A couple of months ago I received a very special package in the mail. It was so funny when I received it because I hadn’t recalled ordering anything. To my surprise it was a package from my cyber/blogger friend … Continue reading
A Special Package
Tag Archives: Africa American blogger
Inspired by DIY: Lauren Renfrow Antler Tray
. By now you know I’m a bit of a thrifty person. I love having beautiful things in my home, without breaking the budget. By being inspired by other bloggers to create their version of a designer style, I decided … Continue reading
Thrifty Thursday
Forgive me guys, I know I’m suppose to continue the Victorian Charm home tour, but I wanted to interrupt it with a quick post of thrifty Thursday.. I have to say one thing for sure …. it’s been a freaking thrifters’ paradise out here. I can envision us (fellow thrifters) sitting in the anonymous cyber circle and admitting to our guilty pleasure of being a “thrifterholic”, meanwhile showcasing our fancy finds, giving the reason behind the addiction. So with that being said.. My name is Jamala and I’m a “thrifterholic”. Anyone else ready to step inside the cyberbox and confess with me? Don’t be afraid..there’s a lot of love in this group… chuckles…. we’re birds of a feather that flock together… 🙂
Okay.. now that’s over and done with.. let’s jump to all the goodies that were found!
I heard about a new Goodwill that opened in Lancaster and decided to take a visit. Glad I did, because I found this loveseat for $50.00. Excellent condition – no stains, smells or damages. So this came home with me for my son’s house. He just purchased his first “starter” home and he’s pretty excited. Woohooo to him!! This will be perfect for his living room.
I’m no wine specialist or sommelier but when we popped into another off the beaten path thrift store, I stumbled upon what looked like swizzle stick with a cork thingy..and did a quick research and found out it was a Winecicle. They sell for in the range from $8.00 (without an Aerator) to $50.00 (with an Aerator). If you’re like me and hadn’t heard of them, you simply freeze it approximately one hour before using your wine. Once frozen, place the icicle in the bottle to keep your wine perfectly chilled Wait for 10 mins and it is ready to pour at right temp. They’re easy to wash and clean and it’s dishwasher safe.
The one I found has an Aerator and it was $4.00. A perfect accessory for the bar cart
If you’re following me on Instagram, I posted this gorgeous crystal cut pitcher that was another thrifted find for $2.00 – They make my fresh cut hydrangeas look so beautiful
another look… because they’re just so darn beautiful… (I loooooves me some hydrangeas!!!)
insert another smile 🙂
I got an email from the Goodwill Blog letting us know of another Goodwill grand-opening in West Columbia. Me and my musketeers got up early and headed there and boy are we glad we did. I found this set of Threshold gold flatware for $10.50. They had 6 boxes – so needless to say… you know what I used my contest giftcards on (yippppeeeee !!)
A thrifting diva Toni found this snazzy club chair for $12.46. I can’t wait to see what she does with it.. High-5 Toni!
and fellow Instagrammer Marla found this fabulous pair of metal & lucite lamps at a local thrift store.. (She really peeped these bad-boys out!!) she spent a whopping $6.00 on them..lol.. High-5 and a hip bump to you girlfriend!)
and last but not least – Up next – is one of the grandest mirrors found by another thrifting diva Shelly and it was “THEEEE best” $45.00 spent. You know my mouth dropped open and eyes got big as pool balls.. lol… She gets 2 high-5’s, a hip bump and a heel kick on this score.
She’s using it in her boutique and as you see, it adds the perfect chic-ness for her decor- WAY TO GO Shelly!!!
Now you see why I was soooooo excited to post a Thrifty Thursday??? It’s really fantastic seeing all the gorgeous finds out here and how everyone is thrifting their house into a home. As always, it’s not what it costs, but how you style it. Happy Hunting and have a wonderful weekend! (up next is the Victorian Charm home tour continuation 🙂
Smooches!!
Birthday Gift
Hello, hello, hello.. I’m not sure if I should be feeling excited or miserable. I’ve got mixed feelings… I guess you’re wondering why?? Well, by the time you read this.. I just reached my 50th Plateau!
uggghhhh.. mind you I’m always happy and very thankful to see another birthday, but good-gosh do they have to come so quickly ??? Yikes 🙁 where did the time go… But Ok… enough of the pity-party – Yes- I’m happy- It’s my birthday and guess what?? Some lucky reader will get a gift too! (I wish I could give each of you a gift) but unfortunately, only one lucky reader this time.
Now let me tell you about my birthday gift. Last year I went to the Gullah Festival in Charleston, SC. I came upon an artist name Patricia, I saw her work and adored it. Her use of vibrant colors and bold strokes caught my eye. When I actually took the time to speak with Patricia, she was one of the most pleasant ladies I’d met. Patricia and her daughter, Faridah established Sabree’sArt Gallery, and they are truly a pair of warm and friendly people. Honestly speaking, that was partly the reason I decided to buy her art. Here are some of the pieces I loved by her:
I had to come home with one… and this is the painting I chose.. (although it didn’t technically come home with me that day..Thankfully, she had a payment plan and I jumped on it..) 🙂 
This painting is called “Version of Self” and I’m the proud owner of the original painting :-). This was my 50th Birthday gift from me to me. 🙂 . One splurge per decade I think is allowable (right??)
