Vintage Christmases Gone By

If you were lucky and well wealthy enough, fifty years ago or more you would have owned a film recorder or video camera. Today we call them camcorders and almost everyone has one. My how things change!

I was curious to see if there were any vintage home movies made on Christmas day and by golly there were many. It was eerie and yet sweet to view some of these home videos. Just knowing that many of the people I was looking at were most likely gone or very old was emotional for me because looking at these home movies is basically like taking a peak into some one's private life from long ago.

So without further adieu, here are some really beautiful home videos ranging from the 1930's to the 1960's. They were all found on YouTube. *smile* Oh, and keep in mind there is no sound included (except for an introduction in the '39 video and some music added by the movie owners of the '60 video) because the camcorder was in  it's beginning stages back then.

This is from 1939, capturing family life during Christmastime.

.

The person who posted this was the little boy playing---

 with his father who was 35, his grandmother who was 60, and

his younger brother who was only six months at the time, in 1940.

1950's Christmas-Lets just say I want every

toy this little got from Santa! hehehe

Christmas 1960-A beautiful family with four children

opening their presents on Christmas morning-what a delight!

I hope you enjoyed watching these as much as I did!!

xox

Holiday Music at its Best!

Ever sung in a choir? Or in Church? Or in the bathroom when no one is listening (or so you think hehe)? Christmastime is a magical time filled with good wishes and joy for others. It's also filled with great music and songs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

I know many of the songs because in High School and my first year of University I was in the choir. I remember loving the Christmas show every year. How festive and happy everyone was to hear us sing. Oh those youthful days! hehehe

Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs sung by the most amazing artists of their time:

Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" through the years!

Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song"

Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer (what a voice he had!)

singing "Baby It's Cold Outside"

Elvis Presley singing "Silent Night"

There are so many fantastic Christmas songs out there sung by equally fantastic singers and performers. I defiantly recommend getting a CD of your favorite classic Christmas songs for your family to enjoy during the holidays. I have a few Cd's that I play throughout the month of December for myself and my family. The Cd's include mostly classic renditions of these amazing songs and more. I want my children to grow up hearing all sorts of music and to really appreciate the classic holiday songs of yesteryear.

xox

Decorating for Christmas!

Can you believe its almost that time of year? You know the one where we dust off our Christmas decorations, design Christmas card, and threaten our children that if they don't behave that Santa is not coming to bring them presents??!!

Well it is! I have dusted off my Christmas decorations and although I put them up super duper early this year--I did so with love. I usually like to decorate after Thanksgiving which is one of our traditions but I have learned with very young children you need to do what you can when you can. So when my daughter had a day off of school, she went with her little brother to sleep over papa's house. My husband took the day off from his first job because he has a lot of vacation days to still use up and we stayed home with our youngest.

Although I was beginning to get my now two week long cold, we were able to decorate and clean up the house. I finished up the Christmas tree during that weekend. The theme for our decor is Disney-mainly Mickey and Minnie Mouse. We are without a doubt huge Disney fans-not the crazy or weird kind though. If you're a Disney fan you know what I mean LOL

This year we put out even less than we usually do. We usually have ornaments on the tree, statues of Mickey and Minnie, Light up Mickey and Minnie images for the windows, the Nativity Scene, and much more. We  learned the following year that toddlers basically grab, pull, and tear apart everything they can get their cute little chubby hands on!

And now that I have a kid-to-be, a toddler, and a baby who wants to be a toddler there is NO way I am taking all the decorations out. I may have to wait three more years to put out the ornaments-what a bummer but I will save the lives of many ornaments to come especially my super rare ones! Our ornaments are Disney based as well but also our favorite movies, so I have a "It's a wonderful life" ornament and "A Christmas story" ornament as well.

Anyway, here's a bit of how I decorated for this year:

Stockings hung with care :)

Yes, these are Mickey Mouse head garlands!

Frames with the photos of my little ones as babies

in their Christmas best! Its on a mantel above the couch!

This is at our entrance in between the Foyer and Living Room.

I have garlands strung up in every doorway on the first

floor-simple, affordable, and really adds Christmas cheer to your home!

I have a few of these little guys hanging around our kitchen.

My daughter is itching to get her hands on them LOL

I purchased them for a dollar a piece at a local dollar store one year!

