Trendy Bindi's Bits of Bliss

A Vintage Handkerchief Skirt

2011-10-07T19:24:00.000-04:00

We love vintage hankies. Each one is a different work of art whether it is a cheerful store-bought print or a gift of someone's time and talent with needle and thread. We've put them in bowls and baskets, draped them from drawers and tucked them under china.

This week we decided to shake things up a bit. We took one of our dress forms and this lovely stiff black mesh fabric that we found...

using safety pins we fastened the mesh to the form and (with the assistance of a fold here and a pin there) fashioned a skirt form.

To this form we used ribbon to tie each hankie to the mesh, overlapping them. This way, it should be very easy for a customer to remove them if he or she wants to take some home!

We used some of the stamped fabric ribbon that we carry in our shop (handmade by a delightful woman in Canada) to fashion a waist-band.

Can you guess what we used as a scarf?

Here is our finished project:

A Place to Hang Your Hat Treasury

2011-09-21T18:43:00.002-04:00

I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed making it

A Peak at the Shop: Flower Pins

2011-09-15T12:04:00.000-04:00

With fall upon us, it will soon be time to pull out our sweater and coats. Time to change our purses and find our hats. Time to accessorize with gorgeous hand-felted wool flower pins. Like these, available in our shop, from Jennifer Locke Designs! Each pin is a unique work of art. She reclaims the wool from old sweaters before felting it by hand. The wool is then carefully crafted into a spectacular blossom.

Some are crafted to be charming in their simplicity...

With perhaps an old button for adornment...

While others capture a hint of past glamour with the addition of vintage jewels.

Feeling the Love!

2011-09-12T10:18:00.000-04:00

Here are some lovely Halloween treasuries that have very kindly included vintage Halloween finds from our Etsy shop

Black Friday Deals at Trendy Bindi's Boutique

2010-11-24T18:47:00.000-05:00

Weather permitting, we will be open Friday through Sunday this weekend and you will have the chance to draw for your discount in our shop. You will be able to get from 10%-25% off your total purchase. We're located in the historic Stetson House at 234 S. Main St. Waynesville, Ohio.

Or if you prefer to stay in the comfort of your home, relaxing in your pjs and sipping cocoa, you can get 10% off your total purchase (excluding shipping) in our online shops beginning tonight (Nov. 24) through Cyber Monday (November 29).

The discounts have already been taken.

If you are an Etsy member you can find our vintage finds here and our vintage Christmas here.

You can also shop in our Artfire shops without having to register!
You will find vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories here.
You will find vintage decor and household items here.
You will find vintage Christmas goods here.

Putz wonderland!

2010-11-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

Aren't these Montgomery Ward Color Connection teal teacups and saucers lovely?

2010-08-26T19:59:00.000-04:00

I just recently listed 8 of these in our online shop and thought I would share them with you here. The style is very reminiscent of Fiesta Ware but Color Connection was a house line of Montgomery Wards. The teal is just so pretty. If I had room for them at home, I'd be oh so tempted to keep them, especially with fall coming up. These would be just perfect for some homemade cocoa. Which I am looking forward to making with Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder...Mmmmmm. They'd also be wonderful for a cup of soup!

Clip-ons Revamped!

2010-07-29T16:32:00.002-04:00

Do you love vintage clip-on earrings but just can't stand the pinch? Me too. Ouch! But I've been brainstorming how I can use them and still let them add a little something to my style without the added pain. My solution? Move 'em from your lobes to your toes! They make fabulous shoe clips. They're especially great for clipping on your flip flops. Don't believe me? Here are some examples done with one pair of flip-flops!

P.S. If any of these earrings have caught your eye; they are, as of this posting, available in our shop!

Thanks for Three Wonderful Years!

2010-03-29T11:29:00.000-04:00

This Friday, April 2nd, is our Third Anniversary of opening our doors at Trendy Bindi's Boutique in Waynesville, Ohio. (It's also our second Cowgirl Friday!) We wanted to thank everyone for making us feel so welcome. We've made many wonderful friends in our customers, artisans, and our fellow Waynesville business owners. You all make our days so much brighter and with everything that has gone on this past year, your support has been so deeply appreciated.

We are taking 20% off our entire online shop today through Easter Sunday, excluding our clearance items.
When you are finished with your purchases, just send us a convo and we'll send you your revised invoice!

To celebrate in our bricks and mortar shop, we'll be taking 20% off our entire shop Wednesday through Saturday. We will be closed Easter Sunday. Since our anniversary is on April's Cowgirl Friday, all our western and cabin decor items will be 25% off on Friday as well.

We've Been Featured!

2010-03-12T10:40:00.001-05:00

The lovely Melissa of Sew Sweet Stitches (who makes the fabulous hair clips and cozies in our shop) has done the sweetest feature on our shop over at her blog! Be sure to check it out and leave her a little love!

Cowgirl Fridays--Commencing Now!

2010-03-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

What with our shop being in the Stetson House and everything we really couldn't resist letting our inner cowgirl out from time to time and with 2010 being the building's bicentennial we thought it was the perfect excuse! The first Friday of each month is now Cowgirl Friday, starting today. We've even made a sign, so it's official.

On Cowgirl Fridays you'll get 25% off our western and cabin themed items if you wear your cowgirl hat or boots. Or do a line dance. Otherwise you have to draw for your discount...so be sure to work on your aim!

In case all this doesn't entice you, we also have these yummy and oh too cute cupcakes from Cake Diva. Come and get them while you can!

Help!

2010-03-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

We have this gorgeous vintage necklace and earring set. The necklace is strung with hefty beads that are quite cool to the touch. I am not sure if they are glass or if they are possibly quartz or another stone. There are striations in the colors and these feel tumbled...they're not perfectly round or perfectly smooth. Do you know what it's made of? It is accented with tiny little gold-tone beads.

Thanks!

Rincewind's Amazing Traveling Curio

2010-03-04T12:58:00.011-05:00

I am a huge Terry Pratchett fan. I thought I would post a pic of this great curio cabinet in our shop for all the rest of you discworld fans out there. Enjoy!

*note the legs--they've got feet!*

Happy Birthday Louisa!

2010-03-02T12:56:00.001-05:00

We're so blessed that our shop is housed in the historic Stetson House in Waynesville. It just gives you a special feeling to come to work each day in such a charming little building that has so much history to it. You really feel a connection to those who have been here before you. The most famous resident, for whom the building is named, was Louisa Stetson Larrick. She was the sister of John B. Stetson, of hat fame. (If you would like to learn a bit more about this history of the Stetson House visit here.) Today would have been her 191st birthday and so we are having a little celebration at Trendy Bindi's in her honor.

We have these lovely cupcakes from Cake Diva which is just up the street from us. Aren't they sweet?

We are taking 20% off all clothing and women's accessories and we will be giving away these lovely Cape Cod Cupboard notecard sets

and this charming Welcome sign by Pink Buttercreme to different lucky customers throughout the day!

Vintage Valentine's Day

2010-02-10T14:34:00.001-05:00

We've been very busy rearranging and adding inventory at the shop (and we still have a bunch to put in!)

I thought that I 'd show you some of what we've been busy doing for Valentine's Day.

Here are a bunch of our vintage valentines and a selection of our vintage cherubs and puttis.

Here we've taken one of our vintage wrought iron plant stands and repurposed it to hold our sexy red shoes and some of our purses and handbags, which are just perfect for your red hot Valentine's date. If only they fit my foot. *sigh*

Here another vintage plant stand has been called into action to hold this two-tiered planter which is now on jewelry holding duty. This actually turned out better than we thought it would. We were just playing around with ideas and the jewelry but it really works out great to keep all the necklaces (plus a bracelet or two) highly visible and organized. Wish I had one of these for my bedroom!

<3 I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day! <3

Bicentennial Events Coming Up: Louisa's Birthday & Cowgirl Fridays!

2010-02-03T20:29:00.001-05:00

We're very excited to be celebrating the Bicentennial of Trendy Bindi's Boutique's home, the Stetson House, this year.

Thanks to Graphics Fairy for this image!

We're kicking off the year-long Bicentennial celebration the first week of March with Louisa's Birthday Party on Tuesday, March 2nd with specials and refreshments. Louisa Stetson Larrick's our building's namesake for more info on this lovely lady click here.

Then on Friday, March 5th we'll be hosting our first Cowgirl Friday. They will be held on the first Friday of each month. We’ll be celebrating the historic heritage of our home and there will be discounts to be had on all of our Vintage and Handcrafted western and cabin goodies. It’ll be a little bit country, a little bit diva and a whole lot of fun! You’ll get an automatic 25% discount if you wear your cowgirl hat or boots. If you forget them you can always“draw” for you discount--depending on your aim you can get anywhere from 10-25% off your western purchases!

Limerick #3

2010-01-23T09:00:00.005-05:00

When you crave vintage glamour,
For Trendy Bindi's you'll clamor.

In the blink of an eye,

You'll spy plenty to buy

With which you'll be quite enamoured.

Limerick #2

2010-01-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Bindi (being the Good Girl that she is) has graciously agreed to let us share another of her compositions with you! Enjoy!

Here at Trendy Bindi's Boutique,
You'll find all that's unique.
Quite green with envy-
Your friends shall all be
When your home is stylish and chic!

Food for the Poor Appeal for Help for Haiti

2010-01-14T20:15:00.000-05:00

Prayers for Haiti

2010-01-13T20:47:00.000-05:00

The details coming out of Haiti are heart-wrenching and our prayers are with everyone affected by this disaster. If you would like to help, you can click on the blog button at the top of the page. It will take you to Food For The Poor's donation page for Haiti relief. They are a charity that has worked for many years in Haiti and the rest of Latin America. You can also visit their website here or their blog here.

Bindi Takes a Lick at a Limerick

2010-01-09T09:00:00.003-05:00

Apparently not only is our shop's namesake, Bindi, adorable, sweet, and an arbiter of fabulous taste (demonstrated by her attachment to us of course!) she is also quite the little poet.

All this time, when we've thought she was just enjoying a good coze on the sofa, she's been composing jaunty little limericks. We thought we'd share a few of her pithy compositions about our shop with you. Below is the first of what we hope will be many that we have convinced her to share. (We find that a little bit of beef does wonders to overcome her bashfulness!)

So sit back, feel free to don your berets, grab your mug of coffee and enjoy!

Limerick #1
There once was a dog named Bindi.
Her friends all thought her quite trendy.
So she opened a store,
Where she could sell more
Of all that was chic and stup-indi!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:07:00.005-05:00

*for great vintage graphics be sure to check out Graphics Fairy*

As the song goes...it's time to ring out the old and ring in the new.

2009 has been a difficult year for many. It was no different for us. Being a rather new business we would not be here if it weren't for the support and loyalty of our customers. Also, as some of you know, our brother (Kerry)& son (Stephanie) was diagnosed with cancer and has spent the last several months in treatment. Hopefully, he will be through and cancer free in a couple of months. To all of our customers, fellow business owners and friends who have offered prayers, comfort, support,and understanding we simply cannot thank you enough. God Bless you all!

2010 we hope will prove to be a much better year for everyone. We're terribly excited because it is the Bicentenial of our shop's home, the historic Stetson House. We plan to have many festivities throughout the year in celebration. We also plan on having Cowgirl Fridays and Tiki Thursdays this year (more details coming soon we promise!)

