WHO AM I ???

I suppose I really haven't given it much thought, but a couple things have been brought to my attention....about a year ago a friend told me I was "bright and glittery" and not very prim....yesterday a friend said another shopkeeper told her that I changed the store to "Contemporary"( I don't even know what that means??) - now all this has made me take a good look at myself and try to figure "just who am I" !!   So .......I walked around the store today and took note and the first thing I saw was this....

...a nice prim stool -

....then a nice prim stool with a feed measure on it -

and then a feed measure filled with prim carrots-

....then a nice old feed measure filled with glittery eggs...Oh my!!-

...a very prim egg on and old rusty spring ...

...a metal cloche with a pretty bird's nest inside...

...vintage paper covered eggs .....

..nice old sad irons...

...calico rabbits...(cute)

....a wagon full of shiny, glittery Easter Eggs....

...there is a room that looks like this...and one that

looks like this....

...oh my ...there is lots of glitter here!!!

...I get my inspiration from here....

...guess this best describes me....and The Cinnamon Stick -

A cool prim stool with a vintage doily with a very old tin bowl on top filled with angel vine and a great big glittery Easter egg....yes...now I know who I am....I am ME and I LOVE IT ALL !!!   (and there is some rosemary from last summer's garden.....I love herbs too)

BLOGGING FRIENDS...

I don't know how many of you get the chance to meet your blogging friends but every once in awhile my day is made so SPECIAL by the visit from someone I chat with - whose store I visit virtually - who inspire me and always make me feel special....today PATTI from The Brickhouse - Millersburg, PA came to visit (you can visit her blog at ( http://www.porchsittingtime.blogspot.com/  ) - along with her friends Donna and Tammy - Patti and I had a good time visiting - she even found some goodies to take home (thank you Patti) !!  I got a bit busy and only wished we could have sat with a cup of coffee and shared more stories with each other (I didn't want her to leave).  Next visit for sure!  
This was a fun week cause Jennifer and Jim from Williamsburg, VA also stopped in the store on their way home from Connecticut on Friday!   I am truly one of those blessed storekeepers who has had the opportunity of meeting so many people who love what I love and enjoy sharing a bit of themselves with me.

Now another kind of fun begins.....filling up the store with all the unique Easter items we have been "hoarding" in the basement for the past month....(still waiting for some really cool stuff to come in too).....I guess you will just have to visit often to be sure not to miss a thing!
Thinking springthyme, tulips, daffodils and robins............

GETTING EXCITED.....

I love to have special events....and soon it will be time for our Easter Open House...bunnies and peeps are getting all "prissy" and are busy "fussing" with ribbons and bows in all the pretty spring colors.  Forever flowers are blooming in every "nook and cranny" of the store and you know, I swear I saw some "fairy dust" in one of the corners....I did NOT vacuum it up just in case our "fairies" are back early this year!
No matter what the weather outside - inside the store is shouting "SPRING" has arrived!
Today is a "rainy" day and the best would be for it to "vanish" all the snow piles....(can we be that lucky?)!  There is lots to do in prep for next Wednesday - so I better get busy ( I can lose alot of time visiting all my blogging friends!) 
 Toodle-loo .....

The most "real" looking hyacinth I ever saw....for sale today!!

When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbing along.....Robin in tea cup under glass....sweet!

S - P - R - I - N - G

Last night we had our SPRING BANNER class....just three gals and me....creativity was flowing and good fun was on the agenda! (Joy does NOT like her hands dirty...(raising my eyebrows)...we were glueing and stamping!! - what fun teasing her )   Everyone (but me) made two banners  - they all made one EXACTLY like the sample and then the girls got creative and designed their own....
I enjoy our classes so much - wish you all could come have fun with us!

Ta-Da !!!

 Folder to take everything home in....scraps, pattern and finished banners! (Joy's hands are nice and clean)

Pauline...busy putting grommets in her flags...(using that scary looking crop-a-dile)

Michelle - taking out a grommet that "messed up" - can't believe she got it out perfectly!!
Today will be WORK, WORK, WORK for me as many goodies have to be priced before open house next Wednesday!!!   It looks like it will be a beautiful day!!!  Enjoy your day ....

ARRIVED TODAY....

One of the best issues yet.....and it is great when you KNOW someone who is featured in it...!!!  Come get your copy !

So many boxes arrived today....I spent half the day sliding boxes down the basement steps...those "pesky" peanuts are floating everywhere !    Can't wait to get it priced and displayed....you are going to love the beautiful florals, new wire ware - bunnies and more bunnies....All cloche sizes are back in stock....See you soon!!

