Country Living Magazine's Home of the Year

I just returned from the Atlanta market just a short week ago. Sometimes it is a little depressing to leave the show knowing that you didn't get some of the things you really wanted to buy....they were either "too expensive" or , perhaps, a little too "trendy.." when I saw this month's issue of Country Living magazine, I recognized so many pieces that I have in the store...or from vendors that I carry. In this photo...the headboard is actually on order...the top bed covering is from Pine
Cone Hill, the rug is from Dash and Albert, the covered side tables are from one of my vendors, and there are touches of greens, candlesticks, and decorative items from at least three more vendors!!

I guess my point is this...many people in Erie don't think we have what is seen in national magazines... So, I guess my other point is, just bring in those photos and idea files ..and ask!!

The french garden tray on this ottoman is actually hanging on a wall at the store...

The chairs tucked in behind this "industrial table and bench" were at the shop until recently....they are from the same vendor that has the table and bench...

Great lighting fixtures are available.

Fun idea to paint this wall in the mud room or garage entrance...blackboard chalk paint..

Salvaged windows are great here, but also work on painted cupboards and shelving units.

I thought this was such a super idea!! If you don't like it so worn looking, why not use a braided flat piece of trim to hang a picture from a drawer handle? That 's it for now..


The back room is jammed with boxes of new stuff, so get on over to see us!! Take care, Sue

News From the Atlanta Gift Market

It is my sixth day at the market....you can't imagine how much there is to see here!! One of the highlights definitely was the viewing of the new Sid Dickens Memory blocks. The Spring collection is called 'Madeleine'. It is really beautiful...I love every one of them. It was inspired by Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time. I ordered all of them. I will have info at the shop if you want to stop by and check it out and reserve a block.

I ordered lots of soaps and candles....

and quite a few pieces of painted furniture....

This wall cabinet made especially for wine storage is just beautiful...I also ordered the toile buffet.

Nice and fresh for spring....

I also ordered a display from Dash and Albert so we can choose colors and patterns easier.

As always, the Pine Cone Hill showroom was scrumptious. Layers of soft whites, creams, matelesse, and ruffles.

This ensemble teams a stripe with a floral. I noticed a lot of patterns in quilts and pillows were paired with one color and either cream or white.

A yummy yellow gold is paired up with a wonderful blue.

I don't usually do this...but I went to a seminar and book signing presented by Colin Cowie. He is a designer and a party planner. He planned the "Legends" gala event for Oprah Winfrey. Quite a successful and entertaining guy....The events he has planned were amazing! It was fun.

It is hard to believe that these halls were once jammed with people! Tomorrow I head home to catch up on everyhting there....Remember to stop by the shop soon...lots of goodies will be arriving for you to enjoy. Take care. Sue

In With the New

Happy New Year everyone!! Lots of cleaning and restyling going on at the shop right now...you know, "out with the old and in with the new". I have been thinking about redoing my kitchen for a while now...not the cupboards or anything major like that...just a "facelift". I absolutely love monogramming...I probably have posted this picture before. I really want to monogram the backs of my chairs.

Whether it be with numbers or letters....I just like the personalization of a monogram!

I think I might do some chairs in Lee Industries slipcovers...Anyway, I thought I would just show you some of my favorite images of monograms...

This simple monogramming of a headboard is so charming.

Simplicity is key here.....

A simple personalization......

or, how about a few pillows? These could be painted on with fabric paint. A do it yourself project!

ok...I strayed off the path here...but I decided to include a "New Year's Resolution".....You can't change what happened yesterday, but you can move forward with a fresh thought for today!!

This sign embodies my thoughts for the new year and what it may bring....I am dedicated to bringing my wonderful and loyal customers whatever it takes to make Traditions the "place to shop" in the coming year!! I will be leaving for the Atlanta show on Thursday and will try to bring back inspiring ideas and new merchandise for you!

Meanwhile, stop in the shop and pick up some great deals on Christmas decor (we put it all together in one area for you). There are still lots of fantastic deals to be had!! Also, I have marked down a great assortment of pictures, lamps, and upholstered furniture to make room for all of the new! I will looking forward to seeing you soon!! Take care. Sue