New Year Blessings

We'd like to wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year!

2010 is going to be a banner year for everyone... We've been working on quite a few things behind the scenes, and are pleased to share them with you!

First up: our new web site, at www.RetreatStyle.com

Yep, that's a name adjustment:

'Retreat' is who we are.

'Retreat Style' is how we do what we do!

We'll be using our web site to connect with retailers and the press as we grow our business to the next level. We think of it as a 'resume' of sorts, able to share vital biz info at a glance. The site connects to our blog, our Facebook page, and our photo portfolios for a more in-depth look at Retreat.

Here on our blog, we've cleaned up a bit and made things easier to find. We'll continue to offer updated info about our products and shows, as well as decorating inspiration and ideas for green living. We know you love vintage style, junking, & thrifting, so we're dedicating ourselves to the task of providing you with more ideas for your creative decorating projects. Our blog links to our Facebook page to keep it updated, as well. If you have photos of Retreat products in your home,  post them on our Facebook wall or send them to us - we'd love to share them with others!

We've been a'flitterin', and now we're a-twitterin'...

Yep, you can keep up with our 'Retreat Tweets' here.  

A button on our sidebar will easily connect you. (I may regret adding one more online responsibility to my list, but like blogs and Facebook, Twitter is a viable business tool, so we need to jump into the pool!) We are just getting started with this, so bear with us... but please DO follow us. We'll follow you back, we promise!

What's up ahead for Retreat?

At the request of some of our customers, we are developing a wholesale line of furniture that we can replicate consistently and provide to retail stores as merchandise for sale - and also as their display fixtures. Based on the 'one of a kind' creations that we are known for, these basic pieces will also be available at retail prices in our show booths later in the year.

We have been honored with an invitation to participate in BarnHouse's upcoming Online Market, and are preparing some of our smaller signature products to be available there. Keep an eye on their site for more info about when Retreat will be featured this spring. (Yes, friends, this DOES include my original Junk Queen Crowns!)

Our schedule for 2010 includes our favorite shows (Farm Chicks, BarnHouse, Sand Point, plus more as we add them) and plans for some very special events, offers, discounts, gifts, and giveaways.

We'll unveil our own seasonal boutique, which we are calling ' Petite Retreat'! One of our small barns here on Retreat Farm will be open for one day each season, offering our wares and a party atmosphere in a setting close to our hearts. As we progress through the year, we'll be adding featured guests to the roster. Stay tuned - the first 'Petite Retreat' will be for Spring, in late March!
 
Some of these special offers will be available only to our mailing list. If you have signed up at a show over this past year, don't worry, you're already on it! If you haven't done that, send an email to retreatstyle@gmail.com with 'mailing list' in the subject line, and we'll add you! We'll also offer some giveaway goodies to our blog Followers and Facebook fans, so even if you aren't one of our local show-going Retreat Peeps, you can still get in on the action. 

We want to thank each and every one of you for your friendship, encouragement, emotional & financial support, and time. We consider the fact that you share part of your busy lives and days with us an honor, and we appreciate you! We love what we do, and we love sharing it with you. May this year bring you an abundance of blessings, friends!

Blessings,
Bob & Deb

More of the Story...

I finally found a copy of Somerset Life, and there we are on page 12. WOW.

See our previous post for that news! We thought perhaps you'd like to hear the whole story behind the tent and the photo in the magazine...

The darling BarnHouse Boys invited us to participate in their Flea Market show last July. Amidst the buzzing preparations for it, they dropped the bombshell: Pre-show events were to include a CAMPING TENT COMPETITION. I believe my exact words in response to this announcement were 'Oh, we are SO all OVER that!'

It took all of one day for us to figure out what look we'd go for (a beach cabana), and then a massive structure began to rise in our backyard. We assembled our 20 X 20 party tent, and went to work. When all was said and done, it turned out like this: White and tan canvas, white furniture, two blow-up beds, countless pillows and chenille bedspreads, lanterns and candles, one of Bob's many BBQ's, one small Moroccan stove, AND a huge silver chandelier.

We thought it would be a great place to gather with friends while at the show, as well as being a perfect retreat to relax and sleep in. We were right - all during the show, while we were hard at work in the barn, curious and weary show attendees were sitting, lying, resting, relaxing, and otherwise enjoying our tent! (a pillow fight enused at one point.... I found evidence....)

