Everything I Love is from '59

Venture to Phelan, CA!

2010-07-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger

2010-07-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

What an amazing trip I've been on lately...it's this thing called life.... things have been so hectic for me. There's a constant struggle with my mothers declining health and plain ol' stubborness...going back to school...btw I got an "A" in my last accounting class...returning in the fall for the second edition of self inflicted pain...

No time for the vintage love...but I will be hosting a sale of my inventory next month. If your local, I encourage you to come out and take a look. I'll keep ya posted here and will be obsessively, I'm sure.

I've found myself kind of bored with the fashion lately, too. This trend of early '90s is driving me insane. Maybe because I had all of those clothes but gave them up to thrift stores a long time ago? I may just be bitter over it. I'm trying to resist but I will probably give in towards the end. That always happens. Hopefully not though.

I'm kind of bored with what used to be my daily fashion read blogs, too. I've ventured out of the zone and have started reading these: Rockstar Diaries, Fed Up With Lunch: The School Lunch Project, and I'm Just Walkin'. They are all pretty random, I know. Do you have any suggestions for new reads?

I've been catching up on my movie flicks, too. Recent films I've seen on Netflix: 2 Days In Paris, Splinterheads, Broken English, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and of course Twilight and New Moon.

Tonight will be filled with housework and laundry. Tomorrow, I'll be driving to Orange County for some antique shopping with a girlfriend (looking for turquoise jewelry). Sunday, looking for a gas economical car for my father (Bleh...not looking forward to test driving foreign cars). And of course on the Netflix queue: The Time Traveler's Wife.

xoxo

Pioneertown

2010-07-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to go on another ridiculous road trip- this time pretty local- about an hour and a half away- to a little place called Pioneertown. Built in the late '40s by famous western actors of the time- it served as a movie set- Many movies were filmed at this 1800s dated place. I stayed the night at the local Inn, for more of an experience, of course. The Inn was obviously built during the same time, with many of the details original, like closet doors and shower stall size. The next day, some pals of mine drove out there, too. It was a really quiet day (we toured through on a Friday) but if you ever go, do it on a Saturday or Sunday....there is a reenactment that would have been neat to see. If you flip through my flickr page, you've already seen the pictures, but here are a few of my favorites.... and here are the rest.

After having a soda at the local biker hangout, we drove through Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. Hit up some thrift stores, a vintage store (surprising as hell), and another boutique filled with all of the pinup clothing brands (even more so shocking) and a cool Indian inspired shop with a ton of beautiful turquoise jewelry.

We hit this place up at the perfect time, because the weather has really warmed up in the last week! I would've hated to walk around in 100 degree temperatures!

Adrenalin pumping

2010-07-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

What's better than cruising 120 mph in a '67 El Camino on a warm summer's night?

Nothing. It's pure American muscle at its best.

Has it been 2 months??

2010-06-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, blogger, for I have neglected you...let me make it up to you...

Last time I departed, I mentioned a little trip to Northern California. If you ever have the chance, drive Highway 101 from the Oregon Border on down to Ventura. Theee most beautiful roadtrip I have ever taken! You can see a few snapshots here.

No cowboy boots found on my travels, and quite frankly, the thrifting near the Oregon border was quite slim. Fun stuff found in San Francisco but nothing I haven't seen before. I guess I didn't try too hard..this vacay was more for relaxation than anything. (Lots of staying in pjs all day long!)

Ahh, but on a whim, I decided to check out the Memorial Day yard sale extravaganza in my local town. Not only did I find the perfect pair of worn in western boots in my exact size....I found two! Here is a silly lil picture. The other pair is a blonde color and goes perfect with all my light shade tops! Both pair for $5 each. I was beside myself. Still am. And I wear them proudly! ;-)

Since I got back from my week vacation, work has been insane and I've been doing overtime. That and I just finished my final for my Accounting course. Going back to school was a great decision. My mind felt like mush and it needed some stimulation! I'm taking the Summer off and will be returning in the Fall.

I've also been going on hikes to beautiful places around town. Toby has been such a great sport and is trained so well to jump in my truck and chill during the ride. We will be doing lots more exploring this year!

Went to the bookstore yesterday and picked up, "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. It's something different for me but maybe refreshing. It basically give you the keys for positive thinking and how that acts as a magnet for positive things to come. My boss recommended it and I do admire her for her positive and upbeat outlook on life. I'll probably do a review of the book when it's completed.

