by Sheila | Jun 10, 2017 | Lifestyle
One of our favorite family getaways is the ocean. More specifically, a tiny campground about an hour past Bodega Bay called Ocean Cove. Most people haven’t heard about this little gem, but it has been a favorite of ours. It is a hot spot for abalone divers. Since Tom ab dives this has become an annual Memorial Weekend tradition.
Having said that, this Memorial Weekend will be our last. Apparently the word is out and we took the last camping spot on Thursday night at 5:00pm. I forgot to mention, they don’t take reservations. Typically this wasn’t a problem, but this weekend it was packed. So, in the future we just won’t go on a holiday weekend.
In addition to the beautiful surroundings, I believe the increase in popularity is due to the low cost of staying there. It is only $27.00/night. Some campgrounds are over $100/night making it difficult for a lot of families to camp. There are coin operated showers and a little general store. It has a boat ramp as well. In addition, it is very family and dog friendly.
If you just can’t handle the whole camping thing they have a little hotel across the road for $100/night. They are by no means fancy rooms, but they are clean.
Tom and Dylan suiting up.
Dylan and his friend Ace, heading to the water.
Fresh catch.
Cleaning the fish.
Tom is not camera shy.
Me and my shadow.
When we aren’t fishing or diving we head to Hippie Cove. It’s my favorite place to look for sea glass.
The biggest stick he could find.
Time to pound the abalone.
Fishing and diving buds.
Just thought this was funny. When you gotta go, you gotta go.
The best part about camping is the fire.
Me and Sugar Burger.
Me and my hubby.
The end to the perfect weekend getaway.
Head to Ocean Cove for a long weekend this Summer. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have.
by Sheila | May 20, 2017 | Lifestyle, Recipes
My niece by marriage, Meredith, is pregnant with her second child. Her first, JD, was a boy and since this baby is a girl we of course had to celebrate.
I am not alone in my love for deer, antlers, and pink camo. Just about everyone in my family is just as fond. So it was fitting that a baby shower for Maci Mae, my mother’s namesake, should have this theme.
The prettiest pregnant mama ever.
Paper and tulle pom pom’s.
Gold glittered deer embellishments.
A clothe diaper cake.
We wrote an inspirational note on the butt of a diaper to encourage the parents for those late night diaper changes.
The cake, with chocolate antlers.
Cupcakes.
Last, but not least, my favorite part of the shower. This amazing adult punch/beverage. With summer parties right around the corner I thought you might enjoy this summer cocktail that is a crowd pleaser. It is delicious, refreshing, and pretty.
The fitting name of this cocktail……………
Pink Panty Dropper
2 cans frozen pink lemonade concentrate
refill each lemonade can full with vodka (24oz total)
4 cans light beer
1 (2 liter) bottle of 7up
Mix and serve. Delish!
Try this recipe. You won’t be disappointed.
by Sheila | May 7, 2017 | Lifestyle
Last Saturday was the big day to move the store. A lot of people asked how I was going to do it. Was I nervous or scared. It needed to happen in one day.
One of the great advantages of coming from a big, tight nit family is that everyone pulls together when help is needed, and it was needed.
I packed up all the littles on Friday so that the guys would just have to move the big pieces and boxes.
So 9:00am Saturday we started in and by 12:00pm 95% of the store had been moved.
Then it was time for a lunch break. My sweet Mama was in charge of that. She knows how to cook for an army.
Of course the kiddos had fun running around.
Watching videos.
Eating lunch.
My oldest son Tyler and youngest son Dylan also helped. Cody had to work.
Before Ricky Bobby came down Lindsey had to do a yoga pose.
I missed taking pics of Ricky Bobby coming down. In no time he was up again in his new home. Wa La!
Everyone was gone, the dust had settled and it was time to celebrate our new location and the next chapter.
So many friends and family helped with building improvements and the move. My hubby, Tom, also worked tirelessly to get me ready to open in the new location. He works all week in SanFrancisco and then had to come home and work even harder. So thank you Tom for the sacrifice you made helping make my dreams a reality.
I signed a five year lease for 510 Main Street, so we are in for the long haul. I look forward to seeing the evolution and growth of the store over the years to come just as I enjoyed the changes and growth over the last 3 years at 424 First Street.
