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August 23, 2015

25 Vintage Deals Under $100 for August 2015


Speedy and very busy for me, August's go-go-go pace has somewhat taken the wind out of my sails. As such, I gave serious though to skipping the 25 Vintage Deals post this month (a new one doesn't happen every single month, but I do aim to get them up whenever possible, especially since I know that they're popular with many of my readers), as they take quite a few hours – and a fair bit of energy - to put together and write.

However, on Friday night one of my conditions started flaring up and the Etsy shop related work that I had planned to do then wasn't able to happen. Instead I wound in bed and it just seemed logical to start gathering listings for today's post while I was, which is exactly what I did. :)

Though the weather here, save for a spot of rain on Friday, has been great lately and far more summery than autumnal, there are subtle signs of the next season's impending arrival and indeed, the fact that we're into the last stretch of August is one unto itself.

Given that school will be starting again for many of my readers and/or their kids, and since most of us automatically associate late summer with brand new notebooks, shiny red apples, and hitting the books, I thought it would be a lot of fun to focus August's edition of 25 Vintage Deals Under $100.00 on school days and early autumn related vintage, vintage appropriate, and handmade budget-friendly finds.

So grab a freshly sharpened #2 pencil, slip into a plaid skirt, and get ready to jot down notes on all the wallet approved bargains that are coming your way this month! :)



25 Vintage Deals under $100
for August 2015



1. No fruit is more synonymous with the end of summer and all of autumn than apples. Be they the real deal or the wearable kind like this delightfully fun little brushed gold vintage brooch, as the days grow shorter, one is always served well by upping their apple quota. $8.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




2. Chalkboard paint and chalkboard themed decor items have been all the rage for several years now, but sometimes they're no beating the real, original deal, like this great mid-century 13.5 x 19 inch handheld chalkboard slate that could easily be hung on a wall in any classroom or part of your house. $30.00 from Blue Moon Collectibles.




3. This used 1940s Double Q composition notebook is extremely cool. Inside the original owner kept school notes and filled some of the pages with her very talented illustrations. What a special slice of mid-century daily life! $15.00 from Kenton Collectibles.




4. Perfect for pre-school aged children, very much including younger siblings when their older brothers and sisters rush off to catch the school bus next month, this timelessly fun vintage metal See and Spell Toy is sure to entertain little ones and bring back plenty of memories for the the young at heart alike. $40.00 from DeeDee's Vintage Decor.




5. There is something very young-woman-about-campus to these fabulous 1940s style Tan Faux Suede Bow Accent Chunky Heel Shoes. They're stylish, comfortable looking, and so timelessly pretty! Available in modern ladies sizes 7 - 10 from Blue Velvet Vintage.




6. An awesome mid-century modern inspired print calls the fabric on this versatile little handmade zipper pouch home. Use it as a pencil case, makeup bag, small clutch - whatever you can dream up! $13.00 from The Curious Needle.




7. One of the most classic and important signs of the harvest season - the wheat stalk - stars in this timelessly pretty, Thanksgiving perfect mid-century vintage copper matching brooch and earring set. $27.00 for the set from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



8. From garments to scrapbook pages to teacher's gifts, the array of creative projects you could create with this set of handmade apple print fabric covered buttons is as vast as the number of leaves that will tumble to the ground this autumn. $4.83 for a set of five buttons from Handmade by Elaine.



9. Cute, kitschy and such a great conversation starter, this 1950s Polly red top 1950s lunchbox with matching thermos features oodles of cool mid-century illustrations and is so much fun, you might want to give it pride-of-place on a kitchen, classroom, or office shelf. $58.00 for the two-piece set from Tessie's Old Oddities.




10. Perfect now as is or with a cardi + tights (and/or tall boots) for the nippier days of the coming season, this fun, sophisticated mid-century matching cotton floral print jacket/blouse and skirt set sings with the colour palette of the changing seasons. Fits up to a 34 inch bust/26 inch waist. $52.00 for both pieces from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




11. Hand tooled leather stars in this eye-catching, festively fun little dish that suits the end of summer as well as it does each day of autumn. $12.00 from Beyond The Door.




12. Squeal worthily sweet, this 1960s Josef Originals school teacher mouse vintage figurine is as cute as September's golden light is beautiful! $6.00 from Raindrop Vintage Shop.




