Sometimes you have to go back to an estate sale, because there is something there that you can’t stop thinking about. Luckily for me, this pretty guy was still waiting for me to take him home from the epic 60s estate sale–and he was an extra 20% off. Now I just need to figure out how to clean those spots.

Today was an epic estate sale-ing day. I went to two sales, the first far better than the second. The first was over 30 minutes away, and I wanted to get there first thing because I saw a picture of a Gemma Taccogna pin cushion, and I was determined to make her mine. Well, when I arrived (and was the 2nd in line!) the people running the sale told me they opened the sale a day earlier than planned. Wah wah. I didn’t ever find my little friend. Though I was bummed, I found so many other incredible things I couldn’t feel bad for too long (including those three paint by numbers, score!).

The second sale was interesting, it was a true hoarders house. I didn’t want to do too much digging with Lucy attached to me, there was dirt and dust flying everywhere. I did find all the Pyrex above, the sweet little cuckoo clock, and two blouses there.

I may return to the first sale this weekend and see if I can score some half off goodies.

I got this giant stash of hankies for $1. Most are ripped or badly stained, but they were so pretty, I know I can find a project to use them for.

I bought these two hankies for my collection. How amazing is the heart one?!

I am a little obsessed with old photos, have been since I was a little girl. Honestly, I could stare at them for hours and hours and hours. These two pictures caught my eye. They were purchased from the same seller, and I am pretty sure the woman is the same, though the man is not.

This Palm Springs postcard caught my eye, I love what is written on the back. It seems so hard to imagine not sending this message as a quick text to a family member. Oh, how the times have changed!

This lot of jewelry I found at an estate sale last weekend.

Mikasa plate and crewel, thrifted.

Travel bar, also thrifted. Who doesn’t love a travel bar? Martinis on the road anyone? (I kid, I kid)

On Friday my dear sweet girl turned one. This post is entirely for her. I hope that someday down the line she will read this and know how much joy she brings to my life.

Dearest Lucy,

What a year this has been. I never in my life knew that I could be so happy, and I definitely never thought that one person could bring me so much joy that I feel giddy–but you do just that. Life before you is now a distant memory, but I do remember always feeling that there was something missing, that was you. When we finally met you for the first time I felt as if I had already known you for years, you just fit so seamlessly into our lives. This is probably not anything you can understand until you have children of your own, but I do hope you can one day understand and feel the immense amounts of joy that I have felt since your arrival.

Though you are only a year, it has been a long time since I thought of you as a baby. Everyone tells me you are an old soul, and I must agree. It isn’t just because you started walking at nine months, and it isn’t because you are a skinny little thing without an ounce of baby chub on you. No, you seem to have a wisdom that many others who encounter you can see in your eyes and sense in your presence. Though you don’t say many actual words yet, you understand so much. Some days the things you know astounds me. There have been many instances where I have said a word that I had no idea that you know, and you will casually point it out or go grab the item. You are so quick to learn, I sometimes worry about keeping up with you and that I am providing you with enough stimulation to keep you going.

To say that I am a proud mama would be an understatement. Lucy, you have taught me so much in the last year, I have learned compassion, patience, and most importantly the meaning of my life. I look forward to every day we have together and am so excited to learn more and more about you with every day that passes. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Love,
Mama

Lucy turned one last Friday. I had been wanting to have a post up about her special day, but quite honestly the words have not come to me yet. Saturday we had a party to celebrate this little lady. There will be a post up about that later in the week. Sunday we were all pooped and needed some simple, yet fun, family time.

We went to one of my favorite places to eat in San Diego, D.Z. Akins. We ordered mimosas, which were served in giant glasses, and lunch (always the matzo ball soup for me). We munched on pickles (which they leave in a jar on every table), and Lucy tried one for the first time (see picture above!). We also got a bag of onion and everything bagels to bring home with us. Is there anything better?

A little trip to the park was in order after lunch. Lucy frolicked in the flowers, stole my purse, and ran around checking out anything and everything that caught her eye.

I couldn’t have asked for a nicer day.

Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Frock You, San Diego
Shoes: Thrifted

I almost got rid of this blouse last week when I was clearing out the closet. I have always loved it, but have never found quite the right ‘bottom’ to pair it with. Holding on to a top for over three years that you have never worn is grounds for getting rid of in my book, but I just couldn’t do it. The day after I sold off most of my old clothes I found this skirt in a vintage shop.

Banana pancakes

Mini black bean burger patties for Lucy (ours were normal sized)

Black bean soup with paprika and garlic on toast (recipe from Drea)

Eating kale chips

Tostadas with sauteed peppers and onions, black beans, tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Noodles with peanut sauce, stir-fried cabbage, and home grown sprouts

Here are a few things I have made over the past few weeks. Notice how the majority of these dishes use black beans? Yeah. I eat a ton of black beans (all beans actually). They are just so easy for me. I grew up eating (home made) bean and cheese burritos at least five days a week. As an adult I find I still want the same thing, though I do try to mix it up with different veggies and seasonings. Isn’t it funny how we grow up and try (and love) tons of new things, yet always return to the familiar? California-Mexican food is my comfort food.

Yesterday’s thrift finds.

1. Two platters. First unmarked (anyone know what it is?), second Franciscan Starburst
2. Vintage 60′s dress
3. Globe!

I must say, I have had quite a bit of lucky at the thrift store lately. The night before last I was browsing etsy and ebay looking at the starburst pattern, feeling sorry for myself because we are a one income family and I don’t have crazy amounts of money to spend on the most gorgeous dishes ever. Life can be so rough sometimes. Anyway, I had a dream about thrifting a pink rotary phone the previous night (yes, I dream about the thrift store, don’t you?), so I knew I had to make my way over there. It was the day after a massive sale, so I really didn’t expect to find much, then there it was, hiding under a stack of dishes. I almost didn’t check, because I was wearing Lucy and it was really hard to bend over and move all those heavy dishes aside. I was giddy when I saw it. Is it possible that I have the powers to manifest vintage goodies in thrift stores? I don’t really believe in that stuff, but I think it would be the ideal power to have.

Dress: Bubblepipe Vintage
Shoes: Thrifted
Bakelite: Flashbacks, San Diego & WoldHeart

I am obsessed with this dress. I showed it to Russ before I bought it and he said, “don’t you have one like that?”, and I kind of do–but not exactly. So what if I have a closet full of dresses that look pretty much the same, right?

Pardon the not so great photos. I really need to get better at editing photos when the lighting is poor. If anyone has any great tips or resources I would love to hear them (the editor I am using is Gimp). I have so little time to figure these things out on my own anymore, but I really would like to improve my editing skills.

I hope you all had a great weekend. It was a bit rough around these parts. As Russ was taking apart our old dinette set (after moving the Hey-Wake in!) the table top dropped and crushed the bones in his big toe. He has been in a soft shoe and on crutches for the last few days. Tomorrow he goes in to (hopefully) get a walking cast, so he can go back to work. Poor guy.

I have been known to get messages from the thrift stores. I don’t know how to describe it other than a strong urge or pull to go to one particular store, where I always score big. These differ from my casual, eh, I feel like perusing a bunch of junk, because they are intense and I always find something.  I usually get one every few weeks or so, and I usually leave with a cart full of amazing finds.

Other times the thrift store doesn’t send me a message, but a friend does. Two days ago one of my closest friends sent me a picture text of the above furniture saying “heywood wakefield at salvation army”. I turned off the stove, threw some clothes on both Lucy and I, grabbed my purse and the ergo, and was out the door in oh, a minute and a half. My friend was sweet enough to stay and wait for me to arrive, and then help me haul it all home. I love her.

I purchased a dining table, two chairs, two end tables, and a coffee table, all for under $300. Now it isn’t the blonde Heywood Wakefield that I dream of furnishing my entire house in when I am rich, but it is absolutely gorgeous, and I love it. There was also a hutch, which was marked at $400. I was seriously trying to find away to scrounge the money together to purchase it (it was the blonde wood!), when I realized it was already being purchased and packed away into a car. Sad face.

I am considering selling the end tables, because they really don’t fit into our house, but I hate breaking up the set.