The Green Suitcase...A day in the life

Finally A Quick and Easy Project

2011-07-05T16:37:00.002-04:00

The past few months I have been trying to deal with my “finds” in a more “timely manner”. The garage became a big black hole and hadn’t seen a car in a month of Sundays. So over this past winter I made a huge dent in my stockpile by hauling pieces into the breezeway and working on them in there (not aesthetically pleasing but….ya gotta do what ya gotta do).

Now that the warmer weather has made an appearance, I’m trying my darnedest to stay on top of it. Such is the case with this piece of vintage 70’s…. loveliness.

A definite walk-by. Thank God for the ability to see past what something is and rather see it for what it could be. Truth be told, I thought everyone had this ability but recently (on two occasions) I’ve had someone say to me “You have such an eye.”. I was like “Huh?”. I’m starting to get it though. As in, some people are good at math and others are good at science. For me, it’s all about good bones. And white paint!

Much better! Bought on a Saturday and in the shop by Wednesday!

An Ugly Duckling

2011-04-17T23:18:00.000-04:00

My mom always told me not to judge a book by it’s cover. That’s a very helpful piece of advice when it comes to furniture and thrifting.

Evidence…….

And a close up….

Funky pre-painted wood appliques. I suppose it made some little kiddies happy and was probably quite functional for them.

I, on the other hand, had another plan. I was looking for display pieces for the shop. We have been in the process of moving and I was doubling my space size so the hunt was on. Here it is getting a face lift….

First the heart had to go! Then a little paint, distressing and a coat of wax.

Et voila…..

It now sits on top of a side table giving me a little extra display space.

Now I need to renovate my blog!

The Monster Emerges

2011-03-29T11:52:00.001-04:00

Remember this?

The saga of this monstrosity can be read here.

Well it’s wearing new Spring duds!

There was one last issue that needed to be addressed.

The pulls were a little on the heavy looking side .

I couldn’t find anything locally so….ebay to the rescue!

Much better!

Yesterday was moving day.

It’s already moved to it’s home in the new shop.

(Our old mill shop is being turned into senior housing so this week is move week. The Grand Opening is Saturday! Eeek! Better get busy.)

I'm linking up to Primitive & Proper.

Project MIA

2011-03-14T14:15:00.002-04:00

I’ve really been MIA from blogland lately. I wish I could say it was because I was off having the time of my life but that would be a big old lie. I’ve been spending my spare time hanging out with this….

……monster!

It’s been a thorn in my side from the time I picked it up. I bought it at the SA about a month ago but didn’t have a truck at the time so they allowed me 3 days to pick it up. A friend agreed to come with a few days later. Of course in the mean time we had another snow storm!
With the help of an SA worker, we loaded this monstrously heavy thing into her van. Ooops…….the door won’t close. We drove about 15 miles in the middle of February (in New England!) with the hatch partially open. Brrrrr. It has sat in my (unheated) breezeway ever since.

About 10 days ago the weather was on the warmer side so I decided to tackle the project. The curvy lines and details were what attracted me to begin with…….

………are a huge nuisance to paint! I think I am on coat #4. And now I have to buy more paint! Like winter though, I’m in the homestretch.

Shabby Table Gets a Facelift

2011-03-06T21:12:00.000-05:00

It’s considered a good day when I come across a piece that only needs paint. No repairs like wood filler, etc. Then, when it has nice curvy lines….well, it’s a no brainer. You’re coming home with me!

This made it from my car to my kitchen and was promptly deposited on a furniture dolly.

Where it remained for several ~~days~~ weeks! It was rolled about the kitchen until I finally got to it. Thankfully I have an understanding family!

Here it is in it’s new duds. It never ceases to amaze me what a little paint can do!

French Vanity Seat – Palais Royale

2011-02-23T00:21:00.001-05:00

Picture this. Vintage vanity stool with typical walnut stain and a lovely olive green velvet seat cover. Nice then? Maybe. Today? Yuck! (I would love to include the before photos but……they are on my crashed computer. Hopefully my pics are retrievable…when I get to it. So this is the fast-forward version. No "befores". Excusez moi.

So, on to the recycled version. I painted it up using a cream color and transferred the words on muslin using Citra Solv (you can read more about Citra Solv here). I arranged and reversed the words using MS Word.

Painted and recovered.

As I was adding the trim I found that the cording was kind of sinking in the gap between the chair and the seat...

So before I went any further, I added cotton clothesline to fill in the gap. You can kind of see the roll under the chair.

It did the trick! It hid the gap and supported the rope trim.

Et voila! There you have it.

Ottoman Rescue! Mi4M and VTT

2011-02-06T13:49:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I bought a very 60’s style ottoman. It was so ugly I’m sure that anyone who saw me with thought I had lost my marbles. Or at very least, they must have thought that I had the tackiest taste ever!

Whadya think of this lovely crushed velvet baby? It had good bones so a rescue was in order.

A very sturdy piece.

Even the batting underneath was in good shape and clean.

I covered it with a new product (new to me anyway) called Warm & Natural Needled Cotton. I love it! And pretty inexpensive too! If I recall it was in the $4 to $5 range.

It’s so nice and soft ....... 87.5% cotton.

I went through my stash of fabric and shams and after much debate, I chose a shabby pink floral sham for the top. I had a pair of plain white quilted shams that I cut in half for the skirt.

Cut & pinned inside out.

Added some vintage buttons and…..

Tada!
I'm linking up with Vintage Thingie Thursday and
Make It For Monday........ a lot of the great stuff.

Getting in the Groove

2011-01-30T08:56:00.002-05:00

I’ve slowly been churning out projects in the new year. More often than not, when I pick-up a piece of furniture while thrifting it comes home and promptly takes up space in my garage …. until further notice. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. Anyone care to fess up?

Well I began this year on the right foot. Kinda. Sorta. ‘ish!

Truth be told, I picked this up at Savers and then drove around with it for a week! At this time of year all painting takes place in the house because the garage is too cold! SO between the relentless snow and the weight of this thing I had to wait to get help bringing it in.

Finally, the stars aligned and it ended up in my kitchen – on a furniture dolly. Perfect! Even with the drawers removed, this puppy was still heavy to lift onto the dolly.

After a little TLC.

I tried out Behr Primer & Paint in one. The verdict is – I like it! The color is Artist’s Canvas.

I took the 1st photo without a flash and this next one with a flash so the true color is somewhere in between.

A little distressing and some Wipe On Poly to finish it off. (Although the WOP does a good job I was a little overwhelmed with the odor.) I was on the fence about the pulls but in the end just gave them a good cleaning. I do declare “I like ‘em!”.

I’m taking space in a brand spanking new shop in March so I guess this will be rolling around my kitchen until then.

So what do you have hidden in your garage?

I’m Being Watched….

2011-01-12T08:30:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had that eerie feeling that you’re being watched?

As a child, I remember feeling a teacher’s eyes upon me when I was doing something considered taboo in class. Like talking to my neighbor.

This, however, was unexpected. As I was washing dishes (a place where, unfortunately, I spend way too much time), there was someone knocking on the window above the sink. This window is about 8 feet above my deck. Sasquatch perhaps?

Ummm…nope!

Knock,knock! Woman – let me in!

And that’s the system around here now! Smudgie cat knocks on the window when he wants in! Which is at least 10 times a day! Cats! Gotta love ‘em!

Somehow we manage….

2010-12-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

To get it all done!

Merry Christmas

to everyone!

French Chair – Trial & Error

2010-12-12T23:59:00.002-05:00

I got in one more project before the holidays. Time to clean up the work area and get some decorating done. So with further ado my shabby chair.

Before:

It helps to start with good bones. This chair is good and solid with nice curvy lines.

I had muslin and tracing paper on hand so that’s where I started. I printed some French wording from The Graphics Fairy and traced it on to the fabric.

Thing is, I don’t have a very steady hand and it looked like crap. Next!

I have seen posts about using a cleaner called Citra Solv to transfer images to fabric.

Now that’s better!

NOTE: An inkjet printer will not do the trick. You need to print with toner. I took mine to a copy shop and used their copier. The first time around I forgot to flip (mirror image) the words so I had to go back and do it again! Duh!

I also decided that the muslin wasn’t thick enough so I used some of this….

…….to fuse two layers together to add body and thickness.

Then…..

……made piping to contour the seat cushion.

Voila!

NOTE: When I bought the Citra Solv the bottle said to mix it to make 8 gallons of cleaner. So I wondered if I was supposed to mix it. Nope. Use it full strength.

That said, I think I have a new addiction. Courtesy of the wonderful images available at the Graphics Fairy. Today is Brag Monday so I'm headed there to check out the creative uses. And what would Monday be without Make It For Monday? Check it out.

The Price of Beauty - VTT

2010-11-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Oh the cost of beauty…..primping and preening…..

From under ‘things’ ….

To legs.

And hair. And nails. Remember these funky hair dryers? I remember my mother had one but the shape was different and it looked like she had a strawberry on her head! Definitely not something she wanted to been seen in! But this…..

A “beehive bonnet”! All decorated up! Who would want to draw attention to themselves with this thing on their head? Crack.me.up. It’s not just me – is it?

I am joining the Vintage Thingy Thursday linky party hosted by Suzanne.

Silver Loving Cup - Silver Sunday & VTT

2010-11-14T14:35:00.001-05:00

Until recently I had never heard of a "loving cup". So I did what anyone would do. I Googled it.

