Vintage Indie

Vintaeg Indie Kids: Amazing Grass™ Experiment - Product Review & Giveaway!

Head over to Vintage Indie Kids   today for an Amazing Grass™ Experiment - Product Review & Giveaway! I think you'll enjoy this one!

Gabreial 

NieNie

Yesterday my mom and I were talking about how amazing the blogging community is. There are some days when I find myself in the depths of NieNie or CJane with tears streaming down my face. Sometimes I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. Women, complete strangers who have no idea who I am or what separates me from Vintage Indie. I'm just a writer in Kentucky who has a blog and likes to support others with my words. These two ladies who also happen to be sisters are gifts, just like so many of you are. Your personal stories, your thoughtful comments they touch lives and speak to people who you will never meet. Have you ever thought about that? 

Yesterday, Stephanie Nielson of NieNie was on the Oprah show. I've been a follower of NieNie even before her accident and fell in love with her writing. I loved her warmth and the love she has for life, her family and her husband it is wholesome and endearing. Sometimes I say to myself, I want to grow up to be like Stephanie and Courtney for that matter. After the plain crash that killed one of their friends and injured her and her husband with severe burns, she's inspiring me more than she could have ever imagined before. 

I hope you'll watch the clip if you missed the show yester, and be inspired by Stephanie as much as I have. What an amazing woman.

Visit Stephanie at NieNie  and Courtney at CJane.

Celebrating - Relaxing - 4 Wheeling - Remodeling

Well good Monday morning to you!  That was a doozy of a title, wasn't it? It pretty much sums up my Friday the fourth of September until the end of this week. This past weekend we celebrated my husbands birthday with camping, 4 wheeling, and campfire food and it was so much fun. This week during our vacation, with the help of my wonderful dad we are doing some remodeling. Thank goodness for his master carpentry skills.

Don't let me stop you from relaxing on this Labor Day though! Enjoy this time with your family and friends. We'll see you back here at Vintage Indie, very soon. 

xoxo Gabreial

  Camping chairs above are from a previous What You Make of It.  project here at Vintage Indie.

Special Guest Starr Keller: My Vintage Day

Now that my kids are in school, I tend to walk through my house mid-chores and think, 'why is it so quiet in here?' And yes, I have battled the blues since my little man went off to kindergarten last week. But today, while I was hustling to do a day's work of housework in my few spare minutes away from jewelry, I was given a new perspective on the welcoming calm around me..and I wanted to share!

This handmade quilt was found forgotten in an Indiana antique mall - a steal at $20. It is in beautiful condition, and brightens up the middle part of our house.

I love the look of wrought iron, and I have acquired and collected many a decorating piece. These little owls make my bathroom brighter!

This unique little flower pot hanger was a birthday gift from a dear friend...complete with my "name," it is such a good little piece for my house.

From Joshy's family business: This is a sign that will forever be in our home.

We interrupt regularly scheduled blogging for an.....

....unexpected family cold. It's a rough cold too, achy, stuffy and endless amounts of tissues.

We'll be back soon! 

xoxo Gabreial

Cozy Vintage Getaways - Southern Adirondack

I about fell out of my chair when I first visited Southern Adirondack Lake House Rentals. Oh me oh my, they are absolutely charming. I know you will love all of them. I could only bring you a few to peek here, but please visit their links and information at the end.

{Click on Images to Enlarge}

Hiawatha

Summertime

Firefly

Southern Adirondack Lake House Rentals aren't to be missed. Each home has been lovingly restored and decorated to make you feel comfortable. Just browsing the pictures you can already to begin imagining the relaxation to be had. My favorite details are all of the vintage and antique furniture throughout each rental.
For further details and to look at more of their properties visit Southern Adirondack Lake House Rentals.

Featued Guest Starr Keller: Intoduction

When Gabreial first contacted me about writing for this wonderful little place of vintage prettiness, I was nervous! What if I didn't present myself in true-vintage lover fashion on such a site? Over the past few days, though, the idea of writing here spurred me to look around me and think about why vintage loveliness is so important to me, and why I adore old much more than ‘new.’

(A cherished hand-me-down from my mom, when I turned 18. I wear this ring everyday, I love it.)

I am a thrifter at heart, I grew up in a home where garage sales and flea markets and antique auctions were our “free” family entertainment. (Which I completely understand, now that I am a mother myself!) The bug of buying old eventually matured a bit into me scrounging around gold-mine  vintage boutiques in Broadripple Village in Indianapolis.