13. There are certain scents that will always go hand-in-hand with the return of the school year and chalk - and chalk dust - is most certainly one of those for me. Take a trip down memory lane with this delightful mid-century box of colour chalk. $10.00 from Fly By Night Vintage.




14. Jazz up your back-to-class 'do with this wonderfully cute mid-century vintage "School Days" fountain pen shaped hair barrette. $10.00 from Rosebud Cottage.




15. Nothing says fall quite like the sight of crunchy leaves carpeting the ground or the jewelry version jazzing up our favourite ensembles. Greet September's return in timeless style when you pin this elegant mid-century vintage black and coppery brown enamel maple leaf brooch to your favourite dress, blouse, or sweater - its colour palette also makes it a great choice for Halloween, to boot. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




16. Keep your noggin' nice and toasty while watching outdoor football games, picking pumpkins, or doing yard work come autumn time in this whimsically charming mid-century vintage yellow and green wool beanie hat embroidered with the team name Rough Riders. $25.00 from Savanteer Vintage.




17. Fabulous for its intended purpose or as a stylish decor item/photo shoot prop, this fun Stenso Lettering Card comes with its original wrapper and still in very good shape. $10.00 from Retro Reaction.




18. In the last few weeks I've bought four new scented candles to help ensure I'm ready to face the encroaching long nights of fall and winter all the better. If I was going to add a fifth to the seasonal collection, I would be very (!) tempted to make it this seriously scrumptious scented, autumn perfect handmade pumpkin bread soy wax tined candle. $6.00 for a 4 ounce candle from Sweet River Candle Co.




19. You like vintage school supplies, oui? Then this pretty and practical set of French language flashcards from 1959 is for you. $18.00 for 51 flashcards and their original box from Recent History.




20. Whether you're a teacher or not, chances are you enjoy the symbolic pairing of apples and late summer, including making them a part of your wardrobe. What more fun and whimsically charming way to do just that than with this big, beautiful vintage rhinestone and enamel coated green apple necklace? $26.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




21. Charming illustrations combine with wooden letters and a practical, handy education tool in this 1940s Richmond Spelling and Numbers Board, that would also make for a great piece of home decor, especially in an office or library. $24.00 from Retro Reaction.




22. For several decades now my maternal grandma has had a set of coaster which feature dried flower sandwiched between clear glass. Every time I look at this lovely mid-century vintage clear plastic brooch with its dried wildflowers, I am reminded of those coasters and warm summer and early autumn days spent at her house. $14.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.




23. Worth its asking price for the soft sage green colour and awesome font used on the cover alone, this lovely 1940s classmate autograph book is a thoroughly charming reminder of a once common item that most smart phone carrying students today have never even heard of - let alone owned. $10.00 from Lisa's Retro Style.




24. If ever there was an iconic little girl's school dress, this beautiful vintage Polly Flinder's smocked plaid number it is. Aww! Stated as being a (children's) size 5. $14.22 from Wee Little Ones Vintage.




25. Pear season is really starting to hit its stride here in the sunny Okanagan right now and will continue for several seriously delicious weeks to come. If you're a fan of this sweet, juicy fruit and/or wearable items that depict it, then this warmly hued vintage 3D plastic pear and gold tone chain necklace is for you! $18.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.


♥ ♥ ♥


I've said it before, but I'll happily say it again, there is truly something about this time of the year - especially once we hit early September - that really feels like it's the start of a new year. I use it in much the same way as one and have been doing a lot of housekeeping, organizing, and a few home repairs lately.

It's just natural that we want our abodes, our own personal sanctuaries, to be neat, tidy, and in good working order before the brutally cold winter months take hold again and we hunker down to keep the chill at bay inside of them.

This is a beautiful, endearing time of the year. Busy, yes, but also often a lot of fun and filled with such a rich bounty of seasonal joys! Some of which I've tried to capture here in today's post, which I'm very glad was able to come to fruition in the end.

Have a relaxing, wonderful second to late Sunday in August, my dear friends! 

(And if you haven't done so already, please be sure to check out and leave a comment - to support on of our own - on this week's brand new vintage blogger interview post featuring an engaging discussion with the very stylish Holly Brolsma-Colon from Veronica Vintage.)

41 comments:

  1. Same good wishes to you, too, friend. I feel the Summer waning but haven't felt the excitement of Fall yet. Love your choices here; so amusing to browse through. Your blog is my favorite place to visit.

