Happy Tuesday morn, dear readers! Yesterday was a treasure-finding day if there ever was one! I came across a stack of 1950s magazines for a song while out thrifting for a few minutes. As you know, I have been very drawn to the neatness and high fashion of the 1940s and 1950s lately! The more I look at pictures from that era, the more I think that they had it goin’ on.
Yeah, I know we see the re-do’s on design shows, where a HORRID 1950s bathroom is gutted and redone, but I think they were just so into neatness and perfection in the 1950s, we almost cannot handle it in this day of anything goes, paying NEW retail price for clothes with holes already in them, and the NEW minimalism that demands a white palette. Actually, there’s more where this particular ad came from, but I was drawn to this graphic specifically today because of the buttoned up collar which is dolled up with a ribbon and the orderliness of the bathroom (right down to matching toilet paper).
I realize, friends, that I am not NEARLY as neat (I had just bunched my hair up and put two sticks in it for ease in making my bed and putting a few things away) but I did want to show you the sweet little container I found for cotton balls yesterday.
I thought of many of you personally when I came across this very garden-themed container! If I did not need a place for cotton balls so badly (eek — they have just been sitting in the bag under the sink), I would send it out to one of you!
While I did indeed don a very prim and proper blouse, buttoned all the way up and dressed up with a brooch, my hair was not so 50s-neat today! Last night after washing it I conditioned it with something I just purchased recently — Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil. This morning my hair felt so tame and soft and yet had a bit of wave from just being washed and sleeping on it, I wore it down.
I happened by the old garden, which is in dire need of some attention! My oh my, but I simply cannot put my heart into that again right now. I am afraid of that. I left behind a mountain that day (seems like long ago) last March, and all I can do now is observe from afar. It’s the memories of The Wild Little Garden that live on in my heart. Yeah. That’s right.
I admit, though, the sweet innocent flowers still call me gently to the ground, to a low place, where I can truly admire them, humble creations that they are. But you know what they say: Solomon in all his glory…
At the local co-op grocery store this morning, I spied a heart with some initials carved on it! How could one miss it in the bright sun?! Made my heart happy! Why is it that something so old-fashioned still captures the heart and makes true love that lasts forever seem within reach?
black shoes, diba, thrifted, 4$
black tights, new
long gray skirt, east 5th, thrifted, 3.39
long white blouse, new york &co., thrifted, 3.39
belt, guess, thrifted, 1.59
brooch, handmade by yours truly
Friends, I hope your day is as lovely as the weather is here! Yesterday was gray and drizzling. A girl in the local market and I had a quick conversation about how the weather affects our outlook sometimes. I told her that I have to tell myself on gray days, “Really. There’s nothing to be sad about. It is just the grayness that’s doing it to you.“ Yes, I know that’s true. I believe it. I can live it. But boy am I glad for these bright spring-like days as we are having today!
I am off to visit my little precious girl at her school for lunch and then jumping back into my work day here in the cozy Rose Cottage.
Happy Monday morning!! I did another hair tutorial. I am not quite satisfied with the end result as far as quality of the sound/picture, but I think since I have probably one of the most inexpensive webcams on the market, I should actually be pretty happy for the result! I am also a complete novice, so hopefully with updated equipment (soon) and practice (over time) this should all improve. Meanwhile, I am going on with the program and leaving you a link to the video I ended up with. Another thing is the lighting I have — not the best, so I think my hairstyles are not turning out 100% like I’d like them, but I believe you can at least get the idea of the process!
Storms here last week did quite the number on phone lines and trees for some people, apparently, but we were fortunate enough to be spared any damage. Annie and I did go out and walk before the storm, me in my new orange shoes. Annie had her heyday with the wind blowing scents from far and near. I think it’s the first time she did not keep her nose to the ground the whole time, but actually kept her nose in the air, as if every strong gust had a message on it just for her!
A reminder to ENJOY this day! I am off to run errands this morning!
Oh, dear readers, I skipped my blog post yesterday, but what can a girl do when she’s having fun out of town (even if the van was being worked on in the meantime?)??
I was able to plunder around in a couple of new thrift stores and also visit some really fun new retails stores! I did think of you all as I shopped about, walking on pretty sidewalks in my old hometown and sipping coffee from a somewhat hippie-ish coffee shop.
Are they not perfect? Just the right amount of heel. The perfect color. Love the fabric around the platform. Ahhh. At any rate, these shoes were purchased NEW from Ross, and I just could not resist. The only pair I saw like these, and they happened to be my size. And, again, I love that they are more of a platform style and less of a severe taper which makes one feel as if they have been on tip-toe all day!
