vintage nation

1984.

2012-01-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Trust what you hear not what you see... This is what I'm listening to right now.... Can you dig it?

NEW BEGINNINGS.

2011-10-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

So, I am not going to make any more promises about how I am about to "start blogging everyday" because that only seems to make my blogging track record that much worse... hahaha. But anyway, my last post was about my birthday and all the changes going on in my life. And I am happy to report that for the first time in months, or years maybe, I am completely in control of my own life and I am at peace about it. I have let go of the sadness, resentment and self-defeating attitude that had been lingering in my subconscious since the dissolution of my marriage. I have been trying to "be" the change that I want to occur in my life... And I finally feel like I am free of the depression, darkness, fear, and guilt that have plagued me for years. It feels like an amazing weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am on a journey toward self-acceptance, self-improvement, self-discipline, and enlightenment. I am trying to shed my jaded, suspicious, disillusioned approach to reality and rekindle my "joie de vivre." I have felt for some time now, that the older I get, the less I am sure of... So I am finally being honest with myself, for once, in hopes that I can (re)discover my true authentic self as it relates to my core- beliefs, needs, hopes/desires. I am trying to find the balance between doing what is right and living each day to its fullest... Ok. Enough psycho-babble. I am probably not making sense anymore, anyway, lol. But its 2:49 in the morning and that means its bed time for me. I am loving this song by Amanda Palmer of Dresden Dolls:

Growing Older

2011-09-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

My birthday is in three days... As if things were not hard enough already, now I am about to be a year older... This quote by Stanley Kubrick to Playboy magazine pretty much sums up the feeling:

I promise that I am doing my best to overcome this "twilight of the soul." And I will be back to blogging about happy things like vintage fashion, decor, music, and everything crafty... Because those truly are the things that define my everyday life. I don't really understand why I am having such a hard time right now, emotionally. I think it has to do with feelings of disillusionment and a lack of security....

Change.

2011-09-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been faced with a decision in which your mind and heart were at odds with one another? Or perhaps you were in a situation in which you felt as if you were "settling." Not living up to your potential... Or just going through the motions... Maybe you kept quiet because you didn't want to create problems or start drama... Maybe you didn't want to ruffle any feathers or hurt anyone's feelings... Maybe complacency had taken hold or you had become comfortable in a "routine." Maybe you were afraid to be alone or just afraid of the self-restraint, discipline, courage etc.that was going to be required to make the necessary change... Maybe you were afraid of failure or history repeating itself... But for whatever reason, you are having trouble doing something that you know you must do... This feeling has encompassed several of the situations in my life lately. Everything around me is changing, and although I know that it is all for the best, I am still struggling with the negative emotions, including sadness and fear.

Loving this right now:

2011-08-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't blogged in over a year... I debated about whether or not to continue with this blog or start a new one because so much has happened and so much has changed about my life. And I'm not going to sit here and pretend that everything has been coming up roses, either. In fact, quite the opposite. This past year has left me wondering what else can go wrong with my life... It has been an enduring struggle against depression, medication, a failed marriage, the death of my beloved dog Thelma... And, frankly, no- I am not alright. Yet. But I'm working on it, slowly but surely, one day at a time. And perhaps, the one thing that hasn't changed is my love of vintage. So, I decided to revive this blog, raise it from the ashes like some vampire phoenix, and perhaps, it will be a help to me as I try to rebuild the pieces of my own broken life. I doubt anyone will read it, and I don't much care, because I need to do this for me...

SPRING BREAK YA'LL!

2010-03-10T23:51:00.000-08:00

Hey! I know it is a relief to everyone that I am still alive! I can't believe that I haven't blogged in over a week! I am really feeling bad about my horrible blogging track record! BUT I do have a good excuse! I have been at the beach 'cause IT'S SPRING BREAK YA'LL! That's right! No cell phones (ok well maybe not) but bills, no stress, no computers and therefore no blogging... Sorry. But after studying my butt off last week for my midterm exams, I really needed a break! And that is the really great thing about only living 70 miles from the coast! You can just pop down there for a few days on the spur of the moment if you want to... And I really needed the vacation after the couple months I've had... losing my job and all that. But anyway, its starting to warm back up down here and as I was sitting in the sand in my somewhat faded, slightly tattered Target swimsuit I began thinking... Ya know, this year I really want to find a swimsuit that I really like... A VINTAGE SWIMSUIT. Or vintage inspired rather, because everyone knows those non-lycra things are not ideal for splashing about in... Although they were rather miraculous feats of construction- with all that boning and pleating... Anyway, I want something along these lines:

Isn't it wonderful how perfectly imperfect these women's bodies are? Yet, they are completely comfortable to model in their swimwear. Cellulite and all. No lipsosuctioned, tummy-tucked, fake plastic bimbo's here. Nope, just real women with real confidence... I love it.

