Time for Treasures

Paris? Yes please!

2011-06-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want to go to Paris? Um, I do!

http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris

click on the link to enter...

Vintage Wooden Crate Ideas

2011-02-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

I'm getting all my goodies together for my new space at the shop...unveiling will be March 2nd so stop by! I have alot of vintage wooden crates coming to the shop which started me thinking....do people know how many fabulous uses these wooden crates have?? If not, I thought I would share a few...so I expect you to all go to the shop and snatch them up for me ok?!

Latest Obsession

2010-11-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

Ah.....jadite, it has to be the most perfect green color on the planet. I came across a blog here
She posts some amazing pictures of jadite collections and special pieces. Also lots of great information about makers and styles.

Where are you?

2010-11-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

Here I am! Still alive and feeling as creative as ever! I have found so much creative inspiration in the last little bit it's really hard NOT to share it so here are a few:

http://http//www.junkrestore.com/ oh and that is me and Thelma (we go by Thelma and Louise when we are on road trips) in picture #7 shopping their fabulous sale this weekend!

http://www.everythinggoesaz.com/ oh and this happens to be the lovely store that features my creative little space (a.k.a. "the shop") in Phoenix

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Time-For-Treasures/106987039342881 and this is the Time for Treasures Facebook page where I post the latest pics of my treasure finds (which I list on Etsy or take to the store).

So there you have it...

Let me know if you're still out there waiting to hear of my adventures! (it's always nice to know you have an audience),

Stephanie

Amazing Blogs...

2010-06-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some AMAZING blogs I have found in the past few weeks -- mostly since the Farm Chicks show. Please tell me you have heard of that. Well if you haven't you will after you read some of these darling blogs.

The first one is called Urban Farmhouse.

Then there is Patina Green

There is also Wild Whimsy

Queen of Tarte

Retreat Style

Lola B's (she's hilarious)

Laurie Ann's Vintage Home

Blondiensc

I think that aught to get you started. ta ta for now!

Big Sale

2010-05-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

We are having a Big Sale at Time for Treasures on Etsy. Have to make room for all of our new treasures. Like this....

Stop by and see if there's something you'd like HERE

Farm Chicks Giveaway

2010-05-01T13:48:00.001-07:00

Could you imagine being the special guest of THE farm chick herself at one of her shows?! That would be awesome for so many reasons

Serena seems genuinely sweet

She is super talented

Vendor dinner ?! um hello!

The chance to go to another flea market/show

Travel! Adventure!

Go here to enter or just wish me luck! :)

Inspiration Candy

2010-04-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Tired of calling it eye candy, its also inspiration candy. I don't know about you but I just soak all of this stuff up. Blogs, websites, magazines, photos, HGTV shows, etc. I literally get "creatively" recharged when I look at these things. Like plugging my battery in. Funny as it may sound I NEED it. Its good for my soul. Its what makes me happy (well besides my family), but you get the idea.

Well, in the past few days I have come across some AMAZING inspiration. I mean jaw dropping, get a cup of coffee and sit down for an hour to soak it in type inspiration.

Well without further adeu (I have no idea how to spell that word) I'm just going to send you there. Click HERE to visit A MOBILE HOME interior (you will not believe your eyes)...

...and then go HERE for a blogger's most amazing, step by step girls trip to Paris EVER! But, make sure you start at the beginning of her trip!

A girl can dream...a girl should dream...go HERE to find out why. You won't regret it.

Time for Treasures on Etsy

2010-02-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

I've been hard at work getting my Etsy vintage goodies together and listed for sale! Here's a sneek peek at some of the lovelies that will be up for sale this week...

Old books.....

Tiny silver plates perfect for a wine bottle coaster.........

Silver cups with the perfect aged patina...

Vintage makeup that reminds me of old Hollywood -- so glamorous!

Come visit my shop here

Valentines Ideas

2010-02-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

Its not too late to bust out some Valentines decorations or last minute treats!
Photo from Martha Stewart.com photo from tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com

How stinkin cute is this wreath made from cupcake papers?? Photos from Flickr

Craig's List or Not?

2010-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I have always have good luck with Craig's List. Now, my husband has a great deal to do with that, but good luck none-the-less. My favorite category to watch is the Antiques. Oh, If I only had a spare $300 the other day I would have snatched this Antique French Wine Cage that holds 200 bottles of wine!!! Ok, #1 I love anything French and antique is a huge bonus, but I looked up how much this beauty was going for and people....

on 1stdibs.com which is where alot of the designers shop, it was $2400!!! I sulked for a good little bit that day....

And here is a perfect example of what you can get for FREE from Craig's list. Yes we got this concrete table with steel base for FREE off Craig's List. I just love it! FREE people, FREE!!

I found a few examples to share of awesome Craig's list deals...

This hutch was $50

This German antique table was $125...

This antique apothecary cabinet was $1100...

These old perfume and French bottles were $20...

This old cabinet was $375...

This shabby chic dining set was only $350 for all of it!

This antique bed was $350

This shelving unit in L.A. was $150

And if you like things a little more modern this Eames fiberglass chair was $175

This cool hutch was $175

I keep seeing this cool chair pop up and its $125

Look at this $100 antique desk!

and this $50 couch! How cool would that be with a slipcover?!

Or a $50 iron bedframe

Or this desk for $20 -- HELLO!!

Happy Treasure Hunting!!

Diamonds and Pearls...

2010-01-25T18:08:00.000-08:00

The party on Friday turned out so great! Everyone had a really good time and the rain let up enough all day and night, we only lost 1 luminaria to the rain and I had to keep relighting the candles outside, but other than that is was a perfect evening! Couldn't have asked for anything more, especially a very happy guest of honor (who had NO idea what we had been planning)!

The party was a collaboration between my friend's husband and myself. I threw some party "themes" out to him and he chose navy and white with pearl, diamond and ice accents. I ran with it from there! He did most of the shopping, took care of the rentals, etc. and I did the decorating.

Thought I would share with you a few of the very scary "before" pictures at about 11:00am!

And this was at 6:00pm...

The chocolate fountain I borrowed from a friend and we had biscotti, pretzels, pineapple, peanut butter rice krispie treats (which are really easy just add peanut butter at the end -- I cannot believe I have lived this long without them!), homemade marshmellows, again easy once you have made them a couple times, recipe from here

Centerpieces with hydrangeas, sweetheart roses, mums, lisianthis, tulips, orchids and curly willow. I used hanging crystals that I had to hang onto the curly willow...

