Roomies

What's Missing?

2012-02-10T21:38:00.003-08:00

Well this is embarrassing; here you are expecting to see a magical tour of all the wonderful things we have for February, but something's definitely a-miss! The front display is still in the works, but it's not just that.

Yes, there are a few details yet to be taken care of, it's true, but it's not just that!

There are barren shelves to be filled with little treasures, sure, but something else is missing too.

Yes, we realize we currently lack some sparkle,

some furniture and (unforgettably important!) some baked goods laid out to greet you at the table.

We must apologize that there's not a single speck of fudge, almond roca, or saltwater taffy to offer you at the moment, but it is on it's way!

Don't worry about the walls looking a bit, um, naked shall we say? We've got frames, art and vintage mirrors to fill it all up by the time we open the door.

But there's still something else we need!

Something that we love to see every month, rain or shine, that completes the scene in our store!

It's YOU!

We would miss YOU, so please don't miss us! Our next opening is February 16, 17, 18 & 19th and it wouldn't be the same without YOU!

Little Things Mean A Lot

2012-01-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

We're best known for our up-front, fabulously priced dressers, buffets and tables, it's true.

But our most expertly-seasoned customers have a system when shopping at Room With A Past, so they don't miss a (little) thing!

We have lots of darling small-sized, not to be missed things, so cute that you just want to give them a hug when you first spy them!

Some folks like to walk in and circle around one way, then head back another way, so they get a whole new vantage point!

Other customers can be seen on tip-toes, looking at all the goodies at eye-level and above, on their first trip around, and then stooping down for a good view on everything below eye-level the second turn.

Whatever your system, you don't want to miss a thing!

Join us for our January sale (Jan. 19, 20, 21 & 22nd) when you can hunt for treasures big and small, and let us know your system!

Whew! Another Year Under The Bathrobe Belt!

2012-01-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Did you have a great holiday and a Happy New Year? Are you ready to slip into something a little frumpy, yet comfy? US TOO! In fact, that's just what we did during our January 1st sale!

It's the beginning of a new year and we wanted to start it out with a well-deserved, post-party YAWN before we got crackin' on our busiest day of the year!

It was busy because we had half-off of our holiday items and

our customers could strike a deal, on this one special day, with the consignors face to face for an extra-added bargain!

Nobody in the throng of customers seemed to mind our state of (un) dress because

we had lots of hot coffee and tables full of goodies on hand to offer everyone.

And in return we received lots of happy friends!

And everyone went home happy!

Still in need of more bargains? Visit our sister store, Paris Flea Market January 5 - 8th for more of the same!

It's That Time Of Year

2011-12-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

when the world falls in love,
Every song you hear seems to say
"Merry Christmas, "May your New Year dreams come true"
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too!

Winter greetings from all us ROOMIES who want to take this seasonal opportunity to say "We love YOU!" We are truly blessed to have customers like you who allow us to do what we love. We wish you a very happy holiday and a healthy New Year!

And speaking of a New Year--have you heard about our New Year's Day sale?

We'll be comfy in our jammies and slippers on New Year's Day, but we won't be in front of the TV watching (another) football game! We'll be laying out a full spread of goodies for you to eat, and making deals left and right from 10 - 3 at the store! You'll find 50% off all holiday items, and on this one day only you can "Deal With The Dealers" for an added discount on our already fabulous prices! That ought to get your New Year off to a happy start! Sign up HERE to get all the details.

Getting It All Wrapped Up

2011-12-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

It's a TALL order; getting all the lights up, the stockings hung, setting the sugar plums out for our customers, (and lookin' good while doing it!)

but December is when we really have our (fruit)cake and eat it too. We go "all out" with tons of holiday cheer we've been hoarding throughout the year.

From elegant to kitschy and everything in between. Whether you're just starting out on your shopping adventure (who, me?) or looking for that last little something, you're sure to find that one-of-a-kind gift or needful seasonal item during our December opening!

PLUS--don't forget to look under the tree for a big treat for YOU! We are raffling off a 3' decorated tree that has a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE hanging on it's branches! Come in December 15 - 18th opening and we'll be glad to help you cross off everything on your list!

November's Sneak Peek!

2011-11-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

Have you fallen down on the job again??

Didn't you say last year (about this time) that you would have the house decorated so you could get (insert one:) the baking, the shopping, the guestroom ready waaay before the holidays hit?

Well, fear not. We can help you get all your little household chores in a row.

We've got tons of vintage and vintage-inspired goodies on our sleigh and are unloading them for you this month during our November 17, 18, 19 & 20th opening! You'll be back in the pink in no time!

Our sacks over-floweth with goodies we've yet to unpack, yet they still sparkle and glimmer just as bright!

We're big fans of the holidays and we're here to help you do it up big!

Don't forget the serving pieces, platters and utensils you'll need to serve up some home-baked goodness too!

Hope to see you when we turn on all the twinkling lights on Thursday, November 17 at 6 PM!

Did We Mention We Got a Mention?

2011-11-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

(All photos courtesy Kerstie Pederson)

Last month was sweet-n-spooky. Lots of black and orange, not to mention lots of customers looking for a fabulous deal on vintage inspired decor to make their homes hauntingly "boo"tiful!

One customer (and former "Roomie"!) was sweet enough to blog it! Check out Kerstie Pederson's self-titled blog and take the tour!

She also narrates points of interest (and the darling purchase she made) at our Parking Lot Sale the month before!

Want to keep up to date with our special events and get a reminder before each opening? Sign up HERE to make it happen!

October Sneek Peek!

2011-10-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you did something sneaky? Maybe ate that last cupcake, knowing in advance all the apology you'd need to give could be taken care of with an "Oops!" and some big puppy dog eyes?

Well, we've had some requests for a sneak peek of what's in store before we open our doors. So in the interest of keeping you satisfied yet not making you feel too guilty, we've created the following montage of photos to both make you think "Hey, what's that?" and also keep you guessing!
__________________________

Our shelves are loaded with goodies for your tabletops and display cases for a POP of Autumn color:

And there's all kinds of stuff hanging: on the walls and from the ceiling!

Just add in some little bits of this and that from here and there:

And we think you've got a great potpourri for October fun! Hope to see you there October 20 - 23 rd!

The Light Of Our Life

2011-09-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since the dawn of (wo) man, fire and light have been highly revered. And thank goodness! How else would we cook the pasta we've been craving? Or read the new home decorating magazine we've been saving for a quiet night after the sun sets?

Let there be light! And let it match my decor, while you're at it. A quick trip around the shop yielded these picks of what's in stock for the September opening (9/22-25th) of Room With A Past.

Clear glass with the trendy "no shade" shade goes with anything!

Have a cottage by the beach/lake? This lighthearted, shell-filled mason jar with blue ticking lampshade is just the added detail to add delight to your stay!

The quintessential brass, multi-armed chandelier with crystals will make any shabby-chic fan or French apartment lover swoon.

More brass and crystals! This one is more in the "Old World" styling for an elegant touch.

An electrified Victorian oil lamp sits next to an etched, stacked-ball glass lamp, waiting for a shopper to claim their style and take them home!

Novelty shapes of animals, like this rooster lamp, make a whimsical choice for the kitchen. It's always nice to have a second set of eyes to follow the recipe!

What's a Grecian urn? It'll earn you some compliments if you stage it properly (ask us--we love to help with your decorating needs!) on a great side table!

More clear, pressed glass. Great for the romantic bedroom, or the dainty powder room.

A distinguished, dark finish with highlighted details is great for a man's night table or in the library.

Capodimonte ceramic roses on a curvy base, trimmed in gold. Great for a flower filled room in a romantic home.

A hanging lamp like this space-saving, three orb light brings vintage charm home from above!

Raised cameos are featured in the ornate design on this one-of-a-kind feminine and chippy metal lamp base.

Brass with a twist--this one has been painted white to focus on the great texture of the raised details. A woven fabric shade picks up the color in the recessed areas of the base.

All these lovely lights have our future looking pretty bright for our Thursday night (Sept. 22nd) opening! Don't forget we'll have our not-to-be-missed blow out PARKING LOT SALE on Saturday & Sunday (9/24 & 25th)!

Wallflowers

2011-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

To look at us between sales, you'd think we're just a quiet, tidy little bunch. But just you wait until our next opening (September 22, 23, 24 & 25th) when we host our annual Autumn Parking Lot Sale!

The treasures (and the bargains!) come out of the woodwork and we'll show what we're really made of!

Join us on Saturday and Sunday (24th & 25th). You might find something that's just your "type"!

We're A Little At Odds

2011-08-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

At Room With A Past we strive to find not only the shabbiest beauties, and the most gorgeous goodies but also the unusual curiosities. Looks like we've done our job! Look at these:

This is vintage garden ware at its finest! We have customers who collect anything metal & spotted with rust, and this red lawn sprinkler will be someones prize when they snap it up during our August 18 - 21st opening.

Need a lift? How about marrying your ultra-feminine crystal chandelier to this industrial-chic metal pulley? Stark gray metals with functionality mixed with pretty things is HOT right now.

Want to blow your daughter's mind? Show her how you (or your older sister!) used to dry your hair before the invention of ionic hair dryers and flat irons. This hairdryer on a stand has some great vintage colors!

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and take your pots & pans with you! This electrified one-of-a-kind lamp, made from metal baking pans, a coffee pot and colander has been topped off with sparkling crystals. It would be such an eye-catching piece in your kitchen that it might distract from your domestic responsibilities of cooking and cleaning (oh what a shame!).

This oddity is really head & shoulders above anything else in the shop right now. But we love her--she's such a doll! She is used as a display for our handmade cupcake baby hats. She's always ready with a smile or a knowing wink of the eye as she watches us set up our monthly displays!

And here's some odds n ends you'll really be able to sink your teeth into. These vintage accouterments for your projects include old watch cases & crystals, springs, clock faces, game pieces, vials, gems, shells and oh, yes--false teeth! Be careful when you're looking through them--you might just find something looking back at YOU!

Thing Of The Past ~ A Peek Into Last Month's Shopping Cart

2011-07-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever snuck a peek at what the person next to you in the check-out line has in their cart? "What did they get? How much did they pay for it? And where did they find it because I want one too!" It's a lot like that at the shop during the sale: people are always so curious as to what's been bought and is heading out the door. Well, we know it's not quite the same, but in the interest of quenching your curiosity, we thought we'd show you what were the most popular and fasted-selling items for June's opening. (You can click on the photos to see them larger.)

