Shops at Stonefield Lighted Christmas Tree Walk in Charlottesville VA

A nice holiday outing in Charlottesville Virginia is The Tinsel Trail at the Shops at Stonefield. Hosted by the Junior League of Charlottesville it features 50 Christmas Trees uniquely decorated by local businesses. 

The outdoor decorations will ring in the New Year, on display until January 2nd.  

Get in the spirit and check it out - it's free! Every year we take a little car tour of the lights and we added this to the list. Bundle up, it was only 40 degrees last night when we toured the trees. 

There is also a very pretty tree in front of the movie theatre and many of the trees along the walkways are also lighted.

Restaurants and businesses were open as we strolled around. It's prettiest at night but you can check it out day or night. Next to Burger Bach.

Enjoy my video of our tour 

 ~Rebecca

Vintage for the Holidays

Poland Wawel China Serving Platter by ForsythiaHill at Etsy

As a vintage seller, I often run into one of a kind items on Etsy that I just have to share! Let's take a walk down memory lane and get into the spirit for the Holiday season, vintage style. All items mentioned in my blog are currently for sale, but hurry, the season is HERE!

Pink and Black Sunbeam Mixer by Vetera on Etsy.

Many of my treasured household items are put to use during this time of year. The antique platter of Grandmom's is always used at Holiday dinners and the vintage mixing bowl set is pulled out to accommodate the assortment of cookies I whip up. I have one platter that doesn't match anything I own that was my Mom's. I use it every time I bake cookies and it always reminds me of our house where I grew up.

Charming set of Cone Gnome's by Cybersenora on Etsy

Vintage ornaments are often fun conversation pieces. You will be sure to get friends and family asking about your unique "kitsch" vintage holiday collectibles! There is something homey and warm about vintage Christmas Decor. It's really fun to collect a certain era or theme.

Bottle Brush Wreath by CommodityMOD on Etsy

Don't limit your decorating to indoors! Unique wreaths, swags, balls, and outdoor ornamentation can be found online and shipped straight to your door. I love simple accents that meld well with nature. Each year I cut Pine and Holly boughs and put my window baskets to good use. A little twig tree at your entry door is a great place to hang vintage ornaments to greet your guests.

Pretty Lion 9 candle Menorah by ForsythiaHill

Have fun this Holiday season and shop vintage. Often items are built to last and a much higher quality for a lower price. I also like the fact that it is a great way to reuse and recycle old objects. Who doesn't like a treasure hunt.

Happy shopping, vintage style!

-Rebecca

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USPS Mailing Tips

My packages awaiting pickup.

It's that magical time of year when often people show their worst side while standing in the dreaded Post Office line. In Charlottesville, you are guaranteed a long wait at any of the three main offices. Some of the best post offices to go to during the Holiday season are the small rural stations. My personal favorite is in Ivy. A teeny post office conveniently attached to a cute garden center out of a scene from Dr. Zhivago or It's a Wonderful Life.

If I had to go to the USPS 365 days a year.

After years of selling online, I have acquired many tips from my mail carrier. Last year I set the goal to sell one item each day and I actually exceeded this goal. Driving to the post office 365 days a year would not only be insane but time consuming! I would have shut my business down or gone postal if I had not changed my shipping habits. Standing in line is one of my least favorite things to do (inherited from my Grandmother English who was a notorious butt in liner). The only thing I miss about not going to the Cville Central Post Office is that I no longer run into Charlottesville's finest. On several trips, I wished I had taken my camera. I never figured out why the lady with the pink curlers was in the line to get a passport photo!

My vintage mailbox, an old door knob as the pull handle.

If you mail a lot of packages your first step is to upgrade to a bigger mailbox. I found our jumbo box at the Habitat Restore. When stuffing in the packages, arrange it so they all can be seen or attach a note with the package quantity (a substitute carrier missed one of my packages that was hiding in the back dark corner).

Debbie my exceptional mail carrier with my packages.

My mail carrier is what I will call a "full service carrier". I complained to her that I had to go to the post office and stand in line to get stamps. She looked at me and said, why did you do that, you know I have you covered! I never knew that stamps and other postal products can be ordered directly from your mail carrier! She handed me an orange envelop that can be filled out and placed my box along with a check. You can even request specific types of stamps, I think we often forget that behind the mailbox is a person that can make your life easier. In a pinch, you can also get a first class (.49 cent stamp), at the grocery store.

Gazing over Forsythia Hill instead of driving to the USPS.

