The Old Oak Cottage

Shop Till Ya Drop

2012-01-12T19:23:00.000-06:00

Marci & Pam have gone to Market in Atlanta so what better time than now to have a SALE! Yep that is right we are having a HUGE SALE this Friday & Sat (1/13-1/14)! EVERYTHING in the cottage & Showroom is 30% off y'all! We will even have a 50% off section in the kitchen! Now ya just can not beat that! We have not had a sale like this since back at the beginning of summer last year! We are open from 10 am-5:30 pm both days.

Sale excludes Spoiled Sweet Couture items as well as Finch & Co. Designs. Sorry but Pamela just does not have enough inventory to support a sale this huge!

Also on Sat Jennifer of Metamorphosis is having her first Open Shop Day where you can come on in her workshop and look at all of her fabulous fabrics, tools, and current projects! So be sure to come on out and chat with Jennifer over coffee about ideas and inspirations!

2012 - New Beginnings at the Cottage

2012-01-03T07:54:00.000-06:00

I really don't know where to begin with this message. First, the bad news I guess - my husband has accepted a job in Idaho and I will be moving in February. I have known it was a possibility for a couple months now, and have spent that time grieving and praying. I have been grieving because I love what I do. I have gotten to be friends with many of my customers and will miss seeing their smiling faces. The cottage has finally become profitable after years of labor; and it has really just begun to grow to what I know it can be.

The good news is the answer to my prayers. I have found a wonderful gal who loves the cottage almost as much as I do (if that's possible) to take it over. Her name is Pam Wiggs. She has been in the antiques business for many years, seems to like everything I do, and has a knack for finding (and displaying) the greatest stuff! AND, she is probably the sweetest person I have ever met! She currently has a little building at Ellen's Timeless Treasures in Humble, called "Pickering Hollow". Be sure to go to her facebook page and check out some of her stuff: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pickering-Hollow/287393088517

She will begin working with me this month, and we will be traveling to the Atlanta Market together January 12th - 16th. Kendra will be here that Friday and Saturday for our semi-annual "Come and Play While the Owners Away Sale".

Really, things won't be changing too much around here. Jennifer of Metamorphose Upholstery and Furniture will be staying; as well as Crystal our in-house designer. Crystal will be in on Thursday's the next two weeks, then back to her usual Fridays. Stop by on those days if you have any decorating dilemmas you would like her assistance with.

Meanwhile, this isn't really goodbye yet, as I will be around this month. Please stop by to meet Pam; and I hope you will continue to support The Old Oak Cottage.

LOL (my mom says that means "Lots of Love"),
Marci

The First Annual Huffman Christmas Shop Hop

2011-12-01T08:10:00.000-06:00

Dec 3, 2011 from 10 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Grab a flyer from your favorite business and start hopping!
There will be over 30 prizes given away so you do not want to miss it!

The Old Oak Cottage Prize!

Metamorphosis Prize!

Please feel free to contact us with any questions! It will be tons of fun with vendors set up at most locations. The Old Oak Cottage will have 16 vendors!

Christmas Open House-The Showroom

2011-11-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

As promised here are pictures of the The Old Oak Showroom from our Christmas Open House last week.

The Believe blocks flew off the shelf!! We are currently sold out of all three sets we had ordered!

The new updated Office! The horse pictures have been a very popular item for us. We even have a few smaller ones as well.

We received so many compliments on our greenery! Everybody said it looked so real and guess what it is real!! All we did was go outside and collect some!

Our Nature Tree area.

There were h'orderves and drinks for all! The benches you see here are made from reclaimed wood. If interested give us a call. We have several different colors to choose from. No two are alike!

This space just leaves you speechless!

All ornaments and picks you see on our trees are for sale!

Marci wanted to create a tree topper with one of the antique chandys! We do NOT suggest this and if you do, do it at your own risk! If stems are not placed accordingly they could become a fire hazard!

Piano paper available for purchase!

Sorry but both of the mirrors on the wall in this pic are sold.

Newest find is this gorgeous settee! It can be recovered by Jennifer of Metamorphosis. Come on by and see her for more details!

Thank you again for all who came out! If you could not make it out for our Christmas Open House be sure to stop by soon! We are selling thru our Christmas items quickly!
Hope your week is going well!

Christmas Open House

2011-11-06T08:51:00.003-06:00

The Old Oak Cottage just had it's annual Christmas Open House and we wanted to thank each and every one of you who came out and made it such a success! It is because of you our customers that we do what we do! For those of you who could not make it out we thought that we would share a few pics of what ya missed. Don't worry though you can still come on out and soak in the cottage holiday experience Tues-Sat 10:00am-5:30pm now until Christmas!

Welcome to The Old Oak Cottage!

Santa greets you upon your arrival.

Such amazing eye candy! Jennifer of Metamorphosis created this awesome hanging ornament display!!

Stocking stuffers galore!

This is our Bethany Lowe showcase room.

Amazing ornaments to make your tree at home even more fabulous!

Pop a little turquoise into your decorating this year.

Complimentary coffee and treats await you in the kitchen every day!

What a perfect gift for teachers or moms. We even have mommy and me aprons!

This is our vintage toy room.

The kiddos just love this tree to pieces with vintage inspired ornaments and sock monkeys!

Even more great gift ideas.

If vintage Christmas is your style you do not want to miss this room!

The newest addition to The Old Oak Cottage is Finch & Co. Designs! If you are just loving this dresser ya better come quick before it is gone. There were several customers wanting to take it home during Open House!

And of course we could not leave without sharing pictures of the fabulous Cottage Chicks who made this holiday wonderland possible!

Marci the owner of The Old Oak Cottage! Marci's hubby Jim truly deserves the hubby of the year award! He helped out so much behind the scenes and even came in early before work one day to hang Christmas lights!

Adorable Jennifer of Metamorphosis! And we have to also give a shout out to Jenn's fabulous sister Michelle who dedicated so much of her time this past week! Thank you Michelle!

Crystal our new In House Designer and owner of ReDesign. Come on out every Friday with your design dilemmas!

Annette and her lovely daughter Becky!
Then there is Pamela, the lady behind the camera who you may know over at From My Front Porch To Yours.
Thank you ladies for all your hard work and dedication this past week!

If ya missed coming out over the weekend be sure to stop by soon!

Next posts we will be sharing pictures of The Old Oak Showroom all set up for the holidays!

Christmas Open House

2011-11-01T08:03:00.002-05:00

Santa's elves are busy getting ready for The Old Oak Cottage & Showroom Christmas Open House!
You are cordially invited to the preview party Thursday Nov 3 from 6:00-8:30 pm!
Open House to the general public will be Friday & Saturday, Nov 4-5 from 10:00 am- 5:30 pm!
Refreshments and Door Prizes with lots of holiday cheer!New holiday hours for the cottage will be Tuesday- Saturday from 10:00 am- 5:30 pm starting Nov 8!

The Old Oak Showroom

2011-10-27T20:20:00.001-05:00

If you have not been by in awhile come and check out The Old Oak Cottage & Showroom!

We are constantly changing things up and you don't want to miss a thing!

Loving this table done by Jennifer of Metamorphosis!

Habersham styled armoire just waiting for a new home! We do have the doors!

Frenchy styled settee just came in!

We are open this week Thursday-Sat from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.! Be sure to stop by on Friday to say hi to our in house stylist Crystal and bring in any design dilemmas you may have.

We will be closed thru Thursday Nov 3 getting ready for our Christmas Open House Nov 4- Nov 5! There will be door prizes and plenty of eye candy so mark your calendars and round up your friends! You don't want to miss it!
Also starting in November we will be open from Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. for all your holiday shopping needs!

Introducing The Newest Cottage Chick!!

2011-10-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

The Old Oak Cottage is excited to introduce Crystal Womack of ReDesign as our in house designer. Crystal comes to us with an abundance of creativity and design expertise. She prides herself on the ability to "ReDesign and ReCreate" her clients homes by using furniture and accessories they already own while introducing one of a kind pieces. Her love for wonderful flea market finds, antique reproductions, unusual and interesting accessories, custom painted furniture, and one of a kind statement pieces makes this collaboration a wonderful addition to both of our business's.

Crystal's love for accessories has taken her career from personal shopping and wardrobing to hosting private trunk shows showcasing handmade jewelry from individual designers. She was handpicked to assist an interior designer from Lexington Kentucky. They worked together for 6 years in Indiana and Kentucky until her move to the Houston area in 2006. Once acclimating to her new home, Crystal began to rekindle her love and passion for home design believing that having a Designer assist in creating homes we love , should be affordable to all. Thus, ReDesign was created. Crystal designs for clients in the Atascocita, Humble,and the Kingwood area.

Crystal will be onsite each Friday from 10-5. When you come by to meet her, be sure to bring any questions, or pictures of the space in your home you are wanting to ReDesign. Together, you will create the home you have always wanted, one unique piece at a time.

Freshening Things Up!

2011-10-14T00:04:00.000-05:00

Marci made it back from Round Top and thus that meant it was time to change things up around The Old Oak Cottage!

We have many lovely pieces of jewelry and key antique spoon key rings to choose from!

Each room in the cottage got a new look.

Need a chaise lounge? How lovely it would be to lay on and read a book in the afternoon sun.

Right now we are having a fall clearance sale. Everything on the center table is 50% off and would make great stocking stuffers or teacher gifts!

I just love this display that Marci did!

This is my new favorite room! We refer to it as the turquoise room.

Who does not love a good candle and let me tell ya Tyler candles are some of the best!

Just wonderful eye candy every where ya look!

The turquoise furniture was painted by Altard.

All clothing is 50% off as well ladies!

Yep, the turquoise room is just dreamy!

There is alot to see and we will be posting pics of The Showroom very soon!

Come on out and say hi if you have not been in awhile! Lots of fun coming up at The Old Oak Cottage and Showroom to include the addition of our very own In House Designer! Crystal will be on site each Friday from 10-5. When you come by to meet her, be sure to bring any questions, or pictures of the space in your home you are wanting to ReDesign.

Home from Round Top & Back to Normal . . . . Almost

2011-10-07T22:54:00.002-05:00

Phew, I made it through another Round Top Antique Week! Yes, it was again a successful, fun and very exhausting week. Here is just a few pictures of what The Cottage booth at LaBahia Antique Show looked like:

As usual, it was packed full of antique and vintage goodies.

I had fun creating this quirky area that featured Minnow Bucket Hanging Lights, cotton mill canisters, pitch forks, a bottle dryer and fans. What you can't see is the awesome Bowling Lane table that was surrounded by all this. I have no idea WHY I didn't take a picture of that. It drew alot of attention and, of course, it sold!

I totally loved the aqua chairs - they went pretty fast. I do still have the turquoise head board bench. It now resides in front of the showroom. My hubby built my walls for me. The front was old screen doors I had inserted lace panels into, and the back and side were louvered shutters (easy to hang stuff on). On the other side I had a great old floral screen. I kept the screen for display, and it is now in the cottage.

As usual, vintage and antique kitchen items were a big hit. I sold most of the items in this picture.

I also loved the china hutch. I had it painted by Altar'd, as well as the aqua bedroom set; I always run out of time to finish all my projects before the show. The green stenciled table and shabby white chairs went on the last day. My neighbors up there were starting to say the green table was jinxed. I had it up there twice before, and purchased it from Lori of Southern Grace who had it up there the show before that. I DID practically give it away, but at least it will finally have a new home.

