Sweaty Jungle

I emerge victoriously from a strange sort of enclosed jungle nightmare for preschool aged children, faintly similar to Hell I suspect...

It's hot, it smells like sticky toddlers, it is not high heel friendly. So why did I find myself in such an unpalatable venue? To celebrate a most special 4 year-old's day of birth with some good friends. Cassandra of Dear John Vintage hosted us as her daughter became one year closer to kindergarten! I was excited to see some other vintage-o-philes in attendance, including Riannon from GarbOhVintage and Angie who was fabulously dress in a 50s green day dress. We sliced cake among the parrots and exploding volcanoes painted on the walls around us. All in all it was a lovely afternoon. I hope little Phoenix was happy at the end of the day, even if she made me endure a indoor kids play park. (kidding!)

(if you are in these pictures and wonder where the rest are.. there are several more but I can't upload them all.. so email me for them)

Southern Fried Birthday

Last Thursday was Toma's birthday party. He elected to eat meatloaf at a self proclaimed southern food cafe in Portland called the Delta. The food was pretty good, though I fancy myself a jambalaya master and can make it better blindfolded. The main point was Toma loved his meatloaf, and really that is all that mattered. We had to bring the kids, and we also brought Solanah, but because we love her, not because we had to. Solanah and I were supremely overdressed, as is our style, and Toma wore a black cowboy shirt which is his style.
I must say these are some of the best pictures I have had on my blog in a while. I want to frame all of them, and hang them in my house. I love my friends and family.







And... poor Solanah had to ride in the tiny back seat with the kids. She is a trooper though, and we are happy she made it.


A few other friends came too, but by then my 5 year old was taking pictures of people eating so I wont be sharing any of those. I can't wait for next year, I think top secret get-away is more in order for his birthday... one that includes meatloaf of course.

Endless Coastlines

If we remember correct, it would appear all festivities for my 25th birthday were canceled. Much to my surprise, Toma had other ideas entirely. Upon coming home from a doctors appointment, I found him and the children awaiting a drive to the Oregon Coast.
We spent the day and night in Seaside, OR but ate delicious food in Astoria. For those unaware, Astoria is my favorite town in the entire world (not that I have explored the entire world.. I am a little bias.) So we returned in the early morning to devour the most spectacular brekkie ever at Astoria Coffee House, of which I highly recommend flying from where ever you are to experience.
We played in the sand, saw aquatic animals in captivity, slept in a roadside motel, and ate like kings. It was a pretty good birthday after all.





On the subject of the above octopus, does anyone know for a fact if it lives in its tiny captive water cage at all times? It looked quite unhappy and claustrophobic in that prison. I kind of want to contact the Seaside aquarium to discuss further, not that I think it would do much good.

It's My Party

This year, in 5 days, I am going to be 25 years old. If you know anything about me, you know that birthdays are my favorite thing.. ever. I had grandiose plans of a spectacular quarter century party, but alas... unfortunate life events and severe bouts of depression have led me to cancel entirely. I think this will be the first year ever I do absolutely nothing to celebrate my birthday. I guess on the bright side this gives me a year to plan for the lesser important '26' shindig.

If you follow my facebook you know I was planning a birthday Prom for my party. I had a dress and all. A fabulous 50s party frock, fit for a birthday queen. Are you a birthday queen? Well then, have at my dress! It's here and ripe for the picking via my Etsy Shop!
Doesn't it look like a poofy dream? Get your self a Tiara and paint the town purple! I hope my party dress finds a fabulous home, and gets the loving it so desperately needs.

Also, check back tomorrow as I have some info on a very special sale from Lime Crime!!!

Eat Your Cake

As I write this I am sitting on an airplane heading back from Las Vegas, Nevada. Exciting right? Well that is not what I am writing about this blog post, but never fear a Vegas post is in the works as well.
For now I will leave you with pictures of my darling girl-child’s 3rd birthday. I am so fortunate to have a friend who owns a fantastic bakery in downtown. Local readers do take note, Je T’aime Bakery has some amazing everything, but the cakes… take the cake. (Hold on! Flight attendants are here with in flight cocktails! p.s. I am terrified of flying)
Ok, back to Je T’aime and the delicious 3rd birthday cake extravaganza. Our cake was pink and brown with little red edible flowers.