 

(My favorite personal jewelry pieces: A gifted green flower burst that I strung on a two-strand Russian glass necklace. This is my go-to piece!)

When I started my jewelry business, I did mostly gemstone work and custom orders. Today, I feel like Starr Strung is encompassing more and more pieces from the past. There is something very real and just completely unique in the vintage rhinestone brooches, big flower power pieces from the 1960s and ‘70s and old beaded chain from the 1930s.

(This vintage sunflower was my 30th birthday present from a good gal pal - she took it off of her cowboy hat and I upcycled into this necklace.)

I thought it quite fitting, in my inaugural appearance this month here at Vintage Indie, to share some little shots of the vintage pieces around me this day, as we prepare here at my home to get back into the school rush, and summer winds down.

Enjoy!

Starr

Starr Strung Designs

It's a Party! A Blogging for Bliss Party!

Today is the official book release party for the new book Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey. I mentioned a bit about it here.  The lovely Kari of ArtsyMama is our host for this shindig and a slew of other fabulous bloggers are participating in a blogroll to the right of Kari's blog.

I'm so thrilled and honored to be apart of this book. It is fabulously written with so much helpful information throughout.  Tara really outdid herself. If you are new to blogging or you've been considering writing your own blog, I encourage you to check out this book. Not only are there so many interviews including my own on page 123, but many answers to the questions you may have about starting your own blog.

Many of you know, that I'm not so crafty and blogging has been my bliss for a creative outlet. This is where I spend a lot of my time, promoting other crafters, and independent small businesses. I truly get excited when I discover something new that one of you has dreamed up or when you share your vintage treasures with the world. Thank you for visiting me daily and for all of my fabulous sponsors. You truly make Vintage Indie a labor of love.

xoxo - Gabreial

Visit three of my favorite blogs posted in my interview.

Casey Brown Designs

The Lazy Organizer

Rocks In My Dryer

Not printed in the book but others I follow:

Carpenter House Ministry

Michelle Wegner

A Field Journal

Nature Moms Blog

Stay tuned for a full book review by our very own Gina Smith!

My Other Half: Heart Handmade Interview

The lovely Marichelle of Heart Handmade has created a feature on her blog called "The Other Half". I love it because it shows a more personal side to bloggers and their lives. I was thrilled to have my sweet husband interviewed. He did such a great job, as he truly is "my other half". Head over to hear how we met and some funnies about daily life in our home.

 

(screen shot from heart handmade)

Thanks hubby for the sweet interview and thanks to Marichelle!

A Must Read - Small Town Living

The newest issue of Small Town Living by Paul and Tina Wilson has launched. You can view this lovely magazine right from the comfort of your home computer. I really encourage you to visit this issue, it has been a really great read. If your are looking for encouragement for home schooling or planting a garden from your local grocers produce isle, you'll find it all here. There is even a great resource for learning where your food really comes from and what you're really eating.

Enjoy!

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save Your Local Economy

Remember my post not so long ago about the little restaurant that I was so fond of? Remember the one that I wasn't so fond of? What made the two of these different? My opinion, is that one of them cared, and one didn't.

Most of the time when you visit a Local Brick and Mortar store, you are getting true customer service. Think about a time when you went into one of those large big box stores. How many employees stopped to thank you for coming in today followed by is there anything I can help you with? My guess would be not many.
Thanks Ez for bringing the 3/50 project to my attention the other day. What a great idea for supporting your locals. The concept of $50.00 a month almost seems so insignificant, if you think about monthly necessities.  One day when I own my own diner, I plan to be one of those Brick and Mortar stores. Someone with pride, a since of passion for success, for the families that I'm feeding. Maybe one day, you come in to my restaurant and spend a part of your $50.00. Seek out your locals and make a difference.

Vintage Indie Life: A Delicious Dilemma... (Log Cabin Inn Covington, KY)

Hey everyone, how is your day going? I decided to write today's post in Vintage Indie Life, because it deals with something a little more personal and close to my um well, taste buds. So let's start with the dilemma part of that title.  You see my husband and I decided to dine out for dinner not to long ago in our little town. We decided on two things one, we wanted to try something a little closer our home, and two somewhere that wasn't a large chain. So without further ado we headed out with child in tow and headed to a brand spanking new (less than 3 week old) restaurant close to our home.

