Pixie or somewhere in between?

This is my hair the last time I got it done.

It's a little worse for wear at the moment as I have let it go that little too long between cut and colour. So I have my girlfriend coming tomorrow afternoon who is a hairdresser to do my hair and I'm thinking another change may be in order.

My hair is going to get lightened again, but the burning question is do I go pixie again or somewhere in between? I've even been looking for bowl cut inspiration.

Will I be singing she's a mod, she's a mod, she's a mod yeah, yeah, yeah.......tomorrow or something else?

Bits from the monster sale...

Up and at it with Little V strapped in and we hit the crowds at the Lifeline $2 Clearance Sale yesterday. Little V promptly dozed off strapped to me, so I was lucky to enjoy cuddles with my girl whilst thrifting about in the tonnes and tonnes of clothing.

I came home with in excess of 50 items, some vintage, some quirky, some funky, some labels....a little bit of everything actually. So I will just share a few pics of some of the favs.

Some of the vintage and retro children's and baby items I picked up. I am loving the yellow t-shirt.

Hello sunshine....pretty bright huh? Skirt is vintage Katie's label from back in day, who didn't have one of these skirts, it's high waisted, bright and beautiful and not been worn. What can I say about the t-shirt, every vintage collection has got to have some tee's of bands, singers and icons......got a few in my haul.

A shot of the pattern on a vintage island dress I nabbed.

Now this was hard to photograph, so please excuse the camera work. Pretty impressive colours huh?

So there you go a small taste of my finds. Other finds were quirky printed blouses and dresses, more high waisted skirts, vintage baby and children and heaps more. Oh and some sweet vintage sleep wear........which really should be given new homes and lives and be donned outside the bedroom. In fact if I'm going to start a new trend of wearing vintage aprons as tops, why not start a sleep wear as day wear trend too....who's with me?

Well there you go a taste of my finds, how did everyone else go this weekend?

Monster thrifty sale....

I've been trying to rest up today. Why, you ask! Because this weekend I'm going to be getting my thrift on. Here on the Gold Coast this weekend, Lifeline is having there $2 Clothing Clearance Sale. This isn't just some sale, it's a monster sale that happens twice each year and it is complete madness. Situated inside an indoor sporting complex, seven tonnes of clothing will be waded through by mad keen thrifters and fashionistas like ME. Of course I'm looking for vintage gems amongst all this craziness. But gee I'm excited!

So I have a plan of attack for tomorrow:
* Good breakfast fill up, as thriftiness waits for no body
* Light breezy clothing, it's going to get hot with lots of bodies about
* Baby carrier, gotta keep Little V happy.......pram is just going to get in the way
* My granny market trolley is going to be a must
* Practice mind control techniques for those gems I see other people picking up that I want them to put down so I can have them.

Pic of May 2011 sale source.

Hoping I have some awesome finds to share with you all over the weekend.

Help vintage my home...

Can I call on you, my trusty group of Vowers? I'm looking for help and some people to act as a go between for the Big V and I and our difference of opinions with our decorating efforts. So.......I was thinking as we work our way through different areas of the house if the Big V and I are differing in opinion perhaps I could rely on my lovely Vowers weighing in on our debate. I will post pics and links where appropriate and you can leave comment.......of course I would look favorably at those who agree with me he he he.
Nahhhh seriously though I would like to hear what others have got to say good bad or otherwise.

To give you a heads up about the Big V though, I have had to compromise with him about the redecorating. I am the one with the love of vintage and retro and although he can and does appreciate the stylings of other decades, he does like modern interpretations. As for me, I love it and appreciate it all........I suppose that's why the Big V is concerned with what suggestions I might come up with. I'm often told I'm a hippy because of my love of vintage and my natural parenting ways.

So here is our first debate. You see these pics and this wall?

I would like to put a collection of art, and possibly some thrifted floral tapestries and some plates. What do you think? These two pieces pictured are pastel drawings I did several years ago. The hibiscus although not my greatest piece is of significant importance as it represents my twin angel babes Elle and Meg. I mention this only because if you're commenting and offering suggestions, this is a non-negotiable piece we plan to have it displayed somewhere, somehow in our decorating efforts.......being difficult now are I? Otherwise feel free to comment.

So my thoughts are to frame the chess piece pastel, and a few small floral tapestries for this wall. Then comes my brainwave to also frame the Johnson ware plates I scored the other week.
Here they are again.

I haven't quite convinced the Big V of this idea, I got a "yeahhh maybeeee" with a weird side head tilt.