FROM BRITTANICA online:

" loving cup, large, two-handled cup, often made of silver, that may take many forms. In the past, at weddings, banquets, or meetings, a loving cup might be shared by a number of persons for ceremonial drinking, symbolizing friendship and unity. Loving cups are often given as trophies to winners of games or other competitions. The French coupe de mariage is a somewhat shallow form of loving cup. "

OK. With that established, I knew that the lovely that had recently come into my possession was just that, a loving cup.

A tarnished beauty.

I was completed taken by the lovely details..... all scrolly and flowery.

And engraved! And almost antique....dated 1912!

I was on the fence about keeping this lovely but in the end my desire to downsize my life won out. I listed it on ebay last month and I was glad that I did. Suffice it to say that loving cups are a hot commodity.

I am linking up to Silver Sunday hosted by Gypsy Fish and Vintage Thingies Thursday hosted by ColoradoLady.

Holiday Entertaining – The Vintage Way - VTT

2010-11-07T13:06:00.001-05:00

After a summer of no yard sales (by choice), I’ve certainly been making up for it in the last few weeks. Church sales, estate sales, you name it. Last Saturday I went to an estate sale with no expectations. Now it’s funny what happens when you have no expectations……my SUV was packed to the rafters! (I even sent my husband back the next day to pick up a new washing machine!)

I’m gradually organizing, fixing, painting and taking pictures of my new finds. With the holidays coming I was on the look-out for Shiny Brites but no such luck. The only holiday related item I found was this….

A carnival-glass Egg Nog set. I thought it was pretty cool and I’ve never seen one before.

In excellent condition….until I got it home and broke one of the cups! Someone else did the same thing before me as it now has 10 cups instead of the 12 that it started with!

I've haven't joined in a while but have missed participating in Suzanne's Vintage Thingy Thursday so am linking up this week. It's always fun to see what others have.

The First Miner Rescued in Chile

2010-10-13T00:32:00.000-04:00

The first of the Chilean miners was rescued from the San Jose mine about 1 1/2 hours ago. The thought of being contained 1/2 mile under the earth's surface for 69 days is much more than my mind can fathom.

Please pray that the other 32 are brought home safe and sound to their families.

A Chalkboard with Regal Silver - Make It 4 Monday

2010-10-07T22:33:00.001-04:00

I know that pretty much everyone in the world has now made a chalkboard. Or at least everyone in blogland. I’ve made them on wood. I’ve made them on glass but this one has a twist. A silver plate tray!
A well worn one at that. I didn’t really see it having any kind of future at all so I thought it might give it a new purpose.

So first it got the Frog Tape treatment.

Sprayed. And sprayed. And sprayed. And sprayed.

Peeled the tape.

Then used an emery board to clean it up.

Then seasoned with chalk.

And voila!

I wasn’t sure if it would work or not but I am quite happy with the outcome.

for more ingenious projects, visit Cottage Instincts at Make It For Monday.

Yard Saling - The Karma Way

2010-09-30T00:50:00.000-04:00

For the first time this year, I went yard sale’ing last Saturday. I was out running errands on Friday and noticed that there were tons of yard sale signs everywhere. Which led me to the conclusion that this might have been the "grand finale" for the year. How smart am I? Lol.

As is typical for me, I didn’t pay any attention to the clock and before I knew it, it was noon. Dawdle, dawdle - not good. A lot of sales end at 1 or 2. Oh well, whatever will be will be. I set off for an estate sale being held by an 87 year old man. Upon arrival I chit-chatted with him for few minutes and then went off to poke around. He told me that everything was 1/2 off. Good thing. His things were kind of pricey.

Vintage Aurora Borealis necklaces and a pair of earrings.

This picture really picked up the beautiful colors of the AB beads.

I also picked up a couple of portable radios and then went to pay for my wares. I spent some time talking (well more listening actually) to the gentleman as he regaled me with tales of days gone by. After listening for a while, I headed off. When I turned on my car and saw the time – oh balls! I’ve missed everything – it was 2:15!

Oh well. Such is life. Driving home, I saw a yard sale sign and decided to follow it to see if it might still be on and, although winding down, it was. I poked around and was guided to a free section. That’s where I found this!

A beautiful, vintage white frosted glass lamp with handpainted roses. Gorgeous! (And, yes, it works!)

(I also got a dog crate but you know what they look like so no pic.)

I wasn’t ready to go home yet so I decided to visit one of my favorite consignment shops, Sister Goods. It was too late for yard sales but they are open until 5 pm so off I went. When I pulled up, their small parking lot was cordoned off. They were just closing down their yard sale! One of the owners, Mary, saw me and told me that there was a stack of boxes, full of goodies and “free for the taking”. After a few minutes, this is what I came away with…..

Another lamp….and it works!

Beautiful Edwin Knowles serving plate dated 1937.

Odd ‘n Ends.

Craft project supplies.

There was still a ton of stuff left but I was happy with what I had found. So I hopped in my car and off I went. Done for the day.

But wait….what is that? Another consignment shop! Should I? Shouldn’t I? Why not!

Look what I found! Monogrammed silverplate cream & sugar and a large teapot (made in Bavaria)!

Now that really was enough for one day!

Moral of this long-winded story? I could have rushed off to follow my agenda but chose to listen to the stories of the old gentleman instead. Now I'm not patting my self on the back because I thoroughly enjoyed listening but I do think that you "get what you give". Karma is a wonderful thing.

I’m linking up to Vintage Thingies Thursday hosted by Suzanne. Now she’s a lady with good karma!

“Sing Your Song” Chalkboard - Upcycling

2010-09-26T08:17:00.002-04:00

I’ve upcycled a few different things into chalkboards over the past few months. Old windows, thrifted picture frames and the like. Mostly just for fun. It has helped me to perfect my spraying technique. Kinda, sorta – I still have my oops moments – but getting better!

Since you don’t really need more than one chalkboard, I’ve been putting my “overstock” in the shop. Luckily, they sell just about as soon as I can get them in there.

The most recent one started out like this…..

A “Savers” bargain at just $3.99.

It might be hard to tell in this picture but it shows that this is not the first time that this has been recycled. The lower part shows that there was another picture underneath.

Once dismantled, a little spray here, a little spray there….

Add a little message.

Voila! Nothing extraordinary….but one less thing in a landfill. And…..people seem to like them. They always sell in the shop.

If you would like to see more creative projects, visit Make It 4 Monday at Cottage Instincts. Lots of great projects gathered all in one place.

Make if for Monday

It’s All About the Great Outdoors Right Now - VTT

2010-09-23T00:08:00.000-04:00

Although I have good about reading blogs, I’ve been very remiss in posting. Mostly because I’ve been trying to get things done during this very short period of fabulous weather. A little bit of this ‘n a little bit of that.

The garden takes up some of my time.

I’ve also been out hunting down treasures – in old haunts and new.

One of my favorite old haunts is a little shop called the “Calico Shack”. There are as many things outside braving the elements as there are inside. I just love poking around outside this shop.

I find many of my weathered wooden treasures here.

Sometimes there are surprise guests.

Last Saturday I visited one of my new favorite places, Viviana’s Vintage. I wasn’t even in the store yet when I spotted this!

Oh my! Others have their addictions to china and Pyrex. Old suitcases are mine. This big old leather suitcase is awesome! Monogrammed too!

In excellent condition with just one little flaw….

A section of the lining was detached…..nothing a little spray adhesive can’t fix.

I am participating in Vintage Thingie Thursday hosted by Suzanne. You should visit! It’s always full of great people and their vintage finds.

Upcycling an Old Window – M-4-M

2010-08-29T23:54:00.000-04:00

One day, several years ago, a local daycare center had their windows replaced. It was my good fortune to drive by that day AND have my dad visiting with his pick-up truck.   We loaded up his truck and as a result….I have a stockpile of windows. Yahoo!

I’ve used the windows in a few ways and my most recent project was a quasi message center. One day I hope to do a mini greenhouse.

I forgot the “before” pictures this time. The plain old window was framed out with molding.

It had one broken pane of glass so the original plan was to add chicken wire to the one square but me being me, oops! Another broken pane.

Glued in the chicken wire from the back. If you attempt this please be careful. Chicken wire can be nasty. It bites.

Sprayed the chicken wire white. Sprayed the glass with chalkboard paint.   And, voila….

Message center!

For anyone pondering a chalkboard, the paint is available in both spray form and brush on (quarts). My experience has been that the spray works much better on glass. Repeated light coats. I also saw instructions on how to make your own chalkboard paint online but have never tried it. You can find the instructions here.

If you would like to see more creative projects, visit Make It 4 Monday at Cottage Instincts. Lots of great projects gathered all in one place.

Huh? It’s not just me, is it? - VTT

2010-08-24T13:18:00.001-04:00

Even in her absence, Coloradolady (Suzanne) has set up her weekly Vintage Thingy Thursday post. What a hostess!

I love old magazines and catalogs. I love the photos and graphics but the ads and text is sometimes downright hilarious. Things that seemed so normal then, is silly or even ludicrous today.

I was flipping through the pages of the 1955 Spiegel catalog when I came across this page.

Isn’t this odd?

Talking Parrots, Toucans and Cockatiels?

Chatter-keets!

The logistics of keeping and shipping birds is bad enough but a burro?

