One of those weeks

Do you ever have one of those weeks? When you just feel like jumping in a car and driving...somewhere? Planning a Mother's Day celebration for the shoppe, re arranging displays (with the help of my 2 partners in crime), worrying that we won't have enough merchandise, trying to find just 1 hour to add some little something to my web site, tidy up the house, groom the dogs, decide what's for dinner, balance the checkbook, taxi my daughter to work at odd hours (she still does not want to get her license) and just to add a little icing on the cake...the Swine Flu scare. I'm usually not a complainer, really I'm not! :)

The Adventures Of Elizabeth

Like so many of you blog junkies... I discover new blogs almost daily. Today I came across The Adventures of Elizabeth. Elizabeth longed for a new kitchen, but a complete remodel was not in her budget. Take a look at her blog to read about her adventure and see that it really can be done on a budget. We're talking $500 here! I was truly inspired by her post, and I think you will be too. It ends with a tale of true love and a common English idiom, Don't judge a book by it's cover. You will enjoy it, I promise.

Grey Gardens In My Neighborhood

I was so glad for the tip off about the HBO film Grey Gardens from Cottage Way of Life. I would have missed something great! Two minutes before showtime, Jenna and I grabbed a blanket and sat on the couch together to watch it. I knew she would love the 1930's fashion and with every wardrobe change she would let out an " oooh , I like that dress!" We even drooled over the blue entry door and the beautiful dresser in their bedroom. I've been a long time fan of Jessica Lange, but I had some doubts that Drew cold pull it off. We were not disappointed! Both actresses did a amazing job in playing their roles and the makeup artists did a fabulous job! I was curious as to who might be living in the house now and discovered that after Big Edie had died, her daughter sold the house to Benjamin C. Bradlee, then the executive editor of The Washington Post, and his wife, the writer Sally Quinn. Ms. Quinn was quoted as saying "the attic revealed a ceiling-high pile of treasure. Antique wicker chairs, a pair of upholstered chaises, a baronial table, china, lamps and a glass case that had once held Little Edie's menagerie of miniature animals were all sent to be restored." That gave me the chills when I read that! Can you imagine uncovering a stash like that?
Grey Gardens is now leased to Frances Hayward, the philanthropist and animal-welfare advocate for 11 months out of the year."


After the movie was over, we discussed the similarities between our neighbor's house above) and the house in the film. Once a grand old home in it's day, it now sits surrounded by weeds and dead trees. The owner's 70's rusted Cadillac has sat in the same spot for 20 years and is usually surrounded by brush. Occasionally, a cleanup is done around the car, but still, it never moves. The front porch is in such poor condition, it is no longer used as an entrance to the home. You can see the steps are missing and there is a rope barring anyone from entering through the front entryway. My family actually lived in this house during the late 50's, but moved shortly after my first birthday. I've been inside a few times over the years, but it's condition has always depressed me. I drive by it everyday, but I rarely look over. It has gotten so bad, that people will stop to ask me if it is abandoned. Some stop to photograph it, and kids will often throw rocks through their windows. I've often dreamed of buying it and restoring it if were ever up for sale, but unless I were to win the lottery I doubt that dream will ever come true. Surprisingly, the current tenants are quite wealthy, and yet they have no plans to restore it. The owner, who turns 88 tomorrow, has lived in the home with her daughter since the 1970's. I remember them telling my parents that they used donated paint left over from a Navy shipyard. We then dubbed the paint color as Battleship Gray. It would be nice to see it restored one day, but I'm not holding my breath. :(

You can see the HBO trailer by clicking this link. Be sure to check your HBO schedule!

Sophie gave Grey Gardens 2 paws up. She's a huge Little Edie fan. `o)

Sharing The Tulips

I didn't set out to take a picture of tulips, but when I walked into my daughter's room and spotted these, I couldn't resist. She had bought them for herself the day before Easter. The lighting was so perfect and just look at that red. So I grabbed my little camera to share these tulips with you. (You can click to enlarge if you like)

When Friends Come Together...

E 'una bella cosa!
I attended an Italian Market Sale at the home of Kim Kelly in Coronado last weekend. Kim invited a few friends to join her in the sale, and what a sale it was. She opened her charming home and garden which was packed full of goodies!

You can visit Tamerie, the queen of pillows and slipcovers! She has more photos on her blog.

There were handmade pillows, frames, furniture, pretty jewelry and soldered bottles by Rita Reade. As soon as I stepped into the backyard, there was a farm table holding a collection of soldered bottles. My eyes went straight to this one, The Guardian Angel Bottle.
A large bottle with metal wings, cherub applique and a religious medal hanging inside from a chain. The metal is inscribed with Pray For Us. There were so many tempting pretties, but this one was going home with me.



Rita teaches classes In Temecula and nearby. You can visit her blog here.



A simple old crate makes the perfect wine rack.


It may be hard to see in this photo, but behind her cross it has a faint
hand stencil that Kim did herself. Amazing Grace...it was stunningly beautiful!



As we were leaving the front door, look at what was parked out front!
A completely refurbished 1959 RED stove, complete with the range shakers...Oh My!I am not a red person, but I could easily learn to love it. Now, if I only had an extra Three Grand... :(

A Joyous Easter Greeting To All

There's A Birthday In The House

Our little girl is still our little girl, even though she's turning 19 today. Life has not been easy for her, but I'm so proud of the young lady she has become. She faced the biggest challenge of her life at the age of 8 when she was diagnosed with Diabetes type 1. At first I was angry and thought, why did this happen to us? I knew immediately that we had to cancel that pity party, and just be thankful that she was still with us, we could learn to live with it, and it would make us all stronger because of it. Jenna has had to adjust to a lifelong change, but she has never let that get in her way of enjoying life to it's fullest! I thank God every day for her. Happy Birthday Sweetie.

6 Months Old - Please, no comments on my 80's hair.haha...
1st 3 Wheeler
Dressing Up Vintage
Hanging out with Dad
Going to see No Doubt in concert (Gwen was her IDOL!)

First Dance (8th Grade) She will surely kill me if she sees this picture.


Her favorite local coffee cart. Can you tell she loves it?

Her very first homemade dress. She was so proud!


Emotions were mixed that day, but she was all smiles afterwards.

This was taken fairly recently and it's one of my favorite shots. She's the little baker in the house and was up until 1am icing her birthday cupcakes. Hey, she wanted to make her OWN cupcakes from scratch so I didn't stop her. :) Pictures and recipes to follow this weekend! I did a tiny taste test last night with her...One word. WOW!

Vintage Couture

I was going through my pictures tonight. Moms do this sort of thing when their "baby" is about to have yet another birthday. Jenna turns 19 this week.

Some of my closest friends know that my girl LOVES her vintage! She has collected and worn vintage clothing since she was 15. When her friends were wearing jeans or the latest trends at school, she was showing up in a dress from the 1940's through the 60's. I'm sure some found her a bit odd, but she did meet a lot of new friends who approached her to ask where she found her dresses. Even her teachers were intrigued by this girl who looked like she walked off the set of I Love Lucy. :)

Here are some shots of a few of her favorites. Her closet is full, although she is letting go of a few which I have been taking into the store. She will never be able to wear them all, and it's nice to know they will be worn again.

This was a rare thrift store find. A Beautiful salmon silk early 40's dress.



This is definitely a dancing dress. It has a fringe bottom trim, perfect for a night out on the town, but my girl doesn't dance. :(



This was an eBay purchase and we paid way too much, but she wanted it for her 17th Birthday. It has little white doves and rhinestones over the entire dress.



The Daisy Dress...she still loves it, but sadly, she has grown of it.


This is her most recent addition to the closet. It's really adorable and reminds me of a style that just might be at Anthropologie! She loves it and it's one that she can wear everyday.


Jenna drafted the pattern and made this dress all on her own. She did recycle a fur collar she found at an estate sale, which she debated on using. I was very proud of her design and perseverance.


Her real obsession is handbags, although I stopped counting at 50. It's really ridiculous, but hard to pass them up when you find them for under $10. This is just one cabinet that holds her precious bags. Just wanted to mention, the top of those doors are not dirty..the green paint has just worn away from opening and closing those doors one too many times! :)

A year ago, her dream was to have her own vintage clothing store. Now she bakes. And bakes, and bakes. Maybe she will have her own bakery someday? She baked over 40 cupcakes tonight for her birthday, in 3 variety's! I guess she doesn't trust dear old Mom's baking, but you won't hear me complaining!

Lunch With The Girls

This post is a bit late, but better late than never. Once a month, a fun group of girls will meet for lunch at Miguel's Cocina on Coronado Island. To network, to talk about family, old times, and to complain about the servers for taking our margaritas and plates away before we were finished. Deb, next time bring your hot glue gun and glue our plates down. :) This was my very first blogger lunch and I really enjoyed time spent with these girls! I met them all through blogging with the exception of Ms. Tamerie, whom I've known for a few years through the antique biz.



Stop here for the best margaritas & mexican food in town.


The main attraction was our gal from Hollywood Coronado, Ms Debbie Hodge. Her adoring fans are Tamerie (right) and Linda. Hee hee...Deb is the organizer behind these lunches and I was happy to be included. We did miss some of the regulars, but hope they can make it next time.


Lovely Linda from La Maison Rustique. She made me feel as if I had known her my entire life. Don't you just love people like that? I can't wait to visit her at her Barn Sale coming up the this month. You can click on the above link for more details.

It was Val Hebert's first lunch too, and you can visit her Etsy shop to see her wonderful creations! I had to borrow this picture from Tamerie. Val is holding up a small eyelet doily and comparing it to the average size curtain in a Coronado home. Yes, some are pretty small and the whole thing made me snicker.





This little guy was hoping for a dropped tortilla chip. From the looks of his belly, he's had quite a few! These birds are whizzing all around on the outdoor patio and are just the cutest. Looking forward to next time!

Junking With A Buddy

A good friend of mine came down to go junking with me so I thought I'd take you along for the ride. She came all the way from Palm Desert. Say hello to Diane. :) I met Diane through eBay, many moons ago. She won an auction of mine, and we've never lost touch! Diane's a sweetheart and although she was recently laid off of her job of 10+ years, her spirit has not been broken! I know something better will come her way.


This old work table was pretty cool, but way too big.For once I found something that would not fit in the back of my car!


This was an odd desk. Very tall, missing some drawers, but cool nonetheless!



A day late..this chest of drawers was sold. :(


Cute desk, even cuter color!






This child size armoire has been there since October, It started out at $300 and it's now down to $100. It does need some work, but I'm still a little surprised it's still there.

Every thrift store has the quirky little what nots that nobody wants. I usually pick up one or two to save for our Christmas white elephant exchange. I may go back for this guy..whatever he may be! Anyone have a clue?



I did end up with some nice smalls, but I forgot to take a picture of everything! Oh well.... Be sure to visit my store blog to see our Spring event that just took place on the 28th.