Small House by the Sea

Holy Cr...ewel

2013-04-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

O-kay.

I've been a little bad.

So I might have mentioned before that the vintage crewel bug has bit me.

It started with a small 70's kit I bought, of a little bunny.

I was going to sell it, but then I though...why not give it a try?

And I LOVED it.

Of course, when I saw the amazing kit sold by Betty Crafter, I had to have it.

I had spied the vintage crewels it was modeled after--

the infamous "God Bless our Pad" and "Try a Little Kindness"--

and since it seems unlikely I'll find one of those,

the modern just-as-cute version made me happy :)

The next one to really catch my eye was this pink mouse.

I mean...adorable, right?

My happiest ebay win, though, was this one:

Now, that's a completed version...I bought a kit.
And it's similar, not exactly the same.

But isn't it GORGEOUS?!

I would really love to have that one on the upper left

of the birds, but I couldn't find it.

I've recently also bought this one...

...and this one...

(a frog! mushrooms!)

...ummm, and this one.

(So that is either a tiny owl, or a giant ladybug.

I'm leaning toward a tiny owl.)

Well!

It's hard to say when you'll run across the same exact kit again,

you know? And they're pretty inexpensive!

Mostly.

I'm going to be pretty busy for awhile...

Thrifty Finds: @starsappearing

2013-04-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Hello :)

This week's thrifty pictures are courtesy of

my Instagram feed, @starsappearing.

I found, to my surprise, that people were using

Instagram as a space (so to speak) to sell their vintage.

So I thought, why don't I give it a try?

Not much to lose.

I've sold a few things now,

and it's really fun finding people who also love vintage

to share vintage eye candy with :)

So, these photos are from my shop Instagram feed:

This adorable vintage dress was my first sale,

and I'm glad because I loved it sooo much!
I knew it'd be too small for my daughter, but

the material was so pretty. I couldn't leave it behind!

I also love this oversized Anne of Green Gables book.

It's illustrated inside with both color and black-and-white pictures...

I always loved this story, so maybe I'll end up keeping it.

The cover is just so cute.

More books--very 70's, too.

Something about this doll won me over.

I think it was those cheeks.

This cute little mug made me think of my son Liam,

who is 3 himself right now :)

A kitschy planter.

I loved the bright colors of these vintage towels.

Equally bright is this flat sheet.

It looks faded because of the Instagram filter I used,

but it is so pretty in person.

This also sold.

I'm on a kick with all these bright colors I guess!

This chalk ware plate is so 70's...

sold.

This set of cups and saucers is one of those things that

I wouldn't mind never selling...I was really drawn to the pattern.

Maybe I'll keep these too...

These books are tiny and very sweet.

Made in 1969, and filled with the cutest illustrations and little poems.

I have other items on my feed but these are the newest!

I went thrifting today, and bought a few fun things...

but it's really, really rainy here right now, and super windy!

I guess that stuff will have to wait until these storms pass!

Linking up here:

Sir Thrift-a-Lot

Vintage Book Finds

2013-03-31T20:50:00.004-07:00

This week was definitely all about books.

I guess it helped that there was a big book sale in town :)

It was the annual library book sale, and they always have such great ones.

I wish I could've gone the second day, when it was fill-a-bag for $4.

There were scads of vintage ones that would've been great, especially children's titles.

Here is some of what I bought.

First, let me preface things by saying that I've always found books to be magical.

From a very young age, I took to them like a duck does to water ;)

So, maybe this will be a little boring for some--but from the words, to the art,

to just the feel of a vintage book, they are something I love and am inspired by.

I like vintage cookbooks, but what I really love are vintage baking books.

I feel like while I may not ever make a recipe from a vintage cookbook,

it's a little different with desserts.

I love the colors and "happiness" radiating from this Betty Crocker cookbook.

This book is called A Calendar of Dinners.

Subtitled "Including the Story of Crisco."

I don't know why I found that funny!

"The Story of Crisco? No Way!"

You can see how all the "lard" was crossed out in the recipes

on the cover to be replaced with Crisco.

The inside is pretty charming!

That Crisco, so darn charming.

(btw--who still thinks of "The Help" when they hear the word Crisco?)

This 60's book caught my eye because it's about the Burma Shave signs,

but the dust jacket is pretty cute too.

I'm really loving vintage books about flowers from the 30's and 40's.

They have the most beautiful illustrations, and there's something just lovely about certain ones.

Poppies, my home-state flower :)

They look a little dark because of the filter I used on the photos--

in person they're much prettier!

Now for a few children's books:

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl.

A 1940's book of rhymes.

Very sweet and colorful illustrations inside...

...some being a little creepy, though.

Sadly, the cover illustration on this book was torn off...

But look how beautiful they are inside.

This one is called "So There,"

and is filled with sweet poems.

This bee illustration is one of my favorites.

Imagine

a tummy

chock-full

of honey!

Now do you see

why it seems to me

that being a bee is

being the best thing

there is to be?

Lastly is this book illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa,

whose drawings are so adorable.

Two quick non-book finds:

This cute tin, which now hold some vintage toys in my kiddos room--

...and this little embroidery kit.

I've never embroidered before!

But I find myself really loving it.

I can see why people fall in love with vintage craft kits!

Are books always on your radar?

Do you collect any certain kind of vintage books?

Linking up here:

A Living Space

Thrift finds: He has my heart.

2013-03-18T01:12:00.001-07:00

Hi!

I didn't have much to share last week, so I didn't post...

but I did find some "swell" things since then!

First I'll share two things that I didn't buy...

I thought this clock was pretty awesome.

I just liked it's vintage office/school room type of look.

Unfortunately, it had a huge crack near the bottom left.

Le sigh.

Then there was this old desk chair that I just loved.

I mean really loved.

Call me crazy but I thought it was pretty cute,

even with that green fabric.

Our house is so tiny though,

it really can't even accommodate an extra chair,

no matter how cool it is.

The chair was only $5, too.

Had the clock been ok, that would've been only $13 for both!

I think next time such an occasion arises,

I'll just have to find some room somewhere...

