I'm having a lovely time in our apartment out East. Although it is hard for me to not have anything to do.... I am used to keeping busy. I need to set up an art studio next time I come out or I will go crazy. I've done some shopping, some sight seeing,and I filled the freezer with ready to go meals for my husband. I must be bored, if I want to spend the entire afternoon of Vaelntines Day baking and freezing food.
Luckily, Robin, a blogger friend, met me today to keep me company. 
We met at Starbucks, and both got phone calls from our husbands to check on us, the guys were worried we were meeting up with internet predators instead of blog friends!
I made sure to get a photo of the guy behind Robin so I could show my husband and pretend that he was right.
Here he is, my new buddy, Thrifty Miss Priss. He does look a bit shifty. But he seemed so nice on the blog!
The REAL Robin was such fun, we ended up talking for 2 hours. She brought me the cutest nesting birdie in a trophy, I promise to get photos of it when I get home, what a perfect gift!! She made one for my buddy, Beth too. Beth and I are getting together on Thursday for some co-craftiness, so I'll take it to her then. In the mean time, I'll set them both on my computer where I can enjoy them and try to decide which one I can part with!!
I am in love with the antique shops around here!!! I wished I had a truck with me instead of a camera while shopping. This is the dining set I have been day dreaming about forever. But it would be a bit complicated to get it back to Kansas, and my luggage is already full.
I bought a set of these little plastic plates for Sugarwings and I to play tea party with. That is easy enough to pack.
And when I bought a few of these old blue bottles, I thought, that isn't so bad either, they'll be fine in my bags.
But then, I found more bottles. And some paper mache buckets. And some more bottles. Then I found even more bottles.
I'm sure I'll figure a way to get them all home, and turn them into decorated button jars. Yes, I am just sure I can make them fit. Somehow.
Did I mention that I also found some old hats?
This seems to be the land of prom gowns and flowered hats. Everywhere I look, I see gorgeous, feminine, flowery things.
The hats I bought should be fine, if smashed, I bought them mostly for the flowers, I peel them off and glue them onto other things. And these hats I found are ENCRUSTED with flowers!
I've found so many curly-q, carved chairs too. All of this furniture is just my style.
I need a truck!
It causes me pain to go home without this $89 table that just screams my name! I just don't find stuff this cool at these prices back home. And here I always brag about shopping in Kansas and the low prices. Well, yes we have great prices, but our stuff is more country looking, or primitive, or traditional.
Of course, there is stuff in this style back home too, but not in the abundance that I've seen it here, or at the prices I have seen here. 
Also, I came across more than one store that was predominately pink and white!
Heck, I feel like canceling my flight home and renting a U-haul and buying a load of stuff to redecorat my house.
One thing I could take home with me, was an IDEA. Look at these stairs!!
I have a plan to pull up the ugly carpet from my stair way, and cover each riser in a different vintage wallpaper, then paint the steps white. Trouble is, my stairs were built to be carpeted, and are very unfinished looking. It will take lots of bondo (meant for car repairs, but great for painted furniture repair too) and sanding. I'll have to router the edges too. The steps at my house are plain boards, builder grade, not cool, old stairs. I now, HAVE to make them LOOK like cool old stairs. I have a mission!
Here is another tempting piece from Lucketts. Just a bit big for my suitcase. Heck, I am wondering how I will make hats fit, what am I even doing thinking about buying salvage?
In the spring, Luckets has an outdoor flea market. Oh, I will be back for that! The outdoors is pretty cute and fun to poke through now, just picture this area filled with 60 different dealers.
What a pretty thought!
I also went to downtown Leesburg. It was quaint and wonderful, but I didn't have much time. A lot of the decor there is more traditional or formal like I expected this area to sell. 
And OLD. This is a gown that might have been worn by Dolly Madison, from the looks of it! 
We ate dinner at Rivercreek Country Club over looking an extraordinary view of the Potomac while in Leesburg. My husband had to work there for the day, I had tagged along and gone on the shopping trip while waiting for him.
