Whimsical Jewelry & Ramblings

Vintage Value

2009-10-13T07:04:00.003-04:00

I've thought about writing this post for awhile but when it comes to pricing, I really like to keep my nose out of other peoples practices. However, there is one point that I'm not sure that some are aware of...and that is depreciating value. The "vintage" phenomena may be temporary or it maybe permanent. The new "vintage" in 20 years will be what you're wearing today. Can you imagine, "Beautiful vintage Target camisole":)...anyway you get my point.

Certain costume and non costume jewelry designers, prior to the vintage craze, had a certain value. Vintage/antique collectors and sellers knew this and always priced their pieces to the market. Reputable sellers never undersell their competitors (at least not by very much) or it devalues the pieces. A mutual respect for each other as well as their collections. Yes, it's just costume jewelry but some of it - Coro, Trifari, Marvella and many others are rounding the 100 year mark, making them antiques. If you're not getting your items from your grandmother's or great grandmother's attic - imagine how hard it is too find these pieces in good condition. I have jewelry that's 10 years old and looks 100 (and not a good 100):) Costume jewelry is not made with the same quality and craftsmanship that it once was...making these items even more valuable. Rhinestone pieces are a good example, mostly unsigned these pieces are anywhere from 50 - 100 years old. Finding ones with good clarity and no darkened stones, is difficult - yet I notice that in many places they are priced much lower than their value should be. I try to price my items, so as not to undersell my competitors and devalue the item - a practice these days that's not always easy. I will admit that I am a culprit of the rhinestone pricing but when they're all priced so low, it's a battle that can't be won. On most of my other pieces, I price by the condition and quality of the piece, the year of the design (research your varying hallmarks to see what year your piece was made) and the going "reputable" rate.

Jewelry talk aside, I've also noticed that the once collectible and pricey, Lusterware...has lost it's "luster" so to speak. Possibly the market got flooded or possibly some people don't really know what they're selling - either way, it's a shame. Many of these items will never come this way again. The companies that were so diligently built on all the right things (I don't want to have to say quality and craftsmanship again:) are no longer in existence. The teapots that were made in "occupied Japan" will become obsolete, never to be enjoyed again.

If you're in vintage/antiques for turning the "quick buck" then I suppose that my words are lost but for those of you just starting out and not sure which direction to look to...please do your research...and learn about the history of these wonderful items, it's incredibly interesting. Most importantly, remember that while you may have come upon it as a freeo in granny's attic - it still has value.

Learning is a wonderful thing, no matter how old you are, there's always something new to learn!

Google, read, browse and/or buy Barnes and Nobles collection of "collector" books. Don't just look at similar listings but google the company to find out their history and why they made what they made and who made it. A great site for company histories is

http://jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Jewelry_Companies_A-C.htm

and for jewelry hallmarks go to

http://illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarksm.html

A great place to ask questions and find the right answers is http://vintagevillage.ning.com/ go to the Researchers to the Rescue group and post your question and/or pic - the direct group link is

http://vintagevillage.ning.com/group/researcherstotherescue

I may take a little heat on this one but it's a topic that I feel needs to be touched on.

I'm warming up for another customer service speech, as well - so look for that in the near future:)...or feel free to browse my archives and read some of my older ones

Have a great day!

Pam

Blog Giveaway!

2009-10-10T09:16:00.004-04:00

As promised, here is October's first giveaway...perfect for Halloween:)

These wonderful Buri Nut beads are a butterscotchy orange color, so I've combined them with white faux pearls, black glass rounds, moukaite chips and rust aventurine chips.

This bracelet measures 7.5"...I can adjust this length, as needed for the lucky winner:)

If you're new to my giveaways...I usually give one of my vintage items, this month I'll be giving away one of my own items and then a vintage item giveaway that will begin on Oct. 22nd.

Your comment is your entry. I'll be picking and posting the winner on October 19th. Your bracelet will ship immediately to reach you in time for your Halloween fun! November will also feature 2 giveaways...my way of assisting with your holiday gift giving:)

If you are not reachable via Etsy or a blog, please leave an email address, which I will keep private. If you are leaving an email you will not see your entry under comments - no need to worry...I have you on the list!

Good luck to all and if you're looking for a little more reading, please scroll down to my "Vintage Parenting" post!

Have a great day and thanks for joining in!!

Pam

Vintage Parenting - My Dad's Way:)

2009-10-09T06:06:00.003-04:00

I've been a blog slacker lately...a little bit of a blogger's block combined with the general busyness of business has had me pushing the old blog to the bottom of the list.
Finally yesterday, I had a breakthrough while listening to my favorite radio show. The topic of the day was about a father who had chained his teenage son to the bumper of an old car that I assume was in his back yard (I know it wasn't moving). The son had apparently gone from bad to worse...running away and then destroying the house (breaking windows etc.)...and the father apparently snapped (an understatement!).
I started thinking about myself as a teenager (a little scary through the later years:)) and why the "fear of my father" kept me from doing so many things. He never raised a hand to me, so why the fear? I came to the conclusion that it was fear of loss of freedom. I knew that when my father warned me about something - He meant it! For example, "Do it again and you'll be grounded" "Do it again and you'll have extra chores instead of going outside" or in the younger years, "Do it again and the Easy Bake goes in the garbage" and so on. There were no second, third and fourth warnings....there were no time out corners. Instead there were very clear and adhered to consequences and those consequences took away my fun and freedom.
Coming to this conclusion was very interesting to me and I'm hoping some food for thought to others. I don't know the history of this family or what brought this child and father, to this point but I am sure that their lives are changed forever.
Too tough and too tender...the fine line that we must all walk, as parents.

