DIY Inspiration: Recycled Garden Art

Add a splash of red to your outdoor landscaping with this vintage tricycle.  

Enjoy your weekend.

~Shirley

Hats, Hats and more Hats!!!

Some of my Grandchildren offered to model some hats at the shop.  The boys said OK if I had "boy hats"!!! I think they all did a great job.

Stop in to see more of my selection,  I have MANY MORE!!               Shirley

Flower Power

I remember the 60's so well. Spent my highschool days in the late 60's and some of the clothing I sell I remember wearing similar ones back then.  They were the good ole days.  With that said, they also were changing times with Woodstock, VW flower power vans, hippies and all,  Gotta love the music!!! I decided to make my window display from this era.  Shown is a side view of the window, will take another when the sun goes down for a front view.  The long colorful maxi dress is awesome and so is the long skirt.  Lots more in the store.

If you grew up in the 60's come and take a peek, it will take you back in time.          Until next time, Shirley

Six on a bench

Am I bad??  I haven't been blogging everyday as I should.  There are 6 good reasons for this.  Grandbabies!!!    I am taking a "vacation" to spend time with the family.  Some came from as far as Spokane, Wa. to visit.  The store is still open (except Tues.).  My friendly staff are watching it for me until next Wed.
Trying to get each of the kids to smile and look at the camera at the same time is almost impossible so I chose the best of the bunch.  Maggie (the girl with the doll) is finding Grandma's vintage toys are sure neat to play with.  Sam (the oldest one) and Ethan (next to him) thinks the metal gas station rocks!   Who says you need electronics to have fun?

Having said that, I hope you all are keeping cool.   See you back at the store soon,       Shirley

Free Lunch in Galena!

Today a nice lady brought me free lunch, no kidding!  She was from the DeSoto House and they were giving away salads to all the shops on the street.  They have a new chef and wanted some opinions on this salad.  Baby spinach, strawberries, mandarin oranges, candies pecans and a sweet dressing. VERY VERY GOOD!  I almost had it half gone when I decided to blog about it.

THANK YOU to the DeSoto House and a big thumbs up to the chef.            


Shirley

Got melmac?

Everyone loves melmac.  Vintage melmac has such pretty colors, some with flowers or other 50's designs.  We have a huge supply of most colors.  Great for picnics or vintage campers, won't break!

Some haven't been used yet, still in the box.  Aqua is my favorite, what's yours?

Charlie and His Vintage Dog Collar

This is Charlie.  His mom got three vintage collars from the shop today.  He's all ready for his upcoming trip to LA.  "Thank You" to his owners for letting me take a photo.  Congrats on the newest member of your family.

We have three collars left for another lucky dog. 

~Shirley

Bike Races This Weekend in Galena, IL

Visiting Galena, IL this weekend?  It's time for the Tour of Galena Bike Races.  Check out their website for updates through out the weekend.

Weekends temps are to be very hot and humid here in the Midwest.  Make sure you have a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

After the festivities stop in at the Grape Escape for something cool to drink.  Click here for this weekend's live entertainment at the Grape!  Tell Miss Kitty I sent you.

Have a safe and fun weekend!

~Shirley

Vintage Sewing in Galena, IL

     In need of a vintage Featherweight sewing machine?  This one has already been refurbished. Ready to go.  If you collect old children's sewing machines, I have them too!  Want to make your own vintage clothing?  Here you will find a huge selection of vintage patterns and fabrics so you can make your own. Also you will find a lot of old feedsacks, some are still intact in the form of a bag.
     The table is made from an old sewing machine with a glass top.  We also have vintage crochet thread and knitting needles. Stop in when you're in Galena, IL. and see what else we have for you.  Thanks for visiting!                         Shirley

Vintage Flashcards and Etsy

Etsy is everywhere!

See what I mean?

~Shirley

If Luggage Could Speak

If only we knew where these vintage suitcases have traveled.  By plane, boat, or train.  Perhaps in the trunk of the car, or strapped to the back of a carriage or bicycle.  Years of use on unpaved roads and exposure to inclement weather.  When in use each piece expressed his/her individually.

The uniqueness of each case is by far an eye-catching accessory.

If only luggage could speak.

~Shirley

DIY Inspiration: 1960s Mad Men Cocktail Party

I've been hearing a lot of customers speaking of the Mad Men television series on AMC.  Last week I had a couple of girls in the shop and they shared how they hosted a 1960's Mad Men Cocktail Party for their Birthdays.  Complete with fruited jello molds and olives in the drinks.

I put together a collection from the shop to give you some inspiration for your own cocktail party.  I also found a board on Pinterest for some additional eye candy.  Click here to view.

The vintage hutch left for it's new home today, so I moved things around to make room for more goodies and to give the shop a new look.  I'm working on new displays tomorrow.  I'll share pics when they're done.

~Shirley

Vintage Camping Accessories

Vintage enamel wear camping set

It's that time of year to get the camping gear together.  Tent, sleeping bags, flashlights, coffee pots, and don't forget the dishes.  Along with the enamel wear, melmac also works great. Lightweight and easy to pack.     

I came across an awesome melmac service for four still in it's original box.  It'll be coming to the shop very soon.  I have a nice selection of melmac in the shop. Click here for a mini preview. 

Any Mad Men fans out there?  Check back tomorrow... 

~Shirley

Summer Hours Start Today in Galena, IL

It's official!

As of today we are now open daily, except Tuesday, from 10-5pm.  If your traveling from out of town, our address is 212 N. Main Street, Galena, IL.  New to Galena?  Visitor information can be found here.  You can also find us on our Facebook page.

Have a great weekend.

~Shirley