A Special Afternoon at Patina Farm

One afternoon, I picked up my mail and there was this thick envelope and inside was a beautifully engraved invitation.  I couldn't believe it!

Brooke and Steve Giannetti and Veranda Magazine invite you to celebrate the publication of the their new book Patina Farm.

Please join us for an afternoon at Patina Farm.

I first started following Brooke and Steve when I discovered Brooke's blog Velvet and Linen.  Loved watching her projects and the changes to her home in Santa Monica.  

I invited Brooke and Steve to do a book signing of their first book, Patina Style, at Remnants in 2011.  The customers loved Brooke and Steve and their book!  When Brooke posted that they had purchased this property in Ojai to build their forever home, I could hardly wait to see the design process unfold. Beautiful pictures from start to finish!  To receive this invitation was such an honor, I could hardly wait for the day to arrive.

First the drive up to Ojai is beautiful! Driving up the road to their home was breath taking.  White roses everywhere, the crunch of gravel beneath my feet, worn patina and a view from every window.

What delighted me the most was the feeling of intimacy and serenity.  Each room was thought out from the way their family would live and how Steve and Brooke would entertain their family and guests.  Patina Farm reflects their design aesthetics from the old beams, texture to the walls, attention to the vintage details throughout the home and how the inside of Patina Farm relates to the beauty of their land.

View to the guest house.

  

Looking back to kitchen.

View to the guest house.

  

Looking back to kitchen.

The serenity of Patina Farm...

Patina Farm is definitely a forever home reflecting the importance of their family, their friends and the need to relate to the beautiful outdoors.

I will never forget that afternoon.

Thank you Brooke and Steve!

My French Club Chair

 

This is the chair that released me from my "Do Not Buy Anything From the Show Bondage". Did you know that I hardly ever BUY anything at my show?  I am ashamed to admit this.  All my friends tell me that I am so lucky because Remnants has the best vendors and the coolest finds and my house must be filled to the brim with all the wonderful treasures. I get to see first hand before the customers come the best of the best.  Yes, this is true but I have to put blinders on because the show would never get off the ground if I was shopping the whole time.  Actually, I am pretty overwhelmed during the show with all the wonderful treasures spread out before me and my mind actually freezes in the shopping department.  I walk the aisles and see all this wonderful finds, check to make sure the vendor is okay and off I go. 

Well.... things are going to change.  I always tell people that if you find something, love it, touch it, you better buy it because it will be gone. 

 At my Fall show, I saw this chair in Jeni Maus's booth.  If you haven't met Jeni from Found Vintage Rentals, make the effort to see her at a show.  Her booth was spell binding and I walked past this chair twice but didn't touch it.  Then I sat down in it and bought it for my office.  I was so proud of myself! 

This brings me back to my fear of buying at Remnants.  My hubby and I are remodeling our kitchen and the demo starts this Monday.  Yikes!  As you can see, we are in dire need of a remodel.  It has been 28 years and it is time.  The fact that I have my husband on board is truly amazing.  I think he is just tired of hearing me complain how horrible our kitchen is. Stephen likes his comfort and to have our house torn apart is definitely not comfort for him.  He is so excited, he has already removed the doors of the cupboards already. So, the dilemma....  I love everything vintage but I also want functionality.  Follow my story as I infuse vintage into my kitchen.

Shopping starts for Remnants of the Past Vintage Show on Friday, April 15th, 1pm-7pm and Saturday, April 16th, 10am-4pm at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.  I can hardly wait!

Dori from Everything is Hunky Dori

I met Dori at a wonderful show in Roseville put on by my friend, Sandy Bryan, of Mes Amis and Noel Vintage Show. Dori is a super talented, creative and just a lot of fun and I am so happy that she is a part of Remnants!

Please welcome Dori of Everything is Hunky Dori!

XOXO

bHome/Follow your Favorite Bloggers and Magazines

I am very excited to let you know about an amazing opportunity to connect to your favorite blogs, browse some new ones, and view your favorite magazines.  It is an app called bHome, available for iPhones, iPad users as well as Android users.  Download this FREE app and be a part of a inspiring Home and Garden Community.  You will be able to find Remnants of the Past and over 40 other wonderful blogs and magazines in one amazing app called bHome.  I know that I am hooked!  Everything available from your smart phone, how easy is that!

If you love Instagram for your inspiration, you will love the bHome app from getting crafty, designing a room to trying a new recipe.  What is so amazing about this app is that you will be able to share so much with your friends.