Sweet, Petite and it'll keep it's new home Neat! This little desk with some much-coveted, organizational cubby holes and a slim drawer could have walked out on it's own curvy little legs, but we were happy to load it up and give it a proper send off. It was priced at 129.00 and it didn't stand around lookin' pretty for very long.

We've often touted ourselves here at Room With A Past as the queens of one-of-a-kind finds, and this tall, hand painted lace-stenciled dresser, with sparkling glass knobs (sold for 195.00 and painted by the fabulously talented Jan H.) is a perfect example. With over 35 create consignors at the helm, this ship sails every month with new and exciting merchandise you can't find anywhere else!

And speaking of creativity--why not let some of ours rub off on you?!? What will you do with all that burlap trim (10.00) and ribbon bunches (5.00) you took home last month? Send us a photo so we can post it here on our blog!

What will you be sitting at when the bees are buzzing and summer finds you enjoying the backyard this summer? We hope it's something as cute as this glass-topped iron patio table and four chairs that sold for 185.00. You just never know what we'll have to greet you when you walk in the door, but you can always count on us having something that's 50% seasonally necessary and 50% so very charming! It always adds up to 100% something you'll love!

And here, ladies and gentlemen is the staple of our store: it's functional, it's stylish and it's always in demand (seriously--where were you all storing your socks before we opened for business?), may we present the humble dresser (AKA chest of drawers and bureau!). Top it with a plush pad and presto, it's a changing table for baby. This baby was crying "Sold!" when the new owner saw the price of 167.00.

Hungry for a little nostalgia? Pull a shiny red vinyl and chrome chair up to this round blast-from-the-past table and dig in. If you listen closely, you may hear two young lovers of yesteryear sharing the last slurps of a chocolate malted in the past of this hep-cat daddy-o set of four chairs and chrome rimmed table. It was the first thing to sell on our Thursday night opening in June, and the rockin' price of $380.00 was like a sweet be-boppin' song of the jukebox to the new owner's ears.

Whew! All that browsing for beauty makes us a little light-headed. How about a rest in a Bergère? A Bergère with flair! A Bergère with savoir-faire! A Bergère for your home or jardinière! French style and losely woven, neutral fabric together are hot, hot, hot. Add a custom black stenciled French design are we're talking swelter with a chance of swooning! This lovely crafted and up-styled vintage chair priced at 95.00 was snapped up and given a final "Au revoir!" as it headed out the door.

So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the July 21, 22, 23 & 24th sale listed here! (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email announcements so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

It's A Big DEAL

2011-06-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's a familiar sight, this pink bike. It's the first thing you see that signals the start of BIG FUN when you pull into our parking lot!

Can a person have more FUN than shopping the once-a-month sale at Room With A Past? You bet your little can-can!

It's the annual PARKING LOT SALE!

This is the event of the year for us true blue ROOMIES. We get to unload goodies we've been hoarding for a long time, which we thought would be used in our own homes, but we just never got the time to use (because we were out shopping for more stuff!).

Maybe we switched out our collections of vintage lamps, kitschy kitchenware, or gathered chairs (some of us are addicted to great-looking dining chairs).

Or maybe we needed the closet space the embroidered linens once occupied, or we can no longer store those painted china dishes in the dishwasher (you know who you are!), or just maybe the intended use for the garage where we stored that fabulously carved wood dresser has been requested to be restored (by those who we let think they wear the pants in the family)...

In any case, it's great news for you! There are bargains to be had outside along with all the charming and unique things we always have inside!

Our June opening starts this Thursday, June 23 through June 26th. Since we'll have the parking lot full of treasures galore on Saturday and Sunday (25th & 26th), your best bet for parking will be on the street or in spots not reserved for our neighboring business's. We'll be happy to have you drive up to our loading area so we can load your purchases!

(Photos are from last year's Parking Lot sale!)

Two's Company

2011-05-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

and three's a cutie pie alert! We just had to show you these triplets who came in to the shop during our May opening (with mom and some happy helpers!). Thanks--you made our day!

It's Our Treat!

2011-05-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

When our curtain is closed that's a good thing. Sure, you can't come in, but it means goodies are being brought in and arranged to be deliciously pretty for your ultimate arrival! Never ones to disappoint, we'd do anything to make you happy. Like give you a little sample to whet your whistle. An appetizer, if you will. Grab a little plate & napkin and let's go!

Can I serve you a little smidgen of this?

and just a slice of that?

Good thing you left room for these luscious layers:

and the candy-coated sweets.

And to top it off, something rich, yet light.

Oops, you've got a little something on your chin, there.

Still hungry? There's a huge buffet being laid out. A little something for everyone. And it all starts this Thursday, May 19th at 6 PM, with treats being offered through Sunday, May 22. Go HERE to see our hours and upcoming events!

Any Reason To Celebrate

2011-05-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Birthdays, holidays, we ROOMIES will use any excuse to have some fun! At the April sale we had a lot to celebrate!

Upon finding out it was a customer's birthday, we quickly stacked some pastries to make a mini cake and ambushed Laura (on the right) as the entire store joined in with a birthday song!

We also had lots of ladies showing up in their (Easter) Sunday best! These gals were still opening their eggs (some held $25.00 gift certificates inside!) when we just had to snap a picture of the hats upon their pretty heads.

They look good coming...

and going!

We will be declaring the winner who won a $75.00 shopping spree with their spring hat, in the May (May 19 -22) email announcement, so make sure you sign up HERE to see it!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Some of us Roomies have donned our Easter bonnets and wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter! We hope you and your family are blessed with the comfort of loved ones around you.

I'm Telling Your Mom..............!

2011-04-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we're telling our moms anyway, and hopefully YOU will tell yours too! What are we telling her? That we love her!

This is the month (sale starts tonight, April 14-17) when you'll find lots of things in the shop that will help say "I love you!" on Mother's Day (May 8th!).

What kind of child were you? Did you "pattern" your life with the truths she told?

Did you always remember to wear clean undies and carry a hanky?

Were you a tad rambunctious?

How will you honor that love?

Will you reminisce about both the good and the bad days?

Will you take her out to tea?

Will you make her Queen For A Day?

How about a new bag or new shoes (that no one can fill quite like her!)

What about some new baubles? We have both elegant and fun! Just like her.

However you spend the day, we hope you have the blessing of telling your mom "I love you."

And if you don't; we're telling!

Win A $75.00 Shopping Spree!

2011-04-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

In your Easter Bonnet,
With all the um, uh, stuff upon it
You'll be the grandest winner
In our Easter parade!

(from Ruffles and Rust 2011)

Wear your handmade hat into our April Thursday night opening (April 14, from 6 - 9 PM) and you'll be entered to win! Our creative panel of Roomies will vote for the best handmade in our Easter parade and the lucky head it sits upon will win a $75.00 shopping spree at our store, plus be featured in our May email announcement!
Ladies, start your glue guns, and good luck!

Two By Two

2011-03-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

It was raining (more than just dogs and cats--it was more like bobcats and St. Bernard's!) but we still, thankfully, had lots of customers who came into the shop (by ark) and bought almost all of our most popular sellers this month: dressers, water pitchers, bird cages, frames, linens of every sort and spring decor. We truly do love and appreciate our customers. Besides the fact that they braved the inclement weather to keep us busy doing what we love to do, they keep us smiling too.

Terri and daughter Charlotte found refuge from the downpour. It was a great mother/daughter outing to shop among the spring offerings.

Another happy pair: the lovely Leslie (with husband Len next to her it's hard to tell where all that hair ends and begins!) tried on some vintage sunglasses in hopes it might bring out the sun for a bit. And it must have worked because...

later that day, Jason and Diane came in and found the perfect coffee table and loaded it up in the trunk without a drop of water having spilled from the sky!

And helping us feel all warm and sunny inside on our last day of the sale were the always rosy Kathleen and daughter Mary, dressed in pink to help root on those spring days!

Thanks to ALL our customers who graced us with warm smiles and helped us make it through the storm. We hope to see you again in April (14 - 17th) when we'll have our sunny sides up!

Take A Peek!

2011-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

When's the last time you did something sneaky? Maybe ate that last brownie, knowing in advance all the apology you'd need to give could be taken care of with an "Oops!" and some big puppy dog eyes?

Well, we've had some requests for a sneak peek of what's in store before we open our doors. So in the interest of keeping you satisfied yet not making you feel too guilty, we've created the following montage of photos to both make you think "Hey, what's that?" and also keep you guessing!

Have an appetite for MORE? Our once-a-month opening starts tonight at 6 PM! Hope you can sneak on in!

The Walls Have Ears (And Mouths!)

2011-02-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

The scene: the Room With A Past sale has just seen the end of Sunday evening sale day. The customers who perused the many treasures and filled the building with bustling energy for the last 4 days have all gone. The pastry crumbs have been washed off the platters, the lamps have been turned off, the curtains are closed and all is quiet. Until.........

Cat Hanger was the first to speak: "It's as quiet as a mouse in here!"

"Ha, ha. You know that was only funny the first time, right?" squeaked Mouse Hanger.

"Please don't say "MOUSE"!" pleaded Pink Elephant.

"Knock it off you guys! I've got a HUGE headache. Man, I urn for an aspirin"

"Ha, ha--good one! You really know how to pepper a conversation!" exclaimed Peppy, as Salty felt worthy of a chuckle.

"Well, another lovely sale has been all buttoned up." mentioned Altered Sisters in unison

"And the customers were all so suet!" noted Three Birds.

"Stop, stop, stop!" begged the Puppies Door Stop.

"My dogs are tired" snorted Small Skunk.

"Really? Well that ranks pretty high with me! " retorted Dog Figurine.

"Look at all the dust!" noticed the Bunnies. "We've all got to hop to it and clean this place up to ready things for the next opening!"

"Well then, we'd better stop lion around!" remarked Lion Statue.

"Then let's get cookin'!" Chef Shakers said as they all worked busy as bees to clean the entire shop.

"You know a little birdie told me the next sale is March 17, 18, 19 & 2oth!" chirped Porcelain Bird.