If I recall correctly, I became familiar with Spiegel because they were advertisers on the Price Is Right. Am I right? If so, what would Bob Barker think? After all, he was one of the first animal advocates that I remember.

For more Vintage Thingies visit .........

Black Toile Bench Redo - Make It For Monday

2010-08-08T21:44:00.000-04:00

Make It For Monday is baaaaack!

In the dog days of summer the heat is making it really hard to get projects done so I’m opting for smaller ones. A small sense of accomplishment is better than NO sense of accomplishment. The big ones can wait for the more comfortable days in September and October.

This week I did a quick redo on a nice little bench that I recently acquired. It has nice lines and good bones.

Very dated though and in need of a little TLC.

Removing the old fabric revealed that the bench is pretty old. You don’t see this type of fiber fill/batting anymore.

Then there were all the annoying little nails to remove on the back but, surprisingly, they popped off easily with the simplest of tools.

After a little love……..

Tada!

Nice legs!

So with my very humble project, I am linking up to Make It For Monday over at Cottage Instincts. I am headed there now for more inspiration.

Good Bones & Random Things for Vintage Thingies Thursday

2010-07-29T01:28:00.000-04:00

I had no idea what I was going to post for VTT this week. I took a last minute jaunt to Cape Cod today and when I got back home and was catching up on blogs, I saw Suzanne’s post….oops. Forgot again!

So I got my act together and came up with some random things. This table was one of my recent thrift store finds. It was a hot mess but it did have “good bones”. Nice curves and the pulls were pretty and intact.

A little elbow grease….

Tada……

(The finish looks odd because the picture was taken outside so there are reflections from the trees, etc.)

I was inspired to do this post because I was reading a post by Beth of Gypsy Fish Journal about a table that she refinished and didn’t want to part with once it was done. That happens to me often but this time I exercised control. Once the paint dried, I popped it in my car and ran it up to the shop. Out of sight, out of mind.

So now that I’ve bored you half to death, I thought I would include few pictures of interesting things that were in the shop yesterday.

An interesting teapot.

Princess (??) phone.

Old trunk

Interesting mannequin.

So that’s it for today! Be sure to visit with Suzanne to see more vintage items.

Have a lovely week!

Fun & Funky Vintage Thingies - VTT

2010-07-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Time is certainly flying! In keeping with my summertime motto “short & sweet”, I’m linking to Suzanne’s Vintage Thingie Thursday.

This week I chose to show you some things that I found while poking around one of my favorite antique malls. Some fun and funky stuff. Like toys that many will remember from their childhood and just plain fun stuff.

Probably two of the most iconic toys ever……

Who hasn’t had Fisher Price in their house?

Some funky things…… ~~Anthromorphic~~ (I always make that mistake.) Anthropomorphic (meaning: ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human) salt and pepper shakers.

This mug / jug, is perhaps a “Toby Jug” or character jug. One way or the other, he’s a funny looking character with such exaggerated features!

That’s it for this week. For more vintage thingies……click on the logo

VTT

1930’s Fashion - VTT

2010-07-15T00:06:00.000-04:00

It’s that time again. Time to share your favorite vintage thingies with the crowd that gathers for Vintage Thingie Thursday hosted by Suzanne AKA Colorado Lady. So without further ado…..

Now, I may not be a fashionista but I do have a an appreciation for the styles of days gone by. I was flipping through a 1933 Spiegel catalog (now just that name is the blast from the past for me!) and came across these ladies….

Tres chic, oui?

And gents….

To complete their attire….

It’s easy to see why pocket watches are prized collectibles today. So very elegant!

Now for something a little more risque!

1933? Really? Oh-la-la! Look at those stockings! Silk chiffon! They look so pretty the way they “fall” in the picture.

Silly (but true) story. Growing up, my mom was a stay at home mom and rarely got “dolled up”. On the rare occasion that she did, I remember sitting on the floor in her bedroom watching her as she got ready for the night. Awestruck. Even after all these years, there are three distinct things that have stuck with me. One was the smell of her lipstick. The second was the the blue bottle of “Evening in Paris” perfume that she wore. (I have collected a few blue bottles in recent years.) And, lastly, was the feel of her stockings. At the risk of sounding like an “odd bird”……. I remember touching her stockings and marveling at the feel. So wonderfully silky!

So that’s my VTT post for this week. Can’t wait to check out yours @ Suzanne’s blog.

Happy 4th America

2010-07-04T12:42:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to wish everyone a wonderful day of celebration.

Enjoy and be safe!

1958 Toddler Book - VTT

2010-06-30T20:48:00.000-04:00

Vintage Thingy Thursday is upon us!

I’ve been finding it very difficult to keep up with blogging at this time of year. Not only is there a garden to tend to but there is also the long list of projects that can only be done outdoors. And those months are short in the northeast. Spray painting in the house is definitely frowned upon.

I do like to keep up with other blogs though. Every day when I go to my blogroll to see what others have to say, I get irritated that the same post has been sitting there for a week – or two! So in an effort not to appear to have fallen off the face of the earth, I will try to post a little more regularly. But I have a new “MO”. Keep it short and sweet. Speaking of sweet, I think you will find these images from the 1958 book “I Can”, just that, sweet!

I am joining in for this week’s Vintage Thingie Thursday hosted by a much more diligent blogger, Suzanne aka Colorado Lady. It’s always fun and interesting to see what everyone has to show. Happy 4th everyone!

Roadtrips, Roomies and the Case of the Missing Blogger

2010-06-13T22:31:00.000-04:00

I did it again! I went missing! I’ve been neglecting my blog but at least I’ve been doing a pretty good job of keeping up with everyone else’s.

First, I took a road trip at the end of May. I went to Montreal to help my daughter sell off her things and pack up her apartment. She’s moving back home for a bit so now I have a roomie! Oh…and she brought her roomie too……

Miss Elsa is 13 months old and a big, old baby. She’s adjusting well but the other 4-legged inhabitants are not quite so sure about her.

Face-off in the catnip patch! Cally can be cranky but when it comes to catnip…..

This is the true contender……..

Smudgie the catnip junkie!

Things should be interesting around here!

Vintage Equestrian - VTT

2010-05-19T22:49:00.000-04:00

Wow time flies. I can’t believe that it’s already Vintage Thingy Thursday. It really sneaks up! I only intended to read the posts this week and not post myself but …….. Last week on a road trip through New Hampshire I found something curious and I decided to see what I could find out about it online. Well, we all know how that goes. Hours later…..

I thought it was really cool. When I found it, it was clipped closed. The leather handles were somewhat worn but I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it up. The fan itself is in excellent condition.

The thing that I found so unusual about the fan is that it isn’t the usual feminine foofy kind of fan. It’s very functional and sturdy. I wondered who it might have been made for. Perhaps an equestrian damsel riding side-saddle?

Google here I come.

I found some very interesting ladies decked out in their riding attire. These are from the mid to late 1800’s.

Can you imagine wearing all of this and getting on a horse?

I see that they all have crops but no fans. I guess I’m on the wrong track. Any ideas?

Don’t forget to visit Suzanne for more Vintage Things.

Fruit Crate Labels - VTT

2010-05-13T00:04:00.000-04:00

I am finding in more and more difficult to post at this time of year. I do still comment as much as possible but my posting schedule is taking a beating! And, I get irritated when I see the same post on my blog for a full week. What’s a girl to do? Digging in the dirt takes priority at this time of year. I must remain true to my garden blog because after all, that’s what started me blogging. Keeping track of my successes and failures in the great outdoors.

Ok – so on to this week’s Vintage Thingie Thursday hosted by our gracious host, Suzanne. If you’ve visited my blog before, you probably know that I have a thing for old graphics. I find them interesting and very telling of days gone by. Some of the old advertisements are hilarious. OK – enough blabbering. This week, I’ll be showing some old paper fruit crate labels.

With the exception of when I was in figure skating revues, I have never worn as much make-up as this guy!

Diving Girl apples. What is the logic behind that?

I'll stop with the commentary and let you take a peek on your own.

Pretty interesting. Strange. But interesting. For more vintage things, check out Vintage Thingies Thursday.

Poking Around An Old Mill - VTT

2010-05-05T21:50:00.000-04:00

I haven’t posted here in 2 weeks! Yikes! I’ve been crazy busy and the rest of the month promises to be the same. Things to do inside. Things to do outside (which also means keeping up my outdoor blog).

I’m not sure if I mentioned this before but I take pictures for an antique shop and I thought I would share a few this week. I hope that’s OK with our host – Suzanne @ ColoradoLady. Suzanne? I’m not breaking any rules, am I?

I have an affinity for architecture so first a few pictures of the outside of this beautiful old mill..

Look at the beautiful brick! And these windows! To think that this was an industrial building.

This is a side view of the building. It’s a big one!

It runs back to a little waterfall. If I am not mistaken, this is fed by the mighty Blackstone River.

Would you like to come in?

The over-sized windows make for wonderful “vignettes”.

I’m not sure how high the ceilings are but at least 20 feet!

Although mostly antiques, there is a mix of prim ‘n country, shabby chic and specialty items.

Old Stereoview (I think that’s what it’s called)

Phonograph / Radio.

So thanks for visiting me and one of my favorite places. You should head over to visit more Vintage Thingies @ ColoradoLady.

