Joggling Boards

For the last week or so I've been fixated on porches, and I mean really obsessed by them, especially large open ones that look like they were made to be enjoyed by a lot of people. Every evening Adele, my girlfriend, and I go on long walks and I'd stare at them with a thought not yet turned to shape...that Midnight Summer's Dream, "an airy nothing until given a local habitation and a name" when it hit me. Joggling, jostling or courting boards as they were called sprang forth from my childhood in the Carolinas. I remember when the opportunity allowed, we'd bounce on them until bounced out. If you ever get the chance to test drive one, you should....I know I'd like another bounce....if you want one or just need more information on them, click HERE.

Seacoast Architectural Salvage Yards

Green is good, and reclaimed salvage has character, history and the sweet factor that your friends can't copy you.... yes, one-of-a-kind is king! Naturally a day spent cruising the New Hampshire and Maine coast sampling lobster rolls, checking out local antique shops and enjoying the briny sea air is a worthy quest.

These columns were found at Architectural Antiquities in Harborside Maine for $495 as a pair! And yes, they are Maine's oldest Victorian Architectural dealer.

Another great stopping place is Architectural Salvage Inc. in Exeter, NH.

If you need a break, LL Bean is in Freeport, Maine....but not to fear...keep heading north to the delightful city of Portland and there you'll find Portland Architectural Salvage. They are loaded with mantels, plumbing, stairways, garden goodies, furniture and more.

Of course who can resist stopping in Kennebunk?! Beautiful homes, fly fishing, food and a smashingly cool destination, The Old House Parts Company. They are a great resource for all of it: glass, doors, hardware and even items from a Convent!

Happy hunting!

**A note to remember: Old furniture and other items may have Lead Paint!

*** CLICK HERE for a good source on lead dust and awareness.

Blue & White Collection

I think Blue and White is quite refreshing especially if mixed with other tones and textures....blue willow, Cowan & Tout fabric, ginger jars, wedding vases, french dessert plates and Staffordshire Ironware.

Amazing Fabric

Valtekz offers an awsome group of fabrics that have a durability test of 250,000 rubs! It's great on boats, chairs, outdoor lounges, as wallpaper, faux leather to cover an old steamer (very Louis Vuitton), and any thing else you can imagine. To add to its cool factor is the variety of snake skin, ostrich, gator, lizard, and shagreen patterns and colors you can get it in. Of course my fabric rep pushed the line on me rather hard, but in reality it was an easy sale. Mildew & UV resistant, fabulously easy to clean and maintain....I knew my seacoast clients would love it.

For the Metro Dog Lover

I used to sell these cool handmade Swiss Alpine collars and always wanted to carry the English city-dog wear by Patch and Scott but never did.