Spring Inklings

2011-02-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, the flowerbeds are muddy, your rain boots are at the front door and the thermometer may read 40 degrees--but a girl can DREAM can't she?

Right now, Room With A Past is the stuff sweet Spring dreams are made of!
We're a little bit of yellow here:

and a little bit of pink over there:

with flower pots, gardening goodies and a few dozen canning jars thrown in to remind you that, indeed, Spring will be upon us soon, and we're more than ready for it!

You can get YOUR nesting instincts into Spring gear starting tonight from 6 - 9 PM! See all of our upcoming dates/times HERE! and sign up for our monthly email reminder announcement so you don't miss a thing.

Did We Mention We Got A Mention?

2011-02-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

We were pleased as punch to have been mentioned in the February issue of our local Diablo Magazine!

(Illustration from Diablo Magazine)

This month's issue featured an article about the success and circumstances of successful "Pop-up Shops" --stores that are not open every day. They state that these types of stores "provide retailers with the flexibility to open at the most opportune times while building up buzz and a unique product line for each opening—all without the commitment of running a full-time store." That describes us pretty well--we're always a-buzz about something! They also say "success depends on many factors (location, availability of short-term leases, word of mouth)" but what they don't mention is customer loyalty, which is number one in our book, and why we appreciate our customers so much!

We hope you'll pop on in to our (quickly approaching!) next opening, February 17 - 20th!

Black & White & Red All Over

2011-01-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year when we put out all the pinks, white and reds. You can expect to see a lot of pastels beginning to make an appearance too. But all around the store you'll find we just can't give up the black! And it's all because....

Black is neutral.

Black is bold.

Black is an anchor.

Black adds sophistication.

Black makes other colors POP and

black is not back; it never left!!!

There's lots more black to be had at the opening of our sister store Paris Flea Market in Livermore on February 3, 4, 5 & 6th.

We'll see you in Walnut Creek on February 17, 18, 19 & 20th. Sign up HERE to get our email announcement reminder just before each opening.

Now You Know Why We Keep The Curtain Closed!

2011-01-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

Just before each monthly opening, there's a flurry of activity. If you were able to peek inside the shop, you might see something like this:

Roomies are running around with hammers in their hands, nails in their teeth, ideas in their heads, and it's a MESS! But, if you're anything like us, you'll think it's a BEAUTIFUL mess!

It's dedicates waiting to be organized.

It's dishes waiting to be stacked, and linens in need of folding.

It's gorgeous chairs holding things other than our tired little backsides.

It's things that get hung on the walls still sitting on the floor.

It's tables that need to be paired with a lamp and lamps that need to be given a shade.

It's tangled jewels and tag-less baskets.

It's a new idea for a display unlike what you may have seen before.

It's all the pretty parts that will come together to make us what you expect to see every time you come to see us! Without a mess, there is no creative thinking . Without creative thinking, there is no moving ahead.

We hope you'll stop by our January sale, which begins tonight, January 20th from 6 - 9 PM, to see the AFTER of all these pretty messes. We think you'll love what we've done with the place!

Thing Of The Past ~ A Peek Into Last Month's Shopping Cart

2011-01-13T13:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever snuck a peek at what the person next to you in the check-out line has in their cart? "What did they get? How much did they pay for it? And where did they find it because I want one too!" It's a lot like that at the shop during the sale: people are always so curious as to what's been bought and is heading out the door. Well, we know it's not quite the same, but in the interest of quenching your curiosity, we thought we'd show you what were the most popular and fasted-selling items for December's opening. (You can click on the photos to see them larger.)

It's white, it's got carved embellishments and glass knobs; ladies and gents--may I present to you SUPER CHIC!! This dresser has what every shabby chic lover wants. Also very highly desirable is a great price! This one, with mirror went for $215.00!

Double duty furniture is always on the lists of shoppers who live in smaller abodes. This pedestal base, natural wood topped table actually pivots to open up to a card table or close to make a smaller surface table, just right for an entry way. We'll bet it was used as "the kid's table" during Christmas dinner! And we "kid" you not on the price it sold for: $120.00

I'm gonna wash that man right outta my hair... If you've got something that needs 'a washin' we bet you could have used this little table. It's a washstand, (noun--1.: a stand holding articles needed for washing one's face and hands) for those of you youngin's. And YES, they had water back when we were growing up!!! Wouldn't this have looked great in your powder room with the bowl full of sweet smelling soaps, your favorite linens hanging on the sides and extra fluffy towels stored below? Yep, it would have. Sigh. It was priced at $52.00 and it's all water under the bridge now, my friend!

Another double duty furniture piece was to be had in this vanity/desk with mirror. We can see this piece in so many roles! A young girl's student desk, a big girl's dressing table, a table in a reading nook. See, when you do this "think outside the box" thought process in regards to something you see at Room With A Past which you've gotta have, you can justify buying it for the small price of $85.00!

Another big seller in December were small tables that could be used at the end of a sofa or next to the bed. Everyone has stuff and they need something to stuff their stuff in. It might as well be something cute... As cute as this table with its cute little pink glass knobs and curvy lines! If a price tag can be cute, too, well then you'll think this one was adorable: $32.00!

So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the January 20, 21, 22 & 23rd sale listed here! (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email announcements so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

If You Know Where To Look

2011-01-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

You know how when it's foggy, gray and cold outside for about 5 days in a row you begin to feel a little glum? You hold on to the thought that the sun really IS up there somewhere, still shining in a clear blue sky? Well, it's kind of like that for us ROOMIES (are you one?) when the lull of the holidays is over and the days of early spring seem so far away. But, if you keep your eyes on the prize, you might just find small sprouts of hope around the shop.

Every year about this time, the roses start to trickle in. "It is the season of "love" with February just around the corner!" we tell ourselves. "Besides, there's no wrong time of year to have roses, right?"

So you can find them here and there if you poke around a little. They might be hanging on a wall,

or underfoot.

You might see them decorating a hat on a small shelf,

or strung on a piece of wearable art,

or waiting for when it's time to store away those thick winter hats and gloves back into a box!

Because just like the fog will recede to reveal the sun, we'll be ready to see things in full bloom!

And as long as we have to wait for the minutes to pass, we might as well be looking in the right place!

Undo The Blue

2010-12-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little BLUE about finding a special gift for the last few people on your list?

Your almost-last minute shopping blues are over because we'll help you get it all wrapped up quicker than you can count to

Our December "Winter Wonderland" event (Dec. 16- 19th) Will have you shouting

and make you believe that Santa and his elves left a wagon-load of goodies for you to choose from!

Our DEER (come on now--get in the spirit!)

ROOMIES will help you with everything on your list and have you "in the pink"

in no time!

It's also your last chance to bring in non-perishable food items to help our Contra Costa County Food Bank drive

and earn raffle tickets to win a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, plus a $100 shopping spree at Room With A Past!

Hope to see you soon!

A Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a happy Thanksgiving from our cottage to yours!
See you December on the 16, 17, 18 & 19th!

Here And More Importantly, NOW

2010-11-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed how EARLY Christmas decorations made an appearance in the retail stores this season? It was before Halloween, for goodness sakes! But NOW seems like a total appropriate time to be showing up, doesn't it? We can't wait to see a little red here and a little green there, and a whole lotta silver and gold would be welcome right about NOW wouldn't it? Wouldn't it? Huh, huh, is it time yet, NOW??????

We're not going to apologize for squealing like little girls (in delight of finding a Chatty Cathy box under the tree on Christmas morning) at the sight of all this holiday cheer, and we hope you won't either! We couldn't wait to show you what you'll find NOW (tonight at 6PM anyway!) in store for you!

Oh, and just like the middle child who screams for attention lest you only notice the more shiny sibling, Thanksgiving is also here NOW!

Hope to see you soon! Our November sale is from Thursday, November 18 through Sunday, November 21. Go HERE for times and next month's sale dates!

A Potpourri Of Thanks

2010-11-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

We Roomies at Room With A Past are so lucky. We get to spend time with an ever-changing arena of seasonal beauty all around us.

That's something we can always count on and believe us, we're thankful for it. And if we were to make a list of the top reasons we are lucky to be able to do what we do, there's a few more things we'd have to add:

We get to work with some really great co-workers who are equally as excited about coming into work as we are and...

who are always ready to have some fun at the drop of a hat box!

We get to see all KINDS of unusual items and one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and even discover hidden gems-- like the birth dates of children written on the back of this vintage mirror, dating back to 1920!

But one of the things we are most thankful for, which is very near the top of our list is:

Great customers like YOU!!!

We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope to see you soon!

(Next sale dates: November 18 - 21st)

Thing Of The Past ~ A Peek Into Last Month's Shopping Cart

2010-11-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

Swing low, sweet dresser.....well we thought this piece was worth singing about, and it was priced for a song; $98.00! And moving over one step to the left....

we find this tallboy with the same price of $98.00! Love that flirty scalloped skirt and lovely gams! It was on wheels, too, which we love because you just know when a dresser is this pretty, it's gonna go fast!

Here's another beauty. It's like a four layer wedding cake with all that embellishment! Can you see the two "glove boxes" (one on either side) on the top? Talk about charming! Someone came in during the sale looking for a "fancy" dresser. We were going to show them this one, but while we were turned around, it sold (for $158.00)!

OK, time for a cuteness break. We had to show you these ceramic little ladies. They hold a candle for a birthday wish and then become a keepsake. We still have a few left, but sold about half of them at $10.00 each.

Can you imagine having this in your home with all your precious china displayed on it? Oops, sorry, you will have to keep on dreaming because this hutch and this cabinet ($272.00) were married and now are living happily ever after in their new home. We do our best to grab these when we see 'em while we're out hunting down the goods, so make sure you check next month when we'll have loads of furniture aimed at holiday entertaining needs.

Desks were a big seller last month. This feminine one, priced at $127.00, offered plenty of storage without being too big or bulky.

Seems like the ever popular multi-use able side table/end table/nightstand has become a staple for our customers because they just eat them up! This one, priced at $40.00, had a small drawer and a useful shelf below. Just plunk a cute lamp on top and you're in business.

Under this spooky display was a delicate-looking vanity with an equally spooky price: $150.00. We loved the pencil-thin legs, the satin black painted top (for a touch of something different) and the fact that it had three drawers across the front.

