Happy Halloween

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Friday, October 31, 2008

It's a new day!
The costumes are ready. The children are thrilled. The air is chilly and the sun is out. So much to celebrate today and everyday....even in all the extra busy moments that life brings. There is so much to be thankful for! I feel so blessed.
Happy Halloween
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Pink Dalmatian

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Thursday, October 30, 2008


I have to make this today!!! (but pink!)

I am weeping as I blog. I only have 10 minutes, but we bloggers are a bit obsessed!! Anyhow, back to why I am weeping.... my darling, beautiful, angelic, sweet as pie, wears her heart on her sleeve, 5 year old daughter decided to change her Halloween costume!!! She was suppose to be Poccihantis ...we owned it, ready to go...

She now has her "heart" set on being a Dalmatian...oops I forgot to say "Pink Dalmatian"! I can not say maybe next year (you are only 5 once and she will look so sweet). So between, a dental appointment, store , cake for a cake walk, Halloween party scheduled for TOMORROW at our house, I need to make a costume. Okay, I can do this, not to bad of a day!

Now for the BIGGY....I thought what the heck this is a crazy day, I should at least take pictures as I make the "pink Dalmatian" costume! I take the prep pictures, go to the computer ( that lets me download pictures) and IT WONT TURN ON!!!!! I pushed, reconnected, prayed, pleaded " please do not do this to me today"....let me at least post a picture for my blog. My favorite mom thing to do, besides, "vintage shoppnig" of course!!!!

I am a busy mom who just wants the computer to work and her kids to love her!!! Hopefully my darling, love of my life, only one for me, husband will read my blog at work (wishful thinking) and ride up on a white horse tonight to fix my computer problems and tell me the pink Dalmatian costume is "too cute"!
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Kitchen Island

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Tuesday, October 28, 2008




Shocked and surprised super find!
My "oh so favorite" vintage store, that I have a passion for, had a list of "new arrivals". As I was reading through the list I spotted the words "kitchen island".
I have been looking for a table/island all summer that would work in my "under construction (probable for a long time) pool room! I really didn't get my hopes up because I had an idea of what I wanted it to look like and had not found it all summer.That being said, this is what I saw when I ventured in!!!
Giddy euphoria erupted throughout my whole body!!!! I had to make a quick call to my husband, explaining that I finally found what "we" had been looking for. He proceeded to tell me that it was really "me" who was looking for the perfect island for our "work in progress room". Yea, well whatever!!! The point is I found one!!
It has a removable butcher block top! I could not pass this by especially because there was someone else wanting it! She was telling me if I didn't buy it she was...and she was, "oh so serious!" That made me a tad competitive.....so I brought it home!!!!!!
Even though I didn't get to enjoy it during the summer months I am so excited to use it as my "Gift Wrapping Center" for the holidays!! I'll be sure to post pictures of it in use....
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Surrounding's

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Monday, October 27, 2008

My blog time


Love the detail on th Mantle



Vintage Source artwork.....

Surrounding my "spot" with my latest treasures. It's Monday morning. I got the three girls off to school with yummy lunches, tons of hugs and kisses and my oldest daughter beaming at me because she is wearing her new "Twilight" jacket! Oh yea, I am super cool Mom today...
I missed my "spot" this weekend! With school projects, kid time and last minute Halloween preparations I missed spending time in my little "spot". So this morning I am going to treat myself to mom time while I hear aka: "Vampire boy" (at least for another week) play!
I have decided that the wall that I have hung my paintings is going to be dedicated to my "flea market" artwork. I am already anticipating the thrill of finding them.

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Placing A Treasure

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Saturday, October 25, 2008




Vampire boy and Tutu girl




I had three places I could have put the vintage locker.

1. My mudroom: for the children's school item.....

2. My "pool" room for swimsuits, extra clothing or companies personal belongings when they come to swim.

3. My son's room.....

When I walked in the door that Saturday with the locker, my son happened to be standing in the foyer. He took one look at it and lit up like a Christmas tree! "Gosh, I just love him!" So there it went to his room. We had just placed the locker in position and the little guy already had his hands full of "his treasures". For the time being when anyone comes to pay us a visit the first thing he says is , "you have to see my room". Up the stairs he goes as fast as his little feet can go!!!
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My Finds

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Thursday, October 23, 2008

paintings, corbel


locker, painting, mantle, corbel


locker
Here are my vintage finds from Saturday's excursion........

