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!

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 with these crazy stink bugs??!!#@%@!!

Okay...roll back the clock just about two years ago. I found my dream home, an 1882 red brick farmhouse, in charming Boonsboro, MD. A quaint town in Western MD, home to author Nora Roberts. With a number of little shops and a short drive to the thriving college town of Shepherdstown, WV, I felt like I've found my little "peace" of heaven on Earth.

Little did I know that Maryland had a dirty little secret!

Stink Bugs!!!! A nasty little pre-historic looking bug that is disgusting. When you squash 'em or they feel threatened they release a hideous "rotten cucumber" odor! Foul!! Ok, I'm gonna share too much here...what do you really call this emission??? In my house we call it a stink bug "fart". Sorry for the delicate at heart...I'm a girl who was the only granddaughter on both sides.

After a long day of painting and re-inventing my vintage treasures, I gladly fall into bed, soon to be dreaming of flea markets, auctions, and pickers. No sooner than I doze do I feel something climbing on my face. A stink bug!!! Ahhhhh! This happens frequently! They dive bomb me all night long. I might be in bed for 7 hours, but let me tell you, it's not restful. I lay there half asleep just waiting for them to attack! What's a girl to do???

My new motto!!! Think I'll have a night shirt made. It might help!

Have a good one!

A Shopping Trip Through Washington County!

Sooooooo.......here's the thing. The Robin's Nest belongs to an amazing group of vendors at Chartreuse & co in Frederick, MD. Once again we've had the privilege of being mentioned in Southern Living. This time it's their Travel Guide...Scenic Trips. Since there are some places I will never get to, I thought I would route my own fun shopping trip through Washington Co, MD.

I grabbed my daughter, Bella, my purse, camera and hit the road in the junk mobile.

First stop La Rouge Vintage in Hagerstown, MD.

It was their first event at their new location. Immediately upon entering the parking lot, customers were greeted with cheery vingettes displaying all they had for sale. After an enjoyable walk around the grounds I grabbed a fun cigar box and some railroad numbers. I'm a sucker for #'s!! Drop by and say hello to Melissa.

Next stop Repurposed and Refined Warehouse Sale, Hagerstown, MD.

It's so warm and inviting as soon as you enter, that you almost forget that you are actually in a warehouse. An amazing assortment of hand-painted vintage furniture and fabulous accesories. Delightful vingettes filled with greens and flowers made it feel "homey". I really enjoyed my time chatting with Denise and Bobbi. Drop by every third weekend and say hello! I left with an amazing candle and blinged out candle holder.

It's hot now...what are the girls to do??? Iced coffee!! (lemonade and cookies for Bella,being 11). A quick trip down the road landed us at... Port City Java. A local institution for coffee and gourmet treats. A former bank building, the safe is still used, but as a meeting room. Refreshed from the heat, onward we drive.

Next stop Wisteria Cove, Hagerstown, MD.

How have I missed this darling little shop in the two years I've lived in Maryland? Pretty unassuming from the outside...once you walk in you are greeted with an amazing array of unique gift items. We had such a great time here. Truly our favorite part? They sell amazing truffles hand-made in TX. You can imagine...they were big and luscious!! No sharing here ...mine salted caramel, Bella's key lime. Yummy.

Next stop Guten Tag in Funkstown, MD.

OMG, OMG, OMG...a plant bonanza! Even before you enter Jessica's shop you are greeted by the most amazing rambling roses. She has such a talent for taking foliage (no blooms, girls) and creating the most divine plantings! You almost feel as if you have stepped back into time when you are in this fabulous little shop. Don't forget to head out back to see all the retail display landscaping. I was was soo inspired to recreate my slate patio that I came away with a fortune in plants and containers. Poor Bella had to sit on the way home with plants at her feet. My new favorite shop!

Realizing that we hadn't actually eaten any lunch we landed in Boonsboro, MD, our home town and mosey-ed onto into Icing Bakery! The yummiest best treats and baked goods ever. Lucky for us, they also serve lunch. A chicken salad on greens for me, and panini for Bella gets the engines going. A picture of my daughter's birthday cake by Icing! Yummy! Guess the theme??

A quick trip across the street into Turn the Page Bookstore, owned by famed author Nora Roberts, for a card and present. They hold book signings with acclaimed authors, and you can always be sure that the latest copy of Nora's recent best-seller will be in stock. It's a fantastic store and a great addition to charming Boonsboro, MD.

Going on 4pm, we realize our girl date must end. I'm proud to say that Bella enjoyed herself. "The day started out a little slow, Mom, but then it started to be a lot of fun!" There will be a day when she won't want to hang out with me, until that day comes, she'll be my junkin' buddy!!

Have a good one!