SunshineCityLassie - Vintage and Handmade Goodness!

Giveaway contest!!! winner announced

2009-07-01T19:50:00.006-04:00

THE WINNER IS KATE8085. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR PLAYING!
COME BACK NEXT TIME FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Enter to win a free vintage button ring of your choice!

Visit my shop to view the 50+ rings you will have to choose from!

Simply leave a comment with your favorite item from my shop and why.

The winner will be chosen at random and notified this weekend.

Get multiple entries if you:

- post this link on your blog or website

- follow me on Blogspot

- follow me on Facebook

- link to my shop or blog from your site

- sign up for blog updates

Please leave a separate comment for each of the aforementioned actions for more chances to win.

Good luck!

~SunshineCityLassie

i officially stink at making cherry pie

2009-06-30T17:26:00.003-04:00

Yep, that's right. I tried to bake a cherry pie tonight and it turned out to be an utter failure.

First of all, I used fresh Bing cherries, not sour cherries like one should - of course, I can blame it on ignorance because I honestly didn't know until my dad pointed it out.

Secondly, I bit into temptation by eating a piece of the uncooked pie crust's edge before putting it in the oven. This was not a good idea, as the filling began to leak out halfway through the 50 minutes it was supposed to stay in there.

I thought I could remedy the situation by putting the half-cooked pie on a baking sheet, but then I was even more dumb and put it on the uppermost rack instead of the bottom rack.

Let's just say smoke was involved and I am surprised the fire alarm didn't go off.

The rest is history, though the watery continues to sit in my dark, abandoned kitchen.

I would post a picture (in reference to a previous cooking debacle) but I am just too embarrassed.

Instead, here are some fun cherry-themed vintage goodies to satisfy your taste buds.

Cherry pie baking plate WITH RECIPE!!! from Chic Provincial, $4.99

1897 antique German chromolithograph from Banana Strudel, $12

Vintage 1960s cherry cordial box from Old School Vintage, $14 (I sold this exact same thing once!)

Vintage Japanese cherry cabochons from Little Vintage Violet, $3

Vintage AVON enamel cherry earrings from See Jayne Knit Yarns, $9

Vintage 1917 postcard from Cool Vintage, $6.50

Vintage Hallmark cherry coasters (paper) from Heart Felt Vintage, $6

How It's Made Videos

2009-06-29T20:22:00.003-04:00

Anyone other children of the 80s and 90s remember that great episode of Sesame Street (PBS RULES!!!) that showed how crayons are made at the factory? Here's the vid (I am SO happy I found this; it brings back memories.)

Ever since I first saw this vid, I've been intrigued with the process by which things are made. This is especially true for anything edible. When I was younger, one of my goals in life was to visit the Cheetos factory just so I could jump into a vat of the cheesy dust stuff they use to coat the snacks (hence the reason my fingers were always toxic orange after eating a bag full.)

I'm also a visual kind of person, which is why I love these "How It's Made" videos, which air on television channels such as The Discovery Channel.

Here are a few neat videos on how hardy candy, airline meals and doughnuts are made. Fun to watch if you have nothing else to do or are bedridden as I have been for the past three days.

Search "how it's made" on YouTube for more.

Hard Candy

Airline Meals

Donuts

Nifty Nautical: handbags, coin purses, and wallets

2009-06-29T15:02:00.004-04:00

A little nautical themed handbag or clutch makes for a colorful and timelessly stylish accent for your summer wardrobe.

