The Winter Blues Already??

Has it started already...the rain that forecast the beginning of what's called fall/winter in Western Washington? I'm not ready to pack up my light swing skirts and strappy sandals! I'm not ready to wear the heavy clothes of winter. This year I'm going to pull out my collection of scarves to give a bit of color to what is usually a dark and sort of tired looking wardrobe.

Today I'm wearing:
Top- Carolyn Taylor Essentials sweater $7 from Nine Lives Vintage Wears (Freighthouse Square)

The jeans have been featured before.

Jacket - Union Bay $5 from Value Village, tags still attached!

Scarf - the first of many from my collection.


What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Labor Day Shopping

75% of all raisins eaten by people in the US are eaten at breakfast. We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I'm not having raisins but I will eat something to give me the boost I'll need because today Value Village has a 50% off sale on clothing.

Easy on/off, so I can try on clothes with ease. Small purse, close to the body, sensible shoes (yep, they probably look like granny's) and a list.

All 3 pieces are part of my "go to" line and have been in my closet for at least a couple of years.

Skirt: George Stretch

Top: Old Navy, 100% cotton, long sleeves. I got this on sale for $5 & bought several in different colors. Excellent for layering in this unpredictable Western Washington weather.

Sweater: Cricket Lane Collectibles

Meeting my friend at 7am (last time she was late and I started shopping without her) and then off for breakfast at Elmers (I'm having the Tillamock Cheese Potato Cakes with Scrambled Eggs).

What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Walk around Saturday

Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait for Saturday? We got a bowl of cereal, sat down in front of the TV and watched cartoons. It was expected of us and we were happy to oblige! Casper and the Friendly Ghost was one of my favorites.

Those days are long gone and I have adult responsibilities (at least for today) and this Saturday began very early!!! It's flea market day. I've been slowly cleaning out the garage and selling things at rock bottom prices. So low that it sort of catches in my throat to confirm the prices on the tags. "3 basket all for 50cents?" "Ahhhhhh, yes that's right".

With all that angst I need to be comfortable so I've fallen back on pieces that I've already debuted. I've added a scarf for a bit of flair.
What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Flirty Friday

Weather forecast: near 80 degrees.
Western Washington in September, that's cause for a celebration!

Ladies, I don't know about you but I love swing skirts. So forgiving and oh so flattering. Add a simple top, bare legs and strappy sandals (heels are not required). Include a light sweater and I do believe you're ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

- sweater by Jones New York 3/4 sleeve $5.00
- blouse by Vintage DCC sleeveless $1.00
both pieces were purchased at a Thrift Shop in San Francisco
skirt no brand name $7.00 at Sage inside Sanford & Son Antiques

Clothes that make you feel good is the beginning of a positive mindset.
What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Running with the classics

Today's going to be a busy day, starting with a business meeting at 8am and ending with a ballgame that starts at 7pm.

I've put together a look based on Nina Garcia (Project Runway Judge)10 must haves.

- white oxford shirt Enro Casuals 100% combed cotton
- dark pair of denim Riders
Both pieces were part of a $5 everything that fits in a brown grocery bag sale at the Salvation Army Puyallup
- Van Heusen Vneck sweater $4.00

Nina's list:
1. camel coat
2. striped breton shirt (not sure what this is, so I'll look it up)
3. denim
4. black pumps
5. trench coat
6. white oxford shirt
7. tuxedo jacket
8. statement clutch
9. ballet flats
10. cardigan
What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Is it Fall Already?

It's the first of September! Where or where have the days gone? The holidays are right around the corner and I'm not ready! Perhaps I'm getting a bit ahead of myself why not just concentrate on what to wear for today?

Studio I jacket $3.00 from the Thrift Shop on 72nd
Carol Little Skirt dry clean only but I paid $2.00!!
The black t-neck sweater debuted last week.

What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Classic Black with a twist

When in doubt wear black. Dress it up or down, it always works.

