Love of old books...

Mr. W and I went on a little treasure hunt last Saturday.  We were off to find some more wooden shutters for the dining room, parlor (yes I am old fashioned) and living room.  If you have been reading my blog for awhile you might remember the post "kitchen window meets character",  I shared the cute vintage wood shutters.  Well I went to find more.  It must have been my lucky day...more I did find, the right size and amount I needed!  I will share a post later when they are re-painted and up...for now they are sitting in the paint booth in the garage with a very bad faux wood paint job! 

Loving my old books...

The yellowed and worn pages...

So while we were out, there is an antique store I like to shop visit, because you just never know what you might find. ;)  I convinced Mr.W that it would be a great idea to stop in...the only thing, antique stores are not really his fort'e.  He will go with me just because he knows how much I love it, but I know he usually is bored and wondering how much were going to spend.

Well, this time was different. 

 You see, Mr.W has been working on some plans for his office in the downstairs.  He has been excited to make his mark in the house and call it his own. He has been drawing up sketches and looking for the best price on hard woods, for he has decided to build his office desk.  Along with his desk some bookshelves and a barrister bookcase.  

I don't know if I have told you, but Mr.W is a Computer Scientist...

he is a smarty guy and loves books like these!

When we walked in to the store, the first thing he eyed were a pair of old binoculars.  I mentioned something like that would look great in his office, but for the price we put them back down.  The next thing we saw, a group of vintage cameras.  Many different styles.  A common interest for both of us, we  love to dabble in photography.  Again, I mentioned cameras would look great in there too...do you see where I was going with this? ;)  We did end up finding a reasonable priced and unique camera that we both thought would be a great start to our collection. I  finally could see that little glimmer in his eye, just like the one I get upon being in a place like this. 

Mr.W gave these pretty tulips to our daughter for V-day...

I found a couple of books that I liked and when the sales lady came over to ask how we were, I asked her where I might find more old books.  She said "have you not seen the library we have here?" I'm thinking "what?" how have I missed this when I have come before.  My reply, "no, where is that?"  She proceeded to lead the way and all of a sudden there was a doorway that seemed to have a bright, shiny glow coming out of the room...you know like the ones you might see in  a movie when they find the treasure?!   O.k., o.k. you caught me...I made that up, but it kinda felt that way. 

I love the sweet sentiments that someone has written...

Here I now stood in a room, filled from top of the shelves to the bottom with old books!  I was in *heaven*...I wasn't sure where to start and my eyes began to wander everywhere.  I have wanted some old books for such a long time! Guess who decided to start looking with me?  Yep, Mr.W...he loves books as much as I do. I didn't know however, that he would love "old" books.  We both became lost in searching for our finds.  He found some wonderful sets right off that he knew would look great in his bookcase, but also subjects he would love to read.   

There were certain things that I was looking for in my books.  Colors, patina, book subject, the older the better, French and classics.  I just started pulling and looking.  Before I knew it...my pile was high! I don't know that I was even paying that much attention to price...which is so not me.  The lady from the front kept coming back and asking if I would like for her to take the books up to the counter.  I just started handing them to her and said "I will make a decision once I am done looking".  I was like a crazed, old book fanatic...if there is such a thing.  I couldn't help myself.  Finally after about an 1 1/2 hrs. later (kid you not)  the husband and I looked at each and said, "um, I think we need to go and figure out our damage"...we are done!

This beautiful Gardenia Bonsai is what Mr.W  gave to me 

for Valentines Day...I love that he know's me so well! 

Funny thing, we didn't even get very far into looking through the shop.  

We were that lost in our love of old books, it didn't matter. I was giddy!

Some of my finds...love the patina and worn edges!

The thing I loved the most besides finding all those wonderful old books...I think I now have my husbands interest to want to look more often! ;) I don't think I will disclose the insane amount we ended up spending, but let me just say...it was worth every penny!! 

My husband was happy to find these Math books...

I couldn't be more happy with the start of our collection and can't wait till the next opportunity to add more! 

   When we came home, the kids even enjoyed looking through the books and wanted to read some of them. I like that they have interest in history and seem to enjoy the things we find. Maybe they too will one day love to go on treasure hunts as much as I do! 