Opinions, thoughts, suggestions are welcomed, pick a side his or mine. Is it a go ahead for me or back to the drawing board?

Get Organised with this weeks Etsy Treasury List....

It's Wednesday and we're two days into the month and the silly season is fast approaching. What better time than to get organised and create some calm before the festivities are right upon us.

My Treasury list this week has been inspired by signing up with Aspiring Mum for 30 Days to Create Calm, I will be documenting my journeys with this project over at my other blog Journey to Bliss, as well as talking about creating a nurturing home environment through meeting all sensory needs.

But you know me I will always be looking to try and put a vintage, retro, up-cycled, recycled twist on the projects I do. So here it is, my Etsy Treasury Curators list for this week. I hope this helps you with organising efforts.

Oh I'm rather smitten with Vintage Wooden Cannister set.

To check out all these items and more please click here to view the live list.

Can you guess what I'm up to?

I know I'm slinking in hoping you won't notice the fact that I didn't quite carry out my Blogtoberfest pledge. But I have a good excuse if you want to hear it, my iPad has had demons in it which has resulted in me not being able to get to any of my posts I have started on or have been working on. Anyways the iPad went to the Apple store for an exorcism this afternoon and I am now back on deck now.

I have been making good use of my time in my absence though I have been doing a touch of craft for a necessary purpose. Anyone want to hazard a guess to what I'm too?
Here is a photo clue to what I'm working with....

More than our Fair time...

What an utterly wonderful time it was attending Brisbane's Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair yesterday.The excitement and buzz for Fair Day to arrive went on for several days with Nelly and I texting each other trying to plan our first ever meet up.

There was just so much to look at and a nice classic car can always get a vintage gal like me in the mood for a spot of shopping.

After Little V and I oggled the car a few minutes, I got on the phone to the lovely Nelly, to find out where she was (she was hanging and chatting with Kitty). Nelly came out to find Little V and I and greeted us with that gorgeous smile of hers and a hug.

We popped back by Kitty's so I could say hi and have a chance to meet her, and I feel ashamed to say that I haven't meet Kitty until yesterday. Kitty's shop is a mere half an hour from my house and I just haven't got my butt up the mountain yet to see the store. I will now have to make effort to do so as I didn't get much of an opportunity to see Kitty's wares, but lucky for me I can just take a drive any other day to see her offerings rather then waiting for next years fair (Kitty did I hear you right though, is there a second one at another location? )

So with that being said we were off and checking out everyones wares, there were plenty of call outs to one another accross the room......Nelly, Nelly look it's green (we both love green), Trudie where are you, this looks like your sort of thing.

Honestly Vowers you would have been in heaven there were racks upon racks upon racks everywhere of vintage goodness to go through. See what I mean?

And here are a few pics of lovelyness we spotted and enjoyed along the way.

Firstly a pic of the new bloggy friends......yay for vintage and how it unites.

How freakin' rock star is this jacket......I love it, the vendor also had a second one teamed with a puffy yellow tule skirt. The night before she said she had sold a navy one with zip off tails....now I would of like to of seen that.

We enjoyed a short lunch break with Kitty and of course some vintage chatter was neccessary to recharge for round two. Round two saw me in the groove and ready to start parting with some cash. I met some lovely fair goers along the way and had a lovely natter with a few people and laugh with others. It was nice to be in the company of people like Nelly, Kitty and like minded vintage lovers. It's always nice to be around those who share your love, passion and interests.

I'm rather chuffed to say that I only gave myself a $50 budget yesterday and out of that came my $10 entry into the fair. I bought 5 items and still came home with $5....not bad, not bad at all I say. Sadly though I did miss out on seeing the last few stallholders offerings as Little V was really starting to have enough and was getting rather grizzly (she is teething as well). So I had to make an early exit but thank you Nelly for a wonderful, fun morning.....Nelly and I are already plotting and planning next year.

So here you go Vowers here are my finds from the fair.....

From left to right...
1. Apron $2...which I fully intend on wearing as a top during summer, with a singlet underneath.
2. A cool pair of high waisted pants $5.
3. The most perfectly fitting dress on me.....it's a vintage Japanese made dress $15.
4. Sweet short sleeve dress.
5. Red, Blue polka dot ric-rac sweetest maxi dress that ever there was, $5.

There is so much more I could have bought, but a gal got to stick to a budget when she is working on big plans. So at least I got to indulge myself in some pretties along the way.

I will be linking up with Sophie at Her Library Adventures, so please pop on over and check out everyone's finds from all over the place.

P.S - make sure you do pop on over to Nelly's for more pics from our day.

