birds and planes

addict.

2011-10-29T08:55:00.001-07:00

I am hooked. I have always been very sensitive to mint but this stuff does not bother me. And I LOVE the colors!

Maybe I am a little late getting on the band wagon, but better late than never!

Summer time slump.

2011-06-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am determined to get out of this slump. DETERMINED! Everything has been a bit overwhelming lately. The changes are constant and my mother keeps telling me that I am moving too fast. I think she is right. But I am going to take it easy for the next 2 weeks and try and adjust to things a bit. Then I get to go home and meet with an attorney for the next series of changes. It's terribly exciting and scary at the same time. Big changes are coming. And they are long overdue, as I have been after this for nearly 2 years now and my job is finally giving me the opportunity. It's so exciting!!!!

Adventures in Atlanta! Part I

2011-04-03T20:58:00.001-07:00

My quest to discover every inch of this city led me to Zoo Atlanta today! I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked to due to some Polaroid issues but here are a few from our adventure!

(The Polaroid issues were corrected afterwards)

We didn't have a great deal of time to spend but still had a lot of fun. I haven't been to the Zoo in 15 or so years, so we cheesed it up for the occasion. Much to our dismay, there was no face painting booth. We did see the baby panda cubs which were the most adorable beasts alive.

My shabby attempt at some silly feature on my phone. The giraffes were so beautiful!

This is the mother panda. The cub was playing in a tree near by.

Nicole and I embracing our inner tourist.

Look at this goat. Look at his face. What a doll.

Next adventure: Toulouse Lautrec at the High Museum!

White blank page.

2011-03-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Let's start over. a clean slate. a new life. new job. new home. new love. new everything.

it's all very exciting.

2011-01-28T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to share that I am moving to Atlanta March 1st!
I loved living here when I was in college and when a position opened up at my job, I took it without a seconds hesitation. I am going to look at an apartment tomorrow. I know its terribly silly, but I have never found my own place, on my own, by myself, just for me. I am terribly excited about it all. Luckily I have some handsome company for the viewing this weekend.
I am looking forward to being more settled than I have been in years. I hope to be posting more soon!

there is no place like home.

2010-09-22T11:34:00.001-07:00

I am working one town north of where I live, so I get to go home every night! I haven't spent more than 3 consecutive nights in my own bed in over 3 months! I am finding a bit of difficulty in balancing this "professional me" and "silly-at-home-me", at the same time. I have made some terribly ambitious plans for the week that I probably won't come near to accomplishing. But I will try.
Tonight I am going to clean, get things organized for charity shops, bake and hang with my bestie. I have a pretty amazing recipe for Nutella Macarons that I am going to try out!
I don't get to 'nest' very often, but when I do, I do it up!

25

2010-09-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

This week was my 25th birthday. I am working in Key West this week, which feels oddly like home. I had a list of things to do here and haven't accomplished a single one. But aside from that, I have pretty much had the best (2) week(s) of my life.
Let me recap:
*Spent the weekend before last in Atlanta with someone special.
*Was on vacation.
*Went back to Atlanta to spend another weekend and see The Avett Brothers with someone special.
*Drove to Key West
*Started my new promotion/pay scale.
*WENT SKYDIVING!
*Got a bigger and better promotion/raise!
*Was given a tenor banjo from the 1930's!
*And I have a meeting to style one of my favorite bands next week!

Literally, the day after my birthday, I was given more responsibility than I ever wanted. But I have decided to embrace it. You have to grow up sometime right? And these opportunities won't always be there. There was a period of my life about 2 years ago where I never thought I could possibly be any happier. This period of my life has made that period look like an average day. I feel as though I am constantly glowing. I am very excited about what this future holds for me.
I promise to keep you posted along the way.

falling from the sky...

2010-09-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

I did it. I really fucking did it.

I saw the billboards on my way down to Key West.

At least 5 of them. “Skydive Key West!”

I am not one to ignore a sign. Physical or metaphorical.

I was bummed about having to be so far away from everyone I love on such a milestone birthday (even though I just spent a wonderful weekend in Atlanta with someone special). So I decided to give it a go. Without thinking about it really. I wasn’t sure it was going to happen because of the weather. But even as the plane was taking off and I didn’t think twice.

We finally reached the desired altitude and they opened the door, I had to stand on a tiny platform. For one second, my heart dropped as I looked down at the earth and felt so small.

My tandem partner pushed us out and we fell from the sky. I thought the free fall would have been the most terrifying part. It was the best part. In reality, it only lasted a few seconds, but in those precious few seconds, I was liberated. It was just me (and my tandem buddy, Frank) and god. And death was imminent. And nothing mattered. And everything was peaceful and beautiful.

When convinced that you are so close to death, only then does life make sense.

Today I have a terribly stiff shoulder and am covered in bruises that make me resemble a leopard, but I am more alive than ever.

This experience has made me so grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life and all of the adventures I am able to be a part of.

I understand now that I have to be patient and humble. Because everything that is meant to be, will be.

Sorry for this hippie-bullshit sounding story but I wanted to share it with you.

2010-08-19T07:32:00.001-07:00

I have been so terribly distracted lately.
Things are wonderful. I promise to keep in touch more.

Slow in Carolina.

2010-07-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day of work for a week. This new schedule is something else. It does not feel like I have been away for 3 weeks.
I really enjoyed myself in North Carolina. I saw fireflies, met charming people, saw movies (Toy Story 3 & Eclipse), went to a concert (Kevin Devine!) and picked up some neat things. I was also able to rack up nearly $300 in speeding tickets. Of course that happens just before I turn 25 and my insurance rates drop drastically. So much for that.

So in light of that, my vacation will have to be on the cheap.

I will be spending most of my time sewing. I plan to make a silly skirt, a lobster dress (if I can find the fabric) and sew pockets into all of my dresses and skirts. I have some wonderful Christian Fischbacher fabric samples I got from my old job to use as the lining.

I also just purchased a Ukulele online that will be at my house by Tuesday. So I am planning on spending some quality time with that.

I want her hair so bad!

I might actually even learn to knit.
Other than that, I am going to be totally lame. It'll be all ramen noodles and PBR for me.

TONIGHT!

2010-06-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Snooze.

2010-06-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

I have been terribly boring as of late. I am trying to be a bit more strict with myself and in return my fun has been limited. For the most part my time has been spent playing stupid games. Such as seeing how fast I can go through a bottle of mouthwash or how long I can last on an eliptical without passing out and, of course my favorite, seeing how many cigarettes I can smoke without becoming physically ill.

What a life.

My trip to Savannah really awake some inspiration inside of me but I have not applied it to anything.

I plan on exploring this lovely city a bit more this evening. Hopefully there will be more to report back.

The luggage of my dreams.

