Random summer sneak peeks and a life lesson…

There is something about summer that really puts me in a vintage and retro kind of 1950s mood. Well, I’m always in that kind of mood:-) I have been working on a summer home tour so I thought I would share a few peeks.

My dad put these cars together years ago so I love to bring them out for my 8 year old to play with. I never know how they will be lined up.

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Vintage books are always fun to have out and I have a great collection thanks to my grandfather. I tried to find either a sea or summer theme. 

I do love vintage cigar boxes, and these recall the glamorous 1950s and the fascination Americans had with Cuba.

Because I love the blue/green color so much, I used insulators as candle holders. I just happened to have this wrought iron stand from some old votives, and it fit perfectly. 

Of course I have kept out all my brass and I love the warm tones with the blue I’m using. 

My mom had given me this fabric a couple years ago, but I had not used it. I made some pillows, runners and a valance for the kitchen window. I like the retro feel it has, but it also kind of updates my room at the same time.  

Vintage milk glass cups and an antique print keep things cool in the kitchen.

I really just wanted to take some macro shots of my summer vignettes– but not with my Dad’s Ansco camera:-)

I used a Canon Rebel T3 with a Canon 50mm (F/1.8) lens. 

It’s always fun to see how far you can go with something basic. 

I approach everything that way, and ultimately, I think it makes me more creative in the long run to have limitations. 

What about you?

I’ll be joining:

Inspire Me Tuesday

Knick of Time Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesday

14 Comments

  1. Shirley@Housepitality Designs
    July 1, 2014 / 11:20 pm

    I love your macro shots…I need to use my macro lens more often!…Love the new pillows and the colors!…Great photos!

    • Anita Diaz
      July 2, 2014 / 4:33 pm

      Thank you Shirley! I do love playing with it:-)

  2. White Lace and Promises
    July 1, 2014 / 11:58 pm

    I love your small vignettes. The cars and the books together are adorable. I gave my son's bucket of cars to my nephew. He lost them all but 1 bus. They were special and I was so disappointed. He would line them all up all the way down our small hall. Your photos of everything are great!

    • Anita Diaz
      July 2, 2014 / 4:32 pm

      Thanks Bonnie! We definitely still have some buckets of cars, and airplanes, etc. I will miss them like I miss the girls getting out the Barbies!

  3. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    July 2, 2014 / 1:15 am

    Anita, your vignettes are so pretty! Love all of the cool blues. Your vintage touches are always perfect!

    • Anita Diaz
      July 2, 2014 / 4:31 pm

      Thank you Shenita!!

  4. Alycia Nichols
    July 2, 2014 / 2:55 am

    Every single time I visit your blog I come away with a mind and heart filled with inspiration. What a beautiful post! And I know what you mean about summer evoking thoughts of the 1950s. This may be a weird reference, but I love "The Godfather, Part II". Those scenes in Havana are what come to my mind when I see those cigar boxes and those replica cars. So incredibly cool!

    Have a beautiful week and a safe holiday weekend!

    • Anita Diaz
      July 2, 2014 / 4:30 pm

      Thanks Alycia! You always inspire me my friend:-)

  5. Unknown
    July 2, 2014 / 7:45 am

    Your home is so refreshing. May I please inquire as to the living room wall paint color and brand? I find whites to be so tricky, they are either blue, or gray. You have such a good eye and talent for photography, that your walls appear to be white, like paper white, on my computer screen anyway. I thank you in advance. Enjoy what remains of spring!
    living-room

    • Anita Diaz
      July 2, 2014 / 4:25 pm

      Hi Laura, thank you:-) I used "Geneva Swan Grey" Colorplace at Walmart paint in the living room, then I wiped on a couple different colors of greys that I mixed to give it an aged look. In my bedroom, I used Better Homes and Gardens (Walmart) "Sunlit White" which is a really white color, but a little bit warm, so it really is nice. Hope that helps!

  6. Creations By Cindy
    July 2, 2014 / 2:02 pm

    I have enjoyed looking at the peeks! LOVE your dad's old camera! WOW! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    • Anita Diaz
      July 2, 2014 / 4:30 pm

      Thank you Cindy!! Thanks for stopping by:-)

  7. Linda@Coastal Charm
    July 3, 2014 / 2:49 am

    Oh my…those little cars are just too cute! Happy 4th!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

  8. chateau chic
    July 3, 2014 / 1:00 pm

    Love the peek of some of your summertime decor, Anita. Your vignettes are so lovely with all of your wonderful vintage goodies!
    Mary Alice