What to wear, what to wear?

Well I had a totally different post planned for today, which has now gone on the back burner for a few days. Why? Because I'm consumed with that burning question of what to wear, because I am heading to the Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair in Brisbane tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to it and will be meeting up with the fabulous Nelly.

Excuse the dodgy pic, but I haven't had time today to play dress ups and frock it up for a photoshoot. Little V and I have been busy catching up with friends who have just returned from Bali.

Should I wear my most favorite purple, floral high waisted maxi skirt? Should I wear the thrifted cherry dress? Should I be practical, Little V will be with me so my strapless numbers will be out as that could make breastfeeding interesting.

Oh well I'm sure I will work it out, being a SAHM I don't get much chance to get my vintage on, so it will be nice to get some of my special threads on tomorrow too.

Vintage Fashion Fair.....

After reading Kittys Vintage and Kitsch post this morning, I got myself into a flap when I learnt that the Brisbane Vintage Fashion and Decor Fair is on this Friday and Saturday.

This morning I commented on Kittys post saying:
No, no, no this weekend just won't work *sigh* I can't make it. If only it started in the morning on Friday then I could scramble and go in the morning. Have a fab time, can't wait to see pics.

Image sourced HERE.

But guess what, plans and other arrangements have been shuffled around and confirmed and I am now planning on heading to the fair Saturday. Little V will be with me and strapped in for the ride.

I'm so flipping excited.

Garden Inspiration and Beyond....

Wednesday it is and here is my Etsy Treasury Curators List, a little vintage, a little retro and little unusual but most of all a little inspiration for the garden and beyond.

To check out all the live links to these lovely items click here and whilst your there why not check out all the other great treasury lists by other curators and be inspired.

Little bits of pretty....

Woohooo....I got a sweet little package delivered today. Lea at We Like to Make Stuff has an ever so sweet and fabulously vintagey fundraising effort running at Little Bits of Pretty for The Children's Hospital at Westmead. They are ever so close to their goal, so please pop on over and read more about their story and please consider helping with this wonderful cause.

So sweetly wrapped in old pattern paper and a vintage sheeting bow......it looked so lovely I admired it for awhile before opening to see my goodies.

Lea I have already earmarked some of the buttons for buttony projects and thank you ever so much for the extra handmade surprise. I wish you every success in reaching your goal.

Flea Market Finds from Family Fun Day....

A lovely assortment of finds this week and I had extra sets of hands for carrying things since I scored all this on our family fun day outing. My success could have also been because I felt that I was groovin' in my outfit for the day......which mind you I keep looking at the pic thinking I look a bit of alright if you know what mean? Anyways I digress, this is Flea Market Finds....

First up is this sweet dress that I teased you with the pattern the other day.

Then next up is this lovely little sweater, once again finding it hard to not put this one in my wardrobe for winter rotation.

Oh and some Johnson ware.......they are just devine I love them.

A little something for Little V......altogether awwwww.

And finally the sweetest little deer from Japan.....I am smitten with this dear deer.

Now that you gave oggled my finds for the week, why not pop over to Her Library Adventures and check out everyone's thriftiness.

I have some other finds to show but have tucked them away for now.

Buy Nothing New and a completed swap...

I thought I would share this over here, those who follow me over at Journey to Bliss will know that I am a member of a cloth nappy forum Nappycino, and we generally have a swap a month with a different theme each time. This month the challenge was to fill a C4 size prepaid envelope but Australia Posts requirements say the envelope can be up to 20mm in thickness and no more than 500gms in weight. So as you can imagine, with me pledged to Buy Nothing New this month I had to put the thinking cap on to fulfill this swap.

With exception of the envelope which was clearly bought new last month when I signed up for the swap, all items pictured are thrifted, gifted or handmade by me.

These are a set of three postcards I made for my swap recipient. She is an ABA (Australian Breastfeeding Association) member like myself, so when thrifting last week I came by an old Nursing Mothers Association (what ABA used be named) book I knew straight away what I could use the images for. The book cost me 50 cents and I had plenty of cardboard at home to complete this project.

Next up (top) are a set of gift tags made from leftover scrapbooking stuff I have (lucky I haven't culled everything) as well as up cycling buttons, fabric scraps, ribbon and even the dragonfly is off a broken piece of jewelry. The tie part is raw brown garden twine!

Bottom left is some fabric covered magnets, using old promotional magnets we had lying around and fabric scraps. My swap recipient likes green and red.

