turning two

 Happy birthday little bug!  We are so happy to have this special day to celebrate the joy and light that you have brought to the world.  It's donuts for breakfast and cake for dinner!

Merry Christmas

Well I am off to start my Christmas shopping today--yes, I actually wait until the last minute and I love it!  Today is jammed pack with things to do in a very short amount of time, but with Christmas tunes in the background and a decaf tall soy latte in hand I can conquer just about anything...except walmart, I will be steering clear of that madness today.

Anywho, I hope you are all surrounded by love this Christmas, and the warmth and comforts of home.

Merry Christmas friends.


image found on pinterest

Hang it up

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Amber, the designer behind these simply chic wreaths.  I love how her designs can weave in and out of the seasons with ease, and modestly decorate any home for multiple holidays/occasions.  This girl is crafty, she has great style, and the best part...she's nice!

Amber is working on opening her online shop, but if you want to place an order now you can reach Amber at thegirliscraftee@gmail.com 

It was great meeting you Amber and I wish you much success!

Favorite Finds {guest series}: Karin Grow

Today I am so excited to feature artist Karin Grow and her favorite finds collections.  I just met Karin last month, but within seconds of meeting her I knew I would love her.  First, her home is beautifully eclectic, and so warm and welcoming.  Second, she has the sharpest sense of humor!  If you aren't on your toes she will get you--I like that!  Thank you Karin for sharing your finds with us.

1} Vintage Art Pottery Vases from the 30's and 40's:
I've been collecting these pottery vases for the last 17 years now.  I still love them as much today as the day I started.  There was a time when I had too many and knew I needed to let some go.  As with all collections, you start to hone in on  certain characteristics that appeal to you.  I'm really attracted to shades of blue and green in the matte finish.  When I first started buying them I could find them for $5-$10 a piece.  Nowadays, It would cost anywhere from $40-95.   It's probably a good thing that my shelves are full.

 

2)Rugs / tapestries:
I love these!  The blue one was found at a thrift store about 15 years ago and the salmon one I bought from a friend who was moving.  Not sure exactly how to describe these.  I had a friend who give me a little history on them but I really can't find much information about this particular pattern and find it odd that I have two with this design.  Anyway, she spoke farsi and said they were silk and were from made in the same region as suzani rugs(...which I've always wanted).  She also told me they were meant for hanging on a wall or bedcover and way too valuable to put on the floor which is were I have them.  I'm just not into the whole rug on the wall look.

 3) Christmas ornaments:
How can I explain the feeling I get when I start unpacking my Christmas decorations.  It's pure eye candy I tell you.  Most are vintage but a few are new.   While some people like rich warm colors for the holidays, I celebrate with shiny pink, lime, cherry and turquoise.  I have to say, it felt kind of weird pulling my christmas out before Thanksgiving.

 

4) Vintage tablecloths:

Another collection that has gone through fazes of over accumulation and purging.  These are my most coveted ones.   I just love the happy cheerful colors and bold patterns of these 50's tablecloths.

P.S. One of the other reasons I like Karin is that she marches to the beat of her own drum.  I am including her reply to my email requesting for her 5 favorite finds.   The woman is freaking hoot!

Dear Bianca,  Please don't kill me for not following directions.

Okay so.....this was a lot harder than I thought it would be.  I've been walking around my house looking, digging through drawers and talking to myself......... "are you my favorite?"  (not a good thing).   Art thinks I'm losing it.

Another question I asked myself was "what were the most important things I wanted to save when we had the San Diego fires a few years ago?"  This didn't help much either since I was mostly concerned for my pets safety, family photos and having enough toilet paper and water.  I figured if things got really bad I could sell TP for $20 a roll.  I know..........crazy thoughts for a crazy time.

The good thing that has come out of all this  is that I now know  where everything is.  My house is filled with everything I love and have spent years finding (hoarding) and also editing.  Getting rid of stuff can be just as refreshing as finding a new piece.   I also realized that I love my things more as collections rather than individually.  This is also my way of cheating on my homework assignment and feature a collection rather than just one.  How can I possible pick one?  That's insane!
 

In the details

I love the idea of "decorating a tree" by filling the planter with red ornaments.  It's so simple and lovely.

I know so many are over the wellies trend, but having lived in Seattle, I think they are perfect for everyday rainy weather.  I will never tire of them.  Never.  I just adore the bow detail on these wellies from Joules

images found on the blog hiphipgingin.com  orig from traditional home and Joules

Christmas Cheer

This weekend we spent some time decorating the home with Christmas cheer. Yes, I collect snowmen, BUT I don't have an obnoxious amount of them littering our home or assaulting you as you enter our walk way and front door.  I am a touch picky about the style of snowmen I collect, my mother knows my taste very well--she has bought almost all of them for me, it has become our little tradition.

This is the first year that I have hung a wreath on our front door and I just love how festive and friendly it makes our place feel.  I was able to whip up a few stockings over the weekend.   (Alexandra, do your recognize the stocking in the upper right hand corner?)  Alexandra from rustic rooster was cleaning her office when she came across a LARGE swatch of fabric that resembled the Hudson Bay blanket I have been longing for, and she was so kind to give it to me.  Originally I assumed it would be a pillow, but I love it as a stocking...and so does Roman...it's his.

Well I have the decorating done, I guess now it's time to move onto shopping.  Have you started or finished your Christmas shopping?   I know a couple of you celebrate Hanukkah, how was your Hanukkah celebration this year?

Favorite Finds {guest series}: Jennie from White Barn

Hi there...this is Jennie from The White Barn. I am happy to be able to share what I consider my favorite finds...here are a few things that I consider treasures.

1. Heirloom pocket watch...given to me by my mother on my wedding day. 

This is hands down my favorite piece of jewelry - worn around my neck on those special occasions.