“A Version of Self”- Thy self has chosen to experience all versions. May she be a conscious witness of herself, who is highlighted amongst this reality. Life’s own music elevated her here. May she collect the notes of her own album. Her previous foot steps recommends her return. To have thought to see just how the water glistens like pearls… To have guessed that the waves awaken by thy presence… To have misunderstood the palms’ distractions made it clear to see all of self’s relation to the source.
After reading that…I felt that was perfect for me.
And this my dear friends is the gift to the lucky winner! A signed 12×18 print of “Test the Waters”
“Test the Waters” – How many times have we sat on the shoreline watching our lives drift pass us much like pebbles floating precariously across the sand? In the piece entitled, “Test the Waters,” a beautiful graceful young woman is contemplating taking a chance on following her dreams, but in the back of her mind she has fears of failure. Coming to the waters is her favorite spot due to its serenity. However, as long as she stays planted on the shoreline, she may never know how far her dreams will take her. To take a chance on living one’s dreams is a beautiful thing, yet most of us go through life day after day living our nightmares, instead of living our dreams. At the end of one’s life, the biggest risk is the one we don’t take.
And I chose this one because, I’m so glad I decided to “Test the Waters” of blogging. I decided to not just be a blog reader and wondering if anyone will read mine or follow me, but instead I took the plunge and created VivaLaVintage. It was one of the best decisions I made, and through my blog I’ve met so many wonderful people. So, I’m sharing a piece of me to you through this piece of art. So hopefully, whoever wins it, will think of me. Click over to my Facebook page to enter the contest – and Good Luck!!
Time for me to go have cake!! Yayyyy I get another Carvel Ice Cream Cake (I LOOOOOVE THOSE!!)
If you enjoyed her art, by all means, view the entire gallery here.. and let her know Jamala sent you 🙂
SMOOCHES!!!!
Where “Satchmo” Lives
I have to admit I’ve been in a slump these days – well not a real slump – but just pretty much taking my time, not being rushed or putting myself on time frames. I’ve been watching The Ken Burns Jazz Series. It’s featured on Netflix and if you get the chance to watch it – I highly recommend it. As I watched, I reflected back when I had the opportunity to tour the home of Louis Armstrong. The excitement mixed with anticipation made me feel like “gitty-little” girl waiting to open a present. I was just completely overwhelmed with joy as we rode to Corona,Queens, NY. Louis Armstrong was my first introduction to Jazz and I love his music and here I am.. en route to his home. We pulled up to the two story brick frame and I felt a tingling sensation all the while thinking – “WOW” – (hindsight is 20/20 – I wish I had started my blog back then.. I’d have pictures galore to show you..) But since I didn’t, I’m sharing some pictures I pulled from various websites to give you a glimpse of what I saw.
This is Louis Armstrong’s humble abode;
The living room was so finely decorated with embossed wallpaper and trinkets purchased from all over the world where he traveled (I love the artwork!!)
The kitchen equally beautiful, was state of the art for that time period. I fell in love with the blue enamel kitchen
Take a look at this stunning bathroom. The ceiling and walls were all mirrored and graced with solid brass fixtures and marble tiles. This bath was befitting for the king of jazz and one of Louis’s favorite rooms.
The office is where Louis comes alive. As you enter you’ll hear a recording of his voice in the air.. having conversations. It was almost as if he was there. The door you see here leads to the balcony where Louis would go out and serenade the neighborhood… (could you imagine how awesome that must have been!!) 
The master bedroom, simply exquisite and tastefully decorated with embossed wallpaper and matching blinds
The master bedroom closet was very spacious and uniquely designed.
And this is the adjoining master bath
The garage was converted into a museum and gift shop where you’ll find all his clippings, albums, writings, and Louis’s collectibles.
The King’s prized trumpet rests in it’s case.
Now they offer summer jazz concerts inside his Japenese inspired garden
I never had the opportunity to see him play live in concert, but after taking this tour, I felt that I had connected with the man who revolutionized the beautiful music of “Jazz”. Leaving the home with eyes moist of joy, my soul had been satisfied.
I hope you enjoyed the quick tour of the lovely home Lucille created for her and Louis. With the joys, laughter and wonderful music, this is the place where they lived until death did they part.
If you ever have the chance to visit New York, by all means, head over to Corona and take the tour because there’s so much more to see. You can read more about the house on the museum’s website here and booking a tour here. Louis Armstrong may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten. His legacy of wonderful music was an inspiration to many and will always live.
“He inspired thousands of trumpets, inspired countless vocations, enchanted millions of friends, who quite simply, listend. For me, he’s the epitome of the kind of American who goes beyond the rules, a truly good and original man” – Duke Ellington