One elderly couple commented to Bob (as he arrived there to fix our lunches on show day) that this was such a thoughtful thing for the show to have done - provided a resting spot for guests. ;0) It was at the back of the property, up a hill... but everyone made their way to it!

 

The other dealers at the show and photographer Robin Laws are the ones who nicknamed it 'the Taj Ma Tent' and 'Tent Ma Hal'... in my own defense, here's why it was so over the top: These are THE BOYS. Everything they DO is over the top. Add to that their slyly veiled comments about THE QUEEN, Cindy of Tarte, bringing an actual CIRCUS TENT to this soiree. So I ask you, how was I supposed to show up with like, a Coleman tent? SO not going to happen. Deb has a competitive gene and loves a good party! (I'm still sad that through an unfortunate series of events, Cindy's tent did not materialize.) Bob put in his two theatrical cents, too: the chandelier lights up by way of a jump-start battery charger!

 

So, our big ol' tent helped us beat the heat (sort of), treat the Boys to a lovely dinner, and entertained a lot of people at the show. And now it's providing inspiration on the pages of Somerset! You'll see a version of it appear as the backdrop for our show booths in 2010, as well. We owe the Boys a debt of gratitude for spurring us on to acheive greater creative visions for their show AND for graciously including us in their 'Barn People' family. And a huge thank you to Robin for capturing our style in her poetic photos and sharing them with Somerset! (BTW, the mesh curtains looked so much more romantic when they were loose and flowing, but the wind kicked up and they tangled horribly... ergo the unromantic knots in them)

By the way, the funniest part of the story?

Our neighbors saw this monstrosity taking shape in our backyard on the third of July. We spent most of the Fourth fine tuning the details, then sat out in it with the lanterns & candles lit that night watching fireworks go off out over the sea. The next day, several of them came by to say how sad it was that we had to cancel our party. I'm sure we looked confused, because we heard from them that they watched as we sat alone out there, after doing all that work for a party. We just smiled and nodded, knowing that if we had tried to explain WHY we created this and what it was REALLY for, they'd never understand.... ;0) (And then we packed it all up and hauled it to Battle Ground!)

Image credits: Top: Somerset Life Magazine and Robin Laws. All others: DWK for Retreat, 2009.

Dreams DO Come True!

We are thrilled to share this news with you... a photo of our Retreat 'Taj Ma Tent' accompanies the feature story on the BarnHouse Boys in the January 2010 issue of Somerset Life Magazine! We want to express our gratitude for the amazing talents and generosity of photographer Robin Laws and marketeers extraordinaire the BarnHouse Boys for their part in making this possible.

Obviously, we are overjoyed by the Somerset editors' choice of one of Robin's photos of our tent for inclusion in this beautiful magazine... it's been a dream of ours for quite some time, and now there we are! To see more of our 'Taj Ma Tent', click on the photo in our sidebar... (The photo shown above is one that we took. Robin's are much more artful!)

In addition, the current Fall issue of PORCH Magazine includes some photos of Retreat. We'd like to express our thanks for the remarkable skill and thoughtfulness of sweet Kimberly Taylor, of Mimi Charmante blog and Kimberly Taylor Images. She has captured our style beautifully, and very generously included us in her published portfolio.

Image Credit: Kimberly Taylor Images

We are very grateful to have friends who believe in what we are doing with Retreat! Thank you for your encouragement and support... it really means more to us than we can adequately express. We are so blessed to be a part of this world of vintage wonderment and creativity, and look forward to all that 2010 brings to each and every one of us!

(When we actually get our hands on each of these issues, we'll share snaps of the pages!)

Rollin' With The HOMIES

Our Retreat blog has been added to the list of 'Green Home' decor blog 

nominees for Apartment Therapy's 'the Homies' blog awards!

Update: As of December 29, the rankings are closed. 

We didn't make the finals, but invite you to cast your vote HERE 
for another deserving Green Home blog!

There are six finalists and a HUGE list of great contenders. Plus there are hundreds of nominated blogs about Home Decor, Kids' Rooms, and more to discover.

If you like what we offer here in the way of home decor inspiration using green concepts, pop on over and add us to your faves right HERE. The top favorite blogs will move on to the voting stage on December 30th, and we'd appreciate you helping us spread the word about Retreat! Read more about how it works here. No big prize for this, just a nice mention from Apartment Therapy, who holds the contest. But you know what they say: "It's an honor just to be nominated!"

