Retromantic Antiques

Keep on Dreaming

2010-11-23T07:37:00.003-06:00

I have been a long time believer in the Secret, positive thoughts, thoughts become things,etc. I am here to tell you it is all true. I am living a life I have long dreamed of, but for years didn't really think I would ever get to. After my change of employment I really started focusing on those long held dreams. Without knowing how, where, or with whom, I just put it all out there and out of the blue it has all come true....Ok, ok enough with my deep ramblings, on to shopping for the Holidays!

Molly and I have been working day and night (ok not night, we are both early birds) getting La Bella Vita/Retromantics ready for the Holidays. If I say so myself it is looking outstanding. There are gift ideas for all of your lovers of fibres and fripperies, and looks we can help you replicate at home.

We are holding classes every Sunday afternoon, 1 to 4, starting the 28 and continuing until Dec 19 to help you have a Homespun Upcycled Holiday season. Think English styled crackers, felted ornaments, vintage paper wrapped ornaments, recycled cuffs; cute, easy to do in one afternoon, and will add that personal touch to your gifts and decorations, that we are all wanting to add at the Holidays.

We have also added a couple of great lines of bath indulgences and amazing smelling candles. Fabulous holiday presents or hostess gifts.

Not to forget...Dec 4 is Mineral Point's Candlelight shopping evening. Galleries and Shops are open late and will greet you with festive food and drink. The town is lined with luminaries, chestnuts roasting, carolers, and just an amazing feeling of history, holidays gone by, and good will to men,(and of course women;).

So in this season of magic, keep on dreaming.

Kath

Life after Corporations

2010-10-14T05:14:00.003-05:00

Just a short post to catch up....After what was basically 3 months of watching TV, grieving, and healing, life just flung open a door, shut off the TV and said GET GOING!

So much has happened in the last 2 weeks my head is still spinning. I think most of you know about how the talented and lovely Molly invited me to grow the Vintage business with her at her shop and gave me her back room to play in; however with her help, and boundless enthusiasm I am now expanding to her next door neighbor.

Starting this weekend I am opening the doors of Arkiteks Salvage most weekends until the end of the year. The equally lovely Arlene (and Frank) have graciously asked me to join them in the operating of their Amazing architectural salvage business! Retromantic Antiques will moving there bit by bit over the next few months. We are still working out the details but the building will be a meld of all 3 businesses. A full roll out will happen in the spring.

We have been working our butts off this last couple of weeks to get ready for the Fall Art Tour this weekend so if you get a chance come on by and say hi. Pics and more details later.

My Surprise

2010-09-18T07:55:00.002-05:00

So I am VERY happy to announce I now have a presence in Downtown Mineral Point! Lovely M0lly Walz from the always cool and fun La Bella Vita Fibre Gallery http://www.labellavitamp.com/ has invited me to join her. I will be in the back room with a some contributions from other Vintage lovers. Retromantic will be the main inventory there and I get to style/design the room to my hearts content.

I will still have my cozy little shop at my home and be open Thursdays through Sundays but I get to help Molly out down at her shop too! So there may be times that you will see a sign at my home that reads "at La Bella Vita". Head on down the hill if you do.

I am also adding some bath and beauty items so watch for those in the next week or so. I am really excited about all of this and hope to see all of you soon. Check out the pics from the space at La Bella Vita. I took them really quick not wanting to disturb all the customers so watch for more pics later.

kath

Renewel of Spirit

2010-09-03T08:26:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but the summer here this year has been draining. The heat and humidity that we have had virtually all summer along with my extreme change of lifestyle has been challenging. I HATE heat and have never been home all day every day.....

While my time home has been healing it has still been, (and still is) a huge change. But...along with the cooler temperature, and beautiful fall light, comes a lightness of spirit I have been waiting for. I am ready to redecorate my home and of course my shop RETROMANTIC ANTIQUES.

I have been gradually editing my home. As I let go of the negative energy I had been inundated with for so long at work, I am finding I want to also let go of some of the fussiness in my home. It is becoming lighter, cleaner, more focused. Pics to come in the coming weeks. I have also been working on a HUGE project in my kitchen. I am now on floor excavation part II. It is slow going and very hard on my hands and arms. Again pics to come. I know the project and aching knuckles will be worth it.

But back to the shop. I have been refining some ideas I've had for the shop this morning and the pics are just the beginning. Ideas and great stuff to cosy up your nest are being designed and set up.

I know I have been open a little haphazardly the last couple of weeks and I apologize if you have stopped by only to find me closed. To tell the truth that will be happening again this weekend. I am spending time with family before everyone gets so busy with School, and life.

Sorry this has been so rambling but welcome to my brain! lol. Back to the shop and to enjoy this GREAT weather. I will be open all day today(friday) Saturday morning, Sunday by chance. Regular hours starting again next week.

kath

Our trip to Iowa

2010-08-08T10:55:00.006-05:00

Yesterday BE and I took a day trip to Iowa.

