What Do Angelina Jolie And Brad Pitt Have in Common With Atomic Moxie?...Archibald Knox

As some of you know we are always out and about searching for hidden treasures and lost goodies. Last week we found an amazing Teapot and warmer...I really didn't know anything about Liberty of London tudric pewter or even Archibald Knox other than a brief look up years ago. But when I spied this beauty I knew it was something very special...absolutely everything about it is stunning...the lines, the patina, the craftsmanship. As it turns out Angelina and Brad collect Archibald Knox,,,who can blame them its amazing. So Atomic Moxie and Brad and Angelina all know stunning beauty when they see it:) Take a look for yourself...

Its it gorgeous, even the pins that hold the teapot on the warmer are stunning. Whats so amazing about this pewter is that you can polish it to a high shine just like sterling silver, but I cannot bring myself to do that...the patina is just so rich and lovely. Would you polish it? Would Angelina or Brad?

This piece is available on EBayhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/251577154814?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Boy I sure wish I knew how to get in touch with Brad and Angelina...

Well, we meet again...

Well, we meet again...swear I must be the worst blogger known to man or beast.
It seems like the time is just flying by...more-so than usual. This year hasn't been a stellar one for Chez Atomic Moxie, sadly we have lost a couple of family members , had a couple of set backs but just like a Timex watch we have taken a beating but we are still ticking.

I am still not sure just what I want this blog to be...

1. A blog about questing for Mid Century goodies
2. A blog on how we are creating an On-Line small business for ourselves.
3. A How To Blog...how to start a business, survive retirement etc
4. A blog that shows us at our quirky best or worst for that matter

More than anything I enjoy connecting and helping if I can, hey I was a Regional Trainer for more years than I like to admit so its sort of in the blood.

I love sharing our finds with all of you...even the quirky little scenarios I make up about the pieces ( before you ask I picked that up from my Mother...stick with this blog and you will hear more about her, she was amazing)

What do you think? I know you read a lot of blogs and we are just one more in the big pool...but I really would like you hear your opinions. I need you!

You also need to tell you about Naked Ken.

I PROMISE I WILL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT HIM NEXT TIME, STAY TUNED:)

We Are Back.....

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted on our little blog...very bad blogger , no chocolate for you ( said while smacking my typing fingers)

This has been a whirlwind year. Somehow It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas.

Since we last "spoke" we have moved Chez Atomic Moxie to the eastern side of town and are getting ready to move once again. Ever so much fun when you have inventory to move...delicate. older inventory...mmm that term also fits me...DELICATE AND OLDER:)

We have had some fabulous finds this year and just put some very special pieces on ETSY.
Here is a sampling:

Love this Mid Century Magazine Rack

Mid Century Rolling Cart

Amazing Tension Pole Lamp Danish Modern

May just be one of the most beautiful Pieces yet...Northland Arts and Craft Copper Bowl

Well I had better get back to packing...promise it will not be so long until you hear from us again.

Florida Dreaming Of Days Gone By

The Universe must be trying to tell me to head South for the winter...I keep finding fabulous vintage goodies that remind me of the good old days in Florida. First up two vintage hand tinted framed photos. I just love the dreamy quality that they have. Wouldn't you just love to be there? Florida Hand Tinted Photo

 Next on the trail I found two great serving trays, Just look at the decoration on the ceramic Chip-n-Dip all hand painted...what a retro goodie this one is. Find this beauty here: Retro Chip-n-Dip

 Just look at the great mid Century lines of this Grainware Tray...this is a first for me, and I though long and hard before putting in my Etsy store...but truth be told I am running out of room and really don't want to fall into the hoarder category. It can be found here: Abaca Grainware Tray

And as if the Universe needed to hit me over the head I found these amazing purple vintage American Tourister train case and carry-on. Ok, I get it I need to be somewhere warm, but until I do these dolls are available for you in AtomicMoxie: Vintage Purple American Tourister

Just cannot believe that it is getting so close to Christmas. We did get the tree up, finally....I do think that doing that with another person...insert here...a male type person... Can cause stress of epic proportions. Don't even get me started about how each person places ornaments on the tree. I grew up in a family that really thought about the placement of each light, ornament and icicle. We worried about depth and did the light play off the color just right,,,,Patrick not so much:) Let us just say that we survived...perhaps adult beverages might have helped.
How are you guys doing with your Holiday decorations?

