Thursday, June 16, 2011

Splish splash, I was taking a bath!


"Gasp . . . . big sigh. Oh my gosh, I love it!  I want it!  What in the world would I do with a little pink bathtub?"  

These were all the things that came out of my mouth, quietly of course, as I was shopping alone and didn't want to frighten people. That's the thing about talking to yourself - it's ok as long as nobody else hears you!

It all began as I was walking down the main isle at Michaels and spotted this darling little pink bathtub. I gingerly picked up the bathtub, smiling and giggling to myself like a fool, admiring it as though it was a priceless heirloom in a museum. I placed it carefully in my cart, and as I wandered through the store I couldn't stop glancing down at it perched proudly in the front of my basket. Now, I can't say for sure, but I thought I noticed admiring glances from shoppers passing me in the aisles.

The bathtub had a personality of its own: retro but whimsical, fun and funky. It was the most perfect shade of pink, with a touch of girly-girl attitude. At least I thought so.

The guilt feelings for not staying home and cleaning out the basement swiftly left my head.  Note to self:  Next time you feel like cleaning or something crazy like that - don't give in to the urge! 

 


 I tried to imagine who came up with the idea for this little gem. Obviously I'm not the only crazy person out there.  Wait . . . crazy is kinda harsh. Eccentric sounds nicer - yes, eccentric.  I like to think that my unique tastes are part of my charm.

Pushing my cart along the aisles of the craft store, I tried to enjoy all the beautiful shades of pink and teal yarns, but my mind kept going back to the bathtub - what possible way I could justify buying a pink bathtub?  I have so many little silly things like this in the house and just one cabinet to put them in.  The entire cabinet is pretty much filled with little antique figurines picked up over the years and handmade treasures from my children. The bathtub was much too big for the cabinet anyhow. After a few more minutes of strolling up and down the aisles I placed it back on the shelf, reassuring myself that if I still really wanted it in a few days I would come back and buy it.  And maybe by then it would be on sale, because I never buy anything unless it is on sale or I have a coupon. This is how I try to control myself from impulse buying. It usually works - I just tell myself if  I still want it as badly tomorrow or the next day I'll come back.  Unless it is the last one or a one of a kind - then I must buy it immediately.        

Fast forward one week.  I must admit I thought of the bathtub many times during the week, usually at least once a day when wiping off the bathroom counter.  Hmmm, where could I put it?  I could set it on the ledge surrounding the bathtub, but it would look kind of funny there and most likely get knocked off.  How about on the wall on a shelf?  Well, we actually don't have much wall space except around the tub, and that is all ceramic tile with an accent border of smaller tiles, so that wouldn't work.  Not much space on the bathroom counter either.  I think it would fit nicely on my husband's side, since his is always emtpy, but I was pretty sure he wouldn't care for that idea.  Hmmmmm.

This week my only sister, Susie, whom I love dearly, came in from out of town, and we decided to do some shopping.  I told her I wanted to show her this cute little bathtub, so we stopped in and saw it.  She smiled and said, "That's so you!" She thought it was very cute and was not a bit surprised I loved it. I explained my dilemma about where to put it, and she felt certain  I would find just the perfect spot.




Now, I'm not positive, but right about then I thought  I saw a beam of light shining down from Heaven on this bathtub, and off in the distance I could faintly hear a choir of angels singing - and there it was:   a sign showing 40% off.  Well, who am I to go against the universe and angels and planets lining up and everything else that fell into place?  So I grabbed it.  Only two left anyhow.


I told her I felt it needed to have bubbles, and I dragged her over to the floral department where they have those little mesh bags of pretty decorative marbles or stones you can put in vases.  I then agonized over whether to have white or clear, and decided on an opalescent clear bag and another pearly white bag. My sister is always amazed at how I will debate over such little details, but again, just part of my charm.  I just crack her up! While not super expensive, they weren't cheap or on sale. My mad money was going fast, but I realized I could put some crunched up paper or something into the tub to fill it most of the way up, and then put the marbles on top!  See, I saved money already!!

So now we had a bathtub, and we had bubbles.  I remembered that near the display where I found the bathtub I had noticed a delicate little pale pink ceramic flower that was actually a votive holder, and a vintagey-looking shabby-chic candle holder with beads dripping off.  I'm not sure why, but for some reason it all looked like it belonged together.  We went back and put those in the cart.  Beautiful!  Love them!  We grabbed a couple candles on the way out and headed home. I left the store with my precious pink bathtub and these other items:


Once I got home I cleared off my side of the bathroom vanity and Susie and I got to work filling up the bathtub with bubbles.  We put the candles in the candle holders, and set everything up.  It didn't look right.  Just not quite right.  We moved things this way, and that way, traded places, changed the angles, but for some reason I just didn't love it . . . yet.  I remembered a beautiful old doily my grandmother crocheted, tucked safely away in my desk drawer.


