correct 17thc. designs and motifs in the embroidery were the same as those on my treasured coif. The metallic gold scrolls, the bees, butterflies, and yes, even whimsical snakes keeping company in rainbow colors on my coif were so similar to those on the breathtaking jacket.

I share photos of both here with you~

Though more 'sparkly' and elegant, this faithful copy of a ladies' 17thc. jacket has many of the same motifs and stitches as my Plimoth Plantation coif...

I am in awe of the ladies who made both this jacket, and my coif. Their dedication and skill is worthy of high praise indeed. I wear my coif on occasion for 17thc. events we do, and each time I do, wherever I go I am stopped by strangers, also marveling at it's beauty.

I love and collect antiques, but sometimes a great antique is something hand made and so beautiful from your own time, that one day will be owned and cherished by someone of another.

My own Plimoth treasure

Biggest sale of the year begins Friday!

2011-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Upcoming 17thc. hearth cooked 'Dinner with the Pilgrims' in our home~

2011-09-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

We have the same 'tyg' mugs, and square wooden trenchers as this 17thc. lady. Our guests will dine with pewter and redware plates, 17thc. spoons and a knife, redware mugs and Jamestown goblets, and these same wooden trenchers....but no forks! They were not used here by the pilgrims.

Last night we planned the menu together for our upcoming 'DINNER WITH THE PILGRIMS', here in our old home. A lot of thought went into choosing what we would be making, and it is going to be yummy!
We then designed our menu sheet, using a 17thc. font for they type, and actual, very charming black and white 17thc. woodcuts to embellish it. We print this out on parchment, roll each one and tie it with period style string, and place them on the pewter dinner plates of our guests. When they arrive and unroll their scrolls, it will the first time they will know what they will be eating. Until that night, this is a closely guarded secret! Our honored guests take this parchment menu home as a keepsake after the dinner.

Adam welcomes all lusty men, and bid them "leave your firelocks out of doors, and out of the weather, under ye porch, and come into the warm taproom for some of Goody Spencer's ciderkin..."

Yeoman and Goody Spencer welcome you...

We bid you come in, sit by the fire, and have a goodly cup of my homemade Raspberry Shrub, made with our own raspberries...

Each year we have tried to do one costumed, paid event for the public in our 18thc. home. We did our first 'DINNER WITH THE PILGRIMS' two years ago, and it was a huge success, and so much fun.
We are really looking forward to this years' dinner on November 5th. We still have a few reservations available, if anyone would like to be a part of an authentic 17thc. evening, and enjoy a period hearth dinner with us.

We are planning a shopping trip to Portsmouth soon, to BJ's, to purchase all the makings necessary for the period feast we have planned.

What you will NOT be having!...(click to play youtube video)

This whole series is hilarious, and I highly recommend you watch. (I was delighted to notice the table they were eating at was a dead ringer for mine!)

I thought you might enjoy seeing a few photos taken at our very first Pilgrim Dinner here in 2009~

Some of our very special guests...

Making ready the tables...

Homemade anadama bread...

'Ye divers dryed fruits'...

...Another table in all goodly readiness...Our guests sit on 350 year old chairs, at a table of the same era~

'Goody Spencer' stirs pompion (pumpkin) soup...


...and bastes a 'roasting loyne of pork' with apricot glaze~

Just some of our delightful guests!

Goody Spencer serves Anne and Maria...

Yeoman Spencer asks, "Can I offer you another dram of ciderkin or shrub, good sir?"

Steve enjoys a mug of the raspberry shrub in our taproom~

"The mete is done now, my good husband"...

After supper, there was much laughter and telling of jokes and bawdy stories, drinking songs, and toasts, and dancing by the hosts!

This year, we have a different menu planned, and have some suprises in store as well. We hope a few more of you may be able to join our feasting! Please email us forthwith, if you are interested in coming~ countryladyantiques@yahoo.com

Rock The Ballerinas

2011-09-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ballerinas/Bailarinas: Pretty Ballerinas, Leather Pants/Pantalones de Piel: H&M, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, T-Shirt/Camiseta: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sunglasses/Gafas de Sol: Ray Ban, Bracelet/Pulsera: Tiffany & Co, Black Bracelets/Pulseras Negras: Friis & Company

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

Hoy nace Stylisim, una nueva tienda online española de accesorios para nosotras, mujeres jóvenes, a las que nos gusta ir a la última y marcar nuestro propio estilo. De allí son estas Pretty Ballerinas, perfectas para dar un toque de color a vuestros looks para el otoño que está a punto de llegar. Os invito a entrar y descubrir no sólo sus productos, sino también sus consejos de moda y su lookbook. Ah! y si os registrais pronto os enviarán un cupón del 10% de descuento para vuestra primera compra :-)

Mi look de hoy es bastante sencillo y es una de las pocas veces que voy plana y me encanta porque es la cosa más cómoda hehe

Espero que os guste ;)

This Saturday - Jaxie Bridal Trunk Show

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

This Saturday from 4-6pm we are excited to be hosting the Jaxie Trunk Show! You'll get to meet the designer, checkout the latest bridal collection as well as enjoy sweet treats and champagne. From vintage inspired hairpieces made of feathers, flowers and luxurious fabrics to glamorous bridal belts you'll find accessories to make your wedding day look your own. All products are handmade by Jaxie in Milwaukee. Don't miss this special evening!

Bridesmaid dress remix

2011-09-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Watters & Watters 9531
With summer coming to a close, it’s time to start sporting fall’s hottest trends and this look from Watters & Watters is the perfect transition piece. Sheer maxi dresses have been featured all over the runways and red carpets making this sheer luminescent chiffon skirt right on trend. Pair it with a perfectly tailored blazer and lace –up boots to add a structured edge to this ultra feminine look. To add a little glitz, layer on a great statement piece like this multi chain bib necklace and pop the look with a python printed bag! It is going to be a very stylish fall!

Black Leather

2011-09-12T02:07:00.000-07:00

Dress/Vestido: Zara, Shoes/Zapatos: Zara, Bag/Bolso: Balenciaga, Belt/Cinturón: Zara, Jewelry/Bisutería: Friis & Company

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

I love leather, I always have! Even if it's hot outside, I still like to wear it. It's a trend for this season as well, and many designers included leather items in their collections. I want to buy a pair of black leather tight pants for this winter.

xoxo

♥

Me encanta este vestido de piel. Aunque todavía have calor me gusta llevarlo. Esta tendencia sigue fuerte también para esta temporada y seguro que pronto añadiré unos pantalones de piel en mi armario

New Passion

2011-09-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

I have bought a lot of really nice things lately and I can't wait to show them to you! One of them is this pair of D&Gs which became one of my passions.

xoxo

♥

Vogue Fashion's Night Out In Milan

2011-09-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

Chiara, Shini, Me, Carolina and Eleonora

Shini from Park & Cube and Carolina from Fashionsquad

With the gorgeous Chiara from The Blonde Salad

With the sweet Larissa

Boots/Botas: Pennyblack, Pants/Pantalones: Pennyblack, Top/Camiseta: Pennyblack, Leather Jacket/Chaqueta de Piel: Pennyblack, Bag/Bolso: Chanel, Bracelet/Pulsera: Tiffany & Co

FACEBOOK/BLOGLOVIN/TWITTER

As you all know on the 8th of September one of the biggest events took place in Milan. I'm talking about Vogue Fashion's Night Out! I was invited by Pennyblack and I have to say that I am very grateful to be part of this amazing collaboration.

In the morning I went to the Pennyblack store to select 3 outfits; one for me and one for each of the two girls who were chosen for the event. Each blogger had to prepare an outfit of particular style, and mine was the androgynous one.

The event started in the afternoon and it was packed! it was great fun!

The gallery for the contest is already posted on Pennyblack's website!! You have to register, and vote for your favorite look! You will get a chance to vote until September the 20th!! Vote for the opportunity to win a Puzzle Parka!!!

http://www.pennyblack.com/en/vfno-2011-vota-immagini-concorso

You can also find pics on Pennyblack's official myspace page.

xoxo

♥

A little piece of history~

2011-09-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

Adam, in 17thc. clothing, with the candlesticks he made~

An antique that I have that is very dear to my heart is an authentic pair of 17thc. pewter Dutch hollowcast candlesticks. I got them years ago when I was alone, and when most of the good things I found had to go to customers. It was rarely I could treat myself and keep something, when I had to keep food on the table. It was my birthday, and I decided that if I could find these candlesticks, I would sell other things I personally owned, and get them for myself for my birthday gift.
The only way I ever got a 'new' antique was if I sold something of mine that I could part with, and virtually exchanged it for something else.

I was told by dealer after dealer that I would never find real 17thc. candlesticks of the style I wanted, and that if I did, they would be thousands---way beyond my budgeted amount. I never gave up. Once, at an outdoor antique show, I had just set up, and was trying to cool myself, idly strolling under the exhibition tent in over 90 degree heat. I struck up a conversation with a nice man who was set up directly across from me, and who was a dealer from Connecticut. It was hot, and I debated asking him if he might have what I wanted, because I wasn't sure I wanted to hear another "Good luck...you'll never get them" comment. I told him my birthday was coming soon, and that I had cash in an envelope in my cashbox, set aside from things of mine I had sold, and what I wanted. To my utter suprise, he said he had a pair of them at home on a tavern table in front of a fireplace in his old Connecticut house. He agreed to sell them to me, and at a price very close to all I had, which though not inconsiderable, was far below any prices I had been told to expect. So, sight unseen, I handed over my payment for the candlesticks to this nice gentleman, a respected and knowledgeable dealer, who promised to priority mail the sticks to me upon his return home.
Only a day after I was home after the show, they came! I was in awe as I took them out of the box, admiring their size, the patina of the aged pewter, and every lovely turn. They surpassed all my expectations, and I dragged out all the country decorating magazines I had marked and put aside, with photos of these types of candlesticks in other people's homes. I spread them out all over the long table. I walked all around the table looking at each photo, and saying "mine are better", "mine are better"...
And they are! They hold a place still on an ancient table in my home, and we light them each time we sit there.
I guess this has been kind of a long-winded story leading up to another birthday, and another pair of candlesticks, that though of humble pine, mean even more to me than the cherished ones of pewter.

I so loved the 17thc. Dutch hollowcast style, that I mentioned to Adam how much I would dearly love to have a pair in wood. My darling husband, who wasn't sure what a lathe looked like, let alone ever used one, said he would "give it a try". Out here in the country, a few miles from us is a man with a small old-time sawmill on his property. He wears old, faded blue overalls, and has a shock of wild white hair. We went to see him on a Saturday morning, and saw all the piles of wide pine boards, as well as long ones 8 x 8 inches thick. We explained what we wanted, and he pointed to the thick squared boards, and told us to "pick one". We found one probably 12 feet long, and he said "take it". He would not accept any money. Adam sawed them into about foot long pieces, of approximately 8 by 8 inches thick, in preparation for the candlesticks.

We live near an 18thc. mill. Our 1700's house is know as the "mill house". Friends and neighbors now own the mill, which is still water powered, and still using some equipment from the mid 1800's. It is an icon, tucked here in this unassuming little New England village.
It was featured years ago on 'This Old House', and 'New Hampshire Chronicle'. They now make hand crafted shutters for prestigious historic buildings all over the country. If you come see us, our neighbor will give you a fascinating tour. The old mill had, tucked into a corner, an old lathe from the 20's or 30's. Don offered the use of it, as well as that corner of the mill, to Adam, to make the candlesticks, and offered to give him a few hours crash course in it's use!
The rest is history....

The 18thc. mill near our house. this photo was taken in the late 19th century. The larger building across the river on the right is no longer there. There is only a stone cellar hole left.

Over several of his days off, and several skewed attempts, later tossed into the kindling bin, he taught himself the finer points of using the old hand lathe, and made me my beautiful wooden 17thc. style candlesticks. I then used milk paint, stain, sanding paper, and a few other things, to finish and 'age' them. So lovely are they, that we offered some for sale on our website, quickly receiving a multitude of orders! Each candlestick took many hours of hand-lathing, and then awhile for me to finish. I think they, unlike some other reproductions of antiques that are out there, have romance---Each one, made by hand, laboriously, on an old lathe by my husband in the 18thc. mill, while behind him the seasons changed outside the old small-paned windows of wavy glass.
These candlesticks have a story to tell.
Sadly, after several months, the old lathe gave up and broke down. Don tried, but no parts could be gotten to repair it, and so what candlesticks Adam fashioned are all there will now be. I have my pair, and many lucky people have some as well.

Our 18thc. home is just a few doors from the mill, and oral tradition says it was the earliest home in our neighborhood, and the "mill house".

One day when Adam was down at the mill, working on the candlesticks, I walked down with lunch for him, and brownies for the several men who work there. I had grabbed my camera, and I took these photos. We had a gallery up on our website several years ago, but I came across them recently, and I wanted to share this story, and these pictures with you...

The falls at the mill...

Adam...husband and best friend extraordinaire...

One of the men making the beautiful shutters at the mill...

Looking down at the river from the little mill...

Our mill...

The mill on the river. This is looking at the falls, which are just beyond the stone rampart.

Inside the old mill. The sign is from a time at the mill in the 1800's.

All during the fall and winter, we can walk down to this mill anytime with a barrel or burlap sack. All the neighbors are welcome to fill them with the fragrant wood scraps from the mill, which we use for kindling in our fireplaces and wood stoves...

Adam, turning a candlestick by hand to his own design.

Some workers standing outside the mill in the late 1800's

Today, the clapboarded mill wears a new coat of paint, and the sign is freshened up too!

