Firmoo Glasses

Firmoo did it again!  They gave me the opportunity to choose and review prescription glasses!  This is definitely something that interests me since I wear glasses morning, noon, and night.  And because glasses aren't cheap!

I ended up selecting a style that is NOTHING like any of my other glasses, because why not?  I went with a larger, rounder frame than my usual rectangular style.  And I love them.

Of all the styles I've received from Firmoo, these are my favorite.  They fit my face perfectly and are very comfortable.  In fact, I bought them again..........as sunglasses!  Those should arrive this week!  They were even doing a buy one, get one free sale, which meant I picked up another fun frame to mix it up!

So if you have Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket and need new glasses, head on over to Firmoo for a great selection at reasonable prices!  New customers can receive a discount on their first pair!

Website:   www.firmoo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirmooGlasses

Twitter:     https://twitter.com/firmoo

Instagram: https://instagram.com/firmoo_optical/

Thrifting Frenzy

When we were packing for our move, the sheer amount of "booth" boxes I ended up with was shocking.  Needless to say, I discovered that thrifting for booth merchandise was very unnecessary.

But sometimes you just have to.

If it's in your blood, you can't just cut it out of your life.

The heart wants what it wants.

Sooooo I've tried to go way less often and be more selective with my purchases.  Here are a few things that made the cut.

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Vintage wrapping paper.....

Because Christmas.

Reindeer sweaters.....

Because obviously.

Clocks and candles.....

Because dirt cheap.

Random cute things.....

Because I still have to stock my booth.

Annnnd marquee letters.....

Because FREE (from the trash at work).  So not thrifted.  But right up my alley.

Sadly, so much stuff is "right up my alley" that I may need a third booth!

Scarf Exchange

A yearly tradition has established itself within my group of friends:  a scarf exchange!  We are on our third year of gathering (in lounge-wear) for food, fun, and scarf trading.

The first two years we played a dirty Santa game where treachery and scarf stealing was involved.  This year, one friend found a great dice game to play instead.  No treachery necessary ~ a total game of chance!

Two of us happened to buy the same scarf, and plaid seemed to be high on everyone's radar.......

This takes the place of buying each other Christmas gifts every year.  It's always so fun!  We even got a Norwex demo out of the deal (complete with butter smearing on a window).

Hosting meant I could show off the new old house.  It also gave me motivation to clean, cook a new recipe, and decorate for Christmas.

Now if I could just get a snow day.  Tis the season!

A Peek Inside

Slowly but surely the boxes are dwindling.  Here are a few shots from inside our new old home.

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When you walk in the front door, you are in the middle of a huge, rectangular room.  Basically, two living areas in one really large space!  Soooo my antiques on one side........

And "his" stuff on the other.

Eventually, we want these two spaces to be cohesive, but for now, it's working.

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There's a chimney in the middle of our kitchen.........

I'm not kidding.  You can walk all the way around it.

Once upon a time, it was the home's source for heat and cooking!  Now it's filled with ductwork for the furnace.  A neat, yet challenging feature.

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I love glass doorknobs.  I love skeleton keyholes.  This house is full of original doors with the hardware still intact.......

So when I saw this at Target...........

I had to have it.  (And those slippers too.)

It just made sense.

*   *   *   *

And finally, the natural light in this place is insane.  The windows.  So many windows.  I wish I could bottle the view from our upstairs bedroom.....  

This is a favorite perch for our pups.  Even though they aren't really allowed on that vintage chair.

(I'm a terrible disciplinarian.)

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Definitely a work in progress!  Lots of painting to be done.  And one of these days, hardwoods to refinish.  

But for now, we are getting settled and relishing these nice fall days while they are still here.    

Happy Halloween (a week late)

So about those "fang looking things" on our porch.......we bought the monster house!  Complete with eyes and a mouth........

The previous home-owner had done this for years.  They already had the decorations up for us when we moved in.  We plan to carry on the tradition each October.

Halloween in Rountree is serious business.  And sort of magical.

I'm getting all kinds of giddy for snow and Christmas.

Dreams Do Come True

Ever since my college days, I've longed to live in a certain neighborhood not too far away from campus.  A neighborhood with big trees and old homes.  Where porches are sprawling and there's a strong sense of community.