Old Perfume Catalog - VTT

2010-04-21T23:30:00.001-04:00

I have been so bizzy bizzy that I almost forgot that it’s Vintage Thingies Thursday and, well, that’s just plain rude! It’s just that time of year – things to do inside and things to do outside, projects, visitors, yada, yada!

Thankfully, this had already been scanned and is pretty self explanatory if you are inclined to read the pages. If not, you might just admire the bottles, etc. Some crazy stuff on these pages. I’ll try to keep the commentary to a minimum.

Pretty perfume bottles…

Soaps, etc…..

No color commentary here – you can read for yourself….

Pills….for everything….including bed wetting!

And let’s top it off with a cute little baby….awww!

Granny's Attic and Sherrie asked if the catalog had any hair related pictures. I am happy to say yes but not much. So these are for you.

The cover, although not in great shape, had a picture of a lady primping her locks so here is it.
You might be able to spiff it up with a photo editing program.

And that’s the scoop for this week. I hope to make it here every week but my mind (and thankfully body) is being drawn to the great outdoors and my outdoor blog. I will keep up reading the VTT posts every week ‘cuz it’s fun! If you haven’t already visited, pop over to see more VTT posts at Coloradolady’s blog.

Visiting the Past - Vintage Thingies Thursday

2010-04-14T22:18:00.004-04:00

A funny thing happened earlier this week.

I have been playing amateur genealogist recently. I pondered doing this for a long time but both of my parents are gone and so I had no idea where to start. Finally, I decided to give it a whirl and see what I could find. Quite frankly, it has been easier than I thought. Ancestry.ca has been a fabulous resource. Among other things, I found my mother’s baptismal certificate almost immediately, in a most unexpected place.

As part of my digging, I brought out a box of old pictures that I hadn’t seen in years. As I sifted through them, I separated them to give to my brother and sister their childhood photos. When all was said and done, I had a very small stack of pictures of my mom. I was young when she passed in 1976 and my memories were very vague. As I laid them all out next to each other, I started to see a theme.

I had memories of conversations that I overheard as a kid about the tough times mom’s family had when she was growing up. She grew up in a family with 16 children! That alone would make for tough times.

As I looked through the photos I noticed that more often than not, there she was with a smile on her face…..and that hand on her hip!

This may sound silly but I think my young ears had translated the tough times as a terrible childhood for her. It was really nice to look back and see the smiles and body language of happiness. I’m thinking “hand on hip” is a bit of an attitude.

And with this little trip down memory lane I am reminded…..life is about attitude!

Look familiar?Now I know where I get it from!

Well this post came out of the clear blue yonder but I’m glad that I did it. I am linking up to Vintage Thingie Thursday @ Colorado Lady’s blog. Pop over, it’s fun.

It’s a 3-Ring Circus - VTT

2010-04-07T23:06:00.000-04:00

I recently acquired a lot of circus items. I am not a big circus fan (for several reasons) but the price was right and I was intrigued. So there I sat mulling over these vintage circus programs. I was more than a little…um…befuddled. Yes, let’s use “befuddled”, at what I saw.

This is the cover from a 1935 program. Kind of nasty looking for something geared towards kids.

Now here we have a fine young lady riding a beautiful horse. While smoking?

A lighter for your cigarette.

And a beer with your cigarette?

Or a soda.

Now in essence, there’s nothing wrong with this ad except for the fact that it’s a circus program! Is it just me?

I’ve never seen this type of fridge before. The cooling unit is on the top. Only a little more relevant to a circus program. At least it’s family related.

And another.

I did learn something though.

I need to eat my Wheaties!

That’s it for this week’s Vintage Thingies Thursday. You should skip on over to Suzanne’s blog for more vintage things. She has a great show & tell for you this week.

1950’s Bathing Beauties - VTT

2010-03-24T21:58:00.001-04:00

The annual ritual has begun. Spring cleaning. Today as I bent and scrubbed and rid myself of unwanted things, I came to a conclusion. I have a helluva lot more to get rid of than “things”. As I was on all fours with my head in the bottom of the fridge, it quickly became apparent that I had lived a much more sedentary lifestyle this winter than I thought. The contortions were much more difficult than they have ever been in the past.

So, with that in mind, I thought I would give myself (and anyone else in “need”) a little incentive. After all, beach season is right around the corner……look at these beauties!

Vintage 50’s ads. No words required really.

These kind of accentuate their…..um….boo-tays!

It’s Vintage Thingies Thursday so pop on over to visit Suzanne @ Colorado Lady for more vintage viewing!

Tracy - I apologize for not linking up this week. My boo-tay has been tres busy!

Happy St. Paddy’s Day - Vintage 1986 - VTT

2010-03-17T21:13:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we had four days of pelting rain and wind. The result of which is….water in my basement. Nothing significant but a nuisance nonetheless. Hauling carpets out of the basement….. you get the idea. We were lucky compared to some. The rain was so bad in some areas that people had not only basements full of water but their first floor we inundated as well. So I cannot complain. On this St. Patrick’s Day, I’m feeling the luck ‘o the Irish.

Since I haven’t had time to dig anything up and take pics, I thought I would introduce to something vintage 1986.

Meet Lindsay Erin. My middle daughter. This is the one daughter that I’ve never posted about so I thought it was about time. (Plus she came in looking like a leprechaun!) Lindsay amazes me. She works with Alzheimer’s patients and it sooo cut out for it with just the right sense of humor and her big heart. She loves them dearly.

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Pop on over for a visit with Colorady Lady for Vintage Thingies Thursday.

Norma Jean Baker - An American Icon for Retro Tuesday

2010-03-16T11:38:00.000-04:00

I have an admission. I have always been mesmerized by Marilyn Monroe. As a teenager before any details of her death were truly known, I felt sorry for her. I think it’s because I have a tendency to root for humble souls. She may have seemed all glitz and glamour, from what I have read, in her very heart and soul she was a country girl thrust into the limelight. Much like many of the young “starlets” (is it OK to use that word today?) of today.

Last summer my daughter, Chelsea, and I took a quick road trip to southern Maine – Kittery, York, Ogunquit. Along the way we stopped for dinner on Route 1 and discovered “Vinny’s”. Vinny likes Marilyn too!

Inside the restaurant is this life-sized statue. All lit up like the Hollywood star she was.

….and a painting

…..and a poster

……and a showcase

Next time you’re in Southern Maine, pop into Vinny’s, The food was good. Plus a fun place to see.

It’s Retro Tuesday so pop over to The Crazy Suburban Mom for more retro fun.

Silver Love – VTT & Silver Sunday

2010-03-10T20:57:00.000-05:00

Ok. Let me start by saying that I am being a cheater this week. Since this week is the monthly Silver Sunday post, I’m using one post for two par-tays! I’m trying to cut down on my computer time while not appearing to fall off the face of the earth. Plus I figure some people might be interested in the other “gathering”. So without further ado – silver love!

This is more than vintage! When I found it, it was as black as coal. I thought it might be Victorian but it didn't really matter to me. It was beautiful and the price was right.

When I looked up the hallmark (Babcock) on Replacements.com, I learned that they had ceased operating in 1831! Not 1931….1831! Beautiful workmanship! The engraved leaves and bird are little works of art.

It has little “arms” on the back for a fork or spoon.

Here’s another cool thing. It’s a flask that was awarded as a trophy! It’s one of those things that makes me love silver even more than I already do. The embossing (or relief) is a testament to the superb material that silver is.

Now this next one, I adore.

A baby rattle / teething ring! The rattle is sterling and could have been engraved with birth details. The ring is lucite (I think) and is supposed to be a teething ring. What a great baby gift! I think this dates to the 1920’s because I found one with engraving and it had “1925” as the year of birth.

So that’s enough of my babbling for this week. Go check out the Vintage Thingies Thursday @ ColoradoLady and Silver Sunday @ GypsyFishStudio (don't forget to visit on Sunday!). Fun stuff.

Eames Theme – Retro Tuesday

2010-03-09T12:16:00.000-05:00

It’s Retro Tuesday and this week Tracy included a video about the world famous Eames chairs. So I thought I would play along. This is the only Eames related item that I have. Ummm....had. Someone on ebaY liked them!

These glasses are the “Forbidden Fruit” pattern by Georges Briard. He was another famous designer from the 50’s and 60’s.

White glass with black and gold. Very funky!

Well that’s my itty bitty post for this week. To find out more about this period, visit Tracy @ The Crazy Suburban Mom.

Fresh From the Garden Vintage - VTT and Fertilizer Friday

2010-03-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

I don’t consider myself a collector of anything really. I do however have a love of old magazines and seed catalogs. I love the graphics, and colors, and advertising. So at this time of year when we are chomping at the bit for winter to be over and spring to arrive, I would like to share a vintage nursery catalog from Spring 1956.

This is the envelope from the catalog. Addressed to Mrs. Sommerfeldt of Wisconsin.

Mrs. Sommerfeldt didn’t order from them that year – this is the return envelope.

I love the transformation that spring brings. The trees budding and the flowers bursting with color and life. One of my favorite things is the fresh food that we grow.

Among the earliest arrivals will be juicy strawberries. Can’t you just taste a fresh from the garden strawberry?

….and apricots (never had a fresh picked one but…)

…….and berries

…..ohhhh and crunchy, fresh from the tree apples!

Oh, and let’s not forget, soon the windows will be open and the birds will be singing, and fledglings will be flying. Well you get my drift. And if you are still inundated with snow and winter, and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, just close your eyes and know that the glory of it all is right around the corner. Can’t you just smell the hyacinths…..

