Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Under The Pepper-Berry Tree

Perhaps you feel the same way I do. aka “WHAT A WEEK!” “WHAT NEXT?” “WHAT IS HAPPENING?”

 

I have embraced the last 2 1/2 months of the “stay at home” order. It’s the first time in decades that I could go at my own pace, not having to be somewhere at a certain time. I have cherished my time in the chair, reading the Word, talking & listening to the Lord, looking out the window, leisurely. 

Then as suddenly as it started the announcement was made. Retail stores, like mine, could open again effective immediately. So last Friday it was back to work in a place I love and have missed. 

We weren’t sure what to expect as things around town have been very quiet. What an encouraging day it turned out to be with a steady flow of well wishers and shoppers. The best compliment and support you can give a small business is to purchase their goods. We were nicely complimented that day and I thoroughly enjoyed tying the colorful ribbons around each gift bag.

It felt so good to be back! But the very next day, Saturday, trouble again as the world watched in horror seeing riots, looting, and mayhem. This happening as we are reading 6 pages of detailed protocol to prepare for the opening of church on Sunday. Surreal!

 

Signs posted, masks on, disposable bulletins, and sanitizers in hand we opened the doors. PURE JOY! I cried as we sang “The Heart Of Worship”, thankful to hear our church family praising the Lord together again. Also devoured the message as Dale has begun teaching through the Revelation. Everything we are seeing happen before our eyes has been prophesied. It’s in the Book as well as what is coming. Clear as day. 

The icing on the cake, or I should say cookie, happened UNDER THE PEPPER-BERRY TREE. When the abbreviated service was over we grabbed our chairs and headed to the shady spot under the tree. A gentle breeze was blowing as we gazed at a view of the chapel, above. We shared stories of our week, enjoying the fellowship.

And then came the surprise. A box of cookies with sprinkles. I saw them at Trader Joe’s and thought “I’ve got to try these!”  I grabbed the box as we were leaving for church “just in case”. At the right time we shared them under the pepper berry tree. There was just enough for us all to have a taste. They were SO GOOD even more so as we got to experience them together. 

The FELLOWSHIP of believers is so rich with blessings. It’s simple and the way the Lord has set things up. It’s hard to be encouraged when you are alone, at home. We need to be around the body of Christ regularly. It’s even more important in unsettling times like these. 

“LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house,

And the place where Your glory dwells.“ Psalm 26:8

 

 

SHOP Montrose & Treat Yourself To A Mani Pedi

How long has it been since you scheduled some "girl" time? After being on my feet all day at our store in Montrose, it was a welcome gift when my sister offered to treat me to a mani-pedi. We decided to check out the new nail salon that's right in the middle of MOUNTAIN ROSE GIFTS and REVELATION TOPS. I'm so glad we did! It's called OLIVIA'S NAIL LOUNGE, with a 5 star rating on Yelp.

For only $30 you get to sit in this state of the art massage chair and have a gourmet mani-pedi which includes a foot soak with fresh lime slices, and a hot stone massage. Bliss!

And look at the view! I'm always so busy working! It was nice to just chill and watch the Montrose world go by. They are efficient here but they don't rush you. It was dark when we left, relaxed and with perfectly manicured nails.

The colors and decor are in good taste and the music is just perfect. If you know me, you know when I say this I am impressed. Atmosphere is SO important. The music here was just the right volume, clear, French inspired!, and the right balance of peaceful and energetic. It complements what they do.

Here are my new green toenails. A first! A great match for our new St. Patty's, Easter, and Spring TOPS!

So what about you? We invite you to take some time and explore our little corner of the Montrose world. Gift therapy, TOP therapy, and an amazing mani-pedi. You deserve it and it won't break the bank.

Fun at the LA Gift Show!

January is shopping time for Mountain Rose Gifts. As soon as Christmas is over we are in the car or on a plane getting ready to buy for the coming year.

In addition to shopping many show rooms it's fun to check out the displays.

Rest assured the neutral palette and  French farmhouse look are still going strong! Gray mixed with brown wood continues to be a major trend.

We heard it from a very reliable source and saw it with our own eyes.

There will be lots of surprises in store for this year’s Halloween and Christmas!

Shopping makes you hungry. And on this day we were treated to a delicious Mexican lunch. It's an experience to dine in the midst of an elaborate gift showroom.

More shopping fueled by taking little breaks.

What do you do when you enter a show room and are greeted with a table full of chocolate cake? Be still my heart!

On the way home it’s always fun to drive through DTLA and take in all the sights.

Chinatown is especially fascinating.

Another world!

Our reward for a productive day! A stop at one of our favorite bakeries! Can't wait for all the new goodies both now and later!

 

Montrose Tree Lighting!

The amazing Montrose Christmas tree is just steps from our store REVELATION TOPS! Check out this one minute video and feel like you are in a Hallmark movie!

 

And look at the giant, festive tree!

So proud of my husband Dale who designs and organizes this event each year!