It was our anniversary and we decided Iowa was the most romantic place we could go...we're crazy like that. lol Anywho, we drove to Kalona. A cute little Mennonite town with a great sophisticated bistro, Tuscan Moon. We sat outside and had amazing sandwiches on cibatta bread and really great wine. Their wine list was pages long. Sorry no link I was sure they would have a web site....but if you are in that part of the country go.

But what really took us to this sweet little part of Iowa was my long desire to visit Sister's Garden and Bloom http://sistersgardeniowa.blogspot.com/. It was worth waiting for and definitely worth the drive.

It is right on hwy 1, two old buildings that are charming on their own but filled with goodies! The garden has treasures everywhere too from chairs hanging on wire to great old motel chairs. All the poor husbands hung out out there.

I however wanted to wander the 2 buildings forever. Every kind of shabby, chippy, rusty, goodie you can think of was creatively and charmingly arranged in multiple floor displays. Mixed in were lots of great smelling candles and soaps.

Can you tell I LOVED it? I am so inspired! Sometimes having my little shop in my home can kind of feel like a vacuum so it was great to see such creativity in work.

I hope to get back yet this fall. I wish I could go visit every week!

After that we wandered around Iowa City. What a great little city. Cute shops and pubs. I'm sure in a couple of weeks when the students are all back it will be hopping.

Dinner was at CiboFusion http://www.cibofusion.com/ in Cedar Rapids. Again amazing fresh interesting menu and a great atmosphere. All in all a very enjoyable day. Day trips can be the most fun we find. Discover some new spots and still be home to sleep in your own bed. So goes another glamorous day in the life of Kath and Brad....Glamour is so over rated.

p.s. all images are from the Sisters Bloom blog.

And the Winner is......

2010-07-28T05:20:00.003-05:00

On my last post I mentioned a give away for those coming to my shopping and cocktails night. It was a lot of fun and I had a great turn out. I just picked a winner for this great vintage picnic basket filled with melmac dishes and cute table cloth from the 50's. Really cute and "green" right?

So the moment you have all been waiting for (lol)......

The winner is SANDY JONES!

Sandy I will contact you today and we can schedule a time to get your goodies!

New goodies being put in the shop and new staging ideas. Check us out.

New Hours: Thurs-Sun 11-6

2010-07-08T13:07:00.006-05:00

I realize I haven't shared any shots of the shop for a while. Here's a peak of what you will see when you stop by now.

I included a couple of shots of my hanging baskets on my porch. They started out as the stack of great rusty baskets you'll see in the shots. Just add moss and lots of flowers and Voila! a very impressive statement for your garden.

I will be closed this Friday at 4 and all day Saturday. Off to a work event with the Hubbs. Back open Sunday.

Please join me if you can this coming Wed night for an evening of Shopping and Cocktails! 5 - 7 July 14th.

Enjoy the Sunshine!

kath

Flower Deals for the Weekend

2010-06-18T09:06:00.003-05:00

This weekend is Mineral Point's Garden Tour. http://www.shakeragalley.com/shake-rag-alley-classes/garden-workshops-madison-wi.html.

In honour of this everything FLORAL at Retromantic Antiques is 25 % off all weekend! The pics are just a very small amount of the pretties I have with flowers on them.

Check out some amazing gardens, hang in my (some day to be amazing lol) garden, and take home some of that Retromantic feel to your home and garden for a great price.

Remember Retromantic Antiques is now open every week Thursday - Sunday 11 - 6.

See you this weekend.

Kath

Shiny and Silver

2010-06-13T12:53:00.006-05:00

Haven't done the linky thing before so home I am doing it right. My silver in my shop tends to mostly 1950's Aluminum. I love the patterns and variety of pieces and that I can pass them on at such a great price. Galvanized is always great too. The planter is from my yard. It's an old animal feeder bin. Enjoy and if anything is saying "take me home" let me know and I'll gladly send it on its way. kath

New Focus on Freedom and Fun

2010-06-10T11:58:00.002-05:00

Well as of Today June 10th 2010 I am focusing on Antiques! Retromantic Antiques is now open at my Home, Thursday - Sunday; 11 - 6. I put in a new window display downtown Mineral Point, I'm letting all my Facebook Fans and the merchants know, and now all you. Is it all perfect? HELL NO! Does it look great? YUP. I want this to be fun. For me and definitely for YOU my customers! No more judgments, no more stress, no more working my ass off for someone else! YIPEE!!!

As you may have noticed I will be open 4 days a week. This is part of my new plan of working 4 days a week going forward. Jealous? I know I always was of anyone who worked less then I did and on top of it seemed to be having a good time. So come on over, check out the pretties, hang out in the garden and if it is the right time of day maybe have a cocktail...

I am not guaranteeing I will always be there those hours but pretty damn close, so if you are coming from a distance or just want to make sure give me a call. 987-3056.

Oh I was going to say sorry but I'm not....I get to swear when I want to now too...I promise to not do it in front of your little kids, but really who brings little kids to an Antique shop? ;)kath

Letting in Joy

2010-05-31T05:33:00.002-05:00

I recently have realized that I have not been following my loves, my joys, and all that makes me feel like me. While I firmly believe a person only lets in what they want circumstances creeped up on me over the last year so insidiously that it took a strong shake up of part of my world for me to recognize what has been going on.

