Blondie 'N' SC

A Summer Sale & Lavender~

Well hello there, thanks for poppin' in...and welcome to my blog and shoppe if you are coming over from Jen Rizzo's stunning blog....

It is almost summer, which happens to be my favorite season, as it usually means many days spent outside with the kids, having water balloon fights and summer picnics. With that in mind, I thought I would have a little sale in my shoppe so I can move out some inventory and add some new....Just enter SUMMER10 upon check out and you will get 10% off your order and I am happy to combine shipping as well.

Here are just a few things you will find in the shoppe:

What signifies summer more then a burlap pillow handmade by my momma with a starfish accent?

50 Vintage Letters

A Vintage Grey Suitcase to accommodate your treasures or your belongings on your summer vacation!

Victorian Boots to complete the outfit that adorns your dress form or yourself!

 

A Vintage Nighty for those romantic summer nights...

And last but not least, you can;t forget the man in your life...or the avid Fisherman that is:

There is a lot more sitting on the shelves, hop on over and take a peek! 

I am participating in one of my favorite people and bloggers linky party, so please go on over and check out all the beautiful shoppes Jen Rizzo has in her linky party! 

Since I quit my full time job about a month ago, every Tuesday I try to take the kids on a little adventure without spending too much money, whether it be the beach, petting zoo or a picnic!

Last Tuesday I took my kids and my mom to a lavender farm about an hour from where we live.

{if you look closely there is a bee on one of the lavender blooms....}

It's called Keys Creek Lavender Farm, and we had so much fun! The lavender was gorgeous and smelled wonderful...the lavender only blooms May, June and July here in california and I suggest making a trip out there if you live locally....its a pretty drive and an even prettier place!

This last photo one is one of my faves! 

That's my oldest punk lost in a sea of lavender! :)

Hope you have a wonderful long weekend!

Blessings from me to you!

p.s. And yes if you are wondering my little punk was there...and we got lots of photos of him as well, eating dirt and talking to the flowers....grandma on the other hand, she runs from my camera! ha ha

p.s.s. if you would like to keep up with our shoppe news, you can find us on Facebook, under "Blondiensc, The Vintage Shoppe Girl"...

ok off to get some zzzzz's! ta ta

Duck Egg~

Good Morning, it is 7:00 am and I am trying to get a post done before my chickens wake up!

Wish me luck, ha ha!

A few weeks ago while perusing through Craigslist looking for furniture to redo, I came across this beauty. For a while now there has been a blank wall in my front room, I have played with so many scenarios to fill up this space, but alas nothing looked "right".

When I saw this piece, with its pretty "Duck Egg" blue paint, I fell head over heels for it. I begged the pool man and bribed him with cookies to go with me to pick it up....he huffed and puffed but he went and, the blank wall is finally filled with the perfect piece!!

Please try to ignore the box to the right,and the cord {the pool man installed a little light on the top of the armior so at night it lights up just enough to highlights the treasures inside, but I need my mom to sew a cord cover for it...I am thinking one out of burlap will due}...

Our front room is now the work room for this stay at home momma who likes to paint furniture and hunt treasures! It is not pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but hey it works!

 I had to have this sign, for many reasons. 

1. It has a vintage camper on it, which makes me heart pitter patter!

2. I adore what it says...

3. It was hand made by one of my best friends husbands...

So ya know it was perfect above my new piece!

If you want one of your own head on over here....Custom Chalk.

 I fell in love with the pretty details through out the piece.... you really can't find furniture made as well as it was way back when now a days that is probably why I love antiques so much....solid wood, attention to detail, sturdy for a house full of little punks like mine... 

 And the color was perfect for our front room, as I have tried to add more blue tones to the room!

{ugly cord again....I really need to fix that, my dad would be mortified...he has cord issues}

If you are interested in painting something in a similar color it is "Duck Egg" by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint with ASCP dark wax applied to give it an aged look.

So there it is my newest most favorite piece!

