Oh So Pretty

"New" Finds

My little one and I went to a "new" (to me) antique mall  and thrift store  last week and found some real treasures.  Thought you might like to have a peek...

...millinery from five hats, two iron hats stands (which I am always looking for and never find) and a hatbox..

...vintage toiletries for my daughter's bath - she picked out the rose bottle (good girl!)...

...gorgeous chocolate tin...

...the cutest pinking shears in the sweetest packaging...

...Holy Communion gift set from 1932...

...huge paper pulp calendar - can't wait to "foof" this up for Christmas...

...a sweet little vase...

...this yummy velvet box, vintage seam binding, opera programs from the Met and all these lovely postcards...

...large wedding "button" on stand...

...and my very favorite, a 1926 National Catalog.  It is packed with amazing graphics and even a wallpaper sample.  It's in lovely condition so I know that I won't be able to tear it up.  I've got lots of scanning to do!...

Enjoy your day all!

Catch That Train!

We took our daughter to her first "concert" last week - it was SO much fun.  Dan Zanes was in town, as part of Greensboro's Annual Eastern Music Festival, and had a "Pajama Party". 

Dan and his band are so talented.  He used to have a band called the Del Fuegos and when his daughter was born he realized that children's music was , shall we say, "lacking". They are based in New York and can be seen on Noggin and Playhouse Disney.  It was such a great time.  He really made it a "Family Dance Night".  If you have the means, I highly recommend it. 

So excuse me while I go "Catch That Train!"...

Welcome to the neighborhood...

You may already know this but the amazingly talented Sandra Evertson has a new blog. 

Hurray!  I've been so inspired by her work - I am thrilled that she has joined our blogging community. Go on over and say "Hey".  I bet she wouldn't mind if you brought some brownies with you either...

Another fantastic addition to our neighborhood is Fabulous Fifi over at Chez Fifi.

She has the most gorgeous style.  If you are an addict of decorating  magazines, like I am, you will definitely recognize her work.  Now I can see that many of my tear sheets are actually rooms that she has styled.  Best of all, she does it with a true French accent - gotta love that and you're gonna love her.

So, go get yourself a drink of your choice (mine being a Key Lime Pie Martini), pull up a comfy chair  and go visit our new neighbors - be prepared to "set" a spell!

Becoming Jane

I am completely enamored with Jane Austen.  I adore her novels, impatiently wait for screen adaptations and even devour  "sequels" to her books written by other authors (check out my sidebar for some recommendations).

If you are also a fan you may be interested in a movie that comes out next week called "Becoming Jane".  Of course, it's probably not at all historically accurate but I am a sucker for a period drama.  If you live near a major city you may be able to go to a FREE screening . That sounds like a great "Girl's Night" activity to me.  If you do go to see it, let me know what you think, OK?

And here's a little more eye candy for you....yum...

I feel pretty...

Oh, so pretty... I feel pretty and witty and bright...

Look at how pretty my blog is!  I love it - I love the new colors - the new layout - and most of all my pretty, pretty new BANNER!  It is all thanks to Heather.  I just adore her.  She was SO wonderful to work with - patient and creative and fast!  She's also working on another banner for me for... my new Etsy shop!  I am going to have lots of goodies to share with you very soon...

Oh my, I am such a happy girl.  I feel pretty...(twirl)...Oh, so pretty...(twirl)...

collections...

I am a collector.  I started as a child and by the time I was twelve I had discovered my love of vintage.  My first purchase was at the Armada Flea Market.  My parents gave me $2 and I came back with 2 cigar boxes and 2 vintage magazines - one was a 1939 Vogue. Later, I began collecting vintage "pretties" - compacts, gloves, purses and - my favorite - hats. I adore them - don't wear them, but adore them none the less.  I try to be good and not buy them that often but they are getting harder and harder to find.  If they are within my budget and have pretty flowers, I just can't resist.

My favorite vintage clothing store here in town is moving and are in the midst of a summer sale.  My daughter and I stopped in and look what we found (and brought home)!

They make me very happy (sigh)...

What do you collect?

More vacation fun!

One of the highlights of my vacation was my first night away with my husband since my daughter was born (FIVE years!).  I know, I can hardly believe it myself!  Since we moved from Michigan, vacations now mean going back there or to Texas to visit my family.  So, we finally had an evening away and it was divine!  We went over to a nearby city that has great shopping and restaurants - stopping in at a favorite store...

Then, on to Happy Hour!  My honey, yummy food and martinis! Mmmm!

Grape Crush Martini 

                                                

My Crush

R & R Martini 

                                          

Key Lime Pie Martini

Later, on to another great restaurant.  The next morning we had a leisurely breakfast the hotel and headed on over to the Royal Oak Farmer's Market. 

On Sundays, it is a huge flea market.  I picked up some old photos and bits.  There was lots of vintage jewelry too.  I was like a magpie and kept getting distracted by all of the sparkly things!

It was so nice to have some time away.  Now, each time we go to Michigan we will plan at least one night away - so lovely!

One more highlight - always worth a special trip when we are visiting Lori and her family.  We take the girls to the beach and then have lunch at this great place in Lake City that serves... FRICKLES! 

Frickles are ham, swiss cheese and dill pickles in a wonton wrapper and then deep fried.  Sounds odd  but they are DELICIOUS!

Here's Lori enjoying!

While it was not the most luxurious or glamorous vacation, I could not have enjoyed it more.  It was filled with days at the beach, fun with friends and family and good food and drink (and a little shopping) - what more could a girl ask for?

souvenirs to share...

I planned on a nice long post to tell you all about my trip but then decided just to get down to business and show you the goodies that I found. If you read Vintage Flair, you may have already seen some of this as Lori I like to split purchases (more pretties for everyone!) whenever we can. We had SO much fun - wish that you could have joined us!

It's good to be home.

Hello, friends.  I've missed you and am so eager to catch up!  I had such a lovely time away but it is so wonderful to be back home again.  Lots and lots to share with you over the next few days...

I've got to finish getting unpacked and settled but wanted to say "hello".  But, in case you're wondering about the very best part of my vacation? Right here...