gold country girls

A Visit To The Cheesecake Factory

2012-01-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here with food again!!!
My good friend gave me a Gift Card for Christmas to the Cheesecake Factory. I don't live near one, so when I went back to visit her in Novato, I decided to use it for her and I to go to Lunch, she quickly agreed.

She had the Chopped Salad, no chicken, extra avocado.

I had a Chicken Salad Sandwich, salad and cup of chicken tortilla soup.
They were all delicious!!

The decor inside was beautiful!!!

Close up of the ceiling.

Of course we had to have cheesecake, but took 1/2 of each piece home for later.
Hers was Chocolate Tuxedo Cream....

Mine was Kahlua Cocoa Coffee.....

The display to tempt you as you walk in or out the door...

We really enjoyed it all and I won't be back soon, because I'm starting on Weight Watchers - oh well....

Models From The 70's - Colleen Corby

2012-01-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

It's really difficult for me to pick a favorite among the models I have been featuring in this series, but if I were pressed to do so, it might just have to be Colleen Corby. LOVE her.
From 1962:
1965:

An ad for Bobbie Brooks, 1969:
1971:
From Sears catalog, 1968:
Gay Gibson advertisement, 1969:

And for Bobbie Brooks again:
(Most images are from my Seventeen Magazines.)
I have already decided that I will simply have to do another post featuring each of the models I've already written about previously.
Since I have found additional images of most of them, I feel the need to share them with you!
I'll work on it.

Finds in Green And Blue

2012-01-26T05:41:00.000-08:00

Some of my nicest thrift store finds recently have been green and/or blue. Like the pretty vintage tea towel or runner, above. (I already had the blue pitcher, but they look nice together, don't they?).
I was happily surprised to find this vintage Cannon sheet, in one of my favorite patterns ever:
I have written about that pattern and it's pretty color combination before, and have also shown you this 70's advertisement:
The sheet I found doesn't even look like it was ever used, and it's a queen size flat - we may just use it on our bed this spring!
I also found this great shirt:
Isn't it a lovely floral fabric? I was SO happy when tried it on , and it fit!
This little dear, below, was an Etsy purchase from Beth. I love it:
And I also found three nice vintage linen napkins in another fabulous color combination:

Pretty stuff.

Confession: I am in love with my Screen Doors!

2012-01-25T06:13:00.000-08:00

Good morning. Tina here.

I love my screen doors. I can't help myself. I take pictures of them like they were a member of my family, one of my animals, or important historical places of interest.
I have at least a hundred pictures of them, and that doesn't count the front screen door's first life in Diamond Springs, when I even painted it for an art class. But that is a whole story of its own, how I came to get my screen doors. I will save that for another post. Today I just want to admire them.

I designed the screen door on the front from some of my favorite gingerbread accents. I wanted it simple yet very old fashioned looking.

Over the years they have received some boo-boos. The cats (well, actually just Ishi...) have climbed the screens, so there are little holes in trails up and down, but flies are too big to get through them.

One day our Corgi, Robbi must have been bored, and he wanted to come inside, and he chewed the gingerbread trim a bit on the screen door which leads to the deck. It isn't too bad, but it is not a good look. But it is realistic... Let's face it, animals are hard on a home.

I like the satisfying SLAM! when you are coming in the house in a hurry and forget to catch the door. It echoes down the river canyon, perhaps they can hear it in Coloma.

I like the way the two screen doors are directly across from each other in the living room, so when they are open the air can just flow through. It smells so good and the room gets freshened up in no time.

I like the way they look like they are really old, and they compliment our home and make it look like it is really old too.

I like the way the door can be open, yet not open. A neighbor can peek through and yell, "Yoohoo, anyone home?", but they know someone is home, because the door is open!

I can't help it, I just love them.

Excuse me, I need to go take more pictures.

Sushi

2012-01-24T05:44:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here with a Sushi confession:
I was introduced to Sushi while visiting my daughter in about 2004 while near San Diego.
They had a favorite place they wanted me to try. I think I had only had it once before in about 1996 when DD's then boyfriend made some for us at our house. I don't think I was that impressed. The restaurant near San Diego, in Chula Vista, was Yokozunas,[which I see has now changed to Yokoz and from the reviews may have changed a lot!!!!] Sushi Bar, and there began my obsession with it!!! I thought it was wonderful!!!!
Back near home, in Fair Oaks, we have a great place to eat sushi at Mikuni's. On rare occasions we get to eat there.
Now, there is a great sushi Restaurant in Placerville called Amerikan Ichi. It rivals the other two and we are very happy to have them close by.
I took my son and his girlfriend there to celebrate their December birthdays recently.
Here is a photo of the two rolls I ordered, I don't remember the names, just that they were delicious!!!!
Of course, I am not a Sushi connoisseur, I just like what I like!!!!

This is the decor on the end of my plate, only had my cell phone for a photo.

My son and his girlfriend had the 'all you can eat' and this was their rack full. I didn't get very good photos, they looked so beautiful. It is almost an art form.

Oh, it was so good, I took home a little leftovers for the next day, yummmmmmmmmm!!!!!

No, No, Nanette

2012-01-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

I found this great souvenir theater program from a production of "No, No, Nanette" at a thrift store in Folsom:
I love the fabulous art deco styling! This production was presented in Washington in the 70's. Don Ameche, Evelyn Keyes (from "Gone With The Wind" and Ann B. Davis were members of the cast.
The program cover is so gorgeous that I promptly placed it into a frame and hung it on the wall.

The smaller, regular hand-out program was still inside, as well.
I only have a couple of pieces of sheet music from this musical.
"Tea For Two" is probably the best-known number from this musical comedy. (You know it, don't you?)

"I Want To Be Happy" would be the other most popular tune:

"I want to be happy, but I won't be happy till I make you happy, too.
Life's really worth living, when we are mirth-giving, why can't I give some to you?"
Here's wishing you happy times and mirth today!

A Football Post

2012-01-22T05:47:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here with a football post on a big game Sunday:
I have enjoyed football for a long time. It probably goes back to high school where I was on the Cheer Squad and had a boyfriend who played. You needed to understand the game to know when to sound off the correct cheer.
Then, years later, my son was involved for 8 years, 4 years on a Jr. team and then another 4 years in high school, at my same alma mater.
I really still enjoy watching a game.
In 2003, my son's Senior year of school, he was turning 18 at the end of his last football season. He really liked the Raiders, so we bought tickets to a game for his birthday. The plan was for all of our family to go together. I had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer right before and after 3 chemo treatments, became too ill to make the trip. My daughter's boyfriend went in my place. I am cancer free now, but always was sorry to have missed the game.
This last December, 8 years later, my son treated me to my first NFL Raiders game:

We drove to Concord and took the Bart,that was an experience!!

It takes you right to the Coliseum. Here is the overpass from the train, early in the day. We were early to tailgate party with his good friend who is a major Raiders Fan!!!

This is our little tailgate party set up:

Greg owns a lot of Raiders gear, he even works at a Raiders sports store.

Our food and drink table, Greg barbecued chicken wings, steaks and bacon wrapped scallops!!

I thought our seats were pretty good, and I enjoyed the Raiderettes halftime Jingle Bell show!!

They light a flame in honor of owner Al Davis:

An action shot of the game:

It really was a pretty good game and they were ahead for a while, then in the last minute, which happens a lot, they lost. Oh well, I had a great time. It was a sunny day. However, the Bay area has fog quite often and it was there that day and made it somewhat cold.

Of course, when you leave (everyone at the same time), the Bart overpass is quite crowded, however I thought we would have to wait much longer than we did, so I was impressed.

A long and tiring day but it was great fun!!!!

Barbie As The "Campus Sweetheart"

2012-01-21T05:39:00.000-08:00

After I bought the other two Hallmark Barbie (Well - Barbie and Ken) ornaments after Christmas, I went back and picked up this one, too:
By the time I got back to the Hallmark store, the ornaments were 60% off rather than 50%! Here's a photo from one of my Barbie books of a Barbie doll wearing the outfit ( not sure why she has the stole on, that was from "Enchanted Evening" - but it looks nice!)
And another photo - just the outfit, this time:

This one is for sale on eBay right now:

And here is a photo of my ornament:

So pretty!

