On the Foyer Table, Reminders and Otherwise

Life has been a busy swirling for me, lately. The blogging has taken a backseat, for sure. So while the absences have been many, by demand, I find myself missing the documented beauty about me that blogging brings. A reminder in bountiful sources of lovely in what can be an otherwise scattered day. Busy is good. Being still is good. But gratitude amidst it all? That is where my true accomplishment can be measured ...

... not in clean bathrooms, not in tidy cupboards, not in blogging posts and not even in well-groomed children (I said it. My kids get ratty hair, dirty fingernails, and if I could remember what a fortnight is, I'm sure I haven't changed their bedsheets in at least that long).

Accomplishment is in being where God calls us and doing what he asks of us. Right now. For this moment. Until He moves us forward.

It's busy. It's hard. Submission and obedience aren't glamorous words. But He is so faithful. And I am grateful.

"Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay ..." 

Ruth 1:16

Grocery Store Flowers in a Thrifted Milk Pitcher

A Pile of Pretty Bangles

When I had wee ones about, I viewed jewelry as just one more thing that could be yanked, broken, or become horrifyingly unsanitary. Dangly earrings? Out for obvious reasons. Long delicate necklace? Choking hazard. Bracelets while changing diapers? The gross potential here is off the charts.

So it is only recently that I've begun to re-discover such joys. Lately, I'm loving me some clinky-clattery bangles. For some reason they feel slightly luxurious to me. Especially when wearing more than one at a time! Maybe because they make me feel like a lady and we all know that sensation can be easily lost during active mom-ing.

Above you see my recent bangle faves. Excepting the hobnail bracelet (an excellent ebay score) they are all from the thrift store and cost an average of two dollars. Don't be afraid to rummage those dirty little wicker baskets on the shop counter full of writhing piles of odd jewelry pieces. You'll almost always find something ... and you can wash your hands later. In fact, if thrift-store shopping oooks you out a bit, jewelry and kitchen items are a great place to start ... easily scrubbed and sterilized.

What are you loving lately?

Marcona Almonds in a Thrifted Dish

To Wear It With Confidence

This vintage fur collar has to be one of my most luxurious thrift-store finds to date. Lined in a mauvey-peach silk with a silk-thread hook and eye closure, and smelling faintly of a regally perfumed granny ... sheer fantastic-ness.

Honestly, I'm kind of digging the collar right on top of a plain sweater. However, at Christmas, I placed it over top my camel-toned wool dress coat. No wonder the high-end ladies love their fur! It definitely put a confident swagger in my step.

So now. What do we call fur collars? Not a shawl, not a muff ... but there must be a designated term, as "collar" just doesn't seem to be a snooty enough term. Any thoughts?

Treasures at the Thrift Shop

After our Wednesday morning bible study, Jane and I often make a quick stop into the tiny thrift store over by our house. It's run entirely by volunteer grannies and I just adore it there. Jane heads straight for the scarf section of the store, for they are all priced at a dollar. Just in her budget. She'll then twirl for all the ladies and we'll all confess to being charmed completely.

This past week we found not only a scarf, but a glorious amber colored velvet alpine hat. It is in pristine condition and I fell head over heels in love as soon as I spotted it. The grannies told me it had just come in that very morning. For our annual family harvest party, I'm thinking of dressing up as Maria Von Trapp. You know the scene at the end of The Sound of Music where they are climbing the Alps and the hills are all alive? Yep. That's gonna be me.

We also found another treasure. A sweet little woman named Peg that we met while standing at the checkout. Peg had also found some treasures that day and was contemplating taking several trips to get all the items home. Several trips on foot. I figure Peg to be well into her eighties!

When we asked if we could take her home, she beamed and announced: "I thank the Lord, Darling. That would be wonderful."

On our ride home we learned that Peg dearly loves the Lord. She grew up in New York and can't help up giggle at her own accent. She taught English to foreigners which she thought was most ironic given her own dialect. Peg is a riot.

We exchanged phone numbers and she is contemplating coming to church with us. She claims we were her blessing that day, but I think she was ours. I love the treasures God brings to us when we least expect it.

The Lady in the Black Fedora

"Who is this mystery woman," you ask? She lives a covert life at dusk, sleuthing her way around the city. And on one fateful day, not so very long ago ...

she struck thrift-store gold. After dropping a friend off at the metro train station, she slyly headed over to a honey of a shop. Only clothing items and mostly vintage. As we all know, thrift-stores in the city mock those in the 'burbs. Their elitist attitude is well earned.

It had been heavily raining and she was without a hood. Locals rarely use umbrellas in her part of the world ... they just aren't afraid of getting wet. However, looking like a doused feline is never a good look. With this realization at the forefront of her expeditionary musings, she headed over to the haberdashery section of the establishment. She was dubious. Her expectations were low, as outfitting her gi-normous noggin is always a challenge.

