ambrosia's musings

Got my Kate Spade on..

2011-09-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

with this...

and this....

all during a flash sale, so I only spent $226 with shipping included. The necklace alone is regularly $248!! Good deal :)

On my wish list...

2011-09-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

This Macaron scented candle.. (Update: purchased)!

These gorgeous candle holders

2011-08-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

The $1 junk bin dress I found at a flea market a few weeks ago. A 1940s Jonathan Logan gem! Gorgeous floral print, with a "flutter " neck-line. Not a thing wrong with it! It's a little busty for me, but thats where safety pins come in handy.. can't wait to wear this :)

Could I please have

2011-08-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

these jeans?! here

Oh Kate Spade...

2011-08-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

.. how I love thee! I added this bracelet to my wardrobe at the great sale price of $49.00, with free shipping! I think I'll treat myself to one of these every once in a while. I'd love to get my hands on this one next:

I've neglected the vintage shop for some time now, but since I'm not working my day job for the next 2 weeks, (Doc is on vacation), I plan on updating it! Renewing some expired listings and adding a few items.

2011-07-28T06:54:00.001-07:00

A looonnnggg overdue outfit post! My $25 outfit, minus the shoes. Skirt is vintage and from Goodwill. The straw bag is a flea market find, as is the ring. The belt and tank top were both clearance items from Target and the Clarks shoes were bought new many years ago. Cheers to summer looks!

MIA

2011-06-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the mega absence these last few months. Truth be told, I wasn't being lazy or anything, I was busy working on my new business venture. I've taken a step back from the vintage shop and am focusing on getting my baking business off the ground. We specialize in the making of French macarons and sell them at a local farmers market and a bake shop in town. We also do orders for special events: weddings, baby showers, birthday parties etc. Hopefully we'll be able to open a store front in the near future since we've had such a positive response from local business owners and customers. We're doing better than I ever imagined we would and I'm excited about what the future holds with this business. I will do my best to keep posting about vintage.. in speaking of which I found a skirt at the Goodwill that is reminiscent of the one in the last post (minus the hefty price tag).. I'll have to do an outfit post soon!

2011-04-28T04:02:00.000-07:00

Wondering if I could rock a long maxi skirt?! Because I tend to "keep the pale" during the summer (I fear skin cancer, mom had melanoma) it'll hide my blindingly white legs while looking effortlessly chic at the same time. Now, I'm not about to pay $168 for this one at Madewell but I'll use it as inspiration. I also found some wedge espadrilles at the comfortable price of $40 at Bonton. I got all 3 colors, the black, natural and clay but can't decide which pair to keep. I think I might just take them all back :(.. but then what would I wear with a long skirt if I found one??

Spring Wish List

2011-04-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is a MEGA wish list because a. I don't have $300 to spend on ONE pair of shoes and b. hunting for a better deal is fun-er anyhow. I'll be on the look out for some pretty high waisted skirts, flouncy dresses, a nice pair of neutral flat sandals, cute cardigans and neutral tank tops. Here's a look at what's influencing my choices this spring. $325 Kate Spade skirt, $298 Stuart Weitzman "Alexo" Espadrilles, $375 Kate Spade dress

The Beginnings of a New Beginning

2011-03-30T04:18:00.000-07:00

My latest venture: trying to master the art of making macarons. I've made about 5 varieties so far this week and today I'm going to be in the kitchen experimenting again. I'm still trying to find which method works best.. don't be fooled by the prettiness of those pistachio macs up top, they were dreadfully hollow but, a couple days in the fridge improved there texture and the hollowness seemed to be less pronounced.

These strawberry ones were my first attempt. I didn't sift my almonds and confectioners sugar so they were a bit grainy. Still, not too shabby after a couple days in the fridge.

Yesterday I tried making vanilla bean macs but failed terribly. I decided to try and bake one batch but it was useless.. they had no feet and looked like flat, speckled wafer cookies. For some reason both of my attempts at whipping the whites were unsuccessful. The bowl was clean, so I'm wondering if the vanilla beans had something to do with it? Anyhow.. off to the kitchen!