A Couple of Disney Finds

2012-01-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

I have managed to find a couple of vintage Disney items recently at thrift stores. I find myself more willing to forgive imperfections or damage when the price is very low, so I had to bring this sweet little Alice figurine home, even though her thumb is missing. She's still cute - and besides, I never find these figurines (that were sold at the theme parks) at reasonable prices:

And I also found this "It's A Small World" musical jewelry box from Disneyland!

It is in pretty darned good shape, and - naturally - it plays "It's a Small World"!

I was very happy to bring it home and add it to my Disney collection.
And you KNOW how much I love "It's A Small World"!

Grauman's Egyptian Theater

2012-01-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

Apparently, movie premieres were quite the events back in the day, as they still are now. I have an old program from 1924, when The Thief Of Bagdad premiered at
Grauman's Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. You have no doubt heard of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater (with it's well-known movie star handprints and footprints in cement), but perhaps you are unfamiliar with the Egyptian Theater.
My lovely vintage program booklet has 28 pages, including advertisements and a wonderful design:

I cannot even imagine what it must have been like to attend a premiere back in 1924 of a movie starring Douglas Fairbanks!

Here are a couple more images of the Egyptian Theater from old postcards, but you can also click on the highlighted names to see more Google images, or to read more information about the theater from their website, or about the film on IMDB. IMDB shows that this movie premiered in March of that year, so either that is incorrect, or this date in July simply meant the date of it's premiere at THIS theater; I'm not sure which.

Thinking about old movies only serves to remind me how badly I want to see "The Artist", but I don't know if/when it will play here in my town. Sometimes the best movies of the year are never even shown in our theater - it's frustrating! I know it's playing in Sacramento, but I am not likely to be going there. Wish me luck!

Waiting at the Gate...

2012-01-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a post surgery appointment with my doctor, and I got some good news. In about a week I will be able to start walking AND driving! I will be out and about just like normal people! Well, almost, I will still have to go to physical therapy to get my muscles in gear... and I think I have forgotten how to stand up straight.

That means I will be outside more. So I will be able to enjoy our newest edition to our outside amenities, which my hubby added last weekend.
He has put in a gate and steps on the south side of the deck.

Now we can just open the gate and walk out to where the peonies grow, take a shortcut to the cherry tomatoes or to check to see if the cherokee rose is blooming yet.

Doesn't seem like much of a big deal, I guess. but before the gate, we had to go down the steps on the north side and walk all the way around the fence to get to the other side, OR go through the house and out the front door and down those steps.

He bought the gate at a local store, Clifton and Warren, which supplies feed and grain, fencing, and even baby chicks in spring. I have always liked these metal gates with the curlicues on the top.

The cats find the gate very interesting. They haven't tried to go under it yet, they just kind of stand there and look through it, somewhat surprised that they can see us.

The steps below are a combination of concrete and local rocks. They are a big improvement. Before there was just a path formed out of the red clay soil. Dusty and slippery in the summer, and slick and slimy in the winter (well, not this winter, not yet anyway...)

Out I will go to weed the little hill which will soon be covered with naked ladies (amaryllis belladonna) leaves popping out of the soil. Or I can use it as a shortcut to go out and pick daffodils. Oh, the possibilities!

It is a gateway to my return to a mobile life, it beckons to me, it is tempting me...

I can't wait to open it and walk through!

Models From The 70's - Joyce Walker

2012-01-17T07:20:00.000-08:00

My featured model in today's installment of my favorite models is the absolutely adorable and lovely Joyce Walker:

She has such a fresh and pretty face!
So cute in this smocked dress:
And in this ad for clothing from "Charlie's Girls":
On the cover of Seventeen magazine:
What a fabulous floral outfit, below! With shoes from Famolare:
Another cute ensemble:
And comfy red overalls - and I love those comic-strip shirts they're wearing:

(As always, photos are from vintage Seventeen magazines)

On Program

2012-01-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

I indulged a little too much over the holidays. Sweets have always been, and always will be, my downfall.
Just had more than I should have, that's all. Not a huge amount of damage was done, but I need to snap out of it. The holidays are over - oh, no - today's a holiday, isn't it? (Yes, indeed it is - today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Well, anyway - last night I made Baked Ziti With Turkey Sausage, a recipe from my most recent Weight Watchers Weekly booklet. Except I couldn't find whole wheat ziti, so I used rotini instead. Here it is, before baking, and before cheese:
And before baking, with cheese:

And after baking:
And before eating:
And, even with the addition of my salad dressing, my entire dinner was 10 Points Plus Values.
Yes, I'm back on track.

What's Penny Wearing? #60 Vintage Sweaters

2012-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

I think you'll agree that Penny certainly has the figure for sweaters! She looks much better in these first two ( mine since probably the 70's) than I ever did! Ravishing in a red cable knit turtleneck:
Not bad in this pretty blue (Fair Isle style?) pullover, either:
Plum-colored wool with angora - but I do believe the gorgeous scarf rather steals the show, here:
A feathery-fringed shawl collar in this soft and cozy 50's or 60's Orlon cardigan that belonged to my mother-in-law:

And I did show you this pretty green pullover that I found at a yard sale before, I think:
I paired it with a nice scarf I bought at a thrift shop, and you can see how pretty they are together a little bit better in this close-up:

They say the weather is going to get colder - all the more reason to layer on your sweaters, folks!
Stay warm!

Lucy Locket and Little Nanny Etticoat

2012-01-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

From one of my favorite Mother Goose books, The Original Volland Edition with illustrations by Frederick Richardson (reprinted in 1984) that I found recently at a thrift store.

Pillow Talk

2012-01-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

Do you remember my post about my Purple Paisley Counterpane back in October?
Well, I found another pillow at a thrift shop that fits right in with all of the others on the guest bed:

It coordinates so well with my other gorgeous embroidered pillow!

They look like they were made for each other.

Barbie Dress Up Day #17 For Love Of The Ornaments

2012-01-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

I was so happy that I was able to pick up some of the 2011 Hallmark ornaments after Christmas for 50% off! The only ones I collect are the ones with the vintage outfits on - I love them! So, for "Barbie Dress Up" today, I had to do the best I could - I don't have Ken's "Campus Hero" outfit, but I do have a blonde Ken (not the fuzzy-hair one, though!)

And I don't have the brunette bubble-cut Barbie, either, so I had to settle for a wig. I have the red suit, but it is looking pretty ragged. (Hey - I did the best I could!)

Here she is from one of the vintage booklets:
Since I don't have the real vintage clothes for him, here's a photo of Ken wearing the outfit instead - nice!
And here are two images of "Campus Hero" from the booklets, as well:
If only I owned more of the vintage clothes, I'd be more than happy to share them with you!

Too Much Time On My Hands

2012-01-11T05:59:00.000-08:00

Way too much...Almost four weeks ago I had total hip replacement surgery on my right hip.

I can only put 3o lbs. of weight on that side. I don't do a lot of walking. We have a two story home so the living room has become my bedroom until I can do the stairs.

The kittles have grown used to me snuggled in my barkcloth patchwork covered bed in front of the TV. Luna likes to lay directly on top of me.

Ishi still likes his perch on the loveseat, but he too joins us on the bed.

It is a small bed, a trundle from under the guest room bed. So Chessie and Ishi have to put away their differences and get along to fit in.

They will do anything to be able to be close to Mom.

Chessie's favorite place is up close to the pillows that prop me against the wall for optimum TV viewing and book reading.

Ishi will plop himself down wherever he feels like it.
So if you have some time to spare, come cool your heels with us. We will be hanging around here for about another month.

Ishi will scootch over a bit and make room for you, honest!

More Peter Max - Life Magazine Sept. 1969

2012-01-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

I finally got my hands on a copy of this magazine. I had wanted one forever.
Peter Max on the cover, and a great article about him inside:

Because any day that I find ANYTHING that is vintage Peter Max, that's a good day!