Today I've pulled out the stops and will wear a black knit top and a pair of black jeans. Both pieces have been a part of my clothing line for years. But the jacket? Outbrook 100% leather, as smooth as butter (not sure why we say that, but it's true), $11.00 from The Class Act on St. Helen's.

What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Simply Saturday

It's a bit cool out and the sun's playing peek a boo. I'm going with something simple to take me thru the day.

Lee jeans $1.00, Thrift Shop on S. Tacoma Way and 72nd.
100% cotton t-shirt 50cents
Old Navy sweater jacket $3.00, Goodwill in Lakewood.
It's an even sweeter deal as the Old Navy shop tags were still attached!


So what's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Wrap Yourself in Style

I love wrap dresses! They hide a multitude of body sins that seem to come about as you reach "that age".

One piece, a bit of jewelry and you're ready to meet the day.

This dress is from Nine Lives Vintage Wear at Freighthouse Square
I.C.E. 95% rayon, 5% spandex great for traveling
No matter how I've tried, I can't remember the price. Just know it was a bargain!

The jacket is FU DA. Think I'll bring it along just in case it rains. The weatherman has forecast a chance of light showers and in Western Washington that's as good as done. Purchased at a church thrift shop while I was in Florida a few months ago.
$3.00

What's in your secondhand closet?
Elizabeth

Classic Jean Jacket $4.00

The temperature has dropped almost 20 degrees from yesterday. What I had so lovingly chosen last night for today is back on the hangers for another day.

I've decided to fallback on a piece of clothing that should be in every woman's closet - Jeans. A pair of jeans (although I don't know anyone who has just one pair of jean pants), a jacket and a skirt. The darker the color of the jean the easier it is to wear it from day to night.

Did you know? Denim refers to a type of cotton cloth called "Serge de Nimes". Which literally means "cloth from Nimes" a town in the south of France.

So for today you'll see me sporting:
Gap jean jacket $4.00 Value Village in Puyallup
Fred David blouse, $7.00 Nine Lives Vintage at Freighthouse Square
White Stag pants $1.00 The Thrift shop on 72nd


What's secondhand in your closet?
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Wednesday, 25 August...National Secondhand Wardrobe Day

At the beginning of the year a friend threw out a challenge, all clothing must be purchased secondhand. Why I never thought about this is beyond me, since I own a shop that sells 2nd hand maternity clothing. But back to her challenge, pretty simple right, since I absolutely love shopping secondhand, but all my clothing?

It's now almost the end of August and I realized I haven't bought ONE article of clothing that didn't come from a 2nd hand shop! Oh hold up, lingerie does not count! I'm not buying them secondhand, I'll go without first!! So in celebration of today, I'm going to start blogging about my wardrobe.

Today I'm wearing:
Studio 1 dress 100% polyester and it's lined, $5.00 from Value Village
Gap belt (leather) $1.00 from St. Vincent de Paul
So, what's in your secondhand wardrobe?
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Saturday, 14 August...National Garage Sale Day

Great, just what I need, a day to celebrate what I do as naturally as breathing. Yard sales, Goodwill, etc. they all call my name! What did you pickup today? I bought a small school chair, a child's art easel, a white teapot, wooden box with handle and a memo board.

November is just around the corner so I've got to get myself in gear. These pieces will be the beginning of my bazaar items or used as display pieces. My theme for the Spanaway Bazaar is words. Have you ever thought about the power of words?

Speaking of words...earlier today I was at a light waiting to turn right when I heard loud profane language across the street from a woman. At first it seemed like she was screaming at a car waiting at the light but the next glance confirmed that she was screaming at another woman who chose to keep walking down the street. I kept glancing across the street hoping it would continue as a war of words and not escalate into anything else. "Don't worry", I heard, "It won't get any worse, you always hear arguing around here". That was news to me, I've been driving in this area for over a year and take the Link 4 times a week. The messenger was a man in his truck waiting to merge into traffic. "It's a lot better than it used to be" he continued, "getting quite nice around here except for this block" and THEN, "I used to carry a gun but don't need it anymore". This from a white guy perhaps in his early 60's! Save us from folks who think we're back in the Wild West. More people have a weapon turned on them rather than saving themselves or someone else. When are we going to get it?