2011-03-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Looks so cozy doesn't it?

via Apartment Therapy

2011-03-21T04:28:00.001-07:00

Here's a preview of what's coming to the shop soon:

1970s Silky Maxi Dress

1960s Mad Men Navy and Cream Shift Dress

1970s Bell Bottom Jeans

1970s John Romain Clutch Purse

1990s DKNY Oxfords

Interior Inspirations

2011-03-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

.. from Apartment Therapy

2011-02-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to mucking it up this Spring! Got a pair of rain boots from TJMAXX yesterday for $9.99 (they were $34.99, but I had a gift card to put towards it). What are you looking to add to your wardrobe this Spring?

That's my Nephew!!

2011-02-21T16:27:00.001-08:00

My nephew, Miles, was entered into the Cutest Baby of 2010 contest in our local newspaper and we'd love your vote!! Just click on the banner in the sidebar :-)

2011-02-16T04:54:00.000-08:00

Love this storage unit, found it here

Two New Shop Items!

2011-02-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

Vintage 1960s Mad Men Wool & Fur Cropped Jacket

Vintage Black Velvet Jacket

Getting the last of the winter-ish stuff in the shop!

Thrift Store Score!

2011-02-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

Just got this Tory Burch tunic at the Salvation Army store today for $3.99.. and it was selling online for $197.50, on sale! The original price was $395!! Ouch!!

White love..

2011-02-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

via Apartment Therapy

Super Bowl Sunday Shop Preview

2011-02-06T12:39:00.001-08:00

Some items going to the shop soon!! Theme: Spring!

2011-01-31T06:15:00.000-08:00

Pretty little vase from the thrift store :)

If Money Grew on Trees...

2011-01-28T05:27:00.001-08:00

............ I'd have me one of these.

Thursday Morning Eye Candy

2011-01-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Before I go outside to dig my car out of the snow, I thought I'd share some eye candy with you:

Love this decor! Especially the mirror, which is Pier 1 Imports (it's on clearance for $199.98.. but thats' still too much!!!) Interior image found here.

Love these vases from their shop:

2011-01-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

Pillow cover #2 made with the remaining grain sack from the previous post. Finally got the red & blue lines to match in this one! Good enough for someone who doesn't own a sewing machine!

2011-01-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just have to treat yourself.......

.... to vintage bracelets.

My $28 consignment shop splurge

2011-01-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

One of my weekend projects was to re-cover a feather filled pillow that we had on the sofa. It would poke anyone who would hold it or lean on it (which is probably why it was in the clearance bin at Bed Bath & Beyond.. but for $9.99 + 20% off it was a deal.. and I got 2). I had found a few options on the internet to consider like this heavy duty canvas pillow cover from Restoration Hardware, but for $47.98 (for 2) + shipping charges it just wasn't worth it. Then I remembered I had a stack of old grain sacks.. I tried one out and by golly miss molly the pillows fit perfectly! I think the grain sack might have cost me $2.00 at most from a flea market. I had to buy two zippers and some thread @ $9.47 total. It was the first time I had ever put a zipper on anything, (I don't own a sewing machine, so I had to do it by hand). I think the first one turned out nice.. and the internet tutorials were a huge help. The grain sack lines don't match up, but I could care less and I've still got one more cover to make! More sewing for the next.. geesh! So it looks like each pillow will end up costing $14.21 with materials.. not too shabby!

The Brain Fart that is my Living Room

2011-01-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait for my two weeks off from the dental office in February... I should relax (but I don't know how to do that) so, one of my goals is to figure out how to decorate this side of my living room. I bought the chaise lounge back when we first moved in (over a year ago?) with the intention of buying a nice corner electric fireplace unit. But, after seeing all our options in person, that idea went out the window. They were all much smaller than I had hoped and looked a little tacky for the $1,200 price tag. Our other option was doing a landing strip, but the window on the wall kind of messes that up, and we already have a sofa table for that. We thought about building a unit like this but the idea of spending $200 on materials that might come together the way we want doesn't sound appealing, (even tho the Mister is very handy and can build/fix almost anything). What to do, what to do?!?!

