My New Favorite Song

The other day I was listening to the radio when I caught the tail end of a an interview with the lead singer of the band Plain White T's. He was talking about their latest single 1 2 3 4 which I had never heard. The only song I knew that they had done was "Hey There Delilah" which I have always liked and even have on my newish Ipod shuffle.


I thought I would check out the video to their new song on youtube and it was love at first listen. It is such a sweet, happy love song. The video is also pretty cute too. You can watch and listen to it here. I tried to put the video on my blog, but just couldn't get it to work.

Tomorrow morning Isabel and I are heading out to a flea market. Problem is, I have no money and I really shouldn't go. I did get some housework done today so that is how I am justifying the play time tomorrow.

I am so thrilled to see all the entries on my 200th post giveaway.There is still time to enter so make sure to leave a comment on that post to be eligible. Drawing the lucky winner on Monday AM!

An Awesome Score and a Quick Fix

The week before my trip to California I was perusing craigslist and found an interesting ad for some antique furniture. From what I could see of the picture, it looked pretty cool (a antique vanity with mirror, chair that had been stripped, vanity bench and end table also stripped, but not shown in picture) and the price was right, so I sent an email saying I would be happy to take her projects off her hands and could come pick them up that day. I waited all morning to hear back from them. I was convince that the items were already gone as it had been posted the day before. Eventually I got an email and I hopped in my car and headed over. I was thrilled when I showed up and quickly loaded everything in my car before they could change their mind. When I got home I set everything up for a group picture.

Vanity with great chippy paint, vanity bench (stripped), Chair and end table (also stripped)

Mirror to vanity

I'm not going to even tell you what I paid for all this fabulousness because you would surely hate me. Of course everything is going to need some tlc, but I am looking forward to prettying up everything and it will all travel to Spokane with me to the Farm Chicks show in June. It's not like I didn't have enough projects to work on, but this deal was just too good to pass up. Not sure if you can see it in the picture, but the center of the vanity is in pretty sorry shape. I am seriously thinking of taking the vanity apart to make it into two bed side tables. Let me know what you think.

About a month ago my sweet hubby accidentally broke the doors to the pantry in the hall off of the kitchen. He said he couldn't fix them and for several weeks we lived with the broken doors just hanging there looking awful. I finally decided that those horrid doors must come off and I remembered these cool curtains I had bought from Martha last summer and hadn't done anything with. So, I stole a curtain rod I had been using in my bathroom on the shower and came up with this

I'm loving the way it looks (much cuter in person). Especially as I didn't want to look at the contents of my pantry every time I walked into the room. The curtains are a neat gauzy sheer with a few little age holes which don't bother me in the least. My husband is less than thrilled with them. My response? "I guess you shouldn't have broken the doors then." I don't know if this will be a permanent fix, but I'm definitely happy with the result for now. Maybe it will grow on my main squeeze.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my last post to be entered in my giveaway. Have a great weekend!

My Prizes and One for You (200th Post Giveaway)

As promised, here are some pictures of the special things I found on my trip. I don't think I bought a lot considering I was down there for four days and shopped pretty much every day. I did find that, for the most part, prices were pretty high. It didn't really bother me too much, just made my bargain finds that much sweeter.

Here's a group shot. I found the lovely floral box, cute little flower pot, vintage floral curtains, vintage floral fabric, and new fabric all at Country Roads. The sign holder was found at a funky junk shop/costume shop in Fallbrook. The textured/paintable wallpaper was found at Rusty Creek Boutique, also in Fallbrook. I got the cute pink and cream dish towels at Serendipty in Temecula. The stack of vintage linens came from my Aunt. Some I think belonged to my Grandma.

Close up of cute flower pot. I already have a bigger version of this one, but I couldn't resist this sweetie at only $3.00.

Better view of fabric purchases. Pair of vintage curtains on left, vintage floral fabric on right and newer decorator fabric in the middle.

In my last post I mentioned that I was having trouble coming up with a giveaway idea to celebrate my 200th post. First off, I can hardly believe I've been at this for 200 posts (actually this is the 203rd post). So, since this was a special occasion, and because I really love to do giveaways, I wanted to make sure it was something special.


In the past, I've given away vintage wallpaper packets, crafting supplies, a little pretty tussy mussie, etc., but, I've never given away something I made. So, I decided I would make something special for one lucky reader of my blog. Here it is!

What do you think? You likie?