We hope that all of you have a fabulous New Year!
Kerry & Stephanie

Artisan Spotlight: Toni Kelly of Sugar Cookie Dolls

2009-12-11T13:31:00.006-05:00

Today we are featuring one of our favorite artisans in our shop, Toni Kelly of Sugar Cookie Dolls and her fabulous confections!

I started my business shortly after my grandma passed away and I inherited a vast collection of her costume jewelry, fabric, handbags, etc... Using my wonderful memories of my grandmother for inspiration, I began incorporating her belongings into whimsical creations. I named my business Sugar Cookie Dolls in honor of my grandma, Margaret Cooke Milam, aka: Cookie

Toni's Bit of Bliss... when someone tells me that my creations make them feel happy. That encourages me to continue spreading Happy Glittery Goodness to all.

For more insight, please visit my blog

You can also follow Toni on Twitter.

P.S. In honor of Waynesville's Chocolate Extravaganza this weekend, we will be giving away one of Toni's Truffle Fairies. Be sure to stop by before we close at 5pm on Sunday to put your name in!

Vintage Christmas Spotlight: Jello Molds

2009-11-13T14:38:00.005-05:00

Today I thought I would share a few ideas on how you can use vintage Jello molds in your christmas decor. In the picture above you'll see that they make fabulous tea-light holders (or if you're feeling crafty, you can even make them into little candles). They reflect the soft light so well, adding to the coziness of your decor. Plus if you use an electric tea-light, you can nestle them among your garlands and decorations! These round ones also make the perfect ornament holder to showcase a special medium sized (3-4 inch) shiny brite bulb!

Propped on its side, it makes the perfect showcase for little gems like this spun cotton elf ornament...

Or a tiny plastic nativity like this one. You can be creative and make tiny little vignettes of some of your smallest vintage Christmas treasures that might otherwise be lost among your other decorations. Use a little bit of wax or display putty to hold it in place!

They also make a great base for your vintage (or reproduction) bottle-brush trees. Wouldn't it be a sweet way to greet your family and guests to the Christmas brunch with a tree at each place setting with their names attached on a pretty tag? You could nestle some batting, garland or a bit of tinsel at the base to make it even more festive!

Hearth Warming Holidays Vintage Spotlight: Christmas Trees

2009-11-07T11:51:00.005-05:00

We've gotten all sorts of wonderful vintage Christmas goodies in the shop right now and we wanted to share some of them with you. Here are some of our various Christmas trees.

This Christmas tree is the one that took center stage in Mom's childhood Christmasses. It is laden down with all of our vintage handmade and plastic unbreakable ornaments (after all, we do have to crawl under it to plug/unplug the lights!). The tree skirt is a vintage find as are the great funky metal tree stands.

Mom got the inspiration for this display in the December 09 issue of Romantic Homes (such a great magazine!). You can easily replicate the look in your own home with some polyester or cotton batting. We got a huge bag of it down the street at the Fabric Shack. The centerpiece is a FABULOUS gold and white ceramic tree. It has its original red lightbulb which gives it a faint rosy glow. The little plastic bulbs are actually clear candle shapes with gold glitter. This mountainous tree presides over a village of vintage putz-style mica covered cardboard houses.

This great vintage aluminum tree is covered with old handmade beaded ornaments and is kept company by some of our other ceramic trees. It's skirt features feathers! Underneath is a round Christmas tablecloth. On the green patio table are some reproduction creamy bottle brush trees.

The tree on our Stickley Brothers desk is a new piece but we just love the frosted look of the branches. It is decked out with pieces of Steph's Jewels handmade jewelry, made by a talented local lady who uses pieces of vintage jewelry and findings to make great new creations. We've put a lot of our vintage pieces as well as some of our other handcrafted jewels, pocket mirrors and hair accessories around it.

Hearth Warming Holidays Sneak Peek!

2009-11-06T19:41:00.005-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at some of the fabulous vintage baubles we've been busy putting out for our Hearth Warming Holidays Open House which goes on through Sunday. Here we've assembled oodles of beautiful aqua and blue vintage glass ornaments. Don't you just love the old stencilled ones from Shiny Brite or made in Poland?

Here we've got some of our pink vintage ornaments, accented with some of our vintage jewels. We've put some of our pink champagne glasses to good use holding some "baubly"!

Here we've got some of our greens and golds...the old wire basket lends a nice contrast for display.

On our chippy white dresser, we've raided the shop's shelves for pretty compotes and dishes to hold some of our more spectacular ornaments. Those in the hobnail Fenton tidbit (front and center) are unsilvered WWII finds!

New Prissy's Uniques Halloween Wreaths

2009-10-01T17:16:00.007-04:00

Pamela of Prissy's Uniques brought in a couple more adorable Halloween wreaths here at Trendy Bindi's Boutique LLC, which you can see in these pics. Both of these are $35 each.

She hopes to have a couple of her Christmas wreaths in by the Sauerkraut Festival ...can you believe it is next weekend? (Oct. 10 & 11th)

*if you are interested in any of these, just send us an e-mail!

Sale in Honor of Country Living Fair!

2009-09-18T14:36:00.003-04:00

It's that time of the year again...Country Living Magazine's annual Country Living Fair is this weekend at Ohio Village in Columbus, Ohio. That's about 1 1/2 to 2 hours north of Waynesville, Ohio. If you're thinking of coming to Ohio for the fair make a weekend of it and visit Waynesville..the Antiques Capital of the Midwest and also, according to the Haunted Ohio books, the most haunted town in Ohio.

In honor of the fair, we will be taking 10% off everything in the shop. PLUS, if you bring in your Country Living Fair ticket or guide, we'll take an ADDITIONAL 10% off your purchase at Trendy Bindi's Boutique LLC. We are located in the historic Stetson House at 234 S. Main St. Waynesville, OH.

New Prissy's Uniques Fall and Halloween Wreaths Are In!

2009-09-05T13:52:00.008-04:00

Mom and I are so excited to share these new handmade wreaths we got in last night from Prissy's Uniques.

The artist, Pamela, brought in some really beautiful autumn and delightfully fun halloween ones.

In addition to beautiful seasonal wreaths, Prissy's Uniques makes gorgeous shabby floral ones for your cottage home.

*if you are interested in any of these, just send us an e-mail!

End of Summer Reduction on our Motel Chairs

2009-08-19T11:45:00.007-04:00

When we come back from being on vacation, we are going to celebrate the end of summer with an end of summer reduction on our lovely vintage motel bounce and rocking chairs. Instead of $80 each, they will be only $45 each! If you are interested in these you can send us an e-mail. As these are quite heavy, they are available for pick-up only at our shop at 234 S. Main St. Waynesville, Ohio.

Trendy Bindi's Boutique is On Vacation!

2009-08-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you all know that Trendy Bindi's Boutique will be closed until the last week in August as we are on vacation. Can't wait to see all of you then!

New Moondog Cottage and Tole Mountain Goodies Are In!

2009-07-26T14:38:00.005-04:00

The lovely mother/daughter artists Janniev and Sheri of Tole Mountain and Moondog Cottage just brought some new goodies yesterday and we'd thought we'd share them with you! If you're interested in any of them, send us an e-mail. We're always happy to ship here at Trendy Bindi's Boutique. : )

From Fence to Fab

2009-07-24T13:37:00.005-04:00

Our little shop has a darling set of narrow, curving steps to the upstairs which we use for our own storage and personal use and when we were getting ready to open we were at a loss as to how best close off the steps in a cute way from the rest of the shop.

Thankfully, we've got our secret weapon...Dad (0r in Mom's view Hubby). Carol, the former owner of the property generously left us a number of items including a couple of picket fences sections painted a cheerful little yellow. Dad, handy man that he is, took one of these sections and cut it to size. He put a cross-brace in the back, added some hinges and then used a hook and eye closure to secure the gate. He installed on the steps and now we have the sweetest little gate to "our space".

This nifty little fix would be perfect for a set of basement or attic steps that you need just a little something. It would also work nicely if you have a room or two that you don't want your toddler or pet wandering into unsupervised.

Kerry

Artist Spotlight: Tami Kenner

2009-07-07T10:04:00.005-04:00

We have another wonderful artisan which we just had to share with you. She is as lovely as her creations. Tami Kenner is terribly talented and we just love the whimsy and girly touches she adds to everything. She's kindly agreed to show some of her creations below as well as a bit about herself. Be sure to stop by and say hello at her blog!

p.s. Look forward to a later post where we will share some our own personal treasured created by Tami!

Tami at pinkbuttercreme here! I have been designing, painting & crafting for so many years I think I have lost track! I took a tole painting class in the early 80's & quite honestly haven't put my paint brush down since. I have done countless shows, taught painting classes & even owned my own brick and mortar many years ago.

Now I am so content here at home by the Jersey Shore designing & selling my goods on pinkbuttercreme. etsy.

I am currently in the process of making pinkbuttercreme.com a reality where I will sell my little hand painted ornaments for all our favorite holidays.

I am influenced by the color "pink"& the coziness of the cottage style. I feel so inspired in my little studio with bins filled with ribbons, glitter, flowers & unfinished wood shapes ready to take on a whole new life.

Tami's bit of bliss is...baking a batch of jumbo vanilla cupcakes, frosting them with pink buttercream, stacking them on a pretty vintage cake pedestal & surprising someone on their birthday!

Visit me online @.......http://pinkbuttercreme.etsy.com/ and http://www.pinkbuttercreme.blogspot.com/.

Have a wonderful day...with a joy filled heart

Tami

Apparently, We're Fabulous!

2009-07-03T15:04:00.003-04:00

Kathy of Junk Heaven has very sweetly given us the Fabulous Blog Award! We're just so flattered! Be sure to visit her fabulous blog!

We'd love to pass the Fabulous Blog Award along to these deservingly fab blogs!

Southern Girl Florals

and cause we couldn't pick just 5!

Tin Can Cottage

Artist Spotlight: Moondog Cottage

2009-06-23T12:00:00.007-04:00

One day last fall a woman visited our shop wearing the most darling vintage halloween postcard inspired pin. I complimented her on it and she shared that she was the artist. Fortunately for mom and I, when I contacted Sheri Harney this summer she was willing to consign her beautiful Moondog Cottage creations in our shop. I wanted to share her creations with all of you and she has graciously agreed to share a little bit about herself and her creations below. If you have a chance, be sure to visit her open house!
Enjoy!
Kerry

It's really amazing how I started designing jewelry. About 25 years ago I went to a small fair one summer with a friend. She bought me a small pin with a Jack-O-Lantern picture in it. (I love Halloween things!) It was glass on both sides and had a metal "frame" around it. I thought it was just the neatest little thing and tried to find out for years how it was made and finally just gave up. (I still have it!) About two years ago while browsing the internet I came upon some pins like that once again and found out it was actually soldered. So I read all I could on soldering and took a class at a local stained glass shop. After that I took a couple of classes on jewelry making and then started doing my own thing.

I turned a spare bedroom into my "Jewelry Room". Although the rest of my house is usually spotless, this room is always a mess! But somehow looking at piles of jewelry pieces inspires me. Sometimes two pieces will have accidentally landed beside each other and I'll think, "Hey, that looks good together!"

My mother has always been very creative. She has always encouraged me in whatever I've done and helped me in any way she could. I think I got my "creative gene" from her. I've dabbled in almost everything… painting, photography, working with clay, you name it! My husband is pretty encouraging too and sometimes will give me advice on a piece. I'm very lucky!

I love working with antique pieces and find them very inspirational. I always wonder who had them years ago and what that person was like. I've done quite a few pins and necklaces for people using their parent's and grandparent's old photographs. People usually give them as birthday and anniversary gifts. It's always very rewarding when they get back with me and tell me how much the person loved it and what a personal, one of a kind gift it was.

The most exciting thing I have going on right now is getting ready for my second "annual" Moondog Cottage Trunk Show which will be July 18th! The first one was a huge success and I'm really looking forward to this one. We'll have fabulous desserts for everyone while they browse my jewelry which will be displayed on glass cake stands and this year I'm also featuring Janniev's birdhouses and folk art pieces from Tole Mountain . It's advertised in the July and August issues of Romantic Homes and also on my website for anyone who's interested in coming!

Sheri's Bits of Bliss!

Curling up with a good Stephen King novel at night

My friend Sherrie's homemade white cake with white icing

Listening to Garrison Keillor tell a story

Kissing my husband goodnight

Sitting by a roaring fire in the fireplace & watching the snow fall outside

You can come see some of Sheri's Moondog Cottage creations at our shop, Trendy Bindi's Boutique in the Stetson House in Waynesville, OH or by visiting one of these sites below!

http://www.moondogcottage.com/
http://moondogcottage.blogspot.com/
http://ravenslane.blogspot.com/
http://www.moondogcottage.com/Moondog_Blog.html
http://www.moondogcottage.com/Open_House_2009.html

Carousel Organ Association of American Coming to Waynesville, Ohio!

2009-06-19T12:12:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to share this press release with you because it looks like this is going to be a lot of fun!

American Band Organs, European Fairground Organs & Monkey Organs Coming
to Waynesville in August

The weekend of Friday, August 14 –Sunday, August 16 the Carousel Organ Association of American will be coming to Waynesville. On Friday and Saturday, vintage and new organs will be on the grounds of Der Dutchmen Restaurant. Free admission for all would like to attend. During the entire weekend the Monkey Organs and their grinders will be performing along historic Main Street in Waynesville. Shows start at 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm on Friday, 10-5 on Saturday and 12-4 on Sunday. Come out and see these wonderful old and new instruments as they were performed in the early part of the 1900’s in such places as ice rinks, dance halls or carousels. The Carousel Organ Association of American is dedicated to the preservation and demonstration of the American Carousel Organs, large European Fairground Organs and all types of Monkey Organs. For more information on Waynesville and their events visit www.waynesvilleohio.com or call 513-897-8855.

Bits of Bliss: Come to a Garden Party!

2009-06-18T15:15:00.004-04:00

From the sign across in this picture, we have Diana Knowlton, Marilyn Foskuhl, Nikki Taylor, Toni Bailey and Loretta Liesch giving you a preview of the hat show!

You're invited to a garden party!

Today we had wonderful lunch with some lovely ladies at the Hammel House here in Waynesville. These ladies are members of a women's group at the Greenmont-Oakpark Community Church in Kettering, OH called WINGS, short for Women in God's Service.

They have very graciously invited us to participate in their annual garden party, which will be held August 15, 2009. They will be having a fashion show with our vintage hats and their tables will be quite lovely covered in some of our vintage tablecloths.

If you attend this elegant affair, you will have the opportunity to purchase any of our items on display and 10% will go back to the ladies to help them raise money for their group. In addition to the fashion show, there will also be delicious food and drawings!

If you are interested in more information on this event please call Nikki Taylor at 1-937-427-1774.

Today's Bit of Bliss: Our First Blog Award!

2009-06-10T15:36:00.003-04:00

StunningAnnaK (stop by her blog) has very sweetly awarded us the Lovely Blog Award, our very first award for our blog! We are terribly excited about this (thrilled really!) and will be passing this along to 10 other worthy bloggers! (These are in no particular order)

Fairy Dust Dreams

Anna's Trunk

Sugar Cookie Dolls

Vintage Roadside

Moondog Cottage

Black Feather Farm

Counting Your Blessings

A Field Journal

Pink Butter Creme

My So Called Junky Life

One Lovely Blog Award Rules of Blog Award Acceptance:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

My Favorite Thing in the Store

2009-05-29T12:02:00.005-04:00

This vintage aqua wrought iron table and chairs set is my favorite thing in the store. Doesn't look like something that Doris Day would have in one of her movies? It is just so much fun. I just love everything about this set--the color, its unusual design. Wouldn't it be fun to set a small garden statue or something in the "cage" base of the table. Flowers or tiny lights could be twined in the "loops."

It sat in my garage for a long time before I brought it down to the store. I really wanted to move it into my breakfast room, but my husband doesn't love it like I do. I was a tough decision, but I decided that I keep the husband and bring the table set to the store so that someone else could love it as much as I do. In all fairness, we need five chairs if all of us are eating at home in the breakfast room and I have another set outside, but I really could picture this set in my beach house that I am going to have someday.

Aside from this table, I actually have been buying vintage goodies, when I run into them, that would be perfect for my future beach house. I figure if God put them in my path, then He will eventually provide the means to buy the beach house. I was a Girl Scout and the motto was Be Prepared. Am I the only one out there that is preparing for a future dream home that may or may not come about? If I never get the beach house, I still have some wonderful items that I can decorate with and remind me of the beach and make me smile. Decorating vintage is not only romantic but fun and happy too and is just another little beit of bliss.

Book Review of The Khaki Girls of the Motor Corps

2009-05-13T13:19:00.002-04:00

I just love children's books, especially vintage ones. So when we get new ones in I just have to read some of them. I want to share with you a great girl's series from WWI that I read.
"The Khaki Girls of the Motor Corps (of Finding Their Place in the Big War)" by Edna Brooks, copyright 1918
The book's heroine is a spirited teenager, named Joan Mason, who is the only child of a weathy widower. She loves cars and owns one, which she keeps running by performing all the mechanics on it. She wants to join the Ambulance Corps and drive her own ambulance in France. Her father, of course, is opposed to this; however, she manages to wiggle a promise from him that if she proves herself, he will let her go.
She joins the Motor Corps, a women's extension of the army, whose purpose to train for the Ambulance Corps. They are used to drive army officers around. In the meanwhile, they are given alot of training in first aid and mechanics. In order to be sent to France and made a member of the Ambulance Corp, a girl must first complete all the training and she must buy her own ambulance to take with her.
Joan is a lively girl, fighting the social expectations of the day in order to do something worthwhile. The book documents her adventures in her quest to become a responsible adult doing what she loves to do. She confronts terrorists and prejudice with perseverance and determination.
This is a great story with lots of little details of the social culture and everyday life during WWI for the people back home. There is a second book in the series which I don't have called "The Khaki Girls Behind the Lines (or Driving with the Ambulance Corps)."
If you would love to have this great book, contact us, as it is in our shop.

Pay It Forward Giveaway...

2009-05-03T12:41:00.000-04:00

***Due to shipping this giveaway is open to US addresses only. It begins today, May 3rd and runs through Mother's Day, Sunday May 10th 11:59 p.m. EST***

Here are the Rules:
1. To automatically win, be one of the first three bloggers to "follow" my blog and leave a comment at the end of this post, which entitles you to a handmade tussie mussie (pictured above). If three or more people have beaten you to it don't worry. I am mixing things up a little. There will be a fourth winner who will be randomly picked from all the rest who have posted a comment and followed my blog.

2. Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift for the first three bloggers who "follow" you and leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!

3. The gift you send can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!

4. When you receive your gift, feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate Linky Love

5. If you are not one of the Top Three or the wild card 4th winner to comment on this post or win the drawing, you can still play along. Please start your own 'Pay It Forward chain', and encourage your blogging friends to do the same.

And, I would be most pleased if you could just join in the fun!!

Leave your comments now!! And remember to include your email address so that I will be able to contact you!!

Artist Spotlight: Southern Girl Florals

2009-05-02T14:31:00.004-04:00

I was fortunate enough to win one of Southern Girl Floral's hair clips on her PIF giveaway on her blog. I just got it in a couple of days ago and it is just gorgeous. I wanted to share her creations with all of you and she has graciously agreed to share a little bit about herself and her creations below. Enjoy!

Kerry

My name is Lindsay and I live in South Texas. I design floral wreaths, arrangements and hair accessories. I love working with beautiful silk flowers and colorful ribbon. I find inspiration for my designs through many different venues – the flowers themselves, nature, and different color combinations tend to spark inspiration in me. Also, my Mom is a very crafty person; I get my creativity from her. She is probably my biggest influence and inspiration. I remember when we used to make Christmas wreaths with my Grandma. I loved helping Mom put all of the ornaments on the wreaths – that is where it all began. I started creating wreaths and arrangements for family and friends about six years ago and I started selling my creations last year. I have also started a new venture in floral hair accessories. They are quickly becoming some of my favorite pieces. I do have a “real” job in the “real” world, but I truly enjoy my little creative outlet! I absolutely love creating custom orders! They always turn out to be some of my favorite pieces!

My Bit of Bliss would have to be the Twilight series! I know, I know – I was fighting the fad for the longest time until my brother started reading the series and told me that they were the best books he had ever read! I thought if they appealed to a guy (and not just boy crazy teenage girls) then they must be good! I’m totally hooked!

Etsy shop: http://www.SouthernGirlFlorals.etsy.com

Blog: http://www.SouthernGirlFlorals.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SouthernFlorals

Second Sunday Stroll ATC Swap?

2009-04-30T13:01:00.002-04:00

During the summer months, there is a art show called Second Sunday Stroll held the second sunday of every month May though September in the town where we have our bricks and mortar shop, Waynesville, Ohio.

The organizers would like to hold an ATC exchange in conjunction as a part of this but we need to know if people would be interested in doing this.

Anyone would be able to come and trade cards and if you wanted to sell your ACEOs or other art at the show you can get more information on participating as an artist at www.secondsundaystroll.com

This could be a good way to promote your business, network and get exposure as an artist. I think it could be a lot of fun and be a great chance to trade and add to your collection as a collector or learn more about ACEOs and ATCs.

They would also like to possibly have a booth where you can learn to make an ATC/ACEO and possiby be able to purchase some goodies to play with at home.

Is anyone interested in coming to an event like that? If possible it would be held each Second Sunday date. Leave me a comment and let me know if this would be something you would come to!

Thanks!

Eat Green!

2009-04-22T18:55:00.000-04:00

Pack your own lunch in re-useable totes and containers. Here are a few cute finds from Etsy:

From MyIttyBitty

From Country Life Naturals

From Blended Splendid

From ChezSucreChez

From Cotton Top Quilts

From Ever Improving Me

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T17:58:00.004-04:00

Being green is very important to Mom and me. One reason that we love the vintage goodies that we sell at Trendy Bindi's Boutique is because by using and loving them, we aren't adding to our carbon footprint. In celebration of Earth Day, we'd like to share some of our favorite tips and finds to help you stay green.

