New Antique Store in Town

So my vacation is coming to an end. I had  a glorious 2 weeks off from work to be with my in-laws. Mum and I decided to go for a little RnR antiquing to Rockton, a small town part of Rockford.

One thing I like about antique store is not just finding old artifacts from good ol' days.  I love trying on dainty hats like these!

...and a try on a fancy crochet gloves perhaps?

There is a street full of antique shops. We stumbled upon a newly opened antique mall called The Rustic Rooster.

We were pleased with their store. The people were inviting, the displays are well presented and organized.
The staff prepared  free little treats and barbecue sausages and hotdogs for the customers for their grand opening!

Free lunch and fully energized for more shopping!

They are selling a mixed of antiques and handicrafted home decors which was actually nice because it gives you more options if the stuff are too rustic for your taste.  I could relate in appreciating DIY handicrafts. However I admit that when it comes to antiques, I don't know what I'm doing.
I guess it takes a lot of knowledge to find that perfect and valuable piece.

Example this?At first I thought it was a torture device, but it was actually a pot scrubber! Imagine life without scotch brite?

So glad I was with my mother-in-love. Mum has great eye for antiques. She gave me one tip. Go for whatever catches my eyes.

So I did! This pretty little thing caught my eye! A pretty crochet apron! I thought it's interesting since I never seen anything like. It's a statement of my interest/career. Cooking!

If you are around Rockford IL and likes antiques, I would recommend this store. we had such a great time. You can read their info on their facebook.

Have fun!

DIY Wall Art: My Black Valentine

My husband and I were a couple of spoilers. It started when hubby gave his V-day gift to me as early as January 29th! Then, I just couldn't wait to give his!

He has been complaining about our blank white wall at the office for quite some time. I thought I's do something about it that would also serve as my Valentine's day present. I've had this idea on my head. I was just waiting for the perfect timing to execute it.
I have been wanting a black, white and gray theme for the office, colors that hubby would like but can also be chic at the same time.

I love wall art! But I am not in the position in life to throw huge amount of money for wall art yet. I thought this idea is so easy, perfect for my theme and something my hubby would love!

I had it personalized by including my photographs I took during our walks in Nice France. They are few of my husband's favorites! That photo of a book page is actually one of his favorite books.These photos were so meaningful to us. Reminds us of our great memories in France.

Bought the cheapest 12x12 canvas I could find and painted them black for more professional touch. I glued some pretty scrapbook black and white papers. I took the challenge of getting pretty scrapbook-papers but for less than a dollar. Most of them were on sale at Michael's!

I made this one from the scratch.

I used chip letters and put "Story Of Us". The heart is actually a cut out from one of my articles that I printed entitled "The End is Near". It was about our stay in France.

I was nervous if he would like it. The picture might look like he is in rage but....

 this picture shows a clearer statement that he loves it! He posted this on his facebook with a caption saying "No more blank white walls!".

My hubby is my number 1 fan of my photography. He believed in my creativity and encouraged me in every step of the way. He loved the idea to male our office gallery for my photos!

Speaking of Black and White Valentine, my friend Marilyn over at The ArtsyGirlConnection gave me the opportunity to be her guest featuring my black and white tags (Feb 6). Hop on to her blog and check-out the great news! See you there!