Pamela and I have put the cottage and showroom back together, mostly. There are still a lot of pictures and mirrors to be hung and other neat stuff to be put out. As for me, I almost fill human again.

Come see us soon,

Round Top Hours

2011-09-13T19:44:00.001-05:00

Chandy Loving

2011-09-06T10:53:00.002-05:00

I LOVE adding bling to my home and to me Chandy's are better than jewlery!

We have so many beautiful blingy chandy's here at The Old Oak Cottage and I would love to show ya some of them.

Warning: Lots of eye candy ahead!

We have several chandy's hanging thru out the cottage. Here is a modern take on the barrel chandy.

I just love the scroll work on it!
($175)

A white beauty you can find hanging in the dining room of the cottage.

Just look at her jewels! This is the perfect chandy if you love shabby chic!

Then there is this lovely antique glass chandy.

Antique glass chandy's are the best!

Be still my beating heart!

This chandy just screams elegance y'all!

Now out in the Showroom you can find more rustic chandy's like this beauty!

I just love the Old World European feel of this chandy!

We even have fun whimsical chandys! I can see this one hanging in your sewing room or even a baby's nursery!

This light fixture is a fun one as well. It has been hanging out in the Showroom for awhile now just waiting for somebody to take it home. I can see this fixture hanging in a kitchen that has a large island!

Now whose hubby would not LOVE to have this propeller light fixture hanging in their office or man cave!? I can even picture it in a little boys bedroom or nursery. It is truly a custom piece!

We just got this gorgeous chandy in last week!
We have many chandy's to fit everybody's taste just waiting to be taken to their new homes!

If you have not been in to The Old Oak Cottage & Showroom in awhile do stop by soon! We have been receiving new things almost every week and the fall fairy will soon be visiting!:)

Have a good one y'all and please keep those effected by the Texas fires in your thoughts and prayers!

Pardon Our Mess..um progress!:)

2011-08-30T14:26:00.005-05:00

Hi y'all! My name is Pamela and I just joined The Old Oak Cottage Team last week! I am truly excited to be working with Marci and Jennifer at The Old Oak Cottage and Showroom! It was sooo nice to meet some of you last week and to find out that a few of you already knew me from my own blog From My Front Porch To Yours!:)

Here at the cottage we are entering one of the most exciting times of year! Marci is preparing for Round Top and we will be gearing up to bring fall to the cottage and showroom as well! I can not wait! In the mean time I am in the process of sprucing up things here on the blog so please bear with us while I try to figure it all out!

Be sure to stop by soon! I look forward to meeting you all!

"To Market, to Market . . . "

2011-07-25T11:00:00.021-05:00

The pictures below are some I recently took during my trip to market in Atlanta. This was my first visit there as I usually go to Dallas (it's so much closer). However, a fellow retailer at the last Dallas market told me that I just HAD to see AmericasMart in Atlanta. I still might not have ventured that far away if it weren't for two things: 1) I had no one to cover the store during the Dallas show, and 2) I was able to get a great deal on airfare. So off to Atlanta I went.

I admit I had a mixture of nerves (hate traveling alone), and excitement; what if I found just fabulous things at great prices! I was going to arrive in time to check out the "lay of the land" on the first day, and then hit it hard first thing the next morning. Well, you know what they say about "the best laid plans . . . ". My flight was so delayed that I got to my motel around 5:00 pm. The market closed at 6:00 pm so I dejectedly realized that I wouldn't get there in time to really see much before they closed. So, I made an early night of it and planned to head out first thing in the morning.

I awoke early the next morning, made a cup of coffee in the room, and congratulated myself on remembering my "Breakfast to Go" bars. I made it to the AmericasMart by 8:00 am and checked right in - no long lines; everybody else must have slept in, I thought. Up the elevator I went to the floor I was most anxious to see - Vintage and Antique Decor. I first noticed I was the only one in the halls and then, that the showrooms were all closed. I did find one saleswoman frantically working on a display who informed me that the showrooms didn't open until 9:00 am. I felt quite sheepish. Oh well, an in-house Starbuck's saved the day.

I had a great time the rest of that first day. I slowly perused all the wonderful items in the showrooms; noting as I did that the prices were a little steep. I checked out luxurious linens, sumptuous lotions and to die for furniture pieces. There was fabulous chandeliers, beautiful pottery and glassware, darling home decor, artwork, etc. I finished my first floor around 2:00 pm and had lunch, then began to check out the next floor. I was starting to see the same things I had seen before, but at different prices. Was that more or less than the last place? I decided I better start taking notes. Long story short - by the end of the first day I had seen one and a half floors. I had learned from looking at my map that AmericasMart consists of three buildings, two of which have over 20 floors! I was going to have to step it up the next day.

Day two and three went along much like the first. I started to feel a little overwhelmed, and disappointed. Yes, there was some great stuff. But would a customer really want to pay $250 for a beautiful 4" x 6" wall tile, or $1800 for a coffee table? At the end of day three, I still had not placed ANY orders, and felt I had more decisions to make than I had time or brain capacity to make!

Day four and five I made myself focus just on the showrooms that I thought had items that would work in The Old Oak Cottage or The Cottage Showroom. My last day I finally made decisions and placed orders at seven different places. Mostly, I ended up ordering from places I always order from that also have showrooms in Dallas.

I did walk away with many thoughts and ideas, and wishing I had done a customer survey before I left. I want my customers to know that I really do work hard to find things that I think they will love, at the best possible price.

I try to find something different than what they carry at the box stores or discount chains. Sometimes, however, a product still shows up at one of those places. I have heard "I got that at _______ for only ____" more times than I can count. Many are just stating a fact, while others seem to imply my prices are too high. Well, I also want you, my customer, to know that while I am trying to make a profit; I never, ever try to price gouge. I spend days comparison shopping, trying to find you the best at the best possible price. Usually, the price you can get an item for at one of the discount stores is less than my cost - they just have sooo much more buying power.

Anyway, I am EXCITED about the many items I ended up buying at market. Most are unique pieces you won't find elsewhere (I hope). New items should start trickling in as early as this week, and continue coming in up to our Christmas Open House (mark your calendars for November 4th & 5th).

We have several pieces in the works in our shop, and I will be pricing and putting out finds from two different estate sales and an auction that I recently attended. I also plan to start surveying my customers now as to what lines they would like to see me carry, or items that they want but can't find other places. Please leave a comment if you have any ideas, or visit my Facebook and leave your thoughts there. Thanks.

Hope to see you soon,

SALE - Come & Play While the Owners Away

2011-07-11T18:28:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again - when I'm off to market to find some new great stuff! And while I'm gone, we will be having or big, semi-annual sale on Friday and Saturday, July 15th and 16th. My beloved daughter-in-law, Kendra, will be here to greet customers and sell, sell, sell! Everything in the store will be 30% - 50% off! That includes items in our new showroom as well.

And, there will be refreshments and door prizes. I mean, what kind of a sale is it without those? Our biggest prize will be a $100 gift certificate. We will also be giving away one of our small and one of our large porcelain diffusers, a mantle clock and a small wall clock.

So, come on in and tell Kendra hi, put your name in for door prizes and take advantage of some great deals! No need to bring the hubby: My husband Jim, and son, Ryan, will be here on Saturday to assist you in loading up your car or truck!

Thanks for your support throughout the year,

Marci

New Uses for Old Things & Frequent Buyer Programs

2011-07-01T17:38:00.017-05:00

Something my friends, fellow junkers and most of my customers, have in common is the love of dreaming up new uses for old things. The possibilities are endless! When I have a special find, it is often difficult determining which new purpose I should put it to. Do any of you have that same problem? OR, I have seen an idea that I just LOVE, but cannot find the right old parts to make it all come together. It can be a little frustrating at times, but that's what makes the hunt so fun!

I've put together some pictures of items that we currently have at The Old Oak Cottage, or in the Showroom, that have been put to new uses. Many of the ideas are nothing special or new, and others, hopefully will spark a new idea in your mind.

This one is kind of fun - our old propeller light!

Reproduction wire doormat used as a clipboard.

Wire bucket lamp - not our creation, but one we certainly hope to emulate.

Isn't this fork and spoon tea light chandelier fun?

Uses for these old industrial loaf pans are endless. I've seen them as flower planters and silver sorters. My favorite is to use as a shelf on the wall during the holidays and filling it with the little, vintage, sparkle houses and bottle brush trees.

Inexpensive silver plate tray as a chalk board. Some make great magnet boards too.

The ever useful flower frogs as picture stands and pen and pencil holders.

Glove hooks - HOW CUTE IS THAT?!

A perennial favorite; the old, paint-peeling, window mirror.

Our nesting bird old box springs.

Which leads me to this newest find, a huge, never used, great condition, completely operational Rolodex! I know I am not the only one excited about this rare find, because everybody has been trying to buy it since I found it!

And, I have just the special use for it. I had been pondering the idea of starting a frequent buyer program. One of my personal problems with these programs is that I can NEVER find the card when I need it. It's either in the other purse, car, pants pocket, wherever; you know? So I thought, this is perfect! Customers can come in, fill out a card, and it will be kept on file here! The next time they come in to shop, it will be here waiting for them.

So - have you gone looking for printable rolodex cards lately? I guess they don't make them - wierd, huh? LOL. Thankfully, full size sticker paper came to the rescue!

I hope to see you all real soon (so I can use my new vintage toy). I also LOVE IT when you come in and share what latest creation (or should I say recreation) you have made or found.

Until later,

IN GOOD COMPANY

2011-05-21T10:59:00.037-05:00

I want to offer a BIG thanks to all our friends and customers. The Grand Opening of the Old Oak Showroom, featuring Metamorphose, and the Altard Showroom, was a fabulous success. I was so touched by all my friends that came bearing gifts and well wishes. I also want to offer a big THANKS and PRAISES to God.

For some reason I have been pondering the bible proverb "bad company corrupts good character". I feel like I am experiencing the opposite of that "good company makes good business"!! Both of these women are sooo talented. Here is a couple pictures of creations by Jennifer of Metamorphose:

Mandie of Altar'd is very talented, also. Here are just a few of her repainted and distressed pieces:

If you haven't see the new showrooms yet, you must check it out!

To view furniture pieces as they are found or recreated, be sure to visit our facebook pages. There is a link from theoldoakcottage facebook page to Altar'd and Metamorpose. Both of these artists pieces go fast. Some never make it onto the showroom floor! If you are looking for a piece of furniture and find it here - you better jump on it!

Again, thanks to all and all the glory to God,

Marci

Grand Opening of the Old Oak Showroom

2011-04-19T19:04:00.006-05:00

We are finally going to be opening our new showroom here at The Old Oak Cottage! The hours will be the same as the cottage hours - Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. We will be open to the public Friday, April 29th, and are planning a special reception Friday evening for folks to meet Jennifer of Metamorphose, and Mandie, of Altar'd.

For those who knew me when I owned the Antique Post, this has been a long time coming. While I adore the cottage chic look and all the pretties in The Old Oak Cottage, I have missed the more primitive side of the antique world. Let's face it, some old things aren't real pretty, but they ARE really cool.

The new look of the Old Oak Showroom will be a little bit primitive, and a little bit "fine" antiques, mixed with some great old, now new, re-created pieces. I mean, really -WHY throw out all the great stuff from the past if it can be beautifully adapted to use now (or strangely adapted, whatever the case may be)? I know our customers agree with this philosophy as well. Also in the overall mix will be some great vintage looking pieces you can never get enough of! I think you will just love it!

