What I Might Wear (thrifted)

I might have another addiction when it comes to thrifting.

My vintage dress collection is growing. 

Less than six months ago, I wouldn't even walk down the clothing aisles in thrift stores.

Now I make a beeline to the skirts and dresses.  And recently, I have hit the jackpot.  My two latest finds don't even need altered.  I just have to decide if they are worthy of being seen in public.

The first frock is reminiscent of the disco era.  Scooped back, ruched sleeves.  I feel like I should feather my hair Charlie's Angel style when I wear it.......

This baby was only $3.98.  And the thrifted belt was only $0.99.

Did you just faint?

Frock number two, however, is a little more questionable.  Not the fit or how much I love it, but the style.  I'm not even sure what era this is from...........

I am sure the mister would not be seen alongside me if this is what I donned for the day.

But the color.  The pleats.  The neckline.  And it was only $5.98.

Sigh. 

So please tell me.  Steer me in the right direction.  Are these beauties meant to be worn in public??

Or should I just hang them like art in my spare bedroom and look at them longingly from time to time?

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Harper's Happenings, Blue Eyed Owl, Colorblind,  
Transatlantic Blonde, Two Thirty-Five Designs and Rolled up Pretty!!!

Blog Love

It's been a big week in blog-land.

First, the 100 Facebook likes happened.

Then this.......

EEEEEEEKKK!!!!!

Next, sweet Jillian from Hi! It's Jilly nominated the blog for an award annnnd Mehak from The Double "M" Life did too!

I feel loved.  Thank you for that.

Those awards come with some rules to follow.  Answer some questions or tell random facts.....and award others.  You can read my recycled random facts HERE.

As for nominees.  Well, I'd love to still hear from some of my original nominees.  But I've made some new friends that I'd like to give a shout out to......

 Me & the Moon

 My Dear Watson

Hello Sweet World

Simply Rebekah

Surpassing Rubies

Girls, you've been tagged.  Pick your award and tell us some random facts!

And thanks again, everyone, for the blog love. 

You make my heart swell!

Weekly Recap

This week was crazy.

First this happened.........

A very short-lived stint on the wakeboard.  Leaving me basically an invalid for a few days afterward.

Then this happened........

Grrrr, boooo, and hisssss.

Soooo to heal the pain of a $77 tow, I transplanted some aloe vera and succulents from my Grampy's house.........

But then this happened.........

100 likes on Facebook?  EEEEEKKKK!  Thank you, people!!!!

And then I got to hang out with this girl..........

Which is always a good time.  I'm glad I didn't wear my pink shorts though.

But just when I thought the week couldn't get better, it did........

Because the Red Rocket was upgraded.

And while I did shed a tear while cleaning it out, I'm pretty sure I'll be okay with the turn of events.

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Follow me on Instagram @thisvintagegrove!!

Linking up with......High Five for Friday and Insta-Friday

What I Wore (before and after)

Remember that thrifting frenzy from last week?  The one where I scored the most fashion forward vintage dress???  The dress that was only $5.98 and so before its time???

Well, it took a trip to alterations.  And it's back.

Back and ready to be unveiled and styled.

And I think the best way to unveil it is in a side-by-side.........

I am in love.  It really is what I envisioned when I spotted it on the rack

I kept it simple and went up and in a few inches.  I liked the original shape of the dress, so I didn't want to deviate from that. 

I thought styling it with a brown belt and shoes would be a nice contrast.

 
And how bout the chevron design on the bottom half?

It had me at hello.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Harper's Happenings, Blue Eyed Owl, Colorblind, Discovery Street, Two Thirty-Five Designs and Rolled up Pretty!!!

Rolo Cookies

I just discovered my next go-to dessert.  

You know, when you need to bring something for food day at work.  That kind of recipe.

This cookie is perfect for those occasions.  It is quick, easy, and very tasty.  And I found it on a cute blog.....Bridgey Widgey.

Her cookies turned out flatter.  I'll blame my puffy cookies on my disco era oven........

Rolo Cookies

(original recipe) 

1 box of devil's food cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup of vegetable oil

bag of Rolos

granulated sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Do not use the cake recipe stated on the box.  Instead, add the eggs and oil to the dry cake mix.  Once mixed, take a Rolo and completely cover it with the dough (mine was roughly the size of a walnut).  Roll the ball of dough in granulated sugar.  Bake for 7 minutes.  Makes three dozen cookies.

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If you like cake, cookies, and Rolos - this is the recipe for you.  

Non-cookie-eaters will even eat this cookie.  They'll go back for seconds too.  

I watched it happen.

Linking up with:  Make Ahead Meals, Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Foodie Fridays,
Whimsy Wednesdays, The Winthrop Chronicles, 33 Shades of Green, Kayla's Creations aaannnddd

Weekly Recap

Camping and floating round two was last weekend.  This was the first thing I saw when we pulled up to the grounds.......

