Oh heyyyy! Yeah, I know. We said we'd be around more often. #life. What can ya do?
I know that as a small business owner having a blog is a great thing. You can share behind the scenes studio bits & show new designs or whatever. But for us the blog has always been more personal. It's something we did "for fun" and as a way to reach out to like minded friends...like you. Of course we'll still share some behind the scenes biz stuff, but today's post is all about fun. So with that being said...we had some FUN this weekend and we thought we'd share!
See this sleepy eyed duo above? Well they hopped the train to Asbury Park for the big Ocean Grove Fall Flea. If you are a long time reader you know that we have been going to the flea for years! Ocean Grove is a tiny town full of Victorian architecture, Bed & Breakfasts, candy colored tent houses, old time-y ice cream parlors and shops, set right on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a stone's throw from Asbury Park. Yes, Bruce's Asbury Park. Home of The Stone Pony. And both these towns happen to be a short train ride away for us, which makes for the perfect day trip.
So once you get off the train you have to walk through Asbury to get to Ocean Grove. Which is perfect because Purple Glaze donuts is in Asbury. So we always stop in for an early morning sugar fix.
Some friends had mentioned seeing one of our donut plaques hanging on the wall at Purple Glaze, and they were right! We didn't remember shipping a donut to Purple Glaze, so we asked them where they got it. Well it turns out that one of their customers, an 8 year old kid they nicknamed "The Donut Ambassador," gifted it to them. Love it!
In addition to their already amazing menu, Purple Glaze offers Vegan donuts! And they are GREAT! We got a coconut cream with toasted coconut, a chocolate with chocolate glaze and peanut butter drizzle, a chocolate/chocolate with marshmallow drizzle, and a classic vanilla glazed. They were SO GOOD!
After our donuts we walked over to O.G. and passed one of our favorite rows of tent houses. How adorable is this one? That vintage clown cookie jar is everything! It brings so much personality to the house.
We all know Jenny & Aaron brake for pastels. Too bad these prices were kinda bananas for a flea market. $10.00 for the pink planter wasn't awful, but most vases were like $40-$65. I was hoping for $10 and under.
Some of you may remember that my fave find at last year's Spring Flea was one of these vintage boxed shell collections. Well I'm still on the hunt for these and would love a bunch more of them. I was hoping to find one with a pink background or more of an aqua background. I passed on these two, but now I'm wishing that I grabbed this yellow one.
How adorable are these vintage S&P shakers? If the pink ones were Atlantic City I woulda bought them. Yeah I know...I'm so particular. ha!
Here's a happy Aaron holding a "bucket" of our favorite flea market beverage! Caribbean iced tea! It's so so tasty. It's flavored with all sorts of fruit and lemons. Pretty sure any of our Southern friends would totally be into it. Not sure if Caribbean iced tea is a Jersey thing, but if it is I'd say it's the closest thing to Sweet Tea we have!
These guys in the kettle corn tent were working like lunatics! People love their kettle corn!
Pretzels. We love pretzels. And yep... pass the mustard!
This gal woulda looked perfect in our vintage seashore bathroom, but $30 was too rich for my blood.
Look at this BEAUTY! I think I made some weird sounds when I saw her! Perfect condition. I don't think it was ever used! They were asking $129.00, which I'm sure is "book value" but totally not in my budget. I really hope it went to the perfect home! Geez, she's a beauty!
I'm a big fan of nuts. We have some vintage paper mache nut candy containers on our mantel, and I'm currently looking for a peanut cookie jar...or would it be a nut jar? We'll most likely keep peanuts in it for our favorite neighborhood squirrels.
Of course I stopped.
Vintage Christmas collectibles are some of our faves!!
If you're at a flea market in Jersey nearly every vendor has at least one Bruce item for sale. Bruuuuuuuce.
bebe bun.
