Who Needs A V-Card?

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Vintage4YourHome

It was a snow day today so I figured I’d take advantage of this time to de-clutter my chest of papers and trash what needs to be. As I emptied the chest, I came across a bag I had buried underneath the stack. As I grabbed the envelopes and pulled out the letters all tucked inside, realizing what they were and my thoughts reflected back… Oh how the years go by…. They were love letters my boyfriend/1st love – now husband wrote me while he was away in college and the military. We wrote each other faithfully – back then long distance phone calls were expensive so we had to write. I realize I’m the sentimental nut in the relationship because I know he can’t remember where the letters I wrote him are.. but that’s ok..

I guess you can tell he missed me.. Oh.. the wonderful days of Puppy Love..

Yes, the world says February 14th is Valentines Day- a day where many bouquets of roses will be bought, boxes of chocolate given and plenty of jewelry & cards exchanged – all to express how much you love your significant other- which are all wonderful expressions. But after spending over 30 years with the same person, I realize the best gift is the gift of love. Come July 11th we’ll be celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary but making 33 years total being together.

Our matrimony union was blessed with two wonderful sons that was the glue to bind us together. (Sometimes children don’t realize the secret power they possess over their parents)

There were many a times I didn’t think we’d make it, but because of love we managed to pull through the storms to make it this long.

Vacations were considered a luxury, but contrary, they are a necessity for a family and a couple – to vacate from the norm, to let go of stress, to re-group your emotions and re-kindle the flame.

One year my sons gave me rings for Valentine’s Day. They were little at the time – I thought it was just the cutest thing they ever did – them coming to me with their little boxes and smiles on their face anticipating my excitement of seeing their gift to me. 🙂 . I still have the little plastic jewel tone rings tucked away in my vanity. They probably don’t remember giving them to me, but I do and I’ll never throw them away. They’re part of my cherished memories.

This Valentine year, who needs a Valentine card??? Not me – I don’t need a card, flowers, chocolates or jewelry to know I’m loved… My husband and sons already have that covered.. because I know they love me just as much as I love them.

Oh how the years go by. All through the changes so many times we loved, we laughed, we cried.. As the years go by

The Wallace Family

May God bless you with more love – because the greatest gift is from the heart.

The Other Women

Posted on December 28, 2013 by Vintage4YourHome

I wasn’t blessed with a daughter to share the house with, but that doesn’t mean I don’t share my home with other little ladies. I’d like to introduce you to the the women I share my home with. These ladies were created by fashion designer Byron Lars.. Let’s start with meeting Tatu. I chose her to enter my home because of style and grace.. she’s the 3rd doll created in the Treasures of Africa Series. Her beautiful golden skin tone and natural hair exemplifies just how beautiful women of color can be.

Next meet Nne The 2nd doll created in the Treasures in Africa series.. I love this doll because she reminded me of my very own doll baby , beautiful niece Nadiyah

who love, love, loved wearing her hair in the afro puffs..(so you know I had to get this and one for her)

Isn’t she a doll.. All decked out in her winter gear rockin’ her Afro puffs…..

Another doll in the Treasures of Africa series is Tano – “Fierce” isn’t she? With her silky dark chocolate skin..

And then there’s “Moja” – she stands at the nightstand greeting guests

While “Indigo”, who is part of the runway series, adorns the dresser

The lady in lavendar appeased the Vintage style – Her style of dress is perfect for an afternoon tea with the girls

While this sexy little lady has the perfect attire for an intimate night with Mr. (oolala)

Meet another selection of ladies that are in our home. They are part of the Daddy’s Long Legs collection: The lady in red is Babe Bouchard straight from N’Orleans”

And playing little Ms. Dress-up is “Meagan”

And to appease the Mr & Mrs as we grow old are Oma & Ezra sitting together enjoying each other’s company

Last but not least is my fairy Godmother – equipped with her magic wand… 🙂

It was something about her that reminds me of my dear sweet grandmother-in-law, Sarah, (do you see the resemblance)

So you see.. I have no girls but that didn’t stop me from collecting my dolls. Each one these beauties reflect an inner soul part of my personality. Be it bold, be it old, be it lovely or be it vintage.. I am me, with four women in one body.. And I am Peaches.