2010-06-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

As a professional modern day gypsy, I use a lot of luggage. I have always had bits and pieces of luggage but I bought my first full set from Kohls last year and was quite content with it until a coworker (and fellow PMDG) bitchily asked me, "Gee, what airport shop did you get THAT set from?"

Nice.

So I determined, not only to show that bitch up, but to find a set I loved.

I stumbled upon this little number at a TJ Maxx in Sarasota, while I was home on vacation last week.

Now keep in mind, I am cheap.
Painfully cheap.
I knew I would be investing some good money in this set but wasn't ready to commit. So I did some comparison shopping and decided to take the plunge.
You can't really see from the photos, but it is a navy and white herring bone weave and the lining is pink.
I am quite happy with my purchase. And even if I do see this set at an airport shop, I know I got a better deal.

Damn you, Anthropologie.

2010-06-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

While in Savannah last weekend with Valerie we had some great food (T-rex Mex) great shopping (Civvies!) and saw a great band (The Avett Brothers).
It was a wonderful little getaway.

We ventured into a karaoke bar that was a block away from our hotel when I spotted a girl wearing a dress that I need in my life. At first glance, I thought it could be a silly touristy dress but I came to find out that she got it from Anthropologie, and my heart died.
Don't get me wrong, I love Anthropologie, I am just way to cheap to buy anything there that isn't on the "Last Chance" rack.
I am just not willing to invest $150 on a dress that I will inventively ruin.

So I have decided to take on the overly ambitious task of trying to recreate the "Salty Seas" dress.
I have 2 concerns with such a task. 1- finding the fabric. While I am sure I can find LOBSTER fabric somewhere, it is probably going to be some shitty, wrinkly quilting fabric. (And why stop at lobsters? I want to make a Fox dress, or a fawn dress!)
and 2- I haven't a clue how to sew a top quite like that. But I am determined to try.

Also, the waitress at T-rex Mex was wearing a skirt she made with half naked cowboys on it.
I am absolutely going to cop her style and make one of my own.

Carolina.

2010-06-16T09:32:00.001-07:00

I am officially in North Carolina for 3 weeks out of each month, from this point on.
It is so beautiful here and the people are so kind. It will be difficult to be away from home for so long but I am sure I will adjust.

Any tips on things to do here?

shows shows shows.

2010-05-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

My schedule has been changed maybe 100 times in the last few days. What was supposed to be two weeks close to home has turned into two weeks in Atlanta! I am really looking forward to my trip and the timing couldn't have been any better. I was planning a trip to Savannah, GA at the end of my upcoming vacation (2 more weeks!) to see the Avett Brothers and it just so happens that there are a few more shows I will be able to catch. Not just any shows, but my super duper favorite bands!
I am really looking forward to the next few weeks!

The Avett Brothers! I'll be seeing these gents' on June 11th!

The Miniature Tigers! I know I have written about them before but I have never become so smitten with a band. I get to see these guys in Atlanta!

Kevin Devine! I do my best to never miss a show when he is around.

Have Gun, Will Travel from Bradenton, FL. These fellas are from my hometown and it is so great to see them doing so well. They are also going to be in Atlanta.

Petunia Pickle Bottom

2010-05-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am sure I am late getting on this train, but I stumbled across Petunia Pickle Bottom today, and I am smitten. First of all, that name. You got to be kidding. It is to cute. The CAKE bag is too good to be true(it is supposed to be a diaper bag, but I have no shame).
I might have to forgo my frugal nature and splurge on this beauty.

getting nailed.

2010-04-28T11:32:00.001-07:00

I was home for 4 days last week and managed to buy 6 bottles! It is becoming a bit of a problem, I know.
I love OPI. It is wonderful how they have each collection so specific so you know where their inspiration comes from. Isn't it great too, when they sell the mini bottles sets from the new collections?

The Shrek inspired collection is a bit strange but I really like the colors.

My faves are What's with the Catitude? Rumples Wiggin', and Fiercely Fiona.
I am always heavily influenced by the names of the colors too.
It's a bit silly.
Thoughts?

2010-04-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am back. Many apologies, as my travels have been more frequent than before. It's all very exciting and I will be spending a great deal of time in North Carolina and some uncharted territory.
I have at the moment decided to pack away all of my vintage clothing in hopes of setting up shop in the future. The timing is just off at the moment.

I am in the tourist capitol of the world this week. The kitsch is overwhelming! So far I have seen at least 3 buildings that look like castles (one was a Viking castle) and a fruit stand in the shape of an orange. And all of that was just on the way to dinner last night.

Valerie and I came up here early on Monday to seek out the H&M here. It was a bit disappointing. She managed to find a few neat things. Perhaps my frugality was getting the best of me. Is it just me or do their price points make no sense? How is a fully screen printed top only $4.98 but a simple tank with a bow is $14.98? It just made no sense to me.

2010-02-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Blog and readers,

I think about you often. I am so sorry I have been away for so long. The days on the road are long and the terrible internet makes it difficult to write.

My travels will bring me home the first of March where we can pick up where we left off.

with love,

kimberly.

2009-12-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Days like today make me want to move back to Paris right now.

I know it would be impossible now, but once this world gets better I will be on the first plane out.

2009-12-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

My etsy shop will open the week after christmas. I hoped to open sooner but I am still playing with photos and lighting and the little details.
I have Atomic coming up this weekend!
I am pretty ready for it but I just have some smaller details to sort out. Pricing/tags, bags, and just little things like that.
I have a few more crafts to finish too. I have been making lots of things but I am just a bit too shy to post them.

2009-12-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

I am alive, I swear.
I have a terrible cold and can barely stay awake.
It feels like I am on some crazy drugs.

I have a ton of photos to post from the photo shoot this past weekend.
stay tuned.

peek.

2009-11-29T20:48:00.001-08:00

more to come.

time out.

2009-11-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

I have been terribly distracted lately. I am working like crazy to get everything ready for Atomic next month. On top of all of that, doing my Christmas and holiday prep.

I officially started Christmas shopping today and thanks to Fred Flare, I got a good amount done.

Aside from the craziness, I was able to have a truly wonderful, wonderful weekend!
Two of my favorite bands were coming in to town back to back.
Back when I worked in the industry, I would go to a different show every night but I don't really go to many concerts these days, especially out of town concerts, but this was a must see event.

Friday night was the Miniature Tigers, Eisley, and Say Anything. I saw the Miniature Tigers earlier in the year with Kevin Devine and became absolutely smitten. Their music is so silly and fun and sweet.
Valerie and I rushed to the venue (40 miles away) and missed the Miniature Tigers. We were heart broken. But we got to chat with the singer for a bit, who was such a charmer. So it was a pretty wonderful night all in all.

