It's been months since my last post but I'm back after the winter with more outfits, craft and beauty tutorials and vintage inspiration for you! I started this blog over 8 years ago and after that long, it's not surprising that I was feeling a little burn-out. I spent much of the fall and winter just living life without a camera around, which was nice! Being a blogger who posts all the time causes one to forget how to live without constantly documenting every move. I went camping, set up my beautiful aluminum Christmas tree, volunteered for some events at my kids school, knitted, sewed and just lived life!
My long break was lovely but I definitely missed blogging. I love sharing my crafty ideas, sewing projects and daily outfits here with like-minded friends. I started this blog because I was a stay at home mom with a new baby and no adults to talk to about the things I love. Although my babies have grown up into hilarious, bright little people (who have PLENTY to talk to me about), its so important for stay at home parents to have a creative outlet and way to connect to the outside world. I love getting to know you through comments, emails and social media and I've also made some incredible in-person friends that I never would have met without my blog.
During the break, I took my time off to do some things I always wanted to learn how to do like play an instrument. I played percussion in the middle school band but as an adult I always wanted to have an instrument to play during downtime. My mom had my great grandpa's ukelele from their days in Hawaii and since its no longer playable she got a new one of her own. For Christmas this year, she surprised me with a ukelele of my own and a little instruction book. I'd never played a stringed instrument before but with the help of Youtube channels like Cynthia Lin and Ukutabs, I learned to play several songs in a week. I try to play a little every day, after my housework and yoga is done. There's something about the ukelele that just makes me so happy when I play it.
I painted my ukelele shortly after I got it. My mom painted one for my brother's girlfriend using acrylic glass paint from Walmart. I got the same paint, just the cheap stuff in the craft section. As long as its labeled for glass, it should hold up really well. I didn't even seal mine with a clear coat and its chip-free after months of daily play.
What did you do this winter?
Outfit
sweater- thrifted
vintage fish brooch- St. Charles Antique Mall
circle skirt- made by me
shoes- BAIT footwear
ukelele- Amazon*
* Va-Voom Vintage is an affiliate of Amazon.com. For more information on how I monetize this blog, please see my full disclosure page
One of my favorite blogs! So nice to see you're back.
ReplyDelete~Susan
Yay! You did it babes! Love it and you!! Welcome back! xox
ReplyDeleteSO happy you're back. Your blog is one of my absolute favourites, so I've missed you. You still look lovely and very stylish. I envy your green shoes! And Music is how we decorate silence! I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, I cannot play any instrument. I have a piano which I will learn to play when I go on pension leave. I admire everybody who plays any instrument, and the uku always reminds me of Marilyn. ;) I look forward to following you again and getting inspired by your outfits, crafts and way of living in general. This winter I've sewed and knitted a lot, and think I am quite good at it by now. I keep buying more difficult patterns and so far everything has been wearable. :) Wishing you a lovely day, dear. :)
ReplyDeleteThe ukulele is such a great instrument to learn to play! I play the use from time to time too and often find myself spending long periods away from it. I recently picked it up again and tried to learn "Don't Fence Me In" on the uke.
ReplyDeleteYou have done the painting so well! I would have love to see a close-up of the painting on the uke. The only decoration I have on mine is a sticker in rockabilly design - not such a great idea, in hindsight.
I am so excited for your return. I totally get the need for a hiatus. A Jackie Kennedy quote would be appropriate for this. "I'd rather live my life than document it." There are times when we need to refill our cups and focus on our loved ones. It can be so tempting to post something on Instagram or FB and sit on the couch constantly checking to see how many likes you got. I've learned I've got to put down the phone and live in the moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see you back to blogging! We all need a break sometimes. Love how you painted your ukulele, and the sentiment in the saying on it!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to learn the ukulele! We have one at our house, no one using it at present, and I kind of forgot about it until I saw your post. Your outfit is lovely. I love the Bakelite bangles. I look at your blog when you post, even If I don't leave a comment every time. Just want you to know that it's very much appreciated. I think I follow you on Instagram, too.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you! Sounds like your break was just what you needed. Well done on mastering the ukulele. I have one but it just never 'clicked' with me, I am much more comfortable with a piano. I hope to take lessons next year after finishing my studies, when I will have the time to devote to it. Xx
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back, and like you, I totally get feeling burnt out on occasion. Your outfit is darling as is your ukulele!!! I have a few other friends who are learning as well.
ReplyDeletexoxo
-Janey
I really love your hair!!!
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