My Vintage Childhood

Australian Op Shop Review Directory....

2013-05-16T15:50:00.001+10:00

I have embarked on a major undertaking and I need all my fellow Australian Bloggers help, who have an interest in op shopping. I am in the middle of compiling an Australian Op Shop Review Directory. So if you have a blog post from an op shop you've visited anywhere around Australia please let me know. Your listing will need to include the name of the shop and an address even if you want to go back and edit it so it now has one.

My hope is for the growing directory to be a practical resource to all Op Shop loving Aussies. But not only that imagine if you're visiting interstate or from overseas and you want to check out what us Aussies have on offer. I'm more than happy for listings to include more than one review on the same Op Shop as I feel that helps give contrast and perspective with opinions and reviews.

Finally lets face it you'll be getting a permanent link in my directory to your blog post too. So come join me and help make this an AMAZING resource for us all to enjoy. If you feel that you have an appropriate post or posts in your archives that would be appropriate for this directory and you'd like inclusion, please email me at tmbristow@bigpond.com with a link to your post. Finally please share the news of this post and forming directory on your blogs, Facebook and social media outlets with your other op shop loving blogger friends so we can make it a comprehensive and thorough directory and resource for all.

2013 Week 19: My Wednesday Style Collective.....

2013-05-15T07:38:00.000+10:00

On Sunday along with Mother's Day celebrations and visits we also had a two year olds birthday gathering to attend. To be honest I was feeling somewhat physically shattered after such a full on Saturday with our first market outing. But out we traveled for a few hours and I made sure I was dressed comfortably for the morning. Excuse the hair, I don't know what it is but whilst pregnant it does stupid frizzy things with rain and humidity it's not a problem I've ever had before. But oh well at least a nice dress takes the focus off frizzy hair, or maybe not so much now that I've drawn attention to it.

Anyway the dress is a new to me dress I recently bought on a bit of an op shop spending spree and came home with a load of vintage garments along with a few post baby pieces to wear as well. It's a comfy dress to wear and layer whilst I'm pregnant and it's a homemade frock.

Dress - op shopped

Long Sleeve Tee - retail

Belt - eBay come free with a frock I bought years ago, only realised on editing the pics my belt needs a repair....whoops.

Brooch - car boot sale

Beaded Bracelet - Master V creation for Mother's Day

Silver Bangle - gifted

Sandals - retail

I did have a second outfit that I was mega excited to share, but the pics have gone awol which is annoying after I gave a sneak peak and tease on Instagram and Facebook the other day. But the pic wasn't a full shot though. Oh well never mind sometimes these things happen but it's a combination I'll be rocking again very soon because it made me feel fab and fun and it fits this growing tummy of mine. So pics will be coming soon on this weeks missing second outfit.

I'm having a Bloggers Baby Shower.....

2013-05-14T07:20:00.002+10:00

I love a get together with fellow bloggers, and I have a few gatherings coming up over coming weeks and months. There is a particularly special gathering coming up on Sunday June 2nd being hosted by Blog Power Events, the lovely ladies there are hosting a Bloggers Baby Shower for myself and fellow Queensland Bloggers.

Cassandra at Cass Can Sew, Cate from Life Behind the Purple Door, Née from Née Say and we're all being treated to lovely morning at New Farm Park in Brisbane from 10am - 2pm, celebrating only as bloggers do.

If you're local to Brisbane and are a blogger or reader who'd like to come along and enjoy the morning and celebrate with us, please get in touch with the ladies at Blog Power Events on admin@blogpowerevents.com and have a chat.

I'm so looking forward to it, and I'm on the hunt for a perfect vintage baby shower outfit of course.

{Business} Our first market round up.....

2013-05-13T07:47:00.000+10:00

Well we've got our first market under our belt, even if we packed up early because of.......yep that's right RAIN. But despite that there are major smiles and loads of joy in the My Vintage Childhood camp from our first market adventure.

To paint you a picture imagine Saturday morning blue skies and a few non-threatening looking clouds, and hopes of a perfect Autumn day on the Gold Coast high in our hearts. We got to the Timeless Treasures Market site and along with other outside stall holders made ourselves busy with our stall set up. When while finessing our stalls clouds had come over the heavens above started to spit. Cue a rearrangement of stock because of rain direction. We patiently waited it out until just after the official start time of the market when there was a break in weather and the spotting of blue skies again.

The Big V grabbed this photo as I was still running around finessing the stall just before the rain came.

Pictured above: baby and children's vintage clothing, with vintage tweens, teens, maternity options as well.

Puzzle piece letter brooches and badges and transport badges.

During the break in weather and drizzling we had a good flow of people through our stall and their responses to what we are doing and trying to offer with My Vintage Childhood was EXACTLY what I was hoping for. Along with that came sales, yay to sales and further confirmation of what I'm piecing together with my business and it hitting the right spot and people.
We could not be happier with the response overall from the public and we even had a local women who made a purchase and later on dragged her tween daughter back when the rain reappeared in torrential proportions to look at purchasing genuine vintage dresses for her and we were amidst packing up and protecting stock.

The Big V was also stopped in the rain when he was ferrying stock back to our van and was spotted carrying the rocking cradle and high chair that he has so lovingly given a new life (pictured above). Cue business cards being asked for handed out.

