LA DOLFINA

This is the home of one of my very favorite dealers at The Alameda Pointe Antiques & Collectibles Fair.   Her name is Jana and she is always my first stop at The Pointe every month! She never ceases to amaze me with her quirky, organic, awe inspiring wares. It's rare when I leave her space empty handed. Well, earlier this month when we drove up to Roseville to pick up my Mom's new mangle I had the chance to pop into Jana's wonderful shop, Cottage Girls.   And wouldn't you know it...  my camera/iphone was dead and I wasn't able to take any photos which was a huge disappointment. The ever so lovely Jana offered to charge my phone but I didn't have time to wait so I made a promise that I would be back within the month. As a consolation I talked her into emailing me some photos of her home. Of course I've been insanely curious about what it looked like for years. When you see someone who finds the most wonderful things month after ...

  It was only a matter of time before our paths would cross. Over the past year or so we've been at the same place but not at the same time. I'm a big believer in timing and it was on Sunday at The Alameda Pointe Antiques & Collectibles Fair that my friend nudged me and said, "isn't that Maria of Dreamy Whites over there?"  She happened to be in Trinidad's space, Atelier de Campagne , when we spotted her shopping with her adorable daughters Bethany & Nicole.   There's nothing like meeting a fellow blogger that you love and admire in person.   She was my best find that day!  

Sometimes treasures collect you...    Last month at The Alameda Pointe Antiques & Collectibles Fair , this one wouldn't let me leave without it.  I felt very guilty because it was more than I could afford but as hard as I tried I just couldn't walk away!  The worst part was I had no idea where I would put it and knew I didn't need it.  My friend patiently waited while I did my best to negotiate the price down and then fronted me the cash as I promised her I would never buy another boat again! Well, last week, it found it's home. The perfect spot. The guilt is gone (My two loves, coastal & chinoiserie)   and I'm wondering how I ever lived without it!

Summerland California is a beach community situated on a hill south of Santa Barbara and north of Los Angeles.  It  boasts some of the most exquisite and expensive antique shops I've ever been to. Well, the other week, I found Center Street Antiques, or what I like to call, "A Poor Man's Summerland." It's located in Soquel, near Santa Cruz. Many of the dealers here also sell at The Alameda Pointe Antiques & Collectibles Fair, like Trinidad, of Atelier de Campagne. The treasures here, literally took my breath away and the best part were the prices! Hence... "A Poor Man's Summerland." I actually told one of the dealers that it reminded me of  "A Poor Man's Summerland" and she said that many of the dealers there come and buy from them! Trust me, there are a lot of serious treasures to be found here! Here is just a sampling of what caught my eye. My favo...