"The best antique is not the one you find, but the one that finds you!"

Brick n Barn (formerly Matilda's Mouse) in Valley Center is the most delightful place!  Located at the site of the former Betty Crocker Estate (built in 1872 and lovingly restored) you will find a monthly antiquing and treasure hunting event in their quaint barn.  You will also find various vendors displaying and selling their wares and goodies as well as rotating art classes.  The once-a-month sale lasts three days (Friday through Sunday) and features antique, mid-century, upcycled, repurposed, industrial decor and findings. There is truly something for everyone!  There are tables and chairs sprinkled across the front of the barn and often live music because the Myers want you to stay a while, chat, enjoy and just "be."  They want their sweet little barn to be a place a refuge and a place to get away from it all.

"Stop asking people what they want and just build what you envision. If your heart is in it, people will follow." - Marlise Myers, proprietor

Ben and Marlise moved to the property in April of 2018 and began the massive and often harrowing undertaking of restoring the old house and the barn to it's current glory. Marlise has penned the journey and you can find it on her blog. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and go along for the journey. It really is a fascinating story of perseverance, chasing a dream and finally triumph.

Remaining barn days for 2020 are:

October 9/10/11
November 6/7/8
December 4/5/6

You can find Brick n Barn at: 29200 Miller Road, Valley Center, CA 92082

If you've been with Around The Town long, you have heard me talk about stylist Jennifer Rosson and her website Style Your Life. I have had many opportunities over the years to glean valuable information and inspiration from Jennifer. This lady has a lot to offer. Twice I have hosted a mini style seminar (yes you can hire her to come to you one-on-one or you can invite friends over and have her speak).

Another FREE opportunity to use Jennifer is provided by Fashion Valley Mall. If you contact the mall and sign up for an appointment with Jennifer, you will get her exclusively for 2 hours to help you with your styling or shopping needs (the mall pays her fee). Sweet, right? *Update: the program with Fashion Valley has been suspended due to COVID-19. Hopefully it will resume in the future. Please check her out and "like" her page for lots of good info! http://www.styleyourlifeblog.com/