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    1. You the sweetest, Ally, thank you very much! We still have more a foothold in summer at the moment, but the seasonal changes will come swiftly here in the next month and while I'll miss summer's intense warmth and sublime light, I'm more than a little giddy to usher in, and celebrate, fall again - oodles of seasonal blog posts appearing here in the process.

      Have a fantastic new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. OH my goodness, when I was little, my paternal grandmother would buy a Christmas dress for my sister and I each year, and it was usually Polly Flinders. Talk about a blast from the past! I hardly ever expected to come across that name! :-P

    What a cheerful collection of Fall-hopeful items! I like how so many of them are jewelry or home decoration, it's much easier to imagine what life would be like with those items as opposed to a garment that might not fit our sizes. And all of the retro school supplies are darling.

    Happy end of August Jessica!

    -- Tegan

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    1. Agreed, compared to some other children's clothing brands, I wouldn't say that it's mentioned or see that much any more. How fun that this post was able to give you a big hit of nostalgia. I appreciate you sharing your lovely Christmas memory with me (us) here, dear gal.

      Wishing you a stellar end of August, too!
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I am looking forward to Autumn this year. What a wonderful selection, I like the school theme, I always feel the need for brand new stationary right about now!

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    1. Same here!!! Sometimes I honestly go to Staples (the main office supply store chain in Canada) and sniff the pencils, binders and notebooks (buying some in the process, of course!). It brings back such a great wealth of memories and serves a practical purpose (new office goodies) in the process.

      Wishing you a beautiful tail end of summer, sweet dear!
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. I'm sincerely sorry to hear about your health, I hope that your flare up has eased and you're feeling stronger ♥ I'm actually going back to university this year to resume my studies, so this post feels especially apt right now and I love the things you've selected. I don't feel like we've had much of a summer this year, so I'm looking forward to autumn arriving properly and the fresh start it always brings with it.

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    1. You're such a caring soul, dear Freya. Thank you very much. Despite taking things easy this weekend, they've only gotten worse - which is awful timing, as I have an incredibly important work related meeting tomorrow that I simply can't miss no matter what. That's life though - especially when you're chronically ill and I'll just make the best of things and crawl back into bed the moment it's over.

      Congratulations on returning to uni! What exciting, fantastic news! I'm really proud of you and hope that everything goes swimmingly with your studies.

      Many hugs & happy end of August wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. I love how back to school items are incorporated here! By the way, you inspired me to list blogs on my links page! Thanks. I gave a shout out to you too :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear, I'm touched to be a part of your blog roll. Thank you very much for adding me there (I still haven't had a day to devote to updating mine - soon, I hope!). You're awesome!!!

      Big hugs & happy end of August wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Denise @BuyRVintageJunkAugust 23, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    The weather here has been so lovely, too, nice chilly evenings and cooler days. I always love the change of seasons. You are right, Jessica, it feels like another year starting...and fall always reminds me to appreciate ANY nice day--because winter will make us stay inside more! Your green apple necklace and the apple print buttons are especially nice. Take care of yourself and hope you get to feeling better.

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    1. So do I! No matter what pair are trading hands, there is an energy and joy to the process that revitalizes me and imparts an extra dose of happiness into my life. It's never easy (for me at least) to say goodbye to summer, but the fact that autumn is my favourite season does make it a bit easier a process to go through.

      Wishing you a splendid tail of summer, my lovely friend!
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Many sincere thanks for your kind well wishes.

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  7. I went straight to the repro shoes - I wish there were more companies making unique styles like this. I feel like we're at the start of shoe companies following in the footsteps of all the dozens of repro clothing brands, but there's still so much more that could be done there. Especially as most brands like BAIT and Chelsea Crew I can't pick up in this country! x

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    1. That is an excellent observation, dear CiCi. I really, really hope that is true - and that the brands that do emerge (or currently exist) offer a wide range of styles, sizes and widths so that there's something for a broad range of folks, especially those with less than standard sized feet.

      ♥ Jessica

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  8. This collection is so sweetly mid-century, and I love them all especially the games and learning tools. These are the kind of things families rarely save, but seeing them now I can understand how much memories they bring back. I hope for your speedy recovery and that you are back to you usual things real soon too!