Last Friday, that dream came true.  We sold our 1967 Fixer Upper, and bought a 1921 Craftsman.......

It's crazy how it all came together!  We were actually viewing an open house one Sunday when a high school friend messaged me on FB asking if we knew anyone interested in her neighborhood.

ME!  ME!  ME!

We looked at her house that very night.......listed our home shortly thereafter..........and here we are!

As sad as we were to sell our house, we knew the timing was right for us.  I'll admit to shedding a few tears over saying good-bye to that place.  We loved it so much.  But we were ready for a change of scenery.

All my dreams came true on Friday.  This neighborhood.  This house.  I feel very blessed.  I can't wait to share more of this new adventure with you!  Check out my Instagram for a few extra interior pics!

(Oh, and I'll explain those strange fang-looking things on my porch later!)

What I Wore (Vintage Edition)

It's a well established fact that I'm a hoarder.  (I'm really trying to work on that.)  There's just about nothing I can think of that isn't safe.  As in, my love knows no bounds.

I read that Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up book.  And no magic happened.

My master plan says I'll get it under control if we ever buy another house.  I won't pack anything that doesn't "spark joy."  I think that's a great idea!  Purge as I pack?

Anyway.

I did attempt to purge some clothes recently.  In my attempts, I came across this skirt, purchased on Etsy over two years ago.   This skirt hung out in my virtual cart forever, until one day, I finally took the plunge......

It arrived, and I loved it!  It fit perfectly.  The condition was great.  But then it went to live in my closet for two years.  What is wrong with me?

Luckily, I caught that bout of the purge-bug and rediscovered this beauty.  She went to work last week, paired with a simple white tee and some (also forgotten) red flats.

You can be sure that I won't forget about her again!

Linking up with:  Still Being Molly & Pleated Poppy

Thrifting Frenzy

Last weekend, the thrifting fairies were on my side..........

I haven't had a haul like this since the end of June!  This was all from just two shops!

Now the hard part will be deciding what to keep!  I think the chair is here to stay.  I mean, look at the back of it!  I have added the magazine rack, tray, and crewel pieces to my booth already, so I'm not hoarding it all.

Other recently gifted or thrifted items have made it to Relics too.......

It's been a good summer for the booths!  This little hobby is so fun, and I'm thankful that it has been a successful venture!

Now, who wants to buy an ancient building downtown for me to fill with vintage?  I'd love you forever!!!!!!!

*Follow This Vintage Grove on Facebook or Instagram to see items that are added to the booth!!!*

Linking up with:  Woman in Real Life

Chicken Vegetable Pesto Tortellini

Instagram is my favorite of all the social media outlets.  There is such a sense of community on Instagram.  You truly build relationships with people!  Mostly because you find folks with similar interests.  You banter and share!  You become friends. You meet in real life!  I love it!

But this post isn't just about Instagram.  It's also about food!

A friend posted a photo of her dinner on Instagram, and I just had to have the recipe!  Next thing you know, I'm getting all domestic.  Thank you, Bethany!!!

Chicken Vegetable Pesto Tortellini 

(via @bethanyscullawl)

2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

16 oz package of frozen cheese tortellini

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 clove of pressed garlic

1 teas. Italian seasoning

1/3 cup of sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup of chopped zucchini 

1/2 cup of chopped squash 

1/3 cup of diced red pepper 

1/3 cup of cream cheese

jar of pesto

shredded mozzarella

Slice the raw chicken breasts into thin, bite size strips.  Sear the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning over medium heat.

Begin cooking the tortellini as directed on the package.  Set aside.

When the chicken is almost cooked through, add all of the vegetables.  Saute the veggies as the chicken finishes cooking.  Add the cream cheese, stirring often, so it coats the veggies and chicken.

Plate a serving of tortellini.  Add a serving of chicken and veggies on top of the tortellini.  If desired, drizzle pesto over everything and sprinkle with mozzarella!

This will result in about four servings.  It would be very easy to adjust amounts to increase servings.  Oh, and it is very good leftover!!!