June In January

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

We have been having a pretty warm January here in the northern California foothills.
Now, I do not mean to be complaining about nice weather - but it IS winter, and it's supposed to be colder than this.
We need rain badly, and the ski resorts in the mountains could sure use some of this:

The resorts are used to being open from Thanksgiving on, and there is , like - no snow.
I really do feel bad for them. I do not relish the idea of needing to drive to work in snow, but, higher up? Yes, they sure could use it. I'm just sayin'......

A Neat Find

2012-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I found this great vintage hand-painted tooled leather hair barrette with the image of a Native American Chief at a thrift shop last week:

I like it a LOT.

River Road

2012-01-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

I found this beautiful poem in an old book from a thrift shop:
River Road, by Edythe Hope Genee

Here autumn's touch has stirred the copper beech
To bright vermilion; in the sluggish marsh
Tall cattails turn to gold just out of reach;
The plover crowds her brood in the harsh
Wild meadow grass along the river's edge.
The road runs far beside the solid stream
Where crumbling ferns upon each rocky ledge
Bear evidence of summer's sultry theme.

But you could not hear the river's serenade,
Catching it's echo from a warm white cloud
Or follow autumn's red and gold parade
For the call of cities, siren-tall and proud.
You closed our tranquil forest episode
And left me with my song - the river road.

Now the snows have come, and frozen stars
Behold the mystery of fading spring;
Long blue shadows press against the bars
Of reeds that stem the river's wandering.
Here sleep the crimson petals of my song -
Here white unearthly silences will call
To waiting dreams that from this hour belong
To a lone white road when gentler winds will fall.

Spring will come again with soft green voicing
That echoes from the lonely winter snows,
And I shall greet again with wild rejoicing
Each resurrected bud that spring bestows.
Yet - some will never bloom beyond my yearning,
Some vagrant songs will never be returning.

To close this post, I have chosen this lovely photo of Tina's - they live on what can certainly be called a "river road", with their home overlooking glorious views like this one of the American River winding below:

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Old Maid

2012-01-06T05:55:00.000-08:00

Sis Lori just sharing cards from an Old Maid Game I found at a thrift shop recently, thought they were great fun!

It's too hard to pick a favorite, I love them all!

What's Penny Wearing? #59 Let's Call Her Penny Pendleton

2012-01-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

I found a pretty, tweedy vintage Pendleton suit jacket at one of my favorite thrift shops.
I realize the camouflage-look scarf may be an odd choice with this, but, somehow, when paired with the black skirt (which was all I had to put on Penny with it!), I think it kind of works.

Pretty Portland Pendleton on Penny - I love it!

The Third Sister

2012-01-04T05:35:00.000-08:00

Back on December 8th, a couple of you commented that surely there must be a third sister to complete the reunion of my lovely ladies.
I am happy to report that, at long last, we have found her!
Here they are, the three of them; so happy together just like the Gold Country Girls.

Thank goodness for genealogical searches, yes?

Rudi Gernreich

2012-01-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

Rudi Gernreich (1922-1985) was a very well-known designer, especially in the 60's. Click on his name to view numerous images of him, and of his designs. My friend Faith sent me this pattern last year, and it made me remember some of his iconic work. The pattern is dated 1967:

I found another image in a magazine, and the model featured on both is Peggy Moffitt.

This video from YouTube is fun to look at, featuring model Peggy Moffitt and others in Rudi Gernreich designs:

Just another little blast from the past for your enjoyment - if you like fashion design, that is.

The Sweetest Illustrations

2012-01-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sis Lori here:
I found this book at a thrift store, and as you can see in the last photo it is pretty thrashed, scribbled in, torn pages, etc.
Some of the images are pristine, though, so I think I may frame them.
"Children from the Bible" illustrated by Priscilla Pointer, circa 1940:

So very sweet; I just wanted to share them.

The Tournament Of Roses Parade, Circa 1954

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was searching for something else in my vintage magazines when I came across this article in National Geographic Magazine about The Tournament Of Roses Parade. What a perfect post for New Year's Day!
The theme that year was Famous Books In Flowers, and the photos were taken by B. Anthony Stewart and J. Baylor Roberts, who also penned the accompanying article. As you can see, "Alice In Wonderland" and "Bambi" were two of the books featured. Bambi won The Mayor's Trophy:
Another beautiful float, below, featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The article states that the cost of the floats ranged between $3000 and $20,000. Gee, I wonder how much they cost these days?
Do you see which company sponsored that one? My favorite candy company - See's! Now, you know me - if I can fit See's into a post anywhere at all, I am likely to do so - but this time it was purely by accident!
Clydesdales pulled this one with a trolley commemorating the 50th anniversary of the World's Fair in St. Louis:

And the one and only Roy Rogers:

Last year, I found myself terribly disappointed in the Rose Parade coverage on one of the networks. It wasn't parade coverage, it was a prolonged and glorified commercial for that network's TV shows , so blatant it was ridiculous, and with precious little actual descriptive commentary about the entries. In fact, Paula Deen was the Grand Marshall, and I never saw her at all. I think I must have blinked and missed her. This year, I can't even find it in the TV listings!
Another tradition gone.
Happy New Year, everyone, and here's wishing you many of life's blessings in 2012!!
( Edited 7:15 am New Year's Day to add: I had no idea that it was tomorrow instead! How dumb am I? Thank you, Paul - I guess I do remember this whole Sunday circumstance thing from past years, now that you mention it, but I had completely forgotten! Odder still, I had never heard it mentioned in the news media before turning on the TV this morning. Where have I been? Busy, I guess. Geez. I guess I may be able to watch some of it tomorrow before I go to work. Thank you! )

Maybe Just A Few This Time...

2011-12-31T06:01:00.000-08:00

I've never been much of a resolution maker. If I did make any, I probably didn't ever keep them. So, I figured: Why set yourself up for failure? But as this year comes to a close, I seem to have changed my mind about it.
I decided I will go ahead and make just a few resolutions this time.
But I am going to be realistic about it.
Let's make some that we truly believe we can keep this time.
Because, after all - it's about time.

So I am not going to say "Get organized.".
Sounds too daunting. So I will instead resolve to:
1. Work on organizing my life.
This encompasses many different aspects, not the least of which will include tackling my mess of a desk, and also going through STUFF and purging, donating, selling, etc. Yes, I believe I can do that.
I am also NOT going to say "Exercise every day." I will, however, resolve to:
2. Move more.
I want to do it; I need to do it, and I think I can - and will - do it.
I am also NOT going to resolve to go on a diet. Because I am already a Weight Watchers member, and this will continue as an ongoing process. I do not need a resolution for this. I am living it, and I will not give up, even if I do have setbacks now and then.

My final resolution is by no means less important than the other two. Rather, it is probably the MOST important of the three.
3. I will MAKE more time to spend with family and friends.
I feel that this is necessary and desirable for SO many reasons. I NEED this. Badly. And I am going to make it happen.
If you read this blog with any regularity, you know that I seldom write personal posts like this. If you have managed to read this far without your interest waning, I thank you.

And a very Happy New Year's Eve to you!

One Bowl Breakfast

2011-12-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

Nonfat yogurt, pomegranate arils, and some high fiber cereal.
Dairy, protein, fruit, fiber, antioxidants.
It's quick, it tastes yummy, and it's good for me.
I like it.

What's Penny Wearing? #58 A "Thrifted" Tunic

2011-12-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

I found this tunic/blouse at the Hospice Thrift store in Angel's Camp. It was more than I normally like to pay for clothing, but after I tried it on, and it fit - I decided I needed to add it to my wardrobe. Made in Indonesia of my favorite wearable fabric, rayon, and it even has pockets, which I love:
Tina suggested that it might look nice with a long skirt, and I realized that I did, indeed have one that might pair well with it.
The skirt, (of rayon, as well) from Sacred Threads, was also a thrift store purchase quite a few years ago. I DO like them together, but I can also wear the top with leggings.

I do truly love it when I find thrifty clothing that I can actually wear!
Recycling at it's very best.

Farewell , Mr. Kullijian

2011-12-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

I was sorry to hear that Carol Channing's husband, Harold Kullijian
passed away on Monday. I had become accustomed to reading about them fairly often in The Modesto Bee, and I was fascinated by their story, having found love again when they reunited late in life.
Thinking of you and your family today, with great love and respect, Ms. Channing.

