I'm BACK...and telling tales on myself! Insert GIGGLE here!

So for the disappearing act... A lot has changed, but the craziness is still the same. 

A MUST READ.... I'm going to tell on myself now. I have received about 4 million boxes of product during the last three days... Ugh! I thought this one was wrong and proceeded to call customer service to let them know and get a big "FAT" credit to my account. As I was speaking with such a sweet gal... While on the phone I had the stupid realization that I had been reading it UPSIDE DOWN! I fessed up and we both had a big chuckle at my expense!

Have a good one,

Robin

Home at LAST!

It's been so long since I've had a moment to sit down and tell all you Nesters what's up at the Nest!  Phewww....WHERE to begin?

As you may know...I started the journey to create a Nest of my very own.  My very first ever brick and mortar (just a crazy term....) store.  I feel like I've been in a Bugs Bunny cartoon!!!  Every time the end was near, another bomb/anvil fell.  The building started out life as a log cabin in 1794 so needless to say it was a bumpy ride.  All in all...the building is a dream! A store I am proud to call The Robin's Nest!

Home Sweet Home

While the eggs were hatching in the Nest, I took my show on the road!  I had the opportunity to be a Country Living Fair vendor in Nashville, TN and Rhinebeck, NY.  What a thrill for sure! My motto..."have junk, will travel".  We loaded up Opal Estelle (my birdie van), hitched the trailer and headed out on the open road!

Nashville Country Living Fair

Rhinebeck, NY Country Living Fair

Gotta say it felt a little weird not to be a part of Chartreuse & co, having left there in Feb. of this year.  FAITH seemed to be the hardest thing to achieve! (insert the song "FAITH" by George Michael...as this became my theme song!) Loading and unloading...buying and selling...all that lead to 4, count 'em FOUR storage units that were dumped unloaded/moved into the new store on July 1!  I opened the doors on Aug. 1!  And if that's not enough... The Robin's Nest got a little local press to boot!

WHAG News Coverage

And now the real works begins..... saga to be continued!

Could You Design a Room Around a Rug?

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a gal named Holly from the cool site, Charish to design a room around a vintage rug.  If you haven't heard of it, you should check it out.  It's a site filled with amazing vintage furnishings and decor that can be shipped right to your house. Gotta love that!

Now...onto the project!  I was given an assortment of vintage rugs to choose from.  My pick was a turquoise over-dyed Turkish patchwork vintage carpet.  They are pretty "hot" in the market place right now, and I am DYING to buy one.  (I'm a bit of a rug junkie.) Hubby has laid down the law...no more rugs!  So, this room will have to stay in my dreams.

If you follow me, you know that I love to mix and match; keeping things fun and unexpected.  I came up with the idea of designing a room for someone who is NOT afraid of color and lives on the wild side. So with fanfare and a drum roll, I give you.......

In keeping with the theme, Global Modern I wanted to bring in colors that would compliment the turquoise rug.  My go tos were orange and hot pink!  It's in the pillows and artwork.  Keeping the fabulous mid-century leather sofa white allows the pillows to shine, while still making sure the rug pops!  The cowhide zebra print French bergere chair and ottoman supplies texture and and reinforces the global design theme.  Hey, just sayin'....cowhide is hot, hot, hot! The inlay coffee table, with it's ivory details and warm wood tones, anchors the chair and the sofa.  The inlay design on the table gives a nod to ethnic/tribal style....oh my, just love this one.

The accessories are a blend of tradition and "swank".  Yup, I said it!  I don't think any room should be too serious!  The artwork is kept fun and colorful.  I just love the trend of gold foil in artwork going on right now.  Making sure the room doesn't get too crazy...gold and brass were brought in.  I love the clean lines of the vintage brass lamp! The brass elephant keeps with our theme and the vases add some glam.  Let's face it...fresh flowers make EVERY room better!

So there we are...Global Modern done Nest-style.  I'd love to hear what you think about it!

Have a good one,
Robin

What do You take to the BEACH?

Well, here at the NEST, our motto is #workhard,playhard.  After having 4 events in 4 weeks, Grant Ave. Market, Lucketts Spring Market, Chartreuse&co May Tag Sale, and Josie's on Main Vintage Jubilee, hubby and the birdies are ready for a serious rest.  Quick frankly, so am I!! In addition to all the work events we've had 2 major birthdays, a graduation and you guessed it....a stomach bug.  Birdie #3 is groaning on the sofa as I type.  But come hell  h**l  or high water I AM going to the BEACH on Saturday morning. I don't care if I have to strap a bucket to someone's head....I need to get away for a couple of weeks!  I'm sure there are many of you out there that know what I'm talking about.