Anyhow, here are a few suits that I have found so far that I like:

Classic black Esther Williams

Floral Two-Piece

Floral One Piece

Hmmm. I just can't decide! Oh yeah, in other news, I got a Blogging Award! YAY!

I think I am supposed to Blog 7 things about myself and then nominate 7 other blogs to receive the award!

And I promise I will do that tomorrow!

Because now its almost 2am and I have gots to go to sleep...

bye ya'll.

FEED YOUR HEAD

2010-02-28T21:22:00.000-08:00

So, I have always loved Alice in Wonderland... I love the story and the imagery and imagination that it inspires. I love how it has touched different generations of people from Lewis Carroll's book to the Disney cartoon and the Jefferson Airplane song Alice's White Rabbit... I fell in love with it as soon as I got my Peter Weever's illustrated copy of the book when I was a kid.

So naturally, I am super excited about the movie... I think that it is going to be visually stunning and I cannot wait! However, all that being said, I kind of hate it when something catches on in popular culture and all of a sudden its everywhere you turn! And it almost taints it to some degree because it seems that its being exploited for its commercial value... For example, there are the typical:

Alice Photo Shoots:

Alice Art:

Alice Cakes and Cupcakes:

And Alice Tatoos:

But then, there are also those that are simply for profit, like:

Alice Hats:

Alice watches:

Alice Tea Sets:

Alice Jewelry of all sorts:

Alice Makeup and Nail Polish:

Alice Shoes:

Alice Pill Boxes (rather fitting I suppose)

Playing Cards:

Chess Sets:

Embroidered Bags:

Plushies:

Garden Statues:

SOURCE: WEHEARTIT, THEWHITERABBIT, ZAZZLE
My God! Does it ever end? Isn't it bad enough that we over-commercialize EVERY major holiday? And now we have to taint a beloved children's story for profit as well? It makes me feel kind of gross that I actually like some of this stuff... Does anyone see a pattern here? Remember the Where the Wild Things Are manicure?

What's next?

AIGHHHHHH. Make it stop.

But, I am still really looking forward to the movie!

ok. enough ranting for now.

Jessica

BLU.

2010-02-25T00:22:00.000-08:00

So, I am excited to report that I have made a very important life-change-ish decision... I have decided to go blu. No, not hair, but cigs! After trying almost every available option to quit smoking, and having year after year of failed New Year's resolutions, I have decided to try something new... The E-Cigarette... And after doing quite a bit of research on different brands, I have decided that the Blu's are the ones for me!

blucigs

And I am so excited about it! Here are some of the benefits: (except for the first one- which I find completely ridiculous- I mean- who are you advertising to? 15 year olds? because surely by the time you reach my age you have long since realized that cigs are not cool and addiction in any form really sucks.) Anyway.

So, the other benefits are pretty good. And I like the fact that you can "step" down to eventually using cartridges with no nicotine which must be somewhat like drinking one of those non-alcoholic beers... But I realize that the "action" of smoking can be addictive too... Having a cig to hold in your hand while driving, for example. Oh yeah, and I am completely excited that they have flavors, such as cherry, menthol, coffee and vanilla... Now if I can only break my addiction to vintage pottery ashtrays like these free form beauties:

SOURCE

Every time I come upon a lovely swirly vintage ashtray I am totally tempted to buy it...

And now I won't have any excuse.

But, hey, that's a good thing right?

Man, I am tired.

Night.

Jessica

WASTING TIME ON THE WEB

2010-02-20T20:54:00.000-08:00

So, while I should be studying the lovely epic poem, the Odyssey, or at least reading it, for my test on Monday morning, I decided that the BEST idea would be to peruse the web and waste some time... There IS a reason I took a seven year hiatus from college- I HATE TO STUDY... But nevertheless, I figure I will go back to studying in a minute... But first, here are a couple of really awesome things to waste your time!

1. ROBOT UNICORN ATTACK

Oh hell fuck yes! This game is AWESOME. And I don't play games online so you know I am serious. Not to mention that the theme song is ALWAYS by Erasure. You just can't get any better than this.

2. STOP MAKING THAT DUCKFACE!

Oh yeah! You know what I am talking about! That infamous half pout/ half kissy face that stupid people make for their Myspace and Facebook profile pics! And here is a site wholly devoted to making fun of them! I love it! AHAHAHA! Hilarious I tell you!

Ok, I must get back to wasting time so I can get back to studying... Thank god for funny sites like these though so I have not as of yet become compelled to make (and post) funny face pics from the webcam. Although, its probably only a matter of time...

