Wanchese, North Carolina

About an hour and forty-five minutes southeast of Norfolk is a little village called Wanchese, named after the last known rules of the Roanoke Native American tribe in the sixteenth century. It's located on Roanoke Island and has a about 1,642 residents. There is proof that indigenous people inhabited the area more than 1500 years ago and as recently as 1100 years ago it was used as a fishing area, collecting oysters and shellfish.

More than 20 years ago (much more recently), a friend's friends moved to Wanchese and bought a bed and breakfast. They spent years renovating the 100-year-old house which did not originally have bathrooms, heat or an attached kitchen. But the Island House they have created is filled with so much character, charm and interest I could spend a week there relaxing and exploring.

I know I'll be back soon so there will be many more photos to come, but I'll leave with just a few of my favorites from this girls weekend we spent at the Island House.

Self Portrait: February

I admit it. When I get involved in something, I can't just be involved. I have to consume myself with the subject. I have to obsess over it and tell my sister, my mom and Mike (in that order) about my plans...all three of them in a matter of hours. I have to know every detail, in fact, I have to be the one planning all the details. It's a blessing and a curse. I get shit done. Then I get burned out. After a week off and a marathon of Netflix,* I'm back at it.

This month hasn't produced much in the way of crafts or projects. It has, however, confirmed some wonderful friendships and the start a few others. It's given me the potential to make things happen. Big things.
It's flexed my networking, emailing and following up muscles, which I tend to not really enjoy flexing. And it's tested my strength to take a few blows to my heart and soul.

It's been an exciting month, and while I may not have eight boxes of felt sushi or a refinished piece of furniture to show for it, I have some fun brainstorming sessions over brews, lists (and illustrations) of great ideas and a growing knowledge to add to my repertoire that is better than a box of felted food.

*BBC's Sherlock, Sons of Anarchy, Cheers, Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, House of Cards...just to name a few.

Momentarily Obsessed With...

1. scarf  While I am so very ready to give up these warm-weather clothes and slip on a little sundress, I do absolutely adore this scarf from System 63. It's such a timeless piece I could see myself wearing for years to come.

2. downton abbey  Yes, I was obsessed. And honestly, a little disappointed! I told Mike that nothing really happened this season, to which he responded, "Does anything ever really happen?" Let's spice it up next season!

3. spk  So what if I bought a bag of Sour Patch Kids and ate them in one sitting. Don't we deserve to lose our taste buds and feel like a jelly, chewy kid every once and a while? I think so.

4. infinity bangle  What would one month be without swooning over a pretty piece of jewelry? Now that I have my fantastic jewelry mirror armoire, I can see in what departments I'm lacking. Bracelets and stud earrings. I'm sure you can imagine what next month will bring.

5. business cards  Even though I'm not halfway through the box of business cards I bought three years ago, it's time for my them to get a new look. I need something a little more dramatic, yet fun and funky...just like me :)

My Golden Year

Have I ever told you how lucky I am? For my Golden Birthday (Which, for those of you who don't know is the year in which you turn the age of the day you were born on. i.e. 29 on the 29th), I threw myself an "All That Glitters is Not Old" party. With everything shiny, sparkly, sequined and gold. With the help of my friend Cali, we made an ever-so-cute photo wall out of tissue paper from the Dollar Tree. Cali also make an adorable cake stand from stove covers and candlesticks, also from the Dollar tree, adorned with her delicious cupcakes.

My friends put up with obsessing about the perfect gold dress to wear, what to serve, finding a champagne punch recipe (which I didn't end up making), decorating, cleaning up, a cold Winter monsoon and downtown Norfolk parking, just to make me feel special on my birthday. Since the Summer, since friends bought houses and moved, had babies, had meetings, work and life in general, we haven't had as many opportunities to party like old times. So this was just a reason to get everyone excited for a night with good friends and good times. I couldn't have asked for a better way to ring in my 29th year...it's going to be the best yet!

If you're looking to throw a golden party, definitely find the clearance section after New Year's. Also, hanging Christmas bulbs are easy and cheap (after-Christmas sale). Hit up the Dollar Tree, there I found:
Star wrapping paper I used as table coverings
Plastic trays I spray painted (the under sides) gold
Gold star plates
Chinese take-out boxes
Gold and cream tissue paper (for the photo wall)
Streamers and confetti
Tall candles (spray painted gold)
Props for photo booth (glitter glasses, top hat, gold clock necklace, tiara, beads)

We served champagne, white wine, white cheddar popcorn, Parmesan goldfish, golden snack mix, golden Oreos and cheese and crackers.

Felt Brooches Galore!

If you don't have a Fairview Place original brooch adorning your coat or sweater, it's about time you do! We have tons and tons to choose from, available at Kitsch and coming soon to the etsy site. Now there is no reason not to own one (for every season).

Contact me if you're interested in a specific color or flower. They make great gifts, awards and even alternative wedding arrangements.

Custom Felt Bouquets

For a Valentine's Day, I posted a special on felt bouquets: $30 for 12 stems, $20 for 8, and $15 for a mini 5-stem arrangement. I was delighted to see an order in my inbox the next morning! One 12-stem bouquet and three mini bouquets, in matching jewel tones. The stuff of a brand new business out of Williamsburg will receive these cuties come Friday.

If you're local to the Hampton Roads area, it's not too late to order yours! Just send me an email at ashley.fairviewpl@gmail.com, or check out the selection at Kitsch.