When mowing down at the shop, we use an old Smith and Hawken reel push mower. If your yard isn't too big it is a great green option for lawn maintenance. It's powered by you so you don't have to pay for gas or worry about pollution. You can also burn off some calories! We've had the same mower since I was little and it is working just fine 20 years later. Smith and Hawken no longer makes one but their parent company Scotts does.

You can find this here

Another thing that makes such a huge difference to the health of the planet as well as your own is to grow your own fruit and veggies. If you can't grow your own produce buy local organic. Fresher and often richer in nutrients, local produce also uses much less energy to put on your plate because it doesn't have to be shipped, flown or trucked in to your local supermarkets.

For some great information on gardening visit one of these great sites on Victory Gardens:
Victory Garden on PBS
and
Revive Victory Gardens

To find a local farmers market try one of these sites:
Local Harvest
and
Farmers Market Dot Com

Blissful Reading: A Well-Kept Home

2009-04-21T19:31:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had a book decide to come home with you? I have. A couple of weeks ago I was visiting my wonderful local library, heading over to the mystery section to find a good cozy when this book seemed to leap at me from the shelf as I passed. I am quite happy that it did. A Well-Kept Home: Household Traditions and Simple Secrets from a French Grandmother by Laura Fronty and Yves Duronsky is a beautiful book featuring simply elegant photography by Yves Duronsky.

Buy this at Barnes and Nobles!

This book has five basic sections that cover food, home maintenance, caring for linens, beauty & healthcare and gardening with the age old wisdom gleaned from the author's French grandmothers. There is also a handy little index at the back that lists handy uses for, say, garlic or irises.

This book really captures the cottage lifestyle by sharing the wisdom of our fore-mothers and sharing greener, thriftier and more effective ways to care for ourselves and our homes.

I hate to take my copy back to the library--I'll just have to buy my own!

Kerry

Blue Blog Party!

2009-04-16T12:16:00.004-04:00

I am very excited to be joining the lovely Etsy Cottage Style Ning Ladies in their Blue Blog Party! This is my very first blog party to boot!

http://etsycottagestyle.blogspot.com/2009/04/blue-blog-party.html

I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite blue finds:

Don't you just love this sweet netted blue vintage hat? Clara Estelle wears it so well don't you think?

Technically, this gossip bench started out with this nasty gold corduroy upholstery but a quick trip up the street to the fabric shack and a few minutes with scissors and a staple gun soon fixed that!

This little geisha girl just begged to come home with me. She is going to have a special spot on my tree next year.

Aren't the graphics great on these?

This darling find is actually part of a pair. You can see her with her sister, dressed in yellow, in our b&m shop and in our etsy shop.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at some of our blue finds. I'm going to go and check out some of my fellow hostesses' blue offerings now!
Kerry

Waynesville Days

2009-04-15T19:33:00.003-04:00

I know that it seems a ways off but July is creeping up on us and before you know it, Waynesville Days will be here! Carol, a good friend and wonderful owner of Waynesville's Red Barn General Store (where you can find all sorts of yummy foods, including the Country Living line, beautiful glassware, and much much more) has been working very hard and has just posted the official Waynesville Days website. Not only can you learn more about this weeklong old-fashioned patriotic small town celebration, you can also take a peek at some the great material from turn of the century Waynesville Homecomings.
http://www.waynesvilledays.com/

You can also visit the Red Barn General Store Here

Call For Artists!

2009-04-09T14:14:00.002-04:00

Second Sunday Stroll...Waynesville, Ohio Press Release

Second Sunday Stroll Committee Announces
Call for artists Waynesville, Ohio Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - Starting Sunday, May 10th, and running through September 13th,
Waynesville Merchants Association will again host a monthly art event known as Second Sunday Stroll. Local visual and performing artists including painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, photographers, musicians, dancers, singers and magicians are invited to participate. Individuals will be set up along the length of the Main Street historical district and on one block of High Street. All visual arts must be original and made by the artists themselves.
The artists must send samples of their art by regular mail or
electronically to the Stroll Committee for approval. Visual artists will be
permitted to sell their work as well as demonstrate their talents. Sign
up for one Stroll or plan to attend all the monthly Sunday events. The
Stroll Committee will have the final approval of all artists and art.

Artists will be required to pay a promotional fee of $15 per month
which will be used for advertising to promote the art event. There will be
a discounted Summer Pass available for $50 if paid by May 10th. This
pass will register the artist for the whole summer at a savings of $25.

Performing artists may include soloists or small groups who sing,
dance, play musical instruments, or present mini dramas. All performing
artists will be working for tips and CD sales will be permitted as well.
Again, artists must send samples of their work by regular mail or
electronically to the Stroll Committee for approval. Performing artists
are not required to pay any promotional fees.

2009 is our third year to host this event and we are welcoming
supporting guilds and galleries to the event again this year. Any artist
guild, cooperative or gallery who would like to offer support to this art
event would be greatly appreciated. For details about how your guild or
gallery can become recognized for any of the dates in 2009, please
contact info@secondsundaystroll.com or visit our website for more details.

The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars
to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural
enrichment for all Ohioans. Other sponsors include the Canada Goose Gallery
featuring the works of P. Buckley Moss, the Waynesville Area Chamber of
Commerce and several other Waynesville merchants.

The dates for the Second Sunday Stroll are May 10th, June 14th, July
12th, August 9th and September 13th from noon to 5pm. For more
information or to submit your artwork and register for any or all events, please
email info@secondsundaystroll.com or send US Mail to Carol Vacca, P.O. Box 743, Waynesville, Oh 45068 or call Carol at 513-897-3885

www.secondsundaystroll.com

Cupid is Back on ABC!

2009-04-01T15:56:00.005-04:00

Back in the '98-'99 season, there was a delightful little show called Cupid which was sweet, funny and charming. Unfortunately it only lasted a little over a dozen episodes before being axed. Some attribute it to its time slot, but Mom and I both think that part of its problem was that it was too far ahead of the curve. The whimsical mixture of romance, comedy, and mythology was just too new.

ABC is the now the home of such delights as Pushing Daisies and Ugly Betty which share Cupid's sweetness. I think it is due to the success of these shows that the powers that be have decided that it is the perfect time to bring Cupid back.

It premiered last night at 10 p.m. EST and was delightful! It stars Tony Award winner Bobby Cannavale as Trevor Pierce or Cupid, Rick Gomez as Felix Araiza, Camille Guaty as Lita Araiza and Sarah Paulson as Dr. Claire McCrae. She is one of my favorite actresses and you might recognize her from Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, What Women Want and Down With Love, among others.

If you missed the first episode, you can watch it online at ABC HERE

You can be sure that we'll be tuning in for the future episodes!

*Be sure to keep an eye on Trevor's shirts, they all are related to love. Last night he was wearing a Virginia is for Lovers shirt and another with the silhouette of the Taj Mahal on it. Such subtle touches really add to the charm of this show.

These Vintage Motel Chairs Are Ready To Bounce Back!

2009-03-28T13:28:00.002-04:00

In hopes of sunnier days ahead, we are starting to put out all of our vintage patio and garden finds. These include some wonderful vintage motel chairs. The two green ones are actually rockers and the third one is a bounce chair. It is also marked with what I believe is an "R" with a circle stamped in the metal. (Does anyone know what maker that stands for? We've hunted on the internet but haven't found anything just yet.) These are so roomy and comfortable and bring to mind warmer days spent sipping lemonade while enjoying the comfort of the sun.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T15:13:00.003-04:00

I can't help it. Right now I am so excited that spring is sooo close. St. Patrick's Day really seems to make it seem even closer. I thought I would share with you some of my little baby plants to show you how far they've come!

First, here is my first batch of little veggies. The peppers haven't really started yet but you can see that the spinach, lettuce and tomatoes are really coming along.

Here is a picture of some baby snap dragons. If you are wondering what that planter is, I took a 24 can cardboard box and cut it in half. I then inserted one half inside the other and lined it with newspaper. I then loaded it up with some Miracle Grow Organic potting soil (I have just discovered this and I LOVE it!) and voila! a cheap and crafty planter which saves your money for something a little more fun, like that vintage tablecloth you've been wanting. As you can see, the little snapdragons seem to be liking this just fine.

Here are some of my crocuses which are just adoring the wonderful weather which we've been having. Fortunately, the squirrels don't seem to have found all of my purple ones yet!

We Have a Crocus!

2009-03-12T16:45:00.003-04:00

I took this picture a couple of days ago and wanted to share it with everyone here. It is our very first crocus of the year. This little baby just popped right up out of nowhere. Since I took the pic, it has been joined by a whole bunch of siblings!

We Have A Giveaway Winner!

2009-03-08T13:56:00.003-04:00

Thank you to all of you who participated in our giveaway, we really appreciate all of your input in our survey. I wrote everyone's IDs on slips of paper, folded them up and put them in a bowl, mixing them up really well. Mom then, with eyes closed, drew a slip from the bowl, unfolded it and revealed that Gretchen M90 has won. Gretchen M90 has won this lovely giftset full of scrumptious A Prickly Pair toiletries.

It's Time to Start Gardening!

2009-03-06T13:26:00.004-05:00

I am so excited! I think it was about a week or so ago that Mom and I had been out doing some errands together when we noticed that the first of the seed packets had already come in. We bought a bunch, I think about 19 or so at only 20 cents a packet! We also got some potting soil. A bunch of veggies and then some flowers too. Last night I sowed the first of the veggies, those that can be started early indoors. I've had everybody saving their cardboard egg-cartons since sometime after Christmas and I put them to good use. They are so easy to make into planters, especially if you follow my directions below. I like to use the vintage cabinet in front of our breakfast room window to start the seeds because they seem to do best there. But any suitably sunny spot will do.

First, I cut the lids off and used them as saucers for the egg toting halves.

Then using an old large measuring spoon I scooped soil into the individual egg compartments. You don't want too much because it will spill out all over the place!

For right now I marked in permanent marker the names of the plants I was starting on the carton lid saucers, but I will go back later and put a name stake in (I forget where I read this, but someone had suggested using plastic knives as stakes, just write the name on in permanent marker on the handle and stick the blade down. They are especially nice if the blade is serrated as it really catches the ground. You can transplant this stake at the same time you do the plants.)

Then you put one seed in each compartment, and using an old pencil or a bamboo skewer, gently nudge the seed beneath the soil, according to the directions on the seed packet.

I like to keep one variety of seeds in each carton just because it is a lot easier to keep track of your plants.

If you really want to maximize the space you can split cartons down the middle to fit on your window sills.

***Remember to put a liner of some sort under your plants. You don't want to have to refinish or paint later!***

Water as directed!

Right now, I am on the border of zones 4 and 5 so I started my tomatoes, spinach, lettuce and peppers. I am hoping to start some snapdragons soon too.

Gardening is so rewarding in and of itself because you get to literally reap your own rewards for the labor that you put forth. Not to mention there is something almost magical watching the seeds grow into something you can eat, or in the case of flowers, enjoy for their beauty. However, in these times, gardening is a great way to be environmentally friendly and frugal.

For just a few dollars at the outset I will be able save a considerable amount at the grocery store from the spring through the fall.

Sale!

