Is Our World REALLY That Big?

It's funny how at times I think our world is huge, filled with so many people. But through blogging, I have found out that most of us have very similar interests, and need an outlet to express both our joys and a few of our pains as well. Country Roads has "allowed" me to not only meet so many people, but also the pleasure of getting to know them as well. Yesterday, we had a brand new dealer move in our store. Many of you may know her, Kate, who has the beautiful Salvage Dior blog! Kate's blog is as beautiful as the person she is as well! She joined our Country Roads family yesterday, and that is a picture of what she put together yesterday. Be sure to check back for more photos. I also have a favor to ask. Someone that is my friend, and that I really care about has finally started blogging. I'm sure many of you know Christie Repasy, but what I want to share with you is the truly beautiful, caring person that she is. Our paths in life these past ten years or so have been very similar, and all I can say is that I'm very honored to call her my friend. I don't have to tell you about her talent, you all know that already. But what I would love for you to do is go visit her Christie's blog, Chateau de Fleurs and leave her a nice comment, maybe sign up as a follower, and encourage her to keep writing. Our world these days isn't always the easiest place to live in, as it too is a bit "BSC"! But I believe in my heart that through all of our blogs, it encourages others, it helps them in times of need, and sometimes our blogs are good enough to make each other laugh! So, if you find sometime today, go visit those two blogs above. Me, I'm off to visit my friend, my companion, Country Roads. I'm hoping we are busy and the day is filled with "happy, shiny people" or whatever that Moby song was. And I think I see the sun peeking out as well. Have a happy Saturday!

All The Way From Philly!

Yesterday at "the store" (my family always refers to Country Roads as "the store") I met the nicest family. They told me that they had flown in from Philly just to come to Country Roads and to visit Disneyland. I was so touched. Pictured from left to right, and I hope I am correct is: Mary Ann Betz, Danielle Betz, Nicole Betz-Foti, and little Angelina Foti! Danielle was telling me how much she likes my blog and was so excited to come out and shop at Country Roads! When I hear customers say things like that, I'm still amazed and very flattered!Danielle was also very excited that Rachel Ashwell is coming to the store in November and wishing so badly she could get back out here for her Rachel's book signing. I told her I would get Rachel to sign a book for her, after all she came ALL the way from the East coast!! She loves the blog and had such kind words to say yesterday. I will remember this nice family for a very long time, thank you! When I sit at my computer and write these blogs, to be honest, I don't think many people read them. But when I have a family fly here from Philly, I'm extremely touched. The picture of everyone was taken in Christie Repasy's space. They bought a couple of her prints. I called Christie and she is going to be in her studio today. So, they are headed down to Laguna Beach to not only meet Christie, but to pick out frames for their prints. What a wonderful family. Their smiles made my day!

Christie's "Other" Talents

I haven't seen Christie Repasy for awhile. I usually work week-ends and she usually comes in during the week. So yesterday, while at work, it was nice to see her and catch up on things. I have to say, Christie is one of the kindest and sweetest people I know, and it is my pleasure to have her be a part of my Country Roads family. While we were talking yesterday, she showed me something she just brought in to the store. It's pictured above, and I have to say, it was love at first sight!! I hope it sells soon as I don't want to be tempted to buy it for Morgan's room. Riley's room is more beach themed, but couldn't you just see this hanging on a wall in a little baby girls room? I love the little "tiara" that Christie has sat on the tiny chair. It has a perfect seat on this cute little princess chair, a "Repasy original"! Christie is also still selling her "unframed canvas paintings" at "buy one, second one is free"!! It's a great deal to say the least. We have such talent and variety at Country Roads that it is very, very hard to leave empty handed when you leave the store. It's my store, and I'm still in awe after all these years as I stroll through the store!

The Many Sides of Christie Repasy

Many people know Christie for her rose paintings, which are beautiful. But there is SO much more to Christie than just her rose paintings. I didn't have a lot of time on Sunday to take pictures, but above is just one shot of Christie's space at Country Roads. She displays beautifully and with ease, there is no struggling when it comes to talent with this girl! The dresser you are looking at was also painted by her, and I love the little beach painting that is sitting on the dresser. I actually have one myself. Christie is in at least twice a week working on her space and it always has an inviting look to it. The thing I love best about my business is the people that are a part of it. We are all like a patchwork quilt that has been sewn together, we just "fit" together if you know what I mean. I'm very selective in regards to who becomes a dealer at the store. You can have a person that will make lots and lots of money, but if they are hard to work with it, at the end of the day, it's just not worth it. I think that's why so many people like to shop with us. It's a fun store, people actually "like" each other and I think that shows. The majority of our dealers have been at the store over ten years, which means a great deal to me. Country Roads. . .its all about the family. If you haven't been in to see in awhile, stop by. The store has all the colors of Spring, and Johnnye Merle's Gardens outback is overflowing with has new plant arrivals. See you soon!!

