Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

My Life With Dogs: Easter Egg Hunt (2014)

The weather was gorgeous today so we decided to have an egg hunt for the boys.  They loved it!  And of course I had the camera out. Enjoy the video and pictures.  Happy Easter!
P.S. The basket was mine from when I was little.  So yes, it’s vintage!

Friday’s Top 10 Link List: 9-13-13 {Antique Stores in Galena, IL}

The Top 10 Link List is back!

When’s the last time you took a walk down Main Street in Galena, IL?  There’s been a lot of changes over the years, but one thing is for certain.  Antique stores are making a comeback!  Did you know that there are ten shops?  Each one filled with an eclectic mix of timeworn treasures.  Visit them all so you don’t miss anything.
Here’s a preview of what you can find on your next trip to our quaint little town here in the Midwest.

Don’t forget to utilize Visit Galena’s website with planning your vacation/weekend getaway.

There’s also a new website featuring all of these shops.  The creator is working hard on developing the site so that you have all the up-to-date information.  Be sure to bookmark the page for future reference.

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Grammy’s Attic, 424 S Main Street
(480) 612-1115
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A Peace of the Past, 408 S Main Street
(815) 777-2738

Facebook

Web
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Red’s Iron Yard, 308 S. Main Street
(815) 777-9675
Facebook
Web
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Le Belle Epoque, 306 S Main Street
(563) 258-0681
Facebook
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Gustafson & Grey, 301 S. Main Street
(815) 777-3525
gustafsongrey@aol.com
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Tin Pan Alley Antique Mall, 303 S. Commerce Street
(815)777-2020
Web
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All That’s Vintage, 212 N. Main Street
(815) 777-2310
Facebook
Blog
Twitter
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A Peace of the Past North, 217 N. Main Street
(815) 777-2738
Facebook
Web
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Vintage Retold, 234 N. Main Street
(815) 776-9902
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Galena Antique Mall, Rt 20 (2 miles East)
(815) 777-3440
Facebook
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Hope to see you soon!

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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: Etsy Favorites

I’ve been working hard on getting new handmade cards into my Etsy shop.  It’s been on vacation mode for awhile.  
And then something strange happened.  I got lost in all the amazing shops on Etsy.  It completely sidetracked me from the original mission.  Has that ever happened to you?
Therefore, I’m showcasing ten of my favorite items.  Of course the list is much longer, but this way I can sum up all the time I spent as research for the blog.  
 Enjoy!
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Vintage Camera Lens Necklace from ThePendantGarden.
Triangle tote from arounna.
Vintage Pyrex Dish from Stylefinds.
Handmade Dog News Dress from Pinkybomb.
NYC Pillow Cover from NestaHome.
Clutch purse from cutiegirlie.
Linen skirt pants from idea2lifestyle.
Grey tea towel type design from Printshack.
Camera shirt from theboldbanana.
Vinyl wall clock from Anantalo.
*****
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Things That I Found in My Parent’s Basement: 13 Pieces of My Past