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    1. Very good point, Jen! Both of my grandmas held onto a few toys and games from their kids' childhoods and my siblings (and cousins) and I adored playing with them when we were small. So often the normal wear and tear of childhood takes its toil on playthings though and that's a big part of the reason why there aren't endless amounts of them still around today.

      Thank you for your kind wishes, they mean a lot to me.

      Have a beautiful week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. All wonderful finds and I love the back to school theme. The Composition book is my favorite and I'm off to look at it more online :) Thank you for sharing :)

    I hope Jessica your feeling a bit better today.

    Liz

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    1. Isn't it just fantastic! I was/am seriously tempted to buy it, but I'm not doing much spending at the moment, so I haven't yet. I just love completely real world slices of vintage like that!

      Thank you very much, my caring friend.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. that pumps with the skirt suit! aahhh! love!
    but i´m so much to big for the suit.....
    i don´t want to think about autumn yet really - i just enjoy the late summer until the end of september :-)
    weather is less hot so i can wear "real" outfits instead of just a blouse and skirt and i see forward to some epic "wanderungen" in the woods and rocks!
    xxxxx

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  11. These posts make me want to spend all of the money! haha I really love that zipper bag!

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  12. I loved pretty much everything - the shoes, See and spell, lunch box and French cards being my favorite items! I would really love to own these beautiful things and I am heading to Etsy to find the lunch box! Really so cool! I am glad that you found these lovely items, but also not because it was due to time spent in bed due to a condition. Well, but on a positive side, you could make it a good thing, with this lovely post! I hope you are fine now! It's true, lately I have been repairing and renovation a lot of things!I told my self (cause I am slow - organized, but I take ages!) that some important things have to be ready till new year :) So that for me, it feels like the restart of something :) Hugs and kisses, dear Jessica!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  13. I'm really loving those shoes that you found from Blue Velvet. They're so cute! I've been trying to aim for a little bit more practicality in my shoe shopping, and these seem like they might fit the bill. You always have such great finds, thank you again for another awesome set!

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    1. My pleasure, sweet gal. Thank you for the high compliment. I'm really happy to know you enjoy these monthly currated collections so much. They're a blast to put together!

      Have a fantastic last week of August!
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. I love those 40s style shoes ... They look really comfy!

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  15. So many cute stuff! :O <3 <3 So cute! :) That dress for the little ones absolutely stole my heart <3
    x Angela // missangellane.blogspot.com

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  16. Number 6 caught my eye, it looks a lot like the print used in the booths at Flo's V8 Cafe located in Cars Land, Disney's California Adventure park. Opposite Disneyland at the Disneyland resort, Anaheim, CA. Fun post! We don't really have change of seasons here in Southern California, especially where I live in the South Bay. It was nice to be reminded that the seasons do change and the apples and wheat stalks co exist while the tempature drops. I'll be browsing your etsy store this afternoon, my dear friend, Jessica!

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    1. Very cool about that fabric reminding you of the cars booths at Disney. Blogging with the seasons has always been very important to me, so I sincerely hope that I can continue, in my own small way, to help you live them vicariously through some of the things that I share here.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I'm so happy to have discovered your blog Jessica! Thank you so much for featuring my pencil case, and I just LOVE your other vintage choices. I look forward to delving into your blog! From a fellow stationery addict ;)

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    1. You're very welcome, my fellow Etsy seller. Thank you so much for commenting on this post. I am always thrilled when sellers that I feature on my blog do so.

      Have a great last week of August,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. This is just an amazing post of amazing vintage finds! I am sorry to hear you were not doing that well on Friday. I can see why this kind of post takes so much time to create. You found the most amazing things. I loved so many of these gorgeous things. All these adorable fruits pieces really have me ready for fall!

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

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    1. Thank you very much, lovely lady, that's very kind and sweet of you to say. It's okay - truth be told, as some one with a plethora of different severe chronic illnesses, the rarity is not when one is flaring up, but when none of them are. I don't generally like to focus too much on my health on my blog (the star of the show is vintage here!), and only mentioned feeling poorly that day so as to lead to why this post was, despite August being a crazy busy month for me, able to happen.

