Local favorite ~ Bella Flora

I first stumbled upon this store while on a visit to Melanie's All My Favorite Things on Fremont Street... As soon as entered, I immediately felt enchanted and captivated... The owner of Bella Flora, Elaine, has created a magical, almost fairy-like little world, which kept me captive for nearly an hour...!! I was absolutely fascinated and vowed to come back with my camera!

Her windows are very organic and nature-inspired, birds seems to be a common theme around the store.. Elaine makes and teaches classes on how to make these adorable felted birds!!

She is also a basket weaver and makes the most incredible willow baskets!

Her miniature chairs and tables made of shells, twigs, leaves and moss are truly out of this world...!! 

But one of my favorite things in the store is the amazing collection of vintage dresses scattered around... These two were my absolute favorites, I am so in love with them, can you see why...??!!!!

Elaine not only collects gorgeous dresses, she actually sews darling fairy costumes and sweet dresses for little girls, like this one, made of silk and lace...! 

... On of Elaine's favorite finds is this darling vintage ballet costume with the most incredible faded colors and velvet fowers...

Elaine's creative area is an inspiration in its own...

In addition to being a basket weaver, Elaine is also a floral artist and makes rose garlands and rose head pieces with a renaissance inspiration...

... Even an old beehive looks stunning displayed from the ceiling...!!!

If you are ever in Portland, you do not want to miss a visit to Bella Flora...!!! You will be transported into a magical world you will never want to leave...!!!!

Bella Flora Studio

4439 NE Fremont Street

Portland, Oregon

503-866-3009

In love with...

... Designer Christina Strutt, creator of  Cabbages and Roses!!

I am a true romantic... Always have been, always will be...!!
 For me, flowers are the essence of romance.
They make me smile, they bring me happiness. I know I will always be drawn to floral fabrics and patterns, especially the well-loved,  time-kissed, faded ones.
This is why I love Christina's fabrics and designs so much, they truly tug at my heartstrings...
 I love how she uses her barely there floral patterns against a white canvas to create an aura of gentle romance, uncluttered and unfussy.
When I look at these pictures, I feel at home... I know in my heart I could live there... Could you...??! 

all photos from here

A simple secret

"Goodbye", said the fox. "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
                                              
                 "The Little Prince" by Antoine de S. Exupery

I wish you all a very sweet Valentine's day, may your heart be filled with peace and happiness!!

A favorite treasure ~ my china cupboard

One of my favorite pieces in my home is this gorgeous china cupboard sitting in my great room... The first time I saw this beauty was on a day trip Lisa and I took to Vernonia, a small town a good hour away. I oohed over it but got sticker shock when I saw the price...

For a long time, I just couldn't get it out of my mind, but tried to dismiss it because I just couldn't justify spending the money...

A year went by, and Lisa and I took off on another Vernonia day trip. I was curious to see if the cabinet was still in the same shop we had visited... When we entered the store, I felt disapointed that it was no longer there (even though I didn't have the money to buy it!).

I decided to ask about it, and was surprised to learn that the cupboard was still around, but had moved across the street to a consignment shop. My heart started beating fast when I laid eyes on it, the price had been significantly reduced but was still high... I asked the lady working there if I could make an offer on it, so she put me on the phone with the owner and she graciously accepted my offer!!!!

We made plans for me to return with the cash and the truck, and that is when I learned that she had purchased this beauty from Linda and Ludmil, aka Willow Nest! I was stunned and elated that I could finally own such a treasure created by Ludmil!!! Still, to this day, it is one of my favorite pieces and one I will never part with!! 

Treasures won!

A while back I was elated to find out that I had won a generous giveaway from Janet, at Shabbyfufu!! I was able to pick some wonderful items from her lovely website, and just received them yesterday!

I have always wanted to have a santos doll, but can't afford the real thing, so I was very excited when I saw this darling reproduction! Just the right size for my mantel!

You know I am a huge doll lover, so this sweet little doll captured my heart... And her name is Clara!!!!

Janet threw in a few more little prizes, and I love them all!! Thanks so much, Janet!

While on my trip to San Diego, there was no time for junking, but I did find this adorable door stopper at the swap meet... Wonderfully rusty!!

I will be back soon with some projects I am working on! I am also determined to, ready or not, start with my Etsy store next week!! No more procrastinating!!!

Fun in San Diego

My daughter Clara and I have just returned from a long weekend in sunny San Diego, where she competed in a gymnastics meet. This trip had special meaning to her, since she was born there, in the Balboa Hospital, while we were stationed in Miramar... This was a huge meet, with over 1300 gymnasts, and our girls struggled with the brutal scoring and the crushing competition, but remained in high spirits!

One of the best parts of this trip was having special bonding time with my daughter... When you are a busy mother of four, these times are rare and precious! We spent a day at Seaworld, and had a blast!! Clara had never been there, since she was only nine months when we left San Diego... She had the chance to get a taste of feeding, training and touching the dolphins, and what a treat that was! What beautiful creatures!

Visiting Shamu and the other killer whales was one of the highlights of this visit.... Simply magestic!!

The sea otters show is always very entertaining, and it made us laugh so much!!!! It still baffles me how they can train these creatures so well!

A visit to the Kobey's swap meet yielded some fun and inexpensive shopping...

...There was swimming at midnight and bonding time with the coach....

... and a visit to San Diego would not be complete without sunset at Coronado Beach (topped off with a few hand stands and back walkovers in the sand!!). We truly had an amazing time... There were no medals coming back in our luggage, but the wonderful memories we brought back will warm our hearts forever!!!