I am linking up to two favorite linky parties this week. Colorado Lady’s Vintage Thingy Thursday and Tootsie’s Fertilizer Friday. Surf on over to take a peek.

Characters in My Life – Rulers of the Roost!

2010-02-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

I don’t mention these two often. Although I could because it’s “always something”. Sometimes they’re like snakes just appearing out of nowhere. Slithering along, rubbing my legs to let me know they want something. Slither, slither, sit by the door = time to go out. Slither, slither, sit by the bowls = feed me!

So on Thursday, after a successful day of thrifting (at last!), I unwrapped my treasures to take pictures for Etsy. With assistance of course.

Vintage Salt & Pepper Shakers. I like to take pictures of shiny things in the bay window for natural light.

Someone else likes the bay window too! The snooziest cat in the world, Cally.

I put these up on Etsy last night. I hesitated to include the pics with Cally for fear of sending a buyer running but in the end I decided to use them. And it worked out well! Sold & paid for! Just as well ‘cuz she was seriously eyeballing these new toys.

And while Cally was busy with the shakers…….

The lamp inspector was busy here.

Never a dull moment!

A Stroll Through April 1953 - Retro Tuesday

2010-02-23T12:32:00.001-05:00

I feel like it’s been forever since I shared some of my old magazines and, well, that’s just wrong. It’s such fun to take a look at what women were being ~~inundated~~ presented with in any given time period. Magazines are so telling because they serve as a timeline. So this week I’m sharing a magazine – Woman’s Day from April 1953.

I have had my share of tape wrangling sessions! I’ve learned over the years that when I am in a wrapping frenzy at Christmas, only “Scotch” tape will do!

I’ve not seen “Weather Bird” shoes before. I’m guessing that the association with the Disney characters was a great boon to sales!

“Wherever we go Libby’s is best!”. Where do you suppose these cowgirls might go?

The lady in the last photo is very pretty so why would someone do that to her! Payback? Maybe she offended the editor.

Now we’re talking! Quelle fashionista! Look at that waist!

Isn’t this pretty?

I love this! I must admit I would never have thought this is something you would see in a 1953 edition of Woman’s Day. Am I alone? On second thought, she does remind me of Ava Gardener.

Now why did they have to go and stick this thing in there? Talk about a reality check. First high fashion then the everyday ho-hum. I remember my mom rolling one of these monsters over to the kitchen sink a few times a week. And I complain about doing laundry? Puts things in perspective.

And for more balance, let’s be reminded of another chore.

7 cents! How could that be? I know it’s 1953 but still!

So that’s it for this week. I am linking up to Retro Tuesday at the Crazy Suburban Mom’s and Vintage Thingie Thursday at Colorado Lady.

VTT – True Confessions

2010-02-18T00:02:00.003-05:00

Why do we always have to learn things the hard way?   Stubbornness? Ignorance? (As in “ignorance is bliss”.)   Or just plain stupidity!

As of today I have been without my laptop for 2 weeks. In computer years, that’s about 2 years!!! Two weeks ago tonight I had my laptop on the kitchen counter because my printer was not co-operating.    I was making a huge batch of Bolognese sauce to freeze and I was trying out a new recipe so when the printer would not print, I did the next best thing. Or so I thought. I put the laptop on the kitchen counter. With tomato sauce, and wine, and, well you get the idea. Snap, crackle, pop. It has been at the doctor’s office for almost 2 weeks now. 1st diagnosis – motherboard. 2nd diagnosis + video card.

In the meantime I have been making do with with my old desktop. As in my 6 or 7 year old computer. Young for me or you. Computers, not so much. Suffice it to say that this has been an extremely aggravating two weeks. I could go on and on but I am fairly certain that most of you know what I am dealing with. I have seriously pondered putting this computer out of it’s misery via hammer. Instead I have chosen to take the high road. Brings me back to Lamaze class. Breath. Breath. (“Lamaze” on it’s own should qualify as my vintage thingie!)

So in addition to working with a less than co-operative computer, most of my pictures are on vacation as well. At the doctor’s office. So I’m delving onto this old computer.

Let’s see….a road trip is in order…Quebec…Vermont…

About 20 miles before crossing the High Gates Spring border from Quebec into Vermont is this sight.   He is about 20-25 feet high.   My kids used to call this guy “French Fry Man” because he is in a parking lot that housed a hot dog “joint” with an antique shop out back. Apparently the hot dog joint is no more. So he is now “legeantantique”.   Dot com no less. Progress!

A little closer to the Canada/US border…..

An old Quebec dairy farm….complete with cows & the mandatory barn cat.

Then you cross the border into Vermont…

….and come upon a quintessential Vermont farm. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone, I was driving on I-89 when I took this pic.

Pretty cool, yes? These whale tails are “planted” along the side of I-89. This is the blurb (verbatim) that I found when I googled:

“ They were Vermont's famous Whales' Tails sculpture is seen by thousands every day--er, rather, hundreds (this is Vermont)--as they whizz by in their cars on I-89. This trail will take you around for a close-up look at the black granite sculpture, which stands 12-13 feet tall. The sculpture's real title, "Reverence," is meant to evoke the fragility of the planet. Jim Sardonis of Randolph, VT, created the piece in 1989.”

I have been driving by this for years and still find it so cool when I pass. In 2006 when my father passed away in a very odd way, it was comforting. There was almost (yet, not quite) a rainbow behind it as I drove home. Kind of surreal. A message? Can’t say for sure.

It’s Vintage Thingies Thursday time so go check out more vintage fun! Suzanne is a wonderful host!

P.S. If I don't get my laptop back soon, I may have to hit myself with the aforementioned hammer. Puh-lease Mr. Computer Dr., I need my computer back.

Tooting My Horn! For Etsy!

2010-02-16T14:11:00.000-05:00

Do you know Etsy? I’m not sure how I was introduced to it but I think it was Martha.   Yes, that Martha.   She has Etsy crafters on her show from time to time.

So I snooped around a few years. Then a few months ago I decided to take the Etsy plunge.    Why not? Listing are 20 cents each and last forever.   I don’t know how long truthfully but a long time.   What’s not to love? Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it.    Admittedly, I’ve been slacking. I’m working on it though.

Last Friday, I decided to list a couple of things and then zipped off to the grocery store.   When I returned an hour later, I checked my Etsy to make sure that my 2 new listings looked OK. One was gone. Poof! Just like that!   Since it was time to make dinner, I decided I would look into it later.

Baby “O” the baby rattle was missing. Isn’t it sweet?

After dinner, I was pleasantly surprise to find a Paypal payment in my email! I must say I am quite impressed with Etsy. They do promote items and it seems to be getting more and more popular. Baby “O” was listed for about an hour before finding a new home! So if you’re pondering an Etsy shop yourself, go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose!

Silver & Sparkles - Silver Sunday

2010-02-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

First I would like to thank Beth of Gypsy Fish Journal for re-hosting Silver Sunday. I have totally enjoyed seeing everyone’s treasures and I look forward to peaking each time. Thank you Beth.

This week I have a couple of things to share. First up is this brooch that I picked up a few weeks ago. I find it hard to get good pictures of jewelry – they never do it justice.

Like this one. The stones appear to be dark but they aren’t. They are superbly clear and sparkly. This is a pretty big - about 2 1/2” across.

This bowl is attached to the plate. Rather useful on serving table with say, tea and sugar.

Pretty too!

Don’t forget to visit Gypsy Fish Journal for more silver goodies.

How to be a Good Wife - Vintage Thingies Thursday & Retro Tuesday

2010-02-08T14:44:00.002-05:00

If this were not so totally, absolutely outrageous, I would be irate! How to be a good wife….puh-leeeease.

Excerpted from a 1950’s High School Home Ec Textbook…

Say what? Is my feminist showing?

Head on over to Colorado Lady's Vintage Thingies Thursday & The Crazy Suburban Mom for more Retro Tuesday.

Sumptuous Silver – Silver Sunday

2010-02-07T16:35:00.000-05:00

I’ve been trying to figure out what it is about silver that I love so much. It literally makes me “ohhh” and “ahhhh” when I look at all the lovelies that everyone posts. (Just using the word lovelies is proof positive of my love of silver. That is not a word I use in my everyday vocabulary.)

So I think I figured it out. It’s all about the silversmiths. They must truly love their work and it shows. The attention to detail. It starts with the with the shape and ends with the scrolling designs that they apply.

Without the scrolled handles and engraving this would be ho hum. Thanks to a silversmith, it’s a little work of art.

Even the hallmark is pretty.

This is a cool little thing. An olive fork / prong thingy.

Then there’s also the patina. For those who like their silver all buffed and shiny, it’s “tarnish”. To me it’s the sign of something strong enough to only let the surface show the passage of time.

Since it’s Silver Sunday, check out all the pretty silver hosted by Beth at Gypsy Fish Journal.

Waning Winter - Retro Tuesday & Vintage Thingies Thursday

2010-02-01T20:37:00.001-05:00

In what I hope are the waning days of winter, I thought I would post some wintery things. The sooner this season is behind me, the happier I will be.

Woman’s Day – April 1953
Ad for good old Kleenex. Tracy has been in a relationship with these lately. Poor girl.

