treasure.

a budget was set and promptly kept to. surprised? i still am. it's time to share some of the treasures that the coast unearthed for me yesterday. one or two of them will be gifts, perhaps a couple for sale and then the rest, the johnson, are mine to love. i was reminded just how happy these pre-loved goodies make me whilst neck deep in floral fabrics and up to my eyeballs in retro crockery. thank you to the grandmas whose life long collections are now treasured by a very grateful, freckle faced, rainbow cake baking young lady (me, if you were wondering.) sharing the love over at sophie's too. get on it gorgeous people.

pretty pansies.

there was squealing involved.

high pitched screaming ensued when discovering this gorgeous johnson family.

my new florals.

more mismatched j-love.

a set of quaint english metal placemats. perfect.

just when you thought the j-love had ended....

the quirkiest johnson piece i've discovered. cheese and wine night anyone?

westminster love.

pretty turquoise pyrex, enough said.

another apron for the collection? hell yeah!

a beautiful bessemer platter.

a villeroy & boch beauty. i literally bowed to this one.

this still makes me smile. the perfect little tea and cake platter. 50c? you bet.

hummingbirds & hibiscus

all sorts of birthday preparations are underway today. it's beeeautiful outside which means when i finish being all crafty and wrapping delicious presents, i'm going to laze about outside on the daybed and finish pia's book. it only took me an hour to pack my suitcase and everything seems to be coming together in time for my departure to the land of cocktails, sunshine and hula girls. i'm off next week for a family holiday in hawaii to celebrate my mum's 60th birthday. it has also been close to 10 months since i last saw my m&d, so the excitement is mounting. my polkadot swimsuit is ready for days of beaching and pool frolicking and my pretty summer dresses are ready for some seafood/cocktail behaviour when the sun goes down. i'm going to post a couple of yummy tropical themed recipes for you before i leave and even though there will be no thrifting whilst i'm away, i'm sure the souvenirs i pick up should entertain you when i return. i hope you're having an equally delicious saturday, i've included a few treasures that have been picked up on my opshopping adventures. on another lovely note, my beautiful friend libby gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl on wednesday morning. i could not be more happy for her. i was secretly wishing it would be a girl, and little harper grace must have heard my prayers. expect some baby posts to come as we continue to assemble her welcome to the world package for when i visit her in november, love! have a great weekend, get out in the sunshine and pop the kettle on...or a cocktail, if you fancy getting your hawaii on. xo

the milk glass lampshade that i'll be turning into a large vase/bowl full of pretty flowers.

ummm, retro kitchen wallpaper? utter perfection in my books.

grabbed a roll of this beauty and have many artworks in mind.

bless, indeed. the new home for all of my vintage greeting cards.

check out the colours of those napkin rings (that remind me so much of my nanna) and biscuit tin detail.

treasure island.

ok. time to get your eyes ready for some serious eye candy. i will say only two things (yeah, right).....1. i didn't pay more than $45 for everything you see below (so saving $$$ is still on track!) 2. a few of these lovely treasures will be available at the december rummage, hooray! i plan on making up a few gift packs for christmas (of the vintage variety) inspired by the gorgeous kellie. there will be some picnic love, some afternoon tea baskets and some lovely linens to decorate your home with. i've had an equally beautiful breezy brisbane saturday...brunching with some favourites at D&D and like always, they didn't disappoint. driftwood blend, peanut butter whoopies, sandwiches and sunshine made for a delightful morning. the whole sweet deal was captured by kate so photos will be showcased later in the week. baby snuggles were icing on the cake. last night i cocktailed my way after dinner to gertie's, laughing so much and and falling more in love with my nearest and dearest (had nothing to do with the alcohol consumed.) so now i've shared a couple of things i'm off to do some chores and admire my growing mountain art collection. the dishes can wait. i'll be back tomorrow with a special post but i hope this finds you enjoying your weekend and basking in this beautiful sunshine. hello spring!

'rose glow' by olga west, 1981.

3 divine aprons. keeping the one on the left, the other 2 will make it to rummage.

the most beautiful large round floral tablecloth i've ever unearthed. perfect.

a large mountain print from an original watercolour that was dated 1878. it's moody, delicious and now the centrepiece of my mountain arrangement.

i'm in love.

who can resist johnson crockery..and for 30c for two....i'm there.

a little bit of kitsch goes a long way.

some melmac loving. they will be part of a picnic set for rummage.

i love a good oil painting and this book is full of retro forest works!

remember this guy? well these 5 cuties will join him in a 'woodland teaparty' collective, available at december rummage.

a collection of retro greeting cards...watch out for the postie!

i found all kinds of fantastic pillowcases!

3 spring floral pillowcases, all bright and beautiful and some mustard and grey square linen for the boys.

i found a gorgeous (and large) teacup watercolour print and fell in love. i'll be reframing it in a smaller, cuter frame. finding cloud fabric is always a treat!

a perfect rectangular mustard tablecloth and matching dulux to paint frames, canvases etc with. it's all about the mustard!

a lovely orange check embroidered tablecloth and leafy barkcloth. yum!

ummm, yes...this is indeed an ET single doona cover in mint condition. (sold)

i'm a sucker for 'mother' plates. love you mum!

couldn't resist showing you a gorgeous birthday present (a kylie johnson cloud brooch) and a sneak peek of the colour palette that is adorning my latest canvases and cross stitches!

well hello 2011.

picked up this pair of decorations from the myer sale.

the kitschiest wall vases ever, inherited from a lovely 91 year old dear named laura.

some of her doilies too.

been reading and getting inspired by my frankie sweet treats.

and hanging my new tapestries.