However, I did buy this

"important doo-doo" stamp.

So that's something. ;)

A little vintage makeup bag.

Some very bright and cute plates.

This teeny little Pyrex dish.

A fun buy for only 1.99.

I just loved the kitschy goodness inside this booklet!

These are some of my favorites:

This Sweet 16 centerpiece...

although, can you imagine a 16-year-old using that now?

I don't think even a 12-year-old would want that.

How times change.

A cute Halloween cat...

...and my favorite for some reason,

the Bon Voyage centerpiece.

As is typical for me, some books.

This Junior Deluxe edition was only 49 cents.

This one I had to buy because I remembered it from childhood!

Did you ever read this book?

I read it to my kids and they seemed to like it.

I liked the design on this old book.

It's filled with the usual things that draw me in,

like creepy pictures and other things.

Can Aging be retarded?

I'd argue that yes, it can be ;P

This was sad.

The difference between two twins due to nutrition.

I wonder why one twin wasn't as well taken care of?

Where they separated, or what were the circumstances?

This is one of the cutest baby pictures I've found in awhile!

That baby is so adorable,

as is the stuffed kitty.

These vintage overalls are so cute!

Love the loopy swirl pockets.

And my very favorite find of the week,

these 1970's Wizard of Oz craft kits.

I have the lion...

and scarecrow too.

But no Dorothy or Toto.

That's the only bummer.

The kits are unopened.

I'm debating wether to sell them,

or pay to have someone make them.

'Cause this girl can't sew.

I suppose you can guess who my favorite is.

Linking up here:

Sir Thrift-a-lot

A Living Space

The one video you've GOT to see.

2013-03-17T00:13:00.001-07:00

The one video you've GOT to see. from Marty woodruff on Vimeo.

Just kidding!

I'm being a dork, sorry.

But I DID find this video pretty cute...and funny.

My youngest, Liam (3), was walking around with my phone recording--

unbeknownst to me.

Often I'll look at my picture roll and see photos from the games

my daughter plays, things like Elmo's Monster Maker.

(Yeah, it's really fun to find 100 photos of Elmo on your phone lemmetellyou.)

That, or outtakes from their stabs at being cameramen.

I've never seen one this long though, so out of curiosity I had to take a look...

Those crazy (rotten) boys.

If you make it through, Bravo.

Here's a transcript for your reading enjoyment.

(p.s. no cats were harmed in the making of this film.

Just horribly and mercifully irritated.)

Liam is walking around with the video going

Liam: garble garble garble, sounds like "ok then." (Heck, I still don't always know what he says.)

Jake: Now close the door. We are going to stop this naughty cat. (His authority frightens me a little.)

Door slams, sealing cat's fate.

Cat: purr, purrrr-purrrrr, happy cat noises. (Little does she know what awaits her.)

Liam: ????? suggestions anyone?

Jake: Now where should we put her? I know, we can put her inside there. So lets-- Liam I want you to help me put her in. So-so-so---so be with--come on Liam, let's go--let's do something. COME ON LIAM...

Liam: Uhhhh (definitely not the first or last time he will blindly submit to his brother's whims)

Jake: Get in there. Get IN there.

Cat: mroowrrr, rowwww growmrrrr!!! @$%#&*$&

Increased hissing as Jake apparently tries to put her inside the open space in the bedside table.

Jake: Help me Liam!

Cat: mrroww, meearrowrr, how dare you, you little punk ace kids!

Sounds of a tussle as Liam squeals with glee.

Liam: Ahaha, Stupid!

Jake: Let's get...where's Buttercup? (Their stick horse.) We don't see Buttercup. We don't see Buttercup-pppph.

Liam: (pitiful coughing sounds) It's toys.

Jake: Let me try, Liam. I will give it back if you give it to me. Smile!!!

Liam: Smile.

Jake: Oh-wee-Oh, wee-ohh. Pulling monkey faces, gnashing teeth.

Liam: I'm going to get all the crackers in there...

Aren't they angels?

Each day counts. Except today.

2013-03-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

I sit here with a big ol' steaming cup of defeat.
On the plus side, the cup itself is a really cute vintage one
(although I guess that's a matter of taste: hello, naughty bunnies).
And, it has the intoxicatingly rich smell of coffee.

Oh. That's because it is coffee.

I'm only 4 days into my amazingnewhealthyeatinglifestyle, and I broke at coffee.
Well, not really--although coffee IS amazing. It was just one of those days today...
one thing after another.
A little disappointment regarding something...
I just wanted to say "I give up."

For today, anyway.

(side note: who the bleep new coffee had so many calories in it?!!
Umm, perhaps it's the half cup of Coffee-Mate I pour innocently add?)

But, I refuse to let a little self-pity-ish eating end my goals.
It just doesn't FEEL GOOD to eat the way I was eating--which wasn't overly horrible
(ok, maybe in some ways it was),
but just poorly thought out.

There's a lot more to say, but for now I'll end it by saying this: Look out, Health.
I'm coming and I've got big plans for you and me.
For today, though, I'm not counting calories.
That can start again tomorrow.

Now, please pass the pesto. It's my favorite dinner and it's what's on the menu tonight.

Do you have any healthy eating/living tips, meals, products, websites, etc. that you love?
I'd be so glad to know!

xo, Marty

p.s. That's pesto paired with whole wheat pasta, and zucchini and squash on the side.
I always was a bit of a good girl.

p.p.s. The things I cheated with: chips and salsa, grilled cheese (I never even used to eat g.c., but my hubby taught me how to make it "correctly" so it tastes like a cheese dog from Hot Dog on a Stick!), and, of course, COFFEE. Or should I say, Coffee-Mate. Ahem, and ice cream.

well loved.

2013-03-04T22:09:00.002-08:00

While a lot of people like vintage,

I think there is definitely a differentiating point between them.

Those that enjoy vintage items, and then those

who take it a step beyond and like what others might consider

a lil more on the "junky" side.

You can guess what category I fall into.

That is to say, things don't have to be in great condition

in order for me to love them.

When I was buying one of my finds from this week,

the cashier said "Oh, I love when things look used and loved!"