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The wise old owl says...Hoo loves Dansk???

Mr. Atomic Moxie and I have been out and about this last week . can't say we have found too many items but just enough to give me something to research and fall in love with...I have a very soft spot in my heart for all things Dansk, I am sure that this harkens back to my Mothers influence. I can remember going into every Dansk store we came across and looking at all the goodies in teak. Sadly I didn't really appreciate them at the time...now they take my breath away. The teak just sings and the light plays off the subtle color variations like the stone tigers eye. Can you hear me swooning?
So I spied a teak ice bucket and tray...scooping them up, I know Mr. Atomic Moxie is afraid that they will become a permanent fixture taking up housekeeping right next to the candlesticks I just refuse to sell. He just doesn't understand the deep passion I have for them...Do any of you have the same problem?
Pretty sure the ice bucket will be up for sale in the Etsy shop tomorrow...not so sure about the tray:)

Now onto the coolest bank I have run across...A Deforest of California wise old owl bank that stands 12" high and weighs almost 4 pounds...I am so smitten. The wise one wears spectacles and a very charming cap. From my research I have found that it is rather rare and its in fabulous condition. Hard to believe that it hasn't been broken during all of these years. Deforest pottery was only in existence for 20 years 1950-1970. Without further ado...here is the charmer.

 Hoot on Ebay

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Worst Blogger Ever!

Atomic Moxie on Etsy

Wow, swear I am the worst blogger ever. Life really got in the way this last month, we barely went out searching for goodies:( That makes a very sad Atomic Moxie. The big news this month is the fact that I cannot overlook how much better sales have been on Ebay than Etsy. That revelation makes me very sad.I adore everything about Etsy...but this is business and for us...it just isn't happening on Etsy:( We have shifted some goods over to Ebay and have been listing new ones all month. Check us out: Atomic Moxie Too I still believe in Etsy and will keep a selection there, in hopes that business will turn for the better.

I did find the coolest Christmas ornaments...Bottle brush balls from the 60s. I found 8 of them and they sold right away om Ebay. The same for the vintage McCoy smiley face mug...listed and gone...poof.

I haven't listed the oh so cool black and white MOD tray set yet, but should have it up tomorrow. It's one of those things I would love to keep, but really don't need...so listed it goes.

So, what have you all been up to? If you celebrate Thanksgiving I hope you had a great one. Now its on to the Holiday countdown and Cyber Monday...I have no idea if that will really impact our online business...Its getting really exciting to sell and package all of our foundlings and then send them on to their new homes. Love that an Arabia of Finland pitcher is going back to its homeland:)

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Hawks...Chemex and Lions...Oh My...

Large Blenko Leo Sun Catcher

I can't believe that it has been so long since I last posted on my poor blog:( no excuse, time just seems to be flying away from me...must be the time of year. Also the pickings have been rather slim of late...do pick up a bit this last week. We found a glorious Blenko Zodiac sun catcher Leo the lion, the lion is so mod I just think it is too cute for words...as the only Leo I know was my Father I will let this one go so someone else may enjoy his splendor ( he really does have to be a boy...just look at his face)
 Mr. Atomic Moxie found the vintage new in box (NIB) Chemex coffee pot from 1975 complete with manuals and all paperwork, green printed bottom and footed...this beauty will be winging its way to Ebay Atomicmoxietoo.

Beware Chemex elbow:)

Chemex coffee pots always make me think of my Mother and her Chemex elbow...some Mothesr get tennis elbow but not mine she used her Chemex so much her elbow actually was injured from the pouring of the water.. The day we started out on our quest to find some vintage goodies a huge hawk landed on the patio not three feet from me...he was amazing and looked right at me, called out and then flew away...somehow I felt that my parents were watching over me...so finding a Leo sun catcher and a Chemex in the same day just reaffirmed my feeling about that. I am still smiling.

We also found a few other goodies.. What did you find this week?

