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Vintage Fun in San Jose’s Willow Glen
Willow Glen is known as “San Jose’s Local Treasure”. It is an area filled with quaint vintage houses on quiet tree-lined avenues. It is also home to some unique shops and amazing restaurants.
Magpie welcomes you with a variety of felicities, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to paint. It is one of those unique, creative, quirky places where there is so much to look at you don’t know where to start.
Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen was packed to the gills, even in the middle of the afternoon. It was standing room only. They have outdoor dining and this was also packed. Waiting in line here for handmade ravioli and fresh, delicious sandwiches and desserts is well worth it.
Park Place Vintage carries vintage clothing and collectibles and even has costume rentals!
Petroglyph is a cool ceramics lounge. I have not seen ceramics like this since my Mom painted Peanuts characters for my brothers and me in the 1970s. They supply use of all paints, brushes and art materials as well as assistance. Once your artwork is complete they fire them in on-site kilns for you. They even host group activities. Petroglyph indicates they are “designed as a place to gather, connect, and creatively explore”. I wanted to stay and creatively explore, but so many shops, so little time!
The cozy Mariette Chocolates has not only freshly made chocolates, but also fudge, coffee, pastries, gelato, and hot chocolate. I love the cute little vintage tables and chairs.
Susie Cakes is a super cute vintage bakery with very friendly staff.
The Willow Glen Collective is chockful of antiques and vintage finds.
The cozy outdoor seating at Vin Santo is so inviting.
Downtown Willow Glen frequently hosts festive events, including its annual summer festival, “Dancin’ on the Avenue”, which features music, food, and local wines. On Thursday, February 7th, from 5-8 pm Willow Glen is hosting a “Ladies’ Night Out”, which features “pampering”, as well as refreshments and specials! Sounds like fun to me!
San Jose is home to some wonderful places, and I am adding Willow Glen to the list. For more information, see Willow Glen.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!
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Goat Hill Fair in Santa Cruz County
I had so much fun at the Goat Hill Fair today! If you love farmhouse decor and friendly folks you will love Goat Hill Fair, a biannual antique and vintage treasure event held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds near Watsonville, CA. It is primarily an indoor event with over 100 vendors featuring amazing and beautiful items in three large buildings.
I love this chippy paint baker’s table! Goat Hill Fair began in 2011 by organizer Cyndi Garofalo. It has grown substantially over the years. Once you go you will be hooked! People often return, year after year. For many, it offers a special girlfriend or Mom & daughter bonding experience. Certainly, some gentlemen will enjoy Goat Hill Fair as well!
A plethora of beautiful succulent arrangements. You will find all kinds of fun and interesting items at Goat Hill from architectural salvage items to vintage and antique furniture and decor, folk art, jewelry, wreaths, floral/succulent arrangements, and handmade items. It is very artfully curated and exceptionally organized. You will find great gift ideas as well as festive decor for your home.
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
When: Two shows per year, one in November and one in May. Shows are held for two days, both Saturday and Sunday. 2019 show dates are May 18-19 and November 9-10.
How Much: Tickets sold online and at the gate – $10.00 (good for both days)
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm Sunday
Helpful Tips:
- I would highly recommend purchasing the “Early Goat” tickets that enable admission at 8:30 am, to avoid the huge crowds later. These can be purchased online and are $25.00.
- Free and abundant parking, including handicapped parking, is available
- A variety of food & beverage vendors are available and there is also a bar with beer, wine, Bloody Marys, & mimosas
- A covered tent with seating for dining is available
- No pets are allowed except for service animals
- Purchased items can be held for you at a central kiosk, make sure to get your kiosk ticket from the vendor after you pay for your item(s)
Website: Goat Hill Fair
Phone: 408-221-5054
Email: cyndi_garofalo@yahoo.com
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas!
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How to Create Vintage Farmhouse Floral Displays
The best things in life are free: hugs, kisses, the beach, fresh clean air, a good night’s sleep, and flowers! If you are an avid gardener like me, you may often wonder how to display your cut flowers. Here are some great ideas! It is easy to create gorgeous farmhouse floral displays using these simple tips. Wondering what to do when you have dainty or fragile flowers, or just one or two flowers? I found a great solution. I went to my local thrift stores and found all these cute little vintage vases and jars. Each was no more than two or three dollars.
I have found that simplicity is often the best strategy in life and that also holds true in arranging flowers. I cut my “April in Paris” sweet peas and arranged in these vintage holders, along with a couple of pastel roses. Grouped together, these diminutive vases create an informal, lovely display, and their delicious sweet fragrance will fill your home! These look great together on a farmhouse table, an old trunk, or lined up on a fireplace mantle!
Another great idea for a cute farmhouse display. I used a vintage wooden fruit crate and filled it with Potatoe Vine, Sunflowers, and Rose of Sharon.
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Keys to keeping cut flowers fresh: snip just the tips off the bottom of the stems after a few days. This will enable the flowers to “drink” as much water as possible. It is also a good idea to replace the water every few days. This will keep your flowers looking pretty even longer!