Please tell your friends about our Grand Opening and Reception Gala. There will be refreshments, door prizes, and visiting along with the shopping! Don't miss the opportunity to get the first look at (and opportunity to buy) some great re-created and re-purposed pieces.

Plus, The Old Oak Cottage will be open as well. We have added new gift items, feminine vintage clothing and cottage chic furniture pieces.

See you then,

Marci

COTTAGE UPDATES

2011-04-14T07:58:00.011-05:00

Hi All,

We are back from La Bahia (Round Top antique week), and had a wonderful show. We sold both our finished and unfinished factory carts. Here is a picture of the finished one:

Didn't it turn out great! Thanks need to go to my husband, Jim, for the hours he spent stripping, scrapping, and sanding on this. I did have him be sure to leave the words "Lineberry" on the side, all the divets and just enough crackled paint to preserve that genuine, old, look. These were very popular so I am on the lookout for a few more.

I'll be sending more of the "after" pictures later (see previous blog). Unfortunately, in all the hubbub I didn't get pictures of the repurposed windows. Some became chalkboards, bulletin boards, chicken wire message centers and/or a combination of the above. The 9-pane window was a beautiful mirror! Well, they all sold! I'll be making more of those later. I also didn't get a picture of the great lamp shade my daughter in-law, Kendra made (I MUST get better about this!). She used burlap ribbon. Her design got many compliments. I'll try to get her to do another soon.

I am now hurriedly preparing the cottage garage for Altar'd - Funky Chic Furniture's showroom. She will also be having a Painting Workshop at the cottage April 30th. For more information go to: http://www.altard.com/ and click on the "painting workshops" tab. She has set some dates for summer workshops as well. These usually fill up pretty fast, so get your spot now!

The new building is almost finished, and with the help of my husband, and Jennifer, from Metamorphose, it should be "morphed" in time for our Grand Opening April 29th and 30th.

Also, now through April 23rd, we are having our SPRING & EASTER SALE. All new spring and Easter decor is 1/2 price. This includes chocolate (looking) bunnies, glitter bunnies, straw bunnies, wood and paper mache eggs, metal stake garden flowers, flower magnets, dragonfly clips, Easter boxes and letters, etc., etc.! Get them while they last!

Best get back to work now. But first, I want to thank all my friends and customers. So many of you feel like you are part of the business. Thanks for sharing your ideas, blog findings and time. YOUR THE GREATEST! Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Marci

Preparing for Round Top - Again

2011-03-16T09:48:00.017-05:00

It's that time again! Time to get ready for the La Bahia Antiques show near Round Top. It always feels like a race to get all my special projects done. I thought I would show you some BEFORE pictures of items I HOPE to get done for this spring's show. Some are self explanitory, and others, well, I think I'll leave you guessing until the AFTER photos.

I found this old screen door that was just perfect for my plans.

I also found this Lineberry Cart. Yes, folks, this is what they look like BEFORE you see them in Restoration Hardware. After hours of cleaning, scraping, stripping and sanding, I now KNOW why these babies are so expensive.

This is an old industrial mixer of some sort. It would make a cute flower pot for the garden, or . . . . . .

Okay, this is a little retro and funky, but hey, it folds down into a bed. How cool is that? The "original" futon.

I guess the picture might give away the plans for these posts and old metal screen door parts. I'm excited to see my friend and business associate, Jennifer, of Metamorphose, transfigure these items. Hopefully, she'll get it done before the show. I know she is working on a couple other great items as well.

I think these are the world's largest hinges! I don't have any huge doors right now so I think I will put them to use as something else . . . . . hmm . . .

Check out this cool old chimney/fireplace heat shield. Totally done with old ceiling tin. I have a thought for a new use for this, but I might end up seeing if it sells "as is". If not, I'll transform it after I get back.

Well, I best get back to working on my projects. If you make it up to the Round Top area, please come see me at LaBahia. You can get directions at http://www.labahiaantiques.com/.

Hope to see you soon,

Marci

REMINDER: The Old Oak Cottage will be closed from March 23rd through April 5th.

JUST IN . . .

2011-03-03T14:47:00.012-06:00

Spring has sprung at The Old Oak Cottage!! Stop by to see the new items just in for Spring and Easter.

For those of you who JUST LOVE vintage kitchen stuff, we have put out more of that also.

We have brought in a couple different furniture pieces as well.

New Building Update

Well, unfortunately, we will not be opening the new building until April. We ran into a couple snags along the way. Plus, I was forced to think realistically. How was I going to get ready for the new opening, host a workshop, and get ready for Round Top Antique Week all at the same time? The answer was - "I'm not, unless I want to drive myself crazy". Which I don't! So, you will all have to wait a little longer to see all the goodies I have been saving up to put in there!

I will remind you again later, but the Cottage will be closed Thursday, March 24th through Monday, April 4th, while we are at the La Bahia Antique Show near Burton, TX. It is one of but many shows that take place along Hwy 237 that week. If you have never made it up there before, you NEED to come check it out. It is awesome!

Painting Workshop Update

Mandie, from Altar'd, came by to visit this weekend. She thought the workshop space had plenty of room for more students than she usually can fit at her place. Thus, there are still several openings for the March 12th workshop to be held here at the Cottage. Contact me (Marci) at theoldoakcottage@gmail.com, or Mandie at mandie@altard.com to sign up now. It is only 8 days away!

For those new to this blog: This awesome workshop will teach you how to sand, paint and glaze your own piece of furniture (under 36" wide). Mandie will give you lots of tips so you can go home and recreate your space! All supplies and lunch are provided. Cost is $225.

That's most of the cottage happenings for now. You can check our facebook page for more regular updates. I look forward to seeing you soon,

Marci

SPRING CLEANING

2011-02-25T07:04:00.019-06:00

I just love it when the weather finally turns nice, don't you? It always gives me the urge to purge and clean my house. I was pondering on that this morning. Why, when it is finally gorgeous outside, and I have been couped up in the house for months, do I want to stay inside and clean? I wonder if it is almost a primal instinct or something. I mean, really! Every spring I am faced with a dilemma - to clean up the flower beds or clean up my house - which comes first? Perhaps some of you are smart enough to keep your houses decluttered throughout the year? If so, I congratulate you!

But enough pondering. I have decided to just go with my natural instincts. Which brings me to the main point of this post. It is time to spring clean the cottage! Certain things have been hanging around way too long. I don't know why for sure, because they are great pieces. But it IS time they found a new home. I will be drastically reducing these items today! They won't last long, so give me a call if you want them, and I could send you a PayPal invoice or take your credit card info.

This darling curio cabinet has been painted, distressed, and stenciled. She has lovely little cabriolet legs and a nice, thin profile - only 13 1/2" deep at widest point. The light stenciling in back looks as if it has faded over time. This piece was $395, NOW only $295.

This little wash stand has been painted a shabby white. She has great bat wing pulls on her drawer and 2 cupboard doors underneath. Was $225, NOW ONLY $95.

I have named this beautiful, long curvy legged, drop front desk "Cloey". She has been painted a creamy white and distressed. She has one drawer and a shelf underneath; and great little cubbies and a tiny drawer inside. There is the slightest hint of her earlier pink hue under the white paint inside.

Well, thats enough for now. I am going to open up the windows, let the breeze flow through the house, and start cleaning!

Happy spring to you all,

Marci

Valentine's Sale & Facebook Auction

2011-02-07T15:37:00.003-06:00

I will be having an auction on a few pieces of furniture that have been hanging around too long! I will be posting the pictures, with starting bids, on my facebook page tonight. The auction will go until 9:00 pm Wednesday.

The cottage will also be having a Valentine's Day Sale this week. Come in and receive 20% Off anything Red (or with red in it)! Also, purchase a necklace for your valentine (or yourself) and receive a free pair of earrings (3 styles to choose from).

Hope to see you soon,
Marci

Workshop Reminder

2011-02-05T10:30:00.005-06:00

I just wanted to remind all of you about the painting workshop we will be having here at the cottage. It will be instructed by Mandie of Altar'd on March 12th. The workshop lasts all day, and takes you from start (sanding) to finish (glazing) of YOUR piece of furniture. Many techniques will be taught.

All supplies and tools will be provided; as well as a catered lunch. Cost is $225, and class size is limited to 10 people. Full payment for the workshop must be received 14 days in advance. Mandie will need a picture of the piece you are bringing (no wider than 36"); and know what color/finish you'd like 14 days before as well.

You can enter to WIN a free entrance to the workshop by signing up to follow my blog, and/or liking my facebook page by 2/14. If you already follow, just let me know you visited and want to enter the workshop drawing.

I can't wait! It will be so much fun to get to know everyone better.

Marci

WHEW!

2011-01-26T17:50:00.006-06:00

I was finally back to work yesterday after five, feet wrenching, days at market. I had a great time and found lots of fabulous stuff. Good thing, too, because it looks like my customers had a great time during the "Come and Play While the Owners Away" sale! Thanks a bunch to all of you who turned out. I have been able to rearrange a little to make room for some of the new things that will be coming in.

I will be putting out some new jewelry pieces this week as well as a few sweaters and tops I found. Yes, I know it is kind of strange, but I am trying out a clothing line. I call it "vintage style" but I don't mean old fashioned looking. Maybe "shabby chic" style is a better description. It is flouncy, comfortable, lacy and girly. The type of stuff that just makes you feel pretty when you put it on! I will also be getting in a few fun, blingy, wash out, tee-shirts later this month.

The rest of my purchases will trickle in through February. Some of my funnest finds I will be putting in the new building for a surprise! I can't wait until it is finished!! Which leads me to a BIG announcement:

The cottage will be joined by two wonderful, talented ladies.

One is Mandie, of Altar'd, who does furniture painting and distressing. She has a large, happy following of customers. She will be setting up her showroom in the garage - - we'll need to come up with a better name for that because, believe me, it will look nothing like a garage! She will be available for furniture makeovers . I guess I should say "they", because I believe her husband is an integral part of the business. You can check out their website at www.altard.com or blog at www.altard.blogspot.com. Mandie also gives furniture painting workshops. You bring a small piece of furniture and she takes you through the process from start (sanding) to finish (glazing). It is a full day of fun, laughing and making new friends. Lunch, snacks and supplies are provided. We will be hosting our first one here at the cottage on Saturday, March 12th. It is limited to 10 people so call if you are interested. You can WIN a FREE entrance to the workshop by "liking" my facebook page; or if you are already a facebook friend, just leave a note you were there and I'll see your name is entered in the drawing.

The other wonderful gal that will be linking up her business with the cottage is Jennifer Williams of Fauxreal Designs. She will offer upholstery services to our customers as well as faux painting/finishes for walls, counters and floors. I have heard nothing but rave reviews of her quality of work and attention to the customers desires. Last I checked, she was still working on her website, but you can check it periodically - it is www.fauxreal-designs.com.

They both will be joining me when the new building is finished. I believe they are both available now for estimates if you have work you need done. They both will be scheduling three or four weeks off. A deposit will secure your spot on their agendas.

Well, that is all the cottage news for now. Hope to see you soon,

Marci

P.S. Due to all the work that needs to be done to finish and stock the new building, the cottage will not be having it's February Antiques on the Lawn show. But we will let you know when we schedule the date for the Grand Opening of the new building.

