Collecting diamonds, one heart at a time, creating a family heirloom.

I am a gal who likes sparkle and diamonds are up at the top of my list. Pearls are likely second on that list and then it all goes awry...sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, the mind boggles.

I am a collector, so naturally I collect. It doesn't have to be things that are bought, it can be "found items."

I have colored beach glass that I have found and put into a sealer jar. I have found "bits and bobs" in my garden when digging, a rusty jack knife, marbles, a child's ring. I have some shells, some rocks, huge conifer cones, a brick from Sidney Island.

I also collect diamond hearts, or hearts with diamonds. I have them on a bracelet and am making my own memory piece to bequeath, a modern day heirloom of sorts.

I wear this bracelet with my channel set diamond hoops or my simple diamond studs.

I have a pink and yellow gold pave set diamond heart that can be added to any of my pearl necklaces. I particularly like this as I feel somewhat whimsical wearing it.

You may have seen me!

My nose is usually pressed near the glass case in an antique shop looking out for my newest vintage heart! I am serious about creating a family heirloom one heart at a time.

I'm not sure how I feel after today...

I went to Yoga, a lovely hour of stretching and strengthening muscles and core. I have missed the regularity of going, no one's fault but my own. Feel so rejuvenated after the session. Note to self, go again, establish a pattern, commit to wellness!

Later, I delivered a sympathy card to a co-worker, a teacher whose brother passed away. I met her in front of her home as she was going out and we hugged, she clung to me and sobbed. "He was young, it was sudden, we were not expecting it." I was at a loss for words, I listened, then she was quiet...I said how sorry I was to hear and how we were all thinking of her at school...tears, awkward moment, then I took my leave.

Grief, we experience it personally and witness it when it strikes others. Gentle words, thoughtful gestures, flowers, a casserole, a cup of tea, a warm hug, or a shoulder to cry on...extend yourself and think of someone who might benefit from your kindness.

Simon Chang and Chanel, may I introduce you to the Hostess!

Oh don't you love going shopping when you find something wonderful?
I HAD to buy this Chanel-esque jacket by Simon Chang. I mean, it gave me a thrill when I put it on, it felt elegant and could stand on it's own. The loose threads at the collar soften and flatter, the fabric is soft and does not cling to my ample bosum and it skims my curves without looking baggy. It does all this and yet does not look too "Mumsy" (translate DOWDY, for those who may not be familiar with that terminology!) It  will go with everything from jeans, black pencil skirt, black trousers, and some of my black LBD's.

I like the neutral golds and creams, I can dress this up or down. I am thinking pearls, of course!

Maybe my newer mocha tank by ca va de soi, or my standard white T and black denim jeans.

My Furla Carmen leather bag will be a great partner with this jacket.

I am planning on wearing this to the theatre with my Mother. We have seasons tickets and I find dressing up essential when accompanying Mom. (command peformance, if you get my drift!) She dresses up even to stay home, and at 82, has an amazing fashion sense. I fear that this gene was not passed down to me, but rather skipped a generation and my lovely daughter was the recipient of said gene. My fashion genetics lean more to casual, simple, white and lots of black, Hermes scarves (color!)  and my fave JEANS!
I wear diamonds and pearls with jeans and white T's; they are not jeans for gardening or painting nor are they $$$ Jeans. DKNY, GAP, LIZ and a few other generic jeans.

Looking at this image don't you think Simon deserves a better hanger?

The Art of Thrifting, "Scores" and Accounting for taste, or not!

I am an avid thrift shopper and can be found frequenting the local Value Village, which in our circle, we refer to as the VV Boutique! I have found all kinds of treasures there. I have found things for friends, family and our bungalow home. My best score by far, was a pair of arts and crafts bookends, bronze with sterling birds, made by the Heinz Art Metal Company. My heart accelerated when I saw the makers mark as I knew this was a valuable find. I purchased these and quickly left the store, raced home and confirmed that indeed these were valuable and collectible so I promptly sold them to an antique dealer and within a few minutes had walked across the street to an antique mall and purchased a lovely string of baroque pearls!
I have passed this thrift shopping onto my daughter who is very successful and lucky when it comes to sourcing out treasures, she has an art history background which helps her to spot a gem when others have passed it by. She has furnished her apartment in mid century modern teak and art glass and has a  collection that would easily be representative in a gallery or museum, of the Mid Century Modern Era.

Not all my treasures are to Mr. L's liking! I have stashed some of my whimsical items away and some I display in my hobby room. I admit they are not "quality art" simply vintage finds, and they do not represent "us as a couple" they speak only to me!

As you can see, I have shelf space waiting for the next arrival. There has been a bit of a drought here for American Art Pottery figurines in matte white, which of course they must be...and whimsical too!

I go hunting for treasures with an open mind, that seems to help me achieve clarity and not discard or ignore the possibilities that are there if one just "looks"...you really never know what you're looking for until it presents itself!

Happy Thrifting!

Rainy Sunday morning and which Hermes should I wear to the grocers?

I read Wild Mary late last night in bed, it was close to midnight before I turned out the light and this morning when I got up I realized that I slept in my pearls!

I have a busy day ahead as I am cooking a Traditional Sunday Roast Beef dinner.

Here in the Humble Bungalow that translates to Yorkshire Pudding, Prime Rib of Beef Roast, Potatoes; usually scalloped, Peas, Carrots, and gravy of course. There are two condiments necessary, Colman's hot mustard and Woodman's Extra Hot Horseradish.

I need to go to the grocers to pick up some fresh vegs and buy more potatoes and it is raining out. I will wear jeans, a long sleeved T shirt and add a bit of color via my Hermes scarf. Today I will toss on my "Lumieres de Paris". I purchased this one to wear with denim mostly but it looks very nice with grey, and beige as well.

I am opting for this scarf as it suggests light and will illuminate and elevate the grey skies and raindrops.

I love grey in clothing as in sweaters, scarves, and tops.

I do not LOVE grey skies!

I have vivid red gloves for these days.

I have a bounce in my step when I consider adding that swish of color.

When the skies are grey do you dress in a mindful way? Do you add color or have a favorite outfit or garment that you put on?

I see lots of yellow slickers, yellow boots and yellow brollies.

The power of color does affect my mood, does it affect yours?