every little thing

Summer Fever

(Don't you love this old book about the States?  I adore that Virginia is represented with not only a giant pig in an overcoat, but also a huge baked ham, and an enormous peanut.)

I'm still here, folks!  Many apologies for the blog absence.  I'd feel bad about it, except it seems like everyone is playing a little hookie lately.  Honestly, things have been pretty tame around here and there isn't much to report.  Mike and I had our 7th anniversary last Sunday (yay!) and even though we don't usually make a big to-do over it, we always have a good time.   Memorial Day at the beach was a total blast, and this week has been pretty mellow till the Maxwell caught some kinda bug yesterday.  It's fever city for him, poor little dude.

Why do they always get sick on a Friday?!  He was so very upset to be missing the Pirate festival we had planned to hit up this afternoon.  Hey, me too for that matter.  A sickly, slug-child means that I have the whole day at my disposal to clean and do chores.  (See why I am blogging now?  Anything to avoid responsibility!)   I am excited about tonight though, I was invited to tag along to a Sex and the City movie party.  I'm probably the last person on Mars to get into the show, but I caught up on season 6 last night while packing Emporium orders, and now I'm pretty jazzed to see the movie! 

And speaking of the old Emporium, I was quite surprised by the rush of orders that came in this week!  Since I don't' have tracking info in the Etsy site, I have no idea where all the customers came from, but I'm sure it had a little to do with all of the sweet bloggers who have been mentioning me lately.  Thank you so much, everyone!  The power of the Internet is an amazing thing!  Oh, and you have to check out Danielle's blog (if you haven't already) and look at the amazing terrariums she had at her son's B-Day party!!!  What a fabulous use for the fawn and gnome miniatures, I can't believe I never thought of it before!  She was very kind to mention my shop as her miniature source, but her whole blog is a wealth of information, ideas, and inspiration and she is very generous and thorough with her links.

I guess I'll leave you all now with a few thrifty highlights from earlier in the week:

Good, vintage fabric is getting harder and harder to dig up these days.  These were some of the best (non-polyester) finds I have scored in a while.

I've been doing a little late-night garment sewing/practicing lately, and I thought these vintage patterns looked fun and simple.  Most of them are pre-cut, and it's always nice to skip a step  I did try the Wendy top one more time, with equally disappointing results.  I just think the sizing is not right for my body type, and it's not worth a third try to get it tweaked right.  But as a side note, I had my sister (a petite size 2)  try on the first top I made in a size 12, and it still pulled majorly tight across her chest.  So, what's that all about? 

Another illustration from the United States Book I thrifted.  How adorable is this?!?  If I can bear to cut it up, I'm thinking of decoupaging the pics onto a little train case in the spirit of Jane's Apron and Pixigenne.  Wouldn't that be fabulous?  I was thinking that Max could put books and toys in it, and we could keep it in the car for road trips.  You know, in case gas prices ever go down enough to actually make a road trip affordable.  Sheesh.

We are all pink inside

{DISCLAIMER:  I love pink, in any and every form that our good Lord created it.  It is the universal color, it is pure perfection, no other color could come close to the pure magic and wonderment that is "PINK."}

(now here comes the *but*.....)

I found this skirt at the thrift store last week, and I couldn't seem to put it down.  I tried it on, and it was a great fit.  Good lines, flattering on me, well made, and dirt cheap.  What's the problem then?  I can't believe I'm saying this, but it was too pink.  Or rather, too much of the wrong kind of pink, for me.  It just didn't mesh with my skin tone, and I wasn't' sure if I had, or if there even were, many tops that would successfully pair with it.  I bought it anyway, of course, (you can only argue with yourself for so long over a $2 purchase without feeling stupid) and I had the notion that it could be fixed somehow, and the 'how' part came to me later in the form of a good bleach-soaking.  I have used this technique a few times in the past with mixed results.  Sometimes the bleach reduces the fabric to shreds, sometimes the color change is ghastly, sometimes nothing happens at all.  But this time, happily, the bleach was a success, and the skirt went from a garment that probably would have haunted the back of my closet, to a pretty, faded, much better (still pink) skirt that will get lots more use.  I actually remembered to take a before shot, but it's a little out of focus.

So, it does not look that bad in the picture, but trust me.  It was really PINK. 

Now, here is the *AFTER*

Sooooo, much more me.  It is very reminiscent of a faded, vintage sheet, don't you think?  And now it will go with so many of my light, summery tops (especially the white, lacy kind.)  And the bleaching also gave the slight stiff fabric a much softer and more wearable feel.  I'm so happy that one of my experiment actually turned out for the better, I've been needing that reassurance lately.  I will add this pic to my Summer Wardrobe Thrift Along set (please feel free to join me!)  Oh, and I can also add this top I found lately, too.

The tag says "sleepwear", but I say "Nay!  What can be worn in the night is also right for the day!"

(Wow, I'm a poet and I don't even know it.  I think the bleach fumes went to my head.)