Even though the reappearance of rain and it's torrential proportions resulted in all outside stall holders having to call it a day and pack up early, I'm not disappointed in the slightest. The morning confirmed so many things for me. It confirmed for me that my vision and dream with my niche vintage children's and mums business has people excited. It confirmed all the hard work, patience and time that has gone into everything is worth it. It confirmed to me and my soul that I am 100% in my element, answering my souls yearnings with my creative, artifice, vintage loving, collectors heart.

I'm so excited about the future and the connections I have made with others and the future is busy and bright even with another baby due amidst it all. But as I said to a fellow virgin stall holder Saturday, my soul just can't live anymore with all this being a hope and a thought, it has to be pushed into an actualised tangible dream. Finding a way to make it work with three kids under the age four come August will be another dynamic challenge, but I'll take it on and we will make it happen.

My Fabulous Finds, a cute little car.....

2013-05-12T13:01:00.001+10:00

A car you say! We may have recently gone mad and bought an antique piano that the Big V is hell bent on restoring and contemparising (it's a word even if I make it up), but I'm not that mad to do the same with a car. Well not yet anyway, maybe one day, but not now. So to show you I'm not that mad I recently picked up myself this cool little vintage car brooch.

It's a nice departure from my usual girly type brooches. Master V is trying to convince me that he could wear my new to me car brooch, since I recently made some transport puzzle piece badges. Because boys wear badges not brooches, just to the set record straight.

He is so proudly sporting his badge at any opportunity he can get. See mum I'm fancy and have style he tells me. Gosh I love him, but little man you're not getting my car brooch.

Market day tomorrow and last minute displays.....

2013-05-10T10:48:00.000+10:00

Wow wee is all I can say about yesterday. I'm so glad I had a child free day and decided to do a last minute mock up of our market stall display for our first ever market. I was going to run with what I had in mind for last months set up, which didn't get an outing because of the market being cancelled due to rain. So with my child free day yesterday and threatening rain I played around in the garage with a new display. I can't show you the set up of course; I've got to have something to show you in my market wrap up post next week. But here is a sneak peak at some of the loveliness coming with us.

As always I'm so appreciative of your continued support with me perusing my dreams. If you're on the Gold Coast this weekend and are free Saturday (May 11th) we will be at the Timeless Treasures Market at Gecko House Currumbin. You know I'll love seeing you and I've got a free giveaway for mummas for Mother's Day of free vintage fabric and button yo-yo brooches I've made especially for the day as a treat until they run out. Oh and I'm giving away cuddles too, if you fancy one of those.

2013 Week 18: My Wednesday Style Collective......

2013-05-08T07:00:00.000+10:00

I bought some flat slouchy type boots for winter a few months back. They were retail and only cost me fifteen dollars. So I've been trying to give them a run in my wardrobe stylings and I don't quiet have myself convinced that black was the way to go now. I generally have a real problem with black, as I'm often quoted by friends who love black:

"We know Trudie black isn't a colour it's a shade."

Well it's not just opinion it's fact; black and white are shades and not colours. Anyways I digress, I somehow told myself that black rather than the grey boots that were on offer would get worn more. So tell me your thoughts about this weeks outfits, as I've been a tad time poor this week with market preparations back in full swing for this Saturday.

Here is a number I picked up recently, even having my issue with black I'm fond of this dress because of the other colours and drop tie feature of the dress. Perhaps styling with my brown heeled boots would have been better. But in all honesty my back just kills within half an hour of wearing them (or any heels) at present whilst I am pregnant. So I stayed in this combination to take photos to be honest and authentic about this styling effort. Perhaps a shortening of the dress is in order too?

Dress - op shopped

Belt - op shopped

Boots - retail

This here combination is my cheat for the week. A standard modern animal print dress, with boots and a twist of hippy boho with the crocheted vest.

Dress - cheap retail years ago

Crochet Vest - gifted thank you Allison

Boots - retail

I did boho this outfit just a tad more with one of my tooled leather bags as well. But since a small child was rather content playing with the contents of said bag whilst I took pics I decided to leave her to it.

{Kitchen} Snapshots into me.....

2013-05-07T10:52:00.001+10:00

I think it's fair to say that if you went into the kitchen of most vintage lovers you'd be hard pressed not to find some vintage, retro, old school love in the cupboards and on surfaces.

My crockery drawer is a mix of a plain white modern dinner set. But right along side you will find a spectacular vintage dinner set that is over 50 years old. As well as a small collection of Johnson plates and other lovely retro plates I've thrifted along the way. Overall these days we use our Johnson plates, there is just something about stoneware and the feel they have. Furthermore vintage plates are smaller unlike modern crockery where plates have increased in size over the years to compensate with the world of excess we live in. Using vintage plates automatically forces a change in meal portion sizes.

This is our little tea making station, next to our gas cook top. I have a little station like this because I have everyone in training around me. When baby arrives and people want to drop in they can make the endless cups of tea and coffee. We are a relaxed household and have a standing rule that if you've visited more than once here, you make yourself at home and help yourself.There is no electric jug in this house we have a whistle kettle for the gas cook top, an orange anodised one at that has lost it's luster. The Big V's favorite tea at the moment is Twinnings Australian Afternoon Tea and I have a whole bunch of different teas going on. Nature's Cuppa Organic English Breakfast is a daily cup I have and then I have some boutique teas in these sweet tea tins, that were a gift last Christmas that I never got around to showing you all.