I am thrilled to be a part of this inspiring group of bloggers and publications.  After signing up for the bHome app, you will be able to be inspired by the beautiful photos, blogposts and then be able to interact with the bloggers through your cell phone.

To announce this new endeavor for Remnants, I am giving away tickets to the Fall show in Santa Barbara at the Earl Warren Showgrounds on November 13th and 14th.  Five lucky winners will receive 2 tickets each to attend the show after downloading the bHome app on their smartphone and following me on bHome.  Winners will be announce on Friday, October 30th, 2015 at 5pm.

Here’s how you can enter the Remnants GIVEAWAY and find me at bHome.

1. Download the FREE app at the app store on your iPhone or Android. You can also go to bHome and download and join for FREE.

2. Once you have joined bHome, browse “recents” and Remnants of the Past should be at the top.

3.TAP the Remnants of the Past star then read my message – TAP the link and you are entered. TAP twice and you are entered to win! 

Create your own free collage

30 Days until Remnants of the Past

Purchase your online tickets here.  We have a special line at the gate of the Earl Warren Showgrounds if you have purchased your tickets online.  Just bring your receipt, it will be scanned and off you go.  Tickets are also available at the door the weekend of the show, too.

See you soon!

XOXO

Judy

Primitive Industrial

I would like to introduce you to Fernanda of Primitive Industrial.  I have been following Fernanda on Instagram for a year now and I am always just in awe of their vintage pieces that they collect.  Primitive Industrial is located in San Diego.  I have never met Fernanda but have been just amazed by their merchandising and primitive antiques.  I love how they describe what they do.

"Primitive decor is a style of living.  It evokes feelings of taking you back to colonial times when decor was simple and flaws were welcomed."

I reached out to Fernanda to participate in Remnants.  I am delighted to say that they are coming to Remnants in Santa Barbara.

Please welcome Primitive Industrial!

XOXO

Soulstruck~Babcock Winery

Whenever, I would visit my daughter in Santa Barbara, we would go to garage sales and estate sales.  I would run into this woman and she looked so familiar!  Where have I met her?  Finally, it hit me.  Lisa Boisset was a customer at Remnants of the Past.  We reconnected recently and are collaborating on having Babcock Wines as the featured wine poured at Remnants.  I visited their wine tasting room in Lompoc to discuss this venture and I could hardly keep my eyes from roving all over the place.  Babcock Winery is decorated with vintage and re-purpose items and has the most amazing wines.  Wheels started turning and I asked Lisa if she would consider being a vendor.  Lisa said yes!  You will love Lisa and her incredible style.  

Please welcome Lisa of Soulstruck~Babcock Winery!

XOXO

Melissa Blue Antiques

When I first started Remnants, I used to always introduce the vendors.  Since moving venues and growing pains, I took this tradition off my "to-do-list".  Well, I have been missing the process of reviewing each of my vendors and getting excited about anticipating what they will be bringing for the next show.  So..... drum roll for my first vendor!

Please meet Melissa Blue!  I've known Melissa for at least 15 years and I have watched her talent for creating an inviting space blossom over the years.  Not only is Melissa a fabulous vendor, she is become a friend, too.

Melissa's style is eclectic, elegant but fun, too.

Girlfriend Times at Remnants of the Past

Nothing warms my heart more is when I go outside to greet the customers so faithfully waiting in line for Remnants to start.  There is always a buzz of excitement between the ladies of what goodies they will find when the doors open.  This is my time to chat with everyone and also to give them a chance to have their picture taken with the crown that is passed down the line.  This sentimental crown was made from bits of costume jewelry that I found in my Mother's home after she had passed.

The customers come from all over the country and I am so grateful for their loyalty to Remnants of the Past!  During the show, I love walking down the aisles and listening to the conversations of the customers.  One of the common threads of conversations is I noticed is that friends are meeting at the show, mothers and daughters spending bonding time together doing what they love and new friendships being cemented out of a mutual love of treasure hunting.  This is the best part!  Out of this observation, I decided to create a "Girlfriend's Ticket Package."  You and three girlfriends can come and enjoy Remnants with our discounted ticket package. Four tickets for $50 ($60 value).  Tickets will be available online until April 20th.  Be sure to buy your tickets soon and spend less time waiting in line and more time treasure hunting!

See you soon!

xoxo

Judy

Best Food Trucks at Remnants of the Past

When Remnants of the Past was in San Luis Obispo, we had the BEST food trucks.  Having great food I think is part of the experience of coming to Remnants.  I am so thrilled that the Alameda County Fairgrounds is allowing us to choose the food that will be served at the show.  Here is the line up!

