Etsy Love Affair

If you haven't been on Etsy leave this blog immediately and go there and get lost in all the splendid handmade and vintage items available for purchase.

I am a frequent shopper and wanted to share a few of the latest goodies I am waiting to arrive soon!

I am a sucker for Peter Pan collars and am over the moon in love with this little vintage coat 

from Iron Orchid Vintage

Then there is this beauty! A 1960's carpet bag straight outta my dreams 

from Lost Lake Vintage

This amazing little ceramic box (I reallllly love cheese) 

from Art Deco Dame

Last but not least this little number, a vintage 70's scooter dress

from Gammaray Vintage

What treasures have you found lately?
xoxo Jules

The Day The Music Died

On Feb 3rd 1959, rock 'n' roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a tragic airplane crash dubbed "The Day the Music Died" in Don Mclean's 1971 classic "American Pie". This was a huge deal. At the time of the crash, the trio were three of the biggest stars in rock (a genre that was still brand new at the time) their deaths impacted the entire country. People still flock to the Iowa site marking the crash, but to save you some airfare you can listen below to some of their most famous tracks.

Buddy Holly - Peggy Sue

Richie Valens - Oh my head

Big Bopper - Chantilly Lace

Never forget who gave us the beauty that is rock 'n' roll and to quote Neil Young "Rock and roll will never die"

Thread Reckage

From time to time I stumble upon something I find to be so special I have to shout it from the rooftops! That is exactly what I felt like doing when my lovely friend Kristen started selling her one of a kind designs and vintage treasures on eBay!  I have been fortunate enough to score some amazing things from this little lady and wanted to give that opportunity to all of you as well.

Kristen is currently having a giveaway on her Facebook page - all you have to do is "like" the page to enter! You win a choice between one of her own Threadlace designs or a vintage item currently for sale in her eBay store !

Sounds easy enough to me :)

Here is some history about the brand from the girl herself- take it away Kristen!


"Thread Reckage is the expression of how I see the world with the relevance of the past in each piece! Whether it be one of a kind handmade necklaces I call "Threadlaces" made from deconstructed vintage fabrics along with pieces of jewelry worn from another time, or amazing vintage finds re-designed for a modern feel. I have always wanted to incorporate my coveting of vintage wear with one of a kind jewelry, making Threadreckage the platform for all things I see to be fashion fabulous!!!" - Kristen Saylor Owner of Thread Reckage

You can find her Facebook page here

And her eBay store here

Happy Shopping Friends <3

Pinterest Anonymous

Anyone one with access to the internet or iPhone cannot honestly say they do not know the magic that is Pinterest.

This wonderful site that houses the hopes and dreams of millions has got to be one of the best inventions in social networking in this decade.
That's my opinion any how because I for one am obsessed.

I, Julia Turner am a Pinterest Addict.

This brings me to this here blog post. My favorite five items from my favorite boards on my Pinterest.

Number One : Favorite Quote

Not only do I love Charlie Chaplin, I believe this quote 100 %

What is a day without laughter? It wasn't good I can tell you that. Pretty sure you didn't have fun that day now did you? Laugh, smile, tickle someone if you have to ( because we all know that makes you laugh just as much as the person getting tickled)

Laughing is my favorite thing, and when I am old and wrinkly I know most of those wrinkles will have been caused by something hilarious.

Number Two: Gift Ideas

A memory Jar:

Starting on the first of the year add memories that are special to you then read them on New Years Eve.

I have been planning to do this for the past couple years and have forgotten but this year it is happening.

I'm excited to share a post about it next Jan 31st!

Number Three: Hair Do's

Being a hairdresser for the past nearly 9 years (yikes) I've learned quite a few tricks for making hair look like it took hours when really it only took minutes! 

This was one of my go to styles when I had long hair. Three little knots, a few little bobby pins, hairspray and you're set! 

Add a pop of red lipstick and you are good to go <3

Number Four: Gift Ideas

With Valentines day coming up I have been trying to think of something creative and special to give Ryan.