2009-03-05T20:11:00.003-05:00

We are having a sale through this weekend in honor of Louisa Stetson Larrick's birthday. She lived in our house during the mid-nineteenth century and was the sister of John Stetson, (yes the cowboy hat Stetson). Our shop's building is actually known locally as the Stetson House.

For this sale, we are taking 25% off of all jewelry and toiletries in our bricks and mortar shop and 25% off all jewelry in our Etsy shop. So be sure to stop by!

The Little Things in Life Count

2009-03-04T01:52:00.005-05:00

I have posed this question to several people, and often pondered upon it: Why do we go through such big bad things, such as death, illness, money problems, etc. and the good things are usually so small in comparison, such as seeing a flower bloom, enjoying a quiet afternoon reading on the porch, watching the waves break on the shore? It seems that the good things should be as big as the bad things and we should win the lottery, or get a great paying job, etc. If it seems that I sometime argue with God about this, I do.

But yesterday, I had an epiphany. My family and I have had to deal with the illness of my father and I am an only child so there is no siblings to help share the load with my mother, just me. The store is only two years old, the winter has not be conducive to shopping in a place where you walk outside from store to store, and the economy is having its problems. We have a house near the campus where my children have gone to college that we bought so that they could live there after their freshman years on campus (I wanted them to have a campus experience)and our youngest has been so involved in his college life that he has not lived in the house. Our last renters ended up in jail and left the place a mess and owing a great deal of back rent. We have not been able to rent it or sell it yet, but the mortgage and utilities still have to be paid.

Now, you may wonder why I am telling you this personal information. It is because these are big things that have been stressing myself and my family. As far as stress goes, I have felt very much at my limit lately. The nearly last straw was getting a notice to serve jury duty (my husband had been called up last month the same day our dog died) and this was not the first time. Right now, with my father, I really can't plan my days because I never know if he is going to need to need to be hospitalized (twice in the last three months) or if I am going to need to go to the doctor's with my parents at the last moment, so jury duty seems like the last thing I need.

But yesterday gave me a reprieve from the stress. Kerry and I made two good sales that totaled $100. My dad agreed to go to cardiac rehab for reconditioning and has been eating and taking liquids more which had been a real issue. Kerry and I are potentially going to receive help for our store's marketing from an unexpected source. Just little bits of good news but they really made me happier than I have been in some time. That's when I realized that it is a gift that God gives us--to be so happy about little things and that those little things can sometimes balance out the big bad things, or at the very least make them bearable.

There are really so many more little good things out there than big bad ones and while they may not make the bad things go away, they are God's way of helping us cope and one of his gifts to us is the ability to make each of the little good things alone give us so much pleasure that it takes a really big bad thing to mar it. In other words, on the scale of life, the pleasure in one small good thing is portionally greater that the sorrow of one big bad thing. We can't all be rich in material goods but we can all be rich in the ability to enjoy the small bits of bliss that come our way.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2009-03-01T20:03:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note, we celebrated Grandma's birthday last night. We had a lovely evening with everyone gathered together. It was so lovely to be to be able to have the boys and have the family together. Happy birthday Grandma!

Our Very First Giveaway!

2009-03-01T13:04:00.006-05:00

We have decided it is high-time for us to have a giveaway here on our blog. If you participate in the following survey you will be entered in a chance to win this lovely A Prickly Pair toiletries giftset. This giftset includes a lavender-vanilla scented, rose-shaped soap paired with a Royal Albert "The Ancestrial Series" Saucer. As well as a matching lavender-vanilla scented, rose-shaped solid lotion in a pink floral giftbox and a lavender-vanilla room spray.

These A Prickly Pair toiletries are made by a local mother/daughter team right here in Ohio and we are very proud to be able to offer them to our customers in our bricks and mortar shop.

If you would like to be entered into the drawing for this giftset all you need to do is leave us a comment with your answers to the following survey questions between now and 12:00 A.M. EST Sunday, March 8, 2009. We will then write out an entry slip for each person who comments and will put them in a bowl, shake it around and pull out the winner.

We will then contact the winner through their blogger account to get all the pertinent shipping details. If we have not gotten a response within a week, we reserve the right to hold another drawing.

Here's the survey:

Question #1:
Do you shop in small towns and if so how many times a year?

Question #2:
If yes, how do you find the small towns to visit? I.E. Word of Mouth, Magazines, Internet etc...

Question #3:
About how much would you say you typically spend in a given trip?

Question #4:
Do you prefer day trips or overnight getaways?

Question #5:
Do you visit with your significant other, friends, family or do you prefer to shop alone?

Question #6:
If you do prefer an overnight getaway what sort of packages appeal to you?

Question #7:
What are important draws for you for visiting a small town? I.E. Historical sites, shopping, eating, entertainment, nature etc...

Question #8:
When shopping in a small town what do you look for?

Question #9:
What sorts of shops catch your eye and your attention enough that you are likely to go inside and shop and what turns you off?

Question #10
At the end of the day, what sorts of things are you likely to be bringing home with you?

Thank you! We can't wait to hear what all of you have to say!

David Schock of University of Dayton Finds Long Lost Martin Luther King Tape

2009-02-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

David Schock from the family alma mater, the University of Dayton, was doing a documentary about UD's poet Dr. Martin,
who does a mean one-man show of Paul Lawrence Dunbar's poetry, when he stumbled across a tape from November 28th, 1964 when Martin Luther King Jr. came to speak at the University of Dayton in their Fieldhouse.

For more information and to listen to the actual speech, you can visit the article at the Dayton Daily News Website

Masterpiece Theatre Classics: Oliver Twist

2009-02-25T14:11:00.000-05:00

We are PBS junkies in our household, and Masterpiece Theatre productions particularly the Mystery! and Classics are our favorites. The talent that goes into these productions always shows and we love to get drawn into them.

On the past two Sunday evenings, the first and second halves of Oliver Twist were shown. This latest adaptation of Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist is the best that I have seen and is my very favorite.

The acting in this production is just wonderful and the setting and costumes are what we have come to expect from the very best Masterpiece productions. I think the highest compliment that can be payed to the actors is that, with the exception of the true villains, those at the workhouse and the undertaker's and of course Edward, a real sympathy was created for the characters. In particular, Timothy Spall (Fagin), Sophie Okonedo (Nancy), Adam Arnold (the Artful Dodger) and Tom Hardy (an actually sympathetic Bill Sykes) excelled in their portrayals. You might very well recognize Timothy Spall as he was Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter.

If you missed out, you are in luck because for a limited time you can watch Oliver Twist on the Masterpiece website here

*as a little note of local interest, Dickens stayed here locally at the Golden Lamb in Lebanon and it is rumored that he, or Mark Twain, or both (at separate times of course!) stayed at a house that was once an inn right here in Waynesville, Ohio!

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all!

2009-02-24T12:47:00.003-05:00

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is here! According to Catholic tradition, Fat Tuesday is celebrated the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. While most of us today don't eat meat on Fridays throughout Lent, try to give up something and/or try to do something to benefit others on a daily basis, and fast on a handful of days, in the past and in very "orthodox" Catholic families the fasting aspect is much stricter.

Fat Tuesday originated as an opportunity to clear the larder out of tempting indulgent foods and have one last shebang before the solemnity of Lent. Obviously, Mardi Gras has definitely evolved and grown over the years, especially in the town synonimous with Mardi Gras--New Orleans.

We are a little more traditional in my family. Every year for Mardi Gras, Dad makes us a big weekend breakfast spread with the all-important pancakes for dinner. (He is quite the cook...part of the reason Mom married him!) It is simple but delicious and filling which is important because the first day of fasting is tomorrow.

If you would like to make your own breakfast Mardi Gras Dinner you can find all sorts of Brunch recipes here!

Happy 75th Grandad!

2009-02-23T11:45:00.004-05:00

This weekend was my Granddad's (Mom's Dad) 75th birthday! We closed up shop yesterday and headed on out to my grandparents' home in the country to celebrate. My older brother was unfortunately unable to come because of work but my younger brother was able to get away from campus in the evening and joined us. Given that he has such an intense schedule and is involved in so many things we don't get to see as much of him as we would like and were thrilled to see him. We had brought his English Springer, Gabby, with us and she, in particular, was in alt that she was getting to see "her boy".

It was a lovely, laid back evening of t.v., pizza (the birthday boy's choice) and cake that Mom had made. Granddad has not been in the best of health the last few months. About four weeks ago, just before our beloved Aussie terrier mix Oreo passed away, he went into the hospital and ended up staying just shy of three weeks. He is doing better but he is still very weak and not doing as well as we would all like. It was wonderful that he was able to be up with us to celebrate this milestone. We are all praying that by this time next year he will be able to get out and about to make a day of his birthday and any prayers that you have to spare would be greatly appreciated.

Next week it is Grandma's turn. As she is a southern lady born and bred, hailing from Kentucky, I will not say what year she will be celebrating, it will suffice to say that she is the younger of the two!

Kerry

Librarian Quarantines Books due to CPSIA

2009-02-21T14:08:00.004-05:00

Well here is one librarian who is actually following the law with regards to the CPSIA with the result that over a thousand children's books are no longer allowed to be borrowed from the library. Click here to read the article.

On a lighter note, here is a link to a really funny and thought provoking CPSIA story written in the style of Dr. Seuss.

Spring is Coming

2009-02-21T13:04:00.003-05:00

These last few days of February are sometimes hard to get through because we look so forward to Spring. But now is the time to think about the garden that you are going to plant, maybe get the seeds and actually start the plants. Kerry is looking forward to doing just that and we will be starting the seedlings this next week. She likes to use cardboard eggcartons because they are frugal, biodegradable and the perfect size. She (and my mother) have been hoarding them back so she'll have an ample supply. This year she is looking forward to finding some heirloom vegetable seeds appropriate to southwestern Ohio, especially for hardy, forgiving varieties. Starting the seeds early indoors, helps to bring a little Spring into our lives a little sooner than waiting for Mother Nature. Sowing the seeds of bliss, you might say which we will enjoy throughout the rest of the spring and summer.

Soon there will be bouquets and planters full of early blooms from nursery bulbs. If you can afford it, buy one to cheer yourself up during these last dreary days of winter. I like to buy a small planter and then I plant the bulbs myself. I always go outside at this time of year to see if my bulbs have started peeking out of the ground. I get so excited when I see their little green shoots. I know that Spring is just around the corner. I expect to start seeing them anytime now. It is time to check out gardening books out of the library. Even if you don't garden, they are so lovely to look at and dream over. Reading them, or in my case, just looking at the pictures and reading the captions under them, is like a mini vacation in the winter. Another little bit of bliss.

Clara Estelle Wanted to Play Dress Up....

2009-02-15T13:33:00.013-05:00

Unfortunately, she just didn't have the figure for these great vintage dresses!

Buy this pink dress on Etsy!

Buy this vintage pink Jeunesse New York dress on Etsy

Buy this Jack Clarke Irish Tailored Suit on Etsy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T12:26:00.006-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, we thought we would share some of our vintage valentines with you!

(and what Valentine's Day in the Dayton area would be complete without some Esther Price dark chocolate hearts? YUMMMMMM!)

