Thursday, September 24, 2009

Memories…

I was going through some old photos,  and came across this one that brings back fond memories.  It is from the early 1900’s and is of downtown Anaheim (CA) looking east up Lincoln Ave (formerly known as “Center Street”).  See the building on the right  with ‘SQR’ on the front?  I worked there in college in the late 70’s.  At the time they were tearing all of those beautiful old buildings down.  To say I loved working there is an understatement!!! I adored that place! 

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Please click on the photo to enlarge it!

My only memory of SQR when I was young was shopping with my mom, Joanne, Melissa and Meg after an Anaheim ‘kiddie’ halloween parade.  I remember going UP in the fabulous OLD elevator to the top (3rd) floor.  There was a man in the elevator that you could tell what floor you were going to and he would push the button, and then hold the door for you when you got to your destination.  

Fast forward to 1978 when I worked there and that same elevator operator still worked at the store.  His name was George and he had worked there since he was a young man.  The elevator (and top floors) had been closed years before but George moved to the shoe department where he worked until the store was torn down in ‘78.  I learned alot from him about shoes, how they were made, what the best materials were, and even how to ‘stretch’ a new shoe that was too tight (if it is leather you spritz it with rubbing alcohol and then WEAR IT!!).

I have had a passion for fashion since I learned to sew in 7th grade in Miss Palmeris class at Fremont Junior High in Anaheim.  I still have my apron that I made in her class…that sewing project inspired me to become a seamstress and I spent hours making my clothes in high school.

So imagine the excitement when I worked at SQR with all the high fashion!  Well…by the late 70s the styles were fading but they did carry some of the top brands.  I loved putting outfits together for displays, and going down to the basement of SQR to retrieve a mannequin or two for a display!  The elevator didn’t work so we had to carry them up the stairs but what a fun job it was!  A trip to the upper floors was a little spooky, the old oak floors squeaked and the only light came from the windows…but it was still a grand old place.

Ahhh…memories!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Garden Market Style!

We spent the day outdoors at the Le Jardin Garden Market in their gorgeous gardens in Pleasant Hill. Lots of sun, fun and new customers to introduce to our vintage image stationery and Mementos chocolate and favor designs to. Home for the day looked like this: (please click on the photo to get the bigger picture!)

And since the Danville show two weeks ago was all halloween, I mixed it up a bit and did some FAB new designs for clipboards and market bags:

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Love ‘em! The customers did too…a nice indication that I’m doing things that others enjoy! I strive to keep up with ‘trends’ while keeping my designs unique and fresh. You won’t find these anywhere else, that’s for sure!

The weekend was B-U-S-Y, Room With A Past was open and let me tell you, it was AMAZING!!! It was just incredible how much we sold.

So I’m ready for a few days off…I think I’ll go back in the archives and drop in a post or two of some oldies but goodies. In the meantime, have a wonderful week!

Mandi

Friday, September 18, 2009

It’s THAT time again!!!

Brace yourself…the excitement may be too much…this weekend is the annual Room With a Past Outdoor Flea Market!!! I can hardly wait to see what the girls (there are about 20 dealers participating) bring to sell…these gals are amazing, and so is the ‘stuff’ they sell!

I’ve got halloween going in my space in the shop

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And of course lots of white paint and ‘shabby’ look finds…

And all kinds of treats for your BARGAIN shopping pleasure will be in my space outside!!!

See you there!
Mandi

Monday, September 14, 2009

A quick makeover…

From drab

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To FAB!!!

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Room With a Past is open this weekend and the ‘Parking Lot Flea Market’ will be in full swing Saturday and Sunday.  Stop in for more fabulous finds and transformations!!!

Have a wonderful week!

Mandi

 

Friday, September 11, 2009

Never forget…

Eight years ago today I was getting my son up for the day, had turned on the tv for cartoons…and saw first one, and then two towers in flames.  All I could think was ‘how will I ever be able to explain to him what happened?’  Over the years he has come to know about it, but I don’t think any of us will ever understand. 

Today is a good time to take a few minutes to reflect on being grateful for what we have, who we are able to share it with, remember those that were lost…and those that not only sacrificed their lives that day, but those that do it every day.  We are soooo lucky to be free…let’s never forget.

Take time today to hug your family, friends, anyone you are close to…and always remember what it feels like to be free.

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mandi

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

What’s next??!!!

It’s 9:09 on 9/9/2009!!!

I love ‘numbers’ like that…as did my grandpa and my mom does too…the Hadster and I will call her at 9:09 to say hello.

So I was thinking today, ‘what’s next?’ for the next few weeks.  While I’d like to think I take things one day at a time, it just does not happen in my world!  School, Mementos design work, the shop (RWAP!)…and scouts, school volunteering, taequando, family stuff…it’s enough to make a girls head spin!  The shop is open next weekend, I’m doing a show that same weekend…squeeze in all the weekly stuff and Halloween will be here and gone before we know it!!!

What keeps me SANE is what keeps me the busiest – creating things like this decoupage lampshade:

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And these new journals:

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I’ll be doing alot more of the same type work this next week.  While it keeps me busy, I call it therapy…paper therapy.  Give me some paper, a good printer and some glue…and I’m content!

*and in case you are wondering…Windows LIVE will post this for me so I don’t have to sit around until 9:09!*

Happy 9/9/09!

Mandi

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Having fun in Danville…

At the ‘Antique and Art Faire’ of course! It is an outdoor event, lots of great vendors selling all kinds of antiques, hand-crafted things, books, records, jewelry…plenty for holiday shoppers to see and BUY! We did great, our space will filled with vintage-inspired halloween and some decorating treasures you’ll find in my space at Room With a Past.

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DSCF1275 That’s alotta halloween! I do tags and cards (like the ‘boo’ card above!), journals and clipboards (in top photos) and even did the glittery skull 'wands’ with the frilly and feathery collars. Thanks to my dear friend Sue for sharing the space and day with me, it goes to show that when you get creative minds together the possibilities are endless and always FUN!

We’ll be doing it again soon in another town nearby, stay tuned!

Have a wonderful (and short!) week!

Mandi