As for things coming up: There is a bike show in Long Beach on Saturday and also the annual Ink n Iron show. I'll be hitting both up, come say hi if you see me! :-)

xoxo

Oh, how I long for you...

2010-04-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

...dear cowboy boots!

I'm a gal with a lot of shoes, but there are just a couple of pairs that, quite frankly, are in constant rotation. I will wear my chuck taylors until you can see my socks through the flapping sole. I will wear my high heels until the black rubber at the heel wears off. When I have a favorite pair of shoes, I walk them into the ground. I've come to the realization that my trusty '70s Frye boots may not live forever. A suitable replacement is in order. I've been dreaming about cowboy boots for a long time, but never found the perfect pair. My trip to Montana left me empty handed and, well, I haven't gone on a thrifting adventure since. I'm going on a solo trip in my beloved white truck to Northern California, say like near the Oregon border, not SF. Well, I will be dropping by to say hello to Laura on the way back home. I'm hoping to find some obscure shops with some bad ass boots to don on my feet and rub it into everyone's faces when I get back.

I did a little research on Etsy and found a few pairs of boots that I like and one's that are at a decent price. I just hate when vintage is so overpriced, it's ridiculous....off my soap box now....

Available at: Bootmeister $48

Available at: Bourbon and Lace $30

Available at: Vacation Vintage $38

Available at: Pure Vintage Clothing $45

Did I mention I was easily amused?

2010-04-08T09:23:00.001-07:00

The Standing Cat @ Yahoo! Video

10 things

2010-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

1. The budding flowers on our fruit trees

2. Playing fetch with Toby, especially when it involves empty milk jugs (so easily amused like his master)

3. Road trips (Nor Cal, here I come!)

4. Getting my homework done (with time to spare) and having that accomplished feeling

5. Phone calls just for the pure sake of saying “Good Night”

6. Listening to the oldies station that plays nothing but 70s rock and roll music all day

7. Feeling social…the Winter blues lasted too long this time around

8. Striving towards a simple life with not so many materialistic items

9. Hot chai tea lattes

10. New hair do’s

Spring Craft Show in the High Desert

2010-03-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

And the craft show season begins... Here are photos of myself and my assistant, Billy, from Saturday's festivities. The show was a bit of bust sales wise (for every vendor, actually) but I did make some nice contacts that will work themselves into bigger and better things. You can view my flickr account for more pictures.

The Darlings

2010-03-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Just like finding a random $10 in your pocket, I love finding cd's I have forgotten about... Last year I saw the Street Dogs and The Darlings were on the bill, too (I think, I could have had one too many cocktails). Well, I thought the band was rockin' and the guys were cute, so I bought their cd. I haven't opened it until this weekend (my cd player broke and my itunes thingamajig screwed up somehow and I'm a bit behind).

I am obsessed with their song, Love Story. It's pretty much tells the tale of my early 20s and rock n roll. It's a mix of Social Distortion and Stone Temple Pilots with a hint of AFI (maybe). The rest of their cd may be a bit too poppy for my liking but it's got a taste of that street punk I love. These guys are from So Cal, too.

My new favorite song:

The 59 parts car as my prop

2010-03-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

What's better than finding $10 weeks after you stuffed it in your jacket pocket? ....vintage clothing... :-D

My mom was awesome enough to secretly stash this blue sweater vest in my closet...it's been hiding away in her things since the 70s or 80s. Yeah, it's a needlepoint fox and birds. Not exactly politically correct nowadays, but, hey, it's pretty rad and now it's been passed down to me.

Attempting to take my picture of the day, I couldn't decide which photo was cuter, so I'm posting a few from the photoshoot.

Oh yeah and the cranberry ascot was hand knitted by Yarn Over Movement. Love her. Absolutely beautiful work.

XOXO

She & Him

2010-03-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan of She & Him with Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward? I read in a random blog that they were touring again so I checked out their website---All of the dates in my area were sold out! So, I signed up for their mailing list and received notice anyone can listen to their new, unreleased album in it's entirety through NPR's website. I've been listening to it all day today! Volume Two has the same charm as Volume One and I love iiiiittt!

Who doesn't love an anchor?

2010-03-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

I honestly really love anything nautical....I do own a captain's hat, wide leg nautical pants...and the colors red white and blue just go so well together when stripes are involved.

