Saturday, September 27, 2014

Useful plate racks

Morning Darlins,
Standing at the sink this morning I felt the first cool breeze of the season!
Ahhh Autumn might be here in SoCaL!

I love a kitchen displaying vintage or heirloom plates in a plate rack.
A charming way to add something useful and artistic.

When our collections get behind closed doors of a hutch.
 we aren't able to appreciate their beauty any time we wish.
Sooooo if there were no upper cabinets in our kitchens,
 I know we could get pretty creative with our dish ware!

Here are two styles we most often see. 










 Photos: Pinterest

What would your preference be? 
I would love your opinion on plate racks!

My Design tip: Plate racks are useful storage. Adding charm with dishware in a kitchen is very welcoming and makes a space feel cozy.

Hop over to my Satruday"Designing with Vintage" series at Second Shout Out blog. 
It's nesting time and there are some really cool vintage items in the shop for your home. 

Off to scout some western attire for a OC big western fundraiser event this evening!
Going to be fun...

Keep in touch with me on FB too!  Like us CLE 

A beautiful weekend to you!
xo,
me




Thursday, September 25, 2014

TBT * Favorite Hollywood Legend & me

Mornin Darlins,

Sort of...a quick story for TBT...

One of my favorite memories & biggest instinct lessons were validated on the same day during my career. 
Thats just two reasons why I hold this story close to my heart. I'll share a few key things!

In the industry theres print models and commercial models. 
Typically either - or. If your a duel threat..then you have happy agents!

At the time I was only doing print and for a couple years it seemed my agent had been trying to talk me into auditoning for commercials, T.V - film.  
I wanted to focus on what i was doing, not interested.

During a meeting with the agency the subject came up again.
Why can't I send you on auditons for commercials etc?
She said, I wouldn't be pushing you if I didn't believe in your abilities and think you would be successful.
  I layed it on the table.... Not sure where the nerve came from, but I'm always honest.

Pretty much went like this....
I am not interested in back ground work.
I will only go on spokes auditions or main characters!
Yes I was young, honestly said what was on my mind, probably a little overconfident you think!!
How could this really happen with out coaching or acting class!

Agreed, they would only send me on those auditions.
Long long story getting shorter..
 I was sent on an my first audition, I arrrived at my time late in the afternoon. I was on a booking all morning.
I was told to sign in, get in line.  
remember...this was my very first commercial Audtion!
Signing in.. 
Question on the sign in sheet, SAG member? Non Union? 
Thinking to myself what's that?
 I left everything blank, just put my name next to #1, 200 something! 
Went into the line, that stretched down the hall and out the building
In line a girl near me was changing shoes etc. She was running late from work. 
Where do you work? I asked.
She said I'm shooting a game show pilot, We shook hands, I introduced myself. 
She replied, my name is Vanna White! 
So you can fill in that part of her story!

Anyhoo...I went in, did the audition, Went fine.
Two more call backs over the next couple of weeks, On the third call back I signed in at #130!
That's a ton.
Soon after I got a call from my agent,
 she was so excited to tell me I booked the national commercial...


The national commercial spot was this for Anheuser Busch's new brand LA Beer.
Mr. George Burns and me!

Continuing...
I arrive at the location for the commercial.
Here's what I didn't know...

Why I was being separated from the other talent that was there... 
I was concerned, thinking I was going to be an extra.
How could this be... I was told, I got the part....
.....
I was taken to the set after hours of waiting, lunch,wardrobe, makeup etc.

They walked me over to introduce me to the legendary Mr. George Burns.
 We said Hello, shook hands and he said something charming!

Handing each of us some papers... 
Here are your sides, why don't you two go take a moment to look them over. Then we will do a read.
Hmmm.. side?
 Side of what? 
I looked down on the paper, it was printed Mr. Burns and Girl.  
I looked up, yep he's Mr. Burns and om-goodness I'm GIRL!!!

We shot the commercial very quick, only a few takes. The director was excited.
It went so well they asked I would do some stills with Mr. Burns for the Point of Purchase campaign!

It wasn't until we rapped shooting when everyone came over and congratulated me with my first national commercial and earning my SAG card!

I was thinking, hmmm.... how did they know? I was being so professional! 

There was a secret and everyone was in on it...

My agent, producers, crew and the execs from Anhesuser Busch including Mr. Burns 
knew....
this was my first commercial!

It was quite a moment! I wasn't sure to laugh or cry!

 Mr. Burns was such a delightful gentleman. It was purely an honor to meet him.
He shared a few tidbits of wisdom about the industry with me, that day.
A few years later, our paths crossed once again.
 I auditioned and booked a SDGE commercial with him.

I arrived on the set,
He looked at me and said...
Hey gorgeous, haven't we met?
I said yes Mr. Burns, we have. 
He said, yes dear I remember....we did a commercial together and it was your first commercial!
So surprised he remembered! 
I was grateful for this opportunity to work beside such a legend.

