Our Vintage Christmas

This Christmas, we have not only unpacked our vintage Christmas goodies, but we have unpacked our regular boxes as well. Daunting, to say the least.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care....

Yes, our first fireplace too! The stockings on the right were custom made by Heather of the lovely Vintage Grey! Love them! Go take a look at her shop where she offers her pretty vintagey creations made from new and old materials.

Of course we had to have an ACU Army stocking for Daddy. It was a must.

  

 

 

 

And finally, my favorite part of our new living room: This 11' beauty. It is a wild-grown tree. We love it!!

Before & After Renovation Update

It actually happened....we moved! The first week of December. Crazy, huh? Remember those before and afters I promised?

Well, here is the first...the bathroom. It is currently the only room fully completed.

Before:

So. Gross.

After:

 

And here is a close up of the cute vintage barbola/gesso mirror topper. Like how the vintage/modern is mixed together? So do I.

 

 

In the next few weeks I will update some more with the other rooms as they are completed. I think we are off to a good start. =)

Seasons change

I am so grateful for the change of season. {I love fall}

The beginning of summer was awesome....new friends and great times. {Lots of laughs}

The middle to end of summer was melancholy as it brought the end of relationships. {Lots of tears}

I don't regret anything, as some people are only in your life for a short period of time. I feel so blessed to have met, loved and then lost them. {It made me grow as a person}

This weekend I will get to celebrate 12 amazing years with my soul mate {I truly believe he is}

And today, I start a new job. {Nervously grateful}

I am thankful for fall. The leaves underfoot, the beautiful colors, warm cider, and snuggling under blankets with my loves on a cold autumn night. {My heart is full}

Too excited!!

I purchased something for the new bedroom today....and I can't hold back the awesomness!!

BEHOLD!!!!!

I give you our master bedroom decor theme for the new place:

RED...WHITE... & BLUE!! Patriotic all the way, baby!

Here is what we've gotten so far....

So this is the awesome sign we purchased today from bellalulu. I can't begin to even start with this one. First, it has a good size: 24" x 24". It meets the color requirements and we love anything Army.
Ahhh....so in love!


We've also picked up this cute vintage-style mini quilt.....

The one in the middle is ours, courtesy of the lovely vintage grey!


And finally, I couldn't resist this pillow slipcover from Georgiapeachez....

We are way too excited to see this new home come together. It's getting really close.....!!!!

The Scared List

I have been largely absent from the social media world in the last few days. The blogging world, heck, for almost a month! The last couple of days I have been ruminating on a whole load full of thoughts that have been in my head lately, about social media, my relationships and things I need to work on personally. This is the conclusion I have come up with:

Your perception is NOT my reality.

Yeah, I know. A hard concept to wrap your brain around. It's just I've really had to examine how others perceive me lately. And this whole saying "Perception is reality" truly sucks. It might be true, but it sucks. Especially when I know in my heart that the way I am perceived negatively by others is not the reality of my world.

This is what I know:

1. I am not obsessed with anyone (well, maybe my husband, but I digress...)
2. I am a good person, with good intentions
3. I am a good friend
4. Tone can be misunderstood/misread in the social media world
5. Joking around/sarcasm is hard to convey via text or social media
6. I try too hard sometimes
7. I am content in my world and free from constraints of what others may feel
8. Social media is not a one size fits all
9. I will not be defined by my mistakes

That number 9 is a big one. I am not my mistakes. I learn from them and will grow. I am still the same person regardless, I just won't make those mistakes again.

My therapist asked me to make a list of the things that scare me. Here it is, for the the world to see. I have other things that scare me, but for all intents, this is the main list:

 Lets go through them one by one, shall we?

My husband dying in war: Wow. That's a big one. His future deployment scares the bejesus out of me. That's pretty much bottom line on that one.

Social Media: Yep. This is a hard one to explain. I don't like the cattiness of most of it. I like how I've been able to connect with people, but I feel guarded.

Losing my friendships: This is a big one lately. I don't have tons of friends (I am naturally an introverted person and I don't like to spread myself thin with a bunch of superficial nonsense). But if I do call you my friend or bestie or whatever I don't throw it around loosely. I am in it for the long haul. I don't think some people really understand the concept of true friendship, but that is another post for another day.