Au revoir mes amis,

Jessica

HELLLOOOO.

2010-02-17T23:27:00.000-08:00

HELLLLOOO. Dear me, I don't know how it happened exactly but it has been over a week since my last post! But, in my defense, it was a very busy week! First, I had a color project due at school and I decided that instead of using paint or something that I would make mine a mosaic using scraps of colored paper... As it turned out, what should have been a simple design project showing relationships of colors turned into pretty major undertaking. But, at least my professor appreciated my hard work... This smile says, "Thank God its done!"

Then, I was working on filing unemployment, getting my taxes done, and working on getting all the photos ready for the vintage nation etsy store, which is now up, although there aren't any listings yet...

Here is a sneak peak of a few of the sweaters that will be listed:

I think the idea of "modeling" still kinda freaks me out... and I need to come up with some new poses.

Anyway, its coming along so be looking for that soon...

Then, we had a CRAZY snow! It was literally the first time that it had snowed here in 18 years! And it actually stuck! The whole town was shut down for two days; schools were out; roads were closed and it was a really big deal! It was so weird seeing snowmen in people's yards!

Out my backyard:

Bobby:

Pepper and Idgie loved it too! They played in it all day...

But by the end of the next day, all the snow was melted- except for the snowmen! It was so strange to see 4 and 5 feet tall snowmen standing on green grass! It was pretty funny actually!

I went to the park and had a picnic...

Then, yesterday, this came in the mail:

A NEW DELL INSPIRON LAPTOP!

Hearts, Jessica

VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well, whether I am ready or not, Valentine's Day is coming soon... What do ya'll usually do for your sweetie on Valentine's Day? Do you buy them something special? Go out for a nice dinner? How would you celebrate if you had to do it on the cheap? I am thinking about making a nice special candle light dinner and having a romantic night in... But I am trying to think of ways that I can make it extra special without spending a lot of money... Here are some inspirational valentine's pics:

ps. thanks to everyone for all the supportive comments... you have really helped me to feel better and i love you guys!

xoxo

jessica

I WISH I WAS A KID AGAIN

2010-02-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

You know what I really miss? I miss being a kid. Even as a pre-teen and teenager, I couldn't wait to grow up and now all I wish is that I could go back... I miss the sense of wonderment, the innocence, and believing in fairy tales... I miss hearing that everyone lives 'happily ever after.' I miss believing that every dream imaginable could become reality... I am tired of adulthood, tired of responsibility and disappointment. I long for that carefree spirit that I used to possess when I would wake up excited for each new day. Every new experience was a great adventure and I half-way resided completely in my own world- the world of my imagination... I want to live in a tree house; to make a fort out of blankets in my living room and stay in it forever. I want to hear an orchestra playing at poignant moments of my life and I want to be happy just because.

SOURCE: FFFOUND, WEHEARTIT

I will be out of this funk soon and back to my normally shiny happy self (hahaha.)

Just give me a couple days to get over unexpectedly losing my job.

Jessica

RAMPANT CORRUPTION IN ALABAMA GOVERNMENT

2010-02-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

My dear blog world- I am so sorry that it has been several days since I have made a post, but there has been a political fire storm brewing down here in Alabama that has cost thousands of people to lose their jobs, including myself... Now, I really like to post things about pretty happy unicorns, rainbows,

sugar and spice and all things nice...

Things like this:

SOURCE: LOVESHOT, DOLLYGUMDROP, CANDYCROWNS, WEHEARTIT.

But, unfortunately, I really don't have a choice in the matter... I feel that I must do what I can to expose the ridiculous corruption and abuse of power that is taking place down here... For whatever reason, the national media seems to be taking no interest even though the events taking place seem more like something out of a movie than reality... The last several days of this week have been spent rallying, protesting and picketing- trying to have our voices be heard... It would probably take ten pages for me to thoroughly explain the whole situation, so I will try to summarize this madness to the best of my ability. For those of you who did not know, I had recently accepted a job at the Country Crossing music and entertainment venue in Dothan. Now, it was rumored that the amount of tourism that was to be brought to this area from this venture would rival that of Branson, Missouri and would really put Dothan on the map as far as country music is concerned.... Phase I of the project included an RV park, several restaurants, an ampitheatre, several restaurants, a bed and breakfast, and a Bingo Pavilion. Electronic bingo that is... Now, Phase II and III of the project was to include several grand hotels, a water and amusement park, outdoor mall, movie theater etc. and would have brought an incredible amount of jobs to the area... Now, there have been several other electronic bingo facilities in Alabama including Victoryland which has been in operation for over ten years... Now, for no apparent reason, it seems, the Governor has decided that ending electronic bingo by any means necessary is to be his own personal political agenda. WHY? WHY NOW? There have been allegations of political corruption including but not limited to campaign contributions from the many Indian casinos in Mississippi. Also, the specially appointed task force leader up until last week has now resigned amid such rumors and been replaced. Then, to the shock and awe of the residents in my city, the governor sent 150 state troopers to try and illegally raid Country Crossing WITHOUT having a search warrant and they staked out the property and trespassed illegally for nearly two days... This issue has divided the state and out the governor and attorney general on opposite sides of the fence... You simply cannot make this stuff up.