Let's Play While the Owners Away Sale

2011-01-19T19:09:00.003-06:00

Well, Marci is off to market again AND we are going to have fun with our big semi-annual sale. Furniture will be 10% to 30% off. So if you have been thinking you would like to, but . . . not sure . . . NOW is the time. Pictures, Mirrors, Wall Hangings and Chandeliers will be 30% Off and most everything else is 50% OFF! We even have a section in the kitchen that is 70% Off. That's right, we are in the mood to clear out, and make room for whatever new treasures we find.

If you have been by recently, you have surely noticed our new building in progress. It still needs finished inside. We had hoped it might be ready by the end of February, but . . . we will keep you posted.

We will also have some fun, exciting, news for you next week so check back.

Come by and say Hi to Kendra this weekend. She'll have the coffee on and the cookies out.

Valentines and Vintage Finds

2011-01-13T16:12:00.005-06:00

Things just feel so much cleaner and fresher after Christmas is put away - have you noticed that? We finally accomplished that here at the cottage last weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to put in a few new pieces of furniture. Well not new, they are old, but new to the cottage.

One is a great, round, solid oak table. It has been covered with glass to protect the beauty of the finish. There is also a small oak buffet with mirrored back. Soo pretty. We also brought in a cute little gossip bench, painted black and distressed. AND my favorite piece of all is the distressed, black cedar chest. Actually, it looks like a short dresser. But the top two drawers are faux, and the top lifts to reveal plenty of space for blankets,etc. It does have one nice, big, real drawer on the bottom. It is really unique. I was going to post pictures, but, alas, my camera battery is dead. Aargh! Maybe later.

Meanwhile, we also brought in some fun vintage smalls and some wonderful, old mirrors. We sold a couple great, vintage, florals before I even got them hung.

AND we got in our vintage style valentines. They are adorable and have moving parts - - googly eyes and peek-a-boo and such.

So stop in and see what's new (and old) at the cottage. I know some of the pieces will go fast!

Ciao, Adios, Au Revoir, Farewell....

2010-12-30T22:41:00.003-06:00

As each year comes to an end I tend to reflect on what the previous months have taught me and look forward to what a new year will bring. This new year will definitely be a change for me. Through much prayer and consideration (and evenings of my sweet husband listening to my ramblings) I have decided to bid farewell to The Old Oak Cottage. The time that I have spent at the cottage have been a dream come true for me and it has proved to be the most exhilarating, exhausting fun and back breaking work that I have ever done. Time has become a precious commodity for me right now as I look forward to my oldest son graduating from high school and my youngest son with 2 years of high school left. As most of you bloggers/moms know...we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone....I do realize that I honestly cannot be everything to everyone but it became aware to me to take a step back and regroup...

Marci will continue with the cottage and has an expansion underway already....Watch for exciting things to be happening on the beautiful property that the cottage sits on. We had discussed earlier in the year of adding some new, beautiful, "different" items to the Cottage inventory so be on the lookout for cool things to come.

I will continue to blog and may even try to "facebook" myself to keep up with you guys!!! I thank each and every one of you for your sweet smile as you entered the cottage and your encouragement throughout the last 2 1/2 years!!!

Many blessings to you,

Mandy

12 Days of Christmas Specials

2010-12-07T20:13:00.004-06:00

Starting December 9th, the cottage will feature a special "super sale" item each day until December 24th.

That is 12 Cottage business days of super specials! We will also be having a drawing for prizes each day - each customer will be a winner (as all our customers are). Plus, each $10 you spend will give you an additional chance to trade in your prize, and try again for that day's "Grand Prize".

If you are on our email list, check each morning for the announcement of that days' super sale item. OR check our facebook page each day, or call, or just stop by. The special of the day may be that perfect last minute gift for someone . . . or for yourself!

Stop in to visit, draw for a prize and have a cup of coffee.

The Cottage Chicks,

Marci & Mandy

"Small Business Saturday" Sale

2010-11-24T11:56:00.008-06:00

The Christmas Season is upon us and to kick off the shopping frenzy we would like to invite you to our "Small Business Saturday" Sale this Saturday November 27. Come join us for some Christmas shopping fun. Take a look at our specials...

All Fall Decor 50 % Off

Caswell Massey Soaps and Lotions 50 % Off

Tyler Candles 25 % Off

All Bethany Lowe Decorations 25 % Off

Victorian Mirrors 20 % Off

All Christmas Ornaments 20 % Off

All Poo-Pourri and Karoma Car Aromatherapy 20 % Off

And

Our Christmas Stocking Stuffer Special:

All regular priced items that you can stuff into our Christmas Stocking will be 20 % Off!!!

How much fun is that???

We will be Closed Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday to enjoy some time with our families.

Hope to see you on Saturday!!!

The Cottage Chicks,

Mandy and Marci

Fun Festival and Glitter Houses

2010-11-17T14:20:00.003-06:00

O, tis the season of busyness!!! Our community of Huffman has a Fall Fun Festival every year and this year we decided to have a small booth to show off a few of our pretties. As luck would have it....a cool front decided to come through the night before and Saturday morning we had leftover drizzle. It rained for about the first 3 hours which made set-up a little difficult to say the least. Then it became breezy and quite cool....It was a great day though...thanks for all the festival goers that stopped by to say hello and to oohhh and aahhh. The booth was small compared to our huge ole thing we have at the Round Top Antiques Week...but just perfect for a one day festival....

Back at the Cottage...I wanted to share our precious little Putz and Glitter Houses...these pictures are for you Debbie!!! The first picture is of our vintage putz houses...They are just precious and look so wonderful under our glass domes...or just set up as a little village like we have them here...

We also have some new little glitter houses that really make your holiday decorations sparkle!!!

Come on by the Cottage for your holiday decoration needs and/or wants!!! As always...coffee and cookies are waiting for you.

Oh Yeah...just for you...we will be open until 6pm on Thursday and Friday throughout the holiday season.

Turkey Day is right around the corner...I love dressing with cranberry sauce...what's your favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table?

The Cottage Chicks,

Mandy and Marci

Christmas Open House

2010-11-10T13:42:00.001-06:00

We had such a great time this weekend at our Christmas Open House and Antiques on the Lawn. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us. We still have some fabulous Fall and Christmas items to help make your home festive this season. Some of our favorites this year are our Glittered Nativities and Feather Trees.

This weekend on Saturday, November 13 we will be set up at The Huffman Fun Festival. Come on over and see our great items for Christmas gifts.

Can you believe the season is upon us??? ENJOY the season and always remember the reason we celebrate Christmas...The birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

God Bless You and Yours,

Mandy and Marci

The Cottage Chicks

2010-11-01T20:41:00.003-05:00

Christmas Open House

and

Antiques on the Lawn

We are scurrying around the Cottage, once more, preparing for our Christmas Open House and Antiques on the Lawn Show coming up this weekend. The Cottage will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and part of Thursday. We will open Thursday at 4pm and Friday at 10am. Then join us Saturday at 9 am for our Antiques on the Lawn Show. It is going to turn cooler and it looks like we are going to be blessed with wonderful weather. Come see our FAB. U. LOUS! Christmas items just waiting to make your home beautiful this season!!

Can't wait to see you!!!

The Cottage Chicks

Mandy and Marci

Fall is in the Air . . .

2010-10-26T12:50:00.010-05:00

Fall is in the air . . . . .well, not necessarily here in southeast texas, but it IS HERE at the cottage. Pictured below are some of the great fall/Thanksgiving items we have on display:

We also have a great fall landscape oil painting:

And a couple turkey platters:

We are also stock full of items that we brought back from Round Top:

This is a great old radio cabinet that Mandy distressed and added old sheet music to where the speaker used to be. It opens up in three places! Top, drop front, and lower door drops down too.
Come check out all our special items on display . . . . they won't be there long as we will start preparing for our Christmas Open House in another week.

Which reminds me: The Cottage will be closed from Monday, November 1st through Thursday in preparation for our annual Christmas Open House and Antiques on the Lawn. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 6th at 9:00 am. Sneak preview coming soon . . . .

Ready for the Ball

2010-10-16T10:08:00.005-05:00

We picked up these chairs a while back...Marci gave in after I said over and over again that I loved them....Honestly...they were pretty sad!!! The fabric, not only being extremely retro, was quite worn...to threads...with no padding....faded....I know...you are saying "what were YOU thinking?" But...

I think they turned out "oh so chic" with their drop cloth dress and their new shabby, white washed make up on the frame....yes...these girls are ready for the ball now!!!

We are getting ready for our Christmas Open House Weekend coming up the first weekend in November...mark your calendars...more info to come soon!!!

Enjoy our fabulous weather here in South Texas...I personally will be glad when the ragweed starts to settle down then my nose can get back to normal...whatever normal is!!!

The Cottage Chicks

Mandy and Marci

Another Week...Poof!!!!

2010-10-07T06:51:00.006-05:00

Yes, we are back from The Round Top Antiques Week where we set up at LaBahia. We had a fantastic time!!! It was 900 degrees on set up day but after that a cool front come through and the weather was PER.FECT.!!!! Here is a little slide show of our booth. Of course, it morphed and changed throughout the week as pretties were sold and new ones were moved in....

Here is me and my honey, Troy, in the "outhouse" at the Junk Gypsy Prom. The Prom is the greatest people watching you will ever do!!!!

The John Evans Band is always entertaining.....

Marci and I, along with our strapping, furniture lugging husbands, started transforming the cottage once again...We moved in some pieces that we have kept hidden for a little while :-)

Come on by and see us...Now that it is a little cooler the coffee will be brewing!!!

The Cottage Chicks

Mandy and Marci

Final Clearance, Final Pack Up and Away we go . . .

2010-09-17T10:38:00.009-05:00

This weekend, September 17th and 18th, is the last of our summer clearance sale. Tons of items are marked 50 % off including all our beach theme items and florals.

We have also put out some great new fall items.

We will be packing up on Wednesday and heading out for "Round Top Antique Week". We will be closed at the cottage from Thursday September 23rd to October 2nd. We hope you will come see us at La Bahia Antique Show between Brenham and Round Top. Click the link below for information and directions.

http://labahiaantiques.com/

Did You Know?

2010-09-11T16:14:00.013-05:00

Did you know that it was 50 million degrees outside today? Marci and I were at the Cottage today along with Marci's husband Jim...We were all working like busy little bees ALL day long and, as Jim put it, "I am whooped". I told Jim this was just the first of the whoopings as we are getting ready for our week at The Round Top Antiques Week coming up Sept. 24 - Oct. 2. You can read all about that here. We will be set up at LaBahia...Marci was busy pricing our goodies, measuring furniture for us to graph out our booth before we go and answering all of mine and Jim's questions...

:-)...Jim was busy packing one of our trailers with the great furniture and smalls that are ready to go and I was stripping (furniture, but it was hot enough to remove clothes), sanding, sealing and painting....Here are some of the things packed back in the garage waiting for their final toner or sealer or just stamp of approval...

Yesterday Marci and I spent the day shopping and found quite a few treasures that will have to be picked up soon, but, we were able to bring a truck load back...Here's a couple of pieces...one obviously needs a little attention...We are thinking this iron chair should be an oh so cute pink...oh yes, I am seeing it!!!

At our Dog Days of Summer Sale we sold a cabinet that hung above this buffet...Marci suggested hanging the screen here to display our cute little magnets...PERFECT!!

And the magnets are just so cute...made from small tiles...we have birds, nests, roses and even the Eiffel Tower!!! They come in a set of four...

Remember that shutter I was working on...Well it worked great as a display for our Cutest Dog Contest. We had the tiny clothes pins and clipped our pics of the CUTEST dogs on there. How cute is this?