Everyone has to start somewhere, their kindness and patience were so appreciated. 
Most important is what I came away with and what I learned that day about myself was so powerful...

 At the top of the page in my book of Fav's.


A beautiful day to you!
Happy Throw-back Thursday!

xo,
me



Saturday, September 20, 2014

DIY Repurposing

Morning Darlins,
Something about Autumn has us nesting about, 
getting cozy 
&
 preparing for more entertaining at home.

Thoughts wonder a little... about gifting & the holidays.

Opting to use things we already have in  a new way is very eco friendly.
It's cool to find a new purpose for something vintage. 
We are loving something all over again in a creative new way.



We love candles...
Turning vintage oil cans upside down, setting vintage cheese graters over a lit candle are a couple of ways to see a pretty glow indoors or out.
{The cheese grater would work well with battery operated twinkle lights or candles}




Vintage sweaters...

Made from cable knits, cashmere, cotton, wool etc. 
Easy to craft one of a kind pillows from the body, 
use the cuffs & waist bands to slip onto cups, candles, 
the sleeves for bottles & vases.
Add vintage embelishments & you have something truly special for your space or to gift.

Use that vintage sweater your grandma gave you that you can't part with, enjoy it repurposed.
Gifting a piece of it to a family member keeps it in the family!
Or buy that vintage one you've been eyeing, but it's not really your size!


Vintage equestrian...
Repurposing this as a towel bar for a guest bath
 or
 a bar towel would be unique & memorable!


A wood wire spool...
A cool vintage find. 
I actually have one our electrician gave me years ago!

Wondering how to repurpose it?
This is a piece that needs to be moveable, it's heavy & awkward.
Installing 3 industrial wheels would be perfect.
Adding a cushion constructed from vintage grain sacks  would be awesome.
Raising it on legs would work well for small bar table pared with vintge stools.

My Design tip: Think about vintage pieces with new ideas for uses. Be creative, if something has a story hang on to it. You will find a way to enjoy it a second time around.

Click over to Saturday's "Designing with Vintage" series & shop for vintage items for your Autumn spaces.

A beautiful Autumn day to you
Sweet of you for sharing your time & latte with me!
xo

Photos: Pinterest





Thursday, September 18, 2014

My throw back found for sale online!

Morning Darlins,

I decided I should participate every now & then to throw back Thursday!
Looking through some archives...
 I thought that my ST. PAULI GIRL would be fun to share...
It was my first spokesmodel audtion for a large campaign.

They were interviewing all over the country, tens of thousands of hopefuls each year.
 I had never heard of it! 
There is a fun story that goes along with this, but I'm in a hurry so will tell it some other time!

Long story short, the casting agency took a poloroid of me in the outfit to show how I would look...
 sent to New York
&
the rest is history...
I was excited they booked me and my agency was super excited!


Every where I went that year on other auditions my real name came second... 
I was first
 THE ST. Pauli Girl!

I'm not sure how many years they have chosen a ST. PAULI Girl spokesmodel. 
I believe it started in the 70's. The costume has changed a bit today.

Back in the mid 80's booking this was extremely coveted! 
The year before me was the beautiful actress"Donna Dixon" who later married actor Dan Akroid. 

When trying to research what year this was... 
I found several of my St. Pauli Girl posters for sale online.
The ones I saw, I have not signed.
I used to sign several thousand at each PA!

I'm pretty sure I still have a box of posters in my storage area! 
They sent me several boxes, I gave them all to my Dad!


Here is one I found for sale on line!

The artwork, beer mugs and background were added later to the photos.

Sharing something from my archives!
Has me giggling!

A beautiful Throw Back Thursday to you!
xo,
me


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Pretty little sea biscuit

Morning Darlins,
It is Autumn...
However, here in SoCal it's more like Indian Summer!

Last evening we took our dogs Mr. Lincoln & Miss Chloe down to the beach. 
They are having a difficult time in this heat with all their fur.

We were walking swiftly with dogs on leashes,

 I happpen to look down
 & 
faintly saw this!


Before I could reach down, a wave came and I thought I would never see it again...

The water receded
&
Well... there it was, right before my eyes waiting for me!!!

I was so excited, I have never found a Sand dollar before.

Pristine, delicate little sea biscuit!
I have one other sand dollar my son found in Nantucket! It is larger and a bit more puffy.

Gods creative fingerprints are everywhere.
I wanted to share this special treasure from the sea this morning!

Enjoy a beautiful day, who knows what you may find right before your eyes!
xo,
me





Saturday, September 13, 2014

Reclaimed wood does a world good

Morning Darlins,

Have you noticed the beauty in a solid piece of wood?
Today we have access to some gorgeous reclaimed pieces.
Utilizing reclaimed wood in our decor
 for flooring,
 furniture
 & 
architectural statements gives them a second life.