Goodness gracious – Little Lulu! I had forgotten about her. So I googled her. An interesting little character she was. A girl before her time cuz she stood up to the boys! If you care to read more, check this out.

Family Circle - December 1959

Hot cocoa to chase the winter chills away. With vitamins no less! Memories of hot cocoa after skating or sledding. It always did the trick.

Family Circle – November 1959

……mmmm, mmmm, good! I’m guessing the Cream of Vegetable wasn’t a hit because I’ve never heard of it.

~~Cross your fingers for tomorrow. Being February 2nd, I hope Mr. Groundhog predicts a quick demise for winter. Just goes to show you how desperate I am when a groundhog is my hero of the day.~~ Yesterday was Groundhog Day. Six more weeks of winter? Noooooooo!

So that’s my post for this week’s Retro Tuesday hosted by Tracy at The Crazy Suburban Mom and Suzanne's Vintage Thingies Thursday. Check it out – always fun!

Bling is the Theme - Silver Sunday

2010-01-30T22:03:00.001-05:00

I’ve was away for the past two Silver Sundays and I really, really missed it. I’m sad that there’s only one more left.

After a week away I’m having a hard time getting back in the game (called life!) . Reality can suck the life out of you. So I hope I am following the rules by showing some bling this week. I went through a period where I was picking up costume jewelry every chance I got. I won a number of jewelry boxes that were loaded with old jewelry. I would drive home with my treasure trove and not peek until I got home. It’s a rather quirky thing for me to do since I do not wear jewelry. Not even my wedding rings!

This pretty rhinestone pin is beautiful. The picture is pretty close to the actual size.

This rhinestone top hat & cane pin is in mint condition.

Pretty rhinestone stretch bracelet.

Shoe clips always make me think of the expression “being dressed to the nines”. Very Audrey Hepburn.

Time to run and see the lovelies that everyone is posting for Silver Sunday. It’s a fun way to pass the time so visit our gracious host, Beth, over at Gypsy Fish.

Just one week left. Boohoo!

Vintage 1953 Valentines - VTT

2010-01-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

Ohhhh……I have the fondest childhood memories of Valentine’s cards. I would get so excited to bring home the punch-out card books and sit for hours addressing them for hand out at school the next day. I think that this was the first time that I truly felt that it was better to give than to receive.

I remember punching out the cards and cutting out the envelopes.

How sweet is she?

Then, there’s always the corny!

So sweet though!

I definitely have a love for vintage graphics. Don’t you?

This is my contribution to Suzanne’s Vintage Thingies Thursday for this week. Pop on over for more vintage thingies.

A Taste of Spring - Vintage Seed Catalog

2010-01-13T21:04:00.002-05:00

The Original Victory Gardens

I love old seed catalogs. This is one of my favorites. A Salzer Seed Catalog from 1941!

The pictures have that beautiful vintage look but more interesting is that this catalog is dated January 2, 1941 putting it at a very important time in history - the midst of WW 2. The era of the original Victory Garden. Within the pages there is a letter from the president of Salzer Seeds, Mr. Kenneth E. Salzer, encouraging Americans to plant gardens to help their country. You should read it. It's really cool. (Click on the images to enlarge for reading / viewing.)

If you read this letter from the president you have to get the sense that life is coming full circle. Moving back to eating local.

Purty, huh? Spring is in the air! OK - so I'm exaggerating. Let's just call it a burst of color on a drabby winter day.

I am joining Suzanne’s Vintage Thingy Thursday so check it out. There’s always lots of fun stuff!

Help for Haiti

2010-01-13T12:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Haiti, one of the poorest countries on earth, was hit by a earthquake. There is currently little or no communication with the island and news reports indicate that the island has been devastated. It could be any one of us. Times may be tough but even a $5 donation will help.

Red Cross

White House - Help Haiti

Critters of the Feline Persuasion

2010-01-11T21:24:00.000-05:00

I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it before but I have two crazy cats. Littermates – a brother and sister duo called Cally Cat and Smudgie Bug. I have been a dog person all of my life but after my last dog died (Mr. Twister the dachshund) I didn’t want to get another one. After three petless months I was sooooo lonely and that’s how my cats came into my life. I probably don’t need to mention that cat owner –vs- dog owner is a whole different ballgame.

Last week when I was dismantling the Christmas decorations and tree, I had the assistance of the dynamic duo.

Cally dismantling the tree.

Smudgie worked the garland on the kitchen table.

It amazes me how they find entertainment in just about anything. We have little jingle bells kicking around all over the floors. I hear them being knocked around from time to time throughout the day. After my three petless months, it’s very comforting to have four legged friends around.

On the day of dismantling last week, I think this may have played a role in their non-stop wacky behavior.

It makes people wacky so why not cats?

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub - Silver Sunday #2

2010-01-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

For the love of silver I will repeat parts of a post that I did a little while ago. Probably the biggest deterrent to owning silver is the fact that it takes a lot of elbow grease to keep it spiffed up and shiny. I once felt that way too. But that was then and this is now.

Depending upon the piece, I often prefer them tarnished. I don’t like when the tarnish is spotty but otherwise, tarnished is good. One thing that I have found is when I find pieces that have been neglected forever and I want to clean up the blackened look, it’s time for a bath. Scrub-a-dub-dub time for the tub.

A mixture of warm water, washing soda and tin foil. Somehow they all react to remove (or at very least loosen) the tarnish, depending on the amount of tarnish. This can be a perfect solution for the pieces that you don’t want to remove all the tarnish. Just check the pieces every few minutes until they have the look you want.

They started like this.

The pieces that I did worked out well – some I wanted a little shinier so I finished them off with polish. Some were perfect.
After the spa treatement.....

This brush is sterling and it turned out great.

The carved handled sugar bowl did peel a little.

(sorry for the poor quality of the picture)

NOTE: If your piece is valuable, you might want to use the traditional silver polishes. You wouldn’t want to ruin an heirloom.

For more silver lovelies, visit Beth at Gypsy Fish. You’ll be glad you did!

Twisting & Twirling - Vintage Thingies Thursday

2010-01-06T21:59:00.001-05:00

Wow time flies! It seems like yesterday that it was VTT but it was really last year. Enough silliness. Did you see the sweet new logo for VTT? It looks like Suzanne @ Colorado Lady has been very, very busy. A new year with a whole new blog design, a new logo, among other things. Hurray Suzanne! Nice job!

This week I have some kiddy fun! Remember this? A 1960’s Twister game. Look at the graphics! What a bunch of clowns! So fun and sooooooo 60’s!

I call it a “kiddy” game because I am no longer limber enough to play!

This next one was good for hours and hours of entertainment. A Super Spirograph!

Not only could you create fun twirly designs and feel like an “artiste” but….there were colored ink pens - four colors! That was a big thing back then. Or maybe that was just a little dork like me. Dunno. I know I was thrilled.

I think their slogan was “Kenner fun for everyone.”. (Or something equally brilliant.)

That’s that for that! Time to head over to Colorado Lady’s for more vintage fun.

They’re Kookie – Retro Tuesday

2010-01-05T13:56:00.000-05:00

With all the stresses inherent to this time of year I thought a chuckle was in order. Completely out of season and off topic. That’s just how I roll.

Remember this motley crew?

These cards of from a game. They are marked 1965 Filmways Productions. When I hear Filmways I think of Eva Gabor. I think it was her that used to say at the end of Green Acres “This has been a Filmways presentation dah-ling.”. Yes?

Can you even imagine a show like this on TV today? Uh, no. Emphatically, no. Such a different time.

Well that’s my silly contribution for this week’s Retro Tuesday hosted by The Crazy Suburban Mom. Go check it out!

Shabby Mirror – Make It For Monday

2010-01-04T13:29:00.000-05:00

I managed to complete a small project over the holidays. A lovely mirror that I had bought to be integrated into a hall tree that I will be working on but it was just a little small to make it work. So a redo was in order.

This is the stamp on the back “…….Looking Glasses….”. I like that.

The frame was painted a shockingly bright white so I toned it down by painting it a creamier white. Plus a little distressing.

Added some bling.

Tada!

Nothing earth-shattering but something with good bones and pretty nonetheless.

Pop on over to see Cindy (and her Gramma) Cottage Instincts to see more.

Uh-Oh – I Almost Missed It! Silver Sunday #1

2010-01-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

While I was off in, oh I don’t know, lala land or something, I almost missed the first Silver Sunday! Thanks to the astute Polly at The French Cupboard, I am able to participate. She was kind enough to mention it on my blog and saved the day. Thank you Polly!

So I just have a little something that I picked up over the holidays to show you this week. This darling little sterling spoon pin.

The bowl of the spoon has what looks like a raised Aladdin’s lamp with a feather beneath it. It measures about 2 3/4”.

The back is marked “Fine Arts – Sterling” on the bowl portion and “Southern Colonial” on the back of the handle.

Naturally, as soon as I got home, I performed a Google operation. We all know how frustrating that can be but this was not one of those times. No digging this time. I learned that this was made in 1945. It certainly helps when you have the name and pattern right there on the piece!

These are a couple of things that I had in my itsy bitsy space at the shop.

These candle holders were so plain that I glued some bling on to spice them up a bit.

A mix of vintage and newer ornaments in a silver plate bowl. In the shop one day, gone the next. Sometimes the simplest things….. You just never know.

So this is my little contribution to Silver Sunday. Thank you to Beth @ The Gypsy Fish for hosting Silver Sunday. Pop on over to see more luscious silver.