Pam

**I double triple promise to post the new giveaway tomorrow:)...with the holidays approaching and finances on a lot of people's minds - I'll be doing 2 giveaways a month for October and November. ** Also, if you have already won a giveaway - please enter again, there are no limits to entering and who knows... maybe lightening will strike twice:)

Blog Giveaway Winner!

2009-09-29T07:03:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to http://kmstudiodotcom.etsy.com for winning my red rose brooch blog giveaway!!
Please take a moment to peek into her adorable and eclectic Etsy shop!
The next giveaway will be posted Sunday, October 4th...so stop on by and try your luck:)
Thanks to all who participated and have a great week everyone!

Crunch Time

2009-09-24T11:41:00.004-04:00

Lately I feel as if everyday is "crunch time"...fortunately I thrive on the stress!
This weekend is one of my biggest craft shows - I do three at this one venue and I love them so much that I've actually cut out most of my others. I find that giving these 3 good shows the time and dedication, that they deserve, works out better in the long run. Needless to say, I'm feverishly making jewelry. No matter how prepared you are, you still second guess..."Do I have enough inventory?"..."Will people be buying for the holidays?"..."What color schemes are really the ones, this year and did I make enough of those?"...and on it goes. In the long run, I end up making what I like and wondering why I worry about the same thing over and over again:) 50% of the preparation is your display, my fall display is different from my spring/summer and I always try to use a smattering of seasonal flowers. Then there's your bags and labels, business cards, mirrors, antibacterial lotion, tissues, pliers, tape, scissors, notebook (email addresses etc), tablecloths and assorted display items ( I cover boxes with various linens to create height and then display jewelry on the top...not traditional display tactics but less expensive and more "whimsical":)
... It really is a "show", complete with stage fright. I have to say that I truly miss my old restaurant manager job sometimes and the interaction that was involved - this is a nice way to feel a little bit of that again, yet still go home and not have to do it 24/7:)
So wish me luck...and a sunny 70 degree day!
I'm off to the beading table...

You know you're getting old when...

2009-09-21T07:36:00.005-04:00

Well, it's fall and football season...the approaching holidays and cold weather...happiness all around as far as I'm concerned. However this year, a few things are different. Suddenly the football players that I have a mental picture of, when I think "football", now look like congressmen. Their children are playing football and don't even have the decency to be in college anymore...they're already in the pros. And who are these 12 year old head coaches??

What happened and what have I been doing for twenty years? The Kanye West thing happened this week....I know Kanye West (although probably not to hear him) but who is Taylor Swift - Did they mean Taylor Dayne?...I had to break down, ask my son and get the "look". The look was a 2 parter, one part was "How could you not know?" and the other part was "I'm way too cool to have utter the words Taylor Swift." The other day I go to get gas - Let me preface by saying that we have 2 cars, one car has the gas tank on the passenger side (the way it was done in the "old" days - this is a new car but certain models are now going back to the old ways - hallelujah to that I say!) and one car has the tank on the driver side. I pull up, passenger side style and the guy (who's under 20 - remember that we only have full serve in Jersey - another hallelujah!) gives me a funny look. Zach says, "Mom what are doing?" I say, "What do you mean? The tanks on this side" the guy says, "Do you want gas in this car?"(with a smirk)

...at which point I want to tell him, "No, you idiot - I want it in the car that I left at home!"...Only I was the idiot - I didn't realize which "gas tank corresponding car" I had and the two of them were too young to know that "way back when" the gas tank was on the other side. Although, you would think that someone who pumps gas for a living would have come across a car or two with the tanks on the passenger side...and on it goes!

Michael Douglas has long since replaced Kirk

Charlie Sheen has long since replaced Martin

Liv Tyler has become a name unto her own...Steven who?

Katie Perry has taken over for her father

My boy Keifer is starting to look older than his father!

They're remaking the muscle cars of my youth

The new generation is sporting Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd and Led Zepplin T-Shirts.

I have become a classic, the older generation, one step away from moving to Florida:)

The moral to the story...get out there and enjoy, it goes by in second!

Happy Monday Everyone!

**don't forget to scroll down a few posts, my blog giveaway is winding down:)**

Wowza Glassware!...and my Summer Sale:)

2009-09-17T05:13:00.004-04:00

I had to show off these glasses! I just love them and will be on a determined search for more Culver glassware in my travels:)

To read more about these gorgeous beauties...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31009337

Well I have officially reached the limits of my vintage clothing items (many of which aren't even listed yet:)...I keep all vintage clothes in one of our bedrooms. Once I filled up the closet, I purchased a multi hook door hanger to accommodate the rest of the load...apparently the door didn't like that:) I should have know by it's groaning and creaking but I was in too much of a "Wow isn't this dress, skirt, jacket, blouse...great!" to hear the telltale signs of door breakage.