I know just what she means.

My favorite finds from this week fall into that category.

But I'll save those for last :)

I guess you could say that my vintage Disneyland souvenir plate collection

was really started and inspired by my kids.

Seeing it through their eyes really makes the magic of it

come alive in a new way.

So now, when I happen to come across them at a good price,

I add them to our collection.

This tiny one is so cute--

and who can resist Tinkerbell?

This wooden double heart decoration is going to get upcycled somehow.

A vintage game from the 1960's, Mille Bornes.

I just love that it's called the "French card game craze." :)

I'd never heard of it before, but apparently it's still made today.

I think the card illustrations are pretty cute.

A glass storage container and teeny little owl figurine.

I love vintage badges.

Help!

A kitschy tiger to repaint.

I'm not crazy about the frame, but once it's repainted

this will be much better!

I "love" the 60's/70's feel it has with the lettering.

Something about this little pair sharing an umbrella

really charmed me, so I bought this for my shop.

Living somewhere that gets a lot of rain, I guess you could say I sympathize!

Now we'll begin the trip into junky town!

I can't pass up religious figurines if they have a certain shabby appeal.

I never pay much for them, so I always feel like I'm "rescuing" them in a way.

I've mentioned it before, but my grandma had figurines like this when I was growing up,

and I love the personal meaning they hold for me beyond the obvious.

You'd think I'd have tons, but so far my collection is still pretty small.

I'll stop at some point I'm sure, before things get scary...

you know, figurines on every surface and such.

But not yet. ;)

I like the crackle on this one,

and the fact that she has red, heart-shaped lips.

A little unusual.

This one is a bit more subdued and serene,

but just as pretty.

I bought this (circa 1900's) book, "The Perfect Woman," from an estate sale--

even though, as you can see, its condition is far from it.

It's subtitled "Perfect Womanhood for Maidens, Wives, Mothers:

A book giving full information on all the mysterious and complex matters pertaining to women."

I mean, how could I not buy it?

Seriously though, I love the glimpse books like these give

into what life was like...even when odd or just disturbing.

It has some really lovely illustrations.

And a few strange yet imminently fascinating ones.

Don't you love the swirly old handwriting?

This is a really cool, dinged up, rusty

and scabby little trunk.

The colorful stickers caught my eye.

I could imagine this trunk belonging to a little boy way-back-when.

Being filled with treasures like little metal cars, favorite rocks, etc.

Without thinking about it, I bought these two textbooks

and they seemed to really capture that same charming vibe.

Maybe it belonged to someone like this guy?

Freckle-faced, cute, and a little mischievous.

By the way, is it just me, or would this text have been titled

"The Air Around Us" today?

Even that seems old-timey.

It has such cute illustrations in the corners...

...and all along the bottom of the book, some little elves

having many adventures.

Another battered trunk. Yeah!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

And lastly, something that I found just so so so adorable,

despite its imperfections and missing items:

a vintage Toll House cookie set!

As you can see from the photo above,

there are quite a few things missing.

But what is there is so cute!

Hard to read, but this says

"Kay Stanley's Sugar Sprinkles."

Kids must've been more careful back then.

My kids would have ripped open every package

on the first day ;) Ha!

The wee cookie pan was still there, though.

The cookie cutters...

and more sprinkles.

Such a darling little cookbook.

I'd have to say that my favorite item, though,

is the little box of Cut-Rite waxed paper.

With waxed paper still inside.

Squee!

How about you?

Do you go for the junky sometimes, too?

Linking up here:

A Living Space

small things.

2013-02-16T23:46:00.001-08:00

When it comes to estate sales,

it doesn't take much to make me happy.

I'm pretty much never one of the buyers there

for the furniture or other big items.

Even though estate sales of any kind

are pretty hard to come by around here,

it's still the small (and cheap!) things that make me happy :)

(And yes. I am probably the only person who would take a free name sign!)

I liked this worn, book-shaped little box just fine...

...and when I saw someone had this odd little clipping

saved inside of it, I liked it even better.

This journal--a ledger, actually--will soon hold record of all my thrifting finds.

I joked to my hubby that we'll throw a party once it's filled,

and I'll make him faint by revealing the grand total.

This cute oversized postcard reminded me of my kids.

I love this little house-shaped pot holder :)

A sweet photograph, birthday card, and invitation.

They weren't found together, but you'd think they were--

equally adorable. The card is from the 1930s.

Goodies!

Some super-bright and cute birthday cards.

Although this one seemed a little sad...

Is it just me, or does it seem to be aimed at soldiers overseas?

And hoping they remain safe?

Postcards that caught my eye.

Woolworth's in 1950's San Francisco.

Do you guys like reading about vintage icons and such too?

There was a really good book about Woolworth's that I read some time ago.

I love books that take a look back at what things were like.

A few Christmas cards and Valentines.

In the hallways at this sale, they had several old maps

stuck onto the wall with painter's tape.

They were ridiculously cheap...

I only wish they'd had them on a table,

because even using that tape they got a little ruined.

This map of New York is from the 30's.

This one is from the early 1940's.

My favorite find at this particular sale, though,

was a stack of old souvenir postcard books.

The art is so cute!!

So classic.

These date from the 40's to the 50's.

I especially liked the Hollywood one.

Aren't these scenes from Niagra Falls

lovely?

Linking up here:

Thriftasaurus

Thrift Finds: Love Edition

2013-02-13T14:04:00.001-08:00

Hi! Is everyone ready for Valentine's Day?

This year the hubby and I are having a "romantic dinner for 5." :)

The joy of children, right?! ;)

Actually, there's no other way we'd rather spend it...

than with our little love bugs.

While I love vintage Valentine's, I don't have very many

for some reason. I thought this one was so sweet.

I especially liked the cute little rhyme inside.

It's interesting when they have writing on them.
This one was simply signed with a name on the back, "Madge Beam."

I wasn't sure the glasses below were vintage initially--they seemed
like it, but sometimes it's hard to tell with certain items, isn't it?

They each have a different love-related phrase written

on them in French.

I did a quick search on them, and all I found

was this sold listing on Etsy.