Vestie Vest

2011-01-19T08:43:00.001-08:00

Going in the shop Friday!! Vintage Woolrich buffalo plaid vest, size small, still with original tags!

2011-01-18T04:55:00.000-08:00

My "50-ish-dollar" outfit:

Thrifted new navy military sweater (photographed in previous post): Ralph Lauren, $4.99
Thrifted 1970s Lee Red/White check blouse: $3.50
White tank top: Kohls, $9.99
Thrifted 7 for all man kind jeans: $7.00
Red Steve Madden flats: $25

2011-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

The price of cotton clothing is going up this year! Expect to pay top dollar for cotton based goods like jeans and sweaters.. OR avoid spending all your hard earned cash by checking out your local thrift stores for cotton goods BEFORE going to the mall. These are my latest thrift store finds:

Thrifted with its original $129 price tag! Ralph Lauren 100% cotton navy sweater for a steal at $4.99 from the Salvation Army Store.

Thrifted JCrew 100% cotton navy blazer purchased for around $4.00 at a Goodwill Store.

Bag Love

2011-01-13T17:53:00.001-08:00

Over @ Urbanoutfitters.com

New Shop Items!

2011-01-07T07:25:00.001-08:00

1970s Wood/Leather Platform Clogs

1960s Green Wool Tweed Jumper

Multi-Seasonal Looks

2011-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Fall/Winter

Spring/Summer

Check out the scoop on our Facebook page! Clogs and skirt going in the shop soon!!

Baking ♡

2011-01-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I've been so obsessed with making bread lately, but it's been keeping me busy at the house on the weekends. These loaves are banana yeast bread. We're big fans of regular banana bread and I'd never heard of the yeast version before so I had to give it a whirl. Oh my is it good! Tastes like a plain sweet bread with a hint of banana flavor and the leftovers make divine french toast! My poor freezer it packed to the brim with bread products.. you can only eat so much before gaining a zillion pounds, (which, by the way, happens when you turn 25.. it literally begins on the exact day of your 25th birthday).

I'm hoping to get to one of my favorite thrift stores this week to find some goods for the shop... it's been long overdue for some new items. I'll post an update here and on the Facebook page as soon as things go into the shop!

2010-12-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, it was insane to get anywhere today.. but I made it to Goodwill in one piece! I found a few good things this trip, the dress being one of them. It's a 1960s sleeveless navy button-up dress and it fits like a dream (don't you love when that happens with vintage stuff?)... couldn't help but want to dress it up as soon as I got home for an outfit post. The cardigan is Jcrew, the boots are ELLE for Kohls and the pocket square is a vintage handkerchief. Funny thing is, I saw this dress the last time I went to Goodwill a few weeks back and didn't pick it up then.. I think I thought that it wasn't quite unique enough for the shop and didn't even think that it may work for myself. But, I was sure glad it was still there!

Santa, please come back and bring me these..

2010-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

..in black.

2010-12-28T14:55:00.000-08:00

These are some super nifty alarm clocks.. I'll take one of each please!

$35 via ClockworkUniverse

$90 via Terrain

No Knead Bread Version 2

2010-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Made a second batch of no knead bread this morning.. this time using fresh rosemary sprigs, chopped garlic, olive oil and extra salt. Used cornmeal this time to keep it from sticking to everything. So yummy! Perfect for Christmas Eve dinner with the family today.

2010-12-24T05:44:00.000-08:00

I've been looking into getting a set of mixing bowls that are light weight and made of an eco-friendly material. I found these today and they seem promising.. $3.33 for each bowl isn't half bad... we'll see if I can find them in the store :-)

2010-12-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Got the boots! Officially 6' in these...

2010-12-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at making no knead bread. I went a little crazy with the flour because the dough was really tacky but next time i'll use cornmeal.