Even with a big mailbox, often packages are too large to fit. After complaining AGAIN to my mail carrier about the long lines and wait, she told me to just pop the flag up and slip a piece of paper in my box saying there was a package at my door and she would drive up and get it. She always says, we want your business! Prearrange this process with your carrier, it's been working smoothly for 2 years for me on Forsythia Hill.

My organized shipping supply closet.

In four years of online selling, I have never purchased boxes, bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or peanuts. I have a strong commitment to reusing shipping materials. It not only saves money but it's environmentally responsible. Materials can be found on freecycle and from local businesses. My mother picks up boxes from a local optical shop in Roanoke and they are happy to unload them. My father has dementia and removing the labels is a way for him to participate in my business venture and he looks forward to it!

Sylvie my Shipping Manager oversees the action.

Because I recycle so many boxes, I asked my carrier what would happen if I mailed a package First Class but the box had a Priority Mail sticker left on it. She said the postal carrier would have to collect the extra postage on the other end! So if you are recycling boxes, make sure you remove all the old stickers!

My biggest dilemma was how to ship golf clubs. One day when browsing through the FREE USPS mailing boxes. I stumbled upon a FREE box that holds such a thing! EUREKA! Some items are what they classify as flat rate which means there is a set mailing price regardless of the package weight (if it fits it ships for that flat price), others are just priority boxes and you will be charged a varying priority rate based on the weight.

Don't be a chicken - just ask!

You can print mailing labels from your home in paypal. There are also online companies that you can buy insurance from, often cheaper than the postal rate and less of a hassle if you have to file a loss. Instead of buying expensive sticky labels, I print directly on a regular piece of paper and use shipping tape to completely cover and adhere it on to the package.

Don't be afraid to talk to your mail carrier. It can be a game changer and make your life so much easier!

-Rebecca

Alternative Gift Giving

Desperate for a gift, maybe this Cow Necklace fits the bill.

There may be someone on your Christmas Giving list that is just plain hard to shop for. Don't despair, there are alternative gift choices for that person that seems to have everything or no longer wants anything!

or how about a nice Wide Tie ?

The other side of the coin is to sit down and think about what you are really trying to convey this holiday season. Gift giving is an expression of love, thoughtfulness, and kindness. I always try to purchase something meaningful, but often, out of despair buy something that I fear has little interest. A Soap on a Rope that will go unused hanging in a shower as a show piece for 25 years, only to acquire a nice coating of dust and dirt, seems a waste of a thoughtful gift moment!

Mom giving me a sack of Corn Meal for Xmas.

Why don't we instead select a local charity and make a gift in honor or in memory. Holidays are often tough for those that have lost someone during the holiday season. Sadly my Grandmother passed on Christmas Day and it was her favorite holiday. An "in memory" donation might be the best gift you could make.

My sweet Daisy Doodle, found at the shelter.

Because of my long involvement in Animal Rescue, I tend to donate to agencies that benefit animals. Think about the person you are giving to and if they or the person you are memorializing liked animals. I can't think of a nicer thing to do than to make a donation in honor of a friend and their beloved pet(s).

Local private animal rescue agencies have to spend countless hours begging (and I mean begging) for funding. It's often thought that local SPCA's receive funding from the national ASPCA, Humane Society of the US, or Federal or State funding. They do not. The only situation where a local SPCA receives county funding is when it operates the state mandated Animal Shelter. This is a rarity in Virginia but is actually the case in Charlottesville but funds only cover the collection and housing of animals, they do not cover spay neuter, vaccines, or other humane outreach. Many local humane societies struggle to keep the doors open and giving to them is a direct benefit to your community.

Saved by Animal Control with HOWS involvement.

I seek out agencies that work "in the trenches" or are located in low income areas as they tend to need extra support. Last year Voices for Animals in Charlottesville merged with Houses of Wood and Straw (HOWS) and both groups do amazing work for our local animals. If you have ever been involved in animal rescue, some of the saddest cases are animals left outside 24 x 7. Both of these groups help animals, that in my opinion, are the most needy in our community.

Now you get it ?

This year I received notice that the Humane Society that I worked for 5 years ago was CLOSING. Donations had trickled to a near stop. The group had worked so hard to help the animals that fundraising took a backseat. County shelter euthanasia rates had dropped to historic lows but so did donations. Fortunately, animal lovers heard the cry and donations flooded in. Grants were also written to help fund spay neuter programs. The Pulaski County Humane Society operates in a part of Virginia that has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the state. The last thing this community needs is to have an "in the trenches" group close.