If only this set had a particular line from my favorite film, Amelie:

"I am nobody's little weasel."

I love how quirky and original it was.

Isn't that movie the best?

I sent my lovely friend Kitty a package recently,

and included this Valentine I made for her adorable dog, Bono Baby.

I'm not awesome at craft stuff, but I do enjoy doing it,

especially if there are some vintage elements involved :)

That's one of those oversized playing cards,

to give you some size perspective.

I also included this.

I'd been wondering how to use this vintage

wrapping paper in some way, because it was too cute.

Kitty's son Roscoe just turned 1, and his bedroom is done in

a circus theme. I ended up simply adhering it to canvas,

and then adding song titles from vintage sheet music to the sides.

I'm crazy for bright, kitschy wares
so this kitchen canister practically jumped into my basket ;)

Right before going to the thrift store where I bought this Snoboy sign,
I'd seen one just like it at an indoor rummage sale, but for a lot more.
Ah, cheapness really does pay.

A vintage candy tin to add to my collection.

I love the colors on it, so pretty.

This sweet sign really charmed me,

and I liked it even more for being inscribed with a message on the back.

Cute little bunny bib,

where were you when my little girl was a baby

and used to stick her tongue out

in just that manner?

That would've been perf.

A cute little pink basket,

to fill with?

Maybe Valentine's Day candies.

Two pins I picked up at the same sale as the bib.

Really, I think most everyone loves the word "yes."

Yes?

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

Linking up to: A Living Space

Thrift Finds: Literally Speaking

2013-01-27T23:05:00.001-08:00

A few posts ago, I mentioned a big purchase I'd made

in the vintage department.

I hereby consider this piece to be the one where I "crossed over"

in the said vintage-loving department!

I think there comes a time in every vintage collector/enthusiast/hoarder's

experience where it goes beyond buying cute knick knacks,

and you find yourself looking at something and thinking

"Hmmmm....am I little crazy for wanting this?"

But as crazy as it seems--you just. Must. BUY.

So here she is!

Or should I say, they.

A 1960's theater set decoration.

And it lights up!

It does need a little work.

One of the wires needs to be tightened,

and some of the bulbs need to be replaced.

It came with extras.

It's nearly 8 feet tall!

That's pretty big for our tiny little house by the sea.

I loved the cute Edwardian era couple though,

and when it's lit up--it looks so cool!

When I was buying it

(from my favorite thrift store here in Oregon, no less--that place rocks!)

everyone was asking what I was going to do with it--

put it in a restaurant? Did I have a shop?

I think maybe they thought putting it in a house was a little odd, lol!

Oh well.

My bedroom needed a night light, what can I say?

Linking up here:

A Living Space

Thrift Finds: No Kiddos Edition

2013-01-20T19:04:00.001-08:00

Today two seeming rarities collided in my neck of the woods,

those being 1) It was a sunny day and 2) I had extended "me time,"

as my kiddos are in California visiting my parents.

So it was time to do a little thrifting!

(Although it's always time for that.)

I'll start with owls :)

This cute little guy is so cute.

I actually have another one like this already,

but it has a teeny chip on one ear.

Now that I have two, I'll glue a little bow on the other one

to make a Mr. and Mrs. Owl set.

And to hide the chip, of course ;)

I found two sets of these vintage owls.

They're cuter in person for some reason.

This isn't super old, but I liked the lettering.

And as you can see, it was only 25 cents.

Being that I love baking, I found this cup adorable.

It says "The happiest time I ever had was when I made another glad."

This little pile of wooden pieces have the cutest graphics.

I found them at an antique store, and there are seven total...everything from Abe Lincoln

to a ship to my favorite, the little doggie begging for scraps.

I also like the clown...does anyone know what they are for?

And being that I am always looking for vintage cowboy stuff

for my kiddos bedroom, I also loved these.

And by the same token, this :)

It's on the bigger side, too, which makes it great for using as a decoration.

I haven't bought old photographs for awhile,

but I like these two Christmas-y ones.

I would love to have that Santa on my door!

And I love the little tinseled tree in this one.

My friend's little boy has a birthday coming up and I want to find a way

to use this cute wrapping paper! There isn't a lot of it,

and I'd kind of hate to use it just to wrap something. The irony, huh?

Here's some new things I found today.

Well, new meaning not vintage :)

An Ann Taintor mug for 50 cents.

Hecks yes.

This card struck me as really cute.

Ah, isn't cheap reading material the BEST?

I found a nice stack of my favorite magazines for 10 cents each--

Country Living, Mary Jane's Farm, and Bliss Victoria.

And I found a book I've been looking for too, at only a dollar.

(Yeah, there's no way I could finish it in the library lend out time, ha!)

4 hours of out-and-aboutness without worrying

about being gone too long ;)

What a fun time!

Linking here!

A Living Space

The Anna Delores Blog

Sir Thrift A Lot

Thrift Finds: Ho-Ho-Ho Edition

2012-12-17T01:03:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I hope the holiday season is finding you well!

I'm one of those (semi-annoying?) people who love to put

the Christmas tree up practically before

the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers can even be put away.

And who puts the Christmas radio station on the computer

while I proceed to bake lots and lots

and lots

of cookies :)

These are some of my favorite vintage Christmas finds as of late!

Since I mentioned cookies (mmm...cookies),

I'll start with this vintage Christmas baking book.

Although I of course love a good Christmas treat recipe,

I was also charmed by the cute cover.

This is the first recipe I would try out.

In fact, I may have to soon.

There's a Christmas thrift store in our area that opens up every year.

It is purely Christmas stuff--they always have some really cool vintage Christmas.

This year it wasn't nearly as big or awesome as last year,

but I did come away with some things,

and these two ornaments were among them.

Oh, the excitement I felt when I found this sweet girl!

...and the letdown I felt when my kids broke her pretty little head ;(

Perhaps they thought Humpty Dumpty needed a girlfriend?

This is after I already glued most of it together.

I couldn't quite get that last piece...

so I'm thinking it's time she got a little hair accessory.

