Shopping Expeditions

Memo Board Bargain

Sweet Treats at Green Dragon

Green Dragon Produce

Just over a week ago, my daughter, good friend, Vicky, and I took an overnight trip to the area around Lancaster, PA to outlet and thrift shop. Although it is only about 2 1/2 hours away we've learned from past trips that one day is not enough. We started in York, PA with stops at the Historic York & Architectural Warehouse which is stocked with architectural salvage items from the York County area. They have moved into a much larger facility and had many pieces that I was interested in, but will have to return with husband and measurements to make definite decisions. As usual I brought my camera, but forgot to take any photos! Next time! The next stop was Gabriel Brothers, a chain of discount stores in the surrounding states. You never know what you will find there, but you have to look at everything very carefully. My daughter was able to find two lovely dresses, including one from Ann Taylor Loft for $5.00! On to our favorite consignment store in York, Mish Mash. Located in a stately stone house, it is one of the loveliest consignment shops you will find. Everything is organized by size and color and the shop is laid out like a high end boutique. A place not to miss if you find yourself in the area. We checked several other of our consignment and thrift haunts and then.....

On to Lancaster....Near one of my wholesale vendors I had noticed a Habitat Re-Store, but had never stopped in to look. This time we did and were pleasantly surprised with what we found. This stop has also been put on our list of stops when we return with spouses. After time spent in the nearby wholesaler, we decided to check into our motel, which happened to be right in the middle of one of Lancaster's largest outlet centers...how convenient!

After a very short stop, we visited the J.Crew outlet, my daughter's favorite, and the Polo outlet. My daughter had a great time spending her first summer paycheck and getting some great bargains. Eventually we made it to our favorite Goodwill, which actually has a bargain center as well as regular store. Because it was so late in the day we really did not have the stamina that we usually have and probably missed lots of bargains. My daughter was able to pick up a Lilly Pulitzer skirt below $5.oo. But before we called it a day and went to a late dinner, we stopped into the Hartstrings outlet, just before closing, and drooled over the beautiful baby clothes.

The next day I was down for the count and stayed late at the motel while Vicky and my daughter hit the outlets. Later in the day, I had recovered enough to visit several outlets before we moved on.....We stopped into another wholesaler and then visited the Flower and Craft Warehouse in Blue Ball, PA. I picked up large cupcake baking cups and a cute "cupcake" shaped cookie cutter for the bridal shower. Our last stop was the Green Dragon in Ephrata, PA. If you have never been there, it's definitely worth the stop. We have gone there for over 30 years and although it has changed quite a bit it still offers wonderful Amish and Mennonite treats, produce, plants, auctions and tons of "flea market" style stands. The food is great! We rolled back into Charles Town late Friday evening and are already planning our next trip.

This past Tuesday my daughter and I went on a mini shopping expedition in and around Rockville, Maryland while my husband was at work. With gas prices this high, we are trying to combine as much travel as possible. My first stop was Home Goods, where I perused the available apothecary jars. There were quite a few, but I decided to wait until next time where I have a specific place to put it. I was able to find a great cloche at a great price and it came home with me. I also checked out their other glass containers that we might be able to use for the candy bar at the upcoming wedding reception. My daugher was able to find a lovely Vera Bradley French memo board for her dorm room and a cute fabric bin in the same color scheme. Later, we picked up two fabrics at G-Street fabrics for dresses I will make for my daughter. She was able to re-stock some of her make-up and browse mall stores. A late lunch with Dad at the Cheesecake Factory and then a visit to the local Habitat Re-Store and a great new consignment store find in Gaithersburg.

Collection of Old World Items For Use In New Room

Chippy Mantel and Mirror - On The Way To Completion

Painting Projects

It's hard to believe that it has been over a month since my last post. Things were unexpectedly hectic around here as the summer began. Our daughter has been able to find a part-time job which is not so easy this year. We have tons of outdoor projects to complete this summer and the rain has slowed us down drastically.


We have been painting our new great room/kitchen addition. Since the main room has a loft it has meant perching 20 feet in the air to paint the edge between the wall and ceiling. We began by painting the upstairs back hallway, back staircase and former kitchen in the old part of the house with "Tobacco Road." We were very pleased with it and decided to carry it throughout the great room/kitchen and loft. We have painted the woodwork white and it really pops against the "gold/brown."


The decor of the room will slant toward Tuscan/Old World. During the past year I was able to buy a very "chippy" mantel with mirror at an auction which came out of a brownstone in NYC. We are leaving it in its "natural" state since it definitely has an Old World look. The fireplace that it surrounds is propane fueled. My husband built a Tuscan style "faux" chimney above it way up to the roof. I intend to do a rustic Venetian plaster finish on the chimney. I am having a difficult time locating the appropriate plaster in a retail store. I have found examples for sale over the internet, but not in a store. Lowe's had Venetian plaster, but it was a thin type that was to be burnished and have a finish like polished marble. That is not the look that I would like. We will also have a similar chimney over the Wolf range in the kitchen and I would like to finish it in the same manner. We would like it to look similar to the examples at this site. If anyone has any experience with this type of finish and/or suggestions as to what product to use please drop me an email or comment.

Another major project will be to continue planning a "couples" wedding shower for the end of August for our son and his fiance.