Friday Favorites // 06.29

Where did June go?? I can't believe it'll be July in two days... That means I've been living in DC for almost a year, exactly. It's funny, but I still catch myself telling people that I "just moved here" from Wisconsin. That isn't true at all! It's so strange how quickly time passes... Though sometimes when I sit and think about it, I guess I do feel like my old life was centuries ago. Looking at these pictures, I hardly remember the person that girl was just 12 months ago. That backyard, those amazing people, it all seems like such a distant memory.

I've grown and learned so much since moving here, and now I know it's true that leaving home and stepping outside of your comfort zone is a learning experience unlike any other. Seeing the world and meeting people from all over the globe with new friends, a new love and a new city to call home is so important.

Some people are okay with settling down in the only city or state they've ever known, surrounding themselves with comfort and familiarity, and that's totally fine. I just know I could never do that. There's too much excitement in the unknown and I wouldn't give this year back for anything. Each day I wake up with the itch to move again, and I know I will. I don't know if I'll ever settle down, honestly. The peripatetic life is too appealing...

Though I'm no expert yet, I know there's still so much to see out there, and I have a feeling this is only the beginning. :)

I hope your weekend is a beautiful one. Here are some of my favorite images this week on Pinterest.

Teacup Puppy // Hugging Puppies

Tenenbaums // Kisses // Tattoos

Flags // Branch

Volkswagen // Rain // C.S. Lewis

Follow me on Pinterest here.

P.S. I forgot to mention this in my last post, but the winner of the Flappergirl giveaway is Lieke! I hope you love your new lady tie, lady! :)

Night Drive

Andrew surprised me last night and picked me up in a convertible. He rented it for a few hours because the weather was so gorgeous.

We drove around DC for a while and listened to music. It was totally unexpected and really, really lovely. There's nothing better than warm weather, great music, and riding around with the person you love. ♥

Have I mentioned how great it is to have Andrew back in town?? :)

Over the Weekend

Friday night, I went bowling with my roommates. It was so very Wisconsin of us. Unfortunately, I didn't do so well. It was pretty embarrassing actually for a person who has been on three separate leagues in her lifetime and used to bowl every Wednesday just for fun during her Junior year of high school... But, like all things, practice makes perfect and I can't even remember the last time I went bowling. (I also realize how much of a dork this makes me to admit to any of this, but I don't care. I love bowling! At least The Dude abides...)

On Saturday, I got together with Natasha. I met her a few months ago through blogging and we've been wanting to plan a meet-up for quite some time. Since she was in DC visiting with her brother this weekend, we took advantage of that and grabbed some lunch and talked for a few hours while Kyle and her brother were at a BBQ Festival. It was so great to finally meet her in person! This was definitely the first of many get togethers. :)

After I left Natasha, I decided to walk around and do a little shopping. I turned a corner and saw this sign and gasped! I had no idea Fiona was coming back to DC. I saw her perform at Sixth&I at the end of March with Andrew... I had no idea she'd be back so soon! I have a serious Fiona obsession. I'm afraid to look at tickets, though. It might even be sold out already... It's tempting, but I know I really can't afford to spend that right now, so I'm convincing myself to not look up ticket prices. *cries*

Later on, I had dinner with my roommates. It was a beautiful night, so we found a pizza place where we could all sit outside.

After that, we went mini-golfing. I'm a big fan of mini-golf. We drove 30 miles to a seemingly small, abandoned town and paid $5 for 18 holes. Not bad! The course was cute and lit up nice and the people running it were sweet. I also recall seeing a framed picture of Rodney Dangerfield hanging up behind them, so that proves how awesome it was.

Right next to the golf course, there was an ice cream shop with a line almost as long as Georgetown Cupcake! Well, okay, maybe not quite that long, but it was still a sight to see. Of course we had to join in and get some sundaes of our own.

We saw this cow and had to get a picture with it. He reminded us of home...That whole area gave us such a nice feeling. There was something very Wisconsin about it. Too bad it's so far away. Finding places like this is always so much fun. I think this weekend was the first time since the end of May where it actually felt like summer. Mini-golf, lunch outside, and late night ice cream with friends is the perfect combination. I look forward to doing it again!