What does this mean for all of you vintage clothing buyers? - End of Summer Sale! I normally keep everything, as I do understand that Australia's seasons are opposite of ours and here in the States, it's always sunny somewhere but this year I think I'll do a little shop reorganization (more of a look thing) and give my crying door a break (wait till it sees the winter coats that I bought:)...So anyhoo, if you're in the market for vintage clothing - the direct link to the summer sale items is http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7118172&section_id=6052174

Everything in this section will be marked down 15-20%, just convo me prior to purchase and I'll adjust the listing.

On my way to my favorite vintage hunting ground, so stop by later for some (hopefully) great finds:)

True Vintage or Vintage Inspired?

2009-09-15T07:20:00.003-04:00

I don't spend a lot of time in department stores, unless I'm out of perfume or it's time to do my son's school clothes shopping. This year I was completely amazed at the amount of vintage inspired clothing, jewelry and shoes...So here' s my question, "What will the average shopper buy?" I believe that there are people who are dedicated to buying true vintage and I believe that there are people who like the look, but where it comes from doesn't really matter - I'm wondering what the percentages are in each group? As vintage sellers I believe that we would have been blind to think that eventually this wouldn't happen - the top designers are all going with a "vintagey" theme and as we all know, that trickles down the line until it ends up at Target or Walmart.
Obviously if you're buying the top designers, you're getting quality. But if you're buying the Target/Walmart version...not so much. Don't get me wrong, I love my Walmart shorts (known around the house as my "uniform") and they withstand all the running, dog chasing and horse farm work, that I do. However, there is no comparison to the quality of clothing from "days of yore". The fabric itself is better made, the stitching is unquestionably stronger and the designs have small details that you just don't find today. I come across costume jewelry that has withstood 100 years of wear....yet I've bought earrings and bracelets (pre - etsy) from high end catalogues, that fell apart after one day.
Factor in the "green" value of buying something that would otherwise have been tossed out or the incredible feeling that you get when find just the right thing and wonder who that person was that possessed it before. She/he had your same taste, where did they wear it, with who and to what? I imagine all kinds of possibilities and it warms my heart. Pieces of history and culture travelling through time. My family was never big on keeping anything, so some of these trinkets that I come across are my windows to the past. Maybe that person didn't have any family left to leave them to and now that falls to you, what an incredible honor.
Yes business is business but some of us truly love what we do and what we sell - we hope that these little time markers end up in good homes, where they'll be passed down for more generations...and that 100 years from now, those glasses, that brooch or that amazing skirt won't just be "Something I got off the Internet"...but part of your family:)

A relaxing day:)

2009-09-13T20:28:00.005-04:00

Spent my morning with my horse friends...Honestly, I could hang out in their stalls, shoveling their poop, filling their water buckets and kissing their sweet faces...all day:) They are truly incredible animals.

Now that the beach traffic has subsided, tomorrow morning the "Demon Dog" and I will head over for a little swimming, followed by a much needed bath and car cleaning. Fall seems to be coming so quickly, I want to get him in the water as much as possible...it's great for his young hips.

On the business end, I watched a little antiques roadshow today and learned a few things. One is that the British stopped importing Asian china in the late 18th century, to pump up their own production. A woman had a tea set with "titled" scenes painted and surrounded by cobalt blue and gold leaf. The titled scenes, for example on the back it read, "In Cumberland" were different on each piece of the set, making it very valuable...interesting! Another woman had a silver contemporary styled sterling silver brooch made by her friend, Jose de Rivera...well it turns out that Jose went off to the war in the '40s (prior to this he had just made some jewelry)...when he returned he became a renowned sculptor and never really went back to the jewelry...making his jewelry very valuable. If I were to see a piece and not know this, you would think that it is possibly from the seventies and not the forties. I haven't done my own research on this interesting man yet, so we'll see what I find...but since he was a New Yorker...I'm guessing that I may come across some of these pieces...or maybe I should say, "I'm hoping":)

I'm off in search of vintage rings on Tuesday and Thursday and will be adding some horse themed jewelry to my handmade jewelry shop, early this week. In fashion, I'll be adding some "new" vintage winter coats - A gorgeous 1960's grey faux fur swing coat by Hillmoor, is already up and ready to go:) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30846597 and some lovely vintage wool suits.

Also a little plug for all of my friends over at http://vintagevillage.ning.com Amazing vintage shops...clothes, jewelry, collectibles....it's all there, so if you haven't already, please stop by:)

That's all folks!...Have a great start to your week!