I used some iceicle branches I had left over from Christmas in a niche in the entry along with ALOT of candles...loose ice and pearls were also with alot of the decor...

I wanted to set up the favor table right at the front door so I cleared off their entry table, made 2 boards with bulletin boards that I had, covered them in navy fabric, taped them to the mirror with a bow and pinned the favors on so they could be easily removed.

The favors were little bags of assorted chocolates from Trader Joes. I purchased little bags from Michaels and some pearl white cardstock for the tops of the bags. I strung 5 pearls on regular white thread, taped it onto the back of the cardstock and hot glued it to the top of the bags. I used regular sewing pins with the pearl tips to hang on the bulletin boards...

I used 3 cake stands that I had to add some height in between the 2 boards and it also gave me an opportunity to use up the leftover candy I had from filling up the bags. I printed out letters on my computer and cut them out on the pearl cardstock and taped them to the edge of the cake plates. I found this favor concept on Amy Atlas Events. She has some great party ideas, alot of the candy buffets!

The cake was from Cathy's Rum Cake and it was outstanding!

I brought all of my glass containers, silver trays, pearl necklaces, anything that was glass, pearl or silver! They added alot of sparkle, especially with the candles!

The centerpieces on the dining tables are what gave me high blood pressure. I had been making ice vases all week and I was so paranoid that they would not make it to the night of the party. All was good! If you would like to see how to make them, look here.

Their family room (sectional and tables removed) turned into a dining room with 5 dinner tables...

The outdoor space decorated with $1.99 sheets from IKEA

More ice vases and luminaria bags at the entry...

Me and the guest of honor....

Under the Sea and Under the Weather

2010-01-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

Lily's birthday party started off with a bang! She got sick :( on the way to the party :( We had to inform our guests, take many precautions and move most of the party outside so she wouldnt touch anyone or anything! But it turned out to be a very nice party and she is a very lucky girl for having such understanding friends and family.

For our Little Mermaid party we dined on fish and chips, don't worry it wasn't Flounder it was talapia, which makes really great fish tacos for the adults and the kids had fish sticks and seashells and cheese macaroni. We also had "fish on a log" aka peanut butter and celery with pretzel goldfish crackers,
And blue and green Knox blox, yes they make blue jello! but my green jello turned out more like seaweed color ;/ which also doesn't photograph well...

Starfish cheese sandwiches made with crescent rolls...

Chips and dips...

And the star of the show ~ the fish ~ the kids loved them, but unfortunetely when I got them the guy at the store told me they had "ICK". I told him I didn't care, give them to me anyway I just needed them for a couple hours. He was very confused and told me at least 4 times that they were going to die. He was right, the next morning all dead. And yes he still charged me for them. Something about that just isn't right ?! But they sure do look pretty cool!

For some reason I don't really like writing on a cake. I don't know why, just don't. When I picked up her cake 2 different people asked me if I was sure I didn't want writing on it. yep, I'm sure. After the 2nd time I just said no, she knows its her birthday, lol.

Since the cake was white with strawberry filling I figured I'd better make some chocolate cupcakes to satisfy her brother...

Arial welcomes everyone to the party. I scored this Ariel doll at Goodwill for $1.99! and the rest of the stuff I already had!

The birthday girl loved seeing this when she walked in!

Of course I don't like to leave the adults out so I made some tasty treat bags for them too! I found these seashell chocolates at Walmart...

One of the games we didn't get to play...Pin the Fin on the Shark - available at Michaels for $14.99 and its really nice fabric and embroidery!

The kids loved the treasure hunting game. We started from the youngest and did groups of kids refilling the pool with treasures and burying them as we went....

The kids also enjoyed the face painting. I printed out several clip art pictures they could choose from. I think Lily picked them all! Look how pasty white the poor girl is!

Lots of wonderful Arial gifts...

Grandma and Grandpa made her a dollhouse! and her Nana made her some comfy jammies too!

This was the inspiration for her birthday banner, from here

And here is Lily's underwater version with shells and sand...

And the kids party favor idea was from Martha Stewart...

And here is ours...oops I just now realized I forgot the eyeball!

This is the first time in awhile I have had back to back parties. I'm working on one for a friend for tomorrow! Hopefully she will let me post pictures, so until next time! Happy Treasure Hunting!

The "Lil" Mermaid Preparations

2010-01-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

The festivity preparations have begun around here for Miss Lil's birthday party on Sunday. The less I save for the last minute the better. Her constant encouragment telling me that she "loves it" is also helpful and motivating!

Since our party will be at home (one of these days we may venture out of the house for one of our kids parties, but then again maybe not!) I tend to try and decorate here and there around the house to fit the party theme. So now we are a little "under the sea".

Transforming the mantle....I scored this silver beading at my favorite Sedona shop called The Hummingbird House, it was an after Christmas deal at 75% off, which meant $10! I picked up the antique key at the same Sedona shop and the netting I blogged about a while back and its actually a wine bottle holder, now serving as a vase cozy.

I tore a picture out of a book we had lying around and framed it with one of our frames. Presto! It also helps that I have a large collection of shells that I have been putting here, there and everywhere...

The Hummingbird House has the most amazing dried lavender, which I usually buy (its actually purple and not gray and falling apart like alot of other places) but this time she had this beautiful purple blooming dried oregano!

I picked up these favor bags at Michaels in the clearance section and listen very closely because I am about to share with you a very BIG secret....If you shop in the clearance section at Michaels and the item is tagged with a "WAS $whatever price, NOW $whatever price" you can STILL use a coupon on it. The logic behind it is that the "NOW" price is now the regular price and not a sale price at all, hence you can use your coupon because techinally the "regular" price has just been reduced and its not "really" on sale. got it. good....and this does not apply to the "Clearance signs where it takes a certain percentage off of an item". Just thought I would clarify. got it. good.

Anywho these are Martha Stewart treat bags and the regular price was $19.99 and they were marked down to $5.99 and I used my 40% off coupon on them which made them like $4.00 or something I don't do math I do crafts.

Adding a few pearls to a few shells...

Stringing some sanddollars - which my son says sealife uses to pay for things. lol.

Tying bows here and there...

Hoping everyone got the message in the bottle invitation...

A sneak peak at the birthday banner whose inspiration I got from here....

There just might be some real fish in here on Sunday, but don't tell the birthday girl!

Must turn these into something magical....

They're fish, they're candy, they fit right in!

And a surprise with bubbles....

Happy Treasure Hunting!

