This may have something to do with convincing Brent to navigate our truck and trailer through Houston city streets looking for 215 Welch Street.

Or maybe it was because I really wanted a pair of Texan cowboy boots but didn’t want to spent a month’s food budget on such boots.

Or maybe it’s because I have a nine year old (who really wants his own pair of boots) to back me up.

Or maybe it’s because I’m cheap and adventurous but mostly cheap.

Welcome to Texas Junk Company.

(Texas Junk is actually open on Fridays too.)

Swoon.

Yes, let’s.

Vinyl, anyone?

I didn’t find a pair of boots but the little guy in the middle did.

A door to a door.

Texas Junk Co.

Don’t miss it.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

The post Day 47: Texas Junk Co appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

This morning I lay in bed listening to the rain my heart as heavy as the clouds.

Goodbyes are hard.

After getting dressed, I busied myself with cleaning…prolonging our departure. The vacuum momentarily sucking the sadness from my heart. I wiped the last of the toothpaste off the counter and swallowed.

My favorite part of this week has been seeing my friend walk through her life as a wife and mother. It seemed only yesterday we were sleeping on air mattresses and eating off of moving boxes in our empty LA apartment. Yet, here we are with husbands, children, and houses. We stayed up late sitting on the couch sharing disappointments, frustrations, laughs, ideas and dreams. Being around her makes dreams seem like they are in my pocket ready to be pulled out like a rabbit from a hat.

We intended to say 5 nights at their house in Austin but those 5 turned into 10. Ten nights. Ten wonderful nights that will remain locked away as a reminder that, in a world where friendship is often as deep as clicking “like”, kindred spirits do exist.

That afternoon, we all drove out to Buda and walked the old streets with our families. Ju-boo and I wore our new vintage dresses in coordinating colors. We ate at an old soda fountain. We poked around in yet another thrift store. We took pictures. We laughed.

Then in the street under a damp thick sky we said good bye.

As it turned out, I had forgotten my phone at their house. (Thankfully, I married the world’s most patient man.) and I got the chance to say goodbye again. As I walked out of her house for the second time I desperately wished I hadn’t forgotten my phone. Seeing “our” empty room put little holes in my heart. Little holes that were patched by those last hugs goodbye.

Texas, we lived your motto.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

The post Day 41 – “Tejas” appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

I also never imagined it would be the weekend I was actually in Austin. In Austin with my best friend. My best friend who will happily drive all over town and patiently wait while I contemplate buying a pair of vintage cowboy boots as if I’m considering having another child.

This weekend was the first ever Austin Vintage Style Fest. There were so many great shops (I had no idea Austin has so much vintage.) participating! I came home with two dresses from Flashback Vintage. The shop was adorable, organized, well stocked, creatively displayed, and the owner was not only friendly but I could tell had a genuine passion for vintage. If you are in Austin and love vintage it’s a must visit.  I also bought two dresses came from RG Vintage who was at the festival from San Antonio.

I loved exploring the different neighborhoods of Austin, laughing with my best friend, meeting shop owners, browsing racks of clothing, and looking at funky knickknacks. So much better than going to a mall.

The only thing that stinks is that I didn’t get those vintage cowboy boots and I’m pretty certain they aren’t going to be at the next strip center off the interstate.

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

The post Day 34: Austin Vintage Style Fest appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

I’m really pleased with these photos Brent took at Guadalupe National Park. There was no one around so I felt comfortable getting silly.

I got this dress from Resources during our visit to Madrid, New Mexico. I couldn’t wait to wear it and as soon as we got to warmer weather I put it on.

I wore the dress again in Marfa, Texas with a cardigan and tied the bow outside the cardigan.

Dress: Vintage – Madrid, NM
Shoes: Thrifted – Santa Fe, NM
Belt: Thrifted – Oxnard, CA

Love and Laughter,
Jenn

The post Thrifty Threads Thursday: West Texas Edition appeared first on Newschool Nomads.

To take a break from the stress Thing 1 and I went down to the harbor to shoot some Thrifty Threads Thursday pictures.  The harbor is only a 5-10 minute drive, depending on traffic, from our house and one of my favorite places in Ventura.

My friend knew I loved this skirt and gave it to me after reading my first Thrifty Thread Thursday post.

It’s a handsewn wrap skirt with little felt and vintage fabric birds sewn on the hem.  The tay on the inside says “Lindsey Miller Handmade One of a Kind”.  I wondering if it’s this designer?

The sweater is from Tulle.  About twice a year they have a sample sale in LA and it’s so. much. fun.  That is ff you don’t mind digging, waiting in lines, trying on clothes in a parking lot and general chaos!  I don’t.  If you don’t live in LA they have really good sales every once in a while.

There is no such thing as too much ball fringe.  No. such. thing.

Glasses are from Warby Parker.  Love this company.  The glasses are high quality, the customer service is amazing, and for every pair of glasses sold they give a pair to someone in need.

Kenzie shoes.  I literally watched these for 6 months until they went on sale.  Thrifty or crazy?

I think Thing 1 did a great job taking the photos! Now, I have two personal photographers!  Thank you, Thing 1!!!!

Best of all, we had so much fun despite the blustery weather!

Trying to take our photo!  My arm is just not long enough!

Ack!!  The wind!!!

I think I’m going to miss this town.

love and laughter,
jenn

The post Thrifty Threads Thursday: Ventura Harbor Edition appeared first on Newschool Nomads.