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Moral of the story, Instagram is the best for lots of reasons.  Thanks again, Bethany for sharing!  

Linking up with:  

Cranberry Pork Loin (crock pot style)

Missouri seasons are fickle.  If you don't like the weather, just wait a day or two.  We go from beautiful summer skies to days of rain.  Temps in the 90's to 75 degrees.  Swimsuits to cardigans.

Right now, we are in the middle of quite a few days of rain.  Cardigan weather.  Because 75 degrees is chilly!

And all of that has me dragging out the crock pot.

I love a good crock pot recipe, and boy did I find one!  (Thank you Pinterest!)  This recipe combines some unexpected ingredients that I never would have paired together........

Pork loin doused in cranberries?  YES!  ALL THE YESES!  I've made it twice in the last few weeks.  And you should too.......

Cranberry Pork Loin

(original source:  Julie's Eats and Treats)

3 lb pork loin

14 oz can of jellied cranberry sauce

1/2 cup of cranberry juice

1/2 cup of sugar

1 teas. mustard

1/2 teas. ground cloves

2 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. water

In a medium bowl, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, sugar, mustard, and cloves.  Put the pork loin in a large crock pot, and pour the cranberry mixture over the loin.  Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.  

Remove loin from crock pot.  It should shred easily, if it's done.  Set aside.....

Pour all the liquid from the crock pot in a saucepan.  Bring liquid to a boil over medium heat.  While you are waiting for it to boil, combine the water and cornstarch in a separate bowl.  Add to the liquid once it's boiling.  Stir until the liquid thickens.  It will serve as the gravy!

Whip up some mashed potatoes as a side, and cover everything with the gravy......

Unexpected taste explosion.  The leftovers are great too.

So, if you are also experiencing fall-in-the-summer, drag out the crock pot for this easy, tasty dinner!  Then come back and tell me how much you loved it!

Linking up with:  

Thrifting Frenzy

Between yard sales and thrift shops, summer hunting has been great!  I even have a friend who knows what I like, and she found some goodies for me recently!  I really appreciate that, as she has helped keep my stock of suitcases flowing!  And another friend who is moving GAVE me some items that were once in her Etsy shop.  I have some really great friends.

All this free time has me making frequent trips to the booth!  It is packed with summer clothing, pitchers for tea or lemonade, and lots of afghans for picnics........

I am really working on purging........not hoarding, so I am proud to say that all of these finds are already in the booth or have sold!!!

I sure love this silly hobby of mine.

*Follow This Vintage Grove on Facebook or Instagram to see items that are added to the booth!!!*

Linking up with:  Woman in Real Life

What I'll Wear (to the pool)

School's out for summer!

It has officially been one week.  And while the weather here has been fickle ~ mostly gray, rainy days ~ I am confident that June will take a turn for the better!

So because I know we'll have sun and blue skies soon, I decided to get ready!  That meant a new swimsuit.....

top  //  bottoms

I wanted a bit of a retro feel, so I went with high-waisted bottoms and a top with a wide band.  And polka-dots.  Polka-dots are retro, right?

And speaking of retro, I still have last year's splurge that I plan to wear too!

I just need a new hat.

So summer, bring on the heat wave!  I'm waiting!

Follow my summer adventures on Instagram!

Linking up with:  Shanna Said So & The Pleated Poppy

Thrifting Frenzy

A summer themed round of thrifting in honor of five more school days!

Pink quilts are summery!  I think I am leaning toward selling it..........perfect for summer picnics!

A child's size aluminum lawn chair (alllll the heart eyes) and watering can (already in the booth)!  Can't pass up a cute cross-stitch either!

And not really summery, but definitely appropriate for the end of the school year......COFFEE!!! 

These jars are marked "Triomphe ~ Made in France" on the lids.  They already made it to the booth.  Annnd they'll be 10% off through the end of May!

Now to make it to next Tuesday at 3:30.

Then.........SUMMER VACATION BEGINS!!!!!!!

 

Linking up with:  Woman in Real Life

Thrifting Frenzy

This round of thrifting takes me all the way back to spring break ~ about a month ago!  I'm proud to say that almost all of it is already in the booth!  A few things have even sold!

