Hail Caledonia

We're off to Scotland next week. We'll stay in Glasgow for a few days with my family and then travel to Northumberland for my father in law's 91st birthday. I love to visit Glasgow as I grew up here and it's just such a vibrant, happening city.

Here are a few places I plan to visit:

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum - not to be missed - lots of paintings and sculptures from many periods of history plus natural history exhibits, arms and armour etc., there really is something for everyone here and the building is fantastic.

This is George Square right in the center of Glasgow, it's the main civic square. The photo below shows the City Chambers which is the HQ for Glasgow City Council. We'll definitely be going to George Square as "Jamie's Italian", a Jamie Oliver restaurant has opened in the Old General Post Office built in the square in 1878.

We'll take a walk up to Garnethill to admire the Glasgow School of Art designed by Charles Rennie MacIntosh. It's a wonderful building and you can take a tour. My aunt and uncle lived just around the corner from here when I was growing up.

My sister and I will spend some time at Princes Square. It's a very upmarket shopping center and a little out of my normal budget. I may not buy much but it's fun to have a look around. However, I do crave some new perfume so a trip to Jo Malone is a necessity and so is a visit to Cath Kidston for a browse around.



Pollock House is a Georgian Country House right in Glasgow's south side, close to my sister's house. It's quite an understated place and never really busy but very interesting.


I don't think that we'll make it up to the Highlands on this trip but I just had to include this haunting photo of the Isle of Skye which was featured in a National Geographic article last year. A few days in Scotland then off to Northumberland which I have to say is a stunningly beautiful place. I can't wait....

Photo credits

Flag - bigmanhattaninfidel.com

Kelvingrove - Joe Deacon

George Square - concierge.com

Art School - Steve McAdams
Princes Square - edwud.com

Pollock House - igougo.com

Skye - John Richardson

Classic Americana Silver Belt Buckles

I was browsing through a magazine today and came upon ads for Ralph Lauren's Spring Collection which I love. The feel is Western Vintage - Lots of silver belt buckles, fringe leather & suede, mixed in with fabulously intricate Edwardian lace and drippy, delicate crystal jewelry - just my cup of tea.

This image below says it all. Look at the size of that belt buckle! Then it's mixed with over the top beaded, fringed pants and a platinum jacket and scarf. Maybe I could afford the scarf but I'm pretty sure that the rest is well beyond my budget but one can dream.

Here are some of our sterling silver buckles currently for sale in our mall spaces. All of them are vintage and in excellent condition. I'm hoping that the trend will make these items jump off the shelves and out the door.

I love the intricate work on this coral and turquoise buckle below.

This is a very classic horse & horseshoe buckle with beautiful scrollwork.

Another classic horse bust buckle below.

The longhorn is always popular, even if we're not in Texas.

This is a little plainer but I think easier to wear, and just beautifully made.

And now for the turqouise and sterling bangles - timeless, classic jewelry.

I love the large chunk of turquoise in the one below.

And last but by no means least a great sterling and turquoise cuff.

First 2 Boxes Packed for The Farm Chicks Show

Now I know it's the beginning of February and The Farm Chicks Antiques Show is not for another 4 months but this weekend, I priced and packed a few items. Serena - The Farm Chick - who produces the show, asks that we bring pieces that we have not shown before - so all of these pieces are stock that I've bought within the last month and not taken to any of our mall spaces. This actually works really well for me as our busy time is the summer so what doesn't sell at this show immediately goes out to the mall spaces in mid June. I plan to take a rack of vintage clothes and linens/lace.....for many years I have collected state map tablecloths but it's time to move them on. As I only took one space at the show this year I'm not carrying any furniture but I am planning on taking quite a lot of jewelry mainly silver and turquoise bracelets. So here's a motley group of nostalgia.......

Here are a few "props" That I'll be using for displays. I found the dress form at an estate sale last summer and just love it. It's quite old covered in linen and a little frayed which I think adds to the charm. I have a little cheval mirror which is handy for trying on jewelry etc. Then I have a cake stand which is a great display piece.......

So the first 2 boxes are packed . Lots more to go. We're off to the UK next month so hopefully I'll find a few treasures in Glasgow and Northumberland that will fit into my suitcase.


The Farm Chicks Antiques Show is June 4th and 5th in Spokane, Washington and is well worth a visit. The dealers are encouraged to "go to town" on their displays and they do. People come from all over to shop at this show as it's really a fun atmosphere...I can't wait.