Our Christmas tree-forgive this photo-I know it's blurry LOL

We put a gate around it so the kiddies cant get to it and I have

red thick curtains to keep any drafts from coming into the

house as well :)

So there you have it-a little peak into my home and how I decorated it for Christmas. What theme do you have for Christmas? What vintage items do you incorporate into  your holiday decor?

Let the fun and cheery festivities begin!!

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and being grateful and appreciative, I selected "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" as my Weekend Cinema Spotlight. Thanksgiving is about remembering what you are thankful for but also about sharing a meal with those you love and care for.

This film has an all-star cast starting with the late and greats---Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. They play a married couple named Matt and Christina Drayton. In real life, they were lovers and partners for over twenty-seven years. Their relationship was kept very private because the very religious Tracy was already married and did not desire to seek a divorce-which was very scandalous at the time.

It also stars the ever so talented Sidney Poitier (Dr. John Prentice), whose film "To Sir, With Love" was featured as my very first cinema spotlight. As well as Katharine Houghton who just happens to be Katherine Hepburn's real-life niece!!! She plays the positive-thinking and exuberant Joanna "Joey" Drayton.

"Guess Who's Coming Dinner" Trailer

It's a story that can still resonates in today's society. For me, this film is perfect-to remake this would be an injustice and mainly because it was cast with the best of Hollywood and also because of the times it was set in.

Joey falls in love with Dr. Prentice and brings him to meet her parents before they leave for Switzerland where he has a job waiting for him and where they plan to wed. What ensues afterwards makes your heart pound faster, makes you think about your own prejudices, and also makes you wonder what would you do in Matt and Christina's place?

It was perfectly cast and Stanley Kramer who directed and produced this film bended real-life issues with real-life emotions. It was so incredibly played out and flowed realistically even though the idea of falling in love in just ten days doesn't sound so realistic. The way the story was written (William Rose) just leaves the person watching the film in awe. It truly is a masterpiece.

Famous monologue by Spencer Tracy

This was Spencer Tracy's final film. He passed on just two weeks after it was completed. Everyone involved with the film knew he was ill and the director along with the cast worked around his schedule. He primarily worked from 9am to 12pm and they filmed his parts at the beginning of production not knowing if he would be well to complete it. Hepburn refused to watch the film even many years later because it was too hard for her to watch. She did winn the Academy Award for Best Actress for this film.

Tracy's performance was utter perfection. I believe everyone involved with this film rose to the occasion and gave it all they had. In the end it was and still is a prolific piece of art.

xox

Pinup Girl of the Month: November: Audrey Hepburn

When I think of what a pinup girl is I imagine someone who is attractive or beautiful. I imagine someone who alludes sexuality or femininity in a tasteful manner without compromising herself as a woman.

When I think of the who in Hollywood lived a life full of grace and who was nothing more than herself at all times, I think of Audrey Hepburn.

In depth interview given by Barbara Walters in the 90's

This video really tells her story well, from her beginnings to where she was at in the 1990's. Unfortunately she passed away in 1993 at the age of 63.

Audrey Hepburn was many things. She was....

a Woman

a Mother

an Actress

a Pinup

a Style Icon

and a Humanitarian

There is a reason why so many people adore Audrey Hepburn. It's because she was more than a pretty face, more than a striking photo, more than an profound performance....she was willing to be more than all those things. She was willing to get out into the world and make a difference for others. She was willing to remember that there were those less fortunate than her and she did it without a desire for more fan.

So many celebrities and artists today and subjecting themselves to dirty tactics and basically selling of themselves in order to have fame, wealth, and lots and lots of stuff. People like Audrey lived life simply yet well and gave back to the world without expecting anything in return.