Margaux was pretty excited to hear the news of it being time for dessert!I look crazy when delivering cake apparently, but isn’t my shirt just the bees knees? Solanah talked me into it when I stopped into her work the other day. It’s a fabulous kitschy 60’s blouse! Very sexy secretary, no?

After cake, the kids had a wonderful time dumping out a box of 2000 popsicle sticks… it’s the simple things in life? I suppose so.

It's A Birthday Party

In general I am pretty known for needing to be the center of attention, most all of the time. So I suppose it goes without saying my favorite day of the year is my birthday. Actually, I spend an entire weekend, sometimes a week, celebrating. My birthday is the day after the 4th of July, so I usually have lots of exciting things to do for the holiday.
This year I had a nice birthday party with lots and lots of friends. I love to play dress up, and thank goodness so do my friends! Everyone looked fabulous, and all of my favorite bloggers were there! It look like the paparazzi was in full force with how many people there had their cameras out, shooting snaps of each other.
I wore my favorite hat, the 1930s topper. I paired with a dress/slip designed by Solanah, which was amazingly beautiful! Solanah looked like a beehive goddess, and Coedith was sporting a very gorgeous teal number. Amy was out in her steampunk inspired garb, while her husband of Team Jessup was fitted in a nice vest. Gretchen made it out for a moment in a killer red 60s dress, that was very Mad Men! I must say, I have some of the most fashionable friends a girl could ask for.
After the drinks poured on, and the presents were opened the night sky grew dark. I guess this marks when the party got, hmm...partied. I kid, I kid, it was much fun, and everyone was properly toasted, and the pictures snapped away.
The night ended on a high note of Framboise, and images like this. Because who doesnt laugh hysterically while be super lady like and showing the world her legs? That's what I thought.

I had a wonderful birthday, with so many wonderful friends. I can't wait til next year to see what trouble I can stir up!

Surprise!

I woke up this morning, drank coffee, and form the point on my day was a rush of go-go-go. I loaded up the kids to stop by the Urban Eccentric to see Solanah and give her a dress. While there August found these funny cat glasses and a camera, and decided to play paparazzi.
We left Solanah to go play at the park with her Aunt Coedith, and Co. It's nice to have some vintage friends who have kids to play with. Sometimes I find that being a Mom you make friends with people who are nothing like you soley based on their child bearing status, so its nice to come across moms that you really do like.
After the park we came home for a short nap, and I played with the black and white feature on my camera, and thus these images were born.
Do not ask me how I did my hair today, my faux bangs never end up this nice, I was so plesantly surprised when they worked out so stylishly. But the best surprise of the day?
My mother so kindly got my a subscription to Vintage Life Magazine for my Birthday next Monday! Issue 2 arrive on my stoop this afternoon, chock full of vintage goodies, and a slight few vintage hmmmmms... I have not read all the articles yet, but plan to cozy up with it in bed tonight.
Well, off with me then. I need to go plan things like my birthday party on saturday, and of course get feared up for the Palmer Wirf's Portland Antique Expo coming up in a week! My favorite time of the season, Expo! What a lovely summer this is turning out to be.

Birthday Recap

I was able to track down a camera that had evidence of my birthday!
Sadly there are no full body shots, and as you can see, they were taken late in the night, when I was at the pub and a little less sober. Ha!
But the car show was a great deal of fun, and I got to see my friend and a vendor at the show, Jessie, who is pictured with me. She owns Box Wine Betty which is rockabilly vintage inspire work-out gear and sweet jewelry.
Anyway, Do enjoy my silly faces and hiding behind trees painted on walls.

Birthday Bonanza

Any decent blogger would have had a head about them to bring a camera to their giant car show/birthday party. I am quite clearly not a decent blogger. In a fast paced day of chaos and delight, I forgot to tote along my camera.