I am not trying to be mysterious, I just need to be protective right now.

But while to try and make sense of it all and figure out how I got to where I am I came to the realization that I have let joy and beauty go in my life. Not huge earth shattering projects but little things.

So starting today I am not only going to get it back (while working on the "big" problem) but I want to start sharing this experience with you all. I think too often we think it is all or nothing. That our homes, our bodies, our lives need to be like all the tv shows, magazine pages,catalogs, or even the beautiful blogs we see daily. While they are all aspirational, we need to take them for what they are. The best of the best and sometimes only an illusion. I have been in the fashion/catalog business for 25 years and let me tell you there is lots of illusion out there and often it is not nice or pretty how those images get to you.

But I digress. Lets try for moments of beauty and joy today and as many days as we can. I'll share mine and I would love for you to share yours. Starting today.

kath

I Delare a REDO

2010-04-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

Please join me for a REDO of my first Open House of the Season. I agree with what I heard from many of you, it was just too yucky out to go shopping. Lets hope for better weather. Now I just have more time to refine my vignettes for you...

Today Saturday April 24

2010-04-24T09:41:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the short post, but....

I'M OPEN TODAY 10- 4 at my shop 319 N CHESTNUT ST

Come on by and look at something pretty instead of the dreary day.

kath

Life in the Olden Days

2010-03-23T16:17:00.003-05:00

I just read this quote on a beautiful blog.http://blissfulb.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-happy-place-quote.html. I had to re-post it. It says so well what I and many of my friends and family discuss often. It's a little long but read it please, shut off the electronics and go outside......

According to today's regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s or even the early 80s, probably shouldn't have survived. Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. (Not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking).

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. Horrors! We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of wood scraps and fruit crates and then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

Now one was able to reach us by cell phone. Unthinkable! We did not have Playstations, Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, no video games at all, no ninety-nine channels on cable, videotape movies, surround sound, personal cell phones, personal computers, or Internet chat rooms. We had neighborhood friends! We played dodge ball, and sometimes, the ball would really hurt. We played other games such as Kick the Can and Capture the Flag. We fell out of trees, got cut, and broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. They were accidents. No one was to blame but us.

We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms, and although were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did worms live inside us forever. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's home and knocked on the door, or rang the bell or just walked in. Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Some of us weren't as smart as others, so we failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade. Horrors! Tests were not adjusted for any reason. Our actions were our own. Consequences were expected, no one to hide behind. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law. Imagine that! This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever.
-ANONYMOUS

An Irish Tea

2010-03-12T14:54:00.004-06:00

I have done some rearranging after selling my cupboard. I have a cute little Irish tea and some Frenchie moments. Stop by for a visit, do some shopping and of course have one of Mark's amazing pastries and coffees. I'll be there from 9-12 but as usual if you need to satisfy your shopping appetite at another time just give me a call or pop me a note and I'll find a time that I can open just for you!

KATH

Good Weekend

2010-03-08T13:17:00.005-06:00

I had such a nice weekend. My Daughter, her BF, my hubby and I went to Ikea and Woodfield mall and out to an AMAZING dinner at Rosebud http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/. The best Italian food I have had in years. Sorry no pics, way to dark and romantic in there for that.

Then right before we went into the wildness that is IKEA on a Saturday afternoon I got a call from my friend Jen, who was watching my booth, that I sold a big piece of furniture and a great huge cherub lamp I had in my Saturday Flea space. YIPEE!!! I really didn't want to have to move all of those great pieces back home once the Flea is over at the end of March. All of my furniture is 15% off until the end of March so if you have had your eye on something now's the time!

It just feels like change is in the air doesn't it? Is it Spring coming, or the light changing, or even articles talking about the economy getting better? I don't know, or even really care, I just need a change, an oomph, a shot of adrenaline, a kick in the as# or something. It has been a looong February that's all I know.

I am still trying to decide on my calendar for the upcoming season and I know, I know, its time to figure it out. Soon I promise. What is that term the Victorians used, ennui? I think I caught it. Could it have been trapped in some of my Victorian goodies? I think some real live sunshine will kick it out and that seems to be appearing more and more every day, so I can only hope.

OK, so enough whining and rambling. Let's dream of flowers, creativity flowing from our fingertips, and lots of sales of antiques. I included some pics of flowers from my garden last year. I just need a weekend digging in the dirt and all will be well.

kath

What I've Been Up To

2010-02-11T06:26:00.006-06:00

Finally a new post! Not sure why it has been so long. Busy at the paycheck job but long winter nights. Boredom,cabin fever...what ever,its over (I think) Ready to chat, play with my antiques and maybe even sell some!

So not sure if I have even shared what I do on Saturday mornings. Mineral Point has for the first time started an indoor Farmers Market and Flea. It is at the Old Royal Inn. Jennifer of the Royal has worked hard to get all natural and mostly local produce,meats,cheeses,fish, and of course ANTIQUES. There is a rotating collection of vendors and always Marks amazing pastries,cookies, great coffees and camaraderie. It has been so nice to get out and see friends and meet new people who are so glad to get out on these long winter weekends.