She was a hero and still is. An icon for so many reasons, but I am sure that her sons Sean and Luca simply remember her as a phenomenal mother. And that my dears, is worth more than all the riches in the world!

xox

A to Z Blog About Me

A to Z About Me blog questionnaire

A. Age: You wouldn't believe me if I told you! How old do you think I am?
B. Bed size: My full size one from my single days--hubby dreams of a King size though-I think I may dream along with him!
C. Chore that you hate: Ironing and the ironic (no pun intended) thing is my dad is superb when it comes to ironing-he taught me but I can't stand it..all those creases and collars...ugh!!
D. Dogs: I had three at different stages of my life when I was younger-they are fab just a lot of work!
E. Essential start to your day: I must have breakfast and would prefer to have my meals in order-starting with breakfast (even if its two in the afternoon) *smile*
F. Favourite color: Shades of blue, pink, reds, black, and sage green
G. Gold or Silver: Silver all the way!
I. Instruments you play: Learned a bit of the organ, keyboard, and piano but because my hands have their limitations it wasn't something I was able to pursue. Wish I played the drums though-that would ROCK!
J. Job title: Stay at home mother and home-maker extraordinaire
K. Kids: I have three: four, two and a half, and one, as well as one fur-daughter named Sophie.
L. Live: Each day and each breathe as it were the final one. I treasure every moment, even the bad ones because they remind me that I am alive.
M. Mother’s name: Rosa Emilia Gonzalez Rodriguez...beautiful huh?
N. Nicknames: My hubby calls me Bunny :)
O. Overnight hospital stays: Let's see....three foot surgeries and three births...that's six and no I don't want anymore thank you very much!
P. Pet peeves: Manners! I believe people should have impeccable manners.
Q. Quote from a movie: "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn" by Rhett Butler (Gone with the wind)
R. Right or left handed: Right handed although I like to practice with my left a bit as a form of exercise.
S. Siblings: I have one older brother-he is four years older than me.
T. Time you wake up: I would wake up everyday at 11am if I could but I get up about 7:30am to do my daughters hair for school and start tending to my boys.
U. Underwear: Hanes her way LOL I like comfy things and coverage. I do not see the purpose of my privates hanging everywhere for what? To feel sexy? Really now..I would much rather be warm :)
V. Vegetable you hate: Mushrooms because they look funky and have NO taste-no thank you!
W. What makes you run late: Tending to everyone-because of that I am always the last to get dressed and get ready-boo!
Y. Yummy food that you love: Spanish Caribbean food because its the most flavorful.
Z. Zoo animal:  Penguins-they are sooo cool when they are swimming around under water-so neat!


Hope you feel you learned a little more about me :) This questionnaire is making its way around the blog world so feel free to post it in your blog or email me your answers. I would love to learn more about you!!!

xox

Food for Thought....

"The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin

Have you ever found loose change in your pocket that you didn't expect to find? Or better still some dollar bills in a pair of jeans or coat hanging in your closest?

Well, this past week I found a slip of paper in an old book that I had for an English class in my college days. The book is called "Walden and Other Writings" by Henry David Thoreau. It was purchased in the mid 90's when I took a Literature course ( I took many!) and this was one of the reading requirements.

The piece of paper is square and looks like it came from one of those paper note pads--I always liked small paper pads LOL Anyway, I took a moment to read what I wrote (after I found it in my daughters Halloween pumpkin-go figure!) and after I read it, it made me ponder...again. Thoreau always makes me ponder, how could he not!

So this is food for thought....I will share with you exactly what I wrote on the note. Please excuse any poor uses of grammar, which has never been my strong suit LOL

The note reads:

If we wouldn't concern ourselves with the omnipresent worries of the things we have to buy, such as; a new outfit for a wedding or getting your hair done, etc.... We ignore ourselves; our personal struggles, worries, and dilemmas (to a certain point perhaps).

That's why Thoreau wants us to ask ourselves questions such as, "What is Life?" and "What are we doing with our lives?", so we can put ourselves as a priority again and put aside the needless concerns of materialism.

Perhaps view the old worries in a different way and view materialism in a different way as well. Perhaps changing our lifestyle in the long run. (without really trying-just naturally!!!)

It made me think about the intensity of living a life consumed with materialism. How I love my movies and pretty things but I do detest the hold that some things have had and have on my life. There is this great hold that money and stuff has on us, I feel it all around me. I don't know if its more here than there but I know living in New York there are great pressures to have fancy cell phones, two hundred channels on cable, flat screen television sets in every room, Coach handbags, and pedicures once a week.

Makes me sit and think and ponder. What does it all mean to me and can I be happy and satisfied with less?

Hope it makes you ponder a little as well. Like I said, Thoreau has a way of doing that to people!

xox

Being Crafty!

