no screen night

Recently I was reminiscing with a few girlfriends about the days without cell phones and computers.  We shared stories about bag phones our parents gave us and how they then threatened us within an inch of our life if we ever used them.  We assumed they must have cost $1,000 a minute.  I remember dial up internet, phones that didn't text, and being assigned an email address my first day of college and being annoyed that I would have to track down a computer lab to check it.   It was also in college when I saw the first ad in INSTYLE for a leopard Nokia phone, and longed for the day when I would be rich enough to buy one.  Needless to say, times have changed.

I realize the above paragraph is the equivalent of our grandparents "walking barefoot in the snow" stories, but I kind of love knowing life in both worlds.  I think it's because I knew a day without all of this technology, that I long for it from time to time.  If you are anything like me, you don't even realize how much you look at it.  My phone has become this thing that compels me to "check it", and it's embarrassing how second nature it has become.

Mr. Matty and I decided we needed a "no screen night".  NO cellphones, NO computers, NO television.  Every Tuesday we turn it all off, cook dinner together, listen to vinyl, read books, and have long talks. It's been amazing, and sadly a little tough, which is why we are planning to keep it up.  Do you find yourself needing a technology detox? What are some ways you are screen free?

DIY: valentine's day

This year for Valentine's day, I decided I wanted to do something a little different for Mr. Matty.  I knew I wanted to make something, but also wanted it to be simple and easy. I got to wondering if I could make my own pinata without the papier mache', and after a quick google search found this great tutorial. The only thing I did differently was cut squares of tissue paper instead of using post it notes. Mr. Matty loved it and can't wait to beat the crap out of it to find out what's inside!

I'll be capturing that video and posting it on Vine. Do you vine? Come follow me at iheartmatty!

my friend mitch

I am so happy to see my friend Mitch McGee in this month's DWELL magazine. More importantly, I'm thrilled to have a piece of his art hanging prominently in our home. I met Mitch while we were in school at Baylor, and then he married one of my best friends! He recently showed his work at the popular Elisa Contemporary Art gallery in New York City and sold every piece! If you are interested in purchasing a piece or browsing more of his amazing work, check out his website.

meet me in st. louis

Last weekend Mr. Matty spoiled me with a weekend getaway to St. Louis. It was kind of perfect. Just a short drive from Nashville, we found plenty of things to do besides visit the Arch. Here is a list of our favorites while we were there.

Stay: {Moonrise Hotel}

This boutique hotel is located right in the heart of the trendy Delmar Loop. With all of it's space themed goodies, it's a fun place to lay your head. Be sure and check out the rooftop bar!

Play: {Pin-Up Bowl}

Conveniently located right next to Moonrise Hotel, this was the perfect place to hang out late at night! Of course I immediately fell head over heels for all of the pin up decor inside! 

Shop: {Vintage Vinyl}

 

This gem was also located within walking distance of our hotel! Boy did we do some damage. If you love vinyl, prepare to get lost in this treasure trove. With prices mostly around $4.99,  you can purchase til your heart's content. 

{TFA Antiques}

This store was worth the trip. PERIOD. Thanks in part to a recommendation by a cool girl at another store, we were here for hours. As I walked through the doors, I think I actually heard a chorus of angels singing. Selling only Mid Century vintage, this was a vintage lovers heaven. I will definitely be making a return trip to TFA, but next time with a U-haul.

{Retro 101: Cherry Bomb Vintage}

Located in the heart of Antique Row on Cherokee Street, Retro 101 is the place to shop for vintage clothing! Here dresses are hung from the ceiling in place of chandeliers. I like my vintage a little less pricey, but loved combing the racks and seeing all of the beauty.

Eat: {Whisk Bakery}

If you have worked up an appetite with all of that vintage shopping, you are in luck because Whisk is just down on the corner. This bakery is the perfect place for coffee and a sweet bite. With it's sun drenched floors and smells of fresh baked goods, you will fall in love. They also serve vegan, gluten free, and dairy free goods that taste amazing. I'm still craving more of their GF banana chocolate chip bread. Yum.

{Fritanga}

This was also highly recommended by cool girl "Roz". Wow was she right! We had never had this style of food before, but I am still dreaming of the plantain chips, hard boiled egg guacamole, and rum and cokes. Delicious. A must eat. 

{Fitz's Bottling Company}

Such a fun afternoon pick me up! Nothing beats a frosty mug full of homemade root beer! 