Many privately run animal groups are teetering between opening and closing. This is not an uncommon case since they are rarely supported by local tax revenue like other charitable agencies. Think of how much work could be directed to helping the animals if a regular check came in the mail to support their programs!

Two more of my babies saved by the Humane Society.

I have talked about a non-profit sector that I personally know well but there are many agencies that do good deeds in your own community that can benefit from your charitable gift this time of the year. A meaningful gift is the best gift!

-Rebecca 

Open Houses Nestled in Nature

Yesterday Cindy and I checked out several unique Holiday Open Houses south of Charlottesville discovering wonderful crafts and a new Winery.

Beautiful quilting by Majorie Shepherd.

On our way south, we took a quick detour west to the small rustic Free Union Country School where artisans assembled to sell lovely carved and turned wooden vessels, Honeysuckle Vine Wreaths, hand quilted items, Pottery, and Jewelry.  The exotic wood bowls by Madera were some of the most beautiful I have seen.  The abstract quilting by Free Union resident, Marjorie Shepherd was bold, colorful and unique.  The Honeysuckle Vine creations by Anne Scarpa McCauly were wonderfully simple in form but technically detailed.  An extra bonus was the nice assortment of snacks and what was to be the best Apple Cider of our trip.

Little white primitive tree at Bittersweet.

Next we headed down 29 S to Bittersweet Branch Primitives in Faber, VA. This quaint little shop never ceases to amaze me.  If I could pick up a store and install it in my house, this would be it. Beth has discovered wonderful shabby chic vintage items and rustic primitives to share with you in her shop.  An artist and designer, she always knows how to tastefully display her found treasures.  Delightfully stacking architectural pieces displaying fabrics and crafts to keep your curious eyes entertained.  The shop building is equally as interesting appearing to have been plucked from an English Village and artfully nestled into nature off 29 S.  Warm and cozy, complete with a wood stove simmering miniature potpourri herb rabbits, and delicious Crab Dip and Pumpkin Cake yummies.

Darling primitive Farmer and Wife - pattern for sale.

The Holiday mood meter was about a 7 out of 10 at this point but once we ventured to Not Forgotten Farm the meter hit a 9 and we certainly will not forget this darling shop.  This cozy mind-blowing creative little farm shop was quite a surprise.  Off the beaten track in Amherst County but not too difficult to of a journey and certainly worth whatever it took to get there was this charmingly delightful shop filled with one of a kind little works of art and creatures.

Nocchi the Donkey loves Persimmons.

Lori certainly has a wonderful imagination and has shared it in her needlework and patterns.  Her shop mainly offers patterns for you to recreate her darling creatures but is also a source for unique primitive style fabrics, notions, and other items.  The needle shop was built by her husband but made to compliment the adjoining white clapboard farm house and rustic animal barns. We spent a long time with the menagerie of farm animals.  A pair of Donkeys greeted us on arrival and we later discovered chickens, Guinea Hens, a Peacock, and majestic Roosters in the barn... and two sweet doggies along the way.

HO HO HO

Our visit ended eating Ginger Cookies dipped in Pumpkin Sauce chatting with the Clauses.  Glimpsing up to the parting sign "U'all Come Back", we tore ourselves away planning a trip next year to their Halloween Festival.

Sheep on the mountain top with a view.

Our last stop was up 1800 feet to the top of a mountain ridge in Amherst County to Ankida Ridge Vineyards.  I'm really glad that we took the effort to find this remote and breathtaking spot.  Reservations were required and they were full but told us to come anyway (they did not know I was a blogger).  Overflowing with what I would call "southern hospitality" from the second we parked our car.  Being taxied up higher on the mountain to the tasting room by a kind employee and greeted happily by the owner at the door really made an impression that we were in for a welcoming visit.

Sheep in the Grape Vines.

By the end of an hours time we we were singing Christmas Carols with Jessie (the niece of the owners), had tasted five wines, enjoyed a hay ride, and visited with all sorts of farm animals. Wine tasting was free if you donated an ornament to help fill their first Holiday tree.  That was a nice touch - I've not heard of other wineries making such offers and I'll have to say that not all wineries give you a welcoming feeling when you hit the door.  We chatted with one of the owners, Christine, who shared with us how the vineyard came about.  Their original intention was to find a remote piece of land in order to relax from demanding jobs (her husband is still a veterinarian in Virginia Beach and commutes).  It seems the fresh mountain air cleared their minds welcoming dreams of building something to keep them entertained for years to come.  The name Ankida is an ancient Sumerian term meaning where the Earth and Sky join and is a most appropriate name for this vineyard that sits on the cusp of heaven.