I made this pretty pillow using a bouquet of some of my favorite vintage Glen Court Barkcloth, a little ticking stripe fabric, antique lace and some creamy pom pom fringe. The back is a simple paisley pattern and I made this pillow cover to be removeable so it can be washed easily. I guess I should also mention that the pillow insert is made of feathers.

(Back)

I think it turned out lovely and am thinking how easy it would be to just keep it. Doesn't it look cute in my little blue chair? Just kidding! If you would like a chance to win this pillow, just leave a comment on this post. I will draw a winner bright and early Monday morning, March 2nd. Wow, can't believe it's almost March. Where did February go?

FYI, Debbie over at My Shabby Roses is having her 100th post giveaway. Drop by her blog to enter to win a fab giftie.

I want to again thank you all for coming here to check out my little ramblings and pictures. Whether you leave comments or not, just knowing you stopped by to see what I've been up to warms my heart. Here's to the next 200!

Home Again

Just got home last night from my long weekend in Southern California. I had a great time visiting with my family and going to some of my favorite antique places. I arrived on Thursday night and was warmly greeted by this crew.

Friday morning my dad and I were up early to grab a bite at this popular local restaurant.

This is what I had. YUM!

My dad and his cute "smart B" which I got to drive while down there.

We then boogied on over to the La Maison Rustique sale. As always, eye candy everywhere.

After that we headed over to some other antique shops in Temecula including this place. Seredipity is always a must stop at shop when I come down for a visit and it didn't disappoint.
I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside so you'll have to trust me, it is an adorable shop with lots of great bits and pieces all so artfully arranged. This amazing blogger has her fabulous creations here.

We then headed to the town of Fallbrook where we stopped at the Rusty Creek Boutique . A big old barn full of goodies. While there I met Gina who has a blog too.

Saturday morning found me up and at 'em playing tennis with my dad. The last time I played was with him on my visit last year so he was killing me, but it felt good to get the exercise. Now I'm motivated to play more and I think I just may have found a partner to play with me.

After tennis, a hot shower and a quick stop at In and Out Burger (Yum again!), we drove out to the City of Orange to visit this most incredible antique mall.



I was so busy looking at all the wonderful stuff I didn't get many pictures, but here are few for your viewing pleasure.

I had been here several years ago and had fond memories of great stuff, but I was amazed at all the awesomeness they had there.

After spending about 2 hours and a little bit of money at Country Roads, we visited a few more stores in the area, but none could even compare.

That evening we spent some time visiting with my Aunt and Cousin and had dinner at Hof's Hut. One of my favorite Southern California chain restaurants. I had a wonderful shrimp and crab melt but forgot to take a picture. Trust me though, it was beautiful for about a minute until I dug into it.

On Sunday we went out for breakfast at Swing Inn again. This time I had yummy biscuits and gravy. After that my step mom and I went and had our toes done.

What do you think? I've never had my toes painted black before. My daughter always says that I pick boring colors so I thought I would surprise her with the black. I love the little flowers with the rhinestone centers. Such fun!

Sunday evening we had a little Academy Awards party at my dads house. I think this was the first time that I actually watched this show from start to finish and I have to say that I think they and Hugh Jackman did a fabulous job.


On Monday morning I packed for my trip home, trying to get everything I bought in my suitcase. I bought some great stuff which I'll have to show in my next post. We did hit a few thrift stores while down there, but I found nothing there.

I know I promised I'd do a giveaway for my 200th post on this post, but I'm going to have to wait a bit. Honestly, not sure what to give away just yet, but I'll figure it out. And soon. Hope you enjoyed coming along with me on my little trip. As with any trip, for me at least, I love getting out of my regular routine and seeing and doing new things, but it is always so nice to be home.

Blast from the Past

Last night I got together with some old high school buddies I recently reconnected with on facebook. We met at a local restaurant and spent a few hours gabbing, getting caught up on each other's lives and talking about what other old friends are now doing. Such fun! I could have spent many more hours laughing with these guys, but a couple of the gals had a long drive ahead of them so we said our goodbyes and talked about getting together again soon. I hope we do. Here is a picture of me and a few of my high school buddies.

From left to right are me (of course), my friend Michelle, who was my locker partner all the way through high school, Tracy, (currently living in Southern California) who was on the cheerleading squad with me from 8th grade through senior year, and finally, Lesley who I played softball with freshman and sophomore years, but she moved away after Junior year.