 Being together as long as we have there isn't much to buy for each other that isn't going to end up just being excess junk that will eventually be thrown away. We are trying now to focus on making meaningful things for each other.

 This year I'm thinking of making this playing card book for him. 52 top reasons what I love about him. Seems pretty easy since if we're being honest I'm still head over heels for this guy.

Number Five: Flippen amazing pictures & Flippen amazing people

I have to start by saying it was pretty darn hard to pick one photo from this pin board, but at the end Fred Astaire will always win.

Tap Dancing. How I wish I knew how.

I took lesson's as a child but it didn't stick, all I can do is dance like no one is watching. (aka badly)

The first Fred Astaire movie I ever saw was Top Hat. 

If you haven't seen it, drop everything, stop reading this and immediately rent it. 

Magical. 

Fred and Ginger, need I saw more? They just don't make em like that anymore........ *sigh*

Are you a part of Pinterest Anonymous? 

Judy Critters

Since obtaining an iPhone and joining Instagram I have met so many amazing people!  I have made new friends right in the town I live in that I would other wise not have met. I have made a few dress pen- pals Roxy, Deborah (more on that at a later date) And one special artist in particular :  Miss Judy Critters.


We share a "small obsession" with dogs and when I say "small obsession" I mean we really love our dogs! She is quite a talented artist and after seeing the drawings of other dogs she has done I just had to have one of my own beloved Dexter. She was fantastic to work with and couldn't have captured his happy face any better. I love this picture and will truly hang it on my wall for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much Judy Critters <3

A legend lost

Etta James 

January 25th, 1938 - January 20th, 2012

What is there to be said about Etta that hasn't already been said? Not much can be said about this musical genius, except that there will never ever be another voice that could hold a candle to her. 

Growing up in a family that was very much obsessed with all things old, music was one of the most precious. My parents have the most outrageous vinyl collection and there was never silence in our home. Soul and blues music is my ultimate favorite, the feelings and the heart of the artist is so pure and apparent. It is the kind of music you can lose yourself in. 

Etta James is one of those artists. Her songs are so heart wrenching and beautiful - you can feel her pain and love in every note. This song is a perfect example of her magic.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles. As a child, Etta was a gospel prodigy, singing in her church choir and on the radio at the age of 5.When she turned 12, she moved north to San Francisco where she formed a trio and was soon working for bandleader Johnny Otis.

In 1954, she moved to Los Angeles to record "The Wallflower" (a tamer title for the then-risqué "Roll with Me Henry") with the Otis band. It was that year that the young singer became Etta James (an shortened version of her first name) and her vocal group was dubbed The Peaches (also Etta's nickname). Soon after, James launched her solo career with such hits as "Good Rockin' Daddy" in 1955.

After signing with Chicago's Chess Records in 1960, James' career began to soar. Chart toppers included duets with then-boyfriend Harvey Fuqua, the heart-breaking ballad "All I Could Do Was Cry," "At Last" and "Trust in Me."

With suggestive stage antics and a sassy attitude, James continued to perform and record well into the 1990s. 

As she entered her seventies, Etta James began struggling with health issues. James was hospitalized in 2010 for a blood infection, along with other ailments. It was later revealed that the legendary singer suffered from dementia, and was receiving treatment for leukemia. 

James released her latest studio album, The Dreamer, in November 2011, which received warm reviews. A few weeks later, James' doctor announced that the singer was terminally ill. "She's in the final stages of leukemia."

Etta James passed away on January 20, 2012.

Rest in peace Etta 

California Birthday Dreaming

This weekend my hubby turned 29! And I (loving birthdays the most out of any holiday) wanted to grant every wish! I made a vanilla bean cake with dark chocolate frosting and roasted almond crumbs on top. He spent the entire day Saturday surfing with his buddies and that gave me  the time to decorate the house and bbq him all his favorite treats :) All in all I'm pretty sure he had a fantastic birthday.

His last wish I think was the best day trip to the dog beach located about 10 minutes from our front door. Olde Port Beach is the only beach designated purely for the joy of off leash dog fun. These are a few shots I took while dodging Dexter shaking or kicking up sand at us.