Houseplant Confession

So remember how I have been hunting for a house plant for---well, a month or so?

Hmmm....haven't found one yet.

However, due to not going out of town today as was expected, I had a little extra time to do some exploring in my own home town.

It is a beautifully sunny day--cool but warmer than it has been. The perfect weather to get out and about.

Red and I headed down S. Grand to Chimichanga's for lunch---despite rave reviews via Urbanspoon, we left being glad we got that our of our system and with no intention of returning. ( I will say their chips were excellent....thin and light.)

That aside...

Red was meeting up with AD at Sump, so we headed down to Cherokee Street to Antique Row so I could pop into a few of my favorite places. By few, I mean one---where I found a fab old chair that I would love to buy and reupholster. (I'm kidding!!! Ok, no I'm not--but now isn't the best time.)

We left there for Red to hang with AD. I headed around the corner to Meremec and Grand---to an area known as Dutchtown.

Now. I had heard of Dutchtown, but I had never experienced it. And the row that had caught my eye was 4 stores of consignment/re-sale shops. You know I like that.

The first one-- Zaftig was great.

Here is where the confession part comes in.

I found a pair of J.Brand jeans for $17.00

This is an incredible find people. I couldn't pass it up. They fit (....besides needing to be hemmed a few inches) and they are beautiful. I say yes to that.

And the proprietor of the store was a sassy woman filled with personality. Bricks (her nickname) was not to be pushed aside. She even gave me some earrings for half-price. I say yes to that too!

Soft coral/pink color

Unfortunately, this means my hunt for a houseplant is on pause. I had set aside a little birthday money and have officially spent it.

So, future Houseplant? I say sorry to you. My heart is weak for good deals and the jeans beat you out. In a few months I'll make it up to you.

Just a Rainy Day

I decided to take advantage of this rainy day and go shopping. Please. Act shocked.

After hitting up TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning, I made a run to our local U. City Goodwill.

I am super glad I did.

I was wandering the aisles, debating over some jean shorts when I stumbled upon the art section. Lo and behold!---I discovered these babies:

Yes.

Original 1957 and '58 paintings by P.K.

Better known as: stranger who now has art displayed in my home.

For a total of $6.00 these paintings just added a little more spunk to my abode.

Well, they will add spunk when I actually hang them on the wall.

Love it.

Deals for our New Home

It's been a few weeks---since I've had internet because---

We MOVED!

No worries. We are still in lovely St. Louis--but simply closer in.

We are officially living in U-City--home to Blueberry hill, Dewey's Pizza, and Jilly's cupcakes.

I can also officially walk to Starbucks whenever I get the urge.

I have to say that it is a complete change--but a complete blessing all at the same time.

We actually found this place the weekend of our stay-cation--and moved in a week later!! (then waited another week for cable/internet--sheesh)

It has been awesome as we begin to actually feather our nest. I've been estate saleing like nobody's business and been spending hours on craigslist (at Starbucks, of course) hoping to find a long lost treasure that someone else doesn't need any longer.

And friends, my search has been well worth it.

Check 'em out:

Find numero uno:

Our Mad Men-esque dresser from craigslist made into our tv console. Red will be removing
that top center drawer and drilling a hole in the back for cables. Handy. $250 for 2 of these babies.

Find numero dos:

Large leather chair for large man. Check. $2000 chair for $365. Thank you estate
sale #1.

Find numero tres:

6 seated heavy wood dining table from craigslist. Needs a little love but will
look fabulous after the table is gray and the chairs are french gray..meaning
blue. $140 yes.

Find numero quatro:

Sweet outdoor beverage cart and adorable bronzy birds.
Gracias Estate Sale #2
$20

Find numero cinco:

Wait! Those aren't for the apartment, they're for me!
$5

These babies are Fryes...and yes I paid $5 for them. My friend Kara and I were admiring an old desk in the back room of a basement at an Estate Sale and looked down and saw these sweet boots. Size 8, they were perfect for me (Kara wears a 9) and so I grabbed them up and paid for them with an awestruck look on my face.

