Zazazu

Welcome to the first installment of Zazazu’s Things I Love Thursdays, brought to you courtesy of galadarling.

Let us begin… but where to begin?  Ah…

1.  Beautiful custom-covered literary classics like Wuthering Heights…

2.  The promise of Spring around the corner and new Spring-y clothes…

3.  My evening cup of chai… it is like a constitutional for me…

4.  Facebook status updates that use quotes by L.L. Cool J.  ‘Nuff said.

5.  Amazing vintage shoes… even if they aren’t my size…

6.  Learning new things… Like at the grant-writing workshop I’m attending this evening.

7.  Daily emails from my best friend… my rock, my sanity, my lifeline.

What are you loving today?

Attention fashion forward friends!  I recently bought these amazing bootlets as a gift-to-me but find myself wondering what to wear them with.  I will say that I don’t “do” leggings and I can’t wear jeans to work.  So, help me with some outfit suggestions here, please!

Fabulous.

Hot.

Divine.

Vogue. Strike a pose.

Sometime ago on Facebook, I did a top-ten “wouldn’t want to live without” products.  These are products that I use daily and would be remiss to be without.  It was a very-well-received list so I thought I would list it here too.  This was a fun list to make.  Of course, all my readers know that I love lists anyway. 

{Of course, I also wouldn’t want to live without basics like toothbrush, coffee, soap, deodorant, water, etc.  Those, I think, are givens.)

6. Patchouli Essential Oil – I love smelling like patchouli. Makes me happy.   (I especially like this kind.)

7. My Blackberry – It contains my alarm clock. Imperative.

10. Emergen-C in Raspberry, Cranberry or Pink Lemonade - Daily dose of vitamins. Keeps me (relatively) healthy.

So, there’s my list folks.  Hope some of these products, should you choose to follow my recommendation, will delight you too!

In love with love, that is.

Historically, I’ve been the anti-Valentine’s girl.  I’ve not had a beau for as many V-Days as I can recall and just don’t like over-commercialized anythings whose main tenants are chocolates, bows, bears and roses.

Ew.

But this year… this year is different.

No friends, I have no beau (thank goodness) but I’ve come to see V-Day in a new light, through my own special rose-colored glasses, if you will.  Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about the pre-determined things set forth by an over-zealous marketing industry with colossally bad taste.  No friends, V-Day can be about anything you want it to be about.

In fact, what all could V-Day stand for?  Let us brainstorm.

Vacation Day
V-8 Day
Vacant Lot Day
Vaccination Day (although that one is a bit droll.)
Vacuum Cleaner Day
Valium Day (anyone else particularly like this one?  No?  Just me then.)
Vagabond Day
Vague Day (except… that’s everyday for me.)
Vain Day (you’re so vain… no you are…)
Vagus Nerve Day
Valley Girl Day
Vampire Day (Edward Cullen is my Valentine.)
Vanilla Day
Vortex Vain Day (DOUBLE POINTS!)

Okay… I’m getting carried away.  The point is that you can make V-Day about anything you want it to be about.  Bears and bows be damned!

This year, my Valentine’s Day is starting early.  My V-Day will be about style, decor and pretty interiors for my new little house.  I’m super-excited and have been positively devouring all things aesthetically pleasing.  Lucky for me, there are tons of wonderful blogs out there that are chock-full of such things; more than I can endeavor to digest in any given 24-hour period, to be sure.  And, I’ve done a bit of web-trolling and magazine-perusing on my own too.

Oh la la!

Let the fun begin!

This lovely is only $279.00.  Amazing.  Perhaps the title of my post should have been “In love with Ikea.”  How would that translate to French?  Hmmmmm…

I’ve also been hoping and dreaming, wishing and praying about the floors that I’ve yet to see, the pine hardwoods hidden under layers of funky carpet.  Ah… the dreams I have for them.  However, being a realist (okay, no, that isn’t true but it sounded best right there) I know that they may be in horrible shape.  The house is over 100-years-old so I needn’t get my hopes terribly high.  So, I’ve been weighing the options: refinishing or painting?  Black or white?

White hardwoods have their merit.

However, I think I’m leaning more toward the dark side.

And what for the walls?  Oh heavens, I don’t know.  I’ve poured over the Benjamin Moore paint book and just haven’t a clue.  Millington Gold looks good but so does Artichoke Hearts, Poppy, and Pumpkin Spice.  And what will work together?

My mind hurts.

So, I’m now thinking that I might paint the floors black, all the walls white and consider it a blank canvas for all my tchotchkes and artwork.  Although, it would behoove me to remember that I have a black cat with long hair.  Would black floors and all white walls be the smart way to go?  It works in catless, ElleDecor abodes but would it really work for me?

Who knows.  My hope is that it will all come together.  And I’m sure it will.

Oh, and before I leave it out… THIS is going to be my closet:

Ha ha!  I wish.