The Miniature Tigers/Teletubbies

Saturday was the big show. Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band (my Fave!) and The Get Up Kids.
We all have those bands that defined high school for us and the Get Up Kids were one of them for me. They broke up years ago and this was their final tour. They all seemed like they hated each other so I can see why they broke up, but they still played an awesome set.
We got there JUST in time to see Kevin and it was so good. He always puts on a terrific show.

Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band (Kevin is the ginge)

I will be back on track in the next few days!

2009-11-10T13:01:00.001-08:00

continuity is over rated.

a carnival of sorts.

2009-11-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the first night of the county fair in Tallahassee.
I know it is super cheesy, but I love the fair!
Bright lights, rides, happy children, fun prizes and food.
What more could you ask for?

Tallahassee Treasures

2009-11-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pieces I found for the shop here is Tallahassee, Fl.

A sweet pale blue striped dress.

A thick paid men's coat.

Men's button up. I got quite a few of these in all sorts of colors. I love these shirts on men.

I also found some great skirts and sunnies!

P.S.- Sorry for the horrible photos! Hotel lighting is always pretty bad.

men.

2009-11-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

I have been on a quest this week to find more menswear. I got pretty lucky here in Tallahasse and found some pretty great shirts.

Menswear is tough.

Most men hold on to clothing until it falls apart or doesn't fit, so finding good vintage is quite the task.

(I even had a hard time finding pictures of mens vintage!)

Men don't have all the fun options that women do and sizing it always an issue. But I always look for pieces that I like to see on boys.

(cowboy shirts, vests, skinny ties, sweaters and fitted suits)

Here are some fun pictures I found. These are the types are pieces I want to put in my shop.

Any man looks good in a hat.

Grandfather sweaters in fun colors.

Fitted suits.

And any guy looks great with a pretty lady (or fella) on his arm.

Ginger Fever.

2009-11-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

My hair has been every color possible.

For the past few years I have kept it red and probably will until it turns grey.

It just suits me best and is the most fun.

Here are some fabulous ginger ladies with great style.

Rita Hayworth

Kirsten Dunst (Post Spiderman)
Kate Nash. I am so smitten with her. Everything she does is adorable.
Joan from Mad Men. One Powerful ginger.
Jenny Lewis

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2009-11-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

top that.

2009-11-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

Teen Witch is one of my favorite movies.
It is one of those 'so terrible, its amazing' movies.
It has it all. Music, magic, crazy fashion, love and rapping preppy kids. All over the top and absurd.
If you haven't seen it, then you really are missing out.

Here is a clip of my favorite scene. I wish my karaoke joint would get this song.

Impromptu Halloween Costume

2009-10-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

I was not planning on doing much of anything this Halloween. It's a fun holiday and all, but Christmas is more my thing. I was going to hang out at home, maybe passing out candy, doing some laundry and sewing.

Exciting. But then I found out that one of my favorite bands was playing at a big Halloween party in the next town, so I will have to come up with a super quick costume.

I am completely unprepared for such an event so I figured I would go with an old stand by and whip up some sort of flapper costume.

I am certain I have a dress lying around that could work. And I am sort of in love with this head piece. I like the look of the multiple bands wrapped around her head. I am going to try and make one myself using some boning.

A simple dress, feathered head piece, some pearls and finger curls and viola.

Style Inspiration: Miss Hannigan

2009-10-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

It may be a bit silly but, Miss Hannigan is one of my personal style icons.

Sure she has some problems, but all in all she is pretty fabulous.

She always looks like she is in the process of getting ready.

Even when she is ready.

I love how she layers her necklaces and jewelry and is usually wearing lingerie as clothing (or her lingerie is visible through her clothing/ stockings were falling down).

She always has a full face of make up on, probably from the night before, and her hair is always styled but messy.

She is so sassy with everyone and desperately trying to find a man.

And she is always, at least a little bit, drunk.

All in all, she is my kind of girl.

Here are some photos of the lovely Miss Hannigan.

Here is a cute 'Miss Hannigan look'. All it needs it several necklaces and a bit of booze.

I want to know how you take your coffee...

2009-10-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing these stencils everywhere.

I think it is so neat.

Just a sweet and special touch to add to something that has probably become so routine.

Niceville

2009-10-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some terrible pictures of the treasures I found this week in Niceville, Fl. The pictures do the pieces no justice at all. I found some really neat thrift stores here but was only able to shop for a few minutes before they closed.

2009-10-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am going to be sharing a booth with Jenna Dickies at this years Atomic Holiday Bazaar!

This is the fourth year of this amazing event, put on by the lovely Adrien Lucas.
There are going to be so many amazing crafters there!

I am so excited to be a part of it!
I haven't done many posts related to my little shop, but you will be seeing many more soon.

I am hoping to have some repurposed suitcase pieces for the event too!

carry on.

2009-10-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

I have an affinity for suitcases.
Old and new.

I recently invested in a neat matching set of luggage. Of course I had added extra pieces to it along the way. So now my black and white, polka dotted suitcases are accompanied by a pink houndstooth duffel and a pink satin/leopard Betsey Johnson tote.
I bet it looks awful silly.

Here are a few pieces I would love to add to the collection.

Old suitcases are ok for short trips but better for decorating and reconstructing. Here are some amazing ideas on how to repurpose them.

******

This medicine cabinet is from ">Vanity Case on etsy. Amazing!

I would love to make some pieces like these. Anybody have any other ideas?

-kimberly.

how i spent my fall vacation.

2009-10-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Last week was my vacation.
I was able to spend 7 wonderful days at home.

I do love life on the road but nothing beats not living out of a suitcase.
Even for a short period of time.

One of the major perks of my job is that I get to take a week off once every six weeks.

I made an attempt to make this week off as inexpensive as possible because on my next break, I am going to France.
As much as I love to shop, I had to ask myself every time I was going to buy something or go somewhere to eat, "Would I rather do/buy this here, or in France?"

The answer was obvious of course but I am terrible at budgeting my money.

Any tips?

So much of the week was spent with my bestie, Valerie, we took a tour of our hometown of Sarasota, FL, which you will see in posts to come.

One of the best things about Sarasota is that it is home to the Ringling Museum.

I am honestly embarrassed of how few times I have been.
We made a point of going twice this week.

We were able to catch the last day of the Dangerous Women exhibit and the Circus Museum, which were both really great.

Here are a few pictures of the museum grounds.

I will write a dedicated post with more pictures at another time.

One of the old posters for the circus

Here is one of the old traveling carts. I have a terrible affinity for things like this. I assume this one was used to transport animals. I hope they were treated well.

There were old sketches and photos of the costumes displayed. They were really beautiful. It is always neat to see someones vision and then the final product.

The Ca d' Zan. I can't even begin to say how special this place is.

*********

In the next town over there is the Red Barn Flea Market. My parents used to take us all the time when we were kids. It it not quite as neat as it used to be but they do have a few neat shops. There are also peacocks running about!