The river was beautiful, and it had a few fun features.  Like a spring-fed pool you could jump into that was 42 degrees.  Or trees you could inchworm down and launch yourself from.  I was the first one out on the tree (stalling) while the mister manned the canoe.........

Birchbox number three arrived.  It had a full size mascara and Stila eyeshadow samples - both good.  The granola bar - not so good.......

We took a little road trip to my Grampy's house.  I love this little place.  My great grandparents built it in the 1950's.  Many happy childhood memories here.....

You know how I feel about chevrons, right?  Chevrons are basically my first love.  Well.  When Schlager purchased the best rug for her new house, I just had to be a copycat.  Hey, my porch needed some attention too!  Sir Chester even approved........

I mean all's fair in friendship and chevrons.

Isn't that how the saying goes?

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Follow me on Instagram @thisvintagegrove!!

Linking up with......High Five for Friday and Insta-Friday

What I Wore (thrifted and stolen)

Just a few days ago I thrifted a brand-new-tags-still-attached Forever 21 romper (with pockets).

A little over a month ago I stole some shoes from my sister's pile of garage sale items.

Yesterday I paired them up for some errand running.......

Yes, I am well aware that we need to work on our landscaping.

But there are bigger matters at hand.

The important thing here folks is that the outfit only cost $5.98.

And that will free up some cash to alter this........

This was also thrifted for $5.98.

But alterations will be triple that. 

And speaking of chopping off some length, how short do I go?

I'm thinking to the knee.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Two Thirty-Five Designs, Steppin' Out Saturday, and Transatlantic Blonde!

Thrifting Frenzy

After we cleaned out our garage a week ago (and went on a shopping spree to Branson) I put myself in a timeout.

A spending freeze.

This extended from thrift excursions to the mall.  Even online shopping was banned.

It lasted about three days.

I went thrifting annnd purchased a shirt online.

Now stop wagging your finger at me.

You wouldn't have been able to resist these items either....

That right there is green perfection.  The Samsonite suitcase is not going anywhere.  M.I.N.E.

Then there was the most amazing dress.  This vintage frock was so fashion forward.  So before its time.....

It is heading straight to alterations.  And I can't wait to wear it.

Next I found a brand new Forever 21 romper......with tags attached.......and it was laced with mint green......

A vintage top.  Ridiculous.  But awesome...

And just to even things out, I did purchase a few things that are already in the booth.......

But now the spending freeze begins.

Again.

However, I have the willpower of a kid in a candy store.

Sooooo.  I give it about a week.

  

Linking up with Her Library Adventures, Colorblind and Apron Thrift Girl.

Weekly Recap

1.  After numerous attempts, I finally made a batch of Andrea's famous salsa that the mister deemed perfect.  Perfect meaning "it tastes like Andrea made it".  Yesssssss!  This has been a long time goal.  And it may only happen once, so I'm relishing this batch.  A batch so good it deserves to be stored in vintage Pyrex........

 

2.   I hit up the local Farmers' Market to buy a bouquet.  They have the best.  But they were out, so I just enjoyed checking out all the fresh, locally grown produce. 

3.  After bringing the garage back to its intended purpose (storing vehicles - not stuff for my booth) we decided we'd earned a break......

4.  Speaking of the booth, both times I went to check it this week, it had been ravaged!  Which meant I needed to restock.  Painted frames are hot sellers.  So a spray painting frenzy ensued.......

5.   We have a tradition among our group of friends.  Sneaking onto an unsuspecting friend's porch.  And photographing ourselves in front of their door.  Then posting it on as many social media sites as possible...... 

It's fun to see how long it takes the victim to realize it.  For porch lights to flicker on.  Or for a concerned neighbor to question what the heck you're doing.

Luckily, Schlager convinced the neighbor that we were not casing the place.

Next time, we'll make sure it's daylight.

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Follow me on Instagram @thisvintagegrove!!

Linking up with......High Five for Friday & Insta-Friday

Mid-week Musings

Ever since I wrote out my summer to do list on individual Post-Its, I've slowly whittled my 20ish hearts down to about five.  This little tactic really motivated me.....

Yes, I had my bouts of laziness.  But overall, it gave me a visual of what I wanted/needed to accomplish.  And I could prioritize by moving my list around.

Throwing the hearts away was the best part of all.

Of course, I have a few huge projects left.  But July isn't over yet.

Annnnd we can park BOTH cars in the garage now.  This.  Is.  Huge.

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Yesterday I got to hang out with not only one new blog friend, but TWO!

I spent the afternoon with Hello Sweet World!  We hit up Starbucks and a few thrift stores.  We both share a love for hoarding vintage. 

Then last night I got to sweat with Lauren at Zumba!  This wasn't our first meeting, but it was our first on-purpose gathering.  And I didn't attack her this time. 

Two super cool girls (and blogs).  I love making new friends!

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Annnd lastly.  If you read last Friday's post, you might remember reading about a crime scene down the street.