Tea cups and florals feature on display and are all used on a regular basis, especially my tea cups. Tea in a tea cup, as far as I'm concerned when did we gravitate to needing tea in a mug. There's something in the quite pleasure of tea in a tea cup and going back for a leisurely second if need be, it's the ceremony and tradition of it to be savored.

I have a cupboard above my refrigerator that is filled with cookbooks and a few on display I'm a sucker for Jamie Oliver, love him or hate him, I don't care, but I'm a lover and have been since his Naked Chef days. It's like I have grown up through my early, late twenties and now my mid thirties with him. I rarely follow any recipe but use them for inspiration for my freestyle efforts. I frequently have freestyle nights with few ingredients on hand and turn out some scrummy yummy dinners that leave the Big V and even myself wishing I had written down my own recipe and method.

Yep that's dinner about to go in the slow cooker, silverside.

There are plenty of other nooks and crannies in my kitchen I could show, it's a big kitchen as you can see (great big benches for pasta making). But what I've been wondering most through putting together this kitchen snapshot post is, do you use your vintage crockery often or are you a special occasions type? Oh and second question do use the dishwasher (if you have one) for your vintage crockery or hand wash?

My Fabulous Finds, I've been hoarding......

2013-05-05T13:06:00.000+10:00

It just occurred to me the other day that I have a backlog of thrifted treasures that I haven't shared. So I figured I'd treat us all to a bit of a mixed bag week. You might remember I went to a monster church garage sale recently and picked up loads of stuff as well as a few things for the family.

Master V at the age of four is right into bugs, dinosaurs and how everything works. He has requests in for all sorts science toys. A telescope is high on the list and so has been a microscope, and what do you know mummas thrifty was have paid off. Because look what mumma found a vintage microscope com Russia. Even the box design is cool.

I'm in good books with the Big V too because his got himself a backgammon set finally, which I've promising for the longest time and finally I came up with goods for just a few dollars.

Then of course there are always a few recent finds for me like these lovely tea towel aprons. The orange floral one is a Romanian linen tea towel.

What can you say about the green mushroomy one other than fabulous.

I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend, I probably should consider wading through my box of other recent finds this afternoon.

Market re-booked and yo-yo's for mummy....

2013-05-03T13:43:00.001+10:00

Did I tell you that we are all re-booked and raring for our first market. If you remember what was to be our first market day, got rained out and cancelled for all stall holders for April. We will be at the Timeless Treasures Market at Gecko House 139 Duringan St, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Queensland on May 11th from 9am - 1pm. It's the day before Mothers Day so we're hoping that lots of families are out on Saturday too celebrating their mummy's all weekend long.

With it being Mother's Day the day after the market and it being our first market, I've been thinking a little gift for all the mummy's that drop by our stall and say hi, is in order. So I've set out with loads of scraps vintage sheets, fabric, buttons and I'm whipping up a pile of simple but sweet fabric yo-yo brooches.

We've got our fingers crossed for a good day, with gorgeous weather and smiling faces dropping by. We've got other fun and exciting things planned for the day, did I mention free "pony" rides with a "twist" for the kiddies.

2013 Week 17: My Wednesday Style Collective....

2013-05-01T07:59:00.001+10:00

This week is likely to be a rarity during my pregnancy where I've got two new to me frocks to show off. I actually took possession of a bulk lot of dresses with many being destined for stock, but one can't help pulling a few out to keep for oneself, can they?

This first dress was a little too worn under the arms and I decide to edit it out of stock dresses and keep it to play around with and revamp. Besides I have a growing belly and I need frocks, so that's my excuse. This sweet little combination was for a quick trip out to run some errands the other day where there would be a need to double bag it as we say. The dress has no tags or has had them removed, but I highly suspect that it's an Osti or handmade copy of an Osti, as I scored a few Osti frocks in the recent bulk lot.

Dress - part of a bulk lot

Belt - op shopped

Shoes - retail

Bags - both op shopped

Fancy that a sweet gust of wind swishing past at the right time for this pic.

I am in love with my second frock, any guesses why? It's green, floral, wonderful has pockets and strap buckle detail. The dress label is "Pumpernickle" it's one of those dresses that has me scratching my head if it's a true vintage frock or not. If it is I suspect it's a late 1970's frock, due to over-locking/serging on some of the seams. I've also not seen or heard of the label "Pumpernickle" and can't track down any information on the label. Something tells me it might of been a small boutique run as I pulled another dress from this label in my bulk lot that has the same style, cut and features except it is a blue and white retro hibiscus print. Too boot they both are crisp heavy cotton that feels like they've had little wear. Either way vintage or not this green one certainly has a lovely retro floral vibe and print to it and it's staying in my wardrobe.

Dress - part of a bulk lot

Shoes - retail ages ago

I kept it simple and sweet with this dress with no accessories and popped my key card in my pocket and went about the grocery shopping in this lovely.

{Blogging & Business} You're important and I want you to know.....

