Feature of the Week, Vintage Decor Inspired by Children

I personally love to decorate my kids rooms with vintage, as much as they will allow me. They are still young enough to go along with mom's ideas.  My son who is older, still likes the way his room is.  Yes the vintage baby items are gone in his room, sad.  But cool big kid vintage has moved in.  I love the look of vintage decor and decorate my house with it as much as I can.  I am not a big fan of buying new and never have been. The character of vintage and antique is unique, intriguing and wonderful.  Here are a few items from my shop, they are vintage decor pieces inspired by children.  These items can go from a nursery to a child's room, shabby chic, farm house, cottage and so much more. Take a look and browse at the items for sale at the White Pelican Boutique.                         Enjoy my blog? Love to have more followers!

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

Mom's Necklaces, Sweet and Stylish

Several days ago, I thought why not show some of my vintage jewelry that I love to wear. So I went and took a number of pictures of necklaces that my mother gave me.  I will create a post on my grandmothers at a different time.  She said that she had worn them when she was a "young adult".  Ok, straying off the point for a moment, since I am wearing them does this make me a "young adult".  I sure do hope so!

Wearing my mother's fabulous green necklace 

I receive so many compliments when I wear them, that I think they are more trendy now, then when my mother wore them.  They have memories and will be pasted down to my daughter, who can't wait.  I am sure when she wears them, she will also receive compliments.  This is the fantastic thing about vintage, unique, stylish and in a way timeless.  Now who doesn't love that.

My favorite necklace, funny b/c was my mothers favorite 

Ok, some of you are probably thinking, that you would only wear them in the evening or to work.  For me I wear them everyday, grocery shopping, picking the kids up from school, you name it.  Let me tell you a bit about myself.  I am a stay at home mom of two, thinking of home schooling.  I wear jeans, but never sweats, yoga pants or tee shirts, unless at the gym, gardening or hiking.  I hate shorts and love dresses and skirts.

My Mother's beautiful white and marbled Necklace

The thing is when you wear this type of jewelry you feel the need to pair it with something special.  A sweet shirt and a pair of jeans or skirt.  For me a dress is the whole outfit, how much easier do you have to get.  Put on a wonderful vintage necklace and you look and feel spectacular, no matter where you are going.

Her gorgeous necklace with matching earrings

The necklaces above are not for sale, my mother and daughter would never forgive me. The items below are for sale.  This is a small selection of the jewelry that I have to offer. Go to the Boutique at http://www.etsy.com/shop/whitepelicanboutique .  There is also a link to the boutique on the upper right hand side of the blog, just click a picture to enter.  I am currently offering, buy one jewelry item and get free shipping on additional jewelry items.  Please convo me to get the discount.   Happy browsing!!!!

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

White Pelican Boutique

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

If you have enjoyed this blog, I would love to have more followers.  I will be posting special discounts on my blog.  Pass the word around, as there are many more blogs to come.

Grandmother's Dishes

We had a wonderful Easter as I am sure everyone did.  The kids had a sugar high to end all and they drove us crazy all day.  The morning started with a Easter breakfast on my grandmothers dishes.  They are a treasured set that I truly adore.  She received this set as a wedding gift and took wonderful care of them.  This was back about 70 years ago, in the early 1940's.

I was lucky enough to receive the dishes from my mother a number of years ago and love to use them.  They are a beautiful pastel that my daughter covets and my son considers "pretty".  The table always looks beautiful when I use my vintage dishes.  It is fun to bring them out and share the stories about them with my kids.  They like to hear about the dishes and see the pictures of their grandparents.

The Easter breakfast menu was very basic, doughnuts, coffee cake, eggs, corned beef hash and fruit (kids decided the menu).  Even with the menu, the table looked beautiful and felt elegant and we had a great breakfast.  I tell you, when I put out the nice dishes, the kids all of a sudden have manners.  Maybe I should start to use them more often.  Something to think about!