One Thing Leads to Another

2010-01-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

Please tell me that you are like me and once you start blog searching one fantastic blog leads you to another then another. It has got to be the #1 reason I do not get things done around here. Too much good stuff! So as I was reading a Velvet and Linen post they mentioned Love Train Antiques which is affiliated with BoBo Intruiging Objects and I found all of these wonderful treasures I had to share. Man, these guys are good...

And on a personal note, I am finally getting our home put together after moving (having a party will do that to you) so I will be posting photos this week. I know you are just dying to see.....

The Planning Process

2010-01-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

I'm planning Lil's birthday party, which will be here in a few weeks, and since I am in the throngs of planning it all I thought I would take you through my process. Bear with me, I have no clue where I found the following pictures - I wasn't actually planning on sharing them. sorry.

My first step is looking for pictures, anywhere and everywhere. I usually start with marthastewart.com, then Flickr, plum party, etc. etc. I think I have shared this with you before. Anywho, Ms. Lil wants an Ariel party. We tried talking her into a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs party but she would have nothing to do with it. So, Ariel it is. I was planning on making her Ariel costume, but thankfully the Disney store had it on sale so that was one thing marked off the list!

I hesitate to show you all of the awesome pictures I have collected for fear that once I post the pictures of the actual party they will pale in comparison. There, I "upped" the bar for myself. Just needed that extra little boost.

Books and Music

2010-01-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

These Pottery Barn wreaths inspired alot of bloggers to duplicate this beauty and make their own and moi was no exception. I started with a cardboard base and added rolled up sheet music cones! Of course I forgot to take a picture of it before I gave it away as a Christmas present, but I have a few other amazing pieces I found made from old books and sheet music.

1st image: Pottery Barn, 2nd image: The Inspired Room, 3rd, 4th and 5th image: Simple Joys Paperie on Etsy

2009-12-31T15:24:00.000-08:00

Today's images are brought to you by Anthropolgie. Utterly unique and gorgeous stuff. Here is just a peek...

Things That Are Fabulous

2009-12-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous Christmas

2009-12-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

(via: Veranda)
(via: crownandcrumpet.com)

Counting Down the Days

2009-12-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Just a few days left until Christmas so I thought I would sneek a few last minute inspiration pics on here for ya!

Vintage Christmas

2009-12-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

I adore vintage postcards. There is just something different about them, the pictures are prettier, the wording is a little more lovely, the feeling is quaint...

I have a large collection of vintage postcards. I thought I would share some of my Christmas ones with you. They are all listed on Etsy where you can purchase them for a couple dollars. They make really pretty decorations for displays, they can be scanned so you can use the image, oh the possibilities are endless! I have many many more to list so check here!

Handmade Christmas - Part 2

2009-12-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

(photos via Country Living)

(photos via Cox and Cox UK)

(photo via the inspired room)

(photo via Life in the fun lane)

(photo via Country Living)

Handmade Christmas

2009-12-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

This year is going to be a handmade Christmas. We are doing our best around here to be very frugal and creative. Some of us are having a harder time than others ~ ahem (my husband).

Here are some lovely ideas I have found that look pretty do-able, so don't be surprised if you get one of these!

I did this candle teacup the last 2 years and I just LOVE them, especially with a lavender vanilla candle. mmmmm.

(photos via Country Living)

(photo via the inspired room)

(photo via the inspired room)

(photo via our suburban cottage)

(photos via Country Living)

The Bell Tree

2009-12-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this tree that I saw on the Pottery Barn website. What an awesome idea! A tree full of bells ~ and not jingle bells folks! Might have to do this next year. I will need all year to collect bells!

Christmas' Past

2009-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

I was going through some old files and thought I would share some photos of a clients house I did a couple years ago. Originally I had gone there to do some garland for her, but one thing led to another and I found myself rearranging all the things in her dining room. Had to use up all of that fresh greenery you know!

A fellow designer friend of mine did her tree.. I like how he strung all of her ornaments on gold ribbon. Makes everything seem more unified.

I used alot of her candle holders and set bulb ornaments on them, looks so festive!

I added some greenery to a tall glass in the left corner here below to make it look like a tree over the stable! and more on the "stable floor".

I made some simple candle rings with fresh greenery by tying it with wire into the sizes that I needed. So easy!

I took an everyday arrangment added a wreath around the base and stuck some glitz and ribbon into the arrangement and whalah!

I used up some additional greenery by adding it to the base of these candles. The tiny ornaments in a dish is simple but elegant.

This is a shop in Mesa a couple years ago, I just LOVE the red and white decorations!!

Christmas Decorations - Part 2

2009-12-02T13:35:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, the hot chocolate station, every home should have one. Plenty of candy and sweet treats sure to please everyone in the family!

Large chunks of Trader Joe's milk chocolate is a must have...

And of course the marshmellows...

chocolate sprinkles.... and the occasional International Coffee for the adults.....

and a candy cane for stirring...

Christmas Decorations - Part 1

2009-12-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

I made these darling "snowballs" from styrofoam balls and really fuzzy white yarn. What a fun, easy project!

Michaels has these fantastic removable stickers this year. For just $1.99 I have been slapping them on every mirror in my house.

Centerpiece Project

2009-12-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

My mom has an annual Ladies Christmas Dinner at her church and she is hosting a table this year and of course the centerpiece needed to be a beauty (we were eyeing them all last year). I wanted to see if I could come up with something using items that I already had. I didn't spend a cent. That's a new record for me! My husband will be very proud :)

Happy Place Happy Place

2009-11-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

Warning: This post contains gobs of pictures, you will not be disappointed!

In the latest issue of Victoria Magazine I was drooling over this article about Nicholas Kniel, the owner of a store called "Embellishments for You and Your Home" in Atlanta. The article has so many beautiful pictures that of course I had to see more, go here for his website. It is full of the most unbelievable ribbons, embellishments, feathers, buttons, etc. etc.

If this won't get you in the gift wrapping mood I don't know what will!

Love this vintage French ribbon! Its only $25.00 yard (yikes)

TP Radio

2009-11-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

Ladies,

Tune in every Wednesday from 2-3pm CST for Tracy Porter radio where she discusses tips and tricks and gobs of inspiration. Last week she even took questions from callers! Also, don't forget about her blog and shot at tracyporter.com.

BTW, I just received my latest TP purchase. A beautiful flowing gauzy shirt with gorgeous velvet detailing. Her stuff is THE BEST quality I have seen. no joke.

