Great Bounty....

Sent from my iPhoneGreat Bounty....

New that's old....

It has been a crazy week at work which means I did not get

much time to play with Bee and Mason.

So when I got up this morning and made my list for the day.

Yes, I make lists. I am a bit list obsessed.

It keeps my brain organized.

Anyway back to my morning, I wrote my list

and made sure to include some Bee and Mason play time.

This included going over to Found on Fremont to check on our space,

add some new items and maybe even remove a few to keep it 

fresh and new looking.

Here are some of the goodies I added.

A little back to school

Old, wood Mahjongg tiles

Love the old black and white class photos

 I am off to California for the next couple of days to help my mom move up here.

I am sure I will have some interesting stories when I get back.

Meanwhile if you are in the hood be sure to stop by our space at Found on Fremont.

Ciao,

F

Dreaming in orange....

For some reason I have been dreaming of orange.

Not the fruit perse but the color.

Not just "the" color orange but all shades of the color specifically

a pumpkin/saffron like orange.

I think this came about after helping a friend with some decorating ideas and shopping on Sunday.

We had stopped in at William Sonoma Home and they had the most scrumptious

cashmere blankets in a rainbow of colors and the pumpkin one jumped out at me.

This got me to thinking about orange.

image courtesy of William Sonoma Home catalog.

That night I dreamed about re-doing my living/dining room with accessories in pumpkin.

I had added pillows of vintage kimono silk, candles, a throw blanket 

and a burlap table runner edged in pumpkin ribbon.

I woke up so excited but realized I needed to wait until it was officially fall before

I broke out the pumpkin.

It feels very harvest like and well it was 90+ degrees today and not so harvest in feel

if you know what I am talking about.

 This will give me some time to make the runner and find a yummy blanket in pumpkin.

These have got to be some of my favorite kinds of dreams.

Pure inspiration!

I love it.

Here's to dreams and making them real.

Ciao,

F

 

Pairing scents....

I found this to be a fun idea,

pairing taste with scents.

Food and Wine magazine recently sent bottles of wine to several

flower shops and asked them to design an arrangement reflecting the
flavor in the wine. 
One of the wines given them to design around was a
2009 Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes which is a white wine
made from the Torrontes grapes primarily grown in Argentina.
It has a strong stone fruit flavor accented by floral undertones
of honeysuckle and jasmine.

Here is the result of one of them done by Small Stump & Studio Choo

in San Francisco. 

Can't you just taste the wine.

The article can be found in the August edition of Food & Wine.

I think this would be a fun exercise to do for a room.

Take someones favorite wine or cocktail and design a room around it.

Hmmm, I might have to try this.

If nothing else the homework one would have to do would be fun enough.

If anyone wants to offer up a room in their home to try this I am game.

Ciao,

F

All photos are courtesy of Small Stump & Studio Choo.

Tarte....

There are so many things to blog about today

that I had a bit of a hard time deciding what to share with you all.

It didn't seem fair to blog about all of it.

That would be a bit of a novella by the time I finished and well,

who wants to sit through that.

After much contemplation I landed on the country of Tarte ruled by her highness

Queen Cindy with guest stars the Barn House Boys.

Some of the sweetest smiles around.

Cindy had her August Flea Market with The Barn House inside the barn

and outside she had some amazing deals that she culled from her shed clean out.

This was one of those days I really wish I had a truck or SUV.

I had already a pretty full car from an amazing estate sale I stopped at on my way to the land of Tarte.

I did accomplish to find a little bit of room for a red iron stand which will either become

a glass top coffee table or a bench. 

Haven't decided yet.

Ideas?

Queen of Tarte has been a place of inspiration for me the last year.

Her eye for the beautiful in the most simplest things is gorgeous and quite amazing.

I have always collected images or taken photos of things that touch me in some way

and everytime I visit Tarte I take pictures to look upon on those days

I just need a little something beautiful and inspirational to keep 

me going.

You see I am a very visual person.

If I need a little pick me up all it takes sometimes is 

an image of the perfect arrangement of things

to bring a smile and a bit of sunshine to my day.

I don't know why but it always has.

Sometimes it is best not to ask but just to accept.

Here are my images of inspiration today.

Thanks Cindy, Joe and Jermonne.

Love these girls.

A "bathroom" you would want to hang out in.

Notice the tea pot filled with paint brushes.

All the hits of green were refreshing.

Hope you find some inspiration as I did.

Ciao,

F

Free Junk Fairies....

Well all of our free junk we placed on the sidewalk is officially gone.

