One of my favorite things to do when I have a free afternoon is to browse through little boutiques in the Seattle area where my husband and I live. I also love going to antique and thrift shops, as well. When my husband, younger son, and I moved from Florida to the Northwest, I was thrilled to discover that each little community in our area has their own unique strip of shops! Like most people, I do frequent the malls and major stores, but I find the most unique things in the little quaint shops in the historic areas of the towns around me. I love shopping these little stores because I also enjoy supporting the local businesses.
Not long ago, my sister came to visit and see the beautiful Northwest area we now live in. She lives in a small beachtown in Central Florida where we grew up. My sister shares a love of browsing so I took her to some of my favorite shops and to a wonderful place I love to go for lunch near the water. We always have a great time when we are together! I miss living close to her!
In a previous post, I shared about how much I love the baskets my Mother made and how special they are to me...especially now that she is gone. I treasure each and every one, and I am always looking for unique things to put in the baskets.
While my sister and I were strolling through the many shops, we came across this unique find.
We fell in love with these little porcelain balls at one of the shops. We had never seen them before and so, of course, we HAD to buy some!
I immediately thought of my mother's baskets and knew these would look so cute in one!
I could visualize the little porcelain letters in a small basket on my bookcase in my den upstairs... and, of course, we had to go through the display containers to find each letter for our names and the names of our husbands! Why have letters if you can't spell anything, right? We knew you would agree! So....
We came up with the letters we needed and felt as happy as Vanna White as we headed off with our little find! Now, time for lunch! What a fun day! Part of the fun of shopping is that you just never know what you will find.
Like most mothers, I have saved things that my two sons made in school when they were young. These reminders of their childhood are precious to me! When I saw these handcrafted and typeprint stamped creations, I knew they would be perfect to place in one of my son's little clay dishes he had worked so hard on in art class.
I love the little lettered porcelain balls, and when I look at them, I always think of the special day that my sister and I had together. The little lettered porcelain balls will always remind me of my sister and her visit. I love how the porcelain looks in the baskets but the true pleasure is not in what you find but in the hunt! The time you spend chatting, browsing and enjoying each other's company is the true treasure!
I hope you experience many happy moments with those that you love! Enjoy your time together browsing, having lunch, or just sitting at home and chatting. Fill your baskets with love! xoxo Have a "bluebird day!" Hugs! Kim
Kim, I love reading your blog! Thank you so much for your inspiration and encouragement as I start down my own blogging path. I can't wait until we're able to go hunting for treasures together again.
love,
Ashley
Posted by: Ashley | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 05:00 AM
I love finding treasures...and you're right, the hunt is a big part of the fun! You never know what you'll find! I may run by my thrift store this morning when I go to the library to drop off some magazines! I am looking out my window as I type and there's a bluebird on the mailbox...so I really AM having a bluebird day! ♥♥♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 06:28 AM
Thank you, Ashley, for the sweet comments! YOU are one of my real treasures! Happy blogging to you! We will definitely go "hunting" and lunching when you come to visit again soon! Have fun with your blogging! Love and hugs xoxo, Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Have fun browsing the thrift shops today Lavender Dreams! Your "bluebird spotting" makes me smile. Thank you for sharing that. I hope you have many "bluebird days!" xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Those are absolutely adorable. I would love a find like that. Welcome to blogging. I hope you take some time on my blog to read my coffee talk series and tips and tutorials all under my header. My newbie party is every Monday. My tutorial also shows how to link up to a party if you are new. I would love to see you again. Hope you become a new friend as well.
Debbiedoos blogging and blabbing
Posted by: debbie | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Hi Kim, just found you on Debbiedoos...I'm pretty new to this blogging stuff also. Not nearly as computer savvy as most and still trying to figure out how to take good pictures. I also love hunting, you never know what treasure is out there waiting to be found.
Marianne
Posted by: marianne | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for the nice welcome and for visiting my blog, Bluebirds and Butterflies. As I head down the blogging path, I am meeting so many wonderful seasoned bloggers, such as yourself, who are so happy to help the newcomers. This is something I will remember and definitely play forward. Thank you for inviting me to participate in the "newbie party" on Mondays. I am also finding your "how to" tutorial on your Debbiedoos blog very helpful...not only to me, but to others as well. Your willingness to help others create shows the caring nature you have! I look forward to exploring more of your beautiful blog and hope you have a fabulous day! Hugs to you, xoxo Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 03:56 PM
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for stopping by to say hello! Hope you enjoy the blogging journey as much as I have so far! I am learning that blogging is an ongoing process that can bring much pleasure to yourself and others. It is a great way to connect and learn from other creative souls while sharing your own experiences. I will be sure to visit your blog, Marianne! Love, Kim
Posted by: Bluebirds and Butterflies | Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 04:29 PM