These things were added to the booth today!

Don't you need a vintage romper?  I thought maybe you did.

Suitcases SELL, sooooo I buy all the suitcases.........

Sometimes I hoard things long enough that a nice little collection forms.  Then I put them in the booth together!  That's what happened with all these vintage cards........

Afghans also sell!  This one (and the large suitcase) found new homes this month!

Sometimes though, something speaks to you for no reason at all.  And you can't possibly part with it. Even though it makes no sense.

Like orange pillows.......

Vintage pillows are one of my weaknesses.  There is not a stitch of orange in my house, but this has got to be worked into my decor somehow.  Or maybe I'll stash it away until I redo a room.  All I know, is that I cannot sell it.

Well folks, that about wraps it up.  Suitcases, afghans, collections, and pillows.

Orange you glad you dropped in?

Linking up with:  Still Being Molly
and Woman in Real Life

Boothiversary

Four years ago my adventure in curating an antique mall booth began......

This little endcap is the perfect hobby, and I'm still just as enthusiastic about this space as I was when it all started.  My love for vintage, thrifting, and staging all rolled into 8 by 2 feet.

Head to Relics, local friends, to celebrate with me by taking 10% off items from my booth!

Oh, and like This Vintage Grove on Facebook to keep updated on my most recently stocked items!! Or even Instagram for thrifting updates!

Refresh Voxbox

I love getting a box of free products from Influenster to try out every so often......

My favorite items to try out are always makeup or skincare.  But food comes in a close second.

Wait!

Actually, food should come in first because that's what I dug into immediately......

The Beanitos chips were great.  I liked the restaurant style very much and would buy those!  The nacho cheese were good too, but I liked the flavor of the plain chips even better!  And believe it or not, these are healthy chips!

The Skinnygirl bar I got was AMAZING!  It was chocolate peanut butter with sea salt, and I loved it.  I would buy these!

As for the not-food-stuff, one thing I've tried are the floss picks from DenTek.  My teeth usually shred floss since they are so close together.  But these worked perfectly!  No shredded floss, and I like the pick at the end.  I am not a regular flosser, but these may turn me around!

I also tried the black seaweed masque.  I hate masques.  I hate how they dry and make your face feel tight while they are on. But I always stick them out.  This masque was probably my favorite of those that I've tried.  It peeled off easily and left my skin feeling SO SOFT!  The price of this line is super cheap, so this is something I would buy again to do every once in awhile!

Right after the masque was peeled off, I tried the L'Occitane cream.  I love this stuff too.  It smells great, and it felt great after that masque.  I will need more time with it to see if it's something I would purchase, but first impressions were positive!

I have not tried the Listerine strips or the Cover Girl foundation yet.  I'm kind of particular to foundation ~ a tried and true Clinique girl, so that may be a summer experiment.  As for the Listerine strips, I've sampled those in the past, so I'll probably throw those in my purse to use when needed.

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So, all-in-all, another great box of free stuff!  If YOU want boxes of free stuff too, leave your email address in the comments, and I'll send you an Influenster invite!

*I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.*  

Linking up with Still Being Molly

Spectacles

Recently, I went in for an eye exam and found out that my prescription had slightly changed.  Not enough to warrant new glasses though.  So, I just kept wearing what I had.

Until Firmoo contacted me.

They wanted me to select a pair of frames to review which would also include my updated prescription!  Uhhh, YES PLEASE!  

So I selected something different from what I currently had..........a bigger frame in a lighter color with some gold details. They arrived in a fun little case, and I loved how they looked........

When I tried them on, they fit like a dream!  The prescription was perfect too.........

I think glasses could be an addiction for me.  If they weren't so expensive, I would order a bunch in different colors and styles!

That's why I think Firmoo is great!  They offer sales all the time!  Right now they are offering new customers 50% off their first pair! Pretty darn good, if you ask me!

Now, who needs new spectacles?  Go take advantage of their new customer special!!!




*Bloggers ~ if you would be interested in working with Firmoo, let me know in the comments!  Leave a link to your blog and an email address!  

Essential Oils

Don't roll your eyes at me.