This is my new favorite shop at the Red Barn. I didn't get the name of it but it is a dance store. They had such a silly combination of things. They had some amazing head bands, tights and beautiful T Strap shoes. One stop shopping.

Here is a silly cake I made for my friends Super heroes/Villains themed party. I am no modern marie but it was my first attempt.

ketchup.

2009-10-13T09:29:00.001-07:00

I look forward to the first day of work after vacation. I tend to avoid my computer while I am home so I end up spending my (work)day catching up on blogs and goings-ons.
how I spent my fall vacation post later.

kimberly.

capital city

2009-10-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am in Tallahassee, FL this week. I love going to a bigger city where I have never been before, everything is always more exciting that way.

With this being my last week before (a much needed) vacation, I have lost a bit of steam. I know that if I didn't have a week off next week, than I would be fine, but just the allure of sleeping in my own bed and staying up late, is just so tempting.

While in Tallahassee, I was visiting a friend who lives here and he showed me the sights. We saw Lake Ella, which is probably one of the loveliest places I have seen! It's this pretty lake in the middle of the city and there are old cabins that are converted into the cutest little shops. I can just see a picture perfect family trip there.

We also explored an area of town that felt just like Atlanta to me. The houses were so pretty and there were hills everywhere.

We also went to this neat bar called WaterWorks, which has a backroom called The Spaceship (I think that's what it's called). 'The Spaceship' was awesome. The flooring (and wall coverings) looked like LEGOS and there were old boating consoles and vintage electronics built into the wall. It was very neat.

I have had a bit of a love affair with retro electronics for some time now. I have been dreaming of this wall of old tube televisions.

Now I am coming up with all sorts of neat ideas. Perhaps I will spend some time this week working on them.

Pictures to come!

*I wasn't able to find pictures of Lake Ella or Waterworks online and wasn't able to take them. Sorry!

almost.

2009-09-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

It is almost vacation time again for me, and I've got big plans.

Some fun, most necessary.

I have mentioned plans of my etsy shoppe (it is happening folks), in preparation for it, I will be spending the majority of my vacation organizing my storage unit. Which also entails all of the cleaning, measuring, altering and photographing all of my inventory.

I am looking forward to the feeling I will achieve after it is all finished. It is quite the task.

I hope to be this organized one day.

Aside from that, I will be spending time with all of my lovely friends and family, visiting the Ringling Museum, and taking part in the local festivities.

There will be lots of baking, sewing and stories. I am determined to learn how to knit and I have a few major sewing projects in mind.

How cute is this guy?!

an addiction of sorts.

2009-09-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have been shopping a lot lately.

I mean, a LOT.

I have developed quite a taste for silly little gadgets. I some how manage to convince myself that I will need these little things to keep me more organized and, ironically, distracted from spending money on things I don't need.

Most recently I got the Polaroid PoGo printer and an HP netbook.

I love Polaroid's (who doesn't) and the new printer is pretty wonderful. Nothing will ever be like the original, but it is pretty great.

My poor Ibook has been such a trooper over the years but I think it is time we say our goodbyes. The HP netbook was supposed to be an impulsive buy but it didn't work out that way.

I wasn't able to get it the day I wanted to, so I spent the next three days doing research and decided it was a smart decision (plus it was on sale). It is pretty neat and it's so small, I can fit it my purse.

Now I have no excuses for not blogging.

another year older.

2009-09-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

today is my 24th birthday.

I am in st augustine this week and plan on spending the evening embracing my inner tourist.

I was exploring last night and found a sweet little park with a carousel!

I am going back tonight to ride it and take pictures.

I am love spooky things and every time I come here I try and take one of those silly tours.

I know a lot of it just part of the production but I love to do research on all of the stories they tell.

Tonight I am riding the ghost train!

I was able to celebrate with some friends before I left yesterday morning.

I wish they could all join me on my silly adventure this evening!

the silver moon

2009-09-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Silver Moon Drive In opened in 1948

Last night I went to see my first movie at a drive in theater!

I am in Winter Haven, FL this week and the theater is in Lakeland. It is actually not terribly too far from my home (about 80 miles) so I can't believe I had never been here before.

I decided to take the back roads so that I could see more of the city.

I was shocked at how quaint and lovely it was.

It was quite perfect actually.

Many of the buildings were built in the 1950's and seem very well preserved.

It was like stepping back in time.

************************

I am a huge scary movie fan.

In fact, I remember one summer where my childhood best friend, Jessica and I rented every movie in the Horror section at our local video rental store.

It was pretty silly.

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I was so excited to be there and to see a remake of one of my favorite horror films, Halloween.

(I know it's super cheesy, but what can I say?)

I got there and got my spot, (I was so excited for the neat speakers!) and about 20 minutes into the movie, I realized that it was the wrong film.

I felt really silly.

But it worked out great because I was able to see both Final Destination and Halloween 2.

All for $4.00!!!

It was a great evening and the perfect way to kick-off my birthday weekend!

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I was planning on going back to the theater early this morning for what I was told to be an equally huge and epic swap meet, but the weather had other plans for me.

No big deal though, I will definitely be coming back to this area sometime soon.

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This is a water tower in Lakeland, where the first Publix supermaket opened.

The candles even light up at night

how lovely to meet you.

2009-09-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was just reading over my blog and realized how all over the place my posts are. When I started this blog my intentions were to write about my inspirations, fashion, and all things lovely. It has turned to quite a big mish-mash of unrelated topics. Sorry about that.

Perhaps I should tell you all a bit about myself and maybe my random and silly posts will make more sense.

Hi.

I'm Kimberly.

I am just shy of 24 and was born and raised in southern Florida.

I love it there.

I worked in the music industry for about 6 years. I had a silly radio show, worked with some amazing bands and got to tour the country. I loved it but the corporate world just isn't for me.

After I left the music industry I decided to go to school for fashion. I studied in Los Angeles,

Atlanta, Tampa and Paris. I could spend days talking about each city and how much I loved them.

I hope to live in one of those cities again one day.

Currently I work for an antique roadshow and spend my weeks traveling throughout the south east.

I really love my job.

But it is hard to be a stranger in a new city each week. Being so far away from everyone I know is not easy.

But I soon might be further away, as my company has just gone international.

I have already put my transfer request in.

I am crossing my fingers for England.

Other than that, I am a vintage clothing/jewelry fiend (I have many pieces for sale in my friends shop Debutante Vintage in Sarasota, FL and I will be opening my etsy shop in a few short weeks), I am a sucker for musicals, trashy books and anything french.

This is me when I was about 6. I am terribly camera shy these days. I am hoping to get over that soon.

Miss.