Scents of Nostalgia

2009-11-06T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am one of those people that are so driven by scent. Different smells evoke different memories for me, different feelings. They put me in a certain place.

There are the times when I will be out somewhere and smell the scent of my grandmother. My mom and sister can tell you exactly what that it. Usually it happens when I'm at work. There are alot of older ladies in the area. I'll catch a wiff of my grandmother's perfume and it puts me in a certain place. I get sad, nostalgic. I want to find the lady and ask it I can give her a hug. Just in case you're wondering its Beautiful by Estee Lauder.

A long time ago, I told my husband please please please wear this cologne because I really love it. I just wanted to smell it on him. I wanted to relate that smell to him. It took him a really (ok really really) long time, but now he wears it, all the time. He has a "signature scent" and I love that. Just in case you're wondering it's Cool Water by Davidoff.

When we recently moved into our new house I knew how I wanted it to feel. I knew what I wanted it to smell like. I wanted it to smell fresh and clean and relaxed, so I have gravitated towards lavender scents, mandarin orange, french soaps. French soaps are to die for. really. BTW, the best place to find great deals on them is Ross, HomeGoods, TJMaxx and Marshalls. And trust me they have plenty! So when you come to my house I hope you will remember "that place" - the one that feels so fresh and clean and relaxing!

Put a cork in it!

2009-10-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I laughed so hard when I saw this picture. You see... my mother in law and I like to get together for "wine-o-clock" (which basically means any time after 5pm) and I have a jar of corks and she wants to start a jar of corks, so when I saw this picture I called her and said there had been a change of plans. We need to drink up because we need to make some baseboards, LOL!

So then it got me thinking what other crafty things I could make with corks and I found some lovely ideas on Etsy.

I'm thinking everyone is going to get one of these this Christmas ;)

Tracy Porter Sale

2009-10-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

You all know how much I love Tracy Porter! Well she is having a sale this weekend. 30% off jackets and sweaters and if you post about it your blog she will give you a $25 gift certificate. woohoo!

This is the latest Tracy Porter tunic that I got. I just love it and can't wait until it is cold enough here to wear it! It's still available on her website for $27!!

And here are a few of her latest designs that I must have!

Have a wonderful weekend!

French Feeling

2009-10-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

I hope to find myself here this week, so you will understand my lack of posts, for the 3 of you that read them :)

I have had numerous conversations with a friend of mine trying to define our decorating style. It is a very difficult thing to do for me and also for her, being creative types. We like WAY too many things. This can be a bad thing in the grand scheme of designing because you don't want to be all over the map (no pun intended).

I do know this. I love French decor. I have never been to France, but it is definetely on my list of things to do in the next 5 years. In the meantime, I'm going to decorate my home with this in mind because I love the way it is aged, yet beautiful and relaxed. I don't want things to be too themed, but just to have a certain feel. Think collections, layering, nature.

And by the way, I have designated a new criteria for things that I bring into (or for that matter, keep in my home). They have to be INTERESTING. If they are not interesting, or tell a story or have a background I don't want them. Plain and simple. I think this might help to weed out all the extra nonsense.

A Gift Wrapped Life

2009-10-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I fully believe in the mantra "Presentation is everything". I love to gift wrap, always have, always will. I think gift bags are of the devil and I know that gift bag "recycling" is the norm, but if you ever give me one don't expect to ever see it again. Trust me I am doing the environment a favor by getting rid of them. Of course I'm joking (sort of), but I really do love a perfectly wrapped present and I found the perfect blog to give you some tips and tricks on how to do it. You can thank me later....

A Gift Wrapped Life

They have collections available so that you can have your own private gift wrapping stash. Everyone needs one. And trust me you're going to need lots of ribbon!

Cute Little Acorn Patootie

2009-10-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have discovered that acorns are about the cutest tiny little (non-living) thing in nature. Who knew? I discovered this on my recent trip to Northern Arizona. I don't get much exposure to natural wildlife and nature anymore, so this time I was on a mission to take it all in. Really LOOK around. Find the beauty in everything! But my favorite has got to be these precious little acorns. I first found them outside the cabin we were staying at. I would find a couple on the ground, but only a few that were still in tact.

They start out this green color on the trees...

and then turn to a nice caramel brown color. And I think this is typically when they fall off the tree.

By the time you find them on the ground they RARELY look like this. You will typically find 100 acorn tops lying around and 75 acorn bottoms lying around. How do I come up with this math scenerio you might ask? Well you pick up about 200 acorn tops and bottoms off the ground, you take them inside and you start gluing all the tops back on them, and you end up with way more tops then bottoms. Hey, I was just doing nature a favor. After all, this is what they are supposed to look like...

And my husband just drives me to Joanns to buy my a glue gun on vacation because this is something that I NEED to do. Good man.

(all pictures found on Flickr because frankly their photography is alot better than mine)

Treasured uncovered

2009-10-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

I love my Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs catalogs. I don't actually buy anything from them, never have. I just flip through them about 25 times for inspiration. No really. While looking through them the other day I realized wow, I really do have alot of the items in these catalogs. Some coincidence and some I just straight up copy because I'm cheap like that. I would love to be able to purchase things out of these catalogs, but you know what I think it is more gratifying searching and waiting and laboring over something that is really a treasure once you finish it or find it.

Take this Ballard Designs bulletin board for instance, theirs is $299 for the largest one...

I have wanted one for a really long time until I finally scored the perfect frame at a garage sale for $10, went to Home Depot for a piece of quarter inch plywood, which happened to come in the size I needed so I didn't have to cut it. I purchased spray adhesive and a roll of cork from Michaels and whalla!

And then I spotted this wood caddy in the Ballard Designs catalog and said I have one like that!

Theirs is $49...

Mine was $4 at a garage sale and I use it for magazines in the [ahem] restroom.

And I bought a cookbook holder just like this one the other day at Marshalls, mine was $9.99 and theirs is $39.

And hey, the lamp base below looks alot like the ones I got at a garage sale a couple weeks ago for $2 each,

and this is $79 at Ballard Designs....

But the best one has got to be this one, remember our new kitchen set that a kind stranger gave to us!

Ballard's is $1907. without the end armchairs! HOLY TOLEDO!

The moral of the story is keep your eyes open, you never know what you might find!

What is it worth?

2009-10-04T12:56:00.001-07:00

I was sitting at my mom's house the other day flipping thru her Country Living magazine. I screamed when I saw the following picture...

