I Spent Black Friday with Miss Mustard Seed

What better way to spend Black Friday than with a kindred spirit? This creative genius; thrift and antique loving blogger was so much fun to hang out with today.

Her name is Marian, but you may know her as the fabulous Miss Mustard Seed. If you haven't been to her blog, you have been deprived! She has the best tutorials for furniture refinishing and her photos are pure mouth-watering candy for the eyes.

When I heard she was in Raleigh for Thanksgiving I asked her if she would like to meet. Little did I know that we would spend the day together along with her sweet mother and mother-in-law.

We had a fun morning wandering through SuzAnna's Antiques in north Raleigh. I'm embarrassed to say that I've lived here for 10 years and never knew about this spot. The owner, Jenny assured me that they've only been open a few years, but I will be sure to stop back by her place someday soon.

So, here is what we enjoyed feasting our eyes on:

Can't you just see a family of bluebirds moving into this bird hotel?

John Deer Birdhouse

You could definitely re-create this by using Mod Podge and some color copies.
Then be sure to charge $39!

His and Hers Birdhouses
Okay, I admit it, I have a serious addiction to birdhouses, but you already knew that, right?

Chippy Green Porch Swing

Old Stove

This trough full of rusty treasures made me think of Donna at Funky Junk Interiors.

Loads of Shabby Chic Beauties

Crisp clean white plates on a white washed wall.

This is so easy to achieve, and yet the impact of all these white buttons in a jar is stunning.

If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard.

I am such a snow-lovin' southerner (yes, I realize that I'm in the minority!)

You see that cute little angel? Well, she's not there anymore, she's in my home now!

While we're at it, don't even drool over those Christmas colored pool balls,
because, they are MINE!

 

I bought them and am trying to incorporate them into my Christmas mantle décor.
I'll give you just a quickie sneak peek at it.

I built a mini barn door out of wood scraps I had lying around. As usual, the tutorial will come shortly. And then made this wreath using paper stars that I learned how to make here.

Today was a real treat for me, I don't normally get to hang around with famous bloggers.

A few things I learned about Marian (aka Miss Mustard Seed):

1. She likes Panera's home style macaroni and cheese.
2. She IS as sweet as she seems on her blog.
3. If she has any spare time (which she rarely does) she will veg out in front of Survivor. 
4. Show her some vintage scales or ironstone and she is sure to buy them. 
5. She has no problem parting with the furniture and treasures she finds. I, on the other hand, can't bear part with mine.
6. She will be attending Blissdom 2011 in Nashville, TN (which makes me happy – because, so am I and I can't wait to see her again!)

One more visual from SuzAnna's before signing off.