Merry Christmas to Me

2010-12-19T06:23:00.001-08:00

I think everybody enjoys gifting for themselves around the holidays. With all the cash being spent of gifts for friends and family it's hard to not spend a little something on yourself, right? So, I was bad and bought these boots today (they were on sale though.. that makes it less bad). The next thing will be the earrings.. I've been eyeing them for awhile...

2010-12-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Just some before and after shots from a mini Wednesday project! I picked up the mirror from Salvation Army Store for $1.05. The plastic frame was a grimy gold color and needed a face lift badly soooo... we got a can of spray paint in white for $5.50 at Lowes. I could've been adventurous and gone with a funky color, but decided to keep it neutral so that it would work elsewhere in the house if need be. Now it sits above the bed.. all by itself. Hoping to get some sconces to go on either side.. or maybe do another plate wall like in the kitchen? Either way it needs to be on the cheap!

2010-12-13T05:14:00.000-08:00

I hadn't actually been to the thrift store in weeks (or maybe months?) when I finally decided to go the first Sunday of December. I think my rationale for not going was that I typically don't find anything OR that I usually don't dress-up enough on the weekends to warrant buying nice things. After all, my current wardrobe staples are an Eddie Bauer fleece jacket, a JCrew t-shirt, my "in between sizes" jeans and, dare I say it, black Crocs (you can hate me now). And if not jeans, lounge pants... Stacy and Clinton would have a field day! But anyway, I went and I was glad I did. I scored the vintage sea foam green cardigan and the Nanette Lepore blazer! Both pieces are more springy, so I might have to wait on wearing them for a while, but still worth the $11.

big time neglect

2010-12-12T15:49:00.001-08:00

Sorry, I've made myself scarce around this space. To spare you the details, we'll just say I've been busy. For now, I'll just share inspirational tid bits here and there. Like this image from Apartment Therapy!

2010-10-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that in just a few short weeks it will be a year since we've bought this house. Only 2 more years to go and then we can sell this place and move on to an even older home (we have to stay 3 years to keep the 1st time home buyers tax credit). The pictures above are from two historical home real estate websites.

Office Space Progress...

2010-10-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of the office space as it is right now. The Spello rug (shown 2 posts ago) is on back order until November (stinks so bad!). It'll be nice to hide the red hardwood floors when it arrives.

Source list:

wall color: Valspar Seashell Gray from Lowes, twill striped curtains: Restoration Hardware Outlet, curtain rods/pull backs: Lowes, cubical storage units: Target, window storage bench: JcPenny, sea grass baskets under bench: Target, vintage dress on mannequin: Goodwill, mannequin: Ebay, green pillow: Target, striped pillow: Kohls, ceiling fan: Lowes

mirror: Antique store, spray painted desk: Target, chair (that needs to be spray painted): Flea market, desk lamp: Goodwill, lamp shade: Target, dry erase message board: Staples

wall art: Kohls, bread tins: Flea market, faux plant on bread tins: Marshalls, textured vase: Homegoods, faux alliums: Michaels, tall white vase: Michaels, black picture frames: Michaels, honey colored glass hurricanes: JcPenny, plants and white pots: Lowes, calendar: Etsy

2010-09-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

The office space is almost finished! We're still waiting for the rug from the previous post, but we'll be sure to put up pictures as soon as it's in there. And, since I'm on this decorating kick, I've been dreaming of the next project: the master bedroom. Thinking about going for the pinched duvet in black and some wall shelving to hold trinkets. Both images from West Elm