2009-08-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

I am in Mississippi for two weeks and so excited about it. I must admit, I did have this preconceived notion that all of the people here would be nothing but southern belles and gentlemen. I was wrong. It is still lovely here and I have met some wonderful people. I went to the Beverly Drive In the other day. I was restored in 2001 but destroyed in Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

I can only imagine how wonderful it was in the glory days.

ps- I have a ton more pictures to show you all!

tonight

2009-08-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

tonight's the night! I can't wait!

2009-08-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

garden party by birdsandplanes on Polyvore.com

photographic.

2009-07-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from my travels in the last few weeks.

it's all a bit silly...

2009-07-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I have some sort of biological clock issue going on. My urge to nest has grown out of hand. I no longer let myself go into thrift stores (at least the home department) or cute stores with home decor. I find myself spending a great deal of time looking online for apartments as well. It must stop! I get a new road roommate on Monday, so what little nesting I did in my hotel rooms has to come to an end.

I know that this job will not last forever and as much as I love it, I look forward to the days) where I am home for more than a week at a time (hopefully that is in about 2 years or so...)

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Let's play pretend. Pretending I have a home of my own. With lots of windows and a garden and a swing!

Here are the creatures I will share that home with.

I love cats. I haven't had one since I was very young. I have always wanted a cat who looks as though he was wearing a mustache. This fella looks like an old man who spent years in the military. He needs a monocle.

His name will be Waffles.

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I had friends who had rabbits when I was growing up. I was always a bit frightened of them. I was afraid I was going to break them. Now, I love the thought of such a silly creature hopping about the house!

Her name will be Pearl.

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I am not a dog person or a cat person. I truly love them both.

My parents were breeders. There was hardly a time growing up, that our house wasn't filled with puppies. We have just one now. His name is Boogie and he is a gentleman. Boogie is almost 12 years old. He lost his wife Babe, last year.

My father had a picture of Babe as his background on his computer and Boogie would jump into his office chair (a difficult feat for a basset hound, mind you) and rest his head on the desk, staring at the screen. It was very sad and very sweet.

I want to have a dog of my own one day, when I am a bit more settled, of course.

His name will be Bixby.

I am moving to Paris.

2009-07-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Eventually.

But I am going on holiday in November.

I had the most amazing Thanksgiving there, I can not imagine a better time to go.

momentum

2009-07-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

I have been a terrible blogger as of late.

I can change, I promise.

It has been exactly two months since I traded in normalcy and left for this new gyspy life of mine.

As much as I hate it, a lot of the cities I have been to are starting to run together in my memory.

I love all of the adventures but I miss home a lot sometimes.

I will make these. Mark my word.

I have had an overwhelming desire to nest.

I want to cook and clean and decorate and iron and bake and garden and have dinner parties and make my own laundry soap.

I do get to do these things a bit when I am home on the weekened but it is never enough.

I try to make each hotel room a bit more like home.
Perhaps I should try and bit harder.

hotel findings.

2009-07-08T07:23:00.001-07:00

I found this poem as we were setting up the conference room this week. Part of me is amused and part sad.

"Dear Christy, you are entering a new era. There will come a THYME in your marriage when you will find "Matt" is not always MR. CLEAN, but don't send out the S.O.S. because he might vanish. "Matt" will always bring you CHEER and you will find him to be your WHITE DOVE. When you are together you will find JOY, so remember your PLEDGE and give him your ALL. To "Christy" and "Matt", the best of luck & good fortune in the years to come. And may "Matt" always be your HONEY."

So from this I would assume that she is a some sort of clean freak and maybe a gardener or cook. I wonder if this was a speech from the best man. It doesn't sound like a woman wrote it.
When I first found it, I was so excited to find a piece of such a special day. I suppose I was hoping for more whimsy and romance, not a cleaning product placement ad.

Picture post tonight!

When the sun goes down

2009-06-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to find things to do to fill my evenings. When I am home, I am usually spending time with my friends and my nephew, but on the road, it gets lonely and very boring. I try to explore each city as much as I can and the hotel usually provides a great deal of pamphlets and information on local attractions. Unfortunately, most things close down early and I don't get to see neat and campy places (like The Seashell Museum in Cape Coral!)

I try to spend my first night in a new place driving around, and trying to see where everything is, and stopping by shops to see what time they close during the week. One of the buyers on the show is an absolute foodie, so good places to eat are never a mystery when he is around.

This week we found a great Italian place a few blocks from the hotel. I have had the best Italian food on this show, and we usually find it in small towns! Lucky for us, we were right across from a thrift store this week. They usually close at 5:00 but are opened until 8:00 on Thursdays. I found 3 pairs of shoe clips, an owl pendant, a neat purple belt and a captain's hat. All for $3.75! This store was way cheaper than most of the thrift stores in Sarasota.

I am trying to be good while on the road. So I have been trying to occupy my time with books and projects (recommendations are always welcome).

The last few weeks I have been using a few homemade skincare/haircare recipes that have been wonderful. It's a fun a productive way to pass the time.

Olive Oil & Honey Hair Mask

Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of honey (or more if you have longer hair) . Comb through hair and pin up, or wrap with saran wrap or shower cap. Leave for at least 30 minutes and then shampoo as usual, rinsing well. Your hair will be shiny and smooth!

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Lemon Rose Toner

Mix equal amount of lemon and glycerin, add a few drops of Rose Hip Oil.

I usually buy 100% Lemon juice from the market and glycerin from Target or a pharmacy. I got the Rose Hip Oil from ebay. A good investment.

I have found that this toner evens out my complexion and dries up any problem areas.

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This has become my holy grail product.
The aspirin is great for any blemishes and also lightens any redness in your skin.
I usually mix one packet with a drop of Rose Hip Oil or water and leave in on any blemishes over night. The results are almost instantaneous. I love this stuff.

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I am on vacation starting today, so my blog might be on vacation as well.

summer of...

2009-06-24T06:51:00.001-07:00

Now that we are officially into summer of 2009, I am already counting down the days until fall. I had forgotten how awful and uncomfortable it gets here since I am working inside all day. I am on vacation next week and am trying to figure out how to fully enjoy it while a.) not burning to death b.) avoiding the sun (I am growing very fond of my Danish palor) and c.) having fun!

The heat here in the south has gotten so oppressive, so quickly, it is nearly unbearable. I remember playing outside during the summers when I was a child, but I don't think I can remember a time in the past 8 years when I would willingly be outside in this heat any more than necessary.

While summer is often a symbol of freedom to many, it feels as though I am waiting inside for fall. Here are are few things I would love to do, weather permitting, this summer.

Summer time is the perfect time to truly enjoy a slush puppy. I plan on indulging myself when I get home this weekend. What a great way to kick off my vacation.

What girl wouldn't want a summer romance? Preferably one filled with mixed cd's and silly dates with a dreamy boy.

