Thrifty Thursdays

Today's Thrifty post is also a before and after transformation! I bought this vintage skirt for $7 (I know, it's normally more than what I spend) a few weeks back and knew immediately I had big plans for it. It was super wrinkly and too long for my short legs. So I hemmed it and added some vintage tatting and buttons (thanks to my Grandma and Melissa :). Much better, right?

Beautiful Day for a Walk in a Cemetery

It's February 21, the sun is shinning and it reached 67 degrees outside! So, I rushed to get my work finished this morning and headed out for the afternoon. I hit up a new thrift store in Portsmouth (it was terrific), then headed over to the Oak Grove Cemetery near Olde Towne.

A man who died in 1905 is still getting
flowers on grave? Must have been a good man!

Loved the branches growing from within this mausoleum.

I used to drive pass this place every day on my way to work, but have never actually been in. So after about 12 minutes of trying to find the entrance, I made my way to the oldest section I could find.

 

Turns out the original cemetery was called Portlock, which is the back "walk" section of the plot. The newer section is called Oak Grove Cemetery and is referred to as the "avenues."

The oldest date I found was a "born: 1836" but apparently the oldest inscription is 1833. Pretty amazing right? I love how much history is right here in my backyard.

Too many littles there, don't you think?

Have to love this afternoon sun.

Happy Lent

Every year I used to give up something for Lent. Actually, every time it was sweets. And it really had nothing to do with Lent, other than I could usually get someone to bet and compete against me for the six weeks. So, this year I've decided to do it again - giving up sweets. No cupcakes, cookies, candies or pies. No pudding, coffee (because mine is mostly sugar and creamer), muffins or tarts. I have given myself ONE exception to the rule and it's March 3rd (the day of Kelly Jo's baby shower in Phoenix - which I'll be at) and I can't disappoint her family but not indulging in the goodies :)

For my last hurrah, I feed my sweet tooth with a beer float (Oatmeal Stout and Skinny Dip Ice Cream). See you in six weeks, sweets!

Why the Name Fairview Place?

I recently realized I never explained how I got the name Fairview Place.

The short story? It's the name of the street where my Grandmother lived.

A few pages from my inspiration sketchbook.
Which I still look at from time to time since all the
photos came from Thai architecture magazines.

Sketched layout for the
Thailand store.

The long story? I came up with my store idea when I was in Thailand. I had been tasked to remodel the Fair Trade store in Chiang Rai where Izara Arts sold many of their goods. It was so thrilling redesigning the layout, determining what items to sell, feature and put back into the stock room. I also got to come up with the front window display and did it all with a budget of about $10. I knew I had figured out my future: "Bijou." That was the name I had picked out for my shop (meaning small and elegant), which was going to be set up like a studio apartment - bedroom, living room and a kitchen - where you could purchase anything you see. Everything would be vintage, handmade or re-purposed by myself or local artists. I had written up a business plan, started a sketch book where I collected photos for inspiration and even called about prospective rentals in Norfolk (which started at about $2,000 a month, utilities not included).

A few from the actual Fairview Place.

I get back to the States and immediately dive into cleaning out my grandmother's house. I was gathering a lot of items for the store from local thrift stores, but a good portion from her house as well. One day it just hit me, the shop should be called Fairview Place. It's a home filled with treasures, new and old, handmade and re-purposed. (Plus, I felt it was a nice transition for all the things we loved of my Grandmother's but could fit into our own collections).

After I mentioned the name to my mom and Mike, we never said "Bijou" again, and Fairview Place was born. I still like to think one day, the inspiration sketch book will come to life. In the mean time, I'm content with seeing how the selling goes online and in the local consignment shops.

Roasted Butternut Squash

As seen on my inspiration board this month, the "Rooibos butternut pizzettas." I never had any intention of getting the rooibos tea leaves, so substituted one of my favs instead: garlic. With the squash, I served some homemade mac 'n' cheese I had made a few nights before. I have to admit this is pretty much a vegetarian's dream come true.

What you need:

1 butternut squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 large cloves of garlic, minced
rosemary
salt and pepper

What you do:

1. Cut the squash at the neck, wrapping and saving the bottom fat portion for later. Stand the squash on end and trim off the hard skin. Then cut into 1/2" slices.
2. On low heat saute your garlic until fragrant.
3. Grease your baking dish.
4. Dip the squash slices into the oil (each side) and lay on your baking dish. Season with rosemary, salt and pepper.
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until your desired tenderness.

Music Mondays

Russian peasant girls offering berries outside their "izba," the
traditional wooden house you seen behind them.
Photo thanks to the Library of Congress.

A short playlist today, inspired by my mom, dad and sister. Not sure why, but I thought this photo was fitting for today's playlist...Happy Monday!

New at Fairview Place

Seems like it's been a while since I've updated the store with new vintage goodies. For your looking (and hopefully) buying pleasure I've added a nice little selection of bags and our first pair of gorgeous shoes! Enjoy!

 Grey leather bag with retractable handles.

Cherry red woven Summer time bag...The hot weather is right around the corner, right?

Adorable navy blue Swafford clutch, pretty much perfect for any occasion.

 Adorable Bermuda bag with removable cover.

The bag I almost can't give up! This Orioles bag is a one-of-a-kind!

Last, but not least...the hotness of these 1984 pumps. Hola!