Don't Need Kodachrome, But.....

2011-12-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

"I got a Nikon camera"!
I have wanted a different digital camera of my very own for a while now, just something more portable, small and lightweight than the one we've been using. I am absolutely not a photographer, by any stretch of the imagination, but...

"I love to take a photograph", and with my new camera, a Christmas gift from my husband, and this "Photo Studio" set-up...

...from my stepson and his wife - the ones who got married back in May of 2010, I am hoping that I may be able to manage better photos in the future.
As soon as I learn how to use them, anyhow!
Kodachrome - it was fun while it lasted......

(Sorry, Kodak.)

Beautiful Bracelet Of Bling

2011-12-26T06:03:00.000-08:00

I was unbelievably lucky and recently won a fabulous giveaway from the lovely Lisa over at A Thing For Roses.
This beautiful bracelet she made was my prize!

Isn't it gorgeous?

And, as if that wasn't enough, she also sent along this lovely ornament:
I feel very lucky, indeed.
Thank you, Lisa!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

We (Gold Country Girls) wish you all a very merry Christmas!
Just sharing some little glimpses of Christmas around the house, with some of my newest Christmas finds, along with some I simply have never shown you before - like this bejeweled Christmas tree that Tina gave me a few years ago - I LOVE it!
The dear little angel ornament below was a recent find, shown with a beautiful vintage Christmas card:

You've seen him before, but this ceramic Santa with reindeer is one of my favorite things. Behind him is a treasured family item - our Christmas tree hand-painted tray:
The big Santa was a lucky find I shared recently, and I loved the vintage ornament/spike spray combo inside the deer planter so much last year that it HAD to go in there again:
Hey - even my Cool Cat had to grab a piece of that Christmas action!
Have a Groovy and Golden Holiday!

Snuggle Up In A Nice Warm Robe

2011-12-24T05:44:00.000-08:00

This lovely lady has the right idea, a nice warm robe in red for Christmas:

These robes would have made nice gifts back in 1950, from Family Circle Magazine:

The next four pictures are from an I. Magnin catalog. There isn't a date, but I'm guessing maybe late 60's or early 70's?. The first gorgeous robe was priced at $180! Wow. "White rayon gabardine yoked and scrolled with rayon velvet. Designed by Rizkallah for Malcolm Starr International". Fancy:
I actually received a red velour robe very similar to the one below back in the mid 70's. I loved it. I also got a red and white candy-cane-striped flannel nightgown and some red furry slippers to go with it. I was all set! The one below, by "Bill Tice for Royal" $60:

"Snuggle her into a deep pile robe of Orlon acrylic/cotton lined with nylon. In Orange Sherbet. From Kamore". This one would have only set you back $50:

These matching quilted robes and gowns for mothers and their daughters were much less expensive, running only from nine to 23 dollars, from Loungees:

I decided this white-as-snow chenille zip-up robe I found earlier this month at a thrift store would be just perfect for my (I'm-only-dreaming-of-a-White) Christmas morning tomorrow. And it didn't cost me anywhere near as much as any of those!

Cozy comfort...perfect, with the addition of a little Christmas tree:

Please sleep tight and have a Silent Night on this Christmas Eve!

Fa La La La Finds

2011-12-23T05:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here! And I have been baking and wrapping - but there's still time to show you my Christmas thrift finds from last week. I was ecstatic (really!) when I found this vintage Holt Howard Santa candle holder! He was in a really weird place at the bottom of a box of unattractive linens on the floor in a corner. It did occur to me that perhaps he had been hidden there on purpose. For me to find, apparently. Thank you very much:

In the same thrift shop, I found Vera Christmas napkins, too - seven of them:

I have mentioned before that I do love me some sequins and beads! I found an apple and a pear:
And a golden beaded "Sputnik" style ornament:
The little vintage angel, front and center, below was in a mess of funky Christmas ornaments - sometimes you have to dig deep to find the real treasures. For one quarter, I brought her home to join her friends who were already on display in the cabinet behind her. I have aspecial fondness for these silvery plastic angels:

Well, I still have more baking (of all of the things I have no business eating!) to do.
Hope you enjoyed seeing my finds!

And The Choir Of Angels Sing

2011-12-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

I decided I wanted to try and group all of my beautiful angels together this year.
There's no outlet in our foyer, so I can't ever have anything lighted in this area. But some of my angels are candle holders, so when their candles are lit, they will reflect in the mirror above.
The matching ones in the red, green and blue gowns on the left were found by my friend Jamie - she got them because she knew I would want them! She's nice like that.
I got these three little golden ones, below all at different times - but they definitely belonged together:
Another trio, below, that were purchased earlier this year at a thrift store in Angels Camp that, sadly, has closed:
And this last one, with her little harp, was given to me by Lori. Isn't she sweet? ( Yes - Lori and the angel, both.)

Sing, Angels, Sing!

A Good Day For Snowmen

2011-12-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

It was a good day for vintage snowmen at the thrift stores last week. I found this little guy, below. His hat is broken, but Lori just happened to have some little snowman hats, so she gave me one, and I will be able fix him right up up:
This little man is awfully cute, as well:
And look at the cheeky little grin on this one's face! He is a vintage candy container; his little belly opens up to hold goodies.
He looks like rather a sly little devil, doesn't he? "Want some candy, little girl?"
And I also found these two little Gurley snowman candles:

So long for now!

Betsy McCall Bakes

2011-12-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

Now, come on - it doesn't get much cuter than this! Betsy McCall is baking her very own Ginger Cut-Out Cookies:

The photos are from the McCall's Cookie Collection book, shown below, which was published in 1972. (Acknowledgement for the photos is given inside the book; Photos by Horn/Griner):

You know, I'm afraid that I may very well have set an impossible goal for myself with this posting every single day business. I still have so much more to do before Christmas, and I don't have Betsy to help me in the kitchen!
Those gingerbread cookies aren't exactly going to bake themselves, so I had best get busy....

Angel Watch

2011-12-19T05:52:00.001-08:00

May the Christmas Angels watch over you.

Vintage Christmas Music Books

2011-12-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

I love my Christmas music books. Some of them are the very same ones we had back when we took piano lessons. I found some of them at thrift shops:

We definitely had this one:

We had this one, too:
Even if I already have a copy, I can't resist picking these up when I see them!
We three girls have many sweet memories of our piano teacher, Mrs. Mary Domingues, and our Christmas Piano Recitals, so many years ago.

"Let Us Have Music For Christmas".
Yes, let's!

A Few More Finds

2011-12-17T05:49:00.000-08:00

Some more finds for Christmas - some from thrift stores - others were found here in the house (yes - again!). Below, a pretty snowflake table runner, a vintage Christmas card box, and a Peanuts Christmas book:

I found these in the basement; made to put in your windows, they are large plastic stained glass "windows", dated 1965. I decided they'd look kind of pretty in our front windows:
Another vintage Christmas tin, and two VERY nice, sturdy copper cookie cutters. I don't believe I had a candle-shaped cutter, and ornaments are always fun to decorate:
These other cutters were in the same bag - like I need more cookie cutters. Still - they're nice shapes, and these simple plastic types are very user-friendly:

A nice vintage Mrs. Claus candle holder - she's a cutie:
Ornaments - I'm a total sucker for striped and stenciled ones:
This little guy is missing his friend with the "EL" - I'll just pretend he's a "naughty" little elf who says "No" all the time:

I found four boxes of these vintage ornaments down in the basement, too:

And these unused vintage ornaments picks were at the thrift store:

I wish I had found some of these things in time to try and sell them beofre Christmas!
Oh, well.

A Very Important Part Of The Holidays

2011-12-16T05:51:00.000-08:00

V. I. P. - Very Important Part of the holidays, in our house. You recognize it, don't you?
Yes, of course - See's Candies. (You could read it through the wrapping paper, right? Helpful Holiday Hint from Heidi: Do NOT wrap gifts in paper you can see through! I'm just sayin'...)
I like to take it out of the box and put it in one of my tins that I have saved for years.