My Olympic Swimmer

2009-09-12T06:40:00.007-04:00

Yesterday seemed such a thoughtful and somber day here in the tri -state area, with the heavy rain and 9/11 tributes and pics. My favorite radio station (if you get a chance tune in online http://nj1015.com/ - weekdays are all talk radio and weekends are all oldies) had people calling in to remember that ominous day, that changed so many of our lives. I read a beautifully written post by http://forloveorfunny.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-have-freedom-to-be-idiot.html and decided not to write anything myself, she said it all and said it all so well. I was led to wonderful site by http://yesterdayspleasures.etsy.com/ through our VintageVillage site and one of it's groups... http://vintagevillage.ning.com/group/charitablegroupsorganizations/forum/topics/support-our-troops-overseas

http://www.anysoldier.com/ is an amazing place to make a difference in the lives of our soldiers and the war weary children that they come across.

...So now that you're all "linked up", today is time for a little lightheartedness:) You may remember my post re: my "Demon Dog" learning to swim? Well, he's a professional now, albeit a high stepping professional...and here are some pics, as promised. He believes in the old adage, "splash loud and carry a big stick"... or something like that:)

Have a great weekend everyone!!

How Change Changes

2009-09-10T08:43:00.008-04:00

Always an over thinker (as some of you may have noticed already), my mind is always looking to the future. Where will I be in 5 years...will I even be here in 5 years or will I be hocking my vintage wares in the great beyond (I bet they have huge vintage hunting grounds!) Will my son be at Penn State (so his grandfather, grandmother, father and every other member of his extended family and friends... can rest peacefully), will he opt for MIT (he can do it, that kid of mine) or will it be Community College? Personally, I don't care as long as his options are open when he gets to that point - meaning that he needs to ace high school.

Will I still be in Jersey or will the state of PA draw me back, with it's beautiful mountains, less stressed/much kinder people and cleaner air? ...or will it be somewhere else?

I feel some change in the air. Not immediate change or necessary change, just change. In my younger years, I would change everything on a whim (always the "whimsical" one). Now that I'm older, I don't fear change but I am more thoughtful about it. I believe that we are offered paths and knowing the right one to take is really the gist of life.

This time of year always brings me these thoughts... a nip in the air, a spring in my step and thoughts and dreams of things to come...Do I realize that I'm middle aged now? I think I'll be dreaming and planning until the day I die. My biggest fear in life, has always been to be a gerbil on a wheel, never seeing what was beyond my little cage. I love to surround myself with all kinds of people from all kinds of places and backgrounds...I believe that this is one of the ways that we grow. A happy balance of holding onto the good, letting go of the bad...then searching out more good.

...and I wonder why I don't sleep:)

September Red Rose Brooch Giveaway!

2009-09-08T04:44:00.003-04:00

The kids are in school, summer is officially over and my favorite time of year has begun. Cooler weather, colorful leaves, football weekends and the promise of Thanksgiving and Christmas to come:)
The fall makes me feel like a butterfly, escaping from my air conditioned cocoon to the beautiful world outside. Chauncey has been to the lake and the dog park, twice in one week - He's lovin' this fall thing!
On to business:)...This month's giveaway is a pretty bouquet of roses brooch. Goldtone with great detail in the roses, very pretty and in excellent condition. It measures 2 1/4" long and 1" wide. There is a "W" marked on the underside, which I have not been able to track down and was told that it's possibly a newer mark - therefore it will not be taking up residence in my shop but would love to have a new home. These giveaways are great little ways to accumulate some small Christmas gifts, even if the item is not "your style"....So enter away!
Your comment to this post, is your entry. If you do not have a blog or Etsy account that I can contact you at - please leave an email address and I will not publish your comment.
Drawing and announcement will be Sept. 27th
Thanks so much for participating and good luck!

Deteriorata

2009-09-07T00:03:00.003-04:00

My mother has had this poster as long as I can remember. Taken from National Lampoon in 1972, it was obviously a play on Desiderata. I find it so ironic that was funny and relevant then, is still funny and relevant now (how right he was about computer maintenance:) For those of you, who have never read this...Enjoy!...and for you old folks like me...Enjoy it again!

"Go placidly amidst the noise and waste, and remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof. Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep. Rotate your tires. Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself; and heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys. Know what to kiss - and when. Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do. Wherever possible, put people on hold. Be comforted, that in the face of all irridity and disillusionment, and despite the changing fortunes of time, there is always a big future in computer maintenance.

Remember the Pueblo. Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate. Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI. Exercise caution in your daily affairs, especially with those persons closest to you... That lemon on your left, for instance. Be assured that a walk through the seas of most souls would scarcely get your feet wet. Fall not in love, therefore, it will stick to your face. Gracefully surrender the things of youth: the birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan - and let not the sands of time get in your lunch. Hire people with hooks. For a good time, call 606-4311, ask for Ken. Take heart in the deepening gloom that your dog is finally getting enough cheese. And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot, it could only be worse in Milwaukee.
(You are a fluke of the universe. You have no right to be here. Whether you can hear it or not, The universe is laughing behind your back.)
Therefore, make peace with your god, whatever you perceive him to be: hairy thunderer or cosmic muffin. With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal, the world continues to deteriorate. GIVE UP! "

A little lighthearted Labor Day Weekend fun:)

The Start of Everything!