Then finally bottom right, we have a knitted/crochet dishcloth I found ages ago on a thrifting trip for 50 cents. A packet of carrot seeds were a freebie that the Big V was sent from Yates. The little black address book was thrifted for 50 cents. Then we are left with the sparkly green pencil and novelty mini animal pegs, which were part of our prize haul from our family fun day on Thursday.

I hope my swap recipient is happy with these goodies, I've had fun putting all together. Now it's time to sit back and what for her reaction.

Blogtoberfest tired tease....

I'm like a dog with a bone and won't let go of my Blogtoberfest pledge, so as a sad, sad tired result of today this is my pathetic post. The post I do just to say I didn't let the team down, so to speak. I won't ramble, but I will tease instead. So here is a flash of pattern from a little number I picked up yesterday on our family fun day. Very much looking forward to showing off my finds in more detail this week.

Pretty huh?
Anyways loyal Vowers surely you must be tired too, how about we all convene again tomorrow after a lovely nights sleep?

Family Fun Day and Fancy Me...

It was our family fun day today and the day started with a spot of op shopping for moi. Actually the Big V even got in on the action, but more about my finds on the weekend for Flea Market Finds. We did well, I'm rather chuffed and the Big V is even announcing himself as the op shop king......*rolls eyes* you will see why I find this amusing.

Anyway for now I thought I would drop in with a pic of my family fun day outfit.

Top - "Katies" op shopped
Skirt - "Adele Palmer" you might remember that is one of precious pieces I took from my Aunts collection.
Accessories - bangles op shopped, knitting needle bangle made by me, glasses mine a girls gotta see, ballet flats retail a few seasons ago.

All things Family, Fun, Life and Home......

It's that time of the week again to show off my Etsy Treasury Curators list. I was inspired to do a little ode to family, as the little Vowers and I look forward to tomorrow to have the Big V home and to be heading out on a family fun day.

The Big V has been working incredibly hard this year and has taken next to no time off, so here is my take on: All things Family, Fun, Life and Home

Check out the list in detail here, whilst you're there have a look at all the other awesome treasury lists being created each day.

Octobers teachings....

So I thought I'd probably should do a check in about how I am progressing with my pledges this month and what I am learning and doing. Although it's been a challenge some days my pledge to post every day in October is in tact. Perhaps not all my posts are riveting but my word is my word and a pledge is a pledge right?

On the Buy Nothing New front things are going fantastically I have extended and updated my wardrobe and not a single item has been purchased brand new. I've needed to update my wardrobe after being pregnant and breastfeeding for the last few years and breastfeeding singlets just seem to be the easy but necessary evil around here.

Hmmmm wardrobe needs a tidy.

I've learnt that I, in fact don't buy much in the way of clothes brand new now that I think about things. I've forced myself a little more to get some of my vintage gear on each day rather than stay in house clothes and worry about getting my vintage pieces messed up running after my little Vowers. Not only do I feel more myself in the clothes I love but it makes me happier. I've also learnt that a need to stop nabbing pieces for myself in my sourcing efforts for my stock.

Finally sorted....

I mentioned that the Big V and I started rearranging our office/creative space we share on the weekend. Well finally I got things sorted out today and what do you know I even had time for a spot of crafting.....which was utterly necessary as I have a swap I need to get posted off this week.

So here are a few pics......sorry about the lighting I only remembered to take pics now.

Top left - my workspace is a lot tidier and prettier now, I can't get you any closer to my crafty efforts laid out until I'm finished but I'm rather excited about it.
Top right - my basket of necessary goodies, pens and journals.
Bottom left - just one of the shelves on my bookcase that is housing many vintagey, crafty and handmade things.
Bottom right - another sneak peak this time of SOME of my vintage children's stock......some of which will soon be getting listed.

Oh and before I bid you a all a good night thanks for the message of good luck for the garage sale on Sunday, I've been able to tuck some of that money aside for some big plans I have for My Vintage Vow.

Sweet Sundays, it's garage sale day

Finally it's our garage sale day, we thought that it wasn't going to go ahead last night with the weather we had but what do you know the skies are clear and blue this morning. So hoping we have a successful day because todays funds will go nicely towards our "Retro our Home" decorating efforts we wish to commence.

Furthermore time spent in the garage this morning forces the Big V to tidy up as you can see, it needs it. We started on a move around of things in our office/creative space yesterday morning. Which saw the Big V make complaints about how much space my stock is going to and starting to take up. So it's possible one of us will be relegated to the garage at a later date. So we are doing a shift around of things and a clear out of other things to avoid this happening.

Aside from that we just need to get rid of so much stuff, we have friends and family who constantly give us hand me downs. They often say if you're not going to use it, sell it or give to charity.

