Thursday's thrift

 

Yesterday my best gal pal and I hit an estate sale in Bankers Hill.  There were so many beautiful pieces, but a bit pricey so I left with only a few things books.  I am excited to read Gulliver's Travels to Bronson, and follow it up with the adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  I bought Hawaii for myself.  For the past few weeks, I have seen this book at multiple estate sales, but have left it behind.  The colors have always caught my eye, but that wasn't enough for me to buy. . .until yesterday.  I am going to gently oxy clean the outside and hopefully get it in a bit better shape.  I thumbed through the book and it looks like an interesting read.

Ooh, don't forget this weekend is both the Olivenhain Grove Sale and Queen Bee Market.  Have a beautiful weekend!

Laugh-In

Sorry I am a little late posting my fabric find from last weekend.  The one and only thrift shop stop I made, and I scored this vintage curtain panel.  Thank goodness I had $10 on me (AmVets only takes cash) or I seriously would have panhandled in the store until I scrounged enough cash.  Oh my gosh, I am a junkin' junkie.  Sad, so so sad. 

This fabric reminds me of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In. . .or Cindy Brady.  I seriously can't name one more thing after one of the Brady's.  Or can I?  

Introducing the "Carol Brady" pocketbook

I must have a thing for the Brady's, and I didn't even realize it until now.  I've created the Bobby Brady kerchief bib, the Marsha pocketbook, and now the Carol Brady pocketbook.

This one time vest, with a huge white lapel instantly reminded me of something Mrs. Brady would have worn.  I am kicking myself for not taking a picture before I cut it up.  Sorry.  Any who, there were a pair of hot pink polyester pants hanging next to the vest at the estate sale from which it was purchased.  One can only assume she wore them together!  While I was shopping the rack, a woman next to me snatched the pants off the hanger and then tried to grab the vest.  I remember having to calmly look over at the crazed senior citizen and say, "Ma'am, can you please remove your hand from mine."  She had slapped her palm right on top of my hand and tried to intimidate me with her surprisingly strong grip/squeeze.  I felt bad, but I saw it first.  If she knew that I was going to cut it up and repurpose it, I am pretty sure her death grip would have gotten a little stronger and I would have been brought to my knees.

Originally: handmade, vintage vest.
Discovered: estate sale, Oceanside, California
Created: pocketbook

Cuidar Da Celulite

The first of many sneak peeks into my tea towel stash.  This is my favorite.

Left Behind

Other than Matilda's Mouse, this weekend consisted of only one thrift shop stop.  No estate sales, no yard sales, not even a garage sale.  On my way back from Valley Center on Friday, I made a little stop at the AmVets shop in Escondido.  Keeping in mind they only take cash and I only had $10 on me, I knew I had to be selective.  So today I bring you what was left behind.  Tomorrow I'll share my fabric finds.

I am kicking myself for not going back and getting this piece.  Hmmmm, I wonder if it's still there?  This stupid elephant is like the blue lamp, I can't get it out of my mind.

Why did I leave this behind?!  If you asked me where I would rather have a spending spree, Target or AmVets, I would have to answer....  I don't know, I can't really answer that question.  WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME!?

Matilda's Mouse

 

Matilda's Mouse was this weekend, and what a beautiful event.  The drive to the estate, the property, the event, the experience, it was all lovely.  I was only able to snap a couple a photos (with my phone) before I was told there were no pictures allowed.  I escaped the event without a scratch and a couple of very cute vintage tablecloths featuring the state of California (I'll share them with you later).

For more details on this monthly event and photos visit the Matilda's Mouse website.

Hamburger Helper 2010

As a child I used to beg my mother to make hamburger helper. I longed for the day she would shout holler out the trailer window, "Bianca, dinner is ready.  We're having HAMBURGER HELPERRRRR...."  I know for a FACT, we were the only trailer in our "mobile estates" that didn't have hamburger helper, kool aid, otter pops, juice, sugar cereal, strawberry milk, corn, peas, or canned green beans in heavy rotation at our dining table.  Thanks mom.  No, really, thank you mom.

Well, I have created my own hamburger helper.  The 2010 version.  I made this for  Bronson last week and he LOVED it!  I fancied it myself, as did Roman. This meal is quick (even quicker if you use whole wheat couscous), easy, and very healthy.  Cheers to "Making a real good, feel good meal."

Hamburger Helper 2010
1 cup Quinoa
2 cups Chicken Stock (or water)
1/4 -1/2 lb Ground Beef (or turkey, or chicken)
1/2 Onion
1 Clove Garlic
3 cups Spinach or Kale (roughly chopped)
3 Zucchini
2 oz Jack Cheese

Place 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups stock in a 1.5 quart saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 mins. Dice onion, garlic and zucchini.  Add onion, garlic, and ground beef to medium size pan and cook over medium heat.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  When meat mixture is done place in a bowl and set a side for later.  Next add diced zucchini to pan and let cook for about 5 minutes, then add roughly chopped spinach, stir, and cook until wilted.  Remove pan from heat, and add the cooked quinoa, beef mixture, jack cheese, and toss all together.  Garnish with green onion and enjoy!

