Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater

October 29, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Modcloth Plaid Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Fall Outfit

Pumpkins and fall weather all seem to go hand in hand. Traditionally pumpkins were carved and scary faces were created in order to keep the evil spirits at bay. Today we still keep that tradition alive  and even add the taste of pumpkins into our coffees and cakes. There is something about this orange fruit that attracts us so much so that we incorporate it into our home decor, outfits, and family activities.

I typically decorate my home for the fall season and pumpkins are my go-to pieces. I don't use real pumpkins but the ones I do use are kid friendly and kitten friendly. Pumpkins aren't my favorite fruit to eat but I sure do like looking at them. When I think of pumpkins I think of the fall, cool weather and then immediately I am happy.

This year we took our children to a local farm and went pumpkin picking. My children also enjoyed a hay ride, bounce house, haunted maze, and apple donuts. It was such a fun day for them and for us. The weather was sunny but perfectly cool and I was in bliss with my Starbucks coffee in tow.

A Vintage Nerd, Modcloth Plaid Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Fall Outfit
A Vintage Nerd, Modcloth Plaid Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Fall Outfit
A Vintage Nerd, Modcloth Plaid Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Fall Outfit
A Vintage Nerd, Modcloth Plaid Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Fall Outfit
A Vintage Nerd, Modcloth Plaid Dress, Retro Fashion Blog, Retro Fall Outfit

Outfit: Dress from Modcloth, Green beret from Forever 21, Grey Wool Stockings from Kohl's, Green Loop earrings are Vintage, and Green Crossbody purse is Vintage from Junk
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4 Fun Ways To Wear a Scarf

October 22, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Scarf Tutorial, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Beret Fashion

"Tis the season for Fall jackets and scarves. One of my favorite accessories for the fall is a long scarf. Not the knitted kind, which I save for the winter weather, but the cotton sort that can be easily wrapped around your neck for warmth yet light enough not to make you sweat under all your fall layers.

I thought I would share with you four fun ways that you can wear a scarf. These are four easy peasy ways to accessorize and bring some character to your outfit.

  • 1. Drape delicately over one shoulder
  • 2. Place over your neck and take one side and toss it over your shoulder
  • 3. Fold in half, place over your shoulder, put the loose ends side threw the hole of the opposite side to create a knot
  • 4. Drape over your neck and let it hang loose

Th use of scarves has been in vogue throughout the fashion of the last century. Tied around the neck, used as a headband, covering hair during wartime, or even used like a shawl. Sometimes wearing vintage can be as simple as wearing an accessory in a vintage manner to accentuate your outfit.

A Vintage Nerd, Scarf Tutorial, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Beret Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Scarf Tutorial, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Beret Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Scarf Tutorial, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Beret Fashion
A Vintage Nerd, Scarf Tutorial, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Beret Fashion


A Vintage Nerd in London: Part III

October 13, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels

Now that you have seen Part I and Part II of my excursion to London, I get to share with you the rest of adventures I went on. And there were many. My friend and I not only explored London by foot and took a day trip to other areas of England, we also attended a few very special events. 

We experienced the Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel where we dined on a variety of herbal teas, Alice in Wonderland themed treats, and sugar cubes inside a music box. Needless to say, we both felt very spoiled. We also made a huge dream come true for me when we ventured off to The Who Shop, which by the way was off the beaten path, but very much worth the effort to getting there. The staff was friendly and helpful and I was in Doctor Who heaven. I scored a bevy of things for my children and we even when into the Doctor Who Museum. As Doctor Who #9 would often say, Fantastic!

We went to two hair salons in London, one I shared already in my London Part I post and the other is called La Belle Jolie. I cannot say enough about the owner and staff of this establishment. They took such good care of us and made us feel like queens for the day. The owner, Renee is one of the kindest people we met in London. I mean everyone was so great to us but Renee pulled all the stops. I'll share why at the end of the post.

We also explored Brick Lane and Shoreditch because of all of the vintage shops. Sadly we both found the area very overwhelming and many of the shops sold items that were for smaller women. I did find a shop where you are guaranteed to meet with friendly staff called Porcelain & Red Vintage. If you visit this shop, tell them I sent you. They were just wonderful. Brick Lane and Shoreditch weren't the only areas we went shopping around. We visited the beautiful Vivian of Holloway shop where I collaborated with them in this post HERE. I can confirm that their dresses will make every woman, with every possible body type feel like a glamorous old Hollywood movie star. And early on in the week we actually accidentally ended up in Shepherds Bush and figured since we were there we might as well go to the mall. So off to the Westfield Mall we went where we feasted on Lebanese food and went into some of my favorite English shops like Cath Kidston

We managed to fit in a evening at Cahoots where we were in 1940's bliss. The atmosphere, drinks, and appetizers were delicious. I should tell you that it is very hidden in what looks like an outside mall, so keep a look out for an area that looks like it was set back into the 1940's. 

Two of my favorite museums that we visited were Churchill's War Rooms and The Victoria & Albert Museum. The war rooms were exquisite and it really is a special place to visit. We went first thing in the morning and that is when I recommend you go if you get to visit because then you avoid the massive crowds. Churchill was one fascinating man and it is also a very kid friendly museum which I like a lot. We visited the V & A Museum during its late hours on Friday nights and viewed the fashion exhibit they had on display. I also had a To Sir, With Love moment with all the statues so you can imagine how fun that was. 

All of these great experiences were spread out throughout the days we spent together. Our last evening together we attended the West End Theater and saw Wicked. I knew a little about the show and as I watched it it took my breath away. I won't say much about it other than I cried my eyes out at one part and Rachel Tucker was magnificence personified. Wow, what a show. 

