Shopping

 

I just spent a frustrating lunch hour.  In the city of Roseville, near where I live, there is an older downtown area.  It could be really charming.  It probably was, during its hey days.  The houses were all built in the 20’s and there is the old Tower Theater which looks straight out of the 30’s.  The city is trying to revitalize the area but there is a new shopping center nearby with a Nordstrom, a Macy’s, mega bookstores and food court and it I fear it is drawing people away from the historic part of town.  What once was the heart of the city is turning into a ghost town.

My son used to take guitar lessons off of the main street and while I was waiting for him I would often stroll down the street and poke in the shops that were there.  This was about three years ago.  Even back then most stores were empty.  But there was a booming antique trade with a number of large stores along a three block area.  So today I decide to head down there (mainly to see if I could find any interesting bedside tables).  And they are gone.  There are a couple of 2nd hand clothing stores (not really my thing) and one antique store featuring military collectibles (also not my thing).   The rest – gone.

I love finding unique stores that don’t carry the same exact thing every other store carries.  I love that feeling you get when you find something that you didn’t know you needed until you laid eyes on it.   I have a few stores that never fail me.  These aren’t chains and they don’t have online shopping for the most part – but if you happen to live near one or are planning a visit make sure to pop in.  You never know what you might find.

Last November a few of us took a trip to Disneyland and our last day there we stopped at Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar, CA.  If I had known what I was in for I would have saved an entire day to go through the place.  It is absolutely amazing.  They have an incredible holiday shop each year and I spent the rest of my vacation money on Christmas ornaments.   My youngest was with us and he refused to set foot in the place.  Every now and then I would get a call from him from the parking lot "Mom!  An entire BUSLOAD of old people just arrived, you should get out of there."  When we left (after just an hour) there was a woman getting out of a limousine.  The shops are what interested me the most but I would like to go back in the Springtime and really take a look at the gardens.  They have the original bandstand from Disneyland there.

Another garden/shops combination I like is Wisteria Antiques and Aptos Gardens in Soquel, CA.  This is actually two businesses sharing the same space.  There are several buildings on the acre property, including an old house where antique furniture and accessories can be found.  It’s always fun to look but rather pricy.  My favorite part is the gardens.  For inspiration and the occasional little treasure like my sleeping cherub.  Beautiful plants, outdoor structures and furniture.  The last time I was there they had several miniature gardens that were so incredibly detailed.  Teeny pergolas and picket fences surrounding miniature bonsai’d plants (is that redundant?  Miniature bonsai?) – all in containers that are about 18" across.  A perfect, little garden.

For sheer fun there is I Love Funky’s in Fort Atkinson, WI – with both antiques and new treasures.  That is where I picked up the mosiac bowl.  I also bought a small silver tray that I keep on my vanity.  There is a nice restaurant downstairs too.  With an actual brig from an old ship.  How on earth do you suppose they got their hands on that?  The last time I was at Funky’s they had a antique french hanging wire chair.  I have never fallen in love with a piece of garden furniture like that but it was amazing.  Of course it wouldn’t fit in my suitcase and even though I probably could have justified the $695 price tag (a bargain!) I couldn’t afford to ship it home.  Alas.

Well no shopping for me this weekend.  I think my weekend is going to involve roofing.  Rick was telling me something alarming about tying a rope around my waist in case I slip off the covered bridge.

I wanted to be on lemonade detail, not actually UP THERE in danger or anything.