P.S. It's mine and Andrew's one year anniversary today! He comes home tomorrow morning and I seriously can't wait! He left for Brazil at the beginning of June and I miss him more and more each day. I'm so excited to see him. ♥ ♥ ♥

P.P.S. I still have a giveaway going on to win a lady tie of your choice from Flapper Girl! Check it out here.

Friday Favorites // 06.22

It's Friday!!! Andrew comes home in three days and I'm ecstatic!

Hope you have a great weekend; here are some of my favorite things this week.

Wes Anderson // Van // Foxes

Hair // Tree

Dessert // Living Room

Be Happy // Map // Emma & Ryan // Pink

Follow me on Pinterest here. :)

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Etsy Interviews V.5 // Christine from Flapper Girl

I have a lovely interview and giveaway to share this evening with Christine from Flapper Girl. Christine is a graphic designer/crafter/thrifter/sewer residing in Portland, Oregon.

The minute I saw her lady ties, I knew I had to ask her to be a part of my blog, and I'm so glad I did. Christine is just the kind of lady I could see myself being friends with and I really enjoyed getting to know her! I think her lady ties are adorable and add such a nice touch to a simple top or dress.

If you'd like to win your own lady tie make sure you enter the giveaway at the end of this post; Christine is giving away a lady tie of your choice!

Name: Christine

Shop name: Flapper Girl

Facebook // Blog // Pinterest

1. When did you first start combining your love of sewing and vintage?

I've loved both vintage and sewing for ages, but I didn't combine them until I started making my own vintage-inspired aprons back in 2007. I’ve been collecting vintage aprons since I went to my first estate sale with my mom when I was 16, and the fancy tulle hostess aprons have always been my favorite kind. I never wanted to wear my vintage aprons, though, in fear that their

old, fragile fibers would come apart, so I began designing and making my own new, sturdier versions of vintage aprons.

2. What inspires you?

There’s just something about 1920s Art Deco design that speaks to me. I think I first fell in love with that. Whether it’s architecture, a beaded dress, a picture frame, or a set of kitchen canisters, if it’s Art Deco, it makes me hold my breath and admire. I also really love flapper culture. I’ve always admired that the flappers were liberal and rebellious in a time where that sort of behavior and mindset in women was unheard of. They

didn’t care that so many people thought they were acting inappropriate and rebellious. They did what they wanted to do, and that was that. I can relate to that. I love finding vintage photographs from the 20s, especially those of flappers. They seem so mischievous and happy. I connect to that, too.

3. What is your all time favorite item you've created or sold?

Definitely my Lady Ties. I originally designed them for myself, and then when friends and strangers began asking me about them, I decided to share them with the world. They're really fun, and I like how subtle shifts in fabric, pattern, and accents can totally shift the feel of a tie.

4. Has selling on Etsy become your full-time job? If not, would you like it to be?

Selling on Etsy is not my full-time job, but it would be a dream come true if that happens some day.

5. Any advice for others trying be successful on Etsy?

I think a winning combination is beautiful photography, great packaging, fast shipping, and excellent customer service. The thing I always try to keep in mind is that I'm not just selling a product—I'm selling an experience.

6. Have any personal or business goals for 2012?

I've been in school the past three years studying graphic design, and I'm so happy to finally be graduating

in August. Once school is finished I would love to start selling Lady Ties in boutiques, and I have plans to schedule a robust fall/winter craft fair season.

7. Have a fun fact or anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your shop?

All Lady Ties are sewn on a really gorgeous bright pink vintage Morse Push Button Zig Zag sewing machine.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling me which lady tie from Christine's shop is your favorite.

(Make sure you leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!)

For additional entries:

+ Favorite Flapper Girl on Etsy.

+ "Like" Flapper Girl on Facebook.

+ Follow Little Tranquility on GFC or Bloglovin'.

+ Tweet about the giveaway:

"Enter to win a lady tie from Flapper Girl on the @little_tranquil blog.

http://little-tranquility.blogspot.com/2012/06/etsy-interviews-v4-christine-from.html"

/// Giveaway will run through Wednesday, June 27th. \\\

Good luck!

Updated 07.01.12 Winner is Lieke!

Instagram Lately

A little update on life via my photos from Instagram.

// I downloaded the Vsco Cam app recently and was playing with it while watching Reality Bites last week. Somehow it was my first time seeing that movie even though I love Winona Ryder. It was really good!

// Kendal made waffles. She's my favorite.