2013-04-30T08:12:00.000+10:00

There's something I've been mulling over for a quite some time. Something I'm stuck at a cross roads with and something I stop at the point with all the time. Why it's because I care about you all. What I'm talking about, is moving my blog forward. Before I loose you to that last sentence and you question what I mean, please read on to hear what I mean by all that.

It's no secret to most of you now, that I have been plodding away at piecing together my little vintage business dreams. I think most of you realise too that I'm a stay at home mum, and my family lives on one wage whilst my business is young. I'm doing now all the things I've ever dreamt of doing. I get to be a mum, write this blog I've always loved writing and communicating, and I get to indulge my vintage fantasies, creative outlets and other ideas.

I'm in one of happiest phases and places of my life right now and after all that has happened to us in the last five years it's taken a lot of work, time, patience and energy to be this way. It's been a choice to not be a victim to life's tragedies and rise above and chase a fulfilled life. The thought of all my children all being off at school one day in the future and the government pushing me to return to the workforce pains me. I don't want to work for someone us, I want to work for me. Sure at a later date I will have to step in and help the Big V and his father with the family business, but they understand I have other passions and pursuits. The Big V is supportive of making it work for me so I still have a balance of everything that fills my cup up.

I have a quite a few years ahead of me doing only what I'm doing now being a mum and working on my vintage and blogging dreams. Part of the blogging side of things has me wanting to open myself up to the many other opportunities that are out there. Opportunities that may or may not be financially beneficial to me and my little family. You may have noticed over time there has been changes to my sidebar, with sponsors running now. Occasionally you may see Nuffnang running an ad campaign for a short period of time. As things grow into the future I'm very cautious about one thing. That one thing I want with all of this and other opportunities, is for it not to change things between you and I. I love my connection with you all and the intricacies of those relationship we've built over the years.

To date I have turned down all major enquiries to my inbox to share products and opportunities to my readers through sponsored posts, giveaways etc. The honest truth is that nothing has been quite the right fit, for things that speak of me and who I am. In turn meaning I couldn't genuinely show you I used or believed in something like a product I'd like you all to know about. At the end the day I guess I'm a bit of a niche blogger with all the things I share here and all the other things I stand for in my life and I'm careful through this process for both you and I, that the true me is reflected.

So what I want to let you know is that with your support, I want to further expand things here and allow myself other opportunities when it comes to my blog. Some things like adjustments with sidebar advertising and the likes of. I may in the future write a sponsored post about a product or event but I want you all to know that if that happens it will only reflect the truest parts of me, there is no selling out for a buck on something that isn't me or for you.

At the end of the day I've always had the opinion about other bloggers and their blogs, it's my belief that it's your space to do what you like, talk about what you like, share what you like. I've always stood by through others rises through blogging and as long as I could still see the true core of the persons blog I fell in love with, I've stuck around and been a part of their community and cheered them on. I'm hoping you will do the same for me over time, if extra opportunities through my blog and business allow me to keep being at home with my kids and working on my vintage dreams I'd love that with ever fiber of my being but only if it's true and authentic to me.

Hey piano man you did it....

2013-04-29T10:09:00.000+10:00

It's been a long week, in the planning of operation piano pick up. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's crazy, it's insane and you can read about it here. Well the week has been filled with worry from the Big V after the excitement passed about securing the piano for such a crazy price, and he discovered the weight of a piano.

Let's just say there has been a lot of talk from the big man that he might just have to pull out of the purchase because it was too damn heavy. But not to worry that's what brawn's and good mates are for, right? The Big V set of Sunday morning to finally collect the piano, and after some logistics once they arrived home, it was wheeled into place here at home.

A few things we have learnt and discovered through the process:
* Sure the seller quoted 1900's piano, but let's just say that "early 1900's" it is not.
* Pianos are freaky heavy, you really want friends if you own one and you want to move it.
* The piano is veneered and the outside has more damage then was expected, but it's all okay.
* Pianos are heavy, did I mention that?
* It's still fun to take a risk and do something completely insane and crazy.

Restoration plans have now changed somewhat, and it will now be a restoration job on the internals and and a revamp on external. We plan to contemparise the external look and rather than restoring for resale (as there is too much veneer work) and it looks like we will be keeping it for ourselves and piano lessons are to be had. Overall the Big V is excited to have a project like this albeit a big one to potter away at over time. So in all it's going to be an interesting time ahead with "project piano".

The picture where the piano is in place is part of our entrance lounge area and the wall behind it is to be painted in the colour you see on the wall. Another wall in our living area will be mustard yellow and all the other walls will remain the colour you see now, although they will be redone in good quality wash and wear paint. There is so much happening in the MVC house it's really hard to show you where things stop and start. But it's exciting and fun times finally making things just so, even when a crazy piano project is thrown in the mix.

{My Fabulous Finds} Longed for Willow sifter....

2013-04-28T10:25:00.000+10:00

It's always a thrill to score a much desired and longed for vintage piece. Especially if it's been on the longed for list for the last eighteen years. What's more there's some sweet simplicity if it's just something simple that has you thrilled that you finally have stumbled on such a find. I'm talking about this here vintage "Willow" sifter.