We also took a train into downtown DC and looked at dinosaurs and monuments and the White House. 
But of course, to me, nothing downtown DC compared to the dining room table I saw at Lucketts! Am I shallow? I was defiantly feeling like Becky Bloomwood in the Shopaholic NY book, when she pretends to go on a museum tour and ducks out to shop. If I could've gotten away with it, I would have gone back to that antique mall and skipped all the dino bones. Yep, that is shallow, alright.
Maybe it was because it was such a chilly gray day, and I was bundled up like a cocoon to keep warm as we walked the city. If I go back in the spring with the cherry blossoms in bloom, maybe I will get into exploring the city more.
Some how, I think I'd still prefer the white, ornate furniture to the White House!
I'm spending a lot of time blog browsing too, since I haven't got any work to do. And Ebay browsing, which can be dangerous when you are bored and killing time!
But here is a blog that will keep you from boredom- check out Angela's pink round up for Valentines, so many pretty pink links to visit.
That is where I am going now.
Sounds like you are having lots of fun out East.
So many fabulous places to visit and shops to wander around in forever.
Maybe next visit you better hire a U-haul and fill it up with heaps of goodies.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | February 17, 2008 at 07:28 PM
First of all, I want to come shopping there with you! Fabulous finds await!
But most of all, I want those stairs. That is one of the prettiest ideas I have ever seen. When we remove the carpet from our stairs, I want to copy that idea!!!!!! :)
Posted by: Becca | February 17, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Oh ditch the plane, get the U-haul and fill it up!!!! Such fabulous stuff, such great prices . . .
Posted by: Rachael | February 17, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Karla,
Have you visited Middleburg yet? I loved Middleburg when I lived in Leesburg! There is a thrift shop called the White Elephant that is a must stop. Several of the animal shelter groups also have thrift shops too.
Also, when I travelled I would use flat rate priority mail to send my treasures back that would not fit in my suitcase. Also, the local packing store (UPS, kinko's etc will package your items for you and ship them to you for a fairly reasonable fee. I had to use UPS once as I found a set of luggage for a steal and it would have cost me too much for the extra bags on the plane.
Posted by: Cindy | February 17, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Hi Karla,
What wonderful bargins you have found, I think that I would definitly be hiring a truck. Thank you for your email and help about the bling your birdhouse button, however my blogger account must be slightly different to your typepad account, I did get the picture on my blog though. Hopfully I will be able to join in on the challenge if I can locate some birdhouses in my area.
Cheers Linda
Posted by: linda | February 17, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Love the pictures! I think I'll have to get my fix next weekend and head over to Lucketts! I love that stairway...it'll be gorgeous with your beautiful papers! I'm so happy we were able to meet up and chat! I'm with you....I prefer the shops compared to the sight seeing!
Posted by: robin~thrifty miss priss | February 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM
What a fantastic blog! ...with so gorgeous photos...and things... I´m thrilled...
I´ll be back and of course you are welcome to me!
Annie ~ Annalunda from Sweden
Posted by: Annie | February 17, 2008 at 09:08 PM
LOL! I didn't think Robin would have glasses! I love those dishes you got for Sugarwings- can you get a set for me too? I think they would cute on the journal covers!
Did you really take that picture of the white house? If you did, you got a lot closer than we ever did! Of course, the President is in Africa, so maybe they don't have the agent watching you right now.
Posted by: Beth Leintz | February 17, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Beautiful things!,Are there good weather at DC ?
Posted by: María Elena | February 17, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Is that $89 table at the Lucketts Store? I was thinking about heading down there this week to find a mantle, but I may have to get that instead. So pretty.
Glad you've found all the good places to shop in our little neck of the woods.
~Heather
Posted by: Mrs. Jones | February 17, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Oh those stairs scream Karla Nathan don't they!
