Mother, May I Borrow...: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Thrifty Finds

Last weekend my mom and I spent some quality time thrifting in the Philly suburbs. What a great day! We visited all three Impact stores and spent hours combing through housewares and accessories.

Just spending the day together would have been enough, however we scored some serious finds that really put the day over the top. Here's a sampling of what we found:

Leopard pleated skirt which I plan to have hemmed, bright straw trivets, a Whiting & Davis 1930s-40's mesh bag, and my favorite find of the day... a Hermes scarf for $5.99!

Our trip would not have been complete with out a serious scouring of the jewelry cases, and we did not leave empty-handed.

This straw trivet now lives on my nightstand as a giant coaster.

You'll be seeing these items in more detail later - either here in a future post or for sale in our Etsy shop. Please visit if you have a minute.

What's the best thing you've ever found at a thrift store?

Monday, March 28, 2011

This painting hung over my Aunt Sylvia's bed for as long as I can remember. It's now one of my favorite memories of her and I proudly display it above my own bed. I love the bright colors and ornate frame.

It wasn't painted by a well known artist and it certainly isn't worth much, but I love how it lights up the whole room, and it is as special to me now as it once was to her.

You can find similar paintings and frames inexpensively at local starving artist sales and I can't resist sorting through stacks at Good Will.

What's the story behind your favorite piece of art?

Monday, March 21, 2011

To Market, To Market

Last weekend, my boyfriend's parents came to visit, and his mother surprised us with a handmade market bag. She knows how much we love to shop for local produce and the coolest re-usable bag I had until now was a burlap beauty from Fresh Market.

But this bag is definitely my new favorite. I can't wait for warmer weather and trips to the Headhouse Square Farmers Market.

It's a linen-cotton blend and machine-washable. It also expands like you wouldn't believe. I hung it on the wall to take these pictures and I left it there with the tag on because I love it so much.

Isn't she talented? I have been trying to convince her to sell some pieces on Etsy. I can definitely round up some hipsters and make her a bundle.

What do you think?

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Luck of the Irish

I have often wondered what my Jewish grandmother was doing with a four-leaf clover. Recently, I have come to discover that this lucky charm has nothing to do with its three-leafed brother, the shamrock - Ireland's most recognizable national symbol. Don't I feel silly.

It is the shamrock, with its three leaves, that helped St. Patrick explain the concept of the holy Trinity to the Irish back in the 5th century. According to legend, the leaves of a four-leaf clover represent hope, faith, love and luck.

Glad I have that sorted out.

I still plan to wear this necklace on Thursday in celebration of my Irish roots. Roots, that thanks to dedicated family and hours online, have become much deeper and clearer over the last few years.

So, my clover has an extra leaf. I won't tell if you won't.

Clover Bouquet Necklace

Velvet Sheath

Tiny Bows... Made in Japan

All Tied Up

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A Turquoise Pendant

I love turquoise. Thankfully, so does my mom. Here's a necklace I recently borrowed from her. I have been waiting for a lightening bolt of inspiration to deliver the perfect how and when to wear it. Thank you, Google Reader.

There it was last week, right there in my blog feed. Kendi Lea's (Kendi Everyday) "Casual Tuesday" post. Isn't this outfit fantastic? Isn't she fantastic? My friends will know immediately why I'm drawn to this.

I want to steal this entire look. Unfortunately, my turquoise necklace is little bit too short. Still, I am determined to complete my version of Kendi's ensemble. Do I see a shopping trip in my future?

Just in case, here's some turquoise that has caught my eye: