There’s No Place Like Home

After 2 weeks on the road Dorothy had it right, it is true, “there’s no place like home”   Thank you all for your warm wishes, sage advice and words of encouragement, not to mention the boxes of tissue. Yes, Sarah is loving her new school in Southern California and Tim Jr. just moved into his new apartment on Campus in New York. WOW!  What an eventful two weeks filled with transitions. We are now officially empty nesters, although we have been told not to get used to it – as the little birds sometimes return to the nest.

After getting Tim Jr. on a plane to NY, I headed out to beautiful Southern California, or should I say smoky Southern California, as the Station Fires were within view of my nieces home where my husband Tim and I were staying. The 102 degree heat wave didn’t help.

None the less Sarah was loving her new school and her dorm room. The rooms are ginormous, and all of her dorm mates are just wonderful. We are thrilled!

Before

After

As for Tim and I we planned on a second honeymoon on this trip. When we were married 21 years ago we honeymooned along the southern California coast staying in bed and breakfast’s along the way. Santa Barbara, Carmel, Napa – you get the picture. We did the same thing this time, only this time we shopped at all those places too :)  Times have changed.

First, I just have to show you a picture of my nieces son Dylan, or as we affectionately call him, Dilly! Isn’t he the most adorable 2 year old you have ever seen? He took a special liking to Tim and the two were inseparable.

Okay, back to the shopping.

Warning: There are lots of pictures ahead so grab a cup of coffee and get comfy.

Paris To The Moon

This is the shop I had followed on line for so long but had never been to. Luckily, during the time I was there they were having a special event, Zo Zo The Magic Queen, was there for a magical tea party – right on the front lawn. Crowns and Party hats were optional but suggested.

I had Zo Zo sign my calendars, get your calendar here. Can’t wait to use them. They are spectacular.

Darren Calkins, part owner of FG & Company,  another company I love, owns Paris to The Moon as well – I didn’t even know. What a treat!

But wait – it get’s better. His sister, Danyel Montecinos, is co-author of Crowns and Tiaras

Here’s some eye candy from inside. I was like a kid who just earned their weekly allowance. So many unique things and the garlands were amazing, like nothing else I have ever seen. They made their way home with me.

 

On the way home we stopped in Berkeley, CA to visit…

Tail of the Yak

As soon as you are buzzed in you  know you are in for a treat.

 Heading North

Giggle like a little school girl - Castle in The Air

I love this shop! I follow it online, as many of you do, but have never been there until now. WOW!  It has  the biggest selection of Dresden Trim I have ever seen and much of it followed me home. Sorry Tim!

Lucky for me the owners and creative team were there and helped me pick out some special trim for a project I am working on. Thanks Guys!

An unexpected treat in Los Gatos,  Bianco

No pictures inside please, but from the outside – amazing. I bought a French, tabletop glass pastry shelf  that is to die for. Everything inside had a very shabby French aesthetic to it. Lot’s of black, beige, gray and white. LOVE IT!

Last but not least a stop in Astoria, Oregon to see the renovation going on at The Bankers Suite.

I have written about this place before as I am doing some very custom work for the owner. She invited us up to look at the 4000 foot suite upstairs and also see the renovation work being done on the downstairs which will be available for rental in February 2010.

Trish has amazing taste and if you ever need a 4500 sq ft ballroom and 4000 sq ft suite for the evening this is your spot!

All in all a memorable trip. So much more than just shopping. I am married to the most amazing man. He knows me inside and out – and still loves me. There is such  comfort and romance at the root of our relationship. While I am frightened at a life without the kids I am equally excited about sharing this time with my best friend – my husband. Thanks for trudging through all those shops with me, taking pictures and encouraging me:  looking interested when I expanded on the difference between German Crepe paper and American made crepe paper. Your the best.

Now for a few closing shots just to let you know we did more than just shop.

Touring the Biola Campus

  Tim’s extended family in LA

On the Beach in Carmel

Touring the winery in Napa

Lovely Santa Barbara

Now I am back home working feverishly on the new Halloween line, new wedding toppers and an Alice in Wonderland line of crowns and birthday boxes. I hope to have pictures up next week of at least part of it.

Until then my friends, appreciate the “Pretty Little Things” in your life because one day they just might fly away :)

 

 

Comments

[jana johnson label]

Sounds like a fun trip...thanks for sharing all the great shops. We have the calendars at Joyworks too.
Jana

[lenae May]

What an enchanting blog post!!! Some of my favorite things I hear from afar! That must have been a fun adventure!
Lenae

[Tammy]

Welcome back, what a trip! When I have some free time I am going to study your fantastic pictures! You must have come home so inspired!

Best wishes,
Tammy

[Ulla]

So sorry I missed you, sounds like you were able to hit all the great spots down the coast line! Your creations are wonderful - I'll bet you came home loaded with inspiration!
Hugs
Ulla

[tristanrobin]

Wow, wow, wow! You just had the shopping trip of my dreams! You hit the best stores and ones that I've wanted to go to for so long. After those teasing photos, I can see my AmEx hemorrhaging now! LOL

The Banker's Suite is just magical - I've seen photos before, but yours really point out some of the other-worldly treasures around!

[Becky Swartzlander]

Oh Amada, I am so glad you had a wonderful time! I so enjoyed all your shopping pictures. I have wanted to go some of those shops as well, Now I must!!! See you soon...Becs

[Carrie]

Thanks for posting all the amazing photos - I felt like I was living vicariously through you. Just incredible all the magical spots out there and so neat that you see them in person.

Now I can't wait to see what you make with all your goodies:)

[jenny holiday]

Hello Hello!! I just found you and your blog through etsy!! hooray!! So happy I did!! A girl after my own heart!! I'll be visiting often!!!

Love from the Jersey Shore!!!
XOXO Jenny