Image Credit: Apartment Therapy and the Homies awards.

75% OFF Sale

Now in our Retreat space at Poppyseeds:

75% OFF

ALL Holiday Decor items from Retreat

plus our remaining furniture has been reduced in price.

(Note: Furniture is not 75% off, just reduced. ;0) )

We have new product to install in our space after the first of the year,

so we're clearin' it out! Sale ends December 31

check http://Poppyseedsshop.blogspot.com for hours/phone/location

Holiday Wishes

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

(And we're leaving our Christmas Tunes on here through Friday... ;0) )

A Few Changes...

We really love all of the wonderful friends we've made in this business!
(BTW, a request: please keep our friends in this photo in your thoughts & prayers...)

We have so many friends to share with you that our sidebar's blog link list was getting completely out of hand, and causing our blog to load very slowly - so we've moved it to post form. If you click on the link buttons in the sidebar, you'll be able to access a list of our favorite blogs & web sites - we've even categorized it to make it easier to find certain types of sites! We regret that Blogger hasn't yet made it possible to embed the RSS version of the blog link list into a post - it only works on the sidebar. So blog links in that post do not refresh with new activity.

We've also moved our As Seen On - Press / Photo Portfolio / Past Shows / 2010 Show Schedule link lists to post form and linked them to buttons on our sidebar for easier navigation.

In the weeks to come, we've got more changes, some additions, and a fresh look coming to Retreat.... stay tuned!

Image Credit: Kimberly Taylor Images from Mimi Charmante blog

Last Minute Gifts & Decor from Retreat!

 

We may not be at a show this week, but local readers can still grab some great deals from us for your Holiday decorating, entertaining, and gift-giving! 

Make sure you take advantage of our 50% off coupon before it expires at the end of the day on Wednesday. (Note: Poppyseeds is CLOSED on Tuesdays)

 Check our last post for info and the image to print out to get your 'Blog Readers Only' discount on Retreat products currently at Poppyseeds in Stanwood*. If you need some last-minute hostess gifts, exchange gifts, or special tidbits for the mailman, daycare provider, and such, get in there and see what we have for you! (NOt to mention all of the goodies that the Poppyseeds girls have brought into the shop! Our discount doesn't apply to their products, however.)

In case you are still stymied on gift ideas for the special someone, we've got some last-minute solutions for you: Out at Retreat Farm, we still have a few large items in storage and are dealin' on them...

The 1930's electric stove above WORKS. Can you say 'Christmas Cookies'?! It's just $125.00. And the 80" long bench we featured a few posts back is still lookin' fine on our front porch - but I'd part with it if it was to be a perfect gift for someone special! Just $225.

On Craigslist, you can find ads for: 

The large FarmHouse Table 80" long X 38" wide, $325.

and the 36" tall X 58" long X 27" wide Metal Top Table (or work island) paired with the smaller metal top table (or bench). $265. for the pair. 

Go to Craigslist Seattle, choose 'furniture - all', then search 'Retreat', and all of our ads will come up.

Please contact us via email if you are interested in any of the large pieces shown here, to arrange for purchase: Kennedy2design@Gmail.com

*Note that our current 50% off coupon is applicable ONLY to purchases of our products that are currently at Poppyseeds, not to the items shown above or listed on Craigslist.  We've already marked those pieces down from our regular show prices.

Ready? Set.....

GO!

Take advantage of our Holiday Retreat Treat just for you:

Save 50% off your purchase of Retreat products at Poppyseeds Antiques, Vintage, Gift & Home in Stanwood, Washington.

((This offer has expired and the coupon image has been removed))

From now until December 24, you can get your hands on some great vintage Holiday decor, original Retreat furniture, accessories, and artwork, and restyled home decor items - including lighting.

Simply save the image of the coupon, print it out, and present it at Poppyseeds to receive your discount. This sale is just for our blog readers - we're not advertising it in the shop.

Add your name and email address to the back of the coupon before you use it, and we'll enter you in a drawing for a bonus giveaway in January. You'll also be added to our mailing list to receive special updates, more Retreat Treats, and exclusive invitations to fabulous events coming in 2010. We have SO much planned for the new year - You don't want to miss this!

