Anna and The Old Rock House

Last Sunday, LT, Ella, Jonathan and I took a little road trip to Soda Springs to see Anna Beauregard and her Old Rock House. I want to preface this blog by saying there is no way I could do this house justice by my words or photos. This house is just a dream. Anna left no detail out when she carefully restored this house. Although she denies being an "artist," this house is a work of art.

I'm not sure where to even begin describing this house. She has restored this historic home with salvaged materials and architectural treasures. Wildflowers greet you at the road. An iron gate with keys leads to a path paved with flagstones and rusty iron fragments.

The details are amazing, from the old ceiling tin flowers to the front porch rails (made from antique iron beds, complete with glass knob finials). I can't even describe how amazing this house is. I'll post some pictures that I took and some from the website just to give you a taste. But being there to see it all, plus hearing all of Anna's stories made it so much better.

Anna imported three outhouses into the back yard. One has a delightful front door with curtains and a front porch and a chair to sit.

The house looks amazing at night because the yard is luminated with lights (even in the trees).

Benches in the yard made of old iron beds give the house and garden an antique feel.

I snapped a shot of myself in an antique mirror hung on the potting shed in the yard.

Anna was so kind to my little Ella. She made her feel at home and even let her play in the fountain made from an antique washing machine.

If you want to learn more about the Old Rock House, please go visit Anna's website http://www.theoldrockhouse.com/ . Although she has quite a following, (CEO's and Honeymooners are some of the Old Rock House's visitors), I would encourage everyone to support this wonderful treasure close to our home. My mom is coming to visit near the end of this month and I am trying to book a mom/daughter getaway at the Old Rock House for a night. When I have family and friends visit from out of town, I will definitely let them know about this wonderful place.

Anna holding my baby Jonathan.

Some People

I was busy in the store on Friday. Rearranging new furniture, filling in holes where large items have sold, helping customers with sales and pricing a bunch of new items kept me busy, busy, busy. LT was helping me with a project in the back so I also had my 2 little ones helping me rearrange.

As I was helping one customer, another came in and had some questions and needed help with some things. Another needed measurements on a piece of furniture. I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get everything done. Things finally settled down a little and I was ringing up a sale for the last customers in the shop. We made small talk about her credit card and airline miles when I realized the customer was familiar. She mentioned she travelled to Canada frequently.

I looked at the name on the card, then looked up at her in recognition. "Are you the woman from the blog....? The Noisy Plume."

Jillian Lukiwski has the most beautiful blog ever. I have been following it for a while because she has such a way with words and is able to verbalize things that are in my heart but I would never find a way to express. (That last akward sentence for example). Her photography is amazing. I felt like I was meeting a celebrity and probably went on and on too long about it by the way she blushed.

So, I was reading Jillian's blog today and found the best quote ever. This woman really has a way with words. She was commenting about her beautiful garden...

"IN THE CABBAGE PATCH
I THOUGHT TO MYSELF:
PEOPLE ARE A LOT LIKE CABBAGES SOME ARE PLUMP AND ROUND AND LOVELY AND OTHERS HAVE WORMS IN THEIR HEARTS"

I'm sure she has no idea, but Jillian has instantly made a fan for life.

If you have a minute, check out her blog. www.thenoisyplume.blogspot.com I bet you'll love it as much as I do.

Abigail's Blog Freebie Giveaway! $50 Gift Certificate

Anyone who signs up to follow our blog before August 25th will be entered to win a $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE to Abigail's! This is our way of letting you know how much we appreciate our customers and friends.

If you're not sure how to follow, just find the button on the left that says "FOLLOW" and click on it. Then enter your name and e-mail and you're done. (If you still need help, stop in the store and I'd love to walk you through it!)

For those of you who already follow, you will be entered in too! Thanks for your support and business!

Sister's Adventure

On Wednesday this week, I went to SLC. I went to Dear Lizzie in Highland, Utah like planned, but invited my sister, Aimee who is expecting a baby any day now.

The shop was amazing. There was so much to look at, we had to walk around three or four times. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone who loves girly girl stuff and pink!



They have a little bistro with lunch items (sandwiches), cupcakes, chocolate, and more. We ate lunch and laughed and did some sister bonding.



We met the owner, Laura. She gave me her e-mail address because may be interested in some items I have in the shop. By the way she was super friendly and personable.



Lunch was really yummy. I found a really cute, over-the-top apron to wear in Abigail's when I'm working. I will have to share pictures when I get some.

P.S. Aimee had her own pregnant point of view of the day. Check it out at http://www.vivatooele.blogspot.com/

lol

Introducing Vintage Clothing on Etsy!

I'm so excited to announce that Abigail's is offering vintage clothing on Etsy!
Please check it out at http://www.wickedweeotch.etsy.com
I am adding a link on the left side of my blog. Any local Abigail's customers can pick up items at the shop and avoid paying shipping charges.

Vintage clothing was a favorite at our original location, but our current building just doesn't have the space for it. This way, we can still offer the same great vintage clothing, but to a larger market. It also gives me an opportunity to work from home and hang out with the kids.

Ella yelled CHEESE until I stopped taking clothing pictures and took one of her.

Out and About

I'm so excited. I get to take a trip to SLC to pick up my kids from the airport on Wednesday, this coming week. If all goes well, I'm going to visit Dear Lizzie in Alpine, Utah. I've been wanting to stop since I saw the shop featured in Romantic Homes Magazine. From the looks of their website http://www.mydearlizzie.com/ , they have adorable displays and wonderful items. When I get back, I'll tell you all about it...

I borrowed a few picutes from their website to give you all a preview.

(No, not ME me, that's someone from dear lizzie, I can't even imagine what it would be like to be that adorable, even when I try really hard.)








Maybe I'll vist some of my other favorite SLC shops and bring back pictures. Oh, and I'll most likely bring back treasures!

What is it about old windows?

A friend asked me the other day, "Are people buying old windows?"

I haven't been able to keep them in the store!

Today, I just got some really cute vintage green windows in and wanted to give some ideas on how to use them in decorating. Abigail's is all about upcycling furniture and architectural salvage into beautiful and usable home decor. After all, "Green is the new Black!"

There are so many ways to use old windows. Here are some of our favorites:


A divider or garden wall


Framing in a porch. I love this idea!

A cozy cottage table
This greenhouse/conservatory is to die for!

Window frames used as garden trellises- would be so cute with sweet peas or climbing roses.

This greenhouse project is way beyond my technical/carpentry skills, but so cute!
This old window makes a great display for a vintage purse collection.

Another greenhouse type project.

Classic window box with flowers

Cute mixed media collage.

I'm sure you all have good ideas too. If you have a picture, send one to us!