// She also brought me to this awesome gelato place in Arlington called Boccato one night. It had a great vibe and reminded me a lot of Milwaukee. I'm sure I'll be back!

// Deb looking tough while we were out for lunch with work friends a few weeks ago.

// Waiting for the bus on my way to trivia night in DC. We didn't win, but it was still a lot of fun. I love trivia!

// Mia was admiring my new sewing machine. I'm so in love with it!

// Madh is leaving DC next month to start grad school in NYC (another reason for me to finally visit New York again!), so she had a little going away party/birthday party. A few of her friends got her this little "M" cake and I thought it was so cute. :)

// This is from the night of Madh's party, too. Andrew and I stayed out pretty late. I took this in the elevator of his building at 3am. We were so tired, and he had to wake up a few hours later to catch a flight to Connecticut! I don't know how he does it.

// Kendal and I had a garage sale last weekend. I didn't make a whole lot of money since I didn't really have anything that great to sell (most of my stuff is still in Wisconsin), but I still made something which is better than nothing.

// Kendal made a ton so that was nice. It was a success for sure, and everything we didn't sell we brought straight to Goodwill afterward. Garage sales are great and I'm glad we cleared out a few extra things we don't need before we all move out in a few months.

// Since Mia was a kitten, I've always put these little caps on her nails. The first time people see them, they immediately think I've painted her nails which makes me look like a crazy person. I'd never do that! These are called Soft Paws and they're amazing. I think declawing is awful, and Soft Paws are a great alternative. I've gotten into plenty of arguments with people who choose to declaw their cats for selfish reasons like they don't want their furniture ruined and I don't know many things that make me as angry as this issue. Did you know it's illegal in some countries because it's considered inhumane? I don't think people understand just how brutal the process is... Okay, I'll stop myself there before I get all crazy cat lady on you, but if you have a cat or are planning to get a cat, PLEASE consider other options before you bring your cat in for that operation! Thaaaaanks. :)

// Kendal and I made salted caramel vegan cupcakes! We devoured them in no time.

// A Sunday sewing project. I cut up some old curtains I made a few years ago, and started working on a tote. I'm almost finished, just waiting for material to come in the mail that I ordered for the straps. I'm happy with how it looks so far. :)

// I'm missing Andrew lots and lots, but he comes home next week, just in time for our anniversary. I can't wait!

// My little brother was in DC for a school trip, so I met up with his class over the weekend and hung out at Arlington Cemetery. It was so good seeing him, and I was right, he's definitely taller than me now!

// Brett went to Wisconsin recently and brought home two boxes of Sprecher Root Beer. If you've never had it, you're missing out. We can't really find it anywhere out here so every time my roommates and I find some, it's a celebration.

Happy Monday!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the best Dad around. You're one of my best friends and biggest supporters and I don't think I could ever
put into words just how much you mean to me. I love you so much!

xo,

Pumpkin Head Jones

Friday Favorites // 06.15

I woke up this morning to sad news. A dog I've known for over eight years had to be put down last night and I've been up since five this morning, thinking of her. Animals hold such a special place in our hearts and Baylee was hands down the best dog I've ever known. Sometimes I'd forget she wasn't my dog. She had so much character and more love to give than I could ever explain. My fondest memories of her are riding in the car together, watching her ears flap in the wind and smiling at how happy that made her. I never cared at all about the amount of hair that would accumulate in the back seat. We'd go to the park, run free, nap on a blanket, and I'd laugh at the way she'd stick her entire face in the bowl of water afterward. Even in her old age, she still acted like a puppy. All she wanted to do was cuddle and give endless kisses. I can't even count how many times she whacked me in the face with her tail out of pure joy. As I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes, I can't help but smile at how lucky I was to bond with such a beautiful creature for all those years.

There was just something about her...

You'll be deeply missed, ghost faced boo-woo.

I couldn't post my Friday Favorites without mentioning Baylee. (She is a favorite after all...)

It only takes one text message to turn your day upside down and bring your past rushing back to you in a way that leaves you feeling nostalgic, sad and a bit overwhelmed. It's so easy to leave everything you used to know behind, isn't it? That life I built for so long is no longer my life and it's crazy how quickly things change and how fast the years fly by and how all the memories you've harbored in the locked compartment of your brain can flood back out at any time, filling your thoughts (and eyes) with feelings you never knew were there. It's almost like I forgot Baylee would grow older, and that everything I knew wouldn't stay the same just because I'm no longer there.

