Jungle Dream Pagoda

Happiest 2012 To Ya !

2012-01-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Happiest of New Years from my fam to yours...this is our families NOH8 photo ...shot by the amazing celebrity photographer Adam Bouska.
I have not forgotten that it is January and I promised a few goals for 2012! My hubs gave me a new desktop for Christmas and I am still futzing with and organizing it!

Soooooo...do my bloggy peeps have an Instagram yet? I highly recommend the addiction! You can view my pics(such as the above Franken-Docs) online here.
Follow me and I shall follow you back!

Peace On Earth and Vintage X-mas Candles

2011-12-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

I have had a rather severe December disappearing act.
Oh those hectic holidays.....right?
Rather than rehash the decor(I shall always go overboard with Christmas decor...it's in my DNA).... I will share my latest holiday
table-scape!
I wish you all the deepest peace in the upcoming year and I plan on coming back to grade my 2011 goals.....and set some new ones later this week!
.....and I do hope your season was merry!

Ghosts Of Christmas Past!

2011-12-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Yes!!! A ghost..... like I have been the past couple of months!

Rather than bore you to tears with tales of how busy I have been...

I shall share pics from a not so long ago Christmas...

...when I shot some pics with a broken camera...
I do hope Santa brings all you wish this holiday season!
Perhaps I shall come back after the busy-ness slows and fill ya in on my own unique chaos!

It's A Monster High Christmas!

2011-12-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

Getting the holly hauled out in all pertinent places at the Pagoda!
I always love to give my littlest petal some extra holiday "donning" for her dollies!!

Draculaura sings "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" !
Isn't there something sooooo "Josie and The Pussy Cats " about Clawdeen behind the drums?

Smallable and their Elegant On-line Advent

2011-12-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Smallable ?
It is an elegant French children's site that I highly recommend visiting.The photography and artwork is stunning.
This is last years advent...I ja'dore the mid century modern furniture used!

Check out their Christmas issue.

Here is a sneak peek of this years online advent calendar. Find it in its entirety here.
Happy December!

Well Hello There Christmas Season !

2011-11-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

It's here !!!
Did I miss Thanxgiving? Nah.....I cooked yesterday and my decor was a bit of a re-tread of T-giving days past.
If you care to peek you can view my crazy turkey day takes here and here!

...but in the mean time it's time for....
Thrift-venturing......A List To Thrift By : Item #1:LP Cover Art and
Item #3:Vintage Holiday !!!!
I am dying over the hair and makeup of the "organ and Chimes cutie!!! This LP cover art will go nicely in the Odd little architectural nook!
The bottle brush tree is full of tiny vintage fruit and the 70's angel will go nicely with this collection...and I love the color , her little face and the sweet little bird she is holding! Not bad for a holiday spree for under 5 dollars!

The rest of my ..."To Be Thrifted" list.

Item #1:LP Cover Art

Item #2 :Overalls and 70's Shirts

Item #3:Vintage Holiday

Item #4: Vintage Sweaters

Item #5:Emilio Pucci

Totally 80's and the Science Fair Project

2011-11-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Little Petal attended an 8o's birthday party this weekend.....it was so fun to see all the little girls....

...at their Cindy Lauper-est!
Good thing my little girl had fun on Saturday...cuz' Sunday....

...it was 'all hands on deck" to complete her science fair project.
I'm gonna rant here for a second....something I do not care to do in general.... and ESPECIALLY on my blog.
This was our 1st EVER science fair project.
When Ruby was in 3rd grade it was not required and in 4th she attended a TAG school that ask you to spend a Saturday at a local half-day science fair event for hands on experiments.
Though my 8 year old absolutely contributed to her project...including taking care of her plants over several weeks, keeping "data' on their growth, taking pictures(fab ones by the by)for the final poster,synthesizing her thoughts about the results after a discussion with dad....it felt like a project that was more a grade for her dad and I than for Noli. I now see why Ruby's TAG school did not do an individual assignment. An all day fair with several hands-on activities was more about the children learning and LESS about parents doing work for their kids.
At home projects have always been both a joy and a pain. I understand it is about providing a balance of parental leading and your child's input.I have to also fess up to "taking over" in the name of aesthetics.
Do any of you out there have thoughts on take home projects that are often too much for the young child to do on their own. How do you handle things?

Hipster Tee How To : by my Little Magnolia Blossom

2011-11-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

My sweet little 8 year old loves to make videos with her dad.
She wants to create her own "fashion channel".
Go Noli!

Ruby Room Re-do : Done

2011-11-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Remember way back here when I was making plans for a room redecoration? Yeah....I barely remember it myself!

Well......2 shows later and I actually have a solid start.We are vintage lamp people here at The Pagoda...and you will find them in every room! I am adoring this giant piece that cost a whopping 6 bux!! We here at The Pagoda have also championed "clothing as art" more than once . This silk negligee does the job nicely and picks up the pale green in the vintage comforter (a 3 dollar thrift score!).
Tune in next week for the other side of the room (and another vintage lamp).
Happy Friday !

Thrift-venturing......A List To Thrift By : Item #5 , Emilio Pucci

2011-11-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah...I hit the mother load!...and for HALF PRICE of 2.95 !

This is not the first time I have thrifted Pucci.You can see my rather extensive collection here.

Here's the story...I was actually standing in line to pay for the rest of my treasures ....when across a crowded line .....I saw an interesting sleeve poking out of a rack of blouses and tops. So what to do? Loose my place in line and investigate said sleeve? You betcha!
Honestly...I thought it had a vintage look....but as you Pucci aficionados can tell..it is not the typical geometry type print for their silk blouses. What prompted me to leave the line..was my hunch that it might be Hermes.For me Pucci is better. I shall glam it down a bit with my overalls...or maybe that's glam my overalls up a bit!

The rest of my ..."To Be Thrifted" list.

Item #1:LP Cover Art

Item #2 :Overalls and 70's Shirts

Item #3:Vintage Holiday

Item #4: Vintage Sweaters

Ghoulia Yelps and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2011-10-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

My 8 year old is rockin' the Monster High resident "brain" ...Miss Ghoulia Yelps!!

Ah....My little Halloween work of art!

Big sissie is featured over at Modern Kiddo along with some other cramazingly creative H-ween 'stumes!!
I still find it so odd that the oldest always wanted to create her costumes from scratch and the little one wants a store bought 'stume.......I embrace the differences in my wonderful progeny!

Things are finally winding down a bit here at the Pagoda....I even found time let the little one carve pumpkins while mommy roasted the seeds.
MMMM...yummy....toss them with melted butter a touch of onion powder and salt.
Roast them for an hour at 300 degrees...so EZ ...so yummy!!
Happy Halloween!

A Glimmer of Light at the End of the Busy-Mommy Tunnel

2011-10-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Party with my old pal Lou Diamond Phillips ...check.

Spring Awakening closed?....Check!
Mommy seeing the light at the end of the tunnel?...just as soon as I get this acting class subbed today... I might just cook dinner again!

The Carol-Anne channel!!!

2011-10-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

Thrifted Retro TV + Silver Spray Paint + Electrical Tape + Clever Inspiration from Crafts By Amanda = Best H-Ween craft ever!!!

See For yourself!

Halloween Table-scape

2011-10-11T09:42:00.001-07:00

My Halloween table-scape is very politically correct. All monster-nicity's are represented(Hi Bella....say hi to Ed Wood for me!).
Busy-busy at the Pagoda ...but seeing a light at the end of the tunnel....who am I kidding....but this week I am going to try to take you along for the ride!

Still On Theatre and Still On The Past Colliding With the Future

2011-09-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that my fam is busy? R and J has just closed and Spring Awakening opens this week. I just was ask to teach another acting class + I am subbing for the little petals musical theatre class!
......but...my big event is a special party I will be hostessing. A little soiree honoring and old friend of mine who has enjoyed quite a bit of success. Do you recognize him from the above photo? The party will be towards the end of October...and in the mean time I will be doing major home overhaul for party readiness!
Perhaps I can share some of my exciting party ideas along the way!

Thinking About The Future In The Past

2011-09-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

In the theatre we enjoy giving opening night gifties.
Sure it can be flowers...but often...if it is a special role.... we look for something with a bit more meaning.

Why yes...I have been a thrifter from way the heck back.

Well....shortly after the hubs and I were married ...I was shopping at T-Towne ....one of my absolute fav-o-rite thrift stores of ALL TIME,when I came upon this cramazing silk vintage scarf.
I seem to recall it cost under a dollar( what I would pay + my newlywed budget was a lot less than today). I grabbed it immediately...thinking how I could give it to my daughter on opening night IF she ever did "R and J". Ofcourse I did not even HAVE a daughter yet...I would not even be expecting a child for about 2 years.
I put it in my rather immense vintage scarf stash and almost forgot about it till opening. I tore my house apart looking for it on opening night(it's still messy)...and found it!
Thrifted Kismet.

Of Child Rearing and Taxi Cab Driving

2011-09-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think being a Mommy is what I do best....and then I am reminded..I just *try* to do my best.
Just how did my little petal take a self-portrait in a Beastie Boys t-shirt?
See what I mean.
School has begun...and we are no where near in a routine yet.

Ruby is still kicking bootie with her Shakesperience.
Noli is back at dance and has more homework(busy work really) in 3rd grade than big sissy has as a Sophomore in high school.We could start swimming back for my littlest too....but at 3 days a week after school + dance + homework....when does she get to be a kid?
Mommy's.....if you are out there reading this...I would love some feedback.....Thoughts on NOT choosing to add swimming into the mix?
Should I re-think this?

....and before R and J ends....rehearsals for the regional premiere of Spring Awakening* begins for Ruby.

She will be the youngest cast member in a cast of really young kids.You can read about our Broadway Spring Awakening experience here.
Oh...and did I mention I am teaching acting at night now?
I truly am thankful for our busy schedule...but I want to try to be the best Mommy I can be all the while. The difference in the ages of my girls (15 and 8)often have me wondering if I am being a fair and balanced Mommy(15 year olds generally have a packed schedule)...but I always try and stress that we are a family and when one member is busy....we rally around and support...because soon enough another will be going full force.
Enjoy those lazy days while they are really little!!!!
*conceptual set rendering by Chris Pickart

Rubyet

2011-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yup..she is officially an experienced Shakespearean actor!!!

....and a brilliant one.....how can a 15 year old possibly handle the verse as she does? I am blown away.

Amazing pics by fellow castmate Ryan Matthieu Smith and Garland Civic Theatre.

Enid Collins Bags from my Mommy!

2011-08-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Does it count as a thrift-venture if you choose to treasure hunt at your Mom's house?
Well you see at my Mamas place.... "It Grows On Trees" .......vintage delectables* that is.

Her closets overflow with both Enid and Lucite bags.
Ah ....yes....I come by my collecting tendencies honestly.

"Driftwood" ...perfect for the Fall.... and quite an unusual Enid shoulder bag!

Hard to think of Fall with so many 100+ days strung together here.....(my poor lawn)....but school has finally begun and while my littlest was craving getting back on a schedule(she would never express it that way but her actions did!)my oldest opens Romeo and Juliet on Thursday and the late nights/early morns are already a bit of an issue.
Please think positive thoughts for us as we navigate our unusual and challenging schedule!
P.S. Ruby just called to let us know she got in AP Music Theory!!...not bad for a sophomore who has only been playing the piano for a few months!

* Did I just make that word up?
Delectables: (noun) A cross between a group of things that is both collectable and delectable.

Littlest Hipster Tee How To!!!

2011-08-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hipster Little Sis Tee !
Easy-peasy instructions:
Obtain thrifted tee (make sure the fit is correct ..but long enough to fringe)
Begin to clip a small fringe as even or uneven all around the shirt as you wish!
Carefully tear your individual fringe strands up to the waist!
Repeat all the way around until the tee is completely fringed!
You could also add beads to the fringe...but our littlest hipster was a bit impatient to try it on!
This simple restyle has cycled from my midriff days all the way to my sweet girls.....yeesh!

Table-scaping with Dinosaurs!!

2011-08-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Wow......

What to do in 30 + consecutive days of TRIPLE DIGIT temperature?

Play with the dinos ofcourse!!
Here's hoping this week I find some creative mojo in spite of hot days and busy schedules!

Etsy Time !!