OH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL!!

YES - it is ALL white again.   I don't like snow at all and tolerate what we get as a token to all you "snow bunnies" out there! (Our store is at the bottom of the mountain where Bear Creek Ski Resort is) SOOOOOO I deal with lots of "snow lovers'!    There is much to do for Easter Open House - Wednesday's class and home stuff (groceries etc.) that makes it so hard when the roads are snowy and icy!
I know....think positive....like how CUSTOMERS will be so eager to visit the store and bring some SPRING & EASTER into their homes - okay enough griping. (big smile - I had to get that out of me and no one wants to listen to me complain anymore- sigh)!!

I had this project in mind and now with the snow it will put a damper on my idea - (oh yeah-forgot- positive thinking)....so when the SUN comes out and melts all the snow I will put my project to work!  Guess I am just "moody" this morning....better SNAP out of it and get busy....if you love the snow...well, good day for you and if you are like me - FIST PUMP!!!

Watching for the first robin .....

NO MORE HUMMING!!!!

Thank you Gail and Connie...reason #1 why I BLOG - good friends - Love you guys!!
"Easter Parade" ♫ by Bing Crosby

Click here -
http://www.facebook.com/l/136c2S82JN69ozqIOJ06__6Drkg/www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy76MPHzLcc
 
In your Easter bonnet
with all the frills upon it,
you'll be the grandest lady
in the Easter Parade!

I'll be all in clover,
and when they look you over
I'll be the proudest fella
in the Easter Parade!

On the Avenue, Fifth Avenue,
the photographers will snap us
and you'll find that you're
in the rotogravure.   (now I know how to pronounce this word- still don't know what it means)

Oh, I could write a sonnet
about your Easter bonnet
and of the girl I'm taking
to the Easter Parade!

Memory Lane....growing up, and the oldest of five children, I was my grandmother's favorite...and she didn't hide that fact at all.  Every Easter she and I would go to Atlantic City on vacation (my grandparents owned a country inn, restaurant and tavern) and took separate mini vacations (and then one big one together)...We wore beautiful new Easter outfits and would stay at the Presidential Hotel with indoor swimming pool and a mezzanine where the children would get together while the adults met at the bar.  AND every Easter we would walk the boardwalk in our Easter bonnets.....it wasn't Fifth Avenue but a huge crowd would gather (weather permitting-  it never rained back then) to walk the "boards" and show off their finery!   Ahhhhh the "olden days" don't seem that far away right now.

SPRING IS EVERYWHERE...

Don't look at the snow....put blinders on and then walk right into THE CINNAMON STICK -then take off the blinders and enjoy SPRING - (yesterday was a BIG meltdown of the piles of snow...although some piles will need alot more sunny days)!!  When I walk into the store in the morning I am greeted with the beautiful scents of Minty Orange, Red Hot Cinnamon, Clarity (? - my favorite right now) and Lavender!  The bright yellow forsythia candle rings and wreaths, and beautiful faux sprigs of pansie, daisies and other signs of spring bring smiles, and I am in my "happy place"!  
I busy myself with cutting out bunnies and peeps to make price tags, and use my punches to make "sprinkles" for your take home packages using colored paper of pink, robin's egg blue, yellow and lime green (spring at it's prettiest)....I am humming  songs such as "In Your Easter Bonnet".....sadly I don't know the words...so I have to hum - (I NEED to know those words cause I love that song) !!   I AM IN LOVE WITH SPRING!

Someset Studio Magazine arrived and is filled with tons of wonderful "springthyme" artwork - some really neat projects too!   Inspiration aplenty - just the cover is exciting!

 and alittle bit of spring - I know I shouldn't have the peony vases out yet but they are soooooo pretty I just wanted to - a sprig comes in the repro milk bottle and it is a good visual of what is to come.....(they look so real and no ants on these) !!!!

SPRING HAS ARRIVED -

Well...maybe not outside (although we are really getting a teaser here in PA this week), however inside THE CINNAMON STICK spring is bursting out all over!
It is so much fun to "redo" the store with pretty blooms and springthyme goodies!  I can hardly wait to get in the store and play each day!  Here is just a little "teaser" of my own -

LOTS MORE TO COME!