Hay Ride up the Mountain.

Groups were shuttled by hay wagon up to the tip top of the mountain where the 2 acres of vines are located protected by fencing allowing grapes to grow and pets to roam.  With Guinea hens on full alert, the sheep keep the grass and weeds short, chickens peck grubs and larva, and cats chase moles.

The ambiance and their full rich bodied port wine really hit the spot topping off a really nice day in the country.

-Rebecca

Cyber Monday Deals

Vintage Red Nose Reindeer in my shop.

Cyber Monday is a great day to find online shopping deals.  Mainstream retailers have lots of great deals to be had but I suggest you steer toward the small shops that provide unique gift items.

There are over 800,000 active shops all rolled into one shopping experience on Etsy.com.  It has become one of the most popular places to shop online.  Items are restricted to handmade craft items (made by the shop owner), vintage (items 20+ years old), and supplies.  Etsy shop owners take their businesses very seriously and often provide perks such as gift wrapping, gift boxes, etc.  Why not mail a gift directly to a friend or family -- I'm happy to include a nice holiday card signed by you!

Pretty "like new" Gown in my shop.

I've been an Etsy vintage seller for 3 years now and have sold over 300 items.  On Cyber Monday I will be having a 20% off sale in my two Etsy shops.  All items in ForsythiaHill.etsy.com and miscellaneous Eyewear items in my optical shop, DontUWantMe.etsy.com will be 20% off on Cyber Monday.  To receive your discount in ForsythiaHill use COUPON CODE: CyberMonday.  The discount in DontUWantMe is already taken in the listed price for select items.

Decorative Wine Rack for YOU in my shop.

You don't have to buy a "new" item for a gift.  There are many vintage items that are "like new" and far better quality than what is currently made.  Prices are often lower for vintage than new manufactured merchandise and have a history to share.

Don't forget about entertaining this holiday season.  There are wonderfully unique items to be found on Etsy that your friends and family will most definitely comment on!

I hope you will support alternative small business owner shops this holiday season, it might just open  your eyes to a whole new way of shopping.

-Rebecca

What's a Girl To Do

Get out and about and give a little this Holiday Season. 

FRIDAY - December 2

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM - FREE - McGuffey Holiday Show.  Opening reception for local artisans crafts for sale.

SATURDAY - December 3

9 AM - 3 PM - FREE - Earlysville Craft Show at the fire house in Earlysville.

2 PM - 6 PM - FREE - Handmade for the Holidays.  Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center Museum Shop.  Meet artisans, sample delectable holiday treats and shop for gifts made in Virginia.  Chocolate tasting!

Snowman for sale in my Etsy Shop.

10 PM - $15.00 - Dirty Barbie & Other Girlhood Tales.  Live Arts Theatre.  One woman show, has been sold out every night.  About growing up in the South.  Continues to next weekend at earlier times.  Pre-pay online.


COMING SOON

Dec 16 - 20.  Holiday Trolley - get your ticket TODAY - FRI - Dec 2nd is the last day to purchase - they sell out FAST.  Tours run Dec 16 and 17.


UNIQUE WAY TO GIVE

Holiday Instrument Drive - donate your old musical instrument to a child in need.

-Rebecca

Holiday Laughs

Holiday Family and Friends visiting Christmas Day on Forsythia Hill

My family loves to color their hair and look COOL for the holiday festivities.  Mama w/her bling, husband with his "everything is better when wearing pink", and Cindy the grinning GUEST that got us all into this mess!

Not pictured, Dad, Gus, Sylvie, Cesar, and Simba (they all knew better than to get in front of a camera at my house).

Day 2 of  sugar attack.  Got to go and get back to it -- Lindt Lemon Meringue Chocolate Candy is calling my name.

Just a little dusting on Christmas Day.

Tour de C'ville

For years my dear friend Judy and I used to drive around Pulaski, Virginia and gawk at the holiday lights, naming it our annual "Tour de PU".



This falls into the CRAZY category.

I really, really, really miss Judy and the de PU so I decided to venture out and take a few festive photos a few streets down from our house. 

This is in honor of Judy who we'll miss seeing this Christmas.



FRIENDS, ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!

-Rebecca, Anthony, Gus, Cesar, Simba, and Sylvie

Secret Santa Fun

Tonight my Etsy Lab Rats Team revealed our Secret Santa's.  My santa was BySaraLynn.  Her work is beautiful and very fine.  I'm amazed.  Visit her Etsy shop and check it out! 

These were my gifts from her shop.  THANKS SO MUCH ! -Rebecca


Handmade initial "R" hoop on office door.