On a much nicer note...how's your garden? Mine is in overdrive! There's a pear tree in the back that's doing much better than last year but I'm just not familiar with this type of pear and there's way too much zucchini. My husband's coworkers, our neighbors and my fellow shop owners are going to get zucchini next week. I'll be really nice though and include a recipe for a salad and/or bread!
Tschuss,
Elizbeth

Saturday, 24 July...Tell an Old Joke Day

Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Lettuce!
Lettuce who?
Lettuce in, it's hot out here!

Hey fellow Tacomans, it's hot out here. I'm not complaining just saying. The garden wasn't doing much of anything but suddenly it's in overdrive. I've got to pull out all sorts of recipes to make use of what we have and we'll still have plenty for co-workers and friends. Here's a quick recipe for spinach. A loaf of bread and iced tea, and I'll be ready to finish a few things on my continually growing to-do list for the shop.

Spinach & Green Apple Salad
2 T. olive oil
1 T. cider vinegar
1 T. Dijon mustard
salt & freshly ground pepper
5 oz baby spinach (about 5 cups)
1 Granny Smith apple
1/3 c. walnut pieces, toasted in a dry skillet until fragrant, about 2 minutes

- In a small jar with a lid, mix the oil, vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the spinach with dressing until evenly coated. Then divide among 4 plates.
- Core the apple and slice into matchsticks. Sprinkle 1/4 of the apple pieces on top of each salad portion. Follow with walnut pieces. Serve immediately.
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Thursday, 17 June...Blah, Blah, Blah Day

Sometimes folks just go on and on about things that really doesn't amount to a hill of beans. You sort of go with it until you get some bad news, a loved one's just died, a child is missing, a husband has yet again beat the daylights out of the "love of his life".

I had decided that I wasn't going to the Farmers' Market today but realized it was probably just what I needed. I picked up some oatmeal raisin cookies from StoneGround Bakery (who ever said sugar is a natural high, is sooooo right!!).

I jumped at the opportunity to get a free 5 minute massage from Monica Of Excellence Salon & Spa (located at 114 South 9th St) and I feel ever so much better!!

Next on the list is flowers, $7 for a bunch that will light up your area for days to come.

Back at the shop I passed over a small piece of paper, trash really, but because I was so wrapped up in myself I ignored it. The third time going by I bent down and picked it up intending to throw it away. But it sort of looked familiar, red and white - a fortune perhaps??? So I unfolded it and read: Prepare today for the demands of tomorrow. Plan your move.

A sign from??? Everything happens for a reason, doesn't it? Sometimes we get it and other times we don't. We just have to be open to all the possibilities out there.
Today's Blah, Blah, Blah Day. Make today and every other day more than that.
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Friday, 11 June...Hug Day

What a nice day I had yesterday! Thursday's Farmers' Market day down on Broadway so my Mom and I walked over and soaked up the sights and sounds of the market.

I picked up a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I keep forgetting to include a pic but promise to do so next week.

Our lunch was 4 potato latkes with sour cream. We had to wait while they finished cooking so the cook included applesauce. Who could imagine that just latkes could fill you up for lunch? But of course, isn't there always room for dessert? My Mom got a gingersnap cookie and I opted for a cheese danish from Grand Central. I've got to buy 2 of the cheese danish next time and TRY and save one for my tea in the morning.

My garden's lacking a few things so I picked up a parsley plant and a mixed salad plant (I think it's called mesculan). A little bit pricey but I know my money's going to the gardener that I paid and she can impart so much information.