Anchor pencil case from Odds N Blobs, $8.50

Fora in Red by Banyan Hippo, $38

Vintage silk fabric shoulder bag from Miss Marmalade UK, $40

Navy boats passport cover from Jack and Bee, $14

Old Money Yacht Clutch by Polygnome, $72

Marne Bag from Bread and Roses 2, $32

Nautical Navy Gal mini clutchette from John Met Betty, $24

Leather wallet by Feral Girl, $22

Melanie Bag by Handsfull Creations, $35

Wayfarer Purse by Pesky Cat Designs, $70

Sailor Tote from Banyan Hippo, $27

Fora Bag from Banyan Hippo, $38

Bermuda Bag from Happy Mae, $20

Stockholm bag from Ika Bags, $27

Galit Barak: Crocheted metal jewelry

2009-06-29T10:52:00.003-04:00

Give Me Your Heart brooch/pin, $26

There's a messy yet refined art to Israel-based Galit Barak's crocheted metal jewelry. I've been more attracted to simplistic pieces lately, and the combination of precious stones with the woven 14 karat gold-filled, sterling silver (925) and oxidized sterling silver strands is really quite beautiful.

I've also seen lots of antiquated jewelry in museums around the world and her pieces remind me of what some ancient queen would have worn. My favorites would be anything with pearls.

Visit Galit's Etsy shop for over 120 of her handmade designs, some of which is 30% off at the moment.

You may also visit her blog and follow her on Twitter.

Lace ring (oxidized sterling silver), $37

White rose ring, $32

Majestic earrings, $45

Gathe-ring, $33

Spread ring, $42

Coral ring, $42

All of Galit Barak's jewelry comes in a lovely, hand-stamped box for gift giving.

Just listed - vintage button rings

2009-06-28T21:36:00.003-04:00

I just finished uploading the last of my newest vintage button rings ($6 - $8.50).

All jewelry is 50% off for the month of June. Visit my store for more unique rings, jewelry and vintage items.

Mafia-themed goodies from Etsy.com

2009-06-28T21:10:00.006-04:00

In celebration of FINALLY finishing The Sopranos (it takes a while if you do it via Netflix), here's a nice selection of Mafia-themed handmade goods from Etsy.com.

Don Corleone vinyl wall art from Badass Custom Decals, $60

The Godfather finger puppets (how cool!!) from Pintassilgo Prints, $25

Sterling silver handgun brooch from New and Notable, $39

Bada Bing t-shirt from jamjamtees, $12.99

John Gotti giclee print from edavy63, $6

Lucky Luciano tote bag from Bao Studio, $15

Godfather pendant from Stoic, $4

Gardening treasures! Boyd Hill Nature Park

2009-06-26T10:06:00.003-04:00

I volunteer each week at St. Pete's Boyd Hill Nature Park, weeding out invasive plant species such as the evil, life-sucking air potato!

Here are a couple of fun things I found last time I was there. I didn't even have to dig for them, either!

Retro Mountain Dew can

Retro 70s Tupperware (I actually have this pattern of T-ware in my kitchen!)

What's New at Urban Outfitters

2009-06-24T11:27:00.008-04:00

Visit Urban Outfitters for more lovely duds

New Michael Kors Ready to Wear - Gorgeous Just to Look At

2009-06-23T10:01:00.005-04:00

My fav? Probably the hot pink cashmere dress, $995

More from Michael Kors at Bergdorf Goodman

Cool Kicks at the County Fair

2009-06-22T20:05:00.010-04:00

These pics are from forever ago, but I decided to post them anyway, which was my initial intention when I shot them.

Taken at the county fair in St. Cloud, FL. Love all the bright colors and skinny jeans.

Even country kids have style!

I'll take one of each, please!

Classic Cars: The Graham-Paige Sharknose

2009-06-21T18:22:00.004-04:00

The 1939 Graham-Paige "Sharknose" as they were called. I saw a champagne-colored version the other day while on the road and was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the emblem as it went by. I think it's the ideal car for a retro 40s photo shoot. So mafia-esque, too!

More on the history of this car from Wikipedia.

What's your favorite classic car?

Images courtesy The Huff Report

Cats rule and dogs drool: My new cat Adonis

2009-06-18T22:56:00.008-04:00

Isn't he REGAL?!?!?!?!?!

Of course I have to have 50 million pictures of him. He's my kitty boo!

Just an observation . . .