Absolute and total yum.
Best.
Chocolates.
Ever.

Betsey Clark Love

2011-12-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here:
Just sharing some sweet images from Betsey Clark items I have found at thrift stores.
She was popular back in the 70's and I loved everything with her artwork on it!!
Here are 2 sweet small photo albums which sold quickly on Etsy:

A cute picture plaque:

And these are large postcards from Hallmark:

I just love her artwork!

Christmas in Solvang

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning. Tina here, finally. I seem to have finally figured out how to fix my glitch in my posting get-a-long.

I am going to share some photos of my trip very early this month to Solvang, California.
Starting with one of the lovely windmills. This was one of the first sights we saw as we entered this wonderful town from the highway from Santa Inez.

There were lots of visitors, as it was a special weekend, with a parade planned on Saturday morning and I am sure lots of other special events going on.

Decorations everywhere!
The artist in me (and in my traveling companion Karen) enjoyed this colorfully decorated tree.
Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911 so this year is their centennial. 100 years of cute buildings, storks, and windmills. (Not to mention good things to eat... more on that later!)
As soon as you enter the city limits, you can tell this town is a little different.
Bakeries on every corner, curvy roofs, greenery everywhere.
Did I mention bakeries???
We couldn't wait to go to dinner at our favorite restaurant. We had been dreaming about it since we went there four years ago.
Bit O' Denmark. Originally built as a school in 1911, it became a restaurant in 1963.
I visited the buffet, feeling like royalty as I chose and pointed and Karen filled my plate so I could negotiate with my cane. Meatballs and gravy, my very favorite sweet red cabbage, macaroni and cheese... Heavenly.
We sat at a lovely copper-clad table at the window and looked back at the bar.
Through those portals under the window sat the buffet, stuffed with every kind of scandinavian food you can imagine.
I couldn't help myself, I had to have a beer. It was great, full-bodied and rich, just how I like it.
Guess what I chose for seconds? I have searched for a similiar cabbage recipe but haven't found it yet. A bit sweet, just the right consistency... one day I will find it.
We arrived at 4:30, still in time to get the buffet at the lunch price, and just in time to see the town at dusk and watch the Christmas lights come on all around us.
Once we were done we walked back to the car enjoying the sparkling lights and the moon.
The next morning we discovered the Christmas parade went right down the street next to our room at the motel, so we settled in to watch at eleven am.
It seemed like the entire community was in the parade, but I guess not, because some of them were here watching!
All the parade essentials were there: music and children.
Horses.
More children.
Marching men from many different organizations.
More horses and trolleys.
Bands.
Dogs. And more dogs. More dogs later. Seemed like so many dogs that Solvang must mean dogs in Danish, but it doesn't, it means "Sunny Fields".
Little trucks.
Old cars.
More old cars.
Lots of old cars.
At least ten entries had dogs.
This beautiful dog came up to the sidelines and Karen got to pet her. She said she was soft as silk.
Ladies and dogs.
Dogs and ladies.
Okay, enough about dogs, you get the idea!
More kids. These girls were among the many giving out candy.
The little boy in the striped shirt here with his family watched the parade next to us. He left with a bag of candy that could rival Halloween.
There were high school bands, church bands, middle-school bands.
This gentleman on his chopper sported a santa cap with horns. A senior viking.
A lovely old burgundy woody.
Ride 'em angels!
This former 4H All Star wouldn't leave out the Lucky Clover club. Cute name!
Just as we wondered how we would know it was over, here came the street sweeper.
After the parade, it was time for a break and a sit-down. We found a little restaurant which had really tempting scents wafting from the doors. Inside were shelves all along the ceiling with lighted Christmas houses.
On the walls were paintings of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. This one at our table was the Seven Swans. The sister rescues her brothers who were turned into swans by knitting sweaters for them, but doesn't finish the last one, so the seventh brother is left with a wing.
This restaurant is famous for it's Aebleskivers, yummy little buns with a raspberry sauce over.
Oops, forgot to take a before shot, but you can see from the after that they were pretty good!
The roof of the restaurant shows the fairy tale look.
I just love the curves and the bricks.
Next stop, Solvang Bakery. As we entered we were greeted by these lovely ladies singing Christmas carols. They were wonderful!
A musical treat as we selected our treats.
I had just recently seen this bakery in a made-for-tv Christmas movie and recognized it. It was surreal to be there with the carols and holiday shoppers just the next week.
I selected a lovely almond and apple bearclaw-type roll and a nice bun with lemon curd. And no, they were not Weight Watcher friendly!
As we left the couple in the middle-right met and hugged, and my heart just smiled.
Keep baking Solvang, keep adopting those dogs, keep decorating your many trees, and keep making that cabbage. We will be back!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

I have managed to find a number of particularly pretty Christmas cards this year. I prefer vintage cards to new, with few exceptions.
Like these bells:
The one below is lovely and sweet, with glitter!

I happen to love this "Love" Christmas card:

Another glittered example:

The artwork on this Hallmark Santa card, below was done by James D. Smith - look closely at his beard:

Wishing all of you special Christmas greetings as the day draws nearer.

Cool Crewel

2011-12-12T05:45:00.000-08:00

I found this lovely large crewel stitchery piece at one of our local thrift stores.

It features such a pretty assortment of cool blues and greens; I couldn't resist it!

Vintage Home Arts Needlecraft Magazine 1939

2011-12-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here:
I found this great magazine, below, at a thrift shop recently.

Patterns of fashions from back in the day:

They call these eight o'clock frocks for the bulwarks of society who get their husbands off well-fed in the morning:

And this was considered to be what one should wear to the Fair, as there were two important ones in New York and San Francisco that year:

And the next ones were recommended for the dance floor, graduation dress, party frock, or at a dinner table.

I like them all, let's go back to that era!!!!

What's Penny Wearing? #57 A Holiday Dress

2011-12-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

Today, Penny is wearing this simple, classic brown velvet dress I found at a thrift store for $3.99. I don't have a little black dress. How about a "Little Brown Dress"?

I have VERY few "dressy" clothes. It fit, and the price was right - so it works for me!
I found the knitted scarf at another thrift shop on the same day for fifty cents. That works, too. I even thought they looked nice together. I'm not sure whether you can see that there is metallic thread woven into the scarf to add a bit of sparkle:
And I can dress it up and change it up by adding a pretty vintage choker or collar:

And check out how nice it looks with my "thrifted" apron I showed you the other day!

I think it will be my Christmas dress.

Lovin' Those Vintage Apron Patterns

2011-12-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here with some vintage apron patterns. Mostly I pick them up at thrift stores for 20c to 50c. I think the first one is my most favorite!!

This one is my next favorite:

Apron patterns were big back in the day:

One has a 1946 date on it, another is from 50's I think.

Aren't they great? Some day I hope to make them all!

Reunited

2011-12-08T05:49:00.000-08:00

This sweet little lady arrived at my mailbox recently.
You see, she wanted and needed to be reunited with her long lost sister......
.....and, I mean - who was I to refuse them?
They needed to be together.
Yes, they did.

Models From The 70's - Mona Grant

2011-12-07T05:47:00.000-08:00

Today's model is blonde beauty Mona Grant. Talk about a gorgeous face!
here she is in a lovely peasant-style dress, from 1971:

The next four are all from the same year - 1970. In a hammock:
Chillin' on the beach:
Wearing a wig and a hat:
And in an advertisement for Born Blonde:

The green sweater she's wearing below happens to be by Betsey Johnson for Alley Cat - cute!

So pretty in blue, from '72:

And this is her, too, from the same year:

Just another one of my favorites - I loved looking at my magazines back then (as i still do now!) - the fashions, the makeup, room decor - all of it!
(All images are from my vintage Seventeen magazines.)

What is it, Cleo????

2011-12-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

Sis Lori here:
My cat Cleo (short for Cleopatra, Tina helped me name her), is mostly an indoor cat; she likes the comforts of home. I live near a busy street, but I have a nice little fenced yard.
She does love to go out on occasion and chew some grass, of course, and then come in and throw it up, but that's what cats do.
Here she is all settled into an open box:

One day, she was all attentive next to the fence and I could see something moving in the cracks.
So I peeked over this fence, not in good shape, I know:

And here was what she heard and saw, a cute fawn, all alone, settling down for a winter's nap. He heard me, look at those huge eyes and ears!!