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No Great Finds...But At Least I Have Bread:-) The Recipe

This is how is all starts

It could not be easier...I swear! And this is coming from a woman who has never successfully made Jello.
The key is the screaming hot oven ( note to self, get better oven mitts...ouch) and a Dutch oven.  You just mix the ingredients and cover with cling wrap for at least 8 hours...I left mine overnight and baked it in the evening. You are supposed to place it somewhere warm but since I absolutely refuse to turn on my heat this early...nope, not going to do it! Warm was in short supply...therefore it took a bit longer for the magic to happen.

Ta-Da

Recipe:
3 Cups all purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoon salt ( I used sea salt)
1/2 teaspoon yeast...measure this, it is much less than a packet
1/2 teaspoon fresh Rosemary
1 1/2 Cups warm water
1/2 Tablespoon butter ( oh please use butter it makes it taste so good, I don't actually believe in  margarine, if I can't spell or pronounce an ingredient I just refuse to use it)

In a large bowl, my enormous Pyrex was in use, but I am sure using that would have made this bread even better:) mix all of the dry ingredients.
Stir in warm water until doubt becomes a shaggy mixture.
Cover with cling wrap and place in a warm location...let it rest at least over night.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees, once oven has reached temperature place covered Dutch oven in stove for 30 minutes.

On clean dishtowel or cling wrap add about a 1/4 Cup of flour to coat . Let dough drop onto this surface and manipulate in into a ball by lifting the covers and moving the dough around ( if it sticks add a bit more flour)
Add dough to preheated Dutch oven , cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove lid after 30 minutes and place back in oven for 15ish minutes...I check mine at 5 minute intervals to make sure the crust isn't burning...remove from oven and carefully remove luscious loaf from Dutch oven. Try to wait until it cools to cut...I have never been able to master that.

I may just have a problem, and I blame Thomas Edison

Just a little over 1 year ago I had such a hard time finding lamps that I liked...fast forward to October 2012 and I now live with 10 vintage lamps in my apartment...sigh. Each one of the cuties seems to have a personality of its own. But I may really have a problem; as we don't really need that many lamps in our small pseudo atomic pad...help me, Please.
 I just need to decide which ones I am going to keep and which cuties I will share with someone else who will love them. The new vintage Hamilton Industries black and silver lamp really is just too cool for words ( little thing really should be wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarers  ...it really is that cool) It has silver feet and a funky knob that allows to to raise or lower the lamp from its feet...see I told you it was cool.

Things have been dry around our Columbus for a few weeks hope this find breaks the spell. Had to pass on a cracked David Stewart turtle planter...insert sad face here. Did find another Couroc tray...I think am drawn to them because I would give anything to live in Monterey California ( shh I haven't told Mr. atomic Moxie that yet...we will keep that just between us...wink)

Just had to share some of them with you:) So what have you been finding?

Sharing in the fun with Apron Thrift Girl : http://apronthriftgirl.typepad.com/apron_thrift_girl/2012/10/thrift-share-monday-october-8.html

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Chic...Zombies...Mad Men...Halloween Oh My!

Looking for a new Halloween party theme this year? Well look no further than this...Zombies Mad Men style. Nom, Nom, Nom brains might be what you think of when someone says Zombies but I have a different take on them... brought on by years toiling in the corporate jungle and the coolest Dorothy Thorpe style Zombie glasses in the world.So how does all of this come together to suggest that you host the hottest Halloween party on the block...It all really,started with the glasses, once I saw them my mind went to parties...come on doesn't yours do the same thing when you see chic mid century glassware? So many people host Mad Men style parties and I do love them, but a Zombie Mad Men party now that makes your heart beat just a bit faster. Hip clothes modified to make you think of Zombies...yummy mid century treats Zombiefied ( is that a word, sure why not) And of course the main event...These gems are for sale in our Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/listing/111108106/amazing-dorothy-thorpe-style-zombie

THE ZOMBIE

The original Zombie cocktail was created by Donn Beach of Don the Beachcomber restaurant fame. The story goes that he created it to help a hungover businessman survive a long business meeting, Ive been to many such meetings and a good stiff drink might have helped make it bearable or at the very least allowed me to forget the entire thing :) When the man returned he said the powerful concoction caused him to turn into a Zombie for the entire trip .Donn had a hit! What better to serve your guests on Halloween...word to the wise you might want to hang onto the keys of your guests just in case one of your Don Drapers overindulges.