Here are some videos filling the airwaves right now:

And here are some photos of the rally's and protests that I have been attending....

I guess tomorrow I will be filing for unemployment. Thank you Governor for everything! Fucking Asshole.

THURSDAY THREE

2010-01-28T20:33:00.000-08:00

Well, as part of my blog I would like to start having weekly features... Maybe "Style Icons" posts, or one certain day of the week where I just post pretty random pictures that I find... Today, I am doing a "Thursday Three: Things I Love" and I am not sure if this will become a weekly thing or not so I am just trying it on for size! What are some of your favorite weekly features from other blogs? What types of features do you wish that you could see that you don't normally find on every single blog in the world? Well, here are three things I love for this Thursday:

PRETTY CUTE OUTFIT PICS- LOVES.

VEST: HANDMADE, SHIRT: VINTAGE, BELT: VINTAGE, JEANS: THRIFTED, BOOTS: SANTA.

MY PINK AND PURPLE SWIRLY BOWLING BALL! LOVES.

MY VINTAGE 80'S PINK PUFFY EAR MUFFY'S! LOVES.

I seriously cannot believe that it is almost February! I love February because Valentine's Day is one of my most favorite holidays! There is so much love in the air and there are so many cute DIY holiday crafts out there!

Late.

Jessica

I AM THE QUEEN OF JUNK!

2010-01-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

So, yeah.... Yesterday, I went to the bar for the first time in a long time... (mistake) But, this is the best hangover cure breakfast ever... Omelet with ham, onions, bell pepper, cheese and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce...

AND YUMYUM!

Best served with salsa and orange juice... and aspirin. and a bottle of water..
So I was having a shitty day, just feeling like crap in general, UNTIL, I saw this gorgeous, Lane Furniture two-piece, leather recliner/sleeper sofa on the SIDE OF THE ROAD! Hells to the yeah! It is in perfect condition- practically brand new! And I can't believe how well it matches the color scheme that we already had going on! Now I get to have a couch in my craft studio too! STOKED! I am the Queen of Junk and I LOVE it! YAY!

AWESOME!

Bye for now,
Jessica

STUFF YOU DON'T KNOW...

2010-01-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

So, I know that I haven't been doing this blog for very long, but it occurs to me that I haven't really ever shared any information about myself, besides the fact that I live in Alabama and love vintage... I don't know why, but so far, it has been a little hard for me to share much personal stuff on here... I don't know why- I journal almost everyday and its kindof the same thing, except that nobody reads my lunatic rants... However, I do want to be able to be open and honest so that this blog will have some sort of therapeutic value for me and I guess if people want to judge me then screw em... Anyway... I will start with the easy stuff...

1. I live in a small town in Alabama, which is also where I grew up... A few of years ago, my ex Bobby and I packed up our car and hit the road because, well, we wanted to... We didn't have a plan. (mistake) And we traveled all over the country for a while... I had wanted to settle up in Boulder where I have family but things didn't quite work out like they were supposed to in the fairy tale in my mind. Just a couple months into our trip, the money we had saved was almost gone- and we still had no place to live... So we headed down to Austin, TX because we had some friends there and the music scene whatever yada yada yada... Austin was an alright place but Texas sucked (sorry if this offends any Texans, I know you have great pride in your state) but it just wasn't for me... There were a lot of sweet, cool people there but the problems we were running away from just ended up following us out there, and within two years I was tucking tail and running back to Alabama.... And that's how it is that I still live here even though for my whole life I said that I couldn't wait to get the hell out of here...