Whoops, gotta run as I just heard one of my punk's alarms go off, which means someone is out of their beds...most likely the oldest one...which means I have to get back to my mommy duties of making waffles and pouring milk!

And my littlest is getting his one year molars in, all four of them, and well he is something else when he is teething, poor fella....

Thanks for stopping in...I have a couple more changes to share here on the ole blog!

Also I added some more goodies to my shoppe over the last two weeks...

Have a lovely day!

Ta Ta~

Blondiensc

p.s. I must not have had my V-8 yesterday when I took these photos as some of them are crooked...sorry, I'll try harder next time! :) 

 

 

 

Blondiensc~ The Vintage Shoppe Girl~

It has been a whirlwind of adventures lately, as both of my boys turned a year older, 10 days apart from each other and I finally quit my day job! Today makes my second day of being a stay at home mom, apart from my part time gig, which actually doesn't seem like a real job anyway!

Today I found some free time to add some items to my etsy store, for those of you that are used to looking in my "Tara's Vintage Kitchen" store, well I am going to throw you a curve ball, I listed everything under "Blondiensc", it just made more sense since my blog is "Blondiensc" and my email and my facebook page {yes I finally made one}...I suppose I am trying to keep a theme here! 

Anyway, here are a few things I added today...there is still loads more siting in vintage suitcases through out my house, so check back often as new items will be added hopefully daily!

You can also find me as "blondiensc" on Facebook...I would love it if you would come and visit. I hope to share some furniture finds and updates on my etsy store there as well. I was always one of those people that didn't want to be a part of "Facebook" but after some nudges from my friends, I got suckered into it! Honestly it is pretty fun!

Thanks for all your support and love...I have lots to share with you...as some rearranging has taken place in our nest over the last 6 months....

Hope you had a good weekend, Happy Monday!

Lots of love....

Blondiensc~

Gretchen~

Hello there...I just wanted to pop in and share my most recent Craigslist find with you...

Her name is "Gretchen" and she now resides in my loft....

She is adorned with a pretty vintage pink pettie coat, burlap tie and a mustard yellow necklace....

I love the pink and the mustard together...surely a lovely combination of colors!

I bought her from the nicest lady, who was so excited that "Gretchen" was staying with me....

She makes my 4th dress form...can you say slightly obsessed?

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend....we did, the weather couldn't have been prettier and my babies had a delightful day playing!

And now this mommy is off to give notice at her "big girl job"...eeek... {butterflies are a stirring!}

Happy Monday!

Silver & Succulents~

Well hello there, my mom brought to my attention the other day that I haven't posted in a while...and goodness she was right. For the last two days I have been trying to upload photos to this silly post, and my work computer won't let me...my work computer won't let me BLOG....just one more reason I really don't need to work here...{she laughs} and I honestly can't stand it when something doesn't work, especially when it come to technology, it drives me batty. I will sit in my chair for hours trying to figure it out...and then get all pissy and throw a major fit, yes totally unattractive, but I feel better once I do that. Usually it comes to user error but this time I had to change computers...so now that you know my fret for the last two days, let's move on shall we....

I am on the home stretch of working two jobs and can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and my goodness it feels amazing! There have been some struggles these last couple of months, I won't lie. Working two jobs and having a family, is hard and I give so many props to those of you that do this on a day to day basis.

I have a lot of unfinished projects, a house that desparately needs a good scrub down, a dog that needs a week of daily runs to release his pent up energy, a kitty that needs some extra rubs, a husband that needs a date night with just me, and some kids that need their mommy to sit on the floor for a while and just play with them...no dish towel over her shoulder or toilet brush in her left hand.

Oh and also, my funny bone really needs me, because golly that has been sitting in the corner of my bedroom collecting dust bunnies...yelling at me to bring back the "laughter"....life and this silly ole blog have been way too serious latey.

All these things...they are waiting for me....and I can't wait to indulge!

As i sail into these last couple weeks of work, I keep praying that everything will work itself out...the self doubt will subside and I can finally follow my passions!

I thought I would share with you my newest obsession, Silver & Succulents!