Bubbles of Earth

 

I'm beginning to suspect that our family is being sucked into a "fantasy" phase.  I think it all began with Max and I getting into Peter Pan, and starting the original book which I've always wanted to read (and it's good, a little hard to follow sometimes, but very beautiful.)  It continued on with Max getting hypnotized by the inevitable little-boy mania that is "Star Wars."  Then, I started this book I found at the thrift store, even though I've never been much for the whole fantasy genre, I am completely taken in by it (more on that later.)  Then, on a separate thrifting adventure, this little gnome made his way home and into Mike's pepper patch.  But what really sealed our fate, was the unearthing of the Lord Of the Rings DVDs that we have been watching on and off for days now.  I made the mistake of telling Max that the movies were based on a series of books (why do I always do that?), and I saw his eyes widen, so there is only a matter of time before we are off to the library to fetch The Hobbit.  That kid really needs to learn how to read, and soon!  I mean, I absolutely love reading aloud to him, but I don't think I could make it through all of Mr. Tolkien's books without permanently damaging my voice box.  So it's going to be the Summer of fantasy, I suppose.   Why not? 

A (slightly fuzzy) Greek Fest Recap

 

 

I think Mike was really getting the hang of it -
considering he's not even Greek or anything.

I didn't really know how much I loved Cuban food until I went to Kuba Kuba, a tiny, unassuming restaurant in Richmond.  I was sort of surprised to find that they actually have a decent website, since there are scarcely 15 tables in the whole place, the menu is written on giant chalk boards hung overhead, and the building itself is rather tucked away off the beaten path. The black bean soup (above) is not from the restaurant, but rather is a cheap imitation I made to hold me until my next visit.  I mean, the soup I made was OK, just not Kuba Kuba.  The squeeze of fresh lime did help, though.   

The cornbread I made, however, was not OK.  Was not good at all, actually.  I would have been better of with the old stand-by box of Jiffy Mix. At least I tried.

So this post is not merely a tribute to a wonderful restaurant (the plantains-tostones are like little bites of heaven!) but also to the revival of interesting cooking I hope to make a part of our daily menus.  Things get stagnant so quickly, don't they?  I used to be adventurous in the kitchen, and now I'm resorting to the old can-of-soup casseroles way too often.  I also love how the arrival Spring and Summer helps to firm my resolve even more, it's amazing how the promise of a tomato with actual flavor will inspire one to try a new recipe or find a new cookbook.  I'd love some suggestions for new and exciting recipes, if anyone has a favorite! 

I noticed that I haven't posted many pictures of our house lately.  This is currently our little dining area, (I say currently because our home, space, rooms and furniture are constantly moving and shifting!)  Just look at that giant glass of sweet iced tea!  Mike makes delicious tea, and I think it always tastes a bit sweeter when someone else makes it, you know?

Happy weekend!

My Big Fat Greek Belly

I bought this Built By Wendy pattern on Etsy last month, and I've been looking forward to making the top (view C)  for weeks.  I finally found some time, and a few yards over super soft gray seersucker, and here is the result.  Very easy pattern, fast and pretty and totally wearable.  I simply love the top.  My one complaint?  It's too small!  To use a quote from AbFab, "...it fitted, but it was filled to capacity."  Definitely a little disappointing, because I measured and everything!  Hmph.  And I ain't even that big up top, so I can't imagine what the deal is.  I feel bad for you bustier gals, 'cause this definitely wouldn't be the pattern for you.  I am fairly confident I can make another one that will fit properly, and I have plenty of that same fabric left (found 5 yards at the thrift store for $2.)  I really wanted to make the top to go specifically with this skirt:

You know, so I can pretend I'm Samuel Clemens, (and wear seersucker and white linens.)  Or I could use one of these freshly thirfted fabric instead:

 

They are both super light-weight cotton, just perfect for garment making.  What do you think?  The lighter or the darker one?  Or should I just crash-diet and try to fit in the first shirt I made?  Ha..are you kidding?  Diet?  who could think about dieting when it is almost time for..........

GREEK FEST, BABY!!!  WOO!  It starts tomorrow, and I'm 'bout it.  I swear, I gain 10 pounds during Greek Fest week every year, and I DON'T CARE.  So worth it.  I start getting giddy as soon as the sign goes up (yes, I took this picture out of sheer joy and anticipation while driving by.)  I actually am Greek, too (in case you didn't know) so I really have to go.  Sometimes twice.  It's a moral imperative.   

Chow Chow

 

I was thinking that my blog is kinda drab these days. Stale.  Boring.  While pondering the ways I could drum up some action over here, I couldn't help noticing that other bloggers seem to really respond favorably to photos and posts about family pets.  (People like adorable animals, go figure?)  Since we don't really have a live-in pet a the moment (Sydney is still on loan to my brother,) Charlie is the closest living pet relative we have.  We adopted him 10-ish years ago, when we lived in Idaho.  He lived in California also, before settling here on the East Coast, staying briefly with Mike and I in our first apartment and finally settling in with my mom.   I guess their isn't much to say about him really, except that he's awesome.  And I saved him from the terrible fate of being named "Peanut Butter" by my little sister.  It took a while, but once I had everyone calling him "Charlie," she eventually gave up.  Now we sometimes call him Chow Chow, or even just "Chow."  Not sure why.  Anyway, feast your eyes on the preciously adorable kittyness.