Joined at the Hip

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Vintage4YourHome

It’s been a week since I’ve been back from going home for Thanksgiving and I’m still reminiscing in the wonderful time I had visiting family. I’d like to share my short story about the visit and staying with my twin. It’s just amazing how even though we live hundreds of miles apart, when I go to her house – it’s like home away from home.. seriously. Down to the point of when I look in her cabinet to cook something – we even have the same spices.. chuckles.. it’s really something to think about. The week prior to my visit I had been playing a particular cd alot..”Caron Wheeler” the cd I used in my Lite as a Feather post.. I love the entire cd..well – I get to her house.. and guess what.. she has it playing in her kitchen (just like me).. now this is the odd part.. We were playing the same music in our homes not knowing it. I gave her a copy of that cd at least a year ago and she said “Kim – I just put this cd in last week for the first time and love – every song!” Inside I was perturbed because I thought “what took you so long” but somehow she must have read my face and quickly said..”I know it took a long time, but I’ve been listening to so many cds our aunt Pookie (who is another music buff) had been giving her that she just hadn’t taken the time to listen.. but now she’s regretting it took so long because she loves it..) That made me happy. But moving along because I could write a book about us…chuckles.. My sister’s home is so lovely and she (like me) had to completely re-do her home.. I guess we’re just suckers for a good challenge -whereas some people prefer move-in ready to decorate… not us. I’m just going to share a few snapshots I took of her home. Her kitchen is just a warm friendly place to be in. The color tones of yellow, red, black and white are just so welcoming. When she asked me to make her curtains I was happy to do so, but to see that she still has them makes me smile. They were simple to make and it’s a rewarding feeling to know that I helped add to her beautiful kitchen. I adore this vignette around her table. The picture you see above “Sisters” hugging.. well that was a birthday card I gave her at least 15 years ago.. she had it framed and you see where it hangs 🙂

The other pictures are a tasteful blend of vintage & modern prints

Her Dining Room is the crowned jewel of her home. The rich tone of chocolate brown and keylime walls trimmed in gold is absolutely gorgeous.

Her artwork adds to the beauty of the room – with each piece custom framed to her selection

Pulling all her vintage furniture pieces together to create this fabulous look was truly tastefully accomplished.

The Living Room, which is equally stunning, was also completely redesigned. Her old mantel was torn out and her husband handcrafted a newly design mantel to her liking – and customizing a border around the art was another creative special touch.

This is the front view of her beautiful fireplace

Gorgeous!! Isn’t it??

I also love the vintage desk and how she has it displayed with the exquisite artwork above it.

Mind you, every fabulous piece of furniture was found in thrift stores lovingly refinished – because that’s how we Vintage girls love to do it. The song I chose for this post is called “Special”.. because that’s what she is to me.. and as the lyric says “sisterly bond is worth more than gold” and those words are never more true. I know you’re probably wondering why I chose the name for this post. Well, it comes from my aunt who always says “we’re joined at the hips” and after hearing my short story I’m sure you can agree.

I hope you enjoyed your visit of my sister’s home, and I hope you enjoyed the “Special” tune I played for you.

Falling Lite as a Feather

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Vintage4YourHome

When I think of feathers, I see the bird in flight .. soaring high in the sky.. Watching how it soars so high is one of nature’s beauty. It’s something special about feathers.. I believe it’s a combination of their softness mixed with the array of colors they come in that draws my attention. I love using them in home decor. As you listen to the lyrics in this song, they really exemplify the significance of feathers and how they can be used in home decor because not only are they important for birds to fly high, but as the lyrics say.. make your heart lite as a feather so you let nothing hold you down. When it comes to decorating with feathers- go with the wind and flow free as a breeze thinking of all the possibilities.

This post is the journey I took using feathers in home decorating. Here I took a strand of feathers just to outline pillar candles that were sitting on a charger plate (the left pedestal is a tiffany shade turned upside down and the right is a old lamp base)

When I made these pillows, I used feathers as the trim instead of the usual fringe

Feathers flowing from the lampshades adds extra flare to them

There’s even a feathered wreath greeting you at the door- Open your eyes and appreciate the beauty they bring

This fall and winter season incorporate a few in your decor to see the difference they make in your room

Even create a beautiful table centerpiece with feathers in a vase with nuts or pine cones

So as plenty feathers fall from the sky and grace us with their beauty, you can use your imagination and let it soar with so many possibilities to use in your home

The knobs on the antique wine cabinet caught these beauties (they were christmas tree ornaments but I used them for knob enhancements)

The glass knobs on the French doors caught this feathered ornament

A simple spray of ostrich feathers tucked inside a candle holder – adorns the french vanity

So you see… using feathers in your home decor is simple and lite as a feather

Have I convinced you to tickle your fancy with a few feathers? I hope so……

But however you choose to use them, let your imagination soar high and Fall with feathers

Feeling Bluesy

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Vintage4YourHome

The blues are back! And I’m feeling it…When I think of blue and the wide range of colors there are to use in decorating .. the possibilities are endless. Blue has always been a striking color for me (considering I have a house full of men- I had to add blue to the decor. My personal preference is more on the gentler side of, however, I’ve seen some striking colors that yell “BLUE!!!” and yet, I’m not so afraid of it…

Let’s look at a few of the ideas I’m pondering in my mind. Here’s a bedroom that’s oh-so softly blue. Doesn’t look so painful – does it?

Then I saw this one which still has the softer side and a diferent blend of blue & white. Stripes are wonderful and I’ve been contemplating at trying my luck with them..(maybe I’ll start on a small project to see how it goes.. to be on the safe side 🙂

As you see, so far so good and like I said, they’re back.. so let’s step it up a notch and see how it goes. Here the tone changes but it’s still just as soft and gentle. Accenting with a pale beige really gives the walls a pleasant hue.