Yesterday I spent a few hours in my parent’s basement organizing everything.  One pile full of Vintage treasures that need to come down to the shop, Christmas decorations, and a pile of my brother and sister’s school awards and yearbooks.  I was making good time until I came across several of my childhood toys, dolls, and music related items.  So, of course the first thing I thought of would be to create a post with everything I found.  It wasn’t until I got home that I noticed that I had thirteen images total.  Once again my lucky number finds me first.
In regards to the super awesome silk screened KISS wall hanging pictured above, it belongs to my brother.  I’m prepared to fight for this because I would love to have it.  I will update you on how this turns out.  Please pray for me!
Remember Musicland?  That’s the place that I gave up about half of my paycheck to every two weeks buying all the new releases on cassette tapes.  I have a old Panasonic stereo system that I scored at a garage sale last year.  Mostly for playing my vinyl and cassettes.  I couldn’t help but to chuckle when I came across this Vintage Billy Idol.  It still plays.  
Yes,  I was a NKOTB fan.  No, Donnie wasn’t my favorite.  He just happened to be at the bottom of a box.  I think all of my NKOTB memorabilia was handed down to one of my cousins.  That’s where the other half of my paycheck went to.  Buttons, sheets, posters, etc.
Michael Jackson Beat It Doll.  No glove or microphone, but it’s still cool.
An unopened box of valentines.  Notice on the box where it says two teacher cards included.  Reminds me of how we came home from school with a list of everyone’s name in our class for a Valentine’s exchange.  Remember sliding the suckers in with the cards?  I wonder if the younger grades still participate in this activity.
One of my favorite television shows was Alf.  This hand puppet was from Burger King.  You can see the tag to the left of the image.
It’s funny when you find some articles of clothing that are actually back in style.
Marie Schulting was my Dad’s Mom.  I recognize some of these scarfs from seeing photographs of her.  
A handmade poodle skirt that I wore to a school dance.  The doll has one to match.  Notice her hairstyle is very “Madonna like”.
If you grew up in the 80s then you had a cabbage patch doll.
Barbie dolls and the handmade bedding.
Barbie doll accessories.  My Mom was a Tupperware dealer.  So we had everything from the company station wagon to the keychain mixing bowls (pictured above).
Musical vanity sets.  It still played when I opened it.
This made for a fun Saturday afternoon.  There are still some items that I’m looking for.  Like my photos from a High School trip to Chicago.  And those that I took when Slaughter was here in town.
I hope to someday locate both of them.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

DIY Inspiration: Budget Friendly Room Makeovers: Part One

I received two pieces of vintage furniture from my parents this year for my birthday.  I’ve admired the red bench that my mom has in her entryway for quite some time.  Now I have my own.
**Special Note:  Whenever I take my camera out to capture images of my dogs they take off running.  Unless treats are involved.  When I prepare to photograph something else, they want to be included.  Funny creatures they are.    
I have this little room in the back of the house that I use to store all the dressers, shoes, laundry, etc.  The bench will be placed under the window.  I’ll be making some curtains and pillows.  I have a cute idea for the window that doesn’t like to stay up.  Notice the gorgeous pink cups that I use to hold them up?  My house is a rental and I don’t like to ask the landlord for anything unless I really need it.  Therefore, making minor adjustments to fixtures is fine with me.  Brings out the creativity.  
SOFA TABLE!  I was searching everywhere for one of these.  I refuse to pay hundreds of dollars for those offered in big box stores.  My parents found this one at a garage sale.  It’ll probably stay this color, but not sure.
**Notice Hardy running to get in this picture?  Disco beat him to it.
The sofa table will go in front of my picture window.  I have to keep something here to prevent the dogs from jumping at the window when anything passes.  Leaves, squirrels, the mailman they all go bat shit crazy.  The exercise bike and tv tray look so tacky, so this will be a major improvement.  A table runner will also be made.
I’ll be back with part two after the makeovers are complete.  Keeping my costs as low as possible (of course).  Most likely the update will be published in the Spring of 2013.  Love that word, Spring.  I’m not adjusting well with the cold.  The back porch windows are sealed up with plastic.  The pillows, curtains, and table runners will make a nice project this Winter.  
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 11-9-12 (Vintage Gift Giving)

We got our holiday order of Vintage Canfolks for the shop in Galena, IL.  As soon as I saw Ralphie I immediately wanted to watch the movie.  Then reality sat in.  I no longer have cable.  My next trip to the store will included purchasing the DVD.  Maybe Santa will bring it for me.
Remember last week I mentioned that I’ll be utilizing the Top 10 List for holiday gift guides?  Read the entire post here.  This week I’m going to feature Etsy sellers who have shops full of vintage goodies.  Do you have anyone on your list who loves vintage?  Look at it as a great way to save the earth by recycling treasures from another time.
Shopping on a budget this year?  No worries.  Everything on this list is $25. and under!
Have a great weekend!
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1970’s Las Vegas Flight Bag from MiesEnScene.
1950’s Weenie Dog Salt and Pepper Shaker Set from Thrift Vibes.
Flowered vintage napkins from TheGlassLily.
Vintage Cake Tin from VintageMeandMom.