2010-09-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Can't hardly believe it's been almost a YEAR since we bought this house! Time definitely flew by! The sad thing is that with all the work we did to the downstairs, we neglected to do a thing, other than paint, my office space. So, I figured it was more than time to do some interior decorating and organizing. I think the hardest part of coming up with a room concept was sticking with one.... it's so difficult to focus on one idea when you like EVERYTHING. Anyhow, I went to Kohl's for fun and wasn't really looking for things to start decorating with but, I ended up finding some really great xray prints of leaves, (similar to the piece above), to start with. So, needless to say, they gave me the "nudge" to get to work. I kind of wish I had taken a before picture of the space.. it was truly tragic.. like "I-just-moved-in-last-weekend-and-I'm-still-unpacking" tragic. Imagine cardboard mailing boxes from USPS.com with shipping supplies out in the open, a laundry basket and a computer desk filled with papers. Very bad. I'll have to take pictures when it's semi-finished! I just ordered the rug pictured above today (after much searching) and am awaiting a window bench and a couple of glass hurricanes. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted! And, come to think of it.. I'm not even sure I posted pictures of our downstairs before and afters.. but we aren't 100% done down there either (will it ever end?!?). We just ripped up carpet on the stairs and are staining the existing wood treads with the same stain on our floors (and yes.. we are using christmas lights as lighting because our electrical outlet in the ceiling isn't "live" and the floor lamp is too bright.. such drama..haha!) The risers will get some nice white paint too. We also decided to rip up some of the vinyl tiling in the bathroom to see what we were working with.. so we might be restoring the tile job too. (And thats GREEN and cream tiling.. not black and white... encase you were wondering). So, more soon!!!

Fall Shop Preview

2010-09-14T12:31:00.001-07:00

Vintage Olive Ralph Lauren Corduroys

Vintage Tan Wool Trousers

Vintage Olive Curly Wool Caplet

Just to make you smile

2010-09-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

2010-09-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

via Apartment Therapy

On my wish list..

2010-08-28T05:09:00.000-07:00

Clarks Desert Boots

2010-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

A portion of our neighbor's fig tree hangs on our property. We've never had fresh figs before. Looking forward to trying some tonight...

It's about time...

2010-08-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

.. I cleaned out my closet. New items in the Etsy shop:

Vintage Candy striped Chambray Dress + Belt $55

Vintage Forest Green Leather Purse $65

Vintage 1950s Sky blue Cardigan $74

2010-07-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

The Honey Cottage in Ireland, found here via Apartment Therapy

2010-07-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do on a lazy, hot Sunday? Why make sugar-free lemonade of course.. in a repurposed vodka bottle no less =)

2010-07-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting to check out the garden as soon as I wake up in the morning. Our heirloom German Johnson and Brandywine tomatoes are getting ready to ripen, the first green pepper is getting larger, our gray watermelons are getting big.. fast, and the lemon cucumber, the sole plant that survived out of all our seed starters, is producing its yellow blossoms. We've also been able to enjoy some of what my parents are growing: broccoli, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, green peppers, onions, cucumbers and beets.

Recently, I decided to get a subscription to Mother Earth News and Countryside Magazine. I never really knew there were magazines such as these out there. All you ever see on the shelves are the usual suspects... it'll be nice to read something different for a change.

In other news, we booked our trip to Maine/New Hampshire in August... I'm so excited to go since I haven't been back since high school (9 years?). Having lived there while dad was in the Navy, there will be a bit of reminiscing visiting the old house and the landmarks I miss so much.

As most can tell, I've really neglected the Etsy shop for some time. I did, however, add this amazing vintage COACH purse a few days ago. And there is still free shipping!

I hope you all have a great weekend =)

2010-07-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Our first ripe blackberry! Hopefully the other 4, (yes, thats right.. only 4), will ripen...

Local homemade peanut butter.. soo good on whole grain toast with cinnamon and...
...HONEY!
Oh, and lemonade.

Homemade Yogurt

2010-06-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

In keeping with honing my homesteading skills, I decided to make some yogurt this week. I got this book from the library, which has an excellent recipe for it. The first time I made it I used 2% milk... and it turned out great. But, typically we like non-fat yogurt like Chobani, so I gave it a go with skim milk. This is what it looks like just a few hours away from being done. It's perfect for diy flavored yogurt... stirring in honey and adding raspberries, yum!