So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the November 18, 19, 20 & 21st sale listed here! (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email announcements so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

Woo Woo Woo Goes There?!?

2010-10-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

An owl sat watching in a tree,

Just as wise as he could be,

Watching tricksters from door to door run,

Trick or treating and having fun.

After he had watched the whole scene

He said, "Whoo, whoo, whoo

"It's Owl-o-ween!"

We hope you and your punkin' heads join us this month for our October 21 - 24th opening! Do you get the monthly announcement reminder before each Room With A Past sale? You can sign up HERE to start receiving it!

Without A Hitch

2010-09-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

The weather was iffy for our September Parking Lot sale, which was all the more reason for us Roomies to get our fannies in gear!

We hoisted five tents just in case, and set up shop outside.

Luckily not one drop fell and we were able to zip around slashing prices on things as our husbands and fans of empty garages everywhere rooted us on!

There was a little bit of everything

everywhere, every day during the weekend!

Blue skies, bargains and smiles--what more could a gal want?

Hope to see you next month: October 21 -24th! You can sign up here to receive the monthly announcement just a few days before each sale so you won't miss out! Or check out the Paris Flea Market October 7 - 10th!

Lots And Lots Out In The LOT!

2010-09-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is the parking lot where it's all going to happen today, Saturday September 18 (9AM-4PM), and Sunday the 19th (10AM-4PM).

And this is just a little peek at what we're famous for doing in said parking lot:

Yes, it's our end of summer PARKING LOT SALE, where there are "bargains to be had and always something to make you glad!"

We've got everything but the kitchen sink! You'll find furniture, linens, silver, garden items, clothes, jewelry, kitchen ware, art, mirrors,

lamps, rugs, lace, baskets and TONS more.

If it rains on our parade, we're going to hire a aeronautical virologist to seed the clouds above with tons of silica pellets we've saved from those little packages they put in shoe boxes to dry those drops right up. (Just seeing if your still reading our blog when you should be heading down to our SALE!)

(Photos from our last Parking Lot sale)

If it rains, just look for our tents. We've got a lotta stuff, so you might be able to actually see them from space! (Seriously, why are you not here already?!?!?!)

Book Review ~ Nell Hill's Style At Home

2010-09-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

In 1981, those of us who can't decide on just one "style" got lucky when Mary Carol Garrity opened her eclectic store called "Nell Hill" (named after her Grandmother) in Atchison, Kansas.
Garrity says she attracts customers with a unique product mix offered at competitive prices. "I like to think we work a little harder and dig a little deeper to stock interesting items." she explains.

Then in 2001, the same afore mentioned indecisive folks got lucky again when she wrote a 123 page book titled "Style At Home", making it easy to combine the

things we love that we formerly were taught don't always "go" together. In five chapters, she not only shows us every corner and vignette of her store (now expanded to three stores!) but her home as well, to give us ideas and permission to combine un-like styles!

Chapters include: Layers and Backdrops, Setting Still Lifes, Fabric Moods, Walls and Pictures and Romancing The Home,

each with plenty of color photos and tips on displaying our cherished treasures. It's definitely a "more is more" concept that keeps the eye flowing through a room!

As she states, "When someone visits a room I've had anything to do with, it usually takes a while to drink in the whole scene." You'll find yourself examining each photo for things you can try in your own home. (Make sure you see how she cleverly displays things in spaces you didn't know you had!)

In the back of the book is a further education on her Golden Rules of decorating and the use of each room in your home, 10 items that she has multiple uses for, and lists of even more tips on accessories, layering, quick changes and

seven decorating myths to happily ignore!

Who would like this book? Someone who can see the beauty in a huge gold framed mirror just as easily as the beauty of a white paint-chipped armoire. Someone who wants to be freed of having to choose sides when it comes to cottage, French, rustic and all the other styles we collect as we go through different stages in our lives! Someone who loves it all and wants to be surrounded by it!

This book will open the eyes, take the hand and whisper "welcome home" in the ears of everyone who has collections of unique items.

Nell Hill's Style At Home

Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City

ISBN: 0-7407-1874-6

Hardback $27.95 USA

Tables With A Side Of "CUTE" Please

2010-08-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you for coming. How may I take your order? A side table? Yes, we have lots of those!

Something a little different you say? I suggest you try something from our sampler. How about a vintage side table that's been spiffed up with a bright & happy color?

Or may I suggest a double-decker?

The yellow is especially yummy today.

Would you like your legs, well done?

Would you like that open-faced?

Yes, you can order two open-faced ones if you like!

and for dessert--something cool and refreshing, or

something very sweet is highly recommended also.

Now that you've had your fill, would you like the rest (on wheels) to go?

Thank you very much for coming, we enjoyed treating you, and we hope you'll come back soon!

Little Things Mean A Lot!

2010-08-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

We're still working "behind the curtain" at the shop to get everything just right for our opening this Thursday evening from 6PM - 9PM, but we've got time to take a break and give you a little peek!

There's still summery things a-plenty,

along with beachy colors

mixed in with unusual goodies

and you can always expect to find something cute to make you smile!

But with summer beginning to fade away, you might be happy to find ways to plan for decorating the season just ahead.

And there's lots of shiny things that will catch your eye,

along with classic elegantly chic & shabby finds!

OK, the tea party's over....

we've got to get back to work! Hope to see you this Thursday - Sunday! For more information on times and dates, check HERE!

Things Are Looking Up!

2010-08-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our shop can be for the birds, literally!

We have lots customers who come into our store, but at times they let us know about a problem they have:

They go around the store several times but they don't know if they've seen everything there is to see!

For those about to shop, we offer this advice passed on from scores of our, shall we say, more "seasoned" shoppers:

You have to go around at least twice and follow these instructions--

The first time walk the floor clockwise, the next time walk it counter-clockwise!

OR...

The first time look only at things from your neck down, the second time look UP!!!

(You'd be surprised at what you might find up there!)

Or way down low!

For the birds indeed!

Hey--whudder you looking at?!?!

Hey Sis!

2010-08-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Sisters have a special relationship for lots of reasons:

You can borrow her clothes.

When you attend parties together you're guaranteed a dance partner.

She's your pal through thick and thin, in any kind of weather.

She won't tell mom when you do things you're forbidden to do.

She strengthens your resolve and encourages you to do things you might not normally try!

(All photos are from Shorpy)

If you don't have a sister of your own, we hope you'll make time to visit ours!

Our sister store, Paris Flea Market in Livermore, CA is celebrating a GRAND OPENING which begins tonight! Click HERE for more information.

Congratulations Sis!

Book Of Inspiration

2010-07-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

From Jo Packham & Jenny Doh, who brought you all of the "Where Women Create" publications now comes their most exciting book yet "Book Of Inspiration--In The Studio And Behind The Scenes With Extraordinary Women".

This 144 page book is divided into 23 chapters, each one delving deeply into one woman's perspective and background on her art and the area (from a very tiny nook to an expansive studio) where it all happens.

Each artist (from fabulous to famous--a few of them even frequent Room With A Past!) is given a chance to intimately share her memories,

trademark colors, favorite quote, tricks to stay inspired, tips for organization and

exercises to fuel creativity that we can all use.

Shown in beautiful photos are ways to use vintage furnishings, shelving and accessories to

store, organize and display supplies and completed works of art.

The pages urge you to keep what inspires you in plain sight and

as you read about the trials and triumphs of each artist, you may recognize yourself at the stage you presently find yourself in whether you're creative or not!

Priced at $24.95, it's well worth the trips you'll find yourself taking as you get lost in each of the narrative voices of the personalities who created each space.

Book Of Inspiration--In The Studio And Behind The Scenes With Extraordinary Women

Lark Books, New York/London

ISBN # 978-1-60059-564-6

Thing Of The Past ~ A Peek Into The Last Sale's Shopping Cart

2010-07-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever snuck a peek at what the person next to you in the check-out line has in their cart? "What did they get? How much did they pay for it? And where did they find it because I want one too!"It's a lot like that at the shop during the sale: people are always so curious as to what's been bought and is heading out the door. Well, we know it's not quite the same, but in the interest of quenching your curiosity, we thought we'd show you what were the most popular and fasted-selling items for July's opening. (You can click on the photos to see them larger.)
The first items on our shopping list is this pine table on wheels ($65.00) and this vintage painted cabinet with a cute little glass knob. Can't you just see these guys being pressed into use in your grandma's kitchen? They were only in the shop for one day before they were gone...

This stack-style dresser ($87.00) held on through Saturday. We had (as always) a huge selection of vintage dressers--short and tall--to choose from. Next month, we plan to have a bunch of desks for all those students heading back to school!

Finding artful bargains in July was like a day at the beach! Everyone was eyeing the beautiful form and color of this original painting. It hit the road pretty quickly priced at only $28.00! It's new owner not only had good taste, but she also found a gold coin worth 10% off during our July Treasure Hunt!

(We had a few pirates and a wench who were all too happy to greet our customers and let them know all about the Treasure Hunt!)

This nightstand, also priced at $28.00, and this

extremely hard-to-find vintage metal arched headboard ($175.00) are gone, gone, gone.

Okay, now brace yourself. We are going to show you something so cute that you will slap yourself silly in regret that someone other than YOU is sitting in it right now! Ready?............

Isn't this chair the cutest thing you ever saw?!??! Would you believe it's in perfect shape and IT'S NOT FABRIC???????? It's vinyl! Really! You had to touch it to believe it! Wouldn't the world be a more tidy place if everything was cute AND washable?!?!?!? It was only $38.00!

And here's the biggest thing we sold in July; this handsomely shabbified huge buffet! We'd love to visit it at it's new home and see how it's doing. We truly do get attached to the things we sell! If it wouldn't be in our own homes, we wouldn't have it in the shop, cuz we know what you like!

Here's looking at you, kid. We'd never seen a vintage Venetian mirror ($72.00) with this shape and detail before. We're sure it's a nice reflection on it's new owner's sense of style.

So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the August Sale listed here! (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email announcements so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

Was It All Just A Dream.........?