Doesn't he blend in well? I sure hope he stays away from the road!

Another Blue Rooster - Even Better!

2011-12-05T05:40:00.000-08:00

Way back in 2007, when I first started my blog, I wrote a short post about One Blue Rooster, featuring a special card I had found here in the house.
Well, look who I have now to keep him company!

A spectacular stylized super-cool speckled blue glazed rooster, a very special gift from my friend Heidi.
Heidi, thank you so much - I LOVE him!

"Who you lookin' at??"

H Is For Heidi

2011-12-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

I saw this box, below, at a thrift store. I thought it looked interesting, simply because of the colors. Orange and olive green - looked like the 70's to me. Upon closer inspection, I saw that it contained a single rubber stamp, stamp pad, and small booklet. The stamp just happened to be my first initial.
My very own "GRAPHISTAMP", made by the Imprints Graphic Studio, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California in 1977. Artist: Susan Manchester.
The little accordion booklet inside shows the multitude of uses for your GRAPHISTAMP.
There were no other stamps there at the thrift store that day. No - just this one, just sitting there waiting for ME.

And I rather like it.

A Few More Finds For Christmas

2011-12-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

I found a few more things earlier this week - like these little beaded wreaths that can be used as ornaments or napkin rings, and a pretty embroidered hand towel:
A set of vintage ceramic "Noel" letter vases (from The House Of Zog; I love that!), still in their original box:

Little diorama ornaments:

Another great vintage apron for my collection:
And a bunch of that big soft fluffy yarn that is so great to use for gift wrapping:

These pompom trimmed napkins in a burnt orange color may not have looked particularly "Christmasy" upon first glance, but when paired with the cute tablecloth I found earlier this year at a yard sale, they look downright festive!
And I found another sweet little angel for my collection:
And when I was taking this picture, I broke one of her wings!
Very annoyed with myself......

Vintage Tell-A-Tale Books

2011-12-02T05:57:00.000-08:00

Sis Lori here with cute children's books. I keep finding these cute Whitman Tell-A-Tale Books. Some are in decent shape and others have been well read!!

"Rackety-Boom" is about an old blue truck and his travels around with the family.
Stuck in the mud:

Enjoying a picnic:

"The Big Whistle" is about Brian who discovered he could whistle quite loudly:

And trying to find out where that whistle might fit in:

"Where Timothy Lives" is the story of a horse who is trying to find a new place to live:

Inside the house was no good:

He decided the barn was the best place after all:

"The Night Before Christmas":

Isn't this living room just adorable!?

Santa with his load of toys:

The End - check out the cute little mouse in the corner!

Joan Walsh Anglund Children's Pages

2011-12-01T07:40:00.001-08:00

I've written before about the fact that I have saved magazine "tear-sheets" or pages (whatever you like to call them), for years and years. It is true that my love of magazines is threatening to take over our home. But, can you blame me - when I find adorable pages like these I am sharing today? Saved back in the 80's from Good Housekeeping magazine, the sweetest pages from Joan Walsh Anglund.

Found when I went through a box full of saved pages that has been in storage, like, forever.
Hope you enjoyed seeing them. They surely deserved to be saved, don't you agree?

Merry Jo-Ann

2011-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Our new Jo-Ann Fabric And Craft Store here in Sonora has been busy, busy, with so many great deals on our first three weekends, and shoppers (patiently) waiting in long lines to have their fabric cut, and to check out at the registers. I did a little shopping myself on one of my days off last week. I felt compelled to buy some of the fabulous Christmas fabrics, despite the fact that I have no real plans for them yet.
I am mostly attracted to the ones that have a vintage or retro look, but I waited too long to get the cutest Santa one, and it was gone. I chose this gorgeous ornament fabric:

And this pretty red and white design with a Nordic look:

(These fabrics are Trademarked, Designed and Produced Exclusively for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores).
I could not resist the one below, either - isn't it the CUTEST?
("Merry Main Street" The Alexander Henry Fabrics Collection, copyright 2009)
I have had my eye on this Martha Stewart Glitter Set, below, for a very long time. I simply couldn't afford to buy it at full price. but Jo-Ann will accept Michael's store coupons, as well as their own and others, and I had one for 50% off, so I finally "splurged" on my glitter!

I do wish I were getting to work more hours, but for now, I am just glad I have a job at all!

I only wish I could take pictures in the store and show you all of the fabulous stuff we have!
Guess you will just have to come on in!

Models From The 70's - Shelley Hack

2011-11-29T05:56:00.000-08:00

Today's featured model is the totally gorgeous Shelley Hack, seen here on the cover of Seventeen magazine:

And here she is in an advertisement for Chanel, from 1972. ( That sure looks like actor Richard Shoberg, who played Tom Cudahy on "All My Children", with her.)
And one for Bobbie Brooks clothing, also from '72:
A J.C. Penney advertisement featuring a pattern from McCall's:
Wearing a wool jumpsuit (cute! - and the cape worn by the other model is fabulous, isn't it?):

A fresh face for Noxzema Skin Cream:

In an ad for Ship 'n Shore, from 1973:

In a pretty dress of purple panne velvet, from 1970:

A Sun-In ad:

You may, of course, also remember that Shelley was played the character of Tiffany Welles in Charlie's Angels, back in 1979 and 1980.
She was also in the commercials for the "Charlie" fragrance (no relation!.)
Another lovely lady, and yet another of my favorites from the pages of my vintage Seventeen magazines.

More From The Thrift Shops

2011-11-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

Just a few more of my recent finds - including a little more Christmas:
A couple of Betty Crocker cookbooks:
A vintage tin; I had always hoped to find one with this pretty design on it!
More vintage patterns:
And some paint by number horse paintings:

This one has a little touch-up - providing I can match the paint! (Sing it with me now "Goodbye, Old Paint, I'm a' leavin' Cheyenne....". Does anybody else even remember that?)
A pretty polka-dotted tablecloth, crocheted pot holders, a recipe box, and a pretty pair of mugs:

It's always fun to discover little treasures!

Santa's Circus

2011-11-27T05:46:00.000-08:00

Sister Lori here: I went over to Heidi's for Thanksgiving, and while she was working on Black Friday, I ran around to a few of the thrift stores. I found the cutest book, "Santa's Circus, published in 1952.

It's really colorful, and has great illustrations:

Some of the pages even have the original little "extras" still attached, like the Lifeguard's "Lifesaver", below:

And the pencil, shown in the next illustration with "Doodle-The-Great", below:

Pretty darned cute!

What's Penny Wearing? #56 A Poncho From The Past

2011-11-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

I have had this sweater poncho since the late 1970's. I used to wear it a LOT.
It makes me happy that it is truly "back in style" these days - not that I mind wearing things that aren't - I tend to wear what I like and am not terribly interested in whether or not other people like it. But I guess it really is true what they say about if you keep something long enough, it will be back in style again! Funny.
My poncho was in storage, and I was happy to find it again. I even have the perfect color of long-sleeved tee to wear under it. The tie belt that came with it is missing, but a small belt will suffice for now.

As I said, I wore it all the time back then - it was definitely a favorite. And I swear still like it just as much!

Cool Stuff From My Friends

2011-11-25T05:45:00.000-08:00

My friend Jamie had some angels that she wanted to trade me for a Danish teak candle holder I had. I was thrilled to get them:
I feel so lucky that sometimes she will pick up something she sees at a thrift store, just because she knows I would want it! How nice is that? Among those items were this pillar candle holder for my growing collection that she found at Salvation Army (which just recently closed here in Sonora, by the way.):

And this glorious trio of angels she found recently in Pioneer:

And my friend Faith in Michigan sent me boxes full of stuff!
Included among the treasure trove was this pair of See's Candies vehicles, which happen to look pretty great displayed with my See's Barbies:

This pretty little clip-on lace piece that looks lovely at the neckline of this vintage sweater I found at a yard sale:
A gorgeous vintage barkcloth pillow cover:

She sent me a ton of vintage needlework and crafts books from the 70's and 80's, and a bunch of neat vintage patterns, too - like these:

Thank you so much to my girlfriends - I appreciate not only your friendship, but also your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Thanksgiving Greetings

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Greetings to you!