The  handmade little flower magnet is darling.

What's a Girl to do ?

Each Thursday I'll list several Charlottesville events upcoming this weekend that I'm interested in attending. Hope to see you there!

FRIDAY

PVCC Light Show, Let there be Light, Piedmont Virginia Community College, 6-9pm, FREE.  Light-centered art 6-9 p.m. on the grounds. Nineteen local artists will create artwork, music and dance in keeping with the Winter Solstice.

SATURDAY

Dedication of Lights, 12-6pm, FREE, Siamese Cat Rescue Center, Locust Dale, VA.  Lights can be purchased (at the event or online) in memory or honor of any cat that has touched your heart!  Proceeds help Siamese cats that have been rescued from kill shelters or pet owners that can no longer care for them.

- Rebecca

Random Acts of Kindness

In Sunday's Daily Progress Newspaper there were so many shopping inserts that they had to put the "real news" in a separate plastic bag all to itself.  There were enough "deals" inside to provide a joyous holiday to a family with 50 kids...  I wonder how much money you would spend if you purchased every deal that was in each insert?  May be $100,000 ?

We are inundated with BUY, BUY 24X7, the American way, keeping the economy moving... Black Friday, Ciber Monday, Day after Christmas Sales, and the list goes on.  -- STOP -- Luckily I have a very short shopping list which hopefully will allow me time to focus on Holiday related things that I really enjoy... decorating the front porch and assembling my little artificial tree in which I hang my Grandmothers handmade eggs.  Drinking hot apple cider with cinnamon and listening to a few "themed" tunes.  It always seems I wait to decorate the front porch AFTER the temps dip - it's a really frigid week but the season must go on.

When I think of "the season" I try to push the continual selling of goods to the background and bring forward random acts of kindness.  If you did not hear about the brave soul that jumped down into the subway track to save a person, then you have missed such a random act.  It probably is more suitable for the heroism category but it truly was a random act of kindness.  I'm sure on the way to the subway the rescuer never dreamed they would jump down into a deep, dark and scary hole to save a life right before a massive speeding train shot at him.

As I was watching the local news last week, they showed a Salvation Army Bell Ringer that had been injured when someone stole his red pot.  Lawrence Agnor (UPDATE - READ BELOW - UGH) was trying to collect money for a cause that had helped him in the past when someone pushed him and stole the donations - pot and all.  The good news to the story is that Sam's Club donated $500.00 and I'm sure the story generated even more money.   The Bell ringer was eager to get back to his post and was so outraged that he actually became the hero of the story.  I wanted to go and hug the guy and give him all my money. UPDATE:  The "hero" was in on the heist - so instead of hugging him I would like to slap him up side o' the head.  Talk about LOW.  The good news is that he was led away in handcuffs today.  I'm giving him the 2010 "Killer of Kindness Award".



I'm feeling a bit Grinchy today

 It also gave me an idea that wouldn't it be a random act of kindness to drive around town from bell ringer to bell ringer carrying coffee?  I've never seen a bell ringer that was not bundled up to their eyeballs and kinda jumping in place - have you?  What a horribly COLD job.  May be someone will read this post and take me up on my idea.  UPDATE:  I met a nice bell ringer today that was outraged at the other bell ringers behavior - so let's hope there is just one bad apple and the rest of the bunch is not spoiled.

You never know, there are random acts of kindness all around, if you can wade through the newspaper inserts to find them.  -Rebecca

The Season has Begun

We had a nice time on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall on Friday for the annual Lighting of the Tree.  It was very crowded and everyone seemed to be enjoying the crisp weather, carolers, and festive mood on the mall.  For those of you that have not been to the outside pedestrian mall, it is "the place" to bring out of town guests.  Specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues line the walking corridor.  

There are always interesting sights such as people walking their pooches, vendors selling their "street wares", or strolling musicians trying to make a few dollars.  There are at least four theatres along the route and an ice skating rink that is really cool.  It was slated to be closed but fortunately it was sold so the skating continues.


We attempted to try out a downtown mall restaurant but because of the hordes of people, we had to go to our favorite restaurant in Charlottesville.  I have tried various Asian influenced restaurants but I keep going back to Tara Thai.  The Vegetarian Pad Thai is the best I have ever had.  The service is outstanding and they kindly asked if we would move because a large party needed our table and we gladly complied.  They gave us three delicious Tara Coladas (one for each of us, not three for me).  YUM.  We were very impressed with the service and our reward for simply moving.  Thanks Tara Thai.

- Rebecca