We arrived at our destination and experienced one of the WORST food experiences ever. My husband and I have this little game where we take pleasure in dissecting apart a restaurant and the food for the quality and price. If you haven't already heard me mention it, food is another passion of mine. I really enjoy cooking, eating and the experience, where as my husband enjoys more of the whole eating part.

Anyway, we started this discussion about the food, the restaurant, and got out the ole' 1-10 scale. He says immediately, I'll give it a 4 because the food was edible. So in return I said alright so a 1 because our order was correct, 2 because the food was hot and brought out in a timely manner and 3 because it was edible, (we never came up with a 4). First of all, does anyone else do this?

 What I'm having such a hard time understanding is, why would you put so much money into owning a restaurant opening a new building from the ground up with a full bar and serve frozen pre-packaged crappy food? It was restaurant remorse at its worst. What drives that decision? What really bothers me is  this is their second location to be opened. I'm hoping you'll help me "chew" on that one for just awhile. In the meantime, let's get to the delicious part of the title.


Once again my husband and I found ourselves eating out, which is something I like to do a couple of times a month. A night off, from thinking about dinner is a like a mini vacation to me. So we decided to head to an other local spot that we haven't been to in three years. This time I'll mention the name of this fine establishment, because they received a 10 from our scale. Originally built in the 1800's in Bardstown, then moved to the Covington area in 1922 we headed to the Log Cabin Inn.

Log Cabin Inn
322 Old Madison Pike
Covington, KY 41017

Fist of all we were shocked that we didn't have to wait for a seat, although it was a Tuesday evening and kind of late. Secondly, we couldn't understand why we waited three years to go back to this place that we used to frequent as newlyweds.
 As soon as we arrived at the quaint Log Cabin Inn, we sat ourselves and were quickly greeted by a very polite waitress, who actually seemed to like her job.  Our food was delivered hot, fresh, homemade and DELICIOUS. 



It is restaurants like these that deserve the recognition for caring about what comes out of their kitchens. It's places like the Log Cabin Inn that get featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives, because they are feeding people with passion for their business and truly work hard at it. I'm encouraging you to check out the little " hole in the wall" unexpected places where you live. Support restaurant owners who have a passion for what they do and aren't just looking to make a buck or two off of frozen fish sticks. 

If you get a chance to go to the Log Cabin Inn, I would love it if you could tell them you heard about them from Vintage Indie. They don't know I wrote this feature. I'm just hoping wind will catch on to our locals here in Kentucky and they'll pass up the next food chain, fast food restaurant and give the smaller name restaurant a try. Some day, I hope all of this will all come back as good for me when I open my diner. Until then, do you have a local joint we must know about? Feel free to let us know in the comments section.

The Beauty of a Rainbow: Untouched

It was after dinner when my mother in law phoned and asked if we could see the rainbow she had been viewing for some time on her front patio. Sadly we replied, we had no sign of a rainbow. After the phone call ended dinner clean up began, then suddenly,  almost in symphony the whole family saw the rainbow at the same time.  I have to tell you, this had to be the most vibrant, beautiful rainbow I have ever seen. Not only that, but we could see the end of it, it was landing almost in our back yard.

These photos have been untouched, but I used different settings on my camera, to get the most natural shots.



A rainbow signifies a promise from God to my family and it was amazing what this sign did for our hearts. Time seemed to stand still for that single moment as the kids were awe of what they were witnessing. They were running through the house screaming, this is A M A Z I N G. My heart filled with joy as their smiles ran from ear to ear.



I know these pictures don't do it justice, but I couldn't wait to share them with you. I'll be uploading more to my Flickr soon if you'd like to see them.

Have a joyful day everyone!

Vintage Indie Life: Someone used my camera!

Can you guess who?

Oh, in case you are having trouble guessing, this is Hammer Bro. Yesterday he dubbed himself Donkey Kong.
The lovely lady bagging our groceries, asked me who Hammer Bro was.
Life is good.

Fleamarket/Antique Shopping Tips: Improve your bargaining skills with Special Guest Sandy Garrison

As you head out this weekend to the various flea markets and antique shows across the nation, take a minute to brush up on your bargaining skills with our special guest. 

Vintage Indie would like to welcome  Sandy Garrison of Rhubarb Reign. Sandy Garrison and Joe Kenz own rhubarb reign inc., a Midwest antique and design business specializing in cottage-style furniture and artsy smalls.

