The Ones That Got Away

As I mentioned, last month I snuck off to Los Angeles for a quick vacation. One of the main reasons I decided to visit that particular weekend was to join my friend on one of her frequent trips to the Long Beach Flea Market. I am usually bombarded with pictures of her most recent treasures (usually consisting of vintage prints) and knew I had to make sure to join her and find my own! Because I was flying back to Austin with one suitcase, I was forced to walk away from some really great finds. But not without snapping a picture of them first to serve as my own little wish list. Following are the items I wish I could have taken with me:

To start us off, a booth where pretty much everything was totally my style. The painted wood and ceramic pieces full of colors that remind me of my family were all screaming to jump into my arms. Especially that Aztec calendar and the figurine of the crying little boy, those would have been perfect on my mantel.

I have always had a weakness for wind up toy robots. I was instantly drawn to this booth with dreams of replicating Barney Stinson’s toy robot shrine from his bachelor pad in How I Met Your Mother. Unfortunately, I forced myself to walk away. Since then I have added a few little robot goodies into my wishlist.

Sugar skulls, another one of my weaknesses. Luckily, I was able to walk away with one little cutie, and I cannot wait to share that with y’all.

After working as a studio photographer I had dreams of owning my own studio one day. I thought about it constantly. Dreaming up every little detail, including a bookshelf styled with rows of vintage film cameras next to the cash register. This booth brought back all those dreams and has encouraged me to seek out new ways to work with film cameras again.

I found these beauties right at the entrance. I was captivated by all the intricate designs and I wish I could have taken that Moroccan inspired lantern or that floral beauty. Sigh, maybe one day.

I have been searching for a vintage style rotary dial telephone for a while now. I have seen many bloggers use these pieces of nostalgia to add an eclectic vibe to a bookshelf. At $70, this one was sadly out of my price range. But she will stay in my wish list for now.

I was instantly drawn to these two lamps, with big bases and huge shades. I have been in the market for a lamp with both features. That clear base filled with shells that will remind of the beach and vacations would look perfect on my white bookshelf separating my living/dining room area. And the lamp surrounded by old book covers painted onto the base would serve as the perfect bedside table lamp. Do I smell a diy project? We will see.

All of the plants! I wanted to take all of the beautiful plants with me! I had never noticed that Los Angeles has the prettiest landscaping in every part of the town that I have ever seen. It really inspired me to continue working on my green thumb.

Tanya was on a mission to buy succulents for her apartment, as I have been as well. On this trip though, I was able to admire all the different types available. And at $1.99 each, I was bummed I couldn’t take any home with me.

Not too much to say about this piece, I just really liked the round bottom and the beautiful shade of purple and could instantly imagine it sitting on the shelf in my bedroom.

Another piece I have been searching for, a mid-century style ottoman. This well loved ottoman could have been the perfect addition to my living room. Maybe I should drive to California next time.

I am pretty sure I have talked about my love for intricate mirrors. This particular one reminds me of one I had in my bedroom while I was in high school. Unfortunately, it was shattered during a car accident in my backseat. I think I am still subconsciously looking for its replacement.

And possibly my favorite piece of the day, this metal floral cut-out mirror. I was drawn to the industrial feel from the metal contrasted by the floral shapes surrounding edges. I can still imagine it in my bedroom, left untouched from the industrial foil style that initially drew me in, or spray painted a bright yellow to accent all the intricacies. Another piece high on my wish list.

Hope you enjoyed my little trip to the flea market along with some items I am still lusting over. Next time, I will be sure to take a road trip so I can purchase anything my heart and budget desires.

Mostly, this post has inspired me to seek out the flea markets in my area. Any suggestions out there for the Central Texas area?

Budget Find: Wonderful Owl Lamp

I realized I haven’t posted a budget find in a while, which is odd because I have been finding some awesome deals lately! Can’t wait to share them in the near future.

Anyhoo, today will be focused on my newest favorite little find featuring an owl. I am not sure if I have shared my collection enough with y’all but anyone who knows me, knows that I am obsessed. Maybe I can share some of my favorite owl decor soon, and when I do, make sure to check it out, without judgement 🙂

Lately my infatuation with the wise old birds has grown into a collection of “realistic” owls. Although I love the cute and colorful cartoon-ish owls, I figured a collection of authentic owls may be a better fit with the rest of my home.

And the latest find is a beautiful owl lamp I discovered on one of my thrifting trips with my best friend.

Isn’t he adorable. I love the nice brown and tan color combination of his feathers. And those huge gold brimmed eyes and beak. Let me know if I sound insane as I describe him a bit more…

There he was, the only lonely little owl, surrounded by huge table lamps. I did not think twice and placed him in my shopping cart eager to find a place for him in my bedroom. I wonder where he was before this for $35, but I am so glad I found him at nearly half that price!

I had a few issues with the shade. I was not in love with the shape or the size. It seems like it is screwed onto the hardware for the lightbulb so it is here to stay for now. I am still searching for something I like a little better. I am thinking something with a round and more traditional shape.

I toyed around with the idea of spray painting him and the entire base white for a more modern look for a few weeks. I mean who doesn’t want Hedwig to be the last thing they see as they fall asleep. Finally, I have decided to leave him as he is because it was the realistic style he embodied that made me fall in love with him in the first place.

Hooo can resist those big beautiful eyes.

I have found the perfect spot for him and I cannot wait to share that with you along with the yarn pom poms I made a few days ago.

Until then, I hope everyone is enjoying their week! I hope the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is in Austin this week!