Thankful, Grateful, and Appreciative

Today we had a very busy day at Country Roads and I'm exhausted, in a good way! People were buying everything, including furniture. It reminds me to keep the faith in our futures, our situations are temporary, and I have hope that we're all going to be in a better place here pretty soon. I only had a few minutes to take some photos today because we were so busy, but I just wanted to share a few pictures with you. The first grouping is of Loretta Kilheffer's and the last two are of Christie Repasy's area at Country Roads. If you are wondering what the "cat signs" are on the furniture, it means the pieces of have been sold or are on layaway.
As I said, I am really grateful for the support I get from all my Country Roads family. They too work tirelessly to put together awesome displays but also to make their products affordable. If you haven't been by lately, I do hope you stop in a see what we have. And again, thanks to all of you that continue to shop with us. You are the best!

Just A "Peek" of Things to Come!

These are just a few photos of a new little romantic space being put together at Country Roads. Little Carol, as I have often called her since she was 18 when she started working at the store, and is now 30, and a wife and mom of two of the Country Roads little toddlers, Arianna & Azul. Carol is responsible for this beautiful work in progress!
Carol has always had spaces at Country Roads, but they've always been smaller spaces with the merchandise consisting mostly of smaller items. She decided to take a step us to a big space and I was just blown away when I saw how beautiful everything is turning out, and she isn't even done yet!! This is such a beautiful display, so romantic and elegant. And if you look above the mantel on the wall, you'll see a frame over a painting. That painting is actually painted onto the wall of this space, and just happens to be an original Christie Repasy painting. About fifteen years ago, she painted it for the dealer, Sharon ,who was her friend. She had helped Sharon put her space together and painted a little floral on the wall for her. We've taken care of it all these years, to make sure no other dealer has ever painted over it. And being the way we are all, family so to speak, we've traveled the full circle with Christie joining our Country Roads family last year, and now having her own space, just down the aisle from Carol's. I think this is the reason Country Roads is such a special place to shop. Our customers are not only are dazzled by our displays, but that feeling that "family feeling" is always in the air at Country Roads.

New "Works in Progress" at Country Roads

What I think makes Country Roads "the" store to keep coming back to is that we are always changing! We have such a variety of merchandise, displays, and "looks". Recently we've added some new looks to our store. First, above is Christie Repasy's new space. Nope, it's not a dealer carrying her prints, it's actually Christie herself!Along with Christie's beautiful paintings, you will also find cards, furniture, and more. These are early photos of her space as it is still a work in progress.
work in progress

Loretta Kilheffer has expanded to an additional area of the store. As you can tell, this new area is still also a "work in progress", but the above photo gives you a hint of things to come. As you know, Loretta is the former owner of Full Bloom Cottage in Brea. Watch for some fantastic linens and home decor to arrive here soon!
And a few days later, when all the work was finished, we stood back in awe!

Another "work in progress" is Jolene Cox's area. Always with a smile and one of the easiest going people I've met in a long time, Jolene is all about vintage. Yes, there is country, but there is also a whole lot more. What you won't find here is reproductions, just the real thing!

In today's economy myself, my dealers, my staff all work VERY hard to make your shopping experience not only a pleasant one, but one you remember. And I've got to brag for just a second (which is something which is never easy for me). My staff, who all know the store inside out, provides the best customer in all of Old Towne Orange! Stop by and see our new "works in progress" and if you need help in finding these areas, just ask! Our staff is there to help.

Time, Ticking Away!

I have no idea, really, where the time seems to disappear too. Does it mean I'm getting old? Not sure, hope not. Here we are almost half way through September! It doesn't seem like Street Faire or our Labor Day sale were that long ago. Country Roads is looking pretty good these days courtesy of our really talented dealers, and a few that will be joining us soon.

In October,Christie Repasy will be joining our Country Roads family! I've known Christie for a long time, we both kind of traveled on our own rocky paths after going through a divorce around the same time. I'm glad we are both in better places now, although it took several years to get here. Also, Loretta will be expanding her Full Bloom Cottage to add yet another great look to the store. There is just something about Country Roads that defines what "family" really is! Stop in and see our ever changing look, "always your favorite,never the same"!