Blissful Reading Fabulous Fakes: A Passion for Vintage Costume Jewelry

2009-02-13T13:48:00.009-05:00

Mom and I have decided that we would like to start something new here on our blog. Beginning with this post we are going to share with you some of the books that we have looked at or read and enjoyed. These may be novels, collectible guides or decorating inspirations...whatever catches our fancy! These posts will be called Blissful Reading, in keeping with our wish to share Bits of Bliss with all of you!

The book that I am sharing with you today is by Carole Tanenbaum and is called Fabulous Fakes: A Passion for Vintage Costume Jewelry. It is illustrated throughout with truly scrumptious shots of the jewelry by Puzant Apkarian.

Buy this on Amazon!

This is a lovely survey of the topic, spanning the last one hundred years in costume jewelry. In this book, Tanenbaum takes you from the Victorian and Art Nouveau movements to modern pieces of the 21st century. In the beginning of each chapter, she introduces the period with background information on the world at that time and highlights the important aspects and characteristics of the period as well as its defining artisans. Throughout, she has picked fantastic pieces to illustrate each era and style and Apkarian has captured them in equally fantastic shots. If you have ever tried to photograph a piece of jewelry you will certainly appreciate his skill.

While I would not recommend this as the sole piece of reference for a serious collector of a particular period, Mom and I do heartily recommend it to anyone who is fascinated by this subject and appreciates beautiful things. This is a beginning point in your reference library on the subject and is a lovely read as well. This book is equally at home on your shelves or your table and can be a real pick-me-up read (or browse) on a dreary day.

Clara Estelle Plays Dress Up

2009-02-11T13:16:00.000-05:00

Clara Estelle has been at it again! Here are a few pics...Enjoy!

Clara Estelle's New Looks

2009-02-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

Well we've gotten a number of hats in the shop and Clara Estelle just couldn't help herself, she just had to try them on! We thought we would share some pictures with you. Doesn't she just look so lovel? She is always quite the lady and so fashionable as I am sure you will agree!

Judging a Book by Its Cover

2009-02-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

You know old adages often have a lot of wisdom behind them, especially the ever-popular "don't judge a book by its cover". There are many wonderful books out there that maybe don't look like much but once you've opened it up and begun reading you are just hooked. Others lure you in with a great picture, font or graphics and you wish there was a way to demand a refund of your time from the author. Sometimes, however a cover is just so great that even if the inside turns out less than you had hoped you would still be pleased just by the pleasure you get from looking at it.

These books, though I have not yet read them, bring me pleasure whenever I look at them in the shop because of their great covers and frontpieces, so I thought that I would share them with you!

CPSIA and Trendy Bindi's Boutique

2009-01-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

In order to be compliant with the new regulations, Trendy Bindi's Boutique will no longer be able to offer any of our handcrafted baby or children's items. The artisans that we work with create adorable one of a kind items, often with vintage components, like the tablecloth dresses or pillowcase dresses. We will no longer be able to sell our sweet booties. Additionally, the popular line of baby and toddler apparel, hand-embroidered with designs from vintage transfers, will no longer be available.

These and our other handcrafted children's items will be taken from the shelves before we open for business on February 10th. Due to the one of a kind nature of these items and the fact that these artisans are small business cottage industry entrepreneurs they can no longer afford to remain in the business of creating handcrafted items for children under 13.

All other items in our shop are either handcrafted or vintage collectibles intended for adult use only. We will not knowingly be able to sell to anyone under 13 years of age or to someone who intends to give any of our merchandise to a child. If you should purchase something and give it to a child under 13 please be aware that you accept all legal ramifications. We accept no responsibility. If necessary, children under 13 will no longer be allowed in our shop.

This is not something that we wish to do, however this is something that we must do in order to be above board and compliant with the new CPSIA regulations. We really hate to do this because one of the greatest joys of owning our shop has been being able to help introduce the next generation to beautiful handcrafted and vintage items, helping a child pick out a gift for a parent or their own special treasures. Sadly, we will no longer be able to help you create that cottagey haven in your nurseries.

For more information on the CPSIA please look at our earlier postings.

The CPSIA Regulations and How it Affects YOU!

2009-01-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

We here at Trendy Bindi's Boutique LLC are proud to be taking part in a national day of blogging to spread the word about the impending CPSIA regulations. Many thanks to Chichibouilie (blog)and Winklepots (blog)for their time and effort putting this together. They like so many others are being deeply affected by this law. If you are here reading this you are most likely will be affected in some way or another as well.

CPSIA and YOU!!!
As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

CPSIA Ramifications

2009-01-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

For all of you who are returning friends here at Trendy Bindi's, you know that we stress finding the simple pleasures out of life, the inspirations, and trying to help you create your own little nest or cocoon that brings you peace and bliss. Unfortunately, there are times when the world steps in and you must step up, and speak out. Mom and I hate to appear to bring politics into this however in February things are going to drastically change for the American populace and its small businesses as well as many other aspects of American Life.

Many of you are aware of the digital conversion which is looming ahead. You have been reminded daily on television and through various news sources. What you probably are not aware of is that at about the same time the Consumer Protection Agency's new law concerning children's products is taking effect. This law, the CPSIA, requires testing for ANY ITEM that a child TWELVE or under could use. While this means that all toys must be tested for lead and phthalates, including american-made artisan crafts, at high expense, it also means that ANYTHING a 12-year old could potentially use is subject to this law.

This is also retro-active so millions of tons of goods are going to go to the landfills, especially since thrift stores and retailers, while not responsible for testing items, still cannot carry anything that hasn't been tested. Which nothing on the shelves anywhere has even had the Certifiers available to certify. Many small businesses are closing their doors. We will be having to take our adorable, handcrafted baby and child goods off the shelves. Even though I am sure that a child could never be hurt by a tablecloth dress or a pure cotton embroidered onesie. This at a time when the economy is already in less than desirable standing.

The effects of this law are so far reaching that the ALA is considering banning anyone under the age of 12 from libraries and disposing of their children's books. There is also vast concern about schools. You can read more at this article http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1573

We are as concerned as anyone about the safety of children however, this 60+ page law is so vague and detrimental that it is going to do far more harm than good. Its effects could be quite devestating and there is so little awareness, and so little effort on the part of the government to inform the public on this issue. Think about it, on February 10th, if you run out of diapers for your baby, you are going to be out of luck. Your child needs to get a book for a report? Tough. The only ones who can change this law are members of Congress since they voted it in in the first place. If you are so inclined, write or call your representatives and others in Washington.

You can see the law here
Etsy also has a whole section devoted to this on their forums which you can visit here.

Out with the Old and In with the New

2009-01-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

In addition to doing inventory (yuck!) and all the other not fun, business aspects of business this time of year, mom and I have been busy marking down items for the back room to make room for some of our "new finds" and rearranging our displays in our shop, as we put out some of our vintage Valentine's Day, Easter and Springtime finds. Here is a peek at what is in store for you at our shop right now:

Oreo

2009-01-18T14:38:00.000-05:00

We just found out this week that our oldest dog, Oreo (who is just shy of 14) has lymphoma. With treatment we hope to have her another two or three months, as she is now in poor health. She starts it today. We are just trying to make her comfortable, giving her as many treats as her reduced appetite allows and spending as much time as possible with our sweet and incredibly bright girl. It is especially rough for Dad as he is her person and they are very close.

She is definitely her own dog who lives according to her own terms. Once, when our next door neighbors were selling their house their dog Candy was staying in her cage on our patio (otherwise she kept jumping the fence). Oreo decided that really though Candy was a great fence friend she was better off on her own side and she unlatched and opened the cage for Candy.

At least we know that when the time comes she has had a good life and will have some great company waiting for her. Our first family pet was a medium sized epileptic schaunzer named Butchie. He was the sweetest thing, though not always completely there, and he genuinely thought that my little brother was his puppy. He passed on just before my older brother's 16th birthday while I was in middle school. A sweeter furry gentleman would be harder to find.

Mom and I are thinking of bringing her down to the shop to keep an eye on her but if she doesn't like it we will let her stay at home in her familiar surroundings with her "sisters". She will definitely let us know what she wants. Though I am sure that she will enjoy the attention that comes with being a shop dog!

Oldies but goodies...

2009-01-12T20:05:00.001-05:00

I just recently discovered this at Turner Classic movies...isn't it nifty?

A Reason To Give Thanks

2008-12-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

The merchants here in Waynesville have been helping the Village government collect toiletries and supplies for the troops in an effort called Give Thanks and We'll Thank You. From Hearth Warming Holidays in November through Christmas in the Village at the beginning of this month, we've been collecting both donations including monetary ones in exchange for a chance to win one of some great giftbaskets filled with items from the merchants of Waynesville and put together by the lovely ladies at The Pretty Pooch.

I am so thrilled to be able to say that this collection has been a huge success. So many people have been so very incredibly generous and supportive of their troops. A number of people in our shop alone donated while declining to even enter in the raffle. We raised a little under $250, many many cards and a huge amount of toiletries.

I would like also to thank all of the merchants who worked hard to get the word out, the very wonderful people who donated so generously and the people up at the Village offices who have always kept the troops and their needs close to their hearts. Most of all, Mom and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who are serving, have served or who supports a loved one's service for all of the sacrifices and hard work that you have and continue to put forth in support of this wonderful country, keeping all of us safe each day. Thank you so very, very much. May God bless you and may you have a very Merry Christmas (or other holiday that you celebrate) and a very wonderful New Year.

If you missed this donation drive but would still like to donate to the troops, just contact the Village office in Waynesville, Ohio at 513-897-2025. If you aren't from around here but would like to help, contact your local American Legion post or your National Guard. I am sure that they can help you find someone who is collecting close to your home.

A Vintage Christmas Tree: Shimmering Ceramics

2008-12-13T14:35:00.001-05:00

If you live in a small space where you just can't fit a real tree (using the term in a relative sense) a great alternative is a collectible vintage ceramic tree. They are also a great item to collect. You can scatter them around a room or group on a table, buffet or mantle for more impact.

One of the most popular manufacturers was Atlantic Mold. Because they were sold as molds there is a wide variety not only of shapes and sizes but also of different color combinations. White, aqua and pink tend to be the most highly prized, particularly when it is accented with gold. The trees generally come in two ceramic pieces. There is the tree itself and then a base that hides the light and often a music box.

One of the niftiest things about these little ceramic trees are the little plastic "bulbs" that you can put on them. They light up in the same manner as a light-up house but with little holes that you can plug up with these little clear plastic bulbs. They come in an array of colors and such different shapes as bows, holly, birds (these are one of the more common shapes), flowers, etc and toppers like angels and stars. Some even are glittery! Because they are collectible too, don't despair if you find a tree you love that does not have bulbs, it might take a little work (they sometimes are a little harder to find), but you should be able to find replacements. Plus, you can pick out whatever ones you like best with your tree.

These trees depending on size and glaze, bulbs (which are collected themselves) and the nature of the base range from the easily affordable $15-$20 range to close to $200 for a more spectacular tree. Of course this is a loose range. But an inexpensive tree might make a great gift for someone in a dorm.

Right now we have four different ceramic trees. None of ours are musical but we do have some really nifty ones.

First of all we have a rather traditional and more common plain green tree on a wreath design base by Atlantic Mold. It is decorated with little multi-colored bird bulbs.

This second tree is actually rather unusual because it is so tiny. Its mini bulbs are even more minute than on a standard ceramic tree. Its white color makes it even better.