LOVING that pink dress with the flowers, it is amazing! And the white furniture is so beautiful and ornate - I would love to fill a home with it and all the wonderful things you find!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | February 17, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Oh My...what wonderful antique goodies. I can see why it would break your heart to not be able to buy some of those beautiful items.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | February 17, 2008 at 11:42 PM
What do you do with the hats once you pull the flowers? I'm wondering if you could get them turned into hanging baskets like those wire 3 tier ones? they could also be turned into containers for inside drawers or even stacked 3 or 4 high with trinkets...maybe idea baskets for the smaller items in a project, the base of a giving basket? Would a saucer fit in side to make a fancy floer pot holder?
Posted by: joyce | February 18, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Oh! I'm just like you. I'd rather go snoop around in an antique store or and estate sale than visit a museum. That Lucket's looks like lots of fun too. I have a truck. Too bad I live all the way across the country. I'd help you haul all that stuff home.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | February 18, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Oh, Karla, I think you are going to like visiting the East, just fine. LOL I wouldn't be surprised if some new things make find their way into the apartment.
I love all the pictures. Where did you get those plates? I know I've seen them in a catalog.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | February 18, 2008 at 04:32 AM
really liked the dress, loving everything here again :)
Posted by: M.Kate | February 18, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Wow! It's amazing how many goodies you found. What fun!
Posted by: Rosie | February 18, 2008 at 07:54 AM
I'm totally sympathetic to you finding things you want to take home but can't fit them in your lugguage, i'm always like that when i visit the US! Many times excess baggage has been paid!!!!
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria | February 18, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I vote for the Uhaul too. What yummy treasures you found! Those plates for Sugarwings look like china, not plastic!
And the stairs...what a great idea!
Rest up now, have a safe trip home and get ready for all the bondo-ing, painting and papering I see in your future!
Posted by: Cheri | February 18, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Karla, Some people travel to the French flea markets and fill a container to bring back to the U.S. I think that you just need to fill a container and send it on home. If you are finding such fantastic stuff now, can you imagine what it will be like in the spring and summer? You have such a great "eye" for this. Love the stairs, the table and the blue bottles. Susan
Posted by: Susan at black eyed susans kitchen | February 18, 2008 at 09:01 AM
You are so funny! That would be torture to see those bargains and not be able to drag them home!
That staircase OHHHHH!!!!!
Posted by: phyllis | February 18, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I love when you take us along on your trips! All the pieces you found were really nice!
Posted by: Tara | February 18, 2008 at 09:49 AM
What a beautiful blog with gorgeous postings on antiques and goodies ! .. If I wasn't a maniac gardener I would be nose deep in antique shops/markets here .. well, actually I have been ! haha
The places we saw in the Netherlands and Belgium had me totally hooked .. I brought home a lot of treasures that still give me so much enjoyment. Every treasure .. big or small hits a cord, doesn't it ?
Joy : )
Posted by: Joy | February 18, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Oh! Thanks for taking me on your shopping trip. Looks so fun! Yes..boredom and shopping are dangerous! Love the Dolly Madison dress!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | February 18, 2008 at 10:38 AM
What lovely things you've discovered! I'm sure you are filled with inspiration for projects. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | February 18, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Love the stairs too! Great blog! I'll be back to visit again.
Posted by: Marcia | February 18, 2008 at 12:23 PM
zLooks like you had a grand time...Smiles
Posted by: Mary Issabella | February 18, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Oh Karla that table and chairs is wonderful! Very perfect for your farmhouse~love all the pictures too. Thanks for the tour.
Hugs,
Carol
ps It snowed yesterday(again)
Posted by: Raised In Cotton | February 18, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Oh, I want to go shopping with you! Love all the pink I wouldn't think twice about loading up a u haul, I'll help you! Pinkie Denise
Posted by: Pinkie Denise | February 18, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Oooh those stairs...I should have known that 5 years ago!!!
Thinking of...my niece has painted her stairs with folk art prints, flowery images in ovals. I have to make a picture of that and put it in my blog. I have enjoyed your adventures and great finds again. Thanks!
