Springtime Splendor Awaits You at the Speckled Hen

 Are you searching for spring?  Have you lost faith in Mother Nature? Are you ready to throw in the towel with the latest forecast?  Well, I have good news.  I found spring, but not just any spring.  I found Springtime Splendor at our favorite shop, the Speckled Hen. 

If you've been reading my blog or following me on Facebook, you're already familiar with the Speckled Hen.  Located at 14 Saratoga Road in Glenville, the Speckled Hen just reopened after their annual February hiatus and all I can say is, "WOW".  Maureen and her team have outdone themselves to offer fresh, colorful and welcoming merchandise this season.  This is the beginning of the Hen's twelfth season and I'm not sure I know of any other store with as loyal a following as the Hen.  It's a good thing prices are so reasonable because I'm pretty sure no one leaves without a giant shopping bag, or two or three.  You'll understand why by the end of this post.

If you're in need of a little pick-me-up, some fresh new spring decor accessories or the perfect little gift, The Speckled Hen is just the destination for anything on your list.  New this year are the gorgeous hand-painted quilt squares.  

See what I mean?  What a ray of sunshine to remind us that this white stuff isn't here to stay.  The Easter Bunny has already arrived at the Speckled Hen and if you're lucky, he'll be visiting you too so you better get to the Hen and stock up on a few things to help him feel welcome.  The Speckled Hen is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00-5:00 and Saturdays, 10:00-4:00.  For more information you can call 518-369-8771, or find them on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/thespeckledhenscotia 

Thanks for reading.  Stop back soon for more Life As I See It.  Take a minute and scroll back and check out my last few posts.....a tour of downtown Albany and its rich history and a story about my Dad and how chasing the perfect photo is a little like his favorite hobby - fishing (Goin' Fishing, Channeling my Dad's Favorite Hobby).  Happy Spring!

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Make Your House A Home With Some Christmas Magic From The Speckled Hen

 If decorating your home for the holidays is one of your favorite parts of the holiday season, you'll want to plan a visit to The Speckled Hen in Scotia.  

Beautiful for every season, the Christmas season is probably everyone's favorite at the Speckled Hen, including Maureen's, the creative genius who opened the doors at the Speckled Hen in March of 2011. From 2011 until last June, the Speckled Hen was located in Maureen's home, just down the road from her big, new location.  The Hen amassed a giant following at its smaller location with some of the most devoted (and addicted) shoppers in NYS.  One may have imagined it couldn't get any better, but this new location has beckoned new customers by the droves - some who were shy about visiting a 'home' location.  Now the Hen is larger, very open (but just as cozy) and handicap friendly.  

If you've read any of my "Let's Shop" blogs over the years, or seen any of my 'house tour' blogs, you know I'm a big fan of the Speckled Hen.  You can pretty much look at any vignette, tabletop or wall in our home and see something from the Hen - not just at Christmas, but all year 'round.  You can imagine how difficult and tempting it is to shoot photos in such a beautiful shop - like sending a little girl into an American Girl store.  The difference is I can afford to shop at the Hen!  Despite the temptation, I'm honored Maureen trusts me to share her passion with my readers.  With the holiday season just around the corner, you'll want to plan a visit to the Speckled Hen for all of your holiday décor. For now though, take a virtual tour of this holiday wonderland.  Notice there's plenty of décor to keep your home cozy straight through till spring, not just for the holidays.

You think that's pretty, check out the bathroom....gorgeous, right?

One of Maureen's favorite things about the new store is having a stockroom on the same floor as the shop!  No more traipsing up and down stairs to restock! 

If you haven't been to the Speckled Hen's new location, or have never been at all, now's the time.  The Hen is located at 14 Saratoga Road (Rt. 50) next door to Monroe Muffler in Scotia NY.  Current hours are Wed-Fri 10:00-6:00, Saturday 10:00-4:00 and Sunday 12:00-4:00.  Hours change seasonally, so check before you visit.  https://www.facebook.com/thespeckledhenscotia  Tell Maureen I sent you!  Not convinced yet?   Here's a few more ....

Want to see more?  Check out Maureen's Facebook page for close-ups and videos!

 https://www.facebook.com/thespeckledhenscotia

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Escaping the Raindrops Inside the Cozy Warmth of The Speckled Hen

 It may be raining and dreary outside today, but inside the warm and cozy walls of The Speckled Hen, the atmosphere is anything but dreary.  For a brief hour, I forgot about the cold and damp outdoors and was transported into a magical place - a place surrounded by colorful floral bouquets, flickering lights, perfectly curated vignettes - and for that hour nothing in the world existed outside those walls. 

It's been a long year for everyone.  We've sacrificed so much, accommodated so many changes and limitations. Now, finally, we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, a promise of hope and a glimmer of normalcy.  We've all coped in our own way but me, one of the ways I've coped is by enjoying the time to decorate, season after season, so that my own space, though lacking in human company, at least looks pleasing and comforting to me.  One of my favorite places to find items for my own decor (as all my regular readers already know) is at the Speckled Hen in Scotia.  We made a little trip there today and as always, the Hen never disappoints.  Maureen is a master when it comes to curating, and it's impossible to come out empty handed.  My little granddaughter recently asked me, "Grandma, how come you have so much stuff?"  The answer is easy.....I shop at the Speckled Hen!  Today's trip was no exception and though I didn't have any particular need or item in mind, I found plenty just the same.  Check out all the beautiful things we saw..........

Look at this beautiful sheer flag draped above.  That beautiful flag is available for under $25.  It could be used in a multitude of ways to accent your patriotic decor!  Maureen's whole shop is filled with unique pieces like this.  And this Amish made wooden star below....the photo doesn't do it justice!  

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and Sunday is Mother's Day.  I can't think of a better place to shop to find the perfect gift for Mom, Grandma, a hostess gift, a teacher gift or a treat for yourself.  Maureen has a table full of gifts all packaged for gift giving or she will help you curate the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.  

The Speckled Hen is open Wednesday-Friday, 10:00-6:00 and Saturday 10:00-4:00.  Mark your calendar for her annual 1/2 Price Tent Sale, June 12th.  You won't want to miss it.   If it's been a while since you visited the Hen, or if you've never visited....what are you waiting for.  Located at 38 Saratoga Road (Route 50) in Scotia, I promise you'll go back season after season for all your decorating needs.  You know I sure do!  Thanks for stopping by Life As I See It.  Use the links below to share this post, or share from my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GAWelter) or from the Speckled Hen Facebook Page: (https://www.facebook.com/thespeckledhenscotia)

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