There are many recipes for this fabulous drink, all of them yummy. I am using Esquire's recipe, because that seem very fitting to me.

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce white rum
• 1 1/2 ounces golden rum
• 1 ounce dark rum
• 1/2 ounce 151-proof rum
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 teaspoon pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon papaya juice
• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar

"Stir together all these ingredients (the juice in the recipe is what mixologist David Embury calls the "mystery ingredient"; it can be pineapple juice, passion fruit nectar, coconut milk, apricot, or cherry brandy -- just about anything this side of Romilar) except the 151 and pour into a 14-ounce glass three-fourths full of cracked ice. Float the 151 as a lid (by pouring it into a spoon and gently dipping it under the surface of the drink). Then, if the spirit moves you, take a match to this mixture; it will burn. Garnish with mint (either straight or dipped in lime juice and then superfine sugar) and/or fruit. (A particularly fetching touch: On a toothpick, impale a lemon slice or pineapple cube between two maraschino cherries and lay this fruit kabob atop of the drink). Supply a straw and, after two, a hammock. After three: a stretcher"You can read more here. http://www.esquire.com/drinks/zombie-drink-recipe#ixzz28A7Nc1oC


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It rained most of the day...And I couldn't be happier.

I am one of those odd ducks that truly loves a rainy day. There is something so peaceful about a nice steady rain...truth be told I also love a good storm. Not that I ever want anyone to get hurt or lose anything important...but just hearing thunder causes my heart to do a little dance and my soul to fly around doing twirls. Being of Swedish decent the Thor lover in me just can't help myself. Slap horns on my head and throw a fur over my shoulder and call me Gustavia. This summer we have had few precious days of rain..personally I think it has made everyone down right grumpy. With all this talk about the impending bacon shortage or porkpocalypse ( perhaps the Mayans were right after all and its all coming to an end due to lack of bacon; as good a reason as any I suppose. So huzzah for this glorious Fall rainy day today!

Today was also Thrifting Thursday so out we went into the haze of this Fall day and came home empty handed. The only thing I found did give me pause because I find it nearly impossible to not buy anything that is vintage Dansk. The Mesa pattern just doesn't speak to me, so I left it behind. In hopes  that someone that loves Dansk as much as I do stumbles upon it and hits the proverbial mother-load of riches. As Mr. Atomic Moxie and I left the thrift store we decided that today needed coffee and a blueberry muffin ... it wasn't a total loss, How was your thrifting today?

OMG Cathrineholm!!!!

I am still finding it hard to believe that we found three pieces of Cathrineholm today and then I found another one last week....if you have never searched for these rare beauties in the wild...you might equate it with finding white tigers walking down main street. If I had the room I would be keeping all of them, but as I don't...I shall be sharing them on AtomicMoxie our Etsy shop. I will think of it as catch and release:-)  Also found some great Metlox pieces...I have always been drawn to the Navajo pattern. Last but not least a Taylor & Ng naughty elephant mug. My Mother bought me the bunny one while I was in College and my boyfriend at the time broke it...I still mourn it:-(
What a great way to start the Fall season! So, what have you guys found lately? Come on don't be shy....I really do want to know.
Peace
Atomic Moxie
 http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/search/label/Vintage%20Thingies%20Thursdays
This week I linked to Coloradolady's Vintage Thingies Thursday.

Heller Mania

We haven't been searching for goodies in awhile...sad Atomic Moxie :( But we made up for it with this Heller haul. These are the first Heller Vignelli's that I have found. All of these beauties will be in the Etsy shop this week. Also found a couple of Dansk plastic pieces, sadly one had a crack that I didn't see...so it will become an outside planter for hens and chicks ( I will show a picture once I get it planted.
So, what have you found out there? We should be back to our usual hunting this week...fingers crossed I really miss it.

After the great cup tragedy of 2001...I am now running a rescue mission for wayward pottery...Just can't help myself...while gathering MCM treasures I stumble upon all types of lost, lonely unloved and discarded studio pottery, I just can't leave the little ones all alone. So, I bring them home to the cabinet of misfit pottery. I may need an intervention. But, damn my coffee tastes great in the little foundlings.