The "Vintage Metal Locker"purchase was pure luck! As I mention in my Rules of the Store List (in a previous post) you have to act fast! When I first spotted the locker, my mind was already processing the places where it would fit perfectly in my home. To my great sadness, the ticket had been TAKEN! I lamented for a moment and moved on....lucky for me I lamented out loud about my loss of the locker. I happened to be in a discussion regarding another item I spotted when I hear my name being called! (Side note: my husband finds this to be quite humorous because when it comes to shopping: shop owners and fellow shoppers end up knowing my name!!!) Anyway, this person had the golden ticket to the locker and had changed her mind!!!! This called for the happy dance!!!!! One item down.....

Next, I spotted a pair of "Corbels". When I spotted them hanging on the wall with a couple of fur coats hanging from them, I ran! I think my fellow enthusiasts thought I was diving for the fur...Of course not, I tossed those babies aside and triumphantly grabbed the ticket for the corbels!

Changing tactics I "spied" a Mantle Shelf made with salvage material. I walked slowly toward them, looked around to see if I had someone on my tail. Quickly did the mental assessment and swiped the ticket. (When I do this, I can't help think of the saying, "Swiper no swiping" from Dora the Explorer)

I thought my purchases were complete as I was meandering around the store for the hundredth time. Deep in thought and feeling pleased about my items, it dawned on me that I hadn't noticed the artwork! The first one I found was the water scene with the tree. It is signed, dated June 28, 1948 with the location being Arendal Southern Norway. The last painting I spotted was signed and the title is called...Isolated Church Switzerland... This painting has turned out to be my anniversary present to my husband of 15 years, today! Besides loving the scenery in the painting it struck a cord because of the cross. My husband happened to propose to me in La Jolla, California at a place called Mt. Solidad. It is a mountain that overlooks the city of La Jolla with a historic cross sitting on top. Even though this is not Mt Solidad it reminds me of it! I think it will remind him too!
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Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!
I could just weep! Look at this amazing talent! My daughters would trade me in for a more talented mom. If they could see these pictures, oh dear! I better finish their costumes, even then I will feel so inadequate! ugh! The costume is beyond gorgeous, but look at the setting! Just pure "WOW"! I shall weep into my second cup of tea! :o)
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Vintage Source Pictures

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EEKS! this was really cool! Loved the color
Look at this bench! So charming.
 Liked the black lamp shade on the marble lamp, I am now wondering if it would work in my husbands office? Would love an opinion...something to think about.I really enjoy artwork. I found 2 pieces!!!
Here are a couple of my pictures I took from this past weekend. It's a good thing the store is only open 1 weekend a month! Or, I could get into some serious trouble!! I loved the white wooden bird cage! I had the perfect spot for it. Two of my girls share a room and have a collection of "Littlest Pets" which I think would have been charming in the bird cage! ....maybe next visit....


I also thought the green metal stool was really cool! I love adding a bit of retro to my home. I like the eclectic touch it gives to my cottage style decorating. The great thing about vintage shopping is that you truely don't know what you are going to find. I also love the conversation it sparks....(where would you put it, is the size right, color, style ect...) Simply- pure fun!
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10 Things That Make Me Happy

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Monday, October 20, 2008

( wish my "to do" list looked like this)

After my fun filled weekend I must now pay the price! I am behind on my " To do " list!
Instead, I made a list to get me through the day:

10 Things That Make Me Happy
1. First sip of my hot coffee.
2 . Kisses and "big hugs" from by children.
3. Fresh smell of laundry, still warm from the dryer.
4. William Sonoma "Wasabi Green Tea" Room Freshener
5. My Gryson black handbag.
6. A new decorating magazine.
7. My mandevilla still looks beautiful, and its October
8. My sons little hand in mine.
9. Phone call from a friend I haven't spoken with in a while.
10. The color yellow.
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Vintage Source Weekend

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Sunday, October 19, 2008


Be still my racing heart! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend. This weekend the Vintage Source (with it's annual Flea Market!) was open. The alarm was set for 6:00 AM. Details were ironed out with my favorite man in the whole world, my husband, (such as breakfast for the kids, clothing they should wear, and when additional children were arriving for a scheduled sleepover :) Not overloaded with all this information, he took the time to make me a grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte to hand me on my way out the door... AH, I truly thank God everyday for blessing me with such a great man.

I took quite a few pictures which I will feature, on my blog, once I down load them. I found some great finds that just called to me! My fellow enthusiasts for vintage shopping reminded me yesterday this has become a common occurrence. I just can't help it! Well, I could but...

The Vintage Source is a contact experience(not exactly--but it certainly can be a competitive adreneline rush). I found 2 items yesterday that almost came to standoff.