I have been having fun sharing my goodies for a few hours a week, knitting, and drinking lattes in between.

Come see us Saturday Mornings from 9-12 in beautiful downtown Mineral Point. Here's some pics of my lovelies and goodies from some vendors and Mark's pastries. Sorry Mark my food photography needs some work....

Kath

Gallery Walk this Saturday

2009-12-03T09:44:00.002-06:00

I am very happy to announce that Retromantic Antiques will be doing a marathon this Saturday, December 5th. We will be at the Old Royal Inn in Mineral Point for the in-door Farmers Market just like we have been for the last few Saturdays, but this week we will stay all day and a good part of the night!

It's the last Gallery Walk of the year and it goes until 8 or 9. If you haven't ever been to Mineral Point for this event you need experience it. With all the businesses open, garland and luminaries everywhere it's Magical. There are usually carolers in costume, and roast chestnuts are sold. Most of the businesses have snacks and drinks to share and often some live music appears.

I love how this garland came out and I hope it's sentiment comes true for Saturday. It will be for sale this weekend along with lots of great Vintage pieces that will add that old fashioned feel to your holiday decorating and events.

Hope to see you Saturday.

Kath

Winners and New Members of the Family

2009-11-29T18:19:00.003-06:00

I knew it had been a while since I posted but a month??? So a few things to share.
I finally did my drawing for the winner at our Art Tour Weekend. The give away were these beautiful vintage napkins with white on white embroidery. the winner is ....Joyce Weitz. These will be on their way to you this week.

Lets see secondly I am now set up at the great historical Old Royal Inn for the Season. They are hosting the indoor farmers market/flea market until Christmas and it has been going great so far. I am going to take some pictures this week during our Holiday Gallery Evening. This always is a magical evening in Mineral Point. With all of the candles and hopefully some snow its like stepping back in time 100 years.

The next exciting thing going on is the addition of a truly entertaining but somewhat demonic kitten named Parker. Lots of pictures of her of course. We get her from a friend right before Halloween. This weekend our daughter got a 3 month old Old English Bull Dog. Lots of activity going on with 2 babies in the house. But so sweet.

Alright, that's it for now. Someday I am going to figure out how to put the correct pictures in the correct spot, but not tonight.

Have a great week everyone.

kath

Lacework Pink Hand Tufted Wool Rug - Layla Grayce

2009-10-27T14:53:00.001-05:00

Lacework Pink Hand Tufted Wool Rug - Layla Grayce

This is it. The perfect rug for my bedrooms new design! I just found it and am in love. Now for finding the drapes.

Ok, just had to share.

love ya,

kath

I'm back and Retromantic Antiques takes it on the Road

2009-10-10T17:44:00.003-05:00

Well we are back from a great vacation. Lots of fun in the sun. If you are looking for a great vacation at the beach check out the Gulf Shores. Not extremely built up and commercialized,great food and really nice people. I highly recommend it and we will be going back.

Now for the exciting news!!! Retromantic Antiques will be moving for the weekend to High Street Mineral Point. I am very excited. Jennifer at the Old Royal Inn is setting up an Antique and Flea market on the first floor of her beautiful building so we can all join into the Fall Art Tour http://www.fallarttour.com/ It is a great event and I am just thrilled to be able to be involved.

The Old Royal Inn is half way up on High Street so just in the middle of it all. I start setting up Tuesday and (for a change) will take pictures of the process.

Hope you can all make it!

later, kath

Taking a Week Off

2009-10-05T05:31:00.002-05:00

Now I'm sure my readers you are wondering off from what because I sure never get around to posting weekly here. I tell myself I will and I wish I did but I just am not there yet. Anyhoo, I am taking a week off from the job, the animals, the antiques, dishes, cleaning, reality really.

Saturday we hopped in the car bright and early, dropped off Sam at a friends,(thanks Sharon) and headed south. One uneventful night in a hotel in Nashville and then back on the road. We are now in Gulf Shores Alabama. It is warm, still dark but we have a condo over looking the ocean. It is wild this morning. The condo is great and so far so good.

There is rain in the forcast every day but I am sure it won't be every day all day.These pictures are from the resorts web site but are acurate. http://www.beachclubal.com/photoGallery.htm I found them by asking on Twitter! I love when the Universe is aligned!

My Big Guy and I needed this. He has had a very stressful time with a job he really doesn't like and I have had lots of stress (all good) at work lately. But all is on the upswing. But that is for another post.

I am off to listen to the waves.

Later, Gaters.

kath

Lots to do in Mineral Point

2009-09-24T07:57:00.002-05:00

This is a great weekend to make the trip to Mineral Point. Not only am I having my monthly event but there is....wait for it....Historic House Tours, Cornish Fest, Taste of Mineral Point, Driftless Area Fibre Fair, and what looks to be a killer estate sale.

Come on check us all out and support our great historic town.

kath

My first Polyvore ensom...