NOTE~

THERE IS A CHANCE WE WILL BE MAKING MORE OF THESE CANDLESTICKS IN THE FUTURE. IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BEING ON A WAITING LIST IN CASE WE DO, PLEASE EMAIL US AT: countryladyantiques@yahoo.com

If we are able to make more, orders will be taken in the order that we receive emails.

Another project with old wood, and an upcoming historical program~

2011-09-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a mixed bag of extreme heat one day, and cooler cloudiness with fearsome rainstorms here and there the next.
We decided to make do a project together, making a 17thc. lighting device from a piece of inch and a quarter thick 18thc. salvaged wood that we had.
Adam has been copying several pieces of 17thc. lighting we have seen in period houses museums in Essex County Mass. exactly, and we have sold a limited number of them on our website. Each one is made by hand from over-200-year-old wood, and is a faithful copy of an original we have seen personally. We sell our creations as a limited line called 'Adam's Treen~Made in the New Hampshire Colony'.

Yesterday the two of us made this wonderful period-design floor candlestand from an ancient pit-sawn board with over 200 years of wear and patina. It is entirely joined, and has no nails whatsoever. Even the 'pin' holding the keeper is a piece of tree twig, whittled by hand to a perfect fit.
Although most of my things are antique, we enjoy creating accessories together, that look as ancient as the originals. I would rather save my pennies for the important purchases, and have fun making some 'smalls' to augment our antique collection and add ever more character to the old house.

The effort took most of the day, but we love it. Though dark looking in this picture, the piece is actually a bit lighter in color, and has the dry, aged, look of very old wood, with no finish on it, save for years of natural patina. The cost to make? Not one penny!

This past weekend, Adam also carved a horn beaker for a customer, and I think it turned out so well! It is now on it's way to her, and we hope she will be pleased.

I have mentioned in an earlier post that Adam and I will be in Scarborough Maine on Saturday, Sept. 24th to present one of our historical programs at a day-long society event. Actually, Adam will be the one speaking, and I shall sit in a period chair in costume, as window dressing for this one! His presentation will feature much information on the ranger companies of colonial New England, and why and how they came to be. There is much emphasis therefore on the wars with the native Americans in the 1600's, and continuing up through the French and Indian war. Because most of his weaponry, gear, and clothing displayed will be of several time periods, and will be what these men would have worn, and not the higher-style clothing, I have great leeway in what I can choose to wear that day.

Just a small amount of the gear Adam brings for his presentation~ He will have a couple working muskets of different periods, much clothing of the 17th and early 18th centuries, and accoutrements of all manner...

Adam, at a former program

Adam on a c. 1750 winter scout for a weekend. (I blogged about this, with photos, in a post last winter).

I have debated dressing up in the high style silk sacque back gown, in order to give the ladies a taste of elegant 18thc. fashion, since this program is more man-centered. I really think the ladies would appreciate a little 18thc. feminine frippery... I also thought of coming in 17thc. attire, as this is a period that he will be discussing at length as well.

I confess that I am leaning to wanting to wear my new outfit, if the jacket is ready in time. My 'pet en l'air jacket is being made now, and I am hoping I may have it before the 24th. I have completed the matching petticoat, and I have not yet had occasion to wear the new, lovely red 18thc. shoes I got for my birthday! I also have a period style black silk bonnet that I got for the cooler months, and have not yet worn, With a crisp, ruffled white cap underneath, it is quite adorable! I think it would be a great outfit to debut at Adam's program.

I am currently reading a great old book that is a real New Hampshire story about the 1760's governor, Jimmy Wentworth and his wife, Fanny---'The Governor's Lady', by Thomas Raddall. A friend gave it to me many years ago, and I found it tucked away in a box, and am so glad to finally read this wonderful book...


The petticoat I made, shown over a hiproll. I will also wear a stiff underpetticoat of white linen, not shown here, that will give the print petticoat even more fullness. The 18thc. pet en l'air jacket is being made by someone with more skill than I, and is of the same fabric. I will wear my new red shoes!

This is the new 18thc. silk hat I purchased awhile back, but have not worn yet~

I have a lot of options for what I may wear for the program, but I confess, I am leaning toward the new ensemble, if the jacket arrives before then. I love the print fabric I found, and which was also a birthday gift.

We had a fantastic dinner last night. I had marinated fresh salmon for a day and night in dijon mustard and some of our own maple syrup. Adam grilled it on the BBQ, on cedar planks that had soaked in water all day. We love planked fish---it is so moist and yummy, with a great smoky taste. I made brown rice, and a salad of fresh tomatoes and vidalia onion, with tomato-sweet onion dressing.
I made fresh blueberry crisp for dessert (recipe in a former post), that we had warm.