So for the past week I have been focusing on my crafting as a means of fundraising. I was able to finish two whole albums and just about finished with one more. Yeah!

I have been scrapbooking since 2002 and and I just everything about it. I haven't  had a chance to do much since my youngest was born but I hope making these albums will get me back to finishing some albums for my children.

I knew it would take me longer with three kids to care for but WOW-its beyond tedious now LOL I only really get about 30 minutes or so a day (mostly at night) but hey-I am just going to work with what I have and that's that. They will get done!



If you would like to see more of my album, please check out My Etsy Store! I also do custom orders. I only work with 6x6 Chipboard Albums but if you want something bigger and in an actual album just email me! My information is above my blog under "Keep in Contact".  I am also open to swapping or trading-if you have items that I may be interested, again-contact me!

I am really hope I make a few sales-this will be an awesome and creative way to be able to pay for my vintage wardrobe and photo shoots or simply pay for things for my children. Either way it will feel good to participate financially for my family.

Save my store as one of your favorites on Etsy--I will be posting an album each week--that is the plan anyway hehehe

xox

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: The Time Machine

"The Time Machine" (1960)

Ever wanted to travel through time? The film "The Time Machine" will surely take you for a ride. It stars Rod Taylor (who also starred in the film "The Birds"), who is an inventor from 1899 who basically invents a time machine.

It begins with his friends meeting him for dinner and then he walks into the room late because he just returned from his travels. He travels to 1914, 1940, 1966, and lastly the year 802,701.

There's something charming about this version H.G. Wells's "The Time Machine" I have to admit I don't mind the 2002 remake but I much prefer Rod Taylor's take as the inventor who sees the world through time traveling eyes.

The incredibly handsome and dapper Rod Taylor

I don't know about any of you but I have always been fascinated by time and space travel. As a child I wanted to be an Archaeologist and an Astronaut (not at the same time LOL). I am a huge fan of Star Trek and Doctor Who, so you can imagine how my mind works LOL I love the thought of an adventure. As I have grown older I realized that adventures can happen right in your own living room, but I will always love the idea of traveling through space and time.

So do you think Rod Taylor's character stays in 1899 or goes off to live other lives in other realms of time? This film is written beautifully and honestly in the end there is a bitter sweetness that resonates long after the credits are gone.

Think about where you would like to travel to if you could? I mean, you never know....I think anything is possible!

xox

50th Anniversary of "West Side Story"

When I heard that TCM was hosting the nationwide 50th Anniversary viewing of "West Side Story", I became super giddy and I knew I must join in the fun! Thankfully my husband also enjoys classic film so he agreed to coming along with me-I must say its always nice to get out a little especially on a date!

I knew instinctively that the theatre will be packed and what did we find--a packed house! We managed to find good seating and I was impressed the the kinds of people that showed up to watch it on the big screen. There were people my father's age who must have seen it when they were ten or twelve, there were Latinos, young people, and some people even brought their children.

The first twenty minutes included Robert Osbourne who is the host of TCM interviewing one of the original producers, George Chakiris who played Bernardo, and Marnie Nixon who was the voice behind Natalie Wood.

It was a great interview and cool to see something that would normally be seen on television, seen on the big screen. One cool clip they shared was one where Natalie was actually singing in the film-its a hard clip to find but here is a snippet of her singing voice:

Her voice is sweet but not up to Broadway and

 theatre standards-Marni Nixon's voice more theatrical.

Watching the film was surreal--to see it on such a large screen. It's something that I want to more often, view classic films as they were originally shown--on screen. 

Trailer for "West Side Story"

I had many emotions and thoughts running through me. On the emotion front, I felt proud of being a New Yorker as the play and film are both set in New York. Nothing beats this city! I had mixed emotions on how Puerto Ricans were viewed in the film. I don't have an attached to the island but my mother was born there and my paternal grandfather, so I have a huge family legacy that is n fact Puerto Rican. It felt weird to see how the white Americans viewed them but there is always a group of people that others don't like for whatever reason. And let's face it, if you're an American you or your family were originally immigrants. So to me bashing another culture of people doesn't make sense yet I can understand how emotions can run high especially when money is concerned.

