Showing posts with label thrifting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thrifting. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

When the sun shines through the clouds...

That title is very optimistic but I specifically chose it because it is opposite of what I am feeling.  I know I have mentioned my husband is an unemployed architect....well, he hasn't been grated extended unemployment so that means we have to pay for our mortgage each month out of our savings.  Luckily, we have been really good savers over the last few years but, nothing is more frustrating and ego-hurting than having to see your money be eaten away.

But, I have been optimistic mainly because I have to be.  I think that is why I have been wearing bright colors lately.  They make me happy! 


Blouse: Thrifted
Necklace: Made by my grandmother in the 70s
Skirt: Banana Republic from about 7 years ago
Bracelet: Street vendor in Costa Rica
Shoes: Seychelles

Monday, May 24, 2010

Busy Bees and Bad Blogging

I have to admit that I have been a pretty bad blogger lately!  I used to update almost everyday and now you are lucky to get two posts out of me in a week!  However, in my defense, I have been extremely busy!  Between weddings, housework, working out, learning to use a sewing machine and various summer parties, my schedule has been stacked full.  By the time I get home, I am just too exhausted to post anything. 

I did want to share my Saturday outfit with you though.  I am mostly excited about the blouse I am wearing because I scored it for a whole $1 at the local thrift store.  I went to go drop off some packages at the post office (which is conveniently next door) and I thought, "I have 10 mins to stop in!"  Best 10 minutes ever spent!  I managed to get this blouse, another similar one but with sleeves, a sparrow hat pin and a gorgeous yellow Pendleton summer sweater! 

Blouse: Thrifted Donna Karen
Necklace: Vintage beads my grandmother brought back from Morrocco
Skirt: Thrifted Gap
Purse: Thrifted Hunt Club
Belt: Target
Shoes: Target (sorry they got cut off!)

I also managed to bake something on Sunday afternoon.  It isn't a hard recipe (and it can't be because I seriously lack baking skills).  Its a recipe that has been in my family for a long time and it is basically just called Meme's Apricot Cake.  Meme would be my French grandmother.  And I have modified it a bit by using cinnamon in the batter (which my grandmother would have had a heart attack over as she claimed the French do not use cinnamon...) and I used peaches in this one instead of apricots.  (I apologize I dont have a picture of it cooked!)


 Meme's Apricot Cake
Ingrediants:
1 can of apricots or peaches in syrup
1/2 cup of sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup of sifted flour
1 cup of milk
1/2 stick of softened salted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a spring form pan or regular round baking pan (12 in is OK), spread butter within the entire inside (it doesn't have to be neat or spread evenly...just as long is there is a bit everywhere).  In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon; wisk milk into mixture creating a batter.  When batter is smooth, pour in the buttered pan and spread to make even - DO NOT mix it with the butter...simply make it evenly distributed on the bottom.  Drain can of apricots (or peaches) and lay them into the batter.  (NOTE: if you are using apricots, make sure the round side of the halves are facing up).  Place pan on top rack of the oven and cook for no more the 45 minutes.  

And Voila!

Friday, May 14, 2010

To descend down again...

Ok, so I am a little bummed.  I apologize ahead of time for my pessimism.  Its just... my husband was working a contract job with my company.  We ate lunch together everyday, drove in together everyday and had fun talking the same corporate language for 4 months.  And now his contract it up........and he is once again unemployed.  Now, I am not ungrateful.  Far from, to be honest.  I am extremely humbled by the generosity and opportunity people from my company have given our little family.  We were able to save a lot of money that would not have had.  We got to share a lot of time together at the beginning of our marriage.  And he created some great friends and links within his career network.  For that, I am ecstatic about.  I just wish he didn't end.  I pray now he can find another job in our horrid economy....

Ok, ok.  Enough of my woes.  Onto fashion.  On a GOOD note, this amps up my thrifting need.  Maybe also some care package swap opportunities if anyone is interested!  I am always up for a good swap.  I plan on hitting the thrift stores tomorrow afternoon.  My husband will be spending the day studying for yet another (there are 7 of them) architecture exams.  I usually leave the house and go to my mom's or shop when he studies so I do not bother him.  He only has a few left and finishing them to become licensed can open up some opportunities in the job market. 



This outfit is something I threw on last minute yesterday.  I actually hopped on my blog and clicked around in the morning because I just could not figure out what to wear.  Luckily, I got some inspiration from Amanda at Off Of Broadway.  I love her style and ability to use thrifted and vintage pieces to create her style.

Cardigan: UO
Blouse: Thrifted Mint2
Skirt: Thrifted
Belt: Care package gift from Meaghan at left hand endeavor 
Necklace: reworked 1970s pendant watch from my brother
Heels: Faryl Robin

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Ah The Weekend...

My weekend wasn't crazy or anything.  Which, to be honest, it how I typically like it.  Saturday my husband was out taking an architecture exam so I spent a good hour just trying on various pieces I have been gathering for spring.  Specifically, Easter dresses.  I am a fan of old fashioned dress-me-up-for-church Easters with baskets of chocolate, formal dinner and spring motif everywhere.  So for lack of better posting options, here are all the pictures I took!

 
Fedora: UO
Dress: Etsy purchase from Homerunballerina
Belt: off a thrifted sweater
Tie heels: Payless Shoe Source!


 
Fedora: UO
Tank: Target
Vest: ModCloth
Skirt: I heart Ronson
Flats: Target

  
Dress: thrifted JCrew
Belt: Vintage
Sandals: Nine West


Dress: Thrifted
Heels: Jessica Simpson


 
Blazer: Olsenboye
Eyelet Tank: Target
Ankle Jeans: F21
Necklace: from the Palace of Versailles
Flats: Target


Dress: Thrifted (and up for a giveaway this week....)
Belt: Vintage
Heels: Jessica Simpson


Jacket: UO
Brooch: Antique
Sweater Blouse: Etsy buy from Sally Jane Vintage 
Skirt: Thrifted
Heels: Jessica Simpson

 (my best bet for Easter is this outfit!)
Polka Dot Dress: Thrifted
Jacket: Thrifted
Peep Toe Heels: Aldo


Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Blogger Meetup with Leilani from Thriftaholic!

A few weeks back, Leilani from Thriftaholic wrote me a message suggesting a meet up since she lives in Chicago!  Of course, I thought it was a fantastic idea and I know she loves to thrift and antique (although we are told it is called 'junking').  So I thought I would just post some great pictures from our day of thrifting (and junking) adventures!



 
So much stuff!  Sensory overload.  We almost hyperventilated!

 
A cruiser bike!

 

 
The two dresses I bought!


Leilani and the creepy rotten foam filled cat we found!


Although he was sort of cute...


I desperately wanted this Herman Miller chair....but it was $2600!  Eek!