2009-09-18T16:52:00.003-05:00

This could definitely become addictive. VERY fun and gives me ideas for new accessorization of my own wardrobe. Let me know what you think.

transistion into fall by Kath Whitford featuring Anthropologie

2009-08-12T11:50:00.003-05:00

Fall is creeping into Retromantic. We are busily (and frantically) if truth be known, working to set up some great new looks for you all. Black and White is a big look, and a little Vintage back to school...Pics to come soon. Grab a friend or two and come on to Mineral Point and Retromantic Antiques this Saturday for some history and fun shopping.

Edited to add pictures. It is just beginning but so far I am liking it. Let me know what you think!

I love Tara Frey's new book

2009-07-18T18:04:00.003-05:00

So I had to share my glee. I have added a banner to my blog of MY photography and even did the same for my web site. http://retromantic.mybisi.com/. Now I am not saying the photography is that great but I am feeling very proud of myself for doing it and I owe it all to Tara and her great new book! http://bellapink.typepad.com/.

Now next I need to read about simple html and try a couple of other things she writes about, and I'm only half way through the book! Yah!

You know when you really want to do something, research it, try to figure it out and it just doesn't happen? I end feeling so frustrated, dumb, and even old. So today I am feeling smart and even a little younger! Wow all from a book about blogging. So I hope you like my new banner and check out Tara's blog and book.

Kath

Edited to add. So I just tried to link to her widget about the book and couldn't do it....back to reading.lol k

July Open House

2009-07-16T11:40:00.007-05:00

New set ups, new looks, new ideas for your home. It's time for my July Open House. I will be open for Antiques and a chat this Saturday July 18th, 10-5. Here's a sneak peak. See you Soon. kath

Self Sabotage

2009-07-05T13:22:00.002-05:00

So I just realized that once again I am my own worst enemy....What would you say (for that matter) what would I say, to a part time shop owner that is off the beaten path, is only open once a month, does limited advertising, and when does, advertises her address and telephone number (along with the seasons calendar)HANG IN THERE,I'M ALMOST DONE RAMBLING but doesn't have the house numbers on her house and either doesn't check her phone on the weekends or has a dead battery????WTF. Sorry. But this just all hit me and I am so dumb founded and mad at myself I could scream!?!?!?

So I am starting now with the house numbers and the phone. Sorry for any and all of you who either tried to find me or call. I just got my head out of my you know what and am here to sell the cutest damn Antiques and Vintage in this part of the country!

Next Event is July 11th. There will be house numbers, a phone that is working and answered, and really great new Cottage, Frenchie, and Shabby, goodies for your house or for a really unique gift. See you then.

Kath

I Won!

2009-06-30T13:26:00.003-05:00

Just found out I won the monthly Blog drawing at The French Cupboard! Here's a pic of my winnings. Aren't they great??? http://www.frenchcupboard.com/pages/BlogGiveaway.htm They are also the great people behind LolliShops http://www.lollishops.com/.

This is a place to sell on line, get the word out about your web site, or shop, It's also a link to LOTS of great Blogs, plus so much more. Check them out and the goodies that will soon be mine. Gotta love it when such a together team not only gives us such great eye candy but treats too!

I want to thank all of you for stopping by at my last open house. The next one will be July 18th. Looking forward to meeting more of you and keeping in touch with old pals.

Kath

Americana at Retromantic Antiques

2009-06-18T09:38:00.006-05:00

It's been so long since I posted! Where did the time go? Oh that's right...life,day job, an acre of garden to develop and maintain...Any hoo....

I love this time of year and the ideas it brings up. The shop looks great and a Picnic at Grandma's is my main theme.
I think everyone right now wants a safe haven and what could be safer then Grandma's? Real or the Grandma of our dreams and imaginations.
Check out the pictures of fun Americana. Lots of pics this time. I happened on an auction that had great fruit dishes, so perfect for my Grandma theme and so cute for your country or cottage kitchen, or summer entertaining.

Retromantic Antiques will be open this Saturday 10-5. Just look for the sign in the front yard.
The Garden Tour is also happening in Mineral Point this Saturday; so come to one of the Coolest Towns in America, Stop by Retromantic Antiques, then relax by touring some lovely spots around town and near by country side.

See you Saturday, kath

Retromantic Antiques Calendar

2009-05-04T13:21:00.014-05:00

Here it is,
the calendar for the new season at RETROMANTIC ANTIQUES.

The first open house of the season was a great success! Lots new faces and new looks I hope all of you loved. I've included some pictures.

I am working on some new ideas and projects for the May opening that I hope you'll love or will stir your creative juices.

Mark your calendars and I hope to see you then. kath

The first Open House of the Season

2009-04-03T09:04:00.005-05:00

It has been so long since I have posted. Not really sure why. When I can't have the shop open I just kind of let Retro go into a long winters nap I guess. I wanted to share some peaks into my first open house of the season. I have been working on it when ever I am not at work and am really happy with how it is coming together. I stained the front room floor a pretty Robin's Egg Blue. You can see a peak of it a couple of these shots. Lots of moving of furniture is happening too. I love what that does to the look and energy of a space don't you?

I am having the first open house this month to correspond with Mineral Point's Garage Sale Weekend. Lots of the businesses will be having specials and there are always plenty great goodies at all of the separate homes.