I'm raising my glass in a toast to all of you, with the grandest of Blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
And though I can't be there in person to sing it, I'll leave you with this little song:

Have a happy Turkey Day, from the Gold Country Girls.

It's Almost Time For Turkey On The Table

2011-11-23T05:42:00.000-08:00

Do we really have to wait one more day?
Oh, all right - then let's enjoy these yummy pictures until the big day comes, shall we?
From "Holiday Celebrations", a Williams-Sonoma cookbook:

From "Betty Crocker's Old-Fashioned Cookbook"

From a vintage magazine:

From "Better Homes And Gardens New Cook Book" (1965):

And from Better Homes And Gardens magazine, 1969:

Hungry yet?

Spirograph, 1967

2011-11-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

I remember how we loved playing with our Spirograph when we were kids. I was tickled to find one yesterday at one of our local thrift shops!
There are a few pieces missing, but I was so glad to find the original booklet still inside. As you can see, below, it used to belong to Steve:
But now it is MINE.

There were a few examples of Spirograph art inside, along with some extra paper:

I want to feel like a kid again.
I'm going to have fun playing with this!!

Baxter Black - From Out There

2011-11-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

Unless I have to be at work early, I generally get up when I feel like it. Sometimes, on Saturday mornings I wake up in time to catch Baxter Black at around 5:50 Am on the U.S. Farm Report. He will always bring either a tear to my eye, a smile to my face, or make me laugh out loud.

This wonderful cowboy poet is witty, funny and interesting, and he most assuredly has a way with words that simply can't be beat.
I think he's incredibly entertaining. It's almost enough to make me want to set the alarm every other Saturday!

Then And Now #84 Betty Crocker White Cake Mix

2011-11-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today's edition of "Then and Now" is yet another choice from Betty Crocker. This time it's White Cake, shown below as it looked in 1959:

And here's how the mix looked in 1967, along with a boxed frosting mix:

And in 1968, we had Betty Crocker White (vanilla-flavored) Frosting in a can:

And this is how the Betty Crocker White Cake mix looks today:

I kind of want to try making some of those cake balls, or cake pops on a stick. Don't white ones dipped in white chocolate and then topped with either crushed candy canes or green or red sprinkles sound good for Christmas?
They do to me!

Models From The 70's - Lucy Angle

2011-11-19T05:38:00.000-08:00

Lucy Angle obviously worked a LOT back in the 1960's and 70's - she was everywhere. Which is just fine with me, as hers is another absolutely beautiful face to look at. Here she is in an advertisement for Coty:

And for Sears, in 1969:
Also from '69, for Enkasheer pantyhose:

A Seventeen cover girl:
And another cover, for Modern Bride:
For Speidel, circa 1970:
Another from 1969:

And one more - this time from a 1968 Sears catalog:

Yes, she was certainly one busy young lady!

What's Penny Wearing? #55 Black And White And Thrifted

2011-11-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

Today, Penny is black and white and "thrifted" all over. The black tank under the shirt is from Chico's, purchased at a thrift store a while back. The white button-down shirt with black pin stripes was free on the clothes rack outside one of our newer thrift stores; it's from Esprit. Nothing wrong with it, except that it needed to be washed.
I can't get slacks on Penny, so I dressed it up with a simple black skirt instead - also thrifted.

The black and white bead necklace was in the jewelry lot my friend JoAnn gave me back in April.

Simple, classic, and cheap, er - I mean inexpensive!

Vintage Christmas Stocking Patterns, Revisited

2011-11-17T05:35:00.000-08:00

I wrote about vintage felt Christmas stockings in a post back in December of 2008. I mentioned then that there were a couple of patterns I wanted. I already had McCalls 1830, which dates from 1953:

And I was so happy to find this one very recently, Simplicity 1803, which is from 1956. I just received it in the mail the other day:

McCalls 2271, dating from 1957, is one that I had already:

And Lori gave me this one for my birthday! McCalls 2177, from 1958:

So, um - I'll keep you posted on whether or not I actually manage to make any of them!
(I wouldn't hold your breath, if I were you.)
But, we'll see.

Margarita(s) For Me, Please

2011-11-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

IF I order a cocktail when we go out to eat, usually it's a margarita that I want. Or maybe even two, if I'm really getting carried away.

I found this old box of margarita mix up in the back of a cupboard. No - I didn't use it - I threw it away after I scanned it for this post!
Quite honestly, I seldom drink anything at all besides water, but it's more about not wanting to spend my Weight Watcher Points Plus values on cocktails or wine - I'd rather save them for sweets. That's just how I roll.
And yet - I LOVE margaritas! But tequila and margarita mix last a very long time around here. When I do want to have one (or two), this is what I like:
Yes - the bottles are nearly empty - but you have no idea how long they've been around!
Even better yet, I'll have one of these little babies, below - it's all about portion control, you see:

Cute little Jose Cuervo Margarita Minis. We couldn't find these for a very long time, and I thought they had stopped making them. So when we found them again at the grocery store, we had to get them!
(So that they can sit around waiting for me to decide I am willing to use my Points Plus on one.)
As you can see, I have not enjoyed one, as of yet - and we got them quite awhile ago.
Like I told you - I just really don't drink.
But don't even get me started on the chocolate!
I'm just sayin'........

A Few Christmas Finds

2011-11-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

I found this Santa Claus cutie for only a dollar:

Assorted vintage cards and place cards:

This sweet felt and sequin banner for 35 cents:

And a cute little embroidered hobby horse ornament - not quite finished:

Oh - and one more thing: this Martha Stewart scrapbook paper was one of my purchases on opening day of Sonora's new Jo-Ann Fabric And Crafts store (because I had a 50% off coupon!.)

And also because we all "need a little Christmas".

Two More Neat Craft Books

2011-11-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

It seems I keep finding great craft books at thrift stores that are just too neat to pass up! Like "Introducing Patchwork" by Alice Timmins, from 1968:
With great patterns and photos inside:

And "The Applique Book" by Charlotte Patera, from 1974:
More great patterns and ideas inside of this one, and a color picture of nearly every one:

Since I am rather challenged (to say the least) in the fabric crafts department, these are probably destined for the shop.

My Favorite Recent Find

2011-11-13T05:47:00.000-08:00

"Food should be prepared with butter and love."
That's Paula Deen's motto, isn't it? If it's not, perhaps it should be.
Yes, indeed, it IS true that love and a little (or a lot of) butter can make some pretty tasty dishes.

Everything in moderation, that's what they say, after all.

What's Penny Wearing? #54 Vintage Shirt Of Swirls And Flowers

2011-11-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

Penny proudly presents this gorgeous thrift shop find, a swirly floral dream of a shirt in the season's favorite colors of aubergine and chartreuse, with other shades of purple, mossy green and brown thrown in for good measure.

I think it's Penny's new favorite fall blouse.
Aren't the colors and the design of the fabric fabulous?

To Honor Those Who Serve...

2011-11-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

The image you see above is the cover of the Standard Oil Bulletin, September 1918.
The cover, with artwork by Stanley McNeill was dedicated to "our boys" in the service. The bulletin listed inside all of the names of all of the Standard Oil Company of California employees who were, at that time, currently "in the military or naval service of the Government". Today we should all honor those men and women who are now serving, or who in the past have served our country as veterans. We celebrate and salute them.
And, speaking of celebrating veterans, can I even TELL you how excited I was for J.R. Martinez last Monday on Dancing With The Stars?! His great moves on the dance floor earned him perfect scores from all three judges for both of his dance numbers with partner Karina Smirnoff.

I was a longtime fan of All My Children, and therefore I was able to watch him from his very first appearance through to the end of the show's run on ABC. I am so enormously impressed with this young man and all he has been through and accomplished! I was so tickled for him when I watched DWTS on Monday night. Well done, J.R., well DONE!