2010-07-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

I awoke with a start; the sound of cruel laughter in the cold, damp night air from above. The wooden sounds of shoes dancing to a pirate tune, and tankards clanging drew me above deck. I gathered up my emerald taffeta and tulle gown, and in my bare feet, started up the dark stairs led by the scent of seawater and a faint glow from the moon, only to find HIM looking down on me from his perch in the crow's nest, the full moon behind his broad shoulders!

I was in the midst of a celebration and as the crew danced and flailed wildly, one of them grabbed my delicate arm and spun me around. Breathlessly, I wriggled free and ran to find a hiding spot, but instead was dazzled by the display of an open treasure chest still wet from the depths of the sea!

So many treasures of silver, jewels, fine lace, and then something shiny stopped me in my tracks! HE ordered his men to capture me, but I brushed away their boney hands as I stared, mesmerized into the infinite layers of ALL THAT TREASURE!

And then, just as my eyes could no longer bare the gleaming booty any longer, I SAW IT! A gold coin worth $100 (they also have coins that are good for $25, $50, $75 and 10% off!) to spend at Room With A Past! I knew their next sale was upon me from July 15-18th, and would have to act quickly, snatching up the coin (and not forgetting I could savor the chocolate inside later) I ran to the edge of the ship, expertly dodging the piles of thick rope on the slippery floor boards at my tiny feet.

My ample breasts heaving against a matching emerald lace corset, I leaned over the rough-hewn railing and knew I had a decision to make: stay here on this creaky, smelly ship with HIM (eeww), or jump into the murky depths, swim to shore and have just enough time to pull the seaweed from my lustrous long flowing hair, before arriving at the sale at Room With A Past.

I hear seaweed has many natural moisturizing properties...

Happy Fourth!

2010-07-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

We ROOMIES have just enough time before we join the parade to extend a heartfelt "Happy Fourth of July!" to all our loyal customers. Please have a safe holiday weekend, and we'll see you at our next opening: July 15, 16, 17 & 18th.

There's A Whole LOT to See!

2010-06-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Are you any where near Walnut Creek, CA? If not, do you have quick access to a jet plane? A speedy train? A pal with an extra set of goggles and a sidecar?!?!? You have GOT to make it here to the last day of our annual parking lot sale! Not only do we have all the stuff we usually have inside the shop, but we've brought in everything we've been stashing in our garages, up in the attic and under our beds for this outside sale!

This is the sale that even us resident ROOMIES go crazy over, because "one well-intentioned woman's once sought after trash is one highly imaginative, see it in another re-purposed use woman's treasure"!

There is literally a ton of items here waiting to furnish several houses, or

gardens, or .........!

We (read: our husbands) DO NOT want any of this stuff to go back into storage. There are serious steals and deals waiting to be had. A whole LOT of them!

(Can't make this sale? Sign up on our email list HERE to find out about our next monthly sale!)

Now THAT'S Old School!

2010-06-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

(Jean K and Janice T)

One of our customers, Janice T. (on the right) was in our shop during one of our sales a few months back and spotted an ashtray that looked very familiar! She made it a few years back. (OK it was more than a few years back!) She was a sophomore in high school, in Cincinnati, Ohio and was enrolled in a ceramic class. She turned it over and showed us that her initials were still written on the under side of it.

What are the odds that a high school art project and its creator end up in the same place at the same time once again on the opposite side of the United States? Jean K., one of our lovely consignors, found this treasure and thought "It'll be one of those items that someone will just have to have." Janice passed on purchasing it, letting another shopper scoop up the treasure and let the enjoyment continue.

We can't promise you'll find your "past" at our shop, but we think the odds of you finding something you'll love at our sales (next sale: June 24, 25, 26 & 27th) are pretty good!

Thing Of The Past ~ Peek Into Last Month's Shopping Cart!

2010-06-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

The first item on our shopping list is the white dresser to the right. White dressers are always in high demand, and because this one was priced at only $155.00, it was gone before you could say "I need a place to store my bloomers"!

This little blue nightstand was every one's favorite pick last month. Its new owner couldn't resist its charm (or the $58.00 price!) either. She snapped it up and then kept on shopping until she found the perfect lace doily to put on top. We're sure they'll be very happy together!

This channel-back chair ($62.00) covered in a sunny yellow was gone so quick we thought it ran away on it's cute little legs! The dresser ($120.00) got lonely and left soon after!

Another dresser, this one in the palest of yellows, was spotted near the front door, and it didn't have to go very far to get out to the parking lot and loaded up after it was purchased for $115.00.

Whew! Toting all those cute bargains out to our customers cars had me breathless! I was just about to sit down right here in this darling little skirted chair at this uniquely aged-finished desk..oops..it's sold too! Well whaddya expect when it was priced at $120.00? Back to work...

We are gathered here today to witness the joining of this comfy blue moire chair ($42.00), and this bun-footed white dresser ($70.00), with their new owners. I now pronounce you bought and sold!

We sold a lot of great stuff, but don't worry; we've already hunted down more goodies for this month's opening (June 24 - 27th), and we're sure you'll find something that's just your TYPE! (Vintage typewriter sold for $84.00!)

So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the June Sale listed here! (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email announcements so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

Did We Mention We Got (Another!) Mention?

2010-06-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

We are just giddy, yet humbled at the same time to be a featured spread in the May 2010 edition of Today's Vintage Magazine! Have you seen their new "look"? It's fantastic!

We earned a blurb in April's edition in a feature on Walnut Creek happenings. This time, we were interviewed and from that a lovely story was composed that reports all about us and our monthly sales! You can read it and see more pictures HERE.

Did We Mention We Got A Mention?

2010-05-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

We were happily surprised when one of our customers brought a bit a good news into the shop during our last opening!

It's an article from BAY AREA SPACES MAGAZINE, The Premier Magazine of Design about Room With A Past! They had contacted us a few months ago after researching local booming businesses, and came by to take some photos. What a wonderfully, witty, written way to be congratulated for our six year anniversary! You can read it online HERE.

Women Under Glass

2010-05-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Women have long been the subject of beautiful art:

From "Pink Girl"

to staged photographs,

and collectible prints by popular artists.

We always celebrate women at Room With A Past!

(Heck, just being a woman is an art!)

Because, (as much as we love 'em) guys, well,

they don't always "get it"; this love of being surrounded by beautiful things!

Hope to see you at our next sale: May 29, 21, 22 & 23rd!

Happy-Hatty Mother's Day!

2010-05-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

We can't help it. We see a cute baby in the shop,

grab one of the cute hats we've got on display

and before you know it, we've got ourselves a cutie-patootie photo op!

Who could resist those sweet little "ROOMIE-in-training" bundles?!?!?!

Ok, this one's may NOT be wearing a HAT, but his name is Gavin Lee Huddleston (Grandma is a ROOMIE) and he IS wearing a smile!!!

From all of us ROOMIES and FLEAS; hope all you moms and grandmoms have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Standing The Test Of Time

2010-04-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

If time has to march on, then at least give us something nice to look at while we watch!!! How can you resist these cute faces? From elegant to funky (dig that pink triangle!), these clocks are popping up all over the shop. Which means it's time for us to mention this: April 2010 ticks off the sixth anniversary of Room With A Past! That's right! It's been six years full of timeless treasures and one-of-a-kind finds for you, and a huge group of loyal (not to mention really, really FUN) customers for us! Please give yourselves a hand as we head into another year of even more good times!

Did We Mention We Got A Mention?

2010-04-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the April 2010 edition of Today's Vintage Magazine, we hope you pick one up soon! It's always chock-full of interesting information on home decorating shops, decorating with vintage items, and antique show/flea market schedules.

Room With A Past is honored to be featured in it this month, in an article highlighting the happenings in Walnut Creek, CA!

It's a great time for this article to appear, as we are opening this week, April 15, 16, 17 &18th, for our sale! Sign up for our monthly email announcement HERE and you'll always be reminded of our once-a-month dates!

Over-all Over-haul!

2010-04-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Remember this room at our new Paris Flea Market located in Livermore? It's been given a "make-over" if you will:

And this hallway--it's been given an "over-hall"!!!

And we still have a basket full

of plans, ideas and color yet to come!

How funny that we found the color theme we chose months ago

featured in the April 2010 issue of Traditional Home Magazine!

Hot punchy pink,

citrus-y chartrese greens accented with black!

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to our May 2010 opening!

It's Just Like Riding A Bike!

2010-03-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

There are some things you will never forget, and having FUN should be one of them! We had an impromptu Parking Lot Sale during our last opening at the shop to promote more FUN than one person should be allowed to have!

Luckily, there are now 31 of us in-house ROOMIES, so the FUN was spread amongst us all!

And with 31 of us, we had a parking lot FULL of bargains:

(Can you imagine what the insides of our garages look like?!?!?)

We hope you came, shopped and conquered, but if you missed all the FUN, you'll be happy to know we have another Parking Lot Sale planned for our June opening on the 24, 25, 26 & 27th. Sign up now to receive an email reminder!

Roomies ~ Caught With Our Bloomers Down!

2010-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

As ROOMIES, we love a good time just as much as the next gal, but getting caught with your bloomers down isn't as scandalous as one might think! Sure, It can be dirty, but not THAT kind of dirty. Today we're giving you a little "Hey, I'm not ready for my close-up Mr. DeVille!" peek at what it DOES mean.

ROOMIES love vintage furniture, and the accessories that are the sugar to our "eye-candy". We love beautiful fabrics, old books with foxing, and art that depicts simpler times. We love things that sparkle, unexpected colors popping off each other, as well as hues that are soft & soothing. But most of all we love it when it when our plan comes together!

Being a ROOMIE not only means "taking stock" of what you've got, it also means cleaning stock, arranging stock and bringing in "new" stock every month.

It means arriving to the shop with a truckload of things (usually on your day off from your "real" job) that you've handpicked from all the estate sales & flea markets that had you traveling all over the county!

It means you climb ladders, step on stools, get down on your hands & knees and appreciate the help and support from anyone who'll give it to you, just so you can realize the dream of working in a store you love!

It means you move furniture that is three times as big as you are (by yourself usually!) until it "moves" you.

It means you "listen" to a piece and paint it the exact color it's whispering to be painted.

It means you take a moment to collect your thoughts and imagine a hundred times where a hundred things would look best. It means being the muscle, having the vision and putting your heart into every hard-working minute of it.

It means taking a pile of wonderful things you have a connection with,

and making it look like someone else could walk right in, sit down...

and live there!