Today while out hunting for junk, to make all who shop my

little shop smile, I came across the cutest little desk at a garage sale.

I smiled and asked "how much?"

The answer (my favorite one), "Free!"

"Free?" I said,

yep that is right, free.

I'll take it.

She kindly removed all the stuff off of the top of it and carried it to my car

but it wouldn't fit.

You see I have a 4 door Volvo S60. Those lovely Swedes

really did not make those for junking.

She smiled and said no problem, 

I'll just through it in the back of my pick up and drop it off at your house.

Free and Free delivery.

This was to good to be true.

I gave her my address and a couple hours later it was lovingly sitting in my front yard.

Isn't it  cute.

I am telling you those free junk fairies continue to smile down upon me.

Thank you junk fairies.

Happy junking!

Ciao,

F

Pay it forward....

Today was clean out the garage day.

If you have ever seen our garage you would know that this is no small task.

We agreed to dig in and not to stop until it was done.

Goal, only put back in what we really need.

Once it was cleaned out with everything out on the drive way we realized there was going to be 

a lot that wasn't going back in.

I liked this idea. 

I mean I really liked this idea.

I am a bit OCD, ok, ,maybe more than a bit but anyway

I was tickled pink that my husband was going to leave it up to me

to determine what went back in and how it was going to be organized.

The only stipulation was his workbench.

This he promised he would do tomorrow and organize his way.

This only seems fair since it is his workbench.

Right?

I think the craziest thing we found was 4 sets of snow chains for tires.

Now we are not big snow enthusiasts let alone have ever used a pair of chains on 

any of our cars.

Anyone need some chains?

There were a few things that we really didn't want to attempt to haul to the donation center

so we placed it out on the sidewalk and signed it free.

I figured since the junk fairies had been smiling down on me yesterday

it only seemed right to pay forward the favor.

So far, the tiles and chair are gone.

 I think the free junk fairies will be thrilled.

So, remember if you are blessed by the free junk fairies be sure to pay it forward

so they will continue to smile down upon you the next time 

a wonderful piece of free junk is left out.

Happy junking!

Ciao,

F

Running.....

There is an interesting phenomena that happens while I am out running.

No, it's not the glisten that I get or the 7 minute mile I dream about

It's all the free stuff I see on the the side walks.

Here is what I don't understand. 

Why don't I find these when I am in the car.

Really, when you are 2 miles from home on foot you really can't pick 

something up and haul it home.

Today, I convinced one of my dogs (Diesel) to go running this morning with me.

This wasn't hard to do.

He practically was begging.

I think he may have been sorry he volunteered.

Any hoo, we were about a half mile from home when I spotted a free sign and a cute

little upholstered chair down a side block.

What to do?

I knew if I checked it out closer, fell in love and ran back home

to get the car, Diesel would wonder why bother  heading out with me again 

and I might convince myself I didn't need to finish the run.

This is no way to train for a half marathon.

So we continued on our merry way.

Of course the entire run all I could think about was this adorable 

little chair and how it had to be there when I finished my run.

I have a belief that if something is still there when I get there

it is meant to be mine.

If it's gone, well you know the saying.

We got home, I hopped in the car all sweaty and out of breath and 

took off to find my little chair.

Low and behold it was there.

Ya!
I threw it in the trunk and drove home all sweaty and happy.

She is going to need some upholstery work but she has good bones.

 Isn't she cute.
 Now to decide what she will look like.
I'll keep you posted.

Till the next run!

Ciao,
F

Treasures....

First of all I am officially on vacation

and have been since end of day Thursday.

This makes me very happy and gives me lots of time to hunt.

I started Thursday night mapping out my weekend.

Friday I gathered my basket, keys and wallet and headed out to an amazing

estate sale managed by an old high school friend (which I didn't know until I got there).

It's a small town. You would be amazed how often you run into 

someone or meet someone who knows the someone you just saw.

Any way it was a beautiful compound (that is exactly what it was), filled to 

the brim with lots and lots of goodies.

I think, other than finding  those perfect little treasures, the reason I 

enjoy going to estate sales is the people you see. 

There is no one kind of person at these things.

They are from all walks of life coming in many different packages.

It is such joy to watch and listen.

The rest of Friday was filled with friends and loved ones.

Saturday very much like Friday but instead of a destination I 

let the nose of my car dictate where we went.

You discover so many little nooks and crannies of the city you never see.

Found some good things with a little bit more work but none the less 

a good day.

A collapsable sewing table and a really cool metal basket.