According to the dictionary, a “bargain” is “something offered or acquired at a price advantageous to the buyer.” If you love to shop the markets – but want to hone your bargaining skills – try incorporating these tips into your deal-making repertoire:

 

 

1. Be an educated consumer

Best time to “shop” is before you ever leave the house. Let’s assume you’re looking for something pretty basic, say a nightstand for your guest room. The first key to the best deal is to be an educated consumer. Familiarize yourself with the range of prices for your items by looking at eBay, Craig’s List, Etsy or a good, old-fashioned price guide. Remember that these are national averages, so the going price in your neighborhood can be higher or lower. But you won’t want to pay any more than this; buying on-line can be your back-up.

 

2. Be aware of timing

When you shop a show can affect your ability to bargain. Many shows feature an “Early Buy” time before general admission but this can be a Catch-22. You are paying a buyer’s premium to shop during set-up and many dealers aren’t ready to do business because they are still unpacking. Dealers also may be reluctant to part with merchandise at a discount before the show even starts. However, coming in for Early Buy does allow you a first look at things that may be gone by general admission. You may have to decide what you really want: first dibs or lowest price. Sometimes, they are mutually exclusive!

It also can be risky to wait until the very end of a show to get a deal. First, the piece you want may be gone. Secondly, don’t assume that dealers will automatically drop prices then. This strategy may work with someone who is just cleaning house but may not with a professional dealer who has another show next weekend. However, if you live somewhere with a definite indoor/outdoor season, the last show of the year can be a good time to negotiate. Seasonal dealers may be willing to bargain in the fall rather than store merchandise over the winter.

 

3. Know where to look

Sometimes getting the best deal involves simply knowing where to look. It is a myth that the best prices are always found outdoors. You have to check both inside and outside dealers. The key is to find a motivated seller. Unfortunately, dealers don’t have name tags that say that. However, be wary of two kinds of booths: ones where everything is unmarked and ones where no one is around. In the first instance, the dealer may size you up and give you a price accordingly. In the second case, the deal is possibly more interested in buying at that show than selling. Neither case is good for getting a deal! People who are in their booths – chatting and working – are there to sell.

You can look for bargains under tables, in boxes or by searching for an item that simply doesn’t belong. For example, a dealer who specializes in Christmas collectibles may have one fabulous vintage purse that they’d like to send home with you at a good price. Longevity also can be on a shopper’s side. If a dealer has hauled something from show to show, he or she may be anxious to get rid of it. Look for tags that seem faded or worn.

 

4. Know how to ask

Found an item you’re interested in and the price is right? Time to dive in! You can generally assume that the dealer will allow a 10 percent discount on an item that costs more than $10 unless the piece is marked “firm.” Be polite and don’t point out flaws. My favorite deal-maker is, “Are you firm on this?” Don’t suggest a price – leave that to the seller. I’m often surprised when a buyer suggests a price higher than what I would have offered. You always can counter offer.

Multiple items purchased from the same seller also may win you a better price so don’t forget to try, “If I take these three, would you be able to offer a discount?” or “What if I took all of these?” Avoid playing games – either feigning disinterest or starting to walk away just to see if the price will drop.

 

5. Get to know your dealers

Get to know your dealers. This may take some time but try to establish some relationships. Many dealers are willing to work with a “serious” client. And “serious” doesn’t have to mean big dollars. Being consistent is just as important. Ask your dealers if you can give them a wish list and if they will e-mail you once they find anything on it. Be sure to include your price range and then follow through when you get the call. Sometimes the best deals are made before the show ever opens.

 

©Vintage Indie,Rhubarb Reign

Vintage Indie Prom Party 2009: Corsages

Are you all decked out for the prom? If you are joining us visit this link for instructions on how to join in the fun.

Has your date arrived with the most perfect corsage? How about getting one that lasts, so you can remember your prom forever.

1. Storied

2. AnaraPaperCreations

3. HighNoteJewelry

4. Pixei

Vintage Indie's Prom Party 2009: 50's Prom

If you are joining us for the prom party visit the original post here to link to your dream prom.

{If you'd like to listen to some fabulous 50's Prom Music choose from the list below.}

Like I said, it was so hard to choose just one dream prom look. I just LOVED this dress from Vintageous. I know it's a lot of plum, but that velvet is dreamy. See the links below for credit/purchase.