MY unofficial rules of the store are the following:

1. Line up before 8 AM (calm orderly fashion- but the tension is high)

2. When the door opens and you see something you like don't hesitate to grab the ticket.

3. Then mull it over. Think, imagine, picture the perfect spot, etc...

4. Rule #2 is very important! #2 & #3 must be followed in order!! If you don't follow this rule your heart could be broken.

5. Prepare to be followed by a fellow shopper who may want your item

(just in case you change your mind). In some cases they stalk you hoping you put the ticket back out of fear!!


Besides the thrill of the hunt. This setting is a fun social experience. You usually see the same women and men with their hot coffee. Everyone is happy! I see people who can't possible put another thing in their homes come just to experience the atmosphere and energy of the shoppers looking for the one item that says, "take me home".

To top off an already wonderful weekend, my husband and I get to watch our 5 year old daughter sing today at a school function. I treasure these moments!
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Under Construction

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Friday, October 17, 2008

I just need to explain my background changes that keep occurring on LuLu & Co! I am not completely zannie, just happen to love creative design. When it comes to decorating I get a bit obsessive compulsive until I get it right! Well guess what, the same goes for my blog. I keep tweaking here and there till it feels right! So keep checking back while it's under construction!
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Day of Inspiration

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image courtesy Coastal Living

image courtesy Coastal Living

image courtesy Southern Living



image courtesy of Country Living




image courtesy Cottage Living

Friday, is my day to find inspiration from magazines. I like to focus on one room at a time and collect all the pictures that make me say, "OOOH, I like that". The possibilities are endless.
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My Blog Studio

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008




I have a thing about old doors! When I started my vintage shopping I was drawn to old doors. I can't explain it.
When I first saw these french doors, they were leaning against a wall behind some furniture. The windows had not been cleaned in "years". The paint was dirty and badly chipping. This particular day I had a friend with me and I mentioned to her that I loved them. I could tell my the look on her face that she thought I had lost my mind! She even accused "me" of being caught up in my shopping frenzy!!! How dare she think that of me!!!! I admit, I felt a tad bit embarrassed and continued on my way.
Lucky for the doors, I could not get them out of my mind. Even luckier for me I know the owner of the Vintage Source! As you can see I purchased them and snuck them into my garage! I was not so sure, the love of my life, husband would see the vision. I was right! He came home that day. Walked into the kitchen as said, "did you really think I would not see the doors? What were you thinking?" My response was," just wait till I clean them up!
Which I did! It was a ton of work. I was terrified of getting lead poison while I was scraping away. Of course, outside away from the children. Now they are done and I love them. One day I hope to install them. For now, I get to look at them while I blog. My little spot, aka: blog studio, where I can dream of home design and future vintage treasures!
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Organizing Tip

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Tuesday, October 14, 2008







I love necklaces! When I am running out the door to take the kids to school I grab a necklace and instantly feel put together at 7:30 in the morning! My problem was trying to find the one I want in a flash, as the kids are calling for me saying, " we are going to be late."
Then one day, my hand towel stand that I had (was not being used) just happen to be on the floor of my closet. TA-DA, I started using it as necklace holder ! It works great!
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I Am Now Listed at MomDot!!!

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Monday, October 13, 2008

MomDot is a mom blog listing site that is run by mommy bloggers, trisha, alicia, and bridgette.They run contests weekly, reviews on awesome (and not so awesome) products for family and kids, and talk about their lives. But more importantly, they feature bloggers and mom boutiques to give them an avenue to get their name out there, also assisting in google links! You can head out and list your blog for free and talk to them about doing an interview about you. Head on over and see what MomDot is about!
I am so excited for this listing! What a great way to start my Monday morning!!! I thought it was great just having my husband off work today! This adds to it!
http://www.momdot.com/?page_id=386
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Worlds Longest Yard Sale

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Sunday, October 12, 2008

Oh my goodness! I just watched the World Longest Yard Sale on HGTV that happens every August for 2 days on RT 127!!! It gave me the vintage shopping bug!!! Which is not good because I am trying to watch my shopping, in light of the current economic crisis. Of course, I had to see the show tonight, when next weekend the Vintage Source is open!!!! And it's the second annual Flea Market. Oh dear! I must control myself.
Thank goodness I have 5 days to calm down. It was a ton of fun to watch. I actually had no idea it even existed but, two of my friends called me tonight to tell me to watch. Are they really friends? They called me during the show and now want to plan a road trip for next August!!! My darling husband laughed when I told him!!! But hey, you never know, I think it would be a blast. I am not so sure he thinks I could control myself! He does know me so well!!
http://www.tourdekalb.com/yardsale.shtml
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Twist on Tradition

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Friday, October 10, 2008

If you could see my stack of decorating magazines! Friday night has finally arrived and I love sitting on the floor with my stack of magazines and going through all my old issues. I have to keep them in case I may have missed something the first time through. I love to look at all the detail. Looking for an item that really catches my eye. When I do see something I have an idea of what to look for when it's time for my vintage shopping day. I like all the rooms in my home to feel well used and comfortable.