Antique Skeleton Key from ashburylane.
Red enamelware bowls from tippleandsnack.
1800’s Antique Mother of Pearl Buttons from AddVintage.
Vintage Fire King Chili Bowls from TheChickenEye.
Industrial Antique Faucet Handles from TheOldTimeJunkShop.
Yellow Vintage Beaded Coin purse from AsYouLikeItVintage.
*****
Until the next word…
~Jennifer 

Friday’s Top 10 List: 9-21-12

I’ve been battling a nasty cold the past few days.  I HATE being sick.  With the help of anything that has vitamin C in it, zinc cold therapy tablets, homemade soup, and lots of rest I’m pulling through it.  Did I mention that I HATE being sick?
So, were you one of the thousands of people in line today for the new iPhone5?  Hopefully everyone will get one before six comes out.  Sorry, had to throw that one in there!  I’m happy with my Google phone.  It continues to amaze me on how much this little device can do.  
Are you following me on Twitter?  I grant you permission…
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I grew up with MTV.  It was there that I’ve discovered some of the most influential bands that I currently listen to today.  Either on cassette or vinyl.  Anything that produces music.  One of my bucket list entries read…During my visit to NYC I plan to visit a live taping of TRL.  Weather it be a seat in the audience or someone in the crowd holding up a piece of cardboard, I wanted to be there.  Remember TRL?  I cried the day that it ended.  Looking at how technology has changed over the years I have a better understanding of why it ended.  The internet gives musicians a different avenue for distributing their music.  One in which everyone has adapted to.  
Well, earlier this month I was watching The Today Show and saw this clip.  I jumped for joy.  Ashanti is bringing back what I miss.  The show, Fuse News, will deliver what’s new with music.  She’ll include iTunes updates as well.  Kudos to her!
It’s official!  I’m on the hunt for every scrumptious mouth-watering vegetarian crock-pot recipe I can get my hands on.  I’m starting with this recipe.  You can’t possible think of Fall without a crock-pot full of goodness.  Which reminds me, I need to purchase another one.  One isn’t enough.  If you have any websites to refer me to, please leave me a comment.  Thanks!
A very cool t shirt website I discovered this week.  Which one is your favorite?  Here’s mine.
Camera cozy DIY project.  I like!
A Vintage Christmas?  We’re getting ready to bring in all the goodies here in our shop in Galena, IL.  Here’s a few Etsy shops that I found that carry some goodies to decorate your house.  One, Two, and Three.
Any holiday gatherings on your calendar?  Here’s some mini desserts that look tempting without the gathering.
Vintage is in more now than ever!  What an adorable photo prop for newborns.
Last year during the holidays a friend of mine asked me for a recipe for a mixture to boil over the stove to give the house a nice fragrance.  I knew of nothing.  Truthfully I’ve never heard of such thing.  Today, I asked Google and found these.  Fall is becoming by far my favorite season.  How about you?
Rock-Paper-Scissors for Halloween?  Cute!
30 ways to decorate with pumpkins.
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Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 8-3-12

Vintage Dog Collars in Galena, IL

The first Friday in August is here.  Where does the time go?  Christmas is getting closer and that freaks me out because I have so many projects that I’m working on.  No worries though I’ll get them done (positive thinking).  Handmade rocks and sure beats receiving a gift card for a store you don’t shop in.  I might even take a leap and bake all those yummy goodies this year.