2. On my 29th birthday, I had somewhat of an epiphany that I needed to get my shit together... I have always had a "no regrets" type of mentality- but will I still feel that way in another fifteen or twenty years? I don't want to end up the person that I have become. So, I started this blog, started back to college (for the fourth time) and am determined to make something of myself. Even if it kills me....
3. I drink about ten cups of coffee a day... I am addicted to it. I am ok with it.
4. I never really grew up... I love living in the fantasy world that is in my head... I wish that I could live at Disneyland... I am an only child and was encouraged to use my imagination and "become my own person-" not to follow the crowd...
5. I still rebel against whatever is the "popular" thing.... In fact, it irritates me to no end that when "creative" people feel the need to be clones of each other... I liked crafting before it was popular.... Why have owls become the mascot of crafty people? Ugh. I bought some hair rubber bands the other day from Wal-Mart that had an owl on the packaging. Why? It reminds me of when in the nineties, runway designers started sending lumberjack shirts and plaid down the runway for $400 a pop.... Are you kidding? The whole point of grunge was to rebel against contrived commercialism and image obsessed 80s and glam hair bands... I hate it when pop culture gets its claws into some unique creative form of self expression and commercializes it.... It happens every time... Also, I prefer my vintage Liddle Kiddles to Blythe dolls.
6. I will most likely offend you at some point and I am very sorry. I am opinionated and judgmental and not as open-minded as I strive to be... These are things that I am working on. But honestly, why do you care what I think anyway? Who am I? I am no one.
7. I curse like a sailor... A lot. I have been really trying to restrain myself from cursing in my writing on this blog but I always get dirty looks for cursing too loudly in the check out line at Piggly Wiggly...
9. I have three dogs: a boston terrier named Sgt. Pepper, a frenchie mix named Thelma and the newest addition: a basset/pit mix named Idgie that I rescued from a busy highway outside of town... I think someone had dropped her off out there as she was starving and covered in fleas and ticks... She had roundworms too, gross, but the vet says she's going to be a-ok.... Oh, a green spotted puffer fish named Pluto (is a planet.)

10. I was definitely born in the wrong decade... And although I loved growing up as a little grungy/alternative kid and think that some great music came out of my generation, I grew up wearing all my mom's old clothes, listening to her records and being so jealous of the stories that she would tell about seeing Joan Baez at Red Rocks or Janis at USF... And I blame her for my love of all things vintage... As far as fashion is concerned, I prefer the decades of the 60s and 70s but as far as home decor is concerned I prefer mid century and modernist pieces, although my heart still flutters at the thought of avocado and harvest gold appliances...

ok. thats enough for now....

and by the way, i love you all for taking the time to read my shit.

jessica

MID-WEEK MAKEOVER

2010-01-21T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well, its the middle of the week and since I have been so bummed about losing everything on the laptop, I decided to give myself a makeover... Nothing drastic obviously, just dyed my hair back to natural looking black and painted my nails a nice matte purple... I am now beginning to realize the broad scope of the effect that losing everything on the laptop will have on my life... Its nothing I can't live with, but its just making everything that much harder and more time consuming- I will give you an example... Say I want to download a quick picture from my camera to the blog. Oh, no more photoshop... Hmmm. Resize, Resize, Resize, how?

Yeah, stuff like that... Errr. I promised myself this post was not going to be about that... So yeah, I gave myself a makeover.

sortof.

HEY AY AY AY HEY. WHAT'S GOIN ON?

2010-01-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday was MLK Day, which meant, consequently, that I was off of work and school... It was a really fun Monday! I went thrifting and got some great things that will be posted in my Etsy store soon. Just as soon as I get that bitch up and running... That is a major goal of mine for the upcoming week. Now, I just happened to walk into this antique store that was near the thrift shop... And it was just sheer LUCK that I ran across this:

MINOLTA "BEERCAN" LENS

oh yeah, did I mention it was $20 !?!

(and in perfect condition too!)

So, that was pretty awesome and unexpected... I notice how a lot of bloggers have started making daily outfit posts, so here is what I wore today... No big deal- dress= thrifted, studded corduroy shirt= thrifted, tights= target, turtleneck= thrifted, and boots= Santa.

Hope everybody had a great long weekend! Look for the Vintage Nation Etsy store soon! (hopefully)

mwah. Jessica

WHAAAT THE?

2010-01-16T22:20:00.000-08:00

Hello blog world. I am sorry that I have been MIA the last few days... So I go to get on my laptop a couple of days ago and I get a weird error code... Something to the effect of "boot driver is corrupt or missing yada yada yada." Why? I have no clue... But then it was just turning itself on and off, on and off but would never boot up! SHIIIITTTTEEE!! I call my friend who is computer literate. He messes with it for a while and then says, "Sorry, but you're gonna have to delete the hardrive and re-install Windows... WHATT? Won't that delete everything on my computer? YEP. And guess what? Windows won't re-install for some unknown reason... SO, all my pictures, programs, everything is gone. POOF. And my computer is out of commission. Keep in mind, this HP laptop is only like a year old! I'm still paying for it in fact! And now its broken. And I am super bummed about it... That'll teach me to back-up more often. dammit.