I thought to myself, wow it was really like that back in 1961? My father told me stories...there were always gangs or ethnic groups in his neighborhood in upper Manhattan. There were the Irish, the Italians, the African-Americans, the Cubans, and of course the Puerto Ricans. My father, like me, socialize with all the groups much to his parents dismay-you go daddy!



"America" sung by the Sharks and their girlfriends

It was so cool when everyone applauded after the part of the film where Anita and Bernardo sing "America". One woman in the audience said, "They don't make them like that anymore". How right she is. There is a reason why some films are unforgettable and resonate through the years. In this case fifty years!!

By the end of the film, I learned something that I didn't understand before. I often wondered if people could fall madly in love, I mean true, mature love, within hours of meeting. For the first time it hit me like a pie in the face...hello...my parents! duh??! Why didn't I connect that before?

When my father met my mother in 1971, they were both at a party and as my father tells it, the moment he laid eyes on her told himself, "Oh my God, she's the one! I am going to marry her!". And he did. Their marriage wasn't perfect but they were committed and with her last breath, my father was there to see her unto her next phase of existence. My father has never been the same, who would be?

So is instant true love possible---YES, YES, YES! I am living proof of it!

"West Side Story" is a masterpiece. It speaks of things that are still prevalent today and it speaks of love. It was a lovely evening  out with my husband and I am very grateful that I was able to share this experience with him.

xox

PS If you were ever curious (like me) to know more about the cast from the film check this site out. And if you want to see some of the perform on stage (in their advanced age with Chita Rivera), check this site out! Enjoy!

It's a Wonka Party!

My youngest son has turned ONE! I still can't believe it! So now I have a four yr old, two yr old, and one yr old. Sheesh! No wonder I'm tired hehehe

I have shared with you all that I love celebrating events, milestones, and holidays. I think it's important to find joy in things and be happy about the events that happen in your life. I have always enjoyed gathering with friends and party planning just grew from there.

Now that I have three children, I have to plan three birthday parties a year. Okay I don't have to, but I want to. And now more than ever I have to tap into my creativity and make their birthdays fabulous without spending very much at all.

Lets start with the wall-its a huge part of the decoration process. Some people use material to cover the wall, some use banners, and I started using a quote. I hand drew the letters based on the lettering used on the DVD case and his invitation and cut them out with precession scissors from Fiskars-its a scrapbooking tool I use.

The words that I wanted to pop out I made out of tissue papers-the decorating tool that is very inexpensive and you can do so much with. I plan to discover a 100 ways I can use tissue paper for party planning. I used four of them for this party hehehe The seller I used on Etsy is called pomtastic. They are fantastic and have so many colors to choose from too.

Since "Willy Wonka" is a chocolate and candy theme  decided to make my own large pieces of candy with tissue paper. I basically took one sheet and balled it up and covered it with a another sheet and twisted the ends from the smaller pieces and balled up two or three sheets for the larger pieces. I was going to attempt making lollipops but time didn't allow me.

I also used a sheet for under the serving plate to add a little more color to the all white table. The final way I used tissue paper was in a cylinder I had to put the cookie pops in. Its a great filler to use and helped keep the favors in place.

These were my sons favors. I loved them but have been inspired to make my own for first sons third birthday party in May (Superhero theme). It was a beautiful gift from his amazing Godmother! But she has been encouraging me to try and make decorated sugar cookies myself, so I will be!

Because Halloween just passed I honestly didn't want too much candy at the party. Also it was a small event with a few friends and family members. The kids that were there were basically my three and my little niece. So since my parties are small and more intimate, I find that less is more works best for me.

I made these cupcakes myself and decorated them with candy and chocolates. OMG---lets just say I will be making them this way again. I am still drooling over the twix covered cupcake I had-YUM!

The picks were made by an Etsy seller. Honestly after seeing how she made them, I am again convinced I can do them myself. I think if you plan your parties with time (in my case I need a few months for each) you can really do most of everything yourself.

I use all white servers at my parties, mostly purchased from Crate and Barrel from my non-baby days LOL I think white servers are fantastic because you can use them over and over and they are also elegant and classic pieces. Why buy plastic servers in every color for every party theme you ever have when you can use white? With this cupcake (and cake) server I can changes the colors of the ribbon that I intertwine, according to the colors of the theme.