My oh my, I had such a 1940s or 1950s feeling when I got dressed this morning! Like a retro telephone operator! I guess it was the cut of this new thrifted dress with its very narrow, tightly fitted waist. Or was it the stockings? The perfectly prissy shoes?? No, it had to be the up-do with the poufy roll in front!
Love at first sight. And second sight. And third. Worth the money!
One of the reasons I love to get dressed up everyday, for the day, the whole day, is the way I am treated when I am out. By gentlemen. I have found that if I dress like a lady, I tend to get treated like one. I know, I know, on the flip side of that is a topic that no one wants to talk about, and I am the first to say it is never anyone’s own fault to be treated badly. But, just today, I had a gentleman open a door for me. When I said thank you, he nodded and said, “Yes ma’am!” Maybe I sound old fashioned or prudish, but that’s okay! It’s something I want my daughter to know too — like attracts like, and thus the way we carry ourselves and dress ourselves (and walk and talk) will dictate (for the most part) what we are surrounded with and by.
And now, I have two questions for you! First things first.
1 – Would you like to see a video tutorial of this hairstyle?
This hairstyle has a very poufy, rolled-bangs look in the front.
It love it! It is super easy! It is fun!
Just let me know if you want it.
Now, the second question is this.
2 – I have noticed a trend with my blog since I have sort of switched gears ’round here. I am having more traffic but fewer comments. Now, I do not base whether or not I will blog on the number of comments I get. I also do not think a blog should be a popularity contest. Yes, I love comments like the next person, but CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT is what a blog is all about. Based on the number of visitors I have and what is bringing them here, I know I have content. Not saying it’s always so good, but I do have content.
I am wondering if my reader base has changed somewhat due to my no longer homeschooling Michaela and my losing the garden. Bottom line, I am concerned that I am boring my readers. I am not fishing for comments here, so if you are happy, then go about your merry way and day and know I love you. If, on the other hand, you have been wanting to say, “LYNN FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE CHANGE THIS!” would you please let me know?
Ah well. Lunch break is over and I am heading back to the work desk. Oh, yeah, though, before I go:
Oh, and one more thing!! THIS IS WORTH TWO MINUTES! I heard a story in the news about a man who gives free haircuts to veterans. Click on the link to see the very adorable trailer he works from! What a sweet service to offer our veterans!
Never underestimate the power of a haircut.
KIND OF LIKE:
Never underestimate the power of getting up and dressing up nicely in the mornings!
Oh my, if you have not seen Seychelles shoes. Just give a little search on Google. They make beautiful shoes. And I spotted a pair, looking as pretty as you please, looking nearly new, looking like my size. They were my size. Like a glove.
Just 3 bucks and some change. The kind of deal that makes your heart sing.
I love the leather, the detailing, and they fit and wear like a dream!
I wore these last night, paired with a Rafaella pleated skirt, recently thrifted for just under 4 dollars and a Ralph Lauren sweater — same price.
If you have a store called Five and Below in your area, it is worth checking out. Admittedly, it could be on the list of places that has a lot of stuff imported, and I know people are trying to get away from that. Honestly, I have not taken the time to see just how much of their merchandise is made in the USA versus elsewhere, but they do have some amazing deals sometimes. The scarf is from there, going on two years of wear, for 5 dollars. I have really enjoyed the Victorian look of it and the rich colors in it.
Hair has texturizer in the front to keep it off my face a bit and is parted haphazardly, which I really like.
The black pleated skirt is Rafaella, machine wash, knee length.
Fun, fun.
Now — which is a word I say a lot, apparently, about that hair tutorial video! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for all of your kind and encouraging comments! You truly made my day yesterday! I checked in yesterday afternoon and then last evening and night, and I was so happy to see that you approve. I want to answer each of your comments personally, but for now I will say it here: THANKS SO MUCH! And I will do more of them. I already have something in mind that will be fun, and maybe SHOCKING. (Just a little.)
Oh, dear readers, what have I gotten myself into??? You may all run away after you see this. But please don’t. I would be so lonesome! I want honest feedback!
Want to see more.
Never show one of these again.
John and Michaela were most intrigued by their mother sitting over here at the computer with the webcam making a video. I am approved, they say, as long as I don’t go too crazy and start singing and dancing.
Do I have a southern accent? I guess I say GIT instead of GET…?
Now, and I can assure you that I do say NOW a lot in real life. I am not sure how many times I said it in the video, but I said it. Yeah. I want to show you some things I have fallen in love with at LuLu’s!
Do you not ADORE this entire look? This skirt is not so short that I wouldn’t wear it. The boots are gorgeous! And they have heels! Ahhh, be still my heart. The shirt is modest and bright.