LOOM KNITTING!

2010-01-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

So, women down here in the South love to wear things with, lets say, "dramatic flair"... When it comes to fashion, the bigger, brighter and gaudier the better... So, I always get requests to make things- hats, etc. with this type of yarn but I hate working with it because it is such a pain...

My Aunt, the one from Boulder, CO calls it "yarn with crap in it." Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, one thing is certain: it is expensive stuff and hard to use... So, I was looking for a fun new project to kindof dissipate the "knitters block" that I have had since Christmas and incorporate some of this "yarn with crap in it"... Now, I know how to knit and crochet, but I had never tried knitting on a loom... It was surprisingly easy to learn and a VERY quick knit! I knit this hat in a couple of hours..

the completed hat- first loom project!

And now, I have started the "yarn with crap in it" hat...

I think its coming along pretty nicely and will be done in no time!

Anyhow, just out of curiosity, has anybody tried out my "blog button" or seen it on anybody's page? I was wondering if it works... If anyone would like to do a button swap with me just let me know- I think it would be so awesome!

tata. Jessica

SOUTHERN MILLION BEANS

2010-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

On a cold weekend like this, I really like to make something hearty and comforting for dinner... But it can't be anything too complicated because as I've mentioned before, I am by no means a domestic goddess. So, this is a yummy recipe that my mom used to make me when I was little and it sure does hit the spot as far as comfort foods go... She calls it "Million Beans" and serves it with homemade cornbread, but personally, I like it better served over rice. With a couple easy substitutions, you could turn this into a vegetarian dish...

IT IS SOOOO YUMMY!

(1 lb) bag of 15 bean soup mix
1 large red onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-30 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 c chopped ham or a 1 lb ham hock with hambones
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 tsp dill
1 tsp pepper
2 tbs olive oil
4 c chicken stock
5 cups water

Before you do any cooking you want to make sure that you have soaked your beans.
1. Put the beans in a large pot and add 4 cups of water. Simmer on medium high heat for 45 minutes. Stir Occasionally.
2. Put 1 cup of water and 4 cups of broth in another large pot or stock pot, add 2 cups chopped ham or a 1 lb ham hock that has the bone ( if you don't have any ham you can use a pound of bacon or smoked sausage for your soup ) and simmer on medium high heat for 30 minutes.
3. In a large frying pan add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it up on medium heat.
4. While the oil is heating up put 2 celery stalks, 1 red onion, 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 3 garlic cloves in a food processor and chop them up.
5. Then add the mix to the frying pan and add 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dill, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme and fry it up for 4 minutes. Stirring Occasionally.
6. Now add the contents of the frying pan and the can of tomatoes to the pot with the ham and broth in it, stir it well and continue simmering.
7. After simmering the ham and broth for 30 minutes pour it into the pot with the beans. If your using a ham hock remove the ham hock and pick the pieces of ham off that you want to add to the soup discarding the fatty pieces, add what you want to keep into the beans and then add the broth to the beans and simmer for 30 minutes.

ENJOY!

Heart, Jessica

OH MY GOODNESS ITS FREEZING!

2010-01-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

Literally! The ground stayed frozen all day! You don't understand. This DOES NOT happen here... We Southerners like it warm, nay even hot and we are not evolved for these types of temperatures! Remember the other day, how I was commenting that the fountain in my garden was frozen over? Well today, all day, the spout was completely frozen in mid-arch! And, to top things off- I was so cold that I built a fire in the fireplace! The down side is that I feel like I may be coming down with something... :(

In other, happier news, I joined HAPPY MAIL! YAY!

And here are some inspirational pics for you!

love pretty cupcakes confections!

knitting cupcakes! how cutes!

love pretty vintage vignettes!

SOURCE: WEHEARTIT, FFFOUND

LOVE LOVE! Now everybody share the love and add my new button and I will add yours as well!

Goodnighty night. Jessica

UNEXPECTED ORANGE

2010-01-06T22:50:00.000-08:00

Orange is one of those colors that is always so unexpected... Whether it pops up in nature, fashion, art, or design, it catches you by surprise and is perhaps the most controversial color... It can have negative connotations- for example orange is the color for the highest level of security threat and is also used in construction to signify caution... However, certain shades also have widespread appeal such as rust tones and terra cotta... From bright shades, such as flourescent citrine and tangerine, to mango tango, and the deep spicy hues of burnt sienna and umber, orange is always unexpected and adds a touch of excitement, a bit of whimsy, and a yummy vintage flair to any color palate... Good enough to eat!

lovelove the beautiful miss kaylah's rockin' new do...

check her out at the dainy squid...

unexpected, no?

see what i mean?

