Visiting the J.A. Cooley Museum

Dave and I drive by the J.A. Cooley Museum, located in North Park of San Diego, weekly and say "we need to check that place out".  A few weeks back we found ourselves in the neighborhood and stopped in.  It's local San Diegian's Jim and Carmen Cooley's massive collection of 100 year old cars as well as many antiques ranging from toy trains to early typewriters.

This is a music player that was once used at an ice skating rink.

This is also a music player.  Carmen was nice enough to give us a quick show and played the machine for us.  It played the song "Home on the Range".

They have several cars, carriages and even the very first Mercedes Benz concept car.  Carmen said that one of the cars was used in the movie "Titanic" during the love scene between Jack and Rose in the garage area of the ship. Remember the sweaty hand on the window scene.  Yep, that one.

This was my favorite car they had.  Just gorgeous.

This is a Ford Model T and was one of those released in their first year of their make.  It looked like it was in pristine condition.

I wish I had more pictures to share.  Unfortunately I didn't have a battery for my camera and was stuck using my camera on my phone.  Dave and I had a great time browsing through their collection and now don't feel too bad about the size of our private collection of vintage items versus theirs!  If you live in San Diego or are ever in the area please be sure to check this hidden gem of a museum out.  

Be sure to check out their website for more information at http://www.jacooleymuseum.org/.

Till' Next Time,

Suz

Tiki Day 2013

Tiki Day has come and gone.  It was such a great gathering this year!  The day went by way too quickly.  We had our first meet up in front of the castle for a group photo.  I was stunned at how many people showed up this year.  So humbled to say the least.

Dave and I stayed in Anaheim the night before as I had plans to finally meet up with Janey of Atomic Redhead.  We met up for dinner at the Jazz Kitchen which is located in downtown Disney.

After dinner we went to Trader Sam's for a drink and then wondered around the Disneyland hotel towers to oogle all their cool interiors including this awesome interactive Disneyland map from the 1960's.  Janey and her husband were so nice and what Dave and I call "good people".  This will not be our last meet up for sure.

We were at the park the next day bright and early.

The first thing we did was walk through the Enchanted Tiki Room art gallery exhibit.  There were so many wonderful paintings and other related items on display.

I was so happy that my grandparents were able to join us this year.  Here they are gazing at an model of the original park plans from the 1950's as they first remember it.

We made sure to visit the Court of Angels as this will soon be closed off to the public and will be used as the new entrance to the remodeled Club 33.

Love their Dia de los Muertos decorations.

Dave and I were second in line for the dole whip shop in order to buy us some of the new tiki thermos'.  Sorry I don't have a picture to share.

My favorite in the park; the Haunted Mansion in its Nightmare Before Christmas make over.  We were able to walk right on as we were in the park so early.

The benefit of coming to the park so early is you have a greater chance of getting tickets to ride the Lilly Belle.  My grandparents were able to sign us up and we were able to get ten tickets total.

Me and my grandma!

After the group photo we all headed to ride the Jungle Cruise.  This is the backed up line we all created.  People were definitely confused on why there was a wait for the Jungle Cruise.

Aloha shirts galore!  Check out those cute Mickey ear tiki hats!!

This couple was too cute!

The next meet up for the day was to all ride the Mark Twain.  We got the honor of "driving" the boat (it's on a track folks).

View from above.

My favorite part was pulling the lever for the horn!!

Janey and Patrick were able to join us as well.

Us with our official certificates to drive the Mark Twain.

The next meet up was the Enchanted Tiki Room (of course).  Here is a photo of our crowd waiting patiently to watch the show.

It was a packed house!

We ended the day at Trader Sam's for some dinner and drinks.  It was a fantastic day and I am so grateful for all the help I had in planning this day and of course am grateful for all those who attended.  

Till' Next Time,

Suz  

Thrift Blog: August - September 2013

Well I have done good cutting back; in fact I'm confident I can control my urge to hit up a thrift store before the end of the month that I have decided to include my September finds in the August thrift blog as well.  Dave and I only visited three thrift and vintage stores in the past two months.  Below are my fantastic finds.

I am a huge fan of the movie "The Princess Bride".  This is one of my must have movies to watch when I'm home sick in bed.  If you are not familiar with this timeless classic fantasy, do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as possible.  I came across the book and knew I had to buy it.  There is actually a ten or so page forward written by William Goldman who previously wrote the book years before it's theatrical release and his struggle to get the film made with his screenplay.  That behind the scenes story alone is a good reason to read this book if you are given the chance or a die hard fan of the film.

I love the pattern on this 80's floral printed dress.  Looking forward to wearing it soon.

This was my big find at the bi-monthly Frock You Vintage Boutique sale in August.  It's my first Dorset-Rex Lucite purse.  The black satin lining was flawless.  The metal has a bit of dark spots but Dave has assured me he can fix this.

This moai shelf was my only purchase this year from Tiki Oasis. I got to pick what was put on the top shelf and Dave got the bottom shelf.   I also added my Doug Horne monster prints on either side for a nice touch.  I purchase those signed prints at the Grand National Roadster show last January.

Doesn't it look great in the living room.

This has been on my to do list for about two years now or at least ever since I bought my vanity set.  I found this awesome tiki themed barcloth at a local fabric store.  Dave helped me and it took him literally maybe five minutes to take off what turned out to be a pillow case form the 70's and replace it with this lovely fabric.

Dave and I were La Jolla about a week ago and came across an estate sale.  I bought this organizer tray for $1 and promptly replaced the newer plastic trays I currently had in my vanity.

I cannot believe my luck.  Dave and I visited our favorite thrift store and I scored another black velvet painting.  This one matches the theme of the previous find but is slightly bigger.   I just love it!!  

I found these silver lined blue tablecloths and napkins at the same store.  I love any silver and blue combination colored items.  These will look killer on our formica dinning table set.

I bought this black velvet swing coat as well.  It fits perfectly and was truly an amazing find.  I spotted the union made tag which dates back to the 1940's according to Dave.  This will be fun to wear in the winter months.

I loved too that it was made right here in San Diego.  I did some research but was unfortunately not able to dig up any information on Jeran's of San Diego.

Cute near new looking vintage chiffon nightie dress.

Vintage San Diego made sweater.

Here is my favorite clothing find of this trip to the thrift store.  A swing dancing Mickey and Minnie Mouse blue felt circle skirt!!  I paid a whole $2.00 for it.  It was a little snug and first fit but then Dave ironed it for me and did his magic to stretch it out a little.  I plan  on wearing this to Rock Around the Park at Disneyland in November.

Till' Next Time,

Suz