Some of my favorite shops . . .

In support of my favorite shops during this holiday season . . . I have
decided to share with you some pictures that I hope will inspire you to shop local and
support your local merchants . . . either here in the northwest or
in your own home town!!

I am starting with one of my favorite places here on Bainbridge Island (a short
ferry ride from Seattle). . . it is called . . . "Embellish" and is owned by
a lovely woman named "Katrina" . . .

As Embellish does not have a website or blog . . . I thought I would show
you a quick peek into Katrina's wonderful world . . .
so here we go . . .


She always has some unique and wonderful things usually relating to nature
and animals . . . such as this horse head!! I love horses and all the creams
and browns . . . and of course the cotton wreath creates such an interesting
mix . . . that is what Katrina does so well!!!


this selection of ornaments in a big heavy urn were especially beautiful . . .


and these feather balls were amazing . . .


Katrina mixes old-world with modern and a bit of the east
mixed in . . . to create a bold, sophisticated and
unique look all her own!!


She has an amazing jewelry collection!!!


I especially love these bird earrings . .


there are wonderful gift items for every room in the house . . .


furniture, cozy throws . . .


unusual fun accessories . . .


mirrors, lamps and more . . .


glassware for entertaining . . .


great bread boards . . . a bit rustic and great for every day!!


and if you prefer reds . . .

of course she has that too . . .

Hope you can stop in to say "hello" to Katrina as I am sure you will
find some lovely things . . . not only for your loved ones on your gift list . . .
but most probably for yourself as well . . . I know I did!! :)

Embellish . . . it is truly irresistible!!!
(Thank you Katrina for sharing!!)

Embellish
(Bainbridge Island)
285 Winslow Way East
Bainbridge Island, WA.
(206) 780-2592

Tues. - Sat. (11-5)
Sunday (12-4)
Monday (closed)

What is truly important . . .

The picture below describes best
what I do each fall . . .
(This post is a bit long and doesn't really relate to vintage markets . . . but it does explain
why I keep the fall open for my son's football season . . .)

This is a picture of my son "Pierre" and I . . . he loves football . . . and
I mean Loves Football . . . and I support him on this 100%!!

This is a very special picture to me . . . partly because it is not every day
a mom gets a picture with her son (which I will obviously treasure . . . "Thank you" Renee!!) . . .
but because it represents so much more than just . . . a pretty picture!!!

It represents 6 years of hard work and dedication to a sport my son truly loves . . .

It represents respect and knowledge he learned from all his coaches
over the years . . . especially . . . "everyone has the will to win - but it is if you
have the will to prepare to win" - a quote by the great Coach Gregoire :)

It represents friendship and cooperation . . . of young boys who are
now becoming young men . . .

It represents that education and school grades always comes first!!

It represents that as a parent - you do whatever you can do for your son
and the league - if your son loves a sport that much . . . no matter what!!!

It represents learning that politics and football don't mix very well :)

It represents that when you are losing . . . you have to keep focusing forward . . .
as we say around our house . . . every play counts!!

it represents shock and frustration . . . from a bad ankle break to both
his tibia and fibula last May (from sliding into 2nd base) and the cancellation of
an Offense/Defense camp he had been looking forward to for almost a year.

it represents the understanding and knowledge that
God may have a different path . . .

it represents hope of an ankle recovery . . . and then soon thereafter . . . a great
sadness when there were not enough kids for a team in
his age/weight division in his home town . . .

it represents starting over again in a new town . . . with
new friendships, new coaches and new ideas . . .

it represents playing your heart out and knowing . . . especially in
the last few minutes of the last game that . . . it truly is a team sport.

and last but definitely not least . . .

it represents a . . . championship game for North Kitsap's "A" division . . .
for Kitsap County Pee Wee Football (13/14 year olds)

As you can see . . . . it is not just a pretty picture to me . . . and as in life . . .
there is usually much more than what is seen on the surface . . .

Congratulations to the players of the North Kitsap "A" football team and to their
great coaching staff!!! It was such a great season and so much fun to watch all
of you grow and succeed!!

This is what is truly important . . . to me . . .