While fashion may make me Swoon, it is the chippy, shabby, time worn wares that makes this girl happy!!!  Those things with a story to tell, if they could only talk...
 As you wander through Bleu, keep in mind our vintage goods are always available, too!  Perfect for that one of a kind touch of whimsy, that “oh I had that” touch of nostalgia, & yes, the “that would look perfect in that empty corner” epiphany!!!! I’ll admit it...I love the journey, the find, the thrill of the hunt!  That dusty lane, the deserted barn, bon marchés in France, vintage faires in Texas...I hope you all enjoy some of our fav finds!

 Love the vintage boardwalk billies...the original rock ‘em sock ‘em robots! Knock’em down, their tongue pops out! What better to pair with them...a pair of well worn boxing gloves & a leather speed bag!

                                                               The patina on the Tom's Potato Chips shelving is original & the six pack Coke carrier so chippy, Darlin!

Wicker chaise, Union Jack pillows...SOLD in our first year at Bleu!

 

The jackets, one of a kind from Iowa                   The graffiti from Italy

  Hanks, Hanks of knotted boat ropes...perfect for hanging in a beach cottage window!

I love to pair vintage with liked minded new wares~ its fun to tuck vignettes here or there...use your imagination!

Golfers, this is the best find...vintage canvas bag with battered golf balls. From K.L.Burgett Co., Peoria, IL.  The golf trophy reads..."Consolation Champ, Sam Stone, MCC, 1948"  Congrats, Sam!

when in doubt, flags always add the perfect touch!

A fav booth at Roundtop, TX antique week!

This vintage bike has been with Bleu since before day 1...it is the perfect patina Bleu!

I don't know about you, but this girl is sucker for oars...long, short, painted, paddles...any and all!

these window boxes made the perfect shelves...

this cozy room is in my cottage. The poppy prints are in the shop!

The find that made me swoon...cherished for years, saved by someone who loved them, too.  A vintage swimsuit, coverup, beach shoes, and~ the rubber swim cap!  Sigh!

I love all things vintage western, cowboy & honky tonk! The scooter is Euro, we found it at Roundtop, TX antiques week!  That counts as western-ish, doesn't it! 

Yes, it’s the journey, the hunt, the thrill of the find that gets me!!! 

You never know where that dirt road or cobblestone alley will take you!

Beautiful, Breathtaking, Bleu

Greece...beautiful, breathtaking, and bleu~
  We decided we needed a little inspiration for Summertime, and what better place to derive it from

From the quirky doors to the bleu shutters...

to the charming hidden cafes.....

 to the cliffside dwellings

  and the colorful gates...

from the famed bleu domes...

 to the sky bleu sea...

  and all its amazing ruins...

  From sunset at Oia...

  to Mykonos...

 to Santorini...

 We have fallen in love with Greece

 No matter if you are a pirate or a peasant,

every door, every corner, every climb left you wondering what was up ahead.  Magical, indeed!

“Shine” on ...by now we have all contemplated what exactly is social distancing, how far is 6’, which room do we want to work out of today!  We have paused & prayed, practiced our patience... and prayed some more. If you are like us, you have cooked, cleaned...and baked, and baked some more!!  We think it’s time to “Shine On”! If you need to, you can always say you are making hand sanitizer!



Apple Pie Moonshine

Ingredients 

• 1 750ml bottle of 190 proof Everclear – If you can’t get Everclear in your state, high proof vodka can work also.
• About 1 cup of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum – Two cups tastes pretty good also… just saying.
• 1 Gallon Apple Cider
• 1 Quart Apple Juice
• 3 Cups of Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup of White Sugar
• 10 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 Large Stock Pot
• 6 Mason Jars (Quart-sized)

This recipe comes together very quickly. Simply combine the cinnamon sticks, apple cider, and apple juice in the large stock pot. Bring it all to a mild simmer and add in the sugars.

Continue to stir slowly for about five to ten minutes until all the sugar is dissolved. At that point, turn the heat off and allow the apple cider mixture to cool down to room temperature.

Allow it several hours to reach a lower temperature. If you add in the alcohol too soon, the higher temperature will evaporate some of the alcohol content.

Once the mixture is at room temperature, stir in the 1/5 of Everclear and one to two cups of rum.

At that point, you are ready to jar the apple pie moonshine in the mason jars. Don’t be afraid to put a cinnamon stick in the jars either.

And of course...drink moderately!  
Unless you ARE using it as hand sanitizer...then, apply liberally.

 Hit pause, breathe deeply, exhale...Springtime 2020 has caused us all to sloowww way down, and just be.  Our days are different, our lives topsy turvy! We are all finding our new norm, while we wait for for normal days to return. Whether you are spending your days in the sun, or curled up with a book under a tree...get out and enjoy just being!!! We miss our friends from Bleu, and are looking forward to seeing your smiles soon! Take care, be safe...and just breathe!



One of our favorite smiles from Bleu, our sweet friend, Brenda!  While she spent the day enjoying this crazy Springtime, she shared a few of her favorite wears.... 

We love this all over embroidered top, worn on or off shoulder! Paired with a handwoven , two toned, straw tote!

We love this embroidered, navy on white, halter dress~ perfect for ladies who lunch or dinner dates.

A Spring into Summer fav~ these easy, breezy cool looks with bright beach prints! And our fav...crop, fringed denim!

 This sweet halter dress would be great paired with leggings, a skinny pair of white jeans, or alone...as is!I

It's always a compliment when the golfers whistle & wave! Flattery...it will get you everywhere!

Perfect for pickle ball, tennis, or golf~

this fitted, zippered jacket pairs with a matching skort.  It transitions beautifully into girls day out!

Mix things up a bit, and pair the jacket with white pants for an evening out!

 

Brenda paired her soft white tank with this polka dot skirt...Saffron color is a Springtime must have!                                                     Add a cotton sweater, perfect for cooler eves! What is your fav color?

                             Pull up a chair, and grab your favorite accessory

The quintessential white trouser...it pairs with all your "go to" tops, looking great with every color! A must for every wardrobe!

 Because everyone should blush now & then~ this striped poncho is perfect for lazy days & lounging!

We've paired this Summer knit halter top with those same wonderful white trousers...different look, same sleek chic!

Khaki...only a bit more sophisticated! We paired this dress with our one of a kind, just for Bleu, necklaces.  Our fav~ the leather tassel! Add a two toned bag, with that same great tassel!

Brenda paired this khaki shift with a skinny floral denim...so chic! Love the detail on the saffron bag~ braided handles, big stitching...and there is that tassel again! 

A special Thank You to our beautiful friend, Brenda, for sharing her style with us as she slows down, social distances, and spends a lil time in the sunshine!  Thank you, Brunswick Plantation, for sharing your splendid views & serenity with all.

As we hit pause, breathe deeply, & exhale...be safe sweet friends! See you all soon!