The one I go to is also Cherished Possessions! I got my antique pine Irish corner cupboard there (it came from Mulberry House) and also my beloved Chinoiserie ladies desk in the LR. I think they USED to be a lot better than they are now, so I seldom go there. Yes, the one on Riverside holds nothing for me, either, as it seems to have lots of BIG (ugly, IMO) things for houses larger that ours. eBay and Craigslist are my faithful companions. I check both each day. I can't wait to finish re-doing the old CL $30 pine cottage bureau I got last year above Farmington and get it in here to hold my TV! Come April, when she re-opens, check out the Mustard House in Buxton on Rt 22. (1420 Long Plains Rd, # 929-8558). She has some antiques and beautiful vintage looking accessories. I got my faux berries etc for fall and winter mantles from her. Would you believe that since I so seldom even walk through my dining room that I forgot I had this antique Ogee clock with pheasants on it?? An eBay treasure. Needless to say, I'll be hanging it above my sewing machine as soon as I finish work today. My sister is lusting after the print that I have there now from a Sturbridge Yankee Workshop sale years ago. Here is the bureau. I have touched up one drawer and will do the rest when I can get it outside so I can see the graining well. Pic is from the ad on CL. Before After

Personally I find most places in Italy too touristy, but still worth checking out - particularly on honeymoon. I have attached a link to some cheap accomodations in southern Germany. This is actually where I am from and whenever I go back I'll get an apartment there. You'll find it is a lot cheaper than going with a hotel - usually you get a one or two bedroom apartment with bathroom and kitchen. No roomservice, though. However, you get to shop and cook at home - and it is quite cheap. This place is only 40 min from the Austrian border, so you could make this your main stay and adventure from there. At least that is what I always do. I definitely would recommend a car. You don't want to be stuck in big cities only, but rather explore the countryside. If you are dependent on public transportation - it is possible - but, definitely not convenient and or enjoyable. You want to stay flexible. http://www.kochel.de/tourismus/html/englisch.html Once you are at the link, choose "Unterkunft" which means accomodations and it will show you a lot of options. Let us know what you'll decide. And, yes, I agree with the ones who said plan to do less than you think you can. Otherwise, you'll be exhausted coming back, needing a vacation :) Marie

Thanks everyone! boysrus - the design part is stenciled, I traced the design on contact paper and cut it out with an exacto knife. But the M was very floppy when I did that and I could not get it straight when I was trying to stick it down, so I ended up just tracing it on there and then painting it with a brush. nancybee -- yes, the bath mat is awesome! I have another one with even larger pile in the other room where the vanity is, and the dog has officially claimed it as hers.

I like registries. Seems like the only weddings I go to are the children of friends, or friends of my son. I don't know what their personal style is anymore. And usually you know only one half of the happy couple. lol As a matter of fact, the last wedding we went to was in November. My best friend from high school, and her hubby who is my husband's employer, it was their son. I don't know Matt anymore, and the registry was great. I went to Target and bought a LOT of kitchen gadgets that they had listed. It was a ball! And I wrapped the gift in three boxes using tan contracter's paper, with brown, gold and green ribbons and bows. Each box was smaller than the next, and I built a tower. I LOVE gift wrapping. It's the ONLY time that a bride (and Matt, lol) THANKED ME at the wedding reception for the cool wrapping! I was introduced to the bride and she was so excited that I took the time to wrap the gift in their wedding colors! LOL (got the colors from the invitation) A honeymoon registry, well sounds odd, I've never heard of one. Very intersting. I would rather send money. I was thinking that this was done through a travel agency. But I checked the link and I guess I was wrong! I know that these companies need $$$ to keep going, but I don't want 10% or more of my gift going to someone else. I just as soon give cash to the couple. Jannie, I love ya', I do, but I think it is kind of sad that it took you 32 years to get over someone wearing a specific color to your wedding. I have no problem with anyone wearing any color they want to, to celebrate with me. I wore black and white to Matt's wedding, and his Mom was wearing a gorgeous black velvet formal dress.