Thursday, May 28, 2009

HATS!

As a child I always loved to play dress-up with my Nanny’s hats.  She had quite a collection.  She kept her hats way in the back of her cedar lined closet.  The closet was situated on the side of the staircase leading upstairs so it was very deep.  It was like an adventure to crouch down and delve deep into those back shelves and pull out all of those lovely hats, the smell of cedar surrounding you.  Today I don’t have a single one of them.  I don’t know what happened to them but it makes me very sad.  I would have loved to have at least one of them.

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The first and the third pictures are of her.   The other two I’m not sure about.  I am very fortunate to have a wonderful collection of vintage photos.  Unfortunately, they were acquired after her death so some remain unidentified.

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Of course, men also wore hats most all of the time.   Do you think they even mowed the lawn in a suit and hat?

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Babies wore hats

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I had to include this one.  My one and only time as a cover girl!

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These are NOT from my collection.  It just makes you wonder……was it silly hat day or something?  I would hate to think that such a goofy picture of me was wandering the world even after my death.  Then again, I’m sure these two ladies could never have imagined anything remotely close to the internet!  If there is any significance to these two hats  that you know about, let me know.  I’m very curious!

Sooooo…..what got me started on this whole hat thing?  Well day before yesterday I was with Hubby visiting a friend of his and there in the most unexpected of all places where you definitely would not expect to see them were all of these vintage hats.  Of course they immediately drew my attention and I commented on them.  This friend then said “go ahead and pick one out that you would like to have”  I snatched up the one that I had been admiring and then thought that wasn’t very nice.  Talk about greedy!  So I went into the “oh that is so nice of you but I really couldn’t”  token protest.  He said “no go ahead, really”…….I snatched it back up, said thank you, thank you, about ten times and we were outta there!  Hope he hasn’t changed his mind.

Now it’s not the crème de la crème of all hats, but it’s a cutie.

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Chocolate brown wool.  Love the original little pearl pen.

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My mannequin loves it!  She wears wool and jewels  and fur year-round you know!  She’s such an eclectic girl!  Bling, wool, fur, and even a little tattoo art!

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I’m really beginning to think she needs a name.  Something exotic and exciting.  Hmmmm…..

So anywhoo…….I was suddenly all into this whole hat thing reminiscing and everything.  Maybe that is why when I saw “a day in the life of a hat junkie” on someone’s blog roll , I just had to see where it led me. 

Somewhere wonderful, that’s where!

Anna at Hat Junkie!

She makes the most amazing glorious hats and sells them on Etsy!

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This is one of her summer hats.  The flower in the middle is made with a vintage hankie. I’m saying she actually MAKES the actual hat and embellishes it!   Her fall/winter collection is my favorite.  She is a wonderful designer and uses such perfect fabric combinations.  Be sure and click on the link above and check out her blog.  She is a very talented artist.  Millinery is an art, don’t you think?

Sooo……I don’t wear hats because I think I look like a total dork in one.  But one of hers would be glorious just to display.  I’m sure my mannequin what’s-her-name would love to have one!

See y’all later!

Denise

So Proud!

Our T-Man had his “promotion” ceremony yesterday morning for 5th grade.  He’ll be the big sixth grader next year and going on to a new school.

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Mom and I were so proud.  No…I swear….we hadn’t been drinking!  It just looks like it!  I am SOOOO going to get in trouble for posting this picture! 

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He had a wonderful teacher this year!  Thank you Mrs. Rich!

He’s right at that age where everything is a huge embarrassment. 

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Embarrassed

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NO!  I absolutely REFUSE to smile!

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Not too bad!  Mom must have threatened to smack him!  Just kidding!   (kinda)

Next year it’s uniforms only at school.  Khaki pants, pull over knit polos in a few choice colors.  Even the belt has to look a certain way.  Gee…..that’s too bad.  No more torn jeans and baggy shirts.  I’m sure you can’t detect a bit of sarcasm here!

I have a GREAT post planned for tomorrow!  I happened upon the most Fun and artistic blog last night and I’m just dying to share it with all of you!

See y’all tomorrow!

Denise

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Tuesday

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  Hubby and I worked ourselves silly in the yard this weekend.  We were waayy behind on all of that seasonal work.

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My Japanese Maple is doing so well!  I know, I know, most of you are saying “so”  but believe me, it’s a big deal for me.  I have wanted one of these trees forever and finally got one last year and I’ve been holding my breath hoping that I planted it in the right place and that it would survive!  SUCCESS!

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It’s finally warm enough for Impatiens.  They are so pretty here in the shade.  Shade and heat, that’s they love!011

I don’t even know the name of this shrub.  I tend to buy things for color.  With the lime greens being my favorite.

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Heather and I did have time to visit one of our favorite shops over the weekend.  We WERE going to stop by Old Navy Saturday morning.  They were having a Memorial Day sale.  Flip flops for $1.00 a pair.  Now, that’s a good deal and I could sure use a few new pair.  We got there and the line to checkout and pay was……1 1/2 hours looonng!  Yep, you heard me correctly, one and one half hours to pay!  Now maybe if I had five kids to buy for it might be worth it.  We left!

On to our next destination.  One of our favorite shops.  I had been dying to take pictures for awhile but could never catch the owner when I was there.

The Paper Crown

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My girl has a twin.  With wings no less.  She is going to be sooooo jealous.  I haven’t told her yet!

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So many paper goodies.

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Pretty ribbons.  And this is just one small selection.  She has an wall full of velvets and other yummy textures.

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A  few yummy gifts sprinkled in.

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Everything is so well displayed on vintage pieces of furniture.

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They also offer fun classes.

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At home………………….

Miss Molly (former homeless girl turned Diva)  was busy napping.  That beauty sleep is important you know!   She prefers her bed to be…….MINE, unmade, perfectly fluffed, with plenty of pillows for her head.  Oh…and don’t forget to leave a fan blowing gently on her, ruffling her beautiful caramel fur. 

That beauty stuff is HER take on her appearance, not mine.  She has developed quite the attitude in a little less than a year!

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Today it was back to business as usual.  Hey somebody has to play “yard ornament”!

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Miss Willow has recovered from her humiliation of  a couple of weeks ago.  Not that she cared!

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My outdoor room is a work in progress.  More on that later.  I have great plans to share with you!

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Lastly…..if anyone knows anything about growing pumpkins, other than they need a lot of space, I could use some advice.  These came up from seed in one of my planters.  Little mini pumpkins, and I think if would be fun to grow some.  The only place that I have that is large enough is pretty sandy soil and I’m not sure that will work.  Anywho……any advice would be appreciated. 

Having a wonderful week here.  We’re heading out on This………….

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………….this weekend!  Can’t wait to get away for a few days!

Talk to you tomorrow!   Our T-man had his “promotion” ceremony from fifth grade today.  Too cute!  He’ll be going on to a new school and the big sixth grade next year.  Of course I will have to post pics. !

Denise

Thursday, May 21, 2009

At The Rink

I finally remembered to take my camera with me on one of my weekly trips to the Rink.  As usual, there are lots of goodies  at fabulous prices  just waiting for you!

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Like this gorgeous rounded front cabinet!  I love those legs and the detailing on the front!  A bargain at $110.00!

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Heather just finished this hand-painted armoire last week.  Where else could you find a piece this gorgeous for only $398.00!  Notice the flowers painted on the sides and the detailing across the top front.

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Tole painted tray.  I can see this in the same room with either one of the pieces above.

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Country Living Magazine had a hand beaded basket exactly like this one (different color) featured in their “what’s it worth” article this month.  They valued it at $50.00.  You can buy this one at the Rink for $28.00!  SCORE!

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Remember the post we did where we painted the chair frame to give the piece an updated look?  The upholstery on this chair is perfect!  I think it may even be the same color as my antique sofa.  Can’t you just see this one with a distressed and glazed cream frame?  For $65.00 and less than a quart of paint you could have an adorable French inspired chair!

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Heather and I just brought in these two chairs today.  I wouldn’t hesitate to use them indoors as well as out.  Only $25.00 each!

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Chippie, rusted, and absolutely perfect!  I love this vignette with the browns, yellows, and rust colors!

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Ready to play dress-up?  Someone’s recital costumes no doubt.  They looked adorable as part of a display or for any Princess.  You couldn’t make one of these cuties for the $39.00 that they’re marked!  Gee…I wish they would fit me!

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These are getting harder and harder to find.  I would have loved her more if her entire body had been the tea stained color, but she’s still pretty cool!  $69.00!

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A vintage child’s dress.  It reminded me of so many of the sepia toned photos that I see. 

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And the selection goes on and on and on!  Be sure and stop by.  If you’re out on Sunday afternoon, remember that they have live music and refreshment from  3:00 to 5:00!  And most days there are cookies and punch.  Hey……you’ll need that extra energy for all the great stuff you’re gonna find!

Here’s hoping that everyone has a perfect Holiday weekend!

Denise

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