It’s The Little Things: Vintage Folk Belt

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When I saw that Modcloth’s next vintage line was going to consist of bohemian pieces, my heart sang. And my stomach sank. Because I was all ready over my monthly clothing budget. Besides, I thought, what are the odds I will get the one piece I want in the collection?

I had wanted a beautiful black maxi skirt with rainbow patches on the bottom.

Their vintage pieces generally sell out lightning fast. They price them very affordably.

And so I stalked the website. Maybe hoping that my odds would be slightly higher than I had thought they would be.

Then I moved on, because I thought my piece had sold out.

One morning last week, just as I was about to go get ready, a banner slid across the screen of my iPad. It said something like, “Earlier access to our vintage bohemian line.”

I jumped over to the Modcloth App. And there was my skirt. Not sold out. I added it to my cart as quickly as I could, not noting measurements or sizing. I just wanted to realize the dream. Being vintage, there was only one of each item being sold.

But there was something else, too. Something I hadn’t counted on.

A vintage belt.

But not just any vintage belt.

A vintage folk belt.

And anything with the word folk in it is automatically better. Isn’t that right folks?

I added it to my cart. Placed my order. And tried not to feel guilty.

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It came. And I love it. As my daughter said when she finally saw what I was wearing, “Gurl. That. Is. The. Best. Belt. Ever.”

When I told her it ties in the back and therefore will fit her, too, the grin increased.

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I wore it on Saint Patrick’s Day. It arrived right before my husband and I were going out for lunch.

And I love it.

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And I love making funny faces whilst wearing it.

I think I am confusing the word folk with dork.

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Because it is a fun belt and I like to be a fun gal.

It’s the little things: little accessories that make the whole day better.

Do you have an accessory like that? Any vintage pieces that make your heart sing?

It’s quite all right if you don’t.

Different strokes for different folks.

And all that jazz.

P.S. I shared this on Savvy Southern Style.

And on The Pleated Poppy!

Easy Christmas DIY Ideas

These Christmas projects I have completed around my house are so incredibly simple anyone can do them.

I see you are still skeptical.

Well, let me introduce myself.

“Hello. I’m Anyone.”

And if I can do these crafts, you can, too. I use the word “craft” very loosely here.

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First up, instead of spending money on flowers during the holidays, I load my vases with giant paper pom pom flowers. This is a fun project to do with tissue paper. I purchased mine from a seller on Etsy. However, I have also made my own by cutting tissue paper. Martha Stewart also sells a fun and easy kit.

I usually use red and pink during Christmastime. But this year I needed something more peaceful. I chose the taupe and white. I have reused all of my paper pom poms for years. I had these leftover from my sister’s baby shower. No, I never throw anything away. Yes, it’s a problem. Just don’t tell Anyone.

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I saw this project in a woman’s home many years ago in Country Living Magazine. It is just a cheap felted red tree skirt you can purchase anywhere. I believe I bought mine during an after Christmas sale for $2. Just take a black sharpie and trace your kid’s handprints on it every year. The first year will look pretty sad. But each year the skirt gets better and better. I have done this for four years and it is so much fun to see how they have grown. Make sure you put the name and age of the child under the handprints.

This could also be a fun couple’s project. Just trace your husband’s and your own handprints each year with the date.

When the children are grown and out of the house, I plan to embroider around each handprint. I’ll have more time then, right?

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I like twine. A lot. I kind of want to use it on everything. I see my kids running now.

Any time I see a set of ornaments all the same, I think garland. The owl and little bird garlands both started out as cheap ornament packages. I just cut the strings on the ornaments and tied them onto the twine. Then I made a loop at each end. Hang these wherever you desire. And done! This is such an inexpensive project.

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I have even made a mushroom garland for my little tree.

What are your fun and easy projects you have done during the holiday season? I would love to get some new ideas. I still have to make two gingerbread houses with the kids tomorrow. I hope your week is as peaceful as it can be.

And if you feel you are overwhelmed, well, you are not alone:

“Time stays long enough for Anyone who will use it.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

I hope that is true.

I could really use a visit from the temperamental fellow.

P.S. I shared this on My Romantic Home.