We are heading to the best beach on Earth (my opinion, only, so I'm allowed to say it, no hate mail..hehehe)
Pawleys Island, SC.  I have been going every year for the last 35 years.  It's a family reunion of sorts...90 - 125 family members.  All in ONE house....psych!  Usually, 7-10 houses.  We do have a few group meals, though.  Our contribution is breakfast for the whole crew!  Which brings us the subject of this post.  What do you take to the beach?

source

Here's some of the items on our packing list:

2--Portable Electric Griddles
1--Electric Skillet
1--10 lb. Gluten Free flour (for the Gluten Free contingent)
3--Spatulas
1-Charcoal Grill w/ Smoker (**hubby list)
1-16 oz. Vanilla extract
4--Cans Baking Powder
20 lbs--Natural Organic Sausage
10--Beach Towels
2--Puzzles
4--Sunscreen
5--Paperbacks
10--Home Decor magazines

source

You get the idea!  It's not the typical packing list for sure! When you are cooking breakfast for that many people you have to bring most of the equipment/ingredients with you.  Imagine making 6 breakfast casseroles in huge foil pans (having to drop off 4 of them to 4 houses since you can't bake them in your own oven), cooking 35 pounds of bacon/sausage in an electric skillet/stove top method, and making about 175+ pancakes.  What a feat!  We've been doing it for almost 20 years!!!  It started out with about 30 pancakes, 2 quiches, and a coffee cake with 15 people.  Oh how times have changed!  We use disposable everything, (I know, I know), and have done the unthinkable!  Last year we brought all the meat and had a local diner cook it for us!  It's better than staying up until 1am the night before cooking bacon, the whole house reeking of meat, dogs howling because of the smell, and having to shower just to get the stink off!

Is all this work worth it??? ABSOLUTELY!!  It's so nice to be able to spend time with family over a yummy meal!  To see the delight on their faces with they indulge in all your fattening delights.  Remember this cardiac arrest meal is only once a year.  So cheers to the chicken, pig and cow!  We will be partaking of your bounty soon.

So my question to you.....what do you take along on your vacation??

Have a good one,
Robin

Help...I Need Your Opinion!

Good morning Nesters!  In the beginning of the year I shared that there were a number of goals I set for The Robin's Nest this year.  (Part 1 here, Part 2 here)  Well the Pinterest project everyday was quickly a bust.  WHAT was I thinking????  It lasted 4 days.....hehehehe. (I'm hoping to get a ribbon for participation...still waiting!)  I've added new sales venues..Grant Avenue Market and Lucketts Spring Market. 

Lucketts Spring Market from The Robin's Nest

The big goal looming out in the distance... Find a brick and mortar location to house my interior design office, website stock/shipping, retail shop and vintage venue rental location is knocking at my door. 

Here's where I need your help! I'd love to know your thoughts on this amazing historic building that I've looked at.  Let's just say....if a building were a man, we would have eloped already!!  It's being renovated as we speak, so bear that in mind as you check out these photos.

The exposed brick walls will stay, as well as the timber walls!  Couldn't you imagine a fabulous cocktail party or rehearsal dinner in these rooms???  Truly, this seems to be a dream come true.  I couldn't imagine a space more perfect for my needs.

Now, I'm asking you what you think???  Would you take the plunge?

Have a good one,

Robin

My trip to the post office, Nest-style!

As you know, almost 4 years ago, I decided to un-plug.  In other words, leave the over-populated Northern Virginia burbs,drag my family to rural MD and  buy a 130 farmhouse to renovate. My dream life for sure!!  The birdies and hubby love me enough to go along for the crazy ride that is our life!!

Yesterday, after a business meeting at the local eatery, Kristi's Bakery & Cafe I had to head over to the good ol post office to drop off some web orders.  Now I know, no biggie, right?  Everybody has to go to the post office.  However, I believe my ride is just a little bit more enjoyable than yours.  Usually, I buzz through my errands not stopping to enjoy the scenery.  Driving, I saw the prettiest sights and decided I'd share my drive with you guys.