I told you it was a simple find that has put a wide smile on my face. Growing up my mum had one of these old sifters with a very worn orange floral to it. I have always, always wanted one of my own and have cursed many times at modern sifters and their stupidity at not being able to clean properly. Seriously the design of some things should just never be changed. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

It's not that I haven't seen these old sifters in my op shopping travels in the last eighteen years since moving from my parents, but they have always been beaten up and not worthy of a spot in my kitchen (gee that sounds a bit prejudice towards beaten up sifters....sorry). But now I have a little beauty that is going to be pretty and functional. Now I best get going and get to it, I've got some baking to do with my little people and things to sift.

2013 Week 16: My Wednesday Style Collective.....

2013-04-24T07:01:00.001+10:00

Hooray for cooler temperatures, long sleeves, heavier fabrics, dressing up more, good times and nights out. As always there has been so much going on here in the MVC house. Our past week and in particular our past weekend has been a busy one and both the Big V and I were able to indulge in some individual time out. It's rare we get time together but it's also important that we have our own separate time out to and that we did. Sunday night I headed out with some of the gorgeous mummas from my ABA group for a yummy Indian dinner. Because it was a rare night out for me, of course it had to be an occasion for a frock, and this one was perfect for the cooler night temperatures.

Pics taken following morning

Dress - we darling birdie Leisa

Belt - op shopped

Shoes - retail

1950's Bow Brooch - passed on to me by my mother in law

I love, love, love this dress. I don't normally do dresses in black or black background to it. But the floral in this dress you can see has so many delicious colours in it to play up to, that it's hard not to love it.

Moving on to what one wears for a quick step out to the local op shop. I know you think I'm lying when I say quick trip. Maybe not so quick! I wore the dress you may remember seeing before but I've styled it for the slightly cooler temps. I was a little uncertain at first about the detail on my shoulders and how it worked with the overall look. But heck sometimes I think you've just got to go with it and see what the reaction is. So out we went and, compliments were given, so polka dots and strips with sparkly shoulders are a win, so there you go.

Dress - 1980's polka dot overall dress - eBayStriped Tee - op shopped

Brooch - I know she's getting lots of blog outing but I love her - I converted to a brooch myself

Silver Thin Bangle - gifted

Shoes - retail ages ago

I'm really enjoying my pregnancy stylings. Sure some weeks with a growing bump, I feel at a loss as to what I'm going to bring together. But so far, so good I'm on track and feeling as though I haven't succumbed to modern maternity stylings.

Packages of glory....

2013-04-23T10:21:00.000+10:00

Yesterday afternoon the Big V arrived home early from work and through the door he carried a huge package. He joked and suggested that I had been neck deep in online shopping he was unaware of, not that he would really care but it was he's attempt of joking about the situation. Anyways I was utterly stunned at this weighty package from the glorious and delightful Allison from Just Underneath.

There is just something about receiving lovely gifts from blogging pals, it makes it that little more special when you've never once had a chance to meet in person but they think of you and spend a little time bundling something together for you, just because.

This just because package left me gobsmacked and touched and ever so grateful. I'm hopeful that with the ingenious styling tricks I'll be sporting a few of these pieces in a style post sometime soon.

1.First up is this ever so lovely crochet white vest for the hippy in me. 2.A non-vintage but could easily pass as vintage denim print maxi a-line skirt. I'm seeing the vest and skirt coming together can't you? 3.A beautiful bright red jacket. 4.A lovely beaded coat hanger. My first beaded one as my others are crocheted, knitted and padded ones. 5.Finally a lovely long length of this fabulous fabric, which will now join my collection of fabrics that are destined for maxi skirts I think.

If I haven't said it enough I'll say it again our little vintage loving and blogging community in general is such a wonderful one. It truly has added so many positives to my life over the years, as well as new friends who get me, my passions and my crazy. Allison my sweet thank you so much once again, I truly feel spoilt. X

He's caught the bug.....

2013-04-22T07:55:00.000+10:00

This past week has been epic on the treasure hunting front, all manner of wonders have been discovered. It's been one if those weeks that has left me a little dizzy and giddy from the thrill of it all. But last night the Big V went and blew me out of the water further by buying a 1900's Hans Richter piano to restore. He literally bought it for peanuts, it's sheer madness and I'm still processing what he has done.

If you see this man sauntering around massive items please ask where he is putting it?

Why am acting so surprised? Because did I mention that we know nothing about pianos? Nothing, zip, zilch! The man is crazy excited about the prospect of this not so little project. Just between you and I, I think the Big V has caught the bug or he's in the beginning stages of it. The vintage lovers bug! All this from a man who although supports my crazy and vintage love, has his opinions quite clearly about some of the things I bring into our home sometimes.

Whether he likes it or not I'm calling he has part of the gang now.

My Fabulous Finds, are part of an epic week.....

2013-04-21T09:34:00.002+10:00

Monday morning rolled around this week and if you follow along on Facebook you'll know that I'd had a rough night the night before. Bed hogs were involved and I ended up sleeping in Master V's bed and woke feeling sore and all out of touch with reality. I suggested on Facebook that a possible cure for myself, grounding me back in reality would be op shopping. Well I didn't need to got far to find my enablers, I was basically pushed out the door.