Do you love this little Fatso Beagle as much as I do. Look at her dainty little paws and her wild eyes! That’s my Annie! She was all decked out in her sweater today for our walk. She exchanged nose kisses with another Fatso Beagle in the apartment complex. She barked at two big dogs. She ran after (and pulled me along) a dog out jogging with its owner. What a fun day for Annie.
In WORLD TRAVEL NEWS I’ll be trotting the globe tomorrow, as in out and about all day, so I will likely not get to post in the morning (THURSDAY MORNING) as per my usual. So I am checking in now to say to you a sweet North Carolina g’night and to ask you something.
What if I did a tutorial on hairstyles? Like a real honest-to-goodness video showing how to do a hairstyle. I am sort of liking this one I had going on today. What say ye? Yay? Nay? Would you like hair tutorials?
Anyway, gives me something to think about. And you too, for that matter. Not that we don’t already have loads of STUFF in our heads.
I missed you yesterday. And most of today. My internet has been down due to an “off-line” modem that led me through a maze of phone calls, troubleshooting by phone, an appointment, waiting…waiting…waiting… and finally INTERNET IS CONNECTED! I had planned yesterday to share a messy hair bun with you, but alas it did not happen.
Primping in the bright apartment… er uh, Rose Cottage window. I recently found the gray hooded T shirt for a few bucks at G.W. Boutique. It’s very soft but not too heavy. Perfect for these days we have this time of year in North Carolina when it’s not really cold but definitely not warm yet.
Also found a really cool book about the history of cats. It has some breathtaking pictures in it. (TERRY, it made me think of you!) Some scary pictures, some sweet pictures, and some unbelievable information. But I believe it.
Now about the messy hair. Sometime I just like a messy hair bun, but I do NOT mean just pulled back tight in a rubberband so that it is flat on top. No. I want style I guess, but not anything fancy.
I first comb the hair out. I use a big comb more than a brush to try and help care for my long hair. Brushes can really break hair. Oh, and hair that’s really clean makes the BEST messy bun. At least for me.
I comb up the hair at the crown and fluff it up a bit for some LIFT.
I pull back some hair on each side, not too tight and not too much, and it’s okay if some of the hair in the back falls partly over the combs.
Then I start twisting up the back. You can see how the hair is falling over the comb and giving a layered, messy look.
It’s okay if a few hairs stick out around the bun. I put at least TEN pins in loosely all around the bun.
Counting… EIGHT NINE TEN.
BUN is DONE.
MESSY MESSY but feels DRESSY.
I hope your FRIDAY has been wonderful and full of JOY. I am working this evening and trying to make up some time. Who knew I loved my internet so much! Not I.
It is just the kind of question a teenager asks when his mom is posing in front of a camera. You know, by herself, with the camera set up on a timer. And goodness me! if old mother should do anything other than just stand looking lost.
Well, I ain’t dead, even though when I was 17 I also thought my mother was old. Ya. But now I realize how very young 49 is! Yup. I am on the heels of 49 years old. Come March, with its blowin’ wind one day and lamb-like nature the next, I will be 49 years young.
So when I was modeling in front of my dreamy English cottage (I wish) and my 17-year-old son said with a big smile on his face, “What kinda pose is that?” I smiled right back at him.
It’s the kinda pose your mama does because she has a blog that about a dozen people like to read and you have to take pictures if you have a blog.”
He laughed and said, “Oh.”
Not to take a single thing away from my amazing son, who tells me multiple times every day that he loves me, but I get the drift. And that was the end of that. Anyway, would you just look at this delightful English cottage I have picked out? Can you hear the tea kettle whistling inside? Please come visit me there soon.
Actually, dears, the reason I had to strike such a pose was to show you the new lavender-flower-covered summer dress I found! With its perfectly fitted waist and its little cotton slip ready made into the dress. But it is truly made for summer, so into the closet it goes this last day of January, to wait a few more months.
In the meantime…
You are seeing the polka dotted skirt again, but mostly because I love it so much and because I especially liked it with this long very-dark-blue smock-style shirt with a perfect little black Peter Pan collar.
Set off with a brooch, the collar is in fact very striking. Hair’s a bit in the way, but this is sort of a hair post anyway, so I figured we’d work around that.
Thought I would share a picture of what the long hair looks like after a night of being braided. One of the challenges of having long hair is finding ways to style it. It’s a big plus to have long, unlayered hair when you are in the mood for a long-hair up-do. On the other hand, it’s a huge challenge to find a way to wear it up each day. I occasionally remind myself that I love having long hair by wearing it down from time to time.
I love the little heart-shaped, fabric covered buttons at the sleeves. It’s a good shirt.
Well, tons of stuff to do today! It’s bright and wonderful here today! I even have a window open! Little Annie sleeps close by on the purple chair. My to-do list has been dented severely this morning. It’s a good day!
