dining room addition

As you know, I painted my dining room. Now comes the process of updated the other details... ie. tables, chairs, rug, 'other furniture', etc... So, I decided to do the large wall first. I was inspired by the amazing artists on Etsy. I also had some photographs I took that I really like. So, my photograph wall was born.
I searched for black picture frames with white mattes for a while. It looked like I was going to have to spend about $15 or more per frame to complete the project. This wasn't in the budget. Luckily one day, while at the Dollar Store, I found these amazing frames for only $6 a piece! I was thrilled. They look perfect! And they were meant for the wall so they don't have the built in stand which allows them to rest on the wall evenly. Let's take a closer look.

So two of the pictures... A Chinese Garden (the one in the top middle) and The Fountain (bottom left) are photos I purchased on etsy. The rest are mine, expect for the glass crystal (bottom middle). This was taken by a guest who discovered that the glass orbs in my chandelier clearly reflect and invert whats behind it. If you look closely you can see the Gift Shoppe. Pretty cool!

Can you see??

I'm not 100% satisfied with the photos I selected, some are just temporary. All in all I think its great and add so much need color to the room!

a charming garden

After days, and days of potting, which I was looking forward to all winter, beautiful gardens fill small and large terra cotta pots scattered about Old Charm. Have a look.... 20 plus pots clutter my side porch about to spill over with herbs. I love picking fresh mint in the morning to place on fruit and yogurt parfaits. yum.

My geraniums. You remember. I picked my favorites and put them in their own little pots. Their scattered around with the herbs waiting to show their color amongst all the green.

What's better than terra cotta? Aged terra cotta. This was a result of miracle grow.

Pineapple mint... in a drink... on fresh strawberries.... wrapped on goat cheese. wow...yum.

A perennial I planted last year by seed. What's it called? I have no idea... but their beautiful.

Yum. My first time planting strawberries, and in a strawberry pot. They look so wonderful... and delicious.

A sunny yellow petunia. Planted from seed. Reminds me of the moon.

A perennial. I believe it's called Wallflower. Sure stands out to me!

Hope you enjoyed the garden.

excitment on the horizon....

Again, many apologies for my lack of posts. The past couple weeks have been rather busy.
The Jewelry/Quilted Purse party was a great success! Thanks to all that attended. Baroni was very well received. The Gift Shoppee will be getting in some new pieces later this month.

I think the weather has officially broke. I've been visiting some of the local greenhouses. I must say my top two are Morning Glory Hill Greenhouse and Grunthaner's Greenhouse. I wish I could have a greenhouse of my own. Someday. Both have an exciting collection. While I love the standards like geraniums, petunias, impatiens, etc... I LOVE things that are different and unexpected. Tonight could be the last night in the high 30's for a while. I think I will begin planting this weekend.
I also have an exciting new service/experience in the works for Old Charm. It's too early to tell the outcome, but things are looking positive! I will keep you posted. Keep your fingers crossed!

another little party

So, Old Charm is having another little 'get together' to welcome two new lines to our Gift Shoppe!

I have been wanting to introduce a jewelry line to the Gift Shoppe since the day I opened, but honestly couldn't find one that I loved or one that fit into this mix of traditional/modern/eclectic mix of things that I carry. Finally after much research I found a line of beautiful jewelry, Baroni, that I am excited and proud to offer.

The lines that Baroni carry are not only beautiful but versatile and timeless. It's often hard to find that among all the 'trendy' jewelry today. Check out their website for the full line. Beginning Friday May 8th I will officially have their jewelry for sale. While I won't have the complete collection, I can order any piece from their catalog. In the future I will continue to add to the line in hopes to have a piece from every collection.

Another thing I'm really excited about is Kathy's Kreations. I love selling items that are handmade. Especially when they are made here in St. Marys, PA. We have some truly talented people with really great skills. Anyway, a local craftswoman has been working tirelessly to create custom quilted handbags that will be for sale in our Gift Shoppe.

As a welcome to these new lines I will be serving some complimentary homemade baked goodies and a delicious homemade berry iced tea. All of this will take place on Friday May 8th and Saturday May 9th from 12noon - 4pm.

Again, as with all our parties, even if you can only browse, please stop by. We'd love the company.

kindess and my dining room

Today, I was reminded of the power of kindness. A wonderful couple staying here this weekend unexpectedly presented me a beautiful orchid as a thank you for an enjoyable stay. I was completely blown away and sincerely touched by this gesture.


It made me realize that the power of kindness is amazing. I decided to search through my 21 page word document saved on my computer to find a couple quotes about kindness that I like...here's what I came up with...


Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
~Plato

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
~Nelson Henderson

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
~James Matthew Barrie


Sometimes someone says something really small, and it just fits right into this empty place in your heart.
~Unknown


Oh, and here's my dining room.... or at least the start of it. Currently there is nothing on the walls...I would like to get a new area rug...and add a sofa table under the window (even though I did order one and they somehow forgot to include the screws)...and recover the chair cushion. In time. These things take time.