Random Can – Guest Blog

My granddaughter Maura (12) texted me this random can of tomato sauce she saw in Sam’s Club on Thursday. I love that she noticed it, photographed it and shared it with me.

I’ve photographed out-of-place items in stores before and have been astonished at what people leave in odd spots.

Celtic Culture in Ligonier Pennsylvania

Celtic Culture was founded in 2004 with the mission of bringing a wide range of style forward products from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. The company was founded by Andrew Carr who has traveled extensively in Ireland and the British Isles and has always had a love for all things Celtic. ” from their Website 

Just about fifty miles from downtown Pittsburgh, you can find all things Celtic.

Celtic Culture Shop is a gorgeous gem right on East Main Street in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

We saw sweaters, cloaks, wool caps, jewelry, crystal, greeting cards, home decor items, preserves, candies, chocolate, sweets and even Marmite.

It would be a pretty time to drive out to the Laurel Highlands and check out the Celtic treasures, do a little holiday shopping.

Andrew Carr

Celtic Culture

 

The photos were taken in the summer on the day of the Yarn Crawl- August 2019, but just recovered this first day of November, 2019.  Thanks for your patience, Andrew.

Dovecote in Aspinwall on Brilliant Avenue

Dovecote, a vintage boutique in Aspinwall Pennsylvania, located on Brilliant Avenue.  What a great address.  Brilliant!

My friend Vincie and I were shoe shopping at Soothe the Sole  on Brilliant Avenue and Holly (at the shoe store)  suggested we check out Dovecote right across the street.

Here’s what we discovered –

Mr. Rogers

The boutique is definitely eclectic and affordably priced. Scroll down for more details.  There are vintage items, consignment items, handcrafts, antiques, jewelry, home decor and holiday fun. Sports team theme including black and gold potholders and darling onesies with hand sewn embellishment, adorable ruffles.

The felted Mr. Rogers created by Artist Christine caught my eye, and the Pennsylvania ceramic platter would be cool to serve from at a dinner party.

from their website

from Dovecote Aspinwall  click for virtual store tour
“If your style is eclectic with a vintage vibe, this is the place for you! We offer a wide variety of vintage & antique home decor items, as well as new & vintage clothing & accessories. From tables and lamps, paintings, and dishes; to jewelry, shoes, candles imported from Spain, gifts, vintage-inspired greeting cards, and more, there is something for everyone in our cozy store. We carry Lindsay Phillips’ line of shoes & sandals (SwitchFlops), as well as Naked Bee’s organic skin care creams & lotions. Need to make space in your closet or sell your unused home accessories? We offer resale and consignment options. Visit our vintage boutique, and then follow us on Facebook for frequent updates!”
A place to take things when you need to downsize! Good to know.

Spring Hats Evoke Another Era to Me

When I was visiting the family in Ohio for an extended stay, one of the last days I was there we went to Von Maur, a lovely department store in Columbus at the Polaris Mall.

Maura and I saw all the elegant Spring/Easter hats on display.  She tried on a gray one that matched her Ohio State Swim shirt.  A gracious salesperson asked if we needed any help and of course, we did not. But she didn’t seem worried about trying on a hat.

(*see Men’s Hat Posts below the photos)

Growing up, almost all women in church wore hats.

.The Kentucky Derby, the first Saturday in May, is a place to wear a fashionable hat. Or a Derby party as you watch the race on TV.  You see Royal Wedding attendees sporting stylish hats.  I wish I’d looked inside the hats to see where they are made. Do you own a hat and on what occasion do you wear it?

Putting on a hat can change your whole persona, help you feel dressed to the nine.  The epitome of dressing up in style.

“To the nine” is an English idiom meaning “to perfection” or “to the highest degree” or to dress “buoyantly and high class”. In modern English usage, the phrase most commonly appears as “dressed to the nine” or “dressed up to the nine”.

 

*  And not to leave the men out of the hat post.

I posted Meyer the Hatter in New Orleans in 2009 

and the Bleecker Street Hat Shop in NYC post in 2012

 

Peruvian Folk Art on Walnut Street

These bright colors caught my eye as I walked by the storefront of La Feria on Walnut Street.

It’s a restaurant too.

Shot horizontally. Fingers crossed it doesn’t somersault.