Here is a picture of Joanne....shoveling snow????  Snow keeps "melting" off the tin roof of the shop's porch....you hear this "SMACK"  and I know exactly what it is....snow falling right at the entrance of the store...(it keeps dripping too..)  Hopefully it will be gone this day!!!  Joanne offered to shovel it away...as I guess I was complaining of back pains too much!!  What a sweetie she is....Thanks Joanne!!



GREAT DAY TODAY...

Everything is ready for the "beginning of Spring at THE CINNAMON STICK tomorrow...Still waiting for goodies to arrive but the store looks very "springy" just as it is!   Tomorrow my new bags will come - tissue paper is already here....ribbon is ready to brighten your purchases!  AND the weather is suppose to be wonderful all week!!!!  What more could I ask for....oh yes....I

did the income taxes today with our accountant - and what a nice surprise....alittle bit of a refund is coming our way....(not taking it though as it will lower the first estimated payment - big smile)...Just to have a refund is wonderful - seems small businesses are getting a ONE TIME ONLY for 2010 income tax, a break on their Social Security payment - a percentage of what they pay in for Health Insurance is taken off....which is a very costly expense when you are self-employed!  (I'll take whatever we can get) !!

So yes....it was a great day today !!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.....finally

Whew....my dear old computer must be having "mini" strokes as I am having a devil of a time trying to post anything!!  I wanted to wish everyone a beautiful Valentine's Day this morning....but...well it just wasn't to be.
I do want to share a picture of my very favorite customer - she pays me in "kisses"  and is always the best dressed !!!

"Miss Molly"

She is quite the wiggleworm and getting good photos is a JOB!  But so lovable !!  Joy (Molly's Mom) told me she loves to get dressed up and puts up her paw to get her dress on...too cute!!!

Today was WORK, WORK, WORK...putting SPRING into the store - (alittle bit of Easter is sneaking in too) - we are still waiting for truckloads of goodies to come in....I guess everyday we will be getting boxes of presents.   That is the "funnest" part of having a store - well that, and having the customers love what we have found for them!

Lots of X's and O's to you -

IN STORE NOW!!!

FLEA MARKET STYLE MAGAZINE - SPRING ISSUE -  and it is great!!  Filled with lots of great decorating ideas...fun articles and fabulous pictures. 
It is all about the hunt - the find - the display!

 We are all going to run out and find a teapot or sugar bowl lid to make this card holder....hey...nevermind I will find it for you !!!

 Need canning jars to display.....we have lots for you - pints - quarts and 2 quart sizes!!!!

 A doily garland???  Guess where you can find the very BEST vintage doilies!!!!

...and my favorite picture...(there are many favorites in this magazine)...but I am going to work on Tony to find me birch branches for an Easter Egg Tree......I am loving SPRING!!!!

ps.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABE  (and Lynn and Beth) !!!!

TEASERS.....

Vintage Easter bonnets..... I need a cool way to display these pretties...

Alittle bit spring and alittle bit Easter....

Forsythia wreaths and candle rings in 4 sizes.....perfect spring accessory!

SUNSHINE ALWAYS MAKES ME HAPPY !!

This morning the sun is shining bright (even though the temp right now is 25 degrees) and I am hoping it will melt lots of snow today!   I have a "spring" in my step as I open boxes of spring and Easter treasures from the UPS man....his name is Mark and he knows he puts a smile on my face when he pulls into the parking lot!  
I just printed some "Easter" price tags so today is going to be a busy day (hopefully with lots of customers)  and pricing lots of goodies!   The whole basement at the store (where I store everything - and I mean everything) is quite the mess - I can't get to my sewing machine and there are empty boxes all over the place...these boxes the cloches come in and I keep them to put the cloche in when I sell it...that way it gets home safely - I DO have to organize myself down there!  
Panetone decides on the "Color of the Year" and this year it is Honeysuckle" - just wait to you see all the Easter Bonnets I have in this color.....trying to decide how to display all the vintage spring bonnets we acquired....old hat boxes too!  

 ...alittle BRIGHT but I look good in PINK!!

 ...this hat box I am using to display our new potpourri!

...a vintage Betmar spring hat......(too small for me - I would wear this in a minute!!)
Hope the sun is shining at your home too!!!

A LITTLE BIT OF SPRING...