Faces of the Flea
We LOVE the postcard people. They've been setting up at the flea since the beginning. You could seriously spend HOURS digging through these boxes. Aaron was looking at old postcards of our town and I was looking at all the old Wildwood NJ motel postcards. My favorite!!
The skies were picture perfect! The bluest blue with big fluffy white clouds!
I could do a lot with this house. That upstairs sun room is dreamy. Right on the ocean too!
Of course we had to stop at our favorite dog treat lady's table. Me & My Dog Pet Bakery. We've been buying from her for about a decade!! Everything she does is perfection!
On the train on the way to the flea we decided that Squirrel items were at the top of our list for the day. Would you believe we didn't find one! Well, except for these treats.
Yeah, squirrels...that's a blog post for the near future. The adorable little guys who visit our deck every day have us obsessed. Not kidding.
These chairs made us stop in our tracks. So good, so weird, so retro. And anyone that follows @jengotch (stories) on Instagram would prob chuckle. ;)
I mentioned this in the previous post...I have always loved beach souvenir shops. Some of my happiest memories are of the Wildwood NJ boardwalk and those souvenir shops! Shell mobiles, sun hats, souvenir plates, photo albums, trinket boxes etc...
Right there on the OG Boardwalk is one of the BEST beach souvenir shops ever! It really has everything you'd want! T-shirts, towels, chairs, magnets, mugs, sunglasses, kites, shell decor...
seriously everything!
Some of you may be familiar with this face, and for those that aren't, his name is Tillie! He's Asbury Park's mascot! A similar grinning face was once the mascot of Coney Island. You can read a bit more about him here.
Here he is painted on the Wonder Bar. How FUN is this building?
Madam Marie, an Asbury Park icon. You can read more here.
Cutest little boardwalk crepe shop.
After the Flea we walked back over to Asbury Park to grab something to eat. Being that Asbury is super vegan friendly we had lots of choices. We were both in the mood for pizza so Crust & Crumble it was! We had the best vegan mozzarella sticks and some killer vegan pizza with sausage, cashew ricotta, mozzarella, pesto, marinara and roasted peppers.
Then finished the day watching swan boats on the lake and eating chocolate chip cookies and this perfect slice of carrot cake from Twisted Tree Cafe.
Here's a little video of our day.
The Ocean Grove flea market never disappoints. Even if you come home with barely any treasures, there's so much to do and see in OG and Asbury. Especially when the weather is as perfect as it was this past Saturday.
This weekend we truly needed to get some air. We had been on weather.com all week hoping to see an upcoming day that wouldn't be too hot. I'm the worst in the heat...it totally amps up my anxiety. So as soon as we saw a high of 77 for this Saturday we knew we had to strike while the iron was hot...that was a poor choice of words.
This is the first week of summer, and after this it will only get hotter and hotter. So we decided to spend the day down in Point Pleasant (NJ). It's one of our favorite shore towns. Full of antique shops and gift shops, an amazing boardwalk and beach, and even an aquarium! So we hopped on the train, which was standing room only, and nearly every passenger was wearing a bathing suit. The train station in Pt. Pleasant is only a few blocks from the beach, so it's super convenient to just hop on the train and totally avoid the insane shore traffic.
Above, this is us waiting for the train. Before I go on I want to point out my awkward bangs. They are in a transition period right now. I decided to grow them out and possibly go with side bangs. So right now I'm in the middle of the terrible noncommittal phase. Also, I've been dying my hair pink for about 9 years now, and before that it had been platinum for almost 9 years. So it has been FOREVER since my natural color has seen the light of day. I'm happy to be trying something new, and hopefully in a few months I'll like it. That's honestly a whole blog post on it's own. Anyways, yep, awkward bangs. And I'm also gonna point out the glare in Aaron's glasses...it makes him look like he has one amazingly awesome David Bowie-esque aqua eyeball.
Ok, now lets totally stop looking at that pic.
The train ride is so so nice. We pass through all of the shore towns, and really, any one of them would make for a fun day trip.
I took these pics from the train. I love the blue tint the windows add.