I will be featuring Spring in the Garden looks and the big room will be filled with the feel of Paris. If Mother Nature cooperates the garden should be in first bloom so come relax, shop all the pretties, and take in the beauty that is Spring in Mineral Point.

I will be open Friday the 17 and Saturday the 18 from 9-4 both days. Watch for my newsletter coming soon. See you all in a couple of weeks. And as usual for any of you that can't make it to the open house anything you might want I can ship to you. Just pop me a note.

Show and Tell - February Auction

2009-03-01T16:17:00.004-06:00

I love Auctions!
The research weekly in our little free newspaper, the excitement as I see one in the area that, after a quick skim, looks promising, and finally knowing that one of my weekend days is now planned after reading the complete bill.

All week long I talk about it, reread the auction bill and check out any pictures if it happens to

be with an auctioneer that has "modernized" and has a web site. I worry about how I will get home any treasures too big for my car and think about who I can borrow a truck from. Then on the morning of the event I organize my bags, grab some tools, incase I need to take anything apart, get some small bills for the possibility that I might be able to buy a treasure out of someone's "box" they didn't want and add in a book just incase there are long pauses for selling guns or coins that I just am not into. And off I go.

I always leave time to peruse the selection before the actual auction starts since these are no refined Sothebys events.

These are country estate auctions. Often boxes are loaded with anything from bottle of cleaning solutions, to rusty old huge chains, to drill presses.( what ever those are).

This was no exception. The crowd was huge. Most are just there for the entertainment. Not much to do in our rural part of Wisconsin on a long winter weekend. The only downfall for winter auctions are prices are usually higher. Everyone is waiting for Spring and haven't been to an auction all winter. Never the less I was able to scoop up a few goodies.

The amazing oil painting of the pansies will stay with me. I have wanted one for ever. However the rest will be for sale at my shop this April at my first open house of the season. Especially check out the painting of the lady and the dog. This is a watercolor from the 1930's. Beautiful isn't it?

Kath

The Passing of the Princess

2009-02-17T09:25:00.003-06:00

One of my best friends passed on yesterday. Velvet enriched our (and supervised) our lives for 16 years. She was my gardening buddy and we will greatly miss her.

Show and Tell Monday

2009-01-26T05:48:00.004-06:00

I am participating in Make Mine Pink's Show and Tell Monday. I spent most of yesterday adding new cottagey vintage and antique goodies. Check them out here and of course I would love you to pop on over to my web site too.

I hope you all look at my sister MMP sites too. They are always busy little bees and will have lots of new products or inspiration.

Have fun today looking at all of the Blogs and Stay Warm!

Kath

.

A Time For Change

2009-01-15T15:19:00.008-06:00

We are having the cold spell of the decade right now. It either makes you want to stay in bed and pull the covers up or rebel against it and try to better your personal world. I am choosing the later right now. (the head in the covers option may happen before our long Wisconsin winter is over however).

I am doing some personal research and soul searching through a couple of sources.

1. I'm reading a great book I found, and I'm sure many of you have already read, called Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny. I am finding it amazing for not only looking at how you handle money but basically how you take care of most aspects of your life. Bottom line; it's all about self esteem.

2. The second book is great for your body or head. It is You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. Her belief is that your belief systems can make you sick and heal you. Very interesting concepts and lots of great affirmations.

So think of me in the 30 below wind chills working on my beliefs, body, and finances. It will be interesting to see what comes of it all.

The last change is something I didn't think I would ever see. Our Samantha (the German Shepard) and Dimitri (our persnickety miss kitty) were found sleeping touching! I guess the cold got to them too!

Keep Warm.

Kath

P.S. Oh and I did some changing around in my Dining Room. What do you think of the new Bay Window set up?

Show and Tell-Christmas

2008-12-08T13:59:00.004-06:00

Well Christmas has come to the Whitford's. I finally got most of my decorating done. It had started right after Thanksgiving when my daughter was home but as these things will it did not get done. Off to her home she went with her boyfriend and Mom was left with an idea of where we were going with our decorating but no more help. Oh well it was great to have the help when she was there and some new ideas too. Check out the pics and check out all of the busy ladies at Make Mine Pink to see what great things they are up to.http://www.makeminepink.com/forum/Topic128209-77-1.aspx.

Oh and you will see my very tired helper that replaced my daughter....

See you next week. kath

Xmas At Retromantic Antiques

2008-11-25T09:14:00.008-06:00

Christmas is coming to Retromantic Antiques and Mineral Point. After much procrastinating, research for inspiration,stressing out I finally came to my senses and called on some friends and family for help. Not something I am very good at doing. An evening of fun, creativity, and a little wine and great food from my in house caterer, and Voila! Xmas arrived! The night before Deborah and I put up a little window on the main street of my little town. Hope it will help the locals and visitors to Mineral Point know I am around and open for business. (Well once a month any way)

I will be open 2 weekends for all your vintage decorating and gifting needs. The dates are November 28 & 29, and December 6 & 7, 10-4 both days. I've included some pictures of my little window downtown,a couple of the set ups we did at the shop and one of your photography shy blogger.