2011-07-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

So my summer continues on its busy way!!!
...but...I finally began re-Stocking my Etsy store !!
This upcycled delight can be found here.

Running lines with Ruby everyday certainly puts Romeo and Juliet on my mind and looky.....I found a
mini Juliet dress !!!
My plan is to have my shop brimming with stock by Fall!!
See ya in August!

Ruby Room Re-do : A Small Peek

2011-07-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Check the new to Ruby-dube vintage spread/comforter! Thrifted for 3 bux! We also re-purposed the white shelf by painting it the color of the walls and using the large hammered metal containers as her new "chest of drawers".
...and naturally we need even MORE lacey bits for curtains and canopy's!
More next week......trying to atleast post once a week until I can be more frequent!

Summuh Time and the Livin' is Busy !!

2011-07-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Butterfly is her favorite stroke!!!
So my plans for more consistent blogging.....well...let's just say I am doing the best I can! 7:00 AM practice is actually not that hard to make.

....Well as long as you are not bringing "Juliet" home from her R&J rehearsal at 11:00 PM! This is a pic from where she rehearses...the theatre's rehearsal space is actually on the opposite side of the fountain area. She will be performing in a city about 30 minutes away from us...so it has been a bit pointless for me to go home between the begining and the end of rehearsal.
.....but guess what? The area is brimming with thrift stores so naturally I had to investigate.

....which brings us to another installment of....
..Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by: Item #4 Vintage Sweaters
This one is my fave...it cost 1.99...and wasn't even on sale!It is a furry mohair with such a print...I had a similar purple one in college...but it is LONG gone!

This one WAS on sale and half off the green tag it's wearing!! It has a romantic feel and I adore the color palette! It will be perfect worn over my over-alls and boots in the Fall!

I think I will let my Noli swim a victory lap for me!

Chuh-Chuh-Changing!!!! It's a Room Re-decorate(the before pics)!!

2011-07-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

So all those things I just KNEW I would finish last week cuz' I posted that I would.....well...yeah...I didn't check a single one off my to do list(ok... the little Petal got to help Mommy roll out pizza dough ...does that count?).
...and just what the heck de-railed me?

We have been in our home a bit over 2 years ...and Ruby has never really "connected" with the vibe of her room.

...but then again....the old room at the Cliff May house was a tough act to follow. Read the whole post here.

In the new place the ceiling was not high enough for the loft bed...so as you can see in the 2nd pic we went the other extreme and chose something low to the ground. As a result many of the activities (such as the make-up area)are also informal and low to the ground.

The room is fairly zen and fully functional.The original design inspiration was floating in clouds...so obviously sky blue walls and white furniture. Somehow we never really finished the design of the room which is why it appears so bare. I painted some lovely wood pieces that stark white and when its all said and done I think that's the prob....it's just not warm and cozy enough!
Believe it or not her room is never more than 15-20 minutes away from looking just as orderly as these pics.

Even her closet is orderly!!

Ruby has already begun adding warmer gold tones in fun little accessories...and what I really can't wait for is pulling out some pieces we have had stored for over 10 years!
Actually yesterday was spent pulling some long buried pieces and just conceptualizing the space. Figuring out just what she want's in there.
She likes the blue walls which are very cool in tone. I am definitely happy another paint job is not in my near future! I do think it's going to be an interesting challenge warming it up with just "stuff".
Stay tuned for the after!
Have you re-designed your child's room lately?

Busy Summer Daze and a to do list!

2011-06-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

The little petal and I have found our new favorite summertime drink! Diet Grapefruit Soda from Thom Thumb!!
You may also note.... I have really done well on gathering my milk glass collection!

TO DO List For This Week:

- More regular blog posts!
I have really been busy with summer activities for the girls!

- Instant gratification project:Decorate the girls bathroom!
It is LONG overdue for some help!

- Some fun and yummy kid cooking with the little petal!
Big sissy has been getting to have all the cooking fun this summer!

-Update on my Etsy Shop!!!
I am overdue from my personal goals on this one!

I find that if I post that I am going to do something ...it actually happens!!! Let's see if that holds true!
What's on your to do list this week?

Home From the Beach,Under the Weather,and the Busy Summer !

2011-06-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well naturally I wear overalls to the beach! ....but these are my special clam-digger overalls!

Alrighty...so we have been back from the beach an entire week with no word from me in Bloglandia! Tummy bugs,ear-aches,doctors appointments.......

.....7:oo A.M. swim practice...

.....and auditions(SHE GOT THE PART !!!!) have all conspired to keep me away from bloggy world!
Here's hoping I shall have something fun and creative to share soon!
What has been going on in your busy summer?

A Re-Run for the June Bride...My Own Vintage Clothing Fashion Magazine..The Wedding Bell Blues Issue

2011-06-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well of course and why not vintage for your dress on that special day!It could be the perfect budget panacea for what ails ya. I must admit though,with regards to that perfect ensemble on that perfect day,the bride should be allowed to choose with impunity to which ever way the wind blows her whim! I am merely here as your fashion editor,to remind you that vintage can certainly step up to the bridal fashion plate!
BRIDE:Ah me,another day another blockbuster to shoot!
GROOM:Are we going to do this thing?
BRIDE: Come on,buster,get that crazy Italian jacket inside the chapel!
GROOM :Can we push the fast forward button,? I gotta meeting with the suits at the studio?
.......and smiles for the Paparazzi!
That red velvet dress with matching red velvet hat ,inherited from your Grandmother could be perfect for Valentines day.
Don't forget to toss on Grandmothers gloves for tossing the bouquet!
Lace is always perfect,whether short or long!
Even the Justice of the Peace will compliment you in this suit from the 40's!

....and now for The Floor collection.For that unconventional bride,why not jeans?A long black sheer lace piece layered with...
...an antique hand tatted ecru lace bolero,and oodles of pearls!
A variation on this same look.
Why,you may ask, do I have all these crazy pictures,of me and the hubs in wedding attire(oh,and believe me there are more where those came from!)? Once upon a time when my hubs and I decided to get married in Vegas,we (read I) took a leap of faith that the chapel we chose would be a suitable vessel for pledging our love.Incredulous that there was no book on the subject we set out to create our own. Armed with a backseat full of vintage clothes,and flying in our favorite photographer from New York City,the uber talented Mister Stephen Mosher,we plunged right in and interviewed and photographed MOST of the chapels.We even nabbed a literary agent! Yes,we have a lovely collection of rejection letters from Penguin to Workman Publishing to prove it.I thought it was time these wonderful memories saw the light of day.
What to do with hoarded thrifted wedding frocks? How about a window treatment.
Just in case you wondered what I wore on my own wedding day,well of course it was vintage AND thrifted ...and heres the story. The best reason to wear vintage on your special day? My oldest jewel has flattered me by saying she wants to wear my dress at her wedding. Inherited vintage is always the best!

Re-Run Post for the thriftventurers :My Fantasy Shopping Trip to the Perfect Thrift Store

2011-06-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

My littlest flower blossom and I are off on a THRIFTVENTURE.

"Why ,I've never seen this thrift store before."

"Sweet God, they serve ice coffee!"

"Hmmm, should I leave her here with all the other big-headed babes?" "Que sera!"

"Yum!Cowboy boots,60's dresses,tooled leather suitcases..."

"A vintage X-mas room! And what are those,solid gold donkeys pulling wagons? How X-masy and only 5.99, just under my 6 dollar limit!"
...and back at the Pagoda. "Was it all just a dream"?" WEEEEEEE"

My "Once upon a Time Little Girls" and the Busy Summer!

2011-06-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe I now have a big 3rd grader and....

...a Hi School Sophomore on my hands!

When people tell you to enjoy the time when they are little....PLEASE do ..it does indeed go sooooo fast!.....so I just had to pull out a couple/3 pics of my girls when they were younger.
Today is the 1st day of summer and we are ALREADY packed to the gills!!
We are prepping for a 5 day road trip and we leave tomorrow morn at 5:00 A.M. sharp!
Upon our return ...here's a snapshot of our busy summer and some of the projects we will be working on !
* There will be lots of reading and even some Summer volunteering at the library.

* The Little Blossom has swim practice every week day at 7:00 AM.

* We will begin a redecorating project for Princess Hipster's bedroom !

* Ruby has been ask to audition for Juliet in the Shakespeare classic...so lots-o- Bard reading!

* Ruby was also scouted by a local modeling agency and we will be working on THAT project in between (hopefully) R&J rehearsal ,swim meets,and volunteering!

....along with...what I hope will be much more family cooking time together.

* One of my big goals for summer is for the 3 girls in the fam to learn to make (and in one small fry case ) to EAT healthy meals together!!

* Another of my big goals for summer is to learn to be a better blogger! This summer I hope to spruce my little blog up a bit...(I will definitely figure out how to center that header!)...and make it an aesthetically pleasing experience to visit here!I have pushed myself to post much more regularly lately ..(which has actually been allot of fun for me)so while I am gone I will be scheduling a couple of "re-run" posts (isn't that what the networks do in the summer?) that were personal faves...so I do not "break" my posting stride!

So what about you...any summer goals?

Austin Adventures

2011-05-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Candy cigarettes always taste so much better out of the candy cigarette machine!
Austin, Texas is one of those...."Gee ...I really could love living there" places in my book. So it was faboo to be able to spend a long afternoon into early evening...just playing around a bit in that wonderful town!! The above was shot at the ab fab awesome Big Top Candy Shop ...where I completely threw nutrition to the wind and treated myself to a Caramel Kettle Corn ice cream cone!

Yummidy!!!

After Ruby....ahem ,I mean...Hipster Princess ...finished singing at U.T ...we headed off for lunch at the Mellow Mushroom ! I ordered the "Kosmic Karma" pizza...def. drool-able....and the food item that started me on my "nutrition to the wind" path! I can see a (somewhat) healthier version of this ..pesto ,feta,and sun-dried tomato filled pie...being created in my own kitchen this summer...with a whole wheat crust subbing in!

Next it was off to a bit of a vintage crawl...with suggestions courtesy of the adorable and insanely talent laden...Jennifer Perkins of "The Naughty Secretary Club".
Um....hold it....did the fine folks of Austin also find a completely and totes awesome vintage golf sweater?
Thankfully mine was a bit less in cost!
In terms of vintage clothes we found "Cream" vintage to be our fave...taking home a couple of treasures for hardly any bux, and "New Bohemia" having a fab selection for moderate bux!

Oh....and wait...these look a bit familiar too! They were spotted hanging from the ceiling at possibly the most upscale antique mall I have ever visited! Uncommon Objects is a beautiful space where the items are wonderfully edited and displayed ....and FULL of inspiration!

This love seat NEEDS to go with my set!!
H.P. and I were also blown away by how nice and kind everyone was in Austin.Don't get me wrong...folks are also nice in Dallas...but the Austin folk took it to an entirely different level. So refreshing!
We are already planning next years trip!
Have you explored a coolio town lately?

Thrifted: A Holy Grail Item !

2011-05-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Look at this amazing vintage dress form !!! Thrifted this week for 19 bux!!!
Twenty bucka-roos is a truly big ticket item for me at the thrift....but...how could I have possibly resisted?
It is presently residing in Ruby's room (note the dinosaurs)who has informed me I shall now refer to her as Princess Hipster. Alright your madge...would you like that with or without sprinkles?
Speaking of my princess with the hipster heritage ...we are off to Austin this week for a UIL solo competition. She qualified as one of 3 freshman students to go to state.
....and while I am bragging on my sweet (and sometimes sour)P.H.... can I just share how proud I am of her. She won an award for the Outstanding Freshman Vocal Tech Student....AND....for having one of the top GPA's in the freshman class !!!
My cup runneth over!!
I shall be back with Austin adventures next week!

More Patio Project !!

2011-05-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

The sun has been hiding rather on and of this week(and for the past couple of weeks!)...but I managed to shoot a couple more pics of my finished Patio Project!
My newly dubbed "Tin Man" chairs and a thrifted plant stand ....blasted with the same glinty silver!

A pair of Tin Men chairs.A sweet little spot to sit!
Note:Our badminton net is up and in full usage as you may tell from the background !

A view from the yard looking inward! I am actually not done with my tinkering with the outdoor greenery.I need to clean up the flower beds and add a few more potted lovelies to the porch.