Somebody is fancy.
Seriously perfect shore weather!
The shopping district is also only a few blocks from the train station. So when you get off the train you can either make a left or a right, and I had to laugh because 99% of the passengers went left toward the beach. And Jenny & Aaron, who wear black on the first Saturday of summer, were the 1% who made a right and went downtown. Which makes sense, we are totally the "boots to the beach" type. ha!
Our first stop was Point Pavilion Antique Center, one of our favorite antique shops. It is in an old Woolworth building.
This old dollhouse made my heart skip a beat. It was perfect! I wanted it badly, but we were going to be walking around all day and then getting on the train. So I just took a pic, told the dollhouse that I loved it, and moved on. Such maturity. Much strength.
This lil gal made me smile! Love the colors!
I'm a sucker for these vintage carafes. I loved this pink cutie from the 1950's!
You knew there would be a vintage plastic doll pic, right? Of course you did.
And ummm...the 2 Irwin Dolls in back...
How could you not think of the Grady Twins?
The instant I saw this set and the colorful booth it was in, I thought of my friend Lizzy, aka The Connoisseur of Cute.
And coincidentally, this sign made me think of Lizzy's husband Sam, who brews beer and loves to grill. I think that blank box is just calling out for a pic of Sam.
This little guy has the same coloring as my vintage paper mache bunnies.
Seeing these things brought back memories from when I was little. My Grandma had them...they're lawn stakes that hold cans. But I used them for sword fighting.
Ok, this booth. I had to take a pic. Me and Aaron were actually browsing on opposites sides of the store, but as soon as we met up we both said to each other "did you see that one booth??"
And I believe I figured out the method to this madness. I bet their whole profit model is based on the "you break it, you bought it" approach. ha! Likely inspired by an episode of Nathan For You that was totally ridiculous. Well every episode is totally ridiculous, but in the best possible way.
All joking aside, I'm sure this booth belongs to a sweetheart who simply can't pass up a good find, and hopes to offer as much stuff as possible.
You can visit Point Pavilion Antique Centre at:
608 Arnold Ave
Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-899-6300
After that first antique shop we then hit some other shops along the same strip. This one was called House & Closet. I'd say the overall vibe focused on lots of handmade artisan stuff like jewelry, clothes, and small decor accessories. And also some ethically sourced, fair trade items from Ethiopia, India, Southeast Asia, etc...
They had a big variety of Old Soul Artisan Candles, from Trenton, NJ. So many amazing scents, this one was our favorite, and they're all natural, made with essential oils, and they donate 10% of their profits to environmental causes.
I always love when a shop has such a distinct identity, and at the same time their selection is super diverse.
All sorts of cool lighting and small furniture...and mirrors. And as I said, they also had clothes, but I didn't get a pic. There was a gal trying on dresses over there and I didn't want creep her out with the camera. ha!
If you'd like to visit House & Closet, they're located at:
725 Arnold Ave.
Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-539-3993
Next we went to Stella e Luna, which has been a Point Pleasant staple for a while. They've got lots and lots of shore themed stuff, and also great artwork, clothes, gifts...
I loved this bathing beauty.
And these candles from Surf's Up Candle, also based in Jersey, were great. We bought the Stella e Luna signature scent, aptly titled Point Pleasant Beach.
I have a feeling that Stella e Luna does well with these Gurgle Pot pitchers. I have been coming for years and they have always had them stocked to the gills (I know, to the gills, I'm horrible).
But seriously, I have seen them there for years, back when I used to regularly get my favorite bath bombs at Stella.
And they had these self watering herb kits. I can't really explain how they work, I'm not the right gal for the job. But you can read about them here if you want. Hey, they're an "Oprah's Pick", they gotta work!
One thing that's really great about Stella is the staff. There are always a handful of girls working and they're always willing to giftwrap anything.