I took on a new project of making headbands. I purchased many embellishments on my trip to LA, check this out and here too. This anchor was one of them. Last night, I actually found enough time and strength to sit down and hand sew this on to an elastic headband. YES, stop the presses! haha. Who doesn't love hair accessories? Really?!?

I've never claimed to be a seamstress nor is that something I aspire to be. I seem to ruin every sewing machine I touch. I own an industrial machine that I attempted to make peg-legged pants one time with...that didn't go well...but for some reason I can hand mend and sew items with no problem (well, not as many problems). I also purchased metal headbands and metal embellishments I plan on soldering together in the near future. I'd love to crank out some of these this week to have available for the fundraiser.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Event happenings!

2010-03-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

I'm super excited this week! I signed on to be a vendor at a local high school. This will be my first non-flea market experience. Pressed for time, I'm pulling together my booth. I purchased a cherry wooden full length mirror, cherry wooden hangers, and other things to really set a mood for the space! This year, I do plan on selling at more events...I love the human interaction...

If you are local, check this out: Saturday, March 20th- The University Prep School in Victorville is having a fundraiser for their band department and the bands will be performing throughout the event. Plus, there will be over 20 other vendors. It's from 9am-2pm @ 16925 Forrest St. Oh yeah, and it's free...If you need any additional info, email me. See you there!

Project 365: Day 31 (Round Up)

2010-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

So I don't exactly have a photo for today, yet. I just wanted to declare how proud of myself I am. Thirty days have passed and I didn't cheat, once. Maybe a day or two late, but photos were still taken according to their time.

;-)

I have to say Day 20 has been my favorite. I'd love to create another of the same intensity, soon. I wore this 1950s vintage mask for the first time here. It's chalk full of gold sequins and so glamourous. Purchased it on Ebay a year or two ago and it's been sitting in its original shipping package since.

Day 22 is second in line. It had rained all day but cleared up by the time I got home to take this. The spot is right in front of my house. Joshua Tree and tumbleweed galore! Haha. I'm also wearing my infamous 70s Frye boots that I wear almost every other day. Oh man, I love them so much...shout out to Billy who spotted them first in the junk store in Grand Junction!

Hmm and third, Day 18. Absolutely love the colors here. No photoshop was used except to downsize the photo. The sky looked like this all day...had a blast with my friends drinkin' Absolut Vodka and cranberry juice in red plastic cups and watching motocross all day!

Looking back this month in pictures, I have a pretty rad life! And I wouldn't trade it for anything...I thank my lucky stars every day!

(You can view the latest Project 365 upload here.)

Shop Update

2010-03-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

I've added a few new purses to the shop. Super neutral pieces that will go with any super sweet outfit! This one is my favorite (It's a shame I don't have any more room in my closet, argh.) :

70s navy blue kelly handbag

I really do have a ton more that I'm going through...hopefully I can get them into the shop in the coming weeks.

It's Friday!

2010-02-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

And it's time for much more randomness! While doing some research, I found this little bit of laughter from Life Images. I surely do recommend checking out the whole article (sans water marks)...here are just a few of the "30 Dumb Inventions":

Venetian Blind Sunglasses, 1950

Charles L. Langs, inventor of poses, his strapless, backless, wireless bras, 1949

Baby cage out the window, 1937

Valentine's Day Happiness

2010-02-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

A way to this gal's heart is through my tummy! Mr. Spencer was right on point when he suggested dinner and chocolates at his place for V-day. :-) Spending Sunday doing lots of things, yet feeling like I was floating on clouds all day, was amazing. We spent quite a bit of time preparing Chocolate Truffles and Raspberry Chocolate Tartelettes and they were very well worth the effort. A sliver of this and a couple of those sent us each on a sugar high to the moon! He decided to film the process of making the truffles and with the help of yours truly, Ms. Michelle, here ya go, for your viewing pleasure:

Shop Update

2010-02-13T13:42:00.000-08:00

Just a heads up, I updated my shop today! Yes, this is a huge feat because I haven't had one in a while...

1. My Grecian Goddess 2. Modern Day Harlow 3. Scoot On Over 4. Exotic Floral Maxi Dress

Project 365: Day 9

2010-02-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling a little down and out about the online shop lately. I've been trying to get my priorities in order because I do expect a lot of changes this year. I was going to pack up my inventory and put it away for a couple of months---But, really, I couldn't help myself, I had to go on the hunt, yet, once more. I found this pretty little 70s dress. It reminds me of a modern day Grecian Goddess! It's creme and chiffon-y and flowy, drapes down in a super cute way. It'll be in the shop eventually. I'm thinking I will take some time this weekend to update the store.