One of a kind natural elements that pare well with any style decor.
In celebrating Autumn, 
it's time to think about nature.
Salvaging what is before us... 
has never been more beautiful.
Infuse some reclaimed gorgeous pieces into your home renovations & artfully display them in retail spaces. 

Let's get inspired!









all photos today for this post Pinterest

My Design tip: Reclaimed wood offers a warmth to a space that no other product can.
It's good for us, no harsh chemicals & connects us to nature. 
Pure beauty and it does a world good, to waste not.

Hop over to SSO blog for my series "Saturday's Designing with Vintage" & shop SSO for reclaimed wood for your home projects & renovations.

A beautiful Autumn weekend for cleaning out the garage& starting a new project!

xo,
me



Friday, September 12, 2014

Wholesome treat!

Darlins,

I hope your weekend will be filled with wholesome goodness...
something pretty
lots of giggles
maybe a little nap...
Insightful conversation
great music
thoughtful words
&
meaningful moments!


Mine is starting with this...
My favorite French style yogurt made in Cali!



Delicious paired with a vintage silver spoon!

Enjoy a beautiful weekend!

See you here in the morning, with a latte for my series Saturday's "Designing with Vintage"!
xo,
me



Thursday, September 11, 2014

My first Throw back Thurs!

Morning!
On  the way out to work out...
Thought I would participate in Throw Back Thurday!
Here is my first one!
From my modeling archives..


I think this was for "Flexitard"
Wow Love the  mid 80's!

A beautiful Thursday to you!
xo,
me

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

1st Autumn soup a perfect girl's lunch!

Afternoon Darlins,

 I had to do it...
make my first Autumn soup of the season!



It's Autumn however....
here in SoCal it's very warm!
Yesterday, one of my favorite people in the world was coming for a quick visit. 
I thought it would be sweet to catch up,
 show her my renovation updates 
&
 serve lunch at my house!

I wanted to have something light 
yet 
Autumnie!


Lunch for 2
We ate in the dining room, 
I set our zink farm table as follows...
With 2 beautiful round scalloped white & grey cotton quilted placemats, birthday gifts from her! 
Dark grey luxurious linen napkins from Mateo,  another birthday gift from a favorite friend last year!
The ss soup spoon is antique, a family heirloom.
The vintage ironstone soup tureen & cover are finds from the midwest.
The vintage glass baby milk bottle is a find.
Candle is my own DIY!
White hydrangea is from my garden.


The soup: 
Butternut squash.
It was a little warmer that room temp, perfect!


Garnishings of apples, sweet pecans & basil from my garden.
I also made little snowball of feta & with basil from my garden.


We sipped icewater with fresh lemons from our grove.
{Pretending it was a cool Autumn day}
A perfect girls lunch!

I loved having her here, we're grateful for any time together! My boyz came home from school just in time to chat and catch up on her family with two busy beautiful girls. 
She is my cousin, but I love her more than a sister!

Enjoy a beautiful day!
xo,
me

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Autumn foyers - organic styling

Darlins, 
I'm Sorry this is just being posted.
We lost our internet in our area as of last night, it just was restored!
By now your having a glass of wine!

Beginning to feel the season change?
Without peaking at a calendar it would be fun to guess the month it was,
only relying on our senses & instinct.
Something to ponder...
 as were tidying up our foyers, 
organizing our Autumn accessories for our vintage decor.

Autumn
is more about textures
&
natural elements.
Pairing them implies coziness!







Oh.....
Happy Back to School!


I love this! 

My Design tip: Changing the foyer around seasonally helps to get us into the moment. It's so refreshing to come home to.

Hope over to Second Shout out blog for the Saturday's "Desinging with Vintage" post & shop for some vintage for your foyer!

Happy Autumn, enjoy a beautiful weekend!
xo,
me




Friday, September 5, 2014

Do you have a set?



Hello Mother's!
Happy Autumn * Back to school



Just curious?
Why wasn't this a shower gift????

This vintage set of Mother's encyclopedias was a special find years ago!
I couldn't resist!

Hmmm
What I'm wondering is ....
How is the Mother doing who gave these up!!!


I placed them setting next to a cozy chair...

So when other Mother's come over, they might think I know a lot!!!
giggle giggle!!!

No, I haven't read them...
Why?
I'm a risk taker!!! 
Why? Find out I'm doing it all wrong,
 It's too late, 
I feel I'm going to wing it on instinct, that is my course...

Of course just for fun...
I will glance at them when my children are both grown. Just to see if I was on track!!!
EVER?

giggle giggle!!!

A beautiful Friday eve to you!

Tomorrow morning, grab your coffee, latte, tea or one of each & join me here for Saturday's Designing with Vintage!
xo,
me