This is a brief explanation of the Lu Ray company and the names of the pastel colors.  The Lu-Ray Pastel dinnerware was introduced in 1938.  The Lu-Ray name came from the company’s lead salesman.  He had been to the Lu-Ray Caverns located in Lu-Ray, Virginia.  This was the influence for the name of the pastel dinnerware. Their advertising of the Lu-Ray Pastel dinnerware was geared to the traditional June brides. They found that many new brides wanted the stylish look of the Vistosia setting and the Fiesta table setting, without the bright colors.  The Lu-Ray Pastel dinnerware answered the call, the stylish look, with soft pastel colors.  The four original pastel colors were named Windsor Blue, Surf Green, Persian Cream, and Sharon Pink. The Persian Cream is a soft yellow.  You can find further information on a wonderful website.  http://www.glassshow.com/Aarticle/LuRay/luray.html

Love vintage and antique?  Come to my shop for vintage decor, shabby chic, country kitchen and much more.

White Pelican Boutique Treasury - My Quest for a Camera

Loving Vintage with a Cup of Joe

You could say I love having a warm drink, it just feels comforting.  As you may have read in a past blog, I rather enjoy a cup of tea in a vintage cup.  However, I must say that I would not survive life without my cup of joe.  This is my wake up drink of choice and sometimes a fancy coffee during the day.  Whether it is a mocha, latte, cappuccino, latte macchiato, espresso or an americana, I enjoy my coffee.

Swanky Lady Vintage at Etsy

Rusty Vintage at Etsy

My hubby used to hate coffee when we are dating, now this is the first thing he does on the weekends.  He has become my personal barista, what a fantastic way to wake up.  Love you hubby, your the best!

White Pelican Boutique at Etsy

White Pelican Boutique at Etsy

Our personal choice is a french press, a bit more work, but the coffee is so rich and full of flavor.  There are so many types of coffee makers to chose from, you can't go wrong.  You can customize your morning with which mug to use, coffee maker and of course coffee.  In fact, with such a variety this allows you to personalize you morning.

Back Home Again at Etsy

Blue Bell at Etsy

Christopher Modern at Etsy

I have featured a few items from my shop, as well as other etsy shops.  There is a direct link to each store under the picture of the items. Check out all the different shops and items in the stores.  You never know what you may find.  Something coffee related or an item you have been searching for.  Happy browsing!!!!   

Vintage Style, Friday Night Pizza Night

In our house, friday night is pizza and a movie night.  The kids are always excited to create a different pizza and watch a new movie.  This last friday we found two dvd's at the library.  I was surprised and thrilled that they wanted Gilligan's Island and Saturday morning cartoons from the 1970's.  You could say we had a vintage friday pizza night.  Here are a few pictures of our pizza creations and vintage shows. We make our own pizza and it is very easy.

Vintage Classics

I use a calzone dough recipe for my bread machine. For the pizza sauce, saute onions and fresh garlic, add a can of whole tomatoes, salt and pepper and simmer until tomatoes are falling apart.  Then use a hand burr mixer and puree the mixture, add basil and oregano to taste.  Let simmer until thick and cool before placing on the pizza dough. I roll it out and spread pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese with desired toppings.  Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Then put it in the preheated oven at 425F until done.  

Kids Creation!!!

Mom and Dad's using leftovers.

We ate the whole thing!

Next friday, maybe get a pizza and few vintage shows.  You might be surprised how much you still enjoy watching them.  As for kids, it is so fun to watch them all excited and laughing at the same shows I used to watch.  My kids are four and nine and they both loved them.

Love vintage and antique?  Come and see the vintage decor and more my shop has to offer.

White Pelican Boutique Treasury - Celebration of Mothers

White Pelican Boutique Treasury - Child's Play

Having a Cup of Tea

   I have always liked having a cup of tea in a pretty teacup.  However, it wasn't until my daughter started asking for tea parties and tea lunches that I really learned how fun and elegant having tea can be.  She loves to get dressed up and set the table "pretty".  I found out quickly that the children's sets are too small, even for her.

                                                Whitepelicanboutique at Etsy

   This is when I started to look at thrift stores and inexpensive antique shops for teacups, sugar and creamers and a teapot.  The wonderful thing about this collection I have started, is that not much of it matches.  If she breaks something, its not the end of the world and she feels so big using the "real thing."

Simplychi at Etsy

My son even likes the tea lunches and helps to set the table.  He has started to ask for a cup of tea when he see me with a cup.  My daughter is always ready for tea and insists on a pretty tea cup.

NutmegnSassafras at Etsy

   I have found that when I have tea, I grab the pretty tea cups instead of the big mug.  To me tea tastes so much better in a tea cup.  We even have more "manly" cups for my husband and son.

