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Last May I was able to live yet another one of my many dreams.Since my earliest recollection, I've had a passion for history, especially the houses, buildings and clothing of yesteryear.

My husband and I traveled to see his Grandma in upstate NY and we took 5 additional days to travel. The main destination for me, was Vermont.

Somehow, sometime ago I created an amazing happy-place and it was always Vermont. While I had never been there before, I had read and seen enough over the years to envision the perfect moment. A large white home, with a winding staircase, crystal chandeliers, glorious windows and gardens to envy.

Four Chimneys Inn, in Bennington,Vermont made me cry the minute we drove up. It was a childhood as well as adult dream come true. Every aspect of that lovely home (turned Inn) made me feel as if I was transported in time and living out a fantasy.

The owners and hosts of this lovely Inn were not only amazing at welcoming, the dinner was also one of the most superb experiences we have had.

If you ever find yourself searching for a happy-place, please stop by and say hello to Pete and Lynn.

Maybe your journey there, will help you fulfill a dream of your own.


Tonya

Nice home wanted....

I've had a love-affair with this sweet, mid-century dining set since I first saw it. One of my estate sale families asked me to place table, chairs and matching hutch on consignment since it did not sell. I consigned a number of other items and they found new homes right away, but not this little dining set.

As we move closer to closing our shop down full-time, most consignment has to go. The family said to find it a good home and we have reduced it to $750. It is such a wonderful deal and I hope the family that takes it home loves it as much as the lovely lady who cherished it.

If you know of a good home, let me know!!!

Tonya

Do you follow your dream without altering it?

Yesterday I had a nice conversation with a sweet friend. We had not seen each other in a month and I was so excited to visit with her. She told me what was new in her life and how her family was doing.

Once I began filling her in on the paths I'd been running down, I could see her look at me with questioning. She questioned how I started the shop and 'The Dream' I originally had and how it was changing.

At first I was taken aback by her statement and felt as if I had to defend the decisions and new directions I've been taking. Now, I was not upset with her for saying it. She was letting me know what she felt and that is not a bad thing.

When we share pieces of our lives with others, we ultimately only share 'pieces' and the 'pieces' we don't share, complete the puzzle.

If we do not alter our paths to handle the bumps in the road or even run from the tornadoes coming at us, we will not succeed. The 'Dream' or 'Goal' we set before us can not be reached if we stay on a single-minded course.

Now, with that said, we do need direction and consistency and that can be tricky and at times and feel impossible.

My dream is coming true and while it may not be as I origianlly planned, it is taking me down an even bumpier road and in new directions I did not dream possible.

I love my friend and her words of wisdom. These chats help me become stronger and reflect on the blessings I have and the blessings to come.

It is in my humble opinion that if you are striving for what you want, it is OK to take a different path, as long as you reach your goal.

Love Life!
Tonya

Thank you Elvis.......

Trying to find a fun and unique cake recipe for my middle daughters 29th birthday was fun! Searching the web brought me to 'The Elvis Cake'.

I will get right to the point: IT WAS SO GOOD! Everyone loved it and that is a tough battle at times.

Attached is the link for the recipe and I also suggest you read the reviews and suggestions. Because so many reviews mentioned the frosting and pineapple mixture being too sweet, I cut it way back. One reviewer poked holes in the warm cake and let all of the pineapple mix (undrained)soak in. I followed their advice and did this as well and allowed the cake to be refrigerated for at least 5 hours.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/elvis-presley-cake/detail.aspx

Give it a try and I know you will have everyone at the table saying, 'Thank you, Thank you very much'.

Night!
Tonya

Simple Elegance

As I drool over Pinterest ideas, some lovely rooms call out to me more than others. This room captured my heart becuase it is perfect in it's simple elegance.

What is so inspiring when I find these lovely settings, is they give ample room for us to personalize as or when needed. There is very little color which alone is great. I love the warmth of tone-on-tone neutrals with a touch of sparkle.

If it was my room to play with during this Holiday and others, the possibilites to make it reflect me are endless.

In my eye, there is no focal point outside of the chair pattern. And that is a great thing to me as the room is the focal point. Make sense?

Hope your Sunday is a happy one!

Tonya

Pig Poop & Other Great Treats

Yep, I said Pig Poop! Our Holiday candies from Saratoga Sweets have arrived and this year Pig Poop has some friends. Moose Poo, Loon Poo, Dear Poo and Bear Poo. For the more traditional candy lover we offer sour chews, chocolate candy sticks, peppermint pigs and almond bark....

