CREATIVE DISPLAY

I desperately needed more display area in the store and did not want to just go out and purchase something, I wanted to RECLAIM, RESTYLE & REDECORATE! After all, that is what we are all about here at TPH. So, I thought I would share with you how an idea became reality! It all started with this great old country cabinet found at a local antique store. One look at all those shelves and I hauled this little baby into my van! Actually, two strong men lifted it into my van, but, I however, was able to pull it half way out once I got home!

I took the doors off and attacked the whole unit with my Dewalt orbital sander. You can see the difference between the sanded top shelf and what it looked like before the sanding.

I also purchased some very old and very dirty barn boards to build extra shelves. The one on the left is how they came and the one on the right is how it looks after a good sanding. After sanding these boards, I looked like the board on the left!

Once the barn wood boards were all nice and clean, I coated them with clear varathane. In this photo, the one of the left is the "after" board.

Here is a closer look at how varathane can make a big difference.

Once the whole piece was clean, sanded and varathaned, I attached the doors to either side of the cabinet to make one eight foot long display area. The barn boards where cut to fit on the doors and I attached each shelf with rod iron brackets.

Ta Da! Here is the finished unit! Just look at all that display area! Even though I said that I did it all, I must confess, nothing is ever as easy as it starts out to be. I guess you could kinda say that this was a family project! And for those of you who were shopping a TPH that Sunday...I apologize for the chaos and thank you for your positive encouragement!

ON THE HUNT & THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY!

On our continual quest to offer our customers hand picked treasures, Mike and I are headed south to Seattle. First stop is the Sand Point Antique & Design Market ~ Antique, Vintage & Junk Show. This show takes place on the second Saturday of each month. Being this was our first time to this show, I was very excited to see what sort of treasures where about to be discovered! Though we found the show smaller than we had envisioned, the booths were well displayed and there were lots and lots of great finds!

Loved this booth! All that vintage fabric made into beautiful pillows and the most beautiful handmade roses. I would take it all if I had the room!

Beautiful display and lots of ideas. Loved the numbers and all the industrial pieces. Check out this lovely ladies finds at http://www.fussbucketsworld.blogspot.com/.

Here is another booth...here is where I am wishing we brought a truck! I would take that daybed in an instant!

One of the great things about visiting all these flea markets is that it is a constant supply of ideas, inspiration and happiness! (I am sure you know what I am talking about)

We enjoyed lunch at Pike Place Market in Seattle. If you have never been, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continually operated public markets in the United States.

So full of colours, flavours, smells, wares, cultures and so much more! Visit http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/.

We woke early Sunday morning, visited the closest Starbucks and headed over to Fremont. We are always lucky at this flea market that happens every Sunday. Tents line the street with fresh cooked treats, handmade wares, antiques and collectibles.

I am all about recycling, so I just loved this tent filled with old blazers and jackets that have been recreated into stylish one-of-a-kind pieces. This blazer was one of my favorites with the birds on the front and the addition of the hood. He had lots of different styles to choose from. Though I did not take one home this time, I will definitely look for this tent next time.

One thing I noticed this time was that some of the displays were really works of art. Such time and effort to show off all the great finds.

We discovered a new booth on this visit and I just loved everything! I brought home a few treasures for the store!! Check out http://www.fleamarketchics.blogspot.com/. Again, I would have taken a whole lot more if we had the room. Nice lady, great finds, good prices...right up my alley!

What really adds to the thrill of the hunt is music. When we arrived this lovely lady was very focused on playing a Christmas carol and with gloves on to boot! I have to say, it made me think about what day it really was! She has lost in her music. I am sure I am not the only one that she made smile that day!

Another new discovery was made in Mount Vernon, WA. If you are in the area, Red Door Antique Mall is a must! I could have filled my whole van here! This is one store I would make a special trip to visit!

This sadly is the one that got away! It was love at first sight! Oh how I want to take this tub home with me, and well, I thought about it too long and went home without it. Now I think about it all the time! Lesson learned...when you really love something, just "do it". Say those little words that make us so happy...."I'll take it"!

A DAY IN A KAYAK

Join us for a day of kayaking in Deep Cove, North Vancouver

Deep Cove is located in North Vancouver, BC at the foot of Mount Seymour. Deep Cove faces due east, fronting on to Indian Arm, a branch of Burrard Inlet.



We rented two double kayaks from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and took our kids out for their first kayaking experience. The weather started out perfectly for a great day!

Once on the water, look who was first to greet us!

Oh, I just can not help it, I find beautiful homes wherever I go...I think we need to paddle just a little bit closer!

Wow, this is the life! The ocean is your backyard. I bet they kayak everyday! Lucky!

I don't think we should get out and swim here!!! In this one area along the shoreline, these jelly fish where everywhere. They looked absolutely amazing so close up. There must have been hundreds in this one area.

It has been quite a while since I have seen so many starfish in the wild.

No, we did not take this one home!

Another official greeter up the coast line. We were able to get quite close to this fella. If you look closely, you can see that he is winking at us!

What do you know, another lovely home for me of ogle!!

This one was tucked into a little cove. So beautiful! I am speechless!

Well, we are going to head back. A perfect day for family time, fitness, education and little bit of home ogling. This photo looks clear as a bell, but let me tell you, just around that bend, a mighty wind and white caps test our patience, strength and endurance. Just like life, sometimes it takes three strokes forward and two back but eventually you arrive at your destination!