We will keep you posted on our progress for Round Top. As for me...I need a shower!!! NOW!!!

The Cottage Chicks

Mandy and Marci

We Have a Winner!!!

2010-09-06T12:22:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for our Dog Days of Summer Sale on Saturday. It was a great day!!! The weather was sooo nice..still a bit warm, but less humidity and a great breeze. The voting for our Cutest Dog Contest was very successful and almost half the votes went to Abbey.

She is rather cute...don't ya think!!!

We are now starting to get REALLY geared up for Round Top...Lot's of projects in the works along with lots of prayers for good weather to get them finished...We will keep you posted!!!

Mandy and Marci

The Cottage Chicks

Reminder: Dog Days Sale this Saturday, Sept. 4th

2010-08-30T18:09:00.012-05:00

We are having a great time planning for our upcoming Dog Days of Summer Sale. It is going to be our biggest clearance event ever! There will be more sale items then ever before, as well as more half-price items than ever before!

We have been continuing to receive entrants into our "Cutest Dog Contest". We would like you to meet:
Lola
Miss Reba
AND: Miss Abby
Enter your pup by Thursday, September 2nd, 5:00 pm. You could win a $100 Gift Certificate! Just email or bring in his/her picture with name.

Voting will take place during the Sale Saturday. There will also be door prizes, hidden prizes, and refreshments (have you ever had Chex Puppy Chow?).

We hope to see you there. While there, please sign up for our mailing list if you haven't already. Also, customers on our cottage email list even receive special offers occasionally; so let us know if you would like to be added to that as well. We do not and will not share your information with anyone else.

Until then,

Marci & Mandy

CUTEST DOG CONTEST

2010-08-28T08:23:00.004-05:00

Meet our first two entrants in the cutest dog contest:

This is Piper

This is Ozzie
Remember to enter your dog by bringing in or emailing his picture by the end of Thursday, September 2nd. You could win a $100 Gift Certificate.

Read the previous post for more details about our Dog Days of Summer Sale.

Thanks,

Marci

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER PARTY (SALE)

2010-08-24T08:21:00.010-05:00

I hate to reveal my naivete', but until relocating to the Houston area from Montana, I really had no idea what "dog days of summer" was. Up there, we totally looked forward to the three weeks of summer we got! Sure, sometimes it hit 100 degrees, but those days were for celebration - floating the river or going to the lake.

This year, however, I finally get it! It has been SO hot for SO long that you just feel like you can't take it anymore. It is very much the same feeling I got up north when I was "house bound" for months due to snow and ice. I felt then, as I do now, that I had to do SOMETHING or plan SOMETHING to get me out of my doldrums! Thus, Mandy and I would like to announce:

The Old Oak Cottage's Dog Days of Summer Party (Sale), Saturday, September 4th. Sure it's a sale - we want to lure you to come see us. But actually, its a party to help us through these last days (I hope) of summer.

To kick of the festivities, we are having a "Cutest Dog Contest" and encourage you to bring in a picture of your pup, along with his name, to the cottage by September 2nd. You may also email us your entries. Customers will vote the day of the sale. Owner of the winning entry will receive a $100 Gift Certificate!!!

There will also be door prizes, hidden prizes, dog bone cookies and puppy chow. Let us know if you have any other great dog theme recipe ideas to share. To top it all off, we plan to have one "doggone" good sale. (Sorry, I couldn't help it). This is what we plan to have on SALE:

- 50% off all beach theme items

- 50% off all spring and summer florals

- 30% off select pieces of furniture and decor

- table of 50% off items

Please come see us during this special event, and help us say GOOD RIDDANCE to summer!

Till then,

Marci and Mandy

Just Go With Your Gut

2010-08-04T13:13:00.012-05:00

You know....sometimes there is just this feeling you get...maybe I should...hmmm??? Then you decide you are just having an OCD moment, you're out of control, being ridiculous over some "stuff"...then... it happens...you should have just gone with your gut!!!

It was time for the Cottage to have a little face lift...past due actually...we knew when we purchased the cottage that it needed a roof but, buying a beautiful armoire and some pretties to go with it was waaayyy more fun....

Since Marci organized the garage so beautifully while I was on vacation we had taken some pieces of furniture in there to work on... out of the heat, sun and occassional rain drops...

I took the contractor into the garage and asked, "Should I cover any of my furniture pieces with a tarp in case something falls from the rafters?"

He answered..."NOOOO, you should be fine."

I kept thinking...hmmm..maybe I should go up there and cover some things up...then I would think...oh stop it, you are just being silly.....

uuuhhhuummm....

and...

So enter...

The ole trusty garage vac...Troy thought I should just blow everything off with the compressor but I was a little nervous about creating a horrific dust storm which would cause me to have a doubly horrific allergy attack which would make for a triple horrific cranky cottage chick...I chose to vacuum it up...

Look at how pretty she looks with her new "do"!!!

The Old Oak Cottage is a little dear that was built in 1930 and she still sported her 1930's original wood shingles under the other 30 yr old shingles that were put on top...she feels so much lighter now...and she just looks soooo good!!! Love this house!!!

Come by for a cookie sometime and chit chat a while...I will stop vacuuming and looovvvee to come in and visit... :-)

Mandy

In the works...

2010-07-31T15:40:00.005-05:00

I think I am developing ADD...I simply cannot concentrate on one project at a time...I am still working on the dresser and small curio...I was opening the garage and going to begin to work on them when I saw this shutter door out of the corner of my eye...

Of course, it looked MUCH worse than this!!! I slapped that door on top of a table and went to sanding all the chippy grey paint off until I got to this color...can you say FAB. U. LOUS? Uumm...Here is the top of the door...It was kind of fun to knock these out with a big ole hammer...they were half way out anyway...

I will let you know when I get this baby finished...I am thinking chicken wire on the top...hhhhmmmm, the possibilities...

I did actually finish a project!!! We bought this set of black chairs some time ago...They had bright, pink, nasty, fabric on the seats. Now, you guys know us cottage chicks like us some pink but, these were just down right U.G.L.Y. Anyway...I recovered them in this beige linen...aaahhhh so much better!!

I paired the chairs with our wonderful french door table which, by the way, is 30% off right now!!!

If you live in the Houston area are you sweating yet??? The heat index was supposed to be 110 degrees today!! I assure you... it has been!!!

Ready for Fall

Mandy

Rain, Rain Go Away!!!!

2010-07-28T19:10:00.010-05:00

This has been a ridiculously wet summer....We have not had a hurricane, tropical storm or tropical wave come even remotely close to the Houston area but the thunderstorms have been crazy...OK... ENOUGH!!!! I need to finish some painting!!!!

I was on vacation a couple of weeks ago and while I was gone Marci went crazy and organized the garage at the Cottage!!! I have actually been able to bring a couple of pieces of furniture in there to work on them!!!

Today was stormy and drizzly and yucky...so I took a few pics of some really cutie patootie things in the Cottage to share with you...

This wicker desk and chair...we are selling them separately...Lovin' the green on the desk...soooo pretty and cottagey

Marci painted this precious cart pink...how cute and vintage is this???

I showed you this table and chairs a couple of weeks ago and now it sits proudly in the Cottage....

This wall feature is one of the items we found at Market. We just love. this. company. All of her items are new...made to look really old and used and fabulously shabby...This thing is GREAT!!!

This zinc top table is from the same company....This would make a super duper island in a kitchen!!!

How cute is this little desk and chair....

Ok...maybe a little silly...but look at this repurposing...a rake head...painted white, a little shabby with the ends bent up using needle nose pliers...We use this to sell our ball chains from but it could be used at your house for your jewelry or bent a little more to hang your keys from...love it!!!

Stay tuned....it is not supposed to rain the rest of the week...yea!!! I have plans to sling a little paint!!!

Mandy

Smellin' So Good

2010-07-07T15:57:00.003-05:00

We got our Tyler Candle order in today...We thought we would try the Tyler Mixer Melts. We ordered several "flavors" for you. Paired with our great little candle warmer that has the dish for your melts...what a great gift!!!

The dish is not attached to the warmer so you get two for the price of one...take the dish off and put your favorite candle on the warmer...The candle warmer is $14.95 and the melts are $2.50ea. The warmer comes in a great shade of cream...perfect for any decorating style!!!

We also carry the Tyler Candles....you will actually smell a different scent in just about every room of the cottage!!!

Hope your summer is going great...can you believe it is July...5 months until Christmas!

:-)...panic attack, I know....I thought that would be funny...

Mandy

Some Vinyl Fun

2010-07-01T13:14:00.008-05:00

I have been playing a bit at home with my Cricut. Marci and I always try to pick up misc plates and such when we are out on our shopping ventures. So, I took a few home and started working on a few little cutie projects...

I love this Paris trio....

These plates sit above "Miss Willoughby". I like to think she is a little French girl that lives in the beautiful countryside of France...that could be an idea for a sweet story, huh?
I loved how these birds were so whimsical....

AAHHHH..the dress form...I would love to happen upon a bunch of vintage full size dress forms....of course, at a fabulous price, right?

This plate has one of our words on it...then the widest burlap ribbon...love that ribbon!!!

Of course this is not vinyl....duh!!! Anyway...Marci picked up this calendar holder at a yard sale not too long ago...You remember the very country calendars that you could unscrew the top bar (if you look close you can see it)and place the calendar under it...the board was painted a solid color...I just covered the entire thing with chalkboard paint ....

sooo cute!!! This could go anywhere..kitchen, laundry room, mud room (for those of you lucky enough to have a mud room)!!!

The painting of new pieces has slowed down around here....Living on the hurricane coastline doesn't help!!! It is pouring here right now as a result of Hurricane Alex that went ashore some time this morning south of Brownsville...oh I feel for those people in Mexico!!! The affects of Hurricane Ike are still way too fresh in my mind!!!! We are getting the outer bands of the hurricane. Better than the hurricane though!!!

Hope your summer has been full of Pink Lemonade, Homemade Icecream and Lightning Bugs at dusk!!!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Mandy

We're Back . . . .

2010-06-29T16:40:00.008-05:00

Whew - We just got back from a 3-day whirlwind trip to the Dallas Market. It is always a rush to see everything, so we can find the best, most unusual stuff for our choosy customers. Well, not choosy exactly, but those that want something unique and different at a bargain! We brought back just a few items with us:

The big, new look is "Paris Flea Market" style. We JUST LOVE IT. But the pieces are also very adaptable to other decor - these would all work fabulous with farmhouse style, cottage or country style. The buckets and other aluminum pieces fit in with the new "industrial" look that is being added to many modern interiors.

We also brought back some nice champagne and ice buckets. Summer just says celebrate - don't you think? They will be great for special occasions!

Also, if you haven't been in for awhile, you might have missed these great pieces:

The top picture above is a vintage phone cabinet. Mandy hung it up as a wall shelf - isn't it cute! The bottom picture is of a great architectural piece we found while junking. Don't let the tiny pic fool you, it is actually five feet long! We had six of these great pieces, but there are only 3 left. Probably because they were a steal at $35 each!

We have many other "new" pieces in, and will be starting to receive some of our finds from market. So stop in and check them out, or come by and say hi. It's great to hear you found us on our blog!

Until later,

Marci

Coming Along....