After a little wash and polish--they are good as new. Yes ma'am.

A small aside: Kara and I had the craziest estate sale experience of our life. At the estate sale I got the small beverage cart and birds at, they handed out numbers into the afternoon!! And then it was at least a half mile hike to and from your car to the house. They had police running interference, and the neighbors were not happy. Crazy--but worth it just to see inside the home...and to get my beverage cart.

I will be posting more as this new apt comes along--and as I explore my new neighborhood. There is lots to do and see!

Dangling Beauties

I woke up early this morning to take my dear friend Vanessa to the airport...and, so I thought to myself, "I'm up early, might as well take advantage of this...and go garage saleing..."

I haven't had too many opportunities to use the fabulous garage sale apps on my phone...and so today was the day. (Thank you Garage Sale Rover and Craigslist).

I hit up a few duds....and then I came to the treasure trove. (These people had been planning to open a consignment store, and then it fell through...soooo they had some wonderful finds).

My treasure:

Don't be scared.

They are beautiful.

They are 4.5 inches long, and from the 1930's!!!

The woman at the garage sale explained that she has a picture of the original owner wearing them at a ball in the 1930's.

I was sold. Talked her down to $12...and felt that they were totally worth it.

They are unique and they have a story.

Doesn't get much sweeter than that, friends.

ha...and people wonder why I go garage saling...silly people.

Treasure in Memphis

I grew up going to Jun Lee.

My mom would load me up in the car and we would drive down to Summer Ave., arrive... and hop out of the car...to a whole new world.

Experience this:

This place is the ultimate accessory haven. You can find everything here---pearls, fake Yurman (be picky...but you can find some beautiful things) pashmina scarves, purses, glam earrings, etc.

Every time I come to Memphis I am sure to hit this place up. (We even found a head-piece for the bride to be and her rehearsal dinner hair-do!).

You never know what new item you might find...

If you're ever in Memphis, go to Jun Lee.

Contact

Jun Lee Trading Co.

3397 Summer Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

901.327.1822

Shopping Spree for Free

I have a friend. Her name is Amanda over at Part-time Homemaker.

She hosts fabulous themed parties every week for our community group...but the one I'm about to share with you is extraordinarily special.

Would you like to know why?

1. You get rid of things you don't need, like, use, (or wonder how it got into your house in the first place.)

2. You get to compete via paper-rock scissors.

3. You get new-to-you items for free.

Allow me to show you my treasure; and then I will tell you how you can host your own fab party.

1. A book that retells the Bible in a narrative style...fiction to make it come alive for you. 

2. A stack of Paula Deen and other cooking magazines...yay! 

3. A pair of awesome yellow wedge loafers. (I wore these to lunch yesterday and everybody was asking where I got them...they were shocked when I told them they were free....) 

4. A Limited waist cinching belt...I always need belts and never want to pay much for them.

As you can see, I racked up. 

I also walked away with 7 less items in my closet...which is a blessing.

Here is how you can host your own Shopping Spree for Free Party:

1.Gather friends.

2. Have them each bring 5+ items of good to great quality (ie. home goods, clothes, accessories, basically anything. We had everything from a set of dishes to a dvd of Tahitian hip-hop).

3. Give each person stickers with their initials on them (# determined by how many items they brought...around 5-7 per person)...go around and place the stickers on the items you want.

4. If you really want an item, place 2 stickers on it.

5. If more than one person wants an item, you play rock paper scissors to decide who wins. If one person placed 2 stickers on an item they get 2 lives in rock paper scissors.

6. Have round 2. If anything is leftover, donate it to Goodwill.

This is an easy way to update your life with out spending money! It's also a lot of fun to see how people's competitive side comes out...

