“Reclaiming Style” was the name for the Sweet Salvage February event.  They never disappoint, and as always, there were a boat-load of wonderful items.

Included were these funky bicycle wheel pendants.

And this birdcage-style chandelier … love the irony of a birdcage fabricated out of chicken wire. 

Touches of red were peppered throughout such as this Parisian-style chalkboard, and …

this No. 10 Mercury jar.

The base of a piano stool was re-purposed as a candlestick holder (displayed with plant on top).

There’s always a great selection of industrial gauges and glass cloches.

I thought these metal cubbies would make a great storage piece in a potting shed or artist’s studio.  The EAT sign would be awesome in a loft to define a dining area.

The popularity of burlap is still big right now.  Wrapping it around recycled cans and tying them off with twine is a creative and inexpensive way to add to your decor. 

Romantic vignettes are always present at Sweet Salvage. 

As are pretty chairs.

Love this outfit!

Combined with vintage flatware, there was a certain Anthropology vibe going on.  

Touches of foliage soften the metal pieces throughout and bring promise of spring.

Have you ever re-purposed an item or thought about it?  If so, please leave a comment … would love to hear from you!

Best,

Teresa

“Exercise is a dirty word… Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.”     ~ Charles M. Schultz

If you love chocolate as much as most people do, you may enjoy checking out one of these beautiful shops …

The recently-opened Les Marquis De Ladure’e in Paris offers a huge selection of chocolates along with color-enticing marcarons.  

A quick flight from Paris to London will get you to Notting Hill’s Melt, where you can indulge in one, or two, of their daily-made truffles while watching the artisans at work.

Appearing much like a giant chocolate bar residing over the long marble island, 100% Chocolate Cafe is located in Tokyo.

As one of the most esteemed chocolatiers in Belgium, the Art Deco influenced shop of Mary is enhanced by gilded walls.

Architect Sam Trimble created a sleek futuristic space for Japanese chocolatier Royce’ in their Madison Avenue shop.  If you prefer salty over sweet, you may want to try their chocolate-covered potato chips.  Betcha can’t eat just one!

“Handcrafting the world’s greatest chocolate is our life’s work.”  And so goes the passion of Rick and Michael Mast of American craft chocolate-makers Mast Brothers in Brooklyn, New York.  The space was well-designed and curated by these talented brothers; reflecting the fact that the American spirit is still alive and well.

                                                                                                                                                                                 source of photos

Wishing you all a sweet rest of your week!

Teresa

For the past two days I’ve helped my youngest daughter select art and accessories for their dental office.  On Tuesday, I ran out the door without breakfast and was famished by lunch time.  Her hubby, Ryan, suggested we stop and grab something from the local gas station.  Moi?  Gas station?  I don’t think so.  But knowing that he and Rachel are both foodies, I trusted his recommendation.

Definitely not my standard lunch spot. 

As we stepped inside, my apprehensions were put to rest. 

I’ve been inside a lot of convenience stores throughout my life, but never one that actually paid heed to current decorating trends.          

And certainly never one that sold expensive wine! 

We placed our order: blackened catfish, house-made cole slaw, and french fries.  Yum! 

The banquettes were fabricated from wood pallets placed on casters, and were surprisingly comfortable.  Rachel and I agreed these would be so cute in a children’s play room (suggestion:  either use outdoor fabric for the cushions, or have them laminated for ease of cleaning).

The biggest surprise of all though was when I sat down to eat lunch, and recognized the large fixture hanging above the dining area.  Restoration Hardware in a convenience store!  Not just any chandelier, but the large orb chandelier.     

So if you find yourself searching for a place to have a bite in Scottsdale, check out Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market.  I think you’ll be as pleased as I was.  Not only were they voted a “Best New Restaurant” by Phoenix Magazine, but they serve dinner too.

Happy Dining!

Teresa