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, 

Honeysuckle...

So, if you haven't heard...

Honeysuckle is the color of the year.

This is what Pantone had to say about it's color choice for 2011...

“Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world.

 Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. 

It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.”

I for one have never been about following trends, I design with colors and things I love regardless.  Before turquoise became 2010's color of the year, I had been using it in my decor since 2003.  I don't know if that made me out of style then...or in the future, because it is one of my favorite colors and I probably will continue to use it.  I have to say I was a little surprised that such a bold color as this vivid, sherbet pink is the color of the year, but I at the same time love it! It embraces exactly what I believe...adding a little "pop" of color keeps things in your home whimsical and interesting.  

Before knowing that this is the hottest color of 2011, I have already been adding little bits of pink here and there in different shades.  The red I use in my decor too is more of a pink~ red than a candy apple  red.  Maybe I was already on to something before I knew I was "with" it. ;)

I personally love a little bold pink in a room to add contrast. I had fun putting together a collage of different shades in this very vibrant and pretty color...

Images via*Google*

So, what is your take on it? 

 Love it or leave it...

Oh, a few more thoughts before I go.

I just want to thank Marian@Miss Mustard Seed's Interiors for featuring me on 

her series Furniture Feature Fridays! It was an honor and it made my day!! 

Many thank yous for all who left me such encouraging comments on Following your dreams...

Your words always mean so much and I am lucky to have so many kind friends!!

 Excited for what's ahead! 

I hope your weekend is an enjoyable one!

Hugs,

Following your dreams...

This post has been on my mind for sometime,

I finally feel I am ready to share...

Design has always been an important part of who I am.  Even when I was very little I  was particular about colors that I liked, my clothes, my surroundings and always fascinated with the tiniest details.  I used to look at the Sears catalog just to see the bedding or anything home decor, not as interested in the toy section.  I was always decorating and re-decorating my room...often, or happy to help a friend with hers.  I wanted to learn to sew, paint, draw...really, anything artistic.

   As a child If you were to ask me "what I wanted to be when I grow up?"...I know it wasn't the usual reply of a girl my age... a mom (I now am blessed with 5 amazing kids!), a teacher (even though there was a moment I wanted to do that...just to write on the chalkboard) ;) or even a nurse/dr.  No...my dream was to be a designer.

From the moment I could  take art class at school, I did.  I took art all the way from 7th grade to my senior year.  It was my favorite class.  A time to create, to be able to get lost in ideas that were yearning to be expressed.... my inner voice could finally be heard.  It always felt magical...

  I am the happiest when I am creating.  The older I have gotten, the more confident I have learned to believe in... me.  Sometimes as an artist that can be hard to do...always that little voice saying, " maybe it's not good enough "...

  Back in 2008 the idea became so clear to me...I needed to finally take the steps to make my dream come true..to be a designer.  That is where "Whimsy by Victoria" came about.  I love something a little unexpected or unique in design.  Whimsy, just seemed to fit me.  I was excited and ready to go full speed ahead...then I hit a speed bump.  

  About the same time,the Air Force decided to move us, unexpectedly.  Now  my thoughts had to focus on our move...plans put on hold.  Once again we were planting new roots in another home,  another state, new schools...what we call our normal life being in the military.

  So, for the last couple of years, I have put off opening my Etsy, and really diving into my dream of what could be.  I have had to focus on the move, now remodeling (even though I enjoy that aspect...it can be draining) and at one point....just having no energy and feeling uninspired.  In fact that really sums up my last year.

 Luckily, just like with any creative block...it does eventually go away. Happy to say,  Inspiration has found me again. Just as a new year is here, I feel re-energized with a new zest of ideas, looking forward to the future and the doors I see opening...finally ready!

Ready to follow my dreams!  I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am excited to get lost in designing and let the creativity flow!  I know, this is my year.  The year to make my dream  a reality and let my inner voice be heard.  

I will be working away over the next several months on my new design line...so many ideas coming to life.  I will be sharing more on my ventures as things get closer....

I wanted to share something else with you all, someone very special to me..my niece.  Sarah writes, plays the guitar and sings her own music...so talented!! She is a perfect example of realizing who she is and following her dreams as well!   

Oh, before I go...I hope your liking my new makeover here.
A New Year called for a fresh, new look!

The question I leave with you...
"Is this the year to follow your dreams?"

I am linking this post with Sarah@Beach Cottage...design is my inspiration!








Hugs and love friends!

Looking back on 2010...

Another year is at an end and new beginnings ahead...I say, "bring it on"!  I am more ready for this new year to begin than I was the last.  I think I have been emotionally, physically and mentally drained...how did I survive this last year?! ;)

I decided to join in with Rhoda on Top Projects of 2010. Many other bloggers have linked up all their great projects as well...make sure to visit!

 I feel there were many projects getting done here, being that my main focus (Of course my 1st priority is my family!) this year has been on  remodeling our home.  Many I have shared with you all,  and many more still to come!

Here are some of my favorite projects of 2010...

Open Shelving

Started off the year with showing you a peek into my kitchen...

Hoping to show you the full reveal by February.

Then Kitchen Window Meets Character, with a ledge, trim and cottage shutters...

Mr. Wonderful built me a Farmtable Island, 

painted in cream and distressed with a mahogany planked top...

Using some Burlap and Buttons, I added detail to a couple of linen shade's...

This sweet chair was on to it's 2nd makeover and now looking Fresh and Vintage...

I made this whimsy French sign using old weathered wood and a fun phrase, "Bon Appe'tit"!...

A great Craigslist find became Beautiful and useful again...

I shared how to make your own Faux Stain Glass...

Her Beauty Revealed when I painted and upholstered  this curvy sofa...

Finished out this year making some beautiful stockings 

out of linen, burlap and canvas with adding crocheted 

snowflakes by my mother-in-law at Christmas Time...

Wow...I guess I do feel somewhat accomplished this year, seeing how many things did get done!

On to another new year full of possibilities and dreams...

Happy New Year to you all friends, may all your wishes come true in 2011!!!

Hugs and love,

Daughter of Mine...

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I know we sure enjoyed ours!

Being that I am NOT a morning person,  I love that our kids don't wake us up too early on Christmas morning.  When the kids do come to wake us up, we have a tradition of me or the husband going to check to see if Santa came...this is a way for us to turn the lights on the tree so the kids will see the sparkley lights on the presents.  It is also a priceless way to watch their faces as they finally see what Santa left them!

The thing I love...even though 4 of our kiddos are old enough to now know who brings the presents, they still go along with it for Lil' Bug.  The older kids make sure to show Lil' Bug where Santa is at en-route on NORAD to our house. They make sure the cookies and milk are ready and our daughter, now 15 still writes the Santa "thank you" note before she goes to bed.  Little things like this with our kids, we cherish.

We enjoyed the rest of our day, playing...or more like the husband now was building many things with the boys...K'NEX, Legos, and playing new video games.  I love getting to sit back and take these moments in...trying to embed them in my memory forever.

 My kids are growing up way too fast...where has the years gone?

 Speaking of years...our daughter now lets us know often she only has a few years left until she graduates.  I remember the day...more like the moment she was born...it seemed like it would be forever until she was this old.

Her and I...we are very close.  Many times she has told me how her friends wished they could be as open and talk to their moms the way she and I can.  I feel blessed, but I also know I have worked very hard as a parent to be this kind of mom with my kids.  Everything is open for discussion in our home...that way the lines of trust and communication remain the foundation in our relationships.

One thing I enjoy so much about having a daughter, I did not get this closeness growing up.  My birth mother left when I was 3.  I did have mother figures in my life, but I still always felt a missing connection.  Envied many of my friends that had this with their moms...the moment I found out I was having a girl, beyond excitement!  I now have felt this connection I  missed growing up.  Our kids and family, they are everything!

With all the boys we have been blessed with, grateful to get to share girly things with at least one of my kiddos.  I love that my daughter loves all things girly!  She has such a fashion sense and confidence about who she is...I learn from her all the time.  Here are a few photos I wanted to share about this amazing, beautiful daughter of mine...

She is a leader, not a follower...

Never afraid to show who she really is and 

standing for what she believes in...

She is confident and strong...

yet can be a little shy...

Loving, kind and always ready to give a helping hand...

She loves to be unique and express her sense of style...

This daughter of mine...

Full of dreams and aspirations...

She is beyond her years in wisdom...

Smart, beautiful and very talented...

I admire her...  

 I love this Daughter of mine!

Wishing you all a great  and happy New Year ahead!! 

Hugs and love,