If I could have a tree with only one ornament,

these snow-topped Shiny Brites would be it.

This is a really cute Santa puppet.

I love the little jingle bells he holds...

this would be a good way to get a baby to look

at the camera for Christmas pictures.

Too bad it won't work on my kids, lol.

I really, really love Santa mugs!

I scare my husband by telling him I will have shelves full some day.

My rule with buying them is I have to come across them myself,

or else that actually might come true.

I think it's funny how their facial expressions are so different--

going from super-jolly to indifferent, and everything in between.

"The Night Before Christmas", a must have,

this one illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa.

Her art is so adorable!

I have a few of her books, and they're all so darling.

This little guy stole my heart immediately.

He was in the the teeny Christmas section of a thrift store,

where it was fill-a-bag for $2.

There were some women looking in that area,

but I guess they didn't see this fine example ;)

Hmmm...is it the slightly cross-eyed look that got me,

or that little ear that lies askew?

I dunno, but he's a keeper.

Question: what exactly is this little creature

that sits atop this cute vintage pink wreath?

He has a top hat, which points me toward human...

but then there's that long tail thrown into the mix.

Whatever you are, dear little man,

that is your home now.

Linking up with A Living Space

Sadness.

2012-12-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

Like everyone else, I am horrified. I can't wrap my mind around it.

I am heartbroken.

I wish we lived in a world where there was a sense of some things being so precious,

nothing would dare sully or harm them.

And what could possibly qualify as that more than our children--our babies?

One of the things that has impacted me most in becoming a mother

is the sense of camaraderie I feel with my fellow mamas,

known and unknown.

There are some things we will always understand, without a word being spoken.

Like deep, boundless love.

And loving someone so much it almost hurts.

In sharing this beautiful gift,

we inherit a protectiveness not only for our own kids,

but those of the world.

My daughter is not unlike any other 5 year old little girl.
And only a year younger than the youngest child killed.

She loves the colors pink and purple,

dolls, dressing up, and princesses.

The only difference is she is mine;

I know her love and her face, her giggles and songs, but--

how could I not equally love any little girl or boy,

had I merely known them?

Because of so many things, I feel a connection to these families.

Because I'm a fellow human.

Because I'm a parent.

Because my kids are close in age to those that were killed.

(I want to say those that were lost--or died--but no, they were killed.)

Because I know what it's like to move somewhere in hopes of it being safer,

away from the known crime that was showing up closer and closer

to the areas we called home.

For many years it seemed like so many things were getting closer

to our area, national crimes touching our home in big or little ways--

The Chandra Levy case; the Laci Peterson murder;

Juliani Cardenas, the little boy kidnapped from his grandmother's arms;

the Yosemite murders of a mother, daughter, and her friend.

When I was visiting my tiny hometown of Hughson a few months ago,

there was a man who drove up to a neighbor's house (with whom he'd had a longstanding fued)

and killed him, and then himself.

It was only one street over from where my parents still live, my childhood home.

I remember thinking, "This isn't the town I grew up in!

This isn't my childhood town."

Yet I'm straying too far.

Regardless of evil, unpredictable, unconscionable acts like the Sandy Hook shooting,

I refuse to believe the world is a bad place.

We cannot predict the moments our world will change,

but we can live in the safety of the love that lives between parent and child,

which no one can ever, ever take away.

I feel almost guilty in a sense to have my children

to love, to hold, healthy and free from sickness.

Yet the biggest way to honor those children killed and their parents,

in my mind, is to never forget what a gift that is.

To love them as best I can, with all I have, and teach them

that despite the pain of the world, it is still a beautiful place.

To teach them right from wrong, to be sympathetic,

kind, and loving, so they can be like the majority of the individuals

in this world: good people.

Sending all my prayers, love, and blessings
to the parents and children touched by the Sandy Hook shootings--
to those who, through the common bond of love and loving, ache with them--
to the world
where things like this happen
but will not destroy us.

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts,
there can be no more hurt, only more love."
--Mother Teresa

Thrift Finds: Multiplying Rabbits

2012-12-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

One rabbit......

two...

uh-oh. ;)

This was one of those items that I pretty much threw in my cart

immediately. An old and lovingly handmade blanket?! Rabbits?!

Yes, I'll take that, thank you.

Hmmm...did I ever mention that vintage children's items are my weakness?

I loved these kid's books not only for the stories themselves,

but the covers are darling!

They are illustrated by Maurice Sendak.

Love the colors.

How cute is this library check out card,

with the little-kid scrawl?

I found a few of these religious posters recently.

They are about 20 inches tall.

I'm guessing they were in a Sunday school once,

each portraying one of the ten commandments.

This one would be cute in a child's bedroom...
although it makes me wonder how some of those commandments
were portrayed while remaining "preschool friendly?" ;)

For awhile now, I've wanted to add some vintage cowboy finds

to my boys' bedroom--the brighter, the better.

These books were perfect.

I LOVE Danielle Thompson's vintage style,

and want to use her boy's awesome bedroom as a loose source of inspiration.

It's so playful and deliciously quirky.

(image source: thompsonfamily.typepad.com)

This table was my very favorite find while in California last month!

I had looked all around the particular thrift store where I purchased it,

and was about to leave when one of the employees cleared some things off of it.

And that's when I heard the trumpets sound.

I love the graphics, and the color!

I wasn't even certain it folded! Though I knew it probably had to.

I asked the employee, but she didn't know how to fold it or if it did.

And of course, I bought it anyway, event though

I had to bring it back to Oregon--

and trust me, even if the legs didn't fold,

I was gonna bring it back to Oregon.

Luckily it folded.

These vintage Schilling Fancy Decors bottles are fun.

And this old First Aid Kit was too neat to leave behind.

It dates to the 1930's, and everything is still sealed and complete.

I wonder how it made it through the years so long, and unopened/unused at that?

I found two of these wooden letters,

one of which I'm keeping because of a certain Miss.

The other I will list in my shop...

and hopefully said shop can be up and running soon :)

I just liked this tin for some reason,

even though the "P" was rusted over.

I guess it was the pen nib that sold me.

