"Looking Back"

Rachel Ashwell 

The Barn House Boys

Me & Jerome

Picket Fences

Rooms & Gardens

Michele of Avec Moi Decor

     Having the opportunity to meet some very talented shop owners/designers will always resonate a special feeling for me. Certainly each individual has accomplished their only level of success in the world of design. For me the greatest of all was having Rachel Ashwell visit my booth during my first vintage show.

     Two of my most favorite shops by far are Rooms & Gardens in Santa Barbara and Avei Amor in Los Olivos. I always make it a point to stop and browse around whenever I am in the area. Meeting Jerome of The Barn House Boys was a treat as well as Leanne of Picket Fences in Solvang, CA.

      There's some fun stories as well as insights on how there individual journeys began and you can read them all here at....The Blue Farmhouse.

Sincerely, Rita

"A Definite Favorite"

     ...And just what do I love about this shop EvEryThINg and EVerYtiMe I'm in Santa Barbara I pop in just to be inspired and dream. I'd recommend that you do the same but if you can't just click here to read more about "Rooms & Gardens." 

     Thank you for dropping by to see what inspires me...oh before I forget what's your favorite shop? Go ahead you can list more than one!

The Blue Farmhouse

"A Most Beautiful Day"

     It was indeed a beautiful morning to celebrate a very special occasion... as our new Mom and Dad prepare for the soon arrival of their baby girl. I was thrilled that she asked to use some of my frames for the baby shower and even happier to share these images with you.

 Mom-to-be

 Blue Farmhouse frames

Thank you friend

Good luck and may God bless you...The Blue Farmhouse

"A Gift That Keeps Giving"

 A beautiful gift

My favorite color...Bleu

     A lump in my throat as I gaze at the color I love so much...bleu. Thank you Ryan for blessing me with this book...a gift that will keep on giving, and giving, and giving  all year through.

The Blue Farmhouse

"Polyvore...For Beginners"

Informal Dining....Blue Farmhouse Style

Beginners? That's me! Polyvore? What's that I ask? Well it's a place where it's members can create image collages called "sets" and you are now viewing my first attempt. I was first contacted by a representative from Chairish a marketplace for vintage online consignment to style the perfect home bar. Again, I was lost because my first thoughts were...but I'm a nondrinker. But that's okay I'll do a nonalcoholic home bar instead I designed what felt most like is representation of my own personal taste just without the price tags! 

So cheers to you Rita for your very first try and "to thine own self be true"... thrifting, collecting and decorating with something old, something new and always something blue. Hope to see you again!

The Blue Farmhouse

"House Beautiful...Final Take"

     And just when you thought you've seen it all...there's a few more beautiful pictures to see...Enjoy

 Bling for cabinet handles

 A favorite spot

 Lots of special touches everywhere

 Love these glass canisters

 More special touches

 Handmade cabinet

 Found mantle in some brush on a farm

Thank you friend...see you soon

     Having had the opportunity to photograph this gorgeous home was indeed a special treat for me and hopefully for you too. I do look forward to collaborating with my new friend on some future projects...because she definitely has style....that is a style all her own! 

     Until next time happy collecting, thrifting and decorating.

The Blue Farmhouse

"House Beautiful...Take 2"

I'm back to show you more...

 Lots of old mannequins

 Entering the family room

 Paper rosettes around a carved mantle

 Many beautiful displays

 Upstairs view

 Old white bike from Michele's shop

     This home overflows with many beautiful one of a kind finds, layers of textures, as well as the warm honey tone flooring throughout the space. I invite you to drop by to view a few more beautiful photos and then I'm off in search of some new adventures...more fabulous finds...and beautiful spaces!

     Until next time...

The Blue Farmhouse

"Sneak Preview...Take 1"

Welcome...You're in for a very special treat my friends

 Love

 Love, love, love

 Perfect styling

 My new friend

Her spectacular home

     I should've waited but just couldn't contain my excitement about this beautiful home. My heart actually stopped when I saw this Swedish Mora clock...what a find! Someday...someday....someday (I'm actually singing).

     But hold on because there will be more pictures to see tomorrow and you won't believe your little sweet pickin' eyes...but seeing is believing! Again, thank you friend for your warm hospitality and allowing this little blogger into your personal space.

     Until next time...happy thrifting, collecting and making your House Beautiful. 

The Blue Farmhouse

"I Love You"

Ryan 

(A favorite photo of mine)

     Ryan always encourages me, inspires me, and pushes me to dream and dream big. In 2013 we visited The Remnants of The Past Vintage Show as shoppers...and it was here that I thought I could do something like this and you quickly agreed. The following year a dream was realized that weekend as vendors...the first big show!

     You lift me up and sometimes aggravate me past my fears and I simply want to say...I love you and thank you! 

     I encourage you to check out her beautiful blog The Blooming Thread, as well as her Etsy shop. And you can let her know that her Mom sent you there...she won't mind.

You lift me up...

The Blue Farmhouse

"I'm Addicted...To Beautiful Dishes"

Old dishes are so beautiful and I have loved collecting, displaying, entertaining and daily using them as we've dined with family and friends over the years.

I love these blue and white plates

antique cupboard with dishes

Polish pottery

More pottery

Brown & White Transferware

...and these

...and these

by now you're getting the picture...

I just love beautiful dishes...how about you?

The Blue Farmhouse

"I"ve Got Mail"

It's here...finally

     My hubby just picked me up from work and the second best words out of his mouth was..."You've Got Mail". And before he could finish I exclaimed...My Book! 

     I can hardly wait to start pouring through the pages....breathing inspiration over and over again.

Rita

The Blue Farmhouse

"Some Things Never Change"

     Here's a story of a girl named Kylee...who is busy living in her own play world of....
water, rocks and more water. It's all in a day's play and a grandma's delight!

     Until next time happy collecting, thrifting and delight!

     The Blue Farmhouse...

Where is she? Look for the curls

There she is?

How many rocks did I put in here?

Splish...Splash

And a kiss

It works!

Give me some!