Going on the thrifting adventure that was had, it perked my spirits up a bit, I'm happy that I went. I think, along the way I lost the motivation but now I'm getting it back.

Project 365: Day 8

2010-02-11T08:56:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of snow lately. What seems like everywhere. I just absolutely love playing in it!

Project 365: Day 2

2010-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

I decided to join the bandwagon and participate in Project 365. So far, so good, I've discovered this is a pretty damn motivating venture and really looking forward to the fun that'll come out of this. Without further ado, Day 2 for your viewing pleasure.

I would be silly if I didn't include this shot on my blog!

Not to say I'm going to blog about all my photographs, because we know I would get bored with that. So, your best bet would be to follow me on Flickr, heck, add me as a contact, I need more friends on there anyway. ;-)

A Taste of Texas: An Introduction to some vintage recipe madness

2010-02-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

"I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food."

Mr. Spencer and I had a very lovely Saturday night; We decided to stay in and cook a good ol' American meal. I had a special little book in tow and we chose a couple of recipes to try out for the first time...Today, I introduce you, my dear friends, to "A Taste of Texas", edited by Jane Trahey, and published in 1949. Aquired at an estate sale, years ago...this is the first time it's seen the light of day. I was delighted when he agreed to some vintage recipe goodness. Can you see the little devil horns peeking out? And it all worked out great...

We prepared the Eggplant and Broiled Tomato Casserole first. Take a look at the ingredients; We substituted bacon drippings for butter and oil, and American Cheese for Mozzerella. Looking for shallots was an adventure in itself, neither one of us knew what they were. Turns out, they are an onion that kinda look like garlic bunches. Whoulda thought? We also cut this recipe way down to one eggplant and two large tomatoes. Even then, this dish was way too much for two people.

Finding roquefort cheese proved difficult. There was NONE at the grocery store. We instead used Blue Cheese.

The final result:

Some final thoughts: Having both dishes containing lots of cheese is probably not a good idea. Pretty heavy unless you are a cheese lover like myself. And apparently Blue Cheese is too strong for the steak. You live and you learn, I suppose. We thought blue cheese was pretty comparable to roquefort. Whether or not it is, can any one answer that? I'm clueless when it comes to that stuff. Overall both dishes were very tasty! Next time, I'll add more veggies to the casserole...that'll be delish!

***Update: As I was surfing the internet world, I came across a lovely blog, with a just-as-delectable version of the above eggplant and tomato casserole, take a look-see here!

So much creative energy...

2010-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

...and I don't know where to focus it! I have so many ideas and I don't know the direction I'd like to go forward with. I am some what tired of the online shop and want to persue being a vendor at some of the car shows around here. Or maybe create a pop up shop for a month to add some spice to this boring town I live in. Amongst other thoughts, I need to decide and focus on one. Then, I can put my all into it.

I think I will be packing up shop for a few months as I go on a personal journey towards direction and fulfillment. With both of my parents ailing health and the struggle with what-seems-to-be-transitioning roles of reversal, it's super difficult to focus on the side business for now. I plan on moving as well, upon my paid off student loans. I'm starting school again in a couple of weeks, finally, after talking about it for 2 years!

With the shop off my shoulders, I can focus on doing other things: going on hikes, reading, personal relationships, snowboarding (what's left of the season anyway), also getting my home in order because after 20 years, shit accumulates!

But, by no means am I giving up my blog! I love writing here and reading everyone's posts! Mr. Spencer has been nudging me to do the Project 365, and I am seriously considering it. Starting tomorrow. Maybe. Having a photo diary with entries every day for a year, could be amazing. I have no idea where I will be a year from now. Feel free to join me in this journey. Be it, following me on Flickr or having your own...*psst* dear followers, I'd love to follow you, too.

Hamming it up for the camera, yet once again with my beloved '50s eyewear

A change of pace

2010-01-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Customers,

I have decided to move some of my items for sale in the Etsy Shop to Ebay. So, if you have been on close watch with an item, you just might score a sweet deal on the new venue. Not to say I'm leaving my beloved Etsy, but it's time to try something new (and move some stock). It will be a slow transition and I'll be adding a couple of items each night (6pm pacific). I'm not sure which shop I will be adding completely new items to, I haven't decided yet.

What is your favorite online venue for buying vintage?

Until next time,
Michelle
xoxo