I'm lucky I did pop out because I had an epic haul and a fabulous time and I came home with a box, yes a box full of delights. Truth be told someone had to carry it out to the car for me. I have a few special scores from my haul I want to share with you all.

First up I have to start with the most recent addition to my tooled leather bag collection. Those who are horse lovers will find this sweetie, quite swooning worthy if I say so myself. It's rather different to my others in shape, size and also with a short hand strap rather then shoulder strap. I'm in love and with four tooled bags the collection is well underway.

Next is this amazing retro print fringed tablecloth. The colours are amazing and the fringe is perfectly in tact. I do not have a round table to necessitate the use of this beauty. So this beauty is in for a transformation into an amazing poncho. You can see now can't you? Yep it's going to be totally amazing, if I say so myself once again. Now I just need to consider how exactly to attack this project. I read a tutorial that suggested using a dinner plate as a template in the centre of your fabric and cut it out. I'm not so sure about that suggestion. I was thinking of cutting a slit the width which would be equivalent of the centre point along my shoulder to the centre point of the other shoulder. Then I'd hem and reinforce. Any tips or advice on how you'd attack this project would be greatly appreciated.

Oh and also picked up this lovely seersucker tablecloth for our dining suite. I love retro browns and oranges and florals of course.

Finally I also picked up some more vintage linen tea towels and I couldn't pass this one up of our old Australian five dollar note.

This lovely will eventually be converted to a cushion cover. But whilst we are on the topic of vintage tea towels. I have a little inside information, my favourite op shop recently acquired several moving boxes from a deceased estate (a eight bedroom mansion by all accounts apparently) these boxes are full of vintage linens of all descriptions and many vintage linen tea towels. So if you are on the hunt for particular types of tea towels perhaps you might want to let me know, so I can keep a wee eye out for you. I've had a little privy squizz at what I could and they're could be some exciting little sweeties in there.

There is so much more to this epic week, of which as I get time I will show you.

2013 Week 15: My Wednesday Style Collective....

2013-04-17T07:22:00.000+10:00

I have just one outfit to post this week, due to loads of time spent doing dirty dusty work in the last week, which resulted in less than favourable outfits to share. Now having said that outfit below is a re-styling of a dress you may have seen not so long ago. My belly is growing and as well as the days growing cooler so I'm making the most of getting into whatever frock I can wiggle all my gorgeousness into.

Dress Late 70's "Kenwall" - gifted by the sweetest birdie

Cardie - op shopped

Belt - op shopped

Tights - gifted/hand me down

Shoes - ummm there's a story about that

I did go out this particular morning in this outfit with shoes, my blue suedette ballet flats you've all probably seen before in various style pics. Well when we got home and I asked the kids to take off the shoes and put them away, I asked if one of them would put mine away also. I couldn't remember who had put them away and come nap time when I popped out into the yard to take some pics I couldn't find my shoes. I searched high and low for them, but what's the point when you're working against the mind of a nearly to be four year old or the absent mindlessness of a two year old. Does anyone want to hazard a guess where I found them late that evening?

{Business} What's news and a question for you....

2013-04-16T14:10:00.000+10:00

I continue to do business update posts and how we are moving forward with things, because I want to inspire and encourage others (especially stay at home mums) who have been dreaming up little dreams for themselves. I want to show that with time and patience you can weave your way. If you do have a little business or something you're weaving your way with or dreaming of it, please consider answering the question at the end of this post. I'd love to hear about your stories and dreams.

Most of you know by now that a lot of hours have gone into getting ready for My Vintage Childhood for the weekend market scene. Despite the cancellation of our first market this past weekend due to torrential rain, there is still other news to share.

Now that we are fully market ready, I have extra time up my sleeve again which means time for other plans, projects and study. First up will be the re-dedication of time back into our store tab for Facebook. A reasonable start has already been made, but it all came to a halt when market preparations took over. It's a good thing that things halted where they did because postage rates have changed in Australia which would have meant a lot of ground work on this matter to adjust things.

I realise completely that I'm doing things possibly back to front (in some peoples eyes) ie. market ready, shop display in place etc. But I work on things happening organically and when they're just meant to happen and fall into place. I just continue to have faith that it will all comes together that others will enjoy what I have to offer (when stock goes online on in our decked out store with cart and checkout) because I've taken the time and not rushed it.

On the home organisational front, it looks like I'm back on the move and I am moving back to the office. The office already is the home for all my vintage stock garments, but me and my trusty sewing machine, a few tid bits and storage solutions are moving back in there. This will be great to give me one central location for processing stock (clothing and small items ie. toys etc). The freed up space in the garage will now allow the Big V freedom to reorganise himself and woodwork tools and so forth. Furthermore we will have additional space for items we are processing, restoring and storing like vintage rocking horses, cradles and much more.

In other news I have an update on my shop display and things are going well, my display is getting attention and sales have been made. I'm really thrilled and pleased and I'll soon be working on adding another string to this bow of which I'm in planning and research stage at present. I look forward to giving you all updates on that in the near future.

I have plenty more I'm keen to share but what I really want to know is, if you have a little at home business or would like to create a little something for yourself? Where are you at in the whole process, are you starting out, still in dreaming phase, been pottering away for a while now? Please share as I'm keen to hear other people's experiences, perhaps we can create a little community to support and encourage one another to just keep moving forward no matter the setbacks.

