The Stillroom

There are so many things I like (notice I did not say love) about a good snow day.

So I am going to take two hours out of my snow day to enjoy the silly comedy, Snow Day.  We are fans of Chris Elliott, son of comedian and actor Bob Elliott.  Bob was half of the comedy duo of Bob and Ray (look them up)   I have the house to myself today.  Perfect time to indulge in a silly comedy.

Yesterday the giant ass box of tea arrived.  Awkward moments were had as the UPS guy handed me this unwieldy box of the new cases that The Stillroom will be transitioning to.  In case you, dear reader, are out of the tea loop – (trust me there is no tea loop, I just like how it reads)-  The Stillroom will be transitioning to Stash Boxes of 18-20 count teas.  The company, after years and years decided to discontinue the cello 10-packs.  The cost is more per purchase but the price per tea bag drops.  I’ll spend the morning on this snow day opening, pricing and creating a new space in the shop.  I think the real challenge will be replacing all 80 flavors.

When I received the catalog for the new year and saw this sort of dramatic change in what was a staple for The Stillroom, it gave me pause to think how should I retire from having the shop.  At what point do I tell myself  I can no longer do this?  The difference from when I first opened in 2001 until now has changed in more ways than just the size and shape of tea packaging.

I remember right out of high school I took a job at the now defunct Liberty Mirror in Brackenridge.  This was about the time the mill started hiring women.  Women worked at Liberty Mirror many years before the mill hired us.  At LOF (Libbey Owens Ford)  the new jam was that women could bid on a “mans” job.  lolololololololol

I always thought the LOF should of had a letter a in there somewhere because that was basically the midnight shift.  I liked the opportunity for a pay increase (I was most likely not making as much as the guys, I’m sure) so I took on one of the most physically demanding jobs in the plant.  Rosie the Riveter was my heroine.

Now, forty four years later I feel every day of every year that I picked up heavy stuff.  I have rearranged furniture in the house and shop, painted every wall in every placed we have ever lived in, -and it is many- packed and unpacked every move we made from coast to coast east to west and north to south.  I feel every piece of wet cardboard sheets with wet glass in between from those LOF days and  I feel  every snow flake I shoveled for three parking spaces for 13 years when the Saxonburg shop was open. Some days I just felt physically spent.

The move from Saxonburg to the fabulous Diamond Antiques & Gifts at 311 East Sixth Avenue in Tarentum was as serendipitous as me starting to sell tea.  I can not say enough great things about this place.  There is so much under one roof that I can safely say we are a great throwback to when you could shop for many things in one place.  Located in the former historic Van Sciver Wallpaper & Paint Store, I can truly say Dianna at Diamond Antiques has basically helped to save The Stillroom from permanent retirement.  I no longer have to shovel snow or move heavy furniture.  The grunt work is what took me out.  When I do have to lift a heavy or awkward piece of furniture or giant ass box of tea, help is always there.  I have learned that it is ok to ask for help.

Coffee, tea, local honey, Aunt Annes biscotti all wrapped and ready for gift giving,  repurposed furniture, antiques, vintage, retro, shabby chic, primitive, all occasion cards, estate jewelry, kitchen, dining, living room.  We have it all.  You can furnish a very stylish home or put together an awesome gift basket to give as a gift or to keep for yourself.  Soaps, lotions, Claire Burke Original sprays, limited essential oils, dried flowers, culinary lavender and organic cat toys.  I mean, seriously, this is the place.

Diamond Antiques and Gifts is located at 311 East Sixth Avenue in Tarentum, PA.

Right smack up against Massart’s Historic Diner, up the street from Gatto’s and Seita’s.  Across the street from Tarentum Station Restaurant.

The Stillroom is located right inside the door of Diamond Antiques & Gifts. Over 17 years of buying and merchandising so many cool things, I managed to whittled it all down to my faves.  Stillroom staples include organic Lavender in many forms including culinary, organic catnip toys, tea wallets, Claire Burke Orginal Spray, Stash Teas, limited Harney & Sons loose teas, tea accessories of all types, vintage hats, gloves, Moonlight & Roses postcards, nature related stuffs and an array of estate finds that captured my eye.

It is time for me to have another cup of tea, open this giant ass box and watch Snow Day.

If you are out and about, be careful.  If you need milk and toilet paper (like my 89 year old mom) just remember it will probably be all gone tomorrow.  😉