You can't tell that much about this galvanized steel pot...but its faboo and I have 2 others that I am thinking of RE-thinking whats inside of them.I really want to do an ALL succulent pot!
...also....have you recently checked out the Lowes Creative Ideas site? There are QUITE a few ingenious and clever projects that actually appear somewhat simple and possibly doable.
Check this privacy screen out:

I Did It !!!!

2011-05-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

I re-opened my Etsy Store !!!!

This little up-cycled summer frock is available along with other fun goodies right here !

I took these sweet little pics of my petal princess a long while back and realized I never posted this particular photo shoot!

The bottom 3 dresses are long sold...but I thought I might post them as a sort of inspiration board for myself.

My intention for my shop is to add many more of my little creations and I am hoping to have more "fashion shoots" with my little Magnolia blossom with this same "vintage playtime" feel !
Speaking of vintage...that is what you will find (mostly) in my shop for the time being. I will try to add things daily...and hope the rainy weather in North Texas clears so I can get some nice pics!
Here is my question for you(any feed-back is appreciated)....would you like to see more staged "Vintage Playtime" fashion shoots in my shop? Or would you prefer a plain white background and the garment alone?
Happy Thursday!

Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by: Item #4 Vintage Sweaters

2011-05-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

We are having some unseasonably cool Spring days here in North Texas....which is making me a bit worried about the blazing heat that must be in store for us this Summer!
Until that time of 100 degree + temps....I shall allow myself to enjoy these cooler days.One way that always delights me is "The Breaking Out of the Vintage Sweaters".
I thought this kitschy cutie would be waiting patiently in the closet for me to test drive in the Fall.
When I am at The Thrift... the sweater aisle shall always be a glance through spot for me ....just in case.
It's getting harder to find truly authentic vintage sweaters at the thrift....but I persevere....and lookie what my reward was! A golf themed ,crazy, kitsch-a-fied, delectable! Do I golf??? No....but I relish the opportunity to don a an adorable and witty piece where the scale of the embroidered bee is the same size as the golf ball.
My "To Be Thrifted"list is growing.
I am dying to know what you found at the thrift this weekend...care to share?

Patio Project....done!!!

2011-05-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

I promised I would upload pics today of my completed Patio Project!!!
It's DONE !!! YAY!!!
Blogger has definitely been on the south side of wonk today...so in the interest of getting my weekend started....here is a little preview!
I am sooooo glad I changed the color of the motel chairs...turquoise is perfect and I cannot stop looking out my window at my faboooo patio!!
Have you completed a big project lately?

Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by: Item #3 Vintage Holiday

2011-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

In this case.....VINTAGE CHRISTMAS BUBBLE LIGHTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have found and continue to find some pretty awesome-tastick goodies at the thrift.
......but vintage Bubble Lights?????...3 boxes of the large and 1 box of tiny...and they all work perfectly!!!
I was helping a dear friend who has had some car issues....and on my way to pick her up I noticed a Goodwill I had never seen...not all that far from The Pagoda...but off my usual beaten path. On my way back I just had to stop in and take a peek around.I was doing a rather quick case of the joint and getting ready to leave when I spied a "Super Secret Christmas Room".
Word.
Inside there was mostly pedestrian stuff...but..... LOADS of vintage X-mas lights. So.... naturally....I stocked up on the bubble lights!
I must say...there is pretty much not a vintage X-mas goodie ....or ANY vintage holiday goodie..that does not delight me from the inside out.
So yeah,vintage holiday....ALWAYS on the "to be thrifted" list!
What yummy-osity have you thrifted lately?

Happy Day After Mothers Day !!

2011-05-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

Flattered to pictured among the SUPAH FLY groovy mommies on the special Mothers Day post at the AH-Maze-Balls mommy blog Modern Kiddo !
If you are not reading this blog and you have young children at home....you should be. Beautiful Dotty and Alex got it totally goin' on and know how to have some fashionable fun all while being an awesome mommy!!
On JDP's to do list this week:
*Re-Paint my motel chairs turquoise!
*Re-Open my Etsy store(fingers crossed)!
*Make soup again with my new blender from Mothers Day!
* Photograph and post pics of my finished Patio Project!
Whats on your to do list this week?

Patio Project Question?

2011-05-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Through the rain and unseasonably cool early Spring days....I have indeed finished my
Patio Project !
It is ...juuuuust ALMOST perfect. The bold red table and chairs make my heart sing.....but....I am thinking I picked the wrong color for my Motel chairs. I do love baby blue...but feel the table and chairs deserve a bolder foil.I had considered yellow but that might be bolder than I wish to go.
Any thoughts ?
Perhaps I have been too hard on my baby blue chairs.

Terrariums : A New Years Goal Achievment

2011-05-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Happiness is creating with your child,doing something you have wanted to do for a LONG time......
...AND......even relating it back to your child's American Girl Doll adventure.
You see Julie has a terrarium in her room too.
Noli and I have had many chats about what her own terrarium would be like.
We checked a few books out of the library for prep...and just jumped in.

You will need:
* A glass container (I thrifted this gold fish bowl.)
* Assorted small plants
* Tiny pebbles
* Potting soil (not shown)
* Little "friends" to make it a sort of "living" dollhouse.

...and ofcourse Mommy's little helper!

I did omit one ingredient.
After filling the clean glass container with pebbles I realized I forgot to get charcoal for the next layer. So....I just added the potting soil. We'll see how important that ingredient was......
We used a spoon to add the plants,and added the little 70's girl.
There is no top to close off our terrarium and make it "rain".....so we will happily water ours with tiny drops of water.
Easy-Peasy!

Someone was pretty pleased and excited!

Perhaps I should have added some moss for her to sit on.I am feeling guilty that her little skirt has to sit on dirt.
What would you plant in your terrarium?
Did you have one as a child?

Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by: Item #2 Overalls and 70's Shirts

2011-04-26T14:08:00.000-07:00

So I had hoped to reveal my patio project
today.....but alas...it was not to be. April showers visited last week and I was unable to finish painting all my furniture!!
So...how 'bout sharing another item in my "Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by" series!

Do you know what makes JDP smile?

Overalls!!!! Long, pedal pusher length ,short,shorter....hot pants short(worn with tights of course!).
I LOVE Overalls! They have been my go to Mommy uniform for almost 15 years (wait a minute...my oldest baby can NOT be almost 15!).
Did I mention the thrift stores are BRIMMING with them...and for practically NO money??

They pair rather perfectly with crazy 70's shirts. This fabooooo "waves crashing on rocks" print ....recently thrifted for a couple of bucks.... is a new personal fave.
I have always believed in styling them in unexpected ways as seen here and here in past "My Own Vintage Fashion Magazine" spreads.
Hey I think its time for a Spring-time issue of my on-line vintage zine!

The hubs has always found my sense of style both fascinating and perplexing.
What do you think of overalls?
Happy Tuesday and happy thriftventuring!

Easter-scaping:Part 2...The Easter Escape...or.. The Good Friday Fort

2011-04-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

My little Magnolia blossom has been begging for me to build her a fort ever since the two of us gazed at this beauty by Justina Blakenly.
I have been happily googling fort images ever since!!!
Check these if you might be inclined to build your own and need a little inspiration!

You will need:
*2 or 3 sheets ,blankets ,or other pieces of fabric.
*Safety pins
*Twine ,string ,ribbon....or some sort of "anchoring ropes"
*Hammer
*Nails or push-pins
*A steppy stool or chair to stand on
*Twinkle lights
*Throw pillows for interior decor
*Your Imagination
This might be one of those "learn as you go" projects.....but here is how it shook down for me.

I began by anchoring 3 ribbons to the ceiling with push pins (I did use a hammer to get them the whole way IN!).
I chose a flat sheet and safety pinned my sheet to the "anchor ribbons"...knotting the ribbons to the safety pin.I then used a push-pin to anchor the back corner directly to the wall.

You can see here how I arranged my anchor ribbons in a triangle position.

I added my little vintage bunny/duckie remnant panel as another "wall" by safety pinning it to the inside and underneath of my sheet.

I added little heart lights...and push-pinned them to the inside "roof" of the fort.

...and decorated with furry throw pillows and favorite bear.

....add happy child with book!
She sez' she wants to sleep here tonight....I think I will let her.
Do you think you might build a fort? How will you decorate it?

Easter-scaping..... Part One !

2011-04-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

I finally got my Easter goodies out and arranged as I like!!

Table-scaping for the holidays is one of my fave things in all the land to do !!!
All above items 100% thrifted!*

Can you dig these little plastic bunnies???
All but the smallest bunny(she is thrifted...score!) came from estate sales.
You may click to enlarge any image.

A bunny pulling a wagon on top of my chest of donkey's pulling wagons....and Mister Bunny has a fabulous German egg.
I actually thrifted all of my German eggs in one EXTRA fabulous plastic bag-full when my little Petal was still a babe in arms.

My L.P. gallery is showing a Spring-y-er selection of album covers!
It is so hard to shoot the whole architectural nook/gallery...cuz' it is so l000000ng!
See it here.

This Montavani album cover art might be my new fave!!

It has been a bit rainy today(can you tell from the dark pics?) and that set me back a bit on my "Patio Project"..AND I still have one more Easter themed aspiration that I hope to show you on Good Friday!!
Happy Tuesday everyone!
*note* checking off items on my Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by: Item #2 Milk glass-ware .

A Sneek Peek Into My Patio Project

2011-04-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

There will be LOTS of color!!!

Pay no attention to the garish crack. I like to think it adds character and patina to the patio.

Be gone silver!!! You have no power here!
Do you think I shall have it finished by Friday?

After a Cray-Cray Weekend !!

2011-04-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

All looks calm at the Pagoda.......right? WRONG..... sooooooo... much happened over the weekend....our regular french toast breaky's ,light thrifting,and a trip to Grammas....and then hurried last minute auditions and being involved in a 4 CAR PILE-UP on the highway!!! Thankfully everyone is was unharmed!

Ah yess...What it really looks like at the pagoda. I knew this beautiful long hearth would be good for something. I give each fam member their own little section as I fold the never-ending laundry train. In between calls to the police department, getting accident reports, and the calls to the insurance....the "process" moved very slowly today. Still awaiting that report to get in the system and at 6:05 P.M. still awaiting an A.C. repairman. oh yeah...on top of everything else our air decided to not shut off today....I mean any excuse to wear a vintage sweater ...but....the breaker box it was!
ramble.
ramble.
sheesh.
*edited* the cray-cray continues...
....oh, and then we found this FOOTBALL size bee-hive in our backyard...unbelievable...we are in touch with a bee-keeper on humane elimination.....
*EDIT* #2
The beekeeper saved the bees and no one was stung!!!!

Wee Petal Style Break!

2011-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

I adore the freedom and creativity both of my girls dress with!!!
My littlest Petal needed to dress up as her favorite literary character for a recent family literacy event at her school.Well naturally her own closet yielded marvelous results to be...

Junie B. Jones.You should hear the kid read these books aloud.....she totally relates to Junie B. !

Just remembered..... it is time to take out my Easter goodies.
Getta load of my vintage Gund babies! The rabbit plays "Easter Parade".
...oh and take a gander (hee... get it gander?)of the adorable ducky/bunny animal fabric background....1.98 at the thrift... there is enough to make a special little Easter themed project I have been wanting to try.....nope...its not an obvious "craft".

Thrifted :Vintage Record Stand

2011-04-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Having L.P.'s so acutely on the brain during thrift-time has yielded an interesting bevy of goodies. Though... I think the one I am most excited about is this vintage record stand I found a couple of days ago for 95 CENTS !!!!

Prior to this fab find ...I was using a vintage mag holder I bought at an antique mall for 8 bux.The problem with this cutie was 2-fold.
1).You were able to see our Vudu box peeking out from beneath.
...and.......
2).Since it was not actually meant for L.P.'s.... the weight of the records was making it wobbly!

Just days before this find.... I was ogling this treasure.....from Shabbylull,
a wonderful vintage Etsy shop!

....and ...TA DA...it shows up !!!!...but...mine has all its little rubber shoes!
This rather focused "Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by" ...is yielding some rather interesting booty.Am I using "The Law of Attraction" to thrift?
Should I reveal my list? Whats on your list to thrift ?

Table for 1 and Cauliflower Soup !

