a small shop - inspiration

pve design illustration of jmclaughlin shop in brooklyn, ny

 Ever since I was a child, I have the fondest memories of riding my bike to the local village to buy something from a small shop.  My mother would give me 25 cents and I felt so empowered.  Off I would go to buy something.  Usually it was a pay-day bar or some chocolate.  I loved hearing the shop keeper say "the usual young lady?"

pve design illustration for maisonette shop in hastings-on-hudson

 Things have not changed for me because I still love supporting small businesses.  Getting to know the shop keeper is part of what makes the entire experience so joyfully unique.   If you have not shopped at maisonette shoppe in Hastings-on-Hudson, please do.  Shop keepers Maria and Kevin are delightfully inspiring.

pve design illustration for ardsley hardware

Our very own local Ardsley Hardware is always a treat to pop in for a lightbulb, a bit of paint or perhaps just a welcome greeting "hello, may I help you?"

Joe and his handsome staff are always so helpful.

Vesuvio Bakery in NY

  I love small businesses and just the act of buying a freshly baked baguette adds such a personal experience to my day....the smell of fresh bread is incredibly inspiring.  It is such a treat.  We have our very own bakery but I wish it looked like this famous shop.

Ben Pentreath Ltd. in England

 I simply adore black and white and love this shop on the other side of the pond.  This shop is on my list to go visit.

I am on the look out for a really good cheese shop nearby. 

If you were to open up a shop, what would you sell?

I'd love to sketch your shop for you.

Even if it is only pretend.

What is your favorite small shop?

Number 11, Winner of the tea-lights is Tone on Tone 

hard working

When I moved to this village one of the first spots I frequented was and still is, our local Ardsley True Value Hardware store.  Always greeted by our local owner Joe with a "Good Morning" to which I would reply, "Good Morning to you" and how are you today?  Joe always answers "Working hard and loving it."  I took it upon myself to give this sketch to Joe one fine morning and he proudly displays it on his computer screen and postcards that sit on the counter for customers to take.

Do you have a local hardware store or shop that you love to visit in your village or town?  Do something special for your shop or shop keeper and let them know how much they mean to you.

Each week I seem to pop in for something I need, lightbulbs, cleaning supply or various item and I am always so grateful to hear a whistle or a kind word.  Did I mention that Joe is an actor and a runner?  Now you see why he works hard and loves it.

rolling in dough

That's how they roll, in a 1943 K6 Red International Harvester truck.

"Rolling in dough" will come to your venue and literally roll the dough and make some tasty

pizza's with the freshest ingredients.

I rather love the idea of having a pizza party outside.

Yummy, fresh tomato's and basil.

What a great idea and fun site here.

A pizza party sounds more fun with "Rolling in Dough" - right!

lavender charm

The heady scent of lavender lured us over.

Planted in charming rows for all to admire.

We bought 3 plants for our garden.

You can visit Lavender by the bay here.

hip mod soul

Jeanine Hays, Aphro Chic Shopper

I have always been in awe of those who have a modern, soulful style about them. I love meeting other women who exude joy and confidence in little ways. Bringing home a little bright bouquet, sporting a bit of velvet, hoops and confident hair that truly says "I am a happy mod soul!" If you have not met this chic gal, please take a look at her new site - I am ordering myself one of these great t-shirts.

The pillows are fun too!

Just the perfect accessory to add a cool hip vibe to my couch.

How do you add a modern soulful style to your day?

take- away

Imagine having a little place to go to for the most scrumptious fare and this charming entrance that will take your breath away as well as the medjool dates stuffed with gorgonzola and topped with bacon. Amy has provided many a fabulous "take-away" meal during ski season - as well as apres ski treats.
This is one of my favorite spots in the Catskills, "Amy's Take-away" - Amy prepares yummy cuisine with regard for the freshest local ingredients. She has a green thumb too and an infectious smile. We have become friends over the years. Running a small business is a ton of work and I am all for supporting those that are trying to do what they love and make a living. Amy is surely an inspiration to me!

I love calling in an order and then anticipating her infusion of taste to everything she makes.

Can you see the old vintage stove outside and also on her signage? Inside her kitchen is spotless and her welcoming smile is full of joy. If you are ever in the area, please stop in or call ahead to reserve an order to take-away. I am happy to give you her number.

e is for excellent

Just look at this sweet little card for Ernie.

Ernie took great care of our sons when they were born up til they were five years old.

Ernie still comes to lend a hand around the house, scrubbing, sparkling, singing, laughing and happy to see the "boys to men" in her life, plus my girl.  She has what I call the "Mary Poppins" touch, transforming tears into laughter, polishing tarnish to shine, and just doing her work with a smile and always good common sense.  She is a fine, honest lady.

How great is this little card for her - to have to drum up business.  She is great with babies and kids of all ages and hey, even adults like me with a kid-at-heart attitude.  I mean I do draw all day and play with colors!

Just look at this sweet and sparkly back for the card for "ernie" - she will be thrilled!

Even if the economy is tough, there will always be babies to care for and houses to keep after.

e- is for excellent and f- is for faboolosity!  Heidi you are a living doll to do this for Ernie.

I just know she will have tears when she I show her this!  Thanks again!

small words, big style

hand painted "Matthew" in a fresh and fun colorway

We all know the phrase, "Sticks and stones will break my bones, and words will never hurt me" is so not true.  Even the smallest words can hurt but I would like to focus on some very powerful small words that you can shop for here. 

 What's in a name or even a "letter" is after all - mighty powerful and you can have your very own name or perhaps a name for someone you love painted in a fun fresh way!

three out of four of her children

Connecting with other Moms who are juggling family and work is all incredibly inspiring to me.

I always want to know their story and how they do it.  For most, it all began with the birth of that first child and wanting to be there, so most work-at-home Moms look for something to do from home or perhaps are pushed by friends.  We all need someone to blame for our success, right?

A vision of calm. a photo of Kim, taken with all 4 "critters" under-foot

Meet Kim, she is the driving and painting force behind this bright and cheery company.  She had never painted before and did not even know what a "filbert" was.  For those of you that do not know, it is a type of artist's paint-brush, with a certain type of the bristles and yes, it is a nut too.   Kim also keeps a blog too in the midst of painting and potty training.  All 4 of her children are in diapers.  I hope that is not TMI!  (too much information)  There is nothing this Mom can't do and she certainly does it with style and grace.  Please visit Kim and leave her with a small word of advice, not that she needs any!