I’ll be working in the shop in Galena, IL today.  In between customers I take time to photograph items in the shop to share on our social media sites.  I really don’t mind (ha).  I started with the dog collars.  Surprised? 
Enjoy the links and have a great weekend.
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The World’s Longest Yardsale is happening right NOW!  My parents have gone a few times and I hope to go someday.  Talk about a pickers dream trip.  
I’m a bit skeptical to put up a large Christmas tree in my house.  Why?  I have three dogs that pee on them outside and I fear they may repeat this inside.  Perhaps I’m just overly worried but I don’t want to take any chances.  That brings me to this tree.  The perfect DIY project for the holidays.  
A brain game.  
The Bark.  It’s one of my favorite magazines.  I’ve been a loyal subscriber for years.  Each issue I look forward to Lee Harrington’s installment of the Chloe Chronicles.  She shares life with her adorable rescue dog.  Which reminds me.  I still need to pick up a copy of her book, Rex and the City.   
I can’t explain in words how EXCITED I am to see this band perform live in five days.  It’s very rare that an international musician comes to my little town.  They are passing through the city between venues so that’s why the show is on a Tuesday night.  It’ll be a struggle with my work schedule, but so WORTH it!  
Check out this table setting.
LOVE these camera crafts.  When I get my first SLR camera I look forward to experimenting with the Bokeh lens kit.

A friend of mine that runs a Wine & Martini Lounge down the street from our Vintage Shop found this video on Vimeo.  It was filmed by a group of friends during a visit to Galena, IL.  Watch and you’ll see that they visited our shop.  Cool.

This topic came up in my Twitter feed last night.  A television show that was discussing a new breed of synthetic drugs that are cheap and dangerous.  Some even causing death.  Very scary that kids are heavily involved in using them.  I had only heard of the bath salts, but there are so many more available and legal.  To The Maximus Foundation is a non profit organization that advocates and educates against synthetic drugs.    I hadn’t realized that the problem was that big.

My favorite kind of pizza.  I will also try it this way.

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P.S.  Working on another DIY inspiration project tonight.  SUPER EASY!  And it’s cheap.  Details soon.

Until the next word…
~Jennifer

Friday’s Top 10 List: 6-29-12

I took this photo this morning.  
I’m enjoying the “fruits of one’s labor”.
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I will always be a Google Geek!  I WANT one!

Add a splash of red to your outdoor landscaping.
My boys (dogs) will not be sporting these.  Cute for girl dogs.
Celebrity divorces don’t surprise me.  He can be my wing man any day!
Dogs and Physics, have you seen Maddie the Coonhound?
Just observed a lady with this shirt on.  Cute!
Fun handmade projects!
Looking for ways to beat the heat?  Here’s 25.
We all need a good parody every now and then.  Star Wars meets Gotye!  And then watch the original video.  Do you agree with me that he looks like Sting when he sings?
If you ever plan a trip to my part of the world (IL).  Make sure to visit Galena, IL.  Visit their history, annual events, LOTS of shopping, live entertainment, and awesome restaurants.
Until the next word…
~Jennifer

The 30 Day Challenge Series: Exercise

$5. Thrift Store Find

seriesplural of se·ries (Noun)

Noun:
  1. A number of things, events, or people of a similar kind or related nature coming one after another: “a series of lectures”.
  2. A set of related television or radio programs, esp. of a specified kind: “a new drama series”
Definition compliments of Google.  My “go-to” for everything.
We all love a good series right?  They keep us entertained and focused on a particular subject.  I’ve decided to create a series of challenges for the blog.  It’ll help keep me focused and perhaps you entertained.  Many more to come.

One of my goals this year is to get in shape.  No crazy diets.  And I won’t be weighing myself everyday.  Why?  Two reasons, I’m not worried about the numbers and I don’t own a scale.  I use to work a FT job that had me on the move constantly.  Things have changed.  I would like to walk up/down this huge hill I live by without running out of breath and using several cuss words along the way.  As my jobs have changed, so has my stamina.

I found this vintage bike at a thrift store awhile back for $5.  That price alone beats an expensive club membership.  And then it sat in front of my picture window.  From the view outside it created an interesting silhouette.  And then came the dust.  If I can spend an hour a day (perhaps more) on Pinterest, I can clearly spend 10 minutes a day on this bike.  I’m choosing to multitask and place it in front of the television while riding.

And just for the shits & giggles of it all I’m going to track my mileage for this challenge.  Ten minutes everyday for 30 days.  Care to join me?   Do you have a bike at home that you can ride along?  
Will this will develop into a lasting routine?  Won’t know until I try. 
I’ll follow up with this post in……..well 30 days.
~Jennifer