In a more immediate Happy V-Day to me:

{from DearGoldenVintage}

And finally, since I know that so many of you MUST be hopeless romantics (you’re reading this blog, aren’t you?), I think you will appreciate this.  At the very least, you recall this tome from Sex and the City: The Movie.

Ah yes, it is…

So this year, make your V-Day anything you want it to be.  The sky is the limit!  And if you start now, you’ll have plenty of time to plan.

And just to give you ample inspiration, I’ll continue to post some of my favorite pretties here, since I’m sure I’ll come across lots in all my blog-browsing.

Until then… Be dans l’amour avec l’amour. What can it hurt?

{ Psst… Click here for a Zazazu Giveaway. }

Disclaimer:  For some reason, photo links weren’t working in WordPress for me today.  If you want to know the origins of any of these lovelies, leave a comment and I’ll let you know!

I’m shocked to realize that I’ve not posted here on my blog since OCTOBER!  Wow.  Scandal.  Do I have a good excuse?  No, not really.  My only excuse / reasoning is the same as it normally is when I lapse in writing this long (or longer): I’ve got a lot going on and simply haven’t been inclined to blog. 

Pretty plain and simple. 

But, I have had a lot going on.

I was in a play.  I started a new job.  I’ve traveled for work.  I have vamped up my Etsy store (and surpassed 550 sales!)… and the list goes on. 

And now here it is December – almost Christmas! – and I’m just now making time to write again.  And, as I sit here trying to churn out a post, I realize that, even with all the things I’ve been doing, I don’t rightly know what to blog about. 

Hohum.

I will say that I’ve been very “into” Facebook lately.  Yes, yes, I know.  I shunned it for so long, saying that I didn’t want to get into it, didn’t want another thing to log-into each day, etc. etc.  But, I’m weak and easily persuaded (apparently) and fell into the throngs of people who Facebook daily.  I wonder at the pros and cons of it.  While it seems like such a wonderful, fun, easy way to meet people and interact, it isn’t really – REALLY – interaction, is it?  You go about “friending” people you kind-of-sort-of-or-maybe-have-seen-in-the-cafe-once and then feel like a schmuck when they accept but look at you weird the next time they see you out and about.  And then you realize that you have the exact same number of friends that you had before you had so many “friends”. 

Or maybe that is just me.

I guess, to tell the truth, I’ve learned a lot lately about friends and real friends and even the type people who are capable of being friends.  I realize (have been forced to realize) that some people simply don’t  have what it takes to be a friend and yet, most of those same people expect everyone to be their friend and go to the ends of the earth for them.  I know that you must BE a friend to HAVE a friend but that goes for both parties; there is no friendship without reciprocation.

In other news…?  Actually, there is very little other news. 

My Christmas shopping is done, for the most part.   I have now only to wrap and make them all pretty, and ship the ones that need shipping.

I had the worst migraine I’ve ever had in my entire life over the weekend.  It came complete with light flashes, throwing up, nosebleed, not being able to see out of my left eye, etc.  I thought I was going to die.  Thankfully, I did not and now feel better.  However, my neck has been hurting pretty profoundly for the past several weeks – months maybe – and I can’t seem to figure out how to relieve it.  It is all very vexing, really.

So, this, I fear, is all I have to tell.  Hopefully my next post – whenever it might come – will bring more news of some sort!

Until then, dear readers…

Browse the awesome vintage photos I have for sale in my Etsy shop:  recy.etsy.com

::: Also, I’m in the process of including a 100% upcycled cashmere line to my Etsy store.  I have a fabby black 100% cashmere cowl listed now… for only $25!   Not to be missed!  Check it out! More, including 100% cashmere legwarmers, to be listed soon! :::

To those of you who have expressed an interest in where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to and, moreover, asked me to write again… THANK YOU!  It feels good to be noticed enough to be missed.

I felt sparky today so I thought I’d write up a little update of sorts.

For whatever odd reason, I’ve completely lost touch with blogging – writing my own and reading others.  It just got tedious and I’ve felt like I didn’t have it in me to write out all that has been going on.  I also feel like this blog – My Zazazu – has lost direction.  I’ve been feeling a bit me-centric lately and I don’t feel like that is appropriate for this blog.  I guess I’m just trying to figure it all out.  I’m not sure how much I will post in the coming months but I’m here today.

Soooooooo many things are going on here, most of them GOOD!  It is hard to know where to begin.

Firstly, as many of you know, I’ve not been driving for the past two years because of health problems.  Well… I started driving again a couple of weeks ago and it feels so good to have that part of my independence back!  Wahoo!  Having not driven for that long makes it take awhile to get back into the swing of it but… I’m doing it despite having bouts of discomfort with it.  The more I do it, the easier it will get.

