Saturday, December 3, 2011

Happiness is...

taking a punt that pays off...

buy one sealed box marked xmas decorations from a garage sale, only a couple of bucks...probably full of junk, but at that price worth the risk...

get it home, rip it open, and...nestled amongst tinsel that's frankly seen better days...you find (shrieks of joy here)
these

And

they

WORK!

(just look at Father Christmas, isn't he lovely...and ok I admit, slightly scary...)

x

freebies from the op-shop...


two Hobbytex cushion covers and a groovy vintage sheet

these were filthy, but it's amazing what a soak in Napisan and a good old fashioned scrub can do. Although I think the lady in the oppy thought I had something wrong with me when I (gleefully) took them off her hands. I think there was some confusion about just who, was doing who a favour...

  x

a trip to the local library...

especially when you spot this book on the shelves

and, even better...

your friendly librarian gives you the heads-up that Adrian Franklin's new book Retro, is about to hit the shelf and she gives you first dibbs to borrow it when it does! (this is a huge deal, as it's a bit like the quick and the dead at our library when interesting books make it to the "new arrival shelf")


and a quick word on Retro: if you think someone you love would like this book for Chrissy (hint hint) Dymocks has a special offer at the mo...purchase a copy of Retro and they will give you a copy of Adrian's (I say it like he's a friend of mine Ha!) Collecting The 20th Century. Yep. I reckon that's a pretty cool freebie, don't you...
Click here for details.

x

 Happiness is also 

a vintage happy coat
(of course!)

It was the label that got me

well labels...I really like the Queensland Made tag too

x

And lastly

(phew! it's ok, I can read your mind...)

we all know
happiness is...

a new puppy (and an old one too)

Dotty Dog, hand-made beautifully by Allana using a vintage pattern and an old army blanket. You can buy your own, just in time for Christmas, here 

x

Have a lovely weekend. Lucy Violet's going all Christmassy starting Monday, I hope you will pop back then x 

30 comments:

  1. This is a great post - I love how you write about different things, and it all flows together. I will be looking out for Adrian's Retro book at my library - it sounds fab.

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  2. have you just, just, just been posting? too funny. i saw the first page changing before my very eyes, so to speak... heavenly. you're behind the screen, like i am here. too funny and weird.
    my word, you do that in your library too? jeezes... i understand.
    watch me popping back, 'cos christmas mood is hitting me too!!!
    n♥

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  3. What fantastic finds .....the lights are my favorite.x

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  4. Those lights are fantastic! Also love the linens (that purple sheet is spectacular) and your sleepy pups.

    Sarah xxx

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  5. Ahhh old dog and new dog look so comfy and sweet ;-)) Lovely lightd what a great find and im loving that vintage sheet and cushion cover. Have a lovely weekend, dee xx

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  6. Those lights are definitely going to add some vintage Christmas cheer, what a jolly find.

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  7. I really really want Minxy Vintage for Christmas...& now I'd like Adrian's book as well. I got to see Adrian, Claudia & Gordon at the Collectors fair in Brissy last weekend, just a pity I only got a photo with Claudia! :)

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  8. *eEeAkkkK* The Christmas box... WHAT A SCORE!
    I am in love with your lights.
    I have gone Christmas crazyyy this year I just don't wanna stop decorating.
    This summer I am going to be buying up Christmas decor at those yard sales like a mad woman (Omg I had accidentally typed MAN WOMAN) THANK God I noticed. *HAHAHA*
    The linens look vintagey delicious. I will have to look up the two books.
    THE HAPPY COAT IS the AWSOMELY cute!

    Old dog and new dog sleeping (awww precious)

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  9. Those lights! Wow!!!! we've just squeezed in a 6ft tree - well, no, we've made a bloody HUGE space for the tree by the window, and now we're sardine-canned into the remaining space, squeezing between the furniture. The room's 12ft by 12ft. And I can't remember if that includes the alcoves or not... Our lights are MIA; decorations came out of the boxes, minus 2 sets of lights. Bugger! x

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  10. What a score those lights were, good work! I also LOVE that happy coat and label. I had a similar experience taking a moth eaten but with good bits army blanket off a ladies hands at an Oppie too, she thought I was mad! It's ok, Its not the one I made your Dotty from ;) Thanks so much for the links xx That picture is adorable!! Glad Dotty found a new friend :)

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  11. I loved this post from start to finish. So much joy and abundance and I do love Allanah's dotty dogs, they're so cute.

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  12. oh this post made me smile! The lights and all your op finds are so sweet! Allana is such an awesome crafter, I love her dotty dog!

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  13. Such a happy, upbeat post Kylie - and lovely bits and bobs you got yourself. The coat is divinely fabulous!

    I must look out for Minxy Vintage - but it won't be in our library (not enough vintage-loving bods in town) - might have to drop some wifely hints. :)

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  14. As per, Kylie, your post is full of loveliness (oh, there's that word AGAIN!). Those books look amazing - right up my street. Love the lights and the sheet - excellent finds. xx

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  15. Lots of loveliness (erk, there's that word again) in the post, as per, Kylie. Fab finds especially the sheet and the lights. xx

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  16. So many beautiful things - love the sheet. Yes, the santa does look a bit ... lopsided!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  17. What a super find! The xmas lights are so pretty, mum and dad threw ours away because they didn't work any more years and years ago! Aagh!They were the milk glass ones with little cupies and santas. We live and learn.

    Love the coats, the colours are gorgeous.Can't wait to see all things christmassy soon. Tam x

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  18. Woweeeeee, I love it all! Those lights have a certain glory all their own don't they? Gorgeous gorgeous linens and hope your happy coat lives up to its name - its stunning. Well up for Christmas posts, too many people in blogland being grumpy about it - they make some valid points, but (for once) I prefer to look on the bright side. Decorating and crafting opportunities abound!

    (Parcel in post for you) xxx

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  19. I love the lights, the lights are ACE!!!! and that vintagy house coat, thats pretty ace too. A whole lot of ace. ACE!

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  20. The lights are so cool, what a find! also love the happy coat! I'd be happy in it :-) x

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  21. Cutest lights ever! I'll know next time not to avoid xmas decorations because I might score like you did. That minxy book is now on my to buy list. Book depository got a chunk of my money yesterday......

    xx

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  22. oh my - those lights are awesome (and yes - the father Christmas is a tad creepy).

    I love the happy coat - I can't seem to find any clothes in charity shops at the moment that are suitable for anything other than work :( I think I'm facing a style-crisis at the moment!

    xx

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  23. I love the lights. Great post! :)

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  24. Those lights are fab, the purple print sheet is great, and I love that label on your happy coat!!
    Oh and cute puppy snuggling up to Dotty Dog! xxxxx

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  25. wowee! so many lovely things here!!

    love the vintage sheet... i often get asked if i am going to a costume party when i go to buy some of my op shop treasures! hahah! i never know whether to be offended or chuffed :)!

    Kel xx

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  26. Oooh,I love all your happy finds,have to keep an eye out for that book.Love your doggy pic.

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  27. You are such a lucky duck that I would understand if all the other village ducks wanted to offer you up for Christmas dinner!!!! LOVE those lights!

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  28. That is undoubtedly the grooviest vintage sheet I've ever laid eyes upon! Score!! Kellie xx

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  29. I love this post sooooo much!! The christmas lights are perfect! And a new puppy!!!!! I hope you're feeling a little better :)

    x Aliya

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  30. Those christmas lights are the best find and so is the sheet, keep up those festive finds. melx

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