Picnics! We have such lovely picnic spots back home. My favorite is the patio at the Ca 'Da' Zan. It's a shame to have to wait until fall to visit them.I get to travel for a living but nothing beats hitting the road with a car full of friends, off to explore as many things as possible. I would love to just pack up and drive to Seattle with some friends, with no itenary, just to go.

When the weather gets hot like this, it always reminds me of The Great Gatsby. The chapter when they decide to drive into the city to get drinks, before all of the really bad stuff happens.

Theme parties! We were planning an Elvis style Clam bake for the 4th of July, but our plans fell through at the last minute. A Great Gatsby themed party would be qutie a lot of fun! Everything would be over the top and extravagant. And the costumes would be quite stunning as well.

Sorry for my lack of posting/random postings! I am lacking my usual inspiration. I will find it again soon.

a place to lay my head.

2009-06-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

There are few things I would give my gypsy lifestyle up for. it can be lonely and exhausting living in hotels and being home so little. But I love it.
I often get frustrated when Ican not find something in the minuscule closet that has become mine! I could not justify paying rent on a home I would live in for 4 days out of the month, so I moved my things into storage and am back at home with my parents. I never thought I would be so happy to be 23 still be living with my parents! It is just so nice to have that comfort waiting for me when I am home for those brief moments. The financial benefits are amazing as well, if I could learn to control myself. It is very easy to spend a ton of money when you are on the road.

Since I really have no place of my own any longer, I often spend hours daydreaming and shopping to decorate a dream home that does not exist. So silly, I know. Surely I will settle down into a lovely home in the future, but hopefully, not too soon.

This is the kind of home I imagine/hope for/ dream of:

It will have hardwood floors, beautiful wall paper and wainscoting and plenty of charm.

I am trying very hard (and not succeeding) to be good with my money. I have been consuming myself with books lately to distract me from my desire to shop. If I can hold out for just another month than I will be out of debt and on my way to (another) new car. I just got one this week but it is kind of an in between car, so I hope to upgrade soon. Once all of that nonsense is behind me and I am totally and completely free (except for Sallie Mae's death hold) than I plan to open up my own etsy shop! I will be selling neat hair things as well as the vintage dresses and treasures I find along my travels.

Home for the weekend.

2009-06-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

I only get to be home for about a day and a half a week, the rest of the time I am on the road hunting treasures. So when I do get to be at home, my schedule gets pretty full, pretty fast. This weekend is no exception. My day and a half is jam packed with unpacking, laundry, countless errands, packing and leaving again. I am very much looking forward to my vacation 4th of July weekend. A whole week off. It will be lovely.

I have got a baby shower on Sunday for a very old friend. I am looking forward to seeing her and hearing all about little Gunner on the way!

No matter how busy I am, there is always time to shop. I could use a few new dresses and am interested in getting some sweet and silly separates. I am hoping that my favorite shopping buddy, Valerie Valentine @ http://www.materialinstinct.blogspot.com/ will join me!

Probably my most important errand this weekend (other than baby sitting my nikkisaurus) is getting a new car. I am pretty nervous about it, I feel like everyone is trying to rip me off, but I am going to a fellow vintage buyer for Debutante, so I think I am in good hands.

The lovely Valerie Valentine got me this film before I left for this trip. I can not wait to watch it. Doris Day is one of my favorites!

If all goes as planned and I get a new set of wheels, I am going to need some new music to listen to on my way to Palm Coast on Monday. I got the new Kevin Devine CD about a month ago at his show in Ybor City and have yet to fall in love with it, but it is only a matter of time.

Sarah Jaffe opened for Kevin Devine last month and I was blown away. There is a certain haunting quality to her music.

I got her EP and every time I listen to it, I swoon. She has a full length available on her myspace but I had some trouble downloading it last night. Any suggestions? Any suggestions for good traveling music?

My latest addiction. I breezed through the first two books in three days (thanks to ebooks.com) but I am holding off on the third. Mainly because I do not want it to end! But I also want a hard copy. I am late getting on the Twilight train, I know, but better late than never.

Plant City

2009-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

thats how they do it in plant city.

I must say that I did not have high hopes for Plant City. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this place is the Strawberry Festival, which of course is not going on right now. The hotel is nice, but not near anything. I was able to take a quick drive through the historic district, which was very quaint and cute. I would like to explore it here a bit more if I had the time.

a bit of randomness

2009-06-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

So I am a dreamer. Aren't we all? Now that I can see the light at the end of the debt tunnel, I am planning on spending my spoils on some treats for myself. (And putting a big chunk into saving as well).

I am getting a new car next week. I have my eye set on this saturn. I had one before and loved it. I don't know if I will actually get this one but I love it either way.

Since I am traveling all of the time now, I need to invest in a good GPS. Although I will never give up getting lost in every city and my hours of exploration. This TomTom allows you to download celebrity voices. Mr. T is one of them! How can I resist.

I know I am late on the OPI France collection boat, but I love it! I took my mother for a manicure today and discovered the You Don't Know Jacques! color. Its love.

I will need to get a phone that can pretty much act as a personal assistant because I get very disorganized on the road. I am an apple girl all of the way but the touch screen worries me on the Iphone. I am also considering the Gphone and some samgsung model that Ozzy endorses. Any suggestions?

My Ibook has been such a trooper over the years. It has taken quite the beating. A few missing keys, a broken disk drive and a dead battery (it only works when plugged into the wall) tells me that our time together is coming to an end. I hope to get a newer model with more memory and ram and those neat built in camera. I am hoping to wait until August or whenever they offer the free Ipod for students!

2009-06-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

This is my third week in this wonderful new job. I have seen people make a small fortune, beautiful places, and a great deal of treasure. And made some very good money.

I was able to go home for the weekend (which was amazing!) and realized how spoiled I have become on the road!

It truly is the life! I am in a new city every week, although it can get lonely, it also forces me to meet new people. (I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman earlier over some camel lights next to a few dinosaurs). This is my first week on my own here. So that means a.) no help! it's all on me! b.) MY OWN ROOM! We are staying at a Holiday Inn Express, and it is lovely. I get 24 hours access to the gym, free (good) breakfast, fresh coffee and tea at any time, concierge service and maid service everyday! It is almost hard to believe that I get paid for this. I really am so lucky. And if I can contain myself for the next month than I will be out of debt and have a new car. I need to contain myself...

Here are some pictures from my palace of the week.

my night stand, equipped with pictures of nikkisaurus, my lovely friends, holgert and orange hot tea.

my super comfy king sized bed with a gaggle of pillows!

This is what made me fall in love. Hotels are accommodating and all but, my goodness! The standard shampoos and lotions and ALSO a makeup removing cloth, a shower cap and A SHOE SHINE CLOTH! Not that I have shoes to be shined, but they sure know how to make a girl feel special.

