More than April Showers are coming...

 

April is coming, and with April comes a couple of exciting events for Just A Second.

Our Just A Second Sunday Social will be held from 11 - 2 on Sunday, April 14, and weather permitting, the deck will be open so we can serve you "Second Sunday Only" special treats "al fresco".

Invite your friends to browse, relax on the deck and visit over coffee, tea, or ???? (it's a surprise!) to accompany our signature "taste of chocolate".

There is also an "on the spot special" available only during the three hours of Just A Second Sunday. Fun, food, festive atmosphere awaits you at our Just A Second Sunday Social. Don't miss it.

Then, the next weekend,  April 19 and 20, we will have a double feature:  we will be participating in The Vintage Market, Spring 2013 to be held in Polly's 100 year old home at 1919 Garfield Ave in one of Rockford's first historical districts.  

The ground floor of her home will be emptied and set up as a wonderful "delight the senses" emporium - as only Polly can do, where you can view and buy vintage and hand created lovelies for yourself and your home.  Area businesses, including some of etsy's creative best, will display their jewelry, accessories, embellishments, and furniture in styles ranging from french country, to shabby, to rustic farm style, to romantic, to urban industrial.  It's your chance to add those special elements to your decor or to buy a one of a kind gift for yourself or a friend.

 

And, secondly, Just A Second and other area shops will be open, so you can continue your weekend adventure - especially important, if you are coming from out of town as so many of you are. You'll want to get the most from your outing and we want to help you do that.

Click this link: The Vintage Market Spring 2013 or the button above for more information including directions, list of vendors, pinterest board, and news as it is released.

Getting Ready for The Vintage Market

Love these birch twig wreaths.  I found a supplier right here in the USA. The wreaths are fresh and full and wonderfully made.

We sold out of the ones I decorated earlier and,
in anticipation of The Vintage Market Spring 2013, I am working on some of that type as well as some lighter and brighter ones.

The one shown above is highlighted with a vintage, rhinestone belt buckle.  The wreath is hanging on our new antique book-page papered wall (courtesy of Tina). Isn't that wall the perfect back drop, especially since husband John is a writer and book publisher:).


In addition to burlap and pretty fabrics, there is usually a piece of vintage jewelry...
... or something more substantial like the old porcelain door knob and door latch shown below.



 
These are just a few of the many hand-made or embellished items nestled on, or above, or around vintage painted or rustic furniture, just waiting to enhance your cottage, shabby, farm-style and industrial look.

Be sure to put these dates on your calendar: April 19 and 20,
The Vintage Market Spring 2013.  For more details click on the button below.

The New Treat Station

Don't you wonder why sometimes it takes so long for something to become self-evident?  

I have a very small counter in this shop which used to be someone's house, and that is where I was always brewing the coffee, heating the water for tea and putting out the sugar, cream, etc.

Then this past Sunday when we had our 2nd Sunday Social, I set up the treat station on the enamel table in the kitchen area. Duh...so much better. I could serve without turning my back on everyone. The counter is almost clear, and I can still display a few items.


So, when you visit, you can help yourself to coffee, tea, hot chocolate or water plus that little chocolate treat we so often crave.

 












Plan on joining us for the next Just A Second Sunday Social on April 13.  If we get a warm day, we'll move the party to the deck, and wouldn't that be nice!

If Wishing Could Make It So

We are doing everything we can to bring spring into your lives.  We have garden goodies and bunnies, and blooms.

We are getting excited about opening up the back deck and filling it with everything we can to make it look like a little French escape.

We continue to offer a bit of "chocolat", but just a bit because, if you recall, "French Women Don't Get Fat!".  (Good for Them!)

 





And we are adding more pastels, including pink pillows and very cool vintage pink wrought iron glass topped little tables/plant stands.


And finally there is this wonderfully framed print by French Victorian artist, Paul de Longpre.  


 

We're doing our best at Just A Second to bring a touch of spring to northern Illinois. Hopefully, you can find a little something to add a touch of spring to your space. We are looking forward to your visit.

Bon printemps!