I found these silver plated cups at Goodwill, and brough 8 of them home.

They sat for a while, and finally after a trip to the local nursery, I planted some succulents in them and placed them on my dining room table, along with a crate and some old pots I purchased from  here....I felt like these symbolized Spring, which I am so looking forward to!

Flippy flops, shorts and a little "pinwheel" necklace are waiting for me...once I finally find my freedom and fall into my role as mommy! I have been working on my etsy store as well....I know I keep saying that, and you are probably rolling your eyes as you read this, I know I would be....but I have to many treasures sitting in suitcases that need new homes!

Ta Ta for now lovelies....

p.s. If you keep succulents inside with no sunlight, you only need to water them when the soil is dry...just a little tid bit!

Encouragement~

I am sitting at my desk at work, with a pounding headache. I walked into our kitchen at work in search of some "Advil" and of course someone took the last packet and left the empty container...the container sat there laughing at me. I walked back to my desk and popped into my e-mail, because the "real work" well that can wait, it is Friday after all. After sifting through the junk an email comment from my blog caught my eye, and this is what it said:

I just want to stop by and say that about two years ago I started blogging - because of you, because of this site - and because what you do is lovely. This post is no exception. And now I've been in Reader's Digest and now I've been invited to speak about my blog in Palm Springs and Hawaii and now I'm writing and loving it. And, well, thankyou for being my *inspiration* and for being the catalyst that started my life down this strange journey. Just thankyou!

Lori

~ click the link to go to her blog~

Wow....really?

 I did that?

This silly blog did that?

 {she shakes her head in disbelief}

I have sat down at this blog many times over the years and started to write down my heart, the truth, my past, my emotions, trials and tribulations...all the while wondering who is reading this? Why am I doing this? There are women out there who have these amazing stories, of courage and strength and possibility. Women like myself, looking for "peace", looking for a way to express themselves, and a way to share their experiences.

I took that plunge a few years ago, opening myself up to the world, to whomever might stumble onto this silly old blog....there have been times when my finger has lingered over the "publish" button, worried what I posted might seem too vulnerable. I have received "mean" comments, and I have done my fair share of comparing myself to all these brilliant women I have come across through our blogs...

But mostly, I am so grateful for this platform. I have released so much of my life on this blog and I look at it is "cheap" therapy...in the comforts of my own home...with people I don't know, and a keyboard in which the letters are fading from so much typing.

This blog has brought me friendships I never knew would have existed. I opened an "etsy" store and this blog helped me enjoy that experience to its fullest. This blog helps me paint the thoughts that flow through my head, and helps me remember those tender moments with my oldest punk...and the precious moments with my newest little punk.

I have in the past left this platform...and there have been several times my finger has lingered over the "delete this blog" button, but for some reason I keep coming back...

I wanted to share this comment I received today on my blog as encouragement to anyone who is thinking they want to start a blog....

To anyone who feels their story needs to be shared....

To anyone who is lost, looking for a way to express those feelings that eat them up at night....

I want to encourage you...to hit that "publish" button...

You have no idea where your little blog might lead you and the friends you might make...

It is worth it...

You are worth it...

Hit that button!!

Go on girl...

I am waiting...

Cheering you on all the way!

I hope you have a wonderful sunshine filled weekend...dare I say with flippy flops on your feet?

I am refinishing 5 pieces of furniture this Sunday  for a bedroom redo for a lady in our neighborhood who is in the hospital. She had a brain tumor removed and this is just one way a few friends are trying to make her room a little prettier as she will be spending a lot of time in her room when she comes back home from the hospital...we are all praying for her.

Blessings from me to you!

 p.s. I also wanted to give a little shout out to this lovely lady, who made a butterfly garland from my tutorial that was posted in the article from "Romantic Country" magazine...I actually forgot all about it! Thank you Susan, your garland is beautiful, as is your home! You must see her home and her gorgeous photography! **sigh**

p.s.s. if you have any extra "advil" send it on over...me and my headache thank you in advance, muwahh!

 

Music~

 

When I have too much swirling around in my mind...

