Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Good Sewer

I just got done watching the Martha Stewart Show. She just told me all the essentials a good sewer needs. Literally a tabletop full of supplies that I don't have. Of course she thinks its next to nothing and just says to keep it organized in a box or something. I must be a terrible sewer....

The reason I tuned in today was because her new book is on sale today: Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts. Its no secret that I am a huge fan of hers and I will certainly be purchasing this. Heres Amazon.com's description of whats inside:


"Encyclopedic in scope, the book features two main parts to help you brush up on the basics and take your skills to a new level. First, the Techniques section guides readers through Sewing, Appliqué, Embroidery, Quilting, Dyeing, and Printing. Following that, the Projects A to Z section features more than 150 clever ideas (including many no-sew projects), all illustrated and explained with the clear, detailed instructions that have become a signature of Martha Stewart’s magazines, books, and television shows.

An enclosed CD includes full-size clothing patterns as well as templates that can be easily produced on a home printer. Fabric, thread, and tool glossaries identify the properties, workability, and best uses of common sewing materials. And, perhaps best of all, when you need it most, Martha and her talented team of crafts editors offer you the reassurance that you really can make it yourself.

The projects are as delightful as they are imaginative, and include classic Roman shades, hand-drawn stuffed animals, an easy upholstered blanket chest, a quilted crib bumper, French knot-embellished pillowcases and sheets, and Japanese-embroidered table linens, among many others.With gorgeous color photographs as well as expert instruction, this handy guide will surely encourage beginners and keep sewers and crafters of all experience levels wonderfully busy for many years to come. "

Monday, March 29, 2010

Summer Sandals

For years and years I never wore sandals. I thought my feet were gross and didn't want ANYONE seeing them. I'm pretty much over that now and last year started buying cute summer sandals to pair with vintage dresses. The tricky thing is that they need to look somewhat vintage, too even if they are not. I recently bought these beauties at my local Marshalls for only $30.

They are made by Clarks which to me means comfortable. A major plus. I found out later that they come on other colors but I'm pleased with the black. I am, however, on the prowl for a cute brown pair. These are in the running so far...









Thanks, Martha!

If it wasn't for Martha Stewart (and maybe my mom), I wouldn't know how to cook anything. Her recipes are easy to understand and never too complicated. A co-worker urged me to purchase one of her cookbooks a few years ago and now I have several. Last night I attempted to make the Chicken Pot Pie and it was a success! Loaded with carrots, peas, onions, and of course chicken, it was delicious! The fillo dough was a little tricky but well worth it.





If you are interested in this recipe or more great recipes from Martha, check out the latest Everyday Food cookbook. If you visit Amazon.com, you can take a peek inside!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Thrifty Finds


I was out thrifting this week, on Thursday and Saturday. I had to take advantage of Thursday because Vallue Village gives 25%. Along with finding great things for the shop, I found a couple keepers for myself.




I'm in love with this pink dress and it fits perfectly. It's very Twiggy/Courtney Love. Perfect.








I also found these ridiculous peeptoe heels in faux leopard fur. They fit perfectly so I had to buy them. I'm really excited to wear them even if it is just around the house.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Dream Rides

Lately Ive been thinking about my favorite all time vehicles. Like what I would want to drive around on a daily basis if cost, convenience, or my ability to physically drive them didn't matter at all. So in no particular order here they are:




















A 1968 mint green Vespa. Mind you, I can't even drive a mo-ped without going straight into a tree. Trust me, I've done it.


A 1962 Ford Falcon...color doesn't matter so much but I always see them in white or blue. I happen to like both.