This I imagine filled with fire wood, fluffy towels or balls of different sizes.

So many options.

Pretty, little, shiny objects.

Rough things, shiny things, little things.

It seemed to be about texture, earthly elements and simplicity of use.

Now I need to spend some time at Found on Fremont and 

update the space with the new found treasures. 

Tomorrow.

I'm on staycation after all. 

What's the rush.

Ciao,

F 

Letting go......

I stopped by the shop today on my way home from work 

just to see how things were going and if the space needed

any re-merchandising.

Low and behold it did. 

Yah, us.

What was weird as I realized what had been sold was how I felt.

I was extremely excited that things were moving and people obviously 

liked what we have for sale but the odd part was the bitter sweet

feeling I had about seeing these things go.

Are you suppose to develop an attachment?

Maybe you do.

I mean if you think about it, there is the hunt of it all, the first sight and 

the instant knowledge that you two belong together.

It's a bit like a Nora Roberts romance.

The instant attraction, the fleeting affair and then the heartbreak and goodbye.

My husband was sweet when I told him what had sold and how I felt.

He said, think about all the people you made happy.

I do love him.

So, I am ok saying good bye to these fabulous finds.

I know someone out there is enjoying them.

 I am committed to having more affairs if it means more people are happy.

Ciao,

F

Being Happy.......

It's funny this whole new adventure we are on.

I am not sure if it is a confession or an addiction.

It could be a confession of an addiction.

That must be it.

Saturday I decided to take the day off from Bee and Mason

and spend some time with my husband and my dogs.

All three were very excited about this.

The problem was I was in a bad mood and couldn't shake it.

I tried my darnedest to be happy and in a good mood but it wasn't working.

Finally sometime in the afternoon I figured it out.

I was crashing from this 3 week Bee and Mason high I'd been riding.

Every day I have done something in regards to Bee and Mason and for the first time I wasn't.

I missed it. 

I missed the hunt for the perfect find. 

I missed the digging and wondering what someone's life was like.

I missed the creative thought process.

I had crashed. I was jonesing for Bee and Mason.

Well here is the funny part, well I think it's funny.

I was in charge of dinner so I was on my way to the market to pick up a couple of things 

for our movie date night at home and happened to pass a garage sale. 

I figured it couldn't hurt to stop by and look. 

Just maybe there would be something that needed to come home with me.

So I stopped, roamed around for a bit (it was a very big sale)

and found a couple of little things for a whopping $2.

I happily walked to my car with my little treasures and went to the market.

Once I got home I confessed to my husband where I had stopped.

He laughed. He figured as much since it took me a lot longer than it should have.

All of a sudden I realized I was in the best mood.

It only took 20 minutes and $2.00.

I am hooked. I need a daily fix, be it a find, blogging,

ideating or anything else regarding Bee and Mason.

And you know what, I am ok with it.

It is what brings me joy and happiness right now why deny myself.

God, knows I have done that long enough.

So from now on I will enjoy those little Bee and Mason moments 

and be happy.

Ciao,

F

Ding, Ding, Ding.....

We have a winner.

Our little space has been open 6 days now and we finally sold

our first item.

It's not what I would have thought but life is filled with many little surprises.

The old trunk I picked up yesterday went to a happy new home.

It's a little thing but it kind of feels like when you have a party and you are all dressed up,

food and drinks are out and you are waiting for that first guest to arrive and that little voice in your head wonders will they really show up, what if no one comes.

Well someone one came and the party has begun.

Ciao,

F

Jackpot....

Last night I made my shopping list with all the address' and information needed

color coated it and laid it next to the car keys so I wouldn't forget it in the morning.

I was up with the roosters this morning.

Made coffee and did some work before

I could finally justify heading out the door for some shopping.

All excited about my list I headed off to my first garage sale of the day

only to find that it wasn't there.

No worries there were many more on my list.

Well, let's just say it took more than one stop to actually find 

a garage sale that actually was.

Why do people post a garage sale and then not open up?

Anyway, did pretty good at the first open one. 

I was feeling good.

Then I headed off to a movie set prop sale at some random address in the warehouse

area of town.

Holly Molie, did I find manna.

I couldn't believe my luck.

First of all there was no one there but three, young, male 20 something's hanging out

waiting for people to show.

At first I wondered if I found the right place.

I did.

They wanted to get rid of stuff since it was the last day so I started a pile that just kept growing and growing. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

When I thought I was all done I asked him what the damage was.

He walked around my pile hmmm'ing  and haaa'ing while I am thinking

will this all fit in my car.