Lastly, to end on a pretty note, some rosy needlepoint.

I liked the frame, and that the color of the rose

was more of an untraditional hot pink.

Thanks for taking a look!

What's the latest thing you've found?

Linking up with:
Apron Thrift Girl
Blackbird Has Spoken
A Living Space

2012-11-22T11:47:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been gone for awhile, but I figured I'd better at least show up for Thanksgiving! Here are my little indian and pilgrim:

I think it's customary now to say OH MY GOSH THEY'RE GETTING SO BIG!

and wonder how in the world these pre-school children are standing in front of me?!?!?!

I remember way back when, imagining a kindergarten-aged child

and how that seemed so far away.
And now Addie is almost there.

Two days ago, she lost her first tooth. It was kind of unexpected on my part!

It wasn't on my radar at all...she just turned 5 in October,

and I kind of thought it would be a little while.

But the same day that she told us it was loose, she lost it!

I just felt like saying whoa whoa whoa WHOA.

It may sound silly, but it seemed like it was happening too fast!

And then to see that precious little baby tooth, and how proud and happy she

was to have lost it :) It was a lot for this mama!

Luckily, I still have one diaper-bummed little devil with chubby, dimpled hands

and full-on terrible-two's attitude ("no dancing! Don't want to!")

to make it bearable.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

I'll be back soon with some vintage finds and my vintage find of the YEAR.

Even though the year isn't quite over, I don't think it can be topped.

Some of my Facebook friends may have already seen it...

but it's big, (mostly) green, bright,

and just magical. ;)

Sea-farers

2012-09-16T22:48:00.001-07:00

We are taking another trip to California in a few days--

this time, to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday,

as well as squeeze in some Disneyland time for the kids.

As much as we are all looking forward to that,

it will also be the nicest time weather-wise

here in Yachats, when we are gone.

The California girl in me is a little bummed

by the lack of summer, I'll admit--

summer heat--but we still have tons of fun by the ocean,

even if it's really too cold to be in it per se.

Well, correction. Not the kids.

I think it could be literally ice-cold and they'd still get in.

But first, before we even get to the water,

there is rock climbing...

(this kid is part mountain goat.)

Walking the balance beam...

...and a general running amok ;)

Then came the wading in.

(I don't know how they did it! Freezing I tell you!)

They were all quite delighted with the surf.

Liam was especially dazzled by it.

Addie made a drawing of me--

is there anything better than a portrait done of yourself

which includes a huge smile?! Lol.

It hasn't been exactly warm enough to go swimming

for my taste, but it's still pretty darn gorgeous here.

I'll take that.

Vintage kitschy wreath...this is how I did it.

2012-09-04T21:26:00.003-07:00

I love the blatant misleading-ness of this post title.

As if I did anything, really.

Lol!

But that's kind of where I am at this point

in my crafting life.

I can't sew (though I want to learn so badly!)

Heck, even if I could, it would be hard to find the time.

What I DO have is a love of vintage...and maybe 5 minutes.

Therefore I am an "upcycler," in the very barest sense of the word.

Nonetheless, I am happy with my wreath!

I found just the vintage wreath at the thrift store

the other day.

1 buck. That's how I roll.

I loved the fabrics on it :)

So colorful and fun.

I knew it had to have a flag banner on it,

to up the happy quotient, so I made one

using more old fabrics.

Then I added this little guy on there,

which is a page from an old cloth baby book

that I put into a badge,

and glued on some ribbon.

This is already hanging on the ugly wood panel walls

in the kids room that I need to paint, lol.

I'm finding all kinds of fun things for the kids' bedroom

lately--I'll have to share soon!

In the meantime I'll do some more upcycling,

and pretend it's "real" crafting

like some insanely talented ladies I know do

(I'm looking at you, Cameron, Laura, and Kitty).

Happy Trails!

Living with Vintage: Fridgescape

2012-08-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

Hi friends!

Sadly, this is what you resort to when

you are mommy to three precious toddlers (absolutely slightly sarcastic there):

a vintage "fridgescape."

Because it is the one absolute place they cannot reach,

and vintage goodies can indeed remain "pristine!"

Here is where I place my better Pyrex, and my favorite vintage mugs.

I finally bought a vintage cow creamer recently because really,

doesn't every nostalgic kitchen need one? ;)

There are Pyrex patterns out there I like more,

but these pieces were so well priced, and I love to use them.

Having a little matching set is fun.

I love cookbooks, but only have room for a little stack up there.

Never fear, I have a ton of vintage ones hoarded in a box somewhere...

This small wire basket is from my trip to California.

So cute.

I tried to give the fridge some vintage bling too.

We've had the snooty chef and vintage movie magnets forever.

The card and postcard are vintage finds.

The one of the handsome gentleman is by Courtney Oquist, which

can be found on etsy. She has a lot of cute products.

The photos are of my beloved dog Brawley, who died a few months ago.

I heart him.

And lastly, our toddler command center,

where all planning, art, preschool stuff,

and "morning" chart go.

I found the calendar, brand new, at the thrift store for $1.

Although it only had a few months left to use it,

it's pretty darn awesome!

It has so many helpful features for organizing--

I'm going to buy the 2013 version for sure, I'm sold.

You can see it here if you're interested.

So, that's my happy fridge top!

As long as I "remind" my husband not to clutter it up

with mail and such, it remains "my" space.

Which cannot be said for pretty much any other room in this teeny house ;)

Now if only the inside could be so pretty.

More Homestate Finds!

2012-07-28T22:48:00.002-07:00

Only a few days left here in California...

we've had such fun visiting with my family,

and the thrifting and flea market treasures have been plentiful.

Once I'm home, it'll be fun sharing more of the things I've found

with you, as well as my favorite find from this trip!

Here is a few more things I've found here and there...

A sunny yellow Pyrex dish and lid.

To be honest, I'm not sure what a greatars price for Pyrex is, really...

this was five dollars, which I thought was fair.

This beautiful framed embroidered piece was so cheap at only a dollar.

I could see it in an antique store for much more.

I'm baffled sometimes by what gets priced high and what low at thrifts...

not that I'm complaining in this regard!