2010-06-16T04:51:00.000-07:00

Images from germain-store via Apartment Therapy

This spring/summer is going insanely fast, but we're finding time to do a great deal of fruit picking. Strawberries, raspberries, and yellow rainier cherries so far. Hoping to get in some blueberry picking this weekend if time allows. Our own berry bushes haven't been as "fruitful," (pun intended), as I had hoped. We had a few raspberries growing and then all of a sudden they disappeared. Must have been the birds, bunnies or squirrels at work. Our blackberry bush has 5 green berries ready to ripen. I covered them with cheese cloth so they're a little protected. As for the blueberries, not a single one in sight. Oh well, maybe next year? (finger's crossed).

Some Images I Heart...

2010-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

via Apartment Therapy or Home Sweet Home

Pennsylvania just does it right..

2010-05-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

home for sale in PA; images found here

2010-05-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

I think my heart just skipped a beat... wondering if this is real or not. My guess is probably not. Found here

I've been a busy bee here these days. Just got a new window put in the living room, preparing stuff for a yard sale tomorrow and discussing a baby shower today. I haven't hit the thrift stores the way I used to... mostly because I've lost interest in spending money on random things and wasting the gasoline to get there. I've been reading this book and really taking into account what's important to me. It's probably a bit crazy to say this but, I actually enjoy washing dirty dishes and hanging wash on the line. Homesteading-esk activities if you will. I'd like to imagine that one day I'll be nestled into a community with a library, post office, bank and farmer's market within walking distance. Be able to use my bike and not worry about it being stolen if I leave it outside the market. Where wealth is measured by personal successes and not your bank account etc. [stepping off soap box now].

In speaking of the yard sale, I'll be closing the Etsy shop tomorrow morning until the afternoon. We're having a yard sale and a good portion of the items in the shop will be for sale on my front lawn. Lots of vintage goodies to sell, including a 1930s feed-sack quilt in a stunning blue with purple florals! Even a re-wired, freshly scrubbed, ready-to-go-with-a-light-bulb-included vintage pink glass table lamp.

Finally found the dress...

2010-05-08T11:57:00.001-07:00

I'm wearing to a friend's wedding in June. Zac Posen for Target.

Another dream home...

2010-05-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

..right here in Pennsylvania! Image found here

2010-04-12T04:04:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend! We ended up going to the Ephrata Colisters yesterday for a dose of history. Took the guided tour which allowed you to go into two of the larger buildings on the site. It was a neat place to see! We've also been keeping busy with the house and yard work. Finally got a lawn mower and some replacement ceiling fans. Next is a new window for the living room! Never thought I'd be so excited about stuff like this.. but it comes with being a new home owner.

In other news, I think I've decided to take a step back from the Etsy shop. I will list things occasionally, but for right now, it's too much of a hassle to update regularly and hunt for new items on a weekly basis. Sales drop tremendously during the warmer months so, most of the items just sit on my (now broken) clothing rack for months on end. I'm sure you fellow Etsy sellers understand what I'm talking about.

I'm hoping to get to the wednesday flea market this week if the weather holds out. Perhaps if I pick anything up I'll post some photos! I hope you all have a great Monday ♡

2010-04-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Images from Apartment Therapy

Sorry for the lack of blog postings lately. It's been busy this week at work and I haven't had a lot of extra time to be on the internet. Plus, the weather has been beautiful, so every spare minute we've been outside walking, gardening or enjoying lemonade on the porch. :-)

2010-04-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

These items and more were added to the shop today!

2010-03-31T05:19:00.000-07:00

Back from my vacation to Florida. It was a good time, but I'm sure glad to be home. Hoping to get back into the swing of things today.. I'll try and list some new items in the shop on friday! For now, it's errands today, grocery shopping and all.

2010-03-26T04:19:00.000-07:00

found here

☀Just a little note: I'll be on vacation from 3/27-3/30 (not long, I know). Any purchases made in the shop will be shipped as soon as I get back. :-)

2010-03-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

I'd been on the hunt for authentic antique German botanical prints since.. well.. forever. I couldn't believe when I stumbled upon this website that offers repros manufactured by the original company. Printed on canvas to boot. And at $98 dollars a pop, they aren't at all as expensive as their antique counterparts. I spotted the top one in an Anthropologie catalog years ago and actually clipped the image out and placed it in my "inspiration binder". Funny.. they were probably for sale through the catalog (I can't remember for sure).. but with a heftier price tag. Thinking about getting a few of these for the dining room...