{Pappy's Smokehouse}

Made famous by Man v. Food on the Travel Channel, this place boasts the best BBQ in St. Louis. It did not disappoint! I should have taken a photo of the crazy line of people ready to put their hands around some ribs. What we found out the hard way, is that when Pappy runs out of meat, the place shuts down (insert Fritanga adventure). We came back the next day and finally got a chance to taste what all the buzz is about.

shabby apple giveaway winner!

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Shabby Apple $50 giftcard giveaway! Even though there is only one winner, don't forget that Shabby Apple is giving all Pink Cupcake Vintage readers
10% off until January 31st.  Just use code {pinkcupcakevintage10off} at checkout.

And the winner is...................TIFFANY of @hellopengy!

Congratulations! For details on how to collect your gift card, email pinkcupcakevintage@gmail.com.

happy new year: shabby apple {giveaway}

Happy New Year everybody! I hope you had a great holiday! Ours was filled with family, a lot of sitting in front of our new working fireplace, and endless episodes of SUITS (thanks Kayce).  I could have probably eaten a few less Trader Joe's dark chocolate covered marshmallows, but now I am back on the wagon and have my eyes set on this adorable swimsuit from Shabby Apple!

Shabby Apple is one of my favorite online boutiques. They are chock full of retro dresses, vintage dresses, skirts, tops, and bathing suits.  Lucky for you, they want to giveaway a $50 gift card to one of my readers!  Wouldn't some new clothes help start your new year off right? And because they don't want to leave anyone out, they are giving all of my readers 10% off their Shabby Apple purchase for the entire month! Just use code {pinkcupcakevintage10off} at checkout.

Here's what you have to do:
*visit shabbyapple.com and pick out your favorite dress
*LIKE the Shabby Apple Facebook page
*leave me a comment telling me your favorite dress and that you "liked" their page

For additional entires:
*tweet this blog post and tag @iheartmatty using #shabbyapplegiveaway
*instagram this blog post and tag @iheartmatty with #pinkcupcakevintage #shabbyapplegiveaway

Contest ends on January 14th, 2013 with the winner announced here on January 15th, 2013!

Contestants must have a USA shipping address to be eligible for entry! Good Luck!

christmas card photo shoot

As soon as Matty gifted me with Lucille (falcon wagon) this summer, I couldn't wait to tie a Christmas tree to the luggage rack! Here is a glimpse into our Christmas card photo shoot this year, as photographed by Brooke Morgan. A big thank you to Boy Scout Troop 87 for the gorgeous tree and location!

thrift score thursday: vintage carolers

When I stumbled upon these creepy, but awesome pink carolers, I knew they had to be mine! What's your favorite Christmas decoration this year?

DIY: mason jar snow globe

Saturday was one of those days where my house was a mess, dishes were on the table, laundry was on the couch waiting to be folded (it's still here beside me as I type), and I just needed to escape. I decided to visit Anthropologie where everything is beautiful, tidy, and smells great. While I was browsing,  an adorable mason jar snow globe caught my eye.  I picked it up, looked underneath, and rubbed my eyes when the pricetag read $40.00! I'm not rich, so I decided to try and make my own.  I'm happy to say, it was quite easy, you can make about 10 in an hour, and each globe cost under $5.00!

Materials Needed: Ball Jars, Assorted sizes of Christmas trees, Deer Figurines, Glittering Glue, Glitter, Hot Glue, Fake Snow, and Large Glitter. (glass of wine optional)
 

Step 1: Take trees and spread glue on them liberally. I ended up liking the glittering glue better than the tacky spray because the glue seemed to spread just the right amount.
Step 2: Roll the tree in glitter. (I used the Martha Stewart glitter in white gold)

Step 4: Glue the inner jar lid to the jar ring with hot glue.
Step 5: Place trees and figurines down on the lid to measure placement. Hot glue them in place.

Step 6: Lightly fill jar with fake snow and large glitter. Screw the lid onto the jar and you are done!

on the bookshelf: grace

Over the weekend, Grace Coddington came to Nashville to be interviewed by the gorgeous Karen Elson in what can only be explained as the real life September Issue! This was my TWILIGHT. Getting to see and hear Grace talk about her life in person, made me an even bigger fan. Her book is gorgeous and she was so gracious to sign it! If you are looking for a great gift for the fashionista in your life, look no further.

gift guide 2012