We had some high-demand items. (ie. galoshes)

Amanda is in the process of changing over her blog, but be sure to check her out...she will provide some awesome ideas for you home-making mavens...and for us other folk too.

Hello Good Friday

4 Things that make me smile on this Good Friday:

1. Christ died for us so that we may have Life.

2. We have a dove who made a nest outside of our apartment window...and she has 1 egg she is busy keeping warm.

3. We are dog-sitting the most precious little Beagle ever. Meet Hunter:

He's happy to meet you too.

4. We have a beautiful arrangement of flowers to greet us each time we walk through the door.

Go enjoy this Friday that the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it!

Part 1: Cherokee Antique Row

Yesterday marked the first full day of my parents' lovely visit to us here in the Louis.

Remember how I mentioned I was trying not to plan every little detail of the trip?

Well, it turned out that we may or may not have crammed any idea of a plan into one day...and so I'm hoping that today is just as fun filled...even if we've already completed much of my plan...

Neither here nor there...This is what we did yesterday:

Ok. Not really. But we did see this lovely cat outside one of the stores yesterday.

Hello Captain Kitty!! (Yes. that is it's real name... think I'd make that up?)

Moving along.

So, there is this really cool area of St. Louis called the Cherokee-Lemp neighborhood to which I was introduced just last week. (Remember that Retro 101 store? Yeah...same area)

Cherokee Antique Row really went well with the Rents. They adore antiquing...it's all about the hunt...and so this was a hit.

The first store we tackled was Elder's Ltd. This place was packed. They had a particularly good selection of dining and bedroom furniture...beautiful sideboards...so if you're looking for some gorgeous and reasonably priced antiques...this is a great place to go.

I also found this:

It is an old library table. My idea for modern day usage is to build a platform and bolt the desk to it, and then use it as a kitchen island....or, I mean, you could use it as a desk...

I also found these awesomely beautiful and detailed summer fireplace screens:

At $125 a piece these were at the best price and in the best shape of all of the screens I found yesterday.

My Dad pointed out that they would be beautiful as a piece of art on a wall...so no worries, you don't have to have a fireplace to appreciate these.

And though these may not be practical for today's travels, they sure would be a perfect accent for a corner in your house... really.

They even have initials!! So personal. So cool.

As you can see, this store was the perfect way to start our shopping adventure yesterday....I will be letting ya'll know about the other places we visited (and will visit) as the week goes on...

...so keep your eyes peels

Today we are visiting downtown St. Charles, MO and later going to Kirkwood, MO for some more shopping.

Can you tell what we like to do together?

Cheers to good finds and good family!

Contact Information
Elder's Ltd.
2124 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
eldersltd@charter.net
314.772.1436
314.703.4216

Estate Sale Part 2: Did you say Fedora?

No, I don't mean Larry Fedora.

I mean this Fedora:

Despite what that funny look on my face might be saying to you, I am ecstatic to be rockin this hat.

This is my second estate sale find at $2.50. Yeah, be impressed.

I found it in the corner of the Master bedroom's closet...slammed it on my head...asked a lady if I could pull it off...and walked out triumphantly holding it in my hand wondering if I could wear it the rest of the day...I resisted.

It is vintage and made by Dobbs...a famous hat-maker out of New York.

The fedoras Dobbs makes today run around $150+...so you can imagine my elation in finding this hat.

Every person should have at least 1 good hat...it can add sass, class, and, well, swag...

...perhaps you should be looking to invest...everyone needs swag.

Estate Sale Part 1: Strawberry patches...I love you.

Estate sales make me happy. They actually make my whole family happy. It's our thing.

Since moving to the Louis, I haven't been giving Estate sales my all. Which is very sad...

And it had to change people.

So this past Saturday I started the rigorous training necessary for survival, and visited an Estate Sale for the first time in months.

Comfortable shoes, check.
Cash, check.
Diligence and stamina?..working on it.

So, I was meandering through the sale and found a few good deals that I will be sharing with you through-out the week.