I took it out and placed it on the vanity.  I placed the bathtub and candle holders on the doily, and VOILA . . . much better.  We stood back admiring our work, chuckling over how silly but charming it was. Yet . . . something was missing.  "I know, something needs to be in there taking a bath!" I exclaimed.  Surely with all my little antique figurines  I had to have something that would fit perfectly.  One by one I brought out little girls, angels, bluebirds.  None of them looked right. 

"Wait a minute, I just remembered something" I yelled over my shoulder as I ran out of the room. I thought about how last weekend at the antique mall I found this really cute, silly little mouse.



 I have no idea why I bought this little mouse. It was just so darn cute, I had to. I took it out of the cabinet, and  Susie starting laughing when I brought it in the room.  We carefully placed this little mouse into the bubbles . . . PERFECT!!!  We both laughed out loud and congratulated ourselves on our masterpiece!


We tried to think of a name for the mouse.  On the bottom it is stamped "Made in Japan".  I thought of Yoshi.  That was kinda cute.   I also like Pepino, because there is an old Italian song called Pepino the Mouse. My sister's boyfriend later suggested Topo Gigio.  The mouse actually looks like Topo Gigio. If you don't know who Topo Gigio is, Google it.   So, what do you think?  Maybe you can comment and tell me which name you like or suggest another one.


Did you notice the tiny teal washcloth our little mouse has? 


I made this for my little mouse. I feel any little mouse that has it's own pink bathtub should have at least one hand-knit soft washcloth too. My next post is going to be a tutorial on how to make your own washcloth.  It is a beautiful little luxury that we should all have.  There is nothing like a homemade washcloth.  I knit them while watching tv at night, and all my friends and family love them.  I can't make enough.  My sister-in-law, Diane, whom I also love dearly, asked me to teach her how to make one. I'm thinking she is not the only one who would love to do a simple little project like this, so I'll teach you how on my next post. If you can do a basic knit stitch you should have no trouble at all. If you don't know how, just Google "how to knit" and you will find a multitude of instructional videos on the web you can watch. I will put up some links for some along with the post. We will do it together, and you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a little luxury. Handmade, with love.  For them . . . from you.

If you are going to join me in making a washcloth, pick up some size 8 knitting needles, (or if you have a size close to that - don't worry, good enough)  and a beautiful little skein of some 100% cotton yarn or washable cotton blend in your favorite color.  You can buy this yarn at Walmart, Joann Fabrics, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby. You'll have no trouble finding it.  Not too expensive, (around two dollars) but so nice. Even better, you could visit your local yarn store, but be prepared to wander around for hours drooling over the beautiful yarns available.

So pick out your favorite color of a very soft yarn. You will love your washcloth. Simple, basic, but sweet and soft. Like Martha says, "It's a good thing."

55 comments:

  1. I adored each and every word of this posting. I think there is a bath in order tonight. I have the just made the perfect tubbie scrubbie.

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  2. I really liked this post too! I love your little pink bathtub and all you've done with it. The "bubbles" and the mouse are perfect!

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  3. What a fabulous post! Love your little pink bathtub....it looks adorable with the little bathing mouse! :o) I used to have a little bathtub something like that...my aunt made it for me in ceramics. I used to keep little soaps in it. Oh, and you know what else would look cute taking a bath in that little tub? A little mermaid figurine!

    Thanks for the smile today!

    XOXO,

    Cyndi

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  4. You are so creative. I loved reading your post. The pink bath tub with that cute little mouse is so adorable. I too love the hand made wash cloths one year for Christmas one of my friends made me a ton of purple ones. I have wanted to learn how to make them ever since. So I will happily join in on your how to.
    Hugs
    donna

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  5. you are too adorable my sweet friend!
    your getting super good at this!! :)
    We totally got cut off the other day! I have NO juice left :(
    I am emailing you as we "speak" !
    xo!
    Keren

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  6. Isn't it fun to see how much these littlest of vintage gems make our day? Love it. Glad your sister came to visit...smiles...Renee

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  7. Thank you for stopping by my blog and introducing yourself! Nice to meet you! Oh yes, I remember Topo Gigio. I loved him! Your bathtub is so cute and I'm glad you went back for it. One of my neighbors has a clawfoot bathtub in her backyard that she uses as a big flower planter. It's not pink, just white, but still gorgeous!

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  8. Hey Lucy (Wink wink)
    What a great post! You made me smile and giggle, I love that the little tub makes you so happy, I have a few bits that make me always smile too. I love love love the vignette you created with it and the mouse is PERFECT!