2010-06-10T15:21:00.004-05:00

The painting is coming along....I usually use my little spray gun to paint furniture but with all the glass on this one I am having to do it by hand with a brush....aaahhh!!! Can you see where I started taping and then threw the tape across the yard in frustration and started painting all the while knowing I would have to scrape that off with a razor blade...whew...I feel better already!!! We are thinking of putting some kind of cool paper or fabric inside on the back...won't that be the cutest??!!

Since I am working on these at the same time I am hand painting this one too...Probably would be easier with the spray gun because of all the detail...but I am enjoying the outdoors, 99 % humidity and monster mosquitoes...really, i am!!! :0
We have not had the room inside the Cottage for this little set...Isn't this the bomb???!!!! I love the color of the table and Marci found the cutest fabric for us to recover the chairs in...sooo cute and only $325 for the whole shabang!!!!

The table top has this great little shabby stenciling on it.

Another Cottage favorite that we are dying to bring inside...Don't you just love this coffee table? It can be decorated for the seasons!!! We have it dolled up for a great beach house...do you have a beach house? Do you like this? Do you NEED this?!!!!

What an original and for $125!!! Where are you going to find another original like this???

And, yes, it has a nice thick piece of glass on top....

Come see us!!! I will need to come in and cool off I am sure!! :-)

Mandy

Just In Time...Father's Day

2010-06-02T12:37:00.004-05:00

Here at the The Old Oak Cottage we pride ourselves on being quite girly...but don't let that fool ya!! We think about our guys too!!! Just in time for Father's Day our shipment of Royal Flush Poo~Pourri has arrived. Your favorite guy will probably (secretly) THANK YOU for this gift...The bottle reads....

"Great Washroom Scents for Distinguished Gents"

A fresh blend of eucalyptus spearmint that eliminates washroom odor.

Oh, how us girly girls love this!!! Come on in!!!

A 4oz bottle of freshness is only $14.95!!!

Father's Day June 20!!!

New Projects in the Works

2010-05-27T20:25:00.005-05:00

I have started some new projects on the cottage lawn....It is sooo nice out there in the back yard...It is quiet, birds singing and always a little breeze blowing...although I sweat like a pig it is still sooo pleasant...Anywho....This chandelier is a second hand store find...I am spraying it black then creamy white then it will be shabbied a bit to where the black will show through and not the brass...I almost lost the opportunity for a before pic...You can see the fabulous brassy appearance here.

Although this desk looks like it may be in good shape it needed a little love...There was some veneer missing on top and on the drawer...I filled in with some wood filler and sanded everything...It has a coat of creamy white on it now...still a ways to go...
I loved this cabinet...same thing on the finish...It had a water ring on top
I also painted it a creamy white...not sure what color it will end up...stay tuned!!!

:-)
Mandy

All Is Not Lost!!!!

2010-05-19T11:35:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was our Antiques on the Lawn Show. It has not rained in weeks and I mean WEEKS!!! The ground was hard as a rock. It has been HOT and DRY.....until this weekend!! The weather never ceases to amaze me. The Farmer's Almanac should consult the Cottage for weather updates. Just as soon as we set the date for the Antiques on the Lawn Show a chance of rain came up!!! BUT...we had a great weekend!!! Thanks to you shoppers that are not scared of getting a little wet!!!

Honestly...the BIG rain came the night before and other than a little water on top of our newly painted buffet...all was well!! We had purchased a tent to use for such occasions and we were so glad we had it!!

The tent looked so pretty in the backyard!!

Most of our vendors bowed out of the show because of the horrible radar that showed torrential rains that were heading our way...but we had some great die-hards!!! This is Kim, Michelle and Gabby. Kim has a boutique inside Blackshear's Florist in North Shore. She does not sell antiques but had the cutest aprons, hats, jewelry and an array of cutie patootie items.

Sweet Doris joined us again. We set her up under our awning. She did not get to stay very long before the big sprinkles of rain started but we were so glad she came. We just love Doris. The Cottage happens to be Doris' previous home and we were so lucky that her and her husband sold it to us cottage chicks!!!

We had a beach theme in our outdoor room this time. We had our white shabby buffet in this room and it looked so pretty with all the beachy stuff. We moved it after the storm blew through. I wish I had taken a picture of the room when it was in here. How cute is this coffee table? It is an old rope bed that Marci put some net and shells in and then topped it with a piece of glass. Think about it ladies...a themed coffee table...you can change it with the seasons...Can you just picture all the fun you could have with this???

We have some great husbands that we work like dogs sometimes and then ask them to go get us lunch. :-) With the impending rain, Marci's husband quickly transformed the trailer into an extra room. He put the old doors up as a backdrop and Marci quickly hung lace panels and the transformation began!!! This turned out great!!

Here is a display of our Jadeite we bought from an estate. There are some great pieces in this display.

A few "Initial" pendants.

Well...another show behind us. Summer is sneaking up on us...I cannot believe the kids will be out of school soon. We will be here at the cottage..come by and see all of our goodies, grab a cookie and a cup of coffee and chat for a while. We would love to see you!!!

We are still working on our website. It is crazy how much time that takes. We will let you know when it is up and running. Until then...

Mandy

Antiques On The Lawn Sneak Peek!!!

2010-05-11T06:42:00.004-05:00

This weekend, May 15 and 16, is our Cottage and Friends Antiques on the Lawn Show. We are praying that our little cool front will just blow through WITHOUT THE RAIN!!!! We are excited to have some fun vendors set up on the lawn with us. Here are just a few pics of some of our newest goodies...

We will be closed Friday, May 14, for set up. The hours for the show are Saturday 9 am - 6 pm and Sunday

12 pm - 5 pm. We hope to see you there!!!

Mandy

MOTHER'S DAY SALE, Etc

2010-04-30T12:58:00.008-05:00

Just a note to let you know what's happening here at the cottage. We are currently having a Mother's Day celebration event. Anything you can fit in one of our cute, polka dot, organza bags is 20% off. The bags come in lt. pink (pictured below), hot pink, and purple. The shop is full of great items that fit; like, Poo-Pourri, Karoma, lotions, jewelry, notepads, compacts, the list goes on and on. So be sure to stop in and "bag" some savings!

Also, you have until Mother's Day to special order the adorable Wellington boots pictured below. They actually come in two other patterns - "Autumn" and "Rose". You won't find these great rubber boots at Wal-Mart! They are $45.00 plus tax.

AND - something our regular customers know, that you might not, is that we offer the Romantic Homes magazine at prices drastically reduced from the regular newstand price! (Did you know the Cottage is listed in the back?).

Well, thats the newest news. Remember to mark your calendar for the "Antiques on the Lawn" show May 15th and 16th. Visit past blog postings for pictures of the event. There are still spaces available for any interested antique dealers.

Mandy or I will be sure to add pictures of special projects or purchases soon . . . . .

Thanks,

Marci

Getting It Together

2010-04-18T08:24:00.014-05:00

We now have the Cottage back together and dolled up. Spring Round Top is behind us and we are looking forward to our May Antiques on the Lawn Show that will be May 15 and 16. Here are a few pics of the Cottage.

As you come in the front door....

Love this couch!!! Actually, quite comfy!!! I have tried it out several times a day! :-)

This is going into the dining room...

I could not make this duplicate picture go away...what's up with that???

Moving on....

I love this Armoire...the beveled mirror and shabby paint....soooo cute!!!

Isn't this vintage chandelier fabulous????

A customer begged us for our zebra chairs that go with this table and I gave in....We have set it up as a desk now and I LOOOOVE it like this...Not sure if you can see, but we lifted the glass and added old photos where the mirrors are..It is REALLY cute!!

There is nothing like a great chandlier just dripping with crystals!!!

We moved this shabby little wishing well inside...isn't it the cutest???!!!

We will keep you posted on projects happening around here as we prepare for our Antiques on the Lawn Show!!

Stay Tuned...

Mandy

We're Back!!!

2010-04-05T18:34:00.004-05:00

Well, we survived another week at the Round Top Antiques Week where we are set up at LaBahia. People came out like ants from an ant bed on the first weekend and the booth changed every day as we sold furniture and all kinds of pretties. We were so busy the first weekend that I was not able to get pics of some of our favorite pieces. We had a great old postal unit that sat on a great old farm table...I will see if our neighbor Annette got pictures of that...anywho....we had a great, exhausting, fun filled week!!! Here are a few photos of the booth...

You will notice a nice, lovely rope tied around the huge double mirror armoire . A couple of days we had some unbelievable wind. This particular piece fell forward and a customer and I was able to catch it as it came toward us..While we were doing this Marci was racing toward the stacks of doors leaning up against our trailer that were going down fast. Unfortunately, a lovely little parlor table did not make it, but we saved all the pieces of the table for some fun re-purposing!

I love it when customers share what they are going to do with a purchase. You can see the pretty upholstered bed in the background..... A lady that has a photography studio bought it to use in her studio in Houston. She actually squatted down and took a picture of it to see how it would photograph. How cool is that...she said she does a lot of triplets and multiples baby pictures....can't you just see them all piled up on the bed???? Love that!!!

On Wednesday we decided to try something for the first time. Usually the middle of the week gets a little more slow so we decided to try a wine and cheese party on Wednesday afternoon. It was a great success. Customers were pleasantly surprised and stayed around to shop some more. We had a great time!!!

Here is the set up of our little party before the booth filled up....

We will be working hard to get the Cottage put back together this week. Our next Antiques on the Lawn Show will be May 15 and 16. Mark your calendars!!!

We're In Round Top at LaBahia!!!!

2010-03-28T20:46:00.003-05:00

We made it!!!! We ended up loading two enclosed trailers, this huge utility trailer, and four pick up trucks just to get to our booth at LaBahia...The weekend was incredibly busy. We have had fabulous weather!!! Sunday was a little windy but with beautiful sunshine....Here are a few pics of set up

Of course this is not the final, beautiful set up....I will try to post that later in the week!!!!

Join us if you can!!! We would love to see you guys!!!

Mandy and Marci

Packing Up

2010-03-23T23:15:00.007-05:00

Marci and have been working tirelessly to get things finished for our trip to Round Top...Here are a few jewels that are on the list...

Vintage Hutch and Buffet

A great bench made from two chairs

I LOOOVVVEEE this Vintage Folding Table

And this....is becoming...

this....

....it might not make it on the trailer....needs trim...oh well...look for it at the cottage when we get back...we will see if it she gets finished... :-)

The Cottage will be closed March 25 - April 3 while we are in Round Top. We will re-open April 6. Visit us at Round Top Antiques Week at LaBahia...We would love to see you...

Workin' like Dogs

2010-03-13T07:54:00.005-06:00

Marci and I have been takin' full advantage of our three weeks of perfect weather here in Southeast Texas...Yeah...this is the best time of year for us, weather wise, before the heat knocks ya down and zaps ur energy!!!! I wanted to share a few photos of "Things in Progress". We have just a couple of weeks left before we head off to LaBahia and Round Top Antiques Week.

Here we go...

Fabulous Drop Leaf Table with 2 benches

Who needs gloves!!!

Vintage China Hutch

with matching Vintage Buffet

(getting a makeover in my garage)

This old fabulous chair

Much more to come...stay tuned!!!

A Little Different

2010-03-01T13:51:00.003-06:00

The Cottage is changing it's hours starting tomorrow March 2. We will be closing at 5 pm. So...Our new hours will be Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm.

We hope you will stop by and see us soon!!!

We are getting ready for our trip to Round Top Antiques Week. The week kicks off on March 27th. We would love for you to make a trip to visit us there!!!