Secondly, and the MOST exciting, I think… I went on a whim awhile back (over a month) and auditioned for a part in the upcoming local community theatre production of Sand Mountain.  I’ve never acted or auditioned for anything before in my life but I did it and – will you believe?!? – got the lead role in the first half!  I will be playing the young, attractive widow Rebecca.  We’ve been practicing a lot and I’ve got all my lines memorized and it is such fun!  I love it and – better still – I’ve met some people who are becoming friends.

I’m still applying for jobs around town and in other places too – Tupelo and back in Oxford.  There is one job in particular that I’m in the final-five for and I really would like to get that one.  I won’t say what it is as not to jinx it but please hold your fingers crossed for me!  I have no idea when they will make a decision on it – SOON I hope!  I would really like to be working again – working outside the home, that is.

Speaking of working, my Etsy vintage store is doing so very well.  I’m very pleased and excited about that!  My goal was to reach 400 sales by last Sunday (a week ago Sunday) and I did that, just barely!  After reaching that, I set another goal to reach 500 sales by Christmas.  I’m happy to say that I think I’ll make it!  I’m already up to 436 sales!  Hooray!  So, business there is very good and I hope it continues to be so.  I’ve got some exciting things in the works for my Etsy store (hint: handmade journals, a cashmere line, fall vintage clothes, boots, and more!!!)

In related store news, I ordered a new camera that I’m waiting to arrive.  It is a beautiful Canon Rebel XSi DSLR that my dear little brother helped me pick out.  I can’t wait to get it and start playing with it.  It will be my first adventure into DSLR photography.  I’m excited and nervous too.  And… I think I’ve found a model for my store.  I needed a model who could fit into the tiny things that I have to sell so I hope it will work out.  I enjoy modeling the things that I’m able to wear but there are some things that just won’t fit over these hips.  Ack!

And… I think there’s been a wedding in my family since I last posted.  Yep, my little brother got married on August 2.  I still can’t believe that he is MARRIED but they seem happy together and his bride is just lovely.

The bride and groom.

The groom and his sisters… always our baby brother.  (I’m in the gold.)

So… time marches on and things here, as everywhere, are moving and shaking.

I have to say that I’m sick to death of all this political / campaign crap that is EVERYWHERE.  At this point, I don’t care who wins, I’m just ready for it to be over.  I wish Sarah Palin would have stayed in Alaska, that is for sure.  This is the biggest election circus that I can recall.  Such nonsense.  And to think… one of these clowns will end up running our country?  Ridiculous.

I’d like to nominate Anna Wintour as President.  If she can run Vogue, she can surely run the country too.  Her running mates could be Manolo and Louis.  Indeed.

I’d give her my vote.

So, enough from me for now.  Hope that all of you are well (if I even still have readers!) and that Gustav or Hannah or Igor or LaKeesha or whomever is steering clear of you and yours.

xx,

Z ~

For those of you participating in the Thrift Shop * Thrift Swap, swap partners have been assigned and sent out.   I did it old school.  I put all of your names onto little slips of paper and into this pretty jar and drew them out and paired you all up randomly.

If you thought you signed up and didn’t receive a partner, let me know.  If you have any questions about the particulars of the swap, just send me a message through the contact link above.

Since putting this swap together, all things thrift have been on my mind.  Okay, I should clarify that statement… all things thrift are on my mind MOST of the time, period.

So, I thought I would FINALLY do what I’ve long meant to do here on my blog… list some of my neato thrift finds.  I hope you all enjoy my finds as much as I have.

Amazing vintage French canning jar… complete with wire clasp top and French writing all over it.  It is GI-normous too!  A steal at $1.

Retro-fun floral pillowcases – a pristine pair for $1.98!  My favorite color is chartreuse so these were perfect.  The front red-ish pillow is very old and quilted on the front with all sorts of pretty ruffles.  Amazing condition and for… wait for it… only 45-cents!

Looks like someone tromped through a field in these but they are still stunning.  Custom-made Palizzio peeptoe platform slingbacks.  LOVE.  THEM.  Love that I only paid $2 for them too!

Sometime back I got this pretty green glass dish (45-cents) with the express intent of putting a wee cacti garden in it.  Well, I finally got around to fulfilling its purpose over the weekend.  I’m so happy with how it looks.  THIS is how my garden grows!

Other of my amazing recent finds can be found in my Etsy store.   Tons of neato stuff there!  Also, I started a fun new blog featuring cool things I discover on Etsy.  It is called EtsyFinds.  Check it out and feel free to comment!

Do tell… what cool thrift / vintage things have you found lately?

In all the swaps I’ve hosted, I’ve NEVER had a cool logo button for one… until NOW!  The super-talented and super-sweet Monica took it upon herself to create one for us.  I, for one, think that is uber-cool!