2009-09-01T09:27:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone! With this week being the start of everything, around my house - I'll be taking a blogging break until Monday, Sept. 8th. Please stop by to see my new giveaway on Sept. 9th.
Regular programming will resume after that:)
Have a wonderful week and for all of my reading moms, who are getting their kids off to school...deep breathing does wonders to relieve stress:)!
Thanks for stopping by

Facebook Phenomena

2009-08-26T21:27:00.004-04:00

After almost 3 years of Internet business...I've seen all kinds of things come and go. Some I've joined and others I've left alone. I'm not sure what it is but I'm just not into the whole facebook thing. I pretty much say all that I have to say (and then some) on here:) My business pics are plastered all over the place - my blog, on Etsy, my VintageVillage page....I think that's about enough for me. I link my new items in Twitter and work on promoting off Etsy. I'm not sure how much more facebook could offer me and quite honestly - I have no real desire to bond with those from my past. The ones that I do want to bond with, I've stayed in touch with but the thought of a long lost something or another finding me on facebook, just isn't in my repetoire right now. Am I cutting out a whole business opportunity? - I'm not so sure...it seems that those who get involved, get very involved. My focus right now is possibly a stand alone site and all that it entails. My days are filled with listing photos, finding the right whimsical things for my listing photos:) and a lot of blog reading and commenting. I love the blog world. I've read some of the funniest, most heartwarming and interesting blogs...and there are so many more to explore. I think that I prefer to spend my free time here. I haven't even made the jump to 3 column blogging yet. I'm an old fashioned kind of gal, who understands the necessity of knowing the new world but doesn't want to leap completely into it. I still believe that good customer service and quality products, win out in the long run. My business is here for the long haul and hopefully someday I'll be selling to the children of the people that I sell to now. As crazy as it is, I think of all of my shops as a "family business"...a brick and mortar store/s that just happen to be online.

I'm curious to see how this Facebook thing pans out...I'm sure that there are a lot of marriages in limbo right now and a lot of lost friends who are questioning their search...I'll enjoy my view from the outside:)

Off topic - I wanted to mention an amazing blog that I happened on the other day. Incredible vintage info, for the buyer and seller....and absolutely beautifully done. So if you have a chance, please stop by http://collectingvintagejewelry.blogspot.com If you are a seller or buyer of vintage jewelry, you will truly enjoy this blog - I'll be stopping by regularly:)

We Have a Winner!

2009-08-23T20:44:00.003-04:00

We have a winner...and apparently she is one lucky person:) Stop by her blog at http://cathyhorner.blogspot.com/ and you'll see why...while you're there, check out her wonderful artwork! I love the interesting and talented people that you meet through blogging! We had 20 entrants this time, all of whom were thrown into on of my vintage teapots - Thanks so much to everyone who participated - hope to see you next time:)

The next giveaway will be around the second week of September - I'll keep everyone posted.

...if you missed my ranting post this morning, be sure to scroll down:)

What Were They Thinking!?

2009-08-23T07:55:00.003-04:00

Lately I feel as if this is a statement/question, that leaves my mouth at least 10 times a day. Business, private life, daily activities...it doesn't matter, it's always the same. There are some situations that provoke people to do things that they wouldn't normally do - for those times, I am always forgiving - I've been that person myself. But for the majority of situations, it's just a lack of thinking, a lack of common courtesy and definitely a lack of common sense. Possibly I overthink every situation (not possibly, probably:))...that's a bad thing for me but usually a good thing for everyone else. The latest situation with John Edwards comes to mind...Did he really think that no one would find out? and if he did - in what world did he think that it was the right move with a very sick wife at home?...a wrong move in any situation but very wrong in this one!
From the big scandals to daily life...on line at the post office, in front of me is woman with an article of clothing wrapped in a white plastic garbage bag (I use heavier weight bags for my kitchen garbage), complete with address and ready to ship. I should have known that my time at the post office doubled as soon as I saw her...but in my own, "What was I thinking?" moment...I just stood there in awe, waiting for the look of surprise on her face when they told her that she couldn't ship it that way. At least 6 people in line told her the same thing but she knew her shipping, this one... and adamantly insisted that it wouldn't be a problem.
Internet sellers who ship items and then say, "I haven't heard anything, how do I know if it got there?" Well, you could try this new thing called "email" which goes hand in hand with another thing called, "communication"...or this crazy postal option of "delivery confirmation".
My favorite talk radio station was doing the topic of jaywalking and crosswalks, the other day. A woman called in to inform them that she teaches her children that all cars stop at a crosswalk and they (the children) have the right of way. Very smart!...because we all know that "every" car stops at crosswalks...so the next time junior just walks infront of someone (because he's been taught that he has the right of way and all cars stop) on their cell phone (who forgot to stop at the crosswalk) she can congratulate herself on her excellent parenting skills.
I could go on...but I think that'll do it for today. It is Sunday after all and I need to be respectfully tolerant:)
Have a great day everyone....and please stop at crosswalks - God only knows how many parents are spreading this wisdom to their children.