Saint Augustine Part Deux

2009-06-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I was not able to explore Saint Augustine as much as I would have liked. We were staying on the beach and were stuck there because the show was so busy. I did get to go out one night though! Kelley and Pam, the lady buyers on the show, took me to Harry's for dinner. It is a cute little seafood restaurant in the historic district that the locals recommended. The food was very good and the atmosphere was lovely. It was an old home that was converted into an eatery. I would have taken pictures but I felt a bit silly. Then we went on a horse and carriage ride! It was very silly and lovely. I have coined our new job title as 'professional tourists'. I think it is quite fitting. I wasn't able to take many pictures but I will be back in the area in a few weeks and will have more time to explore.

Saint Augustine

2009-05-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Saint Augustine is lovely but nowhere near as lovely as Savannah. I will not have as many photo ops here but I will look hard!

so long, Savannah.

2009-05-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am leaving this lovely town in a few short hours. I have seen all that I can for now and tried to capture it all. I could very easily call this charming place home.

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@ the mercer house

ditto

a lovely old building

fountain at the forsyth park

a neat door

a former junior college, now an attorneys office

a lovely old bench

**all photos by me!

ghosts and gravestones

2009-05-23T20:26:00.001-07:00

I took a ghost tour tonight! It was super cheesy and pretty lame but I am not afraid to embrace my inner tourist. The tour guide was pretty bad but he did tell us some neat stories about the city.

Our first stop was the Sorrel-Weed house. Apparently the house was built by an immigrant who married a southern lady of wealth. They built a massive and beautiful home and had three children. The wife died of yellow fever and the man married his former wife's sister. They had eight children together. The wife had 39 slaves to tend to the home and the children. She befriended one of the slaves and they became very close. One day she found her husband and her friend together and threw herself off of the second floor balcony to her death. Two weeks later the slave was found dead, hung in her room with no chair or anything to support her weight.

It is supposed to be one of the most haunted homes in Savannah and was featured on Ghost Hunters. It was pretty creepy. We also heard stories of fires and visited the Colonial Cemetery that I had seen the day before. All in all it was a neat experience.

Tomorrow is my last day here and I have a ton of plans. More pictures to come soon.

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in the garden of the Sorrel-Weed home, where Matilda Sorrel met her end.

in the parlor room at the Sorrel-Weed home.

on the stairway

one of the many fireplaces.

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with some musical pirates.

an old life ring

at the cemetery

a kid in the candy store!

***all photos by me!

gnoming around savannah.

2009-05-22T19:30:00.001-07:00

I have been very busy hunting treasure and will not let the sheer exhaustion of my job prevent me from falling in love with this amazing city. I haven't been able to roam as much as I would like but I did take an adventure tonight. I walked all over the city and got to see the Colonial Cemetery, Saint Vincent's Cathedral, and a ton of other lovelies. I could move here tomorrow and be content. It is so beautiful here and the residents truly love their city. I have met some amazing people and seen some beautiful treasure. Leaving will definitely be sad. I am done with the show as for 4:00 pm tomorrow and have until 12:00 on Monday to explore. We are taking a ghost tour tomorrow! I am really looking forward to it. I will post pictures and stories soon after!

Here are some photos of me "gnoming" around the city tonight. I must admit that I felt quite silly whipping out my gnome for pictures but it was worth it.

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@ the cathedral

Colonial Cemetery

ditto

silliness at City Market

a sweet cafe on the riverfront

mingling with the locals

riverboasts!

local artists

Polaroids and Holgert

2009-05-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

I have been in Savannah for three days now, and I am completely in love. Being here is like being in a postcard. I have been busy hunting treasures and haven't had too much time to explore just yet. I went out for a bit tonight and took some pictures. I plan on a much bigger adventure tomorrow night. I saw a few amazing shops that I plan to investigate further. Things tend to close a bit early here so I am not sure I am going to see everything I want to but I am going to try.

Here are some pictures from my (and Holgert's) adventure tonight!

This is Holgert next to WG's pub (which is right next to our hotel and showroom). Apparently WG's is one of the most haunted pubs in the area. From what I have heard, in the 1800's a man lived there with his wife and one night, he painted poison around the rim of her wine glass in an attempt to kill her. At the last minute he decided he did not want her to die, but it was too late. He soon after ended his own life. Sad, right? Well apparently the SAME situation has happened there twice since! I went in there today to return an adorable bulldog to his owner and it didn't seem very creepy. I am looking forward to learning more about it.

Holgert taking a bit of a break at a neat bank.

City Hall

A huge delicious looking block of fudge at a confectionary on the river.

CANDY APPLES!!!!

I will post more pictures tomorrow night!

how quaint.

2009-05-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

We don't have to pretend anymore.

road trips and roller coaster rides.

2009-05-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

It is not yet certain, but I could very well soon be the proud owner of a new career. One that takes me to exciting places like Savannah and St. Augustine and Jackson, to view treasures of the residents there. Let's pretend that it is certain...

Savannah

I will be in Savannah next week. I have never been. I have had a love affair with Atlanta for some time now and I am glad that Georgia is showing me a different side of itself. I am looking forward to a new slew of thrift/vintage stores, all of the painted ladies and ghost tours!

Saint Augustine

The following week will take me to St. Augustine, another city I have yet to know. I once watched an episode of Ghost Hunters with my mother and they did a segment on the light house there. It is the oldest city in Florida so I am sure there is plenty to see. I will be bringing a friend along with me and I will be posting pictures from our adventures.

I can't wait for them to begin...

something my mother and i finally agree on.

2009-05-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

I have been quite the insomniac lately. After watching a lovely French film called "Fanny", I caught a re-run of the Brady Bunch. I never realized what a dream boat Mike Brady was! I do like the scruffy fellas but I am pretty much in love with the clean cut Mr. Brady. And I do love a man that isn't afraid to mix patterns.

i am it.

2009-05-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

a tag from http://materialinstinct.blogspot.com/.

your heart in one word...

1 Picture

I have spent a good amount of time trying to find the right picture. I do not have children or animals and am not close to my family so it was a bit hard trying to sum such a personal matter. I finally chose this picture of Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain for many reasons. First and foremost, Gene Kelly is a genius. I am not the type of person to have a favorite anything but I would have to say that he is my favorite actor. Not only did he act but he sang and danced and choreographed most of his films. I love an over achiever. Also, at this part in the movie, he shares an intimate and romantic moment with Debbie Reynolds' character for the first time and is clearly smitten and over the moon and high on life. I have become a bit jaded with the opposite sex and, although it is a movie, it delights me to see a reaction of such sorts. It pretty much makes me swoon.