P.S. Thanks for not criticizing my photos.  I have horrible light in my house and I am trying to make do with my point and shoot.  Maybe one day I'll enroll in a photography class.

(image from creative lunacy)

Indulge. See. Wear. Know. Love.

Hi lovelies!  I am over at Fern and Feather today with my take on those 5 words.  The lovely Alexis asked me to take part in her weekly series (Take 5), and of course I jumped at the chance!  I met Alexis through the blog world and we have become quick friends.  She is the ultimate creative engineer.  I can't think of one thing this girl can't do.  She crafts, she cooks, and she's kind. 

Thank you Miss Alexis!  Oh, and thank you for my new obsession. . .typewriters.

 (image from we hear it)

Note to self

I think it's time to hire a graphic designer to help with the press kits.

Stop procrastinating and add the pillows to bink & boo.

Your work space will never be this tidy, and that's ok.  Just try to pick up at the end of each day. (I love this space.  It's sweet and simple - everything I am not.)

It's time to shut off the cable and read more.  (This I promise to do once Lost is over.  I swear!)

You have enough fabric for now.  You don't need to be out every weekend looking for more.  (Oh but I do!  This is my one luxury right now, and I will not give it up!) 

ALWAYS REMEMBER
1. Do not be distracted by the success or failure of others.
2. Stay true to the bink & boo vision.
3. You're good enough.  You're smart enough.  And doggonit...people like you! (Oh Stewart.)

If you can't tell by this post, I have had a rough week.  I am finding it hard to balance everything I do, and everything I am.  When this happens I start to question myself, and all I do.  Oddly enough I haven't been working in my office, I have been using the kitchen table.  Not sure why.  (Note to self, get back in office ASAP!)  I mention this because hanging above my desk (in my office) I have a print that reads,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart...

...and lean not on your own understanding."

                                     Proverbs 3:5

I guess I get confused a lot, and don't understand a lot of things.  Oh my gosh I sound like my grandmother and she's 75!  GET IT TOGETHER BIANCA!

(Images: elephant props, little french nest via pink wallpaper, say yes to hoboken, Domino via oh happy day, elephant props, real living magazine the blog)

More inspiration

I can always count on the fabulous Mrs. Lilien for some colorful cheer, and creative inspiration.
(images: In A Mrs. Pantry. . .  Mrs. Meyer   Mrs. Sherbet  Mrs. Weekend)

I Love Dust

In my endless search for inspiration I stumbled upon the design boutique I Love Dust.  I want to fill my pantry with Sea Cider, it's so fun and I am sure every time you look at it you find something new.  I would also like to stock up on a few of these bottles.

(images from I Love Dust)

found fabrics

 

Last weekend was a total success for bink & boo.  I came home with loads of clothes just waiting to be repurposed.  Bright yellow and hot pink - perfect for pocketbooks!

 

These vintage aprons will make adorable booties.

More pocketbooks!  I can't wait to come up with names for these new creations.  Who or what do these prints remind you of?

Weekend Update

This weekend the husband accompanied me to a sale.  I was pleasantly surprised when he wanted to tag along - that rarely happens.  I like having him around, he helps me stay focused, and he has a good eye.

Can you ever have enough thread. . .especially vintage and vibrant!?  I bought THREE ziploc bags full.

This trim had my name written all over it.  Well, that's what I told the lady whose hand I snatched it from.  What?!  She was putting it back anyway.  Love, peace and . . . chicken grease!

Now that I have a thirst aid kit, it's probably time to buy a first aid kit.

I scooped (no pun intended) up these mini scoops without hesitation.  These are all the perfect size for me to scoop my favorite ice cream into my mouth directly from the container.  Have you tried Ciao Bella Gelato?
Their chocolate ice cream is divine and mixed with a scoop of their coconut gelato.  Oh heaven.

Left behind

In an effort to keep the clutter to a minimum, and at the request of "the husband", I have decided to keep my purchases focused on bink & boo.  "Left behind" is a new category that I will fill with items, that well . . .I left behind, but can't seem to get out of my mind.  So without further ado!

Even the husband liked this one, but at $400 it was $399 out of our budget.

This lamp!  I cannot get this lamp out of my head.  I meant to go back the next day and offer half the asking price, but it totally slipped my mind.  Funny, now I can't get it out of my mind.  I think I am going to call the company that hosted the estate sale and see if I can somehow get my hands on this lamp.  Must. Have. Blue. Lamp.