**To all of my blog giveaway entrants...I apologize for the delay and will draw and post the winner to this post, later today**

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-17T07:22:00.003-04:00

I had numerous post ideas running around in my brain but the heat and humidity have me in a writing fog. I'm much quicker on my toes (mentally and physically), when the weather is cooler.
Yesterday I worked at the farm and while I love my time with the horses....WOW was it hot!! The good news is that I probably dropped 5lbs in few hours:)
I'm not complaining, as we usually get this weather for the entire summer. This year we were very lucky - ofcourse if it's 90 in October, I may change that course of thought.
The summer has gone so fast...football's on already (woo-hoo!!), I'm looking at my unfinished flower plantings and thinking,"How is it August and I didn't get that done?!"...High School starts in few short weeks. How did that happen? (that thought spurs a whole span of neurotic maternal thinking).
They're right when they tell you, "The older you get the faster it goes!"
Happy Monday Everyone...and as always, thanks so much for reading:)

The Cloisters

2009-08-13T15:51:00.015-04:00

The Unicorn Tapestry

GW Bridge

Lectern

Oil Painting on Oak

Medieval Glassware

Vintage Plates??:)

The Glorious Hudson

The Glorious Son:) and Herb Garden

Columns from all over the world

The Grand Building Itself

The following excerpt is taken directly from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Cloisters Home Page - click on "The Cloisters" above to take you directly to the site.

"The Cloisters—described by Germain Bazin, former director of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, as "the crowning achievement of American museology"—is the branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. Located on four acres overlooking the Hudson River in northern Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, the building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters—quadrangles enclosed by a roofed or vaulted passageway, or arcade—and from other monastic sites in southern France. Three of the cloisters reconstructed at the branch museum feature gardens planted according to horticultural information found in medieval treatises and poetry, garden documents and herbals, and medieval works of art, such as tapestries, stained-glass windows, and column capitals. Approximately five thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about A.D. 800 with particular emphasis on the twelfth through fifteenth century, are exhibited in this unique and sympathetic context."

Yesterday Zach and I set out to explore this beautifully serene piece of NYC, that I haven't been to since I was a little girl. As a little girl, obviously all I remembered was the Unicorn:)

An amazing place that is a combination of time periods, architecture, art, gardening, tapestries, woodworking and much more. As Americans we are so limited in our time periods and to see such antiquities, is truly amazing. I've included a couple pics of glassware and plates (Do ya think I could list them on Etsy?:)) Entire chapels have been uprooted from their European homes and installed into this amazing museum. As you roam through doorways brought here from other worlds and times, well, there just really are no words that could possibly explain the feeling. The views from the terrace of the Hudson and the GW Bridge are gorgeous and walking trails surround the entire Fort Tyron Park.

If you're visiting NYC, stop by the Cloisters (your one day pass will also gain you admission to the Met on Fifth Ave.)

Here's my pics, no flash allowed - so I did my best:)...and one of these days I'll figure out how to maneuver these pics around.

Enjoy!

Gremlins and Technology

2009-08-12T08:14:00.003-04:00

In the past 2 weeks, my house has been undergoing a technological breakdown. Maybe everything found out that I'm selling vintage items and they're staging a revolt...or maybe it's just a sign of the times.
It started with our air conditioner unit and has continued on to my son's new bass guitar (bought with his "hard earned first job money")...three trips to the guitar store later - I think that we finally have that fixed. Next was his playstation3. Sony must be very accustomed to this problem because the efficiency with which they handle it is amazing...I'm wondering how something that costs almost $1000, when all is said and done, can constantly break down? - This was not my purchase, as I am totally against spending that kind of money on something like that!...Next, my cellphone suffered a case of "too much sand at the beach"...and on it has gone, MP3 player, music cards, dishwasher, the kitchen clock etc. I'm just now beginning to sense some technological peace in the air (she says crossing her fingers). Here's my problem (and rant) with this whole thing. Every 2 years, I buy a new vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, toaster oven etc.
When I was growing up, we had one vacuum cleaner during my entire childhood. A loud Hoover upright that had the power to suck up a small animal. We had 2 cats, 2 dogs and shag carpeting...so please explain to me why now with 2 cats, 1 dog and low pile carpeting (that's only in one area)...I have to buy a vacuum every 2 years. Why? Because so many items have become "disposable" within a certain price range. When I left home, I took my parents old coffeemaker (a Mr. Coffee) and had it until I finally decided that it was an embarrassment to the kitchen...but it still worked!! It used to be that this kind of product behavior was reserved only for pantyhose...I always felt that there was some sort of "pantyhose plot". A group of executives who knew that us women needed them desperately and therefore made them to tear immediately. In days of yore, if you bought quality appliances, they lasted (and they weren't exorbitantly expensive) now it doesn't matter - quality or crap - it all breaks within 2 years!
I'm sure that writing this post has somehow gotten me into more hot water with the appliance/tech gods and it's only a matter of time until something else goes:)
...and now I'm off to spend the day with my son, in a much more serene surrounding:)
I'll reveal the spot with pics in tomorrow's post
Have a great day everyone and may the appliance gods be with you:)

Demon Dog Swimming and Good News Friday!

