A Purse By Any Other Name...

When I was a youngster, the women in my family usually referred to their "pocketbook" rather than "purse" or "handbag." Nowadays, I almost always call that carrying-container brimful of what I deem necessities for a day out and about... a purse.

Image courtesy of NYPL Digital Gallery

I am often fascinated by words and how their usage changes over time. Today, the word purse has decidedly feminine connotations, but there was a time when a purse was simply a small bag or pouch, usually leather, in which to carry money. A man could have a purse and no one would bat an eye... and a woman could carry a purse and not end up with bursitis in her shoulder.  ;)

I am also fascinated by purses and how their styles change over time. If only I could choose one era of handbags to love... there are just too many wonderful styles - from the beautiful mesh bags of the late 1800s to the quirky "telephone cord" purses of the 1930s to the tailored Kelly bags of the 1950s. Really, can a girl ever have too many handbags?

Here, in celebration of that accessory of necessity by whatever name you prefer, are just a few delightful examples available from four of my favorite Etsy shops...

From Stella Ranae Vintage, this adorable Puppy and Kitty Purse

 Art Deco Dame offers this fabulous Beaded & Sequin Clutch

From Vintage Pickle, this Shiny Gold Woven Box Purse

And FuzzyLizzie offers this lovely Victorian Miser's Purse

So, what is your favorite era of purse, pocketbook, or handbag?

The Giveaway Drawing You've Been Waiting For...

SEE... Miss CherryBubbles actually draw the winning name!

Video Director & Editor: Mr. Mantiki / Spokesmodel: Miss CherryBubbles

Many many thanks to all who entered and...

Congratulations to SusieQT, winner* of Miss CherryBubbles' Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway!

Susie QT has a lovely blog, so go have a look!


*Dear winner,
Please email me at the address in the sidebar with your contact info so I can send your goodies on their way to you :)
xoxo
Miss CherryBubbles

It's a "Mahalo to my Followers" Giveaway!

A while back I reached the coveted "100 Followers" mark here at Past Life... and then I threatened to host a giveaway to say thank you to all of you. Well, the giveaway is finally here!

It took me a little time because I wanted to make something special for the prize package, in addition to the vintagey goodies included. So, without further ado, I give you...

The Mahalo to My Followers Giveaway!

Mahalo is, of course, the Hawaiian word for "Thank you." I decided on a sort of Hawaiian/tiki/tropical theme for the giveaway because I've been looking around for just those sorts of things for Ohana Luau at the Lake in June. (See my Ohana post from back in February.)

Here's what the lucky winner will receive:

☛ A lovely goldtone palm tree brooch - take the islands with you wherever you go...



☛ A pale sunshine yellow Hawaii souvenir chiffon scarf with hula dancers and various Hawaii scenes...


☛ A kicky wicker & lucite handbag - fully lined, with a zippered inside pocket and roomy enough for all your important girly stuff...


☛ A fun red hibiscus flower barrette - designed and crocheted by yours truly, Miss CherryBubbles...



Now, here's how to enter for a chance to win:

1. Leave a comment here telling me about your tiki/tropical/Polynesian favorites - could be a movie, a cocktail, an island, apparel, a fruit, etc. Just to get you started, my favorites are pineapple, tikis, teatimer blouses, Hawaiian slack key guitar music, and mai tais.

2. For an additional entry, blog about this giveaway and be sure to comment here with a link. If you don't have a blog, you can still get an additional entry by spreading the word on Facebook or Twitter and letting me know that you did so.

3. If you become a follower of my blog, you'll receive an additional entry - just let me know that you're a new follower in the comments below.

**Don't forget to include an email so that I can contact the lucky winner**

Okay! You've got until Sunday, May 1, to get your entries in!
Winner will be chosen in a random drawing and will be posted here.

Pomaika`i! Good Luck!

Lovely Giveaway at Pretty Little Things... and an upcoming giveaway here. ;)

My pal, ArtDecoDame, over at Pretty Little Things is hosting a fabulous (and I mean fabulous!) giveaway in honor of reaching the 300-follower mark.

It's no surprise that she's got so many followers - after all, ArtDecoDame's blog is always a fun read! So, go check it out and enter the giveaway. And don't forget to take a peek at her shop on Etsy - you're sure to find treasures you can't live without.


And now, I must apologize to my readers for neglecting my blog over the past month. I recently started a part-time job at a historical society, have been busy with my freelance work, and am just getting over a nasty sore throat/cold/sinus/virus thingy. At least 2 out of the 3 were "good" reasons. ;) Thank you all for hanging in there...

...and, oh my goodness, I see that I've reached 90 followers. That means I'll be hosting a giveaway when that number reaches 100. I've already got a few ideas for giveaway items, so...

Stay Tuned!