Never conceiving a child: I think about this every day. Every. Single. Day. I will feel like I have let my husband down if I am unable to conceive a child. The thought breaks my heart.

Heights: This is a pretty simple one.

Having no money: Especially when you have a family.

Perception: Haha....kind of already explained that one.

Embarrassing myself: Yeah. This holds me back from awesomness. Currently working on it.

Hurting others feelings: Why? Because it sucks. And I know when it is done to me I feel like shit.

I can't wait to have her dissect this list and laugh at me. Because I know she will. Only two sessions in and I love her insight and humor!

So where does this all leave me....and what is going on lately?

Well, I am *thisclose* to deleting my facebook and twitter. I will probably keep my facebook, mainly to keep up with family and friends. Social media gives me anxiety, and for a variety of reasons I feel like I just want my personal experiences to remain private. I don't like seeing a texted conversation "subtweeted" or facebooked about later on. I have been guilty of doing it, but on the flipside when it was done to me I felt crappy. Lesson learned.

I am doing my own "twittervention" and for the last 24+ hours I have not logged in or viewed what is going on in that little created world. No thanks. I'm pretty much over it. I met some great people through twitter, but I look back at the last three months and realize that I was cutting out experiences in my life that truly mattered. I can't get them back, but I am sure as hell not losing out again in the future.

I am content to just live my life like I was doing before: Thrifting, hanging out with my loves and being a good mom, wife and friend. 

Toes and No Shows

I have been absent from blogging. I know. I know. Meh.

I have to say we have been going through a heat wave around here and the effect it has on me is very undesirable. I get all sweaty (duh) but also sick. Like as in headaches, nausea and fatigue. My body just can't handle it. This leads to less thrifting, cleaning, cooking, you name it. Some days I don't even leave the house.

Vaughan also had surgery on his toe last week. I adored EVERY MOMENT of playing nurse. Really.

 We still haven't moved. It is looking like the beginning of September. Which means October or November. Seriously. I won't hold my breath on that one.

So, yeah. Exciting stuff. Can't wait for this summer to be OVER. Seriously. My body was built for the Pacific Northwest apparently.

This pretty much sums it up.

The AH-HA Video!

So lately I have struggled with my identity as a blogger. And then I found this video! Genius.

Check out one of my favorite bloggers: My Girl Thursday when you get a chance.

If you don't have something nice to say...

Don't say it at all, right?

Well..that's my feeling lately. I just want to complain about everything. I don't know what's come over me, really. I just want to spew about everything I am unhappy about. I want to shout to the world that I am mad about things.

But I can't. And I won't.

I need to think happy thoughts.

I need to remember the big picture.

I have tons to be grateful for. I really do.

I will get on with loving life.

Changes

I used to think this blog was going to be an outlet to show my vintage wares and how they relate to our family and life. I wanted a following. I wanted to be like all of those other big bloggers who cultivated fans and got paid advertising and reviewed nifty gadgets. I wanted people to like my writing and be interested in what I had to say.

I think I got it all wrong.

This blog is mine. My writings are my own. They are my thoughts. I am tired of conforming my thoughts to fit a mold. To be liked. To feel like I fit in.

I want to post about how military life has affected our family and how it has changed me as a person. I want to talk about how I feel about my shortcomings without fearing I will loose one of my meager followers, who no doubt followed because I was mainly blogging about vintage finds. I want to talk about new friends without fearing I will loose my old ones. I want to be open and honest, without fear of judgement.

I apologize, if in the next few months (or even years) this blog becomes something else than what you expected. Truth is, I'm starting to write about what is important to me. And right now, that's my family, friends, and how I view MY world and myself. This is not to say I won't continue to post about vintage items, because I will. I just won't make it my focus on here anymore.

I feel like my life is changing in ways I can't fully comprehend. I am at the same time excited and terrified at this prospect.

Will you join me on this journey?
 I hope you do.
I'd love to have you come.

Transitions & A Weird Thrifting Find

My husband is gone again. Such is this life. The first few days are always a transition of figuring how things will work out. I'm trying to be patient. But my days just drag on and on.