{Bedroom} Snapshots into me....

2013-04-15T08:43:00.000+10:00

Last Monday I shared the first of my "Snapshots into Me" posts, it's a little feature that will run short term for an undetermined amount of time, to show you snapshots into my life, into me and my home. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know more about me through this journey.

Last week it was a snapshot in my bathroom and this week it's the bedroom. I have a little collection in my bedroom that I've often wanted to share with you all but it's just never made its way into the right post until now. Very few people online would know that I have an absolute fascination with elephants. So much so that you all probably don't know that I have tattoos one of which being on my extreme lower back of a mother and baby elephant....perhaps I'll show you one day. For many, many years I used to be crazy about collecting elephant figurines. But years ago now I cut my collection right down to only the most precious, all of which that have been gifted to me.

This collection features pieces that are up to 100 years old, and yes the two small ones are ivory and the darker somewhat beaten up one is ebony with ivory. I'm 110% against poaching for ivory, it makes me physically ill that someone would do that to one of the earths most beautiful animals. However they were gifted to me and have been passed on to me through my mums best friends family to me, and I honor the gift and thought that a family trinket would be passed on outside of the family.

My little collection of elephants sits upon, our silky oak chest of drawers that were passed on down to us through the Big V's family last year check out the link for gorgeous pictures of it. Along with a small TV and DVD player, there is an old craved box from Bali when we went for our honeymoon and an antique Burmese bell. The bell was gifted to us after we lost our our twin girls Elle and Meg and is a very special piece for us.

Over to my bed side table there is a little insight into how I work, as you can see there are several books on my beside table. I'm a shocker, when I'm on a reading jaunt I can't stick to one book, I end up with several on the go. Furthermore my education in the world of vintage and retro is always on going, even though it's been happening for a lifetime, so you'll see that many of these are handy for referencing things.

Design Museum Books Fifty Fashion Books by Paula Reid of the 50's, 60's, 70's - Gifted, Minxy Vintage by Kelly Doust - Gifted, A Life in Frocks by Kelly Doust - gifted, Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children by Sarah Napthali, Jamie's 15 Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver

Finally I guess it wouldn't be fair if I didn't give you a hint or glimpse into my wardrobe in a bedroom post. My wardrobe is shared with the Big V were pretty much half, half. It's certainly not bursting at the seams with vintage frocks. But for me to rebuild my wardrobe it's going to continue to take time and patience and adding in the pieces that are right for me and truly loved. But this here is a hint at some of my frocks and vintage pieces, many of which you may recognise from style posts.

Sorry about the lighting in the wardrobe pics, it is awful lighting in there and no way of natural light getting in.

Lesser worn blouses, aprons, smock tops and knits all live in other locations in our room in drawers and under bed drawer storage. So there you have it once again some snapshots into me. Tell me though did you learn something you didn't about me, or has anything surprised you like the fact I have tattoos?

Rain, rain go away, market day another day.....

2013-04-14T13:44:00.001+10:00

Well I had hoped this posted was going to full to the brim of all the exciting news and highlights from our first market day. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other things planned for Saturday and as a result the market was cancelled for all stall holders. Never fear we have plans in place for another market day very soon. I will keep you all posted.

Despite the disappoint of the market being cancelled the Big V and I had the most splendid day. We have very rare opportunities where it's just him and I with no little people in tow. So with our darlings being looked after by their grandparents we made the most of the day.

We took a drive, heck it's nice even if the weather is like this to be able to be in conversation without interruption.

We had coffees and chia's. And yes I had a tart at 8am in the morning. Why because I could, there were no children around and I'm pregnant....enough said.

We held hands and laughed out loud together it was great and we took care of some things for the home and business. We visited the big hardware stores and camping stores. The Big V looked at big power tools and belt sanders, for more wood working projects he will be taking on. I looked at wall paper and wall art, and market gazebos.

Exciting news from yesterday mornings wanderings, is that come next market date we will not need a loaner gazebo, we got a great deal on an awesome heavy duty 3mx3m market gazebo. I'm super stoked about this prospect and it's design which is so much better for how I'd ideally like to display some extra bits and pieces.

Overall it was a rather lovely day either way as we talked about the future and my plans for My Vintage Childhood and how we intend on making things work for our growing family. Yesterday made me realise even more so, how happy and blessed I am with my life. I'm doing everything I have ever wanted to do and it fills me up beyond all measure. Sure with raising a family time frames and plans have to be flexible, but I don't care I get to try and be the best mummy I can and I get to potter away on every single one of my little dreams and hobbies.

And today being Sunday and as fate wold have it, the skies are clear and beautiful, so since we couldn't do our market yesterday we just stepped out this morning for a few hours to one.

My little people having just enjoyed their pony rides.

Life is good, I hope it is for you too.

Pamper day but market ready....

2013-04-12T12:52:00.000+10:00

Well tomorrow is the day (weather abiding) that we attend our first weekend market stall, with all our goodies. It has been a long preparation, and in Trudie fashion a few things have come down to the deadline but I work best under these situations. I sustained my first market preparations related injury yesterday. It had to happen somewhere, somehow with all the work we've been doing. Thankfully it's a wee blood blister not a busted back, because that would be a massive problem come tomorrow morning.