For Poppyseeds location, hours, and phone number, check their blog: http://poppyseedsshop.blogspot.com 

Off the Bench and Into the Game...

So this lovely bench (created from a King sized headboard, chair arms, stair railing spindles, and salvaged fir) was one of the few pieces that did not sell at Sand Point last weekend. Not to worry - she wasn't on the sidelines for too long. I instantly saw her potential to adorn the front porch at our Beach House, as part of our Holiday decor:

Onto the porch and adorned with some pretty packages, pine cones, fresh cedar boughs, and wintery props...

...She's the perfect addition and a welcoming sight for the season.

And yes, she's still available. $225. I'm just enjoying her until she finds a new home.

'As Seen On:'

Whenever we are lucky enough to have our products featured in a shop or mentioned on a blog, we add the link to our sidebar 'As Seen On' section. We hope this helps you easily see where Retreat has appeared or may still be available. On Monday, while enjoying a little 'down time', we were thrilled to find one of our tables serving up beautiful goods at

in Seattle's University Village shopping center. RG's owner Gillian bought it from us at August's Sand Point Market, and it's a great addition to the rustic & funky display fixture arsenal in this trend-setting Seattle home & garden store. We really love having such creative shop owners as clients, and we know their customers appreciate the unique style they seek out for their stores. When in Seattle, make sure you visit Ravenna Gardens!

If you are a shop owner searching for unique furnishings to use as display fixtures or to sell in your shop, please drop us a line at kennedy2design @ gmail.com. Let us tell you about our completely original designs, utilizing reclaimed & recycled materials to create unique new furnishings. We are always seeking representation in quality home, gift, garden, and vintage-style shops.

Winter Wonderland Retreat

What a wonderful day we all had Sunday at the Sand Point show!

It was a full show, with dealers bringing out their best for the Holidays. We enjoyed seeing all of the treasures, but most importantly the people... from friends 'in the biz' of selling vintage goods to friends who came to visit us to friends who continue to support Retreat with their patronage, the people are what make shows like this so very special. If you came out to see us, we thank you!

And if you missed the show, (ahem.... Kimberly) here are a few shots of our space...

panning from left to right:

(I apologize for the poor quality of the photos. I took them at about 8 PM Saturday after setup, when the only light was the overhead commercial fixtures. 'Horrible' doesn't even come close to describing the effects this light has on products... ;0(  )

I just know you are going to ask about that backdrop... Bob discovered a roll of old wallpaper at a thrift shop last month. As soon as I saw it in his hand, this is how I pictured it in our booth. It's a heavy almost foam-like wallpaper - very cheesy, probably from the 70's! I LOVED how it looks here, and we will definitely be using it again in future space designs. (So many people loved it and asked about it, we could have sold hundreds of rolls of it!)

We had a very busy day.... and by the time noon rolled around,

our beautiful space looked like this:

e.m.p.t.y.!

And even though that isn't how I like to have our space looking, we still had lots of customers who continued to enjoy the decor and shop all the way until closing.

And how thrilled do you think we were to find out

that THIS GUY is a Retreat fan?

Yup. Santa shops at Retreat. ;0)

Just a Peek!

A few sneak peeks of our 'Winter Wonderland' holiday space and products at Sunday's Sand Point Antique & Design Market...

From large to small, it's all in the details... we hope to see you there!

Playin' a Holiday Tune at Haley's Cottage

Cindy at Haley's Cottage has been a very busy gal, getting her darling shop ready for Saturday's Holiday Open House... she's added a bunch of sparkle and bling everywhere in the shop, including on our Swanky Piano Bar! Can't you just see her as the star of a White Christmas Holiday party, serving up white cosmos and gin tonics? I love that snowflake backdrop, too. Cindy is also carrying several of our lamps in her shop, all with one of a kind lampshades we've created.

On Saturday, while Cindy and a bevy of artisans who provide their wares for the shop are gathered to enjoy visiting with customers and toasting the season, we'll be in a cold hangar in Seattle setting up our booth for the Sand Point Antique & Design Show on Sunday.

So, we hope you will plan to visit Haley's Cottage in Mill Creek on Saturday, and Sand Point in the University District on Sunday. Just tell 'em Retreat sent you!

Photo Credit: Cindy Sullivan @ Haley's Cottage