2. Family photos and stories. I have stacks and stacks of old family photos that I acquired when my grandmother passed away {pictured below} and I love hearing about who is in them and what times were like back then. 

Ancestral stories are some of the best treasures around.

3. Mid Century Drexel credenza...found at a local thrift store by a friend and purchased for a mere fraction of what it is really worth.

4. Ahhh...my Brownie! Found deep within a $1 pile at the Santa Cruz Flea Market during one of my first dates with my husband. 

I love how it reminds me of our early days together. Bonus: it still works!

5. Authentic latex glove mold. Found broken in half in a trash pile during one of my many childhood moves. I could not let my mom toss it, so I snatched it up and glued it back together. 

I have moved so many times in my life {too many to count} that I am always getting rid of 'things' and 'stuff'. This little guy has stayed with me along my journey. 

 

Thank you for sharing with us Jennie!  Just like you, your "finds" are amazing and the stories are beautiful.

Pocketbook Style: JOY(FUL) clutch

Funny story, this fabric was one of my scores from the Oh Joy yard sale earlier this year.  It's perfection with it's bright orange flowers littered across the crisp white background.  I figured Joy herself must not be crazy about the fabric since she got rid of it, so instead of  showcasing what Joy might carry in her clutch I decided to feature it with things that bring me joy and make me happy.

Thank you Joy!
..........
clutch: the JOY(FUL) from the peek-a-boo collection, glasses: Oliver Peoples "Sheldrake", watch: Nixon , "the rubber player", nano case: Kate Spade, key fob: Henri Bendel, chiklets

Pocketbook Style: Clark Rd. {clutch}

My favorite of the peek-a-boo collection for sentimental reasons.  This fabric came from my grandmother, I remember it is a little girl growing up on clark road (hence the name).  Recently my grandmother moved, during the move my mom sent me pictures of the piles of stuff they were either tossing, donating, or selling.  My keen eye zeroed in on this fabric--in the donate pile--and I insisted that she pull it form the pile and send it to me.

..........

clutch: Clark Rd from peek-a-boo collection, glasses: the saise by Raen Optics, candy:  La Vie Les Citrons (my mother always used to carry these in her purse when I was little), jingle bells key fob: Kate Spade, iphone 4 hard cover: Kate Spade , lips: nars cosmetics

etsy + a giveaway

Some of you might know that we have an etsy shop where we sell some of our favorite finds from our various thrift trips.  I just updated the shop this morning, and for my blog readers I am offering a 25% discount on any item from PinkTrailer.

Just for fun.  My mother found this vintage party pak years ago during one of her thrift trips in the Pacific Northwest.  I have held onto it for so long, and now it's time for me to let it go to a good home.  If you want, if you need this party pak and plan to put it to good use, just leave a comment letting me know what you plan to do with it and it's yours.  First person to comment and tell me their plans for the pak is the lucky winner.  It's that simple. 

weekend update

How is that I had a jam packed weekend of fun and the only thing I managed to snap pictures of were food trucks?!  Friday night a plethora of food trucks descended on San Elijo Hills along with a large crowd and holiday festivities.  I sampled food from Ahn Joo (yum yum), LuDo (amazing), and San Diego local...

 the MIHO Gastrotruck(mmm-mmmm-mmm). 

I did take a break from eating to participate in the Zig Zag event on Sunday--fun.  Thanks to everyone who came out and said hi.  It was nice to see familiar faces, and to meet new faces.  Thank you all for your support and thank you Brooklyn for hosting such a fun event.

Favorite Finds {guest series}: Heather from La Feem

You can count on Heather to say what she's thinking--love that about her.  She is upfront, honest, and funny as all get out!  She also happens to be the very talented lady behind La Feem.  A fierce fashion blogger and personal stylist, Heather has also had her vintage jewels featured on an ABC prime time show.  Thank you Heather for sharing your favorite finds with us.

1. Silver & crystal earrings my BFF snapped up from my line, best earrings I've ever found.

2. Gold cluster necklace a client bought that was one of the only pieces I've ever had trouble letting go of and still dream about......

3. Just found this glorious rhinestone necklace set in heavy silver, it's new to my line and so gorgeous, I almost fainted when I found it.

4. Gorgeous Jlmenau floral patter, I'm in love with it, I bought it originally for my vintage home line but since that's on hold for now I might have to keep it forever.

5. Army green J.Crew jacket of my dreams found at a thrift store, it seemed to have never even been worn, such a score.

That gold cluster necklace is to die for!  Me likey.

Stop by and say hi!

If you are in Encinitas this Sunday, please stop by the Zig Zag event and say hello to me.  This is my first time ever doing an event like this, and I am excited to be featured amongst some pretty amazing talent.  Hope to see you!  Oh and, since you'll be in the area I highly recommend making a stop at the Holiday Artist Market.  

And...if you are looking for something else to do, Matilda's Mouse is open this weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  It's "A Winter's Dream" white Christmas event and I know it's going to be amazing.  

Matilda's Mouse

December 3, 4, 5  10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

29200 Miller Road

Valley Center, CA 92082 

favorite {ornament} finds

I found all these cute little ornaments a couple of weeks ago at an estate sale.  They are so sweet they make my teeth ache.

I also found this little trio of dancers. According to the woman running the estate sale, the "old lady...the one who died" (her words not mine) made these felt ornaments herself.  My question is, how can you let something like these precious little ornaments out of the family...if she really made them?  She probably bought them at Hallmark and that is why the family could care less.

The ballerina is the tree topper for the tree in my office.  She is slightly too girly, but she's so cute I couldn't resist.  I am thinking next year Bronson needs his own tree and we can decorate with these ornaments (minus the ballerina).