Hot Cocoa & All the Fixins!!!

Girls' Night Out might have been a frosty evening, but who could complain with free hot cocoa and other yummy treats being served throughout Historic Downtown Millersburg! It was a fun night for all who attended, with incredible shopping deals, giveaways, spa treatments and more!

Stef thought of it all when it came to the ultimate hot cocoa bar. Set atop one of 55's signature buffets, this spread included white chocolate mints, colorful sprinkles, cinnamon sticks, cookie crumbles and everyone's favorite - mini marshmallows!

Guests had more time to browse and shop this year, making it easier to check out all of the incredible treasures tucked throughout the store.

This fun set of painted antiques was a welcome greeting at the entrance of the shop. I love the funky little stand with the retro phone!

Pat and Joanne had a chance to catch up with one another shortly before the party started on Saturday afternoon.

Stef brought the pieces above together to create my favorite display in the shop. The light blues and greens and whites are a great complement to our wintry weather, but there's a hint of spring there too. I love the new window paintings with words of wisdom and inspiration. (The one in this photo says, "Happiness consists in realizing it is all a great, strange dream.")

Stef spruced up our tiny washroom with a fun yet classy new floor painting and painted black and white fabrics.

Stef shared some memories of many hours spent in the roller rink when she was a kid, but unfortunately, these skates are too small for her to show us her moves. Someday, though, the perfect pair will come through her shop, and then we want to see what she's really made of!!!

Girls' Night Out is a great time to let loose with your best girlfriends (and sisters!) and have a little fun. These five sisters were a real highlight of our night, with their boldly emblazened T-shirts proclaiming that each was Mom's favorite daughter. Mom wasn't there to give us the real scoop, but we have a feeling she'd never be able to choose between her gorgeous girls!

Stef's good friend Fern stopped in for the festivities and found a beautiful necklace that was perfect for her! Thanks to everyone who joined us for a fun night! If you weren't able to be there, be sure to stop in soon to see all the new antiques, handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind window paintings! ~Jamie

Gettin' ready for the big tadoo...

We're almost ready for the insane onslaught of crazed women who invade our store once a year during Girl's Night Out in Millersburg. If you have the chance, be sure to check it out! This year it's from 4 - 9 pm on Saturday, Feb 23. There are more free services and sales than I have time to list, but you can go to www.historicdowntownmillersburg.com for the complete list! Of course the most fun will be had at 55 where girls will find incredible sales (20-70% off) and a deluxe hot cocoa bar complete with Baileys!

We have the store simply rockin' in preparation for the big event. Even Cybil (above-who has a striking resemblance to Mick Jaeger...could be his sister...) got all dolled-up!

Get your friends together and come party with us!
stefanie

Contemporary Art

Sixteen original paintings were a fun find at an auction in Fredricktown. Very mod!

stefanie

CAUTION!!!

This is one of many freaky mannequins who inhabit the second floor of 55 West. Some people think they're a little creepy, but I think it makes the store memorable! Check out the warning sign in the picture...hee hee!

stefanie

paintin' away

i love it when the workshop is just piled-up with works in progress... i get more creative and pumped-up as each piece comes together! this is the view from the second story stairway.
stef

Right On!

The name of my store is 55 West & Co... I decided on this after many months of brainstorming with my mom and friends. I figured it was simple and catchy, it was the address, and it didn't limit me to any particular inventory, etc. In the last 9 years, I've heard more variations of the name than I can possibly count! Today, however, I heard the best one yet...

Out-of-towners Dan and Crystal Heiser explained that they had made a return visit to amish country, and Crystal really wanted to come here. When she couldn't remember the name of the store, she told Dan "I want to go to the Right On Store!" Let me explain... I get teased a lot for using the expression "Right on!"--sometimes I don't even realize it's coming out of my mouth! I have a few other catch phrases like "no worries!" but "right on" gets the most dramatic reactions.

I also love the word "funky". Not far into a one hour live radio spot, my friend Heather noticed that I had used it many times...so she began counting. Seventeen "funkies" later, the remote ended. I am such a goober!

-stefanie
p.s. pictured above are Dan and Crystal (right) with their giggling friends

Go out on an" Artist Date" with yourself!

Several years ago, I worked through the book: The Artist Way by Julia Cameron. I especially loved the Artists Dates she encouraged us to take once a week...

I've been away from the store for a few days and I could feel the creativity oozing back into my veins as I took in the fresh rearrange and all the new "stuff" everywhere. It took me a while to get back to" playing" on the job because I was taking it all in.

Come in and give yourself a gift of an "Artist Date". Something you do for yourself to feed your soul. There is a gold mine of ways to be inspired! Pat

Express yourself... even if you make a mistake you are learning in the process.

I added a little color to this cute little cupboard. It's so fun to watch the little girls expressions when they see it! Pat

Newest Window Paintings

Let the creativity begin!!! Stef and I had a ball coming up with all the new window paintings and we just got in some art that might need to be on your walls. Pat

"I got a brand new pair of rollerskates..."

Naughty Poster

This original 50's movie poster is one of four that were brought to me by local couple Wayne and Cindy McDowell. Wayne, who's quite the storyteller by the way, explained that "back in the day" he would pull them out for occasional stag parties at the local golf course--how risque?!!!