But, I suppose that's life. As Robert Frost once put it, "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on."

How very true...

I don't mean to be such a downer, I'm just having one of those mornings I unfortunately have every so often which are filled with deep thought and dark clouds but eventually dissipate and turn into smiles and maybe a night of baking and dancing in the kitchen. You never know. Other than that, I'm happy it's Friday and I'm looking forward to this weekend. I get to see my little brother tomorrow since he's coming to DC for a school trip and I'm overjoyed and can't wait to squeeze his face.

Without further adieu, here are a few of my favorite things this week.

Amazing // Vintage Shelves // Dresses

Owls // Braid // Thoreau // Rain

Fox Girl // Fox & Bunny

I hope you're having a beautiful Friday. ♥ ♥ ♥

Fiona Apple

I can't believe it's been seven years since Fiona Apple put out a new album. I've loved her since I was 14 and have seen her in concert three times. I've never been disappointed! She has a new album coming out on June 19th and I'm beyond excited. NPR is awesome and has been streaming it early. If you're interested, you can listen here.

Yep, I love her; octopus hats and all.

P.S. I'd like to wish my dad a very Happy Birthday! Have a great day, dad, and I hope to see you soon! ♥ ♥ ♥

Vegan Salted Caramel Cupcakes

Over the weekend, Kendal and I had a sweet tooth and decided to make some Vegan salted caramel cupcakes. They turned out great and I'm pretty sure the entire batch we made is already gone...

She blogs over at Leafy Eats, and has posted the recipe there. Check it out if you're interested!

P.S. The winner of the On The Prowl giveaway is Alina! Congrats, and enjoy your $40 gift certificate!

Eastern Market Snapshots

Every Saturday, there's a huge Farmer's Market/Flea Market happening at Eastern Market in DC. You can make a day of it, or you can head over just to pick up a few essentials. There's so much to see and it's a great way to start your weekend.

I thought I'd share a few snapshots from the last couple of times we've gone.

This guy is here every week. He's always covered in paint from head to toe.

Inside the building, there are endless glass displays full of food.

An old woman sits behind this table of vegetables every week, and I absolutely love her sign.

After walking around a few weeks ago, Andrew and I walked over to Capital Hill Books which is right across the street from the market. They have SO many books. I'm not sure if you can tell, but in the photo above, not only are the books covering the downstairs windows, but there are books lining the windows upstairs, too!

The space inside is cramped and it's difficult for more than one person to be in an aisle at a time, so you kind of have to take turns with the people around you. I would have taken more photos inside (these are from my phone) but Andrew was worried the guy who owns the place might not like it... Next time, I'll just be sneaky.

I picked up Cannery Row since my dad has talked it up so much over the years. He always tells the story of a group of old men he spoke with about this book when he was younger. One of the men described the book as being, "Each word, like a drop of honey." How can you argue with that?

Andrew and I took turns reading it while we were waiting to meet up with some friends for lunch. We both agreed that we could sit at that table all day, reading, and be completely happy. Eastern Market just has the greatest vibe and if you're ever in DC over the weekend, be sure to check it out, because I'm sure you'll love it, too. :)

Etsy Interviews V.4 // Bessi from On The Prowl Vintage

I have a pretty exciting interview/giveaway to share today with the owner of an Etsy shop I've admired for quite some time!

Bessi from On The Prowl Vintage is so inspiring. I really look up to those who can run a successful online shop and keep everything well stocked, photographed, and organized as well as keep up with orders and still find time for their own life as well. It's really hard work!

Bessi was more than happy to be a part of my "Etsy Interviews" series and I'm so glad because she's probably my new favorite person. Her story is beautiful and so is she!

Name: Bessi Bruns

Shop Name: On The Prowl Vintage

1. When did you first fall in love with Vintage?:

I remember the moment well, actually. I was about 10 years old and my father and I walked up to a little church rummage sale a few blocks from our house. The sale was what you would expect: old people’s “junk”. Not quite into the toy section anymore, I wandered over to the racks of dresses. However, they were not the kind I was used to seeing at the mall. In fact, they were not like any dress I had known before. As soon as the older ladies working the sale noticed me, they came right over and told me how the dresses had been theirs or their sisters from when the women were in their twenties, dating back to the 1940’s and 50’s. Their eyes lit up as they told me stories of the memories they had with the dresses. They laughed and their voices had so much character as they reminisced date nights with their future husbands, engagements parties, nights at the fair, and so on. I couldn’t believe the history that the pieces of clothing held. And here they were, at a rinky dink church sale, just waiting for someone to come along and cherish them as much as they once were. I could tell the women would be excited to have their beloved dresses get a new home with a young girl and although I was only 10 and just discovering fashion, and really had no use for the dresses, I didn’t have the heart to not get at least some of them. Just before I walked out the door with my new garments, the women told me that someday, when I was old enough to wear them, the dresses were going to make me feel beautiful. And they couldn’t have been more right! That day changed me. I had fallen in love with the uniqueness and the romantic history embedded in vintage clothing.

2. What inspires you?:

The way the sunlight hits at different parts of the day, shadows, shapes found in nature, music, hard workers, migrating birds, patterns, quotes, historic houses, old illustrations. These things inspire me in life and on a personal level. When it comes to design, my biggest inspirations are colors and the way they play amongst each other. When styling an outfit for myself or for Prowl color is the number one driving force behind each outfit.

And sometimes when I’m in a big work rut and all inspiration has run dry I just open up an old Vogue Magazine from the 60s. That always does the trick. :)

3. What are your all-time favorite Vintage items that you own and/or that you've sold?:

Hahaha I have too many favorite items. Some of my family and friends think I love inanimate things too much, but I just don’t think they see the artistic beauty things carry. Haha. But my favorite items are ones that were given to me or passed down to me from relatives or family friends. The more of the story I know about a vintage piece, the more attached I become to it.

And of course anything with a novelty print (especially animals). One of my favorites is a 50s skirt with the story of the Owl and The Pussy Cat illustrated throughout. (Owl and the Pussy Cat is also one of my favorite fairytale poems) I have it displayed in my bedroom so I can see it everyday.

4. Has Etsy become your full-time job? If not, would you like it to be?:

In 2009, I became very ill and diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Cogan’s Syndrome. The illness causes those affected to go deaf and have loss of balance. I have lost all hearing in my left ear and have some hearing loss in my right. To combat the illness and to try and hold on to the hearing in my right ear, I am on countless amounts of medicine. So when all this came about I made the decision that Etsy full time was a great fit for me as I could work from home. Since sometimes I have bouts of sickness, I can simply put my store on vacation mode. I can work at my own pace and set my own schedule. Etsy really has been such a great and positive anchor in my life. And the Etsy community is awesome!

5. Any advice for others trying to be successful on Etsy?:

Just go out there and do it – arms open wide. Be confident in yourself but be open to constructive criticism. Do your own thing and be unique. Follow your instincts but listen to what others have to say, and if your gut says still do it, then by golly do it. I think the VERY most important thing is just to not give up. That’s instant failure. Success is in the journey and the courage to say, “I kept going.” I have wanted to give up on Prowl 3,432 times, but at the end of the day I always went back to it and said, “Well I guess I’ll try this again tomorrow.”

6. Have any personal or business goals for 2012?:

Yeezz, I have so many! But my biggest business goal is to be more present in the online social media world. Naturally, I’d rather sit in the grass outside with a pencil and notebook, count clouds, and keep to myself, so it’s hard for me to be facebooking, tweeting, and blogging. I really look up to you bloggers and social media mavens out there. It’s a lot of dedication and hard work. I just bought an iphone this past week (after nearly 3 years without any kind of mobile phone) so I think I’m on the right path. Haha. Baby Steps.

7. Have a fun fact or anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your shop?:

I’m the proud mama of two kitty cats, my favorite FroYo toppings are jackfruit and lychee, and I play a mean game of Rummy. : )

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Vintage Pink Pussy Bow Secretary Blouse Mini Dress

Vintage 70s Linen Cotton Striped Mini Mandarin Dress

Vintage 70s Symmetrical Floral Sky Blue Day Dress

Vintage Berry 70s Empire Maxi Party Dress Evening Gown

Not only is Bessi happy to participate in a giveaway, but she's also offering my readers 20% off all orders with the coupon code: LTBLOG. Isn't she the sweetest??

The giveaway will run from today through Tuesday, June 12th.

This is my first giveaway hosted through Rafflecopter, so here's to hoping it all goes well! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway