Everyday Beauty

Mailbox Things

Don't you love when the mail comes? I don't know about you, but for me getting the mail is fun.  Well, usually. Sometimes it's nothing but bills and flyers. But sometimes, like yesterday, it's this:

Gotta love Marie Claire Idees. The pictures and ideas are so creative and inspiring. Now if only I could read French. You can purchase a subscription through Amazon, by the way.

And even better......this:

A gift from my friend Lisa. She made this piece of art for me. Isn't it sweet? A fun surprise to open up! It says, "Friendship is a serious affection; the most sublime of all affections because it is founded on principle, and cemented by time."

And then, this arrived in the mail a few days ago. I ordered it from Lauren Mumford's etsy shop. It can be worn as a necklace or belt or it can be hung on a hook or peg or draped around a dressform. It's a length of old velvet ribbon with here and there "bits" of lace, buttons, jewels. Just wonderful, don't you think? I saw it and had to have it.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Olive Juice & Co.

I was one of the lucky girls to have my name drawn for a prize celebrating Kim's Blogiversary over at Olive Juice & Co. And look what she sent me! I couldn't believe my luck.

She knew I was pregnant so she appliqued these flowers from vintage fabric onto a maternity t-shirt.

And then, as if THAT wasn't enough, she made this gorgeous ruffled apron from the same fabric! Her sewing is meticulous and everything is finished so nicely. I'm not such a great seamstress myself, but I know how to spot one.

Since I don't have a dressform, {George, I would love one for my birthday. An old one. French would be nice} I had to use this wicker basket to show the ruffles of the apron.

Kim, thank you! I just love these prizes and appreciate the time you put into making and wrapping them. There's nothing quite like a handmade gift, is there?

She's got a website in the works. I can't wait to see it when it's complete! I love her style and the fabrics and colors she selects. Always beautiful! But, in the meantime, visit her blog for loads of inspiration.

Run, don't walk

If you're not a subscriber to this magazine, put your shoes on and run for the nearest bookstore! I promise you'll want to see this:

and this

and this

Oh, Mary. You've done it again! My favorite magazine by far.

And the winner is.....

Holly!!!

My mom drew a name from this hat-shaped box this morning before she and my dad left to go home. Holly, just send me an email me with your address, and I'll mail the box of treasures to you this week. Congrats! Hope you enjoy the goods!

I found this box at the Big Flea yesterday. It seems it was a shower gift for someone named Milly many years ago. I wish I knew Milly! Bet she had a pretty shower.

                                       

Inside were candy wrappers and a poem that reads:

We heard about a bridal shower 

To decorate a nuptial bower;

A gift perfected leapt to mind

We gleefully pursued our find.

And then, oh then, came the news

Which turned our faces many hues.

"LINEN", the invitation read.

Almost we wished that we were dead!

Our brain-storm is mostly sentiment,

Glass, wood, and paper make up our present.

To George and Milly go all our best

Here's our token for your nest.

How sweet .

I hope everyone has a Happy Sunday! I'll be gathering up the flea market finds and taking some pictures to post tomorrow!

Mail pattern kindness

Ever since high school, I have kept in touch with my senior year history teacher. She was one of those teachers that made you want to learn more. I loved history anyway, but even more so with Mrs. Taylor at the front of the class. We have always kept in touch by writing good old-fashioned letters, never a single email. It's exciting to see one of her letters in the mailbox since she always has much to say about her recent adventures, charity work, and books she has read.

When the mailman (actually mail woman) came on Wednesday, she brought a little box from Mrs. Taylor. The note inside explained that in this old metal box were some laces and trims she had bought at an auction a couple of years back. She thought I could make something with them.

Um, yes! How scrumptious! I was delighted and surprised that she would know me so well and take the time to send this package my way.

It's just plain fun to get packages in the mail when you're not expecting them. I think I'll try and do this more often with friends and family. I just thought I'd pass along the thought. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the day to day "stuff" of life.

In fact, I just had an idea. I'm going to put together a box of vintage goodies and send it to someone who posts a comment today or tomorrow! I love giving things to people, especially when I know they'll love it (or at least I hope so)! I'll have my mom draw a name this weekend while she's here visiting. Lot's of bloggers have been doing little giveaways lately, and it's fun to share the love ...and the stuff!