My friend, Debbie, who you’ve met before when I showed you their farmhouse in the country, turned 50 last week. She was none too happy about it either, but I reminded her that it’s better than the alternative. 
So, girl keep on celebrating those birthdays!
Her hubby, Rick, asked for my help in throwing her a surprise party on Friday night, with over 40 of their friends and family in attendance. So, my job was to distract her for the afternoon, while this gathering of people could arrive, hide their cars, and be prepared to jump out and yell SURPRISE at just the right time. We pulled it off without a hitch and she was totally surprised.
As part of the distraction, I took her out to lunch at our favorite Italian Restaurant, Joe’s, in Alabaster, which she absolutely loved. Then we took off on a whirlwind tour of some of the shops I love to check out when I get a minute, Consigning Interiors in Pelham and right next door, Treasures. And that’s what we did. We spent a couple of hours browsing the shops and then headed to a movie, which helped kill the time until Surprise Party time.
So of course, I took pics to share of some of the things that caught my eye, like this pretty harlequin painted box.
And this shabby cabinet that someone probably made out of reclaimed wood, not sure about how old it is, but it’s a neat little piece. Wouldn’t it be adorable in a bathroom, holding some pretty bath accessories? 
I spotted several old mirrors that I thought were pretty, even though I don’t need any mirrors. 
And of course, white tureens always catch my eye. 
And this scrabble tile of Bienvenue, for my friend, Susie.
Plenty of aqua painted pieces out there. You know, because turquoise is the color for 2010. I think everyone has gotten the message. 
This was a cute booth with lots of shabby painted chalkboard trays. Hey, blogland has been on this for quite awhile. 
Another pretty painted aqua table. 
In case you wondered what your old cherry china cabinet might look like painted black, here you go. I like it!
Debbie really liked this French style china cabinet and thought about painting it creamy white. She’s not quite ready to tackle her diningroom yet, but when she does, it will be fun to find some vintage pieces. I think I may have finally convinced her to come yardsaling with me in the Spring. 
Just across the street, is a new shop that has just recently opened, Encore, so we stopped by there to check it out too. It is a consignment store and thriftstore all in one. The ladies in there were very friendly too. 
This cute vintage 50′s table was in the front foyer as we walked in. Someone had recovered the old chairs in some nifty fabric. Cute, cute! 
Another old mirror that caught my eye. 
You can see this place is quite large, with lots to look at. I saw quite a few furniture pieces that could be candidates for a paint makeover. Prices are reasonable too. 
Lots of china cabinets with some possibilities. 
A cute cart. 
We checked out one more spot that I had been wanting to look at. This is the old Ethan Allen store on Hwy. 31 in Vestavia for those of you who are local. I had noticed that this store had opened and hadn’t had a chance to check it out yet, so we had fun looking around. 
Lots of vintage and some nicer pieces in here, with all price points.
Cute chairs. 
And this old French bedroom set was really pretty. I could see this in a little girl’s room all fancied up. 
Painted dining room chairs with new neutral fabric. 
And plenty of transferware and dishes to look at too. It’s a big place, so you need to check it out. I love to have plenty of places to shop for old things, don’t you?
The party went great and we all had a fun time. Debbie and I went to see It’s Complicated, which was really funny, a perfect chick flick for the afternoon. It’s been ugly and rainy here, so browsing antiques stores and movie watching were the perfect outing to while away a little free time.
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
Virtual shopping trips are my favorite! I just love the French bedroom set. I painted it several colors in my head already. Although it’ s quite beautiful in the green. Thanks for the tour!
What fun going on a virtual shopping trip with you. If only had shops like this close enough for me to get to. I would be in heaven.
Looks like a fab day! Great furniture, thanks for sharing. Happy Birthday Denise!
Rhoda, perfect afternoon with your friend. I love all the wonderful shops you toured. There were a few thing there that I would love. Thanks for the tour. Hugs, marty
DEFINITELY better than the alternative…I keep telling myself
Love that black china cabinet. I have an old one of my grandmother’s that I want to redo for my daughter. Maybe if she sees this picture, she will agree!
Rhoda, there is nothing more fun than shopping with a friend and a movie. It sounds as if you had a great time. I am going to a once a year white elephant sale today with a new blog friend that I met in Alameda when I got to see Eddie. First time for me but she has been numerous times, should be fun. I am looking for some old cutting boards, wish me luck, Kathysue
Oh I envy you all those consignment shops. You would think in a city the size of Toronto (4million) there would be more of them … but I can only think of about 5!!!! and our yard sales are nothing like yours. I guess thrifty Canadians don’t throw anything out.
Thanks for the tour.
We’re snowed in today so it was fun to get to go shopping without even leaving the house. I always enjoy looking at all of your pictures.
So glad your friend had a wonderful birthday!
I love Consigning Interiors! They have such pretty stuff! It sounds like you had a wonderful shopping day and a great surprise party! I keep hearing about Joe’s. I hope to try it soon!
Fun! Loved the Virtual Trip. Turning 50 is Fab! I turned 51, lost almost 30 lbs. and I look the best I have in years! A few more wrinkles but they are my Badges of Courage and Strength. HA HA
Life is Good! Nancy from OHIO
What a fun day! You had the GOOD job…keeping her distracted. I want YOUR *job*! Love the little aqua table!