If you'd like to check out Stella e Luna, you can visit them at:
500 Bay ave.
Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-714-2221
And about fives steps away from Stella e Luna is this super creative shop called A Clever Spark. I say 'creative' because so many of the items are created in house...the paintings, the furniture, the little unique home accessories...
And there's even a space where they teach classes. You can come here for an art journaling class! The link above is for their blog, which is awesome. There are step by step projects, peeks into the making process, all sorts of good stuff.
They do the classes at that big table in the background.
All over the shop you'll find the work of the owner, Michal, and jewelry by her daughterIvy, and pieces by the gal we talked to, Joan.
I loved these succulent shells and wanted one badly, but we had the whole day ahead of us and I don't think it would've traveled well.
How cool is this little succulent garden? We talked to Joan all about it, but for the life of me I can't remember what that rusty metal grid thingie was salvaged from.
And they made their little back alley into an amazing garden space.
Seriously, this could've just been left as the back alley where the air conditioning unit is, and maybe stacks of cardboard recycling...but they enclosed it with old wood pallets, windows and rusty chicken wire, and made it into this little green oasis. And it's too bright to see, but the ground is covered in crushed seashells!
Go see the great stuff at A Clever Spark at: 502 Bay Ave Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 732-701-1166
Another shop we have been coming to for many years is Everybody's General Store. Over the years I got some great Christmas and Halloween collectibles here.
The building is so amazing! Look at those doors, those windows, that whole entryway.
She's got all sorts of cute items. When I say 'she' I mean the owner Catherine...super nice. Many, many, many years ago, before we were internet artists, we used to drive around to shops with a box full of our artwork. We'd never bring the whole box in the shop, usually just one small piece, or maybe even just a photo. And you'd be surprised how many times you'd get the cold shoulder. But Catherine immediately was like, "go out to your car and get the rest of your stuff, I'd love to see it."
It goes without saying that I swoon for Ferris Wheel artwork.
They're such simple little candies, but I love how chocolate nonpareils look. I'd get a bag every single time I came here. They have so much great candy...like classic old general store style candy
And everyone needs a macaron crown.
If you'd like to visit Everybody's General Store, you can find them at:
515 Bay Ave.
Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-892-5757
We then visited this fantastic shop called Ormolu. Now when I say that this shop is extremely "well edited" I'm not kidding. The owner is an interior designer and from the looks of the shop, she's pretty darn amazing.
It's mostly antiques, and you feel like every item, from light fixtures, to dressers, was selected with a sharp eye focused on the overall theme of the shop. And being that it's at the shore the theme leans toward nautical. But not super nautical...not like "sea captain's house" nautical...more like the "sea captain's sophisticated sister's house."
I love seascapes so so much. And when they're beat up like this one...perfection.
Ormolu mixes in some new stuff as well.
I Looooove these ceramic succulents.
And even grasshoppers put on the brakes for mini Linzer Tarts and Black & White Cookies. I'm not sure what the faux insect sculptures are made of...they were sorta wicker-y. You can see a praying mantis in the background as well.
The name Ormolu is perfect for this shop. Ormolu is a type of gilding, and I feel like the entire shop has a golden, aged, glow.
If you'd like to visit Ormolu, go see them at:
511 Bay Ave
Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742
848-232-1898
Right down Bay avenue from Ormolu and Everybody's you'l find a sandwich board sign pointing to the back of a little municipal parking lot. And way at the back, that's where you'll find The Stone Cottage.
Going way back, we always decorated with a heavy dose of what is sometime's referred to as Cottage Style. Lots of peeling paint, rusted tin ceiling-y stuff, rustic/garden-y stuff, crates, etc...
That's what The Stone Cottage specializes in. Also, much like us, they go for a neutral color palette...white, grey, black, cream. Well, we do color in some parts of our house, mostly in the accessories and art. But when it comes to the bones of the decor we are surprisingly neutral.
The second we saw these old coffee cans we both said to each other "Preacher."