-stefanie

Beating the winter blahs

HELLO, COLOR!!!

-stefanie

my new favorite thing

I just recently began working on these quote window paintings. I love the fact that these windows are finding a new use!--but more fun is finding quotes that mean something to me and just letting the patterns "grow"... stefanie

Sometimes I don't know when to say when... I stopped painting just in the knick of time on these coordinating pieces! - stefanie

You're only young once...

Why not?

Check 'em out! Pat got crazy on our stools behind the counter. I think we may need to do a few more...Too fun!

stefanie

BABY FEVER

It's been "raining babies" lately here at 55 West! From precious 6-week-old Calvin's first visit, to painting a chair for life-long customer Claire (she's 2! hee hee), to staffer Tara's announcement of a baby boy on the way, it's been babies, babies, babies! How cute would these pieces be in a nursery?!!

Stefanie

p.s. that's otis peeking from behind the rocker!

"Jungle Animals" Window Painting

Creating this window painting for my Grandson, Reuben was such fun and his expression when he opened it was priceless! Pat

I can think of a hundred ways to use this panel of antique ceiling tiles. Very shabby chic!

Looks like Pat and Stef were having fun with the big school chalkboard. If you can't quite read it, someone had to write "I will not throw spitballs in class" until they learned their lesson.

I love the contrast between the dark wood mantel, the baby blue painted antiques and the brilliant shine of the mercury glass candlesticks and big round mirror.

The very day that these antique apothecary jars came into the shop, I bought two for my dad. He has them proudly displayed in the dining room with a collection of old family heirlooms and unique treasures.

How incredible are these baby carriages and the vintage dollhouse?

Now this is how I like to shop! I could sit for hours sifting through pieces of architectural salvage... old doorknobs and handles, casters and locks. The first time I came across Stef's incredible shop, I think I opened every little drawer and checked out every nook and cranny. There's so much to see here!!! ~ Jamie

New Year - New Scent for your Home...

Bring a fresh new scent into your home to inspire you well into the new year. We have so many scents to choose from, and my favorites from La Luz are on sale! They were $23, but you can get them now for just $11.50! You just can't appreciate how amazing that deal is until you've smelled Apples & Ginger or True Rose & Lemon for yourself. Other great scents include Thyme & Woods and Starflower & Accacia. My personal favorites are the Vanilla Series pillars. They are heavenly!!! ~Jamie

Vintage Nook

Come play dress-up with us in our cozy nook of vintage clothing, hats, scarves and more!

Cupcakes & Cartwheels

All of our Cupcakes & Cartwheels dinnerware is currently 30% off!!! Come see the deliciously painted dishes, bowls, mugs, platters and cream & sugar sets. They're sure to add a little whimsy to any table setting!

hee!hee!

I got my hands on Pat's senior picture... What a babe!
-stefanie

PAT ROCKS

Pat, or Paaaaddy, is caught in a rare pose--sitting! This woman works harder than anyone I know. Of course she's creating and sewing handbags in this shot-not just sitting!

Pat is sooo talented. Her work with textiles simply amazes me. She is also a talented painter and isn't afraid to try anything! We love ya, Paaaaddy!
-stefanie

Let it snow!!!

Just wanted to share our beautiful snow-covered cabins.... stef

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2008!!

We wish you a fabulous and prosperous New Year.

We look forward to seeing you at 55 WEST and Co. and welcome your comments.

The new year is a good time to take stock and put things in order so let us know if we can help with some of the unique items we have re loved and recycled.
We've had fun working up wild color combinations for furniture and have had a run on our original jewelry designs and directional signs. Stop in and see what's new.

The Best is Yet to Be...Robert Browning

Treat yourself to what you didn't get for Christmas!

You're sure to find something unique for everyone on your list!!! 55 WEST is brimming with special gifts that your friends and family will love!

NEW handbags!

Pat, or Paaaddy (as her southern belle mother refers to her-- and now me, too!) was working away on our Millersburg community quilt square when inspiration struck! These cool bags include multi-colored fabrics, hand-beaded embellishments, cool linings, and soooooooo much more! Watch for these cool bags on our web catalog!-- Stefanie

Dressers Jewelry, Lamps...always changing...always a HIT!

Looking for that Unique piece of furniture?

Black and White is Fabulous!!!

55 WEST can make beautiful music for your home

Glamour Shots

Help! I'm having an identity crisis! If you saw our group picture a few frames back, I'm the granny in the back row--the one in the coat with a fur collar--very prim and old-fashioned beside the cool, long-legged babes who work at 55 West & Co. I have an explanation: I'm Mennonite! (See photo on the right).

Stef is doing her best to help me maneuver myself into a new image and has promised to give me a great look for the next group photo. My excuse for the frumpy Grandma pix is that: #1 I AM a Grandma, and #2 I was so busy sewing our beautiful bags that I just grabbed a coat and ran to the photo shoot. Really, I'm truly grateful I've finally found a place where I fit in and I promise to live up to the 55 West glamour code in any future photos. Joanne

Decorating for Christmas on Halloween