Typical Western Washington weather being what it is, rain came pouring down later in the day and I saw something that made my heart sing!! A woman and child were walking down the sidewalk and a huge truck slowed down beside them. The passenger window rolled down, the driver leaned out with an umbrella, opened it and extended it out to the woman. Since I was in my house, I couldn't hear if words were exchanged but it wasn't necessary. This GENTLEMAN, saw a need, helped out and moved on his way. He didn't have to stop, he was nice and dry in his truck but in that instant he saw what he could do to help. This small act of kindness brought tears to my eyes. We can and do so many things out of pure kindness to others. Please remember this act when next you read about some ugly thing that another human being has done against society.

Today's Hug Day!!
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Thursday, 3 June...National Rocky Road Day

I can't say that I like Rocky Road candy but I do like salmon and since Thursdays the Farmer's Market is open on Broadway I'm off to purchase some of the best salmon around from Rolf's Choice Alaskan Salmon. He gives tasting samples, I dare you to try and not be at least tempted to buy! I've decided to try one of his recipes:

Smoked Salmon Pasta
2 T. butter
olive oil
1 c. heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste
8 oz. smoked salmon (cut into 1" pieces)
1/2 c. chopped onion
zest & juice of 1 lemon
1 lb. cooked pasta (I'll use fettuccine) save a bit of the pasta water
1/2 c. chopped parsley

It's a rare recipe that I don't add garlic, so I'll saute 2-3 cloves of chopped garlic with the onion.

Combine a little olive oil with the butter in a pan. Saute garlic & onion until soft. Stir in cream, lemon zest & juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook 4-5 minutes on medium-low heat until slightly thickened, add salmon. Lightly stir to mix. Add the cooked pasta. If it's too thick add some of the pasta water. Add the chopped parsley.

A simple salad, wine and bread and this dish is ready to serve 4-6.
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Thursday, 27 May...National Sunscreen Day

It maybe a bit premature for sunscreen but it's a nice day in Tacoma, the sun's shining AND the Farmer's Market is open on Broadway!

Today I picked up fresh spinach for dinner and decided to fix -
Bay Scallops with Spinach.

2 lbs. of fresh spinach,stemmed & washed
1 lb. bay scallops
3 large cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of white wine
2 T. fresh lemon juice
2 t. olive oil
2 t. salt
1 t. of grated lemon zest
freshly ground pepper to taste

- Heat 1 T. of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add the garlic & lemon zest, cook for 20 seconds, stirring continuously
- Add the spinach, toss until wilted
- Drain off the liquid, season with 1 t. of salt & pepper. Keep warm
- Heat the remaining 1 t. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallops, saute for 1 minute or until just cooked through.
- Remove the scallops, add the lemon juice and wine.
- Cook, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from the heat, toss in the scallops, season with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Serve by placing a mound of spinach in the middle of a plate and surround with scallops.

A loaf of bread (there are several bakeries at the market) and a nice bottle of wine (I recommend Abby's on Broadway - inside Sanford & Son Antiques)and you have a meal worthy of bragging about!
Tschuss,
Elizabeth

Thursday 15 April - High Five Day

This is a nod to the things Moms do for their children, no matter how old they are! My daughter just had a baby. I'm sure all of you remember the food cravings you had while pregnant. One of my daughters' became cupcakes. She and her husband have transferred across country to TN and they don't have one of those cute cupcake places. However Mom lives in Tacoma and we do. Ring, ring of the phone: Mom, when you come out here, would you bring some cupcakes from Hello Cupcakes? Of course, the answer is, no problem.

In hindsight perhaps I shouldn't have been so hasty! Here follows my tale of taking cupcakes from Tacoma, WA to Clarksville, TN.

I had to park 3 streets up and walk down to Hello Cupcakes. Worth it though, Hello Cupcakes is a delight to the senses. It's cute, warm and inviting. Luckily my daughter had been on the website and had an idea of what she wanted. A quick phone call and I'd ordered and picked up 1/2 dozen. The cupcakes are cushioned in its own little round slot to ensure only the slightest of movement and then enclosed in a pink box, announcing to the world, "Sweets Inside".