...because here is what it said next to the picture "What is it worth? PAINTED IRON URNS
This early-20th-century Campagna-style urn is made of iron and is valued at $750 a pair, says appraiser Helaine Fendelman."

Well butter my biscuits, guess what I happen to have a pair of?

You can see why I was so excited! Mine are identical to the one in their picture!! You wouldn't believe where I got these urns- Dale's Feed Store, yeah I don't know pretty weird but they sell a bunch of wrought iron rusty things like this outside. When I told my husband he said "Well call that appraiser lady and find out where we can sell these things for $750!" haha. I happen to really like them and am not quite ready to part with them yet.

Before and After Buffet

2009-10-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband went last Sunday and picked up this buffet for me on Craigslist. I need to send him more often because he talked her down $10. He told her he didn't even want it - HA! I knew it would look perfect with our kitchen set once I refinished it.

Had some work to do on the crossbar because her dog chewed it.

No problem, I took my measurements to Home Depot and had them cut 1x2 pieces to fit so I wouldn't have to cut them. Glued and screwed them in place, did a mild sanding on the whole piece, painted it a cream color that I got from the OOPS paint at Home Depot for $5. Finally I distressed it by rubbing on and wiping off dark stain, sanding the edges in a couple spots then applied stain to those spots and that's it!

Its still missing a couple knobs. I'm not sure if I want to replace them all or just the missing ones on the doors.

My new $2 lamps seem to fit right in!

What do you think?

Vino Bag

2009-10-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

When my sister was in town we went to Pottery Barn. I spotted this awesome burlap wine bag on display way up on a shelf. Tracked down a salesperson to get one for me. Of course it was the last one left and it had no pricetag. After looking it up found out the price was $10. I know not alot, but sorry - not worth the money. Especially when I knew I could make it. So the lovely salesperson was nice enough to hold the bag for me to make sure I got every detail so I could make my own (she was actually thinking that was a great idea!). I guess I should have looked at the picture again before I made mine. I didn't realize the letters were going diagonally. oh well. I like mine just the same. My sister already has her order in for one too. Want one?

And Whalaa! ---- I purchased some burlap from Hobby Lobby and stencils, which I needed for another project anyway, some black paint and used some twine I already had and braided it to use in place of their braided cording (which I could not find easily).

Fabulous Find

2009-09-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

I had a very short but prosperous treasure hunt yesterday! I was actually helping a friend try to find a record player/stereo/buffet - you know the ones, your grandma probably had one, they are about 4 feet long and about 2 feet off the ground. Well I found one at a garage sale, she was looking for one, I called her, she wasn't sure about it. So away I went - without it. The guy told me he would be there the next day (which he wasn't) and from then on my friend wanted it - couldn't stop thinking about it type thing. We had both been to the neighborhood numerous times since and she actually found it today ~ the ONE ~ for $10 off!!! but in the meantime I found some treasures. One of them included this freebie!

I would like to turn the top of this "armoire" into one of these creations that this girl here creates on a regular basis! Now granted my piece is not as fabulous as hers, but it will do for free, now I just have to find a base....

This is mine....

And this is the top of hers...

And this is the base....

Drumroll....................

Now that's what I'm talkin about! I can do that! I think I will do that!

Crown and Crumpet

2009-09-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

I think if I actually saw this place in real life I would think that I died and went to heaven! This is the Crown and Crumpet tea salon in San Francisco. I have never been to San Francisco but when I do I'm headed here....

(photos via Crownandcrumpet.com and beautifulthingstoshare.blogspot.com)

I am a huntress...

2009-09-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am a huntress, just not the kind of huntress my husband would like me to be, haha. Today was a good treasure hunting day, except for the fact it is still 90 degrees here, the amount of garage, rummage and estate sales should be picking up soon! Our first finds were in Sun City West. I got this old wooden paper sorter (I think) for 50 cents that was falling apart....

they happened to have some upholstery tacks for 5 cents that I could use to repair it! and a cute old bottle with a cork lid I think they threw in for free....

then I spotted this charming box with a lid that comes off, love the tassle and the metal bird on top, this was $5...

then I immediately fell in love with this Santa print which I didn't even really look at until I got home. I was just going to frame the front of it....

this is the inside.....isn't that the coolest!! and there were 2 of them so I could still frame the front and then frame the inside separately. I think I paid $1 for both...

Then I gasped when I saw this darling little paperback CAKE (cook)book. I just love the green color. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but it needed to come home with me, especially for 50 cents....

then at the last garage sale I picked up this planter for $2...

and this basket for $2...

and this awesome set of ceramic canisters that look like wood with lids that come off for $5 for the set, I'm thinking of painting them, what do you think?...

I forgot to tell you last week about this cool box that I picked up for $2. I don't know why everything is $2?!....

closeup of the stamp on the lid...

and the neat leather straps...

upside-down on the side of the box...

and my friend and I found these old Bingo cards at Not Too Shabby - cool store!

oh and have I told you lately that I'm really into old sheet music... and every time I look at this Gypsy Love Song one I think of these gals. Do you think they would want it?

oh and I'm also swooning over this album cover I found at one of my favorite Sun City thrift stores called Pennywise. I want to frame it like I did another one I found there. I'll show that one to you later. Think outside the box ladies or...... think OF a box. LOL.

Happy hunting!

p.s. do you guys like to know how much I pay for treasures. I know I am always dying to know what people pay for their finds so I just assumed you guys did too!

It pays to be nosey

2009-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Last night when we were dropping off the kids at nanas I noticed a dumpster in a driveway a couple houses down. I know what you're thinking. Hey, I just wanted to take a peak. I told hubby I was walking down there and told him to pick me up. I peaked in and there was barely anything in there....except this really cool wire basket, but I couldn't reach it! "Oh honey!" He just rolled his eyes at me. He looked in and said "You want THAT?" yes, yes I do! He was nice enough to lean over the side and grab it for me (it was a very small dumpster but I had a nicer shirt on than he did!). So while blog visiting last night, low and behold I spotted almost the exact same basket!! Here is their picture (from Country Living)....

see, it pays to be nosey. One person's trash is another person's treasure! Ain't that the truth.