Now that you've seen the "before", we hope you'll come see what we've "done with the place" this month. Our sale starts this Thursday, March 18th and continues through Sunday, March 21st. Sign up on our email list and we'll be happy to send you a reminder every month!

Paris Flea Market ~ Lueur!

2010-03-10T20:47:00.001-08:00

Remember this plywood floor and exposed drywall? It's begun its transformation!

The walls are primed and the floors are ready for a (surprise) fun treatment upstairs!

The walls downstairs are starting to glow...

Here's that wide hallway we were talking about in the previous post:

Things are looking good in the powder room too!

And the stark wall behind this vanity is no longer.....!

Oops, you got a little paint on your nose there!

We've been working hard and having fun at our new Paris Flea Market (Livermore, CA) location, but now it's time to scrub our hands clean and get ready for our Room With A Past (Walnut Creek, CA) March opening which starts next Thursday, March 18th. Hope to see you soon!

What's Black & White & Pink All Over?!?!?

2010-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

It's all of us ROOMIES! You'll notice we've all got a little "pink in our cheeks" these days because we have some exciting news to share with all of our fellow ROOMIES out there in blog-land who love Room With A Past so much!

First of all, The polls are open and you can go to the Diablo Magazine website to vote for your favorite stores, services and restaurants in the East Bay! You might win a trip for two to Maui just for casting your vote, too! Polls close on March 31, 2010.

Second of all, starting in May 2010, we'll be opening a "sister" location!!! Can you stand to see more of the great vintage items we always have?

Here's a sneak peak at what you'll see when you come to our Paris Flea Market location in Livermore just off Highway 580.

The front entry with a room full of goodies to the left and the wide hallway on the right which leads down to two more rooms...

then through this door (looking back into where you just came from) to another nook of a room and a grand plaza-to-be, full of more treasures and the garden area. Hey, what's that up top you say?

Let's go see, shall we? After you!

Look--it's a ballroom! Not really, but it IS the area we've been doing the HAPPY DANCE because we're just so excited to be here and share the beginning of a new dream with you!

Here's the balcony with...

a view of the garden area below!

And we've saved one of our favorite features for last:

a huge roll-up door! Just pull around back and we'll load it for you!

We hope you liked this little tour. We still have so much to do with all the possibilities that are ahead of us. We do have one dilemma, however: if a fan of Room With A Past is called a ROOMIE, what will a fan of Paris Flea Market be called? A FLEA? A MARKETEER? Whatever you call one, you can be sure when they respond, they will be black & white and PINK all over!

Thing Of The Past ~ Peek Into Our Last Sale's Shopping Cart

2010-02-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever snuck a peek at what the person next to you in the check-out line has in their cart? "What did they get? How much did they pay for it? And where did they find it because I want one too!"

It's a lot like that at the shop during the sale: people are always so curious as to what's been bought and is heading out the door. Well, we know it's not quite the same, but in the interest of quenching your curiosity, we thought we'd show you what were the most popular and fasted-selling items for February's opening. (You can click on the photos to see them larger.)

First off, we need to "hand" it to our new consignors who joined us this month for the first time, and brought some very unusual items to sell! They went like hotcakes smothered in syrup on a Sunday morning!

If you needed a charming piece of functional furniture, we had it!

You could dress them up and take them out (the door!).

Who could resist this pair? Not a certain someone we know!

Talk about storage! This was such a versatile piece. The new owner might use it as a sofa table or a credenza in an office.

This dresser went home to a teen girl's room and it will be the center of attraction, we're sure!

And this was the first of many Spring-green cottage pieces we introduced this month. We'll have a ton more next month!

And even though this lovely pin is gone, we'll always "wear our heart on our sleeve" for our lovely customers and provide you with something you can truly love each month!

So there's your peek. All done without any sidelong glances, squeaky-wheeled shopping carts or worrying about picking the slowest check-out line in the store. Maybe next month you'll see a picture of what YOU bought at the March sale (March 18, 19, 20 & 21) listed here! We'll have a ton of garden art & accessories, and show you many clever, green ways to re-use vintage items in your home. (You can also SIGN UP to get the monthly email newsletters so you'll be reminded of each sale and any monthly contests just before it happens.)

If You Love It Sooo Much Why Don't You Marry It?

2010-02-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

What's a fun-lovin' gal to do when she is head over heels, in love with what she does for a living?

(Susan Goodman--owner & a friend)

Vase-less flowers + a vintage wedding veil + a stray male customer who was accosted by a vintage ladies hat = a little impromptu ceremony! It's just one of the fun things that happens when the ROOMIES (who never miss an opportunity to have fun) at Room With A Past get together.

Our February sale is upon us, so please consider this your cordial invitation! The pleasure of your company is requested to witness our customers falling in love with our one-of-a-kind finds through Sunday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

We hope the sweetest day of the year arrives finding you luxuriating in bed, with chocolate on your fingertips. Rest up, my sweet! You'll need your cocoa-infused energy spurt this Thursday through Sunday for our February 18 - 21 opening! Valentine's Day will be over, but we'll still have lots of XOXOXO's for you!

These chairs are PAIR-a-dice to a ROOMIE!

You can wear your heart on your sleeve and all the way down passed your knees in this fancy coat!

Getting "benched" is a good thing when you think about it.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for this darling table with four chairs! (And that bench would look so nice at the end of a bed!)

Now how about adding a little pink to your cheeks; do you know about our February contest for a $100 gift certificate? You would if you are signed up to receive our monthly email announcement! It's the best way to keep up on special sales and events we have going on throughout the year!

Did We Mention We Got A Mention?

2010-02-10T07:13:00.001-08:00

Have you ever noticed how the phrase "Act your age" is usually being uttered by someone looking down their nose at joviality and can be translated to "Stop having so much fun"?
We have some words of advice for you: DON'T STOP! You've got to have your fun while you can find it!

(Mary's Purses at Room With A Past January 2010)

Here's someone who took that advice: Bonnie at One Designing Woman! Funny how one simple find can call your name, and tell you to "carry on with the frivolity!" Carry on...

Before And After ~ Baby Crib

2010-02-03T07:23:00.000-08:00

Got the baby blues, or maybe a little empty nest syndrome? Well, cheer up. We're of the belief that when life gives you lemons, you don't stop at lemon aide. You sweeten it up a notch, give it some substance and make lemon pie. In other words, you take what you've got and change it into something new you can use!

This was the headboard of the out-dated, wood crib above before it became a chalkboard message center. (Or an ever-changing favorite quotes board as it is below).

Not to be tossed aside on recycling day is the side rail, which can be hung from the ceiling and used as a pot rack type configuration to store items up high as shown here,

or hang it on a wall to store and display linens, or use it as a quilt rack. You've got two of them, so you can have one of each!

But wait, theeeerrrrrrre's more! You can use the springy mattress support as a bulletin board! Use magnets or cute clips to attach anything you want to see front and center.

What ingredients have you got laying around that could be a recipe for a transformation? Get cookin'!

We Shutter To Think!

2010-01-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

We all know that shutters add instant cottage charm almost as fast as snapping your fingers. We've always got a few pairs tucked between our monthly treasures at the shop. Can you see them here?

Look closer!

See them?!?!?!

Shutters can add architectural interest, plus a beach-y or French flair, with different paint colors and finishes. Armed with a few ideas, next time you see some shutters you know what you can do with them to add that charm to your house!

Martha's Craft Of The Day email lands in our inbox every day. It's always something simple with readily available materials, and always looks great! That's why this one really caught our eye:

(Photo: MarthaStewart.com)

Keeping the look you want in mind, re-peruse those home decorating books and magazines you already have. We're betting you'll spy more ideas than you can shake a screwdriver at!

(Photos: Better Homes And Gardens)

Or try a web search and see what sparks your interest, then take it from there and make it your own.

(Photo: DIYideas.com)

So think outside the ol' (window) box and show us what you come up with!

January: In Like A Sparkle, Out Like A Rose

2010-01-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

As much as we love the holidays, honey, are we ever ready for a change. Outside we see gray clouds and rain, but you'd never know it but looking at our insides!

There's a touch of it everywhere. We're like a winter jacket with a pink satin lining, or a tightly wound bud with a flower bursting forth. This is not a month of your Forrest Gump box of chocolates: you KNOW what you're gonna get, and it's all candy for the eye!
We're ready to drink it in, eat it up and wear it on our sleeves!

This month's opening starts THIS THURSDAY from 6 PM - 9 PM, so button up your overcoat, and join us!

Jump Start Your Heart!

2010-01-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

"Pink, salmon, rose, peach. I'll take a generous sliver of each"

We can't get enough of it!

It's de-lightful, it's de-lovely

And it's SO DELICIOUS!

Who cares if it's raining outside? Just like the secret satin lining in your favorite purse, this month we're busy lining the shop in PINKS!

We've decided not to wait until next month when Valentine's Day finally makes its appearance. We want it PINK and we WANT IT NOW!

Hey how did this get in here? You must admit pink is nice, but you gotta have something to make you SMILE too!

See you soon at our January opening from Jan. 21 through 24th!

Another Year Of FUN Starts in Flannel!

2010-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

What's a gal to do when she's spent the last month (or more!) finding gifts to give, wrapping, cooking, taking care of kids on winter break and organizing holiday get togethers? Don your jammies, girl and TAKE A BREAK!

When you put on your PJ's and wear them outside your house, you can't help but have a good day. (You can quote us on that). Yes, maybe you'll get some strange stares, but more likely you'll get lots of smiles, and people wishing they'd thought of doing that too!

Now that you mention it, some of our customers DID think of it and carried through with that thought:

We hope you made it to our New Year's day sale, where we started the year off with not a bang, but a slouch instead. (There's a lot to be said for slouching.)

If you missed our special half-off sale, you really ought to sign up on our email list so you'll receive our monthly announcements which include our special events and sales.

So grab your coffee, shuffle over to your comfy chair and relax for now. It's gonna be a busy year, but we want you to be able to slow down enough to notice the FUN things you can do, too. Maybe you're back to work, back to school, or back to "real life" now, but we can see that flannel peeking out from under your collar!

Start It Off HAPPY!

