Showing posts with label Antiques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antiques. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Antiques, Cakes, and Pleats


Antiques - need  I say more? This past Sunday, after church, the hubs and I had a little adventure in what I'm now referring to as the Hogwarts of antique stores. Seriously, this place looks like a little old mill house from the outside, but when you get inside, the tiny rooms jam-packed with antiquated delights just keep going... and going... and going... and going. And going. After what seemed like the fifth floor of exploring, I turned to head downstairs, only to find that the staircase lead up to yet another floor of treasures. If you're anywhere near me over here in England, Bourne Mill Antiques in Farnham is totally worth a trip. I cannot emphasize that enough. And it's not hoity-toity antiques, either. Once we're moved into our new place, I'm going to be using finds from there to decorate our new abode at every opportunity.


On a completely unrelated note, I've been in the mood to bake things lately. It kind of sucks, because I can't eat what I'm cooking (the woes of the gluten-free life), but I suppose my waistline will thank me. That being said, it didn't stop me from concocting this vanilla cake with tangerine buttercream. If you like dense, moist cake and bright, sweet citrus, you'll probably fall head over heels. I know, I know, where's the recipe... I'll be popping it up on Street Cred as soon as I get a chance.


So yesterday I had to do a little sewing - put a button on Steve's coat, fix the hemline on my mother-in-law's skirt. But once I get into the sewing mood, there's no stopping me. Out came the vintage collection and the alterations began. This pleated teal early-1970's Leslie Fay dress is a favorite, but it needed a few nips and tucks before it was wardrobe ready. I love snatching up old Leslie Fay dresses in thrift stores whenever I can; my grandmother worked in their dressmaking factory, and it makes me wonder if maybe she had a hand in the making some of the dresses in my own collection (as if I needed a reason to have more emotional attachment to my vintage stash).


I'm really itching to go thrifting lately. I still can't get over the lack of true thrift stores in the UK - these charity shops just will not do. I want my massive warehouse of old stuff that I can browse through for hours, seeking out those gems that make it all worthwhile. It's a bit of a downer that I can't enjoy it as much as I used to, but I'm sure to get my fill (and bring an extra suitcase full back) next time I'm in the States.

*Apology for the blurry photos. I only had my phone on me in the antiques shop, and the dim lighting did not help!*

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Fete Paradiso



Antiques and Paris: these are a few of my favorite things. 
Put them together, and you have Fete Paradiso - a vintage Parisian carnival full of beautifully preserved 19th century games and children's rides on Governor's Island this summer. This past Sunday offered perfect weather to go see it, so I grabbed a friend and took hold of the opportunity while it knocked.
A short ferry ride, and we felt hundreds of miles from NYC, even though we could still see it's skyline dominating the horizon just beyond the island's treeline. 


And I thought I liked spicy foods.... I'll pass on the fire.


From what I could gather, the object of the above game is "throw the ball in the drunk guy's mouth." 


Me! In an antique carnival ticket booth. Obviously being lazy on the job.


Flags fluttered in the breeze...


Cassie and I explored Fort Jay - a historically preserved fort from the Revolutionary War that occupies the island. The grassy "moat" was quiet and lovely and a great place to stop and have a mini picnic.


This guy.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Around the House

One of my new years' resolutions is to redecorate... These are just a few of my favorite antique and vintage pieces around the house that I'm going to use as inspiration.

Any suggestions?! I love your comments, so keep em coming! :)