Let me know what you think and I hope I will see you soon.

kath

New look with the help of my friend

2008-10-28T07:06:00.005-05:00

I'm sooo excited! I have the new look for my Blog I wanted! I love it. I think it reflects my antiques just perfectly. Once my Pink buddie Gail http://cupcakesandcutestuff.blogspot.com/ helped me figure out one little thing Voila a new blog look. It is free from the http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/.Check them and Gail out. Gail makes really cute jewelry so start your Xmas shopping early(along with some vintage shopping from Retromantic of course) lol.

I spent yesterday getting lots of my vintage glasses loaded on my web site. I want to get the rest loaded today and take more pictures of them for some alternate views. I am on vacation and really want to use the week to work on my business. Now that summer is over and I will be inside it's time to take it more seriously. I'm really ready for it. I am also working on a window design that I am hoping to be able to do in an open store front on our main st downtown for Xmas. This should help people find me and my little shop at my house.

Stay warm and let me know what you think of my new look. I love to hear from you. kath

Look of Blog

2008-10-23T09:22:00.003-05:00

So bear with me. I am trying to update the look of my Blog with this great free service I found. However there is one step I can't figure out....How do I shrink my template to Minima???? Once I get it it will be cool. Now its just a little bazaar. If anyone knows how to do this let me know....

kath

Open this weekend for Fall Art Tour

2008-10-17T13:50:00.005-05:00

This weekend is the Fall Art Tour Weekend

http://www.fallarttour.com/html/home.php in this part of the state. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend and the artist's work is always amazing so it is a great event and always a good way to start getting ideas for Christmas and support local artisans.

So in honor of this I want to do my first Special! All glasses will be 20% off this Saturday and Sunday. Check out some of the selection above and below. There is something that will fit any Vintage,Retro, or Shabby table setting. There are more I couldn't get on here. Must be at my limit for a blog post???. Any questions leave me a comment or of course come on in this weekend. I will be open 10-5 both days. kath

Some Fall Fun Shopping

2008-10-13T08:19:00.007-05:00

The weather is amazing here now. It is in the high 70's?! Unheard of around here by the middle of October. I made the best of it by shopping. I hit an estate sale on my lunch on Friday and then on Sunday we kept up a family tradition by going to Gays Mills for Apples. Gays Mills is in a beautiful area of Wisconsin with rolling hills all in their Fall glory and apple orchards everywhere.

We hit our favorite onehttp://www.sunriseapples.com/. They have everything you could ever want and more. The apple donuts are to die for and warm from the oven....

On the way through the city of Gays Mills we noticed a green house/floral shop advertising vintage and antiques. Sooo of course after our apple adventure we popped on in. SCORE! It was a space that was using the green houses for antique mall space after the growing season was over. So smart.

It was down and dirty but treasures everywhere. Here are a couple of pictures of both of the shopping trips. I am cleaning them up and adding them to my shop for the upcoming Fall Art Tour http://www.fallarttour.com/ this weekend.

Hope to see you there or as ever if you see anything here you would like to purchase just pop me a note and we help you out.

kath

Show and Tell

2008-09-07T15:01:00.020-05:00

I have had so much fun today! I had a fairly free day and after reading some VERY inspirational Blogs I went to work on my shop. Halloween is starting. I may be a little late but I figure its a month and a half away. Check out my pics.I wasn't able to have my open house this Saturday but after having so much fun today I have decided I am going to do an evening open house this month on the last thursday in September.
Edited to change the open house date. Now Oct 2nd. 5:30 - 8.

hope to see lots of you on thursday. kath

Red wine and chocolate treats I think to go with the Holiday. All Hallows Eve has never been my favorite but I think I may be changing my mind. What do you think? Leave me a note and tell how you like my little nod to the creepies.....kath

Show and Tell Monday

2008-08-17T09:17:00.011-05:00

I am finally getting it together to do a Show and Tell along with many of the great ladies at Make Mine Pink.com. This way we share with each other and all of you what we are working on. I had my August Open House on Saturday. Thanks to all of you that stopped on by. I have added lots of great linens, and a fall feeling is starting to creep in. Enjoy the pictures, and if you are near Mineral Point WI. Saturday, Sept 6 stop by and check us out. We will be having our Sept Open House then. We are at 319 n chestnut st. As always, if you see anything you would like, but can't make it in, pop me a note, or make a comment here and we'll make arrangements to get it to you.
Later, kath

Focus on Linens

2008-08-12T16:49:00.005-05:00

It's time for the August Open House. It will be this Saturday August 16th from 10-5. I have a bunch of new linens and textiles for you to see and add to your collection or even start a new one. Wait until you see the Victorian unmentionables I found. I'll post some pictures in the morning. I've done some new set ups so those are always fun.

See you on Saturday.

kath

The Summer Open House

2008-07-30T09:39:00.009-05:00

So the summer is flying by. We have been lucky here in our little corner of Wisconsin that we have not had all of the extreme weather that others have been plagued by. The gardens are looking lush and beautiful and we have been able to do lots of grilling.