Last but not least, thank you to the customers for your patronage, your encouragement and compliments. You are what drives me to be creative and make your time in The White Barn an enjoyable experience.
by Sheila | Apr 26, 2017 | Lifestyle
One of my visions for the new, larger White Barn location was to bring on a few women who have the same love of vintage home decor as I do. Welcome, Betty Rickard. Here is a little something about Betty:
Betty and her husband Tom, relocated to Woodland from Tracy in 2003 when their daughter graduated from Tracy High School and moved to Chico to attend CSU. After searching for classic old homes for 3 years they found the perfect house to buy on College Street. It was one of the “3 Sisters” built by Reverend J.N. Pendagast in 1876. You may have toured their home during one of the historic strolls.
Besides wanting to live in a historic home they also loved the feel of Downtown Woodland; the old buildings, quaint retail shops and eateries. After living on College Street for 13 years, they had the opportunity to downsize and buy a beautiful 1906 Queen Anne Victorian, built by R.B. Cranston, a prominent hardware dealer at the time. The home was still in its original condition and they are only the 3rd owners. Their current home is a work is progress, as they work to maintain as much originality as possible while updating behind the scenes with new electrical, plumbing, kitchen and general repairs. They hope to be done by 2018, but with an old house you really are never done.
A few months ago Betty responded to a Facebook posting that I put up looking for help on Mondays. Betty retired from Hallmark Cards in 2015 and was looking to work a few hours each week. She thought this sounded perfect. Betty also had aspirations of finding a shop to rent a space to sell her antiques and vintage finds. She had no idea that I wanted to add other vendors in a new space and I had no idea the she wanted a space of her own. Funny how that works out, right?
I thought you might enjoy seeing some of Betty’s home and her style. Although we both love vintage, Betty’s palate is darker than mine. I like that. I like that whatever your color palate, you may find what you are looking for at The White Barn.
The kitchen. All new cabinets and new-old island.
One of Betty’s many talents is putting together vignettes. She has done a great job of staging in her home as well as displays at the store.
A little bar area.
A hallway vignette.
A display in the pantry.
The sink inside the pantry. How many people have that?
The laundry room.
A cabin themed guest bedroom.
A collection of fishing lurers.
A gallery wall in the upstairs hallway.
A little vignette in the upstairs hallway.
The Master bedroom.
Another guest bedroom done in a child’s theme.
The wonderful thing about old homes is they have basements. Basements that can be made into makeshift wine cellars. Great idea.
So after we open in the new spot you will have to swing by and see Betty’s booth. She will be there every Monday.
This is Betty with her husband Tom and twin grand babies.
by Sheila | Apr 18, 2017 | Lifestyle
This is not a very exciting post, but I thought you needed an update.
We finally got all the glue off the floor and it is sanded. This week we hope to stain the floor. Walls have been painted in Benjamin Moore’s Beachcomber. It looks really dark right now, but imagine all the chippy white accents that I am gonna add. Everything will pop.
The display stage has been built.
I promise wonderful things to come. Thanks for your support and patience.
by Sheila | Apr 3, 2017 | Lifestyle
With my three year anniversary approaching and a move on the horizon, the last couple of weeks have been a time of reflection and inspiration. So I started jotting down some thoughts.
Reflection:
I am glad I didn’t know then what I know now. I would have been too afraid and may not have made the leap.
My friends and family have been amazing. I am able to do what I do because of them.
Creative Inspiration:
Other’s creativity inspires my own. It is what fuels me. Sometimes I come up with a completely original idea, but my creativity typically is inspired by someone else (aka Pinterest).
Nature inspires me. When I have the rare opportunity to spend time outside it rejuvenates me and reminds me to bring more of the outdoors into my home decor. My favorite outdoor place is the ocean.
Fresh flowers. They just make me happy.
Inspirations in Business:
Other women in business. It is because of other women business owners that I have the courage to forge on. The encouragement and inspiration, kind words and concern. The impact has no measure. You truly can do what you love.
About 6 months into my business a woman responded to a Craigslist add I posted. She arrived at the store to pick up her merchandise, took a moment to ponder and look around. She then said, “we need to talk”. She has been mentoring me ever since. She was the very successful owner of an adorable store in Folsom called, Roost Vintage Living. Her intuition was to help me. She didn’t feel competition towards me. She didn’t feel threatened by me, or that I might find out her trade secrets. Thank you Lisa, for taking me under your wing and showing me such kindness.
I have tried to pass this along and help other business owners whenever possible. There is enough success for everyone. Give love and kindness and you will get love and kindness tenfold. It is one of my mantras.
This is us in Roundtop, Texas last Spring.
My family:
They love me unconditionally and are always there for me. They are also why I work so hard. I want to make a beautiful life for them and show them that they can earn a living doing what they love.
Thank you also to the wonderful customers that have passed through my doors. You also inspire me with your compliments and kind words.
I am so excited to see where I am at in the next three years. It’s gonna be fun.