Plum Velveteen & Tulle 1950's Strapless
Pendent Necklace
Shoes
Frame Clutch
Perfume from ThemeFragrance

Vintage Indie's Prom Party 2009: VINTAGE GLAM

Happy prom day. We are having a little fun, recreating our dream prom. For me, music is the most important part of a great prom. Once I started putting my list together it just got out of hand, so I convinced myself, my dream prom would include John Mayer with his guitar live and that's it.
{Click on any of these to play}

Did you have as much trouble choosing a look for your dream prom? I did, that's while I'll be showing off a few today. I love, this classy gown from Vintageous. The hairpiece is from LoBoheme, earrings from NicePrettyStore the handmade clutch from Thirdwillow and the peep toe shoes from ThePuddingStoreVint

Keep watching I'll be updating today with my second look and different music!

If you are participating, be sure to link to your dream prom post in the comments below and link back here! I can't wait to see what you've come up with.

..but wait!

I almost left you for the weekend until I just saw the newest release of Kindred Spring 2009 from Ez Pudewa of Creature Comforts & Holly Becker of Decor8.

 

You must go right away and delight in their gorgeous new site along with the most delightful desktop wallpapers fit for spring. Oh, sign up for a free account there at we'll chat!

Have a great weekend, again!
xoxo - Gabreial

Puppy Talk: Meet Alli.... Alex.... aka H Y P E R

Good morning everyone, I would like for you to meet Alli, the most recent addition to our family and our first family dog.  Alli, (that's weird for me to type) What is short for Alex? Alli was rescued by a foster shelter and has been through a couple of homes due to personal preferences. She is FULL of energy, I'm talking full. I think we need to catch up on the Dog Whisperer (I actually already added 5 upcoming episodes to my DVR).
 Do any of you have any dog advice? Here's what we are working with. Major, major energy, almost knocking me down to get out of the door. I've been working trying to get her to sit and let me go first, it has been really tough and this girl is strong. She's a big time drag you across the floor type. Our cat, well that's another story. If she she's another cat or dog or even hears a dog she barks pretty aggressively. Just this morning I turned a YouTube video on that had a dog barking and she went nuts. I'm already planning on changing my schedule a bit to walk with her daily so that may help with the energy part we'll see. 

 So I'm all ears.

Cooking with Gabreial

How do you like that for a title? Sounds like I have my very own cooking show right? Well, a girl can dream can't she? So, I've been working on something new for my personal blog and have taken the plunge with the first step today. Head over to Vintage Morning to see more!

By the way, I would love to know what you think. My photography is extremely novice at best.

Hallmark Magazine Folds after 3 Years and 16 Issues

Another one bites the dust. I had to post this, I know our contributing editor Jerusalem Greer includes a lot of Hallmark Magazine inspirations on her blog, I know she'll be sad that Hallmark Magazine has folded.

According to their website they are very sad about the publication ceasing. I know there are a lot of fans out there that loved it. I liked to flip through the pages at the market, but I never did get a subscription.

What will you miss about Hallmark Magazine?

Shabby Chic Files Chapter 11

I heard the news swirling yesterday, but didn't quite have the confirmation as I do today. It's sadly noted that the famous Shabby Chic© by Rachel Ashwell has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection. I know many of our readers are huge fans of Rachel Ashwell and her concept/style Shabby Chic, it has been become what Kleenex is to tissue, a household name.

 It sounds like some of the stores will be closing from Rachel Ashwell's blog  "If you see a store closing it is not because we didn't try, or love the neighbourhood. We just have to focus our energies and resources to gain our strength back and take care of our customers through remaining store locations."

I have to give credit to Rachel, as her books were my inspiration for my new found love for white washed, pinks, florals and a mixed match view of what beautiful is. I found warmth in her style and it felt like home. I've recently purchased a beautiful shower curtain from Target that was from her Simply Shabby Chic line and I absolutely love it. I can only hope that this turns out for the better.

UPDATE: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

Do you remember this post a little while back? "

What's going on you ask? If you haven't already heard the buzz around the net then you are in for some SHOCK?

{ What is the CPSIA?}" 

Here is the latest from the CPSC website:

" WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements."

The best part , "The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA."

Visit this release from the CPSC website for full details.

Domino Magazine Folds - Who's Next?

If you haven't already heard, it is with a heavy heart that I tell you, one of my favorite publications, actually my number one favorite Domino has folded. Honestly it's the only one I've kept my subscription for, for a long time.

(image from Domino Magazine)
I'm sure you've also heard of many others folding like Country Home, O at Home, Cottage Living and Home Companion just to name a few of the vanishing publications.

What do you think of all of this?
I will miss my Domino fix, it's a good thing we still have our internet & blogs! Where will you seek your Domino/ (insert other magazine here) void?