2009-06-18T22:41:00.003-04:00

Brittney's outfit looks like a mix of pieces from the wardrobes of Michael Jackson, Madonna and Justin Timberlake.

No?

Photo courtesy Daily Mail UK

I AM SO IN LOVE WITH ALL THESE AMAZING NEW HEELS COMING OUT!!! but I can't afford any of them. ugh.

2009-06-18T19:15:00.013-04:00

So I was at the outlet mall today (uh oh!). I tutor a girl in writing there at the food court (it's actually quite the productive space) and thought I'd check out the the shops as I customarily do after each of our weekly sessions.

Since I've been reading the fashion blogs a bit more lately I've been itching to get SOMETHING designer. I honestly don't own anything with a designer label, and it amazes me that people can afford this stuff in the first place, especially with the recession going on. Aside from that, I'm trying to save for my move to Memphis, so this is no time for spending on the unnecessary.

In any case, I visited Juicy Couture, BCBG Max Azria, and the Saks Fifth Ave store, and though there was lots of amazing stuff (including shoes), I still wasn't going to pay $40 for a t-shirt that was on sale. Is that really a "sale" price? I guess to some.

Maybe I'm just jealous, I dunno. Here's a few pairs of shoes I'd get if $1,000 was pocket change to me, courtesy of my inspirational morning constitution at the outlet mall.

Miu Miu Cage Platform, $675

Dior Drape Bootie, $1090

Christian Louboutin Jeweled Platform, $2830

Christian Louboutin Circus Cutout Suede Bootie, $1295

Valentino T-Strap Bow Pump, $795

Fendi Leopard Ankle Bootie, $795

Christian Louboutin Button-Up OTK Boot, $1995

Celeb Salute: Ellen

2009-06-16T16:11:00.007-04:00

Photo courtesy Dawn of a New Era

This week's celebrity salute goes to Ellen!

Have any of you noticed how AWESOME Ellen DeGeneres is? Of course you have!

Think about it. Not only is she freakin' hilarious, but she has her own television show and is also the brand new Cover Girl! She deserves it. Her skin is amazing (she looks excellent for 50!) She truly is Simply Ageless. Yes, I just plugged the new product line. She also has great style - she sure does work the pants, shirt and sneakers thing quite well.

Did I mention that her WIFE, Portia de Rossi, is hot? (Yes, they just got married last year!)

I've always liked Ellen. She is so out of the ordinary, fun, smart, friendly and genuine.

Wish we had more celebs like her!

Photo courtesy Celebrity Royale

Photo courtesy TotallyTV

Photo courtesy Star Media

YART SALE! Up to 75% off over 40 items!

2009-06-11T20:18:00.002-04:00

I'm participating in Etsy's second annual YART Sale, which lasts until Sunday, June 14th. It's a site-wide sale with all kinds of shops taking part. Searches using the term "yart" will bring up shops with discounts on items and shipping costs in all categories.

Visit Etsy's forums to find out which shops are having sales. Don't forget to stop by SunshineCityLassie for sales of up to 75% off over 40 items including vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and housewares, as well as my own handmade jewelry. Sale prices range from only $1 to $16.50.

Have fun and hppy shopping!

Beta Boutique: Latvian Vintage

2009-06-11T19:01:00.002-04:00

A new discovery... a vintage seller straight from Latvia, Europe! Beta Boutique has the cutest, sexiest vintage clothing, and great prices at that!

Check out her shop for over 200+, one of a kind pieces! She's also have a spring clearance right now, with sales of up to 30% off (see her shop announcement for details.)

Featured Seller: Paramount Vintage

2009-06-10T19:40:00.003-04:00

What attracted me to this seller initially was her excellent photography. Such clear photos really allow customers to focus on the vibrant colors and textures of the clothing. It's like they're straight out of a magazine.

This shop has lots of cute, smart and sassy vintage in stock. Paramount Vintage of San Diego offers free shipping on all items. Check out her store here.

This Week's Vintage Finds

2009-06-10T19:36:00.002-04:00

My favorite Etsy finds this week. Always the greatest little lovelies on the net!