I'm very thankful that I've met some amazing people that relate to this life. VERY THANKFUL. They fill a lot of the void of his absence. But nothing can quite fill it, the same way he does. Ever.

Anyway, I am still out doing what I do best: Thrifting.

Lookee here....

This name just struck me as wrong. Even if it is a food maker.  

Please Help Esther

Please visit LOVE'S BLOG and help Esther! Even a $1 will help this little girl get home to her family faster!

                           

Friends

In the last few days I have met some amazing people online. It is funny how you can meet someone one day and feel like you are kindred spirits almost immediately. I love the connection I feel to these two ladies. And I hope our friendship, whether online or in real life (or both!) continues!

Thanks Mrs. Mendoza and Mrs. Noble. Love you girlies!

Knots of Uncertainty

Life has been running in one direction lately.

Same old same old. Kinda.

Mr. V came back from AIT in February and we have settled into a life of part civilians/part military. What people don't realize about Reserve and National Guard soldiers is that their lives are lived in a holding pattern of uncertainty for many years. Their family life is always shadowed by the probability of deployment, as much as an active duty soldier's. During this last period of wars the Reserve & NG deployed as much, and sometimes more often than active duty. And so they go to civilian jobs everyday, and then work part time for the military as well. All the while knowing that *soon* they will leave their families for a long time.

It has been our intention of going AD (active duty) since my husband joined the Reserves. We picked the Reserve for the job availability at the time. We wanted him to gain a skill that would somewhat transfer over into the civilian sector when the time came. And I think we made the right choice. We were always told that after a year of being with the Reserves he could apply to be transferred to AD. We were told it is hard to do, it takes a long time, etc. We were told that usually you don't get to keep your current MOS (job) and you are usually offered Infantry. But we were prepared for that.

So, the plan was to wait for next spring, apply for a conditional release and keep our fingers crossed.

Until today.

Today, hubby called and said that a guy in his unit just got a spot in AD and got to keep his MOS. AND, it appears that his unit it processing his Conditional Release without a problem. This guy graduated from AIT only two months before my husband. So...the whole having to wait a year at your unit seems to be a fallacy.

So Mr. V. wants to start looking into this.

BUT, hubby is going to be gone for several weeks at Annual Training this month. AND, we were supposed to move into a new house next month. SO, I was supposed to pack up our entire lives while he was away and then we would move into the new place when he came back.

NOW, he wants to look into this new possibility, but he will be gone. You have to go through recruiters for this and they are known to be iffy with paperwork and just calling you at a moments notice for signatures. Which he can't do while he's away. AND, who knows if they even have any spots left for his MOS, now or by the time he is able to start the process.

So...now I have this wrench in my life, As if it wasn't in a mess to begin with. Packing, moving, him being gone. A potty training toddler.

I wish more people (especially active duty families) would understand that the lives of Reserve & NG soldiers are not just ones of "Weekend Warriors". Oftentimes, as in our case, their lives are just as complicated as an AD life. My husband is gone just as much, he can and will be deployed as much. He still goes and works a 40+ hour a week job, just not in a military uniform. Then, he gets to wear the uniform a couple of days a month, and is expected to maintain his hair and appearance to military standards, maintain his fitness to standard, and he is still always on standby for calls and emails that always come through requesting this or that. We have to plan our vacations and our whole lives around his military schedule. And then, we know he will be gone for a very long time. When? Not sure.

If this doesn't go through now, or ever, my husband will be making this a career. We just hope to be able to serve full time.

I just wish I knew the direction my life will go in.

This Memorial Day Weekend...

We will be thinking of those who gave all.

We will be thinking of the Gold Star Families.

We will hug our soldier extra tight.

                          Thank you Sarah Baldwin Photography for our favorite family photos! You rock, lady!

Coffee Can Surprise

Mr. Vaughan bought this neat vintage coffee can a couple of weeks ago. It has languished in our house since then, sitting and waiting it's turn to find a new home.

It was brought out a couple of days ago for photos. As part of taking photos/noting for descriptions it is a practice to at least take a look inside to check for rust, problems, money... =)

This little unassuming tin coffee can from the 1940's had a surprise inside. And it kinda took my breath away.

