Saturday, August 28, 2010

Vintage Baby and Kids

On Thursday, I went to Deli V, one of my favorite restaurants. Visa, the owner and chef is so sweet AND she makes the most fantastic meals. There's always something cooking that's not on the menu, and it's always excellent. Anyway, as I walked out toward the farmer's market, I noticed a new store. It's called Vintage Baby and Kids.

I went in and was just in love with some of the vintage treasures I saw. In addition to the vintage fun, there were lots of hand-made items, like really cute pillowcase dresses. The owner, Lisa was behind the counter and she and I got to talking. We're setting up a meeting to discuss the possibility of some of my hand-made stuff going into her store! Sounds like fun, huh?

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Le Livre de Tricot - The Knitting Book

I've been meaning to start a knitting journal for a long time. I started one a while back, but wasn't knitting consistently and my enthusiasm for the book fizzled out as it often does with projects.

Now that I'm knitting and designing a bit more regularly, I've started the book! Le livre de tricot (the book of knitting) is a cute little 8x8" book with 60 blank pages. I'm hoping to have it full of awesome stuff very quickly!

A little side note, I received a bunch of yarn in the mail this week. A beautiful blue cotton, a deep green silk/cashmere mix, and a couple of angora blends. Projects are all TBD.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Au revoir, book!


I struggled with whether or not to sell this amazing book. It was an estate sale treasure, love at first sight. I had visions of it being used at a big wine tasting party held in a barn, or a wonderful western wedding. Since I'm already married, using it for a wedding is out. And as much as I've planned my perfect wine tasting parties in my head, I know that I'm a long way from owning my dream property complete with barn suitable for hosting these parties. So, I decided to list it for sale on Etsy. Well, low and behold...it sold. The best part of this story is that the sweet girl who bought it is getting married. She plans on using the guest book on a rustic old table IN A BARN on her wedding day!!! I am so happy. This book was made just for such a thing.

I send my very best to the bride and her groom. I hope this book gets filled with wonderful thoughts and wishes from her friends and family and that it becomes an heirloom that her family treasures for years to come. Maybe she'll send me a picture of it in use on the big day!
"Legend says whosoever contacts Yucca shall have the best of luck. May the inspiration of this legend rest upon you and guide you rightly, as the legend dictates."

Mon Favorite Charities

I work with a number of charities throughout the year. If you visit my Etsy shop, you'll see that each item has a designated percentage that will go to one of these wonderful non-profit organizations.

Komen for the Cure via Team Nancy
Team Nancy is important to me because Nancy was my husband's cousin. She was 25 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast during a self-exam. Until her death four years later, she was an advocate of research, treatment, and detection. The Komen Organization is the world's largest network of survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and find a cure.

Free Wheelchair Mission
I got involved with this organization when I decided to run the Surf City Half Marathon in 2007. I decided to fundraise so that I could run for free. I've been involved with them ever since. FWM recognizes that the cycle of disability and poverty is irrefutable, that the risk factors of disability are especially treacherous and unavoidable for the impoverished and disenfranchised, and that the disabled are often excluded from full membership in the social and economic aspects of community. FWM provides wheelchairs, which provide the individual with not only life-transforming mobility but with independence, dignity and hope.

Inland Hospice
When my Grandma passed away, I was introduced to the Hospice organization. I have nothing but great things to say about them and what they do. What a wonderful organization. Hospice provides reliable, professional and comprehensive care and volunteer support to people who are critically, chronically or terminally ill, as well as support services to the family and other caregivers of the patients. These services are FREE to their clients, and their families and caregivers.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

la vie en vert

What is "la vie en vert"? The literal translation from French to English is "life in green" or "green living". I love France, and am in the process of learning French. It's a slow process. Spanish is my second language and I love it. I love languages in general, why not try to pick up a third? I've always thought the French language sounds so beautiful when spoken, so I'm giving it a try. THAT is why I've named my blog in Fench. I'll throw in a French word here and there for practice.

Green is in my blood...literally...since it's my family name. We Greens have some very distinct personality traits, if you know us, you know exactly what I'm talking about. My life as a Green has always involved art, nature, and collecting. This blog will be a little about all of that.

I wouldn't say my parents were all out hippies, but they had some definite hippie tendencies. Bell bottoms, a VW bus, moving to California in the 1970's, a love of the outdoors, you get the picture. We grew some of our own food, and hung our clothes out to dry. I still do. I walk or ride my bike to the post office, bank and market. I care about our environment, respect the planet and try to leave it better than I found it. I guess that's all part of being "green" these days. I just think it's a good way for me to live my life.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Rose Bowl Flea Market Day

Today was Rose Bowl Flea Market day. Always a good time. It was so crowded, and really, really hot. I am a strict bargain hunter, and the RBFM is more of what I would call a "retail" environment as opposed to a true bargain hunter's flea market. Nonetheless, I found a couple of must haves. First, some Parisian prints and second, a quilt top.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Pomona Estate Sale

My goodness, what a day! We went to an estate sale in Pomona....twice. I stopped by yesterday afternoon, but the sale was already "closed" for the day. I saw two things I wanted, so we went back first thing this morning. Luckily, my two things were still there. I walked out with close to 50 things. Some of my favorites? It's hard to decide. My extract rack is very cool, as is my western shirt. I love the recipes and the guest book made from a yucca tree. The wire basket is awesome, and came in really handy. My little drawers are cool too. It was a very successful day, loads of little treasures.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

A Little Something for a Little Someone

Tonight I finished a gift for a dear friend's little one, expected to arrive in early September. I LOVE shrugs. This little beauty is made out of the most luxurious cotton/silk/linen blend. It's absolutely fantastic to the touch.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

About Me

I'm an artist by nature and an accountant by education. I love to create, whether it's knitting, photography, drawing and doodling, I love it. I am also a fan of all things vintage. You can find me at flea markets, yard, garage and estate sales on most weekends. There's something almost therapeutic about going through other people's discards. I truly believe that one person's trash is another's treasure. I always wonder about the story behind the treasures I find.

I come by my love of these things honestly.

My mom is a true artist, and her latest medium is fabric. Her quilts have been featured in museums twice, and I'm so proud of her. I learned my appreciation for handmade things from her. My dad taught me about the art of negotiation on our Sunday morning trips to the flea market while I was growing up. He also shares my enthusiasm for photography and the great outdoors.

I am infinitely curious, and I try to learn at least one new thing every day. I'm passionate about travel and good food and drinks. My sense of adventure drives me to see the world and try new things as often as I can.

I plan on sharing my projects, flea market finds, and other things that inspire my creativity in this blog. I hope you'll find inspiration, humor, and enjoyment here. Come back often, follow, and comment! I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you.