Kenny's Heart & Soul

The Slider's Truck

Fist of Flour Pizza Company

izzyA's Frozen Ice Cream Custard

Now, you have to come to just enjoy the food besides incredible vintage treasures for your home.  We will also have a FULL bar for your enjoyment including a place to sit your man in the "Man Cave" while you shop.

Remnants of the Past Vintage Show will be:

Friday, April 24th from 3pm-8pm (Be the there first to find the best!)

Saturday, April 25th 9am-5pm

Come back on Saturday....

Rachel Ashwell our Special Guest

Book signing Saturday, April 25th 10am-2pm

24 MORE DAYS!

See you soon!

xoxo

Judy

Remnants of the Past Next Show ~ April in Pleasanton

Do you feel the slight briskness in the air in the morning?  See the moisture in the grass?  My Boston Ivy leaves are just starting to change color, waiting for the warm winds to blow them down the street.  Fall is such an amazing time of year leading right up to my two favorite holidays.  I love to take long walks with the shadows reaching across my path.  These walks give me time to reflect.... I had some big changes in 2014 including moving Remnants to Northern California. I keep an inspirational phrase on my office chalkboard that says "Reach for the Extraordinary".  Thinking about this quote, I am happy about our decision to expand the show north, but I am not thrilled with the venue. Inside was beautiful but the outside surroundings were not the look and feel that is reminiscent of Remnants. It was not the perfect fit, It was not "extraordinary".   A friend suggested a new venue that I was not aware of ~ a fairgrounds venue in Pleasanton, California.   A few weeks later, Cheryl and I took a drive to check it out. The moment we drove into the quaint town of Pleasanton, we felt a sense of connection. Entering the fairgrounds through a large walnut grove was just beautiful!  The expo is newly remodeled and less than 1/4 of mile from a cute downtown filled with wonderful shops and restaurants, and it has vineyards and wine country only a short drive away. We were greeted by a wonderful staff that worked with us through all the details ~ I am happy to announce that the Remnants of the Past new home will be at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.  The new venue doesn't have a Fall date available for us so our next show will be April 25th & 26th.  (Giving us more time to make the show extraordinary!)  We are very excited about our new venue. Please stay tuned as we move forward to our Spring 2015 Remnants Show. Once, I settled on this new venue, I thought, what am I going to do with myself! It didn't take long.  I miss not having a booth at Remnants and the thrill of the hunt for unusual items.  I decided to open an Etsy Store.  In the store you will find antique treasures and vintage finds.  In addition, I am carrying a wonderful line made by  Fair Trade artisans from Dharma Door USA  made by women from Bangledash. (Read William and Katie's story here.) Hope you have enjoyed your summer.  I love entertaining outside with friends and fixing fun appetizers to share. Here is a recipe that I have been making almost every weekend because it is so easy!  Padron Peppers with Lime Zest Toss Padron peppers with a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat until blistered.  (I push a wooden spoon into the peppers to make sure they are tender).  Season with the zest of one lime and the juice.  Then sprinkle flaky sea salt (I used French Grey Sea Salt, my new favorite). Yummy!!!     Watch for your next newsletter as I share news of Remnants (April 25 & 26 at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA), new vintage finds and ideas for the upcoming holidays.

Back from Vacation

It seems like forever since I have blogged or been on Facebook.  Actually, it was a nice break.  Just returned from a wonderful vacation with friends.  We were invited to join friends in the San Juan Islands on their boat.  We flew into Seattle then took a sea plane from Lake Union into Roche Harbor.  I was a little nervous going on such a small plane and landing on water but it was wonderful and beautiful.

Roche Harbor, Washington

English Colony

Aye, aye mate!  😊

Sunsets were beautiful…

To say the least, we came home refreshed, relaxed, full of fresh crab and ready to hit the road!  One of the things I realized on my vacation is how much I missed having my own booth at Remnants.  Nothing beats the thrill of the hunt.  I know that it would be challenging for me to manage a booth and a show at the same time so I thought, why not open up a Etsy Store.  So I did!  I have just a few things up but I am so looking forward to hunting again.  Take a peek!

XOXO

Judy

Remnants Welcomes Loaves & Fishes

We are so fortunate to live in a country that allows us to have so many freedoms.  I believe that part of who we are has individuals and as an American citizens is to help the oppressed, children, elderly and homeless.  I feel that Remnants of the Past has been so blessed to have such faithful and generous customers over the years who have helped raise money for the local charities and for that I am extremely grateful and thankful.  With the move from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, I wanted to find a local organization that met the needs of the local community.  I am so happy to announce that we have partnered with Loaves and Fishes of San Jose.