2009-12-31T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hope you'll join us on New Year's Day from 9 AM to 3 PM for some old-fashioned prices (1/2 off on all holiday items), complimentary brunch and boy, have we got a DEAL for you! For one day only, you can deal with our dealers to get the best price possible on ANYTHING in the store!!!

See our web site for more details, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Past Due Tuesday ~ Pet 'O My Heart

2009-12-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things vintage get their due by sharing them with others!

If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

For what purpose was the artist or maker of these vintage and unmarked ceramic figurines attending to at the time of their creation?

A menagerie of spaghetti canines, dapper dogs

smoothly finished ducks

collies with collar ruffs like a lions.

They just beg to be noticed, and will sit still long enough for us to do so!

One place we can be sure that the kitties will sit peacefully next to the dogs is our own curio shelf.

For what purpose....?? Just to make us SMILE!!!!!!!!

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

1) Post a picture of something vintage that you love, on your blog and tell us all about it! What’s the story behind it? Do you have an entire collection of them? Where’d you get it? Who did it belong to? What do you use it for, etc?
2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).
3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.

(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:
A. Save the image on this post to your computer.
B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.
C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.
D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!
5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

Party Like An ELF!

2009-12-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

We ROOMIES never do anything half-way! With Christmas spirit in the air, we donned our elf ears, hats, pointy shoes and were ready will beg, borrow or steal a reindeer to get to our Room With A Past ELF PARTY! Luckily, all we had to do was pass through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then walk through the Caldecott Tunnel.

We loaded up candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup, had the World's Best Coffee and played some games. There were a few snowball fights instigated by cotton-headed ninny-muggins but

we soon were happy once again and it was just nice to be with another humans that share our affinity for elf culture.

We made paper chains, laughed til we cried, and smiled (it's our favorite). It was overheard more than once as we snuggled good-night, that we all "feel really warm when I'm around you and my tongue swells up."

What's YOUR favorite color?

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear, so we want you to know that we all are singing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" right now just for you!

Happy Holidays,

The ROOMIES

Past Due Tuesday ~ Have A (Glass) Ball (Ornie)

2009-12-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things vintage get their due by sharing them with others!
If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

All that glitters is not gold. Some of it is glass! And today we are featuring what is all around us this time of year--vintage glass ornament bulbs. Traditionally found hung as reflective mini fun house mirrors (come on, we KNOW you've looked at your face in one at least once in your life, right?) on REAL Christmas trees in the 1940's and 1950's, they have many other more "modern" uses in today's holiday vignettes, too.

Layered in large clear vases and jars, they are lovely! Or add them as embellishments to your tired wreaths hung on your front door for a smile every time you come and go!

Use them in crafts, or make a centerpiece using bulbs of your theme colors nestled in a long vessel on your holiday table.

Even if they loose their colorful "skins", they still have life yet. You can soak them in warm water, and the skins will slough away. Then you'll be left with shining silver glass. Crush them (carefully) to a pulp to produce glitter (which will eventually tarnish) for even more creativity throughout the holidays and the new year!!!

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.

(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:

A. Save the image on this post to your computer.

B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.

C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.

D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

Surprises For You "In Store"

2009-12-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

Who are these women? Why are they wearing pajamas and slippers? Knowing the answer could save you some money, get you a breakfast buffet, and save you from a day of football and parades! Find out what you'll have to smile about by signing up HERE on our email list, and get our monthly announcement that will give you the scoop!

Past Due Tuesday ~ Home Tweet Home

2009-12-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things vintage get their due by sharing them with others!

If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

Although the trend of "all birds, all the time" has cooled somewhat over the last 3 years, the popularity of bird cages hasn't flown the coop! More common are vintage metal cages (on a stand if you please), but

every once in a while, like now, we are in a flux with bamboo and wire cages.

The ones we have at the shop are not marked, but we believe all of these cages to be not of USA origin; most are imported from China. They are probably from the late 1970's although they could be newer too. When they've been painted, it's hard to tell.

Because their design and textures are so eye-catching people love to use them "as is" to decorate, or they like to put plants in them for display. And even though birds can tenaciously chew their way through the bamboo, with a little trickery you can house a real (small) bird in them. You must first keep your bird in an all metal cage for at least 6 months. When they learn they can't defeat the metal bars, they won't even try to chew through the bamboo ones! (Consult your feathered friends veterinarian for more information before trying this).

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

1) Post a picture of something vintage that you love, on your blog and tell us all about it! What’s the story behind it? Do you have an entire collection of them? Where’d you get it? Who did it belong to? What do you use it for, etc?

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.

(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:
A. Save the image on this post to your computer.
B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.
C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.
D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

All The Trimmings And $100 For You!

2009-12-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

We've got trees trimmed all over the store and are almost ready to open the door at the shop for our December Opening which starts TONIGHT!!!

One of these trees has a $pecial ornament on it, and it could be yours just for coming in! Let's see if we can peer through the fluffy forest and find it:

This one sure is pretty, but it's not the "$pecial" one.

Ooooooh so pink and sweet, but not the $pecial one either.

Hey, that's cute, but still not what I'm looking for.

Wait, what's this?????

There's a bird in this tree who's all 'a twitter!

WOW! He's trying to tell us something! What's that? This i$ the tree?!?!? It has a $100 gift certificate attached to it! "Tweet, tweet, tweet-tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet*!"

*Translation: "Win this tree and a $100 gift certificate to Room With A Past by coming in during our sale this month and filling out a raffle ticket! You can get MORE chances to win by bringing a friend, a canned food item to donate to the CC Food Bank, or when you make a purchase! A drawing will be held on Dec. 13th. Need not be present to win!"

Past Due Tuesday ~ Santa Baby

2009-12-08T07:36:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things vintage get their due by sharing them with others!

If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

We're deep in SANTA MODE here at the shop, so we donned our snowshoes and set out in hunt of the jolly vintage ceramic Santa's who have taken up residence for our upcoming sale this month! He's a busy guy, but let's see if we can catch him before he dashes off with his reindeer to his appointed rounds.

Looks like Santa threw a shoe! That would make a cute planter!

His eyes-how they twinkled!
Santa head sugar and creamer. Look at those blue eyes! These are the only ones that were marked. They say "Thelma" on the bottom.

His dimples how merry! Santa "tumbler".

His cheeks were like roses
Spaghetti Santa (these are getting harder to find, but they remain as popular as ever).

his nose like a cherry!
Big Santa cookie jar giving us Santa's famous wink!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
Santa pitcher and mugs. There's those clear blue eyes again, giving us another wink!

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
More Santa mugs!

Santa salt & pepper set

But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

There's A Little More Room For ROOMIES!

2009-12-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you've come to the end? You don't always have to stop. One remedy is to create your own destiny! Take a clue from Harold and his Purple Crayon.

Don't let a closed door stand in your way.

Enlighten it!

Do something out of the ordinary that will really floor people!

And you'll never run out of ROOM!

There's always more room to be had at our next opening on December 10, 11, 12 & 13th.

Past Due Tuesday ~ Baby Days

2009-11-30T18:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things vintage get their due by sharing them with others!

If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

When was the last time you wore something soft and soothing (which probably smelled good too!)? Seems like when you're 18 - 45 years old your fashion sense is whatever is in style at the time, and comfort takes a seat in the very back of the vogue train. Speaking from experience, this ROOMIE can say that things start to lax again at the other end of the life curve. Yes, winter fleece sweatpants start to look better and better every year. But I digress. Think back to when you were very very small, and were carefully wrapped in something cute like this:

Can't you just smell the cloud of baby powder from the 1940's to 1950's from here?

Tiny buttons, ties, minute needlework and nursery animal shapes makes these baby wraps so precious. Even if your own babies are grown, can't you imagine displaying these on a clothesline, making pillows or something out of these? After all, CUTE is always in style!

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.

(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:

A. Save the image on this post to your computer.

B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.

C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.

D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

Happy Thanksgiving ~ Bounty Of Beauty

2009-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

To all ROOMIES far and near
We hope this day to your heart is dear.
On this thought we can agree
"I'm thankful for the beauty which surrounds me."

Past Due Tuesday ~ Get Cookin' (Or Bakin')!

2009-11-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things vintage get their due by sharing them with others!

If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us! Cass at That Old House did just that last week, and we're so happy she did (welcome Cass!)!

Have you ever seen one of these?

We don't see them very often either! It's called a "Possum Belly Baker's Table". Care to guess why? The two drawers on the bottom pull open to reveal the answer:

The grey metal (steel?) "possum belly" bins are curved for easy scooping. These get filled with flours and dry ingredients needed to bake breads, cakes and pastries. This one has two cutting boards that pull open also.

They can date back to 1905 and were household workhorses. Maybe they were worked out of existence? In any case, we're happy this sturdy survivor found its way to the shop! We've also seen them converted into a desk by removing the bottom drawers.

Speaking of drawers, look at the pulls depicting a lyre! Love that!

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:
1) Post a picture of something vintage that you love, on your blog and tell us all about it! What’s the story behind it? Do you have an entire collection of them? Where’d you get it? Who did it belong to? What do you use it for, etc?

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.
(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:
A. Save the image on this post to your computer.
B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.
C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.
D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

No Fudging On The Smiles!

2009-11-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Wow, we had a super busy sale this month, full of fun and lots of great vintage holiday stuff, but with one more opening coming up before Christmas, we're not done yet!!! Expect to see us unpack even more stuff from our personal seasonal stash (some of us are down-sizing at home and you reap the benefits of our "goodie hoarding" big time next month.)

Kitty, (owner) Susan and Jennifer O'Neil

We also, once again, were graced with the smiles of Kitty and Jennifer O'Neil . I know these gals love our shop, but I think they heard we were selling Charlotte's Fudge and needed a OHMYGOODNESSTHISISGOOD moment! Don't worry if you missed that too--there will be fudge o' plenty (packed with a fork for immediate consumption!) at our December sale too!

Past Due Tuesday ~ Sitting Pretty

2009-11-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things "vintage" get their due by sharing them with others!
If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

Every once in a while you see a vintage chair which stands out. This time my little eye spies TWO chairs in this category! They've got it all. Love the warm walnut finish, the detail in the woven cane, the sheen of the pinky peach fabric and the tufting on the upholstery, and they're comfortable! These are hard to date when they are in such good condition. Could be from the 1940's - 1970's, as the compact style and wood tone was popular in both eras, according to the (admittedly dilettante) knowledge we've garnered from having beautiful pieces passing in and out of the threshold of our doors.