AMAZING 1940s red leather heels (mint condition) from Grace Art and Antiques, $140

Vintage silk slip and robe from Grandma's Cottage, $28

Vintage rhinestone eyeglasses frames from Vintage50sEyewear, $60

Ceramic teal dear planter from Wool Mountain Destash, $12.50

Vintage rooster tumblers from BoHo Market, $18

Peppermint red and white striped vintage gloves from Cassie's Attic, $10

Vintage cherry red leather bucket purse from Fancy Lucky Vintage, $15

1960s psychedelic halter dress from Rowie B Vintage, $48

Vintage Cowgirl Blouse from BoHo Market, $18

Vintage Tea Towels

2009-06-10T19:00:00.002-04:00

My new vice - vintage tea towels! Just love the colors and the kitsch. There are tons out there, but these are the ones I'd like for my own kitchen. My fav? The not-so-politically-correct bushmen one.

Mr. and Mrs. towel set from Tab Set Space, $6.99

Kitchenware tea towel from Girl Scout Drop Out, $6

Bushmen tea towel from MyGirlThursday, $6

Dutch Couple tea towel from Joanne44, $6

Eggplant tea towel from Tita, $5

Pennsylvania Dutch tea towel from Stylish Vintage, $4

Happy Heart 1964 peacock tea towel from Charlie Bear, $2

Dutch girl tea towel from ArtDecoDame, $6.99

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-04T10:56:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Rants and Raves of a New Age Chick for the One Lovely Blog Award!

Here are the rules of the award:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

Pass the award to 10 or more other blogs that you love. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'd like to pass it on to the following lovely blogs:

1. Sweet Love Vintage

2. Forrestina Vintage

3. Cabin + Cub

4. The Catorialist

5. Lu Lu Belle

6. Knick Knacks & Ric Rac

7. Shop 66

8. Poppytalk

9. Thrift Shop Romantic

10. Vintage Goodness

11. Velvet Strawberries

These blogs, which stand out to me in their own unique ways, are mostly blogs that I follow or read on a regular basis, but a few of them are new on my list. Check them out and maybe you'll become a fan as well.

Not your normal memory sticks . . .

2009-06-03T11:29:00.003-04:00

You've seen sushi, PEZ and various other fun USB flash drives out there. Now try these on for size. The best thing is that they're all handmade by independent artisans!

Cocobolo Exotic Wood USB stick from woodventure, $59

Stick USB by woodtec, $62

Corvette Muscle Car USB from dhhdesign, $25

Lego USB from 123Smile, $39.95

Squid USB from Sarai0989, $60

How did I not know about Laura Nyro?

2009-06-03T10:29:00.002-04:00

Amazing, gorgeous singer/pianist from the late 1960s and early 70s, who ended her career at the age of just 24. Sad to know she isn't alive anymore, but her music definitely lives on. Here's a few of her songs off YouTube.

Something upbeat.

Something live.

Something slow and sweet.

Photo at top courtesy of Pop Dose.

I HAD to go to Walmart...

2009-06-03T08:29:00.003-04:00

Okay, I really didn't, but I couldn't find anywhere else online or in stores that sells the big pack of 100 sheets of tissue paper (multi-colored) I need for my shop for only $8-something!

Best Occasions tissue paper (25 colors!)

Should I feel guilty?

Of course, it wasn't the only thing I bought - they're good at subliminally convincing you that you need "this" or "that" while you're strolling through the aisles. In my cart (btw, have you seen how disgustingly dirty they are?!) when I got to the self-checkout were father's day cards, packing tape, salad mix, facial cleanser, organic milk, yogurt, Tom's body soap, and these yummy looking Starbucks vanilla bean truffles. As you can see, these are all essentials.

I'll just make sure to do $50+ of extra good deeds this week. And take an extra shower to rid myself of the skeevy feeling of shopping there.

(t-shirt image by Fat American, $21)