What I Learned in 2009

2010-01-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Happy 2010!

The start of a new year is always a time of reflection for me. 2009 was a tough year for a lot of people.    I stopped reading newspapers and switched off the news when I felt inundated with more details of foreclosures, job losses, and on and on and on.   The relentless spewing by the media just made it all worse.   I wasn’t operating in an “ignorance is bliss” state of mind but rather in an “enough already” state. We know. We all know. So stop.

2009 was a transformative year for me.     I entered the world of blogging (after a false start in July 2008 – with just one post). I started a garden blog to keep track of what I was up to.   I had no expectations – just making notes. I had no “Followers” or “Comments”.   Like a little church mouse navigating blog world.   Then when summer ran it’s course and the garden was dying off I found myself wanting to keep blogging. I started to explore and found Suzanne @ Colorado Lady and I joined in her weekly Vintage Thingies Thursday posts. It’s a big commitment to hold these weekly “parties” and I am grateful to Suzanne for doing so. The thing with blogging is that it snowballs. You just start meeting the most wonderful people and really come to think of them as friends. This morning I read a post over at Tootsie Time and it was just what I needed at the moment. Blogging, like real life, is all about the company you keep. Now I won’t get into names but I have been blessed some superb company!

When I wake every day I try to learn something new. No matter how small or unimportant, I just like to say to myself “Hmmm….I didn’t know that.”.   More often that not it is something totally random. Information that I will never have a use for.   Most of which I forget by the next day. Things like….

Did you know there are more chickens in the world than people? I know! Useful, right?

OR

How long would a 130-pound person have to walk at a leisurely pace to burn off the calories in a McDonald's Big Mac? How about a Burger King Double Beef Whopper with cheese?
A: Two hours and one minute for the Big Mac! Three hours and twenty-six minutes for the Double Whopper! Holy cow!   Now that’s good to know.

Then there the other days. When you learn something that makes you stop and think. Something that starts as a spark and grows into a flame.   "Aha" moments. For me, this year, it was something that would be life changing. I learned about living in the moment. I learned that since I cannot change the past, it’s best left alone. I learned that if I spend all my time worrying about tomorrow, I will miss out on enjoying the here and now.   I have not mastered being “present” and sometimes have to mentally “cuff myself upside the head” to avoid straying but I have the knowledge.   And knowledge is power.   It’s what you do with it.   It really makes for a calmer me.

In case you stuck with me through this long post, I wanted to wish everyone health, happiness, love, prosperity and all good things on this first day of a brand new decade. Cheers to 2010!

I’ll leave you with a fun little video that I thought you might like.   (It has over 133 million views on YouTube!) Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl – Meet Olivia!

2009-12-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

Whenever one of my daughters’ birthdays rolls around, I find myself in deep reflection. Thinking back to the day that they were born. Little Miss Olivia Emily was only due on January 7th but since I had never made it to my due date before, I had my doubts. My only concern was making it through Christmas morning so that I would be there for her older sisters to open their gifts from Santa. Lindsay Erin was 4 and Chelsea Erica was 5 1/2 so I didn’t want to miss that! Well Santa honored my request and let me go until the wee hours of December 29th although not without a little fanfare. Being that it was during the Christmas holidays they were short staffed, no doctor to deliver, yada, yada. We made out OK though.

Ohhhhh…..”It’s my birthday?” (Age 10 months)

And then before you know it, they’re starting school!

And then they grow and grow and grow. And turn green! Haha!

Halloween 2009

So hard to believe……time flies.

My First Grand……. Turkey!

2009-12-27T21:18:00.002-05:00

I had a marvelous Christmas and hope all of you did too. (I can’t believe I said that – like I have an audience – lol!) Moving on….

I thought it might be a bit of a sad Christmas because for the first time ever, my oldest daughter, Chelsea, would not be coming home this year. There is a reason (which I will talk about later) but the bottom line was that she was going to be on her own for the holidays.   Back home in Montreal. Now there are people who would wallow in self-pity. And there are those who choose not to. Thankfully, Chelsea falls in the latter group.

A couple of days before Christmas we were chatting online and she decided that she was going to make her first turkey.   So the interrogation began. “Mum, how do I make stuffing?”.    “Well Chel, this is not like baking.   Not an exact science. So I can tell you what I put in, but no measurements. I just eyeball it. And taste.”.     That was good enough for her. She picked up what she needed for dinner and was set to go on Christmas day.

Around 11 am on Christmas morning, the phone rings. It’s Chelsea. “Mum – I’ve been pacing around and you need to help me. It has a neck and I’m freaking out. I DON’T want to break it’s neck!”.    I explained to her that she did not have to break it’s neck but rather run some cold water in the cavity until it loosened and then pull it out. “Mum – I have a new appreciation for what people go through to put dinner on the table. Especially a turkey!” - “Ok – let me go try this, I’ll talk to you later.”. “ Call me if you need me. I’ll be here.”, I said.

Later on when dinner was done and most had gone to bed for the night, I checked in on my computer. My “Messenger” bar was flashing. Click, click. “Mamadukes?”. “Yes” I typed.   “It was awesome! Perfectly browned! Delicious!”.

Mothering goes on for much longer than I ever imagined. But that’s OK. I liked holding her hand. A right of passage I think. And now I have a grand-turkey! Haha!   And I don't even have to babysit! I know, I know - I'm silly.

Do You Freecycle?

2009-12-26T07:56:00.002-05:00

I think just about everybody and his brother knows about Craigslist but there’s another kid in town.

Freecycle! It is not nearly as well known but it’s equally awesome. And always, always….free! I have gotten a few things myself (such a the perfect refrigerator in my garage) but even better, I have given away a ton of stuff. Printers, cables, craft supplies, you name it! It seems that someone is always looking for what you are looking to pass along. One man's trash is another man's treasure.

At this time of year when you might have an abundance of say, toys, this is a great way to simplify. Win-win situation all around. You get rid of something. Someone gets something they need. One less thing in a landfill! So Simple.

Give it a try by clicking here!

Christmas 1958 – Sears Wishbook - Vintage Thingies Thursday

2009-12-23T06:55:00.004-05:00

One final post before Santa comes. I wasn't sure if there would be a Vintage Thingies Thursday this week but with Suzanne being the trooper that she is, let the festivities begin!

These are some of the things you might be wearing, or expect to find around your house, or under your tree in 1958.

What a beautiful cover!

Old catalogs are so telling. You know what was in style when, and just how much it cost.

How scrumptious!

This one just….surprises me.

So risque.

Little angels, all puffy and fluffy.

Winter warmth.

Innovative!

Oh! Ribbon candy! It still tickles my fancy as much now as it did when I was a child. All colorful and curly. I don’t think I have ever eaten a piece. Too pretty!

On the other hand….. this. It was a staple in our house at Christmas and I never, ever liked it. I kind of thought it should be used as a door stop. It was so heavy. That all changed a few years ago when someone who I sold a lot of dinnerware to on ebay sent me a fruitcake that he had made himself. Although I appreciated the gesture, I was skeptical. He promised that it was the best ever. He was right! So different than the brick blocks that I had tried in the past.

Oh.my.goodness! I was mesmerized by these service stations when I was a kid. With a car lift that took the cars to the upper level!

Ballerinas and Shirley Temple? What’s more girly than that?

Revlon dolls are highly prized and collectible today. They were even a little pricey then.

The next two are kind of funny. Such a different time.

Well that’s it for this week.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. And don't forget to visit Suzanne!

A White Christmas It Is…..

2009-12-20T19:46:00.000-05:00

A lot of people dream of them. Even Bing Crosby. Me, not so much. I’ve seen more than my fair share of snow and the novelty wore off ~~decades~~ years ago. After all I grew up in Canada and only migrated south in midlife. To New England no less. Bright move, huh?

So without further ado, for those of you who long for snow at Christmas, this is for you.

Down at the creek. (I am so grateful for zoom lenses!)

This next little guy is one of my favorites. Talk about troopers. They don’t even show up until the weather turns cold! Dark-Eyed Juncos are ground feeders and hop around under the feeders to pick up seeds. In case you’re interested, you can learn more about Juncos here.

With a friend.

Rummaging for seed.

Busy, busy feeders.

My neighbor’s roof!

And that was Mother Nature’s gift to us! Thanks Mom!

Attention EBAY Sellers – Your Opinion

2009-12-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

I know that a many fellow bloggers also sell on ebay and I wanted to get your opinions on something.

I have a listing for a vintage toy right now. I purposely did a 5 day listing so that it ends on Monday. My thinking was that it could be received in time for Christmas. Yesterday I had a buyer send an email asking if I would list with a “Buy It Now” option. This is how I responded:

“Dear XXXXX,

Hello - First, I don't think that Buy It Now can be added after there is a bid.

Also, I have had this asked before and in all fairness to others who are interested in it, I would feel uncomfortable changing the listing now. There are other watchers and I just feel it would not be fair.

Since the listing finishes on Monday afternoon it is possible to have it before Christmas. If paid immediately. You can choose Priority Mail (as used in the listing)and it is supposed to arrive in 2-3 business days. OR I can send it overnight by UPS or USPS Express Mail which is supposed to be overnight. The increased cost would be at your expense. You can calculate it yourself if you like. My zip code is XXXXX and the weight is 3-4 lbs. Or you can send me your zip code and I will get the rate for you.”