The first find is:

Vintage Strawberry Patches stationary....envelopes and all.

I was rummaging through a stack of things on a table, found these, and in turn, found love.

I'm a lover of all things stationary or papery or pretty...and so these fit the bill.

I figured for a buckaroo, this stationary could brighten anyone's day.

Who doesn't love pretty little gals in pretty little dresses, enjoying strawberries?

Yeah I know. That's what I thought too.

So, if you receive a letter from me in the next few months..be expecting Strawberry Patches.

And, yes, I do plan on writing letters.

Be looking for the future posts sharing my other sa-weet deals!

Much love to ya,

Cleanliness is a Virtue..and a great Gift

Yesterday was one of those glorious days that was warmer than it was supposed to be and invited you to skip over any responsibility you might have had and just be outside...

...and maybe eat a delicious lunch with a friend...

...and maybe mosey around some shops that make you giddy from the inside out.


Provenance Soapworks is one such shop.

You walk in and immediately feel like you should gather up every bar of soap in sight. Seriously.

The owner and creator of the shop, Carolyn (CJ) Holden, blends together country-French style with an effortless clean aesthetic in a way that deeply satisfies as well as entrances the shopper to stop and smell every product (from soaps to hand scrubs to bath oils and bombs).

The products CJ offers are natural, beautiful, aromatic, and creative.

I remember the first time I visited the shop, she explained to me that if it is in the title of the soap, then it is in the soap...

So that bar of peaches and creme?.. Yeah, it actually has peaches and cream in it.

Now, don't be put off by the thought of rubbing peaches all over yourself...it could be a good thing...and besides..

CJ is very well-versed in how these particular ingredients in each product are beneficial for the skin and will happily explain their benefits to you.

A piece of France in Historic St. Charles, Provenance Soapworks is a shop for the senses. Walk in curious and leave satisfied...for yourself or for whomever you decide to buy gifts for.

Be sure to check out the soap-making process in the back of the shop while you try one of their hand scrubs (the results are delightful)...

Be clean and indulge your senses,

Contact Information

Provenance Soapworks
Carolyn Holder

523 South Main Street

Saint Charles, MO 63301

636.577.1972

ProvenanceSoaps@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/ProvenanceSoaps

www.twitter.com/ProvenanceSoaps

Reward thy self...

As a reward for using up the last of my magnetic notepad...and for braving Super-Walmart to stock up on the weeks groceries...

I stopped at Move it On & More Consignment in St. Charles, MO.

I have been more than ecstatic to discover the plethora of consignment/resale shops in the St. Louis area. 

Not only does it provide inexpensive ways to brighten your home/closet, it also, as Doug at Move it On & More pointed out, is a great way to cut down on waste and to re-use. 

Here is a shot of some of the house-wares they offer:

Like most re-sale shops, Move it On & More, offers a variety of goods; a majority of which are home-goods. I particularly loved their collection of area rugs. (Sorry no picture!)

Here is a set of china that I absolutely adored:

Visiting Move it On & More has proven that consignment stores always hold more treasure than you imagine.

I think I might be embarking on a journey to and through all area consignment stores.

I will need your prayers a) to resist all the fabulous bargains I will come across and b) to write honest and thoughtful reviews of them.

Move it On & More is up and coming. Born only 2 months ago, it's goods are still being built up. One pleasant surprise was their locally/handmade soaps available. A very nice touch to set them apart from the crowd.

Don't be afraid to go on a treasure hunt. If you have a particular item in mind, consignment shops are a great place to start.

Cheers to good finds!

Contact Information:
Move it On & More
2031 S Old Highway 94 St. Charles, MO 63303
636.724.3600

The Joy of Flowers

For me, there is no better gift then a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It doesn't bother me that they don't last a lifetime...and I adore the life they bring into a room.

Just like a bouquet of flowers, floral details in fashion bring a little life to whatever you're wearing. (I think J.crew has made that very clear these past few years).