Posted by: Lili M. | February 18, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Oh man...a truck! Most definetly a truck! Man, that table and those chairs were awesome and love those little blue bottles! Such finds!
c
Posted by: Cindy | February 18, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Your blog is wonderful. I find myself comming back to it each day, even put it in my favorites. I'm envious of your talent.
Posted by: vmoon | February 18, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Karla, what a gorgeous eye candy post!!! wow!!! the pink and white store has me swooning, what beauty, and those stairs are TDF lovely...love the plates you bought for sugarwings, cute patterns:)
Posted by: Lori | February 18, 2008 at 06:30 PM
oh honey i'm comin with the truck...!!! goodness!!! i did my stairs at our big house with wallpaper...just remember to seal them good...leaving just the wall paper...geez...the guys kick it with their toes and rip rip rip....little spots...
Posted by: Barbara Burkard | February 18, 2008 at 06:33 PM
This sounds like a fabulous day! I fear I would have lost my head! What great shops -- if I'm ever in that area, I'll need a consultation for the best spots! And the stairs are the best... this could be trouble for me...
Posted by: Jeanie | February 18, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Ooo that is a great idea for the stairs! So the antiquing and fleaing is not so bad out here in the east huh? Fun to meet Robin. Can't wait to see what she made you.
Karla
Posted by: Karla | February 18, 2008 at 07:29 PM
That Dolly Madison gown is so pretty. I love it. I never see that sort of thing around my area.
I love the stairs too, and I have visions of bloggers everywhere redoin' a flight of stairs somewhere in their house! LOL! That's a wonderful idea!
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | February 18, 2008 at 07:50 PM
All your goodies are just wonderful. I love shopping too. You can never have enough vintage items, that's what I say. Next time when visiting, you better take that U-Haul! Enjoy your treasures! Amy
Posted by: AmyAmy | February 18, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Gorgeous goodies... oh those STEPS!! I can't wait to see it if you do that.
It would be nice to fill a uhaul... you can stop here on your drive home! xoxo Heather
Posted by: Heather - Pretty Petals | February 18, 2008 at 08:30 PM
I definately vote for turning in the return ticket for a u-haul rental! Sounds perfectly sane to me!
xoPenny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | February 18, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Both of those tables are calling my name! I love all the things that you were able to buy too. I don't think I could leave without at least one of those tables.... Now off to check out Angela's blog!
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara | February 18, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Hi Karla, looks like you are having fun shopping. I love those stairs too, and that dining set, awesome!
Posted by: vickie | February 18, 2008 at 11:05 PM
**Shhhh!**
You are invited to a SURPRISE BLOGGY BIRTHDAY PARTY for kari this Wednesday, Feb 20.
She is turning 40!!!
Stop by the party on Wednesday to mingle a bit, say hi to the birthday girl, enjoy a bite of cake, and check out the party favor giveaway!
blessings,
kijsa
Posted by: kari & kijsa | February 18, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Karla, just want to let you know what a great blogg you have. I got addicted to blogging when I discovered yours by accident. What a great discovery for me. I have started by blogg today.
Love your pictures from your trip.
Posted by: Irma's Rose Cottage | February 19, 2008 at 12:30 AM
I LOVE the white furniture and can't imagine how you aren't going to rent a u-haul and take it home with you?! Plus the stair risers are great... you could wallpaper the riser and carpet the tread only, or they have cute little woven stair tread rugs that tack down!
Posted by: gail | February 19, 2008 at 07:10 AM
At least you didn't have to spend the day on an actual tour of the White House! Thanks for the lovely pix, inspiring as always.
Posted by: Kelley | February 19, 2008 at 07:36 AM
Well, I've always wanted to see Virginia - now it looks like I have another reason! What a great place!