Has this happened to you before? Is this how you would have handled it?

Oh..Oh..Oh! The Best Show of the Year!

2009-12-15T21:11:00.000-05:00

Have you seen NBC’s new show “The Sing Off”? IT.IS.FANTASTIC! Allllllll acapella! Not a single instrument on stage! Give yourself a little gift – watch it! Such a feel good show.

The groups are great. The judges are awesome. Constructive criticism without nastiness (like Simon!). Do yourself a favor. Check it out. 4 days only. December 14-17.

Pink Cadillac – Retro Tuesday & Vintage Thingies Thursday

2009-12-15T12:57:00.001-05:00

I’ve been a little preoccupied this week and haven’t had a lot of time for picture taking so I took a quick peek through the pictures that I already have on my computer. I knew I would come up with something!

Pull out your poodle skirts!

Dick Clark is in the house!

Isn’t it cool!

A pink Cadillac radio / cassette player! In mint condition! And it works!

I bought this several years ago and had it for a while. When I started simplifying and downsizing my life about two years ago, this was one of the things to go. I figured someone else would love it and use it so I sold it on ebay . I have no regrets. It’s much easier to store a photo than it was to store this beauty.

So that is my contribution for this week. Now do yourself a favour and pop on over to see more blasts from the past @ Retro Tuesday and Vintage Thingies Thursday.

And just in case I don’t make it here next week…

From the Mouths of Babes!

2009-12-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

I just found something that I had to share. As I continue to purge my life of all things unnecessary I keep coming across things from the past.

From the time my girls were itty bitties, each year I would by them a collectible Barbie. To this day there are in their original boxes and stored away in containers. A few days ago I opened one of the containers and found an old composition written by my youngest daughter, Olivia. She was 10 at the time.

Talk about an active imagination! Haha!

I love finding these things! Brings me back…… I have yet to figure out why time flies so quickly when you have kids. If anyone knows, I would appreciate that information.

Vintage Christmas Photos – Retro Tuesday and Vintage Thingie Thursday

2009-12-10T11:42:00.000-05:00

I spent this morning going through a box of old photos and came across a few “vintage” people. Myself being one of them. I thought I would share.

My First Christmas.

I believe this is 1963 so I would have been 4 1/2 and my sister, Colleen, was 3. What a great Santa! I think we were both looking to Mum for security!

Meet my brother D’Arcy. Merry First Christmas brother!
Mom marked the back of this picture so I know the date for sure.

Colleen with a cute page boy haircut!

The Three Musketeers. Including me with an attitude. And my brother sporting a pompadour! If there is something my family isn’t lacking, it’s hair! When my sister’s twins were little, they slept over at my house one night. When I woke up and they saw me with my wild hair they looked at me and nonchalantly told me “Auntie Mau – you look like a buffalo head!”. "Well thank you sweetheart." Hahaha!

Ok – now we’re liking Santa. Unlike last year! Maybe he remembers that there were things under the tree for him. Dunno?

Like every true Canadian, you have to play hockey! My brother with his first hockey game.

(P.S. Note the television on the left. Definitely vintage.)

Now these lovelies I do not know. I believe that they must have been mum’s teenage friends. I love these. The picture on the left looks like it was hand coloured.

And that dear ladies is my story for today. Please visit Tracey’s Retro Tuesday (FREE apron pattern this week!) and Suzanne’s Vintage Thingies Thursday. Always fun!

Vintage Washboard Spiff Up – Met Monday & Making It For Monday #3

2009-12-07T16:47:00.001-05:00

It that time again – Metamorphosis Monday and Make It For Monday!   I have no shortage of projects going on right now. Ahhhhh - Tis the season!

A week or so ago, I bought myself a little gift. I posted about my new Cricut here. Which, incidentally, I keep referring to as a cry-cut instead of cricket.    Maybe they should have spelled it “crickut” and I would get it. Whatever.

So I’ve been playing with it. Mostly wasting cheap paper. I also decided to try some contact paper (free since I already had it here) instead of using the expensive vinyl that they sell expressly for the Cricut (expensive! 2 – 12x24 sheets $9.99).

After playing with some of the settings, the contact paper worked well! And it sticks well too!

So I decided to spiff up an old washboard. You can get these a dime a dozen at antique malls.

Before….

After cleaning with a damp cloth, I decided to whitewash it. A little white paint, some water and and old sock.

I liked it but thought I would whitewash the glass too. Easier than taking it out of all the ridges around the wood.

Added some lettering from the Cricut and ta-da!

One other thing with the Cricut is that the cartridges are really expensive. I‘ve read somewhere that there is a program that will work with the Cricut and you can use all the fonts you have on your computer. I’ll have to look into that.

Thanks for visiting and don’t forget to stop by Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch and Make It For Monday at Cottage Instincts. Always interesting Stuff.

This is Ridonkulous!

2009-12-06T01:16:00.001-05:00

A mere 48 hours ago I very excitedly posted about the fabulously warm weather we were experiencing. Well that was then and this is now.

Silly. Just darn silly. Stay tuned. From what I hear it's supposed to be an El Nino year. Even Texas got snow. Oy! Uncalled for I say. Simply uncalled for.

Balmy Weather!

2009-12-04T01:58:00.003-05:00

Oh.My.Goodness! What an awesome day! Yesterday was a record breakingly balmy! 70 degrees in the shade baby! I was so excited I was booting around like nut job. Trying to accomplish as many outdoor projects as possible. The most important of which was…..
Laundry (bedding!) on the line! There is nothing like hopping into to bed when your bedding has been hung on a clothesline. Nothing. Seriously. Just whipping in the wind!

In my racing around mania I neglected to capture the high temp of the day. So I caught it late this afternoon….

For a Canuck like me, it feels like a day in Florida!

For that I am grateful.

I really am blabbing too much these days.

Feast or Famine – Thrifty Thursday & Furniture Feature Friday

2009-12-03T18:06:00.009-05:00

This week I’m joining in Thrifty Thursday at Bloggeritaville and Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed's. I love reading about and seeing everyone’s finds and thought I would “play” this week.

You know how it goes. It’s either feast or famine. Either you find nothing or you find too much. Well in keeping with the Thanksgiving theme (ie: feast), it was that kind of junking week.

I won this lovely pair at an auction for…are you ready…..$18 for the pair! I know! I feel like I stole them.

More chairs! With good bones! Ready for a redo.

Could be used as is but…..this will get a redo too!

I shall try my hand at making pedestal candle holders.

Laura Ashley. Enough said!

Just because….they’re pretty!

A little tea strainer. So cute!

And my latest obsession….more silverplate.

Life isn’t fair sometimes, is it? As I said, it’s feast or famine! For more thrifty finds, visit Bloggeritaville. Just the Christmas image banner is worth the visit! Miss Mustard Seed's is a nice place to visit too!

Family Circle – December 1959 – Retro Tuesday & Vintage Thingies Thursday (VTT)

2009-12-01T12:48:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would share a little Christmas from many moons ago. This being December and all! December? Oy.

A thought just occurred to me. Do they even make powdered detergents anymore?

Love the vibrant colors! Although I think perhaps the tablecloth and dress may have been switched in the pic on the left!

Who knew that the innocent mention of Iraq in 1959 would have so much meaning today. A reminder to pray for the safe and speedy return for the women and men in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I'm linking up to Tracey's Retro Tuesday over at the Crazy Suburban Mom. And Colorado Lady's Vintage Thingies Thursday. Always interesting! And you should really read the post after VTT cuz her son is reeeeally a sweetie!

The Morphing Side Table – Met Monday

2009-11-30T23:47:00.000-05:00

This is my first time participating in Make It For Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts. So thank you gracious host Cindy.

I came across this side table at Savers a few weeks ago and the lines really caught my eye. So much so that I neglected to take note of the numerous rungs on the sides.

I didn’t really have a place for it in my house so choosing a color was kind of difficult. First I went with my heart and painted it……

Then, I got busy for the next few days and left it to sit. On a visit to a local mill I had a conversation with the woman who owns the shop where I have had space in the past. I told her I was pondering taking space again. Chit chat – this ‘n that. Ends up that I am taking space again. So I asked if black was still all the rage. Nope. Apparently aqua/turquoise and mustard are the colors of the day.

Back to the table and a new plan. I went through my paint supply and came up with a turquoise that was a little too “loud”.

Time to tone it down.

Add a little black. Add a little glaze.

Voila!

I hope to get this into the shop in the next week. We’ll soon find out if I got the color “du jour” right.

P.S. During this process I discovered that when I'm working with a color that I am not fond of, painting becomes such a chore. Silly but true.

Shhhh…..I have a secret

2009-11-28T07:01:00.001-05:00

Pardon me for whispering but I did something that I never, ever do. I bought myself a gift. And no one knows.

When I received my Big Lots sale email on Tuesday I saw something that I have been wanting for a while but the cost has always been more than I was willing to spend. Up until now. Now I am not a Black Friday shopper – never, ever, ever have I gone. So when the email arrived and said that they would honor Thanksgiving day sales on Wednesday (as in the day BEFORE Thanksgiving) I could not resist. Fully expecting them to say “Sorry – none left.”. Well they did actually have it, and now I do.

Only $99!

Practice and play time.

It even included the first cassette!

So shhhh……while I to figure this out. I’ll let you know how it works out. Or preferably, show you!