Well, the plot thickens.  There was, in fact, a body in the trash can.

Awesome.

Maybe instead of refinancing, we should begin a house hunt!?!

Thrifting Frenzy

I've been holding out on you.  I've been thrifting up a storm and not sharing my finds.  I tease you with sneak peeks then forget to take pictures.

Well, wait no longer!

Pleated skirt (with belt loops - yes, that's important).  Belts in coral and royal blue (two of my current fave colors).  And a travel case..........

Three vintage blouses...........two with polka dots..........one striped............two with neckties......

And a hodgepodge of goodies.........

Plant stands, Pyrex, and lamps.  Oh my!

Some of these items are duplicates of previous finds. 

Now I just have to decide what to keep or put in the booth!

When I find two of something, the decision gets so much easier.

And my garage is suffering for it.

Must work on that.

Linking up with Her Library Adventures, Colorblind, Harper's Happenings and Blue Eyed Owl. 

Weekly Recap

This summer is flying by too fast!  I refuse to believe the first week of July is over.

But since it really is, I'll just reflect over a great week of BBQ's, lake time, and more BBQ's.

Oh, and a possible homicide down the street.

More on that later.  Let's talk food, friends, and fun!!!

1.  I was on a boat.  More lake time.  Can't get enough......

2.  BBQ #1 was at Whit's house.......for which I made a tasty guacamole, watched fireworks, and played lawn games.  We might have also posed in matching wolf t-shirts......

3.  Whit and I took a rare trip to Branson.  I sort of came home with a new purse.  And now I'm on a self-imposed buying ban.  But it was an incredible deal and it's coral......

4.  While we were in Branson, we thought we'd be super wild.  And stop by Silver Dollar City.  It was way.too.hot.  But we hung around long enough to eat good food and be silly in Grandfather's Mansion......

5.  On the Fourth of July, we attended BBQ #2.  It's not the 4th without grilled burgers....

6.  And lastly.  Probably the worst thing ever.

I headed down the street to meet my girls for dinner the other night.  Only to be greeted by nine or so police cars around the corner.  And legit crime scene tape.

You bet I took a picture.......

I was a little freaked when there were even MORE police cars upon returning home (hours later). 

As it turns out, the coroner drove off with "remains" that were in a trashcan in the backyard.  And that's just part of the story.

I'm very anxious to hear whether it was a human or cat as they haven't released the findings yet.

I really love our little house and the neighborhood.

I don't love bodies in trashcans down the street.

Seriously.

Is it time to move?

And did I just over-share?

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Follow me on Instagram @thisvintagegrove!!

Linking up with...

What I Wore (to a baby shower)

Awhile back, I purchased a striped dress and wasn't sure how to style it.

So I turned to Google Images.  One search for "Old Navy striped dress" later, I was in business.  The outfit was perfect.  Not only did I own the dress, but also the Old Navy chambray shirt!

I immediately pinned it for a later date.

The "later date" turned out to be a baby shower for my darling friend Ashley.  

And luckily, the morning-of fashion show was a one outfit event, as I am not an outfit-planner-outer....

I wasn't sure about the whole circa 1989 tying at the waist business, but I decided to go for it anyway.

I also wasn't sure about going to see Magic Mike.

But I decided to go for that anyway too.

Don't judge me.  Just have a happy Fourth of July.

Linking up with Rolled Up Pretty, Two Thirty-Five Designs,  
Harper's Happenings, and The Pleated Poppy!

Pineapple-Black Bean Guacamole

I've never met a guacamole I didn't like.

Until I tried this recipe.  And now, no other guacamole can hold a candle to this one.

Yeah, it's that good.  I mean really.

I first sampled it on our Memorial weekend lake excursion.  The lovely hostess had found the recipe in her Better Homes and Gardens magazine!

Thank goodness for technology that scans and prints.

And really lovely hostesses that make copies and good food.

Anyway.

We had a BBQ to attend this weekend, and I knew exactly what to bring....

Pineapple-Black Bean Guacamole

~Better Homes and Gardens, May 2012~

2 medium avocados (halved, seeded, and peeled)

1/4 cup bottled green salsa (salsa verde)

1 Tbsp. sour cream

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded and minced)

2 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. lime juice

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese to sprinkle on top

additional cilantro to garnish

tortilla chips

In a large bowl, mash avocados.  Stir in salsa and sour cream until combined.  Add all other ingredients, stirring well.  Cover and chill for two hours or until ready to serve.  Sprinkle cheese on top and garnish with cilantro.  Serve with tortilla chips.  Makes 18 (2 Tbsp.) servings.

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Just a warning....

You might eat the entire bowl by yourself.  

Be prepared for an intervention. Or a fight - if someone tries to snatch the bowl from you.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Linking up with Vintage Wanna Bee, Little Becky Homecky, The Winthrop Chronicles, 33 Shades of Green, The Sasse Life, The NY Melrose Family, Foodie Friday, Easy Natural Food annnnd....