And last but not least, the Airstream. Not only are they fun and retro from the outside, but think of all the space inside to decorate! Travel the country in style and comfort...what a dream. I've always had a place for these in my heart but on my honeymoon to Austin, TX, I fell in love with them all over again. They've turned them into cute little food stands along the sides of the streets like this one seen below, Hey Cupcake! You can't tell by the picture, but the giant cupcake on top even spins! Not only did the Airstreams bring a smile to my face, but so did the red velvet cupcakes waiting for me inside.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Craigslist

I have an obsession with Craigslist! No joke, if I'm super bored with nothing else to do, I just start looking up random things on there. Anything from furniture to jobs. It just helps the time go by and once in a while I actually find something. I found our amazing vintage couch via Craigslist from a sweet couple in DC for only $30! My most recent find are a pair of vintage orange chairs which we just picked up yesterday. The seller lived about 10 minutes away and it was a very pleasant transaction. I love Craigslist! Here is a photo of the lovely chairs in their new home.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Polyvore

I found a great new way to waste my time! Its called polyvore.com. On this wonderful website you can create sets of pretty much anything to create a certain look or theme. I've seen these sets on numerous websites and blogs and often wondered 'how did they do that?'. So instead of getting ready for work, I spend half an hour putting this set together. All items are found at modcloth.com.


Monday, March 15, 2010

Old School Nick

When I was younger, all I watched was Nickelodeon. I couldn't miss a night of Snick. I'm so obsessed that last year I bought 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?' DVDs and recently Netflixed the first season of 'Clarissa Explains It All'. I was kind of nervous at first that maybe they wouldn't have the same appeal that they once did if I watched them now as a 25 year old. So not true...I love them just as much. I can't for the day that 'Salute Your Shorts' and 'You Can't Do That On Television' come out on DVD. Until then, I have youtube. Luckily, while scanning itunes today, I saw that you can purchase 'Hey Dude' Season 1 for under $15. So excited to watch this one again!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

The Lace Up Pump

I have a few weddings coming up that I'm planning on attending and I'm trying to plan out what I will be wearing. I have tons of dresses I can choose from but I don't have a large selection of fancy dress shoes. I mostly live in flats and for work I have to wear sneakers so that doesn't leave much space in my life for heels. I have found quite a few pairs that are worthy of drooling over and would look perfect with a vintage dress.

Seychelles Rita Lace Up Pump $89.95 (the pricey choice)


Chelsea Crew Juliette Heel $72.99 (less pricey choice)



Forever 21 Betty Oxford Pump $24.80 (the no-brainer choice)


Needless to say, I think if I buy any, it will be the last pair.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Thrifty Finds

I'm finding out that the Goodwills and Salvation Armys around here are not really to my liking, however the Value Villages are just what I was looking for. I especially like the 25% discount card, although it can only be used on Thursdays. I went to one yesterday that was actually 2 stores in 1 building. Of course 1 side ended up being better than the other but it was still really enjoyable. Heres what I found:



Some fun kitchen items including glasswares, an apron, dish towel, and oven mit.



A vinyl clutch purse and wall art.



And some really cute shoes (which of course are not my size).

Some of these items will be added to the shop soon!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Spring is in the air







All photos were taken at the Botanical Gardens in Washington DC last year.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Fun in the Kitchen

While I don't get to cook in my kitchen as much as I would like (due to working a lot of nights) I still get to enjoy decorating it. I have a collection of vintage tablecloths and aprons and other kitschy knick knacks. The pink cabinet in the corner is a thrift store find from back in high school. I repainted it and used to keep all my crafting supplies in it. Now it holds cookbooks, dogs treats and my vintage mixer. The cactus was a gift from my friend who was nice enough to give me a plant I can't kill.





Sunday, March 7, 2010

Holy Memorabilia, Batman!

Yesterday finally felt like spring so we went into the city (Baltimore that is) to see the Geppi's Entertainment Museum. I had been wanting to here ever since they had a Barbie exhibit last year. Its not a huge museum or anything but it is packed with all things pop culture including comic books, toys, and all sorts of collectibles. It was like heaven...





Saturday, March 6, 2010

I'm going to try and pay more attention to this blog. I kind of forgot about it. One exciting this that has happened is that Atomic Ranch magazine put a picture of my living room in their latest issue. I wrote a letter to the editor a little while back and it got printed. I adore their magazine and its really inspiring. I get such great new ideas on how to decorate my home.