Not so fast!! On the way back to the car, a bicyclist whizzed past me and in my effort to save the cupcakes, I fell! How are the cupcakes, is my first thought not have I broken anything! Luckily, the cupcakes are OK and I haven't broken anything but my pride. Wouldn't that have been something, a trip to the hospital hours before leaving for TN!

My suitcase is packed and I'm on my way to the airport. My ankles throbbing but I'm determined to ignore it. Suddenly I have a thought, what if TSA decrees I can't take the cupcakes thru security!?? It's a bit late to have that thought, so I'm going to pull up my big girl panties, suffer the consequences if it happens and eat 6 cupcakes before getting on the plane!

Going thru security for the first time in years, the buzzer goes off. Ma'am, step over here, take off your belt and necklace and come back thru. OK, all done and clear. Time to put my shoes and jacket back on, laptop in my bag and most important, pickup my cupcakes. I spoke too soon!!! There are 2 TSA women standing in front of my things. Ma'am there's a problem, the cupcake frosting can't go thru security. It's amazing how fast I forgot the big girl panty thing...I rolled my eyes and thought, you have got to be kidding me, what scrape off the icing! I opened my mouth to complain and they burst out laughing!! We're kidding, the cupcakes look so good and we're both on diets. Who are they for?? Laughs and hugs and I'm on my way.

All airports are not created equal. Some have way too many escalators. Ever try to get on one with a tote bag on your shoulder, rolling suitcase and a box of cupcakes? Not so easy. Thank you to whoever invented elevators.

I made it to my daughter's home, cupcakes in hand. My grandson is adorable, my daughter and son-in-law are tired but healthy. The cupcakes are pronounced divine. High Five to Hello Cupcake on Pacific Ave!

Facebook | Anew Thyme

Facebook | Anew Thyme

Thursday, 1 April - International Fun at Work Day

I certainly have fun at work! I own my own shop, Anew Thyme. I'm one of over 20 independently owned shops inside Sanford & Son Antiques. I sell stylish, gently worn maternity clothes, handcrafted baby items and other gifts.

This past Monday, 29 March was National Mom & Pop Business Owner Day. A great celebration of what made America what it is today. How sad though that in the last few years, small businesses are struggling. How many of you know of a small shop with great customer service or the knack of having just the right item for that hard to buy for person? Do you tell others or keep it a secret? Keeping it a secret will cause that "cute shop" on the corner to close along with the cozy coffee shop next door!

Break that habit, celebrate what makes Tacoma unique! Believe me that's not WalMart, Target, WaldenBooks or any of those type of stores you see in any major city in America. What makes Tacoma who we are? Check out Cappy's Produce on 72nd and Portland, Nine Lives Vintage at Freighthouse Square, Vanity on 6th Ave, Millesime Designs on Broadway. These shops are just the very tip of what's offered in Tacoma. Support them and it all comes back to you and the City of Tacoma!
Tschuss

Friday, 19 March Poultry Day
Step out of your comfort zone and take a chicken to new culinary heights! Last night on the way home I stopped at Cappy's Produce (72nd & Portland). I needed bell peppers and knew I could get them fresh and at a great price!

Didn't quite make it straight home since the Goodwill is across the street. I couldn't possibly pass it by, what if there's something I just couldn't live without? Who's kidding who, any excuse will do!

20 minutes later, 2 maternity tops and a display piece for my shop (Anew Thyme).

Country Captain Chicken
Season chicken with salt & black pepper. Brown the chicken, remove and saute chopped onions, garlic, ginger, bell peppers (green, red, yellow, orange - whatever you have), chopped tomatoes or a can of stewed tomatoes for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle curry powder over, to taste. If you used fresh tomatoes, add about 1 cup of chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Put chicken in an ovenproof dish, pour sauce over. Put in a 325 degree oven for 2hours. Before serving add golden raisins. Serve with rice and a salad.
Enjoy!