It's always fun to make new friends and I have loved all the new friends I have made the last year and a half that I have had this blog, but there is just something about friends from your past. They know all the funny/ embarrassing stories about you. Especially stories that you conveniently have forgotten and they are not shy about reminding you of them either. As I get older I am sad that I have forgotten lots of things about my youth so it's nice to have friends to remind you about the good times too.

Now that I'm on Facebook, I am really having a blast reconnecting with friends from my past. If you are not on FB, what are you waiting for? Be warned however, it's highly addictive.

Just realized that this is my 200th post! I can't believe it. As I mentioned on my last post, I will be heading to California tomorrow to visit family. When I get back, I promise to post pictures from my trip and I will definitely have a fun giveaway to celebrate. TTFN!

Metal Stuff and Some Other Things

Do those of you who thrift/junk find that often times when you go out looking for stuff, you tend to find a lot of the same kind of thing on the same day? That has happened to me a lot. Last week, for example, I hit all my favorite thrift stores on the way to Monticello and the things I found most were metal items.

Metal baskets, metal teapot, metal light fixture, metal sign fixtures. Weird, right? I don't know why that happens, but it does. Here's a picture of my metal stash.

I was so excited to find the metal sign holders (6 of them) until I called Isabel to tell her about them and she said she got a bunch of them the week before. ha ha

A couple weeks ago I ventured out to a shop I heard about called Vestiges on Fremont in Portland. I had heard they were going out of business and were selling some of their fixtures for good prices. I didn't find any fixtures that I had to have, but I did find a neat vintage floral hat (took it apart before I could get a picture of it), a really cool chenille robe (for me) and a little belated gifty for Timi's birthday which I was able to give her last weekend at the Blog Party at Joy's.

Here is the cute white chenille robe. I find lots of chenille spreads, but rarely do I find a robe and one that I would actually wear. This one is so cute and simple and I love the scrolly bits on it.
I was also able to check out Melanie's newish store All My Favorite Things also on Fremont. I didn't get to meet Melanie, but her very nice husband was there to assist me. I found several things that just had to come home with me.

A sweet rhinestone bow pin to add to my pin collection.

Adorable ruffley cream colored vintage curtain panels.

Lovely little lady painting.

Her shop is just adorable and I highly recommend you check it out if you are in the area.

Another place on Fremont (further west than Melanie's shop) is Amy's shop. Poppy and Ivy. I have blogged about Amy and her shop before which you can read about here. About a month ago my daughter and I were out shopping and decided to stop and see Amy again. I was so surprised that she remembered me as I know she has a ton of people coming through her door and I had only met her that one other time. Amy is the kind of person that you can never run out of things to talk about with. She is a bundle of fun energy and her store is a total reflection of her delightful personality. I only got a few things on this visit like some yummy smelling hand cream for my girl and these

Two lovely rose patterned linens (very Cath Kidston) and cute little hangers with clips. I thought these would be great to use for some mixed media collages that I have yet to sit down and do. But at least I now have the hangers when I can finally find the time and motivation to do it.

So, I think I have now caught you up on my latest vintage finds. This is going to be a very busy week for me. Tomorrow I am meeting some old high school friends that I have recently reconnected with on Facebook (my newest addiction). It will be fun to see them again and I'm sure there will be laughs and shared memories a plenty.

On Thursday I am heading south to Temecula California to see my Dad for a long weekend. It's been almost a year since I was last down there and I am super excited to spend time with family as well as visit some of my favorite shops. I am thrilled that my trip will coincide with this fun sale which is just a stone's throw away from my Dad's house. I have been lucky enough to go to La Maison Rustique sales twice before and trust me, they never disappoint. The quality of merchandise and vendors is amazing.

Not sure if I will have time to post before my trip, but if I don't, I promise to take lots of pictures while I'm on my mini vacaction and will check back with you next week. If you have any suggestions on places I should check out or things I should do while I'm down there, I would love to know about it. Have a fabulous week!

Vintage Valentines, My Valentines, & Some Heart Cookies

It's no secret that I love roses. You all know that. What you may not know is that before I fell in love with roses, I was in love with hearts. I even painted a heart stencil chair rail in the living room of my last two houses. Very early 90's country. Somewhere along the way I replaced hearts with roses as my favorite thing. Don't get me wrong. I still love hearts, but my decorating style sort of evolved and took on a new life with roses being the main attraction.