The glass jar was purchased for 3.99 and the candy was a mix of "Willy Wonka" candy. The hat accent on top was purchased as a prop for my sons portrait but he didn't take to it too well so I just added it to the jar and I think it looked super cute!

I have used this seller twice, the first was my daughter's "Vintage Olivia Carnival" theme for her fourth birthday and again for this one. She also made our invitations. I am going to attempt to make the invitations for my son's "Superhero" themed party--keep your fingers crossed for that! Heheh I love the photo picks this seller makes! She's great to work with and as you can see I put them in the "Oompa Loompa" sandwiches-everyone got a kick out of this.

I do believe that one or two things should really POP at a party you are planning. It doesn't matter whether you spend a dollar or a hundred as long as its unique and really adds something special to the event. These picks made with my baby's cutie pie face were awesome!

I like to add personal touches to my tables and they usually include a photo of my child. I purchased a wooden frame from Michael's and hand painted with acrylic paint. Then I add the photo and it's done! I haven't played around with decorated the frames because sometimes I like to reuse them from another party. In this case, this frame is now in the nursery with my son*smile*

There I am with my youngest munchkin. Happy Birthday to my baby boy!

A few more tips for all you party planning mamas and papas:

• Save the table covers, especially the plastic ones because you can reuse them again for other events.
• Plan your party with a specific budget in mind so you won't go over board.
• Ask family or friends to make you treats or help you cook something. My sister n law made my son's cake and some of the chocolate treats in the pictures above.
• Make the party age and group appropriate. For example, because this was a first birthday party and the only kids were my own and my niece we didn't have any party games. I just let the kids play with the toys we have in our home.
• Purchase solid colored tableware--like the plates, forks, cups, napkins, and table covers--purchase them a solid color-you can not only reuse most of them but also it is about 75% less than having characters printed everywhere.

I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into my world of party planning. I love it and truly enjoy being creative and making something special for my little ones.

xox

PS I don't like to post my children's names but in this case you might be curious to know his name is Michelangelo hence why it says "Michel" on the cake. We call him "Micha" (Mee-ka) for short though :)

Weekend Cinema Spotlight: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971)

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams".......oh that Willy Wonka! The entire film is a child's fantasy come true!

It basically begins with this young, poor boy named Charlie Bucket (played by Peter Ostrum), who finds out the elusive Willy Wonka (played by Gene Wilder) was having a contest. The winners would get to enter the infamous Chocolate Factory. Charlie dreamed and hoped he would get the chance to do so and he does!

The cast of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"

He found his golden ticket! Charlie takes his Grandpa Joe (played by Jack Albertson) with him. He then goes with five other children (with their parents) to visit Willy Wonka in his Chocolate Factory! Every time I watch the first part of the movie--I get giddy! How could you not? Who wouldn't want to visit a candy factory??!!

Charlie is a sweet and well deserving child who appreciates the things he sees before him. Now the rest of the children are very far away from that description. Every time one of the refuses to listen to Willy Wonka they get themselves in trouble and the Oompa Loompa's come to the rescue!

The Trailer for "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"

This film is charming and the songs are enchanting! Take a look at this one:



I think besides Charlie, Veruca Salt (played by Julie Dawn Cole) is my favorite character. She's super bratty and super spoiled! That's always fun to watch on screen heheh In the scene above, Julie Dawn Cole performed that number on her 13th birthday-how cool is that! What a memory to have!

At the end of the adventures with Willy Wonka; a river of chocolate, gum that feeds you food, golden geese, fizzy lifting drinks, and  magical television sets, Charlie becomes the winner of the contest! He hopes to receive his prize of a lifetime supply of chocolates (can we say heaven!?), but when he approaches Wonka about it something strange happens.

Wonka yells at both Charlie and Grandpa Joe and reminds them of the fizzy lifting drinks incident. After they are turned away by Wonka, Charlie who was given a "everlasting gobstopper" by Wonka is told by Grandpa Joe to sell it to Mr. Slugworth (played by Gunter Meisner). Charlie declines and instead hands it over to Wonka.