February Antiques on the Lawn

2010-02-21T09:18:00.004-06:00

We were blessed with great weather on Saturday for our February Antiques on the Lawn Show. Thanks to all the wonderful people that came to see us. We had a great day!!! I wanted to share a little slide show of the Cottage and lawn....

We will be busy getting ready for our bi-annual trip to Round Top Antiques Week where we will have our booth set up at LaBahia...We would love for you to come visit us there!!!

FEBRUARY ANTIQUES ON THE LAWN SHOW

2010-02-13T08:19:00.007-06:00

THE OLD OAK COTTAGE

ANTIQUES ON THE LAWN SHOW

SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 20, 2010

10 AM - 6 PM

WE WILL BE SHOWCASING SOME NEW FURNITURE

PIECES AS WELL AS GREAT ITEMS FOR YOUR

HOME FOR SPRING.

THE COTTAGE WILL BE CLOSED FEBRUARY

16 - 19 FOR SET UP.

RAIN DATE IS FEBRUARY 27.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

I Love This!!!

2010-02-03T16:33:00.014-06:00

Marci said "um" when I bought this...I am sure she had thoughts like..."oh my, she has lost it...and she is my business partner...what do I do"....

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!!

I will admit now though...it is on the verge of being a little too shabby for me...ok...there...I said it...I love the shabby, ratty, rusted look...I really do, but, hum.....is this tooooo shabby? I cannot decide. On one hand I love that it is all original but then could it really work in a room? Would I ruin it if I ripped all the original fabric off and replaced it? A few more pics to get the 'realness' of the shabby.

Ok, so here is the question...WWYD...What Would You Do??? Leave it alone or try to doll it up?

Honestly...It may never make it into the Cottage....It may just have to go home with me!!! I will let you know...

Mandy

All Is Not Lost :-)

2010-01-24T08:46:00.008-06:00

A couple of weeks ago we had that awful arctic freeze here that us southerners are just not used to!!! Right about that time we had this bed of Paper whites that was just about to bloom in the backyard of the Cottage...

This week we are back to our normal January weather...highs in the low 70's...now that's more like it...and aren't this Paperwhites just gorgeous????

We also have declared the Christmas season over at the Cottage. Marci and I have packed away all the remaining Christmas pretties and have done a little re-arranging. We needed a new jewelry display and came up with this....

We brought one of our shabby doors in, Marci bent some spoons and we attached them along with some old knobs to the door to hang our necklaces on. It is such a cute addition to our front room.

We are starting to plan our February Antiques on the Lawn Show...stay tuned...details to come later!!!!

Let's Play

2010-01-09T21:33:00.007-06:00

Here we go again!!! Marci and I will head north to Dallas Market for a few days. We have made a list of cool, cottage pretties to look for. Soooo....we decided to have the 2nd

"Let's Play While

The Girls Are Away"

Sale

Christmas items are already 50 % off and starting Tuesday, January 12th there will be many more items that will be on sale. We hope you will swing by, grab some coffee and a cookie, walk the store several times...in order to see everything :-) ...and enjoy the warmth of the Cottage.

Many Blessings to you,

Mandy

Burrrr!!!

2010-01-07T10:40:00.004-06:00

Well...today is the day..we are expecting 30 mile an hour gust and the Arctic Blast is going to hit us this afternoon. The Cottage has been winterfied by my hubby, bless him!!! The temperature is not to get above freezing for 3 days...Now, I know what some of you northern chicks are thinking...PANSY, WIMP.... whatever...when you live somewhere that you have to keep your toes manicured year round because you might have a couple of cute flip flop days, well this is just major for us.

Unfortunately, we have something beautiful happening in the backyard of the Cottage and this just might do it in!!!

I believe these are Paper Whites...but PLEASE correct me if I am wrong. This little flowerbed in the back yard...well let's just say that my youngest son thought it was a bed of weeds and had been running the lawn tractor through it once a week!!! Once the grass stopped growing so ferociously then we noticed something fighting it's way out of the ground. It was bulbs!!!! Needless to say, Marci and I quickly found one of our shabby bed frames and put it together right in the middle of the bed of flowers...Don't you just love this??? I also took my big helper mowing son over and showed him that these were NOT weeds. He looked at me and said "Oh, my bad" :-)

Well, Marci and I head out next week to market. We will be searching high and low for Valentine, Spring and Summer pretties. We are planning a big 50% off sale while we are gone so head on over to the cottage and see what you just CAN. NOT. live without!!!

Bundling up for the cold,

Mandy

Bone Chillin'

2010-01-02T17:19:00.007-06:00

I looovvveee the Cottage. It is so quaint and precious. It has a wonderful spirit and feeling when you walk in the door....but when it has been 30*-40* at night the cottage becomes a meat freezer. The little house has no insulation... it's just the way it was built in 1930. I opened the Cottage this morning...we have been closed from Christmas Eve until today. So, there has not been any human body in the cottage to conduct any heat for over a week. Here is what the thermostat read this morning at about 9:45 am.

Yes...you are reading that right!!! 44* yes 44*. Now, we have a wonderful old wall heater that runs on propane that is mounted on the wall right by the check out counter and let me tell you...it can produce some heat. Within about 1 hour I had the Cottage pretty toasty.

So I am telling you this to show you what my sweet sister gave me for Christmas. While she was at my house for Thanksgiving we came to the Cottage for a little private shopping spree. She had a blast and I ended up having to send a box of stuff the next week. Anyway...It was bone chillin cold that day and she could not believe how cold the Cottage was. She said she knew immediately what she was going to get me for Christmas....

I. LOVE. IT. It is wonderful. It is lined with that furry lambs wool looking stuff and of course the monogram is PERFECT!!!! She is and has always been the MOST thoughtful person I know and what is great about that is she is MY sister!!! I was so thankful to have my coat this morning!!!

So do not hesitate to come by the Cottage...even right at 10am when we open...The heater, guaranteed, will be blowing!!

We are taking our Christmas trees down now. Most all of our Christmas ornaments and decorations are 50 % off for a limited time...You MUST hurry over and check it out!!

Happy New Year!!!

Mandy

Last Minute Gifts

2009-12-18T13:53:00.005-06:00

I always plan NOT to do it - but, inevitably, always do. You know - - that waiting until the last minute for certain gifts. It is usually for that person who has everything, and I don't have a clue what to get. OR I have to "even out the numbers" between my kids . AND, even though my children are all grown now, I HAVE to fill stockings for them when they come home for Christmas. My husband says I'm crazy, but I'm sure I am not the only sentimental sap that does it. It's just so exciting to have them home for the holidays!

SO, what is wonderful this year is that I have the "cottage". It is a treasure trove of unusual gifts and great stocking stuffers (for those who still stuff the grown "kids" stockings). We have soaps, lotions, purse mirrors, jewelry, ornaments galore, purse hooks, stationary, etc, etc.

My favorite new item this year is Karoma. It is "aromatherapy" for your car. Well, actually, for YOU while you're in your car. It is the perfect gift for that person I talked about (you know, the one who has everything). It is a pretty locket that hangs from the rear view mirror or clips on the vent. It comes in four designs, each with a unique scent. The scent card slips into the back of the holder. With a pack of card refills, Karoma makes a nice gift.

I'm also putting "Poo-Pourri" in the girls' stockings and "Royal Flush" in the boys. I know they'll get a kick out of it, but I also know it works!

I DO have to admit that I can't find a thing for my husband. Guess I'll have to head over to the man's store - Lowes.

Please note that the cottage will be open Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 23rd. We will be closed December 24th until January 2nd. I hope we will see many of you before then, but if not, have a Merry Christmas. May God Bless each of you the way you have blessed Mandy and I this year.

Vintage Ball Wreath

2009-12-07T21:38:00.005-06:00

Girly Stuff inspired me to make a ball wreath after she posted what she did here. I have loved these forever and always thought...no way...I can't do that. Well, IT WAS EASY!!! Of course the greatest expense is and will always be the balls. I dug through all of our cottage supplies and took every vintage ball I could find. Here is the result!!! I LOVE IT!! Of course I would love a vintage pink ball wreath....I may be on the search on ebay for a "whole lotta balls". I think I NEED one of these!!!

I hung it in the cottage kitchen on top of a mirror...pictures do not do it justice. I could not get a good picture straight on because of the mirror and flash etc...You will just HAVE to come and see it in person!!! LOVE IT!!

PS...It snowed last Friday in Huffman!!!! It was BIG, BEAUTIFUL SNOWFLAKES. Two years in a row in Southeast Texas...It doesn't get any better than that!!!

Mandy

Christmas at the Cottage

2009-11-17T19:20:00.014-06:00

We had our Antiques on the Lawn Show and Christmas Open House this past weekend. Marci and I worked like crazy little elves to get the cottage ready. I wanted to share a few pics but beware....it's precious!!! :-)

You know...pictures just cannot show you how absolutely GORGEOUS!! the cottage is...if you are "remotely" in our area you really MUST stop by and truly experience the whole house!!!

Now for a few shots of the lawn displays....

And then, of course, our wonderful vendors that joined us...

My MIL volunteered, yes volunteered!!! to put together some Christmas wreaths for us. I gave her our color palette and several items from the cottage and just look at what she came up with!!!

And....we could not have made it through the morning without our Kathye...she is one of our favorite customers/on the spot helper....she is willing to jump in and wrap pretties in tissue, bag gorgeous items or stand on a ladder to retrieve a treasure...Thank You Kathye!!!

OMGosh!!!

2009-11-10T20:39:00.004-06:00

Marci and I started today with the transformation of the cottage for the Antiques on the Lawn and Christmas Open House...OH MY!!! We knew it was going to be a tad overwhelming but I did not realize how much we actually have in the cottage. In order to move one piece of furniture you had to move a million items...oh well...we will continue and it will be GORGEOUS by Saturday morning at 9am!!! Details about the show below....

The Old Oak Cottage and Friends

Antiques on the Lawn Show

and

Christmas Open House

November 14 and 15

Saturday 9am-6pm

Sunday 12pm-5pm

We hope to see you there! Fabulous snacks to be served from the kitchen!!!

It's A Sign....

2009-11-04T10:30:00.005-06:00

literally....Here are some new signs that will be out at our Antiques on the Lawn Show and Christmas Open House.

We also have this FAB. U. LOUS. bedroom set that I am only going to show you a tiny sneak peek of....I have been teasing you a lot with our sneak peeks huh???

We are getting excited about transforming the cottage for Christmas!! The cottage will be closed November 10-13 while we move, scoot, arrange and ooohhh and aaahhh over our Christmas Treasures.

We also have some really great vendors that will be setting up on our lawn. We are looking forward to a wonderful weekend. The show will be November 14 and 15. Saturday hours are 9am-6pm and Sunday hours are 12pm-5pm. We hope to see your smiling, Christmas shopping face here!!!!

Mandy and Marci

Sneak Peek #2

2009-11-01T21:05:00.004-06:00

Antiques on the Lawn and Christmas Open House in 2 weeks!!! A little sneak peek at some necklace pendants that will be available at the show...Christmas anyone???? ooohhhh..Halloween is over...Thanksgiving is on it's way and YES Christmas is right around the corner!!!

Sneak Peek

2009-10-30T07:38:00.004-05:00

Our Antiques on the Lawn Show is coming up November 14 and 15. Marci picked up a little dresser at the auction and decided after she got it back to the cottage that she REALLY hated it. She said..."It was such a good price I just bought it, but we can donate it to charity". She was scheduled for her trip to Vermont so I said...give me some time and let's see how it turns out. Well...here is a little peek at the result...I think it is cutie patootie and it will be out at our show in November.

