



Weather permitting, I'll be joining Santa and his steed (where's the reindeer?) on Sunday, December 6th . . . our final Sand Point Antique & Design Market in Seattle for 2009.
Here's an additional preview of what's in store for you hearty shoppers searching for the best and most unique Christmas/holiday treasures you can find . . . and you don't have to show up at 4:00 in the morning (8:00 please early birds)!






Christianson's Nursery in Skagit County had their annual Christmas Open House this past weekend. These wonderfully skilled merchandisers, as always, delighted the soul!!
There are many nurseries out there, but Christianson's is an absolute standout. It's not for the shy-of-pocketbook . . . but there is always something you can find to take home without hyperventilating (except for the awe!!!).
There are several gorgeous out-buildings that house some of the most incredible and hard-to-find plants and flowers around . . . and the small garden shed (door above) is always full of antiques & stunning gifts.
The beauty of the environment was a real stimulus to my Christmas spirit . . . as well as the fresh-pressed hot cider, cheese puffs, baked brie with toasted pecans, ham spread (don't even think Armour!) with pickled onions, and little chocolate "lava" cakes.
Always a great supply of ironstone & vintage silver . . . .
These photos don't do this incredible display justice . . . the twinkly lights on all the trees in galvanized antique pots, urns . . . ooh-la-la!!!
At the recommendation of FRENCH ESSENCE, we viewed "Le Grand Bleu", starring Jean Reno (Frenchman as Italian)--I fell totally in love with this darling little, perfectly rusty, vintage Fiat 500 . . . look at the trailer!!
Okay, so not totally functional for those of us hauling treasured junk across the countryside. This 1957 promo-photo presents the little Fiat in a totally different light. Somehow, the juxtaposition of the promo versus the rusty, crusty one embraces the whole vintage passion movement . . . the appreciation of the old, the broken-down-but-still-standing thing. (Kinda like me!)
This photo is a riot . . . reminds me of the ever-present challenge of fitting everything into limited spaces in preparation for the caravans to antique shows!!