At first it looked like a little old lady (this is an assumption, a romanticized one, for it could have been a crabby old man) placed a wax paper sack of dried marigolds inside.

Too bad for me.....I dislike marigolds. Very much so.

Anyway, when the paper sack was removed there was a surprise underneath.

Voila! Old seed packets! And not just ANY old seed packets..... VAUGHAN'S SEEDS!

(You have no idea how many people try to spell our name Vaughn)

These are still partially full. I SO want to try to grow the red morning glories. But I know seeds have an expiration and these packets were "Packed for 1948". As it it too late for seedlings this year, I suppose next year will suffice. Eh, what's another year after they have been waiting 64 years in an old coffee can?

Military Monday & Thoughts on Service

Hi everybody!

Did you know that today is Military Monday? Every Monday is.

This post is a bit about the highs and lows of military life. It's not all lows, so read to the bottom!

Mr. Vaughan is currently a part of the Army (Reserve) and was away for much of last week training. I know we are relatively new to Army/Military life, but I have a few thoughts that have been running through my head about this life.

This life is hard. I never imagined it would be a cake walk, but geez, sometimes I wanna bury my head under the covers and not come out until the separation is over with. I spend so many hours/days/weeks fretting over phone calls while he is gone. My life centers around phone service, or lack thereof. Imagine your day planning a phone call that comes an hour early or late, and you are in a bad service area. It is hard on Little Mister. When Mr. Vaughan was away last year LM acted out the first few weeks. He really missed his favorite person in the whole world.

This life is unpredictable. I never know when Mr. Vaughan will be away. Sure, you have guidelines. Meaning certain days. But certain times? No. Serving in the army reserve is like having a part time salary job. You can leave and go home when they let you. And everyone likes to think of reserve soldiers being weekend warriors. That is SUCH a fallacy. Reserve soldiers currently deploy as much as active duty soldiers. And their training (meaning being in the field and away from their families) is nearly as much as an active duty soldier.

This life is not "so neat" as the waitress happily exclaimed to us when we stopped for dinner on our way home over the weekend. Is it "neat" to be away from your loved ones for weeks and months at a time? Um, that's not my version of neat.

This life is not just about having the ability to move to exotic places and wear a highly recognizable uniform. It is a job. It is dangerous. My husband once told me that he doesn't want to discuss the what-ifs of his job. He doesn't want to discuss the absolutely worst-case-scenario because it reminds him of what he would be missing (us) and he gets reminded about that enough just by putting on the uniform. I am reminded daily that my husband can at any moment be pulled away from our family and be put in harms way. And possibly pay the ultimate price.

This life puts you in slightly uncomfortable (and memorable!) positions all the time.  I don't often go out with my husband to public places while he is in uniform. When it does happen we often get stared at and get the "looks". The most uncomfortable look I get is from other ladies who give me the "I feel sorry for you" look. I don't feel sorry for me. I chose this life. We chose this life.

This life can be exciting. It is really exciting to see your husband for the first time after weeks or months (heck, even days!) of being gone. Every phone call you get while he is gone gives you a tiny bit of butterflies and excitement. When I watched his unit pull in from training last weekend I was excited to hear the rumble of the humvees and see all the soldiers ride past looking all tough!

This life is rewarding. It has strengthened our marriage. It has made me in awe of my husband and his accomplishments. Did you know that there is a statistic out there that says only about 1% of the population has the ability to graduate Army Basic Training? And my husband did it at the tender age of 30 years old!

This life makes you feel secure (yep!). I see the way my husband carries himself differently now that he is in the military. He has so much more confidence. I can sort of feel the way the public in general feels more secure when they see him out in uniform and I have noticed the way the uniform seems like it has an aura of untouchability. People will go out of their way to not brush up against it. Like it has a power field of some kind. Maybe it is out of respect that people give him space. But I like it that way.

This life is a life of service. Not just for him, but for me also. When people thank him for his service it is always unexpected and welcomed. When they thank me for mine it is touching. Those are the people who really get it. Before we were a part of the military I never really thought much about the military and their sacrifices. Now that I've lived it I know. I know the feeling. I have a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that every member makes.