    I have always wanted to learn to knit and I have 2 knitted wash cloths that have holes in them I use them so much and they are forever years old! I will give it a try. If I fail you are so sending me some of yours!teehee....lmbo just kidding
    Love Ethel (wink wink)

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  9. Oh for heaven's sake, how cute is this! I loved how you described debating with yourself throughout the whole process! Such a lovely little vignette!

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  10. I love it! It's a post like this that reminds me that I am not all alone in my own little excentric world- I have company! ;) Lucky you to have a sister who joins in your fun. I get the giggles just thinking about the look my sister would give me! Enjoy your bathtub! ♥

    (Oh and I'm sure the other shoppers WERE sending admiring glances your bathtub's way!)

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  11. Lordy Be Lucy,
    Spell it any way you want!
    I am giggling like mad and driving my husband nuts right now ( I guess we really are Lucy and Ethel!)
    PEOPLE WILL BUY THEM the ones I have I bought at craft shows forever ago and I think I paid $4 or $5 each for them (crazy, I couldn't do that now) I PROMISE I will try.
    You are cracking me up!
    Love,
    Ethel

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  12. Oh Isn't that just adorable...He looks like a PEPINO to me....Wish I could have that bathtub...

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  13. This is just too dang cute! I would love to have a little pink bathtub! Love your blog! I'm a new follower!

    And thanks for visiting my blog as well! :)

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  14. If anyone really does want the tub, I bought it at Michaels craft store not too long ago. I think it was a part of their spring collection. They might still have some available. You never know. . .

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  15. pretty cute! That mouse will be squeaky clean and might even talk extra squeaky because of it : )

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  16. You are a wonderful writer - I really enjoyed this post. My needles and cotton yarn are ready to knit along with you!

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  17. Love your blog....it's so much fun!!
    Daisy~

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  18. Totally adorable!!!!!!!!!!!
    Blessings - Pauline

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  19. What fun this was...

    Your project is adorable and the fact you shared it with your sister is fantastic.

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  20. I do have tell all of you, my sister is not a crafty or crazy kind of gal like me. She is the normal one. In fact, she never ceases to be amazed at some of the silly things I do. I think she is Ethel, I am Lucy. But, she loves me, and after all these years not much I do surprises her. She is one of my biggest fans, and when I call her on the way home from a successful visit to the craft store or quilt shop and give her a detailed, blow by blow description of all my treasures, she very patiently tolerates the whole conversation and is happy for me! Sometimes she doesn't have a clue how I could possibly get so excited over ric rac or a vintage doily from the antique store, but she is right there with me in celebrating! I love my sister!!

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  21. I love CUTE. :0) How about Midge for the mouse's name? (Spelled Mij, as in Made in Japan.) Plus, I've always loved the name Midge (as in Barbie's less famous friend!)

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  22. What a cute story! You have an adorable blog and I love all your vintage treasures. Thanks so much for stopping over to visit me!
    Mary

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  23. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story of the pink bathtub and bubbles. I think that most of the readers of your blog share similiar feelings of delight and joys at stumbling across items that were set aside for you. Keep enjoying life.
    Chrystal in Canada

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  24. What a fun read and the pink tub is just sooooo cute.

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  25. I really enjoyed your post I wish I could write as well as you! Thank you so much for posting my button on your blog I have yours on mine too! Love your blog!!! Hugs, Jennifer

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  26. This is too funny! The whole time I was reading it I was thinking, "Now, she just needs pink bubbles." Oh, and sure enough there it was; the mention of bubbles. Never ever dreamed of a mouse though. I love Yoshi, however I don't know what the other name is. Haven't googled it yet. Which ever you go with, sure hope he enjoys his bubbly pink bath tub. Oh, and that cute washcloth too!

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  27. What a wonderful way to spend some time this afternoon reading about your little pink bath. I have a feeling there are a few of us out there who ponder and think and decide like you do. I love your pink bath, it reminded me of my nans bath when I was little girl. Have A Great Day and I hope you find many more treasures to blog about.

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  28. Hahaha..I love that you call me the "normal one"! Your blog is a lot of fun and I love reading the comments. Can't wait to see your next post. Maybe we can come up with something "fabulous" when we visit next month

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  29. LOL....I totally agree love the post and the bathtub..thanks for popping by....

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  30. Hi Julie,

    Thanks for stopping by and becoming a follower - I have reciprocated!

    What a coincidence - I have one of those cute pink bathtubs!! I like your idea of filling it with glass bubbles and I happen to have some, so I think I will copy if you don't mind - better than using it to hold my make-up, which is its current use!!

    Regards

    Julia

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  31. I was in suspense reading your post and I really had hoped you bought the little pink bathtub or I was going to tell you to RUN back to the store and buy it!! You just can't let these moments in life pass you by. You certainly have a "way" with words and I enjoyed reading your blog. I'm a new follower too. Great Job!!!