Not being a wild flower print kind of gal, here are some other ways to incorporate flowers into your life in a more subtle way....well, except for the hat..it might be a little over the top for everyday.

1. Cheerful yellow earrings from Etsy shop: Pompom-mum-almond 2. Romantic white pillow from Etsy shop: Dedeetsyshop (which was highlighted on Good Morning America) 3. Dried rose wreath from Etsy shop: Sunnydayz5 4. Flowerhat from Etsy shop: Mignonhandmade

Another fabulous resource for flower details is Etsy Shop: No.144 They have some awesome flower shoe clips that can add a pop to any outfit.

My advice is this: Don't feel the need to resist the urge to buy yourself some new flowers.

I am so grateful for the YMCA

I was rummaging through Goodwill a few days ago and stumbled upon this:

What do you think it is?

Let me tell you.


It is a an antique Vibratone exercise machine...does that rev you up?

 Haha--well all you have to do is wrap the strap around you, lean back, and let the vibrations shed those pounds. (And, if you're near me, it'll cost you only $25! For real.)

I'm not so sure that vibrating exercise is effective, or for everyone...but I had a good time looking up some old school exercise videos...and appreciating the evolution of exercise.

Here is a 1930's exercise promo video...  be glad that we move the machines now-a-days instead of the machines moving (on) us. (you'll see the Vibratone being used in the upper left corner in the beginning of the video!)



 whew! I'm in pain just watching it!

Let us all be grateful that the YMCA provides a safe and normal place to work out.

Let us also be grateful to Goodwill for providing interesting items that impact our daily lives. ie. the Vibratone.

Highlight of my Day

So yesterday was a big day of taking care of business. You know, the usual. Working out, going grocery shopping, and then, spring cleaning. ugh.

So in the midst of doing a lot of things that I don't particularly care for, there was a bright spot. A glimmering moment. A happy time.

And it was here that it all went down:

Anthony's Produce

Something particular about the St. Louis area is that there are farmer's markets permanently stationed right in the middle of town. They might board up for the winter, but they are back with a roar come Spring.

Love it. Not only does it give you a self-esteem boost because you are shopping locally, but it also gives your wallet a boost because it is typically less expensive then your local grocery store.

Go eat some fruit.

Swedish deals

We currently live in a smallish apartment...and let's just say that it takes a lot to feather this particular nest. So, I've been hunting for some finds (ie. a cool chair, curtains, perhaps some wall art...) to add to our homeyness...Ikea is always a go to.

Dry Cleaning, what happens if you don't pick it up?

Haven't you ever wondered? There has to be thousands, if not millions, of items in the U.S. that are left to die at the dry cleaners.

Dry-cleaning

So where do those things go? Well, by law, the dry-cleaner must keep them for 1 year (yay! It's not too late, you can totally go get that dress you have left there for 2 months)

Here in St. Louis, the dry cleaners send their items to a Sheltered Workshop in Hermann, MO, where they are sorted and sold VERY inexpensively.

A sheltered workshop is based upon an industrial model, instead of a medical model, and provides work for people with disabilities. The idea is that, by working, their employees with disabilities will gain confidence and increase their abilities, self-worth, and enjoyment of life.

 We stumbled upon this place and found a treasure trove! I got a full suit (The Limited) for $3.00 and a pair of fully lined white linen pants (To the Maxx) for $3.00.

My new suit!

    

They had everything that people get dry cleaned! Suits, dresses, dress shirts, ties, bedding, winter coats; and nothing was over $10.

Two reasons this is worth the drive:

• You know everything is clean and ready to wear
• It benefits their sheltered workshop!

I was unable to determine if all sheltered workshops do the dry-cleaning thing. Feel free to check out what your local sheltered workshop offers. Who knows what you might discover!

So now you know somewhere out there, that favorite suit you left behind at Dry and Go, is being worn by someone who paid $3.00 for it and is giving it all her love.