Some pictures of some sprouts...

2010-03-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Romaine lettuce mix

Heirloom lemon cucumbers
... and a lame wardrobe remix photo at the Pagoda..

Cardigan: Eddie Bauer
Scarf: TJMAXX
Tee: Wet seal
Belt: GAP; thrifted
Skirt: Target
Boots: Diesel

2010-03-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

There is a definite theme here... exposed brick/stone and ceiling beams. I'm starting to question if I like anything else.. Images via Apartment Therapy.

I've been spending my week off from work in the yard. So far planting 5 berry bushes (2 varieties of blueberry & raspberry and 1 blackberry) and just laid mulch down yesterday... never thought I'd be happy about something as mundane as mulch.. but having it right where it's supposed to be just makes me smile (I guess that means I'm an adult now?) We've got romaine lettuce mix sprouting and heirloom lemon cucumbers, brandywine tomatoes and scallion seedlings incubating. Ahh, spring...

There will be a little shop update today, probably over the lunch hour, so keep your eyes peeled :-) Happy Friday!

2010-03-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Something is strikingly familiar here. The top photo is a vintage coin purse for the shop and below is one from the new Liberty collection at Target. Pretty close!

Cross Country

2010-03-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

Picked up this painting for $20. It's going on a wall somewhere in the house...

Yesterday was my first day back to the flea market since last year. Came away with quite a number of things, including some wonderful ethnic printed items that came from a 100 year old lady's estate. She was obviously well traveled and brought back some amazing clothing home with her. Above is a sneak peek of what's to come!

2010-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

Vintage accessories coming soon to the shop!

2010-03-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

A few new items were added to the shop! Including these lovely 1950s Celluloid Sea shell Earrings.

2010-03-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

How about I just fell in love with these pieces by Camilla Norrback...

Cream Sweater: $160 via here
Striped Dress: $200 via here
the back of the dress!!

Perused the 2010 Fall/Winter Collection and these were some favorite looks:

The Ephrata Cloister

2010-03-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to visiting the Ephrata Cloister come spring time. It looks so Sleepy Hollow..

New stuff in the shop!

2010-03-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

Debuting some spring items for the shop..

2010-03-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

Vintage Leather Flats
Vintage 1960s Cream Raffia Hat
Vintage New Old Stock Watercolor Floral Dress

Vintage 1960s Shirt Dress

Dream home...

2010-02-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

right here in Pennsylvania. Found here

2010-02-26T04:25:00.000-08:00

4 of my favorite light fixtures from this home tour.

It's been snowing again here.. (spring come now?!?). We've been keeping busy painting my office space and peeling wallpaper in the man's spare room. He's undecided about which color to put on his walls but I chose a stone gray for mine (aka Seashell Gray by Valspar from Lowes). We still have plenty of trim left to paint white.. and the radiator.. ugh. I'm doing all this in hopes of creating a new back drop for shop photos.. just haven't been 100% satisfied with the other locations i.e. the dining room and kitchen. I have a few ideas up my sleeves, now it's just a matter of putting it all together.

2010-02-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

Found here

2010-02-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Vintage shrunken leather jacket coming to the shop this afternoon!

Dreaming of this...

2010-02-19T05:27:00.001-08:00

Antique Apothocary Chest: $12,000 (yikes!)

Click on image for large version

2010-02-14T05:11:00.000-08:00

This was posted already, but I woke up this morning needing to look at it again.

2010-02-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Vintage Albert Nipon Dress

Belt: Thrifted, GAP

Boots: Diesel

2010-02-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

via Apartment Therapy

2010-02-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

So much for the shop update yesterday. I'll try and do it today..

