I’m taking a walk down memory lane this morning…counting my blessings and the many things I have to be thankful for.  I’ll start with the greatest blessing of all…..salvation through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Because of His great love for us, my HubE and I can celebrate 34 years of marriage minus a huge, ugly burp in the middle.  But even with that burp stage (divorce), God faithfully restored all that was lost, and has made our marriage so much richer and sweeter.  I praise Him for that.

The birth of Burlap & Lace as a storefront occurred in March of 2017.  From its humble beginnings at the 500′ office space turned storefront to the amazing 1915 home it now embodies, the journey has – to this point – been far more than I ever would have expected.

From the receipt of my first dollar at the first space to my first dollar at the second space, it’s never been about the money, but more about the people I have met.  And for that I am incredibly thankful.

The name Burlap & Lace, if you recall, originated from the story of my sister and me.  (Read back on the blog for the story of that journey!)  To this day, you will find remnants of those items in the shop.  But as my youngest child likes to remind me, the shop will always be vintage-inspired because “Mom, you ARE vintage!”.  I smile at that truth.

And if you haven’t met my sister until now know that she has been with me throughout the whole journey, and I thank God for our friendship and love of everything cottage, farmhouse, antique, rusty and beautiful.  From ironstone pitchers to architectural pieces, we share a love for the very things that make our houses more into homes for us.

While you might not wear these antique boots today, why not stuff some flowers in them and use as a doorstop?  Pretty unique idea and you can change the flowers out seasonally!

While I definitely have vintage decor to choose from, I have introduced some newer items this season that would make fabulous gifts….

Wine bags….paintings by local artist, Lynn Driver…

Calligraphy wall decor, snowmen from vintage fabrics & buttons – both crafted by local artisans…. beer soap (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!) and candles by Inglenooks Soaps….

Pillows and fun decor…..and still, there is room for the truly “old” vintage and farmhouse appeal as well….

choose from a variety of hankies, or a random ornament package…

Window buntings and kitchen Santas….

Fun kitchen decor (or go ahead and use these tree baking tins), and homemade signs by yours truly.

And for those of you who want to capitalize on the benefits of a year-end sale just beginning, let me whet your appetite with an array of Fall items and home decor items marked down 50% from the already reduced prices….

Linens… and lamps, furniture and decor…

And maybe just a little bit more….

See anything you like?  Capitalize on Small Biz Saturday and shop local!

And from my home to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving…

~Blessings,

Connie

Christmas is a favorite time of year for me…..the smells of pine, fir and balsam as we tromp through the fields in search of the perfect tree… digging out the stockings to hang by the chimney (or from the banister)….searching for the perfect gifts to give….all of these things help to make the season one of remembrance for me.

Last week was a highlight at Burlap & Lace as I literally decked out the entire house (minus one room for my Fall Sale) in Christmas attire!  New items will be added throughout the rest of this month and next, so don’t assume you have “seen it all” from one week to the next!

Vintage, of course, is in play in nearly every room.  From the whimsical Santa to the elegant choirboy of the 60’s, and not forgetting the reindeer from the 50’s that light their way through the darkest night – you will find plenty to make you smile and to bring a memory or two.

Lynn has been painting for me again and I love showcasing all she has done!

As you think of decorating your own spaces this holiday, think of ways you can add whimsy alongside practicality….for instance, take in this green door that came straight from a local camp!  It’s the perfect addition to a bedroom to allow guests to hang their towels on.  And when not in use for your guests, throw a garland over the top and add a stocking for wreath to add decor and fancy to your room!  Even the vintage hamper is a great addition, allowing your guests to feel at home in your home this holiday!  Why should they have to stuff their dirty clothes back into their suitcase before their trip is over?

Need a hostess gift for the office party?  Why not choose from the items in the kitchen?  Lots of stemware, serving dishes and pitchers to choose from….

Need a different suggestion?  Why not choose one of these festive wine bottle holders?  No wrapping necessary!  Or pick a stocking and fill it with a variety of small items.  Wouldn’t that be a wonderful surprise for any host or hostess?!?

Holiday pillows add a touch of class to any location….from a bed to a chair to a shelf!

Pick a dress form and set it in any room for added fun!  This one is ready to serve you!  (By the way, there are numerous holiday aprons to choose from as well….fun to wear OR to decorate with!).

I would be amiss after all this “show” not to reveal to you the real reason I celebrate this season.  Jesus Christ…..who was “in the beginning” and came to earth in the form of man…with one mission…. to purchase my life back from the death sentence I had because of my own foolish ways.  Because of His death, he paid the ransom for not only me, but you as well!  And because of my faith in Him, I can claim eternity with Him as He reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords over all creation!  To Him be the glory….forever!

~Blessings,

Connie