      Thank you again & have a stellar last week of August!
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. Thank you for making this although you didn't feel well. I thought you should have watched silly TV and relaxed instead, but then I thought again that this is your way of relaxing. Soon it will be our favourite time of the year, we still have warm degrees and summery weather in Denmark too, but I know it will not be for long. DH has worked on our wood shed, so that it is much nicer and we are ready for ordering fire wood, I love our fireplace. And candles, I cannot live without them during the long dark winter. I'm not into scented candles though due to my bad lungs. But the cosyness is priceless. I hope you're feeling better and soon Tony will be with you again, have you thought about how to party with him when he gets home? :) XOXO

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    1. Ooohhh, I am so psyched about fall's return!!! I will miss summer and its sublime, lengthy hours of daylight, but I'm ready for the chill, the beauty, and the colours of autumn again big time. I started cooking autumnal foods a couple weeks ago (for a family dinner party I held) and have really made a shift in that direction with my meals since. Apples, pears, sweet potatoes, squash, slow cooked dishes, the delicious list goes on and on! :)

      I have indeed - but on the off chance he saw what I wrote here, I won't be spilling the beans on my "welcome home" celebration plans publicly. We'll definitely be painting the town red, though! :D

      Tons of hugs & joyful end of summer wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Before anything else: I hope you're doing better, darling!
    With the state you're in and knowing what budrens you carry on your back (and all over your body), and with risking of sounding like your elderly aunt: take care of yourself. Don't push yourself so hard... I know (oh, I know!) you're a workaholic - so I beg you to take a "breather" every once in a while. Just STOP what you're doing, sit down, rest.. and contemplate on how much you have achieved (come on, admit that you haven't done that in a LONG time.. and that is one of the best ways to both relax and feel great about your accomplishments).
    ...
    About this post...
    (yeah, I cried a little)
    I do this every time September draws near.. it's such a powerful and emotional time for me, it has always been that way. As much as most folk love holiday seasons (late December, or Easter.. even Halloween) - I feel like that about September. So many changes: from holiday to sharpening pencils, from leisure time to blackboards, from hot sunshine to misty and moist air.. AND all that together hits me... not that I'm saying that I dislike that feeling. I'd change that for nothing.
    ..
    Especially this year.
    This September is also MOVING in time. I'm officially changing my address since September 1st. :)

    Marija

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    1. Hello my very dear friend, thank you for your deeply caring words and well wishes (I'm still duking it out with these flare-ups, which quite normal, as such things often last for days, weeks or sometimes even months at a time). It's okay though, I'm still managing, perpetual workaholic that I am, to be somewhat productive and it's also giving me some much needed time to reflect on this summer and all the new thoughts that filled my head during it (one does have more time for deep thought when living alone! :)). I haven't been pushing myself too hard this time around though, I promise, and am heeding your thoughtful advice to take things easy.

      You're not alone! Autumn is deeply poignant and powerful season that speaks to me in much the same way, too. Even if it was devoid of its beautiful (and super fun!) holidays, I suspect it would still mean just as much to me. I'm touched to know that you enjoyed this post so much and hope deeply that everything about September is good and bright and beautiful for you - your upcoming move very much included.

      Tons of hugs & happy end of summer wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Everything here is so sweet. I really like the first apple brooch, and the chalk definitely brought back memories because chalk was right there when I was at school (I'm a little bit old!). Liked those shoes muchly too!! Thanks for taking the time to put all these together!
    Amber
    http://www.sweetwordsprettypictures.com

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    1. Chalk was in every classroom I had all through my school years, too, and was such a staple of school life. I was never a huge fan of the feeling of it on my bare hands, but aside from that, I love it and will always get nostalgic when I see a box or a chalkboard. :)

      Big hugs & many thanks for your wonderful blog comments this week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Oh the chalkboard made me feel so nostalgic….
    It's been ages since I've even held a chalk in my hand.

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    1. Same here! Though my very thoughtfully mom gave me some earlier this summer after I mentioned that same point in a blog post here during the spring (I haven't opened it yet though). We're going to go out and do some street art with it one of these days.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. I always have an urge to buy a new pencil case and some notebooks in early September so I really enjoyed the theme of this month's deals. All the apple related products are fun. I hope you are feeling a little better after being forced to have bed rest.

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    1. Hello lovely Kate, I am indeed, thank you. A super relaxing long weekend (this weekend) also helped on that front. In fact, to celebrate Tony's homecoming last Thursday (the 3rd), after uber busy summers, we're both going to take things a bit slower and more relaxed than usual this week. Fall promises to be wildly busy and we could both use the breather of a few mellow paced days before then big time.

      Tons of hugs & happy September wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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