2009-08-07T07:32:00.004-04:00

A little bit of a double post today. Yesterday, in the rain, I took the demon dog, aka Chauncey...it used to be Chauncey, aka The Demon Dog...so you can see that his spoiled rotten, brazen behavior is taking over:) to the dog beach. Just getting him into the car now, is a project. One hundred pounds of "I don't want to do it!" He's convinced that every car trip leads to the evil vet that took away his male "pride". Finally we're in the car and on our way. Parking is remarkably close, at the dog beach and it's very quiet early in the morning, so I thought that we were pretty safe, as far as his fear of any kind of loud noise, delivery truck, dump truck etc....We get him out of the car and on cue, a garbage truck rounds the corner...craziness ensues...in the car, out of the car, in the car, out of the car...once the garbage truck was an hour away (okay I'm exaggerating a little) we finally make our way down to the beach. Oh My God...its the horrifying small wave monsters!!!! More craziness ensues...I'm being dragged by a big dog over slippery rocks, while trying maintain some sort of dignity. We make our way to clear part of the beach. I have him on a long lead, as this is his first time swimming. All of my other dogs learned to swim at a much earlier age, so I'm not sure what to expect. We toss the frisbee, he's leary of the "small wave monsters" and finally gives in to temptation...that's my boy, never one to turn down a challenge (this is a dog that can reach cat food 40 feet off the ground). A lot of high stepping splashing as we make our way out into the water. Because this is an inlet it's a gradual decline and perfect for teaching a dog to swim. My son is throwing sticks from the shore (make sure it's your mom who gets wet in the cold rainy day water:)) and before you know it, old Chauncey is Mark Spitz or Michael Phelps (depending on your age). I love the beach in the rain and so did Chauncey...together with my son, it couldn't have been a more perfect day!! I apologize for the lack of pics but was afraid to take my camera to the beach (it being my livelihood and all)...next time:)
On my good news Friday report...I have two stories. One, is the story of a couple who generously founded an organization http://solaceforthechildren.org that brings children from war and tragedy weary countries, to the US for medical care and a little "fun" time.
The second story is a video about the use of horses with injured soldiers returning home. Those of you who read my blog regularly, know of my love and involvement with horses. This piece brought tears to my eyes...please take a look, I promise that you won't regret it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32244202#32244202

On a lighter note...I'd like to thank http://yesterdayscharm.blogspot.com for including one of my vintage necklaces in her "Boho" post. I'm truly honored:)

...and with that I'm off to a big day of errand running, picture taking, vintage jewelry hunting and much more...I'm at the farm tomorrow, so check back Sunday for some new horse pics - I'm feeling inspired!

Blog Giveaway!

2009-08-06T06:35:00.003-04:00

I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!! So sorry about that folks...I was trying to hold out and maybe giveaway those gorgeous shoes but I'm still waiting on the info as to their "vintageness".

So without further adieu, here is August's giveaway.

I love this interesting little bracelet but it doesn't seem to have sparked any "interest" in my shop:) So I decided to unlist it and just find it a good home:)

This pretty rhinestone and gold circle bracelet features 37 rhinestones. I love how they made this, in that, the 6 gold rings are loose fitting and move, ever so slightly, with your wrist.The goldtone on the front side, of the bracelet, is in excellent condition, there is slight wearing on the interior side, which is not noticeable when worn.

Bracelet measures 7 1/2" and is unsigned.

Your comment is your entry - if you need to leave an email address as contact info, I will not publish your comment - as to maintain your privacy. If you have a blog or are a member of Etsy, I will contact via that address.

Drawing will be August 20th and the winner will be posted the same day.

Thanks so much for participating!

Also, a big Thank You! to http://oldbagvintage.blogspot.com/ for featuring me on her blog this week - if you have a chance, please stop by:)

The Shoes and Michael Vick

2009-07-31T06:17:00.005-04:00

Here is the pic of the shoes in question...hopefully I'll have my answers shortly but in the meantime...I've decided to do my Weird News Wednesday post today
...and to me there can be nothing weirder than Michael Vick being allowed to return to the NFL. I've read various articles..."he's done his time" "paid the price" yadayadayada...First of all the punishment in animal cruelty cases, never fits the crime. As a Rah Rah football family ( I spent my childhood Christmas days on the beach in Miami because Penn State was in bowl games)...in my family, growing up, life never interfered with football. My son was raised on football, my mother watches football and don't ever think of calling her during a game. We are the epitome of the American football followers...and I'm disgusted! In what world did they decide that it was right to let this guy back in? What a great image to present to children who love the game. The days of people (coaches, owners and players) who cared...are unfortunately over. Joe Paterno, Bill Cowher, Barry Switzer (as much of an idiot as he can be), Bill Parcells...players such as Joe Montana, John Elway, Jerry Rice and Dan Marino...these were men among men. Setting good examples of how to behave in the limelight. With notoriety and money comes a certain amount of responsibility...and no one seems to understand that anymore. If you choose to be in the limelight, then you must accept the responsibility. Our children look up to you and you are a reflection of our society....as scary as that may be!
I know that there are many people involved in dogfighting and I wish that every single one could be prosecuted to the full extent of the law but as a society can't we at least make it unacceptable to allow these people back into the spotlight? It's not about dogfighting, per se but about the kind of person who becomes involved in that - a person with no respect for anyone or anything that may be physically weaker than himself.
We have become a "whatever" society...maybe the Mayans were right

Blog Giveaway Winner!