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:
1) Post a picture of something vintage that you love, on your blog and tell us all about it! What’s the story behind it? Do you have an entire collection of them? Where’d you get it? Who did it belong to? What do you use it for, etc?

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.
(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:
A. Save the image on this post to your computer.
B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.
C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.
D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

November Opening Starts Tonight!

2009-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Fall is here and we have been inside setting things up, unmindful as the wind blows outside.

The first night of our monthly opening is always a rush as we tend to last minute preparations so that everything is "just so" before our customers come in the shop.

It's kind of like a carnival ride; exciting & expectant. Then at 6 PM sharp, the ride starts. We can't keep from grinning ear to ear. We all hang on tight, and look at each other one more time as if to say "Here weeeeeeeeee go! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" as the first customers come in the door and find the magic we've worked so hard to create.

We hope you love the mixed potpourri we have in store for you this month. A lot of Autumn, a lot of Holiday, and as always,

lots of reasons to say "Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Our hours this month HERE.

Past Due Tuesday ~ Oval Ceramic Platters

2009-11-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things "vintage" get their due by sharing them with others!

Thanks to you that joined us last time, especially the new bloggers from 4 Bushel Farm and J Nichelle Holiday! ! If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

If we are figuring correctly, the average size family consists of 3 -14 people. That can be quite a lot of turkey on Thanksgiving! Anyway you slice it, you're going to need someplace to delicately put your juicy butterball. Hence, we present THE PLATTER! Oval or oblong in shape to hold that delicious bird, they come in different sizes with handpainted or decal designs and textures.

All of these platters are vintage, and although only one was marked "made in USA", we suspect some

came from England and Japan.

No shelf space to store them when you aren't serving your relatives during the holidays? No problem! Some people amass plates and platters and display them on the wall. Check out the wall from the Viceroy in Santa Monica--it's a work of art!

Or follow Martha's lead. You only need 3 of a kind to call it a "collection"!

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.

(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:

A. Save the image on this post to your computer.

B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.

C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.

D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

Roomies Just Wanna Have Fun!

2009-11-08T07:27:00.001-08:00

This is what happens when Roomies get together. We immerse ourselves fully into the season, the holiday, the day of the week and the up-to-the-minute happenings. We use any excuse to have fun, and since those moments are sometimes few and far between, we suggest you do the same! Here you see us posing in the witch hats we all made with our own creative hands, and wore throughout our October event (hope you stopped by for a visit!).

And since we thought it would be even more fun, we proclaimed Debi Ortega (hiding under her hat of spiders wearing crowns!) the winner of our hat contest.

Come to the (pink &) dark side--we have FUN every month (and coffee, tea & treats every Friday, Saturday & Sunday morning during our sale dates!)

Vintage Decorating In The News ~ Straighten Up Your Shabby Past!

2009-11-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

Interior by Elaine Griffin, author of "Design Rules"

According to labeled "now" designer Elaine Griffin quoted in Inside BayArea on October 30, 2009, "draped, rolled and shabby (as in unkempt) are "so yesterday, darling." and "Blazing hot: Stuff from eBay and refurbished heirlooms." Hey, we know where you can get your hands on some of those!

The author continues with more on what design trends are "HOT" or "OVER":

Throws
Over: Draped throws — the flung fad has faded.
Blazing hot: Fold throws in neat verticals; place them over a chair back, sofa or across the foot of your bed.

Towels

Over: The tootsie roll towel is "ovah."
Blazing hot: Fold your towels and put them in square stacks.

Wood finishes
Over: Dark wood. Say sayonara to wengé and espresso finishes.
Blazing hot: Say hello to honey brown walnut and American mid-tone.

Rugs
Over: Solid-colored sisal rugs, unless you live south of the Mason-Dixon Line or within walking distance of the beach.
Blazing hot: Patterned sisal, especially geometric-patterned sisal. Waterproof sisal outdoor rugs are still killer.
Over: Shag rugs. They were marvelous while their comeback lasted, which it didn't.
Blazing hot: Flat woven or dhurrie rugs are "pure grooviness."

Overall look
Over: Stuff that looks new.
Blazing hot: Stuff from eBay and refurbished heirlooms.

"You don't have to follow every new trend to have a current space," she assures, "But if you're going to repaint or get drapes, know what's in. If you're still enjoying your dark wood table, update the room with a new area rug or a few throw pillows."

Thanks Elaine! Can't wait to read your new book, "Design Rules" (Gotham Books, $25)!

Past Due Tuesday ~ Vintage Silver

2009-11-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things "vintage" get their due by sharing them with others!

Thanks to you that joined us last time! If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

Vintage silver and silver plate dishes & trays

A lot of folks now-a-days don't care for silver service. Why? Because they don't like to sit down, and mindlessly polish it.

Then there are others who LOVE silver. Why? Because they like to sit down and mindlessly polish it! (We like it a bit dark and tarnished too, which works out just fine.)

Silver napkin rings, cream & sugar set

Silver is extremely affordable these days. We find that the gleam and warmth makes adding a touch of elegance to your table so easy. We're unsure just how many holiday and fancy meals some of our current stock of silver may have seen, but be it marked or unmarked, it all sparkles just the same to us. A true blue ROOMIE who uses her noodle knows it's great to use a pretty silver dish for soap in the powder room or that a silver tumbler adds beauty to a flower arraignment placed on the kitchen window sill too.

Silver covered pedestal dish

Have you ever looked at the details in a pattern on one single spoon, fork or knife? That's a work of art you're holding as you gobble down your holiday turkey!

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:

1) Post a picture of something vintage that you love, on your blog and tell us all about it! What’s the story behind it? Do you have an entire collection of them? Where’d you get it? Who did it belong to? What do you use it for, etc?

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.
(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:
A. Save the image on this post to your computer.
B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.
C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.
D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the guidelines, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can, and have fun reading & learning about vintage items every Tuesday!

Tie One On! Vintage Aprons In The News

2009-10-30T18:48:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year when we all get cookin' for family and friends in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Gotta stay clean, and you can stay cute too,
with vintage aprons! Any true ROOMIE worth her weight in soft calico cottons already knows that vintage aprons are cute as well as collectible, but it sure was nice to see these delicious traditions being served up in the new Country Living (November 2009) magazine. Highlighted in the article is a brief history on aprons, what to look for when buying them, their worth, parts of and types of aprons, all of which may be something you didn't already know.

Of course every true ROOMIE knows where to find them; Room With A Past!

You'll be happy to know we've unpacked a Hoosier-full of them in all colors and styles for November's (Nov. 12, 13, 14 & 15th) sale!

You can stay clean, and be cute without missing a beat while serving your holiday meals. (Heck, they're so cute you can just dance around in the kitchen wearing one. We won't tell.)

Past Due Tuesday ~ Czech Opera Purses

2009-10-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Past Due Tuesday, where all things "vintage" get their due by sharing them with others!

Thanks to you that joined us last time! If you are new and would like to participate in “PDT”, please follow the instructions below. We would love to have you join us!

Can you tell which came from Czechoslovakia and which were "Made In China"? These popular purses were usually fashioned with flowers stitched on a white medallion over a black background.

According to my research:

Petite and precious, the early 1900's petit point opera bag is an original and has remained in outstandingly pristine condition only due to the fact that it was used on rare occasions. The number of such events in the new Czechoslovakia were as bright and colorful as the bouquet of roses, tulipans and forget-me-nots delicately petit-point stitched upon the opera bag. Colorful as the occasions may have been in a time of nearly a century past, and colorful remains the brilliance of each stitch meticulously crossed, pulled, and tied into a bouquet as fresh as the day the flowers were "chosen".

These were particularly unique to the Czech culture, for it represented not only the acute needlework skills of the women, but the choice of native flowers near the villages in which the women were living. Patterns of flowers vary in these petite purses accordingly, with wider abundance of periwinkle or bachelor buttons in some areas; larger or smaller roses in some, and forget-me-nots and lilies of the valley in clustered bouquets in others. Frame styles also varied according to areas in which they were produced. The more elaborate being made closer to the larger cities. Entirely hand worked, the petit point was a skill ascribed to few of the day and laborious time and effort in accomplishing the artistic creation upon the black background was a work of art! (ANSWER: The bottom purse was Made In China)

Now it's your turn! Please share your passion for vintage items by following these simple guidelines:
1) Post a picture of something vintage that you love, on your blog and tell us all about it! What’s the story behind it? Do you have an entire collection of them? Where’d you get it? Who did it belong to? What do you use it for, etc?

2) Add a link to your blog (in the MckLinky area at the bottom of this post).

3) Feel free to add the "Past Due Tuesday" button to your post or your blog’s sidebar.
(To add the button & image to your sidebar, follow these steps:
A. Save the image on this post to your computer.
B. Go to your add page layout page and click on the sidebar Add Gadget.
C. Scroll down to where you see add picture, click on that. Now select the image from your computer to download.
D. Now add the ROOMIES blog link in the link window and click save.)

(Please be sure to have your post up before linking in.)

4) Test your links and make sure they’re working! If your link gets deleted, it's because you missed one of the rules, so just reread them and repost again!

5) Visit and comment on as many of the other bloggers who are participating in “giving vintage it’s due” as you can.

Guess Who?

2009-10-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

We love all of our customers, but we had some special visitors at the Room With A Past October sale! See if you can guess who they were before their 1000 watt smiles give them away: they write articles for HGTV.com and numerous magazines, star in how-to videos for Lifetime.com & FineLiving.com, have authored a book titled Funky Shui, and have a website called Inspiration For Artsy Crafts & Decor and a blog called Running With Sisters. (How do they do it? I'm tired just saying all that!)

It was those two effervescent, crafty and organized women, Kitty and Jennifer O'Neil!

The O'Neil sisters get into shopping mode at Room With A Past

Jennifer had been in to the shop before, but this time she had sister Kitty in tow. They roamed around the shop checking every nook and cranny before discovering some teacups which were just what they needed for an upcoming craft article. But more than that, what we really hope they found was a fun and welcoming place to shop for fabulously priced, one-of-a-kind items so they'll be visiting us again real soon!