Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Serendipity

Every once in a while I pass a yard sale or an estate sale on my way to school. I don't usually stop at these fantastic picking sites because I'm either (a) running late, or (b) short on funds. But today I was right on top and I had $24 in birthday money folded neatly into my wallet. I saw several items I liked, including a milk glass punch bowl with matching cups, a 1970s children's activity book, and a set of blue, ceramic salt and pepper shakers; but the thing that really caught my eye was this adorable pair of sienna-colored busts. Aren't they darling?



Judging by the sticker on the bottom of "Johnny" (the bust on the right; the other one is nicknamed "Jane"), the pair is at least 25-years-old, and emigrated all the way from West Germany. They aren't very tall - approximately 4-inches - but I think they're a fantastic piece of home decor. Watch for their listing, coming soon!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

New Listing!

It's been a while, but I finally made some time post a new item in my shop. Check out this sweet, double deck of Congress playing cards! They're perfect for camping trips, summer vacations, and fun around the house.


Monday, April 11, 2011

My Alchemic Muse Body Whip Arrives Today! - I'm so excited!!!

I'm super excited!! I checked PayPal, and I'm due to receive my container of Alchemic Muse's Marzipan body whip today!



Ordinarily I wouldn't be so excited, except I did an Etsy search, and there are very few whipped body creams that compare to Alchemic Muse. The description, scents, and ingredients are enough to make me drool; and I'm completely confident that when I receive my container of Marzipan body whip, it won't disappoint. In the meantime, I'm going to staple some more velcro for the curtains in our home theater; and hope I don't end up disappointed.

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OMG!!!! I love Marzipan body whip!!! It's AMAZING!!! And it smells amazing! I heartily endorse; and I intend to buy from again!!! :)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Treasures From My Latest Expedition


Look at all the treasures I found during my recent estate sale expedition! The house I went to was full of all sorts of goodies from the Atomic Age, including a 1950s girl scout sash (bottom left), books on psychology and engineering (bottom right), and assorted paper ephemera (top right). I also found a trio of French books (top left; the two green ones are from the early 1900s) and a paperback copy of Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman. But my favorite find of the day was a pamphlet from the Cryonic Society of New York (see picture below).

I have no idea what the pamphlet is worth, but it's still neat to look at.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

April Birthdays and the Elusive "Perfect Gift"

My dad's birthday is in less than five days and I still haven't decided what to give him. I considered buying him a WWII history book, but the shelves in my parents' house are literally chock full of such volumes. (Mostly because my dad is a history buff, but also because my parents are journalists and prolific readers.) I also considered buying him something from one of my favorite Etsy shops, such as cufflinks, gardening supplies, or a piece of memorabilia from one of his favorite bands. Unfortunately my dad is either in excess of such items, or has no need for them. Thus, I've resolved to give him something useful. The question is, what?

In addition to my dad's birthday, I also have to consider presents for my father-in-law (April 8th), my mom (April 17th), my grandma (April 25th), and both of my brother-in-laws (their birthdays were late last month). My goal is to give each of them small, thoughtful gifts, and I already have a few ideas in mind. My brother-in-law, C, for instance, will love The Grit from Rocky Top Soap Shop, while my mom is a sucker for sweet smelling goodies, like this delectable body whip by Alchemic Muse.



I know I'll figure it out eventually, but I'm one of those people that pride themselves on giving others the "perfect gift," be it animal, vegetable, or mineral. I could take the easy route and send several cards through the mail, but that - much like my mandatory, Sunday night phone calls home in college - seems like the least I can do. Simply put: I want to do more, and I want to do it well, so I'm open to suggestions. What would you give some of the most important people in your life for their birthday?

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On another side note, I decided to order a container of Alchemic Muse's Marzipan body whip to see how I like the texture. I also heard that AM likes to include a sample with every package, so I'm hopeful that I'll get to try something else I can order for my mom. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tea, Anyone?

One of my pieces, a vintage Arcoroc France teacup and saucer set, was recently featured in this treasury by Vintage Books team member, yesteryearswords.



The colors and patterns remind me of the English countryside, especially TagSaleFind's collection of vintage gardening books, pinkpainter's Noritake china, and Shadowmark's whimsical wedding gift tags.



I can just envision myself wearing a straw hat and sipping tea while I sit in a white wicker chair.

On the flip side, it also makes me think of the scene from Bridget Jones's Diary where Bridget shows up at a garden party wearing a playboy bunny costume.


What does it make you think of?