What an awesome organization that is committed to providing no cost, hot nutritious meals and support services in a signified safe and caring environment.  They provide meals to needy individuals with a special heart for children, the elderly and the homeless.  They even have a Goodwill Garden! 

 

Having this special garden made me even more excited to be a part a little part of Loaves and Fishes.  This organization has a faithful base of over 1500 volunteers who give of their time, food and supplies to help operate Loaves and Fishes.

Loaves and Fishes will be at Remnants of the Past providing Porter Service for our customers.  As you shop for your antiques and vintage treasures, you will be able to safely leave your purchases at the Porter Station for a small donation of $5.00.  Just look for the volunteers wearing their white aprons with the Loaves and Fishes logo and they will gladly answer any questions and help you with your needs.

Please welcome Loaves and Fishes!

xoxo

Judy

Debbee Baxter Thibault

One morning when I woke up at my usual 4:00 AM, I opened up my laptop to check my emails and saw an email from Jen O'Connor.  I thought that can't be "THE" Jen O'Connor of Earth Angels Studios.... I clicked the  email and sure enough it was.

 Hi, Judy

Funny enough I have been meaning to write to you -- Jo was here for our event and there were copies of the current issue and I was of course thinking of you --

I have been looking into doing appearances at several more retail venues where the vintage loot from various dealers is showcased…Would you consider having Earth Angels as the Art Girls' RoadShow appear as a vendor at your event sometime…I know you are vintage and antique only, but had to ask…

Had Jen been reading my mind?  For years, I have dreamed of combining the handmade artists with the vintage.  I feel that someone that loves vintage is more likely to buy something handmade versus new.  I was so excited!  My dream was coming true!  I called Jen and we had a lovely chat and decided that Remnants of the Past would be the perfect place to host an Art Girls' RoadShow and set it up for everyone to come to sunny California on June 1st and 2nd. 

 I will be introducing each of the artists that will be gathered at Remnants and first up is Debbie Baxter Thibault.  I met Debbie for the first time about 14 years ago at my friend's, Eileen Paulin's home in Southern California.  Eileen would gather several talented artists together at her home for dinner.  It was such an inspiring evening. Debbie was no exception.  Debbie is a paper mache artist but not just any paper mache.  Debbie love of paper mache came from a love for old toys at an early age.  The older items seemed to have a soul and a story to tell. What I love is that Debbie creates each item with such love and has become the top artist in her field. Debbie has stood strong in keeping the work here in the USA and she has a very talented staff.  They all work hard at making true works of American Art.  The pieces go out to fine stores and galleries all over the nation.  Debbie and her team create all of their handmade items in Southern California and have been in business for 16 years.

What is very exciting is that Debbie has created a special collection just for Remnants of the Past Show.  Here is a peek at her gorgeous collection.

Please welcome

 

Debbee Thibault!

xoxo

Judy

Remnants and a New Year

My favorite time of year is Christmas.  I love decorating the house and making our home a special place for family and friends to visit.  I want them to feel the magic of the Season and enjoy the wonder of this time and hopefully walk away sensing and feeling wonder.  After the last vintage ornament is packed carefully away and the house is back in order, it always feels like a fresh slate for me to start the New Year.  That time between Christmas and New Years always makes me feel like a horse straining at the gate to start the race.  My head is brimming with dreams, goals and ideas to start the New Year and I can hardly wait until the clock strikes midnight on December 31st to take off running.

I live in dream place on the Central Coast of California and it is a perfect place to start my planning for the New Year and wait until you hear all the exciting things that will be happening for the June 2013 Remnants of the Past Show.

Not only am I a lover of all things antique and vintage but I also have a strong passion for handmade items.  I feel that if you love vintage you are also most likely to love something handmade over something new.  And for me, if it is made in America, that is the best!  I am so excited to announce that our special guest for the June 2013 Show will be Jen O'Conner of Earth Angels Studio, Ben Ashby of FOLK Magazine and Jo Packham of Where Women Create introducing her new magazine Where Women Create Business. 

 The June Show is going to be so packed with talent that I can hardly wait.  Check back weekly on my blog as I introduce you to my amazing vendors but also to this amazing talent that will be visiting Remnants.

See you soon!

xoxo

Judy