Here's a few pics for you this morning......

Well I best be on my way Master V keeps talking the ear off anyone that comes, telling them tall tales. I have a birthday party to get us ready for later......and yes before you ask the gift is up cycled, recycled and hand made. Hope to get a chance when the little Vowers are napping later to do my Flea Market Finds.....hope to see you all then, time willing.

Called on the account of rain...

I had a to-do list as long as my arm this afternoon. I had hoped I would get more pics done of my tease from Thursday, but we had a massive storm cell come over. Hail, squally winds and scenes reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz in a rush to get our car back the garage. Some muscle really needed to be applied to get the door closed due to wind and suction it was causing in our garage. As a result we had to very unsettled little Vowers with all the commotion, so this mummas plans went on the back burner this afternoon.

So it might not be much of a post, but at least my vow for Blogtoberfest is in tact. So please excuse the what would have been post being cancelled on account of rain.

Take a look.....some real beauties.

I have recently come by a sweet blog. A lovely mix of the subdued things in love, life, art, wonderment and of course there is some vintagness in there as well.

You must pop on over to
Wolves At The Door

whilst you're paying a visit pop in and have a look at the Wolves At the Door, Big Cartel store, here are just a few things I'm fancying....

Certainly worth a look when purchases come with a free lucky dip as well.

Just a sneak peek tease...

Just a little tease of SOME of my finds today, until a get a little more time to post about today's outing. Can't wait to show off these and more of my finds....

Do you see anything thats got potential?

Juicy Orange Finds for You...

I love Wednesdays and putting together my Etsy Treasury Curators list, it's so nice to see what's out there in the handmade and vintage community. I was inspired to go against the trend with my Treasury list this week with orange featuring heavily in Halloween themed lists....but nit mine. So here are some juicy, sweet finds with a few vintage gems in there for you to lust over.....I am so in love the vintage eye glasses. Oh and if you saw my post from the other day I stumbled across a little Lea and Perrins......but I'm still on the look out.

Do you see anything that takes your fancy?
ETA - whoops I guess it would help to add the link so you can have a look huh.

For the collectors....

Good evening Vowers, I've been meaning to post this link for a few days. It doesn't feature any vintage fashion, however if you ever thought about the collections we start and how big they could end up.....check out this YouTube link.

I learnt of this estate through a secondhand/rare book dealer and collectibles trader the Big V and I know. He is desperately hoping he will be able attend the auction and nab some collectible lots.

Most of Lea Hartung's collections haven't been out in the collectibles trading market for over 50 or more years......so there are going to be some serious buyers out there.

Anyways I hope you enjoy, I was gobsmacked.....oh and by the way there are more clips if you're interested in watching more about his collection.

Please be on the lookout.....

My sweet Vowers, my thrifting friends would you keep your eyes peeled for me? My visit with my ever so gorgeous Nanna on the weekend has revealed something in our family history.

I've confused you with that pic haven't I? Well you see it's been established that my family on my Nan's side are part of the Lea and Perrins family by marriage. So the Big V and I are thinking that a little homage to my family history in our redecorating efforts would be nice. So if you happen to stumble upon some Lee and Perrins stuff in your thrifting efforts, please let me know. I'm thinking some old advertising or vintage bottles would be a treat.

Thank you sweet Vowers, as you were.

Stepping out...

I forgot that we have to step out for a little while this morning, in the middle of all the domestic stuff I am trying to get on top of today. But it's nice to get out of the house clothes for a bit and get a bit groovy.

Cardie and purple basic singlet - these old things lol.
Belt - thrifted
Skirt - remember my fab stylish friend....the skirt is denim with tie dye feature, with lace trim on the bottom, the skirt is high waisted, I love it.
Ballet Flats - Kmart last year

Sweet Sunday.....change of plans.

Morning sweet Vowers, I wasn't meant to be starting off my morning in such fashion. We were meant to be up at the crack of dawn loading up the Big V's work van with household wares and off to a car boot sale we do from time to time. But with run of rain we have had in the last 24 hours, we decided not to do it.......but of course this morning the skies are the most gorgeous blue aren't they?

So now we are still overloaded with stuff from our spring clean, so with next weekend being our only remaining quiet weekend for a month we have now decided on a garage sale for next weekend. So much of the morning will be spent tidying up the garage and getting things in order for next weekend.

I also have to try and finish uploading pics for the Hosted Garage Sale Wardrobe, I am doing over at My Vintage Vow Facebook page........so stay tuned, I should be popping back in later today with news for those interested.