While the chicken cooks in the morning, make a list of the yardsales in your area. Spring officially begins tomorrow and so does the beginning of yardsales!

When is a doorknocker not a doorknocker? When it's used to frame a peephole in a door! Laurel saw a doorknocker in Millesime Designs and just had to have it and found a unique way to make it her own.

Pen/paper, measuring tape, map, fully charged cellphone, open mind? Ready, set, GO, see you at a yardsale!!!
Tschuss

Thursday 11 March Worship of Tools Day

My tools to worship are my dressmaker shears and my Husqvarna sewing machine!

I'll put both to use this weekend on a cute swing skirt I purchased at Sage (inside Sanford & Son Antiques)for $10. I love swing skirts cause they hide your hips and give a wonderful flow to the body as you move.

On to Crochet Circle after work tonight but couldn't pass by Valley Liquidation, 9813Pacific Ave without stopping. Although this store sells all manner of items, what I shop for is the produce. You read it correctly, produce. Don't let the ugly yellow building and cyclone fence fool you, the prices are beyond compare. I bought 3 pears, 1 English cuke, 3 big lemons and 5 small avocados. My bill, $3.49!!! and I had a nice conversation with a guy that told me all the ways to fix an avocado. Military discount day is Monday.
Tschuss

7 March - National Crown Roast of Pork Day

I just get a kick that we make a celebration out of everything!

Friday, 5 March was Multiple Personality Day. I think it was named for me (but just this one time) Today Summer (Millesime Designs)and I took time out from running our shops to mark spaces and do all the last minute things for the First Annual Spring Flea Market, tomorrow at Sanford & Sons Antiques. This evening I've got to pull all the items I want to sell, clean them up, price them, list some of the items on Craigs and pack my car! Just writing this makes me tired all over again.

Up at 6am to be at Sanford's by 7. What was I thinking agreeing to work on this event?

The Flea Market was a great success. I sold a fair amount AND managed to keep most of my money. That's the secret you know, keep more $$$ than you buy!
I purchased a beautiful hand painted picture for $5, an embroidered piece I'll use for my dining room table ($5)and after looking over a light fixture I was thinking would work in my shop's office space - the vendor gave it to me, SWEET!! Just a bit of elbow grease and a trip to Home Depot (did you know they give a 10% discount to military folks?) for a lighting kit and it's ready to hang.
Tschuss

3 March - I want you to be Happy Day

I'm happy! Today I explored the 72nd/Portland St area.
My first stop - Thrift City,904 72nd St. E,the parking lot is filthy! What,you say, does that have to do with anything? We all know we shouldn't judge but first impressions? Life's an adventure so I'm going in! Oh boy, first glance inside, not filthy by any means but not too inviting. This shop is definitely for thrift shopper pros, ready to roll up their sleeves and wade in. Ladies, don't think about trying on anything in this store, the smallest, most dismal dressing room ever and it doesn't lock! Although the comments so far have been a bit negative, I found a 100%silk dress for $9, YES!

As I'm walking back to the car, I noticed a Taco Bus, Taqueria El Jacalito. I guess I was so fixated on the dirty parking lot that it didn't register on my brain - FOOD. I've already had lunch so I'll have to come back. A nice size menu, tacos listed at 99cents. The area around the Taco Bus is very clean.

Just down the street is Cappy's Produce,1232 72nd St.E. A farmer's market stand inside a converted store front. Fresh produce, great prices. I bought basil with roots attached, 2 for $2.99 and Yukon Gold Potatoes for 99cents lb. (these are the best potatoes, reminds me of the ones I ate while living in Germany).

Across the street is Goodwill. Today green tags were 99cents and purple was 50% off. I walked out with 3 wide belts, less than $3 and a beautiful maternity top that I'll take to my shop.

Time to go home!

I passed the Portland Street Nursery and it reminds me (again) that I need to start spring clean-up and set an appointment with the women of Serenity Gardens to give me some help with my yard. We can't know it all, so go to those that are experts in their field.
Tschuss