Models From The 70's - Cheryl Tiegs

2011-11-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Our model for today: the gorgeous Cheryl Tiegs. In the first picture below from a Revlon advertisement, circa 1972:

For Bonne Bell, 1969:

Also from 1969, an ad for Rit dye:
On the cover of Glamour magazine:

For Cover Girl makeup :

And our "Cover Girl" again, from 1973:

Always glamourous, always gorgeous.

This Year's Thanksgiving Decorations

2011-11-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share these photos of our decorations for the season. It's always fund to add in my finds that have been "thrifted" over the past year.

Hope you are having a wonderful November, thus far!

Cookie Jar Cottage

2011-11-08T05:43:00.001-08:00

Look what I found at one of my favorite local thrift shops!! A cute ceramic cookie jar cottage. I couldn't believe it when I spotted it on a shelf. It was mixed in with Halloween stuff for some strange reason. It's definitely not a haunted house!

Just a few days later, as a very special surprise, Lori gave me the one she had found for my birthday! (She didn't know I had found one.) I was so happy to add them to my cottage collection. Now I have a pair, and they should be very happy as part of my village of little cottages. Thank you, Lori!
Now if I can just figure out where to display them!

The Latest Thrift Finds

2011-11-07T05:38:00.000-08:00

I found a pretty painted ceramic flower - a zinnia, I think?

A Mirro decorating set, just in time for the holidays:
A nice fabric panel (remnant) that I think will look lovely framed:
I was really surprised that they were only asking a dollar for this wooden three-tiered tidbit server, and the pair of turkeys make a nice addition to my collection:

And one more turkey, with some bowls and a plaid runner, should I happen to be in the mood for a red, blue and purple Thanksgiving!
A nice little enameled cast iron casserole, made in Belgium:

And a couple of items I could NOT buy, and was sorry to leave behind. I'd have been very happy to swap out one of our existing coffee tables and sofas for these two pieces:

Neither the sofa nor the table was perfect, but they were inexpensive enough that I could have lived with that fact!
Oh well - you can't always get what you want, right? At least I'm happy with the other things I found.

Seventeen Magazine: The Peter Max Edition

2011-11-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

The April 1969 issue of Seventeen magazine remains one of my favorites - because it features Peter Max artwork and products. (And yes, that's the adorable Bonnie Lysohir again on the cover and also on most of the pages.)
It features a layout with seven pages of the most fabulous array of Peter Max-designed stuff that was available at the time! Scarves, pillows, belts, mugs, notebooks:
Ties, separates and dresses:

More dresses and pantyhose:

More hosiery and an umbrella:
A Right Guard advertisement found elsewhere in the issue for the Funbrella:

A body stocking - and that's a starry sheet in the background:

And sweatshirts in a variety of colors:

See? I TOLD you it was fabulous!
Sure do wish I had some of that stuff now.......

Pickle Patch Deli

2011-11-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Jamie from Mid Century Madness treated me to a lovely day out for my birthday. We took a drive over to San Andreas and had lunch at the Pickle Patch Deli. I had never been there, and I knew I wanted to go after reading about it on her blog.
It's definitely my kind of place. I mean - these are the tables inside:
You know I love a nice old chrome dinette set - and put a vintage phone on top of each one? Even better!

But the weather was just perfect that day, so we chose to sit outside in the patio area rather than indoors:

I wish I had remembered to take pictures of our lunch! (Maybe next time.) I had a fabulous club sandwich, and she had a delicious salad.
Back to the inside: they make their decor even better by hanging these fabulous vintage mirror-framed Turner prints all over the walls!

Even the high chairs are vintage and cool:
And, leave it to me to take a picture of the cart in the bathroom, which I loved, as well:
The picture below, as well as the one of the flowers at the top of this post, were taken when we stopped briefly at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys on our way home:
Thanks again, Jamie! I thoroughly enjoyed the entire day, and especially the pleasure of your company.

Vintage Childrens Building Blocks

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sis Lori here today:
I found these vintage wooden blocks at a thrift shop a few years ago. The images are worn, but I thought they were worth sharing.
The vintage decals are on all four sides of each block, and each on is a little smaller than the last so they stack on one another.
First block:

And the next:

Another:

There were 2 more tiny ones, and the images on those are very small and more worn than the others.
I think these would be just precious displayed on a nursery shelf!

Models From The 70's - Bonnie Lysohir

2011-11-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today, I am featuring the absolutely adorable and beautiful Bonnie Lysohir in this, the latest edition of my posts on my favorite 1970's models.
Here's Bonnie in an ad for CornSilk powder, from 1973

Some of her Seventeen magazine covers:

In an advertisement for Yardley, 1972:

Seventeen's Make-It magazine:
Wearing a lovely smocked satin dress, from the pages of Seventeen:

An ad for Vicky Vaughn dresses:

Wearing a dress from Lanz Originals, here - from 1973:
And donning a pair of suede "micro-jeans":

It's funny, but when I look at these models that I admired when I read our Seventeen magazines all those years ago, I remember so many of the photos as if it were yesterday! I am too short to have ever been a model - not that I could have anyway - but it is definitely true that I wanted to be like them. I loved the clothes, the ads, everything!

My Vintage Crystal Prism Pendants

2011-11-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

Sister Lori here with the creative "mojo" coming out:
I took some of these supplies:

Added some vintage glass prisms and chain from lamps I purchased, and then I rearranged it all:

And turned it into prism pendants:

A couple of more views:

I was proud of myself,and I think I may just try some other creations soon!

The one you see below will be available at Mountain Treasures in Sonora:

Little Burlap Bag

2011-11-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

I found this little handmade, felt-embellished burlap bag at a yard sale.
It is in need of some little repairs, which I think I can handle. I may add a little something to it, as well.
I just love the lining fabric:

By coincidence, inside of a craft book I bought on the same day at a thrift shop, I found this picture:

No, they are not the same - but, I mean, how often do you really see handmade vintage burlap bags? Well, twice in one day as it happens - but only once in a blue moon for me.
I rather like my little bag, and I plan to use it some days this fall as my purse.
Because I think it's pretty darned cute.

A Halloween Card From Hallmark

2011-10-31T05:42:00.000-07:00

While it's true that I do prefer vintage cards over new, sometimes I see a new card and simply cannot resist it. I'm also a huge fan of the Hallmark company, and when I saw this great Halloween card, I had to have it:
The black background is glittery. I decided that rather than sending it to a friend, I need to keep it to add to my decorations every year.

May only the best things cross your path today.
And have a Happy Halloween!

"Jack-O'-Lantern" by Dorothy Aldis

2011-10-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

Just sharing this sweet little poem for Halloween - with the charming illustrations from a vintage book - for your enjoyment today:

Made you smile, too - didn't it?

Found: Fabulous Fabric

2011-10-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

I found a pair of these fantastic, funky, psychedelic, fluorescent, fabric remnants at a thrift store, and I just wanted to show them to you.

This fabric is as BRIGHT as it can possibly be, like some sort of a technicolor tie-dyed daydream.

Now, if that doesn't wake you up this morning, nothing will!
Have another cup of coffee.......

Pastels Were All The Rage

2011-10-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

For a time in the 70's, all I wanted were clothes that were pink, blue, light purple, light green and yellow. I loved the combinations of those colors in a soft, pretty plaid. Plaid skirts with soft sweaters? Perfect!
I had a yellow angora sweater vest that I absolutely loved in high school. (Yes, that is Susan Dey again on the left, below. These fashion layouts and ads are from my Seventeen magazines - of course.)
Pastel sweaters and a vest in color blocks and stripes are featured in the ad below. Now, I admit, I do NOT care for those polyester pants. Nope, I liked my Levi's, and I had some aqua corduroy bell bottoms that I loved. I remember wearing them to school, and to Friday night football games. I had pink sweaters and aqua sweaters. Like I said - that was all I wanted to wear!

I wore this striped fuzzy acrylic sweater with those aqua cords! I found it packed away in a box, and it inspired me to write this post:

And here is a pink and blue pastel hooded sweater that I also somehow managed to hold onto for all of these years:

Here's hoping you have a cozy, colorful, pastel, plaid, striped, warm and fuzzy fall.