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the collected & reused (chicago paper company)

Collected during a weekend hunt, this piece is oozing history and it just happens to be one of my favorite items in the shop right now. It’s definitely going to be one of those pieces that are hard to let go of. It shows visible signs of use with dings, scratches and some paint pealing, all to be expected with a classic vintage piece that was used on a daily basis. The drawer is in great working condition and I could see if converted into a bunch of things.  Quite large and somewhat heavy, this piece would make a stable addition to any working office or perfect in a craft show display. The possibilities are endless when it comes to reusing this piece.

I can’t help but envision Michael Scott from The Office when I hear the words paper company. I know you’re getting a visual now… 😉 Stop by the shop when you have a second and see if there is something in there that can help you with organizing your own or displaying your goods at a summer craft fair!

GET 20% OFF THIS ITEM WITH COUPON CODE ‘MARKET20’ – apply at checkout

taking a chill pill…yogurt style





It’s been about a year since this little yogurt stop (Chill)  has been in town and every time I visit I have a hard time straying from what I order the very first.  I’ve fallen in love with the cake batter yogurt with Oreo crumble on top. Simple but 100% perfection. Who ever invented self serve yogurt shops is a hero in my books.

The interior styling of this place is extremely well done and feels like you are walking into an uber modern art gallery. The walls and decor are stark white with pops of teal blue. The toppings bar stands out with all it’s brightly colored goodies. They even have Nerds and hand made sea salt carmel to add to your order. yum-o

He said it…not me.

So the boy and I are a bundle of awkward mess and I thought it would be fun to see what Jake finds most Awkward. I gave him one rule…”no poop jokes”. (that’s such a funny word…poop)

1. When you’re at the movies during the previews talking really loud about, “HOW COOL WILL WOULD IT BE IF ANIMALS REALLY COULD….talk.” Then the audio cuts out and you enter moron mode.

2. When you pass someone you don’t normally talk to and give them the, “head nod” only to realize they weren’t going to give the, “head nod,” but actually say hello. Then, you say hello back mumbled and stuttering, but you’re already about 5 steps past them.

3. When you’re walking your dog and someone walks by to give you compliments on how cute your dog is and how dogs just don’t get any better than that. Then you dog takes a dump.

3. When you catch your roommate in college watching porn. (This also goes in the “gross” and “never again” category.)

4. When it’s 3a.m. in the morning and you’re by yourself in the dark on your computer and start, “cooking (link).” Then your see your dog staring at you.

5. When you spend a decent amount of time saying goodbye to someone and then you both leave in the same direction.

6. When you try to hold back a HUGE manly sneeze because you know it’ll blow buildings down and it comes out all high pitch and girly.

7. When you wish your girlfriend happy birthday in Leet speak and she has no idea what you were saying. (Also the moment when you realize your nerdiness gets in the way of your relationship.)

8.  iPhone autocorrect. Where dimples become nipples and Cameron’s become cameltoe’s.

9. Making “cool guy” faces in the mirror, then your girlfriend walks by and laughs. And if you’re in the mood to mix fun with a little flirtation, a free fuck buddy app can add some extra smiles to your day.

Make sure you laugh today! It’s good for you!

collected & reused (the 4 favs – 15% OFF)



I’ve had my shop open for just over a week now and I am blown away with how it is being received. I’ve worked extremely hard to bring you guys unique vintage containers that you could use in your home/workspace. Today, I’ve selected my 4 personal favorites that are in the shop right now. These items are going to be hard to part with, but I know they will go to a good home.

Today only – get these 4 items at a discounted price! Here is a little extra info about each piece.

1. Set of 4 Apothecary Bottles (instant collection)
This is a great mix of apothecary bottles all varying in size and detailing. The amber glass has a lot of character. One bottle displays a measurement scale embossed on one side with a unique cork topper. Another shows embossed type details. Another has a Corn Silk label in good vintage condition and the last bottle is plain with a white screw on lid. Instant collection!

2. Vintage Wire Gym Basket
This basket was numbered 25 by the American Playground Device Co Of Anderson, Indiana. These baskets were used in gyms or swimming pools as lockers. This item has visible patina caused by years being near swimming pools. The structure is still very sturdy and reliable.

