Vintage Mink Coat Give-Away

No, you do not need to adjust your bi-focals, ladies. I am hosting a give-away for a vintage mink coat. My apologies to any readers who might be offended by the mention of fur. I assure you, the minks were long since deceased, by the time I got this coat. Why am I giving away a mink coat, you might ask? Perhaps not, but I'll tell you anyway :-) I purchased this coat two years ago, during my fur phase...amongst I won't mention how many others because it's gluttonous...and I've never worn it. I would rather give it to a fellow blogger than try to sell it on ebay (which is super saturated with furs anyway) or donate it to charity.

The coat: genuine, pieced mink (not full pelts), 3/4 length, wide cuffed sleeves, shawl collar. The lining is a bit worn and the fur is a little dry. I was initially going to describe it as perfect for crafting, but realized it is still suitable for wear. I'm probably more of a fur "snob" than most people, having worked in a store that specialized in fur coats/ jackets. Because of the cut of the coat, I would say it should fit sizes 6-10, depending on what you are wearing under it.

Rules: simply leave your name in the comments section of my blog...that's it. I will randomly choose a name on Monday, September 20. I'm going to ask that entries be limited to U.S. residents because of the cost of shipping.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Fit For a Queen

***Disclaimer*** The title for this post is stupid and really not at all "fitting". Forgive me, gentle readers as I try to recoup some of my wit and originality...it's been a while!
Following our most recent move (did I mention that this is the second move in THREE months???), I've had to replenish some of my basic household necessities (pots, pans, utensils, etc.). When move #1 took place, I foolishly got rid of any duplicates...not anticipating...well, just not anticipating PERIOD. As my list of "to buy" items grew, I headed off to the Salvation Army. I managed to stick to my list...until I saw this 3-piece, antique Christening outfit hanging (misplaced) amongst the table linens. In spite of its very tattered and yellowed condition, I was hopeful that I could revive it. With the help of my landlady, who is a skilled seamstress and lives downstairs, we stitched the frayed seams together. Okay, she did the stitching while I supervised the process. Although I was a bit nervous the gown would fall apart, I soaked it in a bit of OxyClean and put it out to dry in the sun for several hours. My landlady had heard/ read somewhere that the sun would bleach white fabric if you lay it in the grass...on a towel, of course. Something about the way the grass metabolizes/ photosynthesizes/ something "sizes" the natural sunlight. Don't know...don't care...it worked beautifully. All three pieces brightening to a very natural, antique white.
I originally had the ensemble displayed on a satin & lace hanger, but realized it would look adorable on my nameless teddy bear...who I still like to play dress up with. She really could use a name, now that I think of it. Any ideas? There I go, digressing again.
My creative juices have been moving at a snail's pace, but it felt SO good to have a little project to keep me occupied. Better still that I was satisfied with the outcome.

Hope & Faith

The whirling dervish that has defined my life, over the last 4 months, has finally headed out to sea. Sharing the details is overwhelming and too personal at this point but, suffice it to say: my decision making skills lacked rationality, discernment and the most basic common sense. The children and I moved TWICE in 3 months. I'm talking full-blown, pack everything we own, get settled in new home #1 only to start the process again as soon as we got settled. Thanks to my amazingly supportive family (my big sister, Kim, especially...who took charge as soon as I reached out for help) and some wonderful friends, the kids and I are peacefully nesting in new home #2.
During the course of all of this self-inflicted drama, I have had a tremendously difficult time maintaining my faith that God was still in control and that He had a greater plan than I could comprehend. Oh, I prayed fervently and sincerely that my children and I would get out of "hell house" in one piece...which we did. I prayed that we would find a safe haven until I could begin to sort through the disastrous rubble...which we did. I prayed that I could find the resources necessary to put a roof over our heads...which I did (HUGE thanks to Mom & Dad). I prayed that the emotional damage, to my children, would be minimal (or at least manageable)...which it is. Why then was I feeling that God was conspicuously absent/ busy/ preoccupied during my time of need? As always, I get so short-sighted in the midst of a storm and I comfortably rest my hiney on the pity pot, drowning in a near terminal case of "woes me". As the turbulence has begun to die down, I can see that God never jumped ship. He was, in fact, answering every single prayer I offered, in spite of MY fears and doubts. Life is good as long as I stay out of my own way!