Photos from Cottage Living
These photos caught my attention. I really like how they mixed wood colors to make it feel comfy not stuffy.
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Calling All Style Moms

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Thursday, October 9, 2008

Today, I wish I could go back in time a take home economics to learn to sew!!! Just look at the cover~ I want the whole look! I came across this book while purchasing Simply Sublime Bags and now it is a must have book as well! Did I mention I don't sew? Maybe this entry should be called, "Calling all friends of LuLu and Co who sew this would be a great gift "(hint hint)!! Whether you sew or not it reminds me of how much I love the frills of being a girl!
www.amazon.com " A is for Apron 25 Fresh & Flirty Designs", by Nathalie Mornu .
Can't wait to show my girls and figure out how to sew!
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Fresh Idea

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We had a large honey stained TV cabinet that was begging for a makeover!
After 12 years, 4 kids, a cat, dog and experiencing several moves, plus a year in storage, it had been naturally distress (minor bumps and bruises). With such a prominent position in my children's family room I decided the cabinet could benefit from a fresh coat of paint.
With a good coat of Prime Lock Plus primer/sealer (no sanding was needed-oh yea!!) and 2 coats of the fantastic paint color "Michelle White" the makeover was almost complete! The finishing touch was adding 4 brushed nickel knobs (only $1.39 each) to finish it off. Giddy!! I was so excited to unveil my Sunday project to my husband and kids!!! Now, instead of being 12 years old, it feels like I have a brand new cabinet!! It's such a good feeling getting to do the happy dance without buying something new! It definitely makes the hubby join me in doing the dance. Even better!
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Too Cute Bag Party

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Tuesday, October 7, 2008



This is such a cute book. I just had to share it!! I can't wait to have a Bag Party for my girls!! They love crafts. This will be a perfect theme for a birthday party or a great get together on a cold autumn weekend. The book is available at http://www.amazon.com/ Simply Sublime Bags, the author is Jodi Kahn. When my girls make their Simlpy Sublime Bags I will feature them on my blog so check back to see LuLu and Co bag creations!!!

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Cottage Character

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Monday, October 6, 2008


There is something I find charming about outdoor shutters. I really wanted window treatments for a couple rooms in my home, but I had two criteria. I wanted something that would be versatile and will not go out of style! Which led me to the light bulb moment!! I used the same outdoor shutters that are on my home INSIDE!!!! It was so easy! I did not need them to close so I was able to bolt them right to the walls. It gave me the cottage character I so love!!
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Evening Under The Stars

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Saturday, October 4, 2008



I just came across this picture, in the garden section of Southern Living, and thought it was such a romantic setting for a fall evening. My anniversary is this month and I would love to use items I have in my home and recreate this scene in our yard. What a great way to have a nice evening out without leaving home!!! I recommend the October issue of Southern Living, it has great ideas for decorating which always makes me happy!!!
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Fall Fun Fest

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It's getting to be that busy time of year with holidays fast approaching! I was able to grab few quiet moments at the end of a day to enjoy the October issue of Southern Living. It was just what I needed to get me energized for my children's Halloween party. When I saw this picture the planning did not seem so daunting!! I love getting ideas from magazines!! Now I am just as excited for a spooky night of goblins and fairies to be running around Halloween night!!!
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Crazy For Totes

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008





A while ago I had made the switch from plastic bags to paper. But I still felt guilt using paper. Over 5 months ago I went to the grocery store and the first thing I saw were green totes to purchase for my groceries. From then on the change was made! I am able to grocery shop for my family of 6 with two weeks worth of food with 7 totes!!!!
Easy, Easy Easy!! Once I made that switch I carried it one step further. The store totes are fine for my groceries. But for my fun "mall and everyday" shopping I still wanted to be Eco friendly with style! Which led me to my "RUG BAG" by Dash and Albert http://www.dashandalbert.com/ . It holds a ton and looks great! Love that!! It's easier now then ever to shop without plastic bags and it's fun to say, "Save your bag, I've got a tote!!!
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