  

 Off the subject of books...I just want to thank all of you who entered the Shabby apple giveaway and I do have a winner! I just wish everyone of you could win. :(  

The random generator picked #45...Lesapea Musings!! Congragulations!!

  Remember if you do some shopping with Shabby apple you

 can still use the coupon code "whimsy10off" for a 10% discount! They do have such beautiful vintage looking dresses and so much more!


I am linking this post up with the blog Common Ground and Vintage Inspiration  Friday.  My vintage books definitely give me inspiration!!

Be back soon to share more!

Hugs and Love to you all,

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

You all know how I love to share with you unique, beautiful, vintage and of course whimsy designs...

Penelope and Odysseus from the Golden Gate collection 

So, when I was contacted recently by a online vintage dress boutique, Shabby apple to view their site and have an opportunity to offer my readers a giveaway on one of their gorgeous dresses...I of course said "yes"!

Upon viewing their site, I was smitten! It is full of collections done in vintage inspired styles that have a modern day look for today. I could have spent hours just taking in all the beautiful collections and the stories that go with each piece...and I think I did!

Bonheur from the Oh La La collection

Not only will you find beautiful women's dresses at  www.shabbyapple.com but so much more! They also carry styles for kids, preteens, maternity, bridesmaid dresses, vintage aprons, swim wear, jewelry, accessories and more. Shabby apple  gives you a wonderful shopping experience with all they have to select from!

 Bethesda Fountain from the Central Park collection

What I love about this company is their hearts as well. As stated by Shabby apple, their focus is also on helping women worldwide. Through their charitable work with women throughout Asia and Africa, they are able to convert dress sales into lifestyle changes for women and children. Don't you just love a company that is so giving to help others for a great cause! I think this is what makes our world a better place...people like this!

Fork-Tailed Devil from the Up and Away collection

Another great thing that was impressive to me...how they started their company. 


Here is a little more about them...

Shabby Apple welcomes you to great dresses that make dressing simple.

After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it.

They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren't buying the right dresses, but that designers weren't designing them.

Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else.

A return to what dresses were always meant to be — a one-piece outfit. No need to add anything...no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing (except accessories, of course!).

Scarlett Dragon from the Silk Road collection

Shabby Apple takes pride in  high quality of their garments.  They use only the finest fabric mills and have it thoroughly inspected to make sure you receive the most beautiful garments possible! 

As you can see...I am so happy that Shabby apple found me, so I now can shop with them! 

 Shabby Apple has been featured in magazines such as Glamour, Marie Claire and many others.    

Mauna Kea from the South Pacific collection

 They also offer job and intern opportunities along with a emerging designers program. There is so much more to this company...you must check them out!! 

Ingrid from the 1943 collection

Along with the giveaway today shabby apple is giving my readers a 10% off coupon code to use towards any purchases made with them during this giveaway.  All you have to do is use the code "whimsy10off" when you go to check out.  How great is that?!

Madison Avenue from the Manhattan collection

So, ready for the giveaway...

Shabby apple was very generous and let me pick from some of their selected dresses. They let me pick 3 different dresses that one lucky reader who wins will get to choose their favorite dress from!


Here are the 3 choices I thought would be perfect with Spring and Summer coming...

Azure Coast  from the Classics collection

San Gabriel from the Baja collection

Bali Ha"I"  from the South Pacific collection

Easy to enter!

 All you need to do is go to Shabby Apples Facebook page and press "like" then leave a comment on their page...let them know who sent you! :)  Come back and let me know!  If you aren't on FB that's o.k. go directly to their site and come back here with a sweet comment about what you loved! 

If you wanted to show me some love...you could "like"on my Whimsy by Victoria fb page too...that will give you another entry!

Tweet or Blog this let me know with your link, you get one more entry! 

See...easy!! 

Shabby apple carries sizes from XS to plus sizes..something for everyone! 

This giveaway will start today Friday February 11th 2011 and end Wednesday February 16th 2011 at midnight.  I will have the winner Thursday February 17th! This is open for US and Canadian residents only. 

Remember, you can't win unless you enter!! Good luck!!

Hugs friends,