2011-03-31T11:07:00.001-07:00

What.... you say blech to cauliflowers? Do you like potato soup? Would you like a less starchy version?
Search no more.... you have found a healthy home-made delicious potato soup substitute!
INGREDIENTS:
2 large heads of cauliflower
3 or 4 onions (per your taste)
Chicken or Veggie stock 2 to 3 cups(and if you don't make your own,splurge for the kind with no MSG)
1-2 cups fat free half and half
Shredded cheddar per your taste
and salt and pepper
Ya know how on Top Chef they tell you it takes time for the soup flavors to "develop"? Well...I think its true. Which is why I make my soups mostly in crock-pots!
I use this gorg crock-pot from Target. Super cheap, lots of cook room ,and oh so sleek !

Honestly... I change up the recipe every time. Just remember to add lots of the veggies and let it cook all day!
Also...keep in mind that soup thickens after it has been cooked...so no real need to add flour.
After it has cooked most of the morning and afternoon,I get a slotted spoon and put the cooked veggies in the blender and puree everything till smooth. I put it back in the pot with the broth and add fat free half and half ,a couple of cups of shredded cheddar ,salt and pepper,and let it warm for another 30 minutes to an hour.

So... I got a little freaky with the pepper. If you follow a low carb diet this is absolutely perfect! This soup is quite dee-lish.... healthy or not!

...and it yields plenty of leftovers for the rest of the week!

At my table for 1, I even got to use my newly thrifted danish modern candle holders...and new to me milk glass/juice glass for my grapefruit juice!

A Peek Into My Petals World.......and the "Tub of Wonder"

2011-03-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

My sweet "not so wee(anymore)"...Petal is easily the most colorful of the family. At a just newly turned age 8 ....her tangerine room suits her perfectly!
I had to show off her newly thrifted "tablecloth". Costing under a dollar this Old Navy scarf gets the job done perfectly ...AND with a mod vintage feel...AND pom-pom fringe to boot!

Instead of junk drawers at my house we each have a "Tub of Wonder".This perfect pink tub was found at the Target "dollar spot" (though I recall it cost 2$'s). It houses any stray odds and ends at the end of the day...I-Coffin's,Squinky's,Hello Kitty eraser's ,or lone dolly shoes!

A place for everything and everything in its place (hah!).

The story under the "Trixie ,Dixie, and Dell" painting.
Happy Monday!

Thriftventuring...A List to Thrift by: Item #1 L.P. Cover Art

2011-03-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Soooooo....if I intend to start
"A list to thrift by". I thought it would be big fun to do a post on EACH item!!!!
Lets start with ...L.P. cover art.....which has always been a favorite around Pagoda-ville!
Each unique sleeve is as eclectic as the day is long and has a little something for everyone!
The above pic is a few I left behind at a special Thrift that has a spectacular GIANT record section. I am beginning to regret leaving behind "Actual Business Letters" and Ethel Smith's organ tunes!

Well why the heck not elevate L.P. cover art as "real" art in your home? I have always been drawn to those rather generic orchestral covers with amazing art direction and have collected them for some time...but until I moved into my new home and inspiration eventually struck for filling my odd little architectural nook above the big screen....
I never really knew what to do with them.
I am now simply AGOG over my ever changing L.P. cover gallery!
So what did I come home with?
How about Disney's Chilling,Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House?This album has actually been on my "to be thrifted" list for a long while.....and let us not forget the yummy ear candy center!

Have a little taste!

Little did I know that this truly tropical treat by Lani Royal was going to become the new sound track to my life!

Delicious and refreshing!

My former soundtrack?.....Mr Martin Denny and his orchestra ...natch!

Could there be better cover art? I have even used this image as my screen saver.

I suspect there has never been a more clever vessel for the elevation of L.P. art to Fine art than this aaahhhhhhmazing screen from Able and Baker Design. Perhaps I shall treat myself to this yummy-osity one day when I turn my dining room into my design studio...a little pretty something to hide away the eventual mess.

Kate Bush's ,"The Dreaming"
is probably my super nova ,all time ,favorite album cover. The image is referencing the song "Houdini" and how the key would be "passed" to Houdini.
This could certainly warm up a boudoir frame.

So what about you....could L.P. cover art be the panacea for your own artless walls? If I were a bit braver I think I might permanently affix an entire wall with covers. But how to choose which ones to use with so many lovelies?
Atleast at the thrift we shall never run out of possible candidates !

The Decorating War Within and Playing with Knick-Knacks and STUFF!!!

2011-03-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

My inner decorator is forever warring within itself!!!
I like knick-knacks and STUFF!
Crazy kitschy witty winked at STUFF!!!

As evidenced here in this picture of me and my STUFF in the Fiesta Kitchen of my single days! You may click to enlarge this image and glimpse my lucite bag collection housed behind glass doors just above the taxidermied(oh yeah...) instrument playin' frogs!

....ahhhhh....but the hubs was not such a STUFF lovin' man and your lovely blog-hostess had to change her evil STUFF-hoardin' ways.

As evidenced in this pic of the Cliff May home.

....and this one. When un-encumbered by STUFF there is an amazing sense of being able to breathe in a space...and I LOVE this look.
Sigh...missing that sweet little home.

Same furniture-STUFF but now filling our new beloved home......and its even airier!

You walk in and immediately get the minimalist vibe.

Once upon a time my donkeys roamed freely about the windowsill.

Now they must contain themselves in an eclectic chest.

At the Cliff May home my STUFF filled "Magic Closet" looked more like a booth at an antique mall.

Here at the new Pagoda my "props" are bit pared down!

Lately I have been feeling the urge to decorate with knick-knacky STUFF , but employing my "minimalist within" editor.

It has been fun to just play a bit with my good STUFF.

I am craving a little area to just go kitschy crazy with some good STUFF. What the heck why not go a bit wild....its just wall space!

So what do you think are all of us bloggy vintage kitschy chickadees moments away from an invitation to be on Hoarders?
I continue to be thankful for my minimalist lovin' Hubs...and oddly I think he has developed an interesting appreciation for all my STUFF over the years!
Happy Tuesday !

Valentine Candy Buffet and Etsy Taste Test

2011-02-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!
This is the second year I have created a candy buffet for my little fam to celebrate Valentines season with.It makes them feel positively spoiled and any left-overs get trashed tomorrow!
Note to self:Never buy pretzel filled M and M's again...this is a treat for everyone ELSE in your household not a nutrition spoiler for you!

....and here is last years buffet. A much better idea is to fill the buffet with candy necklaces and pixie stix and ring pops...all the stuff that Mommy's do not crave!

Speaking of tasty bits....have you played with the Etsy Taste Test yet?
Grab a spare 30-60 minutes and prepare to be tempted by treats beyond the caloric intake of chocolate !
Items on my final list included this adorable wooden "log" box bag!

...and this modern telly console much like the one I already own.

....and another version of a fave style of embroidered sweater that I also already own.
It may take a couple of plays but the Etsy Taste Test might actually "get" your individual taste!!!
Be good to those you love AND yourself today!

New Years Resolutons,Inspirations and Goals 2011

2011-01-31T00:29:00.000-08:00

So.....on this last day of this first month of the year...I am feeling compelled to set a few goals and resolves. I am sharing with the hopes that everything I list becomes a real and tangible part of 2011.
Here goes......
*Building terrariums
I really want to create a magical little fairy garden with my Wee Petal( who is not that wee anymore!).

*Herb Gardening
While I am coaxing green things to grow I think I would like to try my hand at herb gardening to enhance the flavor of everyday meals and perhaps make these clever and eco friendly "pots".

*Commit to make homemade soup once a month
The hubs and I especially love soup and I received a new beautiful crock-pot with which to cook up some savory comfort.

*Continued health and fitness
Leading up to 2010 I had several months of personal sadness and challenges.
I lost my father ...and had my house on the market ....and moved to a new home right after I lost him. When my life has chaos I lose my grip on fitness and nutrition. I spent 2010 regaining my dedication to one of these pursuits.I discovered the good ol' stair-master was no longer working for me at the gym and added hour long cardio classes each day of the work week to cross train and challenge myself.The good news is I lost about 15 pounds in the process...the bad news.... I tend to be very hard on myself body-wise and would STILL like to be 5-10 pounds less.In 2011 I want to continue my NOW cardio addiction....and regain my good nutrition habits that were once almost 2nd nature.

*More time in Bloglandia
Hangin' in my little cyber corner of the world has been so fulfilling to me....I am uncertain why I have had such a polka-dotted existence these past couple of years...then again see explanation in above goal.

*Participating in inspiring online challenges such as Elsie's, Project Restyle!
This sort of restyle thang seems to be the sort of crafty fun I tend to relish anyway...I think I need to just jump on in on this one.

*Sewing... at Make Studio
I would like to have a groovy little spot to go and refresh my meager sewing skills.
This Bishop Arts District studio may be the perfect place.

*Re-launching my Etsy shop
It is long overdue for a re-launch on my kids clothing shop...and I have so many fun ideas brewing!

*Maybe opening a new Etsy shop.
While 1st things 1st .....re-open my original shop.....I am envisioning an on-line boutique for the grownup girls...rooted firmly in my own crazy aesthetic.
I'm thinking of naming it "Tooled Leather and Lace".

*Thrift with a purpose:
I always try to have a mental "to be thrifted list" in my head...but this year I think I will actually WRITE OUT that list and do my best to stick to it!
Who am I kidding? It is impossible to limit myself at the thrift store,but maybe it might be fun to challenge myself for a couple of months to stick to a list!
*buy above thrift print here*

I already know milk glass is on that list....yeah I m totally late to the game on the luscious-ness of milk glass...but hey...I've always been a late bloomer...that's just how I roll!

*Paper Snowfalkes!
Next holiday season....I wish to craft with my girls a bit more....I think the three of us could handle some paper snowflake curtains.Just a little somethin' to get all three of us to sit down and spend creative time together. My girls are almost 7 years apart...and getting them on the same page can be challenging. I saw this at the end of the holiday season and thought maybe if I have a whole year to plan for it....it MIGHT happen!

So there you have it!!! My big plans for the cyber pagoda here in 2011. I shall devote a post to conquering each goal
and wish for the new year!
Happiest of 2011 to ya!

Holiday Thriftventure Booty !!

2010-12-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

Angels......angels ...angels!!!!Each darling Seraphim at under 1 dollar!

A Dickensian trio in the most fabulous of muted colors!

More traditionally colorful tiny figures....again NOTHING over a buck!

Vintage Santa cups,snack trays and VERA napkins(4 total).....and a lone stocking....again,each item thrifted at under 1 dollar!

This one cost 4.95 (not the toothless wonder....the advent calendar!).Each numbered pocket has a beautiful handmade ornie for the tree!!! This is my fave thrifted item for the season and I found it last week!!!!!!! I have wanted a beautiful vintage advent calendar FOREVER!!!!

....and the trees up(not decorated and not thrifted , but inherited)...and I'm just gettin' started!!!!

Thanxgiving table-scaping!

2010-11-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

Sooooo...I totally love doing a little holiday "floofing" for the big T-Day!!!
I found last years Thanksgiving table-scape hard to compete with.....and perhaps I over thought this years a bit.I thought the plastic toy Native Americans would be clever vase-filler (ala marbles or lemons etc....)
I did not count on the tiny plastic toys flipping up-side down(you may click on the image to enlarge) in the water.Somehow it looks as if the women folk just decided to drown the men folk.
Well truthfully it makes me giggle. I just wish the dollar store carried plastic Pilgrims too!

Can you see the die-cut turkeys in my case?

Even the little petal got her table-scape on with Mommies left overs!
It has just got chilly here in North Texas so I will be back next week with
My Own Vintage Clothing Fashion Magazine's 2010 Fall edition!

Halloween Decor and a room re-do!

2010-10-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I got allot of bang for my buck(9 bux to be exact!) at Big Lots by purchasing this large scale lawn art scully and lighting it up inside.

You will also note my Halloweenie tree from last year!

I love how the white frame of the scully blends completely with my fireplace and makes the skull merely glow!

My strange little "do I love it or hate it" architectural nook filled with vintage albums and movie monsters.

I think I kind of love it these days.

The littlest Princess in the house got a room re-do.

I painted the room orange.
Let me tell you it takes courage to brush on that first bold stroke.I liked it so much I also painted the Lamps orange.

