So hard to say goodbye to Frankie

We had to say goodbye to our little dog Frankie, who died suddenly Wednesday afternoon, July 6th of congestive heart failure. He was 12 years old. Bella and I were with him at home when he passed.

He was rescued by Best Friends Animal Society from a hoarding situation that made national news. Frankie came to us at Christmastime, nearly eight years ago from my sister, Cathy, who was fostering him. He was very fearful of everything but because he was able to come to work with me, he became more and more sociable with people. All we ever wanted for him was for him to feel safe, be happy and healthy. He went on vacations to Carmel and Santa Barbara with us, on antique trips everywhere, on countless walks on the bay, Sunset Cliffs, parks, Shelter Island,  Kellogg Beach and around the neighborhood. He enjoyed every restaurant on the coast that allows dogs on their patios. I am blessed to have had a connection with Frankie, the likes of which I may never experience again. Once he opened up his heart and learned to trust us, that was it. He was bonded to us in a big way. The other thing Frankie showed in his eyes was his appreciation. He was so thankful for his life with us. He let us know every day. When we brought Bella into our family, she brought out Frankie's personality even more. He was able to have a little friend to play with and boss around, mainly boss around! Bella adored him, followed him around everywhere.

He was Bob's little buddy, Bella's big brother and he was my heart. We will miss him forever.

Our small tribute to those serving and those who have served . . .

Happy Memorial Day

Great news from Cottage Antiques!

It's official: We are happy to introduce you to Southern Accents, which is replacing Cottage Antiques. Cottage Antiques will be continuing business online.

Please come by and introduce yourself Jean Brannman, owner and creator of Southern Accents. Cordelia will be working with Jean for a little while during the transition. Jean’s daughter will be coming from New York for a couple of months to contribute her marketing and PR wizardry. Debbi Greaves will be working with Jean just as she worked with us, creating magical store and window displays and Neota Bradley will be there as well, helping customers as only she can and offering her beautiful hand-painted greeting cards. Martha Stauderman, with her own Martha Lae designs, will be offering her unique papiery items, one-of-a kind jewelry pieces and many whimsical items that always delight our customers. Margaret Nyikos, our own Ocean Beach artist, will also be selling her cards, exclusive only to Southern Accents. Margaret has been a part of our stores for more than 22 years. So, as you can see, you'll experience the same look and feel of Cottage Antiques, but with a little bit of a Southern flair mixed in.

It’s been a good run for us. We’ll miss you all . . . but it’s time to say Adieux.

Southern Accents 4873 Newport Avenue San Diego, CA 92107  619.222.1911

Cottage Style Magazine features Our Home: "Prettiest Cottages, New York to California"

We just learned Cottage Style Magazine's latest issue has our home featured in their magazine! I got a call from my friend Heidi in Plympton, Massachusetts (Summer Gardens), saying she was looking through the magazine and reognized our kitchen. Too funny! The photo shoot was taken in early December. We didn't know exactly what issue it was going to be in, so this was a pleasant surprise.

(that's not us on the cover - we're inside on Pg. 36)

This is my favorite photo in the shoot:

Bob with Frankie, Cordelia with Bella

Valentine cards in the making

Creating magic!

Cottage Antiques' entrance

One of Marthas journals, with a vintage metal items to add interest and charm!`

Cupcakes galore!

Happy Valentine's weekend, all!

A beautiful photo I found on Rachel's site . . .

From Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic website, I couldn't resist sharing this photo. There are fabric swatches, samples of this and that, design magazine clippings, spools of thread - you name it - all surrounding a 1920s French-style painted vanity. It's organized in such an appealing way. So creative and artsy . . .

Come Celebrate with Us!

We have a lot in store for you at Cottage Antiques to help you celebrate Valentine's Day. Create a vintage-style one-of-a-kind Valentine for someone special in your life. Martha Stauderman will help you create your own custom Valentine on Saturday, February 12th. Sign up for one of her workshops:

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!

Need a one-of-a-kind locket?... or that special gift?. . . Come see all the treasures we are unveiling for Valentine's Day.

There will be delicious treats, chocolates and Valentine's galore! See you on the 12th!



Antique Show

 Yesterday I went to the Del Mar Antique show with my friend Jerilyn. We both enjoyed seeing our favorite dealers, Peggy McFarland from Utah, with her fantastic display of Victorian napkin rings and unusual cast iron doorstops; Audrey Hancock, Homestead Antiques in St. Charles, Idaho, exhibiting hard-to-find Americana and early advertising pieces (you can see her at Marburger Farm in Roundtop Texas March 29-Aprl 2). It was nice to see TC Leary with her fabulous estate jewelry. San Carlos Street Antiques from San Jose didn't disappoint with their booth of treasures. There were some outstanding dealers with heirloom sterling. I saw a set of early Tiffany flatware that was astoundingly beautiful. I was very impressed with the amount of early coin silver pieces, too. The repair booths are something that is a huge draw because there is no one in San Diego that repairs pottery, porcelain or china. I enjoyed talking to Josette from Las Vegas. I've been to her store on East Charleston many times. She does restoration of porcelain, china and pottery. My cat, Sweetpea, broke an 19 Century Staffordshire spill vase which I'm going to give to Josette to repair. I was very happy to see her at the show.

 Michael Grimes the promoter, brought in one of three of the original cable cars that were used for transportation in San Diego from 1912 to the mid 1930s.

This is a beautiful French painting in TCLeary's booth

I loved these children's button up shoes. It's easier to find the baby shoes than it is the youth shoes because they were worn more and subsequently worn out.These are in near-new condition. So sweet!

The bakelite booth was there as well as another bakelite dealer who came from Arizona.

Sunday is the perfect day to head up to the Del Mar Antique Show and check out everything it has to offer. I hope they have a good turnout. Those of us who love antiques need to support this show - it's the only antique show in San Diego.

Simplify . . .

Sounds easy to say simplify, doesn't it? Doing it is quite another thing. As I reflect on this past year, I am wanting to simplify my life as much as I can. So that's my goal in 2011, to take steps that will simplify in a thoughtful and methodical manner.  

Whether you fill spaces in your home with your flea market and antique store finds or family heirlooms, surround yourself with the things you cherish and love to create your personal haven. It doesn't have to be cluttered, that's a misconception about collecting vintage or antique items. A home can be sparsely decorated with antiques, filled to the brim or be somewhere in between. It's all about what fits your lifestyle and your taste.

This was a really fun display to make. The antique chippy paint door makes a perfect backdrop for vintage black and white photos.

My passion is finding beautiful antique treasures, putting them on display for our customers and enjoying their response when they find it and want to take it home to treasure in their home. It's always a delight and I never tire of it.

Happy treasure hunting in 2011!