Because of this fact, this is the only known picture of my party dress. I shot this picture the day before my party while DIY-ing my own slip for the crazy design of this dress:
The dress itself was a silky synthetic of some sort. It was most definitely 80s, with a sure 30s flair. It had a deep v-cut in the back showing off my back tattoo (and causing the need for a crazy slip.) I wish I had a better picture as the dress is downright amazing. If I come across any more pictures of it I will post them asap.

Dress was purchased from the Urban Eccentric.

My Very 23rd of Birthdays!

Today is my birthday, I am heading into town to get brunch and cocktails.
I may even end up at the river for a swim, who knows.
I hope all of you had a wonderful 4th of July holiday if you live in the US, and if you don't I hope you get to stop hearing about the 4th over and over...
*wink*

Thank you to everyone who sent me Birthday Cards, it was So nice to get them all!
I will have a more formal thank you post here in a few days, once I am done with birthday excitement and activities.

Here is a picture I made for my birthday party next week:
Don't I look just a little bit crazy? I think I do!

Quick Thank you post

An adorable birthday card was on the stoop of my shop, Boomba Toomba today when I arrived.
I love the old school wonder and excitement of getting a sealed envelope in the post.
I feel like sending a card, a letter, or a post card is becoming a lost art, that we should embrace and bring back.

Anyway, the card was from lovely blogger friend, Eve who writes "Oh My Word."
Which is part wedding planning, part cool finds on the cheap, part fun projects, and always full of lovely pictures. Pop in and say Hi to her.

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. Its next weekend!
I had an awful experience last year on my birthday, so I am planning to make this one the best I have ever had. Hopefully it all works out. I am glad to have so many fun friends out there in interweb land to celebrate with me!

Have a glorious day friends.

Sorry Blog Following Buddies

I must apologize for my lack of posting...
I am going through a rough time in my life, and I have a three year old who is suffering massive tantrums daily, so it's been hard to keep up on blogging. This blog has been such a nice and peaceful outlet for me, so I will make a more solid attempt at writing. I am so delighted to have the followers I have on my blog, and you all always have the most wonderful things to say. Thank you all for being a part of my tiny web space.

On a side note (or two, or three)....
My birthday is in 2 weeks, and I cant be more excited for it. We are having my party the same night as our local car show, so that should be so much fun.
If you happen to be the kind of person who loves sending greeting cards, you should post me a birthday card, I am a sucker for the nostalgia of "snail mail correspondence"
My store's address is
Shayla
1705 Broadway
Vancouver, WA 98663


Also, if you are a new reader on my blog and have not seen our Give-Away Post for the book Vintage Hairstyling, you can check it out here and enter to win! But hurry it ends June 30th!

And if you are local to the Portland Metro area, you should come out to the Rose City Round-Up this Saturday at Jubitz. I will be there, visiting all of my lovely friends who have booth's of rockabilly clothing, cool photography, Trophy Queen hand bags, and of course checking out some awesome cars. It will be fun for sure, and there will be many lovely people out and about. You should definetly make it out if you can.

My Husband Calls Me a Crazy Lady

My son held his very 3rd birthday party on sunday. Like any self respecting mother I was running around frantic tying together loose ends all the way up til the first guest showed up.

Leave it to me to wait til the day of to bake a cake and set my hair! Oh what was I thinking?

In between making pasta salad, frosting a 2 layer cake, and trying to drink a cup of coffee, I was parked under my bonnet dryer desperately trying to get my curls to set, which as you can tell by pictures did not work. I ended up with Faux bangs and rolls, with pigtails.

I tell you ladies, don't procrastinate on birthday parties, it ends with un-curled hair!

So I present to you my "daily outfit" complete with apron and sponge rollers:

I forgot to share that Miss Rosina Lee presented me with a Blog Award! So here you have it darlings, someone out there things that I have "One Lovely Blog"

Get your party hat on

A quick picture post, to let you all know it's my sons very 3rd of birthdays.

He has chocolate cake all over his face, and we are stuck here at work taking pictures with the new laptop webcam. 

So vintage ladies, feel good, smile, and laugh at these silly faces you are about to witness:

and one of my hair-do today, which was set with hot rollers (yuck)