Remember when I said Renee from La Belle Jolie was an extraordinary person? Well, she put in a call and hooked us both up to go backstage after the show to get a tour! You may not know this but it was one of my dreams to be on broadway but I knew because of finances and my challenges that I would never be able to make that one come true. I did get a taste of it when we were given a tour backstage, saw all the costumes, held the Elphaba baby doll, touched the iconic Elphaba hat, and best of all I went on stage and looked out at the audience seats. I literally balled my eyes out some more. What an emotional and magical night. All thanks to Renee, thank you again Renee!!! 

I unexpectedly learned a few things on this visit. I learned I am capable of doing great things but we get to these great things because of the love and support of others. I learned I am perfectly capable of getting around a large city other than New York on my own. I learned that my disability is definitely changing and that I cannot do as much as I want in one day that I would like to do. Now I know when traveling I have to pace myself very carefully. And I learned that it is worth dreaming big and thinking of the impossible. As long as you work hard, plan ahead, be kind to yourself, and be patient, you can achieve those dreams.

Here's to more travel stories here on A Vintage Nerd!

A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels

A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels




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A Vintage Nerd in London: Part II

October 11, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels

I never considered doing a day trip before so when my friend recommended that we do one we ended deciding to do day trip to Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge. I had no clue when our early day started that there was going to be a magical day ahead for us. 

We scored a great package deal with Viator that would not only include a visit to these greats sites but also an afternoon pub lunch in a Medieval Village called Lacock. I think sometimes when you are trying to pack in so much into one day you end up not eating well or not eating at all but having that pitstop at a 14th Century pub called The George Inn in Lacock was great way to refuel on some mighty tasty food. They filmed Pride & Prejudice and Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone in that town as well. 

I first part of our day was spent at Windsor Castle. I never went into a castle before so it was a neat treat to do so but frankly I also found it odd because it is someone's private home. They did have a rare display of Queen Elizabeth's wardrobe through the years. I couldn't take any photos but lets say she is very petite and very curvy. The clothes were divine especially the 1950's-1960's dresses. I just wanted to grab one and leave. The middle part of our day was spent in Bath. It was a quick visit and I would like to visit again and spend a few days there next time. I found it to be very cozy, picturesque, and artistic. I visited the Roman baths which are interesting but it was difficult for me to walk through. 

Lastly, after our pub lunch we headed out to Stonehenge. I really didn't expect much but boy was I wrong. It ending up being a magical surprise to me. The feeling there is the most serene I have ever felt. I just wanted to cop a squat and stay there for hours but the sun was going down and we left shortly afterwards. I will never forget my time spent there and it is definitely a special place I want to bring my family. It was an unforgettable day.

A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips
A Vintage Nerd Blog Travel Blogger London Travel Tips





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A Vintage Nerd in London: Part I

October 10, 2017
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels

A year ago this week I flew to England to make a childhood dream come true with my childhood best friend. It is something we both wanted to do for a long time and I have been wanting to go back to England for ages, so we combined both ideas and met up with each other in London. We filled our days together with typical tourist activities as well as vintage themed activities. One of the best days was when we decided to walk from our hotel in Belgrave Road to see Big Ben. The locals thought we were nuts but we rested beforehand and I have to say that walk was one of my favorite memories of my visit.

After my return home so many things happened that I was unable to share photos of my trip with all of you. I thought since it is a year ago now since my visit that I could finally share with you some of the things I enjoyed. I put together three posts of some of my favorite photos, some were taken with my Canon and some with my iPhone. It isn't laid out in chronological order but rather a nice smorgasbord of what my visit was like back in October 2016. It really was a dream come true to be able to do this. I learned a lot about myself which I will share on part three of my London posts.

I have traveled over to England in all the seasons except for Fall and its my favorite season of all. London did not disappoint weather wise at all. I found it amusing that when it did rain a few drops, Londoners took it in stride and didn't carry umbrellas at all. I also discovered that one of my favorite accessories, a scarf, had dual usage for keep me warm and dry when it did drizzle a bit.

I haven't visited England prior to this visit since 2001 and for some reason in my head I remembered that London was easy to handle. Well, I was wrong. London is about 80 Manhattans rolled into one, its massive. Not only is it huge, it is bustling with construction and restoration of many properties. It is also bustling full to the rim with immigrants from all over Europe. Fifteen years prior it wasn't like that and I found this fascinating. Despite the busyness of the city I never once had a bad moment with anyone. Whether they were drunk at a local pup or making their way through the tube to get to work or clamoring to get through traffic. I found everyone to be polite.

To be honest people were more than just polite. They were kind, helpful, and compassionate. I cannot tell you how many times I was given help because of my disability. This is something I did not expect in such a large city because this is something I struggle with in New York. No one ever gives me a seat,  not even the disabled seat. Needless to say, I was pleasantly shocked and very impressed. It made me feel respected and valued instead of just ignored and mistreated as I often feel here especially when it comes to public transportation. It was a refreshing experience.

I highly recommend if you visit London at some point to check out these things. Victoria, London is in the heart of so many enjoyable tourist spots. The tube is nearby and its so clean and pretty. Dishoom is the best Indian food I have had in my life and this is from someone who cannot consume spicy food anymore, it was divine. Rocklily Cuts is an utterly adorable retro hair salon and they were so lovely there.

The way I travel includes some planned things and some unplanned things. We did have a lot of things that were planned because many things required reservations, but in-between those activities just being able to take in the sights and environment was pure bliss for me.

A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
A Vintage Nerd, Travel Blogger, London Travel Tips, A Vintage Nerd Travels
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