Last year we sold out of Poo very early. Don't wait, buy Poo now!

Tis the season!
Tonya

Pinterest Obsession

It is so true....the simplest things can give us the most pleasure. Pinterest is simple. Navigating, pinning, liking, re-pinning.....easy-peasy. And I like easy and uncomplicated in all aspects of my life. Why? Because my life is very complicated. LOL

So often these new Websites start up and are very user friendly, kind of like the rotary phone was in my day. Then, they keep 'improving' to better serve our needs and it becomes to complicated.

Dear Pinterest

, Please stay the way you are.

Sincerely,
Tonya

Blow Your Own Horn....

We have an opportunity to receive up to $50k in funds by Intuit. Please vote for us and tell them why you like our Shoppe/Business. Thanks!

Powered by Love a Local Business.

How Do They Do It?

One thing I've learned since starting my own business is this, "No one does it by themselves"! Often we find ourselves feeling inadequate when we see how others are able to do so much and we can't. For example, making furniture, painting, re-modeling, sewing, hunting for treasures, raising their families. It is true that some folks are able to multi-task better than others. And yes, some are just plan talented in areas we are not.

Now, look at your life and find the responsibilites you have and realize those are unique to you. I do not have a husband who is handy or even likes working with his hands. He would rather look over contracts all day. So, it is up to me to find someone to help and unless you pay them, it won't happen at this house. LOL

Knowing that we all have unique lives and circumstances has helped me feel 'OK' with my limitations.

Remember, Martha Stewart, Oprah, Paula Deen and other wonderful celebrities have 100's of people working for them. Be proud of what you accomplish and know you are amazing.

On a final note, I have my support team at the shop. They help me so much and without them, we would not exist as we do.

Have a blessed day!
Tonya

Picture of First Known Gypsy in Marion County KS!

Finding Treasures

Trip to see my Dad was very nice. Both brothers, their wifes, kids and grandbabies came too. With our family growing, it is fun to see the roles we have change.
If you ever make it to Peabody KS, stop in at Flint Hills Gypsy and say Hi to Morgan and her family. And if you are really lucky, the antique shop on the corner will be open and you can stroll back in time.
Enjoy this beautiful Fall weather!
Tonya

Off To See Toto & Fake-Thanksgiving

Heading out tomorrow morning to see my Dad and Step-mom in Kansas. This will be an early Thanksgiving to share with them. Some of you may remember my mentioning I already hosted 'Fake-Thanksgiving' here last month. That's right, I said Fake-Thanksgiving.LOL

The holidays are such a busy time for us retail wizards and on top of that, 3 of my 2 daughters are married with extended families. Trying to get us all together on Thanksgiving has become too much for all of us. So, I created 'Fake-Thanksgiving' and we hosted it on October 8th.

Imagine Thanksgiving without all the stress of who will be coming, who we have to wait for, who has to leave early, horrible traffic, etc. Please understand I love the holidays and have the fondest memories of them. However, my life and those around me seem to be well suited for this new tradition. And since our family and most families make their own traditions, it is a perfect fit.

For those of you who love shopping on Black Friday, I will be here bright and early to welcome you.

Back to heading to Kansas.....Going back home to Kansas is always fun. My fondest childhood memories are driving to Grandma and Grandpa's and watching for the bridge. Once we saw it....we knew we were there. My Dad lives in a very small Town called Peabody. My favorite stop there is an antique/eclectic shop called "Flint Hill Gypsies". Her shop is a very old grocery store with the antique ceilings, wood floors and front glass windows I dream my shop had. Stop by sometime and tell Morgan I sent you.

See you when I get back!
Tonya

My dream.....

Holiday Open House

Our Holiday Open House is today and I hope you can join us. Most of our booth vendors will be having sales in their spaces and we have everything else on sale. Kelly Rae Roberts collection, WIK candles, Bee Good collection, and more. 10 to 80% off throughout the shop (excludes chandeliers).

Larry Clark will be presenting singing artists from 5 to 7pm and Nicole will be serving refreshments.

Tom Bowden will be here to sign books and Anne is bringing some fresh baked goodies to sell.

Merry Christmas!

Great Estate Sale this weekend now 50% off. Click on the link below and get all the info for the sale hosted by Grace Estates.


http://estatesales.org/little-elm-tx-estate-sales/huge-estate-saletexas-pickers-little-elm-tx-140152

Personalize Your Distressed Look

Our letters finally arrived and I are flying out of here! Letters are 12" tall, painted black, sanded and then sealed. At $18.95 each these are great gifts or to keep for yourself.