Despite the hardships of this life I like it.
I wouldn't trade it.
I don't regret it.
I am thankful for it.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mommies day to all of the mommies in the blogosphere!

Here are a couple pics of Friday's estate sale finds.

Not much was found there, but it was nice to be able to walk around and look for a bit. The house was filled, but the prices were a tiny bit high. Like $195.00 for a pair of romantic-revival sconces? That's antique mall price.

I'm pretty sure this is a Bessie Pease Gutmann. 

We try to concentrate our military collectibles collection on ARMY of course, but I can't resist picking up other branches items. They are just so sweet and nostalgic not too!

This kitty fabric seems to be a duvet. Do you know that vintage kitty fabric sometimes gets ginormous prices on ebay?

And finally, this little packet of unopened sweet pea seeds is going in the SMIL's Mother's Day gift!

For my Mother's Day we are going to be ZIPLINING this afternoon! Wheeeeee!

50% OFF MOVING SALE!

Yep...the Etsy store is clearing out. See anything you like? Heck, take it all!

50% off your total order with coupon code MOVING!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageByVaughan

We may add some new items through the next few weeks. Maybe, but we need to get this stuff to new homes so we don't have to pack it all!

Toddlers

They are tough. I am in the thick of potty training this week. Little Mister knows all about the potty. He just doesn't want to do it.

I'm gonna try most of this week and then throw in the towel for a while.

Potty training is the hardest thing I have done as a parent so far, and it sucks.

Estate Sale Ads

We stopped at an "estate sale" today. Ya know, cause the ad said estate sale. And we drove over 25 minutes to get there.

Upon entering the first clue that this was not an estate sale was the 10+ extended family members lounging around the kitchen. And blocking the entry to that portion of the house. Then, there are kids toys for sale in one of the bedrooms. And not vintage kids toys, either.

I just can't stand when people mislead you so horribly in their ads. This was a glorified moving sale. I didn't buy anything, and wasted my time. I get the whole theory that if you list it as an estate sale that more people will come. {BUT} It makes me so darn unhappy when they do this. 

On the upside: We stopped at an antique mall on the way home and found a net lace bedspread and curtain set. So at least it wasn't a completely wasted trip. Sigh.

Not junk. Fishtanks.

This post is not about antiques, junk, thriftstore finds or any of that such goodness.

Nope, it's about the recent household obsession: fish tanks.

The sweet hubby and I met at a pet store and we have worked at many animal centered employers. His current job is at an animal hospital. It's only natural we have three cats, one dog, two canaries and one fish tank.

We have been cultivating this one for six weeks now. It is what people call a nano-reef because of it's size: 14 gallons. It is a salt water tank, and is so very pretty.

It has corals, anemones, crabs, a snail and two fish. It is like an underwater garden.

I don't normally like fish tanks in any type of decor. Unless you have a modern themed decor, which we don't. In this case, this pretty sits on our desk, in the man cave. That way I can do my computer stuff and glance over at the beauty. I just love it!

The little blue "flowers" above are called Clove Polyps. They wave around in the current.

This little guy is called a Cherub Angelfish. He is the size of a half-dollar and won't get much bigger. 

Family Ties

Yesterday was my birthday extravaganza. Yahoooo!

First stop was the Gurnee Antique Center. They were having a great spring sale, and the place was packed. I picked up a nice Texas Ware confetti mixing bowl and some other goodies. I love the new mixing bowl because it is such a pretty aqua confetti color. 


Second stop was Hauserman's Orchids. It is a HUGE orchid farm in Illinois. Orchid farm in IL?! Yeah. Weird, but too cool. The sweet hubbys moms-cousins-daughter married the owner's son a few years ago. From what I hear they used orchids extensively at the wedding. I guess that would be a no-brainer.
 

The "mini orchid" area

 It's just like a little slice of paradise in the chilly spring weather. And I was in HEAVEN! The hubby told me this would be my dream part-time job. I agree. If only it were closer to our house!

Just rows and rows of beauty!

The big one was my birthday gift from the sweet hubby, and the little one was given to the SMIL.