The art work truly pops!
This shade of orange is quite delish and rather tangerine...though it was hard to capture in these pics.

Can you believe these adorable embroidered darlings were snapped up at the thrift for almost nothing?

I kinda ran with the 60's and 70's art theme it just went with the orange. You may click and enlarge any image.

The groovy girls!

Frankie Stein sez' "Sceery"!

A close up of the Halloweenie tree.

....but wait..... whats that.....Amanda Button has done it again with her amazing annual Halloween mix CD!

....among the deliciosity that defines an Amanda mix CD ....you can even hear Gladys Kravitz singing "The Invisible Man"!
Thank You lovely and creative Amanda.

What are you most looking forward too this Halloween?
For me after the candy has been gathered ...I MUST watch AMC's new series The Walking Dead based on the graphic novel of the same name.
Delicious candy AND zombies? I'm in!

Climbing Out of the Cyber Rabbit Hole

2010-10-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

Where have I been? Lets grab some ice coffee and chat. Shall we?
So what have I been up to?

A little thespian-age (rhymes with espionage).Here I am givin' it my best Leslie Gore in "Beehive the Sixties Musical". The piece explored the evolution of womens music in the powder-keg 60's. I even got to be an Ike-ette!

I had a little extra time for a new creation......for...

........my beautiful Goddaughter Finnley(note a sweaty JDP coming straight from her show to a welcome to the world party)!

I have had plenty of time to perfect a recipe or two...how 'bout some Sweet Potato soup?
Perfect Autumn fare.
Easy-peasy instructions......chop 3 large-ish sweet potato's ,chop 2 large-ish onions....grab the chicken broth(veggie broth would also work),salt and pepper to taste.

Pour it all in a crock pot and let it simmer most of the day.

Puree everything and add a little fat-free half and half.

Delicious ,filling ,and healthy too!

With all the time I saved on dinner prep....I had time to read my favorite author Francesca Lia Block's new children's book,The House of Dolls.It is magical and ethereal as is the authors style and you and your little girl will love reading about the lives of 3 wonderful dolls:Wildflower, Rockstar, and Miss Selene.
Francesca has a beautiful blog now too, Love in the Time of Global Warming.

...and what would a visit to JDP's place be without a report on my latest thrift-ventures?
You know how I do adore vintage sweaters.
....and just in time for fall.... 2 new cozy lovelies.

...and finally..... one of my many vintage collecting passions are old glass-ware. Preferably of the kitsch-licious variety! These 3 circus High Balls fit the bill to perfection,and only 45 cents each!
Can you tell I'm gettin' my spooky-ookie on at the Pagoda?
I plan to come back and share more next week.
Wonderful to catch up even in the smallest way!

New Years Tales!

2010-01-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

So 20 days into 2010 I sign back on to wish everyone a happy new decade!!!
....and I already feel like the perplexed vintage New Years Eve hubs in the above pic!!
How did my laundry room get so out of control???!!!??
At the Cliff May home I didn't even HAVE a laundry room...I had a laundry chair.
It was located in a little corner right by the closet that contained the stacked washer/dryer unit.I almost always had a nice (somewhat neat) stack of washed clothes waiting to be folded and put away. Honestly I could NEVER get ahead of this unsightly pile of clean clothes ready to be folded and put away! I dreamed of a future time when I would not have to grab this pile of clothes and hide them in the trunk of my car when company came!!!
Believe me ....the several month time span the house spent on the market.... many was the time I had to run to the car to find a particular recently laundered item!
So just how did I let THIS happen????
I have spent today tidying and flattening holiday boxes that were to be recycled and generally ....just DOING ...EVEN MORE laundry!!
Ya know there is only 4 of us but Laundry is just a time consuming,never let it get more than a couple of days ahead of you,perpetual BEAST!!!
Perhaps I will edit this post and show you a more cleaned up version...but I have not yet even decorated this space so maybe you will just take my word for it.
Such a pleasure to be able to SHUT the door!!!!
Maybe I was just too busy choreographing 4 little 6 year old "Dancing Queens" for the talent show(note Wee Petal on the bottom row!)!
Thats right ...the baby of the family finally entered the "family biz". She and 3 other little Diva-ettes went into a recording studio laid down some Abba trax and then sang and danced to their own sweet voices last Friday.
Hope your 2010 is going well...resolutions for me include doing a better job with the laundry room!

Peace on Earth Goodwill Toward Dinosaurs!

2009-12-16T14:14:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the disappearing act...X-mas crazies in overdrive this year!
How about a mini trip BEFORE the big day???
My hubs company insists upon wifely attendance to the big holiday party...soooo ...I'm up and away to the Midwest!

...but not b-4 I leave you with Ruby style holiday decor!

Getting My Holly Jolly Started!

2009-12-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

So here it is December 4th and I am just getting the decorations started.
Actually I started decorating on Tuesday and wouldn't you know it Wee Petal ,Baby Giraffe...and me...all get a nasty stomach bug. We are all much better today and my house got the SUPER DE-GERMIFYIN' crazy clean last night(am I the only one that needs to mop,bleach,and scald all of the bedding after group sickness happens?).
Only prob is that puts me 3 days behind on my decorating schedule.

Behind the plasma is an odd little "can't decide if I like it or not architectural nook". I decided to fill it with part of my vintage Christmas record collection.We do have a turntable...and oh yeah...these records will get some play time during the holly-daze.

Among the more obvious Bing and Frank covers I really j'ador the "generic 50;s and 60' compilations for the amazing vintage graphics.

Trimming a tree can often times be a bit of a mess.

Who knew the dining room would see this amount of mess all week.You better believe that Hawaiian X-mas album is gonna get some serious turntable time!

The tree in its kitschy splendor.
This marks the 11th year we have spent with this family heirloom. You might note I changed up the ornie scheme this year.I figured the old Pagoda needed a more elegant tree to balance out her rat pack cool,but the new Pagoda needed a much more liberal dose of rat pack and kitsch to up her coolio vibe.

Hmmm....how bout' a gin-soaked punk rock elf complete with Creepers?

Or perhaps a groovy Santa Girl.

Ah me... and sooooo much more to do!

That 70's Doll!

2009-11-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

All aboard Mommies!!!! Get your oneway tickets to board the luge express down that slippery slope known as.... The American Girl Doll.
I got mine.
The little Petal has been wanting an American Girl Doll for over a year now.
There just happens to be an American Girl Doll Boutique in Dallas.
We have been reading the books together since August.What I do love about these dolls is that each girl represents a different and significant time period or decade in America. I decided as long as she chose an historical character...it would be a worthwhile investment for Santa this year.

She chose Julie from the 1970's.
Why yes, I did have other lofty history lesson dolls in mind....but...
nope...not even Kaya's tee pee could steer her away from that 70's doll.
Atleast her Mommy and Daddy were children in the 70's...so the whole"See what it was like when Mommy and Daddy were kids...." shall be my "lesson plan" for Julie.

....and...she has some crazy cool accessories...like this Eero Saarrinnen table and chairs...and a fondue set!!!!

The big kid real life "Tulip Collection".Hey,maybe this Julie adventure will be retro fun!

How 'bout this for a 70's doll
(dig that midi dress!)?

Beautiful Crissy.

...and her amazing 70's fashion.

Julie has a midi dress and a hibachi grill.

Allrighty getting distracted from dolly world to look at midi dresses for a mo.I want the white one COMPLETE with the "Adam and Eve" fabric!!!!

Hows this for a 70's frock? Thrifted ,natch,and only a 3 bux,dig the self matching fringed scarf! The corset belt is from F21 and only 4.99,I got it in black too!
Perhaps mommy will 70's out on Christmas day...but I need crazy 70's boots!

So the 2 dolls that I was pulling for were Felicity from the American Revolution....

....and Kit
who lived through The Great Depression.

On second thought...Kit seemed to have the most accoutrements including a giant tree house...for a doll who lived the great depression ...she sure has lot of stuff.Even big sissy was intrigued enough to play!

After dolly choosing was over we went upstairs for our dinner reservations at the bistro.I had the salmon and it was surprisingly good.

If you do not yet own a doll they let you borrow one to dine with. This time she chose Kit(Julie was unavailable).

and the baby giraffe chose Felicity.

All in all,after a bit of trepidation, I am getting psyched for my Petal to learn about the 70's through imaginative play.
For you mommies out there with daughters ...I am very curious about your thoughts on American Girl dolls...would you get one for your own American girl?
Which doll would or have you already chose?

Oh...and Happy Turkey day!!!

My Own Vintage Clothing Fashion Magazine ...The Fall Fun Issue,November 2009

2009-11-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Is it possible ? Have I actually gotten so back in the habit of blogging that I felt the need for a new issue of my vintage fashion zine?Or perhaps the real question is do I actually feel good enough about myself again that making a point of expressing my sense of style is once more a priority? I won't lie,I had a tough 2009 with many life changing events. My challenges perhaps deserve a post of their own someday,but for the moment I feel that I am happily returning to the girl that you met way back when I started this site .

I have had so much fun with fashion this Fall.Honestly I am not even sure what is *supposed* to be "in" this Autumn season. I generally follow trends as a sort of hobby,but this year I did not even pick up the big fat Fall issue of Vogue...a bit of a 1st for me in many years.
So lets get right to the wacky way I wear my clothes!
Lately I have been a little obsessed with what I'll call"disposable vintage".
These are the pieces that are certainly from a bygone era...but no garment that a "proper" vintage establishment would deem worthy of making the cut into their shop,heck even the Thrifts think they are only worth a couple of bux! Which ofcourse means....more for me!
The above dress is an over-sized homemade silk garment that cost...2 dollars!

The print is an obvious riff on one of Monet's Impressionist paintings.
The above is Claudee-poos "Le Jardin de Monet"

I tend to create "uniform formulas" that I repeat again and again!This one is my "Worship of the Ugly" look.Disposable Vintage is the perfect ingredient for this look....along with black tights,Doc Martens,beaded old lady sweaters,and any peculiar jewelry or vintage bags you might choose.Here I chose an all time fave poodle bag purchased at an estate sale,and a pendant inherited from my Grandmother that has a very similar impressionistic design.

Another "disposable vintage" dress. This time its made out of crazy Aunt Mathilda's left over couch upholstery fabric!Again...over-sized fun at couple of bux.

Same formula different details.

Remember this dress ? It actually might be less disposable and more of find. Same formula....

...gold pendant from my Grandma and vintage bag a prezzie from my bestie!

For this dress I could always trade the docs for my "beautiful/ugly" shoes. How I love this twisted aesthetic.....and so comfy too!

Ah...my trustee overalls!
Hmmm, what to wear for Thanksgiving?
Option #1.

I even found a "disposable vintage" piece for this look.
The,um,blouse?...is called a Rhoda Lee. I love how it has such a festive flounce to it,and another impressionistic print(less than 2 dollars!).I paired it with a proper 60's velvet jacket and my Frida tortured heart necklace.

Option#2
I usually do not go in for overalls that are not denim(yes...I tend to be snobbish about my thrifted overalls ),but I gambled on these because I liked the color palette ...and...their flannel!!!

Paired with ethereal Anthro shirt,delicate beaded sweater,recently thrifted heart locket,and another sweet pearl piece.

Option#3
This is the one I am leaning toward.
Fabulous 50's Fall Chrysanthemum dress!*

Heres a snap of me modeling it last Fall.This dress came from my favorite vintage shop in Dallas ,Ahab Bowen.

Here are the accessories details.Vintage beaded sweater,newly thrifted copper cameo necklace,and amazing brown leather bag from the late 60's. This bag is my new favorite from a long ago thriftventure. I had hidden it from myself and found it after the move. You would not believe the quality of this bag!

Option #4
I may not wear this for turkey day...but I cannot wait to wear it somewhere. Though I found this cute little paper doll jumper at the thrift,I think it is new-ish and in the style of those fun early 70's knit pieces.Paired with skinnies,a brown vintage mock turtle,boots,and that delicious purse!
I am just so happy I am having fun again with my wardrobe...and that new kick boxing class I am taking helps me look good in it!
So what are you wearing this Fall?
*I wasn't sure I would enjoy "the floor collection" in the new home so I thought I would try my dress form.......ummm....yeah...not so much..I think I will stick with my "floor collection" format!