Patchwork

2009-09-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

(via: sisboom)
(via: Etsy.com)

(via: countryliving.com)

(via: nestprettythings.blogspot.com)

(via: danamadeit.com)

(via: countryliving.com)

DIY Projects

2009-08-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

I love this idea of framed objects. I want to steal this idea for sure!
(via: Oh Joy)

Love this painted dresser, especially the distressed look so its not so 'in your face'...
(via: decorology)

My mother in law has a very similiar buffet. I'm talking her into painting it, just not sure what color yet....also love the instant wall art with the framed grasses
(via: bellevivir.blogspot.com)
actually her buffet (the off-white piece of furniture) looks ALOT like this one, but is currently really dark brown -- love the clear glass knobs...

sweet picture frame with silk flower, fabric background and other do-dads added...

beautiful vignette using an old wooden crate (I just found one at a tag sale the other day that I can't wait to use) makes a perfect place for jars and to organize a bit...

(via: johannavintage.blogspot.com)

What a fun idea that you could do with any picture frame and add coordinating ribbon to match the room that its going in -- or just do every color like this one!

(via: decorology)

Another great picture frame idea, you can never have enough shelving...

(via: countryliving)

Happy treasure hunting!

Land of Enchantment

2009-08-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Consider this the doorway to my mind...

By the end of the day...

Have a wonderfully enchanting day!

(Sorry I do not know the sources for these photos, if you do please let me know)

As Promised....

2009-08-25T10:38:00.001-07:00

I could hardly wait until my husband got home yesterday (well actually I had no choice) to help me move the newly refurbished table and chairs into the house and kick our old one to the curb (literally)!! I am completely and utterly in love with our Freebie! I'm so grateful to those people for giving it to us.

love the detail on the chairs.....

I had to arrange a new centerpiece of course....and in case you have not been to Michaels recently - go there now, run, do not walk! They have a HUGE selection of their collections on clearance right now, 70 and 80% off. One of them is their Le Jardin Collection which I love (the brown tins for under $2)....

Unfortunetely our little lady is not quite so neat in the chair area. I already spotted jelly on it last night, so I will have to purchase some chair pads, not exactly my style, but necessary at this point...

pretend not to see crumbs on the floor...

Happy treasure hunting!!

Blogs I Love!

2009-08-24T21:52:00.001-07:00

There's no wonder why I don't get enough done around here...this is why. The latest...most awesomest blogs. I can't get over how many talented people are out there and how generous they are to share their awesome ideas! Both of these gal are incredible photographers, own on-line shops and are just amazing at pulling vintage treasures together. I am in awe.......complete awe!

Heather Bullard
Sadie Olive

Right Place, Right Time

2009-08-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just happen to be at the right place at the right time and today was just one of those days! Some kind strangers were nice enough to give us this beautiful table and chair set which is exactly what I have been wanting for our eat-in kitchen area for a long time. The top of the table needs some refinishing work, but I am on the job! I hope to have my old set out by tomorrow!

Sorry for the dark pictures, but right now its in our garage and really dark in there.....

4 chairs with woven seats (they told us there were 4 more chairs but they have misplaced them. If they find them they are going to let us know!)

I love the detail under the seat....

Nice legs!!

I wanted to make sure and post some before pictures, since I always forget to do that. I will post more when I get it inside. -- Thanks to the kindness of strangers.....

Hope Jewelry

2009-08-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

There is a cause I feel very strongly about. If you would like more information about it, click here

There is something we can all do, something you already do, that will make more of a difference than you can imagine. You can shop. The organizations who design, produce and sell the jewelry and accessories available at Hope Jewelry are committed to helping women and children- those starting new lives, those currently being exploited, and those who are in danger of becoming victims of trafficking and slavery. Our purchases support their efforts and enable them to expand their reach and help more victims.

Here are some of the beautiful items they sell.... sorry but I'm in love with the purses especially the multi-colored ball one. But, they do have jewelry too, hence the name "Hope Jewelry"!

Little Pretties

2009-08-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

via: beautiful things to share

via: camillesoulayrol

The Ins and Outs of Party Planning

2009-08-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am by no means a professional party planner, but I do play one in my fantasy world...

Ways to get inspired for party ideas:

Pick a theme. What the guest of honor likes will usually give you a big clue. For instance, when I would plan baby shower's for our church members I would find out the theme of their nursery and use that as the theme for the baby shower. That way in case there are any decorations or favors they love and want to take home they will look perfect in the room!

The internet. The internet is by far the largest resource for party ideas. A few of my favorites are marthastewart.com, plumparty.com, birthdaypartyideas.com, ilovelollipops.com, hostesswiththemostess.com. And then there are blogs, there are some mighty talented people out there with lots of cool ideas, just type in a topic and you will be on your way!

Start with the most grandios ideas you can think of. I learned this trick while doing wedding floral consultations with brides. Think of everything you could possibly think of that would make your event a dream. and I mean everything. the crazier the better. Now write them all down. It is easier to start at the top and work your way backwards (eliminate) than it is to start from the bottom up.

For example, for my daughter's Cinderella party I thought of a horse and carriage. Way out of the budget so I began to think of other ideas and came up with borrowing a friends horse for free (a really really nice friend by the way) and having Prince Charming riding on it carrying Cinderellas glass slipper on a pillow.

Or there was the Thomas the Train train party when I had Sir Topham hat himself come to pass out the party bags. My husband happens to be bald and look like him when wearing a top hat and a navy blue suit.

Or there was the Ironman vs. Transformers party. We found 2 people that let us borrow their sports cars to park in the driveway. One was a yellow convertible corvette (a Transformer) and the other was a silver corvette (like Ironman's sportscar). FREE. For a bonus they took the birthday boy for a ride.

And there was the pirate party. Along with the party invitation I sent each child a key. They were to bring the key to the party, they didn't know why (and I had extras in case they forgot). Sent them on a treasure hunt and once they found the treasure trunk each child tried their key to see if they could open it (oh the anticipation was killing them). And low and behold the birthday boy's key opened it and it was filled with candy and toys.

Have a plan. Figure out how your party will play out before hand. This is very important. You must keep the party moving along, especially for children. Have your activities planned out. And if there is extra time at the end of the party that's fantastic, but at least no one is sitting around for 3 hours waiting for the guest of honor to open their gifts in case they need to leave.

Daily Treasures

2009-08-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

"Every day is a gift, that's why they call it the present".

I'm getting side-tracked from parties for a moment. I had to post my treasures from today courtesy of my local Goodwill. Now I know some of cringe at the thought of shopping at second hand stores, but for me it allows me to buy things that I would not be able to afford if I would have paid full retail price. So go for it!

This beautiful corral was just $4.....

Paper towel holder $3 and napkin holder $2...
Cute apple wreath $3...