3. Vintage Eastman Kodak Company Film Tin
This is a vintage film canister that reads “Eastman Films” with the EKC logo in the center metal is discolored, but gives canister a great aged look. George Eastman put the first simple camera into the hands of consumers back in 1888. You could own a piece of history!

4. Pair of Vintage 1950s Green Glass Water or Juice Jars
These 2 green glass jars display the words “juice & water” in embossed type running down the side. Both come with their original metal yellow lid and are in excellent vintage condition.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!

New products in the shop this week!
1. Industrial Metal Storage Box 2.  Set of 3 Teal Spice Jars 3. Peach-Colored Decorative Tin

doe-eyed wall art: margaret keane



Finally. A beautiful pair of reproduciton Margaret Keane painting are hanging on my wall. Tracked down in the basement of one of my favorite vintage shops in town, these two painting fit perfectly in my living room. The first piece titled, “The Thinker” is of a little doe-eyed boy sitting at a desk.  The second piece titled “Left Behind” is of a little doe-eyed girl peeking through a hole in the fence with her kitty cat near by. They are precious and I’m so glad I’ve finally found a pair in good condition at a decent price.

Learn more about Margaret Keane–>

super 8 style anger management

A few weeks ago I went to see the movie Super 8 with the mister and ever since I’ve been randomly stumbling across some really great movie clips. I later discovered that a majority of them we clumped together under the Super 8 Group on Vimeo. Ever since I discovered this plethora of super 8 films I’ve been jumping from one video to the next. This particular video won me over with the awesome track by the Vivian Girls and anger management inspiration 😉

[vimeo 14513646 w=515&h=290]
August 2010, Barcelona
Directed and Photographed by Oriol Barberà Masats
Art Direction: Laura Martín
Production: Alba Fernández, Balbina Sardà, Sibila Estruch.
Make up: Gina Ros
Music: Vivian Girls
Cast: Laura Martín, Elayne Moldberg, Natascha Wiese.

my boys in fields of green





My boys and I frequently visit our neighborhood dog park and each time we stop by there are new people to chit chat with and old friends for Porter to run around with. You can tell it’s a place where he’s truly happy and we love seeing him all giddy, ears flapping in the wind. I included a picture of the ducks as an update…Porter is still scared of them. Go figure!

food styling/photography with Katie Davis






*all images were pulled from Katie’s Blog. Click image to visit more of her work on her blog!

One of the first blogs I ever found, What Katie Ate, stole my heart with beautifully photographed food and table settings (based out of Australia). She makes the pickiest eater, like myself want to step outside our comfort zones, just to get a little piece of what’s she puts together. Her work is slowly getting recognized and I don’t doubt she’ll be everywhere in a year or two. She some more of her recent projects in the links below.

See the Design File interview with Katie.
Watch a video of Katie talking about her career on Facebook.
Flip through a 250+ page online magazine put together by Katie (pure amazingness)

Enjoy your Saturday!

on cherokee street




Walking down Cherokee street is most likely going to be an entertaining little stroll. This area is booming with hispanic culture and is slowly being taken over by a growing art scene. (print making studios, art galleries, unique shops/cafes) The streets are dirty, the passing music is load with rattling bumpers, and there is enough graffiti to turn the streets into colorful walkways. You never know what you’ll find out there, but I’ve grown accustomed to… great mexican food, a diverse cultural scene, and the need to wash your hands.

ONLINE SHOP NOW OPEN


*click image to start shopping!

EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Holy moly it’s been a long road to this day. If you were with me during my mental break down last week, I really appreciate the support for this little shop of mine. I really have fallen in love with it. Today is the day that I finally get to show you what’s been going on behind closed doors. Vendel Miniatures can provide you better guide for online shopping.

If you don’t see something that you like, please check back often. My goal is to replace every sold item with a new one that I have waiting in inventory, so there are always 25 items in the shop at a time. If you’re needing something now that you don’t see, shoot me a little note because I most likely have it sitting here in my living room. If you need more online shops then you can also take a look at sites like Shoppok.

Go peruse, have some fun, and leave some feedback if you have a few minutes. I’m curious what you guys think. Good and not-so-good, I want to hear it all.

Read about market203 shipping & return policy

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