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  32. This is just so cute. Love how Pepino looks in the tub. ;)

    Enjoy your weekend.

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  33. Julie, I just had to stop by again to let you know I love your story of the mourning doves and angels. Makes me smile now even more than I already do each time I look at ours.

    It's good to see your cute image on my google follow as well as my doorbell collection page. By the way, i CAN'T get enough of your music playlist so expect me to hang out here a little longer. ;)

    Thanks for stopping by and I do hope you join in the White Christmas in July Blog Party. I'm sure you'd have something wonderful to share.

    Blessings!

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  34. So cute!! You're off to a great start on your adorable blog! Keren did a great job on your banner! Can't wait to see more from you. I don't know how to knit, but who knows, maybe I'll give it a try! I am now a follower of Ric Rac and Polka Dots!

    Thanks,
    Michelle
    *A Pinch of Prim*

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  35. Love your little Yoshi...Just A D O R A B L E! Will be following your blog along...SO Cute!
    So Nice to Meet a New Friend who love Cute Things too!
    Smiles,
    Christine

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  36. Darling mouse in the tub.... very cute story!

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  37. ohh sooo a sweet bathtub!! And PINK!! The mouse inside is wonderful, it´s a lovely photo and a cute story!!
    have a sunny weekend
    hugs
    Astrid

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  38. What a fun post! I put things back on the shelves all the time, too. I love that your sweet sis helped you PLAY! Love it!

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  39. Wow! I really enjoyed reading your blog. I admire women who know their dreams and follow them.

    I’m going to peek around your blog!

    —cindy

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  40. You made me smile today - what a fun shopping excursion with your sister. I'll be watching for your tutorial. blessings, marlene

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  41. Hello,
    I visited your blog today. I thought it was so colorful, charming, and full of life! I see alot of cherries here - cherries are my favorite fruit. 'I Love Lucy' is one of my favorites too. I watch the re-runs all the time. Me and my daughters just started a new blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. I would enjoy coming back to visit with you and looking all around your fun and cheerful blog. Hope to hear from you, and have a sweet day.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  42. Its been awhile since I"ve made the rounds. That little mouse is just perfect in that bathtub!

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  43. Hi Julie,
    Loved your post! and I love the little mouse he sure made himself to home in "your" pink tub LOL....
    I love to knit, so I will look forward to your wash cloth post.
    Have a sweet day, Elizabeth

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  44. You are a great storyteller, Julie. Your blog is the cutest ever. Loved your little pink tub and the vignette you created. I will follow you too, and thanks for visiting my blog. I will watch for a new post and would love to learn to knit a washcloth.

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  45. Hey, girly! Just coming by to check on you! Hope you're well and happy. ♥

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  46. Love the bathtub set up. I'm looking forward to the washcloth post, it's definitely something I need in my life! x

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  47. Hi Julie! I'm so happy you stopped by today! Your Blog is delightful. Love the little tub vignette. I am now your newest 'Friend'. I hope you have fun going thru my blog and new website. I have a few more things to add to both, but that'll keep it fresh.
    Now that we know where we are in Blogland, let's not be strangers. You'll find yourself on my bloglist the next time you stop by.

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  48. Love your name also...so nice to meet you. What a super cute post I love all made in Japan figures!

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  49. Too cute! That wash cloth is the cherry on top for sure! You have a lovely blog, I am following :)
    Check out mine if you have time...we have the same taste for sure!!

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  50. Hi Julie, just spotted you over at Jenny's Heart and I couldn't resist stopping by to say hello and listening to a bit of Good Mornin'. Sigh...it's so uplifting I'm lingering. ;) Yes, it's a good day!!

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  51. I LOVE the little bath get up! Mr. Mouse looks so happy there in his beautiful PINK tub. I'm liking the name the hubs picked. It fits somehow.

    I adore you writing. I just found this blog today and happy I did.

    I'm having a GIVEAWAY if you would like to put your name in. Hugs. tammy

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  52. Oh my gosh, your little tub is so cute! And the mouse just made it perfect. Your blog is very cute, I look forward to your future posts.

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  53. I cannot tell you how sad I am about that little bathtub. I wanted one so badly when I saw it a few months back, but I had no money on me. No problem, I thought. I will just come back tomorrow and grab it. On the way home, all heck broke loose and I was unable to get back to Michael's until today. They had every single item from that collection except the tub. I run a small soap making company and I wanted desperately to use it in my props for my table setup for fairs and the local farmers market. It seems it is not meant to be. If you ever decide you no longer have room for it in your bathroom, remember me. I will happily buy it off of you. It seems that it has a happy home though, so I am glad that at least one made it to where it should be. =) Enjoy your sweet little tub.

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