A couple years ago I came across some vintage valentines in a booth at Monticello and it was love at first sight. I had to have them. Since then I have collected many lovely vintage valentines and for most of the year they just sit in a box on a shelf in my craft room. I have decided that I either need to sell them or get them out and display them. Even if it is only for a short while. Here is a little vignette with some of my favorites. Better late than never, I always say.

Trust me, this is so much cuter in person. The lighting is bad today. Okay, I guess I really should blame it on my poor photography skills, but believe me, it's pretty darn cute. This sweet display is on a little antique dresser in a niche in my front hallway/entry. I got the idea to stand the valentines in old flower frogs from Joy. Thanks Joy!

Here are some of my other favorites valentines shown in a mosaic. You can click on them to enlarge.

Can you see a common theme? I tend to gravitate towards vintage valentines with lacey details, and of course, roses.

To me, Valentine's Day is about celebrating love and family. What a great holiday! Definitely one of my favorites. Speaking of favorites, this is one of my most favorite pictures of two of my dearest valentines.

My kids. I think they are about one and three in the picture. I just love the sweet little expressions on their faces. I sure miss them being that little. Now they are 13 and 15 and I don't even try to get them to pose together anymore. One of my goals for 2009 is to get some professional pictures taken of them. My Mom has been nagging me about it for years and I really think it's time considering that it has been about 10 years since we have had any taken. I'll let you know how that goes.

As far as gift giving for Valentine's Day goes, we don't normally do much. This year I'm just keeping it simple by giving my not so little sweeties some chocolates and itunes cards. But, since I was feeling guilty about not making any Valentine's this year, I decided to decorate a couple of little bags to put their goodies in. Here are the results of my efforts.

I was looking all over Target for some cute containers to put their gifts in and came up with these simple brown bags which I immediately brought home and foofed them up with some vintage valentine's images, rick rack, glitter, crepe paper, ribbon and buttons. I know I'm not going to win any awards with these guys, but not a bad effort for a last minute throw together sort of a thing. I even made a couple cute tags. Here are the close ups.

My daughter had been pestering me for a couple weeks to make some soft sugar cookies so I got out my Mom's Club cookbook and whipped together these cuties.

They are pretty yummy and are great to make for any holiday. I like them because they aren't too sweet.

Soft cut out cookies

3 c. flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

3/4 c. butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

2 t. vanilla or 1 1/2 t. almond extract

Ready to spread frosting

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, baking powder, salt. Set aside. In large bowl beat milk, butter, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Add dry ingredients and mix well. On a floured surface lightly knead dough to form a smooth ball. Divide into thirds. On a well floured surface, roll out each ball and cut with cookie cutters of your choice. Place cookies 1" apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake 7-9 minutes until lightly browned around edges. Cool thoroughly and frost and decorate.

Enjoy!

Have a fabulous Valentine's day tomorrow! I'll be back with more vintage finds on my next post.

I'm in the Mood for Love

Do you remember that song that Alfalfa sang to Darla in the Little Rascals? I used to love that show as a kid. With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, my thoughts have been turning more and more to love, and family. I keep thinking I will make some vintage inspired valentines or some kind of heart craft, but laziness is keeping me from doing so.

This time last year I participated in my very first swap. It was called the itty bitty valentine swap. We were partnered up and were suppose to make some kind of valentine no more than 3 x 3 inches. I had such a fun time stretching my creative muscles making mine. I actually made four instead of one. All different. I apologize to those of you who have seen these before, but since I haven't been very creative lately, I will share them again.

Here are a few more Valentine's inspired images I found around my house that make me smile.

The sweetest heart pillow made especially for me by Becky at Sweet Cottage Dreams. She is going through a really tough time right now. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Little X and O letters I purchased at Monticello recently.

I was taking apart a vintage floral hat and a few petals fell off that look just like pink hearts. So sweet.

Pretty mother of pearl heart necklace I got from my friend Susan at the Clark County Antique Show last year.

I begged my Mom to give me these two cuties and she finally did. Just looking at them makes me happy.

Four rhinestone heart pins I found this week at Value Village.

My wedding topper collection is a must add to my images of love.

And finally, love birds times two. The picture of me and my hubby was taken in 1987 or 1988, can't remember, but I do remember that it was the first time my family in California met him.

That's it for now. I'll be back later with a fun recipe, and will share some of my favorite vintage valentines. Hope you are all having a wonderful week!