Fun At The Montrose Film Festival

Once a year every August we stay late in Montrose to watch a movie under the stars. We met at our store Revelation TOPS which is all ready for Fall, Cali style. That means a new transitional color palette in lightweight fabrics because it can be rather warm here.

 

Check out this quick video which captures our custom Pizza from Giuseppe's, our walk around the town, classic cars, favorite scenes from Ratatouille, and the Montrose Shopping Park lit up at night.

 

 

 

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God's Rainbow Over Montrose

Yesterday I saw something I have never seen in my life. I was in my store, Revelation TOPS, and had just finished selling a bunch of cute tops to a special customer. I had that satisfied feeling you get when someone looks great in your clothes and is happy you are there. As I was watching her leave, Shop Montrose custom tote in hand, I noticed an unusual golden glow outside. Just then my husband called and said "Go outside! There is something you need to see!"

And there it was! A HUGE DOUBLE rainbow!!!

I was speechless! It seemed to start across town and end right on top of our store! I felt like the Lord was speaking to me, assuring me He has heard my prayers. What a relief it is to know God and know He hears your prayers and will lead you in what is best, according to His will.

As I looked around the scene was like this. People were stopping their cars, pulling out their phones, and looking up....staring. We were witnessing a rare sight and we all knew it. And then there was that golden glow and a light rain. Amazing!

This pic I dedicate to our friend Steve P. who lovingly maintains the Montrose Vietnam War Memorial, the oldest in the nation. The rainbow was right over it and our American flag!

The Bible has a lot to say about rainbows. They represent the covenant God made with us. They are also around His throne. Just take a moment and read this:

"And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:
 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.  Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between Me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:12-17

And here is what it looks like in heaven:

Revelation 4:1-4  Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.

Thank you Lord for that beautiful rainbow and for what it means! What an experience!

 

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First Ever Montrose Kids & Moms Fashion Show

This is the sight of the first ever KIDS & MOMS FASHION SHOW right in the heart of Montrose!

 

The vision for the show was born in our MSPA Marketing Committee by my friend and next door neighbor GiGi Garcia who owns the popular kids boutique IT TAKES A VILLAGE. As soon as she shared her idea I was quick to jump on it. I love fashion shows! And here we are today, our dream becoming a reality.

This adorable salon, BUBBLE CUTS, also in our block, did a phenomenal job of styling all the kids hair. Kids love it here! They can watch TV and be entertained while getting their new do. Owner Carlos, (right), even had donuts! O happy day!

We had some time before our stores opened and the show so we hit the Sunday Montrose Harvest Market. Here my sister Carole is wearing her new Revelation TOP with colorful lace and a flutter sleeve.

Check out these gourmet veggies sold right in front of our store! I've never seen cauliflower like that!

There was so much going on in town this day including a strolling mariachi trio, pet parade, and taste of Montrose!

It's fashion show time and the models are getting assembled in the tent.

I am loving being the emcee on a beautiful SoCal day in the town I love, with people I love, talking fashion, enjoying the kids, and making new friends. Thank you Lord!

Let the show begin! I hope video surfaces of this adorable actress, you can see her on the TV show "Transparent",  who danced to the music up and down the runway. Everyone loved it! My sister took this pic and was struck by the little boy in the background. She sure got his attention! LOL!

Here is the beautiful and talented owner of VILLAGE BOUTIQUE & BOARDSHOP with her adorable daughter.

These girls are best friends and are often seen in town. I call them M&M. M (left) whose Mom owns IT TAKES A VILLAGE, has already been on magazine covers and in national commercials and M (Right) family owns MONTROSE CANDY CO., also in our block.

Courtney, a local high school principal, is modeling a fave outfit from REVELATION TOPS. The open shoulder tunic is light as a feather and made in the USA. The 4 way stretch capris have an amazing pull on fit and are adorned with crystal bows at the calves. Looks like she has a handful with son Armen! LOL!

The show must go on and there's always something going on behind the scenes. God Bless my husband Dale who is in charge of events & business manager for the Montrose Shopping Park. We had unexpected mic problems and he discovered a loose wire that was the culprit. It caused me to have to move away from the runway, hold the mic a certain way without moving, and all while he held the wire in place, on his knees, the entire show! But we did it!!! This guy deserves a medal!

The icing on the cake was being interviewed and filmed by our wonderful social media team CONCISE FOCUS. Husband and wife owners Valerie and Mitchell are extremely talented! You can see their work on our MSPA Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. I can't wait to see how they captured today's events! 

Thanks for reading and special thanks for shopping the many one of a kind boutiques in Montrose!

 

Montrose 2020 Vision Bus Tour

Yesterday we were invited by the City of Glendale to meet early in the morning and board a specially chartered tour bus. The plan being to meet with neighboring city officials, tour their shopping districts, and learn what they are doing that we could apply to Montrose.

The tour was led by Jennifer McLain, Principal Economic Development Officer (right) along with Jackie Bartlow, Economic Development Coordinator (left). We were joined by Montrose Shopping Park officials, key Montrose business owners (I'll introduce you to them in these pics), and the Executive Director of the Montrose Chamber.