 $50 for a beautiful Remington typewriter with CASE!   I turned my back for one second to hand Bronson his milk, and as I turned back with my arms stretched out ready to pick up and pay for the black beauty, it was gone.  A young hipster girl (totally adorable) snatched it from me.  I guess I had it coming.

This quilt was so sweet, it almost gave me diabetes.  It didn't fit the bink & boo brand so it didn't make the cut.  I can't even imagine the patience one must of had to cross stitch and quilt this piece. 

What have you left behind that you can't get our of your mind?

Queen Bee Market

What rock have I been hiding under?  This gift show is in my own back yard!  I consider myself to be a busy bee, but I never heard any buzz about this market.  Hmm, I must be hanging out in the wrong hives.

Queen Bee Market, Saturday, May 1st 2010 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

2226 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, California

I also just caught wind of this little shindig, the Olivenhain Grove sale.  A handpicked selection of vendors will display architectural finds, antiques, vintage treasures, jewelry, home decor, handmade clothing, art, and garden goodies.  The Grove Sale is the same weekend as the Queen Bee Market. 

 Olivenhain Grove Sale Friday, April 30th & Saturday May 1st 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

3534 Dove Hollow Road Olivenhain, California 92024

One chic shopping cart

You can probably guess by the muted colors this isn't my cart.  This perfectly edited, and totally chic shopping cart belonged to a seasoned professional.  I'm a frantic and fickle seasoned rookie, and my cart usually looks like a fabric bomb from the 60's exploded - it ain't  pretty.  I assumed this woman had a store, so I asked.  No store, she has a BARN, an historic barn on the "Betty Crocker" estate. 

Gayle, the curator of this cool cart is one of a small group of woman who host "antique events" at Matilda's Mouse.  They are not open every day, and you need to get on their mailing list to be notified of their next event.  I checked out their blog, and from what I can tell this group of women travel the country thrifting.

Of course I got myself on that mailing list and am looking forward to checking out Matilda's Mouse at the end of this month.

Friday. Fun. Family.

On Friday we took a little day trip to the city of Angels.  It wasn't planned, there was no agenda, and we weren't quite sure where in L.A. we would land.  Where ever the wind blew us we would go.  Well, the wind blew us right into Santa Monica and smack dab into Fred Segal.  We escaped with only doing $25 in damage.  What can you buy for $25 at Fred Segal?  A Texas Longhorns tee for baby boo.

We quickly left Fred Segal's before we (I) did any real damage and headed to the beach. The drive, the traffic, and the little shopping we did had made us a little hungry so we stopped at a colorful beach shack known as Cha Cha Chicken.

Mmmmm we scarfed down a spinach quesadilla (sauteed peppers and onions, spinach, and mango's) and a cuban sandwich.

After lunch I wanted to get a room at the Loews Hotel and take a little siesta, but I knew that was out of the question.  So we did the next best thing - took a walk on the beach, and strolled over to the always entertaining Venice Beach.

MARZIPAN! That is what I have called this Venice icon since I first met him back in the late '80's. I couldn't believe that he was still [rolling]around!  I learned his name isn't Marzipan, but he is the "world" famous Harry Perry and lead singer of the Harry Perry Band.  Lookin' good Mr. Harry Perry, looking good.

Speaking of looking good....

From the beach we headed east and took a little stroll down Abbot Kinney.  That's where I spotted the adorably chic Kelly Wearstler, cruising  in the passenger seat of a vintage convertible cadillac.  Our trip was complete.  We are were all beat by the end of the day, some of us more than others.

Thanks Ro' for the randomly fun filled Friday.

Black Stallion

 On Wednesday I mozied on down to the AmVets in Escondido in search of linens.  No such luck, but I did pick up this black beauty along with a couple of other items.  I have a love/hate relationship with that place.  It's the worst parking lot and they are often over priced, way over priced, but they really do have some gems and sometimes some very good sales.

I don't have much in the way of thrifting planned for this weekend, but I will not hesitate to do an illegal turn if I catch a yard sale sign or two.  Enjoy your weekend!

The Art Exchange at The Ace Hotel (Palm Springs)

Artist Karen Kimmel.  Crafting.  Fireside S'MORES!? ENOUGH!  You had me at crafting.
Make your reservations now for what looks to be one well crafted event April 23-25, at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.

Ro' were taking a road trip!
(image by Sarah Yates via Green Wedding Shoes)

headboard hunt

While I am out on my thrifting travels I think I will keep my eye open for a headboard.

 I spotted this beauty last month on Simply Grove and fell in love on so many levels, but it was the price that stole my heart and made my jaw drop, $7!

(images: Massucco Warner Miller, Simply Grove)