Cute little vintage sign for my kitchen.

This is a really cute book called "Apron on, Apron off."

I though my daughter would like it, too--she's at the perfect

aprons/tea parties/baking cookies age.

A stuffed kangaroo mommy and joey,

also falling into the "daughter would love this" category.

This is one of my really favorite finds down here--

such adorable fabrics and it was only $3!

Mugs like this are simply too cute to pass up.

3 must be my lucky number, because that's how much

this lovely madonna figurine was, too...I love it.

On the bottom is scratched "Hattie '54."

I love that personal touch, and it's cool knowing when it's from.

Thanks for taking a look!

Stop by Her Library Adventures for more fun!

Cute Vintage, Atrocious Post

2012-07-13T01:34:00.001-07:00

Hi! So, I've been out of the loop for awhile as we vacation in California...and you know I've been seeking out and buying vintage! We're staying at my moms, and I've been decorating a little corner with the things I've been buying. Nothing fancy, but it makes me happy. Things like my first paint-by-numbers EVER, teeny .50c squirrel pillows (serious), and even a fixer-upper mid-century desk (c'mon, we all know I'm a lil crazy).

Unfortunately, the only way I know of to post images via the blogger app is to have them come out in one big purge. But that's ok. Hopefully you'll still like me, and I can scratch that vintage blog post itch that I have...right...there.

Phew.

*Also? It appears not only are the pics lumped together, they are done so out of order. OH THANKS BLOGGER APP. Brilliant.

Frank & Betty.

2012-06-20T22:56:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I presented myself with a challenge:

to spend 5 hours thrifting on a roughly-$10-budget.

My hubby was working a short shift that day,

(we only have one car) and since the kids are gone,

it was the perfect opportunity to tag along.

Or, as I prefer to term it, "wade knee-deep into endless thrifting perfection." ;)

So while Nate worked, it was my chance to take as loooong as I wanted

in the thrift shops. I always feel vaguely guilty, even if it's just him waiting

for me in the car. Even though I know he doesn't mind, I always feel a little bad.

I'm one of those people that can spend an hour no problem in a thrift.

At the same time, I was a little worried--5 hours, was that too much even for me?

Ummmm...no.

I pretty much used up every minute.

And, I actually like putting myself on a money limit (now and then, ahem.)

Even though my thrifting skills have sharpened significantly, I can still

sometimes make those "but-it's-cheap!" impulse buys.

And I love vintage so much, things can seem awfully appealing sometimes.

This vintage primary reader was one of those things--

do I need this---do I really need this?

It was just too cute to pass up.

I love that it is a teacher's edition, and has notes about each story.

The pictures do me in every time--

soooo cute!

Ah, how I can relate.

I just tell myself, "but they're for the kids room--"

when I get to decorating it vintage-style.

Vintage restaurant ware mugs.

One is different but they still make a cute set.

A small printing block letter, the first I've ever found at a thrift.

Yay!

These vintage shot glasses were just too

cute and funny to pass up.

Apparently they originally came in a set of 3.

The last one says "just a swallow."

I've already scoped it out on ebay, lol!

I'll have to get that one.

A charming tray,

though in this pic you can't quite tell that.

I'm always wanting to find one of those vintage

metal hangers that are similar to this,

but older--as seen here.

This is the closest I've gotten.

I'll take it :)

Ok.

So I know I can be a little weird and really

err on the kitsch side of things sometimes,

but I LOVED this sign.

Frank and Betty, I bet you were one pair of cool cats.

An old photo, I'm guessing mom and daughters,

that captivated me because of their neat clothes

and the way they are posed.

A plastic glove form.

I'm going to try and cutestify it by

adding an image where the rectangle is, among other things,

so it can be a quirky decoration.

This is my favorite find from that day.

There's something so lovely about it to me.

I love the paper it's glued onto, and the orange

border going around it--

...and the clothes this Victorian woman is wearing,

her brooch, the umbrella and gloves.

The clerk selling it joked, "Do you know these people?!"

I get that a lot :)

But it's such a neat piece of history, an old photo.

A momentary glimpse into a life and time I can never know,

but certainly wonder and imagine about.

For more thrifty finds, stop by Harper's Happenings

for H.O.T.T.!

Silent Inspiration.

2012-06-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a little quiet will do for a mother's mind, no?

To explain:

My angels have been gone this past week,

visiting my family in California.

This is the first time all three of them have been so far away,

and I have to admit, it was a little hard!

I had to spend the first day or two telling myself,

"They'll be all right. They'll be fine."

And of course they have been--getting spoiled oodles,

and having all kinds of adventures.
Ears being pierced (Addie that is, lol). Picnics.
Trips to the beach, sno-cones, and lots of swimming.
(The irony being we live right by the ocean yet
it's TOO COLD to swim!)

I will be joining them there on Thursday for a little vacation.

In the meantime, it's been nice to just enjoy a little quiet...
to daydream...and even to create.

I love making things, but I don't have any "real"

artistic skills. But the other day, while going through my vintage things,

I found this image of the Virgin Mary and thought it really beautiful.

I also had some other vintage "religionalia," like a very old bible

that was coming unbound, pamphlets, even some handwritten notes

from the 1930's referencing bible passages.

I started by using some of the bible pages as a base over canvas,

then brushed on some vintage blue ink to pick up the blue from the image.

The gilt "holy" is from the front of the old bible I had.

I loved that the note I used said "Salvation" at the top.

There are also more bits from the old bible glued on, with the old writing--

I love vintage scrawl.

Of course I had to add a little dazzle to it ;)

That's kind of what my obsession with this sort of thing gravitates toward, such as with the

vintage religious figurines I collect--

I like the vintage, chippy, blingy, kitschy look, lol.

Here it is with the wooden Virgin Mary statue I painted and re-did.

And of course she has her crown, too :)

It felt so good to make something again.

I mean, I try new recipes a lot, which is one way of being creative

than I enjoy--but this was of course very different,

and I really enjoyed the process.

I had to let go of the doubts in my head, the fears of "messing up,"

and just let that "but-I'm-not-an-artist" sort of talk go.