This was what I wore yesterday. Didn't get the chance to go anywhere in it since it snowed like crazy again (see... there was no excuse for me not to do the shop update). My style seems to be leaning more towards the "edgier" side lately. I seem to always go for a simple t-shirt and accessories are the easiest thing to make a look interesting. I got the Michael Kors bag and wool scarf at Tjmaxx. Got the tights there too and they split the moment I put them on, [this gal has no luck with tights]. The pull-on boots are Diesel... I love that they don't have an ugly zipper showing. Looks like today will be a shoveling day followed by a "my back hurts so bad I'm never shoveling again" day :-)

2010-02-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

Check out this rocking chair the man found in a dumpster. Free things are always good.. and it matches the porch! Win, win!

It's snowing again! And this time I'm really going to try and finish cleaning out my closet. I think it's come to the point where I need reinforcements for getting rid of things. Going to try out Mav's method. Hopefully it works.

Last night, before bed, I perused the new Anthropologie catalog and came across two items that stopped me in my tracks. The Ode to Spring Tank @ $78 and the Star Sprinkled Cardi by Binetti @ $188. Wow.. $266 for two things.. ouch! I'm pretty sure I could buy some gold colored rope and attach it to a sea foam green cardigan from Goodwill for less than $7. The blouse on the other... well, I'd just have to suck it up and buy the original. I have to say though, everything I've ever bought from Anthropolgie has disappointed me in someway, well not everything. Everything but three things maybe. The quality just seems to be the same as anything I could get at a Target or someplace cheaper. I've had color seep from a sweater and destroy the underlying blouse (both from Anthro), things have shrunk beyond comprehension and even shoes have shown up half worn with studs falling off. Now, I usually just go to the Wayne, Pa store, look around, get inspired by what's there and leave with nothing (most of the time). Does anyone else have "beef" with a retail store?

2010-02-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Preview! Shop update tomorrow!

2010-02-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

I know.... I said I would never make chocolate chip cookies at home again. Guilty. But, I came up with my own recipe this time and they are the best ever! Thick and moist with the perfect dough to chocolate chip & sweet to salty ratio. My family raves about them so, I decided, on a whim, to go ahead and list some in the Etsy shop. I'll make them the same day they are shipped to ensure proper freshness! No international shipping on these though, sorry. Try some if you like! They are truly addictive!

2010-02-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday dress up:

Lord & Taylor Wool Sheath Dress

Hue tights

Diesel Boots

Steve Madden belt

2010-02-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

(BBW dress: SOLD)

It's snowing out.... a lot. So, I decided to clear out my closet a bit. Found some items that I rarely wear and am offering them for sale here. I've got this H&M floral mini dress, size 4. And the Built by Wendy Edelweiss sheath dress size small. If anyone is interested in buying these leave a comment and I'll contact you with additional information. I'm asking $10 for the H&M dress (plus $5 shipping to US, $8 international) and $40 (originally $110) for the BBW dress (plus $5 shipping to US, $8 international). Both dresses were only worn a few times are in brand new condition. First come, first serve :-)

2010-02-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

This has to be my dream tote for spring! Now if only it were a tad cheaper...

2010-02-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Just encase you haven't gotten enough of Apartment Therapy. Loving the gray/brown and lavender combo in the room and the industrial sized wire whisk light fixture. Genius!

2010-02-01T04:08:00.000-08:00

We just booked our first vacation of the year to Florida! I'm so excited to finally replace the swimming attire I've been using since high school (that makes it 10 years old??!.. ouch)! Also been looking for a nice sexy/casual outfit to wear around. For some reason I love the idea of combining the "boyfriend" style chambray shirt with an ultra girly floral corset top. The corset tops are from Charlotte Russe and the button-down from Pacsun. We'll see if this actually comes together... I'll probably end up settling for a plain tank top underneath the button-down, as usual.

2010-01-29T04:44:00.000-08:00

Nicholas Scimeca via Home Sweet Home

I love that this tiered shower curtain could pass for a blouse or dress! Similar, no?:
Spool 72 via Darling Dexter