So it's official we are good to go and ready, and therefore why I've not posted as much this week with getting the final things done. Today I'm taking time out to relax and my gorgeous friend is popping over (amongst her busy schedule this week, bless her) to colour and cut my hair. It needs it, I'm looking forward to it and heck I think I deserve it. As well as wanting to look my best tomorrow. So I will enjoy my day with a little pampering, nail painting, playing with outfit combinations. Then finally praying the rain stops threatening and clears away so we can get this show on the road.

If you're interested I'll be sharing snapshots on Instagram {my_vintage_childhood} tomorrow or check out the following hashtags #mvcmarket or #timelesstreasuresmarket. For those of you popping by tomorrow I look forward to seeing your gorgeous faces just a reminder that the Timeless Treasures Markets will be at Gecko House, 139 Duringan St, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Queensland. I hope you all have the most splendid of weekends and thank you all once again for being such a wonderful support and cheers quad you really rock my world and make me smile and for that I am so GRATEFUL.

2013 Week 14: My Wednesday Style Collective.....

2013-04-10T06:20:00.000+10:00

So just the other day I thought I'd be a little cheeky and tease everyone following on Instagram and Facebook with sneak style post pic. All anyone saw was this, and all I said was it was a spots upon spots sort of day.

Everyone seemed to go nuts over this pic, I figured either people like a lot of spots or a pregnant belly. Either way I decided pretty quickly that I should share this combo here.

Blue and Red Spot Sweater - op shopped

White Under Singlet - is actually a Breastfeeding singlet the wonders of a bra and singlet in one, was a retail buy long ago

Red and White 80's Polka Dot Skirt - gifted

Blue Ballet Flats - retail

Brooch - was converted to a brooch by me

Green Beads - op shopped

Onto other outfits and other matters, one of my minds burning questions this week has been what will I wear to wow the crowds at our first market this coming Saturday. Weather, comfort, style and a possibly moody pregnant episode of that looked good yesterday but not today might come over me. So some forethought and planning ahead is in action, and this is a potential contender for the weekend.

Green 1960's Ribbed Top - op shopped

1960's High Waisted Pants - Vintage Fair for $5

Blue Ballet Flats - retail

Necklace and Pendant - op shopped

A little story about these pants, I bought them on a whim out of a $5 suitcase at a vintage fair a few years ago now. When I got them home it was apparent they would never fit and a reconstruction was not going to be easy. But what do you know they ride up over my pregnant belly just fine. Sure they don't sweep the floor, but I often don't mind pants that are cropped at the ankle a little even with a little flare, so I'm happy and comfortable.

Snapshots into me....

2013-04-08T14:58:00.000+10:00

I often comment in my posts that somewhere, somehow in every way, ever day there is a little bit or lot of vintage, thrift or retro or at least that atheistic in everything I do. So I thought I might do a little regular feature for a while of snapshots around my home and in my everyday life that will you more insight to me.

For this first snapshots post I thought I'd start with the bathroom. Let's face it many of us start the day off here (we have an ensuite), before emerging from the bedroom. We live in a modern style home, so there aren't features that would woo and wow you from "vintage" perspective. But there is one wee corner that is mine on the vanity. It changes around from time to time, but I try to keep things simple as the Big V hates a cluttered vanity.

In a thrifted basket, there's a fair bit of insight to me even though there really isn't a lot. First up you can't pass the small retro floral print inspired pencil case, I use for a little make up case that transports to my handbag easily if need be. The pencil case was bought from a $2 shop as we call them in Australia, it's cheap cheerful and retro inspired so I'm smiling.

In this basket I have:
* A pair of hairdressing scissors that my dear friend and hairdresser gifted me, so I can maintain my fringe in between cuts, I'm thrifty like that.
* Round brush and comb no particular brands to keep my bob like hair looking sleek.
* My skincare products: Sukin Organic Rosehip Oil and Sukin Facial Moisturiser, for the main part I prefer my skin and cosmetic products to be organic, natural or mineral and if they're Australian products that always good too.
* Lucas Pawpaw ointment is great for lips but also for scratches, bites and all manner of what-nots that the kids might coming running and ailing about. I have several tubes of this, one for the bathroom, one in my bag, one in the first aid/medication box.
* My cosmetics are simple and not worn everyday, I use Youngblood Mineral Liquid foundation and Youngblood's bronzer blush compact which does double duty for blusher, bronzer and eyeshadow, with a mascara and a walnut and black eye pencil my makeup is simple, and predominantly natural.
* Finally there are just a few other odds and ends that one may need like bobbing pins, tweezers, nail file, and being a thrifty type I attend to all my own personal grooming. It's an absolute rarity to indulge in a salon or spa visit, for an eye wax, last tint, massage or even facial.

Oh and just to the side there you see a sweet silver old turtle that my mum bought me years ago and his shell comes off and there is a recess where I hide wee little hair bands for Little V's hair.

So there you have a first little snapshot, this little spot is just simple but reflects a lot about me in that things are thrifty, often serve several purposes and there is little ode to my love of retro florals that make me smile each morning.

Next weeks snapshots will be an insight into my bedroom, so if you felt that you'd like to share some glimpses and snapshots into your world too, you can join me.