Gorgeous Pottery Barn frame, brand new $3....
But the best find of the day was by far this HUGE rug, which apparently my living room is too small for, but somehow I will make it work. It must be a 10x14. It was $23 (after my coupon). teehee......Happy Shopping!!!

Star Wars Party

2009-08-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

These week I will be posting some party ideas, lots of party ideas actually. The question I get asked most often is "How do you come up with all of these ideas?" so I decided to share some insight as to how the party planning process works in my brain. scary thought I know.

First up is Star Wars. We did this party yesterday for my son's 6th birthday. We have this thing for dressing up for parties, I don't know why but we sure love it and the guests love it and most of them are more than willing to participate too!

We played a few games. I pinned a small clothespin to each person and then told them not to say the word "lightsaber" if they did then someone could take their clip. The adults would say it on purpose of course and all the kids would come running to take their clips. The person with the most clips at the end of the party wins a prize. Lots of fun.

Then we played Star Wars charades. We split into 2 teams, had the adults act out the Star Wars word and the kids had to guess, well the adults ended up guessing too because some of them were hard, then the kids wanted to act them out. Lots of fun too oh and did I mention FREE!

The other activity we did was "make your own lightsaber". I have a picture of that so I will tell you about it in just a bit.....meanwhile enjoy some pictures.....

**magnetic letters that are always on the fridge**

**treat bags w/Princess Leia cinnamon buns, Darth malt balls, sucker, tattoo and lemonheads

**R2D2 that my mother in law fashioned from a trash can and bowl, both of which I found at Goodwill and the arms are made of linguine boxes**

**I think balloons always add a lot of punch for a little money, I just tied them to my son's Star Wars toys**

**Homemade cake with toy decorations. very easy to use what you have around the house on your cake. and the squirt bottles of icing come in really handy for decorating. and sprinkles makes everything better. I decided not to add any wording to the cake - I think I would have really messed that up! leave well enough alone, right?!

**wire basket tower that my son spotted at Goodwill and told me we could put his cupcakes on it, great idea! I found packages of Star Wars thumb wrestlers at Party City and thought they would be perfect cupcake toppers. no need to put one on every single cupcake, just enough for each child.

**Death Star Doritos**

**Asteroids which were actually GIANT cheeseballs and these metal signs come in handy for labels or they can hold pictures. You can buy them at alot of specialty home decor stores

**Yoda Soda

**Wookie Cookies

**We also had Padme Pizza and pretzels

**Poster of planets that I got from Michaels and used on the front door then added a sign

**You are here (on the sun ~ er in Arizona, same difference)

**turned our empty frame wall into a Star Wars gallery and exchanged our family pictures for Star Wars characters, very funny. I just printed the pictures off the internet

**I turned jars that I always have on the coffee table into terrariums with little Star Wars characters. I saw this idea on Flickr

**Now lets introduce some of the characters....

Queen Amadala, this is a friend of mine

**and mini Queen Amadala (my daughter)

**from left to right Asoka, yoda & C3PO. Asoka's outfit I found at a thrift store, purchased new tights and dyed them light blue. Her headdress I purchased online. Yoda's robe came from Goodwill and we dyed it brown. I made the headpiece from some green fabric. C3PO's costume I made from gold lame' fabric, one of my son's costume belts and purchased the mask online.

**Darth Vader

A friend of ours borrowed my son's mask and I believe made the cape from a skirt, very clever!

**Make your own lightsaber. I used the cardboard rolls from wrapping paper, inserted 5 gallon stir sticks which are extra long, Home Depot gave them to us, wrapped the whole thing in tin foil then covered with red, blue or green cellophane. It gave them a really shiny effect.

**Clone Trooper

**Princess Leia. I made this costume from a top and skirt I found at a thrift store and sewed the 2 together to make a dress, used a belt I already had and some boots. My hair happens to be long enough to make the cinnamon buns! Oh and I spray painted one of my son's toy guns black to complete the ensemble.

**Chewbacca's costume made from some furry fabric, a belt that my son had and a purse that my daughter had. The mask was purchased online.

May the force be with you

Shed a Little Light on the Subject

2009-07-30T21:14:00.001-07:00

I love the simple elegance of the chandelier and I especially love that the image itself is popping up in all sorts of different places, clothing, on the wall, art, accessories. Let your light shine!

via: etsy

via: daisypinkcupcake

via: flickr

BIG?

or small? print....

I think this print would be beautiful framed...

The Better Life

2009-07-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I had this charm made from someone on Etsy. The first reason why I did this was because I was going to see my favorite band and this was the name of one of their albums which I love and also the name of their foundation which you can find here. After I got it, it began to have a much deeper meaning. Every time I see it on my wrist and read it "Better Life" I ask myself what am I doing today to live a better life? Who am I impacting, what is my purpose? Well I can answer that. To live a better life no matter what that is.... I am determined to find it.... and I can tell you right now it has nothing to do with money.

The Future's Looking Bright

2009-07-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

via: flickr
via: pinkdaisycupcakevia: countryhome

I LOVE this dress!!!

via:beautifulthingstoshare.blogspot

Can you believe this is packing tape? The cutest packing tape I've ever seen. They have lots of different styles here

via: flickr

via:betterhomesandgardens

via: annamariehorner

via: Etsy

The better to sleep with my dear...

2009-07-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

via: posh tots

via: flickr

A little TOO much for me...

I love the idea of having the headboard as a "bulletin board"I think the red headboard is FANTASTIC!

Here's your sign...

2009-07-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

via: chezfifi

via: betterhomeandgardens

via: flickr

via: pinkdaisycupcake

via: countryliving via: decor8.blogspot.com

via: letteredcottage

via: decorology

via: pinkdaisycupcake

via: countryliving

Celebrate!

2009-07-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Celebrate birth, celebrate life, just celebrate! This week has been a great week - and its only Tuesday! This week brings alot of birthdays, for me and the people that I love. Aimee S (well technically yours is next week), Dave, Stella and me. Happy Birthday!! And also the birth of two new babies ~ babies that were born a tad too early and need our prayers still...Happy Birthday to them!!

Photo: Dress, design and decor blog
Photo: umama Photo: Flickr

Photo: avisualizePhoto: a balloons

Photo: josevillaphotography

Photo: Flickr

Photo: Dior

Beautiful Things

2009-07-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Photos: Country Home

Photos: Daisy Pink Cupcake

Photo: Country Living

Photos: Chez Fifi blog

I love this light fixture made from an old shade skeleton and beaded garland from Michaels

The jars on the table are to die for!