Finally, we have our two best finds. The little white one is great with its pale green, almost aqua accents. It is lacking bulbs but I think that it would look lovely with some of the same bulbs as on our best tree, the large craggy white with gold accents. It has clear twisted bulb shaped bulbs with gold glitter inside. There are one or two on the tree but the others are squirrelled away in a little bag attached to the cord. It has a vintage large red bulb inside that gives it a pinkish look when lit.

A Vintage Christmas Tree: Jewel Brites, Glitter and Glue

2008-12-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

In addition to those great vintage glass Shiny Brite type ornaments, there are some other great non-glass vintage ornaments out there that will help to brighten up your vintage Christmas theme. There are all sorts of great handmade ornaments like the little glittered and sometimes decoupaged styrofoam ball ornaments, those great beaded and sequined old satin kit ornaments, egg shell ornaments and felt ones...whatever the muse led someone to create.

There are also a number of ornaments made by a company called Jewel Brite which just capture the whimsical nature of a midcentury Christmas quite like them. They specialized in 3D scenic ornaments. They come in a range of designs like lanterns and tear-dropped with all sorts of different items inside. There are nativity and town scenes, poinsettias, spun cotton angels, snowmen and santas. Many of which are just darling.

Take a peak at our vintage tree (it was the one Mom's parents used when she was growing up) bedecked with a variety of vintage ornaments.

Here are some more great vintage ornaments, in particular some fantastic beaded ones, on our vintage aluminum tree.

A Vintage Christmas Tree: Shiny Brites and Baubles

2008-12-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

One of the essentials to any vintage-inspired Christmas is the tree and its ornaments. There is something about the old glass ornaments especially that adds such a cozy note to your tree. We have just gotten a bunch of "new" ones in...and just in time too because our little gold tree was definitely beginning to get that Charlie Brown look to it. As we have started our business and continued to acquire vintage treasures for it we have come to realize that there are just so many different types.

However, as you can see it is quite full again now. I think we might have to see about finding another metal tree. (We are both too scared to put them out on a regular tree...it would be our luck we'd brush against it and send them all to the floor.)

One of my personal favorites that I could not part with is a little geisha girl ornament from the 20s-30s. She is just so sweet in her pale blue and pink and I love the little touches of glitter here and there on here. She is unmarked and while I have researched and tried to identify her I have not yet found one like her. Mom has been worse than me. There have been a number of stencilled glass ball ornaments that she has been unable to part with. One in particular that we both thought was just the neatest thing was an Italian teardrop Santa face with a little mini red glass bulb nose.

Yummy Christmases Past

2008-12-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

We have a bunch of nifty vintage cookbooks in right now, many of them with an emphasis on entertaining and parties. One of these is an old wire-bound Betty Crocker's HOSTESS cookbook: Guest Tested Recipes and Party Plans for Every Occasion.

Since Christmas is coming up I thought I would give you a "taste" of some of the yummy recipes and helpful tips inside!

Here are some scrumptious looking desserts...I can attest to the absolute yumminess of the Buche Noel...my older brother had to make one for a foreign language class Christmas party in middle school and we've been making it on and off ever since. Smaller ones are great for the little baking exchange that we do on our street each year but they are also great for teachers, friends, hostesses, and parties. I personally can't stand cherries so we sometimes mix it up and have either a cream cheese and strawberry or a cinnamon-sugar apple filling instead. My Grandma also used to make the Yule Log cake... Seeing that picture makes me think I should ask her to make another one this year!

This book also has some great decorating ideas, like making these wreaths:

Vintage Better Homes and Gardens Sweet Dolly Christmas

2008-12-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

Right now we have a copy of the vintage Better Homes and Gardens Birthdays and Family Celebrations book. I just could not resist sharing some of it with you!

Here the dollies are busy making their cookies and candies together for Christmas. Aren't they adorable?

Isn't this vignette of the little doll family gathered around the Christmas table charming?

Sales and New Early Bird Specials

2008-12-03T16:25:00.000-05:00

From now through Christmas, Trendy Bindi's Boutique, as well as Red Barn General Store and the Peddler House will be opening early on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. From 9:30 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. we will each be running different promotional sales.

For example during Christmas in the Village, this coming Friday and Saturday, we will be taking 25% off any Christmas items and 20% off the rest of our merchandise from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Each week the sales and discounts may vary so be sure to check us out!

Also, on the day after Christmas our three S. Main St. shops will be be having a huge blowout sale from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. December 26, 2008. For our shoppers, Trendy Bindi's will be offering 50% off of all of our vintage Christmas items!

P.S. Right now through this weekend we are taking 20% off of everything in our etsy shop! We are also taking 10% off any Christmas item in our Bricks and Mortar shop till Friday. Friday and Saturday will be the kick-off for our Early Bird Specials as well as Waynesville's Christmas in the Village.

From 11:00 a.m. through closing Friday and Saturday and then all day on Sunday we will be taking 20% off all Christmas items in the shop and 10% off everything else.

Christmas in the Village 2008

2008-12-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

This coming weekend is Waynesville's Christmas in the Village. There are all sorts of wonderful things planned beginning Friday December 5, 2008 through Sunday December 7, 2008.

There will be all sorts of entertainment (some meandering throughout the village and others located points throughout the town). There will be carolers, barbershop groups, musiscians, stilt walkers and fire jugglers among others.

The shops will be lit and decorated for the holidays, many having terrific Christmas sales going on throughout the weekend as well as goodies to munch on. There will be a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm on Friday and after dark the sidewalks will be lighted with 1300 luminaries. You can also take a ride down Main St. in a horse-drawn carriage.

We are taking 20% off all Christmas items as well as 10% off all other items in our shop for Christmas in the Village. Also, as part of our Early Bird Specials promotion we will be opening at 9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas. If you come in for our Christmas in the Village Early Bird Special, instead of 20% off of all Christmas you will recieve 25% off and instead of 10% off throughout the rest of the store you will recieve 20% off. This special will last Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. through 11:00 a.m.

Artisan Profile: Daddy Deer : )

2008-11-29T13:59:00.001-05:00

Mom and I would never be able to have the shop without the support of our family. In particular, Dad really makes all of this possible. He is a computer scientist and works at all sorts of technical things all day, often pulling long nights, to support the family and the opening of the shop. Plus, when there is a problem down here like siding that has been blown off by super strong wind or heavy duty yard work, making dressing rooms, he is definitely the one to whom we turn.

However, in one way the shop is giving back to Dad. He is getting his craft on again. It has been awhile since he has been able to build anything but he has actually been busy down in his workshop. We are really proud to be able to say that he has been making some adorable twiggy reindeer for our shop. He is hoping to start making some furniture like shelves and the like for the shop at some point. Don't you think that he did a great job with these?

And here are the "babies":

Lighting Your Home with Lights From the Past

2008-11-28T12:17:00.001-05:00

How neat is it that we can enjoy the same warm glow from Christmas lights as others have forty, fifty or even more years ago? Here are 2 vintage foil electric candles that we just listed in our Etsy shop:

This is just a small taste of the vintage Christmas lights available. There are Christmas strands in beautiful pastel colors and old bubble or "snowball" lights as well as nifty novelty bulbs that date back to the 20s and 30s. The earliest examples can be quite expensive, particularly the intact theme strands like the original Disney Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, but you can find these foil candles and other Christmas lights and strands from the 50s and 60s at much more accessible prices. Cindy Chipps and Greg Olson wrote a great guide to this collectible lights called "Collector's Encyclopedia of Electric Christmas Lighting Identification & Values" which really gives you a great idea of the wide variety available.

We also recently acquired these two midcentury santa novelty bulbs, which we will be putting into inventory soon:

If you do plan on using these old electric lights do be careful and check the wires carefully. Items like the foil candles can be rewired but be sure to follow directions on the light kits. Just to be safe pleae do not leave vintage lights on while unattended.

Aren't You Feeling These Vintage Felt Stockings?

2008-11-23T12:41:00.001-05:00

There is something about the handmade vintage felt stockings, like the tree skirts and banners, they are just so fun with their retro stylization and their bright beads, sequins and rhinestones. They are so versatile and really do add that special something to the holidays.

Red felt stockings, with our names picked out in jaunty green glitter, are hung on our mantle every year. Mom's dates back to when she was a little girl and she and her parents each had one. When she was married she made one for Dad and then each of us kids in turn. They are stuffed with gifts Christmas Eve and are the last thing opened Christmas morning. Even our four furry girls join us in opening their stockings (although theirs are newer and personalized, with my, ahem, "primitive", "folksy" cross-stitching).

Despite our sentimental attachment to the stockings that we have, or perhaps because of it, mom and I find ourselves drawn to other vintage felt stockings. Because we would never think of replacing ours, we have come up with other ways that we could display them.

Instead of hanging them on the mantle by the chimney with care, you could hang a few of them across the top of a window as a valance. You could intersperse them with or without beads or garland down a bannister. Or if you are handy with thread, you could make a tree skirt out of stockings by tacking them onto a larger round piece of fabric.

If you would like to add some vintage felt stockings to your Christmas collection, we have several of them in our bricks and mortar shop in Waynesville. We also have about half of them listed in our Etsy shop and hope to list the rest soon. You can also check out your other favorite local vintage haunts.

Artisan Spotlight: Ruth Simon

2008-11-22T13:09:00.001-05:00

Like Kelly, Ruth Simon is another lovely and talented lady that we met through our shop. A few weeks back she came into our shop and showed us some of her beautiful and sentimental creations. Using vintage and antique cutter quilts that are too fragile and worn for regular use and vintage ribbons, laces and trims, she makes beautiful Christmas stockings. She makes the larger regular stockings as well as mini ones that can be hung on a tree or a package (a clever use she suggested was to use them to put gift certificates in). Many of her mini ones are made of lovely vintage ticking.

We were thrilled that she offered us the opportunity to carry her line of creations, By the Chimney with Care, in our shop. As it is, the pictures of the larger stockings that we have below is, with one exception, of our second larger batch because they just flew right out of our shop! They have recieved so many compliments from people with varying decorating preferences. Whether primitive, cottage, vintage or romantic in their leanings so many feel a connection to these the past represented by the hand-stitching of the original seamstress. The large stockings are $15.00 each in our shop and the small ones are $5.00 each. If you see anything you like, please just send us an e-mail at Trendybindisboutique@yahoo.com!

Here are some of her mini ones:

(PLEASE NOTE that these designs are Ruth Simon of By the Chimney with Care's intellectual property and as such she reserves all rights to them...in other words respect both her creativity and that which God has given you and create your own unique art!)

Artisan Spotlight: Kelly Rigano

2008-11-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

One of the many lovely things about being a shopkeeper is the sweet and talented people that you get to meet! A day or so before Hearth Warming Holidays, a very nice lady, named Kelly Rigano came into our shop with some goodies that made us oooh and ahhhh. She had some very fun and glitzy glass ball ornaments that she has decorated by hand in some terrific designs. We were just so thrilled when she decided to consign with us!

Kelly can also be found with her Brush Stroke Ornaments at craft shows. If you need any ornament personalized she is very happy to do so...individual ornaments personalized through our shop may take up to a week to be ready. She can also take larger custom orders. If you are interested, e-mail us at Trendybindisboutique@yahoo.com and we can put you in contact with her.