I wanted to share with you some Vintage Magic that is right in downtown Hillsborough, North Carolina. Have you heard of Hillsborough? If not, you might want to look it up somewhere and see all the Revolutionary War history that resides in little historic Hillsborough. Anyway, they have a great little shop called Vintage Revival. Here are some WONDERful pictures from my Christmas shopping visit there.
Every room was magic! Dine with me here?
The bright silver was reflecting every little twinkling light!
You know this was one of my favorite little spots, right? Yeah? I love it! I really want to make a vintage dressing table area for My Princess of the Universe.
What do you think of the colors on the wall. The light blue and the brown in the CHICKIE print? I like it! I do!
And the very GIRLIE GIRL chandeliers! Oh my! I want one or two or ten.
NOEL. NEST. JOY. Yeah. JOY JOY JOY. Every corner was brightly lit and there was MERRY music playing.
Love the old cabinet and the YELLOW color there. Ahhhh. Bring me color! The vibrant WHITE of JOY. The REDS of LOVE. Every SHADE! The BLUE of CONTENTED CALM. The OLD YELLOWS and GREENS of TIMES PAST where the spirit of our ancestors still teach us things! COLOR ME HAPPY!
Bright lights? Pink? Crystals? Be still my heart! I am in love!
Now, dear readers, you know it would not be right if I did not share my G.W. Boutique finds and maybe a thought about hair.
“Petticoat” 3.00. Cotton skirt 3.00. White blouse 3.00. Flower pin made from a silk flower.
Sometimes I want a high ponytail, or even just a ponytail, but if you have long hair you know how hard this can be! The weight of your hair pulls the ponytail down. And the hair hanging down gets tangled up!
Maybe I can describe this.
Pull the hair up high like you are going to put it in a ponytail.
Twist it around tight as if you were going to put in a bun, going around only one time.
When you get the hair around one full time and back at the top of the “bun”, reach your hand through the bun (loop of hair) from the outside and pull the long rope of hair through.
Pull tight and pin the bun part all around the sides with bobby pins.
This keeps the hair up high enough to not get so tangled on the back of your shirt all day. It will stay up!
As I work this morning, I am thinking of the timeline/goals for THE ALICE TREE, for those who are joining me! We have to read the book, you know! Or at least parts of it!! Today I will put together a SCHEDULE. The TREE needs to be up by the end of the second week of JANUARY 2012 so we can enjoy it! Because you know in February we will have a Valentine Tree.
Will you walk with me? Remember when we used to take our little walks through The Little Wild Garden? Ahh, those days are days of the past. But it is okay. I have a place for us to walk, and I think you’ll like it. The land is not mine, but is any land really mine? It is on the periphery of the apartment complex. There are beautiful colors this time of year. Muted, yes. Dull, no!
And a girl can always array herself in bright colors, which will stand out all the more against a backdrop of nature’s winter pallette.
Another fun 3 dollar dress!
All that’s left of what once was, perhaps even prettier than before.
The other day while out shopping, I saw a quotation that stopped me and caused me to pause for a moment.
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably will not themselves be realized.” ~Daniel Burnham
I will add to this myself by saying that if you do make big plans, you must surround yourself with people who share your vision, or your plans will never be realized at all. Not even the smallest parts.
The life blood of the plant is gone, but the delicate frame stands on. It will crumble during winter and be replaced by new life!
I love the tiny bit of red. Actually, I adore the colors in this picture and can see a future kitchen with these colors. Can you? I am sure that as my life unfolds, you will get to see all the details. I hope you will still be walking with me!
Grass. A field of weeds and wild flowers. Trees beyond. Who would guess that a very busy highway is hidden in the midst of the trees!
Also love these colors! I can see just a very tiny touch of this green in my new home as well. New home. I believe.
I was so tempted to venture into the woods and do yet more exploring, but these woods are not mine and I did not want to tempt any neighbors or property owners to be upset with me!
So beautiful! These tiny blue-gray berries entice me to stand and admire. Yet another color I can see in my future. Don’t you think!?
I hope each of you have wonderful winter holidays! Enjoy time with family! Take joy!
Approaching-50 mother of four. Thrifter. Content with lots of clothes bought for very little money. Loves retro. (That could be styles from the 40s and 50s. And sometimes stuff even older than that. And sometimes stuff from all time, all mixed up together!) Bluffs about decluttering but secretly loves STUFF. Goes through stages. Has standing and staring spells before rearranging the entire home. Just because. Tune in each day to see what new outfit comes home from G.W. Boutique next. (That's Goodwill, by the way.) Oh, and she owns a spoiled beagle named Annie. And this blog.
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To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.
William Henry Channing
1810-1884
What You Do
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
I want honest feedback!
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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