Fall At The Pagoda

2009-11-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

Fall in Texas is pretty close to paradise. Once the rainy season ends we are left with a mix of days that range from 70 degrees and sunny to those that have just enough delicious nip to grab for the vintage sweaters!
Here is a snap of what my backyard looked like this morning(you may click to enlarge any pic). Its seems the leaves all decided to let go in just this past week.My backyard is much bigger than the Cliff May homes yard was. I love the cluster of trees you see on the left and to my eyes they resemble a sculpture.The only thing I am really missing from my old homes yard is the beautiful and ancient Catalpa Tree ......honestly I never thought I would become so attached to trees! In the Spring I plan on a bit of backyard decorating
,but for now I will let Winter have her.

Onto a bit of Thanxgiving decor before Christmas gobbles all of Bloglandia up!I give you my dining room table scape!This time with American Indians(does anyone else struggle with the term "Indian" ?Any other time of the year I would say "Native Americans"...but at Thanx-giving plain "Indians"seems right) AND Pilgrims!

Still working the "ball Jar" look!

The other sides close-up,with thrifted "Gurley Candles"!

The top of my display buffet. Lokk at the folksy pilgrim turkey!!! He prolly uses lolly-pops in his tail feathers ,but I prefer what the artisan created!

The inside of my case!
I replaced a few donkeys with turkeys. Since the hubs likes to refer to my donkeys by their "other" name and then call them my ex-beaus...I am sure he will get some mileage from their shared space with "turkeys"!

Check the little vintage Mohican "surprise ball". I found him in a long ago thrift-venture and would LOVE to know what plastic-y goodness is wrapped inside......but I shall never know!

and lastly getta loada Crooked Halos doo!
She shot a little independent short this weekend with some pretty exciting actors.She plays the new face of a cosmetic company. She is growing SOOOOO very tall,the hubs and I have replaced the C.H. moniker with "The Baby Giraffe".
I will share more details at a later date.
Pretty fierce huh?
My Mama always said "The higher the hair the closer to Heaven "!

A November Thriftventure,Kidlette Costumes ,And A Sneek Peek!

2009-11-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Happy November! Oh my, how I have been livin' it up at the thrift !Here are few choice morsels from recent furloughs at 2nd hand establishments,namely thrift stores,and specifically my FAVORITE thrift .....a dangerous mere 5 minutes away from the new pad!
A brown silk velvet jacket from ...I believe the 70's. It is fully lined and delicious(at a couple of bux)! You will note I am finding new photo op spots around the house,this is my current fave "backdrop".

Here is a little pink cotton kimono. I am imagining it over jeans and a tank or simple clean lined fitted sweater.

Here is a close-up detail shot of the cute and kawaii embroidery.The adorable stitching is what made me fall for this piece (also 1.99) and it might look better chopped off and hemmed as a short jacket or possibly reconfigured somehow as a little girls dress. I have not quite gotten my brain around what I wish to do with it yet.

Yet another bed-jacket. I loved the color and the sleeves and knew it would look oh so fun with my butterfly necklace.You know the styling drill
with this one:overalls,Kowalski tank,and cowboy boots.

An over-sized old fashioned heart locket at 3 bux. I am imagining this layered with pearls,after I tuck pics of my precious girls inside.

A final bit of goodies to round out the fun. Pieces of hand-tatted lace,an amazing vintage pillow case with a sheet music and blue rose print(you may click to enlarge any image),and a delicate vintage nightgown longing for a tea bath and some
other vintage embellishment,so she can emerge anew as a springtime frock.

....and th H-ween round-up!
Halloween weekend found Crooked Halo dusting off her wings and donning fairy attire for her school dance. I especially love her rainbow fantasy make-up.Ruby's current on-line obsession is you-tube make-up tutorials.

The Little Petal continues to beg for store bought H-ween stumes,and found the perfect intersection of her own obsessions (skullies and stuffed animals)when she chose this Skelanimal costume.

...and wait...no that's not Ruth Buzzi. Its my own sweet and sour C.H.using another make-up technique,and going trick-or-treating as an old lady(you didn't think she would choose something as pedestrian as a fairy for her actual costume did you?).

and last but not least a sneek peek of the new Crooked Halo Lair (or the drama dept. as her father and I like to call it).Its not yet done and I shall probably have the finished product toward the end of the month,but atleast the paints on the wall.
The New York Loft room is a tough act to follow,but she and I are both getting excited about the new ideas we are brewing!

H-Ween Dress and the Last of the H-Ween Decor!

2009-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I am creating again? I can't.

I am into tee-shirt dresses for the little petal. She loves all things skullie....but has such a distinct old-fashioned little lady side.

Thrifted skullie with rainbow tee + a vintage embroidered table runner (for the sleeves) + the hem of a vintage slip = Wee Petal style!!!!

Another tee-shirt dress. This tee was gifted long ago from Mary Ann. It also has Wee Petal Style written all over it ....well actually it has "Whisky -A-Go-Go written on it (tee hee).Just add lots-o-lace and voila...a simple creation fit for 1st grade princess!

Look at these pumpkin flowers!I 1st saw these over at Brandy's place...and after a fruitless search for Gladiolas found these at "The Thumb". I love them paired with floating skellies!

....and last on the skellie front...3 dollar store skellies ...seeing no,hearing no,or speaking no evil!!!!
I think the holidays are helping me find my groove again with this new space I live in. Its finally feeling like home.

Gettin' My Spooky Ookie On!

2009-10-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Tis' the time of year to be playful and ookie!
Tis' the time of year to create a Halloweenie Tree !
This one is much bigger than last years(still pushing myself to think on a grander scale!).

Note to self:Next year make an extra Halloweenie Tree to balance out the expanse of white fireplace real-estate!

In the dining room I experimented with different sized candy jars and a skelly mirror,bought from Target for half off the day after halloween last year.

This "spells" sign was also a day after Halloween target purchase.I have my eye on a few goodies to grab this year too on Nov. 1st.

Look! The Mummy and Wolfman are hitching a ride with Elsa Lanchester!

In the Wee Petals room the dollies are having a grand time with the monsters!

Even Lilly Munster came to play!

Didn't you always wish for a bat neclace like Lily's?You can get one here.

.....and it just wouldn't be Halloween without insanely talented Amanda's Halloween mix C.D. !!!!!!
This years "Welcome To My Nightmare" came in the mail yesterday. I am happily driving the girls to and from kid-tivities whilst listening to such tuneful horrific-ness as:Glen Millers:"Swingin' at the Seance,Siouxsie Sues:"Rawhead and Bloody Bones,Tom Waits:"We're All Mad Here,and my FAV-O-RITE...the late great Eartha Kitts "I'd Rather Be Burned as a Witch". Did you know Amanda is a distant relative of hers? Is that the cooliest lineage EVER???
Thank you sweet Amanda!

Planning a Beautifully Creepy Halloween

2009-10-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Honestly ,how much in the mood for the Samhain Season does this doll image put you in? I cannot recall where I came across this odd little shot ,but something about it caused me to right click and save the picture.I think its the tattered dress and how she is turned to the wall....it just conjures up such a creepy back-story for me.

My own creepy but beautiful thrifted dollie.Evidently she is a crying doll Tiny Tears or something like that...even weirder!

Imagine her contained in a terrarium,like this dollie who had the unfortunate experience of sitting for a painting by Amy Kollar Anderson.

Perhaps my vintage hoodoo witchie doll might provide a bit of inspiration.

If you need a beautiful but creepy something to watch. This spooky but gorgeous anime piece Hell Girl will certainly put a snap in your drawers. Poor doomed Ai ,just be very sure vengeance is what you wish for before you pull the red string.

And finally this amazingly adorable short film starring the creepily beautiful Sisters Kane will mesmerize you.
Here it is "Callalily" by Christy Kane .

Dining Rooms ,Donkeys and Lamps(oh my)!

2009-09-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my dining room progress(you may click on any image to enlarge)! The walls are still fairly artless,and one day in the future I am thinking of replacing my washtub chairs with something bigger,taller and more unusual and statement making. I realize galvanized steel washtub chairs are definitely not something you see every day...but I am trying to implant the thought "think on a bigger scale with larger pieces"! Ofcourse I have no idea what these fantasy chairs look like,any thoughts ,anyone? The table and chair in the corners are probably not going to make the cut. I am considering replacing them with these modern book shelves.

This is how the entrance to the dining room is framed.The small rectangles you see are actually little cut out "windows".

The lighting plot in the house is quite wonderful,and instead of a chandelier in the dining room,there is a recessed "coffin-like" cut out with a rectangle wired for light "echo" of the beautiful bamboo floor .

Directly behind the table is a new(to me) buffet/display case.I am unsure of what period it is from.Unless its from the mid century I am simply not a furniture era spotter! I am guessing its from the late 20's or 30's...but then again perhaps its a 40's piece! Anyone care to speculate.

It has little etched/painted flourishes on the glass and the back of the case has this bizzarro world silver sparkly wallpaper stuff that I adore!!!!!! So much better to show off my donkey planter collection.
Containing my beloved donkeys to this elegant little piece that possesses its own imperfect quirks really elevates the importance of this crazy kitschy bunch in my mind!

I have topped it off with one of my favorite inherited pieces from my Grandma. My husband likes to call this diamond shaped hand painted mirror "Lone buck at purple mountain". My grandparents evidently watched it being painted on a trip to Colorado. Rumor has it there is also a round variation of this treasure at my mothers house that she cannot find!Lighting the way are my adored matador and matador-ess lamps from the 50's.I jettisoned(and carefully stored)the giant fabulous original shades and replaced the bulbs with big round clear ones. To me ,without their shades,they have become giant candelabras. And again,I have achieved my brand of elegance through a witty wink!

Long ago I wrote of my passion for lamps. I simply cannot get enough of them. Figurine lamps are certainly my favorites,like this Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy "Naughty Marietta" chalk lamp shown here and snapped up from a thrift store for 20 bux!

Vintage bedside lamps (one of a pair),I grabbed (both) at a garage sale for 10 bux!

A tiny Shawnee Chinese empress lamp.

My Swordfish lamp with the crazy feather implanted shade!

...and ofcourse my fave little Asian pair that has lived with us for the past decade from the mid-century decade!

Lastly getting back to another part of the house...I decided on this multi-color block rug from Ikea(notice how all my art looks like little poastage stamps? I gotta get some giant art!). With a biegey/taupe love pit sectional I wanted a piece with color to make the sectional really pop!

I think I achieved my goal.

Thriftventure Chock Full of Fall Fabulosities!

2009-09-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a bit of time here at JDP when last I had a posting about my thriftventures.Thrifting is still as much a part of me today as when I was a teen.Absolutely no where else can one happen upon the most unique,intriguing and REJECTED items of our society.A true modern art museum in every cramped and cluttered shop!Knick-knacks,embroidered linens,rhinestone jewels...... that X-mas angel in the spitting image of Rupaul....Its all there just waiting to be rescued.
I am sure we all have our own mental "to be thrifted" list and on mine was an Alfred Shaheen dress.

Well kiss my Eames chair I found one for 3 BUX!!!! WITH A PAGODA on it!!!
Alfred Shaheen was famous for his silk screened print aloha wear in the 50's through the the late 80's. I am guessing this piece is a shift from the late 60's. I have already wore it with skinny jeans and pumps,but it needs a bit of tailoring for a better fit.

Click to enlarge and check out the silk screened signature!

Another piece from 68-71ish time frame. A coat dress from Niemans,isn't it a bit of a thrill to thrift high-end vintage? This was 4 bux...and I am kuh-razy for the print,green flowers has always been a personal favorite concept! I'm thinkin' blk tights and docs...or heck maybe green tights if I can find them.

An ethereal bed jacket for under 2 dollars to go with the rest of my collection .

...and can you totally dig crazy Aunt Matilda's left over couch upholstery dress? This is the frock I am most looking forward to wearing this fall...definitely black Docs and black tights(price tag, 2 bux)!

Also at under 2bux a statement necklace in the guise of a butterfly,this will pair nicely with my newest bedjacket.

and we finally come to what is probably my favorite thrifted item of the summer(just last week). A copper cameo pendant! I also have a pewter cameo necklace thrifted long ago(I think in my single days!).I remember paying 5 bux for it and it is still one of my FAVORITE pieces to wear! This one cost 6 bux(not bad inflation)and that sort of thrift store price always gives me pause...but not when its a COPPER CAMEO NECKLACE!!!!!!!!

