{closed} Giveaway at Straight Talking Mama's!

I've recently discovered Fiona's blog over at Straight Talking Mama's.  She's "a 50s loving gal, living her life and trying to run a business at the same time." Her online biz, based in the U.K., is Notorious Kitsch.

She recently reached 200 followers and is having a fantastic giveaway to celebrate. This is a good one, so hold on to your hats! She is generously offering this super-fab book, Fabulous Fifties, to one lucky follower, anywhere in the world. So go check out her blog and if it's your cup o' tea, follow her and enter to win! Oh, you have until midnight, Jan. 31 to enter, but that's U.K. time, so plan accordingly.

The book has a wide variety of topics, from interior design to clothing. I'm guessing these are fabric patterns. Gorgeous!

 

 Room interiors - delicious!

 And look at these beautiful purses!

P.S. As I write this, I have 199 followers! I'm quite excited and very flattered, so I'm planning a giveaway of my own, as soon as I get that next one. Stay tuned!

1950s Designs Re-issued by the Sanderson Company

Pam at RetroRenovation ran this story this morning, and it's exciting news for mid-century design enthusiasts. If you are not already reading RetroRenovation...well, what's wrong with you??  It's my favorite source for inspiration for my home. She's all about preserving the great things about homes from the 1940s, 50s, 60s, even 70s! So refreshing when we're bombarded with "newer is better!" and "gut it all and install granite!" from design shows and magazines all the time.
So, I thought I'd highlight a few of my favorites of the reissued 50s designs by the Sanderson company.  For more complete info, see their website, under New Collections - 50s.
This is Mobiles, available in wallpaper and fabric, in blue:

 This is Hayward fabric:

 Miro wallpaper in blues and gold:

 It's obvious I'm partial to blues, but all of their designs are available in at least 3 colorways. Here is one I like in red, cocoa brown and gold. It's Perpetua fabric:

No prices listed (which usually means expensive), but it appears they will send you up to 4 samples, and these are available in the U.S. and other locations around the world, which is good if you aren't in the U.K., where the company is based.

52-Week Pickup Challenge - Weeks One and Two

Inspired by 365 projects, like Synthsis' "Minus 365" over at his blog, Just Another Statistic, I have decided to challenge myself.  Now, most of these projects require you to do something every day, but I know myself far too well to attempt that.  I am going to post weekly about something I've done to declutter, organize or otherwise improve my home.  I may also post about something healthy I've done for myself, since I truly need to get in better shape. We'll see about that!

So, for last Week 1, I listed and sold a jewelry armoire that I've had for years and really don't use anymore.

For this Week 2, I have listed one of two vintage stereo consoles I own! Yes, two. Sigh....you vintage lovers know how this comes about. First, you're at an estate sale and spot a bargain too good to pass up, then months later when you're cruising around Craigslist for no good reason, you find one you like even more. Well, this is the one I decided to list, so wish me luck on getting it out of here this week!  I feel like I'm off to a good start....with a long, long way to go.

Happy, Groovy, Hip, Swanky New Year!

I'm sending out best wishes to everyone for a wonderful 2011! In my email today, I got my email from Shagmart, and they are introducing this cool new print.

 Looks just like my New Year's Eve last night! Except for the cool tiki restaurant, the Audrey Hepburn body, and the singing cats. I did have the handsome guy, though :)

From the Shagmart email newsletter:

Shag's newest print, Cat Serenade, seen above, goes on sale to the public on Monday, January 3rd at 1:00pm PST.
 

Many of you have heard about the life-threatening accident that Shag suffered a few weeks ago.  We want  to thank you for all of the well wishes and let you know that he is expected to make a full recovery.  Due to the accident, Shag is planning to take the next year or so easy and will not be exhibiting any original paintings.  While he is recovering he plans to take on a handful of commissions. 

Wow - I did not know about Shag's accident, so I'm wishing a speedy recovery for him and strength for his family and friends as they help him through a tough time. **UPDATE 1/18/11** an update of sorts...since MoonDoggie asked, I tried to find out what the accident was.  Well, I couldn't find anything official or conclusive, just a bit of unconfirmed "I heard through the grapevine" on Tiki Central Forums that he MAY have fallen through a glass wall and was found alone, unconscious, and bleeding from serious cuts.  I will update again if and when I find out something confirmed as true.  The important thing is, he has made a public appearance (December 12, at the Johnathan Levine Gallery opening of a show of his new works. See here) and that he is doing better! **End Update**

I am resolving to get back to my blog this year, along with a few other goals. I may just share some in the next post! Until then, I'm raising my cup of tea to you all in a toast to a new beginning!