After the orchids we met up with the fam at Buca di Beppo for a nice dinner. This is totally our new spot. Olive Garden has been replaced.

Sisters!

 I really had a great day. Lots of antiques. Lots of flowers. Lots of laughs. Lots of food!

Birdy Birdy

Here is a new to us little metal birdy that I thought would look cute in our new house.

It is some kind of trinket or vanity box. The top is a little lid that lifts off. He is a white washed metal and most likely from the 1950's.

This week has been so busy. I was asked by the new landlord to go and get some ideas for the remodel of the new house. So we happily drove to Lowes today and took pictures and got samples together to present to him. I suppose I don't mind being an unpaid design consultant on a house that I will be living in soon..... Now, let's see if he actually uses the ideas I have. =)

Next week we have a family full of birthdays. Papa's birthday is the 25th, Little Misters is the 26th, and mine is the 28th! My sister's birthday is May 1st, not to mention Cousin Maggie's and Aunt Liz's have theirs next week as well! Oh, and cousin Holly's is May 1st also! Whew!

We have three birthday dinners and a concert all next week. Oh, and maybe a bit of packing? Maybe.

About 10 years ago I planted a pack of tulip bulbs around the tree in the front. The first year they came up like champs, and then every year since only two or three pop up. Usually the bunnies eat them, or people, (usually schoolkids) pick them on their way home from school.

Today was the first time ever I have gotten to pick one of my own tulips before someone or something got them first. Lucky me!

Birthday Etsy Sale

VintagebyVaughan is having a special BIRTHDAY sale until 4/29!

25% off anything/all items in the shop!

Yahoooooo!!!

Sexy Seniorita & Aqua Love

Thrifting finds of the day:

1950's Sexy Seniorita painting. Oil on canvas.

The busty brunette looked like a print to me when I first spotted her! But she is a old oil!

1950's/1960's Royal TURQUOISE Typewriter..Be still my heart...

And we surely couldn't pass up this fabulous typewriter. A bestie told me to stick it in my new kitchen. Nah....she'll be for sale. =)

Surprise, Excitement, & Letdown

We found this sweet little jam pot at the Salvation Army today.

With these ugly plastic bowls taped to the top. Apparently this is their way of selling things that would otherwise be not likely to sell, with something that would. Maybe...Sometimes I just don't get why they tape things together.

Anyway, I turned it over and to my SURPRISE it was marked Arabia. Yes! Score!

A quick check of ebay shows that they sell for $45.00-$55.00. Excited!

So I get the sweet jar home and rip the tape off during the pictures to reveal this cutie:

Awwww....

I take the lid off and BAM. Chip. BAM. There's a crack. UGGGHHHHHH..... They were there all along. Disguised under the taped plastic bowls.

Maybe somebody will want it for $9.99.....

Easter & Demo Delights

Happy Easter!

Yesterday we stopped by the new house to check out the demo, which is moving along at a hurry up and wait pace. Nothing new to us, except for the fact that this project is not being done by the military. Currently, the construction workers are working when they have "rain days" at their landscaping job, and during weekends. So far, they have demoed the bathroom (except for tub removal) and the kitchen. They have also removed the carpets/flooring in all of the rooms to reveal the hardwood floors underneath. And they will be beautiful!

Here is the neat wallpaper that was revealed during the bathroom demo. Quite bold for such a little space!

During our antiquing/thrifting this past week we stopped at an antique mall that was having a moving sale. We scored this fab square milk glass cake pedestal for 40% off!

The croc Easter basket is for Little Mister. The funky basket on the right was made with love by the sweet hubby for me! He took a Goodwill basket and the fabric from Hobby Lobby that I said I would like for new kitchen curtains, shredded it to make Easter grass, and then wrapped it around the handle and through the weave. Crafty bugger, he is!

Then, he filled it with sour candy and my recent obsession, Butterfingers.

 Note to all in the blogosphere: office shredders don't handle fabric well. Don't try to make Easter grass with them. (As retold by the sweet hubby) =) He's funny. I can just imagine him trying to feed the fabric into the shredder. Good idea, in theory!

Look at those CAMO eggs in the croc basket! That's how we roll around here now!