But then. She found it. A men's black vintage felt fedora with a grosgrain bow to the side.

She furtively glanced about to see if she would need to wield expert physical maneuvering against others honing in on the same glorious item. As luck would have it, she was unopposed. She placed the lovely artifact upon her head and it slid into place like it had been created for this very moment.

"Who is she," you continue to beg?

It was heard that her eldest daughter referred to her as an "odd detective" and chastened her to "hunch her shoulders" with increased effort.

But alas, we know not more. Her full identity remains an elusive detail, but she is said to have been sighted at a thrift-shop near you. Be on your guard ... she's ruthless.

Autumnal Pillows in the Family Room

Last year I found just a gob of yardage at the thrift store in an ... Autumnal Medallion Motif! The fabric was vintage but in pristine condition. A nice soft cotton, but still sturdy enough to take some abuse.

After some thought, I made up one cover for a throw pillow just to see if I could live with it's in-your-face declaration of design ... or if it was just too much shazam. The verdict?

Love, love, love! The pattern and colors are bold enough to be interesting but the sea-foam green settles it down to a happy hum. And wouldn't you know, I just happened to have a 16 inch vintage metal sea-foam green zipper! I love it so much it hurts a little.

Now I must promptly commission myself to make at least two more of these darlings. Not like there is dinner to make or chores to be done, right? Pillows are high-priority.

Two New Places to Sit

Some of you eagle-eyes noticed them in the background from yesterday's birthday post, and yes ... the chairs are done. I'm rather pleased with how they turned out, too!

If you'll remember, I scavenged a pair off of Craigslist that were in good condition, but rockin' at bit too much of the seventies mottled, dark wood. So a whole lot of taping off upholstery, a couple of coats of primer and paint, and a not small section of the lawn that is now accidentally dove gray too ...

Voilà! Two "new" side chairs for the living room. I love how it makes our 20 year-old putty colored carpet look kind of on purpose! And don't you like the old-fashioned teal velvet with the punchy orange pillow?

Grain Medley in a Thrifted Turquoise Bowl

Down-To-Earth Vintage

Last weekend, I managed time to sneak into a country "antique" store for about 45 minutes of vintage bliss. To me, "antiquing" often seems fancy and way out of my price range. But this little wine-country establishment is near perfection. Not too ritzy or spendy, more like fancy thrifting. Fun!

As I walked up the stairs and began eying the goody-laden porch, I immediately spotted a vintage wire basket all marvelous in it's salmony-pinkness. It didn't take much deliberation 'til I knew she was coming home with me.

She's large and sturdy and handles the girls bedroom books like a pro. Her form is stout enough to not budge as they flip through their books and I love how easy it is to see all of the titles at once.

I'm rather smitten with our new friend. She's practical, yet refined ... and not at all stuffy or pretentious. Just my style.

Thrift Store Chic

I've been loving the big, garish, costume-jewelery that seems en vogue, once again. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this pop-bead reminiscent necklace (and matching bracelet!) at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago.

I've been noticing that a remarkable bauble or two seem to make all the difference. Toss one on and the basic t-shirt and jeans have been elevated to a chic level that a mom can actually aspire to.

Any other fashion tricks out there, ladies? What is cheap, simple, and makes you feel good? What are you always on the hunt for because you know it's a "no fail" number? Us Mamas want to know.

Well, Hello There

I can't quite tell if these sunglasses are sexy or hysterical. Either way, I love them. Jane and I had an hour to kill this afternoon and these lovelies were awaiting at the thrift store. For a dollar.

They are definitely circa 1980's, as evidenced by the gold Liz Claiborne triangle at the temple. Giant tortoise-shell Liz sunglasses? Most certainly a relic from my childhood years. But, hey. The 80's are back in, right?

I think I may be a bit of a spectacle (truly, no pun intended) while wearing them, but I will anyways, and with an aire of ignorant confidence. Besides, I've given up on actually being "cool." I drive a mini-van, I have three children, and young girls in their 20's refer to me as "ma'am" when I go out. The gig is up if it was ever really down in the first place.

Regardless of the facts that may indeed be begging me to steer clear of trendy fashionable efforts ... I love me some big ol' 80's sunglasses.

To Be a Lady

After donning the lacy headscarf from the thrift store, she danced down the pink blossomed sidewalk and declared: "Ladies don't run ... they skip."

And skip she did, all the way to the mailbox and back.

Tea for Me ... and Heloise

The thrift store was very good to me today. Three new shirts (half-off!), a skirt, and a make-me-giddy new book and tray.