YUMYUMS. I am suddenly craving- some Vitamin C...

If you are still hungry for more: Check out Whorange.net

bye. Jessica

HAPPY MONDAY. YAY!

2010-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Yay! At about 3 in the morning, I achieved getting myself a BLOG BUTTON! This may not seem like a big deal, but I am really excited about it, and it was actually alot easier than I thought it would be... I am by no means computer illiterate, but all that HTML stuff is just down right scary! Now that is *2* blog related goals that I have already accomplished! YAY! So if anybody would like to exchange buttons with me, just let me know! In other news, it has been getting down into the teens here at night and this morning my little garden fountain was completely iced over!

So, that was pretty neat because usually we only have one or two hard freezes a year, if we are lucky. I mean, I usually don't even have to cut back my perennials, like my elephant ears and canna's, because they just continue to survive all winter... Oh well, not this time I guess.

It was such a pretty day- sunny and cold, that I decided to get the dogs in their sweaters (which, again, they do not get to wear that often...) and go walking in the park. Happy little Monday. (snaps for applause)

"hey slow down!"

"wheee!"

magic.

happy happy.

Jessica

NEW YEAR. NEW LOOK.

2010-01-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know, technically it started yesterday, but, well, I needed a day to recooperate so I am beginning my 2010 today! And I am super excited because I have ALREADY fulfilled one of my New Year's goals, which was to figure out how to get a cute blog background! You likes? Here are a few more of my 2010 goals:

1. Figure out how to make a BLOG BUTTON!

2. Figure out how to increase blog traffic.

3. Blog everyday!

4. Get The Vintage Nation store online!

5. Organize my craft studio.

6. MUST MUST MUST quit smoking. eww. I know.

Those are just a few that I have come up with so far... But I don't want to make too many goals because I really want to be able to accomplish them all...

Anyway, Miss Thelma has something she wants to say:

"Happy New Year"

Altogether now, awwww.

Thanks 2009 for not sucking.

Love love, Jessica

WHAT A WEEK.

2009-12-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

Whew. What a busy week! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! What did you enjoy most? I loved spending time with my family and loved ones that I don't get to see very often and unrepentantly indulging in all the delicious holiday num nums. I love how Christmas makes me feel like a kid again-- the entire season is just so magical with the lights, decorations, and anticipation of Christmas morning... Still to this day, I can almost never sleep at all the night before and the mood of the whole holiday just makes me so nostalgic.... I love it! But, it is very exhausting with all the parties, shopping, cleaning, decorating, crafting, and baking. Here are a couple pics of Christmas morning...

my mom opening the cowl and pot holders

that i made for her.

i love love tall boots.

my sweet grandma.

bobby trying out my new camera.

besties love love champagne.

besties.

peace on earth and goodwill towards everyone.

jessica

DOMESTIC GODDESS? NOT ME.

2009-12-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

For the last three days, I have been doing nothing but cleaning, scrubbing, spraying, sweeping, mopping, dusting, washing, and generally wearing my fingers to the bone, trying to get my house ready in preparation for Christmas visitors... And we won't even begin to discuss all of the things that are still waiting on my "To Do" list... So that got me thinking... Were all of the wives of yesteryear just domestic goddesses? How did they manage a perfect home, have dinner on the table, and do it all gracefully, in heels, lipstick, and not a singe hair out of place? Am I just incredibly inept in the housework department or were they all just a generation of domestic femmebots?

However, after my exhausting day, I decided to make myself a yummy fancy (code for calorie laden) coffee treat and take my own wannabe domestic goddess pics. Hey, a girl can pretend, right?

OMG! I CAN'T BELIEVE TOMORROW IS CHRISTMAS!!! AGGGH!

Bye. Jessica

PINK CHRISTMAS

2009-12-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

One thing that I love around the holidays, or anytime really, is when people use unexpected colors in their decor... Don't get me wrong, I love the classic gold, red, and green but I find it so much more interesting when people choose an unexpected color palette. So, here, for your enjoyment, are some pink Christmas pics.

SOURCE: WEHEARTIT

Very Shabby Chic! La La Loves.

Jessica

SCOOTER LOVE.

2009-12-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

I heart scooters! And that is one thing that I miss in the winter time... Riding my awesome little Honda Elite... It is not a vintage scoot scoot, but it is styled 80's retro cute. And the 90 mpg is just unbeatable. So, here are some sweet vintage pics showing scooter love. And me, in my own little version as a scooter pin up girl, too!

SOURCE: HERE

LESS IS MORE!