I know oils are trendy right now.  I see those Facebook and Pinterest posts daily too.

That's why I waited almost a year to talk about them on the blog.  I wanted to give them a chance before I could stand behind them ~ or not.

I took the leap because of my migraines.

I had tried acupuncture.  I had even tried massage therapy.  Nothing worked.  So why not give oils a shot?

Now, I'm not only a believer, I might be a bit of an addict.....

This post could get out of control, so I'll keep it focused on the original reason I joined Young Living:  migraines.

The last time I ran to the pharmacy to get my meds, the pharmacist said, "You never come in anymore!"

No kidding.  It's true!

Before oils, I was going in about every four weeks to buy another round of Treximet.  Since I started using oils to combat them, I have been to the pharmacy twice.  Twice in almost a year's time.  As opposed to monthly visits.

The oil Stress Away has been my favorite for nipping them in the bud.  I roll it on my temples or neck, and usually within ten minutes, I forget that I was feeling the onset of a migraine.

I have a lot of other favorites too, which help with different things (sleep, germ fighting).  I could go on and on.

Is this the birth of a series?  Maybe!!!!!  

Questions???  Please ask!

Essential Oils Bag:  Has To Be Pretty

Linking up with:  Because Shanna Said So

Spring Pattern Mixing

Spring break is here, and with it came lovely weather!  It wasn't even a week ago that we had another round of snow.  But now the snow is gone, and we're looking at 60 degree temps all week!

This has me thinking about pedicures and short sleeves.  And even though we aren't out of the winter woods yet, I could not resist these two pieces from Old Navy last weekend........

                                                                cardigan // floral tee

That cardigan was hanging in the entrance.  I couldn't snatch it up fast enough!  And when I saw the t-shirt table was 50% off, I had to make that floral tee mine.

Then when I was in the dressing room, I thought, "Do these go together?"  And I decided they did go together.

Pattern mixing.  Bam!

Does this pass all those pattern mixing rules?  Are there rules?  Is pattern mixing still a thing?

I hope so.  Because I plan on wearing them together.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Casual Friday, and...

Etsy or eBay

Sometimes I thrift things that end up surprising me.  Meaning I come home to research the item and find that it is bringing a pretty penny online!

That's where the struggle begins.  I know I'm not going to put something like that in the booth.  I end up hoarding it.  I think that I'll list it online, and I never do.

Case in point............this vintage Levi's jacket....

I sure did not expect these to be bringing $100 or more!  EEEEK!  Sooooo my question is eBay or Etsy?

I worry about feedback on both sites.  I would go out of my way to describe the vintage condition honestly, along with lots of photos.  You just never know though. 

Both sites charge seller fees.  Which is the cheaper option?

Etsy would mean limiting the price, and eBay would allow for potentially higher bids!  But I've heard some horror stories regarding eBay transactions.

My friend Layne has an Etsy shop I love, and I think curating one like she has would be fun!

I'm completely torn.

My stack of things that fall into this category is like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Tell me, wise friends, what should I do?  Give me all the advice, please.

And while you're at it, go check out Layne's shop.

Thrifting Frenzy

Winter finally decided to show up around here.  Instead of one simple snow day, I got a week!  No complaints here.  This girl likes her snow days.

Snow days have nothing to do with thrifting.

Welllllll, that's not completely true.  I did go thrifting on one of my snow days.  It was a great excursion!  The weather probably kept people home, which meant these goodies were left behind for me........

The two tribal-esque crocheted pieces are a mystery.  They are about the size of a small rug.  I would love to know more about them!  Are they rugs?  Wall hangings?

Clearly, I'm kind of addicted to anything crocheted right now.  My current afghan collection has gone way overboard.

But that obviously doesn't stop me.........

Vintage ticking covered feather pillows are a weakness....

And always Samsonite....

I'm proud to say that I've already parted with at least one of these items!  The rattan stool is currently in the booth at Relics.......

And the booth just so happens to be 10% off right now!  Check out my Facebook page for photos of some recently added items!

Don't you need to work on your afghan stash too?  Or is that rattan stool calling your name?

Linking up with Sir Thrift-a-lot, A Living Space, Vintage Bliss