Our End of Summer Vacation

Zack and I took a much needed vacation after labor day. We had a whole week and a half off of work, and we decided to take a trip-just the two of us! Yosemite National Park is about a 5 hours away and is one of our "special places", so it was an easy choice. Yosemite offers a lot of bang for your buck so to speak, as camping is so affordable, but the location has so much beauty to offer.  There is so much to do there that even a week isn't enough! 

The first day we took the long route in to stop in the little mountain town of Mariposa. I would say we "took the scenic route", but in reality, any drive into Yosemite valley is a scenic route. If I could live anywhere, I would live there. It is like a little sleepy mountain town you see in movies-just precious! 

We stopped for lunch at this old fashion family burger joint called Happy Burger. The food was delicious!

They had old records covering the walls and ceilings- my kinda place!

Zack and I, finally getting away from it all and relaxing. 

On the way to our campsite we pulled the car over for a photo op!

This was my last chance to wear vintage for a whole week, so I used the opportunity to wear my red and white gingham top. I thought it was camping appropriate. 

We are all smiles in the fresh air and sunshine!

Then we got to our campsite and set up tent. 

This was our home for the next few days: Crane Flats Campground.

 We had a few comforts like a big tent, picnic bench, BBQ, and vintage Coleman stove.

We also have this vintage camping chest that was made by a family member and used for 50+ years of camping trips. We are excited to continue the family camping tradition. It is a classic American vacation after all!

The chest has all of these cool vintage stickers on it from Zack's grandparent's travels. I love this Vegas one!

And the Disneyland one of course!

I also like these LA ones. 

After we set everything up we took a little stroll. 

Wild flowers!

We even did a little climbing. Because we were going to be so active during this trip I had to wear "active wear". Basically ugly, shapeless, wicking fabrics. Functional and practical but not pretty. 

We also observed the wild life! 

After we built up an appetite I made us dinner on our vintage Coleman stove.  

Me, being a backcounty betty! 

After our dinner of hot dogs and baked beans, we made smores! Not a bad day at all! 

I have to break down this vacation into multiple posts, so look out for the next Yosemite vacation post soon! 

XOXO

Dollie

Ventura Nationals 2011

On the Saturday of labor day weekend, we went to the beach for Ventura Nationals. We attend every year, and it is always one of our favorite events. 

I wanted to get one more wear out of my favorite Hawaiian dress before I put it away for winter. 

As always, there were some sweet rides to be seen!

There was also the pinup contest again this year. I entered last year but didn't place. This year I was hoping to place because the top three places received giftcards for my favorite thing: clothing!!! 1st place got $500 to Stop Staring, 2nd got $250 to Nicole Katherine Designs, and 3rd place got $150 to Nicole Katherine Designs.  

You had to answer one question, but mostly you just had to stand there and look pretty. 

Not too much involved in these contests. 

I kind of stick out like a sore-thumb don't I? I was the only blonde, really??

The judges were: Tom Ingram of Viva Las Vegas, burlesque dancer Audrey Delux, and Phil Alvin of The Blasters. The announced the winners as....

1st, 2nd, and 3rd as shown. I was super happy to place! 

I loved the girl in the purple, I would have been happy to place after her-she was too cute and sweet! When she didn't place I was so sad! I wanted to give her my 3rd place. ha ha. Even the crowd kept yelling-PURPLE, PURPLE, PURPLE! 

For my 3rd place win I got a $150 giftcard to Nicole Katherine Designs, and I already know what I want to get with it, and I will make sure to share it with you when I get it. Whoo hoooo. So excited about that! In a nice surprise, we also won a ticket to this years Viva Las Vegas!!! 

Posing with the Viva Las Vegas car. 

While there I also did some shopping at the vintage vendors and got some GREAT steals! When I walked into one of the booths they mentioned that they had some dresses like the one I was wearing, so I asked to see them. I didn't have much money to spend, so I figured they were out of my budget. I loved the two Kamehameha's they showed me, but they didn't have price tags. I was afraid to ask what they wanted for them, but......

I got this Kamehameha sarong dress, and....

this Kamehameha sarong dress.... for $50!! Yes, both for $50! One they said $25 a piece I snatched them up,  paid cash, and ran away with them without even trying them on. I didn't want to seem too eager, and have them realize what a steal it was before I got away! But wow, possibly the best vintage deal ever!! 

Not a bad way to spend the start of my week and a half end-of-summer vacation. More on that coming soon!

But we had one more stop before we could leave for our vacation- the market. I took this cellphone picture while there to prove that I really do wear my vintage everywhere-even the market! No sweatpants for me, no sirree! I wear Shaheen to the market!

XOXO

Dollie

Newest Purchases: Atomic Bar!!!

 When I did my before and after home post I mentioned that I wanted a bar for the corner of my living room. I figured it was a far off dream though. Then I had one of by readers forward me an Ebay link to this bar on my Facebook page. I loved it right away, but it was out of my budget. Well, I kept watching it, and when it didn't sell they relisted for less, and with an OBO option. So after some tough negotiations, I decided to buy it! I had to say it was for an early birthday/Christmas present for Zachary to justify it for myself. It was shipped via a Greyhound buss all the way from MI! It came in perfect condition, so we cleaned it up and put it to use right away!

The vintage bar stools we had matched perfectly! 

The cat is already a regular. 

PBR is always available at our bar. I love the laminate top with the gold atomic stars and metal edging. 

This is the kind of bar that I can go to All Natural! 

The front is black patterned metal that you can see thru. 

The bar is already stocked from stuff we had in the cabinets! 

The seller also threw in this cool matching metal shelf! 

Sandra gave me this super cute vintage pineapple toothpick set. I love it for behind the bar!! 

The last new thing I have to show is this vintage skirt and purse set. The same reader sent me the Ebay link to this beautiful set, and I knew I had to have it!

I didn't have any sets with a matching purse! You know how much I love matching sets! 

But really, now, I can't spend anymore money shopping!!! I have a wedding and honeymoon to save for.

XOXO

Dollie