What a fun “girl day” shopping, eating out and going to the movies. I can’t wait to see that movie! I love Meryl. Such beautiful things you saw at the stores you visited. I loved the turquoise pieces. That has always been my favorite color and I am so thrilled that it is the color for 2010. Thanks for the shopping tour via your great pictures. Be thankful that you have rain. We have 8 inches of snow and very cold temperatures, so things are at a standstill here. Have a nice day. Love & blessings from NC!
Ohhhh if only I lived closer!! I LOVE all of the pictures….makes me want to go out shopping
Thanks for sharing….I enjoyed everything…
OM gOSH! I love the blach cabinet. Hubby is very annoyed with me because I want to paint EVERYTHING black! LOL.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the black and white harlequin box! SO CUTE! I would love to get my hands on one of those gorgeous hutches. I’m trying so hard to find one to paint black!
Thanks for sharing.
love looking at pictures of those kind of stores. I can’t walk far so I rarely go to them so I really enjoy the pics. thanks
Lots of neat things, Rhoda. I like that black over cherry cabinet, too.
Lots of those pics from the antique and thrift stores look familiar, daughter and I hit some the past few weeks while she was here and all but the one in Vestavia Hills is in my neck of the woods. I’ll have to make a trip and look at that one.
so pretty! I would have wanted to bring home a truck full of goodies from that shopping trip!
Your friend sure had a birthday to remember. Being 50 is not that bad. My 88 yr. old dad always says the same thing: consider the alternative to getting older – it’ll make you feel better about it!
Have a great weekend
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
You always share such great pictures, Rhoda! I feel like I’ve been out and about with you!
What a great way to spend a gray and rainy afternoon. You made a silk purse out of sow’s ear. Lucky Debbie to have you for a friend. She can’t help but to have happy memories associated with her 50th birthday.
The pictures are fab. I particularly liked the turquoise table – perhaps a vanity table? Or a lady’s writing desk? Thanks for sharing your shopping trip with us. You have much better shops to visit than I do, and I love that you take pics and provide them with your commentary. I feel like I learn a lot.
Thanks Rhoda,
WendyBee
HOW FUN! It would be so fun to squeeze in a little thrifting next weekend, but i know the schedule is already overpacked.
I did not know about the shop in Vestavia! Thanks! I’ll add it to my list. I have been to the other ones that you mentioned. I went on a clothes consignment shopping spree last weekend. I like going to the Clothes Horse in Vestavia and Then Again in Hoover on Lorna Road. Lots of name brands and good prices.
Good job on distracting Debbie for her surprise party!! I’m sure it went great! I can’t wait to hear about it in Bible Study Tuesday..
Your blog just makes me smile….Your pictures are always great and your blog one of my favorites…
Debbie’s husband knew what he was doing when he asked you to keep her busy for awhile!
I remember that Ethan Allen store on Highway 31–I’m betting it would be much more my speed now than when it was EA! Your posts always make me miss Birmingham!
Oh Rhoda I see so many wonderful treasures in these photos! Thanks for taking me along with you
Hugs,
Dena
What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with a friend and so many great things to look at! Glad your friend was surprised and that her party went so well!
Kat
That was a fun shopping trip! I think some of the larger manufacturers are starting to catch on to our little blog world because I am seeing so many trends that we have had for quite a while filtering into mainstream goods – ie: birds, turquoise, more vintagey things etc….
I went and saw “its complicated” yesterday also and really enjoyed it! Have a great week! karen…
Ahhh Rhoda;
You are sooo whetting my appetite! the pics are just great and I ‘m so ready for the “grand tour” when next I get to the ‘Ham! Such a fun way to distract….. you can have that job for me anytime!!!
Oh how fun Rhoda….I am dying to see that movie….
Such eye candy….when I was little we had one of those 50′s style kichen sets….gray & yellow…..
My son’s birthday was on Friday….and my daughter’s is Thursday…I was due on Ground Hog Day….lol I ended up having her on my Grandfather’s b’day which made him very happy….
Have a great rest of the week,
Kathy
This so makes me wish the weekend was here…I LOVE going junkin’. Great pics!!!
Rhoda, I love this site! You must tell me where the antique French bedroom suite can be found. I’m ready for a road trip ~ gotta have it for my baby girl!
Joanna, that shop with the French bedroom is from the Antiques Gallery on Hwy. 31 in Vestavia (old Ethan Allen Store). Don’t know where you live, but it’s the blue sign that says Interior and Antiques Market above.
I love going out to antique and thrift stores so much fun, looks like you had a ball!
I popped into the one in Vestavia in December, but it looks like there is already plenty of new stuff. Glad to have it in the neighborhood!
So fun to blog hop and then find out you don’t know the person personally, but you know her friends. I went to church with Debbie and Rick when we lived in B’ham and Tiff was in youth group where we helped out a lot. Really have missed them. Tell Tiffany we said hello. You may pass along my email if you wish. Love your blog too, by the way. Nice to find new places to shop when I come back home.