And by that we mean the new show on AMC called Preacher. If you're not familiar with it, an old rusty coffee can plays an important part in the show. It sounds like I'm being vague, but to be honest, we haven't yet found out the significance of the coffee can. The two dudes just need to capture something and put it in it. I don't believe I revealed any spoilers with that tiny bit of info. And yeah, this is my second blog mention of the show Preacher in one week. And it's not like I'm sponsored by AMC, nor are we like super-duper mega fans of the show. We just like it, and also...we don't get out much. So our references are limited to late night television watching, and whatever funny things our chihuahuas do.
I loved these fruit crates. The color wouldn't work for us, but I'd live vicariously through someone else who decorated with them.
I loved the whole vibe here. Lots of plants and furniture outside and in. The kind of stuff we'd haul home from Brimfield, but right here at the Jersey Shore.
The third floor used to be absolutely brimming with stuff, but they have since converted it into condos. But still, the first floor is sprawling, and then there is a mezzanine above it.
I really did try to find out the history of the building, since it's so big and so important looking, but I couldn't find anything going back too far.
The main room looks like an old courthouse, like the one in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Here's a shot looking down from the balcony. I guess Atticus Finch would be standing somewhere near those bookcases. Anyway, I did find out from someone who works there that before it was an antique shop it used to be a hardware store.
The thing with big antique shops is that it's very easy to miss the little things. You might just scan an area and completely miss some amazing little thing in a glass case. So you have to take it slow.
This guy was nearly three feet long. I instantly thought of my friend Jennifer Hayslip.
He would look amazing hanging in her studio!
You can visit the Point Pleasant Antique Emporium at:
622 Trenton Ave
Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-892-2222
All of the shops we visited above are within two blocks of each other, so there is not a whole lot of walking to do. And there are plenty of spots to get coffee and food.
After we were done shopping we planned on walking to the boardwalk, but first we stopped and got some food at a little organic cafe called Tara Lu's. Pretty much everything there is locally sourced and there is a chalkboard on the wall listing where in New Jersey each ingredient came from. They also had some smoothies that sounded amazing.
Ok, so by this point in the day the sun was at that height in the sky where maximum hotness is achieved. So we walked down to the boardwalk, because we couldn't leave town without seeing the ocean, and we also hoped that the ocean breeze would cool us off a bit.
This amazing house was on the walk there. Arnold Avenue, where all the shops are, runs straight to the ocean, so navigating Pt. Pleasant is super easy. A lot of the houses are set up like this one. Year round residence up front, summer rental in back.
I don't even need the front house. I'd be totally happy with that rear cottage as our year round residence...living area upstairs, studio downstairs. Three blocks to the downtown, three blocks to the ocean. I'll take it.
Ok, if we were up on the boardwalk for a longer period of time I totally would have taken more pictures for you guys. But holy cow it was hot...and super crowded! We were pretty much on a mission to get a giant lemonade and go. Which is exactly what we did. Also, it was already a long day and we wanted to get back home to the pups.
But before heading back we grabbed some air conditioning in an arcade and in the candy shop next door. I swoon for boardwalk candy shops. I could stare at bins full of salt water taffy all day.
On our little shopping trip I added another paper mache James' Candy Bank to my collection.
So many of my fave collectibles are paper mache. What's that about?
This bank was in really good shape. The clown face is usually pretty worn if someone actually used it as a bank. But if the face is intact the bank most likely sat on a shelf as decor, just like it will in my house.
By the way, vintage Jersey Shore stuff, old boardwalk stuff, old time candy making stuff...these are the things that literally bring tears to my eyes. To explain all the reasons why would take forever. But if you're like me about this kind of stuff, you should watch the video below. It's a short little history of James' Candy, and also Fralinger's. These are the two names that are synonymous with Jersey Shore Salt Water Taffy.
Ok, that's it for the Pt. Pleasant odyssey! Hope you liked what you saw, and I hope you get a chance to visit the Jersey Shore. We've been here forever and it's still magical to us.