 When I just can't shut my mind off at night...

 when I can't formulate the right words into a complete sentence....

When silence in the car is absolute torture....

I turn to music....

Lately, music has moved me in so many ways. I have uploaded loads of new to me songs onto my ipod and at night I have been falling asleep with sweet lyrics that express my heart in ways I cannot streaming through my ears.

 Music turns off my thoughts and allows me to feel a certain peace I am longing for lately.

"Music speaks what cannot be expressed"...

There is a lot going on in this little world I call my own...

Here's to hoping I can finally find peace I have longed for deep down in my soul.....

Blessings

{image & quote from here}

 

 p.s. Here are some of my new favorite songs:

JJ Heller ~ Where I Land {she has so many great songs}

Gotye~ Somebody that I used to know

Matt Nathanson- Sooner Surrender

Jimmy Eat World~ Hear You Me

 

Summer Apparel~

Hello lovelies....how are things? We have been keeping busy with all kinds of nonsense latey...complete and utter nonsense, like work and house chores and grocery shopping...but I did get some clothes shopping in on my hour lunch break....a girl has to have some priorities, right?

I know it is only February 23rd, but for some reason I am thinking about my summer wardrobe....perhaps it is the 75 degree weather we are having or the fact that soon my feet won't know what heels are, and i am sure they will be thanking me over and over and over for that!

I went with a co-worker over to the mall the other day, and in my not so usual fashion I picked up not one but three pairs of shorts!

**gasp**

Shorts?

I don't wear shorts, I don't know why, but when I think of summer clothes shorts are not at the top of the list...however these  were just too cute to pass up.

Just the right length for me as I have a 10 month old who still loves to be picked up and carried around. With these when I bend over, I won't feel like my booty is hanging out for the world to see, cause honestly my booty is not something the world needs nor wants to see!

For $39.50 you can't really go wrong....

Paired with this cutie {which is on the wish list for me}:

& of course you need one of these Lacy Boyfriend Tanks to go underneath {also on my wish list}:

and a girl can't forget her shoes...

I don't get all crazy during summer in the shoes department, a good pair of flip flops, my converse and bare feet due me just fine!

I also ordered two pairs of these Twill Shorts in the longer length I might add...so that makes 3 pairs of shorts for me! 

What has gotten into me??

I also love these Tank Tops from Target, for $8.00 they are fantastic!

A great length and really soft. They wash up well too!

I also have a couple pairs of these for summer...after all, they are made in my hometown!

Best sandals ever!

I am sure Anthro has a cute summer getup...

oh why yes they do:

& of course Mod cloth always has cute summer dresses:

 

 But I need to stick to a budget, so this summer shorts will be my summer apparel!

Now, my next task...a tan! My legs are entirely too white!

I might need to paint my toes too...just sayin'...pretty toes, shorts, sandals...and sunshine...Sign me up!

Oh and before I leave my blogger Bff is having a Sweet Little Giveaway ...best run and check it out!

Muwahhh!

 p.s. just a little tip, if you like the twill cotton shorts above, they don't carry them in the stores, but if you go in, they will order them for you and ship them to your house for FREE! ye-haw!

p.s.s. My 10 month old is almost walking...! ekkkk....my days just got a whole lot busier!

Change For A Dollar~

Change For A Dollar Movie.

We could all use a little CHANGE~

Please take a moment and click on the link...this little movie changed the way I think about a few things...I hope it does for you too!

Happy Monday~

                                              

Favourites as of late~

My favourite images as of late~

 My favourite outfits as of late~

My Favourite accessories as of late~

{Free People}

  {Cali Katrina}

 

 {Essie- Power Clutch}

     Favourite Etsy Items as of late~

 {Hunt and Found}

 

{Urban Farmgirl}

{Porfavour 110}

 My Favourite Songs as of late~

  

Gavin Degraw~ Not over you

Kari Jobe- You are for me & We are 

Sara Haze- Lovely 

 

My favourite quote as of late~

 

 
With love,

 

   {images 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7,8}