The tour was well organized and we kept to our full agenda. Serving on the City of Glendale Branding Committee, it always makes me smile when I see the happy swirl logo used on City correspondence.

First stop upon arriving in Claremont: COFFEE!!! Meet Jeannie (left), owner of popular Spanish inspired restaurant CASA CORDOBA...Maureen (middle), owner of the oldest children's bookstore in the nation ONCE UPON A TIME...and Ken, owner of long time music store GRAYSON'S TUNE TOWN.

And thus the walking began. I have always wanted to go to Claremont but somehow, until today, never made it.

What a beautiful and quaint shopping and dining district in the heart of Cali. It's known, among many other things, for it's prominent colleges. Six of them I believe. We all loved this mural and would like to see some of this done in Montrose.

Now onto our first official meeting of the day.

We met with Brian Desatnik (right), Director of Community Development for the City of Claremont and had a very productive and interesting discussion. To my right is hubby Dale who serves as Business Administrator and Events Coordinator for the MSPA (Montrose Shopping Park Assn). Next to him, Steve Pierce our Communication Admin., Harvest Marketplace Manager, and Filming Liaison.

More walking, led by Brian, ensued. What beautiful weather we had!

The walking abruptly stopped the minute we saw PIES!!!

My friend Gigi (right) and I had the same idea! Gigi owns IT TAKES A VILLAGE KIDS and serves as V.P. of the MSPA Board. Note: I LIKE PIE we need you in Montrose!

We all admired the lush plantings throughout the Claremont shopping district.

Thank you Brian for sharing your valuable time with us. I enjoyed your manner and we all learned so much!

This shot was taken from the bus window on the way to Covina and epitomizes the Southern California Inland Empire. Palm trees, bougainvillea, blue skies, mountains, and the American flag.

Being a "foodie" I LOVE trying new places! Lunch was at gastropub BREAD AND YEAST in the heart of the Covina shopping district.

Among other things we enjoyed these Portobello Fries with bacon and shaved Parmesan. YUM!

We dined with Covina Asst. City Manager Angel Carrillo. Once again most informative.

In our after lunch tour we came across this sign. LOL!

Uh oh! As if the pies in Claremont weren't enough! Just had to buy pastries at PAN DULCE! Do you see that empty spot where the jelly rolls are? I've got it in the bag!

Now we are in Monrovia. Call out to KNOT TOO SHABBY: Come to Montrose!!! What a cute store! They sell chalk paint and teach you how to use it!

Glad we are walking off our lunch!

At least until we ran into this giant poster of Thor!

Hahahahahahahahaha! We do have fun!

Beautiful fountain vignette in Monrovia,

We like this colorful photo op too. Wondering if we might want one of Meatball the bear in Montroseland?

We ended the day at 38 DEGREES ALEHOUSE where Monrovia business owner and volunteer extraordinaire Pam Fitzpatrick graciously shared her work on behalf of the Monrovia shopping district. This woman deserves a medal!

Alas the "party bus" awaits to whisk us back to never never land. THANK YOU City of Glendale for a wonderful day on behalf of #montrose2020vision We learned much and enjoyed ourselves doing it. GREAT job Jennifer & Jackie!

The Roses Are Coming! It's Valentine's in Montrose!

Shopping, Dining & Valentine's Day...they just go together! Throw a fresh, long stemmed rose into the mix, plus the beautiful outdoor shopping venue in Montrose, and you've got a celebration.

This Saturday "Charlie Chaplin" will be handing out a rose to all of the women that come to shop Montrose!

With over 150 one of a kind boutiques and cafes all decked out for Valentine's Day,  there's something for everyone to love! Imagine strolling Honolulu on your Valentine treasure hunt as you enjoy the sounds of pleasant live jazz.

Of course you'll want a momento of your day to share with all your friends! You can take a pic like this in our Valentine photo booth! Can't wait! Valentine's Day in Montrose THIS SATURDAY! There's nothing else like it in all of Los Angeles!

Montrose Merchants Dinner at Casa Cordoba

Last night the MSPA (Montrose Shopping Park Association) treated the business owners to a delicious dinner at the one and only CASA CORDOBA. We are blessed to have this very successful and authentic cuisine of Spain just steps from our store Revelation TOPS.

Always faithful and the first to arrive were Steve & Dale posing with owner Jeannie.

We were serenaded throughout the evening by live Spanish guitar.

Love the festive look of blue flowerpots = happy!

We started with delicious appetizers as they do in Spain...

and proceeded onto a variety of Casa's famous paellas.

It was so nice to mingle and be able to sit and talk with our fellow merchants and friends.

Happy times on the patio!

We all enjoyed Andre's enthusiasm as he shared a few words.

We love Montrose!...it's shops...cafes...small town atmosphere...and most of all people. What a blessing it is to be able to do what you love in "Mayberry".