As I was telling Monica, I am technologically illiterate so I don’t know how to make this neat button “link” back to the post.  However, if you know how to do it and want to link it back to the original post, please feel free to do that.

Here is the button (THANK YOU, MONICA!!!)

[If you are interested in participating, please leave a comment on the original post as that is where I will be taking sign-ups from.  Thank you!]

I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to announce that I’m running a sale at my Etsy store.  I’ve just put a TON of things from my store into my SALE section… Craft supplies, destash stuff, vintage fabric, vintage linens, vintage jewelry, books, something for EVERYONE!

Also, I’m running BOGO in my $6 Vintage Jewelry Section! Buy one $6 piece and get the second for half-price! That’s $9 (pre-shipping) for two pieces of great vintage jewelry!

This will run through the weekend at least… Don’t miss out!

Happy weekend!

I’m feeling rather sparky today so I thought I would do a couple of fun things here on my blog.

Firstly, the lovely Miss StilettoHeights has inspired me to write up a list of things that provide inspiration to me lately. What a fun exercise, no?

What inspires you lately? For me, it includes…

• Vintage shoes – I have found so many wonderful ones lately! I get the extra-fab ones to list in my store as I love to have a good vintage shoe selection there. So many fabulous and unique vintage shoes out there… great quality too.

• Colored tights / leggings – Crazy, yes, but they go with so many things and really give an added flair! Besides, they fashionably cover my stark white legs.
• Lame – A fabulous gold lame tank literally jumped off the rack at me the other day and I’ve been smitten since. Everyone needs to sparkle.
• Belts, belts, BELTS! Need I say more?
• My new store banner… so pretty and so wonderfully done! Thanks, PixelCafe!

• Vintage artwork, especially crewel-work.
• Homemade iced coffee.
• Ruffles and Scarlett O’Hara.

• Sex and the City re-runs… until I get finally get out to see the new movie!
• Russian architecture

• Anything at all to do with Paris… specifically living there someday.
• Tomatoes… fresh with a bit of pepper. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
• Vintage bedding… LOTS of it!
• A gorgeous white gauze babydoll top that I bought when I was sixteen. I found it again the other day and have been wearing it with skinnies and my flats. Scavenging in my own closet is very fun!
• Yard sales… ’tis the season. It makes Saturday mornings SUCH fun! I look forward to them all week!

Speaking of yard sales…

How about a swap? As all of you know and can tell from my list above, I’m terribly inspired by things that I find at thrift stores and yard sales. I love things that others cast-off that I can make good use of. It is the ultimate recycling and such fun too!

I also know that many of my readers here are thrift store / yard sale mavens, also loving the hunt for what they can re-use and give another life to.

So, since it is the prime thrifting / yard sale season… how about a “Thrift Shop Thrift Swap“? Here is how I propose for it to work:

1. Leave a comment on this post that you want to participate. Right after you leave your comment, please contact me at msred5@yahoo.com with your contact information, i.e. name, address, blog and email address. Sign-up will close on June 15.
2. On June 16, I will pair those who have signed up with a partner and send each of you their information. In order to get to know new people better – as that, I believe, is part of the fun of a swap – this will be a one-on-one swap.
3. After being in touch with your swap partner, compile a package of things you think they would like. Here is the catch… ALL items that you send MUST be from a thrift store / garage sale / yard sale / porch sale / estate sale / tag sale / etc… you get the idea. Of course, make sure they are nice items and not junk but I think we all know how to do this… how to find the treasures out there! Bonus points if your packaging comes from thrifting too. (Not that there will be a winner or anything but.. that would be cool, huh?) Spend between $10 – 15 on your package, not including shipping.
4. Send your packages out by July 1. If you can’t make it by then, let me AND your partner know of the delay.

(International participants welcome. Please be willing to ship Internationally if you decide to participate. If you leave comment on this post, I will assume that you wish to participate. Please realize when signing up that sometimes there are bum swappers.  I can’t control this.)

Sound fun?

Join us!

Tell your friends!

Any questions?  Feel free to contact me!

::::::::::::::::::::::: Happy scavenging! ::::::::::::::::::::::

Psst… Want to join my Etsy store mailing list? Email me at msred5@yahoo.com to join. Repeat customers who are on my mailing list get 10% off every purchase (the subtotal).

Today’s list – Ten Favorite Time Wasters

1. Reading random fashion or design blogs… SO many pretty ones out there!
2. Searching through the vintage category on Etsy.
3. Watching re-runs of Law & Order or CSI… Yes, I thought I had broken myself of that habit but alas…
4. Napping.
5. Organizing my favorites on Etsy.
6. Walking around outside, looking at the flowers and such.
7. Thinking up blog posts that never actually get written.
8. Looking around Craigslist.
9. Searching for my child (aka. my cat) who won’t come when she is called.
10. Shopping… of any kind, really.

These were harder to think of than I thought they’d be!  Shocking, really.