Posted by: Katy | February 19, 2008 at 08:01 AM
hello! where were all those fabulous antique stores?
kecia
Posted by: kecia | February 19, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Wonderful pics Karla. I love the stairs. I'd rent a van for the rest.
I had to show my husband your internet predator pics. T00000000 Funny. I know he would be concerned if I told him I was meeting a "blog friend".
Pam
Posted by: Pam | February 19, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Karla, Love the plates and Oh My the pink and white shops!!! When I was in AZ and seen so much and had no room to bring hardly anything home I went crazy~~~ next time I'm buying more and mailing it home!! Have fun! Lori
Posted by: Lori | February 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Wow Karla! What a trip! Lots of fun finds and things.... I love those plates!!! Absolutely darling! And I have got to find a dress somewhere... but I don't think I'll be going east any time soon. :(
Those stairs are just great! OH, and I love your new little blogger friend!~ I simply must meet him sometime! LOL
Hugs,
shannon
Posted by: Shannon J | February 19, 2008 at 12:27 PM
What cute story about your Starbucks encounter with "internet predators".... I love the sleepy guy behind Robin.... haha!
and love every single photo on your post. Just lovely everything!
happy day to you
cielo
Posted by: cielo | February 19, 2008 at 12:35 PM
It all looks so fun! Maybe you can set up a studio area, buy some furinture and sell it back to shops there. I could just feel you wishing for that uhaul! Would be so fun! and what a great idea for the stairs!
Posted by: michelle | February 19, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Looks like you had a spectacular time! I LOVE the stairs too!! What a great idea!
*muah*
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle E. ~ Vintage Pastiche' | February 19, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Looks like you had a spectacular time! I LOVE the stairs too!! What a great idea!
*muah*
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle E. ~ Vintage Pastiche' | February 19, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Godness, what gorgeous furnitures you found. I wish I had a private jet to fly them over to my place. You cant find things like this in sweden. The stair was a very good tip. Hugs /linnea-maria
Posted by: linnea-maria | February 19, 2008 at 03:23 PM
So pretty! Much gorgeousity. And I've always wanted to collect vintage prom dreses. Too pretty!
~Angela :-)
Posted by: Angela (Cottage Magpie) | February 19, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Karla, I just stopped by for a visit and I am so glad I did. I used to be a dealer at the Lucketts and the picture you have of the outside pavillions was my original space then I moved upstairs to the porch where all the lovely dresses are now. Sigh* What memories. The Lucketts is one of a kind shop and let me know when your in town again and have nothing to do. I can introduce you to some dealers and some other fun shops. You must make it to their Spring Sale - tons of fun and fabulous finds.
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | February 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I LOVE the idea for those stairs!!! Karla...I got my recipe book and it is simply amazing!!! You and Beth just out did yourselves. I'm posting pictures and links on my blog today....Thanks so much again for hosting it!!!
Posted by: Karin (creativechaos) | February 20, 2008 at 11:54 AM
VA is a FUN place for us midwesterners isn't it? I spent 4 months there in the summer of 2006. My DH had a contract job there over the summer. I had nothing to do but site see. Well...I better mention that I had a 21 month old and a 4 month old in tow...no antique shops for me :( But I did strap the baby to my chest and leash the toddler in her stroller and roam the architecture and history. It's so "young" here in NE :)
Posted by: Amy P | February 20, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Karla, these pictures are scrumptious. I would have had to rent a U-Haul for sure and bring home some of these gorgeous treasures, especially that table!
Looked like icing on cake!
Posted by: Cathy Scalise | February 21, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I am soooo happy to be back and browsing through your blog Karla, I can't tell you! :)
Posted by: Joy | February 22, 2008 at 09:07 AM
You shopped some of my favorite places on your trip! I haven't been in a couple of months. Must schedule a Lucketts trip soon for a pretty stuff fix.
Posted by: Casii | February 22, 2008 at 09:13 PM
You really found some great things.....I think you should have rented a U-haul. That was a great idea.
Posted by: kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | February 22, 2008 at 11:48 PM