I finally had another open house last weekend. It was good to see old and new faces. Hope you enjoy the pictures. I am also finally putting one in of our "empty nesting" child. Her name is Samantha and she is around 2 we think. We got her from the Iowa County Humane Society. http://www.ichs.net/ . They are a great group and have wonderful and well taken care of animals. They really work to match you up with the right pet for you.

Miss Sammy has given us a new focus and is a much loved new member of the family.

I will try to post more soon. If any of you ever want to purchase anything you see here just email me or check my new web site. I am just starting to work on it.

kath

Places I Wish I Had Time To Relax In

2008-06-18T16:29:00.006-05:00

I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago before we had deluges of rain, my day job got crazy, and I wasn't trying to get ready for my June open house. This is my backyard and while there is always lots to work on I love it and the spots we have created for relaxation.

The great chairs my Dad made years ago and they are at just the right stage of shabbiness, the hammock our kids gave us for our anniversary and I have had many a great nap in it; and the lounger is a '60s version I picked up for a song at a garage sale and had new cushions made for it with outdoor fabric. Again a good napping area.

I hope to get new shots from my antiques up soon. Enjoy the sun!

kath

Spring in Paris

2008-05-28T14:49:00.003-05:00

Ah, Paris. The chestnuts in blossom,the little cafes,the food, the light.....So I have never actually been to Paris but I sure am going to get there in the next couple of years. Until then Make Mine Pink is starting a brand new way of shopping. This Friday check all of the Make Mine Pink shops for the best in boutique shopping with a feel of Paris.

Pink Friday is the newest brainchild of the Gals at Make Mine Pink. A group I am proud to say I belong to. Every Friday there will be a new theme where the whole group will feature new products that reflect it. Very fun! I will have a couple of "French" items in my Little Pink Boutique so come on over to MMP to shop Mes Amis!

kath

Spring Has Sprung

2008-05-09T08:46:00.011-05:00

Here's the new flyer for the May open house.It's at the bottom of this post. Not sure how to move photo's around yet or if it is possible... Hopefully we will have great weather so come on out and enjoy the beautiful Mineral Point Spring. The gardens are blooming and I am planning on being in them every free (and dry) moment this weekend.

I also included some pictures I took in NYC last weekend. Just some great inspirational displays from ABC carpet and Fishes Eddy. I love those stores! The wall of flowers is amazing....

I am pretty proud of myself with this flyer. I did much of it myself! Of course my compatriot Jane helped, but I am teaching myself In Design, so for a computer illiterate like myself it is a HUGE accomplishment. Let me know what you think.

Hope to see you on Saturday the 17th.

kath

Pictures From the April Event

2008-04-29T10:15:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share some photos of the goodies we had at the April Event. It was lots of fun even though the weather was cold and snowy.

We have set the date for the May event. It will be Saturday May 17th. We are going to try it for just a Saturday instead of Sat and Sun. I think for the first few months we will try it out a few different ways and find out what all of you prefer. Let me know what you think.

I am going to NYC this weekend to visit friends and look for inspirations and new ideas to bring back to all of you. (and of course shop!!!)

If any of you have things you are looking for let me know and I will keep it in mind when I am antiquing.

In the meantime enjoy spring.

kath

Preview of the Goodies coming this Weekend

2008-04-09T09:54:00.010-05:00

Well I've been working all my free time on the Event this weekend. Sounds like the weather is not going to co-operate but at least I have my snug little shop in my basement. I feel for all of the Garage Sale people trying to stay dry and warm. Check out my pictures. Lots more to do and lots more treasures to display. I stained the floor of the big room and I love the way it came out! Polka Dots!

Don't forget we start at 8 on Saturday morning. See you there.

The details for the sale.

2008-04-01T09:07:00.004-05:00

Here's the flyer for the upcoming event. More pictures of the goodies to come and of the new improved floor I worked on this weekend.

Learning How to use my PC

2008-03-23T18:49:00.002-05:00

Well I am usually a Mac girl at work but have a PC at home since that is what my husband needed for his work. I have hard time doing anything on it but today my daughters GREAT boyfriend gave me a lesson. He's so patient! I now believe I can post pictures. Look I did it. I can even File things and find them again and maybe even remember that there is such a thing as "right click". Amazing!

So like I said in my last post I will be having the first of my Retromantic Antiques weekend events on April 12 and 13. It should be great fun and is also Garage Sale Weekend in Mineral Point.
Included is a preview of the goodies we will have for sale.

More later

Well this is a big first step

2008-03-11T15:41:00.003-05:00

I have just started reading Blogs let alone writing one. I decided this is one of my big steps to taking my Antique business legitimate.

So a little background. I live in Mineral Point Wisconsin. It is a small very quaint town that is all on the Historic Registry. Lots of Artisans and cute shops.

I have been selling antiques for around 8 years in Antiques Malls and friends stores. It just so happened that when we bought our great house in MP two years ago the basement is perfect for a shop!

So now I am going to start having monthly sales at my house for my antiques instead of trying to be open every weekend. That just got too hard. It tied me to the house when I sometimes I just needed to do errands or even nap!

I will posting shots of my antiques here soon and giving the dates for the first sale of the season.