Often, as a mom, it's easy to forget how important

it is to continue to do things that make us happy.

"Frivolous" things.

Now, though, I want to pay attention to them again.

Have you created anything that made you happy lately?

I'd love to hear about it!

Pedal on.

2012-06-17T19:36:00.001-07:00

Hello, fellow thrifting addictees!

(Yeah, that was totally not a word, I know.)

Here on the Oregon coast, we're still waiting

for it to be summer. I can't even imagine

actual heat. I am really looking forward to sunshine!

Lately, we may get a few days of it before the gloominess returns.

So, my photos as of late tend to be a bit on the darker side.

Here's what I found this week:

A pair of little Georges Briard custard-size bowls.

I love his designs, but I never ever find anything by him.

I took a quick stop by my local thrift store today,

right when they were closing. I took a 5 minute sweep

and found these sweet cups. So cute.

Don't you love when you find something right away?

A small green basket and an apple-shaped container.

Two owls:

One a statue...

One a set of unopened playing cards.

As if I wasn't already charmed by Australia...!

I especially like the joey holding a camera :)

I love old art instruction books,

though I have no concrete artistic talent to speak of.

The illustrations are so darling.

And funny.

This baby blanket is really thin, rather large, and in excellent condition.

Too bad none of my babies are "babies" anymore,

this would be perfect as a light summer cover.

Pigs, bunnies, kittens, dogs, elephants, giraffes...

a darling smorgasbord of wee animals.

And lastly, this curious rabbit.

My husband's comment on it:

"Creepy. But kind of cool."

I just find something about him so charming!

Pedal on.

For more, please stop by Her Library Adventures.

monkey in a polka-dotted bow

2012-06-09T20:47:00.003-07:00

Hiya!

I love posting about my vintage finds.

But, that's ALL my blog has become!

Hopefully I can remedy that a little soon :)

Until then, here's a word from our sponsor,

the monkey in a polka-dot bow...

Out of these 1920's era Valentine's Day cards, he is my favorite.

Although I also really like the one with the tongue sticking out,

and when you spin the ball the seal is balancing--it looks like a kaleidoscope!

The yellow circle behind the monkey turns.

Here he is choosing his apple...

And then opening wide to eat it.

CHOMP.

The once-a-writer in me loves the pen nib on this rusty tin.

Even if it is for Penn's Tobacco.

I loved this old dartboard.

I'm going to use it as a note board to hold photos in my kids' room.

I've always wanted a ravioli form, but I never got around to buying one!

Isn't the box cute?

This book is missing some pages,

but I actually plan on framing a few of the illustrations.

Like a lot of little girls, my daughter Addie is obsessed with kittens!

And I am obsessed lately with closets-turned-book-nooks...

like the one here. That's what the illustrations will be used for.

Can't wait to get started on that project.

I loved the cheerful colors and illustrations in this book, too.

And it comes with a cute little record. Although I have yet to listen to it.

I want a record player really badly.

A vintage Origami book from the 60's.

Being that we live by the ocean, this whale would be

a good one to make :)

A really cute vintage purse.

I've already begun adding an odd array of kitschy brooches

to liven it up ;)

This little bendy doll is so cute.

Her hair matched so I had to tuck her into a pocket.

The inside is lined with sweet floral fabric.

Here is another vintage purse I found.

My hubby found this old Crush soda bottle for me.

I really like the label!

Lastly, a stack of vintage kid's trivia cards

from England.

There are lots of cute graphics on them...

This one is one of my favorite illustrations.

Thank you for visiting!

You can find lots more vintage at Her Library Adventures.

Sometimes waiting is a good thing

2012-06-02T23:08:00.001-07:00

This week, I'll be sharing some of my favorite finds that were

all on the cheap-y side.

In fact, I'l start with the most expensive thing--

this wood and glass wine jug container.

I'll confess, I'm not exactly sure what it is,

but I'm thinking it's a cheese dome with the bowl underneath

being using to hold crackers or grapes or something.

For whatever reason, I was just smitten with it.

These plates were a very happy find for me!

I saw them for a little over $2 a plate at a thrift store

in my home state of California.

I held out because, yes--sometimes I sadly am that cheap.

But that made finding them for only 50 cents each all the better.

They're Fransican ware and I love them.

These sunny yellow Mikasa mugs with matching saucers

and large serving plate were also a nice find for me.

This large vintage Tupperware bowl was an estate sale find.

I asked if the people selling it would take $3 for it, and they did.

We use it for storing our flour, and it's so much nicer

than measuring it out from the bag.

This pink pillow and votive holder were

a "grab" find for me. No thought involved whatsoever,

because I liked them that much. They were each a dollar.

Also a dollar were there gold Steve Madden shoes.

Not that I really dress up any more,

but if I'm going to have shoes just sitting in my closet,

I'd rather they be on the thrifty side.

This large vintage Virgin Mary figurine for my collection

was a dollar, also. I have figures in varying sizes now,

which is nice.

Not that I know a thing about sewing, but I love

certain vintage sewing and craft books.

I am slowly finding more and more.

Lastly, these vintage toys were 50 cents each at

the city wide yard sale I went to a bit ago.

They were immediately put to good use, lol.

Yep, I'd say they were a good buy :)

I am linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures.

Small House by the Sea

Holy Cr...ewel

Thrifty Finds: @starsappearing

Vintage Book Finds

Thrift finds: He has my heart.

The one video you've GOT to see.

Each day counts. Except today.

well loved.

small things.

Thrift Finds: Love Edition

Thrift Finds: Literally Speaking

Thrift Finds: No Kiddos Edition

Thrift Finds: Ho-Ho-Ho Edition

Sadness.

Thrift Finds: Multiplying Rabbits

Sea-farers

Vintage kitschy wreath...this is how I did it.

Living with Vintage: Fridgescape

More Homestate Finds!

Cute Vintage, Atrocious Post

Frank & Betty.

Silent Inspiration.

Pedal on.

*monkey in a polka-dotted bow*

Sometimes waiting is a good thing

monkey in a polka-dotted bow