Today I ventured to the store (yes...for those who have had to hear me gripe for the past two weeks...I got a new car - well not new new...but new to me - and I love it)!!! anyway, I ventured to the store to price the goodies I purchased at the Cash and Carry....they were few as that just isn't my "cup of tea".  It was so crowded with shoving and pushing and shopping carts that Tony and I decided to do the order writing section first (I didn't need anything that bad to go through all that) ...it was late afternoon before we walked thru the C & C but I managed to find a few little trinkets.    I forgot to take the receipts with me this morning so I couldn't price anything....soooooooooooo  I had to play!!!  I found these little tin flower pots of tulips and the pots were quite "yuck" - so I covered one with vintage book pages....now I love it and will do the others the same way....FUN!  I have so many projects going on - (rolling my eyes at myself) but eventually all will get done.
The first glimpse of spring at THE CINNAMON STICK-

...hard to see the pot but take my word for it - it is pretty neat!!

We have some "Valentine" treasures still in the store.... 7 more days till  "HAPPY HEART DAY"  !!

WHAT LUCKY CUSTOMERS ....

I am going to have - today I went to the Market Square Trade Show and woohoo !!!  did I ever find the most wonderful goodies for you !!  It was a great show...dealers with great wares....lots of handmades - I just can't wait till it all comes in.   It was crowded with storekeepers and they were "buying"...so nice for the economy to be on the mend! 
I saw a sign in Romantic Homes magazine - it read "SPEND IT LIKE YOU GOT IT"  and that is just what I did...(giggling with that nervous little giggle)....now all I need is for you to come and see - you will NOT be disappointed. 

Plans are being made right now for our very first SPRING MARKET - the promise of spring is going to come to THE CINNAMON STICK  no matter what the weatherman throws at us.    I am hoping all our goodies come in quickly....and after Spring Market we will have our EASTER OPEN HOUSE !  Nice that Easter is April 24th....we get to decorate for spring and then Easter for a nice long time!   More info coming as soon as dates are set!

Here's hoping you all come to the store and "SPEND IT LIKE YOU GOT IT" !!!  XOXOXO !!!

IT'S FEBRUARY.....

I keep forgetting that it is only the beginning of February - and spring is quite a ways off.   There is about 20" of snow outside and so cold it will not be going away anytime soon.   HOWEVER - Spring is going to arrive at THE CINNAMON STICK blossom by blossom - sprig by sprig - as soon as possible.   A nice selection of spring merchandise has arrived and I think it is time to change the atmosphere of the store.....I am soooooo very ready for a change!  
They are calling for some more of that "stuff" on Saturday so this might be just the recipe we all need to get rid of any "Winter Blues"  !!!
Having a Super Bowl Party???  You know we have the BEST dips for you to serve.   They will be on "Super Bowl Special" this weekend...so come stock up!!!  GO STEELERS!!!

PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL...made me smile!!

****from the internet - "PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — The world's most famous groundhog predicted an early spring Wednesday, but wasn't willing to go out on a limb to forecast whether the nearby Pittsburgh Steelers will win Sunday's Super Bowl.
Punxsutawney Phil emerged just after dawn on Groundhog Day to make his 125th annual weather forecast in front of a smaller-than-usual crowd who braved muddy, icy conditions to hear his handlers reveal that he had not seen his shadow."

Yippee! Hooray! Doing the happy dance.....I love you Punxsutawney Phil!!! 
We did lose our electric at 4 am this morning but it was back on by 7 am.   The themostat read 54 degrees in the living room!   The icicles on the house are starting to melt....drip by drip...but the roads are quite slushy with ice and water...working from home AGAIN today.

This is Alta ...my herb lady - talking with her yesterday to see if I could get some herbs for the store (desperately need some springthyme) she told me that most of her pots are still in hibernation mode.  They have started planting some of the seeds and hopefully everything will start to grow.   Maybe in another couple weeks I can bring some herbs into the store.....a promise of spring!

NOTHING HAPPENING...

Although we still have the solid ice driveway (as the temp stayed in the 20's today) there has been no precipitation so far.   I KNOW it is coming....we have battened down the hatches, filled the bathtub with water (Thanks for the idea Barb) and stocked the fridge.....and today I just sewed, turned and stuffed all day long - while peeking out the window ...waiting for something to happen. 
It is all bunnies and peeps and carrots.....thinking springthyme and Easter!   A picture of what I finished today...at least I am getting work done. Some of this will go in my Etsy store tomorrow...time for a change!

   The wooly peeps will go on antique blocks but the blocks are at the store so I can't finish them....tomorrow I will finish up some Easter Egg Dye pillows.  I scanned old dye packets into my computer and then transfer the image onto muslin....I have two different packets...the one on the chair says "Trademark Registered 1894"  Pretty cool huh!!!  The colors on both packets are really great!
To all my Midwest friends...stay safe and warm...!!!