Smells of Autumn

2009-10-21T10:22:00.006-05:00

Nothing smells better than warm sugar cookies ...pumpkin pie.....cinnamon....cloves....AAAHHH the smells of Autumn. I love nothing more than baking and having the fabulous scent "waft" through the house. But.....with the cottage, my other job at the dentist, two teenage boys and a hubby that needs attention every once in a while, who has time to bake???!!!! Luckily!!!! We have the wonderful scents of fall right here at the cottage!!! We received our order of fall scents from Tyler Candles!!!

Come by and sniff all you want!!!! Scents include Mulled Cider, Cinnabuns, Cuddle, Homecoming, Pumpkin Spice, Mulberry Moments and Sour Cream Coffee Cake....MMMM...makes one want to go home and bake....I may just have to make time!!!!

Reminder!!! Antiques on the Lawn Show is coming up and will be here before you know it. It will be November 14 and 15. We will be closed the week leading up to the show so that we will have time to transform the cottage into a Christmas Wonderland!!! We hope you will join us!!

We're Back! and Looking Forward

2009-10-09T07:08:00.005-05:00

We returned from The Round Top Antique Week at LaBahia late Saturday night Oct 3rd. Unfortunately, Saturday brought torrential rains most of the day. We were fortunate to have some die hard shoppers until about 2 pm. Our guys were there to offer their blood, sweat and muscles for loading the booth onto the trailer. Marci and I were so very nervous about our last few pieces of furniture getting wet and ruining the finishes on them....never fear!!!

The guys backed up that big ole trailer right into the tent!!! Everything was loaded safely and pretty dry!!! We scrambled a little with running water underfoot but Marci and I jumped into high gear, well, high gear for us!!....and moved what we needed to dry land.

We had a great show and we are looking forward to the Spring show.

We are all moved back into the Cottage and are working towards our Antiques on the Lawn show November 14 and 15. We will transform the Cottage into our own little Christmas wonderland and have our Christmas Open House that weekend. We hope you will join us for a great weekend to kick off the holidays. Be looking for hints of what's to come!!

Have a great weekend...Hey, southeast Texas is getting a cold front today!!! Yeah!!!

LaBahia Fun!!!!

2009-09-28T19:30:00.006-05:00

Well, we are in full swing at the Round Top Antiques Week at LaBahia. We finished packing Thursday morning, Sept. 24 and drove up to the site of our booth. As Troy, Mandy's husband, turned the last corner on our drive up we had a blow out on the trailer. Unfazed, we blew into the parking lot and quickly parked the trailer behind our booth....in the gushy mud, with most of the fire ants exterminated by our great friend John that has a booth 2 doors down. We were able to put some carpet down and hang the chandeliers in our booth....before the torrential rains began. Still, unfazed, we went to bed ready for the day ahead. Friday is "set up" day at LaBahia...apparently, no one told the shoppers!!!! Jim, Marci's husband, came back to the camper at 7:20 A.M.....yes A.M. and told Marci and me that a lady was standing at the back of our cargo trailer waiting for us to open the back so she could see what we have inside....EXCUSE ME???? 7:20 A.M. ? Do we have a life???? Ok, so I will say, we have had a FAB. U. LOUS. 3 days so far!!! The booth looks incredible and we are so proud of it...I wanted to share some photos....

We would LOVE for you to come see us this week. You can find us here. We also find a little time to shop ourselves. I found the most incredible little shabby buffet....if it doesn't sell we get to bring it home to the cottage...although...I hope it sells!!! :-)

Preparing for Round Top Antique Week

2009-09-15T10:56:00.008-05:00

We have been busily preparing (scraping, painting, cleaning, and pricing, etc.) for the La Bahia Antique Show to be held September 26th - October 3rd. This show is held during what is referred to as "Round Top Antique Week".

For those of you unfamiliar with the event, it all started with the Round Top Antique show, and has grown to encompass more than 30 miles worth of shows along Hwy 237 from Burton to Round Top to Warrenton. LaBahia has always had a reputation for having quality, and sometimes unusual, antiques. Many collectors say that they find some of the best deals there, too. It is where the "Flow Blue Brothers" set up. You would not believe their amazing collection of Flow Blue. It also has, argueably, the best food. They serve both breakfast and lunch. Indoor restrooms and free parking also make it a popular stop.

We will be located directly east across the parking lot from the concession entry into the old LaBahia hall. We hope many of you will be able to come visit us! Please Note: THE COTTAGE WILL BE CLOSED September 24th through October 5th. We will open again on October 6th - - hopefully with some wonderful new finds!

I Love It!!!

2009-09-02T15:15:00.006-05:00

Remember the "mauve" cabinet????

Well, it only took a couple of weeks, lots of sweat in this Texas heat, a few coats of paint, then some sanding to make it just the perfect shabby. We moved it into the cottage just before Saturday's Antiques on the Lawn show and dolled it up with some fab. u. lous. fall goodies.

It is just the perfect, petite piece for a small cottage or apartment. I would love to see this in a bathroom with towels rolled up and soaps, lotions etc all stacked in it. Wouldn't some soaps in apothecary jars look great?

Here are a few pics of the cottage on Saturday at our show:

We were a little limited with what to do with our outdoor pieces because there was a chance of rain during the afternoon... we were hesitant to put things out. Well, the sun kept shining so we were optimistic and put things out on the lawn, put a tarp on everything and went home. The most horrible storm blew through about 8 pm. Rain, wind, lightning and someone said hail but we never saw hail where we were. The cottage fared well. We had a little incident with a tarp and about 500 gallons of water....uuummm, yeah, just picture that. It all worked out in the wash, so to speak and we were on for Saturday.

This last picture is of our outdoor room. We transformed it into the "French Market". It was sooo cute with our market finds in there.

Our next adventure will be the Round Top/Warrenton Antiques Show. We leave at the end of September. We are looking forward to a great week. For now, come by the cottage and pick up some fall decor for your home, yes the weather is going to be cooler, right??? Hopefully!!!!

Coming August 29th

2009-08-21T15:28:00.021-05:00

ANTIQUES ON THE LAWN!

Mark Your Calendars! Saturday, August 29th, we will, once again, be having our "Antiques on the Lawn" show. We will try to "beat the heat" by starting at 8:00 am and running until 2:00 pm. We have gotten great feedback about the show from our customers - they just love shopping out under the big oak trees. Shoppers like to be here when the "doors open" to get the chance at picking up the best finds! Check out the pictures below of one of our earlier events.

Our yard is so big that it is hard
to capture exactly how much
"stuff" we have out there.

This shot shows one of our
"Bed Benches" which have
always sold as fast as we can
make them!

Here, check out our unique

"trellis". It was made with
three old doors, which we
always try to keep on hand.
That and old windows, and
old shutters, and old knobs,
and old chandeliers. . . .
Speaking of chandeliers . . .
did you see the one hanging
from the tree in the first photo? It went FAST!

This "bench" is an antique

iron baby crib that we have

bedecked with floral pillows

and covered the mattress in

one of our favorite colors -

PINK!

We will be closed Friday, August 28th, in preparation for the big show. We have been "reinventing and recreating" some pretty unique items for you, as well as finishing up some old vintage and antique furniture projects.
Inside the cottage, we will be debuting a new "vintage french" line, and our fall decor - we think you will love it!

Look forward to seeing you on Saturday,
Mandy and Marci

Now Featuring . . . .

2009-08-01T14:22:00.003-05:00

Soldered Charms at The Cottage!!!

We found this fabulous dealer at the Dallas Market who had some of the sweetest, cutest, most precious, soldered charms we have seen. Each one has an added bauble on the bottom. No two are alike, so you would be getting one of a kind jewelry at only $15.95 each. They look great on the white and black faux pearls we also found at market! Check out these pretties:

Don't You Love Surprises!!!

2009-07-10T16:59:00.003-05:00

Hubby and I went to the auction Wednesday night....(the kids have been whisked away by my parents and are on a 7 day cruise...what's up with that?) Anyhoo....Troy said , "Sure, I'll go." Well Wednesday night at auction is a little like junk night. You never know what you will find....which I love!!! Well, Troy met me there and he said, "Do you see anything you like?" I said," Yes, you see that mauve cupboard?" He kind of hesitantly said, "Yes?" I am sure he was thinking "mauve?" Well, I love to find a diamond in the rough. I can picture this cutie in a bathroom with towels rolled up and pretty bottles with neat soaps...etc etc etc. Oh the possibilities....well, I immediately started stripping the mauve paint and look at what is behind it!!! It kind of looks like tinted milk paint because it is a really thin layer of it. Most of it comes off with the mauve enamel paint....yes, it is enamel. What a great green color...I love to imagine it's original condition being loved by Granny in her kitchen....can you picture it. I will keep you posted on the progress. Of course it will be creamy white with the edges shabbied up a bit and glass knobs and..........

Not Too Shabby....Chandeliers...

2009-07-03T15:19:00.005-05:00

You know when you read all the magazines about summer and slowing down and backyard cookouts and relaxing with the kids......what????? I don't understand....when does that happen? When do we relax and sip lemonade and lay in the hammock and listen to the kids laughter? Maybe I missed something...do we schedule that in? It is not on my calendar. No, we have work, and camps and my kids being whisked away by the grandparents for a 7 day cruise and me being left at home....to work, clean, cook, change their sheets, dust their room...no wait, they can do that when they get back. Oh well, I can honestly say summer has not slowed us down one bit. The only thing that has slowed down is the blogging....so I am trying to catch up...

Sooo, why not a BIG reveal of the fantabulous chandeliers that we have been working on. For anyone who has lugged the nasty, cobwebbed chandelier from the auction or trash pile, cleaned, rewired, painted, re-painted, shopped for crystals, bought the crystals, hung the crystals, held the 200 lb beauty above your head with arms shaking because you refuse to wait for help because you are too anxious to see the queen in all her glory...well...kudos to you...you know what we have been through! :-)

Aren't they just gorgeous??? I would love to hang one in the center of my kitchen, but as I sit and picture it I also feel the snowball happen....you know the one....oh my that thing has to go, eewww that is ugly in here, I need....and on and on and on. So I guess I will leave well enough alone.... for now :-)

Here is another project finished...for all you queens, princesses, and miss prisses...you know who you are...this is for you...

Let's Play While The Girls Are Away!!!

2009-06-22T21:43:00.005-05:00

It's a Sale!!!

Marci and Mandy are heading to Dallas this weekend to do some Market shopping. While we are gone we decided to clear out some things to make room for the goodies we are going to find. We thought we would post a few pics to get you thinking about where, in your gorgeous home, you could put a great treasure from the cottage. Our friend Kathye will be watching the store and probably doing a little shopping herself while she is there. The sale will be Friday and Saturday, June 26 and 27 from 10 - 6. Tons of items will be 50 % off and furniture will be 30 % off. Yes, if you must know, the black table with zebra chairs will be 30 % off. So come join in the fun...the AC's will be blowing and cookies will be in abundance for your shopping pleasure. Take a look at these fabulous things!!

There are 6 of these cute juice glasses.

The Shabby Dress Form

The shabby blue cabinet

These cute little HOME signs

Our fabulous French Pig Tins

Apothecary with corks

The Shabby Yellow Mantle

The cute little painted cosmetic case

All of our Caswell Massey Lotions and Soaps

Ceramic Welcome, Imagine, and Dream plaques