Not your Mothers Pencil Sharpener

Just look at that turquoise sharpener...so cool it burns. Boy, they just don't make them like this anymore, swear I could see this beauty on Mike Brady's desk on the Brady Bunch. It will be buzzing its way to our Etsy shop on Saturday. I found the circa 60s Arabia of Finland jam jars a bit ago but forgot to show them off. Everything about them makes me smile...Just imagine what they have seen. I really love the lines of all of these goodies...sleek and oh so clean. As you can see I found more teak, I am beginning to have a teak problem:) Mr. Atomic Moxie teases me about it all the time. Next time I will have to show off some of those goodies.

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Right here in black and white

What a hot day it was for thrifting...could only hit two stores. We went early this week because Mr. Atomic Moxie will be away for part of the week. Of course I doubt that will keep me away from thrifting Thursday:-)
This adventure turned out to be in black and white...had to choose from so many black and white items...wonder if it was due to the heat?
Love...love...love the barbed wire Pyrex...how goth!  Hey, I was Goth before it was cool or vampires sparkled...oh the horror of that. I'm enchanted by the spines on the white Italian vase and the black vase is Hyalyn something I've never found before.
Get a load of the very cool eyeball lamp...can't you just see that in a Danish mid century home? I know I can:-) Georges Briard,Danish stainless and a nautical ice bucket...oh my:-) So what did you find this week? I really want to know.

Canoe Muffin...

How can you not love the name of Ekco's MCM flatware Canoe Muffin. It just makes me chuckle. I've been picking it up piece by piece everytime I see it. This quick thrift break turned out to be a rather good one...Michael Lax fondue pot for Copco, two Timo candlesticks ( I hope ,as they aren't signed but almost match my signed one...does anyone know how to tell?) Copper measuring cups, Corning Buffet Serving piece and my funky Canoe Muffin:-) How was your break?
Atomic Moxie out:-)

Growling at the Goodwill outlet...

Spent a great day visiting friends and I just had to make a quick ( I use that term loosely, I'm sure you know what I mean. A quick 15 minutes turned into 3 hours) Hit the Goodwill outlet AKA goodies by the pound. I tend to be a bit reserved about these places...but with the purchase of gloves to dig in...my modest reserve went by the wayside. Wasn't having too much luck. A couple of tablecloths, a cheese board and then they brought out the new stuff ...normally I stay away from that experience like the plague....but it was on a day that wasn't too crowded and I just happened to be right where they brought out the new carts. boxes and boxes of newspaper wrapped dirty dishes, nasty I tell you. But just when I was ready to move away,,,I spied the rim of a Vignelli casserole...3 casseroles with lids, 3 individual ramekins later I moved away to find a few other goodies...to be honest I think I growled at one person while was digging ( not true but I thought about it:) While the Vignelli wasn't Heller but, rather Chef's Choice I was still more than OK with my haul. 10.00 bucks not a bad day at all, oh and 50 cents for the gloves.

Oh I forgot I also dug in and found a nasty box...out came the cutest set of vintage cups from Japan in pristine condition, I doubt that they have ever been used.

There were a few others goodies too::

Have I told you all just how much I adore Smug Mugs...totally smitten!

Warm syrup anyone?
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She was hiding in the wicker

The last two weeks of thrifting Thursday have been so dry...I have been tempted to give up, but this little lady smiled out at me from piles of dirty wicker. She is my first Stoneware Designs West piece that I have ever found. I just couldn't stop smiling at her and then at anyone else that looked my way...perhaps she is magic:) I don't think she was ever used...she was so dusty. I imagine her in a mid century home sitting on a shelf just smiling away at everyone that looked at her, for years and years until one day when she was all alone in the house and nobody looked anymore...bittersweet. I tend to write scenarios in my mind about every piece I find...that is a trait I picked up from my Mother, I used to tease her about it all the time..now it makes me smile and miss her at the same time. I guess I know how this little lady felt. What did you find this week??? Did it tell you a story?

With everything that has been going on...Thrifting days have been few and far between. These are a few items gleaned over a few week period. I have missed our Thrifting Thursdays. We have a number of items that I need to take photos of so that we can get them on Etsy.
I have a couple of fun ideas for our shop and for home...I can't wait to flesh them out.