Ahh.  Now to sit back and watch my blog stats skyrocket...

And the Hero award goes to...

Mommies!!!  (of course.)

Happy early Mother's Day, everyone! 

My Mother's day treat is an afternoon with my boys seeing  Speed Racer at the movie theater.  They crazy part?  I'm actually really looking forward to it.

~see you next week!

Catching Up

I'm still here!  Been busy around these parts lately, and I'm trying to get every little thing done.  I'm one of those people who, when faced with a deadline, will find anything and everything else to do except the task at hand.  I've been working to correct this habit, so I'm attempting earnestly to complete things in order of importance.  Unfortunately that means that blog-time gets the shaft.  Sigh. 

So, lets catch up, shall we?

1. The yard+estate sales last weekend were disappointing to say the least.  We gave up after a few hours and just went to a thirft store.  This season did not start out with the 'bang' that I was hoping for.   But, I did find some sweet deals while thirfting (including lots of seersucker fabric yardage, oh joy!)  and even some lovelies for the vintage shop, so you know, hope springs eternal.
2. The serger is BACK, baby!  The repairs cost $60 so I really need to get rolling on my projects to make some of that moo-lah back.
3. I did get the update live over in The Emporium a few days ago, and there's some really fabulous new cupcake goodies!  I also want to mention that I raised my shipping prices for the first time in, well, ever.  It's still a flat rate in the US, no matter how much you buy, shippin is now just $1.85 (still pretty cheap, I must say.)  And some very tiny, light-weight items are still the old rate of $1.25.  I hate it, really, but postage rates are going up on May 12th and I gotta do what I gotta do. 

Cupcake liners and new sugar posies.  It took me ages to find these specific wafer flowers, but is was well worth the wait.  Aren't they just perfect?

I don't think the pictures do the pinwheels justice, because they are so amazing.  I literally can not stop blowing on them and giggling while they spin.

Summer-time cupcake decor is pretty hard to find. 

These skulls glow-in-the-dark! (for realz.)

These are definitely on the larger end of the miniature spectrum, but I'm always willing to try new things, plus they're are straight-up retro to the core!  Even the train box looks fabulously old-school.

 

Oh man, are these hilarious, or what??  Who knew that bakery labels could be so subversive.  My favorite is "Better When Warmed." 

...and these are just cute.  If I found them in a thirft store, I would swear they were vintage. 

I'd also like to give  a shout out to some awesome websites that have recently featured items from A. Bel Emporium.  It is always a treat to see your shop admired, and I'm very grateful for the mentions!

Whorange    -  lovely design blog, be sure to checkout the Mother's day gift guide.

Craftershock    -  awesome, crafty-showcase website.

Papyrophobia   -  you had me at "cornbread and butterbeans" 

And  you all know about the Naughty Secretary Club, right?  Well, Jen has written a book about jewelry making and, low and behold, on the cover is an adorable pair of earrings made from the mini-fawns she bought at my shop!

How cool is that??  I mean, I didn't make the earrings OR the fawns, but I'm still super-jazzed about it She was even kind enough to add my shop in resources guide.  What a peach!  I can't wait to buy the book myself, since I don't know nothing 'bout makin no jewelry.  Thank you Jen!!!   The book looks so inspiring, and I'm very excited to be even the tiniest part of it!

(Ok, enough me, me, me for one post.  Back to work.) 

Summer Lovin'

 

No Friday's Hero post today, sorry.  I had one in mind, but  then I found myself completely distracted by the ENORMOUS number of yard and estate sales that are on for this weekend!  Hot dog!  It's finally open season!  I like to use the online classifieds to scope out the sales in advance, you locals can find it here.  Just use the drop-down menu to select a city, but don't forget to check out the Estate Sales, too.  Of course, if you may want to cross-reference this with your Saturday paper, too (God forbid you miss a single sale!)  If all goes well, I should have some exiting finds to post about on Monday.

So what do the photos of trashy, romance novels have to do with all of this (you may be asking yourself)?  Well, I can't really explain that right now because I broke my serger a few weeks ago. I know, I was so pissed.  But, there a two things that give me hope: A.  I saw the piece that broke off, so it looks like the repair should be pretty simple, and B:  the repairman said the machine is worth $600 and I paid only $90 for it (sweet.)  The fact that it is still in the shop going on 2 weeks now is dampening my spirits a little, but I'm trying not to worry.  You see, I have this great project I want to start that involves these juicy paperbacks, and I need the serger to make it all happen.  Are you intrigued yet?  Too bad, you'll just have to wait.

Here's to a steamy and tawdry weekend, everyone!

Love (and other indoor sports,)
~Amanda