Here are some pictures of her ornaments in our shop:

(PLEASE NOTE that these designs are Kelly Rigano of Brush Stroke Ornaments' intellectual property and as such she reserves all rights to them...in other words respect both her creativity and that which God has given you and create your own unique art!)

Romantically Reminiscent Christmas

2008-11-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

Christmas is, as they say, a time of comfort and joy. The very nature of this holiday celebrates family and coming together and for those who love the Romantic Cottage style, we find comfort in incorporating the warmth of the old, with the pleasant memories of family and friends they bring, in our celebrations of the holidays. This, as any good Romantic knows, goes beyond seeing things at the face value of their assigned roles. Here are a few examples Mom and I have put together in our shop of giving freedom to finds from the past so that they can help warm our homes and our hearts during this season.

Mom used vintage cookie cutters to decorate the tree below. For that warm glow I put battery operated tea lights in old Jello molds (the tree is supposed to be flame retardant but we weren't going to push our luck!). Old red and white kitchen utensils on a red and white striped tree skirt help to spread the cheer.

These are some Pyrex personal carafes with the rubber neck bands on an old moire tray spruced up with some lovely poinsettia picks.

Here is an idea for a festive centerpiece that is very retro chic as well: Use a gilded pyrex tall carafe and fill the bottom with shredded gift foil or a piece of satin. Wrap a paper towel or plastic dowel in pretty coordinating ribbon and insert it in the top, place ornament hooks and floral picks in and arrange them to your taste. Then hang some pretty ornaments and voila! you have a pretty centerpiece!

Give Thanks and We'll Thank You!

2008-11-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Waynesville is a town which has always taken great pride in its sons and daughters who have served or are serving their country. In a place of pride, close to the corner of 73 and the southern end of Main Street, a large plaque stands, proclaiming the names of those who have answered the call of their country. This is not some hollow gesture either.

Up at The Village (not to be confused with the equally important Village Restaurant...a delightfully yummy place which serves up homestyle comfort food) where the police and various town administrative offices are, they have been quietly collecting and shipping out toiletries, snacks, and other items which bring comfort and support to the troops.

They have also been collecting and sending little treats which the soldiers can share with the children that they meet in the Middle East. Especially well recieved are little school supplies.

Joining the Village, the merchants have decided to expand the support to the troops in an effort called GIVE THANKS AND WE'LL THANK YOU! From now through the end of Christmas in the Village (December 5th through the 7th) we are hosting a village-wide drive for toiletries, cards of appreciation, school supplies and monetary donations to send to the troops who are serving.

In return for any donations, you will recieve a raffle ticket. The merchants have come together to provide some wonderful gifts which have been put together in some lovely Gift Baskets whcih can be seen up at the Hammel House (Another one of our especially YUMMY restaurants) in their lobby which will be raffled off after Christmas in the Village as our way of saying thanks to those who have donated.

Truth Revealed

2008-10-17T11:38:00.000-04:00

Hi all!
Well, it turns out that our ghostly shadows had a little bit of flesh to them. Thanks to one of our friends who is more technically savvy than Mom or I, the shadow on the porch has been shown to be in actuality two people, most likely crew members, when her screen shot is zoomed in on. While we are a little bummed...it would have been really cool to have something there, it can keep the warm fuzzies a-coming with the building and stave off the heebie jeebies!
Kerry

Our Ghost Video details in post below

2008-10-15T15:15:00.000-04:00

Our Dear Not-So Dearly Departed

2008-10-15T13:13:00.001-04:00

Here is a link to a video that we just stumbled upon at our local newspaper. The little title was ghosts in Waynesville and so we clicked on it. Little did we know that they had done a bit on our home! Trendy Bindi's Boutique is in the Stetson House and they interviewed some folks up at the Friend's Museum who had had some experiences in the upstairs room when the property was the Cranberry Bog. Is that neat or what? Our own 5 seconds of limelight!

We've known for a long time, even before we started our business, that this building was supposed to have some ghosts, but other than some little things like lights going on and off or hearing someone in the back room we haven't really had any crazy experiences. Though a woman did stop in at the Sauerkraut Festival and told us she and her husband had been on the porch alone and she had felt someone other than her husband tug gently on her hair. Maybe since we have retained the upstairs for private business use, our ghostly friends are happier (we've slept up there and not had a problem, the house gives us the warm fuzzies instead of the heeby jeebies.)

Here is the link to the video:
Ghosts in Waynesville

You will need to click on the index of the videos and it should be under the index for the latest videos.

Enjoy!
Kerry

p.s. I saw this and mom thought I was crazy until I did a frame by frame and at 1:23 into the film, you can see a black form moving across the porch from the door, close to the post, to the right by the yellow potting bench. What do you think?

Sauerkraut 2008

2008-10-10T15:30:00.000-04:00

Its here. The Sauerkraut Festival. Gulp.
Let me tell you something, Sauerkraut Festival is one crazy, crazy weekend here in Waynesville. Starting Friday, the town pretty much shuts down (even the kids get out early from school...coincidence I think not!) and the set up begins. Last year, we were Sauerkraut newbies. We had never even attended as "civilians" before and let me tell you it is crazy, crazy, crazy! There are just so many booths set up along main street with all sorts of handcrafted goodies not to mention all of the yummy (or so those who actually eat Sauerkraut tell me) Sauerkraut foods, everything from Sauerkraut pizza, to Sauekraut fried cheeseballs (which I can attest are quite yummy!) and the FAMOUS Cabbage Rolls from St. Augustine's Church. There are loads of people and the shops have lots of sales, so it is a rather festive and crazy good time. This year a Beer Garten has even been added. So come on down to Waynesville...eat, walk along and check out the artisans, and enjoy yourself!
Kerry

Framing Your Memories

2008-10-01T15:24:00.000-04:00

A lovely way to keep the christening gown that has been in your family for years or those lovely hankerchiefs that are sitting in your drawer preserved for future generations and to enjoy everyday is to frame it. The Framing Place and Art Gallery here in Waynesville will be happy to frame your memories for you. Ted, the owner, does absolutely beautiful framing work and has experience in framing such items as christening gowns and metals, etc. You can call him at 513 897-2787 or visit his shop on the web at www.framingplaceartgallery.com.

I know that it is a theme that I maybe "harp" on in this blog, but so many people just don't enjoy the lovely things they already have. I have had customers look at our hankerchiefs and say that Aunt Mary's handerchiefs are setting in a drawer and, although they are beautiful, they don't know what to do with them. Frame them. Even if you don't use Ted's services, go to the dollar store and pick up some frames. My mother has some medals that were my great great uncles' who fought and died in the Civil War. They would make a unique display for her home and a tribute to my great great uncles.

We all have such beautiful and unique items in our homes, we need to display them. As much as I would love to sell you instant heirlooms, look about your house for the ones you already have. And if you still need some lovely handerchiefs or a vintage piece of jewelry that would make a special one-of-a-kind statement in your home, then remember us and Ted. We will be very happy to help you.

Remember preserve or creat your own piece of bliss,
Stephanie

Waynesville, "The Most Haunted Town in Ohio"

2008-09-28T12:14:00.000-04:00

Well it is that time again, fall is here and nothing quite captures the spirit of the season quite like, well, spirits. (The ethereal kind, though the liquid certainly helps to warm you up to the subject too.) A little cider or ale or some cocoa as the nights turn cooler, a fire and some spooky tales shared with friends after the sun has set is a popular tradition for this season. And let me assure you, here in Waynesville, we have plenty of tales to tell.

Our town is known as the "Most Haunted Town in Ohio" thanks to the Haunted Ohio Books and for good reason. Our shop alone is well known for three different permanent inhabitants: Louisa Stetson, her brother the hatmaker John and a school teacher named Lilla. In fact there is even a picture of one of our co-inhabitants online: http://www.ohioexploration.com/orphanFrame.htm?http://www.ohioexploration.com/stories.htm This was taken a number of years ago.

While we personally haven't had too many stories to tell (this might have something to do with me and mom saying over and over "Please don't let me see anything, Please don't pop out at me!" Though we have had some little things happen like lights coming on or off and hearing sounds like someone browsing in the back room. However, there are many others who have had experiences and a great way to hear about them, as well as the stories of many of our other ghosts is on the "Ghostly History Walking Tours" offered by the Museum at the Friends Home. There are two tours. There is a tour of the historic downtown and then there is a tour also of the National Register's Quaker Hill Area, which I believe includes the museum.

Starting a couple of years ago, you can also now start the tour with dinner at the historic and haunted Hammel House restaurant. (I can attest both to the ghosts and the delectably yummy foods there.) Tours are offered Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings in October, except for the week of the Sauerkraut Festival starting around 7:30. You can also schedule tours for groups of 10 or more April through November. You can get more information and make reservations by calling the MFH at 1-513-897-1607 or by visiting their website at www.friendshomemuseum.com All of the proceeds go to a good cause supporting the museum of local Quaker history.

We went as a family a few years back (unfortunately before the dinners were added) with some family friends and it was a blast. I also believe that an effort is being made to make this friendlier to children too, but it might be a good idea to inquire about suggested ages because some children are more sensitive to nightmares than others.

Stop by and have some spooky fun!
Kerry

Second Sunday Stroll Artisan Profile: Julie Crusenberry

2008-09-19T13:53:00.000-04:00

Well September's Second Sunday Stroll really turned out to be quite a day! First of all we were thrilled that our friend, Julie Crusenberry of Steph's Jewels, was able to settle herself in on our porch as our artist. Julie and her daughter Stephanie are another mother daughter team and we are just thrilled that we are getting to be such good friends with Julie...truly she is a person of bliss for us. We also want to send our congratulations to her daughter for making Julie a grandma to the cutest little baby girl! We met up for breakfast and had a blast admiring pictures of this little sweetie before opening up.

They are both very talented in creating unique and just fabulous jewelry using vintage components and Julie in particular has just such a gift for artistically arranging displays. In fact, she has been kind enough to fill in for us before and we can never wait to see what she has done with our shop!

I took a few pictures of her displays on the porch, and good thing that I did because it wasn't too long before she had to move inside thanks to Ike.

Who knew you could have hurricanes in Ohio? I sure didn't! Main St. in Waynesville can be quite the wind tunnel and well, it isn't that unusual to lose power in the historic buildings so we just sat and chatted inside, while my dad and brother did some work on the clapboard on the side of the building totally oblivious to the true extent of what was going on.

The menfolk left before us and called to say some trees were down and power was out back home too but it wasn't till we drove home ourselves we got a real understanding of the power of this storm. A roof had blown off and into another storefront up the street, trees were down all over and the water tower had sprouted a leak at the top akin to Old Faithful.

At home we were out of power (though we were very lucky, it came on in the middle of the night that night) but trees and limbs were down all over our neighborhood. The neighbors behind us had watched a tree come down across both of their vehicles in their driveway. Two other neighbors are still without power because a tree was uprooted and brought the power lines down with it. All in all thhings are much better now and getting back to normal, but that storm was just something else!
Kerry

p.s. If you see something you love, Steph's Jewels consigns with us and we actually do have some of these pieces in our shop, and if we don't have it we can definitely put you in touch with Julie.