2009-12-13T00:39:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. Sorry, once again that it has been a few days since my last post... I have been knitting like a mad woman trying to get gifts made, and I did manage to get my Christmas tree up, however, but in trying to put up the outside lights, I encountered problem after problem and finally just gave up... When I tried out all the lights inside, they all worked. But after spending hours winding them in and out of the porch railings and around the trees, dum dum dum, and plugged it in and FAIL... ARGH. So frustrating! So, in light of all this, I would like to share with you some other (albeit opposite than mine) Christmas light FAILS. Take it down a notch people. Remember, less is more sometimes.

So, if you do manage to get your lights up and working, just remember: keep it classy, keep it classy.

Toodles, Jessica

BRRR! ITS COLD OUTSIDE!

2009-12-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has finally gotten cold down here in Southern Alabama. Its even dipping into the 30s at night! So, in the spirit of the holidays I present for your consideration: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS PHOTOS. Yay. I love looking at these. Here are a few of my favorites:

SOURCE: FOUND HERE

love this one. check out the

plastic cover on the chair:

SOURCE FOUND: HERE

awww. look how happy.

SOURCE FOUND: HERE

And, another thing that I am loving right now is:

dum dum dum

pretty stockings!

You can find an awesome DIY tutorial on making sequin glitter tights at Park and Cube...

Ok, and in keeping with the theme...

If regular crochet snuggies weren't enough for you...

autumn spice

woodland hills

BAWHAHAHA! Creepy McCreepster. I know. But if you are so inclined to make one of these lovelies, you can find the pattern at ShopRedHeart.com

FUN FUN!

bye, Jessica

MY PRETTIES

2009-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

Well, today is Friday and I had a very lazy day... I sat around in my pjs just knitting until well after noon! :) But, I am hoping to get my Christmas tree tomorrow and start on all my holiday crafts... I may be a little late, but as I said before, we tend to be a little behind down here in Alabama... So, I guess I will start posting holiday type things soon. Until then, here are some things that I am finding inspiration in today.

pretty unexpected rainbows

pretty badass

pretty amazing bedrooms

and finally, pretty happy trees!

ahahaaha. yay.

SOURCE: WEHEARTIT, FFFOUND

Night ya'll. Jessica.

WHOA! ITS BEEN A WHILE.

2009-12-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

First off, I would like to apologize for the incredible delay. Sorry. What a busy week last week... Seriously. My aunt flew in from Boulder and we had a great time. She taught me this awesomely easy new bread baking method. Check it.

my mom had a hand in it, too

perfect!

yumms for dipping!

Then, I went to this show:

And then there was Thanksgiving with my bestie:

cheers!

And then, there was the Iron Bowl Party!

Here is the invite:

I made snacks and even team colored jello shots!

Too cute! The bama ones went quick!

Whew. No wonder I needed a few days to recover! So now you know a little bit more about my life. And I will have links to my vintage store up soon. Just as soon as I figure out how! Haha. And look for lots more Holiday inspiration and pics coming soon. Peace.

bye. Jessica

A PRODUCTIVE SATURDAY

2009-11-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

So, today was a productive Saturday.... My Aunt had flew in from Boulder, CO, so I hung out with her and learned a couple of new knitting techniques... Then, I went thrifting and got gobs of cool stuff. I hope to get the pics posted soon and to have my store up and working within the week! I still have sooo much crafting to do to get ready for the holidays! I can't wait! In the meantime, here are some bits of inspiration for you!

puppy cupcakes. yums.

pretty pink patterns

unexpected light fixtures

thought provoking graffiti

this is too cutes.

sad face dolls like this:

"Little Miss No Name" 1968 Hasbro doll.

this 60's sad eyes panda sugar bowl

this vintage sad eyes hound

flocked bank

and finally, this adorable Keane

sad eyes postcard

SOURCE: FFFOUND, IOFFER, EBAY, BOINGBOING

2009-11-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

This is my first post. EVER! So, please bear with me and feel free to leave comments and suggestions if you happen to stumble upon this... I know that practically everyone has a blog now, but you must realize that down here in Alabama, we tend to be a little behind the times... It's not our fault, it just takes things a while to reach us. However, that being said, I find it very interesting that the rest of the Nation seems to have only just recently caught on to the trends of crafting, thrifting, and buying vintage and handmade items, when it has long been a tradition and way of life for us Southerners... So, while I have so much that I can't wait to share, it may take me a minute to get the hang of this whole wiget, html, blogging world... As for today, here are some random pictures of inspiration.

CLASSIC GLAMOUR

SOURCE: FFFOUND

SILLY KNITS

SOURCE: FFFOUND, MENTAL FLOSS, TRENDHUNTER

Well, its getting late, so I guess that's all for now...

bye, Jessica