Last but not least a pretty little porcelain bauble that has inspired a Halloweenie project...can you guess what it is?

A Peek into My Little Piece of Bloggy Heaven

2009-09-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Come and take a little peek ....just around the corner of my bedroom....

Into a little nook....right across from my Magic Closet .....you can tell its mine ...cuz' any place I park my boots I call home.

Oh,and then there's the dead giveaway of the impracticality that defines JDP. The usage of a vintage embroidered tablecloth thrown over a 50's table rather than a proper desk! That and of course Martin Denny's Exotica album cover screen saver.

A spot for my also exotic tchotchkes from the 50's ,some that have been with me FO-EVAH on my little whimsical life journey....and finally a spot for my horsie TV lamp inherited from my great Aunt Margaret.

'Tis quite possible this is a temporary set-up,but I am feeling creative here...so for the time being I shall delight in my nook of whimsy and fun.

The Back to School Fairy and Yummy Fall Television Addictions!

2009-08-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

Well naturally "The Back to School" Fairy visits my house,doesn't she come to yours?
What started when my oldest was still in Preschool and I decided a Scooby Doo or Barbie lunchbox was far too mainstream a choice for my Pretty Preschool Princess...
(the Lisa- Frank designs were still ultra girlie but also gave a nod to an edgier kind of 3 year old!(and yes I am sure I said "lookee she gave you a lunchbox with a picture of herself on it!"))* has continued as an event to look forward too. Every year they become less school oriented and more like stocking stuffer's!

This year I discovered the magical realm of Bella Sara for my horsie loving Wee Petal.This is a sort of "trading card/fun free website" game.
You buy and trade the cards with your friends and you care for a herd of virtual pet horses online. The cards have beautiful artwork and positive little quotes such as"Being happy helps your friends feel happy too."(the 13 year old could certainly benefit from this wisdom!).

Speaking of Crooked Halo.I decided sugar free gum and Simone Legno (the artist behind Tokidoki) book covers from Target were prolly enough.

On to the good stuff...fall TV....!!!!
... Project Runway
is FINALLY back!!!!!!!!!!!
The move to lifetime seems to have not diminished the show at all,infact it seems quite intact except for the shots of that marvelous New York skyline replaced by the hazy L.A. landscape.
The challenge pleased me immensely,because I truly believe a red carpet dress should give you a pretty good idea of what kind of designers these folks are!

For the record Eppersons dress was my fave,and I TOTALLY predict he will be in the final 3!I have no idea why he was not in the top.
Louise is obviously my fave this season...and I loved her dress too. Wish (as she herself said on the show)the fabric colors had contrasted more.

Perhaps not as contrasted as this gorg and unique piece ,but in the ballpark,I cannot wait to see what else she has up her sleeve so to speak!.
I am also curious to see more from Ra Mon,Gordana,Irina,Nicolas,and yes ...cute untrained 1st round winner Chris!
I completely agreed with the auf'ing of Ari,I mean geodesic dome fabric is very clever unfortunately what she did with it was not.Qrystal,had best up her game and her "taste level",'cuz I think had the judges been in a different mood,Ari might still be doing hand stand design meditations!
Joss Whedon's Dollhouse returns Sept 25th..and I anxiously await its return.We downloaded "Epitaph" from itunes ,the unaired episode from season 1...and all I can say is..it was chilling...and Joss Whedon just dares to go there!!!!!!

This summer I got into watching the BBC America channel and found a beautiful and funny little dark jewel of a show,Being Human.
I love a good monster with a heart of gold tale and this show has 3 uniquely "human" monsters. The only thing that would make it perfect was if the season was not so short. The season finale airs this weekend. Oh...and then there's that pesky preview of the main plot points in the middle of the commercials the BBC insists upon.Does this bug anyone else?

Next up my thrift haul from the WHOLE dang nab summer featuring this beautiful vintage butterfly necklace!
* I know such extreme overusage of the parenthesis mark!

New Magic Closet Vs Old Magic Closet

2009-08-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I still have a few readers from way back when...
that remember....how I always referred to my closet as The Magic Closet.I actually ALWAYS intended to do a post on the big giant vintage packed magical space that was my closet at The Cliff May home.
.....but alas it was not to be....

So I present to you....(please click to enlarge for full enjoyment of any image) .... my new magic closet!!!!

It is much smaller than the other so I had to be both clever and store a few (hundred) items.....

and find a few purging candidates.
...and then a few more...I always do my best to use the same type of hanger so my clothes will hang the same height. I get these wonderful wooden ones 3 to a pack at one of my local dollar stores.

Housing my large vintage purse collection was a particularly delicate dilemma.
Sure I have more than one person could ever possibly need....but I really DO need several dozen lucite ,straw and box bags!!!!
I hung them and stacked them on EVERY available surface (artfully of course)!
....but you see there really is something wildly inspiring to me about looking at my scrumtrulescent bits and baubles every single day !

Here is a tiny clothes-less area to set wee knicky-knacks and dollies!

And now for comparison here are a few shots of the former magic closet(snapped on moving day for posterity)...Not only did I have bins and shelves for my unhung clothes...I also used the bins for,sheet music,headshots and resumes,books,scripts,.......

....vintage fabric ,embroidery,and doilies,my dollies(for an impromptu dollie doppelganger story.....

...and of course my clothes and lucite bags!!!!There was even room for my dress form.

Heres a crazy "in the heat of the moment I must have this done today"decoupaged chest of drawers(that nobody but me had to see).
This homely little crazy quilt chest holds a lifetime of paper ephemera and is now relegated to the garage.
I have had quite a bit of difficulty feeling like my old creative self in our new home.One of the ways this little pack rat was able to live such a clutter free existence in the other home was I always kept the chaos confined to my magic closet.Once upon a time it was not unusual to find me sitting on the floor of my closet coming up with my next greatest idea.
I feel as if in packing away so much delicious and unusual flotsam and jetsam my power is gone.
My creative space is gone.
I am hoping to reclaim it through blogging.
So.....where does your creative power flow from?

Summertime ...and the livin' is lazy ,um EZ !

2009-07-29T12:58:00.001-07:00

We are back from Seaside in Florida!

after a crazy/busy summer filled with swim practice every morning(wee petal) and rehearsals and shows(crooked halo)everyday........

Lolling about on the beach was a welcome respite.

....and good thing too...we returned home(in Dallas Texas!!!) to a broken air conditioner.

Good thing we love fudgsicles ...and our new modern ceiling fans!
Thankfully as of 3 hours ago the air is back on.
...but All that 80+ indoor temp makes a person a bit crazy and lazy.

Nothing to do but veg out to Japanese paperdoll sites all day...
Poupee Girl...

...and Funny Girl on the TCM channel!

What I CANNOT wait for is the return of Project Runway!
Did you know the gorgeous Etsian Louise Black is a contestant? Gosh I hope the show loses nothing in the move,I forced myself to watch The Fashion Show....but was not in love,despite a few clever challenges.

....and now a challenge for you.......

....any ideas for non-traditional art on this very white and very tall expanse of fireplace realestate?
I am open to specific artist suggestions or non traditional large,sculptural,stand-in "art",a crazy chain link fence gate perhaps on either side?....nah!
Seriously, I am needing inspiration!

The Vintage Dentist Table and Cinderella

2009-07-15T17:28:00.001-07:00

So I am having some challenges decorating the new Pagoda.
I must keep it clean and chic,but I must also insert my witty winks(why yes that is a memory stick dangling from my groovy turntable!).

How about a vintage dentist table on wheels as a lamp stand?

At under 30 bux I felt it was a pretty decent deal.Unfortunately the rust was a bit of a buzz kill.

I am sure there are those of you who adore a weathered patina,but its just not my bag.

Who knew all that was needed was a few strips of sand paper and a whole LOT of elbow grease? Bet I burned through a few calories on that project.Ofcourse now I need a manicure.

....and here is lovely Crooked Halo learning to be a proper Disney Princess.

....and Mommy 15 yrs prior doing the NOT so Disney version.This weekend is Les Mis!

Here is a sneak peek on whats up next on the decorating To do list. It has been fun finding new pieces to eclecticize the new pad!

NYC and back again!

2009-07-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooooo out there!!!!! there....there....there...

The echoes of her neglected blog were almost deafening.

So heres the dealio.......I want to blog and share ideas ....but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO busy!!!! The little Petal is on swimteam,Crooked Halo is in 2(thats right, count them T-W-O )shows!,I gotta travlin' hubs ,AND a new house to settle in to!
I am like the subject of an Oprah show about women spread too thin!
NYC was a pretty fabby pace to spend a 13th birthday....thats right,It has happened I live with a teen-ager!
We saw Hair(natch) ,and what I consider to be the best new musical in ages...Next to Normal!
Both shows exceeding my expectations!

It was a whirlwind trip...but we did manage to squeeze in a trip to Kinokuniya,my fave Japanese book store!

I bought The Wee Petal a few boxes of Re-Ments.

We stopped off in the cafe.......
....for a green tea frappe.
The store is beautiful ,especially with this mural by menga artist Takehiko Inoue,as you come up the escalator!

I grabbed a Japanese Dolly mag for my sis and scanned a few pages for your viewing pleasure! I want both of these dolly outfits for myself!
Maybe even this Blythe look! Someday ,I believe I will go crazy on Blythe ,but not today!
I have always had a thing for pose dolls and have thrifted myself a few!
It never occured to me to re-dress them....hmmmm.....

Now on June 11th didn't I just say I would be back to fill you in later in the week?
Long week huh?
So this weekend Ruby plays Cinderella in Cinderella(just like mommy did 15 yrs ago),and a couple of weekends after that she plays Eponine in Les Miz!!!!
Hows your busy summer.....????????

....oh ......and happy 4th,if I come back soon and ask(read beg) for decorating inspiration help ,will you be there? This new Pagoda is a much larger canvas to paint on!

So....... Guess What I've Been Up To?

2009-06-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Wow ,a house just isn't a home without art on the walls!
Obviously ,I have been holding out on you......but life has been challenging in the last few months with quite a few ups and downs. Soon I will reveal the whole tale!

....but first Crooked Halo and I are off to New York City to catch some theatre.
I promise to check in next week.

So.......what have you been up to?

Early Valentines!

2009-02-13T23:44:00.000-08:00

...and she's back!
I bet all of you wonder why I do not just excuse myself and take an official bloggy break? Well,I'm afraid if I made it official it just might make me want to rip my clothes from my body and float off nekkid ,into the cyber ether,in nothing but a wee heart belt like these cute cupids depicted here in a vintage Hallmark honeycomb centerpiece!...and besides I continue to lie to myself and tell myself "Self, just look at that glimmer of light,why its almost amber. See it?Right there ,waaaaaay in the distance,at the end of that looooong Pagoda tunnel!Why it will be no time at all till you are once again a blogging fool!".

...and who else ,but all of you ,would I show off my half and yet whole hearted attempts to make merry for the seasons? This time I spruced up the Wee Petals digs with my painted stray tree branch trick.
The great thing about using discarded sticks is just toss the little tree away when you are done,no bulky storage issues.
All of your vintage valentines from the 70's (perfect for a little girl that loves cute doggies)will fit neatly into that pink vintage ruffled candy box(also from the 70's)that you thrifted for mere pennies(I paid 35 cents for mine 2 weeks ago!).
Honestly.... I could never leave this creative community and all the amazing cyber sisters I've "met". I mean look at Amanda who knows my style to the letter.She gifted me with a box of early Valentine prezzies at the beginning of the month.Just look at this amazing black crushed velvet mini dress she sent. I'm thinkin' black tights ,Doc Martens,and ropes of pearls and crazy silver costume jewelry amulets.Hmmmm,maybe just the pearls ,a matching velvet wrap and a wacky yet bodacious vintage bag.....can't decide yet. I just wish I had had it the 1st weekend of Feb(tell ya why in a sec).

