Ahh... Our Vacation

Our vacation was long overdue; last time we traveled was last year we visited my parents in Puerto Rico, but let's face it, visiting family should never be considered 'vacation'. Not unless you're waited on, served unlimited pina coladas and your bed is always made with a little mint chocolate on your pillow. Then that would be a whole different experience and maybe a little weird?

So for our trip on May-18-25th, as we decided on hotel resort I had a few strict requirements: All - Inclusive (didn't want to worry about money or tipping half the planet), tons of activities, (I wanted many options whether I participated or vegged out on the beach), great food and most importantly, a toddler camp where my 2 year old could play with other kids while my hubby and I could have lots of alone time.

We chose Club Med - Punta Cana, DR and we were so, so happy with our choice. We had a blast and brought with us great memories. It was over too soon but luckily we have pictures to remember those days under the sun, really feeling like we could relax and simply enjoy being.

To Brimfield and Back

Ok, so off went to Brimfield, MA to attend the last two days of the Antique Show and despite not buying anything on our list, my husband and I had tons of fun walking and checking out all the vendors and their wares and simply being in each other's company. Of the items on our wish list and spied at the show were rotary phones and vintage world globes but since the vendor and I couldn't agree on a fair price, I would simply pass on it. I guess I expected that since it was approaching the end of the show, I'd be able to get the lowest price. Oh well, so it only means my searches continues and frankly that's what is so exciting - the thrill of the hunt and the exhilaration of the find!

In retrospect, I think that we approached the show with the wrong strategy. I figured that having a set wish list would be helpful by keeping us on track, but in the end, I think it caused us to overlook potentially cool stuff and prevented us from considering them.

There's always the next show to get it right!

Brimfield Antique Market here we come!

I'm SUPER, ULTRA estatic about this coming weekend because my husband and I are going on a roadtrip - destination……Brimfield Antique Market! It's THE largest outdoor antique show in the world, held three times each year in Brimfield, MA. It attracts thousands of dealers so imagine just how massive this market is! We attended last year in September for the first time and were blown away. We were so glad we decided to stay the night because it was definitely going to take more than one day to cover everything.

In the end, we came away with some great finds: 2 pairs of antique boxing gloves, teardrop wooden mid century shelf, mid century ottoman, child rocking chair, textiles, samsonite train case and a few other nick nacks. I'll provide pics of those items on my next post. My husband, who has recently learned to appreciate antiques, was so impressed that he declared that we must return to their next show and come prepared with lots more loot and a solid wishlist.

My wishlist:

• Mid century wall shelves
• Entertainment unit - mid century style
• Lounge chair for our bedroom
• Rotary Phone
• World globes
• Chalkboard
• Kokeshi dolls
• Wooden toys
• Lamps (for both bedroom & living room)
• Wall décor
• Doll crib & highchair
• Wooden box/crate

And of course, whatever else catches my eye (and fits in our SUV!)

I Spy....Rainbow of Rotaries

Like most toddlers, my 2 year old daughter loves to 'talk' on a phone….or box of crayon or the remote control. Her conversations are long and animated, full of wild hand gestures and facial features and while so fascinating to watch, it actually leaves me feeling quite self-conscience as I realize she's mirroring many of my own movements. Thanks for that, Little A...

So on the subject on phones, I thought how much she would enjoy a good ol' fashion rotary dial phone to continue her conversations in. Maybe this way I'll get my smartphone back? So on the hunt I went to Etsy and Ebay to see if I could find one in a gnarly color like red, orange or blue but to my dismay, I found that people are not paying you to take them off their hands?? After all, rotary phones have no redial buttons - it doesn't even show you the numbers as you're dialing, BUT most importantly, Lady Gaga doesn't inform you your husband's calling! They're commanding a pretty penny at $45-65 not including shipping which is pricey considering how heavy these suckers are! And so for its intended use, I can't see myself paying that much dinero for one. But just look at all the yummy rainbow colors! Their delicious retro vintage appeal moves me to say: I must have one and I will search to the ends of the internet (those who know me, can testify to this true statement) to find the perfect one at the perfect price!

Little A's Toddler room makeover!

Hi there! It's been a while since I last posted but, wow, am I ready to fill you in on all the 'action' while I've been away! Well, not that I was really away anywhere, unless you count moving from one address to another as being away then I guess I have been! =) Mainly, I've just been up to my elbows in redecorating our new larger apartment we recently moved into. It's what you call here in NYC - a classic 6. Basically 2 bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, separate dining room and living PLUS….get this……a maids room! Yup, now we have a designated space for our office/art studio with an actual door to hide any mess (which is mostly my mess!). While exciting, our challenge has been to carefully decorate and furnish all this extra space without creating clutter by only bringing in smart, meaningful items that will not only work in this new space, but also in future spaces.

While moving here meant we gave up our quiet, tree lined street apartment where our daughter was born (literally - we had a home birth!), we needed more space and patiently searched until we found this really rough gem of an apartment. Since my husband and I tend to prefer gut renovated apartment, we had to do our damnest to look beyond the surface of the mess and see it's potential. Ugly moldings, filthy kitchen with suspicious items in the fridge and the bathroom?? Let's not go there, ick. Our reward now is having enough room to stretch out, wiggle our toes and just as importantly, my daughter can practice on her drums courtesy of the solid pre-war walls!

Of all the rooms, Little A's room was the one I wanted to tackle first. She was approaching 2 years old and so I wanted to transition her space from a nursery to a toddler's room. Coming from a teeny tiny room (8'x9') I had painted only one feature wall so I was really looking forward to using one color in the entire room. So after hours and hours (and hours) of obsessively browsing for inspiration through all the nursery/children's room tours on Oh Dee Doh.com, I chose a robin's egg blue color. Unlike her gender neutral nursery decor, this robin's egg blue felt fresh and light and feminine that would declare it - A GIRL'S ROOM!

You'll see that I've mixed old (Fisher Price toys, cabbage posable dolls and vintage clown, etc) and new (curtains, rugs, furniture) in her room but it's still a work in progress and think it will always will be so. I hope you enjoyed a peak into her new toddler's room!

Mod Ladies - New Collage Series!

I love vintage patterns! I'm especially fond of the ones that look well loved and just plain ol' USED. You know, the ones with fragile edges held together with tape and that look as though they'll fall apart in your hands? Yup, those…. There's something about the illustrated models and their the feminine poses that simply transports me to times when jeans didn't rule the world (I mean, I love jeans like the next girl but dresses are sooo much prettier!) And well, since I don't think we'll ever see those days again, I'll have to content myself with perusing my mom's vast collection of vintage patterns (who is an amazing seamstress, if I say so myself!) and letting the smell, look and feel of them take me there.

You know, of all my childhood memories, I must say that my fondest ones are of my mom sewing. She was always sewing SOMETHING. Whether it was a "Sunday best" dress or my school uniforms, she was always creating something for me. Not being much of a helper, I'd sit surrounded by fabrics and patterns on her bed and listen to the gentle hum of the sewing machine until I dozed off. So, enough to say, I lack the patience and skills to sew my own clothing but, I found a lot of joy sketching fashion models and creating my own imaginary wardrobe. I know, I know, it's not nearly the same, but it's still fun!

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So with this inspiration in mind and in honor of my mom, who nutured creativity and craftiness in me, I created the Mod Ladies collages! Each piece brings back the warm yet bright colors of the 50's and 60's era and oh-so-chic poses I simply LOVE! Check them out here!

Wood & Wool Stools

I love these stools from Wood & Wool Stool! They're so cheerful and colorful with it's recycled wood legs & crocheted slipcover seat; it makes me happy just looking at them. All of Wood & Wool Stool's products are all handmade and use lots of different recycled materials. Stools are just a few of their goodies; they have gorgeous crocheted pillows, blankets wood, wool, crochet, clothing hangers and even even picture frames! What's not to love??

Happy New Year! (and happy shopping!)

I've been on a personal shopping binge lately and it's wierd because it seems like it always hits me AFTER the holidays. I guess it's because after buying everyone else presents I started feeling a little left out. So I decided to take action and buy myself a few pretty things! Above are my latest vintage addition to my shoe department; I can't wait to get them! I found them on two different Etsy stores: Suzanne Sigmund Designs & TimeEchoVintage.. Happy Shopping to you all!

Sew Cute!

I have a sewing machine buried somewhere my closet and lately I've been thinking about digging it out, dusting it off and begin creating 'beautiful' things (or at least I hope they'll turn out beautiful; my sewing skills are a little wobbly!). I thought I'd start with this little cutie of a bear who's pattern can be found here among other wonderful, crafty projects! I'm hoping I can tackle this project and finish in time for X-Mas to give to my little girl; wish me luck!

New Collage - Brooklyn!

Here's the second collage of the NYC series I created for J.M. I'm really excited how it turned out; especially when I was asked by a buyer, shortly after listing, if I could make another for her!