2009-07-30T06:45:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Heather at http://oldbagvintage.etsy.com and http://oldbagvintage.blogspot.com for winning my pink rose necklace blog giveaway. Her shop is gorgeous, her blog is great and...............she's a fellow Jerseyian!!
Thanks to all the entered! I'll be posting the new giveaway, Monday August 3rd.
In other news this week....
I've been doing a lot of research on some "new" vintage clothing purchases. With all the reproductions lately, it's getting a little more difficult. I found a great pair of purple velvet embroidered shoes, a little worn but in great condition. I started researching the all the names that I saw on the shoe...starting with Vero Cuoio (which is stamped on the sole). My google results turned up many vintage items being sold as Vero Cuoio vintage but with no real dating or facts...digging deeper, I find the Vero Cuoio site and they are a leather consortium. Vero Curoio is the high standard set by Italian shoemakers for their lovely leather designs. For more info visit http://www.verocuoio.it/consorzio/consorzio1_eng.asp
still working on the same shoes, I move on to the label that almost worn off of the inner sole...IXOS This took quite a bit of digging and there are many shoes being sold as vintage IXOS but I'm starting to think that weren't in existence until the mid '90s. Here is their site and it's only in Italian - so get your translation page ready:) http://www.ixosshoes.it/
Now I have a call into a high end shoe store...and we'll keep our fingers crossed:)
I guess my point is, that in my searching, I came across many things...most were misinformed. When shopping for high end vintage, I believe it's best to consult with sites like http://vintagevillage.ning.com http://avcosa.ning.com http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/
or stop by my vintage link blog at http://whimsicalvintage.blogspot.com for a list of additional links for jewelry, pottery ...and just about everything else that you can imagine:)
For the casual collector, is this important? Probably not, but if you are buying high end as an investment, I believe that it is...or maybe it's just important to you that what you have is "true" vintage.
I look at this vintage adventure as a learning experience. The research can be tedious, time consuming and frustrating...not to mention the fact that my own "wrong" picks are slowly filling my closet. I try to not buy anything without a label anymore...unless it's so gorgeous that I just have to have it!
...I'll let you know what I find out on the shoes:) and if they're from the '90s - they'll be up for the next blog giveaway!(and believe me it's only because they don't fit me:))
Have a great day everyone!!

The End of an Era

2009-07-26T05:59:00.004-04:00

Well, not necessarily the end...but I'm sensing it:)
As a little girl growing up in the late 60's and 70's, one my favorite trips that my mom and I would make (she was quite the hipster for her time:)) was to Peir I Imports. Lava lamps, Papason Chairs, Brightly Colored Hanging Paper Lanterns, Beanbag Chairs and funky Artwork...it was all there, a feast for the eyes! Dreams of being a decorator formed in my little mind:) Remember at this point there was nothing else like that, unless you went into the city. There were no Home Goods, Marshall's etc. Pier I was the only gig in town and they had the best stuff!
Unfortunately and fortunately (depending on how you look at it), times they are a changing. Personally, I've been shopping at Pier I for 35 years...yikes that sounds like a long time when you actually write it down! In recent years I've gotten a little frustrated with the fact that you buy things that can't be replaced...I break a lot of dishes and it would be nice to know that I can just go grab another one. In order to keep their stores fresh, they never held onto a style for too long...a good idea in concept - a bad idea for the returning customer.
Pier I started in San Mateo, CA in 1962...by 1966 they 16 store locations (one of which must have been the one my mom and I went to). Needless to say the company did very well over the years. Now the scuttlebutt is that Pier I is closing more than 10% of it's 1110 stores. For more info on store closings or to read the full article go to http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2009/02/02/daily25.html
To me, it's relatively easy to see why this has happened. With more interest in vintage, recycling/ renewing and dollar saving - there are a million ways to get the same things, for a lot less.
If you go the chain store route, Home Goods has amazing items, at very affordable prices. The flea markets abound with vintage and new home decor... let's not forget Etsy and ...that other place...what's it called?:)
But here's to Pier I, a fabulous idea that gave me many happy memories!...and many sets of dishes that need replacements:)
I've added a mini of a few vintage Etsy shops that are reminiscent of the Pier I look - so please take a look and stroll through their stores in this new world of shopping. In my next post, I'll choose some handmade items that I believe reflect the current store's theme.
Thanks to
http://vintageJones.etsy.com
http://sweetshorn.etsy.com
http://AubieJeanVintage.etsy.com
for their contribution to the Etsy Mini, posted above.