Because of his good heart and his good deeds, Wonka reveals to Charlie that he passed the test and that he has won a prize bigger that chocolate! Would  you like to know what it is? Look at the scene above! *smile*

This is film brings both a smile to your face and simply brings out the child in you. It's one of my husband's favorite movies and one of mine as well. Because we loved this film and its message so much we decided to make our youngest child's first birthday theme a "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory".

My next post I will share with you how I decorated for his party and how to stay within a small budget as well.

Hope you enjoy this little snippet of Wonka magic!!

xox

It just hit the spot!

Ever have a day where everything and I mean everything just HIT you in the face all at once? I think we all live in the realities that we envision for ourselves. For example, women who date jerks but when she looks at him she thinks he  is fabulous OR men who swear they are God's gift to women yet are probably on the low scale when it comes to looks.

Point is---our mind is a wonderful and scary thing. It can help us forget horrible things or make us image  things that don't exist.

I lead a good life--honestly the only thing I can ask for is less stress. People say "Money doesn't buy you happiness", but a good friend said to me recently--it can buy peace of mind and more time together with your loved ones.

Everyone is suffering from this bad economy--some more than others. For some reasons most people I personally know act like nothing is happening. That's their version of reality they are living--pretending everything is okay when it probably isn't.

This past week the situation my family and I are in financially hit me in the face and since we are now focused on eliminating some debt that means things are tighter than ever. When you're going through tough times you want to indulge in something that takes your mind away from things, be it a show or a movie or just about anything. Mine is vintage/pinup modeling.

And when all of this hit me, what also hit me what how important my role as a stay at home mother really is. Now call me naive but I really didn't know how important and how vital my role really is. I don't have any close friends in my state that are stay at home parents and I obviously my mom isn't around so I could ask her what this role really entails.

I simply thought it was up keeping the home, planning things, tending, and educating the children. No, it's so much more than that. Honestly realizing that has scared me to bits. And also realizing how much harder it will be for me to build my modeling portfolio and to gain more experiences just put me in a downward spiral of defeat. I actually felt defeated. I haven't felt that as an adult or as a mother, so in many ways this is all so very new to me.

I found myself feeling incredibly frustrated (I still am in some smaller ways) and just feeling many deep shades of blue.

Slowly throughout my day after chatting with some great friends and chatting with my father and husband, I slowly started to pick myself up. I know I can do a great job at being a stay at home mother and I know I can become a vintage model--I just wondered to myself if I was strong enough to do the seemingly impossible. Being the only women in my life (aside from a few friends but no family relations) I don't really have a reference or anyone to go to and ask, "hey, is this normal?" or "will I be okay". Most of my closest relationships are with men--my husband, my father, my friend Nick....I speak to them more than any female in my life. And although they are exceptional men and always there for me when I need an ear, its just not the same.

With that being said, this blogger/pinup/vintage world I have been in has introduced me to some amazing women that even though I have never met them personally (aside from Lucy Anne Riggs), they have been so supportive and given me the wisdom and push I needed.

My dear friend Brittany from Va-Voom Vintage said it perfectly to me, I am living out my "Great Depression" and when this is all over it will be the 1950's for us. That put a huge smile on my face. I am so grateful that I have a friend like her and Lucy Anne because they both understand so well my situation as a stay at home mother and also my frustration on how to achieve my pinup dreams. Thank you girls for that!! xox

Before my day ended, I found this amazing blog by the actress Sherilyn Fenn called,
Postcards from the Ledge. It was what I really needed that dreadful day everything hit my face...this post called, "I just want to be a woman" really HIT THE SPOT for me.

To have someone who is has and is in the spotlight and who has been both a working mother and who is now a stay at home mother, say all the things I have been thinking and feeling was just...well I felt tremendous peace after reading it. I know I am not alone. And I know that everything I feel and am going through is all normal. I also know that its best to let your feelings and thoughts out especially when they are leaning to the negative because holding it will just make you take it out on the people you love.

And for me, enjoying the role of being a stay at home mom means a great deal. I know it won't last forever and I know they won't need me like they do now forever. Striking that balance is always important. And all the scary stuff my family is now enduring, well it is making us stronger, more focused, more grateful, and more unified. We are of course more tired and more broke too hehehe but I am happy to say my husband is still supporting my dream and together we are working on some goals that hopefully will occur in the spring. (yeah!)

I choose to be a desert flower!

xox