Can you even believe this regal sea foam green(she knows me so well) beauty. Amanda calls her "Mame" and she(the dress) immediately makes me think of my favorite quote from that movie(What,you don't have a favorite quote from Mame?!?!): "Life is a banquet and most poor fools are starving". What a great inspiration quote to live your life by. This quote always makes me think of one of my best friends,a great man ,and a true inspiration. He knows who he is.
But back to Amanda's Mame,I have plans for this grand dame of a dress ,I shall reveal them at a later date. I love that something sent to me from a cyber sista
has inspired me to share again,but thats what we do in Bloglandia share our spirit.
On to the sharing portion.
So where have I been? I have been going non stop since before the holidays and I have finally come up for air only this past week. My oldest babe took on her second lead role at a professional theatre (the show just closed,if only I had had that crushed velvet number for the last weekend!). My child played young Violet in Violet a Jeanine Tesori musical. It tells of the spiritual journey of a young woman(older Violet)who as a child suffered a horrible disfiguring accident,and her travels to discover her own inner beauty. Young Vi and older Violet share the stage as they travel and learn about love and courage,and acceptance.
I understand,this seems an odd subject choice for a musical,but these types of human stories is the direction where Musical theatre must continue to head to be relevant.

I must also share that the opening preview was probably one of the greatest nights of my life. My respect for my flesh and blood as an actor has been one of the most satisfying experiences to DATE. To see my own passion reflected back to me through Ruby was quite something indeed.As an actor we know when another actor "belongs" on the stage,and my baby was incandescent.
Ah,but I have 2 little valentines to be proud of.My Wee Petal continues to ,pretty much wake up and begin producing art,as evidenced by her mini me project that I helped her with.
Its time for "A Wee Petal Style Break"
My littlests style pleases me quite a bit. Uniform or no uniform she infuses her own spin on things. She is already a fan of Vans, skullies ,and layering and it warms my heart every time I look at her.
So what I guess I am trying to say on this Valentines Eve,is....... I have always been a bit of a hedonist,I kinda have always suffered from a bit of "Its all about me" disease",don't get me wrong at the same time I would never have called myself selfish(and don't think others would have either).
.....but,right now is about me facilitating the life of the other 3 people that live in the Pagoda. My hubs is traveling more than ever and I must be the glue right now,and sometimes its hard to get in front of my own life.
I shall return ,but who knows when.......

Its A Wee Petal Wonderland!

2008-12-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

I promised a style post on Princess Wee Petal. Lets start with her Christmas style!We decided on a pink candylicious sort of theme!

The main display goes on her pink dresser inherited from her big sister(as is much of her furniture).

The lamps are thrifted from my single days I sprayed them baby pink and stripped their shades off and added big round clear bulbs.

I feel very affectionately attached to these little angels and reindeer.I hope my wee one will always have fond memories of these treasures.

Pixies,elves ,reindeer ,and Santas...

and more pixies,elves,reindeer,and Santa's!

I even stock the "pantry" with toy Christmas dishes every year.

For impromptu tea parties.

Hmmm...whats on the menu?

Clarice(wheres her bow?)and a pink reindeer get to play!

An animated angel stands guard at the foot of her bed!

....and back to Wee Petal style. A vintage quilted Chinese coat and other jackets embellished with vintage textiles (by mommy!),and a seasonal purse.

If my oldest baby Crooked Halo is my budding actress,then my little Wee Petal is my budding visual artist. Oh yes,she has her own "studio",a place to create her little Burton-esque people.

Though there are definitely times she takes her need to draw on every surface too far....and now she's WRITING too!
Just in case you are wondering, red Sharpie(I know ,how did she get that?) on the door does not come off with bleach! Time to paint the door!

...and now for a head to toe shot. Smile with your eyes baby!I love how with little kids nothing matches but everything goes together. Vans,vintage,ruffles ,Julius,and Clarice!

Bye Bye Betty

2008-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

I feel a little sad at the passing of Betty Page.
She seemed to make the art of being a pinup girl wholesome....and I will never forget those bangs!
Bye bye Betty.

...and so it begins.....

2008-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Um....holiday decorating that is! This blow up 60's Santa is probably my fave new x-mas decor,grabbed from an estate sale for under a dollar!

I always seem to do up my mantel 1st!

The "before" of my X-mas tree! Click here for the "after"!

Close up views of the mantel. I am really into these pointy tree topper thingie's this year,but not as tree toppers!

See!

Once upon a time I crafted decoupage frames for my girls Santa pics!

Yes,ghosts of Christmas crafts past!
This year I bought all 3 of us girls matching Nick and Nora PJ's from Target for Christmas morning! We could not wait to try them out! Stay tuned for more X-mas escapades in Pagoda-ville!

Happy Turkey Day ,Lets Play Google image Fashion Stylist!

2008-11-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

In honor of a day we should all focus on the many wonderful ways our life is AMAZING.... I would like to reach back into the archives of JDP and propose a round of my Google Image Fashion Stylist game. Remember I do NOT own any of these treasures ,except in my own google-able fantasies!
...and oh....how I wish I owned this turkey dress!!!!!! This image was sent to me by my adorable and dear friend Timothy of the crazy cool and always opinionated site The Epistle of Timothy. Could I ever have some fun in this vintage dream dress!

I typed in turkey + necklace and found this delightfully doomed Tom!

I typed in Black vintage purse and eventually settled on this gem!

I cheated and actually grabbed this image from The Victorian Trading Company

Thee little black booty shoes are perfect!
...and last but not least I would top it off with this spectacular example of a vintage leopard coat. I actually have 2 leopard beauties myself. ...but... can you imagine your entrance for Thanksgiving luncheon with your dreamy turkey dress peeking out the bottom?
I wish you all such a beautiful day of reflecting on the wonder of your own lives!

New Treasures(atleast to me)That Are Inspiring Me.

2008-11-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

I know......JDP blogging twice in one month? Am I feeling OK?
My answer would have to be an emphatic yes!My mood is much improved and I am really trying to take care of myself rather than being overwhelmed by my family's busy schedules.
I am trying my best to reignite my creative passions.
One beautiful step in the right direction was the recent acquisition of this lovely dress form. I have wanted one for EVAH!I have been faithfully stalking Craigs List for the perfect specimen(I much preferred it to be ecru and neutral).
I purchased it from a lovely older lady who had used it as a dress form in her Nevada resale shop in Carson city. She regaled me with wonderful tales of selling the SAME wedding dress over and over. I guess it was a convenient stop on the way in and out of that Vegas wedding!
My hope is that this little gal will help me bring to life some of the visions that have been dancing in my head. She presently resides in my magic closet. Hey, any ideas for her name?
A more regular workout schedule and keeping a much better eye on my diet has already resulted in weight loss.....
Thus making me step away from the overalls and back into some wonderful thrifted treasures.
Like this yellow shirt dress from the 60's for 3 bux!
Heres how it looks in the floor collection:
Thrifted Yellow shirt dress
Black Cardi with silver embroidery from the 50's ,inherited from my Grandma
Vintage Barbie bag used as purse,antique mall
Black tights,DKNY (always the best brand)
...and old school Doc Martens ,thrifted!

Heres how it looks on,snapped after a long day of school volunteering and mommy taxi cab driving!This look is what I called, "Worship of the Ugly" ,back in my college days and it still feels right.I gotta be me ,and silly discarded thrift store vintage(somewhat different than meticulously curated vintage clothing store vintage) never fails to inspire me.

This little straw bag will certainly see some action in the Spring,but these crazy Sci Fi dollies are really making me "wanna rock and roll and party every day"(especially the star spangled cutie on the right). Hmm,,,perhaps they could guest star in one of my Dollie Doppleganger stories!All thrifted for practically no money.

I have always loved these stackable mid century modern chairs designed by truly inspiring Danish Architect Arne Jacobsen.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I found these pint size copies at Target!
....and on sale for 14 dollars each! They are perfect for my Wee Petal.Soon I should devote an entire post to her own burgeoning style. Her room is merely an extension of her old fashioned girl meets edgy punk-ette(I am lovin' the tiny Vans she is rocking at school each day)!

Ah heck,how 'bout a sneak preview?
This stove was a Christmas present a couple of X-mas'es ago. I bought it at an Antique mall for under 50 bux!It will certainly become an heirloom toy for the generations.You see ,I have a philosophy when it comes to childrens toys.I believe that any chance you get to buy something beautiful do it!I much prefer to see wooden food strewn about my house to the plastic variety!Give me Groovy Girls over Barbie(give ME the vintage Barbies!) whenever possible.
I realize this is not always a possibility. Baby gear can tend to be on the plastic-ee side,and then there are always the plastic tiny pony addiction that atleast can be gathered and hidden!

If your sweetie pie loves toy pots and pans, I say thrift the real thing! They are cheaper more durable and more pleasing on the eyes!

Speaking of Christmas these new to me vintage pieces will be fun tiny inspiration for this years holiday.Can you believe the print on the vintage X-mas tree skirt? I think it might look better as a little girls skirt!

This handmade vintage felt wreath was lovingly created by some pair of sweet hands and now it will be loved again at my house!
...and what treasures are inspiring you?

My Own Vintage Clothing Fashion Magazine,November 2008:Let Freedom Ring!

2008-11-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a big week for America,and honestly,I just can't seem to wipe the smile off my face.
It is indeed a new day!
While feeling in a celebratory mood,I decided to resurrect my online fashion zine and share my election day garb!I voted early,(another day I smiled quite a bit)but worked a shift at the wee petals school for their Bake Sale(I made peanut butter blossom cookies!!)on election day. Could'ja get anymore "all American" than an old fashioned election day bake sale?
I had to put my own patriotic spin on things,so this is what I wore(click to enlarge any photo)!
A 1.55 thrifted 1980's secretary dress!It fit like a dream,and of course I added my own JDP touches,tooled leather belt ,matching cowboy boots,and bag,and my Obama button! I got the extra bonus of having the admiration of my beautiful Sweet AND Sour 12 year old daughter(Crooked Halo) when I picked her up from school. She very sweetly showered me with compliments on my look! It was quite unseasonably warm here,or ,if it had been colder,I might have chosen.....
My trusty overalls and a light blue lace vintage PJ top,cinched with a wide reproduction 50's belt,and topped off with a favorite Pendleton Wool jacket from the 40's with REAL mother of pearl buttons.For extra festive-ness and flash I would have worn my red boots and my Frida-esque tortured heart necklace!
My denim jacket with the absolute PERFECT patina is shown here adorned 80's style with an array of vintage campaign buttons.
I have collected these buttons over the years from garage sales and flea markets.
I am a life long Democrat ,but do not discriminate when I see a presidential campaign button. If you look close will see some really old ones. They are reproductions,but I still adore them!The Nixon and Humphrey buttons are original(and of course the Obama button).
...and what to wear in this unseasonably warm fall?
While I am continuing to clock lots of hours at the gym ,and cut muey carbohydrates(YAY me!)... I am still quite shackled to my overalls(much like I believe America has been feeling lately under the current administration!). Good thing I LOVE my overalls!
Here I added a newly thrifted for 2.55 bucks,ecru and green lace PJ top,brown vintage Cowboy boots,and a vintage crocodile bag( a recent gift from my mother).Although I feel its a bit odd to carry a croc bag,the purse is older than I am so I say let the poor gator have its moment in the sun again!
This is my new favorite necklace(also a recent gift from my Mom).I am Ka-Razy for portrait pendants and this is one of the prettiest I have ever seen!
...and what should I wear on Thanksgiving?
How about this shell pink lace dress? Yet ANOTHER recent gift from my mother(does she know me or does she know me!)!Oh,and she got it at a garage sale for 1 dollar!
Its actually a bit big,but I'll think of something and the there is a spot on the bodice anyone with spot cleaning advice?Worn with vintage boots,my Grandmothers Pagoda bag,and topped off(if it happens to be cold)with my very own Diffa Jacket. I won this little cape at a silent auction at Diffa (Design Industries Fights Aids) one year.The Dallas chapter gives designers ,artists and celebrities the opportunity to reimagine a denim jacket in whatever form they choose. I happen to love a variation on a theme!
My "capelet" is reversible patchwork leather ,and was the contribution of Nordstroms.To me it was absolutely the best offering that year!
Madonna contributes a jacket every year. She usually slaps a brooch on it and pairs it with an antique bed!
Here I am modeling my dear friend David Nelsons Ball Gown interpretation.

One year I even sang at it! I was Christina in the Lady Marmalade song! We opened for The Weather Girls, it was pretty cool!
Now thats what i call freedom of expression!