The Historic Antietam Creek is seconds from my House

Having a little fun

Gotta say, I love my LIFE!!  Such a wonderful place to live. Cheers to Boonsboro, MD!

Have a good one,
Robin

What's this Lucketts Spring Market thing all about?

I've bee a busy little bee so far this year!!  Two trip to Texas, regular sales at Chartreuse & co, and 2 outdoor markets so far. (Grant Avenue Market and Lucketts Spring Market) My bones are weary, my family is pooped, heck, even my doggie, Trooper is feelin' it.  It's a lot of work to recreate your "look" for an outdoor event.  Thanks heavens I have the support and "free labor" of hubby and the birdies at the Nest.  Although, this crew sure can eat, so I don't know if it's exactly free!!! The biggest event that I had was Lucketts Spring Market.  It's the most widely talked about, so I that I'd focus today's post on it.

The Old Lucketts Store is a vintage store located in Leesburg, VA, open all year long.  Once a year they put on a huge Vintage Market.  Loads of fun, treasure, mud, rain, traffic, crowds, food, did I say...fun!  I set up my tent and brought my treasures (mostly from my Texas road trips).  The best way to describe it is vintage madness.  Here are the sights I saw during the weekend....

my space

 My friend JC...source: 

my space

source: 

 source: 

source: 

source: 

source: 

Niles...my space

my space

my space

my space  source:

 my space source:

 my space

My friend, Sue from Vintage Rescue Squad

my space...vintage Leggs Eggs Pantyhose display rack

 my space

my space

My bestie, Yvette from FOUNDRY on crowd control

Hope you enjoyed the tour!  Next up at the Nest...Josies' on Main Vintage Jubliee on May 31 & June 1, 9am to 5pm, both days, 201 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD.  Home of author, Nora Roberts!  Drop by her bookstore Turn the Page for a fun memory!

Have a good one,
Robin

Here we go AGAIN!!! It's Road Trip Time at the NEST! Should I be Scared???

Well, it's been a few months since my last road trip, see part 1, pt 2, pt 3, and pt 4 to catch up.  As usual, I'm getting the itch to hit the road again. Let's face it, it's the BEST part of this crazy vintage business.  It you buy/sell vintage you know what I'm talking about!  Vintage shopping is my drug of choice. The thrill of the bargaining, finding the unusual, figuring out what to do with the crazy treasures that I find....I just can't get enough.  Not to mention the amazing people you meet along the way.  My crazy antics and shenanigans keep me entertained as well.  I live, breathe and sleep VINTAGE!!

source

I'm heading back to Texas!!  I had such an amazing treasure hunt back in February that I'm hittin' the road AGAIN! Gal pal had planned on making the journey with me...but, unfortunately that's not gonna happen. SOOOooooooo....long story short, I'm going myself.  This seems to have caused quite a stir with most of my friends.
Friend 1: "I can't believe you're going by yourself"
Friend 2: "You are sooo brave"
Friend 3: "I could never do that"
Friend 4: "I'm so scared for you, I'll pray for you"


 Maybe it's me....maybe I'm just too crazy to be scared. But to tell the truth, fear has never really entered into a decision to hit the road, either with friends or by myself.  I'm concerned about where the best vintage treasures are, lodging, finding gluten free food (I pack one suitcase filled with my goodies so I won't starve!!!) and will my $$$ run out before I get home. I am a ROAD WARRIOR!!  I love to travel and hunt for vintage gold along the way.  The lure of the road is not something I can resist.  I must have hundreds of places to shop before I die....gotta check 'em off.

source

Experience has taught me to just go with it.  If I stop and think about all the bad things that could possibly happen to me, then I don't think I would go anywhere!  It could be that this lack of trepidation could be partly to blame for all the highjinx I get myself into.  I mean really, (insert Robin's motto here...) "I'm an intelligent woman, how hard can it be?" So with a start in Texas, thru the great town of Nashville, I will drive 1600+ miles, aka 23 hrs. back home.  I've got a disco playlist in the making.  My goal is to learn "Rapper's Delight" by heart.  (My challenge from Gal Pal)

source

So my bags are almost packed, got hubby going to the bank to get my stash of cash and I'm finishing up my play lists.  Now the BIG question??? How on earth am I gonna wake up hubby at 3:30am to take me to the airport.  This early bird ALWAYS gets the worm!!!!

I'd love to hear what you think about my travels!!  If you have a great road trip story....please share!!!

Have a good one,

Robin