WOW, those chandeliers are awesome!!

Photos: Country Home

Photo: camillesoulayrol.com

Photo: Relics, AZ

Rice

2009-07-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Found a cool catalog company online called Rice, lots of fun, bright things. You can find them here

Look at these adorable baskets!!

Before and After Entry

2009-07-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

I knew I wanted something dramatic in the entry, but didn't know what, so I picked up about 30 paint swatches from Home Depot and ended up in the green/brown/gray tones. The color I finally ended up with I think is a combination of all of them, its a Ralph Lauren color. I just love it!

Before...

After....

Before and Afters of Lily's Room

2009-07-09T08:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I spent a little while re-arranging Lily's room. Here are some before and after pictures from when it was a nursery to her big girl room now....

Before....After...Before...After...Before...After...

This is the top of her dresser, the numbered angels were mine when I was a girl and now I get to pass them along to her every year on her birthday. They look cute in her little village of tiny things.Tomorrow I'm going to post the before and after pictures of my entry! so stay tuned...

3 Doors Down

2009-07-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with decorating ideas (it is a treasure though). I had to share our awesome experience getting to meet our favorite band ---- 3 Doors Down on Wednesday night!

We stayed at B's family's cabin up in Prescott which was amazing....

How do you get to meet the band you ask? Well you join the fan club and you pay a ridiculous amount of money for tickets to a meet and greet...and I mean ridiculous .. and then if your dreams come true then you get the band all to yourselves because none of the other fan club members bought tickets to the meet and greet that night - woohoo!!!! and then it was worth the ridiculous amount of money for a once in a lifetime experience :)

You have one of the secrity guards take your picture.....

Then the road manager gives you one of these so you can get backstage..... Then you get to hang out with 5 of the coolest guys ever, L to R, Chris (bass), Todd (guitar), Matt (guitar), hubby, me, Greg (drummer) and Brad (lead singer).....
and then while the guy named Sharkey is taking your picture you don't pay attention because you're laughing and he says "we'll call this one the 'outtake'!".....

and then you take 1 more just to be safe and the guys make the hang loose sign...

and then they sign the cd jackets that you brought, without you even asking them to....

and then they give you an autographed picture...

and before you leave you give Brad a hug and have hubby take a picture with him...

Thanks guys for an awesome time!

Cowgirl or City Girl?

2009-06-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have this thing for cowgirl boots. I don't know why. I am by no means a cowgirl. Horses scare me. I can't stand to be dirty. I only know the difference between hay and alfalfa because I wanted hay bales to sit on at a party I was having. I have never been to a rodeo. I own a "Cowgirl Hardware" shirt because it has rhinestones on it and they sell them at the feed shop where the kids like to go to look at the baby chicks - and no I would never buy a baby chick. Sorry folks, I am a city girl. A city girl who likes cowgirl boots....what can I say I live in Arizona and that's the only excuse I can come up with (OH, that and they look really really cute with a dress or skirt). Brandley bought me my first pair for my birthday about 16 years ago - a black pair. I own one other pair that I found at a second hand store, a black and red pair.

I found some AWESOME ones for you to look at -- scratch that -- drool over.....

(Photo - Sheplers)

(Photos - crybabyranch)

These are my favorite!!!

(Photos by Rhinestone Cowgirl) (Photos by Cowgirl Ugly)

Necklace Ideas

2009-06-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Searching for necklace ideas and kept coming back to the same site on Etsy, there is an awesome jewelry designer with a store called Nest Pretty Things. You can find her here
I love the vintage feel to them. Most of these pictures are hers....

Butterflies on the brain

2009-06-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Most of these pictures came from Etsy....I love that site!

Rust and Roses

2009-06-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

My friend and I went to a fantastic shop in Phoenix, looking to outfit her new nursery, which she is doing in all white (well with little touches of blue and chocolate brown). It will have a vintage feel to it so central Phoenix was the perfect spot to shop. If you head to 7th Ave. area you will find so many cool shops up and down that street. My friend got a dresser that will serve as a changing table, a mirror and a mantel that will be really cool hung over the crib (totally reinforced of course) and lots of fun accessories from a store called Rust and Roses. BTW, they have having 20% off anything in the store for the month of June and they will be closed for the summer in July so head over there! Here are some of their displays...

The next place we went to was Melrose Vintage where my friend knows the owners so we have been there alot. She purchased an armoire (since there will be no closet) and a dresser. They are always changing things out and adding new stuff. They have a huge scrapbooking section. I mean huge. They may even teach classes but I'm not sure. They sure have all the stuff for it! Be sure to call first to see if they're open because their hours are a little inconsistent. But it is worth the trip.

And then I heard about a place called Paris Envy right down the street from the other 2 shops. I haven't been there yet, but I just checked out their blog and its definetely on my list to visit the next time we are on that side of town. Here's a peak at what they have...

Love this birdcage...

I think this blouse is very odd, but look at the stuff in the background!!

Hopefully my friend will let me post pictures of her finished nursery (of course she will or I won't help her with it, just kidding). Until then, happy shopping!

Dining - Inside or Outside?

2009-05-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

What's your style? I like way too many of them...

(Photos: Pottery Barn)

(Photos: Horchow)

(photos: Country home)

Isn't She Lovely??

2009-05-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

What a sight to behold.....I found her in Sun City, she begged to come home with me! Who could resist?! I'm thinking of painting the offwhite parts black with maybe a touch of silver or gold rubbed on. What do you think?
And here of some of my other treasure finds from the past couple weeks......................

Found this beautiful horse statue for $3!

I love the colors on these vintage cigar boxes, $1 each....

Lots of old bottles, $1 each, one is a Listerine bottle, who knew?!

This faux stone wall hanging was 25cents and I'm not joking!

This was a thrift store find for $6, I love the gothic castle look of it....still need to find the perfect pillar candles....

More old bottles, $1 each...look at the precious crown on the "Holy Water" bottle on the left, the smaller one I added the rhinestone piece to the top...

More bottles and jars for 50cents each...perfect for some craft projects, the oval piece is quite unique, not sure what its original purpose was, butter dish maybe?

I've always wanted one of these butterfly collages, its not perfect, but its mine, especially at $3 :)

You won't believe how much this awesome (and really tall) birdhouse was....$3! teehee

and this pillow, which just happens to match my other pillows perfectly, for $4....

The Birds and The Bees

2009-05-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I need this shirt! (photo: gypsyville.com)

(photos: Etsy)

(photos: the blissful)

(photos: wisteria)