The book, Heloise all Around the House, is simply cracking me up. Full of tips from Heloise, "the housewife's favorite helper." After describing a helpful hint, she will then command you authoritatively ... "Try it."

One of my favorite passages is from the section entitled Newlyweds:

After you return from your honeymoon, keep those stars in your eyes. But don't work yourself to death to do it!

When your husband goes off to work, get the most important things done first. Make the bed, do your dishes, empty the ash trays and hang the bath towels straight.

As soon as he walks out the door, fill your kitchen sink with all your dirty dishes and put in some detergent, then turn the hot-water faucet on until the dishes are covered. Forget them for awhile. (Never put your hands in hot water if you can help it. Mother didn't know this in her day.)

Immediately go into the bedroom and make the bed.

Next, go back and have that second cup of coffee or tea. Read the paper. Your dishes are soaking, your beds are made and you aren't in too bad shape even if your mother-in-law drops in.

Don't you just love housewives with a sense of humor? All day I've been musing over her suggestions and then I hear a little no-nonsense voice in my head saying ... "Try it."

A Bedside Dish in Evening Light

I love to have a little bedside dish for forgotten hair-pins or dangling earrings. This fluted (and thrifted!) piece is my new favorite receptacle for holding bits and bobs while one sleeps.

Jackpot!

Oh my heavens, could you imagine the state of zipper nirvana I entered when I came upon more than 60 vintage zippers at the thrift store? I was greedily snatching them off the shelves as though there were hoards of manic seamstresses behind me, just waiting to pounce.

Color names like Flamingo, Mystic Blue, Poppy, Cloister Brown, Peacock, and Barberry Red. Not to mention the technology represented! Flex-Coils, Boiltex Tapes, and even the ability to Magically Self-Heal.

Sigh. The simple joys always get me.

Love in the Kitchen

Ah, Pyrex. You began many a love-affair generations back and you are still just as suave as you ever were. A darling dish that can handle the heat? Just listen to the housewives purr.

Speaking of which, would you look at this vanilla casserole dish with gold dandelion puffs? I adore this pattern and I adore Pyrex. You can do almost anything to this stuff, and don't we all love dishes that can go from the oven to the tabletop?

If you do any measure of thrifting, you are certain to run across the divided Pyrex dish. True, some look like they've had a life of hard work, but others still seem to sing. And if you find them with the lids? Even better.

And while I'm always drawn to these particular divided dishes, I find myself never knowing what exactly would be a brilliant use for them. A dual cobbler? Heating leftovers? Ladies, do tell!

A Space of Her Own

Miss Lucette wanted a desk for Christmas. We found a lovely antique vanity (minus the mirror) on craigslist and put a whole lotta' love into fixing it up. Sandpaper, wood filler, primer, paint, wipe-on poly, the works.

She wanted a place for her very own and the desk was all that it took. When it was revealed to her on Christmas, her eyes got wide and she caught her breath. "It's just too much" she whispered.

The old desk lamp painted gold and cream nestles nicely amidst her bits of beauty on display.

The desk itself we painted an antique white, which turned out to have a rather lovely buttery quality to it. A bit of distressing on the edges, as it seemed to warm the piece up and feel just right. I also had some leftover fabric from the curtains and recovered the seat cushion to match (with a practical piece of clear vinyl over top!).

The drawers were rather difficult to open initially, but nothing a few swipes from some bar soap couldn't handle. Inside she has drawer organizers to manage her endeavors. I think desk drawers are such insight into personality. I see Lucette represented in every little item.

What pleasure it gave us to prepare this desk for her. I hope it brings her many moments of pleasure for years to come.

In the Sewing Room

A while back I culled the children's toys, placed the remainder in their rooms and took over the spare bedroom -- all with a greedy giggle and complete lack of remorse. What luxury to have a work room! Lots of endeavors take place in this room, but mostly my sewing.

I picked up a well-loved (read: slightly beat-up) 1950's yellow-marbled formica drop-leaf table for pattern cutting, set up some shelves for fabric and plunked my machine on a Costco fold-up table. Works very nicely.

I'm a sucker for old sewing books and recently nabbed this Better Homes & Garden binder. The color photographs in this one remind me of every snapshot of my early childhood, as they all have a deep golden-orange hue. Certainly makes a statement ... of some kind!

Look at this late 60's/early 70's sewing haven. Must have been chic perfection! While I am perfectly content with my current room set-up, I do find myself dreaming of spiffing the room up a bit. Granted, my visions are not quite as bold as the above!

Of course this guide is also full of practical suggestions. I'm thinking of bringing back the "shift" dress code in my wardrobe. Functional and chic, if you ask me.

And, the book wouldn't be complete without instructions for slip-covering your davenports and adding "perky trims" to little girl dresses.

I'm itching to try some of the patterns and suggestions. Wherever do I begin?