New Year's Eve Hair

Whether it's going out to a party or staying in for a quiet evening, the jury is still out on what exactly I'll be doing this New Year's Eve. Regardless of what happens, I will be dressing up, there are no questions about that. I just can't help myself! It feels so good to get dolled up, and honestly, I don't have many occasions to do so these days.

When it comes to hair styling, my skills are worlds away from exceptional but at least I can say they're not horrible. This said, I've been looking for vintage inspiration that is actually attainable given my average coiffuring skills.


Rita Hayworth & Classic 1940s Curls. I absolutely love the wild look of Rita's voluminous curls in the 1940s film, Gilda. Never would I have thought that my hair could achieve such ample curl, however, Fleur of Diary of a Vintage Girl created this video, proving all you need is a wave. Love.


Veronica Lake & The Peekaboo. What can I say other than, in my mind, this hairstyle pretty much epitomizes Old Hollywood glamour. It's hard to believe this iconic style was created with an accidental runaway lock of hair during one of her early photo shoots.

While this style requires more patience than Rita's style above, it's still easy to create on your own. Get a bit of help with this tutorial. Not only is it a great visual guide for this classic peekaboo look, it also gives a variety of gorgeous alternatives.


Myrna Loy & the Finger Wave. There really are so many ways of creating and styling a finger wave. I particularly love Myrna's style above with long hair, a center part and loose, slightly frizzy curls. I'd love to wear it with a large bun at the nape of my neck, adorned with some sort of sparkly vintage clip. This tutorial features a gal with short hair, but it's easily adapt it to a variety of lengths.

Now, I just need to decide! It's between one of these looks or possibly a more modern style from one of these incredible tutorials below. In case you're looking for more inspiration, here are a few other links I love.

Super sweet & simple hair tutorials on the more modern side.

More styling guides! Equally lovely but definitely more complex.

A cutesy, inspirational hairstyling video straight from the 1930s.

A Tiny Shop Update

Things have been rather busy around these parts. My expected influx of vintage lovelies was kind of a bust, but I did snag this adorable wedding dress and baby blue lace dress that would be the perfect accompanying bridesmaid dress. There are a few more pieces coming later this week so stay tuned, and head over to the shop if you'd like.

Deoma's Boutique

With the holiday season nearly in full effect, I pulled a few gorgeous pieces from Deoma's Boutique that would be perfect for upcoming events. Perhaps I'm partial because Deoma's is my mom's shop, but the truth of the matter is that she does, in fact, keep her boutique stocked with wonderfully unique vintage dresses that are in mint or near mint condition.

And here's the best part of today's little post, she's offering a 15% discount with the coupon code DALENAHOLIDAY valid until December 24. If I were a gal with a little pocket change and a holiday dinner to attend, I would run over to her shop for a peek!

Le Voyage dans la Lune

In lieu of the usual, A Little Music Mix, I'm just going to say, wow, and leave you alone with this film clip.



Raise your hand if you love Air. After 12 years, this girl still does, and Moon Safari reigns supreme in my book. What about you?

Peppermint Ice Cream

Ice cream may not seem like a winter dessert to some but I love pairing it was something warm and fresh out of the oven. Today, it's peppermint ice cream with dark chocolate brownies. Yum! I essentially used the same recipe as the Thai tea ice cream I made over the summer, substituting fresh peppermint sprigs for the Thai tea. I'll include the recipe here anyhow!

Here's what you'll need:
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1 1/2 cups cream
* 6-8 sprigs of peppermint
* 1 cup sugar
* 3 egg yolks

Here's what to do:
Heat the milk on medium until it just starts to bubble. Stir in the peppermint leaves and remove from heat. Let steep about 25 minutes.

Strain into another bowl and add 1/2 cream and sugar. Mix and heat until steamy. Put your egg yolks into a large bowl then spoon the heated mixture into the egg yolks while whisking. Be careful not to add to much at a time or your eggs will cook to quickly resulting in an unwanted egg drop soup situation.

Alright, we're almost there. Add the rest of your cream. Then, take the combined mixture and cook at medium heat until it thickens into a custard-like texture, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let it sit until cool. I tend to get impatient so I pour the mixture back and forth between two containers to speed up the cooling process, and then stick it in the freezer until it cools down completely.

Now that you've got your custard, just follow the instructions on your ice cream maker. After about 15-25 minutes of churning, your ice cream should be ready! I served this batch with the most amazing brownies baked from a recipe from Inside a Black Apple.

What's your favorite winter ice cream? Drop me a recipe if you've got one!

Goldie London

Wearing deep hues and rich luxurious fabrics is something I'm only able to indulge myself in for a small part of the year. Thankfully that season is here, as is Goldie London's fall collection which I'm currently in love with. Their current line epitomizes the spirit of the 1970s and embrace the chilly days that are finally upon us down here in Texas. I think we've said our final goodbye's to the heat this year. I'm jumping for joy preferably in one of these dresses!

A Little Music Mix

Last Sunday, I took a little road trip to visit my grandmother, Gigi, who lives about two hours away. She was being honored as the oldest living member of her church and was lighting the Advent candle for the season, so of course I wanted to be there to celebrate. It was a beautiful service. The choir dedicated a song to her and the preacher said a few words as did my uncle.

Music has always been a huge part of Gigi's life. She was an incredible pianist and often played both the organ and piano at her church. But seeing as I didn't go to church too often, I mostly remember what she played at home, a mix of 1930s-1940s tunes played by ear and gospel music from her post-it filled hymnal.

While she can't remember who I am now, just a vague sense of familiarity, she can still sing and recite song lyrics. It truly amazes me.

Today's music mix is a collection of songs she loved combined with those I used to ask her to play for me. Enjoy!



Any guesses at which song was her number one favorite and which one I asked her to play most often?



The First United Methodist Church in Marlin, Texas where Gigi has been a member since 1929.

I Believe I Can Fly

This morning, I came across a trailer for the documentary, I Believe I Can Fly, via A Cup of Jo. (She's always posting amazing things over on her blog!) Anywho, I was immediately taken by this group of crazy Frenchies. Cartwheels of the side of mountains!? Yes, admittedly, I have a bit of a crush. Have a look at the video, and I think you might feel the same way.



Here's another video I loved by indie filmmaker, Sebastien Montaz-Rosset. It possesses a mood completely opposite I Believe I Can Fly. In fact, I think it may be commercial or something to that end. It's beautifully shot nonetheless.