TheTeaCupboard at Etsy

   Having a cup of tea is relaxing and enjoyable.  With so many types of tea and tea cups to choose from, it becomes a personal cup of tea, made just for you.  There is a large price range to fit any budget and the best place to go is ETSY.  So get you special tea cup and sit and relax for a few minutes.  You will feel so much more relaxed afterward, enjoy!

White Pelican Boutique Treasury - PURE AND SIMPLE

White Pelican Boutique Treasury - BEAUTY

Where's mom !!!

Starting up a shop at Etsy with curious little helpers can be an experience.   First I give thanks, oHHHH so much thanks to my family.  Talk about patience from my kids and especially my husband.  At first my kids were saying, does mom look a little frazzled or why is dad taking weird pictures of mom with one earring.  Now they say to their friends, "my dad is just taking a picture of that for mom's shop."

I have been a stay at home mom for about eight years and they have always had my full attention, but this other thing has arrived, THE SHOP.  I wasn't sure how it would work, I'm not super mom (I think so -this is the hubby-).  Let's just say it is time to work on the laundry and the house a bit more.  Going to the gym, OH, I forgot about that.  However, they think it is great that mom doesn't make them pick up their room at night.  Hah, wait till I finally get my act together.

It is funny how kids work.  One day I worked on my Etsy shop upstairs in the study to get out of their way.  So what do you think happened?  They packed up their toys and both headed for the study and set up to play.  My son closed the door and said "Mom you need company and let us know if you need some help."  Later, my husband sat down as well.  So from now on I work on the shop where they are and everyone gives me advice.  My kids are hoping a few things do not sell, they want them for their birthday.  By the way Miranda says "HI" and Chase says "Who are you talking to"!!!!  

You never imagine what is involved in starting up a shop.  Finding the treasures is the best part, then researching them is fun.  Cleaning if needed I find rewarding.  Then taking pictures of the items, after you are done, "Wow I had better retake every picture."  This was the hardest part, but I think I am finally getting there or should I say my husband (wait until I send my bill -again this is the hubby-).  He has taken over this part and I am happy to hand it over to him.  The posting of the items has been very time consuming (I have a old and slow computer).  Guess what I have learned, work on the household chores while the pictures are uploading.  The uploading takes forrrreverrrrr, not kidding.

All and all it has been fun, exciting and exhausting.  I have learned something amazing through this experience.  While I have not sold a lot (my husband says, be patient), my family thinks I have the best shop out there.  I have to agree, because they are a part of THE SHOP.
  

Mi Famila

From Russian with Love

   Ok this is not a James Bond blog, but it is about vintage items that I brought over, back when the Russian Federation was the Soviet Union.  These are pieces from my own collection and are from my travels there as an exchange student.  I stayed a majority of the time in Tallinn, Estonia and traveled throughout Russian, including Leningrad and Moscow.  There was a large russian military presence in Tallinn because of the Baltic Sea, the main navy port.  These items are what the military did use and are from 1986.  Most are in mint condition and never been used, the others are in very good condition.
   I have realized that I am not able to display everything and that these should not be stuck in a box.  They are unique and shall I say very cool (this is what my son says).  So I am looking to give them a new home where they will be used and appreciated.
   Want to take a few home with you?  Click on the White Pelican Boutique at the right and look under the Advertisement/Political section.  This will give you all the Russian items and others.  I may add more in the next days, so come and check it out from time to time.

Soviet Navy Buttons and wings

Russian and Baltic Pins

Soviet Navy Shoulder Boards

Soviet Navy Shoulder Boards

Soviet Navy Cap Embellishment

Soviet Army Shoulder Boards

    

Repurposing Vintage Jewelry

I just added a new section of goods to the store, repurposed.  The bobby pins and rings turned out beautiful.  The best part of it, was creating new jewelry pieces out of discarded vintage jewelry.  Many people are not interested in the old clip on or screw on earrings.  They are often passed up because they are considered out of date.  Well, when I finished with my new creations, I stood back and thought, these are amazing.  Problem is I want to keep some of the pieces.  Ok, so I know I can't, but they turned out better then expected.  I am excited to add more pieces and it was fun to do.  Call it being green or even ecochic, I call it one of a kind, beautiful pieces.

Sea of Pearls

Sky Blue

Little Asia

Nature's Green