Finally he looked up and told me the price. I repeated what he said just to make sure 

I had actually hear him right.

I did.

Not only was it a steal they threw in a couple other small items I wanted for free and 

loaded my car for me. 

How sweet.

I texted Meeghn immediatley to tell her I had hit the jackpot.

The Junk Goddess was smiling down on me today.

Here are some pics of what I found.

wooden mahjong tiles

Many of the items are in the shop already, some are waiting to be presented at a later time.

Overall I felt quite good about my junking today and can rest tonight with a smile on my face.

Oh, yah by the way if you all aren't doing anything tomorrow be sure to come down to the 

Fremont Street Faire tomorrow.

You can stop by the shop and see all the new pretties.

Ciao,

F

The Society....

I was channel surfing the web for insperation tonight and stumbled across 

The Society Inc.

It's this delightful little shop in Australia. 

What I loved was her use of mood boards and little vignettes

in her store she changes 4 times a year to reflect 

the seasonal theme of her paints.

What a brilliant idea.

These images are from her Merchant and Traders Theme.

It made me think of Darwin and all the little discovery's he made on his journey's.

Just delightful....

Ciao,

Francisca

Free.....

I have been known to do a little dumpster diving in my hay days 

but I am happy to say those days haven't ended.

I was driving home today from my actual paying job, you know the one, 

and talking to my 6 year old nephew ( I needed some entertainment and distraction 

from the fact that the 25 minute drive was turning into an hour), but I digress. 

I was heading up one of the back neighborhood streets and low and  behold what did I spy,

Old windows.

I love old windows.  Maybe it's the history they hold, the views they share with us.

There were three of them propped up against a stone wall next to the  garbage cans.

They were calling my name as I pulled a u'ie  in the middle of the intersection not missing 

a beat with my nephew. We were actually playing I spy.

I pulled  my car right up in front of them in case someone else saw them and had the same idea.

The first one was in perfect condition minus some sawdust, sadly the other two had broken panes.

I am a big believer one is better than none. 

I  gently placed it in the back seat like a guest and drive it home. 

I might take it in to the shop as is or make a cabinet using it as the door. 

We will see.

Ciao,

F

Rust, not the color...

I love the internet. You can find most of the answers to your questions or even more questions.

I was curious on how to naturally remove rust form furniture without having to use toxic chemicals that require me to wear very unattractive protective glasses.

Here is what I learned.

Instructions:

Things You'll Need:

• Rags
• Steel Wool
• Wire brush or metal cleaning pad
• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar

Step 1.

Take a wire brush or piece of steel wool and scrub the loose rust off of the metal surface. For big rust stains, this will take off about half of the rust.

Step 2.

Get a bottle of white vinegar. For small items like earrings, just put them in a small glass of the vinegar and let them soak for a few minutes. Afterward, just rinse them off with a rag. If the rust remains, put them through one more cycle. For bigger rust stains soak a rag in the vinegar and scrub it down. After letting it soak for a while, rub the steel wool over the rust stain.

Step 3.

Add some baking soda and lemon juice to the vinegar to give it some added power if needed.

Step 4. 

 Prevent rust by applying a finishing wax or painting the surface. Before painting, make sure to remove all rust from the metal because just painting over rust is a temporary solution.

..................

I love the whole part to do with earrings. I personally have never had a pair rust but if I were to now I know what to do.

 I'm sure many of you probably know these little tricks but in case there is someone out there like me who didn't until 20 minutes ago I hope you find this helpful.

Ciao,

F

Obsession...

For some reason I have been obsessed with red of late. 

Everything I seem to pick up is or has the color red in it.

I have always found it to be a warm, passionate, happy color.

In fact anytime I see someone wearing red shoes I think happy feet.

When I saw this picture it made me suddenly very aware of my recent obsession with red.

It made me want to say Mmmmmm!

Ciao,

F

Let's Shop...

Well, it's official, we are open!

I can't believe it is finally here. The space looks great but I have to say

we definitely need to keep shopping. Oh shucks!

A huge thank you goes out to my wonderful husband who helped me 

with price tags, packing up and schlepping stuff. I couldn't have done it with out him.

It's a good start and can't wait for all of you to see it. 

Just to remind you where you can find us, we are at Found on Fremont

With that being said here are some pictures to get your juices flowing.

Moving In Day

Well it's finally here, moving in day. We are so excited, a little

nervous too but it's a good nervous.

We have added a sneak peek of some of the items

we will have in the shop

Wish us luck!

Ciao,
Francisca