1 Poem

As society encourages us to strive for the unattainable, we begin to realize we have become a reflection of that society. And in that reflection, we have lost our selves.
Michael Mack

Although I do love things that are sweet and romantic, when it comes to poetry, I prefer a bit more realness. I love Allen Ginsberg but these few lines from Michael Mack caught my eye. It doesn't exactly convey my heart but at least my mind at this point.

1 Item of clothing

I am the proud owner of a closet full of favorite dresses. My one item would be, of course a vintage dress.

1 Song

Postcards home-unsung zeros.

I am a victim of the pop punk craze. I like to think that my musical tastes have evolved over the years, I still can't help but love the songs I listened to in high school. This for sure, is the first song on the soundtrack to my life. The song is about touring and traveling and all of the beautiful things seen along the way. And it's pretty catchy.

1 Place

Paris.

A no brainer. I am sure I have driven my friends mad with all of my talk and reference of my time there. Paris was the first place/thing/entity that I fell in love with. My time there really shaped me into the person that I am. I miss it there terribly and hope to go back soon. There is a line from on of the short films in Paris Jet'aime that sums it up perfectly, "At that moment, I fell in love with Paris, and Paris fell in love with me." ahh paris, nous allons nous rencontrer bientôt....

1 Quote

Leo Buscagalia

"The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises."

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

I could not choose only one. Of course there are so many brilliant quotes published, these are two that I truly love. It is silly how I know of Leo Buscagalia. I had a communications class last quarter and my professor played us a tape. At the time, my boyfriend and I had just broken up and I had just lost my job. I was terribly sad, and the lecture he gave lifted my spirits more than I thought possible. His lessons are simple but lovely. I recommend him highly if you are down in the dumps. You can find him on youtube.

1 Disney Princess

Princess Aurora. I found this to be a strange one. I was going to pick Princess Ariel because (she is supposed to be Danish &) she is a collector, like myself and many of you. I went with Aurora because what girl wouldn't want to have 3 adorable fairy godmothers and live in the forest and pick berries and flowers all day? Plus I feel like I look more like her than any other princess. Which is still quite a stretch. I remember the Sleeping Beauty barbie had a brassier color hair than the rest of the barbies, much like myself.

This was super silly and took me way longer than it should have.

2009-04-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

Ever since seeing Singin' in the Rain again last week, I have been quite taken by Debbie Reynolds. I didn't know much about her so I did some research and found some lovely pictures. Apparently she won a beauty contest when she was and that bade her entrance to the industry. She was married and divorced three times and lost her first husband very publicly to Elizabeth Taylor. She is a collector of Hollywood memorabilia and dreams of opening a museum. She was quoted saying, "Singin` in the Rain and childbirth were the two hardest things I ever had to do in my life."

around the shop.

2009-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

here are some treasures from around debutante vintage. all a bit random.

how lovely.

2009-04-26T15:34:00.001-07:00

Nothing would make me happier than making cupcakes this lovely.

2009-04-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

The new Don Lockwood; He yodels, he jumps around to music.

2009-04-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

After finishing one of my pieces for the fashion show, I decided that I deserved a break. I went to my parents and watched Singing in the Rain. I have always had a thing for Gene Kelly. He had me at "An American in Paris". The movie provided the most perfect inspiration for so many things. The costumes alone were so amazing! My favorite scene, as is most peoples I am sure, is when he sings the title song.

I know that it is a movie and it is supposed to be dramatic but I am so smitten with how smitten he becomes! It seems so sweet and pure that a mere kiss or the thought of spending time with someone will make you do such silly things. I do hope to meet someone like that has that affect on me and vice versa.

Aside from that, Debbie Reynolds is beyond lovely. Just this weekend, my grandmother was telling me that when she had my father, every woman in the maternity ward that had a girl named her Debbie, after Debbie Reynolds. This ensued into a long discussion about names and how much pop culture affects our lives. It was actually a very wonderful conversation.

I have been slacking on my postings and trying to make these pieces for the show as lovely as I can. I will have a major picture post in the days to come!

steam punk and brooches.

2009-04-05T14:17:00.001-07:00

***Steam punk brooch!

I was schooled last evening on the loveliness that is Steam Punk. Much to my dismay and embarrassment, I did not know what it was. For those of you in my shoes, Steam punk is Goth, Punk, Geek, and Maker Culture whipped into a delicious melange with a healthy seasoning of political and environmental activism. It's the intersection of science and romance, it's sustainable rebellion. I am in love with the phrase, "the intersection of science and romance". I am exploring this topic further and will have a lovely post to follow.

************************

I have been going through my belongings and have noticed that I have acquired quite the bounty of vintage brooches. I plan to start incorporating these treasures into my daily wardrobe. I love the fact that something that was once purely utilitarian has become so decorative. I try to use a brooch is as many ways I can. Hair clips, necklaces, shoe clips, even buttons. I am working on a few silly ones to have at the fashion show. I will post some pictures once they are complete.

***brooch mania!

***lovely lassie.

birds and summer.

2009-04-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from a shoot I did last summer. It was super hot and humid but Jessica was very cooperative and lovely! I will be doing more shoots soon and posting pictures promptly after. Most of the pieces are for sale at Debutante Vintage. Email me for info.

vintage patterns.

2009-04-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Although I am not so confident in my abilities to sew from a pattern, I am not giving up. I found some beautiful patterns from the early 1950's at a sweet little antique shop in Sarasota (not the ones pictured) that I am planning to attempt. I love the illustrations on the packages. They are so classy and exaggerated. The patterns I found are not quite my size but I think, I hope I can figure it out. I do, after all, have a pretty special event coming up that I must be dressed to the nines for.

bedazzlin'

2009-04-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

I was watching Bewitched the other day (daytime television is one of the perks of being unemployed) and I fell in love. I remember watching the show when I was younger but found it boring because I had no appreciation for such classics. I love the dynamic between Darrin and Samantha. Despite all of the chaos around them and there extreme differences, they really loved each other. I find humor in the almost oppressiveness of Darrin outlook on Samantha's power. Growing up in this era, it is hard to imagine a life like that.

I also love how women back then were so put together. Never a hair out of place. It makes me sad to go out and see people in sweat pants and pajamas. What would our grandmothers think? Or our great-grandmothers. I vote that we bring 'dressing up' back into our everyday lives. How fun would it be to wear hats and gloves all the time? I think it would be loads.

*Aside from my two pieces for the zombie fashion show, I am also making some special treasures that can only be purchased at the show! Email me for more details!

zombies.

2009-04-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. I am working on two pieces for my first fashion show. It is slated to be a night of zombie glamour. I will post pictures when more progress is made. Here are a few clipping of my inspiration. I am thinking bustles and broomsticks. I am quite curious myself to see what comes up. More posts to be made soon.

welcome.

2008-06-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

i am easily inspired. i will start postings the things that inspire me in hopes of affecting you.